bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klasik Şiirde Astronomik ve Astrolojik Bir Karmaşa Olarak Cevzâ İkizler mi Avcı mı?
Authors: GÜNEŞ Hasan Ali
Published: February 2024

Klasik şairler, pek çok konuyu şiirlerine çeşni olarak katmıştır. Şairler diğer ilimlerin yanında ilm-i tencim, ilm-i nücûm olarak bilinen astroloji ve astronomi ile ilgili pek çok olguyu da edebiyatla harmanlamış ve çeşitli sanatlarla eserlerine dâhil etmiştir. Cevzâ olarak bilinen İkizler burcu da bu olgulardan biridir.
Burçlar kuşağı üzerinde bir takımyıldız olan İkizler, Cevzâ, Tevemîm, Ettevemân, Dü-peyker gibi isimlerle de bilinir. Latince’de Gemini olarak geçer.
Avcı takımyıldızı ise Grek mitolojisinde Orion olarak bilinen bir devdir. Avcı, Araplar tarafından Cebbâr olarak isimlendirilmiştir. Boğa ve İkizler takımyıldızlarının tam ortasında, biraz güneylerinde yer alır.
Yapılan taramalarda, bazı şairlerin hem İkizler burcu için hem de Avcı takımyıldızı için Cevzâ kelimesini kullandığı, pek çok araştırmacının ise bu kelimeyi sadece İkizler burcu manası vererek yorumladığı görülmüştür. Bu çalışmada İkizler ve Avcı takımyıldızları ile ilgili astronomik, mitolojik ve astrolojik bilgiler verilerek bu takımyıldızların şiirlerde nasıl ele alındıkları, Cevzâ ile ilgili kavram karmaşasının sebepleri ve çözümü açıklanmaya çalışılacaktır.
As possibilidades educativas da obra de Franklin Cascaes
Authors: Rocha Julia , Batistela Kellyn , Fonseca da Silva Maria Cristina da Rosa
Published: February 2024

Este texto aborda o conceito de vulnerabilidade nas coleções museais, especialmente a partir da produção do artista catarinense Franklin Cascaes, que produziu acervo em letras, desenhos e objetos em barro, abrigado no Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia Professor Oswaldo Rodrigues Cabral (MARquE) da UFSC. A análise acontece a partir de materiais educativos produzidos para exposições do artista, buscando-se traçar aspectos latentes sobre a vulnerabilidade da sua produção em termos de circulação restrita ao território nacional e permanência no acervo da instituição. Inicia-se refletindo sobre o processo de reconfiguração dos museus que, diante da revisão de discursos e narrativas, repensam modos de relação com os públicos ao revisarem suas coleções, o que implica a reconfiguração dos exercícios de mediação. Na sequência, apresentam-se aspectos pungentes da obra de Cascaes que caracterizam sua relação com a narratividade oral e as questões sociopolíticas da ilha de Florianópolis. Esses aspectos são analisados também a partir dos materiais educativos das exposições "Franklin Cascaes: desenhos e esculturas" e "Cascaes e Eu". Ao final, reflete-se sobre a necessidade de circulação da obra do artista como estratégia de visibilizar acervos em situação de vulnerabilidade do ponto de vista da distribuição no território nacional.
Arte vulnerável. Coleções, histórias, pesquisa, exposições
Authors: Reily Lucia , Silva Maria Cristina da Rosa Fonseca da
Published: February 2024

No presente dossiê, buscamos acolher, numa perspectiva ampliada, artigos que discutem as coleções vulneráveis no sentido mais abrangente possível, contribuindo para multiplicar práticas que proporcionem uma curadoria ativa, dialogando com o entorno, incentivando a interlocução com pesquisadores, de modo a divulgar histórias e promover a presença do acervo na comunidade.
AKADEMİK TÜRKÇE ETKİNLİKLERİNE YÖNELİK ÖĞRENCİ VE ÖĞRETİM ELEMANI GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: DEMİR Dursun , GENÇ Ayten
Published: February 2024

Yabancı dil öğretiminde öğrenenlerin hangi amaçla dil öğrenmek istediklerinin bilinmesi ve öğretenlerin öğretim sürecini şekillendirmek üzere bu doğrultuda öğretim malzemelerini seçmeleri veya düzenlemeleri oldukça önemlidir. Son yıllarda yükseköğrenim amacıyla ülkemize gelen ve sayıları giderek artan uluslararası öğrencilerin de başarılı olmaları için yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğrenme süreçleri takip edilmeli; onların bu doğrultudaki ihtiyaçları saptanmalıdır. Söz konusu öğrencilerin Türkiye’de yaşamaları nedeniyle özellikle konuşma ve dinleme becerilerini; üniversitede okumaları nedeniyle de akademik bağlamda konuşma, yazma, dinleme ve okuma dil becerilerini edinmeleri gerekmektedir. İhtiyaç analizi olarak gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmada, uluslararası öğrencilerin üniversitede okudukları bölüm derslerinde dil becerilerini hangi etkinliklerde kullandıkları ve bu etkinliklerin derste başarı için ne denli etkili olduğu araştırılmıştır. Karma desenli bu araştırmada, 54 farklı üniversiteden 697 uluslararası öğrenci ile onlara ders veren 15 farklı üniversiteden 203 öğretim elemanından anket yoluyla nicel veriler ve ayrıca öğrencilerden yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme yoluyla nitel veriler toplanmıştır. Nicel veriler Sosyal Bilimler İstatistik Programı ile nitel veriler ise içerik analizi teknikleri ile değerlendirilmiştir. Değerlendirme sonucunda öğrenciler ile öğretim elemanlarının anlamaya dayalı dil becerilerinin yoğun olarak kullanıldığı etkinliklerin başarıya ulaşmada daha önemli olduğu görüşünü paylaştıkları; buna karşın öğrencilerin yazma, öğretim elemanlarınınsa dinleme etkinliklerini daha önemli buldukları anlaşılmıştır.
Adaptive PI Controller for Speed Control of Electric Drives Based on Model Reference Adaptive Identification
Authors: Zuo Yuefei , Zhu Shushu , Cui Yebing , Liu Chuang , Lin Xiaogang
Published: February 2024

In this paper, an adaptive proportional and integral (PI) controller for speed control of electric drives is developed. The adaptive PI controller is designed based on model reference adaptive identification and the Lyapunov function so that the system stability can be proved. To identify the inertia, the viscous friction torque coefficient, and the load torque simultaneously and smoothly, sinusoidal speed reference is usually employed. A modified motion equation considering the low-pass filter for feedback speed and the Coulomb friction torque is introduced and the relationship between the identified parameters and their actual values are clarified. A high-precision digital simulation model is built based on MATLAB/Simulink. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulations under various conditions.
Impact Damage Prediction of Carbon Fiber Foam Sandwich Structure Based on Hashin Failure Criterion
Authors: Yang Kang , ZHANG Yunpeng , YANG Yong , WANG Ji , LV Zan , HE Dongqing
Published: February 2024

In the process of use and manufacture, carbon fiber foam sandwich structures were often damaged by low-energy impact, resulting in performance degradation. Therefore, it was necessary to study the damage caused by low-speed impact of composite sandwich structures. In this paper, based on Hashin failure criterion, an equivalent finite element model of carbon fiber foam sandwich panel under low velocity impact was established. The model was used to simulate the damage of foam sandwich panel with [±45°/±45°/ (core) /±45°/±45°] ply structure under the impact energy of 10.58J, 21.17J, 31.75J and 42.34J. The simulation results of impact damage depth were compared with the experimental results. The error was less than 10%, which proved the rationality of the impact equivalent model. The model was used to predict and analyze the damage of foam sandwich panels with [±45°/ (core) /±45°], [±45°/ (0°, 90°) / (core) /±45°] and [±45°/ (0°, 90°) (core) / (0°, 90°) /±45°] ply structures under 21.17J impact energy. By comparing and analyzing the damage situation, impact force response time and impact velocity response time, the low energy impact resistance was analyzed. The results showed that increasing the number of ply structure of [±45°] can reduce the impact damage degree and improve the bearing capacity of sandwich panels.
Are Tier 2 Metropolises More or Less Affected by Housing Asset Value Deflation under a Depopulation Era? By Comparing the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and the Kansai Metropolitan Area in Japan
Authors: Uto Masaaki , Buhnik Sophie , Okazawa Yuki
Published: February 2024

Our study clarified what is the same or not between Tier 1(Tokyo) and Tier 2(Kansai) metropolitan areas on shrinking cities problems. Both of metropolitan areas will dramatically decrease the Housing Asset Value (HAV) where areas of bedroom communities are located. On the other hand, compared to Tokyo, Kansai has been hit by decline at a faster pace. This raises the question of whether Kansai will be more or less impoverished by the deflation of the HAV. According to our results, Kansai municipalities should expect the HAV losses of 38% by 2045, but the HAV losses would be higher in the northern suburbs of Osaka. Kansai has to face the effects of the HAV deflation faster than Tokyo. But Tokyo has a neck of higher residential land price, the income multiplier of the HAV per household is about 4. The HAV deflation hits more severe problems for elderly households in Tokyo. Considering our study, Tier 2 metropolitan area is much faster effects of the HAV deflation, but Tier 1 metropolitan area has more serious social problem than Tier 2. Hence, there are different problems of different natures rather than which one is more severely affected by the deflation of the HAV.
Experimental Investigation of a Modified Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation Solution for Sand Production Control Applications
Authors: Baig Abdul Rehman , Alarifi Sulaiman A. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Murtaza Mobeen , AlAhmari Manar M. , Alhumam Abdulmohsen
Published: February 2024

Sand production is one of the major problems that can occur in an oil or gas well. Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) methods have recently emerged as possible environment-friendly solutions for enhancing loose sand consolidation and preventing it from being produced with the fluids to the surface. This work explores increasing the consolidated sand strength and its treatment procedure using a modified EICP. The study also examines the characterization of precipitation generated by microorganisms using a computed tomography (CT) scan. To consolidate the sand specimen, nine different solutions were prepared. The solutions were a mixture of urea, urease, CaCl2, MgCl2, and xanthan gum in varying quantities. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted to determine the type of calcium carbonate (or CaCO3) polymorph. The morphology of calcium carbonate precipitation in the sand sample was visualized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The strength of consolidated samples was determined by the scratch test. The baseline EICP solution was exposed to different curing temperatures, namely, 25°C, 70°C, and 90°C. Out of these temperatures, the sample cured at 70°C showed the maximum strength, while the ones cured at 25°C demonstrated the weakest strength. This outcome emphasizes how crucial temperature control is in determining the strength development of the samples. The results highlight the importance of evaluating how varying curing temperatures affect specimen performance as well as emphasizing the need for accurate temperature control during experimental setups. Interestingly, samples made with a combination of CaCl2 and MgCl2 salts exhibited more strength when compared with EICP solutions formulated with only one type of salt. The consolidated sample that was prepared with xanthan gum with a concentration of 3 g/L showed high strength at 70°C. Notably, this technique offers a cost-effective solution compared with other methods developed to address sand production-related failures in production equipment. Furthermore, CT scans prove to be a valuable tool for investigating the characterization of microbially induced precipitation, including calcite, dolomite, and other minerals. This research underscores the professional approach in evaluating the efficacy of xanthan gum and CT scans in the context of EICP applications.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ВНЕДРЕНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ЦИРКУЛЯРНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ
НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ РФ
Authors: Авдеева И. Л.
Published: February 2024

В статье раскрыты современные особенности применения технологий циркулярной экономики в России, выделены барьеры, препятствующие данному процессу, перспективные направления экономики замкнутого цикла. Применительно к Арктической зоне РФ обоснована целесообразность организации хозяйственной деятельности с привлечением технологий циркулярной экономики. Выделена инфраструктура, необходимая для экономики замкнутого цикла, а также организационно-управленческие составляющие данной концепции.
Simulating And Modeling Areal Development In the City using the Fuzzy Cell Automaton Method.
Authors: Dizbadi Mehran , Safarzadeh Daniyal , Brunn Ansgar
Published: February 2024

Rapid and uncontrolled expansion of cities has led to unplanned aerial development. In this way, modeling and predicting the urban growth of a city helps decision-makers. In this study, the aspect of sustainable urban development has been studied for the city of Mashhad. In general, the prediction of urban aerial development is one of the most important topics of modern town management. In this research, using the Cellular Automaton (CA) model developed for geo data of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and presenting a simple and powerful model, a simulation of complex urban processes has been done.
Uncertainties in forecasts of ecosystem persistence under climate change
Authors: Buelow Christina , Andradi-Brown Dominic , Worthington Thomas , Adame Maria Fernanda , Connolly Rod , Lovelock Catherine , Rogers Kerrylee , Villarreal-Rosas Jaramar , Brown Christopher
Published: February 2024

Global forecasts of ecosystem responses to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures are needed to inform adaptation planning. However, data of appropriate spatio-temporal resolution are not typically available to parameterise complex processes at the global scale. Forecast uncertainty associated with ‘data-process’ scale incongruities must be quantified and effectively communicated to avoid over-confident decision-making. Here, we used network models to make probabilistic forecasts of the direction of change in mangrove extent globally under the SSP5-8.5 climate emissions scenario by 2040-2060. We forecast that seaward net loss is the most likely outcome in 77% [±37-78%; 95% confidence] of mangrove forest units, while 30% [±15-59%] will experience landward net gain or stability. Parameter uncertainty limited our capacity to make reliable forecasts everywhere, highlighting where current understanding and global datasets are deficient. However, with action to manage or restore, the number of mangrove forest units likely to experience net gain or stability could nearly double.
Effects of a Ripasudil–Brimonidine Fixed-Dose Combination on Intraocular Pressure, Outflow Facility, and Episcleral Venous Pressure in Mouse Eyes
Authors: Yamagishi-Kimura Reiko , Honjo Megumi , Aihara Makoto
Published: February 2024

Ripasudil–brimonidine fixed-dose combination (K-232) simultaneously targets three different intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering mechanisms, increasing trabecular meshwork outflow and uveoscleral outflow, and reducing aqueous humor production Vascularly, ripasudil induces transient vasodilation, brimonidine transient vasoconstriction. Investigating effects on IOP, aqueous dynamics, and EVP in mice eyes by microneedle and constant-pressure perfusion methods, and on cytoskeletal and fibrotic proteins changes in HTM cells by a gel contraction assay and immunocytochemistry. Ripasudil, K-232, and brimonidine droplets significantly reduced IOP at 30 min, with K-232 sustaining the effect at 60 min. For EVP, only K-232 exhibited prolonged reduction. In vitro, ripasudil inhibited gel contractility and TGFβ2-induced fibrotic changes; brimonidine had limited effects. K-232 significantly lowered IOPs in mice by combining the effects of ripasudil and brimonidine. Brimonidine alone also showed IOP reductions with enhanced outflow facility, possibly due to the EVP reduction; however, the drug did not interfere with the effects of ripasudil on the trabecular meshwork outflow. K-232 and ripasudil alone both significantly lowered the EVP and enhanced outflow facility, demonstrating that K-232 efficiently reduces IOPs.
The effect of 2020 lockdown on bank internal ratings
Authors: Calcagnini Giorgio , Favaretto Federico , Giombini Germana
Published: February 2024

We study how bank internal ratings were affected by the first lockdown shock in Italy (March-June 2020). Using monthly proprietary data from one regional bank between October 2019 and January 2022, and adding credit registry data and balance sheet data for the client firms, we estimate the lockdown effect on the change in six different ratings that the bank assigns to client firms at June 2020 and December 2020. We obtain three main findings. First, controlling for both supply and demand factors, the lockdown is associated to a decrease in four out of six ratings. Second, the lockdown effect depends also on specific firm characteristics, that is the lockdown effect appears to be mitigated in the presence of high sales or for firms that belong to essential sectors. However, these interaction effects do not hold for all ratings suggesting that each type of rating is influenced by different firm characteristics, so that they complement each other. Third, once we account for a full-interaction model, the lockdown effect disappears in the medium run.
Potent AMA1-specific human monoclonal antibody against P. vivax Pre-erythrocytic and Blood Stages
Authors: King Christopher , Winnicki Anna , Dietrich Melanie , Yeoh Lee , Carias Lenore , Roobsoong Wanlapa , Drago Chiara , Malachin Alyssa , Redinger Karli , Feufack-Donfack Lionel , Baldor Lea , Jung Nicolai , McLaine Olivia , Skomorovska-Prokvolit Yelenna , Orban Agnes , Opi Herbert , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Tham Wai-Hong , Popovici Jean , Beeson James , Bosch Jürgen
Published: February 2024

New therapeutics are a priority for preventing and eliminating Plasmodium vivax (Pv) malaria because of its easy transmissibility and dormant stages in the liver. Relapses due to the dormant liver stages are the major contributor to reoccurring Pv. Therefore, therapies that reduce the establishment of dormant parasites and blood-stage infection are important for controlling this geographically widespread parasite. Here, we isolated 12 human monoclonal antibodies (humAbs) from the plasma of a Pv-exposed individual that recognized Pv apical membrane antigen 1 (PvAMA1). PvAMA1 is important for both sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes and merozoite invasion of reticulocytes. We identified one humAb, 826827, that blocked invasion of human erythrocytes using a transgenic P. falciparum line expressing PvAMA1 (IC50 = 3 µg/mL) and all Pv clinical isolates in vitro. This humAb also inhibited sporozoite invasion of a human hepatocyte cell line and primary human hepatocytes (IC50 of 0.3 – 3.7 µg/mL). The crystal structure of recombinant PvAMA1 with the antigen-binding fragment of 826827 at 2.4 Å resolution shows that the humAb partially occupies the highly conserved hydrophobic groove in PvAMA1 that binds its known receptor, RON2. HumAb 826827 binds to PvAMA1 with higher affinity than RON2, accounting for its potency. To our knowledge, this is the first reported humAb specific to PvAMA1, and the PvAMA1 residues it binds to are highly conserved across different isolates, explaining its strain-transcendent properties.
More than migration: Pronghorn exhibit diverse array of seasonal use behaviors
Authors: Hudgens Brian
Published: February 2024

Background
Considerable attention has been given in recent years to the variety of migratory behaviors that ungulates employ. However, the focus on migration ignores many other behaviors animals may exhibit to cope with seasonal changes in resource availability and mortality risk.
Methods
I examined daily location data of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) inhabiting the Modoc Plateau in northern California to characterize their repertoire of seasonal use behaviors. I defined six seasonal use behaviors (resident, seasonal shift, seasonal contraction, seasonal expansion, migration, nomadism) based on patterns of home range overlap in successive seasons and identified numerous annual strategies corresponding to patterns of behaviors over the course of a year.
Results
Pronghorn engaged in all six behaviors throughout the year, although nomadism was observed on only four occasions. Individual pronghorn combined seasonal behaviors in numerous ways to create a wide variety of annual strategies. Individuals exhibited different annual patterns across years, while neighboring individuals exhibited different behavioral strategies in the same year.
Conclusions
This variety of behaviors highlights that simple categorization of seasonal use behaviors as if-when-where animals migrate is insufficient to understanding how animals respond to seasonal changes. While some ecologists have considered range residency and classical migration to be endpoints along a continuum of behaviors, the complexity of annual strategies will likely need to be considered within a multidimensional framework to understand how climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances will affect animals’ ability to respond to seasonal changes in environmental conditions.
Perturbations of the global carbon cycle across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary
Authors: Ma Mingming , Wang Mengdi , Huang Huixin , Liu Xiuming
Published: February 2024

Two hyperthermal events with different carbon cycle perturbations occurred across the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary, i.e., the late Maastrichtian Warming Event (LMWE) and the early Danian Dan-C2 event. However, the roles played by Deccan volcanism and orbital forcing in these two hyperthermals are still debated. Here, we obtain a new terrestrial δ13Ccarb record in the Nanxiong Basin (southeastern China) and compare it with marine records. The results show that both the LMWE and Dan-C2 event can be well distinguished in the terrestrial record and that the Dan-C2 event is characterized by a typical hyperthermal event; however, the specificity of the context under which this event occurred has resulted in inconsistencies in the marine records. In addition, the δ13C excursion during the LMWE was more muted and prolonged than that during the Dan-C2 event, and the short-eccentricity cycle disappeared in the marine record during the LMWE, indicating that Deccan volcanism perturbed the carbon cycle during the LMWE, while the Dan-C2 event was less influenced by volcanic perturbation.
Spatial structure and proximity mechanism of cross-city patient mobility networks in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China: Based on patient online evaluation data
Authors: Xiang Bowen , Wei Wei
Published: February 2024

Cross-city patient mobility reflects geographic mismatch in medical resources. However, existing research methods fail to fully capture complex healthcare supply–demand relationships and proximity mechanisms of patient mobility. In this study, we used 500,120 patient online evaluations to construct the 2023 Cross-city patient mobility networks (CPMNs) for the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and analysed its spatial structure and influencing factors using the healthcare relative size index, dominant association analysis, and exponential random graph models (ERGMs). The results show that (1) there is a double logarithmic linear relationship between healthcare supply and intensity (coefficient of 0.627) and a weak negative correlation between demand and intensity; (2) while the spatial organization of healthcare aligns with administrative boundaries and hierarchies, exceptions are observed in parts of Shanghai and Chongqing's healthcare catchment areas; and (3) geographical proximity, cultural proximity, institutional proximity and social proximity are significant for patient mobility. This research contributes new data and methods to patient mobility studies, and the spatial patterns and factors influencing patient mobility uncovered here provide theoretical and empirical insights for optimizing healthcare resource allocation in the YREB.
Geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of granitic pegmatite rocks in the Um Solimate area, south Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Ghoneim Mohamed M.
Published: February 2024

The Um Solimate granitic pegmatite is an outstanding example of rare-metal mineralization in the Arabian Nubian Shield. In this contribution, new bulkrock compositions (major, trace and rare earth element (REE)) are presented to study and constrain the origin and processes that controlling the formation of the Um Solimate granitic pegmatite and associated rare metal mineralization. The granitic pegmatite rocks exhibit calc-alkaline and peraluminous properties, which are common features observed in A-type granites. The area under study reveals the significant presence of high field strength elements within the granitic pegmatite. Conversely, there is a noticeable deficiency in TiO2, K2O, and P2O5. The similarity in the geochemical characteristics of the granitic pegmatite and the muscovite granite provpes their genetic relationship. Mineralogical studies have identified a diverse range of minerals in granitic pegmatite, including columbite, bismoclite, xenotime, monazite, pyrite and garnet. Chondrite-normalized REE diagrams show a pronounced flat LREE, slight enrichment of HREEs, and significant negative Eu anomalies. The formation of granitic pegmatite in the study area involved a combination of processes, including partial melting and fractional crystallization. Pegmatite-forming melts can be produced through continuous fractional crystallization of granitic melts, resulting in the emplacement of A1-type rocks in an intraplate setting.
Molecular genetic variations of some rabbit breeds using small mitochondrial rRNA sequences
Authors: Allam Mohammad , Al-Farga Ammar , Wlson Mary
Published: February 2024

With the help of small mitochondrial rRNA (12S rRNA), the genetic diversity of five different rabbit breeds in Egypt was estimated in the current study. Slight difference was found between 12S rRNA sequences of the five different rabbit breeds 923 bp to 924 bp. The final alignments consisted of 924 bp., of them 913 conserved sites. The accession numbers for these sequences in GenBank/NCBI are (OR210201-OR210205). All breeds had an average A + T rating of 59.68%. The genetic distance values amongst breeds extended from 0.000 to 0.0033. The (0.0033) percentage was observed amongst the breed New Zealand White and both Baladi Black and REX breeds. As well as low genetic similarity was shown between New Zealand White breed and the rest breeds. The information provided by the 12S rRNA sequences demonstrated that the New Zealand White breed was genetically unique from the other breeds. The investigation's findings validate the suitability and qualification of 12S rRNA for observing breed-specific genetic variation in rabbits. The generation of genetic maintenance and amelioration strategies for Egyptian rabbit genetic resources may benefit from this data in the future.
Remote Sensing Identification and Hazard Assessment Methods for Spoil Sites
Authors: Xiao wei , TIAN Weiping
Published: February 2024

Spoil sites, as loose accumulations, are prone to instability after disturbances and are a serious threat to the safety of downstream communities. Currently, research on the hazard assessment of regional spoil sites is relatively limited. This study aims to develop an integrated approach that combines spatial, aerial, and ground techniques to rapidly identify and assessment the hazard of spoil sites. Using remote sensing and airborne LiDAR, spoil sites within the region are identified and key factors influencing their stability are appropriately interpreted. Subsequently, based on the numerical simulation results obtained via the material point method, a hazard assessment methodology for spoil sites is proposed, which combines the slope safety factor method with the analytical hierarchy process. The proposed method is applied and validated on a spoil site along an expressway in Guizhou, China. The achieved results reveal that remote sensing combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) verification technology is capable of quickly and accurately identifying spoil sites and accurately interpreting their critical elements. The hazard assessment of the spoil site is represented by the hazard coefficient (P), where 0 < P < 1 indicates safety, 1 ≤ P < 5 signifies instability, and P ≥ 5 represents extreme instability. The effectiveness of the proposed assessment approach is then verified through the on-site validation, which provides a vital reference for rapid identification and batch assessment of spoil sites.
Highly efficient pure-blue organic light-emitting diodes based on rationally designed heterocyclic phenophosphazinine-containing emitters
Authors: Huo Yanping , Xing Longjiang , Wang Jianghui , Chen Wen-Cheng , Liu Bo , Chen Guowei , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Season Si , Chen Jia-Xiong , Ji Shaomin , Zhao Zujin , Tang Man-Chung
Published: February 2024

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorophores have been actively studied for high-resolution photonic applications due to their exceptional color purity. However, these compounds encounter challenges associated with the inefficient spin-flip process, compromising device performance. Herein, we designed and synthesized two pure-blue emitters based on an organoboron multi-resonance core, incorporating a conformationally flexible donor, 10-phenyl-5H-phenophosphazinine 10-oxide (or sulfide). This design concept selectively modifies the orbital type of high-lying excited states to a charge transfer configuration while simultaneously providing the necessary conformational freedom to enhance the density of excited states without sacrificing color purity. We show that the different embedded phosphorus motifs (phosphine oxide/sulfide) of the donor can finely tune the electronic structure and conformational freedom, resulting in an accelerated spin-flip process through intense spin-vibronic coupling, achieving over a 27-fold increase in the reverse intersystem crossing rate compared to the parent multi-resonance emitter. Utilizing these new emitters, we achieved high-performance pure blue organic light-emitting diodes, showcasing a top-tier external quantum efficiency of 37.6% with reduced efficiency roll-offs. This proposed strategy not only challenges the conventional notion that flexible electron-donors are undesirable for constructing narrowband emitters but also offers a new pathway for designing efficient narrow-spectrum blue organic light-emitting diodes.
Effect of low/high hybrid of coffee husk powder on weathering resistance of WPCs composites
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Di Yasen , Zhong Chenxin , Wang Ran , Wu Zhangkang
Published: February 2024

In this study, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were fabricated using a two-step melting process, blending high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with varying proportions of coffee shell powder (CHP) as a substitute for traditional wood powder. The weatherability of these composites was assessed through 2000 hours of exposure to xenon arc weathering. To evaluate the anti-aging properties of the WPCs, a range of tests were conducted, including infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), analysis of surface color, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and microstructure (SEM). The findings revealed that WPCs with a high hybrid CHP (HCHP/HDPE) composition experienced accelerated degradation after 2000 hours of weathering, leading to increased susceptibility to fading and cracking. In contrast, the O/C ratio of WPCs with a low hybrid CHP (LCHP/HDPE) composition increased minimally, recording values of 136.6% and 66.23% respectively, while their physical properties showed no significant decline. Therefore, it was concluded that low hybrid CHP fillers enhance the weather resistance of wood flour/HDPE composites.
Appendicitis and Colon Cancer: Exploring the Connection through a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Rachakonda Varun , Kandhadai Anuttham , Arif Hassan , Katz Joshua , Akhras Aya
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Appendicitis and colon cancer are medical conditions with unique clinical implications. While both conditions have been extensively studied individually, the potential relationship between appendicitis and subsequent development of colon cancer remains unclear. Understanding this association could impact preventive strategies. This study aimed to investigate whether a history of appendicitis is a risk factor for the development of colon cancer.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database. The study cohorts were defined based on the index event of a colonoscopy, with one group comprising patients with a history of appendicitis prior to colonoscopy and the other without. Individuals with a history of colonic polyps, neoplasms, or secondary malignancies of the colon prior to colonoscopy were excluded. Propensity-score matching was performed based on comorbidities. The primary outcomes of interest were the 5-year rates of mortality and malignant neoplasms of the colon.
Results
After matching, there were 16,651 patients in each cohort. The rate of colon cancer in patients with a history of appendicitis was 2.14%, compared to 1.50% in patients without a history of appendicitis (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.21–1.67). Interestingly, mortality rates were lower in the group with a history of appendicitis, with a rate of 4.07% compared to 5.98% in the group without appendicitis (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.75).
Conclusion
This study suggests that a history of appendicitis may be associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Additionally, the findings reveal a lower mortality rate in patients with a history of appendicitis. Understanding the association between appendicitis and colon cancer can improve screening strategies and patient management in clinical practice. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential preventive measures in individuals with a history of appendicitis.
Multidimensional Forecasting of Precipitation and Potential Evapotranspiration in the Paranapanema River Basin Using Neural Network Time Series
Authors: VALLEJO CARLOS ANDRES MENDEZ , MANZIONE RODRIGO LILLA
Published: February 2024

Spatial and temporal forecasts of the hydrological cycle compartments aiming projections of extreme drought scenarios represent a challenge for the planning, management and monitoring of water resources in order to mitigate potential impacts on the natural environment, civil society and wildlife under climate change. Machine Learning (ML) methods can help in this task, combining constant updating of model information and further scenarios evaluation. This study investigated the application of multidimensional forecast of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration at the Paranapanema River Basin (PRB) for the years 2023 to 2025. PRB is a region that provides hydrological, energy and agricultural resources, located in the southeast of Brazil that has suffered several problems related to water deficit and stress as well as droughts in the last 10 years. For these reasons, geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were applied to generate time series between 2001 and early 2023 for a total of 22 Hydrological Planning Units (HPUs) in the PRB. Subsequently, a Neural Network Auto Regression (NNAR) was used to forecast precipitation and potential evapotranspiration of the HPUs in the period 2023–2025, finding for the months of May, June, July and August of 2024 and later in 2025 possible periods of water deficit in the central and northern regions. Finally, a comparative analysis of possible impacts on the agricultural, energy and social sectors based on the ETA regional climate model and the forecast developed by the NNAR network is presented, showing possible scenarios for short and mid-term water planning in the PRB.
Comparing care pathways between COVID-19 pandemic waves using electronic health records: a process mining case study
Authors: Georgiev Konstantin , Fleuriot Jacques D , Papapanagiotou Petros , McPeake Joanne , Shenkin Susan D , Anand Atul
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic caused rapid shifts in the workflow of many health services, but evidence of how this affected multidisciplinary care settings is limited. We propose a Process Mining approach that utilises timestamped data from Electronic Health Records to compare care provider patterns across pandemic waves.
Methods: We collected routine events from Scottish hospital episodes in adults with COVID-19 status and linked health provider inputs to generate standardised treatment logs. Conformance checking metrics were used to select the optimal model (Inductive Miner infrequent [IMi]) for downstream analysis. Visual diagrams from the discovered Petri Nets indicated the interactions on pre-coded provider and activity-level subsets. We used cross-log conformance checking and graph similarity to measure distances between adverse and less adverse groups across pandemic waves.
Results: We included 1,153 patients with COVID-19 (302 [26%] in Wave 1 and 851 [74%] in Wave 2) with 55,212 relevant care provider events. At the conformance checking stage, the IMi model, achieved good log fitness (LF=0.95) and generalisation (G=0.89), but limited precision (PR=0.27) across all granularity levels. More structured care procedures in Wave 1 were present, compared to mixed multidisciplinary patterns in Wave 2. Care activities differed in patients with extended stay (GED=348, PR=0.231 vs GED=197, PR=0.429 in shorter stays). Patients in out-of-hours care and intensive therapy were linked with more standardised patterns.
Conclusion: Process Mining can be incorporated alongside clinical oversight to provide visual and quantitative comparisons of care interactions in COVID-19 episodes and enhance further research in complex cases.
Spatially Fractionated GRID radiation potentiates immune-mediated tumor control
Authors: Bekker Rebecca A. , Obertopp Nina , Redler Gage , Penagaricano José , Caudell Jimmy J. , Yamoah Kosj , Pilon-Thomas Shari , Moros Eduardo G. , Enderling Heiko
Published: February 2024

Background
Tumor-immune interactions shape a developing tumor and its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) resulting in either well-infiltrated, immunologically inflamed ‘hot’ tumor beds, or ‘cold’ immune deserts with low levels of infiltration. The pre-treatment immune state of the TIME is associated with treatment outcome; immunologically hot tumors generally exhibit better responses to radio- and immunotherapy than cold tumors. However, radiotherapy is known to induce opposing immunological consequences, resulting in both immunostimulatory and inhibitory responses. In fact, it is thought that the radiation-induced tumoricidal immune response is curtailed by subsequent applications of radiation. It is thus conceivable that spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), administered through GRID blocks (SFRT-GRID) or lattice radiotherapy to create areas of low or high dose exposure, may create protective reservoirs of the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby preserving anti-tumor immune responses that are pivotal for radiation success.
Methods
We have developed an agent-based model (ABM) of tumor-immune interactions to investigate the immunological consequences and clinical outcomes after whole tumor radiation therapy (WTRT) and SFRT-GRID. The ABM is conceptually calibrated such that untreated tumors escape immune surveillance and grow to clinical detection. Individual ABM simulations are initialized from four distinct multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) slides, and immune related parameter rates are generated using Latin Hypercube Sampling.
Results
In silico simulations suggest that radiation-induced cancer cell death alone is insufficient to clear a tumor with WTRT. Only explicit consideration of radiation-induced antitumor immunity synergizes with radiation cytotoxicity to eradicate tumors. Similarly, SFRT-GRID is only successful with radiation-induced antitumor immunity, and, for some pre-treatment TIME compositions and modeling parameters, SFRT-GRID might be superior to WTRT in providing tumor control.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the pivotal role of the radiation-induced antitumor immunity. Prolonged fractionated treatment schedules may counteract early immune recruitment, which may be protected by SFRT-facilitated immune reservoirs. Different biological responses and treatment outcomes are observed based on pre-treatment TIME composition and model parameters. A rigorous analysis and model calibration for different tumor types and immune infiltration states is required before any conclusions can be drawn for clinical translation.
Trachemys dorbigni as a metal(loid)s bioindicator: a study in rural and urban areas, in southern Brazil.
Authors: Stark Amanda , Corcini Carine , Oliveras Marc , Bianchini Adalto , Acosta Izani , Costa Patrícia , Zani Gabriel da Silva , Junior Antonio , França Raqueli
Published: February 2024

The pollution by metals and metalloids represents a significant environmental threat, due to the adverse repercussions they can have on aquatic organisms and on the health of human populations. Aquatic reptiles can be used as bioindicators of the presence of contaminants in watercourses. In the present study, water, carapace and blood samples from Trachemys dorbigni tortoises were collected in rural and urbanized areas, in order to identify the presence and consequences of exposure to metal(loid)s. The elements Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured in water, blood and carapace, and erythrocitary changes were also analyzed by flow cytometry and micronucleus evaluation. In the assessment of water in the urban area, the metals evaluated exceeded all established national parameters, while in the rural area, only Cd, Hg and Ni were elevated. In the carapace evaluation, the samples collected in the urban area showed higher levels of all measured metals, when compared to animals from the rural area. In blood samples only Al, Cr, Ni and Zn showed higher values in this area. Animals from the urban area also showed a higher incidence of necrotic cells, a greater number of micronucleated cells and a high rate of DNA fragmentation, resulting in cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic damage. The results highlight the importance of using bioindicators to measure metallic contaminants in urban watercourses, thus estimating their impacts on the health of animals and humans, in the short and long term.
Dust attenuation evolution in z ∼ 2 − 12 JWST galaxies
Authors: Markov Vladan , Gallerani Simona , Ferrara Andrea , Pallottini Andrea , Parlanti Eleonora , Mascia Fabio Di , Sommovigo Laura , Kohandel Mahsa
Published: February 2024

A sizable fraction of the heavy elements synthesized by stars in galaxies condenses into sub-micron-sized solid-state particles, known as dust grains^1, 2. Dust produces a wavelength-dependent attenuation, Aλ, of the galaxy emission, thereby significantly altering its observed properties^3. Locally, Aλ is in general the sum of a power-law and a UV feature (’bump’)^4 produced by small, carbon-based grains^5. However, scant information exists regarding its evolution across cosmic time. Here, leveraging data from 173 galaxies observed by the James Webb Space Telescope in the redshift range z = 2 − 12^6, we report the most distant detection of the UV bump in a z ∼ 7.55 galaxy (when the Universe was only ∼ 700 Myr old), and show for the first time that the power-law slope and the bump strength decrease towards high redshifts. We propose that the flat Aλ shape at early epochs is produced by large grains newly formed in supernova ejecta^7, which act as the main dust factories at such early epochs. Importantly, these grains have undergone minimal reprocessing in the interstellar medium due to the limited available cosmic time^8. This discovery opens new perspectives in the study of cosmic dust origin and evolution.
Fine scale patterns of genetic structure in three species of forest birds reveal no population structure and dynamic history within an Amazonian area of endemism
Authors: Souza Affonso Henrique Nascimento , Ritter Camila Duarte , Capurucho João , Menger Juliana , Ribas Camila Cherem
Published: February 2024

Phylogeographic studies of Amazonian birds have revealed large intraspecific diversity, even within recognized areas of endemism. To understand the origin and organization of Amazonian diversity, including the influence of recent history and current landscape, we need to evaluate fine scale patterns of genetic diversity in relation to detailed environmental information. We investigated the phylogeography and demographic history of three understory bird species, Oneillornis salvini, Willisornis poecilonotus, and Lepidothrix coronata, from the Purus-Madeira interfluvium, within the Inambari area of endemism using one mtDNA and two nuclear markers with dense sampling. All species showed signs of recent population expansion and had no genetic structure within the interfluvium, which includes distinct ecoregions and geological formations. This result is likely due to a dynamic geological history and recent occupation of the landscape by current populations and suggests that biogeographic history is a better predictor of bird genetic diversity within the Purus-Madeira interfluvium than the current environmental heterogeneity. The pavement of the BR-319 road is of great concern in this scenario, since this anthropogenic barrier will isolate connected populations, well beyond its potential drive of habitat loss and fragmentation.
Multi-timescale exploration of teleconnection/tornado activity relationships in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Moore Todd W. , DeBoer Tiffany A. , Fricker Tyler
Published: February 2024

Teleconnections like the El Niño/Southern Oscillation affect climate and weather conditions across the globe, including conditions that modulate tornado activity. Early studies of teleconnection/tornado activity relationships provided evidence of links between one teleconnection and tornado activity. Later attempts introduced multivariate approaches by analyzing bivariate distributions and integrating multiple teleconnections in statistical models to predict variability in tornado activity. However, little attention has been given to teleconnection interactions and the role of these interactions in modulating tornado activity. Here, we employ a data-driven, multiple logistic regression modelling approach to explore the interactions between the El Niño/Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Artic Oscillation, and Pacific North American pattern and their ability to predict the odds of an active tornado period in the southeastern United States. We develop models at the annual, seasonal, and monthly scales and, in doing so, illustrate that the teleconnections and teleconnection interactions that best predict the odds of an active tornado period differ across timescales and that the relationships exhibit clear seasonality. We also show climate conditions associated with select interactions that help explain the elevated tornado activity, namely anomalously high near-surface air temperature and humidity steered by an anomalously strong subtropical high.