bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The non-epistemic dimension, at last a key component in mainstream theoretical approaches to teaching the nature of science
Authors: García-Carmona Antonio
Published: January 2024

For many years, hegemonic approaches to teaching the nature of science (NOS) have focused mainly on understanding some epistemic (i.e., rational, or cognitive) aspects involved in the construction of science. So, aspects of a non-epistemic (i.e., non-rational, contextual, or extra-scientific) nature have been practically neglected in these predominant proposals for teaching NOS. However, those of us who advocate a more holistic NOS teaching, with a balanced integration of both epistemic and non-epistemic aspects of NOS, have reason to celebrate. The development of the family resemblance approach (FRA) to NOS, initially proposed by Irzik and Nola (2011, 2014), and then suitably adapted by Erduran and Dagher (2014) for science education, has cemented such a purpose in the current literature on NOS teaching research. But, like all scientific milestones, there are antecedents that, in some way, have also contributed to building the path that has brought us to this point. Therefore, it is fair to acknowledge them. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide a critical discussion of all of this and to make an explicit acknowledgement of some of these antecedents, such as the framework of the science-technology-society (STS) tradition, among others, without undermining the important role of the FRA in achieving the current predominant vision of holistic NOS teaching.
Memory in two dimensions
Authors: Fernández Jordi
Published: January 2024

Memories can be accurate or inaccurate. They have, then, accuracy conditions. A reasonable picture of the accuracy conditions of a memory is that a memory is accurate just in case the reference of a memory satisfies the information provided by the memory. But how are the references of our memories determined exactly? And what are the accuracy conditions of memories, given their references? In this paper, I argue that the notion of accuracy conditions for memories is ambiguous. There are two types of conditions which can be plausibly construed as accuracy conditions for memories. I motivate this idea by using some resources from two-dimensional semantics. The outcome of applying two-dimensionalism to memory is that memories have two kinds of accuracy conditions. In both cases, causal relations play an important role in the framing of those conditions. But the role is quite different in each case. For one type of accuracy conditions, the causal relations which produce a memory play the role of fixing the reference of that memory. For the other type of accuracy conditions, the causal relations which produce a memory become part of the information which needs to be satisfied by the reference of the memory for it to be accurate. However, in both cases, the picture according to which a memory is accurate just in case the reference of a memory satisfies the information provided by the memory reemerges as being correct, though for interestingly different reasons.
The role of physical activity in the association between disability and mortality among US older adults: a nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: Izquierdo-Gomez Rocio , Martínez-Gómez David , Shields Nora , del Rosario Ortola-Vidal María , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Cabanas-Sánchez Verónica
Published: January 2024

To examine whether physical activity can mitigate the mortality risk associated with disability in activities of daily living and instrumental activities in daily living among older adults. This analysis comprised 177,360 US participants (104,556 women), aged ≥ 60 years, with valid data from the 1997 through 2018 waves of the US National Health Interview Survey. Participants reported the frequency and duration of leisure-time PA, and their disabilities in activities of daily living and instrumental activities in daily living. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index. Over a mean (SD) follow-up of 8.02 (5.43) years, 66,694 deaths occurred from all-cause, 22,673 from cardiovascular disease, and 13,845 from cancer. Among people with disability in activities in daily living, those reaching physical activity recommendations had 25%, 24% and 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer death, respectively, compared with those who do not meet physical activity recommendations. Values were 23%, 22% and 24% for those with disability in instrumental activities in daily living. Risk reductions associated with reaching the recommended physical activity ranged 16% to 29% for people without disability. Combining disability type and compliance with physical activity, individuals with disability in activities of daily living or instrumental activities in daily living who meet the recommended physical activity had moderately higher mortality than those without disability who did not achieve the recommended physical activity. Compliance with physical activity recommendations can partially mitigate excess mortality resulting from disability in activities in daily living or instrumental activities in daily living in older adults.
Can LCA be FAIR? Assessing the status quo and opportunities for FAIR data sharing
Authors: Ghose Agneta
Published: January 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study is to assess the status quo of data sharing in LCA in relation to the FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse) data principles.

Methods

This study investigates how is LCA data from publicly funded research currently shared. Firstly, the focus is on life cycle inventory data shared in journal articles. Given that FAIR data sharing is not only the responsibility of the LCA practitioner, this study further investigates guidelines (e.g., data sharing standards and data management plans) and infrastructure (repositories, data formats, and nomenclature) to identify the tools and services available to LCA community which are essential to enable FAIR data sharing.

Results

The study identifies that although there is growing awareness to improve data sharing practices, implementation of FAIR guidelines for data sharing is seldom seen in practice. LCA studies that adhere to FAIR principles are primarily due to use of generic data repositories which provide tools to support data sharing. However, there is no guidance on how LCA specific data should be shared to ensure its findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. This study suggests a workflow to enable FAIRification of LCA data. In addition, the study recommends further efforts within the LCA community on skill and technology development, strategic funding, and recognition of the best practices in relation to data sharing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the necessity of data sharing incentives, guidelines, and platforms/repositories specific for the LCA community.
Defining and Improving Outcomes Measurement for Virtual Care: Report from the VHA State-of-the-Art Conference on Virtual Care
Authors: Connolly Samantha L. , Sherman Scott E. , Dardashti Navid , Duran Elizabeth , Bosworth Hayden B. , Charness Michael E. , Newton Terry J. , Reddy Ashok , Wong Edwin S. , Zullig Leah L. , Gutierrez Jeydith
Published: January 2024

Virtual care, including synchronous and asynchronous telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and the collection and interpretation of patient-generated health data (PGHD), has the potential to transform healthcare delivery and increase access to care. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) convened a State-of-the-Art (SOTA) Conference on Virtual Care to identify future virtual care research priorities. Participants were divided into three workgroups focused on virtual care access, engagement, and outcomes. In this article, we report the findings of the Outcomes Workgroup. The group identified virtual care outcome areas with sufficient evidence, areas in need of additional research, and areas that are particularly well-suited to be studied within VHA. Following a rigorous process of literature review and consensus, the group focused on four questions: (1) What outcomes of virtual care should we be measuring and how should we measure them?; (2) how do we choose the “right” care modality for the “right” patient?; (3) what are potential consequences of virtual care on patient safety?; and (4) how can PGHD be used to benefit provider decision-making and patient self-management?. The current article outlines key conclusions that emerged following discussion of these questions, including recommendations for future research.
Factors Associated with Veteran Self-Reported Use of Digital Health Devices
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A. , Shimada Stephanie L. , Zocchi Mark S. , Etingen Bella , Smith Bridget , McMahon Nicholas , Cutrona Sarah L. , Harmon Julie S. , Wilck Nancy R. , Hogan Timothy P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Digital health devices (DHDs), technologies designed to gather, monitor, and sometimes share data about health-related behaviors or symptoms, can support the prevention or management of chronic conditions. DHDs range in complexity and utility, from tracking lifestyle behaviors (e.g., pedometer) to more sophisticated biometric data collection for disease self-management (e.g., glucometers). Despite these positive health benefits, supporting adoption and sustained use of DHDs remains a challenge.

Objective

This analysis examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with, DHD use within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Design

National survey.

Participants

Veterans who receive VHA care and are active secure messaging users.

Main Measures

Demographics, access to technology, perceptions of using health technologies, and use of lifestyle monitoring and self-management DHDs.

Results

Among respondents, 87% were current or past users of at least one DHD, and 58% were provided a DHD by VHA. Respondents 65 + years were less likely to use a lifestyle monitoring device (AOR 0.57, 95% CI [0.39, 0.81], P = .002), but more likely to use a self-management device (AOR 1.69, 95% [1.10, 2.59], P = .016). Smartphone owners were more likely to use a lifestyle monitoring device (AOR 2.60, 95% CI [1.42, 4.75], P = .002) and a self-management device (AOR 1.83, 95% CI [1.04, 3.23], P = .037).

Conclusions

The current analysis describes the types of DHDs that are being adopted by Veterans and factors associated with their adoption. Results suggest that various factors influence adoption, including age, access to technology, and health status, and that these relationships may differ based on the functionalities of the device. VHA provision of devices was frequent among device users. Providing Veterans with DHDs and the training needed to use them may be important factors in facilitating device adoption. Taken together, this knowledge can inform future implementation efforts, and next steps to support patient-team decision making about DHD use.
Improving Veteran Engagement with Virtual Care Technologies: a Veterans Health Administration State of the Art Conference Research Agenda
Authors: Haderlein Taona P. , Guzman-Clark Jenice , Dardashti Navid S. , McMahon Nicholas , Duran Elizabeth L. , Haun Jolie N. , Robinson Stephanie A. , Blok Amanda C. , Cutrona Sarah L. , Lindsay Jan A. , Armstrong Christina M. , Nazi Kim M. , Shimada Stephanie L. , Wilck Nancy R. , Reilly Erin , Kuhn Eric , Hogan Timothy P.
Published: January 2024

Although the availability of virtual care technologies in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continues to expand, ensuring engagement with these technologies among Veterans remains a challenge. VHA Health Services Research & Development convened a Virtual Care State of The Art (SOTA) conference in May 2022 to create a research agenda for improving virtual care access, engagement, and outcomes. This article reports findings from the Virtual Care SOTA engagement workgroup, which comprised fourteen VHA subject matter experts representing VHA clinical care, research, administration, and operations. Workgroup members reviewed current evidence on factors and strategies that may affect Veteran engagement with virtual care technologies and generated key questions to address evidence gaps. The workgroup agreed that although extensive literature exists on factors that affect Veteran engagement, more work is needed to identify effective strategies to increase and sustain engagement. Workgroup members identified key priorities for research on Veteran engagement with virtual care technologies through a series of breakout discussion groups and ranking exercises. The top three priorities were to (1) understand the Veteran journey from active service to VHA enrollment and beyond, and when and how virtual care technologies can best be introduced along that journey to maximize engagement and promote seamless care; (2) utilize the meaningful relationships in a Veteran’s life, including family, friends, peers, and other informal or formal caregivers, to support Veteran adoption and sustained use of virtual care technologies; and (3) test promising strategies in meaningful combinations to promote Veteran adoption and/or sustained use of virtual care technologies. Research in these priority areas has the potential to help VHA refine strategies to improve virtual care user engagement, and by extension, outcomes.
Spreadsheet quality assurance: a literature review
Authors: Poon Pak-Lok , Lau Man Fai , Yu Yuen Tak , Tang Sau-Fun
Published: January 2024

Spreadsheets are very common for information processing to support decision making by both professional developers and non-technical end users. Moreover, business intelligence and artificial intelligence are increasingly popular in the industry nowadays, where spreadsheets have been used as, or integrated into, intelligent or expert systems in various application domains. However, it has been repeatedly reported that faults often exist in operational spreadsheets, which could severely compromise the quality of conclusions and decisions based on the spreadsheets. With a view to systematically examining this problem via survey of existing work, we have conducted a comprehensive literature review on the quality issues and related techniques of spreadsheets over a 35.5-year period (from January 1987 to June 2022) for target journals and a 10.5-year period (from January 2012 to June 2022) for target conferences. Among other findings, two major ones are: (a) Spreadsheet quality is best addressed throughout the whole spreadsheet life cycle, rather than just focusing on a few specific stages of the life cycle. (b) Relatively more studies focus on spreadsheet testing and debugging (related to fault detection and removal) when compared with spreadsheet specification, modeling, and design (related to development). As prevention is better than cure, more research should be performed on the early stages of the spreadsheet life cycle. Enlightened by our comprehensive review, we have identified the major research gaps as well as highlighted key research directions for future work in the area.
Exploring the Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes in Diabetic and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Al-Massri Khaled F.
Published: January 2024

Diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies are known for long-term complications that are associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia and cancer treatment, respectively. Peripheral neuropathy often requires long-term therapy and could persist after treatment provoking detrimental effects on the patient’s quality of life. Despite continuous drug discoveries, development of efficient therapies is still needed for the significant management of diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles that show great promise recently in tissue regeneration and injury repair compared to their parent stem cells. Herein, we provided a summary for the use of mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes in diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in addition to recent advancements and ways proposed for the enhancement of their efficacy in these diseases.

Graphical abstract
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye by magnetized TiO2-silica nanoparticles from rice husk
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek , Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru , Adejare Aderibigbe Tajudeen , Olasupo Sabitu Babatunde
Published: January 2024

In this current study, magnetized TiO2-supported SiO2 nanoparticles, synthesized from rice husk, was applied as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue dye (MBD) in aqueous solution using LED lamp as light source. The effects of MBD initial concentration, TiO2 loading, pH and illumination time on the degradation efficiency of the photocatalyst on MBD was investigated using Box–Behnken design as the experimental design tool. Photocatalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. At optimum predicted point where MBD initial concentration, TiO2 loading, pH and illumination time were 10 ppm, 15%, 6 and 75 min, respectively, the predicted and experimental percentage of MBD removed were 97.66% and 96.89%, respectively. Correlation coefficient and ANOVA justified high significance of the developed model for prediction. Experimental data fitted excellently into pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The temperature effect revealed optimum MBD photocatalytic degradation at 50 °C by TiO2/mRH-SNP. Characterization revealed the effects of magnetization and TiO2 addition on the synthesized SiO2 nanoparticles from rice husk. In conclusion, magnetized TiO2-silica nanoparticles from rice husk could be effectively used to degrade MBD in solution.
Pain: its prevalence and correlates among the oldest old
Authors: Bokermann Josephine , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: January 2024

Background

There is very limited knowledge regarding pain among the oldest old.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of pain among the oldest old.

Methods

Data were taken from the “Survey on quality of life and subjective well-being of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW80+)”, including individuals living in North Rhine-Westphalia aged 80 years and over. Pain was categorized as no pain, moderate pain and severe pain. Its prevalence was stratified by sex, age groups, marital status, place of residence and education. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results

28.50% of the participants reported no pain, 45.06% moderate pain and 26.44% severe pain. Regressions showed that being 85 years or older and a better self-rated health status decreased the likelihood of moderate pain. Being 85–89 years old, being male, highly educated and a better self-rated health status decreased the likelihood of severe pain. The likelihood of moderate and severe pain increased with a higher number of chronic diseases.

Discussion

Study findings showed a high prevalence of pain in the oldest old living in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The likelihood of having moderate or severe pain was reduced among those who were older and presented with a better self-rated health but increased with a growing number of comorbidities. Severe pain was less likely among men and those with a higher education.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional representative study adds first evidence of prevalence and correlations of pain among the oldest old. Longitudinal studies are required to further explore the determinants of pain in this age group.
Flexible, Transparent and Conductive Metal Mesh Films with Ultra-High FoM for Stretchable Heating and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Chen Zibo , Yang Shaodian , Huang Junhua , Gu Yifan , Huang Weibo , Liu Shaoyong , Lin Zhiqiang , Zeng Zhiping , Hu Yougen , Chen Zimin , Yang Boru , Gui Xuchun
Published: January 2024

Despite the growing demand for transparent conductive films in smart and wearable electronics for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, achieving a flexible EMI shielding film, while maintaining a high transmittance remains a significant challenge. Herein, a flexible, transparent, and conductive copper (Cu) metal mesh film for EMI shielding is fabricated by self-forming crackle template method and electroplating technique. The Cu mesh film shows an ultra-low sheet resistance (0.18 Ω □−1), high transmittance (85.8%@550 nm), and ultra-high figure of merit (> 13,000). It also has satisfactory stretchability and mechanical stability, with a resistance increases of only 1.3% after 1,000 bending cycles. As a stretchable heater (ε > 30%), the saturation temperature of the film can reach over 110 °C within 60 s at 1.00 V applied voltage. Moreover, the metal mesh film exhibits outstanding average EMI shielding effectiveness of 40.4 dB in the X-band at the thickness of 2.5 μm. As a demonstration, it is used as a transparent window for shielding the wireless communication electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the flexible and transparent conductive Cu mesh film proposed in this work provides a promising candidate for the next-generation EMI shielding applications.
A dual-function selection system enables positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Feng-Zhu , Bao Ying , Li Zhenxiang , Xiong Xiangyu , Li Jian-Feng
Published: January 2024

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology revolutionizes targeted gene knockout in diverse organisms including plants. However, screening edited alleles, particularly those with multiplex editing, from herbicide- or antibiotic-resistant transgenic plants and segregating out the Cas9 transgene represent two laborious processes. Current solutions to facilitate these processes rely on different selection markers. Here, by taking advantage of the opposite functions of a d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) in detoxifying d-serine and in metabolizing non-toxic d-valine to a cytotoxic product, we develop a DAO-based selection system that simultaneously enables the enrichment of multigene edited alleles and elimination of Cas9-containing progeny in Arabidopsis thaliana. Among five DAOs tested in Escherichia coli, the one encoded by Trigonopsis variabilis (TvDAO) could confer slightly stronger d-serine resistance than other homologs. Transgenic expression of TvDAO in Arabidopsis allowed a clear distinction between transgenic and non-transgenic plants in both d-serine-conditioned positive selection and d-valine-conditioned negative selection. As a proof of concept, we combined CRISPR-induced single-strand annealing repair of a dead TvDAO with d-serine-based positive selection to help identify transgenic plants with multiplex editing, where d-serine-resistant plants exhibited considerably higher co-editing frequencies at three endogenous target genes than those selected by hygromycin. Subsequently, d-valine-based negative selection successfully removed Cas9 and TvDAO transgenes from the survival offspring carrying inherited mutations. Collectively, this work provides a novel strategy to ease CRISPR mutant identification and Cas9 transgene elimination using a single selection marker, which promises more efficient and simplified multiplex CRISPR editing in plants.
The Effect of Prone and Supine Limb Positioning on the Radiographic Evaluation of Posterolateral Plate Fixation of the Posterior Malleolus
Authors: Patel Preemal , Little Zoe , Beak Phillip , Williams Rachel , Trompeter Alex
Published: January 2024

Aim

To facilitate the posterolateral approach to the posterior malleolus patients are often positioned prone initially, then turned supine to complete fixation at the medial malleolus. We sought to define observed differences in the radiographic appearance of implants relative to the joint line, in prone and supine positions.

Methods

A 3.5 mm tubular plate and a 3.5 mm posterior distal tibial periarticular plate were applied sequentially to 3 individual cadaveric legs, via a posterolateral approach. The tubular plate was positioned to simulate buttress fixation and the posterolateral plate placed more distally. Each limb was secured on a custom jig and radiographs were taken on a mobile c-arm fluoroscopy machine with a calibration ball. A series of prone AP, supine PA and mortise radiographs were taken. Prone radiographs were also taken in different degrees of caudal tilt to simulate knee flexion which occurs in practice, during intraoperative positioning. Plate tip-joint line distances were measured and Mann–Whitney U tests performed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in plate tip-joint line distance when comparing equivalent prone and supine views (PA/AP or mortise). However, significant differences in apparent implant position were noted with alterations in caudal tilt. When taking a prone image, when the knee is flexed to 20 degrees, the plate tip will appear 6.5–8.5 mm more proximal than in the equivalent supine image where the knee is extended and the fluoroscopy beam is orthogonal to the anatomic axis of the tibia.

Conclusion

Observed differences in radiographic appearance of metalwork in the prone and supine position are most likely due to knee flexion and the resulting variation in the angle of the fluoroscopy beam, rather than projectional differences between supine and prone views. Surgeons should be alert to this when analysing intraoperative images.
Clustering graph data: the roadmap to spectral techniques
Authors: Mondal Rahul , Ignatova Evelina , Walke Daniel , Broneske David , Saake Gunter , Heyer Robert
Published: January 2024

Graph data models enable efficient storage, visualization, and analysis of highly interlinked data, by providing the benefits of horizontal scalability and high query performance. Clustering techniques, such as K-means, hierarchical clustering, are highly beneficial tools in data mining and machine learning to find meaningful similarities and differences between data points. Recent developments in graph data models, as well as clustering algorithms for graph data, have shown promising results in image segmentation, gene data analysis, etc. This has been primarily achieved through research and development of algorithms in the field of spectral theory, leading to the conception of spectral clustering algorithms. Spectral clustering algorithms have been one of the most effective in grouping similar data points in graph data models. In this paper, we have compiled 16 spectral clustering algorithms and compared their computational complexities, after an overview of graph data models and graph database models. Furthermore, we provided a broad taxonomy to classify most existing clustering algorithms and discussed the taxonomy in detail.
Fat phobia scale-short form and beliefs about obese persons scale: cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: de Souza Gabriela Cristina Arces , Laus Maria Fernanda , da Silva Wanderson Roberto , Japur Camila Cremonezi
Published: January 2024

The Fat Phobia Scale-Short Form (FPS) and the Beliefs About Obese Persons Scale (BAOP) are scales developed to investigate fatphobia and beliefs about obese persons, respectively. The aim of the study was to carry out the cross-cultural adaptation of these scales to Brazilian Portuguese. The methodology was carried out in 5 stages: 1. translation, 2. synthesis of translations, 3. evaluation by the expert committee of semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalences, 4. discussion with the target population (health professionals and other areas), and 5. back-translation. The results of the judgment of equivalences evaluated by the specialists were presented in absolute and relative frequency, and the agreement of the results between the specialists was verified by the Kappa de Fleiss Coefficient (₭). The results showed excellent agreement for all equivalences in both scales, except for BAOP semantics, which was good. (₭ = 0.67). Suggestions from the target population (Brazilian adults) were considered to adapt the final version of the two scales, which were back-translated and approved by the original authors. It is concluded that FPS and BAOP are duly adapted to Brazilian Portuguese and ready to be tested for their psychometric qualities.
Control-oriented planning and development-oriented planning: comparison of planning paradigms and practice in Hubei, China
Authors: Zheng Degao , Chen Ye , Luo Yan , Wang Jiuyu
Published: January 2024

The history of planning development in various countries shows that the core logic of planning is the spiral interweaving of control and development, and constantly makes corresponding adjustments to respond to changes and challenges in social and economic development. Most of the planning in western countries originated from control-oriented paradigm, then integrated development-oriented elements, and finally has evolved into comprehensive coordination-oriented planning paradigm. China’s planning, which originated from development-oriented paradigm, has shifted towards control-oriented planning as represented by territorial spatial planning to tackle issues such as excessive consumption of resources. In the face of economic, social and environmental challenges, China’s urban planning in the future should also move towards a comprehensive balance between control and development. The common thread of control is the sustainable development of economy, society, and environment. The common thread of development is to achieve the Chinese path to modernization. The content of control and development will vary with different spatial scales and time stages. Take Hubei’s practice as an example, planning control is driven by the integrated management of watershed and planning development is led by the synchronization of new industrialization, IT application, new urbanization, and agricultural modernization. Hubei Province seeks to promote high-quality, sustainable development through comprehensive coordination-oriented planning that combines control and development.
Properties and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms of artificial humic acid are feedstock-dependent
Authors: Li Xiaona , Zhi Yancai , Jia Minghao , Wang Xiaowei , Tao Mengna , Wang Zhenyu , Xing Baoshan
Published: January 2024

The artificial humic acids (AHA) approach contributes to achieving the carbon (C) emission peaking and neutrality goal through efficient recycling of waste biomasses and promotion of plant photosynthesis. However, the dependence of their production processes and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms on feedstocks remains unclear. In this study, waste biomasses including camphor leaves (CL), corn stalks (CS), peanut shells (PS), and mixed cyanobacteria (MC) have been respectively converted into artificial humic acids through an environmentally friendly hydrothermal humification approach. The dynamic humification process of different feedstocks and the composition, structural properties, and electron transfer capacity of AHA products were determined. Moreover, the different AHA products were applied to corn to explore their respective photosynthetic promotion mechanisms. High relative contents of lignin and C/N in feedstocks are not conducive to the formation of photodegradable substances and the redox property in AHA. The application of AHA increased the net photosynthetic rate and biomass C of corn by 70–118% and 22–39%, respectively. The AHA produced from higher H/C (0.19) and hemicellulose content (17.09%) in feedstocks (e.g., MC) increased corn photosynthesis by improving light energy capture and conversion efficiency in the PSII process. In contrast, the AHA produced from a higher content of lignin (19.81%) and C/N (7.67) in feedstocks (e.g., CS) increased corn photosynthesis by providing functional enzymes (proteins) and nutrients for leaves. This work provides new insights into the utilization of renewable resources, and the artificial humic acids approach sheds light on environmental sustainability by constructing a closed loop of C in environments.

Graphical Abstract
Biochar mitigates the mineralization of allochthonous organic matter and global warming potential of saltmarshes by influencing functional bacteria
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Huang Yuzhou , Hu Jing , Tang Tao , Xu Caicai , Effiong Kokoette Sunday , Xiao Xi
Published: January 2024

Saltmarshes are suffering from severe degradation due to anthropogenic activities, leading to the loss of blue carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Given the significant potential of biochar in mitigating climate change, adding biochar to saltmarshes would alleviate this situation. This study investigated the effects of different biochar (made from Spartina alterniflora, corn straw, and Laminaria japonica) and their aged biochar on the carbon fraction contents, GHG emissions, and microbial community structure of saltmarsh soils with allochthonous organic matter (Enteromorpha prolifera) addition. After 60 days of incubation, total organic carbon (TOC) loss and global warming potential (GWP) of biochar-amended soils were reduced by 67.29–124.33% and 4.91–123.24%, respectively (p < 0.05). Biochar reduced the proportion of labile carbon (dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC)) in organic carbon by 61.92–86.15% (p < 0.05). In addition, biochar reduced the relative abundance of specific functional bacteria (inc. cellulolysis, aromatic compound degradation, and xylanolysis) involved in organic carbon decomposition by 20.02–37.82% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that even in the presence of high levels of liable organic matter, the application of biochar to saltmarshes has a sustained effect in promoting carbon accumulation and reducing GHG emissions, and this effect is regulated by a decrease of functional bacteria associated with carbon metabolism. Therefore, the in situ study of biochar on restoring carbon sink function of saltmarshes is proposed for practical engineering in future.

Graphical Abstract
Regulating oxygenated groups and carbon defects of carbon-based catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to H2O2 by a mild and self-recycled modification strategy
Authors: Ma Chong , Hao Qing , Hou Jianhua , Liu Annai , Xiang Xu
Published: January 2024

It is a green route to prepare H2O2 through electrochemical oxygen reduction at normal temperature and pressure using only oxygen and water as feedstock. This method is suitable for the distributed production of H2O2, avoiding the safety problems caused by long-term storage and long-distance transportation. We propose a mild strategy modulating carbon materials i.e., the carbon black is treated by a low-concentration H2O2, where the oxidation reactions occur by hydroxyl radicals. The oxygenated groups and carbon defects were regulated by adjusting the concentration H2O2 used. The modified carbon black showed excellent selectivity and stability in the electrosynthesis of H2O2 under neutral conditions. The optimal catalyst had a selectivity of 99% for H2O2 at a potential of 0.25 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode and remained above 90% in a wide potential window. The activity of optimal catalyst was increased by 19% compared to the pristine carbon black. It was found that the improvement of catalytic activity and selectivity was mainly ascribed to carbon defect. The concentration of H2O2 produced was 0.33 mol L−1 with 80% Faradaic efficiency at 4.5 V in the flow cell. The productivity of H2O2 could reach 2.23 mol g−1 h−1 during a continuous operation of 10 h.

Graphical Abstract
Examining the contributions of muslim women in achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria
Authors: Fahm AbdulGafar Olawale , Memud Suliat Yetunde
Published: January 2024

The study aims to investigate the often underestimated role of Muslim women in the context of Nigeria in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodology employed in this research involves qualitative methods, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted contributions of Muslim women in areas such as education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction, and community development. Data for this study was obtained through interviews and surveys involving Muslim women from various regions in Nigeria, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their roles, challenges, and strategies. The data was meticulously analyzed to identify the challenges faced by these women, the innovative strategies they employ to overcome these challenges, and the tangible impact of their efforts on the progression of SDGs in Nigeria. The findings of this research highlight the pivotal role of Muslim women in sustainable development and emphasize the need for recognizing and empowering them as catalysts for positive change. This recognition, in turn, is seen as a catalyst for broader inclusivity and gender equity initiatives, both within Nigeria and beyond, with the ultimate goal of achieving SDGs in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner.
Correlating real-world incidents with vessel traffic off the coast of Hawaii, 2017–2020
Authors: Henriksen Amelia
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Because of the high-risk nature of emergencies and illegal activities at sea, it is critical that algorithms designed to detect anomalies from maritime traffic data be robust. However, there exist no publicly available maritime traffic data sets with real-world expert-labeled anomalies. As a result, most anomaly detection algorithms for maritime traffic are validated without ground truth.

Data description

We introduce the HawaiiCoast_GT data set, the first ever publicly available automatic identification system (AIS) data set with a large corresponding set of true anomalous incidents. This data set—cleaned and curated from raw Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) automatic identification system (AIS) data—covers Hawaii’s coastal waters for four years (2017–2020) and contains 88,749,176 AIS points for a total of 2622 unique vessels. This includes 208 labeled tracks corresponding to 154 rigorously documented real-world incidents.
Accelerating Subglacial Hydrology for Ice Sheet Models With Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Verjans Vincent , Robel Alexander
Published: January 2024

Subglacial drainage networks regulate the response of ice sheet flow to surface meltwater input to the subglacial environment. Simulating subglacial hydrology evolution is critical to projecting ice sheet sensitivity to climate, and contribution to sea‐level change. However, current numerical subglacial hydrology models are computationally expensive, and, consequently, evolving subglacial hydrology is neglected in large‐scale ice sheet simulations. We present a deep learning emulator of a state‐of‐the‐art subglacial hydrology model, trained at multiple Greenland glaciers. Our emulator performs strongly in both temporal (R2 > 0.99) and spatial (R2 > 0.95) generalization, offers high computational savings, and can be used to force numerical ice sheet models. This will enable century‐ and large‐scale ice sheet model simulations, including interactions between ice flow and increased meltwater input to the subglacial environment. Generally, our work demonstrates that machine learning can further improve ice sheet models, reduce computational bottlenecks, and exploit information from high‐fidelity models and novel observational platforms.
Inferring Whistler‐Mode Chorus Wave Source Regions in the Martian Mini‐Magnetospheres
Authors: Cheng Sanwei , Su Zhenpeng , Wu Zhiyong , Wang Yuming
Published: January 2024

Martian mini‐magnetospheres contain whistler‐mode chorus waves potentially contributing to atmospheric escape, analogous to the Earth's inner magnetosphere. At Earth, the chorus waves have been found to originate from the near‐equatorial region spanning approximately 2% of the entire magnetic field line length. However, because of the lack of wave Poynting flux measurements, the Martian chorus source region remains unclear. By comparing the frequency dependence between observed wave power and modeled linear growth rates, we present the first attempt to explore the chorus wave source distribution along the Martian mini‐magnetospheric field lines. Our data‐to‐model comparisons support that these waves are not generated by a single source tightly confined near the magnetic strength minimal location but by intermittent or continuous sources spanning up to 40% of the entire field line length. These results imply that the Martian mini‐magnetospheres could have more active energy transfer processes mediated by whistler‐mode chorus waves than the expectation.
Flow and Turbulence Due To Wood Contribute to Declogging of Gravel Bed
Authors: Schalko I. , Ponce M. , Lassar S. , Schwindt S. , Haun S. , Nepf H.
Published: January 2024

The placement of wood in rivers is a common restoration method used to locally affect hydraulic and morphologic conditions to create habitat. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that wood placements can also promote surface declogging, that is, removal of fine sediment from a gravel bed, thereby restoring spawning grounds for fish. Logs of different size and submergence level were placed on a gravel bed clogged with fines. Surface declogging was observed in regions of elevated turbulence in the log wake and elevated velocity adjacent to the log. A criteria for declogging was identified based on a modified non‐dimensional Shields parameter combining mean and turbulent velocity at the bed. The footprint of declogged bed scaled with log dimensions. Emergent logs produced a larger declogging footprint compared to submerged logs of the same length, due to their stronger influence on the flow field. Logs were also shown to prevent clogging over similar areas.
Impacts of Reclamation on Hydrodynamic and Suspended Sediment Transport in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Liu Siyu , Li Guangxue , Liu Shidong , Xing Lvyang , Pan Yufeng , Yu Di
Published: January 2024

Since the 1970s, extensive land reclamation has been carried out in the Bohai Sea. However, reclamation activities were prohibited in 2018. Using the MIKE3 numerical model, this study selected 1976 and 2018 as representative years before and after reclamation, respectively, and developed a highly accurate three‐dimensional hydrodynamic and sediment transport model for the Bohai Sea. The model was employed to access the effects of reclamation on tidal waves, tidal prism, residual current, tidal flux (TF), and suspended sediment flux (SSF). The results revealed that after reclamation, the amphidromic points of M2 and S2 shifted southward near Qinhuangdao, and eastward near the Yellow River estuary. The M2 amplitude in the Bohai Bay exhibited a maximum increase of 30 cm. In the Bohai Sea, the tidal prism decreased by 3.95%, suggesting a decrease in water exchange capacity. The TF in the Bohai Sea and Laizhou Bay decreased by 0.7% and 12%, respectively, while increasing by 16% in Bohai Bay and 12% in Liaodong Bay, primarily due to the variations in tidal waves. Furthermore, SSF decreased by 6% in the Bohai Sea, but increased by 125% in Bohai Bay and 114% in Laizhou Bay. The significant increase in SSF in Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay was mainly attributed to the higher suspended sediment concentrations and the stronger residual current velocities near the Yellow River estuary. This study provides comprehensive insights into the impacts of reclamation on TF and SSF in the Bohai Sea, which could contribute to marine resource development and the planning of environmental restoration projects.
Consistent Modeling of Transport Processes and Travel Times—Coupling Soil Hydrologic Processes With StorAge Selection Functions
Authors: Schwemmle Robin , Weiler Markus
Published: January 2024

Understanding the transport processes and travel times of pollutants in the subsurface is crucial for an effective management of drinking water resources. Transport processes and soil hydrologic processes are inherently linked to each other. In order to account for this link, we couple the process‐based hydrologic model RoGeR with StorAge Selection (SAS) functions. We assign to each hydrological process a specific SAS function (e.g., power law distribution function). To represent different transport mechanisms, we combined a specific set of SAS functions into four transport model structures: complete‐mixing, piston flow, advection‐dispersion and advection‐dispersion with time‐variant parameters. In this study, we conduct modeling experiments at the Rietholzbach lysimeter, Switzerland. All modeling experiments are benchmarked with HYDRUS‐1D. We compare our simulations to the measured hydrologic variables (percolation and evapotranspiration fluxes and soil water storage dynamics) and the measured water stable isotope signal (18O) in the lysimeter seepage for a period of ten years (1997–2007). An additional virtual bromide tracer experiment was used to benchmark the models. Additionally, we carried out a sensitivity analysis and provided Sobol indices for hydrologic model parameters and SAS parameters. Our results indicate that the advection‐dispersion transport model produces the best results. And thus, advective‐dispersive transport processes play a dominant role at Rietholzbach lysimeter. Our modeling approach provides the capability to test hypotheses of different transport mechanisms and to improve process understanding and predictions of transport processes. Overall, the combined model allows a very effective simulation of combined flux and transport processes at various temporal and spatial scales.
Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals the activation of PI3K signaling pathway in HPV-independent cervical cancers
Authors: Wang Yi , He Misi , He Tiancong , Ouyang Xueyan , Shen Xuxia , Shi Wanling , Huang Shengling , Xiang Libing , Zou Dongling , Jiang Wei , Yang Huijuan
Published: January 2024

Background

HPV-independent cervical cancers (HPV-ind CCs) are uncommon with worse prognosis and poorly understood. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of HPV-ind CCs, aiming to explore new strategies for HPV-ind CCs.

Methods

HPV status of 1010 cervical cancer patients were detected by RT-PCR, PCR and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA-seq were performed in identified HPV-ind CCs. The efficacy of PI3Kα inhibitor BYL719 in HPV-ind CCs was evaluated in cell lines, patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs).

Results

Twenty-five CCs were identified as HPV-ind, which were more common seen in older, adenocarcinoma patients and exhibited poorer prognosis as well as higher tumor mutation burden compared to HPV-associated CCs. HPV-ind CCs were featured with highly activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, particularly, PIK3CA being the most predominant genomic alteration (36%). BYL719 demonstrated superior tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HPV-ind CCs were classified into two subtypes according to distinct prognosis by gene expression profiles, the metabolism subtype and immune subtype.

Conclusions

This study reveals the prevalence, clinicopathology, and molecular features of HPV-ind CCs and emphasizes the importance of PIK3CA mutations and PI3K pathway activation in tumorigenesis, which suggests the potential significance of PI3Kα inhibitors in HPV-ind CC patients.