bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards more sustainable higher education institutions: Implementing the sustainable development goals and embedding sustainability into the information and computer technology curricula
Authors: Angelaki Maria Eftychia , Bersimis Fragkiskos , Karvounidis Theodoros , Douligeris Christos
Published: July 2023

Lately, there has been a rising trend towards integrating sustainability issues and implementing sustainable development (SD) goals into higher education, especially in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. This paper presents the challenges of the introduction of education for sustainability in higher education institutions, analyzes how these challenges could be addressed, and records the essential principles that can guide the incorporation of SD education in higher education. At the same time, this paper advocates the concept of sustainability integration into undergraduate ICT curricula and provides indications for developing ICT curricula that integrate sustainability issues. This paper also examines the contribution of education to the environmental awareness of the students at a Greek University while it captures their perceptions regarding the necessity for the inclusion of sustainability in the ICT curricula. The results are based on the processing of two questionnaires (pre-test and post-test data) distributed during two lectures regarding sustainability at a two-week interval. The findings of the study prove that the direct effect of the educational intervention on the intention of the students to engage in sustainability is significant. Furthermore, it is observed that students show a positive attitude towards integrating sustainability issues into their ICT education. In addition, although students had a deficient level of understanding of the concept of SD goals before the intervention, they showed a significant increment in their previous knowledge regarding sustainability and the environmental impact of ICT studies. The research also reveals that the students are not satisfied with the engagement of the university towards sustainability, and they propose various awareness activities to support their engagement with sustainability issues in an inclusive manner.
The effects of mid-to-late Pliocene climatic fluctuations on the habitat and distribution of early hominins
Authors: Trájer A. J.
Published: July 2023

The climatic fluctuations of the Pliocene played a substantial role in the emergence ofHomoandParanthropus. I studied the climatic suitability and affinity of hominins in Africa to understand how the regional effects of global climatic alternations influenced their occurrence in the mid-late Pliocene epoch. The modelled climatic suitability values indicate the existence of three potential main ranges in the continent. Late Pliocene climatic changes might result in notably fluctuating habitability conditions in the North, Central East, and Southern Africa. In the Afar Region, the range of the changing suitability values was narrower than in the other regions. Therefore, it can be assumed thatAustralopithecus afarensismight be more resistant to climatic fluctuations than the others.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding career-designing experiences of North Korean immigrant youths in South Korea
Authors: Shin Yun-Jeong , Yoon Hyo-Jung , Kang Yoojin , Choi Allis J. , Konuk Ayşe Işılay , Jun Jooram , Ji Eun
Published: July 2023

North Korean immigrant youth are underrepresented in career development research fields. We explored contextual factors that work as resources or hindrances to obtaining adequate education and exploring career paths in addition to the unfilled psychological needs they want to fill in through securing decent work. By analyzing the interview with 12 participants, we found three domains with 17 categories. The main hindering factors were the difference in language, academic curriculum, and lack of career information. Resources included increased self-understanding, social support, and past work or educational experience. Lastly, psychological needs were the sense of autonomy, economic stability, and social recognition.
Underlying Factors Influencing the Quality of Online EFL Teaching in Higher Education: An Iranian Case Study
Authors: Konuralp Hilmiye , Topping Keith J.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to uncover hidden factors influencing online teaching in Iran. In-depth semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted to understand English as a Foreign Language teachers' perceptions of online teaching in a state university located in an economically deprived province of the country. Data were analysed thematically, resulting in a number of sub-themes representing both benefits and drawbacks. In turn, the sub-themes were grouped under the following major themes; the impact other of the sudden transition to online education, financial influences, technology influences, and teacher self-efficacy. Despite the advantages of online teaching, there were a number of identified challenges, some beyond teachers' control, and some within. No evidence was found of interventions aimed at reducing the impacts of the challenges. Economic sanctions, strict restrictions on online activities, and technological limitations made effective online teaching extremely difficult, therefore demonstrating that shifts in government policy and resourcing, plus innovative methods of teaching and digital interventions, were needed.
A Longitudinal Study of Stress During Pregnancy, Children’s Sleep and Polygenic Risk for Poor Sleep in the General Pediatric Population
Authors: Kocevska Desana , Schuurmans Isabel K. , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Jansen Pauline W. , van Someren Eus J. W. , Luik Annemarie I.
Published: July 2023

Early life stress is robustly associated with poor sleep across life. Preliminary studies suggest that these associations may begin already in utero. Here, we study the longitudinal associations of prenatal psychosocial stress with sleep across childhood, and assess whether prenatal stress interacts with genetic liability for poor sleep.

The study is embedded in the Generation R population-based birth cohort. Caregivers reported on prenatal psychosocial stress (life events, contextual, parental or interpersonal stressors) and on children’s sleep at ages 2 months, 1.5, 2, 3 and 6 years. The study sample consisted of 4,930 children; polygenic risk scores for sleep traits were available in 2,063.

Prenatal stress was consistently associated with more sleep problems across assessments. Effect sizes ranged from small (B = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.14;0.27) at 2 months to medium (B = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.38;0.53) at 2 years. Prenatal stress was moreover associated with shorter sleep duration at 2 months (Bhrs = -0.22, 95%CI: -0.32;-0.12) and at 2 years (Bhrs = -0.04, 95%CI -0.07; -0.001), but not at 3 years (Bhrs = 0.02, 95%CI: -0.02;0.06). Prenatal negative life events interacted with polygenic risk for insomnia to exacerbate sleep problems at 6 years (Binteraction = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02;0.13).

Psychosocial stress during pregnancy has negative associations with children’s sleep that persist across childhood, and are exacerbated by genetic liability for insomnia. Associations with sleep duration were more pronounced in infancy and seem to attenuate with age. These findings highlight the role of the prenatal environment for developing sleep regulation, and could inform early intervention programs targeting sleep in children from high-risk pregnancies.
Follicular steroidogenesis in random start protocols for oocyte cryopreservation
Authors: Galati Giulia , Somigliana Edgardo , Ciaffaglione Marta , Reschini Marco , Serra Nicole , Sanzani Elena , Viganò Paola , Polledri Elisa , Fustinoni Silvia , Muzii Ludovico , Filippi Francesca
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Random start protocols are commonly used for oocyte cryopreservation in women with cancer. However, albeit generally reassuring, available evidence is still insufficient to rule out a sub-optimal cycle outcome. This study aimed to compare follicular steroidogenesis between women initiating the random start protocol in the luteal phase and those initiating in the follicular phase.

Methods

Consecutive women with cancer scheduled for oocyte cryostorage were prospectively recruited. We excluded those requiring a concomitant letrozole assumption. All women received a standardized protocol with recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonists. At the time of oocyte retrieval, follicular fluids were pooled, and a sample was collected and frozen at −80 °C. All samples were assayed concomitantly after thawing by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentration of 15 different steroid hormones was determined.

Results

Seventy-one women were recruited. Thirty-three initiated the ovarian stimulation in the luteal phase, while the remaining 38 initiated in the follicular phase. Baseline characteristics were generally similar. Cycle outcome did also not differ; the median (interquartile range) number of frozen mature oocytes was 9 (5–14) and 10 (5–21), respectively (p = 0.42). None of the 15 tested steroid hormones differed.

Conclusions

The endocrine microenvironment surrounding oocytes is not markedly influenced by the phase of the menstrual cycle at the initiation of ovarian stimulation. This result further supports the validity of random start protocols.
Principal Eigenvalue and Landscape Function of the Anderson Model on a Large Box
Authors: Sánchez-Mendoza Daniel
Published: July 2023

We state a precise formulation of a conjecture concerning the product of the principal eigenvalue and the sup-norm of the landscape function of the discrete Anderson model restricted to a large box. We first provide the asymptotic of the principal eigenvalue as the size of the box grows, and then use it to give a partial proof of the conjecture. For the one dimensional case, we give a complete proof by means of Green function bounds.
Heuristic sequencing methods for time optimal tracking of nested, open and closed paths
Authors: Zauner Christian , Gattringer Hubert , Müller Andreas , Jörgl Matthias
Published: July 2023

Tracking sequences of predefined open and closed paths is of crucial interest for applications like laser cutting and similar production processes. The disconnected paths are connected by non-productive, four times continuously differentiable trajectories, which also account for the overall process time. Heuristic methods are applied in order to find a proper sequencing of the open and closed path and thereby minimize the overall process time while respecting constraints given by the system limits. To this end, the exact traversing times of the non-productive linking trajectories are computed, which also have to be time optimal subject to the system limits. While problems with only closed paths present can be formulated as travelling salesman problem, handling open and nested paths introduce additional constraints. Two heuristic algorithms for travelling salesman problems are extended for open path processing and compared with respect to solution quality and calculation time using randomly generated problems. Finally, problems with nested cutting path structures are addressed by extending the heuristic algorithm with the best performance to account for the precedence constraints, associated with these nested structures.
Synchronization measurement based on Poincaré’s sphere
Authors: Ochs Karlheinz , Al Beattie Bakr
Published: July 2023

Synchronization is an important phenomenon occurring in many complex systems, such as neural networks, power grids, or social networks. Various methods have been proposed to measure synchronization, each with its advantages and limitations. In this work, we introduce the Poincaré sphere as a generalized measure of synchronization, which provides a useful tool to visualize the similarities between oscillations. We propose the notion of “total synchronization,” which considers amplitude, frequency, and phase synchronization, all of which can be measured and visualized simultaneously on the Poincaré sphere. We show that visualizing oscillatory trajectories on the Poincaré sphere has advantages over the more typical two-dimensional representation, particularly in cases where a projection onto a two-dimensional space cannot capture the similarities between different oscillations. Furthermore, we apply this new synchronization measurement to linear and nonlinear oscillators and provide two concrete examples of its application in visualizing phase jitter in noisy oscillations and quantizing solutions of oscillator-based Ising machines. Our work demonstrates the usefulness of the Poincaré sphere as a generalized measure of synchronization and provides a new perspective on studying synchronization in complex systems.
A longitudinal experiment examining the joint effects of social, dimensional, and temporal comparisons on self- and external assessments of students’ abilities
Authors: Wolff Fabian
Published: July 2023

This study examined the joint effects of social comparisons (comparisons of one’s own achievements with those of others), dimensional comparisons (comparisons of one’s own achievements in different domains), and temporal comparisons (comparisons of one’s own achievements across time) on students’ ability assessments. For the first time a longitudinal experiment, using N = 411 students from German universities, was conducted to examine these comparison effects on students’ own self-concepts, their inferred self-concepts of a peer, and their own assessments of a peer’s abilities in the figural and verbal domains. As expected, significant social and dimensional comparison effects on the different kinds of ability ratings were found. However, contrary to assumptions, most temporal comparison effects were nonsignificant. The social comparison effects were stronger than the dimensional and temporal comparison effects. Moreover, the social comparison effects were stronger, while one dimensional comparison effect was weaker, when students assessed their peers’ abilities, rather than inferring the self-concepts of their peers.
Bioremediation of environments contaminated with mercury. Present and perspectives
Authors: González-Reguero Daniel , Robas-Mora Marina , Probanza Lobo Agustín , Jiménez Gómez Pedro Antonio
Published: July 2023

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal whose emission sources can be both natural and the result of anthropic activity. Its polluting action on soils, and its ability to spread through the atmosphere and aquatic environments, constitutes a threat to human and environmental health; both for its bioaccumulation capacity and for biomagnification through the trophic chain. For this reason, there is a growing scientific and social interest in the reduction of this heavy metal in ecosystems. Bioremediation based on the use of microorganisms and/or plants is postulated as a sustainable alternative to traditional physicochemical methods. The main strategies used for this purpose (individually or in combination) are the volatilization of the contaminant, biosorption, phytoextraction and phytoremediation. All these tools are based on taking advantage of the natural and evolutionary capacity that different organisms have developed to adapt to the presence of various pollutants in the environment. Based on the consulted bibliography, these bioremediation methodologies focus on the use of microorganisms (freely or associated with plants) have been successfully applied in different ecosystems, postulating themselves as a respectful alternative for the future for the recovery of degraded environments. For these reasons there is a growing interest in the scientific community to design and use new techniques in a “One Health” context, which allow interpreting the positive impact of bioremediation. In this sense, the universalization of Omics techniques has allowed to abound in the knowledge of new bacterial taxa, and their biotechnological application. This study pretends to cover the present knowledge about mercury bioremediation techniques. In the same way, some new techniques and perspectives are presented in order to expand the frontiers of future research.
Bee venom (Apis mellifera L.) rescues zinc oxide nanoparticles induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impact via controlling neurofilament and GAP-43 in rat brain
Authors: Eleiwa Naglaa Z. H. , Ali Mahmoud Abo-Alkasem , Said Enas N. , Metwally Mohamed M. M. , Abd-ElHakim Yasmina M.
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the possible beneficial role of the bee venom (BV, Apis mellifera L.) against zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs)-induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impacts in rats. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were alienated into five groups. Three groups were intraperitoneally injected distilled water (C 28D group), ZNPs (100 mg/kg b.wt) (ZNPs group), or ZNPs (100 mg/kg.wt) and BV (1 mg/ kg.bwt) (ZNPs + BV group) for 28 days. One group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of distilled water for 56 days (C 56D group). The last group was intraperitoneally injected with ZNPs for 28 days, then BV for another 28 days at the same earlier doses and duration (ZNPs/BV group). Depression, anxiety, locomotor activity, spatial learning, and memory were evaluated using the forced swimming test, elevated plus maze, open field test, and Morris water maze test, respectively. The brain contents of dopamine, serotonin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Zn were estimated. The histopathological changes and immunoexpressions of neurofilament and GAP-43 protein in the brain tissues were followed. The results displayed that BV significantly decreased the ZNPs-induced depression, anxiety, memory impairment, and spatial learning disorders. Moreover, the ZNPs-induced increment in serotonin and dopamine levels and Zn content was significantly suppressed by BV. Besides, BV significantly restored the depleted TAC but minimized the augmented MDA brain content associated with ZNPs exposure. Likewise, the neurodegenerative changes induced by ZNPs were significantly abolished by BV. Also, the increased neurofilament and GAP-43 immunoexpression due to ZNPs exposure were alleviated with BV. Of note, BV achieved better results in the ZNPs + BV group than in the ZNPs/BV group. Conclusively, these results demonstrated that BV could be employed as a biologically effective therapy to mitigate the neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects of ZNPs, particularly when used during ZNPs exposure.
Quantitative and physiological behavior techniques to investigate the evolution of monospecies biofilm of pathogenic bacteria on material surfaces
Authors: Hemdan Bahaa A. , El-Liethy Mohamed Azab , El-Taweel Gamila E.
Published: July 2023

In most natural habitats, microbes are not discovered in the planktonic phase but in multispecies biofilm communities. Bacteria in diverse microbial biofilm may interact or conflict relying on the varieties and features of solid surfaces. Hence, mono-species biofilm formed some potentially Gram-negative pathogenic species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, on two different materials: stainless steel (SS) and polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The developed biofilm was comprehensively studied using different approaches. Results displayed that the biofilm developed upon SS was more intensive than on PP. Statistically, a compelling correlation with significance was recorded between the biofilm age and increasing bacterial biofilm populations formed upon PP and SS materials. Likewise, the excellent levels of produced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the biofilm formed upon both PP and SS were reached after 80 days. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs exhibited the surface structure of biofilm for E. coli, S. enterica, and P. aeruginosa developed upon two materials (PP and SS). The results show that, the formed biofilm cells for all tested bacterial strains grown upon PP material were more minor than SS. In conclusion, the existing investigation delivers better knowledge about the approaches that could be applied to investigate biofilm formation on various surface materials. Likewise, biopolymers such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a critical role in establishing clusters and microcolonies.
Complexity-driven product design: part 1—methodological framework and geometrical complexity index
Authors: Greco Alessandro , Manco Pasquale , Russo Mario Brandon , Gerbino Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Modern industries are experiencing radical changes due to the introduction of high technological innovations. In this context, even more highly complex and customized products are required, increasing the need of tending towards the concept of complexity for free. In addition, new products are conceived with the circular economy in mind, considering possible multi life-cycle at the early design stage to reduce time and costs while ensuring high quality standards. To evaluate the overall product complexity, this research combines geometrical, manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly complexity features, typically treated separately in the literature. The research is divided into two parts and proposes a novel methodological framework for assessing product complexity with an overall view, integrating many aspects of product life cycle. The framework aims to create a rank of product configurations, on the base of complexity. Making complexity assessment procedures objective is essential to effectively support decision-making processes, especially when introducing advanced manufacturing technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (AM). Additionally, it is necessary to know the complexity of the individual components before the overall assembly. This paper deals with the first part of the research, proposing the aforementioned novel methodological framework, with a great focus on geometrical complexity. A geometrical complexity index is defined through experimental and numerical surveys, involving CAD modeling experts and considering numerous metrics found in the technical literature. The proposed methodological framework and the geometrical complexity metric can provide useful tools for businesses looking to evaluate their product complexity and identify areas for improvement.
Opioid mortality in the US: quantifying the direct and indirect impact of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Gopal Sucharita , Fischer Manfred M.
Published: July 2023

This paper employs a spatial Durbin panel data model, an extension of the cross-sectional spatial Durbin model to a panel data framework, to quantify the impact of a set of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that influence opioid-related mortality in the US. The empirical model uses a pool of 49 US states over six years from 2014 to 2019, and a nearest-neighbor matrix that represents the topological structure between the states. Calculation of direct (own-state) and indirect (cross-state spillover) effects estimates is based on Bayesian estimation and inference reflecting a proper interpretation of the marginal effects for the model that involves spatial lags of the dependent and independent variables. The study provides evidence that opioid mortality depends not only on the characteristics of the state itself (direct effects), but also on those of nearby states (indirect effects). Direct effects are important, but externalities (spatial spillovers) are more important. The sociodemographic structure (age and race) of a state is important whereas economic distress of a state is less so, as indicated by the total impact estimates. The methodology and the research findings provide a useful template for future empirical work using other geographic locations or shifting interest to other epidemics.
Systemic Complications Secondary to Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Mannion Rory , Fitzpatrick Emer
Published: July 2023

The systemic sequelae of chronic liver disease (CLD) may be due to portal hypertension and shunting, malnutrition, and/or a low grade inflammatory state. This article will focus on the consequences of chronic liver disease affecting extrahepatic organs. Portal hypertension underlies many systemic complications of CLD. Aside from varices and ascites, portal hypertension may cause both hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension leading to respiratory compromise. Cardiomyopathy may also occur secondary to end stage liver disease. Hepatorenal syndrome is also well recognised and hepatic encephalopathy is a consequence of the effect of liver dysfunction on the brain. Compromise of the immune system is well described in end-stage liver disease leading to sepsis and its consequences. Bony disease including osteoporosis and hepatic arthropathy may both be seen in children with CLD. CLD may be asymptomatic initially but then complications may present as the disease progresses. Furthermore, systemic effects of end stage liver disease may complicate liver transplant. These complications often present insidiously or at the time of acute decompensation. Thus, it is important that healthcare providers are vigilant when caring for children with CLD. This article outlines the secondary complications of CLD with an overview of the definition and diagnosis, pathophysiology, management and prognosis of each.
Gravity corrections for the updated italian levelling network
Authors: Barzaghi Riccardo , Carrion Daniela , Carroccio Marianna , Maseroli Renzo , Stefanelli Giacomo , Venuti Giovanna
Published: July 2023

The Italian official height system is defined through a high precision levelling network established and maintained by the Istituto Geografico Militare - IGM. During the last 20 years, IGM has performed levelling campaigns on almost the whole peninsular area of Italy with the aim of both densifying the existing network and updating the reference heights. This paper reports about the procedure applied to correct the levelling observations for the gravity effects and the assessment on the results. The needed gravity values were predicted from the Italian gravity dataset (IGD), and both from EGM2008 and XGM2019e high resolution global gravity models. A new formulation of the normal correction as well as the standard orthometric correction were applied. The IGD derived corrections proved to be effective by reducing the misclosure error of critical loops below the tolerance level. Gravity data derived from EGM2008 and XGM2019e proved to be too poor for the correction purposes, as it was also confirmed by a comparison against available observed data, with RMS of the differences, in Alpine ares, ranging between 50 and 100 mGal.
In search of ancient pre-Roman imperial roads: state of research and some methodological recommendations
Authors: Marciak Michał , Szypuła Bartłomiej , Sobczyński Daniel
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, there has been a considerable growth of scientific interest in the question of travel and mobility in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. As far as the southern Levant is concerned, this interest has yielded much research about travel and mobility in Late Antique Palestine (including the Roman imperial road network), leaving the question of pre-Roman travel and mobility a much-understudied field of study. However, recent archaeological discoveries have revolutionized our state of knowledge about material remains of pre-Roman roads, which were once believed to not have been preserved. Namely, remains of several pre-Roman roads have been discovered on the ground in modern Jordan and Israel: the Aroer Ascent, “Glueck’s Road,” Naqeb Dahal, the Wadi Zarqa-Main road, the Callirrhoe–Machaerus road, and the Masada–Hebron road. In this context, the aim of this paper was, first, to study the spatial and archaeological features of the archaeologically attested ancient pre-Roman roads, and second, to evaluate all of the available types of remote data as tools serving in the detection of artifacts (especially archival cartographic, aerial, and satellite data; archaeological data; and least-cost simulations of Geographic Information Systems [GIS]). As a result, several conclusions are suggested. First, old topographic maps are a very promising source of data for potential new discoveries since they contain both explicit and implicit hints at the existence of ancient roads. Second, information about archaeological data and the Roman imperial road network may also offer important reference points if the quality of databases is improved in the future. Third, the use of GIS simulations based on 30 m digital elevation models has very substantial limitations. In particular, the use of least cost paths and corridors for simulating short-distance travel has turned out to be fruitless. At the same time, the use of least cost corridors for predicting long-distance travel offers some promising results.
Developing an innovative and high-performance method for recovering reusable launcher stages: the in-air capturing method
Authors: Stappert S. , Singh S. , Funke A. , Sippel M.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the research within the Horizon 2020-funded project FALCon on the innovative “In-Air Capturing” (IAC) method is presented. This recovery method for reusable rocket stages involves capture of a winged launcher stage with an aircraft in a gliding flight at subsonic velocity. Hence, the IAC procedure involves multiple vehicles interacting in a highly dynamic and complex environment, which requires detailed investigation before being used in a future full-scale setup. First, this paper gives an overview of the implications of using the IAC method on launcher system design. Second, the subscale flight testing with unmanned aerial systems (UASs) is explained. An analysis of all full-scale systems involved is also conducted, including the towing aircraft, an aerodynamically controlled capturing device that is connected via a rope to the aircraft, and the RLV stage. CFD simulations are conducted to understand the implications of the flow field around the vehicles and their impact on the IAC maneuver. Next, some full-scale trajectory simulations for different maneuvers involved in IAC are produced. The trajectory is also evaluated for subscale flight simulations, wherein the data acquired during flight tests is used. Finally, the progress and potential future outlook for this recovery method are described.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Sensing Characteristics of Multi-Peak Terahertz Metamaterials Sensor in Polarization Mode
Authors: Wang Yuee , Li Dongxia , Luo Huiwen , Li Zhi , Hu Fangrong , Zhang Huo , Yu Lingyao
Published: July 2023

In this study, the multi-peak terahertz metamaterials sensors are designed and fabricated, whose structures are the asymmetrical single split ring (SSR) and three split rings (TSR). The resonant formation and sensing mechanism of the two structures are investigated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Vitamin B6 (VB6) and its reactants with bovine serum protein (BSA) are tested as the medium, and the sensing experiments of the SSR and TSR are carried out. The experimental and simulation results indicate the consistent law, which is the sensitivity of the resonance in the transverse magnetic (TM) mode is much greater than that in the transverse electric (TE) mode. According to the weighted average method and the law for unequal precision measuring, the quality factor of the resonance is used as the weighting coefficient to calculate the comprehensive evaluation parameter (CEP) of the multi-peak metamaterials sensors in the TE and TM modes based on the experimental data. When the CEP and frequency shifts are as the evaluation parameter in experiments, the law’s variation of the CEP is consistent with that of the frequency shift, indicating that it is feasible to characterize the sensing characteristics of metamaterials with the CEP, which presents simplified characteristics of multi-peak metamaterials at different polarization modes. The method implies that the different influencing factors may be integrated into the CEP with the idea of weight, which promotes the practical application of the metamaterials sensor. The revelation of the sensing law also provides a method for the design of the terahertz metamaterials sensor with the high sensitivity.
Combining Milpa and Push-Pull Technology for sustainable food production in smallholder agriculture. A review
Authors: Librán-Embid Felipe , Olagoke Adewole , Martin Emily A.
Published: July 2023

Achieving food security remains a pressing challenge for small-scale farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Ongoing climate change, invasive noxious weeds, and crop pests further exacerbate the situation. Optimizing traditional cropping systems for sustainable yields and climate-resilient production is imperative in order to address this challenge. The pre-Columbian milpa system of intercropping maize with companion crops such as beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and squash (Cucurbita spp.) is one effective system that has been shown to produce outstanding yields per unit area compared to monoculture systems. The Push-Pull Technology developed in East Africa, based on the use of repellent and trap companion plants intercropped with maize (and to a lesser extent sorghum), is seen to be similarly effective in minimizing the impact of major pests on yields, including striga weed (Striga spp.), maize stemborers, and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Although both systems have the potential to compensate for each other’s limitations, there has been no cross-system learning between the Mesoamerican milpa and the East African Push-Pull Technology. Here, we review both systems and present the advantages likely to be obtained by combining these technologies in small-scale farming. The proposed milpa push-pull system could adapt to different gradients of altitude, rainfall, and soil nutrient levels, in addition to controlling pests, and therefore has the potential to become a fundamental cropping technique in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Proposal and extensive test of a calibration protocol for crop phenology models
Authors: Wallach Daniel , Palosuo Taru , Thorburn Peter , Mielenz Henrike , Buis Samuel , Hochman Zvi , Gourdain Emmanuelle , Andrianasolo Fety , Dumont Benjamin , Ferrise Roberto , Gaiser Thomas , Garcia Cecile , Gayler Sebastian , Harrison Matthew , Hiremath Santosh , Horan Heidi , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Jansson Per-Erik , Jing Qi , Justes Eric , Kersebaum Kurt-Christian , Launay Marie , Lewan Elisabet , Liu Ke , Mequanint Fasil , Moriondo Marco , Nendel Claas , Padovan Gloria , Qian Budong , Schütze Niels , Seserman Diana-Maria , Shelia Vakhtang , Souissi Amir , Specka Xenia , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Trombi Giacomo , Weber Tobias K. D. , Weihermüller Lutz , Wöhling Thomas , Seidel Sabine J.
Published: July 2023

A major effect of environment on crops is through crop phenology, and therefore, the capacity to predict phenology for new environments is important. Mechanistic crop models are a major tool for such predictions, but calibration of crop phenology models is difficult and there is no consensus on the best approach. We propose an original, detailed approach for calibration of such models, which we refer to as a calibration protocol. The protocol covers all the steps in the calibration workflow, namely choice of default parameter values, choice of objective function, choice of parameters to estimate from the data, calculation of optimal parameter values, and diagnostics. The major innovation is in the choice of which parameters to estimate from the data, which combines expert knowledge and data-based model selection. First, almost additive parameters are identified and estimated. This should make bias (average difference between observed and simulated values) nearly zero. These are “obligatory” parameters, that will definitely be estimated. Then candidate parameters are identified, which are parameters likely to explain the remaining discrepancies between simulated and observed values. A candidate is only added to the list of parameters to estimate if it leads to a reduction in BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion), which is a model selection criterion. A second original aspect of the protocol is the specification of documentation for each stage of the protocol. The protocol was applied by 19 modeling teams to three data sets for wheat phenology. All teams first calibrated their model using their “usual” calibration approach, so it was possible to compare usual and protocol calibration. Evaluation of prediction error was based on data from sites and years not represented in the training data. Compared to usual calibration, calibration following the new protocol reduced the variability between modeling teams by 22% and reduced prediction error by 11%.
Urban environmental ethics and coastal transformations: remapping the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, in a process of marine spatial planning
Authors: Aschenbrenner Marie
Published: July 2023

This paper is motivated by recent debates about marine spatial planning (MSP) and a blue economy, pushed worldwide for marine and coastal transitions but discussed by critical scholars as potentially facilitating a neoliberalization of the seas. It engages with an MSP project initiated in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, to formally bargain for a better socionatural state of the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana (Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari, 2013–2016). The paper is interested in the way ethics—proper ways of living—are being problematized and (re)claimed in MSP, and their role in remapping the land/seascape, its socionature and power relations. I employ and develop urban ethics as a research agenda, which draws together a diverse scope of work, in particular post-political theory, neoliberal forms of governing and ethicization, ontological pluralism and (re)centering alternative/non-hegemonic ethicalities. By disentangling the problematizations, naturalcultural imaginaries and governmentalities in 21 in-depth interviews, I identify four distinct but interwoven discursive strands in regard to the MSP. Two strands stand out as they problematize ethics as a means of change. The paper finds transformative potential in a mode of disruption and progressive alternatives to neoliberal beliefs and governmentality, primarily in the (re)centering of non-normative Māori ethicality and knowledge. The paper reveals ethics as a major dimension in environmental bargaining within a neoliberal urban context. Its nuanced understanding of ethics shows ethics’ destabilizing role in environmental bargaining, its role in disrupting power structures and colonizing framings, and in supporting alternative imaginations of socionatural land/sea relations.
A new method for interpreting well-to-well interference tests and quantifying the magnitude of production impact: theory and applications in a multi-basin case study
Authors: Almasoodi Mouin , Andrews Thad , Johnston Curtis , Singh Ankush , McClure Mark
Published: July 2023

Interference tests are used in shale reservoirs to evaluate the strength of connectivity between wells. The results inform engineering decisions about well spacing. In this paper, we propose a new procedure for interpreting interference tests. We fit the initial interference response with the solution to the 1D diffusivity equation at an offset observation point. It is advantageous to use the initial interference response, rather than the subsequent trend, because the initial response is less affected by nonlinearities, time-varying boundary conditions, and uncertainties about flow geometry and flow regime. From the curve fit, we estimate the hydraulic diffusivity and the conductivity of the fractures connecting the wells. For engineering purposes, it would be useful to quantify the impact of interference on well production. Thus, we seek a relationship between the ‘degree of production interference’ (DPI) and an appropriate dimensionless quantity that can be derived from the estimate of fracture conductivity. Using simulations run under a wide range of conditions, we find that the classical definition for dimensionless fracture conductivity does not achieve a consistent prediction of DPI. This occurs because the dimensionless fracture conductivity was derived assuming radial flow geometry, but the dominant flow geometry during shale production is linear. We also find that the Chow Pressure Group metric does not yield consistently accurate predictions of DPI. As an alternative, we derive a dimensionless quantity similar to the classical ‘dimensionless fracture conductivity,’ but which is derived for linear, not radial, flow geometry. Using this approach, we calculate a ‘dimensionless interference length’ that collapses all cases onto a single curve that predicts DPI as a function of fracture conductivity, well spacing, and formation properties. We conclude by applying the new method to field cases from the Anadarko and Delaware Basins.
Machine learning in solar physics
Authors: Asensio Ramos Andrés , Cheung Mark C. M. , Chifu Iulia , Gafeira Ricardo
Published: July 2023

The application of machine learning in solar physics has the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of the complex processes that take place in the atmosphere of the Sun. By using techniques such as deep learning, we are now in the position to analyze large amounts of data from solar observations and identify patterns and trends that may not have been apparent using traditional methods. This can help us improve our understanding of explosive events like solar flares, which can have a strong effect on the Earth environment. Predicting hazardous events on Earth becomes crucial for our technological society. Machine learning can also improve our understanding of the inner workings of the sun itself by allowing us to go deeper into the data and to propose more complex models to explain them. Additionally, the use of machine learning can help to automate the analysis of solar data, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing the efficiency of research in this field.
Oxytocin Versus Oral Misoprostol for Induction of Labor in Pregnant Women with Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ahmed Rania Hassan Mostafa , Sweed Mohamed Samir Eid , El-Bishry Gasser Adly , Hassan Raghda Khaled
Published: July 2023

This study compares the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin infusion against oral misoprostol for inducing labour in pregnant women with term prelabor membrane rupture. We randomized 173 pregnant women presenting with term prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital into Group A (underwent induction of labor (IOL) by 25μg misoprostol oral tablet every 4 h, for maximum 5 doses) and an identical Group B: (underwent IOL by oxytocin infusion according to the hospital protocol). Our primary outcome was rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, while the secondary outcomes included the time till active phase, induction to delivery interval, maternal pyrexia, nausea and vomiting, fetal distress, Apgar score, birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Both groups showed high rates of vaginal delivery (82.4% & 87.1% for misoprostol group and oxytocin group respectively) with no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.394). However, patients induced by misoprostol took significantly less time to reach active phase with a shorter induction to delivery interval as compared to patients induced with oxytocin. This difference was clear in multiparous women, but not observed in primiparous women when subgroup analysis was done. No significant difference was found as regards other outcomes. Our study showed that both oral misoprostol and oxytocin are effective and safe for IOL in patients with PROM, with shorter induction-delivery interval in patients induced by oral misoprostol, an effect that is clear in multiparous but not primiparous women.

Trial registration

NCT05215873, on 31/01/2022, “retrospectively registered”.
Christianity and the Nation-State
Authors: Chartier Gary
Published: July 2023

In Christianity and the Nation-State, Gary Chartier provocatively offers readers unexpected critical distance from some familiar ways of understanding, justifying, and navigating existing political arrangements. People in multiple societies are posing important questions about the authority and functions of the contemporary nation-state and about potential alternatives to this seemingly inescapable institution. Chartier seeks to develop a distinctive theological response to the conditions prompting these questions. Affirming liberalism and cosmopolitanism, he reflects critically on nationalism, localism, religious establishment, and theological accounts of political authority. He highlights links between sin and state power and underscores deficiencies in democratic rhetoric and theory. He rejects the idea of a global government, advocating a nonterritorial alternative he labels 'radical consociationalism. Moreover, he presents concrete suggestions for life under the rule of the state.
Moonshine beyond the Monster
Authors: Gannon Terry
Published: July 2023

Moonshine forms a way of explaining the mysterious connection between the monster finite group and modular functions from classical number theory. The theory has evolved to describe the relationship between finite groups, modular forms and vertex operator algebras. Moonshine beyond the Monster describes the general theory of Moonshine and its underlying concepts, emphasising the interconnections between mathematics and mathematical physics. Written in a clear and pedagogical style, this book is ideal for graduate students and researchers working in areas such as conformal field theory, string theory, algebra, number theory, geometry and functional analysis. Containing more than 100 exercises, it is also a suitable textbook for graduate courses on Moonshine and as supplementary reading for courses on conformal field theory and string theory. Originally published in 2006, this title has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.
Renormalization
Authors: Collins John C.
Published: July 2023

Many numerical predictions of experimental phenomena in particle physics are made possible by exploiting the discovery that simplifications can happen when phenomena are investigated on short distance and time scales. This book provides a coherent exposition of the renormalization techniques underlying these calculations. After reminding the reader of some basic properties of field theories, examples are used to explain the problems to be treated. The technique of dimensional regularization and the renormalization group is then shown. Finally a number of key applications are demonstrated, culminating in the treatment of deeply inelastic scattering. Originally published in 1977, this title has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.
Finite-Temperature Field Theory
Authors: Kapusta Joseph I. , Gale Charles
Published: July 2023

This book develops the basic formalism and theoretical techniques for studying relativistic quantum field theory at high temperature and density. Specific physical theories treated include QED, QCD, electroweak theory, and effective nuclear field theories of hadronic and nuclear matter. Topics covered include: functional integral representation of the partition function, diagrammatic expansions, linear response theory, screening and plasma oscillations, spontaneous symmetry breaking, Goldstone theorem, resummation and hard thermal loops, lattice gauge theory, phase transitions, nucleation theory, quark-gluon plasma, and color superconductivity. Applications to astrophysics and cosmology cover white dwarf and neutron stars, neutrino emissivity, baryon number violation in the early universe, and cosmological phase transitions. Applications to relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions are also included. The book is written for theorists in elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Released initially in 2006, this title has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.