bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local existence of weak solutions to kinetic Cucker‐Smale‐Fokker‐Planck equation with singular commutation weights
Authors: Li Donghao , Ma Yaxian , Zhang Xianwen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate the Cauchy problem of the
dimensional kinetic Cucker‐Smale‐Fokker‐Planck equation with singular communication weight behaving like
as
. First, local existence of weak solutions with finite kinetic energy is established for
and
. Second, for
, we show that any initial datum with finite velocity moment of order
launches a weak solution that propagates the initial velocity moment.
Investigation of resonant mode and simultaneous excitation of multiple modes in slot‐coupled rectangular dielectric resonator antenna for multiband applications
Authors: Shou Zhenyi , Wu Zhipeng , Wang Hanyang , Zhou Hai , Zhu Naida
Published: February 2023

A low‐profile rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) through the slot‐based feed method is studied for the multiband operation. Based on the perfect magnetic wall (PMW) model and dielectric waveguide model (DWM), field distributions and resonant frequencies of the RDRA intrinsic modes are calculated for multimodal analysis. The microstrip backed slot coupling scheme is employed for the simultaneous excitation of multiple modes. A prototype is fabricated and validated. By generating 10 modes simultaneously including TEy111 to TEy711, and TEx221 to TEx421 modes. The RDRA is able to provide good multiband performance.
An optimized b‐value sampling for the quantification of interstitial fluid using diffusion‐weighted MRI, a genetic algorithm approach
Authors: Drenthen Gerhard S. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van der Thiel Merel M. , Voorter Paulien H. M. , Backes Walter H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Multi‐b‐value diffusion‐weighted MRI techniques can simultaneously measure the parenchymal diffusivity, microvascular perfusion, and a third, intermediate diffusion component. This component is related to the interstitial fluid in the brain parenchyma. However, simultaneously estimating three diffusion components from multi‐b‐value data is difficult and has strong dependence on SNR and chosen b‐values. As the number of acquired b‐values is limited due to scanning time, it is important to know which b‐values are most effective to be included. Therefore, this study evaluates an optimized b‐value sampling for interstitial fluid estimation.

Method

The optimized b‐value sampling scheme is determined using a genetic algorithm. Subsequently, the performance of this optimized sampling is assessed by comparing it with a linear, logarithmic, and previously proposed sampling scheme, in terms of the RMS error (RMSE) for the intermediate component estimation. The in vivo performance of the optimized sampling is assessed using 7T data with 101 equally spaced b‐values ranging from 0 to 1000 s/mm2. In this case, the RMSE was determined by comparing the fit that includes all b‐values.

Results

The optimized b‐value sampling for estimating the intermediate component was reported to be [0, 30, 90, 210, 280, 350, 580, 620, 660, 680, 720, 760, 980, 990, 1000] s/mm2. For computer simulations, the optimized sampling had a lower RMSE, compared with the other samplings for varying levels of SNR. For the in vivo data, the voxel‐wise RMSE of the optimized sampling was lower compared with other sampling schemes.

Conclusion

The genetic algorithm–optimized b‐value scheme improves the quantification of the diffusion component related to interstitial fluid in terms of a lower RMSE.
Noncovalent chalcogen and tetrel bonding interactions: Spectroscopic study of halide–carbonyl sulfide complexes
Authors: Haakansson Christian T. , Watson Peter D. , Corkish Timothy R. , Robinson Hayden T. , McKinley Allan J. , Wild Duncan A.
Published: February 2023

Chalcogen and tetrel intermolecular bonding interactions formed between carbonyl sulfide and halide anions have been studied utilizing a combined experimental and theoretical approach. In particular, high‐level CCSD(T) energetics and experimental anion photoelectron spectroscopy have been used in order to assign the dominant binding motif exhibited in these complexes. Halide anions solvated by multiple carbonyl sulfide molecules have also been investigated in order to ascertain the effect that additional binding partners has on the strength of the noncovalent interactions. The experimental and computational results support the main binding motif of carbonyl sulfide molecules with halide anions being chalcogen bonding, both in dimer complexes and larger solvated complexes. In addition, comparison between the noncovalent interactions formed by halides with carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon dioxide allows a deeper understanding of noncovalent binding strength in relation to isoelectronic species.

Key points

Spectroscopic and ab initio characterization of halide–carbonyl sulfide van der Waals complexes bound through chalcogen and tetrel bonding.

Detailed insight into chalcogen and tetrel bond strength in the context of changing chemical environments.

Effect of increasing solvation on noncovalent binding strength.
Tunable electrical resistance of polyaniline and its correlation to morphological properties and surface functional groups
Authors: Koh Wee Siang , Khaw Liang Fa , Yeap Swee Pin , Lee Kiat Moon , Sum Jing Yao , Toh Pey Yi
Published: February 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) is a conductive polymer that is attracting much attention nowadays especially for the design of flexible supercapacitors and sensors. One of the commonly used methods to synthesize PANI is chemical oxidative polymerization (COP). In the present work, the effects of (i) polymerization time and (ii) type of dopant media used in COP were evaluated and correlated to the morphological and electrical properties of the formed PANI. In terms of morphological properties, it was found that extending the polymerization time of COP in hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium from 1 to 5 h induced the formation of regular flake‐ and globule‐like structures. Despite that, there was not much change in the surface functional groups, as verified from the infrared absorption spectrum. An intermingled structure containing (i) stacking of flake‐like particles and (ii) interconnection of long fibrous‐like particles with fewer branches was seen for PANI produced at 3 h of polymerization time. Such a unique morphological property is suggested to lower the electrical resistance of PANI to 0.56 × 103 Ω. On the other hand, by changing the dopant medium from HCl to sulfuric acid (H2SO4), acetic acid (CH3COOH), water (H2O) and ammonium hydroxide (NH3⋅H2O), the PANI morphology was altered to globular shape with cauliflower‐like structure, tube‐like structure, plate‐like structure and flake‐like structure, respectively. The resistance of these PANIs was successfully tuned and found to increase following the order of PANI–H2SO4 < PANI–CH3COOH < PANI–H2O < PANI–NH3⋅H2O. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Positive effects of a child‐centered intervention on children's fear and pain during needle procedures
Authors: Kleye Ida , Sundler Annelie. J. , Karlsson Katarina , Darcy Laura , Hedén Lena
Published: February 2023

To examine whether children experience less fear or pain using a child‐centered intervention and if there were differences between the intervention group and the control group regarding heart rate, time required for the procedure, success rate for the cannula insertion, and patient satisfaction. A controlled single‐center case study of observational design, with one control and one intervention group. Child self‐reported fear or pain levels did not reveal any differences for those receiving the intervention compared with controls. However, according to a behavioral observation measure with the Procedure Behavior Check List, effects of the intervention were lower distress in relation to fear and pain during the cannula insertion. The time it took to perform the cannula insertion also decreased significantly in the intervention group. More children in the intervention group reported that they were satisfied with the needle procedure compared with the children in the control group. The child‐centered intervention provides reduced observed distress related to fear and pain in children undergoing a cannula insertion and reduced total time by more than 50%. This study found that child involvement in care strengthen their ability to manage a needle procedure.
Site‐dependent correlation strength and occupation number of 5f electrons in alpha phase plutonium metal
Authors: Li Ru‐song , Lu Xing , Xin Du‐qiang , Yao Xiao‐guang , Xie Zheng
Published: February 2023

In order to quantify the site‐dependent correlation strengths in terms of the quasi‐particle weights and the occupation numbers of 5f electrons in alpha phase plutonium metal with eight crystallographically nonequivalent atomic sites Pun (n = 1–8), we perform a first principles calculation by using a many‐body method merging density functional theory with dynamical mean‐field theory plus the relativistic and correlation effects. The quasi‐particle weight, the electronic spectrum function, the hybridization function, as well as the occupation number of Pu 5f electrons all suggest that Pu1 and Pu8 atoms have the most itinerant and the most localized 5f electrons, respectively, while the other atoms Pun (n = 2–7) exhibit an intermediate correlation strength. The quasi‐particle weights demonstrate that only the jj or intermediate coupling scheme is more appropriate for Pu 5f electrons in comparison with the Russel–Saunders (LS) scheme. The electronic spectrum function and the occupation analysis establish that Pu 5f electrons simultaneously have dual itinerant and localized regimes with average 5f occupation numbers of n5f between 4.8994 and 4.9628, which are mainly composed of 5f4, 5f5, and 5f6 configurations, irrespective of different atomic sites. Finally, we also estimate the so‐called quasi‐particle band structure to directly compare with angle‐resolved photoemission spectrum.
Colony‐nesting gulls restrict activity levels of a native top carnivore during the breeding season
Authors: Guidos Steven , van Dijk Jiska , Systad Geir , Landa Arild
Published: February 2023

Although nesting in colonies can offer substantial reproductive benefits for many seabird species, increased visibility to predators remains a significant disadvantage for most colony‐breeders. To counteract this, some seabird species have evolved aggressive nest defense strategies to protect vulnerable eggs and chicks. Here, we used an experimental approach to test whether colony inhabitance by breeding gullsLarusspp. in western Norway impacts visitation rates of a native, mammalian predator, the Eurasian otterLutra lutraduring the breeding season. Camera traps were placed inside of and on the periphery of seabird colonies prior to the breeding season and left to run for one continuous year. Sighting frequency of otters on these cameras was compared to a control region free of gull nesting. We found that otter activity was significantly reduced in the colonies when gulls were incubating and rearing chicks, compared to time periods when gulls were building nests and absent from the colonies. Rhythmic activity patterns did not seem to be significantly impacted by the presence of gulls. This study provides clear evidence that certain colony‐nesting species can have a direct, negative impact on visitation rates of a native carnivore. Seasonal carnivore activity patterns are likely to be highly dependent on differing nesting strategies and level of nest defense by seabirds.
Design, Synthesis, Cytotoxic Activity, and In Silico Studies of New Schiff Bases Including Pyrimidine Core
Authors: Karatas Halis , Aydin Meltem , Turkmenoglu Burçin , Akkoc Senem , Sahin Onur , Kokbudak Zülbiye
Published: February 2023

In here, two new Schiff base molecules (3 and 4) were synthesized from the condensation reaction of 1‐amino‐5‐benzoyl‐4‐phenylpyrimidine‐2(1H)‐one (1) and 1‐amino‐5‐(4‐methylbenzoyl)‐4‐p‐tolylpyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one (2) with 4‐bromobenzaldehyde. These molecules were completely characterized by IR, NMR, and HR‐MS. Moreover, molecule 4 was determined by single crystal x‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) patterns. The crystallographic analysis revealed that molecule 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c. The molecules were screened in colon, lung and liver cell lines. The results showed that molecule 4 had cytotoxic activity in all screened cancer cell lines. Molecular docking studies of molecules 3 and 4, which were synthesized experimentally and whose cytotoxic activities were examined, were carried out with in silico approaches. Binding parameter values and active binding sites were determined by interacting the compounds with EGFR (PDB ID : 1M17) and VEGFR‐2 (PDB ID : 4ASD) crystal structures, respectively, in molecular docking. In addition, the theoretical pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 3 and 4 were evaluated using ADME analysis.
Multilingual learners' epistemologies in practice in the context of computational modeling in an elementary science classroom
Authors: Grapin Scott E. , Haas Alison , Llosa Lorena , Wendel Daniel , Pierson Ashlyn , Lee Okhee
Published: February 2023

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have spurred renewed interest in the epistemologies that students adopt as they engage in science practices. One framework for characterizing students' epistemologies is theepistemologies in practiceframework (Berland et al. (2016),Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 53(7), 1082–1112), which focuses on students' meaningful use of four epistemic considerations: Nature, Generality, Justification, and Audience. To date, research based on the framework has primarily examined students' use of the epistemic considerations in the context of diagrammatic modeling. However, with computational technologies becoming more prevalent in science classrooms, the framework could be applied to investigate students' engagement incomputationalmodeling. Moreover, computational modeling could be particularly beneficial to a fast‐growing population of multilingual learners (MLs) in the U.S. K‐12 context, who benefit from leveraging multiple meaning‐making resources (e.g., code, dynamic visualization). This study examined MLs' meaningful use of four epistemic considerations in the context of computational modeling in an elementary science classroom. Fifth‐grade MLs (N = 11) participated in two interviews about computational models they had developed as part of two NGSS‐designed instructional units that integrated computational modeling (in addition to other model types). Findings indicated that, while students used all four epistemic considerations across the interviews, some considerations (Nature and Generality) were used more frequently than others (Justification and Audience). Beyond diagrammatic modeling, computational modeling offered unique affordances for MLs to meaningfully use the considerations as well as to communicate this use, though not without some emergent challenges. Overall, this study highlights the promise of computational modeling for providing a rich sense‐making and meaning‐making context for MLs to use epistemic considerations. The study also highlights the importance of attending to both epistemic and linguistic aspects of MLs' science learning as well as the potential of interdisciplinary research for studying this learning.
RADseq‐based population genomic analysis and environmental adaptation of rare and endangered recretohalophyte Reaumuria trigyna
Authors: Dang Zhenhua , Li Jiabin , Liu Yanan , Song Miaomiao , Lockhart Peter J. , Tian Yunyun , Niu Miaomiao , Wang Qinglang
Published: February 2023

Genetic diversity reflects the survival potential, history, and population dynamics of an organism. It underlies the adaptive potential of populations and their response to environmental change. Reaumuria trigyna is an endemic species in the Eastern Alxa and West Ordos desert regions in China. The species has been considered a good candidate to explore the unique survival strategies of plants that inhabit this area. In this study, we performed population genomic analyses based on restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing to understand the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and differentiation of the species. Analyses of 92,719 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated that overall genetic diversity of R. trigyna was low (HO = 0.249 and HE = 0.208). No significant genetic differentiation was observed among the investigated populations. However, a subtle population genetic structure was detected. We suggest that this might be explained by adaptive diversification reinforced by the geographical isolation of populations. Overall, 3513 outlier SNPs were located in 243 gene‐coding sequences in the R. trigyna transcriptome. Potential sites under diversifying selection occurred in genes (e.g., AP2/EREBP, E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase, FLS, and 4CL) related to phytohormone regulation and synthesis of secondary metabolites which have roles in adaptation of species. Our genetic analyses provide scientific criteria for evaluating the evolutionary capacity of R. trigyna and the discovery of unique adaptions. Our findings extend knowledge of refugia, environmental adaption, and evolution of germplasm resources that survive in the Ordos area.
Tackling health inequalities in prostate cancer: the Man Van project
Authors: Simson Nick
Published: February 2023

There are stark health care inequalities that exist in prostate cancer in the UK. The Man Van is a new pilot project from the team at The Royal Marsden, The Institute of Cancer Research and RM Partners that aims to help bridge some of the gaps.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in wild mammals of a safari park and a zoo in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Sabrina , Chowdhury Joya , Hasan Tanjila , Dutta Pronesh , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Faruque Md. Rayhan , Alim Mohammad Abdul
Published: February 2023

In safari parks and zoos, wild animals are kept mainly for recreational purposes. Animals in these enclosures are also crucial for the education, research, and conservation aspect. To ensure better management and good health of wild animals in captivity, it is essential to monitor the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic (helminths and protozoa) infections. The current investigation was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections in wild mammals at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib (BSM) safari park and Chattogram (CTG) zoo of Bangladesh. A total of 72 individual faecal samples were collected from 25 species of wild mammals. Routine qualitative (e.g. direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation) and quantitative (e.g. McMaster technique) tests were performed to identify the eggs or oocysts of helminths and protozoa. Results demonstrated that wild mammals of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo were infected with a total of 17 genera/species of helminths and protozoa. The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections in wild mammals of both zoological parks was 65.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.14–76.12), whereas it was 72.4% (95% CI: 52.76–87.27) in the BSM safari park and 60.5% (95% CI: 44.41–75.02) in the CTG zoo. In both zoological parks, infection with nematodes was more frequent compared to other helminth into the wild mammals. The herbivores were more infected with GI parasites than carnivores and omnivores of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo. The mean eggs/oocysts per gram of faeces was the highest in the carnivores compared to herbivores and omnivores of both enclosures. The findings of the current study demonstrated that wild mammals of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo suffered from various GI parasitic infections. Regular monitoring along with proper therapeutic measures may reduce the severe consequences of GI parasitic infections in captive wild animals.
Introduction
Authors: Kijek Tomasz , Kijek Arkadiusz , Matras-Bolibok Anna
Published: February 2023

The concept of income convergence has drawn the attention of many economists involved in the growth debate (Alataş, 2021). Recent theories of growth and empirical studies suggest that heterogeneity with respect to technological conditions in general and total factor productivity—TFP in particular are identified as the most decisive factors for the rate of income convergence of countries (Islam, 2003). Apparently, depending on whether initial TFP differences decrease or increase over time, income convergence or divergence may be a matter of fact. This has directed researchers’ attention to the concept of technological (TFP) convergence.
Regional Technological Convergence: Patterns and Determinants
Authors: Kijek Tomasz , Kijek Arkadiusz , Matras-Bolibok Anna
Published: February 2023

The convergence process is generally regarded as the implication of neoclassical growth theory (Solow, 1956). The assumption of diminishing returns to reproducible capital leads to convergence across countries and regions. Units with relatively lower initial capital to labour ratios experience technology transfers and capital flows from those with higher ratios. As a consequence, the income level converges across countries and regions.
Loss of GLTSCR1 causes congenital heart defects by regulating NPPA transcription
Authors: Han Fengyan , Yang Beibei , Chen Yan , Liu Lu , Cheng Xiaoqing , Huang Jiaqi , Zhou Ke , Zhang Dandan , Xu Enping , Lai Maode , Lv Bingjian , Cheng Hongqiang , Zhang Honghe
Published: February 2023

Precise and specific spatiotemporal domains of gene expression regulation are critical for embryonic development. Recent studies have identified GLTSCR1 as a gene transcriptional elongation regulator in cancer research. However, the function of GLTSCR1, especially in embryonic development, remains poorly understood. Here, we found that GLTSCR1 was essential for cardiac development because Gltscr1 knockout (Gltscr1−/−) led to embryonic lethality in mice with severe congenital heart defects (CHDs). Ventricular septal defect and double outflow right ventricular were also observed in neural crest cells with conditional deletion of Gltscr1, which were associated with neonatal lethality in mice. Mechanistically, GLTSCR1 deletion promoted NPPA expression by coordinating the CHD risk G allele of rs56153133 in the NPPA enhancer and releasing the transcription factor ZNF740-binding site on the NPPA promoter. These findings demonstrated that GLTSCR1 acts as a candidate CHD-related gene.
Clustering of variables methods and measurement models for soccer players’ performances
Authors: Carpita Maurizio , Pasca Paola , Arima Serena , Ciavolino Enrico
Published: February 2023

In sports, studying player performances is a key issue since it provides a guideline for strategic choices and helps teams in the complex procedure of buying and selling of players. In this paper we aim at investigating the ability of various composite indicators to define a measurement structure for the global soccer performance. We rely on data provided by the EA Sports experts, who are the ultimate authority on soccer performance measurement: they periodically produce a set of players’ attributes that make up the broader, theoretical performance dimensions. Considering the potential of clustering techniques to confirm or disconfirm the experts’ assumptions in terms of aggregations between indicators, 29 players’ performance attributes or variables (from the FIFA19 version of the videogame, that is, sofifa) have been considered and processed with three different techniques: the Cluster of variables around latent variables (CLV), the Principal covariates regression (PCovR) and Bayesian model-based clustering (B-MBC). The three procedures yielded clusters that differed from experts’ classification. In order to identify the most appropriate measurement structure, the resulting clusters have been embedded into Structural equation models with partial least squares (PLS-SEMs) with a Higher-Order Component (that is, the overall soccer performance). The statistically derived composite indicators have been compared with those of experts’ classification. Results support the concurrent validity of composite indicators derived through the statistical methods: overall, they show that, in the lack of expert judgement, composite indicators, as well as the resulting PLS-SEM models, are a viable alternative given their greater correlation to players’ economic value and salary.
Hints of the photometric period in radial velocity data of the X-ray binary HD 3191 with the Joan Oró telescope
Authors: Martí Josep , Luque-Escamilla Pedro L. , Sánchez-Ayaso Estrella , Paredes Josep M. , Vázquez-Ramos Alicia
Published: February 2023

We focus our attention on the newly proposed X-ray binary system HD 3191 whose nature still lacks dynamical confirmation and accurate orbital parameters. The positional agreement of this object with a flaring gamma-ray source was the original motivation of this work, although the present chances of association are reduced. A long-term spectroscopic monitoring of HD3191 was conducted using the 1-m class, robotic, Joan Oró telescope at the Observatori Astronòmic del Montsec facilities, located in the pre-Pyrenees mountains 140 km away from Barcelona. The Doppler measurements suggest an agreement with the previously reported 16.09 d photometric period, as expected. We also present a very preliminary radial velocity curve based on a circular orbit solution that hints to a low velocity amplitude. Nevertheless, the instrumental limitations of our data render necessary to carry out improved spectroscopic observations to better discriminate among the nature of the compact companion.
An empowerment-based solution to robotic manipulation tasks with sparse rewards
Authors: Dai Siyu , Xu Wei , Hofmann Andreas , Williams Brian
Published: February 2023

In order to provide adaptive and user-friendly solutions to robotic manipulation, it is important that the agent can learn to accomplish tasks even if they are only provided with very sparse instruction signals. To address the issues reinforcement learning algorithms face when task rewards are sparse, this paper proposes an intrinsic motivation approach that can be easily integrated into any standard reinforcement learning algorithm and can allow robotic manipulators to learn useful manipulation skills with only sparse extrinsic rewards. Through integrating and balancing empowerment and curiosity, this approach shows superior performance compared to other state-of-the-art intrinsic exploration approaches during extensive empirical testing. When combined with other strategies for tackling the exploration challenge, e.g. curriculum learning, our approach is able to further improve the exploration efficiency and task success rate. Qualitative analysis also shows that when combined with diversity-driven intrinsic motivations, this approach can help manipulators learn a set of diverse skills which could potentially be applied to other more complicated manipulation tasks and accelerate their learning process.
The Political Salience of Animal Protection in the Netherlands (2012–2021) and Belgium (2010–2019): What do Dutch and Belgian Political Parties Pledge on Animal Welfare and Wildlife Conservation?
Authors: Hus Annick , McCulloch Steven P.
Published: February 2023

The Netherlands and Belgium are European Union (EU) states with a shared border and cultural similarities. Article 13 of the EU Treaty of Lisbon recognises animals as sentient beings. EU laws protect animal welfare and conservation, and member states can implement more stringent legislation. Political salience refers to the extent to which citizens are concerned about political issues. Issue salience can be measured by assessing references to animal protection in party political manifestos. This research analyses the political salience of animal protection in the Netherlands and Belgium. It analyses over 2600 statements on animal protection in Dutch (2012–2021) and Belgian (2010–2019) party manifestos across three consecutive national elections. Quantitative analysis reveals that in both the Netherlands and Belgium, animal protection became more salient during successive elections, with the total number of positive statements increasing and the total number of negative statements decreasing. Farmed animal welfare and wildlife/biodiversity were the most salient issues, although the focus in countries and regions differed. Dutch parties and those in the Walloon region of Belgium focused on farmed animal health and unnecessary suffering; Flemish parties stressed intensive agriculture and animal welfare. In Belgium, wildlife/biodiversity statements stressed the protection of local species; Dutch statements were strongly linked to agriculture. In both the Netherlands and Belgium, left-wing parties had more progressive policy statements, whilst right-wing parties prioritised economic prosperity over animal protection. This research provides the first academic analysis of animal protection policies in political manifestos in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Finding Normal Binary Floating-Point Factors Efficiently
Authors: Andrlon Mak
Published: February 2023

Solving the floating-point equation $$x \otimes y = z$$

x
⊗
y
=
z

, where x, y and z belong to floating-point intervals, is a common task in automated reasoning for which no efficient algorithm is known in general. We show that it can be solved by computing a constant number of floating-point factors, and give a fast algorithm for computing successive normal floating-point factors of normal floating-point numbers in radix 2. This leads to an efficient procedure for solving the given equation, running in time of the same order as floating-point multiplication.
A Reduced Basis Method for Darcy Flow Systems that Ensures Local Mass Conservation by Using Exact Discrete Complexes
Authors: Boon Wietse M. , Fumagalli Alessio
Published: February 2023

A solution technique is proposed for flows in porous media that guarantees local conservation of mass. We first compute a flux field to balance the mass source and then exploit exact co-chain complexes to generate a solenoidal correction. A reduced basis method based on proper orthogonal decomposition is employed to construct the correction and we show that mass balance is ensured regardless of the quality of the reduced basis approximation. The method is directly applicable to mixed finite and virtual element methods, among other structure-preserving discretization techniques, and we present the extension to Darcy flow in fractured porous media.
Purification, characterization, immobilization and applications of an enzybiotic β-1,3–1,4-glucanase produced from halotolerant marine Halomonas meridiana ES021
Authors: Gadallah Eman E. , El-Borai Aliaa M. , El-Aassar Samy A. , Beltagy Ehab A.
Published: February 2023

Extracellular β-1,3–1,4-glucanase-producing strain Halomonas meridiana ES021 was isolated from Gabal El-Zeit off shore, Red Sea, Egypt. The Extracellular enzyme was partially purified by precipitation with 75% acetone followed by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, where a single protein band was determined with molecular mass of approximately 72 kDa. The Km value was 0.62 mg β-1,3–1,4-glucan/mL and Vmax value was 7936 U/mg protein. The maximum activity for the purified enzyme was observed at 40 °C, pH 5.0, and after 10 min of the reaction. β-1,3–1,4-glucanase showed strong antibacterial effect against Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Vibrio damsela. It also showed antifungal effect against Penicillium sp. followed by Aspergillus niger. No toxicity was observed when tested on Artemia salina. Semi-purified β-1,3–1,4-glucanase was noticed to be effective in clarification of different juices at different pH values and different time intervals. The maximum clarification yields were 51.61% and 66.67% on mango juice at 40 °C and pH 5.3 for 2 and 4 h, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of β-1,3–1,4-glucanase enzyme from halotolerant Halomonas species.

Graphic Abstract
An Exploratory Analysis of Differential Prescribing of High-Risk Opioids by Insurance Type Among Patients Seen by the Same Clinician
Authors: Schulson Lucy B. , Dick Andrew , Sheng Flora , Stein Bradley D.
Published: February 2023

Background

Insurance status may influence quality of opioid analgesic (OA) prescribing among patients seen by the same clinician.

Objective

To explore how high-risk OA prescribing varies by payer type among patients seeing the same prescriber and identify clinician characteristics associated with variable prescribing

Design

Retrospective cohort study using the 2016–2018 IQVIA Real World Data – Longitudinal Prescription

Participants

New OA treatment episodes for individuals ≥ 12 years, categorized by payer and prescriber. We created three dyads: prescribers with ≥ 10 commercial insurance episodes and ≥ 10 Medicaid episodes; ≥ 10 commercial insurance episodes and ≥ 10 self-pay episodes; and ≥ 10 Medicaid episodes and ≥ 10 self-pay episodes.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

Rates of high-risk episodes (initial opioid episodes with > 7-days’ supply or prescriptions with a morphine milliequivalent daily dose >90) and odds of being an unbalanced prescriber (prescribers with significantly higher percentage of high-risk episodes paid by one payer vs. the other payer)

Key Results

There were 88,352 prescribers in the Medicaid/self-pay dyad, 172,392 in the Medicaid/commercial dyad, and 122,748 in the self-pay/commercial dyad. In the Medicaid/self-pay and the commercial-self-pay dyads, self-pay episodes had higher high-risk episode rates than Medicaid (16.1% and 18.4%) or commercial (22.7% vs. 22.4%). In the Medicaid/commercial dyad, Medicaid had higher high-risk episode rates (21.1% vs. 20.4%). The proportion of unbalanced prescribers was 11–12% across dyads. In adjusted analyses, surgeons and pain specialists were more likely to be unbalanced prescribers than adult primary care physicians (PCPs) in the Medicaid/self-paydyad (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.16–1.34 and aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03–1.34). For Medicaid/commercial and self-pay/commercial dyads, surgeons had lower odds of being unbalanced compared to PCPs (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.57–0.66 and aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.61–0.68).

Conclusions

Clinicians prescribe high-risk OAs differently based on insurance type. The relationship between insurance and opioid prescribing quality goes beyond where patients receive care.
Hydrogen Diffusion and Trapping in Low-Alloy Tempered Martensitic Steels
Authors: Cupertino-Malheiros L. , Oudriss A. , Thébault F. , Piette M. , Feaugas X.
Published: February 2023

Structural characterization of ten low-alloy tempered martensitic steels of varied composition (C, Cr, Mo, Mn, and V contents) and tempering temperature was performed to question the impact of microstructural features on hydrogen state. Thermal desorption spectroscopy and electrochemical permeation data for each alloy were acquired and interpreted in view of hydrogen diffusion/trapping models. This large database provided precise information regarding solubility, diffusion coefficient, activation energies for diffusion and trapping, hydrogen distribution into lattice, and reversible and irreversible trap sites. The results reveal a tendency for the apparent diffusion coefficient to decrease with increasing yield strength, mainly related to the density of trap sites rather than lattice diffusion. Estimates of trapping at dislocation core could explain the irreversible trapping in the six steels with sub-surface hydrogen concentration smaller than 1.5 wppm. For the four steels with higher solubility, it was calculated the superabundant vacancies concentration necessary to justify the amount of trapping sites. The steel with the highest Mo and V contents presented superior solubility of trapped hydrogen which was related to its precipitation of few nanometers in size. It was considered irreversible trapping at carbon vacancies as well as reversible trapping at elastic strain fields around the detected MC carbides.
Bildung und Zeit im Kontext der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Görtler Michael
Published: February 2023

Die Bedeutung von Zeit für Bildungsprozesse im Kontext der Sozialen Arbeit ist bisher wenig erforscht. Um sich dieser Fragestellung anzunähern, werden in diesem Beitrag theoretische Überlegungen im Anschluss an Diskurse zu Bildung und Zeit in der Pädagogik angestellt. Dabei wird Zeit als ermöglichender, ökonomischer und politischer Faktor diskutiert, um die Perspektive der Sozialen Arbeit auf Bildungsprozesse zu erweitern.
Show no quarter: combating plausible lies with ex-ante honesty oaths
Authors: Babin J. Jobu , Chauhan Haritima S.
Published: February 2023

Misreporting—a form of lying—is common in online labor and remote work settings. We execute an experiment on Amazon MTurk to determine how ex-ante honesty oaths and worker beliefs impact lying behavior across a range of plausible and implausible lies. Using a novel quantile-style exposition of the types of lies reported, we find that oaths elicit more truthful behavior, reducing both small, plausible lies and large, implausible ones. Shirking is reduced under oath. Worker expectations of group reporting are positively related to individual reporting of plausible lies.
Muslim Religiosity and Juvenile Delinquency: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mohammad Taufik , Banse Rainer
Published: February 2023

While discussion of religiosity and delinquency has garnered attention in the past few decades, few studies have focused on how religiosity influences rates of delinquency among Muslim adolescents. In this systematic review, keywords were used to cull pertinent articles from two major databases (Scopus and EBSCOhost). In total, 14 articles were identified based on several inclusion criteria. In general, the studies selected showed that Muslim adolescents have a lower rate of delinquency compared to non-Muslim adolescents. However, when questions related to the measurement of delinquency (such as including violence) and the cultural context (such as including individuals who are first-generation immigrants of a non-Muslim-majority country) are taken into consideration, more complex trends are observed. Furthermore, many identified articles did not capture the essence of Muslim religiosity as conceptualized by some Muslim researchers, which has specific and unique properties that must be considered. This study demonstrates how Muslim religiosity protects against delinquency and has a potential use for intervention with Muslim adolescents.
Why does Faithful Epistemic Representation Matter for Management Practices? The Case of the Natural Environment in Management Theory
Authors: Hiquet Rose , Wordley Claire , Ansari Shahzad
Published: February 2023

Management theory is a diverse field where multiple theoretical perspectives coexist and coevolve, leading to conceptual pluralism. While conceptual pluralism is useful for grasping different aspects of the complex reality we live in, it may limit the further development of knowledge on elemental concepts. In this article, we focus on knowledge on the natural environment (NE) in management theory. We argue that management scholars and practitioners often rely on theoretical lenses that tend to reify the NE, thereby limiting the conceptualization of some of the essential properties of the NE. Drawing on the example of the conceptual development of the ecosystem services (ES) at the intersection of economics and biology, we identify the advantages and the limits of interdisciplinary theory-building and testing. Finally, we discuss how tools from the philosophy of science can be useful for proposing a way forward for integrating reliable knowledge on the natural environment in management theory.
Rate and risk factors for pediatric cervical spine fusion pseudarthrosis: opportunity for improvement
Authors: Compton Edward , Illingworth Kenneth D. , Stephan Stephen , Skaggs David L. , Andras Lindsay M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although the pediatric population typically has a high union rate, the cervical spine has a reputation for frequent pseduarthrosis, as high as 38% in some prior series. Our purpose was to examine the rate and risk factors for pseudarthrosis in pediatric cervical spine fusions.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients with ≥ 2 years follow-up undergoing cervical spinal fusion between January 2004 and December 2019 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Pseudarthrosis was defined as an absence of radiographic union as assessed by the attending surgeon for which revision surgery was performed.

Results

64 patients (mean age: 8.4 ± 4.7 years) met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 63.3 ± 41.4 months (range: 24–187 months). 28 fusions (44%) included the occiput. 41 patients (64%) had instrumentation, while 23 patients (36%) had uninstrumented fusions. 48 (75%) patients had a halo for a mean of 97.6 ± 49.5 days. The incidence of pseudarthrosis was as follows: overall = 8/64 (12.5%); posterior fusion = 14.8% (8/54); anterior fusions = 0% (0/4); and anteroposterior fusions = 0% (0/6). The rate of pseudarthrosis was over 8 times higher in fusions involving the occiput (occipitocervical fusion: 25.0%; 7/28 vs. cervical alone: 2.8%; 1/36; p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, the rate of pseudarthrosis was 3 times higher in uninstrumented fusions (21.7%; 5/23) than instrumented fusions (7.3%; 3/41) (p = 0.12). In patients with uninstrumented fusion to the occiput, pseudarthrosis rate was 35.7% (5/14), which was higher compared to those who did not (6.0%; 3/50) (p = 0.01). Incidence of pseudarthrosis was similar in patients who received autograft (13.0%; 7/54) compared to allograft alone (10.0%; 1/10) (p > 0.999).

Conclusions

The pseudarthrosis rate in pediatric cervical spine fusions remained high despite frequent use of halo immobilization and autograft. Patients with uninstrumented occipitocervical fusions are at particularly high risk with more than 1 in 3 developing a pseudarthrosis.

Study design

Retrospective, Comparative.

Level of Evidence

III.
The origin of pigment-binding differences in CP29 and LHCII: the role of protein structure and dynamics
Authors: Elias Eduard , Liguori Nicoletta , Croce Roberta
Published: February 2023

The first step of photosynthesis in plants is performed by the light-harvesting complexes (LHC), a large family of pigment-binding proteins embedded in the photosynthetic membranes. These complexes are conserved across species, suggesting that each has a distinct role. However, they display a high degree of sequence homology and their static structures are almost identical. What are then the structural features that determine their different properties? In this work, we compared the two best-characterized LHCs of plants: LHCII and CP29. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we could rationalize the difference between them in terms of pigment-binding properties. The data also show that while the loops between the helices are very flexible, the structure of the transmembrane regions remains very similar in the crystal and the membranes. However, the small structural differences significantly affect the excitonic coupling between some pigment pairs. Finally, we analyzed in detail the structure of the long N-terminus of CP29, showing that it is structurally stable and it remains on top of the membrane even in the absence of other proteins. Although the structural changes upon phosphorylation are minor, they can explain the differences in the absorption properties of the pigments observed experimentally.

Graphical abstract
Ambulantes Verordnungsverhalten von Antibiotika und Einstellung zum Verordnungsfeedback
Authors: Mentzel Anja , Maun Andy
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

In der ambulanten Patientenversorgung in Deutschland besteht bei Antibiotikaverordnungen für gängige Infektionskrankheiten Optimierungspotenzial, um der Entwicklung von Antibiotikaresistenzen und Risiken durch Nebenwirkungen entgegenzuwirken. Dies betrifft auch Hausarztpraxen. Ein Verordnungsfeedback zeigte in internationalen Studien Potenzial, ist aber in Deutschland kaum etabliert. Ziel dieser qualitativen Studie war es, die Einflüsse von situativen und systembedingten Faktoren auf das Antibiotikaverordnungsverhalten von deutschen Hausärztinnen und Hausärzten zu untersuchen. Ein Fokus lag dabei auf Leitlinien sowie dem Einsatz von Verordnungsfeedbacks.

Methoden

Es wurden 11 Leitfadeninterviews geführt, transkribiert und in Anlehnung an die qualitative Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz ausgewertet. Zur Qualitätssicherung wurde sich an den COREQ-Kriterien („consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research“) von Tong et al. orientiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse weisen auf eine Diskrepanz zwischen Absicht und tatsächlichem Handeln („intention–behaviour gap“) als mögliche Ursache inadäquater Verordnungen trotz eines hohen Problembewusstseins hin. Diese wird durch unterschiedliche im Praxisallalltag auftretende Spannungsfelder begünstigt. Es wurde eine hausärztliche Kultur der Autonomie deutlich, die bei bestehenden Freiheiten und Belastungen über verschiedene innere Prozesse und Erfahrungen eine Ambivalenz zum Verordnungsfeedback zu begünstigen scheint. Davon lassen sich auch Ansatzpunkte zur Begegnung von Resistenzen sowie Implikationen für Akzeptanzkriterien eines möglichen Feedbacks ableiten. Insbesondere die Skepsis gegenüber Vergleichsdarstellungen im Sinne einer „peer comparison“ verdeutlicht eine Assoziation externer Rückmeldungen mit Maßregelungen und legt einen ein „Peer-based“-Ansatz mit Betonung der kollegialen und individuellen Unterstützung nahe.

Schlussfolgerungen

Künftige Untersuchungen sollten beide Ansätze gegenüberstellen und eine mögliche Integration prüfen. Ferner sollte das Ausmaß tatsächlicher auffälliger Verordnungen und der „intention–behaviour gap“, z. B. in gemischt quantitativ-qualitativen Untersuchungen, genauer abgeschätzt werden.
Analytical method for computing assembly errors in modular antenna during on-orbit assembly
Authors: Dong H.J. , Li T.J. , Zheng S.K. , Wang Z.W. , Tang Y.Q. , Ma X.F. , Li Y.
Published: February 2023

To meet the increasing communication demands, the satellites need to be equipped with the high-accuracy and large-aperture antennas. One of the effective methods to construct the modular antennas with ultra-high accuracy and ultra-large aperture is on-orbit assembly technology. During the on-orbit assembly missions, the assembly error is a key factor to affect the surface accuracy of the modular antennas. This paper studies the node design of each module and the assembly error analysis of the modular antennas. A design method of the module nodes is presented with consideration of the assembly gap between two modules. Meanwhile, a soft connection mechanism is designed to ensure the mobility among the assembly modules. To investigate the transmission law of the assembly errors, an analytical model of assembly error is derived based on the exponential product method. In order to establish the deformation surface with rotation and displacement assembly errors, an error ball concept is proposed by the analytical model. To decrease the assembly errors, the actuators are installed among some modules. Moreover, an adjustment method is proposed to obtain the adjustment amounts of actuators. Finally, the correctness of analytical model and the effectiveness of the adjustment method are demonstrated by the numerical simulations.
Constitution-Making as a Technique of International Law: Reconsidering the Post-war Inheritance
Authors: Saunders Anna
Published: February 2023

Over the last three decades, international lawyers and institutions have come to understand constitution-making as an accepted technique of international law and a means of delivering peace and security. In defending this technique from its critics, scholars have drawn on a particular tradition of constitution-making that understands constitutionalism as a lawful form of international action, realizable through a set of formal practices, and juridically distinct from material concerns. This Article explores the building of this tradition through the work of legal scholars within the United States in conversation with German and Jewish émigré scholars and argues that reimagining constitutionalism for the coming decades requires rethinking this separation between the juridical and the material, as well as asking what constitutionalism demands of the laws governing the global economy.