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Heterogeneous graph convolutional network for rumor detection with multi-level interactive fusion and graph reconstruction
Incorporating long-range dependence and fractal features in turbulence spectra
Abstract We introduce an advanced turbulence spectrum model developed from mathematical foundations from a covariance function class and empirically validated using extensive field data. This model captures the complex dynamics of long-range dependence, and fractal characteristics prevalent in riverine and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows that are ignored by classical spectrum models, such as IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) von Kármán and Kaimal model. The model delineates scaling behaviors across distinct frequency bands and offers substantial flexibility through five well-defined parameters each characterizing a distinct physical aspect of the velocity time series. A detailed procedure for obtaining each parameter from time series data is outlined. The comprehensive validations with field data from tidal currents and ABL flows substantiate the model’s fidelity in accurately replicating observed phenomena. This validation establishes the reliability of the proposed model and, when incorporated into stochastic full-field simulators such as TurbSim, demonstrates its potential to advance the predictive modeling and analysis of turbulent flows in environmental science and engineering contexts.
Predicting nepetalactone accumulation in Nepeta persica using machine learning algorithms and geospatial analysis
Accelerating the Pace of Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst Discovery through Megalibraries
Hierarchical query design and distributed attention in transformer for player group activity recognition in sports analysis
The comparative effects of Cantonese and Mandarin tone language backgrounds on musical pitch perception
Abstract Existing studies on language-to-music language transfer suggest that tone language background enhances musical pitch perception. However, tone language background was underrepresented as a binary yes-or-no variable in these studies. To extend the previous studies, we investigated the comparative effects of Cantonese and Mandarin language backgrounds on musical pitch perception. Forty-eight native Cantonese and Mandarin listeners were tested on static musical pitch, musical pitch interval, and dynamic musical pitch discrimination. Overall, the Cantonese listeners outperformed the Mandarin listeners in terms of sensitivity index and accuracy but not response time. The results indicate that Cantonese listeners exhibit superior abilities in discriminating static and dynamic musical pitch compared to Mandarin listeners. From a theoretical perspective, these results provide nuanced evidence for language-to-music transfer, indicating that different tone language backgrounds may enhance musical pitch perception to differing degrees. Additionally, the findings support the bi-directional OPERA hypothesis and motivate future studies to theoretically account for language-to-music transfer.
Thermal and rheological performance of behran oil-based nanofluids with functionalized BN, CN, and BCN nanoparticles
Enhancing the cathodic performance of FeS2 in lithium-ion batteries via sulfurization treatment
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tissues of sea turtles stranded on oil impacted beaches in Northeastern Brazil
Identifying Active Sites of IrO<sub><i>x</i></sub> Catalysts for OER: A Combined <i>Operando</i> XAS, SEIRAS, and Theoretical Study
RAD18 methylation by the methyltransferase SETD6 attenuates DNA breaks
A faculty performance evaluation model based on MACBETH and fuzzy filter ranking methods
Enhancing representativeness in population-based surveys to improve data quality and decision-making
Multidimensional influences on children’s cognitive development in school based on young lives data: A multilevel analysis
A Radical-Cationic Covalent Organic Framework to Accelerate Polysulfide Conversion for Long-Durable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Perspectives of adults aged 55+ on plant-based diets rich in protein
Abstract An increased protein intake is required during aging to preserve muscle mass. A predominantly plant-based diet is beneficial for the climate and may lower the risk of certain non-communicable diseases, but could also lead to protein below recommendations. This study seeks to elucidate facilitators and barriers in adults aged 55+ adopting a diet that is both predominantly plant-based and provides sufficient protein to preserve muscle mass. Three focus groups were conducted with 30 Dutch adults, aged 55–74 years. The focus groups explored participants’ views on protein-rich, (predominantly) plant-based diets. Participants discussed a range of topics, including perceptions of protein needs, attitudes toward plant-based foods, social influences, and practical considerations such as taste, cost, and habits. Three researchers independently thematically analysed the data and facilitators and barriers were mapped to the Capability (C), Opportunity (O), Motivation (M) – Behaviour (B) model. Health effects (M) and taste (M) were both the most dominant facilitators and barriers regarding transition towards a more plant-based, protein-rich diet. Knowledge (C) and social influences (O) were important factors that influence dietary choices regarding the other COM-B model components. Environmental benefits (M) and animal welfare (M) were mentioned as additional benefits rather than as main facilitator. Participants expressed a clear need for enhanced knowledge and tools about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based, protein-rich diets. Improving taste and highlighting health benefits are key to fostering positive attitudes and encouraging the adoption of protein-rich, plant-based diets among adults aged 55+.
Enhancing land suitability assessment through integration of AHP and GIS-based for efficient agricultural planning in arid regions
Abstract Land Suitability Assessment (LSA) aids in identifying optimal crop cultivation sites; thereby, it is the key factor for proper planning to maximize production yield. It needs a combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to improve LSA for the production of barley, beans, maize, soybean, sugar beet, and wheat in Egypt’s New Delta. Topography (slope), and characteristics of the soil (depth, pH, texture, carbonate content, and salinity) were the six factors employed. Land was assessed on a five-level suitability scale—highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), currently not suitable (N1), and permanently not suitable (N2). Pairwise comparisons and consistency ratios in AHP were used to determine weights for the criteria. Weighted overlay analysis produced land suitability maps. Key findings indicate slope as the primary factor for barley and wheat and soil properties as more significant for beans, soybean, and sugar beet. Barley, beans, maize, soybean, and wheat were assessed as highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), and marginally suitable (S3), but sugar beet was assessed as moderately suitable (S2). The results are valid for crop rotation for increased production and soil fertility by the appropriate use of AHP and GIS in sustainable land use management.
Oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone increase hydroxylation and methylation of endogenous estrogen but not genotoxic estrogen DNA-adduct formation
Abstract Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are commonly prescribed for the prevention of pregnancy, as well as numerous other non-contraceptive health reasons. COCs act by suppressing the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle that result in ovulation. No studies have investigated the effects of COC use on endogenous estrogen biotransformation and the production of estrogen metabolites. This is important since imbalances in hormone biotransformation (e.g., inefficient methylation by catechol O-methyltransferases; COMT) are implicated in the initiation of breast cancer through the generation of genotoxic metabolites (i.e., estrogen quinones) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the depletion of vital antioxidants and metabolic cofactors. Here, we quantified the urinary levels of various estrogen precursors and metabolites in healthy young women who were using COCs containing drospirenone (DRSP) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) (n = 24) and controls (n = 25) via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS). In addition, we analysed several circulatory intermediates of the methylation cycle that are linked to the methylation of catechol estrogens via LC‒MS/MS. We found that free urinary estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) were significantly lower, while 2-methoxyestrone (2-MeOE1) levels were significantly higher in COC users. Excretion of some metabolites including 16-hydroxylation pathway metabolites, glutathione conjugates, and DNA-adducts were also lower in COC users, although total hormone and metabolite excretion levels were not significantly different. Estrone metabolite ratios were higher in COC users, including 2&4-MeOE1:E1, 2&4-OHE1:E1, E1-3-sulphate: E1, and E1-3-glucuronide: E1. There was a positive correlation between 2-hydroxyestrogen and 2-methoxyestrogen levels in controls but not in COC users. In addition, the serum betaine and dimethylglycine (DMG) levels, as well as the betaine: choline ratio, were reduced in COC users, whereas the levels of choline and serine and the DMG: betaine ratio were significantly increased. DMG levels positively correlated with methoxyestrogens and methoxyestrogen: hydroxyestrogen ratios in COC users, while S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) negatively correlated with 2-MeOE2. Our data suggests that the use of EE/DRSP increases the flux of endogenous hormones into the hormone biotransformation pathway, resulting in increased conversion of estrogens (especially E1) into conjugated, catechol, and methylated estrogens but that the latter is limited by methyl-group donor availability. Interestingly, the increased oxidation of estrogens in COC users does not result in increased DNA-adduct formation.