bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in Cotton Textile Design: Addressing Temperature and Moisture Challenges
Authors: Basyigit Zeynep Omerogullari , Kuyucak Cemre Nur , Coskun Hatice
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this study is to alleviate discomfort arising from fluctuations in heat and humidity due to environmental and personal factors, aiming to develop functional textiles capable of effectively responding to these changes. To achieve this, systematic pattern designs were implemented on 100% cotton woven fabrics, incorporating hydrophobic characteristics through the application of a water-repellent agent to specific areas. The resulting compatibility of these hydrophobic features with hydrophilic elements endowed the fabrics with moisture management properties. Furthermore, the introduction of a phase-changing material agent to these fabrics imparted heat management capabilities. The rotation printing technique was employed to seamlessly transfer these agents onto the fabric. In assessing the durability of woven fabrics featuring distinct functionalities, a comprehensive examination was conducted, subjecting them to 30 repeated wash cycles within a single process step. The morphological structures of the fabrics produced were meticulously analyzed using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), SEM–EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray analysis) while their chemical compositions were scrutinized through FTIR–ATR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance). Additionally, a battery of tests, including physical, chemical, liquid absorption, liquid transfer assessments, and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) analyses, were conducted in accordance with relevant standards. The outcomes of this study demonstrated that the fabrics not only met the criteria of the TS 866 standard, particularly with regard to a rapid response time of less than 10 s, but also exhibited resilience to repeated washings, affirming the enduring efficacy of the incorporated functionalities. According to tearing strength results, slight increase was also observed in treated cotton fabrics.
Recovery and Quantification of Norovirus in Air Samples from Experimentally Produced Aerosols
Authors: Rupprom Kitwadee , Thongpanich Yuwanda , Sukkham Woravat , Utrarachkij Fuangfa , Kittigul Leera
Published: March 2024

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans across all age groups worldwide. Norovirus-infected patients can produce aerosolized droplets which play a role in gastroenteritis transmission. The study aimed to assess bioaerosol sampling in combination with a virus concentrating procedure to facilitate molecular detection of norovirus genogroup (G) II from experimentally contaminated aerosols. Using a nebulizer within an experimental chamber, aerosols of norovirus GII were generated at known concentrations. Air samples were then collected in both 5 mL and 20 mL water using the SKC BioSampler at a flow rate of 12.5 L/min, 15 min. Subsequently, the virus in collected water was concentrated using speedVac centrifugation and quantified by RT-qPCR. The optimal distances between the nebulizer and the SKC BioSampler yielded high recoveries of the virus for both 5 and 20 mL collections. Following nebulization, norovirus GII RNA was detectable up to 120 min in 5 mL and up to 240 min in 20 mL collection. The concentrations of norovirus GII RNA recovered from air samples in the aerosol chamber ranged from 102 to 105 genome copies/mL, with average recoveries of 25 ± 12% for 5 mL and 22 ± 19% for 20 mL collections. These findings provide quantitative data on norovirus GII in aerosols and introduce a novel virus concentrating method for aerosol collection in water, thus enhancing surveillance of this virus.
Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023
Authors: Jansen Marcel A. K. , Andrady Anthony L. , Bornman Janet F. , Aucamp Pieter J. , Bais Alkiviadis F. , Banaszak Anastazia T. , Barnes Paul W. , Bernhard Germar H. , Bruckman Laura S. , Busquets Rosa , Häder Donat-P. , Hanson Mark L. , Heikkilä Anu M. , Hylander Samuel , Lucas Robyn M. , Mackenzie Roy , Madronich Sasha , Neale Patrick J. , Neale Rachel E. , Olsen Catherine M. , Ossola Rachele , Pandey Krishna K. , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Revell Laura E. , Robinson Sharon A. , Robson T. Matthew , Rose Kevin C. , Solomon Keith R. , Andersen Mads P. Sulbæk , Sulzberger Barbara , Wallington Timothy J. , Wang Qing-Wei , Wängberg Sten-Åke , White Christopher C. , Young Antony R. , Zepp Richard G. , Zhu Liping
Published: March 2024

This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
Applying a Genetic Algorithm to Implement the Fuzzy-MACBETH Method in Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Bastos Tatiane Roldão , Longaray André Andrade , dos Santos Machado Catia Maria , Ensslin Leonardo , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Dutra Ademar
Published: March 2024

This paper describes the development of an evolutionary algorithm for building cardinal scales based on the Fuzzy-MACBETH method. This method uses a triangular fuzzy numbers scale in the MACBETH method to incorporate the subjectivity of a semantic scale into mathematical modeling, which enables circumventing the cardinal inconsistency problem of the classical method, facilitating its application in complex contexts. A genetic algorithm is used in the fuzzy system developed here to build the basic fuzzy scale in a cardinally inconsistent decision matrix. The proposed technique is inspired by crossover and mutation genetic operations to explore potential solutions and obtain a cardinal scale aligned with the decision maker’s preferences. Finally, an illustrative example of the application of the proposed decision support system is presented. The results confirm that the FGA-MACBETH method aligns with the classical method. This study’s primary contribution is that circumventing the problem of cardinal inconsistency in a semantically consistent decision matrix enabled obtaining a cardinal scale without requiring the decision maker to redo his/her initial assessments.
It's time we put agency into Behavioural Public Policy
Authors: Banerjee Sanchayan , Grüne-Yanoff Till , John Peter , Moseley Alice
Published: March 2024

Promoting agency – people's ability to form intentions and to act on them freely – must become a primary objective for Behavioural Public Policy (BPP). Contemporary BPPs do not directly pursue this objective, which is problematic for many reasons. From an ethical perspective, goals like personal autonomy and individual freedom cannot be realised without nurturing citizens’ agency. From an efficacy standpoint, BPPs that override agency – for example, by activating automatic psychological processes – leave citizens ‘in the dark’, incapable of internalising and owning the process of behaviour change. This may contribute to non-persistent treatment effects, compensatory negative spillovers or psychological reactance and backfiring effects. In this paper, we argue agency-enhancing BPPs can alleviate these ethical and efficacy limitations to longer-lasting and meaningful behaviour change. We set out philosophical arguments to help us understand and conceptualise agency. Then, we review three alternative agency-enhancing behavioural frameworks: (1) boosts to enhance people's competences to make better decisions; (2) debiasing to encourage people to reduce the tendency for automatic, impulsive responses; and (3) nudge+ to enable citizens to think alongside nudges and evaluate them transparently. Using a multi-dimensional framework, we highlight differences in their workings, which offer comparative insights and complementarities in their use. We discuss limitations of agency-enhancing BPPs and map out future research directions.
On the streamwise velocity, temperature and passive scalar fields in compressible turbulent channel flows: a viewpoint from multiphysics couplings
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Fu Lin
Published: March 2024

It is generally believed that the velocity and passive scalar fields share many similarities and differences in wall-bounded turbulence. In the present study, we conduct a series of direct numerical simulations of compressible channel flows with passive scalars and employ the two-dimensional spectral linear stochastic estimation and the correlation function as diagnostic tools to shed light on these aspects. Particular attention is paid to the relevant multiphysics couplings in the spectral domain, i.e. the velocity–temperature (

$u-T$

), scalar–temperature (

$g-T$

) and velocity–scalar (

$u-g$

) couplings. These couplings are found to be utterly different at a given wall-normal position in the logarithmic and outer regions. Specifically, in the logarithmic region, the

$u-T$

and

$u-g$

couplings are tight at the scales that correspond to the attached eddies and the very large-scale motions (VLSMs), whereas the

$g-T$

coupling is robust in the whole spectral domain. In the outer region,

$u-T$

and

$u-g$

couplings are only active at the scales corresponding to the VLSMs, whereas the

$g-T$

coupling is diminished but still strong at all scales. Further analysis indicates that although the temperature field in the vast majority of zones in a channel can be roughly treated as a passive scalar, its physical properties gradually deviate from those of a pure passive scalar as the wall-normal height increases due to the enhancement of the acoustic mode. Furthermore, the deep involvement of the pressure field in the self-sustaining process of energy-containing motions also drives the streamwise velocity fluctuation away from a passive scalar. The current work is an extension of our previous study (Cheng & Fu, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 964, 2023, A15), and further uncovers the details of the multiphysics couplings in compressible wall turbulence.
Polydispersity effect on dry and immersed granular collapses: an experimental study
Authors: Polanía Oscar , Estrada Nicolas , Azéma Emilien , Renouf Mathieu , Cabrera Miguel
Published: March 2024

The column collapse experiment is a simplified version of natural and industrial granular flows. In this set-up, a column built with grains collapses and spreads over a horizontal plane. Granular flows are often studied with a monodisperse distribution; however, this is not the case in natural granular flows where a variety of grain sizes, known as polydispersity, is a common feature. In this work, we study the effect of polydispersity, and of the inherent changes that polydispersity causes in the initial packing fraction, in dry and immersed columns. We show that dry columns are not significantly affected by polydispersity, reaching similar distances at similar times. In contrast, immersed columns are strongly affected by the polydispersity and packing fraction, and the collapse sequence is linked to changes of the basal pore fluid pressure

$P$

. At the collapse initiation, negative changes of

$P$

beneath the column produce a temporary increase of the column strength. The negative change of

$P$

lasts longer in polydisperse columns than in monodisperse columns, delaying the collapse sequence. Conversely, during the column spreading, positive changes of

$P$

lead to a decrease of the shear strength. For polydisperse collapses, the excess of

$P$

lasts longer, allowing the material to reach farther distances, compared with the collapses of monodisperse materials. Finally, we show that a mobility model that scales the final runout with the collapse kinetic energy remains true for different polydispersity levels in a three-dimensional configuration, capturing the scaling between the micro to macro controlling features.
Incorporating Immigrants into Canadian Politics: An Experiment on the Effects of Attentiveness to Elections in the Country of Origin
Authors: McCann James A. , Rapoport Ronald B.
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, Canada and other democracies have experienced a significant rise in migrant settlement. This has sparked much interest among scholars and policy makers in the forces that encourage or impede the political incorporation of newcomers. In this research note, we consider a factor that has received relatively little scrutiny, the impact of immigrants’ attention to native-country politics on willingness to participate in residential-country elections and affiliate with a political party in that country. We examine this through an original survey of Americans in Canada conducted during the 2020 US election cycle. A randomized experiment demonstrates that directing the attention of American emigrants to US campaigns can lower interest in Canadian elections and weaken attachments to a Canadian political party, particularly for those who are less integrated into Canadian society. These findings point to a potential tension between political engagement as an emigrant versus as an immigrant.
The Political Economy of Status Competition: Sumptuary Laws in Preindustrial Europe
Authors: Desierto Desiree , Koyama Mark
Published: March 2024

Sumptuary laws that regulated clothing based on social status were an important part of the political economy of premodern states. We introduce a model that captures the notion that consumption by ordinary citizens poses a status threat to ruling elites. Our model predicts a non-monotonic effect of income—sumptuary legislation initially increases with income, but then falls as income increases further. The initial rise is more likely for states with less extractive institutions, whose ruling elites face a greater status threat from the rising commercial class. We test these predictions using a new dataset of country and city-level sumptuary laws.

It is unfortunately an established fact that both men and womenfolk have, in utterly irresponsible manner, driven extravagance in dress and new styles to such shameful and wanton extremes that the different classes are barely to be known apart.

—Nuremberg Ordnance of 1657, Quoted in Hunt (1996)
The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern in childhood in relation to cardiometabolic risk in adolescence and early adulthood in the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Loizou Panayiotis , Taylor Caroline M , Buckland Genevieve
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)-style dietary patterns in childhood and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in adolescence/early adulthood.

Design:

Data were obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospective cohort. Diet diary data collected at 7, 10 and 13 years were used to calculate DASH-style diet scores (DDS). Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between the DDS at 7, 10 and 13 years and CMR scores, calculated at 17 and 24 years.

Setting:

The ALSPAC cohort included children born in south-west England in 1991–1992.

Participants:

Children with complete dietary, covariate and cardiometabolic data at 17 (n 1,526) and 24 years (n 1,524).

Results:

A higher DDS at 7 and 10 years was negatively associated with CMR scores at 17 years (β = –0·64 (95 % CI –1·27, –0·006), Ptrend=0·027 for fifth v. first DDS quintile at 7 years; β = –0·73 (95 % CI –1·35, –0·12) and Ptrend=0·037 for fifth v. first DDS quintile at 10 years) and at 24 years (β = –0·92 (95 % CI –1·49, –0·34) Ptrend = 0·001 for fifth v. first DDS quintile at 7 years; β = –0·60 (95 % CI –1·20, –0·05) Ptrend = 0·092 for fifth v. first DDS quintile at 10 years). No associations were found between the DDS at 13 years and CMR score at 17 and 24 years.

Conclusion:

Greater adherence with a DASH-style diet during childhood was associated with better cardiometabolic health in adolescence/adulthood in the ALSPAC cohort. The components of the DASH diet could be recommended to improve children’s cardiometabolic health.
Mechanistic Constraints on the Drivers of Southern Ocean Meridional Iron Distributions Between Tasmania and Antarctica
Authors: Traill Christopher D. , Conde‐Pardo Paula , Rohr Tyler , van der Merwe Pier , Townsend Ashley T. , Latour Pauline , Gault‐Ringold Melanie , Wuttig Kathrin , Corkill Matthew , Holmes Thomas M. , Warner Mark J. , Shadwick Elizabeth , Bowie Andrew R.
Published: March 2024

While modeling efforts have furthered our understanding of marine iron biogeochemistry and its influence on carbon sequestration, observations of dissolved iron (dFe) and its relationship to physical, chemical and biological processes in the ocean are needed to both validate and inform model parameterization. Where iron comes from, how it is transported and recycled, and where iron removal takes place are critical mechanisms that need to be understood to assess the relationship between iron availability and primary production. To this end, hydrographic and trace metal observations across the GO‐SHIP section SR3, south of Tasmania, Australia, have been analyzed in tandem with the novel application of an optimum multiparameter analysis. From the trace‐metal distribution south of Australia, key differences in the drivers of dFe between oceanographic zones of the Southern Ocean were identified. In the subtropical zone, sources of dFe were attributed to waters advected off the continental shelf, and to recirculated modified mode and intermediate water‐masses of the Tasman Outflow. In the subantarctic zone, the seasonal replenishment of dFe in Antarctic surface and mode waters appears to be sustained by iron recycling in the underlying mode and intermediate waters. In the southern zone, the dFe distribution is likely driven by dissolution and scavenging by high concentrations of particles along the Antarctic continental shelf and slope entrained in high salinity shelf water. This approach to trace metal analysis may prove useful in future transects for identifying key mechanisms driving marine dissolved trace metal distributions.
Northwestern Mediterranean Heavy Precipitation Events in a Warmer Climate: Robust Versus Uncertain Changes With a Large Convection‐Permitting Model Ensemble
Authors: Caillaud Cécile , Somot Samuel , Douville Hervé , Alias Antoinette , Bastin Sophie , Brienen Susanne , Demory Marie‐Estelle , Dobler Andreas , Feldmann Hendrik , Frisius Thomas , Goergen Klaus , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Keuler Klaus , Lenderink Geert , Mercogliano Paola , Pichelli Emanuela , Soares Pedro M. M. , Tölle Merja H. , de Vries Hylke
Published: March 2024

Taking advantage of a large ensemble of Convection Permitting‐Regional Climate Models on a pan‐Alpine domain and of an object‐oriented dedicated analysis, this study aims to investigate future changes in high‐impact fall Mediterranean Heavy Precipitation Events at high warming levels. We identify a robust multi‐model agreement for an increased frequency from central Italy to the northern Balkans combined with a substantial extension of the affected areas, for a dominant influence of the driving Global Climate Models for projecting changes in the frequency, and for an increase in intensity, area, volume and severity over the French Mediterranean. However, large quantitative uncertainties persist despite the use of convection‐permitting models, with no clear agreement in frequency changes over southeastern France and a large range of plausible changes in events' properties, including for the most intense events. Model diversity and international coordination are still needed to provide policy‐relevant climate information regarding precipitation extremes.
Effects of Balanced Motions and Unbalanced Internal Waves on Steric Height in the Mid‐Latitude Ocean
Authors: Zhang Xiujie , Yu Xiaolong , Ponte Aurélien L. , Gong Wenping
Published: March 2024

The baroclinic component of the sea surface height, referred to as steric height, is governed by geostrophically balanced motions and unbalanced internal waves, and thus is an essential indicator of ocean interior dynamics. Using yearlong measurements from a mooring array, we assess the distribution of upper‐ocean steric height across frequencies and spatial scales of O (1–20 km) in the northeast Atlantic. Temporal decomposition indicates that the two largest contributors to steric height variance are large‐scale atmospheric forcing (32.8%) and mesoscale eddies (34.1%), followed by submesoscale motions (15.2%), semidiurnal internal tides (8%), super‐tidal variability (6.1%) and near‐inertial motions (3.8%). Structure function diagnostics further reveal the seasonality and scale dependence of steric height variance. In winter, steric height is dominated by balanced motions across all resolved scales, whereas in summer, unbalanced internal waves become the leading‐order contributor to steric height at scales of O (1 km).
Dynamical Constraint on Precipitation Biases Over the Indo‐Pacific Region During Boreal Summer in AMIP6 Models
Authors: Zhang Honghai , Xie Shang‐Ping , Seager Richard , Zhao Siyu
Published: March 2024

Climate models suffer from longstanding precipitation biases, much of which has been attributed to their atmospheric component owing to unrealistic parameterizations. Here we investigate precipitation biases in 37 Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (AMIP6) models, focusing on the Indo‐Pacific region during boreal summer. These models remain plagued by considerable precipitation biases, especially over regions of strong precipitation. In particular, 22 models overestimate the Asian‐Pacific monsoon precipitation, while 28 models underestimate the southern Indian Ocean Intertropical Convergence Zone precipitation. The inter‐model spread in summer precipitation is decomposed into Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs). The leading EOF mode features an anomalous anticyclone circulation spanning the Indo‐northwest Pacific oceans, which we show is energized by barotropic conversion from the confluence of the background monsoonal westerlies and trade‐wind easterlies. Our results suggest precipitation biases in atmospheric models, though caused by unrealistic parameterizations, are organized by dynamical feedbacks of the mean flow.
Stable Isotopes Constrain Water Seepage From Gnammas Into Bare Granitic Bedrock
Authors: Albrigtsen J. O. , Wing B. A. , Glade R. C. , Anderson R. S.
Published: March 2024

Subtle bedrock depressions called gnammas allow the water in ephemeral pools to maintain contact with bare rock, thus serving as natural rock‐weathering experiments. Following filling by precipitation, evaporation is often assumed to be the sole process of water loss from gnammas. We evaluated this assumption by monitoring evolving stable isotope compositions of gnamma waters hosted in granite of Colorado's Front Range. Surprisingly, we found that a significant fraction of the water was lost by seepage through the underlying bedrock. Seepage dominated, with only 10%–20% loss by evaporation. We propose a conceptual model of gnamma formation in which enhanced weathering of the bedrock beneath the gnamma increases the water holding capacity and permeability of the underlying rock that in turn promotes efficient water loss through seepage and further weathering of the surrounding rock. This model has implications for bare‐rock weathering and hence the evolution of landscapes over geologic timescales.
Changes in the Climate System Dominate Inter‐Annual Variability in Flooding Across the Globe
Authors: Kim Hanbeen , Villarini Gabriele , Wasko Conrad , Tramblay Yves
Published: March 2024

Extreme flood events have regional differences in their generating mechanisms due to the complex interaction of different climate and catchment processes. This study aims to examine the capability of climate drivers to capture year‐to‐year variability in global flood extremes. Here, we use a statistical attribution approach to model seasonal and annual maximum daily discharge for 7,886 stations worldwide, using season‐ and basin‐averaged precipitation and temperature as predictors. The results show robust performance of our seasonal climate‐informed models in describing the inter‐annual variability in seasonal and annual maximum discharges regardless of the geographical region, climate type, basin size, degree of regulation, and impervious area. The developed models enable the assessment of the sensitivity of flood discharge to precipitation and temperature changes, indicating their potential to reliably project changes in the magnitude of flood extremes.
Statistical Properties of Pc4‐5 ULF Waves in Plasmaspheric Plumes
Authors: Lu Zhaoyang , Li Jingchun , Zhang Shuai , Degeling Alexander W. , Shen Chao , Dong Jiaqi , Shi Quanqi , Tian Anmin
Published: March 2024

Ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves emerge as pivotal factors in elucidating the mechanisms that drive the intricate dynamics of radiation belt electrons within the plasmasphere and plasmaspheric plumes. Utilizing THEMIS data from September 2012 to September 2017, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis of Pc4‐5 ULF waves within and outside the plasmaspheric plume. Our findings reveal a distinctive dawn‐dusk asymmetry in occurrence rate and wave power of poloidal mode waves in the absence of the plume, resembling the toroidal mode asymmetry observed. Poloidal mode waves exhibit a higher likelihood of formation within the plume, while the toroidal mode waves show the opposite trend, contributing to the elevated dusk‐side occurrence rate of poloidal mode waves. Moreover, both wave modes within the plume demonstrate lower peak frequencies compared to waves outside the plume. The global distribution of wave power within the plume suggests higher power at noon than on the dusk side.
Putting Climate Laws to Work
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: March 2024

Recent legislation could dramatically cut carbon emissions in the United States—but only if it’s well executed and widely used.
National Science Board Reports a Need for More Support of STEM Talent
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: March 2024

U.S. National Science Board members called for more robust funding for science and engineering.
A multicolor suite for deciphering population coding of calcium and cAMP in vivo
Authors: Yokoyama Tatsushi , Manita Satoshi , Uwamori Hiroyuki , Tajiri Mio , Imayoshi Itaru , Yagishita Sho , Murayama Masanori , Kitamura Kazuo , Sakamoto Masayuki
Published: March 2024

cAMP is a universal second messenger regulated by various upstream pathways including Ca2+ and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). To decipher in vivo cAMP dynamics, we rationally designed cAMPinG1, a sensitive genetically encoded green cAMP indicator that outperformed its predecessors in both dynamic range and cAMP affinity. Two-photon cAMPinG1 imaging detected cAMP transients in the somata and dendritic spines of neurons in the mouse visual cortex on the order of tens of seconds. In addition, multicolor imaging with a sensitive red Ca2+ indicator RCaMP3 allowed simultaneous measurement of population patterns in Ca2+ and cAMP in hundreds of neurons. We found Ca2+-related cAMP responses that represented specific information, such as direction selectivity in vision and locomotion, as well as GPCR-related cAMP responses. Overall, our multicolor suite will facilitate analysis of the interaction between the Ca2+, GPCR and cAMP signaling at single-cell resolution both in vitro and in vivo.
Comparative analysis of soil quality and enzymatic activities under different tillage based nutrient management practices in soybean–wheat cropping sequence in Vertisols
Authors: Meena Satya Narayan , Sharma Shanti Kumar , Singh Pratap , Meena Bharat Prakash , Ram Asha , Meena Roshan Lal , Singh Deepak , Meena Ram Bhawan , Nogiya Mahaveer , Jain Devendra , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: March 2024

In the modern era, intensive agricultural practices such as agrochemicals are applied in excessive amounts to enhance agricultural production. However, imbalanced adoption of these chemicals has arisen in the dwindling of agriculture factor productivity and soil quality. To maintain soil fertility and production, these chemical fertilizers must be supplemented with organic inputs. Keeping this in the backdrop, a research trail was established during 2018–19 and 2019–20 years at Research Farm of Agriculture University, Kota, India. The treatment setup was comprised of 5 treatment modules viz., conservation tillage + organic management (CAOM), conservation tillage + chemical management (CACM), conventional tillage + chemical management (CTCM), conventional tillage + organic management (CTOM) and the package of practices (PoPs) with four replications. Results indicated that the highest organic carbon (0.68%), bacterial (29.11 × 107 cfu g−1), fungal (4.77 × 104 cfu g−1), actinomycetes populations (5.67 × 104 cfu g−1), acid phosphatase (44.1 µg g−1 h−1), urease (45.3 µg g−1 h−1) and dehydrogenase (23.3 µg triphenylformazan [TPF] g−1 h−1) activity in soil were found in the treatment of conservation organic system during both the years of study at each soil depth. In contrast to other parameters, the highest system productivity was observed with conservation chemical crop management approaches, with a soybean equivalent yield of 4615 kg ha−1 in a soybean–wheat system of production. Furthermore, the soil quality index (SQI) significantly varied from the lowest score (0.30) at 45–60 cm layer of soil in the package of practices to the highest score (0.92) at 0–15 cm layer of soil with regards to the conservation organic which shows, 206.67 percent enhancement through the soil profile of various crop management practices. The SQI variation from 0–15 to 45–60 cm soil depth was 130.0, 81.08, 60.0, 175.0 and 83.33 percent, respectively, for CAOM, CACM, CTCM, CTOM and PoPs. Amongst, different systems, the highest mean performance was noticed under the conservation organic systems for physical and biological properties. Hence, in line with the salient outcome, we may propose that the conservation chemical system needs to be followed to improve crop productivity, whereas, conservation organic seems a good option for soil health with long-term viability.
One-year trial evaluating the durability and antimicrobial efficacy of copper in public transportation systems
Authors: Williams Teresa C. , Asselin Edouard , Mazzulli Tony , Woznow Tracey , Hamzeh Hadi , Nahkaie Davood , Waisman Dean , Stojkova Biljana , Dixon Richard , Bryce Elizabeth , Charles Marthe
Published: March 2024

Surfaces on transit vehicles are frequently touched and could potentially act as reservoirs for micro-organism transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfection to minimize the spread of micro-organisms is operationally challenging due to the need to keep vehicles in circulation. The application of copper (Cu) alloys to high- touch surfaces could help reduce the risk of cross-contamination, however, little is known about the durability and efficacy of engineered copper surfaces after prolonged use. Three Cu products (decal, thermal fabrication, and alloy covers) were assessed over a 12-month period. These Cu products were randomly installed on 110 stanchions on three buses and four train (SkyTrain) cars in Vancouver and three buses, two subway cars, and two streetcars in Toronto with mirrored control surfaces directly opposite. Bacterial counts (Colony forming units, CFU) and ATP bioluminescence (ATPB) were measured every two months after peak morning routes. Durability of the Cu products were assessed monthly through visual inspection and colorimetry assays or by ex-situ microscopy. Cu products on stanchions reduced the mean colony forming units (CFU) of all vehicles by 42.7% in the mean CFU (0.573 (CI 95% 0.453–0.726), p-value < 0.001) compared to control surfaces. The three Cu products exhibited an overall 87.1% reduction in the mean ATPB readings (0.129 (CI 95% 0.059–0.285, p-value < 0.001) compared to controls. Surface Cu concentration for all three products was consistent throughout the 12-month period. Electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) cross-sectional analysis showed no change in thickness or dealloying of Cu products, however SEM top-down analysis revealed substantial carbon accumulation on all surfaces. Cu products installed on transit vehicles maintained antimicrobial efficacy and durability after 12 months of use.
Experimental study on the effects of water content on the compression characteristics and particle breakage of calcareous sand
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Wang Xingxiao , Wei Xiaobing , Luo Mingxing , Chen Xinlian , Zhong Li
Published: March 2024

The particle breakage effect and compression characteristics of calcareous sand are related to the water content in the sand material. However, the effects of water content on the particle breakage and compression characteristics of calcareous sand have rarely been investigated. In this work, 50 sets of confined compression tests were conducted on calcareous sand specimens, and the compression characteristics and particle breakage effects of two single-particle-size groups (particle size ranges of 1–0.5 mm and 0.5–0.25 mm) of calcareous sand were investigated under five different water contents. The test results showed that with the increase in the water content, the final compression deformation of calcareous sand was positively correlated with the water content. The final compression deformation decreased when the water content reached a certain value. The water content corresponding to the peak final compression deformation was related to the gradation of the calcareous sand; the specific values were 10% and 15% for particle size ranges of 1–0.5 mm and 0.5–0.25 mm, respectively. With the increase in the water content, the slope of the loading curve of calcareous sand appeared to increase and then decrease, reaching maximum when the water content was 10%. Moreover, the slope of the loading curve was close to twice that of the loading curve of dry sand, whereas the slope of the unloading curve changed little. Under the same water content, the initial gradation had no effect on the compression and unloading characteristics of the specimens beyond a vertical pressure of 1 MPa. The effects of the variation in the water content on the particle breakage of calcareous sand were mainly reflected in the softening effect of water on the specimen particles, which reduced the Mohr strength of the particles.
A microfluidic model to study the effects of arrhythmic flows on endothelial cells
Authors: Lai Austin , Hawke Adam , Mohammed Mokhaled , Thurgood Peter , Concilia Gianmarco , Peter Karlheinz , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Baratchi Sara
Published: March 2024

We created a versatile microfluidic system for studying the effect of arrhythmic flow patterns on endothelial cells in vitro. This system provides unique opportunities to identify the molecular machineries that control endothelial biology in response to arrhythmia.
A new armchair carbon nanobelt synthesized by tuning the regioselectivity of the Scholl reaction of quinquephenyl
Authors: Xia Zeming , Cheung Ka Man , Chen Han , Pun Sai Ho , Miao Qian
Published: March 2024

A new armchair carbon nanobelt is successfully synthesized by tuning the regioselectivity of the Scholl reaction of the quinquephenyl units in the arylated [12]cycloparaphenylene substrate.
Thermal transport in a defective pillared graphene network: insights from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Panneerselvam Vivekkumar , Sathian Sarith P
Published: March 2024

Pillared-graphene materials have immense potential in the development of tailored thermal transport materials.
Circularly polarized blue fluorescence based on chiral heteroleptic six-coordinate bis-pyrazolonate-Zn2+ complexes
Authors: Liu Jiaxiang , Zhao Yuzhen , Zhang Zhe , Li Manni , Song Wenqi , Li Wentao , Miao Zongcheng
Published: March 2024

Based on a conceptual approach to a new pair of chiral heteroleptic bis-pyrazolonate-Zn2+ enantiomers R,R-Zn2+ and S,S-Zn2+, they not only show perfect chiral character of the ground- and excited-state, but also exhibit high-quality pure blue fluorescence.
Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi) on a series of defective MnmIn2S3+m (m = 1–5, integer)
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Qi Yuhang , He Yiqiang
Published: March 2024

A series of defective MnmIn2S3+m microflowers were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The Mn4In2S7 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity.
Depolymerization mechanism of MgO on a silicate microstructure under different CaO contents: a theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Abudoureheman Maierhaba , He Lanzhen , Ma Fangru , Wei Bo , Wang Jianjiang , Zhu Quan , Yao Hong
Published: March 2024

The mechanism of the effect of MgO on the microstructure depolymerization of Zhundong coal ash under the condition of different CaO contents was studied using molecular dynamics simulation and experimental methods.
Anti‐Proliferative Activity of Poloxamer Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles against Human Prostate Cancer (DU‐145) Cells: In‐Vitro Study
Authors: Oroskhani Nazanin , Amini Seyed Mohammad , Shirvalilou Sakine , Khodaie Mehdi , Mahdavi Seyed Rabi
Published: March 2024

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer death in men. This study refers to the novel hyperthermia application of poloxamer‐coated cobalt ferrite as a new approach for thermal eradication of DU‐145 human prostate cancerous cells under a radio frequency magnetic field (RF‐MF). The hydrothermal method was applied for the synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Then, the structure, size, and morphology of nanoparticle were characterized. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles and RF‐MF exposure on DU‐145 prostate cancer cells was investigated separately or in combination with colony formation methods and MTT [3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the spherical morphology of nanoparticles with a size of 5.5 ± 2.6 nm. The temperature of cells treated with nanoparticles under RF‐MF reached 42.73 ± 0.2°C after 15 min. RF‐MF treatment or nanoparticles have not affected cell viability significantly. However, the combination of them eradicated 53% ± 4% of cancerous cells. In‐vitro hyperthermia was performed on human prostate cancer cells (DU‐145) with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles at specific concentrations that demonstrated a decrease in survival fraction based on colony formation assay compared to cells that were treated alone with nanoparticles or with RF‐MF.
Avaliação entre placas bloqueadas e placas lâmina para osteotomia varizante do fêmur proximal pelo método dos elementos finitos
Authors: Ribeiro Filho Wilisson , Wolf Eduardo Henrique Silva , Santili Claudio , Akari Miguel , Freitas Vanessa Guimarães de , Doudement Leonel Vieira
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Testar a diferença do comportamento de distribuição de cargas e pressões da placa lâmina comparativamente com a placa bloqueada para osteotomia varizante do fêmur proximal através do método de elementos finitos.

Métodos: A modelagem foi realizada através do escaneamento de um fêmur esquerdo com deformidade medial em valgo fabricado em poliuretano de tamanho médio.

Resultados: Como resultados, pode-se inferir que a rigidez da placa bloqueada é maior do que a da placa lâmina. No entanto, essa diferença não foi significativa e, além disso, a placa bloqueada possui parafusos de travamento proximal para garantir que os momentos de flexão que agem nos parafusos sejam ainda menores durante o carregamento.

Conclusão: Em síntese, ambos os materiais são consagrados e eficazes para serem utilizados, porém o estudo pelo método de elementos finitos apresenta papel importante para compreendermos a situação de distribuição de cargas e pressões do implante e abre novas possibilidades para novos estudos, como, por exemplo, o estudo da proposta cirúrgica e materiais a serem implantados de forma individual e personalizada.
Análise funcional e isocinética comparativa entre implantes com estabilização posterior e rotatórios constritos (hinge) em artroplastias do joelho
Authors: Minamoto Sandra Tie Nishibe , Mozella Alan de Paula , Cossich Victor Rodrigues Amaral , Gavilão Ubiratã Faleiro , Machado Heitor Schuabb , Barretto João Maurício
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Comparar a função e a força muscular do membro entre pacientes submetidos a artroplastias do joelho que utilizaram implantes primários com estabilização posterior (grupo controle) e pacientes com implantes constritos rotatórios (grupo Hinge).

Métodos: A avaliação da função foi feita por meio do Knee Society Score (KSS) e da força muscular por um dinamômetro isocinético utilizando a velocidade de 60°/s.

Resultados: Foram analisados 43 pacientes, que realizaram 51 cirurgias, sendo o grupo Hinge composto por 25 cirurgias e o grupo controle por 26 cirurgias primárias. Não observamos diferenças significativas entre os grupos Hinge e controle nos valores do KSS funcional (p = 0,54), KSS objetivo (p = 0,91), pico de torque flexor (p = 0,25) e pico de torque extensor (p = 0,08). Os pacientes do grupo Hinge que realizaram artroplastias primárias apresentaram um pico de torque flexor maior (0,76 Nm/kg) que aqueles que utilizaram o implante em revisão após falha séptica (0,33 Nm/kg) (p < 0,05). O implante constrito foi indicado em cirurgias de revisão de artroplastia com instabilidade ligamentar grave e em casos de artroplastias primárias complexas com destruição óssea ou deformidade coronal grave no plano coronal.

Conclusão: O uso de implantes bloqueados possibilita função articular e força muscular comparáveis a dos pacientes que realizaram artroplastia primária utilizando implantes convencionais com estabilização posterior. Pacientes submetidos à revisão séptica com prótese Hinge rotatória apresentam menor força da musculatura flexora em relação àqueles submetidos a artroplastia primária com implante constrito.
Parental emotional warmth and adolescent internet altruism behavior: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhou Song , Leng Man , Zhang Ji , Zhou Wenbo , Lian Jiahui , Yang Huaqi
Published: March 2024

As a double-edged sword, the Internet is prone to breed cyber violence and bullying on the one hand, on the other hand, it can promote the expansion of altruistic behavior in cyberspace. Exploring the mechanism of generating Internet altruistic behaviors can help improve adolescents’ adaptive development and build a harmonious online environment. In light of this, this study constructed a hypothetical model of parental emotional warmth and adolescents’ Internet altruistic behaviors with gratitude trait as the mediating variable and belief in a just world as the moderating variable, in order to investigate how personal experiences, personality, and social cognition affect the practice of Internet altruistic behavior. A total of 1004 adolescents from two middle schools in China were selected for the survey. The results showed that parental emotional warmth significantly and positively affects adolescents’ Internet altruistic behaviors, while gratitude mediated this path between the two, with the mediating effect accounting for 27.07% and 24.27% of the total effect in the model of paternal and maternal emotional warmth, respectively. Moreover, in the paternal emotional warmth model, this indirect effect was moderated by belief in a just world, and the indirect effect was stronger for adolescents with lower beliefs in a just world relative to those with higher beliefs. Relative to paternal emotional warmth, belief in a just world was not significant in moderating the indirect effects of maternal emotional warmth on Internet altruistic behavior through gratitude. This research aims to provide more empirical research on the mechanisms of adolescents’ Internet altruistic behaviors and to provide more insights into the promotion of responsible and appropriate Internet use among adolescents.
Efficacy of a capsicum extract on growth, blood parameters and intestinal bacterial population of broilers
Authors: Angkanaporn Kris , Nampimoon Thanida , Sirirut Siraphop
Published: March 2024

Context The ban on antibiotics in broiler feed has led to the need for alternative additives that can be used in poultry production, particularly in tropical climates where animals experience high levels of stress. A capsicum extract (CE), derived from chili peppers, is a potential feed additive that may enhance the performance of broiler chickens. Aims This experiment investigated the effects of CE on the growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal bacterial population of broilers raised under high stocking density in a tropical region. Methods Four hundred and thirty-two 1-day-old Ross-308 male broiler chicks were divided into six treatments, each with six replicate pens of 12 birds. The experiment followed a randomised complete-block design. Feeding was conducted for 38 days in the following three phases on the basis of breeder recommendations: starter, grower, and finisher. CE was supplemented in the feed at concentrations of 80, 160, 240, and 320 mg/kg. All feeds were pelleted to different sizes for each phase. Growth performance was assessed at the end of each phase. Blood samples were collected to determine the complete blood count (CBC) and serum growth-hormone concentration. Chicks were euthanised using CO2 inhalation, and samples from the jejunum were collected for histological analysis. The caecocolonic contents were sampled for microbiological testing. Key results CE supplementation at concentrations of 160 and 240 mg/kg improved the performance of broilers equivalent to enramycin supplementation at 250 mg/kg, with additional benefits observed in water intake when supplemented at 240 mg/kg. The slight improvement in villous height may have contributed to the enhanced growth performance. Both the lowest (80 mg/kg) and highest (320 mg/kg) supplemented concentrations of CE slightly improved broiler performance compared with the control group. The lowest dose of CE also had a beneficial effect in reducing the E. coli:Lactobacillus ratio. Conclusions It is concluded that CE supplementation may improve performance of broilers under moderate heat-stress conditions by increasing feed and water intake with an enhanced bodyweight gain. Implications A capsicum extract can be used as an antibiotic alternative in broiler production in hot tropical environments.