bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color Tuning of Luminescent Cationic Platinum(II) Complexes: Effects of Molecular Structures and Counter‐Anions
Authors: Chaaban Maya , Lee Sujin , Vellore Winfred J.S. Raaj , Lin Xinsong , Ma Biwu
Published: June 2022

The photophysical properties of square planar Pt(II) complexes are often strongly dependent on their self‐assembly modes and intermolecular Pt⋯Pt interactions. Controlling these interactions is important to achieve valuable properties for various applications, such as light‐emitting diodes and environmental sensing devices. Herein, a series of highly luminescent ionic Pt(II) complexes with tunable emission colors are reported, by controlling the molecular structures and interactions in solid state. Four ionic Pt(II) complexes, with a general formula [Pt(C^N)(N^N)]+X− (C^N = 2‐phenylpyridine or 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine; N^N = 2,2′‐bipyridine; X−= chloride (Cl−) or tetraphenylborate (BPh4−), are designed, synthesized, and characterized. Due to the presence of intermolecular Pt⋯Pt interactions, strong metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MMLCT) emissions are recorded in all four complexes with color changing from green to deep red in solid state. A high photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of 81% is achieved for one of the complexes containing large BPh4− anions, due to the site isolation effects. Detailed structural and photophysical characterizations reveal a clear correlation between the stacking of these Pt(II) complexes and their photophysical properties, which can be well regulated by the molecular structures and counter‐anions.
Spatial characteristics of stray current corrosion of reinforcing bars in pseudo concrete
Authors: Peng Yizhan , Wang Zhao , Gong Fuyuan , Zhao Yuxi , Meng Tao , Jin Weiliang , Maekawa Koichi
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on the spatial characteristics of reinforcing‐bars corrosion under stray current. In the study, a corrosion experiment using a specimen with three steel bars embedded in pseudo concrete was carried out, the distribution of corrosion was obtained by three‐dimensional scanning. Further, a numerical model with the same dimension of the specimen was simulated to explain experimental results. The distribution of electric field driven by stray current was discussed in detail. Results show that by observation through the transparent matrix and by three‐dimensional scanning, the distribution of corrosion could be estimated qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the spatial characteristics of corrosion state under stray current could be realized by the numerical simulation which combines polarization reaction with an extra stray current field. The stray current field around reinforcing bars was uneven in the cross‐sectional plane, leading to the difference of corrosion rate, which reflects the strong positive correlation between the field and corrosion rate.
Dynamic analysis and optimization of a wind turbine tower subject to wind and earthquake loads
Authors: Zhu Hao , Li Deyu , Xu Jun
Published: June 2022

A dynamic model of a wind turbine tower is established to investigate its dynamic responses under wind and earthquake loads. Then a generalized global spatial discretization method is used to solve the problem. Modal analysis of the wind turbine tower is conducted using the dynamic model and the results are verified by shell models and beam models established in the commercial FE software ANSYS and LS‐DYNA. Transient vibration displacements, as well as normal and shear stress distributions of the wind turbine tower subject to different levels of pulsing wind loads, are calculated based on the dynamic model. Quasi‐static motion and transient motion assumptions are applied to evaluate the strengths of the tower, respectively. Influences of different earthquake ground motions on vibration amplitudes of the tower top are examined. Then, a hybrid mutation particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to perform design optimization on the tower body thickness for vibration reduction with its weights and strength being constrained. The penalty function strategy is used to deal with the constraints on body weight and stress level. Results demonstrate that the comprehensive performances of the wind turbine tower especially the tower top vibration have been greatly reduced after optimization.
Nationalism, Internationalism and the Sciences in the Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Schappacher Norbert
Published: June 2022

This book is about Science International, and what it meant for mathematics over the past two centuries. The emergence of the particular kind of Science International at work in the twentieth century hinges on the concept of Nation States, i.e., states which claim to be political and cultural units at the same time. Science International thus originated from European, especially continental European developments in the nineteenth century.
Philanthropic Capital for Mathematics
Authors: Schappacher Norbert
Published: June 2022

The US-based activities that we briefly recall in this chapter are an important reminder, within the crystalline sphere of scientific endeavors, of the truly global transformation that World War I had wrought.
Mathematical Consolidation and Unification in the 1930s
Authors: Schappacher Norbert
Published: June 2022

The 1930s may well be the most difficult decade of the twentieth century to come to terms with. Given what humanity was about to be led into, i.e. World War II, one may be tempted to consider it a “morbid age”.
Forced Migration and World War II
Authors: Schappacher Norbert
Published: June 2022

In Section 1.4, I summarized the situation before 1914 like this: “In the last three decades before World War I, attention to national distinctions and feelings of national pride or imperial supremacy were extremely common, but by and large they peacefully coexisted—if I may put it like this—with increasing contact and collaboration among scientists from different empires or countries.”
ICMI, The Resilient Nucleus of the IMU
Authors: Schappacher Norbert
Published: June 2022

Today the International Commission for Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) is by far the most prolific of the three commissions of the IMU. But treating ICMI just as a commission of the current IMU misses its peculiar historic significance.
Sino-Russian Scientific Cooperation in the Arctic: From Deep Sea to Deep Space
Authors: Jüris Frank
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on Sino-Russian scientific cooperation in the Arctic over the time period from 2012 to the current day. Academic cooperation with China entails more than meets the eye, as Chinese counterparts see the interactions with their partners from the prism of people-to-people diplomacy designed to create positive sentiment towards Chinese interests via non-governmental exchanges. The first part of this paper focuses on this engagement and Chinese attempts to steer the discourse in support of its interests in the Arctic.

Foreign academics and leaders at the local level, untrained in the Chinese language and political system and unfamiliar with the hidden meanings of academic exchanges, become vulnerable and valuable targets for Chinese influence activities due to their high standing and access to valuable knowledge. The second part of the paper investigates the Sino-Russian scientific cooperation and capacity building that enables China to become a great maritime power—not always for the benefit of Russia, and to the disadvantage of NATO.
Partnership Without Substance: Sino-Russian Relations in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Lucas Edward , Lo Bobo
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the Sino-Russian partnership has emerged in Western eyes as the principal threat to the post-Cold War, rules-based international order. According to this narrative, the challenge is no longer simply one of China’s rise or Russia’s resurgence, but a growing strategic convergence: a mutually reinforcing “axis of authoritarians.” Talk of an alliance has become commonplace. In leading Western capitals, the Sino-Russian “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era” has become the existential menace of our time. This sense of alarm has been heightened by a feverish international context, dominated by great-power rivalry and the devastating consequences of the covid-19 pandemic. One region, however, has been largely exempt from such speculation. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) remains a backwater of Sino-Russian engagement, and Western reactions have been correspondingly muted. Nevertheless, the region provides a useful window through which to assess the dynamics of the relationship.
Domestic Politics: A Forgotten Factor in the Russian-Chinese Relationship
Authors: Kaczmarski Marcin
Published: June 2022

This chapter argues that domestic politics plays a significant role in shaping Sino-Russian relations. Domestic political factors strengthen certain trends in the relationship and, more occasionally, generate obstacles. In structural terms, the growing similarity of political systems, characterized by a high degree of centralization of power in leaders’ hands and the rising crackdown on dissent, shapes the threat assessment. The Russian ruling regime is not challenged by Beijing, hence an increase in China’s power and influence. While disadvantageous geopolitically, it does not pose a threat to regime security and regime survival in the Kremlin. Domestic actors have contributed to Russia’s policy towards China in two ways: by influencing the leadership’s threat assessment and by implementing particular policies. In some areas, such as energy cooperation, a privileged position on behalf of certain actors enables them to promote closer cooperation with China. There is no openly anti-Chinese lobby within the ruling elite and its supporters. More often than not, domestic politics act as a facilitating factor, which mitigates systemic pressures related to China’s rise and growing asymmetry between Russia and China and creates a conducive environment for bilateral cooperation with China in certain sectors.
Russia-China Naval Partnership and Its Significance
Authors: Sheldon-Duplaix Alexandre
Published: June 2022

Allies in 1950, at odds in 1960, at war in 1969, on opposite sides of the Cold War during the 1980s, the Russians and Chinese have worked out their border issues in recent years to partner against a common challenge: the United States. While it can be argued that both countries distrust one another, Moscow and Beijing share a common concern and can’t afford bad relations. Both abhor the US-Western interventions of the last two decades that in their view have destabilized the Middle East, generating terrorism and instability within or near their borders. Both resent US support for their domestic opposition or to neighboring intimate “foes,” most notably Taiwan, Ukraine, and Georgia. Both have displayed their support for Syria and Iran. Both have been engaged in a “strategic partnership” within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization since 2001. Both are now conducting joint naval exercises, sometimes in sensitive areas. But beyond those gesticulations, how far can this naval partnership go? Is it a harbinger of a future military alliance? Does it suggest an intent to deter future Western interventions from the sea? Is there evidence and are there documents that formally support this signaling of strategic and naval partnerships?
Chinese and Russian Military Modernization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Bitzinger Richard A. , Raska Michael
Published: June 2022

China and Russia are both keen to exploit cutting-edge technologies for military use. Most of these advanced technologies are embedded in the so-called fourth industrial revolution (4IR), such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, automation and robotics, quantum computing, big data, 5G networking, and the “Internet of Things” (IoT). At the same time, most research and development (R & D) taking place in the 4IR is occurring in the commercial realm. The usefulness of 4IR technologies to future military capabilities will depend on how well countries can leverage breakthroughs in commercial R & D, via military-civil fusion (MCF). China and Russia are pursuing concurrent and often intertwined R & D programs to develop and advance 4IR technologies in their respective countries—particularly AI—and to subsequently utilize these technologies (via MCF) in military applications. Their mutual interests in exploiting cutting-edge technologies to underwrite military modernization could motivate Beijing and Moscow to collaborate on future 4IR R & D. Nevertheless, such cooperation could be limited. In particular, Russia lacks the resources or overall technological capacities (money and manpower, plus an already low level of innovation in the national economy) to function as an equal to China, and it may not wish to play the junior partner in such a relationship.
China-Russia Cooperation in Nuclear Deterrence
Authors: Carlson Brian G.
Published: June 2022

Nuclear issues have historically played an important role in the development of relations between Moscow and Beijing, acting as a source of both potential discord and emergent cooperation. From 1964, when China conducted its first nuclear test, until Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s tenure in the 1980s, nuclear relations between the Soviet Union and China were explicitly adversarial. The normalization of Sino-Soviet relations introduced an era of implicitly adversarial relations that lasted until the Ukraine crisis. During this phase, Russia’s concerns about China’s growing military power and its resulting determination to maintain nuclear deterrence of China remained apparent. Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, Russia and China have built an increasingly close relationship, leading to a new phase of implicitly cooperative nuclear relations featuring coordinated efforts to maintain nuclear deterrence of the United States. The two countries jointly oppose US efforts to build missile defense systems and high-precision conventional weapons. They coordinate their positions on such issues as multilateral arms control and the post-INF strategic landscape. Russia is helping China to build a missile attack early warning system. Growing levels of defense cooperation raise the possibility of coordinated efforts to maintain nuclear deterrence of the United States in a crisis.
Forced into Trade Out of Necessity: Working-Class Narratives on Petty Trade
Authors: Stark Eija
Published: June 2022

The chapter approaches petty trade as a form of livelihood among working-class people and as the visible sign of consumerism as represented in personal narratives. Using written autobiographies of peasant Finns, the chapter points to the strategies of petty trade for coping with poverty, and its social consequences, during the rise and formation of the modern welfare state. Although industrialization, economic growth, and consumption rose gradually from 1900 onward, most Finns earned their scanty living from a combination of various livelihoods, such as farming, wood industry works, and small-scale trade of food products, pastries, and needlework.
Conclusions: Dealing with Difference
Authors: Ahlbeck Jutta , Östman Ann-Catrin , Stark Eija
Published: June 2022

The chapter discusses how both trading encounters and commodities were charged with meaning, and intimately connected to gendered, ethnicized, and classed practices. Focusing on trading practices in Northern Europe, the editors of the collection point to power relations that shaped the shifting boundaries between inclusion and exclusion of social groups and individuals. The livelihoods of petty traders were affected by how they were viewed as members of, often ethnicized or otherwise, subordinate groups. Meanwhile, culturally significant commodities could be empowering, allowing for a more respectable status for traders.
Unearthing Livelihoods: Sámi Trade as an Active Livelihood
Authors: Kortekangas Otso
Published: June 2022

Many Sámi have been reindeer herders for centuries and their livelihood has usually been understood (solely) in terms of reindeer herding, yet agriculture has also been a typical Sámi livelihood. This chapter investigates trade, another forgotten Sámi livelihood, as portrayed in the journals of two nineteenth-century Nordic clergymen, Jacob Fellman (Finland) and Petrus Læstadius (Sweden). The chapter explores what status Sámi trade had among other livelihoods described in the two journals as well as the practices and functions that Sámi traders carried out in nineteenth-century Arctic and subarctic Europe.
Dressed for Peddling: Dalkullor, Marketing and Practices of Tradition
Authors: Johansson Ella
Published: June 2022

The chapter investigates late nineteenth-century Swedish peddling women, the Dalkullor from Dalecarlia, and how these women used traditional clothing as marketing practices. During this period, the district of Dalarna (or Dalecarlia), a county in middle Sweden, came to symbolize the most representative region of “Swedishness,” and was seen as a link to a glorious past. This region was admired for its archaic and authentic material culture. The Dalkullor were unmarried women, who utilized the fame of the region in their peddling activities by wearing local traditional costumes, such as dresses and hoods, thus being a visible group of mobile workers, particularly in cities. This chapter suggests that this “ethnification” was a livelihood strategy for the poor.
Rag Collectors: Mobility and Barter in a Circular Flow of Goods
Authors: Wassholm Johanna , Sundelin Anna
Published: June 2022

This chapter traces a forgotten, yet important itinerant means of livelihood, namely rag collecting. Rags played an essential role as raw material for the paper and textile industries in the nineteenth century. The chapter identifies a business logic based on the idea that material perceived by one individual as worthless could be turned into something of economic value. As rags were commodified, they acquired new value in a different context. By analyzing newspapers, periodical articles and responses to ethnographic questionnaires, the authors follow a group of rag collectors from the Karelian Isthmus, who utilized their favorable geographic location to gain a livelihood from a circular flow of goods. The chapter demonstrates how an earthenware pot could be bartered for a discarded garment, which in turn became a piece of the puzzle in the process that kept industry and economic growth going.
Mobile Sex Trade: Fairs and the Livelihoods of Female Itinerant Sex Workers in Early Nineteenth-Century Finland
Authors: Vainio-Korhonen Kirsi
Published: June 2022

In the early nineteenth century, sex work was one of the many ways for poor women to earn a living. In addition to sex work, women who sold sex also did laundering and other cleaning work, worked as tavern maids, petty traders, or as servants for families. This chapter investigates female sex workers who travelled and moved between different towns and counties. In general, sex work did not seem to stigmatize women among the poor. Most sex workers did not stand out, neither socially nor geographically, from other disadvantaged town dwellers. However, as the analysis demonstrates, one group of women were indeed condemned, namely mobile women, who travelled around, selling sex at fairs and in marketplaces.
Holographic entanglement density for spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Jeong Hyun-Sik , Kim Keun-Young , Sun Ya-Wen
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We investigate the properties of the holographic entanglement entropy of the systems in which the U(1) or the translational symmetry is broken spontaneously. For this purpose, we define the entanglement density of the strip-subsystems and examine both the first law of entanglement entropy (FLEE) and the area theorem. We classify the conditions that FLEE and/or the area theorem obey and show that such a classification may be useful for characterizing the systems. We also find universalities from both FLEE and the area theorem. In the spontaneous symmetry breaking case, FLEE is always obeyed regardless of the type of symmetry: U(1) or translation. For the translational symmetry, the area theorem is always violated when the symmetry is weakly broken, independent of the symmetry breaking patterns (explicit or spontaneous). We also argue that the log contribution of the entanglement entropy from the Goldstone mode may not appear in the strongly coupled systems.
Utility of Pentraxin-3 as a biomarker for diagnosis of acute appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anand Sachit , Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Bajpai Minu , Krishnan Nellai , Goswami Chandramouli , Suominen Janne S. , Yadav Devendra Kumar , Goel Prabudh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To systematically summarize all relevant data and to define the current evidence on the utility of Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) as a biomarker for acute appendicitis (AA) in children.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies comparing the levels of PTX3 in patients with AA vs healthy controls or non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP). Mean differences were calculated for all outcomes and the inverse variance method was used for weighted mean difference. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black scale.

Results

Five comparative studies were included. Significantly elevated levels of PTX3 in cases with AA vs healthy controls (WMD: 9.56, 95% CI 7.24–11.88, p < 0.00001), and patients with AA vs NSAP (WMD: 8.05, 95% CI 6.81–9.29, p < 0.00001) were demonstrated. Similarly, in separate meta-analyses, the levels of PTX3 were significantly elevated in children with AA vs healthy controls (WMD: 11.18, 95% CI 10.03–12.34, p < 0.00001), and children with AA vs NSAP (WMD: 8.35, 95% CI 6.88–9.82, p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

PTX3-levels are elevated in AA, but differentiation between perforated and non-perforated appendicitis demands other methods.
Der vernünftige Grund zur Tötung eines Tieres am Beispiel der Dachsjagd – 17 Nr. 1 TierSchG im Lichte des Art. 20a GG und des Allgemeinen Teils des StGB
Authors: Gerhold Sönke Florian
Published: June 2022

Über Jahrhunderte hinweg konnte die Jagd von den Jagdausübungsberechtigten zum sog. Jagdvergnügen,
zum Zeitvertreib oder auch zum bloßen Beweis eigenen Geschicks gepflegt werden. Eines besonderen Grundes
oder einer besonderen Rechtfertigung zur Tötung des Wildes bedurfte es nicht. Auch nach Einführung
des das Tierleben schützenden 17 Nr. 1 TierSchG im Jahr 1972 war es verbreitete Auffassung, dass das
Töten des Wildes als der Jagd immanent keines weiteren Grundes bedürfe oder aber ein solcher stets
zu bejahen sei. Ob sich diese Sichtweise auch nach Aufnahme der Tiere in Art. 20a GG aufrechterhalten
lässt und, falls nein, welche Konsequenzen hieraus für das Verhältnis von BJagdG und TierSchG
sowie für die dogmatische Einordnung und die Auslegung des Merkmals “ohne vernünftigen Grund”
zu ziehen sind, soll im Folgenden am Beispiel der Dachsjagd erläutert werden, da diese noch heute scheinbar
häufig aus den eingangs genannten Motiven heraus erfolgt.
Accurate computations with matrices related to bases {tieλt}
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J. M. , Rubio B.
Published: June 2022

The total positivity of collocation, Wronskian and Gram matrices corresponding to bases of the form (eλt,teλt,…,tneλt) is analyzed. A bidiagonal decomposition providing the accurate numerical resolution of algebraic linear problems with these matrices is derived. The numerical experimentation confirms the accuracy of the proposed methods.
Real-time Feedback to Improve HIV Treatment Adherence in Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Uganda: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sabin Lora L. , Simmons Elizabeth , Halim Nafisa , Hamer Davidson H. , Gifford Allen L. , West Rebecca L. , Larson Anna , Bonawitz Rachael , Aroda Philip , Banigbe Bolanle , Holderman Alayna J. , Murray Lisa , DeSilva Mary B. , Gasuza Julia , Mukasa Barbara , Messersmith Lisa J.
Published: June 2022

We assessed an intervention aimed at improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (PPWLH). We randomized 133 pregnant women initiating ART in Uganda to receive text reminders generated by real time-enabled electronic monitors and data-informed counseling through 3 months postpartum (PPM3) or standard care. Intention-to-treat analyses found low adherence levels and no intervention impact. Proportions achieving ≥95% adherence in PPM3 were 16.4% vs. 9.1% (t = -1.14, p = 0.26) in intervention vs. comparison groups, respectively; 30.9% vs. 29.1% achieved ≥80% adherence. Additional analyses found significant adherence declines after delivery, and no effect on disease progression (CD4-cell count, viral load), though treatment interruptions were significantly fewer in intervention participants. Per-protocol analyses encompassing participants who used adherence monitors as designed experienced better outcomes, suggesting potential benefit for some PPWLH. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT02396394).
Fragility curves for light damage of clay masonry walls subjected to seismic vibrations
Authors: Korswagen Paul A. , Longo Michele , Rots Jan G.
Published: June 2022

The probability of light damage to unprepared, unreinforced masonry structures exposed to induced seismicity due to gas extraction in the north of the Netherlands is still under investigation. Repeated light seismic excitations caused by frequent, light and nearby earthquakes have been linked to economical losses and societal unrest in particular, with extensive damage claims. Moreover, the damaging potential of the seismic events has been related to the condition of the structure, especially if damage corresponding to settlement causes is already present. A comprehensive testing campaign oriented towards the initiation and progression of light damage of replicated clay brick masonry has been conducted at Delft University of Technology. Based on these tests, calibrated finite element models have been produced. This article uses the calibrated non-linear time-history models to simulate the effect of earthquake ground motion on a variety of initial conditions, wall geometry, material properties, and number, type and intensity of earthquakes. The results are then used to regress a relationship between damage and these parameters. This is subsequently employed to run a MonteCarlo simulation and produce fragility curves where the probability of exceeding specific damage values for various initial damage levels is presented against the seismic hazard. The vulnerability or fragility curves show that visible damage, with cracks wider than 0.1 mm, appears, with a 10% exceedance probability, at 13 mm/s of peak ground velocity; but, if the masonry had already undergone some light, yet imperceptible damage, a PGV of 6 mm/s was sufficient to aggravate it into visible cracks. To attain a 1% probability of exceeding light damage however, for which the masonry would need more invasive repair, it was observed that PGVs larger than 15 mm/s were required. These fragility curves were finally compared to graphs from other authors and found to capture well the variability in the range assigned to light damage.
Mapping soil liquefaction susceptibility across Europe using the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Meisina C. , Bonì R. , Bozzoni F. , Conca D. , Perotti Cesare , Persichillo Pina , Lai C. G.
Published: June 2022

Mapping the susceptibility of earthquake-induced soil liquefaction at the continental scale is a challenge. Susceptibility of soils to liquefaction is the tendency of certain geomaterials to undergo a severe stiffness degradation and loss of shear strength. The latter could be induced by cyclic loading induced by seismic events. The liquefaction surface evidence is a local phenomenon, and detailed geotechnical field investigations are not available for regional studies, not to mention at continental scales. The literature review shows earthquake-induced soil liquefaction evidence in several European countries, yet, a comprehensive picture of the susceptibility at the European scale is not available. This work aims to develop a methodology to assess the earthquake-induced soil liquefaction susceptibility in Europe using geospatial parameters weighted via the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The major outcome of the study is a novel Liquefaction Susceptibility map of Europe (LSE), based on the building of ten different European macro-units for earthquake-induced soil liquefaction. These European macro-units have been delineated in this work in order to be homogenous areas from the geological, physiographical, and geomorphological points of view. The adopted input parameters are the depositional environment of the sediments, the distance from water bodies (coast and rivers), and the compound topographic index (as a proxy of the soil saturation). The resolution of the LSE map is 900 × 900 m. The results have been cross-compared with soil liquefaction susceptibility maps available for a region of Greece (i.e. Thrace), Portugal, Bulgaria, and sites where liquefaction manifestations occurred across Europe. The LSE can be adopted to identify at large scale the areas susceptible to liquefaction including also the territories across Europe characterized by low seismicity and potentially affected by anthropogenic seismicity.
Learning analytics to predict students’ performance: A case study of a neurodidactics-based collaborative learning platform
Authors: Pérez Sánchez Carlos Javier , Calle-Alonso Fernando , Vega-Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: June 2022

In this work, 29 features were defined and implemented to be automatically extracted and analysed in the context of NeuroK, a learning platform within the neurodidactics paradigm. Neurodidactics is an educational paradigm that addresses optimization of the learning and teaching process from the perspective of how the brain functions. In this context, the features extracted can be fed as input into various machine learning algorithms to predict the students’ performance. The proposed approach was tested with data from an international course with 698 students. Accuracies greater than 0.99 were obtained in predicting the students’ final performance. The best model was achieved with the Random Forest algorithm. It selected 7 relevant features, all with a clear interpretation in the learning process. These features are related to the principles of neurodidactics, and reflect the importance of a social learning and constructivist approach in this context. This work constitutes a first step in relating the tools of learning analytics to neurodidactics. The method, after its adaptation to capture relevant features corresponding to different contexts, could be implemented on other management learning platforms, and applied to other online courses with the aim of predicting the students’ performance, including real-time tracking of their progress and risk of dropout.
Morin Inhibits Dox-Induced Vascular Inflammation By Regulating PTEN/AKT/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Yu Jing , Qi Hai-Liang , Zhang Hong , Zhao Zi-Yu , Jing-Zhao  , Nie Zi-Yuan
Published: June 2022

The side effects of doxorubicin (Dox) may influence the long-term survival of patients with malignancies. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the mechanisms generating these side effects induced by Dox and identify effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we found that interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in vascular tissues of Dox-treated mice and Dox-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, we revealed that Dox downregulated the phosphatase and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) level while upregulated p-AKT and p65 level in VSMCs in vitro. Overexpression of PTEN in VSMCs partly reversed Dox-induced inflammation. Importantly, we demonstrated that Morin could inhibit Dox-induced inflammation by facilitating an increase of PTEN, thus inhibiting the activation of protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/pathway. Additionally, we showed that Morin could reduce the miR-188-5p level, which was increased in Dox-treated VSMCs. Inhibition of miR-188-5p suppressed Dox-induced vascular inflammation in vitro. In conclusion, Morin reduced the Dox-induced vascular inflammatory by moderating the miR-188-5p/PTEN/AKT/NF-κB pathway, indicating that Morin might be a therapeutic agent for overcoming the Dox-induced vascular inflammation.
Prevalence of gambling disorder and its correlates among homeless men in Osaka city, Japan
Authors: Hwang Chiyoung , Takano Taichi , So Ryuhei , Sahker Ethan , Kawakami Sho , Livingstone Charles , Takiguchi Naoko , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: June 2022

Internationally, the prevalence of gambling disorder has been reported to be higher among homeless people than the general population; however, little is known about the factors associated with gambling disorder in this population. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of gambling disorder and its associated factors among homeless men using shelters in Osaka City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 30 to 2018 to 4 January 2019, using the 2017 Japanese National Survey of Gambling (JNSG) questionnaire, supplemented with questions about homeless experiences, drinking, and smoking. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the presence of gambling disorder was determined by a score ≥ 5 out of 20. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore factors associated with lifetime gambling disorder. Lifetime and past-year prevalence of gambling disorder among 103 participants was 43.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.5–53.3) and 3.9% (95% CI: 1.5–9.6), respectively, which are higher than the 6.7% and 1.5% found among men in the 2017 JNSG. Reasons reported for currently gambling less were primarily financial. Factors associated with lifetime GD included “more than 20 years since the first incidence of homelessness” (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.97, 95% CI: 1.50–16.45) and “more than five incidences of homelessness” (AOR: 4.51, 95% CI: 1.06–19.26). When homeless individuals with gambling disorder try to rebuild and stabilize their lives, the presence or resurgence of gambling disorder may hinder the process and pose a risk of recurring homelessness. Comprehensive support services for homeless individuals with gambling disorder are required. (250 words)
Simulated Performance of Laser-Machined Metamaterial Anti-reflection Coatings
Authors: Farias N. , Beckman S. , Lee A. T. , Suzuki A.
Published: June 2022

Lenslet-coupled antenna arrays have been used in CMB experiments and are the baseline technology for the next-generation satellite missions such as LiteBIRD and PICO. Lenslets are small hemispherical lenses mounted on the focal plane that couple light to the detectors and are typically made of silicon or alumina due to their high focusing power and low absorption loss. To minimize reflection at the vacuum-dielectric interface, lenslets require anti-reflection (AR) coatings. Metamaterials have been used in large microwave optical components because they avoid any mismatch on the thermal expansion between the lens and its coating, but so far they have only been machined on surfaces of comparatively large radius of curvature. As a first step to understand the feasibility of machining metamaterial AR layers in lenslets through laser-etching for the LiteBIRD mission, a model in ANSYS HFSS was developed. The goal of the simulation was to optimize transmission in three frequency bands while meeting assumed laser machinability constraints and optical requirements. Simulation results from flat silicon show that an AR metamaterial coating made under the assumed conditions is feasible, and the baseline parameters for further curved-surface studies are provided.
Algebra of Dunkl Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector
Authors: Feigin Misha , Hakobyan Tigran
Published: June 2022

We introduce the Dunkl version of the Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector associated with a finite Coxeter group W acting geometrically in $$\mathbb R^N$$

R
N

and with a multiplicity function g. This vector generalizes the usual Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector and its components commute with the Dunkl–Coulomb Hamiltonian given as the Dunkl Laplacian with an additional Coulomb potential $$\gamma /r$$

γ
/
r

. We study the resulting symmetry algebra $$R_{g, \gamma }(W)$$

R

g
,
γ

(
W
)

and show that it has the Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt property. In the absence of a Coulomb potential, this symmetry algebra $$R_{g,0}(W)$$

R

g
,
0

(
W
)

is a subalgebra of the rational Cherednik algebra $$H_g(W)$$

H
g

(
W
)

. We show that a central quotient of the algebra $$R_{g, \gamma }(W)$$

R

g
,
γ

(
W
)

is a quadratic algebra isomorphic to a central quotient of the corresponding Dunkl angular momenta algebra $$H_g^{so(N+1)}(W)$$

H
g

s
o
(
N
+
1
)

(
W
)

. This gives an interpretation of the algebra $$H_g^{so(N+1)}(W)$$

H
g

s
o
(
N
+
1
)

(
W
)

as the hidden symmetry algebra of the Dunkl–Coulomb problem in $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

. By specialising $$R_{g, \gamma }(W)$$

R

g
,
γ

(
W
)

to $$g=0$$

g
=
0

, we recover a quotient of the universal enveloping algebra $$U(so(N+1))$$

U
(
s
o
(
N
+
1
)
)

as the hidden symmetry algebra of the Coulomb problem in $${\mathbb R}^N$$

R

N

. We also apply the Dunkl Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector to establish the maximal superintegrability of the generalised Calogero–Moser systems.
Getting trapped in a dead end? Trait self-control and boredom are linked to goal adjustment
Authors: Bieleke Maik , Wolff Wanja , Keller Lucas
Published: June 2022

Disengaging from unattainable goals and reengaging in alternative goals is essential for effective goal pursuit; yet, surprisingly little is known about associated personality factors. Here, we focused on individual differences in self-control (domain-general self-control, if–then planning) and boredom (boredom proneness, boredom avoidance and escape tendencies). Concerning goal adjustment in everyday life (Study 1; N = 323 crowdworkers), if–then planning was associated with worse disengagement and better reengagement. While boredom proneness was associated with poorer reengagement, boredom avoidance and escape tendencies were associated with better reengagement. When goal striving was thwarted during the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 2; N = 97 students), similar associations emerged along with links to anxiety and depression. However, disengagement was no longer associated with if–then planning but instead with better self-control and higher boredom proneness. These results show differential relationships of goal disengagement and reengagement with self-control and boredom, paving the way to a better understanding of who struggles or shines when effective goal adjustment is required.
A cascaded FBG scheme based OQPSK/DPSK modulation for chromatic dispersion compensation
Authors: Mustafa Fathy M. , Zaky Sayed A. , Khalaf Ashraf A. M. , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to present a proposed chromatic dispersion compensation model for single mode optical fiber. The proposed model consists of 4-stages of cascaded identical linear chirped fiber Bragg grating (CFBG) in post-compensation connection scheme. It is based on differential phase shift keying modulation format. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, a comparative study is conducted using offset quadrature phase shift keying modulation technique. This comparative study includes four cases with and without using CFBG. For system performance evaluation, a 10 Gbps wavelength division multiplexing link is simulated at a distance of 70 km under conventional operating parameters. Optisystem 7.0 has been used for simulation and evaluation process. Quality factor (Q-factor) and bit error rate (BER) are used as evaluation metrics. The proposed model shows the best performance in case of using CFBG compared to the other cases. A maximum Q-factor of 7.22, and a corresponding minimum BER of 2.59 × 10−13are obtained. The proposed system performance is enhanced by at least 53% as compared to related work.
Nitrogen but not phosphorus addition affects symbiotic N2 fixation by legumes in natural and semi-natural grasslands located on four continents
Authors: Vázquez Eduardo , Schleuss Per-Marten , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Caldeira Maria C. , Eisenhauer Nico , Eskelinen Anu , Fay Philip A. , Haider Sylvia , Jentsch Anke , Kirkman Kevin P. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Peri Pablo L. , Price Jodi , Richards Anna E. , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Schütz Martin , Seabloom Eric W. , Standish Rachel J. , Stevens Carly J. , Tedder Michelle J. , Virtanen Risto , Spohn Marie
Published: June 2022

Background and aims

The amount of nitrogen (N) derived from symbiotic N2 fixation by legumes in grasslands might be affected by anthropogenic N and phosphorus (P) inputs, but the underlying mechanisms are not known.

Methods

We evaluated symbiotic N2 fixation in 17 natural and semi-natural grasslands on four continents that are subjected to the same full-factorial N and P addition experiment, using the 15N natural abundance method.

Results

N as well as combined N and P (NP) addition reduced aboveground legume biomass by 65% and 45%, respectively, compared to the control, whereas P addition had no significant impact. Addition of N and/or P had no significant effect on the symbiotic N2 fixation per unit legume biomass. In consequence, the amount of N fixed annually per grassland area was less than half in the N addition treatments compared to control and P addition, irrespective of whether the dominant legumes were annuals or perennials.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that N addition mainly impacts symbiotic N2 fixation via reduced biomass of legumes rather than changes in N2 fixation per unit legume biomass. The results show that soil N enrichment by anthropogenic activities significantly reduces N2 fixation in grasslands, and these effects cannot be reversed by additional P amendment.
Low-emission zones, modes of transport and house prices: evidence from Berlin’s commuter belt
Authors: Aydin Eren , Kürschner Rauck Kathleen
Published: June 2022

We study the impact of a tightening of a private driving restriction in Germany’s capital, the city of Berlin, on house prices in its affluent suburbs. Using geo-referenced data on train stations, motorway access points and offers of single-family houses for sale from Germany’s leading online property broker ImmobilienScout24 in a spatially staggered DiD framework, we find evidence for sizeable price growth premia for houses located in walking distance of train stations that lie within 30 min commuting duration to Berlin main station. Property located in immediate vicinity (5 min walking distance) of train stations within 30–40 min commuting duration, however, face penalties. Our findings are of relevance for the design of public infrastructure planning policies that seek to accommodate and facilitate changes in local demands for alternative and more environmentally sustainable modes of transport induced by private driving restrictions.
Greenhouse gas mitigation benefits and profitability of the GreenSeeker Handheld NDVI sensor: evidence from Mexico
Authors: Lapidus Daniel , Salem Marwa E. , Beach Robert H. , Zayed Stephanie , Ortiz-Monasterio Ivan
Published: June 2022

Better targeting of fertilizer application can result in yields that meet or exceed those achieved without improved targeting while reducing total fertilizer use. However, in many growing regions, it may be difficult for farmers to access the necessary data to inform improved fertilizer use. The GreenSeeker Handheld is a low-cost technology that can be used to improve the efficiency of fertilizer applications by providing farmers with recommendations for the amount of nitrogen (N) to apply mid-season to meet the needs of their crops. The technology has been utilized on nearly 2,000 farmer fields representing more than 60,000 hectares in three regions of Mexico. In this study, the net effects of this technology on economic and environmental outcomes for these farmers were assessed. Specifically, farmer field-level data and locally derived greenhouse gas emission factors were analyzed and use of the GreenSeeker Handheld was estimated to have led to a total of $2.6 M USD in additional profits and more than 14,300 tons CO2e of avoided emissions. However, not all farmers utilizing this technology followed the resulting recommendations. Participating farmers that did not follow the recommendations experienced lower profits, indicating that benefits would have been larger had participants applied fertilizer at the levels recommended for their fields. In addition, the total benefits of higher farm profits and reduced emissions could be scaled up significantly if this technology were applied more broadly. However, development and implementation of the technology had been supported by subsidies and further efforts would be needed to make it sustainable.
Parsimonious hidden Markov models for matrix-variate longitudinal data
Authors: Tomarchio Salvatore D. , Punzo Antonio , Maruotti Antonello
Published: June 2022

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been extensively used in the univariate and multivariate literature. However, there has been an increased interest in the analysis of matrix-variate data over the recent years. In this manuscript we introduce HMMs for matrix-variate balanced longitudinal data, by assuming a matrix normal distribution in each hidden state. Such data are arranged in a four-way array. To address for possible overparameterization issues, we consider the eigen decomposition of the covariance matrices, leading to a total of 98 HMMs. An expectation-conditional maximization algorithm is discussed for parameter estimation. The proposed models are firstly investigated on simulated data, in terms of parameter recovery, computational times and model selection. Then, they are fitted to a four-way real data set concerning the unemployment rates of the Italian provinces, evaluated by gender and age classes, over the last 16 years.
In silico study to identify novel potential thiadiazole-based molecules as anti-Covid-19 candidates by hierarchical virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Rashdan Huda R. M. , Abdelmonsef Aboubakr H.
Published: June 2022

In the present study, a new category of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles was developed by submitting methyl 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbodithioate to react with the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides in presence of few drops of diisopropyl ethyl amine. The chemical structures of the newly synthesized derivatives were inferred by means of their micro-analytical and spectral data. Utilizing combined molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques, the binding affinities and features of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against four SARS-CoV-2 target enzymes, namely, main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Compound 7 demonstrated promising binding affinities with the target enzymes Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, and RBD with docking scores of −11.4, −9.4, −8.2, and −6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, compound 7 exhibited MM-GBSA//100 ns MD docking score of −35.9 kcal/mol against Mpro. Structural and energetic analyses revealed the stability of the 7-Mpro complex over 100 ns MD simulations. In addition, compound 7 obeyed Lipinski’s rule of five, as it has acceptable absorption, distribution, and oral bioavailability inside the body. Therefore, compound 7 is considered as a promising starting point for designing potential therapeutic agents against Covid-19.