bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks Across Hillslopes Underlain by Continuous Permafrost in the Northern Arctic Foothills, Alaska, United States
Authors: Ainuddin I. H. , Jelinski N. A. , Matamala R. , Ping C. L. , Jastrow J. D.
Published: September 2024

Constraining the variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks across hillslopes in Low Arctic permafrost‐affected landscapes remains a significant challenge for improving global estimates of permafrost SOC stocks. We investigated SOC and TN stocks across hillslopes at two sites in the Arctic Foothills of Alaska, United States (Happy Valley and Sagwon Hills). Average SOC and TN stocks for the 0–1‐m depth interval were high (52.0 ± 15.1 kg C m−2 and 2.74 ± 0.82 kg N m−2) and linearly related (R2 = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Unlike soils of other permafrost and nonpermafrost landscapes, variability was greatest within rather than between hillslope positions. Furthermore, SOC and TN stocks in the surface 1 m did not exhibit strong patterns by hillslope position and were only weakly associated with major geomorphic parameters that typically predict SOC and TN stocks well in other landscapes. Although sampling at upper hillslope positions was largely limited to depths of less than 1.5 m due to the presence of coarse fragments in reworked glacial till, deeper observations at lower hillslope positions (footslopes, toeslopes, and basins) revealed significantly larger SOC stocks (92.0 ± 18.0 kg C m−2 at 2 m; 117.1 ± 10.4 kg C m−2 at 3 m). The unique small‐scale variability in ice content, cryoturbation, patterned ground, and organic layer thickness on these broad, Low Arctic sites contributes to the relatively homogeneous distribution of SOC and TN stocks across hillslope positions in the top 1 m, but a future focus on deeper sampling may reveal greater differences in SOC and TN stocks.
Effect of blue light emitting diode therapy on recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized assessor‐blinded controlled trial
Authors: Shalaby Radwa M. , El‐Kosery Soheir M. , Soliman Mahmoud M. , Osman Doaa A.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent genital infection in women of reproductive age and requires effective non‐drug therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of blue light emitting diode (LED) therapy as an alternative treatment for recurrent VVC due to its proven antimicrobial properties. The safety and non‐invasiveness of LED therapy make it a promising option for sensitive tissue applications.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled trial recruited 60 women with culture‐confirmed VVC. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A (control group) received standard antifungal treatment with Gynoconazol 0.8% vaginal cream for three consecutive nights (n = 30). Group B (study group) received the same antifungal treatment plus two 60‐min sessions of blue LED therapy directed at the vagina and vulva, with the sessions separated by two days (n = 30). Candida count (via CHROMagar™ Candida) and vaginal pH (via AD110‐AD111 m) were assessed at baseline and one week after initiating treatment.

Results

Post‐treatment, group (B) demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in Candida count compared to group (A) (mean difference (MD) 8.267; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6.723–9.811; p = 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in vaginal pH between the groups (MD −0.03; 95% CI −0.244–0.178; p = 0.749).

Conclusion

Blue LED therapy effectively reduces Candida count in women with recurrent VVC without adversely affecting the vaginal pH, highlighting its safety and efficacy as a treatment modality.
Progress of Exosomal MicroRNAs and Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Liang Jinping , Zhu Yuchen , Liu Shasha , Kuang Boyu , Tian Zhifeng , Zhang Ling , Yang Songwei , Lin Meiyu , Chen Naihong , Liu Xuan , Ai Qidi , Yang Yantao
Published: September 2024

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, actively participate in intercellular communication by facilitating the exchange of crucial molecular information such as DNA, RNA, and lipids. Within this intricate network, microRNAs, endogenous non‐coding small RNAs, emerge as pivotal regulators of post‐transcriptional gene expression, significantly influencing the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The historical prominence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical practice in China underscores its enduring significance. Notably, TCM monomers, serving as active constituents within herbal medicine, assume a critical role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in mitigating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the specific involvement of exosomal microRNAs in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the exploration extends to the application of TCM monomers, elucidating their efficacy as therapeutic agents in these conditions. Additionally, the review examines the utilization of exosomes as drug delivery carriers in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, providing a nuanced understanding of the potential synergies between TCM and modern therapeutic approaches. This synthesis of knowledge aims to contribute to the advancement of our comprehension of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and the potential therapeutic avenues offered by TCcom interventions.
Systems Thinking, Causal Loop Diagram, and Systems Dynamic in Public Health Challenges: Navigating Long COVID Syndrome and Sense of Smell in LGBTQIA+ Communities
Authors: Akbari Behnaz , Wang Jessica M. , Baghaei‐Yazdi Namdar , Lahooti Hooshang , Sherman Janet Hope
Published: September 2024

Background

The coronavirus pandemic has profoundly affected global health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Despite these challenges, significant gaps in data remain, particularly in effectively assessing and engaging diverse communities such as color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and low‐income groups. This shortage of comprehensive research limits our capacity to undertake sensitive studies, specifically in dealing with the complexities of long COVID, which some individuals continue to suffer from after their initial recovery.

Objective

This review delves into the ongoing repercussions of long‐term COVID‐19, a postinfectious syndrome marked by neurological symptoms such as cognitive deficits and sensory impairments, which may last well beyond the acute phase of the illness. These symptoms frequently overlap with mental health issues (e.g., anxiety and depression), which can aggravate the socioeconomic challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially within the LGBTQA+ communities.

Methods

To tackle these complex interactions, we have introduced a novel public health framework: model‐based systems thinking (MBST), which incorporates System Dynamics and causal loop diagrams (CLD).

Results and Discussion

The articles were selected on the basis of their discussion of COVID‐19‐associated anosmia, exploration of olfactory dysfunction alongside neurocognitive disorders, and the challenges experienced in LGBQA+ communities. This approach offers a robust framework for dissecting the intricate ties between socioeconomic factors, health outcomes, and the extended recovery trajectories associated with long‐term COVID‐19, with a particular focus on olfactory dysfunction. We also explore strategies to make our models more accessible to healthcare providers and the LGBTQA+ communities, encouraging its broader adoption.

Conclusion

Long COVID's impact on public health and marginalized communities highlights the urgent need for adopting systems thinking models. Additionally, this article calls for a concerted effort from all experts to foster multidisciplinary, team‐based research and implement effective support measures for COVID‐19 survivors across all communities, mainly focusing on the scientific, social, and behavioral challenges LGBTQIA+ and low‐income individuals face.
Optimized liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry protocol for enhanced detection of 45 pesticides in water and soil samples
Authors: Meng Lingchen , Yao Wenrui , Wen Ling , Fu Xiaoli , Qi Yulin , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: September 2024

Rationale

The development of analytical screening techniques for pesticides is crucial for preventing and mitigating environmental contamination. Mass spectrometry‐based screening methods differ based on the complexity of the sample matrix and the diversity of the target compounds. One of the major challenges is balancing cost reduction in the extraction process with the optimization of analytical results. This protocol introduces a universal and efficient scheme for the qualitative and quantitative schemes for 45 pesticides within a single analytical run.

Methods

Water samples were extracted using an SPE column, with the pH adjusted to 7. Soil samples were processed using a modified QuEChERS method. The pretreatment for water samples emphasized selecting appropriate SPE columns and optimizing pH, while for soil samples, the focus was on choosing suitable extraction solvents and extraction salt packages. The enriched samples were then analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The method was evaluated for accuracy, precision, detection limits, and matrix effects.

Results

The method enabled the simultaneous detection of 45 pesticides within a 15‐minute analysis period. SPE recoveries ranged from 56.1% to 118.8%. Instrumental detection limits varied between 0.02 and 1 pg, while method detection limits extended from 0.05 to 18.47 ng/l in soil and water matrices. The approach was successfully applied to water and soil samples, with the pesticide concentration ranging from 0.1 ng/L to 38 μg/L.

Conclusions

The protocol substantially enhances the characterization and quantification of 45 pesticides in environmental samples, achieving a remarkable reduction in detection limits by an order of magnitude compared to previous research. This method enables the simultaneous detection of pesticides in both water and soil matrices using a single system, addressing the challenges of using separate systems for different environmental media. Furthermore, this protocol provides a crucial theoretical foundation for managing and safeguarding against pesticide pollution.
Unveiling the Interplay Between Silicon and Graphite in Composite Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Kai , Xiao Xu , Shang Wenxu , Fu Kang , Li Xueyan , Zhang Zhuojun , Gong Lili , Tan Peng
Published: September 2024

Si provides an effective approach to achieving high‐energy batteries owing to its high energy density and abundance. However, the poor stability of Si requires buffering with graphite particles when used as anodes. Currently, commercial lithium‐ion batteries with Si/graphite composite anodes can provide a high energy density and are expected to replace traditional graphite‐based batteries. The different lithium storage properties of Si and graphite lead to different degrees of lithiation and chemical environments for this composite anode, which significantly affects the performance of batteries. Herein, the interplay between Si and graphite in mechanically mixed Si/graphite composite anodes is emphasized, which alters the lithiation sequence of the active materials and thus the cycling performance of the battery. Furthermore, performance optimization can be achieved by changing the intrinsic properties of the active materials and external operating conditions, which are summarized and explained in detail. The investigation of the interplay based on Si/graphite composite anodes lays the foundation for developing long‐life and high‐energy batteries. The abovementioned experimental methods provide logical guidance for future research on composite electrodes with multiple active materials.
2D Covalent Organic Framework Covalently Anchored with Carbon Nanotube as High‐Performance Cathodes for Lithium and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Biswas Sandip , Pramanik Atin , Dey Anupam , Chattopadhyay Shreyasi , Pieshkov Tymofii S. , Bhattacharyya Sohini , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: September 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), featuring structural diversity, permanent porosity, and functional versatility, have emerged as promising electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. To date, amorphous polymer, COF, or their composites are mostly explored in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), while their research in other alkali metal ion batteries is still in infancy. This can be due to the challenges that arise from large volume changes, slow diffusion kinetics, and inefficient active site utilization by the large Na+ or K+ ion. Herein, microwave‐assisted imide‐based 2D COF, TAPB‐NDA covalently connected with amine‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (TAPB‐NDA@CNT) targeting the application in both Li‐/Na‐ion batteries, is synthesized. As‐synthesized, TAPB‐NDA@CNT50 displays the good performance as LIB cathode with a specific capacity of ≈138 mAh g−1 at 25 mA g−1, long cycling stability (81.2% retention after 2000 cycles at 300 mA g−1), with excellent reversible capacity retention of ≈79.6%. Similarly, TAPB‐NDA@CNT50, when employed in sodium‐ion battery (SIB), exhibited 136.7 mAh g−1 specific capacity at 25 mA g−1, retained ≈80% of the reversible capacity after 1000 cycles at 300 mA g−1 and showing excellent rate performance. The structural advantage of TAPB‐NDA@CNT will encourage researchers to design COF‐based cathodes for the alkali ion batteries.
Design Unsaturated Selenium Coordinated NbSe2‐x as Multifunctional Sulfur Electrocatalyst toward Fast and Durable Sulfur Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Jun , Chen Hedong , Luo Dan , Nie Yihang , Li Shibin , Zhang Xinyu , Ma Qianyi , Chen Lin , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: September 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) battery are considered as the next generation energy storage system owing to their ultra‐high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, the commercialization of Li‐S battery is still hindered by the intrinsically low conductivity of sulfur, sluggish catalytic conversion and notorious shuttle effect of polysulfides. The implantation of defects in sulfur electrocatalyst can effectively increase its conductivity and catalytic efficiency of lithium polysulfides, but the current mainstream defective materials are limited and lack of in‐depth research. Herein, a defective niobium selenide (NbSe2‐x) nanosheet sulfur electrocatalyst is constructed with enriched selenium defects, which demonstrates strong interaction with sulfur species, endowing NbSe2‐x with rapid and reliable sulfur reduction reaction. As a result, the Li‐S cell with NbSe2‐x exhibits excellent multiplicative performance in both coin cell and pouch cell, which maintains stable cycling for over 2000 cycles under 5 C, corresponding to a low‐capacity fading rate of 0.024% per cycle. Ah level pouch cell is also fabricated, showing a decent energy density of 378 Wh kg−1. This creative strategy not only emphasizes the importance of selenium defect engineering in Li‐S batterie toward practical application, but also enlightens the material engineering to realize superior performance in related energy storage and conversion area.
A model of knowledge chain integration for complex product R&D projects based on DSM and TCPN
Authors: Tian Shuo , Liu Yike , Chen Yong , Liu Jianhua , Su Huishuang , Ma Qiang
Published: September 2024

Complex product research and development projects usually are large scale with high cost and complex technologies and with large number of group members involved. From the perspective of complex system management, this paper adopts design structure matrix and timing constraint Petri nets (TCPN) to analyse knowledge behaviour and time constraints of team members in complex product R&D projects. In specific, this paper first develops a knowledge‐activity design structure matrix and a time‐resource design structure matrix model. Then a TCPN model that integrates resource constraints in knowledge chains is proposed based on the dependence relationship of team members' knowledge activities. Schedulabilities of the model are calculated, analysed and corrected to integrate team members' knowledge. Finally, a case study is conducted to test the proposed model.
Generative AI detection in higher education assessments
Authors: Ardito Cesare Giulio
Published: September 2024

This chapter presents a critical analysis of generative AI (GenAI) detection tools in higher education assessments. The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of GenAI, particularly in education, necessitates a reevaluation of traditional academic integrity mechanisms. I explore the effectiveness, vulnerabilities, and ethical implications of AI detection tools in the context of preserving academic integrity. My analysis synthesizes insights from various case studies, newspaper articles, and student testimonies to scrutinize the practical and philosophical challenges associated with AI detection. I argue that reliance on detection mechanisms is misaligned with the educational landscape, where AI plays an increasing role. I advocate for a strategic shift toward robust assessment methods and educational policies that embrace GenAI usage while ensuring academic integrity and authenticity in assessments.
An ethics module on academic integrity and generative AI
Authors: Hill Christopher , Hargis Jace
Published: September 2024

This article explores the intersection between academic integrity and generative AI (GenAI). It presents a tested framework for a versatile 3‐h module applicable to various disciplines. Since ChatGPT's emergence, GenAI's impact on academic integrity has raised concerns, challenged established norms, and blurred lines of authorship. Engaging students in this topic encourages critical reflection and ethical use of these technologies. This approach draws on experiential learning and student–faculty partnership approaches to activities and assessments, providing students with a platform to not only navigate the responsible application of GenAI in assignments but also foster a dialogue between students and faculty on crafting effective policies for GenAI use.
Soil hydraulic property maps for the contiguous United States at 100‐m resolution and seven depths: Code design and preliminary results
Authors: Schaap Marcel G. , Zhang Yonggen , Rasmussen Craig
Published: September 2024

Estimates of the van Genuchten (1980, abbreviated as VG) parameters and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) were made for the contiguous United States at a resolution of 100 m and seven soil depths by combining the SoilGrids+ (SG+) soil property maps of Ramcharan et al. with the R3H3 member of the Rosetta3 hierarchical pedotransfer functions (PTFs) of Zhang et al. To this end, we developed multi‐threaded code that significantly speeds up computation (up to a factor 25) depending on the level of parallelism. We verified estimates first by calculating simple summary statistics of estimated basic properties of SG+ with actual measured soil properties for 14,113 pedons in the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) (2023) labsample database. Next, we computed summary statistics of PTF‐estimated moisture contents for NCSS and SG+ data. The results show estimation errors are dominated by intrinsic errors of the PTF, and that (potentially correctable) systematic errors are present in SG+ soil properties and PTF estimates. The resulting hydraulic property maps contain well over 750 million points for each of the seven layers and show considerable horizontal and depth variation for each VG parameter and Ks, except the VG “n” parameter, which is dominated by values between 1.25 and 1.6. The hydraulic property maps are 99.9% complete, and we demonstrate that plausible profiles and uncertainty information can be generated for virtually each point. The maps are available as two multi‐channel GeoTIFF maps per SG+ layer: one with the five hydraulic parameters and one with the corresponding covariances.
Long‐term performance and activity study of a two‐stage anaerobic EGSB reactors system treating complex and toxic industrial wastewater
Authors: Garcia‐Tirado Ruben , Fernandez‐Crespo Emma , Font Xavier , Vicent Teresa , Peralta Juan , Trifi Delia , Martinez‐Cuenca Raul , Chiva Sergio
Published: September 2024

Anaerobic treatment of industrial wastewater using upflow anaerobic reactors is an extended trend due to its high efficiency and biogas production potential, but its implementation in some sectors is limited due to the complexity and toxicity of the wastewaters. In this study, a two‐stage expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors system has been investigated at both bench and pilot scale for the treatment of complex and toxic real wastewater from a petrochemical industry. The effect of different operational parameters including organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent characteristics over COD removal and biogas production and composition have been studied. Additionally, biomass specific methanogenic activity (SMA) and wastewater toxicity have been evaluated after long‐term operation. Optimum total HRT of 24 h has been determined resulting in total COD and SO42− removal of 56.30 ± 5.25% and 31.68 ± 14.71%, respectively, at pilot scale, and average biogas production of 93.47 ± 34.92 NL/day with 67.01 ± 10.23 %CH4 content and 5210.11 ± 6802.27 ppmv of H2S. SMA and toxicity tests have confirmed inhibitory and toxic effects of wastewater over anaerobic biomass with average maximum inhibition of 65.34% in the unacclimated anaerobic inoculum while chronic toxicity produced a decrease of an order of magnitude in SMA after 600 days of operation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying an anaerobic treatment to this wastewater using EGSB reactors between a 0.97–1.74 gCOD/L/day OLR range. Nonetheless, periodic reinoculation would be necessary for long‐term operation due to chronic toxicity of the wastewater exerted on the anaerobic biomass.

Practitioner points

A two‐stage EGSB reactors system has been operated at bench and pilot scale to treat complex and toxic petrochemical wastewater.

Optimal total HRT of 24 h resulted in average COD removal ranging from 40% to 60%.

SMA and toxicity tests have been performed to study long‐term acclimation, detecting an activity depletion of an order of magnitude.
Sequential electro‐coagulation and electro‐Fenton processes for the treatment of textile wastewater
Authors: Agarwal Palak , Sangal Vikas K. , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2024

Textile wastewater, laden with persistent dyes and non‐biodegradable organics, poses a challenge for treatment in common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) using conventional methods. Pre‐treatment of textile effluents is essential to ensure compatibility with CETPs. The present study employed three‐dimensional (3D) aluminum and graphite electrodes for a sequential electro‐coagulation and electro‐Fenton (EC + EF) process. An experimental plan of 25 experiments was constructed using Taguchi method. The combination resulted in high removal efficiencies: 99.91% for color, 93.20% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 91.75% for total organic carbon (TOC) for the operating parameters; for EC, current density (J): 20 mA/cm2, time (t): 45 min, speed of rotation (N): 55 rpm; and for EF, current density (J): 25 mA/cm2, time (t): 50 min, iron concentration: 40 mg/L. Post‐treatment, the wastewater exhibited an enhanced biodegradability index of 0.875, rendering it suitable for CETPs. There was an increase of 11% in the total energy consumption when energy spent during rotation and aeration at the time of EC and EF, respectively, were considered. This energy increases the cost and is not accounted for, in previous research. The energy consumption in kWh per g of COD removed at optimum condition for the hybrid treatment was 0.0314, which is lower than the energy consumption by other electrochemical processes employing plate electrodes. This indicates that 3D electrodes are more energy efficient than plate electrodes.

Practitioner Points

Hybrid electrochemical processes can be used as pre‐treatment method for textile effluents.

Three‐dimensional electrodes improve removal rates with lower energy consumption.

Significant color, COD, and TOC abatement were noted post‐hybrid treatment of textile wastewater.

Biodegradability of the textile effluent improves after the hybrid treatment.
Optical Wavefront Shaping in Biomedical Photoacoustics
Authors: Zhao Tianrui , Xia Wenfeng
Published: September 2024

Optical wavefront shaping is an emerging technique that controls light transportation in disordered media. It has attracted significant interest in the photoacoustics community in recent years. On one hand, photoacoustic signals can provide feedback on local light intensity to guide optical wavefront shaping non-invasively for focusing light through optically diffusive media. On the other hand, the wavefront shaping technique can be used to focus light through multimode fibres to achieve ultrathin photoacoustic endomicroscopy probes. This chapter reviews the latest research that lies at the intersection of wavefront shaping and photoacoustics, encompassing photoacoustic-guided wavefront shaping and multimode fibre-based photoacoustic endomicroscopy techniques.
Andere Methoden der Basenbedarfsermittlung
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Gebbers Robin
Published: September 2024

Die Basenbedarfsermittlung für das Management der Bodenacidität soll zwei Zielen dienen:

Erhaltung eines pH-Wertes gegenüber den Versauerungsprozessen

Erhöhung des pH-Wertes auf einen Zielwert
Kinetic modelling of UVC and UVC/H2O2 oxidation of an aqueous mixture of antibiotics in a completely mixed batch photoreactor
Authors: Beltrán Fernando J. , Chávez Ana M. , Jiménez-López Miguel A. , Álvarez Pedro M.
Published: September 2024

The removal kinetics of an aqueous mixture of thirteen antibiotics (i.e., ampicillin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, metronidazole, ofloxacin, oxytetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, trimethoprim and tylosin) by batch UVC and UVC/H2O2 processes has been modeled in this work. First, molar absorption coefficients (ε), direct quantum yields (Φ) and the rate constants of the reaction of antibiotics with hydroxyl radical (kHO•) (model inputs) were determined for each antibiotic and compared with literature data. The values of these parameters range from 0.3 to 21.8 mM−1 cm−1 for ε, < 0.01 to 67.8 mmol·E−1 for Φ and 3.8 × 109 to 1.7 × 1010 M−1 s−1 for kHO•. Second, a regression model was developed to compute the rate constants of the reactions of the antibiotics with singlet oxygen (k1O₂) from experimental data obtained in batch UVC experiments treating a mixture of the antibiotics. k1O₂ values in the 1–50 × 106 M−1 s−1 range were obtained for the antibiotics studied. Finally, a semi-empirical kinetic model comprising a set of ordinary differential equations was solved to simulate the evolution of the residual concentration of antibiotics and hydrogen peroxide (model outputs) in a completely mixed batch photoreactor. Model predictions were reasonably consistent with the experimental data. The kinetic model developed might be combined with computational fluid dynamics to predict process performance and energy consumption in UVC and UVC/H2O2 applications at full scale.
DUDA: a digital didactic learning unit based on educational escape rooms and multisensory learning activities for primary school children during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Setti Walter , Tarello Rebecca , Volta Erica , Ferlino Lucia , Gori Monica , Volpe Gualtiero
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitization, access to IT resources, and digital inclusion in the Italian school system. This paper presents D-UDA (i.e., “unità didattica di apprendimento digitale”, in Italian), a digital didactic unit for learning mathematics concepts. The presented approach combines teaching methodologies and game-based activities (e.g., the escape room) with a multisensory approach to designing and developing digital and multimodal technologies. D-UDA is divided into two parts: the first part consists of logic puzzles that adhere to the guidelines set by INVALSI (the Italian Istituto Nazionale per la Valutazione del Sistema educativo di Istruzione e di formazione) for mathematics learning, while the second part involves a series of multisensory games designed to promote the development of transversal competencies, such as cooperation and engagement. Moreover, D-UDA encourages children to create their own adventure using the same tools employed by the designers to develop the experience. The children who participated in testing D-UDA in June 2020 were asked to complete usability questionnaires after the experience. Preliminary results indicate the effectiveness of the educational intervention presented, which integrates recent pedagogical theories and teaching methodologies with a multisensory perspective and a technological design.
The Associations Between the Problematic Social Media and Smartphone Use, Social Phobia, and Self-Esteem: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Soraci Paolo , Pisanti Renato , Servidio Rocco , Holte Alex J. , Ferrari Ambra , Demetrovics Zsolt , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: September 2024

Social phobia has often been associated with problematic social media use (PSMU) and problematic smartphone use (PSU). Studies have also shown an association between social phobia and self-esteem. However, no studies have analyzed the relationship between social phobia, self-esteem, PSMU, and PSU in an integrated model. The present study hypothesized that social phobia may influence PSMU and PSU through the role of self-esteem. A cross-sectional study comprising 400 Italians (74.75% female) with a mean age of 37.11 years (SD =  ± 10.83) participated in the study that included Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Severity Measure for Social Phobia Disorder, and Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale. The results indicated direct positive associations between social phobia and both types of problematic technology use (PSMU and PSU). The results also indicated that self-esteem was a partial mediator in this complex relationship, suggesting that excessive technology use could be a way to compensate for low self-esteem among individuals with social phobia. The present study contributes to the understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between social anxiety, self-esteem, and problematic technology use.
Underlying Polysubstance Classes and Associated Sociodemographic Characteristics and Health Histories among People who Died from Substance-Related Acute Toxicity in Canada: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Enns Aganeta , Abele Brandi , Bowes Matthew , Murray Regan , Rotondo Jenny , VanSteelandt Amanda
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to examine underlying patterns of substances detected among accidental acute toxicity deaths in Canada and their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, location, and substance use and health history. Data abstracted from coroner and medical examiner files for all accidental acute toxicity deaths across Canada (2016 to 2017) were analyzed. Six classes emerged from a latent class analysis conducted to characterize detected substance classes: (1) cocaine and alcohol, (2) benzodiazepines and other pharmaceutical substances, (3) pharmaceutical opioids, (4) multiple pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical substances, (5) methamphetamine and fentanyl or analogues, and (6) fentanyl or analogues. Differences were identified between latent classes by sex, age, marital status, location of death, place of residence, and substance use and health history. Patterns of detected substances among deaths characterized in this study emphasize the complex nature of substance-related acute toxicity deaths across Canada and can inform future research and public health action.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Cast Ingot Al6061 Alloy Using ECAP Process
Authors: Tolcha Mesay Alemu , Gebrehiwot Tensay Mitikneh , Lemu Hirpa Gelgele
Published: September 2024

Grain refinement and mechanical property enhancement of cast ingot aluminum 6061 alloy were achieved using equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) at room temperature, employing route A and route R types. Analytical, finite element and experimental methods were utilized to investigate the alloy’s deformation behavior under the ECAP process. The tensile tests conducted at room temperature demonstrated a significant increase in strength with an increasing number of pressings, reaching 44.23, 53.19, and 56.7% for 1-pass, route A, and route R types 2-passes of the ECAP process, respectively. However, ductility, as indicated by elongation, gradually decreased after the first pressing. Electron backscatter diffraction was employed to reveal submicrometer grain sizes resulting from the ECAP process. The grain structure showed substantial improvement under route A and route R types at a 2-passes ECAP process. Wear tests conducted under loads of 10 and 25 N showed an increase in the coefficient of friction within the minimum wear loss intervals. Rockwell hardness also exhibited a significant increase of 119.3, 176.3, and 164.8% at 1-pass and 2-passes using routes R and A, respectively. As part of the evaluation, analytical models were computed using Python, and finite element simulations were performed using ABAQUS software. The results from analytical and finite element simulations demonstrated good agreement with the experimental data.
Standard operating procedure (SOP) for cervical ultrasound cine loop video sequences in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC)
Authors: Sopuschek Marc-Patrick , Freesmeyer Martin , Winkens Thomas , Kühnel Christian , Petersen Manuela , Gühne Falk , Werner Anke , Seifert Philipp
Published: September 2024

Rationale and objectives

Cervical ultrasound (US) is crucial in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, there are no guidelines for its acquisition and documentation, particularly concerning the role of additional video sequences, known as US cine loops (UCL). The aim of this study is to examine the clinical relevance (CR) of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cervical UCL in DTC follow-up.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all UCL examinations of DTC follow-up patients at a tertiary care center between January 2010 and February 2018 to determine their clinical significance. The patients were divided into two groups: those with no documented CR (UCL-nCR) and those with documented CR (UCL-CR). The study reviewed the respective written medical US reports that were validated by experienced residents. The UCL-CR were categorized in: confirmation of a suspicious finding that was identified during conventional live US (UCL-CRcon), identification of a suspicious finding that was not identified during conventional live US (UCL-CRide), and invalidation of a suspicious finding that was identified during conventional live US (UCL-CRinv).

Results

A total of 5512 UCLs in 652 DTC patients were analyzed, with 71.5% women and a mean age of 50 years. More than 90% of the tumors were low-risk at initial staging. The mean number of UCLs per patient was 8.5 ± 4.6. Overall, 95 cases of UCL-CR were identified in 82 patients (12.6%), with a patient-based number needed to scan of 8. UCL-CRinv was the most common type of UCL-CR, accounting for 77 (81.1%) of cases. The occurrences of 12 UCL-CRcon (12.6%) and 6 UCL-CRide (6.3%) were correspondingly less frequent. The diagnosis of UCL-CR was confirmed in 91.6% of cases during the clinical course.

Conclusions

In 12.6% of the patients, the additional acquisition and archiving of cervical UCL revealed clinical relevance in the course of DTC disease. The invalidation of suspicious findings through the retrospective analysis of former UCL occurred as the most significant benefit of this method. The UCL SOP can be easily and quickly integrated into the US workflow.
Determination of Some Element’s Migrants in Aqueous Simulant from Plastic Food Contact Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Ghuniem Mahmoud M.
Published: September 2024

Various chemicals present at different stages in the food supply chain can lead to the leaching of heavy metals. These metals can accumulate in the human body through the consumption of contaminated food. Consequently, it is necessary to validate an analytical technique for the quantification chemical that could contaminate food. This study presents a rapid, straightforward, and efficient analytical method for the direct quantification of some potentially toxic elements in aqueous simulants from plastic food contact products using an inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The method’s validation encompassed the study of the estimated detection limits, practical quantification limits, linearity, accuracy, and measurement uncertainty of aluminium (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) under optimized ICP-MS conditions. The estimated detection limits ranged from 7.5 × 10−4 to 0.074 mg/kg, while practical quantification limits spanned from 0.02 to 0.8 mg/kg. The average recoveries ± standard deviations at different spiking levels were varied between 85.7 ± 1.51 and 115.6 ± 0.88% with coefficients of variation between 0.42 and 5.85%. The method trueness was verified by using references materials (test material in aqueous acetic acid) purchased from Food Chemistry Proficiency Testing and Analysis (FAPAS) yielding satisfactory results within acceptable recovery and Z-score values. The method precision, in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD), was being below 4.22%. The method uncertainty expressed as expanded uncertainty of all validated elements was found to be ≤ 21.9%. Validated method was employed to determine specific elements in aqueous simulants of thirty commercial plastic food packaging samples, representing three distinct types of plastic polymers. The results showed that the mean concentrations, in mg/kg, were as follows: 2.04 (Al), 0.02 (As), 0.02 (Cd), 0.02 (Co), 0.06 (Cr), 0.41 (Cu), 1.55 (Fe), 0.09 (Mn), 0.15 (Ni), 0.07 (Pb), 0.05 (Sb), and 0.81 (Zn). Furthermore, 30% of analyzed samples exceeding the maximum permissible limits of Al for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Differential effects of increasing temperature on the germination of five wild species with varying range sizes in a Carrara marble quarry
Authors: Fanfarillo Emanuele , Bonini Ilaria , Castagnini Paolo , Fiaschi Tiberio , Maccherini Simona , Magrini Sara , Zangari Giulio , Angiolini Claudia
Published: September 2024

Assessing the performance of spontaneous plants in abandoned quarries under future environmental scenarios is important for successful restoration practises. Air warming is one of the most relevant ongoing climatic changes in the Mediterranean. We tested the effects of increasing temperature on the germination of five species spontaneously colonising the abandoned sectors of a Carrara marble quarry (Tuscany, central Italy). We selected five plant species with different widths of their distribution range, from local endemic to invasive alien: Santolina pinnata, Globularia incanescens, Hypericum coris, Helichrysum italicum, and Buddleja davidii. Seeds were collected in situ and their germination was tested in laboratory conditions at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C. The effects of temperature and species on germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were tested through two-way ANOVA. Increasing temperatures negatively affected the GP of S. pinnata and H. coris. G. incanescens performed better at intermediate temperatures, whilst H. italicum benefited from increasing temperatures. B. davidii showed a similar high GP under all the treatments. MGT decreased with increasing temperature for all the species, except for S. pinnata, which showed an increase of MGT with increasing temperature. We highlighted that, under future warmer climatic conditions, the two endemic species will be disadvantaged with respect to the species with a wider distribution range and the non-native species in the studied quarry. This evidence is relevant for restoration planning since seeding the two endemic species could be unsuccessful under future environmental scenarios, when H. italicum and B. davidii will be more competitive in the colonisation of the quarry.
3D Printing of Periodic Porous Metamaterials for Tunable Electromagnetic Shielding Across Broad Frequencies
Authors: Lv Qinniu , Peng Zilin , Pei Haoran , Zhang Xinxing , Chen Yinghong , Zhang Huarong , Zhu Xu , Wu Shulong
Published: September 2024

The new-generation electronic components require a balance between electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency and open structure factors such as ventilation and heat dissipation. In addition, realizing the tunable shielding of porous shields over a wide range of wavelengths is even more challenging. In this study, the well-prepared thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotubes composites were used to fabricate the novel periodic porous flexible metamaterials using fused deposition modeling 3D printing. Particularly, the investigation focuses on optimization of pore geometry, size, dislocation configuration and material thickness, thus establishing a clear correlation between structural parameters and shielding property. Both experimental and simulation results have validated the superior shielding performance of hexagon derived honeycomb structure over other designs, and proposed the failure shielding size (Df ≈λ/8 − λ/5) and critical inclined angle (θf ≈43° − 48°), which could be used as new benchmarks for tunable electromagnetic shielding. In addition, the proper regulation of the material thickness could remarkably enhance the maximum shielding capability (85 − 95 dB) and absorption coefficient A (over 0.83). The final innovative design of the porous shielding box also exhibits good shielding effectiveness across a broad frequency range (over 2.4 GHz), opening up novel pathways for individualized and diversified shielding solutions.
Innovations in Digital Comics
Authors: Benatti Francesca
Published: September 2024

The success of popular webcomics (comics produced and read entirely digitally) is the greatest revolution in the comics medium of the last two decades. Webcomics exploit a socio-technical convergence between digital platforms and participatory cultures, enabling global authors to work together with global audiences to transcend established print comics structures. After defining digital comics, webcomics and webtoons, this Element presents a case study of Korean platform WEBTOON, which achieved 100 billion global page views in 2019. The study analyses data from their website, including views, subscriptions and likes, to quantify and assess whether WEBTOON's commercial and critical success is connected to its inclusion of a wider range of genres and of a more diverse author base than mainstream English-language print comics. In so doing, it performs the first Book Historical study of webcomics and webtoons. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Numerical analysis of X-ray multilayer Fresnel zone plates with high aspect ratios
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Gao Yazeng , Ming Shuaiqiang , Lu Weier , Xia Yang
Published: September 2024

A partition calculation method (PCM) for calculating the diffraction efficiency of multilayer Fresnel zone plate with high aspect ratio is proposed. In contrast to the traditional theory, PCM designs and evaluates Fresnel zone plate (FZP) considering material pairs, all zone widths, thicknesses and X-ray energy more completely. The results obtained through PCM are validated by comparing them with the complex amplitude superposition theory and coupled wave theory numerical results. The PCM satisfies the requirements of the theoretical investigation of FZP with small outermost zone width (drN) and large thickness (t). Combining proper numerical analysis with the experimental conditions will present a great potential to break through the imaging performance of X-ray microscopy.
Solution-based biophysical characterization of conformation change in structure-switching aptamers
Authors: Eisen Sophie R. , Dauphin-Ducharme Philippe , Johnson Philip E.
Published: September 2024

Structure-switching aptamers have become ubiquitous in several applications, notably in analytical devices such as biosensors, due to their ease of supporting strong signaling. Aside from their ability to bind specifically with their respective target, this class of aptamers also undergoes a conformational rearrangement upon target recognition. While several well-studied and early-developed aptamers (e.g., cocaine, ATP, and thrombin) have been found to have this structure-switching property, the vast majority do not. As a result, it is common to try to engineer aptamers into switches. This proves challenging in part because of the difficulty in obtaining structural and functional information about aptamers. In response, we review various readily available biophysical characterization tools that are capable of assessing structure switching of aptamers. In doing so, we delve into the fundamentals of these different techniques and detail how they have been utilized in characterizing structure-switching aptamers. While each of these biophysical techniques alone has utility, their real power to demonstrate the occurrence of structural change with ligand binding is when multiple techniques are used. We hope that through a deeper understanding of these techniques, researchers will be better able to acquire biophysical information about their aptamer–ligand systems and accelerate the translation of aptamers into biosensors.
Coherence of Compressional Pc3‐4 Pulsation Driven by Upstream Waves in Topside Ionosphere Observed by the Swarm Constellation
Authors: Xu Chunyu , Lühr Hermann , Xiong Chao , Wang Fengjue , Zhou Yunliang
Published: September 2024

In this study, we presented a detailed analysis of ultralow frequency compressional waves with frequencies ranging from 16 to 100 mHz by using magnetic measurements of Swarm A and B, when the two spacecraft were flying in a counter‐rotating configuration. These waves are assumed to be driven by processes in the fore‐shock region and subsequently termed as upstream waves (UWs). An automatic detection algorithm for identifying UW events has been developed and applied to the Swarm magnetic measurements. Different to previous studies we take advantage of the counter‐rotating Swarm constellation to investigate the large‐scale homogeneous wavefield. Only B‐field oscillations from both Swarm A and B satellites satisfy the following criteria are accepted for UWs analysis: (a) highly correlated with normalized correlation coefficient (Cc) larger than 0.9; (b) shifted by less than 3 s between observations; (c) separated up to 90° in latitude and/or longitude. By this procedure we have identified from the years 2018–2023 in total 577 orbits containing UWs in the magnetic recordings of both spacecraft. In the first step, we checked phase shifts between UW detections at large latitudinal separation. The two counter‐rotating spacecraft allowed to make use of the Doppler effect to check the possible propagation of UWs at ionospheric altitude. Although individual events show signs of north‐south wave propagation, on average no systematic motion could be found. Similarly, possible wave motions toward or away from noon hours have been checked. By analyzing the simultaneous observations at larger longitudinal separation, also hardly any phase differences are identified in the east‐west direction. Further by evaluating the statistical results, a mean tiny local time effect seems to emerge, indicating on average an earlier arrival of the waves in the morning and later in the evening hours.