bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Sinonasal Anatomic Variants in Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sunyecz Ian , Hunt Connor , Ramadan Hassan H. , Makary Chadi A.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Prior studies evaluating the role of sinonasal anatomic variants with recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) are limited by inconsistent results. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association between sinonasal anatomic variants and RARS.

Methods

A 1:2 retrospective case–control study was conducted using patients presenting to the rhinology clinic from August 2020 to January 2023. A total of 60 patients with RARS were compared to 120 control patients. RARS was diagnosed based on the International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology criteria of four or more independent episodes of acute rhinosinusitis per year with at least one episode documented by objective findings, with complete resolution of the infection in‐between episodes. Sinonasal anatomic variants included nasal septal deviation (NSD), concha bullosa (CB), infraorbital (Haller) cells, nasal septal spur in the middle meatus, and frontal sinus cells (supra‐agger, supra‐agger frontal, and suprabullar frontal cells).

Results

Age was similar in RARS and control patients (47.4 ± 16.5 vs. 49.3 ± 14.5, p = 0.432). Both the RARS group and control group were more likely to be female (78.3% vs. 77.5%, p = 0.899). There was no significant association between NSD and RARS compared to the control group (OR = 0.97, p = 0.916), and no significant association between any of the anatomic variants and RARS [infraorbital cells (OR = 0.64, p = 0.167), CB (OR = 0.84, p = 0.596), spur in the middle meatus (OR = 1.28, p = 0.514), supra‐agger (OR = 0.88, p = 0.708), supra‐agger frontal cells (OR = 0.97, p = 0.939), or suprabullar frontal cells (OR = 1.13, p = 0.766)].

Conclusion

Our findings suggest no association between nasal septal deviation or any of the anatomic variants studied and RARS.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3489–3492, 2024
Using automated analysis of the bibliography to detect potential research integrity issues
Authors: Dunford Robin , Rosenblum Bruce , Izzo Hunter Sylvia
Published: March 2024

Key points

Efforts to assess research integrity in scholarly publications tend to focus on the front matter (e.g., fake authors) and the article body (e.g., data falsification, image manipulation, plagiarism).

Automated analysis of the bibliography may surface fingerprints pointing to research integrity issues.

Tools exist that can be used at all workflow stages, from manuscript submission through production, to detect citations of retracted articles and articles published by predatory publishers.

Validation of bibliographic references against trusted databases can be used to help detect fake or chimeric references generated by artificial intelligence applications.
Shellfish aquaculture farms as foraging habitat for nearshore fishes and crabs
Authors: Veggerby Karl B. , Scheuerell Mark D. , Sanderson Beth L. , Kiffney Peter M. , Ferriss Bridget E.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Oyster reefs across North America have declined precipitously over the past 140 years. In Washington State, Olympia oyster Ostrea lurida reefs historically provided water filtration and nearshore structural habitat for fishes and invertebrates, but this species is now functionally extinct across its historical range. In place of these naturally occurring reefs, shellfish farms consisting mainly of nonnative Pacific oysters Magallana gigas now occupy patches of nearshore habitat across Washington. These farms modify intertidal substrate by adding structural habitat via suspended oyster grow bags, predator exclusion nets, loose oyster beds, and other shellfish grow-out gear. As interest and investment in shellfish aquaculture have expanded both locally and globally, so has interest in how these farms modify intertidal habitat and whether the complex structure created by the shellfish and shellfish growing gear provides ecosystem services that are comparable to those of unfarmed areas, such as mudflats and eelgrass meadows.

Methods

In this study, we sought to quantify how shellfish farms are used as foraging habitat for several common nearshore species of fish and crabs in Puget Sound, Washington. We used direct observations of species-specific behaviors from underwater video to model how habitat type affected observed foraging rates.

Result

We obtained a total of 393 crab observations, 431 demersal fish observations, and 1856 pelagic fish observations across all seven farm sites. Several common species of pelagic fish (e.g., surfperch [Embiotocidae]) used aquaculture-growing gear more frequently than unfarmed areas as foraging habitat, but Metacarcinus spp. crabs displayed higher foraging frequency in unfarmed mudflats. Species groups such as sculpins (Cottidae) and small flatfish (Pleuronectidae) clearly used specific aquaculture-growing gear and mudflats in roughly equal proportion.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that shellfish farms within a larger nearshore habitat mosaic of eelgrass meadows, mudflats, bivalve aquaculture gear, and edge habitat can provide foraging habitat for several species of nearshore fish.
Corporate financialisation, market attention and analyst tracking
Authors: Pu Hongjing , Zhang Mengyun
Published: March 2024

As an effective external governance factor, the effectiveness of analysts' governance and tracking options has been one of the most important topics of research. In recent years, there has been an influx of capital from real companies into finance, real estate and other industries related to the virtual economy, which has a significant impact on the financial position of companies and can also affect analysts' tracking choices. This paper takes A‐share listed companies from 2010 to 2021 as the research object and finds that as the financialisation of enterprises deepens, the number of analysts' tracking decreases; however, with the increase of market attention, the negative impact of the financialisation of enterprises on analysts' tracking will be weakened. Further research shows that, first, financial risk plays a mediating role between corporate financialisation and analyst tracking, in that corporate financialisation increases financial risk, which in turn leads to a decrease in the number of analyst tracking; second, as institutional investors have a greater influence on analysts, the impact of corporate financialisation on analyst tracking is weakened as the shareholding of institutional investors increases; finally, that holding two different types of financial assets, short‐term and long‐term, also has different consequences. The findings of this paper examine the impact of corporate financialisation from the analyst's perspective, confirming the identification and selection capabilities that analysts have.
Innate immunity in diabetic nephropathy: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Authors: Chen Le‐Xin , Lu Shu‐Ru , Wu Zhi‐Hao , Zhang En‐Xin , Cai Qing‐Qun , Zhang Xiao‐Jun
Published: March 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents a prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a major cause of end‐stage renal disease. The anfractuous surrounding of DN pathogenesis and the intricate nature of this metabolic disorder often pose challenges in both the diagnosis and treatment of DN compared to other kidney diseases. Hyperglycaemia in DM predispose vulnerable renal cells into microenvironmental disequilibrium and thereby results in innate immunocytes infiltration including neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and so forth. These immune cells play dual roles in kidney injury and closely correlated with the degree of proteinuria in DN patients. Additionally, innate immune signaling cascades, initiated by altered metabolic and hemodynamic in diabetic context, are crucial in instigating and perpetuating renal inflammation, which detrimentally contribute to DN pathogenesis. As such, anti‐inflammatory therapies, particularly those targeting innate immunity, hold renoprotective promise in DN. In this article, we reviewed the origin and feature of the above four prominent kidney innate immune cells, analyze their pathogenic role in DN, and discuss potential targeted‐therapeutic strategies, aiming to enhance the current understanding of renal innate immunity and hence help to discover promising therapeutic approaches for DN.
Physical activity as a tool for preventing and treating depression: Lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raslescu Andreea , Guru Anutra , Delattre Brennan , Park Jae‐Young , Harmer Catherine J. , Murphy Susannah E.
Published: March 2024

Physical activity (PA) is understood to be important for the prevention and treatment of depression, however, less is known about the effects of withdrawal from PA on mood. Here we consider evidence published since the outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on PA patterns and to evaluate whether engagement in PA in the context of the pandemic had an impact on depression vulnerability. During the initial stages of the pandemic and consequent lockdowns, there were global decreases in PA, with women, ethnic minorities, lower‐education, lower‐income, younger, and elderly people displaying more marked reductions in PA. Less PA was associated with a higher risk of experiencing moderate‐to‐severe depression symptoms, particularly for those who decreased their PA levels compared to pre‐pandemic. Both PA and sedentary behavior were independently associated with depression, such that low activity and high amounts of sitting both increased the likelihood of clinically significant symptoms. We also consider the role social connection during movement; while both in‐person and online PA can foster a sense of belonging, there is some evidence that socially distant, pandemic‐safe movement might disincentivise certain groups such as older adults and experienced exercisers from participating in PA. We conclude with several implications for prospective public health communications regarding PA, especially in the event of another global pandemic.
Design and numerical modeling of chalcogenide parabolic‐core waveguide for on‐chip supercontinuum generation extending from near‐IR region to mid‐IR region
Authors: Tomer Drishti Singh , Kumar Ajeet
Published: March 2024

We present the design and computational examination of a waveguide structure with a parabolic core, implemented in AsSe2 chalcogenide glass. This structure aims to generate a mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) supercontinuum (SC) spectrum, covering the wavelength range of 1.4−7.6 µm. It includes molecular fingerprint region as well as earth's atmospheric transparent window. A pulsed laser providing pulses of peak power of 250 W and pulse width of 200 fs at 2 µm was considered as the pump. The results illustrate that the broadband SC spectrum can be achieved in a short (~8 mm) waveguide pumped with commercially available fiber laser at 2 µm. The novelty of this work lies in the generation of a mid‐IR SC spectrum using a parabolic‐core waveguide pumped in the normal dispersion region, which has not been investigated earlier. This design is crucial as the fabricated rectangular waveguide does not remain rectangular after laser postprocessing but becomes similar to the proposed parabolic design.
Exploring optimal outsourcing strategy with and without transfer payment
Authors: Luo Zheng , Chen Xu , Wang Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

This study investigates an original equipment manufacturer's (OEM's) outsourcing choice between a competing manufacturer (CP) and a non‐competing manufacturer (NP). We develop a benchmark self‐produce strategy and two outsourcing strategies to differentiate two manufacturing service providers, and examine the optimal strategy alongside an analysis of the respective incentives (e.g., a lump‐sum payment) from the two service providers. The optimal strategy depends on the difference in production efficiency, degree of product substitution, and joint effect of the transfer payments. The transfer payments contribute to a greater range of Pareto improvements, increasing the possibility of outsourcing cooperation while highlighting the role of competition intensity on the model and outsourcing cooperation partner. Effect analysis shows that in the absence of transfer payment, the optimal strategy is beneficial to social welfare. With transfer payment, the optimal strategy is changed and the firms will be more profitable, but at the expense of customers' surplus, which may result in worse social welfare. An extended analysis of mixed strategies, in which the OEM produces part of the products and outsources the rest to CP/NP, shows that while the mixed‐CP strategy can be an optimal choice, the mixed‐NP strategy will degenerate to either self‐produce or complete outsourcing to NP under certain conditions.
Radial point interpolation‐Chebychev method with asymptotic numerical method for nonlinear buckling analysis of graphene oxide powder‐reinforced composite beams
Authors: Askour Omar , Rammane Mohammed , Mesmoudi Said , Hilali Youssef , Bourihane Oussama
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the buckling and post‐buckling behaviors of multilayer nanocomposite beams reinforced with graphene oxide powders (GOPs) at low concentrations. The GOPs are randomly oriented and evenly distributed throughout the composite layers, with their weight fraction varying in the thickness direction. The Halpin‐Tsai model is employed to estimate each layer's effective material properties. The nonlinear governing equations for the FG‐GOPRC beam are derived based on the first‐order shear deformation beam theory, and a nonlinear algebraic system is formulated using the principle of potential energy. In this research, a comprehensive parametric analysis is conducted to examine the influence of various factors on the buckling and post‐buckling behaviors of the composite beams. These factors include the distribution pattern and weight fraction of graphene platelets (GPLs) nanofillers, as well as the geometry, size, slenderness ratio, and boundary conditions of the beams. Through the analysis, the study highlights the significant strengthening effect of these factors on the buckling and post‐buckling performance of the composite beams. The findings from this investigation contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of multilayer nanocomposite beams reinforced with GOPs. This knowledge can be valuable in designing and optimizing of composite structures for enhanced buckling resistance and post‐buckling performance.
Decontamination of methylene blue from aqueous media using alginate‐bonded polyacrylamide/carbon black nanocomposite hydrogel
Authors: Peighambardoust Seyed Jamaleddin , Karimzadeh Halimi Fateh , Mohammadzadeh Pakdel Parisa , Safarzadeh Hamid
Published: March 2024

This work synthesized the novel alginate (Alg) based nanocomposite hydrogel using the free radical polymerization method to remove methylene blue (MB) from the aqueous solution. The successful grafting of acrylamide (AAm) monomer onto the alginate backbone was confirmed by the FTIR test. Different carbon black (CB) nanoparticle levels (0–12.5 wt.%) were embedded in a hydrogel matrix to enhance the removal efficiency, and its optimum value was obtained at 7.5 wt.%. FTIR, TGA, BET, and SEM analyses were performed to characterize synthesized adsorbents. TGA results showed that Alg‐g‐poly(AAm)/CB nanocomposite hydrogel has a higher thermal stability than Alg‐g‐poly(AAm) hydrogel. SEM analysis showed that incorporating CB into Alg‐g‐poly(AAm) considerably enhances roughness and surface area. Also, a higher surface area of Alg‐g‐poly(AAm)/CB (2.5 m2/g) was confirmed by BET analysis. The removal efficiency of nanocomposite hydrogel at optimum conditions of pH 6, initial concentration 10 mg/L, temperature 25 °C, and contact time 60 min was calculated at 94.63%. The kinetic and isotherm data were best fitted to pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models. The monolayer adsorption capacity for Alg‐g‐poly(AAm) and Alg‐g‐poly(AAm)/CB were calculated at 22.77 and 24.56 mg/g, respectively, showing CB's effectiveness in improving MB adsorption. The thermodynamic study showed that the removal process of MB by both adsorbents is spontaneous and exothermic, and entropy decreases. The synthesized adsorbents showed a good performance in textile wastewater treatment. Finally, it can be concluded that the synthesized adsorbents can be successfully applied for wastewater treatment application.
Preparation of bio‐based soybean oil polyol modified 3630 polyol‐based rigid polyurethane foam and its improved thermal stability, flame retardant, and smoke suppression performances
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Zhaoqian , Sun Simiao , Wang Zhi , Xie Hua
Published: March 2024

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) with 3630 polyol‐based components was modified using bio‐based soybean oil (SO) polyol. The effects of soybean oil polyol on the thermal stability, flame retardant and smoke suppression performances of the modified RPUFs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, integral programmed decomposition temperature (IPDT), pyrolysis kinetic analysis, limiting oxygen index, conical calorimetry and smoke toxicity analysis. The results indicated that the RPUF‐SO2 (10 wt% soybean oil polyol) had the highest thermal decomposition rate temperature, initial thermogravimetric temperature, termination temperature, residual rate, IPDT and activation energy. Under various circumstances, the total heat release (THR) of RPUF‐SO2 was 1.41, 1.61, and 2.51 MJ/m2, respectively, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) was lowered by 22.40%, 45.68%, and 19.86% in comparison to the original RPUF‐0. In the meantime, RPUF‐SO2 had the best light transmittance (57.20 and 60.60%), the lowest toxic gas emissions (0.31, 0.44, and 0.38 kg/s), and the lowest Ds (32.46 and 29.07). It also had an excellent smoke suppression effect. According to the current study, RPUF‐SO2 performed better in terms of heat stability, flame retardancy and smoke suppression. This made it a good benchmark for further bio‐based soybean oil polyol modified RPUFs.
Enhanced proton conductivity of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes by constructing cation‐π through doping ammonium ionic liquid and graphene oxide
Authors: Qu Shuguo , Song Jinxun , Lv Xueyan , Sun Lijun , Ding Luyang , Jin Guihua , Duan Jihai , Wang Weiwen
Published: March 2024

In this paper, sulfonic acid functionalized benzothiazole ionic liquid ([(CH2)3SO3HBth] [H2PO4]) and graphene oxide were combined together through the cation‐π. The sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) was doped with ionic liquid‐modified GO (IL‐GO) to prepare the SPEEK/IL‐GO composite membrane through the solution casting method. The SO3H and benzothiazole rings act as both proton acceptors and proton donors during proton transport and can replace the role of water in medium‐ and high‐temperature environments, increasing the proton transport sites to a certain extent and increasing the proton conductivity of the SPEEK/IL‐GO composite membrane. The proton conductivity of the SPEEK/IL‐GO‐2 composite membrane achieved an 18.02 mS/cm at 120°C, which is 2.43 times higher than that of the pristine SPEEK membrane. This paper provided a method for increasing proton conductivity and limiting IL loss of the SPEEK membrane.

Highlights

[(CH2)3SO3HBth][H2PO4] and graphene oxide were combined through cation‐π.

The benzothiazole ring and SO3H form acid–base pairs.

The proton conductivity of SPEEK/IL‐GO‐2 membrane achieved 18.02 mS/cm.
Using maximum likelihood estimation approach to adjust parameters of CARTE thermochemical code.
Authors: Dubois V. , Bidault X. , Sorin R.
Published: March 2024

Using thermochemical codes to predict the properties of detonation products and the parameters for detonation modeling of explosives requires the use of very precise theoretical equations of state (EoS). We share the updates to the thermochemical code CARTE, which allows the calculation of thermodynamic properties and chemical compositions of detonation products over a wide range of temperatures and densities. In this paper, we focus on the theoretical EoS of pure fluids, based on the KLRR perturbation method and EXP‐6 potentials. We propose a maximum likelihood approach to fit the EXP‐6 parameters by matching a combination of shock data and static compression data. We present the results obtained on the detonation properties on nitric oxide.
Insights into the anti‐Candida albicans properties of natural phytochemicals: An in vitro and in vivo investigation
Authors: Yue Daifan , Zheng Dongming , Bai Yuxin , Yang Linlan , Yong Jiangyan , Li Yan
Published: March 2024

Invasive candidiasis, attributed to Candida albicans, has long been a formidable threat to human health. Despite the advent of effective therapeutics in recent decades, the mortality rate in affected patient populations remains discouraging. This is exacerbated by the emergence of multidrug resistance, significantly limiting the utility of conventional antifungals. Consequently, researchers are compelled to continuously explore novel solutions. Natural phytochemicals present a potential adjunct to the existing arsenal of agents. Previous studies have substantiated the efficacy of phytochemicals against C. albicans. Emerging evidence also underscores the promising application of phytochemicals in the realm of antifungal treatment. This review systematically delineates the inhibitory activity of phytochemicals, both in monotherapy and combination therapy, against C. albicans in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Moreover, it elucidates the mechanisms underpinning the antifungal properties, encompassing (i) cell wall and plasma membrane damage, (ii) inhibition of efflux pumps, (iii) induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, and (iv) inhibition of virulence factors. Subsequently, the review introduces the substantial potential of nanotechnology and photodynamic technology in enhancing the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Lastly, it discusses current limitations and outlines future research priorities, emphasizing the need for high‐quality research to comprehensively establish the clinical efficacy and safety of phytochemicals in treating fungal infections. This review aims to inspire further contemplation and recommendations for the effective integration of natural phytochemicals in the development of new medicines for patients afflicted with C. albicans.
An inverse causal relationship between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and pulmonary hypertension: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chao Ce , Wang Min , Mei Kun , Ma Chao , Qian Yongxiang , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: March 2024

Observational studies have confirmed that 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but the causal association between each other is unclear. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) method was performed to validate the causal association between PH and serum 25(OH)D levels. The summary data for 25(OH)D and PH were from the National Human Genome Research Institute‐European Bioinformatics Institute. Catalog of human genome‐wide association studies and FinnGen biobank consortium. MR analysis was utilized to explore the potential causal association between PH and 25(OH)D. To evaluate this association, inverse variance weighting was considered as the primary method. Cochran's Q test, MR‐Egger intercept test, and “leave‐one‐out” sensitivity analyses were utilized to control the pleiotropy and heterogeneity in the study. Two‐sample MR analysis revealed an inverse causal relationship between 25(OH)D and PH (odds ratio: 0.376, 95% confidence interval: 0.162–0.876, p = 2.334 × 10−2). There was no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy. The present study confirmed the inverse causal relationship between 25(OH)D and PH. This pathway may provide another treatment pathway in PH. Further studies to elucidate this pathway is indicated.
Fire safety assessment for alternative cruise ship design based on BWM and DEMATEL by linguistic Z‐number
Authors: Li Jianing , Wang Gaoshuai , Guo Yong , Wu Siying , Chen Gang
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a risk assessment method based on the best‐worst method (BWM) and decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to evaluate the fire safety level of alternative design schemes for cruise ships relative to the standard‐based options. Firstly, the analytic hierarchy model of fire safety assessment is constructed by analyzing the passive fire protection system, active fire protection system, and evacuation and escape capability of cruise ship large cabins. Then, the linguistic scale functions and Z‐numbers are used to deal with the fuzzy evaluation of fire safety factors by experts, and the maximizing consensus technique is adopted to determine the weight of each expert to enhance group consistency. Considering the influence degree of each factor on fire safety and the correlation between factors, the BWM is combined with DEMATEL to establish the risk source weight calculation model. The fire safety level of alternative cruise ship designs is further determined by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a fire safety assessment is conducted on the alternative design scheme of a luxury cruise passenger restaurant. The results confirm that the proposed method can effectively evaluate the fire safety of alternative design compared to the standard‐based scheme.
Prolonged Bacteroides pyogenes infection in a patient with multiple lung abscesses
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyoung , Walls Genevieve , Anderson Graeme , Sullivan Cameron , Wong Conroy A.
Published: March 2024

Bacteroides pyogenes is naturally found in the oral microbiome of cats and dogs and hence exposure, especially bites from these animals, is a major risk factor for human infections. B pyogenes is known to cause infections that persist despite antibiotic treatment and can have serious clinical outcomes. We present a novel case of complex lung abscesses associated with B pyogenes infection. A 55 year old man presents with a 3‐month history of productive cough, night sweats, and 5 kg weight loss. An initial chest radiograph revealed mass‐like opacities in the right upper lobe (RUL), right middle lobe (RML), and left lower lobe (LLL). Over the next 4 years the patient underwent multiple investigations and antimicrobial treatments until resolution of the abscesses. We believe that metronidazole in combination with moxifloxacin was a key component in the clinical cure of this patient.
A polynomial‐time approximation scheme for the maximal overlap of two independent Erdős–Rényi graphs
Authors: Ding Jian , Du Hang , Gong Shuyang
Published: March 2024

For two independent Erdős–Rényi graphs , we study the maximal overlap (i.e., the number of common edges) of these two graphs over all possible vertex correspondence. We present a polynomial‐time algorithm which finds a vertex correspondence whose overlap approximates the maximal overlap up to a multiplicative factor that is arbitrarily close to 1. As a by‐product, we prove that the maximal overlap is asymptotically for with some constant .
Quality education in the field of sustainability using a statistical analysis
Authors: Maniatis Paraschos
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the importance of quality education in the field of sustainability. The paper highlights four different types of education related to sustainability, including environmental sustainability education, social sustainability education, education for sustainable development (SE), and green skills education. The statistical information on these types of education is summarized and presented in a table format. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for increased access to education in the field of sustainability to prevent environmental degradation and social problems and to prepare individuals for jobs that contribute to sustainable development.
Analysis of gender‐based violence in the context of the sustainable development goals
Authors: Guaita‐Fernández Pilar , Martín Martín José María , Ribeiro Navarrete Samuel , Puertas Rosa
Published: March 2024

Through the 2030 Agenda, international bodies have set out 17 highly interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to set course for the equitable and just development of society. SDG5 seeks to empower women and girls as a way of guaranteeing their fundamental rights, which are sometimes violated by the physical superiority of men who exercise their power by undermining women's freedoms. This study aims to analyse the connection between SDG1, SDG3, SDG8 and SDG11, and the protection of women, identifying the lines of action needed to favour access to justice for victims of gender‐based violence. The study was carried out on a panel sample of the 17 Spanish Autonomous Regions over a decade (2012–2021), using the generalised method of moments, specifically the xtabond2 estimator. Development was carried out in two stages: (1) the measures implemented by the Spanish authorities and the quality of life of the population were analysed, (2) six representative dimensions of quality of life associated with different targets of the SDGs were studied. Both scenarios were designed with the common objective of determining their impact on reporting to the police. The results show the need to reinforce protection orders, as well as to put in place the necessary measures to improve women's quality of life in order to attain a violence‐free society. Specifically, education, economic stability, mental and physical health, and work must be enhanced. In short, socio‐economic policies should be oriented towards the creation of a climate of security that favours access to justice for battered women.
Synthesis, vibrational analysis, absorption and emission spectral studies, topology and molecular docking studies on sulfadiazine derivative
Authors: Elangovan N. , Sowrirajan S. , Arumugam Natarajan , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Altaf Mohammad , Mahalingam Sakkarapalayam M.
Published: March 2024

A new class of (N‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐4‐((1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptan‐2‐ylidene) amino) benzenesulfonamide (CDA) was synthesized from commercially available camphor and sulfadiazine. The synthesized Schiff‐base was characterized by FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analyses. The HOMO, LUMO, MEP, chemical reactivity parameters, and NBO were calculated using the WB97XD/cc‐pVDZ basis set. For better understanding, the electronic absorption and emission of the compound were recorded using UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectra. Molecular docking simulations were investigated between ligand (compound) and target protein. The computational results correlate well with observed values. The frontier molecular orbital energy gap (3.78 eV) revealed that the studied molecule has higher polarizability and chemical reactivity with lower kinetic stability. In addition, compound showed the highest binding score −5.72 kcal/mol, which was confirmed by a molecular docking simulation.
Visible‐Light Tempted Photocatalytic Activity of Newly Synthesized Co3O4NiOPdOPd Nanomaterial for Removal of Azo Dyes
Authors: Iram Sadia , Shahzad Ahmad Khuram , Shaheen Irum , Aljuwayid Ahmed M. , Azad Malik Mohammad
Published: March 2024

To contribute to the development of sustainable and effective nano‐catalyst for dye degradation is greatly enviable to solve the global environmental remediation problems. In this regard, here facile Co3O4NiOPdOPd nanomaterial was synthesized via phyto‐organic fuel and scrutinized as nanocatalyst to degrade methyl orange (MO). The Co3O4NiOPdOPd nanomaterial was synthesized following the sol gel synthesis methodology using foliar phyto extract of Abies pindrow Royle leaves. The synthesized nanomaterial of Co3O4NiOPdOPd was studied by X‐rays diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, as well as Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Gas chromatography and Mass spectrometry. The facile bio nanomaterial was studied for removal of MO both under sunlight and under dark. Fabricated nanocatalyst of mixed metal oxides (MMO) exhibited the degradation efficiency of 95 % in the presence of sunlight and 85 % without sunlight (in dark condition) in 15 minutes.The comparison of catalytic potential of MOD‐L and MOD‐D for Co3O4−NiO−PdO−Pd for 2 minutes exhibited maximum degradation percent MOD‐L (72.2.4 %) followed by MOD‐D (51.5 %). However, after 20 minutes MOD‐L exhibited higher percentage of 95.4 % while MOD‐D revealed 84.8 percent degraded MO. Consequently, the nano‐scale features have enhanced the catalytic performance of Co3O4NiOPdOPd photocatalyst towards water purification from organic pollutants.
Synthesis, Characterization,Computational Studies and Antimicrobial activity evaluation of Mixed ligand‐Metal complexes of selected thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Khan Tahmeena , Zehra Saima , Alvi Almas , Mishra Nidhi , Lawrence Rubina , Joshi Seema , Khan Abdul Rahman
Published: March 2024

The current work reports the synthesis of mixed ligand‐metal complexes of (2‐(2‐oxoacenaphthylen‐1 ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide) (L1) and carbamothioyl‐2‐chloronicotinohydrazonic acid (L2) and imidazole (im), triphenylphosphine (PPh3) and pyridine (py) ligands with Cu (II), Zn (II), Fe (II) and Co (II) salts.The chacterization was done through FT‐IR, NMR, UV‐visible, and elemental analysis. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of [Cu(L1)(im)2(SO4)] demonstrated the crystalline morphology. In the FT‐IR spectra of the ligands, the characteristic frequencies corresponding to ν(C=N) (imine) and ν(C=S) (thiocarbonyl) were observed around 1650 and 1130 cm−1 respectively, which shifted upon complexation. In the 1H NMR spectra, the peak due to the NH proton was observed downfield, whereas that of ‐NH2 was observed comparatively upfield owing to its secondary amine nature. The molecular docking was performed against transforming growth beta (tgf‐β), protease of SARS‐CoV‐2 (Mpro) and aspartate kinase (Asp) kinase.The molecular simulation with the docked complex of [Zn(L2)(py)2(SO4)] and [Zn(L1)(PPh3)2(SO4)] with Asp kinase showed significant stability during the simulation time of 100 ns. The relative free energies of the simulated complexes were calculated with the molecular mechanics Poison‐Boltmann surface area (MM‐PBSA). The complexes were tested against ten bacterial strains and showed enhanced antibacterial activity than the ligands. [Cu(L1)(im)2(SO4)], [Zn(L1)(im)2(SO4)], [Fe(L1)(im)2(SO4)] and [Co(L1)(im)2(Cl2)] were found to be active against E.coli.
Enabling continuous deployment techniques for quantum services
Authors: Romero‐Álvarez Javier , Alvarado‐Valiente Jaime , Moguel Enrique , Garcia‐Alonso Jose , Murillo Juan M.
Published: March 2024

Early advances in quantum computing have provided new opportunities to tackle intricate problems in diverse areas such as cryptography, optimization, and simulation. However, current methodologies employed in quantum computing often require, among other things, a broad understanding of quantum hardware and low‐level programming languages, posing challenges to software developers in effectively creating and implementing quantum services. This study advocates the adoption of software engineering principles in quantum computing, thereby establishing a higher level of hardware abstraction that allows developers to focus on application development. With this proposal, developers can design and deploy quantum services with less effort, which is similar to the facilitation provided by service‐oriented computing for the development of conventional software services. This study introduces a continuous deployment strategy adapted to the development of quantum services that covers the creation and deployment of such services. For this purpose, an extension of the OpenAPI specification is proposed, which allows the generation of services that implement quantum algorithms. The proposal was validated through the creation of an application programming interface with diverse quantum algorithm implementations and evaluated through a survey of various developers and students who were introduced to the tool with positive results.
Secure and lightweight message dissemination framework for internet of vehicles
Authors: Bodkhe Umesh , Tanwar Sudeep
Published: March 2024

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) revolutionizes vehicle communication in dynamic networks. Message dissemination in IoV involves sharing critical information for the safety and convenience of the IoV network. It is very crucial to secure message dissemination due to potential cyber‐attacks, traffic disruptions, and privacy breaches. Data integrity, authentication, and privacy are vital to maintaining trust and safety in the IoV network. This network consists of resource‐constrained IoV devices with limited resources due to the availability of embedded components in vehicular systems. Therefore, optimizing algorithms and protocols is crucial for efficient vehicle‐to‐everything (V2X) communication, enhancing safety and transportation efficiency. Solutions often include lightweight protocols and secure message exchange. This paper proposes a machine learning (ML) based secure and lightweight message dissemination framework for resource‐constrained IoV. First, we present an ML‐based threat classification model capable of effectively categorizing adversarial and nonadversarial data streams and delivering an optimized model with superior accuracy. Furthermore, we also propose a secure message dissemination scheme using lightweight cryptographic primitives, which significantly reduces computational, communication, and energy overhead. To validate the robustness of our proposed ML‐based secure and lightweight message dissemination framework, we evaluate it using various security parameters and performance measures such as computation cost, communication cost, energy cost, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score. Our contributions promise to significantly enhance the security and efficiency of message dissemination in IoV environments and advance lightweight, secure, and reliable transportation systems for the future.
SoTL in student affairs graduate preparation programs
Authors: Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , Haber‐Curran Paige , Dean‐Scott Shannon R. , McKenzie Brenda L. , Dunston Emelia , Schrum Kelly , Elliott Diane Cardenas , Lange Alex C. , Bylsma Paul E. , Braxton John M.
Published: March 2024

In the previous article, we defined the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and the scholarship of practice (SoP) and identified characteristics and qualities related to these topics. In this article, we provide examples of scholars who have conducted a SoTL project related to student affairs. Each of these entries describes the project and gives us insights into why scholars choose to engage in this work and the impact of their work on teaching and learning.
Flexural performance of bamboo fiber‐reinforced concrete mixed with seawater and sea sand
Authors: Li Haitao , Feng Zixian , Sayed Usama , Adjei Patrick , Xue Xin , Wang Ziang , Corbi Ottavia
Published: March 2024

In the face of the huge consumption of fresh water and river sand by the concrete industry and the poor flexural performance of plain concrete, it is theoretically feasible and environmentally friendly to use bamboo fiber as a replacement to reinforce concrete mixed with seawater and sea sand. In this research, taking the volume fraction (0.6%, 1.2%, and 2.4%), aspect ratio (10, 20, and 30) and diameter (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) of bamboo fibers as parameters, 15 groups of bamboo fiber‐reinforced concrete (BFRC) prisms and one control group of plain seawater sea sand concrete prisms were subjected to four‐point bending test, followed by analyzing the crack pattern, ultimate load, mid‐span deflection and strain. Under the condition of 1.2% volume fraction, 20 aspect ratio, 1.5 mm diameter, and 30 mm length, the maximum increase rate of flexural strength in this research was obtained, and then it was compared with that of flexural strength of concrete prisms reinforced by various natural fibers. In addition, relevant fitting equations and theoretical calculation formulas were derived, laying a foundation for the subsequent research and application of BFRC.
Screening of azo dye biosorption efficacy of free, immobilized, indigenous bacterial strains associated with azo dye contaminated river water—An in vitro study
Authors: Varshan G. S. Amrish , Namasivayam S. Karthick Raja , Viswanathan S. , R Sowmya , Vellaiammal C. Saranya
Published: March 2024

Azo dye degradation utilizing microorganisms has acquired significance over the last decades, owing to its beneficial properties such as rapid degradation, economic feasibility, and eco‐friendly. In this work, azo dyes (Methyl red and methylene blue) degradation efficacy using indigenous bacterial strains Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. as free and immobilized cells were investigated under in vitro batch decolorization setup was carried. Most importantly, the bacterial cells of both strains were immobilized with sodium alginate and the immobilized cells were evaluated for dye decolorization efficacy under laboratory conditions. An eco‐toxic assessment of the degraded products was done using in vitro phytotoxicity tests and in silico analyses. Among the free and immobilized cells, maximum decolorization efficacy was observed in the Pseudomonas sp. immobilized cells which exhibited 74.5% decolorization efficacy, and the maximum decolorization efficacy of free cells was 63% of was observed. Ecotoxicity of the dye‐degraded products was screened by determination of phytotoxicity. Seedlings emergence of groundnut seeds exposed to degraded dye products revealed phytotoxicity. Results indicated that degraded dye products of methyl red derived from Pseudomonas sp. showed 93.0% seedling emergence, and methylene blue‐degraded products Pseudomonas sp. degraded dye products supported 92.0% seedling emergence, respectively. Bacterial cells immobilized with biocompatible polymers can be effectively utilized in wastewater treatment without affecting the ecological components. The findings highlight the value of this work in contributing to the domain of sustainable and eco‐friendly wastewater treatment technology.
Adaptation pathways for effective responses to climate change risks
Authors: Muccione Veruska , Haasnoot Marjolijn , Alexander Peter , Bednar‐Friedl Birgit , Biesbroek Robbert , Georgopoulou Elena , Le Cozannet Gonéri , Schmidt Daniela N.
Published: March 2024

Climate related changes are already affecting every area of our world and will increasingly do so as global warming increases, resulting in compounding and cascading risks across multiple locations and sectors. Deliberative processes and anticipatory actions are required to adapt to the associated complex and uncertain systemic risks, with dynamic and long‐term planning needed even where there is limited knowledge of the effectiveness of adaptation. In this focus article, we examine the adaptation pathways developed for the Europe Chapter of the IPCC AR6. We argue that illustrative pathways built on quantitative and qualitative assessment of adaptation effectiveness can inform adaptation planning to manage the increasing severity of risks. We find that as the global warming level increases adaptation pathways can diverge, leading to radically different futures, for example, adaptation responses to sea level rise. We illustrate how adaptation measures for different risks interact resulting in trade‐offs, for example, increasing water scarcity. Although pathways offer a useful framework to address multiple adaptation challenges, other supporting conditions are needed for the successful implementation of adaptation, such as establishing legitimacy and buy‐in through collaboration of various actors and effective governance. Ultimately, adaptation will be increasingly more complex and constrained in a warmer world, increasing risks of losses and damages to people and nature.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Target‐directed microRNA degradation: Mechanisms, significance, and functional implications
Authors: Hiers Nicholas M. , Li Tianqi , Traugot Conner M. , Xie Mingyi
Published: March 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that play a fundamental role in enabling miRNA‐mediated target repression, a post‐transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism preserved across metazoans. Loss of certain animal miRNA genes can lead to developmental abnormalities, disease, and various degrees of embryonic lethality. These short RNAs normally guide Argonaute (AGO) proteins to target RNAs, which are in turn translationally repressed and destabilized, silencing the target to fine‐tune gene expression and maintain cellular homeostasis. Delineating miRNA‐mediated target decay has been thoroughly examined in thousands of studies, yet despite these exhaustive studies, comparatively less is known about how and why miRNAs are directed for decay. Several key observations over the years have noted instances of rapid miRNA turnover, suggesting endogenous means for animals to induce miRNA degradation. Recently, it was revealed that certain targets, so‐called target‐directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) triggers, can “trigger” miRNA decay through inducing proteolysis of AGO and thereby the bound miRNA. This process is mediated in animals via the ZSWIM8 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is recruited to AGO during engagement with triggers. Since its discovery, several studies have identified that ZSWIM8 and TDMD are indispensable for proper animal development. Given the rapid expansion of this field of study, here, we summarize the key findings that have led to and followed the discovery of ZSWIM8‐dependent TDMD.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Relative entropy inequality for capillary fluids with density dependent viscosity and applications
Authors: Caggio Matteo , Donatelli Donatella
Published: March 2024

We derive a relative entropy inequality for capillary compressible fluids with density dependent viscosity. Applications in the context of weak–strong uniqueness analysis, pressureless fluids and high-Mach number flows are presented.
Ostarine blunts the effect of endurance training on submaximal endurance in rats
Authors: Vasilev Veselin , Boyadjiev Nikolay , Hrischev Petar , Gerginska Fanka , Delchev Slavi , Arabadzhiyska Desislava , Komrakova Marina , Boeker Kai O. , Schilling Arndt F. , Georgieva Katerina
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to study the effects of ostarine alone and in combination with endurance training in sexually mature, male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into a treadmill-trained group and a sedentary group. Half of each group received either ostarine or vehicle for 8 weeks (n = 10 each, in total n = 40). We examined some functional, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters and the myogenic gene expression of myostatin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in m. gastrocnemius. Ostarine decreased submaximal endurance and increased myogenic gene expression of myostatin but had no effect on maximal time to exhaustion and grip strength. Training increased submaximal endurance, maximal time to exhaustion, and grip strength. Our results indicate that both exercise and ostarine treatment had no significant effects on serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone, or on the myogenic gene expression of IGF-1 and VEGF-A. Neither ostarine nor the training had a significant effect on the testis, liver, and heart weights. In conclusion, ostarine had no effect on anthropometric and hormonal parameters but increased the myostatin gene expression in muscle. The SARM treatment decreased submaximal endurance without affecting maximal time to exhaustion, and training increased both metrics.