bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy of Rose Bengal-PVA combinations within PCL/PLA implants for sustained cancer treatment
Authors: Demartis Sara , Picco Camila J. , Larrañeta Eneko , Korelidou Anna , Islam Rayhanul , Coulter Jonathan A. , Giunchedi Paolo , Donnelly Ryan F. , Rassu Giovanna , Gavini Elisabetta
Published: September 2024

The current investigation aims to address the limitations of conventional cancer therapy by developing an advanced, long-term drug delivery system using biocompatible Rose Bengal (RB)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices incorporated into 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) implants. The anticancer drug RB’s high solubility and low lipophilicity require frequent and painful administration to the tumour site, limiting its clinical application. In this study, RB was encapsulated in a PVA (RB@PVA) matrix to overcome these challenges and achieve a localised and sustained drug release system within a biodegradable implant designed to be implanted near the tumour site. The RB@PVA matrix demonstrated an RB loading efficiency of 77.34 ± 1.53%, with complete RB release within 30 min. However, when integrated into implants, the system provided a sustained RB release of 75.84 ± 8.75% over 90 days. Cytotoxicity assays on PC-3 prostate cancer cells indicated an IC50 value of 1.19 µM for RB@PVA compared to 2.49 µM for free RB, effectively inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. This innovative drug delivery system, which incorporates a polymer matrix within an implantable device, represents a significant advancement in the sustained release of hydrosoluble drugs. It holds promise for reducing the frequency of drug administration, thereby improving patient compliance and translating experimental research into practical therapeutic applications.
Orthogonal representations of $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_2(q)$$ in defining characteristic
Authors: Braun Tobias , Nebe Gabriele
Published: September 2024

This paper determines the types of the invariant quadratic forms over their respective (finite) fields of definition for all irreducible modules of the groups $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_2(q)$$

SL

2

(
q
)

in defining characteristic. We prove that for $$q>2$$

q
>
2

any absolutely irreducible even dimensional orthogonal $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_2(q)$$

SL

2

(
q
)

-module W in defining characteristic carries a split invariant quadratic form (i.e. it is of $$+$$
+
type) unless $$\dim (W) \equiv 4 \pmod {8}$$

dim
(
W
)
≡
4

(
mod

8
)

and the field of definition of W is the subfield of index 2 in $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

; in the latter case the type of the invariant quadratic forms is −.
Modelling asymmetric and nonlinear features in the natural resource wealth-economic complexity nexus: empirical insights from Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyi Clement Olalekan , Odhiambo Nicholas Mbaya
Published: September 2024

Contrary to previous research, this study makes a unique contribution to the global discussion by incorporating asymmetric structure and nonlinearity into the analysis of how changes in natural resource wealth affect economic complexity. To achieve this objective, the study uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and a fully modified ordinary least squares estimator, utilizing data from Nigeria spanning the period 1984–2021. Unlike earlier studies, this study establishes robust evidence of nonlinearity and asymmetry in the sensitivity of economic complexity to changes in natural resource rents in the short and long run. The cumulative increases (positive shock components) in natural resource wealth provide strong stimuli and incentives that promote economic complexity in the short run, while the cumulative decreases (negative shock components) deteriorate economic complexity upgrades. Meanwhile, long-run estimates indicate that both positive and negative shock components are catalysts that impede Nigeria’s manufacturing structures’ ability to improve technological innovation and knowledge-based productive capacity for producing sophisticated and globally competitive exports. These findings imply that the resource curse phenomenon holds true regarding economic complexity in Nigeria in the long run. In conclusion, this study finds that Nigeria’s natural resource endowments breed complacency, racketeering, shrewdness, corrupt practices, and opportunistic behaviour, which impair innovative initiatives that spur economic complexity. This study outlines the policy implications and insights from the findings.
Transferring algebra structures on complexes
Authors: Miller Claudia , Rahmati Hamidreza
Published: September 2024

With the goal of transferring dg algebra structures on complexes along contractions, we introduce a new condition on the associated homotopy, namely a generalized version of the Leibniz rule. We prove that, with this condition, the transfer works to yield a dg algebra (with vanishing descended higher $$A_\infty $$

A
∞

products) and prove that it works also after an application of the Perturbation Lemma even though the new homotopy may no longer satisfy that condition. We also extend these results to the setting of $$A_\infty $$

A
∞

algebras. Then we return to our original motivation from commutative algebra. We apply these methods to find a new method for building a dg algebra structure on a well-known resolution, obtaining one that is both concrete and permutation invariant. The naturality of the construction enables us to find dg algebra homomorphisms between these as well, enabling them to be used as inputs for constructing bar resolutions.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities and the National Burden of COVID-19 on Inpatient Hospitalizations: A Retrospective Study in the United States in the Year 2020
Authors: Nguyen Amanda , Buhr Russell G. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hsu Jeffrey J. , Brown Arleen F. , Ziaeian Boback
Published: September 2024

Background

Since January 2020, COVID-19 has affected more than 100 million people in the U.S. Previous studies on racial and ethnic disparities related to characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients have been insightful. However, appropriate epidemiologic age-standardization of the disease burden and disparities for hospitalization data are lacking.

Objective

To identify and describe racial and ethnic disparities for primary COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. in 2020.

Methods

In this nationally representative observational study, we use the National Inpatient Sample to quantify racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Descriptive statistics for patient characteristics, common comorbidities, age-standardized hospitalization rates, inpatient complications, and mortality among COVID-19 hospitalizations were contrasted by race and ethnicity.

Results

There were 1,058,815 primary COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. Of those, 47.2% were female, with median age of 66 (IQR, 54, 77). Overall inpatient mortality rate was 11.1%. When compared to White patients, Black, Hispanic, and Native American patients had higher age-standardized hospitalization rate ratios of 2.42 (95% CI 2.40–2.43), 2.26 (2.25–2.28), and 2.51 (2.46–2.56), respectively. Non-White patients had increased age-adjusted rates for procedures and complications. Factors associated with inpatient mortality include age, male sex, Hispanic or Native American race or ethnicity, lower income, Medicaid, heart failure, arrhythmias, coagulopathy, and chronic liver disease.

Conclusions

Marginalized populations in the U.S. had over twice the COVID-19 hospitalization rate relative to White patients. Age-adjusted mortality rates were highest for Black, Hispanic, and Native American patients. Careful consideration for vulnerable populations is encouraged during highly communicable respiratory pandemics.
Developing a water budget for the Amman-Zarqa basin using water accounting plus and the pixel-based soil water balance model
Authors: Amdar Nafn , Seyoum Solomon , Al-Bakri Jawad , Rutten Martine , Jewitt Graham , Mul Marloes
Published: September 2024

Water resources assessments are essential for effective planning in water-scarce regions such as Jordan. Such assessments require sufficient data in space and time. The WaPOR-based Water Accounting Plus (WA +) framework is relevant as it integrates remote sensing data and the Pixel-Based Soil Water Balance model to simulate a basin’s water balance. However, since it relies on remote sensing, this framework only tracks water consumption in irrigated agriculture and does not consider non-irrigation water use and its return flow. This paper modifies the WaPOR-based WA + framework to include non-irrigation manmade consumption and its return flows. The modified framework provides a more comprehensive water budget for the Amman-Zarqa (AZ) basin, presented in a modified WA + resource base sheet for 2018 through 2021. The results show that water availability in the AZ basin is highly responsive to precipitation changes. Average precipitation was approximately 926 Mm3/year between 2018 and 2020, corresponding to an average available water of 485 Mm3/year. However, a reduction in average precipitation by 28% in 2021 corresponded to a reduction in available water to 243 Mm3/year. Nevertheless, substantial groundwater outflows to neighbouring basins may indicate that available water is being overestimated. Manmade consumption increased by 18% from 2018 to 2021, and the total demand exceeded the available supply by 150%. This underscores the pressing need to investigate supply augmentation and conservation methods. Future studies could focus on improving the representation of groundwater dynamics in the modified framework by improving groundwater dynamics in PixSWAB and testing the modified framework with other remote sensing datasets.
Investigation of human interaction with an augmented remote operating system for scaling in mining applications
Authors: Rafiei Shirin , Brunnström Kjell , Andersson Jonas , Sjöström Mårten
Published: September 2024

Thanks to the advent of telepresence applications, we can remotely take control and operate industrial machinery. Teleoperation removes operators from hazardous workplaces such as mining and plays an essential role in the safety of workers. In addition, augmented telepresence can introduce information that helps the user understand the remote scene. However, remote operation presents challenges since the information received is more limited than what could be perceived by being physically present, such as accurately judging depth. This study investigates how well operators interact with an augmented remote operation scaling system (AROSS) in a mining context when different computer-generated visual interfaces are provided. The system can achieve five visual interfaces: Disocclusion Augmentation view using selective content removal, Novel Perspective view generation, Lidar view, Right (Original) view, and Left (Original) view. We performed two experiments in a mine-like laboratory to analyze human interaction with the designed prototype by applying a mixed research methodology that used questionnaires, interviews, and observations. This mixed methodology consisted of quality of experience methods to discover the users’ requirements from a technological standpoint and user experience methods (i.e., user-centric approaches). We investigated 10 and 11 users’ interactions in two experimental studies. The first experiment focused on identifying small patterns (e.g., cracks in the mine wall), and the second focused on depth and three-dimensional understanding. We considered the first experiment a feasibility test to understand how to conduct the second experiment. Therefore, we designed the second test to assess the technical readiness of AROSS from the users’ perspective. The overall conclusion yields a comprehensive understanding of users’ perceptions and experiences. The quality of experience results favored Left and Right (Original) views for remote control, indicating a preference among remote operators using natural (Original) views due to their facilitation of environmental comprehension. User experience analysis revealed the reason why other views were less favored and what their potential benefits are. Specifically, Novel Perspective and Lidar views were found helpful for depth perception, and Disocclusion Augmentation view functionality could be enhanced if robot arm position tracking is enabled. These insights inform design recommendations, emphasizing the value of incorporating Disocclusion Augmentation and Novel Perspective views and suggesting improvements to enhance system usability.
Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage: A Structural Equation Modeling of Undergraduates’ Technological Readiness, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes
Authors: Falebita Oluwanife Segun , Kok Petrus Jacobus
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the relationship between undergraduates’ technological readiness, self-efficacy, attitude, and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The study leverages the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the relationships among the study’s variables. The study’s participants are 176 undergraduate students from a public university in southwestern Nigeria. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the responses from the participants. The questionnaire has six constructs measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that undergraduates’ technological self-efficacy determines their usage of AI tools and perception of AI tools’ ease of use, but this does not determine their perception of the AI tools’ usefulness and attitude towards AI tools usage. Also, technological readiness was found to determine the perception of the AI tools’ usefulness, perception of AI tools’ ease of use, and technological self-efficacy among undergraduates but does not determine their usage of AI tools and attitude towards AI tools usage. In addition, undergraduates’ attitude towards AI tools was considered the primary determinant of the usage of AI tools. It was concluded that some factors determine the adoption of AI tools, which are interrelated. Educators can play a pivotal role in empowering students to harness the power of AI tools by encouraging their usage under well-coordinated guidance rather than imposing outright restrictions. By fostering AI literacy and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate these innovative technologies, educators can instil the confidence and competency needed to integrate AI tools into various academic activities seamlessly.
Utility of classical insurance risk models for measuring the risks of cyber incidents
Authors: Shimizu Yasutaka , Takagami Yutaro
Published: September 2024

We demonstrate that the classical insurance risk models yield significant advantages in the context of cyber risk analysis. This model exhibits commendable attributes in terms of both computational efficiency and predictive capabilities. Utilizing several compound point risk models, we derive the conditional Value-at-Risk and Tail Value-at-Risk predictions for the cumulative breach size within specified time intervals. To verify the reliability of our method, we conduct backtesting exercises, comparing our predictions with actual breach sizes.
The safe-and-sustainable-by-design concept: innovating towards a more sustainable future
Authors: Soeteman-Hernández Lya G. , Apel Christina , Nowack Bernd , Sudheshwar Akshat , Som Claudia , Huttunen-Saarivirta Elina , Tenhunen-Lunkka Anna , Scheper Johanna , Falk Andreas , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Rocca Cris , Brennan Maurice , Igartua Amaya , Mendoza Gemma , Midander Klara , Strömberg Emma , Kümmerer Klaus
Published: September 2024

Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) is a new concept proposed by the European Commission to support the urgent need to transition towards a more preventive and proactive approach in chemical and material innovation which supports a more sustainable future and in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. SSbD provides orientation and guidance by taking a system approach. SSbD building blocks were developed: regenerative corporate and societal strategic needs (considering service and function), risk and sustainability governance, competencies, and data management. This viewpoint brings these building blocks together in a holistic way to create an innovation landscape ensuring safer and more sustainable chemicals, materials, production processes and products in science, technology, and industry; starting from ‘design’ and that is fit for supporting a sustainable future.
Estimating the parameters of epidemic spread on two-layer random graphs: a classical and a neural network approach
Authors: Backhausz Ágnes , Bognár Edit , Csiszár Villő , Tárkányi Damján , Zempléni András
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose and analyse various methods for estimating the infection parameter $$\tau $$
τ
in an SIR (susceptible-infected-recovered) epidemic spread model simulated on two-layer random graphs with a preferential attachment component. The statistics that can be used for the estimates is the number of susceptible and infected vertices. Our classical approach is based on the maximum likelihood method, while the machine learning approach uses a graph neural network (GNN). The underlying graph has a layer consisting of disjoint cliques (representing e.g. households) and a random second layer with a preferential attachment structure. Our simulation study reveals that the estimation is poorer at the beginning of the epidemic, for larger preferential attachment parameter of the graph, and for larger $$\tau $$
τ
. As for the neural networks, we find that dense networks offer better training datasets. Moreover, GNN perfomance is measured better using the $$l_2$$

l
2

loss function rather than cross-entropy.
Elevated efficiency in tartrazine removal from wastewater through boron-doped biochar: enhanced adsorption and persulfate activation
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Zhou Yu , He Juhua , Pillai Suresh C. , Li Ning , Xu Song , Li Jiesen , Chen Xin , Wang Hailong
Published: September 2024

Boron-doped biochar (B-BC) was synthesized by pyrolysis using solid waste of sorghum straw as raw material. The specific surface area of B-BC increased significantly by 2.38 times compared to that of pure BC. This enhancement allowed B-BC (0.3 g L−1) to achieve complete adsorption of 10 mg L−1 tartrazine (TTZ) within 40 min. Moreover, acidic conditions were more favorable for TTZ adsorption, achieving complete removal of TTZ in only 15 min at a pH of 3.0. Interestingly, the adsorption rate of TTZ by B-BC in the presence of 0.05 M Cl− was approximately 2.12 times higher than that in the absence of Cl−. When other background electrolytes were present, excluding PO43−, complete adsorption of TTZ could also be achieved within 60 min. Thermodynamic analysis and DFT calculations described the parameters of B-BC for TTZ adsorption, including $$\Delta {\text{G}}^{\Theta }$$

Δ

G

Θ

(< 0 kJ mol−1), $$\Delta {\text{H}}^{\Theta }$$

Δ

H

Θ

(− 2.199 kJ mol−1), $$\Delta {\text{S}}^{\Theta }$$

Δ

S

Θ

(− 6.068 J mol−1 K−1), and the adsorption energy (Eads = − 0.6919 eV), indicating a tendency towards a spontaneous adsorption process. Moreover, the strong electron transfer ability of B-BC and the oxygen-containing groups promoted the activation of PDS and generation of active substances such as 1O2, O2•−, and SO4•−, thereby degrading TTZ into products with lower biological toxicity. When the added PDS was only 0.1 mM, the degradation rate constant of TTZ could reach 0.1481 min−1. Furthermore, boron doping enhanced the stability of biochar, enabling the complete removal of 10 mg L−1 TTZ even after recycling and regeneration. In summary, this study offers a practical solution for the resource utilization of solid waste sorghum straw and the treatment of TTZ-polluted wastewater.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of polymer sealant interlayer on quality of EN AW-2024-T3 aluminum alloy lap joint prepared by friction stir welding
Authors: Kubit Andrzej , Derazkola Hamed Aghajani , Myśliwiec Piotr , Szawara Paulina , Slota Ján , Macek Wojciech
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the influence of polymer interlayers on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of friction stir welded EN AW-2024-T3 aluminum alloy joints. Aqualock AL 6002 (Adhesive_1) and 3M Adhesion Promoter 86A (Adhesive_2) were selected as polymeric sealants for EN AW-2024-T3 aluminum alloy interfaces. Force analysis revealed that the choice of polymer interlayer significantly affects the axial force during welding, with Adhesive_1 joints showing a significant reduction in force compared to other variants. The axial force during FSW in Adhesive_1 was 18% less than in Adhesive_2. Cross-sectional analysis revealed distinct features in joint morphology and defects, with Adhesive_1 joints exhibiting favorable thermal stability and minimal defects compared to Adhesive_2 joints. Tensile strength analysis showed a significant increase in load capacity for the Adhesive_1 (9470N) joint, while the Adhesive_2 (5030N) joint exhibited reduced strength due to inadequate heat flow. The Adhesive_1 joint showed a 93% increase in tensile strength compared to Adhesive_2. The mixing of Adhesive_2 with the joint area produced hard complex particles that reduced the strength of the final joint. Fracture analysis revealed complex fracture mechanisms, with Adhesive_1 joints exhibiting ductile fracture zones and Adhesive_2 joints exhibiting quasi-cleavable intergranular cracking. Microhardness distribution analysis showed variation between the joint variants, with Adhesive_2 joints showing higher microhardness in the weld nugget.
Gravity-Driven Film Flow of a Power-Law Fluid over a Wavy Substrate with Slip Condition
Authors: Selim R. S. , Zakaria Kadry
Published: September 2024

In the current manuscript, the flow of a thin film of a power-law fluid over a slippery topographical substrate is discussed.The von Karman–Pohlhausen method is used to develop the integral boundary layer (IBL)—model for the film thickness using an analytical approach.The findings are supported by earlier research on the resonance phenomena in gravity-driven Newtonian films with and without slippery properties. The novelty of this study lies in the influence of the slip condition at various power-law index n values.The study of the linear and non-linear resonance interactions between the free surface and the slippery undulating substrate yields expressions for the resonant Reynolds number for the largest free-surface amplitudes. The effects of shear-thinning and shear-thickening on the model system’s stability are taken into account when treating the slippery offer. The free surface amplitude is significantly affected by the slip length parameter’s rise, which has a major passive effect on the model system’s instability.
Correlation between glycated albumin (GA) and CHA2DS2-VASc score in comparison to GRACE score regarding outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Moustafa Ahmed , Gaber Sayed , Abdelfattah Ahmed , Ali Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is responsible for one-third of total deaths in people older than 35 years old. Number of prognostic models aims to estimate the future risk of mortality, or the combined risk of all-cause mortality or MI has been developed, such as GRACE score.

Objective

The aim of our study is to assess the utility of GA and CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting outcomes in patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 90 patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome who were admitted receiving PCI, CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated on admission, and a serum sample for GA was withdrawn within 24 h from admission.

Results

Combined GA and CHA2DS2-VASc score could significantly predict MACCE with sensitivity 100%, specificity 79%, and diagnostic accuracy 80.9% and significantly predict hospital mortality with sensitivity 100%, specificity 75.3%, and diagnostic accuracy 76.7%; on the other hand, GRACE score can predict MACCE using cutoff point 112.5 with sensitivity 75% and specificity 66%.

Conclusion

It was concluded that GA and CHADSVASC score can significantly predict major adverse cardiovascular events, in-hospital mortality, and poor clinical outcomes.
Settling of two rigidly connected spheres
Authors: Maches Z. , Houssais M. , Sauret A. , Meiburg E.
Published: September 2024

Laboratory experiments and particle-resolved simulations are employed to investigate the settling dynamics of a pair of rigidly connected spherical particles of unequal size. They yield a detailed picture of the transient evolution and the terminal values of the aggregate's orientation angle and its settling and drift velocities as functions of the aspect ratio and the Galileo number

$Ga$

, which denotes the ratio of buoyancy and viscous forces acting on the aggregate. At low to moderate values of

$Ga$

, the aggregate's orientation and velocity converge to their terminal values monotonically, whereas for higher

$Ga$

-values the aggregate tends to undergo a more complex motion. If the aggregate assumes an asymmetric terminal orientation, it displays a non-zero terminal drift velocity. For diameter ratios much larger than one and small

$Ga$

, the terminal orientation of the aggregate becomes approximately vertical, whereas when

$Ga$

is sufficiently large for flow separation to occur, the aggregate orients itself such that the smaller sphere is located at the separation line. Empirical scaling laws are obtained for the terminal settling velocity and orientation angle as functions of the aspect ratio and

$Ga$

for diameter ratios from 1 to 4 and particle-to-fluid density ratios from 1.3 to 5. An analysis of the accompanying flow field shows the formation of vortical structures exhibiting complex topologies in the aggregate's wake, and indicates the formation of a horizontal pressure gradient across the larger sphere, which represents the main reason for the emergence of the drift velocity.
What leader behaviors evoke employee innovative work behavior in Asia? Validation of a new survey scale
Authors: Tan Amy B. C. , van Dun Desirée H. , Wilderom Celeste P. M.
Published: September 2024

In Asian workplaces, effective innovative work behavior (IWB) presents challenges. Knowledge on how Asian leaders can promote employee IWB through their behavioral repertoire is needed. This assumption prompted us to develop and validate the so-called Innovative Leader Survey (ILS), covering a repertoire of leader behaviors by which employee IWB is stimulated in Asia. Study 1 interviewed 60 high-performing leaders and employees on such behaviors, bringing forth three leader-behavioral dimensions and survey items for fostering employee idea generation, promotion, and implementation, labeled Envisioning, Energizing, and Enabling. Study 2 involved 1,037 survey respondents through which we validated these three sets of specific leader behaviors. Study 3, with 287 respondents, established ILS’s discriminant validity while all of its 11 operationalized leader behaviors were found to predict their followers’ IWB after 4 months. Future research with the ILS is proposed to enrich theory and empirical research on the relationship between effective leadership and employees’ IWB in Asian organizations.
Deliberate synchronization of speech and gesture: effects of neurodiversity and development
Authors: Eigsti Inge-Marie , Pouw Wim
Published: September 2024

The production of speech and gesture is exquisitely temporally coordinated. In autistic individuals, speech-gesture synchrony during spontaneous discourse is disrupted. To evaluate whether this asynchrony reflects motor coordination versus language production processes, the current study examined deliberately performed hand movements during speech in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical youth. Neurotypical adult performance provided a mature baseline. Participants read aloud rhythmic nursery rhymes, while producing a beat-like hand movement. An automated pixel-change video measure identified kinematic peaks; using smoothed acoustic envelope analyses, we identified peaks in speech. Results indicated few diagnostic group differences in explicit speech-movement coordination, although adolescent performance differed from adults. Adults demonstrated higher tempo and greater rhythmicity in their coordination; this group difference suggests that the method is sufficiently subtle to reveal individual differences and that this form of complex coordination undergoes ongoing maturation beyond adolescence. The sample is small, and thus results are necessarily preliminary. In the context of prior speech-gesture coordination studies, these findings of intact synchrony are consistent with the hypothesis that it is the demands of discourse planning, rather than motor coordination, that have led to prior findings of asynchrony during spontaneous speech; this possibility awaits future research.
Investigating social protection amongst platform workers in Germany: forced individualisation, hybrid income generation and undesired regulation
Authors: Beckmann Fabian , Glanz Sabrina , Hoose Fabian , Topal Serkan
Published: September 2024

The social protection of platform workers is considered one of the most precarious features and political challenges of this new form of employment. Still, there have only been a few empirical investigations on this issue to date. This article presents an explorative empirical analysis of the social protection of platform workers in Germany – a conservative welfare regime with a strong link between standard employment and institutionalised social protection. On the basis of an online survey amongst 719 self-employed platform workers, we examine how different employment patterns correspond to institutionalised protection against sickness and old age. We empirically explore different protection types and analyse how they differ regarding working conditions in platform work and individual social policy preferences. Findings reveal that conditions of platform work and social protection as well as demands and regulatory preferences vary notably across different clusters of platform workers. Still, the vast majority votes against obligatory social insurances for platform workers and favours self-employment over dependent employment. Against this background, we discuss challenges for future attempts aiming at improving social protection for platform workers. This study adds to the literature by empirically exploring platform workers’ social protection and social policy preferences, which have been overlooked to date.
Salt-responsive miRNA-SSR markers from Dongxiang wild rice: characterization and potential application in exploring salt-tolerant genetic resources
Authors: Gao Rifang , Chen Yong , Huang Jie , Mao Yingying , Zhou Yi , Xie Jiankun , Zhang Fantao
Published: September 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating salt tolerance in Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.). The development of salt-responsive miRNA-simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers will significantly bolster research on DXWR, providing novel tools for exploring salt-tolerant genetic resources and advancing the development of salt-tolerant rice varieties. In the present study, a total of 137 miRNA-SSR markers were successfully developed, specifically derived from miRNAs responsive to salt stress in DXWR. Subsequently, a subset of 20 markers was randomly selected for validation across three distinct DXWR populations, along with 35 modern rice varieties. Notably, 13 of these markers exhibited remarkable polymorphism. The polymorphic markers collectively amplified 52 SSR loci, averaging four alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content values associated with these loci spanned from 0.23 to 0.70, with a mean value of 0.49. Particularly noteworthy is the miR162a-SSR marker, which demonstrated distinct allelic patterns and holds potential as a diagnostic marker for discriminating the salt-tolerant rice varieties from the non-tolerant varieties. This study provides a valuable tool for genetic analysis and precision breeding, facilitating the identification and utilization of valuable salt-tolerant genetic resources.
On the Timescales of Border Fault Growth: Pleistocene Slip Acceleration and Lateral Border Fault Propagation in the Lower Shire Graben, East Africa
Authors: Dulanya Z. , Kolawole F. , Gallen S. F. , Williams J. N.
Published: September 2024

Normal fault systems may grow by the lateral propagation of segments, yet little is known about the timescales over which this may occur and the implications for rift propagation. Footwall bedrock river networks provide a means to delineate the recent fault displacement patterns since erosional landscapes are sensitive recorders of rock uplift histories. Here, we analyze river profiles and map knickpoints in the Ruo River network and several adjacent rivers draining the footwalls of the en‐echelon Thyolo‐Muona‐Camacho border fault system of the Lower Shire Graben, southern East African Rift System. Using parameters calibrated in previous studies, we estimate the knickpoint initiation times and use linear river profile inversions to understand footwall uplift histories. Abrupt increases in bedrock river channel steepness indices approaching the faults suggest a recent acceleration in fault slip rates. Linear inversion of the bedrock river profiles reveals that footwall uplift rates accelerated from ∼0.1 to 0.3 mm/yr at ∼2–3 Ma in the Thyolo‐Muona footwalls. Later, at ∼0.75–1.0 Myr, farther southeast, the Camacho footwall river profiles show an increase in rock uplift rate from ∼0.05 to 0.2 mm/yr, but this signal decays moving southeast. Modern uplift rates along the Thyolo‐Muona section attain 0.33–0.56 mm/yr, and Camacho 0.19–0.29 mm/yr. We propose that within <2 Myr timescale, the border fault grew by an initial (Early Pleistocene) accelerated slip and hard linkage of the already‐nucleated segments, later followed by the southeastward lateral propagation of the system toward the adjacent rift, the Nsanje Graben.
Modeling Climate and Tectonic Controls on Bias in Measured River Incision Rates
Authors: DeLisle Clarke , Yanites Brian J.
Published: September 2024

Rates of land surface processes provide insights into climatic and tectonic influences on topography. Bedrock incision rates are estimated by dating perched landforms such as strath terraces, assuming a constant bedrock incision rate from terrace abandonment to the next terrace level or present river level. These estimates express biases from the stochastic nature of sediment and water discharge in controlling river incision as well as from using a mobile channel elevation as a reference frame, leading to different incision rates when calculated over different timeframes. We introduce a 1‐D model incorporating fluvial mechanics, tectonics, sediment, and climate variability to predict these biases and assess their sensitivity to climate and tectonics. Findings suggest biases intensify under highly variable climates and slow rock uplift, with climate periodicity being a primary control for our modeled scenarios. Our model provides a mechanism to improve river incision measurement uncertainty, impacting paleoclimate and tectonic geomorphology reconstructions.
The spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support evaluation tool: the development of a tool to assess outcomes of peer support programs within SCI community-based organizations
Authors: Sweet Shane N. , Shi Zhiyang , Pastore Olivia , Shaw Robert B. , Comeau Jacques , Gainforth Heather L. , McBride Christopher B. , Noonan Vanessa K. , Scott Launel , Flaro Haley , Casemore Sheila , Aslam Lubna , Clarke Teren , Martin Ginis Kathleen A.
Published: September 2024

Study design

Guided by the 4-step process outlined in the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline, multiple methodologies were used: Delphi, literature reviews, ratings with consensus, think-aloud, and test-retest.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support evaluation tool that meets the needs of community-based SCI organizations in Canada.

Setting

Peer support programs for people with SCI delivered by community-based SCI organizations.

Methods

This research was co-constructed with executives and staff from SCI community-based organizations, people with SCI, researchers, and students. Given the multiple steps of this study, sample size and characteristics varied based on each step. Participants included people with SCI who received peer support (mentees) or provided peer support (mentors/supporters) and staff of community-based organizations.

Results

In step 1, the 20 most important outcomes for SCI peer support were identified. In step 2 and 3, the 97 items were identified to assess the outcomes and by using rating and multiple consensus methodologies 20 items, one to assess each outcome, were selected. In step 4, content and face validity and test-retest reliability were achieved. The resulting SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool consists of 20 single-item questions to assess 20 outcomes of SCI peer support.

Conclusion

Through a systematic process, the SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool is now ready to be implemented to assess outcomes of SCI peer support programs delivered by community-based SCI organizations.
Abrupt increase in Arctic-Subarctic wildfires caused by future permafrost thaw
Authors: Kim In-Won , Timmermann Axel , Kim Ji-Eun , Rodgers Keith B. , Lee Sun-Seon , Lee Hanna , Wieder William R.
Published: September 2024

Unabated 21st-century climate change will accelerate Arctic-Subarctic permafrost thaw which can intensify microbial degradation of carbon-rich soils, methane emissions, and global warming. The impact of permafrost thaw on future Arctic-Subarctic wildfires and the associated release of greenhouse gases and aerosols is less well understood. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the effect of future permafrost thaw on land surface processes in the Arctic-Subarctic region using the CESM2 large ensemble forced by the SSP3-7.0 greenhouse gas emission scenario. Analyzing 50 greenhouse warming simulations, which capture the coupling between permafrost, hydrology, and atmosphere, we find that projected rapid permafrost thaw leads to massive soil drying, surface warming, and reduction of relative humidity over the Arctic-Subarctic region. These combined processes lead to nonlinear late-21st-century regime shifts in the coupled soil-hydrology system and rapid intensification of wildfires in western Siberia and Canada.
Cryo-EM structures of the Spo11 core complex bound to DNA
Authors: Yu You , Wang Juncheng , Liu Kaixian , Zheng Zhi , Arter Meret , Claeys Bouuaert Corentin , Pu Stephen , Patel Dinshaw J. , Keeney Scott
Published: September 2024

DNA double-strand breaks that initiate meiotic recombination are formed by the topoisomerase-relative enzyme Spo11, supported by conserved auxiliary factors. Because high-resolution structural data have not been available, many questions remain about the architecture of Spo11 and its partners and how they engage with DNA. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures at up to 3.3-Å resolution of DNA-bound core complexes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spo11 with Rec102, Rec104 and Ski8. In these structures, monomeric core complexes make extensive contacts with the DNA backbone and with the recessed 3′-OH and first 5′ overhanging nucleotide, establishing the molecular determinants of DNA end-binding specificity and providing insight into DNA cleavage preferences in vivo. The structures of individual subunits and their interfaces, supported by functional data in yeast, provide insight into the role of metal ions in DNA binding and uncover unexpected structural variation in homologs of the Top6BL component of the core complex.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Tritrichomonas foetus, the causative agent of Bovine Trichomonosis
Authors: Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Solle Johannes , Wibberg Daniel , Neubauer Heinrich , Sprague Lisa D.
Published: September 2024

Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasitic protist responsible for bovine trichomonosis, a reproductive disease associated with significant economic burden to the livestock industry throughout the world. Here, we present a chromosome-level reference genome of T. foetus -KV-1 (ATCC 30924) using short-read (Illumina Miseq), long-read (Oxford Nanopore) and chromatin-linked (Hi-C) sequencing. This is the first chromosome-level genome of a parasitic protist of the order Tritrichomonadida and the second within the Parabasalia lineage, after Trichomonas vaginalis, the human-associated causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection in humans. Our constructed genome is 148 Mb in size, with a N50 length of the scaffolds of 22.9 Mb. The contigs are anchored in five super-scaffolds, corresponding to the expected five chromosomes of the species and covering 78% of the genome assembly. We predict 41,341 protein-coding genes, of which 95.10% have been functionally annotated. This high-quality genome assembly serves as a valuable reference genome for T. foetus to support future studies in functional genomics, genetic conservation and taxonomy.
Local and non-local effects (on the posterior chain) of four weeks of foot exercises: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gabriel Anna , Ridge Sarah T. , Birth Michael , Horstmann Thomas , Pohl Torsten , Konrad Andreas
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the local, remote, and contralateral effects of a four-week intrinsic foot muscle exercise intervention in recreationally active participants on foot parameters, flexibility, and performance of the posterior chain (PC). Twenty-eight healthy participants (12f, 16m) were randomly assigned to a control group or performed 2 × 6 min of foot exercises twice daily unilaterally at least five days/week for four weeks. At baseline (M1), after the intervention (M2), and after a four-week wash-out period (M3), we assessed bilateral Foot Posture Index-6, medial longitudinal arch mobility, single-leg stance balance, range of motion (ROM) (first metatarsophalangeal joint and ankle), and flexibility and performance of the PC. The FPI-6 score changes over time differed significantly between groups for both legs, improving by 26% in the trained- (p < .001) and 11% in the untrained leg (p = .02) in the intervention group from M1 to M2. Improvements were maintained at M3 for the trained leg (p = .02). Ankle range of motion and balance of the trained leg improved from M1 to M2, yet only became significant at M3 (ROM: p = .02; balance: p = .007). The other parameters did not change significantly. A four-week foot exercise intervention might have local but no remote effects in healthy young adults.

German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00027923) (24/08/2022).
Applications of blockchain technology in peer-to-peer energy markets and green hydrogen supply chains: a topical review
Authors: Bhavana G. B. , Anand R. , Ramprabhakar J. , Meena V. P. , Jadoun Vinay Kumar , Benedetto Francesco
Published: September 2024

Countries all over the world are shifting from conventional and fossil fuel-based energy systems to more sustainable energy systems (renewable energy-based systems). To effectively integrate renewable sources of energy, multi-directional power flow and control are required, and to facilitate this multi-directional power flow, peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is employed. For a safe, secure, and reliable P2P trading system, a secure communication gateway and a cryptographically secure data storage mechanism are required. This paper explores the uses of blockchain (BC) in renewable energy (RE) integration into the grid. We shed light on four primary areas: P2P energy trading, the green hydrogen supply chain, demand response (DR) programmes, and the tracking of RE certificates (RECs). In addition, we investigate how BC can address the existing challenges in these domains and overcome these hurdles to realise a decentralised energy ecosystem. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of how BC technology can act as a catalyst for a multi-directional energy flow, ultimately revolutionising the way energy is generated, managed, and consumed.
Positron emission tomography combined with serum biomarkers detects fibrotic MASH
Authors: Romeo Sean , Chan Connie , Matsukuma Karen , Corwin Michael T. , Lyo Victoria , Chen Shuai , Wang Guobao , Sarkar Souvik
Published: September 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a rising global disease signaling the urgent need for non-invasive tests (NITs). Recent work demonstrated that dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging can identify MASH by measuring liver glucose transport rate, K1, and liver CT attenuation. By combining dynamic PET/CT with the serum-based fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) test, we were able to better distinguish clinical MASH from fibrotic subtypes, enabling determination of the core tenets of MASH: steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Future studies using FDG-PET technology can further enable concomitant prediction of MASH severity and extrahepatic comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease.
Cancer associated variant enrichment CAVE, a gene agnostic approach to identify low burden variants in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Yaacov Adar , Lazarian Gregory , Pandzic Tatjana , Weström Simone , Baliakas Panagiotis , Imache Samia , Lefebvre Valérie , Cymbalista Florence , Baran-Marszak Fanny , Rosenberg Shai , Soussi Thierry
Published: September 2024

Intratumoral heterogeneity is an important clinical challenge because low burden clones expressing specific genetic alterations drive therapeutic resistance mechanisms. We have developed CAVE (cancer-associated variant enrichment), a gene-agnostic computational tool to identify specific enrichment of low-burden cancer driver variants in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. For this study, CAVE was applied to TP53 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as a cancer model. Indeed, as TP53 mutations are part of treatment decision-making algorithms and low-burden variants are frequent, there is a need to distinguish true variants from background noise. Recommendations have been published for reliable calling of low-VAF variants of TP53 in CLL and the assessment of the background noise for each platform is essential for the quality of the testing. CAVE is able to detect specific enrichment of low-burden variants starting at variant allele frequencies (VAFs) as low as 0.3%. In silico TP53 dependent and independent analyses confirmed the true driver nature of all these variants. Orthogonal validation using either ddPCR or NGS analyses of follow-up samples confirmed variant identification. CAVE can be easily deployed in any cancer-related NGS workflow to detect the enrichment of low-burden variants of clinical interest.
Constraints on fifth forces and ultralight dark matter from OSIRIS-REx target asteroid Bennu
Authors: Tsai Yu-Dai , Farnocchia Davide , Micheli Marco , Vagnozzi Sunny , Visinelli Luca
Published: September 2024

It is important to test the possible existence of fifth forces, as ultralight bosons that would mediate these are predicted to exist in several well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model. Recent work indicated asteroids as promising probes, but applications to real data are lacking so far. Here we use the OSIRIS-REx mission and ground-based tracking data for the asteroid Bennu to derive constraints on fifth forces. Our limits are strongest for mediator masses m ~ (10−18-10−17) eV, where we currently achieve the tightest bounds. These can be translated to a wide class of models leading to Yukawa-type fifth forces, and we demonstrate how they apply to U(1)B dark photons and baryon-coupled scalars. Our results demonstrate the potential of asteroid tracking in probing well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model and ultralight bosons near the fuzzy dark matter range.