bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasinormal modes of C-metric from SCFTs
Authors: Lei Yang , Shu Hongfei , Zhang Kilar , Zhu Rui-Dong
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study the quasinormal modes (QNM) of the charged C-metric, which physically stands for a charged accelerating black hole, with the help of Nekrasov’s partition function of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs). The QNM in the charged C-metric are classified into three types: the photon-surface modes, the accelerating modes and the near-extremal modes, and it is curious how the single quantization condition proposed in [1] can reproduce all the different families. We show that the connection formula encoded in terms of Nekrasov’s partition function captures all these families of QNM numerically and recovers the asymptotic behavior of the accelerating and the near-extremal modes analytically. Using the connection formulae of different 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs, one can solve both the radial and the angular parts of the scalar perturbation equation respectively. The same algorithm can be applied to the de Sitter (dS) black holes to calculate both the dS modes and the photon-sphere modes.
The complete Kaluza-Klein spectra of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 0 M-theory on AdS4 × (squashed S7)
Authors: Karlsson Joel , Nilsson Bengt E. W.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The squashed seven-sphere operator spectrum is completed by deriving the spectrum of the spin-3/2 operator. The implications of the results for the AdS4$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supermultiplets obtained from compactification of eleven-dimensional supergravity are analysed. The weak G2 holonomy plays an important role when solving the eigenvalue equations on the squashed sphere. Here, a novel and more universal algebraic approach to the whole eigenvalue problem on coset manifolds is provided. Having obtained full control of all the operator spectra, we can finally determine the irreps D(E0, s) for all supermultiplets in the left-squashed vacuum. This includes an analysis of possible boundary conditions. By performing an orientation flip on the seven-sphere, we also obtain the full spectrum for the non-supersymmetric right-squashed compactification which is of interest in the swampland context and in particular for the AdS swampland conjecture. Here, a number of boundary condition ambiguities arise making the analysis of dual marginal operators somewhat involved. This work is a direct continuation of [1] and [2].
JT gravity in de Sitter space and the problem of time
Authors: Nanda Kanhu Kishore , Sake Sunil Kumar , Trivedi Sandip P.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We discuss the canonical quantisation of JT gravity in de Sitter space, following earlier work by Henneaux, with particular attention to the problem of time. Choosing the dilaton as the physical clock, we define a norm and operator expectation values for states and explore the classical limit. We find that requiring a conserved and finite norm and well-defined expectation values for operators imposes significant restrictions on states, as does the requirement of a classical limit. However, these requirements can all be met, with the dilaton providing a satisfactory physical clock. We construct several examples and analyse them in detail. We find that in fact an infinite number of states exist which meet the various conditions mentioned above.
Matter correlators through a wormhole in double-scaled SYK
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We compute the two-point function of matter operators in the double-scaled SYK (DSSYK) model, where the two matter operators are inserted at each end of the cylindrical wormhole. We find that the wormhole amplitude in DSSYK is written as a trace over the chord Hilbert space. We also show that the length of the wormhole is stabilized in the semi-classical limit, by the same mechanism worked for the JT gravity case.
Extraction, purification, and investigation of the antibacterial potential of lysozyme isolated from the latex of Calotropis procera
Authors: Muthu Sakthivel , Gopal Venkateshbabu , AL-Younis Zena Kadhim , Altemimi Ammar B. , Perumal Palani , Lakshmikanthan Mythileeswari , Krishnan Kathiravan , Najm Mazin A. A. , Giuffrè Angelo Maria , Govindan Lakshmanan
Published: February 2024

Calotropis procera produces a latex used in traditional medicine because of its components which are found to be biologically active. The latex of C. procera has many benefits such as pain reduction, antimicrobial attitude and other precious attributes. Latex lysozyme (LL) is a particular protein contained in C. procera plant having a promising antibacterial property. The process applied for extraction implicated ammonium sulfate precipitation, water extraction, ion exchange and gel filtration column chromatography evidencing 14.4 kDa for LL as a molecular mass. LL after purification showed 397.18 U mg−1 as specific activity (10.30 purification fold), and with 37.9% as a yield. In addition, the chemical and physical analyses showed that LL had its best realization when the pH was 5.5 at 50 °C. Moreover when metal ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ were incorporated the relative activity of the enzyme resulted ampliflied. When a purification was conducted with CM-Cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, LL revealed an antibacterial property versus both Escherichia coli (MICs 14 µg ml−1) and Bacillus cereus (MICs 13 µg ml−1). HR-TEM analysis displayed an antimicrobial potential of LL after its purification; that analysis showed the deterioration of the cell wall (external membrane of the cell) of both E. coli and B. cereus. Therefore, the LL obtained from C. procera maintains ability as an antibacterial enzyme applicable in various domains such as biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

Graphical abstract
The microbial biosynthesis of noncanonical terpenoids
Authors: Ma Mengyu , Li Mingkai , Wu Zhenke , Liang Xiqin , Zheng Qiusheng , Li Defang , Wang Guoli , An Tianyue
Published: February 2024

Terpenoids are a class of structurally complex, naturally occurring compounds found predominantly in plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolites. Classical terpenoids typically have carbon atoms in multiples of five and follow well-defined carbon skeletons, whereas noncanonical terpenoids deviate from these patterns. These noncanonical terpenoids often result from the methyltransferase-catalyzed methylation modification of substrate units, leading to irregular carbon skeletons. In this comprehensive review, various activities and applications of these noncanonical terpenes have been summarized. Importantly, the review delves into the biosynthetic pathways of noncanonical terpenes, including those with C6, C7, C11, C12, and C16 carbon skeletons, in bacteria and fungi host. It also covers noncanonical triterpenes synthesized from non-squalene substrates and nortriterpenes in Ganoderma lucidum, providing detailed examples to elucidate the intricate biosynthetic processes involved. Finally, the review outlines the potential future applications of noncanonical terpenoids. In conclusion, the insights gathered from this review provide a reference for understanding the biosynthesis of these noncanonical terpenes and pave the way for the discovery of additional unique and novel noncanonical terpenes.

Key points

•The activities and applications of noncanonical terpenoids are introduced.

•The noncanonical terpenoids with irregular carbon skeletons are presented.

•The microbial biosynthesis of noncanonical terpenoids is summarized.
ESR Essentials: diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma—practice recommendations by ESGAR
Authors: Cannella Roberto , Zins Marc , Brancatelli Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy and a leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Current guidelines for the noninvasive diagnosis of HCC are provided by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) which endorsed the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) algorithm, the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC), and the Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL). These allow the diagnosis of HCC in high-risk patients in the presence of typical imaging features on contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Size, non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, non-peripheral washout, enhancing capsule, and growth are major imaging features and they should be combined for the diagnosis of HCC. This article provides concise and relevant practice recommendations aimed at general radiologist audience, summarizing the best practice and informing on the essential imaging criteria for the diagnosis of HCC, while also discussing the high-risk population criteria, imaging modalities, and imaging features according to the current guidelines.

Key Points

• Noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be provided only in patients at high risk.

• Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI are the first-line imaging exams for the diagnosis of HCC.

• Major imaging features should be combined to provide the diagnosis of definitive HCC.
Two-week step-reduction has limited negative effects on physical function and metabolic health in older adults
Authors: Walker Simon , Sahinaho Ulla-Maria , Vekki Sakari , Sulonen Mari , Laukkanen Jari A. , Sipilä Sarianna , Peltonen Heikki , Laakkonen Eija , Lehti Maarit
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study determined the effects of a 2-week step-reduction period followed by 4-week exercise rehabilitation on physical function, body composition, and metabolic health in 70–80-year-olds asymptomatic for injury/illness.

Methods

A parallel-group randomized controlled trial (ENDURE-study, NCT04997447) was used, where 66 older adults (79% female) were randomized to either intervention or control group. The intervention group reduced daily steps to < 2000, monitored by accelerometer, for two weeks (Period I) and then step-reduction requirement was removed with an additional exercise rehabilitation 4 times per week for 4 weeks (Period II). The control group continued their habitual physical activity throughout with no additional exercise intervention. Laboratory tests were performed at baseline, after Period I and Period II. The primary outcome measure was leg lean mass (LLM). Secondary outcomes included total lean and fat mass, blood glucose and insulin concentration, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentration, maximal isometric leg press force (MVC), and chair rise and stair climb performance.

Results

LLM remained unchanged in both groups and no changes occurred in physical function nor body composition in the intervention group in Period I. HDL cholesterol concentration reduced after Period I (from 1.62 ± 0.37 to 1.55 ± 0.36 mmol·L−1, P = 0.017) and returned to baseline after Period II (1.66 ± 0.38 mmol·L−1) in the intervention group (Time × Group interaction: P = 0.065). MVC improved after Period II only (Time × Group interaction: P = 0.009, Δ% = 15%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Short-term step-reduction in healthy older adults may not be as detrimental to health or physical function as currently thought.
Revisiting the isolation and characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica lipopeptidophosphoglycan
Authors: Nagode Anna , Vanbeselaere Jorick , Duchêne Michael
Published: February 2024

The parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the cause of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess in humans. On the protozoan cell surface, a variety of glycosylated molecules are involved in the interaction with the environment, such as attachment to the colonic mucus. One of these molecules is the lipopeptidophosphoglycan (LPPG), a complex surface component with antigenic properties. Its structure is only partly known, it is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoprotein with a large amount of O-glycosylation. To date, the sequence of a core protein has not been identified. In this study, we further investigated this complex surface molecule aided by the availability of the monoclonal antibody EH5, which had been raised in our laboratory. We studied the extraction of LPPG in various solvent mixtures and discovered that 2-butanol saturated water was simple and superior to other solvents used in the past. The isolated LPPG was subjected to treatment with several proteases and the Ser/Thr specific cleavage agent scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate (scandium triflate). The products were probed with antibody EH5 and the blots showed that the LPPG preparation was largely resistant to standard proteases, but could be cleaved by the scandium compound. These observations could point to the existence of a Ser- or Thr-rich core protein structure.
Ecological determinants of spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta occupancy in Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Aglissi Janvier , Sogbohossou Etotépé A. , Soro Fatoumata , Ouattara Soulemane , Sinsin Brice , Bauer Hans
Published: February 2024

Knowledge of the large carnivore guild is important in view of a possible lion reintroduction into the Comoé National Park (CNP), northern Côte d’Ivoire. We used camera trapping to assess activity patterns, habitat selection, and ecological factors influencing the occupancy of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta. Our results showed that the presence of leopard Panthera pardus, the only current other large carnivore and thus potential competitor, did not influence hyena occupancy. Hyena occupancy was only significantly related to Euclidian distance to nearest water point. Manly’s alpha habitat selection index values show a preference of spotted hyena for shrub savannah (αSa = 0.71), and Pianka’s overlap index showed low spatial competition with leopard (OIJ(PNC) = 0.12). Our findings showed that spotted hyena were mostly nocturnal, and generally active at the same time slots with leopard, leading to a high index of temporal overlap (OIJ(time) = 0.78). The kernel density estimation confirmed that spotted hyenas and leopard shared almost half of their activity patterns (Δ1 = 0.49 and 95% CI = 0.26–0.71). Prey diversity is high in CNP but anthropogenic threats appear to suppress population growth of prey and predators. Conservation efforts should continue to reduce pressures before contemplating a potential lion Panthera leo reintroduction.
Ecological factors influencing invasive predator survival and movement: insights from a continental-scale study of feral cats in Australia
Authors: Menon Vishnu , McGregor Hugh , Giljohann Kate , Wintle Brendan , Pascoe Jack , Robley Alan , Johnston Michael , Fancourt Bronwyn , Bengsen Andrew , Buckmaster Tony , Comer Sarah , Hamer Rowena , Friend Tony , Jansen Jeroen , Zewe Frances , Fleming Peter , Ballard Guy , Moseby Katherine , Gentle Matthew , Scomparin Cyril , Speed James , Clausen Lucy , Le Pla Mark , Hradsky Bronwyn
Published: February 2024

Feral cats (Felis catus) pose a significant global threat to biodiversity, primarily through predation, disease and competition. A key gap in parameterizing models for improving management decisions for feral cat control relates to factors that drive feral cat survival and movement in the wild. Our study objective was to conduct the first continental-scale analysis of survival rates and displacement distances for feral cats. We collated data on 528 feral cats from telemetry studies in naturally-vegetated landscapes across Australia. Using Cox-proportional hazards models, we investigated the effects of sex, presence of larger predators (dingoes, Canis familiaris and introduced foxes, Vulpes vulpes), presence of introduced prey (rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus), body mass, landscape productivity and feral cat density on feral cat survival. We also analysed the effects of sex, body mass and landscape productivity on feral cat displacement using linear mixed model analysis. Feral cat survival was positively associated with presence of dingoes and increasing body mass, whereas there was no clear association between feral cat survival and sex, presence of rabbits, or cat density. Presence of foxes had a strong negative effect on feral cat survival, but the hazard ratio was associated with considerable uncertainty. Net displacement of male feral cats was nearly two times further than that of females, and the proportion of feral cats making long-distance movements was greater in landscapes with low productivity. Increasing body mass of feral cats was positively related to net displacement, with heavier cats moving further. Analysis of metadata from telemetry studies can provide valuable insights into wildlife survival rates and movement behaviour. Our findings will help inform the development of effective management strategies and improve feral cat management for biodiversity conservation.
Complex waste management in Myanmar: role of the actors, relationships, and social capital
Authors: Nesheim Ingrid , Szulecka Julia , Phoo May Thazin , Nøklebye Emmy , San Kyaw Min
Published: February 2024

Adequate waste management is a pressing global problem that undermines sustainability efforts in many countries. Controlling solid waste, recycling, and reducing waste including plastics, are essential policy objectives. This is especially relevant in countries like Myanmar, scoring poorly on waste-related indicators. This paper adopts a holistic system perspective, looking at the formal and the informal sectors’ contribution to waste collection and recycling efforts. By studying waste management in the Bago Township, we investigate the actors’ relationships by identifying bonding mechanisms between the actors. Central in the informal system are medium and larger scrap dealers that not only serve as waste trade intermediaries, but function as banks, social security agents, and fora for information exchange. The study shows that relationships between scrap dealers and waste pickers are regulated by different types of bonding mechanisms contributing to the social capital variables, trust, predictability, transparency and openness. In contrast, a few bonding mechanisms were established by the formal sector actors. It is the formal system that has the mandate to assure waste collection and that the waste is treated appropriately without posing any environmental and health risks. The informal system contributes to impressive levels of circularity, while also supporting livelihoods. Strengths and responsibilities should be adequately recognized and included in the governance arrangements. Identification of a governance system that addresses both formal and the informal sector needs to consider the local context by involving local stakeholders and build on the existing networks, knowledge, and skills.
Genome-wide association study for resistances to yellow rust, powdery mildew, and Septoria tritici blotch in cultivated emmer
Authors: Miedaner T. , Afzal M. , Longin C. F.
Published: February 2024

Emmer is a progenitor of bread wheat and evolved in the Levant together with the yellow rust (YR), powdery mildew (PM) fungi, and a precursor of Zymoseptoria tritici causing Septoria tritici blotch (STB). We performed a genome-wide association mapping for the three disease resistances with 143 cultivated emmer accessions in multi-environmental trials. Significant (P < 0.001) genotypic variation was found with high heritabilities for the resistances to the two biotrophs and a moderate heritability for STB resistance. For YR, PM, and STB severity nine, three, and seven marker-trait associations, respectively, were detected that were significant across all environments. Most of them were of low to moderate effect, but for PM resistance a potentially new major gene was found on chromosome 7AS. Genomic prediction abilities were high throughout for all three resistances (≥ 0.8) and decreased only slightly for YR and PM resistances when the prediction was done for the second year with the first year as training set (≥ 0.7). For STB resistance prediction ability was much lower in this scenario (0.4). Despite this, genomic selection should be advantageous given the large number of small QTLs responsible for quantitative disease resistances. A challenge for the future is to combine these multiple disease resistances with better lodging tolerance and higher grain yield.
Course design as a stronger predictor of student evaluation of quality and student engagement than teacher ratings
Authors: Levinsson Henrik , Nilsson August , Mårtensson Katarina , Persson Stefan D.
Published: February 2024

Research on Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) has indicated that course design is at least as important as teachers’ performance for student-rated perceived quality and student engagement. Our data analysis of more than 6000 SETs confirms this. Two hierarchical multiple regression models revealed that course design significantly predicts perceived quality more strongly than teachers, and that course design significantly predicts student engagement independent of teachers. While the variable teachers is a significant predictor of perceived quality, it is not a significant predictor of student engagement. In line with previous research, the results suggest it is important to highlight the vital impact of course design. The results are discussed particularly in relation to improved teaching practice and student learning, but also in terms of how student evaluations of teaching can be used in meaningful ways.
Words as Archaeological Objects: A Study of Marine Lifeways, Seascapes, and Coastal Environmental Knowledge in the Yagan-English Dictionary
Authors: Eidshaug Jo Sindre P. , Bjerck Hein B. , Lohndal Terje , Risbøl Ole
Published: February 2024

Reverend Thomas Bridges’ Yagan-English dictionary (1879) has hitherto been little explored outside of linguistics but is highly valuable as a complementary source to archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnographic records in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile). The dictionary contains 22,800 entries and yields rich information concerning the marine lifeways of the Yagan and their and intimate knowledge about Fuegian seascapes. The idea behind this paper is that environments have strong bearings on linguistic vocabularies. Treating words as archaeological objects that map onto landscapes, we identify important landforms for Yagan marine foragers and Norwegian fisher-farmers in a comparative study of word frequencies in Bridges’ dictionary and Ivar Aasen’s Norwegian dictionary (1850). Moreover, we explore in detail how marine lifestyles and Fuegian seascapes emerge in Bridges’ dictionary and discuss the dictionary’s relevance for historical archaeology in Tierra del Fuego.
Integrating patch stability and network connectivity to optimize ecological security pattern
Authors: Jiang Hong , Peng Jian , Liu Menglin , Dong Jianquan , Ma Caihong
Published: February 2024

Context

Designing and optimizing ecological security pattern (ESP) is an effective solution to formulate landscape planning. The commonly used network analysis for ESP optimization abstracts ecological sources and ecological corridors as homogeneous nodes and edges, ignoring the differentiated landscape pattern and patch stability.

Objectives

It is aimed to construct ESP considering pattern and function, to explore the relationship of patch stability and network connectivity conservation objectives, and to optimize ESP with the integration of the two objectives.

Methods

We proposed a framework for constructing ESP based on ecosystem health and human footprint, and optimizing ESP with network robustness analysis. Land use conflict analysis and node/ edge removal method were further used to assess patch stability and network connectivity, respectively.

Results

ESP of Ningxia was composed of 71 ecological sources covering an area of 10970.25 km2, and 150 ecological corridors covering an area of 3950.88 km2. The ecological sources and ecological corridors along the Yellow River had high patch stability but low network connectivity, while the largest ecological source had both high values of the two indicators. With the removal of nodes and edges, connectivity robustness, global efficiency, and equivalent connectivity of the ESP decreased from 1, 0.29, and 342.80 to 0, respectively. The variation trends of the three indicators under different removal scenarios were inconsistent. There was a distinct trade-off between the conservation objectives of patch stability and network connectivity.

Conclusions

This study highlighted how to balance different conservation objectives in landscape planning. Our framework can provide guidance for conservation planners to construct and optimize ESP without losing information due to the element abstraction in network analysis.
The Role of Materiality in an Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Tang Kok-Sing , Cooper Grant
Published: February 2024

The introduction of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT has raised many challenging questions about the nature of teaching, learning, and assessment in every subject area, including science. Unlike other disciplines, natural science is unique because the ontological and epistemological understanding of nature is fundamentally rooted in our interaction with material objects in the physical world. GenAI, powered by statistical probability arising from a massive corpus of text, is devoid of any connection to the physical world. The use of GenAI thus raises concerns about our connection to reality and its effect on science education. This paper emphasizes the importance of materiality (or material reality) in shaping scientific knowledge and argues for its recognition in the era of GenAI. Drawing on the perspectives of new materialism and science studies, the paper highlights how materiality forms an indispensable aspect of human knowledge and meaning-making, particularly in the discipline of science. It further explains how materiality is central to the epistemic authority of science and cautions the outputs generated by GenAI that lack contextualization to a material reality. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for research and teaching that recognize the role of materiality in the context of GenAI, specifically in practical work, scientific argumentation, and learning with GenAI. As we navigate a future dominated by GenAI, understanding how the epistemic authority of science arises from our connection to the physical world will become a crucial consideration in science education.
Aggregating the Human Development Index: A Non-compensatory Approach
Authors: Natoli Riccardo , Feeny Simon , Li Junde , Zuhair Segu
Published: February 2024

The United Nations’ Human Development Index remains a widely used and accepted measure of human development. Although it has been revised over the years to address various critiques, a remaining concern is the way the three dimensions are aggregated into the single index. A deterioration in one dimension can be compensated for by an improvement in another. Since compensability is inextricably linked with trade-offs and intensity of preferences, a non-compensatory (i.e., Condorcet) approach to aggregation is employed in this paper. Although non-compensatory approaches have been employed previously, this paper adds to the literature by undertaking an application of the Condorcet approach to the entire HDI. This approach, which does not use intensities of preferences, ensures that the degree of compensability connected with the aggregation model is at the minimum possible level. To achieve this, country level rankings are then compared to those for the 2020 Human Development Index which aggregates dimensions using a geometric mean. The findings demonstrated substantial changes in rank-order between the HDI and Condorcet approach. This outcome provides empirical evidence which demonstrates that the non-compensatory Condorcet approach can mitigate issues of compensation present within the geometric aggregation technique currently employed by the HDI. These findings have potential implications in aiding the identification and employment of potential policy priorities—specifically, the notion that policy should emphasise the development of a country as opposed to economic growth alone.
Prediction of monthly evapotranspiration by artificial neural network model development with Levenberg–Marquardt method in Elazig, Turkey
Authors: Kartal Veysi
Published: February 2024

The phenomenon of evapotranspiration (ET) is closely linked to the issue of water scarcity, as it involves water loss through both evaporation and plant transpiration. Accurate prediction of evapotranspiration is of utmost importance in the strategic planning of agricultural irrigation, effective management of water resources, and precise hydrological modeling. The current investigation aims to predict the monthly ET values in the Elazig province by developing an artificial neural network (ANN) model utilizing the Levenberg–Marquardt method. Consequently, the values of temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, solar hour, and mean wind speed were utilized in forecasting evapotranspiration values by implementing ANN algorithms. This research makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature by utilizing an ANN model developed with the Levenberg–Marquardt method to estimate evapotranspiration. It has been discovered that evapotranspiration values are impacted by various factors such as temperature (minimum, average, maximum), relative humidity (minimum, average, maximum), wind speed, solar hour, and precipitation values, which are taken into consideration for prediction. The findings indicated that Elazig, Keban, Baskil, and Agin sites had R values of 0.9995, 0.9948, 0.9898, and 0.9994 in the proposed model. It was found that Elazig’s MAPE ranged from 0 to 0.2288, Keban’s was 0.0001 to 0.3703, Baskil’s was between 0 and 0.4453, and Agin’s was both 0 and 0.2784. The findings obtained from the proposed model are compatible with evapotranspiration values computed from the Hargreaves method (R2 = 0.996). The study’s findings provide significant insights for planners and decision-makers involved in the planning and managing water resources and agricultural irrigation.
Epigenetic clock in the aorta and age-related endothelial dysfunction in mice
Authors: Pośpiech Ewelina , Bar Anna , Pisarek-Pacek Aleksandra , Karaś Agnieszka , Branicki Wojciech , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: February 2024

While epigenetic age (EA) of mouse blood can be determined using DNA methylation analysis at three CpG sites in the Prima1, Hsf4 and Kcns1 genes it is not known whether this approach is useful for predicting vascular biological age. In this study we validated the 3-CpG estimator for age prediction in mouse blood, developed a new predictive model for EA in mouse aorta, and assessed whether epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) measured with blood and aorta samples correlates with age-dependent endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial function was characterized in vivo by MRI in 8–96-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Arterial stiffness was measured by USG-doppler. EA-related changes within 41 CpG sites in Prima1, Kcns1 and Hsf4 loci, were analyzed in the aorta and blood using bisulfite amplicon high-throughput sequencing. Progressive age-dependent endothelial dysfunction and changes in arterial stiffness were observed in 36-96-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Methylation levels of the investigated loci correlated with chronological age in blood and the aorta. The new model for EA estimation in aorta included three cytosines located in the Kcns1 and Hsf4, explained R2 = 87.8% of the variation in age, and predicted age with an mean absolute error of 9.6 weeks in the independent test set. EAA in the aorta was associated with endothelial dysfunction in the abdominal aorta and femoral artery what was consistent with the EAA direction estimated in blood samples. The rate of vascular biological ageing in mice, reflected by the age-dependent systemic endothelial dysfunction, could be estimated using DNA methylation measurements at three loci in aorta and blood samples.
Topographic seismic effects and avalanche hazard: A case study of Mount Siella (L’Aquila, Central Italy)
Authors: Totani Ferdinando
Published: February 2024

In mountainous areas, snow avalanches could be triggered by the shaking produced by earthquakes. The forces induced by the earthquake can cause an irregular increase of shear strength load down the slope, for the presence of complex surface and buried morphologies. Topographic irregularities generate maximum effects of waves amplification linked to wavelengths comparable to the horizontal dimension of the topographic feature. For this reason, the selected time-histories represent an appropriate input for the two-dimensional numerical response analyses when a dynamic phenomenon produce the resonant motion of a whole mountain. This represents an important earthquake-induced hazard in snow-covered mountain areas with high probability of seismic events. Some valleys are located in regions with scare ground motion data and investments on infrastructures are not always accompanied by adequate protection against earthquake-induced avalanches. The paper points out a simple deterministic approach for selecting a set of real accelerograms applied to a real case of Siella Mountain (Central Italy) where a large avalanche destroying a tourist facility of Rigopiano resort on 18 January 2017. The selected time histories were used as input for the two-dimensional numerical model of the subsoil to evaluate the topographic seismic amplification in ridge and compare it with the results of other authors. These methods suggest that morphology-related inertial effects should be considered as an overload action on snow layers when controlling multi-hazard studies and spatial planning.
Using satellite-derived land surface temperatures to clarify the spatiotemporal warming trends of the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran
Authors: Roshan Gholamreza , Sarli Reza , Ghanghermeh Abdolazim , Taherizadeh Mehrnoosh , Niknam Arman
Published: February 2024

The Alborz Mountains are some of the highest in Iran, and they play an important role in controlling the climate of the country’s northern regions. The land surface temperature (LST) is an important variable that affects the ecosystem of this area. This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes and trends of the nighttime LST in the western region of the Central Alborz Mountains at elevations of 1500–4000 m above sea level. MODIS data were extracted for the period of 2000–2021, and the Mann–Kendall nonparametric test was applied to evaluating the changes in the LST. The results indicated a significant increasing trend for the monthly average LST in May–August along the southern aspect. Both the northern and southern aspects showed decreasing trends for the monthly average LST in October, November, and March and an increasing trend in other months. At all elevations, the average decadal change in the monthly average LST was more severe along the southern aspect (0.60°C) than along the northern aspect (0.37°C). The LST difference between the northern and southern aspects decreased in the cold months but increased in the hot months. At the same elevation, the difference in the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects was greater in the hot months than in the cold months. With increasing elevation, the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects disappeared. Climate change was concluded to greatly decrease the difference in LST at different elevations for April–July.
Orthogonal beamforming technique for massive MIMO systems
Authors: Abdelfatah Marwa , Zekry Abdelhalim , ElSayed Shaimaa
Published: February 2024

Beamforming represents a pivotal technology in massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, as it facilitates the regulation of transmission and reception operations. Beamforming techniques’ categorization is based either on their hardware architecture or implementation strategy. This paper proposes an orthogonal beamforming technology founded on a specific implementation method that utilizes predetermined orthogonal beams to serve users. The suggested approach incorporates numerous orthogonal beams relying on a substantial number of antennas at the base station. The primary objective of this approach is to enhance the performance of massive MIMO systems by augmenting spectral efficiency and accommodating more users. The proposed beamforming approach is well suited for millimeter frequency bands. The purpose of this paper is to explore the suggested orthogonal beamforming technology. The concept of this approach is described at first and then followed by an evaluation of its efficacy for a single user through the allocation of orthogonal beams. The suggested approach is also examined in the context of multiuser systems, and the results are compared with the adaptive ZF beamforming technique. Furthermore, the paper presents solutions to the issues that may arise in multiuser systems, for example, ensuring that each orthogonal beam is assigned to only one user. The simulations conducted in this study demonstrate that the suggested approach outperforms the ZF technique in terms of both the spectral efficiency and the number of serviced users. Specifically, the suggested approach can enhance SE by approximately 40.6% over the ZF technique, and it can support up to double the number of users when compared to the ZF approach.
Using Machine Learning to Identify and Optimize Sensitive Parameters in Urban Flood Model Considering Subsurface Characteristics
Authors: Jin Hengxu , Zhao Yu , Lu Pengcheng , Zhang Shuliang , Chen Yiwen , Zheng Shanghua , Zhu Zhizhou
Published: February 2024

This study presents a novel method for optimizing parameters in urban flood models, aiming to address the tedious and complex issues associated with parameter optimization. First, a coupled one-dimensional pipe network runoff model and a two-dimensional surface runoff model were integrated to construct an interpretable urban flood model. Next, a principle for dividing urban hydrological response units was introduced, incorporating surface attribute features. The K-means algorithm was used to explore the clustering patterns of the uncertain parameters in the model, and an artificial neural network (ANN) was employed to identify the sensitive parameters. Finally, a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to calibrate the parameter thresholds of the sub-catchment units in different urban land-use zones within the flood model. The results demonstrate that the parameter optimization method based on K-means-ANN-GA achieved an average Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of 0.81. Compared to the ANN-GA and K-means-deep neural networks (DNN) methods, the proposed method better characterizes the runoff generation and flow processes. This study demonstrates the significant potential of combining machine learning techniques with physical knowledge in parameter optimization research for flood models.
Breast Cancer Risk Perceptions Among Underserved, Hispanic Women: Implications for Risk-Based Approaches to Screening
Authors: Austin Jessica D. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Suman Vera J. , Raygoza Jhenitza P. , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Norman Aaron , Gonzalez Crystal , Hernandez Valentina , Ghosh Karthik , Patel Bhavika K. , Vachon Celine M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Understanding factors that shape breast cancer risk perceptions is essential for implementing risk-based approaches to breast cancer detection and prevention. This study aimed to assess multilevel factors, including prior screening behavior, shaping underserved, Hispanic women’s perceived risk for breast cancer.

Methods

Secondary analysis of survey data from Hispanic women (N = 1325, 92% Spanish speaking, 64% < 50) enrolled in a large randomized controlled trial. Analyses were performed in two cohorts to account for the role of age on screening guideline recommendations (< 50 and 50 +). For each cohort, we examined differences in three common measures of perceived risk of breast cancer (percent lifetime, ordinal lifetime, comparative) by participant factors with chi-square or Kruskal–Wallis tests, as appropriate. Multivariate analyses examined the association between mammography history with percent perceived lifetime risk (outcome > 10 vs ≤ 10%).

Results

Overall, 75% reported a lifetime risk between 0 and 10%, 96% rated their ordinal risk as “not high,” and 50% rated their comparative risk as “much lower.” Women < 50 with a family history of breast cancer reported significantly higher levels of perceived risk across all three measures. Among women 50 + , those reporting lower levels of perceived risk were significantly more likely to be Spanish speaking. No significant association was observed between mammography history and percent lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Factors shaping breast cancer risk perceptions differ by age. Prior screening may play less of role in constructing risk perceptions. Research is needed to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies to improve implementation of risk-based screening.
Forest Tree Virome as a Source of Tree Diseases and Biological Control Agents
Authors: Vainio Eeva J. , Rumbou Artemis , Diez Julio J. , Büttner Carmen
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

The collective virome of forest trees can be considered to include not only plant viruses, but also viral communities harbored by all tree-associated organisms. In this review, we will concentrate on reviewing recent developments in the two fields of forest tree virology that have received the most research input during the last 5 years: (1) current knowledge of virus diseases affecting forest trees and their causal agents and (2) fungal viruses (mycoviruses) and properties that are required for utilizing them for biocontrol purposes.

Recent Findings

The discovery of plant and mycoviruses has been revolutionized during the last few years due to high-throughput sequencing (HTS). This has altered our view of virus diversity and prevalence, but also their host ranges, transmission routes, and host effects. Utilization of HTS has greatly expanded our knowledge of plant virus diversity and disease etiology in forest trees and revealed the commonness of cross-kingdom transmission events between fungi, oomycetes, plants, and arthropods. Research on mycoviruses has also identified several new mycoviruses that restrict the growth or virulence of forest pathogenic fungi.

Gaining knowledge of the collective virome of forest ecosystems is essential not only for understanding virus evolution and diversity but also for improving our understanding on virus impacts, and our ability for biocontrol-based and environmentally friendly management of viral and fungal diseases that affect economically important plants and beneficial insects, and for preventing possible disease outbreaks in the future. Virus infections play a central role in plant health, but viral symptoms on forest trees remain often unrecognized and may be confused with other biotic or abiotic damages. However, recent studies have revealed previously unknown viruses as causes of forest tree symptoms and suggest that viruses are responsible for far greater economic losses than recognized earlier. However, many knowledge gaps still need to be filled, particularly on the diversity of viruses that infect different species of forest trees, their irregular distribution within the plant, their mode of transmission, epidemiology and choice of hosts also regarding crop plants, their effect on the metabolism of their host tree, and their interaction with other microorganisms. Mycovirus research has already deciphered detailed information on many critical properties that affect utilizing them for biocontrol purposes. Still, more knowledge is needed concerning mycoviral transmission mode and stability in field conditions, the level of host tolerance against mycoviral infection, and the occurrence of interspecies mycovirus transmission in nature, and safety issues related to these topics.
A study on the ambient electromagnetic radiation level of 5G base stations in typical scenarios
Authors: Wei Qing , Ge Xiaoyang , Liu Jiaxue , Li Haijie
Published: February 2024

Knowledge of the electromagnetic radiation characteristics of 5G base stations under different circumstances is useful for risk prevention, assessment, and management. This paper selects several typical scenes (Open spaces, building concentration areas, user and building intensive areas) for electromagnetic radiation monitoring, and analyzes the relationship between ambient radiated power density and base station background. The results show that the factors that have significant impacts on the environmental radiation power density of 5G base stations including transmission distance, base station distribution, user density, building reflection superposition and so on. The radiation energy decays rapidly with distance. When the density of the building distribution is too large, the superposition effect caused by the reflected wave is concentrated at the distance of 50-70 meters. When the user density decreases (the superposition effect of reflected waves decreases), the 5G monitoring value follows the direct wave attenuation law and decreases rapidly with the increase of distance. Points with higher measured radiation in the simple access condition also had higher measured radiation in the high-speed download condition. With the popularization of 5G mobile phones and the increase of user density, the resource utilization of a single user will decline to the normal operation state, and the radiation environmental impact will be further reduced.
Assessment of fly ash and ceramic powder incorporated concrete with steam-treated recycled concrete aggregates prioritising nano-silica
Authors: Rao Asha Uday , Shetty Prathibha P. , Bhandary P Radhika , Tantri Adithya , S. Blesson , Yaragal Subhash C.
Published: February 2024

Present research involves determining the effects of a proposed novel nano-silica prioritized-steam-treated recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) on microstructural, mechanical, and durability aspects of concrete incorporated with waste ceramic powder (WCP). The study on novel nano-silica prioritized-steam-treated recycled concrete aggregate revealed that 3% nano-silica induction with 3-h steam treatment for 50% adhered mortar bonded RCA performed optimally. The physical characterization of treated RCA showed improvement compared to untreated RCA, which was confirmed by microstructure study indicating the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrates in the bonded adhered mortar of treated RCA. Furthermore, as WCP has significant contents of alumina and silica, an optimum ternary binder mix was developed with cement, fly ash, and WCP. Later, a study was performed to analyse the performance of treated RCA incorporated in WCP prioritized concrete mix. The mechanical performance of WCP prioritized concrete with treated RCA was investigated through compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. The quality was ensured through ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, and density characterization. The durability of concrete was studied with 5% concentrated hydrochloric acid attack and sea water (pH = 8.3 to 8.7) exposure conditions for a duration of 148 days (including 28 days of portable water curing period). Overall, 30% of the ternary mixture based on WCP prioritization, 50% adhere mortar-based RCA, and 3% of nano-silica prioritization steam treatment (3 h) demonstrated the best performance in terms of both mechanical and durability aspects. The study concluded that due to its improved performance, the innovative nano-silica priority steam treatment approach could replace 100% of RCA in concrete. Furthermore, treated RCA being advantageous because of easy adoptable technique for real-time practices as well as maintaining consistency regards RCA characteristics throughout concrete mixture be the challenge.