bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development goals and the implications of business responsibility
Authors: Masanpally Meheresh , Bhattacharjee Titas , Butt Talib E.
Published: November 2024

The world faces tremendous socio‐economic and environmental challenges, and to address these, the UN provides a global framework in the form of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which can also be applied to the business sector. India's BRR (Business Responsibility Report) system guides corporate sustainability; however, it lacks a clear alignment with the SDGs. In order to address this knowledge gap, this study creates a mapping system that can better align Indian companies' sustainability practices with the SDGs. The study, employing a hybrid methodology, conducts a sustainability content analysis with Critical Hermeneutic Analysis (CHA) to design and develop the mapping system incorporating SDGs and respective targets and indicators. The mapping system is applied to three Indian companies of different sizes. This demonstrates that the application is possible, although not being considered by the Indian business sector while using BRR. Through this mapping approach applied in the case of India, the study demonstrates the potential for replicability for SDG inclusion in other nations as well. In addition, the findings provide new insights for policymakers and business leaders to improve SDGs' integration in corporate reporting, promoting sustainable practices.
Mortality in older adults with epilepsy: An understudied entity
Authors: Hashmi Syeda Amrah , Gundlapalli Rithvik , Zawar Ifrah
Published: November 2024

Despite the recognition of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and other risks of premature mortality in people with epilepsy (PWE), mortality in older PWE remains an understudied entity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted causes of premature mortality in older adults with epilepsy and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce mortality and enhance the quality of life in this vulnerable population. It underscores the heightened prevalence of epilepsy among older adults and the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their mortality. Further, this paper delves into the nuances of diagnosing SUDEP in older adults and the underestimation of its incidence due to misclassification and lack of standardized protocols. Factors such as frailty, comorbidities, and the bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and conditions such as dementia and stroke further compound the mortality risks. Key factors, including status epilepticus, comorbid conditions (such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular events, and neurodegenerative disorders), and external causes like accidents, falls, and suicide, are discussed. It also examines the implications of anti‐seizure medications, particularly polypharmacy, and their adverse effects on this population. Future directions include implementing enhanced diagnostic protocols, developing treatment plans, and integrating real‐time monitoring technologies to reduce the risk of sudden death and multifaceted premature mortality in this patient population. Increasing awareness among healthcare providers and families about the risks and management of epilepsy in older adults, along with fostering collaborative research efforts, is essential to improve mortality outcomes.

Plain Language Summary

There is a heightened risk of mortality in older people with epilepsy due to many causes unique to their population. Despite the risk, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and early mortality in older adults with epilepsy are underestimated. Unique contributing factors include comorbid conditions like dementia, stroke, and frailty, adverse effects from polypharmacy, and increased risks of cardiovascular complications and external injuries such as falls and suicide. A careful consideration of all these factors can help mitigate the mortality in older adults with epilepsy.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Artificial Cores Saturated With Ice: An Analogical Simulation to Natural Gas Hydrate Bearing Sediments
Authors: Shen Kaixiang , Xie Wenwei , Yu Yanjiang , Wang Yingsheng , Wang Zizhen , Wang Xiaokang , Zhang Wensheng
Published: November 2024

This work takes the natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoir in the Shenhu area at the South China Sea as the target. Using the quartz sand, calcite grains, and illite powder as the main mineral composites, and Portland cement as the bonding material, the host skeleton with similar porosity and mechanical properties to the target reservoir were prepared. Ice was used to simulate natural gas hydrates for their high similarity in mechanical properties and distributions within porous host. The ice saturation in the host skeleton is quantitatively controlled by the quality method. As an analogical simulation, artificial samples with different ice saturations were tested by uniaxial compression measurements and the Brazilian tensile tests, aiming to reveal the mechanical behavior of NGH sediments. The results indicated that the plasticity of the artificial sample increases and its damage form transitions from brittleness to ductility as the ice saturation increases. The effects of free water and ice on the strength of saturated samples are quite different. The free water tends to reduce the strength of the sample due to illite hydration and change of internal friction. The bonding effect of ice tends to increase the strength of the sample, while the ice could also reduce the internal friction. When the ice saturation is larger than 30%, the compressive and tensile strengths of the sample increase with ice saturation, which could be regressed as yc = 2.2628S + 0.8322, and yt = 0.411S + 0.0273, respectively. The constitutive model was developed based on the equivalent medium theory and the D‐P criterion, which could describe the experiment data well with deviations less than 10%.
RAMAN Analysis of Carbonaceous Material and Deduced Peak Metamorphic Temperatures of Metasediments From Western Himalaya, NW Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Nasir , Faisal Shah , Khan Asad , Rehman Hafiz U.
Published: November 2024

Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous materials (RSCM) was applied to 10 carbonaceous material (CM) ‐rich low‐ to medium‐grade metasedimentary rock samples of Western Himalaya, Pakistan to assess their optimum thermal evolution. The RSCM thermometry is based on the degree of graphitisation of CM as a function of peak metamorphic temperature. Petrographic observations of the studied samples revealed two dominant CM morphologies. Type‐I CM, represented by fine‐grained discontinuous dust‐like and scattered to thin sporadic layers, was more prevalent in low‐grade metamorphic samples. Type‐II CM, corresponding to continuous and extended thick fibres and elongated grain constellations, was dominant in medium‐ to high‐grade metamorphic samples. The degree of crystallinity of CM and subsequent metamorphic temperatures were quantified by considering the intensity‐based R1 and the area‐based R2 ratio parameters. Low‐grade samples from the Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS), having Type‐I CM, resulted in RSCM peak temperatures between 306°C and 403°C. Medium‐ to high‐grade samples from Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC), containing Type‐II CM, yielded peak temperatures in the 482°C–560°C range. The extremely deformed sample from a fault zone in the LHS produced relatively higher temperature of 403°C, thereby suggesting heat associated with shearing due to fault activities resulting in CM recrystallisation and elevated temperature values. The study revealed that the peak metamorphic temperatures increase from south towards north following a progressive path of metamorphism in the region.
A Rare Case of Ewing Sarcoma of the Left Ethmoid Sinus With Orbital Extension
Authors: Chen Xiaoxuan , Abraham‐Aggarwal Kiran , Kutler David I.
Published: November 2024

Background

Ewing sarcoma (ES) of the ethmoid sinus with orbital involvement in an adult is very rare, with 16 reported cases in the literature. Immunohistochemical studies show small blue round cells positive for CD99 and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing reveals positivity for the EWSR1 gene.

Methods

A 38‐year‐old male with a diagnosis of ES of the ethmoid sinus presented with left‐sided periorbital pain and edema, rhinorrhea, and proptosis. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection of the left skull base, and postoperative proton radiotherapy.

Results

The patient tolerated chemotherapy, surgical resection, and adjuvant proton radiotherapy well with resolution of proptosis, diplopia, and pain. Due to local recurrence, he is currently undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insight on the clinical presentation and appropriate management of extraosseous ES, specifically in the ethmoid sinus in the adult population.
Special Seepage Paths Among Nested Groundwater Flow Systems Linking Surface Water Bodies
Authors: Han Peng‐Fei , Zhan Hongbin , Wan Li , Wang Xu‐Sheng , Wang Jun‐Zhi , Jiang Xiao‐Wei
Published: November 2024

A surface water body fed by groundwater is normally known as a terminal place of groundwater flow systems originating from precipitation recharge on highlands. The theory of Tóth predicted that these flow systems form a hierarchically nested structure of groundwater circulation in a composite basin. In this study, we will report new flow paths among groundwater flow systems that were unknown in Tóth's theory, identified as special seepage paths linking different surface water bodies. These seepage paths do not start from the groundwater table but can transmit water between lakes or streams that already serve as discharge zones of traditional local flow systems. As indicated in theoretical models and two real‐world cases, special seepage paths are developed if some parametric conditions are satisfied, especially when surface water bodies cut deeply below the water table or are large enough. Different surface water bodies or different river reaches can directly exchange water, chemicals and heat through deep seepage paths even when both surface and subsurface water divides exist between them. Special seepage paths may play a role in the regional scale hyporheic flow or contribute to inter‐basin groundwater flow. The knowledge of special seepage paths could greatly improve our conventional perception of surface water‐groundwater interaction, groundwater age and geochemical and heat transport at the river basin scale.
Estimation and Restoration of Dried Soil Layers in a Slope‐Gully Unit of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Dong Shuang , Fan Xiangguo , Li Tongchuan , Zhang Jingling , Jia Yuhua
Published: November 2024

Dried soil layer (DSL) is a phenomenon of deep soil desiccation caused by soil water content (SWC) deficiency. Relevant studies in the fragmented terrain of Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) remain limited. In a typical slope‐gully unit near the Liudaogou catchment, SWC was measured using neutron probes on 19 occasions at 15 observational locations. In order to reveal the temporal stability and elimination degree of DSLs, available soil moisture (ASM) and DSL were estimated by representative sites which were determined through the temporal stability method, and the reliability of simulating mean condition of the study area via representative locations was assessed. Results show that: (1) the dynamics of DSL was characterised by complexity and diversity. The ASM within the DSL (DSL‐ASM), ASM within the sandwiched DSL (SDSL‐ASM) and quantitative index (QI) varied within the range of 2.75%–3.11%, 2.98%–4.22% and 0.254–0.356, respectively. (2) The possibility of development and recovery for DSL and SDSL in deep layers were less than that in shallow layers. The maximum depth of DSL (DSLMD) was significantly and negatively related to the standard deviation of relative difference (SDRD) of DSL‐ASM, the maximum depth of SDSL (SDSLMD) was negatively related to the SDRD of SDSL‐ASM. (3) The prediction results of ASM above 300 cm depth were more accurate than other layers (R2 = 0.89). The DSL‐ASM had more accurate ability of prediction than SDSL‐ASM and QI. On the analysis of time stability characteristics of ASM and DSLs, the locations of A2 and C3 can better represent the mean conditions of ASM at three and four soil layers, respectively. C2, A1 and A1 can better represent the average levels of DSL‐ASM, SDSL‐ASM and QI, respectively (R2 = 0.43, 0.14 and 0.18). (4) The restoration degrees of DSLs mainly showed no elimination and slight elimination, the DSLs cannot be completely eliminated within a short time. We proposed that scientific regulation of SWC can alleviate the formation and development of DSLs at a certain extent, and provide the possibility for DSLs nonoccurrence.
Hydrology on Solid Grounds? Integration Is Key to Closing Knowledge Gaps Concerning Landscape Subsurface Water Storage Dynamics
Authors: Oswald Sascha E. , Angermann Lisa , Bogena Heye R. , Förster Michael , García‐García Almudena , Lischeid Gunnar , Paton Eva N. , Altdorff Daniel , Attinger Sabine , Güntner Andreas , Hartmann Andreas , Hendricks Franssen Harrie‐Jan , Hildebrandt Anke , Kleinschmit Birgit , Orth Rene , Peng Jian , Ryo Masahiro , Schrön Martin , Wagner Wolfgang , Wagener Thorsten
Published: November 2024

Individual approaches to observe water dynamics across our landscape, from the land surface to groundwater, are many though they individually only provide glimpses into the real world due to their specific space–time scales. Comprehensive integration across all available observations is still largely lacking, limiting both our ability to reduce scientific knowledge gaps, and to guide land and water management using the best available scientific evidence. We argue that a stronger focus on integration of observational products, while utilising machine learning and accounting for current perceptual understanding is urgently needed to overcome this limitation. Since Europe is warming faster than any other continent, central Europe is undergoing a dramatic hydroclimatic transition about which such integrated observations would provide timely and valuable insights. Here, we present potential and gaps of current and planned observational methods. We argue that hyperresolution (sub km) integrated estimates of landscape water dynamics are feasible, which could significantly improve our ability to simulate vadose zone and groundwater dynamics, ultimately closing gaps in our current perception of hydrological processes in a temperate region under strong influence from climate change. We close by arguing that an interdisciplinary effort of various scientific communities is needed to enable this advancement.
Concentration‐Discharge Relationships Revisited: Overused But Underutilised?
Authors: Knapp Julia L. A. , Musolff Andreas
Published: November 2024

Over the past 50 years, concentration‐discharge (cQ) relationships have been widely used to analyse water quality dynamics. Nowadays improved availability of concentration (c) and discharge (Q) data at different spatial and temporal scales have led to a high popularity of cQ applications. However, despite their widespread use, we see persistent challenges in the integration of cQ relationships across temporal scales, and in the identification of the encoded processes. In this commentary, we show that different catchment processes may lead to similar cQ responses resulting in a lack of clear causality. We emphasise that cQ relationships applied at different time scales integrate different parts of the catchment and may, therefore, convey different information. Finally, we advocate for the careful use of cQ relationship as one, but not the only, tool in addressing ecohydrological questions.
Assimilation of Satellite Albedo to Improve Simulations of Glacier Hydrology
Authors: Bertoncini André , Pomeroy John W.
Published: November 2024

Wildfires and heatwaves have recently affected the hydrological system in unprecedented ways due to climate change. In cold regions, these extremes cause rapid reductions in snow and ice albedo due to soot deposition and unseasonal melt. Snow and ice albedo dynamics control net shortwave radiation and the available energy for melt and runoff generation. Many albedo algorithms in hydrological models cannot accurately simulate albedo dynamics because they were developed or parameterised based on historical observations. Remotely sensed albedo data assimilation (DA) can potentially improve model performance by updating modelled albedo with observations. This study seeks to diagnose the effects of remotely sensed snow and ice albedo DA on the prediction of streamflow from glacierized basins during wildfires and heatwaves. Sentinel‐2 20‐m albedo estimates were assimilated into a glacio‐hydrological model created using the Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling Platform (CRHM) in two Canadian Rockies glacierized basins, Athabasca Glacier Research Basin (AGRB) and Peyto Glacier Research Basin (PGRB). The study was conducted in 2018 (wildfires), 2019 (soot/algae), 2020 (normal) and 2021 (heatwaves). DA was employed to assimilate albedo into CRHM to simulate streamflow and was compared to a control run (CTRL) using off‐the‐shelf albedo parameters. Albedo DA benefited streamflow predictions during wildfires for both basins, with a KGE coefficient improvement of 0.18 and 0.20 in AGRB and PGRB, respectively. Four‐year DA streamflow predictions were superior to CTRL in PGRB, but DA was slightly better in AGRB. DA was not beneficial to streamflow predictions during heatwaves. DA improved streamflow predictions by decreasing positive bias, showing that albedo DA can reveal unknown albedo and snowpack dynamics in remote glacier zones that are poorly simulated in models. These findings corroborate the power of observational tools to incorporate near real‐time information into hydrological models to better inform water managers of the streamflow response to wildfires and heatwaves.
Wildfire Impacts for Temperature Index Snowpack Model Parameters
Authors: Giovando Jeremy , Niemann Jeffrey D. , Fassnacht Steven R.
Published: November 2024

Streamflow derived from snowmelt is a key source of water for communities and agricultural producers in the western U.S. As wildfires become larger and more frequent in the West (due in part to climate change), it is increasingly important to understand their potential impacts on snowpack. Temperature‐index models remain widely used to simulate snowpack in post‐wildfire assessments due to their low data requirements. However, there is limited information on how the key parameters of such models change due to wildfires. The objectives of this study are to (1) quantify the observed changes in the melt‐rate function and the rain‐snow temperature threshold due to wildfires and (2) develop methods to adjust the melt‐rate function and rain‐snow temperature threshold (or Px Temperature) to simulate the potential impacts of wildfires on snowpack. To accomplish these goals, snow water equivalent data from 42 SNOTEL sites that have been impacted by wildfire are used to estimate the changes in the melt‐rate functions and Px Temperatures between the pre‐and post‐wildfire periods. Then, general linear models (GLMs) are developed to estimate the changes in the model parameters based on readily available topographic, climatic, and land cover information. The results indicate that late season melt‐rates typically increase after a wildfire for sites in northern and central ecoregions of the western U.S. Px Temperature also changes for many sites, but the direction and magnitude of change is highly variable between sites. Nearly all the GLMs can estimate the observed parameter changes better than simply using the average observed changes. However, substantial variation in the parameter values is not explained by the GLMs.
Specification Choices in Quantile Regression for Empirical Macroeconomics
Authors: Carriero Andrea , Clark Todd E. , Marcellino Massimiliano
Published: November 2024

Quantile regression has become widely used in empirical macroeconomics, in particular for estimating and forecasting tail risks. This paper examines various choices in the specification of quantile regressions for macro applications, including how and to what extent to include shrinkage and whether to apply shrinkage in a classical or Bayesian framework. We focus on forecasting accuracy, measured with quantile scores and quantile‐weighted continuous ranked probability scores at a range of quantiles from the left to right tail. Across applications, we find that shrinkage is generally helpful to quantile forecast accuracy, with Bayesian quantile regression dominating frequentist quantile regression.

JEL Classification: C53, E17, E37, F47
Isolated thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: A monocentric retrospective study of 63 pregnancies in 59 women
Authors: Freddi Giulia , Parimbelli Enea , Vai Federico , Quaglini Silvana , Bozzi Valeria , Barozzi Serena , Beneventi Fausta , De Maggio Irene , Cavagnoli Chiara , Di Sabatino Antonio , Noris Patrizia , Melazzini Federica
Published: November 2024

Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is often thought to be associated with severe bleeding manifestations. Three are the main disorders associated with this condition: gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and inherited thrombocytopenias (ITs). Reaching the correct diagnosis of this condition has relevant therapeutic and outcome implications. We performed a retrospective, observational, monocentric study enrolling 59 consecutive women with isolated thrombocytopenia, attended to our referral center in the last 3 years. Together with personal and family history, platelet (PLT) count trend and mean platelet volume (MPV) in pregnancy are helpful for the diagnosis, with the highest PLT count in GT and lowest in ITs, with different timing of count decrease. MPV is significantly increased in both ITs and ITP. Misdiagnosis with ITP was responsible for unnecessary and unsuccessful therapy in some GT or ITs pregnant women, determining relevant side effects. Excluding inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs), the bleeding risk for mother with thrombocytopenia and their newborns is similar to the general population. Vaginal delivery is associated with a lower risk of bleeding than cesarean section and therefore is preferable whenever obstetrical–gynecological conditions permit.
Unveiling the nature of peer development groups: A systematic review, conceptual framework, and research pathways
Authors: Terekhin Roman , Aurora S. R.
Published: November 2024

This research provides a systematic review of the literature on peer development groups (PDGs), a promising yet underexplored tool for individual and leadership development. Despite the growing interest in PDGs from both scholars and practitioners, the field remains fragmented, with inconsistent terminologies and limited theoretical grounding. This review seeks to clarify the core components, boundary conditions, inputs, processes, and outcomes of effective PDGs in professional settings, addressing the confusion and gaps in existing research. By adopting an adjudication approach, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence regarding the defining characteristics of PDGs and their impacts on individual development. We propose a new, scholarly definition of PDGs as organized small groups consisting of members of perceived similar status and roles who regularly meet to foster mutual growth by providing a supportive environment and a flexible agenda. We develop a conceptual framework that links key variables influencing PDG effectiveness and offers actionable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Our findings highlight opportunities for future research and suggest practical implications for implementing PDGs in organizational settings, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and theoretically informed understanding of this valuable developmental practice.
Carry‐Over Effect of Leguminous Winter Cover Crops and Living Mulches on Winter Wheat as a Second Main Crop Following White Cabbage
Authors: Stein Sophie , Zikeli Sabine , Möller Kurt
Published: November 2024

Background

The direct effect of winter cover crops (WCCs) or living mulches (LMs) on a first vegetable crop has already been investigated. However, little is known about the effect on growth and yield of a second cash crop in the rotation.

Aims

The aim of the study was to assess the carry‐over effect of legumes grown as WCC or LM on winter wheat as a second crop after cabbage, measured in yield and nitrogen release.

Methods

Two field trials were carried out in Germany between 2019 and 2022. In the WCC trial, rye, rye with vetch, vetch, pea, and faba bean were used as WCC and compared to bare soil. The WCC biomass was incorporated before cabbage planting in late spring. For the LM trial, perennial ryegrass or white clover was used as LM during cabbage cultivation and compared to bare soil. The LM biomass was incorporated with the cabbage residues and compared to an early incorporation of LM biomass before cabbage planting. In both trials, winter wheat was sown in the fall as the second following main crop in the rotation.

Results

Leguminous WCC species had significant higher wheat yield compared to non‐legumes but not compared to the control without WCC. Late incorporation of LM biomass resulted in increased wheat yield at 10.1–10.4 Mg ha−1 compared to an early incorporation before cabbage planting at 9.35 Mg ha−1. Net N releases show that for WCC, the main effect of legume nitrogen fixation is achieved in the first crop cabbage immediately after incorporation of WCC biomass. In the case of leguminous LM, the effects of legume nitrogen fixation are of much higher relevance in the second main crop, winter wheat, due to LM biomass incorporation after cabbage cultivation.

Conclusion

Therefore, we suggest to consider not only the direct but also the carry‐over effects of leguminous cover cropping in vegetable crop rotations.
Pharmacological management of pediatric metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Abou Jaoudeh Rasha Abi Radi , Hartmann Phillipp , Olson Ole , Gupta Olga , Kumar Seema , Ibrahim Samar H. , Fawaz Rima , Aqul Amal , Hassan Sara
Published: November 2024

Pediatric obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age, affects a substantial number of children and adolescents worldwide. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, represents a prominent hepatic manifestation of obesity and metabolic syndrome, emerging as the most prevalent hepatic disorder among pediatric patients and a significant contributor to liver transplantation in adults. The escalating prevalence of pediatric MASLD mirrors the alarming rise in childhood obesity rates over recent decades. While lifestyle modifications focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity constitute the cornerstone of MASLD management, achieving and maintaining significant weight reduction remains challenging. Moreover, disease progression often persists despite standard‐of‐care interventions, warranting exploration into alternative therapeutic strategies. Pharmacological interventions, particularly, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA), have shown promise in addressing pediatric obesity and its associated comorbidities, including MASLD. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of GLP‐1RA in inducing weight loss and improving liver enzyme levels, suggesting a potential role in halting disease progression, and reducing the risk of major adverse liver outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current pharmacotherapy landscape for pediatric MASLD, with a focus on novel agents such as GLP‐1RA. Furthermore, the manuscript proposes a practical algorithm to assist in integrating GLP‐1RA into the clinical management of pediatric patients with obesity and MASLD. Despite promising results, further research is warranted to elucidate the long‐term efficacy and safety of GLP‐1RA in pediatric populations.
Giants beasts updated: A review of new knowledge about the South American megafauna
Authors: Fariña Richard A. , Vizcaíno Sergio F.
Published: November 2024

Since the publication of Megafauna: Giant Beasts of Pleistocene South America by Fariña et al. in 2013, much has been published on this fascinating subject. Here, we sum up those contributions according to their aim: taxonomic, geographical and phylogenetic novelty, new approaches to the natural history of those species, and extinction and its aftermath. The traditional centres of interest since the 19th century, especially the Río de la Plata region, have now been complemented as a source of information by many other regions in South America, and the remains are now being studied by biogeochemistry and molecular biology, as well as with finite element analysis and constantly refined statistics. Finally, scholars and the public are becoming more interested in the demise of the megamammals as the starting point of the current process of biodiversity loss.
Priming with multiwalled carbon nanotubes improved biomass accumulation, biological activity and metabolism of four horticultural plants during the sprouting stage
Authors: Khaled Yasmen , AbdElgawad Hamada , Hegab Momtaz M , Okla Mohammad K , AlGarawi Amal Mohamed , Tawfik Wael Z , Sayed Mona
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

It is imperative to enhance the quality of sprouts since they are a rich source of various primary and secondary metabolites. The objective of this work was to examine how multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) priming at various concentrations affected the nutritional qualities of four horticultural plants (T. foenum‐graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum and A. graveolens) and their sprouting processes.

RESULTS

Among the four applied concentrations (10–60 mgL−1), MWCNTs at 10 and 40 mg L⁻¹ induced the highest biomass accumulation in L. grandiflorum and T. foenum‐graecum, respectively, while 60 mg L⁻¹ was most effective for L. sativum and A. graveolent. MWCNTs induced growth by enhancing photosynthesis, as shown by increased chlorophyll content and rubisco activity, which rose by 27%, 17%, 23% and 12% in T. foenum‐graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum, and A. graveolens, respectively. Enhanced photosynthesis by MWCNTs improved sugar metabolism as indicated by increased activity of sugar metabolic enzymes such as amylase, starch synthase and invertase. This also supplied the carbon necessary for the production of primary (amino acids, fatty acids and organic acids) and secondary (flavonoids and polyphenols) metabolites. There was consistently higher activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase). Interestingly, species‐specific reactions to MWCNT priming were observed, where L. sativum sprouts showed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by A. graveolens.

CONCLUSION

MWCNT priming improves sprout growth and nutritional quality by boosting metabolic processes and antioxidant activity, presenting a promising approach for sustainable agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of transglutaminase cross‐linking on the structure and emulsification performance of heated black bean protein isolate
Authors: San Yue , Xing Yuejiao , Li Bailiang , Zheng Li
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Transglutaminase (TGase) is a heat‐resistant biocatalyst with strong catalytic activity, which functions effectively under moderate temperature and pH conditions, and is used widely in protein cross‐linking and recombination. Transglutaminase cross‐linking is a novel and specific modification method for black bean protein isolate (BBPI). This article investigates the effect of transglutaminase cross‐linking on the structure and emulsification performance of heated BBPI.

RESULTS

Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis showed that heated BBPI with TGase had a higher molecular weight than heated BBPI without TGase, and the protein bands widened with increasing enzyme activity, indicating that TGase cross‐linking promoted protein molecule aggregation. A high molecular weight polymer can better stabilize the oil–water interface, preventing the emulsion from layering. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the α‐helix content decreased from 15.64% to 13.75%, and the β‐sheet content increased from 48.13% to 54.08%. The decrease in α‐helix content and increase in β‐sheet content could make the structure more stable and improve the emulsifying properties of heated BBPI. When TGase was 20 U g−1, the protein emulsification activity index (EAI) reached its highest value of 1.87 m2 g−1, and the emulsification stability index (ESI) value was 0.27 min (P < 0.05); these figures were 0.19 m2 g−1, and 0.07 min higher, respectively, than in the sample without added TGase.

CONCLUSION

In summary, transglutaminase cross‐linking has a positive effect on the structure and emulsification performance of heated BBPI and can be used as an effective method for BBPI modification. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid Raman spectroscopy analysis assisted with machine learning: a case study on Radix Bupleuri
Authors: Guo Fangjie , Yang Xudong , Zhang Zhengyong , Liu Shuren , Zhang Yinsheng , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Radix Bupleuri has been widely used for its plentiful pharmacological effects. But it is hard to evaluate their safety and efficacy because the concentrations of components are tightly affected by the surrounding environment. Thus, Radix Bupleuri samples from different regions and varieties were collected. Based on the experimental and computational Raman spectrum, machine learning is emphasized for certain obscured characteristics; for example, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM).

RESULTS

After dimension reduction by LDA, models of SVM, XGBoost and LightGBM were trained for classification and regression prediction of Bupleurum production regions. Support vector classifiers achieved the best accuracy of 98% and an F1 score above 0.96 on the test set. Support vector regression has a good fitting performance with an R2 score above 0.90 and a relatively low mean square error. However, complex models were prone to overfitting, resulting in poor generalization ability.

CONCLUSION

Among these machine learning models, the typical LDA‐SVM models, consistent with the high‐performance liquid chromatography results, demonstrate great performance and stability. We envision that this rapid classification and regression technique can be extended to predictions for other herbs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrophoretic video display based on image semantic segmentation
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Shi‐Xiao , Chen Jian‐Wen , Wang Zi‐Yang , Bo Xiao , Gao Rui‐Si , Bai Peng‐Fei , Zhou Guo‐Fu
Published: November 2024

Electrophoretic displays (EPDs) are popular in consumer electronics, like e‐readers and tags, for their paper‐like visuals and minimal power consumption. However, EPDs struggle to rapidly switch to target grayscales due to the inherent limitations in the response speed of their display particles. Video halftoning technology achieves a smoother video grayscale display, but it also inevitably reduces the image quality and affects the viewing experience. Therefore, this paper proposes an EPD driving method based on image semantic segmentation. The method could distinguish the dynamic region and the static region accurately. For static areas, high‐definition driving waveforms were used to ensure the image display accuracy. For the dynamic area, dynamic target and dynamic text were processed by different algorithms, respectively, and the speed‐driving waveforms were used to maintain the fluency and clarity of the video display. With the method we proposed, the display quality for EPD in complex video playback was optimized significantly. Compared to DBS refresh techniques, the SSIM had increased from 4% to 82% and the PSNR had increased from 2.56 dB to 10.89 dB with our method, significantly enhancing the video playback performance of EPDs.
Barriers to Cancer Care in the LGBTQ+ Community
Authors: Beaton Shebiki , McKenzie‐Johnson Tamra
Published: November 2024

Individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) make up a medically underserved population, that experience disparities in cancer care. Specific cancer incidence and mortality in this population is understudied, as national cancer registries and cancer surveys have limited data about sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQIA community face disparate cancer outcomes in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment due to barriers that limit access to cancer care. To better understand these concerns, we will take a deep dive into the three primary barriers that prevent access to cancer care: personal, provider and systems barriers.
Overview of Therapeutic Ultrasound Applications and Safety Considerations: 2024 Update
Authors: Bader Kenneth B. , Padilla Frederic , Haworth Kevin J. , Ellens Nicholas , Dalecki Diane , Miller Douglas L. , Wear Keith A. ,   Bioeffects Committee of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Published: November 2024

A 2012 review of therapeutic ultrasound was published to educate researchers and physicians on potential applications and concerns for unintended bioeffects (doi: 10.7863/jum.2012.31.4.623). This review serves as an update to the parent article, highlighting advances in therapeutic ultrasound over the past 12 years. In addition to general mechanisms for bioeffects produced by therapeutic ultrasound, current applications, and the pre‐clinical and clinical stages are outlined. An overview is provided for image guidance methods to monitor and assess treatment progress. Finally, other topics relevant for the translation of therapeutic ultrasound are discussed, including computational modeling, tissue‐mimicking phantoms, and quality assurance protocols.
AI and language change: The case of the hallucinating spellchecker
Authors: Abbott Keith
Published: November 2024

Key points

The formal written register of the English language is subject to change from AI enhanced spellchecking, grammar and style tools.

The proprietary AI algorithms are poorly understood and under‐researched.

There is potential for cultural biases, unclear memorisation predictors and variability in reproducibility leading to poorly written and grammatically incorrect English.

There is room for further study, most likely in an interdisciplinary setting involving linguists and computer scientists, with an attempt to reverse engineer the AI algorithms.
Polarization Volume Hologram for On‐Chip Wavefront Engineering
Authors: Ye Xianglin , Jiang Xiangyu , Zhou Yingjie , Tang Dongliang , Fan Fan , Wen Shuangchun
Published: November 2024

Liquid crystal (LC) planar optics have advanced wavefront engineering toward ultrathin designs, capturing widespread attention. However, most wavefront control in LC planar optics remains constrained to freespace due to limitations in the precision of freely controllable units. Here, LC on‐chip wavefront engineering is proposed and confirmed. By controlling the initial azimuth angle of the polarization grating, the initial phase can be engineered, as theoretically predicted by rigorous coupled‐wave analysis. Experimentally, the initial azimuth angle of a polarization volume hologram grating, used as a waveguide coupler, is ingeniously modulated using a holographic template. Consequently, several on‐chip optical elements, including lenses, vortex beam generators, and holograms, are demonstrated. Furthermore, exit pupil expansion and multiexposure technologies are adopted to enhance off‐chip functionality and enable multifunctional, highly integrated LC on‐chip photonic systems. The proposed LC on‐chip wavefront engineering may find applications in freeform optics, near‐eye displays, LIDAR, and integrated photonic systems.
Impact of Fractional Ablative Laser Therapy on Function, Symptoms, and Quality of Life in the Management of Traumatic Scars: A Review
Authors: Pham Vy X. , Pousti Bobak T. , Gauglitz Gerd , Shumaker Peter R.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

A substantial and expanding body of literature addresses the safety and efficacy of fractional ablative laser therapy for traumatic scarring resulting from burns and other trauma. However, available scar research commonly employs standardized assessment scales that generally do not directly address the impact on function and overall quality of life. Unlike past reviews, this manuscript will explore available evidence with a focus explicitly on function and quality of life (QoL) outcomes and de‐emphasize surrogate outcome measures that rely primarily on visual characteristics.

Methods

Through literature review conducted up to January 2024, the authors examined relevant studies focusing on function and quality of life outcomes in traumatic and burn scar management with fractional ablative laser therapy. PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were utilized as primary databases. Reference lists were secondarily reviewed to supplement the literature review process. Studies that did not highlight functional or QoL endpoints or were not in the English language were excluded.

Results

The reviewed studies demonstrated that fractional ablative therapy led to consistent significant and meaningful improvements in functional outcomes, relief from pruritus and pain, and overall enhancements in quality of life for patients with traumatic scarring. Adverse events associated with fractional ablative therapy were infrequent and generally of mild severity, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Conclusions

The findings from this literature review document ample existing evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of fractional ablative therapy to enhance function, mobility, reduce pruritus and pain, and improve overall QoL. Fractional ablative laser therapy should be integrated more widely into standard management protocols. Given the previous reliance on standardized scar assessment tools that heavily integrate visual characteristics, future studies should prioritize functional and QoL outcomes to further advance scar management protocols and optimize patient care.
Enhanced Mechanical and Multifunctional Properties of GNPs/CNTs Hybridized PLA Nanocomposites by Implementing Dual‐Processing of Pickering Emulsion‐Melt Blending Methods
Authors: Wu Bozhen , Wu Yidong , Zhang Maolin , Guo Hongxin , Liu Tong , Lin Guangyi , Kuang Tairong
Published: November 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) composites with multifunctional properties and minimal filler content are increasingly in demand across various industries. However, achieving a balance between high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding remains challenging. In this study, a dual‐processing strategy combining Pickering emulsion templating and melt blending is presented to hybridize 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a PLA matrix. This approach successfully forms a stable dual‐filler network, ensuring uniform dispersion of the fillers. The results show that this method significantly enhances the performance of the resulting PM‐PGxCy composites (P: Pickering emulsion; M: melt blending; x and y: mass fractions of GNPs and CNTs, respectively). Specifically, the PM‐PG1.43C1.43 composite exhibits remarkable improvements in mechanical strength (56.2 MPa), electrical conductivity (43.5 S m−1), EMI shielding effectiveness (20.1 dB), and thermal conductivity (0.34 W m·K−1), outperforming composites prepared using either method alone. These findings indicate that the dual‐processing strategy effectively combines 1D and 2D fillers, facilitating superior interfacial interactions and enhancing the multifunctional properties of PLA‐based composites. This study offers a new approach to achieving high‐performance PLA composites with low filler content, offering significant potential for applications in electronics, packaging, and EMI shielding technologies.
Aversion to Human Intervention: Why Food in Complex Packaging Design Is Perceived as Less Healthy
Authors: He Yun , Li Xiao , Chen Zengxiang
Published: November 2024

Packaging plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ food choices. This research introduces the “visual complexity‐intervention inference effect” through five primary studies and two supplemental studies spanning diverse food categories. We demonstrate that complex packaging designs, characterized by more decorative elements, signal increased human intervention, which diminishes the perceived healthiness of the packaged food. This perception subsequently leads to decreased consumption, particularly among consumers with heightened health consciousness. The study advances the research on food packaging and design aesthetics, offering insights and recommendations for leveraging packaging design complexity to promote healthier food choices.
Assessment of multiaxially loaded safety components with uniaxial stress state in fatigue critical sites caused by design
Authors: Sonsino C. M. , Bauer N. M. , Baumgartner J.
Published: November 2024

The focus of this study, using results obtained with hollow specimens of the alloy Al 2024 T3 (AlCuMg2 T3) with a one‐sided bore, was to determine if, under multiaxial loading, the fatigue strength in a notch with a uniaxial stress state can simply be assessed without the application of any multiaxial strength hypothesis. In the fatigue critical location, the bore edge, only a superimposition of normal stress components, resulting from axial loading or/and torsion, occurs. In the case of out‐of‐phase loading, the resulting local uniaxial stress is even lower than the stress under in‐phase loading and leads to an increase of fatigue life to crack initiation under the non‐proportional loading, which is not observed in the case of multiaxial stressing/straining of the material itself. As the local stress state in the crack initiation site is uniaxial, the application of a multiaxial strength hypothesis, for the failure criterion of crack initiation (l=0.2 mm), is not necessary. Furthermore, the benefit of non‐homogenous stress distributions, which allow locally higher stresses than the levels given by the Woehler‐line for unnotched specimens, was underlined by considering highly‐stressed, material‐volume‐related support factors.
Cross‐Ownership, Green Managerial Delegation, and Emission Taxation
Authors: Lian Xubei , Wang Leonard F. S. , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes the effects of cross‐ownership on green managerial delegation contracts in a Cournot duopoly market with emission tax policy. We show that higher cross‐ownership will always exacerbate environmental degradation and diminish societal welfare, even with green managerial delegation. Compared with sales delegation, green managerial delegation under such ownership always yields higher environmental damage and lower social welfare. Compared to concurrent regulation, noncommitted emission taxation always leads to lower environmental damage and higher social welfare, although green managerial delegation will not be chosen in the latter. Our findings have important policy implications.
How Do Firms' Innovation Failures Affect the Quality of Subsequent Innovations? The Contingency Role of Knowledge Breadth and Depth
Authors: Chen Guocai , Xiao Jing , Liang Tongying
Published: November 2024

Drawing on organizational learning theory and knowledge‐based view, this study investigates the relationship between firms' innovation failures and the quality of subsequent innovations. We find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between innovation failures and the quality of subsequent innovations. We theoretically decompose the curvilinear effects of innovation failures on the quality of subsequent innovations into two underlying counteracting forces: the positive impact of learning from innovation failures (LFIF) and the negative impact of survival pressures. Furthermore, firms' knowledge breadth and depth flatten the inverted U‐shaped curve. Our findings reveal the risks and benefits of LFIF.