bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents in extraction processes: a review
Authors: Makoś-Chełstowska Patrycja , Słupek Edyta , Fourmentin Sophie , Gębicki Jacek
Published: November 2024

Solvent selection is essential for industrial and analytical extraction processes to ensure environmental safety and neutrality. Nevertheless, toxic and hazardous solvents are often used, due to their cost-effectiveness and ready availability. In green chemistry, alternative solvents such as supramolecular deep eutectic solvents are gaining attention due to their superior performance compared with traditional non-green solvents in certain applications. Here we review the use of supramolecular deep eutectic solvents as a green solvent for analytical and industrial liquid–liquid extraction processes, with focus on physicochemical properties, extraction conditions, the capacity factor, the enrichment factor, fuel desulfurization, extraction of biological active compounds, lignin valorization, and sample preparation.
Ecological intensification for biocontrol of aphids requires severing myrmecophily
Authors: Herrera Sebastian Larsson , Badra Zaid , Hansen Mette Frimodt , Shankarkumar Advaith Chakravarthy , Kleman Isabella , Tasin Marco , Dekker Teun
Published: November 2024

With the rollback of insecticides, novel tools for pest control are urgently needed. Aphids are particularly a major concern with few sustainable control alternatives. Ecological intensification has been promoted as a way of “inviting" back nature’s self-regulating abilities into agricultural production systems. Although such measures enhance the presence of natural enemies in agroecosystems, we demonstrate that in an ecologically intensified apple orchard, biocontrol of rosy apple aphid was minimal. We verified why the biodiverse settings did not result in enhanced ecosystem services, i.e., biological control of the rosy apple aphid. Close monitoring of food–web interactions in thousands of aphid colonies showed that tending ants dominated responses, while those of natural enemies were weak or absent. However, application of artificial aphid honeydew diverted ants from tending aphids and flipped the myrmecophily-dominated state into favoring numerical responses of a guild of natural enemies. Responses were swift and controlled both Aphis pomi and Dysaphis plantaginea, provided intervention was synced with aphid and predator phenology. Although myrmecophily in aphids is well-known on its own accord, it has been completely overlooked in ecological intensification. To unlock the aphid-biocontrol potential provided through ecological intensification, myrmecophily needs to be disrupted. Although particularly true for perennial systems, generally practices that reduce soil disturbance favor ants and may amplify aphid pests, thereby reducing biocontrol impacts in ecological intensification efforts. Harnessing ecosystem services requires careful analysis and good understanding of agroecosystem intricacies.
Social inequalities in health care and long-term care for the very old: a scoping review
Authors: Hasseler Martina , Heitmann-Möller André , Ruppert Sven Nelson , Nowossadeck Enno , Fuchs Judith , Hahm Deborah
Published: November 2024

Aim

Despite broad discussions in the scientific literature concerning the connection between social and health inequalities, the group of the very old (people aged 80 years and older) is not sufficiently represented in the research concerning health and long-term care. Are there inequalities among the very old in home and institutional care in the so-called industrialized Western countries and Asian countries? What differences can be detected regarding social determinants, gender, and region? Are there mutual aspects of health and long-term care on an international level? Is there a kind of tipping point in the progressive aging process at which the need for long-term care becomes inevitable?

Subject and methods

Based on these four guiding questions, a scoping review of the literature in the last 10 years was conducted with German and English search terms. CINAHL, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus were searched in December 2022 and January 2023. In addition, a manual search was performed.

Results

The very old are still not adequately represented in the research on the issue of social and health inequalities and implications for health and long-term care. Nevertheless, evidence of inequalities in care design was found. Market-based health and long-term care systems appear to show these more frequently. Also, market-based health and long-term care systems seems to rely more heavily on family structures than supply-oriented systems like in the Scandinavian countries. System structures tend to provide for an accumulation of inequalities in health and long-term care, as is also seen for low incomes.

Conclusion

The scoping review showed that the group of the very old is underrepresented in health services research. At the same time, there are indications of a perpetuation of social inequality at old age. There is a need for more research on appropriate research terminologies and methods as well as research-based health care and long-term care measures and interventions.
Detection and Prevalence of Coronaviruses in European Bats: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hemnani Mahima , da Silva Priscilla Gomes , Thompson Gertrude , Poeta Patrícia , Rebelo Hugo , Mesquita João R.
Published: November 2024

Bats are known hosts for a wide range of coronaviruses (CoVs), including those that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-1) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it has become increasingly important to understand the diversity and prevalence of CoVs in bat populations. This systematic review aimed to compile studies that have sampled CoVs from bats across Europe and assessed various aspects related to the testing of bat samples, including the country where the bats were collected, the CoV genomic region studied, the CoV genera that were detected, and the identification of bat species that were found to be carrying CoV. We identified 30 studies that assessed CoVs presence in bats across multiple countries including Italy, Germany, and various other nations with one or two studies each, which tested them for CoVs using a variety of matrices. CoVs were found in nine genera of bats, and the genomic regions included RdRp, ORF1a gene, as well as full genome, detecting α- and/or β-CoVs, with most of them being detectable only in faeces. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the CoVs detected in bats across Europe and highlights the importance of continued surveillance and monitoring of bat populations for potential emerging zoonotic CoVs.
Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts among School-Going Thai Adolescents: A Sex-Specific Structural Equation Modelling Analysis
Authors: Dadras Omid
Published: November 2024

Adolescent suicide is a growing public health concern in Thailand. Identifying predictors of suicidal behaviors is essential for targeted prevention strategies. Using Structural Equation Modeling, this study explores the predictors of suicidal thoughts and attempts among a sample of 5657 Thai adolescents in grades 7–12, typically representing the age group 13–17 years, with nearly equal proportions of males (47%) and females (53%) participants. Data from the Thailand Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2021 were analyzed. Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified key constructs, followed by SEM stratified by sex to examine relationships between constructs and suicidal behaviors. Reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach’s α and SEM fit indices. EFA identified five constructs: current substance use, history of violence, experiences of bullying, parental awareness, and poor mental health. SEM revealed poor mental health as a significant predictor for both sexes. Substance use, experiences of bullying, and a history of violence predicted suicidal behaviors in females. Parental vigilance was only a protective factor for males. The findings underscore the importance of gender-specific interventions and comprehensive mental health support to address the unique vulnerabilities of Thai adolescents, reducing suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Urban Digital Twins and metaverses towards city multiplicities: uniting or dividing urban experiences?
Authors: Argota Sánchez-Vaquerizo Javier
Published: November 2024

Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) have become the new buzzword for researchers, planners, policymakers, and industry experts when it comes to designing, planning, and managing sustainable and efficient cities. It encapsulates the last iteration of the technocratic and ultra-efficient, post-modernist vision of smart cities. However, while more applications branded as UDTs appear around the world, its conceptualization remains ambiguous. Beyond being technically prescriptive about what UDTs are, this article focuses on their aspects of interaction and operationalization in connection to people in cities, and how enhanced by metaverse ideas they can deepen societal divides by offering divergent urban experiences based on different stakeholder preferences. Therefore, firstly this article repositions the term UDTs by comparing existing concrete and located applications that have a focus on interaction and participation, including some that may be closer to the concept of UDT than is commonly assumed. Based on the components found separately in the different studied cases, it is possible to hypothesize about possible future, more advanced realizations of UDTs. This enables us to contrast their positive and negative societal impacts. While the development of new immersive interactive digital worlds can improve planning using collective knowledge for more inclusive and diverse cities, they pose significant risks not only the common ones regarding privacy, transparency, or fairness, but also social fragmentation based on urban digital multiplicities. The potential benefits and challenges of integrating this multiplicity of UDTs into participatory urban governance emphasize the need for human-centric approaches to promote socio-technical frameworks able to mitigate risks as social division.
Exploring genetic variability for morphological and yield contributing traits in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) germplasm from Southern India
Authors: Somu G , Meena N , Badigannavar Ashok
Published: November 2024

Sorghum is a major cereal crop grown worldwide for its grain, livestock feed and biofuel. In order to characterize the pattern of genetic diversity in the germplasm and advanced mutant lines, the present study was undertaken to evaluate 103 genotypes for 11 agro-morphological traits over two post rainy seasons in 2019 and 2020. Significant variation for quantitative traits was observed with a wide range of coefficients of variation (4.85–26.04%). A broad range of trait values was recorded for grain yield (13.0—152.6 g/plant), seed index (1.0–5.5 g/100 seeds), panicle length (9.2–31.4 cm) and panicle width (3.2–15.0 cm). The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found high for panicle length, panicle weight, seed weight and grain yield. A broad sense heritability estimated in this population ranged from 0.79 to 0.99. Among the significant phenotypic correlations, grain yield was strongly correlated with leaf width, stem diameter, panicle width and weight. In addition, traits such as stem diameter, panicle weight, panicle width, number of leaves and leaf length showed significantly positive correlations with all other traits. Multivariate methods used in this study identified key traits associated with grain yield and grouped all the genotypes into six major clusters, clearly distinguishing germplasm and mutant derivatives. Among the genotypes studied, IC-288363 and EP-1 germplasm, and M-35–48 mutant exhibited high grain yield and more seed weight. Germplasm and mutant lines demonstrated wide variability for most of the quantitative traits and can be utilised for developing new cultivars or used as parents in the recombination breeding.
The Proof of Bindu as the Source of Determinate Knowledge. Ratnatrayaparīkṣā 45–70ab with a Critical Edition of an Unpublished Anonymous Commentary
Authors: Saito Akane , Sferra Francesco
Published: November 2024

The paper covers a topic that sits between theology and philosophy of language and is based on completely unpublished material. The bulk of the paper consists in the critical edition and annotated translation of a section of an unpublished and anonymous commentary on the Ratnatrayaparīkṣā by Śrīkaṇṭha. This section describes the transition of the indeterminate knowledge to the determined one according to the early Śaiva Siddhānta perspective. The introduction contains parts that are more “philological” or “historical” and others that are more “philosophical”. The paper contains one appendix on the significant variant readings of the mūla text.
Loving the Brine Shrimp: Exploring Queer Feminist Blue Posthumanities to Reimagine the ‘America’s Dead Sea’
Authors: Jarosz Ewelina
Published: November 2024

The article aims to transform narratives surrounding Utah’s Great Salt Lake, often referred to as “America’s Dead Sea,” by reimagining how brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) are perceived in science, culture, and art. It introduces the concept of hydrosexuality to bridge these realms, thereby enriching feminist blue posthumanities and feminist biology through art-based practices and queer advocacy. By navigating the environmental narrative of the GSL, the hydrosexual perspective challenges settler science by exploring the connections between the reproductive system of brine shrimp and the economy, ecology and culture. The article provides a framework for integrative cultural analysis that bolsters arguments about the multilayered exploitation of the lake and amplifies voices that recognize the brine shrimp as vital to the survival of multiple species and to the GSL as a unique ecosystem. Furthermore, this cultural analysis draws inspiration from low trophic theory and Queer Death Studies. This multifaceted approach is exemplified by two case studies in the arts, which gradually alter white humans’ perceptions and understandings of the brine shrimp, helping to reimagine the GSL in the context of rapid climate change.
Traditions of Equality: The Archaeology of Egalitarianism and Egalitarian Behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa (First and Second Millennium CE)
Authors: González-Ruibal Alfredo
Published: November 2024

Interest in egalitarianism and egalitarian behavior in complex societies has grown in recent years, spurred by anarchist approaches and collective action theory. Sub-Saharan Africa, however, has seldom figured in the discussions, despite the fact that it has been historically home to a diversity of societies that have either rejected political centralization altogether or put limits to it. The aim of this article is to examine, from an archaeological point of view, the forms of resistance that have restricted—or thwarted—monarchic power in the continent during the last two millennia. For this, I use the concept of traditions of equality. They can be defined as sets of political practices that are materially constituted, shaped by culture and transmitted through collective memory and that generate and structure egalitarian behavior in any given society. They occur across different types of sociopolitical organizations, from undivided societies of hunter-gatherers to strongly hierarchized kingdoms. Here, I will explore six of such traditions as they operate in Sub-Saharan Africa: relocation and isolation, anarchic and heterarchical settlements, adverse sacralization, equalizing technologies, counterinfrastructures, and revolution.
Exploring teachers’ eye-tracking data and professional noticing when viewing a 360 video of elementary mathematics
Authors: Kosko Karl W. , Ferdig Richard E. , Lenart Chris , Heisler Jennifer , Guan Qiang
Published: November 2024

Research incorporating either eye-tracking technology or immersive technology (virtual reality and 360 video) into studying teachers’ professional noticing is recent. Yet, such technologies allow a better understanding of the embodied nature of professional noticing. Thus, the goal of the current study is to examine how teachers’ eye-gaze in immersive representations of practice correspond to their attending to children’s mathematics. Using a mixed methods approach, we incorporated eye-tracking technology embedded within a virtual reality environment to compare novice and expert teachers’ gaze duration with quality of professional noticing. Findings and results both corroborate and extend previous research evidence about important differences in professional noticing between expert and novice teachers. Specifically, the amount of experience, and thus familiarity, teachers have with being in a classroom may affect their physical movement in both real and virtual representations of practice. Additionally, findings and results emphasize the importance of teachers’ visual focus on students’ doing of mathematics across the classroom.
Using network analysis to elucidate the relationships among support systems, trauma and depressive symptoms, self-silencing, and risk of HIV viral non-suppression among black women living with HIV
Authors: Boga Devina J. , Juste Reyanna St , Etienne Kayla , Dale Sannisha K.
Published: November 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major public health issue in the United States (US) and Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) are disproportionately impacted among women. This study investigates the complexities in influences of family, friend, and special person support systems and their association with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD), depressive symptoms, gendered coping (self-silencing), and a composite HIV risk score related to risk of viral non-suppression through missed medical visits, low medication adherence, and high viral load. Cross-sectional data among BWLWH were analyzed using network analyses via RStudio. Data from 119 BWLWH was reduced to 104, because of missing data on indicators as well as pairwise deletion for the correlation function. Findings revealed variances based on the type of network. For composite risk scores, friend support source had a weak to moderate significant correlation, while symptoms of PTSD and depression only showed a weak positive correlation with the composite risk variable through self-silencing as a form of coping. The post-hoc analysis showed a strong correlation with care as self-sacrifice, based on the composite risk score. Based on the findings from this study, insight was given into symptoms for depression and PTSD, as well as self-silencing and viral non-suppression risk in relation to sources of support for BWLWH. Future interventions to improve the overall health of BWLWH may benefit from incorporating support from friends and lowering care as self-sacrifice.
How ChatGPT Changed the Media’s Narratives on AI: A Semi-automated Narrative Analysis Through Frame Semantics
Authors: Ryazanov Igor , Öhman Carl , Björklund Johanna
Published: November 2024

We perform a mixed-method frame semantics-based analysis on a dataset of more than 49,000 sentences collected from 5846 news articles that mention AI. The dataset covers the twelve-month period centred around the launch of OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT and is collected from the most visited open-access English-language news publishers. Our findings indicate that during the six months succeeding the launch, media attention rose tenfold—from already historically high levels. During this period, discourse has become increasingly centred around experts and political leaders, and AI has become more closely associated with dangers and risks. A deeper review of the data also suggests a qualitative shift in the types of threat AI is thought to represent, as well as the anthropomorphic qualities ascribed to it.
Synergistic technologies for a circular economy: upcycling waste plastics and biomass
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Nasr Mahmoud , Aniagor Chukwunonso O. , Farghali Mohamed , Huang Mee Mee , Chin Bridgid Lai Fui , Sun Ziqiang , Lock Serene Sow Mun , López-Maldonado Eduardo A. , Yiin Chung Loong , Chinyelu Charles E. , Farooqi Abid Salam , Chen Zhonghao , Yap Pow-Seng
Published: November 2024

The urgent need for sustainable waste management has led to the exploration of upcycling waste plastics and biomass as viable solutions. In 2018, global plastic production reached 359 million tonnes, with an estimated 12000 million tonnes projected to be delivered and disposed of in landfills by 2050. Unfortunately, current waste management practices result in only 19.5% of plastics being recycled, while the rest is either landfilled (55%) or incinerated (25.5%). The improper disposal of plastics contributes to issues such as soil and groundwater contamination, air pollution, and wildlife disturbance. On the other hand, biomass has the potential to deliver around 240 exajoules of energy per year by 2060. However, its current utilization remains relatively small, with only approximately 9% of biomass-derived energy being consumed in Europe in 2017. This review explores various upcycling methods for waste plastics and biomass, including mechanical, chemical, biological, and thermal approaches. It also highlights the applications of upcycled plastics and biomass in sectors such as construction, packaging, energy generation, and chemicals. The environmental and economic benefits of upcycling are emphasized, including the reduction of plastic pollution, preservation of natural resources, carbon footprint reduction, and circular economy advancement.
Forecasting SARS-CoV-2 outbreak through wastewater analysis: a success in wastewater-based epidemiology
Authors: Cañas Cañas Rubén , López-Peñalver Raimundo Seguí , Casaña Mohedo Jorge , Benavent Cervera José Vicente , Fernández Garrido Julio , Juárez Vela Raúl , Pellín Carcelén Ana , García-Algar Óscar , Gea Caballero Vicente , Andreu-Fernández Vicente
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), triggered a global emergency that exposed the urgent need for surveillance approaches to monitor the dynamics of viral transmission. Several epidemiological tools that may help anticipate outbreaks have been developed. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a non-invasive and population-wide methodology for tracking the epidemiological evolution of the virus. However, thorough evaluation and understanding of the limitations, robustness, and intricacies of wastewater-based epidemiology are still pending to effectively use this strategy. The aim of this study was to train highly accurate predictive models using SARS-CoV-2 virus concentrations in wastewater in a region consisting of several municipalities. The chosen region was Catalonia (Spain) given the availability of wastewater SARS-CoV-2 quantification from the Catalan surveillance network and healthcare data (clinical cases) from the regional government. By using various feature engineering and machine learning methods, we developed a model that can accurately predict and successfully generalize across the municipalities that make up Catalonia. Explainable Machine Learning frameworks were also used, which allowed us to understand the factors that influence decision-making. Our findings support wastewater-based epidemiology as a potential surveillance tool to assist public health authorities in anticipating and monitoring outbreaks.
Notes on Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: Wood John R. I. , Muñoz-Rodríguez Pablo , Wells Tom , Espinel-Ortiz David A. , Romoleroux Katya , Cerón Martínez Carlos Eduardo , Cornejo Xavier , Scotland Robert W.
Published: November 2024

Fieldwork, examination of herbarium specimens and photographic images, supported by molecular sequencing have resulted in the re-interpretation of a number of species of Ipomoea L. found in Ecuador and the recognition of four new species. Ipomoea ophiodes Standl. & Steyerm. is shown to be a distinct species from I. regnellii Meisn. and their contrasting distribution is mapped. An unusual variation in I. setosa Ker Gawl. is discussed and illustrated. It is shown that, whereas I. velardei O’Donell is present in the south of Ecuador, records of I. jujuyensis O’Donell are probably all errors for I. quitensis J.R.I.Wood & Cerón, which is described as a new species endemic to Ecuador. Three other endemic species all known from single locations, I. ceronii J.R.I.Wood & P.Muñoz, I. condorensis J.R.I.Wood & Scotland and I. papyrifera J.R.I.Wood & Scotland are described as new. The full distribution of I. aequatoriensis T.Wells & P.Muñoz is mapped as a result of recent fieldwork and I. amazonica (D.F.Austin & Staples) J.R.I.Wood & Scotland is recorded from Ecuador for the first time. Taxonomic notes, information on habitat and distribution, maps, line drawings and photographs illustrate the species discussed. A key to all 57 species of Ipomoea recorded from Ecuador is provided to facilitate identification.
Impact of exciton fine structure on the energy transfer in magic-sized (CdSe)13 clusters
Authors: Bieniek Jan , Baek Woonhyuk , Lorenz Severin , Muckel Franziska , Fainblat Rachel , Hyeon Taeghwan , Bacher Gerd
Published: November 2024

Magic-sized (CdSe)13 clusters (MSCs) represent a material class at the boundary between molecules and quantum dots that exhibit a pronounced and well separated excitonic fine structure. The characteristic photoluminescence is composed of exciton bandgap emission and a spectrally broad mid-gap emission related to surface defects. Here, we report on a thermally activated energy transfer from fine-structure split exciton states to surface states by using temperature dependent photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the broad mid-gap emission can be suppressed by a targeted Mn-doping of the MSC leading to the characteristic orange luminescence of the 4T1 → 6A1 Mn2+ transition. The energy transfer to the Mn2+ states is found to be significantly different than the transfer to the surface defect states, as the activation of the dopant emission requires a spin-conserving charge carrier transfer that only dark excitons can provide.
Arabidopsis ubiquitin ligase PUB41 positively regulates ABA-mediated seed dormancy and drought response
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Goldfarb Shalev , Raveh Dina , Bar-Zvi Dudy
Published: November 2024

Seed germination is a tightly regulated, non-reversible developmental process, and it is crucial to prevent premature germination under conditions that may not allow the plant’s life cycle to be completed. The plant hormone ABA is the key regulator of seed dormancy and inhibition of germination. ABA is also involved in the plant response to drought. Here we report on the involvement of Arabidopsis thaliana PUB41, encoding a U-BOX E3 ubiquitin ligase, in regulating ABA signaling, seed dormancy, germination, and drought resilience. AtPUB41 is expressed in most vegetative and reproductive tissues. AtPUB41 protein is localized in the cytosol and nucleus. pub41 T-DNA insertion mutants display reduced seed dormancy, and their germination is less inhibited by exogenous ABA than seeds of wild-type plants. pub41 mutant plants are also hypersensitive to drought. ABA induces AtPUB41 promoter activity and steady-state mRNA levels in the roots. Our data suggest that AtPUB41 is a positive regulator of ABA signaling.
Ectosymbionts improve host gill function in a freshwater cleaning symbiosis
Authors: Creed Robert P. , Thomas Michael J. , Meeks April L. , Brown Bryan L.
Published: November 2024

Mutualisms are common interactions that involve a diverse array of taxa. An important aspect in the study of mutualisms is determining the mechanisms that underlie benefits in survival, growth and reproduction of the partner species involved. Crayfish are engaged in mutualisms with ectosymbiotic worms called branchiobdellidans. These worms benefit by using their crayfish hosts as safe habitat and sites for feeding and reproduction. Some of these worm species can improve crayfish survival and growth. We hypothesized that the worms influenced crayfish survival and growth by cleaning their gills of debris and fouling biota and that this cleaning would increase rates of host gas exchange and ammonia excretion. Using surveys and experiments, we examined the effect of the worms on crayfish ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption. There were positive effects of increasing worm density on ammonia excretion by crayfish hosts in both our survey and experiment. No effect of worm density was observed on oxygen consumption in either our survey or experiment. However, molt status of the surveyed crayfish (intermolt/premolt vs. recently molted) did affect oxygen uptake. Recently molted crayfish, which should have gill epithelia largely free of fouling organisms and debris, had higher levels of dissolved oxygen uptake than intermolt/premolt crayfish which should have had higher levels of gill fouling. Increased ammonia excretion at moderate worm densities likely underlies the increased survival and growth responses observed at these densities in previous experiments. Increased growth of crayfish hosting worms probably influences the impacts of these crustaceans on the benthic communities they occupy.
Acoustic and aerodynamic evaluation of DLR small-scale rotor configurations within GARTEUR AG26
Authors: Yin J. , De Gregorio F. , Rossignol K.-S. , Rottmann L. , Ceglia G. , Reboul G. , Barakos G. , Qiao G. , Muth M. , Kessler M. , Visingardi A. , Barbarino M. , Petrosino F. , Zanotti A. , Oberti N. , Savino A. , Bernardini G. , Poggi C. , Abergo L. , Caccia F. , Guardone A. , Testa C. , Zaghi S.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the activities performed in the GARTEUR Action Group HC/AG-26 to study the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of small rotor configurations, including the influence of the rotor-rotor interactions. This paper will focus on comparisons between numerical activities and wind tunnel results on a small rotor provided by DLR. The wind tunnel models included a Rotor/Rotor/Pylon in isolated, tandem and coaxial configuration. The wind tunnel experiments for acoustics were performed in DLR’s Acoustic Wind Tunnel Braunschweig (AWB) and PIV test were performed in CIRA within a joint CIRA/DLR test program. For simulations, the numerical approaches from each partner are applied. The aerodynamic simulations necessary for the aeroacoustic predictions are conducted with various fidelity numerical methods, varying from lifting line to CFD. The acoustic values on the microphone positions are evaluated using Ffowcs Williams/Hawking (FW-H) formulation by all partners. The acoustic and aerodynamic predictions are compared to test data, including performance, PIV and acoustic directivity.
Urban ecosystem services research in Russia: Systematic review on the state of the art
Authors: Dushkova Diana , Konstantinova Anastasia , Matasov Victor , Gaeva Dara , Dovletyarova Elvira , Taherkhani Mina
Published: November 2024

Research on urban ecosystem services (ES) covers many regions globally, yet significant gaps remain in several areas, including Russia. Furthermore, the number of publications on Russian ES is still very low, and most of them focus on ES assessment on the national level which results in an incomplete understanding of ES provision in Russian cities. To fill this gap, 197 publications on urban ES have been systematically reviewed. Those mostly included research on urban ES in Russia as well as in other cities of the world that represented case studies within international collaborations of Russian scientists with other partners. The paper presents the main aspects of the ES concept adoption and operationalizing in the Russian scientific discourse, by providing an overview of the current research on the relationships between humans and urban ecosystems. Spatially, the majority of studies focused on large cities; herewith field surveys, statistical analysis, expert evaluations, and mapping were often used as the main research methods. Four key challenge areas have been revealed: anthropogenic pressure on soils and vegetation, urban green spaces (UGS) and their quantity and quality for ES provision, the value of ES assessment for urban planning, and payments for ES. To address these challenges, future research should focus on the role of urban ES for city resilience and sustainability, ecosystem disservices, rural–urban interactions, broader testing and validation of ES mapping and assessment as well as better integration of ES in economic, regulatory and compensation mechanisms.
Brodalumab: Six-Year US Pharmacovigilance Report
Authors: Lebwohl Mark G. , Koo John Y. , Armstrong April W. , Strober Bruce E. , Yoon Soo Han , Rawnsley Nicole N. , Goehring Earl L. , Mangin Gina D. , Jacobson Abby A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Brodalumab is a human interleukin-17 receptor A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy and have failed to respond or have lost response to other systemic therapies. In the USA, brodalumab has a boxed warning regarding suicidal ideation and behavior and is only available under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, but no causal association has been established. To assess long-term safety of brodalumab, we summarize pharmacovigilance data from 6 years of real-world clinical practice.

Methods

Crude adverse event (AE) reporting rates per 100 patients were calculated for common AEs and AEs of special interest reported to Ortho Dermatologics by US patients and healthcare providers from August 15, 2017 through August 14, 2023. Brodalumab exposure was estimated as time from the first to last prescription-dispensing authorization dates. Adverse events were defined by Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities v26.0 Preferred Terms and standardized MedDRA queries.

Results

Data were collected from 5138 US patients (estimated exposure of 6900 patient-years). Over 6 years, 13 cases of adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events were reported (0.25 events/100 patients). The rate of serious infections was 2.20 events/100 patients. Since the 5-year report, there was one new case of Candida infection and a serious fungal infection of the elbow. Among 57 reported malignancies affecting 49 patients, 4 were deemed possibly related to brodalumab. One new case of indeterminate inflammatory bowel disease unrelated to brodalumab was reported. No new suicide attempts were reported in year 6, and there were no completed suicides throughout 6 years.

Conclusion

Pharmacovigilance data throughout 6 years are consistent with the safety profile of brodalumab established in clinical trials and previous US pharmacovigilance reports, with no completed suicides and a low fungal infection rate.

Graphical Abstract
Development of Zinc-Containing Chitosan/Gelatin Coatings with Immunomodulatory Effect for Soft Tissue Sealing around Dental Implants
Authors: Han Jing , Sanders Jorine G. F. , Andrée Lea , van Oirschot Bart A. J. A. , Plachokova Adelina S. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G. , Yang Fang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Soft tissue integration (STI) around dental implant abutments is a prerequisite to prevent bacterial invasion and achieve successful dental implant rehabilitation. However, peri-implant STI is a major challenge after dental abutment placement due to alterations in the immune microenvironment upon surgical dental implant installation.

METHODS:

Based on known immunomodulatory effects of zinc, we herein deposited zinc/chitosan/gelatin (Zn/CS/Gel) coatings onto titanium substrates to study their effect on macrophages. First, we exposed macrophages to cell culture media containing different zinc ion (Zn2+) concentrations. Next, we explored the immunomodulatory effect of Zn/CS/Gel coatings prepared via facile electrophoretic deposition (EPD).

RESULTS:

We found that Zn2+ effectively altered the secretome by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory and enhancing pro-regenerative cytokine secretion, particularly at a Zn2+ supplementation of approximately 37.5 μM. Zn/CS/Gel coatings released Zn2+ in a concentration range which effectively stimulated pro-regenerative macrophage polarization as demonstrated by M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, the impact of these Zn2+-exposed macrophages on gingival fibroblasts incubated in conditioned medium showed stimulated adhesion, proliferation, and collagen secretion.

CONCLUSION:

Our promising results suggest that controlled release of Zn2+ from Zn/CS/Gel coatings could be applied to immunomodulate peri-implant STI, and to enhance dental implant survival.
On centrally-extended left derivations in rings
Authors: Gouda Aziza , Nabiel H.
Published: November 2024

We aim to introduce the concept of centrally-extended left derivations and prove some related results to this new concept. The first part is devoted to prove that a centrally extended left derivation preserves the center of semiprime rings. The second part deals with equivalence between left derivations and our new concept. Finally we provide some results regarding commutativity.
Study on the stable preparation and optimization treatment of DWS N-type single-crystal silicon pyramid arrays
Authors: Zou YuXin , Liu Xuan , Wang Mingjun , Song Yating , Liu Huan , Hong Shihao , Xi Fengshuo
Published: November 2024

In the current work, the effect of the surface phase structure of silicon wafer on the copper assisted chemical etching (Cu-ACE) behavior was investigated by adopting N-type monocrystal silicon with different thickness as raw material. An inverted pyramid structure was prepared with the method of Cu-ACE, which exhibited a mild reaction temperature with the reflectance reaching as low as 6.34%. Furthermore, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was employed as an additive to optimize the Cu-ACE process. The study revealed that CTAB molecules could adsorb Cu2+ near the silicon wafer surface in the HF/Cu(NO3)2/H2O2 solution, thereby promoting the deposition of copper particles and ensuring a uniform etching reaction. When 3 mg of CTAB was added to 100 mL of etching solution, the inverted pyramid structure showed larger dimensions and was more uniformly distributed, an excellent antireflection effect was achieved with the reflectance significantly reduced from 10.8% to 4.6%. This process could stably fabricate inverted pyramid structures, and is expected to advance the development of high-efficiency single-crystal solar cells in the future.
Comparative analysis of dietary vs. non-dietary approaches in obesity and disordered eating behaviors: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Breda Chiara , Chiarelli Adriana , Quarantelli Giulia , Conti Maria Vittoria , Madini Nagaia , Cena Hellas
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This narrative review aims to conduct a comparative analysis of dietary and non-dietary approaches in the management of weight and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adults with obesity.

Methods

Studies were identified from Medline (PubMed), including only English-language manuscripts published from 1998 to 2024. To be included in the review the studies had to be RCTs that compared the effect of dietary and non-dietary approaches on weight loss and DEBs in adults with obesity not being treated with pharmacological treatments.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in 8 manuscripts published between 1998 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. The sample size ranged from a minimum of 16 subjects to a maximum of 219. All studies involved adult subjects, mainly women, with first-, second-, or third-degree obesity and most subjects had cognitive restriction and/or uncontrolled eating. Dietary approaches were characterized by moderate caloric restriction (CR) and restriction of fat intake. In contrast, non-dietary approaches focused on mindful eating (ME), intuitive eating (IE) and weight neutral (WN) approaches. Of the 7 RCTs included, 5 reported greater weight loss in the diet group compared to the non-diet group; however, only one of these sustained the result at follow-up. In contrast, 4 studies demonstrated greater improvements in DEBs in the non-diet group.

Conclusion

CR is essential for weight loss in individuals with obesity, but long-term weight management also hinges on their relationship with food. The psychological improvements reported in non-dietary versus dietary approaches should not be overlooked and can be a starting point for the development of multidisciplinary interventions involving synergistic actions between diet, exercise, and practices to improve DEBs with the goal of reducing the obesity epidemic.

Level of evidence Level I, at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.
A Fully-Printed Wearable Bandage-Based Electrochemical Sensor with pH Correction for Wound Infection Monitoring
Authors: Kaewpradub Kanyawee , Veenuttranon Kornautchaya , Jantapaso Husanai , Mittraparp-arthorn Pimonsri , Jeerapan Itthipon
Published: November 2024

Wearable sensing systems have been designed to monitor health conditions in real-time by detecting analytes in human biofluids. Wound diagnosis remains challenging, necessitating suitable materials for high-performance wearable sensors to offer prompt feedback. Existing devices have limitations in measuring pH and the concentration of pH-dependent electroactive species simultaneously, which is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of wound status and optimizing biosensors. Therefore, improving materials and analysis system accuracy is essential. This article introduces the first example of a flexible array capable of detecting pyocyanin, a bacterial virulence factor, while correcting dynamic pH fluctuations. We demonstrate that this combined sensor enhances accuracy by mitigating the impact of pH variability on pyocyanin sensor response. Customized screen-printable inks were developed to enhance analytical performance. The analytical performances of two sensitive sensor systems (i.e., fully-printed porous graphene/multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) and polyaniline/CNT composites for pyocyanin and pH sensors) are evaluated. Partial least square regression is employed to analyze nonzero-order data arrays from square wave voltammetric and potentiometric measurements of pyocyanin and pH sensors to establish a predictive model for pyocyanin concentration in complex fluids. This sensitive and effective strategy shows potential for personalized applications due to its affordability, ease of use, and ability to adjust for dynamic pH changes.
ESPRESSO: A Framework to Empower Search on the Decentralized Web
Authors: Ragab Mohamed , Savateev Yury , Oliver Helen , Tiropanis Thanassis , Poulovassilis Alexandra , Chapman Adriane , Roussos George
Published: November 2024

The increasing centralization of the Web raises serious concerns regarding privacy, security, and user autonomy. In response, there has been a renewed interest in the development of secure personal information management systems and a movement towards decentralization. Decentralized personal online data stores (pods) represent a revolutionary example within this movement, built on the W3C’s existing guidelines – an approach exemplified by initiatives such as  (https://solidproject.org). In the Solid paradigm, individuals store their personal data in pods and have absolute discretion when choosing to grant access to different users and applications. A barrier to the adoption of the pod approach is the predominant reliance on centralized indexes for search functionality in current Web and Web-based systems. This paper introduces the framework, which is designed to facilitate this new paradigm of large-scale searches within personal data stores while respecting the individual pod owners’ data access governance. The current ESPRESSO prototype integrates access control within pod indexes to enhance distributed keyword-based search. ESPRESSO’s unique contribution not only enhances search capabilities on the decentralized Web but also paves the way for future explorations in decentralized search technologies.
Microbial Occupational Exposure in e-waste Recycling: Biological Hazards, Their Sources, and Potential Toxic Effects
Authors: Viegas Carla , Gomes Bianca , Dias Marta , Cervantes Renata , Pena Pedro , Gonçalves Sara , Almeida-Silva Marina , Carolino Elisabete , Twarużek Magdalena , Caetano Liliana Aranha , Viegas Susana
Published: November 2024

E-waste management is a major environmental concern that also poses serious risks to occupational health. While e-waste workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals, little is known about occupational exposure to microbiological agents. This study aims to fill that gap. For that purpose, two e-waste facilities were assessed: one battery-recycling facility (BRF), and another facility (SRE) dedicated to e-waste sorting and storage before sending it for different processing. Filtering respiratory protection devices (FRPD, 24 samples) and settled dust (13 samples) were collected using standardized sampling approaches, and analyzed by culture-based, chemical and molecular methods. Workers also filled in a questionnaire regarding work activities and the use of FRPD. Microbial contamination, fungal diversity, azole resistance, and prevalence of Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi (as surrogates of harmful fungal contamination) and mycotoxins were determined. To estimate potential health effects related to exposure, the FRPD cytotoxicity was determined in human A549 lung and HepG2 hepatic cells. Microbial contaminants with pathogenicity and toxigenic potential were observed in FRPD and settled dust. Aspergillus section Fumigati was widespread. The observed presence of Aspergillus section Flavi relates to the risk of exposure to aflatoxin B1 (a potent hepatocarcinogen). Four different mycotoxins were detected in 8% FRPD and 15% dust samples, including fumonisin B1 and sterigmatocystin (below the limit of quantification). A low to moderate cytotoxic effect of sampled FRPD was observed, with human lung alveolar cells more sensitive than hepatic cells. No relevant azole resistance was observed, nor correlations between fungal reduced azole-susceptibility and fungal growth at 37 °C or cytotoxicity. In summary, it can be concluded that this approach using FRPD and settled dust presents a promising potential for screening occupational exposure to microbiological contaminants in e-waste management. More studies in this occupational context should be prioritized to identify critical biological hazards and to support the implementation of appropriate health risk mitigation strategies.
On Stanley–Reisner Rings with Linear Resolutions
Authors: Fröberg Ralf
Published: November 2024

For a graph G, Bayer–Denker–Milutinović–Rowlands–Sundaram–Xue study in [1] a new graph complex $$\Delta _k^t(G)$$

Δ
k
t

(
G
)

, namely the simplicial complex with facets that are complements to independent sets of size k in G. They are interested in topological properties such as shellability, vertex decomposability, homotopy type, and homology of these complexes. In this paper we study more algebraic properties, such as Cohen-Macaulayness, Betti numbers, and linear resolutions of the Stanley-Reisner ring of these complexes and their Alexander duals.