bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Relationship Between Immigration and Innovation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Capoani  , Chabert  , Izzo
Published: January 2024

The relationship between immigration and innovation has become an urgent topic of discussion in the USA and in the European Union due to the current migration patterns and the crucial role played by innovation as a driver of growth in modern economies. The present study is a systematic review regarding the investigation of the status of the research on immigration, ethnic diversity, and their impact on innovations, especially at the firm’s organisational level. With a focus on high-skilled immigrants, a closer examination of the link between migration and economic performance of the private sector has been conducted during the research. The paper will focus on the elements that impact the contributions of migrants towards the total level of innovation of host countries. Cultural diversity, demographic agglomeration forces, and the educational backgrounds of newcomers are identified as drivers of innovation which influence patenting activity. Additionally, the research provides an overview of the positive influence of migration on innovation spillovers, taking into account its ability to isolate the channels concerning education history and labour supply that lead to this beneficial effect. The evidence suggests that immigrants contribute to the overall level of economic growth and innovation in destination countries, as spillovers of entrepreneurial capabilities and scientific and technological knowledge appear to be fundamental to innovation in host countries. Nonetheless, policy-makers are presented with expected outcomes, as well as no evidence to suggest that migration is detrimental to a strong research and development sector.
Aqueous Phase Removal of Tartrazine
Authors: Amaku James Friday , Oyedotun Kabir O. , Maxakato Nobanathi W. , Akpomie Kovo G. , Okeke Emmanuel Sunday , Olisah Chijioke , Malloum Alhadji , Adegoke Kayode A. , Ighalo Joshua O. , Conradie Jeanet , Ohoro Chinemerem R.
Published: January 2024

In this study, published articles on the adsorptive removal of tartrazine from the aqueous phase were reviewed. Adsorbents sustaining both intercalating and photodegradation characteristics were also assessed. Besides collating available information on adsorbents employed for tartrazine removal, experimental conditions (solution temperature, pH, dosage, initial concentration, and agitation period) relating to the adsorptive removal of tartrazine were discussed. Deduction from kinetic, isotherms and thermodynamics data acquired from different adsorbents were assessed. Granular activated carbon and chitosan adsorbents had the least and highest tartrazine removal capacity. Lower solution pH majorly favoured the adsorption of tartrazine. On the other hand, increased dosage, contact time, initial concentration, and solution temperature generally enhanced the adsorptive uptake of tartrazine. Pseudo-second-order kinetics model was observed to typically describe the kinetic data. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were popularly observed to best describe the tartrazine adsorption equilibrium. The uptake of tartrazine was generally spontaneous with the exception of a few nanocomposites. Meanwhile, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions were proposed as possible mechanisms for the adsorption of tartrazine from wastewater. Adsorbents demonstrated good regeneration tendency with NaOH. Hence, it was concluded that the batch adsorption technique is economically viable and should be scaled up for industrial applications. Meanwhile, future work on tartrazine adsorption should employ real wastewater samples, regenerate adsorbents for reuse, design and execute a pilot scale assessment, employ column adsorption technique and formulate policy to regulate effluent discharge.
The role of hope and conservation attitudes in current conservation actions and future conservation intentions
Authors: Ough Dealy Helen R. , Jarvis Rebecca M. , Young Tim , Maharaj Kushaal , Petterson Michael
Published: January 2024

Current community-led conservation (CLC) actions support present and future biodiversity. Present-day conservation volunteer efforts are measurable; however, future CLC activity is uncertain. Understanding what motivates volunteers to take part in CLC activities is therefore essential. This study investigates the relationships between hope, conservation attitudes, current conservation action, and future conservation intention. We use Snyder’s adult hope state scale to explore the relationship between hope, conservation attitudes, self-reported current conservation actions, and future conservation intentions (planting, weeding, predator control) of 243 adult Aotearoa New Zealand participants. The relationship of hope and conservation attitudes to current conservation action and future conservation intention is complex. Specifically, hope relates to future conservation intention but is not associated with current conservation action. Furthermore, hope negatively correlated with intending volunteer belief that nature could heal itself. Volunteers with future conservation intentions hold conservation attitudes that actively connect people to nature and other people and show commitment to the natural world. Intending volunteers also feel able to help others learn about the natural world, value scientific and technological interventions, and the relative importance of individual effort, teamwork, and collaboration. Volunteers currently active in conservation solely held attitudes of connection to nature, connection to other people, commitment to the natural world, and helping others learn about the natural world. Understanding what motivates volunteers to undertake conservation action is critical to designing sustainable CLC projects that deliver positive outcomes for biodiversity in the long term.
E-governance paradigm in the Indian agricultural sector
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Singh Sumit Kumar , Pathak Rakshit , Arya Vedpriya
Published: January 2024

Background

Fundamentally, there are several levels of complexities associated with the digitalization of the agriculture sector. In the context of the Indian agricultural sector, the contemporary efforts towards E-Governance are helping a progressive digitization process to be realized through the comprehensive National E-governance Plan for Agriculture (NeGP-A), one of the Indian government's Multimodal Projects (MMPs). The cornerstone of the recent digital push in agriculture through the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) framework is Digital AgriStack, an amalgamation of digital technologies and databases concentrating on farmers and the agricultural industry.

Purpose

Intriguingly, there is just a handful of explorative research to gain in-depth ideas on administrative efforts regarding E-governance activities in the Indian agricultural sector. Hence, a stringent effort has been made to cover all facets of E-government in Indian agriculture, beginning with its inception, advancement, and present status as well as a synergy between the center and the states across the domains of G2G, G2F, G2B, and B2F, for the first time.

Findings

The review presents a comprehensive list of the E-governance initiatives categorized across the four domains of governance and draws a clear picture of the Indian state of e-governance in agriculture while presenting the advancements and challenges at a global and local scale.

Originality

To the best of our knowledge, no such rigorous attempt has previously been made to analyze and comprehensively present as well as categorize the Indian E-governance facets in the agricultural sector. This will certainly add to the emerging knowledge in the respective E-gov agricultural domains and their applications in developing nations across the globe.
God and Astrobiology
Authors: Playford Richard , Bullivant Stephen , Siefert Janet
Published: January 2024

The perception that life on other planets would be, problematic for religious people, and indeed for religion itself, is a longstanding one. It is partially rooted in fact: astrobiological speculations have, on occasion, engendered religious controversies. Historical discussions are often far more nuanced, and less one-sided than often imagined. 'Exotheology' is a lively subdiscipline within several religious traditions. This Element offers a wide-ranging introduction to the multifarious 'problems of God and astrobiology', real and perceived. It covers major topics within Christian theology (e.g., creation, incarnation, salvation), as well as issues specific to Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It also discusses the very different perspectives offered by other (non)religious traditions, including Mormonism, various 'alien-positive' new religious movements (e.g., Heaven's Gate, Scientology, Raëlism), and the 'Ancient Astronaunt' theories popularized by Erich von Dāniken and the History channel's Ancient Aliens.
Factors associated with depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cham Choy Qing , Ibrahim Norhayati , Kalaman Clarisse Roswini , Ho Meng Chuan , Visvalingam Uma , Ahmad Shahabuddin Farah , Abd Rahman Fairuz Nazri , Halim Mohd Radzi Tarmizi A. , Harbajan Singh Manveen Kaur , Azhar Fatin Liyana , Yahya Amira Najiha , Roslan Samsilah , Siau Ching Sin
Published: January 2024

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues worldwide, especially among parental caregivers. By expanding the family stress model, this cross-sectional study investigated the relevant factors associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients. Data were collected through questionnaires (N= 207) across five major public hospitals through convenience sampling. Participants answered questionnaires measuring financial strain, caregiver burden, relationship quality, belief in mental illness, perceived COVID-19 stress, satisfaction with health services, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction. Findings revealed that relationship quality among spouses, COVID-19 stress and caregiver burden were significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. The multiple regression model also suggested that depressive symptoms (β= .613,p< .001), anxiety symptoms (β= .657,p< .001) and relationship quality among spouses (β= .264,p< .001) were the most influential predictors of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life respectively. By addressing the mental health needs of parental caregivers, this study can contribute to improving the overall quality of care and support provided to adolescent patients and their caregivers in Malaysia and beyond.
Determinants of lifestyle and body weight status among breast cancer survivors with overweight/obesity and perspectives towards the development of weight loss interventions: a qualitative study with health professionals from Greece
Authors: Saltaouras Georgios , Perperidi Maria , Vantzou Dimitra , Vatsina Konstantina , Saloustros Emmanouil , Theodorakis Yannis , Androutsos Odysseas
Published: January 2024

The current study assessed the views and attitudes of health professionals (HPs) regarding factors associated with energy balance-related health behaviours and weight management in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with overweight and obesity. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 21 HPs (oncologists, dietitians- nutritionists, physical education instructors, mental health professionals, and nurses) from Attica and Thessaly. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the data. Four main themes arose from the data: “The patients’ mental health wellbeing”, “Survivors’ interest in diet and exercise”, “Interdisciplinary collaboration in patient’s care”, and “Maintaining normality”. HPs agreed that weight loss in BCS with overweight and obesity is important, but negative mental health wellbeing is a main barrier to behaviour change. For many BCS their cancer diagnosis is a “teachable” moment for weight management, especially for women of younger age, who are more keen to discuss weight management issues. Essential characteristics that determine/facilitate behavioural change include education, commitment for regular communication, personalised intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. According to HPs, future weight loss interventions should take into account BCS’s mental health wellbeing and level of motivation and should provide regular support and education.
Approximation with ergodic processes and testability
Authors: Loh Isaac
Published: January 2024

We show that stationary time series can be uniformly approximated over all finite time intervals by mixing, non-ergodic, non-mean-ergodic, and periodic processes, and by codings of aperiodic processes. A corollary is that the ergodic hypothesis—that time averages will converge to their statistical counterparts—and several adjacent hypotheses are not testable in the non-parametric case. Further Baire category implications are also explored.
On generalized eigenvalue problems of fractional (p,q)-Laplace operator with two parameters
Authors: Biswas Nirjan , Sk Firoj
Published: January 2024

For$s_1,\,s_2\in (0,\,1)$and$p,\,q \in (1,\, \infty )$, we study the following nonlinear Dirichlet eigenvalue problem with parameters$\alpha,\, \beta \in \mathbb {R}$driven by the sum of two nonlocal operators:\[ (-\Delta)^{s_1}_p u+(-\Delta)^{s_2}_q u=\alpha|u|^{p-2}u+\beta|u|^{q-2}u\ \text{in }\Omega, \quad u=0\ \text{in } \mathbb{R}^d \setminus \Omega, \quad \mathrm{(P)} \]where$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^d$is a bounded open set. Depending on the values of$\alpha,\,\beta$, we completely describe the existence and non-existence of positive solutions to (P). We construct a continuous threshold curve in the two-dimensional$(\alpha,\, \beta )$-plane, which separates the regions of the existence and non-existence of positive solutions. In addition, we prove that the first Dirichlet eigenfunctions of the fractional$p$-Laplace and fractional$q$-Laplace operators are linearly independent, which plays an essential role in the formation of the curve. Furthermore, we establish that every nonnegative solution of (P) is globally bounded.
Comparison of international height and BMI-for-age growth references and their correlation with adiposity in Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: de Oliveira Mariane Helen , Costa Roberto Fernandes da , Fisberg Mauro , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins , Conde Wolney Lisboa
Published: January 2024

This study verified the diagnostic accuracy of the nutritional status classified by the international height and BMI references of the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO/2007), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF/2012) and MULT (2023). The data pool was composed by 22 737 subjects aged five to 16 years from the Santos and Porto Alegre surveys. A correlation matrix between the z-scores of the BMI references and the skinfold measurements was calculated through the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and the subject’s nutritional status was classified according to the international growth references. The accuracy for diagnosing obesity was performed separately by sex and using the 95th percentile of the triceps and subscapular skinfold sum, while Lin’s concordance coefficient, Bland–Altman method and the Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (Kappa) were used to verify the concordance and reliability among the BMI references. The correlation matrix showed a high positive correlation among the BMI z-scores (r ≥ 0·99) and among the skinfold measurements (r ≥ 0·86). The prevalence of stunting was higher when applying the MULT reference (3·4 %) compared with the WHO reference (2·3 %). The Bland–Altman plots showed the lowest critical difference (CD) between the height references of WHO and MULT (CD = 0·22). Among the BMI references, the WHO obesity percentile presented lower performance than MULT for boys, presenting a lower +LR value (WHO = 6·99/MULT 18 years = 10·99; 19 years = 8·99; 20 years = 8·09) for the same −LR values (0·04). Therefore, MULT reference holds promise as a valuable tool for diagnosing childhood obesity, particularly when considering sex differences. This enhances its suitability for assessing the nutritional status of Brazilian schoolchildren.
The impact of maternal and paternal birth weights on infant birth weights: the Japan environment and children’s study
Authors: Tomita Hasumi , Iwama Noriyuki , Hamada Hirotaka , Kudo Rie , Tagami Kazuma , Kumagai Natsumi , Sato Naoto , Izumi Seiya , Sakurai Kasumi , Watanabe Zen , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Tatsuta Nozomi , Hoshiai Tetsuro , Metoki Hirohito , Saito Masatoshi , Sugawara Junichi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Arima Takahiro , Yaegashi Nobuo ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the association between parental and infant birth weights in Japan. In total, 37,504 pregnant Japanese women and their partners were included in this birth cohort study. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations of parental birth weights with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. Associations between parental birth weight and low birth weight (LBW) infants or macrosomia were also examined, and linear associations between parental birth weight and SGA or LGA were found. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for SGA infants per 500 g decrease in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI],1.43–1.58) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.25–1.38), respectively. The aORs for LGA infants per 500 g increase in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.47–1.60) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.35–1.47), respectively. The association between parental birth weight and LBW infants or macrosomia was also linear. The aORs for LBW infants per 500 g decrease in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.47 (95% CI, 1.40–1.55) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.19–1.31), respectively. The aORs for macrosomia per 500 g increase in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.59 (95% CI, 1.41–1.79) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.23–1.60), respectively. Parental birth weight was found to be associated with infant birth weight even after adjusting for various parental factors. Furthermore, maternal birth weight was more strongly associated with infant birth weight than with paternal birth weight.
Psychological Underpinnings of Misinformation Countermeasures
Authors: Ziemer Carolin-Theresa , Rothmund Tobias
Published: January 2024

Abstract: There has been substantial scholarly effort to (a) investigate the psychological underpinnings of why individuals believe in misinformation, and (b) develop interventions that hamper their acceptance and spread. However, there is a lack of systematic integration of these two research lines. We conducted a systematic scoping review of empirically tested psychological interventions (N = 176) to counteract misinformation. We developed an intervention map and analyzed boosting, inoculation, identity management, nudging, and fact-checking interventions as well as various subdimensions. We further examined how these interventions are theoretically derived from the two most prominent psychological accounts for misinformation susceptibility: classical and motivated reasoning. We find that the majority of misinformation studies examined fact-checking interventions, are poorly linked to basic psychological theory and not geared towards reducing motivated reasoning. Based on this, we outline future research avenues for effective psychological countermeasures against misinformation.
Are You as Attractive on Social Media as You Think?
Authors: Choi Mina , Taylor Samuel Hardman
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Oftentimes how people evaluate their own behaviors does not correspond with what others perceive, a phenomenon called actor–observer asymmetry. With an online experiment, this study examined whether people exhibit actor–observer asymmetrical perception of their social attractiveness when sharing emotions on Facebook. Actors (sharers) thought they would be perceived as more socially attractive than observers (message readers) reported. The degree of such perceptual gaps varied by the valence of shared emotion (positive vs. negative), but the communication channels (status updates vs. direct messages) through which the emotions were shared did not affect the perceptual asymmetry. Actors’ self-presentation concerns and self-esteem were associated with the degree of asymmetries. The results extend the actor–observer asymmetry research and advance the literature on the social sharing of emotion on social media.
Millennial‐Scale Changes in Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide During the Holocene
Authors: Azharuddin Syed , Ahn Jinho , Ryu Yeongjun , Brook Ed , Salehnia Nasrin
Published: January 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas which destroys the ozone in the stratosphere. Primary sources of atmospheric N2O are nitrification and denitrification in terrestrial soils and the ocean, and the main sink is photolysis in the stratosphere. Studies have mostly focused on the climate‐related response of N2O during glacial‐interglacial periods. However, its mechanism of variation during the Holocene remains unclear. We present a high‐resolution N2O record from the South Pole Ice (SPICE) core covering the Holocene epoch. The millennial‐scale N2O trend agrees with existing records. We constructed a Holocene composite consisting of the new N2O measurements in SPICE and existing records from other ice core sites. The N2O composite reveals four distinct periods of N2O variation during 11.5–10.0 ka, 10.0–6.2 ka, 6.2–2.2 ka, and 2.2–1.4 ka, including two maxima in 11.0–10.0 ka and 3.0–2.2 ka and minima in 8.8–6.2 ka and approximately 1.4 ka. Apart from these, our new high‐resolution record from SPICE shows a short‐term N2O decrease around 2.8 ka which is not observed in other records possibly due to lower sample resolution and/or higher age smoothing. Comparison of our new Holocene N2O composite with the paleo‐proxy records suggests the plausible linkage of major monsoon (Asian, North African, South and North American, and Australian‐Indonesian monsoon) and upwelling (Arabian Sea and Eastern Tropical South Pacific) regions in regulating the atmospheric N2O during the Holocene.
Mapping Daily Air Temperature Over the Hawaiian Islands From 1990 to 2021 via an Optimized Piecewise Linear Regression Technique
Authors: Kodama Keri M. , Kourkchi Ehsan , Longman Ryan J. , Lucas Matthew P. , Bateni Sayed M. , Huang Yu‐Fen , Kagawa‐Viviani Aurora , Mclean Jared , Cleveland Sean B. , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: January 2024

Gridded air temperature data are required in various fields such as ecological modeling, weather forecasting, and surface energy balance assessment. In this work, a piecewise multiple linear regression model is used to produce high‐resolution (250 m) daily maximum (Tmax), minimum (Tmin), and mean (Tmean) near‐surface air temperature maps for the State of Hawaiʻi for a 32‐year period (1990–2021). Multiple meteorological and geographical variables such as the elevation, daily rainfall, coastal distance index, leaf area index, albedo, topographic position index, and wind speed are independently tested to determine the most well‐suited predictor variables for optimal model performance. During the mapping process, input data scarcity is addressed first by gap‐filling critical stations at high elevation using a predetermined linear relationship with other strongly‐correlated stations, and second, by supplementing the training dataset with station data from neighboring islands. Despite the numerous covariates physically linked to temperature, the most parsimonious model selection uses elevation as its sole predictor, and the inclusion of the additional variables results in increased cross‐validation errors. The mean absolute error of resultant estimated Tmax and Tmin maps over the Hawaiian Islands from 1990 to 2021 is 1.7°C and 1.3°C, respectively. Corresponding bias values are 0.01°C and −0.13°C, respectively for the same variables. Overall, the results show the proposed methodology can robustly generate daily air temperature maps from point‐scale measurements over complex topography.
Evidence of Ice‐Rich Layered Deposits in the Medusae Fossae Formation of Mars
Authors: Watters Thomas R. , Campbell Bruce A. , Leuschen Carl J. , Morgan Gareth A. , Cicchetti Andrea , Orosei Roberto , Plaut Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2024

Subsurface reflectors in radar sounder data from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding instrument aboard the Mars Express spacecraft indicate significant dielectric contrasts between layers in the Martian Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF). Large density changes that create dielectric contrasts are less likely in deposits of volcanic ash, eolian sediments, and dust, and compaction models show that homogeneous fine‐grained material cannot readily account for the inferred density and dielectric constant where the deposits are more than a kilometer thick. The presence of subsurface reflectors is consistent with a multi‐layer structure of an ice‐poor cap above an ice‐rich unit analogous to the Martian Polar Layered Deposits. The volume of an ice‐rich component across the entire MFF below a 300–600 m dry cover corresponds to a global equivalent layer of water of ∼1.5 to ∼2.7 m or ∼30%–50% of the total estimated in the North Polar cap.
Vegetation Index‐Based Models Without Meteorological Constraints Underestimate the Impact of Drought on Gross Primary Productivity
Authors: Chen Xin , Chen Tiexi , Liu Shuci , Chai Yuanfang , Guo Renjie , Dai Jie , Wang Shengzhen , Zhang Lele , Wei Xueqiong
Published: January 2024

Recently developed solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence‐related vegetation indices (e.g., near infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv) and kernel normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI)) have been reported to be appropriate proxies for vegetation photosynthesis. These vegetation indices can be used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) without considering meteorological constraints. However, it is not clear whether such a statement holds true under various environmental conditions. In this study, we explored whether these vegetation indices require meteorological constraints to better characterize GPP under extreme drought conditions using three extreme drought cases in Europe in 2003, 2010, and 2018. According to the long‐term series of observations, vegetation indices (NIRv and kNDVI) alone explained 60% and 57%, respectively, of the weekly GPP variation across the 66 flux sites. The explained variation increased to 69% and 64%, respectively, for the models that take into account radiative effects (NIRv and kNDVI multiplied by radiation). However, without considering meteorological constraints, these vegetation index‐based estimations severely underestimated negative GPP anomalies under drought stress, especially in models that incorporate radiative effects. After incorporating vapor pressure deficit (VPD)‐based meteorological constraints, the GPP estimations exhibited more pronounced negative anomalies during drought periods while maintaining model accuracy (at 70% and 65%, respectively). In addition, the GPP models based on site observations were applied at the regional scale (Europe). Our results indicated that the models without meteorological constraints again underestimated the impact of drought on GPP. This study emphasizes the importance of meteorological constraints in the estimation of GPP, especially under extreme drought conditions.
Long‐Term Variation of the Galactic Cosmic Ray Radiation Dose Rates
Authors: Lyu D. , Qin G. , Shen Z.‐N.
Published: January 2024

In this work, a model for calculating the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) radiation dose rate is developed. The model is based on a GCR modulation model, which is established by Shen and Qin, and the fluence‐dose conversion coefficients (FDCCs) published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). With the model, the radiation absorbed dose rate of GCRs near the lunar surface over long time periods is calculated and compared with the observation data from the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation and the Lunar Lander Neutron and Dosimetry. First, the energy spectrum of GCRs at 1 AU in the ecliptic, where the lunar orbit is located, is computed using the GCR modulation model. Then, using the FDCCs of ICRP 123, the absorbed dose rates of 15 human organs/tissues at the lunar orbit position are calculated to represent the general absorbed dose rate of the body (in water). Furthermore, considering the albedo radiation (excluding neutrons) and using the water‐silicon conversion coefficients, the total absorbed dose rates of GCRs near the lunar surface (in silicon) are calculated, it is shown that our modeling results generally agree with the observations from spacecraft. This work is useful for future manned space exploration to the Moon or other celestial bodies in the solar system.
The Overall Collection Efficiency of Catching‐Type Precipitation Gauges in Windy Conditions
Authors: Cauteruccio A. , Chinchella E. , Lanza L. G.
Published: January 2024

The wind‐induced bias of catching‐type precipitation measurement instruments is quantified using Computational Fluid Dynamics with embedded liquid (raindrops) and solid (snowflakes) particle tracking. The performance of six common commercial gauges having different outer geometry is compared under a range of Precipitation Intensity (PI) and wind speed conditions by means of the numerically calculated catch ratios. Validation of the simulated aerodynamic behavior and its effect on water drop trajectories is provided by previous wind tunnel experiments. The functional dependence of the overall collection efficiency on the PI is derived as a quantitative measure of the instrument performance under a wind climatology with a uniform probability density function. Instruments with aerodynamic design produce a less pronounced diversion of hydrometeor trajectories—at any given size—than those having more traditional geometry. For liquid precipitation measurements, chimney‐shaped instruments rank low, while inverted conical and Nipher shielded instruments are quite performant solutions. The investigated quasi‐cylindrical gauges have intermediate behavior depending on their detailed aerodynamic features. For solid precipitation, all instruments rank low at light to moderate PI, except the Nipher shielded gauge. Results allow selecting the appropriate instrument for the local precipitation climatology at the measurement site and can be used to apply suitable adjustments to the measured precipitation.
Quantifying the Impact of Human Activities on Hydrological Drought and Drought Propagation in China Using the PCR‐GLOBWB v2.0 Model
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Wu Fan , Yuan Shanshui , Ren Liliang , Sheffield Justin , Fang Xiuqin , Jiang Shanhu , Liu Yi
Published: January 2024

The economic and human losses caused by drought are increasing, driven by climate change, human activities, and increased exposure of livelihood activities in water‐dependent sectors. Mitigation of these impacts for socio‐ecological securit is necessary to gain a better understanding of how human activities contribute to the propagation of drought as water management further develops. The previous studies investigated the impact of human activities on a macro level, but they overlooked the specific effects caused by human water management measures. In addition, most studies focus on the propagation time (PT, the number of months from meteorological drought propagation to hydrological drought), while other drought propagation characteristics, such as duration, magnitude, and recovery time, are not yet sufficiently understood. To tackle these issues, the PCR‐GLOBWB v2.0 hydrological model simulated hydrological processes in China under natural and human‐influenced scenarios. The study assessed how human activities impact hydrological drought and its propagation. Result shows that human activities have exacerbated hydrological drought in northern China, while it is mitigated in the south. The propagation rate (PR, proportion of meteorological drought propagation to hydrological drought) ranges from 45% to 75%, and the PT is 6–23 months. The PR does not differ substantially between the north and south, while the PT is longer in the north. The PR decreases by 1%–60% due to human activities, and the PT decreases (1–13 months) in the north and increases (1–10 months) in the south. Human activities display significant variations in how they influence the propagation process of drought across different basins. The primary factors driving the spatial pattern of drought disparities are regional variations in irrigation methods and the storage capacity of reservoirs.
A flexible, thin-film microchannel electrode array device for selective subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve recording
Authors: Lim Jongcheon , Zoss Peter A. , Powley Terry L. , Lee Hyowon , Ward Matthew P.
Published: January 2024

The vagus nerve (VN) plays an important role in regulating physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by communicating via the parasympathetic pathway to the enteric nervous system (ENS). However, the lack of knowledge in the neurophysiology of the VN and GI tract limits the development of advanced treatments for autonomic dysfunctions related to the VN. To better understand the complicated underlying mechanisms of the VN-GI tract neurophysiology, it is necessary to use an advanced device enabled by microfabrication technologies. Among several candidates including intraneural probe array and extraneural cuff electrodes, microchannel electrode array devices can be used to interface with smaller numbers of nerve fibers by securing them in the separate channel structures. Previous microchannel electrode array devices to interface teased nerve structures are relatively bulky with thickness around 200 µm. The thick design can potentially harm the delicate tissue structures, including the nerve itself. In this paper, we present a flexible thin film based microchannel electrode array device (thickness: 11.5 µm) that can interface with one of the subdiaphragmatic nerve branches of the VN in a rat. We demonstrated recording evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) from a transected nerve ending that has multiple nerve fibers. Moreover, our analysis confirmed that the signals are from C-fibers that are critical in regulating autonomic neurophysiology in the GI tract.
The m6A demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 aggravate the malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by coregulating ARHGAP35
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Zhang Siyu , Xiong Jiayan , Xia Tian , Zhu Rui , Miao Mengyu , Li Keying , Chen Wenyue , Zhang Lin , You Yiwen , You Bo
Published: January 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification that can be removed by demethylases [fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5)], which regulate gene expression and cell function. We show that m6A levels and m6A demethylase levels are altered in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues vs. normal tissues. High FTO and ALKBH5 predict a poor prognosis in NPC patients. Silencing FTO and ALKBH5 inhibited the malignant behavior of patient-derived NPC cells in a short time. However, as time progressed, the inhibitory effect of FTO or ALKBH5 was weakened, and the cosilencing of FTO and ALKBH5 maintained a better inhibitory effect. Combined transcriptome and m6A-seq analysis revealed a downstream target gene that was jointly regulated by FTO and ALKBH5 in NPC, and ARHGAP35 was chosen to do further study. The synergistic silencing of FTO and ALKBH5 increased the methylation level on the mRNA CDS of a new transcription factor (ARHGAP35) and positively regulate the protein coding capacity and mRNA stability of ARHGAP35, thus leading to increased expression of ARHGAP35 and inhibition of the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. Our study revealed that the growth and metastasis of NPC can be stably inhibited through synergistic silencing of the demethylases FTO and ALKBH5, which play a positive role in the treatment of NPC by regulating the downstream transcript ARHGAP35 and increasing its m6A level.
Diagnostic outcome of pro bono neurogenetic diagnostic service in Sri Lanka: A wealth creation
Authors: Gonawala Lakmal , Wijekoon Nalaka , Attanayake Darshika , Ratnayake Pyara , Sirisena Darshana , Gunasekara Harsha , Dissanayake Athula , Keshavaraj Ajantha , Mohan Chandra , Steinbusch Harry W. M. , Hoffman Eric P. , Dalal Ashwin , de Silva K. Ranil D.
Published: January 2024

The inherited disease community in Sri Lanka has been widely neglected. This article aimed to present accumulated knowledge in establishing a pro bono cost-effective national, island-wide, free-of-charge molecular diagnostic service, suggesting a model for other developing countries. The project provided 637 molecular diagnostic tests and reports free of charge to a nation with limited resources. We pioneered the implementation of mobile clinics and home visits, where the research team acted as barefoot doctors with the concept of the doctor and the researcher at the patient’s doorstep. Establishing pro bono, cost-effective molecular diagnostics is feasible in developing countries with limited resources and state funding through the effort of dedicated postgraduate students. This service could provide an accurate molecular diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia, and Spinal muscular atrophy, a diagnostic yield of 54% (343/637), of which 43% (147/343) of the patients identified as amenable for available gene therapies. Initiated human resource development by double doctoral degree opportunities with international collaborations. Established a neurobiobank and a national registry in Sri Lanka, a rich and unique repository, wealth creation for translational collaborative research and sharing of information in neurological diseases, as well as a lodestar for aspiring initiatives from other developing countries.
A recurrent synonymous L1CAM variant in a fetus with hydrocephalus
Authors: Šubrt Ivan , Zavoral Tomáš , Strych Lukáš , Černá Monika , Hejnalová Markéta , Komrsková Pavla , Tejcová Jitka
Published: January 2024

We report the case of a hydrocephalic fetus in which clinical exome sequencing revealed a recurrent synonymous variant of unknown significance, c.453G>T, in the L1CAM gene. This report presents the second case of X-linked hydrocephalus in a fetus with this variant. Since we reproduced the RNA analysis, we were able to reclassify this variant as likely pathogenic. Our results stress the importance of not excluding synonymous variants during prioritization.
Ultraconserved bacteriophage genome sequence identified in 1300-year-old human palaeofaeces
Authors: Rozwalak Piotr , Barylski Jakub , Wijesekara Yasas , Dutilh Bas E. , Zielezinski Andrzej
Published: January 2024

Bacteriophages are widely recognised as rapidly evolving biological entities. However, knowledge about ancient bacteriophages is limited. Here, we analyse DNA sequence datasets previously generated from ancient palaeofaeces and human gut-content samples, and identify an ancient phage genome nearly identical to present-day Mushuvirus mushu, a virus that infects gut commensal bacteria. The DNA damage patterns of the genome are consistent with its ancient origin and, despite 1300 years of evolution, the ancient Mushuvirus genome shares 97.7% nucleotide identity with its modern counterpart, indicating a long-term relationship between the prophage and its host. In addition, we reconstruct and authenticate 297 other phage genomes from the last 5300 years, including those belonging to unknown families. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of reconstructing ancient phage genome sequences, thus expanding the known virosphere and offering insights into phage-bacteria interactions spanning several millennia.
Latent representations in hippocampal network model co-evolve with behavioral exploration of task structure
Authors: Cone Ian , Clopath Claudia
Published: January 2024

To successfully learn real-life behavioral tasks, animals must pair actions or decisions to the task’s complex structure, which can depend on abstract combinations of sensory stimuli and internal logic. The hippocampus is known to develop representations of this complex structure, forming a so-called “cognitive map”. However, the precise biophysical mechanisms driving the emergence of task-relevant maps at the population level remain unclear. We propose a model in which plateau-based learning at the single cell level, combined with reinforcement learning in an agent, leads to latent representational structures codependently evolving with behavior in a task-specific manner. In agreement with recent experimental data, we show that the model successfully develops latent structures essential for task-solving (cue-dependent “splitters”) while excluding irrelevant ones. Finally, our model makes testable predictions concerning the co-dependent interactions between split representations and split behavioral policy during their evolution.
A review of the pathophysiological mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and aging
Authors: Linders Annet Nicole , Dias Itamar Braga , López Fernández Teresa , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Bomer Nils , Van der Meer Peter
Published: January 2024

The population of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing due to improving healthcare. However, cancer therapies often have long-term side effects. One example is cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) caused by doxorubicin: up to 9% of the cancer patients treated with this drug develop heart failure at a later stage. In recent years, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity has been associated with an accelerated aging phenotype and cellular senescence in the heart. In this review we explain the evidence of an accelerated aging phenotype in the doxorubicin-treated heart by comparing it to healthy aged hearts, and shed light on treatment strategies that are proposed in pre-clinical settings. We will discuss the accelerated aging phenotype and the impact it could have in the clinic and future research.
Elevated methane flux in a tropical peatland post-fire is linked to depth-dependent changes in peat microbiome assembly
Authors: Bandla Aditya , Akhtar Hasan , Lupascu Massimo , Sukri Rahayu Sukmaria , Swarup Sanjay
Published: January 2024

Fires in tropical peatlands extend to depth, transforming them from carbon sinks into methane sources and severely limit forest recovery. Peat microbiomes influence carbon transformations and forest recovery, yet our understanding of microbiome shifts post-fire is currently limited. Our previous study highlighted altered relationships between the peat surface, water table, aboveground vegetation, and methane flux after fire in a tropical peatland. Here, we link these changes to post-fire shifts in peat microbiome composition and assembly processes across depth. We report kingdom-specific and depth-dependent shifts in alpha diversity post-fire, with large differences at deeper depths. Conversely, we found shifts in microbiome composition across all depths. Compositional shifts extended to functional groups involved in methane turnover, with methanogens enriched and methanotrophs depleted at mid and deeper depths. Finally, we show that community shifts at deeper depths result from homogeneous selection associated with post-fire changes in hydrology and aboveground vegetation. Collectively, our findings provide a biological basis for previously reported methane fluxes after fire and offer new insights into depth-dependent shifts in microbiome assembly processes, which ultimately underlie ecosystem function predictability and ecosystem recovery.
Association of retinal neurodegeneration with the progression of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Murueta-Goyena Ane , Romero-Bascones David , Teijeira-Portas Sara , Urcola J. Aritz , Ruiz-Martínez Javier , Del Pino Rocío , Acera Marian , Petzold Axel , Wagner Siegfried Karl , Keane Pearse Andrew , Ayala Unai , Barrenechea Maitane , Tijero Beatriz , Gómez Esteban Juan Carlos , Gabilondo Iñigo
Published: January 2024

Retinal thickness may serve as a biomarker in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this prospective longitudinal study, we aimed to determine if PD patients present accelerated thinning rate in the parafoveal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (pfGCIPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) compared to controls. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between retinal neurodegeneration and clinical progression in PD. A cohort of 156 PD patients and 72 controls underwent retinal optical coherence tomography, visual, and cognitive assessments between February 2015 and December 2021 in two Spanish tertiary hospitals. The pfGCIPL thinning rate was twice as high in PD (β [SE] = −0.58 [0.06]) than in controls (β [SE] = −0.29 [0.06], p < 0.001). In PD, the progression pattern of pfGCIPL atrophy depended on baseline thickness, with slower thinning rates observed in PD patients with pfGCIPL below 89.8 µm. This result was validated with an external dataset from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (AlzEye study). Slow pfGCIPL progressors, characterized by older at baseline, longer disease duration, and worse cognitive and disease stage scores, showed a threefold increase in the rate of cognitive decline (β [SE] = −0.45 [0.19] points/year, p = 0.021) compared to faster progressors. Furthermore, temporal sector pRNFL thinning was accelerated in PD (βtime x group [SE] = −0.67 [0.26] μm/year, p = 0.009), demonstrating a close association with cognitive score changes (β [SE] = 0.11 [0.05], p = 0.052). This study suggests that a slower pattern of pfGCIPL tissue loss in PD is linked to more rapid cognitive decline, whereas changes in temporal pRNFL could track cognitive deterioration.
Discovering genetic mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of Parkinson’s disease and non-motor traits
Authors: Gokuladhas Sreemol , Fadason Tayaza , Farrow Sophie , Cooper Antony , O’Sullivan Justin M.
Published: January 2024

Understanding the biological mechanisms that underlie the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) requires comprehensive frameworks that unravel the complex interplay of genetic risk factors. Here, we used a disease-agnostic brain cortex gene regulatory network integrated with Mendelian Randomization analyses that identified 19 genes whose changes in expression were causally linked to PD. We further used the network to identify genes that are regulated by PD-associated genome-wide association study (GWAS) SNPs. Extended protein interaction networks derived from PD-risk genes and PD-associated SNPs identified convergent impacts on biological pathways and phenotypes, connecting PD with established co-occurring traits, including non-motor symptoms. These findings hold promise for therapeutic development. In conclusion, while distinct sets of genes likely influence PD risk and outcomes, the existence of genes in common and intersecting pathways associated with other traits suggests that they may contribute to both increased PD risk and symptom heterogeneity observed in people with Parkinson’s.