bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How would estimation of geographic range shifts of marine fishes be different when using occurrence and abundance data?
Authors: Lai Yin‐Zheng , Lin Ying‐Chung Jimmy , Ko Chia‐Ying
Published: August 2024

Aim

Geographic range shifts are a common species' response to climate change. While occurrence data are commonly used to estimate species' geographical range shifts, ongoing debate suggests that local abundance data may be increasingly important for the estimates, but few studies have investigated differences between the above two types of data. We aimed to explore whether occurrence and abundance data would result in different patterns of geographic range shifts for marine fishes.

Location

Northeast US Continental Shelf, North Sea, and East Bering Sea.

Methods

We used bottom trawl datasets since 1968 in the three large marine communities to assess whether data types would affect estimated shifts in marine fish species. The range centroids of individual species were first estimated every year and linear regressions were fitted to estimate shift rates in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions. The average range centroids of the last 5 years were used to compare differences between the data types in species' shifts. We then grouped species by traits to overview species compositions.

Results

Significant differences in shift trends between regressions based on annual occurrence‐ and abundance‐based range centroids were found in species' longitudinal shifts, particularly in the Northeast US Continental Shelf and North Sea. Approximately 38.5%–45.9% of fish species in the large marine communities had inconsistent shift directions when estimated by different data types. In comparison with the average range centroids of the last 5 years between the two data types, large changes were identified in the magnitudes of the shift distances towards the east and west. Fish species with inconsistent shifts between the two data types were mostly composed of commercial and demersal species.

Main Conclusions

The results provide observed differences over decades and suggest caution on the estimation of species' geographic range shifts using occurrence and abundance data and highlight the differences for future assessments of marine species shifts under climate change.
Arthropod activity density and predation are supported by mixed cropping of maize with common sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and reduced tillage
Authors: Häfner Bastian , Schulte auf’m Erley Gunda , Gabriel Doreen , Herden Andra , Höppner Frank , Dauber Jens , Nürnberger Fabian
Published: August 2024

Mixed cropping with legumes may mitigate negative impacts of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), production on arthropods by providing additional habitat structures and food resources. Still, knowledge about effects of less common legume partner crops for mixed cropping of maize is scarce. Activity density of epigeic predatory arthropods and proxies for ecosystem functions related to biological pest control were assessed on an experimental field. Plots of mixed cropping of maize and sainfoin, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (Fabaceae), and respective single plant species (plot size: 6 × 5 m; n = 48) differed in combination of the seed rate of each partner crop and tillage treatment. Using the “rapid ecosystem function assessment” approach in each plot on three occasions, we tested whether the activity density of generalist arthropod predators and their associated ecosystem functions can be promoted by mixed cropping of maize with sainfoin. Our data show that, compared with tilled maize as a pure culture, mixed cropping can increase activity density of generalist arthropod predators and insect predation potential but effects were limited to strip‐tilled cropping systems and partly depended on sampling date. Thus, from an ecological viewpoint, mixed cropping of sainfoin and maize in strip‐till systems offers the possibility to promote predatory insects and their potential for pest regulation. However, this system is inherently more prone to weed occurrence. Competition effects between cropping partners and weeds may reduce yields and hence lead to trade‐offs between enhancement of arthropods and economic viability.
Augmented reality‐based higher order thinking skills learning media: Enhancing learning performance through self‐regulated learning, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills in vocational teacher education
Authors: Yuniarti Nurhening , Rahmawati Yuni , Anwar Muhammad , Al Hakim Vando Gusti , Hidayat Hendra , Hariyanto Didik , Husna Amelia Fauziah , Wang Jen‐Hang
Published: August 2024

Preparing high‐quality graduates is a pressing challenge in teacher education, particularly among vocational high school graduates in Indonesia who face elevated unemployment rates. This experimental study explores the impact of integrating augmented reality (AR) and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) into vocational teacher education, empowering future educators with essential skills to meet evolving educational demands. The proposed learning media served to assist students in better comprehending abstract content through HOTS‐based learning activities, improving subject mastery. We investigated the effects of AR‐based HOTS learning media on learning performance based on self‐regulated learning, digital literacy, and critical thinking, using a mixed‐method research design with 241 participants. Our results demonstrate a positive impact on these factors, underscoring the significance of effective AR‐based learning tools in enhancing the quality of vocational teacher education.
Retrieval practice in education for sustainable development: Effects on retention, attitudes, and self‐reported streaming behaviour
Authors: Mundt Daria , Albrecht Nele , Körner Anita , Ebersbach Mirjam
Published: August 2024

Education for Sustainable Development focuses on improving environmental knowledge to combat misinformation and promote sustainable behaviours. In two experiments, we investigated whether retrieval practice, known to foster lasting knowledge acquisition, is a useful tool for (1) increasing environmental knowledge and (2) for improving environmental attitudes and behaviour (i.e., spillover effect). Participants studied a text on the effects of online streaming behaviour by means of retrieval practice or by copying the text. Knowledge gain was assessed after one (Experiment 1) and two weeks (Experiment 2). Attitudes and behaviour were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention. In both experiments, participants recalled more environmental knowledge after retrieval practice compared to copying. Attitudes and behaviour did not differ between both groups, but attitudes increased after the intervention in both groups. Only Experiment 1 showed declining streaming times. Our findings suggest that retrieval practice enhances lasting knowledge acquisition but barely affects environmental attitudes and behaviour.
Riverscape genomics of the endangered freshwater mussel Lampsilis rafinesqueana
Authors: Hein Steven R. , Farleigh Keaka , Berg David J.
Published: August 2024

Historical periods of rapid climate change and associated direct and indirect impacts such as glaciation and restructuring of drainage systems are important in shaping biodiversity, lineage divergence, and contemporary genetic variation amongst many aquatic taxa. Through an understanding of the impacts of these ancient changes in land‐ and waterscapes on current diversity, practitioners can account for a species' unique evolutionary history when developing conservation strategies.

We investigated intraspecific genetic diversity of the critically endangered freshwater mussel, Lampsilis rafinesqueana, endemic to the interior region of the U.S.A. Our study (1) characterises genetic variation within and amongst populations to infer biogeographic history and (2) applies genetic information to potential conservation strategies. We applied restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing and mitochondrial DNA sequencing to investigate genetic diversity within and amongst populations of L. rafinesqueana from across the species' distribution. We then considered this information in the context of historical riverscape processes and applicability to conservation.

Variation within rivers was similar, but we found different genetic populations associated with two major ecoregions, the Central Interior Highlands and Osage Plains. The plains population displayed an Ne value approximately 10‐fold lower than the highlands population. Historical demographic modelling suggests the two populations diverged approximately 1.2 million years ago and then both populations underwent a substantial decrease in population size around 19,700 years ago. These two major events are each correlated with known periods of historic rapid climate change.

We identified two distinct populations of a federally endangered mussel, L. rafinesqueana. Contemporary genetic diversity of this species was strongly influenced by direct and indirect impacts of rapid historic shifts in climate. The highlands population has undergone a recent expansion, typical of post‐Pleistocene climate change, while also having a much larger Ne value than the plains population. Our results suggest low levels of gene flow amongst the two distinct populations across generations. We recommend that conservation managers for this species take into account relative difference in diversity between populations when developing management strategies. In many species, assisted gene flow amongst genetically unique populations should only be considered in extreme circumstances; however, in L. rafinesqueana, low levels of assisted migration amongst populations may be a valuable tactic to maintain natural levels of genetic variation.

Our study shows that biogeographical frameworks can be useful for developing conservation strategies that serve to retain important genomic variation that represents the evolutionary potential of target freshwater species.
Enhanced nitrous oxide emission factors due to climate change increase the mitigation challenge in the agricultural sector
Authors: Li Linchao , Lu Chaoqun , Winiwarter Wilfried , Tian Hanqin , Canadell Josep G. , Ito Akihiko , Jain Atul K. , Kou‐Giesbrecht Sian , Pan Shufen , Pan Naiqing , Shi Hao , Sun Qing , Vuichard Nicolas , Ye Shuchao , Zaehle Sönke , Zhu Qing
Published: August 2024

Effective nitrogen fertilizer management is crucial for reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions while ensuring food security within planetary boundaries. However, climate change might also interact with management practices to alter N2O emission and emission factors (EFs), adding further uncertainties to estimating mitigation potentials. Here, we developed a new hybrid modeling framework that integrates a machine learning model with an ensemble of eight process‐based models to project EFs under different climate and nitrogen policy scenarios. Our findings reveal that EFs are dynamically modulated by environmental changes, including climate, soil properties, and nitrogen management practices. Under low‐ambition nitrogen regulation policies, EF would increase from 1.18%–1.22% in 2010 to 1.27%–1.34% by 2050, representing a relative increase of 4.4%–11.4% and exceeding the IPCC tier‐1 EF of 1%. This trend is particularly pronounced in tropical and subtropical regions with high nitrogen inputs, where EFs could increase by 0.14%–0.35% (relative increase of 11.9%–17%). In contrast, high‐ambition policies have the potential to mitigate the increases in EF caused by climate change, possibly leading to slight decreases in EFs. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that global EFs are expected to continue rising due to warming and regional drying–wetting cycles, even in the absence of changes in nitrogen management practices. This asymmetrical influence of nitrogen fertilizers on EFs, driven by climate change, underscores the urgent need for immediate N2O emission reductions and further assessments of mitigation potentials. This hybrid modeling framework offers a computationally efficient approach to projecting future N2O emissions across various climate, soil, and nitrogen management scenarios, facilitating socio‐economic assessments and policy‐making efforts.
Myddosomes in Toll‐like receptor signaling—one to bind and rule them all
Authors: Mathmann Carmen D , Schultz Thomas E , Domínguez Cadena Leslie C , Blumenthal Antje
Published: August 2024

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune sensors for the presence of pathogens and endogenous danger signals. TLR activation results in conserved intracellular signaling events that orchestrate inflammation and antimicrobial defense. While the identity and interplay of key TLR signaling components are well established, how these largely cytosolic proteins are physically connected is not well understood. For the activation of conserved intracellular signaling events, most TLRs engage the adapter MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response 88), which assembles into higher‐order protein complexes, myddosomes. In their recent publication, Fisch et al. present evidence that oligomeric myddosomes detach from initiating TLRs and evolve into larger scaffolds that dynamically assemble not only proximal but also distal cytosolic elements required to execute the entire cascade of the TLR–MyD88 signaling pathway. Coinciding with decline in TLR signaling over time, myddosomes progressively recruit autophagy machinery that mediates myddosome clearance. These findings expand the current understanding of TLR signaling by positioning myddosomes as the central structural element that physically assembles the key executors and regulators of TLR–MyD88‐dependent intracellular signaling cascades.
Work life–related loneliness among nurse managers and its effect on life satisfaction: Turkey's example
Authors: Türk Aytuğ , Şahan Hatice
Published: August 2024

Aim

To determine the effects of perceived workplace loneliness on life satisfaction among nurses working as managers.

Background

Nurses working as managers often encounter negative situations, and their consequences extend beyond their professional responsibilities to encompass nonprofessional domains, including life satisfaction.

Methods

This study enrolled 158 nurse managers (NMs) after gaining their consent. Data from the descriptive cross‐sectional study were obtained using the “Descriptive Information Form,” “Loneliness in Work Life Scale,” and “Life Satisfaction Scale.” The relationship between relevant scales was assessed using Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression.

Findings

A moderately strong, negative, and significant relationship was observed between work life–related loneliness and life satisfaction among NMs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that three independent variables—two LAWS subscales and the job satisfaction status—significantly affected NMs’ life satisfaction (adjusted R2 = 0.39, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Perceived loneliness and professional satisfaction are important predictors of life satisfaction among NMs. Thus, it is crucial to determine the factors that negatively affect the professional satisfaction and perceived loneliness of nurses working as managers and to implement psychosocial interventions in such cases.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This study demonstrates the significance of identifying problems in the professional lives of NMs, who are involved in planning nursing services and implementing interventions to address these problems.
Species evenness‐area relationships in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Becker‐Scarpitta Antoine , Wu Chuping , Liu Jiajia
Published: August 2024

Aims

The relationship between habitat area and species evenness quantifies species relative abundance distribution changes across habitat fragments, providing more information than considering only the species richness to predict biodiversity distribution patterns in fragmented landscapes. However, unlike the species‐area relationships (SARs), the Species Evenness‐Area Relationship (SEARs) has yet to be explored across taxa at a large spatial scale. Here, we resolved how the relationship between species evenness and fragment area varies among taxonomic groups and environmental factors.

Location

Global.

Taxa

Insecta, Aves, Amphibians and Squamata, Plantae, Arachnida, Mammalia, Mollusca.

Methods

We compiled 67 datasets from the FragSAD database, including information on fragments area, species richness, and species abundance of six taxa worldwide. We calculated the species evenness index for each fragment, which is independent of species richness, and tested the relationship between species evenness and fragment area across taxonomic groups. We also used the power model to fit SEAR for each dataset and identified landscape variables with a detectable impact on the occurrence of significant SEARs.

Results

In contrast to the positive relationship between species richness and fragment area, species evenness was negatively affected by fragment area when controlling for other environmental factors and the relationships varied significantly among taxonomic groups. Specifically, there were significant negative associations between species evenness and fragment area for insects, birds, spiders, and mammals but not for plants and amphibians. Meanwhile, the occurrence of significant SEARs depends on the number of fragments and total fragment area.

Main Conclusions

The contrasting patterns of SEARs and SARs among taxonomic groups highlight the complexity of the mechanisms regulating biodiversity patterns. Although the number of species increases with the increase of fragment area, the decreased evenness implies community instability on larger fragments. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and underlying mechanisms in determining SEARs has critical implications for biodiversity conservation.
PLCγ1 deficiency in chondrocytes accelerates the age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone
Authors: Zhao Qiubo , Chen Xiaolei , Qu Ning , Qiu Jinhua , Zhang Bing , Xia Chun
Published: August 2024

Ageing is the most prominent risk for osteoarthritis (OA) development. This study aimed to investigate the role of phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) 1, previously linked to OA progression, in regulating age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. d‐galactose (d‐Gal) was employed to treat chondrocytes from rats and mice or injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice. RTCA, qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation, matrix synthesis, senescence genes and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, along with PLCγ1 expression. Subchondral bone morphology was assessed through micro‐CT. In mice with chondrocyte‐specific Plcg1 deficiency (Plcg1flox/flox; Col2a1‐CreERT), articular cartilage and subchondral bone were examined over different survival periods. Our results showed that d‐Gal induced chondrocyte senescence, expedited articular cartilage ageing and caused subchondral bone abnormalities. In d‐Gal‐induced chondrocytes, diminished PLCγ1 expression was observed, and its further inhibition by U73122 exacerbated chondrocyte senescence. Plcg1flox/flox; Col2a1‐CreERT mice exhibited more pronounced age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone compared to Plcg1flox/flox mice. Therefore, not only does d‐Gal induce senescence in chondrocytes and age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone, as well as diminished PLCγ1 expression, but PLCγ1 deficiency in chondrocytes may also accelerate age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. PLCγ1 may be a promising therapeutic target for mitigating age‐related changes in joint tissue.
Editorial: Reciprocity between sleep and mood in early childhood – an under‐explored neural marker of depression risk
Authors: Hoyniak Caroline , Luby Joan
Published: August 2024

We emphasize the potential importance of the role of early alterations in sleep and circadian rhythms as a biological marker of early‐onset depression in the preschool period. This builds on findings of the reciprocal relationship between sleep and mood as well as the validity of preschool depression well established in the extant literature. This editorial highlights two recent studies published in JCPP in 2024 defining the duration of clinically impairing depressive symptoms in young children and methods that are now feasible to track daily patterns of sleep and circadian rhythms and show their relation to mood. We propose future studies to investigate these relationships in young children at risk for depression.
The Eczema Area and Severity Index: An update of progress and challenges in its measurement of atopic dermatitis after 20 years of use
Authors: Jacobson M. E. , Morimoto R. Y. , Leshem Y. A. , Howells L. , Williams H. C. , Grinich E. , Gerbens L. A. A. , Spuls P. I. , Schmitt J. , Staley B. , Baghoomian W. , Katoh N. , Thomas K. S. , Apfelbacher C. J. , Simpson E. L.
Published: August 2024

The Eczema Area and Severity Index is an investigator‐assessed instrument reporting clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. The instrument is extensively validated in both adult and paediatric populations and recommended as a core outcome measure to assess clinical signs by the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema initiative in clinical trials and was recently recommended as an option to measure signs in clinical practice. Here, we review the validation of the instrument using standard assessment criteria, explore controversies and challenges to its universal applicability and highlight future electronic adaptations. We find that the instrument demonstrates adequate performance in the measurement properties recommended by the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments initiative for instruments reporting clinical signs, is clinically interpretable, and is suitable for all atopic dermatitis severities. Some validation gaps remain. Information reporting on its performance in diverse populations, with emphasis on deeply pigmented skin, is promising though limited. Technological adaptations are demonstrating promising initial validation results and may facilitate remote and/or automated assessments assisting clinical care and decentralized clinical trials in the future. We find no strong evidence limiting its use in trials or clinical practice although questions pertaining to the effect of investigator training remain. We recommend that the Eczema Area and Severity Index be used in all interventional atopic dermatitis trials and be considered alongside other recommended clinical practice severity instruments.
Effect of induced electric field parameters on physiochemical characteristics and microorganism of orange juice
Authors: Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Zhou Yuyi , Zhou Xiaoqun
Published: August 2024

The induced electric field (IEF) was produced via an oscillating magnetic field, for direct heating of orange juice within a winding coil. During the process, the applied magnetic field was at the range from 0.07 to 1.43 T with 50 kHz. Then, the numerical relationships between excitation voltage, magnetic field, IEF, induced current density, magnetomotive force and energy efficiency were investigated. Since a rectangular wave of excitation voltage was applied, the sawtooth waveform of induced voltage or IEF loaded on the juice was observed. As the magnetic field increased, outlet temperature and induced current density in the juice was improved, the maximum values were 99.5°C and 0.50 A/cm2, respectively, at a conductivity 4.53 mS/cm for the residence time of 4.5 min. However, the efficiency of the process exhibited a negative correlation with the escalation of excitation voltage. At initial colony count about 4.50 log colony‐forming units/mL, the IEF pasteurization reduced all the aerobic microorganisms, molds, and yeasts in the juice, which were evaluated at detectable limits below 1 log colony‐forming units/mL. Moreover, all treatments had no significant effects on pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the juice (p > 0.05). In particular, there was also no significant change in color parameters after IEF pasteurization (p > 0.05). It indicated a significant decrease in vitamin C and total phenolic content of the control groups (p > 0.05), but no significant change in carotenoid content was observed in all treated juice (p > 0.05). heating technology using IEF has the potential to the pasteurization of fruit juice.

Practical applications

Induction electric field technology has progressed rapidly in the past 2 years, it can use oscillating alternating magnetic field to realize the direct heating of liquid food. The process has thermal and non‐thermal effects, at 65–70°C, within 15–30 s to achieve the commercial asepsis of acidic liquid food. After the pasteurization, it can better maintain the color and flavor of the juice. We have assembled a laboratory prototype for testing in the early stage, the processing capacity is at the range of 0–10 L/h. Currently, the system has been able to reach the pilot production scale with the processing capacity of 100–500 L/h. Through the use of highly permeable magnetic materials, the energy consumption per ton of juice processing is controlled at 120 k·Wh level for the pasteurization and is expected to achieve a larger processing capacity in the future.
Treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation: Use and satisfaction from a nationwide survey of US participants
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Xu Yanqing , Taylor Douglas C. A. , Kosch Katherine J. , Dobrescu Rachel , Morlock Amy , Morlock Robert , Rooker Ceciel
Published: August 2024

Background

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by a variety of bowel movement‐related and abdominal symptoms. A greater understanding of medication use and satisfaction with symptom control may provide insights to optimize patient care. Therefore, we explored these aspects of the disorder in adults with CIC.

Methods

This study assessed data collected from a large nationwide survey of adult participants in the United States, querying demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbid conditions, as well as medication use, care‐seeking behaviors, and satisfaction with symptom control. Participants were grouped into the CIC cohort if they met Rome IV criteria, with controls matched 1:1 according to age, sex, race, region, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. All data were self‐reported.

Key Results

Two thousand five hundred and thirty‐three participants with CIC were matched 1:1 to controls. In the CIC cohort, abdominal pain was the most reported symptom leading to medication use: 15.9% of respondents were receiving a prescription medication in addition to an over‐the‐counter medication, while 26.3% were taking neither. In addition, only one‐third were satisfied with the control of their symptoms; however, satisfaction was significantly higher in respondents taking a prescription medication (p < 0.001). The proportion of reported comorbidities was significantly higher in the CIC cohort versus the control cohort, with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among the highest (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions and Inferences

This study emphasizes the need for better communication regarding prescription medications and their benefits, with the goal of further improving CIC patients' overall symptoms.
Facing climate change: plant stress mitigation strategies in agriculture
Authors: Terán Fátima , Vives‐Peris Vicente , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Pérez‐Clemente Rosa M.
Published: August 2024

Climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening crop yields. These changes exceed the adaptability thresholds of many crops, decreasing their yield and threatening food security. At plant physiological levels, climate change‐induced stressors disrupt photosynthesis, growth, and reproductive processes, contributing to a reduced productivity. Furthermore, the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture are exacerbated by anthropogenic factors, with agriculture itself contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these challenges, various approaches have been explored. This work reviews the most important physical, chemical, and biological strategies most commonly used in a broad range of agricultural crops. Among physical strategies, increasing water use efficiency without yield reduction through different irrigation strategies, and the use of foliar treatments with reflective properties to mitigate the negative effects of different stresses have been proven to be effective. Concerning chemical approaches, the exogenous treatment of plants with chemicals induces existing molecular and physiological plant defense mechanisms, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. Regarding biological treatments, plant inoculation with mycorrhiza and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve enzymatic antioxidant capacity and mineral solubilization, favoring root and plant growth and enhance plant performance under stressful conditions. While these strategies provide valuable short‐ to medium‐term solutions, there is a pressing need for new biotechnological approaches aimed at developing genotypes resistant to stressful conditions. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders are essential to ensure global food security in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Stability and Robustness Analysis and Optimization for Gain-Scheduled Control of Aero-Engines
Authors: Jiang Jincen , Yang Jiali , Wang Xiting , Yang Xiao , Hu Zhongzhi
Published: August 2024

Gain-scheduled control is widely applied in the aerospace domain, yet the selection of design points for gain-scheduling controllers to ensure stability and robustness throughout the range of scheduling variables remains theoretically unguided, requiring laborious trial-and-error to ensure control performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a theoretical method for design point selection through analysis and optimization processes to meet system stability and robustness requirements. First, the method characterizes the gain-scheduled control system as a polytopic linear parameter varying (LPV) system, wherein the design points of the gain-scheduled control system correspond to the vertices of the polytopic LPV system. Second, the method utilizes linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques to demonstrate the stability of a polytopic LPV system with a corresponding number of vertices, and by assessing the approximation degree between the polytopic LPV system and the gain-scheduled control system with an identical number of design points, it evaluates and ensures the stability of the latter, thereby establishing the minimal requirements for the number of design points. Finally, the method further refines the number of design points within the gain-scheduled control system to meet additional robustness and performance considerations. A case study on turbofan engine controls validates the proposed method. New design points, selected via stability and robustness analysis, enhance the system's steady-state phase margin and robustness against model uncertainties. Moreover, compared to a v-gap metric-based method, the proposed method exhibits similar performance in terms of stability, robustness, and tracking control; however, it requires fewer design points, resulting in less conservatism.
In Situ and Ex Situ Measurement of Stresses in Environmental Barrier Coatings
Authors: Hudyncia Hans , Shi Jun , Li Weizhou , Li Xiaodong
Published: August 2024

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) offer a step improvement in temperature capability over the current best high-temperature superalloys for gas turbine applications. Silicon carbide (SiC)-based CMCs react with water vapor at temperature and therefore need an environmental barrier coating (EBC) for protection against the water vapor attack. EBC is typically deposited on a CMC component through air plasma spray (APS) process, which involves melting and fast quenching of molten ceramic powders (such as ytterbium disilicate and ytterbium monosilicate). The fast quenching and subsequent cool down to room temperature introduce residual stress in the EBC. In addition, EBC-coated CMC components often go through a heat treatment (HT) process afterwards. For Yb-silicates, this both stabilizes/crystalizes the EBC and increases hermiticity by healing cracks and pores. This heat treatment at elevated temperature changes the coating residual stress state. It is important to be able to measure the coating stresses during deposition and heat treatment so that APS process improvement and EBC coating life assessment can be made. This paper describes novel methods to measure coating stresses continuously during APS and during heat treatment up to 1400 °C, using an optical deformation and curvature-based approach.
Turbulent Burning Velocity of High Hydrogen Flames
Authors: Rajagopalan Hari Priya , Cole Renee , Wu David , Emerson Ben , Lieuwen Tim C.
Published: August 2024

The turbulent burning velocity (ST) is one of the most important combustion properties controlling combustor operability limits, directly influencing blowoff, flashback, and combustion instabilities. Hydrogen has particularly significant influences on the turbulent flame speed. This paper presents new H2/CH4 data of high pressure, high hydrogen turbulent burning velocities. The datasets were designed to address fundamental questions as well as provide engineering/design relevant insights. This paper presents new scaling analysis of fuel composition, pressure, and preheat temperature effects on turbulent burning velocity. We also discuss the importance of considering what is being held constant (temperature, flame speed, Reynolds number, etc.) when one is analyzing these sensitivities. Data show that hydrogen fraction and pressure cause an increase in turbulent flame speed; whether quantified as raw ST,GC or normalized as ST,GC/SL,0 or ST,GC/SL,max (where SL,0 and SL,max are the unstretched and stretched laminar flame speed, respectively). We also propose that observed increases in ST,GC with pressure are due to increases in Reynolds number and not a kinetics/stretch sensitivity effect. With increasing preheat temperature, ST,GC increases while its normalized value (ST,GC/SL,0 and ST,GC/SL,max) can either increase or decrease, depending upon fuel composition. We also show how these sensitivities vary, depending on whether these comparisons are made at constant raw turbulence intensity urms or at constant normalized urms/SL,0 or urms/SL,max.
A Comprehensive Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Turbine Combined Cycles With Pressure Gain Combustion Based on Humphrey Cycle
Authors: Dubey Abhishek , Sorce Alessandro , Stathopoulos Panagiotis
Published: August 2024

The paper describes a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the gas turbine combined cycle (CC) equipped with pressure gain combustion (PGC) based on the Humphrey cycle. PGC is represented by a steady-state zero-dimensional constant volume combustion (CVC) model with practical loss models for a realistic interpretation. Simulations were performed in WTEMP (web-based thermo-economic modular program) software, a modular cycle analysis tool developed at the University of Genova. PGC gas turbine combined cycle is studied using methane as fuel with three different configurations of heat recovery steam generator, namely, one pressure level without reheat, two pressure levels with reheat and three pressure levels with reheat, in order to study a wide range of CC applications. An on-design performance map of the PGC gas turbine is presented, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to understand the impact of cycle loss parameters and turbine cooling technology. Results were analyzed at the optimistic and realistic PGC loss scenarios. For the PGC open cycle, with optimistic combustor losses, efficiency was higher than Joule at all operating conditions. However, with realistic combustor losses, a higher turbine inlet temperature (TIT) was found to alleviate some of the losses in the combustor, and at a pressure ratio of 25, a 1700 °C TIT cycle showed a benefit of 1.7 p.p., while 1300 °C TIT showed no advantage. Moreover, with the reduction in first turbine stage efficiency from pulsating outflow, only the high TIT cycle showed benefit at pressure ratios less than 15. Looking into combined cycles with realistic combustor losses, PGC was found to be advantageous in terms of specific work but not efficiency at actual operating conditions. However, with a further reduction of combustor-related losses, the PGC CC could outperform the Joule equivalent in terms of efficiency. The sensitivity analysis with losses showed that the mitigation of constant pressure combustion loss is more important than the inlet pressure loss for PGC in CC application. Finally, it was shown that the improvements in turbine cooling technology could increase the efficiency of a high TIT PGC combined cycle by 0.25 p.p. and specific work output by 4.1 p.p.
Using soundscape simulation to evaluate compositions for a public space sound installation
Authors: Fraisse Valérian , Schütz Nadine , Wanderley Marcelo M. , Guastavino Catherine , Misdariis Nicolas
Published: August 2024

While urban sound management often focuses on sound as a nuisance, soundscape research suggests that proactive design approaches involving sound art installations can enhance public space experience. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on a methodology to inform the composition of sound installations through soundscape evaluation, and little research on the effect of composition strategies on soundscape evaluation. The present study is part of a research-creation collaboration around the design of a permanent sound installation in an urban public space in Paris (Niches Acoustiques by Nadine Schütz). We report on a laboratory study involving the evaluation of composition sketches prior to the deployment of the installation on-site. Participants familiar with the public space (N = 20) were exposed to Higher-Order Ambisonics recordings of the site, to which compositions of the sound installation pertaining to different composition strategies were added using a soundscape simulation tool. We found three principal components relevant for evaluating and comparing sound installation sketches: pleasantness, familiarity and variety. Further, all composition sketches had a significant effect on the soundscape's familiarity and variety, and the effect of the compositions on these two components was stronger when composition strategies involved abstract sounds (sounds which were not clearly identifiable).
Band importance for speech-in-speech recognition in the presence of extended high-frequency cues
Authors: Ananthanarayana Rohit M. , Buss Emily , Monson Brian B.
Published: August 2024

Band importance functions for speech-in-noise recognition, typically determined in the presence of steady background noise, indicate a negligible role for extended high frequencies (EHFs; 8–20 kHz). However, recent findings indicate that EHF cues support speech recognition in multi-talker environments, particularly when the masker has reduced EHF levels relative to the target. This scenario can occur in natural auditory scenes when the target talker is facing the listener, but the maskers are not. In this study, we measured the importance of five bands from 40 to 20 000 Hz for speech-in-speech recognition by notch-filtering the bands individually. Stimuli consisted of a female target talker recorded from 0° and a spatially co-located two-talker female masker recorded either from 0° or 56.25°, simulating a masker either facing the listener or facing away, respectively. Results indicated peak band importance in the 0.4–1.3 kHz band and a negligible effect of removing the EHF band in the facing-masker condition. However, in the non-facing condition, the peak was broader and EHF importance was higher and comparable to that of the 3.3–8.3 kHz band in the facing-masker condition. These findings suggest that EHFs contain important cues for speech recognition in listening conditions with mismatched talker head orientations.
Assessed Capacity − Demanded Competence (AC-DC Score): A Dynamic Gap-Oriented Assessment of Return-to-Sport Continuum and Application to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Le Coroller Nicolas , Rambaud Alexandre J.M. , Gojanovic Boris , Fourchet François , McKeon Patrick O.
Published: August 2024

A sport-related musculoskeletal injury carries substantial consequences. It is essential to individualize management of these injuries with a model optimizing goal-oriented rehabilitation. A major challenge is to link a patient’s goal for returning to sport with the restoration of performance assessed through the rehabilitation process. Even more challenging is that the demanded movement competence is a moving target based on the type of sport and level of competition the athlete seeks to return to. Currently, no single standardized test battery can elucidate a patient’s readiness to return to their desired sport at their desired level. We propose a clinical framework to link the assessed capacity (AC) of patients and the demanded competence (DC) of a sport/recreational activity to develop a readiness score (the AC-DC score). The AC-DC score provides a starting point for exploring the critical elements in the decision-making process surrounding the return-to-sport continuum.
Fan Socializing and BIRGing: The Impact of Trait Competitiveness on Fan Behaviors
Authors: Donavan D. Todd , Singer Mara F. , Carlson Brad D.
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the intricate dynamics between trait competitiveness and sport fan behavior, examining its relationships with situational and surface traits associated with sport consumption. By advancing our understanding of competitiveness as a key influencer in sport participation and entertainment seeking, the study contributes to our understanding of what drives sport fans. Utilizing Mowen’s 3M model and the Big Five personality traits, we explore the influence of traits on competitiveness, predicting its impact on participation and entertainment seeking and fan socializing and basking in reflected glory. The findings unveil the role of competitiveness in shaping behaviors, indicating that competitive individuals actively seek and enjoy competitive and entertaining situations. The research illuminates the paths by which personality traits affect sport consumption behaviors, providing theoretical insights into the complex dynamics of competitiveness in the realm of sport.
Insights into the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of
Bacillus
spp. strains isolated from biofilms in broiler farms
Authors: Guéneau Virgile , Jiménez Guillermo , Castex Mathieu , Briandet Romain
Published: August 2024

The characterization of surface microbiota living in biofilms within livestock buildings has been relatively unexplored, despite its potential impact on animal health. To enhance our understanding of these microbial communities, we characterized 11 spore-forming strains isolated from two commercial broiler chicken farms. Sequencing of the strains revealed them to belong to three species
Bacillus velezensis
,
Bacillus subtilis
, and
Bacillus licheniformis
. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and genes associated with antimicrobial secretion specific to each species. We conducted a comprehensive characterization of the biofilm formed by these strains under various conditions, and we revealed significant structural heterogeneity across the different strains. A macro-colony interaction model was employed to assess the compatibility of these strains to coexist in mixed biofilms. We identified highly competitive
B. velezensis
strains, which cannot coexist with other
Bacillus
spp. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy along with a specific dye for extracellular DNA, we uncovered the importance of extracellular DNA for the formation of
B. licheniformis
biofilms. Altogether, the results highlight the heterogeneity in both genome and biofilm structure among
Bacillus
spp. isolated from biofilms present within livestock buildings.

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the microbial communities that develop on farms in direct contact with animals. Nonpathogenic strains of
Bacillus velezensis
,
Bacillus subtilis
, and
Bacillus licheniformis
were found in biofilm samples collected from surfaces in contact with animals. Significant genetic and phenotypic diversity was described among these
Bacillus
strains. The strains do not possess mobile antibiotic resistance genes in their genomes and have a strong capacity to form structured biofilms. Among these species,
B. velezensis
was noted for its high competitiveness compared with the other
Bacillus
spp. Additionally, the importance of extracellular DNA in the formation of
B. licheniformis
biofilms was observed. These findings provide insights for the management of these surface microbiota that can influence animal health, such as the use of competitive strains to minimize the establishment of undesirable bacteria or enzymes capable of specifically deconstructing biofilms.
Fecal transplant allows transmission of the gut microbiota in honey bees
Authors: Cabirol Amélie , Chhun Audam , Liberti Joanito , Kesner Lucie , Neuschwander Nicolas , Schaerli Yolanda , Engel Philipp
Published: August 2024

The study of the fecal microbiota is crucial for unraveling the pathways through which gut symbionts are acquired and transmitted. While stable gut microbial communities are essential for honey bee health, their modes of acquisition and transmission are yet to be confirmed. The gut of honey bees is colonized by symbiotic bacteria within 5 days after emergence from their wax cells as adults. Few studies have suggested that bees could be colonized in part via contact with fecal matter in the hive. However, the composition of the fecal microbiota is still unknown. It is particularly unclear whether all bacterial species can be found viable in the feces and can therefore be transmitted to newborn nestmates. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we revealed that the composition of the honey bee fecal microbiota is strikingly similar to the microbiota of entire guts. We found that fecal transplantation resulted in gut microbial communities similar to those obtained from feeding gut homogenates. Our study shows that fecal sampling and transplantation are viable tools for the non-invasive analysis of bacterial community composition and host-microbe interactions. It also implies that contact of young bees with fecal matter in the hive is a plausible route for gut microbiota acquisition.

IMPORTANCE

Honey bees are crucial pollinators for many crops and wildflowers. They are also powerful models for studying microbiome-host interactions. However, current methods rely on gut tissue disruption to analyze microbiota composition and use gut homogenates to inoculate microbiota-deprived bees. Here, we provide two new and non-invasive approaches that will open doors to longitudinal studies: fecal sampling and transplantation. Furthermore, our findings provide insights into gut microbiota transmission in social insects by showing that ingestion of fecal matter can result in gut microbiota acquisition.