bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different risk and protective factors predict change of planning ability in middle versus older age
Authors: Unterrainer Josef M. , Petersen Julia , Schmidt Peter , Ernst Mareike , Wirtz Markus A. , Reinwarth Anna C. , Wicke Felix , Ghaemi Kerahrodi Jasmin , Michal Matthias , Münzel Thomas , König Jochem , Lackner Karl J. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Tüscher Oliver , Galle Peter R. , Beutel Manfred , Wild Philipp S.
Published: October 2024

Age-related cognitive decline has become an increasingly relevant public health issue. However, risk and protective factors of cognitive decline have yet to be investigated prospectively taking into account genetic, lifestyle, physical and mental health factors. Population-based data from middle-aged (40 to 59 years; N = 2,764) and older individuals (60 to 80 years; N = 1,254) were drawn from a prospective community cohort study using the Tower of London (TOL) planning task. Assessments were repeated at a 5-year interval to investigate age-related changes in planning performance and to determine the impact of risk and protective factors. Planning performance improved in middle-aged, but declined in older participants over 5 years. SNPs affecting the dopamine system (COMT, DRD2) and APOE polymorphisms differentially predicted cognitive performance in older vs. middle-aged individuals. For older individuals, high alcohol consumption, antidepressant medication and living without a partner had additional negative predictive power on cognition. In contrast, undiagnosed hypertension, no obstructive lung disease, and fewer years of education predicted cognitive decline in the middle-aged group. The results inform screening for individuals particularly vulnerable to cognitive decline and interventions (e.g., focusing on lifestyle factors) to help maintain cognitive performance into old age.
Local structure of Amorphous carbon investigated by X-ray total scattering and RMC modeling
Authors: Yoshimoto Masatsugu , Ito Kazuki , Omote Kazuhiko
Published: October 2024

Amorphous carbon is a promising candidate as an energy storage material. In this paper, we performed an X-ray total scattering measurement, RMC modeling, and persistent homology analysis for amorphous carbon samples fabricated at two different heat treatment temperatures. According to the analysis of the nearest-neighbor carbon atoms and their angular histogram, the sample treated at higher temperature shows higher connectivity between carbon atoms than that treated at lower temperature. Furthermore, topological data analysis (persistent homology, PH) reveals quantitative results that relate ring structure and the connectivity between carbon atoms.
LSU family members and NBR1 are novel factors that contribute to homeostasis of catalases and peroxisomes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Niemiro Anna , Jurczewski Konrad , Sieńko Marzena , Wawrzyńska Anna , Olszak Marcin , Poznański Jarosław , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

The short coiled-coil LSU (RESPONSE TO LOW SULFUR) proteins are linked to sulfur metabolism and have numerous protein partners. However, most of these partners lack direct links to sulfur metabolism, and the role of such interactions remains elusive. Here, we confirmed LSU binding to Arabidopsis catalase (CAT) and revealed that NBR1, a selective autophagy receptor, strongly interacts with LSU1 but not with CAT. Consequently, we observed the involvement of autophagy but not NBR1 in CAT removal. The lsu and nbr1 mutants differed from the wild-type plants in size and the number of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-CAT condensates, the number of peroxisomes, and photosynthetic pigments levels in the presence and absence of stress. We conclude that LSU family members and NBR1 contribute directly or indirectly to CAT and peroxisome homeostasis, and the overall fitness of plants. Our structural models of CAT–LSU complexes show at least two regions of interaction in CAT, one of which is at the N-terminus. Indeed, the N-terminally truncated variants of CAT2 and CAT3 interact more weakly with LSU1 than their full-length variants, but the extent of reduction is higher for CAT2, suggesting differences in recognition of CAT2 and CAT3 by LSU1.
Natural language processing reveals differences in mental time travel at higher levels of self-efficacy
Authors: Plank Laurin , Zlomuzica Armin
Published: October 2024

The (re-)construction of past and future personal experiences, termed mental time travel (MTT), is highly adaptive and contributes to self-related beliefs and attitudes. Mounting evidence suggests that self-efficacy (SE), the belief that one can overcome obstacles on their own account, is functionally related to MTT. In the present study, we used novel methods for the analysis of MTT narratives based on natural language processing (NLP) to investigate the relation between SE and MTT. We demonstrated that self-efficacious participants remembered and imagined experiences which were semantically less similar and contained a wider variety of contents. Additionally, increased SE was related to a positive reappraisal of personal episodes and reports of a more active role within mental scenarios. In conclusion, NLP appears to be a valuable method to quantify changes to the (re-)construction of personal experience that might support cognitive and emotional functioning.
Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Ischemic Heart Diseases
Authors: Mohamed Nura A. , Benslimane Fatiha , Zakaria Zain Zaki Salim
Published: October 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the foremost causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide. With one-third of CVD casualties being driven by ischemic heart diseases (IHDs), this high number is attributed to the irreversible injury that ischemia causes to the myocardium, eventually leading to heart failure if not properly treated. So far, there is no effective cure to alleviate the damage ischemia causes to the heart or to restore the injured heart’s function, suggesting the unmet need to develop more effective and permanent approaches to better diagnose and treat patients with IHD, as well as the need for better preventative approaches. One approach is the use of nanomedicine in developing more accurate diagnostic tools and more efficient preventative and treatment strategies. Nanomedicine is a rising field with many attractive promises that could provide alternative administration routes to aid with clinical translation and patient compliance while delivering the therapeutic agent to the injured myocardium only. Herein, we will discuss the current status of nanomedicines in IHD and the possible IHD components that could be used in developing a targeted delivery option, highlighting how to better utilize currently available nanoformulations. In addition, we will be discussing the challenges that are facing the further development of this approach.
A dual-mode sensing platform for electron spin resonance and UV-vis detection of alkaline phosphatase based on Cu-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Shi Hui , Liu Yuntong , Qiu Chu , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Zhimin , Lu Meijun , Wang Bo , Tian Yuan , Song Daqian , Zhang Ziwei
Published: October 2024

An ESR/UV-vis dual-mode sensing strategy for detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was established based on peroxidase-like Cu-based metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs).
Modular synthesis and facile network formation of catechol functionalized triblock copolymers
Authors: Albreiki Fahed , Göckler Tobias , Srivastava Samanvaya
Published: October 2024

We report the synthesis of catechol-functionalized symmetric triblock polymers comprising densely functionalized catechol endblocks using anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) and thiol–ene click chemistry.
Installation of an organocatalyst into a protein scaffold creates an artificial Stetterase
Authors: MacAulay Alice , Klemencic Eva , Brewster Richard C. , Ünal Süleyman Mert , Notari Evangelia , Wood Christopher W. , Jarvis Amanda G. , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: October 2024

Using a protein scaffold covalently functionalised with a thiamine-inspired N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) we created an artificial Stetterase (ArtiSt) which catalyses a stereoselective, intramolecular Stetter reaction.
A theoretical investigation on the OER and ORR activity of graphene-based TM–N3 and TM–N2X (X = B, C, O, P) single atom catalysts by density functional theory calculations
Authors: Wu Jiaxiang , Kan Erjun , Zhan Cheng
Published: October 2024

Promising ORR/OER single atom catalysts have been designed in the form of TM–N2X via DFT simulation.
Reactions of 1,1- and 1,2-bis-boranes with a protic diamine and hydrazine
Authors: Yeung Jason , Yeganeh-Salman Amir , Miao Linkun , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: October 2024

The reactions of 1,1- and 1,2-bis-boranes, PhCH2CH(B(C6F5)2)21 and Me3SiCH(B(C6F5)2)CH2B(C6F5)22, with o-phenylenediamine and hydrazine are described. The reactions of these adducts and the impact of the acidity of NH groups are explored.
Sludge-derived novel Fe3O4–MgO@C composites for tetracycline abatement from wastewater using sustainable bio-electro-Fenton and nutrient recovery with co-precipitation: a waste-to-resource strategy
Authors: Ahmad Azhan , Priyadarshini Monali , Yadav Shraddha , Ghangrekar Makarand M. , Surampalli Rao Y.
Published: October 2024

Developing efficient Fenton catalysts for the remediation of emerging pollutants is one of the challenges for researchers.
Selenium-mediated alleviation of skeletal muscle atrophy through enterotype modulation in mice
Authors: Cheng Yixin , Liu Xiaofan , Hao Yingao , Wang Shixu , Wu FangFang , Zhao Lingzhuo , Peng Du , Yawen Du , Sheng Sun , Jianguo Li , Ren Guangxu
Published: October 2024

Selenium element improves dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by affecting enterotype.
Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration
Authors: Saboe Patrick O. , Li Yudong , Tomashek Emily G. , Tan Eric C. D. , Chen Xiaowen , Chirban Louis A. , Chen Yian , Schell Daniel J. , Karp Eric M. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: October 2024

A simple, low energy, and productive filtration method to clarify biomass hydrolysate to enable biochemical and thermochemical pathways to biofuels and biochemicals.
Light enhanced cytotoxicity and antitumoral effect of a ruthenium-based photosensitizer inspired from natural alkaloids
Authors: Sanità Gennaro , Alfieri Maria Laura , Carrese Barbara , Damian Serena , Mele Vincenza , Calì Gaetano , Silvestri Brigida , Marra Sebastiano , Mohammadi Susan , Luciani Giuseppina , Manini Paola , Lamberti Annalisa
Published: October 2024

Biological assays carried out on melanoma and breast cancer cells highlighted the role of light in boosting the cytotoxic effect of a ruthenium complex featuring a dihydroisoquinoline ligand suggesting applications in photodynamic therapy.
Amino functional SBA-15 assisted NU-1000 for the rapid and efficient adsorption of tetracycline antibiotics
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Wu Junfei , Gao Lina , Duan Long-Hui , Wang Jing
Published: October 2024

An SBA-15@NU-1000 composite was fabricated by the growth of NU-1000 on the outer surface of APTES-SBA-15. The adsorption of tetracycline was caused by electrostatic interactions, metal coordination, and π–π stacking.
Base-promoted tandem ring-opening/ring-closing of N-alkynyl-2-oxazolidinones enables facile synthesis of 2-oxazolines
Authors: Ye Xingyuan , Bao Peng , Pan Yan , Xiao Han , Li Qiuwen , He Guangke
Published: October 2024

A K2CO3-promoted tandem ring-opening and ring-closing of N-alkynyl-2-oxazolidinones at r.t. has been described, affording 2-oxazolines in 42–99% yields without column chromatography purification.
Amorphous MoaZr0.8Ox-500 catalyzed selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides mediated by 1O2 from direct heterolytic cleavage of H2O2
Authors: Li Tong , Qin Jiaheng , Zhang Xueyao , Tang Xiaoqi , Lv Mingzhe , Mao Weiwen , Dong Linkun , Fan Tongtong , Long Yu , Ma Jiantai
Published: October 2024

Sulfoxides, a class of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals of significant importance, are readily peroxidized to sulfones in the H2O2 system.
Morphology-driven electrochemical attributes of Cu-MOF: a high-performance anodic material for battery supercapacitor hybrids
Authors: Shakeel Noshaba , Khan Junaid , Al-Kahtani Abdullah A.
Published: October 2024

Morphology driven intriguing electrochemical properties of metal–organic frameworks as a promising candidates for electrode material.
Biodetector for chlordane using doped InP3 monolayers: a density functional theory study
Authors: Mei Yui Mary , Luo Xuan
Published: October 2024

Chlordane is a hazard to the environment and using doped InP3 monolayers as biodetectors is a good solution.
Long-lived unidirectional flow of active particles within long narrow channels
Authors: Xu Man , Lan Ying , Yang Yuehua , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: October 2024

We present the dynamics of particles in a device divided into two chambers by V-shaped barriers and connected by a narrow channel. Here three distinct movement modes occur, including stochastic movement, oscillation and unidirectional flows.
CNSL-based plasticizers, a promising and sustainable alternative to phthalates, a review
Authors: Gartili A. , Lapinte V. , Caillol S. , Briou B. , Jego L.
Published: October 2024

Versatile CNSL-based additives used as plasticizers for PVC, cellulose acetate, PLA and rubber.
Achievement of high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability by W/Sn-doped Na3SbS4 conductors designed for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Huan Tao , Yin Jingxuan , Shen Yu , Lu Jingxin , Gao Chengwei , Liu Yongxing , Dai Shixun , Lin Changgui , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli , Shen Xiang , Jiao Qing
Published: October 2024

The W/Sn co-doped Na3SbS4 solid electrolytes showed a pure cubic phase with an enlarged unit cell, resulting in effective ion transport with a conductivity of up to 11.3 mS cm−2. The formed Na–Sn alloy layer facilitated steady cycling.
Exopolysaccharide is detrimental for the symbiotic performance of Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 mutants with a truncated lipopolysaccharide core
Authors: Fuentes-Romero Francisco , Mercogliano Marcello , De Chiara Stefania , Alias-Villegas Cynthia , Navarro-Gómez Pilar , Acosta-Jurado Sebastián , Silipo Alba , Medina Carlos , Rodríguez-Carvajal Miguel-Ángel , Dardanelli Marta S. , Ruiz-Sainz José-Enrique , López-Baena Francisco-Javier , Molinaro Antonio , Vinardell José-María , Di Lorenzo Flaviana
Published: October 2024

The nitrogen-fixing rhizobia-legume symbiosis relies on a complex interchange of molecular signals between the two partners during the whole interaction. On the bacterial side, different surface polysaccharides, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS), might play important roles for the success of the interaction. In a previous work we studied two Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 mutants affected in the rkpK and lpsL genes, which are responsible for the production of glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid, respectively. Both mutants produced an altered LPS, and the rkpK mutant, in addition, lacked EPS. These mutants were differently affected in symbiosis with Glycine max and Vigna unguiculata, with the lpsL mutant showing a stronger impairment than the rkpK mutant. In the present work we have further investigated the LPS structure and the symbiotic abilities of the HH103 lpsL and rkpK mutants. We demonstrate that both strains produce the same LPS, with a truncated core oligosaccharide devoid of uronic acids. We show that the symbiotic performance of the lpsL mutant with Macroptilium atropurpureum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis is worse than that of the rkpK mutant. Introduction of an exoA mutation (which avoids EPS production) in HH103 lpsL improved its symbiotic performance with G. max, M. atropurpureum, and G. uralensis to the level exhibited by HH103 rkpK, suggesting that the presence of EPS might hide the truncated LPS produced by the former mutant.
Progress Toward Estimating the Minimal Clinically Important Difference of Intelligibility: A Crowdsourced Perceptual Experiment
Authors: Stipancic Kaila L. , van Brenk Frits , Qiu Mengyang , Tjaden Kris
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of sentence intelligibility in control speakers and in speakers with dysarthria due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method:

Sixteen control speakers, 16 speakers with MS, and 16 speakers with PD were audio-recorded reading aloud sentences in habitual, clear, fast, loud, and slow speaking conditions. Two hundred forty nonexpert crowdsourced listeners heard paired conditions of the same sentence content from a speaker and indicated if one condition was more understandable than another. Listeners then used the Global Ratings of Change (GROC) Scale to indicate
how much more understandable
that condition was than the other. Listener ratings were compared with objective intelligibility scores obtained previously via orthographic transcriptions from nonexpert listeners. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and average magnitude of intelligibility difference per level of the GROC Scale were evaluated to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of potential cutoff scores in intelligibility for establishing thresholds of important change.

Results:

MCIDs derived from the ROC curves were invalid. However, the average magnitude of intelligibility difference derived valid and useful thresholds. The MCID of intelligibility was determined to be about 7% for a small amount of difference and about 15% for a large amount of difference.

Conclusions:

This work demonstrates the feasibility of the novel experimental paradigm for collecting crowdsourced perceptual data to estimate MCIDs. Results provide empirical evidence that clinical tools for the perception of intelligibility by nonexpert listeners could consist of three categories, which emerged from the data (“no difference,” “a little bit of difference,” “a lot of difference”). The current work is a critical step toward development of a universal language with which to evaluate changes in intelligibility as a result of neurological injury, disease progression, and speech-language therapy.
Improving long‐tail classification via decoupling and regularisation
Authors: Gao Shuzheng , Wang Chaozheng , Gao Cuiyun , Luo Wenjian , Han Peiyi , Liao Qing , Xu Guandong
Published: October 2024

Real‐world data always exhibit an imbalanced and long‐tailed distribution, which leads to poor performance for neural network‐based classification. Existing methods mainly tackle this problem by reweighting the loss function or rebalancing the classifier. However, one crucial aspect overlooked by previous research studies is the imbalanced feature space problem caused by the imbalanced angle distribution. In this paper, the authors shed light on the significance of the angle distribution in achieving a balanced feature space, which is essential for improving model performance under long‐tailed distributions. Nevertheless, it is challenging to effectively balance both the classifier norms and angle distribution due to problems such as the low feature norm. To tackle these challenges, the authors first thoroughly analyse the classifier and feature space by decoupling the classification logits into three key components: classifier norm (i.e. the magnitude of the classifier vector), feature norm (i.e. the magnitude of the feature vector), and cosine similarity between the classifier vector and feature vector. In this way, the authors analyse the change of each component in the training process and reveal three critical problems that should be solved, that is, the imbalanced angle distribution, the lack of feature discrimination, and the low feature norm. Drawing from this analysis, the authors propose a novel loss function that incorporates hyperspherical uniformity, additive angular margin, and feature norm regularisation. Each component of the loss function addresses a specific problem and synergistically contributes to achieving a balanced classifier and feature space. The authors conduct extensive experiments on three popular benchmark datasets including CIFAR‐10/100‐LT, ImageNet‐LT, and iNaturalist 2018. The experimental results demonstrate that the authors’ loss function outperforms several previous state‐of‐the‐art methods in addressing the challenges posed by imbalanced and long‐tailed datasets, that is, by improving upon the best‐performing baselines on CIFAR‐100‐LT by 1.34, 1.41, 1.41 and 1.33, respectively.
RJAN: Region‐based joint attention network for 3D shape recognition
Authors: Zhao Yue , Nie Weizhi , Nie Jie , Zhang Yuyi , Wang Bo
Published: October 2024

As an essential field of multimedia and computer vision, 3D shape recognition has attracted much research attention in recent years. Multiview‐based approaches have demonstrated their superiority in generating effective 3D shape representations. Typical methods usually extract the multiview global features and aggregate them together to generate 3D shape descriptors. However, there exist two disadvantages: First, the mainstream methods ignore the comprehensive exploration of local information in each view. Second, many approaches roughly aggregate multiview features by adding or concatenating them together. The information loss for some discriminative characteristics limits the representation effectiveness. To address these problems, a novel architecture named region‐based joint attention network (RJAN) was proposed. Specifically, the authors first design a hierarchical local information exploration module for view descriptor extraction. The region‐to‐region and channel‐to‐channel relationships from different granularities can be comprehensively explored and utilised to provide more discriminative characteristics for view feature learning. Subsequently, a novel relation‐aware view aggregation module is designed to aggregate the multiview features for shape descriptor generation, considering the view‐to‐view relationships. Extensive experiments were conducted on three public databases: ModelNet40, ModelNet10, and ShapeNetCore55. RJAN achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance in the tasks of 3D shape classification and 3D shape retrieval, which demonstrates the effectiveness of RJAN. The code has been released on https://github.com/slurrpp/RJAN.
Artificial intelligence assisted prediction of optimum operating conditions of shell and tube heat exchangers: A grey‐box approach
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Ahmad Iftikhar , Samad Abdul , Saghir Husnain , Ahmad Farooq , Kano Manabu , Caliskan Hakan , Caliskan Nesrin , Hong Hiki
Published: October 2024

In this study, a Grey‐box (GB) model was developed to predict the optimum mass flow rates of inlet streams of a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (STHE) under varying process conditions. Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (Aspen‐EDR) was initially used to construct a first principle model (FP) of the STHE using industrial data. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) was incorporated into the FP model to attain the minimum exit temperature for the hot kerosene process stream under varying process conditions. A dataset comprised of optimum process conditions was generated through FP‐GA integration and was utilised to develop an Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) model. Subsequently, the ANN model was merged with the FP model by substituting the GA, to form a GB model. The developed GB model, that is, ANN and FP integration, achieved higher effectiveness and lower outlet temperature than those derived through the standalone FP model. Performance of the GB framework was also comparable to the FP‐GA approach but it significantly reduced the computation time required for estimating the optimum process conditions. The proposed GB‐based method improved the STHE's ability to extract energy from the process stream and strengthened its resilience to cope with diverse process conditions.
Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus star formation history as revealed by detailed elemental abundances
Authors: Ernandes H. , Feuillet D. , Feltzing S. , Skúladóttir Á.
Published: October 2024

Context. The Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus merger was a major event in the history of the Milky Way. Debris from this merger has been extensively studied with full kinematic data from the Gaia mission. Understanding the star formation history of the progenitor galaxy aids in our understanding of the evolution of the Milky Way and galaxy formation in general.

Aims. We aimed to constrain the star formation history of the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus progenitor galaxy using elemental abundances of member stars. Previous studies on Milky Way satellite dwarf galaxies show that key elemental abundance patterns, which probe different nucleosynthetic channels, reflect the host galaxy’s star formation history.

Methods. We gathered Mg, Fe, Ba, and Eu abundance measurements for Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus stars from the SAGA database. Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus members were selected kinematically. Inspired by previous studies, we used [Fe/Mg], [Ba/Mg], [Eu/Mg], and [Eu/Ba], as a function of [Fe/H] to constrain the star formation history of Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus. We used the known star formation histories and elemental abundance patterns of the Sculptor and Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxies as a comparison.

Results. The elemental abundance ratios of [Fe/Mg], [Ba/Mg], [Eu/Mg], and [Eu/Ba] all increase with [Fe/H] in Gaia-Sausage- Enceladus. The [Eu/Mg] begins to increase at [Fe/H] ∼ −2.0 and continues steadily, contrasting with the trend observed in the Sculptor dSph galaxy. The [Eu/Ba] increases and remains high across the [Fe/H] range, unlike the pattern seen in the Sculptor dSph galaxy, and deviates from the Fornax dSph galaxy at high [Fe/H]. The [Ba/Mg] is higher than those of the Sculptor dSph galaxy at the lowest [Fe/H] and gradually increases, similar to the Fornax dSph galaxy. We constrained three main properties of the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus star formation history: (1) star formation started gradually, (2) it extended for over 2 Gyr, and (3) it was quenched around [Fe/H] of −0.5, likely when it fell into the Milky Way.

Conclusions. We show that the elemental abundance ratios [Fe/Mg], [Ba/Mg], [Eu/Mg], and [Eu/Ba] can be used to trace the star formation history of a disrupted galaxy when these measurements are available over an [Fe/H] range that is representative of the progenitor galaxy’s stellar population.
Examining the local Universe isotropy with galaxy cluster velocity dispersion scaling relations
Authors: Pandya A. , Migkas K. , Reiprich T. H. , Stanford A. , Pacaud F. , Schellenberger G. , Lovisari L. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Nguyen-Dang N. T. , Park S.
Published: October 2024

Context. In standard cosmology, the Universe is assumed to be statistically homogeneous and isotropic. This assumption suggests that the expansion rate of the Universe, as measured by the Hubble parameter, should be the same in all directions. However, our recent study based on galaxy clusters finds an apparent angular variation of approximately 9% in the Hubble constant, H0, across the sky. In the study, the authors utilised galaxy cluster scaling relations between various cosmology-dependent cluster properties and a cosmology-independent property, i.e. the temperature of the intracluster gas (T). A position-dependent systematic bias of T measurements can, in principle, result in an overestimation of apparent H0 variations. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm or exclude this possibility.

Aims. In this work, we search for directional T measurement biases by examining the relationship between the member galaxy velocity dispersion and gas temperature (σv − T) of galaxy clusters. Both measurements are independent of any cosmological assumptions and do not suffer from the same potential systematic biases. Additionally, we search for apparent H0 angular variations independently of T by analysing the relations between the X-ray luminosity and Sunyaev-Zeldovich signal with the velocity dispersion, LX − σv and YSZ − σv.

Methods. To study the angular variation of scaling relation parameters, we determined the latter for different sky patches across the extra-galactic sky. We constrained the possible directional T bias using the σv − T relation, as well as the apparent H0 variations using the LX − σv and YSZ − σv relations. We utilised Monte Carlo simulations of isotropic cluster samples to quantify the statistical significance of any observed anisotropies. We calculated and rigorously took into account a correlation of LX and YSZ residuals.

Results. No significant directional T measurement biases are found from the σv − T anisotropy study. The probability that the previously observed H0 anisotropy is caused by a directional T bias is only 0.002%. On the other hand, from the joint analysis of the LX − σv and YSZ − σv relations, the maximum variation of H0 is found in the direction of (295 ° ±71 ° , − 30 ° ±71 ° ) with a statistical significance of 3.64σ, fully consistent with our previous results.

Conclusions. Our findings, based on the analysis of new scaling relations utilising a completely independent cluster property, σv, strongly corroborate the previously detected anisotropy of galaxy cluster scaling relations. The underlying cause, for example, H0 angular variation or large-scale bulk flows of matter, remains to be identified.
The Radcliffe wave as traced by young open clusters
Authors: Alonso-Santiago J. , Frasca A. , Bragaglia A. , Catanzaro G. , Fu X. , Andreuzzi G. , Magrini L. , Lucatello S. , Vallenari A. , Jian M.
Published: October 2024

The Radcliffe wave has only recently been recognised as a ≈3 kpc long coherent gas structure encompassing most of the star-forming regions in the solar vicinity. Since its discovery, it has been mainly studied from the perspective of dynamics, but a detailed chemical study is necessary to understand its nature and the composition of the natal clouds that gave rise to it. For this paper we used some of the connected young open clusters (age ≲100 Myr) as tracers of the molecular clouds. We performed high-resolution spectroscopy with GIARPS at the TNG of 53 stars that are bona fide members of seven clusters located at different positions along the Radcliffe wave. We provide radial velocities and atmospheric parameters for all of them. For a subsample consisting of 41 FGK stars, we also studied the chromospheric activity and the content of Li, from which we inferred the age of the parent clusters. These values agree with the evolutionary ages reported in the literature. For these FGK stars, we determined the chemical abundances for 25 species. Pleiades, ASCC 16, and NGC 7058 exhibit a solar metallicity while Melotte 20, ASCC 19, NGC 2232, and Roslund 6 show a slightly subsolar value (≈ −0.1 dex). On average, the clusters show a chemical composition compatible with that of the Sun, especially for α- and Fe-peak elements. Neutron-capture elements, on the other hand, present a slight overabundance of about 0.2 dex, especially barium. Finally, considering also ASCC 123, which was studied by our group in a previous research project, we inferred a correlation between the chemical composition and the age or position of the clusters along the wave, demonstrating their physical connection within an inhomogeneous mixing scenario.
Analysis of geochemical characteristics of rocks using machine learning methods
Authors: Degtyareva Ksenia , Kukartseva Oksana , Tynchenko Vadim , Mariupolskiy Timofey , Pereverzev Denis
Published: October 2024

This work is devoted to the classification of rock types based on their geochemical characteristics using machine learning methods. The study used data on the content of various elements in rocks to develop classification models. Four methods were investigated and compared: decision tree, logistic regression, random forest and gradient boosting. The results showed that the random forest model demonstrates the highest classification accuracy (0.832612), which is explained by its ability to efficiently process a variety of features and their interactions. Correlation analysis has shown significant correlations between the geochemical characteristics of rocks, which underlines the importance of choosing appropriate machine learning methods for processing such data. This work highlights the importance of using ensemble methods that can take into account complex interactions between features for accurate classification of geochemical data and can be useful for specialists in the field of geology, mining and related industries.
Techno-economic evaluation of geotextile application as a separation layer and its contribution
Authors: Lesov Kuvandik , Abdujabarov Abdukhamid , Kenjaliyev Mukhamedali , Mirzakhidova Ozoda
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the technical and economic evaluation of the use of geotextiles as a separation layer in railway construction. The work includes an analysis of the costs associated with the installation of geotextiles on track in order to assess the impact of this material on the structural stability and durability of engineering structures. It also focuses on the economic impact of using geotextiles as a separation layer, identifying potential savings and cost optimisation. A net discounted income formula is used to determine the economic feasibility of introducing a new technology for track reinforcement. Particular attention is paid to the aspect of reducing costs associated with contributions to the repair fund for intermediate track repairs, which contributes to the efficiency of infrastructure projects and promotes sustainable development of the railway industry. The impact of geotextile laying on the operating costs associated with the labour costs of track fitters during track maintenance is investigated. Data on the reduction of the number of derogations during geotextile laying is given. The results of calculation of total economic efficiency of geotextile application as a separating layer on Kokand – Buvayda railway section are given.
Vertical electrical sounding techniques training on frozen multilayer soils in a cold laboratory
Authors: Frolov D.M. , Gagarin V.E. , Koshurnikov A.V. , Rzhanitsyn G.A.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive plan for teaching the method of Vertical Electrical Sounding in the cold laboratory of the Geography Department of MSU on model-prepared frozen multilayer soils. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) is the definitive method for studying the structure of the Earth's crust. It does this by measuring the electrical resistance of rocks at different depths. A four-electrode setup is used for VES (AB is the supply electrode, and MN is the receiving electrode). The process involves measuring the current in AB and the potential difference at MN, calculating the apparent resistivity, and increasing the AB differences. The results are presented in the form of a RES curve and a transect. We will consider typical transects and VES curves (two-layer curves with ρ1 < ρ2 and ρ1 > ρ2). We will now interpret the bilayer section (sediment-granites). This allows you to master both the theory and practice of the VES method under conditions that mirror those in the field. VES, model soils, frozen soils, multilayer soils, training
Analysis of the degree of environmental impact during the construction of the tourist and recreational complex Elbrus
Authors: Sasikova Natalya , Khadzhidi Anna , Samartseva Aleksandra , Kravchenko Lyudmila , Belts Aleksey
Published: October 2024

The analysis of the degree of environmental impact as a result of the construction and operation of the projected tourist infrastructure facilities on the territory of the all-season tourist and recreational complex Elbrus consists in the urgent need to control the anthropogenic impact as a result of the active development of the tourism industry in the territory of the National Park Prielbrusye in the areas of recreational use and educational tourism.
Prevention of environmental risks when designing wastewater treatment facilities
Authors: Grafkina Marina , Vitkovsky Denis
Published: October 2024

Economic development leads to increased negative impacts on the environment, including water resources. Domestic wastewater treatment plants are an integral part of the sustainable development of the infrastructure of settlements and cities. Treatment facilities are a multifunctional complex and are engineering and environmental protection structures, the activities of which are aimed at protecting surface water bodies. At the same time, this activity is associated with environmental risks and negative impacts on the environment. It is most effective to predict risks and develop effective engineering measures to prevent them at the design stage of technical systems. The purpose of the work is to identify possible environmental risks during the implementation of the life cycle and to propose the necessary engineering measures to prevent them when developing a wastewater treatment plant project. The article is the first to identify and systematize the main environmental risks at the stages of design, construction, operation and reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities. A classification of environmental risks according to other criteria (frequency, predictability, degree of damage) is presented. Research has been carried out to model possible events at wastewater treatment plants and their connection with negative consequences for the environment. Recommendations have been developed for the prevention of environmental risks, including technological, production and operational, and organizational aspects of environmental protection.
Carbon reduction policies based on the example of South America and Africa
Authors: Sysoeva Alina , Golodov Maksim
Published: October 2024

This article examines the political economy of decarbonization in South American and African countries from 2000 to 2021-2022, which have already reached national zero transition. These countries include Suriname, Panama, and Guyana, Comoros. An analytical approach is used, including a rich interdisciplinary systematic literature review and thematic analysis. For each country, the driving forces and political motivation for achieving zero emissions are explored, including the timing, obstacles and benefits of decarbonization, as well as its impact on equality and equity. The main goal of the study is to expand the database on low—carbon transitions beyond the often studied Western, developed, rich and democratic countries (WEIRD) and provide new empirical data on energy policy strategies in the real world. All countries apply similar approaches related to land use, renewable energy sources and waste management. Common obstacles include vulnerability to extreme climate events such as natural disasters and ecosystem degradation. Despite these challenges, achieving zero emissions has a positive impact on marginalized communities, ensuring a more equitable distribution of climate benefits, mitigating negative health effects and reducing social inequality, especially in low-income areas.
Coastal territories of small rivers in the context of the modern landscape architecture development
Authors: Kotlyarova Ekaterina , Oleynikova Polina , Basistaya Sofia
Published: October 2024

The article presents the first stages of research into the elements of spatial structure of a large city on the example of the coastal territories of small rivers as integral components of the water-green framework of a modern city. The authors proposed a schematization of the relationship between the object and the subject of the study, graphic definition of the place of riverbank territories in the urban environment, as well as the detailing of the functional structure of the city in the context of the relationship with the coastal territories of small rivers in large cities. The scientific approach and the corresponding improved methodology of urban planning and design of small river bank territories that we are developing will allow us to make ecologically effective, economical and socially responsible decisions related to the widespread inclusion of small river bank territories in the economic and economic activity of the settlement and to implement the actual techniques of landscape architecture at the stage of design concepts. At the next stage of the study, we plan to pay attention to environmental, economic, social and functional factors, as well as their interrelated combinations of improving the methods of decision-making regarding the improvement of the coastal territories of small rivers. In the future, our improved methodological approach to urban planning and design of urban (small) riverside territories can be used, among other things, for the subsequent selection of the most effective types of improvements according to the given parameters.
Spatial analysis of environmental pollution in the soil of sports stadiums in Iraqi cities
Authors: Abd Ghanim Sahib , Abd Hayder Atiyah , Jassim Ali Saeed , Abojassim Ali Abid
Published: October 2024

This research covers about 15 sites in sports stadiums located in Iraqi cities to measure the concentration of radon, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, as well as humidity. the results for (Radon, Co2, Voc, and Humidity) in the soil of sports stadiums in Iraqi cities. The data reveals that Radon concentrations ranged from 4.000 Bq/m3 to 13.000 Bq/m3, with an average of 7.86 ±0.77Bq/m3. Similarly, the concentrations of Co2 (ppm) varied from 388.0 ppm to 800.0 ppm, with an average of 610±35.196 ppm. Additionally, the concentrations of Voc (ppb) ranged from 77.00 ppb to 300.0 ppb , with an average of 200.±28.867ppb. The values for Humidity % ranged from 19.17 % to 55.%, with an average of 33. ±3.198 %.. Finally, based on these results, some soil samples taken from sports fields can be considered to be within the acceptable limit.
The impact of climate on the quality of water in Hilla, Iraq
Authors: AL-Faihan Hussein Hatef Hadi , Alwan Kareem Hassan
Published: October 2024

Climate change impacts the quality of water supplies in Hilla City. Studying and analyzing raw water's annual average of nine chemical and physical characteristics before treating it in the unified Hilla Water Project for 2016 and 2023. It was found that there was a change in the annual average of all physical and chemical property values during the past years (Temperature=+2, Ph=-0.28 EC=+425,Alk=+19,T.H+121,Ca=+40,Mg=+5,Cl=+58, So4=+95, TDS=+231, Na=+72), and as a result of this change there was also a change in the treated water (Temperature=+2, Ph=-0.37 EC=+535, Alk= +22, T.H+122, Ca=+40, Mg=+6, Cl=+62, So4=+80, TDS=+238, Na =+72), and due to this change, there was an increase in their average values Annual intake of 4 drugs (EC=1478,T= 505, Ca=128,TDS=918) exceeded the permissible limit according to WHO (1000 mg/L,500 mg/L,75 mg/L,and 500 mg/L ), respectively. This is due to the high values of these elements in the raw water from the Euphrates River.
Simulation of cooling of aboveground water pipeline with heat insulation
Authors: Lapshin Vladimir
Published: October 2024

Aboveground water pipelines are often more preferred in the organization of water supply systems in permafrost and low ambient temperatures conditions. If the water movement in such pipeline stops, there is a risk of cooling and subsequent freezing of the liquid. The purpose of this work is to study the dynamics of the cooling process of an aboveground water pipeline with heat insulation and to calculate the cooling time of water to the freezing temperature. To build a mathematical model of the cooling process, the method of averaging the equations of hydrodynamics and thermal conductivity is used. The model equations do not contain any assumptions about the nature of the water movement in the pipeline during the cooling process. The possibility of using the equations of the model in a quasi-stationary form is justified. The range of task parameter values at which this approximation applies is determined. The possibilities of applying different boundary conditions on the surface of the water pipeline are also considered. In the quasi-stationary approximation, a dependence on the time of the average water temperature in the pipeline was found. An explicit formula is also obtained for calculating the cooling time of water to the freezing temperature. The criteria for the applicability of the obtained formulas have been established. For a wide range of parameters, water cooling time is calculated from the specified initial temperature to the freezing temperature. Ranges of values of parameters at which increase of thickness of heat insulator layer and increase of initial water temperature lead to significant increase of water cooling time in pipeline are determined.
Flocculants as a means of environmental safety in the process of wastewater treatment from cutting fluids
Authors: Pogrebnaya Irina , Mikhailova Svetlana
Published: October 2024

In the modern conditions of steady industrial growth, the problem of wastewater treatment is becoming extremely urgent. For this purpose, special attention is paid to those substances that significantly enhance the processes of separation of impurities and precipitating substances. The article examines the efficiency of flocculants in the treatment of contaminated wastewater with liquid cutting fluids. The authors directly consider the mechanisms of action of flocculants and their influence on the physical and mechanical properties of wastewater, as well as the possibility of returning purified water to the production process. The article also provides an environmental analysis of the advantages of using flocculants, including reducing the toxicity of wastewater and minimizing the negative impact on the environment. The conclusions of the article can become the basis for improving and optimizing technological processes, as well as the introduction of safer and more effective methods of wastewater treatment in the context of modern environmental challenges.
Analysis of components of cutting fluids taking into account the environmental component
Authors: Pogrebnaya Irina , Mikhailova Svetlana
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the study: to analyze the components of cutting fluids and, based on the analysis, offer recommendations for improving the environmental component of this type of product. Scientific hypothesis: analysis of the components of cutting fluids will identify possible harmful substances, and the proposed recommendations for improving coolant compositions will lead to a reduction in harmful effects on the environment and increase the level of safety for humans.
Object decomposition and modeling gas-dynamic characteristics of industrial ventilation systems
Authors: Sokolov Vladimir , Krol Oleg , Salukvadze Georgy , Tsankov Petko
Published: October 2024

The methodology for calculating the gas-dynamic characteristics of industrial ventilation systems based on their object decomposition is proposed. According to the design and technological principles in arbitrary ventilation system, the following typical settlement elements are distinguished: pressure sources or superchargers; sections of air ducts through which the movement of the gaseous medium is carried out; shut-off and regulation devices; technological devices ejecting or extracting the working medium from the system. Based on the analysis of the spatial and technological structure in the ventilation system, structural nodes and closed contourss are also distinguished. Taking into account the accepted mathematical models for the typical settlement elements, the generalized mathematical model is formed for calculating the parameters for the stationary mode of the ventilation system. The use of the proposed generalized mathematical model involves setting the following initial data: layout of elements in the system; geometric characteristics of constructive sections and coefficients of established local resistances; aerodynamic characteristics of shut-off and regulation devices; characteristics of pressure sources; elevation marks and temperature values at the nodal points; physical properties of the working medium; border conditions.