bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dry powder formulations of hyperimmune serum
Authors: Bianchera Annalisa , Donofrio Gaetano , Sonvico Fabio , Bettini Ruggero 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Effective strategies against the spread of respiratory viruses are needed, as tragically demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from vaccines, other preventive or protective measures are necessary: one promising strategy involves the nasal delivery of preventive or protective agents, targeting the site of initial infection. Harnessing the immune system’s ability to produce specific antibodies, a hyperimmune serum, collected from an individual vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, was formulated as a dry powder for nasal administration. The selection of adequate excipients and process are key to maintaining protein stability and modulating the aerodynamic properties of the powders for reaching the desired respiratory regions. To this end, a hyperimmune serum was formulated with trehalose and mannitol as bulking agents during spray drying, then the ability of the redissolved immunoglobulins to bind Spike protein was verified by ELISA; foetal bovine serum was formulated in the same conditions as a reference. Moreover, a seroneutralization assay against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses generated from different variants of concern was performed. The neutralizing ability of the serum was slightly reduced with respect to the starting serum when trehalose was used as a bulking agent. The powders were loaded in hypromellose capsules and aerosolized employing a nasal insufflator in an in vitro model of the nasal cavity connected to a Next Generation Impactor. The analysis of the powder distribution confirmed that all powders were inhalable and could target, at the same time, the upper and the lower airways. This is a preliminary proof-of-concept that this approach can constitute an effective strategy to provide broad coverage and protection against SARS-CoV-2, and in general against viruses affecting the airway. According to blood availability from donors, pools of hyperimmune sera could be rapidly formulated and administered, providing a simultaneous and timely neutralization of emerging viral variants.

Graphical Abstract
The role of land use on phosphorus release and longitudinal changes of pollution in an agricultural watershed, Bostankar river, Iran
Authors: Ojani MohammadReza , Sepanlou Mehdi Ghajar , Bahmanyar MohammadAli , Danesh Majid , Bertalan-Balázs Boglárka , Szabó Szilárd 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPhosphorus in surface waters accelerate algal growth and eutrophication, considerably influencing water quality. Spatiotemporal changes in phosphorus concentration are crucial for environmental issues. We aimed to study the temporal and spatial changes in water quality in a river and in a drainage water system considering different land uses. To this aim, 15 water samples were collected from the origin of the river to the estuary, in the Bostankar River watershed (N-Iran), during spring and winter. Further samples were collected from agricultural drainage water in rice fields, tea, flower, orange as well as kiwi gardens, and forests during spring and winter. EC, pH, TDS, and three forms of phosphorus (total, particulate, and soluble) were measured in the water samples. The results showed that water quality changes in agricultural drainage water were time-dependent; the average total phosphorus was 0.4 mg l-1 lower in the spring than in the winter. The highest phosphorus concentration (1.29 mg l-1) occurred in the winter in the drainage water of the orange gardens. Temporal and spatial changes of the river showed that water quality reduced from the river upstream (jungles and grasslands) towards the downstream (different agricultural land uses), and the amount of phosphorus increased from 0.25 to 0.5 mg l− 1. The TDS increased from 60 to 220 mg l− 1 in the river in the winter. Finally, the results showed that human activities were the main factor in river water quality reduction due to agricultural activities.
Characterization of water-controlled shape memory alloys for solar tracking applications
Authors: Alhaddad Ahmad Yaser , Maurya Muni Raj , Radwan Mohamed Medhat , Asghar Usman , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Cabibihan John-John 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGrowing demands for cleaner energy sources lead to innovations that require investigations in solar energy harvesting. Though numerous organic and inorganic photovoltaic devices have been explored for the solar power conversion, achieving a high efficiency is still an open challenge for the researchers. In this context, an efficient, self-adjusting solar power panel coupled with low-cost and high reliability is of great significance and demand. In this study, we investigate the potential of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators for solar tracking applications. Three SMA configurations were considered containing one and up to three SMAs arranged in parallel. The temperature range for the displacement experiments was 40°–60°. Additionally, three levels of mass were used, namely, 500 g, 600 g, and 700 g. The displacement experiments revealed that the addition of more SMAs into the configuration provided a more consistent performance. The force experiment revealed that two-SMA configuration achieved 60% higher force production compared to the one-SMA configuration under the same conditions while the three-SMA configuration was 31% higher than in the two-SMA configuration and 110% compared to the one-SMA configuration. Additionally, the force hysteresis of the two-SMA setup was smaller and closer to that of single-SMA configuration. The two-SMA configuration force hysteresis exhibited a more linear trend as compared to that of the three-SMA configuration. The outcomes of this work highlight the potential of using SMAs as actuators in solar-powered applications and that optimization in terms of the needed number of SMAs is required to meet the displacement and/or force requirements.
Effect of storage temperature on viral RNA accumulation in Plum pox virus-infected Red Lyon plum fruit from the Central Valley of Chile
Authors: Madariaga Mónica , Ramírez Isabel , Vega Raúl , Meza Pablo , Nova Nelly , Devia Jessica , Sepúlveda Karina , Defilippi Bruno 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlum pox virus (PPV), the causative agent of Sharka disease, causes serious economic losses to the stone fruit industry. As PPV is not transmitted by seed, fruit from countries with Sharka present are considered low-risk for spreading the disease. However, there have been cases raising concerns about the safety of exporting fruit from countries with Sharka disease. Due to this, the generation of new scientific evidence becomes important to address these concerns. This study aimed to compare the relative accumulation of PPV viral titer between freshly harvested infected fruit with fruit subjected to cold storage, simulating transit conditions to export markets. During two consecutive seasons, the fruit was collected from a PPV-infected ’Red Lyon’ plum orchard, and divided into three treatments (T): freshly harvested fruit (T1); fruit exposed to cold (0 °C) for seven days (T2), and fruit exposed to cold (0 °C) for 15 days (T3). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to estimate the viral titer; band density values obtained for products of amplification of a PPV genome fragment were normalized with the density values obtained from the constitutive gene nad5 and plotted relative to treatment T1, which served as a control for this purpose. The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between T1 and other treatments. For the first season, the viral RNA reduction was of 50% in T2 and 61% in T3, compared to T1. For the second season, the corresponding RNA viral reductions were 45% in T2 and 56% in T3, compared to T1.
Continuum and Discrete Analytical Methods for Vibration and Buckling Eigenvalues Shape Sensitivities
Authors: Gagliardi Giuseppe Maurizio , Kulkarni Mandar D. , Marulo Francesco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGradient-based optimization techniques need precise and efficient sensitivities. Numerical sensitivity methods such as finite differences are easy to implement but imprecise and computationally inefficient. In contrast, analytical sensitivity methods, such as the discrete and continuum ones are highly accurate and efficient. Continuum Sensitivity Analysis (CSA) is an analytical method used to calculate derivatives of shape or value parameters. While CSA has been successfully applied in static analysis and dynamic problems in the time domain, this work presents an extension of the approach to eigenvalue sensitivities for the first time. However, CSA revealed limitations, prompting the exploration of an alternative approach based on discrete analytical differentiation. This method is employed for the first time in shape sensitivities. The derivatives of the stiffness and mass matrices required by the method are calculated analytically, resulting in high accuracy and computational efficiency. In addition, an element agnostic approach has been developed leveraging primary analysis matrices to calculate their derivative. This characteristic, along with the nonintrusivity, makes the method employable with standard commercial software. Both approaches have been applied and validated in a wide range of scenarios, involving vibration and buckling problems.
From fire to recovery: temporal-shift of predator–prey interactions among mammals in Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Tomassini Orlando , Massolo Alessandro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFires are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, severe and prolonged worldwide, and such situation is worsening. As a result, extreme fire conditions will increase, with consequences for wildlife, including increased mass mortality and changes in trophic relationships in natural communities. This intensification is expected to be particularly pronounced in the Mediterranean ecosystems. In this scoping review, we summarized current knowledge and gaps in understanding the effects of fires on wildlife, focusing on predator–prey interactions. These interactions play a critical role in animal communities and their understanding is fundamental for appropriate management and conservation. Mammals were chosen as a model group because of their remarkable ecological role. We grouped and analysed the post-wildfire changes in the predator–prey relationships into three-time intervals: immediate, short- and long-term effects. This is relevant as vegetation restoration, by altering cover and habitat structure, may affect hunting strategies and anti-predatory behaviour. Our review showed that studies generally had several limitations, the most common of which were the lack of replication, the strong geographical bias, and the focus on few target species. Nevertheless, we could formally describe how fire affects predator–prey relationships in Mediterranean ecosystems through processes that exert different cascading effects at different times after the fire event. We encourage long-term studies on communities, including as many components of the food chain as possible, using an interdisciplinary approach, and prioritising investigations in high-risk ecosystems.
Enhancing structural stability in civil structures using the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method
Authors: Xu Tao , Huang Xiaodong , Lin Xiaoshan , Xie Yi Min 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTopology optimization techniques are increasingly utilized in structural design to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing structures while minimizing material usage. Many existing topology optimization methods may generate slender structural members under compression, leading to significant buckling issues. Consequently, incorporating buckling considerations is essential to ensure structural stability. This study investigates the capabilities of the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method, particularly its extension to handle multiple load cases in buckling optimization problems. The numerical examples presented focus on three classical cases relevant to civil engineering: maximizing the buckling load factor of a compressed column, performing buckling-constrained optimization of a frame structure, and enhancing the buckling resistance of a high-rise building. The findings demonstrate that the algorithm can significantly improve structural stability with only a marginal increase in compliance. The detailed mathematical modeling, sensitivity analyses, and optimization procedures discussed provide valuable insights and tools for engineers to design structures with enhanced stability and efficiency.
Economic evaluation of the “paramedics and palliative care: bringing vital services to Canadians” program compared to the status quo
Authors: Tarride J. E. , Stennett D. , Coronado A. C. , Moxam R. Shaw , Yong J. H. E. , Carter A. J. E. , Cameron C. , Xie F. , Grignon M. , Seow H. , Blackhouse G. ,   in collaboration with the Paramedics and Palliative Care: Bringing Vital Services to Canadians Paramedic Partners
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
Based on programs implemented in 2011–2013 in three Canadian provinces to improve the support paramedics provide to people receiving palliative care, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Healthcare Excellence Canada provided support and funding from 2018 to 2022 to spread this approach in Canada. The study objectives were to conduct an economic evaluation of “the Program” compared to the status quo.

Methods
A probabilistic decision analytic model was used to compare the expected costs, the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the return on investment associated with the Program compared to the status quo from a publicly funded healthcare payer perspective. Effectiveness data and Program costs, expressed in 2022 Canadian dollars, from each jurisdiction were supplemented with literature data. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses varying key model assumptions were conducted.

Results
Analyses of 5416 9-1-1 calls from five jurisdictions where paramedics provided support to people with palliative care needs between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022 indicated that 60% of the 9-1-1 calls under the Program enabled people to avoid transport to the emergency department and receive palliative care at home. Treating people at home saved paramedics an average of 31 min (range from 15 to 67). The Program was associated with cost savings of $2773 (95% confidence interval [CI] $1539–$4352) and an additional 0.00069 QALYs (95% CI 0.00024–0.00137) per 9-1-1 palliative care call. The Program return on investment was $4.6 for every $1 invested. Threshold analyses indicated that in order to be cost saving, 33% of 9-1-1 calls should be treated at home under the Program, the Program should generate a minimum of 97 calls per year with each call costing no more than $2773.

Conclusion
The Program was cost-effective in the majority of the scenarios examined. These results support the implementation of paramedic-based palliative care at home programs in Canada.
Do eco-geospatial differences induce otolith morphological variations? Assessment in Chelon auratus (Mugiliformes, Mugilidae) populations collected from Tunisian and Mauritanian waters
Authors: Deida Toumene , Gammoudi Mehrez , El Ayari Tahani , Ben Faleh Abderraouf , Djimera Lassana , Shahin Adel A. Basyouny , Bouriga Nawzet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Saccular otoliths (sagittae) have long been shown to be species-specific and exhibit inland geospatial intra- and interpopulation morphological differences with variations in environmental conditions. Here, we analysed inland and outland geospatial variations in sagittae shape, length (Lo), width (Wo), perimeter (Po), and area (Ao), and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Chelon auratus males and females collected from Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) and Etoile Bay (Mauritania) stations to assess whether sagittae shape and morphometry differ between these two niches having different environmental conditions. At the intrapopulation level, a significant otolith shape asymmetry was observed between left and right and left–left and right–right otoliths among males and females of the Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) population and a significant symmetry among those of the Etoile Bay (Mauritania) population. At the interpopulation level, a significant asymmetry was found between left and right otoliths' shape among males and females of the two populations. Besides, a discriminant function analysis of otoliths' contour shape separated left and right otoliths among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels and also separated those of the two populations. Moreover, differential significant asymmetry in Lo, Wo, Po, and Ao between left and right otoliths was observed among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels. Therefore, the geospatial variations in environmental conditions between the two ecological niches effectively induced differences in otolith morphology. These significant asymmetries were discussed in terms of FA caused by environmental stress conditions resulting from variations in abiotic factors between the two ecological niches.
Entwicklung einer Skala zur Messung subjektiver, impliziter Fähigkeitsüberzeugungen in Statistik
Authors: Stappert Alexander , Kiefer Christoph , Wild Elke , Mayer Axel 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Vorgestellt wird die bisher erste Skala zur Erfassung subjektiver Überzeugungen bzgl. der (Un–)‌Veränderbarkeit der individuellen Fähigkeiten in Statistik. Das entwickelte Instrument besteht aus neun vierstufigen Likert-Items; vier Items repräsentieren eine statische, fünf eine flexible Fähigkeitsüberzeugung. Zur Prüfung der faktoriellen Struktur und der psychometrischen Güte werden Fragebogendaten von Studierenden aus einer Explorations- und einer Validierungsstichprobe ( N1 = 150, N2 = 749) herangezogen. Zur Bestimmung der faktoriellen Struktur werden fünf Messmodelle an beiden Datensätzen getestet: Bifaktor-(S-1)-Modelle sowie zweifaktorielle Modelle mit und ohne korrelierte Residuen. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für eine zweidimensionale Struktur der Skala. Für Gesamt- und Subskalen ergaben sich sehr zufriedenstellende interne Konsistenzen. Die divergente Validität der Skala konnte für beide Faktoren bestätigt werden. Die Bestätigung der konvergenten Validität bleibt zunächst auf den Faktor für die statische Überzeugung beschränkt. Neben der ausführlichen Diskussion der Befunde werden abschließend auch Empfehlungen zur Anwendung und weiteren Validierung der Skala formuliert.
Relating Hydro‐Mechanical and Elastodynamic Properties of Dynamically Stressed Tensile‐Fractured Rock in Relation to Applied Normal Stress, Fracture Aperture, and Contact Area
Authors: Wood Clay E. , Manogharan Prabhakaran , Rathbun Andy , Rivière Jacques , Elsworth Derek , Marone Chris , Shokouhi Parisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe exploit nonlinear elastodynamic properties of fractured rock to probe the micro‐scale mechanics of fractures and understand the relation between fluid transport and fracture aperture under dynamic stressing. Experiments were conducted on rough, tensile‐fractured Westerly granite subject to triaxial stresses. We measure fracture permeability for steady‐state fluid flow with deionized water. Pore pressure oscillations are applied at amplitudes ranging from 0.2 to 1 MPa at 1 Hz frequency. During dynamic stressing we transmit ultrasonic signals through the fracture using an array of piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) to monitor evolution of interface properties. We examine the influence of fracture aperture and contact area by conducting measurements at effective normal stresses of 10–20 MPa. Additionally, the evolution of contact area with stress is characterized using pressure sensitive film. These experiments are conducted separately with the same fracture and map contact area at stresses from 9 to 21 MPa. The measurements are a proxy for “true” contact area for the fracture surface and we relate them to elastic properties using the calculated PZT sensor footprints via numerical modeling of Fresnel zones. We compare the elastodynamic response of the fracture using the stress‐induced changes in ultrasonic wave velocities for transmitter‐receiver pairs to image spatial variations in contact properties. We show that nonlinear elasticity and permeability enhancement decrease with increasing normal stress. Additionally, post‐oscillation wave velocity and permeability exhibit quick recoveries toward pre‐oscillation values. Estimates of fracture contact area (global and local) demonstrate that the elastodynamic and permeability responses are dominated by fracture topology.
Improving Aerosol Radiative Forcing and Climate in E3SM: Impacts of New Cloud Microphysics and Improved Wet Removal Treatments
Authors: Shan Yunpeng , Fan Jiwen , Zhang Kai , Shpund Jacob , Terai Christopher , Zhang Guang J. , Song Xiaoliang , Chen Chih‐Chieh‐Jack , Lin Wuyin , Liu Xiaohong , Shrivastava Manish , Wang Hailong , Xie Shaocheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNumerous Earth system models exhibit excessive aerosol effective forcing at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), including the Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). Here, in the context of the E3SM version 3 effort, the predicted particle property (P3) stratiform cloud microphysics scheme and an enhanced deep convection parameterization suite (ZM_plus) are implemented into E3SM. The ZM_plus includes a convective cloud microphysics scheme, a multi‐scale coherent structure parameterization for mesoscale convective systems, and a revised cloud base mass flux formulation considering impacts of the large‐scale environment. The P3 scheme improved cloud and radiation particularly over the Northern Hemisphere and the frequency of heavy precipitation over the tropics, and the ZM_plus improved clouds in the tropics. P3 decreases aerosol effective forcing by 0.15 W m−2, while the ZM_plus increases it by 0.27 W m−2, resulting from excessive direct (0.31 W m−2) and indirect forcing (−1.79 W m−2). The excessive aerosol forcings are due to aerosol overestimation associated with insufficient aerosol wet removal. By improving the physical treatments in the aerosol wet removal, we effectively mitigate anthropogenic aerosol overestimation and thus attenuate direct (0.09 W m−2) and indirect aerosol forcing (−1.52 W m−2). Adjustment to primary organic matter hygroscopicity reduces direct and indirect forcing to more reasonable values: −0.13 W m−2 and −1.31 W m−2, respectively. On climatology, improved aerosol treatments mitigate overestimation of aerosol optical depth.