bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors determining the seasonal habitat use of Asian elephants in the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Anoop N. R. , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Kelkar Nachiket , Bunyan Milind , Ganesh T.
Published: August 2023

Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are globally endangered, and their populations persist in several meta‐populations within fragmented landscapes across their distribution. Developing landscape‐level management plans for elephants requires reliable information on the pattern and determinants of their distribution across relevant spatial and temporal scales. The Brahmagiri‐Nilgiri‐Eastern Ghats Landscape (Nilgiri landscape) of peninsular India supports the largest breeding population of Asian elephants globally. The Wayanad Plateau, a wet forest tract in the dry forest‐dominated Nilgiri landscape, witnessed extensive forest fragmentation recently and evolved as a forest‐agriculture matrix. We predicted that habitat use by elephants in the Wayanad Plateau would be high during summer because of the availability of numerous perennial streams and associated swamps that retain water and soil moisture for plant growth over the dry season. We also hypothesized that elephants would use areas with greater forest cover that are removed from human settlements. We used an occupancy‐based approach that accounts for detection probability to understand factors influencing habitat use by elephants in summer (low rainfall, high temperature) and post‐monsoon (largely rainless winter conditions but with abundant forage and water) in 2019 and 2020. As expected, the intensity of habitat use was higher during the summer than during the post‐monsoon season. Elephants used habitats near perennial water sources and with greater forest cover, avoiding areas with high human disturbances. We emphasize the importance of areas that provide key resources for elephants during resource scarcity and the need to prevent habitat degradation for long‐term persistence of elephants and mitigation of human–elephant conflict.
Toward a knowledge‐based view of the board: Modeling board intrafirm knowledge networks
Authors: Bilgili Hansin , Bilgili Tsvetomira V.
Published: August 2023

This study introduces a conceptualization of board of directors' intrafirm knowledge network and a methodology for its construction, assessment, and analysis. We use network theory and analytical techniques to construct boards of directors' intrafirm knowledge networks based on directors' functional domain and committee affiliations. We demonstrate the utility of this approach for governance research by examining the intrafirm knowledge network of the board of directors of General Electric and offer testable propositions that link key director turnover with the properties of and the structural changes in the board's knowledge network and the firm outcomes of strategic change and innovativeness. Our approach bridges the human and social capital perspectives on boards of directors by considering the mechanisms through which turnover of key directors influences firm‐level outcomes. Directors are increasingly expected to not only fulfill their monitoring responsibilities but also provide firms with resources and service (e.g., involvement in strategy‐making). The enactment of these responsibilities is contingent on the effective collaboration within board intrafirm networks. Our conceptualization of intrafirm board ties as a knowledge network can help practitioners identify key directors, analyze the implications of director turnover, and develop succession plans. We make important contributions to corporate governance research and offer insights into understanding the knowledge dynamics in small team‐like settings, such as boards of directors and their impact on firm strategy and innovativeness.
Tinnitus characteristics in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and acute tinnitus
Authors: Mokhatrish Mohammad , Baek Wonyong , Nam Gi‐Sung , Cho Sung Il
Published: August 2023

Objective

Tinnitus is a common symptom of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of acute tinnitus in patients with ISSHL.

Methods

A total of 59 patients with ISSHL and acute tinnitus were enrolled. All patients underwent audiological assessment, tinnitus matching for loudness and frequency, and steroid treatment for sudden hearing loss. Tinnitus‐related distress was assessed using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire. The outcomes of hearing recovery and tinnitus remission were investigated retrospectively.

Results

The loudness and pitch of acute tinnitus were 63.2 ± 22.4 dB HL and 2010.63 ± 2368.99 Hz, respectively. Complete and partial recovery rates of acute tinnitus in ISSHL patients were 32.2% and 39% according to the THI scores. The group with complete recovery of hearing showed significantly greater improvement in tinnitus distress than the group with no improvement in hearing. The loudness and pitch of tinnitus did not correlate with tinnitus remission.

Conclusion

Hearing recovery is more important for tinnitus remission than the psychoacoustic characteristics of acute tinnitus. Timely identification and proper treatment of hearing loss are important to improve tinnitus remission in patients with ISSHL.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Targeted and Oxygen‐Enriched Nanoplatform for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro 2D Cell and 3D Spheroid Model Evaluation
Authors: Chen Chieh‐Yu , Chen Ching‐Yi
Published: August 2023

Hypoxic microenvironment and limited penetration of photosensitizers within solid tumors are two crucial factors that restrict photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Herein, a new fluorinated mixed micelle (M60@PFC‐Ce6) is developed as a tumor‐penetrating and oxygen‐enriching nanoplatform, which consists of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) co‐loaded into fluorinated micelles to relieve hypoxia conditions as well as folate as targeting ligand that facilitates the selective biodistribution within tumor solids. The incorporation of fluorinated copolymers into mixed micelles exhibits not only a great increase in the oxygen‐loading capacity, but also improves the stability of liquid PFCs emulsion within micelles without leakage. M60@PFC‐Ce6 shows excellent oxygen delivery capability, good intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and superior phototoxicity in vitro for both 2D monolayer of cells and 3D multicellular spheroid model. These results indicate the enriched oxygen delivery and increased cellular uptake resulting from folate‐targeted ability to enhance ROS production and PDT efficacy. The penetration study of M60@PFC‐Ce6 into a 3D spheroid confirms that small micellar size and folate‐conjugation are beneficial for micelles to penetrate and accumulate within spheroids. Thus, a new nanoplatform with enriched oxygen‐carrying amounts, better drug penetration, and stable micellar properties that relieve tumor hypoxia and improve PDT efficacy is provided.
Light‐Modulated Morphological Transformation of Spiropyran Derivative from Nanosphere to Nanorod
Authors: Wu Zhen , Ma Jiewen , Xu Ruoyu , Zhong Shijie , Zhang Xin , Gong Min , Wang Guojie
Published: August 2023

The construction of tunable morphological systems has important implications for understanding the mechanism of molecular self‐assembly. In this study, a spiropyran derivative M1 is reported with light‐responsive assembly morphology, which can be tuned from nanosphere to nanorod by ultraviolet light irradiation. The absorption spectra show that M1 molecules are transformed from closed‐ring (SP) isomers into open‐ring (MC) isomers and start to form H‐aggregates with increasing irradiation time. Density functional theory calculations indicate that MC‐MC isomers possess stronger binding energy than SP‐SP isomers. The MC isomers may thus facilitate the dissociation of the SP‐SP aggregates and promote the change of self‐assembled morphology with the aid of stronger π‐π stackings and dipole‐dipole interactions. The research gives an effective method for modulating the morphology of assemblies, with great potential for applications in smart materials.
Effect of GGBS on Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Mortar at Ambient and Heat Curing
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Singh Paramveer , Kapoor Kanish
Published: August 2023

This study investigates and shows the effect of incorporation of ground granuated blast furnace slag (GGBS) content in fly ash (FA) based geopolymer mortar by assessing the strength properties of geopolymer mortar in both ambient (25 °C) and heat (60 °C) curing. The percentage of GGBS is varied from 0% to 50% with FA in geopolymer mortar. Sodium silicate (SS) and sodium hydroxide (SH) solutions are used to activate the main binders. For all the mixes the alkali/binder ratio, molarity (M), and sodium silicate (SS)/sodium hydroxide (SH) ratio are fixed to 0.45, 12 M, and 2, respectively. The fresh property in terms of slump flow and other properties like compressive strength, water absorption, and dry density of the geopolymer mortar are determined. The result of this study shows that the inclusion of GGBS content in FA‐based geopolymer mortar significantly increases the compressive in both the curing conditions. Maximum compressive strength of 44.33 MPa is obtained when 50% GGBS is added to the mixes at a curing temperature of 60 °C.
Quercetin: A Putative Eco‐friendly Wide Spectrum Antiviral Against Dengue
Authors: Singh Satpal , Verma Arunima Kumar , Thakur Gaurav , Sharma Shikha , Awasthi Abhishek
Published: August 2023

Dengue is a devastating disease that affects people all over the world, yet there are currently no effective medications or antivirals against it. No vaccine or medicine with long‐lasting effects has been developed to treat dengue fever. Mosquito repellents have gained popularity as a dengue preventative strategy because of their simplicity of application and usage. However, this has led to ecosystem deterioration, damage, and bioaccumulation as well as biomagnification of hazardous residues. When they are first introduced, synthetic pesticides do not create a wide range of major issues that are later discovered. Therefore, it has become urgently necessary to look for natural treatments that reduce or combat dengue in order to avoid such pesticides. An environmentally friendly alternative to conventional antivirals is quercetin, a flavinoid derives from plant sources. This research conducts a pilot investigation using computational approaches to examine the interaction between the flavinoid quercetin with the dengue virus envelop protein. According to the findings of the current investigation, quercetin exhibits excellent affinity with the dengue envelops protein. Hence, quercetin can work as a broad‐spectrum, environmentally friendly antiviral because it interacts with many envelop proteins of dengue and related viruses. Additionally, because it is obtained organically, there is no impact to the ecosystem in the immediate area when it degrades. As a result, it can be used as a potent, environmentally safe, and broad‐spectrum antiviral against the illness
A novel algorithm of the perfectly matched layer based on the Runge–Kutta method of order 2 accuracy
Authors: Li Kun‐Lai , Zhang Yongliang , Li Jianxiong
Published: August 2023

The perfectly matched layer (PML) has the ability to terminate the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) lattice successfully. It is crucial to investigate the interaction between electromagnetic waves and the PML. Utilizing the Runge–Kutta method of order 2 accuracy, we derive a novel and efficient complex frequency‐shifted (CFS) PML implementation algorithm, which is named the RK‐PML. To validate the RK‐PML, we provide two numerical examples, which include rectangular waveguide and plasma cube truncated by the PML. By analyzing the time‐domain relative reflection errors, the frequency‐domain reflection coefficients, the computational time, and the memory footprint, the proposed RK‐PML outperforms slightly the convolutional PML (CPML).
Conservation at the nexus of niches: Multidimensional niche modeling to improve management of Prairie Chub
Authors: Steffensmeier Zachary D. , Brewer Shannon K. , Wedgeworth Maeghen , Starks Trevor A. , Rodger Anthony W. , Nguyen Erin , Perkin Joshuah S.
Published: August 2023

Objective

A central challenge in applied ecology is understanding how organisms are spatially and temporally distributed and how management might be tailored to maintain or restore species distributions. The niche concept is central to understanding species distributions, but the diversity of niche definitions requires that multiple dimensions be considered. For example, the Grinnellian niche concept focuses on environmental conditions that allow species to persist, the Eltonian niche concept stresses the influence of biotic interactions, and the fundamental niche concept considers both abiotic and biotic environmental features to define spaces that organisms could occupy.

Methods

We combined abiotic (A), biotic (B), and movement (M) information (collectively, BAM model) to map the multidimensional niche of Prairie Chub Macrhybopsis australis, a regionally endemic freshwater fish currently under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act. We estimated A using remotely sensed environmental riverscape variables, B using the spatial distribution of a hybridization zone between Prairie Chub and Shoal Chub M. hyostoma, and M using data from a mark–recapture study.

Result

The BAM model estimated the spatial extent of multiple niches, including the Grinnellian (A; extent = 944 km of river), Eltonian (B; 2974 km), and fundamental niche (overlap of A + B; 645 km) niches. When A, B, and M components were combined, the estimated extent of the Prairie Chub niche was 645 km.

Conclusion

Our work shows that the realized, multidimensional niche of Prairie Chub includes medium to large rivers with high habitat connectivity in the upper–middle Red River basin upstream of the distribution of Shoal Chub. The current Prairie Chub distribution could be maintained by preventing further habitat fragmentation and maintaining the environmental gradient separating Prairie Chub from Shoal Chub. Expansion of the species distribution may be possible through restoration of longitudinal fluvial connectivity.
Early childhood nurturing strategies in groups of the Yellow River's middle reaches from the late Yangshao culture (3500–2800 BCE): A stable isotope perspective
Authors: Lei Shuai , Gu Wanfa , Wu Qian , Xin Yingjun , Guo Yi
Published: August 2023

We have reconstructed the feeding patterns, weaning age, dietary structure, and physiological stress experienced by the late Yangshao culture (3500–2800 BCE) of the Middle Yellow River in different individuals early years through comparative carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses of dentin incremental sections, limb bones, or rib assemblages. We present dentin incremental and bone collagen δ13C and δ15N isotope data from 17 individuals from two late Yangshao culture archeological sites (Qingtai 青台 and Shuanghuaishu 双槐树). The result showed that all individuals in the sample weaned between 2.5 and 3.8 years old, and other than the fact that females weaned slightly sooner than males in the Qingtai sites, there were no sex variations in dietary trends across life history stages. The majority of individuals consistently consumed C4 foods (millets) from early childhood onward. A small number of individuals consumed both C3 and C4 foods at an early age, and the proportion of C3 foods (rice) consumed declined or gradually disappeared with increasing age. In addition to the traditional local foods based on millets, a small number of individual families added rice, a newly accessible resource, in varying proportions for young children's foods, which has directly contributed to the dichotomy within this research group in terms of dietary patterns and child‐rearing concepts. The emergence of early childhood nurturing strategies in this study serves as a significant microcosm of the social context in which individual families, private ownership, and civilization progressively took shape in early China.
Accurate damage localization and enhanced mechanical performance of self‐sensing epoxy nanocomposites using graphene platelets
Authors: Wang Shuo , Qian Changjiang , Cui Xu , Wang Peng , Zheng Hui , Wang Zhishu , Xue Hongqian
Published: August 2023

Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of composites structure with self‐sensing functionalities in the aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy industries. However, the integration of sensors such as Fiber Bragg Grating or piezoelectric ceramic transducers into the composite structure can significantly reduce the structure's inherent strength. To address this issue, we present a novel approach for developing self‐sensing composites by incorporating graphene platelets (GnPs) as an electric filler into an epoxy matrix. Our method involves the uniform dispersion of GnPs in epoxy, with some GnPs connected to each other to achieve a low electrical threshold of 0.61 vol% in the resulting nanocomposites. The resulting composite film exhibits high sensitivity to tensile strains ranging from 0% to 1.8%, with gauge factors (GFs) ranging from 19 to 172. This variation in GF is due to the calibration process, which relies on the relationship between input and output data and does not require a constant factor. In addition to its high sensitivity to tensile strains, the composite film also demonstrates excellent self‐sensing performance for bending deformation. Moreover, the composite film effectively responds to impact damage evolution, making it a promising candidate for practical applications. This work represents an advancement in the development of self‐sensing nanocomposites using two‐dimensional materials, offering exceptional sensitivity and adaptability for potential future use.
Intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans exacerbates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice with dysbiosis
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Nakashima Taku , Masuda Takeshi , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hamada Hironobu , Kamada Nobuhiko , Hattori Noboru
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence indicates an interaction between the intestinal microbiota and diseases in distal organs. However, the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and the intestinal microbiota, especially intestinal fungal microbiota, is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of changes in the intestinal fungal microbiota on the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice with intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans, which was established by oral administration of antibiotics plus C. albicans, showed accelerated bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis relative to the control mice (i.e. without C. albicans treatment). In addition, the mice with intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans showed enhanced Th17‐type immunity, and treatment with IL‐17A‐neutralizing antibody alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in these mice but not in the control mice. This result indicates that IL‐17A is involved in the pathogenesis of C. albicans‐exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis. Even before bleomycin treatment, the expression of Rorc, the master regulator of Th17, was already upregulated in the pulmonary lymphocytes of the mice with intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans. Subsequent administration of bleomycin triggered these Th17‐skewed lymphocytes to produce IL‐17A, which enhanced endothelial–mesenchymal transition. These results suggest that intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans exacerbates pulmonary fibrosis via IL‐17A‐mediated endothelial–mesenchymal transition. Thus, it might be a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis. This study may serve as a basis for using intestinal fungal microbiota as novel therapeutic targets in pulmonary fibrosis. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Male intimate partner violence (IPV) victims in Japan: Associations of types of harm, sociodemographic characteristics, and depression trait
Authors: Morishita Junko , Kato Rika , Yasuda Manabu , Suda Shiro
Published: August 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting depression trait among male intimate partner violence (IPV) victims in Japan utilizing a multiple linear regression analysis.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire survey was conducted. Male IPV victims living in Japan were recruited to answer the questionnaire on the website on February 25–26, 2021. A total of 16,414 subjects were enrolled, of whom 1466 respondents were included in the study. Other than IPV exposure, information about sociodemographic characteristics, past traumatic experiences and psychiatric history was collected. The Domestic Violence Screening Inventory (DVSI), a 20‐item questionnaire regarding IPV exposure, and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) were used to determine the intensity and the type of IPV harm and to screen for depression, respectively.

Results

The victims were more frequently subject to psychological abuse than to physical violence. Based on PHQ‐9 scores, 10.7% of respondents exhibited moderate to severe depression. In the DVSI score, 79.2% of respondents required “observation and support.” The lowest level of academic attainment (junior high school), positive psychiatric history, foregoing divorce to avoid adverse childhood experiences of their offspring, childhood exposure to domestic violence, younger age, having no children, and experience of school bullying were shown to be significantly associated with depression trait.

Conclusion

Male IPV harm has a multilayered complexity. The sociodemographic characteristics and experiences of victims' own have a greater impact on depression trait than direct violent harm, suggesting that the violence‐focused support might be inadequate for male victims. Comprehensive supports are urgently needed.
Androgen receptor and MYC transcriptomes are equilibrated in multilayer regulatory circuitries in prostate cancer
Authors: Fu Bin , Wang Liyang , Jia Tianwei , Wei Zhao , Nama Nuosu , Liang Jiaqian , Liao Xinghua , Liu XiaMing , Gao Yanfei , Liu Xiaoqiang , Mao Raymond S. , Wang Keshan , Guo Ju , Chen Shaoyong S.
Published: August 2023

Background

The discovery of androgen receptor (AR) having transrepression effects completes the circle of its functionalities as a typical transcription factor, which intrinsically bears dual functions of activation and repression linked to co‐factor competition and redistribution. Indeed, AR dual functions are exemplified by locus‐wide regulation of the oncogenic 8q24‐MYC region.

Methods

RT‐qPCR assay and public RNA‐profiling datasets were used to assess MYC transcription in androgen‐sensitive cell lines. Public ChIP‐seq and RNA‐Seq datasets were computed to evaluate AR‐MYC direct and indirect signatures. Gene sets in typical MYC and AR pathways were monitored to validate their cross‐talks. Bio‐informatics and chromosome conformation capture (3C) assay were performed in the AR gene locus to examine androgen‐elicited distal regulation. Finally, co‐factor re‐distribution were globally tracked between AR and MYC binding sites.

Results

In this report, we found MYC responded negatively to androgen with hypersensitivity, rivaling AR natural functions as an innate androgen effector. Furthermore, both direct and indirect AR and MYC transcriptional programs were actively in equilibration. With established androgen‐mediated versus MYC‐mediated gene subsets, we validated AR and MYC pathways were both bidirectional and extensively entangled. In addition, we determined that the AR gene locus resembled the MYC gene region and both loci were androgen‐repressed via epigenetics and chromatin architectural alterations. Significantly, transcriptional factor profiling along the prostate cancer (PCa) genome exposed that PCa transcriptomes were dynamically equilibrated between AR‐binding site and MYC‐binding site.

Conclusion

Together, our findings stratified AR‐MYC interactions that are extensively wired and intricately organized to compensate for essential PCa transcriptional programs and neutralize excessive signaling.
Impact of Point Defects and V Doping on the Thermodynamic Properties of TiB: First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Xu Yang , Li Tao , Hu Changyi , Zhou Shenggang , Wei Yan , Wang Xian , Cao Yong
Published: August 2023

In this work, the thermodynamic properties of TiB with B‐vacancy, Ti‐vacancy, V‐substitutional doping, and V‐interstitial doping under high temperature and high pressure are systematically analyzed using first‐principles calculations. The presence of both types of vacancies leads to a decreasing trend for the volume, whereas the different forms of V doping could cause lattice distortion and affect supercell volume. In addition, regardless of the vacancy or doping‐based modification of TiB, its constant volume heat capacity increases with the temperature and approaches the Dulong–Petit limit, while the constant pressure heat capacity slowly decreases by increasing the pressure. The presence of vacancies also affects the thermal expansion coefficient of TiB, thereby regulating its high‐temperature ductility, and the V interstitial doping approach is beneficial for improving the high‐temperature ductility of TiB. The Debye temperature of TiB with vacancies is proven more sensitive to pressure changes than the temperature, where the V doping has a significant impact on the Debye temperature of TiB. And the Debye temperature of TiB with interstitial V atoms is lower than that of TiB with substitutional V atoms, indicating that the interaction force is higher than that of the interstitial sites.
Evaluation of cleaning and disinfection protocols for commercial farm equipment following a foreign animal disease outbreak
Authors: Boe Timothy , Calfee Worth , Lemieux Paul , Serre Shannon , Abdel‐Hady Ahmed , Monge Mariela , Aslett Denise , Akers Bruce , Howard John
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the microbiocidal efficacy of a cleaning and disinfection (C&D) treatment using stainless‐steel coupons applied to three common types of animal mortality transport vehicles when exposed to agricultural conditions. Metal test coupons, inoculated with bacteriophage MS2, were affixed to the undercarriage of three types of animal mortality transport vehicles at various locations. Coupons were grimed by maneuvering the test vehicles down a series of wet dirt roads. Coupons were attached and extracted at various points to evaluate C&D performance with and without grime. C&D efficacy using a water‐supplied pressure washing system and a dilute sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution was determined by comparing the difference in recovered viable virus between positive control coupons and test coupons. The results demonstrated a relatively high surface decontamination efficacy, with all but one location showing >5 log reduction of MS2. Coupons located on the roll‐off truck's inside‐back bumper contained the highest level of grime and resulted in a 4 log reduction of MS2. There was no significant difference in C&D efficacy across vehicle types, but locations impacted by grime and lack of accessibility achieved lower efficacies on average. These findings suggest that common C&D protocols, when applied to farm mortality transport vehicles, are effective. Hard‐to‐access locations containing high levels of grime may be candidates for additional targeted treatment.
Assessing channel geometry in response to land use disturbance in a low‐relief, glacially conditioned setting
Authors: Tetford Pamela E. , Desloges Joseph R.
Published: August 2023

Bankfull stage, the highest flow elevation contained by a river channel before overbank flooding occurs, is the presumed threshold for channel morphological change. At bankfull, the channel boundary experiences the highest shear stress, producing somewhat predictable hydraulic relationships and a cross‐sectional form. However, land use and glacial conditioning can profoundly impact a channel's geomorphic responses. Two common methods characterize bankfull flow: one based on flow frequency and other based on channel form. This study considers a simplified approach to identify upstream land use relative to estimates of bankfull flow versus a channel's geometric form. The approach compares archived geomorphic surveys of 140 river reaches in southern Ontario, Canada, to 2‐year flood quantiles modelled from historical flood data of 207 gauge stations. Flood frequency analysis determines that annual maximum series (AMS) datasets, fitted to optimized probabilistic distributions, underestimate discharge for low‐magnitude, high‐frequency flood events compared to partial duration series (PDS) datasets. For smaller drainage areas (<100 km2) associated with an extensive agricultural activity and/or urbanization, the estimates of bankfull discharge (Qbf) generated by cross‐sectional channel geometry are greater than the gauge‐derived Q2 values. Channels impacted by high levels of upstream land use disturbance show statistically significant lower width‐to‐depth ratios (p < 0.001) and a trend towards a finer D50 bed material, suggesting enhanced surface runoff delivering more mobile finer sediments and channel confinement or incision. This research quantifies the formative bankfull stage to better understand the link between land use and a channel's ‘natural’ hydrogeomorphic response in a low‐relief, glacially conditioned setting.
Positive or negative? The effects of scientific inquiry on science achievement via attitudes toward science
Authors: Wan Zhi Hong , Zhan Ying , Zhang Yanan
Published: August 2023

Science education researchers and curriculum documents have advocated scientific inquiry for more than six decades; however, inconsistent findings concerning its effects on students' learning outcomes have been revealed in recent analyses of large‐scale international assessment data (e.g., the Programme for International Student Assessment [PISA]). This has evoked considerable concern given the significant role that inquiry plays in science education. To unpack the complex influence of inquiry on science achievement, this study used the PISA 2015 data from eight Western or East Asian regions to explore the effects of inquiry on students' science achievement and the mediation of attitudes toward science. The results indicated that despite the negative effects that the investigation aspect of inquiry had on science achievement, the explanation aspect of inquiry had positive effects on science achievement for the Western, East Asian, and whole samples. When all of the effects of both the investigation and explanation aspects were integrated, the overall influence of inquiry on students' science achievement was found to be positive for the whole and East Asian samples and slightly negative for the Western sample. This study highlights the necessity of considering different facets of inquiry and different types of effects when investigating the effects of inquiry on science achievement and achieving a better balance between the investigation and explanation processes when implementing inquiry in school classrooms.
An Updated Overview on the Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Kaur Jasneet , Kaur Sukhmeet , Anand Amit , Islam Nasarul , Singh Simrandeep , Singh Akshdeep
Published: August 2023

Cancer, a leading global cause of death, necessitates the exploration of safer and more effective anticancer drugs due to the adverse side effects associated with current cytotoxic treatments. Quinazoline and its derivatives have emerged as a promising class of drugs with demonstrated efficacy against diverse tumor types. In light of these advancements, this comprehensive review aims to outline recent developments in the utilization of quinazoline derivatives as anticancer agents. Additionally, the article offers valuable insights into the potential for novel quinazoline derivatives to serve as future anticancer drugs. By delving into the structure‐activity relationship study, this review equips researchers with a thorough understanding necessary for designing a substantial number of impactful quinazoline compounds, which hold great potential in the treatment of various life‐threatening disorders.
A General Synthesis of Crystal Phase Controllable Aerogels for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Deng Kai , Wang Wenxin , Lian Zilong , Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Xu You , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: August 2023

Amorphous/crystalline (a/c) hetero‐phase structures are considered as a class of efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but it remains a substantial challenge to obtain the specific phase by phase‐selective synthesis. In this work, a general route for the preparation of various heterogeneous aerogels (RuB, PtB, PdB, and RhB) consisting of amorphous and crystalline phases is presented through a controlled NaBH4 reduction method. The prepared a/c‐RuB aerogel exhibits better HER performance due to their desirable compositional and structural advantages such as more exposed active sites, optimized electronic structure, and interfacial synergistic effects. It requires only a low overpotential of 39 mV to reach a density of 10 mA cm−2 and also exhibits excellent stability. This work provides a new phase‐selective synthesis strategy for the design and development of advanced hetero‐phase electrocatalysts.
Interphase Modulated Early‐Stage Zn Electrodeposition Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jin , Lv Zhizhen , Wang Shijie , Chen Zhihui , Meng Zeyi , Li Guoxin , Guo Congshan , Liu Tingting , Hui Jingshu
Published: August 2023

Zn electrodeposition mechanism is a cornerstone of dendritic issue exploration in Zn‐ion battery. Investigation of the inherent early‐stage Zn plating kinetics and its dependence on the reactivity of anode‐electrolyte interphase is crucial. Herein, the kinetic evolution of Zn plating on three characteristic substrates is quantified: fresh Zn, commercial Zn foil, and Zn foil with spontaneously generated solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI). Using scanning electrochemical microscopy analysis, the original interphase regulation of Zn deposit orientation and the competitive reaction between Zn deposition and SEI passivation are studied in situ. Furthermore, the SEI layer can suppress the dendrite growth at initial state by guiding the horizontal alignment of Zn flakes and promote Zn plating process. This approach provided a feasible consideration into interphase engineering of various metal anodes.
Interactions between job search and housing decisions: A structural estimation
Authors: Rendon Sílvio , Quella‐Isla Núria
Published: August 2023

Housing and financial market shocks affect frictional labor markets. We structurally estimate a model of job search with accumulation of liquid and residential wealth and randomly persistent house prices. Using NLSY data from 1978 to 2000, we show that reservation wages and nonemployment increase in total wealth and respond to the composition of wealth, home prices and financial markets' tightness. We cluster counties of residence by HPI growth and find a residential wealth effect on labor markets that erodes with fast home price growth. When we counterfactually fix downpayment rates above observed trajectories, nonemployment becomes one percentage point higher in counties of average or fast home price growth and 1.2 percentage points lower where home prices are stagnant. Fixing interest rates at 2% generates a 0.5 percentage point decline in nonemployment in counties with no home price growth, but no changes where price growth is average or fast.
Joint Offering Evaluation Framework for Assessing the Feasibility and Business Value of a Digital Twin Use Case
Authors: Saari Leila , Räikkönen Minna , Hytönen Eemeli , Valkokari Katri
Published: August 2023

The complexity of industrial challenges is emerging together with the exponentially developing information and communication technologies (ICT) that provide several implementation approaches for systems engineering. It is difficult for a single company to follow technological development and remain a pioneer in every topic. Still, the industrial challenges require experts in each technology. Therefore, collaboration among technology providers is an opportunity to gather all resources and competences needed for full delivery. A joint offering (JO) is a solution, that is, co‐created in collaboration between two or more actors that usually have complementary technological skills or value‐creation logics. A JO has several doubts relating to the use case (UC) in hand, the feasibility of the joint solution to be co‐created, the resources and skills needed to deliver the joint solution, the partners, the business value creation, the elements of the contract and the ownership of the outcome, just to mention a few. The Joint Offering Evaluation Framework (JOEF) uncovers these issues and supports decision‐making before the development of a JO starts. The JOEF comprises the Joint Offering Playbook and the Business Value Toolset (BVT). The Playbook offers seven viewpoints with checklists and tools for IT solution providers considering collaboration and co‐creation for a solution that they cannot deliver or sell alone. The BVT evaluates and illustrates the business value of a JO from the viewpoints of both creation and delivery, together with value capture and assessment. The JOEF was piloted with a digital twin (DT) UC from the pulp and paper industry.
CircCRIM1/microRNA‐141‐3p/thioredoxin‐binding protein axis mediates neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Hu Teng , Li Di , Fan TiePing , Zhao XuSheng , Chen ZhongJun
Published: August 2023

Numerous studies have indicated enrichment of circular RNA (circRNA) in the brain takes on a momentous role in cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (CIR) injury. A recent study discovered a novel circCRIM1, was highly expressed in the middle cerebral artery occlusion‐reperfusion (MCAO/R) model. Nevertheless, its specific biological function remained unknown. The study was to explore circCRIM1 in CIR‐induced neuronal apoptosis. As measured, circCRIM1 and TXNIP were up‐regulated, while miR‐141‐3p was down‐regulated in MCAO/R mouse model and OGD/R SH‐SY5Y cells. Depleting circCRIM1 reduced the number of apoptotic neurons in MCAO/R rats, increased the number of Nissl bodies, prevented reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress imbalance in brain tissues, repressed cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and Cyto C protein levels and increased Bcl‐2 levels. Overexpression of circCRIM1 further repressed neuronal activity and accelerated apoptosis in OGD/R model, disrupted redox balance. Depleting circCRIM1 had the opposite effect in OGD/R model. Knocking down miR‐141‐3p or TXNIP weakened the effects of knocking down circCRIM1 or overexpressing circCRIM1, separately. Mechanistically, circCRIM1 exerted an active role in CIR injury via miR‐141‐3p to mediate TXNIP. All in all, the circCRIM1/miR‐141‐3p/TXNIP axis might be a latent therapeutic target for CIR injury.
Assessing the double‐edged of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein beta signaling pathway in arsenic‐induced skin damage and its potential foodborne interventions
Authors: Yang Fan , Hu Dexiu , Du Sufei , Wu Liping , Gong Maoyuan , Zhang Yuhong , Yang Xingcan , Yang Yang , Chen Ruobi , Xu Yuyan , Zeng Qibing
Published: August 2023

Arsenic exposure is a major environmental public health challenge worldwide. As typical manifestations for arsenic exposure, the pathogenesis of arsenic‐induced skin lesions has not been fully elucidated, as well as the lack of effective control measures. In this study, we first determined the short‐term and high‐dose arsenic exposure can increase the apoptosis rates, while long‐term low‐dose arsenic exposure decrease the apoptosis rates. Then, the HaCaT cells with knockdown and overexpression of CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein β (CEBPB) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) were constructed. The results demonstrate that knockdown of CEBPB and ERK can reduce NaAsO2‐induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and vice versa. Further cells were treated with Kaji‐Ichigoside F1 (KF1). The results clearly show that KF1 can decrease the arsenic‐induced cell apoptosis rates and the expression of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway‐related genes. These results provide evidence that ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway acts as a double‐edged sword in arsenic‐induced skin damage. Another interesting finding was that KF1 can alleviate arsenic‐induced skin cell apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of arsenic‐induced skin cell apoptosis, and our findings will help to identify a potential food‐borne intervention in arsenic detoxification.
Effects and possible mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and carbon monoxide on male reproductive system in rats
Authors: Li Yingqing , Zhang Zhonghao , Wang Jiankang , Liu Chang , Liu Yang , Jiang Xiao , Chen Qing , Ao Lin , Cao Jia , Sun Lei , Han Fei , Liu Jinyi
Published: August 2023

Environmental hazards are an increasing concern due to the rapid pace of industrialization. Among these hazards, noise and carbon monoxide (CO) are common risk factors and have been shown to cause serious health problems. However, existing studies focused on the individual effects of noise and CO exposure and the combined effects of these two factors remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to examine the combined effects of noise and CO exposure on testicular function by constructing individual and combined exposure models. Our findings indicated that combined exposure to noise and CO was associated with a higher risk of testicular damage and male reproductive damage when compared to exposure alone. This was evidenced by poorer semen quality and more severe pathological damage to the testis. This combined exposure led to higher levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testes, with bioinformatics analyses suggesting the signaling pathways involved in these responses. Specifically, activation of the P53 signaling pathway was found to contribute to the testicular damage caused by the combined exposure. Encouragingly, pterostilbene (PTE), a novel phytochemical, alleviated combined exposure‐induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis. Overall, we identified joint reproductive toxicity resulting from the exposure to noise and CO, and found that PTE is a promising potential treatment for injuries caused by these factors.

The cover image is based on the Research Article Effects and possible mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and carbon monoxide on male reproductive system in rats by Yingqing Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23927.
Indoor Thermal Comfort Controller Integrating Human Interaction in the Control-Loop as a Live Component
Authors: Segovia Edgar , van Schaik Paul , Vukovic Vladimir
Published: August 2023

This research integrates the human component as a living part of the control loop, using preferences to optimise energy consumption. This paper presents an outline of a temperature controller, which is based on the theory of thermal comfort and uses fuzzy logic to optimise comfort and reduce energy consumption. The controller allows multiple-inputs, from more than one single user to set a temperature-setpoint. The control-logic was developed in MATLAB using the Simulink tool in the simulations, energy use is optimized, reducing energy consumption between 22 and 31%. The controller was tested in an office to improve the average thermal sensation of the participants between 14 and 17%. In future works increase the sample size and evaluate the non-energy impacts of the energy efficiency on thermal comfort.
The Analysis of Sensory Data from Smart Office Environment Towards the Development of an Intelligent System
Authors: Hall Jack , Shakmak Bubaker , Al-Habaibeh Amin , Kanjo Eiman
Published: August 2023

With the increase in energy prices and the drive to reduce carbon emission, this paper presents an investigation of the use of smart office environments to monitor and evaluate the sustainability and behaviour of employees and the utilisation of space and resources. This paper presents analysis of data in an office environment in a company in Derby city to attempt to understand the behaviour of employees, pattern of work, power consumption and performance of heating and air-conditioning systems. Data from occupancy, room temperature, CO2, humidity, lighting, air temperature, windows status are all collected and analysed. The data also included external environmental conditions. The results indicate some correlation between CO2 levels and the number of employees. They also show correlation between outside and inside environmental conditions. In addition, the utilisation of space was also monitored, and the results demonstrate low utilisation during most days, this was due to Covid-19 and to working from home and off-site patterns. However, the data is found useful to inform future decisions about the actual space needed for normal working conditions.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Synthetic Fuel Spray Penetration from Limited Experimental Data Without Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Richards Bryn , Emekwuru Nwabueze
Published: August 2023

Machine Learning (ML) is increasingly used to predict fuel spray characteristics, but ML conventionally requires large datasets for training. There is a problem of limited training data in the field of synthetic fuel sprays. One solution is to reproduce experimental results using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and then to augment or replace experimental data with more abundant CFD output data. However, this approach can obscure the relationship of the neural network to the training data by introducing new factors, such as CFD grid design, turbulence model, near-wall treatment, and the particle tracking approach. This paper argues that CFD can be eliminated as a data augmentation tool in favour of a systematic treatment of the uncertainty in the neural network training. Confidence intervals are calculated for neural network outputs, and these encompass both (1) uncertainty due to errors in experimental measurements of the neural networks’ training data and (2) uncertainty due to under-training the neural networks with limited experimental data. This approach potentially improves the usefulness of artificial neural networks for predicting the behaviour of sprays in engineering applications. Confidence intervals represent a more rigorous and trustworthy measure of the reliability of a neural network’s predictions than a conventional validation exercise. Furthermore, when data are limited, the best use of all available data is to improve the training of a neural network and our confidence in that training, rather than to reserve data for ad-hoc testing, which exercise can only at best approximate a confidence interval.
Responses of 2DOF Sliding Base Systems Under Harmonic Ground Motions
Authors: Hu Hong-Song
Published: August 2023

Although actual structures would not be subjected to harmonic ground motions, theoretical solutions obtained under harmonic ground motions can often provide useful information for understanding the mechanism of the structures considered. For this reason, this chapter focuses on the responses of 2-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) sliding base (SB) systems subjected to harmonic ground motions. The main contents of the present chapter include the typical response histories of a 2DOF SB system subjected to harmonic ground motions, the influence of the critical parameters on the maximum structural responses, and the derivation and interpretation of the available theoretical solutions.