bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Long term speech outcomes after using the Sommerlad technique for primary palatoplasty: a retrospective study in the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, Utrecht.”
Authors: Hofman Lieke , Paes Emma C. , Haverkamp Sarah J. , Jenniskens Kevin , Mink van der Molen Aebele B.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

After cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) repair, children may develop velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) leading to speech imperfections, necessitating additional speech correcting surgery. This study examines the incidence of VPI and speech correcting surgery after Sommerlad’s palatoplasty for CL/P, and its association with various clinical features.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital in Utrecht and child records from 380 individuals with CL/P registered from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria comprised the diagnosis of CL/P, primary palatoplasty according to Sommerlad’s technique, and speech assessment at five years or older. Association between cleft type and width, presence of additional genetic disorders and postoperative complications (palatal dehiscence, fistula) were assessed using odds ratios and chi squared tests.

Results

A total of 239 patients were included. The VPI rate was 52.7% (n = 126) and in 119 patients (49.8%) a speech correcting surgery was performed. Severe cleft type, as indicated by a higher Veau classification, was associated with a significant higher rate of speech correcting surgeries (p = 0.033). Significantly more speech correcting surgeries were performed in patients with a cleft width >10 mm, compared to patients with a cleft width ≤10 mm (p < 0.001). Patients with oronasal fistula underwent significantly more speech correcting surgeries than those without fistula (p = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of speech correcting surgery between patients with and without genetic disorders (p = 0.890).

Conclusions/clinical relevance

Variations in cleft morphology, cleft width and complications like oronasal fistula are associated with different speech outcomes. Future research should focus on creating a multivariable prediction model for speech correcting surgery in CL/P patients.
Achieving carbon neutrality in energy transition economies: exploring the environmental efficiency of natural gas efficiency, coal efficiency, and resources efficiency
Authors: Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Ozdeser Huseyin , Seraj Mehdi , Adegboye Oluwatayomi Rereloluwa
Published: July 2024

This study inspects the environmental impact of resource efficiency, natural gas efficiency, and coal efficiency in the top energy transition economies while incorporating economic growth and globalization, social globalization, political globalization, and economic globalization as control variables. We utilized the method of moments quantile regression to analyze a dataset from 1990 to 2021, while the dynamic ordinary least square, fixed-effect ordinary least square, and fully modified ordinary least square methods were used for robustness analysis. The outcomes of the estimators revealed that coal efficiency and natural gas efficiency contribute to the decline in CO2 emissions. Conversely, the results further indicated that globalization, economic growth, resource efficiency, social globalization, political globalization, and economic globalization intensify CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the panel Granger causality test was also utilized, which revealed evidence of a bidirectional causality association between CO2 emissions and all regressors except for coal efficiency and economic globalization. However, a unidirectional causal connection was identified from CO2 emissions to coal efficiency and economic globalization. From the observed outcomes alongside the inferences drawn from the Granger causality analysis, we offer a holistic policy approach for attaining carbon neutrality by driving the development and implementation of energy efficiency initiatives.

Graphical abstract
Searching for synergies for low emission development, the case for dairy subsector in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Joel , Vellema Sietze , Crane Todd , Atela Joanes
Published: July 2024

This research paper assesses the coherence of policy measures and documents related to low emission dairy development (LEDD) initiatives at different levels with a focus on Kenya. To analyse coherence, an innovative stepwise approach was employed including sampling of measures, assessing for vertical and horizontal coherences, and detecting areas of synergies for prioritisation of measures. Six international level documents, six national level sectoral documents, and two local level documents were analysed to extract a total of 145 measures. These measures were then thematically coded and assessed for coherence with LEDD. The findings reveal that while some policy documents reinforce and enable each other, others show limited coherence in supporting LEDD. The study highlights the importance of classifying coherence among measures and documents to prioritise options for policy makers. The paper identified four key documents as strategic for reinforcing LEDD measures across other policy measures comprising the Kenya Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (KGESIP), the Medium Term Three Big Four Agenda (B4A), the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and the World Bank Climate Smart Agriculture (WB CSA). The paper identifies that policy documents structured to support implementation at the local level tend to be more synergistic. Further, the paper identifies that measures which provide forward-looking pathways, and builds agency among stakeholders, are likely to promote synergistic coherence. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the level of coherence among policy measures and documents in the context of sustainable agriculture in Kenya. It provides insights and recommendations to facilitate effective implementation of LEDD initiatives at national and local levels.
Impact of face swapping and data augmentation on sign language recognition
Authors: Perea-Trigo Marina , López-Ortiz Enrique J. , Soria-Morillo Luis M. , Álvarez-García Juan A. , Vegas-Olmos J. J.
Published: July 2024

This study addresses the challenge of improving communication between the deaf and hearing community by exploring different sign language recognition (SLR) techniques. Due to privacy issues and the need for validation by interpreters, creating large-scale sign language (SL) datasets can be difficult. The authors address this by presenting a new Spanish isolated sign language recognition dataset, CALSE-1000, consisting of 5000 videos representing 1000 glosses, with various signers and scenarios. The study also proposes using different computer vision techniques, such as face swapping and affine transformations, to augment the SL dataset and improve the accuracy of the model I3D trained using them. The results show that the inclusion of these augmentations during training leads to an improvement in accuracy in top-1 metrics by up to 11.7 points, top-5 by up to 8.8 points and top-10 by up to 9 points. This has great potential to improve the state of the art in other datasets and other models. Furthermore, the analysis confirms the importance of facial expressions in the model by testing with a facial omission dataset and shows how face swapping can be used to include new anonymous signers without the costly and time-consuming process of recording.
Type XII collagen is elevated in serum from patients with solid tumors: a non-invasive biomarker of activated fibroblasts
Authors: Crespo-Bravo Marina , Hettich Annika , Thorlacius-Ussing Jeppe , Cox Thomas R , Karsdal Morten A. , Willumsen Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) and extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in cancer research due to their impact on tumor progression. Collagens, major ECM components, regulate cell signaling and behavior. Of the 28 reported collagens, type XII collagen is known to be vital for ECM organization. Over-produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), its upregulation correlates with poor survival in various cancers. This study aimed to develop an ELISA for quantifying circulating type XII collagen as a cancer biomarker. A specific ELISA targeting the C-terminal of type XII collagen was developed and used to analyze serum samples from cancer patients (n = 203) and healthy controls (n = 33). Additionally, type XII collagen expression was assessed in CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) from different tissues, both under TGF-β stimulated and non-stimulated conditions. The nordicPRO-C12 ELISA demonstrated robustness and specificity for type XII collagen. PRO-C12 levels were significantly elevated in patients with various cancers compared to healthy controls and effectively distinguished between cancer patients and controls. Findings were validated using gene expression data. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed increased type XII collagen expression in both CAFs and NFs upon TGF-β1 stimulation, suggesting a potential role of TGF-β1 in modulating the expression of type XII collagen in cancerous and normal tissue microenvironments. This study unveils a promising avenue for harnessing PRO-C12 as a non-invasive serum biomarker, enabling the quantification of type XII collagen fragments in cancer patients. Further investigations are warranted to explore the potential of PRO-C12 across different cancer types and disease stages, shedding light on its multifaceted role in cancer development.
Relationship between perceived learner control and student engagement in various study activities in a blended course in higher education
Authors: Wang Linyuan , de Vetten Arjen , Admiraal Wilfried , van der Rijst Roeland
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigated the relationship between perceived learner control and student engagement in a blended course. Data were collected from 110 s-year bachelor students through weekly questionnaires to gather information about how they perceived their learner control and engagement in various study activities, including reading literature, watching knowledge clips, doing assignments, attending workgroups, and attending lectures. Most students perceived the knowledge clips and workgroups positively because of their clear structure and interactive elements, respectively. In addition, perceived learner control, behavioral engagement, and emotional engagement varied across different activities, whereas cognitive engagement had a similar moderate score across the activities. No significant positive relationships were found between students' perceived learner control and engagement. However, negative relationships between perceived learner control and cognitive and behavioral engagement were found for reading literature, and a negative relationship between perceived learner control and cognitive engagement was identified for attending lectures. We conclude that, in general, perceived learner control is not a significant factor for student engagement in blended learning. However, for particular activities, student engagement may increase as their perceived learner control decreases. The results extend the understanding of the relationship between perceived learner and student engagement, which varied at an activity level. Additionally, the findings suggest that teachers could consider enhancing student engagement by assigning different levels of learner control to students based on their needs.
Mercury concentrations in Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Rice Rats differ across the Mississippi River Estuary
Authors: Bonisoli-Alquati Andrea , Jackson Allyson K. , Eagles-Smith Collin A. , Moyo Sydney , Pérez-Umphrey Anna A. , Polito Michael J. , Snider Allison M. , Williams S. Tyler , Woltmann Stefan , Stouffer Philip C. , Taylor Sabrina S.
Published: July 2024

Mercury (Hg) concentrations and their associated toxicological effects in terrestrial ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico are largely unknown. Compounding this uncertainty, a large input of organic matter from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have altered Hg cycling and bioaccumulation dynamics. To test this idea, we quantified blood concentrations of total mercury (THg) in Seaside Sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and Marsh Rice Rats (Oryzomys palustris) in marshes west and east of the Mississippi River in 2015 and 2016. We also tested for a difference in THg concentrations between oiled and non-oiled sites. To address the potential confounding effect of diet variation on Hg transfer, we used stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope values as proxies of trophic position and the source of primary production, respectively. Our results revealed that five to six years after the spill, THg concentrations were not higher in sites oiled by the spill compared to non-oiled sites. In both species, THg was higher at sites east of the Mississippi River compared to control and oiled sites, located west. In Seaside Sparrows but not in Marsh Rice Rats, THg increased with δ15N values, suggesting Hg trophic biomagnification. Overall, even in sites with the most elevated THg, concentrations were generally low. In Seaside Sparrows, THg concentrations were also lower than previously reported in this and other closely related passerines, with only 7% of tested birds exceeding the lowest observed effect concentration associated with toxic effects across bird species (0.2 µg/g ww). The factors associated with geographic heterogeneity in Hg exposure remain uncertain. Clarification could inform risk assessment and future restoration and management actions in a region facing vast anthropogenic changes.
Endoscopic indicators in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis undergoing duodenal resections – a nationwide Danish cohort study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Karstensen JG , Wewer MD , Bülow S. , Hansen TVO , Højen H. , Jelsig AM , Kuhlmann TP , Burisch J. , Pommergaard HC
Published: July 2024

Background: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) predisposes individuals to duodenal adenomas. This study describes the histopathological features of endoscopic and surgical specimens from the duodenum, as well as genotype-phenotype associations. Methods: All known FAP patients were included from the Danish Polyposis Register. FAP patients were defined as having more than 100 cumulative colorectal adenomas and/or having a known germline pathogenic variant in the APC gene. Endoscopic procedures, histopathology, and genetics were evaluated. Results: Of 500 FAP patients, 70.6% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at least once. Of these, 59.2% presented with detectable duodenal adenomas. The most severe morphology was tubular in 62.7% patients, tubulovillous in 25.4%, and villous in 12.0%, while the most severe dysplasia was low-grade in 67.5% patients, high-grade in 25.4%, and 6.7% had adenocarcinoma. In 6.2% of FAP patients, duodenal resection was recommended, including 29% with duodenal adenocarcinoma. The risk of duodenal surgery was 1.31 per 1,000 person-years (median age: 53 years). The predominant reason for surgery was extensive polyposis (67.7%). Of the patients who underwent duodenal resection, a median of six (IQR: 4–8) EGDs were performed within five years prior to surgery, but 67.6% and 83.9% never underwent a duodenal polypectomy or endoscopic mucosa resection, respectively. Of note, seventeen of 500 patients (3.4%) developed duodenal adenocarcinoma, of which 47% were advanced at diagnosis. Genetic evaluations revealed various pathogenic variants in the APC gene, with no strong genotype-phenotype association. Conclusions: The prevalence of duodenal adenomas and cancer in FAP warrants vigilant endoscopic surveillance. Nevertheless, the need for duodenal surgery persists and should together with endoscopic practice be monitored in national registers.
The Potential of Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Analyse the Impact of Construction Industry on the Carbon Footprint
Authors: Mésároš Peter , Smetanková Jana , Behúnová Annamária , Krajníková Katarína
Published: July 2024

Construction is an important sector of human activity that significantly impacts the environment. The impact of this sector can be analysed from different perspectives, such as consumption of natural resources, waste generation, energy intensity, and environmental change. The sector is increasingly promoting using renewable materials, energy-efficient practices, and planning those respects ecological processes and biodiversity. Against this background, it is important to take coordinated action across the sector and move to net-zero carbon standards through immediate action to raise awareness, implement innovation, and improve carbon management and reporting processes. Tools supporting the reduction of the adverse impacts of construction activities include artificial intelligence tools. The construction industry has long been considered a conservative and traditional industry but is now experiencing a technological revolution. Gradually, artificial intelligence (AI) principles and tools are beginning to be integrated into the various lifecycle processes of construction projects. This paper analyses the AI tools used to analyse carbon footprinting in the construction sector in terms of selected functionalities. The results of the research will form the basis for the development of a strategic plan for the development of AI within the research activities at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Košice.
CT imaging analysis differentiating papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity from papillary renal cell carcinoma: combined with a radiomics model
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Kim Taek Min , Cho Jeong Yeon , Moon Min Hoan , Moon Kyung Chul , Kim Sang Youn
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To assess the computed tomography (CT) findings of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) and develop a radiomics-based model to distinguish PRNRPs from papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCCs).

Materials and methods

We analyzed 31 PRNRPs and 68 PRCCs using preoperative kidney CT. We evaluated CT features that could discriminate PRNRPs from PRCCs. A radiomics signature was constructed using features selected through a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. A radiomics-based model incorporating a radiomics signature and subjective CT parameters using multivariate logistic regression was developed. The diagnostic performance of the CT parameters, radiomics model, and their combination was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Most of PRNRPs had a round shape (93.5%), well-defined margin (100%), and persistent enhancement (77.4%). Compared with PRCC, PRNRPs exhibited distinct CT features including small size (16.7 vs. 37.7 mm, P < 0.001), heterogeneity (64.5 vs. 32.4%, P = 0.004), enhancing dot sign (16.1 vs. 1.5%, P = 0.001), and high attenuation in pre-contrast CT (44.2 vs. 35.5 HU, P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed smaller mass size (odds ratio [OR]: 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9–1.0, P = 0.013), heterogeneity (OR: 8.8; 95% CI 1.9–41.4, P = 0.006), and higher attenuation in pre-contrast CT (OR: 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.2, P = 0.011) as significant independent factors for identifying PRNRPs. The diagnostic performance of the combination model was excellent (AUC: 0.923).

Conclusion

Smaller tumor size, heterogeneity, and higher attenuation in pre-contrast CT were more closely associated with PRNRPs than with PRCCs. Though the retrospective design, small sample size, and single-center data of this study may affect the generalizability of the findings, combining subjective CT features with a radiomics model is beneficial for distinguishing PRNRPs from PRCCs.
Effect of Deformation on the Magnetic Properties of CrMnFeCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi-CN High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Torres-Mejía L. G. , Parra-Vargas C. A. , Lentz J. , Weber S. , Mujica-Roncery L.
Published: July 2024

The magnetic behavior of two high-entropy alloys, CrMnFeCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi-CN, was investigated under varying degrees of deformation through uniaxial tensile tests. Microstructural, morphological, and crystalline structural analyses using XRD and SEM revealed a uniform and stable austenitic structure in all samples, with no presence of α’-martensite or ε-martensite phases. The main deformation mechanisms identified were twinning and slip dislocation for the CrMnFeCoNi-CN alloy, and slip dislocation for the CrMnFeCoNi alloy at room temperature. The alloys exhibited low magnetic moments attributed to magnetically frustrated configurations. At temperatures below 70 K, distinct magnetic states were observed ranging from paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic and spin-glass-like behavior. Antiferromagnetic interactions were confirmed by a negative paramagnetic Curie temperature for both alloys. The magnetization of the CrMnFeCoNi alloy increased with deformation, reflected in effective magnetic moments varying from 1.81 (0 pct) to 2.60 (20 pct) μB, while for the CrMnFeCoNi-CN alloy remained stable around 2.39 to 2.48 μB. The magnetization of the CrMnFeCoNi-CN alloy was found to be higher than that of the CrMnFeCoNi alloy, suggesting that the presence of C and N as alloying elements can enhance magnetization to some extent.
Honesty in Human Subject Research
Authors: Um Sungwoo
Published: July 2024

In this paper, I discuss the ethical issues related to deception in human subject research in terms of honesty. First, I introduce the background and suggest the conception of honesty that understands it as involving respect for the right not to be deceived (RND). Next, I examine several ways to address the ethical issues of deceptive elements in the human subject research and show why they fail to adequately meet the demand of honesty. I focus on how to make an honest research plan and examine after participation and before participation phases in turn. Then I conclude by suggesting possible strategies to minimize dishonesty in human subject research.
Resting-State Functional MRI Approaches to Parkinsonisms and Related Dementia
Authors: Piramide Noemi , De Micco Rosa , Siciliano Mattia , Silvestro Marcello , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Purpose of the Review

In this review, we attempt to summarize the most updated studies that applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) in the field of Parkinsonisms and related dementia.

Recent Findings

Over the past decades, increasing interest has emerged on investigating the presence and pathophysiology of cognitive symptoms in Parkinsonisms and their possible role as predictive biomarkers of neurodegenerative brain processes. In recent years, evidence has been provided, applying mainly three methodological approaches (i.e. seed-based, network-based and graph-analysis) on rs-fMRI data, with promising results.

Neural correlates of cognitive impairment and dementia have been detected in patients with Parkinsonisms along the diseases course. Interestingly, early functional connectivity signatures were proposed to track and predict future progression of neurodegenerative processes. However, longitudinal studies are still sparce and further investigations are needed to overcome this knowledge gap.
Are Cities Doing the Same? Local Policies on Immigrant Integration in Catalonia Since the Great Recession
Authors: Casademont Falguera Xavier , Carrera Fossas Eduard , Prieto Flores Òscar , Feu Gelis Jordi
Published: July 2024

This article analyzes the extent to which the councils of five Catalan cities have modified their integration policies. The structural transformations of contemporary societies have had a great impact on city councils and local integration policies, especially from the point of view of planning and policy orientation. The article studies the policies developed in five Catalan cities in the last four mandates, specifically between 2007 and 2023, based on in-depth interviews and analysis of political and technical documentation. Although the strategies used in the five cities analyzed are not identical, the results show that during these years there has been a tendency to limit the approval of plans for the integration of immigrants, although this does not mean that the councils do not have explicit political priorities and objectives. The cities also tend to speak less specifically about integration and, on the contrary, resort to two different orientations: some councils design and implement policies related to security, mediation, and community work in neighborhoods, while others tend to broaden the focus of their policies, opting for more holistic approaches focused on multiple forms of diversity, intersectionality, and anti-racism.
Gene expression and protein localization of Cl− transporters, Slc26a6 and Cftr, in the gill ionocytes of rainbow trout
Authors: Kikuchi Taisei , Inokuchi Mayu , Hayakawa Akihiro , Adachi Umi , Ido Atsushi , Otani Maki , Suetake Hiroaki , Watanabe Soichi
Published: July 2024

Euryhaline fishes acclimate to various osmotic environments by changing the direction of water and ion transport between body fluids and environmental waters. Ionocytes in the gills are one of the most important cells for the active ion transport. This study aimed to identify the molecules responsible for apical Cl− transport in rainbow trout ionocytes. Tissue distribution and time-course changes after seawater transfer were analyzed for mRNA expression of slc26a6, cftr1, and cftr2. slc26a6 was specifically expressed in the freshwater gills and decreased after seawater transfer. Both cftr genes were expressed in the gills and higher in seawater; however, the magnitude of expression increase after seawater transfer was greater in cftr1 than in cftr2. These results suggest that Cftr1 is mainly functioned in hypo-osmoregulation and that Cftr2 may also be involved in ion transport under freshwater conditions, such as acid–base regulation. Slc26a6 was localized at the apical membrane of Nkcc1-negative ionocytes only in freshwater-acclimated trout. Apical Cftr1 localization was also identified in most of ionocytes in seawater-acclimated fish. These results indicate that Slc26a6 in freshwater and Cftr1 in seawater contribute to osmoregulatory Cl− transport across the apical membrane of ionocytes in rainbow trout.
Knowledge mapping of exosomes in prostate cancer from 2003 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Yingjie , Ma Lin , Chen Hualin , Jin Zhaoheng , Yang Wenjie , Qiao Yi , Ji Zhigang , Liu Guanghua
Published: July 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is highly prevalent among males worldwide. The investigation of exosomes in PCa has emerged as a dynamic and important research area. To visually depict the prominent research areas and evolutionary patterns of exosomes in PCa, we performed a comprehensive analysis via bibliometric methods.

Methods

Studies were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewers, and the R package “bibliometrix” were employed to analyze the relationships and collaborations among countries/regions, organizations, authors, journals, references, and keywords.

Results

Over the past 20 years (2003–2022), 995 literatures on exosomes in PCa have been collected. The findings indicate a consistent upward trend in annual publications with the United States being the leading contributor. Cancers is widely recognized as the most prominent journal in this area. In total, 5936 authors have contributed to these publications, with Alicia Llorente being the most prolific. The primary keywords associated with research hotspots include “liquid biopsy”, “identification”, “growth”, “microRNAs”, and “tumor-derived exosomes”.

Conclusion

Our analysis reveals that investigating the intrinsic mechanisms of exosomes in PCa pathogenesis and exploring the potential of exosomes as biomarkers of PCa constitute the principal focal points in this domain of research.
An axiom system for absolute plane geometry in terms of collinearity and congruence
Authors: Augat Carsten , Hähl Hermann
Published: July 2024

We present an axiom system in terms of collinearity and congruence for plane geometry independent of assumptions about parallels. The line reflections and motions of corresponding geometries are studied, and it is shown that the axiom system characterizes the non-elliptic metric planes in the sense of Bachmann with midpoints. If the hyperbolic axiom is added, we show that the familiar algebraic models of hyperbolic planes result.
LDTR: Transformer-based lane detection with anchor-chain representation
Authors: Yang Zhongyu , Shen Chen , Shao Wei , Xing Tengfei , Hu Runbo , Xu Pengfei , Chai Hua , Xue Ruini
Published: July 2024

Despite recent advances in lane detection methods, scenarios with limited- or no-visual-clue of lanes due to factors such as lighting conditions and occlusion remain challenging and crucial for automated driving. Moreover, current lane representations require complex post-processing and struggle with specific instances. Inspired by the DETR architecture, we propose LDTR, a transformer-based model to address these issues. Lanes are modeled with a novel anchor-chain, regarding a lane as a whole from the beginning, which enables LDTR to handle special lanes inherently. To enhance lane instance perception, LDTR incorporates a novel multi-referenced deformable attention module to distribute attention around the object. Additionally, LDTR incorporates two line IoU algorithms to improve convergence efficiency and employs a Gaussian heatmap auxiliary branch to enhance model representation capability during training. To evaluate lane detection models, we rely on Fréchet distance, parameterized Fl-score, and additional synthetic metrics. Experimental results demonstrate that LDTR achieves state-of-the-art performance on well-known datasets.
A reflexive thematic analysis exploring the experiences of undergraduate women in STEM in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Parinda
Published: July 2024

Globally, a significant gender gap is reported in the enrolment of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Bangladesh reports one of the lowest female stakeholder percentages in STEM but has increased demand for skilled STEM professionals. Therefore, this qualitative study explores the experiences of undergraduate women in STEM in Bangladesh. Seven female undergraduate students were recruited using purposeful sampling, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis, along with a phenomenological approach, was utilized for data analysis to gain a better understanding of their experiences. The four key themes that emerged were the gendered nature of interactions, the impact of societal barriers, underrepresentation and role models, self-identity, and psychological outcomes. The findings suggested multiple factors like gender-biased interactions in classrooms, lack of access to STEM resources, and lack of female role models negatively impacted students’ academic experiences. Moreover, poor self-esteem in female students contributed to imposter syndrome and heightened career anxiety.
Effect of solvothermal-treated polyethylene on the mechanical properties of sandcrete blocks and concrete
Authors: Odeyemi S. O. , Adeniyi A. G. , Giwa Z. T. , Atoyebi O. D. , Jimoh O. K. , Abolaji B. O. , Jatto H. O. , Abdulazeez A. O.
Published: July 2024

In building construction, seepage and dampness in walls present serious problems since they can cause structural failures and damage in both residential and commercial contexts. Finding more affordable options is necessary as mitigating these problems frequently requires expensive fixes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of solvothermal-treated polyethylene added at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.0% on the mechanical properties of concrete and sandcrete blocks. In addition to assessing the workability, split tensile strength, and compressive strength of concrete samples at different levels of the polyethylene (PE) inclusion, the study looked into the water absorption capacity, density, and compressive strength of sandcrete blocks. The blocks’ compressive strength and water absorption capacity reduced as the amount of polyethylene additives rose, although there was a slight increase in the density. These changes remain well within the Nigerian Industrial Standards’ specified limits. Hardened concrete shows a drop in density, compressive strength, and split tensile strength with increasing polyethylene content, while fresh concrete's workability decreases as the percentage increases. 0.4% incorporation of the treated polyethylene achieved the target strength of 20 N/mm2 while Sandcrete blocks with up to 1% of the solvothermal treated polyethylene had compressive strengths more than the 2.5 N/mm2 minimum required for non-load-bearing walls. About 61% reduction in water absorption was achieved in 48 h by the blocks, presenting a promising and cost-effective solution for seepage-related issues in building construction.
Change of measure in a Heston–Hawkes stochastic volatility model
Authors: Baños David R. , Ortiz-Latorre Salvador , Zamora Font Oriol
Published: July 2024

We consider the stochastic volatility model obtained by adding a compound Hawkes process to the volatility of the well-known Heston model. A Hawkes process is a self-exciting counting process with many applications in mathematical finance, insurance, epidemiology, seismology, and other fields. We prove a general result on the existence of a family of equivalent (local) martingale measures. We apply this result to a particular example where the sizes of the jumps are exponentially distributed. Finally, a practical application to efficient computation of exposures is discussed.
Flow regimes in emptying–filling boxes with two buoyancy sources of differing strengths and elevations
Authors: Richardson James , Radomski Simon , Hunt Gary R.
Published: July 2024

Emptying–filling boxes have been studied in a wide range of configurations for decades, but the flow created in the box by two plumes rising from sources of arbitrary strength and elevation was previously unsolved. Guided by experiments and simplified analytical modelling, we reveal a rich array of two- and three-layer stratifications across seven possible flow regimes. The governing equations for these regimes show how the prevailing regime and stratification properties vary with three key parameters: the relative strength of the plumes, the height difference between their sources and a parameter characterising the resistance of the box to emptying. We observe and explain new behaviours not described in previous studies that are crucial to understanding emptying–filling boxes with multiple plumes. In particular, we demonstrate that the oft-assumed premise that

$n$

plumes leads to a stratification with

$n+1$

layers is not necessarily true, even in the absence of mixing. Two emptying–filling box models are developed: an analytical model addressing all combinations of the governing parameters and an extended model for three-layer stratifications that incorporates two mixing processes observed in the experiments. The predictions of these two models are in generally excellent agreement with measurements from the experimental campaign covering 69 combinations of the governing parameters. This study improves our understanding of emptying–filling boxes and could facilitate improvements to natural ventilation building design, as demonstrated by an example scenario in which occupants feel cooler upon the addition of a second source of heat.
Modelling the effect of soluble surfactants on droplet deformation and breakup in simple shear flow
Authors: Ba Yan , Liu Haihu , Li Wenqiang , Yang Wenjing
Published: July 2024

A hybrid lattice Boltzmann and finite difference method is applied to study the influence of soluble surfactants on droplet deformation and breakup in simple shear flow. First, the influence of bulk surfactant parameters on droplet deformation in two-dimensional shear flow is investigated, and the surfactant solubility is found to influence droplet deformation by changing average interface surfactant concentration and non-uniform effects induced by non-uniform interfacial tension and Marangoni forces. In addition, the droplet deformation first increases and then decreases with Biot number, increases significantly with adsorption number$k$and decreases with Péclet number or adsorption depth; and among the parameters,$k$is the most influential one. Then, we consider three-dimensional shear flow and investigate the roles of surfactants on droplet deformation and breakup for different capillary numbers and viscosity ratios. Results show that in the soluble case with$k=0.429$, the droplet exhibits nearly the same deformation as in the insoluble case due to the balance between surfactant adsorption and desorption; upon increasing$k$from 0.429 to 1, the average interface surfactant concentration is greatly enhanced, leading to significant increase in droplet deformation. The critical capillary number of droplet breakup$C{{a}_{cr}}$is identified for varying viscosity ratios in clean, insoluble and soluble ($k=0.429$and 1) systems. As the viscosity ratio increases,$C{{a}_{cr}}$first decreases and then increases rapidly in all systems. The addition of surfactants always favours droplet breakup, and increasing solubility or$k$could further reduce$C{{a}_{cr}}$by increasing average interface surfactant concentration and local surfactant concentration near the neck during the necking stage.
Investigation of free surface effect on the cavity expansion and contraction in high-speed water entry
Authors: Liu Xiang-Ju , Liu Wen-Tao , Ming Fu-Ren , Liu Yun-Long , Zhang A-Man
Published: July 2024

The evolution of the water-entry cavity affects the impact load and the motion of the body. This paper adopts the Eulerian finite element method for multiphase flow for simulations of the high-speed water-entry process. The accuracy and convergence of the numerical method are verified by comparing it with the experimental data and the results of the transient cavity dynamics theory. Based on the results, the representative characteristics of the cavity are discussed from the perspective of the cavity cross-section. It is found that the asymmetry of the cavity expansion and contraction durations is related to the motion of the free surface and the closure of the cavity. The uplift of the free surface suppresses cavity expansion, while the jet generated from free surface closure accelerates cavity contraction. The duration of the contraction of the cavity near the free surface is shorter than the expansion duration due to the change in the velocity distribution caused by the free surface motion. The necking phenomenon during deep closure leads to an increase in the internal pressure of the cavity, prolonging cavity contraction near the deep closure area. This work provides new insights into the cavity dynamics in high-speed water entry.
Inherent linguistic preference outcompetes incidental alignment in cooperative partner choice
Authors: Matzinger Theresa , Placiński Marek , Gutowski Adam , Lewandowski Mariusz , Żywiczyński Przemysław , Wacewicz Sławomir
Published: July 2024

An important quality to assess in others is their cooperativeness. We hypothesized that people use linguistic markers in their partners’ speech as a proxy of their cooperativeness in other tasks: specifically, we predicted that participants would prefer syntactically similar conversation partners as cooperation partners in a monetary game. We found that, indeed, participants preferably selected syntactically similar conversation partners as cooperation partners, but only when the participants could communicate using their naturally preferred constructions. In contrast, when participants were forced to communicate using dispreferred constructions, they rather cooperated with those partners that matched their natural preference than with those that matched their overt linguistic use. This pattern of results was likely driven by participants valuing representational alignment (i.e., being aligned on both linguistic features and their mental representations) more than incidental behavioral alignment (i.e., superficial convergence on similar linguistic features during interaction). This is because representational alignment is a potential indicator of group membership and may be associated with in-group benefits such as reputation, reciprocity and normative behavior. Those benefits may outweigh the benefits of simple behavioral alignment, which could be a potential indicator of others’ willingness to cooperate. This has important implications for communication in intercultural settings where members of diverse linguistic groups negotiate cooperative actions.
Newly Discovered Temperature‐Related Long‐Period Signals in Lunar Seismic Data by Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Xin , Xiao Zhuowei , Li Juan , Nakamura Yosio
Published: July 2024

Lunar seismic data are essential for understanding the Moon's internal structure and geological history. After five decades, the Apollo data set remains the only available one and continues to offer significant value for current and future lunar seismic data analyses. Recent advances in artificial intelligence for seismology have identified seismic signals that were previously unrecognized. In our study, we utilized deep learning for unsupervised clustering of lunar seismograms, leading to the discovery of a new type of long‐period lunar seismic signal that existed every lunar night from 1969 to 1976. We then conducted a thorough analysis covering the timing, frequency, polarization, and temporal distribution characteristics of this signal to study its properties, occurrence, and probable origins. This signal has a physical cause instead of artificial, such as voltage changes, according to its amplitudes during peaked and flat modes, as well as the digital converter status. Based on its relation to the lunar temperature and documents on Apollo instruments, we conclude that this signal is likely induced by the cyclic heater, with several unresolved questions that might challenge our hypothesis. Excluding interference from this newly identified signal is crucial when analyzing lunar seismic data, particularly in detecting lunar free oscillations. Our research introduced a new method for discovering new types of planetary seismic signals and helped advance our understanding of Apollo seismic data. Furthermore, the discovery of this signal holds valuable implications for the design of future planetary seismometers to avoid encountering similar issues.
Earth's Alfvén Wings Driven by the April 2023 Coronal Mass Ejection
Authors: Chen Li‐Jen , Gershman Daniel , Burkholder Brandon , Chen Yuxi , Sarantos Menelaos , Jian Lan , Drake James , Dong Chuanfei , Gurram Harsha , Shuster Jason , Graham Daniel B. , Le Contel Olivier , Schwartz Steven J. , Fuselier Stephen , Madanian Hadi , Pollock Craig , Liang Haoming , Argall Matthew , Denton Richard E. , Rice Rachel , Beedle Jason , Genestreti Kevin , Ardakani Akhtar , Stanier Adam , Le Ari , Ng Jonathan , Bessho Naoki , Pandya Megha , Wilder Frederick , Gabrielse Christine , Cohen Ian , Wei Hanying , Russell Christopher T. , Ergun Robert , Torbert Roy , Burch James
Published: July 2024

We report a rare regime of Earth's magnetosphere interaction with sub‐Alfvénic solar wind in which the windsock‐like magnetosphere transforms into one with Alfvén wings. In the magnetic cloud of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on 24 April 2023, NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission distinguishes the following features: (a) unshocked and accelerated low‐beta CME plasma coming directly against Earth's dayside magnetosphere; (b) dynamical wing filaments representing new channels of magnetic connection between the magnetosphere and foot points of the Sun's erupted flux rope; (c) cold CME ions observed with energized counter‐streaming electrons, evidence of CME plasma captured due to by reconnection between magnetic‐cloud and Alfvén‐wing field lines. The reported measurements advance our knowledge of CME interaction with planetary magnetospheres, and open new opportunities to understand how sub‐Alfvénic plasma flows impact astrophysical bodies such as Mercury, moons of Jupiter, and exoplanets close to their host stars.
Evolution of the Climate Forcing During the Two Years After the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruption
Authors: Schoeberl M. R. , Wang Y. , Taha G. , Zawada D. J. , Ueyama R. , Dessler A.
Published: July 2024

We calculate the climate forcing for the 2 ys after the 15 January 2022, Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai (Hunga) eruption. We use satellite observations of stratospheric aerosols, trace gases and temperatures to compute the tropopause radiative flux changes relative to climatology. Overall, the net downward radiative flux decreased compared to climatology. The Hunga stratospheric water vapor anomaly initially increases the downward infrared radiative flux, but this forcing diminishes as the anomaly disperses. The Hunga aerosols cause a solar flux reduction that dominates the net flux change over most of the 2 yrs period. Hunga induced temperature changes produce a decrease in downward long‐wave flux. Hunga induced ozone reduction increases the short‐wave downward flux creating small sub‐tropical increase in total flux from mid‐2022 to 2023. By the end of 2023, most of the Hunga induced radiative forcing changes have disappeared. There is some disagreement in the satellite measured stratospheric aerosol optical depth (SAOD) observations which we view as a measure of the uncertainty; however, the SAOD uncertainty does not alter our conclusion that, overall, aerosols dominate the radiative flux changes.