bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensuring the Correctness and Reliability of CBPS System Using Event‐B
Authors: Hussein Toman Sarah , Hamel Lazhar , Lahouij Aida , Hussein Toman Zinah , Graiet Mohamed
Published: November 2024

During the early phases of software system development, error detection can be challenging due to the complexity of both the requirements and the operating environments. This paper advocates for the utilization of formal modelling and verification throughout the first phases of systems development to promptly detect and correct errors. The formalism employed throughout is Event‐B, which is backed by the Rodin toolset. To conquer requirements complexity, the frameworks of set theory and first‐order logic are employed, which provide the necessary tools for formalizing and analysing the properties and behaviours associated with Event‐B. Also, we detail the way in which modelling may be used to achieve abstraction, as well as the way in which refinement can be used to manage complexity through layering. Furthermore, we emphasize the significance of model validation and verification in improving the precision of formal models and requirements in IoT communication systems. The model is exemplified using a Content‐Based Publish Subscribe System (CBPS), with a special emphasis on a fire alarm system as a motivating example.
Circularity Tools and Frameworks for New Buildings
Authors: Güngör Bengü , Agibayeva Akmaral , Karaca Ferhat , Askar Rand , Giarma Christina , Rosado Leonardo , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Griffiths Philip , Bragança Luís
Published: October 2024

The assessment of circularity in new building projects necessitates consideration of diverse factors such as material choice, design strategies, construction methods, operational efficiency, and end-of-life practices. Various tools and methodologies have been developed to aid stakeholders in the construction industry in evaluating these aspects and making informed decisions. With the dynamic evolution of the circular economy, understanding current circular practices is crucial for identifying areas needing enhancement. However, the absence of a tandardized approach poses a challenge, with existing methods often either too broad or narrowly focused on specific circular elements. This limits the comprehensive evaluation of system performance. Addressing these challenges requires practical tools, particularly for early design stages, that integrate quantitative methods to ensure circularity and environmental performance goals are met efficiently. This chapter reviews existing circularity assessment parameters, discusses aggregation methods for criteria and indicators, and evaluates available tools to guide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing circular practices in construction.
Driving the Built Environment Twin Transition: Synergising Circular Economy and Digital Tools
Authors: Askar Rand , Karaca Ferhat , Salles Adriana , Lukyanenko Artyom , Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Tavares Vanessa , Khaidarova Assemay , Nadaždi Ana , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Díaz-Cabrera Juan Manuel , Honic Meliha , de Wolf Catherine , Cinar Resulogulari Emriye , Karatas Ibrahim , Gervásio Helena , Bragança Luís
Published: October 2024

This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between digitalisation and the circular economy (CE) within the construction sector. It underscores the transformative potential of integrating digital tools to advance circularity objectives across managerial, environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The chapter discusses fourteen digital tools and technologies, which play a pivotal role in CE by streamlining data integration and visualisation, enhancing the accuracy of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) assessments, and supporting the adoption of CE strategies. Moreover, it explores how digital tools can facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, fostering knowledge sharing and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle. Nevertheless, challenges such as the absence of standardised methods, data interoperability issues, and the need for well-defined system boundaries remain. The chapter highlights the critical role of digitalisation in advancing the transition towards CE in the construction sector, emphasising the necessity of overcoming technical and systemic obstacles to fully harness the potential of digital tools in implementing CE. This transition aligns with the broader ambitions of the European Green Deal and the EU Digital Strategy, aiming to create a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient construction industry. By addressing these challenges and leveraging digitalisation, the construction sector can make a significant contribution to a sustainable and circular economy, ultimately benefiting both the environment and society.
Circular Materials—A Multiscale Approach to Circularity at a Building, Components and Materials Level
Authors: Pineda-Martos Rocío , Kahraman İlker , Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Ungureanu Viorel , Paes de Barros Gomide Fernanda , Buzatu Raluca
Published: October 2024

Sustainable practices and strategies to enhance resource efficiency while minimising waste in buildings and their constituent elements are key towards circularity at the urban built environment. In this chapter three implementation scales, under the paradigm of the circular economy (CE), are measured—i.e., buildings, components and materials—, considering both new and existing buildings’ implementations. Aspects such as design for adaptability and flexibility, modular and flexible spaces and concepts, energy and water efficiency are discussed. By implementing CE strategies at the component-level using a multipronged approach would extend the lifespan and contribute to environmental and economic sustainability. This includes the refurbishment and upgrading of components and the adoption of modular construction techniques, among other techniques and solutions. The last part of the chapter presents the concept of circular materials and its circularity potential at promote extended product lifecycles and transforming waste into valuable resources. Integrating sustainable and circular design principles within construction practices is proposed towards more sustainable and resource-efficient industries’ transformations.
Energy Systems and Building Services Level
Authors: De Simone Marilena , Griffiths Philip , Campagna Daniele , Itanola Moses
Published: October 2024

Research and technological developments have mainly focused on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, improving the thermal properties of the envelope and reducing energy consumption. Another critical issue is related to waste reduction and implementation of circular economy frameworks. Moreover, building services have a significant impact upon the health of users and any application of the circular economy has to consider the effect on the occupants’ well-being. In this chapter, two aspects are considered: the first relates to the building systems which utilise energy for heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical supply; the second concerns the systems converting the energy from the sun, wind, and soil. Regarding the usage of energy in buildings, the types of materials applied in building services are categorised including metals, plastics, electronic components, etc. The barriers to the adoption of circular supply chain management are illustrated collecting information from the literature, especially in the air conditioning sector. Then, the electricity and thermal energy production from renewable sources are presented in the light of implementing a circular economy at the building and urban scale. Solar, both PV and thermal, wind, and geothermal technologies are illustrated in terms of trends in installation and prediction of waste production. Best practices of recycling are illustrated from projects, industrial processes, and companies. The collected information highlights the need for closer collaboration between the involved stakeholders, starting from the citizens and extending to all members of the design, construction, and building management professions.
Sino-Ghana Collaboration on Cryptocurrency: Practices and Implications
Authors: Zhao Yan , Kinnah Gideon
Published: October 2024

The proliferation of digital transformation through the Internet of Things has sparked the emergence of cryptocurrencies and elicited varied perspectives in both developed and developing countries. Ghana has imposed restrictions on the use and trading of cryptocurrencies, prompting ambiguities, uncertainties, and implications beyond the cryptocurrency world. Despite this, Ghana positions itself as a major player in the digital transformation of the African continent, both in mobile payment solutions and cryptocurrency. Given the long-standing Sino-Africa relationship, we examine the potential of a Sino-Ghanaian collaboration to aid Ghana in the development of its cryptocurrency future. Offering a unique opportunity to explore a development partnership through digital transformation in win–win cooperation. The Bank of Ghana Sandbox has enabled the provision of a digital wallet to facilitate access to both traditional and global digital currencies. This has given access to the global market and financial inclusion, enabling fintech startups to leverage the African cultural heritage by developing diverse art forms to be sold as Non-Fungible Tokens, Play-to-Earn (P2E) game offerings to Ghanaians. The implications of access to global markets, financial inclusion, and taxation have also been discussed. China is an epitome and a major propagator of digital transformation as a developing country and has eclipsed Ghana in terms of modern-day financial technologies and development. By drawing a nexus between cryptocurrency/blockchain, digital transformation and financial inclusion, an important empirical insight is provided into an interesting focal point on Sino-African collaboration in advancing cryptocurrency development in a new emerging digital economy.
Loops, recursions, and soft limits for fermionic correlators in (A)dS
Authors: Chowdhury Chandramouli , Chowdhury Pratyusha , Moga Radu N. , Singh Kajal
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Study of correlation functions in AdS/CFT and in-in correlators in de Sitter space often requires the computation of Witten diagrams. Due to the complexity of evaluating radial integrals for these correlators, several indirect approaches have been developed to simplify computations. However, in momentum space, these methods have been limited to fields with integer spin. In this paper, we formulate tools for evaluating Witten diagrams with $$ \textrm{spin}-\frac{1}{2} $$
spin
−

1
2

fields in momentum space and discuss where they differ from the corresponding integer-spin analysis. We formulate our tools explicitly for massless fermions and present how appropriate Weight shifting operators with respect to the external kinematics can be used to obtain the generalization to fermions with integer mass (in units of 1/lAdS). We apply these tools to loop Witten diagrams and also discuss their use for evaluating in-in correlators in dS. In cases where we can evaluate the loop integrals, we find their transcendentality is lower than the corresponding scalar field results. Further, we classify the nature of IR divergences encountered for interacting massive scalars and fermions. We also prove a novel Weinberg-like soft theorem for gauge fields coupled to matter in AdS and show that the universal terms in the leading soft factor are sensitive to the spin of the matter field. These generalize the recently discovered soft theorems for pure Yang-Mills to Yang-Mills with matter.
Completing the one-loop νSMEFT renormalization group evolution
Authors: Ardu Marco , Marcano Xabier
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this work we consider the Standard Model Effective Field Theory extended with right-handed neutrinos, the νSMEFT, and calculate the full set of one-loop anomalous dimensions that are proportional to Yukawa couplings. These contributions are particularly relevant when symmetry-protected low scale seesaw models are embeded in the SMEFT, since large neutrino Yukawa couplings are expected. By combining our results with the already available gauge anomalous dimensions, we provide the complete set of one-loop renormalization group evolution equations for the dimension six νSMEFT. As a possible phenomenological implication of our results, we discuss the sensitivity of lepton flavor-violating observables to νSMEFT operators, focusing on the more sensitive μ → e transitions.
Holographic Gubser flow. A combined analytic and numerical study
Authors: Mitra Toshali , Mondkar Sukrut , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Soloviev Alexander
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Gubser flow is an evolution with cylindrical and boost symmetries, which can be best studied by mapping the future wedge of Minkowski space (R3,1) to dS3 × ℝ in a conformal relativistic theory. Here, we sharpen our previous analytic results and validate them via the first numerical exploration of the Gubser flow in a holographic conformal field theory.

Remarkably, the leading generic behavior at large de Sitter time is free-streaming in transverse directions and the sub-leading behavior is that of a color glass condensate. We also show that Gubser flow can be smoothly glued to the vacuum outside the future Minkowski wedge generically given that the energy density vanishes faster than any power when extrapolated to early proper time or to large distances from the central axis. We find that at intermediate times the ratio of both the transverse and longitudinal pressures to the energy density converge approximately to a fixed point which is hydrodynamic only for large initial energy densities. We argue that our results suggest that the Gubser flow is better applied to collective behavior in jets rather than the full medium in the phenomenology of heavy ion collisions and can reveal new clues to the mechanism of confinement.
Mirror dualities with four supercharges
Authors: Benvenuti Sergio , Comi Riccardo , Pasquetti Sara
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We consider 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 non-abelian Hanany-Witten brane setups with chiral flavor symmetry. We propose that the associated field theories are quivers with improved bifundamentals, instead of standard bifundamentals. The improved bifundamental is a strongly coupled SCFT that carries one more U(1) global symmetry than the standard bifundamental. As a consequence, our proposal overcomes the long standing challenge of associating to each $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 brane setup a gauge theory with the full rank global symmetry, allowing the study of all the usual supersymmetric observables, such as superconformal index, sphere partition function, chiral ring and moduli space. The construction passes many non-trivial tests, for instance we algorithmically prove that any two improved quivers associated to $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
-dual brane setups are infrared dual. The 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 mirror dualities can be uplifted to 4d dualities with 4d improved bifundamentals connecting USp(2N) nodes.
Two-loop five-point integrals: light, heavy and large-spin correlators
Authors: Bercini Carlos , Fernandes Bruno , Gonçalves Vasco
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We evaluated all two-loop conformal integrals appearing in five-point correlation functions of protected operators of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Super Yang-Mills in several kinematical regimes. Starting from the correlation function of the lightest operators of the theory, we were able to extract structure constants of up to two spinning operators for small and large values of spin and the tensor structure label (polarization). We conjectured an universal all-loop behaviour for the large-spin, small-polarization structure constants and comment on the subtleties of analytically continuing it from finite to large spin. We also consider correlation functions of heavier operators that get factorized in the more fundamental object called decagon. We fixed this object at two loops in general kinematics and studied its physical properties under OPE and null limits.
Quantum Harmonic Analysis for Polyanalytic Fock Spaces
Authors: Fulsche Robert , Hagger Raffael
Published: November 2024

We develop the quantum harmonic analysis framework in the reducible setting and apply our findings to polyanalytic Fock spaces. In particular, we explain some phenomena observed in recent work by the second author and answer a few related open questions. For instance, we show that there exists a symbol such that the corresponding Toeplitz operator is unitary on the analytic Fock space but vanishes completely on one of the true polyanalytic Fock spaces. This follows directly from an explicit characterization of the kernel of the Toeplitz quantization, which we derive using quantum harmonic analysis. Moreover, we show that the Berezin transform is injective on the set of of Toeplitz operators. Finally, we provide several characterizations of the $$\mathcal {C}_1$$

C
1

-algebra in terms of integral kernel estimates and essential commutants.
Exploring optimal methods for age-at-death estimation using pulp/tooth area ratios: a South African study
Authors: Kotze Daniël , Mole Calvin G. , Phillips Vincent M. , Gibbon Victoria E.
Published: November 2024

Age-at-death estimation is pivotal in the identification of unknown human decedents in forensic medicine. The pulp/tooth area ratio (PAR) method, assessing pulp cavity size as a marker of secondary dentine apposition, is widely utilised for adult age estimation. Despite extensive evaluation of this technique, the influence of image type and enamel area inclusion on method accuracy is insufficiently explored. The present study evaluated the PAR method’s applicability using maxillary canines from a South African cadaveric sample, examining reliability, sex bias, and accuracy across different image types and enamel area considerations. An observational, cross-sectional study design was followed. Fifty-two adult maxillary canines were radiographed, sectioned, and analysed using stereomicroscopy. Labiolingual and mesiodistal periapical radiographs, alongside labiolingual stereomicroscopic tooth section images, were analysed using ImageJ to calculate PARs. Age estimation linear regression models were developed for each image type, with and without enamel area inclusion. Models were compared for performance and accuracy using best-subsets regression and cross-validation analyses. Results indicated that the PAR method is a reliable, sex-independent technique, providing relatively accurate age-at-death estimates for South African adults. Image type significantly influenced accuracy, with tooth section images exhibiting the best/lowest error values, followed by labiolingual and mesiodistal radiographs, respectively. Exclusion of enamel area consistently enhanced model performance across all image types. This study contributes valuable data to the underexplored field of dental age estimation techniques for South African adults, highlighting optimal approaches when applying the PAR method to maxillary canines. Additionally, it introduces a refined stereomicroscopic technique, augmenting and enhancing existing practices.
High correlation of quantitative susceptibility mapping and echo intensity measurements of nigral iron overload in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Luyken Adrian Konstantin , Lappe Chris , Viard Romain , Löhle Matthias , Kleinlein Hanna Rebekka , Kuchcinski Grégory , Langner Sönke , Wenzel Anne-Marie , Walter Michael , Weber Marc-André , Storch Alexander , Devos David , Walter Uwe
Published: November 2024

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and transcranial sonography (TCS) offer proximal evaluations of iron load in the substantia nigra. Our prospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between QSM and TCS measurements of nigral iron content in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In secondary analyses, we wanted to explore the correlation of substantia nigra imaging data with clinical and laboratory findings. Eighteen magnetic resonance imaging and TCS examinations were performed in 15 PD patients at various disease stages. Susceptibility measures of substantia nigra were calculated from referenced QSM maps. Echogenicity of substantia nigra on TCS was measured planimetrically (echogenic area) and by digitized analysis (echo-intensity). Iron-related blood serum parameters were measured. Clinical assessments included the Unified PD Rating Scale and non-motor symptom scales. Substantia nigra susceptibility correlated with echogenic area (Pearson correlation, r = 0.53, p = 0.001) and echo-intensity (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Individual asymmetry indices correlated between susceptibility and echogenic area measurements (r = 0.50, p = 0.042) and, more clearly, between susceptibility and echo-intensity measurements (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). Substantia nigra susceptibility (individual mean of bilateral measurements) correlated with serum transferrin saturation (Spearman test, r = 0.78, p < 0.001) and, by trend, with serum iron (r = 0.69, p = 0.004). Nigral echogenicity was not clearly related to serum values associated with iron metabolism. Susceptibility and echogenicity measurements were unrelated to PD duration, motor subtype, and severity of motor and non-motor symptoms. The present results support the assumption that iron accumulation is involved in the increase of nigral echogenicity in PD. Nigral echo-intensity probably reflects ferritin-bound iron, e.g. stored in microglia.
Slope stability analysis of unsaturated colluvial slopes based on case studies of rainfall-induced landslides
Authors: Amarasinghe Milinda Prasad , Robert Dilan , Kulathilaka Siyabalagodage Athula Senerath , Zhou Annan , Jayathissa Halvithana Athukoralalage Gamini
Published: October 2024

Landslides in colluvial soils under rainfall have been identified as a significant problem due to their loose, heterogeneous nature and low shear strength. Evaluation of the stability of colluvial slopes under rainfall conditions is challenging. This study investigated two landslide failure case studies of colluvial soils to understand the failure patterns using finite element (FE) and limit equilibrium (LE) slope stability analysis methods under unsaturated conditions. Transient seepage conditions due to rainfall infiltration and failure were analysed using hydromechanical models. Here, a FE fully coupled hydromechanical model and a sequential coupling of a FE hydrological and LE mechanical model were used to evaluate the failure of variably saturated slopes. Results from the case studies revealed that the failure occurred due to the rise in the groundwater table in both cases. It was evident that there can be significant disparities in the pore water pressure profiles with the fully coupled and sequentially coupled analysis. The dynamic capability of the two models can also affect the interplay between the hydrological and mechanical aspects. When the thickness of the colluvium layer is large, the failure could potentially occur as a deep-seated failure along the boundary of overburden and the bedrock surface due to the large driving force. However, when the thickness is small, failure can occur along the colluvium-weathered rock surface. The outcomes from the study will contribute to mitigate the uncertainty of failure prediction of landslides in colluvial soils.
Odour generalisation and detection dog training
Authors: Caldicott Lyn , Pike Thomas W. , Zulch Helen E. , Mills Daniel S. , Williams Fiona J. , Elliker Kevin R. , Hutchings Bethany , Wilkinson Anna
Published: November 2024

Detection dogs are required to search for and alert to specific odours of interest, such as drugs, cadavers, disease markers and explosives. However, the odour released from different samples of the same target substance will vary for a number of reasons, including the production method, evaporation, degradation, or by being mixed with extraneous odours. Generalisation, the tendency to respond in the same manner to stimuli which are different – but similar to – a conditioned stimulus, is therefore a crucial requirement for working detection dogs. Odour is a complex modality which poses unique challenges in terms of reliably predicting generalisation, when compared with auditory or visual stimuli. The primary aim of this review is to explore recent advances in our understanding of generalisation and the factors that influence it, and to consider these in light of detection dog training methods currently used in the field. We identify potential risks associated with certain training practices, and highlight areas where research is lacking and which warrant further investigation.
A path-based distance computation for non-convexity with applications in clustering
Authors: Ardelean Eugen-Richard , Portase Raluca Laura , Potolea Rodica , Dînșoreanu Mihaela
Published: November 2024

Clustering algorithms are essential in data analysis, but evaluating their performance is challenging when the true labels are not available, especially for non-convex clusters. Traditional performance evaluation metrics struggle to identify clustering quality, often assigning higher scores for linearly separated clusters than the true clusters. We propose an original approach to distance computation that accounts for the data structure, thus improving the clustering quality evaluation for non-convex clusters without affecting other shapes of clusters. We also showcase the applicability of this method through a modified version of K-Means using the proposed method that is capable of correctly separating non-convex clusters. The validation included the analysis of performance and time complexity of 3 traditional clustering quality evaluation metrics and the K-Means clustering algorithm against their augmented versions with the proposed approach. This analysis conducted on 7 benchmark synthetic datasets and 6 real datasets with various numbers of examples and features of diverse characteristics and joint complexities: simple convex clusters, overlapped and imbalanced clusters, and non-convex clusters. Through these analyses, we show the ineffectiveness of traditional methods and that the proposed approach overcomes the weaknesses of traditional methods.
Optimal refund policy design for ship berthing appointment mechanism
Authors: Wang Haoqing , Liu Yan , Du Yuquan , Wang Shuaian
Published: November 2024

Seaports, the nodal and bottleneck points in the global supply chain network, have been making effort to encourage shipping companies to book berths before ships arrive at the ports. The information and communication technology (ICT) system is essential for the success of this effort. We propose an appointment mechanism with a refund policy for the berth booking ICT system to mitigate port congestion. Two refund policies are investigated: cash refund policy and coupon refund policy. We develop a bi-level model that considers the interests of the port and shipping companies, with which the cash refund policy determines its optimal booking fee and the returned cash, and the coupon refund policy determines its optimal booking fee, the value of the coupon, and the shelf life of the coupon. Numerical experiments are conducted to analyze the two refund policies, the reactions of shipping companies with different characteristics, and how the port takes advantage of the characteristics of shipping companies to maximize profit. The proposed appointment mechanism achieves a win-win performance for the port and shipping companies as it increases the income of the port and reduces the delay cost of shipping companies. This study innovatively investigates the refund policy for the berth booking system and helps understand the mechanism of the system, thereby providing theoretical support for applying the berth booking system in the maritime industry. Moreover, this study contributes to alleviating port congestion and to environmental sustainability by reducing ship emissions caused by waiting at port and inappropriate sailing speed.
First Union Formation in Italy: The Role of Micro- and Macro-Level Economic Conditions
Authors: Meggiolaro Silvia , Ongaro Fausta , Pirani Elena
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we use data from the ‘Families and Social Subjects’ survey conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics in 2016 to study the impact of micro- and macro-level economic conditions on first co-residential union formation. We aim to determine if and to what extent the probability of forming the first union is explained by individual labour market positions (e.g. having non-standard employment or not having work), and additionally explore if adverse macroeconomic conditions also play a role. We differentiate by union type—marriage and cohabitation—known to be characterised by different levels of union commitment. We also address potential gender differences by conducting separate analyses on men and women. Our results suggest that while micro- and macro-level economic factors matter in the union formation process, their effect varies by gender and union type. Individual economic vulnerability has a greater impact on marriage than on cohabitation for both men and women. Instead, contextual economic uncertainty plays a relevant role, especially in the transition to cohabitation, regardless of gender, and, to a lesser extent, in the transition to marriage, but only for women.
Thermophysical Properties of the Hydrogen Carrier System Based on Aqueous Solutions of Isopropanol or Acetone
Authors: Koller Thomas M. , Jander Julius H. , Kankanamge Chathura J. , Braun Lena M. , Chittem Pranay K. , Kerscher Manuel , Rausch Michael H. , Klein Tobias , Wasserscheid Peter , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: November 2024

One concept for the safe storage and transport of molecular hydrogen (H2) is the use of hydrogen carrier systems which can bind and release hydrogen in repeating cycles. In this context, the liquid system based on isopropanol and its dehydrogenated counterpart acetone is particularly interesting for applications in direct isopropanol fuel cells that are operated with an excess of water. For a comprehensive characterization of diluted aqueous solutions of isopropanol or acetone with technically relevant solute amount fractions between 0.02 and 0.08, their liquid density, liquid viscosity, and interfacial tension were investigated using various light scattering and conventional techniques as well as equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations between (283 and 403) K. Polarization-difference Raman spectroscopy (PDRS) was used to monitor the liquid-phase composition during surface light scattering (SLS) experiments on viscosity and interfacial tension. For comparison purposes and to expand the database, capillary viscometry and dynamic light scattering (DLS) from bulk fluids with dispersed particles were also applied to determine the viscosity while the pendant-drop (PD) method allowed access to the interfacial tension. By adding isopropanol or acetone to water, density and, in particular, interfacial tension decrease significantly, while viscosity shows a pronounced increase. The behavior of viscosity and interfacial tension is closely related to the strong hydrogen bonding between the unlike mixture components and the pronounced enrichment of both solutes at the vapor–liquid interface, as revealed by EMD simulations. For an aqueous solution with an isopropanol amount fraction of 0.04, minor variations in interfacial tension and viscosity were found in the presence of pressurized H2 up to 7.5 MPa. Overall, the results from this study contribute to an extended database for diluted aqueous solutions of isopropanol or acetone, especially at temperatures above 323 K.
Can Massive Religious Festival Celebrations Encourage a Faster Spread of a Pandemic? The Case of COVID-19 in Israel
Authors: Estrada Mario Arturo Ruiz , Levy Inna
Published: November 2024

This paper attempts to evaluate how massive religious festival celebrations can encourage the faster spread of any pandemic according to our problem statement, such as the case of COVID-19. For example, we evaluate Israel’s three major religions, namely  Judaism, Christianity, and the Islamic festival  celebrations, respectively. Firstly, we have the traditional Jewish festivities such as Hanukkah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Rosh Hashanah. In the Christian’s traditional festivities celebrations, we identified Christmas, Easter Day, and All Saints Day. Finally, the Muslim festivities of Muharram and the Birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohamad. The purpose of  this study was to evaluate if these nine massive religious festival  celebrations are the main reasons for the large spread of COVID-19 in Israel directly or indirectly. In fact, we propose a new methodology to evaluate the impact of any massive religious festival celebration and the fast spread of any pandemic everywhere and anytime. The new indicator is entitled “The National Spread Levels of Infectious Diseases Risk from Massive Religious Festivities Index” (National-SLIDRMRF-Index). Finally, the major finding in this research is that any massive religious events can generate an exponential number of COVID-19 cases constantly. Therefore, this research concluded that we urgently need a standardized index to monitor  and control the expansion of any pandemic such as COVID-19 among different religious groups in the same country. At the same time, we give different policy recommendations to the Israeli government to constantly keep major controls and measures of different religious events in Jerusalem.
Spiritual and Emotional Care Among Clergy as First Responder–Victims in Puerto Rico: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: Bryant Julianne , Nyhof Melanie , Hassler Michael W. , Abe Jennifer , Vives De León Anthony
Published: November 2024

A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore the experiences of church leaders (10 priests, pastors, and pastors’ wives) who provided disaster spiritual/emotional care (DSEC) to the island of Puerto Rico during a period of intense and repeated crises from 2017 to 2022. Utilizing a narrative inquiry approach, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed. Findings indicated that the participants engaged in psychological, social, and religious coping strategies to actively cope with the stress and trauma of being first responder rescuer/victims. Regional, cultural and contextual factors are considered in an effort to understand and enhance services to populations where disaster is the new normal.
Soil cover heterogeneity associated with biocrusts predicts patch-level plant diversity patterns
Authors: Havrilla Caroline A. , Villarreal Miguel L.
Published: November 2024

Context

Soil resource heterogeneity drives plant species diversity patterns at local and landscape scales. In drylands, biocrusts are patchily distributed and contribute to soil resource heterogeneity important for plant establishment and growth. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how such heterogeneity may relate to patterns of plant diversity and community structure.

Objectives

We explored relationships between biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity and plant diversity patterns in a cool desert ecosystem. We asked: (1) does biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity predict plant diversity and community composition? and (2) can we use high-resolution remote sensing data to calculate soil cover heterogeneity metrics that could be used to extrapolate these patterns across landscapes?

Methods

We tested associations among field-based measures of plant diversity and soil cover heterogeneity. We then used a Support Vector Machine classification to map soil, plant and biocrust cover from sub-centimeter resolution Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) imagery and compared the mapped results to field-based measures.

Results

Field-based soil cover heterogeneity and biocrust cover were positively associated with plant diversity and predicted community composition. The accuracy of UAS-mapped soil cover classes varied across sites due to variation in timing and quality of image collections, but the overall results suggest that UAS are a promising data source for generating detailed, spatially explicit soil cover heterogeneity metrics.

Conclusions

Results improve understanding of relationships between biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity and plant diversity and highlight the promise of high-resolution UAS data to extrapolate these patterns over larger landscapes which could improve conservation planning and predictions of dryland responses to soil degradation under global change.
Approach to the patient with controlled acromegaly and acromegalic arthropathy: clinical diagnosis and management
Authors: Pelsma Iris C. M. , Kroon Herman M. , Andela Cornelie D. , van der Linden Enrike M. J. , Kloppenburg Margreet , Biermasz Nienke R. , Claessen Kim M. J. A.
Published: November 2024

Following the description of an illustrative case of a 70-year-old female patient with longstanding active acromegaly and invalidating, progressive joint complaints, current insights regarding diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of acromegalic arthropathy are summarized. Since clinical trials on this topic are lacking, the reported recommendations are based on extensive clinical and research experience with this clinical entity, and on established diagnostics and interventions in patients with other rheumatic diseases. The cornerstones of the management of acromegalic arthropathy remains normalization of growth hormone and insulin growth factor-1 levels. However, patients with severe or progressive acromegalic arthropathy require a multidisciplinary approach to determine adequate diagnostics and treatment options. Because of the high prevalence and invalidating character of acromegalic arthropathy, developing evidence-based effective prevention and treatment strategies, preferably by international collaboration within rare disease networks, e.g., Endo-ERN, is a clear unmet need.
The Ether Concept from Spanish Physics Textbooks (1840–1950)
Authors: Vaquero-Martínez J. , Vaquero J. M.
Published: October 2024

The presence of the ether concept in the contents of 73 Spanish physics textbooks (secondary and first course university level) published in the period 1840–1950 is studied. The textbooks are a specially interesting learning tool in the Spanish society of this period, due to the rural character of the country, the capacity of the textbooks for frequent and repeated use as well as for dissemination over the entire state. Particularly, the content about heat, light and electricity is investigated. Whether the concept of ether appears in the general principles of the textbooks or not is also studied. Moreover, the work considers the evolution of the concept of ether by decades, showing different examples of how the ether was used to explain different physics phenomena. Furthermore, the social and historical context in which the textbooks were developed is discussed in detail. Outstanding amongst the different conclusions that are drawn is the disappearance of the concept of the ether during the third and fourth decades of the twentieth century.
Examining the use of drug screening technologies in night-time entertainment districts
Authors: Hughes Lee R. J. , Sorbello Jacob G. , Piron Kurt , Allen Corey , Piatkowski Timothy , Devilly Grant J.
Published: November 2024

Background

We sought to determine whether various ion scanner devices could provide a practical alternative in field-based research, where affordable and accessible drug screening is needed for comprehensive and ongoing investigation.

Methods

In Study 1, off-site sample analysis proved inconclusive, rendering Protocols A and B impractical for ongoing drug screening. Conversely, Study 2’s on-site, real-time analysis (Protocol C) emerged as a more effective method. The Itemizer3, particularly in Protocol C, excelled in discerning drug users. Comparing admitted drug use rates in both studies, the mere presence of an objective measure, confirmational or not, likely facilitated more truthful participant responses, highlighting the efficacy of real-time, on-site drug screening using IMS/ITMS technologies.

Findings

All samples analyzed off-site in Study 1 were found to be inconclusive. As such, Protocols A and B were not feasible for on-going drug screening and monitoring. Conversely, the results of Study 2 Protocol C demonstrated that harvesting samples directly off participants on-site and analyzing these in-real time to be a more efficacious method. Our findings in Protocol C also show that the Itemizer3 was better at identifying those who did not use drugs from those who did. Looking at the incidence rates of admitted drug use in Studies 1 and 2, we find that simply having an objective measure present (irrespective of whether it is confirmational or not) likely resulted in us obtaining more truthful responses from participants about their use of drugs.

Conclusions

Our results underscore IMS/ITMS practicality for on-site NED drug screening.
A Parallel Mediator Model to Explain the Organizational Performance Oriented to the Quality of Life of People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Employees and Family Members Perspectives
Authors: Estreder Yolanda , Sadi Maimoona Wasif , Martínez-Tur Vicente , Zappalà Salvatore , Moliner Carolina
Published: November 2024

This research examines whether employees’ perceptions of service climate are related to organizational performance oriented toward improving the quality of life (QoL) of people with intellectual disability (ID) through the mediation of service quality perceived by family members. The research was conducted in 252 centers for people with ID in Spain. Employees (N = 2.021) reported on service climate. Family members (N = 2.267) reported on service quality and organizational performance oriented toward improving QoL. We used an overall measure of service climate. Service quality was composed of two dimensions: functional (efficiency in the delivery of the core service) and relational (quality of the social interaction between employees and service users beyond the core service) service quality. Organizational performance oriented toward QoL was composed of four dimensions: overall QoL; self-determination; social inclusion; and defense of rights of people with ID. Results supported full mediation, with functional and relational service quality mediating the relationship between service climate and performance oriented toward improving QoL. Implications for research and organizations are also discussed.
Genome sequences for twenty-four Phytophthora and one Nothophytophthora species for the study of the evolution of pathogenicity in Peronosporaceae
Authors: Ulaszewski Bartosz , Mishra Bagdevi , Jung Thomas , Thines Marco
Published: October 2024

Oomycetes classified in the genera Phytophthora and Nothophytophthora encompass a wide range of lifestyles, from saprotrophic and water-borne to destructive soil-borne or wind-dispersed plant pathogens. To clarify the evolutionary and genomic basis of these transitions, genome sequences for a wide range of species are necessary. However, the amount of genomes currently available is not representative of the full range of these lifestyles. To address this gap, we present draft genomes of 24 Phytophthora and one Nothophytophthora species, of which 14 have 100% BUSCO completeness for the Straminipila dataset. We hope that this resource will stimulate further research into the evolution of pathogenicity in Peronosporaceae.
How cooperative mindsets and course climate relate to the perceived impact of digital cooperation on learning in higher education
Authors: Jördens Kim A. , Nöth Linnea , Zander Lysann
Published: November 2024

This article in the journal “Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)” presents the results of a study examining one underlying mechanism of successful digital cooperation among students in higher education from a student perspective. We investigated whether and how students’ cooperative mindset and the climate in their university courses correlate with how they perceive the impact of digital cooperation on their learning outcomes. Data were collected using a questionnaire in different university courses at three universities, involving students from different study programmes and semesters. We conducted a mediation analysis that included students’ cooperative mindsets, the perception of the course climate, and the perception of the impact of digital cooperation on students’ learning outcomes. We found that students’ cooperative mindsets predicted their perception of the impact of digital cooperation on their learning. The cooperative mindset of students also predicted their perception of the course climate, which, in turn, predicted their perception of the impact of digital cooperation on their learning. Moreover, we found that the effect of students’ cooperative mindset on the perceived impact of digital cooperation on learning was mediated by the perception of the course climate. These findings suggest that highlighting the relevance of digital cooperation for learning outcomes can initiate a positive dynamic shaping students’ perceptions of their course climate and benefits of digital cooperation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial because cooperative group work in digital environments has become an integral part of teaching in higher education.
Effect of Compositionally Different Substrates on Elemental Properties of Bay Bolete Mushrooms: Case Study of 34 Essential and Non-essential Elements from Six Areas Affected Differently by Industrial Pollution
Authors: Andronikov Alexandre V. , Andronikova Irina E. , Sebek Ondrej , Martinkova Eva , Stepanova Marketa , Perehon Oksana
Published: October 2024

We studied concentrations of 34 essential and non-essential elements in samples of edible Bay Bolete (Imleria badia) mushrooms added by samples of the growing substrate and bioavailable fraction. The samples were collected from six forested sites affected differently by industrial pollution and underlain by compositionally contrasting bedrock: granite, amphibolite, and peridotite. In all cases, mushrooms behaved as a bioconcentrating system for elements such as Ag, K, P, Rb, S, and Se (BCF > 1) being a bioexcluding system for the rest of the elements analyzed (BCF < 1). Most analyzed elements displayed moderate to high within-mushroom mobility being accumulated preferably in the apical parts of the mushroom’s fruiting body (TF > 1). The highest mobility was demonstrated by Cd and Cu. Sodium was the only element with significantly low mobility (TF < 1), and it accumulated preferably in the stipe. Imleria badia seems to be sensitive to the accumulation of elements such as As, Cd, and Pb from the atmospheric deposits. Specific geochemistry of the growing substrate was reflected to different extend in the accumulation of elements such as Ag, Cu, Rb, S, Al, Ca, Fe, Ba, and Na in the mushroom’s fruiting bodies.