bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automating field‐based floral surveys with machine learning
Authors: Sookhan Nicholas , Sookhan Shane , Grewal Devlin , MacIvor J. Scott
Published: October 2024

The abundance and diversity of flowering plant species are important indicators of pollinator habitat quality, but traditional field‐based surveying techniques are time‐intensive. Therefore, they are often biased due to under‐sampling and are difficult to scale.

Aerial photography was collected across 10 sites located in and around Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto, Canada using a consumer‐grade drone. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to semantically segment, or identify and categorize, pixel clusters which represent flowers in the collected aerial imagery. Specifically, flowers of the dominant taxa found in the depauperate fall flowering plant community were surveyed. This included yellow flowering Solidago spp., white Symphyotrichum ericoides/lanceolatum and purple Symphyotrichum novae‐angliae. The CNN was trained using 930 m2 of manually annotated data, ~1% of the mapped landscape. The trained CNN was tested on 20% of the manually annotated data concealed during training. In addition, it was externally validated by comparing the predicted drone‐derived floral abundance metrics (i.e. floral area (m2) and the number of floral patches) to the field‐based count of floral units estimated for 34 4 m2 plots.

The CNN returned accurate multiclassification when evaluated against the testing data. It obtained a precision score of 0.769, a recall of 0.849, and an F1 score of 0.807. The automated floral abundance counting yielded estimates that were strongly correlated with field‐based manual counting. In addition, flower segmentation using the trained CNN was time‐efficient. On average, it took roughly the same amount of time to segment the flowers occurring in an entire drone scene as it took to complete the abundance count of a single quadrat. However, the training process, particularly manual data annotation, was the most time‐consuming component of the study.

Practical implication: Overall, the analysis provided valuable insights into automated flower classification and abundance estimation using drone imagery and machine learning. The results demonstrate that these tools can be used to provide accurate and scalable estimates of pollinator habitat quality. Further research should consider diverse wildflower systems to develop the generalizability of the methods.
Pronoun Anaphora and Children's Developing Abilities to Backward Reference in Criminal Cases of Alleged Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Ruiz‐Earle Ciara , Sullivan Colleen E. , Stolzenberg Stacia N.
Published: October 2024

In child sexual abuse (CSA) testimony, attorneys may ask children questions containing pronoun anaphora (e.g., “Where was your Dad?” “What did he do?” he is a pronoun anaphora for referent, Dad). To answer these questions, children must recall the pronoun's referent and appropriate answer to the question. This may be too complex a cognitive task for young children, especially when there are multiple question‐and‐answer (Q–A) turns between the referent and pronoun, leading to misunderstanding. We examined Q–A pairs containing pronouns in 40 CSA testimonies of 5 to 10‐year‐olds. Many attorneys' questions (24%) contained pronouns. Attorneys averaged 4.11 Q–A turns between the referent and pronoun. With each additional Q–A turn, the likelihood of misunderstanding increased. Children's age was also associated with a significant decrease in misunderstanding, meaning older children exhibited fewer misunderstandings. To reduce misunderstanding, those questioning children should clarify the referent quickly when their question contains pronoun anaphora.
Hunter–Prey Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Allocation of PV, DSTATCOM, and EVCS in Radial Distribution Systems
Authors: Pappu Soundarya Lahari , Janamala Varaprasad , Veerendra A. S.
Published: October 2024

This research article instigates a seminal approach for optimizing reactive power in renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs) coalescing distribution systems, using the innovative Hunter–Prey Optimization (HPO) algorithm in conjunction with DSTATCOM as a reactive power compensator. The proposed methodology aims to minimize losses, enhance voltage stability, and improve overall system performance by simultaneously optimizing reactive power flows in photovoltaic RES (PV_DG), EV charging stations (EVCS), and DSTATCOMs within the distribution system. Simulations carried on IEEE‐33, IEEE‐69, and IEEE‐118 test bus systems in MATLAB environment demonstrate that the HPO‐based approach achieves a 91.47% and 96.61% reduction in real power losses and an improvement in voltage profile with a minimum voltage value of 0.991 and 0.994 p.u. (respectively for IEEE‐33 and 69 bus systems), compared to traditional algorithms. These results highlight the lofty performance of the HPO method, effectively addressing the challenges posed by the integration of RES and EVs along with DSTATCOM.
Large‐Area Flexible Organic Photovoltaic Modules on Smoothened Silver Nanowire Transparent Electrodes with Thick Electron Transporting Layer
Authors: Liu Yang , Qin Fei , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Xin , Xiong Zedong , Xie Cong , Zhou Yinhua
Published: October 2024

High‐efficiency large‐area flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules are still challenging. Electrical shunt and shortage generally occur due to surface roughness or spikes that result in low efficiency. In this work, a thick electron transporting layer (ETL) of zinc‐chelated polyethylenimine (PEI‐Zn) is introduced to smoothen the surface of silver nanowires (AgNWs) transparent electrodes. The smoothened surface of AgNWs electrodes helped to suppress the electrical leakage or shortage. Thicker PEI‐Zn layers are required to overcome the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss when the device area increases. For large‐area OPV modules on AgNWs electrodes, a high thickness of PEI‐Zn up to 350 nm can deliver high VOC as well as power conversion efficiency (PCE). Based on the AgNWs transparent electrode coated by thick PEI‐Zn ETL, a PCE of 12.50% is achieved for 35.2 cm2 flexible OPV modules certified by a third party. The modules exhibited good illumination stability and mechanical flexibility.
Engineered Bio‐Heterojunction with Robust ROS‐Scavenging and Anti‐Inflammation for Targeted Acute Pancreatitis Therapy
Authors: Shi Hongxing , Guo Yaoyu , Geng Chong , Chen Lin , He Shuai , He Wenxuan , Chen Yanbai , Chan Yau Kei , Wang Chunhui , Deng Yi
Published: October 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most severe mortal inflammatory diseases worldwide, which is characterized by the over‐activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced inflammation and pancreatic enzymes (PEs). As the PEs induced by ROS exacerbate the progression of AP, therefore, scavenging ROS within PEs is a prerequisite for AP treatment. To address the daunting issue, the engineered bio‐heterojunctions (bio‐HJs) consisting of Mo2C‐Au (MA), phospholipid, and protease inhibitors are devised. First, the decorated phospholipid and protease inhibitors facilitate the delivery of MA to the inflammatory pancreas as well as neutralization of PEs. Next, the MA exhibits outstanding antioxidant and ROS scavenging abilities, primarily benefiting from the increased empty orbitals on Mo attributed to electron transfer between the Mo2C and Au confirmed by theoretical calculation. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that the bio‐HJs exhibit splendid biocompatibility, excellent trypsin neutralization, and efficient ROS elimination properties. More encouragingly, the in vivo studies further reveal that the bio‐HJs prevent the infiltration of inflammatory cells and alleviate the severity of AP by suppressing the ROS‐induced activation of the TLR4‐ERK1/2 MAPK‐MLCK inflammatory signaling pathway. As envisioned, the engineered bio‐HJs represent a promising approach to the treatment and prevention of AP.
Glutathione‐Depleted Photodynamic Nanoadjuvant for Triggering Nonferrous Ferroptosis to Amplify Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Shi Jiangnan , Cui Guoqing , Jin Yaqi , Mi Boyu , Liu Kenan , Zhao Linqian , Bao Kewang , Lu Ziyao , Liu Jie , Wang Yuwei , He Hui , Guo Zhengqing
Published: October 2024

Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of advanced breast cancer, but the increased antioxidant system, especially the rise in glutathione (GSH), presents a significant obstacle to its effectiveness. To address this challenge, a versatile GSH‐depleted photodynamic nanoadjuvant is developed to augment the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment. This nanoadjuvant operates within the tumor microenvironment to effectively deplete intracellular GSH through a sequence of cascaded processes, including GSH exhaustion, biosynthetic inhibition, and photodynamic oxidation. This leads to a notable accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) and subsequent suppression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity. Consequently, the combined GSH depletion induced by the nanoadjuvant markedly promotes nonferrous ferroptosis, thereby contributing to the augmentation of antitumor efficiency during radiotherapy in breast cancer. This work presents an innovative approach to designing and synthesizing biocompatible nanoadjuvants with the goal of improving the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer in prospective clinical scenarios.
Engineering Hygroscopic MOF‐Based Silk Via Bioinspired Interfacial Assembly for Fast Moisture Manipulation
Authors: Cheng Mingren , Bai Haoyu , Wang Xinsheng , Chang Ze , Cao Moyuan , Bu Xian‐He
Published: October 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as exceptional moisture sorbents in low humidity conditions. However, their typical powdered form often results in agglomeration, impeding water diffusion kinetics and practical handling. To enhance the accessibility and diversify the integration of MOFs, a universal and scalable bionic interfacial assembly method is introduced for fabricating MOF‐based silk. The resulting silk, enriched with a high content of MOF‐303, demonstrates a significant water adsorption capacity of 315.1 mg g−1 at 25% relative humidity, exhibiting a three fold faster water absorption compared with that of stacked MOFs powder on a gram‐scale. Furthermore, it achieves efficient water release, with a rate of 8.1 mg g−1 min−1 under sunlight after surface photothermal modification. Through one‐step drawing assembly, electrothermal wires can be incorporated into MOF‐based silk and demonstrate fast and reversible moisture adsorption/desorption for indoor humidity control. It is envisioned that this assembling method and integrated functional silk will yield valuable insights into the rational engineering of MOFs toward practical applications in moisture management, molecule absorption, etc.
Lung Immune Cell Niches and the Discovery of New Cell Subtypes
Authors: Shan Qing'e , Qiu Jiahuang , Dong Zheng , Xu Xiaotong , Zhang Shuping , Ma Juan , Liu Sijin
Published: October 2024

Immune cells in the lungs are important for maintaining lung function. The importance of immune cells in defending against lung diseases and infections is increasingly recognized. However, a primary knowledge gaps in current studies of lung immune cells is the understanding of their subtypes and functional heterogeneity. Increasing evidence supports the existence of novel immune cell subtypes that engage in the complex crosstalk between lung‐resident immune cells, recruited immune cells, and epithelial cells. Therefore, further studies on how immune cells respond to perturbations in the pulmonary microenvironment are warranted. This review explores the processes behind the formation of the immune cell niche during lung development, and the characteristics and cell interaction modes of several major lung‐resident immune cells. It indicates that distinct lung microenvironments or inflammatory niches can mediate the formation of different cell subtypes. These findings summarize and clarify paths to identify new cell subtypes that originate from resident progenitor cells and recruited peripheral cells, which are remodeled by the pulmonary microenvironment. The development of new techniques combining transcriptome analysis and location information is essential for identifying new immune cell subtypes and their relative immune niches, as well as for uncovering the molecular mechanisms of immune cell‐mediated lung homeostasis.
Protein Cage Directed Assembly of Binary Nanoparticle Superlattices
Authors: Zhou Yu , Shaukat Ahmed , Seitsonen Jani , Rigoni Carlo , Timonen Jaakko V. I. , Kostiainen Mauri A.
Published: October 2024

Inorganic nanoparticles can be assembled into superlattices with unique optical and magnetic properties arising from collective behavior. Protein cages can be utilized to guide this assembly by encapsulating nanoparticles and promoting their assembly into ordered structures. However, creating ordered multi‐component structures with different protein cage types and sizes remains a challenge. Here, the co‐crystallization of two different protein cages (cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and ferritin) characterized by opposing surface charges and unequal diameter is shown. Precise tuning of the electrostatic attraction between the cages enabled the preparation of binary crystals with dimensions up to several tens of micrometers. Additionally, binary metal nanoparticle superlattices are achieved by loading gold and iron oxide nanoparticles inside the cavities of the protein cages. The resulting structure adopts an AB2FCC configuration that also impacts the dipolar coupling between the particles and hence the optical properties of the crystals, providing key insight for the future preparation of plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticle metamaterials.
Hydrogel Electrolyte with Regulated Water Activity and Hydrogen Bond Network for Ultra‐Stable Zinc Electrode
Authors: Tian Hao , Yao Meng , Guo Yi , Wang Ziyang , Xu Dinghao , Pan Wei , Zhang Qianyu
Published: October 2024

Quasi‐solid‐state zinc‐ion batteries (QZIBs) have attracted wide attention due to their excellent dimensional stability and high safety. However, poor ion conduction capabilities, severe dendrite growth, and rampant side reactions still hinder their commercialization. The regulation of the solvation structure of Zn2+ is considered to be an effective method to address these issues. Herein, a hydrogel electrolyte with a regulated solvation structure (HE‐RS) is designed via the combination of tetramethyl urea (TMU) additive and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The hydrophilic ─C═O group of TMU exhibits strong affinity with the PVA chains, improving the mechanical strength of the PVA matrix. The ─N(CH3)2 groups at both ends of TMU exhibit strong hydrophobic characteristics, which leads to local hydrophobicity and decreased water activity. Additionally, abundant oxygen‐containing (electronegative) groups on both PVA and TUM can adsorb Zn2+ and provide sites for Zn2+ transference. Benefiting from these merits, Zn2+ solvation structure and deposition behavior are regulated. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with HE‐RS exhibits a stable cycling life exceeding 2000 h. Moreover, the HE‐RS‐based Zn||NH4V4O10 cell exhibits a capacity retention of 96.4% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Surveillance of asbestos related disease among workers enrolled in an exposure registry
Authors: Arrandale Victoria H. , Berriault Colin , Song Chaojie , DeBono Nathan , Demers Paul A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Contemporary asbestos exposure occurs during construction, remediation, and maintenance involving asbestos‐containing materials (ACM), as compared to the historical exposure scenarios of asbestos mining and milling. The Ontario Asbestos Workers Register (AWR) was established in 1986 to track asbestos exposure among construction workers. This study reports on the risk of asbestos‐related diseases (ARD) among workers in the AWR.

Methods

AWR registrants were linked probabilistically with administrative health databases (1986–2019) to identify cases of ARD including both cancer and chronic respiratory disease. Follow‐up began at AWR enrollment and continued prospectively. Incidence rates were compared to the general population using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Associations between ACM exposure and ARD were estimated among AWR registrants using Poisson regression.

Results

In total, 26,204 (81%) registrants were linked successfully. Common industries of employment were construction (62%), manufacturing (19%) and education (8%). Among men and women mesothelioma (M:SIR 6.83 [95% CI = 5.56−8.31]; W:SIR 19.2 [3.86−56.1]) and pulmonary fibrosis (M:SIR 14.1 [12.2−16.2]; W:SIR 9.25 [2.49−23.7]) rates were higher than the general population. Asbestosis risk was elevated among men (M:SIR 11.2 [9.59−13.1]). Workers with longer reported exposures (≥140 h) had increased rates of lung cancer (RR 1.34 [1.10–1.63]), mesothelioma (RR 2.83 [1.75–4.58]), asbestosis (RR 3.07 [2.12–4.43]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR 1.42 [1.29–1.57]), and pulmonary fibrosis (RR 1.88 [1.35–2.62]).

Conclusion

Exposure to asbestos in construction and building maintenance continues to contribute to ARD incidence. Despite a Canadian ban on asbestos in new products, exposures to existing ACM will persist from construction activities. The AWR offers an opportunity for ongoing surveillance of resulting ARD in Ontario.
External validation of dementia prediction models in Black or African American and White older adults: A longitudinal population‐based study in the United States
Authors: Dhana Klodian , Barnes Lisa L. , Beck Todd , Dhana Anisa , Liu Xiaoran , Desai Pankaja , Ng Ted K. S. , Evans Denis A. , Rajan Kumar B.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

Identifying people at high risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia allows for timely intervention, which, if successful, will result in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP; n = 2130), we externally evaluated four risk‐prediction models for AD dementia, including Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE), Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU‐ADRI), Brief Dementia Screening Indicator (BDSI), and Dementia Risk Score (DRS), in Black or African American and White adults.

RESULTS

BDSI had the highest discriminate abilities for AD dementia (c‐statistics of 0.79 in Black and 0.77 in White adults), followed by ANU‐ADRI, within the age range and follow‐up period of the original development cohort. CAIDE had the lowest discriminating power (c‐statistic ≤0.55). With increasing follow‐up periods (i.e., 10–15 years), the discrimination abilities for all models declined.

DISCUSSION

Because of racial disparities in AD dementia and longer preclinical and prodromal stages of disease development, race‐specific models are needed to predict AD risk over 10 years.

Highlights

Utilizing risk‐prediction models to identify individuals at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia could benefit clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Clinicians could enroll high‐risk individuals in clinical trials to test new risk‐modifiable treatments or initiate lifestyle modifications, which, if successful, would slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of the disease.

Current risk‐prediction models had good discriminative power during the first 6 years of follow‐up but decreased with longer follow‐up time.

Acknowledging the longer preclinical phase of AD dementia development and racial differences in dementia risk, there is a need to develop race‐specific risk‐prediction models that can predict 10 or 20 years of risk for AD and related dementias.
pH‐sensitive size/surface charge‐adaptive quaternary ammonium salt copolymer micelles for antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sun Huiying , Fu Qingwei , Zhang Lei , Li Wenting , Wang Rensi , Nie Yong , Jiang Xuchuan
Published: October 2024

The low penetration of antibacterial materials within biofilms results in a 1000‐fold decrease in bactericidal efficiency, complicating the complete removal of biofilms and potentially leading to persistent and recurrent bacterial infections that significantly impact human health. In this study, we present a multifunctional pH‐responsive antibacterial material based on random copolymers poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate decyl ammonium bromide‐co‐polyethylene glycol methacrylate) copolymer (PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10). The PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10 copolymers could self‐assemble into micelles in selective solvent water. With the stealth function of polyethylene glycol (PEG), the PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10 micelles can rapidly penetrate biofilms in a physiological environment and exhibit excellent antibacterial activity by exposing the quaternary ammonium salt (QACs) in an acidic microenvironment to eliminate biofilm. Furthermore, PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10 micelles were applied as coatings using a dropwise method. The PEG chain formed hydration layer and the QACs chain for sterilization can hinders bacterial adhesion and proliferation, thereby preventing biofilm formation. The results show that the minimal inhibit concentration values and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations of the PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10 micelles against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus were 64 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. The antifouling and antibacterial rates of micelle coating against S. aureus were more than 99.99%. Taken together, the pH‐responsive PQACs10‐co‐PEGMA10 micelles demonstrate a good ability to clear and prevent biofilms, holding promise for complete biofilm removal and a reduction in biofilm‐related infections.
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Predictors for Brain Alterations in Fetuses With Heart Disease: An Exploratory Review of the Literature
Authors: Martínez María Alejandra Aguirre , Bautista Luisa Fernanda Cano , Hernández‐Carrillo Mauricio , Montero Armicson Felipe Solano
Published: October 2024

Objective

To identify cardiovascular ultrasound predictors for brain anomalies in fetuses with heart disease.

Methods

A literature search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE through OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Registry Center for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS, from their inception until May 2023. Clinical studies, cross‐sectional studies, case–control studies, cohorts, and systematic reviews were included. Data extraction was performed, and the risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool.

Results

Among 2705 studies evaluated, after filtering information, 10 articles were selected that met the inclusion criteria. These studies noted the following outcomes: a decrease in fetal head circumference, changes in brain maturation measured in days, decreased depth of brain fissures, and a decrease in total brain volume. The studies show a statistically significant correlation with the presence of the following cardiovascular predictors: low or mixed oxygen content in the ascending aorta (p < 0.001), retrograde flow in the aortic arch (p < 0.001), lower z values of the MCA‐PI (p < 0.05), higher UA‐PI z values (p < 0.01), and lower CPR (p < 0.05). In addition, lower values of left ventricular flow (p < 0.01), ductus arteriosus (p < 0.0001), and combined cardiac output index (p < 0.01) were reported.

Conclusions

This review describes the most relevant evidence correlating the effects of hemodynamic changes that lead to states of chronic hypoxia related to the aforementioned changes in the central nervous system.
Anwendungsbereiche von Berechnungsmodellen zur Torsionstragfähigkeit von Segmentfugen
Authors: Loh Lutz , Garg Andreas
Published: October 2024

Windenergieanlagen spielen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Neuausrichtung unserer Energieversorgung. Für eine sichere und zugleich ressourcenschonende Errichtung dieser Anlagen muss das Torsionstragverhalten der Türme eingehend analysiert und geeignete Berechnungsmodelle entwickelt und etabliert werden. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden zwei wichtige Modelle zur Ermittlung des Torsionswiderstands der horizontalen Segmentfugen von Windtürmen entwickelt. Ihre Anwendungsbereiche konnten bislang allerdings noch nicht spezifiziert werden. Anhand neuer Versuchsdaten und Analysen ist es nun gelungen, die mechanischen Gültigkeitsgrenzen der Modelle zu bestimmen. Mit dem in diesem Aufsatz vorgestellten Parameterraum können die Anwendungsbereiche der wichtigsten Berechnungsmodelle für die Torsionstragfähigkeit von Trockenfugen mit Kreisringquerschnitt definiert und somit auch eine Zuordnung für praxisübliche Türme von Windenergieanlagen vorgenommen werden.
Webinar demonstrates potential of AI to minimize campus emergencies
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of artificial intelligence in the workplace has risen over the past few years and likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And while the field of AI is likely to continue to evolve rapidly in the coming years, there are already ways that you might be able to leverage its benefits to better protect your campus, particularly from events like active shooters.
Improving nutritional values and yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars via foliar application of zinc and iron fertilizers
Authors: Merkeb Fitsum , Yoseph Tarekegn , Amsalu Berhanu
Published: October 2024

Developing countries struggle to achieve food security due to a lack of superior crop cultivars, limited inputs, and environmental degradation. One way to deal with these issues is to biofortify with zinc‐ (Zn) and iron (Fe)‐containing fertilizers to improve nutrient content and productivity. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of foliar application of Zn and Fe fertilizers on various bean cultivars. Three cultivars (SAB‐632, DAB‐197, and BZ‐2) combined with nine Zn‐ and Fe‐containing fertilizers (T1 = 0, T2 = 0+1.5%, T3 = 0+3%, T4 = 0.5%+0, T5 = 0.5%+1.5%, T6 = 0.5%+3%, T7 = 1%+0, T8 = 1%+1.5%, and T9 = 1%+3%) were used as experimental treatments. The study utilized a split‐plot design with a factorial arrangement and three replications, with cultivars on the main plot and fertilizer treatments on the sub‐plots. The result revealed that T8 with the cultivar SAB‐632 had a significantly higher (17.2%) grain Zn concentration than the control. The cultivar SAB‐632 exhibited significantly higher Zn and Fe accumulations. Grain Zn and Fe accumulation were significantly enhanced by the foliar application of treatments, either individually or combined. T6 showed the highest accumulation of Zn and Fe, followed by T9. These values were increased by 33.4% and 29.2%, respectively, due to T6 compared to the control treatment. Additionally, applying these treatments to the leaves improved most agronomic parameters. Therefore, using foliar Zn + Fe fertilizers in bean cultivation can increase essential nutrient contents in grains and improve productivity, ensuring food security and nutrition for small‐scale farmers.
TCP Congestion Management Using Deep Reinforcement Trained Agent for RED
Authors: Ali Majid Hamid , Öztürk Serkan
Published: October 2024

Increasing data transmission volumes are causing more frequent and more severe network congestion. In order to handle spikes in network traffic, a substantially bigger buffer has been included into the system. Bufferbloat, which happens when a bigger buffer is implemented, exacerbates network congestion. Using the transfer control protocol (TCP) congestion management strategy with active queue management (AQM) can fix this issue. As congestion increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to forecast and fine‐tune dynamic AQM/TCP systems in order to achieve acceptable performance. To shed new light on the AQM system, we plan to use deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques. It is possible that AQM can learn about the appropriate drop policy the same way people do when using a model‐free technique like DRL‐AQM. After training in a simple network scenario, DRL‐AQM is able to recognize complex patterns in the data traffic model and apply them to improve performance in a wide variety of scenarios. Offline training precedes deployment in our approach. In many cases, the model does not require any further parameter tweaks after training. Even in the most complicated networks, AQM algorithms have proven to be effective, regardless of the network's complexity. Minimizing buffer capacity use is an important goal of DRL‐AQM. It automatically and continually adjusts to changes in network connectivity.
Selective Photocatalytic Benzene Oxidation Using Iron‐Carbon Nitride Fragments Functionalized with Cyamelurate‐Like Groups
Authors: Oliveira Wanessa L. , da Silva Marcos A. R. , Atta Diab Gabriel Ali , Filho José Balena G. , Pastana Vitor G. S. , Silva Luana L. B. , Ferreira de Oliveira Eduarda , Ferreira do Carmo Batista Walker Vinícius , dos Santos da Cruz Taís , Roberto Mastelaro Valmor , José Mendes Pires Manoel , Freitas Teixeira Ivo , de Mesquita João P.
Published: October 2024

Carbon nitrides have emerged as promising supports for catalytically active metals in various chemical reactions. Among these, the selective oxidation of benzene to phenol stands out as particularly challenging within the chemical industry due to its traditionally low yields and complex reaction pathways. In our current investigation, we have focused on the synthesis of ionic carbon nitride fragments via a straightforward alkaline hydrolysis method. These fragments demonstrate a remarkable ability to stabilize iron cations within the carbon nitride structure (Frag‐Fe), resulting in a highly efficient photocatalyst for benzene oxidation. Employing hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant in a single‐step reaction, we achieved an impressive 47 % yield of phenol using Frag‐Fe at 12 hours, with negligible production of CO2 as a byproduct. This compelling outcome underscores the effectiveness of our alkaline synthesis approach in generating carbon nitride‐based photocatalysts with exceptional activity for C−H oxidation reactions. Our findings not only contribute to the advancement of carbon nitride‐based catalysis, but also hold significant promise for the development of more sustainable and efficient chemical processes in the future.
Childhood Maltreatment and Electrodermal Reactivity to Stress Among Pregnant Women
Authors: Speck Bailey , Kaliush Parisa R. , Tacana Tracey , Conradt Elisabeth , Crowell Sheila E. , Raby K. Lee
Published: October 2024

There are competing theoretical hypotheses regarding the consequences of early adversity, such as childhood maltreatment, for individuals’ autonomic nervous system activity. Research examining potential implications of child maltreatment for sympathetic nervous system activity, specifically, is scarce. In this preregistered study, we examined whether childhood maltreatment history is associated with pregnant adults’ sympathetic responses to different stressors. This population is particularly relevant, given potential intergenerational consequences of pregnant individuals’ physiological responses to stress. Pregnant women's (N = 162) electrodermal levels were recorded while completing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), which elicits social‐evaluative threat, and while watching a video of an unfamiliar infant crying, which was intended to activate the attachment system. Pregnant women's retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment were negatively associated with their electrodermal reactivity to the TSST and to the video of the infant crying. Follow‐up analyses indicated that these associations were specific to reported experiences of childhood abuse and not childhood neglect. Altogether, these findings indicate that self‐reported childhood maltreatment experiences, and childhood abuse in particular, may result in blunted activity of the sympathetic nervous system in response to multiple types of stressors.
Extreme Temperatures Reduce Copepod Performance and Change the Relative Abundance of Internal Microbiota
Authors: Vu Quyen D. H. , Pham Linh P. , Truong Oanh T. , Tran Sang Q. , Bui Canh V. , Le Minh‐Hoang , Dang Binh T. , Dinh Khuong V.
Published: October 2024

Copepods are one of the most abundant invertebrate groups in the seas and oceans and are a significant food source for marine animals. Copepods are also particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures. However, it is relatively unknown how the internal microbiome influences copepod susceptibility to warming. We addressed this fundamental knowledge gap by assessing key life history traits (survival, development, and reproduction) and changes in the internal microbiome in the tropical calanoid copepod Acartia sp. in response to warming (26°C, 30°C, and 34°C). Copepod microbiomes were analyzed using high throughput DNA sequencing of V1–V9 of 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Copepod performance was better at 30°C than at 26°C, as indicated by faster development, a higher growth rate, and fecundity. However, these parameters strongly decreased at 34°C. We recorded 1,262,987 amplicon sequence reads, corresponding to 392 total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity. Warming did not affect OTU numbers and the biodiversity indices, but it substantially changed the relative abundance of three major phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota. The thermophilic and opportunistic Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota increased under extreme temperatures (34°C) while Actinobacteria abundance was strongly reduced. Changes in the relative abundance of these bacteria might be related to reduced copepod growth, survival, and reproduction under extreme temperatures. Profiling the functional role of all internal bacterial groups in response to the temperature change will fundamentally advance our mechanistic understanding of the performance of tropical copepods and, more generally, marine invertebrates to a warming climate.
ESI MS Studies of T. Brucei Trypanothione Reductase and its Reactions With Selected Metal Compounds
Authors: Zineddu Stefano , Geri Andrea , Ilari Andrea , Colotti Gianni , Exertier Cécile , Fiorillo Annarita , Antonelli Lorenzo , Messori Luigi
Published: October 2024

Trypanothione reductase from Trypanosoma brucei (TbTR) is a key enzyme of the parasite responsible for human African trypanosomiasis. TbTR catalyzes the reduction of trypanothione, an antioxidant dithiol that protects trypanosomatid parasites from oxidative stress induced by the mammalian host as a defense system. TbTR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel anti‐parasitic drugs because it is essential for parasite survival and has no close homologues in humans. Previous studies have shown that metal compounds can act as potent inhibitors of trypanothione reductase and of related enzymes and may be considered for disease treatment. To better understand the molecular basis of such inhibition, we report the study of the interactions of a small group of metal compounds with TbTR, analyzed by ESI MS measurements. This technique allows direct visualization of the enzyme in solution and the detection and characterization of the metal binding process. Accordingly, TbTR was reacted with a panel of metal compounds including thimerosal, auranofin, its halogen analogues, and bismuth acetate. ESI MS results provide a detailed description of the interactions taking place for each metal compound tested. The implications of these results for the development of novel metal‐based compounds as potential anti‐trypanosomal agents are discussed.
Organoiodine Catalysed Intramolecular C−N Bond Oxidative Coupling for the Synthesis of 3‐Monosubstituted Oxindoles
Authors: Yu Jiang‐Ning , Wang Yue , Yin Ji‐Chen , Wang Yang
Published: October 2024

An efficient organoiodine‐catalysed intramolecular direct C−N bond oxidative coupling reaction is presented. Structurally diverse 3‐(mono)substituted oxindoles were rapidly obtained in a complex oxidative system in up to 87 % yield. Various N‐alkoxy‐2‐phenylpropanamides were well‐tolerated. This study showed that the electronic effects on the aromatic ring of reactants have a crucial effect on the selectivity (C−N/C−O) of cyclisation products. In addition, gram‐scale synthesis and late‐stage modification of 3‐(mono)substituted oxindole derivatives revealed the practical application of this transformation.
Bystanders’ Reactions to a Woman Victim of Sextortion: Moral Outrage, Victim Blaming and Reputational Damage
Authors: Pacilli Maria Giuseppina , Alemi Marylisa Sara , Spaccatini Federica , Giovannelli Ilaria , Uskul Ayse K. , Pagliaro Stefano
Published: October 2024

Sextortion is a scantly investigated crime in which entrusted authority is abused to obtain sex in exchange for a service or benefit. Based on the literature on gender violence, in the present research, we examined the role of moral evaluations of the victims in predicting potential bystanders’ attitudes and behavioural intentions towards a woman who is a victim of a sextortion incident. In three experimental studies conducted with Italian participants (Study 1: n = 291; Study 2: n = 288; Study 3: n = 331), participants read a scenario describing a woman victim of sextortion and then rated the victim on moral outrage, moral evaluation, blame attribution, perceived reputational damage, and indicated their willingness to help her. The results highlighted that the victim was always perceived as less moral and more blameworthy when she caved into sextortion (vs. not). Furthermore, a sequential mediation model showed that, across all studies, caving into (vs. resisting) sextortion elicited stronger feelings of moral outrage towards the victim, as well as the perception of lower morality, which, in turn, reduced the willingness to offer help. In Study 3, this pattern was significant only when the woman reported the incident 1 year later (vs. 1 week). Current findings show that the peculiar transactional nature of sexual abuse makes sextortion victims appear to be complicit in the act. Thus, recognising the power dynamics through which sextortion can be used to exploit and abuse individuals is paramount to avoid secondary victimisation.
Potentiodynamic Polarization Study of PH3 Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Tukibayeva Ainur , Bayeshov Abduali , Asylbekova Dina , Aikozova Laura , Essentayeva Aizhan
Published: October 2024

In this study, the electrochemical behaviour of phosphine in sulphuric acid solutions on the surface of various electrode materials was conducted by voltammetric investigations. The effects of electrode materials such as lead, copper, and platinum electrodes on the PH3 anodic oxidation were investigated. Polarization curves were recorded by saturating the sulphuric acid solution with phosphine. The results received show that the electrochemical oxidation of phosphine on the lead electrode is accompanied by an oxygen evolution potential and, on the copper electrode, copper (II) ions show catalytic effects. The maximum anodic oxidation of phosphine on a platinum electrode was observed at the potential range of 0.8–1.0 V, and in the presence of copper (II) ions on the polarogram a maximum of phosphine oxidation is recorded at a potential of approximately 0.1–0.2 V.
Charting Sustainable Future on Energy Security, Financial Development, Natural Resources and Economic Output for Turkey
Authors: Coban Mustafa Necati , Adali Zafer , Ozkan Oktay , Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: October 2024

The achievement of 16 out of the 123 sustainable development goals (SDGs) indicates the vast task ahead for Turkey. Addressing the aspects of ecological sustainability via the trend of the ratio of biocapacity to ecological footprint, this study seeks to examine whether energy security, financial development, natural resources and economic expansion drive Turkey's load capacity factor. By implementing quantile‐on‐quantile and its Granger causality dimension, the results largely affirm the statistically significant effect of energy security on the load capacity factor in all quantiles. Although this impact is weak, it is significantly positive, thus indicating that the country's energy security profile is advancing its ecological sustainability. Similarly, globalization positively impacts the load capacity factor by a strong dimension. Conversely, financial development and economic growth exert a significant but negative effect on the load capacity factor in most quantiles, which reflects the undesirability of these indicators on the country's environmental sustainability drive. Specifically, the negative effects of financial development and economic output on the load capacity factor are mainly in the middle to higher quantiles (0.4–0.95) and lowest quantiles (0.05–0.3), respectively. The results of this study can guide the development of intuitive and robust energy efficiency and energy security‐related policies.
The First Report of Late Valanginian–Early Aptian (Early Cretaceous) Ammonites and Chemostratigraphy of Eastern Anatolian, Olur‐Erzurum, Türkiye
Authors: Kaya Sarı Meral , Kalkan Ekrem , Raisossadat Seyed Naser
Published: October 2024

This study is based on stable isotope analysis of a rich ammonite assemblage from the Sogukcam Formation, which is widely exposed in Yesilbaglar (Olur‐Erzurum, NE Türkiye). The presence of ammonid, planktic, and benthic foraminifers in the marine sediments suggests that they are from the early Cretaceous period. The late Valanginian‐early Aptian‐rich ammonite assemblage includes the following genera and species: Acrioceras sp., Barremites difficilis, Barremites sp., Crioceratites duvalii, Crioceratites sp., Deshayesites aff. dechyi, Deshayesites sp.1, Deshayesites sp.2, Deshayesites sp.3, Deshayesites sp., Dufrenoyia cf. dufrenoyi, Dufrenoyia cf. furcata, Dufrenoyia sp., Hemihoplites sp., Heteroceras sp., Neocomites sp., Phyllopachyceras infundibulum, Protetragonites cf. quadrisulcatus, Protetragonites sp., Ptychoceras sp., Turkmeniceras cf. geokerense, and Turkmeniceras sp. This assemblage suggests that the Sogukcam Formation's deeper facies formed in the late Valanginian to early Aptian period. Fossils and δ18O data show normal paleosalinity levels. During the late Valanginian‐early Aptian period, δ18O values ranged from −3.67‰ to −2.24‰, with paleotemperatures ranging from 21.3°C to 27.9°C. δ13C positive values range from +0.65‰ to +2.86‰. δ13C isotope data show the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and changes in sea level and productivity. The presence of planktonic foraminifera and the ammonite assemblage indicates that the formation was deposited in warm subtropical waters ranging from the outer shelf to the open sea.
The Prevalence and Prognostic Implications of BRAFK601E Mutations in Thyroid Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Webster Alyssa , Elshazli Rami M. , Pinion Dylan , Clark Robert D. E. , Kelly Grace , Issa Peter P. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Fawzy Manal S. , Toraih Eman A. , Kandil Emad
Published: October 2024

Background

Activating mutations in the BRAF oncogene occur in 45% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Though less studied, K601E may identify a clinically distinct subset of thyroid neoplasms.

Methods

A bioinformatics assessment was conducted using the COSMIC database and in silico data analysis. A systematic search was conducted through August 2024 to identify studies reporting BRAF mutation in thyroid neoplasms. Pooled prevalence, histopathological subtype distribution, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, recurrence, and survival were extracted/analyzed from 32 studies (13 191 patients).

Results

In the COSMIC database, BRAF K601E was found in various tissue types but mainly in the thyroid. In silico data analysis revealed a structural and functional basis for differences between K601E and V600E. Upon systematic review, the BRAF K601E mutation was identified in 2.8% of PTCs compared to 22% with V600E. The stratified analysis revealed geographical differences, with higher rates in Italy (5.23%) and the United States of America (3.31%). The K601E mutant was enriched for follicular‐patterned variants like NIFTP (11.2% of cases). Meta‐analysis demonstrated significantly reduced extrathyroidal extension for K601E versus V600E mutants (RR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.10–0.50, p = 0.0003).

Conclusion

K601E‐mutated neoplasms could be a unique clinicopathological entity associated with low‐risk histology and reduced extrathyroidal extension, consistent with a more indolent course than V600E mutants. Although detecting K601E may potentially guide conservative management, further prospective studies are needed.
A Novel Technique to Mitigate Saltwater Intrusion: Freshwater Recharge via Drainpipe in Permeable Paleochannels
Authors: Zancanaro Ester , Morari Francesco , Piccoli Ilaria , Carrera Alberto , Zoccarato Claudia , Teatini Pietro
Published: October 2024

Seawater intrusion (SWI) is threatening coastal aquifers and farmland productivity worldwide. Although this phenomenon naturally occurs in coastal areas, it is intensified by anthropogenic activities such as groundwater pumping and land reclamation that cause a lowering of the hydraulic head and land subsidence. Moreover, the consequences of climate change such as sea level rise, increase of the mean temperature and the shifting of rainfall events to tropical regimes, have strong negative effects on groundwater quality and agriculture. Countermeasures against SWI are needed to maintain agricultural productivity and protect the freshwater resources in coastal areas. In the low‐lying farmlands surrounding the southern Venice Lagoon, in northern Italy, SWI is exacerbated by land subsidence, the presence of sandy paleochannels connected to the lagoon subsurface, seawater encroachment into the river estuaries, the presence of fossil brine waters and peat deposits. This study provides a detailed hydrogeological and geochemical characterisation of an experimental agricultural field affected by SWI located in this area using a large dataset collected over the 4 years between 2019 and 2022. Furthermore, it presents the results of novel intervention established across the farmland in 2021 to mitigate saltwater contamination. This intervention involved a controlled discharge of freshwater supplied by a reclamation channel through a 200 m‐long drainpipe buried 1.5 m below the field surface along a well‐preserved sandy paleochannel. The interpretation of the collected data demonstrates that the freshwater recharge carried out in 2021 and 2022 effectively reduced the groundwater salinity along the paleochannel. Moreover, statistical analyses highlighted that a certain lateral spread of freshwater occurred too, although the variability of the monitored parameters in the sites located outside the sandy body was only partially explained by the drain activity.