bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(1E,3E)-1,4-dinitro-1,3-butadiene – synthesis, spectral characteristic and computational study based on MEDT, ADME and PASS simulation
Authors: Sadowski Mikołaj , Synkiewicz-Musialska Beata , Kula Karolina
Published: December 2023

Currently, the chemistry of conjugated nitrodienes is becoming more and more popular. These molecules are successfully applied in cycloaddition to synthesize six-membered rings in Diels-Alder reactions. Nitrodienes can be also applied to obtain bis-compounds in [3+2] cycloaddition. Moreover, the presence of a nitro group in the structure provides a possibility of further modification of the products. The simplest symmetrical representative of conjugated nitrodienes is (1E,3E)-1,4-dinitro-1,3-butadiene. Although the first mentions of the compound date back to the early 1950s, the compound has not yet been examined thoroughly enough. Therefore, in this article a comprehensive study of (1E,3E)-1,4-dinitro-1,3-butadiene has been described. For this purpose, an experimental study including synthesis process as well as spectral characteristic has been conducted. So as to better understand the properties of this compound a computational study of reactivity indices based on MEDT and also assessment of pharmacokinetics and biological activity according to ADME and PASS methodologies have been made. On this basis, some future application trends of (1E,3E)-1,4-dinitro-1,3-butadiene have been proposed.
The Hydrothermal Method of Preparation of Boron-Saccharide Precursors for the Synthesis of Boron Carbide and Its Influence on the Morphology and Phase Composition of the Obtained Products
Authors: Kozień Dawid , Pasiut Katarzyna , Banaś Wojciech , Zagórny Mateusz , Partyka Janusz
Published: December 2023

Owing to its properties, boron carbide has been applied in scientific and industrial fields. For this reason, B4C powders should be characterized by high purity and homogeneity in grain size and shape. In this study, boron carbide was prepared using precursors obtained by a hydrothermal method, and the grain morphology of the product was investigated. Boric acid and the saccharides glucose, fructose, inulin, and sorbitol were used as the precursors. Two precursor dehydration methods, freeze-drying and recrystallization, were compared. The precursors were subjected to DLS grain size and FT-IR spectrophotometric studies, and SEM observations of the precursors and products were performed, confirming that boron carbide powders with submicron spherical grains could be successfully synthesized.
The Application Research of FCN Algorithm in the Classification of Strong Convective Short-time Nowcasting Technology on the Northeastern Side of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—Gansu Province
Authors: Huang Wubin , Fu Jing , Feng Xinxin , Guo Runxia , Zhang Junxia , Lei Yu
Published: December 2023

This study explores the application of the Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) algorithm to the field of meteorology, specifically for the short-term nowcasting of severe convective weather events such as hail, convective wind gust (CG) and thunderstorms, short-term heavy rain(STHR) in Gansu. Training data comes from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and real-time ground observations, the performance of the proposed FCN model based on 2017 to 2021 training datasets demonstrate a high prediction accuracy, with an overall error rate of 16.6%. Furthermore, the model exhibited an error rate of 18.6% across both severe and non-severe weather conditions when testing against the 2022 dataset. Operational deployment in 2023 has yielded an average Critical Success Index (CSI) of 24.3%, a Probability of Detection (POD) of 62.6%, and a False Alarm Ratio (FAR) of 71.2% for these convective events. It is noteworthy that the predicting performance for STHR was particularly effective with the highest POD and CSI, as well as the lowest FAR. CG and hail predictions had comparable CSI and FAR scores, although the POD for CG surpassed that for hail. The FCN model’s optimal performance for hail prediction occurred at the 4th, 8th, and 10th forecast hours, while for CG, the 6th hour was most accurate, and for STHR, the 2nd and 4th hours were most effective. These findings underscore the FCN model's ideal suitability for short-term forecasting of severe convective weather, presenting extensive prospects for the automation of meteorological operations in the future.
The Variable Chirality of Plant Twining Stems
Authors: Guo Yabin
Published: December 2023

Twining stems are an important form of plant stems. Twining stems can exhibit two different chiralities: right-handed and left-handed, with right-handed twining stems being much more common than left-handed ones. The determination of chirality in twining stems has always been a fascinating topic. Many people believe that the direction of twining stems in a given species is fixed, but this is not the case. Some species have twining stems that exhibit both chirality types, i.e. the chirality is variable. Moreover, such species or genera are not rare and can be commonly encountered in everyday life. Here, we report the presence of variable-chirality twining stems (VCTS) in several species or genera within the Asteraceae, Campanulaceae, Rubiaceae, Lamiaceae, Polygonaceae, Santalaceae, and Ranunculaceae families, including common plants such as Mikania micrantha and Pleuropterus multiflorus. VCTS is an objectively existing phenomenon, but often overlooked. Understanding and accepting this concept will greatly assist future research in this field.
Influence of Enzymes Combination (α-Amylase and and β-Amylase) for Maltodextrin Production from Cassava Solid Waste (Onggok)
Authors: Handayani Aniek Sri , Nizardo Noverra Mardhatillah , Nabila Jihan , Syabila Annisa Nurul
Published: December 2023

Cassava Solid waste (Onggok) is a solid waste from the cassava-based tapioca industry, the starch content in Onggok is still 50-80 wt.% of residual starch, which can be used to produce maltodextrin for foods application. Furthermore, using cassava solid waste is beneficial in terms of the cost of raw materials. The starch content in cassava can be modified through enzymatic hydrolysis using α-amylase and β-amylase enzymes at 80oC and pH 5.5. Enzymatic hydrolysis was done using mixed enzymes that varied the concentration of α-amylase at 0,.1% and the β-amylase enzymes at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5%. the concentration of cassava waste (Onggok) varied from 4%, 7%, 10%, and 13%. The optimum concentration of α-amylase and β-amylase enzymes are 0.1% and 0.1% respectively at time intervals of 1 minute resulting in a dextrose equivalent (DE) value 0f 5.7. The characteristics of maltodextrin were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the morphology of the starch structure which had changed due to the enzyme hydrolysis. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) was studied to determine the Thermal stability of hydrolysis products. Maltodextrin produced from cassava waste (Onggok) has a DE value < 10, which has the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry
Enteropathogenic Yersinia with Public Health Relevance Found in Dogs and Cats in Finland
Authors: Fredriksson-Ahomaa Maria , Grönthal Thomas , Heljanko Viivi , Johansson Venla , Rantala Merja , Heikinheimo Annamari , Laukkanen-Ninios Riikka
Published: December 2023

Yersiniosis is a common zoonotic enteral disease among humans, which has been linked to pigs and contaminated food, especially pork. Studies on yersiniosis in pets are very scarce. In this study, we performed pheno- and genotypic characterization of 50 Yersinia strains isolated from pets in Finland between 2012 and 2023. Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3/ST135, the most common type in human yersiniosis, was also the most common Y. enterocolitica type (68%) found in clinical faecal samples in our study. Also, human pathogenic Y. enterocolitica 2/O:9/ST139 and Y. pseudotuberculosis O:1/ST9 and O:1/ST42 strains carrying all essential pathogenic genes were identified. Three Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3/ST9 strains were multi-drug resistant and two of them were highly related showing one allelic difference (AD) with core-genome multi-locus sequence typing. Non-pathogenic, genotypically highly diverse Y. enterocolitica 1A strains, showing more than 1000 ADs and missing the essential virulence genes, were also recognized in dogs and cats. Our study demonstrates that pets can excrete human pathogenic Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis in their faeces and may serve as an infection source for human yersiniosis, especially in families with small children in close contact with their pets.
Pericyte-Tunnelling Nanotube-Driven Angiogenesis and C-KIT Immunolocalization in Human Developing Brain and Glioblastoma
Authors: Errede Mariella , D’Amati Antonio , Annese Tiziana , De Trizio Ignazio , Wälchli Thomas , Girolamo Francesco , Virgintino Daniela
Published: December 2023

Pericyte and their tunnelling nanotubes (P-TNTs) have been described as involved in the early phases of angiogenesis in the human normal developing brain and glioblastoma, being a common feature of combined endothelium/pericyte vessel sprouts. Based on the few data available so far about this ‘alternative’ pericyte-TNT-driven mode of angiogenesis, whose precise function in vessel growth through vascular cells communication, has still to be determined, this study aims to cast light on the regulative molecules involved in this process, governed by intimate pericyte-endothelial interactions. After considering the existence of the sprout guiding pericyte and P-TNT, as shown by pioneering ultrastructural studies as well as by more recent observations with NG2/CD146 pericyte markers and basal lamina molecules, a step-by-step profile of the process has been suggested and an investigation undertaken on ‘unconventional’, pro-angiogenic ligand/receptor systems, that may have a role aside from the canonical pathways. In this context, a possible candidate worthy of investigation is the c-KIT receptor, a member of the tyrosine kinase family of proteins, which also includes the well-known VEGFR and PDGFR. According to the obtained results showing a primary localization of c-KIT on endothelial cells and pointing out a differential distribution of the receptor on normal vs glioblastoma vessels, it seems conceivable to propose the stem cell factor/c-KIT signaling as a key factor in pericyte-TNT-driven angiogenesis, advancing this alternative mode of angiogenesis and the c- KIT pathway as possible targets for devising effective antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies.
Dynamic Measures of Balance during an Obstacle-crossing in Self-selected Gait in Individuals with Mild to Moderate Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Harro Cathy , Alderink Gordon J , Hickox Lauren , Zeitler David W. , Avery Michelle , Daman Courtney , Laker Dori
Published: December 2023

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are at an increased risk of falls due to associated motor symptoms and impaired postural control. Gait dysfunction, observed soon after diagnosis, leads to disability with disease progression. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in dynamic postural control during self-paced walking and obstacle-crossing between persons with mild to moderate PD and healthy controls. Participants included nine individuals with mild to moderate PD (PD cohort) and nine age- and gender-matched controls (CON cohort). Anatomical marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were collected as participants walked along the pathway. Three successful representative right and left gait cycles were analyzed using Visual3D biomechanical software. Analyses, involving a mixed model ANOVA using R Statistical Software, examined spatiotemporal (ST) gait parameters for strides involving the leading and trailing limbs and dynamic balance variables, including COM - COP inclination angle, and the COP - COM M/L, COP - XCOM M/L, UMAX - XCOM M/L distances, at distinct points from the stance limb related to the leading and trailing legs. There were no differences between CON and PD for all ST gait parameters during obstacle crossing, except for a significantly reduced step length (p = 0.00489) for the PD group related to the trailing limb. However, there were significant main effects of Step and Condition interacting with Step for swing time, stance time, and step length. For both CON and PD groups the COP - COM , COP - XCOM , UMAX - XCOM metrics demonstrated that the COM was medial to the BOS from first double support, generally moving more medially through second double support for the stance limb during motion of the leading and trailing limbs. Event and Event interacting with Condition were significant for the COP - COM and COP - XCOM variables, while UMAX – XCOM was significant only for Event (p < 0.001). The PD group demonstrated significantly larger mean values for COP – COM M/L at first double support (p = 0.00435) and COP - XCOM M/L at second double support (p = 0.0158) for the second step. Our results suggest that the margin of stability may be useful in discerning dynamic postural control adaptations during walking and obstacle negotiation in persons with mild PD.
Existence of a Hölder Continuous extension on embedded balls of the 3-Torus for the Periodic Navier Stokes Equations
Authors: Moschandreou Terry Eleftherios
Published: December 2023

\abstract{The existence of vorticies is well known in fluid mechanics and particularly in turbulence theory. In the context of the millennium problem of the Clay Institute on the existence (or not) of Global solutions in time of the Periodic Navier Stokes equations (PNS) results are now proposed to confirm that Global solutions do not exist in the general case of PNS defined on $\mathbb{T}^3$. This corresponds to part ($D$) proposition in the Navier Stokes problem as posted by C.Fefferman. Recent work has shown that for the Euler equations defined on the 3-Torus there exists a H\"older continuous solution for the third component of velocity $v_3$ at the center of each cell or cube of the 3-Torus Lattice. It has also been determined that as the kinematic viscosity changes from the corresponding value at $\nu=0$ to the fully viscous case for the Periodic Navier Stokes equations (PNS) at the value $\nu=1$ the solution reaches a peak ($\frac{\partial v_3}{\partial y_3} = 0$ ) in $y_3$. (third component of $\vec{r}=(y_1,y_2,y_3)$ in Cartesian co-ordinates) Here in the viscous case there exists a dipole which is not centered at the center of the cell of the Lattice. This immediately implies that since the dipole by definition has an equal in magnitude positive and negative peak in the third component of velocity, then the dipole Riemann cut-off surface is covered by a closed surface which is the sphere $\|\vec{r}\|=1$ and where a given cell of dimensions $[-1,1]^3$ is circumscribed on a sphere of radius $1$. For such a closed surface containing a dipole it necessarily follows that the flux at the surface of the sphere of $v_3$ wrt to surface normal $\vec{n}$ is zero including at $y_i, i=1\dots 3$ is zero at the points where the surface of sphere touches the cube walls. At the finite time singularity on the sphere a rotation boundary condition is deduced. Here $\frac{\partial v_3}{\partial \vec{n}}= \vec{n}\cdot \nabla v_3$. Also a boundary condition on the sphere shows rotation of sphere. Finally as a result, on the sphere a solution for $v_3$ is obtained which is proven to be H\"older continuous and it is proven that it is possible to extend H\"older continuity on the sphere uniquely to all of the interior of the ball.}
Crude Lipid Levels in Semi-Purified Diets for Zebrafish
Authors: Tavares Daniella , Moesch Samara , Santos Beatriz Felix Verdam dos , Vanderlei Flavio Luis , Silva Lilian Carolina Rosa da , Barreto-Vianna André Rodrigues da Cunha , Bicudo Álvaro José de Almeida
Published: December 2023

Zebrafish is a popular vertebrate model with limited knowledge of nutritional requirements and no established standard diets for scientific purposes. The aim of this study was to determine the inclusion range of lipids in semi-purified diets for zebrafish. Five isonitrogenous casein-gelatin based diets were formulated to contain 0.55%, 4.87%, 7.65%, 10.65%, and 13.94% of crude lipid (CL). Zebrafish (initial weight ± 232 mg) were distributed in 3 L aquaria in a recirculating water system in a completely randomized design (n=3). Fish were hand-fed twice daily to apparent satiety for 40 days. Weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein productive value of zebrafish increased signifi-cantly (P < 0.05) as CL increased up to 6.5, 8.3, and 8.6%, respectively, and decreased after this point. Survival of fish fed diets containing 0.55% CL was lower (P<0.05) than that of fish fed diets con-taining 4.87% to 13.94% CL. Body fat and adipocytes diameter of fish increased (P<0.05) increasing dietary CL levels. In conclusion, the ideal lipid level in semi-purified diets for zebrafish is between 6.5% and 8.6% of the diet.
The Criteria of Chinese Regulatory Framework on Artificial Intelligence: Reflections Based on Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Zheng Dong
Published: December 2023

This article summarizes Chinese framework for regulating artificial intelligence and integrates evolutionary game theory with cost-benefit analysis to establish a model and simulation. This framework is employed to analyze the behavioral trends among three distinct entities: governmental bodies, third-party independent institutions, and AI companies within the context of regulatory relationship. The findings indicate that: (1) The cost-benefit dynamics within the regulatory legal nexus significantly influence the behaviors of these entities; (2) Under the condition of normalized government regulation approaching full enforcement, the behavioral choices of third-party independent institutions and AI companies exhibit cyclical fluctuations.The paper draws two principal conclusions: (1) The regulatory framework need to be tailored to the specific risks presented by AI and the relative costs and benefits of legal enforcement in different jurisdictions. (2) From a cost-benefit standpoint, government intervention in AI regulation ought to be circumscribed, with government regulation focusing on critical legal risks. Other aspects of regulatory control should be delegated to cooperative legal framework that allows the participation of the independent third-party institution,which brings a nuanced and specialized approach to the governance of AI.
Combined Displacement and Angle Sensor with Ultrahigh Compactness Based on Self-imaging Effect of Optical Microgratings
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Yang Hao , Niu Qianqi , Zhang Xuye , Yang Jiaan , Lai Jiangbei , Fan Changjiang , Li Mengwei , Xin Chenguang
Published: December 2023

In this paper, an ultracompact combined sensor for displacement and angle synchronous measurement is proposed based on self-imaging effect of optical microgratings. Using a two-grating structure, linear and angular displacement can be measured by detecting the change of phase and amplitude of the optical transmission respectively within one single structure in meantime. The optical transmitted properties of the two-grating structure are investigated in both theory and simulation. Simulated results indicate that, the optical transmission changes in a sinusoidal relationship to the input linear displacement. Meanwhile, the amplitude of the curve decreases with an input pitch angle, indicating the ability for synchronous measurement within one single compact structure. The synchronous measurement of the linear displacement and the angle is also demonstrated experimentally. The results show a resolution down to 4nm for linear displacement measurement, and a sensitivity of 0.26mV/arcsec within a range of ±1° for angle measurement. Benefitting from a simple common-path structure without using optical components including reflectors and polarizers, the sensor shows an ultrahigh compactness for multiple-degrees-of-freedom measuring, indicating the great potential for this sensor in the fields such as integrated mechanical positioning and semiconductor fabrication.
A Method for Determining Optimal Capacity of Virtual Energy Storage System Based on Grid-connected Microgrid for Participation in Electricity Market
Authors: Lee Ye-Rim , Jo Hyung-Chul
Published: December 2023

With the increasing prominence of renewable energy sources providing flexibility to the power grid, there is a growing recognition of the need to expand virtual Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to replace traditional ESS, which faces challenges in terms of supply and scalability. Grid-connected microgrids can supply power stably and are being built, so they can be used as virtual ESS to provide flexibility to the power system. This study proposes an approach to determine the optimal Power Conversion System (PCS) and battery capacity for a Virtual Energy Storage System(VEES) based on a grid-connected microgrid incorporating Photovoltaic (PV) and ESS. In this paper, it is assumed that microgrids can provide flexibility to the grid by participating in the energy trading market, there are corresponding profits and penalties for order. Numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability – A Review
Authors: Dhiman Rachit , Miteff Sofia , Wang Yuancheng , Ma Shih-Chi , Amirikas Ramila , Fabian Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Along with the rapid development and wide application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), discussions regarding AI Sustainability have emerged. Employing a systematic mapping study, this paper reviews research about AI Sustainability from diverse fields and viewpoints, including three dimensions economic, social, and environmental. Our analysis indicates a transformative shift in research focus, evolving from fragmented approaches to a more holistic understanding of AI Sustainability. This maturation is reflected in the interplay between multiple dimensions and the integration of both "AI as a tool for sustainability" and "Sustainability of AI" perspectives. As the field continues to mature, researchers should embrace a comprehensive and unbiased exploration of AI Sustainability across all dimensions and approaches, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for future advancements in this rapidly evolving domain.
Differences in Residual Behavior of a Bumetrizole Type Ultraviolet Light Absorber during Formation of Various Microplastics
Authors: NAKATANI Hisayuki , UCHIYAMA Taishi , MOTOKUCHO Suguru , DAO Anh Thi Ngoc , KIM Hee-Jin , YAGI Mitsuharu , Kyozuka Yusaku
Published: December 2023

Quality-changed behavior of ultraviolet light absorber (UVA: UV-326) in polymers (PP, HDPE, LDPE, PLA and PS) over time during degradation was studied with an enhanced degradation method (EDM) using sulfate ion radical in seawater. EDM was employed to homogeneously degrade the entire polymer samples containing the UVA. The PP and PS samples containing 5-phr UVA films whitened rapidly due to formation of numerous grooves or crushed particles. The UVA loss rate of PS with the higher Tg was much slower. The crystalline polymers, with the exception of PS, were similar in the behavior of the change in UVA loss rate with respect to degradation time. The significant increase in initial loss rate observed during EDM degradation was due to microplasticization. A similar increase in microplasticization rate occurred with the PS, but the intermolecular interaction between UVA and PS did not result in as pronounced its increase in loss rate as with other polymers. The UVA chemical structure was not altered by EDM degradation. These results revealed that the UVA leaching from the polymer matrix was the primary cause of the loss.
Polyhydroxy-3-Butyrate (PHB) Composite Materials Reinforced with Barley Waste Straw Fibres for Agriculture Applications : Production, Characterization and Scale-Up Analysis
Authors: Oliver-Ortega Helena , Evon Philippe , Espinach Francesc Xavier , Raynaud Christine , Méndez José Alberto
Published: December 2023

Barley straw was used to reinforce PHB in a discontinuous semi-industrial process. Four different fibres were used as reinforcing material : sawdust (SW), defibred (DFBF), delignified (DBF) and bleached (BBF) fibres. Looking at the mechanical properties, onlythe elastic moduli (Et) revealed an improvement. Oppositely, the strengths at break, under both tensile and bending assays, tended to decrease, evidencing a poor affinity between both components. Thanks to the mechani-cal treatment applied on the fibre, DFBF appeared as the most promising filler with the mechani-cal properties of the composites closest to those of neat PHB. DFBF-based composites were then produced by means of a process intensification using a twin-screw extruder, and then moulded into flowerpots. Mechanical results showed almost the same properties between the discontinuous and intensification processes. The suitability of the material to be used on agriculture flowerpots was demonstrated by simulation. . PHB-DFBF composite material can be considered an alterna-tive to replace petrol-based products for applications in agriculture and horticulture.
The geological heritage of the historical collections of the University of Messina
Authors: Somma Roberta , Interdonato Monica , Marra Antonella Cinzia , Maniscalco Rosanna , Paladini Giuseppe , Caridi Francesco , Spoto Sebastiano Ettore , Venuti Valentina
Published: December 2023

The geoheritage housed in the historical collections of the University of Messina dates back to the 1880s. These historical collections comprise a thousand specimens of minerals, gemstones, ores, rocks, and macro- to microfossils. Most of them are provided of scientific, didactic, and cultural values and consequently have to be preserved and enhanced for future generations. Their restoration and cataloging are necessary activities to make this geoscientific naturalist heritage accessible to scientists, students, tourists, and citizens worldwide. The present research reports the description of the geological heritage of the main collections housed at the University of Messina, and the results of the activities and methods carried out for the characterization of geological materials of uncertain classification or composition. The optical observations at the stereomicroscope and by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), in tandem with µ-Raman analyses on geomaterials allowed to ascertain the authenticity of suspect specimens, pointing out that such methodologies provide a useful and fast approach to properly discriminate between real and fake geomaterials.
A numismatic study of Roman coins through X-ray fluorescence and X-ray computed μ-tomography analysis
Authors: Smeriglio Andrea , Filosa Raffaele , Crocco Maria Caterina , Formoso Vincenzo , Barberi Riccardo Cristoforo , Solano Andrea , Cerzoso Maria , Polosa Annalisa , Cerrone Valerio , Agostino Raffaele Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Thirteen of a group of thirty Roman coins, found in the so-called “Grotta delle Ninfe” near Cerchiara di Calabria (Calabria, Italy) and preserved in the Brettii and Enotri Museum showcase in Cosenza (Calabria, Italy) have been under archaeometric investigation. The coins have followed a degradation process due to the sulphurous water source near the discovery site. Due to a thick layer of corrosion products, the inscriptions are entirely unreadable. This paper aims to know the constituent material and find hidden signs or inscriptions on the coins using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray microtomography (μ-CT). Employing the X-ray μ-CT, we made some inscriptions readable, and through a numismatic study, we learned the provenance of the coins and their period of manufacture.
Analysis of the ivory remains from the Etruscan tumulus of Carmignano (Central Italy) using 3D digital microscopy
Authors: Crezzini Jacopo , Tarantini Massimo , Bettini Maria Chiara
Published: December 2023

The Tumulus of Montefortini is an Etruscan tomb located in Carmignano (Central Italy), which is believed to date from the 7th century BC. The tumulus is an oval burial mound 80 metres long and 11 metres high, which houses two tombs. More than 10,000 ivory fragments, that were likely part of a rich grave good, were recovered from this site. The main raw material exploited was probably the proboscidean dentine given the presence of the "Schreger lines" on the surfaces of many specimens. In this work we analyzed a sample of this archaeological assemblage using a 3D digital microscope. This noninvasive procedure allowed to investigate the main micromorphological and micromorphometrical features of the proboscidean dentine in a relatively brief time, preserving the integrity of the archaeological finds. Unexpected results regarding to the Schreger structure were obtained from this analysis. Data collected in the present work will be useful to evaluate, through further analysis of the examined sample, the accuracy and reliability of the 3D digital microscopy in the characterization of the proboscidean taxa exploited in the past.
The morphodynamics and sedimentology of a seasonally controlled microtidal tidal inlet: the Nariva River tidal inlet, Cocos Bay, Trinidad
Authors: Khan Saeed , Wilson Brent , Ramsook Ryan , Vincent Hasley
Published: December 2023

The geomorphology and sedimentology of the Nariva River tidal-inlet complex, a microtidal fluvially influenced tidal-inlet complex, was analyzed. The complex comprises a recurved spit, an ebb-tidal channel, and an ebb-tidal delta. Morphological trends in the spatio-temporal evolution of the inlet complex were observed and recorded from Google Earth™ timelapse satellite images taken from 2003 to 2019. The two-dimensional internal architecture of the inlet complex and the sedimentary succession of the recurved spit, an ebb spit, the swash platform (of the ebb-tidal delta), a mouth bar (associated with the wet-season river-dominated inlet complex erosion), the ebb-tidal channel, and the adjacent foreshore were observed and documented from six shallow sedimentary cores.

The Nariva River inlet width ranges from 17 to 40 m through its seasonal evolution, has a tidal prism of ∼ 2.17 × 105 m3, a cross-sectional area of 29.52 m2, and a depth ∼ 1.4 m (calculated at peak dry season near the inlet throat). The inlet complex undergoes an annual geomorphological evolution linked to the seasonally induced migration of the fluvial-to-marine transition zone (FMTZ). Increased fluvial discharge during the wet and hurricane seasons results in the basinward migration of the FMTZ rendering the inlet river dominated and resulting in the erosion of the inlet complex. During the dry season, low fluvial discharge, tidal dominance, and fair-weather conditions promote sedimentation in the inlet and the redevelopment of the inlet complex. The inlet has a complex (CX) internal architecture (fill pattern) defined by the laterally migrating recurved spit and ebb spit on their updrift margin, and conformable, mounded elements on their downdrift (e.g., mouth bar, swash platform, and foreshore). Two sedimentary successions were developed for ebb-tidal-delta deposits: off-axis of the ebb-tidal channel and on-axis. The off-axis succession is considerably similar to the adjacent foreshore-to-shoreface succession which can pose a challenge when attempting to identify these deposits in the rock record. The on-axis succession, however, despite thickness variability, showed a positive correlation to studied mesotidal tide-dominated inlet successions.
Insecticidal Resistance Monitoring in mitotypes of Bemisia tabaci in South Punjab region of Pakistan
Authors: Shamraiz Rao Muhammad , Saeed Shafqat , Qayyum Mirza Abdul , Khan Zulqarnain
Published: December 2023

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a serious pest of several summer crops in hot and dry climates with diverse cryptic species complex worldwide. Among 7 major clades of B. tabaci; Asia-II is predominant in the cotton zone of Punjab-Pakistan. Cotton is one of the favorite hosts of B. tabaci, where it feeds and spread different plant viruses. In Pakistan, the primary approach used to manage B. tabaci in the cotton environment is through the use of synthetic pesticides. A vital tool for the effective management of B. tabaci is the monitoring of insecticidal resistance. Different cotton field strains were collected from the four major cotton growing districts of South-Punjab to assess their genetic variability and resistance levels compared with the laboratory susceptible population against most commonly used insecticides during the years 2020 and 2021. Leaf-dip bioassays were performed on 2nd instar nymphal (N2) stage; while adult bioassays were conducted on G1 stage on field collected populations. Genetic analysis of mtCOI revealed that all the populations were belonged to Asia II-1 clade. A mixture of three haplotypes of Asia II-I including haplotypes-2, haplotype-3 and haplotype-4 was identified from Jampur and Bahawalpur samples. However, haplotype-4 and haplotype-3 were identified from Multan population while Vehari samples comprised of haplotype-4 and haplotype-2. Buprofezin (RR ranged 25.75–36.71), pyriproxyfen (RR ranged 7.98–12.78) and diafenthiuron (RR ranged 20.59–28.12) were least efficient products in adult bioassays and had moderate to low level of resistance. However, spirotetramat and flonicamid both were relatively effective against adults with low to very low resistance during both the years. Pyriproxyfen demonstrated least efficacy for reducing adult emergence followed by flonicamid and buprofezin with moderate to very low resistance ratio respectively. In contrast spirotetramat (RR ranged 2.20–4.01), was highly effective against nymphs followed by diafenthiuron (RR ranged 4.63–7.68), having very low resistance ratio. However an upward trend of resistance development was observed against all the five tested insecticides during both the monitoring years. Current study concluded that different mitotypes/haplotypes of B. tabaci have various level of insecticidal resistance to the old conventional insecticides. These results establish a regional baseline that can serve as a reference for future monitoring and management of B. tabaci resistance to the tested insecticides.
Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, proof-of-principle, placebo-controlled and crossover, neuroimaging trial in depression
Authors: Poulin Joshua M , Bigford Gregory E , Lanctot Krista L , Giacobbe Peter , Schaffer Ayal , Sinyor Mark , Rabin Jennifer S , Masellis Mario , Singnurkar Amit , Pople Christopher B , Lipsman Nir , MacIntosh Bradley J , Nestor Sean M
Published: December 2023

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting overall quality of life. Approximately one third of individuals with depression do not fully respond to treatments (e.g., conventional antidepressants, psychotherapy) and alternative strategies are needed. Recent early phase trials suggest psilocybin may be a safe and efficacious intervention with rapid-acting antidepressant properties. Psilocybin is thought to exert therapeutic benefits by altering brain network connectivity and inducing neuroplastic changes that endure for weeks post-treatment. Although early clinical results are encouraging, psilocybin’s acute neurobiological effects on neuroplasticity have not been fully investigated. We aim to examine for the first time how psilocybin acutely (intraday) and subacutely (weeks) alters functional brain networks implicated in depression.
Methods: Thirty-six participants diagnosed with MDD or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) will be recruited from a tertiary mood disorders clinic and undergo 1:1 randomization into either an experimental or control arm. Participants will be given either 25 mg psilocybin or active placebo (100 mg niacin) for the first treatment. Three weeks later, those in the control arm will cross over and all participants will receive 25 mg psilocybin. We will investigate whether treatments are associated with changes in arterial spin labelling and blood oxygenation level dependent contrast neuroimaging assessments at acute and subacute timepoints. Primary outcomes include testing whether psilocybin demonstrates acute changes in 1) cerebral blood flow and 2) functional brain activity in networks associated with mood regulation and depression when compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include changes in MADRS score over time compared to placebo, and changes across complementary clinical psychiatric, cognitive, and functional scales from baseline to final follow-up. Serum peripheral neurotrophic and inflammatory biomarkers will be collected at baseline to examine relationships with clinical response, and neuroimaging measures.
Discussion: This study will investigate the acute and additive subacute neuroplastic effects of psilocybin on brain networks affected by depression using advanced serial neuroimaging methods. Results will improve our understanding of psilocybin’s antidepressant mechanisms versus placebo response and whether biological measures of brain function can provide early predictors of treatment response.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06072898. Registered on 6 October 2023.
Hierarchical diversity partitioning of microscopic epibiont community on intertidal molluscan shells and inert surfaces over three geographic regions in Japan
Authors: Takada Yoshitake , Kanavillil Nandakumar
Published: December 2023

Microscopic epibionts on molluscan shells are a component of the biodiversity of intertidal coastal areas. Because molluscan shells are discrete habitats for the epibiont community, and the molluscan basibionts belong to the local community, epibiont diversity can be evaluated hierarchically by basibiont categories including species. To evaluate the structure of epibiont diversity and effects of taxonomic resolution on the evaluation, epibionts on molluscan shells and inert surfaces were investigated at three geographically distant sites in Japan. In total, 95 species-level taxonomic units of epibionts were obtained from 31 basibiont molluscan species and inert surfaces (plastics and rock chips). The density and the species richness at the site of the lowest latitude were significantly lower than those at the other sites. The epibiont community differred between the three sites, although the major portion of the epibionts were diatoms. Between-site diversity contributed most of the total diversity of the species richness and Simpson diversity in the five levels of the hierarchical partitioning: sample (individual basibiont), basibiont species (molluscan species including rock chips and plastics), surface group (bivalves, chitons + limpets, globose gastropods, and inert surfaces), site, and the total. The taxonomic resolution did not markedly affect the variability of communities between the three sites, although the taxon richness reduced to 51 in the genus-level analysis. The lower taxonomic resolution (genus level) however increased the contribution of the within-sample and decreased the contribution of β diversities at the higher hierarchies, leading to a possible overestimation of biotic homogenization between the communities.
An environmentally friendly cement: Preparation and Property Studies of Ferric Sulfoaluminate Cement Based on Bayer Red Mud and Phosphogypsum
Authors: Ge Chuanqi , Zhao Yanrong , Li Changchun , Yan Xunqiao , Liu Rongjin
Published: December 2023

The Bayer red mud and phosphogypsum accumulation has caused significant environmental contamination. However, practical and effective resource utilization technologies are still lacking currently. This study aims to develop ferric sulfoaluminate cement (FSAC) using low-cost materials including Bayer red mud, phosphogypsum, and limestone while investigating the influence of different red mud dosages on cement mineral formation, workability, and mechanical properties. The impact of phosphogypsum on FSAC properties, including the hydration process, workability, mechanical properties, hydration products, and morphology, is investigated. It discovers that the C4AF formation in clinker increases as the dosage of Bayer red mud rises. During the calcination process, the maximum replacement of Al3+ in C4A3\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{S}}\) by Fe3+ generates a crystal transformation, leading to more highly reactive cubic C4A3\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{S}}\) minerals (C4A3\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{S}}\)-C) formation, thereby accelerating FSAC hydration kinetics with enhanced early strength and shorter setting time. When phosphogypsum replaces natural gypsum as a retarder agent, P2O5 forms a Ca3(PO4)2 protective film on cement particle surfaces during hydration, and PO43- readily generates AlPO4 with Al3+, reducing the concentration of Al3+ in the system, slowing down hydration, and decreasing the driving force for AFt generation, which increases structure densification. When the Bayer red mud and phosphogypsum contents are 17.64% and 9.21%, respectively, and the dosage of retarder phosphogypsum is set at 20%, the prepared FSAC exhibits satisfactory performance conforming to engineering requirements, showing a significant curing effect on heavy metal ions. It demonstrates compressive / flexural strengths of 34.6 MPa / 4.6 MPa at 3 days and 52.3 MPa / 6.2 MPa at 28 days.
Increased extinction probability and altered physiological characteristics in carbamate tolerant Daphnia magna
Authors: Ishimota Makoto , Kodama Mebuki , Tomiyama Naruto , Ohyama Kazutoshi
Published: December 2023

We evaluated the physiological characteristics of chemical-tolerant cladocerans. Over the course of 26 generations (F25), D. magna was continuously exposed to pirimicarb (carbamate) solutions (0, 3.8, 7.5, and 15 µg/L) in sub-lethal or lethal levels. The 48 h EC50 values (29.2–29.9 µg/L) for 7.5 and 15 µg/L exposure groups were found to be two times higher than that in the control (17.2 µg/L). Subsequently, we investigated whether the extinction probability changed when the chemical-tolerant daphnids were fed two different types of food, Chlorella vulgaris and Synechococcus leopoliensis. Furthermore, we ascertained how chemical tolerance influences respiration and depuration rates. The 48 h EC50 value was positively related to the extinction probability when the daphnids were fed S. leopoliensis. Because the measured lipid content of S. leopoliensis was three times lower than that of C. vulgaris, the tolerant daphnids struggled under nutrient-poor conditions. Respiration rates across all pirimicarb treatment groups were higher than those in the control group, suggesting that respiration efficiency may decrease in tolerant clones. Since the pirimicarb depuration rate for 7.5 µg/L exposure groups was higher than that in the control, the altered metabolic/excretion rate may be one factor for acquiring chemical tolerance. These altered physiological characteristics are crucial parameters for evaluating the mechanisms of chemical tolerance and associated fitness costs.
Removal of neonicotinoids present in secondary effluents by ferrate(VI)-based oxidation processes
Authors: Real Francisco J , Acero Juan L , Matamoros Esther
Published: December 2023

Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticides derived from nicotine. However, their persistence in the environment and potential harmful effects have raised some concerns and proposed several measures for remediation. The main five neonicotinoids mainly used are: thiamethoxam (THM), imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), thiacloprid (THC), and acetamiprid (ACE). The aim of this work was to study the reactivity of these neonicotinoids with ferrate (Fe(VI)), focused on the determination of the second-order rate constants and the effect of pH and the organic matter present, and to evaluate the improvements in neonicotinoid removal reached by the ferrate-based processes Fe(VI)/peroxymonosulfate and Fe(VI)/sulfite. The most reactive compound with Fe(VI) was THC, followed by CLO and THM. ACE did not significantly react with Fe(VI). The second-order rate constants obtained at different pH confirm this trend. The optimum pH for efficient removal of the compounds was around 8, considering the predominance of the most reactive species HFeO4- and the decreasing self-decomposition of Fe(VI) with pH. The oxidation of the selected pollutants in secondary effluents by single Fe(VI) was rather slow, and only THC could be efficiently removed. The additional presence of peroxymonosulfate (Fe(VI)/PMS system) slightly increased the removal of neonicotinoids due to the formation of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals, being both the main reactive oxygen species. Finally, the additional presence of sulfite (Fe(VI)/sulfite system) considerably increased the oxidation rate of selected pollutants, with enhanced formation of hydroxyl and, especially, sulfate radicals. Results suggest that Fe(VI)/sulfite system can be applied efficiently to remove all the neonicotinoids.
Carbon Emission Prediction of Construction Industry in Sichuan Province Based on the GA-BP Model
Authors: Peng Shanbi , Tan Jiayi , Ma Hongyan
Published: December 2023

The reduction of the carbon emissions of construction industry is urgent. Therefore, it is essential to accurately predict the carbon emissions of the provincial construction industry, which can support differentiation emission reduction policies in China. This paper proposes a carbon emission prediction model that optimizes the back propagation (BP) neural network by genetic algorithm (GA) to predict carbon emission of construction industry, or “GA-BP”. To begin with, the operational carbon emissions of construction industry in Sichuan Province from 2000 to 2020 are calculated by the emission factor method. Further, the electricity correction factor is introduced to eliminate the regional difference in electricity carbon emission coefficient. Finally, four factors are selected by the grey correlation analysis method to predict the operational carbon emission of construction industry in Sichuan Province from 2021 to 2025. The results show that the operational carbon emissions of construction industry in Sichuan Province have been trending up in the past two decades, with an average increase rate of 10.51%. The GA-BP model is a high precision prediction model to predict carbon emissions of construction industry. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the model is only 6.303%, and its coefficient of determination is 0.853. Moreover, the operational carbon emissions of construction industry in Sichuan Province will reach 8,891.97 million tons of CO2 in 2025. The GA-BP model can effectively predict the future operational carbon emissions of construction industry in Sichuan Province, which provides a new idea for the green and sustainable development of construction industry in Sichuan Province.