bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging gaps: a systematic literature review of brokerage in educational change
Authors: Rechsteiner Beat , Kyndt Eva , Compagnoni Miriam , Wullschleger Andrea , Maag Merki Katharina
Published: October 2023

Bridging gaps between educational stakeholders at the classroom, school, and system levels is essential to achieve sustainable change in primary and secondary education. However, transferring knowledge or building capacity within this network of loosely coupled stakeholders is demanding. The brokerage concept holds promise for studying these complex patterns of interaction, as it refers to how specific actors (brokers) link loosely coupled or disconnected individuals (brokering). However, different research traditions, in terms of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, and various stakeholders examined in their role as bridge builders make understanding the role of brokers, brokering, and brokerage in changing educational practice challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the current literature on these concepts in educational change research. In a systematic literature review based on 42 studies, we analyzed each study’s theoretical assumptions, methodological approach, scope in terms of stakeholders involved, and empirical findings. First, the literature review revealed that research on educational change refers to four different theoretical frameworks when focusing on brokers, brokering, or brokerage. Second, our results indicate that predominantly qualitative approaches have been applied. Third, using content network graphs, we identified teachers and principals as among the most frequently analyzed brokers. Fourth, four relevant aspects of the empirical findings are presented: brokers’ personal characteristics, conditions that enable brokering, successful brokering strategies, and outcomes of brokerage. Finally, we outline a future research agenda based on the empirical evidence base and shortcomings.
Modeling of dark current in semispherical quantum dot structures for infrared photodetection
Authors: Ali Nouran M. , El-Batawy Yasser M.
Published: October 2023

Due to its tunable heterojunction bandgap and great sensitivity to normal incident illumination, the Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors (QDIPs) have received a lot of attention for the purpose of infrared sensing. It could be a very promising replacement for conventional infrared photodetectors made with established technology, including mercury cadmium telluride and quantum well infrared photodetectors. In this work, a model for the dark current in semispherical QDIP has been developed, resolves the primary semiconductor Poisson's and continuity equations, where the wave function and the bound states effects are investigated. In this study, Boltzmann transport equation in the photodetector active layer with embedded QDs is solved using the finite difference time domain method to determine the photodetector carrier mobility and its degradation due the quantum dot scattering. The outcomes of the presented have been contrasted with truncated conical QDIPs showing that smaller volume QDs had less noisy dark current. Investigations have been done into how the semispherical QDIP's dark current characteristics are affected by the QD volume, density, and operating temperature.
PEG’s impact as a plasticizer on the PVA polymer’s structural, thermal, mechanical, optical, and dielectric characteristics
Authors: Mohammed M. I. , El-Sayed F.
Published: October 2023

An array of water-soluble polymer blends composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been synthesized by the solution casting technique. The prepared blends were tested using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical, optical, and dielectric measurements. According to the XRD studies, PEG has a significant plasticizing impact on PVA, as evidenced by the drop in crystallinity (Xc) values from 31.24 to 25.45%. The thermal study reveals the reduction in the glass transition temperature Tg from 89.2 to 60.6 °C. The outcomes showed that adding PEG affects the mechanical characteristics of PVA/PEG blends, and the ideal blend was one with 25 wt% of PEG loading, where the value of the percentage elongation at break (78%), Toughness (0.44) and surface energy (0.076) reached the highest values at this blend. Meanwhile, Young's modulus declined from 20.34 MPa for pure PVA to 7.07 MPa at 25 wt% PEG. According to the optical studies, the absorption edge shifted from 5.24 to 4.26 eV while the optical band gap ($${{E}_{g}}^{ind}$$

E
g

ind

, $${{E}_{g}}^{d}$$

E
g

d

) decreased from 4.81, 5.46 eV (pure PVA) to 3.77, 5.04 eV (PVA/PEG30%) respectively, which indicates that forming charge transfer complexes between PVA and PEG polymer. The EU values enhanced from 0.238 to 1.296 eV and the refractive index improved from 1.38 to 2.97 when PEG content increased. The dielectric and conduction properties were studied from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. It was demonstrated that the dielectric constant ($${\varepsilon }{\prime}$$

ε
′

) and dielectric loss ($${\varepsilon }{\prime}{\prime}$$

ε
′
′

) are highly frequency-dependent. In addition to that, $$({\varepsilon }{\prime}, {\varepsilon }{\prime}{\prime})$$

(
ε
′
,
ε
′
′
)

values improved from (30, 2) for PVA to (44.46 and 5.39) for PVA/30 wt% PEG blend at 100 Hz, respectively. At the same time, the AC electrical conductivity is improved by increasing the PEG content. These results will likely have far-reaching consequences across a variety of fields, the possible applications due to the increased flexibility of PVA film are flexible packaging, biomedical materials, and other industries that need adaptive and flexible materials. Furthermore, the improved refractive index of the PVA/PEG combination demonstrates its appropriateness for certain applications such as optoelectronic equipment, waveguides, anti-reflective coats, and LEDs. This blend has uses in charge storage devices, such as embedded capacitors due to the enhancement of dielectric constant. Finally, one can say that the research samples have multifunctional applications.
Salient features and emotions elicited from a virtual reality experience: the immersive Van Gogh exhibition
Authors: África Ruíz Gándara , González-Rodríguez M. Rosario , Díaz-Fernández M. Carmen
Published: October 2023

This research is based on the cognitive-affective-conative model applied to the online reviews posted by visitors of a tourist attraction titled “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” held in York (UK). The goals of the study specifically focus on the identification of the cognitive features triggered using the VR device and on the understanding of sentiments and emotions activated by the VR experience. To this end, Text mining and Sentiment analysis have been utilised. This work extends prior studies on VR based on surveys by providing a comprehensive hybrid view of how knowledge is derived from the posted online reviews. The findings offer practitioner insights into the cognitive and affective aspect of the VR experience, which requires special attention for its adaptation so that it continues meeting visitors’ expectations.
Compound powerful qualities: properties as compounds of distinct powers and qualities
Authors: Taylor Henry
Published: October 2023

This paper develops and defends a compound powerful qualities view of properties. According to this view, properties are essentially composed of distinct powerful and qualitative elements. First, I outline an argument for the compound powerful qualities view, based on the claim that it has the explanatory power of other views, without incurring their costs. Second, I argue that the view has the resources to explain how properties are individuated, by claiming that properties are partially individuated by their qualitative elements, and partially by their powerful elements. Third, I distinguish two versions of the view, one of which says that the qualitative and powerful are parts of properties, the other of which says that they are aspects of properties. I argue that the parthood view is the more parsimonious because it can avoid postulating a novel metaphysical relation. Fourth, I argue that the relation between the powerful and qualitative elements of a property is necessary, and lay out various viable options concerning what the relation might be, including grounding and primitivism.
The effects of landscape and yard features on mammal diversity in residential yards within Northwest Arkansas, USA
Authors: Johansson Emily P. , DeGregorio Brett A.
Published: October 2023

The human footprint is rapidly expanding, and wildlife habitat is continuously being converted to human residential properties. Surviving wildlife that reside in developing areas are displaced to nearby undeveloped areas. However, some animals can co-exist with humans and acquire the necessary resources (food, water, shelter) within the human environment. This ability to coexist may be particularly true when development is low intensity, as in residential suburban yards. Yards are individually managed “greenspaces” that can provide a range of food (e.g., bird feeders, compost, gardens), water (bird baths and garden ponds), and shelter (e.g., brush-piles, outbuildings) resources and are surrounded by varying landscape cover. To evaluate which residential landscape and yard features influence the richness and diversity of mammalian herbivores and mesopredators; we deployed wildlife game cameras throughout Northwestern Arkansas, USA in 46 residential yards in summer 2021 and 96 yards in summer 2022. We found that mesopredator diversity had a negative relationship with fences and was positively influenced by the number of bird feeders present in a yard. Mesopredator richness increased with the amount of forest within 400 m of the camera. Herbivore diversity and richness were positively correlated to the area of forest within 400 m surrounding yard and by garden area within yards, respectively. Our results suggest that while landscape does play a role in the presence of wildlife in a residential area, homeowners also have agency over the richness and diversity of mammals using their yards based on the features they create or maintain on their properties.
Enferplex bovine TB antibody test and bovine TB diagnosis: letter to the editor
Authors: Watt Neil , Hayton Alastair , Cutler Keith , O’Brien Amanda , Clarke John , Harkiss Gordon D.
Published: October 2023

Bovine tuberculosis is usually diagnosed using tuberculin skin and interferon gamma tests. However, it is clear these tests miss infected animals due to poor sensitivity. The Enferplex Bovine TB antibody test has been validated by the World Organisation for Animal Health as fit for purpose in diagnosing bovine TB. A recent paper by Madden and colleagues (Veterinary Research Communications published online 17 August 2023) presented data on the future risk of Enferplex test antibody positive animals developing bovine TB. We argue in this communication that this does not make sense. Also, the study design did not include measuring antibodies at the point of censure of the animals and hence the survival analysis performed was meaningless. Most significantly, the study misses the point that skin and interferon gamma tests fail to detect a significant proportion of infected animals identified by the Enferplex test.
Replacement of the part of gravity model and of remaining dynamic models by empirical accelerations in the fit processes of a low-Earth satellite orbit and factors limiting their accuracy
Authors: Bobojć Andrzej
Published: October 2023

This work contains the results of calculations performed to prove the ability of estimated orbital parameters for the replacement of dynamic models in the orbit determination of a sample low-Earth-orbiting satellite. The obtained solutions include two cases of the absorption of dynamic models. In the first case, the contribution of dynamic models, apart from the gravity field, was absorbed, i.e., the satellite motion was described by the gravity field and estimated parameters. In the second case, the contributions of all dynamic models, including the gravity field, were absorbed. For the gravity field model, the absorption concerned its selected parts. In this case, the satellite motion was modeled only by the gravity model truncated to different degrees and orders and an appropriate set of orbital parameters. In both aforementioned cases, the initial conditions were also improved. Cartesian coordinates of the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer Mission satellite along selected reference arcs of the official reduced-dynamic orbit served as pseudo-observations in this study. The orbital parameters, also known as empirical accelerations, were determined using the least-squares method by a dedicated orbital package. The results were presented and compared in the form of the root-mean-square (RMS) values of the differences between the estimated orbits and the reference orbits, as well as the corresponding values of the obtained empirical accelerations for selected variants of solutions. The obtained accuracy of the process of the fit of the satellite orbit expressed by the corresponding RMS values, reached a millimeter level. For selected typical solutions, the distribution of residuals and power spectra are presented with an indication of characteristic errors: random and systematic periodic components. Key factors influencing the obtained fit accuracies of estimated orbits are given. Contributions of these factors in the error budget of fits of estimated orbits are also presented. Additionally, in the fit process, the performance of selected gravity models coming from different years is compared to assess the impact of gravity field errors on the results of aforementioned process.
Bariatric Surgery and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: National Trends and Outcomes Associated with Procedural Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Historical Bariatric Surgery Among US Hospitalized Patients 2009–2020
Authors: Igwe Joseph-Kevin , Surapaneni Phani Keerthi , Cruz Erin , Cole Cedric , Njoku Kingsley , Kim Jisoo , Alaribe Ugo , Weze Kelechi , Mohammed Bilal
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The association between bariatric surgery and IBD-related inpatient outcomes is not well characterized. We report, analyze, and compare inpatient trends and outcomes among encounters with a history of bariatric surgery (Hx-MBS) compared to those receiving bariatric surgery during index admission (PR-MBS) admitted from 2009 to 2020.

Methods

Retrospective cohort design: the 2009–2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases were used to identify hospital encounters with patients aged ≥ 18 years with a history of MBS (Hx-MBS) or with procedure coding indicating MBS procedure (PR-MBS) according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth (ICD-9-CM/ ICD-9-PCS) or Tenth Revision (ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS) Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System during index admission (ICD-9-CM: V4586; ICD-10-CM: Z9884; ICD-9-PR: 4382, 4389; ICD-10-PR: 0DB64Z3, 0DB63ZZ). Pearson χ2 analysis, analysis of variance, multivariable regression analyses, and propensity matching on independent variables were conducted to analyze significant associations between variables and for primary outcome inflammatory bowel disease-related admission, and secondary outcomes: diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or chronic mesenteric ischemia during admission.

Results

We identified 3,365,784 (76.20%) Hx-MBS hospitalizations and 1,050,900 hospitalizations with PR-MBS (23.80%). Propensity score matching analysis demonstrated significantly higher odds of inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic mesenteric ischemia for Hx-MBS compared to PR-MBS, and significantly lower odds of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for Hx-MBS compared to PR-MBS.

Conclusion

In our study, Hx-MBS was associated with significantly increased odds of inflammatory bowel disease and other GI pathologies compared to matched controls. The mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Additional studies are needed to examine these findings.

Graphical abstract
WNT Signaling in Stem Cells: A Look into the Non-Canonical Pathway
Authors: Sarabia-Sánchez Miguel Angel , Robles-Flores Martha
Published: October 2023

Tissue homeostasis is crucial for multicellular organisms, wherein the loss of cells is compensated by generating new cells with the capacity for proliferation and differentiation. At the origin of these populations are the stem cells, which have the potential to give rise to cells with both capabilities, and persevere for a long time through the self-renewal and quiescence. Since the discovery of stem cells, an enormous effort has been focused on learning about their functions and the molecular regulation behind them. Wnt signaling is widely recognized as essential for normal and cancer stem cell. Moreover, β-catenin-dependent Wnt pathway, referred to as canonical, has gained attention, while β-catenin-independent Wnt pathways, known as non-canonical, have remained conspicuously less explored. However, recent evidence about non-canonical Wnt pathways in stem cells begins to lay the foundations of a conceivably vast field, and on which we aim to explain this in the present review. In this regard, we addressed the different aspects in which non-canonical Wnt pathways impact the properties of stem cells, both under normal conditions and also under disease, specifically in cancer.

Graphical abstract
Risk factors for death of follicular thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ting , He Liang , Wang Zhihong , Dong Wenwu , Sun Wei , Zhang Ping , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2023

Background

There are conflicting reports on the factors that increase the likelihood of patients dying from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Therefore, it is critical to identify risk factors of patients with FTC. This study aimed to identify the factors that increase the risk of death of patients with FTC and help clinicians make better treatment and follow-up decisions.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published before January 31, 2023. Their reference lists were also analyzed. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated the quality of eligible studies independently. Studies on patients who had open thyroidectomy procedures with or without neck dissection were included in this review. The RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

This meta-analysis included thirteen studies with a total of 2075 patients. The following variables were associated with an increased risk of death in FTC patients: age > 45 years, male, tumor diameter > 4 cm, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), widely invasive (WI), cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM), distant metastases (DM) and non-radical resection tumor. Lobectomy and no radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment was not associated with the death of FTC patients.

Conclusion

Clinicians should pay closer attention to the following significant risk factors associated with the death of FTC patients: age (> 45), male, multifocality, tumor diameter > 4 cm, ETE, WI, non-radical resection tumor, CLNM, and DM. Individualized initial treatment and close follow-up are needed FTC patients who have these risk factors.
Exploring Child-Patient Autonomy: Findings from an Ethnographic Study of Clinic Visits by Children
Authors: Paron Kristi
Published: October 2023

In research into the involvement of children in decision-making about their health and treatment there is an over-reliance on interviews (with children, parents and doctors) as a research method. What actually happens during clinic visits in terms of child-adult communication and how children participate in decision-making has been largely overlooked. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how child-patient autonomy functions in a child-parent-doctor triadic relationship. The study is based on ethnographic non-participatory observations of appointments with doctors involving 31 children and young adults ranging in age from 2 to 19 years. The study demonstrates that patient autonomy is not clearly attributed to either the child or the parent by the doctor, but is shared between them, and therefore child-patient autonomy is a relational process that is conceptualised as autonomy-making in this article.
Food choice responses to changes in the price of a staple crop: a discrete choice experiment of maize in rural Malawi
Authors: Matita M. , Mazalale J. , Quaife M. , Johnston D. , Cornelsen L. , Kamwanja T. , Smith R. , Walls H.
Published: October 2023

Price and affordability are important drivers of food choice, particularly for rural smallholder farming households in Malawi, experiencing extreme poverty, food insecurity, and lack of dietary diversity. Lowering the cost of staple crops such as maize targeted by agricultural input subsidy programmes (AISPs) may potentially increase consumption of the staple crop, but it might also lead to consumption of a more diverse range of foods. Using a discrete choice experiment, this study investigated food choice responses to changes in maize price in rural Malawi. Study participants (n = 400) were given a series of choice tasks for which they were asked to choose between food baskets with varying cost, reflecting local prices and with maize at both high and low price. Baskets contained different types of foods including maize, rice, cabbage, small-dried fish, and/or a soft drink. The data were analysed using mixed logit models including investigation of heterogenous effects based on socio-demographic characteristics, food security and actual market purchases. Individuals revealed a preference, as expected, for lower cost food baskets. Small-dried fish and cabbage were the highest valued food products. At a low cost of maize, the expected utility from a basket with maize was greater than a basket with other items, particularly among households with high- and low-food purchases, low socioeconomic status, living in Phalombe District, and experiencing food insecurity, indicating that among such populations a low price of maize will not necessarily lead to increases in dietary diversity. In contrast, among households living in Lilongwe District, with high SES and food secure, a lower maize price will not lead to a loss in dietary diversity as they prefer a basket containing non-maize products over maize. The findings suggest that achieving food security and dietary diversity may require a range of policy approaches addressing different pathways of impact as opposed to relying on subsidizing inputs for staple crop production.
Geochemical dynamics of phosphorus and metals in sediments of a shallow coastal lake (Xuño Lake, Galicia-NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Otero X. L. , Fraga P. , Merino A. , Carballeira R.
Published: October 2023

The shallow lakes are important freshwater ecosystems, since they support much of biodiversity and ecosystem services of life on land. Shallow lakes are highly dynamic ecological entities that can exist in several alternative stable states through regime shift caused by a natural or human disturbance that exceeds ecological thresholds for biological communities composition and structure equilibria. The sediment as a reservoir has a key role in the limnological regulation of wetlands linked to the fluxes of nutrients and elements in the biogeochemical interplay with the water and macrophytes. For this reason, the role of sediment in the limnology of the shallow coastal lake of Xuño (NW Iberian Peninsula) was explored by seasonally monitoring the chemical composition of water and sediments, also according to macrophyte species. The shallow depth determines the high availability of light in the bottom and a well-mixed water column maintain the surface of the water–sediment interface oxygenated. The oxic conditions of the bottom implies a top-down regulation of the water column in the Xuño shallow lake that limits the diffusion of phosphorus and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Co) to the water, buffering eutrophication or contamination levels by immobilization in the sediments. In fact, the concentration of Hg in the lake water in spring, and also its bioavailability, are high due to its release from the sediment in suboxic conditions. The cover of helophyte species Phragmites Australis and Schoenoplectus Lacustris showed differences in the assimilation of organic monoester and diester phosphorus forms in the sediment. However, the water of the Xuño Lake shows an eutrophic status by the nutrient input associated with the birds populations as indicated by microbiological data.
Navigating Digital Learning Landscapes: Unveiling the Interplay Between Learning Behaviors, Digital Literacy, and Educational Outcomes
Authors: Wei Zhaoxi
Published: October 2023

In the swiftly evolving realm of education, digital learning has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing how learners and educators interact with knowledge. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between digital learning abilities, instructional design, and learner support, particularly within the context of blended learning, where traditional educational paradigms merge with technological advancements. Blended learning, the fusion of in-person and digital instruction, necessitates a delicate equilibrium to unleash its full potential. We explore the multifaceted attributes that underpin self-regulation within these environments, such as authenticity, personalization, and scaffolding. Moreover, we investigate how blended learning’s effectiveness transcends various educational domains, from vocational schools to mathematics education and entrepreneurship training. The paper underscores the significance of comprehensive learner support and skillful instructional design. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between blended learning and the cultivation of digital literacy, encompassing not just technical prowess but also critical thinking and purposeful digital engagement. As educators embrace these insights, they stand poised to create dynamic educational experiences that empower students for the digital age.
A Perspective on High-Intensity Interval Training for Performance and Health
Authors: Coates Alexandra M. , Joyner Michael J. , Little Jonathan P. , Jones Andrew M. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: October 2023

Interval training is a simple concept that refers to repeated bouts of relatively hard work interspersed with recovery periods of easier work or rest. The method has been used by high-level athletes for over a century to improve performance in endurance-type sports and events such as middle- and long-distance running. The concept of interval training to improve health, including in a rehabilitative context or when practiced by individuals who are relatively inactive or deconditioned, has also been advanced for decades. An important issue that affects the interpretation and application of interval training is the lack of standardized terminology. This particularly relates to the classification of intensity. There is no common definition of the term “high-intensity interval training” (HIIT) despite its widespread use. We contend that in a performance context, HIIT can be characterized as intermittent exercise bouts performed above the heavy-intensity domain. This categorization of HIIT is primarily encompassed by the severe-intensity domain. It is demarcated by indicators that principally include the critical power or critical speed, or other indices, including the second lactate threshold, maximal lactate steady state, or lactate turnpoint. In a health context, we contend that HIIT can be characterized as intermittent exercise bouts performed above moderate intensity. This categorization of HIIT is primarily encompassed by the classification of vigorous intensity. It is demarcated by various indicators related to perceived exertion, oxygen uptake, or heart rate as defined in authoritative public health and exercise prescription guidelines. A particularly intense variant of HIIT commonly termed “sprint interval training” can be distinguished as repeated bouts performed with near-maximal to “all out” effort. This characterization coincides with the highest intensity classification identified in training zone models or exercise prescription guidelines, including the extreme-intensity domain, anaerobic speed reserve, or near-maximal to maximal intensity classification. HIIT is considered an essential training component for the enhancement of athletic performance, but the optimal intensity distribution and specific HIIT prescription for endurance athletes is unclear. HIIT is also a viable method to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and other health-related indices in people who are insufficiently active, including those with cardiometabolic diseases. Research is needed to clarify responses to different HIIT strategies using robust study designs that employ best practices. We offer a perspective on the topic of HIIT for performance and health, including a conceptual framework that builds on the work of others and outlines how the method can be defined and operationalized within each context.
MXene Lubricated Tribovoltaic Nanogenerator with High Current Output and Long Lifetime
Authors: Qiao Wenyan , Zhou Linglin , Zhao Zhihao , Yang Peiyuan , Liu Di , Liu Xiaoru , Liu Jiaqi , Liu Dongyang , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: October 2023

Tribovoltaic nanogenerators (TVNGs) have the characteristics of high current density, low matched impedance and continuous output, which is expected to solve the problem of power supply for small electronic devices. However, wear occurrence in friction interface will seriously reduce the performance of TVNGs as well as lifetime. Here, we employ MXene solution as lubricate to improve output current density and lifetime of TVNG simultaneously, where a high value of 754 mA m−2 accompanied with a record durability of 90,000 cycles were achieved. By comparing multiple liquid lubricates with different polarity, we show that conductive polar liquid with MXene as additive plays a crucial role in enhancing the electrical output performance and durability of TVNG. Moreover, the universality of MXene solution is well demonstrated in various TVNGs with Cu and P-type Si, and Cu and N-GaAs as material pairs. This work may guide and accelerates the practical application of TVNG in future.
Persistent cup product structures and related invariants
Authors: Mémoli Facundo , Stefanou Anastasios , Zhou Ling
Published: October 2023

One-dimensional persistent homology is arguably the most important and heavily used computational tool in topological data analysis. Additional information can be extracted from datasets by studying multi-dimensional persistence modules and by utilizing cohomological ideas, e.g. the cohomological cup product. In this work, given a single parameter filtration, we investigate a certain 2-dimensional persistence module structure associated with persistent cohomology, where one parameter is the cup-length $$\ell \ge 0$$

ℓ
≥
0

and the other is the filtration parameter. This new persistence structure, called the persistent cup module, is induced by the cohomological cup product and adapted to the persistence setting. Furthermore, we show that this persistence structure is stable. By fixing the cup-length parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
, we obtain a 1-dimensional persistence module, called the persistent $$\ell $$
ℓ
-cup module, and again show it is stable in the interleaving distance sense, and study their associated generalized persistence diagrams. In addition, we consider a generalized notion of a persistent invariant, which extends both the rank invariant (also referred to as persistent Betti number), Puuska’s rank invariant induced by epi-mono-preserving invariants of abelian categories, and the recently-defined persistent cup-length invariant, and we establish their stability. This generalized notion of persistent invariant also enables us to lift the Lyusternik-Schnirelmann (LS) category of topological spaces to a novel stable persistent invariant of filtrations, called the persistent LS-category invariant.
Change of Electrical and Transport Properties of Nickel Oxide by Carrier Concentration and Temperature through First-Principle Calculations
Authors: Shah Nayem Md. Reza , Yeo Chang-Dong , Choi Minyeong , Hong Yang-Ki , You Jeong H.
Published: October 2023

Nickel is typically used as one of the main components in electrical contact devices or connectors. Nickel oxide (NiO) is usually formed on the surfaces of electrodes and can negatively impact system performance by introducing electrical contact resistance. The thermal, electrical, and transport properties of NiO, as a Mott insulator or a p-type semiconductor, can be altered by operating and environmental conditions such as temperature and stress/strain by contact. In this study, we investigate the fundamental material properties of NiO through the first-principle calculations. First, we obtain and compare the lattice parameter, magnetic moment, and electronic structure for NiO via the WIEN2K simulations with four different potentials (i.e., GGA, GGA + U, LSDA, and LSDA + U). Then, using the WIEN2K simulation results with LSDA + U potential that produces a highly accurate bandgap for NiO, we calculate the electrical conductivity and electrical part of the thermal conductivity of nickel and NiO as a function of temperature and carrier concentration through the BoltzTraP simulations. Systematic simulation results revealed that the electrical conductivity relative to the relaxation time for NiO increases with the carrier concentration, while it shows a slightly decreasing trend with temperature under a fixed carrier concentration. By contrast, the electrical part of the thermal conductivity shows an increasing trend considering carrier concentration and temperature.
Edge assignment in edge federated learning
Authors: Do Thuy , Tran Duc A. , Vo Anh
Published: October 2023

Federated Learning (FL) is a recent Machine Learning method for training with private data locally stored in distributed machines without gathering them into one place for central learning. Because FL depends on a central server for repeated aggregation of local training models, this server is prone to become a performance bottleneck. Therefore, one can combine FL with Edge Computing: introduce a layer of edge servers to each serve as a regional aggregator to offload the main server. The scalability is thus improved, however at the cost of learning accuracy. We show that this cost can be alleviated with a proper choice of edge server assignment: which edge servers should aggregate the training models from which local machines. In this paper, we propose an assignment solution for this purpose. Our solution is especially useful for the case of non-IID training data which is well-known to hinder today’s FL performance. Our findings are substantiated with an evaluation study using real-world datasets.
Magnesium activation affects the properties and phosphate sorption capacity of poultry litter biochar
Authors: Padilla Joshua T. , Watts Donald W. , Novak Jeffrey M. , Cerven Vasile , Ippolito James A. , Szogi Ariel A. , Johnson Mark G.
Published: October 2023

Biochars with a high affinity for phosphorus (P) are promising soil amendments for reducing P in agricultural runoff. Poultry litter (PL) is an abundant biochar feedstock. However, PL-derived biochars are typically high in soluble P and therefore require chemical modification to become effective P sorbents. This study investigated the effect of magnesium (Mg) activation on extractable P (EP) and P sorption capacities of PL-derived biochars. Biochar was produced at 500–900 °C from PL activated with 0–1 M Mg. Three differentially aged PL feedstocks were evaluated (1-, 3–5-, and 7–9-year-old). Increased Mg activation level and pyrolysis temperature both resulted in EP reductions from the biochars. Specifically, biochars produced at temperatures ≥ 700 °C from PL activated with ≥ 0.25 M Mg had negligible EP. X-ray diffractograms indicated that increased Mg loading favored the formation of stable Mg3(PO4)2 phases while increasing temperature favored the formation of both Mg3(PO4)2 and Ca5(PO4)3OH. Maximum P sorption capacities (Pmax) of the biochars were estimated by fitting Langmuir isotherms to batch sorption data and ranged from 0.66–10.35 mg g−1. Average Pmax values were not affected by PL age or pyrolysis temperature; however, biochars produced from 1 M Mg-activated PL did have significantly higher average Pmax values (p < 0.05), likely due to a greater abundance of MgO. Overall, the results demonstrated that Mg activation is an effective strategy for producing PL-derived biochars with the potential ability to reduce P loading into environmentally sensitive ecosystems.
Imputation of Missing Data for Time-to-Event Endpoints Using Retrieved Dropouts
Authors: Wang Shuai , Frederich Robert , Mancuso James P.
Published: October 2023

We have explored several statistical approaches to impute missing time-to-event data that arise from outcome trials with relatively long follow-up periods. Aligning with the primary estimand, such analyses evaluate the robustness of results by imposing an assumption different from censoring at random (CAR). Although there have been debates over which assumption and which method is more appropriate to be applied to the imputation, we propose to use the collection of retrieved dropouts as the basis of missing data imputation. As retrieved dropouts share a similar disposition, such as treatment discontinuation, with subjects who have missing data, they can reasonably be assumed to characterize the distribution of time-to-event among subjects with missing data. In terms of computational intensity and robustness to violation of underlying distributional assumption, we have compared parametric approaches via MCMC or MLE multivariate sampling procedures to a non-parametric bootstrap approach with respect to baseline hazard function. Each of these approaches follows a process of multiple imputation (“proper imputations”), analysis of complete datasets, and final combination. The type-I error, and power rates are examined under a wide range of scenarios to inform the performance characteristics. A subset of a real unblinded phase III CVOT is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed approaches, compared to the Cox proportional hazards model and jump-to-reference multiple imputation.
An Analysis of the Social Impacts of a Health System Strengthening Program Based on Purchasing Health Services
Authors: Tchouaket Eric , Karemere Hermes , Sia Drissa , Kapiteni Woolf
Published: October 2023

Access to universal health coverage is a fundamental right that ensures that even the most disadvantaged receive health services without financial hardship. The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the poorest countries in the world, yet healthcare is primarily made by direct payment which renders care inaccessible for most Congolese. Between 2017 and 2021 a purchasing of health services initiative (Le Programme de Renforcement de l’Offre et Développement de l’accès aux Soins de Santé or PRO DS), was implemented in Kongo Central and Ituri with the assistance of the non-governmental organization Memisa Belgium. The program provided funding for health system strengthening that included health service delivery, workforce development, improved infrastructure, access to medicines and support for leadership and governance. This study assessed the social and health impacts of the PRO DS Memisa program using a health impact assessment focus. A documentary review was performed to ascertain relevant indicators of program effect. Supervision and management of health zones and health centers, use of health and nutritional services, the population’s nutritional health, immunization levels, reproductive and maternal health, and newborn and child health were measured using a controlled longitudinal model. Positive results were found in almost all indicators across both provinces, with a mean proportion of positive effect of 60.8% for Kongo Central, and 70.8% in Ituri. Barriers to the program’s success included the arrival of COVID-19, internal displacement of the population and resistance to change from the community. The measurable positive impacts from the PRO DS Memisa program reveal that an adequately funded multi-faceted health system strengthening program can improve access to healthcare in a low-income country such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Taniwha, taonga, and tangata
Authors: Watene Krushil
Published: October 2023

This comment draws on Paul Tapsell’s work on taonga to help make explicit some of what I take to be working behind Dan Hikuroa’s writings on taniwha and thus Justine Kingsbury’s Taniwha project. I detail some of the insights that a more detailed and complex account of taniwha—one that is framed around taniwha and taonga relationships—can provide. I contend that understanding taniwha in relation to taonga helps to highlight the way that Kingsbury’s account necessarily lacks elements essential to taniwha themselves and essential to their relationships with taonga. On the back of this contention, one conclusion we come to is that Kingsbury merely offers us a way of taking some aspects of taniwha seriously. Another, and perhaps more important conclusion, is that our discussion of taniwha and taonga provides us with a way to recast Kingsbury’s project—allowing us to take as our focus (and thereby value) relationships between taniwha, taonga, and tangata. One upshot is a framework for thinking about what is required to enable deeper and harder conversations later on that are framed in relational terms too. This, I argue, might not only be a more fruitful approach, but one more in line with Kingsbury’s aspirations.
“Metropollage”: on innovating the Shanghai metropolitan rural revitalization model
Authors: Yang Guiqing
Published: October 2023

In response to the newly published “the 14th Five-year” Plan for Rural Revitalization of Shanghai Municipality, this article looks into the background and transformation of functions of rural revitalization in the Shanghai metropolis, and puts forward policy suggestions to supplement the current model of rural demolishing and reorganization, and relatively concentrated rural living. Hence the author created the concept of “Metropollage” and its development model; and analyzed the three stages of “Metropollage” development, i.e., the prelude, the enhancement and the maturation, along with their respective key characteristics and operational undertakers, among aspects discussed. This article provides theoretical thinking and exploration into the model of innovative paths for a metropolis to implement the National Rural Revitalization Strategy.
Observational Study of Self-Reported Offshore Sailing-Related Injuries in a Wide Range of Amateur and Professional Sailors
Authors: Forycka Joanna , Wojtowicz Julia , Kolodziejczyk Kornelia , Lesman Jedrzej , Mostowy Marcin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Offshore sailing yields injury risk. Unfortunately, many studies are restricted to a specific geographic location, regatta, or class of sailboat or to only professional sailors. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to gather a large database of sailing-related injuries with demographic, injury, and voyage characteristics.

Methods

An observational study of self-reported offshore sailing-related injuries was performed using an internet-based, multiple-choice survey distributed on social media. Data were analyzed statistically with the use of the Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test.

Results

Five hundred sixty-eight people completed the survey, 217 women and 351 men, with a mean age of 36.26 y (SD=13.69 y). Among reported 793 cruises, 141 resulted in injury (18%). The most frequent injury types were contusion (40%) and skin lesions and lacerations (20%); the most frequent locations were hand (28%) and foot and ankle (18%), and the most frequent mechanisms were tripping/falling (33%), being hit by an object (19%), and using ropes (19%). Sex, age, and sailing experience were not injury risk factors, while higher number of offshore days was ( P=0.0004). None of the analyzed voyage characteristics (purpose, ship’s class, position on the ship, ship’s length overall, type of rigging, and harness wearing) were injury risk factors. Sailors perceived the following as risk factors: inattention/distraction (34%), difficult weather conditions (22%), and fatigue/lack of sleep (14%).

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 5 cruises resulted in an injury, occurring regardless of demographic, injury, and voyage characteristics. The multifactorial nature of injuries poses a challenge in implementing safety measures. The authors hope that this study may aid in that cause.
Feeding the Mind
Authors: Irish Tomás
Published: October 2023

Feeding the Mind explores how European intellectual life was rebuilt after the cataclysm of the First World War. Learned communities were left in ruins by the conflict and its consequences; cultural and educational sites were destroyed, writers and artists were killed in battle, and tens of thousands of others were displaced. Against the backdrop of an unprecedented post-war humanitarian crisis which threatened millions with starvation and disease, many organisations chose to focus on assisting intellectuals and their institutions, giving them food, medicine and books in order to stabilise European democracies and build a peaceful international order. Drawing on examples from Austria to Russia and Belgium to Serbia, Feeding the Mind analyses the role of humanitarianism in post-conflict reconstruction and explores why ideas and intellectuals were deemed to be worth protecting at a time of widespread crisis. This issue was pertinent in the century that followed and remains so today.
An Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
Authors: Laumakis Stephen J.
Published: October 2023

In this clearly written and accessible book, Stephen J. Laumakis explains the origin and development of Buddhist ideas and concepts, focusing on the philosophical ideas and arguments presented and defended by selected thinkers and sutras from various traditions. Starting with a sketch of the Buddha and the Dharma and highlighting the origins of Buddhism in India, he then considers specific details of the Dharma with special attention to Buddhist ontology and epistemology. He examines the development of Buddhism in China, Japan, and Tibet, and concludes with the ideas of the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. Each chapter includes explanations of key terms and teachings, excerpts from primary source materials, and presentations of relevant arguments. This second edition is revised and updated throughout and includes two new chapters, on Buddhist ethics and Buddhist meditation. It will be an invaluable guide for all who are interested in this rich and vibrant philosophy.