bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of climate change on irrigation canal performance
Authors: Mohebbi Hamideh , Ghodousi Hesam , Shahverdi Kazem
Published: January 2024

Irrigation canals are the main systems that convey water from sources to demand nodes. Their performance is affected by climate change. In this research, the effect of climate change on temperature and precipitation was investigated in the Aghili irrigation network over the base period 1994–2017, and the Aghili east canal performance was consequently assessed. To this end, the climate data were first assessed by the Mann–Kendall test to determine trends. Then, changes in temperature and precipitation were simulated using HadGEM2‐ES in the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS‐WG) under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) of 2.6 and 8.5 over the periods 2021–2040 and 2041–2060. CROPWAT8 was used to calculate the crop water requirement and irrigation hydromodule, and the turnout flow in the considered canal was calculated next. Finally, the canal was simulated and assessed. The results showed that the maximum temperature, evapotranspiration and turnout flow increases are 3.7°C, 1.45 mm/day and 39 L/s, respectively, related to the base timescale. Additionally, the adequacy performance decreased to 0.768 from 0.986, leading to a maximum extra water requirement of 15.1 million m3/year in the Aghili east canal under a pessimistic scenario.
Sensory acceptability and nutritional quality of composite bread with added puree from biofortified beans in Malawi
Authors: Kasapila William , Mwangwela Agnes Mbachi , Njera Dumbo , Matumba Limbikani , Ng'ong'ola Manani Tinna , Banda Richard , Nyirenda Lackson
Published: January 2024

Of late, the global supply of wheat is increasingly becoming lower and lower due to the continuing Russia–Ukraine war, blockages of major seaports as a result of the war and climate change. Importing countries are hardest hit as prices skyrocket. Millions of people relying on bread as staple food are affected in multiple ways. New methods to prepare composite bread that meets sensory and nutritional needs of consumers are needed to help address the problem. This study modified the standard recipe and developed bread with 20%, 30% and 50% of the wheat flour substituted by puree from NUA 45 biofortified beans. Ascorbic acid was added to improve the functionality of the yeast and the quality of the bread. Testers rated the 20% bean puree bread as the most acceptable. The appearance, flavour and taste imparted by the bean puree and lemon juice were the major sensory attributes for acceptance, accounting for over 65.79% of the variance in the principal component analysis. Although the test bread was slightly denser than the traditional one with 100% wheat flour, the bean puree enhanced the nutritional quality with average proximate values of protein found to be 1.66 ± 0.18, fat 7.42 ± 0.36, carbohydrates 57.19 ± 0.27, iron 2.04 ± 0.03 and zinc 2.25 ± 0.02 per 100 g of sample. The study concludes that puree from beans can be used to replace 20%–30% of wheat flour in bread making. The bread can be an option for people interested in variety, heavier meals and nutrition.
Temperature and hypoxia‐driven shifts in Daphnia interspecific competition
Authors: Maszczyk Piotr , Krajewski Karol , Leniowski Konrad , Pukos Szymon , Wawrzeńczak Julia , Wilczynski Wojciech , Zebrowski Marcin Lukasz , Lee Jae‐Seong , Babkiewicz Ewa
Published: January 2024

Previous research has shown that elevated temperature and environmental hypoxia are associated with a reduced representation of larger‐bodied species in communities of ectotherms, suggesting their competitive disadvantage resulting from increased oxygen demands and limited oxygen availability. To investigate this, we conducted a comparative analysis of two pairs of competing zooplankton species: Daphnia galeata (smaller‐bodied) and Daphnia pulex (larger‐bodied), as well as D. pulex (smaller‐bodied) and Daphnia magna (larger‐bodied). We monitored their population dynamics under different oxygen concentrations and temperatures, and additionally measured hemoglobin concentration in the latter pair. Contrary to expectations, the results demonstrated that the larger‐bodied species outcompeted the smaller‐bodied ones in all experimental treatments involving the first pair of species. In the second pair, elevated temperature favored the smaller‐bodied species, while environmental hypoxia had the opposite effect. The competitive advantage of D. pulex under elevated temperature likely stemmed from their ability to allocate energy from somatic growth to reproduction, as indicated by the increased number of reproducing females. Conversely, the competitive advantage of D. magna under environmental hypoxia may be attributed to their ability to reallocate energy from reproduction to somatic growth, as indicated by lower reproductive effort and greater plasticity in hemoglobin production. These findings indicate that elevated temperature and hypoxia can independently and jointly influence interspecific competitive abilities by impacting the pace of life. However, the numerical dominance of smaller‐sized species in warm and hypoxic zooplankton communities cannot be explained by their enhanced competitive abilities resulting from a more favorable oxygen supply demand balance.
Herpes Zoster and Risk of Incident Parkinson's Disease in US Veterans: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Tunnicliffe Louis , Weil Rimona S. , Breuer Judith , Rodriguez‐Barradas Maria C. , Smeeth Liam , Rentsch Christopher T. , Warren‐Gash Charlotte
Published: January 2024

Background

Although some systemic infections are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), the relationship between herpes zoster (HZ) and PD is unclear.

Objective

The objective is to investigate whether HZ is associated with incident PD risk in a matched cohort study using data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Methods

We compared the risk of PD between individuals with incident HZ matched to up to five individuals without a history of HZ using Cox proportional hazards regression. In sensitivity analyses, we excluded early outcomes.

Results

Among 198,099 individuals with HZ and 976,660 matched individuals without HZ (median age 67.0 years (interquartile range [IQR 61.4–75.7]); 94% male; median follow‐up 4.2 years [IQR 1.9–6.6]), HZ was not associated with an increased risk of incident PD overall (adjusted HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–1.01) or in any sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that HZ was associated with increased risk of incident PD in this cohort. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Stability analysis of a solution for the fractional‐order model on rabies transmission dynamics using a fixed‐point approach
Authors: Garg Prachi , Chauhan (Gonder) Surjeet Singh
Published: January 2024

Understanding the complex phenomena of rabies transmission dynamics requires effective tools. This research leverages the capabilities of the fixed‐point approach and employs the theoretical results to solve the model and extract meaningful insights from the results. So, a nonlinear ratio‐dependent incidence rate and a non‐integer Caputo‐Fabrizio derivative have been used to develop the rabies transmission dynamic model. The study investigated the results for the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the model (i.e., unique disease‐free equilibrium point) using Geraghty‐type contraction in b‐complete b‐dislocated quasi metric space. Additionally, determine the stability conditions for the disease‐free equilibrium point that the fixed point theorem provides by examining the range of the parameters. For this, we have established definitions, lemmas, and theorems that provide the conditions for the equilibrium point and its stability conditions for the model that contribute to a deeper understanding of the spread of infection. This research underscores the essential role played by the model and fixed‐point approach in advancing knowledge concerning rabies transmission dynamics.
Profiles of Intestinal Flora in Breastfed Obese Children and Selecting Functional Strains Against Obesity
Authors: Liang Cong , Niu Hai‐Yue , Lyu Lin‐Zheng , Wu Yi‐Fan , Zhang Lan‐Wei
Published: January 2024

Scope

Breast milk has the potential to prevent childhood obesity by providing probiotics, but there are still instances of obesity in breastfed children.

Methods and Results

This study investigates the difference in intestinal flora structure between breastfed children with obesity (OB‐BF) and normal‐weight breastfed children (N‐BF). Building upon this foundation, it employs both cell and mouse models to identify an antiobesity strain within the fecal matter of N‐BF children and explore its underlying mechanisms. The results reveal a reduction in lactobacillus levels within the intestinal flora of OB‐BF children compared to N‐BF children. Consequently, Lactobacillus plantarum H‐72 (H‐72) is identified as a promising candidate due to its capacity to stimulate glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion in enteroendocrine cells (ECCs). In vivo, H‐72 effectively increases serum GLP‐1 concentration, reduces food intake, regulates the expression of genes related to energy metabolism (SCD‐1, FAS, UCP‐1, and UCP‐3), and regulates gut microbiota structure in mice. Moreover, the lipoteichoic acid of H‐72 activates toll‐like receptor 4 to enhanced GLP‐1 secretion in STC‐1 cells.

Conclusions

L. plantarum H‐72 is screened out for its potential antiobesity effect, which presents a potential and promising avenue for future interventions aimed at preventing pediatric obesity in breastfed children.
Planar antenna array synthesis for wireless power transmission based on brain storm optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Qing He , Shan Yan , Shen Zhao Yang , Liu Guang Xu
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the synthesis of a two‐dimensional transmitting planar antenna array for a wireless power transmission system. The antenna synthesis problem is transformed into an optimization problem under multiple constraints. Accordingly, a brainstorming optimization algorithm is utilized to optimize the element position of the planar antenna arrays under the constraints of aperture size, array spacing, and side lobe level. A numerical simulation of the beam collection efficiency is conducted under different receiving region shapes. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method in optimizing the two‐dimensional transmitting planar antenna array for wireless power transmission systems.
Reducing windmill artifacts in clinical spiral CT using a deep learning‐based projection raw data upsampling: Method and robustness evaluation
Authors: Magonov Jan , Maier Joscha , Erath Julien , Sunnegårdh Johan , Fournié Eric , Stierstorfer Karl , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: January 2024

Background

Multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) requires an interpolation between adjacent detector rows during backprojection. Not satisfying the Nyquist sampling condition along the z‐axis results in aliasing effects, also known as windmill artifacts. These image distortions are characterized by bright streaks diverging from high contrast structures.

Purpose

The z‐flying focal spot (zFFS) is a well‐established hardware‐based solution that aims to double the sampling rate in longitudinal direction and therefore reduce aliasing artifacts. However, given the technical complexity of the zFFS, this work proposes a deep learning‐based approach as an alternative solution.

Methods

We propose a supervised learning approach to perform a mapping between input projections and the corresponding rows required for double sampling in the z‐direction. We present a comprehensive evaluation using both a clinical dataset obtained using raw data from 40 real patient scans acquired with zFFS and a synthetic dataset consisting of 100 simulated spiral scans using a phantom specifically designed for our problem. For the clinical dataset, we utilized 32 scans as training set and 8 scans as validation set, whereas for the synthetic dataset, we used 80 scans for training and 20 scans for validation purposes. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments are conducted on a test set consisting of nine real patient scans and six phantom measurements to validate the performance of our approach. A simulation study was performed to investigate the robustness against different scan configurations in terms of detector collimation and pitch value.

Results

In the quantitative comparison based on clinical patient scans from the test set, all network configurations show an improvement in the root mean square error (RMSE) of approximately 20% compared to neglecting the doubled longitudinal sampling by the zFFS. The results of the qualitative analysis indicate that both clinical and synthetic training data can reduce windmill artifacts through the application of a correspondingly trained network. Together with the qualitative results from the test set phantom measurements it is emphasized that a training of our method with synthetic data resulted in superior performance in windmill artifact reduction.

Conclusions

Deep learning‐based raw data interpolation has the potential to enhance the sampling in z‐direction and thus minimize aliasing effects, as it is the case with the zFFS. Especially a training with synthetic data showed promising results. While it may not outperform zFFS, our method represents a beneficial solution for CT scanners lacking the necessary hardware components for zFFS.
Research delivery secondments: A scoping review
Authors: Hare Naomi , Grieve Sharon , Valentine Janine , Menzies Julie
Published: January 2024

Aim

To explore and summarise published literature with regards to secondments to clinical research and to identify the gaps in research to inform further work.

Design

Systematic scoping review.

Method

A scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence and Research framework. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, Medline and Embase. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied by two independent reviewers. Two reviewers independently retrieved full‐text studies for inclusion and applied the framework as a tool for synthesising Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence and Research recommendations.

Results

Six papers and one abstract published between 2003 and 2018 were included. All secondees (n = 34) were released from NHS posts, with secondments (where specified) ranging in duration from 0.25 to 2 years and for 40%–100% of their working hours. All seven papers reported benefits for personal and professional development, predominantly in the form of personal reflections. Few described involvement with research delivery teams.

Conclusion

Published initiatives vary in nature and lack standardised reporting and measurement of impact. Further research is required to identify benefits at a departmental or organisational level, the facilitators for setting up secondments and the application of knowledge gained from secondment opportunities.

Implications for the Profession

Undertaking a research secondment is reported to offer professional and personal benefit for clinical staff. Research secondments are one way in which a research culture can practically be embedded within clinical settings.

Impact

This scoping review identified a lack of published empirical research seeking to understand research secondments as a tool to enhance research and evidence engagement. Although there is a suggestion that secondments could positively impact staff retention, there is limited evidence about the benefit for the organisation or for patient care. These findings have implications for staff, managers and their organisations.

Reporting Method

The PRISMA‐ScR guidelines were used to guide reporting.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This was not relevant to the research design.
Analysis of static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon black/carbon nanotubes hybrid filled natural rubber nanocomposites using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics
Authors: Cui Jianzheng , Zeng Fanlin , Wei Dahai , Wang Youshan
Published: January 2024

Nanoparticle (NP)‐filled natural rubber (NR) has attracted much attention owing to their prominent mechanical strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. In this study, the static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon black (CB)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrid filled NR nanocomposites are investigated using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations. The non‐bonded coarse‐grained force fields for the CB/CNTs hybrid filled NR nanocomposites are constructed by combining several methods (i.e., effective force coarse‐graining, iterative Boltzmann inversion, and energy matching methods). The uniaxial tensile results indicate that the gradual replacement of CB by the same weight percentage of CNTs significantly improves the mechanical performances of the nanocomposites and increases the heterogeneity of the stress and strain distributions in the nanocomposites, which can be ascribed to the high mechanical strength of CNTs and the formation of the rigid interface networks between CNTs and the NR matrix due to the wrapping behavior of NR molecular chains on the surface of CNTs. Furthermore, the dynamic shear results demonstrate that the introduction of NPs significantly enhances the Payne effect of the nanocomposites, and the higher the CNT loading in hybrid NPs, the stronger the Payne effect. It is also found that the breakup of NP networks plays a dominant role for the Payne effect of filled rubber as compared to the interfacial separation between NPs and the rubber matrix. The present multiscale computational framework can be further extended to other polymer nanocomposites, and sheds new light on the design and exploration of polymer nanocomposites through bottom‐up prediction.
DNA barcoding of herbal supplements on the US commercial market associated with the purported treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Harris Calin M. , Kim Diane Y. , Jordan Chevon R. , Miranda Miranda I. , Hellberg Rosalee S.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with an increased global use of traditional medicines, including Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Due to their growing demand, their processed nature, and the complexity of the global supply chain, there is an increased risk of adulteration in these products.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the use of DNA barcoding for species identification in herbal supplements on the US market associated with the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory symptoms.

Methods

A total of 54 commercial products containing Ayurvedic herbs were tested with four DNA barcoding regions (i.e., rbcL, matK, ITS2, and mini‐ITS2) using two composite samples per product. Nine categories of herbs were targeted: amla, ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, guduchi, tribulus, tulsi, turmeric, and vacha.

Results

At least one species was identified in 64.8% of products and the expected species was detected in 38.9% of products. Undeclared plant species, including other Ayurvedic herbs, rice, and pepper, were detected in 19 products, and fungal species were identified in 12 products. The presence of undeclared plant species may be a result of intentional substitution or contamination during harvest or processing, while fungal DNA was likely associated with the plant material or the growing environment. The greatest sequencing success (42.6–46.3%) was obtained with the matK and rbcL primers.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that a combination of genetic loci should be used for DNA barcoding of herbal supplements. Due to the limitations of DNA barcoding in identification of these products, future research should incorporate chemical characterization techniques.
Accurate measurement of K/Ca in low‐[K] carbonate samples using laser‐ablation sector‐field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Nambiar Romi , Kniest Jorit F. , Schmidt Alexander , Raddatz Jacek , Müller Wolfgang , Evans David
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Potassium (K) is a major component of several silicate minerals and seawater, and, therefore, constraining past changes in the potassium cycle is a promising way of tracing large‐scale geological processes on Earth. However, [K] measurement using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is challenging due to an ArH+ interference, which may be of a similar magnitude to the K+ ion beam in samples with <0.1% m/m [K].

Methods

In this work, we investigated the effect of the ArH+ interference on K/Ca data quality by comparing results from laser‐ablation (LA)‐ICP‐MS measured in medium and high mass resolution modes and validating our LA results via solution ICP‐optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and solution ICP‐MS measurements. To do so, we used a wide range of geological reference materials, with a particular focus on marine carbonates, which are potential archives of past changes in the K cycle but are typically characterised by [K] < 200 μg/g. In addition, we examine the degree to which trace‐element data quality is driven by downhole fractionation during LA‐ICP‐MS measurements.

Results

Our results show that medium mass resolution (MR) mode is sufficiently capable of minimising the effect of the ArH+ interference on K+. However, the rate of downhole fractionation for Na and K varies between different samples as a result of their differing bulk composition, resulting in matrix‐specific inaccuracy. We show how this can be accounted for via downhole fractionation corrections, resulting in an accuracy of better than 1% and a long‐term reproducibility (intermediate precision) of <6% (relative standard deviation) in JCp‐1NP using LA‐ICP‐MS in MR mode.

Conclusion

Our [K] measurement protocol is demonstrably precise and accurate and applicable to a wide range of materials. The measurement of K/Ca in relatively low‐[K] marine carbonates is presented here as a key example of a new application opened up by these advances.
Formulation of Gelled Microemulsion for Effective Permeation of Celecoxib Across the Skin Barrier
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Yasir , Nazar Muhammad Faizan , Saleem Muhammad Atif , Haider Sajjad , Sumrra Sajjad Hussain , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Farooqi} Zahoor H.
Published: January 2024

Microemulsion‐based gels (μEGs) are smart colloidal carriers, superior to traditional topical formulations due to formulation simplicity, structural flexibility, high stability, and controlled delivery of topical drugs through biofilms. Here, we report a new μEG formulation for topical application of an anti‐inflammatory drug, celecoxib (CXB). For this, the μE system was formulated using olive oil (~10 %), Water (~15 %), Tween‐80 (~67.5 %) and Span‐80 (~7.5 %) to enhanced the loading of CXB (~2.0 wt.%), and then gelled to semisolid μEG by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG‐6000) (2.0 wt.%) to modulate CXB passage across the skin‐barriers. Optical microscopy showed the transition from water‐in‐oil (w/o) to oil‐in‐water (o/w) through bicontinuous networks. Dynamic light scattering and electron micrographs demonstrate very fine unimodal assembly of CXB‐μE nanodroplets (~65 nm), which didn't amalgamate to form spherical CXB‐μEG (~95 nm) after gelation. Moreover, FTIR analysis showed effective encapsulation of CXB into hydrophobic microenvironment with no observable chemical interaction between CXB and μE excipients, which was further verified by the peak‐to‐peak measurement of fluorescence. Further, ex‐vivo permeation of CXB‐μEG showed enhanced and persistent permeation (>99 %) within 10 hours at pH=5.5 into rabbit skin barrier. This demonstrates the sustained release of CXB in μEG and the enhancement in transdermal delivery over its conventional topical formulations.
Research Progress on Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye Wastewater by Light‐assisted Composite‐modified Ag3PO4
Authors: Ban Fuchen , Wei Yu , Xin Jing , Ye Chenjian , Xiao Ao
Published: January 2024

A new type of modified catalyst was prepared by a silver ammonia‐assisted precipitation method through a custom‐built electrochemical reactor, and the catalytic degradation of the azo dye methyl orange was studied under the synergistic effect of visible light. The optimum doping ratio for the loading of graphene oxide (GO) is 1.0 %. Under the optimum conditions, the degradation rate of Ag3PO4/GO/NiFe2O4 to methyl orange is 97.56 % when the light reaction time is 50 min. After three cycles, the degradation rate of methyl orange by Ag3PO4/GO/NiFe2O4 is 94.47 %. Through the free radical capture experiment, it is known that the contribution degree of the main active substances in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange is h + >⋅O2− >⋅OH. By forming a Z‐type heterojunction between Ag3PO4 and NiFe2O4, the recombination probability of photogenerated carriers is greatly reduced, and the stability of Ag3PO4 is improved.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Carbonyl Compounds Biomass Derivatives Using CaH2 over Pd/C
Authors: Lezana‐Tobar Nicolás , López Roger , Robles‐Henríquez Ramiro , Lühr Susan , Vilches‐Herrera M.
Published: January 2024

The high content of oxygenated compounds present in the biomass constitutes an important drawback to transforming it into a suitable alternative of chemical entities. In this sense, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an important reaction for the cleavage of the strong C−O bond. Herein we report our findings about the use of Pd/C and CaH2 system for the HDO of several aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and ketones.
Bispecific Nanobody‐Aptamer Conjugates for Enhanced Cancer Therapy in Solid Tumors
Authors: Wang Ya , Chen Jie , Zhang Sen , Jiang Hang , Zhu Jianqing , Jiang Guangyi , Liu Yichang , Zhu Yingdi , Li Juan
Published: January 2024

Bispecific antibodies possess exceptional potential as therapeutic agents due to their capacity to bind to two different antigens simultaneously. However, challenges pertain to unsatisfactory stability, manufacturing complexity, and limited tumor penetration hinder their broad applicability. In this study, a versatile technology is presented for the rapid generation of bispecific nanobody‐aptamer conjugates with efficient tumor penetration. The approach utilizes microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and click chemistry to achieve site‐specific conjugation of nanobodies and aptamers, which are termed nanotamers. The nanotamers recognize and bind to two types of molecular targets expressed on cancer cells. As a prototype, a bispecific nanotamer is developed that binds both clusters of differentiation 47 (CD47) and mesenchymal epithelial transition receptor (Met) expressed on the tumor cell membrane. This CD47‐Met nanotamer demonstrates high affinity and specificity toward tumor cells expressing both targets, exhibits improved receptor functional inhibition through a strong steric hindrance effect. Moreover, its capacity for deep tumor penetration greatly enhances the impact of conventional chemotherapy on antitumor efficacy. The as‐developed nanotamer synthesis approach shows promise to customize bispecific molecular probes targeting different cancer types and different therapeutic goals.
THz‐Wave Absorption Properties of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Materials: A New Candidate for THz Sensors
Authors: Maeng Inhee , Lee Young Mi , Jung Min-Cherl
Published: January 2024

Over the past two decades, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials (OHP) have been extensively explored across various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and materials science, with a primary focus on solar cells. Building on numerous studies, the development of OHP‐based solar cells has transitioned into practical product realization, instilling the anticipation of novel solar cell advancements. Notably, OHP demonstrates versatility beyond its conventional application in solar cell materials. The physical properties of OHP materials exhibit a unique signature, thereby underscoring their potential utility as innovative functional materials, encompassing light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. Recent reports on terahertz (THz)‐wave absorption properties of OHP materials indicate a high possibility of their potential application as THz sensors. From the viewpoint of medical devices, which hold the most promising application potential, the exploration of optical phonon vibrational modes in the 0.5–3 THz frequency range is important. Moreover, understanding the correlations between atomic structure and lattice vibration modes is indispensable. In this concise review, the THz‐wave absorption properties exhibited by 3D OHP materials are meticulously explored. Furthermore, future research directions for THz sensors using OHP materials are suggested.
A Semi‐Passive Smart Contact Lens with on‐Lens Power Storage Element
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Wei , Hsu Shun‐Hsi , Huang Yu‐Chieh , Yeh Guan‐Ting , Huang Yu‐Hsuan , Hsu Cheng‐Yu , Wu Chun‐Yu , Yang Jhu‐Jyun , Zhang Xuan‐Wei , Chiou Jin‐Chern
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a semi‐passive smart contact lens platform for sensor and actuator applications. It focuses on design improvements made prior to human clinical trials involving basic considerations on comfort and safety, which are verified through animal studies. Observations of tissue temperature variation and post‐trial surgery examinations confirm that the 50 μW on‐lens wireless power delivery reduces the impact on tissue of previously reported SCL. Migration of wirelessly powered radio frequency identification (RFID)‐based passive SCL to semi‐passive systems is enabled with the proposed on‐lens power storage element. Furthermore, a switched capacitor converter extends the active time of the storage element and reduces electromagnetic influence. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Interpretation of large‐scale, long‐term electrical geophysical monitoring guided by a process simulation
Authors: Robinson Judith , Johnson Timothy , Thomle Jonathan , Cambeiro Joaquin , Peta Kelsey , Jaysaval Piyoosh , Mackley Rob
Published: January 2024

Surface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used at a waste site to monitor vadose zone changes in electrical properties as a proxy for contaminant flux over a span of 17 years. The BC Cribs and Trenches (BCCT) site at the Hanford site contains 20 disposal trenches and six disposal cribs. Wastes include a large inventory of technetium‐99 and large masses of nitrate and uranium‐238. ERT data were collected along 41 profiles in 2005 to characterize regions of elevated bulk electrical conductivity (BEC) associated with past liquid waste discharges. Previous analyses performed on samples from four boreholes showed a high correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC. In 2022, ERT data were re‐collected along the same profiles and six additional profiles in an area not previously surveyed. Compared to background uncontaminated areas, BEC was higher in contaminated areas at the waste sites. Given the correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC previously found at this site, ERT images show the spatial distribution and relative ionic concentration of vadose zone contaminants at BCCT. Between 2005 and 2022, ERT difference images showed a decrease in BEC surrounding most waste sites, with exceptions where there were known anthropogenic surface changes. An evaluation of recharge‐driven nitrate migration using synthetic flow and transport simulations showed that downward migration causes a decrease in BEC from the decrease in ionic strength at the trailing end of the plume where contaminants migrated downward. From this, we interpret ERT difference images as showing the predominant regions of downward ion flux.
Evaluate the effectiveness of soil and water conservation interventions in the upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Alebachew Shumye , Wondimagegn Sisay Assefa , Getahun Yitea Seneshaw
Published: January 2024

The central highland of Ethiopia is facing significant challenges due to land degradation, which resulted in changes to the soil's physicochemical properties. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of different conservation methods in enhancing soil physicochemical properties, reducing soil loss and erosion, and maximizing land productivity in Ankober District of Kenseta watershed. For this study, two land uses (conserved and non‐conserved land), three slope positions, and three replication with the soil depth of 0–30 cm were used for undisturbed and disturbed soil samples data collection and analysis. The survey data were collected and evaluated from 106 randomly selecting respondents' households. The results showed significant variation in the mean value of soil physical properties (bulk density, soil moisture content, soil texture) within and between conserved and non‐conserved land. The chemical properties, including pH, EC, exK, CEC, OC, OM, and available P, also changed significant across land management types and along slope position (p < 0.05). Soil managed with stone face soil bund demonstrated significant improvement in soil physicochemical properties. The results were statistically significant difference at (p < 0.05) level of significance. Majority of the respondents' households explained the soil loss and rate of soil erosion were declined and land productivity status increased after the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the study area. Therefore, proper conservation practices are vital in minimizing the rate of soil loss, ameliorating physical and chemical properties of the soils, and enhancing land productivity.
Weight $$\mathbf {1/2}$$ multiplier systems for the group $$\mathbf {\Gamma _0^+({\varvec{p}})}$$ and a geometric formulation
Authors: Mertens Michael H. , Norfleet Mark A.
Published: January 2024

We construct a weight 1/2 multiplier system for the group $$\Gamma _0^+(p)$$

Γ
0
+

(
p
)

, the normalizer of the congruence subgroup $$\Gamma _0(p)$$

Γ
0

(
p
)

where p is an odd prime, and we define an analogue of the eta function and Rademacher symbol and relate it to the geometry of edge paths in a triangulation of the upper half-plane.
Exploring metabolic effects of dipeptide feed media on CHO cell cultures by in silico model-guided flux analysis
Authors: Park Seo-Young , Song Jinsung , Choi Dong-Hyuk , Park Uiseon , Cho Hyeran , Hong Bee Hak , Silberberg Yaron R. , Lee Dong-Yup
Published: January 2024

There is a growing interest in perfusion or continuous processes to achieve higher productivity of biopharmaceuticals in mammalian cell culture, specifically Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, towards advanced biomanufacturing. These intensified bioprocesses highly require concentrated feed media in order to counteract their dilution effects. However, designing such condensed media formulation poses several challenges, particularly regarding the stability and solubility of specific amino acids. To address the difficulty and complexity in relevant media development, the biopharmaceutical industry has recently suggested forming dipeptides by combining one from problematic amino acids with selected pairs to compensate for limitations. In this study, we combined one of the lead amino acids, L-tyrosine, which is known for its poor solubility in water due to its aromatic ring and hydroxyl group, with glycine as the partner, thus forming glycyl-L-tyrosine (GY) dipeptide. Subsequently, we investigated the utilization of GY dipeptide during fed-batch cultures of IgG-producing CHO cells, by changing its concentrations (0.125 × , 0.25 × , 0.5 × , 1.0 × , and 2.0 ×). Multivariate statistical analysis of culture profiles was then conducted to identify and correlate the most significant nutrients with the production, followed by in silico model-guided analysis to systematically evaluate their effects on the culture performance, and elucidate metabolic states and cellular behaviors. As such, it allowed us to explain how the cells can more efficiently utilize GY dipeptide with respect to the balance of cofactor regeneration and energy distribution for the required biomass and protein synthesis. For example, our analysis results uncovered specific amino acids (Asn and Gln) and the 0.5 × GY dipeptide in the feed medium synergistically alleviated the metabolic bottleneck, resulting in enhanced IgG titer and productivity. In the validation experiments, we tested and observed that lower levels of Asn and Gln led to decreased secretion of toxic metabolites, enhanced longevity, and elevated specific cell growth and titer.

Key points

• Explored the optimal Tyr dipeptide for the enhanced CHO cell culture performance

• Systematically analyzed effects of dipeptide media by model-guided approach

• Uncovered synergistic metabolic utilization of amino acids with dipeptide

Graphical abstract
Truthful Matching with Online Items and Offline Agents
Authors: Feldman Michal , Fusco Federico , Leonardi Stefano , Mauras Simon , Reiffenhäuser Rebecca
Published: January 2024

We study truthful mechanisms for welfare maximization in online bipartite matching. In our (multi-parameter) setting, every buyer is associated with a (possibly private) desired set of items, and has a private value for being assigned an item in her desired set. Unlike most online matching settings, where agents arrive online, in our setting the items arrive one by one in an adversarial order while the buyers are present for the entire duration of the process. This poses a significant challenge to the design of truthful mechanisms, due to the ability of buyers to strategize over future rounds. We provide an almost full picture of the competitive ratios in different scenarios, including myopic vs. non-myopic agents, tardy vs. prompt payments, and private vs. public desired sets. Among other results, we identify the frontier up to which the celebrated $$e/(e-1)$$

e
/
(
e
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1
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competitive ratio for the vertex-weighted online matching of Karp, Vazirani and Vazirani extends to truthful agents and online items.
ATTRACT-Studie: innovative, individualisierte Therapie in der Neuroonkologie
Authors: Urbanic Purkart Tadeja
Published: January 2024

Biomarkerbasierte zielgerichtete Therapien brachten für einige solide Tumoren bahnbrechende Erfolge. In der Gliomtherapie beschränkt sich der Einsatz dieser Therapien auf Subgruppen, insbesondere wenn es bei fortschreitendem oder rezidivierendem Gliom keine etablierten, evidenzbasierten Therapieempfehlungen mehr gibt. Eine Testung auf seltenere molekulare Alteration und die Diskussion im molekularen Tumorboard sind obligat, für aggressive Tumoren wie Glioblastome sollte dieses Vorgehen bereits früh erwogen werden.

Funktionelle Präzisionsmedizin ergänzt die biomarkerbasierten Therapiekonzepte durch Informationen zur besten pharmakologischen Wirksamkeit eines Medikaments, getestet an Tumorzellen der betroffenen Patient:innen ex vivo. Mit diesem Ansatz können noch personalisiertere Therapieempfehlungen mit umgewidmeten und neuen Medikamenten generiert werden. Die multizentrische klinische Studie „ATTRACT“ soll diesen Ansatz bei Glioblastom-Patient:innen mit unmethyliertem MGMT prüfen.
Numerische Modelle in Sicherheitsuntersuchungen für die Endlagersuche: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Behrens Christoph , Bjorge Merle , Renz Alexander , Müller Paulina , Gelleszun Marlene , Miro Shorash , Kreye Phillip , Rühaak Wolfram
Published: January 2024

Für die Durchführung von Sicherheitsuntersuchungen im Rahmen des deutschen Standortauswahlverfahrens zur Suche nach einem Endlager für hochradioaktive Abfälle sind numerische Modelle ein wichtiges Instrument. Ihr Anwendungsbereich ist vielfältig und umfasst zum Beispiel Fragestellungen zur thermischen Auslegung des Endlagers und des potenziellen Austrags radioaktiver Stoffe aus der Geosphäre.

Numerische Modelle werden in vielen Branchen nutzbringend eingesetzt. Allerdings hat die Aussagekraft von Modellen immer auch Grenzen. Von entscheidender Bedeutung ist es daher, die grundsätzlichen Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Einsatzes von Modellen zu verstehen und zu berücksichtigen.

Die Auswahl und das Design geeigneter, aussagekräftiger Modelle sind komplexe Aufgaben und können immer nur bezugnehmend auf den konkreten Fall erfolgen: Ein „Patentrezept“ gibt es nicht. Dennoch gibt es grundlegende Leitsätze, die in der Praxis eine große Rolle spielen. Wir erläutern einige dieser Grundsätze und untersuchen kritisch, inwieweit sie anwendbar sind und wo ihre Limitationen liegen.
Statistical Optimization of α-Amylase Production from Novel Local Isolated Bacillus spp. NRC1 and Its Textile Applications
Authors: Mostafa Faten A. , Wehaidy Hala R. , El-Hennawi Heba M. , Mahmoud Safia A. , Sharaf Samar , Saleh Shireen A. A.
Published: January 2024

By employing Plackett–Burman design (PBD) to investigate the qualitative interactions between eleven parameters [potato shell weight, incubation time, glucose, lactose, baker's yeast, peptone, (NH4)2SO4, CuSO4, FeSO4, CaCl2, KCl], and central composite design (CCD), the production of α-amylase by a local bacterial isolate Bacillus spp. NRC1 using agro-industrial wastes was improved. Using a variety of waste materials, including corn cobs (CC), onion peels (OP), rice straw (RS), potato shells (PS), Molokhia stem (MS), okra suppression (OS), lemon peels (LP), and pea peels (PP), Bacillus spp. NRC1 was tested in the production of amylase. Out of the eight agro-industrial wastes tried, the highest amylase yield (6.99 U/ml) was reached using potato peels. The statistical optimization of enzyme production was carried out using PBD followed by CCD design, causing 2.06-fold and 1.51-fold increase, respectively. The overall increase was 3.11-fold. In PBD design, potato peels, peptone and (NH4)2SO4 were positive factors for amylase production. The crude enzyme was tested for its ability to desize cotton fabric and subsequently studying its effect on fabric dyeability. The produced amylase proved its potentials in textile industry.

Graphical Abstract
Automated Prediction of Photographic Wound Assessment Tool in Chronic Wound Images
Authors: Curti Nico , Merli Yuri , Zengarini Corrado , Starace Michela , Rapparini Luca , Marcelli Emanuela , Carlini Gianluca , Buschi Daniele , Castellani Gastone C. , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Bianchi Tommaso , Giampieri Enrico
Published: January 2024

Many automated approaches have been proposed in literature to quantify clinically relevant wound features based on image processing analysis, aiming at removing human subjectivity and accelerate clinical practice. In this work we present a fully automated image processing pipeline leveraging deep learning and a large wound segmentation dataset to perform wound detection and following prediction of the Photographic Wound Assessment Tool (PWAT), automatizing the clinical judgement of the adequate wound healing. Starting from images acquired by smartphone cameras, a series of textural and morphological features are extracted from the wound areas, aiming to mimic the typical clinical considerations for wound assessment. The resulting extracted features can be easily interpreted by the clinician and allow a quantitative estimation of the PWAT scores. The features extracted from the region-of-interests detected by our pre-trained neural network model correctly predict the PWAT scale values with a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.85 on a set of unseen images. The obtained results agree with the current state-of-the-art and provide a benchmark for future artificial intelligence applications in this research field.
Trends and impacts of temperature and fire regimes in South Africa’s coastal national parks: implications for tourism
Authors: Chapungu Lazarus , Nhamo Godwell , Chikodzi David , Dube Kaitano
Published: January 2024

Climate change poses significant risks on coastal national park-based tourism through its effect on accessibility, comfort levels, and spatiotemporal changes of attractions. Wildfires and extreme temperatures have become issues of concern. Due to the widespread occurrence of fires in national parks along coastal areas and the noticeable changes in temperature regimes, more needs to be done to deepen understanding of their trends and impacts and devise appropriate management regimes. This study analyses the trends and impacts of fires and temperature-related variables in six coastal South African national parks, namely Agulhas, Garden Route, West Coast, Table Mountain, Namaqua, and Addo Elephant National Park. The triangulation and convergence model of the mixed-methods research design was adopted as the inquiry strategy. Data on statistical weather variables from the South African Weather Services and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration were used to calculate temperature trends using Mann–Kendall trend tests and homogeneity analysis. Data collection included questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, field observations, and document analysis. The study observed statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes in temperature-related variables in all coastal national parks. There is also an increase in the intensity and spatial spread of fires, resulting in increased fire damage over time. Despite the current efforts of the coastal parks to manage wildfires and the changing climatic patterns, the fire and temperature regimes are threatening the biophysical environment with resultant effects on tourism and the economic viability of the national parks. The need to reengineer the fire suppression mechanisms and temperature-resilient tourism facilities has been observed.
Approaching the challenge of multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic impact assessment through the lens of systemic risk: application to Taranaki Mounga
Authors: Weir Alana M. , Wilson Thomas M. , Bebbington Mark S. , Beaven Sarah , Gordon Teresa , Campbell-Smart Craig , Mead Stuart , Williams James H. , Fairclough Roger
Published: January 2024

Effective volcanic impact and risk assessment underpins effective volcanic disaster risk management. Yet contemporary volcanic risk assessments face a number of challenges, including delineating hazard and impact sequences, and identifying and quantifying systemic risks. A more holistic approach to impact assessment is required, which incorporates the complex, multi-hazard nature of volcanic eruptions and the dynamic nature of vulnerability before, during and after a volcanic event. Addressing this need requires a multidisciplinary, integrated approach, involving scientists and stakeholders to co-develop decision-support tools that are scientifically credible and operationally relevant to provide a foundation for robust, evidence-based risk reduction decisions. This study presents a dynamic, longitudinal impact assessment framework for multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic events and applies the framework to interdependent critical infrastructure networks in the Taranaki region of Aotearoa New Zealand, where Taranaki Mounga volcano has a high likelihood of producing a multi-phase explosive eruption within the next 50 years. In the framework, multi-phase scenarios temporally alternate multi-hazard footprints with risk reduction opportunities. Thus, direct and cascading impacts and any risk management actions carry through to the next phase of activity. The framework forms a testbed for more targeted mitigation and response planning and allows the investigation of optimal intervention timing for mitigation strategies during an evolving eruption. Using ‘risk management’ scenarios, we find the timing of mitigation intervention to be crucial in reducing disaster losses associated with volcanic activity. This is particularly apparent in indirect, systemic losses that cascade from direct damage to infrastructure assets. This novel, dynamic impact assessment approach addresses the increasing end-user need for impact-based decision-support tools that inform robust response and resilience planning.