bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isaiah Berlin and the Aesthetics of Judgment
Authors: Smith Steven
Published: November 2024

Of the various topics that have occupied readers of Isaiah Berlin—liberty, pluralism, nationalism, Marxism, romanticism, to name just a few—very few have focused on the role of judgment in his philosophy.1 One possible reason for this is that the concept of judgment, unlike other concepts in the political-theory lexicon, seems too indistinct to permit careful analysis.2 Judgment often seems too circumstantial, too contextual, to have a theory of. What is good judgment in one situation will not be so in another. It consists, to a large degree, in our capacity to read the times, and I do not mean the New York Times. The concept of judgment is invariably connected to character, but good character seems as elusive as good judgment. Do certain kinds of people simply have good judgment and, if so, what are the characteristics that produce it? We seem to be caught in a vicious—or, should I say, virtuous—circle.
River Dune Behavior in Dredged Areas
Authors: Lokin L. R. , Kruis W. S. , Van Denderen R. P. , Hulscher S. J. M. H.
Published: November 2024

Safe navigation in rivers often requires repeated dredging operations. River dunes are causing shallow areas, so a better understanding of dune behavior can aid decision‐making on dredging strategies. A new dune‐tracking method was developed to analyze dunes after dredging. This knowledge was combined with information on dredging methods and intensity. This enables the analysis of dune development after dredging and the assessment of the impact of dredging methods such as topping (removing sediment from the crest) and swiping (transferring sediment from the crest to the trough). The results show that dredging increases the growth rate of dunes, especially when the discharge increases after dredging. For the studied dredging intensities, topping has a more pronounced effect than swiping on the immediate reduction of dune height. The changes in dune heights due to dredging are within the natural dune height variability. In the long term, topped dunes exhibit larger growth rates than those undergoing swiping. So dredging does have an effect on dune dynamics, in particular on the dune height growth rates.
Forest Areas in China Are Recovering Since the 21st Century
Authors: Wei Xuexin , Liu Ronggao , Liu Yang , He Jiaying , Chen Jilong , Qi Lin , Zhou Yanlian , Qin Yuanwei , Wu Chaoyang , Dong Jinwei , Xiao Xiangming , Chen Jingming , Ge Quansheng
Published: November 2024

China is reported as the leading country in the Earth's greening. However, it is a challenge to capture the gradual recovery in forest cover and distinguish the contribution of trees from herbaceous vegetation using remote sensing data. We developed a new fractional tree cover product (GLOBMAP FTC China) from MODIS time series data to investigate change patterns of China's forests during 2000–2022. This annual product showed high consistency with China's National Forest Inventory. We found a significant increase (∼4 Mha/year) in the annual forest area in China from ∼154.47 Mha in 2000 to ∼236.01 Mha in 2015. This rate then slowed by 50% in 2015–2022 (∼2 Mha/year). The forest recovery primarily started in 2000–2004, and reached saturation in 2015. It was primarily contributed by the tree cover gain (92%) from forest conservation and restoration programs. Our findings can support forest management and carbon neutrality achievement for the country.
Study of the Micromechanical Properties and Dissolution Characteristics of Porous Coral Reef Limestone
Authors: Xu Dongsheng , Zhang Shanshan , Qin Yue
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the fundamental properties of shallow aragonite‐component dominant porous coral reef limestone (CRL) to investigate its micromechanical properties and micrometer‐scale pore dissolution characteristics. Nanoindentation tests were performed to assess changes in mechanical properties before and after dissolution. A novel numerical model, integrating the level‐set method (LSM), reactive‐transport modeling, and image processing technology (IPT) was developed to simulate the static dissolution process of a computed tomography (CT)‐scanned porous CRL structure. The nanoindentation results showed that after dissolution, the Young's modulus (E) of the primary mineral component aragonite decreased from 34.09 to 30.01 GPa. Numerical simulations further explored the effects of temperature and mineral component on the dissolution characteristics of CRL. In the multicomponent CRL structure, where both aragonite and calcite coexist, selective dissolution occurred, with aragonite inhibiting calcite dissolution and altering the dissolution pathway. Conversely, the monocomponent aragonite structure was more susceptible to forming larger pores during dissolution. Meanwhile, the dissolution volume and porosity increased with temperature, rising by 47% and 4.84%, respectively, whereas the variation in pore radius did not exhibit a consistent trend with increasing temperature. The macroscopic E was estimated using both the Mori‐Tanaka approach and simulation methods, demonstrating that pore dissolution weakens the macromechanical properties of the CRL. This comprehensive analysis enhances the understanding of the physical and chemical properties of CRL, providing valuable insights for the safe and stable construction of islands and reefs.
Holocene Lake Sediments Reveal Alluvial Fan History With Links to Climate, Wildfire, and Earthquakes
Authors: Gavin Daniel G. , Struble William T. , Fonstad Mark A.
Published: November 2024

Flood hazards along alluvial rivers vary over time due to changes in both flow regime and channel morphology; however, their millennial‐scale histories are difficult to study from incomplete and poorly dated alluvial stratigraphies. Thus, the role of external forcings (e.g., climate) in the magnitude of alluvial channel dynamics remains poorly understood. We developed a record of overbank flows of the Tolt River in Washington from a continuous 6,100‐year sediment record obtained from a 33‐m deep lake with an outlet dammed by alluvium. Overbank flows from the adjacent river result in fine laminations preserved in the lake sediment. Multi‐century periods of overbank flows with fine (<2 mm; ca. annual) laminations account for 36% of the last 6,100 years. The only event recorded in the lake during the last 900 years is dated by 210Pb‐verified varves to a historic atmospheric river event in December 1867. Tree‐ring and radiocarbon‐dated alluvial surfaces upriver from the lake are consistent with a significantly aggraded channel during silt periods in the lake. Although a sediment slump in the lake dates to a known earthquake, there is little other linkage between earthquake history and alluvial history. However, regional paleoclimate, local fire history, and landslide ages suggest that the continuous periods of overbank flows were sustained by aggradation from sediment input after fires and during dry climate periods. The lake record indicates an alternation of incision and aggradation and a much more dynamic channel history than observed over the last several decades following channel modification and dam development.
Dysregulation of the mTOR-FMRP pathway and synaptic plasticity in an environmental model of ASD
Authors: Hilal Muna L. , Rosina Eleonora , Pedini Giorgia , Restivo Leonardo , Bagni Claudia
Published: November 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is caused by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Mutations in the human FMR1 gene, encoding the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP), cause the most common monogenic form of ASD, the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). This study explored the interaction between the FMR1 gene and a viral-like infection as an environmental insult, focusing on the impact on core autistic-like behaviors and the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway. Pregnant heterozygous Fmr1 mouse females were exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA), by injecting the immunostimulant Poly (I:C) at the embryonic stage 12.5, simulating viral infections. Subsequently, ASD-like behaviors were analyzed in the adult offspring, at 8–10 weeks of age. MIA exposure in wild-type mice led to ASD-like behaviors in the adult offspring. These effects were specifically confined to the intrauterine infection, as immune activation at later stages, namely puberty (Pubertal Immune Activation, PIA) at post-natal day 35 or adulthood (Adult Immune Activation, AIA) at post-natal day 56, did not alter adult behavior. Importantly, combining the Fmr1 mutation with MIA exposure did not intensify core autistic-like behaviors, suggesting an occlusion effect. Mechanistically, MIA provided a strong activation of the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway, leading to increased LTP and downregulation of FMRP specifically in the hippocampus. Finally, FMRP modulates mTOR activity via TSC2. These findings further strengthen the key role of the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway in causing ASD-like core symptoms.
Naltrexone blocks alcohol-induced effects on kappa-opioid receptors in the plasma membrane
Authors: Oasa Sho , Sezgin Erdinc , Ma Yuelong , Horne David A. , Radmilović Mihajlo D. , Jovanović-Talisman Tijana , Martin-Fardon Rémi , Vukojević Vladana , Terenius Lars
Published: November 2024

Naltrexone (NTX), a homolog of the opiate antidote naloxone, is an orally active long-acting general opioid receptor antagonist used in the treatment of opiate dependence. NTX is also found to relieve craving for alcohol and is one of few FDA-approved medications for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). While it was early on established that NTX acts by blocking the binding of endogenous opioid peptide ligands released by alcohol, experimental evidence emerged that could not be fully accounted for by this explanation alone, suggesting that NTX may have additional modes of action. Mu- and kappa-opioid receptors (MOP and KOP, respectively) are structurally related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), but they are anatomically differently distributed and functionally distinct, often mediating opposite responses, with MOP typically promoting euphoria and reward, while KOP is associated with dysphoria and aversive states. While the actions of NTX on MOP are extensively characterized, the interactions with KOP are not. Here, we used sensitive fluorescence-based methods with single-molecule sensitivity to study in live cells the influence of alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) on KOP and the interaction between KOP and NTX. Our data show that alcohol, at relevant concentrations (10–40 mM), alters KOP interactions with the lipid environment in the plasma membrane. The counteracting effects of NTX are exerted by both its canonical action on KOP and its hitherto unrevealed effects on the lateral dynamics and organization of lipids in the plasma membrane. The KOP-specific antagonist LY2444296, in clinical trial for major depressive disorder (MDD), blocks KOP but does not show the full action profile of NTX. The therapeutic effect of NTX treatment in AUD may in part be due to direct actions on KOP and in part due to its effect on the surrounding lipid environment.
Interstellar formation of lactaldehyde, a key intermediate in the methylglyoxal pathway
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Chaojiang , Marks Joshua H. , Evseev Mikhail M. , Kuznetsov Oleg V. , Antonov Ivan O. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: November 2024

Aldehydes are ubiquitous in star-forming regions and carbonaceous chondrites, serving as essential intermediates in metabolic pathways and molecular mass growth processes to vital biomolecules necessary for the origins of life. However, their interstellar formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive. Here, we unveil the formation of lactaldehyde (CH3CH(OH)CHO) by barrierless recombination of formyl (HĊO) and 1-hydroxyethyl (CH3ĊHOH) radicals in interstellar ice analogs composed of carbon monoxide (CO) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH). Lactaldehyde and its isomers 3-hydroxypropanal (HOCH2CH2CHO), ethyl formate (CH3CH2OCHO), and 1,3-propenediol (HOCH2CHCHOH) are identified in the gas phase utilizing isomer-selective photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry and isotopic substitution studies. These findings reveal fundamental formation pathways for complex, biologically relevant aldehydes through non-equilibrium reactions in interstellar environments. Once synthesized, lactaldehyde can act as a key precursor to critical biomolecules such as sugars, sugar acids, and amino acids in deep space.
Hydro- and deutero-deamination of primary amines using O-diphenylphosphinylhydroxylamine
Authors: Ma Panpan , Guo Ting , Lu Hongjian
Published: November 2024

While selective defunctionalizations are valuable in organic synthesis, hydrodeamination of primary amines poses challenges. Deuterodeamination, analogous to hydrodeamination, presents even greater difficulties due to its frequently slower deuteration rate, interference by hydrogenation and constraints in deuterated sources. This study introduces a reliable, robust, and scalable hydro- and deuterodeamination method capable of handling various primary amines. Defined by its mild reaction conditions, rapid completion, simplified purification facilitated by water-soluble byproducts, the method leverages deuterium oxide as a deuterium source and employs commercialized O-diphenylphosphinylhydroxylamine for deamination. Applied to a diverse range of biologically active molecules, it has consistently achieved high yields and efficient deuterium incorporation. By synergizing with site-selective C–H functionalization of primary aliphatic amines, our method reveals synthetic strategies utilizing nitrogen atom as a traceless directing group, encompassing deaminative alkylation, 1,1-deuteroalkylation, 1,1-dialkylation, 1,1,1-deuterodialkylation, C–H arylation, and 1,3-deuteroarylation. Emphasizing this innovation, the processes of deaminative degree-controlled deuteration have been developed.
FMR1 genetically interacts with DISC1 to regulate glutamatergic synaptogenesis
Authors: Honda Takato , Kurita Kazuki , Arai Yuko , Pandey Himani , Sawa Akira , Furukubo-Tokunaga Katsuo
Published: November 2024

Synaptic development and functions have been hypothesized as crucial mechanisms of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies in past years suggest that mutations in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) are associated with diverse mental disorders including intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. In this study, we have examined genetical interactions between a select set of risk factor genes using fruit flies to find that dfmr1, the Drosophila homolog of the human FMR1 gene, exhibits functional interactions with DISC1 in synaptic development. We show that DISC1 overexpression in the dfmr1null heterozygous background causes synaptic alterations at the larval neuromuscular junctions that are distinct from those in the wild-type background. Loss of dfmr1 modifies the DISC1 overexpression phenotype in synaptic formation, suppressing the formation of synapse boutons. Interaction between the two genes was further supported molecularly by the results that dfmr1 mutations suppress the DISC1-mediated upregulations of the postsynaptic expression of a glutamate receptor and the expression of ELKS/CAST protein, Bruchpilot, in presynaptic motoneurons. Moreover, DISC1 overexpression in the dfmr1null heterozygous background causes downregulation of a MAP1 family protein, Futsch. These results thus suggest an intriguing converging mechanism controlled by FMR1 and DISC1 in the developing glutamatergic synapses.
Synthesis of potent vasodilating agents: in silico and in vitro evaluation of 6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-pyridazinone derivatives as potential hydralazine analogues
Authors: Aziz Marian W. , Mohamed Khaled O. , Farag Doaa B. , Khalifa Amira Karam , Mahmoud Zeinab
Published: November 2024

People of all age categories and lifestyles suffer to different extents from hypertension. Accordingly, this necessitates the rise of new ways to defeat this enemy. Vasodilators exert a principal portion of highly effectual antihypertensive agents; our research is focused on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of 6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-pyridazinones as potential hydralazine vasodilator analogues implementing both in vitro and in silico approaches. All the synthesized compounds were assessed for their vitro vasorelaxant activity against multiple references. New members revealed potent vasorelaxant activity (EC50 = 0.02916–1.907 µM) compared to the conventional vasorelaxants hydralazine, diazoxide, isosorbitole mononitrate and nitroglycerin (EC50 = 18.21, 19.5, 30.1 and 0.1824 µM, respectively). Compounds 2e, 2h and 2j exerted superior activities compared to others with EC50 = 0.1162, 0.07154 and 0.02916 µM, respectively. The physiochemical properties and drug-likeliness behavior of the new derivatives were investigated by conducting ADMET studies.
Vertical structure and occurrence patterns of the cross-equatorial northerly surge under different ENSO and MJO phases
Authors: Moteki Qoosaku
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the vertical structure of 6 cross-equatorial northerly surge (CENS) events during the Year of Maritime Continent–Cold Surge Observation in 2021 (YMC-CSO2021) campaign. These events, named CENS1 (Jan. 18–20), CENS2 (Jan. 29–30), CENS3 (Feb. 2–5), CENS4 (Feb. 5–9), CENS5 (Feb. 18–20), and CENS6 (Feb. 25–26), occurred under different environmental conditions associated with cold surges (CSs) and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). Using radiosonde observations, we identified distinct characteristics in the northerly wind layer thickness, westerly wind bursts, and potential temperature anomalies among the events. Notably, CENS6 featured a deep northerly wind layer reaching 400 hPa, influenced by a southward pressure gradient linked to a cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere. Statistical analysis of past CENS events using reanalysis dataset showed that 80% occurred in January and February, with higher frequencies during La Niña years and active MJO phases over the western Pacific, aligning with YMC-CSO2021 observations. Composite analysis showed that CENS events induced significant ascending motion and localized potential temperature gradients, leading to positive precipitation anomalies around the Maritime Continent. These findings enhance our understanding of CENS dynamics and their impact on regional climate variability.
Coordination of transporter, cargo, and membrane properties during non-vesicular lipid transport
Authors: Ballekova Alena , Eisenreichova Andrea , Różycki Bartosz , Boura Evzen , Humpolickova Jana
Published: November 2024

Homeostasis of cellular membranes is maintained by fine-tuning their lipid composition. Yeast lipid transporter Osh6, belonging to the oxysterol-binding protein-related proteins family, was found to participate in the transport of phosphatidylserine (PS). PS synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum is delivered to the plasma membrane, where it is exchanged for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P). PI4P provides the driving force for the directed PS transport against its concentration gradient. In this study, we employed an in vitro approach to reconstitute the transport process into the minimalistic system of large unilamellar vesicles to reveal its fundamental biophysical determinants. Our study draws a comprehensive portrait of the interplay between the structure and dynamics of Osh6, the carried cargo lipid, and the physical properties of the involved membranes, with particular attention to the presence of charged lipids and to membrane fluidity. Specifically, we address the role of the cargo lipid, which, by occupying the transporter, imposes changes in its dynamics and, consequently, predisposes the cargo to disembark in the correct target membrane.
Layer-dependent Schottky contact at TaX2–BY (X = S, Se, Te; Y = P, As, Sb) van der Waals interfaces
Authors: Ul Haq Israr , Mustaqeem A. , Ali B. , Umair Ashraf M. , Khan U. , Idrees Muhammad , Shafiq M. , Alanazi Yousef Mohammed , Amin B.
Published: November 2024

The mechanical, thermal and dynamical stabilities, electronic structure, contact type, and height of the barrier at the interface of TaX2 (X = S, Se, Te) and BY (Y = P, As, Sb) metal–semiconductor (MS) contact are investigated .
Nanogenerators with l-arginine loading: new choices as cascade and synergistic nitric oxide/photodynamic antitumor agents
Authors: Huang Yue , Wu Ziwei , Wang Hanyang , An Hao , Zhang Jiabao , Bao Zhihong
Published: November 2024

In this review, the design idea, synergistic mechanism and application prospects of l-arginine-loaded nanogenerators with cascade and synergistic NO/PDT for anti-tumor applications are summarized.
Bright “D–A–D” semiconducting small molecule aggregates for NIR-II fluorescence bioimaging guiding photothermal therapy
Authors: Xie Qian , Zhang Wansu , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhou Chunyu , Zhang Liang , Sun Tao , Gong Mingfu , Zhang Dong
Published: November 2024

The strategy of combining intermolecular CT and AIE was proposed to enhance NIR-II fluorescence intensity of D–A–D semiconducting molecule aggregates.
Designing a system dynamics model for optimizing shrimp raw material supply in shrimp crackers production
Authors: Widiaswanti Ernaning , Utami Issa Dyah , Utomo Yendhy Pradiqta Tri Mariyanto
Published: November 2024

Shrimp is a key raw material in shrimp crackers production. The competitive snack food industry leads to fluctuating demand for shrimp crackers, impacting the supply chain. Demand uncertainty often causes mismatches between the supply of shrimp raw materials and actual needs. Excess raw materials can lead to spoilage due to prolonged storage. The method used to design the raw material procurement model is a dynamic system with the consideration that the model is non-linear and dynamic. This study aims to develop a system dynamics model for shrimp raw material procurement to optimize stock management and reduce spoilage from excessive storage. The system dynamics model determined optimal procurement quantities, with an R value of 60 kg and a Q value of 360 kg, resulting in a reduced storage time of one day. The results of this research can contribute to planning the shrimp raw material supply system for shrimp cracker SMEs.
The Growth, N Uptake, N Use Efficiency by Corn due to Application of SRF-Urea
Authors: Supriyadi Slamet , Rahman Fahmi Arief , Sutopo Aji , Erika Siti
Published: November 2024

Nitrogen (N) is one of essential elements for plant, needed in the largest number, and often supplied through urea. However, the efficiency of N-uptake by plant from Urea was about 30-50% due to N loss as nitrate (NO3-) and N gas (e.g. NH3 and N2O). This problem could be more severe in light soil with low SOM and CEC. This study was to investigate how slow-release fertilizer (SRF) urea could mitigate these issues. The SRF urea was produced from Urea at 100% and 80% of the recommended rate, coated by biochar either rice husk (Rh) or corn cob (Cc) biochar, pyrolyzed at 450 oC in a muffle furnace for one hour and sieved for 0,5 mm diameter. Two control treatments, without and with urea at the recommended rate, and both treatments were not coated by biochar, were established. All treatments were applied to corn plants grown on sandy soil in greenhouse pots. The plant was harvested at 42 days after planting (DAP). The result showed that compared to Control without urea, Urea application, with and without biochar in average increased corn biomass in average 51.6% and N uptake about 154%. The SRF of P2 and P5 tended to have highest plant biomass. Increased nutrient use efficiency by treating both Cc and Rh biochar-coated urea at 80% of the recommended rate, which tended to result in the highest efficiency. Biochar-coated urea could be the alternative SRF-urea to increase plant growth and N uptake efficiency from urea in sandy soil.
Empowering student readers: Digital library development and literacy enhancement
Authors: Dellia Prita , Saputro Sigit Dwi , Faisal Rofik , Rosidah Lailatul
Published: November 2024

Increasing literacy skills among students through the use of digital technology is increasingly urgent. This is shown by the low reading literacy condition of Darul Mustofa Vocational School students. The contribution of this research is to develop digital libraries to increase students' reading literacy interest in schools and increase the role of digital libraries more effectively. This study is research into digital library development using the waterfall method. This method has seven stages: problem definition, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. This method is widely recognized in the educational IT sector to address software development problems in schools. The system is tested using functional and usability testing. Functional testing using the black-box method includes verification of 80 system functions, while usability testing assesses ease of use, ease of learning, and user satisfaction. Test results show 100% success for all tested functions and a usability score of 95%, indicating that this system is very efficient, easy to use, and satisfying to users. This success shows that the Darul Mustofa Vocational School digital library is ready to support the educational process by providing better and easier access to various reading materials, which is expected to improve students' literacy skills. This digital library can be expanded in the future by adding more features or expanding to other schools.
Collaborative filtering-based Madura Island tourism recommendation system using RecommenderNet
Authors: Permana Kurniawan Eka , Rahmat Abdullah Basuki , Wicaksana Dyo Adya , Ardianto Dicky
Published: November 2024

Personalized tourism recommendations in Madura Island are limited, posing challenges for visitors in selecting destinations that match their preferences. This study develops a Collaborative Filtering-based recommendation system using a modified Cosine similarity approach combined with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to improve personalized tourism suggestions for visitors to Madura Island. The investigation validated the system's accuracy in providing tailored recommendations by thoroughly exploring popular attractions and user preferences, highlighting its potential to enhance the overall tourism experience. User ratings for tourist attractions were collected via Google Forms. The collected data were processed, formatted, and modeled using the RecommenderNet architecture, with training and validation to optimize system performance. Data exploration revealed insights into key island attractions. The recommendation system yielded personalized suggestions, exemplified by a sample user's top-rated destinations. The system's performance was evaluated using RMSE, achieving a best score of 0.2579, demonstrating its accuracy in delivering personalized recommendations. The Collaborative Filtering-based recommendation system effectively improved user experiences by providing personalized tourism suggestions. Future work should focus on enhancing algorithmic approaches and expanding data integration to further refine and enrich tourism experiences in Madura Island.
Starch based for intelligent food packaging: A review
Authors: Kusuma Isnainul , Ma’arif Alfian , Rahmadhia Safinta Nurindra
Published: November 2024

Biodegradable materials are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives, particularly for food packaging, as they provide similar protection without environmental harm. Starch, an abundant, renewable, and affordable polymer, is promising for biodegradable films. However, its limitations, such as low solubility, weak mechanical properties, and high sensitivity to moisture, restrict its use in packaging. Thus, enhancing the mechanical and barrier properties of starch-based materials is critical. This review explores recent advances in starch-based films, focusing on their degradability, functional improvements, and applications in active and intelligent packaging. Although processing techniques have evolved, further research is needed to optimize film formulation, scale production, and reduce costs for commercial feasibility. Starch-based films can incorporate antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, offering active and intelligent packaging solutions that maintain food quality and extend shelf life. This review underscores the potential of starch-based materials as eco-friendly alternatives for future food packaging.
Viability and control of a delayed SIR epidemic with an ICU state constraint
Authors: Breda Dimitri , Della Rossa Matteo , Freddi Lorenzo
Published: November 2024

This paper studies viability and control synthesis for a delayed SIR epidemic. The model integrates a constant delay representing an incubation/latency time. The control inputs model nonpharmaceutical interventions, while an intensive care unit (ICU) state-constraint is introduced to reflect the healthcare system’s capacity. The arising delayed control system is analyzed via functional viability tools, providing insights into fulfilling the ICU constraint through feedback control maps. In particular, we consider two scenarios: first, we consider the case of general continuous initial conditions. Then, as a further refinement of our analysis, we assume that the initial conditions satisfy a Lipschitz continuity property, consistent with the considered model. The study compares the (in general, sub-optimal) obtained control policies with the optimal ones for the delay-free case, emphasizing the impact of the delay parameter. The obtained results are supported and illustrated, in a concluding section, by numerical examples.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) bei der axialen
Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Le Maire Maxime , Heusinger Tobias , Schmalzing Marc
Published: November 2024

In Deutschland besteht seit dem Inkrafttreten des Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetzes
(DVG) von 2019 erstmals die Möglichkeit, medizinische Apps per Rezept zu
verordnen. Bis August 2024 existiert jedoch noch keine zugelassene Digitale
Gesundheitsanwendung (DiGA) für die axiale Spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Denkbar
wäre, dass axSpA-Betroffene besonders von einer DiGA profitieren könnten, welche
bewegungs- und verhaltenstherapeutische Interventionen per App vermittelt, da
deren Wirksamkeit in der Vergangenheit vielfach im nicht-digitalen Setting
nachgewiesen werden konnte. Es konnte zudem kürzlich gezeigt werden, dass
axSpA-Betroffene selbst einen hohen Bedarf für eine krankheitsspezifische App
sehen. In dieser Arbeit soll daher ein Überblick über bisher verfügbare,
deutschsprachige Medizin-Apps gegeben werden, welche die axiale
Spondyloarthritis direkt adressieren. Es wurden primär fünf deutschsprachige
Medizin-Apps identifiziert, die auch oder ausschließlich auf die Indikation
axSpA ausgerichtet sind. Im Detail handelt es sich um die App „Axia“, die „Mida
Rheuma App“, die „RheCORD PLUS“ App, „Rheuma-Auszeit“ und die Yoga App
„YogiTherapy“. Die bisher publizierte Evidenz zu den Anwendungen stammt vor
allem aus Kurzzeit-Nutzertests, welche trotz einiger Hinweise zu möglichen
positiven Effekten der Anwendungen noch keine abschließende Bewertung zulassen.
Daneben existieren auch erste Daten zur Off-Label-Anwendung bereits für andere
Indikationen zugelassener DiGAs bei axSpA Patient*innen. Die aktuelle
Entwicklung lässt hoffen, dass vielleicht schon ab 2025 eine erste DiGA auch für
die axSpA zur Verfügung stehen könnten.
Double Triangular Cartilage Excision in Otoplasty Revisited
Authors: Gualdi Alessandro , Cambiaso-Daniel Janos , Negrini Filippo Contessi , Giordano Salvatore
Published: November 2024

Background Prominent ears negatively impact the psychological and social health of individuals. Despite the availability of different surgical correction methods for this congenital condition, many of these techniques might result in significant risks of complications and the condition often reappears. Herein, we present log-term outcomes of our suture-free method that employs various strategies to reduce these risks and prevent recurrences.

Methods We analyzed the results of patients who had a bilateral double triangular cartilage excision otoplasty as an outpatient procedure. This previously described technique is designed to correct prominent ears by precisely removing sections of cartilage to reshape the ear mechanically without the need for sutures through the cartilage. We documented any complications after surgery and gathered feedback from patients over an extended follow-up period.

Results A total of 146 patients (292 ears) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 23.2 ± 5.3 years. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Complications were as follows: 3 ears (1.02%) showed superficial skin tissue necrosis at the front of the ear and 17 ears (5.8%) needed further surgery due to unsatisfactory ear rotation. Additionally, 2.73% experienced wound dehiscence, 0.68% had hematomas, 1.02% had external ear infections that were treated with local and systemic antibiotics, 4.1% developed hypertrophic scars, and 8.2% experienced temporary paresthesias. Patients reported being satisfied with the final outcomes at follow-up.

Conclusion Double triangular cartilage excision otoplasty is a safe procedure with few complications, low recurrence rates, and good patients' satisfaction at long-term follow-up. This sutureless technique should be included as an alternative to the existing surgical techniques and added to the skill set of surgeons.

Level of Evidence IV.
Self-Reported Hearing Aid Requirements among U.S. Military Personnel and the Association with Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: MacGregor Andrew J. , Joseph Antony R. , Dougherty Amber L.
Published: November 2024

Abstract Background Auditory problems are ubiquitous among U.S. military personnel. Hearing aids are an effective treatment for both hearing loss and tinnitus, two of the most common diagnoses among veterans awarded disability compensation, but the prevalence
of hearing aid requirements in the U.S. military is unknown. Another military health problem is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder characterized by exposure to a traumatic event. While some studies have found an association between auditory problems and PTSD, no research
has examined the relationship between hearing aid requirements and PTSD. Purpose To identify the prevalence of self-reported hearing aid requirements in U.S. military personnel and examine the association with PTSD. Research Design Cross-sectional study.
Study Sample The study population included 104,728 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members who completed a Periodic Health Assessment between August and December 2021. Data Analysis Prevalence of self-reported hearing aid requirements was calculated. A multivariable
logistic regression model was used to determine the association between hearing aid requirements and PTSD, while adjusting for covariates. Results Overall, 1.0% (1,088/104,728) of the study population self-reported requiring hearing aids. Hearing aid requirements were positively
associated with age, and the highest prevalence was among those aged 40 years and older (3.8%). There was also a statistically higher prevalence among men compared with women (1.2 vs. 0.5%), Marines compared with Navy personnel (1.2 vs. 0.9%), and active duty compared with National Guard/Reserve
components (1.1 vs. 0.6%). A significantly higher proportion of service members who required hearing aids screened positive for PTSD than those without hearing aids (30.4 vs. 7.5%). In multivariable regression, those who required a hearing aid, compared with those who did not, had more than
three times higher odds of screening positive for PTSD (odds ratio: 3.45; 95% confidence interval: 3.00‐3.96). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of self-reported hearing aid requirements in the U.S. military as well as an association
between requiring hearing aids and screening positive for PTSD. Our findings reaffirm the need for interprofessional collaboration between audiologists and psychological health professionals when providing care for these patients.
Plastic relaxation of internal stresses generated during mechanical twinning in niobium single crystals at 4.2 °K
Authors: Baraz A. R. , Zolotarev S. N. , Molotilov B. V. , Solov’ev V. A.
Published: November 2024

Using optical and scanning electron microscopy, we studied the surface of niobium single crystals tension deformed along a direction close to [551] in liquid helium medium. Plastic relaxation of stresses generated during mechanical twinning was investigated in detail. Relaxation proceeds by the formation of slip bands and/or secondary twins.
Quantum motion of dislocations through local barriers
Authors: Natsik V. D.
Published: November 2024

Quantum properties of a dislocation segment pinned at its ends and moving in a homogeneous external stress field of a localized defect are considered. A model Hamiltonian for such a system is suggested, and the quasiclassical spectrum and wave functions are found. The Gibbs averaged distribution of probability flow for the central dislocation element from the “before-defect” to the “behind-defect” regions is calculated. The effect of vibrations excited at the dislocation as it collides with the defect on the transition process through the barrier is discussed.
Cis-regulatory elements driving motor neuron-selective viral payload expression within the mammalian spinal cord
Authors: Nagy M. Aurel , Price Spencer , Wang Kristina , Gill Stanley , Ren Erika , Jayne Lorna , Pajak Victoria , Deighan Sarah , Liu Bin , Lu Xiaodong , Diallo Aissatou , Lo Shih-Ching , Kleiman Robin , Henderson Christopher , Suh Junghae , Griffith Eric C. , Greenberg Michael E. , Hrvatin Sinisa
Published: November 2024

Spinal motor neuron (MN) dysfunction is the cause of a number of clinically significant movement disorders. Despite the recent approval of gene therapeutics targeting these MN-related disorders, there are no viral delivery mechanisms that achieve MN-restricted transgene expression. In this study, chromatin accessibility profiling of genetically defined mouse MNs was used to identify candidate cis-regulatory elements (CREs) capable of driving MN-selective gene expression. Subsequent testing of these candidates identified two CREs that confer MN-selective gene expression in the spinal cord as well as reduced off-target expression in dorsal root ganglia. Within one of these candidate elements, we identified a compact core transcription factor (TF)-binding region that drives MN-selective gene expression. Finally, we demonstrated that selective spinal cord expression driven by this mouse CRE is preserved in non-human primates. These findings suggest that cell-type-selective viral reagents in which cell-type-selective CREs drive restricted gene expression will be valuable research tools in mice and other mammalian species, with potentially significant therapeutic value in humans.
Fear and love in Matanzas
Authors: Miller Marilyn G.
Published: November 2024

Many of the most gripping scenes in the first-person account of life under slavery by the
19th-century Cuban poet Juan Francisco Manzano reference pleasures and punishments involving the exercise of the
emotions. His works in both narrative and verse strikingly foreground emotional duress as a central and lasting
product of the psychosocial and physical abuse that characterized enslavement. Denied the free expression of his own
senses and emotions, his autobiographical protagonist is at the same time subject to the degraded sensory indulgences
of overseers and others who force him to participate in acts that perpetuate his own harm. In the dramatic
representation of these traumatic episodes, Manzano notes how his natural liveliness, bonhomie and even affection for
those around him were gradually replaced by overwhelming melancholy and foreboding.
Deposition of VS2/MoS2 bilayer layers of 2D material on nickel inverse opal structural substrates by SILAR and ECD processes as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Chiu Sheng-Kuei , Hong Li-Ting , Louh Rong-Fuh
Published: November 2024

The composition, microstructure, and electrochemical properties of the two kinds of thin film electrode materials, namely VS2/MoS2/Ni-IOS and VS2/MoS2/Ni-foam, were analyzed. The research results indicate that the self-assembled photonic crystal (PhC) templates with adjusted electrophoretic self-assembly processing parameters (100 V cm−1; 7 min) would lead the specimen to a face-centered closely packed structure. Metallic nickel inverse opal structure (IOS) PhCs whose thickness can be freely regulated simply by electrochemical deposition time. VS2 and MoS2 are 2D materials with excellent electrochemical properties. We employed them as the electroactive material in this study and deposited them onto nickel IOS (Ni-IOS) surfaces to form a composite of The specimens exhibited an excellent specific capacitance (2180 F g−1) at a charge–discharge current density of 5 A g−1. After the 2000 cycles during the life test, the sample can still retain the original specific capacitance value by 72.3%. The IOS PhC substrate produced in this work is designed as VS2/MoS2/Ni-IOS supercapacitor electrode materials, which is proved to offer a significant technical contribution to the application of 2D materials in high-performance supercapacitors currently.
Beat the heat: wearable-based study of perceived heat stress and physiological strain in swiss track workers in a controlled climate chamber
Authors: Vázquez Cristina G , Fujs Manuel , Koller Michael F , Wolf Peter , Da Poian Giulia
Published: November 2024

Increasing temperatures pose new challenges for track workers (TWs), who endure prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity. New methods are critically needed to assess their performance and heat tolerance, aiming to mitigate workplace accidents and long-term health consequences. This study aimed to investigate the physiological effects of heat exposure on TWs, using wearable sensors to monitor key physiological parameters under controlled environmental conditions. Nineteen TWs participated in the study, which included two experimental sessions simulating different thermal environments: a typical Swiss summer night and a hot summer day. Participants’ core body temperature, heart rate (HR), and skin temperature were monitored using wearable sensors, and physiological indexes were computed. In addition, perceptual strain index (PeSI) and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) response times were recorded. Statistically significant increases in physiological parameters were observed under hotter conditions. The study identified statistically significant correlations between the PeSI and the physiological strain index and between PeSI and HR. Perceptual scores were consistently higher than the values derived from physiological measurements, suggesting a greater subjective experience of heat strain. The PVT response times were higher on the hotter day, reflecting increased cognitive strain due to heat exposure. The study highlights the critical impact of heat stress on TWs, with statistically significant increases in physiological and cognitive strain under higher temperatures. Future research should focus on real-world applications of heat strain monitoring.
Influence of superelastic training and huge strains on field-induced martensitic variants reorientation in particulate Ni–Mn–Ga/silicone composite
Authors: Chiu Wan-Ting , Sratong-on Pimpet , Tahara Masaki , Chernenko Volodymyr , Hosoda Hideki
Published: November 2024

Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) are promising materials for actuator and transducer devices. Their intrinsic brittleness and high fabrication cost in the bulk form are issues to be solved. One of the solutions is a development of composites comprising these materials as a filler component whereby representing an emerging research field in the FSMAs. To address the improvement and stability challenges of the magnetic field-induced martensitic variant reorientation (MVR) characteristics of the particles in the previously elaborated ‘Ni–Mn–Ga single-crystalline particles/silicone rubber’ composites and to unveil new aspects of their functional behaviors, in the present work, we have investigated MVR characteristics as a function of compression cycling and under huge in-situ opposing contractions. It was found that after cycling with the 30% of compressive strain along the particle chains, the value of switching magnetic field needed to start MVR events was notably reduced, whereas it was almost intact when in-situ measured under the same compression level. In-situ measurements of the ‘magnetization versus magnetic field’ curves of the composite squeezed by 50% or 70% did not show MVR blocking. Instead, they revealed both a drastic decrease of the MVR switching field and narrowing of the MVR interval caused by the barreling effect. The results can be useful for the development of novel types of actuators and transducers.
Analysis of hyperbolic crystals with non-square lattice for improving acoustic energy harvesting
Authors: Sharifi Moghaddam S , Ziaei-Rad S , Loghmani A
Published: November 2024

With the increase in the production of small and low-power electrical devices, there has been an increased focus on creating a useful power source to replace the battery. The energy contained in acoustic waves is one of the attractive energy sources for powering low-power devices. The design and fabrication of metamaterials is one of the effective methods of harvesting acoustic energy that has recently attracted the attention of many researchers. As is presented in this article, the aim is to design and fabricate a novel metamaterial structure with optimal dimensions to improve acoustic energy harvesting in a specific frequency range using a piezoelectric patch. In this metamaterial, hyperbolic crystals with non-square lattice have been used for the first time. This analysis is simulated using the 3D version of Comsol software 6.0. In addition, artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms were used to select the optimal parameters. The results showed that using the non-square lattice of the hyperbolic crystal, more average energy can be harvested in the frequency range of 3310–4325 Hz than in the metamaterial with the cylindrical crystal. Furthermore, the maximum amount of voltage and power extraction with an optimal electrical resistance of 10 kΩ in the metamaterial with the hyperbolic crystals at a frequency of 3374.71 Hz is equal to 27.26 mV and 74.33 nW, respectively, which is much larger compared to the metamaterial with the cylindrical crystals under the same mass and conditions. The simulation results are compared and validated with the experimental results by fabricating the present metamaterial and conducting laboratory tests.
Longitudinal thermoelastic guided waves in functionally graded hollow cylinders with Green–Naghdi thermoelastic theory
Authors: Zhang Xingwang , Zhou Jinjie , Shen Xingquan
Published: November 2024

At present, functional gradient material (FGM) pipelines are widely used in high-temperature environments, and the need for online inspection of such pipelines is becoming more and more urgent. Ultrasonic guided wave is undoubtedly one of the most promising methods for detection, but research on the propagation characteristics of thermoelastic guided wave in high-temperature FGM pipelines is still limited. In this paper, based on Green–Naghdi thermoelastic theory, a theoretical model of longitudinal thermoelastic guided wave in a hollow cylinder of FGM considering temperature effect is established by using the Voigt model, and the governing equations of thermoelastic guided wave are solved by the Legendre series method. The dispersion, displacement, and temperature distribution curves of guided waves in a hollow cylinder of FGM are plotted. The convergence of the method and the influence of the coupling of thermodynamic equations on the dispersion characteristics of guided waves are discussed. The influence of circumferential order, ratio of radius to thickness, gradient index, and temperature change on the dispersion characteristics of guided waves is analyzed. This study provides a theoretical basis for nondestructive testing and evaluation of high-temperature FGM pipelines.