bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial infarction injury is exacerbated by nicotine in vape aerosol exposure
Authors: Savko Clarissa , Esquer Carolina , Molinaro Claudia , Rokaw Sophie , Shain Abraham Grant , Jaafar Faid , Wright Morgan K. , Phillips Joy A. , Hopkins Tyler , Mikhail Sama , Rieder Abigail , Mardani Ariana , Bailey Barbara , Sussman Mark A.
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Vaping is touted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking but the full spectrum of harm reduction versus comparable risk remains unresolved. Elevated bioavailability of nicotine in vape aerosol together with known risks of nicotine exposure may result in previously uncharacterized cardiovascular consequences of vaping.

Objective

Assess the impact of nicotine exposure via vape aerosol inhalation upon myocardial response to infarction injury.

Methods and Results

Flavored vape juice containing nicotine (5 mg / ml) or vehicle alone (0 mg) was delivered using identical 4-week treatment protocols. Mice were subjected to acute myocardial infarction injury and evaluated for outcomes of cardiac structure and function. Findings reveal that nicotine exposure leads to worse outcomes with respect to contractile performance regardless of sex. Non-myocyte interstitial cell accumulation following infarction significantly increased with exposure to vape aerosol alone, but a comparable increase was not present when nicotine was included.

Conclusions

Myocardial function after infarction is significantly decreased after exposure to nicotine vape aerosol irrespective of sex. Comparable loss of contractile function was not observed in mice exposed to vape aerosol alone, highlighting the essential role of nicotine in loss of contractile function. Increased vimentin immunoreactivity was observed in the vape alone group compared to control and vape nicotine. The correlation between vaping, interstitial cell responses, and cardiac remodeling leading to impaired contractility warrants further investigation. Public health experts seeking to reduce vaping-related health risks should consider messaging that highlights the increased cardiovascular risk especially with nicotine-containing aerosols.
Mapping the global knowledge landscape of digital transformation in the AEC industry: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Wang Kaiyang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In recent decades, interest in digital transformation (DX) within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has significantly increased. Despite the existence of several literature reviews on DX research, there remains a notable lack of systematic quantitative and visual investigations into the structure and evolution of this field. This study aims to address this gap by uncovering the current state, key topics, keywords, and emerging areas in DX research specific to the AEC sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a holistic review approach, this study undertook a thorough and systematic analysis of the literature concerning DX in the AEC industry. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis, 3,656 papers were retrieved from the Web of Science spanning the years 1990–2023. A scientometric analysis was then applied to these publications to discern patterns in publication years, geographical distribution, journals, authors, citations, and keywords.

Findings

The findings identify China, the USA, and England as the leading contributors in the field of DX in AEC sector. Prominent keywords include “building information modeling”, “design”, “system”, “framework”, “adoption”, “model”, “safety”, “internet of things”, and “innovation”. Emerging areas of interest are “deep learning”, “embodied energy”, and “machine learning”. A cluster analysis of keywords reveals key research themes such as “deep learning”, “smart buildings”, “virtual reality”, “augmented reality”, “smart contracts”, “sustainable development”, “building information modeling”, “big data”, and “3D printing”.

Originality/value

This study is among the earliest to provide a comprehensive scientometric mapping of the DX field. The findings presented here have significant implications for both industry practitioners and the scientific community, offering a thorough overview of the current state, prominent keywords, topics, and emerging areas within DX in the AEC industry. Additionally, this research serves as an invaluable reference and guideline for scholars interested in this subject.
Global trends and status of drone journalism: a systematic analysis of research constituents and key themes
Authors: Pathak Kinshuk
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the global trends and status of drone journalism through a systematic bibliometric analysis, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field's evolution, impact and interdisciplinary nature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses established bibliometric tools and frameworks to systematically review scholarly publications related to drone journalism. Using the Dimensions.ai database, a systematic mapping of the intellectual landscape of drone journalism research is conducted. Bibliometrix package of R Studio was used in the study.

Findings

The analysis reveals a progressive growth in drone journalism research over the years. Although research output consistently increases, variations in impact, measured by citations and online engagement, are observed. Missing data and contextual factors necessitate careful interpretation, but trends suggest an evolving field with diverse interests and future exploration opportunities. Drone journalism research exhibits interdisciplinary characteristics, with impact varying across different research categories. The distribution of research across various publication types underscores the diversity of scholarly communication channels in the field.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges limitations in its data set, stemming from specific keyword criteria, potentially limiting the comprehensive capture of all drone journalism research.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners and policymakers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of drone journalism. The understanding of publication patterns, influential authors and interdisciplinary intersections facilitates informed decisions regarding research dissemination and impact maximization.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the evolving field of drone journalism by providing a holistic view of its trends and status. The identification of prolific authors, influential publications and evolving research themes offers valuable context for understanding the multifaceted nature of drone journalism research.
Halal tourism on an island destination: Muslim travellers’ experiences in the local islands of the Maldives
Authors: Adham Khairul Akmaliah , Mahmad Nasir Nadiah , Sinaau Aishath , Shaznie Aminath , Munawar Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study extends the current understanding of halal tourism at an island destination. Specifically, this study aims to explore the attributes of halal tourism in the local islands of the Maldives, a fully Muslim country where tourism is the primary source of income for residents. To accomplish this, Muslim travellers’ experiences were examined using the process theory of travel, the halal tourism concept and the service marketing perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative research methodology and conducted interviews with Muslim travellers visiting the local islands of the Maldives.

Findings

The findings affirmed the five established generic attributes of halal tourism and generated another three emergent attributes of halal tourism, specific to an island destination. The study further enhances the existing knowledge of the generic attributes of halal food and beverage, prayers and mutual respect and benefits. It also establishes that the dimensions of safety and privacy, value for money, perishability and heterogeneity characterise all the emerging halal tourism attributes. The study concludes that halal tourism is an experience imbued with values that promotes dignified tourism.

Originality/value

The findings on the specific attributes of halal tourism at an island destination extend overall understanding of the halal tourism concept and process. The fact that the Maldives is entirely Muslim offers a unique opportunity to explore the normative attributes of halal tourism in an island destination. This enhanced understanding contributes to effective managerial practices aimed at developing competitive halal tourism services.
Evaluating the impact of adult education programs in Morocco: a quasi-experimental approach
Authors: Boukbech Rachid , Liouaeddine Mariem
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of the “Postliteracy” program on the qualification of beneficiaries for socioeconomic integration. This qualification is achieved first through the consolidation of the achievements of individuals freed from illiteracy, and then through their support in creating income-generating activities by providing them with technical, economic, legal and institutional knowledge to ensure their conscious and responsible participation in local and regional development efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the impact of the “Postliteracy” program, this paper uses quasi-experimental methods with a control group (participants of the “Literacy” program 2020 / 2021) and a treatment group (participants of the “Postliteracy” program 2021 / 2022). Skill acquisition is measured through pretest and posttest evaluations using a questionnaire aligned with the National Agency for the Fight Against Illiteracy (ANLCA)-adopted curriculum. The survey occurred at the beginning and at the end of the program, providing sufficient time for skill development. The questionnaire includes three sections covering socioprofessional characteristics, technical and economic domains and legal and institutional aspects. These sections contribute to a score reflecting the acquired skills for successful socioeconomic integration.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that the “Postliteracy” program has a positive impact on the acquisition of competences necessary for improved socioeconomic integration of the beneficiaries. The various matching techniques reveal a score difference ranging from 12 to 14 points in favor of program participants compared to those who did not participate. The Difference-in-Differences method confirms the positive and significant impact of the program.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of the “Postliteracy” program in national literacy policy, underlining the need to further strengthen its presence within the programs deployed by ANLCA, notably by increasing the number of beneficiaries targeted by this program. To achieve this, it would be advisable to increase the funds allocated to it within ANLCA's budget.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is a unique research of the case of Morocco based on a microeconometric study for which the authors evaluate the impact of adult education by applying impact evaluation methods in the field of adult literacy.
Safety of the express freight train running over a long-span bridge
Authors: Wen Jingcheng , Qin Yihao , Bai Ye , Dong Xiaoqing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Express freight transportation is in rapid development currently. Owing to the higher speed of express freight train, the deformation of the bridge deck worsens the railway line condition under the action of wind and train moving load when the train runs over a long-span bridge. Besides, the blunt car body of vehicle has poor aerodynamic characteristics, bringing a greater challenge on the running stability in the crosswind.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the aerodynamic force coefficients of express freight vehicles on the bridge are measured by scale model wind tunnel test. The dynamic model of the train-long-span steel truss bridge coupling system is established, and the dynamic response as well as the running safety of vehicle are evaluated.

Findings

The results show that wind speed has a significant influence on running safety, which is mainly reflected in the over-limitation of wheel unloading rate. The wind speed limit decreases with train speed, and it reduces to 18.83 m/s when the train speed is 160 km/h.

Originality/value

This study deepens the theoretical understanding of the interaction between vehicles and bridges and proposes new methods for analyzing similar engineering problems. It also provides a new theoretical basis for the safety assessment of express freight trains.
Perception of contractors and sub-contractors towards the factors causing delays in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) construction projects
Authors: Devandran Aravindh , Davis Felicita J. , Sammanasu Joseph Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine and investigate the main causes of construction project delays. Construction projects are more intricate and associated with significant levels of risk owing to cost overruns. These overruns frequently lead to delays, incomplete work or other related challenges. Building delays are a prevalent problem in the building sector of developing nations. These delays prolong the duration of projects and result in increased costs and conflicts among stakeholders. A conceptual model consisting of the factors causing the delays in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) projects was developed and tested in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive data collection process was undertaken. A meticulously designed survey was distributed to a diverse cohort of 294 participants, including contractors and sub-contractors from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The data was collected using stratified sampling, ensuring a representative sample. The data was then analysed using ordinary least squares multiple regression.

Findings

The findings of this study have significant implications for the construction industry. They indicate that factors related to sales, clients, design, procurement, finance and labour all contribute to delays in HVAC projects. Understanding these factors can help stakeholders in the industry to better manage and mitigate project delays.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it is a perceptual study of stakeholders. It provides valuable information for analysing and assessing project performance by identifying the primary causes of HVAC project delays. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study conducted on HVAC projects is the first of its kind and hence makes a pivotal contribution to the literature on construction projects. Additionally, the study will assist policymakers and consultants in taking necessary steps to minimize delays.
The Valuation Differences between Operating and Finance Lease Liabilities in US Firms
Authors: Erickson Devon , Lindsey Bradley P. , Talakai Jayson
Published: July 2024

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016‐02, which effectively requires the capitalization of all leases longer than one year. However, due to concerns that leasing classifications capture economic differences among leases, the new standard maintains separate classifications of operating and finance leases on the balance sheet, and the bright‐line tests required under SFAS 13 effectively remain. In this paper, we shed light on the FASB's decision to maintain lease classifications in the new leasing standard by examining the relative valuation implications of operating and finance lease liabilities under ASU 2016‐02 and whether these valuation coefficients changed under this new standard. We find that the valuation coefficient on operating lease liabilities differs from that on finance lease liabilities, suggesting that separately reporting these lease liabilities provides value‐relevant information. We also examine the relative valuation implications of as‐if‐capitalized operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities under SFAS 13, and we again find that the valuation coefficients differ across these lease classifications, suggesting that the FASB's decision to retain these classifications preserved value‐relevant information used by investors under SFAS 13. Finally, we find that the valuation coefficient on operating lease liabilities increased under ASU 2016‐02 relative to under SFAS 13, consistent with the incomplete revelation hypothesis (Bloomfield, 2002). Our paper reinforces the importance of separating operating and finance lease liabilities to provide useful information for valuation and supports the FASB's decision to maintain separate lease liability classifications under ASU 2016‐02.
Impact of text‐only versus large text‐and‐picture alcohol warning formats: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study in French young male drinkers
Authors: Gallopel‐Morvan Karine , Duche Quentin , Diouf Jacques François , Lacoste‐Badie Sophie , Droulers Olivier , Moirand Romain , Bannier Elise
Published: July 2024

Background

Although the World Health Organization recommends visible and clear warning labels about the risks of alcohol consumption on containers and advertising, many of the currently used labels are too small to be visible. This study investigated the brain activity (using fMRI) and alcohol consumption intentions of French young men exposed to two warning formats displayed on alcoholic beverage advertisements: a small Text‐only Alcohol Warning (TAW) currently used in many countries, and a larger text‐and‐picture alcohol warning (PAW).

Methods

Seventy‐four eligible 18–25‐year‐old male drinkers completed a face‐to‐face individual visit with a physician expert in addiction medicine. This was followed by the fMRI session during which they viewed 288 stimuli [96 alcohol advertisements with TAWs, the same 96 advertisements with PAWs, and 96 water advertisements (controls)] for 3 s each. If the advertisement made participants want (“yes”)/do not want (“no”) to consume the product, they pressed the corresponding button (self‐report responses). The number of “yes” responses was compared between advertisement types with a paired sample t‐test. Whole‐brain and region‐of‐interest (ROI) analyses of the fMRI data were performed.

Results

Whole‐brain BOLD fMRI highlighted contrasting effects of PAWs and TAWs. Compared with TAWs, PAWs elicited more activation in the precuneus, angular gyrus, occipital, frontal and temporal areas, and less activation in the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental areas, and putamen areas (regions of the reward circuit). The ROI analysis confirmed less activation in the reward circuit (left and right ventral tegmental areas, left and right nucleus accumbens) when viewing PAWs than TAWs. Analysis of the self‐report responses indicated that the desire to consume the advertised alcohol product was lower when PAWs were viewed (compared with TAWs) (T = 8.18, p < 10−11).

Conclusions

This is the first fMRI study to assess the effect of different alcohol warning formats. Our findings show that compared with TAWs, stronger PAWs in advertisements elicited less activity in key regions of the reward system. This suggests that the effects may influence the desire to consume alcohol products (self‐report response analysis). These results could help policymakers who are interested in developing more effective labeling measures that target young people.
EAP and ECPCP urge ban on novel nicotine‐ (NNCPS) and non‐nicotine‐containing products (NNDS) to youth
Authors: Reali Laura , Onorati Lorenza , Koletzko Berthold , Størdal Ketil , Aparicio Rodrigo Maria , Magendie Christine , Hadjipanayis Adamos , Baraldi Eugenio , Grossman Zachi
Published: July 2024

Aim

We want to verify the correlation between the increasing use of novel nicotine‐containing products (NNCPs) and non‐nicotine delivery products (NNDPs) among young individuals and the escalating negative health consequences, necessitating their prohibition.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant literature about the utilisation of NNCPs and NNDPs among young individuals and their health effects.

Results

Despite being initially seen as less harmful alternatives, for smokers aiming to quit, these products have become more popular due to misleading marketing claims. Teenagers using NNCPs and NNDPs, despite having no smoking history, are more likely to transition to tobacco smoking. Consistent use can lead to health issues like pulmonary damage, asthma, and cardiovascular and ocular problems.

Conclusion

The EAP and the ECPCP endorse the WHO's appeal to outlaw these hazardous products. They urge European governments to forbid the sale of NNCPs and NNDPs to children and adolescents in order to safeguard their well‐being. They also propose specific recommendations (box 4) to support this cause.
The effect of dietary emulsifiers and thickeners on intestinal barrier function and its response to acute stress in healthy adult humans: A randomised controlled feeding study
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jessica A. , Gibson Peter R. , Taylor Kirstin M. , Halmos Emma P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Although dietary emulsifiers are implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, their effect has not been studied in humans.

Aim

To determine the effects of high‐ and low‐emulsifier diets (HED, LED) on intestinal barrier function in healthy subjects in unstressed and acutely stressed states.

Methods

We conducted a single‐blinded, cross‐over, controlled feeding trial in 22 healthy adults. After recording 7 days of their habitual diet, we randomised participants to HED or LED with ≥3‐week washout between diets. On dietary completion, acute stress was induced via intravenous corticotrophin‐releasing hormone. We assessed dietary adherence, effects on 2‐h urinary lactulose: rhamnose ratio (LRR), serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, soluble‐CD14 and markers of epithelial injury and inflammation.

Results

Dietary adherence was excellent. In an unstressed state, median (interquartile range) LRR during HED was 0.030 (0.018–0.042); on LED, this was 0.042 (0.029–0.078; p = 0.04). LPB concentrations were lower on HED than LED (p = 0.026), but no differences were observed for epithelial injury or inflammation. Under acute stress, LRR increased by 89% (−1% to 486%) on HED (p = 0.004), differing (p = 0.001) from 39% (1%–90%) decrease on LED (p = 0.009). Soluble‐CD14 also increased (p < 0.001). The LED had a prolonged carry‐over effect on suppressing HED‐induced changes during stress. Similar changes in LRR and soluble‐CD14 were observed when HED was used as the first diet (both p < 0.01).

Conclusion

High intake of emulsifiers improved barrier function in the unstressed state, but increased intestinal permeability to stress, without evidence of inflammation. A LED was protective of the stress effect.
Endothelial cell transitions in zebrafish vascular development
Authors: Phng Li‐Kun , Hogan Benjamin M.
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, developmental biologists have come to view vascular development as a series of progressive transitions. Mesoderm differentiates into endothelial cells; arteries, veins and lymphatic endothelial cells are specified from early endothelial cells; and vascular networks diversify and invade developing tissues and organs. Our understanding of this elaborate developmental process has benefitted from detailed studies using the zebrafish as a model system. Here, we review a number of key developmental transitions that occur in zebrafish during the formation of the blood and lymphatic vessel networks.
Exploiting floral signals: Olfactory crypsis and visual attraction in crab spider predatory strategies
Authors: Li Zichang , Zhong Rui , Yu Long , Zhang Haixin , Zhao Yao , Peng Yu
Published: July 2024

Predation exerts a profound influence on the evolution of camouflage and detection abilities in both predators and prey. For instance, flower‐visiting spiders need to ensure their concealment when ambushing on flowers, which compels pollinators to check any spider cues cautiously before landing. Although numerous studies have examined the visual camouflage of spiders deceiving bees, little is known regarding whether spiders also employ olfactory camouflage. Additionally, the detection of spiders by dipteran insects is often overlooked, despite them being major non‐bee pollinators. Here, we explored the detection ability of dipteran pollinators and the crypsis skill of spiders from both olfactory and vision perspectives using the housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) as prey, the crab spider Ebrechtella tricuspidata (Fabricius) (Araneae: Thomisidae) as predators and chamomile Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae) as substrates. Our olfactory experiments revealed that experienced houseflies could respond to and avoid spider odour. However, this response did not appear to be innate, as naive individuals showed no aversion. Moreover, experienced houseflies did not have any avoidance behaviours to the mixed odours of spider and flower, indicating that spiders achieved olfactory crypsis utilizing floral scent. Our vision experiments and visual modelling demonstrated that houseflies could detect spiders positioned on flower. Surprisingly, instead of avoiding them, houseflies exhibited a preference for flowers occupied by female spiders, suggesting the attractive nature of female spider colouration. This paper provides evidence for the first time that crab spiders use floral scent to achieve olfactory crypsis and proposes a potential yellow‐signalling mechanism for crab spiders to attract insects.
Human activity recognition: A comprehensive review
Authors: Kaur Harmandeep , Rani Veenu , Kumar Munish
Published: July 2024

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) is a highly promising research area meant to automatically identify and interpret human behaviour using data received from sensors in various contexts. The potential uses of HAR are many, among them health care, sports coaching or monitoring the elderly or disabled. Nonetheless, there are numerous hurdles to be circumvented for HAR's precision and usefulness to be improved. One of the challenges is that there is no uniformity in data collection and annotation making it difficult to compare findings among different studies. Furthermore, more comprehensive datasets are necessary so as to include a wider range of human activities in different contexts while complex activities, which consist of multiple sub‐activities, are still a challenge for recognition systems. Researchers have proposed new frontiers such as multi‐modal sensor data fusion and deep learning approaches for enhancing HAR accuracy while addressing these issues. Also, we are seeing more non‐traditional applications such as robotics and virtual reality/augmented world going forward with their use cases of HAR. This article offers an extensive review on the recent advances in HAR and highlights the major challenges facing this field as well as future opportunities for further researches.
Nanoengineered sustainable antimicrobial packaging: integrating essential oils into polymer matrices to combat food waste
Authors: Duong The H. , Dinh Khuong Ba , Luu Trong , Chapman James , Baji Avinash , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: July 2024

As global populations rise, the need for sustainable food security and waste reduction solutions becomes crucial. Antimicrobial food packaging presents a strategic defence against spoilage and pathogens and has the potential to minimise foodborne illnesses and global food losses. Essential oils (EOs), known for their inherent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, are utilised as natural additives in active food packaging materials. These oils, rich in terpenes and hydrocarbons, are promising for food longevity but face challenges like reduced effectiveness in packaging films, highlighting the necessity for nanoengineered solutions to improve their stability and function in polymer matrices. This article aims to review recent work on the use of EOs incorporated in active food packaging. The focus is on the use of nanotechnology to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of plant‐derived essential oils as preservatives. This article illustrates the nanoscale interactions among essential oils, polymers and food substances, aiming to elucidate how technologies such as nanoencapsulation, nanoemulsions and nanocomposites enhance antibacterial and antioxidant performance while improving packaging structural integrity.
Effects of decapitation in combination with pulsed electric field and chitooligosaccharide pretreatment on freshness and physicochemical properties of muscle in Harpiosquillid mantis shrimp (Harpiosquilla raphidea) during storage
Authors: Chanchi Prashanthkumar Mallikarjun , Fan Xinru , Zhao Qiancheng , Patil Umesh , Saetang Jirakrit , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: July 2024

Freshness and physicochemical properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) from decapitated Harpiosquillid mantis shrimp (HMS) treated with pulsed electric field (PEF), followed by soaking in 2% chitooligosaccharide (D‐P‐COS) and whole HMS (U‐W) during storage in iced water of 3 days were investigated. Lower rate of increase in K‐value, freshness index, in D‐P‐COS was observed in comparison with U‐W. For physicochemical properties of MP, MP from U‐W had gradual decrease in ATPase activity throughout the storage of 3 days, whereas no drastic alteration was attained in MP from D‐P‐COS. Surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl contents of MP from both samples upsurged up to 3 days, nevertheless the increases were more pronounced in D‐P‐COS. The secondary conformation changes were affected by decapitation, treatment and storage time. Decapitation and treatments maintained freshness, however, slightly enhanced physicochemical changes of MP from HMS.
The ecology of giant kelp colonization and its implications for kelp forest restoration
Authors: Reed Daniel C. , Schroeter Stephen C. , Huang David , Weisman Denise , Beheshti Kathryn M. , Smith Rachel S.
Published: July 2024

The success and cost‐effectiveness of kelp forest restoration hinges on understanding the colonization ecology of kelps, particularly with respect to dispersal potential, recruitment success, and subsequent establishment. To gain needed insight into these processes we examined spatial patterns and temporal trajectories of the colonization of a large artificial reef by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. The 151 ha artificial reef complex was constructed in three phases over 21 years, enabling dispersal, recruitment, and subsequent establishment to be examined for a wide range of environmental conditions, dispersal distances, and source population sizes. Natural colonization of all phases of the artificial reef by giant kelp was rapid (within 1 year) and extended across the entire 7‐km‐long reef complex. Colonization density declined with distance from the nearest source population, but only during the first phase when the distance from the nearest source population was ≤3.5 km. Despite this decline, recruitment on artificial reef modules farthest from the source population was sufficient to produce dense stands of kelp within a couple of years. Experimental outplanting of the artificial reef with laboratory‐reared kelp embryos was largely successful but proved unnecessary, as the standing biomass of kelp resulting from natural recruitment exceeded that observed on nearby natural reefs within 2–3 years of artificial reef construction for all three phases. Such high potential for natural colonization following disturbance has important implications for kelp forest restoration efforts that employ costly and logistically difficult methods to mimic this process by active seeding and transplanting.
But I said I'm sorry: Helpfulness of romantic couples' efforts to reconcile after conflict
Authors: Wilder Siri , Prager Karen J. , Garapati Srikar
Published: July 2024

Whereas several decades of research have documented behavior during couples' conflict discussions that is destructive to the couple relationship, the effectiveness of post‐conflict reconciliation efforts has only recently received research attention. The current study aimed to discover how couples' negative and positive communication during conflict discussions was associated with the helpfulness of two strategies for reconciling: Active Repair and Letting Go. The sample comprised 217 heterosexual cohabiting couples who completed (1) questionnaires assessing their relationship satisfaction and tendency to engage in demand/withdraw conflict management, (2) a recorded in‐lab conflict discussion, and (3) fourteen daily diaries reporting on relationship conflict and Active Repair and Letting Go reconciliation strategies. Daily negative conflict behavior (i.e., conflict expansion and contemptuous communication) did not predict helpfulness of reconciliatory attempts; nor did habitual negative conflict behavior (i.e., demand/withdraw). However, daily positive conflict behavior (i.e., attentive listening) did predict more helpful reconciliatory attempts. Observers' one‐time ratings of couples' communication competence during conflict discussions revealed an unexpected inverse association with helpfulness of post‐conflict reconciliatory attempts for men. Results indicate that couples' ability to maintain positive behavior during day‐to‐day conflict may be the best strategy for supporting subsequent efforts to reconcile and reconnect afterward.
Introduction to the Bayes factor: A Shiny/R app
Authors: Tendeiro Jorge N. , Hoekstra Rink , Wong Tsz Keung , Kiers Henk A. L.
Published: July 2024

Most researchers receive formal training in frequentist statistics during their undergraduate studies. In particular, hypothesis testing is usually rooted on the null hypothesis significance testing paradigm and its p‐value. Null hypothesis Bayesian testing and its so‐called Bayes factor are now becoming increasingly popular. Although the Bayes factor is often introduced as being the Bayesian counterpart to the p‐value, its computation, use, and interpretation are quite distinct from the p‐value. There is now evidence confirming that the application of the Bayes factor in applied research is ill‐devised. To improve the current status quo, we have created a Shiny/R app called the Bayes factor, which offers a dynamic tutorial for learning all the basics about the Bayes factor. In this paper, we explain how the app works and we offer suggestions on how to use it in class or self‐study settings. The app is freely available at https://statsedge.org/shiny/LearnBF/.
Mountain Image Analysis Suite (MIAS): A new plugin for converting oblique images to landcover maps in QGIS
Authors: Wright Claire , Bone Chris , Mathews Darcy , Tricker James , Wright Ben , Higgs Eric
Published: July 2024

The objective of this article is to present a novel GIS plugin for classifying and georeferencing high‐resolution oblique imagery with the intention of creating landcover datasets for spatial analysis. The Mountain Image Analysis Suite (MIAS) is a newly released plugin for the open‐source software, QGIS. MIAS was developed with images from Mountain Legacy Project, the world's largest systematic collection of high‐resolution mountain images. It works with both grayscale and color imagery, including historical images that predate aerial and satellite imagery. MIAS encompasses four tools for classifying and georeferencing oblique images. The plugin accesses pretrained deep learning models from a PyTorch‐based segmentation network to automate the classification of landcover in oblique images. Monoplotting is accomplished through the construction of a virtual photograph simulating the view from the camera using a shaded relief model. Once the virtual photograph is produced, the user aligns the classified image to the virtual photograph using a set of control points. This allows the creation of a classified and georeferenced raster representing the landcover for the area visible in the original oblique image. Similar workflows to the one contained in MIAS have been used for landcover mapping with oblique images to a high level of accuracy. However, MIAS is the first piece of software to bring all stages of image analysis into a single platform. MIAS has many applications across diverse fields such as mountain research, ecological restoration, community‐based mapping, environmental planning, and more.
Real‐time performance improvement optimizes damage control resuscitation best practice adherence: Results of a pilot prospective observational study
Authors: Schmulevich Daniela , Geng Zhi , Joergensen Sarah M. , McLauchlan Nathaniel R. , Winter Eric , Zone Alea , Bishop Kathleen E. , Hinkle Alyson , Holland Sara , Cacchione Pamela Z. , Fox Erin E. , Abella Benjamin S. , Meador Christopher L. , Wade Charles E. , Hynes Allyson M. , Cannon Jeremy W.
Published: July 2024

Background

Maintaining balanced blood product ratios during damage control resuscitation (DCR) is independently associated with improved survival. We hypothesized that real‐time performance improvement (RT‐PI) would increase adherence to DCR best practice.

Study Design and Methods

From December 2020–August 2021, we prospectively used a bedside RT‐PI tool to guide DCR in severely injured patients surviving at least 30 min. RT‐PI study patients were compared to contemporary control patients at our institution and historic PROMMTT study patients. A subset of patients transfused ≥6 U red blood cells (RBC) in 6 h (MT+) was also identified. The primary endpoint was percentage time in a high ratio range (≥3:4) of plasma (PLAS):RBC and platelet (PLT):RBC over 6 h. Secondary endpoints included time to massive transfusion protocol activation, time to calcium and tranexamic acid (TXA) dosing, and cumulative 6‐h ratios.

Results

Included patients (n = 772) were 35 (24–51) years old with an Injury Severity Score of 27 (17–38) and 42% had penetrating injuries. RT‐PI (n = 10) patients spent 96% of the 6‐h resuscitation in a high PLAS:RBC range, no different versus CONTROL (n = 87) (96%) but more than PROMMTT (n = 675) (25%, p < .001). In the MT+ subgroup, optimal PLAS:RBC and PLT:RBC were maintained for the entire 6 h in RT‐PI (n = 4) versus PROMMTT (n = 391) patients for both PLAS (p < .001) and PLT ratios (p < .001). Time to TXA also improved significantly in RT‐PI versus CONTROL patients (27 min [22–31] vs. 51 min [29–98], p = .035).

Conclusion

In this prospective study, RT‐PI was associated with optimized DCR. Multicenter validation of this novel approach to optimizing DCR implementation is warranted.
Impact of low-dose sevoflurane with propofol-based anaesthesia on motor-evoked potentials in infants: protocol for a single-centre randomised controlled study
Authors: Kojima Taiki , Nakahari Hirofumi , Kurimoto Michihiro , Ikeda Makoto , Wilton Niall C T
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Motor-evoked potentials (MEP) are widely used to mitigate the risk of nerve injury resulting from surgical manipulation. Infants are more susceptible to anaesthetics that suppress MEP because of the immaturity of their nervous structures. Current evidence of the impact of the interaction between a small dose of sevoflurane and propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) on MEP in infants is controversial. This current study aims to evaluate the impact of the coadministration of low-dose sevoflurane with propofol-based TIVA on MEP in infants.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled study will be conducted at a single tertiary care children’s hospital in Japan between July 2024 and June 2029. Children between 35 and 87 weeks of postconceptual age undergoing spinal surgery requiring MEP under general anaesthesia will be enrolled in this study. The participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: propofol+remifentanil with (intervention group) or without (control group) low-dose sevoflurane (0.10–0.15 age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration). MEP top-to-bottom amplitudes will be measured at two chronological points: T1 (first transcranial MEP (TcMEP) recording), T2 (second TcMEP recording) in the same patient. The primary and secondary endpoints will be a reduction in MEP amplitudes (T1–T2) in the right upper and lower extremities between the control and intervention groups, respectively. The sample size was calculated to be a total of 40 based on the preliminary data of 10 infants, which showed a 35% reduction in mean values of MEP amplitudes in the right adductor muscle (SD=31) with a 10% assumed dropout rate.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Aichi Children’s Health and Medical Center (2022058). The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal at the relevant academic conference.

Trial registration number

jRCT1041230094.
DFT study of structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of Mg2C3 crystals under varying pressures: Phase transitions and material behavior
Authors: Lü Can , Guo Ying , Zhu Linlin , Yan Shu , Huang Jun
Published: July 2024

This paper offers a comprehensive DFT investigation into the structural, mechanical and thermodynamic characteristics of four distinct Mg2C3 crystal structures across a broad pressure spectrum spanning from 0[Formula: see text]GPa to 100[Formula: see text]GPa, utilizing the GGA-PBE method. Our rigorous calculations indicate that Mg2C3 undergoes phase transitions from the Pnnm phase to the [Formula: see text] phase at P[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa, and subsequently to the [Formula: see text] phase at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa. Notably, within the pressure range of approximately 0–20[Formula: see text]GPa, the enthalpy difference between the Pnnm and Pbca phases shrinks considerably, hinting at the possibility of their coexistence under lower pressure conditions. Furthermore, our analysis delves into the interplay between the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Mg2C3 and pressure, revealing that the [Formula: see text] structure possesses exceptional ductility in Mg2C3 crystals under low to moderate pressure, whereas Mg2C3 exhibits brittleness under high pressure. Additionally, a notable variation in material hardness is observed throughout the phase transition process.
Higher-dimensional topologically charged traversable defect wormhole with non-exotic matter
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: July 2024

In this study, we explore a topologically charged higher-dimensional traversable defect wormhole, with a specific emphasis on five dimensions. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the matter–energy distribution attributed to this charged wormhole configuration adheres to the weak energy condition, thus presenting an instance of a five-dimensional wormhole supported by non-exotic matter. Furthermore, our analysis shows that scalar quantities related to space-time curvature and parameters associated with the matter–energy distribution remain finite at the wormhole throat. Moreover, they diminish as distance extends toward infinity, indicating the asymptotic flatness inherent in our model.
Analytical critical phenomena of rotating regular AdS black holes with dark energy
Authors: Laassiri H. , Daassou A. , Benbrik R.
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on precisely calculating analytical critical points for rotating regular Anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes, examining scenarios with and without external dark field contributions. Importantly, it represents the first attempt to compute critical points for this specific class of rotating black holes. Our primary focus is on investigating the impact resulting from variations in the charge of nonlinear electrodynamics on the critical phenomena of rotating regular AdS black holes, while also incorporating the influence of quintessence field contributions. The analytical investigation is concentrated on the horizon radius, employing two distinct approaches to simplify the complexity and length of the calculations. Furthermore, our examination extends to deciphering the intricate relationship between dark energy and critical phenomena. This involves visually portraying a range of critical behaviors and detailing a recent discovery regarding how the intensity of quintessence affects phase transitions. The shift in these transitions conforms to either a concave or convex function, a characteristic dependent on the sign of quintessence intensity.
LL-Diff: Low-Light Image Enhancement Utilizing Langevin Sampling Diffusion
Authors: Ding Boren , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yu Zekun , Hui Zheng
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm called LL-Diff, which is innovative compared to traditional augmentation methods in that it introduces the sampling method of Langevin dynamics. This sampling approach simulates the motion of particles in complex environments and can better handle noise and details in low-light conditions. We also incorporate a causal attention mechanism to achieve causality and address the issue of confounding effects. This attention mechanism enables us to better capture local information while avoiding over-enhancement. We have conducted experiments on the LOL-V1 and LOL-V2 datasets, and the results show that LL-Diff significantly improves computational speed and several evaluation metrics, demonstrating the superiority and effectiveness of our method for low-light image enhancement tasks. The code will be released on GitHub when the paper has been accepted.
Computational and analytical studies of a new nonlocal phase-field crystal model in two dimensions
Authors: Du Qiang , Wang Kai , Yang Jiang
Published: July 2024

A nonlocal phase-field crystal (NPFC) model is presented as a nonlocal counterpart of the local phase-field crystal (LPFC) model and a special case of the structural PFC (XPFC) derived from classical field theory for crystal growth and phase transition. The NPFC incorporates a finite range of spatial nonlocal interactions that can account for both repulsive and attractive effects. The specific form is data-driven and determined by a fitting to the materials structure factor, which can be much more accurate than the LPFC and previously proposed fractional variant. In particular, it is able to match the experimental data of the structure factor up to the second peak, an achievement not possible with other PFC variants studied in the literature. Both LPFC and fractional PFC (FPFC) are also shown to be distinct scaling limits of the NPFC, which reflects the generality. The advantage of NPFC in retaining material properties suggests that it may be more suitable for characterizing liquid–solid transition systems. Moreover, we study numerical discretizations using Fourier spectral methods, which are shown to be convergent and asymptotically compatible, making them robust numerical discretizations across different parameter ranges. Numerical experiments are given in the two-dimensional case to demonstrate the effectiveness of the NPFC in simulating crystal structures and grain boundaries.
Neutron and fission decay width of superheavy compound nuclei
Authors: Gupta P. S. Damodara , Sowmya N. , Manjunatha H. C. , Ganesh T.
Published: July 2024

We have systematically studied the level density parameter, nuclear level density and decay width of neutron and fission of superheavy nuclei. This paper is validated by comparing with available experiments for [Formula: see text]U and [Formula: see text]Pu. The angular dependence of level density parameter, level densities and ratio of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] the thermal excitation energy (U) have been studied in the superheavy region [Formula: see text]. The role of entrance channel parameter on decay width of neutron and fission has been studied both in cold and hot fusion reactions in the superheavy region [Formula: see text]. Systematic variation of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is observed in both the cases. Finally, predicted [Formula: see text] for the synthesis of superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] and 120.