bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point cloud classification and part segmentation of steel structure elements
Authors: Daif Hassan , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: December 2024

The classification and part segmentation of point clouds have gained significant attention in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the construction industry. However, addressing the dataset directly in AI models remains a challenge, as most existing methods are not well-suited for processing point cloud data. PointNet has emerged as an AI architecture algorithm. It transforms individual points independently to learn local and global features. This research aims to develop a comprehensive framework for classification and part segmentation for point clouds of steel structure elements. The framework enhances the accuracy of the PointNet algorithm, and it consists of three stages: (1) dataset creation; (2) model classification; and (3) part segmentation. First, the dataset creation procedure encompasses modeling steel columns, beams, and braces using Autodesk Revit software. For the classification dataset, a dataset comprising 580 columns and 920 beams is obtained. In the part segmentation dataset, five categories of steel braced frame elements are generated, yielding a total of 21,870 elements for braced frame structures. Several point cloud experiments have been applied, including adjusting the number of points in the point cloud, altering the batch size, and fine-tuning the number of epochs. These experimental settings were systematically investigated to identify the optimal combination that yields the highest (AI) model accuracy. PointNet model achieved 100% accuracy across all classification experiments, while part segmentation experiments reached up to 97.10% accuracy, with a mean intersection over union (MIOU) of 93.70%. The comprehensive analysis of the point cloud dataset is applied on an actual case study to demonstrate the practical features of the proposed research.
Temporal changes and correlates of tobacco and E-cigarettes use among school-going students in Albania: insights from global youth tobacco surveys (2015–2020)
Authors: Dadras Omid
Published: December 2024

Tobacco use often starts during adolescence, with many adults beginning before 21. This study investigated the patterns and factors associated with tobacco and e-cigarette use among school-aged adolescents in Albania. Data were analyzed from two Albania Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (GYTS) conducted in 2015 and 2020. Participants included 7th-10th grade students (ages 12–16) who completed the survey (n = 9985). Descriptive statistics depicted demographic characteristics, tobacco, and e-cigarette use across survey years. Logistic regression assessed temporal changes and the odds of use across independent variables, adjusting for age and sex. From 2015 to 2020, tobacco and e-cigarette use among students aged 13–15 increased from 12.86 to 14.49% and from 6.8 to 8.8%, respectively. Cigarette smoking declined from 8.4 to 4.3%, but the use of other tobacco products nearly doubled, from 6.4 to 12.3%. Higher odds of use were found among males, older students, and those with more pocket money. Environmental factors like family, peer, and media exposure to smoking increased the likelihood of use. Anti-tobacco messages had no significant impact, while advertising strongly influenced usage. Knowledge of tobacco harms and anti-smoking attitudes correlated with lower odds of use. Increased availability of cigarettes near schools was linked to higher odds of tobacco use. The study highlights gaps in anti-tobacco messaging and the strong influence of advertising, underscoring the need for targeted and effective tobacco control strategies in Albania.
Plastidial thioredoxin-like proteins are essential for normal embryogenesis and seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fukushi Yuka , Yokochi Yuichi , Hisabori Toru , Yoshida Keisuke
Published: December 2024

Thiol/disulfide-based redox regulation is a key mechanism for modulating protein functions in response to changes in cellular redox status. Two thioredoxin (Trx)-like proteins [atypical Cys His-rich Trx (ACHT) and Trx-like2 (TrxL2)] have been identified as crucial for oxidizing and deactivating several chloroplast enzymes during light-to-dark transitions; however, their roles remain to be fully understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of Trx-like proteins in seed development. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated an Arabidopsis quadruple mutant defective in ACHT1, ACHT2, TrxL2.1, and TrxL2.2 (acht/trxl2). This mutant showed increased seed lethality prior to maturation, with embryogenesis impaired primarily during the heart and torpedo stages, which are critical phases for plastid differentiation into chloroplasts. Using transgenic plants expressing EGFP-fused proteins, we confirmed that ACHT and TrxL2 are localized in plastids during embryogenesis. Additionally, seed development in the acht/trxl2 mutant was further impaired under extended darkness and could not be recovered through complementation with variants of ACHT or TrxL2 lacking the redox-active Cys residue (replaced by Ser). These findings indicate that the protein-oxidation functions of ACHT and TrxL2 are important for plastid differentiation into chloroplasts, embryogenesis, and seed development.
How the internet of things technology improves agricultural efficiency
Authors: Duguma Amenu Leta , Bai Xiuguang
Published: December 2024

Meeting the rising global food demand among limited resources necessitates transformative agricultural innovations. The Internet of Things (IoT) emerges as a pivotal technology in modern agriculture, offering data-driven solutions to optimize productivity and sustainability. This review provides a focused exploration of IoT’s transformative role in agriculture, analyzing its integration with big data, real-time monitoring, and precision farming practices. Key insights include global market trends, projections for IoT adoption in agriculture by 2030, and advancements in IoT-related technologies shaping the future of agritech. The review underscores how IoT enhances agricultural efficiency by enabling precise data collection, automated decision-making, and optimized resource use, while addressing operational challenges such as interoperability, scalability, cost constraints, and regulatory hurdles. By consolidating evidence from emerging studies, this work advocates for interdisciplinary collaborations to deepen understanding and innovation in IoT-driven smart agriculture, positioning it as a cornerstone for achieving global food security.
Metastasis-directed stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer: results of an international multicenter cohort study
Authors: Fabian Alexander , Buergy Daniel , Weykamp Fabian , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Bernhardt Denise , Boda-Heggemann Judit , Pazos Montserrat , Mehrhof Nora , Kaul David , Bicu Alicia S. , Badra Eugenia Vlaskou , Rogers Susanne , Janssen Stefan , Hemmatazad Hossein , Hintelmann Katharina , Gkika Eleni , Lange Tim , Ferentinos Konstantinos , Karle Heiko , Brunner Thomas , Wittig Andrea , Nona-Duma Marciana , Blanck Oliver , Krug David
Published: December 2024

Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) for oligometastatic breast cancer (≤ 5 metastases) has shown little effect in specific scenarios of randomized trials. Therefore, we aimed to assess outcomes after metastasis-directed stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in various clinical scenarios. We conducted an international retrospective cohort study in thirteen centers including breast cancer patients receiving SRT to any metastatic site. Outcomes included local recurrence (LR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Cumulative incidence analysis was used for LR, Kaplan–Meier estimates for PFS and OS. Covariables included patient, disease, and SRT characteristics. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses (MVA). Among 444 patients, 751 metastases were treated with SRT. Of these, 73% were intracranial and 27% extracranial lesions. Oligometastatic disease (OMD) was present in 66% of the patients. LR after two years occurred significantly more often in intracranial (25%) versus extracranial lesions (7%). In MVA of patients with OMD treated for intracranial sites, higher performance status was significantly associated with longer PFS. Further, higher performance status, biologic subtype (HR-pos./HER2-pos.), and MDT to all sites were significantly associated with longer OS. In MVA of oligometastatic patients treated for extracranial sites, biologic subtype (HR-neg./HER2-pos.) and synchronous metastasis were associated with significantly longer PFS, whereas higher grading was associated with significantly shorter PFS. Moreover, biologic subtype (HR-neg./HER2-neg.) was associated with significantly shorter OS. In conclusion, the role of MDT for breast cancer may vary per clinical scenario. Patients with OMD treated for intracranial lesions who had MDT to all sites showed superior OS. Our results should be validated prospectively.
Robots, institutional roles and joint action: some key ethical issues
Authors: Miller Seumas
Published: December 2024

In this article, firstly, cooperative interaction between robots and humans is discussed; specifically, the possibility of human/robot joint action and (relatedly) the possibility of robots occupying institutional roles alongside humans. The discussion makes use of concepts developed in social ontology. Secondly, certain key moral (or ethical—these terms are used interchangeably here) issues arising from this cooperative action are discussed, specifically issues that arise from robots performing (including qua role occupants) morally significant actions jointly with humans. Such morally significant human/robot joint actions, supposing they exist, could potentially range from humans and robots jointly caring for the infirm through to jointly killing enemy combatants.
Association of the interaction between daily step counts and frailty with disability in older adults
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Yoshida Tsukasa , Watanabe Yuya , Yamada Yosuke , Miyachi Motohiko , Kimura Misaka
Published: December 2024

The differences in the association of objectively measured physical activity with disability between frail and non-frail older adults remain unclear. We (1) evaluated the dose-dependent relationship between daily steps and disability in older adults with and without frailty and (2) examined the interaction between steps and frailty status in relation to the risk of disability. This prospective study used data from 4065 adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Kyoto-Kameoka Study, Japan. The mean daily step count obtained using triaxial accelerometers across ≥ 4 days was recorded. Frailty was evaluated using the validated Kihon Checklist. Disability was identified using the long-term care insurance system’s nationally unified database, with data collected until November 30, 2016. Overall, 385 disabilities were recorded during a median follow-up period of 3.32 years (12,855 person-years). After adjusting for confounders, an inverse association was observed between daily step count and disability risk. The disability risk plateaued at 5,000–7,000 steps/day in non-frail people, whereas step counts showed an almost linear inverse relationship with disability risk in frail people. Low step counts (< 5,000 steps) in frail people were more strongly associated with disability risk than were high step counts (≥ 5,000 steps) in non-frail people. The additive interaction between steps and frailty was associated with the relative excess risk of disability in frail people with low step counts (p for interaction = 0.015). The relationship between daily steps and disability differs between older adults with and without frailty, and the adverse effects of frailty on disability risk depend on physical activity.
Virtual reality in surgery: minimizing stress and pain in patients undergoing minor-surgical procedures under local anesthesia—results of a feasibility study
Authors: Sargut Mine , Novotny Alexander , Friess Helmut , Kranzfelder Michael
Published: December 2024

Background

Virtual reality (VR) technology has gained significant importance in medical practice, particularly as an innovative approach to enhance patient experience and comfort. This prospective feasibility study investigates the impact of using VR headsets on stress and pain reduction during port surgeries under local anesthesia.

Methods

In this prospective analysis, patients undergoing port implantation at the Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University Munich were divided into two groups. The intervention group wore VR headsets during the surgical procedure, while the control group did not. Various validated questionnaires were used to measure psychological parameters such as pain perception, stress, calmness, and relaxation. The amount of local anesthesia administered was also documented.

Results

The study results showed that patients in the VR group required significantly less local anesthesia than those in the control group (p = 0.0025). Pain perception in the VR group was significantly lower (p = 0.028). Additionally, self-assessments regarding calmness, relaxation, and satisfaction were significantly improved in the VR group (p < 0.01). A stronger correlation between higher pain catastrophizing scale scores and anesthetic requirements was observed in the VR group, suggesting that VR may offer particular benefits for patients with increased pain sensitivity. Although gender differences were not statistically significant, a trend toward higher anesthetic requirements in male patients was noted. The evaluation of the VR headsets by patients was overwhelmingly positive, indicating high acceptance of the technology.

Discussion

The use of VR headsets during surgical procedures can significantly enhance patient comfort by reducing pain and stress levels. The high patient acceptance and positive evaluations of VR suggest its feasibility for broader clinical application. However, future studies should address potential cognitive biases, compare VR with other distraction methods, and explore its effects on different patient subgroups. Future research should also consider the role of gender-specific factors in the modulation of anesthetic requirements by VR. Additionally, a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis will be crucial for assessing the economic viability of VR technology in healthcare.

Conclusion

VR technology represents a promising method to improve patient experience and comfort in surgical settings. The positive outcomes of this study encourage further research to fully capture and validate the potential of VR in medicine, particularly in pain management and stress reduction during various medical procedures.
Yellow meconium
Authors: Preuß-Wössner Johanna , Sperhake Jan-Peter , Madea Burkhard
Published: December 2024

The intestinal content of newborns is known as meconium, usually described as a black-greenish slimy substance. However, in rare cases, meconium might be yellow. This is of great relevance with regard to the forensic assessment of life birth, i.e. (longer) survival time and possible (breast-)feeding before death. While in older German forensic literature, yellow meconium has been occasionally mentioned from the 19th century on - without any conclusions being drawn from this finding whether the newborn was alive or had been fed -, current forensic literature does not provide information about this phenomenon. No reports of yellow meconium were found in (older) English forensic literature as well. We report two cases of newborn autopsies with yellow meconium and provide a short overview of the respective literature.
AutoZooMS: Integrating robotics into high-throughput ZooMS for the species identification of palaeontological remains at Grotte Mandrin, France
Authors: Oldfield Ellie-May , Dunstan Mark S. , Chowdhury Manasij Pal , Slimak Ludovic , Buckley Michael
Published: December 2024

As the vast majority of excavated palaeontological skeletal remains are fragmentary to the extent that they cannot be identified by morphological analysis alone, various molecular methods have been considered to retrieve information from an otherwise underutilised resource. The introduction of collagen fingerprinting, known as Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS), has become one of the most popular approaches to improve taxonomic data yields from fragmentary bone. However, manual laboratory work remains a barrier to the analysis of larger sample numbers. Here we test the incorporation of liquid-handling robots to further develop ZooMS into a more automated technique using samples excavated from Grotte Mandrin, France. By increasing the faunal identifications of the morphological indeterminable remains at layer B2 (~ 42–44 Ka), from 55 to 1215 (1026 of which were processed via AutoZooMS), we identified a wider range of taxa, now including Ursidae and Mammuthus, as well as further hominin remains. AutoZooMS has the capacity to investigate larger proportions of palaeontological assemblages rapidly and cost effectively whilst requiring little human intervention, aiming to improve our understanding of the human past.
Supporting the continuous development and use of a patient partnership framework in European rare disease networks (ERNs): a scoping review of frameworks in the scientific literature
Authors: Spivack Olivia K. C. , Klein Haneveld Mirthe J. , Louisse Simone , Slater Graham , Hernando Inés
Published: December 2024

The European Reference Networks (ERNs) for rare and complex diseases offer significant potential for building, maintaining and evaluating patient partnership, for which the recently developed ERN Patient Partnership Framework may serve as guidance. This scoping review aims to identify and describe relevant frameworks published in scientific literature, capturing key learning points to inform future updates of the ERN Patient Partnership Framework and promote its use in practice. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched to identify recently published frameworks (2013–2023) focused on patient partnership and aligned with at least one core ERN activity. Framework characteristics were summarised and information pertaining to their content, structure and practical use was extracted. Twelve relevant frameworks were identified, presenting practical approaches, conceptual understandings or both. Five frameworks focused on areas aligned with specific core ERN activities; others had an overarching scope. Frameworks presented various engagement approaches and employed heterogeneous terminology and development methods. Frameworks differed in their content and structure and presented key considerations for use. Our review underscores the importance of providing clear definitions and explanations of patient partnership. It provides insight into how meaningful, and inclusive patient partnership can be promoted within our diverse ERN context and sheds light on the importance of framework implementation as a prerequisite to structured evaluation. Learning points generated from this review will be used to inform future updates of the ERN Patient Partnership Framework and promote its implementation in practice.
Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield
Authors: Cao Jinjun , Sun Yaqi , Peng Shuili , Li Wanxing , He Xiaobing , Li Xiaoxia , Li Dan , Jin Kunpeng , Yang Yi , Liu Yongzhong
Published: December 2024

Film-stalk spaced dual mulching is a new type of cultivation measure that is increasingly highlighted in semi-arid areas in China. Despite its potential, there is limited understanding of how different mulching materials affect both soil quality and crop yield in these areas. To address this gap, we conducted a two-year (2020–2021) field experiment in central China to explore the yield-enhancing mechanisms and assess the impact of various mulching materials on soil and corn yield. The experiment comprised six treatments, i.e., plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in fall (PSF), plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (PSS), black and silver plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (BPSS), biodegradable film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (BSS), liquid film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (LSS), and non-mulching cultivation (CK). Results revealed that BPSS demonstrated the most significant yield increase, surpassing CK by a notable 10.0% and other mulching treatments by 2.4%–5.9%. The efficacy of BPSS lied in its provision of favorable hydrothermal conditions for corn cultivation, particularly during hot season. Its cooling effect facilitated the establishment of optimal temperature conditions relative to transparent mulching, leading to higher root growth indices (e.g., length and surface area), as well as higher leaf photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation per plant. Additionally, BPSS maintained higher average soil moisture content within 0–100 cm depth compared with biodegradable mulching and liquid mulching. As a result, BPSS increased activities of urease, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the diversity and abundance of soil bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere zone of corn, facilitating nutrient accessibility by the plant. These findings suggest that selecting appropriate mulching materials is crucial for optimizing corn production in drought-prone areas, highlighting the potential of BPSS cultivation.
The evaluation of depression prevalence and its association with obesity phenotypes in a community-dwelling aged population
Authors: Abbasloo Faezeh , Ebrahimi Pouya , Ghadimi Delaram , Sharifi Farshad , Ayati Arian , Moodi Mitra , Khorashadizadeh Masoumeh , Fakhrzadeh Hosein , Zaki Zadeh Amin , Ramezani Pedram , Pirdehghan Reza , Nooraeen Sara , Moradi Ali , Payab Moloud , Ebrahimpur Mahbube
Published: December 2024

Background

Depression is one of the most debilitating mental disorders and a risk factor for many other chronic diseases that are commonly seen in the geriatric population. It has been claimed in previous studies that depression can be associated with obesity in this age group, but there is no common consensus between their results.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the association between depression metabolic syndrome and obesity phenotypes in community-dwelling older adults living in the East of Iran.

Method and materials

As a part of the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study, this retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on participants older than 60. They were categorized based on their body mass index and components of metabolic syndrome into four phenotypes: metabolic non-healthy obese (MNHO), metabolic healthy obese (MHO), metabolic healthy non-obese (MHNO), and metabolic non-healthy non-obese (MNHNO). The relative risk ratio (RRR) of the obesity phenotypes, the severity of depressive symptoms, and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were evaluated by univariate and multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Of 1344 eligible participants, 268 (19.94%) had depression. Moderate, moderate-severe, and severe depression were observed in 179 (13.32%), 67 (4.99%), and 22 (1.64%) participants, respectively. Our findings showed a non-significant increase in the RRR of mild depressive symptoms in MNHO (RRR:1.22, 95% CI 0.56–2.66) and severe symptoms in MNHNO (RRR:1.20, 95% CI 0.02–63.17) females. However, in male participants, the RRR of moderate-severe depressive symptoms only increased non-significantly for the MNHO category (RRR:1.34, 95% CI 0.45–3.98).

Conclusion

We did not observe a meaningful association between depressive symptoms and obesity phenotypes. Also, other than malnutrition or its risk, various severities of depressive symptoms correlate with different sociodemographic and medical risk factors among male and female senior citizens.
Chitosan-polylactic acid composites: from seafood waste to advanced functional materials for 3D printing
Authors: Blanzeanu Erika , Marin Minodora , Verziu Marian Nicolae , Dumitru Anca , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Stavarache Cristina , Cozorici Derniza-Elena , Luque Rafael , Zaharia Catalin , Radu Ionut-Cristian
Published: December 2024

The development of functional and sustainable materials for additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding area of interest. In this context, composite blends of chitosan—including commercial low and medium molecular weight variants, as well as laboratory-extracted chitosan from shrimp head and shell waste—and polylactic acid (PLA) were prepared using extrusion molding. Filament characterization was conducted to explore the effects of chitosan molecular weight and content on the filament properties using melt flow index, tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology of the extruded filaments was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the possibility of incorporating a high ratio of metal into the composite filaments without compromising their printability and structural integrity was investigated. The results indicated that certain compositions of chitosan-PLA composite filaments enable the effective incorporation of nickel, highlighting their potential as innovative catalyst supports. The filaments were 3D printed in a molten state, and the resulting specimens were subsequently examined using micro-CT. This approach seeks to create an innovative material from food waste, offering a sustainable and circular solution for transforming seafood waste into advanced functional materials. The successful integration of shrimp waste-derived chitosan into PLA filaments not only enhances the material properties, but also demonstrates the potential for creating high-value products from bio-waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and advancing the field of eco-friendly additive manufacturing. This work highlights the promising application of composite filaments in various industrial sectors, emphasizing their role in promoting a circular economy.
Influence of MHD flow on forced convection in a saturated porous duct with ohmic heating
Authors: Eswaran Rajapriyanka , Kumar M. S. Jagadeesh
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the forced convective flow in a horizontally extended parallel-plate channel filled with a sparsely packed, chemically inert porous medium under magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects. Utilizing the Forchheimer model to account for both viscous and inertial effects, the problem is formulated as a nonlinear boundary value problem and solved using the Differential Transformation Method (DTM). The key observations indicate that as the Darcy number increases, there is a decrease in flow velocity, eventually transitioning to plug flow at higher values. To investigate thermal characteristics, uniform Ohmic heating is employed, and the temperature distribution is determined using the steady-state thermal energy equation, which excludes axial conduction. The findings demonstrate that both the Darcy number and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects have a substantial impact on the velocity and temperature profiles. The DTM solutions are validated against limiting cases in the literature and demonstrated good agreement. This study enhances the understanding of porous media and the effects of MHD on convective flow and thermal distribution, providing valuable insights for applications involving porous structures and electromagnetic fields.
Enlightenment's Reformation
Authors: Printy Michael
Published: December 2024

How did we get from the religious core of the sixteenth-century Reformation to the notions of freedom popularised by Hegel and Ranke? Enlightenment's Reformation explores how two key cultural and intellectual achievements – the sixteenth-century Reformation and the late eighteenth-century birth of 'German' philosophy – became fused in public discussion over the course of the 'long' eighteenth century. Michael Printy argues that Protestant theologians and intellectuals recast the meaning of Protestantism as part of a wide-ranging cultural apology aimed at the twin threats of unbelief and deism on the one hand, and against Pietism and a nascent evangelical awakening on the other. The reimagining of the Reformation into a narrative of progress was powerful, becoming part of mainstream German intellectual culture in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Utilising Reformation history, Enlightenment history, and German philosophy, this book explores how the rich if unstable idea linking Protestantism and modern freedom came to dominate German intellectual culture until the First World War.
There Will Be the Devil to Pay
Authors: Hansen Per H.
Published: December 2024

The European financial crisis of 1931 was a pivotal moment in the economic and financial history of the twentieth century. Based on extensive archival research and a cultural conceptual framework, There Will be the Devil To Pay offers a new and much needed understanding of the European financial crisis. It tells the dramatic story of the five months that led to the breakdown of the gold standard, writing the history of the crisis from the perspective of central bankers, private bankers, and government officials. It provides a new narrative of how those involved struggled to understand and respond to the crisis as it unfolded. Contributing to the emerging literature on radical uncertainty and narrative economics, this book provides a detailed analysis of how decision-makers confront uncertainty and shape narratives that create actionable knowledge and enable decision-making.
The Authoritarian Commons
Authors: Qiao Shitong
Published: December 2024

Based on six-year fieldwork across China including over 200 in-depth interviews, this book provides an ethnographic account of how hundreds of millions of Chinese homeowners practice democracy in and beyond their condominium complexes. Using interviews, survey data, and a comprehensive examination of laws, policies and judicial decisions, this book also examines how the party-state in China responds to the risks and benefits brought by neighborhood democratization. Moreover, this book provides a framework to analyze different approaches to the authoritarian dilemma facing neighborhood democratization which may increase the regime's legitimacy and expose it to the challenge of independent organizations at the same time. Lastly, this book identifies conditions under which neighborhood democratization can succeed.
Occurrence of Rare Lightning Events During Hurricane Nicholas (2021)
Authors: Logan Timothy , Hale Jacob , Butler Sydney , Lawrence Brendan , Gardner Samuel
Published: December 2024

Hurricane Nicholas was classified as a Category 1 tropical cyclone (TC) at 0000 UTC on 14 September 2021 and made landfall along the upper Texas Gulf Coast at 0530 UTC with maximum sustained winds of 33 m s−1. Much of the electrical activity during Nicholas was monitored by the Houston Lightning Mapping Array (HLMA) network. Thunderstorm activity developed in the rainband at 1700 UTC on 13 September, diminished by 2030 UTC, and re‐intensified after 2200 UTC. At 2004 UTC (13 September), a curved megaflash (∼220 km) was observed by the HLMA in the stratiform precipitation region of the outer rainband. By 0130 UTC on 14 September 2021, vigorous storm cells developed in the eastern eyewall region and propagated cyclonically to the western eyewall region. At least four “jet‐like” transient luminous events (TLEs) were observed by the HLMA emanating from a storm cell in the western eyewall region between 0230 and 0300 UTC with VHF source points ranging from 30 to 45 km in altitude. Moreover, the TLEs occurred within a region of strong wind shear, upper‐level graupel‐ice crystal collisions (∼15 km), and strong cloud top divergence. Charge analysis of the thunderstorm activity during Nicholas revealed an overall normal dipole structure, while the megaflash and TLE cases exhibited inverted dipole charge structures. Dissipation of the upper‐level screening charge layer resulting from cloud top divergence likely played a role in the observed TLE VHF sources escaping to altitudes exceeding 30 km.
Seasonal Cycle in Sea Level Across the Coastal Zone
Authors: Ponte Rui M. , Schindelegger Michael
Published: December 2024

Data from tide gauges and satellite altimeters are used to provide an up‐to‐date assessment of the mean seasonal cycle in sea level () over most of the global coastal ocean. The tide gauge records, where available, depict a seasonal cycle with complex spatial structure along and across continental boundaries, and an annual oscillation dominating over semiannual variability, except in a few regions (e.g., the northwestern Gulf of Mexico). Comparisons between tide gauge and altimeter data reveal substantial root‐mean‐square differences and only slight improvements in agreement when using along‐track data optimized for coastal applications. Quantification of the uncertainty in the altimeter products, inferred from comparing gridded and along‐track estimates, indicate that differences to tide gauges partly reflect short‐scale features of the seasonal cycle in proximity to the coasts. We additionally probe the seasonal budget using satellite gravimetry‐based manometric estimates and steric terms calculated from the World Ocean Atlas 2023. Focusing on global median values, the sum of the estimated steric and manometric harmonics can explain 65% (respectively 40%) of the annual (semiannual) variance in the coastal observations. We identify several regions, for example, the Australian seaboard, where the seasonal budget is not closed and illustrate that such analysis is mainly limited by the coarse spatial resolution of present satellite‐derived mass change products. For most regions with a sufficiently tight budget closure, we find that although the importance of the manometric term generally increases with decreasing water depth, steric contributions are non‐negligible near coastlines, especially at the annual frequency.
Distribution of Interseismic Coupling Along the Maidan Fault in Tianshan Before the 2024 Mw 7.0 Wushi Earthquake
Authors: Wang Xiaohang , Xu Caijun , Wen Yangmao , Zhao Xiong , Wang Shuai , Xu Guangyu
Published: December 2024

Despite historically low seismic activity on the Maidan Fault (MDF), the sudden Mw 7.0 Wushi earthquake in early 2024 underscores the urgent need to assess the seismic risk on this fault. This study utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data to image the spatial distribution of interseismic coupling before the Wushi event along the MDF. The four asperities we identified indicate a high seismic risk for the MDF, with potential magnitudes of Mw 7.5–7.6, Mw 7.5–7.7, Mw 7.0–7.2, and Mw 6.8–7.0. Specifically, the Maierkaiqi segment has already accumulated seismic moment comparable to previous event. Furthermore, our comparison of the interseismic coupling model with the coseismic rupture of the Wushi earthquake reveals that the shallow compliant zone, creeping patches, and irregular fault geometry collectively constrained the rupture propagation. The consistency between the rupture and high coupling area also suggests that the obtained coupling distribution may represent potential earthquake‐prone zones along the MDF.
Subauroral TEC Enhancement, GNSS Scintillation, and Positioning Error During STEVE
Authors: Chen R. H. , Nishimura Y. , Liao W. , Semeter J. L. , Zettergren M. D. , Donovan E. F. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: December 2024

We report the first simultaneous observations of total electron content (TEC), radio signal scintillation, and precise point positioning (PPP) variation associated with Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) emissions during a 26 March 2008 storm‐time substorm. Despite that the mid‐latitude trough TEC decreases during the substorm overall, interestingly, we found an unexpected TEC enhancement (by ∼2 TECU) during STEVE. Enhancement of vertical TEC and phase scintillation was highly localized to STEVE within a thin latitudinal band of 1°. As STEVE shifted equatorward, TEC enhancement was found at and slightly poleward of the optical emission. PPP exhibited enhanced variation across a 3° latitudinal range around STEVE and indicated increased GNSS positioning error. We suggest that TEC enhancement during STEVE creates local TEC structures in the ionosphere that degrade Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals and PPP performance. The TEC enhancement may be created by particle precipitation, Pedersen drift across STEVE, neutral wind, or plasma instability.
NEUVAC: Nonlinear Extreme Ultraviolet Irradiance Model for Aeronomic Calculations
Authors: Brandt Daniel A. , Ridley Aaron J.
Published: December 2024

The need for reliable estimates of solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) for operational space weather nowcasting and forecasting has motivated the development of new model of solar irradiance variability in 59 wavelength bins between 1 and 1,750 Å. The model employs a nonlinear parameterization of rebinned daily FISM2 irradiances and is termed NEUVAC: Nonlinear Extreme Ultraviolet Irradiance Model for Aeronomic Calculations. The model is parameterized in terms of F10.7 and 54‐day averaged F10.7 in a backwards‐looking window. The model takes advantage of the high accuracy and resolution of FISM2, and the consistent availability of F10.7 data in order to provide the space weather community with an empirical irradiance model that requires only two inputs, and is applicable for solar EUV forecasting. Additionally, the model is capable of running ensembles and providing estimates of quantified uncertainty for usage by downstream ionosphere‐thermosphere models. The model is evaluated against native FISM2 outputs in the 37 bins used by the EUVAC model, as well as the bins specified by Solomon and Qian. Its accuracy and precision is also compared to that of EUVAC, HEUVAC, and the HFG models.
Impact of urban biodiversity and climate change on children’s health and well being
Authors: Seastedt Hana , Schuetz Jackson , Perkins Alexandra , Gamble Morgan , Sinkkonen Aki
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, biodiversity loss has greatly impacted planetary and human health. Children are at additional risk of adverse effects due to unique biological, developmental, and behavioral factors, as well as their longer exposure to an altered planet as a function of their young age. These effects are heightened for children living in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions. Here, we review the role of biodiversity loss on accelerating the consequences of climate change from the perspective of pediatric health. With the loss of biodiversity’s protective role against the consequences of climate change, the adverse effects of the changing planet are impacting pediatric health. For example, trees provide shelter against heat waves, unsealed soil and wetlands mitigate flooding, and rewilded green space hosts high microbial richness and consequently supports immune and mental health. The effects of the loss of biodiversity may impact the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals and thus the future of children’s medicine as a whole. We also highlight areas for further study and detail efforts that have been made to restore biodiversity, with the aim to improve the current and future health of local pediatric populations.

Impact

Loss of biodiversity is occurring at a rapid pace affecting the health of the planet and disproportionately pediatric health.

This paper describes the role of biodiversity loss in accelerating the impact of climate change on children’s health, and highlights particularly vulnerable populations.

This paper details steps that can be taken to maintain and restore biodiversity at the local and global levels to protect these populations and pediatric health in general.
Laser ablation syntheses of OThS and OCeS and their characterization by rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Isert Joshua E. , Davies Alexander R. , Grubbs II G. S. , Cooke S. A.
Published: December 2024

The first experimental gas-phase structure determination of a polyatomic thorium- or cerium-containing compound.
Design and synthesis of cyclic lipidated peptides derived from the C-terminus of Cx43 for hemichannel inhibition and cardiac endothelium targeting
Authors: Iaculli Debora , Montgomery Jade , Lamouroux Arthur , Caufriez Anne , Gozalbes Rafael , Vinken Mathieu , Molica Filippo , Kwak Brenda R. , Ballet Steven
Published: December 2024

Potent and stable cyclic peptide inhibitors of Cx43 were identified. Their therapeutic potential was enhanced by the addition of a lipid motif (preserving water solubility), and a targeting peptide, for delivery to cardiac endothelial cells.
Highly efficient heteronuclear polarization transfer using dipolar-echo edited R-symmetry sequences in solid-state NMR
Authors: Liang Lixin , Chen Kuizhi , Hou Guangjin
Published: December 2024

A novel dipolar-echo edited R-symmetry (DEER) sequence is proposed, which is further incorporated into the INEPT-type scheme, dubbed DEER-INEPT, for achieving highly efficient heteronuclear polarization transfer under a wide range of MAS rates.
Enhanced undecylprodigiosin production using collagen hydrolysate: a cost-effective and high-efficiency synthesis strategy
Authors: Li Xia , Liu Xian , Yang Ming , Wang Bo , Tan Yin , Liao Xue-Pin , Shi Bi
Published: December 2024

A high-efficiency and cost-effective strategy for undecylprodigiosin synthesis was devised using pyrrole-based collagen hydrolysate and microbial producer Streptomyces sp. SLL-523.
Recent progress of inorganic phosphors in artificial plant cultivation LEDs
Authors: Xiang Jinmeng , Chang Jiwen , Chen Changheng , Jin Shayi , Chen Renze , Gao Ruibo , Jin Minkun , Guo Chongfeng
Published: December 2024

Absorption spectra of photoreceptor pigments together with corresponding activators for plant growth LEDs.
Intermolecular proton-coupled electron transfer reconstructs aggregates for near-infrared-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Bai Huimin , Wang Jie , Zhao Jianghong , Zhang Hongxia , Shi Hu , Yang Pengju
Published: December 2024

The PCET-induced formation of reconstructed AT aggregates with excellent NIR-light capture as well as efficient charge separation, enabling highly efficient hydrogen production with NIR light.
CNN‐based multi‐output regression model to estimate infrastructural surface crack dimensions adopting a generalised patch size and FWHM‐based width quantification
Authors: Debroy Sudipta , Sil Arjun
Published: December 2024

To cater the need for real‐time crack monitoring of infrastructural facilities, a CNN‐regression model is proposed to directly estimate the crack properties from patches. RGB crack images and their corresponding masks obtained from a public dataset are cropped into patches of 256 square pixels that are classified with a pre‐trained deep convolution neural network, the true positives are segmented, and crack properties are extracted using two different methods. The first method is primarily based on active contour models and level‐set segmentation and the second method consists of the domain adaptation of a mathematical morphology‐based method known as FILFINDER. A statistical test has been performed for the comparison of the stated methods and a database prepared with the more suitable method. An advanced convolution neural network‐based multi‐output regression model has been proposed which was trained with the prepared database and validated with the held‐out dataset for the prediction of crack‐length, crack‐width, and width‐uncertainty directly from input image patches. The proposed model has been tested on crack patches collected from different locations. Huber loss has been used to ensure the robustness of the proposed model selected from a set of 288 different variations of it. Additionally, an ablation study has been conducted on the top 3 models that demonstrated the influence of each network component on the prediction results. Finally, the best performing model HHc‐X among the top 3 has been proposed that predicted crack properties which are in close agreement to the ground truths in the test data.
Morphing control strategy of wide input voltage DR‐LLC converter for vehicle power supply
Authors: Zheng Litong , Guo Yuhan , Zhao Xin , Wang Rui , Zhang Xiuyu , Lan Liangsheng , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2024

Electric vehicles have experienced substantial global growth. However, significant fluctuations in the output voltage of power batteries and abrupt changes in the input voltage of DC–DC converters pose major challenges to their safety and reliability, thereby impeding sustainable development. This paper proposes a frequency‐prediction‐based topology morphing control strategy (FPTMC) for a dual resonant cavity LLC (DR‐LLC) converter. The strategy aims to accommodate a wide range of input voltages while enhancing the reliability of the vehicle's power supply. Firstly, the topology of the DR‐LLC converter is introduced, utilizing a fundamental wave analysis method for modelling purposes. This analysis results in three distinct voltage gain models corresponding to various topology modes, thereby enabling the converter to manage a wide spectrum of input voltages. Then, a geometrically simplified state plane analysis is employed to derive switching frequency models for the three topology modes, facilitating real‐time prediction of the necessary switching frequency during topology transitions. The proposed control strategy, which relies on frequency prediction, effectively mitigates the problem of voltage spikes during these transitions. Finally, both simulation and experimental results validate the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed wide input voltage control strategy for DR‐LLC converters in vehicle power supply systems.
Do we need a data sharing infrastructure for the energy sector?
Authors: Li Furong , Turvey Nigel , Dale Lewis , Scott John , Padget Julian , Flower Isaac , Fitzpatrick Jennifer R. , Ostler Nico , Oldaker Rob , Yeo Simon
Published: December 2024

Diversifying and decarbonising energy production by investing in renewables and clean energy is the UK Government's blueprint to power Britain from Britain. Technological developments and deployment are progressing rapidly, however, the whole‐system approach—bringing together organisations across the traditional boundaries to provide the country with an increasing capability to source affordable, clean and home‐grown energy—is still lacking. A key barrier to the whole‐system approach is lack of a data sharing infrastructure (DSI), which allows standardised and interoperable data to be securely shared between key stakeholders, helping to align giga watt, mega watt and kilo watt renewable and clean energy with end‐user demand. Development of a DSI covering the entire problem and organisation space is a complex and costly undertaking. This paper advocates for a minimum viable product (MVP) that takes an early, continuous engagement of influencing and impacting stakeholders, facilitates the discovery of desired system functional properties at the earliest possible stage of system development to meet diverse users' needs, mitigate potential risks, and inform the future development. If an MVP offers genuine benefits for early adoptions and the opportunity to address mission critical challenges, it will propel mass collaboration and innovation to accelerate net zero transition and green growth.