bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Leaching Potential of Pesticides: A Historic Review and Critical Analysis
Authors: Araya German , Perfetti-Bolaño Alessandra , Sandoval Marco , Araneda Alberto , Barra Ricardo O.
Published: April 2024

We evaluated the main leaching indices that have been used for decades for the protection of groundwater against contamination by pesticides. We describe the index classifications in detail and discuss their advantages and limitations relative to their prediction value. Most of the indices have similarities in the types of parameters they use. Some of the similarities are basic physicochemical properties of the pesticides such as their water solubility and their organic carbon partition coefficient, as well as characteristics such as environmental persistence in the soil and some soil characteristics. It is very difficult to maintain a simple index with high predictive power. However, comparisons are allowed by many indices among different active ingredients before pesticides are classified according to the risk of being groundwater contaminants. In contrast, limitations are the scarce inclusion of pesticide byproducts in the ground, lack of prediction capacity for polar pesticides, and lack of prediction of the vulnerability of groundwater to being contaminated by pesticides. Despite the limitations of such approaches, they are of great utility, particularly for protection of groundwater from pesticide contamination when little information is available, which is the case in most developing countries and in countries with economies in transition. Caution is recommended in the analysis of information generated by these approximations, which ideally should be validated experimentally in the different application scenarios and the needs for pesticide assessment based on local information. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2478–2491. © 2024 SETAC
Knowing rape: Turning ethnoracialized victims into moral citizens in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Rupcic Sonia
Published: April 2024

In South Africa, a disparate coalition of law enforcement, human rights workers, health officials, and activists claim that women don't know they have been raped. Claims of misrecognition typically follow from the observation that most women who experience gendered violence in South Africa do not report to the police and are especially leveled at Black women living in rural areas under the judicial authority of customary leaders. This article examines this assertion about not knowing gendered violence and the interventions it inspired. Dwelling on the story of one survivor's search for justice in Thohoyandou, South Africa, I argue that in the years following the transition from apartheid to democracy, a consensus coalesced around Black Indigenous women, who were seen as key political agents in post‐colonial nation‐building. During this time, knowing rape was touted as a gendered civic duty, one that enacted moral citizenship for the sake of a more orderly, democratic and vigorous multicultural nation. In spite of the consensus around knowing rape, “rape,” I suggest, remains an ambivalent sign for both those who encourage its recognition and for survivors. Amidst these disjunctures, survivors’ demands for justice often go denied.
Stability and purity of selected ryegrass Epichloë endophytes in New Zealand dairy pastures
Authors: Hume David E. , Luo Dongwen , Rennie Grant M. , King Warren M. , Taylor Anna L. , Faville Marty J. , Tozer Katherine N.
Published: April 2024

Background

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in New Zealand pastures is typically infected with the mutualist Epichloë fungal endophyte. This endophyte assists the plant in resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, but the standard strain of endophyte is toxic to livestock. Elite ryegrasses with selected endophytes have been developed to provide protective properties to the grass plant and lessen or eliminate the negative impacts on livestock.

Methods

Using immunology and molecular techniques, the presence of endophyte infection and endophyte strain in ryegrass tillers was determined for 24 dairy pastures sampled for up to 7 years in regions of the North and South Islands.

Results

In general, infection levels were high and showed small increases over time. Some pastures failed to reach 70% infection. The sown, selected endophytes were the dominant endophyte strains present and these were stable over time. Standard endophyte was the primary nonsown endophyte, and while generally low and so of little importance, it increased over time and for some pastures, this would have been detrimental to livestock. Pasture establishment technique influenced the level of contamination.

Conclusions

Results reinforce the importance of following best practice procedures in the seed industry and on‐farm. Researchers should monitor trials for contaminating nonsown standard endophyte.
Evaluation of the effect of Nigella sativa oil on the outcome of missed abortion in women: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Mohammadi Belgheis , Nazari Robati Leila , Tavakol Zeinab , Movahhed Mina
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Due to the concern about the side effects of chemical drugs and their ineffectiveness, the use of natural compounds as alternatives or complementary therapies has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil on the outcome of missed abortion.

Methods

In this double‐blind clinical trial, 70 nulliparous pregnant women referred to Hajar Hospital and Imam Ali clinics of Shahrekord and had missed abortion before the 12‐week gestational age were selected and randomly divided into two interventions and control groups. The intervention group received 5 g of Nigella sativa oil alone daily for up to 3 days and the control group received a placebo. In case of nonresponse, 3 days after the last dose of medication or placebo, 800 μg of misoprostol (vaginal) were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. The chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t‐test and paired t‐test were used for analytical statistics.

Results

According to the results, 18 cases (51.4%) in the intervention group and seven cases (20%) in the control group showed complete evacuation of uterine contents which had a significant difference (p < 0.05). The frequency of vagina physical examination and type of hemorrhage did not show any significant difference between the two groups before and after the intervention. After the intervention, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was significantly decreased in the intervention group but did not change in the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of adverse events in the intervention group was three (8.6%) and in the control group was one (2.9%) which had no significant difference.

Conclusion

Nigella sativa improves the outcome of missed abortion by reducing HCG and facilitating cervix dilatation and delivery of uterine contents.
Proposal for a tiered regulatory framework for the aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil
Authors: Santos Gustavo Souza , Casallanovo Fábio , Scorza Júnior Rômulo Penna , Daam Michiel A. , Cione Ana Paola
Published: April 2024

Aquatic risk assessment is essential to guarantee the sustainable use of pesticides and the conservation of water resources near agricultural fields. This article discusses a proposal for a tiered regulatory framework for the aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil. The first step is problem formulation, which includes establishing general and specific protection goals. In the exposure assessment, the Estimated Environmental Concentrations in water should be calculated based on realistic worst-case assumptions regarding application rate and frequency, the entry into the edge-of-field water body, and fate in the water body, using scenario-dependent models suggested by the Brazilian Environmental Agency. These calculations can be refined by including Efate studies with variable exposures to reflect realistic environmental conditions accurately and include mitigation measures that impact the modeling. In the hazard assessment, ecotoxicological data for toxicity to fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, and aquatic plants should be required for all pesticides based on standardized protocols and species. Tier 2 has several refinement options, including incorporating toxicity data from additional test species and effect modeling. In Tier 3, population- and community-level effects are evaluated using semi-field studies. Considering the case study in Brazil, Tier 1 demonstrated that, from the 12 pesticides that were assessed, seven (58%) failed based on the value of the Risk Quotient. In Tier 2, when exposure refinement options and mitigation measures such as buffer zones are considered, all seven pesticides, for which Tier 1 indicated risk, still failed the assessment. The risk for four of these seven pesticides could be refined by considering toxicity information from additional species. Refinement options and mitigation measures that could be applied to the agricultural scenario in Brazil were discussed. In conclusion, the proposed tiered risk assessment is a feasible way to evaluate whether a pesticide will pose an unacceptable risk to aquatic organisms. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1514–1528. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

This article proposes a tiered regulatory framework for aquatic risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil; the framework involves problem formulation, exposure assessment, and hazard assessment, focusing on realistic worst-case scenarios and refined calculations. The application of the proposed tiered approach in a Brazilian case study revealed that 58% of assessed pesticides failed the Tier 1 assessment. Refinement options and mitigation measures that could be applied to the agricultural scenario in Brazil were discussed.
Association analysis between CD14 gene polymorphisms and peri‐implantitis susceptibility in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Jie , Qiao Xiao , Shang Jin
Published: April 2024

Objective

The goal of the study was to examine the genetic correlation of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) gene polymorphisms with peri‐implantitis (PI) predisposition in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

In the case‐control study, blood samples were collected from PI patients and healthy individuals (n = 120/group), who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from 2021 to 2023. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare differences of continuous variables among different groups. Genotype and allele distributions of CD14 gene rs2569190 and rs2915863 polymorphisms were analyzed between groups via χ2 test.

Results

A high percentage of rs2569190 GG genotype or G allele carriers were identified in PI group compared with control group (p < .01). Rs2569190 GG genotype carriers had high risk to develop PI (odds ratio: 2.545, 95% confidence interval: 1.257–5.156, p = .009). The rs2569190 AA genotype carriers had the lowest values of gingival index, plaque index, calculus index, peri‐implant pocket depth, and clinical attachment level, which were the highest in cases with GG genotype.

Conclusion

Rs2569190 polymorphism of CD14 gene was significantly associated with PI predisposition in the Chinese Han population, and the GG genotype and G allele were risk factors for the development of PI.
Dehydroandrographolide facilitates M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating DUSP3 to inhibit sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Shao Yanyan , Yu Weihao , Cai Hailun
Published: April 2024

Background

Sepsis is perceived as lethal tissue damage and significantly increases mortality in combination with acute kidney injury (AKI). M2 macrophages play important roles in the secretion of anti‐inflammatory and tissue repair mediators. We aimed to study the role of Dehydroandrographolide (Deh) in sepsis‐associated AKI in vitro and in vivo through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced macrophages model and cecal ligation and puncture‐induced AKI mice model, and to reveal the mechanism related to M2 macrophage polarization.

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to assess the levels of inflammatory factors. Expression of markers related to M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages were analyzed. Additionally, dual specificity phosphatase 3 (DUSP3) expression was tested. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis and terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labeling staining. Moreover, renal histological assessment was performed by using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Deh reduced inflammation of THP‐1‐derived macrophages exposed to LPS. Besides, Deh induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 and downregulated DUSP3 expression in THP‐1‐derived macrophages under LPS conditions. Further, DUSP3 overexpression reversed the impacts of Deh on the inflammation and M2 macrophages polarization of THP‐1‐derived macrophages stimulated by LPS. Additionally, human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) in the condition medium from DUSP3‐overexpressed THP‐1‐derived macrophages treated with LPS and Deh displayed decreased viability and increased apoptosis and inflammation. The in vivo results suggested that Deh improved the renal function, ameliorated pathological injury, induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2, suppressed inflammation and apoptosis, and downregulated DUSP3 expression in sepsis‐induced mice.

Conclusion

Deh facilitated M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating DUSP3 to inhibit septic AKI.
Meta‐analysis of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and its short forms: A two‐part study
Authors: Raimondi Giulia , Balsamo Michela , Carlucci Leonardo , Alivernini Fabio , Lucidi Fabio , Samela Tonia , Innamorati Marco
Published: April 2024

The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is the most used self‐report questionnaire to assess deficits in emotion regulation (ER), composed of 6 dimensions and 36 items. Many studies have evaluated its factor structure, not always confirming the original results, and proposed different factor models. A possible way to try to identify the dimensionality of the DERS could be through a meta‐analysis with structural equation models (MASEM) of its factor structure. The MASEM indicated that a six‐factor model with 32 items (DERS‐32) was the most suitable to represent the dimensionality of the DERS (χ2 = 2095.96, df = 449, p < .001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.024, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.023–0.025; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; Tucker Lewis index [TLI] = 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.04). This result was also confirmed by a confirmatory factor analysis (χ2 = 3229.67, df = 449, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.073–0.078; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.05) on a new sample (1092 participants; mean age: 28.28, SD = 5.82 years) recruited from the Italian population. Analyses and results from this sample are reported in the second study of this work. The DERS‐32 showed satisfactory internal consistency (i.e., ordinal α, Molenaar Sijtsma statistic, and latent class reliability coefficient) for all its dimensions and correctly categorized individuals with probable borderline symptomatology. In conclusion, the DERS‐32 has demonstrated to be the best model for the DERS among all the others considered in this work, as well as a reliable tool to assess deficits in ER.
X‐Band 130‐nm CMOS transceiver front‐end with a broadband attenuator design for phased‐array systems
Authors: Pang Dongwei , Wu Shiwei , Wang Yan , Gui Yongfeng , Duan Zongming , Wang Gang
Published: April 2024

This letter demonstrates an X‐band transceiver front‐end in 130‐nm CMOS technology for phased‐array systems. To solve the problem that passive attenuator performance deteriorates significantly in wideband systems, a 6‐bit attenuator with source follower and common‐gate amplifier is proposed. Besides, an 8‐bit vector‐summing phase shifter is implemented in common path to realize the phase coverage of 360° with the least significant bit of 5.625°. In the frequency range of 8–12 GHz, the measured root‐mean‐square (rms) amplitude and phase errors of the attenuator in the transceiver are less than 0.36 dB and 2.2°, respectively. The rms phase and amplitude errors of the phase shifter in the transceiver are less than 4.8° and 0.56 dB, respectively. The whole chip area including pads is 3 × 2.3 mm2.
Incorporating plan complexity into the statistical process control of volumetric modulated arc therapy pre‐treatment verifications
Authors: Russo Serenella , Saez Jordi , Esposito Marco , Bruschi Andrea , Ghirelli Alessandro , Pini Silvia , Scoccianti Silvia , Hernandez Victor
Published: April 2024

Background

Statistical process control (SPC) is a powerful statistical tool for process monitoring that has been highly recommended in healthcare applications, including radiation therapy quality assurance (QA). The AAPM TG‐218 report described the clinical implementation of SPC for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) pre‐treatment verifications, pointing out the need to adjust tolerance limits based on plan complexity. However, the quantification of plan complexity and its integration into SPC remains an unresolved challenge.

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the incorporation of plan complexity into the SPC framework for VMAT pre‐treatment verifications. The study explores and evaluates various strategies for this incorporation, discussing their merits and limitations, and provides recommendations for clinical application.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 VMAT plans from diverse anatomical sites using the PTW OCTAVIUS 4D device for QA measurements. Gamma Passing Rates (GPR) were obtained, and lower control limits were computed using both the conventional Shewhart method and three heuristic methods (scaled weighted variance, weighted standard deviations, and skewness correction) to accommodate non‐normal data distributions. The ‘Identify‐Eliminate‐Recalculate’ method was employed for robust analysis. Eight complexity metrics were analyzed and two distinct strategies for incorporating plan complexity into SPC were assessed. The first strategy focused on establishing control limits for different treatment sites, while the second was based on the determination of control limits as a function of individual plan complexity. The study extensively examines the correlation between control limits and plan complexity and assesses the impact of complexity metrics on the control process.

Results

The control limits established using SPC were strongly influenced by the complexity of treatment plans. In the first strategy, a clear correlation was found between control limits and average plan complexity for each site. The second approach derived control limits based on individual plan complexity metrics, enabling tailored tolerance limits. In both strategies, tolerance limits inversely correlated with plan complexity, resulting in all highly complex plans being classified as in control. In contrast, when plans were collectively analyzed without considering complexity, all the out‐of‐control plans were highly complex.

Conclusions

Incorporating plan complexity into SPC for VMAT verifications requires meticulous and comprehensive analysis. To ensure overall process control, we advocate for stringent control and minimization of plan complexity during treatment planning, especially when control limits are adjusted based on plan complexity.
Operators Need to Know Safety Practices
Authors: Adams Hunter , Reyes Dimas , Cottrell Ashley , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: April 2024

Understanding how basic safety practices can affect the daily work of operators can reduce the chance of harm to personnel and infrastructure.
Medication recommendations for treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Price Morgan R. , Mead Kaelyn E. , Cowell Diana M. , Troutner Alyssa M. , Barton Tyler E. , Walters Sheryl A. , Daniels Clinton J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to ascertain guideline‐recommended pharmaceutical approaches to lumbosacral radicular symptoms, assess the quality of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool, and qualitatively synthesize the guideline recommendations.

Literature Survey

Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). We included guidelines published between January 1, 2017, and January 9, 2022, written in the English language, related to radiculopathy, sciatica, and/or low back pain with leg pain, and that provided recommendations on oral medication.

Methodology

The review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and the protocol was pre‐registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Eligibility screening, full‐text review, extraction of information pertaining to pharmacological management, and synthesis of results were performed independently by two authors and a third investigator was recruited to arbitrate any disagreements. The AGREE II tool was administered by four authors to appraise CPG quality.

Synthesis

After screening 413 citations and assessing 37 full‐text articles, 11 CPGs met the inclusion criteria. They represented seven countries (Belgium, Canada, England, France, Japan, Korea, and United States) and three continents (Asia, Europe, and North America), as well as the Global Spine Care Initiative aimed at a worldwide presence. The mean overall AGREE II score was 87.1% (standard deviation [SD] 12.6%), generally reflecting high‐quality CPGs. The highest domain mean score was for Clarity of Presentation (96.7%, SD 4.4%), and the lowest was Applicability (75.6%, SD 22.8%). Five classes of medications were recommended by at least one CPG: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, oral corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids.

Conclusions

The most common medication class recommended by the CPGs for lumbar radiculopathy was antidepressants. No CPGs recommended prescribing acetaminophen, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or antibiotics. There was very little agreement between the CPGs, and all the medication classes had at least one CPG recommended against its use. Three guidelines reviewed did not recommend any medications due to lack of supporting literature, and instead recommended nonpharmacologic therapy.
The effect of cold plasma seed treatments on nodulation and plant growth in pea (Pisum sativum) and lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Abeysingha Dhanuja N. , Dinesh Shifa , Roopesh M. S. , Warkentin Thomas D. , Thilakarathna Malinda S.
Published: April 2024

Cold plasma enhances various biological processes in plants. This study assessed the impact of cold plasma seed treatments on nodulation, root, and shoot growth in pea and lentil under controlled environmental conditions. Seeds were treated with cold plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and a pin electrode reactor (PER), with three different exposure durations (3, 6, and 12 min). At 4 weeks, notable enhancements were observed in nodule number and dry weight, root dry weight, length, volume, surface area, and shoot dry weight. The 3‐ and 6‐min exposure using the DBD and the 3‐min exposure using the PER system demonstrated the most significant increases or upward trends in these traits, highlighting the intricate nature of seed–plasma interactions.
Increasing diversity, precarity and prolonged periods of education in the transition from school to work in Britain
Authors: Pelikh Alina , Rowe Francisco
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates whether the British pattern of an early transition from school to work persists. We apply sequence analysis to data from the British Household Panel Survey and the U.K. Household Longitudinal Study to study how education and employment trajectories of young adults born in 1974–1990 differ by 5‐year birth cohort, gender, and socioeconomic background. The distinctive British early transition from school to work is still prevalent, although trajectories have become more complex and precarious with an increase in part‐time employment and prolonged stays in education among the youngest cohorts. Occupational outcomes of highly educated men and women were similar. However, women who did not continue education were more likely to experience turbulent transitions with longer spells of part‐time work and inactivity. The proportion of university graduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds has increased, yet their chances of being in professional and managerial occupations remain significantly lower.
Analyzing the factors affecting university contributions to achieving the sustainable development goals in European Union countries
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Nicolò Giuseppe , L'Abate Vitiana , Vitolla Filippo
Published: April 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a set of ambitious and interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations to address the most urgent global challenges. Among various institutions, universities play a vital role in advancing the SDGs, serving as significant catalysts for progress. The challenges associated with universities' engagement in accomplishing the SDGs have captured the attention of scholars. Nevertheless, an area that remains largely unexplored pertains to the factors that could potentially influence universities' contributions to the SDGs. This study, under the lens of legitimacy and stakeholder theories, seeks to address this significant gap by analyzing the factors driving the contributions of universities located in European Union countries towards the achievement of the SDGs. The econometric analysis, conducted on a sample of 210 European Union universities, shows that the size of the universities, the board size and the degree of gender diversity represent factors that positively affect the contribution that these institutions offer to the achievement of the SDGs.
Environment Benign Bismuth Based Catalysts for the Expedite Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides Under Solvent Free Microwave Condition
Authors: Gupta Deeksha , Singh Prabal P.
Published: April 2024

Bismuth‐based catalysts, namely Bi(PO4), (BiO)2CO3, BiF3, and Bi2(C2O4)3, are used as mild and efficient tools for the aminolysis of epoxides under solvent‐free conditions with microwave irradiation, which significantly reduced the reaction time. The catalysts employed are environment friendly, cost‐effective, and demonstrated high efficiency in terms of both high yields and regioselectivity.
Magnetic, Biocompatible and Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel for Cationic Dye Adsorption
Authors: Kurdtabar Mehran , Akhlaghi Fatemeh , Marandi Gholam Bagheri , Nakhjiri Mahdi Taghvay , Hasan Zargazi Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Ensuring the availability of water resources that are both clean and safe is crucial for the preservation of environmental health and the well‐being of humans. Here, we fabricated carboxymethyl cellulose‐based hydrogel nanocomposite using acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfuric acid (AMPS) monomers and Fe3O4 nanoparticles through a free radical crosslinking process for adsorption of dyes from contaminated water. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel was characterized using various techniques, including TEM, XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, TGA, and AFM analysis. The swelling capacity of samples in an aqueous medium at multiple pH levels and the presence of different salts were investigated. The adsorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV), emphasizing the effect of hydrogel concentration and the medium's pH, was studied. It was concluded that the hydrogel sample containing 17 % AMPS and 51 % AA had better swelling capacity and dye removal efficiency. The dye adsorption kinetics data were fitted to pseudo‐first and second‐order kinetic models and the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB and CV was 53.97 and 53.57 mg/g, respectively. It was revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model could best describe adsorption (qe=79.2 mg/g for MB and qe=65.8 mg/g for CV). The intra‐particle diffusion model was found to be the rate‐limiting mechanism of dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies proposed that the adsorption of MB and CV was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel‘s reusability up to four successive cycles further determines its probability of adsorption of dyes from wastewater.
Preparation and Study of Ti3C2Tx MXene–Deficient In Situ Anchored Fe−Co Alloy Nanoparticle Electrocatalyst for Hydrolysis and Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Zeng Xiancai , Liu Li , Sun Xianghua , Ma Yue , Li Wenhao , Ma Yan , Wu Keliang , Wang Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

The novel two–dimensional MXene material Ti3C2Tx has the advantages of a large specific surface area, adjustable band gap, good electrical conductivity, and high stability. However, the precipitation of hydrogen via electrolytic water splitting over Ti3C2Tx has unacceptably slow kinetics. In this paper, Co nanoparticles were incorporated on the Ti3C2TxMXene surface via electrostatic adsorption by utilizing the intrinsic MXene defects generated during the etching process. Next, a Fe−Co alloy structure was also constructed on the Ti3C2TxMXenesurface by wet chemical impregnation method using the principle of galvanic coupling substitution. The prepared catalyst had an overpotential of 118 mV at a current density of 10 mA‐cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 97.56 mV dec−1. The Fe−Co alloy structure accelerated the kinetic hydrogen precipitation step, and Fe−Co/Ti3C2Txshowed excellent stability when used in a water electrolysis process for 11 h. This work offers a promising strategy for the synthesis of intrinsically defective synthetic alloy MXene structures.
Rapid Synthesis of Phthalonitrile based Push‐Pull Bent Dibenzodioxin and its Utility in Selective Sensing of Ferric Ions
Authors: Raghava Tanya , Banerjee Subhadeep , Bhavana Purushothaman
Published: April 2024

A phthalonitrile‐based bent shaped push‐pull dibenzodioxin was synthesized using an efficient and rapid monowave reactor‐assisted protocol in acceptable yields. When aqueous Fe3+ ion solution was added to the bent dibenzodioxin in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the fluorescence intensity of bent dibenzodioxin at 450 nm was quenched significantly. UV‐visible and fluorimetric measurements displayed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe3+ over other metal ions, with a low detection limit of 0.67 μM. Fluorimetric investigations like interference and reversibility test of bent‐dibenzodioxin with Fe3+ led to proving it as a potential canditate for chemosensor application. Job's plot showed 1 : 2 stoichiometry between the bent‐dibenzodioxin and Fe3+ ions respectively and it was proposed that the the binding of one of the Fe3+ ion is from the phenanthroline‐like bent pocket, featuring two oxygen atoms and the other Fe3+ ions binds with the two ortho‐dinitrile units of the bent‐dibenzodioxin.
Sonography in a large Australian public ultrasound service: 10 years of change and innovation
Authors: Coombs P. R. , Chen J. , Curry G. J. , Fang J. , Lavender I. , Lee A. , Lever F. , Lim S. , McLean G. , O'Reilly C. , Vanhaltren K. , Ptasznik R.
Published: April 2024

With, Sonography, celebrating its 10th birthday, it is timely to reflect on the changes in ultrasound and the role of the sonographer, across the same period. This paper will present the significant changes that have occurred across the last 10 years in a large public hospital network in Australia across a diversity of themes. In the areas where challenges have emerged, the way these were navigated will be described. Documenting this change in ultrasound provision may be valuable to future planning for all key stakeholders.
Biomolecular Condensates: From Bacterial Compartments to Incubator Spaces of Emergent Chemical Systems in Matter‐to‐Life Transitions
Authors: Schnorr Wade E. , Childers W. Seth
Published: April 2024

At the earliest development of prebiotic chemistry, bacterial cells were primarily viewed as “bags of molecules.” This longstanding viewpoint shaped and biased early research about life's origins, setting an initial target when considering the path from prebiotic chemistry to modern life. The two fields of systems chemistry and bacterial cell biology seem like oil and water, but each brings their own perspectives and methods to consider “what is life?”. Here, we review the most recent discoveries in bacterial cell biology, focusing on biomolecular condensates to consider how they may impact our thinking of matter‐to‐life transitions. The presence of condensate compartments in the bacterial domain of life strengthens the hypothesis that condensates play roles in coordinating chemical systems in life's origins. Bacterial condensates have been shown to enhance enzymatic reactions, tune substrate specificity, and be responsive to environmental conditions and metabolites. Systems chemistry studies have further illuminated the unique chemical environment within condensates and strategies for logically tying chemical processes to the formation and dissolution of condensates. We consider the potential of biomolecular condensates to provide “incubator spaces” where new chemistries can develop and examine future challenges regarding the capability of condensates to yield emergent chemical systems capable of selection.
The Foundations: ECO_CARE
Authors: Poto Margherita Paola , Parola Giulia
Published: April 2024

This chapter outlines the primary objective of the ECO_CARE project: establishing a cooperative governance framework that legally recognizes water and communities as living entities with inherent rights. The chapter underscores the crucial role of water in sustaining life and argues for an ecologically integrated approach to water sustainability and governance, critically analysing the inadequacies of top-down approaches in meeting global environmental goals. Water-related challenges such as scarcity, contamination, and unequal distribution are identified, leading to environmental stress that adversely impacts community and biodiversity rights. The project proposes a water-centric legal response grounded in environmental law, advocating for an integral understanding of water value, interconnectedness, and the necessity of protective actions. The methodological approach of the project relies on legal research and ecological ethics, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and care to foster thoughtful relations within and between ecological communities. The chapter details the project's initial step in remodelling water governance by expanding participatory environmental rights from procedural to substantive positions. This transformative shift aims to amplify the voices of nature defenders and acknowledge nature’s intrinsic value, challenging Euro and Western-centric perspectives.
Cardiff
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides background information on the City of Cardiff, capital of Wales, within the United Kingdom, before exploring what is known of its residents with a precarious status. It explains Cardiff City Council’s relevant duties and powers, relative to those of the Welsh and UK governments, and the complexity created by the overlapping legal and policy remits of these different authorities. The chapter sets out our research findings in relation to the city, providing detail on the ways in which migrants with a precarious status are granted access, or excluded, from services; the range of barriers that they face; the Council’s relationship with NGOs in relation to service provision and its internal governance arrangements; as well as the capacity issues the Council itself faces in relation to this group of residents.
Vienna
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides background information on the City of Vienna, the capital city of Austria and both a municipal and regional authority, before exploring what is known of its residents with a precarious status. It explains Vienna City Council’s relevant duties and powers, relative to those of the Federal government, and the complexity created by the overlapping legal and policy remits of these different authorities. The chapter sets out our research findings in relation to the city, providing detail on the ways in which migrants with a precarious status are granted access, or excluded, from services; the range of barriers that they face; the Council’s relationship with NGOs in relation to service provision and its internal governance arrangements; as well as the capacity issues the Council itself faces in relation to this group of residents.
City Approaches Compared
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

In this chapter we draw out some key themes of comparison in relation to context, the cities’ overall approaches towards their residents with precarious status, and their framing of any rationales that have been expressed for inclusion in services. We then compare practices in relation to the four areas of service provision on which we have focused: healthcare, accommodation, education, and legal services. We conclude with observations on common barriers to accessing those services, on the roles of NGOs, and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solvable limit of ETH matrix model for double-scaled SYK
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi , Suyama Takao
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We study the two-matrix model for double-scaled SYK model, called ETH matrix model introduced by Jafferis et al. [arXiv:2209.02131]. If we set the parameters qA, qB of this model to zero, the potential of this two-matrix model is given by the Gaussian terms and the q-commutator squared interaction. We find that this model is solvable in the large N limit and we explicitly construct the planar one- and two-point function of resolvents in terms of elliptic functions.
Envisioning the Architectural-Urban Nexus in Renaissance Florence in the Case of Palazzo Rucellai
Authors: Mols Nick M. L. , Pezzica Camilla
Published: April 2024

Florence counts as one of the cradles of European Renaissance art and architecture where linear perspective first emerged. These developments led to the pivotal role perception played in Florence’s architectural and urban design conceptions, as seen in the works of Brunelleschi (1377–1446), Michelozzo (1396–1472), and Alberti (1404–1472), among others. Alberti'sDe re aedificatoriapresented an analogy of the city as a house and vice versa, negating hard distinctions between architectural and urban design, while Alberti’s oeuvre, particularlyDe pictura, underscores the primacy of the eye. This suggests the exploration of mathematical relationships between architectural façades and urban space configurations within the Florentine context. Through this approach, the paper explores the cases of Palazzo Pitti, Strozzi, and Rucellai, and advances ongoing debates regarding Palazzo Rucellai’s envisioned finished appearance by using a 3D Digital Twin (DT) of the palace and its immediate urban context to test alternative façade hypotheses. Ultimately, the results unveil the multidimensional character of Renaissance architectural façade design and their urban role as signifiers of the cultural, intellectual, economic, and political valour of their inhabitants.
Mechanical Essence of Double-Arc Formation Along the Eastern Aleutian Subduction Zone
Authors: Hashimoto Chihiro , Kuroiwa Suguru
Published: April 2024

The free-air gravity anomaly along the Aleutian subduction zone exhibits a single set of negative and positive trench-parallel belts in the western region, whereas it exhibits doubled negative–positive trench-parallel belts in the eastern region. The eastern inner–western positive gravitational belt corresponds to the topographic chain of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. However, the eastern outer positive gravitational belt does not coincide with the chain of the topographic outer-arc highs. In this study, we determined the across-trench profiles of the plate interface geometry for the western and eastern Aleutian subduction zones on the basis of the hypocentre distribution. The surface uplift rates computed from the dislocation-based two-dimensional subduction model for the Aleutian plate interface profiles adequately reproduced the western single-arc and eastern double-arc characteristics. The essential factors of the double-arc formation are a low subduction dip angle and a bimodal plate interface curvature distribution within the elastic lithosphere. The double-arc highs of the computed uplift rates more closely coincided with the gravitational highs than the current topographic highs. This implies that tectonic events in the past caused the topographic activity shift towards the continental shelf edge and the subsequent topographic readjustment under the current tectonic state.
Challenges as catalysts: how Waymo’s Open Dataset Challenges shape AI development
Authors: Hind Sam , van der Vlist Fernando N. , Kanderske Max
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming increasingly significant areas of research for scholars in science and technology studies (STS) and media studies. In March 2020, Waymo, Google/Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle project, introduced the ‘Open Dataset Virtual Challenge’, an annual competition leveraging their Waymo Open Dataset. This freely accessible dataset comprises annotated autonomous vehicle data from their own Waymo vehicles. Yearly, Waymo has continued to host iterations of this challenge, inviting teams of computer scientists to tackle evolving machine learning and vision problems using Google's data and tools. This article analyses these challenges, situating them within the context of the ‘Grand Challenges’ of artificial intelligence (AI), which aimed to foster accountable and commercially viable advancements in the late 1980s. Through two exploratory workshops, we adopted a ‘technographic’ approach to examine the pivotal role of challenges in the development and political economy of AI. Serving as an organising principle for the AI innovation ecosystem, the challenge connects companies and external collaborators, driving advancements in specific machine vision domains. By exploring six key themes—interface methods, incrementalism, metrics, AI vernacular, applied domains, and competitive advantages—the article illustrates the role of these challenges in shaping AI research and development. By unpacking the dynamic interaction between data, computation, and labour, these challenges serve as catalysts propelling advancements towards self-driving technologies. The study reveals how challenges have historically and presently shaped the evolving landscape of self-driving and AI technologies.
How strength asymmetries shape multi-sided conflicts
Authors: Cortes-Corrales Sebastian , Gorny Paul M.
Published: April 2024

Governments and multilateral organisations often attempt to influence multi-sided violent conflicts by supporting or undermining one of the conflicting parties. We investigate the (intended and unintended) consequences of strengthening or weakening an agent in a multi-sided conflict. Using a conflict network based on Franke and Öztürk (J Public Econ 126:104–113, 2015), we study how changing the strength of otherwise symmetric agents creates knock-on effects throughout the network. Increasing or decreasing an agent’s strength has the same unintended consequences. Changes in the strength of an agent induce a relocation of conflict investments: Distant conflicts are carried out more fiercely. In line with previous results, asymmetry reduces aggregate conflict investments. In the case of bipartite networks, with two conflicting tacit groups with aligned interests, agents in the group of the (now) strong or weak agent face more intense conflicts. Furthermore, in conflicts where the (now strong or weak) agent is not involved, the probabilities of winning remain unchanged compared to the symmetric case.
Medication use before and during pregnancy in Japan: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Noda Aoi , Obara Taku , Shirota Matsuyuki , Ueno Fumihiko , Matsuzaki Fumiko , Hatanaka Rieko , Obara Ryo , Morishita Kei , Shinoda Genki , Orui Masatsugu , Murakami Keiko , Ishikuro Mami , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To elucidate the status of medication use among pregnant women in Japan, by means of a multigenerational genome and birth cohort study: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study (TMM BirThree Cohort Study).

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to pregnant women participating in the TMM BirThree Cohort Study (from July 2013 to March 2017) around 12 weeks (early pregnancy) and 26 weeks (middle pregnancy). We analysed medication use over three periods: (1) 12 months prior to pregnancy diagnosis, (2) the period between pregnancy diagnosis and around week 12 of pregnancy, and (3) post around week 12 of pregnancy.

Results

In total, 19,297 women were included in the analysis. The proportion of pregnant women using medications was 49.0% prior to pregnancy diagnosis, 52.1% from diagnosis to week 12, and 58.4% post week 12 of pregnancy. The most frequently prescribed medications were loxoprofen sodium hydrate (5.5%) prior to pregnancy diagnosis, magnesium oxide (5.9%) from diagnosis to week 12, and ritodrine hydrochloride (10.5%) post week 12 of pregnancy. The number of women who used suspected teratogenic medications during early pregnancy was 96 prior to pregnancy diagnosis, 48 from diagnosis to week 12, and 54 post week 12 of pregnancy.

Conclusion

We found that ~ 50% of the pregnant women used medications before and during pregnancy and some took potential teratogenic medications during pregnancy. In birth genomic cohort study, it is expected that investigations into the safety and effectiveness of medications used during pregnancy will advance.