bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LiH‐Destabilized Melamine for a Room‐Temperature Ammonia‐Free Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Han , Adedeji Bolarin Joshua , Shen Yanmin , Liu Wenju
Published: November 2023

The interaction between protic hydrogen (H+) and hydridic hydrogen (H−) species gives rise to H2 and spawns the establishment of metal‐N−H hydrogen storage material systems. N‐based compounds such as metal amides (M−NH2) have shown viability for protic H generation. In this preliminary research, we adopted a chemical reaction approach using a hydrogen‐enriched quasi‐aromatic tri‐amide “melamine (C3H6N6)” as protic H feedstock and lithium hydride (LiH) as the hydridic H‐based destabilizer aiming at expanding metal and organic substrates and developing new metalorganic hydride materials. The dehydrogenation kinetics and reaction pathways of C3H6N6−xLiH (x=1, 3 or 6) composites on heating and ball‐milling conditions were investigated in detail. The results showed that C3H6N6−LiH consisting of a 1/6 mole ratio can evolve 6.6 wt % H2 (approximately 5.75 equiv. H2) at room temperature through mechanochemical method of ball‐milling. Interestingly, it showed different reaction paths under heating, C3H6N6−6LiH composite could release 2.87 wt % hydrogen under 210 °C and transform into a CN heterocyclic intermediate structure examined by NMR, FTIR, XRD, and Raman characterizations.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies of 4‐Nitrobenzohydrazide Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Sajjan Vinodkumar P. , Gurubasavaraj Prabhuodeyara M. , Patil Dhanashree , Kumbar Vijaykumar
Published: November 2023

A series of new acylhydrazone derivatives were synthesized from the condensation of different substituted salicylaldehydes with 4‐nitrobenzohydrazide at a molar ratio of 1 : 1 in a one‐step reaction. These compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, NMR, ESI‐MS and CHN analysis. All compounds were examined for anticancer activity in three cancer cell lines viz. melanoma (A375), colon (HT‐29) and lung (A549). Compound 3 exhibits good cytotoxicity activity with an IC50 value of 0.38±0.08 μM against A375 and compound 2 exhibits better cytotoxicity 1.34±0.02 μM and 1.48±0.04 μM against HT‐29 and A549, respectively. Similarly, other compounds have also shown significant cytotoxicity activity against three cell lines. The cytocompatibility assay on the normal mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) and the hemolysis assay on human red blood cells were used to confirm the nontoxic activity. DAPI(4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenyliindole) staining experiments demonstrated that compounds induced apoptosis in the A375 cell line. Further, in silico molecular docking was performed against three various targets. In silico studies demonstrated that compounds 1(ΔGb=−9.3 kcal/mol), 2 (ΔGb=−8.8 kcal/mol), and compound 3(ΔGb=−9.0 kcal/mol) have a good binding energy score with an active pocket of protein inhibitor kinases. The outcomes of the current study showed that these compounds have anticancer action and might be used to create more potent drugs to treat melanoma, colon, and lung cancers.
Reversible Protection and Targeted Delivery of DNA Origami with a Disulfide‐Containing Cationic Polymer
Authors: Youssef Sarah , Tsang Emily , Samanta Anirban , Kumar Vipin , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: November 2023

DNA nanostructures have considerable biomedical potential as intracellular delivery vehicles as they are highly homogeneous and can be functionalized with high spatial resolution. However, challenges like instability under physiological conditions, limited cellular uptake, and lysosomal degradation limit their use. This paper presents a bio‐reducible, cationic polymer poly(cystaminebisacrylamide‐1,6‐diaminohexane) (PCD) as a reversible DNA origami protector. PCD displays a stronger DNA affinity than other cationic polymers. DNA nanostructures with PCD protection are shielded from low salt conditions and DNase I degradation and show a 40‐fold increase in cell‐association when linked to targeting antibodies. Confocal microscopy reveals a potential secondary cell uptake mechanism, directly delivering the nanostructures to the cytoplasm. Additionally, PCD can be removed by cleaving its backbone disulfides using the intracellular reductant, glutathione. Finally, the application of these constructs is demonstrated for targeted delivery of a cytotoxic agent to cancer cells, which efficiently decreases their viability. The PCD protective agent that is reported here is a simple and efficient method for the stabilization of DNA origami structures. With the ability to deprotect the DNA nanostructures upon entry of the intracellular space, the possibility for the use of DNA origami in pharmaceutical applications is enhanced.
Engineering 0D/2D Architecture of Ni(OH)2 Nanoparticles on Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets for Selective Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2 Reduction
Authors: Ma Fangpei , Wen Ying , Fu Ping , Zhang Junjun , Tang Qingping , Chen Tao , Luo Wen , Zhou Yu , Wang Jun
Published: November 2023

Low‐dimensional materials serving as photocatalysts favor providing abundant unsaturated active sites and shortening the charge transport distance, but the high surface energy readily causes the aggregation that limits their application. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D covalent organic framework (COF) TpBD nanosheets are effective in the dispersion and stabilization of 0D Ni(OH)2. The COF precursor TpBD is synthesized from the Schiff base condensation of 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and benzidine (BD) and exfoliated into 2D nanosheets named BDNs via ultrasonication. The formation of highly dispersive 0D Ni(OH)2 on BDNs is reached under a mild weak basic condition, enabling robust active sites for CO2 adsorption/activation and rapid interface cascaded electron transport channels for the accumulation of long‐lived photo‐generated charges. The champion catalyst 30%Ni‐BDNs effectively catalyze the CO2 to CO conversion under visible‐light irradiation, offering a high CO evolution rate of 158.4 mmol g−1 h−1 and turnover frequency of 51 h−1. By contrast, the counterpart photocatalyst, the bulk TpBD stabilized Ni(OH)2, affords a much lower CO evolution rate and selectivity. This work demonstrates a new avenue to simultaneously construct efficient active sites and electron transport channels by coupling 0D metal hydroxides and 2D COF nanosheets for CO2 photoreduction.
Eosinophil extracellular traps in respiratory ailment: Pathogenic mechanisms and clinical translation
Authors: Wu Shun‐Yu , Cai Bo‐Yu , Wang Tian‐Yu , Cao Zhi‐Wen , Peng Hu , Liu Huan‐Hai
Published: November 2023

Background

Eosinophilic extracellular traps (EETs) are reticular complexes comprising deoxyribonucleic‐Acid (DNA) fibers and granule proteins.

Aims

EETs play a crucial role in antimicrobial host responses and are pathogenic when overproduced or under degraded. EETs created by eosinophils appear to enable vital immune responses against extra‐cellular pathogens, nevertheless, trap overproduction is evident in pathology.

Materials & Methods

As considerably research is performed, new data affirmed that EETs can alter the outcome of respiratory ailment.

Results

We probe into the disclosure and specificity of EETs produced in reaction to various stimuli and propose a role for those frameworks in ailment pathogenesis and the establishment of chronic, unresolved inflammation.

Discussion

Whether EETs can be used as a prospective brand‐new target for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of respiratory ailments is a scientific theme worth studying.

Conclusion

We probe into the disclosure and specificity of EETs produced in reaction to various stimuli and propose a role for those frameworks in ailment pathogenesis and the establishment of chronic, unresolved inflammation.
Global research trends in tumor stem cell-derived exosomes and tumor microenvironment: visualization biology analysis
Authors: Guo Ziwei , Wang Gang , Yun Zhangjun , Li Yanbo , Huang Bohao , Jin Qian , Chen Yue , Xu Luchun , Lv Wenliang
Published: November 2023

Bankground

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an internal environment composed of various cells and an extracellular matrix. Cancer stem cell-derived exosomes (CSC-Exos), as essential messengers involved in various tumor processes, are important carriers for bidirectional communication between the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells and play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, few bibliometric analyses have been systematically studied in this field.

Methods

Therefore, we aimed to visualize the research hotspots and trends in this field through bibliometrics to comprehend the future evolution of fundamental and clinical research, as well as to offer insightful information and fresh viewpoints. The Scopus database was used to search the research literature related to exosomes and tumor microenvironments after the establishment of this repository. CiteSpace (version 5.8.R3) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.16) were used for visualization and analysis.

Results

In this study, a total of 2077 articles and reviews were included, with the number of articles on exosomes and tumor microenvironments significantly increasing yearly. Recent trends showed that the potential value of exosomes as “tumor diagnostics” and “the application prospect of exosomes as therapeutic agents and drug delivery carriers” will receive more attention in the future.

Conclusions

We revealed the current status and hotspots of tumor stem cell-derived exosomes and tumor microenvironments globally through bibliometrics. The prospect of the regulatory role of CSC-Exos in TME, the potential value of diagnosis, and the application of drug delivery vectors will all remain cutting-edge research areas in the field of tumor therapy. Meanwhile, this study provided a functional literature analysis for related researchers.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Runtime Verification
Authors: Deshmukh Jyotirmoy , Ničković Dejan
Published: November 2023

Runtime verification (RV) refers to methods for formal reasoning about all aspects of the dynamic execution of systems, including hardware, software, and cyber-physical systems. RV includes techniques to assess and enforce correctness of a system against systemic bugs or extrinsic uncertainties. These methods are typically considered lightweight as they may not involve exhaustive verification or proofs, but they provide a higher level of rigor and versatility compared to conventional testing methods. This article introduces the extended versions of selected papers from the peer-reviewed proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Runtime Verification (RV 2020). RV 2020 was supposed to be held in Los Angeles, California, USA in July 2020, but was instead held virtually due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Intraspecific variation of morphological traits backed up with molecular evidence votes for re-appraisal of hitherto distinguished Balaustium species—a case study of Balaustium murorum (Acariformes: Parasitengona, Erythraeidae)
Authors: Mąkol Joanna , Felska Magdalena
Published: November 2023

Molecular examination of representatives of Balaustium from several populations in SW Poland, performed using the sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, confirmed their common specific affiliation and identity with Balaustium murorum. The potential presence of distinct species in the studied material, preliminarily inferred from the discovery of clusters as a result of Principal Component Analysis exploring the metric data sets, was rejected due to the finding of only one haplotype, at intra- and inter-population sampling. An insight into meristic traits in larvae, focused on chaetotaxy of legs, revealed wider variation than hitherto recognized for the species. The variation was higher in laboratory-reared larvae compared to field-collected ones. The overall deviations from the mean character values at intra- and interpopulation levels, higher than hitherto observed for the species, vote for the reappraisal of the criteria adopted for discrimination of members of Balaustium with the application of an integrative approach.
Automated feedback for participants of hands-on cybersecurity training
Authors: Švábenský Valdemar , Vykopal Jan , Čeleda Pavel , Dovjak Ján
Published: November 2023

Computer-supported learning technologies are essential for conducting hands-on cybersecurity training. These technologies create environments that emulate a realistic IT infrastructure for the training. Within the environment, training participants use various software tools to perform offensive or defensive actions. Usage of these tools generates data that can be employed to support learning. This paper investigates innovative methods for leveraging the trainee data to provide automated feedback about the performed actions. We proposed and implemented feedback software with four modules that are based on analyzing command-line data captured during the training. The modules feature progress graphs, conformance analysis, activity timeline, and error analysis. Then, we performed field studies with 58 trainees who completed cybersecurity training, used the feedback modules, and rated them in a survey. Quantitative evaluation of responses from 45 trainees showed that the feedback is valuable and supports the training process, even though some features are not fine-tuned yet. The graph visualizations were perceived as the most understandable and useful. Qualitative evaluation of trainees’ comments revealed specific aspects of feedback that can be improved. We publish the software as an open-source component of the KYPO Cyber Range Platform. Moreover, the principles of the automated feedback generalize to different learning contexts, such as operating systems, networking, databases, and other areas of computing. Our results contribute to applied research, the development of learning technologies, and the current teaching practice.
Reasonable standards and exculpating moral ignorance
Authors: Biebel Nathan
Published: November 2023

It is widely agreed that ignorance of fact exculpates, but does moral ignorance exculpate? If so, does it exculpate in the same way as non-moral ignorance? In this paper I will argue that on one family of views explaining exculpating non-moral ignorance also explains exculpating moral ignorance. The view can be loosely stated in the following way: ignorance counts as an excuse only if it is not the result of a failure to meet some applicable reasonable epistemic standard—call this the Reasonable Epistemic Standards Thesis and call views that accept some version of this principle reasonable standards views. I argue that any plausible reasonable standards view ought to allow that moral ignorance exculpates, at least sometimes, and defend such views against the charge that they are susceptible to clear counterexamples.
Reinforcement learning for sequential decision making in population research
Authors: Deliu Nina
Published: November 2023

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have been long recognized as powerful tools for optimal sequential decision making. The framework is concerned with a decision maker, the agent, that learns how to behave in an unknown environment by making decisions and seeing their associated outcome. The goal of the RL agent is to infer, through repeated experience, an optimal decision-making policy, i.e., a sequence of action rules that would lead to the highest, typically long-term, expected utility. Today, a wide range of domains, from economics to education and healthcare, have embraced the use of RL to address specific problems. To illustrate, we used an RL-based algorithm to design a text-messaging system that delivers personalized real-time behavioural recommendations to promote physical activity and manage depression. Motivated by the recent call of the UNECE for government-wide actions to adapt to population ageing, in this work, we argue that the RL framework may provide a set of compelling strategies for supporting population research and informing population policies. After introducing the RL framework, we discuss its potential in three population-study applications: international migration, public health, and fertility.
The Prospective Relationships between Dispositional Optimism and Subjective and Psychological Well-being in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Oriol Xavier , Miranda Rafael
Published: November 2023

Optimism is a construct considered fundamental for human functioning and well-being; however, few studies link optimism to subjective and psychological well-being during childhood and adolescence. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the prospective relationships between dispositional optimism, and subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) through a prospective study with 479 children aged 10.74 years old (SD = 0.72) and 503 adolescents aged 13.41 years old (SD = 1.09). Two cross-lagged models were calculated, one for each group, which responded the questionnaires in two waves one year apart from each other. The results of the first cross-lagged model with children show positive and prospective relationships between optimism (Time 1) and the cognitive and affective components of SWB (Time 2) and the indicator of PWB (Time 2). Equivalent results are observed in the cross-lagged model conducted with the adolescent sample. Finally, multi-group analysis was performed to evaluate the existence of gender-based invariance. The findings indicated variations between the models, notably, a more pronounced influence of optimism on psychological well-being was discerned among girls, encompassing both childhood and adolescence. The results were discussed, emphasizing the relevance of developing optimism as a dispositional trait at early ages.
The Influence of Sealing Processes and Machining Operations on the Scratch and Wear Resistance of Anodized AlSi9Cu3(Fe) Diecasting Alloy
Authors: Scampone Giulia , Timelli Giulio
Published: November 2023

The effects of hydrothermal and cold sealing processes on the scratch and wear resistance of the anodic layer have been studied. High-pressure diecast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy plates were anodized in a sulfuric acid electrolyte at 16°C and further sealed in boiled water or in a NiF2 solution at 25°C. To analyze the influence of pre-anodizing machining operations, the plates were studied in the as-diecast condition and after milling. Metallographic investigations and image analysis techniques were carried out to study the morphology and thickness of the anodic layer. Hardness, wear, and scratch measurements were also performed to characterize the surface mechanical properties. The results showed that the sealing processes enhanced the wear and scratch resistance of the anodized surfaces because of the precipitation of hydrates that sealed the surface porosity. The thicker oxide layer formed on the milled substrate led to a greater wear resistance compared to the as-diecast surface, owing to reduced wear of the underlying aluminum substrate. Finally, a cracked mechanically mixed layer, which was enriched with fragmented intermetallics and anodic layer debris, was formed on the anodized surfaces at the end of the wear tests.
The impact of climate litigation and activism on stock prices: the case of oil and gas majors
Authors: Kolaric Sascha
Published: November 2023

The issue of oil and gas companies’ contribution to climate change gained particular prominence on May 26, 2021. A Dutch court ordered Royal Dutch Shell to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, while shareholder votes at Exxon Mobile and Chevron succeeded in pushing for further emissions reductions. Together, these events signify a sudden increase in climate litigation and climate activism risk for global oil and gas companies. This study assesses investors' perception of these events by investigating oil and gas companies’ stock price reaction. The results show a significant negative impact on the stock prices for European and North American oil and gas firms, while firms located in other jurisdictions record slight gains. Higher environmental, social, and governance scores appear to mitigate the negative impact on European and North American oil and gas companies, primarily driven through better emissions related measures. The results highlight the adverse effect of increased climate litigation and climate activism risk on firm valuations.
Complex study of air pollution based on tree species in Vienna
Authors: Bibi Dina , Tőzsér Dávid , Sipos Bianka , Molnár Vanda Éva , Simon Edina , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: November 2023

Plants are especially useful as biological indicators to assess air pollution and the effects of urbanisation. The aim of this study was to investigate tree species’ sensitivity to air pollution using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), the dust content (PM10) of leaves, and the heavy metal concentration of leaves. Sampling sites were in a city park (urban area), a location on the edge of the city (suburban area), and a forested location (rural area) along an urbanisation gradient in the city of Vienna in Austria. Leaf samples were collected from Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, and Quercus robur tree species. The APTI was determined by measuring the content of relative water ascorbic acid and chlorophyll, and the pH of leaf extracts. We found significant difference among species in their relative water content, pH, and content of ascorbic acid and chlorophyll Additionally, we found significant differences in chlorophyll content and pH based on sampling site. The highest chlorophyll content was found in A. platanoides. There was a significant difference among species in Al, Ba, Cr, Ni, and Zn concentrations in each stage of urbanisation. Based on APTI values, the studied species were sensitive indicators of air pollution; thus, they are useful bioindicator species, and they are suitable for air pollution monitoring. We demonstrated the effects of urbanisation with these bioindicator species with elevated PM10, Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Sr, and Zn concentrations in urban area samples.

Graphical abstract
Acupuncture Ameliorates Depression-Like Behaviors Through Modulating the Neuroinflammation Mediated by TLR4 Signaling Pathway in Rats Exposed to Chronic Restraint Stress
Authors: Jiang Huili , Long Xianqi , Wang Yu , Zhang Xuhui , Chen Lu , Yang Xinjing , Zhao Bingcong , Zhang Ye , Chai Yemao , Bao Tuya
Published: November 2023

Recently, emerging evidence has identified that stress-induced activation of neuroinflammation is considered to be one of the most prevalently precipitating factors in the pathogenesis of depression. Data from clinical trials and experimental findings has verified the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of depression. However, the mechanism of the preventive effect of acupuncture for depression has not been fully elucidated. The current study aimed to investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of acupuncture through modulating the neuroinflammation mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS). All rats were subjected to CRS for 21 days, with the exception of rats in control group. One hour before CRS, rats in acupuncture group were exposed to acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29). The depression-like behaviors were evaluated by body weight assessment and sucrose preference test at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. The expression of activated microglia in hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of key proteins on TLR4 signaling pathway of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and mRNA of TLR4 in the hippocampus was detected by western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to investigate the effect of acupuncture on stress-induced activation of neuroinflammation. The present study provided evidence that acupuncture exerted potential preventive effect that might be mediated in part by suppressing the neuroinflammation induced by TLR4 signaling pathway, which may be a promising treatment target to improve current treatments for depression.
In-between the Identities: A Personal Reflection on Two Pride Parades in Spain and Turkey
Authors: Gürkan Hasan
Published: November 2023

Pride parades, serving as platforms for celebrating diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, often operate within a society that upholds and reinforces heteronormative norms. This commentary intends to argue how these activities are shaped by the presence of restrictions and censorship and the prevalence of ignorance surrounding queer experiences. By conducting ethnographic observations at Pride parades in Turkey and Spain, I delve into participants’ lived experiences within these contexts. This approach sheds light on Pride parades’ positive and negative aspects. Through an analysis of the interplay between heteronormative influences, restrictions, censorship, and ignorance within the context of Pride parades, I aim to provide insight into the complexities and nuances that shape the experiences of queer individuals. This commentary contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and the progress made in the ongoing struggle for queer liberation and acceptance.
Cavity detection using a pseudo-3D electric resistivity tomography at the Palaeolithic/Neolithic site of Scaloria Cave, Apulia, Italy: integrated assessment of synthetic and field data sets
Authors: Maerker M. , Rellini I. , Mucerino L. , Torrese P.
Published: November 2023

A pseudo-3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey has been carried out to detect cavities at the Neolithic/Palaeolithic site of Grotta Scaloria, close to Manfredonia, Apulia, Italy. Scaloria Cave has a rich history of archaeological research of more than 80 years and is one of the most important Neolithic complexes in the Mediterranean. Synthetic data modelling allowed to check the adequacy of the geophysical method and to develop a proper experimental setup at the survey design stage. Indeed, the results of the field data inversion revealed high resistivity anomalies which can be related to cavities and provided a good definition of the main geological structures and boundaries. Moreover, the results suggest that unknown and speleological unexplored cavities are still present at the Scaloria Cave study site. These findings may provide further insights on pseudo-3D ERT applicability, particularly for cavity detection. Furthermore, the approach used in this study yields fruitful information for further archaeological survey design and for the interpretation of ERT investigations targeting similar geological features and structures.
Dystrophin- and Utrophin-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Review
Authors: Szwec Sylwia , Kapłucha Zuzanna , Chamberlain Jeffrey S. , Konieczny Patryk
Published: November 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that leads to progressive muscle loss and premature death. While medical management focuses mostly on symptomatic treatment, decades of research have resulted in first therapeutics able to restore the affected reading frame of dystrophin transcripts or induce synthesis of a truncated dystrophin protein from a vector, with other strategies based on gene therapy and cell signaling in preclinical or clinical development. Nevertheless, recent reports show that potentially therapeutic dystrophins can be immunogenic in patients. This raises the question of whether a dystrophin paralog, utrophin, could be a more suitable therapeutic protein. Here, we compare dystrophin and utrophin amino acid sequences and structures, combining published data with our extended in silico analyses. We then discuss these results in the context of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we focus on strategies based on delivery of micro-dystrophin and micro-utrophin genes with recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, exon skipping of the mutated dystrophin pre-mRNAs, reading through termination codons with small molecules that mask premature stop codons, dystrophin gene repair by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genetic engineering, and increasing utrophin levels. Our analyses highlight the importance of various dystrophin and utrophin domains in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, providing insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and decreased immunoreactivity. While the necessary actin and β-dystroglycan binding sites are present in both proteins, important functional distinctions can be identified in these domains and some other parts of truncated dystrophins might need redesigning due to their potentially immunogenic qualities. Alternatively, therapies based on utrophins might provide a safer and more effective approach.
Mechanical Behavior of Seamless Pipes Using Ring Expansion Technique and Novel Hoop Stress Correlation Factor (K)
Authors: Abdelgawad K. , Nassef A. , Eraky Mohamed T. , Saber M.
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the stress–strain behavior of seamless pipes in the hoop direction using the ring expansion test, which is a non-standardized mechanical testing technique used for evaluating the mechanical properties of round tubes. However, this technique has limitations, such as unidentified specimen geometry, strain measurement, and the estimation of friction coefficients. The study employed experimental, numerical, and analytical methodologies to address these limitations and throughout the study, a novel hoop stress correlation factor (K) was identified to be multiplied by the hoop stress derived equation for reduced section ring specimens. The experimental strain was measured using a newly derived analytical equation, and a mathematical predictive model was developed to estimate the K-factor using the Design of Experiment (DoE) and Design-Expert statistical software. The study concluded that the ring expansion test is a promising technique for evaluating the mechanical properties of seamless pipes similar to the unified axial tensile stress–strain behavior. However, future research is needed to estimate the hoop stress correlation value (K) for all ring geometries. The study's finding of the novel hoop stress correlation factor (K) in the case of a reduced section ring specimen is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a significant research gap in the field.
Alternative construction materials from industrial side streams: Are they safe?
Authors: Adhikary Suman Kumar , D’Angelo Antonio , Viola Veronica , Catauro Michelina , Perumal Priyadharshini
Published: November 2023

The global population is continually generating vast amounts of waste materials across various sectors, leading to environmental challenges associated with landfill disposal. This study aims to examine the leachate and the antimicrobial properties of several waste materials to explore their potential applicability in the construction industry. Here, ICP-OES analysis and Kirby Bauer test were conducted on ready-mix concrete plant (powder residues), precast industries, recycled alkali-activated materials, municipal solid waste incinerated (MSWI) bottom ash, MSWI fly ash, High alumina tailing, and High magnesia tailing, to explore their potential applicability in the construction industry. Aluminium, calcium, silicon, potassium, and magnesium were the major ions leached from the waste materials, with MSWI fly ash and bottom ash showing higher levels of heavy metal leaching. The levels of leached aluminium, barium, chromium, lead, and zinc from MSWI fly ash and bottom ash were quantified, with values reaching up to 28.7 ppm, 4 ppm, 3.9 ppm, 11 ppm, and 25 ppm, respectively. Additionally, all samples demonstrated some level of antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which could be related to their alkaline pH and the release of certain ions. Improper disposal of waste materials in an open environment can potentially lead to contamination by heavy metals and harmful bacteria, which can pose a significant health risk during handling. This study results provided valuable information regarding the safety of using these wastes in the construction industry.
Basisarbeit bei älteren Beschäftigten in Deutschland – eine Übersicht
Authors: Hasselhorn Hans Martin , Müller Bernd Hans
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag beschreibt die Arbeits- und Lebenssituation älterer Beschäftigter in Deutschland in Hinblick auf Basisarbeit (BA). Grundlage ist Welle 4 der repräsentativen lidA-Studie. Von 7279 Erwerbstätigen (Jg. 1959, 1965, 1971) waren 1651 (22,7 %) der Gruppe der BA zuzuordnen. Die Befunde zur BA-Gruppe Level 2 („längere Einarbeitung erforderlich“, 14,3 % aller) lagen bei zahlreichen Faktoren näher an der Gruppe der Nicht-Basisarbeitenden als an denen der BA-Gruppe Level 1 („kurze Einweisung reicht“, 8,4 %). Letztere Gruppe stellt nach unseren Ergebnissen eine besondere Risikogruppe in Bezug auf Gesundheit, Arbeit, Beschäftigung und auch materielle Umstände dar. Diese Gruppe ist vor allem weiblich sowie im Vergleich eher älter, unqualifiziert, alleinstehend, in Teilzeit und in kleineren Betrieben tätig. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen Handlungsbedarf auf politischer, betrieblicher und gesellschaftlicher Ebene.
The role of International Financial Institutions in conflict, recovery, and transitions in Africa: a focus on Ethiopia and Sudan
Authors: Kifle Alagaw Ababu , Olonisakin Funmi
Published: November 2023

Successive socio-economic shocks in the past three years have undermined Africa’s development gains, impeding the economic convergence of Africa and the developed world. While these shocks originated externally, internal factors within Africa are reinforcing their impact. One such factor is conflict and instability. Nearly half of the African states are either fragile or conflict-affected. Although international organizations claim to support Africa in overcoming fragility and conflict, how they engage Africa has remained a major policy and scholarly concern. International Financial Institutions (IFIs), for instance, are being asked to help address the economic dimensions of fragility and conflict. However, there is little consensus about whether they are indeed helping. Divergent responses are often offered wherein the IFIs argue that they are assisting by adopting adaptive strategies to correct past mistakes while experimenting with new strategies based on extensive monitoring and research. Scholarly debates on these IFI narratives, and by extension the IFIs’ interests and agenda, are not yet settled. This paper approaches these debates by examining IFIs’ engagement in the recent conflict and transitions of Ethiopia and Sudan, arguing that these examples call into question the IFIs’ claims of strategic adaptiveness. The paper, along with previous studies, argues that the inner core of neo-liberal economic vision has animated the IFIs’ prescription, often complemented by a focus on social safety nets to varying degrees and with varying effects. In Sudan, the IFI offered coordinated support for economic reform with some successes in directly targeting sources of fragility and conflict. In Ethiopia, such coordinated engagement was lacking, and reform measures did not directly target the sources of conflict. The cases demonstrate the importance of continuous and coordinated engagement in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCS) of Africa in a way that acknowledges the nexus between security and development issues, especially at critical junctures. The cases also underscore the importance of adaptive and pragmatic engagements with FCS undertaken in coordination with relevant global actors and institutions.
Norms for Academic Writing in the Era of Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Friederich Simon , Symons Jonathan
Published: November 2023

If and when artificial intelligence systems become superhuman in more aspects of analytic reasoning, this will inevitably have a strong impact on the social organisation of science, including academic writing, reviewing, and publishing. We consider how norms of academic publishing should be adjusted as this happens. To do so, we propose four intuitively plausible desiderata that norms of academic publishing should fulfil in the age of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and argue that there are no “quick fixes” to current norms that fulfil these desiderata. To indicate the scale of change needed to prepare academic publishing for the era of increasingly advanced AI, we tentatively sketch a more promising novel system of norms. Our proposal centres around the idea that AI systems should “sign off’’ on statements that outline the human and AI contributions to academic research. We discuss possible challenges for this proposal and highlight the type of technological and regulatory infrastructure that would be needed to enable it.
A Practical Approach to Supporting Science and Engineering Students with Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Peters-Burton Erin E.
Published: November 2023

Science and engineering practices tend to be more diﬃcult to teach and monitor for student progress than content knowledge, because practices are skill based. This book presents tangible ways for teacher educators and teachers to design learning environments that involve student goal setting, monitoring, and reﬂection on their performance of science and engineering practices. It models ways teachers can support eﬀective learning behaviors and monitor student progress in science and engineering practices. It also presents practical ways to set up preservice teacher instruction and inservice teacher professional development that address both self-regulated learning and science and engineering practices. Educational research designs are presented from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods traditions that investigate student and teacher engagement with science and engineering practices through self-regulated learning.
Economics of Healthcare
Authors: Friedson Andrew
Published: November 2023

An approachable beginner's guide to health economics that brings the economist's way of viewing the world to bear on the fundamentals of the US healthcare system. The conversational writing style, with occasional doses of humour, allows students to see how applicable economic reasoning can be to unpacking some of the sector's thorniest issues, while accessible real-world examples teach the institutional details of healthcare and health insurance, as well as the economics that underpin the behaviour of key players in these markets. Many chapters are enhanced by 'Supplements' that offer how-to guides to tools commonly used by health economists, and economists more generally. They help form the basic 'economist's toolbox' for readers with no prior training in economics, and offer deeper dives into interesting related material. A test bank and lectures slides are available online for instructors, alongside additional resources and readings for students, taken from popular media and health care and policy journals.
Chinese Politeness
Authors: Chen Rong
Published: November 2023

Politeness in Chinese is a well-researched concept in pragmatics; however, this pioneering book sheds an original new light on the subject. It provides a thorough diachronic investigation of Chinese politeness, and argues for universality in politeness theorizing. The author takes us on a journey through changes in Chinese politeness from Confucius to the present day, showing how these processes are reactions to the changing world, rather than to changes in the principles of politeness itself. He splits Chinese face into Face1 and Face2 – the former referring to the person and the latter to the persona of the speaker - and presents a model of Chinese politeness (MCP). He then proposes B&L-E (Brown and Levinson Extended) by incorporating the theoretical constructs of self-politeness and impoliteness. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Courts that Matter
Authors: Botero Sandra
Published: November 2023

In Courts that Matter, Sandra Botero tackles a crucial question: Can courts advance socioeconomic rights? Using a rigorous comparative study of the impact of socioeconomic rights rulings in Colombia and Argentina, Botero argues that such decisions can be significantly impactful when courts deploy certain monitoring mechanisms and when legally empowered organizations in civil society are engaged in the outcome. The book includes case studies of landmark rulings on environmental, health, housing, and other socioeconomic rights and charts pathways for broader applicability through comparison with rulings by the Indian Supreme Court. The book demonstrates how Colombian and Argentine highest tribunals have, at times, successfully configured important new political spaces for the effective pursuit of public policy goals, in conjunction and dialogue with other social and political actors. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Security in the Cyber Age
Authors: Reveron Derek S. , Savage John E.
Published: November 2023

Cyberspace is essential for socializing, learning, shopping, and just about everything in modern life. Yet, there is also a dark side to cyberspace: sub-national, transnational, and international actors are challenging the ability of sovereign governments to provide a secure environment for their citizens. Criminal groups hold businesses and local governments hostage through ransomware, foreign intelligence services steal intellectual property and conduct influence operations, governments attempt to rewrite Internet protocols to facilitate censorship, and militaries prepare to use cyberspace operations in wars. Security in the Cyber Age breaks-down how cyberspace works, analyzes how state and non-state actors exploit vulnerabilities in cyberspace, and provides ways to improve cybersecurity. Written by a computer scientist and national security scholar-practitioner, the book offers technological, policy, and ethical ways to protect cyberspace. Its interdisciplinary approach and engaging style make the book accessible to the lay audience as well as computer science and political science students.
KI im pädagogischen Kontext der Pflege
Authors: Wienand Stefan
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung: „Generiere eine pflegerische Fallsituation über einen vierjährigen Patienten, der sich mit Verdacht auf einen Fieberkrampf in einer pädiatrischen Notaufnahme in Begleitung seiner Mutter vorstellt.“ Ist eine solche Aufforderung in ChatGPT denkbar und ist das Ergebnis so, wie man es sich vorstellt? Die Antwort lautet ja, aber erfordert Übung in der Formulierung der Eingaben.
Southern Alaska's Forest Landscape Integrity, Habitat, and Carbon Are Critical for Meeting Climate and Conservation Goals
Authors: Law B. E. , Berner L. T. , Wolf C. , Ripple W. J. , Trammell E. J. , Birdsey R. A.
Published: November 2023

The interdependent crises of climate change and biodiversity losses require strategic policies to protect, manage, and restore essential ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the relative importance of US national forests (NFs) for protection and conservation as natural climate and biodiversity solutions. We compared landscape integrity (degree of modification by humans), habitat for three keystone species, forest carbon density, accumulation, and total biomass carbon stocks across 154 NFs in the United States. Southern Alaska's Tongass and Chugach NFs hold disproportionally large amounts of high landscape integrity area among all NFs with 25.3% and 5.6% (total 30.9%) of all high (≥9.6) landscape integrity found on NF lands. The Tongass and Chugach store approximately 33% and 3% of all biomass carbon stocks that occur in NFs with high landscape integrity. These two NFs together account for about 49%, 37%, and 18% of all bald eagle, brown bear, and gray wolf habitat found on NF lands. Gray wolf habitat extent was 4% of the total or less on remaining NFs. The Tongass and Chugach were historically wetter and cooler among NFs, and are projected to experience much larger increases in precipitation and much lower increases in maximum temperatures over the coming century. Combined with relatively low recent occurrence of wildfire, this makes permanence more likely. The Tongass and Chugach forests, along with the Pacific Northwest's high carbon density forests should be a high priority for protection and conservation to meet climate and biodiversity goals given their landscape‐scale scarcity and high value.
Do Two Climate Wrongs Make a Right?
Authors: Schimel David , Miller Charles
Published: November 2023

As the planet approaches local and global exceedance of the 1.5°C stabilization target, damages from climate change, mostly due to extremes, are growing far faster than projected. While assessment models have largely estimated high costs of mitigation, the cost of green energy is dropping faster than projected. Climate policy has assumed that damage costs are manageable while decarbonization is expensive. Both these assumptions are wrong, potentially leading to a tipping point in human behavior: scientists need to explore options aligned with this emerging reality.
Microstructural Controls on the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Porous Rocks Through the Granular to Non‐Granular Transition
Authors: Carbillet Lucille , Wadsworth Fabian B. , Heap Michael J. , Baud Patrick
Published: November 2023

Under uniaxial compression, a porous rock fails by coalescence of stress‐induced microcracks. The micromechanical models developed to analyze uniaxial compressive strength data consider a single mechanism for the initiation and propagation of microcracks and a fixed starting microstructure. Because the microstructure of clastic porous rock transitions from granular to non‐granular as porosity decreases during diagenesis, their strength cannot be captured by a single model. Using synthetic samples with independently controlled porosity and initial grain radius we show that high‐porosity granular samples, where microcracks grow at grain‐to‐grain contacts, are best described by a grain‐based model. Low‐porosity non‐granular samples, where microcracks grow from pores, are best described by a pore‐based model. The switch from one model to the other depends on porosity and grain radius. We propose a regime plot that indicates which micromechanical model may be more suitable to predict strength for a given porosity and grain radius.
Rapid Acceleration of Dangerous Compound Heatwaves and Their Impacts in a Warmer China
Authors: Dong Wei , Jia XiaoJing , Qian QiFeng , Li XiuMing
Published: November 2023

This work investigates the possible future changes and impacts in spatiotemporal variation and regional features of multivariate compound heatwaves (CHWs) in China using the latest Universal Thermal Climate Index from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 simulations (CMIP6). Results indicate both strong CHWs and extremely threatening CHWs in China are projected to increase substantially in both frequency and spatial extent under different future climate scenarios while with discernible regional disparities. The more severe global warming is, and the greater the extremity of the heatwave events is, the faster the increase in CHWs is. These findings are derived from the CMIP6 projections calibrated using the robust empirical quantiles method. Climate change causes more areas and people to be exposed to CHWs. Notably, the population exposure to dangerous CHWs will increase significantly in northwest China and will appear in northeast China after the mid‐21st century under the high emission scenario.