bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of an embryonic differentiation stage marked by Sox1 and FoxA2 co-expression using combined cell tracking and high dimensional protein imaging
Authors: Arekatla Geethika , Skylaki Stavroula , Corredor Suarez David , Jackson Hartland , Schapiro Denis , Engler Stefanie , Auler Markus , Camargo Ortega German , Hastreiter Simon , Reimann Andreas , Loeffler Dirk , Bodenmiller Bernd , Schroeder Timm
Published: September 2024

Pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate to all germ layers and serve as an in vitro model of embryonic development. To better understand the differentiation paths traversed by ESCs committing to different lineages, we track individual differentiating ESCs by timelapse imaging followed by multiplexed high-dimensional Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) protein quantification. This links continuous live single-cell molecular NANOG and cellular dynamics quantification over 5-6 generations to protein expression of 37 different molecular regulators in the same single cells at the observation endpoints. Using this unique data set including kinship history and live lineage marker detection, we show that NANOG downregulation occurs generations prior to, but is not sufficient for neuroectoderm marker Sox1 upregulation. We identify a developmental cell type co-expressing both the canonical Sox1 neuroectoderm and FoxA2 endoderm markers in vitro and confirm the presence of such a population in the post-implantation embryo. RNASeq reveals cells co-expressing SOX1 and FOXA2 to have a unique cell state characterized by expression of both endoderm as well as neuroectoderm genes suggesting lineage potential towards both germ layers.
Systematic identification of post-transcriptional regulatory modules
Authors: Khoroshkin Matvei , Buyan Andrey , Dodel Martin , Navickas Albertas , Yu Johnny , Trejo Fathima , Doty Anthony , Baratam Rithvik , Zhou Shaopu , Lee Sean B. , Joshi Tanvi , Garcia Kristle , Choi Benedict , Miglani Sohit , Subramanyam Vishvak , Modi Hailey , Carpenter Christopher , Markett Daniel , Corces M. Ryan , Mardakheh Faraz K. , Kulakovskiy Ivan V. , Goodarzi Hani
Published: September 2024

In our cells, a limited number of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are responsible for all aspects of RNA metabolism across the entire transcriptome. To accomplish this, RBPs form regulatory units that act on specific target regulons. However, the landscape of RBP combinatorial interactions remains poorly explored. Here, we perform a systematic annotation of RBP combinatorial interactions via multimodal data integration. We build a large-scale map of RBP protein neighborhoods by generating in vivo proximity-dependent biotinylation datasets of 50 human RBPs. In parallel, we use CRISPR interference with single-cell readout to capture transcriptomic changes upon RBP knockdowns. By combining these physical and functional interaction readouts, along with the atlas of RBP mRNA targets from eCLIP assays, we generate an integrated map of functional RBP interactions. We then use this map to match RBPs to their context-specific functions and validate the predicted functions biochemically for four RBPs. This study provides a detailed map of RBP interactions and deconvolves them into distinct regulatory modules with annotated functions and target regulons. This multimodal and integrative framework provides a principled approach for studying post-transcriptional regulatory processes and enriches our understanding of their underlying mechanisms.
Preparation of silver nanowires with controlled parameters for conductive transparent electrodes
Authors: Salam Ahmed Abdel , Ebrahim Shaker , Soliman Moataz , Shokry Azza
Published: September 2024

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have excellent flexibility, unique optical transmittance and high conductivity. The polyol process is appropriate for preparing AgNWs due to its simplicity, effectiveness, low cost, and high yield. This work aims to investigate the effect of preparation parameters of the polyol process on the silver nanowires properties. The parameters include the controlling agent, molecular weight of the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the temperature, and the reducing agent. The amount of silver nanoparticles formed during preparation was used to determine the optimum preparation conditions. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed minimal amount of Ag nanoparticles when using mixed molecular weight of PVP-40K, and PVP-1.3M at 150 °C with the assistance of copper chloride as a controlling agent. The prepared AgNWs had an average length of 3.7 µm and aspect ratio of 15.3. The fabricated electrodes were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and four probe resistivity measurements. The electrical measurement of the AgNWs electrodes indicated that the surfactant thickness is a critical parameter in having low sheet resistance electrodes. Also, the optical transmission was affected by the amount of nanoparticles. The prepared electrode with high concentration of AgNWs and a minimal amount of nanoparticles exhibited 80% optical transmission.
Parameter characterization of PEM fuel cell mathematical models using an orthogonal learning-based GOOSE algorithm
Authors: Manoharan Premkumar , Ravichandran Sowmya , Kavitha S. , Tengku Hashim Tengku Juhana , Alsoud Anas R. , Sin Tan Ching
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a new method is designed to effectively determine the parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), i.e., $${\xi }_{1}$$

ξ
1

, $${\xi }_{2}$$

ξ
2

, $${\xi }_{3}$$

ξ
3

, $${\xi }_{4}$$

ξ
4

, $${R}_{\text{C}}$$

R
C

, $$\lambda$$
λ
, and $$b$$
b
. The fuel cells (FCs) involve multiple variable quantities with complex non-linear behaviours, demanding accurate modelling to ensure optimal operation. An accurate model of these FCs is essential to evaluate their performance accurately. Furthermore, the design of the FCs significantly impacts simulation studies, which are crucial for various technological applications. This study proposed an improved parameter estimation procedure for PEMFCs by using the GOOSE algorithm, which was inspired by the adaptive behaviours found in geese during their relaxing and foraging times. The orthogonal learning mechanism improves the performance of the original GOOSE algorithm. This FC model uses the root mean squared error as the objective function for optimizing the unknown parameters. In order to validate the proposed algorithm, a number of experiments using various datasets were conducted and compared the outcomes with different state-of-the-art algorithms. The outcomes indicate that the proposed GOOSE algorithm not only produced promising results but also exhibited superior performance in comparison to other similar algorithms. This approach demonstrates the ability of the GOOSE algorithm to simulate complex systems and enhances the robustness and adaptability of the simulation tool by integrating essential behaviours into the computational framework. The proposed strategy facilitates the development of more accurate and effective advancements in the utilization of FCs.
Cannabidiol and fluorinated derivative anti-cancer properties against glioblastoma multiforme cell lines, and synergy with imidazotetrazine agents
Authors: Brookes Alice , Kindon Nicholas , Scurr David J. , Alexander Morgan R. , Gershkovich Pavel , Bradshaw Tracey D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis, partly due to resistance to the standard chemotherapy treatment, temozolomide (TMZ). Phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has exhibited anti-cancer effects against GBM, however, CBD’s ability to overcome common resistance mechanisms to TMZ have not yet been investigated. 4’-Fluoro-cannabidiol (4’-F-CBD, or HUF-101/PECS-101) is a derivative of CBD, that exhibits increased activity compared to CBD during in vivo behavioural studies.

Methods

This anti-cancer activity of cannabinoids against GBM cells sensitive to and representing major resistance mechanisms to TMZ was investigated. Cannabinoids were also studied in combination with imidazotetrazine agents, and advanced mass spectrometry with the 3D OrbiSIMS was used to investigate the mechanism of action of CBD.

Results

CBD and 4’-F-CBD were found to overcome two major resistance mechanisms (methylguanine DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) overexpression and DNA mismatch repair (MMR)-deficiency). Synergistic responses were observed when cells were exposed to cannabinoids and imidazotetrazine agents. Synergy increased with T25 and 4’-F-CBD. 3D OrbiSIMS analysis highlighted the presence of methylated-DNA, a previously unknown anti-cancer mechanism of action of CBD.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the anti-cancer activity of 4’-F-CBD and the synergy of cannabinoids with imidazotetrazine agents for the first time and expands understanding of CBD mechanism of action.
Rapid, in-field speciation of Cr(vi) in aqueous samples using photoluminescent MoS2 quantum dots and portable fluorimetry with digital image analysis
Authors: Khoshmaram Leila , Emami Mina , Jalili Roghayyeh , Imani-Nabiyyi Amin
Published: September 2024

This study explores a novel approach for in-field speciation of Cr(vi) in various aqueous samples employing nontoxic, MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) as a fluorescent probe.
Deep learning ResNet34 model-assisted diagnosis of sickle cell disease via microcolumn isoelectric focusing
Authors: Sani Ali , Tian Youli , Shah Saud , Khan Muhammad Idrees , Abdurrahman Hafiz Rabiu , Zha Genhan , Zhang Qiang , Liu Weiwen , Abdullahi Ibrahim Lawal , Wang Yuxin , Cao Chengxi
Published: September 2024

The study proposes a ResNet34 DL model for automated SCD diagnosis using mIEF for Hb S, achieving 90.1% accuracy in classifying Hb variants. The model's precision suggests it could reduce costs and the reliance on the need for expert diagnosis.
Coating Fe3O4 quantum dots with glutamic acid to achieve enhanced catalysis for facile and sensitive detection of chromium(vi) in water
Authors: Huang Guidan , Ye Hongying , Mo Xuejian , Hao Ruizheng , Huang Guanhui , Liang Jinhua , Wang Deqiang , Xiao Xiaofen , Zhu Wenyuan
Published: September 2024

Enhancing the convenience and sensitivity detection of chromium(vi) via ultrasmall Fe3O4 quantum dots coated with glutamic acid.
Potential of cold plasma in enhancing egg white protein for sustainable food applications: a comprehensive review
Authors: Akbar Ubaida , Srivastava Shivangi , Dar Aamir Hussain , Dash Kshirod Kumar , Mondol Sabir Ahmad , Pandey Vinay Kumar , Majeed Toiba , Sidiqi Urba Shafiq
Published: September 2024

The objective of this review is to explore recent insights into the impact of cold plasma treatment on the structural and functional properties of egg white protein and to assess its potential for sustainable food applications.
Energy-efficient resistive switching synaptic devices based on patterned Ag nanotriangles with tunable gaps fabricated using plasma-assisted nanosphere lithography
Authors: Mehta Shubham K. , Mondal Indrajit , Yadav Bhupesh , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: September 2024

Devices composed of planar silver nanotriangles with tunable sharp features are fabricated through nanosphere lithography resulting in localized electric field thereby minimizing the threshold switching voltage for synaptic functionalities.
Structural engineering in hierarchical nanoarchitectures of metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives
Authors: Mao Tianzhu , Fu Hongchuan , Shen Kui
Published: September 2024

This review summarizes various methods for synthesizing core–satellite, core–shell, yolk–shell, and hollow–shell MOFs or their derivatives in recent years.
Nanoparticle-enabled integration of air capture and conversion of CO2
Authors: Guan Huanqin , Kim Ju Ye , Wei Kecheng , Agrawal Mayank , Peterson Andrew A. , Sun Shouheng
Published: September 2024

This work demonstrates a nanoparticle-enabled integration of air capture and conversion of CO2. Ambient CO2 is captured in a KOH–ethylene glycol solution and then selectively reduced to formate under 50 °C and ambient pressure using Pd NPs.
Nanorod-associated plasmonic circular dichroism monitors the handedness and composition of α-synuclein fibrils from Parkinson's disease models and post-mortem brain
Authors: Longhena Francesca , Boujebene Rihab , Brembati Viviana , Sandre Michele , Bubacco Luigi , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna , Bellucci Arianna
Published: September 2024

Nanorod-based plasmonic circular dichroism distinguishes the composition and features of different αSyn fibrils.
Enhancing the antibacterial efficacy of vancomycin analogues: targeting metallo-β-lactamases and cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , Xu Weipan , Vázquez-Hernández Melissa , Dhanda Geetika , Tripathi Shubhandra , Basak Debajyoti , Xie Hexin , Schipp Lea , Dietze Pascal , Bandow Julia E. , Nair Nishanth N. , Haldar Jayanta
Published: September 2024

A two-in-one vancomycin derivative that acts through multiple mechanisms to inhibit drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria and resensitizes critical priority Gram-negative pathogens to carbapenems.
Structural and kinetic insights into the stereospecific oxidation of R-2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate by DHPS-3-dehydrogenase from Cupriavidus pinatubonensis
Authors: Burchill Laura , Kaur Arashdeep , Nastasovici Artur , Lee Mihwa , Williams Spencer J.
Published: September 2024

Structural and kinetic analyses of HpsN from Cupriavidus pinatubonensis that catalyses the stereospecific oxidation of an important organosulfur compound, R-2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate are presented.
Non-faradaic capacitive cation sensing under flow
Authors: Patrick Sophie C. , Hein Robert , Beer Paul D. , Davis Jason J.
Published: September 2024

The ability to continually monitor target ion species in real-time is a highly sought-after endeavour in the field of host–guest chemistry, given its direct pertinence to medical and environmental applications.
A Preliminary Examination of a Novel Telepractice Screening Protocol for Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Teti Selina D. , Murray Laura L. , Orange J. B. , Roberts Angela C. , Sedzro Mawukoenya Theresa
Published: September 2024

Background:

The delivery of telepractice interventions for people with poststroke aphasia has been found effective and feasible compared to traditional, in-person interventions; however, telepractice assessments, particularly screening protocols, which may foster convenient access to aphasia diagnostic services, have received limited examination within the aphasia literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine a novel telepractice screening protocol for people with poststroke aphasia that assesses both language and extralinguistic cognitive abilities via both performance-based and patient-reported measures.

Method:

Twenty-one participants with previously diagnosed poststroke aphasia completed the telepractice administration of the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test (FAST), the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 (AIQ-21), the Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS), and the Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI). Care partners of the participants completed the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI). After the telepractice session, each participant completed a feasibility questionnaire to rate their overall experience.

Results:

All participants screened as having aphasia. Pearson correlation analyses yielded a strong positive relationship between OCS and FAST scores (
r
= .74), a strong relationship between OCS and CCCABI scores (
r
= −.71), and a moderate relationship between FAST and AIQ-21 scores (
r
= −.35). Moderate relationships were noted between the performance-based measures and the CETI (
r
= .30). The overall feasibility of telepractice administration was rated positively by each participant. No significant relationships were found between the feasibility responses and participant characteristics.

Conclusions:

Overall, the telepractice screening protocol yielded an effective and feasible way to identify poststroke aphasia. Similar to in-person administration of screening measures, it was more difficult to identify milder levels of aphasia severity. Future research should examine whether this telescreening protocol can identify poststroke aphasia within the broader stroke population.
Protein hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Hou Yue , Lu Xiong , Xie Chaoming , Jiang Yanan
Published: September 2024

Hydrogels, characterised as highly hydrophilic three‐dimensional polymer networks, have gained increasing attention due to their unique physicochemical properties, finding applications in various fields. Natural polymer hydrogels exhibit higher biocompatibility and biodegradability compared to traditional synthetic polymer hydrogels. Proteins, being the principal materials of natural polymer hydrogels, bear numerous modifiable functional groups. The resultant hydrogel possesses responsiveness, adjustable degradability, and underway as an excellent biomaterial. Seven common raw materials used to construct protein hydrogels are introduced. In terms of comparing natural polymer hydrogels with traditional synthetic polymer hydrogels, the authors conduct a detailed analysis and comparison, highlighting the advantages of natural polymer hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility and biodegradability, and summarising their characteristics. The authors also address the limitations of various protein hydrogels and list existing strengthening cross‐linking strategies, proposing new insights to overcome the application limits of protein hydrogels. Additionally, the applications of protein hydrogels in drug delivery, biosensing, bio‐inks and tissue engineering are discussed. The authors conclude by summarising the current challenges faced by protein hydrogels and prospecting its future development.
Risk analysis of construction safety level of prefabricated buildings based on multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Gu Zhixiang
Published: September 2024

In order to accurately and quantitatively evaluate the safety risks caused by a series of uncertain factors in the construction process of prefabricated buildings, and analyze the factors affecting the construction of prefabricated buildings, a multi-factor and multi-index evaluation system with 5 evaluation criteria and 18 indexes of operators, construction organization, management system, prefabricated components and machinery and equipment was established. Multistage fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to determine the weight of each index, define the index grade, and construct the membership function combined with fuzzy mathematics to construct the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. Based on this method, the construction safety level of prefabricated buildings in a community is analyzed and evaluated. The evaluation results are reasonable and effective, and the feasibility of multistage fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is verified.
Development and application of building intercom products
Authors: Wang Jianxu , Ning Tingzhou
Published: September 2024

The article mainly describes the development of building intercom products and the overview of current products. It elaborates on the popularization of economical and practical network cable products, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of face brushing and door opening in terms of cost, performance, and construction. It is believed that network cable products still belong to the category of analogue intercom products. The clever combination of digital doorstep machines that support mobile WeChat mini programs and network cable products has led the use of building intercom into a new field.
Study on Factors Affecting the Progress of Engineering Projects under the EPC Model
Authors: Li Shiyao , Gao Hongshun
Published: September 2024

This paper studies the factors affecting the progress of engineering projects under the EPC model. By establishing a hierarchical comparison matrix and collecting respondents’ ratings on the importance of these factors through a questionnaire survey, the data was analyzed and summarised using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study identified the key factors influencing progress management by the general contractor in EPC projects. Project participants can focus their efforts and resources on managing these key factors to more effectively manage construction progress, shorten project duration, improve management efficiency, and reduce social burdens and resource waste.
Fire station layout assessment in tourism-type city based on fire risk: A case study of Dujiangyan City
Authors: Huang Yating , Wang Liangying , Xiao Hai
Published: September 2024

With the development of tourism and the acceleration of urbanization, tourist cities have sprung up like bamboo shoots. Large population flow and more cultural relics are the characteristics of the current tourist city, which brings greater fire risk. The current research pays little attention to fire safety problems in tourist cities. This article takes the urban area of Dujiangyan, a tourist city, as the research object, and uses the superposition tool of GIS to make a fire risk grade map with a total of 9 factors of regional characteristics and architectural characteristics superimposed by weight. The result shows that there are still many areas with high fire risk in Dujiangyan, such as the ancient urban area where tourists gather and the southwest sub-area of Dujiangyan urban area. Based on the positioning and distribution model, 6 new fire station layout points are selected, and the responsibility division map of 9 fire stations in Dujiangyan City is finally obtained, which provides a reference for the layout of fire stations in Dujiangyan City.
Research on Risk Assessment and Prevention of Dewing on the Surface of the Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara Statue Based on COMSOL and CFD
Authors: Chen Qi , Jin Shuting , Mao Wangxin , Bai Xuelian
Published: September 2024

The Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara statue in Dazu Stone Carving has been in a high temperature and humidity environment with serious air pollution for a long time. Under the combined effect of various environmental factors, its surface disease is extremely serious. Among them, condensation disease is one of the main diseases of the Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara statue, and also the root cause of other diseases. The surface temperature of the Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara statue was simulated by COMSOL simulation technology, and compared with the dew point temperature of the air near the wall at the same time, the seasonal and daily variation laws of the condensation risk on the image surface were analysed. To effectively prevent surface condensation, a three-level condensation risk assessment level was established based on the difference between the surface temperature and the dew point temperature near the wall. Summer is a period of high risk of condensation, during field investigation, it was found that under the condition that dehumidification measures have been added, a large area of condensation still occurs on the statue surface in summer. According to the actual measurement of the core area where the Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara statue is located, it was found that there were obvious differences between the near wall measuring points and those far away, the near wall air fluidity was poor, and the actual application effect of dehumidification equipment was poor. In order to better create a suitable storage environment and avoid condensation, based on CFD simulation technology, the distribution law of the internal environmental parameters of the Dabei Pavilion under different optimization prevention and control schemes was studied, and the optimal optimization scheme of closing the steam inlet and adding dehumidifiers was proposed, which could reduce the relative humidity and dew point temperature of the air near the wall of the Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara statue by 12.6% and 3ºC respectively, effectively reducing the risk of condensation.
The Influence of Social Exclusion and Anthropomorphized Brand Roles on Consumers’ Purchase Intention
Authors: Mao Han , Li Feifei , Zhang Siyuan
Published: September 2024

Anthropomorphism is a prevalent practice in Chinese marketing practices. For instance, companies may speak to customers in a sweet, human-like tone or utilize anthropomorphized imagery to grab their interest. However, additional theoretical studies are necessary. From the perspective of compensatory consumption, based on the temporal need-threat model and the three-factor theory of anthropomorphism, this paper explored the mechanism of social exclusion, anthropomorphized brand roles, and consumers’ purchase intention, as well as the moderating effect of self-construal through two experiments. The results of study 1 showed that social exclusion and anthropomorphized brand roles jointly influenced consumers’ purchase intention. When rejected, consumers were more willing to purchase anthropomorphized partner (vs. servant) brands. When ignored, consumers preferred to purchase anthropomorphized servant (vs. partner) brands. The results of study 2 showed that self-construal played a moderating effect in this mechanism. For interdependent self-construal consumers to be rejected, the anthropomorphized partner (vs. servant) brands were more likely to promote positive purchase intention. For independent self-construal consumers to be ignored, anthropomorphized servant (vs. partner) brands were more likely to promote positive purchase intention. The conclusions encourage enterprises to take into account both situational factors and consumers’ traits when creating anthropomorphized marketing strategies.
Research on Public-Private Partnership Models in Digital Government Construction
Authors: Li Xingteng , Guo Zhouxiang
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of digital government has brought about an escalating demand for financial investment. After the pandemic, local authorities are facing a peak in debt obligations, resulting in considerable fiscal strain. In response, they are seeking collaborations with social capital, innovating in the investment, construction, and operational modalities of projects, and encouraging social capital engagement in digital government construction. This paper systematically analyzes the policy environment and local practices of public-private partnerships in digital government construction, proposing recommendations for advancing the development of digital government through such collaborative endeavors.
Causal relationship between environmental aspect and environmental risk
Authors: Lennon John Winston Ono , Pavlychenko Artem , Tsopa Vitaliy , Deryugin Oleg , Khorolskyi Andrii , Cheberiachko Lidia
Published: September 2024

This study aims to determine the causal relationship between environmental aspects and environmental risks, and to develop a risk management model for various hazard consequences. The research utilizes a general project life cycle model based on ISO 21500, adapted to identify cause-and-effect relationships between environmental aspects and hazards. The relationship is defined as the critical accumulation of an organization’s activities impacting the environment, which can trigger dangerous events under certain conditions. An algorithm for managing risks related to air, water, and soil pollution, stemming from this cause-and-effect relationship, is developed. The Bhopal tragedy is analyzed to illustrate the environmental consequences and economic losses from pollution. The study’s originality lies in defining the interrelationship between environmental aspects, sources of danger, and adverse environmental events. Its practical value is in the development of a risk management algorithm to address hazards leading to pollution-related losses.
Renovation of the retention bunker lining on the example of the Mysłowice-Wesoła coal mine
Authors: Rozmus Adam , Lewandowski Zbigniew , Rotkegel Marek , Szymała Jan , Maślanka Jacek
Published: September 2024

The scientific article focuses on the analysis, renovation and modernization of the retention bunker No. 4 at the 465 m level in the Mysłowice-Wesoła coal mine complex. This bunker, a key part of the mining infrastructure, has an important function in the coal mining process, accumulating output before its further transport to the surface. During a regular inspection of the bunker, significant damage was found in the form of defects on the lining, caused by the impacts of the output flow. Repair efforts required a comprehensive approach, including the use of rope access techniques (industrial mountaineering) for precise damage assessment and repair. The research and repair work included the installation of rappelling stations, rope access rappelling, non-destructive testing, bolting, concrete encasement of the damage, and other innovative repair techniques. Careful adaptation of operations to underground conditions and precise planning of logistics and repair work were key to successfully restoring the bunker’s stability and functionality. An analysis of the renovation process reveals the comprehensiveness of the measures, covering both the north and south sides of the bunker. The use of bolting, steel mesh, and innovative approaches allowed for the successful repair of damage. The ultimate success of the renovation helped minimize the risk of further damage and restore the integrity of the No. 4 retention bunker. The article also highlights the often-downplayed role of bunker in mining infrastructure, arguing that despite having ready-made longwalls and roadways, the absence of a functional bunker makes a coal mining system incomplete.
Application of modern survey and cartographic methods for documenting and presenting existing and historical workings of the UNESCO heritage site: Silver mine in Tarnowskie Góry
Authors: Dąbrowa Tomasz , Szombara Stanisław , Banaczkowska Aleksandra , Lewińska Paulina
Published: September 2024

In this article, contemporary survey and cartographic methods were employed to document and present both the existing and historical workings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry. Terrestrial laser scanning was utilized to capture detailed point clouds, which were then processed for advanced 3D applications. Due to the mine’s limited man-made roof supports, traditional vectorization methods were found to be impractical. Instead, ContexCapture Bentley software was used to create a detailed mesh model, overcoming the limitations of standard mesh algorithms in capturing intricate interior details. The project also integrated historical and current maps, orthophotos, and a digital terrain model to enrich the dataset. For georeferencing, fixed church locations were used, and vector layers were developed to map shafts, adits, water tunnels, and narrow-gauge railways, with each layer annotated with historical and geometric attributes. This approach not only preserves the mine’s complex features but also enhances its usability for future analysis and educational purposes. The resulting data offers a comprehensive, interactive representation of the mine, providing valuable insights into its historical importance and its ongoing role in the region’s mining heritage.
Harnessing dynamic heterogeneous redundancy to empower deep learning safety and security
Authors: Zhang Fan , Chen Xi , Huang Wei , Wu Jiangxing , Zhang Zijie , Zhou Chenyu , Li Jianpeng , Peng Ziwen , Guo Wei , Yang Guangze , Miao Xinyuan , Huang Ruiyang , Du Jiayu
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of deep learning (DL) models has been accompanied by various safety and security challenges, such as adversarial attacks and backdoor attacks. By analyzing the current literature on attacks and defenses in DL, we find that the ongoing adaptation between attack and defense makes it impossible to completely resolve these issues. In this paper, we propose that this situation is caused by the inherent flaws of DL models, namely non-interpretability, non-recognizability, and non-identifiability. We refer to these issues as the Endogenous Safety and Security (ESS) problems. To mitigate the ESS problems in DL, we propose using the Dynamic Heterogeneous Redundant (DHR) architecture. We believe that introducing diversity is crucial for resolving the ESS problems. To validate the effectiveness of this approach, we conduct various case studies across multiple application domains of DL. Our experimental results confirm that constructing DL systems based on the DHR architecture is more effective than existing DL defense strategies.
Diagnostik und Therapie der kardialen Sarkoidose
Authors: Chatzantonis Grigorios , Meier Claudia , Yilmaz Ali
Published: September 2024

Die Sarkoidose ist eine entzündliche Erkrankung unklarer Genese, die durch eine Granulombildung gekennzeichnet ist. Sie kann prinzipiell jedes Organ befallen. Da eine kardiale Sarkoidose eine wesentliche Bedeutung für die Morbidität und Letalität hat, ist deren frühzeitige Diagnose von entscheidender therapeutischer und prognostischer Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag erläutert die wichtigsten Punkte und Pitfalls in der Diagnostik und Therapie der kardialen Sarkoidose.
The Study of Calcium Chloride Effect on Silver Nanoparticles Capping with Roselle Extract Granule against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Chaiwong Thanaphoom , Yiemwattana Ichaya , Nathamtong Sasitharee , Prayoonwong Tipruthai , Yuakyong Suttimas , Wacharanad Sirorat
Published: September 2024

Objectives The primary aim of this research is to investigate the influence of calcium chloride on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles coated with roselle extract and enclosed within alginate and calcium chloride (SNP-Ro-CaCl2) beads, designated as SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads. Additionally, the study aims to assess their antimicrobial activity.

Materials and Methods For the preparation of SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads, SNPs and alginate gel were mixed, followed by dropping in three different concentrations of CaCl2 solution (1%, 3%, and 5% w/v). The morphological structure of the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads was analyzed using a stereoscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Over a period of 14 days, the release of SNPs was monitored using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Additionally, the activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique.

Statistical Analysis The data for this experiment were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's method.

Results The results revealed that varying concentrations of calcium chloride had distinct crosslinking effects on alginate, resulting in different voids and porosity within the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads. In the SNP-Ro-1% CaCl2 beads, the inner element exhibited higher porosity, facilitating faster activation and greater efficiency in releasing SNPs. Regarding activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans after 14 days, SNP-Ro-1% CaCl2 beads showed a larger inhibition zone diameter compared to other concentrations, while no statistically significant difference in the inhibition zone diameter was observed between SNP-Ro-3% CaCl2 and SNP-Ro-5% CaCl2 beads. Additionally, it was observed that the antimicrobial effectiveness diminished after 17 days through testing of the lifetimes of the three concentrations.

Conclusions This study developed a method for depositing SNP-Ro into alginate gel and crosslinking it with CaCl2 to produce small beads for the sustained release of SNP-Ro in periodontal lesions. Consequently, the SNP-Ro-CaCl2 beads have the potential to be developed as adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy.
Dual-barrier detector design improves chances of gravitational wave detection
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: September 2024

An antimony-based Type II superlattice with a dual-barrier structure minimizes dark-current background noise in detected photocurrents.
Regional differences in beef cattle trade and movements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
Authors: Aboah Joshua , Schrobback Peggy , McFallan Stephen , Mayberry Dianne
Published: September 2024

Context The COVID-19 pandemic caused mandated restrictions on movements and distancing of people with implications for meat supply chains. Despite the COVID restrictions, agricultural activities were permitted to continue as essential services in Australia. However, there were reported shortages of meat on the shelves of supermarkets and a general increase in the price of meat in Australia during the COVID period. Hence, there is a need to establish whether the restrictions affected upstream activities in Australia’s beef supply chain. Aim This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and confounding factors including rainfall and export bans on beef cattle trade and movement in Australia. Methods Using annual data on beef cattle sold, purchased, transferred off-farm and transferred onto farms sourced from the database of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, a t-test analysis was conducted to establish the significant changes in cattle movement and trade for the pre-COVID (2014–2019) and COVID (2020–2022) periods. Additionally, a flexible least squares model augmented with a flexible generalised least squares model was used to assess the impact of confounding factors on cattle trade and movement. Key results The results indicate no significant change in the proportion of beef cattle sold nationwide. Tasmania, New South Wales, and Western Australia (WA) recorded significant changes (1.4% increase, 3.6% increase, and 3.8% decrease, respectively) in the proportion of beef cattle purchased. For WA, these changes were localised to changes that occurred in WA Central and Southern Wheat Belt and WA Southwest Coastal regions. Moreover, rainfall did not significantly impact cattle trade but did affect cattle movements. The export ban only significantly impacted beef cattle sold in Queensland. Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that most regions in Australia did not experience significant changes in farm-level decisions regarding beef cattle movement and trade during the COVID period. Instead, minor adjustments were made to address the demand changes. Implications The findings imply that adopted policies that facilitated the implementation of biosecurity bubbles and the movements of animal transport workers for breeding facilities and abattoirs during the COVID period were effective in normalising farm-level operations.
A decision support tool for habitat connectivity in Australia
Authors: Norman Patrick , Mackey Brendan
Published: September 2024

Context Species connectivity mapping is a technically challenging task for conservation practitioners and nongovernment organisations to undertake as it requires experience in geographic information systems and often some computer programming. Aims We developed a decision support tool to provide spatial information and data on potential habitat connectivity and optimum connectivity pathways for a selection of forest-dependent vertebrate fauna in eastern and south-western Australia. Methods We systematically searched spatial data repositories for Australian spatial datasets for modelling connectivity. A least cost paths and patch connectivity approach was used to map potential habitat connectivity for (1) a single species – the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) of South East Queensland, and (2) four species guilds – rainforest pigeons, gliding possums, the black cockatoos of south-western Western Australia and a landscape level forest connectivity. Optimum connectivity pathways were assessed for protection status. Key results In total 71 spatial datasets useful for habitat connectivity mapping were identified. Species and guild modelling found that the protection status for optimum connectivity pathways varied between 24.7% and 53.3%. A decision support mapping tool was then created to enable users to interactively explore the connectivity data and download the spatial datasets for further analysis. Conclusions The development of a decision support tool for mapping habitat connectivity in eastern and south-western Australia represents a useful platform for conservation practitioners as it provides valuable spatial information on potential connectivity pathways for forest-dependent vertebrate fauna. Implications The tool can aid in the prioritisation of conservation actions aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity and mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity in the two regions.
Interlayer synergistic reaction of radical precursors for ultraefficient
1
O
2
generation via quinone-based covalent organic framework
Authors: Tao Yuan , Hou Yu , Yang Huangsheng , Gong Zeyu , Yu Jiaxing , Zhong Huajie , Fu Qi , Wang Junhui , Zhu Fang , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: September 2024

Singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
) is important in the environmental remediation field, however, its efficient production has been severely hindered by the ultrafast self-quenching of the as-generated radical precursors in the Fenton-like reactions. Herein, we elaborately designed lamellar anthraquinone-based covalent organic frameworks (DAQ-COF) with sequential localization of the active sites (C═O) at molecular levels for visible-light-assisted peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Theoretical and experimental results revealed that the radical precursors (SO
5
·−
) were formed in the nearby layers with the migration distance less than 0.34 nm, via PMS donating electrons to the photogenerated holes. This interlayer synergistic effect eventually led to ultraefficient
1
O
2
production (14.8 μM s
−1
), which is 12 times that of the highest reported catalyst. As an outcome, DAQ-COF enabled the complete degradation of bisphenol A in 5 min with PMS under natural sunlight irradiation. This interlayer synergistic concept represents an innovative and effective strategy to increase the utilization efficiency of ultrashort-lived radical precursors, providing inspirations for subtle structural construction of Fenton-like catalysts.
COVID-19 lockdown effects on adolescent brain structure suggest accelerated maturation that is more pronounced in females than in males
Authors: Corrigan Neva M. , Rokem Ariel , Kuhl Patricia K.
Published: September 2024

Adolescence is a period of substantial social–emotional development, accompanied by dramatic changes to brain structure and function. Social isolation due to lockdowns that were imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on adolescent mental health, with the mental health of females more affected than males. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on adolescent brain structure with a focus on sex differences. We collected MRI structural data longitudinally from adolescents prior to and after the pandemic lockdowns. The pre-COVID data were used to create a normative model of cortical thickness change with age during typical adolescent development. Cortical thickness values in the post-COVID data were compared to this normative model. The analysis revealed accelerated cortical thinning in the post-COVID brain, which was more widespread throughout the brain and greater in magnitude in females than in males. When measured in terms of equivalent years of development, the mean acceleration was found to be 4.2 y in females and 1.4 y in males. Accelerated brain maturation as a result of chronic stress or adversity during development has been well documented. These findings suggest that the lifestyle disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns caused changes in brain biology and had a more severe impact on the female than the male brain.
Microbial richness and air chemistry in aerosols above the PBL confirm 2,000-km long-distance transport of potential human pathogens
Authors: Rodó Xavier , Pozdniakova Sofya , Borràs Sílvia , Matsuki Atsushi , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Armengol Maria-Pilar , Pey Irina , Vila Jordi , Muñoz Laura , Santamaria Samuel , Cañas Lidia , Morguí Josep-Anton , Fontal Alejandro , Curcoll Roger
Published: September 2024

The existence of viable human pathogens in bioaerosols which can cause infection or affect human health has been the subject of little research. In this study, data provided by 10 tropospheric aircraft surveys over Japan in 2014 confirm the existence of a vast diversity of microbial species up to 3,000 m height, which can be dispersed above the planetary boundary layer over distances of up to 2,000 km, thanks to strong winds from an area covered with massive cereal croplands in Northeast (NE) Asia. Microbes attached to aerosols reveal the presence of diverse bacterial and fungal taxa, including potential human pathogens, originating from sewage, pesticides, or fertilizers. Over 266 different fungal and 305 bacterial genera appeared in the 10 aircraft transects. Actinobacteria, Bacillota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes phyla dominated the bacteria composition and, for fungi, Ascomycota prevailed over Basidiomycota. Among the pathogenic species identified, human pathogens include bacteria such as
Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Prevotella melaninogenica, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Cutibacterium acnes, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium botulinum, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Shigella sonnei, Haemophillus parainfluenzae
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
and health-relevant fungi such as
Malassezia restricta
,
Malassezia globosa
,
Candida parapsilosis
and
Candida zeylanoides, Sarocladium kiliense, Cladosporium halotolerans,
and
Cladosporium herbarum
. Diversity estimates were similar at heights and surface when entrainment of air from high altitudes occurred. Natural antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) cultured from air samples were found indicating long-distance spread of ARB and microbial viability. This would represent a novel way to disperse both viable human pathogens and resistance genes among distant geographical regions.
Equality of access to minority language assessments and interventions in immersion education
Authors: Nic Aindriú Sinéad
Published: September 2024

In the Republic of Ireland (RoI), Irish is recognised as the first official language of the state. The public has
the right to conduct all business with the state solely through the medium of Irish if they wish. The reality, however, is that
many government bodies only provide services in English. This article discusses the language used for assessments and
interventions for students with special educational needs (SEN) in Irish-medium (IM) primary and post-primary schools in the RoI.
A mixed methods study was conducted, with teachers from schools (n = 56) completing an online questionnaire at
first and then teachers (n = 32) undertaking semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that students in IM
schools are not being afforded access to services in Irish and many challenges exist for these schools when meeting the SEN of
students. Recommendations are made around how to strengthen educational policy and practice to enable IM teachers meet the needs
of all students.
Parametric approximations of fast close encounters of the planar three-body problem as arcs of a focus-focus dynamics
Authors: Guzzo Massimiliano
Published: September 2024

A gravitational close encounter of a small body with a planet may produce a substantial change of its orbital parameters which can be studied using the circular restricted three-body problem. In this paper we provide parametric representations of the fast close encounters with the secondary body of the planar CRTBP as arcs of non-linear focus-focus dynamics. The result is the consequence of a remarkable factorisation of the Birkhoff normal forms of the Hamiltonian of the problem represented with the Levi–Civita regularisation. The parameterisations are computed using two different sequences of Birkhoff normalisations of given order N. For each value of N, the Birkhoff normalisations and the parameters of the focus-focus dynamics are represented by polynomials whose coefficients can be computed iteratively with a computer algebra system; no quadratures, such as those needed to compute action-angle variables of resonant normal forms, are needed. We also provide some numerical demonstrations of the method for values of the mass parameter representative of the Sun–Earth and the Sun–Jupiter cases.