bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan‐ and gallic acid‐based (NPF) displayed antibacterial activity against three Pseudomonas spp. plant pathogens and boosted systemic acquired resistance in kiwifruit and olive plants
Authors: Francesconi Sara , Tagliavento Vincenzo , Ciarroni Serena , Sestili Francesco , Balestra Giorgio M
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUD

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), P. syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psav) are bacterial plant pathogens with worldwide impact that are mainly managed by the preventive application of cupric salts. These are dangerous for ecosystems and have favoured the selection of resistant strains, so they are candidates to be replaced in the next few years. Thus, there is an urgent need to find efficient and bio‐based solutions to mitigate these bacterial plant diseases. Nanotechnology could represent an innovative way to control plant diseases, providing alternative solutions to the agrochemicals traditionally employed, thanks to the formulation of the so‐called third‐generation and nanotechnology‐based agrochemicals.

RESULTS

In this work, a novel nanostructured formulation (NPF) composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as carrier, high amylose starch (HAS) as excipient, and chitosan (CH) and gallic acid (GA) as antimicrobials, was tested at 2% in vitro and in vivo with respect to the three different Pseudomonas plant pathogens. In vitro agar assays demonstrated that the NPF inhibited ≤80% Psa, Pst and Psav. Moreover, the NPF did not decrease biofilm synthesis and it did not influence bacterial cells flocculation and adhesion. On plants, the NPF displayed complete biocompatibility and boosted the transcript levels of the major systemic acquired resistance responsive genes in kiwifruit and olive plants.

CONCLUSION

This works provides novel and valuable information regarding the several modes‐of‐action of the novel NPF, which could potentially be useful to mitigate Psa, Pst and Psav infections even in organic agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Asymmetric Fluorene‐Based Fused‐Ring Molecules Acceptors for Fullerene‐Free Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Liu Xi , Yang Wei
Published: October 2023

Asymmetric fluorene‐based fused‐ring molecules acceptors 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐(((11,11‐dioctyl‐5,5‐dioxido‐11H‐benzo[b]fluoreno[2,3‐d]thiophene‐3,9‐diyl)bis(3‐octylthiophene‐5,2‐diyl))‐bis(methaneylylidene))bis(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile [BTOFIC] and 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((5,5′‐(11,11‐dioctyl‐11H‐benzo[b]fluoreno[2,3‐d]thiophene‐3,9‐diyl)bis(3‐octylthiophene‐5,2‐diyl))bis(methanylylidene))‐bis(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diyl‐idene))dimalononitrile [BTFIC] are synthesized. BTOFIC and BTFIC are easily soluble in common organic solvents. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, and the bandgaps (Egs) of BTOFIC and BTFIC are −5.91, −3.87, and 2.04 eV and −5.72, −3.81, and 1.91 eV, respectively. BTOFIC and BTFIC show the maximum absorption peak (λmax) at 548 and 648 nm and a strong shoulder peak at 592 and 576 nm in film, and the optical bandgaps of 1.87 and 1.81 eV, respectively. The organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated with poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)] [PTB7‐Th]:BTOFIC and PTB7‐Th:BTFIC show a power conversion efficiency of 3.31% and 5.35%, respectively. In this research, it is revealed that BTOFIC and BTFIC can be potential asymmetric non‐fullerene acceptors for further development of OSCs.
Large‐Gap Quantum Spin Hall State in Double‐Transition‐Metal Homologous Compounds of WSi2N4: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Wang Yanli , Ding Yi
Published: October 2023

Recently, the MoSi2N4(MoN)4n homologous compounds have been synthesized, extending the MA2Z4 family materials to the superthick MA2Z4(MZ)n form. Herein, a first‐principles study on the double‐transition‐metal W2TiSi2N6 and related group VI–IV M2M′Si2N6 nanosheets is performed. Robust structural stability is affirmed in this W2TiSi2N6 nanosheet from the energetic, mechanical, dynamical, and thermal perspectives. Unlike the WSi2N4 and WSi2N4(WN)n systems, the W2TiSi2N6 nanosheet exhibits a semimetal behavior with the top valence and bottom conduction bands touching each other at the Fermi level. With the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling, a nontrivial band gap is opened in the W2TiSi2N6 nanosheet, which has a sizeable bulk gap of 0.11 eV. The Z2 invariant is 1 and a pair of topologically protected edge states emerges in the gap region, confirming that W2TiSi2N6 nanosheet is a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator. Through in‐plane strain engineering, the bulk gap can be further increased to 0.23 eV, which is sufficiently large for the room‐temperature QSH effect. Such a large‐gap QSH state is also present in other group VI–IV M2M′Si2N6 systems with the combinations of MM′ = WZr, MoZr, and MoHf. This study demonstrates that the double‐metal M2M′Si2N6 nanosheets are promising candidates to realize fascinating topological quantum states.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanoradiosensitizers for Enhanced Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Xiao Wenjing , Zhao Lin , Sun Yang , Yang Xiao , Fu Qinrui
Published: October 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) has been a classical therapeutic method of cancer for several decades. It attracts tremendous attention for the precise and efficient treatment of local tumors with stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials, which enhance RT. However, there are few systematic reviews summarizing the newly emerging stimuli‐responsive mechanisms and strategies used for tumor radio‐sensitization. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recently reported studies on stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials for radio‐sensitization. It includes four different approaches for sensitized RT, namely endogenous response, exogenous response, dual stimuli‐response, and multi stimuli‐response. Endogenous response involves various stimuli such as pH, hypoxia, GSH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzymes. On the other hand, exogenous response encompasses X‐ray, light, and ultrasound. Dual stimuli‐response combines pH/enzyme, pH/ultrasound, and ROS/light. Lastly, multi stimuli‐response involves the combination of pH/ROS/GSH and X‐ray/ROS/GSH. By elaborating on these responsive mechanisms and applying them to clinical RT diagnosis and treatment, these methods can enhance radiosensitive efficiency and minimize damage to surrounding normal tissues. Finally, this review discusses the additional challenges and perspectives related to stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials for tumor radio‐sensitization.
Roles of MXenes in Photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Liu Wenxin , Hang Tianyu , Wu Linlin , Yang Xiaofei
Published: October 2023

Artificial photocatalysis is beneficial to carbon neutrality, renewable resources generation, and sustainable society development. Due to the unique layered structure, abundant surface functional groups, and tunable electronic properties, MXene is emerging as a promising contender to improve the comprehensive performance of photocatalysts. Much progress has been made in the study of MXene‐based nanomaterials over the past years, and state‐of‐the‐art advances in the rational design, controllable synthesis, characterization techniques, and diverse applications of MXene‐based photocatalysts have been reviewed. However, the roles and perspectives of MXenes in photocatalysis have been less summarized. Based on the analysis of the physical/chemical properties of MXenes and the latest research progress, herein, the multiple roles of MXenes are discussed in promoting photocatalysis, including carrier for active site anchoring, light‐transmitting media, mass transfer medium, cocatalyst, and heat conductor. In addition, the current status and challenges of MXenes in photocatalysis are summarized, and the future directions as well as the bottleneck of development that need to be broken through for MXenes in photocatalysis are also proposed. This review provides a clear and in‐depth understanding of the physical/chemical properties of MXene‐based photocatalysts and their contributions to photocatalysis.
Nasopharyngeal masses in adults—A retrospective analysis of 255 patients to evaluate symptoms, clinical findings, and histological results
Authors: von Witzleben Melanie M. , von Witzleben Adrian , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Hahn Janina
Published: October 2023

Background

Nasopharyngeal tissue hyperplasia is generally associated with adenoids in childhood. In adults, nasopharyngeal masses are occasionally found, but data on symptoms, clinical findings, and histologic results are limited.

Material and Methods

A 10‐year retrospective study was conducted, analyzing data from adult patients who underwent nasopharyngeal biopsies. The study included information on case history, preoperative suspected diagnosis, and histology type. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐five patients were included, most of them complaining of nasal obstruction, ear pressure, and hearing loss. Biopsy revealed adenoid tissue (64.7%), solid malignancies (15.7%; dominant undifferentiated carcinoma), lymphomas (9.0%), cysts (7.8%), and other benign tumors (2.7%). Malignant neoplasms were predominantly found in male and in elderly patients (P < 0.0001). If a malignant tumor was suspected initially, histological examination confirmed this in 75% of the cases. 45% of patients with a malignant nasopharyngeal mass had a unilateral seromucous tympanum.

Conclusions

Persistent nasopharyngeal masses in adults—particularly in elderly men, smokers and those with simultaneous unilateral seromucous tympanum—should undergo a histological examination.
Marine Reptiles of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yaghmour Fadi , Els Johannes , Rodríguez-Zarate Clara Jimena , Whittington-Jones Brendan
Published: October 2023

Within the waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are nine sea snake species and five species of sea turtles, two of which (Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles) are breeding and forage residents and the remainder migrate to feed through UAE waters. Not only are the waters of the UAE recognized as important habitats for Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles, but sea turtles are ambassador species for ocean conservation and recognized as a priority species by policy makers and conservationists alike. As a result, despite their numerous challenges, Hawksbill and Green turtle populations in the country are relatively stable. On the other hand, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, along with sea snakes enjoy far less interest and attention and so their threats, ecology and population status remain ambiguous. The known challenges facing marine reptiles in the UAE include, but are not limited to, habitat destruction through coastal development, marine pollution, bycatch and climate change.
Fishes of the Emirates
Authors: Mitchell Matthew D. , Els Johannes , Seraphim Marie
Published: October 2023

Fishes are among the most diverse and abundant groups of animals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and support fisheries that are second most important economic resource in the UAE, after oil. Most fishes are found in the coastal waters, and several species even live in the freshwater pools and streams up in the mountain wadis. Fishes are most abundant in the Gulf of Oman and gradually decline in both abundance and diversity passing through the Strait of Hormuz and towards the southwestern region of the Arabian Gulf, mirroring the increasingly extreme environmental conditions. As fish in the southern Gulf experience extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, that would kill fish from populations elsewhere in the world they are of great scientific value for understanding how fish and their communities might respond to climate change, with studies demonstrating the behavioural and physiological changes that result from these extreme conditions. Fishes in the Emirates are, however, heavily overfished and like fishes elsewhere vulnerable to climate change resulting in Arabian Gulf fish now being vulnerable to local extinction. While fisheries are now being managed to protect vulnerable species, further management is required to protect fish populations for future generations.
Climate of the United Arab Emirates: Present, Past and Impacts on Life
Authors: Paparella Francesco , Burt John A.
Published: October 2023

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) straddles 22–26 °N, positioning it in a latitudinal band well known across the globe for its desert biomes. The UAE is characterized by arid to hyper-arid conditions, but with marked variation in precipitation seasonally (highest in winter/spring) and across locations (highest near the Hajar mountains), representing a dramatic shift from the more humid conditions that characterized this region just six millennia ago. The low cloud cover, limited vegetation and poorly developed soil also result in extreme and highly variable temperatures across the year, particularly in areas distant from the coasts. Winds are typically dominated by daily land/sea breezes, but occasional brief ‘shamal’ wind events (particularly in late winter) or cyclones (in early summer) can have important implications for temperature, rainfall and biotic responses. Average temperatures have increased by 1 °C between the 1980s and the 2010s, and rainfall has declined by more than half; in addition, wet bulb temperatures associated with human health are increasing, and may exceed life-threatening levels by the end of the century. Today’s climate represents extremely marginal conditions for life, and the current trends suggest that the already vulnerable ecosystems and organisms of the UAE are coming under increasing climate-related pressure.
Seagrasses of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Mansoori Noura , Das Himansu Sekhar
Published: October 2023

The Arabian Gulf’s coastal and marine ecosystems are being negatively impacted by various factors such as population growth, coastal development, industrial and desalination plant discharge, and offshore oil and gas activities. However, seagrass meadows continue to show resilience and provide ecosystem values and services. This paper provides an overview of the seagrass meadows in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in terms of their extent, species composition, threats, and conservation initiatives. The UAE’s coastline supports three seagrass species that are home to numerous marine species such as dugongs, green sea turtles, fish, and benthic invertebrates. With an area of around 2950 km2, subtidal seagrasses grow to a depth of 16 m and are one of the largest marine ecosystems in the Emirates. Seagrass beds also contribute significantly to blue carbon, with Abu Dhabi seagrasses estimated to have over 52 tonnes per hectare. The primary threats to seagrass meadows include dredging, landfill, and associated sedimentation, as well as environmental extremes such as high summer sea temperatures. However, conservation initiatives such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and federal laws have been implemented to protect these crucial coastal ecosystems.
Eternal traversable wormholes in three dimensions
Authors: Harvey William , Jensen Kristan
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We consider three-dimensional gravity with negative cosmological constant coupled to a large number of light matter fields dual to relevant operators. By imposing suitable boundary conditions on the matter fields we find eternal traversable wormhole deformations of the BTZ black hole, leading to a three-dimensional analogue of the AdS2 eternal traversable wormhole found by Maldacena and Qi. We further identify the field theory of boundary gravitons in this setting, which we then use to compute the spectrum of gravitational fluctuations.
Classical wave methods and modern gauge transforms: spectral asymptotics in the one dimensional case
Authors: Galkowski Jeffrey , Parnovski Leonid , Shterenberg Roman
Published: October 2023

In this article, we consider the asymptotic behaviour of the spectral function of Schrödinger operators on the real line. Let$H: L^{2}(\mathbb{R})\to L^{2}(\mathbb{R})$have the form$$ H:=-\frac{d^{2}}{dx^{2}}+Q, $$whereQis a formally self-adjoint first order differential operator with smooth coefficients, bounded with all derivatives. We show that the kernel of the spectral projector,${1}_{(-\infty ,\rho ^{2}]}(H)$, has a complete asymptotic expansion in powers ofρ. This settles the 1-dimensional case of a conjecture made by the last two authors.
Orthobiologics as an adjunct in treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: cell‐based therapies facilitate improved postoperative outcomes in the setting of acetabular chondral lesions—a systematic review
Authors: George Tracy , Curley Andrew J. , Saeed Sheema K. , Kuhns Benjamin D. , Parsa Ali , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate studies utilizing orthobiologics in the management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) to (1) assess the indications for usage, and (2) analyze patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) following treatment. It was hypothesized that orthobiologics would (1) be utilized for symptomatic FAIS in the setting of labral or chondral pathology, and (2) improve PROM at most recent follow‐up.

Methods

The Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for clinical studies evaluating orthobiologics [hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), or cell‐based therapy (CBT) for treatment of FAIS. Exclusion criteria included orthobiologics used in conjunction with cartilage transfer or scaffolding procedures and a primary indication other than FAIS. Data collection included patient demographics, indications, and baseline and most recent PROM.

Results

Eleven studies (one level I, four level II, four level III, and two level IV evidence) met inclusion criteria, consisting of 440 patients with mean ages ranging from 32.8 to 47 years. All 11 studies demonstrated an improvement in PROM from baseline to most‐recent follow‐up. Four studies administered PRP either intraoperatively or the day after surgery as an adjunct to labral repair. CBT was used intraoperatively in the setting of acetabular chondral lesions (three studies) and labral repair (one study). When comparing to a control group at most recent follow‐up, three PRP cohorts demonstrated similar PROM (n.s.), while one PRP group exhibited worse visual analog pain scores (2.5 vs. 3.4, p = 0.005) and modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) (82.6 vs. 78.7, p = 0.049). The four CBT studies reported favorable results compared to a control group, with a significantly higher mHHS at most recent follow‐up or mean improvement from baseline in Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (p < 0.05). Three studies reported on HA, which was utilized exclusively in the nonoperative setting.

Conclusions

Intraoperative PRP and CBT have been commonly reported in the setting of hip arthroscopy for labral repairs and acetabular chondral lesions, respectively. The CBT cohorts demonstrated more favorable PROM at most recent follow‐up when compared to a control group, though these results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity of orthobiologic preparations.

Level of evidence

IV.
GNSS visibility and performance implications for the GENESIS mission
Authors: Montenbruck Oliver , Steigenberger Peter , Thoelert Steffen , Arnold Daniel , Bury Grzegorz
Published: October 2023

The GENESIS mission prepared for launch in 2027 integrates the four space-geodetic techniques on a single spaceborne platform in medium Earth orbit. With its unique observations and alternative tie concepts, the mission aims to contribute to an improved accuracy and homogeneity of future terrestrial reference system realizations. To assess the expected contribution of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking, a comprehensive GNSS coverage analysis is performed based on detailed link-budget simulations, taking into account the best available gain patterns and signal-specific transmit power estimates derived for this work from measurements of a high-gain dish antenna. The benefit of different receiver antenna concepts for the GENESIS spacecraft is assessed, and it is demonstrated that a single-antenna system with either a nadir-looking or side-looking boresight is a viable alternative to the dual-antenna configuration considered in initial mission studies. Compared to terrestrial users and missions in low Earth orbit, GENESIS will collect GNSS signals transmitted at up to two times larger off-boresight angles. Only limited information on the actual transmit antenna phase patterns is presently available in this region, which hampers a quantitative assessment of the expected measurement and orbit determination accuracy. As such, a comprehensive release of manufacturer calibrations is encouraged for all blocks of GPS and Galileo satellites. In parallel, a need for in-flight characterization and calibration of the GNSS transmit antennas for off-boresight angles of up to $$30^\circ $$

30
∘

using observations of the GENESIS mission itself is expected. The impact of such calibrations on the overall quality of terrestrial reference frame parameters will need to be assessed in comprehensive simulations of global GNSS network solutions with joint processing of terrestrial and GENESIS GNSS observations.
Matchgate Shadows for Fermionic Quantum Simulation
Authors: Wan Kianna , Huggins William J. , Lee Joonho , Babbush Ryan
Published: October 2023

“Classical shadows” are estimators of an unknown quantum state, constructed from suitably distributed random measurements on copies of that state (Huang et al. in Nat Phys 16:1050, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-020-0932-7). In this paper, we analyze classical shadows obtained using random matchgate circuits, which correspond to fermionic Gaussian unitaries. We prove that the first three moments of the Haar distribution over the continuous group of matchgate circuits are equal to those of the discrete uniform distribution over only the matchgate circuits that are also Clifford unitaries; thus, the latter forms a “matchgate 3-design.” This implies that the classical shadows resulting from the two ensembles are functionally equivalent. We show how one can use these matchgate shadows to efficiently estimate inner products between an arbitrary quantum state and fermionic Gaussian states, as well as the expectation values of local fermionic operators and various other quantities, thus surpassing the capabilities of prior work. As a concrete application, this enables us to apply wavefunction constraints that control the fermion sign problem in the quantum-classical auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo algorithm (QC-AFQMC) (Huggins et al. in Nature 603:416, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04351-z), without the exponential post-processing cost incurred by the original approach.
A map of white matter tracts in a lesser ape, the lar gibbon
Authors: Bryant Katherine L. , Manger Paul R. , Bertelsen Mads F. , Khrapitchev Alexandre A. , Sallet Jérôme , Benn R. Austin , Mars Rogier B.
Published: October 2023

The recent development of methods for constructing directly comparable white matter atlases in primate brains from diffusion MRI allows us to probe specializations unique to humans, great apes, and other primate taxa. Here, we constructed the first white matter atlas of a lesser ape using an ex vivo diffusion-weighted scan of a brain from a young adult (5.5 years) male lar gibbon. We find that white matter architecture of the gibbon temporal lobe suggests specializations that are reminiscent of those previously reported for great apes, specifically, the expansion of the arcuate fasciculus and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus in the temporal lobe. Our findings suggest these white matter expansions into the temporal lobe were present in the last common ancestor to hominoids approximately 16 million years ago and were further modified in the great ape and human lineages. White matter atlases provide a useful resource for identifying neuroanatomical differences and similarities between humans and other primate species and provide insight into the evolutionary variation and stasis of brain organization.
Narratives of land abandonment in a biocultural landscape of Spain
Authors: Quintas-Soriano Cristina , Torralba Mario , García-Martín María , Plieninger Tobias
Published: October 2023

Rural abandonment is a significant process in the Mediterranean region, posing sustainability challenges for rural and urban areas. Although there is an increase in studies focusing on the ecological implications and impacts of land abandonment and the role of rewilding, there is a knowledge gap in the study of the socio-cultural dimension of abandonment from the local perspective, even though it is crucial for land management decision. This study focuses on a case study in Western Spain, where a social survey was used to assess the perceptions of local communities regarding land abandonment and their implication on nature’s contributions to people and quality of life. A survey campaign was administered in the case study region during the summer of 2020, collecting 205 face-to-face surveys. The results show that local communities overall have a negative reaction toward rural abandonment. In addition, local respondents recognize how traditional agriculture is the main source for maintaining nature’s contributions to human well-being. Additionally, four groups of narratives toward rural abandonment were identified representing clusters of respondents with different motivations and interpretations of rural abandonment. This paper calls for understanding better the perceptions, values, and motivations toward rural abandonment and how their outcomes can be used as input for landscape management. Our results indicate that the local population perceives that the loss of rural livelihoods may entail serious environmental and societal problems, as locals are forced to abandon their rural-associated ways of life and migrate to urban areas.
Mercury in Neotropical birds: a synthesis and prospectus on 13 years of exposure data
Authors: Sayers Christopher J. , Evers David C. , Ruiz-Gutierrez Viviana , Adams Evan , Vega Claudia M. , Pisconte Jessica N. , Tejeda Vania , Regan Kevin , Lane Oksana P. , Ash Abidas A. , Cal Reynold , Reneau Stevan , Martínez Wilber , Welch Gilroy , Hartwell Kayla , Teul Mario , Tzul David , Arendt Wayne J. , Tórrez Marvin A. , Watsa Mrinalini , Erkenswick Gideon , Moore Caroline E. , Gerson Jacqueline , Sánchez Victor , Purizaca Raúl Pérez , Yurek Helen , Burton Mark E. H. , Shrum Peggy L. , Tabares-Segovia Sebastian , Vargas Korik , Fogarty Finola F. , Charette Mathieu R. , Martínez Ari E. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Taylor Robert J. , Tear Timothy H. , Fernandez Luis E.
Published: October 2023

Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination of the global tropics outpaces our understanding of its consequences for biodiversity. Knowledge gaps of pollution exposure could obscure conservation threats in the Neotropics: a region that supports over half of the world’s species, but faces ongoing land-use change and Hg emission via artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Due to their global distribution and sensitivity to pollution, birds provide a valuable opportunity as bioindicators to assess how accelerating Hg emissions impact an ecosystem’s ability to support biodiversity, and ultimately, global health. We present the largest database on Neotropical bird Hg concentrations (n = 2316) and establish exposure baselines for 322 bird species spanning nine countries across Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Patterns of avian Hg exposure in the Neotropics broadly align with those in temperate regions: consistent bioaccumulation across functional groups and high spatiotemporal variation. Bird species occupying higher trophic positions and aquatic habitats exhibited elevated Hg concentrations that have been previously associated with reductions in reproductive success. Notably, bird Hg concentrations were over four times higher at sites impacted by ASGM activities and differed by season for certain trophic niches. We developed this synthesis via a collaborative research network, the Tropical Research for Avian Conservation and Ecotoxicology (TRACE) Initiative, which exemplifies inclusive, equitable, and international data-sharing. While our findings signal an urgent need to assess sampling biases, mechanisms, and consequences of Hg exposure to tropical avian communities, the TRACE Initiative provides a meaningful framework to achieve such goals. Ultimately, our collective efforts support and inform local, scientific, and government entities, including Parties of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury, as we continue working together to understand how Hg pollution impacts biodiversity conservation, ecosystem function, and public health in the tropics.
Constructing and meta-evaluating state-aware evaluation metrics for interactive search systems
Authors: Markwald Marco , Liu Jiqun , Yu Ran
Published: October 2023

Evaluation metrics such as precision, recall and normalized discounted cumulative gain have been widely applied in ad hoc retrieval experiments. They have facilitated the assessment of system performance in various topics over the past decade. However, the effectiveness of such metrics in capturing users’ in-situ search experience, especially in complex search tasks that trigger interactive search sessions, is limited. To address this challenge, it is necessary to adaptively adjust the evaluation strategies of search systems to better respond to users’ changing information needs and evaluation criteria. In this work, we adopt a taxonomy of search task states that a user goes through in different scenarios and moments of search sessions, and perform a meta-evaluation of existing metrics to better understand their effectiveness in measuring user satisfaction. We then built models for predicting task states behind queries based on in-session signals. Furthermore, we constructed and meta-evaluated new state-aware evaluation metrics. Our analysis and experimental evaluation are performed on two datasets collected from a field study and a laboratory study, respectively. Results demonstrate that the effectiveness of individual evaluation metrics varies across task states. Meanwhile, task states can be detected from in-session signals. Our new state-aware evaluation metrics could better reflect in-situ user satisfaction than an extensive list of the widely used measures we analyzed in this work in certain states. Findings of our research can inspire the design and meta-evaluation of user-centered adaptive evaluation metrics, and also shed light on the development of state-aware interactive search systems.
Racial, Ethnic, and Immigrant Generational Disparities in Physically Strenuous and Hazardous Work Conditions
Authors: Abarca Nava Gabino J. , Pebley Anne R.
Published: October 2023

Despite the importance of work in adult life, research on the social determinants of health often ignores its effects. We examine race/ethnic, immigrant generational, and gender differentials in exposure to work conditions associated with poor health outcomes, using a nationally-representative sample of adults. On average, Latino 1st generation workers are more exposed to strenuous and hazardous work conditions than other workers, even after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Exposure is lower for 2nd and 3rd generation Latinos. In contrast, Asian 1st generation men often have the lowest exposure levels of all groups and Asian 2nd and 3rd generation men have higher levels of exposure than the first generation, primarily due to intergenerational differences in education. Asian 1st generation women have higher exposures than those in the 2nd or 3rd generation. These results illustrate the importance of considering work conditions in research and policy related to the social determinants of health.
Connecting artificial intelligence to value creation in services: mechanism and implications
Authors: Kim Minjun
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming services by providing personalized solutions, enhancing customer experience, and reducing operational costs. To tackle the challenges posed by the extensive and diverse literature on AI services, a comprehensive review was conducted using text mining techniques on journal articles. Twelve key research topics were identified, and the enabler–interface–business framework was developed. In addition, a value creation mechanism for AI services consisting of 6Cs (i.e., connection, collection, and computation, communication, control, and co-creation) was proposed. The study provides a complete overview of AI services, facilitating academic discussion and industrial transformation.
Ochre use at Olieboomspoort, South Africa: insights into specular hematite use and collection during the Middle Stone Age
Authors: Culey J. , Hodgskiss T. , Wurz S. , de la Peña P. , Val A.
Published: October 2023

Recent excavations at Olieboomspoort (OBP) in the Waterberg Mountains of South Africa confirmed previous research at the site that highlighted an abundance of ochre in the Middle Stone Age (MSA) deposits. Here, we report on the results of an analysis of the ochre from the MSA deposits excavated in 2018–2019. Fossilised equid teeth from these deposits were recently dated to approximately 150 ka, an early date for such a sizeable ochre assemblage in southern Africa. Calcium carbonate concretions were removed from ochre pieces using hydrochloric acid. Macro- and microscopic analyses were undertaken to identify raw material types and to investigate utilisation strategies. There are 438 pieces in the assemblage and only 14 of them show definite use-traces. The predominant raw material is a micaceous, hard specular hematite, which is rare at MSA sites elsewhere in southern Africa. A preliminary investigation into the geological nature of the ochreous materials in the archaeological sample and those available in the area was performed using semi-quantitative portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), XRF, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Together with site formation processes, we suggest possible, primarily local sources of the ochre found in the deposits. The data do not support previous suggestions that OBP was used as an ochre caching site that may have formed part of an exchange network during the MSA. Instead, the local abundance of nodules of specular hematite within the Waterberg sandstone, the limited number of used pieces in the assemblage, and the stratigraphic context indicate a more natural, less anthropogenic explanation for the abundance of ochre at the site.
Deficiency of Healthcare Accessibility of Elderly People Exposed to Future Extreme Coastal Floods: A Case Study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Shan Xinmeng , Scussolini Paolo , Wang Jun , Li Mengya , Wen Jiahong , Wang Lei
Published: October 2023

Socioeconomic development, subsidence, and climate change have led to high flood risks in coastal cities, making the vulnerable, especially elderly people, more prone to floods. However, we mostly do not know how the accessibility of life-saving public resources for the elderly population will change under future scenarios. Using Shanghai as a case, this study introduced a new analytical framework to fill this gap. We integrated for the first time models of coastal flooding, local population growth, and medical resource supply-demand estimation. The results show that under an extreme scenario of coastal flooding in the year 2050, in the absence of adaptation, half of the elderly population may be exposed to floods, the supply of medical resources will be seriously insufficient compared to the demand, and the accessibility of emergency medical services will be impaired by flooding. Our methodology can be applied to gain insights for other vulnerable coastal cities, to assist robust decision making about emergency responses to flood risks for elderly populations in an uncertain future.
Instrumented Mouthguards in Elite-Level Men’s and Women’s Rugby Union: The Incidence and Propensity of Head Acceleration Events in Matches
Authors: Tooby James , Woodward James , Tucker Ross , Jones Ben , Falvey Éanna , Salmon Danielle , Bussey Melanie Dawn , Starling Lindsay , Tierney Gregory
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine head acceleration event (HAE) propensity and incidence during elite-level men’s and women’s rugby union matches.

Methods

Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) were fitted in 92 male and 72 female players from nine elite-level clubs and three international teams. Data were collected during 406 player matches (239 male, 167 female) using iMGs and video analysis. Incidence was calculated as the number of HAEs per player hour and propensity as the proportion of contact events resulting in an HAE at a range of linear and angular thresholds.

Results

HAE incidence above 10 g was 22.7 and 13.2 per hour in men’s forwards and backs and 11.8 and 7.2 per hour in women’s forwards and backs, respectively. Propensity varied by contact event, with 35.6% and 35.4% of men’s tackles and carries and 23.1% and 19.6% of women’s tackles and carries producing HAEs above 1.0 krad/s2. Tackles produced significantly more HAEs than carries, and incidence was greater in forwards compared with backs for both sexes and in men compared with women. Women's forwards were 1.6 times more likely to experience a medium-magnitude HAE from a carry than women's backs. Propensity was similar from tackles and carries, and between positional groups, while significantly higher in men than women. The initial collision stage of the tackle had a higher propensity than other stages.

Conclusion

This study quantifies HAE exposures in elite rugby union players using iMGs. Most contact events in rugby union resulted in lower-magnitude HAEs, while higher-magnitude HAEs were comparatively rare. An HAE above 40 g occurred once every 60–100 min in men and 200–300 min in women. Future research on mechanisms for HAEs may inform strategies aimed at reducing HAEs.
Splitting-type variational problems with asymmetrical growth conditions
Authors: Bildhauer Michael , Fuchs Martin
Published: October 2023

Splitting-type variational problems $$\begin{aligned} \int _{\Omega }\sum _{i=1}^n f_i(\partial _i w) \, \textrm{d}x\rightarrow \min \end{aligned}$$

∫
Ω

∑

i
=
1

n

f
i

(

∂
i

w
)

d
x
→
min

with superlinear growth conditions are studied by assuming $$\begin{aligned} h_i(t) \le f''_i(t) \le H_i(t) \qquad (*) \end{aligned}$$

h
i

(
t
)

≤

f
i

′
′

(
t
)

≤

H
i

(
t
)

(

∗
)

with suitable functions $$h_i$$

h
i

, $$H_i$$

H
i

: $$\mathbb {R}\rightarrow \mathbb {R}^+$$

R
→

R

+

, $$i=1$$

i
=
1

, ..., n, measuring the growth and ellipticity of the energy density. Here, as the main feature, we do not impose a symmetric behaviour like $$h_i(t)\approx h_i(-t)$$

h
i

(
t
)

≈

h
i

(
-
t
)

and $$H_i(t) \approx H_i(-t)$$

H
i

(
t
)

≈

H
i

(
-
t
)

for large |t|. Assuming quite weak hypotheses on the functions appearing in $$(*)$$

(

∗
)

, we establish higher integrability of $$|\nabla u|$$

|
∇
u
|

for local minimizers $$u\in L^\infty (\Omega )$$

u
∈

L
∞

(
Ω
)

by using a Caccioppoli-type inequality with some power weights of negative exponent.
Approaches for Assessing Circadian Rest-Activity Patterns Using Actigraphy in Cohort and Population-Based Studies
Authors: Gao Chenlu , Haghayegh Shahab , Wagner Max , Cai Ruixue , Hu Kun , Gao Lei , Li Peng
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

To review methods for analyzing circadian rest-activity patterns using actigraphy and to discuss their applications in large cohort and population-based studies.

Recent Findings

We reviewed several widely used approaches, including parametric analysis (i.e., cosinor model and wavelet analysis), nonparametric analysis, data adaptive approach (i.e., empirical mode decomposition), and nonlinear dynamical approach (i.e., fractal analysis). We delved into the specifics of each approach and highlighted their advantages and disadvantages.

Various approaches have been developed to study circadian rest-activity rhythms using actigraphy. Features extracted from these approaches have been associated with population health outcomes. Limitations exist in prior research, including inconsistencies due to various available analytical approaches and lack of studies translating findings to the context of the circadian system. Potential future steps are proposed. The review ends with an introduction to an open-source software application—ezActi2—developed to facilitate scalable applications in analyzing circadian rest-activity rhythms.
Voices of young people in the Synod
Authors: McKinney Stephen J.
Published: October 2023

The absence of young people in Catholic churches in many parts of the world, especially in the more economically advanced countries, is a cause for great anxiety within Catholic communities. This is expressed in relevant research literature and the three recent synodal syntheses of England and Wales, Ireland and Scotland. This article explores the key concept of synodality, some of the research on the religious affiliation (and disaffiliation) of Catholic young people and the voices and views of Catholic young people in the synodal process in the three syntheses. The views of the young people in the three syntheses are clustered under six themes: (1) absence from Church; (2) accusations of hypocrisy; (3) concerns about teaching on sexuality; (4) Catholic Social Teaching; (5) the importance of parents and (6) the ways in which young people can engage in the Church. Many of the comments of the young people in these three syntheses confirm some of the research findings and, crucially, the young people provide suggestions on the ways ahead in which they can be more active in the Church—‘being’ Church, rather than ‘doing’ Church.
Orbital Stability of Solitary Wave for Eckhaus–Kundu Equation
Authors: Guo Yuli , Zhang Weiguo , Hong Siyu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the orbital stability of solitary wave for Eckhaus–Kundu equation is studied. Since the equation we studied is difficult to be expressed as a standard Hamiltonian system, the Grillakis–Shatah–Strauss theory about the orbital stability of soliton solutions for nonlinear Hamiltonian systems cannot be directly applied. By constructing three new conserved quantities and using special techniques and detailed spectral analysis, the above difficulty is overcome, then we obtain the conclusion that the solitary wave of Eckhaus–Kundu equation is orbitally stable.
Characterizing bed roughness on the Antarctic continental margin
Authors: Munevar Garcia Santiago , Miller Lauren Elizabeth , Falcini Francesca Anna Maria , Stearns Leigh Asher
Published: October 2023

Spatial variability in bed topography, characterized as bed roughness, impacts ice-sheet flow and organization and can be used to infer subglacial conditions and processes, yet is difficult to quantify due to sparse observations. Paleo-subglacial beds of formerly expanded glaciers found across the Antarctic continental shelf are well preserved, have relatively limited post-glacial sediment cover and contain glacial landforms that can be resolved at sub-meter vertical scales. We analyze high-resolution bathymetry offshore of Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers in the Amundsen Sea to explore spatial variability of bed roughness where streamlined subglacial landforms allow for the determination of ice-flow direction. We quantify bed roughness using std dev. and Fast Fourier Transform methods, each employed at local (100 km) and regional (101–2 km) scales and in along- and across-flow orientations to determine roughness expressions across spatial scales. We find that the magnitude of roughness is impacted by the parameters selected – which are often not sufficiently reported in studies – to quantify roughness. Important spatial patterns can be discerned from high-resolution bathymetry, highlighting both its usefulness in identifying patterns of streaming ice flow and underscores the need for a standardized way of characterizing topographic variability.
Dietary chenodeoxycholic acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced growth retardation, lipid accumulation and bile acid metabolism disorder in the liver of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Zheng Hua , Xu Yi-Chuang , Zhao Tao , Luo Zhi , Zhang Dian-Guang , Song Chang-Chun , Yu An-Gen , Tan Xiaoying
Published: October 2023

This experiment was conducted to investigate whether dietary chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) could attenuate high-fat (HF) diet-induced growth retardation, lipid accumulation and bile acid (BA) metabolism disorder in the liver of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Yellow catfish (initial weight: 4·40 (sem 0·08) g) were fed four diets: the control (105·8 g/kg lipid), HF diet (HF group, 159·6 g/kg lipid), the control supplemented with 0·9 g/kg CDCA (CDCA group) and HF diet supplemented with 0·9 g/kg CDCA (HF + CDCA group). CDCA supplemented in the HF diet significantly improved growth performance and feed utilisation of yellow catfish (P < 0·05). CDCA alleviated HF-induced increment of hepatic lipid and cholesterol contents by down-regulating the expressions of lipogenesis-related genes and proteins and up-regulating the expressions of lipololysis-related genes and proteins. Compared with the control group, CDCA group significantly reduced cholesterol level (P < 0·05). CDCA significantly inhibited BA biosynthesis and changed BA profile by activating farnesoid X receptor (P < 0·05). The contents of CDCA, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and glycochenodeoxycholic acid were significantly increased with the supplementation of CDCA (P < 0·05). HF-induced elevation of cholic acid content was significantly attenuated by the supplementation of CDCA (P < 0·05). Supplementation of CDCA in the control and HF groups could improve the liver antioxidant capacity. This study proved that CDCA could improve growth retardation, lipid accumulation and BA metabolism disorder induced by HF diet, which provided new insight into understanding the physiological functions of BA in fish.
Job Tenure and Unskilled Workers before the Industrial Revolution: St Paul’s Cathedral 1672–1748
Authors: Paker Meredith M. , Stephenson Judy Z. , Wallis Patrick
Published: October 2023

How were unskilled workers selected and hired in preindustrial labor markets? We exploit records from the rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral, London (1672–1748), to analyze the hiring and employment histories of over 1,000 general building laborers, the benchmark category of “unskilled” workers in long-run wage series. Despite volatile demand, St Paul’s created a stable workforce by rewarding the tenure of long-standing workers. More senior workers received more days of work each month, preference when jobs were scarce, and the opportunity to earn additional income. We find the cathedral’s strategy consistent with reducing hiring frictions and turnover costs.
High-Frequency Tail Risk Premium and Stock Return Predictability
Authors: Almeida Caio , Ardison Kym , Freire Gustavo , Garcia René , Orłowski Piotr
Published: October 2023

We propose a novel measure of the market return tail risk premium based on minimum-distance state price densities recovered from high-frequency data. The tail risk premium extracted from intra-day S&P 500 returns predicts the market equity and variance risk premiums and expected excess returns on a cross section of characteristics-sorted portfolios. Additionally, we describe the differential role of the quantity of tail risk, and of the tail premium, in shaping the future distribution of index returns. Our results are robust to controlling for established measures of variance and tail risk, and of risk premiums, in the predictive models.