bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optical Variability Properties of TeV Blazars
Authors: Su Zi-An , Yang Wen-Xin , Zeng Xiang-Tao , Ou Le-Jian , Li Ze-Lin , Yang Jiang-He , Fan Jun-Hui
Published: August 2024

Variability is one of the typical observational properties of blazars and the spectral changes are usually associated with variability, although this kind of association is unclear yet. In this work, we used data from the Steward Observatory blazar monitoring program to investigate the optical variability properties including the short-term timescale, the brightness-dependent spectral property, the correlation between the the brightness variation and the polarization, and then estimate the Doppler factors based on the obtained short timescale to study the polarization property for a sample of 20 TeV blazars. Our analyses arrive at the following results: (1) The largest variation amplitude in R-band, ΔR

M
, covers a range from ΔR

M
= 0.29 mag (1ES 2344+514) to ΔR

M
= 4.66 mag (3C 279). (2) Intra-day variability was found from five sources with timescales from 0.14 day for S5 0716+714 to 0.98 day for PKS 2155–304. Sixteen sources show spectra that are bluer when they become brighter, suggesting a common bluer-when-brighter property. (3) The plot of the polarization versus estimated Doppler factor is consistent with the Doppler factor dependent formula of polarization. (4) The largest polarization is correlated with the largest optical variation, suggesting that the high polarization and high amplitude variation are both the indicator of beaming effect.
Strength and Durability Performance of Fly Ash Concrete with and without Superplasticizer
Authors: Kanthe V.N. , Kulkarni T.A. , Padalkar P.A. , Pawar V.V.
Published: August 2024

In this study, the impact of Fly Ash (FA) with and without a superplasticizer (SP) on the characteristics of binary blend concrete has been documented. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was substituted by 10 to 50% of FA. The assessment covered CS, workability, and the concrete’s resilience. The findings reveal that the most substantial Compressive Strength (CS) was attained using a 20% FA mix in binary concrete compared to the control mix (CM). Satisfactory outcomes were evident in durability assessments. FA with SP increases strength by 15.38% compared to the combination without SP. And for durability the reduction of water absorption percentages around 4% for FA blend concrete when SP is added compared to the blend without SP. Such concrete proves more active in boosting both mechanical and durability aspects while reducing cement usage. Employing industrial by-products renders concrete more sustainable and mitigates environmental concerns.
Safety analysis of selected zoned roller compacted concrete (ZRCC) gravity dam
Authors: Siva Parvathi I , Nadh Sri Vasthav
Published: August 2024

Roller-compacted concrete (RCC)dams represent a departure from conventional mass concrete (CMC) dams due to differences in construction methods and concrete compositions. The analysis of RCC gravity dam safety is affected by the presence of dynamic seismic activity. The CADAM software was used to examine the seismic and stability characteristics of a Gibe-III Zoned RCC gravity dam. The Gibe-III Zoned RCC gravity dam is segmented into four zones, namely the bottom layer, medium lower, medium upper, and upper layer, with each zone having a different concrete grade. The RCC dam undergoes pseudo-static and pseudo-dynamic analysis, which involves evaluating its response to horizontal and vertical accelerations caused by the Operating Base Earthquake (OBE), Maximum Design Earthquake (MDE), and Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE) loading conditions. The Gibe-III RCC gravity dam is structurally secure when subjected to pseudo-static stress conditions and satisfies the safety requirements for sliding and overturning as specified by the OBE, MDE, and MCE safety factors. According to the pseudo-dynamic study, the dam is deemed secure against the effects of an OBE (Operating Basis Earthquake). The uppermost layer of the dam gets damaged by MDE accelerations. The accelerations of MCE’s impact the higher and mid-upper layers. The dam must be safeguarded in order to counteract MDE. Retrofit strategies must be employed to ensure that dam can withstand the maximum credible earthquake’s peak accelerations.
Study on the Molarity Effect of Sodium Hydroxide on Geopolymer Concrete incorporating Nanosilica
Authors: Amarender Ravula , Rayana Harika
Published: August 2024

Geopolymer concrete, an environmentally friendly alternative to typical Portland cement-based concrete, has been gaining popularity due to its less carbon footprint and increased durability. This study investigates the molarity impact of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the characteristics of geopolymer concrete, with the inclusion of Nano Silica as a pozzolanic material. The mechanical and flexural properties of Geopolymer concrete (GPC) incorporating Nano Silica at NaOH (sodium hydroxide) molarities of 2M, 4M, 6M, 8M and 10M under ambient curing are evaluated. Flyash, GGBS-ground granulated blast furnace slag, and Silicon Dioxide (Nano Silica) are utilized as binders in the specially blended Geopolymer concrete mix, which is activated by an alkaline solution. The inclusion of Nano-Silica at about 3% of the weight of the binder ingredient is kept constant during our investigation. Nano Silica mostly works as a filler ingredient in concrete. The mechanical properties, fracture energy (GF), and stress intensity ratio or factor (KIC) of geopolymer concrete specimens of notched unreinforced beams (GPCUB) are among the metrics investigated. All of these findings of Geopolymer specimens are compared to those of Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) specimens. The primary objective is to determine the impact of different NaOH molarities and Nano Silica inclusion on the ability of geopolymer-based concrete to withstand cracking and modify its behaviour. As the concentration of NaOH in GPC samples increases, so their mechanical characteristics increases. Silica dissolution has the greatest impact in samples treated with a 10M NaOH solution when compared to other molarities and PCC. This implies that incorporating Nano Silica at varied molarities can effectively improve Geopolymer behaviour by increasing its ability to tolerate brittle failure and fracture propagation. The findings of this study have the potential to give useful insights into the most suitable combination of sodium hydroxide molarity and Nano silica concentration for improved geopolymer concrete characteristics. Understanding these interactions becomes essential for the widespread use of geopolymer concrete for construction applications, which contributes to more sustainable and ecologically friendly practices.
Assessment of strength and dynamic elastic modulus of roller compacted concrete with Metakaolin as supplementary cementitious material through ultrasonic pulse velocity method
Authors: Samanasa Krishna Rao , Varun Teja S , Byagari Jethin
Published: August 2024

Experimental studies on roller compacted concrete (RCC) paving mixes using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technique were presented in this paper. Mix was proportioned using soil compaction principles and Metakaolin (MK) was used as partial replacement of cement in the ranges of 5% to 30%. Compressive, tensile, flexural strengths, UPV and dynamic elastic modulus values were determined at curing period 24 hours to 90 days. The UPV values of RCC control mix at 1 day are lower for all combination of mixes. But, the UPV values are considerably increased after 3,7, 14,28 and 90 days of curing. Empirical relationships were proposed between UPV, strength and Dynamic Elastic properties of concrete. A new regression equation was proposed to evaluate dynamic elastic modulus of RCC in terms of curing age and proportion of cement replacement with Metakaolin. The equation was (E

d
)t = 97.16(𝑡)0.05 + 0.05(Mk) − 62.
A comparative analysis of pozzolanic material and admixture treatment for black cotton soil as a sub-grade layer
Authors: Poornachandra Rao N S , Manikanta A S , Bindu G H
Published: August 2024

The building material industry, subgrade condition variations, and shifting vehicle patterns all need adjustments in the road construction technology sector. One of the most challenging sub-grade conditions that accounts for a significant percentage of pavement failures is the existence of expanding sub-grade. Black cotton soil covers around 20% of the geographical area in our nation. The soil is not suited for use as an embankment or foundation material because of its undesirable engineering properties, which include substantial swelling and shrinking. The prevalence of these soils in several countries, including India, is such that it is nearly impossible to reroute highways to avoid encountering them. Therefore, in order to enhance pavement performance and save maintenance costs, stabilizing the expansive soil is crucial. The research explores the cost-effectiveness and performance enhancements achieved through the use of industrial waste products, shedding light on their potential for improving sub-grade stability and sustainability in civil engineering projects. This study presents an economic comparative analysis of composite sub-grade layers utilizing black cotton soil, focusing on the influence of incorporating pozzolanic materials and admixtures.
Geotechnical Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Hari Naga Prasad CH. , Chouksey S K
Published: August 2024

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is challenging to dispose of on land due to its varied composition, complicating landfill management and upkeep. The variety of waste materials leads to complexity, which poses significant problems for landfill design. Waste in landfills is more diverse, making management and treatment more challenging. Due to their impact on settlement rates and potential risks of slope instability, aspects such as compaction methods, liner system integrity, and waste composition play a critical role in controlling landfill stability. The physical characteristics and strength parameters of MSW are necessary to determine the stability of the landfill. The Geotechnical characteristics of MSW are crucial for the design of the landfill. MSW was disposed at the Raipur landfill, which has been operating for about 6 years, the sample at 1m depth is taken under the present study. It observed that 30% of MSW was found to be a soil-like material after segregation. The geotechnical properties are determined with soil-like material, which is classified as well-graded sand (SW) as per IS classification. The geotechnical properties such as moisture content, grain size distribution, unit weight, specific Gravity, compaction, cohesion, friction angle, and permeability are determined. It is observed that the geotechnical properties also match the properties of sand. An attempt is made to check out that the soil-like material retained can be used as a fill material as the properties are similar to sand. Comparative analysis of existing landfill MSW geotechnical properties is also done to get a clear and strong idea about the geotechnical properties. Numerical analysis is conducted with the obtained geotechnical properties, shape and size parameters are assumed as per the previous literature. It is observed that the factor of safety obtained from the numerical analysis (SLOPE/W) satisfies the requirements and the design criteria of being safe for solid waste disposal and its operation.
Design of shallow foundation on clayey strata using Ground improvement techniques – A Numerical Study
Authors: Thirmanpalli Sagar , Kommu Suresh , Kadali Srinivas
Published: August 2024

In the construction of engineering structures, deep foundations, such as piles or wells, are commonly employed in continuous clayey soils at considerable depths. However, their utilization is often hindered by the associated high costs and time requirements. Shallow foundations are generally unsuitable due to substantial consolidation settlements. Ground improvement techniques, crucial in contemporary civil engineering projects, offer viable alternatives. Pre-Fabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) expedite dewatering, accelerating the consolidation process in clayey soils. Additionally, stone columns enhance soil strength and expedite consolidation. This study explores the feasibility of shallow foundations like Isolated/Raft/box foundations employing ground improvement techniques such as PVDs and stone columns in clayey soils. Various properties of clayey soil, coupled with the impact on soil and Safe Bearing Capacity (SBC) at diverse depths utilizing PVDs and stone columns with distinct lengths and diameters, constitute the analytical focus. Numerical methods, specifically employing PLAXIS Software, facilitate a comprehensive examination. Results indicate that, for the prescribed settlement criteria, the Safe Bearing Capacity experienced a notable increase. This underscores the effectiveness of employing PVDs and stone columns as ground improvement techniques for enhancing the stability and performance of shallow foundations in clayey soils.
Mechanical and durability performance of self-compacting geopolymer concrete- A review
Authors: Praseeda D. , Joshita K. , Karthik M. , Mahesh Babu A. , Gurunath Y.
Published: August 2024

Cement production is among the reasons for the emission of CO2 due to the decomposition of the limestone and combustion of coal. Cement plants account for about 8 % of the CO2 emissions into the atmosphere worldwide. There is a great need to look for opportunities to replace cement. Geopolymer concrete is one such special concrete wherein the cement is not utilized. By-products of the industries for example GGBS, Silica fume, and fly ash were used as precursors along with the alkaline activators, NaOH and Na2SiO3, to build up the binding nature like that of conventional concrete. Geopolymer self-compacting concrete is also a type of high-performance concrete where external compaction is not needed. Overheads costs such as cost towards machinery, fuel, and labour can be avoided. This work summarises the key points of the self-compacting geopolymer concrete developed by the researchers incorporating by-products of the industries along with the mechanical and durability performance. This paper examines the impact of parameters critically such as binding materials, molarity, and curing regimes on the mechanical and durability performance of self-compacting geopolymer concrete. It can be inferred from the literature survey conducted that the substitution of SCGC for traditional concrete avoids the disposal problem of waste utilization and serves to be environmentally friendly without compromising on durability and mechanical performance.
Validation of an electronic transformer electromagnetic nuisance online monitoring system in a true type platform
Authors: He Yumin , Zhu Jianyang , Zhang Houyi , Wang Yu , Dai Qiji
Published: August 2024

With the construction of power grid intelligence and digital power grid, an electronic transformer is one of the key equipment, and its performance stability and reliability are crucial to the safe and stable operation of the power system. Due to the poor operational reliability of electronic transformers, the difficulty of operation and maintenance, and the limited performance testing methods, it is necessary to monitor the operational status of electronic transformers, and the traditional monitoring methods have been unable to meet the needs of the development. In this paper, we designed an online monitoring system for electronic transformers using voltage and electric field sensors and a high-speed high-capacity data acquisition system and verified its online monitoring function through actual testing under the true-type test platform.
Transition path properties for one-dimensional non-Markovian models
Authors: Li Hua , Xu Yong , Metzler Ralf , Shen Jianwei
Published: August 2024

Transitions between long-lived states are rare but important. The statistic of successful transitions is considered in transition path theory. We here consider the transition path properties of a generalized Langevin equation with built-in memory. The general form of the approximate theoretical solutions to the transition path time distribution, mean transition path time, and coefficient of variation are obtained from the generalized Smoluchowski equation. Then, the accuracy of our theoretical results is verified by the Forward Fluxing Sampling scheme. Finally, two examples are worked out in detail. We quantify how the potential function and the memory parameters affect the transition path properties. The short time limit of transition path time distribution always has an exponential decay. For the parabolic potential case, the memory strongly affects the long-time behavior of the transition path time distribution. Our results show that the behavior of the mean transition path time is dominated by the smaller of the two memory times when both memory times exceed the intrinsic diffusion time. Interestingly, the results also show that the memory can effect a coefficient of variation of transition path times exceeding unity, in contrast to Markovian case.
Estimating Bethe roots with VQE
Authors: Raveh David , Nepomechie Rafael I
Published: August 2024

Bethe equations, whose solutions determine exact eigenvalues and eigenstates of corresponding integrable Hamiltonians, are generally hard to solve. We implement a Variational Quantum Eigensolver approach to estimating Bethe roots of the spin-1/2 XXZ quantum spin chain, by using Bethe states as trial states, and treating Bethe roots as variational parameters. In numerical simulations of systems of size up to 6, we obtain estimates for Bethe roots corresponding to both ground states and excited states with up to 5 down-spins, for both the closed and open XXZ chains. This approach is not limited to real Bethe roots.
Bessel–Bessel–Gaussian vortex laser beams
Authors: Kotlyar Victor V , Abramochkin Eugeny G , Kovalev Alexey A
Published: August 2024

We obtain and investigate Bessel–Bessel–Gaussian vortex beams (BBG beams) with the complex amplitude being equal to a product of the Gaussian function with two Bessel functions, whose arguments are expressed as complicated radicals including the cylindrical coordinates and a free parameter that defines the shape of the intensity distribution. If this parameter is small, the intensity has the shape of an inhomogeneous ring. For larger values of this parameter, the intensity has the shape of two arcs or ‘crescents’, oriented by their concave sides to each other. The complex amplitude of such beams is derived in explicit form for an arbitrary distance from the waist. We demonstrate that the BBG beams rotate upon propagation anomalously fast: at a distance much shorter than the Rayleigh length, the intensity distribution is already rotated by almost 45°, whereas typically, the rotation angle of vortex Gaussian beams is equal to the Gouy phase. It is also shown that the parameter of the BBG beam allows controlling its topological charge (TC): when the parameter value is positive and increases, the beam TC also increases stepwise by an even number. Besides, we study two other similar vortex BBG beams: either with four local intensity maxima, lying on the Cartesian coordinates axes, or with one intensity maximum with a crescent shape, whose center is on the horizontal axis. The derived three new families of asymmetric vortex laser beams, whose complex amplitude is described by explicit analytical expressions at an arbitrary distance from the waist, extend the variety of laser beams that can be used for manipulating and rotating microparticles, free space data transmission, and in quantum informatics.
A practical guide to digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) for wavefront shaping
Authors: Popoff Sébastien M , Gutiérrez-Cuevas Rodrigo , Bromberg Yaron , Matthés Maxime W
Published: August 2024

Digital micromirror devices have gained popularity in wavefront shaping, offering a high frame rate alternative to liquid crystal spatial light modulators. They are relatively inexpensive, offer high resolution, are easy to operate, and a single device can be used in a broad optical bandwidth. However, some technical drawbacks must be considered to achieve optimal performance. These issues, often undocumented by manufacturers, mostly stem from the device’s original design for video projection applications. Herein, we present a guide to characterize and mitigate these effects. Our focus is on providing simple and practical solutions that can be easily incorporated into a typical wavefront shaping setup.
A research agenda for economic resilience in fossil fuel–dependent communities
Authors: Clarke Leon , Curtis Mark , Eisenberg Ann , Grubert Emily , Haggerty Julia Hobson , James Alexander , Jensen Nathan , Kaufman Noah , Krause Eleanor , Raimi Daniel , Tingley Dustin , Weber Jeremy
Published: August 2024

World leaders have committed to a transition away from fossil fuels in the energy system. Yetlocal communities across the United States depend on fossil fuel industries for high-payingjobs and essential public services. Building economic resilience in these communities willincrease the likelihood of a successful response to climate threats and help ensure that thebenefits and burdens of an energy transition are broadly shared.Policy support for fossil fuel–dependent local economies in the United States is growingbut remains limited. Only a scant body of rigorous evidence exists on how to effectively andequitably increase economic resilience in these communities. This article describes thecritical need for additional scholarship to help policymakers design, implement, and evaluatestrategies for supporting the economies of fossil fuel–dependent regions. It also highlights keyresearch questions that can inform decisionmakers in the years ahead.
Continuity and Discontinuity between the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and the Ethics
Authors: Totaro Pina
Published: August 2024

This chapter aims to analyze the relationship between the Tractatus theologico-politicus and the Ethics. On the proposed reading, Spinoza carries out his biblical exegesis in the TTP according to the “ex sola Scriptura” principle (adherence to the “letter”) in order to show that even though the biblical texts are interpreted differently, their moral meaning, i.e. the “spirit,” remains unchanged. It is argued that the same spirit that Spinoza finds in his secularized reading of Scripture can also be found in the Ethics, where Spinoza develops a philosophical reflection on the good and on justice, according to principles of love and knowledge, as well as a political reflection on common human salvation and bliss. Spinoza’s insistence on a literal reading of the Bible also offers a model that seeks to avoid the “lucubrations of theologians” and the attribution of mysterious and mystifying meanings to the text. This model of reading will have a profound impact on later literature.
‘Divine Law’ in Spinoza’s Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Authors: Verbeek Theo
Published: August 2024

Starting from an analysis of chapter 4 of Spinoza’s Tractatus theologico-politicus the relation between ‘Divine Law’ and Spinoza’s claim that God cannot be a lawgiver is further examined. It is shown that Spinoza’s reinterpretation of the notion of ‘Divine Law’ as the rule of life leading to human perfection, that is, the intellectual knowledge and love of God is not consistent with some of the central tenets of the Ethics; that, as opposed to what is claimed by Spinoza himself, it is irrelevant to political philosophy; and that it mainly serves as a smoke screen for the denial of God’s legislative will, which in the seventeenth century was associated with atheism.
Is Wonder a Remedy against the Passions?
Authors: Sangiacomo Andrea
Published: August 2024

This chapter reconstructs Spinoza’s ambivalent treatment of wonder across his works. I argue that in the TTP, Spinoza took into serious consideration Descartes’s own account and his suggestion that wonder can play the role of a remedy against other, more dangerous passions. Nonetheless, I also maintain that this solution is dismissed in the Ethics. Here, affects are more or less useful or dangerous depending on whether and how they foster agreement in nature among individuals. Spinoza’s account of agreement in nature builds on the bodily aptitude to be affected in a great many ways at the same time by external causes. Since wonder results from affections produced by isolated and exceptional objects, it tends to produce fixation and hinders the bodily ability to be affected in a great many ways. Spinoza considers the fixation as a threat to the bodily capacity to foster the body’s agreement with external causes.
Finalism, Religion, and Miracles
Authors: Scribano Emanuela
Published: August 2024

In the TTP, Spinoza attributes the origin of belief in miracles to the ancient Jews as part of the belief that God arranged natural events to benefit the chosen people. Anthropocentric finalism would, therefore, be a belief originating within a particular group of people. In Ethics, however, the human people are considered inclined to believe in anthropocentric finalism of nature. Furthermore, in Ethics, Spinoza argues that finalism is by its nature anthropocentric. Finalism is judged responsible not only for prejudices concerning metaphysics and theology but also for those concerning the investigation of nature. Therefore, the entire natural philosophy of Aristotle is involved in the criticism of finalism conducted by Spinoza in Ethics.
Spinoza’s Views on Prophecy and the Prophets Revisited
Authors: Renz Ursula , Waldner Philip
Published: August 2024

Elaborating on Spinoza’s definitions established in the first two chapters in the TTP and discussing them in light of the analysis of the process of the imagination as developed in the Ethics, this chapter argues that Spinoza’s attitude toward the phenomenon of prophecy and the prophets is far less critical than often assumed. In particular, Spinoza’s naturalism with respect to causation of prophecy does not undermine the notion that he takes prophets to play an important role in society. Concretely, it is argued that following Spinoza’s views, prophets may serve as leaders in situations where people lack firm knowledge. The chapter concludes by pointing out that the very problem to which the idea of prophets responds is a problem sub specie durationis. The need for prophets—or leaders—typically arises where knowledge is not available.
Reason and Scripture in the Ethics and Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Authors: Leo Russ
Published: August 2024

Baruch Spinoza’s friend Jarig Jelles delivers an account of the philosopher’s thought in the Preface to the posthumous Dutch edition of Spinoza’s writings. Spinoza’s philosophy, Jelles argues, neither contradicts nor challenges the basic principles of Christianity. To make this point, Jelles describes how everything that is required for salvation is evident in nature and may be understood by the light of reason alone. In other words, Jelles insists that Spinoza, Christ, and the Apostles all share an ethics that Jesus summarized when he asserted that “God must be loved above all, and our neighbors as ourselves.” In the Preface, however, Jelles derives these principles solely from the Ethics; by reading the Ethics and the Tractatus theologico-politicus together, in turn, Jelles directs scrupulous readers to distinguish between these crucial minimal principles in Scripture and its many other aspects. Jelles’s Preface affords us insight into how contemporary readers understood Spinoza’s thought not as distinct from Christianity but as a summary account of its basic principles.
Will, Sovereignty, and the Self in the Ethics and the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Authors: Rosenthal Michael A
Published: August 2024

In chapter IV of the Tractatus theologico-politicus (TTP), Spinoza distinguishes between two kinds of law, one that “depends … on a necessity of nature,” the other “on a human decision.” This chapter considers the relation of these two kinds of law to each other and to the ground of sovereign authority. Although Spinoza attacks the idea of a free will, he insists that we treat the second kind of law as if it resulted from a free decision of the human sovereign. His view that it is a practical necessity to hold the second view—a quasi-free-will—has consequences for his later work, particularly the structure of the Ethics. Achieving the highest good is no longer simply a matter of using reason to correct the mistaken notion of the free will. Instead, we must recognize that the quasi-free will is itself part of the process of ethical self-improvement. Spinoza uses a concept that is explicit in his early works—a “being of reason”—to make sense of the human will, the sovereign will, and the product of those acts.
Where Is the Collective Morality in Spinoza’s Ethics?
Authors: Israel Jonathan
Published: August 2024

This essay examines several of Spinoza’s key political ideas with a special focus on how these ideas are presented respectively in the TTP and the Ethics in an attempt to coax out what is argued to be the essential coherence of Spinoza’s political thought and its centrality to his philosophy as a whole. The main concepts discussed are Spinoza’s notion of ‘positive liberty’, ‘forced to be free’, ‘common good,’ ‘general will’, and the common mass of humanity or the ‘vulgus.’ Offering several contrasts in Spinoza’s use of key political concepts with Hobbes and Rousseau, the essay ends with a discussion of where Spinoza’s thought fits into the Dutch tradition of political thought in the late seventeenth century and the commencement of the ‘radical Enlightenment.’
Thinking with Concepts
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: August 2024

This chapter introduces the topic of conceptual thinking. Conceptual thinking involves conscious, deliberate thought processes that rely on working memory and are subject to cognitive load. Concepts are mental representations that serve as freely-recombinable components of thoughts. When combined in working memory, concepts provide access to a variety of information stored in other systems, allowing the construction of rich, cross-domain models of situations. Inference includes both step-by-step reasoning and non-local processes that draw conclusions from larger models or representations as a whole. Concepts act as an interface between general-purpose, broadly-logical reasoning and special-purpose informational models that represent domains like space and social relations. Thinking brings these elements together in an integrated ‘cognitive playground’. Metacognition monitors and controls conceptual thinking by assessing confidence in the concepts, information, and inferences involved. The book develops these ideas into a novel, empirically-grounded account that explains central features of human cognition and inference.
Representational Structure
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines semantically-significant representational structure and distinguishes two broad kinds: structural representation and general-purpose compositional structure. Structural representations rely on a structural correspondence between representation and world, like maps. General-purpose compositional structure is exemplified by natural language sentences and conscious deliberate thoughts composed out of concepts. This allows any concept to be combined with any other concept(s) of the right type, unlike structural representations where the relations that define structure have specific representational contents. After defining representational structure, the chapter surveys different varieties found in mental representations. It then characterizes structural representation, distinguishing this from mere representational organization. Next it focuses on the general-purpose compositionality of language and thought, arguing that this is not a form of structural representation, or if it is, then only of a very abstract kind. The chapter clarifies terminology and draws connections between representational structure, computational processes, and informational models.
Computational Processes
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: August 2024

This chapter draws a distinction between two types of computational process that mental representations can enter into. Content-specific transitions are transitions between representations that are faithful to representational content due to the specific non-logical concepts involved. Content-general transitions, e.g. deductive inferences, depend only on broadly-logical concepts in order to be faithful to content. Structural representations, which rely on special-purpose compositional principles, tend to enter into content-specific computations rather than broadly-logical inferences. Conceptual representations, relying as they do on general-purpose compositionality, are well suited for content-general computations. However, concepts can also participate in content-specific transitions. The chapter argues that content-specific and content-general computational processes need to be integrated in order to explain concept-driven thinking. The former capture transitions based on pattern recognition and statistical structure, while the latter underpin logical inferences. An account of thinking needs to incorporate both special-purpose and general-purpose inferences involving concepts.
Drawing on Meaning
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the phenomenon of drawing on meaning: transitions between mental representations seem to depend on or draw on the semantic content of those representations. It argues that there are two distinct ways this occurs. First, some transitions rely only on the logical form of representations and the content of logical concepts (content-general transitions). Second, content-specific transitions rely on the specific, non-logical concepts involved, demonstrating an understanding or grasp of their meaning. For example, inferring that a dog barks by a direct-CS inference relies on drawing on the meaning of the concepts of dog and of barking. The chapter defends and elaborates this distinction and its implications. Representing information explicitly can enable content-general transitions that rely less directly on drawing on content.
Epigenome-wide differential methylation and differential variability as predictors of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+)
Authors: Bukowski Alexandra , Hoyo Cathrine , Graff Misa , Vielot Nadja A , Kosorok Michael R , Brewster Wendy R , Maguire Rachel L , Murphy Susan K , Nedjai Belinda , Ladoukakis Efthymios , North Kari E , Smith Jennifer S
Published: August 2024

CpG site methylation patterns have potential to improve differentiation of high-grade screening-detected cervical abnormalities. We assessed CpG differential methylation (DM) and differential variability (DV) in high-grade (CIN2+) vs low-grade (≤ CIN1) lesions. In ≤ CIN1 (n = 117) and CIN2+ (n = 31) samples, cervical sample DNA underwent testing with Illumina HumanMethylation arrays. We assessed DM and DV of CpG methylation M-values among 9 cervical cancer–associated genes. We fit CpG-specific linear models and estimated empirical Bayes standard errors and false discovery rates (FDRs). An exploratory epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) aimed to detect novel DM and DV CpGs (FDR < 0.05) and Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment. Compared to ≤ CIN1, CIN2+ exhibited greater methylation at CCNA1 cluster 1 (M-value difference 0.24; 95% CI, 0.04-0.43) and RARB cluster 2 (0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.28), and lower methylation at CDH1 cluster 1 (–0.15; 95% CI, –0.26 to –0.04). CIN2+ exhibited lower variability at CDH1 cluster 2 (variation difference –0.24; 95% CI, –0.41 to –0.05) and FHIT cluster 1 (–0.30; 95% CI, –0.50 to –0.09). EWAS detected 3534 DM and 270 DV CpGs. Forty-four GO terms were enriched with DM CpGs related to transcriptional, structural, developmental, and neuronal processes. Methylation patterns may help triage screening-detected cervical abnormalities and inform US screening algorithms.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Gynecological Cancer.
The Camp fire and perinatal health: an example of the generalized synthetic control method to identify susceptible windows of exposure
Authors: Goin Dana E , Benmarhnia Tarik , Huang ShihMing , Lurmann Fred , Mukherjee Anondo , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Padula Amy M
Published: August 2024

The November 2018 Camp fire was the most destructive wildfire in California history, but its effects on reproductive health are not known. We linked California birth records from 2017-2019 to daily smoke levels using US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) PM2.5 data and NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke plume polygons during the Camp fire. In the main analysis, pregnancies were considered exposed if they had median AQS PM2.5 levels above 50 μg/m3 for at least 7 days during November 8-22, 2018. We calculated rates of preterm birth and the infant sex ratio based on week of conception and used the generalized synthetic control method to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated and to propose a novel approach to identify potential critical weeks of exposure during pregnancy. We found associations between Camp fire-related smoke exposure and rates of preterm birth, with a risk difference (RD) of 0.005 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.001-0.010. Exposure during week 10 of pregnancy was consistently associated with increased preterm birth (RD, 0.030; 95% CI, 0.004-0.056). We did not observe differences in the infant sex ratio. Camp fire smoke exposure was associated with increased rates of preterm birth, with sensitive windows in the first trimester.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
The mediating role of SARS-CoV-2 variants between income and hospitalization due to COVID-19: a period-based mediation analysis
Authors: Harrigan Sean P , Fibke Chad D , Velásquez García Héctor A , Mak Sunny , Wilton James , Prystajecky Natalie , Tyson John , Wang Linwei , Sander Beate , Baral Stefan , Mishra Sharmistha , Janjua Naveed Z , Sbihi Hind
Published: August 2024

The mechanisms facilitating the relationship between low income and COVID-19 severity have not been partitioned in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). To address this, we used causal mediation analysis to quantify the possible mediating role infection with VOC has on the relationship between neighborhood income (exposure) and hospitalization due to COVID-19 among cases (outcome). A population-based cohort of 65 629 individuals residing in British Columbia, Canada, was divided into 3 periods of VOC co-circulation in the 2021 calendar year, whereby each period included co-circulation of an emerging and an established VOC. Each cohort was subjected to g-formula mediation techniques to decompose the relationship between exposure and outcome into total, direct, and indirect effects. In the mediation analysis, the total effects indicated that low income was associated with increased odds of hospitalization across all periods. Further decomposition of the effects revealed that income is directly and indirectly associated with hospitalization. The resulting indirect effect through VOC accounted for approximately between 6% and 13% of the total effect of income on hospitalization. This study underscores, conditional on the analysis, the importance of addressing underlying inequities to mitigate the disproportionate impact on historically marginalized communities by adopting an equity lens as central to pandemic preparedness and response from the onset.
Needs of female outpatients with alcohol use disorder: data from an Italian study
Authors: Vignoli Teo , Staccioli Maria Caterina , Salaris Maristella , Sanchini Samantha , Martino Elisa , Rigoli Lorena , Salis Francesco , Caputo Fabio , Fattore Liana , Agabio Roberta
Published: August 2024

Aims

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental disorder characterized by sex-gender differences (SGDs). The present study was aimed at evaluating attitudes displayed by Italian AUD treatment services towards investigating the presence of SGDs in their patients and implementing gender-specific treatments for female AUD patients.

Methods

Potential SGDs were initially investigated in a sample of AUD outpatients, subsequently followed by a national survey on the adoption of specific interventions for female AUD outpatients.

Results

The presence of SGDs was confirmed in a sample of 525 (332 men; 193 women) AUD outpatients, including a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders, and episodes of violence and trauma among female AUD outpatients compared to males. Despite the presence of these SGDs, only <20% of a total of 217 Italian AUD treatment services reported the implementation of specific strategies for female AUD outpatients. The majority of services (94%) reported investigating episodes of violence and/or trauma, largely resorting to specific procedures only when these issues were detected.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the presence of SGDs among AUD outpatients, including a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders and episodes of violence and trauma among females compared with males. However, only a small number of services have adopted a gender medicine approach in AUD treatment. These results underline the urgency of investigating the specific needs of female, male, and non-binary AUD patients in order to personalize and enhance the effectiveness and appeal of AUD treatment.
The protection motivation theory as an explanatory model for intention to use alcohol protective behavioral strategies related to the manner of drinking among young adults
Authors: González-Ponce Bella M , Carmona-Márquez José , Pilatti Angelina , Díaz-Batanero Carmen , Fernández-Calderón Fermín
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to prospectively examine the explanatory value of the protection motivation theory (PMT) for the intention to use manner of drinking protective behavioral strategies (MD PBS) and to explore its invariance across genders.

Method

A targeted sampling procedure was used to recruit 339 young adults in the community (Mage = 21.1; SD = 2.21; female = 50.7%) who completed baseline and 2-month follow-up measures of the PMT constructs and intentions to use each of the five MD PBS.

Results

Regression analyses revealed that the coping appraisal components (response efficacy and self-efficacy) had greater explanatory power for the intention to use MD PBS than the threat appraisal components (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences was not prospectively associated with any specific behavioral intention or with the total MD PBS score. In contrast, perceived severity was prospectively associated with the intention to use three out of five PBS and the total MD score. Regression coefficients revealed gender invariance for all six models.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at encouraging young adults to use alcohol MD PBS would be most effective if they included components that enhance self-efficacy in using these strategies and emphasize their perceived usefulness in reducing alcohol-related consequences.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors combined with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in oligometastatic HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Kubeczko Marcin , Gabryś Dorota , Krzywon Aleksandra , Jarząb Michał
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have significantly improved the survival of patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (ABC). Although stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is used more often in routine clinical practice, data on the safety and efficacy of combining SABR with CDK4/6i are lacking. Herein, we present the results of SABR combined with CDK4/6i in ABC.

Methods

Patients with ABC who received CDK4/6i and SABR between 2018 and 2023 were analysed.

Results

Among 384 patients treated with CDK4/6i, 34 patients received 44 courses of SABR. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 63.6% (95% CI, 45.8-88.3), and the median PFS was 32 months. Three-year overall survival (OS) was 88.9% (95% CI, 77.7-100). Two-year local control (LC) was 92.7% (95% CI, 83.4-100). Median OS and LC were not reached. The subgroup analysis showed the difference in survival between oligometastatic patients (OMD) and non-OMD subgroup. Two-year PFS was 69.2% (95% CI, 44.5-100) in OMD compared with 57.4% (95% CI, 36-91.7) in the non-OMD (P = .042). Three-year OS was 90% (95% CI, 73.2-100) in OMD compared with 86.2% (95% CI, 70-100) in the non-OMD (P = .67). Median PFS and OS in the non-OMD were 26 and 56 months, respectively, and were not reached in OMD. Fifteen patients required CDK4/6i dose reduction, and 2 discontinued treatment due to toxicity. No difference in high-grade toxicity was observed between the sequential and concurrent SABR.

Conclusion

The addition of SABR to CDK4/6i seems to be safe and effective, especially in patients with oligometastatic disease.

Advances in knowledge

In advanced breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6i, SABR provides a high local control and may provide additional benefit in an oligometastatic setting.
Comparison of percutaneous antegrade double-J ureteral stent placement: first-hand vs. nephrostomy route approaches
Authors: Arslan Muhammet , Aslan Halil S , Alver Kadir H , Demirci Mahmut
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of procedural efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes between 2 distinct approaches for percutaneous antegrade double-J ureteral stent (DJS) insertion: the first-hand approach and via a nephrostomy route.

Methods

Electronic records of patients undergoing percutaneous antegrade ureteral DJS placement from January 2016 to 2023 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on stent placement technique: the first-hand group, involving a single-stage approach without prior percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertion, and the nephrostomy group, where stent placement occurred through a percutaneous nephrostomy tube. Clinical data, including patient demographics, primary diagnoses, procedural details, complication rates, stent placement success, and post-procedural outcomes, were collected and analysed.

Results

Both approaches demonstrated high technical success rates (93.1%). However, the nephrostomy route group exhibited a comparatively higher fluoroscopy exposure rate (8.2 min) than the first-hand group (6.8 min). Moreover, the complication risk increased by 3.08 times in patients treated with the nephrostomy method (P = .047). Notably, in cases of urinary malignancies, the preference was for placing DJS via nephrostomy.

Conclusion

The first-hand approach should be prioritized as the initial choice in suitable cases owing to its reduced fluoroscopy time, lower complication rate, and the single-stage nature of the procedure.

Advances in knowledge

With the exception of cases necessitating urgent drainage, such as post-renal acute renal failure and urosepsis, the first-hand method is the primary approach for inserting DJS. This is primarily due to the significantly shorter radiation time and the single-stage nature of the procedure.