bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective analysis of sleep characteristics, chronotype, and risk of breast cancer in the california teachers study
Authors: Von Behren Julie , Goldberg Debbie , Hurley Susan , Clague DeHart Jessica , Wang Sophia S. , Reynolds Peggy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Poor sleep quality and evening chronotype were associated with increased risk of breast cancer in a previous retrospective study in the California Teachers Study (CTS). The present analysis examines these sleep factors prospectively in the same cohort of women.

Methods

From the CTS, we included 1,085 incident breast cancer cases and 38,470 cancer-free participants from 2012 through 2019. We calculated time at risk and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and control for risk factors such as age, race, body mass index, family history of breast cancer, and reproductive history. The sleep factors examined were quality, latency, duration, disturbance, and sleep medication use, based on a shortened version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, as well as chronotype (preference for morning or evening activity). This analysis was limited to women who were post-menopausal at the time they answered these sleep-related questions.

Results

Measures of sleep quality did not appear to be associated with subsequent breast cancer risk. The HR for evening chronotypes compared to morning chronotypes was somewhat elevated (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04, 1.36).

Conclusion

While the measures of sleep quality and duration were not associated with post-menopausal breast cancer risk in this prospective analysis, the modestly elevated risk observed for evening chronotypes was consistent with the prior retrospective analysis.
Localize surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles using Mie theory
Authors: Alzoubi F. Y. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Aljarrah Ihsan A. , Migdadi A. B. , Al-Bataineh Qais M.
Published: November 2023

In this work, the optical properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were explored using Mie theory compared with the experimental AgNPs using the chemical reduction method. Mie’s theory is suited for accurately evaluating the scattering, absorption, and extinction cross-sections of spherical AgNPs. Therefore, the wavelength of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the optical spectra of the spherical AgNPs was calculated. The experimental AgNPs have a spherical shape with an average particle size of 30 nm. In addition, the crystalline structure of AgNPs was found to be cubic with fcc structure with lattice constant $$a=$$

a
=

4.155 Å. Moreover, the excitation of the LSPR of the AgNPs was simulated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method at different wavelengths to explore the LSPR phenomena. The results show that spherical AgNPs are the most widely used materials in biosensors, biomedicine, optoelectronic devices, and solar cells due to their surface plasmon resonances in the visible spectrum region.
A novel self-gripping long-term resorbable mesh providing temporary support for open primary ventral and incisional hernia
Authors: Vestberg Robert , Lecuivre Julie , Radlovic Amandine , Payet Emilie , Bayon Yves , Bouré Ludovic
Published: November 2023

A novel synthetic fully long-term resorbable self-gripping mesh has been recently developed to reinforce soft tissue where weakness exists during ventral hernia repair open procedures. This resorbable mesh is a macroporous, knitted, poly-L-lactide, poly-trimethylene carbonate copolymer monofilament mesh with the ProGrip™ technology, providing grips on one side of the mesh. A new poly-L-lactide, poly-trimethylene copolymer was developed to provide the required features for mechanical support during at least 20 weeks covering the critical healing period, including resistance to fatigue under cyclic loading conditions, as it occurs in patients. The yarns and mesh initial physical and biomechanical properties were characterized. Then, the mesh mechanical strength was evaluated over time. The mechanical properties of the proposed mesh were found to be above the generally recognized threshold value to mechanically support the repair site of a hernia over a 20-week period during in-vitro cyclic loading test. The mesh performance was evaluated in vivo using a published preclinical porcine model of hernia repair at 4-, 12- and 20-weeks post implantation. The burst strength of the hernia repair sites reinforced with the new mesh were higher at 4 & 12 weeks and comparable at 20 weeks to the one of the native abdominal walls. At all time points, the mesh was well tolerated with moderate inflammation and was fast integrated in the abdominal wall at 4 weeks. Particularly, the grips were nicely engulfed in the newly formed connective tissue. They must facilitate the anchoring of the mesh by their extension from the mesh and their mushroom shape. The preclinical data of the self-gripping resorbable mesh suggests that it has all the favorable characteristics for future clinical use during ventral hernia repair open procedures.

Graphical Abstract
Growth mindset as a protective factor for middle schoolers at academic risk
Authors: Younger Jessica Wise , D’Esposito Zoe , Geng Irene S. , Haft Stephanie L. ,   Project iLEAD Consortium, O’Laughlin Kristine D. , Anguera Joaquin A. , Bunge Silvia A. , Ferrer Emilio E. , Hoeft Fumiko , McCandliss Bruce D. , Mishra Jyoti , Rosenberg-Lee Miriam , Gazzaley Adam , Uncapher Melina R.
Published: November 2023

Growth mindset has been shown to predict academic achievement in a variety of student populations, though the strength of the relationship can vary depending on the characteristics of the students examined. Using a large-scale sample of middle school students from a diverse district in the United States, we examine how multiple facets of students’ experiences and background characteristics may interact to impact the relation between mindset and academic achievement. We consider whether the risk factors of socioeconomic status (including a student’s daily experience of that status) and recent school transition interacted with mindset in predicting academic achievement. We show that mindset is most predictive of academic achievement in students with two academic risk factors. These results highlight the importance of context when considering how mindset might be used to improve academic achievement for students at the greatest academic risk.
Potentially toxic elements in different tissues of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) at a wetland area
Authors: Lehel József , Grúz Adrienn , Bartha András , Menyhárt László , Szabó Rita , Tibor Kocsner , Budai Péter
Published: November 2023

Concentrations of 4 potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) were investigated in the feather, liver, kidney, and bone of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). The tissue samples were taken at the Central Tisza - Jászság Nature Conservation Area in Hungary. They were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The goal of the investigation was to analyse the metal burden of the above-mentioned elements in the various tissues of these wild birds and to provide important information for monitoring the environmental pollution.

Amongst the examined potentially toxic elements no statistical gender difference was observed, so the data were not separated based on them during the statistical analysis. The concentration of mercury was the highest in the feather, followed by the liver, kidney, and bone. The lead was detected in the feather with the highest level followed by the kidney, liver, and bone. The cadmium was determined in all investigated tissues with the next descending order: kidney > bone > liver > feather. Highest arsenic concentration was measured in the feather, followed by liver, kidney, and bone with the same concentration.

The detected concentrations of the investigated potentially toxic elements in different tissues of great cormorants (feathers, liver, kidney, bone) means that the living area of this birds is not highly contaminated to induce health problems or toxic signs, or even other undesirable effect in the animals.
Unpacking the complexities of crisis innovation: a comprehensive review of ecosystem-level responses to exogenous shocks
Authors: Brem Alexander , Nylund Petra A. , Roshani Saeed
Published: November 2023

Innovation in times of crisis has experienced a flood of research in the wake of recent events. These studies are dispersed over a broad range of fields and do not adequately reflect earlier research or prior crises. To encourage the convergence of related literature streams, we define crisis innovation as an ecosystem-level process to meet the needs of—and overcome the resource constraints derived from—an exogenous shock. We then conduct a systematic literature review aided by machine learning techniques, specifically utilizing topic modeling. We derive a taxonomy of crisis innovation, which represents innovation as a response to societal crisis, funding crisis, financial crisis, economic crisis, digitalization, transformation, political crisis, strategy crisis, and organizational crisis. We find that crisis innovation drives digitalization through increased motivation for open and ecosystem innovation, but also that the dynamic network structures required for lasting digital transformation are often not implemented during crisis.
Teaching for statistical and data literacy in K-12 STEM education: a systematic review on teacher variables, teacher education, and impacts on classroom practice
Authors: Schreiter Saskia , Friedrich Anja , Fuhr Hannah , Malone Sarah , Brünken Roland , Kuhn Jochen , Vogel Markus
Published: November 2023

Statistical and data literacy have emerged as key competencies in the 21st-century. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula have been adapted in various countries to place increased emphasis on proficient data use and statistical comprehension. Consequently, there is a need for an adequate education and professional training of STEM teachers. This systematic review analyzes and synthesizes research on teachers’ statistical and data literacy in K-12 STEM education. A total of 42 articles were analyzed, with a specific focus on teacher variables, teacher education, and their impact on classroom practice. The findings emphasize the recent emergence of research in this domain, particularly focusing on statistical literacy, with mathematics being the dominant STEM domain explored. Most studies examined cognitive variables of both pre-service and in-service teachers, revealing relevant gaps in knowledge and skills related to statistical and data literacy. Limited attention was given to teachers’ affective variables. Research on the complex relationships between teacher variables, their teaching practices, and their students’ learning is scarce, necessitating further investigation. Several pedagogical approaches to prepare STEM teachers for promoting statistical and data literacy in their classrooms were identified. Positive impacts on teachers’ cognitive and affective variables were observed, but longitudinal effects and transfer to classroom practice require further inquiry. As curricula worldwide increasingly emphasize statistical and data literacy, this review underscores the necessity of enhancing teachers' competencies, advocates for tailored pedagogical approaches, and emphasizes the need for further research to shape effective instruction in K-12 STEM education.
A Clinician’s Guide to the Changing Aortic Stenosis Landscape: Updates in Aortic Stenosis Diagnosis, Surveillance and Management
Authors: Meredith Thomas , Roy David , Muller David , Namasivayam Mayooran
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

This review aims to update healthcare providers on contemporary diagnostic and treatment information pertaining to aortic stenosis.

Recent findings

The prevalence of aortic stenosis continues to increase, and so does the burden of treatable disease. This has important implications for healthcare systems and the economy. Accurate classification of aortic stenosis severity and determining optimal treatment timing remains a prime challenge to treating physicians. Furthermore, the drastic uptake of transcatheter aortic valve replacement has generated novel issues pertaining to younger patients whose post-intervention survival now exceeds device durability.

The keys to optimizing patient outcomes are delivering accuracy in disease classification, treatment selection and timing and procedural planning.
P2X7 Receptor: an Emerging Target in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Huang Qiang , Ying Jun , Yu Wen , Dong Yao , Xiong Hao , Zhang Yiping , Liu Jie , Wang Xifeng , Hua Fuzhou
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of age-related dementia, which is becoming a global health crisis. However, the pathogenesis and etiology of AD are still not fully understood. And there are no valid treatment methods or precise diagnostic tools for AD. There is increasing evidence that P2X7R expression is upregulated in AD and is involved in multiple related pathological processes such as Aβ plaques, neurogenic fiber tangles, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. This suggests that P2X7R may be a key player in the development of AD. P2X7R is a member of the ligand-gated purinergic receptor (P2X) family. It has received attention in neuroscience due to its role in a wide range of aging and age-related neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize current information on the roles of P2X7R in AD and suggest potential pharmacological interventions to slow down AD progression.
Corpses, diehards and clubs: Ultras and organized crime in Italy
Authors: Scalia Vincenzo
Published: November 2023

This work will be dealing with the relation between football and organized crime in Italy. It will attempt to critically analyse the relations between football and organized crime. Its focus will be on the relation between ultras, that is a relevant part of organized supporters, and organized crime. The paper devotes particular attention to a 2017 Report of the Italian Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission which deals with the relationship between football and mafia. The analysis of the Anti-mafia Committee Report will help the purpose of de-constructing the assumptions that, firstly, there exists an organic alliance between ultras and organized crime, and, secondly, that this connection provides the ground for an infiltration of football as a business “from below”. Deconstruction will work by analysing the most relevant cases outlined by the Report of the Committee and relating them with the main theories of organised crime. It will thus become evident that there is no such thing as an organic alliance between criminal organisations and the ultras. Moreover, it will be evident that there is not a uniform pattern, but, rather, a difference between various local situations, according to the context.
The threat of ransomware in the food supply chain: a challenge for food defence
Authors: Manning Louise , Kowalska Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

In the food industry, the level of awareness of the need for food defence strategies has accelerated in recent years, in particular, mitigating the threat of ransomware. During the Covid-19 pandemic there were a number of high-profile organised food defence attacks on the food industry using ransomware, leading to imperative questions over the extent of the sector’s vulnerability to cyber-attack. This paper explores food defence through the lens of contemporary ransomware attacks in order to frame the need for an effective ransomware defence strategy at organisational and industry level. Food defence strategies have historically focused on extortion and sabotage as threats, but often in terms of physical rather than cyber-related attacks. The globalisation, digitalisation and integration of food supply chains can increase the level of vulnerability to ransomware. Ransomware is an example of an organised food defence threat that can operationalise both extortion and sabotage, but the perpetrators are remote, non-visible and often anonymous. Organisations need to adopt an effective food defence strategy that reduces the risk of a ransomware attack and can enable targeted and swift action in the event an incident occurs. Further collaboration between government and the private sector is needed for the development of effective governance structures addressing the risk of ransomware attacks. The novelty of this article lies in analysing the issue of ransomware attacks from the perspective of the food sector and food defence strategy. This study is of potential interest to academics, policy makers and those working in the industry.
Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin: a qualitative study of problematic skin picking in Italian women
Authors: Montali Lorenzo , Garnieri Sara
Published: November 2023

Skin picking disorder (SPD) is a body-focused repetitive behavior recently added to the DSM-V. It mainly affects women, with a prevalence ranging from 1.5 to 5.4%. Picking causes skin lesions that can lead to serious infections and permanent skin problems, usually on the face, scalp, arms, and legs. The behavior impairs quality of life and is associated with psychological distress and difficulties in managing emotions. The disorder causes social embarrassment, leading to avoidance and social withdrawal. As the literature on the perspectives of people with SPD is limited, our research aimed to analyze the meanings they attribute to the behavior and its consequences. A second aim was to explore how interacting with an online community can affect the management of the condition. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we interviewed twenty-one Italian women (aged 18–50) who self-identified as having SPD and were recruited through an online forum dedicated to the disorder. Three themes framed our analysis: “A stick in the wheel of everyday life,” “Other people’s eyes make you realize what you are doing is wrong,” and “The struggling search for control.” These themes highlight the impact of SPD on different areas of life, the difficulties in accessing competent healthcare providers, the stigma experienced by participants, and the usefulness of the online group on an informative, emotional, and social level. A better understanding of these patients’ perspectives can be useful for those providing professional care and those planning services for them in a Health Co-Inquiry approach that values patients’ activation.
Caregivers of ALS Patients: Their Experiences and Needs
Authors: Yang Kun , Xue Hongxia , Li Li , Tang Shan
Published: November 2023

We explored the care experiences and needs of the home caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to improve their quality of life. We interviewed home caregivers in-depth and analyzed the data using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. We interviewed 11 home caregivers of patients with ALS with a disease duration between 1.5 and 4 years. Primary caregivers were predominantly female and were the patients' spouses. Daily caregiving time averaged 4–14 h for 0.5–3.5 years. Interview themes included helplessness and adaptation to life changes, hopelessness, compassion for the patient’s prognosis, and expectation for diverse support. The study sample size was limited, as all participants were from a single tertiary hospital, and all patients had severe functional impairment. Caregivers of patients with ALS experience a considerable burden. Patients and their caregivers can benefit from diversified support channels, and assistive communication systems can be applied to home care. Future research will focus on in-home public long-term care services in China.
Bending behavior of structured steel sheets with undercuts for interlocking with Al die-cast metal
Authors: Ringel Aron , Hirt Gerhard
Published: November 2023

Due to the current changes in mobility, lightweight design concepts continue to be of particular interest to the automotive industry. One form is the multi-material design, in which the advantageous properties of different materials are combined in one component. In this work, a component made of a steel sheet with stiffening structures of cast aluminum is considered. The joint is created by channel structures with undercuts on the surface of the steel sheet, into which the molten aluminum can flow. After solidification, an interlocking connection is created. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of a bending operation on the surface structure before the die casting process. Numerical simulations and experimental validations were performed with different bending angles and radii as well as orientations between the channel structure and the punch. The results show that the undercuts on the outer radius are reduced by up to 75% by the bending operation, thus weakening the resulting joint. On the inner radius, the channel opening width narrows by up to 73% and can thus impede the filling with the melt.
Cultivar-dependent and drought-induced modulation of secondary metabolites, adaptative defense in Fagopyrum esculentum L
Authors: Oksana Sytar , Marek Kovar , Marian Brestic , Marek Zivcak
Published: November 2023

The present study investigates the biochemical responses of buckwheat to drought stress, particularly focusing on phenolic acids and flavonoids, abundant in this crop. We hypothesize that distinct genotypic responses to drought stress will lead to variations in phenolic acid accumulation. Two common buckwheat cultivars, Panda (East European origin) and PI 482597 (originating from Zimbabwe), were subjected to drought treatment, with biochemical traits, relative water content, and photosynthetic pigments regularly assessed. While chlorophyll content remained unaffected by dehydration, total carotenoid content decreased. The unique increase in the chlorophyll to carotenoid ratio suggests a specific role of carotenoids in buckwheat's metabolic stress response. While most phenolic acids and flavonoids exhibited increasing trends during progressive dehydration, their dynamics differed. Notably, rutin content increased early in drought stress, while chlorogenic acid and kaempferol showed enhanced levels only under severe dehydration. Genotypic differences were observed in chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and quercetin. Conversely, trans-p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, vanillic acid, rutin, and kaempferol showed similar trends in both cultivars. By aligning observed drought-induced changes in phenolic compound contents with biosynthesis pathways, trade-offs between individual compounds were identified, contributing to the mechanistic understanding of varied stress responses.
Brief lifestyle advice in cardiac care: an experimental study on message source and framing
Authors: IJzerman Renée V. H. , van der Vaart Rosalie , Breeman Linda D. , van den Broek Inge , Keesman Mike , Kraaijenhagen Roderik A. , Reijnders Thomas , Weerts Margo , Evers Andrea W. M. , Scholte op Reimer Wilma J. M. , Janssen Veronica R. ,   the BENEFIT consortium
Published: November 2023

Objective

Communicating risk information and offering lifestyle advice are important goals in cardiac rehabilitation. However, the most effective way and the most effective source to communicate this information are not yet known. Therefore, we examined the effect of source (cardiologist, physiotherapist) and framing (gain, loss) of brief lifestyle advice on patients’ intention-to-change-lifestyle.

Methods

In an online experimental study, 636 cardiac patients (40% female, 67 (10) yrs.) were randomly assigned to one of four textual vignettes. Effect of source and framing on intention-to-change-lifestyle (assessed using a 5-point Likert scale) was analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

Patients expressed positive intention-to-change-lifestyle after receiving advice from the cardiologist (M = 4.1) and physiotherapist (M = 3.9). However, patients showed significantly higher intention-to-change-lifestyle after receiving advice from the cardiologist (0.58 [0.54–0.61]) when compared with the physiotherapist (0.52 [0.48–0.56]), (F[1,609] = 7.06, P = 0.01). Gain-framed and loss-framed advice appeared equally effective. However, communicating risks (loss) was remembered by only 9% of patients, whereas 89% remembered benefits (gain).

Conclusions

Our study shows the value of cardiologists and physiotherapists communicating brief lifestyle advice, as cardiac patients expressed positive intention for lifestyle change after receiving advice, irrespective of framing. Lifestyle advice should include benefits due to better recall.
Apps: eerste keus ‘medicijn’ voor patiënten met diabetes mellitus type 2?
Authors: Smeijers Judith Johanna , Bults Marloes , den Ouden Marjolein Elisabeth Maria , Bekhuis Robin Enya Marije
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

Er zijn verschillende mobiele gezondheidsapps beschikbaar voor patiënten met diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2). In de huidige diabeteszorg worden deze apps beperkt ingezet door eerstelijnsprofessionals. In dit onderzoek zijn de attitude, barrières en technologiekwalificaties van eerstelijnsprofessionals ten aanzien van mobiele gezondheidsapps in kaart gebracht.

Methode

In een kwalitatief onderzoek zijn semigestructureerde interviews afgenomen bij twaalf eerstelijnsprofessionals. De gebruikte topiclijst was gebaseerd op het Enhanced Technology Acceptance Model en V‑model. De data zijn met ATLAS.ti9 geanalyseerd via een thematische analyse (deductieve codering).

Resultaten

Eerstelijnsprofessionals zien potentie in het gebruik van mHealth voor patiënten met DMT2. De meest door eerstelijnsprofessionals genoemde patiëntgerelateerde barrières zijn: hogere leeftijd van patiënten (> 65 jaar), het ontbreken van digitale vaardigheden en gebrek aan motivatie en kennis bij patiënten. Professionalgerelateerde barrières waren: gebrekkige/ontbrekende koppeling met het huisartsinformatiesysteem en beperkte tijd voor de professional om zich te verdiepen in mHealth. Eerstelijnsprofessionals vinden dat ze voldoende technologiekwalificaties bezitten om patiënten te vertellen en instrueren over mHealth. Hierbij is scholing van belang. Eerstelijnsprofessionals missen informatie om betrouwbare apps te vinden, en om veilig en vaardig met apps te werken.

Conclusie

Eerstelijnsprofessionals hebben een positieve attitude ten aanzien van mHealth. Om mHealth in de huidige diabeteszorg te integreren is het van belang dat professionals technologiekwalificaties ontwikkelen, er voldoende tijd beschikbaar is en er een koppeling is tussen mHealth en bestaande informatiesystemen.
A Qualitative Slope Stability Assessment of Hill Slopes Using Multiple Integrated Approaches Along Bafliaz – Poshiana (Mughal) Road, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Khan Imran , Bahuguna Harish , Kumar Parveen
Published: November 2023

Transport, communication and socio-economic activities in the hilly areas are completely dependent on the road network. The road network connecting Bafliaz to Shopian town (known as Mughal Road) plays a vital role in the transportation and other activities of the region. It connects the Kashmir Valley with Jammu city and is strategically very important to the country. Almost the entire road length of Mughal Road is vulnerable to landslide incidences and the events of occurrence/recurrence of landslides indicate that the probability of landslide/slope failure is higher along the road cut slopes during the event of antecedent and heavy rainfall and snowfall events. In order to assess the stability of hill slopes, it becomes of utmost importance to understand the failure mechanism along these slopes. In this regard, the slope stability assessment has been carried out by using multiple integrated approaches like the Markland test of kinematic analysis, Geological Strength Index (GSI), Rock mass classification (RMR), and Slope Mass Rating (SMR) at different locations. The type of failure and direction of potential failures for individual slopes have been identified. The obtained results of RMR vary from 23 to 38 after adjustment rating (poor rock mass), SMR from 0 to 54 (very bad to fair rock mass), CSMR from 0 to 53 (very bad to fair rock mass) and the GSI values range from 35 to 45 (poor to fair rock mass). Markland’s test of Kinematic check reveals that planar and wedge failures are the most common phenomenon along the Mughal Road sector.
Geospatial Modeling of Groundwater Potential Using Multi-criteria Decision Analysis in Humid Subtropical Region, India
Authors: Sriharsha Sridharam , Ghose Dillip Kumar
Published: November 2023

This study uses geospatial modeling and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to assess the Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZs) in Cachar District, India. Twelve influencing factors, namely Geomorphology, geology, soil type, Land Use Land Cover (LULC), rainfall, slope, drainage density, lineament density, elevation, aspect, Topographic Ruggedness Index (TRI), and Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), are considered, and thematic maps are prepared in Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. To measure the weightages of these factors, Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and Best Worst Method (BWM) are the MCDA techniques used. The GPZs are generated using weights and reclassified into low, medium, and high zones. The major portion of the region is classified as the medium potential zone, with 64.25% and 63.96% of the total area using AHP and BWM, respectively. The validation with groundwater data for the two GPZ maps reveals that 10 out of 12 locations have been predicted accurately. BWM, with a lesser comparison matrix, performed as efficiently as AHP and has proven to be a better MCDA technique in spatial modeling GPZ for sustainable groundwater conservation.
Road Drains, An Efficient Tool for Groundwater Recharge – A Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Study on Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Stephen Pendyala , Mahammood Vazeer , Adiseshu S.
Published: November 2023

Depletion of groundwater levels has become a significant concern worldwide, particularly during dry seasons. The study proposes an innovative and effective method to increase recharge by proposing road drains with the help of geospatial technologies. The study recommends pervious concrete, which allows water to pass through it and recharge the groundwater table. Experiments are carried out with pervious concrete on four different soil types, and the results were analysed using Geographical Information System (GIS) to provide an effective solution for managing water resources in Visakhapatnam. The derived results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of water resources and improve the overall water utilization efficiency of urban areas. The outcomes of this study drive attention towards the necessity of road drains for groundwater recharge. GIS analysis of the results suggests that in Visakhapatnam alone, a total length of 1,559.94 km of road drains along residential, primary and highway roads can be planned to recharge and conserve a total volume of 3,79,08,762.3 m3/hrs. of groundwater by using the pervious concrete as road drains.
Multispectral Imaging in Mapping and Utilization of Sensitive Bands for Characterization of Waste Rock Dumps: A Case Study of Dongri Buzurg Manganese Mine, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shome Sanniv , Chakraborty Surajit , Dhar Rohit Basu , Sikdar Pradip K , Pathak Khanindra , Mhaske Sushil , Sinha Suranjan
Published: November 2023

Waste rock dumping is a major problem for opencast mine. The key approach to waste rock dump management is its re-use in the form of aggregates, m-sand, etc. which is also the basis of circular economy. The application of multispectral satellite data is considered to be one of the best approaches to characterise the mineral content of the waste rock dumps. In this research, multispectral data from Landsat 9 (OLI) were used to determine the sensitive bands for muscovite schist and gneissic rocks present in the hanging wall and footwall faces of an open-cast manganese mine in India. The behaviour of the spectral signature curves and their association with the surface reflectance values were used to identify these sensitive bands. XRF and XRD were used to identify the minerals of the rocks. The spectral signature reflectance curves obtained from the multispectral data of the identified minerals were compared with the USGS spectral libraries to determine these sensitive bands (bands 4, 5, 6, and 7) for rocks. Applying the band ratio technique, formulae representing the optimal band ratios were developed for mineral mapping. Methods like object-oriented principal component (PC) and independent component (IC) analyses were applied to determine the lithology based on spectral characteristics. False colour composite images in the RGB band combinations (PC4-PC3-PC1) and (IC4-IC2-IC1) were utilised for precise mineral mapping of the area. The methods were also validated with the waste rock dumps of a neighbouring manganese mine having similar geological setting.
Influence of Mineralogy, Organic Matter and Thermal Maturity on the Diagenetic Evolution of Pore Systems in the Shales of Cambay and Raniganj Basin, India
Authors: Boruah Annapurna , Prusty Basant Kumar
Published: November 2023

The mineral composition, organic matter, thermal maturity, and diagenesis control the shale reservoir properties, including the pore distribution, variable fluid distribution, microstructure, heterogeneity, etc. The shale layers of the Cambay Formation and the Raniganj Formation are considered prospective shale gas resources in India. This paper focuses on the detailed analysis of shale from the Cambay Formation (Eocene age) of the Cambay Basin and the Raniganj Formation (Permian age) of the Raniganj Basin, India. The whole rock X-ray diffraction data indicates that quartz is the dominant mineral in both the shales (Raniganj and Cambay shale) of the Raniganj and the Cambay Basin. The main clay minerals are clinochlore, smectite-kaolinite, illite, and kaolinite in the Raniganj shale, while kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illitesmectite are the dominant clay minerals in the Cambay shale. The total organic content (TOC) ranges from 4.97 to 17.88 wt.% and 1.16-7.6% in the Raniganj and Cambay shales respectively. For the studied shale section, the TOC shows a gradual decrease with respect to depth in both shale types. The Raniganj shale has 3.8 to 8.3 percent total porosity, and the Cambay shale contains 1.16 to 6.5% total porosity. The increasing thermal maturity with the higher TOC corresponds to the more developed organic pores in the Raniganj shale. In contrast, the secondary pores are developing in the Cambay shale due to dissolution activities and enhancing the storage capacity. The study infers that the mineral composition and diagenesis are playing a crucial role in the pore system evolution of the shale in both the basins.
Geomicrobial Exploration of Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria Indigenous to Kapurdi and Jalipa Lignite Mine Site, Rajasthan
Authors: Bhandari Prashasti , Choudhary Sangeeta
Published: November 2023

The metabolic versatility and potential of microbes enables their survival and growth in harsh condition such as sites ravaged by mining activities. The Kapurdi lignite deposit of the Barmer Basin is one of the important Tertiary lignite deposits underlying the Great Indian Thar desert in the north-western part of Rajasthan. The diversity of culturable sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in Kapurdi and Jalipa lignite mine site, Barmer, Rajasthan was assessed in this study. Bacteria were isolated by plating on selective thiosulfate mineral media, and dominant isolates were identified from their physiological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The obligate chemolithotrophic SOB were identified as Thermithiobacillus sp. strain KO11, KO12, KO13 (OP788122, OP788123, OP788124). Whereas heterotrophic SOB was identified as Bacillus sp.strain KO1 (OP788112), Bacillus sp. strain KO2 (OP788113), Bacillus sp.strain KO3 (OP788114), Enterobacter sp.strain KO4, KO5, KO6, KO9 (OP788115, OP788116, OP788117, OP788120), Leclercia sp. Strain KO7 (OP788118), Pantoea sp. strain KO8(OP788119), and Rhodococcussp.strain KO10 (OP788121). The culture condition was optimized for the two most potential SOB i.e., Thermithiobacillus sp. strain KO11 and Leclercia sp. strain KO7. Both the isolates grew well and produced maximum amount of sulfate in thiosulfate mineral media at pH 8.0 and with 40 mM of thiosulfate substrate. Thermithiobacillus sp. strain KO11 had the optimum growth at 45°C indicating its thermophillic nature whereas, Leclercia sp. strain KO7 had optimum growth at 35°C. This study significantly enhances our knowledge of native bacteria in mining impacted environments and their role in biogeochemical cycling of sulfur.
Gross ecosystem product (GEP): Quantifying nature for environmental and economic policy innovation
Authors: Zheng Hua , Wu Tong , Ouyang Zhiyun , Polasky Stephen , Ruckelshaus Mary , Wang Lijuan , Xiao Yi , Gao Xiaolong , Li Cong , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: November 2023

The large-scale loss of ecosystem assets around the world, and the resultant reduction in the provision of nature’s benefits to people, underscores the urgent need for better metrics of ecological performance as well as their integration into decision-making. Gross ecosystem product (GEP) is a measure of the aggregate monetary value of final ecosystem-related goods and services in a specific area and for a given accounting period. GEP accounting captures the use of many ecosystem services in production processes across the economy, which are then valued in terms of their benefits to society. GEP has five key elements that make it transparent, trackable, and readily understandable: (1) a focus on nature’s contributions to people; (2) the measurement of ecosystem assets as stocks and ecosystem services as flows; (3) the quantification of ecosystem service use; (4) an understanding of ecosystem service supply chains through value realization; and (5) the disaggregation of benefits across groups. Correspondingly, a series of innovative policies based on GEP have been designed and implemented in China. The theoretical and practical lessons provided by these experiences can support continued policy innovation for green and inclusive development around the world.
A New Paradigm for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Fefferman Nina H. , McAlister John S. , Akpa Belinda S. , Akwataghibe Kelechi , Azad Fahim Tasneema , Barkley Katherine , Bleichrodt Amanda , Blum Michael J. , Bourouiba L. , Bromberg Yana , Candan K. Selçuk , Chowell Gerardo , Clancey Erin , Cothran Fawn A. , DeWitte Sharon N. , Fernandez Pilar , Finnoff David , Flaherty D. T. , Gibson Nathaniel L. , Harris Natalie , He Qiang , Lofgren Eric T. , Miller Debra L. , Moody James , Muccio Kaitlin , Nunn Charles L. , Papeș Monica , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch. , Pasquale Dana K. , Reed J. Michael , Rogers Matthew B. , Schreiner Courtney L. , Strand Elizabeth B. , Swanson Clifford S. , Szabo-Rogers Heather L. , Ryan Sadie J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

Preparing for pandemics requires a degree of interdisciplinary work that is challenging under the current paradigm. This review summarizes the challenges faced by the field of pandemic science and proposes how to address them.

Recent Findings

The structure of current siloed systems of research organizations hinders effective interdisciplinary pandemic research. Moreover, effective pandemic preparedness requires stakeholders in public policy and health to interact and integrate new findings rapidly, relying on a robust, responsive, and productive research domain. Neither of these requirements are well supported under the current system.

We propose a new paradigm for pandemic preparedness wherein interdisciplinary research and close collaboration with public policy and health practitioners can improve our ability to prevent, detect, and treat pandemics through tighter integration among domains, rapid and accurate integration, and translation of science to public policy, outreach and education, and improved venues and incentives for sustainable and robust interdisciplinary work.
Psychobiological effects of an eHealth psychoeducational intervention to informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Singh Solorzano Claudio , Cattane Nadia , Mega Anna , Orini Stefania , Zanetti Orazio , Chattat Rabih , Marizzoni Moira , Pievani Michela , Cattaneo Annamaria , Festari Cristina
Published: November 2023

Background

The workload associated with caring for a person with dementia (PwD) could negatively affect informal caregivers’ physical and mental health. According to the recent literature, there is a need for studies testing the implementation of affordable and accessible interventions for improving caregivers’ well-being.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8 week eHealth psychoeducation intervention held during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy in reducing the psychological burden and neuroendocrine markers of stress in caregivers of PwD.

Methods

Forty-one informal caregivers of PwD completed the eHealth psychoeducation intervention. Self-reported (i.e., caregiver burden, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and caregiver self-efficacy) and cortisol measurements were collected before and after the intervention.

Results

Following the intervention, the caregivers’ self-efficacy regarding the ability to respond to disruptive behaviours improved (t = − 2.817, p = 0.007), anxiety and burden levels decreased (state anxiety: t = 3.170, p = 0.003; trait anxiety: t = 2.327, p = 0.025; caregiver burden: t = 2.290, p = 0.027), while depressive symptoms and cortisol levels did not change significantly. Correlation analyses showed that the increase in self-efficacy was positively associated with the improvement of caregiver burden from pre- to post-intervention (r = 0.386, p = 0.014). The intervention had a low rate of dropout (n = 1, due to the patient’s death) and high levels of appreciation.

Discussion

The positive evidence and participation rate support the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed eHealth psychoeducational intervention to meet the need for knowledge of disease management and possibly reduce detrimental effects on caregivers’ psychological well-being.

Conclusion

Further placebo-controlled trials are needed to test the generalizability and specificity of our results.
Intelligent Recognition Using Ultralight Multifunctional Nano-Layered Carbon Aerogel Sensors with Human-Like Tactile Perception
Authors: Zhao Huiqi , Zhang Yizheng , Han Lei , Qian Weiqi , Wang Jiabin , Wu Heting , Li Jingchen , Dai Yuan , Zhang Zhengyou , Bowen Chris R. , Yang Ya
Published: November 2023

Humans can perceive our complex world through multi-sensory fusion. Under limited visual conditions, people can sense a variety of tactile signals to identify objects accurately and rapidly. However, replicating this unique capability in robots remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a new form of ultralight multifunctional tactile nano-layered carbon aerogel sensor that provides pressure, temperature, material recognition and 3D location capabilities, which is combined with multimodal supervised learning algorithms for object recognition. The sensor exhibits human-like pressure (0.04–100 kPa) and temperature (21.5–66.2 °C) detection, millisecond response times (11 ms), a pressure sensitivity of 92.22 kPa−1 and triboelectric durability of over 6000 cycles. The devised algorithm has universality and can accommodate a range of application scenarios. The tactile system can identify common foods in a kitchen scene with 94.63% accuracy and explore the topographic and geomorphic features of a Mars scene with 100% accuracy. This sensing approach empowers robots with versatile tactile perception to advance future society toward heightened sensing, recognition and intelligence.
Formative Use of Assessment to Foster Self-Regulated Learning: the Alignment of Teachers’ Conceptions and Classroom Assessment Practices
Authors: van der Linden Jeroen , van der Vleuten Cees , Nieuwenhuis Loek , van Schilt-Mol Tamara
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the pivotal role of self-regulated learning in higher education and explores to what extent teachers’ conceptions of formative assessment influence the development of students’ self-regulated learning skills. Despite the recognised significance of self-regulated learning, many students in higher education lack effective self-regulation strategies. Therefore, the teachers’ role is paramount. We investigated teachers’ beliefs and practices concerning assessment and the influence on self-regulated learning development through qualitative interviews with 16 teachers from different programmes. Findings reveal that teachers, influenced by their conceptions, strive to provide feedback primarily at the task and process levels, not adequately addressing the self-regulation level. While teachers acknowledge the importance of fostering self-regulated learning when inquired, their classroom practices lack a focus on the self-regulation level, often assuming students acquired the necessary skills from previous education. The study underscores a misalignment between teachers’ recognition of the importance of self-regulation learning and their actual practices. Recommendations emphasise the necessity of raising awareness among teachers about the important role of feedback in enhancing students’ self-regulation, addressing the current gap in educational support. Future research should explore how to bridge this awareness-practice gap and create an environment conducive to the development of self-regulated learning.
A Comparative Study of Using Boosting-Based Machine Learning Algorithms for IoT Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Saied Mohamed , Guirguis Shawkat , Madbouly Magda
Published: November 2023

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment has revolutionized the quality of living standards by enabling seamless connectivity and automation. However, the widespread adoption of IoT has also brought forth significant security challenges for manufacturers and consumers alike. Detecting network intrusions in IoT networks using machine learning techniques shows promising potential. However, selecting an appropriate machine learning algorithm for intrusion detection poses a considerable challenge. Improper algorithm selection can lead to reduced detection accuracy, increased risk of network infection, and compromised network security. This article provides a comparative evaluation to six state-of-the-art boosting-based algorithms for detecting intrusions in IoT. The methodology overview involves benchmarking the performance of the selected boosting-based algorithms in multi-class classification. The evaluation includes a comprehensive classification performance analysis includes accuracy, precision, detection rate, F1 score, as well as a temporal performance analysis includes training and testing times.