bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-assembly-mediated biosupramolecular catalysis: thermodynamic insights into nucleobase specific (oligo)nucleotide attachment and cleavage
Authors: Priyanka  , Maiti Subhabrata
Published: October 2023

A co-assembly-mediated biosupramolecular oligonucleotide digestion process is reported, comprising Zn(ii)-metallosurfactant and alkaline phosphatase, which gets accelerated or decelerated depending on the type of nucleobases.
A generalized neural network approach for separation of molecular breaking traces
Authors: van Veen Frederik , Ornago Luca , van der Zant Herre S.J. , El Abbassi Maria
Published: October 2023

The presented generalized neural network is a reliable and efficient tool for the separation of tunneling-only traces from break-junction data sets.
A complete explanation of the plasmonic colours of gold nanoparticles and of the bichromatic effect
Authors: Pluchery Olivier , Prado Yoann , Watkins William
Published: October 2023

Gold nanoparticles are known for their red or violet colours in transmission related to the localized plasmon resonance. They can sometimes generate an orange colour in reflection. These properties make them a new type of colouring pigment.
The effect of fluorination on the low and high frequency dielectric constants of non-polymeric organic semiconductors – towards homojunction solar cells
Authors: Mallo Neil , McAnally Shaun , Chu Ronan , Babazadeh Mohammad , Jin Hui , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: October 2023

Fluorination of a non-polymeric donor–acceptor–acceptor–donor organic semiconductor leads to an increase in the thin-film low frequency and decrease in the optical frequency dielectric constant relative to the protonated material.
Electronic structure and optical spectra of MSi2N4 (M = Mo, Ta, V) materials with single-atom decoration: a first-principles study
Authors: Wu Tzu-Cheng , Liao Yin-Song , Kao Jui-Cheng , Chou Jyh-Pin
Published: October 2023

Single atom decoration can modify the electronic properties, making TaSi2N4 suitable for spintronics and turning VSi2N4 into a half-metal semiconductor. These findings have potential applications in advanced electronic devices.
Linear perfluoroalkyl carboxylate reduction dynamics with solvated electrons from ferrocyanide and sulfite
Authors: Maza William A. , Ridenour James A. , Chaloux Brian L. , Epshteyn Albert , Owrutsky Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2023

Hydrated electron quenching by perfluoroalkyl carboxylates in ferrocyanide and sulfite is examined with nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The results show distinct differences that are influenced by ionic strength and PFAS counterion.
Technological development of smart industrial regions in Russia: A cluster analysis
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Smirnova Olga , Chesnyukova Lyudmila
Published: October 2023

The article is intended to assess the level of technological development of Russian industrial regions using the method of statistical cluster analysis and discusses some special features associated with the formation of smart (promising) regional clusters. The work is based on the statistical data on production capacity, investments in scientific and technological progress, the level of production automation and other indicators characterizing the technological development of industry sectors. We evaluate these indicators and identify the regions with the highest level of technological development as well as those lagging behind the average values. The authors prove the importance of enhancing the industry’s technological base to increase the competitiveness of the regions and the entire country. The positive impact of advanced technologies on the development of smart (promising) regional clusters is emphasized.
Evaluation in green building design for conversion projects: Case studies and comparative approaches
Authors: Borsos Ágnes , Finucci Fabrizio , Gyergyák János , Masanotti Antonella G.
Published: October 2023

By 2020, the manufacturing and construction industries sector is responsible for 16.3 percent of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, third after the energy industries sector (31.4%) and transportation sector (29.0%). The built heritage is one of the first targets for mitigation and improvement of current environmental conditions. Carl Elefante’s now famous statement “The Greenest Building Is... One That Is Already Built” wide the aspiration of the green concept to building design not only to new construction but also to the existing building stock. The purpose of the hypothetical intervention would aim at improving the three dimensions of sustainability - environmental, economic, and social - as applied to the building artifact. The dimensions of sustainability related with the concept of green building, that aims to implement user health through the design of healthy indoor environments. As a result of providing the definitions of Green Building design mainly found in the literature, the first approach of the paper is a critical reading of three case studies in the field of sustainable building, the criteria used in ex-ante evaluation, comparing their results, and providing a general procedural a logical framework to understand the initial part of the design process approaching to sustainability.
Methodological Notes for Cost and Benefit Analysis of Drilling in Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Kopsidas Odysseas , Giannopoulou Dimitra , Zarotiadis Grigoris
Published: October 2023

The Mediterranean Action Plan of the United Nations is legally the only set of binding policies to address common issues and challenges of environmental degradation and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean. The oil and gas industry is at the heart of the global economy and crucial for many national economies, including developing and emerging countries, being a driving force for economic growth. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), known also as Social Cost Benefit Analysis, is a method of evaluating investment plans and their impact with a view to socioeconomic well-being and the environment. In order to be able to answer the question whether or not research and subsequent mining of hydrocarbons should be done in the Eastern Mediterranean, one should consider all of the above, affecting political answers, especially as climate change is more visible than ever and the potential costs of these activities are difficult to assess
Impacts of the shipbuilding industry on the ecosystem services and the challenges for a sustainable blue economy: Case study of a coastal ecosystem in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Pournara Anthi , Sakellariadou Fani
Published: October 2023

Blue Economy includes all economic activities that take place in the ocean, sea and coastal areas. Despite their importance and continuous growth, the blue economy activities have serious impacts on the marine and coastal environment. A sustainable blue economy preserves social cohesion, promotes environmental protection and produces economic growth. Shipbuilding is one of the main blue economy sectors, covering the construction of the cargo, passenger, military and research fleet and its maintenance. The shipbuilding sector is important for the EU economy, in terms of economic development, employment and support of the supply chain. The last years, the shipbuilding and repair industry of Greece is reborn, with a respected number of shipyards to increase their activities. The shipbuilding activities belong to the so called “heavy” industries, creating significant environmental pressures to the coastal ecosystem, that affect a series of ecosystem services. Case study of this research is the Gulf of Elefsis, a vulnerable ecosystem facing the impacts of the industrial activities of shipbuilding and repair, and the environmental problems that occur. The present study is an attempt to spot the ecosystem services that are threatened by the shipbuilding industry and to propose the appropriate measures and responses to face the existing pressures.
New trends on Environmental Kuznets Curve research – A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mandalas Ioannis , Gizani Nectaria , Zervas Efthimios
Published: October 2023

Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), connecting environmental degradation with income, is established in 1991 from Grossman and Krueger. It comes from the inverted-U shape of the initial Kuznets curve, which described the relationship between economic growth and income inequality. Since then, more than 3,000 scientific documents, examining the relationship between the same independent variable and environmental degradation, have been published. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the topic. In recent years, EKC attracts the scientific interest as the number of documents have been continuously increasing. The majority of authors’ origin come from China and its affiliation institutes, followed by USA, Turkey, Pakistan, and United Kingdom. The most popular document type is scientific article and the fields in which EKC is most implemented are environmental science, economics, energy, social sciences, and engineering. The most popular keyword of documents are Kuznets Curve, Environmental Kuznets Curve, Economic Growth, Carbon Dioxide and Economic Development.
Use of aluminum powder for the development of a sustainable paste used in the restoration of historical monuments
Authors: Saba Marianne , Arairo Wahib , Sabalbal Ghina , El Bachawati Makram , Absi Joseph
Published: October 2023

The preservation of historic sites requires the development of sustainable restoration materials.. This work examined the use of aluminum powder as a main component in the manufacturing of environmentally friendly pastes for historical monument repair. These pastes currently present a sustainable remedy by inserting the aluminum powder having special properties such as its light weight and size, resistance to corrosion, and excellent thermal conductivity [1]. By thoroughly examining the mechanical, aesthetic, and sustainability aspects of these materials, this study provides insights into the effectiveness and long-term preservation advantages of aluminum powder-based pastes. Results highlighted that the produced pastes have remarkable mechanical properties, such as high compressive strength, superb adhesion, and dimensional stability. Additionally, they are aesthetically compatible, making it possible to replicate the materials and surface textures of the originals. Aluminum powder-based pastes reduce waste and the carbon footprint of restoration projects from a sustainability standpoint. Case studies that successfully use these pastes in the restoration of historical monuments are included in the publication, showing their efficacy, tenacity, and aesthetic compatibility [1]. All things considered, the incorporation of aluminum powder in environmentally responsible pastes reveals to be a promising development in the preservation and restoration of historical monuments, assuring their preservation for future generations while keeping environmental responsibility.
Elaboration of a sustainable bottom ash geopolymer material
Authors: Abdayem Joseph , Saba Marianne , Aouad Georges
Published: October 2023

The use of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) has been the primary material used in the construction industry. Its production leads to 5% to 7% of total CO2 emissions and 14% of the total global energy emissions [1,2]. The pollution caused by OPC production has encouraged researchers to discover new environmental and sustainable materials such as geopolymers [2]. The main objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymers made with bottom ash to produce an eco-friendly material while reducing waste generation. The following research determines the mechanical properties of French metakaolin-based geopolymer produced with bottom ash at different mass substitution rates ranging from 0% to 15%. The solid powders were mixed with a sodium-based alkali activator and poured into 4x4 cubical molds. The four different mix designs were cured at ambient temperature and varied according to the different percentages of bottom ash (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) inserted. The mechanical properties of the several mixes were assessed by the use of a UTM compression test machine on the respective days of testing: 7, 28, and 90 days. Results demonstrated that the geopolymer mortars produced with bottom ash gave promising mechanical properties regardless of the mass substitution rates inserted in the mixes. This behavior has induced the potential for incorporating such waste in producing a sustainable and eco-friendly cementitious material. In conclusion, the use of bottom ash as a recyclable source material in geopolymer mortar formulation has highlighted the importance of this development as a sustainable solution. The effectiveness of a study where the compressive strength showed high results when compared to OPC is encouraging.
The effect of the forest road network on grassland ecosystems with the contribution of the SWOT-AHP method
Authors: Daoutis Christodoulos , Lempesi Aimilia
Published: October 2023

Forest road edges are habitats for many grassland species because these species grow in open environments with sufficient light. The study area was the Regional Unit of Kavala (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece). The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) were recorded according to the literature review and the criteria were also ranked using the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method. According to the comparison of the SWOT criteria, Strengths occupy a percentage of 43.6%, followed by Weaknesses and Threats with a percentage of 24.5% and 17.3% respectively. Opportunities have the smallest percentage (14.6%). Regarding the sub-criteria of Strengths, the sub-criteria “The edges of forest roads protect high plant diversity, and a significant degree of endemism” ranks first with a percentage of 32.4%. From the comparison of the sub-criteria of Weaknesses, the sub-criteria “Forest roads create gaps by removing vegetation and divide the ecosystem” occupies the first place with a percentage of 37.9%. After comparing the sub-criteria of Opportunities, the sub-criterion “Through the forest road network there is access to new areas (grassland ecosystems)” receives the largest percentage (46.6%). The biggest Threat is the sub-criterion “The road network probably contributes to global macroclimate change” with a percentage of 52.4%.
Initiierung und endokrine Kontrolle der Geburt bei
Haussäugetieren – Teil 1
Authors: Schuler Gerhard
Published: October 2023

Der endokrinen Kontrolle der Geburt liegt ein intensiver Signalaustausch zwischen
Fetus, Plazenta und Mutter zugrunde. Abgesehen vom Schaf ist unser Wissen
über die dabei zugrunde liegenden Prozesse immer noch sehr
lückenhaft. Bisherige Beobachtungen lassen jedoch erhebliche
Speziesunterschiede erkennen. Für die Aufrechterhaltung der
Gravidität ist Progesteron (P4) der entscheidende übergeordnete
Regelfaktor, wobei bei einigen Spezies wie dem Pferd Funktionen des P4 zumindest
teilweise durch andere Gestagene erfüllt werden. Allgemein wird ein
präpartaler P4-Entzug als Voraussetzung für einen
physiologischen Geburtseintritt angesehen. Bei Spezies mit
ausschließlich (Hund) oder überwiegend lutealem P4
(z. B. Rind, Ziege, Schwein) am Graviditätsende ist eine
Luteolyse das entscheidende Ereignis. Beim Schaf, bei dem am
Graviditätsende P4 plazentaren Ursprungs ist, beruht der
präpartale P4-Abfall auf einer Umstellung im plazentaren
Steroidstoffwechsel. Der Mechanismus des präpartalen Gestagenentzugs bei
der Stute ist noch weitgehend unklar. Beim Schaf geht die Initiierung der Geburt
von einer Ausreifung der fetalen Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennierenrinden
(HPA)-Achse aus, die zu einem steilen präpartalen Anstieg der fetalen
Cortisolkonzentrationen führt, welcher den Zusammenbruch der plazentaren
P4-Produktion stimuliert. Beim Rind triggert fetales Cortisol vermutlich
über die Stimulation der plazentaren Prostaglandinsekretion die
Luteolyse. Auch bei einigen anderen Haussäugetierspezies gibt es
deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass die Initiierung der Geburt von einer Ausreifung
der fetalen HPA-Achse ausgeht. Die funktionellen Zusammenhänge zwischen
fetalem Cortisol und dem präpartalen P4-Entzug sind jedoch bei
Nichtwiederkäuerspezies weitgehend unbekannt.
Exploring Growth, Maturity, and Age as Injury Risk Factors in
High-Level Youth Football
Authors: Wik Eirik Halvorsen , Chamari Karim , Tabben Montassar , Di Salvo Valter , Gregson Warren , Bahr Roald
Published: October 2023

Rapid somatic growth and biological maturity status may affect injury patterns in
youth football, yet firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the existing research.
We aimed to explore growth velocity, maturity, and age as injury risk factors in
95 academy players (11.9–15.0 years), using anthropometric (height and
body mass), maturity (skeletal age), injury, and football exposure data
collected prospectively over three seasons
(2016/17–2018/19). We compared the relative quality of
mixed-effects logistic regression models with growth velocity for 223 growth
intervals (average 113 days) included as fixed effects and adjusted for age
(chronological or skeletal) plus load (hours/week). Associations were
considered practically relevant based on the confidence interval for odds
ratios, using thresholds of 0.90 and 1.11 to define small beneficial and harmful
effects, respectively. We observed harmful effects of older age on overall (OR:
2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.91) and sudden onset (1.98,
1.17–3.37) injury risk. Significant associations (p<0.05) were
observed for higher body mass change and greater maturity on sudden onset
injuries, and for higher hours/week on gradual onset, bone tissue, and
physis injuries. Future studies should include larger samples, monitoring
athletes from pre-adolescence through maturation, to enable within-subject
analyses and better understand the relationship between growth, maturation, and
injuries.
The Square-Plus Flap: A Modification to Release Long Postburn Scar Contractures
Authors: Hifny Mahmoud A. , Ogawa Rei
Published: October 2023

The square flap method has been successful in releasing contracture bands at various body regions. However, the original square flap method alone may not be efficient in releasing long contracture bands. We, therefore, proposed an extended design to the traditional design, which is called the “square-plus flap.” A 4-year-old girl presented with a postburn web-like contracture band over the right axilla. We marked a square flap technique at the center of the contracture band and then two additional Z-plasties were placed on both edges of the flap. After the release and securing of the square flap, the adjacent distal Z-plasty was then transposed and sutured in their new locations. We do not need to incise the proximal Z-plasty as we could achieve complete relaxation of the contracture band. This novel modification can be added to the plastic surgeon's armamentarium for releasing long postburn contracture bands involving distinct body regions.
Hypotension and Bradycardia Following Papaverine Installation During Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Al-Sharshahi Zahraa F. , Hoz Samer S. , Almurayati Mustafa E. , Ghanim Teeba M. , Kareem Zahraa M. , Alsubaihawi Zahraa A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction One of the major complications of intracranial aneurysm surgery is vasospasm. Papaverine is an effective vasodilator that can be instilled directly onto the vessels in the operative field with the aim of preventing intraoperative and postoperative vasospasm. Several case reports of hemodynamic instability in general and of hypotension, in particular, were reported after the use of topical papaverine during aneurysm clipping surgery.

Case description Herein, we report three cases of transient profound hypotension and relative bradycardia after intracisternal papaverine usage during ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping surgery.

Conclusion Caution should be taken while using papaverine intracisternally during anterior circulation aneurysm clipping, since it may cause several serious complications, including profound hemodynamic instability, particularly when instilling on a fenestrated lamina terminalis.
Nonlinear dynamics of magnetic multilayers and low-dimensional magnets. i. easy-plane magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Kovalev A. S.
Published: October 2023

The nonlinear dynamics of two magnetic elements with easy-plane magnetic anisotropy and ferromagnetic exchange interaction is considered in the framework of discrete Landau–Lifshitz equations. In the absence of damping, exact solutions of these equations are obtained for the proposed integrable dynamical system. The dynamics of the system, its frequency characteristics, and essentially nonlinear high-amplitude excitations, in particular, with a non-equal distribution of excitation between magnetic elements, have been fully investigated. The results of a theoretical study can be used in the analysis of dynamics of magnetic multilayers excited by a polarized current or a high-frequency field.
Exciton absorption spectrum of thin films of ternary compounds in the CsCl–CuCl system
Authors: Kovalenko E. N. , Yunakova O. N. , Yunakov N. N.
Published: October 2023

The absorption spectra of thin films (CsCl)1–x(CuCl)x were studied at T = 90 K in the spectral range 2–6 eV. From the analysis of the spectra, the formation of CsCu2Cl3 and Cs2CuCl3 compounds in the CsCl–CuCl system was created. The Cs2CuCl3 compound is stable only in a vacuum; in air, it apparently decomposes into CsCu2Cl3 with a disordered crystal lattice and CsCl. The exciton spectrum of both compounds is interpreted on the basis of transitions in the Cu+ ion. The one-dimensional character of excitons in CsCu2Cl3 and the two-dimensional character in Cs2CuCl3 were established.
Numerical investigation of the 2/1 double tearing mode in EAST with the CLT code
Authors: Li J. Y. , Liu Z. X. , Zhang W. , Ma Z. W. , Gao X. , Li G. Q. , Liu H. Q. , Wu M. F. , Liu Y. J. , Deng C. C. , Li P. C. , Yang K. N. , Yin X. Y. , Li H. , Xie J. L. , Lan T. , Mao W. Z. , Liu A. D. , Zhou C. , Ding W. X. , Zhuang G. , Liu W. D. ,   EAST Team
Published: October 2023

The pressure crashes observed in shot No. 71326 in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak are numerically investigated with the three-dimensional, toroidal, and full resistive-magnetohydrodynamics code (CLT). Based on the experimental observations, the pressure crash is caused by the nonlinear evolution of the m/n = 2/1 double tearing mode (DTM), where n and m are the toroidal and poloidal mode numbers, respectively. However, we find that the m/n = 2/1 DTM is stable based on the safety factor (q) profile from the equilibrium code EFIT, which indicates that the original q profile is somewhat inconsistent with the actual profile due to q measurement uncertainty. Since there is no motional Stark effect diagnostic for this shot, the local information of the magnetic field is missing, which leads to the largest contribution to the discrepancy. If other information is perfectly known and the q profile is the only uncertainty, then we could provide some information for the EFIT reconstruction by comparing our simulation results with electron cyclotron emission signals to constrain the uncertainty of the q profile to a much smaller region. The influence of plasma rotation and the two-fluids effect is also discussed.
Gas–droplet–liquid transitions and fluctuations in soft nano-confinement
Authors: Chen Changsheng , Zhang Xianren , Doi Masao
Published: October 2023

One permanent characteristic of the thermodynamics of small systems is environment-dependence, also known as ensemble-dependence. Fluid molecules in soft (deformable) nano-confinement offer a special ensemble that acts as a bridge between classical isobaric (NPT) and isochoric (NVT) ensembles. Here, we discuss the gas–liquid transition taking place in a soft nano-confinement where the cell volume is not fixed but changes when the system pressure is changed. The free energy of the system is calculated as a function of the size of the liquid droplet that appears in the gas phase. We discuss how the phase behavior changes when the condition of the confinement changes from rigid confinement to very soft confinement. For the simple fluid model studied, the coexistence and critical phase behaviors are found to be uniquely determined by αK (αK is the dimensionless elasticity constant of the wall of confined space and is proportional to its ability to resist deformation), and the confinement with moderate softness exhibits richer phase behavior. We then study the fluctuations of pressure, volume, and droplet size for fluid in soft confined spaces, which is again closely related to the wall softness. Under moderate softness, large fluctuations in both fluid pressure and volume are seen in the transition region where fluid pressure increases with volume expansion, accompanied by the strengthened fluctuation of droplet size.
Low-frequency nonlinear ion-acoustic cnoidal waves in a superthermal plasma with a monoenergetic electron beam
Authors: El-Tantawy S. A. , Khalid Muhammad , Kabir Abdul , Hussain Akram A. , Alrowaily Albandari W. , Tiofack C. G. L.
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes the behavior of nonlinear electrostatic ion-acoustic cnoidal waves (IACWs) in a magnetoplasma characterized by two distinct temperatures of superthermal electrons and a monoenergetic electron beam. For this purpose and based on fluid theory, the reductive perturbation technique is applied to reduce the basic equations to a third-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. Under certain conditions, the KdV equation can be used for modeling symmetric CWs; when these conditions are not met, it is replaced by a Kawahara equation to describe these waves correctly. The symmetric IACWs features are examined in detail to determine the effect of pertinent plasma parameters. This study may help model nonlinear structures in astrophysical and space plasmas and understand the mechanism of CWs in the plasma sheath region.
Distributed feedforward and feedback cortical processing supports human speech production
Authors: Wang Ran , Chen Xupeng , Khalilian-Gourtani Amirhossein , Yu Leyao , Dugan Patricia , Friedman Daniel , Doyle Werner , Devinsky Orrin , Wang Yao , Flinker Adeen
Published: October 2023

Speech production is a complex human function requiring continuous feedforward commands together with reafferent feedback processing. These processes are carried out by distinct frontal and temporal cortical networks, but the degree and timing of their recruitment and dynamics remain poorly understood. We present a deep learning architecture that translates neural signals recorded directly from the cortex to an interpretable representational space that can reconstruct speech. We leverage learned decoding networks to disentangle feedforward vs. feedback processing. Unlike prevailing models, we find a mixed cortical architecture in which frontal and temporal networks each process both feedforward and feedback information in tandem. We elucidate the timing of feedforward and feedback–related processing by quantifying the derived receptive fields. Our approach provides evidence for a surprisingly mixed cortical architecture of speech circuitry together with decoding advances that have important implications for neural prosthetics.
Lexical and morphosyntactic variation in Persian heritage language outcomes
Authors: Gharibi Khadij , Bayram Fatih , Guajardo Gustavo
Published: October 2023

Individual variation in heritage language (HL) outcomes does not seem to be random. Instead, this variation can be
related to the specific exposure and use patterns heritage speakers (HSs) have with their languages in the contexts they reside.
In this study, we present data from 38 child HSs of Persian in English dominant contexts (in New Zealand and the UK), their
mothers as well as a control group of age-matched monolinguals in Iran. All participants completed a film-retelling task from
which their lexical sophistication (LS) and clausal density (CD) were measured. In addition, the HSs’ mothers completed a
sociolinguistic questionnaire for their children which was used to calculate proxies for language experiences. Out of the two
linguistic measures, the HSs differed from monolinguals only in LS scores. Regarding the relationship between HSs’ linguistic
scores and language experiences, Random Forest analyses showed HL literacy to be the most important variable for the CD scores;
while it was the HSs’ age-at-testing for LS. The mothers’ scores were only important for the HSs’ LS scores. This study
contributes to the ongoing discussions on the nature of HL development, outcomes and individual variation.
The near real-time deforestation detection system: Case study of the DETER system for the Cerrado Biome
Authors: Pinheiro T. P. , Almeida C. A. , Pinheiro L. M. , Valeriano D. M. , Gomes A. R. , Adami M. , Scheide A. , Nogueira S. H.
Published: October 2023

Less than half of the original two million km2 of the Brazilian Savanna natural vegetation, called the Cerrado Biome, remains standing. Given its climate and socio-biodiversity importance, more effective public policies are needed to protect the remaining natural areas. In this paper, we present the methodology and results of the DETER Cerrado, an early warning deforestation system within the Cerrado region. The findings support that DETER is effective in detecting a wider range of deforestation patch sizes, from the larger patches, heavily associated with agricultural expansion, to the smaller areas (>1 ha <10 ha). Nevertheless, 80% of the deforestation is concentrated in the 10-km radius zone from the DETER Alerts. This area was later detected by the Cerrado Deforestation Monitoring Project (PRODES), the system that accounts for the annual deforestation rate assessment, which highlights the capability of the DETER system to provide support to the surveillance of deforestation in the Cerrado.
Metal–metal bonding, electronic excitations, and strong resonance Raman effect in 2D layered α-MoCl3
Authors: Schiemenz Sandra , Froeschke Samuel , Naumann Marco , Rosenkranz Marco , Büchner Bernd , Koitzsch Andreas , Knupfer Martin , Hampel Silke , Avdoshenko Stanislav M , Popov Alexey A
Published: October 2023

Covalent bonding between transition metal atoms is a common phenomenon in honeycomb lattices of layered materials, which strongly affects their electronic and magnetic properties. This work presents a detailed spectroscopic study of α-MoCl3, 2D van der Waals material with covalently bonded Mo2 dimers, with a particular focus on the Mo–Mo bonding. Raman spectra of α-MoCl3 were studied with multiple excitation laser lines chosen in different parts of the absorption spectrum, while polarization measurements aided in the symmetry assignment of the observed modes. Furthermore, far-IR measurements and (Density Functional Theory) DFT phonon computations were performed to complete vibrational assignment. Polarized absorption, PL, and photoelectron spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations were employed to understand the consequences of the Mo–Mo bonding for the electronic structure and the localization/delocalization balance in d3–d3 interactions. A coupling of dimerization-related structural and electronic properties was revealed in the strong resonance Raman enhancement of the Mo–Mo stretching mode at 153 cm−1 when the excitation laser matched the electronic transition between σ-bonding and antibonding orbitals of the Mo2 dimer (σ → σ*). The deeper understanding of the metal–metal bonding and identification of the vibrational and electronic spectroscopic signatures of the dimerization will be of great use for the studies of electron delocalization in magnetic van der Waals materials.
Desynchronization of neuronal firing in multiparameter ultrasound stimulation
Authors: Bian Nannan , Long Ai , Yuan Yi
Published: October 2023

Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation, a novel neuromodulation technique, that possesses the advantages of non-invasiveness, high penetration depth, and high spatial resolution, has achieved positive neuromodulation effects in animal studies. But the regulatory mechanism remains controversial. The intramembrane cavitation effect is considered one of the mechanisms for ultrasound neuromodulation. In this study, the modified equations of ultrasonic cavitation bubble dynamics were coupled with the dual-coupled neuron Hindmarsh-Rose model, small-world neural network model, and the Jansen-Rit neural mass model, which simulate simple coupled neurons, complex neuronal networks, and discharge signals in epileptic disorders respectively. The results demonstrated that ultrasound stimulation has an appreciable modulatory effect on neuronal firing desynchronization in Hindmarsh-Rose model and small-world neural network model. The desynchronization effect is related to the stimulation frequency and intensity. Furthermore, ultrasound stimulation has an inhibitory effect on epileptic seizures, and the effect is enhanced by increasing ultrasound frequency from 0.1–1.0 MHz. This is the first combination of ultrasonic intramembrane cavitation effect theory with neurons and neural network firing desynchronization, which can provide guidance of parametric and theories support for the studies of neurological diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Sustainability assessment of energy supply scenarios: case study of Mali
Authors: Mariko Safiatou , Sanogo Souleymane , Adamou Rabani , Bhandari Ramchandra , Sessa Vittorio , Ba Abdramane
Published: October 2023

Mali is endowed with significant untapped renewable energy potentials paradoxically the country is identified as an energy-poor nation characterized by very high dependency on imports of petroleum products and heavy reliance on biomass (wood-fuel and charcoal). Access to electricity remains very low, with significant disparities across urban and rural remote areas. The gap between the electricity demand and supply keeps increasing yearly, and power shortages get frequent and longer, especially during dry periods from March to June. The energy demand increase, due to of population grow and rapid urbanization (causing more use of fossil fuels resources in the energy mix) bears the unsustainability of the country’s current energy supply. The challenge for the country is then to meet this growing energy demand with a sustainable energy supply system. In the present work, Analytical Hierarchy Process technique is applied to perform Multicriteria Decision Making analysis to identify and assess the most sustainable long-term energy supply options in Mali considering technical, environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The current situation and five alternatives of energy supply based on the country’s current and future energy supply and climate change policies are proposed for assessment. Results show that the highest priority indicators by stakeholders’ survey are under economical dimension followed by the technical ones. The best scenario considers deploying renewable energy to up to 42% of the energy mix as the sustainable option for energy supply. Adopting such scenario requires measures as a strong political will to subsidize renewable energy equipment in order to make them affordable and also policies that encourage the use of renewable energy (such as lower taxes and duties). The suggested framework gives decision-makers, authorities, practitioners, and researches an effective tool for the country future energy planning.
The role of stacking on the electronic structure of MoSe2 at small twist angles
Authors: Patra S , Das M , Mahadevan P
Published: October 2023

We consider two high symmetry stackings AA and AB and examine the changes induced in the electronic structure by considering small angles of rotation of 3.48° from both these stackings. In both cases we largely recover the low energy electronic structure of the untwisted limit. We additionally find flat bands emerging above the dispersing bands. Surprisingly, while the rotation from the AA end leads to one flat band above the highest occupied band at Γ, one finds two flat bands emerging for small rotations from the AB end. Examining the real space localisation of the flat bands allows us to discuss the origin of the flat bands in terms of quantum well states and qualitatively understand the dependence of the number of flat bands found on the twist angle.
Oxygen vacancy boosting Fenton reaction in bone scaffold towards fighting bacterial infection
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Shi Xiaoxin , Yang Feng , Tian Haifeng , Feng Pei
Published: October 2023

Highlights

High-energy ball milling was proposed to construct oxygen vacancy defects.

Scaffold with individualized shape and porous structure was fabricated by selective laser sintering.

Antibacterial material was used to adsorb H2O2 to the site of bacterial infection.

The accumulated H2O2 could amplify the Fenton reaction efficiency to induce more ·OH.

The scaffold possessed matched mechanical properties and good biocompatibility.
Evolution of cooperation driven by sampling reward
Authors: Xiao Jiafeng , Liu Linjie , Chen Xiaojie , Szolnoki Attila
Published: October 2023

A social dilemma implies that individuals will choose the defection strategy to maximize their individual gains. Reward is a powerful motivator to promote the evolution of cooperation, thus addressing the social dilemma. Nevertheless, it is costly since we need to monitor all participants in the game. Inspired by these observations, we here propose an inexpensive protocol, a so-called sampling reward mechanism, and apply it to social dilemmas, including public goods game and collective-risk social dilemma. More precisely, the actual usage of reward depends on the portion of cooperators in the sample. We show that the average cooperation level can be effectively improved under high reward threshold and high reward intensity, albeit at the expense of reward cost. It is intriguing to discover that for the latter aspect, there is a critical threshold at which further increases in reward intensity have no significant effect on improving the cooperation level. Moreover, we find that the small sample size favors the evolution of cooperation while an intermediate sample size always results in a lower reward cost. We also demonstrate that our findings are robust and remain valid for both types of social dilemmas.
The information of attribute uncertainties: what convolutional neural networks can learn about errors in input data
Authors: Rodrigues Natália V N , Raul Abramo L , Hirata Nina S T
Published: October 2023

Errors in measurements are key to weighting the value of data, but are often neglected in machine learning (ML). We show how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are able to learn about the context and patterns of signal and noise, leading to improvements in the performance of classification methods. We construct a model whereby two classes of objects follow an underlying Gaussian distribution, and where the features (the input data) have varying, but known, levels of noise—in other words, each data point has a different error bar. This model mimics the nature of scientific data sets, such as those from astrophysical surveys, where noise arises as a realization of random processes with known underlying distributions. The classification of these objects can then be performed using standard statistical techniques (e.g. least squares minimization), as well as ML techniques. This allows us to take advantage of a maximum likelihood approach to object classification, and to measure the amount by which the ML methods are incorporating the information in the input data uncertainties. We show that, when each data point is subject to different levels of noise (i.e. noises with different distribution functions, which is typically the case in scientific data sets), that information can be learned by the CNNs, raising the ML performance to at least the same level of the least squares method—and sometimes even surpassing it. Furthermore, we show that, with varying noise levels, the confidence of the ML classifiers serves as a proxy for the underlying cumulative distribution function, but only if the information about specific input data uncertainties is provided to the CNNs.
An eight-step simulation-based framework to help cities reach building-related emissions reduction goals
Authors: Berzolla Zachary , Ang Yu Qian , Letellier-Duchesne Samuel , Reinhart Christoph
Published: October 2023

With buildings accounting for 40% of global carbon emissions, cities striving to meet sustainability targets aligned with the Paris Agreement must retrofit their existing building stock within 30 years. Previous studies have shown that urban building energy models (UBEMs) can help cities identify technology pathways—combinations of energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy deployment strategies—to meet emissions reduction goals. UBEMs are currently limited by cost to only the largest cities but must be expanded to all cities if society is going to meet scientifically-identified emissions reduction goals. This manuscript presents an eight-step framework to scale technology pathways analyses using UBEMs to all communities in a repeatable, affordable manner. The roles and responsibilities of three key personas, the sustainability champion, GIS manager, and an energy modeler, for each step are identified. The eight-step process is tested with a case study of 13 100 buildings in Oshkosh, WI, USA. The case study identified a technically-feasible path to nearly net zero emissions for Oshkosh’s buildings. Constraints in the workforce, supply chain, and retrofit adoption to attain this goal were identified to inform policymakers. The case study suggests that the eight-step process is a blueprint for action in communities around the world.
Residential precooling on a high-solar grid: impacts on CO2 emissions, peak period demand, and electricity costs across California
Authors: Mayes Stepp , Zhang Tong , Sanders Kelly T
Published: October 2023

As regional grids increase penetrations of variable renewable electricity (VRE) sources, demand-side management (DSM) presents an opportunity to reduce electricity-related emissions by shifting consumption patterns in a way that leverages the large diurnal fluctuations in the emissions intensity of the electricity fleet. Here we explore residential precooling, a type of DSM designed to shift the timing of air-conditioning (AC) loads from high-demand periods to periods earlier in the day, as a strategy to reduce peak period demand, CO2 emissions, and residential electricity costs in the grid operated by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). CAISO provides an interesting case study because it generally has high solar generation during the day that is replaced by fast-ramping natural gas generators when it drops off suddenly in the early evening. Hence, CAISO moves from a fleet of generators that are primarily clean and cheap to a generation fleet that is disproportionately emissions-intensive and expensive over a short period of time, creating an attractive opportunity for precooling. We use EnergyPlus to simulate 480 distinct precooling schedules for four single-family homes across California’s 16 building climate zones. We find that precooling a house during summer months in the climate zone characterizing Downtown Los Angeles can reduce peak period electricity consumption by 1–4 kWh d−1 and cooling-related CO2 emissions by as much as 0.3 kg CO2 d−1 depending on single-family home design. We report results across climate zone and single-family home design and show that precooling can be used to achieve simultaneous reductions in emissions, residential electricity costs, and peak period electricity consumption for a variety of single-family homes and locations across California.
Actin-dependent recruitment of AGO2 to the zonula adherens
Authors: Bridges Mary Catherine , Nair-Menon Joyce , Risner Alyssa , Jimenez Douglas W. , Daulagala Amanda C. , Kingsley Christina , Davis Madison E. , Kourtidis Antonis
Published: October 2023

Adherens junctions are cadherin-based structures critical for cellular architecture. E-cadherin junctions in mature epithelial cell monolayers tether to an apical actomyosin ring to form the zonula adherens (ZA). We have previously shown that the adherens junction protein PLEKHA7 associates with and regulates the function of the core RNA interference (RNAi) component AGO2 specifically at the ZA. However, the mechanism mediating AGO2 recruitment to the ZA remained unexplored. Here, we reveal that this ZA-specific recruitment of AGO2 depends on both the structural and tensile integrity of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. We found that depletion of not only PLEKHA7, but also either of the three PLEKHA7-interacting, LIM-domain family proteins, namely LMO7, LIMCH1, and PDLIM1, results in disruption of actomyosin organization and tension, as well as disruption of AGO2 junctional localization and of its miRNA-binding ability. We also show that AGO2 binds Myosin IIB and that PLEKHA7, LMO7, LIMCH1, and PDLIM1 all disrupt interaction of AGO2 with Myosin IIB at the ZA. These results demonstrate that recruitment of AGO2 to the ZA is sensitive to actomyosin perturbations, introducing the concept of mechanosensitive RNAi machinery, with potential implications in tissue remodeling and in disease.
Acute pulmonary artery dissection in an adult with chronic pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease: a case report
Authors: Tomasino Marco , Soriano Colomè Toni , Sambola Ayala Antonia , Gordon Ramírez Blanca
Published: October 2023

Background

D-Transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) is characterized by the aorta positioned above the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery above the left ventricle. Acute pulmonary artery dissection (PAD) is a rare and often lethal condition. We present a case report of acute PAD in an adult with d-TGA and pulmonary hypertension.

Case summary

A 49-year-old male with history of d-TGA palliated with an atrial switch (Mustard) operation, pulmonary venous baffle stenosis treated percutaneously, chronic pulmonary hypertension (mixed group 1 and 2), and severe dilatation of pulmonary arteries (pulmonary trunk of 75 mm) presented to the emergency department with chest pain and acute respiratory failure. Blood pressure was 106/78 mmHg, heart rate 93 b.p.m., and oxygen saturation 88% on room air. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed acute right PAD. He was not considered suitable for surgery nor percutaneous procedure. Epoprostenol was initiated to reduce parietal stress, but after initial stabilization, pulmonary venous stent baffle gradient increased and acute pulmonary oedema occurred. Epoprostenol was withdrawn, and furosemide was initiated, with good clinical response. A follow-up CT scan showed dissection morphological stabilization and false lumen thrombosis, and the patient was discharged.

Discussion

Pulmonary hypertension and previous pulmonary artery dilatation are reported as the main underlying conditions leading to PAD. No previous cases of PAD are described in patients with history of d-TGA and atrial switch procedure. Evidence regarding the best treatment of PAD is lacking, but it seems reasonable to reduce parietal stress using pulmonary vasodilators. Nevertheless, in patients with post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vasodilatation may cause important pulmonary congestion.