bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trading off nature for nature‐based solutions: The bioeconomics of forest management for wildlife, timber, and carbon
Authors: Ury Jonah , Kotchen Matthew J. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: August 2024

Nature‐based solutions are attracting interest for their potential to enlist ecological processes as cost‐effective and safe ways to capture and store carbon in forest ecosystems. Such solutions often need to be implemented in landscapes in which there are longer established values for other ecosystem services including wildlife and timber production. Here we develop an integrative model that illustrates the inherent trade‐offs that will arise among the competing values for landscape space and how to resolve them. The analysis characterizes boreal forest ecosystem dynamics involving interactions among the main trophic compartments of an intact boreal ecosystem, aka “nature.” The model accounts for carbon accumulation via biomass growth of forest trees (timber), carbon loss due to controls from moose herbivory that varies with moose population density (hunting), and soil carbon inputs and release, which together determine the carbon sink strength of the ecosystem. We link the ecological dynamics with an economic analysis by assigning a price to carbon stored within the intact boreal forest ecosystem. We then weigh these carbon impacts against the economic benefits of timber production and hunting across a range of moose population densities. Combined, this carbon‐bioeconomic program calculates the total ecosystem benefit of a modeled boreal forest system, providing a framework for examining how different forest harvest and moose densities influence the achievement of carbon storage targets, under different levels of carbon pricing. The analysis shows that promoting nature‐based solutions merely for carbon storage may result in loss of a key part of “nature” via loss of the trophic structure and key functional controls in the ecosystem.
The frequency and chemical phenotype of neighboring plants determine the effects of intraspecific plant diversity
Authors: Glassmire Andrea E. , Hauri Kayleigh C. , Turner Daniel B. , Zehr Luke N. , Sugimoto Koichi , Howe Gregg A. , Wetzel William C.
Published: August 2024

Associational effects, whereby plants influence the biotic interactions of their neighbors, are an important component of plant–insect interactions. Plant chemistry has been hypothesized to mediate these interactions. The role of chemistry in associational effects, however, has been unclear in part because the diversity of plant chemistry makes it difficult to tease apart the importance and roles of particular classes of compounds. We examined the chemical ecology of associational effects using backcross‐bred plants of the Solanum pennellii introgression lines. We used eight genotypes from the introgression line system to establish 14 unique neighborhood treatments that maximized differences in acyl sugars, proteinase inhibitor, and terpene chemical diversity. We found that the chemical traits of the neighboring plant, rather than simply the number of introgression lines within a neighborhood, influenced insect abundance on focal plants. Furthermore, within‐chemical class diversity had contrasting effects on herbivore and predator abundances, and depended on the frequency of neighboring plant chemotypes. Notably, we found insect mobility—flying versus crawling—played a key role in insect response to phytochemistry. We highlight that the frequency and chemical phenotype of plant neighbors underlie associational effects and suggest this may be an important mechanism in maintaining intraspecific phytochemical variation within plant populations.
Selective Oxidation of Glycerol to Glycolic and Oxalic Acids for Direct Glycerol Fuel Cell
Authors: Othman Putera Nik Aiman , Karim Nabila A. , Rusydi Febdian
Published: August 2024

The direct glycerol fuel cell (DGFC) is a promising application, although the catalyst has limits and could be improved. This study used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate how the addition of silver (Ag) to a palladium (Pd) catalyst can change the mechanism of the glycerol oxidation reaction (GEOR). It was discovered that the glycerol easily oxidized at the primary carbon at the start of the reaction. Glyceraldehyde and glyceric acid are produced as intermediary products due to primary carbon oxidation using Pd3–Ag1 (111). The addition of Ag aided C–C cleavage during the reaction, converting glyceric acid to glycolic acid rather than tartronic acid. The selectivity of high‐value molecules such as glycolic and oxalic acid was more likely to increase due to the early C–C splitting. At the end of the possible chemical pathways, oxalic acid or formic acid can be generated with the nine electrons that can be transferred. This work's catalyst model and mechanism can be employed with a new alloy catalyst combination and modification or tested with a different type of alcohol or polyol as fuel. DFT analysis of the mechanism allows for more flexible improvement and design in the search for novel and better catalysts.
Conscience, Disobedience, and Standard of Care
Authors: Latham Stephen R.
Published: August 2024

In the article “Principled Conscientious Provision: Referral Symmetry and Its Implications for Protecting Secular Conscience,” Abram L. Brummett, Tanner Hafen, and Mark C. Navin reject what they call the “referral asymmetry” in U.S. conscientious objection law in medicine, which recognizes rights of conscientiously objecting physicians to withhold referrals for medical interventions but does not (yet) recognize rights of physicians to make referrals for medical interventions to which they are morally committed but to which their health care institutions are morally opposed. This commentary concentrates on a second asymmetry, namely, the relationship of a health care provider's referral or nonreferral to the medical standard of care. The commentary argues that this second asymmetry seems to require action more appropriately recognized as civil disobedience than conscientious provision of referral.
Gender and Sport
Authors: Murray Thomas H.
Published: August 2024

Sport faces many challenges in creating fair, interesting, and meaningful competitions that highlight and reward the qualities widely valued in sport, such as natural talents, dedication, and competitive savvy. The Paralympic Games illuminate both the challenge and a thoughtful way of responding by organizing events that group athletes with comparable levels of impairment so that raw physical discrepancies don't overwhelm differences in talent or dedication. It may be helpful to reflect on how gender is used in decisions about who competes against whom. Gender has long served as a rough proxy for differences in size and strength. For sports where size and strength matter, those are the dimensions along which competitors should be matched, not their gender identity. In that sense, gender is incidental to fair competition in sport. Because playing sports is good for people in so many ways, we should provide abundant opportunities that are widely available and enjoyable for all people.
Hypofractionated radiation therapy alone for human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Chen Allen M. , Harris Jeremy P. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah , Armstrong William B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To report a single‐institutional experience with hypofractionated radiation therapy alone for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods and materials

A total of 101 consecutive patients were treated by radiation therapy alone using a regimen of 66 Gy in 30 fractions (60 patients) or 70 Gy in 33 fractions (41 patients) for newly diagnosed p16‐positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Sixty‐seven patients (67%) were never smokers.

Results

The 3‐year actuarial rates of overall survival, local‐regional control, and progression‐free survival were 94%, 93%, and 89%, respectively. Among never‐smokers, the 3‐year rates of overall survival and local–regional control were 98% and 100%, respectively. The grade 3+ acute toxicity rate was 21%, with the most commonly observed side effects related to mucositis.

Conclusion

Hypofractionated radiation alone resulted in excellent outcomes for patients with HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer. A prospective clinical trial investigating this modality in the setting of de‐escalation is currently underway.
Effects of straw application on soil hydrothermal conditions and crop yield in a maize and wheat rotation system
Authors: Du Mingcheng , Zhang Jianyun , Chen Qiuwen , Lin Yuqing , Yan Hanlu , Liu Cuishan , Wang Zhenlong , Wang Guoqing
Published: August 2024

The addition of crop straw is considered an important measure for sustainable agricultural production. Crop straw when incorporated into the soil affects crop growth and development by changing the hydrothermal conditions of the soil. However, quantitative studies that inform on the mechanisms by which added straw or straw biochar (SSB) affects hydrothermal response of soil and thereby crop productivity in lime concretion black soil (LCBS) are lacking. Moreover, the sustained effects during continuous cropping are less well understood. The impact of SSB on soil properties and crop yields in a typical LCBS area was systematically investigated through field experiments with maize and wheat rotations. Four treatments were set: straw (S), fertilizer (F), straw with fertilizer (SF) and straw biochar with fertilizer (BF). The results indicated that soil water‐holding capacity and rainfall storage efficiency were improved in BF and SF treatments. Compared with the F treatment, the soil water storage increased by 80%–98% and the response time of soil water to rainfall was advanced by approximately 4 h in the other three treatments during the maize season. BF and SF treatments only increased soil water storage by 6.8% due to the lack of rainfall during the wheat season. Soil inorganic nitrogen and available phosphorus were significantly increased in SF treatment by 101.1% and 32.9% compared with BF treatment in the wheat season. Considering crop plant height, leaf area index and yield, SF and BF treatments were beneficial to crop growth and improved water use efficiency. They did not increase maize yield significantly, with a maximum increase of 2.1% in BF treatment compared with F treatment. But, SF treatment significantly increased wheat yield by 11.8% and BF treatment increased wheat yield by 6.7%. Overall, this study illustrated the positive effects of SSB additions on the production of LCBS from multiple perspectives. This will provide reference for improving the soil hydrothermal conditions of LCBS and ensure food security.
Study of the effect of local forcing on the fractal behaviour of shallow groundwater levels in a riparian aquifer
Authors: Habib Abrar , Paschalis Athanasios , Onof Christian , Bloomfield John P. , Sorensen James P. R. , Butler Adrian P.
Published: August 2024

With the help of a physically based recharge‐groundwater flow model and robust detrended fluctuation analysis (r‐DFAn), the effect of local (catchment‐scale) forcing on groundwater levels' scaling behaviour in a riparian aquifer in Wallingford, UK, is investigated. The local forcings investigated in this study include the rainfall's temporal scaling behaviour (which is simulated by changing rainfall's intermittency parameter in a β‐lognormal multiplicative random cascade model), the aquifer's physical parameters (saturated hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, the empirical coefficients of the water retention curve and the river stage's scaling behaviour). Groundwater level's scaling behaviour was found to be most sensitive to rainfall's fractal behaviour. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that changes to the rainfall's local scaling behaviour (i.e., change to the series' scaling that induces crossovers) affects the groundwater's and the recharge's local scaling behaviour.
Dynamic response of groundwater to rainfall events and sea tides in coral island
Authors: Yao Dongxu , Yang Lihu , Song Xianfang
Published: August 2024

Rainfall and sea tides significantly affect the coastal groundwater. The effect of rainfall events and sea tides on groundwater is not fully understood. In this study, groundwater level and electrical conductivity (EC) were simultaneously measured in three monitoring wells to evaluate the behaviour of freshwater in the uplifted atoll island of Zhaoshu, China. We used the water level sensor monitoring the position and variability of freshwater in the island. In the monitoring period, 86 rainfall events (cumulative rainfall above 1 mm) were identified. The fresh groundwater periodically fluctuates with phase lags every 1–2 h following sea tides. The intermittent rainfall increases the volume of fresh groundwater, while groundwater fluctuation is controlled by tides. Multiple regression analysis and cross‐correlation analysis were used to analyse the response relationship of groundwater to rainfall and tides. Variation in the groundwater level lags the EC as the temporal fluctuation of the sea tides. Only in case of severe rainstorm (cumulative precipitation of an event above 300 mm), the contribution of rainfall on groundwater level fluctuation is greater than that of sea tide. Four response modes (RRR, RFF, RFR, RRF) decomposition of groundwater have been defined according to the tidal stage and threshold (70.3–301.1 mm) of rainfall. The tidal‐induced groundwater effect (TGE) is stronger than the rainfall‐induced groundwater effect (RGE) but it is the opposite in the third and fourth modes. These results and mechanisms could be applied to other atoll islands, for our understanding of rainfall infiltration processes with tidal effect, and could be instrumental in estimating groundwater resources.
A proposal for an academy to deliver capacity building in agricultural water management with particular reference to irrigation
Authors: Lankford Bruce , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: August 2024

The paper proposes a capacity‐building programme (CBP) on water for food/agricultural water management in sub‐Saharan Africa contained within an academy on the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus. The paper is informed by a study funded by the International Water Management Institute and supported by the Water Research Commission of South Africa. It also reports on a stakeholder consultation workshop on 26 April 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. It identifies key components of capacity‐building design and delivery, including six teaching and learning pathways. These are managed ad hoc self‐directed learning; continuing professional development; short‐course training; vocational college training; part‐time online postgraduate training; and full‐time in‐person postgraduate training. The accompanying budget analysis is speculative based on the size of the student cohorts per year for each of the six CBP pathways. The total budget of the academy is estimated at approximately US$60 million for a 10‐year programme training 2,800 individuals. This works out at an average per‐student cost of US$21,600. One question, debated at the stakeholder workshop but unresolved, was the emphasis on irrigation versus the agricultural water management continuum including rainfed agriculture.
The role of personality traits in business intentions among active women entrepreneurs
Authors: Duy Luong V. Q.
Published: August 2024

Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship are important for economic growth and development. Yet insufficient attention has been paid to psychological characteristics such as personality characteristics as factors for women entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This study aims to investigate the associations between women entrepreneurs' business intentions and their personality traits. This study utilizes binomial logistic regression for hypothesis testing using the unique data set from a survey of small and medium manufacturing enterprises located in nine cities and provinces from three main geographical regions of Vietnam. The findings show that personality factors can be important for women entrepreneurs' business intentions. Unlike some other studies, the personality trait conscientiousness is found negatively correlated with women's entrepreneurial intentions. External factors such as local institutional quality and business networks have been found to stimulate women entrepreneurial intentions. The finding also raises concerns over the undergraduate training programs that need to be improved to make future students more confident in planning their business intentions if entrepreneurship is their career choice. The findings provide a key contribution to the existing literature of entrepreneurship in the context of an emerging economy where studies on women's entrepreneurship are scarce.
Mental health apps for depression: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Ye , Stice Bonnie L. , Lenz A. Stephen
Published: August 2024

The rapid growth of mobile technology and the increasing prevalence of mental health issues highlight the need to investigate the potential of mobile apps for promoting mental health. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis to systematically review and synthesize research studies published between 2002 and 2021. The search yielded 46 eligible studies (26 comparative studies and 20 within‐group studies) evaluating the effectiveness of mental health apps (MHAs) in treating depression, with outcome data from 4207 participants. Overall, analyses showed small (for comparative studies) and medium (for within‐group studies) effect sizes favoring MHAs reducing depression symptoms. In within‐group studies, participants had significantly more treatment gain with MHA interventions lasting over 4 weeks, with over 8‐week intervals associated with the greatest reductions in depression symptoms. Gender, ethnicity, intervention type, and app type are not significant moderators.
A phase 1 trial of venetoclax in combination with liposomal vincristine in patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell or T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results from the ECOG‐ACRIN EA9152 protocol
Authors: Palmisiano Neil D. , Lee Ju‐Whei , Claxton David F. , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Alkhateeb Hassan , Park Jae , Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Atallah Ehab L. , Schaar Dale G. , Dinner Shira N. , Webster Jonathan A. , Luger Selina M. , Litzow Mark R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Relapsed or refractory (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) remains a therapeutic challenge. Preclinical data in both B‐ and T‐ALL suggests synergy of venetoclax (VEN) with vincristine (VCR). We designed a phase I/II trial (EA9152) of the combination of L‐VCR and VEN for patients with r/r B‐or T‐cell ALL or LL. Here, we report the safety and efficacy outcomes of the phase I portion of this trial (NCT03504644).

Methods

In a 3+3 dose escalation design, r/r ALL subjects were given single‐agent VEN doses reaching 400, 600, or 800 mg for the three respective dose levels. Weekly L‐VCR at 2.25 mg/m2 IV was started on D15 of cycle 1. The primary phase I objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination.

Results

Among the 18 patients in phase I, grade ≥ 3 treatment‐related adverse events were reported in 89% of treated patients. Two patients (two of three) at dose level 3 experienced dose‐limiting toxicities. Therefore, the MTD of the combination was determined to be dose level 2 (VEN 600 mg). Twenty‐two percent of evaluable patients (N = 4) achieved a complete response, with two of them showing no evidence of measurable residual disease (MRD).

Conclusion

The combination of VEN and L‐VCR was found to be safe for patients with r/r ALL and encouraging preliminary efficacy, including MRD negative responses. With the removal of L‐VCR from the US market, the phase 2 portion of this trial is actively enrolling with vincristine sulfate.
Understanding the Evolution and Transmission Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hossain A. K. M. Zakir , Chowdhury A. M. Masudul Azad
Published: August 2024

Antibiotic resistance poses a formidable challenge to global public health, necessitating comprehensive understanding and strategic interventions. This review explores the evolution and transmission dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes, with a focus on Bangladesh. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, compounded by substandard formulations and clinical misdiagnosis, fuels the emergence and spread of resistance in the country. Studies reveal high resistance rates among common pathogens, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions and rational antibiotic use. Molecular assessments uncover a diverse array of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental reservoirs, highlighting the complex interplay between human activities and resistance dissemination. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, particularly plasmid‐mediated conjugation, facilitate the exchange of resistance determinants among bacterial populations, driving the evolution of multidrug‐resistant strains. The review discusses clinical implications, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and clinical settings in resistance dynamics. Furthermore, bioinformatic and experimental evidence elucidates novel mechanisms of resistance gene transfer, underscoring the dynamic nature of resistance evolution. In conclusion, combating antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach, integrating surveillance, stewardship, and innovative research to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and safeguard public health.
Workplace relationships and flourishing: a moderated mediation model of work meaningfulness and learning goal orientation
Authors: Lee Ye Jin , Lee Ki‐Hak
Published: August 2024

In this study, we examined a model that explores the connection between workplace relationships and flourishing, with mediation through work meaningfulness and living a calling. This mediation effect was discovered to be contingent on the level of learning goal orientation. The structural equation model was verified using data collected from 561 employed adults (357 females) representing various companies and jobs. The findings indicate that work meaningfulness and living a calling fully and sequentially mediate the relationship between workplace relationships and flourishing. Furthermore, this indirect effect was more pronounced under conditions of low learning goal orientation as opposed to high.
Effect of parenteral lipids on essential fatty acid deficiency in pediatric intestinal failure: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Johnson Parker , Phillips Victoria L. , Lamb Nathan , Guo Kexin , Zhao Lihui , Brennan Katherine M. , Prozialeck Joshua D. , Cohran Valeria C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Pediatric patients with intestinal failure require long‐term parenteral nutrition owing to impaired enteral nutrition absorption. A potential complication is essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), resulting from decreased linoleic and α‐linolenic acid concentrations and defined by an increased triene:tetraene ratio (TTR; Mead acid:arachidonic acid). Historically, soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) was the only commercially available parenteral lipid in the United States. Recently, a composite lipid emulsion (CLE) and fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) received US Food and Drug Administration approval. This study investigated whether lipid emulsion regimen impacts EFAD incidence in pediatric patients with intestinal failure.

Methods

This study was a 10‐year retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with intestinal failure who received parenteral SOLE, CLE, or FOLE. The primary outcome was EFAD incidence, defined as a TTR ≥ 0.2. Secondary outcomes included TTR ≥ 0.05, cholestasis incidence, lipid dose effect on EFAD incidence, and fatty acid parameter differences.

Results

A total of 144 fatty acid profiles from 47 patients were reviewed. EFAD did not occur in any lipid emulsion group. There were no differences in the incidence of TTR ≥ 0.05 or cholestasis. The effect of dose could not be evaluated because of no EFAD incidence. Lastly, although each group had varied fatty acid parameters, none saw decreased essential fatty acid levels.

Conclusion

This study found that, with close monitoring, the lipid emulsion regimen did not impact EFAD incidence. This suggests that FOLE and CLE do not increase EFAD risk compared with SOLE in pediatric patients with intestinal failure.
Research Note: Medical Cannabis Tourism
Authors: Tham Aaron
Published: August 2024

Medical cannabis is an emerging topic of interest as stakeholders come to terms with how the demand and supply of such controlled substances are regulated across nations. Then, by extension, the provision of medical cannabis has given rise to tourism encounters where people, places, and spaces intersect. However, medical cannabis tourism has received very little attention in scholarly literature. This research note seeks to provide an overview of developments related to medical cannabis, fundamental questions that tourism scholars and practitioners need to be cognisant of, and charts avenues for future research.
Between‐Visit Reproducibility of Shear Wave Viscoelastography in Volunteers and Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Yazdani Ladan , Selladurai Sathiyamoorthy , Rafati Iman , Bhatt Manish , Montagnon Emmanuel , Chayer Boris , Olivié Damien , Giard Jeanne‐Marie , Sebastiani Giada , Nguyen Bich N. , Cloutier Guy , Tang An
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess the reproducibility of six ultrasound (US)‐determined shear wave (SW) viscoelastography parameters for assessment of mechanical properties of the liver in volunteers and patients with biopsy‐proven metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Methods

This prospective, cross‐sectional, institutional review board‐approved study included 10 volunteers and 20 patients with MASLD or MASH who underwent liver US elastography twice, at least 2 weeks apart. SW speed (SWS), Young's modulus (E), shear modulus (G), SW attenuation (SWA), SW dispersion (SWD), and viscosity were computed from radiofrequency data recorded on a research US scanner. Linear mixed models were used to consider the sonographer on duty as a confounder. The reproducibility of measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), reproducibility coefficient (RDC), and Bland‐Altman analyses.

Results

The sonographer performing the exam had no impact on viscoelastic parameters (P > .05). ICCs of SWS, E, G, SWA, SWD, and viscosity were, respectively, 0.89 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.79‐0.95), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79‐0.95), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80‐0.95), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93‐0.98), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.89), and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80‐0.95); CVs were 11.9, 23.3, 24.2, 10.1, 29.0, and 32.2%; RDCs were 33.0, 64.5, 66.9, 27.7, 80.3, and 89.2%, and Bland‐Altman mean biases and 95% limits of agreement were −0.05 (−0.45, 0.35) m/s, −0.61 (−5.33, 4.10) kPa, −0.25 (−2.06, 1.56) kPa, −0.01 (−0.27, 0.26) Np/m/Hz, −0.09 (−7.09, 6.91) m/s/kHz, and −0.33 (−2.60, 1.94) Pa/s, between the two visits.

Conclusion

US‐determined viscoelastography parameters can be measured with high reproducibility and consistency between two visits 2 weeks apart on the same ultrasound machine.
Clean energy, food, water and environment: Examining COP27 targets for China's economy
Authors: Hou Li , Hao Liang , Wang Weizheng , Zhou Jun , Yan Jiale , Hasan Miraz Mahadi
Published: August 2024

Currently, emerging as well as industrialized countries are transitioning toward adopting clean energy sources because of increased environmental calamities. Additionally, the rapid increase in population has improved global food production and demand. Nevertheless, the environmental consequences of food production and water investments have received limited attention from scholars. The present research investigates China's environmental determinants between 1988 and 2022. This study uses three parametric approaches (fully modified ordinary least squares [FMOLS], dynamic ordinary least squares [DOLS], and canonical cointegrating regression [CCR]) for the primary model assessment. However, this research also employed the least squares method with breaks and quantile regression to account for structural breaks and nonnormality issues. The predicted outcomes asserted that economic expansion and investment in water significantly improve the carbon emissions level in the country. However, enhanced food production and clean energy adoption improve environmental sustainability and the probability of achieving COP27 targets by reducing emissions. The outcomes are robust and reliable based on the given literature. Based on the outcomes, this research recommends improved investment in research and development, increased renewable energy production, and strong policies for decoupling economic growth from emissions via clean energy.
Characterization of Starch Fraction From Wet Protein Isolation Process in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Daba Sintayehu , McGee Rebecca , Kiszonas Alecia , Finnie Sean
Published: August 2024

The protein isolation process produces a protein isolate and a starch byproduct. This research focuses on characterizing the composition, pasting properties, and gel firmness (FM) of starch fractions of five yellow pea genotypes grown in six environments in the state of Washington, USA. Protein isolation yielded 17% protein and 60% starch fractions. The starch fraction had a purity range of 66.0%–84.8%. Pea starch exhibited a strong gel‐forming property. The pasting temperatures (PTs) of the starch fractions from the five pea entries ranged between 73.2 °C and 77.1 °C. Viscosity measurements indicated significant seasonal variations. Specifically, the viscosity parameters for the starches from the 2020 to 2022 seasons were significantly higher than those from the 2021 season. Differences in weather conditions partly contributed to seasonal variations. The 2021 season experienced low rainfall, primarily in May and June, followed by high temperatures during late June and the first 3 weeks of July. The principal component analysis (PCA) of 344 viscosity measurements from the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) test showed a clear separation of the 2021 samples from those of 2020 and 2022, emphasizing the impact of the differences in growing conditions.
Ultra‐Stable Phonon Laser Through Closed‐Loop Feedback Control for Optomechanical Sensing
Authors: Pan Ziwen , Yang Yi , Liu Wenyao , Xing Enbo , Zhou Yanru , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: August 2024

The resonant amplification of the optical and mechanical components in cavity optomechanical systems enhances the performance of sensing applications, which rely on precise frequency control and narrowed mechanical linewidth. This study proposes a direct closed‐loop feedback technique for a narrow linewidth phonon laser based on optomechanical self‐oscillation. By continuously pumping a mechanical resonator with a laser, a phonon laser is achieved with an oscillation frequency of 17.58 MHz, exhibiting a narrow linewidth of just 0.44 mHz and an effective mechanical Q of 4 × 1010, while preserving the linear frequency response. The oscillator phase is fed back to the pump laser, yielding a mechanical frequency stability of 7.2 × 10−11 and providing a real‐time output of direct current voltage corresponding to the oscillator frequency changes. The system's real‐time sensing capability is tested using fiber probes and polystyrene particles, demonstrating a performance approach to the theoretical resolution limit. This work opens new avenues for real‐time precision measurement technology and can be extended to different optomechanical systems.
This article is… Consumer reactions to unfinished teasers for digital content
Authors: Mandler Timo , Cziehso Gerrit P. , Schaefers Tobias , Kupfer Ann‐Kristin , Mafael Alexander
Published: August 2024

To preview digital content and arouse consumers' interest, online providers often use short teasers designed in an unfinished form, such that the teaser begins a new sentence but does not finish it. These teasers aim to create curiosity and trigger consumption of the advertised content. However, we reveal that consumers' reactions to unfinished teasers are not always positive. The results from a qualitative pilot study and five experimental studies show that consumers react negatively to unfinished teasers for paid content, as demonstrated by reduced purchases. This effect reverses for free content, in that unfinished teasers lead to more consumption. We explain this reversal by showing that the barrier associated with paid content (i.e., the payment requirement) activates consumers' persuasion knowledge and suppresses any positive curiosity‐induced effects, which does not occur when content is available for free. These findings offer novel insights into the complexity of consumers' reactions to prevalent advertising techniques designed to promote content consumption in digital marketplaces.
Dual Cartan numbers and pseudo‐null lines
Authors: Öztürk İskender
Published: August 2024

The study aims to introduce some geometric properties of dual Cartan numbers. Since a unit timelike Cartan number with lightlike vector part corresponds to a parabolic rotation around a lightlike axis, it has been shown that the unit dual Cartan number with lightlike dual vector also corresponds to a parabolic rotation and a translation transformation in the Cartan frame. Also, the angle between the directed pseudo‐null lines that tangent the same parabola is defined. Thus, the rotation and translation relationship between two directed pseudo‐null lines is obtained. Also, the E. Study transformation is given for the directed pseudo‐null lines.
Enhanced Thermal Management in Microelectronics Packaging With 2D h‐BN Nanocomposite Underfills
Authors: Razgaleh Sara A. , Aravamudhan Shyam
Published: August 2024

The quest for faster and more densely packed microelectronic circuits has necessitated significant advancements in thermal management and encapsulant manufacturing technologies. This pursuit has driven the development of innovative methods to enhance heat flux and thermal transfer in microelectronics packaging. A critical issue is the thermal stress induced by the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the chip and the substrate, threatening the chip's mechanical integrity and lifespan. To address this challenge, there is a growing emphasis on using underfills to improve thermal transfer and heat dissipation. The current study focuses on using hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanofillers for robust thermal support in microelectronics packaging. This study deploys epoxy adhesives to integrate nanofillers, where precise dispersion is crucial for optimizing thermal and mechanical properties. Findings show 1500‐ and 500‐nm h‐BN enhance axial thermal conductivity and diffusivity linearly with filler content, while the 70‐nm h‐BN plateaus at 3% volume. The 70‐nm h‐BN demonstrates superior radial thermal performance.
Synthesis of higher‐B0 CEST Z‐spectra from lower‐B0 data via deep learning and singular value decomposition
Authors: Yan Mengdi , Bie Chongxue , Jia Wentao , Liu Chuyu , He Xiaowei , Song Xiaolei
Published: August 2024

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI at 3 T suffers from low specificity due to overlapping CEST effects from multiple metabolites, while higher field strengths (B0) allow for better separation of Z‐spectral “peaks,” aiding signal interpretation and quantification. However, data acquisition at higher B0 is restricted by equipment access, field inhomogeneity and safety issues. Herein, we aim to synthesize higher‐B0 Z‐spectra from readily available data acquired with 3 T clinical scanners using a deep learning framework. Trained with simulation data using models based on Bloch–McConnell equations, this framework comprised two deep neural networks (DNNs) and a singular value decomposition (SVD) module. The first DNN identified B0 shifts in Z‐spectra and aligned them to correct frequencies. After B0 correction, the lower‐B0 Z‐spectra were streamlined to the second DNN, casting into the key feature representations of higher‐B0 Z‐spectra, obtained through SVD truncation. Finally, the complete higher‐B0 Z‐spectra were recovered from inverse SVD, given the low‐rank property of Z‐spectra. This study constructed and validated two models, a phosphocreatine (PCr) model and a pseudo‐in‐vivo one. Each experimental dataset, including PCr phantoms, egg white phantoms, and in vivo rat brains, was sequentially acquired on a 3 T human and a 9.4 T animal scanner. Results demonstrated that the synthetic 9.4 T Z‐spectra were almost identical to the experimental ground truth, showing low RMSE (0.11% ± 0.0013% for seven PCr tubes, 1.8% ± 0.2% for three egg white tubes, and 0.79% ± 0.54% for three rat slices) and high R2 (>0.99). The synthesized amide and NOE contrast maps, calculated using the Lorentzian difference, were also well matched with the experiments. Additionally, the synthesis model exhibited robustness to B0 inhomogeneities, noise, and other acquisition imperfections. In conclusion, the proposed framework enables synthesis of higher‐B0 Z‐spectra from lower‐B0 ones, which may facilitate CEST MRI quantification and applications.
Blockchain‐Enabled Decentralized Healthcare Data Exchange: Leveraging Novel Encryption Scheme, Smart Contracts, and Ring Signatures for Enhanced Data Security and Patient Privacy
Authors: Vidhya S. , Siva Raja P. M. , Sumithra R. P.
Published: August 2024

The healthcare industry has undergone a digital transformation in recent years, with the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) becoming increasingly prevalent. While this digitization offers various advantages, concerns regarding the security and privacy of sensitive medical data have also intensified. Data breaches and cyber‐attacks targeting healthcare organizations have underscored the need for robust solutions to protect patient data. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution due to its decentralized and immutable nature, which ensures secure and transparent data recording. This paper proposes a novel approach that combines blockchain with advanced encryption scheme and privacy protection technique to establish a secure and privacy protected medical data sharing environment. The proposed system consists of three phases such as initialization phase, data processing phase, and authentication phase. The hybrid Feistal‐Shannon homomorphic encryption algorithm (HFSHE) is proposed to encrypt the medical data to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Ring signature is integrated to the system to provide additional anonymity and protect the identities of the participants involved in data transactions. In addition, the smart contract developed performs authentication checks on users, generates a time seal, and verifies the ring signature. Through this enhancement, the system becomes more resilient to both external and internal threats, enhancing overall security as well as privacy. A comprehensive security analysis is conducted to compare the proposed method's performance against existing techniques. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in safeguarding sensitive medical information within the blockchain ecosystem.
Collaborative governance in disaster management and sustainable development
Authors: Dai Jiapeng , Azhar Aisha
Published: August 2024

This review article highlights the outcomes of collaborative governance in disaster management and its correlation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular interests are the origins and emergence of scholarship, core themes discussed under the subject, global contexts reported in the studies, and empirical findings regarding the relationship between collaborative governance in disaster management and the SDGs. The findings indicate that the USA dominates in publications on collaborative governance in disaster management. The most reported areas include COVID‐19, general theory development, the role of nonprofits, policy development frameworks, and other disasters including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The areas connected with the SDGs are grouped into three sections. The first section describes the study's focus on SDG 17, highlighting partnerships as pivotal for goal attainment; the second section examines the Sendai Framework's alignment with goals such as poverty eradication, urban resilience, climate action, and partnerships; while the third section addresses additional areas connected to foundational SDGs, outlining a comprehensive framework for collaborative governance research. The study concludes by proposing a research agenda for more research from multiple contexts and research on areas under a developmental agenda.
Social support and identity promote diverse participation in wildlife viewing
Authors: Jennings Kelsey , Dayer Ashley A. , Chaves Willandia A.
Published: August 2024

Wildlife viewing is growing in popularity, especially among Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), whose participation has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. We used a nationwide sample of wildlife viewers to examine how identity as a wildlife viewer, the importance of wildlife viewing to one's life, ethnoracial identity and social support influenced the degree of participation in wildlife viewing.

We examined data as part of a non‐probabilistic online survey of wildlife viewers (n = 17,104). We were particularly interested in how participation, support, the importance of wildlife viewing, and identity as wildlife viewers varied across ethnoracial groups. Support has been found to influence involvement in various activities, while identity and importance have been shown to drive continued participation, suggesting that these factors may be of great value for encouraging and sustaining behaviour.

We found that, compared with White groups, multiple ethnoracial groups identified less as wildlife viewers. However, they indicated that wildlife viewing is more important to their lives. We also found that most ethnoracial groups received more support from friends, family, mentors and peers than White viewers.

This research can help understand the participation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour in outdoor recreation. Furthermore, this work demonstrates how legacies of racially motivated discriminatory policies may limit participation among ethnoracially diverse communities.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sustainable strategy for the synthesis of novel vegetable oil derived polymeric materials
Authors: Slabu Andrei Iulian , Stan Raluca , Miu Laura , Necolau Madalina Ioana , Balanuca Brindusa , Teodorescu Florina
Published: August 2024

This study reports a sustainable strategy to produce polymeric materials with convenient properties, employing principles close to green chemistry, starting from epoxy/methacrylate vegetable oil monomers. New bio‐based derivatives were obtained from the well‐known epoxidized linseed oil, reacted with a renewable reagent, undecylenic acid, using suitable synthesis parameters in heterogeneous catalysis. The undecylenic double bonds grafted on the linseed oil structure were then reacted, resulting epoxidized undecylenic acid‐linseed oil (monomer 1). Monomer 1 was further used as an intermediate to obtain methacrylic derivatives: monomer 2—methacrylate epoxidized undecylenic acid‐linseed oil (bearing both epoxy and methacrylic moieties) and monomer 3—methacrylate undecylenic acid‐linseed oil (bearing only methacrylic functionalities). These three monomers were employed in different eco‐friendly ultraviolet/visible light curing attempts, proving their ability to generate polymer networks in different reaction conditions. The resulting materials were investigated through different thermal and thermo‐mechanical assays, establishing their general properties. The influence of the undecylenic fragments, epoxy/methacrylate content and curing conditions were established. Gel fraction varied according to the initial precursor composition (62/87% for the epoxy‐based materials; 58/91% for the methacrylic‐based materials). A good elasticity was observed for the new materials (Tg ranging from 20 to 44°C), and a great thermal resistance also (thermal degradation temperatures of 400/453°C for the epoxy network and 382°C for the methacrylic one), in good agreement with other studied mono‐ or di‐functional polymer matrices.
Fabrication of flat and sizeable nanocellular polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) foam with tunable thermal conductivity
Authors: Gebremedhin Kiday Fiseha , Tolcha Solomon Dufera , Yeh Shu‐Kai
Published: August 2024

Polymeric nanocell foam is a promising material that faces manufacturing challenges. Producing sizable and thick foams for properties testing has been challenging. This study aims to scale up and understand the foaming mechanism of nanocellular foams by controlling the saturation temperature, pressure, and molecular weight distribution of the matrix to fine‐tune the glass transition temperature of the polymer/gas mixture. The hot‐press foamed samples possess a 100 × 70 × 6 ~ 8 mm3 dimension and a cell size of less than 200 nm. Bimodal structures can also be created by controlling the critical processing parameters. Introducing 37% microcells into unimodal nanocellular foam reduced the relative density from 0.29 to 0.19. The thermal conductivity of the foams was tuned by controlling the cell size distribution. Unimodal nanofoams have the lowest thermal conductivity for foams of the same density due to the Knudsen effect and tortuosity. The measured thermal conductivity is in agreement with theoretical models.

Highlights

PMMA nanofoam with a dimension of 100 × 70 × 6–8 mm3 and cell size below 200 nm.

The morphology of nanofoams was tuned to be unimodal and bimodal.

The foam density of the bimodal nanofoams was lowered below 0.238 g/cm3.

The thermal conductivity of foams was tuned by controlling the cell structure.
Enhancing water resistance and mechanical properties of starch‐based edible biofilms through chitosan, seaweed, and sodium tripolyphosphate modifications
Authors: Le Thu Ha , Dinh Duc Anh , Le My Tra , Le Thang Van , Bui Van‐Tien
Published: August 2024

The widespread use of single‐use plastic food wrapping and drinking straws has led to significant plastic and microplastic pollution, threatening environmental sustainability and human health. This study aims to provide sustainable alternatives by improving starch‐based biofilms' mechanical properties and water resistance for food wrapping and edible drinking straws. We modified starch with chitosan, raw seaweed, and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to enhance these biofilms. Our results show that the optimal proportion of chitosan, combined with varying seaweed and STPP content, significantly improves the biofilms' properties. The developed starch‐based biofilms offer an eco‐friendly and sustainable alternative to single‐use plastic, with the potential for large‐scale, cost‐effective production.

Highlights

Novel edible starch‐based biofilms were successfully prepared.

The biofilms made from renewable FDA‐approved edible materials.

Biofilms showed improved mechanical properties and water resistance.

The biofilms exhibited non‐toxic and antimicrobial properties.

Biofilms offer alternatives to single‐use plastic for food wrapping.