bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of scintillating tiles with direct silicon-photomultiplier (SiPM) readout for application to large area detectors
Authors: Balla A. , Buonomo B. , Cafaro V. , Calcaterra A. , Cardelli F. , Ceccucci A. , Ciambrone P. , Cicero V. , Di Giovenale D. , Di Giulio C. , Felici G. , Foggetta L.G. , Giordano V. , Lanfranchi G. , Lax I. , Montanari A. , Papalino G. , Paoloni A. , Rovelli T. , Saputi A. , Torromeo G. , Tosi N.
Published: January 2022

The light yield, the time resolution and the efficiency of
different types of scintillating tiles with direct Silicon
Photomultiplier readout and instrumented with a customised front-end
electronics have been measured at the Beam Test Facility of
Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati and several test stands. The
results obtained on minimum ionising particles with different
detector configurations are presented. A time resolution of the
order of 300 ps, a light yield of more than 230 photo-electrons, and
an efficiency better than 99.8% are obtained with
∼ 225 cm2 large area tiles. This technology is suitable
for a wide range of applications in high-energy physics, in
particular for large area muon and timing detectors.
A major shift in U.S. land development avoids significant losses in forest and agricultural land
Authors: Bigelow Daniel P , Lewis David J , Mihiar Christopher
Published: January 2022

Land development, which typically results from the conversion of lands previously in agricultural and forest uses, is one of the most fundamental ways in which humans impact the natural environment. We study the remarkable decline in land development rates across the conterminous United States over the period 2000–2015, which occurred after development rates had grown rapidly over the last two decades of the 20th century. Despite relatively constant population growth since 1980, we find that the current annual rate of land development has declined consistently across several stratifications of the U.S. land base and amounts to less than 25% of the peak rate observed in the mid-late 1990s, implying that the developed land base of the U.S. has become increasingly dense in recent years. We show that the widespread shift in land development rates resulted in 7 million acres of avoided land development, roughly half of which would have come from conversions of forested lands. Panel data econometric estimation indicates that growth in development over the last two decades of the 20th century was driven by falling gas prices (an important component of commuting costs) and, to a lesser extent, rising incomes. Since 2000, however, income growth has been stagnant while gas prices have risen sharply, and we find that the latter has played a larger role in shaping the recent shift towards denser development. Results illustrate an often overlooked effect of how rising gas prices can indirectly avoid losses in forest and agricultural land by reducing developed land-use change.
Targeting current species ranges and carbon stocks fails to conserve biodiversity in a changing climate: opportunities to support climate adaptation under 30 × 30
Authors: Dreiss Lindsay M , Lacey L Mae , Weber Theodore C , Delach Aimee , Niederman Talia E , Malcom Jacob W
Published: January 2022

Protecting areas for climate adaptation will be essential to ensuring greater opportunity for species conservation well into the future. However, many proposals for protected areas expansion focus on our understanding of current spatial patterns, which may be ineffective surrogates for future needs. A science-driven call to address the biodiversity and climate crises by conserving at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030, 30 × 30, presents new opportunities to inform the siting of new protections globally and in the US. Here we identify climate refugia and corridors based on a weighted combination of currently available models; compare them to current biodiversity hotspots and carbon-rich areas to understand how 30 × 30 protections siting may be biased by data omission; and compare identified refugia and corridors to the protected areas database to assess current levels of protection. Available data indicate that 20.5% and 27.5% of identified climate adaptation areas (refugia and/or corridor) coincides with current imperiled species hotspots and carbon-rich areas, respectively. With only 12.5% of climate refugia and corridors protected, a continued focus on current spatial patterns in species and carbon richness will not inherently conserve places critical for climate adaptation. However, there is ample opportunity for establishing future-minded protections: 52% of the contiguous US falls into the top quartile of values for at least one class of climate refugia. Nearly 27% is already part of the protected areas network but managed for multiple uses that may limit their ability to contribute to the goals of 30 × 30. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of nationally identified refugia coincide with ecoregion-specific refugia suggesting representation of nearly all ecoregions in national efforts focused on conserving climate refugia. Based on these results, we recommend that land planners and managers make more explicit policy priorities and strategic decisions for future-minded protections and climate adaptation.
Seasonal variability in particulate organic carbon degradation in the Kolyma River, Siberia
Authors: Keskitalo Kirsi H , Bröder Lisa , Jong Dirk , Zimov Nikita , Davydova Anna , Davydov Sergei , Tesi Tommaso , Mann Paul J , Haghipour Negar , Eglinton Timothy I , Vonk Jorien E
Published: January 2022

Major Arctic rivers are undergoing changes due to climate warming with higher discharge and increased amounts of solutes and organic carbon (OC) draining into rivers and coastal seas. Permafrost thaw mobilizes previously frozen OC to the fluvial network where it can be degraded into greenhouse gases and emitted to the atmosphere. Degradation of OC during downstream transport, especially of the particulate OC (POC), is however poorly characterized. Here, we quantified POC degradation in the Kolyma River, the largest river system underlain with continuous permafrost, during 9–15 d whole-water incubations (containing POC and dissolved OC—DOC) during two seasons: spring freshet (early June) and late summer (end of July). Furthermore, we examined interactions between dissolved and particulate phases using parallel incubations of filtered water (only DOC). We measured OC concentrations and carbon isotopes (δ13C, Δ14C) to define carbon losses and to characterize OC composition, respectively. We found that both POC composition and biodegradability differs greatly between seasons. During summer, POC was predominantly autochthonous (47%–95%) and degraded rapidly (∼33% loss) whereas freshet POC was largely of allochthonous origin (77%–96%) and less degradable. Gains in POC concentrations (up to 31%) were observed in freshet waters that could be attributed to flocculation and adsorption of DOC to particles. The demonstrated DOC flocculation and adsorption to POC indicates that the fate and dynamics of the substantially-sized DOC pool may shift from degradation to settling, depending on season and POC concentrations—the latter potentially acting to attenuate greenhouse gas emissions from fluvial systems. We finally note that DOC incubations without POC present may yield degradation estimates that do not reflect degradation in the in situ river conditions, and that interaction between dissolved and particulate phases may be important to consider when determining fluvial carbon dynamics and feedbacks under a changing climate.
Emissions of atmospherically reactive gases nitrous acid and nitric oxide from Arctic permafrost peatlands
Authors: Bhattarai Hem Raj , Marushchak Maija E , Ronkainen Jussi , Lamprecht Richard E , Siljanen Henri M P , Martikainen Pertti J , Biasi Christina , Maljanen Marja
Published: January 2022

Soils are important sources of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous acid (HONO) in the atmosphere. These nitrogen (N)-containing gases play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and climate at different scales because of reactions modulated by NO and hydroxyl radicals (OH), which are formed via HONO photolysis. Northern permafrost soils have so far remained unexplored for HONO and NO emissions despite their high N stocks, capacity to emit nitrous oxide (N2O), and enhancing mineral N turnover due to warming and permafrost thawing. Here, we report the first HONO and NO emissions from high-latitude soils based on measurements of permafrost-affected subarctic peatlands. We show large HONO (0.1–2.4 µg N m−2h−1) and NO (0.4–59.3 µg N m−2h−1) emissions from unvegetated peat surfaces, rich with mineral N, compared to low emissions (⩽0.2 µg N m−2h−1 for both gases) from adjacent vegetated surfaces (experiments with intact peat cores). We observed HONO production under highly variable soil moisture conditions from dry to wet. However, based on complementary slurry experiments, HONO production was strongly favored by high soil moisture and anoxic conditions. We suggest urgent examination of other Arctic landscapes for HONO and NO emissions to better constrain the role of these reactive N gases in Arctic atmospheric chemistry.
Comparative analysis of optical properties of coals by petrography and spectroscopy methods
Authors: Bezruchko Kostiantyn , Baranovskyi Volodymyr , Balalaiev Oleksandr , Fedenko Volodymyr
Published: January 2022

This paper reports determining the grayscale intensity of macerals in the coal lump polished sections oriented along and across the layering of three main groups of sub-bituminous, high volatile bituminous, low volatile bituminous coals. All measurements have been performed in white, red, yellow, green, blue light. The influence of all selected factors and most of their combinations on grayscale intensity is reliable; the most pronounced effects are established for the optical filter color and the maceral type. Comparative analysis of the grayscale intensity data array with the spectra of full reflectance in the visible region and the coefficient of diffuse reflection in the white light of fine powders of the same samples has been carried out. Green light yields a very dark image of vitrinite and liptinite with the grayscale intensity approaching zero. In two of the six samples, the reflectance level of inertinite in yellow light is significantly higher than the grayscale intensity of white light. This anomaly is associated with a hypsochromic shift in the inertinite maximum absorption. The approach used is an alternative method for quantifying the relative changes in reflectivity and position of the diffuse spectral minimum without applying a microspectrometer.
Research of the quasistable self-potential effect of highly-metamorphic coal in laboratory conditions
Authors: Bezruchko Kostiantyn , Burchak Oleksandr , Balalaiev Oleksandr , Baranovskyi Volodymyr
Published: January 2022

The article focuses on a quasistable electrical potential registered on samples of highly-metamorphic and high-ash coal in normal laboratory conditions. The purpose of the study is to determine the possible conditions for the appearance of their effect in the coal and carbon-like argillite and the parameters of its structure. The appearance of an uncompensated charge is not associated with thermoelectric and electrokinetic phenomena and it has not been previously described. Most samples are characterized by an uneven distribution of charges along the surface in the form of a polydomain structure. Polarized samples have a layered coal-mineral structure. The charge magnitude depends on the thickness and density of the layers. In heterogeneous and heterophase substances the Maxwell-Wagner polarization is realized, arising on the boundary layers of dielectric micrograins of various substances, as well as between the areas of one dielectric with an amorphous and crystalline phase. Microinclusions and anthracite layers, which increase the potential ability of mineral components to their own polarization, can be conductors. Charged samples may have a stable, non-compensated monodomain residual charge under constant external conditions, which is characteristic of the electrets. The detected effect can be useful when creating alternative devices accumulating electricity.
Some problems of the new radiation-resistant rubber mechanics in vibrating machines at hard γ-radiation
Authors: Dyrda Vitalii , Lapin Vladimir , Lysytsia Mykola , Puhach Andrii , Bulat Ievgeniia , Pankevych Ivan , Ahaltsov Hennadii , Slobodian Serhii , Kalhankov Yevhen
Published: January 2022

Annotation

Today, the sources of ionizing radiation are present in various spheres of human activity: during the uranium ore extraction, processing and benefication, in medicine, at exploration of outer space, in nuclear power plants, etc. Here rubber is used as insulating and protective materials, sealers, elastic links, dampers and wear-resistant linings of machines. Therefore, a problem of creating new radiation-resistant rubbers capable to operate in a radiation zone for a long time with no significant changes in their physical and mechanical parameters and durability is of great importance. In this work, some aspects of creating such rubber for use in vibrating machines (screens, feeders, conveyors) operating under extreme conditions while mining and processing of uranium ores are discussed. In our case, the extreme conditions include high long-term stationary cyclic loads, high and low temperatures and exposure to hard γ-radiation. Under such conditions, rheological and fatigue characteristics of rubber differ from those demonstrated under normal conditions, and such factors as dissipative heating, changes in characteristics over time (aging effects), development of damageability, etc., become essential and must be taken into account when choosing a proper type of rubber.
Selection of gamma-ray source for operational quality control of mineral raw materials
Authors: Azaryan Albert , Trachuk Annait , Shvydkyi Alexandr , Melnik Alexey , Mazhanov Oleg
Published: January 2022

For operational and quality control of ferrous metal ores, ionizing radiation sources are used, which main characteristics are energy, activity and half-life. The technological parameters of the sources Americium-241, Thulium-170 and Cadmium-109 have been compered, and Americium-241 with an energy of 60 keV and a half-life of 458 years has been selected. Laboratory studies of the dependence of the integrated flux of scattered gamma rays on the content of total iron in the ore have been carried out. Based on the results of laboratory studies, the sensitivity and measurement cycle time have been determined for three gamma-ray sources. For all three indicators, Americium-241 has been selected for operational and quality control of ferrous metal ores. Obtained data have been used for the development and implementation of a microprocessor-based system for operational control of the total iron content in ore on a conveyor belt.
Research on the dynamic processes of vehicles and an arbitrary configuration rail track, influencing the side wear of the rail head and wheel flange contact surfaces at different values of friction coefficient between them
Authors: Hovorukha Volodymyr , Hovorukha Andrii , Makarov Yurii
Published: January 2022

The paper studies the influence of the friction coefficient value between the rail heads and wheel flanges on the side wear between their surfaces, depending on the dynamic processes between the vehicles and the rail track of an arbitrary configuration. Research is aimed at reducing the rate of the side parts mutual wear of the rail heads and the wheel flanges of the vehicle running gears. It has been determined that a decrease in the friction coefficient in the range from 0.25 to 0.05 leads to a decrease in the indicators of side surfaces wear of the wheel flanges and rail heads by 3.5-4.5 times and an increase in the stability margin coefficient against wheel derailment of the moving vehicle running gear by 1.3-1.5 times. It has been revealed that the dynamic qualities of moving vehicles when using a continuous welded track and elongated rails, compared with the presence of butt joints on the track, decrease by 15-56%, and the stability and traffic safety indicators improve by 19-26%. The research results are provided for use in the underground, open-cut and rail transport to increase the operational life and traffic safety in transport.
Assessing the effectiveness of innovative projects implementation in the development of coal deposits by geotechnology of underground gasification
Authors: Bukreieva Daria , Saik Pavlo , Lozynskyi Vasyl , Cabana Edgar , Stoliarska Olena
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the relevant issues of innovative projects implementation, in particular, during the prospective development of coal reserves by geotechnology of underground gasification. To solve the objectives set in the work, an integrated approach is applied, which includes: critical analysis, generalization, systematization and synthesis to determine the phases and stages of the innovative project implementation; conducting econometric modeling to calculate the total effect from the implementation of innovations. The conducted research has proven that it is important to determine the phase and stage of an innovative project in order to increase the efficiency of its assessment. The prospect of introducing geotechnology for underground gasification has been revealed, which in conditions of “pre-investment” uncertainty is associated with the lack of reliable information on the choice of priority directions and methods of practical use of innovation (based on the experience of industrial research and the operation of closed coal gasification plants). An integrated system of indicators for assessing the effectiveness of innovative project at the stage of its implementation has been developed and an algorithm for determining the total effect from its implementation has been proposed.
Post-mining Challenges and Knowledge Transfer for the Ukrainian coal industry
Authors: Moellerherm Stefan , Kretschmann Jürgen , Tiganj Julia , Poplawski Martha
Published: January 2022

The Ukraine has started to restructure its coal mining activities. The country will probably face similar challenges and obstacles that German hard coal mining had experienced. The restructuring of old mine sites to new economic hubs requires governance practices and efficient management processes. Best practice, lessons learned, training and reskilling approaches of the young generation from the coal mining region Ruhr area are described and how they can be transferred to the Ukraine.
Improvement of extracted iron ore grade in underground mining
Authors: Stupnik Mykola , Kalinichenko Vsevolod , Kalinichenko Olena , Pochtarev Alexey
Published: January 2022

Decrease in grade and high losses of broken ore are stated to be important problems that accompany the process of marketable production in mining of iron ore deposits by underground methods. The article analyzes and generalizes causes of high losses and dilution of broken ore during its drawing underground. It is found that dilution of ore with waste rocks results in the decreased iron content in the extracted ore mass as compared to that in the ore massif. The research performed enables development and scientific substantiation of a rational technology of ore drawing and transportation that improves the mined ore grade by more complete extraction of broken reserves of clean iron ore from the ore body footwall.
Compact antipodal Vivaldi antenna design with gain enhancement and notched-band characteristics based on D-CRLH metamaterial
Authors: Lixia Du , Qi Huanhuan , Huang Taotao , Wu Tiantian
Published: January 2022

A novel compact ultra-wide band (UWB) antipodal Vivaldi antenna with band notched is presented in this communication. T-shaped slot is introduced to extend the lower end limitation of the frequency band from 1.65 GHz to 1.25 GHz, the miniaturization of the antenna is realized. Then a new thought of the gain enhancement, namely the substrate cutout (SCO) is demonstrated to increase antenna gain, which makes the electromagnetic wave get rid of the bondage of the substrate, reducing the edge diffraction, and thus radiates more effectively, without changing the overall dimension of the antenna. The advantage is of great value in limited space especially. Then a compact unit cell based on Dual Composite Right-Left Handed (D-CRLH) metamaterial is proposed to realize the notched band characteristics in the WLAN band (4.95–5.15 GHz). In addition, the passband would be less affected by the notched band due to the sharp transition band between notched and operating band. Finally, the antenna is successfully simulated and measured, it shows broadband matched impedance, stable gain and radiation pattern over the operating band. The experimental results are also given and show a good agreement with the simulated results.
Achievement of ultra-high strength in 45Si2MnCr2Mo steel via efficient and low-energy tempering
Authors: Yang Ming , Chen Xiao-Hua , Wang Zi-Dong , Chen Kai-Xuan , Wang Yan-Lin , Chen Ming-Wen , Zhu Yu-Zhi
Published: January 2022

In this study, 45Si2MnCr2Mo steel was fabricated by casting, hot rolling, and normalizing, followed by tempering at different temperatures from 180 to 520 °C for 2 h. Special attention was paid to the effects of tempering on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the steel. The results indicate that microstructure of tempered steel consists of bainite, martensite, and retained austenite (RA), and it is not sensitive to tempering at temperatures below 320 °C. However, after tempering at temperatures of 420 and 520 °C, bainitic ferrite plates merged and their lath boundaries became vague. In turn, RA decomposed, whereas carbide particles appeared and then coarsened. With increasing tempering temperature, the volume fraction of RA achieved its peak value at 320 °C and carbon concentration within RA attained its peak value at 420 °C. The optimal balance of ultimate tensile strength of 2306 MPa and total elongation of 8.24% in the steel were achieved after being normalized at 950 °C for 0.5 h and subsequent tempering at 220 °C for 2 h. These values are found to exceed those of air-cooled and isothermal bainitic steels. Finally, the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties of the steel under consideration was discussed.
The influence of weak transverse magnetic field on plasma dissipation process in the post-arc phase in a vacuum interrupter
Authors: SHI Qilin , WU Hao , YUAN Zhao , TAO Zhe , LI Guixia , LUO Wei , JIANG Wei
Published: January 2022

Transverse magnetic field (TMF) contacts and applying external TMF are often adopted for reducing the ablation of the contact surface, but TMF will also affect the breaking performance of the vacuum interrupters. In this work, we investigated the influence of weak TMF on the expansion of the plasma in the post-arc phase with one-dimensional implicit particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model, and we added an external circuit to the model to ensure the correctness of the calculation results. We simulated multiple magnetic field strengths (<30 mT), compared the plasma expansion process with the TMF strengths of 0 mT and 10 mT, and discussed the influence of metal vapor density on the insulation performance recovery of the vacuum interrupter. From the results, applying TMF with strength below 5 mT has little effect on the expansion of the plasma, and the TMF can increase the plasma density which improve the flow capacity of vacuum circuit breakers when the magnetic field above 10 mT, which is because the particles become more difficult to leave the discharge area under the force of the magnetic field. In general, we find that weak external TMF may adversely affect the breaking performance of the vacuum circuit breakers.
Early experimental investigation of the C12A7 hollow cathode fed on iodine
Authors: HUA Zhiwei , WANG Pingyang , NING Zhongxi , YE Zhanwen , XU Zongqi
Published: January 2022

To fully realize the superiority of the iodine electric propulsion system in streamlining the size and reducing the operating costs, iodine hollow cathode technology must be developed. Considering the corrosiveness of iodine and the possible impurity of the working propellant, the C12A7 hollow cathode with promising chemical ability was developed and tested. The C12A7 hollow cathode with a nominal current of 1–4 A was successfully ignited with iodine from the reservoir outside the vacuum chamber. It was operated at 1 A of anode current with a 1.2 mg s−1 iodine mass flow rate. Despite involuntary extinguishment, the C12A7 hollow cathode could be restarted repeatedly with a single operation time of up to 12 min and a total duration of 30 min . The unexpected fluctuation of iodine flow may be the reason for the short operation time. Experimental results and microscopical observation of the electride emitter show the compatibility of the iodine and electride emitter. For the development and demonstration of future single-iodine electric propulsion of Hall thrusters, the iodine storage and supply system with precise control and regulation may be the critical technology.
Density probabilities of a Bose-Fermi mixture in 1D double well potential
Authors: Nisperuza J , Rubio J P , Avella R
Published: January 2022

We use the two mode approximation for a interacting one-dimensional spinless soft core bosons and one half spin fermions in a double-well potential with a large central barrier. We include all the on-site boson-boson, fermion-fermion and boson-fermion repulsive contact potential represented by delta-function and considered bosonic and fermionic isotopes of ytterbium(Yb) 170
Yb and 171
Yb respectively. By means of this approximation, we find that in the regime λ

BF
>
λ

BB
give rise to a immiscible phase and in the regime
λ

BB
≥
λ

BF
give rise to a miscible phase, that is characterized by a temporal overlap of the bosonic and fermionic probability densities. We also report that due to the Bose-Fermi interaction, the system presents an apparent destruction of the collapse-revival oscillation of boson density probability at least in the ranges investigated.
Perspective: multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy of perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Albert , Almeida Diogo B , Padilha Lazaro A , Cundiff Steven T
Published: January 2022

Recently, colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have emerged as an exciting material platform for optoelectronic applications due to their combination of facile synthesis routes, quantum size effects, and exceptional optical properties among other favorable characteristics. Given the focus on their optoelectronic properties, spectroscopic characterization of PNCs is crucial to rational design of their structure and device implementation. In this Perspective, we discuss how multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy (MDCS) can resolve exciton dynamics and circumvent inhomogeneous broadening to reveal underlying homogeneous spectral lineshapes. We highlight recent applications of MDCS to PNCs in the literature, and suggest compelling problems concerning their microscopic physics to be addressed by MDCS in the future.
Effects of polarized-induced doping and graded composition in an advanced multiple quantum well InGaN/GaN UV-LED for enhanced light technology
Authors: Das Samadrita , Lenka Trupti Ranjan , Talukdar Fazal Ahmed , Velpula Ravi Teja , Jain Barsha , Nguyen Hieu Pham Trung , Crupi Giovanni
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a light-emitting diode in the ultra-violet range (UV-LED) with multiple-quantum wells (MQWs) of InGaN/GaN is designed and analyzed through Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulations. The polarization effects in III-nitride heterojunction and the effects of graded composition in the electron blocking layer (EBL) are exploited to enhance the performance of the proposed UV-LED. It is observed that the effect of graded composition in the EBL helps to enhance the electrical and optical performance of the LED, thereby enabling the achievement of some promising results. The simulation-based results demonstrated that superior internal efficiency and an inferior leakage current are achieved by using a graded Al composition in the EBL rather than a uniform composition. The reported results also confirm the remarkable improvement of the light output power by 17% at ∼100 mA when using the graded composition and also show a reduction in series resistance leading to more current. Graded Al composition in the EBL results in the enhancement of electroluminescence spectra (i.e., an increase in the peak of the spectral density).
Firearm Injuries and Public Health
Authors: Dahlberg Linda , Butchart Alexander , Mercy James , Simon Thomas
Published: January 2022

An important function of public health is to prevent injuries or to lessen their impact when they occur. An estimated 251,000 people worldwide die each year from a firearm-related death and many more suffer nonfatal injuries with consequences that can last a lifetime. Firearm injuries, which include those that are intentionally self-inflicted, unintentional, or from an act of interpersonal violence, are heavily concentrated in the Americas, driven largely by firearm homicides. Firearm-related deaths and injuries disproportionately impact males and younger populations and are associated with factors such as access, substance use, adverse childhood experiences, involvement in high-risk social networks, drug trafficking, density of alcohol outlets, and neighborhood and social disadvantage. While progress is being made to understand firearm injuries and how to effectively prevent them, much more needs to be done to improve the availability and timeliness of data; apply the knowledge that is generated to effectively reduce firearm-related injuries, deaths, and costs; strengthen the scientific infrastructure; and move countries closer to achieving the violence-related targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
De Facto States in the 21st Century
Authors: Ker-Lindsay James
Published: January 2022

De facto states have become an increasingly interesting topic for scholars and policy makers. Regarded as an anomaly in the international system, their increasing prevalence is raising serious questions about the nature of statehood and secession in the contemporary international system. But they present a number of definitional and conceptual issues. Quite apart from how they should be called, which is a debate that seems to be close to settlement, there have been debates about which territories should qualify as de facto states. More importantly, what hope do these territories have of being legalized or legitimized in the future? It seems that the strong aversion to recognizing unilateral acts of secession will remain in force. It is also worth noting that the very nature of the international system is now changing. The international system focused almost exclusively on states is disappearing rapidly. All sorts of bodies, organizations, and companies now interact on the world stage. In this sense, de facto states may well find that they find a place in their own right in an evolving and expanding international community.
Social Work Education for Macro Practice
Authors: Dentato Michael P.
Published: January 2022

The profession of social work is based in a rich history of macro practice and the promotion of social justice for all diverse communities. Over the years, while the field of social work education has shifted its focus between macro and micro frameworks, there is a continued resurgence of efforts promoting the integration of mezzo- and macro-practice content within social work curricula and field placement experiences across degree programs. In that regard, social work students must be adequately trained in macro-practice theory, interventions, assessment, and evaluation, as well as they must understand its unique intersection with mezzo and micro frameworks. Additionally, to effectively serve diverse populations, macro social work students must raise consciousness, increase self-awareness, and continually practice through the lens of cultural humility. Ultimately, the effective preparation and readiness of social work students for direct macro practice in fields such as program management, leadership, fundraising, advocacy, community organizing, and policy practice remains essential and understudied.
Philosophy of Mind: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Montero Barbara Gail
Published: January 2022

Highlighting key philosophical thought experiments, Philosophy of Mind: A Very Short Introduction considers the strengths and weaknesses of physicalism, dualism, and behaviourism and explores the philosophical conundrums associated with sensation, perception, cognition, and emotion. It probes some of the great philosophical questions about the mind: What is the relationship between mind and body? Can science unravel the mystery of consciousness? How can our thoughts represent things in the world? Are computers genuinely intelligent? And it also touches on philosophy of mind’s cross-cultural roots and connections to psychology, neuroscience, and physics.
Atrial fibrillation and acceleration of frailty: findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Richard Georgia , O’Halloran Aisling M , Doody Paul , Harbison Joseph , Kenny Rose Anne , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: January 2022

Introduction

both atrial fibrillation (AF) and frailty are increasingly prevalent with age. Cross-sectional studies have suggested a relationship between AF and frailty, but longitudinal data are lacking. We explored if the presence of AF was associated with accelerated progression of frailty over 8 years in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

a longitudinal retrospective case-control study was conducted using data from Waves 1 and 5 of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Participants with electrocardiographically detected AF at Wave 1 were matched to controls without AF (1:2) based on age and gender. Frailty was assessed using both the frailty phenotype (FP) and a 31-item frailty index (FI). Change in cases’ and controls’ FP and FI scores from Waves 1 to 5 were modelled using repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA).

Results

one hundred eighteen TILDA participants with AF at Wave 1 were matched to 236 controls. By FP, participants with AF were not significantly more frail than controls at Wave 1 (P = 0.166) but were at Wave 5 (P = 0.011), and RM-ANOVA suggested that frailty progressed more in participants with AF between Waves 1 and 5 compared with controls (P = 0.033). By FI, participants with AF were significantly more frail at Wave 1 (P < 0.001) and 5 (P = 0.010), and RM-ANOVA did not show a difference in frailty progression between groups (P = 0.955).

Conclusion

AF may drive the development of the FP. The FP is a pre-disability syndrome and hence may be better than the FI as a focus for disability prevention in adults with AF.
Effects of Different Centrifugation Protocols on the Detection of EGFR Mutations in Plasma Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Shin Kyung-Hwa , Lee Sun Min , Park Kongkyoung , Choi Hyunji , Kim In-suk , Yoon Seong Hoon , Oh Seung Hwan
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Various preanalytical factors, including the collection tube, storage conditions, and centrifugation, affect the detection results of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA). We compared the effect of different centrifugation protocols on the detection of EGFR mutations in cfDNA.

Methods

We analyzed 117 plasma specimens from 110 patients with non–small cell lung cancer using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 (Roche Diagnostics). We compared the identified EGFR mutations and semiquantitative index values from the 1- and 2-step centrifugation groups and confirmed the clinical impact of differences in the results after further high-speed centrifugation.

Results

We detected EGFR mutations in 44 (37.6%) and 47 (40.2%) samples that were centrifuged once and twice, respectively; the 2 groups showed an 89.7% (105/117) concordance and a strong correlation in their semiquantitative index values (r = 0.929). Among the 12 inconsistent result pairs, 9 samples of 2-step centrifugation (75%) were consistent with the results of a recent tissue biopsy.

Conclusions

Additional high-speed centrifugation has been shown to increase the sensitivity of EGFR mutation detection in a commercial in vitro diagnostic real-time polymerase chain reaction device and is an optimal preanalytical factor for detecting low-allele frequency gene mutations using low concentrations of cfDNA.
Pharmacist involvement in a comprehensive remote monitoring and telemanagement program
Authors: Stulock Rachel , Montgomery James , Parker Marcie , Soric Amanda , Zeleznikar Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To describe the role of the pharmacist in and initial outcomes of a remote monitoring and telemanagement program implemented to proactively provide outreach to high-risk patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

A remote monitoring and telemanagement program was developed at a large, nonprofit, multicenter, academic health system as an innovative way to manage patients at risk for decompensation of their chronic diseases in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program mobilized an interprofessional workforce including nurses, medical assistants, social workers, virtualists, patient schedulers, and ambulatory care pharmacists. Patient outreach included a combination of telephone calls and digital outreach. The goal was to monitor patients’ health status remotely and assess for early signs of decompensation. Pharmacists conducted telephone outreach to answer patients’ medication questions and address signs and symptoms of worsening chronic conditions. Pharmacists were able to utilize an existing collaborative practice agreement (CPA) to adjust medication therapy and order laboratory tests as needed for safety and efficacy monitoring. Since the program’s inception in April 2020 through January 2021, pharmacists have addressed over 1,600 medication questions or instances of worsening clinical signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

A comprehensive remote monitoring and telemanagement program utilized a multidisciplinary team to monitor high-risk patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists contributed to chronic disease management via the use of a comprehensive CPA, allowing medications to be started, stopped, or adjusted on the basis of patients’ needs, to improve population health management and reduce workload for primary care providers who were addressing new and emerging issues during the pandemic.
Impact of a pharmacist-driven transitions of care clinic for a multisite integrated delivery network
Authors: Parodi Maria , Feeley Brekk , Sanchez Michael
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To assess the impact on readmission rates for CMS core measures (CCM) patients and patients receiving care under the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced Model resulting from implementing a pharmacist-led transitions of care (TOC) clinic in central Florida.

Methods

These study cohorts consisted of patients in 2 strata (CCM and BPCI), and pre-post comparisons were conducted within each stratum. CCM and BPCI patient stratification was based on diagnoses. Patients referred to the TOC clinic were identified and compared to patients who did not receive TOC clinic services in the prior year. The pharmacist-led TOC clinic services consisted of a postdischarge telephone interview by a pharmacist to identify TOC barriers. Pharmacists in the TOC clinic conducted medication reconciliations, provided education, and completed follow-up telephone visits to mitigate these barriers. The primary outcome was the 30-day readmission rate for CCM patients and 90-day readmission rate for BPCI patients. The secondary outcomes were the numbers and types of interventions performed in the pharmacist-led TOC clinic.

Results

A total of 1,203 patients met the inclusion criteria for the CCM stratum. The CCM post-group had an overall reduction in the rate of 30-day readmission relative to the pre-group (6.25% vs 13.29%, P < 0.0327). A total of 1,416 patients met the inclusion criteria for the BPCI strata. Relative to the BPCI pre-group, the BPCI post-group had an overall reduction in occurrence of 90-day readmission (17.27% vs 25.61%, P < 0.0306). Clinical pharmacists performed 456 interventions in the CCM and BPCI post-groups, with an average of 2 interventions per patient.

Conclusion

A pharmacist-driven TOC clinic was associated with significant reductions in 30-day CCM and 90-day BPCI hospital readmissions.
Orienting to fear under transient focal disruption of the human amygdala
Authors: Jha Ashwani , Diehl Beate , Strange Bryan , Miserocchi Anna , Chowdhury Fahmida , McEvoy Andrew W , Nachev Parashkev
Published: January 2022

Responding to threat is under strong survival pressure, promoting the evolution of systems highly optimized for the task. Though the amygdala is implicated in ‘detecting’ threat, its role in the action that immediately follows—‘orienting’—remains unclear. Critical to mounting a targeted response, such early action requires speed, accuracy, and resilience optimally achieved through conserved, parsimonious, dedicated systems, insured against neural loss by a parallelized functional organization. These characteristics tend to conceal the underlying substrate not only from correlative methods but also from focal disruption over time scales long enough for compensatory adaptation to take place.

In a study of six patients with intracranial electrodes temporarily implanted for the clinical evaluation of focal epilepsy, we investigated gaze orienting to fear during focal, transient, unilateral direct electrical disruption of the amygdala. We showed that the amygdala is necessary for rapid gaze shifts towards faces presented in the contralateral hemifield regardless of their emotional expression, establishing its functional lateralization. Behaviourally dissociating the location of presented fear from the direction of the response, we implicated the amygdala not only in detecting contralateral faces, but also in automatically orienting specifically towards fearful ones. This salience-specific role was demonstrated within a drift-diffusion model of action to manifest as an orientation bias towards the location of potential threat. Pixel-wise analysis of target facial morphology revealed scleral exposure as its primary driver, and induced gamma oscillations—obtained from intracranial local field potentials—as its time-locked electrophysiological correlate.

The amygdala is here reconceptualized as a functionally lateralized instrument of early action, reconciling previous conflicting accounts confined to detection, and revealing a neural organisation analogous to the superior colliculus, with which it is phylogenetically kin. Greater clarity on its role has the potential to guide therapeutic resection, still frequently complicated by impairments of cognition and behaviour related to threat, and inform novel focal stimulation techniques for the management of neuropsychiatric conditions.
Towards a coherent view of network hyperexcitability in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lam Alice D , Shafi Mouhsin M
Published: January 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Neuronal synchrony abnormalities associated with subclinical epileptiform activity in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease’ by Ranasinghe et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab442).
Deep brain stimulation for parkinson’s disease induces spontaneous cortical hypersynchrony in extended motor and cognitive networks
Authors: Wang Maxwell B , Boring Matthew J , Ward Michael J , Richardson R Mark , Ghuman Avniel Singh
Published: January 2022

The mechanism of action of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the basal ganglia for Parkinson’s disease remains unclear. Studies have shown that DBS decreases pathological beta hypersynchrony between the basal ganglia and motor cortex. However, little is known about DBS’s effects on long range corticocortical synchronization. Here, we use machine learning combined with graph theory to compare resting-state cortical connectivity between the off and on-stimulation states and to healthy controls. We found that turning DBS on increased high beta and gamma band synchrony (26 to 50 Hz) in a cortical circuit spanning the motor, occipitoparietal, middle temporal, and prefrontal cortices. The synchrony in this network was greater in DBS on relative to both DBS off and controls, with no significant difference between DBS off and controls. Turning DBS on also increased network efficiency and strength and subnetwork modularity relative to both DBS off and controls in the beta and gamma band. Thus, unlike DBS’s subcortical normalization of pathological basal ganglia activity, it introduces greater synchrony relative to healthy controls in cortical circuitry that includes both motor and non-motor systems. This increased high beta/gamma synchronization may reflect compensatory mechanisms related to DBS’s clinical benefits, as well as undesirable non-motor side effects.
Multiscale functional connectome abnormality predicts cognitive outcomes in subcortical ischemic vascular disease
Authors: Liu Mianxin , Wang Yao , Zhang Han , Yang Qing , Shi Feng , Zhou Yan , Shen Dinggang
Published: January 2022

Subcortical ischemic vascular disease could induce subcortical vascular cognitive impairments (SVCIs), such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI), or sometimes no cognitive impairment (NCI). Previous SVCI studies focused on focal structural lesions such as lacunes and microbleeds, while the functional connectivity networks (FCNs) from functional magnetic resonance imaging are drawing increasing attentions. Considering remarkable variations in structural lesion sizes, we expect that seeking abnormalities in the multiscale hierarchy of brain FCNs could be more informative to differentiate SVCI patients with varied outcomes (NCI, aMCI, and naMCI). Driven by this hypothesis, we first build FCNs based on the atlases at multiple spatial scales for group comparisons and found distributed FCN differences across different spatial scales. We then verify that combining multiscale features in a prediction model could improve differentiation accuracy among NCI, aMCI, and naMCI. Furthermore, we propose a graph convolutional network to integrate the naturally emerged multiscale features based on the brain network hierarchy, which significantly outperforms all other competing methods. In addition, the predictive features derived from our method consistently emphasize the limbic network in identifying aMCI across the different scales. The proposed analysis provides a better understanding of SVCI and may benefit its clinical diagnosis.