bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter-adaptive variational autoencoder for linear/nonlinear blind source separation
Authors: Wei Yuan-Hao , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: October 2024

Blind source separation (BSS) serves as an important technique in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM), particularly for solving modal decomposition tasks. This study proposes a novel approach to both linear and nonlinear BSS problems in the Variational Autoencoder (VAE) framework, where the encoding and decoding processes of VAE are interpreted as procedures for inferring sources from observations and remixing these sources, respectively. In this way, the distribution of latent variables inferred by VAE is equivalent to the distribution of sources. We make improvements to the vanilla VAE to augment its effectiveness for BSS. First, we substitute standard normal distributions with trainable Gaussian processes (GP) as priors for latent variables and implement an exponential function as the activation function for adaptive parameters in the GP kernel functions. While the form of the priors is set as GP, the parameters of their kernel functions are not fixed but automatically converge to suitable values during the model training process. Additionally, a hyperparameter is introduced to balance the terms in the loss function. The proposed method is referred to as parameter-adaptive VAE (PAVAE). Then, upon different assumptions of the variances of sources, the proposed PAVAE is branched into two types: homoscedastic PAVAE (Ho-PAVAE) and heteroscedastic PAVAE (He-PAVAE). Through numerical and laboratory experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving BSS problems and their potential to underpin future research in SHM.
Towards a probabilistic foundation of relativistic quantum theory: the one-body Born rule in curved spacetime
Authors: Reddiger Maik , Poirier Bill
Published: October 2024

In this work, we establish a novel approach to the foundations of relativistic quantum theory, which is based on generalizing the quantum-mechanical Born rule for determining particle position probabilities to curved spacetime. A principal motivator for this research has been to overcome internal mathematical problems of relativistic quantum field theory (QFT) such as the ‘problem of infinities’ (renormalization), which axiomatic approaches to QFT have shown to be not only of mathematical but also of conceptual nature. The approach presented here is probabilistic by construction, can accommodate a wide array of dynamical models, does not rely on the symmetries of Minkowski spacetime, and respects the general principle of relativity. In the analytical part of this work, we consider the 1-body case under the assumption of smoothness of the mathematical quantities involved. This is identified as a special case of the theory of the general-relativistic continuity equation. While related approaches to the relativistic generalization of the Born rule assume the hypersurfaces of interest to be spacelike and the spacetime to be globally hyperbolic, we employ prior contributions by C. Eckart and J. Ehlers to show that the former condition is naturally replaced by a transversality condition and that the latter one is obsolete. We discuss two distinct formulations of the 1-body case, which, borrowing terminology from the non-relativistic analog, we term the Lagrangian and Eulerian pictures. We provide a comprehensive treatment of both. The main contribution of this work to the mathematical physics literature is the development of the Lagrangian picture. The Langrangian picture shows how one can address the ‘problem of time’ in this approach and, therefore, serves as a blueprint for the generalization to many bodies and the case that the number of bodies is not conserved. We also provide an example to illustrate how this approach can in principle be employed to model particle creation and annihilation.
Cactus doodles
Authors: Mostovoy Jacob , Rincón-Prat Andrea
Published: October 2024

Cactus doodles are combinatorial/geometric objects that are related to cactus groups in the same way as knots are related to braids. We define them in terms of local moves on plane curves, show that they can be obtained from elements of the cactus group by a “closing” procedure and establish some of their basic properties.
On the Identification and Use of Social versus Nonsocial Reinforcers: A Review of Research Practices
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Bridges Katherine G.
Published: October 2024

Recent research has developed efficacious methods for identifying individualized social reinforcers and utilizing social reinforcers may be beneficial for several reasons. However, the relative likelihood of utilizing social versus nonsocial reinforcers in behavior-analytic research remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate how likely behavior analysts are to employ social versus nonsocial reinforcers in the context of research. We pursued this aim by evaluating the types of reinforcers utilized in research published during the past 9 years in five applied behavior-analytic journals. Results suggest that researchers in applied behavior analysis have been more likely to use individualized nonsocial reinforcers than individualized social reinforcers. Moreover, when social reinforcers were employed, they were much more likely to be generic and not individualized. These data suggest there is room for improvement in the types of programmed reinforcement contingencies we use in research and ways of facilitating such improvement are discussed. Implications and directions for future research evaluating current practices, demonstrating the utility of social reinforcers, and comparing the utility of social versus nonsocial reinforcers are also discussed.
Intersecting Epidemics: Examining the Impact of Internalized Homophobia and Depression Symptoms on HIV Testing Through a Suicide Syndemic Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Boyd Donte T. , Martinez Omar , Mammadli Tural , Shamrock Osman Wumpini , Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Dyer Typhanye V.
Published: October 2024

Young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the USA face disproportionate rates of HIV incidence. Mental health vulnerabilities, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma, further exacerbate the HIV epidemic among this population. Internalized homophobia, discrimination, and depression contribute to elevated rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, which in turn may influence engagement in HIV prevention behaviors, such as HIV testing. However, limited research has examined the interplay among suicidal behaviors, internalized homophobia, depression, and HIV testing among young BMSM. This study utilized syndemic theory to explore the relationships among these factors in a sample of 400 young BMSM ages 18–29. Results indicate alarming rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, with significant associations among internalized homophobia, depression symptoms, suicidal behavior, and HIV testing. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and HIV prevention services tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young BMSM. Comprehensive, multi-level, community-centered interventions are essential to address the syndemics affecting young BMSM, promoting holistic health and well-being while improving outcomes across the HIV prevention continuum.
Do Emission Trading Systems, Green Technology, and Environmental Governance Matter for Environmental Quality? Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Radulescu Magdalena , Hossain Mohammad Razib , Alofaysan Hind , Si Mohammed Kamel
Published: October 2024

This study investigates how emission trading systems can diminish the ecological footprint in the European Union bloc by considering the contribution of eco-friendly technology and ecological governance through another market-based intervention (i.e., environmental tax). Using PQARDL in the 26 EU members for data during 2011–2021, the study demonstrates that carbon pricing emission trading systems successfully reduce emissions in medium and upper quantiles but have little influence on lower quantiles. As businesses and consumers face higher costs for carbon-intensive activities, they are encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices. Over time, this shift decreases overall carbon emissions and resource consumption, which helps lower ecological pressure. Additionally, Europe's robust regulatory framework and commitment to climate goals ensure that carbon pricing is enforced consistently, further amplifying its positive environmental impact. Eco-friendly technology innovation appears to be a powerful tool for achieving rapid environmental advantages, leading to a considerable reduction in environmental footprint across various levels. Climate-smart patents can significantly curb emissions within the ecosystem and help balance the economy and the environment. Environmental taxes work alongside carbon pricing and green patents to incentivize individuals and corporations to adopt more sustainable practices in the 26 EU members. By unraveling the multifaceted relationships underpinning emission trading systems, renewable energy, green patents, and environmental tax, this study provides actionable insights to guide strategic decisions and policy formulations to reduce the ecological footprint.
Simulation of floods under the influence of effective factors in hydraulic and hydrological models using HEC-RAS and MIKE 21
Authors: Ansarifard Sara , Eyvazi Morteza , kalantari Mahsa , mohseni Behrooz , Ghorbanifard Mahdi , Moghaddam Hadi Jafakesh , Nouri Maryam
Published: October 2024

Simulating floods and creating vulnerability maps are essential in urban watershed management systems. The present research aimed to simulate floods and assess floodplain risk in the Khalkai watershed located in Gilan Province, Iran. This river is characterized by extensive agricultural areas and urban areas that become flooded during most rainy seasons. Hence, an accurate assessment of flood extent and behavior is necessary. This study employs HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and MIKE 21 for advanced hydrodynamic modeling, focusing on two-dimensional (2D) capabilities essential for urban areas and flood is simulated with probability return periods of 50, 100, and 500 years. The research objectives include comparing HEC-RAS and MIKE 21 to identify the most effective flood simulation model, evaluating the impact of hydrological and hydraulic factors, the influence of GPS topographic mapping compared with DEMs extracted from satellite images and assessing land-use changes on flood behavior. Model accuracy is validated against historical flood data, revealing that MIKE 21 effectively addresses challenges related to grid resolution and flood delineation. Results indicate that while HEC-RAS provides a broader extent of flooding, both models offer critical insights into flood depth and flow characteristics. This research contributes to enhanced flood risk management by illustrating the implications of land-use changes on flood events, offering valuable insights for policymakers in mitigating future flood impacts and developing sustainable urban strategies.
Reliability design involving optimization with multiple objectives by means of probabilistic multi-objective optimization
Authors: Zheng M. , Yu J.
Published: October 2024

Although there have been many achievements on single—objective models, the reliability research involving multi-objective optimization problems has not obtained satisfactory research results. In this paper, the reliability design involving optimization with multiple objectives is developed by means of probabilistic multi-objective optimization (PMOO), which considers the simultaneity of optimization of multiple objectives and treats both beneficial type of utility indexes and unbeneficial type of utility indexes of performance indicators equivalently and conformably. Three cases of reliability design concerning multi—objective optimization, i.e., reliability requirement as the additional constraint condition, reliability assessment as an additional optimized objective, and the mixture of these two cases, are formulated by means of PMOO, respectively. Furthermore, a typical example is given to show the procedure of the approach for reliability assessment involving multiple objectives by means of PMOO, which exhibits the validity of the present approach. The approach is objective without any subjective factors.
Large-scale simulations of vortex Majorana zero modes in topological crystalline insulators
Authors: Wan Chun Yu , Zhao Yujun , Li Yaoyi , Jia Jinfeng , Liu Junwei
Published: October 2024

Topological crystalline insulators are known to support multiple Majorana zero modes (MZMs) at a single vortex, their hybridization is forbidden by a magnetic mirror symmetry $M_{T}$

M
T

. Due to the limited energy resolution of scanning tunneling microscopes and the very small energy spacing of trivial bound states, it remains challenging to directly probe and demonstrate the existence of multiple MZMs. In this work, we propose to demonstrate the existence of MZMs by studying the hybridization of multiple MZMs in a symmetry breaking field. The different responses of trivial bound states and MZMs can be inferred from their spatial distribution in a vortex. However, the theoretical simulations are very demanding since it requires an extremely large system in real space. By utilizing the kernel polynomial method, we can efficiently simulate large lattices with over 108 orbitals to compute the local density of states which bridges the gap between theoretical studies based on minimal models and experimental measurements. We show that the spatial distribution of MZMs and trivial vortex bound states differs drastically in tilted magnetic fields. The zero-bias peak elongates when the magnetic field preserves $M_{T}$

M
T

, while it splits when $M_{T}$

M
T

is broken, giving rise to an anisotropic magnetic response. Since the bulk of SnTe are metallic, we also study the robustness of MZMs against the bulk states, and clarify when can the MZMs produce a pronounced anisotropic magnetic response.
A challenge in access to social services of undocumented Afghan immigrants in host society of Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Kashif , Hongcheng Sheng , Liang Hu
Published: October 2024

Undocumented immigrants are one of the main issues faced by many countries, especially developed countries. Globally, various studies have been done related to this issue; however, in Pakistan, researchers are less inclined to investigate this phenomenon through mixed angles. This study aimed to investigate the specific barrier to undocumented Afghan immigrants accessing social services in the host community of Peshawar, Pakistan, and to examine the coping mechanism they used for overwhelming. Within this broad area, four key elements of undocumented immigrants were examined: the healthcare system, education system, livelihood, and human rights status. This study used mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research methodologies by purposely selecting samples and collecting data through interviews and surveys. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and MS Office software. The result revealed that undocumented Afghan immigrants faced various challenges in access to social services, such as legal status and documentation void, communication barriers, fear of authority and deportation, and socio-cultural values. They had inadequacies in service provision, such as challenges in the healthcare system, including overcrowded clinics, long waiting hours, and limited access to healthcare services, lack of access to the education system, including restricted access to education, crowded classrooms, an increase in student–teacher ratio, an increase in informal education like madrasas; challenges in livelihood, including informal jobs, an increase in unemployment, a low wage, less job security, and human rights violations. The study also determines that rights are available in frameworks, but undocumented immigrants don’t have access to them in reality. In addition, discrimination based on status while accessing social services was found. To overwhelming the situation, they developed remarkable resilience and coping strategies. Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Afghan undocumented immigrants requires collaborative efforts from policymakers and service providers, emphasizing the need for inclusive and rights-based interventions.
Seeing the forest for the coral trees: involvement and perceptions of reef threats among coral restoration volunteers in Roatan, Honduras
Authors: Garcia Sierra , Rivera Antonella
Published: October 2024

Despite the global expansion of coral restoration initiatives that depend on volunteer divers in supporting these programs, research exploring their motivations, sentiments and knowledge remains scarce. This study employed a mixed-methods analysis of surveys (n = 83) and interviews (n = 15) of a heterogeneous population of coral restoration volunteers and a control group of divers in Roatan, Honduras to explore these aspects. Experienced coral restoration volunteers did not perceive their contributions to coral health protection as being greater than control group non-volunteer divers, despite displaying a deeper understanding of the threats to coral reefs. Notably, both new volunteers prior to training and experienced restoration volunteers were more than twice as likely as control divers to highlight reducing carbon emissions as critical for coral health. While volunteer divers exhibit a strong baseline awareness and concern for coral reef threats, they report that participation in restoration efforts leads to significant learning gains regarding coral conservation. The insights gained from the motivations and learning outcomes of volunteers in coral restoration in Roatan may inform similar initiatives globally, potentially impacting a wide range of volunteer-based ecosystem restoration programs and diver-involved projects, thereby enhancing volunteer engagement and educational outcomes in environmental conservation efforts.
Regulatory options for cultivars and hybrids of invasive plant species—the South African experience
Authors: Chetty Duran , Datta Arunava , Kumschick Sabrina , Wilson John R.U. , Nchu Felix , Geerts Sjirk
Published: October 2024

Invasive plant taxa are generally regulated at the species level, without considering infra- or interspecific variation. However, cultivars or hybrids can pose a lower risk of invasion, for example, due to sterility. We evaluate six general approaches to regulating cultivars and hybrids: (1) Globally Guilty by Association; (2) Nationally Guilty by Association; (3) Guilty until Proven Innocent; (4) Negotiated Guilt; (5) Claimed to be Innocent; and (6) Innocent until Proven Guilty. We discuss these approaches in the context of South Africa (which has a typified Negotiated Guilt approach). Following negotiations since 2001 between the South African horticultural industry/green industry and legislators, an unofficial consensus list of “presumed sterile” cultivars and hybrids was produced in 2014 containing 187 entities from 34 taxa. In 2020, this was reduced to 157 entities from 16 taxa. But the evidence supporting the original lists and the subsequent revisions was not published. To address this issue, we developed a generic pro forma (template) for reporting sterility based on observations and/or experiments on: flowering, fruiting, pollen, and seeds; the potential for vegetative propagation; and the potential for genetic changes (including hybridization and reversion to fertility). We recommend that such information be incorporated into risk analyses conducted specifically for infra- and inter specific entities, and only if the risk of a harmful invasion is demonstrated to be acceptably low or can be easily mitigated should such entities be exempted from regulation. This will be time-consuming, but, by setting out the evidence clearly, the approach is transparent and provides a clear route for stakeholders to seek exemptions for entities of importance. In conclusion, although we suspect the simplicity of the Negotiated Guilt approach is desirable to many stakeholders, and is the approach currently adopted in South Africa, we recommend a shift toward the Guilty until Proven Innocent approach.
The invasion of Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) in a restored floodplain forest
Authors: Huang Annie H. , Matthews Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2024

Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc.) is an emerging invasive plant that has been observed to invade and spread throughout wetlands. As an annual vine, H. japonicus can smother native vegetation, forming dense stands and reducing biodiversity. At a restored floodplain forest in Joslin, IL, formerly used as an experimental site to test the effectiveness of different reforestation methods, H. japonicus has invaded stands of the previously dominant invasive, reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). We conducted an observational field study to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of H. japonicus invasion relative to gradients in canopy cover and species composition. Ten transects, with half the transect extending into and half extending beyond H. japonicus patches, were established in October 2022. Seven quadrats per transect were surveyed for vegetation cover and canopy cover in October 2022, June 2023, and October 2023. Transects were evenly split between forested and open areas based on the reforestation treatments. Humulus japonicus cover significantly increased from October 2022 to October 2023, resulting in a slight decrease and replacement of P. arundinacea across the site. Shade reduced H. japonicus cover, indicating its preference for sunlit conditions. Species richness was higher in forested transects compared with open ones, most likely due to the absence of both P. arundinacea and H. japonicus in shaded transects. Along transects, quadrats that had been invaded by H. japonicus differed in species composition from quadrats that had not been invaded in both October 2022 and October 2023. Humulus japonicus cover was much lower in June than October, suggesting that temporal niche partitioning may allow P. arundinacea to persist, and indicating that monitoring for H. japonicus should occur late in the growing season. Both invasive species are shade intolerant, suggesting that planting fast-growing trees should be an effective long-term solution for controlling invasion.
Discrepancies in Australian jurisdiction-based regulation of invasive plants
Authors: Maher Jacob , Virtue John , Stringham Oliver C. , Cassey Phillip
Published: October 2024

Effective regulation is essential for preventing the establishment of new invasive plants and managing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of those already established. Invasive plants are regulated by jurisdictions at a mix of local, regional, national, and international levels. Enhanced coordination of policy and regulations has been identified as a key strategy for addressing the impacts of invasive species; however, coordination between jurisdictions, and even within jurisdictions, is not always considered. To review regulatory coordination in Australia, we compiled a comprehensive dataset of noxious weeds (defined as invasive plants and potentially invasive plants with controls specified in regulation) in each Australian jurisdiction (i.e., state or territory). We found that jurisdictions on average shared ca. 67% (SD = 15%) of noxious weed listings. Neighboring jurisdictions were not more similar than separated jurisdictions in their noxious weed listings. There were significant differences in the biogeographic native ranges of noxious weeds between jurisdictions, with species native to temperate Asia being most frequently listed overall. The predominant likely entry pathway for noxious weeds in Australia was the ornamental trade. Listings were primarily dedicated to proactive control, prohibiting the cultivation of noxious weeds to avoid their naturalization. There were 415 noxious weeds regulated in a harmonious manner across jurisdictions. However, there were 327 noxious weeds regulated by jurisdictions in a discordant manner, potentially leaving neighboring jurisdictions vulnerable to invasion. We suggest jurisdictions reassess the regulation of these 327 discordant noxious weeds in Australia and utilize a national taxonomic standard to avoid problematic synonyms. Improved cohesion of policies could be achieved through wider adoption of existing regulatory systems and codevelopment of regulations between government and industry.
The bioherbicide Verticillium nonalfalfae effectively removes tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but leaves many other non-native plants
Authors: Shively Timothy J. , Barney Jacob N. , Reid J. Leighton , Salom Scott M.
Published: October 2024

Tree-of-heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle] readily exploits disturbances, grows quickly into dense monocultures, and suppresses native plant species. The vascular wilt pathogen, Verticillium nonalfalfae, native to the eastern United States, has been proposed as a biocontrol agent for the invasive A. altissima. Studies consistently demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the bioherbicide, but they also note that the selective nature of the fungus does not preclude other invasive plants that commonly co-occur with A. altissima from occupying the site. We quantified the standing plant community and seedbank at several sites across Virginia 5 yr after inoculation with V. nonalfalfae to understand which species are present or being naturally recruited. Ailanthus altissima remained dominant in untreated areas but was nearly eradicated from the treatment plots. Other non-native species made up a large portion of the plant community and seedbank across all study areas, with no differences in their respective cover and count between treatments. While variability in plant community composition is high and site-specific context is important for establishing effective management strategies, planting native species and mitigating other invasives will be crucial to ensuring native species successfully establish in bioherbicide-treated areas.
Phenology and resource allocation strategies of diploid flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) in Ohio and New York
Authors: Gebhart Maxwell G. , Wersal Ryan M. , Hannes Andrew R. , Harms Nathan E. , Sartain Bradley T. , Wolanske William L. , Yeager Mia
Published: October 2024

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L.) is an emergent perennial monocot that has invaded aquatic systems along the U.S.–Canadian border. Currently, there are two known cytotypes of flowering rush, diploid and triploid, within the invaded range. Although most studies have focused on the triploid cytotype, little information is known about diploid plants. Therefore, phenology and resource allocation were studied on the diploid cytotype of flowering rush in three study sites (Mentor Marsh, OH; Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, NY; and Unity Island, NY) to understand seasonal resource allocation and environmental influences on growth, and to optimize management strategies. Samples were harvested once a month from May to November at each site from 2021 to 2023. Plant metrics were regressed to air temperature, water temperature, and water depth. Aboveground biomass peaked from July to September and comprised 50% to 70% of total biomass. Rhizome biomass peaked from September to November and comprised 40% to 50% of total biomass. Rhizome bulbil densities peaked from September to November at 3,000 to 16,000 rhizome bulbils m−2. Regression analysis resulted in strong negative relationships between rhizome starch content and air temperature (r2 = 0.52) and water temperature (r2 = 46). Other significant, though weak, relationships were found, including a positive relationship between aboveground biomass and air temperature (r2 = 0.17), a negative relationship between rhizome bulbil biomass and air temperature (r2 = 0.18) and a positive relationship between leaf density and air temperature (r2 = 0.17). Rhizomes and rhizome bulbils combined stored up to 60% of total starch, and therefore, present a unique challenge to management, as these structures cannot be reached directly with herbicides. Therefore, management should target the aboveground tissue before peak production (July) to reduce internal starch storage and aim to limit regrowth over several years.
Response of four Vallisneria taxa to aquatic herbicides
Authors: Beets Jens P. , Haug Erika J. , Sperry Benjamin P. , Thum Ryan A. , Richardson Robert J.
Published: October 2024

Native aquatic macrophytes such as American eelgrass (Vallisneria americana Michx.) are often desirable in aquatic ecosystems due to the ecological benefits they provide but are threatened by competition from invasive taxa including non-native Vallisneria taxa and hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle]. Identifying potential selective herbicide management options can provide tools to minimize impacts to native taxa in restoration and aquatic invasive plant management programs. Greenhouse mesocosm experiments were conducted in 2023 to investigate herbicide efficacy on two native eelgrass species (V. americana and Vallisneria neotropicalis Vict.), two non-native taxa (Vallisneria australis S.W.L. Jacobs & Les and Vallisneria spiralis L. × Vallisneria denseserrulata Makino), and H. verticillata. Herbicide applications included endothall, diquat, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, fluridone, and flumioxazin and select combinations of these herbicides used in H. verticillata management. Endothall alone provided 90% to 100% aboveground biomass reduction at 3,000 µg L−1 with at least 24 h of continuous or intermittent exposure to all native and invasive species at 6 wk after exposure, whereas florpyrauxifen-benzyl applied alone resulted in minimal aboveground biomass reduction. A 45-d of exposure of fluridone (10 µg L−1) resulted in 95% biomass reduction of V. americana and 7% to 48% of other tested taxa. The combination of flumioxazin and florpyrauxifen-benzyl resulted in 90% to 100% aboveground biomass reduction, and endothall combined with florpyrauxifen-benzyl resulted in 93% to 100% aboveground biomass reduction across taxa. Reductions in belowground biomass mirrored trends observed in aboveground biomass. No treatments selectively controlled invasive Vallisneria without injury to native Vallisneria, although efficacy was observed on H. verticillata. These insights provide an understanding for differences between these Vallisneria for researchers moving forward with selectively targeting H. verticillata in the presence of native Vallisneria species and two new aquatic invasive plants. Future research should expand treatment scenarios, increase the study period, and identify potential integrated plant management strategies for field scenarios.
Geothermal heat flux of Ridge B region in Antarctica inferred from basal dry–wet distribution
Authors: Lang Shinan , Yang Mingzhu , Cui Xiangbin , Li Lin , Wang Xiaofeng , Guo Jingxue , Greenbaum Jamin S. , Sun Bo , Siegert Martin J.
Published: October 2024

Ridge B is one of the least studied areas in Antarctica but has been considered to be a potential location for the oldest ice on Earth. Among important parameters for calculating where very old ice may exist, geothermal heat flux (GHF) is critical but poorly understood. Here, GHF is determined by quantifying the transitions between dry and wet basal conditions using a radioglaciological method applied to airborne radio-echo sounding data. GHF is then constrained by a thermodynamic model matched to the transitions. The results show that GHF in Ridge B varies locally and ranges from 48.5 to 65.1 mW m−2, with an average value of 58.0 mW m−2, which is consistent with the current known GHF constrained by subglacial lakes and derived from Vostok ice core temperature measurements. Our work highlights the value of considering local GHF when locating the oldest ice in this potential region or other regions.
INTERNAL AUTOMORPHISMS AND ANTIMORPHISMS OF MODELS OF NF
Authors: BOWLER NATHAN , FORSTER THOMAS
Published: October 2024

It is shown that every model of NF admits a permutation model containing an internal automorphism.
Endocranial morphology of three early-diverging ceratopsians and implications for the behavior and the evolution of the endocast in ceratopsians
Authors: Hu Jinfeng , Xu Xing , Zhao Qi , He Yiming , Forster Catherine A. , Han Fenglu
Published: October 2024

Ceratopsian dinosaurs underwent great changes, including a shift of locomotion mode, enlarged horns and frills, and increased body size. These changes occur alongside the evolution of endocranial morphology and physiology such as the size and shape of the flocculus, hearing range, olfactory ratio, and the reptile encephalization quotient (REQ). However, the evolution of endocranial structures in early ceratopsians is still unclear because of a lack of information on the earliest ceratopsians. Here, we reconstructed the endocasts of three early-diverging ceratopsians including the Late Jurassic Yinlong, and the Early Cretaceous Liaoceratops and Psittacosaurus. These ceratopsians display obvious flocculi, large and separate olfactory bulbs, long and high anterior semicircular canals, and relatively long cochlear ducts. In the evolution of the earliest ceratopsians to early neoceratopsians, changes include the increasing size of the flocculus (which is reduced or absent in late-diverging ceratopsids), the attenuation of the semicircular canals, and the heightening of the anterior semicircular canal (which is shortened in late-diverging ceratopsids). The endocranial structures suggest early-diverging ceratopsians had a higher olfactory acuity and were adapted to hearing higher frequencies than late-diverging ceratopsians. Furthermore, the REQ suggests that Yinlong and Psittacosaurus were more highly encephalized than late-diverging ceratopsians and most extant reptiles. The angle of the lateral semicircular canal suggests that heads in ceratopsians display a transition from a forward posture to a more downward posture. Our new findings are significant for understanding the physiological changes during ceratopsian evolution and also have implications for the evolution of physiology in extant tetrapods.
Reflections on a theory of law in the addresses of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I
Authors: Babie P T
Published: October 2024

Enlightenment values were a necessary adjunct to, although not solely responsible for, the Western legal tradition. This is because the Enlightenment produced a lens through which human relations could be viewed, and this perspective strongly influenced the invention of law in the West.1 Eastern Orthodoxy developed its own philosophical system without reference to Enlightenment values. The East's failure to engage with those values has resulted in a failure to find a common ‘language’ through which East and West can speak to one another. This inability to speak a common language places the Orthodox Church at a distinct disadvantage in its relations with the West, and has done for a very long time.
Free election in the age of Erastianism: the case of R v The President and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral
Authors: Loch Jason
Published: October 2024

On 29 December 1838, the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, Whittington Landon, died. In the months that followed, the cathedral chapter repeatedly refused to elect the individuals nominated by the Crown, setting the stage for a protracted struggle that would play out in Parliament and in the Court of Queen's Bench. This is the story of R v The President and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of St Peter in Exeter.1
Faith in school: balancing no establishment and free exercise of religion guarantees in American education
Authors: Witte John
Published: October 2024

American schools are governed by a complex lattice work of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, many of them tailored specifically to primary, secondary, or higher education. But all schools are subject to the same First Amendment guarantee that ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’. This constitutional guarantee of religious freedom has produced a substantial body of case law. Nearly one-third of the United States Supreme Court's cases on religious freedom – 74 out of its 247 cases reported from 1815 to 20231 – have addressed issues of religion and education. All but six of these cases were decided after 1940, the year the Court first began to apply these guarantees to state and local governments alongside ‘Congress’;2 and for each Supreme Court case, there are scores of lower federal court and sometimes state court cases that add further nuance and amplification. This article summarises, and critically analyses, this ever-evolving jurisprudence.
Revisiting the Rustat case
Authors: Higton Mike
Published: October 2024

In May 2021, Jesus College Cambridge submitted to the Diocese of Ely a ‘faculty petition’ – that is, a formal request to alter the fabric of an ecclesiastical building – asking for permission to remove from the west wall of the college chapel a large memorial to Tobias Rustat, ‘because of Rustat's known involvement in the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans’. On 23 March 2022, following hearings the month before, Hodge Dep Ch provided a written judgment in which he denied the application. The college, he said, had not provided a convincing case that the removal of the monument was ‘necessary to enable the Chapel to play its proper role in providing a credible Christian ministry and witness to the College community’, and such a case was needed to outweigh the ‘considerable, or notable, harm’ that would result from the removal ‘to the significance of the Chapel as a building of special architectural or historic interest’.
Re St Peter and St Paul, Pettistree
Authors: Willink David
Published: October 2024

Pursuant to a 2013 faculty, the interior of this mediaeval church was painted in 2014. Instead of the specified limewash paint, the architect selected an alternative paint, which proved to be inappropriate: it was impermeable, damaging the wall fabric and causing the paint to flake off. Following a consistory court hearing in 2017 (reported at [2017] ECC SEI 6), the PCC was ordered to remove the paint, and repaint using the originally specified limewash, the cost to be borne by the architect.
Re St Peter, Terwick
Authors: Willink David
Published: October 2024

During the course of a judgment in which the court granted a faculty for the introduction of a memorial outside the Churchyard Regulations, the court made the following observation concerning the legal basis of such Regulations:
Re St Nicholas, Leicester
Authors: Willink David
Published: October 2024

The church has a growing reputation as a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people of faith. In September 2022 it received a gift of an altar frontal in the form of the Progress Pride flag, which had been removed following a complaint from outside the diocese; the present petition was for a faculty to authorise its introduction.
Re Bognor Regis Town Cemetery
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: October 2024

Mr Reid died in March 2023. He had been an avowed atheist all his life and was resolutely opposed to the practice of burial; but because he had lost touch with his family, those responsible for his funeral mistakenly arranged for him to be buried in the area of Bognor Regis Town Cemetery consecrated for the rites of the Church of England. When his family learned what had happened, they petitioned for a faculty for his exhumation.
Power and its exercise in the Vatican City State
Authors: Dyda Konrad
Published: October 2024

The problem of relations between Church and state has existed from the very beginnings of Christianity and has evolved over centuries. The dominant model today is one of separation between the state and religious communities. In the context of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican City State remains the only exception to this principle. This article examines the tensions inherent in the way in which the Roman Pontiff, as head of the Vatican City State, exercises both religious and secular power, and how rule of law principles operate to constrain the operation of power as between the various organs of this state.
Body temperature and thermoregulatory behaviour in the Endangered African Penguin Spheniscus demersus
Authors: Welman Shaun , Green Jonathan A. , Ryan Peter G. , Parsons Nola J. , Pichegru Lorien
Published: October 2024

Heat stress from high temperatures has been recognised as a threat to several bird species and one that is likely to increase in severity and frequency as a result of global environmental change. Many seabirds are particularly vulnerable as their adaptations to forage in cold water can make it hard for them to resist heat gain while on land. The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus forages in cool water (10–20°C) but breeds and moults on land where temperatures can exceed 30°C. Little is known about its thermal physiology and when heat stress will occur. Here, we provide the first account of changes in body temperature and behaviour in African Penguins in response to an experimental increase in ambient temperature from 20°C to 35°C. Surprisingly, the highest body temperature observed (39.2°C) was recorded at the start of the study. Presumably, this response in body temperature was due to the stress of transport and handling. Penguins returned to normal body temperature (37.3°C) after 3.5 hours and maintained normothermia for roughly an hour. We then observed the onset of heat storage at an ambient temperature of 29°C, whereafter body temperature increased steadily at a rate of ca.0.2°C per 1°C increase in ambient temperature. Panting commenced at an ambient temperature of 31.4°C, when body temperature was 37.8°C. In addition to panting, penguins changed their posture to facilitate heat dissipation by standing, raising their heads, and extending their flippers. Our results corroborate field observations and support the argument that African Penguins are highly vulnerable to heat stress in the near future as extreme heat events become more severe and frequent due to climate change. Our results also confirm that penguins are sensitive to handling, which elicits a hyperthermic response. Given the general sensitivity of penguins to disturbance, from a conservation perspective, we advise that cautionary measures be implemented at colonies during critical life-history stages.
Clinical management model for impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Han , Yang Yong , Yang Liying , Xie Anmu
Published: October 2024

Over the last decade, we have gained a better understanding of impulse control disorder in Parkinson’s disease (PD-ICD), a medication complication in PD. Researchers were aware of its complexity and took efforts to learn more about its diagnostic and treatment possibilities. Nevertheless, clinical management for it is currently neglected. We conducted a narrative overview of literature published from 2012 to October 2023 on various aspects of clinical management for PD-ICD. A potential “susceptibility-catalytic-stress” model in the development of PD-ICD was proposed and a profile encoding predictors for PD-ICD was created. Based on these predictors, some methods for prediction were recently developed for better prediction, such as the polymorphic dopamine genetic risk score and the clinic-genetic ICD-risk score. A variety of treatment options, including dose reduction of dopamine receptor agonists (DAs), DAs removal, DAs switch, and add-on therapy, are investigated with inconsistent reports. Based on current findings, we developed a clinical management model prototype centered on prevention, consisting of prediction, prevention, follow-up and monitoring, therapy, and recurrence prevention, for clinical reference, and further proposed 4 key clinical management principles, including standardization, prediction centered, persistence, and whole course.
Minimizing risks of off-target movement of florpyrauxifen-benzyl by coating onto urea
Authors: Cotter Bodie L. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Butts Thomas R. , Roberts Trenton L. , Mauromoustakos Andy
Published: October 2024

Commercialization of florpyrauxifen-benzyl as Loyant® in 2018 as a synthetic auxin herbicide in rice was followed by soybean injury due to off-target movement of spray applications in the mid-southern United States. Concerns surrounding off-target movement led to the exploration of an alternative application method to help alleviate the issue. Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to explore the likelihood of a reduction in soybean injury following applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea in narrow- and wide-row soybean systems and to determine the likelihood of volatilization from this novel application method. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl spray-applied at 0.18 g ai ha−1 caused greater than 60% injury, whereas coating the herbicide on urea at 5.63 g ai ha−1 never exceeded 30% injury in narrow-row soybean. Similarly, florpyrauxifen-benzyl spray-applied at 0.18 g ai ha−1 caused greater than 50% injury, whereas coating the herbicide on urea at 5.63 g ai ha−1 never exceeded 30% injury in wide-row soybean. As soybean injury increased, relative yield decreased in both narrow- and wide-row soybean. Spray-applied florpyrauxifen-benzyl decreased relative soybean groundcover, yield components, and soybean survival rate as the herbicide rate increased, whereas coating the herbicide on urea resulted in little to no decrease in both narrow- and wide-row soybean assessments. No negative impacts on relative yield and yield components of soybean from florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea indicates that even though visible injury may persist, there is a low likelihood of any yield losses associated with the herbicide exposure using this application method. Additionally, coating the florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea did not increase the likelihood of volatilization under any of the evaluated soil moisture conditions. Overall, applying florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea is likely to be a safer application method and can reduce soybean injury compared to spray-applying the herbicide when favorable off-target movement conditions exist.