bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of Niger and Benue river sediments from clay to granule: grain-size dependence and provenance budgets, Nigeria
Authors: Garzanti Eduardo , Bayon Germain , Barbarano Marta , Resentini Alberto , Vezzoli Giovanni , Pastore Guido , Levacher Mathilde , Adeaga Olusegun 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
This study explores in detail the complexity of textural–compositional relationships in fluvial sediments. To this aim, fifteen size fractions (from clay to granule) of three sediment samples characterized by virtually identical size distribution from the Niger and Benue rivers in central Nigeria were separately analyzed by multiple methods (optical microscopy, manual and semi-automated Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental geochemistry, Nd isotopes). The independent mineralogical and geochemical datasets thus obtained allowed us to investigate processes of sediment generation for five diverse size modes (clay, fine cohesive silt, very coarse frictional silt, very fine sand, coarse sand) derived in different proportions from different sources (wind-blown dust, soils and paleosols, fine-grained and coarse-grained siliciclastic units, igneous and metamorphic bedrocks). Controls on the size distribution of detrital minerals (settling equivalence, size inheritance, weathering, mechanical durability, and chemical durability through multiple sedimentary cycles) were examined, specifically focusing on tectosilicates and on the long-standing petrological problem of feldspar–grain-size relations.
Various factors determine the composition of different size modes: kaolinite-dominated clay derives from both deeply weathered soils or paleosols and distant Saharan sources; cohesive silt is largely recycled from mudrocks and soils formed in sedimentary basins. The proportion of detritus derived first-cycle from basement rocks increases from very coarse silt to very fine sand, whereas the coarse-sand mode is quartz-dominated with scarce plagioclase and amphibole and local occurrence of garnet, staurolite, monazite, or xenotime reflecting a combined influence of size inheritance from igneous (pegmatite) and metamorphic sources, mechanical and chemical durability, and recycling from coarse-grained siliciclastic units.
Sediment budgets based on mineralogical, geochemical, and geochronological signatures consistently indicate dominance of Benue sediment supply, although the contribution from the Niger mainstem to the Niger Delta is inferred to have been notably greater in the wetter past, before clastic fluxes dropped in response to the aridification of the Sahel.
Global land and solar energy relationships for sustainability
Authors: Jordaan Sarah , Li Xiao , Hernandez Rebecca , Armstrong Alona , Liu Pan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Global energy transitions with high growth in solar power in meeting net zero goals by 2050 must consider solar energy-land interactions and economics to align sustainability goals. We quantify a capacity-weighted average value of land-use efficiency (LUE) as 56.8 (36.9-62.1, 25th-75th percentile) W/m2, and lifetime land transformation (LT) as 408.6 (311.7-587.0) m2/GWh for all large, ground-mounted photovoltaic plants globally. Asia-Pacific had a 14.7% higher LUE (and a 21.0% lower LT) compared to other regions. These results inform levelized-cost of energy and sustainability comparisons of rooftop (land-sparing) versus large, ground-mounted (land-intensive) photovoltaic build-outs by country and region. These findings suggest that the substitution of land-intensive for land-sparing photovoltaic buildouts is most expensive in India (51.2 $/MWh) and least expensive in the United States (34.2 $/MWh). Results point to the need to determine economic implications of global land-sparing opportunities and enact policies to enhance techno-ecological synergies.
The influence of physical exercise on the loneliness of the older adults: the mediating role of frailty and depression
Authors: Gu Song , Liu Shiling 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Frailty, depression, and loneliness are risk factors for successful aging. Physical exercise is an important method to promote the physical and mental health of the older adults. Guided by the integral conceptual model of frailty, this study constructed a mediating model to examine the influence of physical exercise on the loneliness of the older adults, as well as determine the mediating role of frailty and depression between them.
Methods
In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 505 older adults individuals aged 60 and above in China from February to July 2023. The data were collected using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The collected data was analyzed for mediating effects using the SPSS macro program PROCESS v4.0, Model 6.
Results
Physical exercise negatively predicted frailty, depression, and loneliness in the older adults (β = -0.414, P < 0.01; β = -0.248, P < 0.01; and β = -0.194, P < 0.01, respectively). Physical exercise affects loneliness through four paths: direct effect, the mediating effect of frailty, the mediating effect of depression, and serial multiple mediating effect of frailty and depression. The mediating effect model explained 58.55% of the variation in loneliness.
Conclusions
Physical exercise can not only improve the frailty of the older adults but also alleviate the depression caused by the decline in their physiological and social functions, thereby comprehensively improving their loneliness. From the perspective of frailty, we could identify high-risk groups for depression and loneliness and find targeted interventions based on the type of frailty (social, psychological, and physiological), such as participating in collective physical exercise and combining physical exercise interventions with antidepressant medication or nutrition interventions. The results of this study can help older adults people manage their health and improve their physical and mental state.
Phytoplankton community response to water physicochemical characteristics under seasonal variation at the Ubol Ratana Dam, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Authors: Somdee Anchana , Butsat Weeraput , Somdee Theerasak 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Water eutrophication is a significant environmental issue that impacts aquatic ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships among the water physicochemical characteristics, phytoplankton community, and cyanotoxins in the Ubol Ratana Dam, Khon Kaen, Thailand, during the years 2022–2023 and to evaluate the relationships between changes in water parameters and the dynamics of the phytoplankton community under seasonal variations in the Ubol Ratana Dam. A total of 84 phytoplankton species belonging to 8 phyla were found in six different locations in the reservoir. Cyanobacteria (Cyanophyta) had the highest cell density (84.06%), with Microcystis aeruginosa being the dominant species. In terms of seasonality, the diversity indices, including Shannon‒Wiener and evenness values, were highest during summer and lowest during the rainy season, while species richness remained constant. Interestingly, the phytoplankton density was greater at the center of the dam and water outlet stations than that at the other stations, and these two areas also had the lowest nitrate and ammonium concentrations. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) explained 66.8%, 70.6%, and 63.8% of the total variation in the rainy, winter, and summer seasons, respectively. This indicates that nitrate and ammonium were factors that influenced phytoplankton growth. Correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of dominant cyanobacteria was positively correlated with temperature and orthophosphate content and negatively correlated with nitrate and ammonium content. Overall, nitrogen concentration mainly governed cyanobacterial blooms. These results suggest that relationships between physicochemical factors and the phytoplankton community significantly influence the seasonal variations in phytoplankton, providing valuable insights for future monitoring of phytoplankton blooms.
Discussion on stress assumption and yield criterion determination rule in teaching of the PSM
Authors: Mei Ruibin , Bao Li , Chen Tanqiu , Chen Lihao , Liu Xianghua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

As one of the main methods to solve deformation mechanics, the principal stress method (PSM) is widely used in stress analysis and technology optimization of metal forming processes. The stress assumption, yield criterion and boundary conditions have been investigated according to the frequently asked questions in teaching and the application of the PSM, and then the determination rule was proposed and described. The yield criterion, boundary conditions and calculated results should keep the corresponding relationship with the initial stress assumption of the micro-element. The stress distribution and load in the plane deformation of the rectangular workpiece was successfully solved using the PSM based on the rule proposed and FEM. The average relative error is 8.3% between the predicted loads by FEM and PSM, and the stress and load predicted by PSM are in good agreement with the FEM. Furthermore, the same calculated results of stress were obtained under different conditions, indicating that the rule proposed is reliable and practical significance for the teaching and application of the plastic mechanics.
New Model for Quantifying the Impact of the Social Economy on Water Resources’ Sustainability
Authors: Georgescu Lucian Puiu , Ionescu Romeo Victor , Antohi Valentin Marian , Zlati Monica Laura , Iticescu Catalina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The importance of sustainable use of water sources in the context of social economy development is a topic of real interest in the context of current regional and global challenges. The main objective of this study is to analyse the disparity of correlations between sector-specific social economy indicators and their impact on water sources at EU27 level. The used methods are meta-analysis, followed by the substantiation of working hypotheses based on this, database design for modelling, use of correlational and econometric statistical methods. The novelty of this approach is the definition and validation of a new model, on the basis of which we formulate viable public policy proposals to support the evolution of the green social economy. The present study is characterised by its complexity (very large number of statistical variables analysed) and dynamic approach. The main conclusion of the research is that even with sustained efforts on environmental protection, the European social economy's even oscillating results tend to cover environmental objectives even at the risk of exceeding budget allocations in the field.
Dietary patterns among European children and their association with adiposity-related outcomes: a multi-country study
Authors: Warkentin Sarah , Stratakis Nikos , Fabbri Lorenzo , Wright John , Yang Tiffany , Bryant Maria , Heude Barbara , Slama Remy , Montazeri Parisa , Vafeiadi Marina , Grazuleviciene Regina , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Vrijheid Martine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background/Objective: Children’s diets in school-age are inherently unhealthy, with few meeting dietary recommendations. Yet, little is known about similarities and differences on dietary patterns across countries and their association with obesity. We aimed to derive dietary patterns in childhood and explore their association with adiposity-related outcomes in childhood and adolescence.Subjcts/Methods: This study included data from six European countries (Spain, France, UK, Greece, Lithuania and Norway) during childhood (n = 1 597) and adolescence (n = 803). Using a food frequency questionnaires, we derived data-driven dietary patterns through exploratory factor analyses and calculated the Mediterranean KIDMED index. We assessed body mass index z-score (zBMI), fat mass proportion and waist-to-height ratio at both visits. Associations were estimated using generalized linear regressions, adjusted for key-confounders.Results “Meat”, “Dairy”, “Western”, “Healthy” and “Sweets and fats” dietary patterns were derived. Norwegian children showed better diet quality, with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, and highest “Healthy pattern” adherence, and Lithuanian children, the worst, with higher sweets consumption, and highest “Western pattern” adherence. Children with lower intake of healthy foods (vegetables, fruits, fish) tended to have higher adiposity, e.g., children with average or low “Healthy pattern” adherence (vs. high) had higher fat mass proportion in childhood (average: β(95%CI) 1.44(0.48;2.39), low: 1.10(0.09;2.12)). Low adherence to a “Healthy pattern” (vs. high) was associated with increased adolescent zBMI, and child and adolescent waist-to-height ratio. Low “Dairy pattern” adherence (vs. high), was associated with lower zBMI and fat mass in childhood, but not in adolescence. No significant associations were seen with the KIDMED index.Conclusions Many European children have poor diets and a low adherence to a healthy diet pattern may be of concern for adiposity-related outcomes. Assessment of children’s dietary patterns can help tailor dietary advice and provide support for families aiming to prevent future excess weight gain.
Efficacy of light-emitting diode-mediated photobiomodulation in tendon healing in a murine model
Authors: Lim Jae Kyung , Kim Jae Ho , Park Gyu Tae , Cho Min Kyung , Woo Seung Hun , Woong Suk Woong Suk 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The application of light-emitting diode (LED)-dependent photobiomodulation (PBM) in promoting post-tendon injury healing has been recently reported. Despite establishing a theoretical basis for ligament restoration through PBM, the lack of empirical evidence deems this therapeutic strategy contentious. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potency of LED-based PBM in facilitating tendon healing in a murine model.
Methods
Migration kinetics were analyzed at two specific wavelengths: 630 and 880 nm. The Achilles tendon in the hind limbs of Balb/c mice was severed by Achilles tendon transection. Subsequently, the mice were randomized into LED non-irradiation and LED irradiation groups. Mice with intact tendons were employed as healthy controls. The wounds were LED-irradiated for 20 min daily for two days. Histological properties, tendon healing mediators, and inflammatory mediators were screened on day 14.
Results
The roundness of the nuclei and fiber structure, indicating the degree of infiltrated inflammatory cells and severity of fiber fragmentation, respectively, were lower in the LED irradiation group than in the LED non-irradiation group. Immunohistochemical analysis depicted an increase in tenocytes (SCX+ cells) and a recovery of wounds with reduced fibrosis (lower collagen 3 and TGF-β1) in the LED irradiation group during healing; conversely, the LED non-irradiation group exhibited tissue fibrosis. Overall, the ratio of M2 macrophages to total macrophages in the LED irradiation group was higher than that in the injured group.
Conclusion
LED-based PBM in the Achilles tendon rupture murine model effectuated a rapid restoration of histological and immunochemical outcomes. These findings suggest that LED-based PBM presents remarkable potential as an adjunct therapeutic for tendon healing and warrants further research to standardize various parameters to advance and establish it as a reliable treatment regime.
A Steganographic Backdoor Attack Scheme on Encrypted Traffic
Authors: Rao Bing , Zhu Guiqin , Ding Qiaolong , Chen Dajiang , Cao Mingsheng , Cao Yang , Wang Feiyan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Large model has become a hot topic in academia and industry area, whose infrastructure includes lots of data transmission and transformation technologies.To prevent malicious attacks, data encryption is used commonly for data protection. However, with the AI technology development, the feature of encrypted data can be extracted and analyzed more easily than before. Therefore, in this paper we extend a steganographic backdoor attack approach based on the Least Significant Bit (LSB) to attack encrypted traffic. More specifically, the traffic data files are transformed into two-dimensional grayscale images after data processing and normalizated by the USTC-2016 toolset and two-dimensional array processing by the Numpy toolset in Python. Then we use LSB Steganography to attack the traffic images and poison the training dataset and analyze the neural network for classification test after contamination. Besides, lots of experiments are taken with different portion of poisoning data, which indicates that it has an effect on the stealthiness and effectiveness of the attack.
A climatology of local hourly wet spells across the Tropics
Authors: Moron Vincent , Cornillault Erwan , Ali Haider , Fowler Hayley , Robertson Andrew 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We explore the relationships amongst duration, total amount, mean and maximum hourly intensity of rainfall and spatial scale for more than a thousand rain gauges covering a diverse range of tropical and subtropical (30°N-30°S) climates, from arid (<= 200 mm year⁻¹) to very wet (> 3000-4000 mm year⁻¹). We find the interannual variation of seasonal (3-month) totals is primarily driven by wet hour frequency rather than the mean intensity of rainfall. A total of 3.5 million local wet spells (WS: consecutive wet hours with at least 1 mm of rain) are then systematically analyzed. WS lasting 5 hours or less account for 80% of wet hours and of total rainfall. The amount of rainfall during a local WS is most strongly controlled by its duration and then its mean hourly intensity, but these WS characteristics are nearly independent. The 3.5 million local WS are then grouped into a reduced set of 7 “canonical” wet spells (cWS). Despite some relatively small differences amongst national networks, the seven cWS offer a general framework for tropical rainfall variability seen through the prism of the local WS. About 72% of the WS included in two categories (cWS#1 and #3) are short and result in negligible amounts of rainfall. Two other categories (cWS#2, 8.8% of the wet spells, and #4, 4.9% of the wet spells) are short but with very high mean intensity and have the smallest spatial scales. Additionally, two categories (cWS #6, 3.9% of the WS, and cWS #7, 0.9% of the WS) are long-lasting, moderately intense and cover the largest areas. The final category (cWS#5, 9.4% of the WS) is moderately long in duration and less intense compared to cWS#2, #4, #6 and #7. Hourly extremes tend to occur primarily during cWS#2 and cWS#4, contributing the least to the total number of wet hours, and then during cWS#6. Daily extremes tend to occur more in cWS#7 and #6, which are the longest cWS, but with a significant contribution from the short intense cWS#4. A larger contribution of cWS#2 and cWS#4 to 3-month amounts tends to decrease the spatial scale of their interannual variations.
Unveiling the Impact of Electron Accumulation on the Performance of Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes Using Electrically Pumped Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Jin Shengye , Yan Xianchang , Chen Cuili , Wu Boning , Sun Fengke , Bao Hui , Tian Wenming , Chang Shuai , Zhong Haizheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) is a new generation light emission source that holds great promise for display and laser applications. Unbalanced electron and hole injections, leading to excessive electron accumulation in the quantum dots (QDs), are believed to impair QLED performance. However, this effect of electron accumulation remains unverified due to the lack of a time-resolved technology capable of characterizing electrons in QLEDs. To tackle this challenge, we develop a unique electrically pumped transient absorption (E-TA) spectroscopy to probe the density of accumulated electrons in QD layer with a nanosecond time resolution. The E-TA result provides a comprehensive understanding of the electron accumulation dynamics in red, green and blue QLEDs, by quantifying the electron injection time (τr) after external voltage on, electron release time (τd) after external voltage off, and equilibrated electron density (Ne) accumulated at QD layer during device operation. We find that when QDs with a quantum yield of 95% are used in QLEDs, electron accumulation indeed harms device efficiency. However, when QDs with a quantum yield of less than 70% are used, QLED efficiency increases with a higher density of accumulated electrons. We expect this result to guide further QLED optimization and to promote the application of E-TA for QLED studies.
Inhibitory effect of L-Methionine on bacterial speck of tomato
Authors: NAKAJIMA Masami , Sakamoto Ayane , Tanaka Tomoya , Nakashita Hideo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

L-methionine (L-Met) is an amino acid necessary for protein biosynthesis. In this study, the inhibitory effect of L-Met on bacterial speck of tomato (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato: PST) was investigated. When leaves of tomato plants pretreated with L-Met were inoculated with PST, symptoms were reduced compared with the control. In addition, we measured the number of bacteria in the inoculated leaves. Decreased bacterial growth was observed in the inoculated leaves of L-Met-treated plants. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of PR1b reported as a marker gene in the SA signaling pathway in L-Met-treated plants after PST inoculation. Enhancement of the gene expression was observed in L-Met-treated plants after inoculation. These observations suggested that the inhibitory effect of L-Met treatment on bacterial speck of tomato may be due to priming the SA-related signaling pathway.
Effect of vaccination against HPV in the HPV-positive patients not covered by primary prevention on the disappearance of infection.
Authors: Dominik Pruski , Sonja Millert-Kalińska , Robert Jach , Marcin Przybylski 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

An undeniable risk factor for cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia is persistent infection with HPV – types: 16,18, 31, 45, 52 and others. Changes in sexual behavior may in the coming decades influence the epidemiology of HPV-related lesions. For those diseases, vaccination against HPV may be the only effective mean of prevention. Our study aims to show the results and changes in the smear for HPV DNA in patients after receiving a vaccination course with a 9-valent HPV vaccine in women with HPV infection. Out of 320 subjects, with HPV- positive result 250 (78.1%) decided to be vaccinated against HPV and 70 (21.9%) did not. In the vaccinated group the rate of HPV disappearance was significantly higher over the follow-up period than in the control group. This applies especially to the complete disappearance of the HPV - in 72.4% vaccinated women compared to 45.7% unvaccinated. This effect is especially visible when analyzing the disappearance of HPV genotypes covered by the 9-valent vaccine. A significant disappearance of HPV infection occurs in patients both diagnosed due to HPV and undergoing LEEP-conization due to HSIL. Vaccination of this group of women will probably reduce the occurrence of different HPV-related lesions.