bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of Ca-doped MgO nanoparticles for the improved catalytic degradation of thiamethoxam pesticide subjected to visible light irradiation
Authors: Khalid Huma , Haq Atta ul , Fawad Zahoor Ameer , Irfan Ali , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: January 2024

The remediation of pesticides from the environment is one of the most important technology nowadays. Herein, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and calcium-doped magnesium oxide (Ca-doped MgO) nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and were used for the degradation of thiamethoxam pesticide in aqueous media. Characterization of the MgO and Ca-doped MgO nanoparticles were performed by XRD, SEM, EDX, and FT-IR analysis to verify the synthesis and variations in chemical composition. The band gap energy and crystalline size of MgO and Ca-doped MgO nanoparticles were found to be 4.8 and 4.7 eV and 33 and 34 nm respectively. The degradation of thiamethoxam was accomplished regarding the impact of catalyst dosage, contact time, temperature, pH, and initial pesticide concentration. The pH study indicates that degradation of thiamethoxam depends on pH and maximum degradation (66%) was obtained at pH 5 using MgO nanoparticles. In contrast, maximum degradation (80%) of thiamethoxam was observed at pH 8 employing Ca-doped MgO nanoparticles. The percentage degradation of thiamethoxam was initially increasing but decreased at higher doses of the catalysts. The degradation of the pesticide was observed to be increased with an increase in contact time while high at room temperature but decreased with a temperature rise. The effect of the initial concertation of pesticide indicates that degradation of pesticide increases at low concentrations but declines at higher concentrations. This research study reveals that doping of MgO nanoparticles with calcium enhanced the degradation of thiamethoxam pesticide in aqueous media.
Predicting the environmental suitability for Anopheles stephensi under the current conditions in Ghana
Authors: Ismail Rahmat Bint Yusif , Bozorg-Omid Faramarz , Osei Joseph Harold Nyarko , Pi-Bansa Sellase , Frempong Kwadwo Kyeremeh , Ofei Mavis Koryo , Boakye Helena Anokyewaa , Ansah-Owusu Jane , Akorful Sandra-Candys Adwirba , Tawiah-Mensah Christopher Nii Laryea , Abudu Mufeez , Asafu-Adjaye Andy , Appawu Maxwell Alexander , Boakye Daniel Adjei , Vatandoost Hassan , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi , Youssefi Fahimeh , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali , Dadzie Samuel Kweku
Published: January 2024

Vector-borne diseases emergence, particularly malaria, present a significant public health challenge worldwide. Anophelines are predominant malaria vectors, with varied distribution, and influenced by environment and climate. This study, in Ghana, modelled environmental suitability for Anopheles stephensi, a potential vector that may threaten advances in malaria and vector control. Understanding this vector’s distribution and dynamics ensures effective malaria and vector control programmes implementation. We explored the MaxEnt ecological modelling method to forecast An. stephensi’s potential hotspots and niches. We analysed environmental and climatic variables to predict spatial distribution and ecological niches of An. stephensi with a spatial resolution of approximately 5 km2. Analysing geospatial and species occurrence data, we identified optimal environmental conditions and important factors for its presence. The model’s most important variables guided hotspot prediction across several ecological zones aside from urban and peri-urban regions. Considering the vector’s complex bionomics, these areas provide varying and adaptable conditions for the vector to colonise and establish. This is shown by the AUC = 0.943 prediction accuracy of the model, which is considered excellent. Based on our predictions, this vector species would thrive in the Greater Accra, Ashanti Central, Upper East, Northern, and North East regions. Forecasting its environmental suitability by ecological niche modelling supports proactive surveillance and focused malaria management strategies. Public health officials can act to reduce the risk of malaria transmission by identifying areas where mosquitoes may breed, which will ultimately improve health outcomes and disease control.
Effect of vacancy defects on thermal transport properties of tungsten nitride compounds on divertor surface in ITER
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Pan Bicai
Published: January 2024

In tokamak, tungsten nitrides (WNx) layers that form on the divertor surface are byproducts of the nitrogen seeding system. The impact of their thermal transport properties is an important issue as they will be subjected to continuous high heat flow during operation. Leveraging density functional theory calculations along with the Kubo-Greenwood method, we investigate how vacancy defects influence the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of h-W2N1, β-W1N1, and h-W2N3 compounds, respectively. Our findings suggest that both nitrogen vacancy and tungsten vacancy defects can suppress the electrical and thermal conductivities of β-W1N1 to some extent. The electrical and thermal conductivity of h-W2N1 compound decrease in the presence of W vacancy but are insensitive to N vacancy. Conversely, for h-W2N3, both types of vacancy defects can enhance its electrical and thermal conductivities. Furthermore, we reveal that the fluctuation in the electrical conductivity of the three WNx compounds correlates with the changes in the mean free path of electrons and the density of states at the Fermi energy level induced by the vacancies in each system. The insights gleaned from our findings are beneficial for assessing and comprehending the thermal conductivity performance of WNx layers on the divertor surface.
Natural iron-rich tourmalines as effective catalysts for the heterogeneous and homogeneous activation of HCO3−/H2O2 to achieve the degradation of typical dyes
Authors: He Huichao , Wen Jinyu , Chen Qiwen , Yu Hai , Liu Kun , Han Tao , Liu Xiaoyan , Ke Gaili , Li Yutong , Yang Huaming
Published: January 2024

Natural iron-rich tourmalines as effective catalysts for the heterogeneous and homogeneous activation of HCO3−/H2O2 to achieve the degradation of typical anionic (MO) and cationic (MB and RhB) dyes.
In silico approaches for the prediction of the breakthrough of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Chirico Nicola , McLachlan Michael S. , Li Zhe , Papa Ester
Published: January 2024

Quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs) can be used for the prediction of breakthrough of chemicals from wastewater treatment plants. These QSPRs are simple, interpretable, and checked both for overfitting and chance relationships.
The association of gluten-free diet with thyroid autoimmunity in patients with celiac disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yan , Yao Nan , Wang Yuxiang , Dong Yibo , Wang Ling , Wang Fengdan , Wu Zibo , Wang Sizhe , Li Bo
Published: January 2024

GFD is positively associated with thyroid autoimmunity in CD patients that are children (<14 years).
Mogroside V alleviates inflammation response by modulating miR-21-5P/SPRY1 axis
Authors: Han Mengjie , Liu Haiping , Liu Guoxiang , Li Xiaojuan , Zhou Luwei , Liu Yisa , Dou Tong , Yang Sijie , Tang Wei , Wang Yan , Li Linjun , Ding Hongfang , Liu Zhangchi , Wang Juan , Chen Xu
Published: January 2024

Mogroside V (MV) is a natural sweetener extracted from the edible plant Siraitia grosvenorii that possesses anti-inflammatory bioactivity.
Resveratrol inhibits respiratory syncytial virus replication by targeting heparan sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Xiong Yingcai , Tao Keyu , Li Tao , Ou Weiying , Zhou Yinghui , Zhang Wenyang , Wang Shouchuan , Qi Ruogu , Ji Jianjian
Published: January 2024

Resveratrol disrupts the early stages of RSV infection by engaging with HSPGs, thus impeding the binding of viral receptors. Resveratrol's affinity appears to be predominantly directed towards the negatively charged sites on HSPGs.
Recent advances in 2D transition metal dichalcogenide-based photodetectors: a review
Authors: Ahmed Anique , Zahir Iqbal Muhammad , Dahshan Alaa , Aftab Sikandar , Hegazy Hosameldin Helmy , Yousef El Sayed
Published: January 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as a highly promising platform for the development of photodetectors (PDs) owing to their remarkable electronic and optoelectronic properties.
Novel chalcone-based crown ethers: synthesis, characterization, antioxidant activity, biological evaluations, and wastewater remediation
Authors: Ahmad Muhamad Salam , Hawaiz Farouq Emam
Published: January 2024

Macrocycles play a pivotal and indispensable role within the realms of both medicine and industry.
Probing the functional hotspots inside protein hydrophobic pockets by in situ photochemical trifluoromethylation and mass spectrometry
Authors: Lai Can , Tang Zhiyao , Liu Zheyi , Luo Pan , Zhang Wenxiang , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Wenhao , Dong Zhe , Liu Xinyuan , Yang Xueming , Wang Fangjun
Published: January 2024

A reagent pre-organization photochemical trifluoromethylation strategy for probing the functional hotspots inside the hydrophobic pockets of native proteins.
Improving the light curves of gravitationally lensed quasars with Gaia proper motion data
Authors: Sorgenfrei C. , Schmidt R. W. , Wambsganss J.
Published: January 2024

Aims. We show how to significantly improve difference image analysis (DIA) of gravitationally lensed quasars over long periods of time using Gαία proper motions.

Methods. DIA requires the subtraction of a reference image from the individual images of a monitoring campaign, using stars in the field to align the images. Since the proper motion of the stars can be of the same order as the pixel size during a several-year campaign, we use Gaia DR3 proper motions to enable a correct image alignment. The proper motion corrected star positions can be aligned by the ISIS package. DIA is carried out using the HOTPAnTS package. We apply point spread function (PSF) photometry to obtain light curves and add a proper motion correction of the PSF star to GALFIT.

Results. We apply our method to the light curves of the three gravitationally lensed quasars HE1104-1805, HE2149-2745 and Q2237+0305 in the R and V band, respectively, obtained using 1 m telescopes of the Las Cumbres Observatory from 2014 to 2022. We show that the image alignment and the determination of the lensed quasar positions is significantly improved by this method. The light curves of individual quasar images display intrinsic quasar variations and are affected by chromatic microlensing.
Making sense of Ethiopian journalists’ prison experiences during Meles Zenawi’s administration: a phenomenological inquiry
Authors: Darge Hailegiorgis Mamo , Woldearegay Amanuel Gebru
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the agony, tribulations, and trials that private press journalists in Ethiopia experienced firsthand in several detention facilities in Ethiopia for engaging in journalistic activity. The study used the period of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s administration, and it employed a qualitative phenomenological research approach to examine the lived experiences of 12 private press journalists. Alfred Schutz’s “Life World” theory and the Italian fascist political theorist Giovanni Gentile’s Authoritarian Democracy theory were used as lenses to provide a “pure” description of the subject under study. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data were examined using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as the participants shared their narratives. The main finding indicates that journalists lacked professional and civic freedoms to carry out their duties since the government interjected into their daily lives, imprisoning them and limiting their capacity to have the ultimate say over their work and lives. We suggest that the government should revise impending laws and regulations that hamper freedom of expression in Ethiopia and create a policy requiring its officials to provide information to journalists without regard to their political, social, or other relationships with the media.
An online tunable TE11 dual-circular polarizer applied for modern high-power radar system
Authors: Wei Lihao , Wan Yixin , Li Xinjie , Dai Zihao , Wei Chenrui , Wang Jianxun
Published: January 2024

Circular polarizers have essential applications in modern radar and communication systems. However, an online tunable wideband dual-circular polarizer with a power capability of more than 150 kW in the Ku band has not been reported yet, and it has recently become a fundamental problem for developing some high-power radar systems. This paper has designed an overmoded waveguide operating in the TE11 mode with a non-contact cutting-off choke to imply a high power capability. A high-precision stepping motor is used to control the rotation of an elliptical waveguide remotely, and then, the left-hand and right-hand circular polarizations can be switched online. The dual-circular polarizer has been fitted on a 150 kW gyro-TWT high-power test system, and the experimental results show a tremendous high-power capability. The microwave leakage caused by the non-contact gap is reduced to less than −35 dB. The polarization bandwidth exceeds 2.5 GHz in the Ku band, and the axial ratio is better than 1.3 dB. This design concept provides a reference for future high-power radar systems.
Existence of chaos and the approximate solution of the Lorenz–Lü–Chen system with the Caputo fractional operator
Authors: Almutairi Najat , Saber Sayed
Published: January 2024

Dynamical systems and fractional differential equations can be modeled using variable-order differential operators. In this study, the dynamics of a variable-order fractional Lorenz–Lü–Chen system with variable-order and constant-order derivatives are examined. We propose a generalized numerical scheme for simulating fractional differential operators with power-law kernels. The numerical scheme is based on the fundamental theorem of fractional calculus and the Lagrange polynomial interpolation. Furthermore, we examine how random parameter variations affect an approximate unified chaotic model with variable order. Specifically, we examine chaos disappearance in systems that rapidly switch from one family to another. In our simulation study, we show that increasing the key parameter and reducing its reciprocal fractional order together can suppress chaotic fluctuations much earlier than if the parameters remain fixed. Different simulation techniques have also been explored for fractional order switched chaotic systems with random parameters. The proposed system can also be solved using power series methods. The novelty of this paper is not to examine weak chaos masked by additive noise, but rather to describe the dynamics of systems that are subjected to such noise as parameter switching. By adjusting the structure, parameters, and order of the system, different chaotic oscillations and special dynamic behaviors of the Lorenz–Lü–Chen family chaos system are discovered and analyzed.
Production and characterization of CuNiZnFe2O4 dispersed transformer and kerosene oil based magnetic nanofluids for heat transfer applications
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Ain Noor Ul , Hussain Hammad , Naz Muhammad Yasin , Shukrullah Shazia , Munir Muhammad Adnan , Faraj Mursal Salim Nasar , Rahman Saifur , Magzoub Mohamed Ali Muawia Abdelkafi
Published: January 2024

This study produced nanofluids via a two-step method by dispersing copper–nickel–zinc (CuNiZnFe2O4) ferrite nanocomposites in transformer and kerosene oils. A sol–gel auto-combustion approach was adopted to synthesize ferrite nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The measured crystallite size varied between 11 and 13 nm. The SEM images show that the structures of the developed CuNiZn nanoparticles are irregular. The photoluminescence results give a bandgap of 1.91 eV and the emission lines of the nanoparticles. Transient hot wire analysis was performed to determine the thermal conductivity of the base fluid and the prepared nanofluids. It is observed that nanoparticles in the nanofluid enhance the heat transfer rate. It has been proven that CuNiZn/kerosene-based nanofluids have greater thermal conductivity than CuNiZn/transformer oil-based nanofluids. The viscosity of transformer oil-based nanofluids at room temperature is 12.53 mm2 s−1, which decreases to 12.49 mm2 s−1 at 40 °C. Similarly, the viscosity of kerosene-based nanofluids is 1.49 mm2 s−1 at room temperature and 1.16 mm2 s−1 at 40 °C. The sedimentation method revealed that CuNiZn/transformer oil-based nanofluids have greater stability than CuNiZn/kerosene-based nanofluids.
Rupert Horace Myers 1921–2019
Authors: Rae Ian D.
Published: January 2024

Sir Rupert Horace Myers (1921–2019) was born in Melbourne and educated at Melbourne Boys High School and the University of Melbourne, where he was awarded a PhD degree in 1948 for research on the production of rare metals from Australian ores. As part of an Australian delegation, he worked at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell in the United Kingdom on production of uranium and plutonium metals. He returned to Australia in 1952 as foundation professor of metallurgy at the still very young University of New South Wales, where he later became vice-chancellor, serving from 1969 to 1981 before entering a long and fruitful retirement. Knighted in 1981, he was a model of scientific and academic leadership in Australia.
Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Baird Robin W. , Mahaffy Sabre D. , Hancock-Hanser Brittany , Cullins Tori , West Kristi L. , Kratofil Michaela A. , Barrios Daniel M. , Harnish Annette E. , Johnson Paul C.
Published: January 2024

Context Funding agencies are often unlikely to fund research on rarely-encountered species and limited time is usually spent with such species when they are not the focus of research. Thus, knowledge of these species often lags behind their encounter rates. Aims To gain information on rarely-encountered odontocetes in Hawai‘i while simultaneously studying common ones. Methods During a long-term small-boat based study, we prioritised time spent with rarely-encountered species, collecting photos and biopsy samples, and satellite tagging. Sample sizes were augmented with photo contributions from members of the public and other researchers, and genetic samples from stranded animals and other researchers. Results from genetic and tag data analyses were interpreted in the context of social network placement and re-sighting histories. Key results Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) represented <2% of odontocete sightings, and sighting rates varied by depth and among islands. Photo-identification shows that 318 of 443 identified individuals are linked by association in the main component of the social network. Movements among islands were limited, with individuals off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i exhibiting high site fidelity, although resident groups from each island share a common mitochondrial haplotype. Three groups involved in mass strandings in two different years were not linked to the main component of the social network, and did not share mitochondrial haplotypes with known resident groups. Conclusions The approach of prioritising rarely-encountered species for additional sampling is an effective way of learning more about poorly-known species. Implications Such an approach may be critical for filling data gaps for populations potentially at risk from human activities.
Liquid-like condensates mediate competition between actin branching and bundling
Authors: Graham Kristin , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Wang Liping , Yang Noel , Lafer Eileen M. , Rangamani Padmini , Stachowiak Jeanne C.
Published: January 2024

Cellular remodeling of actin networks underlies cell motility during key morphological events, from embryogenesis to metastasis. In these transformations, there is an inherent competition between actin branching and bundling, because steric clashes among branches create a mechanical barrier to bundling. Recently, liquid-like condensates consisting purely of proteins involved in either branching or bundling of the cytoskeleton have been found to catalyze their respective functions. Yet in the cell, proteins that drive branching and bundling are present simultaneously. In this complex environment, which factors determine whether a condensate drives filaments to branch or become bundled? To answer this question, we added the branched actin nucleator, Arp2/3, to condensates composed of VASP, an actin bundling protein. At low actin to VASP ratios, branching activity, mediated by Arp2/3, robustly inhibited VASP-mediated bundling of filaments, in agreement with agent-based simulations. In contrast, as the actin to VASP ratio increased, addition of Arp2/3 led to formation of aster-shaped structures, in which bundled filaments emerged from a branched actin core, analogous to filopodia emerging from a branched lamellipodial network. These results demonstrate that multi-component, liquid-like condensates can modulate the inherent competition between bundled and branched actin morphologies, leading to organized, higher-order structures, similar to those found in motile cells.
Cryo-EM structure and functional landscape of an RNA polymerase ribozyme
Authors: McRae Ewan K. S. , Wan Christopher J. K. , Kristoffersen Emil L. , Hansen Kalinka , Gianni Edoardo , Gallego Isaac , Curran Joseph F. , Attwater James , Holliger Philipp , Andersen Ebbe S.
Published: January 2024

The emergence of an RNA replicase capable of self-replication is considered an important stage in the origin of life. RNA polymerase ribozymes (PR) - including a variant that uses trinucleotide triphosphates (triplets) as substrates - have been created by in vitro evolution and are the closest functional analogues of the replicase, but the structural basis for their function is poorly understood. Here we use single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and high-throughput mutation analysis to obtain the structure of a triplet polymerase ribozyme (TPR) apoenzyme and map its functional landscape. The cryo-EM structure at 5-Å resolution reveals the TPR as an RNA heterodimer comprising a catalytic subunit and a noncatalytic, auxiliary subunit, resembling the shape of a left hand with thumb and fingers at a 70° angle. The two subunits are connected by two distinct kissing-loop (KL) interactions that are essential for polymerase function. Our combined structural and functional data suggest a model for templated RNA synthesis by the TPR holoenzyme, whereby heterodimer formation and KL interactions preorganize the TPR for optimal primer–template duplex binding, triplet substrate discrimination, and templated RNA synthesis. These results provide a better understanding of TPR structure and function and should aid the engineering of more efficient PRs.
‘It runs in the family’
Authors: Tan Raan-Hann , De Sousa Silvio Moreira
Published: January 2024

The reconstruction of the kinship terminology of the now-extinct Tugu Creole Portuguese (TCP) results from the triangulation between TCP’s available kinship terminology, the complete mapping for Malacca Creole Portuguese (MCP), and the terminology used currently by the Tugu community, which experienced a language shift towards Indonesian Malay and Betawi Malay. By examining the Tugu Village community in Jakarta, Indonesia, this paper adds more evidence for the existence of parallel kinship structures within one community and establishes linguistic and anthropological evidence for markers of inclusion and distinction among Jakarta’s ethnic groups. Thus, the Malay variety spoken in Tugu (TuM) possesses sociohistorical and linguistic elements that distinguish the community from other local communities, together with elements that bind the community to other Asian-Portuguese creole communities.
Teaching contrastive stress to lower-proficiency learners
Authors: Levis John M.
Published: January 2024

This article looks at the decisions behind teaching contrastive stress in a 2018 article by the author. The teaching of prosody can include areas like lexical stress, intonation, prominence, rhythm, etc., either in aggregate or by focusing on a specific feature, such as contrastive stress, the focus of this paper. Contrastive stress is often taught using written texts that require learners to understand the content of the texts as well as to identify the pronunciation issues in reading those texts aloud. The decisions made for this study were driven by the target learner population, low-intermediate learners of English, who were very much less likely to be able to carry out both of these tasks. As a result, the study was built around the use of pictures that could be used to compare and contrast without reading.
Structural and magnetic properties of Fe and Ni co-doped SnO2 nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method
Authors: Khatun Mst Halima , Amin Ruhul , Sarker Md Samiul Islam , Shikder Md Rasel , Islam Suravi , Shahjahan Md
Published: January 2024

In this research work Fe and Ni co-doped Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles have been prepared by co-precipitation method. The samples were prepared at various combination of Fe and Ni from 0% up to 10%. The produced nanoparticles were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–vis Spectrophotometer, Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The XRD study reveals the formation of rutile structure of the undoped and doped SnO2 nanoparticles with the average crystallite size of 1.5–10.8 nm. Metal oxide bonding is confirmed through FTIR measurement. Optical band gap redshift (3.9 to 3.64 eV) with doping of Fe and Ni atom is observed. SEM image confirms the formation of spheroidal nanoparticles and size of the nanoparticle varies from 36 to 15 nm. The VSM study shows the ferromagnetic phase transition at 7% Ni, Fe doped SnO2 nanoparticles. This ferromagnetism arises for the oxygen vacancies and defect states. Further, increase of doping concentration of 10%, nanoparticles show the phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. Such transition can be applicable in hyperthermia treatment and memory devices.
Saturating the one-axis twisting quantum Cramér-Rao bound with a total spin readout
Authors: Volkoff T J , Martin Michael J
Published: January 2024

We show that the lowest quantum Cramér-Rao bound achievable in interferometry with a one-axis twisted spin coherent state is saturated by the asymptotic method of moments error of a protocol that uses one call to the one-axis twisting, one call to time-reversed one-axis twisting, and a final total spin measurement (i.e., a twist-untwist protocol). The result is derived by first showing that the metrological phase diagram for one-axis twisting is asymptotically characterized by a single quantum Fisher information value N(N + 1)/2 for all times, then constructing a twist-untwist protocol having a method of moments error that saturates this value. The case of finite-range one-axis twisting is similarly analyzed, and a simple functional form for the metrological phase diagram is found in both the short-range and long-range interaction regimes. Numerical evidence suggests that the finite-range analogues of twist-untwist protocols can exhibit a method of moments error that asymptotically saturates the lowest quantum Cramér-Rao bound achievable in interferometry with finite-range one-axis twisted spin coherent states for all interaction times.
Numerical simulation of gas-solid flow in a cyclone separator with additional inlet
Authors: Noori Shahla , Saidi Maysam
Published: January 2024

In this study, an additional inlet was added to the gas-solid cyclone separator to enhance the separation efficiency. Four different heights were tested, including 0.95D, 1.4D, 1.5D, and 1.95D (D is the diameter of the cylindrical section). The investigation involved two inlet flow conditions: increasing and dividing the inlet flow rate. The finite volume method and Reynolds stress turbulence model were used to solve the averaged Navier–Stokes equations, whereas the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach and discrete phase model (DPM) were applied to track particles with a uniform diameter of 0.5–1.8 microns as the discrete phase. Owing to the low Stokes number and small and low-volume-fraction particles, a one-way coupling method was employed between air and the particles. The addition of an additional inlet reduced the static pressure in the center and downstream areas and increased the reverse flow velocity at the end of the cyclone. The installation of an additional inlet at 0.95D had the most positive effect on the separation efficiency, with an increase of 28.8% in the increasing flow rate case and 19.6% in the dividing flow rate case compared with the cyclone without an additional inlet. Furthermore, the increase in the separation efficiency of the submicron particles was greater than that of the larger particles in both flow distribution cases.
Personal respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica exposure in two shafts and a concentrator of a Zambian copper mine
Authors: Sifanu Mwaba , Kalebaila Kennedy K , Hayumbu Patrick , Nabiwa Lubinda , Linde Stephanus J L
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Since the 1920s, Zambia’s mining sector has experienced growth, which has increased the number of mine workers employed in the industry. Consequently, the potential for occupational exposure and prevalence of occupational diseases have also increased. Unfortunately, Zambia does not currently have legislative guidelines for workplace air monitoring and compliance. This study’s objectives were to evaluate copper miners’ personal exposure to respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and to assess workplace compliance using the European Standard for workplace air monitoring and measurement (EN689:2018).

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected 100 personal respirable dust exposure samples at a Zambian copper mine in 2023. These samples were weighed using NIOSH method 0600 and analyzed for crystalline silica using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (KBr pellet) (NIOSH method 7602). Additionally, 253 respirable dust exposure measurements collected at the mine between 2017 and 2022 were included for comparison.

Results

The median respirable dust exposure for the 2023 exposure measurements was 0.200 mg/m3 (95th percentile 2.871 mg/m3) compared to 0.400 mg/m3 (95th percentile 3.050 mg/m3) for the historic data. The median RCS exposure was 0.012 mg/m3 (95th percentile 0.163 mg/m3). Using EN689:2018, it was found that from 15 work areas, only six work areas complied with the standard for respirable dust exposure and only seven work areas complied with the standard for RCS exposure.

Conclusions

At the mining site, several work areas had substantial exposure to respirable dust and RCS. Therefore, management needs to prioritize these areas when implementing control measures to reduce dust exposure. For the Zambia mining industry to manage exposure to respirable dust and RCS, it is necessary to implement standardized monitoring strategies. This study has demonstrated that EN689:2018 can be used successfully to determine compliance among Zambian mining work areas.
The Effects of Mutation and Recombination Rate Heterogeneity on the Inference of Demography and the Distribution of Fitness Effects
Authors: Soni Vivak , Pfeifer Susanne P , Jensen Jeffrey D
Published: January 2024

Disentangling the effects of demography and selection has remained a focal point of population genetic analysis. Knowledge about mutation and recombination is essential in this endeavor; however, despite clear evidence that both mutation and recombination rates vary across genomes, it is common practice to model both rates as fixed. In this study, we quantify how this unaccounted for rate heterogeneity may impact inference using common approaches for inferring selection (DFE-alpha, Grapes, and polyDFE) and/or demography (fastsimcoal2 and δaδi). We demonstrate that, if not properly modeled, this heterogeneity can increase uncertainty in the estimation of demographic and selective parameters and in some scenarios may result in mis-leading inference. These results highlight the importance of quantifying the fundamental evolutionary parameters of mutation and recombination before utilizing population genomic data to quantify the effects of genetic drift (i.e. as modulated by demographic history) and selection; or, at the least, that the effects of uncertainty in these parameters can and should be directly modeled in downstream inference.
1. Introduction
Authors: Bird Gemma
Published: January 2024

Critiquing the Canon: Political Theory draws upon critical scholarship to bring together diverse ways of thinking about and critiquing key thinkers from the canon of political theory. Each chapter is dedicated to a particular thinker and their work, and encourages students to explore the limitations of the canon and ask important questions about whose views might be marginalized, ignored, or sidelined in the construction of ‘canonical’ thought. Pedagogical features include author tutorial videos and end-of-chapter questions to prompt students to develop their own voice and challenge dominant ideas.
5. Karl Marx
Authors: Cortés Sergio Bedoya
Published: January 2024

Critiquing the Canon: Political Theory draws upon critical scholarship to bring together diverse ways of thinking about and critiquing key thinkers from the canon of political theory. Each chapter is dedicated to a particular thinker and their work, and encourages students to explore the limitations of the canon and ask important questions about whose views might be marginalized, ignored, or sidelined in the construction of ‘canonical’ thought. Pedagogical features include author tutorial videos and end-of-chapter questions to prompt students to develop their own voice and challenge dominant ideas.
Chloroplast C-to-U editing, regulated by a PPR protein BoYgl-2, is important for chlorophyll biosynthesis in cabbage
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wu Yuankang , Li Shoufan , Ren Wenjing , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Ji Jialei , Hou Xilin , Zhang Yangyong
Published: January 2024

Leaf color is an important agronomic trait in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), but the detailed mechanism underlying leaf color formation remains unclear. In this study, we characterized a Brassica oleracea yellow-green leaf 2 (BoYgl-2) mutant 4036Y, which has significantly reduced chlorophyll content and abnormal chloroplasts during early leaf development. Genetic analysis revealed that the yellow-green leaf trait is controlled by a single recessive gene. Map-based cloning revealed that BoYgl-2 encodes a novel nuclear-targeted P-type PPR protein, which is absent in the 4036Y mutant. Functional complementation showed that BoYgl-2 from the normal-green leaf 4036G can rescue the yellow-green leaf phenotype of 4036Y. The C-to-U editing efficiency and expression levels of atpF, rps14, petL and ndhD were significantly reduced in 4036Y than that in 4036G, and significantly increased in BoYgl-2 overexpression lines than that in 4036Y. The expression levels of many plastid- and nuclear-encoded genes associated with chloroplast development in BoYgl-2 mutant were also significantly altered. These results suggest that BoYgl-2 participates in chloroplast C-to-U editing and development, which provides rare insight into the molecular mechanism underlying leaf color formation in cabbage.
Leaf variegation caused by plastome structural variation: an example from Dianella tasmanica
Authors: Zhou Shuaixi , Ma Kainan , Mower Jeffrey P , Liu Ying , Zhou Renchao
Published: January 2024

Variegated plants often exhibit plastomic heteroplasmy due to single-nucleotide mutations or small insertions/deletions in their albino sectors. Here, however, we identified a plastome structural variation in albino sectors of the variegated plant Dianella tasmanica (Asphodelaceae), a perennial herbaceous plant widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical Asia. This structural variation, caused by intermolecular recombination mediated by an 11-bp inverted repeat flanking a 92-bp segment in the large single-copy region (LSC), generates a giant plastome (228 878 bp) with the largest inverted repeat of 105 226 bp and the smallest LSC of 92 bp known in land plants. It also generates an ~7-kb deletion on the boundary of the LSC, which eliminates three protein coding genes (psbA, matK, and rps16) and one tRNA gene (trnK). Albino sectors exhibit dramatic changes in expression of many plastid genes, including negligible expression of psbA, matK, and rps16, reduced expression of photosynthesis-related genes, and increased expression of genes related to the translational apparatus. Microscopic and ultrastructure observations showed that albino tissues were present in both green and albino sectors of the variegated individuals, and chloroplasts were poorly developed in the mesophyll cells of the albino tissues of the variegated individuals. These poorly developed chloroplasts likely carry the large and rearranged plastome, which is likely responsible for the loss of photosynthesis and albinism in the leaf margins. Considering that short repeats are relatively common in plant plastomes and that photosynthesis is not necessary for albino sectors, structural variation of this kind may not be rare in the plastomes of variegated plants.
A workflow for standardizing the analysis of highly resolved vessel tracking data
Authors: Mendo T , Mujal-Colilles A , Stounberg J , Glemarec G , Egekvist J , Mugerza E , Rufino M , Swift R , James M
Published: January 2024

Knowledge on the spatial and temporal distribution of the activities carried out in the marine environment is key to manage available space optimally. However, frequently, little or no information is available on the distribution of the largest users of the marine space, namely fishers. Tracking devices are being increasingly used to obtain highly resolved geospatial data of fishing activities, at intervals from seconds to minutes. However, to date no standardized method is used to process and analyse these data, making it difficult to replicate analysis. We develop a workflow to identify individual vessel trips and infer fishing activities from highly resolved geospatial data, which can be applied for large-scale fisheries, but also considers nuances encountered when working with small-scale fisheries. Recognizing the highly variable nature of activities conducted by different fleets, this workflow allows the user to choose a path that best aligns with the particularities in the fishery being analysed. A new method to identify anchoring sites for small-scale fisheries is also presented. The paper provides detailed code used in each step of the workflow both in R and Python language to widen the application of the workflow in the scientific and stakeholder communities and to encourage its improvement and refinement in the future.
The USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Database and the National Register of Champion Trees — A Potentially Symbiotic Relationship
Authors: Roesch Francis A , Schroeder Todd A , Price Charles A
Published: January 2024

This article shows how probability sampling and citizen science efforts can complement each other, using the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and the ongoing search by the National Register of Champion Trees (NRCT) for the largest specimen of each naturally occurring tree species in the United States as an example. We develop a ratio statistic (Zs) that uses the difference in size of the largest tree of a species from each database to order the tree species according to the assumed ease with which a larger specimen than the current national champion might be found. Our results show ninety-two candidate species that have been recorded by FIA for which there is no national champion and sixty-five species for which a new champion should be easy to find. In a supplemental table, we show ninety-four species listed as observable by FIA in the NRCT but not recorded in the FIA sample.

Study Implications: An interest in forests and forestry is always accompanied by an interest in trees, especially very big trees. Two very different ways of learning about trees are analyzed concurrently in a way that reveals their complementarity. The two efforts are the probability sample, conducted by the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program, and the citizen science effort known as the National Register of Champion Trees (NRCT). We develop a statistic that will help tree sleuths find champion trees and provide FIA practitioners with a quality control measure and an indication of which species would benefit from an increase in sample intensity.
Super super obesity with a BMI of 98 kg/m2: a case report
Authors: Al Jazzar Ragad I , Alzahrani Nayef , Eltayeb Mustafa M , Satti Ahmed K , Omar Hussain , Arrowaili Arief
Published: January 2024

Standards of care in regards to super-super obese patients are yet to be evolving due to the sparsity of this weight category along with the high morbidity and mortality rates attributed to it. We report a successful case of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for a 35 years old lady with a body mass index (BMI) of 98 kg/m2.
Mapping Germanness in early 20th century USA: topic modeling and GIS within a small corpus framework
Authors: Wang Sijie , Kurzynski Maciej
Published: January 2024

The increased emphasis on language and ethnicity among German immigrants in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century resulted from inter-ethnic competition as well as assimilation pressures on Germans as a minority in American society. Following the unification of Germany and the improvement of German international status, Germans in America claimed superiority of German culture; middle-class advocates attempted to build a more united German-American community, fighting for a stronger voice on issues such as prohibition and German language education. These processes eventually led to the establishment of the National German-American Alliance in Philadelphia in 1901. The present article employs topic modeling and GIS techniques to examine the little-known conference proceedings of the Alliance and discuss Prince Heinrich “Henry” of Prussia’s 1902 visit to the USA. On the humanities side, we foreground the dynamics of the German diaspora who sought their own ethnic uniqueness and constructed historical memory during this period. On the digital side, we discuss different statistical evaluations of topic models as well as their applicability within a small corpus research framework.
Unsigned play by Milan Kundera? An authorship attribution study
Authors: Jungmannová Lenka , Plecháč Petr
Published: January 2024

In addition to being a widely recognized novelist, Milan Kundera has also authored three pieces for theatre: The Owners of the Keys (Majitelé klíčů 1961), The Blunder (Ptákovina 1967), and Jacques and his Master (Jakub a jeho pán 1971). In recent years, however, the hypothesis has been raised that Kundera was the true author of a fourth play, Juro Jánošík, first performed in a 1974 production under the name of Karel Steigerwald, who was Kundera’s student at the time. In this study, we make use of supervised machine learning to settle the question of authorship attribution in the case of Juro Jánošík, with results strongly supporting the hypothesis of Kundera’s authorship.
Coarsening natural deduction proofs II: finding gaunt proofs
Authors: Brauer Ethan
Published: January 2024

This paper is the second part of a series exploring how, given a proof, we can inductively transform it into a proof that contains no irrelevancies and is as strong as possible. In the prequel paper, I defined a weaker and a stronger notion of what counts as a proof with no irrelevancies, calling them perfect proofs and gaunt proofs, respectively. There, I showed how proofs in core logic and classical core logic can be transformed into perfect proofs. In this paper I study gaunt proofs. I show how proofs in core logic can be inductively transformed into gaunt core proofs, but that this property fails for the natural deduction system of classical core logic.
Brooklyn plots to identify co-expression dysregulation in single cell sequencing
Authors: Patil Arun H , McCall Matthew N , Halushka Marc K
Published: January 2024

Altered open chromatin regions, impacting gene expression, is a feature of some human disorders. We discovered it is possible to detect global changes in genomically-related adjacent gene co-expression within single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. We built a software package to generate and test non-randomness using ‘Brooklyn plots’ to identify the percent of genes significantly co-expressed from the same chromosome in ∼10 MB intervals across the genome. These plots establish an expected low baseline of co-expression in scRNA-seq from most cell types, but, as seen in dilated cardiomyopathy cardiomyocytes, altered patterns of open chromatin appear. These may relate to larger regions of transcriptional bursting, observable in single cell, but not bulk datasets.
Meeting the challenges of invasive alien species
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: January 2024

Here we report the Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control released by IPBES, and the status of IAS in China.
Combined “Test and Treat” Campaigns for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C: A Systematic Review to Provide Evidence to Support World Health Organization Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Beard Natasha , Hill Andrew
Published: January 2024

Background

Worldwide, more than 39 million individuals are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 296 million with chronic hepatitis B (HBV), and 58 million with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Despite successful treatments for these blood-borne viruses (BBVs), >1.7 million people die per annum. To combat this, the World Health Organization recommended implementing triple testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV. This systematic review aims to provide evidence for this policy, by identifying the prevalence of these BBVs and discussing the costs of available triple tests.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Global Health were searched to identify articles published between 1 January and 24 February 2023. Included studies reported the prevalence of HIV (anti-HIV 1/2 antibodies), HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen) and HCV (anti-HCV antibodies). Results were stratified into risk groups: blood donors, general population, healthcare attendees, individuals experiencing homelessness, men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, pregnant people, prisoners, and refugees and immigrants.

Results

One hundred seventy-five studies sampling >14 million individuals were included. The mean prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV was 0.22% (standard deviation [SD], 7.71%), 1.09% (SD, 5.80%) and 0.65% (SD, 14.64%) respectively. The mean number of individuals testing positive for at least 1 BBV was 1.90% (SD, 16.82%). Therefore, under triple testing, for every individual diagnosed with HIV, another 5 would be diagnosed with HBV and 3 with HCV. Testing for all 3 viruses is available for US$2.48, marginally more expensive than the lowest-priced isolated HIV test ($1.00).

Conclusions

This article highlights a potential avenue for healthcare improvement by implementing combination testing programs. Hopefully, this will help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of elimination of these BBV epidemics by 2030.