bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Containing Russia: Containing Nuclear Wars and Lesser Wars that Cascade
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

War cascades to economic crises, environmental crises, and epidemics. There have been three major spikes in risks of nuclear war: the Kennedy-Krushchev spike (early 1960s); the mid-1980s (Reagan-Gorbachev); and the Biden-Putin-Xi spike today. Tangible steps were taken with the first two toward nuclear weapons elimination. Prospects of that with the current spike are mired in failures of Ukraine peacemaking. Extradition law reform is a strategy for deterrence of WMD ban violators. When nuclear powers frustrate disarmament, regional disarmament treaties can be grown. Progressively dismantled mutual assured nuclear destruction (MAD) can be steppingstones to prevent Mutual Assured Digital Destruction (MADD). Invading other countries is rare today. It does not pay. Recent empirics of warmaking effectiveness have reduced the explanatory power of realist international relations theory.
Nuclear and Regime-Change Diplomacy: the Restorative Critique
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

AI weapons and space war must be more transparently and responsively regulated by nuclear surety regulatory regimes that embrace audit by foreign technical teams. Head-of-state and head-of-military hotlines between adversary states are keys to last resort diplomatic paths from war. Meddling in the politics of other countries induces blowback, terrorism, war. Many states do not meddle in the politics of other states; all states should commit to never doing so, especially not by violent means like assassinations, plotting coups, arming insurgents. Respecting democracy development by never interfering in another country’s elections is in the long-run national interests of states.
Controlling Animals: Carl von Heß, Karl von Frisch, and the Study of Color Vision in Fish
Authors: Hoffmann Christoph
Published: February 2024

In the 1910s, physiologist Carl von Heß and zoologist Karl von Frisch studied color vision in fish. In what follows, I first show what types of control are involved in their experiments. I then address a rarely discussed issue—the fact that, in these experiments and many others, the animals must be stimulated in order to actively participate. I thus distinguish between two types of control, environmental and behavioral control of activities. Finally, I make a point that goes beyond the problems of experimental control: in studying sensory abilities, it is impossible to directly determine the content of perception. In this sense, these experimental results are, in principle, difficult to control.
Controlling the Unobservable: Experimental Strategies and Hypotheses in Discovering the Causal Origin of Brownian Movement
Authors: Coko Klodian
Published: February 2024

This chapter focuses on the experimental practices and reasoning strategies employed in nineteenth century investigations on the causal origin of the phenomenon of Brownian movement. It argues that there was an extensive and sophisticated experimental work done on the phenomenon throughout the nineteenth century. Investigators followed as rigorously as possible the methodological standards of their time to make causal claims and advance causal explanations of Brownian movement. Two major methodological strategies were employed. The first was the experimental strategy of varying the circumstances. Suspected causal factors were varied and the resulting effect on Brownian movement was studied. The main goal of this strategy was the identification of difference-making factors, i.e., factors having a causal influence on the phenomenon. The second was the so-called method of hypothesis. Rather than relying exclusively on the ability of experiments to identify difference-making factors, its proponents tried to show how the independently developed tenets of the new kinetic-molecular conception of matter provided a plausible causal explanation of Brownian movement. Each one of these methodological strategies had its distinctive practices and notions of control. None of these strategies could, on its own, establish molecular motion as the cause of Brownian movement. It was only the fruitful combination of the two strategies and of their accompanying practices and notions of control that led, at the end of the nineteenth century, to the recognition of molecular motion as the most probable cause of Brownian movement.
Cuteness in avatar design: a cross-cultural study on the influence of baby schema features and other visual characteristics
Authors: Lieber-Milo Shiri , Amichai-Hamburger Yair , Yonezawa Tomoko , Sugiura Kazunori
Published: February 2024

The concept of cuteness, which can evoke positive emotions in people, is an essential aspect to consider in artificial intelligence design. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of baby schema designed avatars in computer-mediated communication elicits higher positive attitudes than neutral avatars and whether the ethnicity of the cute avatars influences individuals' perceived level of cuteness. 485 participants from Israel and Japan viewed six avatar images, including three baby schema avatars of different visual characteristics and ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian, and Black) and three neutral avatars. Participants rated their attitudes on each avatar, and the results revealed that the baby schema designed avatars were rated cuter, more likable, approachable, and pleasant than the neutral mature avatars. Cultural differences were also evident, as the Caucasian baby schema avatar was rated cuter among Japanese participants, while the Asian and Black baby schema avatars were rated cuter among Israeli respondents. The study findings suggest that cute avatar design can serve as a powerful tool for promoting positive interactions in computer-mediated communication, especially in cultures that highly value cuteness, such as Japan. However, the subjective nature of cuteness is evident as attitudes toward cuteness varied significantly across cultures and individuals. This research highlights the significance of cultural diversity and emphasizes the importance of considering cuteness as a crucial aspect of artificial intelligence design, particularly when creating avatars intended to elicit positive emotions from users. Therefore, designers should be mindful of potential cultural and individual differences in the perception of cuteness while developing avatars for various applications.
A new variant of the inherent strain method for the prediction of distortion in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes
Authors: Pourabdollah Pegah , Farhang Mehr Farzaneh , Cockcroft Steve , Maijer Daan
Published: February 2024

A new variant of the inherent strain (IS) method is proposed to predict component distortion in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) that addresses some of the shortcomings of the previous work by accounting for both the compressive plastic strain formed adjacent to the melt pool and the thermal strain associated with the changing macroscale thermal field in the component during fabrication. A 3D thermomechanical finite element (FE) model using the new approach is presented and applied to predict the distortion of a component fabricated in an electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) machine. To improve computational efficiency, each computational layer is comprised of six powder layers. A time-averaged volumetric heat input based on beam voltage and current data obtained from the EB-PBF system was calculated and applied to each computational layer, consistent with the process timing. The inherent strains were applied per computational layer as an initial anisotropic contribution to the thermal strain at the time of activation of each computational layer, resulting in the sequential establishment of static equilibrium during component fabrication, which accounts for the variation in the local macroscale thermal field. The thermal field and distortion predicted by the thermomechanical model were verified using experimentally derived data. The model predicts in-plane compressive strains in the order of 10−3. Differences in the inherent strain were found at different locations in the component, consistent with differences in the macroscale thermal field. The proposed method is general and may also be applied to the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process.
Influence of various pretreatments on molecular and rheological properties of a linear and a long-chain branched polypropylene
Authors: Münstedt Helmut , Kaschta Joachim
Published: February 2024

The influence of a mechanical or a thermal pretreatment of a linear (L-PP) and a long-chain branched polypropylene (LCB-PP) in the molten state was studied. The molar mass distributions and the branching structure were determined by high-temperature gel permeation chromatography HT-GPC coupled with laser-light scattering. The samples were extruded through long or short capillaries of various geometries corresponding to a predominant shear or elongational deformation. As a rheological probe, the extrudate swell at low stresses was measured for the differently pretreated samples. For the L-PP, neither molecular nor rheological changes were observed. However, the extrudate swell of the LCB-PP was found to decrease with increasing volume throughput. It was more strongly affected by shear in the capillary than by molecule stretching in the entry region. The smaller extrudate swell was accompanied by a decrease of the high molar mass tail of the LCB-PP, which could be the reason for the decay of swell, in principle. However, a comparable degradation of the high molar mass tail was obtained by a pure thermal treatment that was shown to leave the extrudate swell unchanged. This result and the unaffected branching structures found by high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) support the hypothesis of a change of the branching topography by the mechanical pretreatment.
VT – ohne strukturelle Herzerkrankung: Historischer Überblick
Authors: Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Tilz Roland Richard
Published: February 2024

Dieser Beitrag widmet sich dem Thema ventrikuläre Arrhythmie ohne vorliegende strukturelle Herzerkrankung. Die zugrunde liegenden Ursachen sind vielfältig und noch nicht komplett verstanden. Beginnend bei der Erstbeschreibung dieser Art der Arrhythmie nähern wir uns über die Diagnostik der Therapie mittels Medikamenten und schließlich der Katheterablation von den Anfängen bis hin zur den modernsten aktuellen und zukünftigen Methoden.
The efficacy of 2780 nm Er,Cr;YSGG and 940 nm Diode Laser in root canal disinfection: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fahim Sara Zakaria , Ghali Rami Maher , Hashem Ahmed A. , Farid Mary Medhat
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Effective disinfection of the root canals is the cornerstone of successful endodontic treatment. Diminishing the microbial load within the root canal system is crucial for healing in endodontically treated teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG and 940 nm diode lasers on the eradication of microorganisms from single-rooted teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Thirty participants conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the disinfection protocol used; Conventional group: 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA solution NaOCl/EDTA, Dual laser group: 2780 nm Erbium, chromium: yttrium scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser and 940 nm diode laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode, and Combined group: 17% EDTA and 940 nm diode laser EDTA/Diode. Bacterial samples were collected before and after intervention. The collected data were statistically analyzed using Friedman’s test and Kruskal–Wallis test (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

The results of the study showed that both dual laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode and combined laser EDTA/Diode groups showed significantly less mean Log10 CFU/ml of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts than the conventional NaOCl/EDTA group.

Conclusions

In this study we evaluated in vivo the bactericidal efficacy of three disinfection protocols for endodontic treatment of single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis. The results indicated that both dual laser Er,CrYSGG/Diode and combined laser EDTA/Diode groups provide superior bactericidal effect compared to the conventional NaOCl/EDTA group.

Clinical relevance

The integration of lasers into root canal disinfection protocols has demonstrated significant bacterial reduction which might promote healing and long-term success.
Quasi-3D: reducing convergence effort improves visual comfort of head-mounted stereoscopic displays
Authors: Dalmasso Vittorio , Moretti Michela , de’Sperati Claudio
Published: February 2024

The diffusion of virtual reality urges to solve the problem of vergence-accommodation conflict arising when viewing stereoscopic displays, which causes visual stress. We addressed this issue with an approach based on reducing ocular convergence effort. In virtual environments, vergence can be controlled by manipulating the binocular separation of the virtual cameras. Using this technique, we implemented two quasi-3D conditions characterized by binocular image separations intermediate between 3D (stereoscopic) and 2D (monoscopic). In a first experiment, focused on perceptual aspects, ten participants performed a visuo-manual pursuit task while wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) in head-constrained (non-immersive) condition for an overall exposure time of ~ 7 min. Passing from 3D to quasi-3D and 2D conditions, progressively resulted in a decrease of vergence eye movements—both mean convergence angle (static vergence) and vergence excursion (dynamic vergence)—and an increase of hand pursuit spatial error, with the target perceived further from the observer and larger. Decreased static and dynamic vergence predicted decreases in asthenopia trial-wise. In a second experiment, focused on tolerance aspects, fourteen participants performed a detection task in near-vision while wearing an HMD in head-free (immersive) condition for an overall exposure time of ~ 20 min. Passing from 3D to quasi-3D and 2D conditions, there was a general decrease of both subjective and objective visual stress indicators (ocular convergence discomfort ratings, cyber-sickness symptoms and skin conductance level). Decreased static and dynamic vergence predicted the decrease in these indicators. Remarkably, skin conductance level predicted all subjective symptoms, both trial-wise and session-wise, suggesting that it could become an objective replacement of visual stress self-reports. We conclude that relieving convergence effort by reducing binocular image separation in virtual environments can be a simple and effective way to decrease visual stress caused by stereoscopic HMDs. The negative side-effect—worsening of spatial vision—arguably would become unnoticed or compensated over time. This initial proof-of-concept study should be extended by future large-scale studies testing additional environments, tasks, displays, users, and exposure times.
Analysis of the user experience (On site vs. Virtual Reality) through biological markers and cognitive tests in museums: the case of Museo Cristo de la Sangre (Murcia, Spain)
Authors: Melendreras Ruiz Rafael , SánchezAllegue Paloma , MarínTorres María Teresa , PardoRíos Manuel , Cerón Madrigal José Joaquín , Escribano Tortosa Damián
Published: February 2024

Digital technologies have changed almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we access heritage. Following the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the technological evolution of recent years, museums and institutions, among others, have changed the way they display their collections, taking a greater interest in new technologies, platforms and digital software. This technological boom finds its greatest transformation with the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse in the museum sector. This article shows the concrete influence of VR/Metaverse in a museum room previously digitised through different techniques. Subsequently, the impact over user experience in the VR scenario versus on-site visit has been measured. In parallel, to measure the enzyme alpha-amylase in saliva, a cognitive test and usability test (SUS) were carried out to determine the learning capacity and degree of satisfaction obtained with experience alongside the room of the Museo de la Sangre in Murcia (Spain).
Bruchid Infestation Was Associated With Agronomic Traits in Field-grown Faba Bean Genotypes
Authors: Tsialtas Ioannis T. , Irakli Maria
Published: February 2024

Bruchus rufimanus, a univoltine seed weevil (bruchid), can cause severe seed yield and quality losses in faba beans restricting crop profitability and expansion. Chemical insecticide applications have been reported of low effectiveness and thus, growing genotypes tolerant to bruchid has been suggested as an alternative. Ten faba bean (Viciafaba L.) accessions belonging to three varieties (var. major (seven accessions), var. minor (two accessions), var. equina (one accession)) were tested under field conditions for two growing seasons. Agronomic and seed traits were determined in an attempt to associate any tolerance to bruchid with easily-assessible, highly-heritable characters in order to be used as indirect selection criteria. The genotypes varied in bruchid tolerance (percentage of bruchid emergence holes (BD), percentage of endoparasitoid (Triaspis thoracica) emergence holes and bruchid infestation level (BI = BD + PD)), agronomic traits and seed properties. The dark-colored, small- and medium-seeded accessions (var. minor and var. equina), commonly used for feed, had the lowest BI (4.21–8.17%) ranging below the limit of 10% set as the highest acceptable for using faba beans as feed. Large-seeded accessions (var. major), which had light-colored seed coat (testa) with yellow hue, showed BI from 11.80% up to 24.54%, far-above the limit of 3% for seeds used as food. Apart from the seed size and color, susceptible genotypes had more seeds per pod, less pods and less branches per plant, possibly offering an easy access to females for laying more eggs on the limited number of pods, albeit the more space and food (higher protein content per seed) they offer to the developing larvae. Phenols and tannins in seeds, a putative chemical defense mechanism against bruchid, did not associate with the percentage of bruchid- or endoparasitoid-damaged seeds. Concluding, certain plant architectural traits and seed properties related to bruchid infestation in faba beans can be used as useful tools to select tolerant genotypes.
How can we help? A training needs assessment for non-health professionals and volunteers working with asylum seekers and refugees
Authors: Teixeira-Santos Luísa , Bobrowicz-Campos Elzbieta , Abreu Wilson
Published: February 2024

Aim

To understand the perceptions of volunteers and non-health professionals who worked, work, or will work with refugees and asylum seekers, about their training needs and to know if these perceptions are influenced by the training and/or experience background.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Ninety-one worldwide participants completed the online survey. The survey consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire collecting data on previous working and training experience, and four experimental questionnaires assessing organizational management-, cultural abilities-, health-, and communication-related needs.

Results

Approximately 80% of participants had previous working experience with asylum seekers and refugees, although only 48% had some kind of training in this area. The training received was quite diversified in terms of format and content. Of the total sample, 74% agreed that volunteers should undergo training to enhance their ability to assist vulnerable populations and cope with stressful situations. All the participants, regardless of training background or working experience with asylum seekers and refugees, considered it important that training programs included content related to organizational management, cultural, communication, and health.

Conclusion

Non-health professionals and volunteers receive limited training and possess no disciplinary knowledge to perform their work, even though it has a huge social impact. It is crucial to develop more inclusive programs, capable of being used and adapted to different contexts where people are working with asylum seekers and refugees. Future studies could explore the effectiveness of innovative training methods and compare the training needs between non-health and health professionals.
Framing the CAP reform 2013 in Austria’s agricultural media
Authors: Obweger Andrea , Mitter Hermine , Schmid Erwin
Published: February 2024

The reform process of the CAP is increasingly open to actors that apply different frames. Recent research reveals the consistent use of five frames during CAP reform processes: the policy mechanism frame, the farmers’ economic frame, the societal concerns frame, the budgetary frame, and the foreign trade frame. Our qualitative content analysis of 1,155 newspaper articles from Austria’s largest agricultural newspaper published between 01/10/2010 and 31/01/2015 confirms that these five frames are also used in national CAP reporting and consist of subframes. The European Commission (EC), the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union, which are involved in the CAP legislative process, mainly use the policy mechanism frame. The farmers’ economic frame and the policy mechanism frame are applied throughout the reform process. The societal concerns frame is gradually used over time, while the foreign trade frame is limited to specific events. The budgetary frame increasingly refers to public money for public goods, which indicates that the EC and other actors put efforts into legitimising the CAP. The results emphasise that both, agricultural and environmental actors use agricultural media to generate support for or condemnation of agricultural policy and thereby affect political agenda-setting.
Parenting Practices and Externalizing Behaviors in Autistic Children: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Suvarna Vedanta , Farrell Lara , Adams Dawn , Emerson Lisa-Marie , Paynter Jessica
Published: February 2024

There is limited recent research on the association between parenting practices and externalizing behaviors in autistic children. To address this gap, the current systematic review examined the associations between parenting practices and externalizing behaviors in autistic children, along with the mediating and moderating effects of parent and child variables (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022268667). Study inclusion criteria were (1) Peer-reviewed journals, (2) Participants included parents of autistic children and their children, (3) Quantitative measures of both parenting practices or behaviors/style and child externalizing behaviors, (4) Cross-sectional or longitudinal studies only, and (5) Studies published in English. Study exclusion criteria were: (1) Qualitative studies, (2) Published in a language other than English, (3) Participants included non-human participants, (4) Participants that did not include parents and their autistic children as participants or did not report this group separately, (5) Systematic review and meta-analyses, and (6) No quantitative measures of parenting practices and/or child externalizing behaviors. Quality appraisal and risk of bias were conducted using the McMaster Tool and results were synthesized in Covidence and Excel. Thirty studies were included in the review. Results demonstrated that mindful parenting was associated with fewer or lower levels of externalizing behaviors; positive parenting practices had non-significant associations with externalizing behaviors; specific parenting practices had differing associations with externalizing behaviors; and negative parenting practices were associated with higher levels of externalizing behaviors. We are unable to draw causal relationships due to focus on cross-sectional and longitudinal articles only. The potential for future research to target specific parent practices to support children’s externalizing behaviors is discussed.
Evaluation of the application of suspensions of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphates on yellow maize and chili pepper plants
Authors: Velásquez A. A. , Urquijo J. P. , Montoya Y. A. , Susunaga D. M. , Villanueva-Mejía D. F.
Published: February 2024

We have applied aqueous suspensions of magnetite-maghemite nanoparticles functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphate groups on yellow maize (Zea Mays) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants, at greenhouse conditions, to evaluate if any beneficial or adverse effects are produced by these nanocomposites in the development of these kind of plants at morphological and physiological level. Phytotoxicity assays with yellow maize seeds showed excellent germination percentages in all treatments evaluated, as well as increasing indicators of biomass and root length of germinated seeds for suspensions of nanoparticles with iron contents up to 50 ppm. Suspensions of nanoparticles with iron contents higher than 50 ppm led to decreasing indicators of biomass and root length of germinated seeds compared to lower iron contents. Iron contents of 100 ppm showed indicators lower than those of the control, suggesting phytotoxic effect of these nanocomposites for iron contents above 100 ppm. Measurements of morphological and physiological parameters of plants of both crops in greenhouse conditions, treated with suspensions of nanoparticles with iron-phosphorus contents of 25 − 3, 35 − 4 and 45 − 5 ppm, commercial fertilizer as positive control and tap water as a negative control did not evidence any phytotoxic or beneficial effect. The results suggest that, although these nanocomposites did not have a noticeable effect as vehicles of micro and macro nutrients as iron and phosphorus in the evaluated plants, they did not produce phytotoxic effects on them at the morphological and physiological level for iron contents less than 50 ppm, as they showed adequate growth and development.
Short-term credit policies and operating performance
Authors: Afrifa Godfred Adjapong , Tingbani Ishmael , Alshehabi Ahmad , Halabi Hussein
Published: February 2024

Using a sample of United Kingdom (UK) non-financial firms from 2009 to 2021, this paper examines the operating performance effect of aggressive and moderate use of trade payables and bank credit. The results demonstrate a hierarchical effect of the use of short-term credit on firms operating performance. In particular, the results show that aggressive use of bank credit achieves higher operating performance, followed by moderate use of trade payables and bank credit and then aggressive use of trade payables. We further document that operating performance of firms dealing in differentiated products, lower firm size, firms with higher market power and financially stable firms’ increases with aggressive and moderate use of trade payables and bank credit. Overall, the results indicate that firm operating performance is an increasing function of bank credit use and demonstrate the importance of short-term credit policies on firms’ operating performance. The results are robust after using a novel approach in addressing the issue of endogeneity.
Event-Based Non-rigid Reconstruction of Low-Rank Parametrized Deformations from Contours
Authors: Xue Yuxuan , Li Haolong , Leutenegger Stefan , Stückler Jörg
Published: February 2024

Visual reconstruction of fast non-rigid object deformations over time is a challenge for conventional frame-based cameras. In recent years, event cameras have gained significant attention due to their bio-inspired properties, such as high temporal resolution and high dynamic range. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for reconstructing such deformations using event measurements. Under the assumption of a static background, where all events are generated by the motion, our approach estimates the deformation of objects from events generated at the object contour in a probabilistic optimization framework. It associates events to mesh faces on the contour and maximizes the alignment of the line of sight through the event pixel with the associated face. In experiments on synthetic and real data of human body motion, we demonstrate the advantages of our method over state-of-the-art optimization and learning-based approaches for reconstructing the motion of human arms and hands. In addition, we propose an efficient event stream simulator to synthesize realistic event data for human motion.
Investigation into the role of phenolic compounds in the protection of citrus against Phyllosticta citricarpa
Authors: Mabogoane Melida , Augustyn Wilma , Tembu Vuyelwa J , Regnier Thierry , du Plooy Wilma
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The use of chemical fungicides to combat disease has made a substantial contribution to food quality and security. Nonetheless, their applications have been limited due to environmental and health concerns, unaffordability, and the fact that pathogens have acquired resistance to some of these fungicides. Alternative eco-friendly and safe control methods should be explored. The current study investigated the influence of citrus rind phenolic compounds against Phyllosticta citricarpa infection by metabolic profiling of two citrus cultivars with varying degrees of susceptibility to infection.

Methods

Chromatographic data obtained by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC) was subjected to multivariate data analysis to identify biomarkers associated with the tolerant cultivar. The identified biomarkers were tested in vitro against P. citricarpa.

Results

Seville oranges, a tolerant cultivar, displayed higher levels of phenolic content and lower total sugar content, that are both associated with lower susceptibility to citrus black spot infection. The generated Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) models gave an overview of the data set and identified components that may be responsible for the differences in susceptibility between the two cultivars. Candidate biomarkers associated with tolerance were identified as naringin, neoeriocitrin, bruteiridin, melitidin, and lucenin-2.

Conclusion

Naringin, a major candidate biomarker was able to inhibit the growth of the pathogen at 10 000 ppm.
Frequency-Domain 3D Computer Program for Predicting Motions and Loads on a Ship in Regular Waves
Authors: Abbasnia Arash , Sutulo Serge , Soares C. Guedes
Published: February 2024

The development of an in-house computer program for determining the motions and loads of advancing ships through sea waves in the frequency domain, is described in this paper. The code is based on the potential flow formulation and originates from a double-body code enhanced with the regular part of the velocity potential computed using the pulsing source Green function. The code is fully developed in C++ language with extensive use of the object-oriented paradigm. The code is capable of estimating the excitation and inertial radiation loads or arbitrary incoming wave frequencies and incidence angles. The hydrodynamic responses such as hydrodynamic coefficients, ship motions, the vertical shear force and the vertical bending moment are estimated. A benchmark container ship and an LNG carrier are selected for testing and validating the computer code. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental data which demonstrate the acceptable compliance for the zero speed whereas there are some discrepancies over the range of frequencies for the advancing ship in different heading angles.
Overview of Research Progress on Numerical Simulation Methods for Turbulent Flows Around Underwater Vehicles
Authors: He Kangjian , Pan Zhi , Zhao Weiwen , Wang Jianhua , Wan Decheng
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present an overview of numerical simulation methods for the flow around typical underwater vehicles at high Reynolds numbers, which highlights the dominant flow structures in different regions of interest. This overview covers the forebody, midbody, stern, wake region, and appendages and summarizes flow phenomena, including laminar-to-turbulent transition, turbulent boundary layers, flow under the influence of curvatures, wake interactions, and all associated complex vortex structures. Furthermore, the current issues and challenges of capturing these flow structures are addressed. This overview provides a deep insight into the use of numerical simulation methods, including the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method, large eddy simulation (LES) method, and the hybrid RANS/LES method, and evaluates their applicability in capturing detailed flow features.
Neuroprotective Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease: Implications for Gut Microbiota and PGC-1α
Authors: Dong Yuxuan , Qi Yueyan , Chen Jinhu , Han Siyuan , Su Wenjing , Ma Xin , Yu Yang , Wang Yanqin
Published: February 2024

Intestinal dysbiosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and probiotics have emerged as potential modulators of central nervous system function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 (NJ241) in a mouse model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The impact of NJ241 was comprehensively assessed in PD mice through behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) detection. NJ241 exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating MPTP-induced weight loss, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in mice. Furthermore, it demonstrated protected against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron death and inhibited the activation of glial cells in the substantia nigra (SN). NJ241 demonstrated the ability to normalized dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota and elevate SCFA levels in PD mice. Additionally, NJ241 reversed MPTP-induced reductions in colonic GLP-1 levels and the expression of GLP-1R and PGC-1α in the SN. Notably, GLP-1R antagonists partially reversed the inhibitory effects of NJ241 on the activation of glial cells in the SN. In summary, NJ241 exerts a neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced neuroinflammation by enhancing intestinal GLP-1 levels and activating nigral PGC-1α signaling. These findings provide a rationale for the exploration and development of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies for PD.
Biochar N Content, Pools and Aromaticity as Affected by Feedstock and Pyrolysis Temperature
Authors: de Oliveira Paiva Igor , de Morais Everton Geraldo , Jindo Keiji , Silva Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2024

Forms and availability of nitrogen (N) in biochars are influenced by both feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. We conducted an assessment to examine how feedstock composition and pyrolysis temperature impact crucial properties and nitrogen (N) content and distributions within biochars. We subjected feedstocks with 0.2% to 8.9% N to pyrolysis at 300 °C and 750 °C. Biochars derived from different feedstock types (n = 11) were assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total C, water-soluble C (WSC) content, yield, total and available N content, as well as for C and N retention. We examined the aromaticity of the biochars by analyzing the ratio of specific FTIR spectra bands. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, we observed a decrease in yield, total N content, and N in the forms of N-NH4+ and N-NO3−. Concurrently, with the intensification of the charring process, the WSC content experienced a sharp reduction. Most biochars experienced an increase in carbon (C) content along with a notable decrease in total nitrogen (N) content as the pyrolysis process intensified. As charring conditions intensified, available N forms, such as N-NH4+ and N-NO3−, were lost. Biochars obtained from pine bark, eucalyptus sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, and bamboo exhibited high C content, low N content, and C:N ratios exceeding 100:1. The losses of C and N were independent of each other, with N chemical species demonstrating higher volatility compared to C compounds. At a temperature of 300 °C, the extent of N loss during pyrolysis depended on the feedstock, and the N content in the resulting biochar could be predicted based on the N content in the original feedstock. Pyrolysis at 300 °C retained a substantial amount of N in biochars derived from chicken manure, castor oil cake, chitosan, and shrimp carcass. This preserved nitrogen can serve as a valuable nitrogen source for crop applications.

Graphical Abstract
Water quantities for public and private use in Pompeii
Authors: Olsson Richard
Published: February 2024

The water-supply system in Pompeii delivered water to both public and private water users. Aqueduct water was distributed in three main water pipelines. The aqueduct water was led up to fill lead containers on top of a number of water towers, and from there it continued downhill from one tower to the next located at a lower level. All top containers also had connections to small individual lead water pipes to public and private users in the different districts of the city. However, it still remains unclear how and with what efficiency aqueduct water could reach all users, some of them at a far distance from the water towers, in a system based on gravity flow. In this study the focus is to explain the water flow in the small water pipes from the top containers to public and private users. The study presents a calculation method based on Bernoulli’s equation for fluid mechanics. The simplified form of the equation is the result of an adaption to Pompeii’s conditions and has been used for the calculation of water velocity and the water quantity in water pipes when three geometrical variables are known, the head, the length of the pipe and the diameter of the pipe. The calculations of the water quantities in small water pipes have shown that less than half of the total incoming water quantity to the city was supplied for public use in the street fountains and the public baths, and that at least half was supplied for private use. This means that the water supply for some private users must have been considered from the beginning. The calculation method has only resulted in estimations, but the equation presented is exact and deserves to be used in the future as more exact values of the three geometrical variables are measured.
Application of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in crop development towards sustainable agriculture
Authors: Daniel Augustine Innalegwu , Hüsselmann Lizex , Shittu Oluwatosin Kudirat , Gokul Arun , Keyster Marshall , Klein Ashwil
Published: February 2024

The increase in global population which translates to increased demand for food called for urgent attention from key players and policy makers in agricultural sector. Also, the effects of climate change and its consequent biotic and abiotic stresses in plants has greatly affect the sustainability of agriculture and production of food. These challenges require novel and sustainable approaches to improve the quality and yield of crops. The vast application of nanoparticles in different fields of study is attributed to their distinct chemical and physical characteristics. However, in agriculture, their application is limited because of their safety concern. Currently, research is tailored to study the response of plants to various nanoparticle treatments; however, these studies are inconclusive due to limited knowledge on the mechanisms of plant–nanoparticle interactions. Recently, studies on nanobiotechnology have taken a new dimension from preliminary bioassay experiments to more complex, research-oriented studies using various omics tools. Changes in protein expression caused by plant–nanoparticle interaction at any developmental stages, or tissue types may be investigated using suitable proteomics techniques. This review discussed the various applications of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in plant growth and development. Plant–nanoparticle interactions and the application of nanoparticles and proteomic tools in genetic engineering of plants to attain agricultural sustainability and food safety are also discussed. Informative and thorough understanding of plant–nanoparticle interaction will serve as a blueprint that will enable plant scientist and genetic engineers to develop plant biomarkers and explore their potential application for crop improvement.
The engine mission simulation system: coupled simulation of aircraft and engine in the mission
Authors: Remiger Jonas , Stößel Marcel , Kožulović Dragan , Niehuis Reinhard , Krummenauer Michael
Published: February 2024

When designing future aircraft, the entire system including airframe, propulsion system, energy management and mission control must be considered in a coupled approach at an early design stage. To model and study this complex interaction, the Engine Mission Simulation System (EMSS) environment was created in cooperation with the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment. EMSS is intended to serve as a digital, flying test bed at the Institute of Jet Propulsion for the rapid and low-cost evaluation of new concepts for propulsion and power supply systems for new and legacy aircraft designs. This tool chain allows a detailed engine simulation under consideration of its flight condition while using an external propulsion and power control system. First, the software architecture of EMSS is discussed, which involves a propulsion simulation in NPSS® coupled with the X-Plane 11 flight simulator via MATLAB®/Simulink®. The aircraft itself is modeled as a six degrees of freedom simulation using the blade element theory, allowing both complex flight maneuvers and unusual aircraft to be easily simulated. The EMSS achieves real-time capability and enables user-friendly pre-design as well as quick trend detection through the ability to perform focused parametric studies. To evaluate the accuracy of the system’s results, the engine model used is validated against experimental data. Subsequently, the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft model are verified with a CFD simulation. Finally, a parametric study is used to demonstrate the mission as well as propulsion evaluation capabilities of the Engine Mission Simulation System.
A Finite Element Modeling Approach for Analyzing the Cyclic Behavior of RC Frames
Authors: Shamsi Tamana , Sümer Yusuf
Published: February 2024

Numerous approaches and inputs for nonlinear finite element analysis used for modeling reinforced concrete systems under cyclic loads have been outlined. Practitioners usually take into account a number of significant factors when modeling, for example deciding upon the constitutive relations, the connection among concrete and steel reinforcement, and the mesh sensitivities, in order to accurately simulate the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete under cyclic loads. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly assess popular modeling approaches and develop a reliable modeling approach with reliability, stability, and consistency. A modeling technique and practical guidelines for nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete frames subjected to cyclic loading are described in this study, taking into account the influence of parameters such as dilation angle, stiffness recovery, friction coefficient, and mesh sizes. The hysteretic force–displacement behavior and load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete frames subjected to cyclic loading have been compared using numerical and experimental curves. Discrete fracture paths are specified in the model’s geometry to achieve an accurate depiction of the stress distribution and an adequate fit of the hysteretic behavior. The proposed modeling approach provides a precise representation of the stress distribution and hysteretic behavior while keeping computational costs reasonable.
Intersecting Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination: A Discourse Analysis of Information Use and Decision-Making Among Ethnically Diverse Parents in Canada
Authors: Marfo Emmanuel A. , Manca Terra , Cha Eunah , Aylsworth Laura , Driedger S. Michelle , Meyer Samantha B. , Pelletier Catherine , Dubé Ève , MacDonald Shannon E.
Published: February 2024

Background

Little is known about how intersecting social privilege and disadvantage contribute to inequities in COVID-19 information use and vaccine access. This study explored how social inequities intersect to shape access to and use of COVID-19 information and vaccines among parents in Canada.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews on COVID-19 vaccination information use with ethnically diverse parents of children ages 11 to 18 years from April to August 2022. We purposefully invited parents from respondents to a national online survey to ensure representation across diverse intersecting social identities. Five researchers coded transcripts in NVivo using a discourse analysis approach informed by intersectionality. Our analysis focused on use of vaccine information and intersecting privileges and oppressions, including identifying with equity-denied group(s).

Results

Interview participants (N = 48) identified as ethnically diverse non-Indigenous (n = 40) and Indigenous (n = 8) Peoples from seven Canadian provinces. Racialized minority or Indigenous participants reflected on historical and contemporary events of racism from government and medical institutions as barriers to trust and access to COVID-19 information, vaccines, and the Canadian healthcare system. Participants with privileged social locations showed greater comfort in resisting public health measures. Despite the urgency to receive COVID-19 vaccines, information gaps and transportation barriers delayed vaccination among some participants living with chronic medical conditions.

Conclusion

Historicization of colonialism and ongoing events of racism are a major barrier to trusting public health information. Fostering partnerships with trusted leaders and/or healthcare workers from racialized communities may help rebuild trust. Healthcare systems need to continuously implement strategies to restore trust with Indigenous and racialized populations.
Data-Driven Approaches for Vibroacoustic Localization of Leaks in Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Liu Rongsheng , Tariq Salman , Tijani Ibrahim A. , Fares Ali , Bakhtawar Beenish , Fan Harris , Zhang Rui , Zayed Tarek
Published: February 2024

This study aims to propose Micro-electromechanical System (MEMS) accelerometers for leak localization in the water distribution network and assess the performance of machine learning models in accurately estimating leak locations. Intensive field experimentation was conducted to collect data for model development. Machine learning algorithms were employed to develop leak localization models, specifically artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM). Seventeen time-domain and frequency-domain features were extracted, and feature selection was performed using the backward elimination method. The results indicate that the ANN and SVM models are suitable classifiers for localizing leak distance. Both models achieved leak location predictions with over 80% accuracy, and the mean absolute errors were measured at 0.858 and 0.95 for the ANN and SVM models, respectively. The validation results demonstrated that the models maintained accuracies close to 80% when the distance between sensors and the leak was less than 15 m. However, the performance of the model deteriorates when leaks occur at distances greater than 15 m. This study demonstrates the applicability of MEMS accelerometers for leak localization in water distribution networks. The findings highlight the promising potential of employing MEMS accelerometers-based ANN and SVM models for accurate leak localization in urban networks, even under real-world, uncontrolled conditions. However, the current model exhibits limited performance in long-distance leak localization, requiring further research to address and resolve this issue.