bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Digital Spelling Game for Promoting Alphabetic Knowledge of Preschoolers: The Contribution of Auditory and Visual Supports
Authors: Elimelech Adi , Aram Dorit
Published: June 2019

The authors developed a digital spelling game to promote children's early literacy skills. Based on the dual‐coding theory, the authors studied the benefits of auditory support alone versus auditory+visual support. Children played the game in three conditions: no support, hearing the whole word; auditory‐only support, hearing a word segmented; and auditory+visual support, hearing the word segmented together with seeing the highlighted position of the letters. The participants were 129 Hebrew‐speaking children (mean age = 5.7 years) from five preschools located in low–socioeconomic status neighborhoods. Children were randomly divided into one of the four groups (the three intervention conditions and a comparison group that did not play the game but watched electronic books). Children in each of the four groups participated in eight 20‐minute sessions over the course of one month (two sessions per week). Children's letter knowledge (letter names and sounds), phonological awareness (word segmentation), word spelling, and word decoding were assessed before and after the intervention. Children's visuomotor and oral skills were assessed and controlled for in the analyses. Generalized estimating equations regressions showed that the auditory+visual support and auditory‐only support groups scored higher on the posttest than the no‐support and comparison groups in letter knowledge, phonological awareness, word spelling, and word decoding. The no‐support group scored higher than the comparison group only in letter knowledge. The authors highlight ways for promoting children's understanding of the writing system and demonstrate the effectiveness of a computerized game adapted to the orthography in promoting basic early literacy skills.
Zwitterion‐Functionalized Detonation Nanodiamond with Superior Protein Repulsion and Colloidal Stability in Physiological Media
Authors: Merz Viktor , Lenhart Julian , Vonhausen Yvonne , Ortiz‐Soto Maria E. , Seibel Jürgen , Krueger Anke
Published: June 2019

Nanodiamond (ND) is a versatile and promising material for bioapplications. Despite many efforts, agglomeration of nanodiamond and the nonspecific adsorption of proteins on the ND surface when exposed to biofluids remains a major obstacle for biomedical applications. Here, the functionalization of detonation nanodiamond with zwitterionic moieties in combination with tetraethylene glycol (TEG) moieties immobilized by click chemistry to improve the colloidal dispersion in physiological media with strong ion background and for the simultaneous prevention of nonspecific interactions with proteins is reported. Based on five building blocks, a series of ND conjugates is synthesized and their performance is compared in biofluids, such as fetal bovine serum (FBS) and Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). The adsorption of proteins is investigated via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thermogravimetric analysis. The colloidal stability is tested with DLS monitoring over prolonged periods of time in various ratios of water/FBS/DMEM and at different pH values. The results show that zwitterions efficiently promote the anti‐fouling properties, whereas the TEG linker is essential for the enhanced colloidal stability of the particles.
Plusenergiegebäude 2.0 in Stahlleichtbauweise
Authors: Reger Vitali , Kuhnhenne Markus , Hachul Helmut , Döring Bernd , Ebbert Thiemo , Blanke Tobias , Göttsche Joachim
Published: June 2019

Ab dem Jahr 2020 soll die Versorgung von Neubauten möglichst weitgehend unabhängig von fossilen Energieträgern erfolgen. Bei der Konzeption und Realisierung zukünftiger Neubauten werden neben der Senkung des Heizwärmebedarfs auch die Anlagentechnik und Beleuchtung sowie die Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien miteinbezogen werden müssen. Außerdem wird eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung, Bewertung und Optimierung hinsichtlich Energiebedarf und Energiebereitstellung notwendig. Sogenannte Plusenergiegebäude erzeugen dabei mehr Energie, als sie für ihren eigenen Bedarf im Jahresmittel benötigen. Durch Energiemanagement und ‐speicherung im Gebäude wird dabei zusätzlich eine weitere Entlastung der Energieversorgungsinfrastruktur angestrebt (Plusenergie 2.0).

Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts, in einer Kooperation aus dem Lehr‐ und Forschungsgebiet Nachhaltigkeit im Metallleichtbau der RWTH Aachen, des Lehrgebiets Gebäudetechnik der FH Aachen sowie des Lehr‐ und Forschungsgebiets Architektur und Metallbau der FH Dortmund, sollen Lösungen für Plusenergiegebäude in Stahlleichtbauweise wissenschaftlich untersucht, erprobt und optimiert sowie Handlungsempfehlungen für zukunftsfähige Gebäudekonzepte abgeleitet werden. Neben der Optimierung der Gebäudehülle wird der Einsatz von einzelnen Stahllösungen, wie gebäudeintegrierter PV bzw. Solarthermie, stahlpfahlbasierter Geothermie sowie neuartiger Flächenheiz‐ und Kühlelemente aus Stahl, anhand konkreter architektonischer Entwürfe betrachtet und in experimentellen Untersuchungen sowie anhand eines parametrisierten Mustergebäudes erprobt. Als Projektergebnis entstehen ganzheitliche Plusenergiekonzepte für energetisch optimierte Gebäude in Stahlleichtbauweise.
On the Impossibility and Dispensability of Defining ‘‘Biodiversity’’
Authors: Toepfer Georg
Published: June 2019

The impressive success of the concept ‘biodiversity’ in the last decades, in particular in the arena of politics, is in a large part due to its power to amalgamate facts and values: the fact that living beings show variety on every level of their existence, and the assumed values that are associated with this variety. These values are far from obvious or objective, they are rather normatively prescribed. They are already at work in the process of selecting the level of analysis, e.g. the level of genes, species, or ecosystems. The concept thus ties together many different discourses from the fields of biology and bioethics, aesthetics and economy, law and global justice. One important consequence of the concept’s integrative power is the impossibility of its general definition. Just as ‘life’, ‘time’ or ‘world’ the word is an “absolute metaphor” or “non-concept” in the sense of Hans Blumenberg: it cannot have a fixed meaning just because it mediates between various contexts and disciplines. Any attempt to define ‘biodiversity’ in general terms is thus futile and does not capture the role it fulfills in contemporary discourse. Rather than trying to define the concept, reconstructing the interaction of its various contexts is a more promising approach. These include, besides the obvious reference to biology and nature conservation, ancient narratives about divine creation, paradise and Noah’s ark as well as political ideas of pluralism, egalitarianism and non-hierarchical representation of individuals, or the values of market economy. In order to understand the current success and discursive role of the concept, I will analyze some of the underlying ideas, especially with respect to the representation of biodiversity in images.
The Vagueness of “Biodiversity” and Its Implications in Conservation Practice
Authors: Meinard Yves , Coq Sylvain , Schmid Bernhard
Published: June 2019

The vagueness of the notion of biodiversity is discussed in the philosophical literature but most ecologists admit that it is unproblematic in practice. We analyze a series of case studies to argue that this denial of the importance of clarifying the definition of biodiversity has worrying implications in practice, at three levels: it can impair the coordination of conservation actions, hide the need to improve management knowledge and cover up incompatibilities between disciplinary assumptions. This is because the formal agreement on the term “biodiversity” can hide profound disagreements on the nature of conservation issues. We then explore avenues to unlock this situation, using the literature in decision analysis. Decision analysts claim that decision-makers requesting decision-support often do not precisely know for what problem they request support. Clarifying a better formulation, eliminating vagueness, is therefore a critical step for decision analysis. We explain how this logic can be implemented in our case studies and similar situations, where various interacting actors face complex, multifaceted problems that they have to solve collectively. To sum up, although “biodiversity” has long been considered a flagship to galvanize conservation action, the vagueness of the term actually complicates this perennial task of conservation practitioners. As conservation scientists, we have a duty to stop promoting a term whose vagueness impairs conservation practice. This approach allows introducing a dynamic definition of “biodiversity practices”, designed to play the integrating role that the term “biodiversity” cannot achieve, due to the ambiguity of its general definition.
What Should “Biodiversity” Be?
Authors: Sarkar Sahotra
Published: June 2019

This paper argues that biodiversity should be understood as a normative concept constrained by a set of adequacy conditions that reflect scientific explications of diversity. That there is a normative aspect to biodiversity has long been recognized by environmental philosophers though there is no consensus on the question of what, precisely, biodiversity is supposed to be. There is also disagreement amongst these philosophers as well as amongst conservationists about whether the operative norms should view biodiversity as a global heritage or as embodying local values. After critically analyzing and rejecting the first alternative, this paper gives precedence to local values in defining biodiversity but then notes many problems associated with this move. The adequacy conditions to constrain all natural features from being dubbed as biodiversity include a restriction to biotic elements, attention to variability, and to taxonomic spread, as well as measurability. The biotic elements could be taxa, community types, or even non-standard land cover units such as sacred groves. This approach to biodiversity is intended to explicate its use within the conservation sciences which is the context in which the concept (and term) was first introduced in the late 1980s. It differs from approaches that also attempt to capture the co-option of the term in other fields such as systematics.
Problems and Questions Posed by Cryptic Species. A Framework to Guide Future Studies
Authors: Chenuil Anne , Cahill Abigail E. , Délémontey Numa , Du Salliant du Luc Elrick , Fanton Hadrien
Published: June 2019

Species are the currency of biology and important units of biodiversity, thus errors in species delimitations potentially have important consequences. During the last decades, owing to the use of genetic markers, many nominal species appeared to consist of several reproductively isolated entities calledcryptic species(hereafter CS). In this chapter we explain why CS are important for practical reasons related to community and ecosystem monitoring, and for biological knowledge, particularly for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes. To find solutions to practical problems and to correct biological errors, a thorough analysis of the distinct types of CS reported in the literature is necessary and some general rules have to be identified. Here we explain how to identify CS, and we propose a rational and practical classification of CS (and putative CS), based on the crossing of distinct levels of genetic isolation with distinct levels of morphological differentiation. We also explain how to identify likely explanations for a given CS (either inherent to taxonomic processes or related to taxon biology, ecology and geography) and how to build a comprehensive database aimed at answering these practical and theoretical questions. Our pilot review of the literature in marine animals established that half of the reported cases are not CSsensu stricto(i.e. where morphology cannot distinguish the entities) and just need taxonomic revision. It also revealed significant associations between CS features, such as a higher proportion of diagnostic morphological differences in sympatric than in allopatric CS and more frequent ecological differentiation between sympatric than allopatric CS, both observations supporting the competitive exclusion theory, thus suggesting that ignoring CS causes not only species diversity but also functional diversity underestimation.
Essential Biodiversity Change Indicators for Evaluating the Effects of Anthropocene in Ecosystems at a Global Scale
Authors: Branquinho Cristina , Serrano Helena Cristina , Nunes Alice , Pinho Pedro , Matos Paula
Published: June 2019

Understanding and predicting the impact of global change drivers on biodiversity, the basis of the delivery of goods and services to humans, is a critical task in the Anthropocene Era. This has led to the development of international monitoring networks and frameworks to evaluate changes in biodiversity, the Essential Biodiversity Variables, though still somewhat ineffective. Biodiversity drivers have changed their relative importance in time and space, e.g. due to policies to combat air pollution, the increasing nitrogen pollution or climate change. Hence, to monitor their impact on biodiversity in space and time, we need appropriate Biodiversity Change Indicators and Surrogates, measured through distinct metrics. In this chapter, we propose a conceptual model to select the most cost-effective metrics of biodiversity-change based on both the type and intensity of the drivers that limit or impact biodiversity, and the nature of the Essential Biodiversity Variables which may be affected in each case. We propose ecophysiology-based metrics for low intensity limiting/impacting drivers, affecting organisms’ individual performance; trait-based metrics for medium intensity drivers, affecting the ecological performance of sensitive species before tolerant ones, changing species abundance and community functional traits; taxonomic-based metrics for high driver intensities which may culminate in species loss. We further discuss the utility of remote sensing data to measure some of these indicators or surrogates, allowing to upscale and/or generalize spatial and temporal information.
‘Pulled’ or ‘Pushed’? The Emigration of Portuguese Scientists
Authors: Delicado Ana
Published: June 2019

This chapter addresses the migration of scientific professionals from Portugal in the past few decades, focusing on the ‘pull’ (which attract skilled workers to a country) and “push” (which repel workers away from the country of origin) factors that drive this migration. Based on official statistics, a questionnaire survey with researchers abroad and semi-structured interviews with returnee scientists, the chapter shows how Portugal, as a semi-peripheral country, has traditionally been a sending rather than a receiving country for scientists. Exit trends were actively encouraged throughout the last few decades by national science policies (training of human resources that provided opportunities for studying and working abroad) and by European policies (of intra-EU mobility). Similarly, the growth of resources in the Portuguese scientific system came to be a factor for attracting foreign scientists to Portugal. Mobility rates, both outbound and return, were high but over time push factors became less significant, as Portugal increased its attractiveness for young researchers wishing to pursue advanced training and even for foreign researchers. However, in later years, the economic crisis and the austerity measures implemented to deal with it, as well as some changes in science policy, have created favourable conditions for an increase in brain drain.
Chiral kinetic theory from effective field theory revisited
Authors: Lin Shu , Shukla Aradhya
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We revisit the chiral kinetic equation from high density effective theory approach, finding a chiral kinetic equation differs from counterpart derived from field theory in high order terms in the O(1/μ) expansion, but in agreement with the equation derived in on-shell effective field theory upon identification of cutoff. By using reparametrization transformation properties of the effective theory, we show that the difference in kinetic equations from two approaches are in fact expected. It is simply due to different choices of degree of freedom by effective theory and field theory. We also show that they give equivalent description of the dynamics of chiral fermions.
Quantum anomalies in A(1)
r Toda theories with defects
Authors: Penati Silvia , Polvara Davide
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We study quantum integrability of affine Toda theories with a line of defect. In particular, we focus on the problem of constructing quantum higher-spin conserved currents in models defined by two A

r

(1)
Toda theories separated by a non-trivial type-I defect. For a suitable choice of the defect potential these theories are known to be classically integrable, that is they possess an infinite set of higher-spin conserved charges in involution. Studying the corresponding conservation laws at quantum level we discover that anomalies arise, which we compute exactly at all orders in the coupling constant. While for the stress-energy tensor these anomalies can be cancelled by a finite renormalization of the defect potential, we find that from the first non-trivial higher-spin current this is no longer possible. This opens the question whether these theories are indeed integrable at quantum level.
Cosmological constraints on light flavons
Authors: Heikinheimo Matti , Huitu Katri , Keus Venus , Koivunen Niko
Published: June 2019

Abstract

The Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism is a well-motivated framework for generating the fermion mass hierarchy. This mechanism introduces flavons, complex scalars which are singlet under the Standard Model gauge symmetry and charged under a new global family symmetry. We make use of a leptophilic flavon to produce the charged lepton Yukawa matrix. The real part of the flavon mixes with the Higgs boson and introduces lepton flavour violating interactions which are bounded by experiment. The imaginary part of the flavon, η, is a long-lived light particle, whose abundance is restricted by cosmological observations. For m

η

< 2m
e where the decay of η to charged leptons is kinematically forbidden, we identify allowed regions of m

η
with respect to the vacuum expectation value of the flavon field where all experimental and cosmological constraints are satisfied.
Integrability and holographic aspects of six-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N}=\left(1,\ 0\right) $$ superconformal field theories
Authors: Filippas Kostas , Núñez Carlos , van Gorsel Jeroen
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In the framework of six-dimensional conformal field theories with

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(1,\ 0\right) $$

N
=

1
,

0

supersymmetry we develop the map between the holographic description, the field theoretical description and the associated Hanany-Witten set-ups. General expressions that calculate various observables are presented. The study of string solitons singles out a special background of Massive IIA on which we show (by explicitly finding a Lax pair) that the Neveu-Schwarz part of the string sigma model is classically integrable. We study the particular dual conformal field theory and compute some of its observables.
Maximal chaos from strings, branes and Schwarzian action
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Kundu Arnab , Poojary Rohan
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In this article, we explicitly demonstrate that, for a sufficiently generic class of examples, an open string embedded in an AdS-background yields an effective Schwarzian action and, in the semi-classical description, the fluctuation modes of the open string couple to this Schwarzian sector. This leads to a maximal chaos, observed in the open string degrees of freedom, irrespective of the gravitational background. This corresponds to the dynamics of quark-like degrees of freedom in a strongly coupled large N

c
gauge theory. We also demonstrate a maximal chaos, resulting from an inherent D-brane horizon, by computing the four-point out-of-time-ordered correlator of spin-one operators. We also offer some observations and comments regarding a class of effective theories that is described by a generic functional of a Schwarzian derivative.
Taking some heat off the NDCs? The limited potential of additional short-lived climate forcers’ mitigation
Authors: Harmsen Mathijs , Fricko Oliver , Hilaire Jérôme , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Drouet Laurent , Durand-Lasserve Olivier , Fujimori Shinichiro , Keramidas Kimon , Klimont Zbigniew , Luderer Gunnar , Aleluia Reis Lara , Riahi Keywan , Sano Fuminori , Smith Steven J.
Published: June 2019

Several studies have shown that the greenhouse gas reduction resulting from the current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) will not be enough to meet the overall targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. It has been suggested that more ambition mitigations of short-lived climate forcer (SLCF) emissions could potentially be a way to reduce the risk of overshooting the 1.5 or 2 °C target in a cost-effective way. In this study, we employ eight state-of-the-art integrated assessment models (IAMs) to examine the global temperature effects of ambitious reductions of methane, black and organic carbon, and hydrofluorocarbon emissions. The SLCFs measures considered are found to add significantly to the effect of the NDCs on short-term global mean temperature (GMT) (in the year 2040: − 0.03 to − 0.15 °C) and on reducing the short-term rate-of-change (by − 2 to 15%), but only a small effect on reducing the maximum temperature change before 2100. This, because later in the century under assumed ambitious climate policy, SLCF mitigation is maximized, either directly or indirectly due to changes in the energy system. All three SLCF groups can contribute to achieving GMT changes.
Cerebral Vascular Toxicity of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Bertrand Luc , Velichkovska Martina , Toborek Michal
Published: June 2019

HIV infection is associated with comorbidities that are likely to be driven not only by HIV itself, but also by the toxicity of long-term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Indeed, increasing evidence demonstrates that the antiretroviral drugs used for HIV treatment have toxic effects resulting in various cellular and tissue pathologies. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a modulated anatomophysiological interface which separates and controls substance exchange between the blood and the brain parenchyma; therefore, it is particularly exposed to ART-induced toxicity. Balancing the health risks and gains of ART has to be considered in order to maximize the positive effects of therapy. The current review discusses the cerebrovascular toxicity of ART, with the focus on mitochondrial dysfunction.
Management of rectal prolapse (Guda Bhramsa) through Kshara Karma (chemical cauterisation) – a case study
Authors: Bhandari Madan , Chanda Basavaraj , Rao Prasanna N. , B.J Gopikrishna , K.R Sahanasheela
Published: June 2019

Rectal Prolapse is a condition where the rectum protrudes beyond the anus. The explanation of this condition can be traced back to ancient Ayurveda text like Susruta Samhita, Ebers Pappyrus of 1500 B.C., etc. The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unclear but it is predominant on female gender and on people having constipation, previous anorectal surgeries etc. Both partial and complete varieties of rectal prolapse are extremely debilitating because of the discomfort of the prolapsing mass and variety of symptoms like rectal bleed, intermittent constipation or fecal incontinence. Although, diverse modalities of surgical management of rectal prolapse are present, no single optimal procedure is proved and the choice of operation is determined by the patient's age, sex, degree of incontinence, operative risk, as well as by the surgeon's experience. In Ayurveda, Guda Bhramsa (Rectal prolapse) is explained by Acharya Susruta under Kshudra Rogas (chapter of minor diseases) and has elaborated it's conservative management very beautifully. In this case, a female with partial rectal prolapse was treated with Kshara application and managed without complications. So, Kshara application can be a safe and effective alternative for the management of rectal prolapse.
Is lip-reading the secret to security?
Authors: McQuillan Liam
Published: June 2019

Today's best user authentication systems are multi-factor: people are verified via something they know (a pin or password), something they have (like a key fob), and something they are (biometric authentication). The ‘something they are’ factor provides very reliable user authentication by identifying the individual from a unique physiological or behavioural characteristic, like their fingerprint, voice, face, lip movement or keystroke analysis. These biometric modalities are accurate, easy-to-use and should be difficult to compromise – but experience has shown that biometrics are susceptible in varying degrees to ‘spoofing’. So how can this be prevented?
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: June 2019

It's so easy to lose sight of genuine security risks when a legitimate concern becomes enveloped in the obfuscating noise of politics. Take Huawei, for example.
Nine dangerous myths about identity governance
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jackie
Published: June 2019

We ought to approach the digital revolution with a spirit of optimism and look forward to a future of better, more efficient and insightful business. Yet each week brings a fresh worry about new technology, usually security-related. Stories abound of hacks, botnets, major breaches affecting even the biggest and most powerful organisations in the world. Even entire countries can be knocked offline. 1

There are many myths and misconceptions that surround identity governance. Businesses need to see through them if they are to tackle the constantly changing threat from hackers.

The barrage of stories about threats and exploits only makes grasping the nettle of identity governance more important. And rather than seeing it as a box that needs to be checked, organisations need to embrace the opportunity to expand their security beyond the traditional network perimeter and gain insight into, and control over, their data and their entire security estate, says Jackie Brinkerhoff of SailPoint.
Cybercrime has evolved: it's time cyber security did too
Authors: Lee Laura
Published: June 2019

On August 6, 1991 the web went live to the world. At the time, most people didn't even know what the Internet was, let alone imagine what it would come to mean. What was initially a network of static web pages has become an ever-evolving information ecosystem. From streaming media to banking online to turning the lights on in our homes, the web is now an integral part of our daily lives.

The Internet has changed the way we communicate and has helped create a global economy. But with great change comes great opportunity – one that malicious hackers have not been slow to exploit.

As the Internet, and what we use it for, evolves every day, so do the tools and techniques used by these hackers. And so organisations need to evolve too. There are five key elements that play a part in ensuring the advancement of a business's cyber security strategy: collaboration, assessment, development, application and apprenticeships, says Laura Lee of Circadence.
Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics
Authors: Zoback Mark D. , Kohli Arjun H.
Published: June 2019

Since the beginning of the US shale gas revolution in 2005, the development of unconventional oil and gas resources has gathered tremendous pace around the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the key geologic, geophysical, and engineering principles that govern the development of unconventional reservoirs. The book begins with a detailed characterization of unconventional reservoir rocks: their composition and microstructure, mechanical properties, and the processes controlling fault slip and fluid flow. A discussion of geomechanical principles follows, including the state of stress, pore pressure, and the importance of fractures and faults. After reviewing the fundamentals of horizontal drilling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and stimulation of slip on pre-existing faults, the key factors impacting hydrocarbon production are explored. The final chapters cover environmental impacts and how to mitigate hazards associated with induced seismicity. This text provides an essential overview for students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in unconventional reservoirs.
Export Tax Reform and the Competitiveness of Imported Soybeans in China
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Valdes Constanza
Published: June 2019

Export tax reform in Argentina could improve its competitiveness in China’s soybean market, displacing exports from competing countries like Brazil and the United States. We examined the factors that determine China’s demand for imported soybean products and how export taxes could affect exporting countries. Using import demand and vector autoregression estimates, we conducted simulations of China’s import demand assuming the elimination of export taxes in Argentina. Results indicated that Argentine soybean products could realize gains in the Chinese market, but only in the short run. Projected import demand changes in the long run were insignificant for all exporting countries.
MODELLING SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES IN MORTALITY USING A NEW AFFLUENCE INDEX
Authors: Cairns Andrew J.G. , Kallestrup-Lamb Malene , Rosenskjold Carsten , Blake David , Dowd Kevin
Published: June 2019

We introduce a new modelling framework to explain socio-economic differences in mortality in terms of an affluence index that combines information on individual wealth and income. The model is illustrated using data on older Danish males over the period 1985–2012 reported in the Statistics Denmark national register database. The model fits the historical mortality data well, captures their key features, generates smoothed death rates that allow us to work with a larger number of sub-groups than has previously been considered feasible, and has plausible projection properties.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Science and the CBRNE Science Medical Operations Science Support Expert (CMOSSE)
Authors: Coleman C. Norman , Bader Judith L. , Koerner John F. , Hrdina Chad , Cliffer Kenneth D. , Hick John L. , James James J. , Mansoura Monique K. , Livinski Alicia A. , Nystrom Scott V. , DiCarlo-Cohen Andrea , Marinissen Maria Julia , Wathen Lynne , Appler Jessica M. , Buddemeier Brooke , Casagrande Rocco , Estes Derek , Byrne Patrick , Kennedy Edward M. , Jakubowski Ann A. , Case Cullen , Weinstock David M. , Dainiak Nicholas , Hanfling Dan , Garrett Andrew L. , Grant Natalie N. , Dodgen Daniel , Redlener Irwin , MacKAY Thomas F. , Treber Meghan , Homer Mary J. , Taylor Tammy P. , Miller Aubrey , Korch George , Hatchett Richard
Published: June 2019

A national need is to prepare for and respond to accidental or intentional disasters categorized as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE). These incidents require specific subject-matter expertise, yet have commonalities. We identify 7 core elements comprising CBRNE science that require integration for effective preparedness planning and public health and medical response and recovery. These core elements are (1) basic and clinical sciences, (2) modeling and systems management, (3) planning, (4) response and incident management, (5) recovery and resilience, (6) lessons learned, and (7) continuous improvement. A key feature is the ability of relevant subject matter experts to integrate information into response operations. We propose the CBRNE medical operations science support expert as a professional who (1) understands that CBRNE incidents require an integrated systems approach, (2) understands the key functions and contributions of CBRNE science practitioners, (3) helps direct strategic and tactical CBRNE planning and responses through first-hand experience, and (4) provides advice to senior decision-makers managing response activities. Recognition of both CBRNE science as a distinct competency and the establishment of the CBRNE medical operations science support expert informs the public of the enormous progress made, broadcasts opportunities for new talent, and enhances the sophistication and analytic expertise of senior managers planning for and responding to CBRNE incidents.
Somebody to Lean On: The Moderating Effect of Relationships on Links Between Social Withdrawal and Self-Worth
Authors: Clifford Brandon N. , Nelson Larry J.
Published: June 2019

Previous research has discovered different subtypes of social withdrawal based on motivations to approach or avoid social interactions. Each of these motivations are uniquely related to indices of maladjustment during emerging adulthood, including aspects of the self. However, research has yet to investigate whether or not relationship quality moderates these associations. The purpose of this study was to examine whether relationship quality with best friends, romantic partners, mothers, and fathers, respectively, serve as protective factors in the negative links between shyness and avoidance and self-worth. The participants included 519 college students (Mage= 19.87,SD= 1.99, 61% female) from four universities across the United States. Results revealed that relationship quality with both best friends and romantic partners moderated the relation between shyness and self-worth. The differences between parent and peer relationships are discussed.
New plesiosaurid material from the Maastrichtian type area, the Netherlands
Authors: Miedema Feiko , Schulp Anne S. , Jagt John W.M. , Mulder Eric W.A.
Published: June 2019

Here we report on a newly collected, well-preserved vertebral centrum of a plesiosaur from the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage in southern Limburg. The specimen is interpreted as a caudal vertebra that originated from an osteologically immature or juvenile individual, as evidenced by the position of the pedicular facets, the presence of a notochord pit and the absence of fused neural arches. It adds to the meagre record of sauropterygians in the area.
Going to Pieces: Investigating the Deliberate Destruction of Late Bronze Age Swords and Spearheads
Authors: Knight Matthew G.
Published: June 2019

The deliberate destruction of Late Bronze Age swords and spearheads has been widely recognised across Europe. This observation has typically relied on the obvious nature of the destruction, such as the bending of blades or the crushing of sockets, and the association of multiple broken pieces. These obvious acts have been used to interpret the material in sacred or profane terms without due consideration of how the objects were destroyed. This paper presents experimental research exploring how swords and spearheads may have been intentionally damaged in the Bronze Age. The results of these experiments are compared with artefacts from across Britain, making it possible to better identify and analyse deliberately destroyed objects. A series of implications for how one may more accurately interpret the wider archaeological record is presented.
Sedimentology and chemostratigraphy of the terminal Ediacaran Dengying Formation at the Gaojiashan section, South China
Authors: Cui Huan , Xiao Shuhai , Cai Yaoping , Peek Sara , Plummer Rebecca E. , Kaufman Alan J.
Published: June 2019

The terminal Ediacaran Dengying Formation (c. 551.1–538.8 Ma) in South China is one of two successions where Ediacara-type macrofossils are preserved in carbonate facies along with skeletal fossils and bilaterian animal traces. Given the remarkable thickness of carbonate-bearing strata deposited in less than 12.3 million years, the Dengying Formation holds the potential for construction of a relatively continuous chemostratigraphic profile for the terminal Ediacaran Period. In this study, a detailed sedimentological and chemostratigraphic (δ13Ccarb, δ18Ocarb, δ13Corg, δ34Spyrite, and87Sr/86Sr) investigation was conducted on the Dengying Formation at the Gaojiashan section, Ningqiang County of southern Shaanxi Province, South China. Sedimentological results reveal an overall shallow-marine depositional environment. Carbonate breccia, void-filling botryoidal precipitates and aragonite crystal fans are common in the Algal Dolomite Member of the Dengying Formation, suggesting that peritidal facies were repeatedly karstified. The timing of karstification was likely early, probably soon after the deposition of the dolomite sediments. The presence of authigenic aragonite cements suggests high alkalinity in the terminal Ediacaran ocean. Geochemical analysis of micro-drilled samples shows that distinct compositions are registered in different carbonate phases, which should be considered when constructing chemostratigraphic profiles representative of true temporal variations in seawater chemistry. Integrated chemostratigraphic data suggest enhanced burial of organic carbon and pyrite, and the occurrence of extensive marine anoxia (at least in the Gaojiashan Member). Rapid basinal subsidence and carbonate accumulation during a time of elevated seawater alkalinity and increased rates of pyrite burial may have facilitated the evolutionary innovation of early biomineralizing metazoans.
NAKAYAMA AUTOMORPHISMS OF ORE EXTENSIONS OVER POLYNOMIAL ALGEBRAS
Authors: LIU LIYU , MA WEN
Published: June 2019

Nakayama automorphisms play an important role in the fields of noncommutative algebraic geometry and noncommutative invariant theory. However, their computations are not easy in general. We compute the Nakayama automorphism ν of an Ore extension R[x; σ, δ] over a polynomial algebra R in n variables for an arbitrary n. The formula of ν is obtained explicitly. When σ is not the identity map, the invariant EG is also investigated in terms of Zhang’s twist, where G is a cyclic group sharing the same order with σ.
‘This sickness is not hospital sickness’: a qualitative study of the evil eye as a source of neonatal illness in Ghana
Authors: Bell April J. , Arku Zelda , Bakari Ashura , Oppong Samuel A. , Youngblood Jessica , Adanu Richard M. , Moyer Cheryl A.
Published: June 2019

Previous research has described the evil eye as a source of illness for pregnant women and their newborns. This study sought to explore the perceptions of the evil eye among mothers whose newborns had experienced a life-threatening complication across three regions of Ghana. As part of a larger, quantitative study, trained research assistants identified pregnant and newly delivered women (and their newborns) who had survived a life-threatening complication at three tertiary care hospitals in southern Ghana to participate in open-ended, qualitative interviews about their experiences in March–August 2015. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim into English and analysis using the constant comparative method of theme generation. A total of 37 mothers were interviewed, 20 about neonatal illnesses and 17 about maternal illnesses. Six of the 20 mothers interviewed about their newborn’s illnesses spoke at length about the evil eye being a potential cause of newborn illness. The evil eye was described in a variety of terms, but commonalities included a person looking at a pregnant woman, her newborn baby, the baby’s clothes and even the mother’s food, causing harm, even unintentionally. Prevention required mothers covering themselves while pregnant and keeping the baby away from others until it was old enough to ward off the evil eye. Treatment required traditional medicine, yet some indicated that allopathic medicine could help. The evil eye appears to serve a social control mechanism, encouraging pregnant women to dress modestly, stay indoors as much as possible and behave appropriately. The evil eye is a pervasive, universally understood phenomenon across three regions of Ghana, even amongst a hospitalized population receiving allopathic health care for life-threatening complications of childbirth. Understanding the role of the evil eye in newborn illness attribution is important for clinicians, researchers and programmatic staff to effectively address barriers to care seeking.
Number of friends and self-perception among Jamaican children: the role of attractiveness and fluctuating asymmetry
Authors: Jacobson A.S. , Trivers R. , Palestis B.G.
Published: June 2019

The role that physical attractiveness and fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of developmental instability, play in self-perception and peer associations were explored in a well-studied cohort of Jamaican children using a novel research paradigm where subjects were already known to each other for extensive periods of time. The results showed that how attractive a child was perceived by others was significantly positively correlated with self-ratings of attractiveness. Contrary to findings from WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) samples, the study found a reversal in the sex differences in self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem, where Jamaican females rate themselves more attractive and report higher self-esteem than do males. Attractiveness also predicts overall popularity, as measured by desirability as a friend and the percentage of peers who choose an individual as a friend. Attractive individuals of both sexes were chosen more often as ‘friends’. A significant correlation was also found between an individual’s FA and the average FA of those chosen as friends. However, the effect was primarily due to preferences by males for female friends possessing similar levels of FA, which could be an effective strategy in reducing future mating effort.
Description, molecular characterization and life cycle of Serpentirhabdias mussuranae n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) from Clelia clelia (Reptilia: Colubroidea) in Brazil
Authors: Kuzmin Y. , Tkach V.V. , Melo F.T.V.
Published: June 2019

Serpentirhabdias mussuranae n. sp. is described from the lungs of the mussurana, Clelia clelia (Daudin, 1803), from vicinities of Lábrea, Amazonas State, Brazil. The species is characterized by the triangular oral opening, the presence of teeth (onchia) in the oesophastome, the excretory glands longer than the oesophagus and the tail abruptly narrowing in its anterior half and gradually tapering in posterior half. Among the Neotropical representatives of the genus, three species are known to possess the onchia in the oesophastome: S. atroxi, S. moi and S. viperidicus. Serpentirhabdias mussuranae n. sp. differs from S. atroxi and S. viperidicus by its triangular shape of the oral opening and the oesophastome in apical view, vs. round in the latter two congeners. Additionally, S. viperidicus has a larger oesophastome, 13–22 micrometers wide and 13–23 micrometers deep. The new species has relatively longer excretory glands than S. moi. The new species is morphologically and genetically close to S. atroxi, S. moi and S. viperidicus, all parasitic in Brazilian snakes, based on the presence of onchia and the comparison of nucleotide sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cox1 gene (differences varied between 3.8% and 7.1%). Data on the life cycle of S. mussuranae n. sp. is provided, and the life cycle is typical of the genus Serpentirhabdias, with the combination of direct development and heterogony. Free-living larval stages and the adults of amphimictic free-living generation are described. The results of molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) + partial 28S region and partial mitochondrial cox1 gene are provided.
Autonomous Area Exploration and Mapping in Underground Mine Environments by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Li Hang , Savkin Andrey V. , Vucetic Branka
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a method of using an autonomous flying robot to explore an underground tunnel environment and build a 3D map. The robot model we use is an extension of a 2D non-holonomic robot. The measurements and sensors we considered in the presented method are simple and valid in practical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engineering. The proposed safe exploration algorithm belongs to a class of probabilistic area search, and with a mathematical proof, the performance of the algorithm is analysed. Based on the algorithm, we also propose a sliding control law to apply the algorithm to a real quadcopter in experiments. In the presented experiment, we use a DJI Guidance sensing system and an Intel depth camera to complete the localization, obstacle detection and 3D environment information capture. Furthermore, the simulations show that the algorithm can be implemented in sloping tunnels and with multiple UAVs.
ACE-Ankle: A Novel Sensorized RCM (Remote-Center-of-Motion) Ankle Mechanism for Military Purpose Exoskeleton
Authors: Hong Man Bok , Kim Gwang Tae , Yoon Yeo Hun
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a novel three-degree of freedom (DOF) sensorized remote-center-of-motion (RCM) ankle module for a military-purpose lower-limb exoskeleton. A military-purpose exoskeleton should assist and follow the fast and dexterous motion of a soldier in rough terrain environments. Among the lower-limb joints, the ankle joint plays an important role in stabilizing walking motion during the stance phase. Thus, aligning the rotation center of the ankle module with the center of the wearer’s ankle is very important to reduce potential risks and fatigue of a soldier. To this end, the ankle exoskeleton was designed using two spherical chains. The two spherical chains were designed such that the intersection of all revolute pairs, which consist of the spherical chains, is located close to the rotation center of the wearer’s ankle. In addition, three encoders are attached to each of the three revolute pairs of a spherical chain to measure the three-DOF orientation of the ankle mechanism. For the design, the required range of motion is analyzed via gait analysis in three environment conditions. Forward and inverse kinematic relations are derived, and the workspace of the ankle is analyzed. For the prototype ankle mechanism, the range of motion and measurement performance are verified by a static experiment. In addition, comparative studies between the proposed RCM ankle and an ankle mechanism with offset rotation center are performed for three walking conditions: level walking, ascending and descending stairs, and a vertical slope. Via comparative study, it is confirmed that, compared to the ankle mechanism with offset center of rotation, the proposed RCM ankle is advantageous for sensing wearer’s ankle motion and reducing mechanical interference to wearer’s natural ankle motion.
Phosphorus fractionation in grasses with different resource-acquisition characteristics in natural grasslands of South America
Authors: Marques Anderson Cesar Ramos , Piccin Rogério , Tiecher Tales , Oliveira Leandro Bittencourt de , Kaminski João , Bellinaso Roque Junior Sartori , Krug Amanda Veridiana , Gatiboni Luciano Colpo , Quadros Fernando Luiz Ferreira de , Carranca Corina , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: June 2019

The natural grasslands in South America have soils with low phosphorus (P) availability (1.0 to 7.5 mg kg−1), possibly altering the absorption and accumulation of P in grasses. We evaluated the chemical fractionation of P in the leaves of the most important grasses present in these grasslands to better understand the mechanisms involved in the storage of P. The grasses studied wereAxonopus affinisandPaspalum notatum(fast tissue cycling and high nutrient demand) andAndropogon lateralisandAristida laevis(slow tissue cycling and low nutrient demand). They were grown in pots filled with an Ultisol with two levels of P: control, and addition of 50 mg P kg–1. The main P fractions were the inorganic soluble (44%) and P in RNA (26%). Addition of P increased the total P concentration, following the orderA. affinis(140%) >P. notatum(116%) >A. lateralis(81%) >A. laevis(21%). In conclusion, the speciesA.affinisandP.notatumresponded to P fertilization with high variation and accumulating P in less-structural chemical forms, such as inorganic P. The speciesA.lateralisandA.laevisshowed low variation in the concentration of P forms, with higher P concentrations in structural forms.