bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonocatalytic degradation of RB-5 dye using ZnO nanoparticles doped with transition metals
Authors: Rodríguez-Flores Tatiana , Hernández-Pérez Isaías , de la Huerta-Hernández Gloria Elena , Suárez-Parra Raúl , Haro-Pérez Catalina
Published: December 2024

In this study, ZnO was doped and co-doped with rhodium and tungsten to assess the impact of these transition metals on the sonocatalytic degradation of reactive black 5 azo dye (RB-5). Structural analysis revealed that doping ZnO with 1% Rh and W does not alter its wurtzite hexagonal structure, although minor changes in cell parameters were observed due to differences in electronic density. Interestingly, co-doping resulted in lower degradation efficiency than single doping, with W-ZnO emerging as the most effective catalyst, achieving 100% RB-5 degradation within 60 min, likely due to a higher density of oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, a 2
k
factorial design identified optimal sonocatalytic conditions for W-ZnO, including a catalyst concentration of 0.75 g/L, a power tip of 225 W, and a hydrogen peroxide volume of 27 μL. The findings highlight the potential for doped ZnO nanoparticles in advanced oxidation processes and green chemistry applications, making this method an environmentally friendly alternative for wastewater treatment.
How Does Macrolearning Contribute to Self-Efficacy?
Authors: Rof Albert , Bikfalvi Andrea , Marques Pilar
Published: December 2024

Microlearning is gaining ground in the higher education domain. Despite this trend, there is a lack of evidence of effectiveness when a large number of microlearning units are grouped to form a macrolearning programme. The purpose of this paper is to explore how and why a macrolearning affects students’ self-efficacy. The originality of this paper is its in-depth analysis of an EdTech startup named MLMaster, which has built a portfolio of several business programmes, each consisting of over one hundred microlearning units, forming macrolearning programmes. The main contribution of this paper is to uncover critical insights into how self-efficacy is built in practice, driven by two main factors: participants’ affective states, which are the positive feelings after taking part in the programme, and mastery experiences, which is the application of learning at work.
Comparison of Management and Outcomes of Hip Fractures Among Low- and High-Income Patients in Six High-Income Countries
Authors: Huang Nicole , Hatfield Laura A. , Al-Azazi Saeed , Bakx Pieter , Banerjee Amitava , Burrack Nitzan , Chen Yu-Chin , Fu Christina , Godoy Junior Carlos , Heine Renaud , Ko Dennis T. , Lix Lisa M. , Novack Victor , Pasea Laura , Qiu Feng , Ravi Bheeshma , Stukel Therese A. , Groot Carin Uyl-de , Cram Peter , Landon Bruce E.
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a perception that income-based disparities are present in most countries but may differ in magnitude. However, there are few international comparisons that describe income-based disparities across countries and none that focus on hip fractures.

Objective

To compare treatment patterns and outcomes of high- and low-income older adults hospitalized with hip fracture across six high-income countries.

Design

Retrospective serial cross-sectional cohort study.

Participants

Adults aged ≥ 66 years hospitalized with hip fracture from 2013 to 2019 in Canada, England, Israel, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the USA using population-representative patient-level administrative data.

Main Measures

Older adults in the top and bottom income quintiles within countries were compared on 30-day and 1-year mortality, treatment approaches, hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates, time to surgery, and discharge disposition.

Key Results

Annual age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of hip fracture were higher for low- than for high-income populations in all countries except in the USA. In all countries, adjusted 1-year mortality was lower for high-income than low-income patients, with the largest difference in Israel (− 10.0 percentage points [95% confidence interval [CI], − 15.2 to − 4.8 percentage points]). Across countries, utilization of total hip arthroplasty was 0.1 (95% CI, 0.0–0.2 percentage points) to 6.9 percentage points (95% CI, 4.6–9.2 percentage points) higher among high- vs. low-income populations. With few exceptions, LOS, adjusted 30-day readmission rate, and time to surgery were shorter and lower for high-income patients.

Conclusions

Income-based disparities in treatments and outcomes for older adults hospitalized for hip fractures differed in magnitude, but were present in all six high-income countries. Defying our expectations, the USA did not have consistently larger disparities than other countries suggesting that the impacts of poverty exist in vastly different healthcare systems and transcend geopolitical borders.
Multiple Electrodes and Cascaded Nozzles: A Review of the Evolution of Modern Plasma Spray Torches
Authors: Mauer Georg
Published: December 2024

Conventional one-cathode/anode plasma spray guns are susceptible to aging. One reason is the large power density, especially at the arc roots on the cathode tip and the anode wall. Anode wear results in a thinner boundary layer and a reduced arc root motion, which increases the local thermal load. This also results in a voltage drop, and thus a reduction in power level when the power source is operated in a constant current mode. In addition to electrode wear, the instantaneous arc morphology and the time-dependent voltage waveform are strongly correlated to each other, especially when hydrogen or nitrogen is used as secondary plasma gas. Such arc dynamics are a major phenomenon that broadens the distribution of particle in-flight characteristics. The inevitable wear of electrodes and the inherent power fluctuations were the starting point for the development of new concepts for modern plasma spray guns. Multi-electrode plasma torches were developed to improve operational stability and lifetime. They became popular due to their good stability and high-power plasma jet, even when operated with inert gases only. In this context, cascaded torch nozzles were introduced, which effectively limit the axial movements of the anodic arc attachment. Such a design includes a stack of neutrodes in front of the anode, which are electrically insulated from each other. Since the arc is more stable, the power demand is virtually constant and the treatment of the feedstock particles is more uniform than with the conventional non-cascaded torches. In this review, the mechanisms leading to electrode wear and arc fluctuations in single-cathode/anode plasma guns are explained. Some concepts of multi-electrode torches and cascaded torch nozzles are presented. Examples of experimental results obtained by diagnostic methods are also given.
High density sampling reveals the spatiotemporal characteristics of microbial communities in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Zhang Liang , Li Jinghan , Kang Da , Li Jialin , Zhang Shujun , Han Xiaoyu , Ma Bin , Peng Yongzhen
Published: December 2024

Insights into the microbial communities in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical for the optimization of biological nutrient removal process. However, our understanding about the spatiotemporal characteristics of the microbial communities in WWTPs remains limited. In the present study, 264 samples were collected biweekly from four spatially independent corridors in a typical municipal WWTP. The annual compositional and metagenomic characteristics were investigated based on multiple ecological indicators using statistical tests. The results revealed that the microbial community compositions from the four corridors showed significantly high similarities, as revealed by the statistical analysis at the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level. Consistent with the OTU level results, the functionality of the microbial communities in the four independent corridors also showed significant similarity. In comparison, the dynamics of the microbial community over the year showed two successional peaks of the microbial communities with the spatial similarity, and this resulted in three alternative stable states of the microbial communities in a calendar year. The microbial communities only drifted in July and November, suggesting an uneven community succession pattern driven by seasonal variation in environmental conditions. The functional characteristics were found to be relatively conservative compared to the microbial community succession, which revealed the decoupling between the composition and functionality of the microbial community in the municipal WWTP. The present study provides an in-depth overview of the microbial communities in a municipal WWTP and will be useful for the establishment of the connection between ecological characteristics and the operational stability of WWTPs.
Predictors of growth hormone level on postoperative day one in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Li Haixiang , Li Ziqi , Feng Tianshun , Chen Yuyang , Zhong Jiansheng , Wei Liangfeng , Wang Shousen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The growth hormone (GH) level on postoperative day one (POD1), i.e., POD1GH, holds significant value in assessing surgical efficacy and predicting long-term remission in patients with acromegaly. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the GH level of POD1 after microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS) in patients with acromegaly, providing insights for preoperative clinical decisions.

Methods

A total of 85 acromegaly patients undergoing mTSS were included in this study. Sex; age; body mass index (BMI); preoperative serum hormone levels and tumor characteristics were assessed for their correlation with POD1GH levels. POD1GH level non-remission, defined as POD1GH > 2.5 ng/mL, was considered an outcome.

Results

The patients with acromegaly were divided into two groups: adult males (43 cases) and adult females (42 cases), with mean ages of 43.33 ± 11.92 years and 47.02 ± 14.18 years, respectively. Correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses revealed positive correlations of preoperative GH and prolactin (PRL) levels in females with POD1GH levels, while preoperative FT3 and TT levels in males were negatively correlated with POD1GH levels. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified preoperative GH levels ≥30.25 ng/mL (OR = 2.236, 95%CI = 1.402–3.567, p < 0.001), FT3 levels ≤4.415 pmol/L (OR = 0.329, 95%CI = 0.167–0.648, p < 0.001), and age ≤51 years (OR = 0.566, 95%CI = 0.352–0.911, p = 0.019) as independent risk factors for POD1GH level non-remission.

Conclusions

Preoperative GH, FT3, TT, and PRL levels are correlated with POD1GH levels, with variations observed between sex. Age, preoperative GH, and FT3 levels can predict POD1GH level non-remission. Therefore, the comprehensive consideration of multiple hormone axes is necessary for predicting postoperative efficacy.
Arithmetic properties of algebraic curves from a pseudo-characteristic polynomial of a finite potent endomorphism
Authors: Pablos Romo Fernando
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work is to offer the definition and the main properties of a pseudo-characteristic polynomial of a finite potent endomorphism. From this polynomial we can characterize the spectrum of a bounded finite potent linear operator on a Hilbert space and we study arithmetic properties of complete algebraic curves. In particular, we provide a new algebraic proof of the Residue Theorem.
Social network and linguistic analysis of the #nutrition discourse on the social network platform X, formerly known as Twitter
Authors: Ellis Cassandra H. , Moore J. Bernadette , Ho Peter , Ahmed Wasim , Evans Charlotte E. L.
Published: December 2024

Social network analysis (SNA) of social media content allows information transfer to be visualised, identifies influential actors, and reveals public opinion. However, to date no research has investigated content related to nutrition on X. This study examined the #nutrition conversations on X (formerly Twitter) utilising SNA and linguistic methods. NodeXL Pro was used for network, semantic and sentiment analyses on English language posts including ‘#nutrition’ collected between 1 and 21 March 2023. The #nutrition network included 17,129 vertices (users) with 26,809 edges (relationships). NodeXL Pro was used to assess the structure of the network and the actors involved by calculating the network metrics. The results show a low density, dispersed network (graph density = 0.001) with most users communicating heavily with a small number of other users. These subgroup community cluster structures restrict information flow outside of the subgroups (modularity = 0.79). These network structures rely on influential users to share information (betweenness centrality range, 0 to 23,375,544). Notably, influential users were typically from both personal and not-for-profit accounts. Semantic analysis identified 97,000 word-pair edges with the most frequently discussed topics related to health, healthy lifestyle and diet, with a positive sentiment found across the network. By using SNA, semantic, and sentiment analyses, this study found a dispersed X network with a high proportion of unconnected users who did not have relationship with other users in the network. The findings reveal a publicly driven debate focused on healthy diets and lifestyle, with information primarily propagated through reposting.
Comparative analysis of laparoscopic, retro-muscular, and open mesh repair techniques for ventral and incisional hernias: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elhadidi Amro , Shetiwy Mohamed , Al-Katary Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Ventral hernias are abnormalities in anterior abdominal wall occurring due to an incision or are congenital. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis aim to objectively compare laparoscopic to retro-muscular or any other mesh repair approach to manage ventral incisional hernia. To identify studies that managed ventral incisional hernia using laparoscopic, open, or retro-muscular mesh repair techniques, a comprehensive literature search was performed. Random effects model was used, and data were presented as log odds ratio (logOR) or as Hedge’s g with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochran’s Q test was implemented to measure heterogeneity among articles, and funnel plots were utilized to examine publication bias visually. Quality of all selected studies was assessed using Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. 20 studies (16,247 patients) were included published from 2003 to 2023. Significantly reduced incisional hernias developed in laparoscopic group. The recurrence of hernia lowered with laparoscopic repair vs. open repair. In retro-muscular vs. laparoscopic, recurrence was lower, however, not statistically significant (p = 0.97). Open repair type resulted in a longer hospital stay than laparoscopic (p = 0.03). In laparoscopic repair, the postoperative complications reduced compared to the open repair (p = 0.02). Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair is a practical and successful alternative to open method. It is associated with shorter hospital stay and lower risk of postoperative complications. In few instances, retro-muscular mesh repair may be opted for.
Microstructure and tribological performance of ceramic-based self-lubricating sealing coating on a composite substrate
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Xiaoli , Sun Linlin , Feng Tao , Hua Ke , Wang Haifeng
Published: December 2024

This work used high velocity oxygen fuel spraying technology to prepare three types of ceramic-based self-lubricating sealing coating on C/SiC substrates, with Yttria-stabilized zirconia as the matrix and different mass fractions of Mo and Ag as lubricating phases. The compositions are S1(50%YSZ40%CaF210%Mo), S2(50%YSZ40%CaF210%Ag) and S3 (40%YSZ30%CaF210%Mo10%Ag10%SiO2). The friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating were examined at room temperature (RT), 400°C and 800°C. The effects of different lubricating phases on the tribological properties of the coating were compared. The wear mechanism of the coating under different temperature environments will be revealed by clarifying the evolution law of the microstructure of the coating. The results show that the addition of Ag can improve the lubricating ability of the coating. Ag element forms a continuous and smooth tribo-layer on the sliding surface to reduce the friction coefficient of the coating. In addition, the lubricating effect of Ag element is more significant at medium and low temperatures. At 800°C, the S3 coating with both Ag and Mo exhibited excellent tribological properties. The wear mechanism of the coating is that it starts with adhesive wear and gradually transitions to abrasive wear as friction continues. This work provides theoretical support and experimental evidence for the construction of ceramic-based self-lubricating sealing coating with a wide temperature range.
Impact of climatic elements on the political and social development of Ilam city: a logistics perspective
Authors: Arzani Mosadegh , Borna Reza , Jafarpour Ghalehteimouri Kamran , Morshedi Jafar , Zohoorian Pordel Manijeh
Published: December 2024

Climate factors in different climate change scenarios can influence social and political development in an area. This study explores the role of climatic factors in shaping the political and social landscape of Ilam, a city experiencing rapid urbanization due to population growth, increased demand for housing and commercial space, and the need for urban services. Through a descriptive-analytical approach and field data collection, the research surveyed 58 urban managers, researchers, and specialists in Ilam, using the SWOT technique to analyze the city's climatic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the context of political and social development. The results indicate that climate parameters play a significant role in Ilam's development, with the city's ability to align urban land development with soil temperature as a key strength. However, challenges exist in the technical sector, while opportunities lie in human resources and the integration of clean technologies. Environmental concerns, such as the degradation of agricultural land due to urban expansion, pose a threat to Ilam's development. The study confirms the impact of temperature and precipitation on Ilam's political and social development, emphasizing the interconnectedness between climate factors and the city's political and social dynamics. This research provides valuable insights into the complexities of urban development in Ilam, highlighting the importance of addressing the relationship between climate and political and social factors in this context.
Sources on the visual history of African wildlife, 1940s to 1980s: images that changed the animal world
Authors: Beinart William , McKeown Katie
Published: December 2024

We have recently completed the draft of a book on the changing representation of East African wildlife from the 1940s to the 1980s. We have used many published texts as well as visual representations such as photographs, films, and television. The output of material in these years was huge. We suggest that these media representations were a significant, and neglected, element in the emergence of a global animal-centric conservationist ethos. This article discusses some of the people involved and the papers, many of them in private hands, that we used. We believe that this is valuable material and should, where possible, be acquired by archives. The material is scattered, especially in Kenya, the UK, and USA. In the UK, the University of Bristol library now houses the Wildscreen film archives and also some private papers that could form the foundation for a larger collection.
‘Memory making’: commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the International Conference on Manding Studies (London, 1972)
Authors: Tiede Marcia
Published: December 2024

Participants in the International Conference on Manding Studies, held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in summer 1972, were contacted to share memories of the event in recognition of its fiftieth anniversary and while such recollections could still be gathered. An event in honour of fifty years of kora music at SOAS was also documented, bringing the project into the present. The result was a lengthy special feature in MANSA Kibaru, the newsletter of the Mande Studies Association (MANSA), in early 2023. Given the strong positive response from the MANSA community, which has historically looked back to the 1972 conference as a predecessor, it was decided to revise the newsletter’s special feature as a separate publication. This is an account of the process of bringing the commemoration together, the key contributors, and the timing and connections that shaped the outcome. It provides details that do not appear in the published commemoration. Some questions at the beginning of the project were cleared up by the evidence and accounts gathered. The Manding Conference’s ‘filiation’ or influence is touched upon, including the founding of MANSA. The selective and incomplete nature of this ‘memory making’ initiative is acknowledged.
Moderate deviations of many-server queues via idempotent processes
Authors: Puhalskii Anatolii
Published: December 2024

This paper obtains logarithmic asymptotics of moderate deviations of the stochastic process of the number of customers in a many-server queue with generally distributed inter-arrival and service times under a heavy-traffic scaling akin to the Halfin–Whitt regime. The deviation function is expressed in terms of the solution to a Fredholm equation of the second kind. A key element of the proof is the large-deviation principle in the scaling of moderate deviations for the sequential empirical process. The techniques of large-deviation convergence and idempotent processes are used extensively.
Expanding perspectives and understanding relational potential: Are mutually beneficial human-animal relationships compatible with current animal agricultural practices?
Authors: Ryan Erin B , Weary Daniel M , Zobel Gosia M , Webster Jim , Higgins E Tory , Franks Becca
Published: December 2024

Animal agriculture employs approximately one-eighth of world’s human population and results in the slaughter of over 160 billion animals annually, representing perhaps the most extensive intertwining of human and animal lives on the planet. In principle, close, intersubjective relationships (involving shared attention and mental states) between humans and the animals in agriculture are possible, though these are infrequently studied and are unlikely to be achieved in farming, given systemic constraints (e.g. housing and management). Much scientific research on human-animal relationships within agriculture has focused upon a fairly restricted range of states (e.g. reducing aversive human-animal interactions within standard systems, toward improving productivity and reducing injuries to workers). Considering human-animal relations along a continuum, we review scholarship supporting the rationale for expanding the range of relationships under consideration in animal welfare research, given the impacts these relationships can have on both animals and stockpersons, increasing consumer demand for humane food products, and the goal of providing animals under our care with good lives. Looking toward traditions that encourage taking the perspective of, and learning from non-humans, we provide entry points to approaches that can enable animal welfare research to expand to investigate a broader range of human-animal relationship states. By showing the potential for close mutually beneficial human-animal relationships, this line of research highlights pathways for understanding and improving the welfare of animals used in agriculture.
VigIA: prioritizing public procurement oversight with machine learning models and risk indices
Authors: Salazar Andrés , Pérez Juan F. , Gallego Jorge
Published: December 2024

Public procurement is a fundamental aspect of public administration. Its vast size makes its oversight and control very challenging, especially in countries where resources for these activities are limited. To support decisions and operations at public procurement oversight agencies, we developed and delivered VigIA, a data-based tool with two main components: (i) machine learning models to detect inefficiencies measured as cost overruns and delivery delays, and (ii) risk indices to detect irregularities in the procurement process. These two components cover complementary aspects of the procurement process, considering both active and passive waste, and help the oversight agencies to prioritize investigations and allocate resources. We show how the models developed shed light on specific features of the contracts to be considered and how their values signal red flags. We also highlight how these values change when the analysis focuses on specific contract types or on information available for early detection. Moreover, the models and indices developed only make use of open data and target variables generated by the procurement processes themselves, making them ideal to support continuous decisions at overseeing agencies.
Physics-constrained convolutional neural networks for inverse problems in spatiotemporal partial differential equations
Authors: Kelshaw Daniel , Magri Luca
Published: December 2024

We propose a physics-constrained convolutional neural network (PC-CNN) to solve two types of inverse problems in partial differential equations (PDEs), which are nonlinear and vary both in space and time. In the first inverse problem, we are given data that is offset by spatially varying systematic error (i.e., the bias, also known as the epistemic uncertainty). The task is to uncover the true state, which is the solution of the PDE, from the biased data. In the second inverse problem, we are given sparse information on the solution of a PDE. The task is to reconstruct the solution in space with high resolution. First, we present the PC-CNN, which constrains the PDE with a time-windowing scheme to handle sequential data. Second, we analyze the performance of the PC-CNN to uncover solutions from biased data. We analyze both linear and nonlinear convection-diffusion equations, and the Navier–Stokes equations, which govern the spatiotemporally chaotic dynamics of turbulent flows. We find that the PC-CNN correctly recovers the true solution for a variety of biases, which are parameterized as non-convex functions. Third, we analyze the performance of the PC-CNN for reconstructing solutions from sparse information for the turbulent flow. We reconstruct the spatiotemporal chaotic solution on a high-resolution grid from only 1% of the information contained in it. For both tasks, we further analyze the Navier–Stokes solutions. We find that the inferred solutions have a physical spectral energy content, whereas traditional methods, such as interpolation, do not. This work opens opportunities for solving inverse problems with partial differential equations.
Graph-based information management for retrofitting long-living assets
Authors: Laukotka Fabian N. , Moenck Keno , Schüppstuhl Thorsten , Krause Dieter
Published: December 2024

Many documents are produced over the years of managing assets, particularly those with long lifespans. However, during this time, the assets may deviate from their original as-designed or as-built state. This presents a significant challenge for tasks that occur in later life phases but require precise knowledge of the asset, such as retrofit, where the assets are equipped with new components. For a third party who is neither the original manufacturer nor the operator, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the asset can be a tedious process, as this requires going through all available but often fragmented information and documents. While common knowledge regarding the domain or general type of asset can be helpful, it is often based on the experiences of engineers and is, therefore, only implicitly available. This article presents a graph-based information management system that complements traditional PLM systems and helps connect fragments by utilizing generic information about assets. To achieve this, techniques from systems engineering and data science are used. The overarching management platform also includes geometric analyses and operations that can be performed with geometric and product information extracted from STEP files. While the management itself is first described generically, it is also later applied to cabin retrofit in aviation. A mock-up of an Airbus A320 is utilized as the case study to demonstrate further how the platform can provide benefits for retrofitting such long-living assets.
Applying systems theory to global mental health
Authors: Jordans Mark J. D.
Published: December 2024

In recent years the evidence base for psychological interventions in low- and -middle-income countries (LMIC) has rapidly accrued, demonstrating that task-shifting models result in desired outcomes. Next, it is important to look at how this evidence translates into practice. In doing so, this paper argues that the field of global mental health might benefit from applying a system theory or system science perspective. Systems thinking aims to understand how different components are connected and interdependent within a larger emergent entity. At present much of the research efforts into psychological interventions in LMIC are focusing on single interventions, with little focus on how these interventions sit in, or influence, a larger system. Adopting systems theory and system dynamics tools can help in; (i) better analyzing and understanding the key drivers of mental health problems and services, (ii) optimizing mental health services; and (iii) understanding the organization of people, institutions and resources required for rolling out and scaling-up mental health services. This paper reflects on some of these merits of a systems perspective, as well as provides some examples.
Local spiky contacts during impact of an emulsion drop on a solid surface
Authors: Krishna Raja D. , Daniel Dan , Aguirre-Pablo Andres A. , Thoroddsen S.T.
Published: December 2024

We study the first contact of an emulsion drop impacting on a smooth solid surface. The lubricating air layer causes rapid deceleration of the bottom tip of the drop as it approaches first contact, causing a dimple in the drop surface. When the dispersed emulsion droplets are of higher density than the drop's continuous phase, the rapid deceleration (

${\sim }10^5$

m s

$^{-2}$

) induces the formation of narrow spikes extruding out of the free surface. These spikes form when the impact Weber number exceeds a critical value

${\simeq }10$

. Time-resolved interferometric imaging, at rates up to 7 million frames per second, shows the emergence and shape of these spikes leading to the local contacts with the solid. We characterize the tip curvature and capillary pressure affecting their dynamics as they emerge and can touch the substrate before the main outer ring of contact.
Accelerated group sequential sampling
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhuang Yan
Published: December 2024

We propose a novel and unified sampling scheme, called the accelerated group sequential sampling scheme, which incorporates four different types of sampling scheme: (i) the classic Anscombe–Chow–Robbins purely sequential sampling scheme; (ii) the accelerated sequential sampling scheme; (iii) the relatively new k-at-a-time group sequential sampling scheme; and (iv) the new k-at-a-time accelerated group sequential sampling scheme. The first-order and second-order properties of this unified sequential sampling scheme are fully investigated with two illustrations on minimum risk point estimation for the mean of a normal distribution and on bounded variance point estimation for the location parameter of a negative exponential distribution. We also provide extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies and real data analyses for each illustration.
Building from the Brain: Advancing the Study of Threat Perception in International Relations
Authors: Landau-Wells Marika
Published: December 2024

“Threat perception” is frequently invoked as a causal variable in theories of international relations and foreign policy decision making. Yet haphazard conceptualization and untested psychological assumptions leave its effects poorly understood. In this article, I propose a unified solution to these two related problems: taking the brain into account. I first show that this approach solves the conceptualization problem by generating two distinct concepts that generalize across existing theories, align with plain language, and are associated with specific brain-level processes: threat-as-danger perception (subjectively apprehending danger from any source) and threat-as-signal perception (detecting a statement of the intention to harm). Because both types of perception occur in the brain, large-scale neuroimaging data capturing these processes offer a way to empirically test some of the psychological assumptions embedded in IR theories. I conduct two such tests using assumptions from the literatures on conflict decision making (“harms are costs”) and on coercion (“intentions are inscrutable”). Based on an original analysis of fifteen coordinate-based meta-analyses comprising 500+ studies and 11,000+ subjects, I conclude that these assumptions are inconsistent with the cumulative evidence about how the brain responds to threats of either kind. Further, I show that brain-level data illuminate aspects of threat perception's impact on behavior that have not yet been integrated into IR theory. Advancing the study of threat perception thus requires a microfoundational approach that builds from what we know about the brain.
Effect of insulator end cap thickness on time-dependent Hartmann flow in a rotating mirror
Authors: Gaur Rahul , Abel Ian G. , Tripathi Bindesh , Kolemen Egemen
Published: December 2024

We present a framework for analysing plasma flow in a rotating mirror. By making a series of physical assumptions, we reduce the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in a three-dimensional cylindrical system to a one-dimensional system in a shallow, cuboidal channel within a transverse magnetic field, similar to the Hartmann flow in ducts. We then solve the system both numerically and analytically for a range of values of the Hartmann number and calculate the dependence of the plasma flow speed on the thickness of the insulating end cap. We observe that the mean flow overshoots and decelerates before achieving a steady-state value, a phenomenon that the analytical model cannot capture. This overshoot is directly proportional to the thickness of the insulating end cap and the external electric field, with a weak dependence on the external magnetic field. Our simplified model can act as a benchmark for future simulations of the supersonic mirror device CMFX (centrifugal magnetic fusion experiment), which will employ more sophisticated physics and realistic magnetic field geometries.
Exploration of the parameter space of quasisymmetric stellarator vacuum fields through adjoint optimisation
Authors: Nies Richard , Paul Elizabeth J. , Panici Dario , Hudson Stuart R. , Bhattacharjee Amitava
Published: December 2024

Optimising stellarators for quasisymmetry leads to strongly reduced collisional transport and energetic particle losses compared with unoptimised configurations. Although stellarators with precise quasisymmetry have been obtained in the past, it remains unclear how broad the parameter space is where good quasisymmetry may be achieved. We study the range of aspect ratios and rotational transform values for which stellarators with excellent quasisymmetry on the boundary can be obtained. A large number of Fourier harmonics is included in the boundary representation, which is made computationally tractable by the use of adjoint methods to enable fast gradient-based optimisation and by the direct optimisation of vacuum magnetic fields, which converge more robustly compared with solutions from magnetohydrostatics. Several novel configurations are presented, including stellarators with record levels of quasisymmetry on a surface, three field period quasiaxisymmetric stellarators with substantial magnetic shear, and compact quasisymmetric stellarators at low aspect ratios similar to tokamaks.
Helminth diversity of nutria (Myocastor coypus) across the Morava basin in the Czech Republic
Authors: Benovics Michal , Nosková Eva , Klimešová Anna , Škorpíková Lucie , Jaššová Ema , Drimaj Jakub , Slováček Jan , Mikulka Ondřej
Published: December 2024

The nutria was introduced to Europe from South America and kept for the fur industry. This semiaquatic rodent became a well-established species in the Czech Republic; however, it still poses a significant threat to the native fauna, not only as a natural competitor but also as a vector of non-indigenous parasites. Our research aimed to investigate the diversity of endoparasitic helminths in nutria, with a particular focus on assessing the risk posed by helminth species with zoonotic potential. A total of 46 nutria cadavers were collected at 8 locations in the Morava River basin and examined using standard parasitological post-mortem procedures. Additionally, coprological and molecular methods were used to identify the parasites. The presence of 6 helminth species was revealed. The highest prevalence was observed for Strongyloides myopotami (78.3%) and Trichuris myocastoris (37.0%), both of which are host-specific nematodes of nutria. Only 2 trematode taxa were recorded (Echinostoma sp. and a representative of the family Psilostomidae). The presence of alveolar hydatid cysts of Echinococcus multilocularis in the livers of 5 nutria specimens was also recorded. Herein, we provide novel molecular data for each parasite species collected, which is valuable for future phylogenetic analyses. Our findings also demonstrate that nutria in the Czech Republic serve as a carrier of helminths with zoonotic potential, particularly E. multilocularis and S. myopotami. Although the nutria is a relatively new species in local fauna, its synanthropic behaviour raises concerns about potential threats to human health, underscoring the importance of exercising caution when handling these animals.
Crystal structure of palbociclib form A, C24H29N7O2
Authors: Buikin Petr , Korlyukov Alexander , Ushakov Ivan , Goloveshkin Alexander , Kulikova Elizaveta , Vologzhanina Anna
Published: December 2024

The crystal structure of palbociclib (C24H29N7O2) used as a medication for the treatment of breast cancer has been solved and refined using synchrotron radiation after density functional theory optimization. Palbociclib crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c, #14) at room temperature with crystal parameters: a = 11.3133(2), b = 5.62626(9), c = 35.9299(9) Å, β = 101.5071(12), V = 2241.03(8) Å3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure contains infinite N–H⋯N bonded layers. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™ (PDF®).
The sajals of the western Maya Lowlands: Hierarchy, competition, and political discourse during the Late Classic period
Authors: Regueiro Suárez Pilar
Published: December 2024

During the Late Classic (a.d. 600–900), Maya stone monuments from the Western Lowlands documented people with the sajal title. This position was associated with corporate group leaders who acted as governors of secondary sites, supervised warfare-related activities, and manufactured and distributed goods. The increase in records, along with the elaboration of monuments by sajals with differing narratives from those of the rulers, has been identified as a contributing factor to the regional political instability that led to the abandonment of Classic Maya capitals. This article aims to analyze monuments from the political spheres of Yaxchilan, Piedras Negras, and Palenque using a discourse analysis approach to identify the discursive strategies sajals used to showcase and strengthen their hierarchical positions. To accomplish this, I will analyze the discourse in relation to the intermediality of monuments to examine how sajals rivaled the rulers of these cities. Additionally, I will explore the correlation between these discourses and the sociopolitical transformations that preceded the regional collapse in the ninth century a.d.
Retest reliability and reliable change of community-dwelling Black/African American older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment using NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery and Cogstate Brief Battery for laptop
Authors: Rigby Taylor , Kavcic Voyko , Shair Sarah R. , Hill-Jarrett Tanisha G. , Garcia Sarah , Reader Jon , Persad Carol , Bhaumik Arijit K. , Pal Subhamoy , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Giordani Bruno
Published: December 2024

Objective:

With the increased use of computer-based tests in clinical and research settings, assessing retest reliability and reliable change of NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) and Cogstate Brief Battery (Cogstate) is essential. Previous studies used mostly White samples, but Black/African Americans (B/AAs) must be included in this research to ensure reliability.

Method:

Participants were B/AA consensus-confirmed healthy controls (HCs) (n = 49) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 34) adults 60–85 years that completed NIHTB-CB and Cogstate for laptop at two timepoints within 4 months. Intraclass correlations, the Bland-Altman method, t-tests, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used. Cut scores indicating reliable change provided.

Results:

NIHTB-CB composite reliability ranged from .81 to .93 (95% CIs [.37–.96]). The Fluid Composite demonstrated a significant difference between timepoints and was less consistent than the Crystallized Composite. Subtests were less consistent for MCIs (ICCs = .01–.89, CIs [−1.00–.95]) than for HCs (ICCs = .69–.93, CIs [.46–.92]). A moderate correlation was found for MCIs between timepoints and performance on the Total Composite (r = -.40, p = .03), Fluid Composite (r = -.38, p = .03), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed (r = -.47, p = .006).

On Cogstate, HCs had lower reliability (ICCs = .47–.76, CIs [.05–.86]) than MCIs (ICCs = .65–.89, CIs [.29–.95]). Identification reaction time significantly improved between testing timepoints across samples.

Conclusions:

The NIHTB-CB and Cogstate for laptop show promise for use in research with B/AAs and were reasonably stable up to 4 months. Still, differences were found between those with MCI and HCs. It is recommended that race and cognitive status be considered when using these measures.
Key technologies and research progress of intelligent weeding robots
Authors: Xu Hong , Li Tianhua , Hou Xianwei , Wu Huarui , Shi Guoying , Li Yang , Zhang Guanshan
Published: December 2024

The rapid and efficient removal of weeds is currently a research hotspot. With the integration of robotics and automation technology into agricultural production, intelligent field weeding robots have emerged. The development status of weeding robots is overviewed based on bibliometric and scientific mapping methods. Secondly, the two key technologies of weeding robots are summarized. Then, the research progress of precision spraying weeding robots, mechanical weeding robots, and thermal weeding robots with laser devices, categorized by their weeding methods, is reviewed. Finally, a summary and an outlook on the future development trends of intelligent field weeding robots are provided, aiming to offer a reference for further promoting the development of weeding robots.
Strukturelle Veränderungen und der Zusammenhang mit Steuerungsstilen von Kita-Trägern
Authors: Birkel-Barmsen Janine , Firmino Nadine Madeira , Meiner-Teubner Christiane
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Beitrag untersucht anhand einer Sekundärauswertung der bundesweiten TrEiKo-Trägerbefragung den Zusammenhang zwischen Steuerungsstilen von Kita-Trägern und der Umsetzung struktureller Veränderungen, die als Indikatoren für Organisationsentwicklungsprozesse interpretiert werden. Mittels Clusteranalyse werden drei Steuerungsstile identifiziert, die auf Basis von Mintzbergs Strukturkonfigurationen als „professionelle Bürokratie“, „Adhokratie“ und „Maschinenbürokratie“ klassifiziert werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Träger, die eine zentralisierte Steuerung („Maschinenbürokratie“) bevorzugten, häufiger strukturelle Veränderungen vornahmen, während Träger mit partizipativen Ansätzen („professionelle Bürokratie“, „Adhokratie“) seltener solche Veränderungen umsetzten. Dies deutet auf ein mögliches Spannungsfeld zwischen Agilität und Nachhaltigkeit hin.
Träger als Akteure von Organisationsentwicklung
Authors: Bergmann Valerie , Hogrebe Nina , Ulber Daniela
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung: Der Beitrag untersucht auf Basis des Projektes „Transfer ins Team: Evaluation eines entwicklungsorientierten Unterstützungstools für Kindertageseinrichtungen im Kontext (T2E2K2)“, wie Träger durch eine Beteiligung an Transferprozessen Organisationsentwicklung in Kitas unterstützen können. Mithilfe von Experteninterviews ( n = 22) mit Fachkräften, Leitungen und Trägerakteuren wird aufgezeigt, dass Träger eine fördernde Rolle einnehmen können, indem sie die Bedeutung von Transfer vermitteln und vorleben, Ressourcen und Transferanlässe bereitstellen und ein Netzwerk zur Unterstützung und Reflexion von Transferprozessen aufbauen.
Amino Acids as Indicators of Organic Matter Sources and Degradation in Suspended Matter off the Pearl River: Indications for Resuspension in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Gaye Birgit , Lahajnar Niko , Frazão Helena C. , Metzke Marc , Perkuhn Carolin , Prien Ralf , Tian Shichao , Waniek Joanna J.
Published: December 2024

Suspended matter (SPM) was sampled in a grid off the Pearl River mouth in the northern South China Sea (SCS). SPM concentrations and the content of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), amino acids (AA) and hexosamines (HA) and derived biogeochemical indicators were used to study organic matter sources on the shelf and slope. A surface SPM maximum curtailed the water mass of mixed riverine and marine origin off the Pearl River mouth with salinities <30. SPM in this river plume was rich in organic matter of fresh planktic origin. In areas outside the river plume chlorophyll (Chl‐a) maxima were found at the subsurface nutricline. The AA composition shows that the degradation state of organic matter is very similar in all samples except in bottom water samples. Rather than degradation indicators, an indicator of SPM residence time in the ocean shows differences between samples from the upper 200 m and the deeper SPM samples. On the shelf and the shelf break a distinct SPM maximum was found above the sea floor. AA and HA spectra revealed that its organic matter was more degraded than the other SPM samples and that part of the organic matter in the bottom water turbidity maximum originated from the fine fraction of sediments. The state of organic matter implies that degradation of this resuspended material possibly adds to bottom water hypoxia; furthermore, contaminants originally deposited in shelf sediments can be redistributed into distal areas of the South China Sea.