bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Partitioned Regression for Accurate Kidney Health Monitoring
Authors: Whelan Alex , Elsayed Ragwa , Bellofiore Alessandro , Anastasiu David C.
Published: February 2024

The number of people diagnosed with advanced stages of kidney disease have been rising every year. Early detection and constant monitoring are the only minimally invasive means to prevent severe kidney damage or kidney failure. We propose a cost-effective machine learning-based testing system that can facilitate inexpensive yet accurate kidney health checks. Our proposed framework, which was developed into an iPhone application, uses a camera-based bio-sensor and state-of-the-art classical machine learning and deep learning techniques for predicting the concentration of creatinine in the sample, based on colorimetric change in the test strip. The predicted creatinine concentration is then used to classify the severity of the kidney disease as healthy, intermediate, or critical. In this article, we focus on the effectiveness of machine learning models to translate the colorimetric reaction to kidney health prediction. In this setting, we thoroughly evaluated the effectiveness of our novel proposed models against state-of-the-art classical machine learning and deep learning approaches. Additionally, we executed a number of ablation studies to measure the performance of our model when trained using different meta-parameter choices. Our evaluation results indicate that our selective partitioned regression (SPR) model, using histogram of colors-based features and a histogram gradient boosted trees underlying estimator, exhibits much better overall prediction performance compared to state-of-the-art methods. Our initial study indicates that SPR can be an effective tool for detecting the severity of kidney disease using inexpensive lateral flow assay test strips and a smart phone-based application. Additional work is needed to verify the performance of the model in various settings.
Determination and comparison of morpho-physiological characteristics of Turkish sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) grown in Afyonkarahisar: local cultivars and genotypes
Authors: Kırca Levent , Aygün Ahmet
Published: February 2024

The research focused on analyzing qualitative and quantitative morpho-physiological characteristics of local sweet cherry cultivars and genotypes. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, fruit shape, fruit pistil end, fruit suture, fruit skin colour, fruit flesh colour, length of fruit stalk, thickness of fruit stalk, weight of fruit stalk, colour of fruit juice, fruit juiciness, eating quality, fruit sweetness, stone weight, stone shape, TA, pH, L*, a*, b*, H, croma, cracking index, sensitivity class) with UPOV descriptors were used in the evaluation. The findings revealed a significant variation among local cultivars and genotypes. It was determined that there was a low-level negative correlation between cracking index and fruit weight, fruit length, stone weight, TA, pH and L*; and a low-level positive correlation between fruit width, fruit stem length, thickness and weight, SCC, a*, b*, H and croma. The heat map and clustering analysis classified local cultivars and genotypes into two main clusters, each containing several secondary sub-clusters. This classification indicates a significant potential within the characterized sweet cherry collection for targeted breeding purposes. In particular, local sweet cherry cultivars and genotypes classified into several clusters show promise as potential parental candidates for hybridization in breeding. As a result of the research, local cultivars and genotypes with high fruit weight and cracking resistance were identified. The dendrogram showing the examined characteristics visually expresses the differentiation between local cultivars and genotypes, thus indicating clear distinctions. We believe these genotypes can be employed in breeding and breeding research.
High-resolution dispersion modelling of PM2.5, PM10, NOx and NO2 exposure in metropolitan areas in Sweden 2000‒2018 – large health gains due to decreased population exposure
Authors: Kilbo Edlund Karl , Kisiel Marta A. , Asker Christian , Segersson David , Bennet Cecilia , Spanne Mårten , Gustafsson Susanna , Lindvall Jenny , Eneroth Kristina , Tondel Martin , Ljungman Petter , Stockfelt Leo , Pershagen Göran , Molnár Peter
Published: February 2024

Ambient air pollution remains the major environmental cause of disease. Accurate assessment of population exposure and small-scale spatial exposure variations over long time periods is essential for epidemiological studies. We estimated annual exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO2) with high spatial resolution to examine time trends 2000‒2018, compliance with the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, and assess the health impact. The modelling area covered six metropolitan areas in Sweden with a combined population of 5.5 million. Long-range transported air pollutants were modelled using a chemical transport model with bias correction, and locally emitted air pollutants using source-specific Gaussian-type dispersion models at resolutions up to 50 × 50 m. The modelled concentrations were validated using quality-controlled monitoring data. Lastly, we estimated the reduction in mortality associated with the decrease in population exposure. The validity of modelled air pollutant concentrations was good (R2 for PM2.5 0.84, PM10 0.61, and NOx 0.87). Air pollution exposure decreased substantially, from a population weighted mean exposure to PM2.5 of 12.2 µg m−3 in 2000 to 5.4 µg m−3 in 2018. We estimated that the decreased exposure was associated with a reduction of 2719 (95% CI 2046–3055) premature deaths annually. However, in 2018, 65%, 8%, and 42% of residents in the modelled areas were still exposed to PM2.5, PM10, or NO2 levels, respectively, that exceeded the current WHO Air Quality Guidelines for annual average exposure. This emphasises the potential public health benefits of reductions in air pollution emissions.
Investigating the mediating roles of executive functioning and rumination in the relations between dispositional mindfulness and depression among high school students
Authors: Hu Yuanxin , Jiang Xiaochun , Zhang Qian , Zhang Anbang
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the intricate relations between dispositional mindfulness, executive functioning, rumination, and depression among Chinese high school students. It aims to understand how dispositional mindfulness can potentially predict depression in this demographic, providing insights for preventive interventions targeting adolescent depression. Despite growing recognition of mindfulness in mental health, its relations between executive functioning, rumination, and depression in high school students is not fully understood. The study involved 608 high school students (59.5% female; M age = 16.37 SD = 0.53) from the southwestern region of China. Data were collected using established scales: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Teenage Executive Functioning Inventory (TEXI), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The analysis revealed significant correlations: a significant positive association between mindfulness and executive functioning capabilities, alongside notable negative associations between mindfulness and both rumination and depression, and a negative correlation between executive functioning and both rumination and depression.A positive correlation was observed between rumination and depression. Analytical the mediation model indicated that mindfulness predicts depression in directly, with this predictive effect being partially mediated by executive functioning and rumination in a serial multiple mediation model. These results corroborate the initial hypotheses and highlight the intricate interactions between mindfulness, executive functioning, rumination, and depression in high school student. This study underscores the importance of mindfulness, executive functioning, and rumination in understanding adolescent depression. The findings offer valuable insights for future research and highlight key areas for potential preventive strategies in adolescent mental health.
Assessment of airport security culture in Nigeria
Authors: Adenigbo Adedotun Joseph
Published: February 2024

The increase in technology and other parameters for security does not guarantee the expected secured airports without the appropriate behaviour, attitude, and customs of stakeholders. This study examines the airport security culture practices in Nigeria. The study adopted the Airports Council International (ACI 2021) survey instrument developed to assess security culture at airports. The instrument was designed as a questionnaire that presents eight dimensions of security culture with twenty-six (26) indicators using a 5-point Likert scale in order of agreement. The questionnaire was administered randomly to airport stakeholders, and a total response of 472 was recorded for data analysis. The data was subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to summarise and reduce the items to a few orthogonal ones representing Nigeria's common airport security culture practices. The study found that three (3) indicators relating to leadership roles do not significantly contribute to the factors serving as common security practices at airports in Nigeria. However, eight (8) common security practices were identified to be significant at airports in Nigeria. Strikingly, the study found that corporate security practices were not significant at Nigeria’s airports. The study highlights the need for airport managers to enhance security culture by adopting security as their corporate culture.
Anomalies in the short-range local environment and atomic diffusion in single crystalline equiatomic CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy
Authors: Smekhova Alevtina , Gaertner Daniel , Kuzmin Alexei , Buzanich Ana Guilherme , Schuck Goetz , Zizak Ivo , Wilde Gerhard , Yusenko Kirill V. , Divinski Sergiy
Published: February 2024

Multi-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy combined with reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulations was used to probe the details of element-specific local coordinations and component-dependent structure relaxations in single crystalline equiatomic CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy as a function of the annealing temperature. Two representative states, namely a high-temperature state, created by annealing at 1373 K, and a low-temperature state, produced by long-term annealing at 993 K, were compared in detail. Specific features identified in atomic configurations of particular principal components indicate variations in the local environment distortions connected to different degrees of compositional disorder at the chosen representative temperatures. The detected changes provide new atomistic insights and correlate with the existence of kinks previously observed in the Arrhenius dependencies of component diffusion rates in the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy.
Data Sovereignty in Information Systems
Authors: von Scherenberg Franziska , Hellmeier Malte , Otto Boris
Published: February 2024

Data has become a strategic asset for societal prosperity and economic competitiveness. There has long been an academic consensus that the value of data unfolds during its use. Consequently, many stakeholders have called for expanding the use and reuse of data, including the public and open variety, as well as that from private data providers. However, citizens and organizations want self-determination over their data use, that is, data sovereignty. This fundamentals paper applies a literature review to conceptualize the term in Information Systems (IS) research by summarizing current findings and definitions to add further structure to the field. It contributes to the current research streams by introducing a core conceptual model consisting of seven interacting core aspects, involving trust between data providers and consumers for data assets, supported by data infrastructure and contractual agreements on all data lifecycle stages. We evaluate and discuss this conceptual model through recent field examples and provide an overview of future research opportunities.
Ultra-Brief Breath Counting (Mindfulness) Training Abolishes Negative Affect–Induced Alcohol Motivation in Hazardous Community Drinkers
Authors: Bakou Alexandra Elissavet , Hardy Lorna , Shuai Ruichong , Wright Kim , Hogarth Lee
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Mindfulness therapy improves drinking outcomes arguably by attenuating negative mood–induced drinking, but this mechanism has not been demonstrated in hazardous community drinkers. To address this, three studies tested whether a key ingredient of mindfulness, breath counting, would attenuate the increase in motivation for alcohol produced by experimentally induced negative mood, in hazardous community drinkers.

Method

In three studies, hazardous community drinkers were randomized to receive either a 6-min breath counting training or listen to a recited extract from a popular science book, before all participants received a negative mood induction. Motivation for alcohol was measured before and after listening to either the breath counting training or the control audio files, with a craving questionnaire in two online studies (n = 122 and n = 111), or an alcohol versus food picture choice task in a pub context in one in-person study (n = 62).

Results

In Study 1, breath counting reduced alcohol craving. However, since the mood induction protocol did not increase craving, the effect of breath counting in reversing such increase could not be demonstrated. Online breath counting eliminated the increase in alcohol craving induced by negative mood (Study 2) and eliminated the stress-induced increase in alcohol picture choice in the pub environment (Study 3).

Conclusions

Briefly trained breath counting attenuated negative mood–induced alcohol motivation in hazardous community drinkers. These results suggest that breath counting is a reliable and practical method for reducing the impact of negative emotional triggers on alcohol motivation.

Preregistration

These studies are not preregistered.
Expression and prognosis analysis of TBX2 subfamily in human lung carcinoma
Authors: Mi Rui , Wang Qiubo , Liu Qingyang , Jiang Fengying , Ji Yuan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate of all cancers worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable cancer markers for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, we used the bioinformatics database to compare the expression of the TBX2 subfamily at the transcriptional and protein levels in non-small cell lung cancer. Then, to confirm our bioinformatics analysis above, we used western bloting to determine the expression of TBX2, TBX3, TBX4 and TBX5 in human lung squamous carcinoma cell lines. Besides, low expression of TBX2 subfamily predicted a poor prognosis of patients with lung cancer. Finally, The methylation database was used to explore the relationship between the low expression of TBX2 subfamily and methylation of gene promoter region.

Results

Our data showed a significant decrease of TBX2 subfamily expression in lung cancer tissues of several histological subtypes. Finally, the methylation of TBX2 subfamily members in the promoter region of NSCLC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues.

Conclusion

Our research provided sufficient evidence that TBX2 subfamily might play an inhibitory role in malignancy progression of lung cancer, which is promising to shed light on discovering a novel reliable cancer marker for prognosis of lung cancer patients.
Interrogating Neurotypical Bias in Facilitated Communication, Rapid Prompting Method, and Spelling 2 Communicate Through a Humanistic Lens
Authors: Schlosser Ralf W. , Prabhu Anjali
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Minimally-speaking autistic individuals can be effectively supported through evidence-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Instead, some families/clinicians rely on facilitator-dependent techniques such as Facilitated Communication (FC), Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), and Spelling 2 Communicate (S2C). Research evidence unequivocally demonstrates that FC messages are generated by the neurotypical facilitator rather than the autistic individual. Although it is empirically unknown who is authoring messages generated with RPM or S2C, the technique has been compared along many dimensions to FC, and analyses of publicly available video-taped interactions of RPM and S2C indicate that facilitators tend to move the display and cue autistic individuals. Given the persistence and increased use of FC/RPM/S2C, this paper explores the consequences of neurotypical biases through a humanistic lens by drawing insights from postcolonial theory.

Recent Findings

Our analyses reveal that there is a particular way in which the representation of autistic persons becomes a variation of the able or neurotypical society. If we admit the evidence that FC does not provide access to the voice of the person/s purportedly speaking, we would be committing “epistemic violence” against these persons by continuing these techniques. That is, we might do violence by distorting the will and desire of the very people that we seek to understand and include. Ventriloquism, a metaphor evoked by others to characterize facilitator-dependent techniques, is used here to scrutinize further the dynamics of the process involved in such situations.

To prevent (or at least minimize) the stifling of autistic voices through procedures resembling ventriloquism, violence to the will of autistic persons, and epistemic harms, all our disciplinary and clinical efforts should converge to enable the rights of autistic individuals who have little or no functional speech to express their will and to amplify their voices using evidence-based AAC methods.
Correction to: Modeling evaporation with a meshfree collocation approach
Authors: Lee JungHoon , Bäder Dirk , Rehfeldt Sebastian , Eisenträger Almut , Kuhnert Jörg , Michel Isabel , Suchde Pratik , Klein Harald
Published: February 2024

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s40571-023-00602-0
Hamacher interaction aggregation operators for complex intuitionistic fuzzy sets and their applications in green supply chain management
Authors: Liu Peide , Ali Zeeshan
Published: February 2024

A complex intuitionistic fuzzy (CIF) set contains the membership and non-membership in the shape of a complex number whose amplitude term and phase term are covered in the unit interval. Moreover, Hamacher interaction aggregation operators are the combination of two major operators, called Hamacher aggregation operators and interaction aggregation operators, and they are used to aggregate the collection of information into one value. In this manuscript, we present the concept of Hamacher interaction operational laws for CIF sets (CIFSs). Further, we develop the CIF Hamacher interaction weighted averaging (CIFHIWA) operator, CIF Hamacher interaction ordered weighted averaging (CIFHIOWA) operator, CIF Hamacher interaction weighted geometric (CIFHIWG) operator, and CIF Hamacher interaction ordered weighted geometric (CIFHIOWG) operator. For these operators, we also discuss some basic properties, such as idempotency, monotonicity, and boundedness. Additionally, we develop a MADM method based on the developed operators and apply it to solve the green supply chain management problems, which can implement environmentally friendly practices to minimize carbon emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation while promoting long-term sustainability. Finally, we verify the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed method based on a comparative analysis between the proposed techniques and existing methods.
A joint multi-model machine learning prediction approach based on confidence for ship stability
Authors: Jiang Chaicheng , Xiang Xianbo , Xiang Gong
Published: February 2024

Since the traditional ship stability failure probability assessment method has many input parameters and cumbersome intermediate calculation process, this paper proposes a joint multi-model machine learning prediction method based on confidence. The method calculates the confidence of each machine learning model for the current prediction result, selects the top n models among them, and takes the average of their prediction results as the output. The confidence is calculated by a method inspired by semi-supervised learning. To reduce the number of ship features that need to be input for assessment, a sensitivity analysis is used to reject irrelevant features. Eight machine learning models that have good performance and are widely used in other fields, including Radial Basis Function Neural Network, Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and so on, are used as component learners in this study. The hyperparameters of each model are obtained by cross-validation and grid search. The advancedness of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with other models on a small self-built ship stability failure probability dataset. By conducting experiments that simply average the results of the component learners, it is confirmed that simple superposition different models does not necessarily improve the accuracy. At the same time, after pre-processing the input features in different ways, the comparison of the prediction performance was conducted, and the experimental results showed that the proposed method is not affected by the way the input features are preprocessed and therefore has some robustness.
Active Micro-Nano-Collaborative Bioelectronic Device for Advanced Electrophysiological Recording
Authors: Xiang Yuting , Shi Keda , Li Ying , Xue Jiajin , Tong Zhicheng , Li Huiming , Li Zhongjun , Teng Chong , Fang Jiaru , Hu Ning
Published: February 2024

The development of precise and sensitive electrophysiological recording platforms holds the utmost importance for research in the fields of cardiology and neuroscience. In recent years, active micro/nano-bioelectronic devices have undergone significant advancements, thereby facilitating the study of electrophysiology. The distinctive configuration and exceptional functionality of these active micro-nano-collaborative bioelectronic devices offer the potential for the recording of high-fidelity action potential signals on a large scale. In this paper, we review three-dimensional active nano-transistors and planar active micro-transistors in terms of their applications in electro-excitable cells, focusing on the evaluation of the effects of active micro/nano-bioelectronic devices on electrophysiological signals. Looking forward to the possibilities, challenges, and wide prospects of active micro-nano-devices, we expect to advance their progress to satisfy the demands of theoretical investigations and medical implementations within the domains of cardiology and neuroscience research.
Enhancing the Interaction of Carbon Nanotubes by Metal–Organic Decomposition with Improved Mechanical Strength and Ultra-Broadband EMI Shielding Performance
Authors: Shi Yu-Ying , Liao Si-Yuan , Wang Qiao-Feng , Xu Xin-Yun , Wang Xiao-Yun , Gu Xin-Yin , Hu You-Gen , Zhu Peng-Li , Sun Rong , Wan Yan-Jun
Published: February 2024

The remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have led to promising applications in the field of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. However, for macroscopic CNT assemblies, such as CNT film, achieving high electrical and mechanical properties remains challenging, which heavily depends on the tube–tube interactions of CNTs. Herein, we develop a novel strategy based on metal–organic decomposition (MOD) to fabricate a flexible silver–carbon nanotube (Ag–CNT) film. The Ag particles are introduced in situ into the CNT film through annealing of MOD, leading to enhanced tube–tube interactions. As a result, the electrical conductivity of Ag–CNT film is up to 6.82 × 105 S m−1, and the EMI shielding effectiveness of Ag–CNT film with a thickness of ~ 7.8 μm exceeds 66 dB in the ultra-broad frequency range (3–40 GHz). The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Ag–CNT film increase from 30.09 ± 3.14 to 76.06 ± 6.20 MPa (~ 253%) and from 1.12 ± 0.33 to 8.90 ± 0.97 GPa (~ 795%), respectively. Moreover, the Ag–CNT film exhibits excellent near-field shielding performance, which can effectively block wireless transmission. This innovative approach provides an effective route to further apply macroscopic CNT assemblies to future portable and wearable electronic devices.
Design of Sturm global attractors 2: Time-reversible Chafee–Infante lattices of 3-nose meanders
Authors: Fiedler Bernold , Rocha Carlos
Published: February 2024

This sequel continues our exploration (Fiedler and Rocha in Chaos 33:083127, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0147634) of a deceptively “simple” class of global attractors, called Sturm due to nodal properties. They arise for the semilinear scalar parabolic PDE on the unit interval $$0< x<1$$

0
<
x
<
1

, under Neumann boundary conditions. This models the interplay of reaction, advection, and diffusion. Our classification is based on the Sturm meanders, which arise from a shooting approach to the ODE boundary value problem of equilibrium solutions $$u=v(x)$$

u
=
v
(
x
)

. Specifically, we address meanders with only three “noses”, each of which is innermost to a nested family of upper or lower meander arcs. The Chafee-Infante paradigm of 1974, with cubic nonlinearity $$f=f(u)$$

f
=
f
(
u
)

, features just two noses. We present, and fully prove, a precise description of global PDE connection graphs, graded by Morse index, for such gradient-like Morse–Smale systems. The directed edges denote PDE heteroclinic orbits "Equation missing" between equilibrium vertices $$v_1, v_2$$

v
1

,

v
2

of adjacent Morse index. The connection graphs can be described as a lattice-like structure of Chafee-Infante subgraphs. However, this simple description requires us to adjoin a single “equilibrium” vertex, formally, at Morse level $$-1$$

-
1

. Surprisingly, for parabolic PDEs based on irreversible diffusion, the connection graphs then also exhibit global time reversibility.
The Attributes and Characteristics of Leisure Activity Engagement that Foster Cognition in Aging: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wenzel Karen Carnicello , Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Gagnon Ryan , Lewis Stephen , McGuire Francis , Vidotto Julie
Published: February 2024

The association between leisure activities and cognition in aging is well supported, suggesting that intellectual, physical, and social leisure engagement protects against cognitive decline. However, less is known about the attributes and characteristics of leisure activity engagement that foster neurological protection. The purpose of this study was to review the current evidence related to the salient features of leisure activity engagement that foster cognition in aging. Using scoping review procedures, nine databases were searched. Sixty-five articles, published between 2000 and 2021 met study criteria, providing empirical information about the ways in which attributes and characteristics of leisure engagement have shown an association with cognition in aging. The purpose of a scoping review is to systematically map the literature on a topic, identifying key concepts, theories, sources of evidence, and gaps in the research. This review identified and explored the attributes of leisure engagement which were frequency, intensity, duration, and variety. Characteristics of leisure engagement identified include novelty, active/productive engagement, enjoyment, meaning, and self-direction. Literature supports, to varying degrees, the association between leisure attributes and characteristics and cognition in aging. This information may provide more meaningful direction for intervention than recommendations for engagement in specific activities or activity domains. Results suggest that it is the way leisure is experienced, i.e., the attributes and characteristics of leisure engagement, and not any specific leisure activity or category of activities that may determine the protection provided against cognitive decline in aging. This can be used to guide future research, provide beneficial recommendations to older adults, and in the design of efficacious interventions to prevent cognitive decline in aging.
Physical-activity interventions to reduce fear of falling in frail and pre-frail older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Savvakis Ioannis , Adamakidou Theodoula , Kleisiaris Christos
Published: February 2024

Background

Frailty in older adults leads to progressive deterioration of their physical condition and makes them prone to develop Fear of Falling (FoF). Physical-activity interventions appear to be effective in managing the components of frailty but there is no clear evidence to determine whether physical-activity may affect FoF in frail and pre-frail older adults.

Objective

Τhis systematic literature review aims to synthesize evidence on the relationship between the physical interventions to ameliorate balance, strength, and mobility and FoF reduction in frail and pre-frail older adults.

Methods

Studies assessing physical-activity interventions for frail and pre-frail older adults aged 60 years and older were identified in English through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases till February 2023. Study quality was assessed, and a qualitative synthesis of results was performed.

Results

A total of 13 studies published were included. All of them were Randomized Control Trials and the most frequent assessment tool used to assess FoF (10 of 13 studies) was the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Six studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias. Cumulatively, the findings of this review indicate that physical-activity interventions are effective in reducing the FoF of frail and pre-frail older adults.

Conclusion

The results are encouraging and recapitulate the positive role of physical interventions in FoF reduction. However, future research would benefit from longer follow-up periods, longer intervention duration, and participation of interdisciplinary teams.
Vegetative, flowering and fruiting characteristics, nutrient removal amounts by yield and oil content of six female jojoba genotypes
Authors: Hassan Abdthialjalal Zakaria
Published: February 2024

High yielding and high oil content of jojoba genotypes are of great importance to ensure an economically acceptable yield. This study was conducted through 2017 and 2018 seasons and aimed for choosing the best female jojoba genotype among six shrubs for seed and oil production (experiment 1) and assessing the removed nutrients by the yield of jojoba genotypes, which is considered an indicator of harvest fertilization requirements (experiment 2). Vegetative, flowering, fruiting, yield, seed oil content, oil yield and seed physical characteristics were determined. Moreover, seeds’ nutrient content and nutrient removal by yield were estimated and calculated. According to the findings, genotype 2 (G2) had the best seed production (1.00 and 1.70 kg, respectively) and oil yield (0.48 and 0.83 kg, respectively) in both seasons. G5 proved to be the best concerning the number of laterals/meter, average number of flowers and fruits/meter. The most abundant nutrient in jojoba seeds was N followed by S, Mg and K, other nutrients were in small amounts. G2 removed the highest amounts of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Mn (g) in both seasons. The highest N, P, K, Ca, S, and Fe amounts (g/1 kg seeds) were removed by G4, G5, G2, G6, G2 and G4, respectively. It’s recommended to use G2 as a mother plant and propagate it asexually due to its maximum numerical evaluation value. Also, farmers should pay attention to the removed nutrients by yield to insure sufficient N, S and other nutrient concentrations to achieve optimal yield and seed quality.
Household wastewater management in sub-Saharan Africa: a review
Authors: Ali Ahmed Fate , Gujiba Umar Kachalla
Published: February 2024

Wastewater is the major source of the transmission of disease-causing organisms in developing countries. There is a strong association between diarrhoea and contaminated water worldwide. Evidence linking sanitation practices to a positive impact on health is scarce although many studies have reported a reduction of disease through improvements in waste management. This review in prospect examined the impact of wastewater management interventions in resource-poor countries of sub-Saharan Africa for the reduction of diarrhoeal outcomes in non-outbreak situations. This review of empirical literature identified and assessed the impact of effective wastewater management on public health in sub-Saharan Africa and evaluated the implications to public health practice. A systematic database search was carried out, relevant research articles were screened, and some of the articles were considered to contain relevant materials but only 5 met the inclusion criteria and were used in this study. Despite the limited number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria, there was reliable evidence of the impact of wastewater management in all the studies based on the strong positive statistical association between interventions and the reduction of diarrhoeal morbidity. Wastewater management interventions are effective for the reduction of illnesses due to diarrhoea in agreement with other previous reviews on water, hygiene, and sanitation interventions. This underlines the need for good strategies for effective wastewater management. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge and calls for sustained efforts in developing comprehensive wastewater management solutions in the quest for improved outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
A-priori modelling of selected physico-chemical properties of Malbec V. Vinifera specie Alphonse Lavallee variety of black grape juice
Authors: Raval Mrudav K. , Annapure Uday S. , Kundu Debashis
Published: February 2024

Estimation of physico-chemical properties is essential for food processing operations ranging from equipment design to plant installation and extending towards packaging, storage and distribution applications. Among the various physico-chemical properties, density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity play an influential role. Herein, the physico-chemical properties such as estimation of density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity for Malbec V. Vinifera specie Alphonse Lavallee variety of black grape juice are estimated as a function of temperature (274 to 339 K) and concentration (13.6–45°Brix). A group contribution method approach coupled with the genetic algorithm (GA) formulation is employed to estimate the parameters and respective non-linear equations for important property parameter calculations are generated. The objective functions use experimental dataset of density, thermal conductivity and heat capacity over the same temperature and concentration range subtracted from the estimated dataset to minimize the objective function values in the genetic algorithm framework. Additionally, cubic equation of state is employed as constitutive relation for such estimation. The results follow a similar trendline and show a close resemblance in comparison of the experimental dataset with high accuracy indicating a potential use of similar methodology towards estimation of properties for other food matrices.

Graphical Abstract
Engineering of edge nitrogen dopant in carbon nanosheet framework for fast and stable potassium-ion storage
Authors: Wang Caiwei , Yang Dongjie , Zhang Wenli , Qin Yanlin , Qiu Xueqing , Li Zhili
Published: February 2024

Amorphous carbons are promising candidates as the anode materials for potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs). The insufficient storage sites and inferior diffusion kinetics limit their potassium-ion storage capability. Edge nitrogen and morphology engineering are effective pathways to construct accessible active sites and enhanced diffusion kinetics. However, the organic integration of both pathways in amorphous carbon is still challenging. Herein, a “twice-cooking” strategy, including two-step carbonization processes at 700 °C, is designed to synthesize edge-nitrogen-rich lignin-derived carbon nanosheet framework (EN-LCNF). In the first-step carbonization process, the staged gas releases of CO and CO2 from CaC2O4 decomposition exfoliate the carbon matrix into a carbon nanosheet framework. In the second-step carbonization process, the generated CaO reacts with the cyanamide units of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to form an edge-nitrogen-rich framework, which is then integrated into the meso-/macropores of carbon nanosheet framework through sp3-hybridized C–N bonds. EN-LCNF with a high edge-nitrogen level of 7.0 at.% delivers an excellent capacity of 310.3 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, a robust rate capability of 126.4 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1, and long cycle life. The as-assembled PIHCs based on EN-LCNF anode and commercial activated carbon cathode show a high energy density of 110.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 100 W kg−1 and excellent capacitance retention of 98.7% after 6000 cycles. This work provides a general strategy for the synthesis of edge-nitrogen-rich lignin-derived carbon materials for advanced potassium-ion storage.

Graphical Abstract
Farmer’s understanding and adoption of agricultural practices in southern part of India
Authors: Ashrit Radha R. , Joshi Shipra
Published: February 2024

India is fulfilling the consumption requirement of its pulses and oilseeds largely through importing. Andhra Pradesh is a leading state in the country, significantly contributes to the production of these crops. Low yield of pulses and groundnuts in India should be addressed through adoption of proven technological interventions along with enhancing farmers knowledge. The present study aimed to determine the differences in knowledge of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs) and adoption of improved agricultural practices (IAPs) among farmers at the baseline and endline phase of the study. The association of possible factors such as age, gender, education, farm experience, mass media, social participation, risk orientation, innovativeness with knowledge and adoption of Sustainable agricultural practices was evaluated. The study also examined the result of the technological intervention on crop yield at pre and post intervention. The study included 240 farmers with poor pulse and groundnut yield from villages of Andhra Pradesh with inadequate technological developments. At biotech intervention phase, farmers received training, field demonstration etc. The results revealed that at endline, 80% of farmers had knowledge of SAPs (compared to 48% at baseline) and the adoption rate of IAPs was 50% (compared to 3% at baseline). Factors such as mass media, social participation, risk orientation showed significant reduced risk on farmers with high knowledge of SAPs and with complete adoption of IAPs. The average yield per hectare of pulses during baseline was found to be 403.5 kg/ha ± 128.4 while during endline it was 601.25 kg/ha ± 206.8 (p-value = 0.001). The average yield per hectare of groundnut during baseline was found to be 983.75 kg/ha ± 444.9 and during endline it was 1216.78 kg/ha ± 473.9 (p-value = 0.000). Innovative technological interventions and capacity building of farmers increased yield of crops in Andhra Pradesh.
Nature and impact of extremely severe cyclone Tauktae over India
Authors: Kannaujiya Vijay K. , Rai Abhishek K. , Malakar Sukanta
Published: February 2024

Cyclone Tauktae, an extremely severe cyclonic storm, occurred in the Arabian Sea from May 14 to May 19, 2021, which affected a large spectrum of human lives in many regions of the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the Spatio-temporal progress of this storm along with its environmental characteristics. We observed that Takutae formed in the Arabian Sea due to an anomalous sea surface warming. Integrated buoy and satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) showed a gradual increase in SST (30–32 °C) from May 1 to May 14, 2021 in the Arabian Sea, indicating the potential formation of a low-pressure area. As the cyclone progressed and formed a cyclonic storm on May 15, the SST, water vapor, and surface latent heat flux showed very high values. Furthermore, the parameters mentioned above show very high values during severe cyclonic storms (May 16) and severe cyclonic storms (May 17), indicating favorable environmental conditions for the intensification. The favorable condition and intensification of cyclone Takutae is also confirmed by the genesis potential parameter, which shows high values at the depression stage (May 14) and very severe cyclonic storm (May 17), about greater than 30. As a result of storms, high precipitation is observed in different regions of India, for example, 250–300 mm/day precipitation in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. In addition, during the landfall process on May 17 near the Gujarat coasts, very high winds (120–150 km/h), along with precipitation, were observed, which caused a large number of casualties and damage.
An experimental approach to the reconstruction of the head quantifier phrase in Chinese relative clauses
Authors: Chen Yunchuan
Published: February 2024

Aoun and Li (2003) argued that whether the head of Chinese relative clauses can reconstruct at Logical Form is determined by its phrasal category. When the head is a noun phrase, it can reconstruct; but when it is a quantifier phrase, it cannot. This paper uses a sentence-picture matching experiment to investigate this claim. The results showed that a quantifier phrase can reconstruct. Thus, we do not need to stipulate a noun phrase/quantifier phrase distinction for the reconstruction of heads in Chinese relative clauses. Both types of phrases can reconstruct, predicted by the head-raising analysis of relative clauses.
Dirac geometry II: coherent cohomology
Authors: Hesselholt Lars , Pstrągowski Piotr
Published: February 2024

Dirac rings are commutative algebras in the symmetric monoidal category of

$\mathbb {Z}$

-graded abelian groups with the Koszul sign in the symmetry isomorphism. In the prequel to this paper, we developed the commutative algebra of Dirac rings and defined the category of Dirac schemes. Here, we embed this category in the larger

$\infty $

-category of Dirac stacks, which also contains formal Dirac schemes, and develop the coherent cohomology of Dirac stacks. We apply the general theory to stable homotopy theory and use Quillen’s theorem on complex cobordism and Milnor’s theorem on the dual Steenrod algebra to identify the Dirac stacks corresponding to

$\operatorname {MU}$

and

$\mathbb {F}_p$

in terms of their functors of points. Finally, in an appendix, we develop a rudimentary theory of accessible presheaves.
MERIDIONAL MIGRATIONS OF THE INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE DURING THE LAST DEGLACIATION IN THE TIMOR SEA DETECTED BY EXTENSIVE RADIOCARBON DATING
Authors: Nemoto Karin , Yokoyama Yusuke , Horiike Satoshi , Obrochta Stephen P , Miyairi Yosuke
Published: February 2024

At the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the northern and southern Tradewinds converge, and this region is characterized by low atmospheric pressure and high precipitation. The climate in the Timor Sea is characterized by seasonal precipitation changes driven by meridional migrations of the ITCZ and the monsoonal front. The ITCZ shifts in response to changes in the thermal balance between the northern and southern hemispheres. Thus, reconstruction of paleo-precipitation in the Timor Sea is expected to reveal past changes in both regional and global climate, the latter through inference of the ITCZ position. To reconstruct paleo-precipitation in the Timor Sea, we performed extensive radiocarbon analysis on both planktonic foraminifera and total organic carbon (TOC), which is derived from terrestrial and marine sources. Increased precipitation enhances the fraction of relatively old, terrestrial carbon to the core site, which in turn increases the difference between the ages of TOC and planktonic foraminifera. Variations in radiocarbon ages reveal that during northern hemisphere cooling intervals such as Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas, the ITCZ was in a southern position, thus increasing precipitation in the Timor Sea. However, the Timor Sea was dryer during the Bølling–Allerød warming as the ITCZ shifted northward.
Accelerating self-modulated nonlinear waves in weakly and strongly magnetized relativistic plasmas
Authors: Asenjo Felipe A.
Published: February 2024

It is known that a nonlinear Schrödinger equation describes the self-modulation of a large amplitude circularly polarized wave in relativistic electron–positron plasmas in the weakly and strongly magnetized limits. Here, we show that such an equation can be written as a modified second Painlevé equation, producing accelerated propagating wave solutions for those nonlinear plasmas. This solution even allows the plasma wave to reverse its direction of propagation. The acceleration parameter depends on the plasma magnetization. This accelerating solution is different to the usual soliton solution propagating at constant speed.
Days alive and out of hospital for children born with single-ventricle heart disease
Authors: Medina Cathlyn K. , Prabhu Neel K. , Alderete Isaac S. , Parker Lauren E. , Lim Hoe King , Moya-Mendez Mary E. , Kang Lillian , Campbell M. Jay , Overbey Douglas M. , Turek Joseph W. , Andersen Nicholas D.
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study describes the illness burden in the first year of life for children with single-ventricle heart disease, using the metric of days alive and out of hospital to characterize morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

This is a retrospective single-centre study of single-ventricle patients born between 2005 and 2021 who had their initial operation performed at our institution. Patient demographics, anatomical details, and hospitalizations were extracted from our institutional single-ventricle database. Days alive and out of hospital were calculated by subtracting the number of days hospitalized from number of days alive during the first year of life. A multivariable linear regression with stepwise variable selection was used to determine independent risk factors associated with fewer days alive and out of hospital.

Results:

In total, 437 patients were included. Overall median number of days alive and out of hospital in the first year of life for single-ventricle patients was 278 days (interquartile range 157–319 days). In a multivariable analysis, low birth weight (<2.5kg) (b = −37.55, p = 0.01), presence of a dominant right ventricle (b = −31.05, p = 0.01), moderate-severe dominant atrioventricular valve regurgitation at birth (b = −37.65, p < 0.05), index hybrid Norwood operation (b = −138.73, p < 0.01), or index heart transplant (b = −158.41, p < 0.01) were all independently associated with fewer days alive and out of hospital.

Conclusions:

Children with single-ventricle heart defects have significant illness burden in the first year of life. Identifying risk factors associated with fewer days alive and out of hospital may aid in counselling families regarding expectations and patient prognosis.