bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain effects on the structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of Si2SeS monolayer with puckered honeycomb structure: A first‐principles study
Authors: Ait tamerd Mohamed , Zanouni Mohamed , Nid‐bahami Abdelaziz , Diani Mustapha , Marjaoui Adil
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the first‐principles calculations based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been used to study the effect of strain on the structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of the puckered Si2SeS monolayer. Our calculations show that the puckered Si2SeS monolayer has an indirect band gap of 1.30 eV at the equilibrium state, which can be tuned by biaxial strain and the semiconductor–metal phase transition occurs at −10%. Interestingly, a high absorption coefficient exceeds 107 cm−1 in the visible light region under compression biaxial strain was predicted. The electronic Figure of merit (ZTe) of puckered Si2SeS monolayer reaches 2.55 under the tensile biaxial strain of +6%. The presented results show the promising potential of puckered Si2SeS monolayer for optoelectronic and energy conversion applications.
An efficient image steganography approach based on QR factorization and singular value decomposition in non‐subsampled contourlet transform domain
Authors: Yasmeen Fauzia , Uddin Mohammad Shorif
Published: March 2022

As the amount of information communicated through the virtual world grows dramatically day by day, data security becomes a significant concern while communicating over the internet. Steganography can play an integral part in safeguarding the data from unauthorized users through a hiding mechanism. This article describes a three‐step steganographic algorithm. This algorithm applied QR factorization and singular value decomposition (SVD) in the non‐subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain. First, this algorithm scrambles the secret image using Arnold transforms, and then NSCT decomposes the carrier and the scrambled hidden image into coefficient sub‐bands. Second, the QR factorization and SVD are used on the specific coefficients of carrier and scrambled secret images, respectively. Finally, the modified secret image inserts into the carrier image for communication. The reverse mechanism is applied to discover the hidden message at the receiving end. The methodology gives superior imperceptibility as well as robustness. Furthermore, the anticipated strategy is compared with current methods in terms of effectiveness.
Development of abacus for determining the rheological behavior of self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Benaicha Mouhcine
Published: March 2022

Widely used by architects and builders for its many qualities: strength, durability and also for its great adaptability to shapes, the self‐compacting concrete (SCC) remains a material of great future both for major infrastructure works and for quality architectural achievements. Currently, to measure the rheological properties of the fresh concrete (plastic viscosity μp and yield stress τ0), the widely adopted test is the “concrete rheometer.” However, the use of a rheometer on site is a very complex operation, because it is too expensive, and in addition, it requires a qualified person to move, handle or repair it. Hence, many laboratories use other empirical tests to predict the rheological behavior of concrete. Each of these tests characterizes only one of the two rheological parameters (μp or τ0) and depends on the operator. In several cases, these constraints lead to a false characterization of the concrete behavior. To remedy these problems, this work aims to develop another means of rheological characterization of SCCs. This test will represent total independence from the operator and will quantify both the plastic viscosity and the yield stress of the self‐compacting concrete. The proposed approach, verified both by experimental results and correlation studies, represents an economical and simple tool, that can be used efficiently on the building site, and it makes it possible to characterize the SCC rheology from its flow.
Artisans of Religion at the Moral Frontiers: Finnish Soldiers’ Religious Practices, Beliefs, and Attitudes in World War II
Authors: Kivimäki Ville
Published: March 2022

The chapter studies the role of religion in Finnish soldiers’ everyday life during World War II. How did the soldiers engage with religious practices and beliefs in order to make sense of their experiences in the violent frontline conditions and what kind of religious attitudes did the soldiers have? Kivimäki analyzes the experiences of frontline fatalism, soldiers’ practices of constructing protective identities in a morally threatening environment, and finally the work of Lutheran military chaplains among the troops. The analysis reveals both similarities to other cultures of war and soldiering as well as specifically Finnish and Lutheran features. With the concept of religious artisanship, Kivimäki refers to soldiers’ active role in performing and doing religion at the frontlines.
From Lived Reality to a Cultural Script: Punishment Miracles as an Experience
Authors: Katajala-Peltomaa Sari
Published: March 2022

In this chapter the various levels of experience are scrutinized within the context of interaction with a saint, namely Saint Birgitta of Sweden. The focus lies on a case of a punishment miracle leading to demonic possession and eventually conversion to penance. The chapter combines the analysis of intimate sensorial elements, embodied enculturation, and a production of a cultural script scrutinizing how a model for experiencing was produced in the context of Vadstena Abbey’s miracle recording and later preaching.
The Trials of Sarah Wheeler (1807–1867): Experiencing Submission
Authors: Kaarninen Mervi
Published: March 2022

The protagonist of the chapter Sarah Wheeler, daughter of British Quaker family lived in Russia near St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 19th century until the year 1838. Using as a source material Sarah Wheeler’s correspondence the chapter analyses her spiritual life, her faith on the God and how she lived through her bereavements and how her emotions like sorrow and fear gradually evolved into an experience which gave a direction and security in his life. This is the first study in which the correspondence between Sarah Wheeler and Margaret Finlayson has been utilized.
The breakdown of resummed perturbation theory at high energies
Authors: Schenk Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Calculations of high-energy processes involving the production of a large number of particles in weakly-coupled quantum field theories have previously signaled the need for novel non-perturbative behavior or even new physical phenomena. In some scenarios, already tree-level computations may enter the regime of large-order perturbation theory and therefore require a careful investigation. We demonstrate that in scalar quantum field theories with a unique global minimum, where suitably resummed perturbative expansions are expected to capture all relevant physical effects, perturbation theory may still suffer from severe shortcomings in the high-energy regime. As an example, we consider the computation of multiparticle threshold amplitudes of the form 1 → n in φ6 theory with a positive mass term, and show that they may violate unitarity of the quantum theory for large n, even after the resummation of all leading-n quantum corrections. We further argue that this is a generic feature of scalar field theories with higher-order self-interactions beyond φ4, thereby rendering the latter unique with respect to its high-energy behavior.
Non-supersymmetric black holes with α′ corrections
Authors: Cano Pablo A. , Ortín Tomás , Ruipérez Alejandro , Zatti Matteo
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We study extremal 5- and 4-dimensional black hole solutions of the Heterotic Superstring effective action at first order in α′ with, respectively, 3 and 4 charges of arbitrary signs. For a particular choice of the relative signs of these charges the solutions are supersymmetric, but other signs give rise to non-supersymmetric extremal black holes. Although at zeroth order all these solutions are formally identical, we show that theα′ corrections are drastically different depending on how we break supersymmetry. We provide fully analytic$$ \mathcal{O} $$O(α′) solutions and we compute their charges, masses and entropies and check that they are invariant underα′-corrected T-duality transformations. The masses of some of these black holes are corrected in a complicated way, but we show that the shift is always negative, in agreement with the Weak Gravity Conjecture. Our formula for the corrected entropy of the four-dimensional black holes generalizes previous results obtained from the entropy function method, as we consider a more general way in which supersymmetry can be broken.
Local Nondeterminism and Local Times of the Stochastic Wave Equation Driven by Fractional-Colored Noise
Authors: Lee Cheuk Yin
Published: March 2022

We investigate the existence and regularity of the local times of the solution to a linear system of stochastic wave equations driven by a Gaussian noise that is fractional in time and colored in space. Using Fourier analytic methods, we establish strong local nondeterminism of the solution and the existence of jointly continuous local times. We also study the differentiability and moduli of continuity of the local times and deduce some sample path properties of the solution.
Weighted Boundedness of Certain Sublinear Operators in Generalized Morrey Spaces on Quasi-Metric Measure Spaces Under the Growth Condition
Authors: Samko Natasha
Published: March 2022

We prove weighted boundedness of Calderón–Zygmund and maximal singular operators in generalized Morrey spaces on quasi-metric measure spaces, in general non-homogeneous, only under the growth condition on the measure, for a certain class of weights. Weights and characteristic of the spaces are independent of each other. Weighted boundedness of the maximal operator is also proved in the case when lower and upper Ahlfors exponents coincide with each other. Our approach is based on two important steps. The first is a certain transference theorem, where without use homogeneity of the space, we provide a condition which insures that every sublinear operator with the size condition, bounded in Lebesgue space, is also bounded in generalized Morrey space. The second is a reduction theorem which reduces weighted boundedness of the considered sublinear operators to that of weighted Hardy operators and non-weighted boundedness of some special operators.
Primary tumour PSMA intensity is an independent prognostic biomarker for biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Morton Andrew , Papa Nathan , Franklin Anthony , Raveenthiran Sheliyan , Yaxley William J. , Coughlin Geoffrey , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , McEwan Louise , Wong David , Delahunt Brett , Egevad Lars , Samaratunga Hemamali , Brown Nicholas , Parkinson Robert , Emmett Louise , Yaxley John W.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The prognostic value of PSMA intensity on PSMA PET/CT due to underlying biology and subsequent clinical implications is an emerging topic of interest. We sought to investigate whether primary tumour PSMA PET intensity contributes to pre- and post-operative prediction of oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 848 men who underwent all of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), transperineal prostate biopsy, and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to radical prostatectomy. PSMA intensity, quantified as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), and other clinical variables were considered relative to post-operative biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

After a median follow-up of 41 months, 219 events occurred; the estimated 3-year BRFS was 79% and the 5-year BRFS was 70%. Increasing PSMA intensity was associated with less favourable BRFS overall (Log rank p < 0.001), and within subgroups of Gleason score category (Log rank p < 0.03). PSMA intensity was significantly associated with shorter time to biochemical recurrence, after adjusting for pre-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.15) and post-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.10) parameters.

Conclusion

These results in a large series of patients confirm PSMA intensity to be a novel, independent prognostic factor for BRFS.
Accelerating the development of biological nitrification inhibition as a viable nitrous oxide mitigation strategy in grazed livestock systems
Authors: de Klein Cecile A. M. , Bowatte Saman , Simon Priscila L. , Arango Jacobo , Cardenas Laura M. , Chadwick David R. , Pijlman Jeroen , Rees Robert M. , Richards Karl G. , Subbarao Guntur V. , Whitehead David
Published: March 2022

This position paper summarizes the current understanding of biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) to identify research needs for accelerating the development of BNI as a N2O mitigation strategy for grazed livestock systems. We propose that the initial research focus should be on the systematic screening of agronomically desirable plants for their BNI potency and N2O reduction potential. This requires the development of in situ screening methods that can be combined with reliable N2O emission measurements and microbial and metabolomic analyses to confirm the selective inhibition of nitrification. As BNI-induced reductions in N2O emissions can occur by directly inhibiting nitrification, or via indirect effects on other N transformations, it is also important to measure gross N transformation rates to disentangle these direct and indirect effects. However, an equally important challenge will be to discern the apparent influence of soil N fertility status on the release of BNIs, particularly for more intensively managed grazing systems.
Are Cut-off Lows simulated better in CMIP6 compared to CMIP5?
Authors: Pinheiro Henri , Ambrizzi Tercio , Hodges Kevin , Gan Manoel , Andrade Kelen , Garcia Jose
Published: March 2022

This is the first study to show the global Cut-off Low (COL) activity in 46 models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and Phase 6 (CMIP6). The COL historical simulations for the period 1979–2005 obtained from the CMIP5 and CMIP6 models and their ensembles are compared with the ERA5 reanalysis using an objective feature-tracking algorithm. The results show that the CMIP6 models simulate the spatial distribution of COLs more realistically than the CMIP5 models. Some improvements include reduced equatorward bias and underestimation over regions of high COL density. Reduced biases in CMIP6 are mainly attributed to the improved representation of the zonal wind due to the poleward shift of the subtropical jet streams. The CMIP5 models systematically underestimate the COL intensity as measured by the T42 vorticity at 250 hPa. In CMIP6, the intensity is still underestimated in summer, but overestimated in winter in part due to increased westerlies. The overestimation is enhanced by the finer spatial resolution models that identify more of the strong systems compared to coarser resolution models. Other aspects of COLs such as their temporal and lifetime distributions are modestly improved in CMIP6 compared to CMIP5. Finally, the predictive skill of climate models is evaluated using five variables and the Taylor diagram. We find that 15 out of the 20 (75%) best coupled models belong to CMIP6, and this highlights the overall improvement compared to its predecessor CMIP5. Despite this, the use of the multi-model ensemble average seems to be better in simulating COLs than individual models.
Gefühlt steif … und objektiv?
Authors: Dieterich A. V. , Haueise A. , Gizzi L.
Published: March 2022

Fast jeder kennt „verspannte“ Muskulatur, aber was sind physiologisch betrachtet Muskelverspannungen? Aktivierte Muskeln, die nicht entspannen können? Steifere oder härtere Muskeln? In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird aktuelle wissenschaftliche Evidenz zur Aktivität und Steifigkeit verspannter Nackenmuskeln präsentiert und die dabei angewandten Messmethoden werden mit ihren Limitationen vorgestellt. Diese Limitationen verdeutlichen die Begrenztheit des aktuellen Stands wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse und den weiteren Forschungsbedarf. Abschließend wird ein aktuelles drittmittelgefördertes Forschungsprojekt zur Messung von Muskelverspannungen vorgestellt.
Implant-based dental rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients after maxillofacial reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula flap: the effect on health-related quality of life
Authors: Lodders Johannes N. , van Baar Gustaaf J. C. , Vergeer Marije R. , Jansen Femke , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Forouzanfar Tymour , Leusink Frank K. J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of implant-based dental rehabilitation (IDR) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients after reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula flap (FFF).

Methods

Eligible patients were identified by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of patients treated in Amsterdam UMC-VUmc. HRQoL data were used from OncoQuest, a hospital-based system to collect patient-reported outcome measures in routine care. Data were used of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N 35 before FFF reconstruction (T0) and after completing IDR (T1). Data were statistically analysed with the chi-square test, independent samples t test and linear mixed models.

Results

Out of 96 patients with maxillofacial FFF reconstruction between January 2006 and October 2017, 57 patients (19 with and 38 without IDR) had HRQoL data at T0 and T1. In the cross-sectional analysis, patients with IDR scored significantly better at T0 and T1 on several EORTC domains compared to the patients without IDR. Weight loss was significantly different in the within-subject analysis between T0 and T1 for patients with IDR (p = 0.011). However, there were no significant differences in the mean changes of all the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 scores between the defined timepoints for patients with IDR compared to those without.

Conclusions

In this study, no differences were found in the course of HRQoL in HNC patients who had undergone IDR after maxillofacial FFF reconstruction, compared to those who had not. Patients should be preoperatively informed to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of IDR.
Comprehensive analysis of cytokine adsorption properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane material
Authors: Kishikawa Tatsuya , Fujieda Hiroaki , Sakaguchi Hirokazu
Published: March 2022

In acute kidney injury caused by sepsis (septic AKI), excessive production of inflammatory mediators is believed to be involved in deterioration of the disease. Renal replacement therapy using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane hemofilter improves the pathological condition of septic AKI by adsorbing and removing inflammatory cytokines. However, the adsorption properties of the PMMA membrane are unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the adsorption of 48 different cytokines in human plasma to PMMA and polysulfone (PS) membranes. Seventy-nine percent (38/48) of the cytokines were adsorbed more efficiently to the PMMA membrane than the PS membrane, which indicates that the PMMA membrane has high cytokine adsorption ability. The adsorption rate tended to be higher for the cytokines with lower molecular weight, and there was a significant correlation between the molecular weight of the cytokines and the adsorption rates. Electron microscopy showed that the PMMA hollow fiber membrane had a uniform internal structure from the inner to the outer layers of the membrane and had nano-pores inside the membrane that may have contributed to the adsorption of proteins with a specific molecular weight range. The clinical efficacy of a PMMA membrane hemofilter with cytokine adsorption properties against septic AKI needs further investigation including the evaluation of filtration performance of the hemofilters.
Comprehensive telemedicine solution for remote monitoring of Parkinson’s disease patients with orthostatic hypotension during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Polverino Paola , Ajčević Miloš , Catalan Mauro , Bertolotti Claudio , Furlanis Giovanni , Marsich Alessandro , Buoite Stella Alex , Accardo Agostino , Manganotti Paolo
Published: March 2022

Objective

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) represents a frequent but under-recognized phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD). During COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become pivotal in the management of chronic diseases like PD, not only to assess motor impairment, but also for vital signs monitoring. This pilot study aimed to propose a real-time remote home-monitoring system and protocol for PD patients with OH.

Methods

Vital parameters were acquired by wireless devices and transmitted to an ICT platform, providing data and smart notifications to the healthcare provider through an interactive web portal. Eight patients with idiopathic PD and OH underwent 5-day monitoring. Data about OH episodes, therapeutic interventions, impact on daily activities, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.

Results

The proposed solution allowed the identification of 65 OH episodes and subsequent medical interventions. Thirty-five episodes were asymptomatic, especially in the postprandial and in the afternoon recordings. Systolic-blood-pressure (SBP) and diastolic-blood-pressure (DBP) were significantly lower in symptomatic episodes, while the pressure drops resulted significantly higher in presence of symptoms. High usability and patient satisfaction scores were observed.

Conclusion

The proposed home-monitoring system and protocol have proved to provide useful information and to allow prompt interventions in the management of PD patients with OH during COVID-19 pandemic.
The potential of point clouds for the analysis of rock kinematics in large slope instabilities: examples from the Swiss Alps: Brinzauls, Pizzo Cengalo and Spitze Stei
Authors: Kenner Robert , Gischig Valentin , Gojcic Zan , Quéau Yvain , Kienholz Christian , Figi Daniel , Thöny Reto , Bonanomi Yves
Published: March 2022

Lidar measurements and UAV photogrammetry provide high-resolution point clouds well suited for the investigation of slope deformations. Today, however, the information contained in these point clouds is rarely fully exploited. This study shows three examples of large-scale slope instabilities located in Switzerland, which are actively monitored for reasons of hazard prevention. We used point clouds acquired by terrestrial laser scanning to (1) identify differences in kinematic behaviour of individual rock compartments; (2) highlight active shear planes within the moving rock mass; (3) define the kinematic process driving the slope displacements; (4) model basal sliding planes based on the 3D surface movements of rock slides; (5) calculate exact displacement angles, (6) provide estimates on destabilised rock volumes. This information has significantly contributed to the process understanding and has thus supported decision-making in hazard management.
Environmentally relevant concentration of caffeine—effect on activity and circadian rhythm in wild perch
Authors: Cerveny Daniel , Cisar Petr , Brodin Tomas , McCallum Erin S. , Fick Jerker
Published: March 2022

We studied the ecological consequences of widespread caffeine contamination by conducting an experiment focused on changes in the behavioral traits of wild perch (Perca fluviatilis) after waterborne exposure to 10 μg L−1 of caffeine. We monitored fish swimming performance during both light and dark conditions to study the effect of caffeine on fish activity and circadian rhythm, using a novel three-dimensional tracking system that enabled positioning even in complete darkness. All individuals underwent three behavioral trials—before exposure, after 24 h of exposure, and after 5 days of exposure. We did not observe any effect of the given caffeine concentration on fish activity under light or dark conditions. Regardless of caffeine exposure, fish swimming performance was significantly affected by both the light-dark conditions and repeating of behavioral trials. Individuals in both treatments swam significantly more during the light condition and their activity increased with time as follows: before exposure < after 24 h of exposure < after 5 days of exposure. We confirmed that the three-dimensional automated tracking system based on infrared sensors was highly effective for conducting behavioral experiments under completely dark conditions.
Sustainable lifestyles: towards a relational approach
Authors: Böhme Jessica , Walsh Zack , Wamsler Christine
Published: March 2022

The concept of sustainable lifestyles is said to have reached the limits of its usefulness. As commonly understood, it impedes an effective response to our increasingly complex world, and the associated societal challenges. In this context, the emerging paradigm of relationality might offer a way forward to renew our current understanding and approach. We explore this possibility in this study. First, we systematize if, and how, the current dominant social paradigm represents a barrier to sustainable lifestyles. Second, we analyze how a relational approach could help to overcome these barriers. On the basis of our findings, we develop a Relational Lifestyle Framework (RLF). Our aim is to advance the current knowledge by illustrating how sustainable lifestyles are a manifestation of identified patterns of thinking, being, and acting that are embedded in today’s “socioecological” realities. The RLF revitalizes the field of sustainable lifestyle change, as it offers a new understanding for further reflection, and provides new directions for policy and transformation research.
Over-optimistic evaluation and reporting of novel cluster algorithms: an illustrative study
Authors: Ullmann Theresa , Beer Anna , Hünemörder Maximilian , Seidl Thomas , Boulesteix Anne-Laure
Published: March 2022

When researchers publish new cluster algorithms, they usually demonstrate the strengths of their novel approaches by comparing the algorithms’ performance with existing competitors. However, such studies are likely to be optimistically biased towards the new algorithms, as the authors have a vested interest in presenting their method as favorably as possible in order to increase their chances of getting published. Therefore, the superior performance of newly introduced cluster algorithms is over-optimistic and might not be confirmed in independent benchmark studies performed by neutral and unbiased authors. This problem is known among many researchers, but so far, the different mechanisms leading to over-optimism in cluster algorithm evaluation have never been systematically studied and discussed. Researchers are thus often not aware of the full extent of the problem. We present an illustrative study to illuminate the mechanisms by which authors—consciously or unconsciously—paint their cluster algorithm’s performance in an over-optimistic light. Using the recently published cluster algorithm Rock as an example, we demonstrate how optimization of the used datasets or data characteristics, of the algorithm’s parameters and of the choice of the competing cluster algorithms leads to Rock’s performance appearing better than it actually is. Our study is thus a cautionary tale that illustrates how easy it can be for researchers to claim apparent “superiority” of a new cluster algorithm. This illuminates the vital importance of strategies for avoiding the problems of over-optimism (such as, e.g., neutral benchmark studies), which we also discuss in the article.
Democracy of Breath and Fire: Irigarayan Meditations
Authors: Škof Lenart
Published: March 2022

In this article, we are arguing for a possibility of a new elemental politics as based on breath and fire and gesturing beyond the modes and principles of ontology of violence, power struggles and war in philosophy and political philosophy. We first discuss the task of today’s political philosophy as a need to enkindle the humanity towards a new alliance in creativity and belonging. We propose a new, elemental approach, based on the revitalization of air/breath and fire and present Luce Irigaray’s thought as a key intervention of this kind within the contemporary political thought. The second part brings an analysis of texts by Ernst Jünger and Alain Badiou on soldiers and war as examples of an unfortunate philosophical adventure. The third part is our proposal for another genealogy of human beings as breathers and igniters within the new peaceful and mindful culture of democracy, providing us with a possibility of a new ethico-political order, as based on the elemental constellations of silence, breath and fire. Finally, the idea of a quiet democracy is established, as a place of inner horizontal calm being gathered and cultivated in us by fire, and as a place for beings of this Earth to breathe and to share the air within a new elemental-spiritual conspiracy of love. Towards the conclusion, this essay also is a hommage to Luce Irigaray’s approaches to ancient Indian religious and philosophical thinking.
Teachers’ guidance of students’ focus toward lesson objectives: how does a competent teacher make decisions in the key interactions?
Authors: Hino Keiko , Funahashi Yuka
Published: March 2022

In this paper we describe how a teacher makes decisions during interaction with students in order to guide their focus towards the lesson’s objectives that the teacher has in mind. In particular, in the paper we examine how a mathematics teacher’s knowledge connects with the teacher’s noticing skill and interactive action. We present the case of a competent Japanese teacher, Mr. T, during a series of nine lessons on comparing fractions in a fifth-grade classroom. We first look at how Mr. T structured the lessons and interactions to help the students shift their focus from the procedural aspects to the quantitative aspects, when generating their explanations concerning how to compare fractions. Then, we analyze how Mr. T interpreted the students’ responses and made decisions about his interactive actions in the two lessons. The results show that Mr. T structured the entire lessons by repeatedly eliciting students’ ideas and focusing on the object of examination. Detailed analysis of three vignettes shows Mr. T’s constant reference to the lesson objectives when attending to and interpreting the students’ thinking both in verbal and written form. Furthermore, he strove to adjust his initial decisions according to the students’ reactions. These processes of noticing the students’ mathematical thinking were made possible by his extensive content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge; in particular, his knowledge of figural representation had a significant influence on his decision-making.
Finite Element Models of Osteocytes and Their Load-Induced Activation
Authors: Smit Theodoor H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

Osteocytes are the conductors of bone adaptation and remodelling. Buried inside the calcified matrix, they sense mechanical cues and signal osteoclasts in case of low activity, and osteoblasts when stresses are high. How do osteocytes detect mechanical stress? What physical signal do they perceive? Finite element analysis is a useful tool to address these questions as it allows calculating stresses, strains and fluid flow where they cannot be measured. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the capabilities and challenges of finite element models of bone, in particular the osteocytes and load-induced activation mechanisms.

Recent Findings

High-resolution imaging and increased computational power allow ever more detailed modelling of osteocytes, either in isolation or embedded within the mineralised matrix. Over the years, homogeneous models of bone and osteocytes got replaced by heterogeneous and microstructural models, including, e.g. the lacuno-canalicular network and the cytoskeleton.

The lacuno-canalicular network induces strain amplifications and the osteocyte protrusions seem to be stimulated much more than the cell body, both by strain and fluid flow. More realistic cell geometries, like minute constrictions of the canaliculi, increase this effect. Microstructural osteocyte models describe the transduction of external stimuli to the nucleus. Supracellular multiscale models (e.g. of a tunnelling osteon) allow to study differential loading of osteocytes and to distinguish between strain and fluid flow as the pivotal stimulatory cue. In the future, the finite element models may be enhanced by including chemical transport and intercellular communication between osteocytes, osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Standards of Conducts for Biostatisticians and Stem Cell Researchers: A Call for Self-formulated Aspirational Ethics Over Built-in Prohibitive Ethics
Authors: Sato Keiko , Suzuki Mika
Published: March 2022

We proposed the Standards of Conducts to provide a general framework that will serve as the basis for guiding each biostatistician and stem cell researcher to formulate their personal standards, rather than as rules with which they are required to comply. Given the responsibility and characteristics of their work, they are expected to maintain independence and work autonomously as professionals. Each of the Standards of Conducts comprises a preamble, mission and values to uphold, Standards of Conducts (10 items), and background. When one internalizes “self-formulated” standards, to make excuses for oneself would be akin to a self-betrayal; responsible actions can be anticipated. If one begins and continues to consider “who I am and what do I work for,” this will become their inner energy, and a source of motivation and pride to inspire oneself. In addition, this aspirational style might help citizens to recognize the autonomous stance of the professional body and that they share the same values.
From Parametric Representation to Dynamical System: Shifting Views of the Motor Cortex in Motor Control
Authors: Wang Tianwei , Chen Yun , Cui He
Published: March 2022

In contrast to traditional representational perspectives in which the motor cortex is involved in motor control via neuronal preference for kinetics and kinematics, a dynamical system perspective emerging in the last decade views the motor cortex as a dynamical machine that generates motor commands by autonomous temporal evolution. In this review, we first look back at the history of the representational and dynamical perspectives and discuss their explanatory power and controversy from both empirical and computational points of view. Here, we aim to reconcile the above perspectives, and evaluate their theoretical impact, future direction, and potential applications in brain-machine interfaces.
The rainfall thresholds and soil characteristics of large geological disasters in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Ding Jin , Zhang Guoping , Gao Jinbing , Wang Shudong , Xue Bing , Wang Kuoyin , Yang Jing , Jiang Ruijiao , Lian Junbiao
Published: March 2022

Based on observed minute precipitation data during Lekima influencing Zhejiang (from 2019–08-07 00:00:00 to 2019–08-12 23:55:00), the rainfall thresholds for debris flow and landslide are investigated. The rainfall intensity and duration (I-D) thresholds are I = 1247.73D−403.44 + 19.09 and I = 142.63D−0.58–3.37 for debris flow and landslide, respectively. Hourly meteorological data and soil data reveal that (1) the soil volume water content (SVWC) at deep soil layers (50–100 cm) fluctuated continuously during the occurrence of debris flow and landslide. At the end of the landslide period, SVWC at deep soil layers returned stable. (2) At the same soil layer, there was little difference between the upper adjacent values of SVWC in the periods of debris flow and landslide, but the lower adjacent values in the period of landslide were smaller. However, different from the distribution of soil moisture, the lower adjacent values of the soil temperature at all layers were basically the same when debris flow and landslide occurred, while the upper adjacent values were higher when landslide occurred than when debris flow occurred. (3) Compared with the whole typhoon influencing period and debris flow occurrence period, ground surface temperature and surface air temperature, soil temperature, and surface air temperature showed better correlations in landslide occurrence period. (4) Both during debris flow and landslide occurrence time, the soil temperature at all layers did not change with the change of soil depth. Soil temperature and moisture at shallow soil layers owned better correlations than at deep soil layers.
Texture and anisotropy of hot-pressed h-BN matrix composite ceramics with in situ formed YAG
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Duan Xiaoming , Tian Zhuo , Wang Yujin , Wang Lan , Chen Lei , Qiu Baofu , Cai Delong , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: March 2022

Textured hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) matrix composite ceramics were prepared by hot-pressing using different contents of 3Y2O3−5Al2O3 (molar ratio of 3:5) as the sintering additive. During hot-pressing, the liquid Y3Al5O12 (YAG) phase showing good wettability to h-BN grains was in situ formed through the reaction between Y2O3 and Al2O3, and a coherent relationship between h-BN and YAG was observed with $${\left[ {010} \right]_{{\rm{h}} - {\rm{BN}}}}{\rm{//}}{\left[ {111} \right]_{{\rm{YAG}}}}$$

[

010

]

h
−
BN

//

[

111

]

YAG

and (002)h-BN//(321)YAG. In the YAG liquid phase environment formed during hot-pressing, plate-like h-BN grains were rotated under the uniaxial sintering pressure and preferentially oriented with their basal surfaces perpendicular to the sintering pressure direction, forming textured microstructures with the c-axis of h-BN grains oriented parallel to the sintering pressure direction, which give these composite ceramics anisotropy in their mechanical and thermal properties. The highest texture degree was found in the specimen with 30 wt% YAG, which also possesses the highest anisotropy degree in thermal conductivity. The aggregation of YAG phase was observed in the specimen with 40 wt% YAG, which resulted in the buckling of h-BN plates and significantly reduced the texture degree.
Achieving ultra-broadband electromagnetic wave absorption in high-entropy transition metal carbides (HE TMCs)
Authors: Zhang Weiming , Xiang Huimin , Dai Fu-Zhi , Zhao Biao , Wu Shijiang , Zhou Yanchun
Published: March 2022

Electronic devices pervade everyday life, which has triggered severe electromagnetic (EM) wave pollution. To face this challenge, developing EM wave absorbers with ultra-broadband absorption capacity is critically required. Currently, nano-composite construction has been widely utilized to realize impedance match and broadband absorption. However, complex experimental procedures, limited thermal stability, and interior oxidation resistance are still unneglectable issues. Therefore, it is appealing to realize ultra-broadband EM wave absorption in single-phase materials with good stability. Aiming at this target, two high-entropy transition metal carbides (HE TMCs) including (Zr,Hf,Nb,Ta)C (HE TMC-2) and (Cr,Zr,Hf,Nb,Ta)C (HE TMC-3) are designed and synthesized, of which the microwave absorption performance is investigated in comparison with previously reported (Ti,Zr,Hf,Nb,Ta)C (HE TMC-1). Due to the synergistic effects of dielectric and magnetic losses, HE TMC-2 and HE TMC-3 exhibit better impedance match and wider effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). In specific, the exclusion of Ti element in HE TMC-2 endows it optimal minimum reflection loss (RLmin) and EAB of −41.7 dB (2.11 mm, 10.52 GHz) and 3.5 GHz (at 3.0 mm), respectively. Remarkably, the incorporation of Cr element in HE TMC-3 significantly improves the impedance match, thus realizing EAB of 10.5, 9.2, and 13.9 GHz at 2, 3, and 4 mm, respectively. The significance of this study lays on realizing ultra-broadband capacity in HE TMC-3 (Cr, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta), demonstrating the effectiveness of high-entropy component design in tailoring the impedance match.
High-entropy perovskite RETa3O9 ceramics for high-temperature environmental/thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Baihui , Guo Jun , Zhu Yuke , Feng Jing
Published: March 2022

Four high-entropy perovskite (HEP) RETa3O9 samples were fabricated via a spark plasma sintering (SPS) method, and the corresponding thermophysical properties and underlying mechanisms were investigated for environmental/thermal barrier coating (E/TBC) applications. The prepared samples maintained low thermal conductivity (1.50 W·m−1·K−1), high hardness (10 GPa), and an appropriate Young’s modulus (180 GPa), while the fracture toughness increased to 2.5 MPa·m1/2. Nanoindentation results showed the HEP ceramics had excellent mechanical properties and good component homogeneity. We analysed the influence of different parameters (the disorder parameters of the electronegativity, ionic radius, and atomic mass, as well as the tolerance factor) of A-site atoms on the thermal conductivity. Enhanced thermal expansion coefficients, combined with a high melting point and extraordinary phase stability, expanded the applications of the HEP RETa3O9. The results of this study had motivated a follow-up study on tantalate high-entropy ceramics with desirable properties.
Mid-air gestures for in-vehicle media player: elicitation, segmentation, recognition, and eye-tracking testing
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Wei-Xing , Huang Si-Yuan , Luo Rui-Ming
Published: March 2022

There was a problem of great distraction in traditional touch interactive operation of in-vehicle information interface, but the application of gesture recognition technology on in-vehicle system improved this problem. However, users had less experience in this new interactive mode, and the cognitive deviation of the agreement between gestures and commands could directly affect the safety of drivers. The main purpose of this paper was to obtain the user's preference mid-air gestures for the in-vehicle information interface by using the user-elicitation method. In addition, the optimized gesture recognition network structure was applied to the prototype system of in-vehicle information interaction with user-defined mid-air gestures developed by us, and the effectiveness of the system was evaluated by collecting eye movement indicators of users through the simulation of driving eye movement experiments. In the process of user elicitation, the principle of command prompt and agreement rate was introduced. According to the agreement rate elicited by users (AR = .397), we got the gesture consensus set design direction of in-vehicle information control. The experimental results of the eye movement index showed that the method of user-defined mid-air gestures can effectively improve driving safety on in-vehicle media control, and reduced the distraction of users when driving compared with the traditional touch-based method.

Article highlights

The user's preferred in-vehicle media control task gestures were obtained through the user elicitation method.

Constructed an in-vehicle secondary task control prototype system based on gesture recognition.

The eye movement experiment proved that the prototype system can reduce the user's distraction when operating the in-vehicle's secondary tasks.
Using a metacognitive learning approach to enhance students’ critical thinking skills through mathematics education
Authors: Syaiful  , Huda Nizlel , Mukminin Amirul , Kamid
Published: March 2022

This study aims to describe how the metacognitive learning approach (MLA) helped a university's mathematics lecturer enhance students' Mathematical Critical Thinking Skills (MCTS) through mathematics learning. It is an experimental study using a pretest–posttest control group design. The subjects of this study were the students of Mathematics education at a university. The instrument used was the MCTS test. The data were analyzed using ANOVA at the level of significant 0.01. The results of data analysis showed that the MCTS of students who learned with an MLA is better than students who study conventionally, and learning using an MLA has the same effectiveness in increasing the MCTS of students from the low, medium, and high-level subgroups.
Political Science and the Problem of Social Order
Authors: Enroth Henrik
Published: March 2022

The problem of social order is the question of what holds complex and diverse societies together. Today, this question has become increasingly urgent in the world. Yet our ability to ask and answer the question in a helpful way is constrained by the intellectual legacy through which the question has been handed down to us. In this impressive, erudite study, Henrik Enroth describes and analyzes how the problem of social order has shaped concept formation, theory, and normative arguments in political science. The book covers a broad range of influential thinkers and theories throughout the history of political science, from the early twentieth century onwards. Social order has long been a presupposition for inquiry in political science; now we face the challenge of turning it into an object of inquiry.
Embedded magnetorquer for the more demanding multi-cube small satellites
Authors: Ali A. , Chao W. , Khan S.A. , Tong J. , Reyneri L.M.
Published: March 2022

The recent development in the miniaturisation of small satellites and their subsystems has opened a new window of research for the universities around the globe. The low-cost, lightweight, small and flexible satellites have resulted in a broad range of multi-cube format small satellites, constructed from one-to-many adjoined cubes, having total mass between 1 and 10kg. The most challenging design part of the small satellites is to implant a large number of subsystems in a limited space. In order to resolve this issue, the designers are trying to shrink down the subsystem’s dimensions further. In this paper, a magnetorquer coil is designed and analysed for a 4U (4 units cube; 33 × 33 × 16.5)cm3 and 8U (8 units cube; 33 × 33 × 33)cm3 multi-cube small satellites, respectively. The coil is embedded in the six internal layers of an eight-layers printed circuit board (PCB). The designed magnetorquer system is fully reconfigurable and multiple coils configurations can be achieved by attaching them in series, parallel and hybrid arrangements. Due to embedded nature, the heat generated by the coil may damage the components mounted on the PCB outer surfaces. Therefore, thermal analysis is performed to ensure that the coil generated heat will not cross the PCB components temperature safety limits. All the possible combinations of the coils are analysed for current drawn, power consumption, heat dissipation, magnetic moment generation and resultant torque. A desired torque can be attained by using a particular coil configuration at the cost of specific amount of consumed power and PCB surface thermals.
When Medical Devices Have a Mind of Their Own: The Challenges of Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Boubker Jessa
Published: March 2022

How can an agency like the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) effectively regulate software that is constantly learning and adapting to real-world data? Continuously learning algorithms pose significant public health risks if a medical device can change overtime to fundamentally alter the nature of a device post-market. This Article evaluates the FDA’s proposed regulatory framework for artificially intelligent medical devices against the backdrop of the current technology, as well as industry professionals’ desired trajectory, to determine whether the proposed regulatory framework can ensure safe and reliable medical devices without stifling innovation. Ultimately, the FDA succeeds in placing effective limits on continuously learning algorithms while giving manufacturers freedom to allow their devices to adapt to real-world data. The framework, however, does not give adequate attention to protecting patient data, monitoring cybersecurity, and ensuring safety and efficacy. The FDA, medical device industry, and relevant policymakers should increase oversight of these areas to protect patients and providers relying on this new technology.