bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A European Unemployment Benefit to Protect Atypical Workers?
Authors: Jara H. Xavier , Simon Agathe
Published: January 2024

This paper evaluates the potential of a common unemployment insurance scheme for the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU-UI) to improve income protection of atypical workers, namely those in part-time and temporary contracts. Our approach relies on simulating entitlements to national unemployment insurance and the EMU-UI to assess their effects on the household disposable income of atypical workers in the event of unemployment. Our results show that the introduction of an EMU-UI would reduce coverage gaps and increase net replacement rates, especially for atypical workers, and would protect a large share of the workforce against the risk of poverty. Extending eligibility for the EMU-UI to the self-employed would further improve income protection, reducing their risk of falling into poverty in the event of unemployment.
Job satisfaction, depression severity and quality of life ratings of perioperative nurses in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Turgut Dilara Nur , Tuncel Ece , Palta Aslihan , Tektas Mehtap , Balci Melih , Guzel Ozer , Keten Tanju , Aslan Yilmaz , Tuncel Altug
Published: January 2024

The rapid introduction of technological developments into healthcare systems adds another layer of complexity to the already demanding jobs of nurses, particularly for those working in perioperative care. In the present study, our primary aim is job satisfaction, whereas the secondary outcomes are psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL) ratings of perioperative nurses who take part in robotic-assisted and pure laparoscopic surgery. A total of 101 perioperative nurses in six different centers were included in the study. Fifty-one of the nurses were working in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery and 50 of them were working in pure laparoscopic surgery. All participants responded to Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MJSQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-36 QoL Measurement Survey. The two groups did not differ in their total MJSQ, BDI and SF-36 QoL scores (pMJSQ:0.066, pBDI:0.329, pSF-36-QoL:0.136). In addition, there were no differences between the two groups in their intrinsic job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction sub-scores (pintrinsic: 0.473, pextrinsic:0.121). Overall, 18.9% of the nurses reported having moderate to extreme depressive symptoms and most of them (87.1%) had low to moderate levels of job satisfaction. Finally, QoL ratings was generally at moderate levels. Perioperative nurses who work in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery do not differ from those working in pure laparoscopic surgery in terms of their job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and QoL ratings. In addition, across groups’ psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and QoL ratings were not particularly high, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to improving the work conditions of perioperative nurses.
Outcomes of lateral approach in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: insights from a single-surgeon experience
Authors: Giulioni Carlo , Castellani Daniele , Vuong Nam-Son , Riviere Julien , Piechaud-Kressmann Julie , Lopez Laurent Hugo , Piechaud Thierry , Roche Jean-Baptiste , Rouffilange Jean , Hoepffner Jean-Luc , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Gaston Richard Pierre , Pierquet Grégory
Published: January 2024

In the era of robotic prostate surgery, various techniques have been developed to improve functional outcomes. Urinary continence has shown satisfactory results, but the preservation of lateral nerves to the periprostatic capsule is only achievable by sparing the pubovesical complex. This study aims to present the first cases of lateral-approach robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (LRRP) performed by a novice surgeon. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 70 prostate cancer patients who underwent LRRP between October 2019 and September 2021, analyzing the perioperative and functional outcomes. The median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 102 (92–108) minutes and 150 (130–180) mL, respectively. Five minor postoperative complications were reported, and the median hospital stay was 2 (1–2) days. Eleven positive surgical margins occurred. Potency and urinary continence recovery were achieved in 59 (84%) and 66 (94%) patients, respectively, 12 months after surgery. Our analysis shows that LRRP is a safe and effective procedure for prostate cancer surgery. Continence and potency recovery required a short learning curve, with an acceptable recovery rate even in the initial cases.
Microcapsule-enabled self-healing concrete: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Li Zijian , Li Kai , Jia Yue , Wang Chong , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: January 2024

With the development of self-healing technology, the overall properties of the microcapsule-enabled self-healing concrete have taken a giant leap. In this research, a detailed assessment of current research on the microcapsule-enabled self-healing concrete is conducted, together with bibliometric analysis. In the bibliometric analysis, various indicators are considered. The current state of progress regarding self-healing concrete is assessed, and an analysis of the temporal distribution of documents, organizations and countries of literature is conducted. Later, a discussion of the citations is analyzed. The research summarizes the improvements of microcapsule-enabled self-healing cementitious composites and provides a concise background overview.
Tool-integrated thin-film sensor systems for measurement of cutting forces and temperatures during machining
Authors: Plogmeyer Marcel , González Germán , Pongratz Christina , Schott Anna , Schulze Volker , Bräuer Günter
Published: January 2024

Effective in-process control mechanisms are vital for the future development of production processes and ask for reliable monitoring of process variables. For this, new tool-integrated sensor systems for measuring cutting forces and temperature for machining of hardened steel are proposed. Thin-film technology is used to apply a thermoresistive temperature sensor in the chip-workpiece contact area for the first time on industrial cutting inserts with chip breaker geometry. Complementary piezoresistive thin-film sensors based on diamond-like carbon (DLC) and manganin layers were developed and deposited on a washer. It was placed beneath the indexable insert to measure the cutting forces. Turning experiments were conducted to study sensor life and accuracy. All sensors showed an adequate lifetime for laboratory purposes. Temperature compensation methods were investigated for force measurement and results compared to forces recorded by a dynamometric platform. While temperature compensation for the DLC-based sensor needs further optimization, results of the manganin-based sensor compared well with the expected cutting forces. The manganin thin-film sensor exhibited rapid responsiveness and great reproducibility, underscoring its prospective utility for real-time monitoring of cutting forces in machining operations.
Towards a dynamic, comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia
Authors: Wolf Maryanne , Gotlieb Rebecca J. M. , Kim Sohyun An , Pedroza Veronica , Rhinehart Laura V. , Tempini Maria Luisa Gorno , Sears Sue
Published: January 2024

Here we build from the central strength of the existing definition of dyslexia—its emphasis on neurobiological origins—and proffer a set of seven core principles for a new, more comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia. These principles derive from two major research directions: (1) the still evolving history of attempts to explain dyslexia, including in varied writing systems; and (2) the study of the reading brain circuit, its development, and its genetic and environmental influences. What emerges from connecting these two directions is a dynamic conceptualization of dyslexia that incorporates the extensive research on the heterogeneity of dyslexia and the interdependent contributions of multiple biological and socio-cultural risk and preventive factors. A new definition of dyslexia, therefore, needs to transcend both past unitary characterizations and past assumptions based largely on the English orthography. Such a conceptualization references the ways that different languages interact with the reading brain circuit to produce different sources of reading failure. Similarly, the characteristics and consequences of dyslexia that have been considered as secondary sequela (e.g., reduced reading comprehension, social-emotional issues) should be part of a more comprehensive narrative. Of critical importance, any definition of dyslexia should clarify persisting misconceptions that associate dyslexia with a lack of intelligence, potential to learn, or talents. Thus, the overall purpose of such a definition should serve as an instrument of knowledge and an enduring reason for pursuing growth in reading for the individual, the educator, and the public.
The Utility of AI in Writing a Scientific Review Article on the Impacts of COVID-19 on Musculoskeletal Health
Authors: Awosanya Olatundun D. , Harris Alexander , Creecy Amy , Qiao Xian , Toepp Angela J. , McCune Thomas , Kacena Melissa A. , Ozanne Marie V.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

There were two primary purposes to our reviews. First, to provide an update to the scientific community about the impacts of COVID-19 on musculoskeletal health. Second, was to determine the value of using a large language model, ChatGPT 4.0, in the process of writing a scientific review article. To accomplish these objectives, we originally set out to write three review articles on the topic using different methods to produce the initial drafts of the review articles. The first review article was written in the traditional manner by humans, the second was to be written exclusively using ChatGPT (AI-only or AIO), and the third approach was to input the outline and references selected by humans from approach 1 into ChatGPT, using the AI to assist in completing the writing (AI-assisted or AIA). All review articles were extensively fact-checked and edited by all co-authors leading to the final drafts of the manuscripts, which were significantly different from the initial drafts.

Recent Findings

Unfortunately, during this process, it became clear that approach 2 was not feasible for a very recent topic like COVID-19 as at the time, ChatGPT 4.0 had a cutoff date of September 2021 and all articles published after this date had to be provided to ChatGPT, making approaches 2 and 3 virtually identical. Therefore, only two approaches and two review articles were written (human and AI-assisted). Here we found that the human-only approach took less time to complete than the AI-assisted approach. This was largely due to the number of hours required to fact-check and edit the AI-assisted manuscript. Of note, the AI-assisted approach resulted in inaccurate attributions of references (about 20%) and had a higher similarity index suggesting an increased risk of plagiarism.

The main aim of this project was to determine whether the use of AI could improve the process of writing a scientific review article. Based on our experience, with the current state of technology, it would not be advised to solely use AI to write a scientific review article, especially on a recent topic.
A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of the Mouse Hippocampus After Voluntary Exercise
Authors: Methi Aditi , Islam Md Rezaul , Kaurani Lalit , Sakib M Sadman , Krüger Dennis M. , Pena Tonatiuh , Burkhardt Susanne , Liebetanz David , Fischer André
Published: January 2024

Exercise has been recognized as a beneficial factor for cognitive health, particularly in relation to the hippocampus, a vital brain region responsible for learning and memory. Previous research has demonstrated that exercise-mediated improvement of learning and memory in humans and rodents correlates with increased adult neurogenesis and processes related to enhanced synaptic plasticity. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. With the aim to further elucidate these mechanisms, we provide a comprehensive dataset of the mouse hippocampal transcriptome at the single-cell level after 4 weeks of voluntary wheel-running. Our analysis provides a number of interesting observations. For example, the results suggest that exercise affects adult neurogenesis by accelerating the maturation of a subpopulation of Prdm16-expressing neurons. Moreover, we uncover the existence of an intricate crosstalk among multiple vital signaling pathways such as NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and retinoic acid (RA) pathways altered upon exercise in a specific cluster of excitatory neurons within the Cornu Ammonis (CA) region of the hippocampus. In conclusion, our study provides an important resource dataset and sheds further light on the molecular changes induced by exercise in the hippocampus. These findings have implications for developing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing cognitive health and preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Suitability of the height above nearest drainage (HAND) model for flood inundation mapping in data-scarce regions: a comparative analysis with hydrodynamic models
Authors: Thalakkottukara Navin Tony , Thomas Jobin , Watkins Melanie K. , Holland Benjamin C. , Oommen Thomas , Grover Himanshu
Published: January 2024

Unprecedented floods from extreme rainfall events worldwide emphasize the need for flood inundation mapping for floodplain management and risk reduction. Access to flood inundation maps and risk evaluation tools remains challenging in most parts of the world, particularly in rural regions, leading to decreased flood resilience. The use of hydraulic and hydrodynamic models in rural areas has been hindered by excessive data and computational requirements. In this study, we mapped the flood inundation in Huron Creek watershed, Michigan, USA for an extreme rainfall event (1000-year return period) that occurred in 2018 (Father’s Day Flood) using the Height Above Nearest Drainage (HAND) model and a synthetic rating curve developed from LIDAR DEM. We compared the flood inundation extent and depth modeled by the HAND with flood inundation characteristics predicted by two hydrodynamic models, viz., HEC-RAS 2D and SMS-SRH 2D. The flood discharge of the event was simulated using the HEC-HMS hydrologic model. Results suggest that, in different channel segments, the HAND model produces different degrees of concurrence in both flood inundation extent and depth when compared to the hydrodynamic models. The differences in flood inundation characteristics produced by the HAND model are primarily due to the uncertainties associated with optimal parameter estimation of the synthetic rating curve. Analyzing the differences between the HAND and hydrodynamic models also highlights the significance of terrain characteristics in model predictions. Based on the comparable predictive capability of the HAND model to map flood inundation areas during extreme rainfall events, we demonstrate the suitability of the HAND-based approach for mitigating flood risk in data-scarce, rural regions.
Detection of oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (oxc) and formyl-CoA transferase (frc) genes in novel probiotic isolates capable of oxalate degradation in vitro
Authors: Youssef HebatAllah Ibrahim AbdElazeim
Published: January 2024

Oxalate degradation is one of lactic acid bacteria’s desirable activities. It is achieved by two enzymes, formyl coenzyme A transferase (frc) and oxalyl coenzyme A decarboxylase (oxc). The current study aimed to screen 15 locally isolated lactic acid bacteria to select those with the highest oxalate degradation ability. It also aimed to amplify the genes involved in degradation. MRS broth supplemented with 20 mM sodium oxalate was used to culture the tested isolates for 72 h. This was followed by an enzymatic assay to detect remaining oxalate. All isolates showed oxalate degradation activity to variable degrees. Five isolates demonstrated high oxalate degradation, 78 to 88%. To investigate the oxalate-degradation potential of the selected isolates, they have been further tested for the presence of genes that encode for enzymes involved in oxalate catabolism, formyl coenzyme A transferase (frc) and oxalyl coenzyme A decarboxylase (oxc). Three strains showed bands with the specific OXC and FRC forward and reverse primers designated as (SA-5, 9 and 37). Species-level identification revealed Loigolactobacillus bifermentans, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Preliminary results revealed that the tested probiotic strains harbored both oxc and frc whose products are putatively involved in oxalate catabolism. The probiotic potential of the selected strains was evaluated, and they showed high survival rates to both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and variable degrees of antagonism against the tested Gram-positive and negative pathogens and were sensitive to clarithromycin but resistant to both metronidazole and ceftazidime. Finally, these strains could be exploited as an innovative approach to establish oxalate homeostasis in humans and prevent kidney stone formation.
Laparoscopic Posterior Partial Fundoplication Versus Total Fundoplication in Anti-reflux Surgery: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohamed Ashraf Abdelazeem , Elian Mohammad Abdulraheem , Abdelzaher Mohamed Abdelaziz , Kamel Mohamed Khalafallah , Abdelaziz Asaad Abdelrahman
Published: January 2024

The aim of the present study was to evaluate advantages of partial posterior fundoplication (PPF) compared with traditional total fundoplication (TF). The study included 90 patients with GERD at El-Minia University Hospital between January 2019 and January 2023, divided randomly into group A: PPF (no. 45 patients) and group B: TF (no. 45 patients). All included patients had endoscopic hiatal hernia and various degrees of esophagitis. Postoperative follow-up included satisfaction questionnaire, degree of heartburn questionnaire, frequent belching, inability to belch, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and endoscopic evaluations. Heartburn improved in all patients (p = 0.000). Shorter operative time was observed in group B (p = 0.007). There is no significant difference in overall satisfaction level between the two groups (p = 0.5). Surgical treatment is the favorite option for the treatment of GERD. PPF has the advantage of shorter operative time and can be safely used with outcomes similar to that of TF.
Unveiling the Impact of Personality in Lifestyle Solidarity: An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Dispositional Optimism and Risk Orientation
Authors: Pinho Micaela , Gomes Sofia
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the influence of the personality traits of dispositional optimism and risk orientation on Portuguese citizens’ preferences for lifestyle solidarity, on their lifestyle and the relationship between both personality traits. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 584 Portuguese citizens. The quantitative analysis was performed through the Partial Least Square (PLS) model. The PLS explored the relationships between the constructs of dispositional optimism, risk preferences, own lifestyle and lifestyle solidarity. Linear regression analysis was also performed to identify the associations between respondents’ sociodemographic and economic characteristics and the above constructs. In general, respondents revealed high levels of lifestyle solidarity. Notwithstanding, we also found that: (i) while optimists and pessimists revealed less lifestyle solidarity, risk-prone revealed higher; (ii) while optimists were more prevention-orientation with their health behaviours, risk-seekers were less; (iii) more caregivers with their own lifestyles have less lifestyle solidarity, and (iv) while optimists were more risk-acceptant, pessimists were more risk-averse. This study presents the first evidence of how dispositional optimism and risk orientation affect the support of lifestyle solidarity and own lifestyles.
Self-Care Practices and Associated Sexual Health Risks Among Cisgender Women Sex Workers in Colombia
Authors: Perdomo Sandoval Luis Albeiro , Villamil Camacho Diego Fernando , Goberna-Tricas Josefina
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Sexwork is a social phenomenon characterized by exchanging sexual services for money or goods. In Colombia, it generally occurs in clandestine and unsafe environments due to social exclusion related to stigma, discrimination, and criminalization of the occupation. Sex workers may experience health risks due to the ineffectiveness of some self-care measures in exercising sexual practices.

Methods

This qualitative, constructivist, hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the sexual health self-care practices of 34 cisgender women sex workers over 18 years of age in Colombia from the analytical lens of intersectionality. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews face-to-face and discussion groups between July 2021 and March 2022.

Results

After reflective thematic analysis with an inductive approach to the data, five general themes emerged: meaning of self-care promoting practices, relationship with the healthcare system, empowerment and personal autonomy, vulnerability of cisgender women sex workers, and low-risk perception.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

The findings show the need to promote and provide humanized, friendly, and self-sustainable sexual health care with educational strategies that favor the intersectional cooperation of preventive care linked to the body, conceptual, and cultural memory of sex workers, providing them with the necessary tools to manage sexual health risks from their situated and contextual reality with a perspective of rights, social justice, and gender equity.
Empowering silver and copper nanoparticles through aqueous fruit extract of Solanum xanthocarpum for sustainable advancements
Authors: Rahman Gohar , Fazal Hina , Ullah Amin , Ahmad Saeed , Nadeem Tariq , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ahmad Iftekhar , Mishra Neeraj , Ashique Sumel , Zengin Gokhan , Farid Arshad
Published: January 2024

Silver and copper nanoparticles were biosynthesized from AgNO3 & CuSO4.5H2O solution by using fruits extract of Solanum xanthocarpum. These nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by UV, FTIR, and SEM techniques and evaluated for biological activities. The UV absorption peaks of biosynthesized Ag and CuNPs were observed at 452 nm and 549 nm, respectively. The FTIR analyses of the fruits extracts were carried out to identify the possible classes of chemical compounds responsible for NPs stability and reduction. The crystalline structure and size of NPs were characterized by using SEM. The NPs were tested against some selected pathogenic strains. In the current study, the tested bacterial and fungal strains were found sensitive to biosynthesized Ag and CuNPs at concentrations (25μg/mL, 50μg/mL, 75μg/mL, and 100μg/mL). The overall results show that, the antimicrobial activities of CuNPs were comparatively more potent than AgNPs. Antioxidant activities of Ag and CuNPs were evaluated using the DPPH method. The results showed effective free radical scavenging activities, but AgNPs exhibited more significant activities as compared to CuNPs. Anticancer activities were measured by using the MTT assay, Cell viability was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of NPs using HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. In the present study, the NPs prevented the growth of tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner (5–500μg/mL). With a gradual increase in NPs concentration, the cell viability of cancer cells decreased. The two highest NPs concentrations (100μg/mL & 250μg/mL) significantly decreased cell viability. The results exhibited that AgNPs are more effective than CuNPs. Additionally, they exhibited effective biological activities, making them to be used in medical sector for cancer treatment, sensors, medications delivery, and several other applications.
Living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy during the first two COVID-19 outbreaks: a repeated patient survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Deenen Johanna C. W. , Kools Joost , Greco Anna , Thewissen Renée , van de Put Wiecke , Lanser Anke , Joosten Leo A. B. , Verbeek Andre L. M. , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Voermans Nicol C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) suffer from slowly progressive muscle weakness. Approximately 20% of FSHD patients end up wheelchair-dependent. FSHD patients benefit from physical activity to maintain their muscle strength as much as possible. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of FSHD patients was unknown.

Objective

This study assessed changes in daily care received, perceived psychosocial stress, and worsening of FSHD complaints in 2020. Furthermore, we compared COVID-19 infection incidence and severity of symptoms between FSHD patients and non-FSHD housemates.

Methods

Three online survey rounds were sent out to all adult participants of the Dutch FSHD registry regarding daily care received, perceived psychosocial stress, COVID-19 infection rate, and COVID-19 symptoms severity. They also included COVID-19-related questions regarding the participants’ housemates, which served as control group.

Results

Participation rate was 210 (61%), 186 (54%), and 205 (59%) for survey 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Care reduction was reported by 42.7%, 40%, and 28.8% of the participants in the respective surveys. Perceived psychosocial stress increased in 44%, 30%, and 40% of the participants. Compared to the 197 non-FSHD housemates, the 213 FSHD patients reported more possibly COVID-19-related symptoms (27% vs. 39%, p = 0.017) of mostly minimal severity (63%). No difference in (possible) COVID-19 infection incidence rates was found (2.0% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.527).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted care received and increased perceived psychosocial stress in FSHD patients. However, COVID-19 infection incidence in FSHD patients was similar to their non-FSHD housemates.
Aquaculture’s offshore frontier: learning from the Canadian courts on ocean grabbing, ocean privatization, and property as process
Authors: Knott Christine , Wiber Melanie G. , Mather Charles
Published: January 2024

Many coastal nations have endorsed the Blue Economy as both an economic and environmental opportunity, despite numerous questions as to how industrial expansion into deep ocean waters might be regulated for sustainability. Aquaculture is one industry actively promoting a move offshore, with numerous offshore leases in development. Drawing on the history of aquaculture in the nearshore, and relying on a processual approach to property, we explore questions around the regulation of privatized ocean spaces: What can court cases involving aquaculture in the nearshore tell us about the role of law in promoting sustainable offshore ocean spaces? And what in turn does this suggest about extractive capitalism, the privatization of ocean spaces, and the law? We examine 46 Canadian court cases which cover a 30-year time frame and multiple Canadian jurisdictions. We argue that there are lessons here regarding the questionable ability of law to effectively regulate existing or future aquaculture operations once privatization emerges. The lessons from these Canadian court cases, taken together with a burgeoning literature on legal geography, more-than-human methodologies, and critical environmental law, suggest the varied legal dimensions of deep-sea aquaculture frontier imaginaries and highlight the real limits to regulating the extraction of resources in this perceived open space (terra nullius). We highlight crucial barriers to sustainability through what we are calling jurisdictional opaqueness in regulatory issues. The results include poor regulation and overlapping or contested jurisdictions, which relates in turn to inadequate consultation, frequent environmental problems (toxic chemicals, anoxia, salmon escapes, marine debris), and scientific disputes.
Bankruptcy and retirement: a comparison in an optimal stopping times ordered framework
Authors: Ding Guodong , Marazzina Daniele
Published: January 2024

We deal with an agent who optimally decides the consumption-portfolio-leisure policy to maximize a power utility function, considering two optimal stopping times: bankruptcy and retirement from labor. Predetermining the order of these two stopping times, we find two independent multiple stopping times models: the optimization problem of retirement before bankruptcy, and the one of bankruptcy before retirement. In the numerical results part, we perform the sensitivity analysis with respect to key parameters, and conduct a comparative analysis.
Validation of a damage constitutive model based on logistic model dedicated to the mechanical behavior of the rock
Authors: Chen Kai , Cudmani Roberto , Olarte Andres Alfonso Pena
Published: January 2024

The establishment of mechanical models of rocks can provide crucial guidance to the surrounding rocks stability analysis in the rock engineering. According to statistical damage theory and Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion, the Logistic model is used to yield the damage evolution equation and further establish statistical damage constitutive model for describing the whole failure process of rocks. Then, the rationality of the proposed damage model is proved by comparing with the different test curves, and damage evolution laws are summarized into four stages, including: slow-growth stage, rapid-growth stage, constant-speed-similar growth stage and speed-reducing growth stage. Physical meanings of model parameters $${r}{\prime}$$

r
′

and $$m$$
m
are also discussed. Finally, to verify the application of this proposed model, this damage constitutive model is developed and implemented to simulate the tunnel excavation and analyze the stability of surrounding rocks by using Fortran, python and Abaqus. The displacement data on site is used to prove the superiority of proposed damage constitutive model compared with the existing ones in Abaqus. The research outcomes presented in this paper can also provide useful references for the theory and application of rock mechanics.
EuroBarley: control of leaf diseases in barley across Europe
Authors: Matzen N , Weigand S , Bataille C , Kildea S , Havis N , O’ Driscoll A , Waite K , Jalli M , Rodemann B , Jørgensen LN
Published: January 2024

Barley crops are at risk of being attacked by several leaf diseases. Net blotch, brown rust, Rhynchosporium and Ramularia leaf spot are among the most widespread and can cause severe attack and yield losses. Two trial protocols targeting Ramularia and net blotch, respectively, have been tested in several countries in 2021 and 2022. Ramularia trials were situated in Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and Denmark. The net blotch trials were placed in Denmark, Belgium, the UK, Germany, Finland, and France. In the two protocols, 12–13 different fungicide solutions including co-formulations of DMIs, SDHIs, QoIs, and multi-site inhibitors have been tested to compare efficacy and yield responses. Against Ramularia leaf spot, the fungicides were applied at GS 47–51 and against net blotch at GS 37–45. In six trials, the efficacy against Ramularia leaf spot was scored. The results showed a superior control from the co-formulation fluxapyroxad + metyltetraprole (78–100% control), but also solo mefentrifluconazole and the mixtures fluxapyroxad + mefentrifluconazole performed well (average 74–76% control). The mixture fluxapyroxad + metyltetraprole provided the best yield increase followed by Ascra Xpro. Folpet as a solo solution was inferior. Following the net blotch protocol, only three trials developed enough disease to rank the different fungicides; however, in five trials ranking against brown rust was also possible. Most treatments gave very good control of net blotch, and brown rust (> 80% control). The mixture fluxapyroxad + metyltetraprole delivered the best control against all diseases overall. Average yield responses from eight trials showed very similar increases from the tested fungicides.
Sensitive and Specific Y-Shaped Ratio Biosensor for Detecting Serum miR-18a: Potential Early Scanning Tool for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Fei , Wang Yue , Yu Caiyuan , Zhang Wei , Bai Xuefeng
Published: January 2024

miR-18a has been identified as a significantly expressed microRNA (miRNA) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and plays a vital role in cancer cell transformation, metastasis, and carcinogenesis. Herein, a pair of binary probes from numerous probe pairs based on single nucleotide polymorphism analyses of miR-18a and miR-18b was first designed and screened to develop a Y-shaped ratio biosensor for accurate detection of serum miR-18a in NSCLC. The special structure of the binary probes combined with the hairpin showed strong specificity for miR-18a, which was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assay and square wave voltammetry assay. Furthermore, it is beneficial to immobilize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes due to the large specific surface area of nanoporous gold, thereby improving the sensitivity of the biosensor. The Y-shaped ratio biosensor exhibited a wide detection range and can quantify the concentration of miR-18a in the range of 10 fmol/L–100 pmol/L, with a limit of detection of 0.211 fmol/L (S/N = 3). Moreover, it exhibits excellent detection capabilities in serum samples since the biosensor showed a high selectivity toward the coexistence of miR-18a and miR-18b. Therefore, the prepared Y-shaped ratio biosensor is a highly sensitive and specific miR-18a detection tool, capable of identifying microscopic amounts of miR-18a in serum samples, providing great potential for early screening of NSCLC.
Developing a Mechatronics-Twin Framework for Effective Exploration of Operational Behaviors of Prosthetic Sockets
Authors: Chen Dejiu , Ottikkutti Suranjan , Tahmasebi Kaveh Nazem
Published: January 2024

A Stewart platform is a six-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator widely used as the motion base for flight simulators and antenna positioning systems, among others. This work presents a novel mechatronics-twin framework that integrates such a manipulator with advanced biomechanical models and simulations for effective exploration of operational behaviors of prosthetic sockets with amputees. By means of the biomechanical models and simulations, the framework allows the users to first analyze the fundamental operational characteristics of individual amputees according to their specific body geometries, pelvis-femur structures, and sizes of transfemoral sockets. Such operational characteristics are then fed to one Stewart platform as the reference control signals for the generation of dynamic loads and behaviors of prosthetic sockets that are otherwise difficult to observe or realize with the real amputees. Experiments in form of integration testing show that the proposed control strategy is capable of generating expected dynamic operational conditions. Currently, the mechatronics-twin framework supports a wide range of biomechanical configurations and the quantification of the respective intra-socket load conditions for socket design optimization and anomaly detection.
Biomass Storage in Anoxic Marine Basins: Initial Estimates of Geochemical Impacts and CO2 Sequestration Capacity
Authors: Raven M. R. , Crotteau M. A. , Evans N. , Girard Z. C. , Martinez A. M. , Young I. , Valentine D. L.
Published: January 2024

In combination with dramatic and immediate CO2 emissions reductions, net‐negative atmospheric CO2 removal (CDR) is necessary to maintain average global temperature increases below 2.0°C. Many proposed CDR pathways involve the placement of vast quantities of organic carbon (biomass) on the seafloor in some form, but little is known about their potential biogeochemical impacts, especially at scales relevant for global climate. Here, we evaluate the potential impacts and durability of organic carbon storage specifically within deep anoxic basins, where organic matter (OM) is remineralized through anaerobic processes that may enhance its storage efficiency. We present simple biogeochemical and mixing models to quantify the scale of potential impacts of large‐scale OM addition to the abyssal seafloor in the Black Sea, Cariaco Basin, and the hypersaline Orca Basin. These calculations reveal that the Black Sea in particular may have the potential to accept biomass storage at climatically relevant scales with moderate changes to the geochemical state of abyssal water and limited communication of that impact to surface water. Still, all of these systems would require extensive further evaluation prior to consideration of megatonne‐scale CO2 sequestration. Many key unknowns remain, including the partitioning of breakdown among sulfate‐reducing and methanogenic metabolisms and the fate of methane in the environment. Given the urgency of responsible CDR development and the potential for anoxic basins to reduce ecological risks to animal communities, efforts to address knowledge gaps related to microbial kinetics, benthic processes, and physical mixing in these systems are critically needed.
National Archive of Marine Seismic Surveys Web Portal Provides Public Access to US Exclusive Economic Zone Marine Seismic Surveys
Authors: Kluesner Jared , Hart Patrick , Snyder George , Triezenberg Peter
Published: January 2024

Seismic reflection data collected within the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) represent a scientific resource with inestimable value. The US Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), provide unrestricted public access to seismic data acquired since 1975 through the National Archive of Marine Seismic Surveys (NAMSS) portal. This map‐searchable web portal provides access to over 1,100 two‐ and three‐dimensional (2D, 3D) marine seismic data sets collected by the USGS and by the offshore resource industry. The industry data sets are released by BOEM under The Code of Federal Regulations 30 CFR Parts 551 and 580, allowing for the release of seismic reflection data after the completed 25‐year proprietary term from the issuance of the Geological and Geophysical (G&G) permit. The web portal provides tools to filter and identify surveys within the US EEZ and navigation and shapefiles can be downloaded with each survey. Seismic data sets downloaded from NAMSS have been instrumental in numerous scientific investigations along the US EEZ. These include studies focused on offshore marine geohazards, such as fault systems and submarine landslides, as well as gas hydrates and other geologic processes. Acquisition of such data sets, especially pneumatic‐sourced surveys, is becoming progressively more difficult due to environmental concerns and associated costs, thus preservation and public access to such high‐quality data sets is critical to maintaining the ability to conduct offshore seismic reflection scientific research along the US EEZ.
Velocity Profile Geometries and Granular Temperature Distributions in Very Dense Granular Flows
Authors: Li Yan , Hu Wei , Xu Qiang , Huang Runqiu , Chang ChingShung , Chen Jianye , Wang Yujie
Published: January 2024

Understanding the motion of particles in very dense granular flows is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of many geological phenomena, and advancing our knowledge of granular material physics. We conduct transparent ring shear experiments to directly observe the granular motion under relatively high‐pressure conditions, and find that the granular velocity non‐linearly decays, forming an approximately 7‐particle‐diameter‐thick localized shear band. A fitting curve underlying non‐local physics can be used to well predict velocity profile geometries that are almost independent of normal stress and shear velocity. Moreover, experimental results show monotonically decreasing granular kinetic temperature, which may be caused by energy dissipation due to more inelastic contacts under high confining pressures. The variation of granular temperature will significantly influence the local yield stress and rheological properties, which may lead to inhomogeneous fluidity of the material and thus to shear localization in very dense granular flows.
Satellite Clear‐Sky Observations Overestimate Surface Urban Heat Islands in Humid Cities
Authors: Yang Qiquan , Xu Yi , Wen Dawei , Hu Ting , Chakraborty TC , Liu Yue , Yao Rui , Chen Shurui , Xiao Changjiang , Yang Jie
Published: January 2024

Satellite‐based thermal infrared (TIR) land surface temperature (LST) is hindered by cloud cover and is applicable solely under clear‐sky conditions for estimating surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII). Clear‐sky SUHII may not accurately represent all‐sky conditions, potentially introducing quantitative biases in assessing urban heat islands. However, the differences between clear‐sky and all‐sky SUHIIs and their spatiotemporal variations are still poorly understood. Our analysis of over 600 global cities demonstrates that clear‐sky SUHII is mostly higher than all‐sky SUHII, particularly in summer, daytime, and precipitation‐rich regions. Besides, clear‐sky SUHII typically exhibits stronger seasonal and diurnal contrasts than all‐sky SUHII, especially for cities located in humid regions. These discrepancies can be attributed mainly to the increased missing LST data caused by cloud enhancement in urban areas. Our findings highlight the tendency for clear‐sky observations to overestimate SUHII, providing valuable insights for standardizing the quantification of surface urban heat islands.
Polar Aerosol Atmospheric Rivers: Detection, Characteristics, and Potential Applications
Authors: Lapere Rémy , Thomas Jennie L. , Favier Vincent , Angot Hélène , Asplund Julia , Ekman Annica M. L. , Marelle Louis , Raut Jean‐Christophe , Da Silva Anderson , Wille Jonathan D. , Zieger Paul
Published: January 2024

Aerosols play a key role in polar climate, and are affected by long‐range transport from the mid‐latitudes, both in the Arctic and Antarctic. This work investigates poleward extreme transport events of aerosols, referred to as polar aerosol atmospheric rivers (p‐AAR), leveraging the concept of atmospheric rivers (AR) which signal extreme transport of moisture. Using reanalysis data, we build a detection catalog of p‐AARs for black carbon, dust, sea salt and organic carbon aerosols, for the period 1980–2022. First, we describe the detection algorithm, discuss its sensitivity, and evaluate its validity. Then, we present several extreme transport case studies, in the Arctic and in the Antarctic, illustrating the complementarity between ARs and p‐AARs. Despite similarities in transport pathways during co‐occurring AR/p‐AAR events, vertical profiles differ depending on the species, and large‐scale transport patterns show that moisture and aerosols do not necessarily originate from the same areas. The complementarity between AR and p‐AAR is also evidenced by their long‐term characteristics in terms of spatial distribution, seasonality and trends. p‐AAR detection, as a complement to AR, can have several important applications for better understanding polar climate and its connections to the mid‐latitudes.
Nonlinearity and Asymmetry of the ENSO Stratospheric Pathway to North Atlantic and Europe, Revisited
Authors: Manzini E. , Ayarzagüena B. , Calvo N. , Matei D.
Published: January 2024

Nonlinearities and asymmetries of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) stratospheric pathway to the North Atlantic and Europe are examined in large ensembles conducted with fully coupled climate models during wintertime. The analysis is centered on historical experiments of the Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble (MPI‐GE, 95 members) and expanded to six other ensembles of more limited size. In MPI‐GE, significant responses are obtained for each ENSO phase and three different intensities (weak, moderate and strong). Overall, linear relationships are found for either El Niño or La Niña key diagnostics that characterize the pathway. These relationships are generally weaker for the cold La Niña than for the warm El Niño so that asymmetries between them develop as the events intensify. Specifically for strong events, the extra‐tropical North Pacific and stratospheric responses are asymmetric, with larger responses for El Niño. In addition, the stratospheric asymmetry in strong events seems to contribute to the asymmetry in strong events in the North Atlantic—Europe response in the troposphere in late winter. The extra‐tropical North Pacific response shows general agreement between MPI‐GE and the other large ensembles. However, this agreement is not as large when other parts of the pathway are compared. Relatively high inter‐model response spread confirms the typical model uncertainty found when examining atmospheric circulation responses which include the stratosphere in state‐of‐the‐art climate models.
Baseline symptom-related white matter tracts predict individualized treatment response to 12-week antipsychotic monotherapies in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Shanming , Zhang Bo , Zhao Gaofeng , Zhang Zhuoqiu , Li Shuiying , Li Haiming , Yu Xin , Deng Hong , Cao Hengyi
Published: January 2024

There is significant heterogeneity in individual responses to antipsychotic drugs, but there is no reliable predictor of antipsychotics response in first-episode psychosis. This study aimed to investigate whether psychotic symptom-related alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of white matter (WM) at the early stage of the disorder may aid in the individualized prediction of drug response. Sixty-eight first-episode patients underwent baseline structural MRI scans and were subsequently randomized to receive a single atypical antipsychotic throughout the first 12 weeks. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the eight “core symptoms” selected from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-8). Follow-up assessments were conducted at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks by trained psychiatrists. LASSO regression model and cross-validation were conducted to examine the performance of baseline symptom-related alterations FA and MD of WM in the prediction of individualized treatment outcome. Fifty patients completed both clinical follow-up assessments by the 8th and 12th weeks. 30 patients were classified as responders, and 20 patients were classified as nonresponders. At baseline, the altered diffusion properties of fiber tracts in the anterior thalamic radiation, corticospinal tract, callosum forceps minor, longitudinal fasciculi (ILF), inferior frontal-occipital fasciculi (IFOF) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) were related to the severity of symptoms. These abnormal fiber tracts, especially the ILF, IFOF, and SLF, significantly predicted the response to antipsychotic treatment at the individual level (AUC = 0.828, P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that early microstructural WM changes contribute to the pathophysiology of psychosis and may serve as meaningful individualized predictors of response to antipsychotics.