bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient artificial intelligence approaches for medical image processing in healthcare: comprehensive review, taxonomy, and analysis
Authors: Alnaggar Omar Abdullah Murshed Farhan , Jagadale Basavaraj N. , Saif Mufeed Ahmed Naji , Ghaleb Osamah A. M. , Ahmed Ammar A. Q. , Aqlan Hesham Abdo Ahmed , Al-Ariki Hasib Daowd Esmail
Published: July 2024

In healthcare, medical practitioners employ various imaging techniques such as CT, X-ray, PET, and MRI to diagnose patients, emphasizing the crucial need for early disease detection to enhance survival rates. Medical Image Analysis (MIA) has undergone a transformative shift with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), promising advanced diagnostics and improved healthcare outcomes. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive understanding of the efficiency metrics, computational complexities, interpretability, and scalability of AI based approaches in MIA is essential for practical feasibility in real-world healthcare environments. Existing studies exploring AI applications in MIA lack a consolidated review covering the major MIA stages and specifically focused on evaluating the efficiency of AI based approaches. The absence of a structured framework limits decision-making for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in selecting and implementing optimal AI approaches in healthcare. Furthermore, the lack of standardized evaluation metrics complicates methodology comparison, hindering the development of efficient approaches. This article addresses these challenges through a comprehensive review, taxonomy, and analysis of existing AI-based MIA approaches in healthcare. The taxonomy covers major image processing stages, classifying AI approaches for each stage based on method and further analyzing them based on image origin, objective, method, dataset, and evaluation metrics to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, comparative analysis conducted to evaluate the efficiency of AI based MIA approaches over five publically available datasets: ISIC 2018, CVC-Clinic, 2018 DSB, DRIVE, and EM in terms of accuracy, precision, Recall, F-measure, mIoU, and specificity. The popular public datasets and evaluation metrics are briefly described and analyzed. The resulting taxonomy provides a structured framework for understanding the AI landscape in healthcare, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and guiding future research efforts toward the development of efficient and scalable AI approaches to meet current healthcare needs.
Developing a machine learning-based rapid visual screening method for seismic assessment of existing buildings on a case study data from the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake
Authors: Bektaş Nurullah , Kegyes-Brassai Orsolya
Published: July 2024

Each existing building is required to be assessed before an impending severe earthquake utilizing Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) methods for its seismic safety since many buildings were constructed before seismic standards, without taking into account current regulations, and because they have a limited lifetime and safety based on how they were designed and maintained. Building damage brought on by earthquakes puts lives in danger and causes significant financial losses. Therefore, the fragility of each building needs to be determined and appropriate precautions need to be taken. RVS methods are used when assessing a large building stock since further in-depth vulnerability assessment methods are computationally expensive and costly to examine even one structure in a large building stock. RVS methods could be implemented in existing buildings in order to determine the damage potential that may occur during an impending earthquake and take necessary measures for decreasing the potential hazard. However, the reliability of conventional RVS methods is limited for accurately assessing large building stock. In this study, building inspection data acquired after the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake is used to train nine different machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree Classifier, Logistic Regression, Light Gradient Boosting Machine Classifier, eXtreme Gradient Boosting Classifier, Gradient Boosting Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, Support Vector Machines, K-Neighbors Classifier, and Cat Boost Classifier), which ultimately led to the development of a reliable RVS method. The post-earthquake building screening data was used to train, validate, and ultimately test the developed model. By incorporating advanced feature engineering techniques, highly sophisticated parameters were introduced into the developed RVS method. These parameters, including the distance to the earthquake source, fundamental structural period, and spectral acceleration, were integrated to enhance the assessment capabilities. This integration enabled the assessment of existing buildings in diverse seismically vulnerable areas. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between determining building damage states using the established RVS method and those observed after the earthquake. When comparing the developed method with the limited accuracy of conventional RVS methods reported in the literature, a test accuracy of 73% was achieved, surpassing conventional RVS methods by over 40% in accurately classifying building damage states. This emphasizes the importance of detailed data collection after an earthquake for the effective development of RVS methods.
Parametric seismic fragility model for elephant-foot buckling in unanchored steel storage tanks
Authors: Vasquez Munoz Luz Elizabeth , Dolšek Matjaž
Published: July 2024

The parametric seismic fragility model of elephant-foot buckling (EFB) in the tank wall of the unanchored storage tanks is introduced by utilizing the results of a parametric study of eighteen tank-soil configurations. The model can be used to rapidly assess the seismic vulnerability to EFB for a larger number of tanks. The parametric study involved a 1D cloud-based soil response analysis to relate the ground-motion intensity measure at the bedrock with that at the free surface, and a pushover analysis of the refined finite element model of the tank to assess the engineering demand parameter in terms of axial compressive stress in the tank wall and the critical value that triggers EFB. As a consequence, the parametric seismic fragility model can be applied to intensity measures at the bedrock, as it is demonstrated for the spectral acceleration at the tank’s impulsive period, Se,bedrock,EFB, and the peak ground acceleration, PGAbedrock,EFB. The input parameters of the introduced seismic fragility model are the harmonic average shear-wave velocity in the top 30 m of soil, Vs,30, the slenderness ratio of the tank, H/R, the ratio between radius and wall thickness of the tank, R/t, and the standard deviation of log values for the intensity measure causing EFB. The model reliably predicts the median intensity measure causing the onset of EFB in the investigated tank-soil configurations, especially when Se,bedrock,EFB is selected for the intensity measure. However, further investigation is required to enhance the accuracy of predicted intensity measures that trigger EFB by considering the dynamic impact between the base plate and the foundation during an earthquake and accounting for the complete soil-structure interaction effects.
Using Speculative Fiction to Imagine Queer Abolition Real Utopias
Authors: Charlton Kayleigh
Published: July 2024

This article uses speculative fiction as a method for exploring the potentialities of queer abolition utopias. Abolition utopias aim to strike a balance of hope and need, offering innovative alternatives to prison while also addressing the current penal and social realities of marginalised groups. Queer abolition utopias, informed by the literature in queer criminology, centres the experiences of LGBTQ + people in these innovative alternatives. This article presents 3 pieces of short speculative fiction (1) Finding Harmony House, (2) Glasgow East Community Forum, (3) Our Long weekend at Leuchars Lodge. All 3 stories centre an LGBTQ + character(s) who are facing a particular challenge or challenges in their life, and how said alternatives might play a role in their moving forward.
Plutonium isotopes can be used to model soil erosion in Kenya
Authors: Dowell Sophia , Humphrey Olivier , Isaboke Job , Barlow Thomas , Blake William , Osano Odipo , Watts Michael
Published: July 2024

Climate change poses an immediate threat to tropical soils with changes in rainfall patterns resulting in accelerated land degradation processes. To ensure the future sustainability of arable land, it is essential to improve our understanding of the factors that influence soil erosion processes. This work aimed to evaluate patterns of soil erosion using the activity of plutonium isotopes (Pu) at sites with different land use and clearance scale in the Winam Gulf catchment of Lake Victoria in Kenya. Erosion rates were modelled at potential erosive sites using the MODERN model to understand small-scale erosion processes and the effect of different management practices. The lowest soil redistribution rates for arable land were 0.10 Mg ha−1 yr−1 showing overall deposition, resulting from community-led bottom-up mitigation practices. In contrast erosion rates of 8.93 Mg ha−1 yr−1 were found in areas where steep terraces have been formed. This demonstrates the significance of community-led participation in effectively managing land degradation processes. Another key factor identified in the acceleration of soil erosion rates was the clearance of land with an increased rate of erosion over three years reported (0.45 to 0.82 Mg ha−1 yr−1) underlining the importance vegetation cover plays in limiting soil erosion processes. This novel application of fallout plutonium as a tracer, highlights its potential to inform the understanding of how soil erosion processes respond to land management, which will better support implementation of effective mitigation strategies.

Graphical abstract

Modelling of soil erosion and deposition patterns using the MODERN model to calculate the depth of soil loss/gain.
Controlling exposure to As and Cd from rice via irrigation management
Authors: Limmer Matt A. , Seyfferth Angelia L.
Published: July 2024

Irrigation management controls biogeochemical cycles in rice production. Under flooded paddy conditions, arsenic becomes plant-available as iron-reducing conditions ensue, while oxic conditions lead to increased plant availability of Cd in acidic soils. Because Cd enters rice through Mn transporters, we hypothesized that irrigation resulting in intermediate redox could simultaneously limit both As and Cd in rice grain due to As retention in soil and Mn competition for Cd uptake. In a 2 year field study, we used 6 irrigation managements that varied in extent and frequency of inundation, and we observed strong effects of irrigation management on porewater chemistry, soil redox potentials, plant As and Cd concentrations, plant nutrient concentrations, and methane emissions. Plant As decreased with drier irrigation management, but in the grain this effect was stronger for organic As than for inorganic As. Grain organic As, but not inorganic As, was strongly and positively correlated with cumulative methane emissions. Conversely, plant Cd increased under more aerobic irrigation management and grain Cd was negatively correlated with porewater Mn. A hazard index approach showed that in the tested soil with low levels of As and Cd (5.4 and 0.072 mg/kg, respectively), irrigation management could not simultaneously decrease grain As and Cd. Many soil properties, such as reducible As, available Cd, soil pH, available S, and soil organic matter should be considered when attempting to optimize irrigation management when the goal is decreasing the risk of As and Cd in rice grain.
Trends and Variability in Earth’s Energy Imbalance and Ocean Heat Uptake Since 2005
Authors: Hakuba Maria Z. , Fourest Sébastien , Boyer Tim , Meyssignac Benoit , Carton James A. , Forget Gaël , Cheng Lijing , Giglio Donata , Johnson Gregory C. , Kato Seiji , Killick Rachel E. , Kolodziejczyk Nicolas , Kuusela Mikael , Landerer Felix , Llovel William , Locarnini Ricardo , Loeb Norman , Lyman John M. , Mishonov Alexey , Pilewskie Peter , Reagan James , Storto Andrea , Sukianto Thea , von Schuckmann Karina
Published: July 2024

Earth’s energy imbalance (EEI) is a fundamental metric of global Earth system change, quantifying the cumulative impact of natural and anthropogenic radiative forcings and feedback. To date, the most precise measurements of EEI change are obtained through radiometric observations at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), while the quantification of EEI absolute magnitude is facilitated through heat inventory analysis, where ~ 90% of heat uptake manifests as an increase in ocean heat content (OHC). Various international groups provide OHC datasets derived from in situ and satellite observations, as well as from reanalyses ingesting many available observations. The WCRP formed the GEWEX-EEI Assessment Working Group to better understand discrepancies, uncertainties and reconcile current knowledge of EEI magnitude, variability and trends. Here, 21 OHC datasets and ocean heat uptake (OHU) rates are intercompared, providing OHU estimates ranging between 0.40 ± 0.12 and 0.96 ± 0.08 W m−2 (2005–2019), a spread that is slightly reduced when unequal ocean sampling is accounted for, and that is largely attributable to differing source data, mapping methods and quality control procedures. The rate of increase in OHU varies substantially between − 0.03 ± 0.13 (reanalysis product) and 1.1 ± 0.6 W m−2 dec−1 (satellite product). Products that either more regularly observe (satellites) or fill in situ data-sparse regions based on additional physical knowledge (some reanalysis and hybrid products) tend to track radiometric EEI variability better than purely in situ-based OHC products. This paper also examines zonal trends in TOA radiative fluxes and the impact of data gaps on trend estimates. The GEWEX-EEI community aims to refine their assessment studies, to forge a path toward best practices, e.g., in uncertainty quantification, and to formulate recommendations for future activities.
Provincializing Nature: A Phenomenological Account of Descola’s Relative Universalism
Authors: Barroso Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Anthropologists have recently argued that the divide between nature and culture is not a universal framework suitable for understanding collective behavior but rather a local variation among various ways of composing the experience of the world. Notably, in the case of Philippe Descola’s anthropology, this critique led to a radical reconceptualization of social sciences and the humanities in terms of ontological regimes, which draws upon key aspects of the phenomenological tradition. In this paper, I develop a phenomenological perspective on Descola’s anthropology to clarify whether and how we can assess our engagement with the world beyond the divide between nature and culture. The paper is divided into three sections. In the first section, I present the main claims of Descola’s position, which he calls “relative universalism,” and introduce two critiques of this project: the potential conflation between his ontological framework and aspects of modern naturalism and the risk of reifying cultural determinations as ontological properties. In the second section, I address the first critique by showing how the universalist claim of Descola’s anthropology, according to which collective experience is organized by the duality of planes of physicality and interiority, can be elucidated through Husserl’s account of the embodied experience to avoid a conflation with the naturalist framework. Finally, I contend that anthropology’s idea of a diversity of ontological regimes can be made coherent by analyzing the two layers of the world constitution: the primordial experience of the lived body and the intersubjective process of communalization.
Back from the underworld: the exploitation of spring habitats by stygobiont species
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Zampieri Veronica , Pacinotti Giulia , Cassarino Filippomaria , Galbiati Matteo , Lapadula Stefano , Gajdošová Magdalena , Messina Valeria , Balestra Valentina , Falaschi Mattia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Barzaghi Benedetta
Published: July 2024

Stygobionts, namely animals with strong adaptations to subterranean environments that are unable to complete their life cycles outside groundwater, can be observed in spring ecotones, but their occurrence is generally considered accidental. The aim of this paper is to assess if stygobiont occurrence in springs is linked to specific environmental conditions or if it is random, irrespective of their features. For three years, we surveyed 59 spring sites recording the occurrence of vertebrate and invertebrate stygobiont species and assessing if spring features were related to their distribution. Moreover, we recorded the escape reactions of two easily identifiable stygobiont species. We detected six taxa usually considered as strictly stygobiont based on their troglomorphic features. Two of them were quite widespread: the salamander Proteus anguinus and the shrimp Troglocaris planinensis. Environmental characteristics were significantly related to the distribution of stygobionts. Hydroperiod and occurrence of flooding were the factors that played the strongest role in affecting occurrence. Our study suggests that the occurrence of stygobionts in springs is linked to specific habitat features rather than being a random mechanism and that the exploitation of ecotones can be important for the lifecycle of some species usually assumed to be strictly associated to caves.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Pricing End-of-Life Remanufactured Laptops
Authors: Turkolmez Gokce Baysal , El Hathat Zakaria , Subramanian Nachiappan , Kuppusamy Saravanan , Sreedharan V. Raja
Published: July 2024

Due to the growing volume of e-waste in the world and its environmental impact, it is important to understand how to extend the useful life of electronic items. In this paper, we examine the remanufacturing process of end-of-life laptops for third-party remanufacturers and consider their pricing problem, which involves issues like a lack of reliable datasets, fluctuating costs of new components, and difficulties in benchmarking laptop prices, to name a few. We develop a unique approach that uses machine learning algorithms to help price remanufactured laptops. Our methodology involves a variety of techniques, which include an additive model, CART analysis, Random Forest, and Polynomial Regression. We consider depreciation and discount factors to account for the varying ages and conditions of laptops when estimating remanufactured laptop prices. Finally, we also compare our estimated prices to traditional prices. In summary, we leverage data-driven decision-making and develop a robust methodology for pricing remanufactured laptops to extend their lifespan.
TiO2/ZnO-based composite thin films coated on FTO surface by screen printing method: increasing dye-sensitized solar cell performance
Authors: Demir Abdullah , Aslan Fehmi , Esen Hikmet
Published: July 2024

This study examined the impact of hydrothermally synthesized TiO2:ZnO composite-based nanopowders on the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Pure TiO2, 3TiO2:1ZnO, 1TiO2:1ZnO, 1TiO2:3ZnO, and pure ZnO thin films were coated on the conductive glass surface by the screen printing method. XRD and SEM were used to examine the thin film’s surface photographs and crystal structure, respectively. XRD analyses confirmed the formation of targeted crystal phases in the structure. It was understood from SEM studies that the TiO2:ZnO composite structure was formed successfully. I-V characterization results showed that the cell combined with the composite 3TiO2:1ZnO electrode had the highest power conversion efficiency (9.9%). In addition, it was determined from EIS analysis that interfacial charge transfer occurred more efficiently in cells with high TiO2 ratio.
Design and characterization of electroactive gelatin methacrylate hydrogel incorporated with gold nanoparticles empowered with parahydroxybenzaldehyde and curcumin for advanced tissue engineering applications
Authors: Barabadi Zahra , Bahmani Asrin , Jalalimonfared Marzieh , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Rashtbar Morteza , Sharifi Esmaeel , Tian Haili
Published: July 2024

Electroconductive polymers are the materials of interest for the fabrication of electro-conductive tissues. Metal ions through the redox systems offer polymers with electrical conductivity. In this study, we processed a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) network with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) through a redox system with parahydroxybenzaldehyde (PHB) or curcumin to enhance its electrical conductivity. Induction of the redox system with both PHB and curcumin into the GelMA, introduced some new functional groups into the polymeric network, as it has been confirmed by H-NMR and FTIR. These new bonds resulted in higher electro-conductivity when GNPs were added to the polymer. Higher electroactivity was achieved by PHB compared to the curcumin-induced redox system, and the addition of GNPs without redox system induction showed the lowest electroactivity. MTT was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the resultant polymers, and the PHB-treated hydrogels showed higher proliferative effects on the cells. The findings of this study suggest that the introduction of a redox system by PHB in the GelMA network along with GNPs can contribute to the electrochemical properties of the material. This electroactivity can be advantageous for tissue engineering of electro-conductive tissues like cardiac and nervous tissues.

Graphical Abstract
Exclusive Characteristics of the p.E555K Dominant-Negative Variant in Autosomal Dominant E47 Deficiency
Authors: Utsumi Takanori , Tsumura Miyuki , Yashiro Masato , Kato Zenichiro , Noma Kosuke , Sakura Fumiaki , Kagawa Reiko , Mizoguchi Yoko , Karakawa Shuhei , Ohnishi Hidenori , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Arkwright Peter D. , Kobayashi Masao , Kanegane Hirokazu , Bogunovic Dusan , Boisson Bertrand , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Asano Takaki , Okada Satoshi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Transcription factor 3 (TCF3) encodes 2 transcription factors generated by alternative splicing, E12 and E47, which contribute to early lymphocyte differentiation. In humans, autosomal dominant (AD) E47 transcription factor deficiency is an inborn error of immunity characterized by B-cell deficiency and agammaglobulinemia. Only the recurrent de novo p.E555K pathogenic variant has been associated with this disease and acts via a dominant-negative (DN) mechanism. In this study, we describe the first Asian patient with agammaglobulinemia caused by the TCF3 p.E555K variant and provide insights into the structure and function of this variant.

Methods

TCF3 variant was identified by inborn errors of immunity-related gene panel sequencing. The variant E555K was characterized by alanine scanning of the E47 basic region and comprehensive mutational analysis focused on position 555.

Results

The patient was a 25-year-old male with B-cell deficiency, agammaglobulinemia, and mild facial dysmorphic features. We confirmed the diagnosis of AD E47 transcription factor deficiency by identifying a heterozygous missense variant, c.1663 G>A; p.E555K, in TCF3. Alanine scanning of the E47 basic region revealed the structural importance of position 555. Comprehensive mutational analysis focused on position 555 showed that only the glutamate-to-lysine substitution had a strong DN effect. 3D modeling demonstrated that this variant not only abolished hydrogen bonds involved in protein‒DNA interactions, but also inverted the charge on the surface of the E47 protein.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the causative mutation hotspot in the TCF3 DN variant and highlights the weak negative selection associated with the TCF3 gene.
Shaping Baltimore’s urban forests: past insights for present-day ecology
Authors: Sonti Nancy F. , Baker Matthew E. , Lagrosa John J. , Allman Michael , Grove J. Morgan , Katoski Michelle P.
Published: July 2024

Context

Land use history of urban forests impacts present-day soil structure, vegetation, and ecosystem function, yet is rarely documented in a way accessible to planners and land managers.

Objectives

To (1) summarize historical land cover of present-day forest patches in Baltimore, MD, USA across land ownership categories and (2) determine whether social-ecological characteristics vary by historical land cover trajectory.

Methods

Using land cover classification derived from 1927 and 1953 aerial imagery, we summarized present-day forest cover by three land cover sequence classes: (1) Persistent forest that has remained forested since 1927, (2) Successional forest previously cleared for non-forest vegetation (including agriculture) that has since reforested, or (3) Converted forest that has regrown on previously developed areas. We then assessed present-day ownership and average canopy height of forest patches by land cover sequence class.

Results

More than half of Baltimore City’s forest has persisted since at least 1927, 72% since 1953. About 30% has succeeded from non-forest vegetation during the past century, while 15% has reverted from previous development. A large proportion of forest converted from previous development is currently privately owned, whereas persistent and successional forest are more likely municipally-owned. Successional forest occurred on larger average parcels with the fewest number of distinct property owners per patch. Average tree canopy height was significantly greater in patches of persistent forest (mean = 18.1 m) compared to canopy height in successional and converted forest patches (16.6 m and 16.9 m, respectively).

Conclusions

Historical context is often absent from urban landscape ecology but provides information that can inform management approaches and conservation priorities with limited resources for sustaining urban natural resources. Using historical landscape analysis, urban forest patches could be further prioritized for protection by their age class and associated ecosystem characteristics.
Qutrit representation of quantum images: new quantum ternary circuit design
Authors: Taheri Monfared Asma , Ciriani Valentina , Haghparast Majid
Published: July 2024

Quantum computation is growing in significance and proving to be a powerful tool in meeting the high real-time computational demands of classical digital image processing. However, extensive research has been done on quantum image processing, mainly rooted in binary quantum systems. In this paper, we propose a new quantum ternary image circuit based on the analysis of the existing qutrit representation of quantum images. The proposed design utilizes ternary shift gates and ternary Muthukrishnan–Stroud gates, with the belief that this circuit can be used for ternary quantum image processing. This study makes a significant improvement compared to the existing counterpart in terms of quantum cost, the number of constant inputs, and garbage outputs, which are all essential parameters in quantum circuit design.
Atmospheric Helium Abundances in the Giant Planets
Authors: Nettelmann Nadine , Cano Amoros Marina , Tosi Nicola , Helled Ravit , Fortney Jonathan J.
Published: July 2024

Noble gases are accreted to the giant planets as part of the gas component of the planet-forming disk. While heavier noble gases can separate from the evolution of the hydrogen-rich gas, helium is thought to remain at the protosolar H/He ratio $Y_{\mathrm{proto}}\sim 0.27$

Y
proto

∼
0.27
–0.28. However, spacecraft observations revealed a depletion in helium in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. For the gas giants, this is commonly seen as indication of H/He phase separation at greater depths. Here, we apply predictions of the H/He phase diagram and three H/He-EOS to compute the atmospheric helium mass abundance $Y_{\mathrm{atm}}$

Y
atm

as a result of H/He phase separation. We obtain a strong depletion $Y_{\mathrm{atm}}<0.1$

Y
atm

<
0.1
for the ice giants if they are adiabatic. Introducing a thermal boundary layer at the Z-poor/Z-rich compositional transition with a temperature increase of up to a few 1000 K, we obtain a weak depletion in Uranus as observed. Our results suggest dissimilar internal structures between Uranus and Neptune. An accurate in-situ determination of their atmospheric He/H ratio would help to constrain their internal structures. This is even more true for Saturn, where we find that any considered H/He phase diagram and H/He-EOS would be consistent with any observed value. However, some H/He-EOS and phase diagram combinations applied to both Jupiter and Saturn require an outer stably-stratified layer at least in one of them.
Bacterial microcompartment-mimicking Pickering emulsion droplets for detoxification of chemical threats under sweet conditions
Authors: Xu Xiao , Xie Wenqi , Wu Ting , Chen Chen , Chen Xiaoning , Yang Yuheng , Lian Hao , Chen Hao , Cheng Xiaofeng , Chen Zhitong , Chen Guojun , Liu Chaoqun , Chen Lanlan , He Yu , Chen Zhaowei , Binks Bernard P. , Yang Huanghao
Published: July 2024

Chemical warfare agents represent a severe threat to mankind and their efficient decontamination is a global necessity. However, traditional disposal strategies have limitations, including high energy consumption, use of aggressive reagents and generation of toxic byproducts. Here, inspired by the compartmentalized architecture and detoxification mechanism of bacterial micro-compartments, we constructed oil-in-water Pickering emulsion droplets stabilized by hydrogen-bonded organic framework immobilized cascade enzymes for decontaminating mustard gas simulant (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, CEES) under sweet conditions. Two exemplified droplet systems were developed with two-enzyme (glucose oxidase/chloroperoxidase) and three-enzyme (invertase/glucose oxidase/chloroperoxidase) cascades, both achieving over 6-fold enhancement in decontamination efficiency compared with free enzymes and >99% selectivity towards non-toxic sulfoxide. We found that the favored mass transfer of sugars and CEES from their respective phases to approach the cascade enzymes located at the droplet surface and the facilitated substrate channeling between proximally immobilized enzymes were key factors in augmenting the decontamination efficacy. More importantly, the robustness of immobilized enzymes enabled easy reproduction of both the droplet formation and detoxification performance over 10 cycles, following long-term storage and in far-field locations.
Gun Violence Exposure and Quality of Life in Nine US States
Authors: Paruk Jennifer , Semenza Daniel
Published: July 2024

Direct and indirect gun violence exposure (GVE) is associated with a broad range of detrimental health effects. However, much of this research has examined the effects of a single type of GVE (e.g., being shot) on discrete outcomes (e.g., daily pain, PTSD). Since people may experience numerous types of GVE (e.g., being threatened with a gun and hearing gunshots in their neighborhood) with broad effects on their well-being, we study the association between four types of direct and indirect GVE and five aspects of quality of life (overall, physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Using a representative sample of adults from nine states (N = 7455), we find that witnessing/hearing about a shooting in one’s neighborhood was the most commonly experienced GVE associated with significant decreases in all five types of quality of life. Cumulative GVE was also associated with significant decreases in overall physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life. For example, individuals with four GVEs had an adjusted average physical quality of life that was 11.14 points lower and environmental quality of life that was 7.18 points lower than individuals with no GVE. Decreasing gun violence is a critical component of improving community health and well-being.
Advancing the Moral legitimacy of digital platforms as gatekeepers: a critical analysis from a political corporate social responsibility perspective
Authors: Gilbert Dirk Ulrich , Schrage Stephanie , Behnam Michael
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on digital platforms, such as Google or Meta, that function as “gatekeepers” that dominate their respective markets. They face serious moral legitimacy issues, due to their power to act as private rule-makers in underregulated digital spheres. Such legitimacy issues have remained underexplored thus far, as have gatekeepers’ options for addressing them. Yet moral legitimacy represents a vital resource for organizations, as a justification of their essential right to exist. Drawing on recent advances in political corporate social responsibility theory, this study offers a systematic conceptualization of how gatekeepers can exhibit ethical responsibility in their efforts to gain, maintain, and sustain their moral legitimacy. This systematic conceptualization encompasses different agreement-seeking procedures, online deliberation, a hybrid governance approach that combines regulation and self-regulation, and the provision of public goods.
NUS so fast: the social and ecological implications of a rapidly developing indigenous food economy in the Cape Town area
Authors: Willis Jenny , Losch Bruno , Pereira Laura M.
Published: July 2024

The modern global food system is highly unsustainable, shaped by industrialisation and corporate consolidation, with negative repercussions on the environment and biodiversity as well as human health. This paper looks at the burgeoning economy in neglected and underutilised species (NUS) in the Western Cape, South Africa, as a potential innovation that could make the local food system more socially and ecologically resilient. Although, at present, NUS are only marginally included in the local food system and policy discussions, NUS increasingly appear in the high-end food industry, driven by international gastronomic trends. These species hold potential as climate resilient, nutritionally dense, and socially and culturally significant foods in the region, but they also carry ecological and social risks. We critically examine the fledgling NUS economy in the Cape Town area to unpack the motivations and challenges associated with the potentially transformative inclusion of these foods into the local food system. We demonstrate that the main risks associated with NUS are negative ecological repercussions, privatisation of the NUS economy, and the reproduction and further entrenchment of unequal power and race dynamics in the region. To mitigate these risks and actualise the related benefits associated with NUS, engagement with the ecological, social, and political context of NUS needs to be significantly deepened. This is particularly true for those working in the high-end food industry, who appear to be driving the NUS economy, and will require education around sustainability and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), as well as a foregrounding awareness of power dynamics.
Visiting mine reclamation: How field experience shapes perceptions of mining
Authors: Svobodova Kamila , Barták Vojtěch , Hendrychová Markéta
Published: July 2024

Recognizing the prevailing negative public opinion on mining, it is important to understand how firsthand encounters with mining activities might influence these perceptions. This study investigates how field trips to open pit coal mines and their reclamation sites in the Czech Republic affected the attitudes of 148 university students toward mining and mine reclamation. Using pre and post trip questionnaires, we observed significant changes: Students became less neutral about mining, saw it as a temporary disruptive activity, expressed reduced concern for social conflicts in mining areas, and showed increased support for the ecological restoration of post mining sites. These findings underscore the transformative impact of direct engagement with mine reclamation activities on shaping attitudes. Understanding these effects offers promise for positively shifting public perceptions of mining practices, emphasizing the potential for constructive changes in attitudes through field experiences with reclamation efforts in the Global North.
Vagus nerve size determined via ultrasonography is associated with white matter lesions in patients with vascular risk factors
Authors: Nezu Tomohisa , Eto Futoshi , Hironaka Akemi , Aoki Shiro , Neshige Shuichiro , Tasaka Saki , Kirimoto Hikari , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the cervical vagus nerve (VN), as assessed through ultrasonography, might be linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Hypertension is the primary factor associated with cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs), but there is also evidence of a connection with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, the associations between WMLs and VN size are unclear. Our objective was to investigate the associations between WMLs and VN size in patients with vascular risk factors.

Methods

The CSA of the VN was evaluated using carotid ultrasonography in patients with a history of stroke (acute or chronic) and comorbidities (n = 196, 70.2 ± 12.7 years). Common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness and interadventitial diameter (IAD) were also measured. The severity of the WMLs was assessed by the Fazekas classification and Scheltens’ scale.

Results

The CSA of the right VN (2.08 ± 0.65 mm2) was significantly greater than that of the CSA of the left VN (1.56 ± 0.44 mm2) (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that older age, hypertension, increased right CCA IAD, and decreased CSA of the right VN (standardized partial regression coefficient [β] − 0.226; P < 0.001) were independently associated with the severity of WMLs (Scheltens’ scale). A decreased CSA of the left VN was also associated with the severity of WMLs (β = − 0.239; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

VN size determined via ultrasonography was associated with the severity of WMLs. While these findings do not establish a causal relationship, they suggest that autonomic nervous system dysfunction is involved in the progression of WMLs.
Boosting High-Voltage Practical Lithium Metal Batteries with Tailored Additives
Authors: You Jinhai , Wang Qiong , Wei Runhong , Deng Li , Hu Yiyang , Niu Li , Wang Jingkai , Zheng Xiaomei , Li Junwei , Zhou Yao , Li Jun-Tao
Published: July 2024

The lithium (Li) metal anode is widely regarded as an ideal anode material for high-energy-density batteries. However, uncontrolled Li dendrite growth often leads to unfavorable interfaces and low Coulombic efficiency (CE), limiting its broader application. Herein, an ether-based electrolyte (termed FGN-182) is formulated, exhibiting ultra-stable Li metal anodes through the incorporation of LiFSI and LiNO3 as dual salts. The synergistic effect of the dual salts facilitates the formation of a highly robust SEI film with fast Li+ transport kinetics. Notably, Li||Cu half cells exhibit an average CE reaching up to 99.56%. In particular, pouch cells equipped with high-loading lithium cobalt oxide (LCO, 3 mAh cm−2) cathodes, ultrathin Li chips (25 μm), and lean electrolytes (5 g Ah−1) demonstrate outstanding cycling performance, retaining 80% capacity after 125 cycles. To address the gas issue in the cathode under high voltage, cathode additives 1,3,6-tricyanohexane is incorporated with FGN-182; the resulting high-voltage LCO||Li (4.4 V) pouch cells can cycle steadily over 93 cycles. This study demonstrates that, even with the use of ether-based electrolytes, it is possible to simultaneously achieve significant improvements in both high Li utilization and electrolyte tolerance to high voltage by exploring appropriate functional additives for both the cathode and anode.
Scale effect of rock discontinuity considering all morphological information
Authors: Tian Yongchao , Liu He , Liu Quansheng , Tang Zhicheng , Liu Yong , Zhang Jun , Guo Jiaqi , Huang Xin
Published: July 2024

Having an accurate understanding of the scale effect of surface morphology characteristics is crucial to examining the mechanical behavior of rock structural plane. At present, the quantification and sampling methods of surface morphology show diversity, which is the potential reason for the inconsistent research conclusions on scale effect. Firstly, based on mathematical statistics and correlation analysis, the most representative parameter is proposed from hundreds of morphological parameters. Then, the previous scale effect sampling methods are analyzed. In order to ensure that the selected samples are representative, a novel sampling method, considering all morphological information, is proposed. By means of the novel quantification and sampling methods, the size effect characteristics are systematically analyzed. Under the conditions of different rock types, shear directions and sampling locations, etc., discontinuity roughness does not change significantly with sampling scale. As sampling scale increases, the distribution range of representative samples is gradually concentrated, the total amount decreases, and the proportion increases. However, the distribution of representative samples on the initial structural plane does not show obvious regularity. These findings would provide theoretical support for the deformation control and stability analysis of rock mass in engineering.
Asymptotic Stability of Two-Dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic System Near the Couette Flow in a Finite Channel
Authors: Luo Fengjie , Li Limei , Ma Liangliang
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we consider the asymptotic stability of the incompressible two-dimensional(2D) magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) system near the Couette flow at high Reynolds number and high magnetic Reynolds number in a finite channel

$$\Omega =\mathbb {T}\times [-1,1]$$

Ω
=
T
×
[
-
1
,
1
]

. We extend the results of the Navier–Stokes equations (for the previous results see[10]) to the MHD system. We prove that if the initial velocity

$$V_{in}$$

V

in

and the initial magnetic field

$$B_{in}$$

B

in

satisfy

$$\Vert \left( V_{in}-(y,0), B_{in}-(1,0)\right) \Vert _{H_{x,y}^{2}}\le \epsilon \text {min}\{\nu ,\mu \}^\frac{1}{2}$$

‖

V

in

-

(
y
,
0
)

,

B

in

-

(
1
,
0
)

‖

H

x
,
y

2

≤
ϵ
min

{
ν
,
μ
}

1
2

for some small

$$\epsilon$$

ϵ

independent of

$$\nu ,\mu$$

ν
,
μ

, then the solution of the system remains within

$$\mathcal{O}(\text {min}\{\nu ,\mu \}^\frac{1}{2})$$

O
(
min

{
ν
,
μ
}

1
2

)

of Couette flow, and close to Couette flow as

$$t\rightarrow \infty$$

t
→
∞

; the magnetic field remains within

$$\mathcal{O}(\text {min}\{\nu ,\mu \}^\frac{1}{2})$$

O
(
min

{
ν
,
μ
}

1
2

)

of the (1, 0), and close to (1, 0) as

$$t\rightarrow \infty$$

t
→
∞

.
Developing a framework for integrating STEM approach at primary education of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Tamanna , Farhana Zeba , Hoque Sameul , Al-Amin Md.
Published: July 2024

STEM (Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology) education has widely been considered to have the potential to prepare students with 21st-century skills. Though the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is concerned with developing human resources for the 21st-century, STEM education has not yet achieved a strong position in the national curriculum system. This study aims to provide a guideline to the GoB to take necessary steps to integrate STEM initiatives aligned with the current science and mathematics curriculum. Adopting a literature survey on the integrated STEM approach, document analysis (primary math and science curriculum, textbook, and teachers’ guide of grade 3, 4, and 5) and semi-structured interviews of the primary mathematics teachers, head teachers, STEM experts and curriculum developers of Bangladesh, a framework of integrated STEM approach for primary level has been developed. Besides, the study identified some chapters from science and mathematics textbooks where there are some scopes to integrate the STEM approach and also developed some STEM activities for grade 3, 4, and 5 as future guidelines to the practitioners. This study contributes to the field of STEM-focused primary education in the context of Bangladesh by offering practical guidelines for academic institutions, curriculum developers, teachers’ trainers, and policy makers of the country.
Artificial intelligence applications to genomic data in cancer research: a review of recent trends and emerging areas
Authors: Frasca Maria , La Torre Davide , Repetto Marco , De Nicolò Valentina , Pravettoni Gabriella , Cutica Ilaria
Published: July 2024

This review focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and genomic data in cancer research. It explores the types of genomic data used in the literature, the methodologies of machine learning and deep learning, recent applications, and the challenges associated with this field. Through an analysis of 47,586 articles and addressing seven research questions, the study reveals significant growth in this area over the past years. While there has been remarkable progress, ongoing attention is needed to address ethical considerations, interpretability of algorithms, and potential data biases, to ensure the reliable and responsible use of these advanced technologies. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape, offering insights into both the potential and challenges of AI in genomic data research.
Marguerite de Navarre
Authors: Butterworth Emily
Published: July 2024

A new exploration of the complexities and resolutions at play in the writings of Marguerite de Navarre, offering insights into how her work reflected the turbulence, uncertainties, and assurances of her historical period.
Optimal risk sharing for lambda value-at-risk
Authors: Xia Zichao , Hu Taizhong
Published: July 2024

A new risk measure, the Lambda Value-at-Risk (VaR), was proposed from a theoretical point of view as a generalization of the ordinary VaR in the literature. Motivated by the recent developments in risk sharing problems for the VaR and other risk measures, we study the optimization of risk sharing for the Lambda VaR. Explicit formulas of the inf-convolution and sum-optimal allocations are obtained with respect to the left Lambda VaRs, the right Lambda VaRs, or a mixed collection of the left and right Lambda VaRs. The inf-convolution of Lambda VaRs constrained to comonotonic allocations is investigated. Explicit formula for worst-case Lambda VaRs under model uncertainty induced by likelihood ratios is also given.
Onset of convection cells in a horizontally rotating cylinder partially filled with liquid
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Eguchi Kento , Goto Susumu
Published: July 2024

We investigate flow of liquid which is partially filled in a cylindrical container horizontally rotating about its axis of symmetry. Even if the rotation is slow enough to keep the liquid–gas interface almost undeformed, convection cells whose circulation axis is perpendicular to the container's rotational axis can be sustained. We conduct experiments by particle image velocimetry and direct numerical simulations with the S-CLSVOF and immersed boundary methods to reveal the condition of the Reynolds number, the aspect ratio of the container and the filling ratio of liquid for the onset of these convection cells. When the filling ratio is not too large, as the Reynolds number increases, convection cells appear through a pitchfork bifurcation in an infinitely long cylinder. This bifurcation becomes imperfect in the case of a finite-length cylinder. In contrast, when the filling ratio is large enough, convection cells appear through a subcritical bifurcation. Through these investigations, it becomes evident that the axial wavelength of sustained convection cells is an increasing function of the filling ratio in an infinitely long cylinder. In practice, to sustain intense convection cells, we should use a cylinder with the length equal to an integer multiple of the wavelength of the most unstable mode in the infinite-length cylinder. Although we focus on the liquid-pool regime with small Froude numbers, the critical Reynolds number for the pitchfork bifurcation weakly depends on the Froude number. This dependence is explained by considering the changes in the effective filling ratio and the convection velocity.