bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major And Minor Causes Of Geophagy-Lithophagy In Animals And Humans
Authors: Panichev Alexander M , Golokhvast Kirill S
Published: December 2024

The analyzed data set on the problem of geophagy-lithophagy shows that the instinctive desire, preserved in many groups of animals and humans, to eat mineral-crystalline substances - products of hypergenic transformation of various rocks in the most general form, is a manifestation of evolutionarily conditioned universal way of regulating the material composition of the internal environment, as well as many biological and physiological processes in the body. The effect of minerals on the organism can be divided into their main and secondary functions. The main cause of geophagy-lithophagy in animals and humans all over the world is the regulation of concentration and ratio of rare earth elements in the neuroimmunoendocrine system, which controls metabolic processes and provides immune defense of the body. More than ten secondary causes of consumption of rare earth elements have been identified.
Significance of Time Value When Comparing Alternatives for Building Decarbonization
Authors: Chilton Kate , Arehart Jay , Hinkle Hal
Published: December 2024

Decarbonizing buildings globally requires accurately quantifying the global warming impact of construction materials. However, standard carbon accounting methods and metrics undermine the potential of fast-growing biogenic materials because they ignore the timing of carbon uptake. The consequence is that analyses can indicate a building material is carbon-neutral when it is not climate-neutral. Here, we investigated the time-dependent effect of using fast-growing fibers in durable construction materials. The study estimated the material stock and flow and associated cradle-to-gate embodied emissions for four residential framing systems in the US: concrete masonry units, light-frame dimensional timber, and two framing systems that incorporate fast-growing fibers (bamboo and Eucalyptus). The carbon flows for these four framing systems were then scaled across four adoption scenarios, ranging from business-as-usual (no adoption of fast-growing fibers) to highly optimistic (full adoption of fast-growing materials in new construction within 10 years). Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment modeling was used to project radiative forcing and global temperature change potential. The results show that adoption of fast-growing biogenic construction materials can significantly reduce the climate impact of new US residential buildings within this century under reasonable adoption scenarios. However, net climate-cooling from residential framing will require highly aggressive, immediate adoption of fast-growing biogenic materials.
How Does Domestic Tourism in Uzbekistan Impact the Local Culture and Community?
Authors: Primova Laylo , Umarova Mohinur , Uroqova Sabina , Jumamuratova Marjona , Shodmonova Sarvinoz
Published: December 2024

Economic benefits are the main part of domestic tourism which will generate economic stimulation, job creation as well and development infrastructure. Developing social and cultural schemes among citizens who live in suburban areas is to help increase the income of local citizens. The purpose of this study is to identify the average percentage of domestic tourism between adults and the younger generation. Although it has some difficult points to verify between different ages, it could aid in increasing the income of local tourism. Using survey questions among people to point out the average income as well as the advantages side of domestic tourism. Furthermore, this survey analyzed quantitative and qualitative of inbound tourism among local citizens. Age, Cost of Living, and Residential Placement are examples of quantitative. Cultural Events and Tourism Management are examples of qualitative. This survey has used ordinal regression. Because of numbers, percentages have been recognized by the SPSS platform.According to the study it has been used logistic regression. As well as it has been showed more statistically significant than insignificant. It has an equal negative relationship.For example; -16.285,p=0.003. -7.380p=0.004.As well as it has also been conducted by researchers to verify specific numbers among individuals. According to the survey, researchers could identify neutral and high levels of balance in the tourism sphere. Especially, it has been regulated by researchers "How impact inbound tourism on the community question we know how many people could do answer this question. By the way, it consists of some other main parts of this survey to check the willingness of humans and how they are interested in the tourism sphere.
You Only Attack Once: Single-step DeepFool Algorithm
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Yanwei , Hu Yaocun , Ma Yongyong , Yin Xin
Published: December 2024

Adversarial attacks expose the latent vulnerabilities within artificial intelligence systems, necessitating a reassessment and enhancement of model robustness to ensure the reliability and security of deep learning models against malicious attacks. We propose a fast method designed to efficiently find sample points close to the decision boundary. By computing the gradient information of each class in the input samples and comparing these gradient differences with the true class, we can identify the target class most sensitive to the decision boundary, thus generating adversarial examples. This technique is referred to as the "You Only Attack Once" (YOAO) algorithm. Compared to the DeepFool algorithm, this method requires only a single iteration to achieve effective attack results. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the original approach in various scenarios, especially in resource-constrained environments. Under a single iteration, it achieves a 70.6% higher success rate of the attacks compared to the DeepFool algorithm. Our proposed method shows promise for widespread application in both offensive and defensive strategies for diverse deep learning models. We investigated the relationship between classifier accuracy and adversarial attack success rate, comparing the algorithm with others. Our experiments validated that the proposed algorithm exhibits higher attack success rates and efficiency. Furthermore, we performed data visualization on the ImageNet dataset, demonstrating that the proposed algorithm focuses more on attacking important features. Finally, we discussed the existing issues with the algorithm and outlined future research directions. Our code has been made public and can be found at https://github.com/dawei7777/YOAO.
Data Augmentation Enhanced Age-Invariant Face Recognition System
Authors: Okokpujie Kennedy , John Samuel N.
Published: December 2024

Though research on face recognition has advanced significantly, it is still unclear if it is possible to identify the same person's face when naturally ageing reliably. Intra-subject differences brought on by facial ageing impair the precision of face recognition algorithms. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are the most recent method that researchers have developed to increase the accuracy of Age-Invariant Face Recognition (AIFR) systems. This research examines the challenge of using CNNs to learn from an available standard training dataset for face ageing research. These all contributed to using data augmentation to improve the accuracy of the AIFR system. A heterogeneous dataset was also developed by adding the curated face images of African subjects to the Face and Gesture Recognition Network Ageing Dataset (FG-NET) dataset after obtaining all legal requirements and following all ethical guidelines for including the African subjects. The experimental setup used the heterogeneous dataset to train three different CNN architectures. The resultant effect was the creation of nine AIFR models. The experimental set-ups for ResNet-18, Inception-v3 and Inception-ResNet-v2 on datasets 1, 2 and 3 were used to create nine models. In conclusion, ResNet-18 on dataset 2 proved to be the best-performing AIFR model.
Definition of implicatively implicit extensions by means of relational systems
Authors: Marchenkov Sergey Seraphimovich
Published: December 2024

Definition of implicatively implicit extensions using relational systems (systems of relations from the same number of arguments) is considered. It is proved that relational n-systems (systems of n-ary relations) are Boolean algebras with set-theoretic operations of union, intersection and (relative) complement. In terms of Boolean algebras, all relational 2-systems for implicatively implicit extensions in three-valued logic are fully characterized. For relational 3-systems, a similar description is carried out for constraints of relations on the set of all tuples with three different components.
On the non-monotone complexity of Boolean and k-value logic functions
Authors: Kochergin Vadim Vasilievich , Mihajlovich Anna Vitalievna
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses major advances in various extensions of inversion complexity problem accomplished in the past ten years. In the 1950s, A.A. Markov solved the problem of inversion complexity for Boolean functions. He determined the exact number of inverters in logic circuits of a special type for an arbitrary Boolean function. Precisely, these circuits contained inverters with unit weight and monotone functions with zero weights. In the paper we present, among other findings: the exact value of non-monotone complexity for any Boolean function; the exact value of inversion complexity for k-valued logic functions over a basis containing only monotone functions along with either Post or Lucasiewicz negations; upper and lower bounds of the non-monotone complexity for every k-valued logical function. The difference between these upper and lower bounds is constant and independent of the basis used. We also touch upon the problem of Boolean function circuit complexity over infinite bases. First, we present a sufficiently thorough overview of this problem. Second, we determine the exact value of complexity for an arbitrary Boolean function over a basis that consists of negation and all monotone functions.
Livro didático na memória de seus leitores
Authors: Fernandes Antonia Terra de Calazans
Published: December 2024

O texto apresenta a continuidade da pesquisacom usuários de livros didáticos, quecursaram a escola entre 1940 e 1970, publicadaem um artigo no ano de 2004, na revistaEducação e Pesquisa, que se inseria noprojeto “Educação e memória: organizaçãode acervo de livro didático”, coordenadopor Circe Bittencourt. O texto aqui apresentadotem por objetivo dar prosseguimentoà análise de entrevistas realizadasem 2004 e 2005, considerando a permanênciade estudos de memórias de manuais escolares,coletadas a partir da metodologiada história oral. Foram escolhidas três entrevistasde depoentes que estudaram entreas décadas de 1950 e 1960, associando-as aoartigo de 2004, e apresentando reflexões arespeito dos livros didáticos, a história orale a diversidade de memórias e vivências escolares.Como resultado, explicita a importânciade estudar e preservar a história doslivros didáticos.
The Effect of Materialism and Hedonic Shopping Toward Impulse Buying of Muslim Consumer: A Moderating Role of Religiosity
Authors: Rusanti Ega , Yuningsih M. A. Alfira , Kamil Muhammad Ahsan
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to explore the extent to which matrealism and hedonic shopping behavior encourage Muslim consumers to make impulse purchases with the role of religiosity as a moderating variable. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data from 150 general public and structural partial least squares modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. The study find that materialism has a positive and significant effect on impulse buying of Muslim consumers, hedonic has a positive and significant effect on impulse buying of Muslim consumers, religiosity has a negative and insignificant effect on impulse buying of Muslim consumers, while religiosity does not moderate the relationship between materialism and hedonic behavior on impulse buying in Muslim consumers. This research is limited to random respondents with a very small sample. Hence, further research is expected to be able to select a more purposive sample and use other variables that have not been explored more deeply in this study. This paper provides to the renewal of literature on aspects that encourage impulsive buying behavior, namely hedonic shopping and materialism and religiosity which also plays a role in moderating consumers in suppressing impulsive buying decisions of Muslim consumers in Indonesia.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 7 по 13 декабря 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: December 2024

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 7 по 13 декабря 2024 г.
A detrital signal of glaciation in the Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A.
Authors: Sickmann Zachary T. , Malkowski Matthew A.
Published: December 2024

Alpine glaciers are sensitive indicators of regional environmental conditions over a variety of temporal scales, from interdecadal to glacial–interglacial timescales. However, cycles of major alpine glaciation events are often difficult to define through time due to the inherent tendency of later glacial advances to erase the records of previous cycles. More distal sedimentary records of detritus shed from glaciated ranges offer integrated archives of glacial cycles through time if a region produces a distinct detrital signal of glaciation. The Sierra Nevada range in California, where regional latitudinal climate shifts closely align with latitudinal trends in bedrock geology, offers an excellent example of such a distinct glaciation signal in marine sediment provenance signatures. In this study, we examine changes in sand provenance signatures across samples from the deepwater continental slope (Last Glacial Maximum sediment), outer continental shelf (late Pleistocene–early Holocene sediment), and the central (mixed late Pleistocene to Holocene sediment) and bayhead (mid.–late Holocene sediment) regions of San Francisco Bay. Sediment from slope and shelf samples shows a strong central-southern Sierra Nevada Batholith affinity suggesting derivation from the Sierra Nevada when the range was glaciated during the latest Pleistocene. In contrast, mid- to late-Holocene bayhead samples show a strong northern Sierran affinity indicating that they were originally eroded from the Sierras after deglaciation. These results are consistent with the locus of erosion in the Sierras shifting from higher-elevation glaciated areas in the central and southern range when a rangewide ice cap was present through the latest Pleistocene toward the lower-elevation northern Sierras after rangewide deglaciation around 13 ka as precipitation patterns shifted north through the Holocene. This detrital signal of Sierra Nevada glacial cycles could prove useful in future efforts to better define the currently incomplete history of Quaternary glaciations in the region and serve as an analog to other regions globally.
Frictional Characteristics of Granite Fault under Imposed Dynamic Normal Disturbance Loads
Authors: Cui Guojian , Zhang Chuanqing , Xie Qiming
Published: December 2024

Fault activation induced by dynamic normal disturbance loads resulting from activities such as blasting, excavation, and earthquakes has the potential to trigger significant geological disasters, such as rock bursts, posing a threat to the stability and safety of rock engineering projects. In this study, we report on laboratory experiments to investigate the response of simulated faults. These experiments involved the use of bare granite surfaces to mimic fault behavior, while considering various initial stress ratios and applied normal disturbance loads. The application of normal disturbance loads led to the generation of consistent oscillations in shear stress, apparent friction coefficient, normal displacement, and shear displacement for both inactive and active faults. The experimental results suggest that the activation of faults can indeed be induced by applied normal disturbance loads, and larger initial stress ratios and disturbance loads tend to promote the activation of these simulated faults. Furthermore, we explored the effects of initial normal stress, initial shear stress, disturbance amplitude, and disturbance frequency on the primary quantified parameters associated with the simulated fault. Additionally, we conducted a preliminary discussion on the slip mechanisms of the simulated fault under dynamic normal disturbance loading and its potential engineering implications.
Resolución directoral No. 078-DGIDI-CIENTIFICA-2024 Tesis interdisciplinaria 2025-1
Authors:   Universidad Científica del Sur
Published: December 2024

Resolución directoral No. 078 -DGIDI-CIENTIFICA-2024 - Beca Cabieses de Tesis Interdisciplinaria 2025 - 1
Position-Specific Nucleoside Sugar Modifications in mRNA ORF: Enhancing Translational Function through Complete Chemical Synthesis of mRNA
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Kimura Yasuaki , Honma Masakazu , Nakamoto Kosuke , Motosawa Keiichi , Atago Takayuki , Asano Kana , Hashiya Fumitaka , Abe Naoko , Kobayashi Keiko , Ogisu Ryoko , Hashimoto Atsushi , Hiraishi Keiko , Saito Seiji , Yamamoto Junichiro , Iwai Hiroto
Published: December 2024

In this study, we systematically evaluated the efficacy of chemical modifications in enhancing the translational activity and stability of mRNA. We employed a primarily chemistry-based synthetic approach for the modified mRNA, which is crucial for the position-specific introduction of chemical modifications, enabling an intricate and detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, hitherto unattainable with conventional methods. A pivotal innovation herein was the introduction of 2´-F modification for the nucleosugar in the open reading framework (ORF) at a site-specific position within the codon unit (the first nucleoside in the codon unit, 1st NC), which significantly bolstered the biological stability of mRNA without compromising its translational activity. This precise control of chemical modification patterns has emerged as a key to achieving higher peptide expression levels than conventional in vitro-transcribed mRNA. Further evaluations of the modifications at the 5´-UTR and poly(A) tail with other types of nucleoside and phosphate analogs also exemplified the importance of terminal modifications on mRNA for improved translational activity. These findings offer a novel framework for molecular design and development of effective mRNA-based therapeutics.
Determination of the critical particle size distribution of non-crystalline potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and mixtures thereof as non-oxidizing solid material
Authors: Mak Wim , Trigo Pablo Olivares , Holwerda Harmen Tjalling
Published: December 2024

Only from production lot-specific analysis it is known that the oxidizing properties of non-crystalline (i.e., prill, granule) potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate depend on their particle size. Both substances are exempted from the hazard classification as oxidizing solid for the maritime transport, provided that the conditions of Special Provision 964 in the IMDG Code are met, which requires appropriate sampling, testing and certification of these materials. In commercial practice, these requirements are laborious, time-consuming and costly as each cargo needs to be tested before its departure from the port of loading or practically impossible when no qualified lab is present in the country of origin. In this systematic study the critical particle size distribution of these substances for their hazard classification as non-oxidizing solid was defined as a particle size distribution consisting of minimum 95% of the total sample mass > 1.0 mm sieve size, with maximum 2.5% between 0.85-1.0 mm, and with maximum 2.5% < 0.85 mm, respectively. This study provides empirical evidence for an easy-to-apply, reliable, and cost-efficient granulometry test for the hazard classification of these substances as non-oxidizing solid material that can serve as an alternative to the methods applied so far.
Technological and Material Insights into Bronze Casting Remains at the Datongpu Site from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty
Authors: Bai Guozhu , Zhang Ji , Liu Haifeng , Chen Jianli
Published: December 2024

Several bronzes, casting moulds, crucible walls, copper slag, and other confirmed relics of copper casting from the late Spring and Autumn period and early Warring States period (circa 475 BCE) were unearthed at the Datongpu Site in Jianhu County, Jiangsu Province, between 2019 and 2021. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and multicollector–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to examine the metal resources and mould-making technology of the bronze casting industry of the Yue culture during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The metal particles in the slag suggest that the melted alloy product is high-tin bronze, and the ceramic mould contained a significant amount of plant debris. This indicates that the casting technology involving high-tin bronze alloy production and the use of plant ash in moulds is characteristic of the lower Yangtze River region, highlighting the northward spread of Yue culture. Accordingly, the lead materials at Datongpu were predominantly sourced from the Central Plains, confirming the records of the relationship between Jin and Yue in the early Warring States period. The findings highlight the technological advancements of the Yue culture and support historical accounts of interactions between the Jin and Yue states. This study is significant as it provides new insights into the technological and material aspects of the bronze casting industry during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, which is crucial for understanding regional metallurgical practices and cultural interactions.
Smart Oxygen Monitoring in Hospitals: A Pilot Study during COVID-19
Authors: Velicka Jan , Pies Martin , Hajovsky Radovan , Barnova Katerina , Martinek Radek
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021, there were up to twice as many oxygen-related fires and explosions in hospitals compared to non-pandemic times. This was likely due to the hospitals' insufficient preparedness for the sudden increase in ventilator use during oxygen therapies for severely ill patients with COVID-19. The pandemic has thus shown the need to consider departments working with medical oxygen as potentially dangerous and to introduce systemic measures that can eliminate these life-threatening risks. A promising solution to prevent oxygen-related fires is the use of a proposed smart measurement system that can accurately and timely detect increased oxygen concentrations in hospitals. The wireless device is based on the Internet of Things technology and meets the requirements for long-term and low power consumption monitoring within a hospital environment. Oxygen concentrations were measured at regular intervals, and the collected data was wirelessly transmitted to a database repository. If the set oxygen concentration threshold was exceeded, hospital staff were reliably notified via short message service and e-mail. The accuracy of the monitoring system was ± 1% and the consumption of the sensor module was approximately 345 μA when the measured oxygen concentration was requested every minute. The proposed system can be used in rooms designated for oxygen therapy, as well as in standard rooms such as hospital corridors or patient rooms in case of emergencies.
Mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of endometriosis based on network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Huang Jiami , Ding Jie , Wang Jiayun , Zhang Yanan , Sun Bo , Hu Guohua , Chen Jing
Published: December 2024

This study explores how quercetin may treat endometriosis (EMs) by combining network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing approaches. Through network pharmacology, 132 shared targets between quercetin and EMs were identified, with KEGG pathway analysis suggesting that the MAPK signaling pathway could be a significant therapeutic target. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that PDGFRB was highly expressed in ectopic endometrial tissue, a finding confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) showing elevated levels of PDGFRB, RAS, RAF1, and ERK1/2 in ectopic lesions. In an EMs mouse model, quercetin treatment led to a marked reduction in ectopic lesion volume, lowered adhesion scores, and decreased expression of PDGFRB, RAS, RAF1, and ERK1/2 in endometrial tissues. Additionally, the knockdown of PDGFRB in endometriosis cells inhibited their proliferation, invasion, and migration, processes critical to EMs pathology. Quercetin treatment further suppressed cell viability and downregulated the protein expression of RAS, phosphorylated RAF1, RAF1, phosphorylated ERK, and ERK1/2. These findings collectively suggest that quercetin exerts its therapeutic effect in endometriosis by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway via PDGFRB, thereby reducing EMs cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. This study provides insights into quercetin’s multi-targeted mechanism of action in endometriosis treatment.
Lack of induced chemical changes in leaves of susceptible alternate hosts of Cronartium spp. after inoculation by Cronartium pini and C. ribicola.
Authors: Piispanen Juha , Bergmann Ulrich , Karhu Jouni , Kauppila Tuomas , Witzell Johanna , Kaitera Juha
Published: December 2024

Phenolic compounds, known for their antioxidant and antifungal properties may be connected to infection processes of Cronartium rusts in alternate host plants. We studied changes in leaf chemistry after Cronartium inoculation on susceptible alternate hosts of C. pini and C. ribicola. Impatiens balsamina and Paeonia lactiflora were inoculated with C. pini, and R. nigrum with C. ribicola in the greenhouse. Leaves of the inoculated plants were harvested 3 and 6 days after inoculation for chemical analysis, which was done using LC-MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry). Species-specific differences were found in dominant phenolics ferulic acid, hyperoside, quercitrin, and rutin. Rust inoculation produced limited changes in phenolic concentrations, with significant increases only in p-coumaric acid in I. balsamina and rutin in R. nigrum. Significant post-inoculation decrease was found in several cases. While phenolic fluctuations varied by species and incubation time, there was no significant interaction between inoculation and incubation time, suggesting the absence of induced phenolic accumulation during early infection stages. The results support the hypothesis that susceptible alternate hosts exhibit weak, delayed phenolic defenses, possibly due to rust virulence factors suppressing these responses. Indirectly, they provide support for the defensive role of phenolics in resistant congeneric hosts, emphasizing also the importance of further molecular studies to explore plant defense mechanisms against rust pathogens.
Sustainable Facility Site Location Selection Based on Coordinate Geometry Using Nature-Inspired Optimisation Strategies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Najeeb , Ghanbarzadeh Reza , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: December 2024

The efficiency of supply chains relies heavily on the strategic placement of facilities, directly influencing the flow of goods from manufacturers to the consumers. This paper addresses the critical challenge of facility location selection by proposing an optimised model for the placement of distribution centres in an Australian city. The proposed model integrates nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms with a coordinate-based approach; the model expands the search space using latitude and longitude data as site indicators, enhancing decision-making for complex urban environments. The suggested model is particularly relevant for industries aiming to reduce logistics costs, minimise environmental impact, and improve service levels in distribution networks. By applying advanced metaheuristics, this approach provides a robust framework for solving the facility location problem, balancing efficiency with sustainability. Its effectiveness is demonstrated through a real-world case study, showing how the model can support the development of resilient, environmentally conscious supply chain networks.
Power and sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials with treatment switching in intention-to-treat analysis comparing RMSTs
Authors: Shih Austin , Hsu Chih-Yuan , Shyr Yu
Published: December 2024

Background: Difference in Restricted Mean Survival Time (DRMST) has attracted attention and is increasingly used in non-inferiority (NI) trials because of its superior power in detecting treatment effects compared to hazard ratio. However, when treatment switching (also known as crossover) occurs, the widely used intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis can underpower or overpower NI trials.
Methods: We propose a simulation-based approach, named nifts, to calculate powers and determine the necessary sample size to achieve a desired power for non-inferiority trials that allow treatment switching, in ITT analysis using DRMST.
Results: Real-world and simulated examples are used to illustrate the proposed method and examine how switching probability, switching time, the relative effectiveness of treatments, allocation ratio, and even time distribution influence powers and sample sizes. Our simulation study shows that switching time and switching probability decrease or increase powers and sample sizes compared to those in the scenarios without treatment switching. A shorter switching time and a higher switching probability amplify the magnitude of these changes. The direction of the change in powers and sample sizes depends on the relative effectiveness of the treatments. When m2/m1>1, power decreases and sample size increases, while m_2/m_1<1 leads to the opposite effect, where m1 and m2 are the median survivals in the control and experimental groups, respectively.
Conclusions: This simulation-based approach offers a preview of how treatment switching can influence powers and sample sizes in NI trials, providing investigators with useful information before conducting the trials. nifts is freely available at https://github.com/cyhsuTN/nifts.
High-quality forming of laser DED components based on a multi-source sensing system
Authors: Li Xu , Shen Jiehao , Zhu Kanghong , Chen Huabin
Published: December 2024

Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) is an additive manufacturing technology that uses a laser as the energy source to create a liquid melt pool in the deposition area, which rapidly moves it, melting powder and depositing layers sequentially. Given that the L-DED process involves intense energy exchange and complex physicochemical changes, the quality control of the formed parts and the repeatability of the process are common technical challenges for its large-scale application. This paper establishes an integrated in-situ monitoring system for L-DED, which can monitor the geometric characteristics of the liquid melt pool, temperature, and high-temperature strain on the side walls of the formed parts, through a temperature sensing unit, a visual sensing unit, and a strain unit based on digital image correlation algorithm. Based on the information obtained from multi-source sensing of the cladding process, we compared the stability and forming quality of the cladding process under different process parameter paths and identified a process path that yields more stable melt pool temperatures, reduced fluctuations in melt pool dimensions, and lower peak strains on the build sidewalls, the maximum strain eyy and exx were 23% and 20% lower, the strain fluctuation range of eyy and exx was found to be 45.65% and 26.49% lower compared to components built before process optimization, thereby achieving high-quality construction manufacturing when building cladding components of the same size.
Enhanced Rock Weathering in Acid Mine Drainage: Carbon Removal Potential and Co-benefits
Authors: Hkaung Htut San , Yamashita Naito , Kimotsuki Nono , Nakamura Fugo , Frances Chikanda , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Ohtomo Yoko , Otake Tsubasa , Sato Tsutomu
Published: December 2024

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) involving the spreading of basaltic rock powder on cropland is gaining interest as a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technique. To optimise CDR efficiency and address the limitations of mineral dissolution associated with cropland, this study explored the potential of deploying basalt-based ERW in acid mine drainage (AMD), utilizing its strong acidity and flow-through nature. One-dimensional reactive transport modeling was undertaken by simulating various AMD scenarios with pH levels of 2–4 and flow rates of 0.005–0.5 m³ s–1, with a range of particle sizes. Results indicate that a single AMD system could dissolve up to 10,500 tonnes (t) of basalt annually, potentially removing 3,660 t CO₂. AMD ERW may thus contribute to CDR with a co-benefit of arsenic removal. In the absence of direct basalt-based ERW applications to AMD settings, this study provides guidance for designing alternative ERW protocols alongside traditional cropland-ERW applications.
Promoting Radial Repair in Rabbits through BMP-9 Overexpression in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Loaded with ICA/nHAC/PLA
Authors: Xu Fang-Tian , Lin Wen-xian , Li Shuang-Yi , Lai Zhong-Hong , Wei Hui-Xian , Meng Ling-Zhang
Published: December 2024

Background
Bone defects commonly cause delayed bone healing and local dysfunction. Both adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and icariin (ICA)-loaded nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/polylactic acid (nHAC/PLA) have been reported to promote osteoblast metabolism and accelerate fracture healing.
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of ADSCs combined with ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA in regulating bone defects.
Methods
The effects of ICA and BMP-9 (Bone morphogenetic protein-9) overexpression on cell viability and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs were measured by qRT-PCR, western blotting and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. Alizarin red staining examined the formation of mineralized nodules in ADSCs. Finally, radial defect of rabbit model was established, and administrated by ADSCs with BMP-9 overexpression combined with ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA. The new bone formation was detected by X-ray, immunohistochemistry and Hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Results
BMP-9 overexpression significantly increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation in ADSCs, effects that were amplified by ICA. This combination also upregulated the expression of osteogenic markers (BMP-9, OCN, OPN, COL-1, BSP, Runx-2) and influenced key signaling pathways (p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK). In vivo, the treatment group showed enhanced radial bone repair.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the combination of BMP-9-overexpressed ADSCs and ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA scaffolds is effective in promoting bone repair, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for bone defects.
Core tip
BMP-9 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of ADSCs. BMP-9 overexpression combined with ICA promoted osteogenesis in ADSCs. ADSCs with BMP-9 overexpression and ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA promoted radial repair.
Bayesian Quality-Diversity optimization for conditional search-space problems
Authors: Baraton Lucas , Urbano Annafederica , Brevault Loïc , Balesdent Mathieu
Published: December 2024

The preliminary design and optimization of aerospace systems often requires to make architectural and technological choices and to perform computationally expensive numerical simulations. In early design phases, the decision makers may be interested in obtaining a set of valuable solutions presenting a diversity of characteristics. This paper proposes two approaches tackling these challenges by formulating and solving a particular optimization problem. The latter is called Conditional Search-Space Problem because architectural and technological choices are represented by design variables, called conditional, which are acting on the structure of the optimization problem (e.g., number of design variables and constraints). To produce a broad diversity of solutions, a Quality-Diversity (QD) algorithm adapted to deal with conditional variables and expensive functions is developed. The proposed methods consist in decomposing the optimization problem in several subproblems that have a non-conditional structure. A Bayesian optimization strategy coupled with a QD algorithm is used to search for potential solutions among the subproblems. The most performing potential solutions are then evaluated with the exact functions. The methodology is tested on two analytical and an aerospace system design problems.
Gene syntax modulates gene expression and circuit behavior on plasmids
Authors: Deng Yijie , Maurais Hannah E. , Etheridge Kai , Sarpeshkar Rahul
Published: December 2024

Achieving consistent and predictable gene expression from plasmids remains challenging. While much attention has focused on intra-genetic elements like promoters and ribosomal binding sites, the spatial arrangement of genes within plasmids—referred to as gene syntax—also plays a crucial role in shaping gene expression dynamics. This study addresses the largely overlooked impact of gene syntax on gene expression variability and accuracy. Utilizing a dual-fluorescent protein system, we systematically investigated how different gene orientation and order affect expression profiles including mean levels, relative expression ratios, and cell-to-cell variations. We found that arbitrary gene placement on a plasmid can cause significantly different expression means and ratios. Genes aligned in the same direction as a plasmid’s origin of replication (Ori) typically exhibit higher expression levels, while adjacent genes in the divergent orientation tend to suppress the expression of both genes. Additionally, altering gene order without changing its orientation can yield varied expression. Gene syntax also influences intrinsic and extrinsic noise, despite unchanged total cell-to-cell variations across different syntaxes. Interestingly, cell-to-cell variations appear to depend on the reporter protein, with GFP consistently exhibiting higher variation than RFP. Moreover, the effects of gene syntax can propagate through downstream circuits, strongly altering the behaviors of incoherent feedforward loops and contributing to unpredictable outcomes in genetic networks. Our findings reveal how gene syntax on plasmids modulates gene expression and circuit behavior, providing valuable insights for the rational design of plasmids and genetic circuits.
Exercise promotes neurological recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity and the spinal cord compensation in stroke-affected rats
Authors: Li Xuefei , Chen Jiahui , Li Tingting , Zhao Ayang , Li Wenzhi
Published: December 2024

Stroke stands as the main cause of mortality and disability, mainly leaving survivors with sensorimotor and cognitive impairments. Although the therapeutic benefits of exercise for neurological disorders are widely acknowledged, the underlying mechanisms have still remained elusive. The spinal cord serves as a crucial pathway for nerve conduction and a pivotal link between the brain and limbs, while its potential for compensation post-stroke should be elucidated. This study explored the influences of exercise on sensorimotor function recovery post-stroke, assessed alterations in brain and spinal cord neuroplasticity, and elucidated potential molecular mechanisms underlying spinal cord tissue compensation. It was revealed that exercise facilitated sensorimotor function recovery, elevated the expression levels of key neuroplasticity markers, mitigated neuronal damage, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression level post-stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Subsequent investigations unveiled significant upregulation of the expression levels of neuroplasticity markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord following ischemic stroke, which were further augmented after exercise. Exercise also downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression level and upregulated interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression level in both the brain and spinal cord of rats. However, these exercise-induced effects were eliminated following spinal cord injury. The mechanism could be linked to the augmentation of neuroplasticity and the compensatory function of the spinal cord.
Health Expenditures, Remittances, And Climate Vulnerability: Evidence From Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Gazi Mainul
Published: December 2024

While overseas remittances flows help finance health expenditures in developing countries, climate vulnerabilities can render the financing of healthcare costs through remittances unsustainable even if households receive regular and sizable flows. Using a natural experiment of rainfall-driven remittances, I provide an experimental measure for remittances' effect on health expenditure among rural households in southern Bangladesh. Health expenditure and remittances are jointly related; therefore, I use the instrumental variable approach. The treatment of remittances is randomly assigned utilising a natural shock enabling the instrument, exogenous variation in rainfall interacted with cyclone-affected migrant households' distance to the local weather stations, to identify the treatment group's average treatment effect. I find that while remittances cause household health expenditures to increase, the marginal impact of remittances is heterogeneous and negatively conditional on the household's exposure to the level of vulnerability proxied by the household's distance to cyclone shelter. In other words, the health expenditure-remittances nexus gets weaker with the adverse effect of climate change. Specifically, I find that an increase in remittances by a Taka increases health expenditure by 0.24 Taka (24 Paisa) in the absence of any climate hazard but reduces health expenditure by 0.10 Taka (or 10 Paisa) if the measure of climate vulnerability increases by one standard deviation from its mean value. For countries like Bangladesh, which is exceptionally vulnerable to natural hazards, financing health care costs through remittances will likely not be sustainable even if households receive regular and sizable flows unless the adverse effects of climate vulnerabilities are mitigated.
Evaluation and Projection of CMIP6 Simulations of Climate Variables in the Rift Valley Lakes Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemariam Yonas Ademe , Woldesenbet Tekalegn Ayele , Alamirew Tena
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of twenty-eight bias-corrected GCMs and project changes in climate variables using CMIP6 from the reference period (1985–2014), and the two future periods (2035–2064 and 2065–2094) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5). Comprehensive rating metric (CRM) based on seven statistical metrics was used to evaluate the performance of GCMs. The multi-model mean ensemble (MMME) of four carefully selected best performing CMIP6-GCMs for each climate variables were used for projection. Considering respective MMMEs, the projected mean precipitation, maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), and relative humidity (hurs), will increase, but solar radiation (rsds) will decline, under all SSPs in both periods as response to global warming. The projected precipitation increase may augment water availability in the Rift valley Lakes Basin (RVLB). However, more intense and frequent heavy precipitation with short-duration may lead to flash floods and landslides to damage crops and infrastructures. In addition, raise on Tmax, Tmin and windspeed may lead to high evapotranspiration demand, recurrent drought, and water insecurity. To properly comprehend and respond appropriately, more research is needed to determine how these changes in climate variables affect sustainable water resources management and water security in RVLB.
Women and Household carbon Emissions: An empirical study based on input-output method and Machine Learning in China (2005-2019)
Authors: Hu Lang , Wang Yuanping , Sun Changhui , He Yu , Fan Yueyue , Su Shaotong , Hou Lingchun , Zheng Yingheng , Chen Juntao
Published: December 2024

The international community is increasingly recognizing the importance and urgency of gender issues in the field of climate change and paying particular attention to the important role of women in this field. This study calculates household carbon emissions (HCE) in China from 2005 to 2019 using the input-output method and explores the relationship between women and HCE from the perspective of statistics and machine learning based on the SHAP algorithm. The study found that in the consumption categories such as housing, transportation, and clothing, every 1% increase in the proportion of women reduced indirect carbon emissions by 0.441–10.001%, but this inhibitory effect weakened with the increase in income. Stochastic forest nonlinear regression shows that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between women, R&D investment, energy structure, and HCE. In addition, a small number of single women showed a role in promoting high carbon emissions, while women with lower education had a more significant inhibiting effect on HCE. The study also analyzed regional differences between 2005 and 2019. This study enriches women's research in HCE and provides a novel research method, which has important reference value for promoting gender equality and climate change research.
National Resilience and Mental Well-being among Filipino Emerging Adults at Risk for Depression: The Parallel Mediating Role of Peace of Mind and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Cleofas Jerome Visperas
Published: December 2024

Background
National-level social contexts can shape individual mental health outcomes throughout the life course. Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental stage characterized by identity exploration, experimentation, and instability, which can increase susceptibility to psychological distress conditions, such as depression.
Aim
Anchored on the psychosocial pathway model, this study examined the relationship between national resilience and mental well-being among Filipino emerging adults at risk for depression (EAARFDs) and the mediating roles of peace of mind and life satisfaction in this relationship.
Method
This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing an online survey method. A total of 920 EAAFRDs were included in the analysis. Parallel mediation analysis was conducted using the GLM Mediation Model module in JAMOVI, with bias-corrected bootstrapping (N = 5000).
Results
National resilience positively predicted mental well-being, and both peace of mind and life satisfaction significantly mediated this relationship. Peace of mind (54.08%) exerted a stronger mediating effect than life satisfaction (5.70%). The full model explains 43.8% of the variance in mental well-being (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Findings signify the promotive role of national resilience on mental well-being among EAAFRDs and highlight peace of mind and life satisfaction as psychosocial pathways that link them. These insights underscore the salience of mental health initiatives that aim to enhance societal resilience and individual psychological assets during emerging adulthood.