bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyarthritis associated with clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat
Authors: Jones Lucy , Lara Armando Sanchez , Peschard Lorraine , McGregor Ombeline , Skelly Barbara J.
Published: June 2024

A 10‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of lethargy and pyrexia, unresponsive to treatment with meloxicam, potentiated amoxicillin and marbofloxacin. Radiographs of the elbows and tarsi revealed marked periosteal reaction and joint effusion. Arthrocentesis was consistent with a suppurative polyarthritis. Hepatozoonosis was suspected following identification of a Hepatozoon gametocyte, during buffy coat assessment. Diagnosis was confirmed with a positive Hepatozoon felis polymerase chain reaction on a whole blood sample. The cat received a 4‐week course of oral doxycycline, which resulted in normalisation of body temperature, lameness and demeanour. Almost 18 months following diagnosis and treatment, the patient is clinically normal. This case shows that hepatozoonosis should be considered as a differential in cats with a history of foreign travel presenting with polyarthritis.
Abortion access, public opinion, direct democracy, and state political institutions in the United States
Authors: O'Mahen Patrick N.
Published: June 2024

Although numerous states have enacted policies banning or limiting abortion since the Dobbs decision in 2022, public opinion in most states remains solidly in favor of abortion access. However, whether public opinion is reflected in the public policy of individual states depends on how political institutions mediate between opinion and policy. Activists on both sides of the abortion issue, therefore, have attempted to locate policymaking regarding abortion access in state institutional systems most congenial to their desired outcomes. In states with direct democracy, even where legislatures and governorships are dominated by conservative Republicans, activists have been successful in harnessing public opinion to protect abortion rights by winning public referenda. In response, Republicans have attempted to curtail the power of these referenda, shifting power back to legislatures more likely to be held by actors opposed to abortion rights. This venue shopping for policymaking advantage ultimately raises vital, difficult, and often uncomfortable questions about how political institutions and citizens negotiate the boundaries of democratic legitimacy in policymaking.
Making Landscapes Negotiable: Q-methodology as a Boundary-Spanning and Empowering Diagnostic
Authors: Langston James Douglas , Ros-Tonen Mirjam A. F. , Reed James
Published: June 2024

Landscapes are conceptually fuzzy and rich, and subject to plural framings. They are places of inquiry and intervention for scientists and practitioners, but also concepts bound to peoples’ dynamic identities, knowledge systems, inspiration, and well-being. These varying interpretations change the way landscapes function and evolve. Developed in the 1930s, Q-methodology is increasingly recognized for being useful in documenting and interrogating environmental discourses. Yet its application in the context of how integrated landscape approaches better navigate land-use dilemmas is still in its infancy. Based on our experience and emerging literature, such as the papers in this special collection, this article discusses the value of Q-methodology in addressing landscape sustainability issues. Q-methodology helps unravel and communicate common and contradicting landscape imaginaries and narratives in translational and boundary-spanning ways, thus bridging actors’ different understandings of problems and solutions and revealing common or differentiated entry points for negotiating trade-offs between competing land uses. The methodology can be empowering for marginalized people by uncovering their views and aspirational values to decision-makers and policymakers. We argue that this potential can be further strengthened by using Q to identify counter-hegemonic discourses and alliances that combat injustices regarding whose knowledge and visions count. In this way, applying Q-methodology in integrated landscape approaches can become a key tool for transitioning toward just, inclusive, and sustainable landscapes.
Empirical risk analysis of mining a Proof-of-Work blockchain
Authors: Albrecher Hansjörg , Finger Dina , Goffard Pierre-O.
Published: June 2024

The process of mining blocks on a blockchain utilizing a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism carries inherent risks, particularly when the operational expenses associated with mining exceed the rewards earned. Building on previous findings on mining in pools, this paper delves into the question of whether the theoretical formulas for the ruin probability and the expected value of future surplus obtained under particular model assumptions are indeed validated empirically. In particular, we include the presence of transactions fees in the block rewards in our analysis. We also provide algorithms to fit the involved generalized hyperexponential distributions to actual data. Moreover, we perform a sensitivity analysis for different factors of interest, and we quantify the relevance of incorporating temporal dependence and transaction fees in the model.
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in patients with unexplained increased left ventricular wall thickness
Authors: Holcman Katarzyna , Kostkiewicz Magdalena , Szot Wojciech , Ćmiel Bogdan , Mróz Krystian , Stępień Agnieszka , Graczyk Katarzyna , Dziewięcka Ewa , Karabinowska-Małocha Aleksandra , Sachajko Zuzanna , Podolec Piotr , Rubiś Paweł
Published: June 2024

Amyloid cardiomyopathy (CA) was previously considered a rare disease; however, rapid advancements in imaging modalities have led to an increased frequency of its diagnosis. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence and clinical phenotype of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) cardiomyopathy in patients exhibiting unexplained increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness. From 2020 to 2022, we enrolled 100 consecutive adults with unexplained increased LV wall thickness in the study. The analysis included clinical data, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography with 3,3-disphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid, genetic testing. Overall, 18% of patients were diagnosed with CA, comprising 5% with light-chain amyloidosis, and 12% with ATTR. To evaluate associations with the ATTR diagnosis, a LOGIT model and multivariate analysis were applied. Notably, age, polyneuropathy, gastropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spine stenosis, low voltage, ventricular arrhythmia, LV mass, LV ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), E/A, E/E′, right ventricle (RV) thickness, right atrium area, RV VTI, TAPSE, apical sparing, ground glass appearance of myocardium, thickening of interatrial septum, thickening of valves, and the “5–5–5” sign were found to be significantly associated with ATTR (p < 0.05). The best predictive model for ATTR diagnoses exhibited an area under the curve of 0.99, including LV mass, GLS and RV thickness. This study, conducted at a cardiology referral center, revealed that a very considerable proportion of patients with unexplained increased LV wall thickness may suffer from underlying CA. Moreover, the presence of ATTR should be considered in patients with increased LV mass accompanied by reduced GLS and RV thickening.
The link between translation difficulty and the quality of machine translation: a literature review and empirical investigation
Authors: Araghi Sahar , Palangkaraya Alfons
Published: June 2024

We survey the relevant literature on translation difficulty and automatic evaluation of machine translation (MT) quality and investigate whether source text’s translation difficulty features contain any information about MT quality. We analyse the 2017–2019 Conferences on Machine Translation (WMT) data of machine translation quality of English news text translated to eleven different languages (Chinese, Czech, Estonian, Finnish, Latvian, Lithuanian, German, Gujarati, Kazakh, Russian, and Turkish). We find (weak) negative correlation between the source text’s length, polysemy and structural complexity and the corresponding human evaluated quality of machine translation. This suggests a potentially important but measureable influence of source text’s translation difficulty on MT quality.
A Mobile Post Anesthesia Care Unit Order Reminder System Improves Timely Order Entry
Authors: Clifton Jacob C. , Ende Holly B. , Rathnam Chandramouli , Freundlich Robert E. , Sandberg Warren S. , Wanderer Jonathan P.
Published: June 2024

Transition to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) requires timely order placement by anesthesia providers. Computerized ordering enables automated order reminder systems, but their value is not fully understood. We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study to estimate the association between automated PACU order reminders and primary outcomes (1) on-time order placement and (2) the degree of delay in placement. As a secondary post-hoc analysis, we studied the association between late order placement and PACU outcomes. We included patients with a qualifying postprocedure order from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2023. We excluded cases transferred directly to the ICU, whose anesthesia provider was involved in the pilot testing of the reminder system, or those with missing covariate data. Order reminder system usage was defined by the primary attending anesthesiologist’s receipt of a push notification reminder on the day of surgery. We estimated the association between reminder system usage and timely order placement using a logistic regression. For patients with late orders, we performed a survival analysis of order placement. The significance level was 0.05. Patient (e.g., age, race), procedural (e.g., anesthesia duration), and provider-based (e.g., ordering privileges) variables were used as covariates within the analyses. Reminders were associated with 51% increased odds of order placement prior to PACU admission (Odds Ratio: 1.51; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.43, 1.58; p ≤ 0.001), reducing the incidence of late PACU orders from 17.5% to 12.6% (p ≤ 0.001). In patients with late orders, the reminders were associated with 10% quicker placement (Hazard Ratio: 1.10; 95% CI 1.05, 1.15; p < 0.001). On-time order placement was associated with decreased PACU duration (p < 0.001), decreased odds of peak PACU pain score (p < 0.001), and decreased odds of multiple administration of antiemetics (p = 0.02). An order reminder system was associated with an increase in order placement prior to PACU arrival and a reduction in delay in order placement after arrival.
Impact of autonomous vehicles on discretionary activities: an agent-based model with space–time accessibility constraints
Authors: Feng Lewen , Betts John M. , Kamruzzaman Liton , Vu Hai L.
Published: June 2024

The extensive development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is set to revolutionise the way of travelling. Research suggests that the introduction of AVs may affect travel behaviour and choices, resulting in long-term changes in land use. Accessibility is an important concept that connects transportation and land use, providing a holistic performance measure for the transport-land use system. However, this concept has not been adequately capitalised in studies that attempt to understand the impact of AVs on location choice decisions. To explore this knowledge gap, we proposed an agent-based simulation framework that integrates with accessibility constraints to study how AVs influence behavioural and location choices. The framework consists of an activity-based travel demand model with accessibility constraints and a dynamic transport assignment model. The accessibility constraints are derived from individuals’ travel time budgets based on activity-travel survey data. We applied the agent-based simulation framework to Clayton, Australia, and focused on discretionary activity location choices. Various values of travel time and vehicle running costs underpinned by the use of AVs were examined. While most studies have concluded that AVs can significantly increase trip lengths for daily activities, our results demonstrate that even when AVs are used, the movement of individuals is still limited by spatio-temporal constraints of accessibility. As a result, we predict that the increase in discretionary trip lengths and their impact on traffic congestion is modest.
An overview of the occurrence, impact of process parameters, and the fate of antibiotic resistance genes during anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Pourrostami Niavol Kasra , Bordoloi Achinta , Suri Rominder
Published: June 2024

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as a significant global health threat, contributing to fatalities worldwide. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and livestock farms serve as primary reservoirs for these genes due to the limited efficacy of existing treatment methods and microbial adaptation to environmental stressors. Anaerobic digestion (AD) stands as a prevalent biological treatment for managing sewage sludge and manure in these settings. Given the agricultural utility of AD digestate as biofertilizers, understanding ARGs’ fate within AD processes is essential to devise effective mitigation strategies. However, understanding the impact of various factors on ARGs occurrence, dissemination, and fate remains limited. This review article explores various AD treatment parameters and correlates to various resistance mechanisms and hotspots of ARGs in the environment. It further evaluates the dissemination and occurrence of ARGs in AD feedstocks and provides a comprehensive understanding of the fate of ARGs in AD systems. This review explores the influence of key AD parameters such as feedstock properties, pretreatments, additives, and operational strategies on ARGs. Results show that properties such as high solid content and optimum co-digestion ratios can enhance ARG removal, while the presence of heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotics could elevate ARG abundance. Also, operational enhancements, such as employing two-stage digestion, have shown promise in improving ARG removal. However, certain pretreatment methods, like thermal hydrolysis, may exhibit a rebounding effect on ARG levels. Overall, this review systematically addresses current challenges and offers future perspectives associated with the fate of ARGs in AD systems.

Graphical Abstract
The Holonomy of Spherically Symmetric Projective Finsler Metrics of Constant Curvature
Authors: Asma Mezrag , Zoltan Muzsnay
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we investigate the holonomy group of n-dimensional projective Finsler metrics of constant curvature. We establish that in the spherically symmetric case, the holonomy group is maximal, and for a simply connected manifold it is isomorphic to $${\mathcal {D}}i\!f \hspace{-3pt} f_o({\mathbb {S}}^{n-1})$$

D
i

f

f
o

(

S

n
-
1

)

, the connected component of the identity of the group of smooth diffeomorphism on the $${n-1}$$

n
-
1

-dimensional sphere. In particular, the holonomy group of the n-dimensional standard Funk metric and the Bryant–Shen metrics are maximal and isomorphic to $${\mathcal {D}}i\!f \hspace{-3pt} f_o({\mathbb {S}}^{n-1})$$

D
i

f

f
o

(

S

n
-
1

)

. These results are the firsts describing explicitly the holonomy group of n-dimensional Finsler manifolds in the non-Berwaldian (that is when the canonical connection is non-linear) case.
Extraction of the outer membrane protein pertactin from Bordetella pertussis with urea for the production of acellular pertussis vaccine
Authors: Moon Jae Hoon , Park Jong Kwan , Park Bu Young , Jeon Hyung Jin , Choi Gi Sub , Lee Gyun Min
Published: June 2024

Pertactin (PRN), a non-fimbrial outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis, is the limiting component of the acellular pertussis vaccine because of its low concentration. This study aimed to develop a large-scale urea-based process for PRN extraction from B. pertussis. Cell pellet processing conditions, including freezing and thawing, were found to substantially affect PRN yield. A single cycle of rapid freezing of the cell pellet at − 30 °C with slow thawing at 5 ± 3 °C resulted in up to fivefold higher PRN yield than condition without freezing and thawing. The search for urea treatment conditions was also conducted, and 5 M urea treatment for 2 h was the optimal condition. The developed urea-based process was applied to 50 L culture scale, and residual impurities were removed by sequential anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration chromatography and resulted in PRN with a purity of over 95% at a yield of 33.2%. From 50 L culture broth, the final yield of PRN per cell pellet was 0.23 mg/g (wet weight). Thus, a large-scale production process for high-quality PRN from B. pertussis was developed based on urea extraction process. The results may serve as a reference for production of other membrane proteins.
CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Deletion of the Uox Gene Generates a Mouse Model of Hyperuricemia with Multiple Complications
Authors: Zeng Linzi , Shali Shalaimaiti , Gao Yabiao , Du Xingchen , Zhu Xiaoxia , Li Lin , Dai Yuxiang , Zhou Ping
Published: June 2024

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disorder with severe complications. We aimed to develop a mouse model for spontaneous hyperuricemia. Uox-/- mouse model was generated on C57BL/6J background by deleting exon 2-4 of Uox using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The prototypic Uox-/-mice had 5.5-fold increased serum uric acid (1351.04±276.58μmol/L) as compared to the wild type mice (P<0.0001), but died by 4 weeks. After allopurinol (3ug/g) intervention, they all survived > 8 weeks. The serum uric acid was 612.55±146.98μmol/L in the 8-week-old allopurinol-rescued Uox-/-mice, which manifested multiple complications including severe renal insufficiency, hypertension, left ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction, aortic endothelial dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and elevated liver enzymes, as well as hyperglycemia and hypercholesteremia. The present Uox-/- mice developed spontaneous hyperuricemia complicated with urate nephropathy, cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic disorders, and may provide a novel tool to study hyperuricemia associated early-onset cardiovascular disorders in human.

Graphical Abstract

A mouse model of hyperuricemia with multiple complications constructed by knocking out of urate oxidase (Uox) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Uox-/-: homozygous; Uox+/-: heterozygous; SUA: serum uric acid; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase.
The Relationship Between Academic Stress, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Wellbeing in Pasifika and New Zealand European Students at the University of Otago
Authors: Time Willie Solomona , Fakapulia Ilaisaane Foli , Samalia Latika , Wibowo Erik
Published: June 2024

Background

Pasifika students in New Zealand are overrepresented in poor academic outcomes, and their academic challenges may potentially influence their wellbeing. We aim to: 1) compare the academic stress, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing of Pasifika and New Zealand European (NZE) anatomy students at the University of Otago, and 2) determine if academic stress mediates the association between their psychological wellbeing and sleep quality.

Methods

We launched a brief online survey to Pasifika and NZE students in our department. The survey included basic demographics, Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a short loneliness scale, a reduced morningness-eveningness scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results

Perceived academic stress were comparable between NZE and Pasifika students, but Pasifika students reported poorer sleep quality than NZE students (t(113) = 14.41, P < .001). In addition, Pasifika students reported more loneliness (t(119) = 8.933, P < .001), less anxiety symptoms (t(120) = 2.469, P = .015), and less of a morning person (t(121) = 2.618, P = .010) than NZE students, but they had comparable depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness. After controlling for age, ethnicity and gender, we found that academic stress fully mediated the relationship between anxiety or depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality. Furthermore, academic stress partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and poor sleep quality in our cohort.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance for academic institutions to support students’ wellbeing, including ethnic minority students such as Pasifika students in New Zealand.
Long-term student performance prediction using learning ability self-adaptive algorithm
Authors: Ren Yi , Yu Xinjie
Published: June 2024

Predicting student performance is crucial for both preventing failure and enabling personalized teaching-and-learning strategies. The digitalization of educational institutions has led to the collection of extensive student learning data over the years. Current research primarily focuses on short-term data, e.g. a single year or semester. In contrast, long-term data has the potential to offer a deeper insight into student behavior, thereby increasing the accuracy of predictions. However, the direct application of long-term data in prediction models assumes consistent data distributions over time. In the real world, evolutions in course content and structure can lead to variations in feature spaces (heterogeneity) and distribution shifts across different academic years, compromising the effectiveness of prediction models. To address these challenges, we introduce the Learning Ability Self-Adaptive Algorithm (LASA), which can adapt to the evolving feature spaces and distributions encountered in long-term data. LASA comprises two primary components: Learning Ability Modeling (LAM) and Long-term Distribution Alignment (LTDA). LAM assumes that students’ responses to exercises are samples from distributions that are parameterized by their learning abilities. It then estimates these parameters from the heterogeneous student exercise response data, thereby creating a new homogeneous feature space to counteract the heterogeneity present in long-term data. Subsequently, LTDA employs multiple asymmetric transformations to align distributions of these new features across different years, thus mitigating the impact of distribution shifts on the model’s performance. With these steps, LASA can generate well-aligned features with meaningful semantics. Furthermore, we propose an interpretable prediction framework including three components, i.e. LASA, a base classifier for outcome predictions, and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) for elucidating the impact of specific features on student performance. Our exploration of long-term student data covers an eight-year period (2016-2023) from a face-to-face course at Tsinghua University. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that leveraging long-term data significantly enhances prediction accuracy compared to short-term data, with LASA achieving up to a 7.9% increase. Moreover, when employing long-term data, LASA outperforms state-of-the-art models, ProbSAP and SFERNN, by an average accuracy improvement of 6.8% and 6.4%, respectively. We also present interpretable insights for pedagogical interventions based on a quantitative analysis of feature impacts on student performance. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate student performance prediction in long-term data scenarios, addressing a significant gap in the literature.
Asymptotic dynamic graph order evolution analysis
Authors: Bridonneau Vincent , Guinand Frédéric , Pigné Yoann
Published: June 2024

In this work, we investigate the analysis of generators for dynamic graphs, which are defined as graphs whose topology changes over time. We focus on generated graphs whose order (number of nodes) varies over time. We use a concept called “sustainability” to qualify the long-term evolution of dynamic graphs. A dynamic graph is considered sustainable if its evolution does not result in a static, empty, or periodic graph. To illustrate how the analysis can be conducted, a parameterized and probability-based generator, named D3G3 (Degree-Driven Dynamic Geometric Graphs Generator), has been introduced in a recent work. From this model, we derive multiple scenarios that correspond to three trends in graph order evolution. Our central contribution lies in a mathematical framework that provides an expectation of the order of the graph at time step $$t+1$$

t
+
1

, given its order at time step t. Nevertheless, our analysis underscores the challenge of characterizing the sustainability of dynamic graphs, even when a formal mathematical model for graph order evolution is known.
Background music varying in tempo and emotional valence differentially affects cognitive task performance: experimental within-participant comparison
Authors: Hofbauer Lena Maria , Lachmannn Thomas , Rodriguez Francisca Saveria
Published: June 2024

The degree of stimulation provided by background music appears to affect performance on cognitive tasks. Moreover, individual differences influence what degree of stimulation is beneficial or detrimental. In a within-subject design, 40 participants (Mean Age: 26.15, SD: 2.99) completed cognitive tasks (immediate and delayed recall, phonemic fluency, trail-making) under varying (2 tempi: fast/slow×2 valences: positive/negative) musical background conditions. Further, they completed questionnaires on individual differences (extraversion, noise sensitivity, annoyance/distraction by background noise). Performance was assessed using analyses of variance and mixed-effect models. Sensitivity analyses adjusted for stimulus liking and further individual characteristics. Fast (vs. slow) tempo was associated with better immediate recall (p = .002, η2 = .08) and phonemic fluency (p < .001, η2 = .16). Positive (vs. negative) valence was also associated with better immediate recall (p < .001, η2 = .10) and phonemic fluency (p < .001, η2 = .10). The association of positive valence with phonemic fluency was attenuated in those with above average Annoyance/Distraction by Background Noise. The latter also had a slower performance in the trail making test under positive background music. The association of fast tempo with verbal fluency was stronger among those scoring high in Noise Sensitivity. Overall, our results suggest that, with regard to concurrent cognitive performance, fast tempo, positively valenced background music is preferable over slow, negatively valenced background music. A deeper understanding of inter-individual differences could allow further individualisation of background music for cognitive task performance.
Advanced design of triboelectric nanogenerators for future eco-smart cities
Authors: Tang Yun , Fu Hong , Xu Bingang
Published: June 2024

Eco-smart cities follow the ecological principles, utilize smart information technologies (Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing) to build an efficient, harmonious, resilient, and sustainable habitable environment in the form of informatization. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer the benefits of being self-powered, affordable, extremely customizable, and multi-scenario applications. The researches depict that TENGs are well positioned to support the digitization, intellectualization and sustainable urban services, since they have been repeatedly demonstrated as renewable power providers and self-powered sensors. In this assessment, the most recent applications of TENGs technology in eco-smart cities over the past two years in various categories are investigated, including renewable energy supply (water, wind, solar and raindrop energy, etc.), human–machine interaction, intelligent healthcare, intelligent transportation, intelligent agriculture, intelligent industry and intelligent environmental protection. There is additional sketch of the distinctions in TENG materials, architectures, working modes, and contact modes for serving diverse living usage scenarios of the eco-smart cities. This review will promote and popularize the utilization of TENG in smart ecological cities, as well as provide instruction of its construction for future smart cities and eco-cities.
Effects of Operational and Environmental Conditions on Estimated Dynamic Characteristics of a Large In-service Wind Turbine
Authors: Ozturkoglu Onur , Ozcelik Ozgur , Günel Serkan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The reliable and continuous operation of wind turbines is of utmost importance, making it necessary to thoroughly understand their dynamic behavior under various operational and environmental conditions.

Methods

To achieve this, a data acquisition system distributed throughout the tower height is designed. The system records data such as the acceleration, temperature, and relative humidity from the sensors, along with the rotor speed, wind speed, temperature, pitch angle, nacelle direction, and wind direction from the data acquisition system of the turbine. The acquired data is synchronized and processed by Autonomous and Continuous System Identification system based on the poly-reference Least Squares Complex Frequency method. The extensive dataset, gathered over a 7-month period, allows for the estimation of modal parameters of the wind turbine. The modal parameters are then correlated with the operational and environmental conditions that were recorded. The relationships between these conditions are thoroughly analyzed and explained. Additionally, the operational principles of the wind turbine are elucidated in detail. The correlations between the modal parameters and operational or environmental factors are presented and interpreted, shedding light on the complex interplay between wind turbine dynamics and external conditions.

Conclusion

It can be said that changes in operational and environmental conditions affect the modal parameters of the wind turbine differently across various structural modes. Without considering these effects, structural health monitoring systems may produce false alarms. Failure to consider these effects in the development of structural health monitoring systems may lead to incorrect damage alarms.
Nanoparticles in revolutionizing crop production and agriculture to address salinity stress challenges for a sustainable future
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Agrawal Shreni , Rajput Vishnu D. , Ghazaryan Karen , Yesayan Aleksandr , Minkina Tatiana , Zhao Yufei , Petropoulos Dimitrios , Kriemadis Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Alexiou Athanasios
Published: June 2024

Across the world, salinity is one of the most detrimental environmental stresses that severely reduces agricultural yield and productivity. More than 20% of the world's agricultural soils endure the adversity of salinity stress, and such saline-prone regions are constantly rising, due to human and natural activity. This review paper explores the promising role of nanoparticles (NPs) in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress on crops and offers insights into their potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Salinity stress, primarily caused by soil salinization, disrupts plant growth and development, leading to reduced crop yields and quality. NPs, with their unique physicochemical properties and nanoscale dimensions, have demonstrated remarkable potential in ameliorating the effects of salinity stress. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the various types of NPs, including metallic, metal oxide, and carbon-based NPs, and their effects on plant hormone signalling networks (auxin, giberellins, abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), and applications in enhancing salt tolerance in diverse crop species. This review article examines the physiochemical, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of plants by which NPs alleviate salinity stress, encompassing ion homeostasis, osmotic regulation, and antioxidant defence systems. Moreover, this paper critically evaluates the toxic effects of NPs in plants and outlines the challenges and concerns associated with their widespread adoption. By understanding the potential benefits and limitations of NP applications, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture practices that improve crop resilience, mitigate soil salinization, and contribute to global food security in an era of increasing environmental stressors.
Role of Silicon in Mediating Salt Stress Responses in Arabidopsis Methylation Mutants
Authors: Yeşildirek Yağmur Vecide , Arıkan Burcu , Çelik Haluk , Premkumar Albert , Özden Sibel , Kara Neslihan Turgut
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The growing prevalence of soil salinity presents a significant threat to agriculture production on a global scale. Previous studies on salt stress, shown that silicon (Si) has an alleviating effect on plants exposed to stress. However, the results of the alleviating effect of Si on epigenetic level is not yet understood. In this study, we tried to understand how methylation mechanisms affect the alleviating effect of Si by testing on Arabidopsis epigenetic mutants (met1-7, drm2-2 and ros1-4).

Methods

The Col-0 and mutant plants were exposed to silicon and NaCl simultaneously and separately during two weeks. After that in order to see the physiological effects of Si on methylation mutants, which is known to be effective in antioxidant pathways of Col-0 plants, osmolyte accumulation and membrane damage were analyzed and to see the effects at the molecular level, the expression profiles of the CSD2, CAT3 and APX1 genes and global methylation changes were analyzed.

Results

As a general result of the osmolyte accumulation, ion leak, global methylation and gene expression analyzes performed in this study, it was determined that salt stress also had negative effects on Arabidopsis epigenetic mutants. It was concluded that the mitigating effect of Si on NaCl stress was most clearly determined as a result of global DNA methylation analyses.

Conclusions

It was found that treating Arabidopsis methylation mutants with Si during salt stress could improve the plants’ ability to withstand salt. The results of this study provide information about the alleviating effect of Si based on methylation of separate and co-exposure to Si and NaCl, and also provide an epigenetic perspective to explain the mechanisms of Si improving plant durability under stress conditions.
Numerical analysis of soil–steel composite structure performance at ultimate load: impact of stiffening ribs and geotextile reinforcement
Authors: Legese Alemu Mosisa , Różański Adrian , Sobótka Maciej , Wysokowski Adam
Published: June 2024

This study investigates soil–steel composite structures, emphasizing the role of stiffening ribs and geotextile reinforcement through comprehensive numerical modeling. This study presents a two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) and compares the influence of stiffening rib and geotextile on the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil–steel composite structures. The results of this study demonstrate a significant enhancement in load capacity. Specifically, a notable 47% improvement was observed with a stiffening rib, and a 26% increase was noted with the use of a single layer of geotextile. Under peak load, the vertical displacement at the crown exceeds the permissible standard for all models except for one model, while bending moments reach their limits, marking a failure mode of composite system considered. Structures with stiffened ribs reach their load capacity due to the creation of a plastic hinge around the shoulder and haunch of the shell. On the other hand, in structures without stiffening ribs, the crown and haunch section of the shell becomes fully plastic under peak load. The maximum axial thrust is shown in geotextile-reinforced structure, reaching 78% of the shell maximum capacity due to compression. Eventually, stiffening rib substantially improves overall load-bearing capacity of the soil–steel composite structures, and geotextile placement in the upper part of the backfill reduces shell deflection due to bending.
Low impact development devices DNA of cities for long term stormwater management strategies
Authors: Boogaard F. , Kondratenko J.
Published: June 2024

In 2024 the Low Impact Development Devices (LID) open-source international database ClimateScan consist of over 14.000 climate adaption related projects uploaded in the period of 2014–2024. For cities with over 500 projects, this offers an opportunity to construct a LID-DNA of the city. LID-DNA presents the ‘genetic information of the development and functioning of LID in a city’ and was first used in The Netherlands during ClimateCafés as evaluation for future design and maintenance of stormwater management strategies. The LID-DNA of several cities based on the quantity and categories of LID is visualized. The LID structure of early adaptor Amsterdam with over 500 LID measures implemented in 2000–2024, shows a large variety of over 20 types of individual LID. The relative new adaptor Riga shows a LID-DNA with a focus on bio-filtration with raingardens and swales (based on 40 data points). Stakeholders from different departments concluded that cities benefit from the insights of their urban LID-DNA earlier in the process. An early insight will support a targeted LID strategy choosing a limited cost-efficient group of LID than having a wide range of different LID without evaluation of their efficiency. Departments in the city asked for more detailed insights (earlier in the process) to prevent mal-adaptation and disinvestments and be more efficient with their capacity. The ClimateScan database holds over 300 monitored LID projects with research results in North America and Europe in cities as Vancouver, New Orleans, Amsterdam and Riga. Future work will focus on more detailed LID-DNA visualisation based on not only the amount of LID but on the dimensions such as water storage (m3) and surface (m2). Monitoring of LID will be stimulated to make strategic decisions on measured infiltration rates (m/d) of LID as most important criteria for possible damage by floodings and maintenance (clogging). Raising awareness and capacity building targeted on the high-ranking cost-efficient LID is set up in both cities focused on the design, construction and maintenance of LID.
CsABCG11.2 mediates theanine uptake to alleviate cadmium toxicity in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Hao Xulei , Xiahou Long , Zhao Hanyang , Liu Jiatong , Guo Fei , Wang Pu , Wang Mingle , Wang Yu , Ni Dejiang , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2024

Theanine (Thea) is a unique metabolite in tea plants, but its physiological functions remain elusive. A low soil pH increases cadmium (Cd) availability, affecting the quality of tea plant products. In this study, we found that Thea reversed the Cd-induced reduction in free amino acid (FAA) and caffeine (CAF) in the young tea leaves, as well as the down-regulation in the expression of nitrate transporters CsNRT1.2 and CsNRT2.5, and genes responsible for the nitrogen (N) assimilation. We demonstrated that Thea could alleviate Cd-induced oxidative stresses and enhance photosynthesis. Moreover, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, CsABCG11.2, could uptake distinct Cd substrates and the five major amino acids in tea plants. Heterologous expression of CsABCG11.2 in yeast indicated a competitive absorption between Cd and Thea in a concentration-dependent pattern. CsABCG11.2-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited increased sensitivity to Cd due to enhanced Cd concentration, accumulation in the shoots, and reduction in the primary root length. Exogenous application of Thea at environmentally regular levels attenuated the adverse effects of Cd-induced growth inhibition and chlorosis in CsABCG11.2-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. Knockdown of CsABCG11.2 tea plants significantly lowered Cd levels in young shoots. Our results suggest that Thea plays beneficial roles in alleviating Cd stress directly or indirectly by modulating CsABCG11.2-mediated Cd uptake and translocation within plants.
Predictive factors for spontaneous resolution of dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review
Authors: Baldazzi Dalila , D’Andrea Valerio , Bernetti Caterina , Vertulli Daniele , Greco Federico , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Mallio Carlo A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge regarding Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (DAVFs), examining their correlation with clinical data and various pathological conditions.

Materials and methods

The literature was analyzed according to “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines. MR, CT images and angiography have been used to identify the signs of the presence of DAVFs and the possibility of spontaneous resolution. It is not currently believed that the resolution of DAVFs is exclusively linked to specific conditions, and evidence shows that in a proportion of patients, occlusion of these fistulas occurs without any intervention. Studies exploring the presence of DAVFs and their relationship with clinical data have revealed interesting findings. Furthermore, researchers have identified associations between DAVFs and a variety of factors such as thrombosis, architectural characteristics, angiography, hemorrhage, and more, which may promote their spontaneous closure.

Results

A total of 28 articles were selected. Finally, 5 studies, including 2 retrospective and 5 prospective ones, along with 21 case reports, were included in our results.

Conclusions

The main predictive factors for thrombosis, crucial for DAVF resolution, are stasis and endothelial damage. Stasis arises from certain DAVF architectures, cavernous sinus enlargement, or compression from hemorrhage with edema, while endothelial damage often results from contrast medium use in angiography. These factors are not always decisive, leaving the closure mechanism uncertain. Understanding these factors aids clinicians in stratifying patients and tailoring treatments. Current evidence is limited by a lack of randomized controlled trials and study heterogeneity; thus, larger, multicenter studies are needed to enhance future findings.
Design Thinking and Other Approaches
Authors: Crilly Nathan
Published: June 2024

Efforts to promote creativity often centre on encouraging people to engage in 'design thinking', 'systems thinking' and 'entrepreneurial thinking'. These different approaches are most often defined, taught and applied in mutual isolation, which has obscured what distinguishes them from each other, what they have in common and how they might be combined. These three approaches are also most often described in isolation from the approaches that characterize other disciplines, all of which are relevant to how problems are identified, framed and solved. These other approaches include 'computational thinking', 'engineering thinking', 'scientific thinking', 'evolutionary thinking', 'mathematical thinking', 'statistical thinking', 'geographical thinking', 'historical thinking', 'anthropological thinking' and many more. Examining these approaches as a set allows each of them to be better understood, and also reveals the connections and contrasts between them. Such comparisons provide the foundation for a more coordinated project to represent how different disciplinary approaches contribute to creative work.
The Grand Finale
Authors: Falcão Filipe , Sousa Bárbara , Moreira Pedro , Jalali Carlos , Costa Patrício
Published: June 2024

Abstract: The 2019 televised debate between the leaders of the two main Portuguese parties for the general elections in Portugal drew approximately 2.7 million viewers. Debates constitute a centrepiece of campaigns, allowing candidates to showcase their proposals. The importance of debates in election campaigns reflects their possible influence in changing voters’ perspectives. As the standards for judging candidates increasingly rely on non-political characteristics such as personality traits, we examine the effects of debates on voters’ judgments of the warmth and competence of candidates and their voting intentions. We employed a within subject’s pretest/postest design to monitor participants before and after the debate between the leaders of the two main parties in Portugal, António Costa (Socialist Party, PS) and Rui Rio (Social-Democrat Party, PSD) for the Portuguese 2019 legislative elections. A comprehensive statistical pipeline was implemented to isolate the effects of the debate. Evidence suggesting that the debate influenced the perceived warmth and competence of both candidates was found. This study contributes to the literature on debates and supports the claim that they may shift voters’ perceptions and attitudes.
Picture Perfect
Authors: Milson Rhea , Madigan Daniel J.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Perfectionistic self-presentation (the desire to appear perfect to others) is related to decreased body satisfaction and intrusive (e.g., addictive or problematic) social media use in young women. Instagram, a highly visual social media platform, may serve as a medium for heightened body image concerns among this population. Exploring perfectionistic self-presentation on Instagram, by examining the extent to which women promote a perfect image on Instagram (perfectionistic self-promotion) and avoid presenting an imperfect image on Instagram (non-display of imperfection and non-disclosure of imperfection), may help to further understand its role in these issues. To test this idea, we recruited two non-clinical samples of young women (Sample 1: cross-sectional, N = 392; Sample 2: two-wave longitudinal, N = 176) to examine the relationships between perfectionistic self-presentation on Instagram, Instagram intrusion and body satisfaction. Findings revealed that dimensions of perfectionistic self-presentation on Instagram were negatively associated with body satisfaction, both cross-sectionally and over time and positively associated with Instagram intrusion, cross-sectionally. Non-display of imperfection appeared to be the most important dimension. Overall, our findings offer initial support for examining perfectionistic self-presentation on Instagram, and its utility in understanding the body satisfaction of young women.
The Effect of the Economy on the Relationship Between Pay, Work, and Job Offer Attractiveness
Authors: Darden Tanja R. , Lambert Lisa Schurer
Published: June 2024

Abstract: We examine the influence of two factors beyond pay on applicants’ job offer evaluations in the IT and hospitality industries – whether an offer’s expected work hours influence attraction and whether job applicants’ perceptions of the economy influence attraction. Using a policy-capturing approach and a sample of 49 university students (882 total observations), we hypothesized that (a) the number of hours also matters when evaluating a job offer and (b) the economy moderates the relationships between hours worked and offer attractiveness and pay and offer attractiveness such that job offers would be more attractive under a weak economy than under a strong economy. Our findings suggest that the amount of work matters to applicants and that more research is needed to understand how macro factors like the economy impact important work evaluations.