bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of food plants on life‐history traits of the newly invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Huang Li‐Li , Xue Fang‐Sen , Wan Jian‐Chun , Tang Jian‐Jun , Liang Yu‐Yong , He Hai‐Min
Published: March 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) has invaded Jiangxi Province, Southeast China for the past 3 years. Although the FAW displays a wide host range, its main host plants in Jiangxi Province are field corn. Understanding the population dynamics of the FAW on different host plants is critical for developing an appropriate control strategy. This study investigated the effects of food plants (corn, peanut, soybean and sugarcane) on life‐history traits of FAW and tested the leaf contents of the total flavonoids, reducing sugars, sucrose and C/N ratio of these host plants. We found that the FAW fed on corn leaves exhibited significantly shorter larval and pupal development times, larger body weight, higher growth rate, lower weight loss, smaller sexual size dimorphism, shorter preoviposition period and higher fecundity than those fed on peanut, soybean and sugarcane leaves. The FAW showed a protogyny phenomenon because the pupal development stage was significantly longer in males than females. Food plants changed the relationships between larval development time and pupal weight and between fecundity and longevity. The corn leaves showed significantly higher contents of reducing sugars and sucrose, lower content of the total flavonoids and a moderate C/N ratio compared with the other leaves, suggesting that the corn leaf tissues are more nutritious. Our results provide the most comprehensive information about the life‐history traits of this newly invasive pest. These findings may help us understand why the FAW mainly infests corn plants and may be critical for the development of strategies to predict infestation levels.
Identifying emergency department patients with life‐limiting illnesses may be getting a little easier
Authors: Goldberg Elizabeth M. , Kwan Bethany , Lum Hillary
Published: March 2023

This editorial comments on the article by Haimovich et al. in this issue.
Communicating Data Uncertainty: Multiwave Experimental Evidence for UK GDP
Authors: GALVÃO ANA BEATRIZ , MITCHELL JAMES
Published: March 2023

Economic statistics are commonly published without estimates of their uncertainty. We conduct two waves of a randomized controlled online experiment to assess if and how the UK public understands data uncertainty. A control group observes only the point estimate of GDP. Treatment groups are presented with alternative qualitative and quantitative communications of GDP data uncertainty. We find that most of the public understands that GDP numbers are uncertain. Quantitative communications of data uncertainty help align the public's subjective probabilistic expectations of data uncertainty with objective estimates, but do not decrease trust in the statistical office.
Organizing Muslim Virtue: Community Organizing, Comparative Religious Ethics, and the South African Muslim Struggle Against Apartheid
Authors: Houston Sam
Published: March 2023

While offering valuable comparative insights into models of the self and ethical formation across religious traditions, studies of virtue ethics have been critiqued for putting forward accounts which are elite‐focused. Some comparative ethicists have pointed to work in religious ethics and political theology on faith‐based community organizing as offering compelling case studies of non‐elite ethical formation. I seek to add to this literature by performing an analysis of the theories and practices of ethical formation in the South African Muslim anti‐apartheid grassroots organization known as the “Call of Islam.” The “Call of Islam” emphasized a liberation‐oriented praxis and active solidarity with non‐Muslim organizations for the purposes of protesting apartheid and employed a range of social practices including study circles (halaqat) and political funeral processions to prepare and equip its members for such work. As such, it not only sheds light on non‐elite ethical formation, but in its cultivation of the habits and dispositions of democratic solidarity, it also serves as an Islamic example of broad‐based community organizing.
Building effective public dental care programs: The critical role of implementation evaluation
Authors: Durbin Anna , Root Ariel , Lawrence Herenia P. , Werb Sara , Abrams Stephen , Durbin Janet
Published: March 2023

There are significant income‐related inequities in oral health and access to oral health care. Public dental programs generally aim to increase access to oral health care for individuals with financial barriers through government payments for appointments. Low engagement from both oral health care providers and intended patients are common challenges in delivery of public dental programs, and are impediments to program impact and outcomes. Still, these programs rarely address the systemic issues that affect the experiences of intended users. This accentuates the importance of monitoring of program delivery to refine or adapt programs to better meet needs of service providers and users. As such, specifying program goals and developing a related monitoring strategy are critical as Canada begins to implement a national public dental program. Drawing on an example of a pediatric public dental program for children from low‐income families or with severe disabilities in Ontario, Canada, this article illustrates how an implementation and evaluation framework could be applied to measure implementation and impact of the national program. The RE‐AIM framework measures performance across five domains: (1) Reach, (2) Effectiveness (patient level), (3) Adoption, (4) Implementation (provider, setting, and policy levels), and (5) Maintenance (all levels). Given the disparities in oral disease and access to oral health care, the results can be used most effectively to adapt programs if relevant stakeholders participate in reviewing data, investigating quality gaps, and developing improvement strategies.
Short‐term performance of unilateral zygomatic implants: A case series
Authors: Cea‐Arestín Pablo , Bilbao‐Alonso Arturo , Varela‐Centelles Pablo , Menéndez‐Lago Carolina , Seoane‐Lestón Juan
Published: March 2023

The aim of this investigation is to contribute to clarify whether zygomatic unilateral implants are a feasible alternative for the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla. Six consecutive, unilaterally edentulous patients who received zygomatic implants gave their consent to enter this retrospective observational study. Fixtures were inserted according to the Zygomatic Anatomy‐Guided Approach and loaded with functional screwed restorations. All patients were compliant with their scheduled follow‐up appointments. Six tapered implants were considered, mostly (80%) 4.4 mm diameter 40–50 mm long. These fixtures had been in place for an average of 4.1 years (range: 5–144 months). No implant failures were observed, and continuous fixed‐prosthesis function was achieved throughout the follow‐up period with no loosening or fracture of prosthetic screws. Patients were satisfied with the treatment and experienced only minor complications. Unilateral zygomatic implants seem to be a feasible alternative that diminishes morbidity and treatment times with high‐survival rates for patients with atrophic posterior maxilla.
The design roots of policy problems: Unpacking the role of procedural tools in design fitness and resilience
Authors: Virani Altaf , Bali Azad Singh , Cashore Benjamin , Howlett Michael , Ramesh M
Published: March 2023

While policy design scholars have made significant conceptual and empirical advances in identifying and evaluating procedural tools, there has been a little focus on understanding how they interact with the more traditional “substantive” elements of a policy mix and their critical functions in policy mix designs. As a result, there is uncertainty about how procedural tools affect policy effectiveness—at adoption or over time. To address this gap, we propose a framework for deconstructing policy mix designs to examine how procedural tools interact with substantive tools in ways that either contribute to or undermine design “fitness” and “resilience.” The framework's diagnostic utility is illustrated by its application to unpack healthcare arrangements in Singapore and India, which reveals design “fault lines” that policy researchers and practitioners need to be aware of. We conclude by offering research directions for further investigating the role of procedural tools in shaping policy dynamics and outcomes.
Is swearing morally innocent?
Authors: de Vries Bouke
Published: March 2023

Some philosophers believe that swearing is morally innocent insofar as it is non‐abusive and vulgarities are being used, such as when people exclaim “s**t!” or “f**k!” This article shows this view to be mistaken. I start by arguing that taking offense at non‐abusive vulgar swearing is not irrational, before arguing that, even if it were, such swearing would still not always be justified. The fact that many of us find it hard to overcome profanity‐induced offense, along with the fact that its existence is necessary for swearing to be possible, is sufficient to render even non‐abusive vulgar swearing sometimes wrong. I go on to assess the opposite view, according to which swearing, including non‐abusive vulgar swearing, is never justified, whereby two objections to this activity are addressed. According to the instrumentalization objection, the fact that swearing is possible only if at least some people are sometimes offended by the words that are used means that swearers treat those who are offended by their profanity as mere means. And according to the Ersatz objection, the fact that we can use inoffensive words to raise the emotional content of our speech renders swearing gratuitously offensive. Neither objection is found to be convincing.
Suicidal behaviors in patients with chronic physical illness: A test on the interpersonal theory of suicide
Authors: Shim Eun‐Jung , Jeong Donghee , Jung Saim , Oh Kook‐Hwan , Oh Byung‐Mo , Cho Hyun‐Jai , Hahm Bong‐Jin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The unalleviated burden of chronic physical illness (CPI) increases the risk of suicidal behaviors (SB) in affected individuals. This study tested the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) in patients with CPI.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases were recruited from two hospitals in South Korea. Data from 257 participants who completed Time (T) 1 and T2 surveys were analyzed. Hierarchical regression analyses for passive and active suicide ideation (PSI and ASI), and suicide plans and attempts (SP and SA) at both time points were conducted.

Results

Interpersonal theory of suicide hypotheses were partially supported. Even accounting for factors such as depression, anxiety, and lifetime SA, some main and interaction effects of the ITS constructs explained SB in a cross‐sectional examination, but to a lesser degree in a longitudinal examination that controlled for T1 SB. PB was a consistent correlate of SB. TB was also relevant, as PB–SA association was significant among participants with high TB both times. ASI was associated with SP and SA at T1, and the ASI‐SP association at T1 was stronger at a high CS level.

Conclusions

Overall, the results suggest the relevance of ITS constructs that warrant attention to prevent SB in patients with CPI.
The novel HLA‐DPB1*05:01:18 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Hu Peng , Zheng Zhong‐zheng , Du Ke‐ming , An Lin , Yang Tong‐hua
Published: March 2023

HLA‐DPB1*05:01:18 differs from HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 4.
Identification of the HLA‐B*40:01:02:59 and ‐C*05:01:73 alleles in individuals from the northern regions of India
Authors: Rajak Jyoti , Pinto Andrea S. , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: March 2023

The novel HLA‐B*40:01:02:59 and HLA‐C*05:01:73 alleles were detected during the routine HLA typing process.
The RhWRKY33a‐RhPLATZ9 regulatory module delays petal senescence by suppressing rapid reactive oxygen species accumulation in rose flowers
Authors: Jiang Liwei , Liu Kun , Zhang Tao , Chen Jin , Zhao Siqi , Cui Yusen , Zhou Wentong , Yu Yi , Chen Siyu , Wang Caiyuan , Zhang Changqing
Published: March 2023

Redox homeostasis in plant cells is critical for maintaining normal growth and development because reactive oxygen species (ROS) can function as signaling molecules or toxic compounds. However, how plants fine‐tune redox homeostasis during natural or stress‐induced senescence remains unclear. Cut roses (Rosa hybrida), an economically important ornamental product worldwide, often undergo stress‐induced precocious senescence at the post‐harvest bud stage. Here, we identified RhPLATZ9, an age‐ and dehydration‐induced PLATZ (plant AT‐rich sequence and zinc‐binding) protein, and determined that it functions as a transcriptional repressor in rose flowers during senescence. We also showed that RhWRKY33a regulates RhPLATZ9 expression during flower senescence. RhPLATZ9‐silenced flowers and RhWRKY33a‐silenced flowers showed accelerated senescence, with higher ROS contents than the control. By contrast, overexpression of RhWRKY33a or RhPLATZ9 delayed flower senescence, and overexpression in rose calli showed lower ROS accumulation than the control. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that apoplastic NADPH oxidase genes (RhRbohs) were enriched among the upregulated differentially expressed genes in RhPLATZ9‐silenced flowers compared to wild‐type flowers. Yeast one‐hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, dual luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR confirmed that the RhRbohD gene is a direct target of RhPLATZ9. These findings suggest that the RhWRKY33a‐RhPLATZ9‐RhRbohD regulatory module acts as a brake to help maintain ROS homeostasis in petals and thus antagonize age‐ and stress‐induced precocious senescence in rose flowers.
Synergistic effect of two formulations of hypochlorous acid in the treatment of 346 chronic ulcers
Authors: Herruzo Rafael , Fondo Alvarez Erika , Herruzo Irene , Santiso Casanova Emma , Cerame Perez Silvia
Published: March 2023

Our objective was to assess the efficacy of two successive applications of hypochlorous acid, first as a liquid and then as a gel because liquid hypochlorous acid is effective but has little residual effect, while the gel form has more residual power, and compare it with that of other products. An experimental non‐randomised study was carried out, treating 346 chronic ulcers in 220 patients. The antiseptic treatment has been divided into ‘hypochlorous acid’ (Clortech), ‘hypochlorous acid liquid + gel’ (Clortech + Microdacyn60R‐hydrogel) and ‘Others’ (Prontosan or Chlorhexidine or Microdacyn60R‐hydrogel). Bivariate and multivariate studies analysed the characteristics of the patients and their ulcers, including size, symptoms, signs, treatments received and their duration, and so on. The ulcers were complicated, of long evolution, and most had a vascular origin. On average, antiseptic treatment lasted 14 weeks. At the time of their discharge, or last treatment in the clinics, 59% of the ulcers had healed completely, 9.5% worsened, and 6.9% had become infected during this period. In the bivariate and multivariate studies, we took as reference the ‘others’ treatments that showed no significant differences in healing time or infection rates compared withliquidhypochlorous acid 100–500 mg/L alone. However, hypochlorous acid liquid + gel showed a synergistic effect, with a higher probability of achieving complete healing (four times) and a lower probability of infection (a fifth), compared to the ‘other’ antiseptics. In conclusion, a synergistic effect was found with the successive application of hypochlorous acid in liquid followed by gel, an effect that increased healing probability and decreased the risk of the ulcer becoming infected.
Periconceptional alcohol alters in vivo heart function in ageing female rat offspring: Possible involvement of oestrogen receptor signalling
Authors: Dorey Emily S. , Headrick John P. , Paravicini Tamara M. , Wlodek Mary E. , Moritz Karen M. , Reichelt Melissa E.
Published: March 2023

Alcohol exposure throughout gestation is detrimental to cardiac development and function. Although many women decrease alcohol consumption once aware of a pregnancy, exposure prior to recognition is common. We, therefore, examined the effects of periconceptional alcohol exposure (PC:EtOH) on heart function, and explored mechanisms that may contribute. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received a liquid diet ±12.5% v/v ethanol from 4 days prior to mating until 4 days after mating (PC:EtOH). Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography, and offspring were culled at multiple time points for assessment of morphometry, isolated heart and aortic ring function, protein and transcriptional changes. PC:EtOH‐exposed embryonic day 20 fetuses (but not postnatal offspring) had larger hearts relative to body weight. Ex vivo analysis of hearts at 5–7 months old (mo) indicated no changes in coronary function or cardiac ischaemic tolerance, and apparently improved ventricular compliance in PC:EtOH females (compared to controls). At 12 mo, vascular responses in isolated aortic rings were unaltered by PC:EtOH, whilst echocardiography revealed reduced cardiac output in female but not male PC:EtOH offspring. At 19 mo, left ventricular transcript and protein for type 1 oestrogen receptor (ESR1), HSP90 transcript and plasma oestradiol levels were all elevated in female PC:EtOH exposed offspring. Summarising, PC:EtOH adversely impacts in vivo heart function in mature female offspring, associated with increased ventricular oestrogen‐related genes. PC:EtOH may thus influence age‐related heart dysfunction in females through modulation of oestrogen signalling.
Investigating Different Fluids and Injection Patterns on the Effect of Reservoir Rock Quality Alteration due to Swelling and Migration of Clay Minerals at Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Karami Mehran , Sedaee Behnam , Nakhaee Ali
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, with the progress in technology, the demand for fossil fuels has increased. Therefore, improving the oil recovery from the current oil reservoir is among the crucial issues. Formation damage is a well-recognized subject that causes a reduction in the productivity or injectivity of an oil well. Reducing or controlling formation damage can be effective in improving oil recovery. There are various mechanisms that cause formation damage such as fine migration and clay swelling. In this study, the simultaneous effect of fine migration and swelling on the permeability of a carbonate rock was investigated. Kaolinite and smectite(bentonite) minerals were selected as the representative case for migration and swelling, respectively. Primarily, bottle tests were conducted to study the effect of different fluids on the swelling potential of the kaolinite and smectite. According to the structural feature of the kaolinite, it has the smallest cation exchange capacity (CEC) and consequently a low swelling tendency. Therefore, it showed negligible swelling in the presence of all fluids. According to the high cation concentration of the formation water (FW) and seawater (SW), smectite did not show a high swelling effect. However, diluting the FW and SW increased the swelling tendency of the bentonite. Nanoparticles were not able to control the swelling of the bentonite according to their larger size than the spacing of clay layers. Zirconium oxychloride was also utilized as the swelling inhibitor which showed high efficiency. Eventually, different injection scenarios were tried using synthetic carbonate core samples with specific clay contents, and the best injection plan for formation damage control was determined.
Eccentricity and orientation of Earth's orbit from equinox and solstice times
Authors: Cameron Reed B.
Published: March 2023

A straightforward method of determining the eccentricity of Earth's orbit and the position of aphelion and perihelion relative to the vernal equinox from solstice and equinox times is described. The only assumption made is that the orbital eccentricity is small. Using dates for these phenomena adopted from a desk calendar gives the eccentricity to an accuracy of about 10%.
Case Study of a Professional Development Support Group of Sport Psychology Practitioners Working in Major League Baseball Organizations in the United States and Canada
Authors: Maher Charlie
Published: March 2023

A case study is presented about sport psychology practitioners working in Major League Baseball organizations in the United States and Canada who collaborated as a professional development support group. The practitioners ranged from entry-level mental skills coaches to midcareer providers to veteran sport psychologists. The professional development support group is described in relation to its professional development goals, membership criteria, and relevant context. The case study offers a perspective on the evolution of the group and provides evaluative information about implementation of its activities relative to its professional developmental goals. The case includes reflections about the meaning of the group and suggestions for how sport psychology practitioners can collaborate to foster their professional development in sport settings. In addition, lessons learned from the case study are considered for continued improvement of professional development support in sport psychology. Finally, guidelines are provided for designing and implementing professional development groups in sport psychology at professional and collegiate levels of sport.
Ferroelectricity in layered bismuth oxide down to 1 nanometer
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Hu Jingcong , Fang Yue-Wen , Jia Yueyang , Yang Rui , Deng Shiqing , Lu Yue , Dieguez Oswaldo , Fan Longlong , Zheng Dongxing , Zhang Xixiang , Dong Yongqi , Luo Zhenlin , Wang Zhen , Wang Huanhua , Sui Manling , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun , Tian Jianjun , Zhang Linxing
Published: March 2023

Atomic-scale ferroelectrics are of great interest for high-density electronics, particularly field-effect transistors, low-power logic, and nonvolatile memories. We devised a film with a layered structure of bismuth oxide that can stabilize the ferroelectric state down to 1 nanometer through samarium bondage. This film can be grown on a variety of substrates with a cost-effective chemical solution deposition. We observed a standard ferroelectric hysteresis loop down to a thickness of ~1 nanometer. The thin films with thicknesses that range from 1 to 4.56 nanometers possess a relatively large remanent polarization from 17 to 50 microcoulombs per square centimeter. We verified the structure with first-principles calculations, which also pointed to the material being a lone pair–driven ferroelectric material. The structure design of the ultrathin ferroelectric films has great potential for the manufacturing of atomic-scale electronic devices.
A global approach for natural history museum collections
Authors: Johnson Kirk R. , Owens Ian F. P. ,   the Global Collection Group
Published: March 2023

Integration of the world’s natural history collections can provide a resource for decision-makers
Lysis Cassette-Mediated Exoprotein Release in Yersinia entomophaga Is Controlled by a PhoB-Like Regulator
Authors: Schoof Marion , O’Callaghan Maureen , Hefer Charles , Glare Travis R. , Paulson Amber R. , Hurst Mark R. H.
Published: March 2023

While theoretical models exist, there is not yet any empirical data that links ALC phage-like lysis cassettes with the release of large macro-molecular toxin complexes, such as Yen-Tc in Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we demonstrate that the novel
Y. entomophaga
RoeA activates the production of exoproteins (including Yen-Tc) and the ALC at the transcriptional level.
2 Developing a new model to investigate the mechanobiology of primary blast in soft tissue
Authors: Staruch RMT , Sedman A , Macildowie S , Cork L , Cleveland RO , Snelling S , Thompson M , Rickard RF , Spear AM
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Efforts to understand the pathology resulting for explosions, such as terrorist bombings or industrial accidents, are increasingly focused on connecting biophysical stimuli with cell fate, widely referred to as mechanobiology. This work presents a novel mechanobiologically relevant biomimetic in vitro 3D muscle model of blast injury together with a custom shock tube designed to deliver relevant explosive loading to cell culture together with analysis of the high throughput whole genome RNA sequencing detailing the effect of explosive shock waves on cell culture over time

Method

Immortalised mouse skeletal muscle cells were encapsulated in fibrin hydrogels and cast between custom-made 3D printed flexible posts. Custom silicone tissue culture plates were designed and fabricated to enable the exposure of cultured skeletal muscle hydrogels (SkmH) to live explosive shock waves. In brief, a frustum shock tube (FST) facility was designed and built at Dstl to delivery relevant loading to a standard tissue culture well plate.

A three-arm explosive trial utilising SkmH was then conducted. After exposure SkmHs were evaluated at 1 hour, 1 day, 3 day and 7 days post blast for cell metabolic activity (presto blue assay), and stored for subsequent gene expression analysis (RNA later solution), imaging (fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde then PBS) and serum contents (media frozen & stored).

Results

SkmHs cultured between 3D printed posts demonstrated aligned morphology, expressed markers consistent with myotube formation and contractile properties from post deflection. SkmHs exposed to explosive blast demonstrated dose-dependent metabolic changes.

Conclusion

This work outlines the design and development of a mechanosensitive apparatus for probing the cellular effects of blast shock wave on biomimetic tissue culture models. Metabolic data up to one week after exposure gives new and detailed insight into the cellular signalling after blast in skeletal muscle.
7 Towards 3D printed medical devices in vivo
Authors: James Fong M , Baldock Sara J , Cheneler David , Appleby John B , Hardy John G
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The rapid development of wearable/implantable electronic devices for biomedical applications is exciting. Telemedicine methods of personal identification and/or patient medical information directly embedded within an individual may revolutionise civilian/military healthcare, motivating the development of minimally invasive methods to print a variety of components in vivo. Potential applications include electronic devices for communications or identification, or optically-readable tags, such as barcodes and QR codes for data storage, personnel identification or medical history.

Method

We utilise a novel photochemical approach for the additive manufacture of embedded polymer components with wide-ranging biomedical applications, with the demonstrated potential for 3D printing of electronic components in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Custom ink formulations are applied/delivered to a substrate (material/tissue/organism) followed by photochemical development of the ink within the substrate yielding de novo designed electronic components within/on the substrate characterised by a variety of analytical methods (e.g., electrical/microscopy/spectroscopy).

Results

We demonstrate progress towards complex electrical devices, with the fabrication of conductive polymer wires, which can form the foundation of all subsequent larger electrical devices. Subsequently, the successful printing of a functioning quick response (QR) code is demonstrated, enabling information to be embedded and easily characterised. Further measurement of this device with an optical microscope shows the ability to store information ex-vivo with a simple characterisation technique, and shows promise for effective 3D printed devices for medical applications in-vivo.

Conclusion

Facile printing of devices for electronic characterisation, or optical components for characterisation with a conventional camera paves the way for a next generation of embedded bioelectronics that we foresee revolutionizing healthcare via personalised telemedicine.
IQOS print magazine advertising characteristics and reach before and after FDA authorisation as a modified risk tobacco product
Authors: Ganz Ollie , Strasser Andrew A , Giovenco Daniel P , Audrain-McGovern Janet , Cappella Joseph N , Safi Zeinab , Tan Andy S L , Talbot Eugene M , Delnevo Cristine D
Published: March 2023

Introduction

IQOS is a heated tobacco product that was authorised as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) in July 2020. While it was removed from the US market in 2021 for legal reasons, as the first tobacco product to receive an ‘exposure modification’ MRTP order, surveillance of IQOS marketing is needed to inform regulation and policy for future MRTPs. The purpose of this study is to expand the current research on IQOS advertising in the USA by examining content and readership characteristics of IQOS ads in print magazines before and after US Food and Drug Administration MRTP authorisation.

Methods

We merged content analysis data with Kantar Media data on magazine placement and expenditures. Magazine readership data were obtained from MRI-Simmons. We compared data from pre-MRTP authorisation with data post-MRTP authorisation. This study was conducted in 2021.

Results

There was one unique ad and there were 13 observations pre-MRTP, and eight unique ads and 132 observations post-MRTP. Compared with pre-MRTP ads, more post-MRTP ads featured Marlboro HeatSticks, including Amber HeatSticks, and featured people. All ads contained a warning label—most warning labels were cigarette specific. IQOS ads were featured in magazines that are especially popular among women.

Conclusions

After receiving MRTP authorisation, IQOS increased ad expenditures in print magazines with a readership comprised of primarily women. If IQOS returns to the US market, it will be important for tobacco control to monitor their advertisement content, placement, and expenditures.
Horizon fractalization in black strings ungravity
Authors: Carvalho Í. D. D. , Furtado J. , Landim R. R. , Alencar G.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study the scalar (tensor) and vector unparticle corrections for cosmic and black strings. Initially, we consider a static cosmic string ansatz from which we obtain the solution in terms of first- and second-kind Bessel functions. We also obtain the solution for a black string in the unparticle scenario. We identify two regimes, namely, a gravity-dominated regime and an ungravity-dominated regime. In the gravity-dominated regime, the black string solution recovers the usual solution for black strings. The Hawking temperature is also studied in both regimes. As in the static and rotating black hole, we find a fractalization of the event horizon. This points to the fact that fractalization is a natural consequence of unparticles. Finally, we study the thermodynamics of the black string in the ungravity scenario by computing the entropy, heat capacity, and free energy. For both cases, we find that, depending on the region of the parameter $$d_U$$

d
U

, phase transitions are possible.
Alignment of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) in space
Authors: Yan Qi , Choutko Vitaly
Published: March 2023

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a precision particle physics detector operating at an altitude of $$\sim 410$$

∼
410

 km aboard the International Space Station. The AMS silicon tracker, together with the permanent magnet, measures the rigidity (momentum/charge) of cosmic rays in the range from $$\sim 0.5$$

∼
0.5

 GV to several TV. In order to have accurate rigidity measurements, the positions of more than 2000 tracker modules have to be determined at the micron level by an alignment procedure. The tracker was first aligned using the 400 GeV/c proton test beam at CERN and then re-aligned using cosmic-ray events after being launched into space. A unique method to align the permanent magnetic spectrometer for a space experiment is presented. The developed underlying mathematical algorithm is discussed in detail.
The CMSSM survives Planck, the LHC, LUX-ZEPLIN, Fermi-LAT, H.E.S.S. and IceCube
Authors: Ellis John , Olive Keith A. , Spanos Vassilis C. , Stamou Ioanna D.
Published: March 2023

We revisit the viability of the CMSSM, searching for regions of parameter space that yield a neutralino dark matter density compatible with Planck measurements, as well as LHC constraints including sparticle searches and the mass of the Higgs boson, recent direct limits on spin-independent and -dependent dark matter scattering from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, the indirect constraints from Fermi-LAT and H.E.S.S. on dark matter annihilations to photons in dwarf spheroidal galaxies and the Galactic Centre, and the IceCube limits on muons from annihilations to neutrinos in the Sun. For representative values of $$\tan \beta $$

tan
β

and $$A_0$$

A
0

we map in detail the Planck-compatible strips in CMSSM parameter planes, which exhibit multiple distinctive features for large $$\tan \beta $$

tan
β

, $$A_0 = 0$$

A
0

=
0

and $$\mu > 0$$

μ
>
0

, and identify portions of the strips that survive all the phenomenological constraints. We find that the most powerful constraint is that from $$m_h$$

m
h

, followed by the LZ limit on spin-independent scattering, whereas sparticle searches at the LHC and indirect dark matter searches are less restrictive. Most of the surviving CMSSM parameter space features a Higgsino-like dark matter particle with a mass $$\sim 1000{-}1100$$

∼
1000
-
1100

 GeV, which could best be probed with future direct searches for dark matter scattering.
Minimization Problems with Non-Submodular Cover Constraint
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Liu Zhicheng , Du Donglei , Shi Peihao , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

The set cover problem has been studied extensively for many years. Submodular function plays a key role in combinatorial optimization. Extending the set cover problem, we consider three submodular cover problems. The first two problems minimize linear and submodular functions, respectively, subject to the same non-submodular cover constraint. The third problem minimizes a submodular function subject to non-submodular cover and precedence constraints. Based on the concepts of submodular ratio and gap, and Lovász extension, we devise greedy and primal–dual approximation algorithms for these problems.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CUSTOMIZED KNEE IMPLANTS BY VARYING LOADS DURING FLEXION-EXTENSION MOVEMENT
Authors: ALSHEWAIER SHADY A. , ALSHEHRI MAJED ALI GHURMALLAH , BEGUM S. SABARUNISHA , SIKKANDAR MOHAMED YACIN , ALMUKIL ALI ABDULLAH A. , ALHAZMI AISHAH MOHAMMAD
Published: March 2023

A customized knee implant numerical modeling using finite element analysis (FEA) during flexion extension has been investigated in this paper with varying loads with an objective of studying its kinematics. Computed tomography (CT) images of 15 osteoarthritis subjects’ images were used in this work. Various morphological characteristics were extracted from clinical images using a commercial CAE software and biomechanical properties were studied on applying standard loads on customized implant and off-the-shelf (OTS) implants. Patient-specific knee implants have been designed according to the morphological characteristics and bone dimension of patient with compressive loads (1500, 1700 and 3000[Formula: see text]N) during normal gait and were compared with the normal knee. Results showed that the stresses are distributed equally to the spacer and the tibial plate, unlike the standard femoral component where the stresses get concentrated on the cut edges. In compressive load, active stress and strain ([Formula: see text]–20[Formula: see text]MPa) are lesser ([Formula: see text]) and in flexion extension also lesser with a scaling factor of 0.785 and 1.0. The designed implant was found to produce similar biomechanical properties when compared to normal knee joint and thus it can be considered as a valuable implant and could replace the standard OTS knee implants.
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGE IN THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES INDUCED BY DIFFERENT MATERIAL INTERNAL FEATURES
Authors: MIRULLA AGOSTINO IGOR , BORI EDOARDO , BRAGONZONI LAURA , INNOCENTI BERNARDO
Published: March 2023

In orthopedic medical devices, differences in elasto-plastic behavior between bone and metallic materials could lead to mechanical issues at the bone-implant interface, such as stress shielding, bone fracture or implant failure. To reduce mismatching-related adverse events between bone and prosthetic mechanical properties, an in-body geometry optimization could be the right approach to reduce prosthetic stiffness. Therefore, this study aims to assess the elastic behavior of four different in-body gap prismatic geometries (quadratic, hexagonal, octagonal, and circular) and how much they reduce bulk stiffness. Uniaxial compression tests were performed on five cubes with a 20[Formula: see text]mm thickness, each containing a different set of internal prismatic gaps. For each design, the elastic response was calculated and compared with a full-volume cube, used as control. All cubes showed a stiffness reduction compared to the control, greater in cubes with quadratic (21%), octagonal (18%), and circular (17%) transversal sections, compared to the hexagonal one (6%). Moreover, finite element models were implemented and tested, showing coherent values obtained through the experimental tests. In addition, a bi-material approach was studied in silico and the results suggested that variable elastic behavior could be obtained by using composite material, providing lower mechanical properties than commonly used commercial prosthetic materials.
Numerical Slow Growth Damage Assessment of an Adhesively Bonded Composite Joint Under Compression Through Four-Point Bending
Authors: Wong Laurence , Imran Kabir M. D. , Wang John , Zhang Y. X. , Yang Richard Chunhui
Published: March 2023

In this study, an extended finite element method (XFEM)-based numerical analysis procedure is developed as part of a framework for assessing damage slow growth behaviors of an adhesively bonded composite joint. This CFRP-CFRP single strap joint is stabilized with an aluminium honeycomb subjected to static compression through four-point bending. The adhesively bonded patch has a 140[Formula: see text]mm overlap length centered on its 440[Formula: see text]mm parent structure. The residual strengths are determined using an adhesive element failure criterion and a failure index based on energy release rate for disbonded and delaminated joints. XFEM is utilized to introduce pre-initiated cracks of various lengths and to calculate the energy release rates for each of four failure scenarios. Mesh convergence studies are conducted to acquire appropriate element sizes at crack tip. Additionally, multiple numerical benchmark models to experimental and numerical literatures are devised to validate individual components of the proposed finite element model. Results of the energy release rates for joints with cracks starting at the gap region suggest that a mixed-mode fracture occurs. At small crack lengths, mode-I is relatively low, and mode-II is high. As the crack length increases, mode-I increases, and mode-II gradually decreases. The energy release rates for joints with cracks starting in the taper end show that only a mode-II fracture exists. Finally, slow growth damage could be identified in each of the four damage scenarios. Joints with cracks initiated from the taper end exhibit substantially longer periods of slow growth damage when compared to joints with cracks initiated from the gap region.
Several geometric properties on mixed quasi-Einstein manifolds with soliton structures
Authors: Huang Zhiming , Zhou Huazhen , Lu Weijun
Published: March 2023

The object of this paper is to study mixed quasi-Einstein manifolds of dimension [Formula: see text] (for short, [Formula: see text]) and their geometric properties. We discuss some geometric properties of [Formula: see text] such as Ricci semisymmetric, concircular Ricci pseudosymmetric and [Formula: see text] Ricci pseudosymmetric. Furthermore, we discuss the mixed quasi-Einstein manifolds with Ricci soliton and Riemann soliton, respectively. Finally, we construct an example of mixed quasi-Einstein manifold.
Multi-objective optimal control of tungiasis diseases with terminal demands
Authors: Lv Wei , Zhang Si-Ting , Wang Lei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we aim to minimize the epidemic size of tungiasis disease and economic costs simultaneously, with terminal demands for infected humans. A human–jigger parasite control system with four control schemes for humans and jiggers is established. We propose a multi-objective optimal control problem with terminal constraints, in which the accumulated number of infected humans and control costs are involved. By applying the modified normal boundary intersection algorithm and the interior point scheme, numerical simulations for different combinations of control schemes are carried out, and actual data in Madagascar are used. Effective combination schemes are indicated from the perspectives of disease eradication, cost saving and time saving. Once these effective combinations are properly performed, the disease can be controlled. When only minimizing the epidemic size, the combination of the optimal treatments and adulticiding efforts is the best choice in the rainy season; the combination of the optimal personal protections and treatments is the preferential option in the dry season. When only minimizing the economical cost, the combination of the optimal adulticide and larvicide is the better selection in the rainy season; the combination of the optimal personal protections, treatments and adulticiding efforts is the prior choose in the dry season. Thus, there is a trade-off between the two objectives for all the effective combinations, decision-makers may choose an appropriate one to control the disease.
Flexible strain sensor with self-healing function for human motion monitoring
Authors: Ji Shanpeng , Guo Ping , Ruan Diqing , Wu Huaping , Cheng Lin , Liu Aiping
Published: March 2023

Flexible strain sensors with highly similar effects to human skin have been given great attention due to their potential application in personal health monitoring, human–computer interaction systems and artificial electronic skin fields. In particular, the self-healing properties of the sensors are important for their long-term and repeated use during the actual operation. Herein, a flexible strain sensor with complete self-healing function is proposed by combining self-healable PDMS film with rich hydrogen bonds and conductive ink based on recoverable liquid metal. By adjusting the contents of different components of self-healing PDMS film and the relative mass fraction of the liquid metal ink in the strain sensor, the tensile stress and resistance of flexible sensor can be changed to match different usage scenarios. The sensor can achieve a maximum tensile stress of 0.83 MPa and an elongation at break of 843%. After self-healing for 24 h at room temperature, its tensile stress can revert to 82% of the original value, while the electrical connection can instantaneously recover to initial situation after fracture surface contacts. This hints its potential advantage as wearable sensors for motion monitoring of the human body and developable applications in medical monitoring, recyclable electronics and artificial skin.
Artificial Intelligence for Materials Discovery
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: March 2023

Finding novel materials needs more than pure machine learning.
… And the Computer Plays Along
Authors: Shein Esther
Published: March 2023

Software can improvise on the spot to accompany the performance of live musicians.
Symbol-Synchronous Buses: Deterministic, Low-Latency Wireless Mesh Networking with LEDs
Authors: Oostvogels Jonathan , Yang Fan , Michiels Sam , Hughes Danny
Published: March 2023

Latency-sensitive applications for the Internet of Things often require performance guarantees that contemporary wireless networks fail to offer. The cause of this shortcoming lies in the inherent complexity and inefficiency of networking abstractions such as routing, medium access control, and store-and-forward packet switching, which coordinate multiple nodes across a wireless network. This research highlight describes a novel networking paradigm that aims to enable a new class of latency-sensitive applications by systematically breaking these abstractions. The paradigm, referred to as a symbol-synchronous bus, has nodes that concurrently transmit optical signals and thus delivers a wireless mesh network with a performance envelope resembling that of a wired bus in terms of deterministic latency and throughput. A physical prototype, called ZERO-WIRE, confirms that symbol-synchronous buses unlock a novel end-to-end performance envelope for wireless mesh networks: our 25-node test bed achieves 19kbps of contention-agnostic goodput, latency under 1 ms for two-byte frames across four hops, jitter on the order of 10μs of (is, and a base reliability of 99%. These early results suggest a bright future for the under-explored area of optical wireless mesh networks in delivering ubiquitous connectivity through a low-complexity physical layer.
Cooperation in the Commons
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: March 2023

Seeking a solution to a bovine calculation situation.
Improving Section 230, Preserving Democracy, and Protecting Free Speech
Authors: Van Alstyne Marshall , Smith Michael D. , Lin Herbert
Published: March 2023

Proposing a framework for a decentralized market where no one party controls the flow of information.
Self-Supervised Learning of Depth and Ego-Motion for 3D Perception in Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Qiao Shanbao , Xiong Neal N. , Gao Yongbin , Fang Zhijun , Yu Wenjun , Zhang Juan , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

3D perception of depth and ego-motion is of vital importance in intelligent agent and
Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
tasks, such as robotics and autonomous driving. There are different kinds of sensors that can directly obtain 3D depth information. However, the commonly used Lidar sensor is expensive, and the effective range of RGB-D cameras is limited. In the field of computer vision, researchers have done a lot of work on 3D perception. While traditional geometric algorithms require a lot of manual features for depth estimation, Deep Learning methods have achieved great success in this field. In this work, we proposed a novel self-supervised method based on
Vision Transformer (ViT)
with
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)
architecture, which is referred to as
ViT-Depth
. The image reconstruction losses computed by the estimated depth and motion between adjacent frames are treated as supervision signal to establish a self-supervised learning pipeline. This is an effective solution for tasks that need accurate and low-cost 3D perception, such as autonomous driving, robotic navigation, 3D reconstruction, and so on. Our method could leverage both the ability of CNN and Transformer to extract deep features and capture global contextual information. In addition, we propose a cross-frame loss that could constrain photometric error and scale consistency among multi-frames, which lead the training process to be more stable and improve the performance. Extensive experimental results on autonomous driving dataset demonstrate the proposed approach is competitive with the state-of-the-art depth and motion estimation methods.