bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Finite-Time Ensemble Method for Mixed Layer Model Comparison
Authors: Johnson Leah , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Li Qing , Pham Hieu T. , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: May 2023

This work evaluates the fidelity of various upper-ocean turbulence parameterizations subject to realistic monsoon forcing and presents a finite-time ensemble vector (EV) method to better manage the design and numerical principles of these parameterizations. The EV method emphasizes the dynamics of a turbulence closure multimodel ensemble and is applied to evaluate 10 different ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL) parameterizations within a single-column (SC) model against two boundary layer large-eddy simulations (LES). Both LES include realistic surface forcing, but one includes wind-driven shear turbulence only, while the other includes additional Stokes forcing through the wave-average equations that generate Langmuir turbulence. The finite-time EV framework focuses on what constitutes the local behavior of the mixed layer dynamical system and isolates the forcing and ocean state conditions where turbulence parameterizations most disagree. Identifying disagreement provides the potential to evaluate SC models comparatively against the LES. Observations collected during the 2018 monsoon onset in the Bay of Bengal provide a case study to evaluate models under realistic and variable forcing conditions. The case study results highlight two regimes where models disagree 1) during wind-driven deepening of the mixed layer and 2) under strong diurnal forcing.
Large-Scale Distribution and Variations of Active Salt-Finger Double-Diffusion in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Oyabu Ryosuke , Yasuda Ichiro , Sasaki Yusuke
Published: May 2023

Large-scale distribution and variations in active salt fingers (SF) in the western North Pacific were examined by detecting the active SF with a vertical density ratio Rρ = 1–2 at depths of 10–300 m using a monthly gridded hydrographic dataset from 2001 to 2016. The active SF is distributed most frequently in March along 40°N around the Subarctic Boundary (SAB), where the mixed layer deepens northward and corresponds to the Central Mode Water formation site with a density from +0.02σθ to +0.2σθ of surface density and mainly in 26.1–26.4σθ. This active SF along 40°N underwent seasonal variation and decayed rapidly from March to August from the shallower and less dense parts of the active SF with increasing mean density. The features of the active SF in March are consistent with the hypothesis that surface water with a horizontal density ratio RL = 1–2 is subducted and vertically superposed, resulting in an active SF. The mean density of the active SF in March is well correlated with the surface density with RL = 1–2, and both mean densities showed a decreasing trend from 2001 to 2016, following the surface warming trend (∼0.057°C yr−1) in the surface water with RL = 1–2. Large year-to-year variations in the active SF in March are explained by both horizontal and vertical extensions, and can be reproduced by four conditions: 1) from 1°N to 3°S of SAB, 2) RL = 1–2, and 3) northward deepening of the mixed layer depth, and 4) the part with a density from +0.02σθ to +0.2σθ of surface density.

Significance Statement

It has been recognized that salt-finger (SF) double-diffusive convection is not active in the western North Pacific Ocean. This study demonstrated the distribution and seasonal/interannual variations of active SF in the western North Pacific for the first time: the formation of active SF along 40°N in 140°E–180° around the Subarctic Boundary in March and rapid decay until August, and large year-to-year variations of vertical and horizontal extensions with density decreasing trend. This study also proposed a formation mechanism that is relevant to the active SF density decrease and warming trend in the western North Pacific.
On the Collective Importance of Model Physics and Data Assimilation on Mesoscale Convective System and Precipitation Forecasts over Complex Terrain
Authors: Risanto Christoforus Bayu , Moker James M. , Arellano Avelino F. , Castro Christopher L. , Serra Yolande L. , Luong Thang M. , Adams David K.
Published: May 2023

Forecasting mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and precipitation over complex terrain is an ongoing challenge even for convective-permitting numerical models. Here, we show the value of combining mesoscale constraints to improve short-term MCS forecasts for two events during the North American monsoon season in 2013, including the following: 1) the initial specification of moisture, via GPS-precipitable water vapor (PWV) data assimilation (DA); 2) kinematics via modification of cumulus parameterization; and 3) microphysics via modification of cloud microphysics parameterization. A total of five convective-permitting Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model experiments is conducted for each event to elucidate the impact of these constraints. Results show that combining GPS-PWV DA with a modified Kain–Fritsch scheme and double-moment microphysics provides relatively the best forecast of both North American monsoon MCSs and convective precipitation in terms of timing, location, and intensity relative to available precipitation and cloud-top temperature observations. Additional examination on the associated reflectivity, vertical wind field, equivalent potential temperature, and hydrometeor distribution of MCS events show the added value of each individual constraint to forecast performance.

Significance Statement

Forecasting thunderstorm clouds and rain over mountainous regions is challenging because of limitations in having radar and rain gauges and in resolving physical drivers in forecast models. We examine the value of considering all possible constraints by incorporating moisture into these models, and correcting physics in the model treatment of cumulus and cloud microphysics parameterizations. This study demonstrates that assimilating moisture and using modified Kain–Fritsch and double-moment microphysics schemes provides the best thunderstorm cloud and rain forecasts in terms of timing, location, and intensity. Each correction improves key properties of these storms such as vertical wind, along with distribution of water in various phases. We highlight the need to improve our efforts on effectively integrating these constraints into current and future forecasts.
Investigating the Relationship between Polarimetric Radar Signatures of Hydrometeor Size Sorting and Tornadic Potential in Simulated Supercells
Authors: Loeffler Scott D. , Kumjian Matthew R. , Markowski Paul M. , Coffer Brice E. , Parker Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

The national upgrade of the operational weather radar network to include polarimetric capabilities has led to numerous studies focusing on polarimetric radar signatures commonly observed in supercells. One such signature is the horizontal separation of regions of enhanced differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) values due to hydrometeor size sorting. Recent observational studies have shown that the orientation of this separation tends to be more perpendicular to storm motion in supercells that produce tornadoes. Although this finding has potential operational utility, the physical relationship between this observed radar signature and tornadic potential is not known. This study uses an ensemble of supercell simulations initialized with tornadic and nontornadic environments to investigate this connection. The tendency for tornadic supercells to have a more perpendicular separation orientation was reproduced, although to a lesser degree. This difference in orientation angles was caused by stronger rearward storm-relative flow in the nontornadic supercells, leading to a rearward shift of precipitation and, therefore, the enhanced KDP region within the supercell. Further, this resulted in an unfavorable rearward shift of the negative buoyancy region, which led to an order of magnitude less baroclinic generation of circulation in the nontornadic simulations compared to tornadic simulations.
Leveraging U.S. Climate Assessment Research Gaps to Inform Science Innovation
Authors: Basile Samantha , Bieniek-Tobasco Ashley , Akamine Bradley , Lustig Allyza , Avery Christopher W.
Published: May 2023

Over three decades, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) has developed an assessment process to integrate, evaluate, and interpret scientific findings on climate change as well as discuss uncertainties. In six USGCRP assessments, authors identified research gaps, or topics that they indicated required more information or study. Examining research gaps on a continual and systematic basis can aid decisions about research projects, programmatic priorities, and strategic scientific visions. The methodology presented here addresses two aims: 1) identify and categorize research gaps within a searchable database and 2) demonstrate use of the database to inform future science planning and assessment. Results include the top 10 database themes, 18 recurring topics across assessments, and a search example for vulnerability gaps. The benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed, along with recommendations to improve future U.S. climate assessment products.

Significance Statement

The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) regularly assesses the state of the science of climate change and its impacts in national-level reports written by federal scientists, academic researchers, practitioners, and other experts from across the country. These reports are designed to inform policy choices and decision-making by addressing scientific confidence, uncertainty, and research gaps that limit conclusions. We identified research gaps from six climate reports and organized them into a database with over 1000 entries, spanning more than 300 topic areas. Database entries were also sorted into 22 themes for searchability. The database can be used by students, researchers, and program managers to find open research questions and plan future work.
The Ethics of Discharge Planning After Violent Injury
Authors: Wallace Marshall W. , Boyd Jeremy S. , Lee Aaron , Ye Fei , Patel Mayur B. , Peetz Allan B.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Victims of violence (VoV) are at disproportionate risk for future violence, making consideration of patient safety by Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians and Trauma Surgeons (TS) essential when discharge planning (DP) for VoV. Practice patterns and ethical perspectives in DP for VoV, and their respective scenario- and specialty-specific variations, are unknown.

Methods

We surveyed 118 EM and 37 TS physicians at a level 1 trauma center. Three clinical scenarios were presented (intimate partner violence, elder abuse, gun violence), each followed by four questions assessing practices and ethical dilemmas in DP. Responses were compared using Chi-Square testing.

Results

Response rate was 51.6%. EM physicians more frequently supported patient autonomy to proceed with a potentially unsafe discharge plan after an episode of Intimate Partner Violence ( P = .013) and believed that admission could facilitate change in the victim’s social situation after an episode of Elder Abuse ( P = .026). TS physicians were more likely to offer social admission, providing additional time to navigate safe discharge planning ( P = .003), less likely to see social admission as an inappropriate use of limited resources ( P = .030) and less likely to support patient autonomy to proceed with a potentially unsafe discharge ( P = .003) after gun-related violence.

Conclusion

There appears to exist scenario- and specialty-specific variability in the practice patterns and ethical perspectives of EM and TS physicians when discharge planning for victims of violence. These findings highlight the need for further evaluation of specific factors underlying variability by situation and specialty, and their implications for patient-centered outcomes.
Prevention of Rectal Stenosis After Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids by Anastomotic Thread-Drawing and Anal Enlargement
Authors: Wei Dan , Jiang Peng , Gao Ran , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

to investigate preventive measures of rectal stricture after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) and to intervene early.

Methods

A total of 400 patients with severe mixed hemorrhoids hospitalized in the [anonymous hospital] from January 2018 to February 2022 were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group A, B, and C, with 100 patients in each group. Experimental group: Thread-drawing during operation and anal enlargement after PPH. Group A: Thread-drawing during PPH surgery, group B: Anal enlargement after PPH, and group C: PPH alone. The anastomotic sites of the 4 groups were observed for 1-2 months and followed up for 1-3 years.

Results

The effective rate of mixed hemorrhoid treatment in the 4 groups was 100%. There was no rectal stenosis in the experimental group, 11% in group A, 7% in group B, and 14% in group C.

Conclusion

Multipoint thread-drawing and anal enlargement after PPH can avoid postoperative rectal stenosis and can strengthen anastomosis and reduce bleeding, while being a simple procedure that can be easily popularized.
Storage Practices, Devices, and Presence of Children Among Owners of Firearms: Informing Pediatric Firearm Safety
Authors: Gaffley Michaela , Rauh Jessica L. , Gardner Alison , Palmer Rebecca , Haberman Cara , Petty John K. , Neff Lucas P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Firearm injury is the leading cause of death in children and prevention is the most effective method to reduce severe morbidity and mortality. Injury prevention programs have used community firearm lock giveaway events to promote safe firearm storage practices. The locks are generally simple and inexpensive devices suitable for mass distribution but may not possess the owner-desired attributes for use in the home. Because data on owner preferences for firearm lock type is lacking, we conducted a community survey to inform firearm safety outreach efforts.

Methods

We performed an anonymous cross-sectional survey at a large community fair. We elicited responses regarding reasons for firearm ownership, current storage practices, and preferences for firearm storage devices. Participants were offered a choice of a free trigger lock or cable lock and education on its use.

Results

Two-hundred and sixty-seven of 394 (67.7%) respondents reported firearm ownership, with 64.8% reporting children in the home regularly. Most (60.7%) owned handguns and cited personal protection as the main reason for ownership (88.4%). The ability to store the firearm loaded and the need for rapid access were identified as the main storage considerations. Respondents preferred trigger locks over cable locks at a rate of almost 2:1.

Conclusions

The majority of firearm owners had handguns for self-defense. Owners preferred simple locking mechanisms that allowed the firearm to remain loaded. The pragmatic pediatric injury prevention program will include firearm owners’ preferences when considering which lock to purchase and distribute during firearm injury prevention programs.

Level of Evidence

IV, Epidemiological
Validation for Abbreviated Hospital Stay in Pediatric Patients with Solid Organ Injury
Authors: Griffin Kristine L. , Richardson Chandler , Brierley Stephanie , Stullich Renee M. , Gates Robert L.
Published: May 2023

Background

In 2000, the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) published guidelines for the management of pediatric solid organ injury, recommending a hospital length of stay (LOS) of grade of injury plus 1 day. Since the publication of these guidelines, several studies have suggested that it is safe to discharge patients sooner based upon hemodynamic and clinical factors. The results of several of these studies have been confounded by the existence of other injuries. The aim of this study was to examine LOS and outcomes in children with strictly isolated solid organ injuries.

Materials and Methods

This is a 12-year retrospective review of pediatric patients with isolated trauma to the kidney, liver, or spleen to determine LOS. Patients were excluded for associated intracranial, neurologic, orthopedic, or pulmonary injuries which would impact length of stay. Documented hemodynamic parameters were reviewed as determinants of patient stability.

Results

A total of 156 patients were included in the study. The projected average LOS for all patients based on the 2000 APSA guidelines would have been 3.71 ± 0.98 days. The actual average LOS for all patients 2.85 ± 3.32 days. Need for operation, ICU stay, and transfusion all contributed to increased LOS. The number of episodes of abnormal vitals positively correlated with increased LOS.

Discussion

This study validates that management of isolated solid organ injuries based upon hemodynamic parameters and clinical status is safe and decreases hospital length of stay. Consistently normal vital signs indicate these children can be safely discharged sooner.
Genetic Considerations in the Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Current State of the Science
Authors: Richmond Bryan K. , Gallimore Jade
Published: May 2023

Thyroid nodules remain a common diagnosis encountered in general and endocrine surgical practice, and thyroid cancer appears to be increasing in incidence in both the United States and worldwide. The understanding of the complex genetics surrounding thyroid neoplasia has increased substantially in recent years and, consequently, has become a consideration in risk stratification, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Molecular genetic analysis of thyroid nodules is now a readily available technology for diagnostic purposes via analysis of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens. Although their routine use is controversial, they may aid in selecting which patients require surgery and those who may be safely observed. In the following review, the genetics of the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer are reviewed, focusing on the most common and clinically relevant of the literally hundreds of known mutations. Following this, the current status of the use of genetic analysis and molecular diagnostics in the workup of thyroid nodules and the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer is explored. Finally, evolving concepts relating to the use of thyroid cancer genetics in individualizing treatment planning, follow-up, and management of recurrent disease is discussed. The goal is to provide the general surgeon with a working knowledge of the most common genetic alterations present in differentiated thyroid cancer, their relevance in clinical practice, and how they impact prognosis and treatment.
Book review: John S. Moolakkattu and Jos Chathukulam (Eds.), Challenges to Local Governance in the Pandemic Era: Perspectives from South Asia and Beyond
Authors: Nair Nisha Velappan
Published: May 2023

John S. Moolakkattu and Jos Chathukulam (Eds.), Challenges to Local Governance in the Pandemic Era: Perspectives from South Asia and Beyond. UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2022, 365 pages. £75.99, ISBN 978-1-5275-8174-6 (Hardback).
European Defence Planning: Concorde, Franco-British Politico-Military Relations and the Cold War, 1956–68
Authors: Wasson Glenn
Published: May 2023

Cold War tensions between the superpowers marked the years 1956 to 1966, where the United States, Britain and France prioritised European defence against Soviet aggression. Despite being envisaged for civil aviation purposes, the Concorde aircraft was the Franco-British alternative to US proposals concerning the introduction of a supersonic bomber within the Inter-Allied Nuclear Force (IANF) to protect against Soviet attack during the Cold War technological race. This offers a unique case study for the examination of Franco-British bi-lateral partnership in the context of European defence. This article will concentrate on three main themes. The first investigates how Concorde was considered as a viable component for the IANF. Subsequently, the loci of US, British and French policy decisions will be explored with regards to constructing supersonic aircrafts. Lastly, the article considers how foreign policies influenced the shift from a military-use Concorde to a more commercial option. The historiography on Concorde focuses on its commercial impact, and how it affected the Franco-British partnership. Considering Concorde from the defence perspective allows us to analyse the divisions between the US and French grand design ideas – the IANF and Europe puissance – and how they provoked further friction in the Franco-British military relationship.
The Relative Strengths of Relationships Between Fine Motor Skills, Working Memory, Processing Speed and Fluid Intelligence in Early Elementary School Children
Authors: Memisevic Haris , Dedic Admira , Malec Daniel
Published: May 2023

The goal in the present paper was to examine the combined and relative impact of fine motor ability, auditory working memory, and processing speed on fluid intelligence in a sample of early elementary school students. Our participant sample was 145 children ( Mage = 9.1 years, SD = 1.1; 80 boys, 65 girls). We used the Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices Test as a measure of fluid intelligence and five other measures to represent the three predictor variables: the Grooved Pegboard Test as a measure of fine motor skills, Digit Span Forwards and Digit Span Backwards tests as measures of working memory, and Rapid Automatized Naming and Letter-Digit Substitution tasks as measures of processing speed. Regression analyses indicated that only two of these measures had a statistically significant association with the fluid intelligence test scores, namely, scores on the Grooved Pegboard (fine motor skills) and Digit Span Backwards (working memory) tests, with these two measures explaining 35% of the variance in the fluid intelligence test scores. Thus, fine motor skills and working memory were correlated with fluid intelligence in early elementary-grade students. Until the directions of these relationships are better understood, we might assume that interventions aiming to increase young children’s fluid intelligence, or at least their intelligence scores, might partly target working memory and fine motor skills.
Underground urbanism in Africa: Splintered subterranean space in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Agwor Abidemi , Melo Zurita Maria de Lourdes , Munro Paul G
Published: May 2023

Africa is rapidly urbanising and is likely to home to some of the most populous cities within the next decade. Such rapid growth has made the prevention of urban sprawl a Sisyphean Quest in many African cities, as rural fringes are rapidly being transformed into urbanised space. A strategy proposed around the world to address some of the urban challenges is the increasing adoption of a volumetric lens to planning the city. Specifically, to use the urban underground as a strategic site to place infrastructure and free-up superficial urban surface space, in turn potentially helping to create more sustainable, liveable, equitable and just urban environments. Yet, so far, little attention has been paid to the urban underground in Africa cities. In this paper, mobilising Lagos, Nigeria as a case study, we start addressing this lacuna. We provide a critical long-term analysis – spanning the colonial and since independence eras – of how the urban underground has been used in Lagos, focussing on utility (energy, telecommunications, water) and transport infrastructure. We follow this with an analysis of how political economies have shaped underground use and access, with a particular consideration on informal interactions, and how they shape underground use and access. We conclude by offering an assessment of the possibilities and challenges that the urban underground presents for the future of Lagos and other African cities, with a critical consideration of the dynamism of localised volumes and the practices around them.
Leadership repertoire and political engagement in a divided city: The case of East Jerusalem
Authors: Brenner Noam , Miodownik Dan , Shenhav Shaul R.
Published: May 2023

Do the leaders of minority communities in divided cities influence group members’ expressed willingness to engage politically with rival groups? Studies typically link group members’ willingness to engage with rival groups to direct contact between individuals from opposing groups. However, such contact is problematic in divided cities, wherein opportunities to interact are scarce and frowned upon. Focusing on the contested urban space of Jerusalem, we find indications that the diverse nature of community leadership in East Jerusalem can influence Palestinian residents’ attitudes towards political engagement with Israeli authorities via municipal elections. The ‘middlemen’ role can explain community leaders’ influence in divided cities. They facilitate indirect contact between their constituents and the other group’s members or institutions. Our analysis employs original data from a public opinion survey conducted among Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem immediately prior to the Jerusalem 2018 municipal elections. It has ramifications regarding urban governance for other divided cities.
e-Tourism Information Literacy and Its Role in Driving Tourist Satisfaction With Online Travel Information: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Wang Rui , Wu Chuanhui , Wang Xia , Xu Feifei , Yuan Qinjian
Published: May 2023

As numerous travel information is provided on digital platforms, information literacy is becoming increasingly important for tourists to address travel-related problems and ensure a smooth tour experience. This study conceptualizes e-tourism information literacy (eTIL) based on previous researches and develops a scale to measure this construct following a systematic approach, from which, 14 items were generated to measure four underlying dimensions of eTIL: information knowledge, information skills, information awareness, and information ethics. Additionally, to examine the interplay between eTIL, information quality, and system quality, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is employed on 399 samples to obtain equifinal configurations that lead to tourist satisfaction with online travel information (TSOTI). The results revealed two configurations leading to high TSOTI and three configurations leading to low TSOTI. This study contributes theoretically by constructing the concept of eTIL and explaining its role in driving TSOTI.
Graphical Causal Models for Survey Inference
Authors: Schuessler Julian , Selb Peter
Published: May 2023

Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are now a popular tool to inform causal inferences. We discuss how DAGs can also be used to encode theoretical assumptions about nonprobability samples and survey nonresponse and to determine whether population quantities including conditional distributions and regressions can be identified. We describe sources of bias and assumptions for eliminating it in various selection scenarios. We then introduce and analyze graphical representations of multiple selection stages in the data collection process, and highlight the strong assumptions implicit in using only design weights. Furthermore, we show that the common practice of selecting adjustment variables based on correlations with sample selection and outcome variables of interest is ill-justified and that nonresponse weighting when the interest is in causal inference may come at severe costs. Finally, we identify further areas for survey methodology research that can benefit from advances in causal graph theory.
A novel optimization approach for rural development based on sustainable agriculture planning, considering the energy and water consumption nexus
Authors: Luo Jing , Chang Ya-Ping , Kaliyaperumal Karthikeyan
Published: May 2023

In today's world, there are many changes and transformations in different sectors of the economy, and today's world economy has become more dependent on each other. The economy of many developing countries is highly dependent on agriculture. In addition, in developed countries, the agricultural sector is of special importance, so they are currently turning to the production of more organic and healthy products. One of the reasons that caused the agricultural sector to receive more attention in the economy is the existential importance of this sector in providing the raw materials of a part of the industry and the food industry needed in that country. Accordingly, in this research, the optimal cultivation pattern is determined using a linear multi-objective mathematical model, including economic, social, and environmental objectives. Moreover, the uncertainty in the input parameters of the proposed model is considered, and a robust optimization approach is applied to deal with this uncertainty. After collecting the research data for the crop year 2021-2022, the proposed robust counterpart formulation is optimized using GAMS software. The numerical results show that increasing the level of conservatism in the robust model cause to decrease in the profit of agriculture as well as increasing the total consumed water. Moreover, the results of the current research can help the decision-makers of the agricultural sector in achieving the goal of obtaining the highest profit.
Using swarm intelligence optimization algorithms to predict the height of fractured water-conducting zone
Authors: Zhao Dekang , Li Zhenghao , Feng Guorui , Wang Fulong , Hao Chenwei , He Yaming , Dong Shuning
Published: May 2023

The accurate calculation of the height of fractured water-conducting zone (FWCZ) is of great significance for mine optimization design, water disaster prevention, and safety production of the coal mines. In this article, a height-prediction model of FWCZ based on extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. To address the issues of low prediction accuracy and challenging parameter optimization, we optimized the ELM model using the gray-wolf optimization algorithm (GOA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and salp optimization algorithm (SOA). These optimization algorithms mitigate the issues of slow convergence, poor stability, and local optimality associated with traditional neural networks. The mining depth, mining height, overburden strata structure, working face length, and coal seam dip angle are selected as the main controlling factors for the height of FWCZ. A total of 42 fields-measured samples are collected and divided into 2 subsets for training and validating with a ratio of 36/6. The prediction capability of GOA-ELM, WOA-ELM, and SOA-ELM models are evaluated and compared, and the results show that the calculation results of the three models are optimized compared with the ELM model. The prediction capability of GOA and WOA are similar, while the prediction results of SOA-ELM are better than the other two models, and the relative errors of the test sets are all less than 10%. Therefore, the SOA-ELM model is finally applied to predict the height of FWCZ formed after the mining of No.15 coal seam in Xinjian Coal Mine. Finally, we verified the prediction results using measured data from the borehole television detection instrument, which showed good consistency. This provides further evidence of the effectiveness of the swarm intelligence optimization algorithm in predicting the height of FWCZ.
Evaluating the DR-ED Listserv as a Medical Education Networking and Support Tool
Authors: Pylman Stacey , Mavis Brian
Published: May 2023

The listserv, although considered old technology by some, continues to show benefit for and growth in subscribers. We investigated the roles the DR-ED listserv plays within the medical education community. We asked, Who subscribes? Why do they subscribe? and How do they use the listserv? We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the DR-ED listserv based on message content analysis and user surveys. We found the DR-ED listserv fulfills medical educators’ need to network collegially; keep current with issues and ideas in the field; share solutions to problems; share resources; and advertise development opportunities. We found two types of listserv engagement: a) one-way engagement by using it as a resource, or two-way engagement by using and sharing resources. Our findings also highlight the value users attribute to virtual resources and the role listservs can play as economical professional development in a time of constrained costs, and our analysis methods can be used to guide future listserv evaluations. We conclude the relatively easy access to a global medical education listserv is one strategy to create a community of practice for medical education practitioners.
Reforming work patterns or negotiating workloads? Exploring alternative pathways for digital productivity assistants through a problematization lens
Authors: Nyman Stig , Bødker Mads , Blegind Jensen Tina
Published: May 2023

Digital trace data can be used to capture organizational practices in granular detail and enable the automation of a wide range of managerial tasks. One example is Digital Productivity Assistants (DPA) that harness digital trace data about knowledge workers’ performance and make targeted suggestions for how to improve and optimize their work patterns. Previous research shows that despite benevolent intentions to increase workers’ wellbeing, DPA tend to introduce novel forms of exploitation and control. Inspired by Michel Foucault’s philosophical strategy of ‘problematization,’ which emphasizes how practices are constructed in the form of problems that subsequently shape certain solutions, this paper takes a critical yet constructive view of DPA. Specifically, we conduct a genealogical reading of the DPA tool, Microsoft MyAnalytics, to investigate the problematics that have structured its emergence, as well as how its uses imply certain discursive commitments to philosophical and ethical questions. In the prevailing discourse, DPA cast digital trace data as a learning opportunity and thereby commit to individualizing the responsibility for handling the paradoxical nature of increasingly fluid work arrangements. Conversely, in our account of the history of MyAnalytics, we uncover a ‘lost discourse’ committed to trace data as a resource that can help knowledge workers negotiate excessive workloads. We propose the problematization lens as a way critically to articulate alternatives and speculate about instantiations of digital technology that today seem ‘unthinkable’.
Visualising and semi-quantitatively measuring brain fluid pathways, including meningeal lymphatics, in humans using widely available MRI techniques
Authors: Sennfält Stefan , Thrippleton Michael J , Stringer Michael , Reyes Carmen Arteaga , Chappell Francesca , Doubal Fergus , Garcia Daniela J , Zhang Junfang , Cheng Yajun , Wardlaw Joanna
Published: May 2023

Brain fluid dynamics remains poorly understood with central issues unresolved. In this study, we first review the literature regarding points of controversy, then pilot study if conventional MRI techniques can assess brain fluid outflow pathways and explore potential associations with small vessel disease (SVD). We assessed 19 subjects participating in the Mild Stroke Study 3 who had FLAIR imaging before and 20–30 minutes after intravenous Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast. Signal intensity (SI) change was assessed semi-quantitatively by placing regions of interest, and qualitatively by a visual scoring system, along dorsal and basal fluid outflow routes. Following i.v. Gd, SI increased substantially along the anterior, middle, and posterior superior sagittal sinus (SSS) (82%, 104%, and 119%, respectively), at basal areas (cribriform plate, 67%; jugular foramina, 72%), and in narrow channels surrounding superficial cortical veins separated from surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (96%) (all p < 0.001). The SI increase was associated with higher intraparenchymal perivascular spaces (PVS) scores (Std. Beta 0.71, p = 0.01). Our findings suggests that interstitial fluid drainage is visible on conventional MRI and drains from brain parenchyma via cortical perivenous spaces to dural meningeal lymphatics along the SSS remaining separate from the CSF. An association with parenchymal PVS requires further research, now feasible in humans.
The negative effect of aging on cerebral venous outflow in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Heitkamp Christian , Winkelmeier Laurens , Heit Jeremy J , Flottmann Fabian , Thaler Christian , Kniep Helge , Broocks Gabriel , Meyer Lukas , Geest Vincent , Albers Gregory W , Lansberg Maarten G , Fiehler Jens , Faizy Tobias D
Published: May 2023

Cortical venous outflow (VO) represents an imaging biomarker of increasing interest in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study to investigate the effect of aging on VO. A total of 784 patients met the inclusion criteria. Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) was used to assess VO profiles on admission CT angiography. Cerebral microperfusion was determined using the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) derived from perfusion imaging. Arterial collaterals were assessed using the Tan scale. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent determinants of VO, HIR and arterial collaterals. In multivariable regression, higher age correlated with worse VO (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]; 0.83 [0.73–0.95]; P = 0.006) and poorer HIR (β coefficient [95% CI], 0.014 [0.005–0.024]; P = 0.002). The negative effect of higher age on VO was mediated by the extent of HIR (17.3%). We conclude that higher age was associated with worse VO in AIS-LVO, partially explained by the extent of HIR reflecting cerebral microperfusion. Our study underlines the need to assess collateral blood flow beyond the arterial system and provides valuable insights into deteriorated cerebral blood supply in elderly AIS-LVO patients.
A Method in Our Madness: Experiences With Seeking Local Knowledge
Authors: Anderson Eugene N. , Anderson Barbara A.
Published: May 2023

Methods of field work include (among others) frame elicitation, semistructured interviews, questionnaires, short interviews, depth interviews, walks, and visual documentation. These are discussed and evaluated here, with field experiences nuancing practice.
To Pick or Not to Pick: Photographic Voucher Specimens as an Alternative Method to Botanical Collecting in Ethnobotany
Authors: Greene Alexander M. , Teixidor-Toneu Irene , Odonne Guillaume
Published: May 2023

The identification of plants according to the Linnaean system of taxonomy is a cornerstone of ethnobotany, allowing the discipline to be a comparative science. To accomplish plant identification, ethnobotanists have long relied on the collection of voucher specimens and their deposition in herbaria. Here we critically analyze the role of botanical collecting in ethnobotany and bring attention to a range of issues that can complicate, and sometimes hamper, the practice. In lieu of traditional herbarium specimens, the collection of photographic vouchers and their deposition in digital repositories is proposed as an alternative method for ethnobotanical research. The ever-improving quality and ubiquity of smartphone cameras, photographic citizen science applications like Pl@ntnet and iNaturalist, and deep learning techniques of automated photo identification are discussed as elements that are contributing to a slow revolution in the role of digital data in the field sciences. Guidelines for when plant herbarium specimens versus photographic vouchers should be considered required are laid out. Although botanical collecting will doubtless and with good reason remain a foundational practice in ethnobotany, we present the use of photographic vouchers as a valid, scientifically rigorous and, in some situations, preferred method of identification.
‘Consent’ as epistemic recognition: Indigenous knowledges, Canadian impact assessment, and the colonial liberal democratic order
Authors: Lajoie-O’Malley Alana , Bronson Kelly , Blue Gwendolyn
Published: May 2023

This article unpacks the logic of the equivalence invoked by the Government of Canada between Indigenous consent and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and knowledges in impact assessment. We situate the logic within the politics of recognition in Canada—a politics that aims to shore up national unity in the face of regular challenges to it. We use the Canadian results from a recent scoping review on conceptions of environmental justice in impact assessment to highlight the challenges of invoking recognition, and we provide a theoretical analysis of these challenges. To do this, we highlight the ways in which ‘we-making’ is ‘knowledge-making’ and ‘knowledge-making’ is ‘we-making’. In this sense, recognizing Indigenous knowledges is part of Canada’s answer to the challenge of constructing and stabilizing a political ‘we’: a community of political subjects with shared connection to a nation state via the institutional, social, and cultural apparatuses that generate the kind of publicly visible legal and technical knowledge upon which the state’s authority depends. We show how this project relies on actively obscuring the relationship between ‘we-making’ and ‘knowledge-making’ by treating ‘knowledge-making’ as neutral and un-situated, putting into practice a universalist logic. This logic shores up power because obscuring the situatedness of dominant knowledges also obscures the situatedness of the dominant political orders with which they are intertwined. We ultimately argue that Canada’s approach to recognizing Indigenous knowledges helps consolidate power by sidestepping ongoing jurisdictional struggles with Indigenous peoples.
The horizontal governance of environmental upgrading: Lessons from the Prosecco and Valpolicella wine value chains in Italy
Authors: Ponte Stefano , De Marchi Valentina , Bettiol Marco , di Maria Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Much of the literature on environmental sustainability in global value chains (GVCs) focuses on how ‘lead firms’ (usually global buyers or retailers) can improve the environmental conditions of production among their various layers of suppliers. This approach focuses on the vertical governance dynamics of environmental upgrading along with GVCs. In our contribution, we emphasize the role of horizontal governance as a driver that underpins environmental upgrading processes. These horizontal elements include institutional support, pressure from civil society groups and political dynamics at the local level – which have been relatively overlooked in this literature so far. We examine environmental upgrading in Italian wine value chains, focusing on the fast-growing but environmentally-contested Prosecco and Valpolicella districts. Our analysis suggests that firms within the same industry may follow different processes of environmental upgrading – through certification, going ‘back to tradition’, technological innovation and/or as an articulation of local politics – also depending on their size. We conclude that horizontal governance is playing a more important role than previously thought in shaping environmental upgrading and provide some suggestions for future research in this realm.
Effects of Anticholinergic Burden on Verbal Memory Performance in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Belkacem Agnès , Lavigne Katie M. , Makowski Carolina , Chakravarty Mallar , Joober Ridha , Malla Ashok , Shah Jai , Lepage Martin
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Antipsychotics are widely used to treat first-episode psychosis but may have an anticholinergic burden, that is, a cumulative effect of medications that block the cholinergic system. Studies suggest that a high anticholinergic burden negatively affects memory in psychosis, where cognitive deficits, particularly those in verbal memory, are a core feature of the disease. The present study sought to replicate this in a large cohort of well-characterized first-episode psychosis patients. We expected that patients in the highest anticholinergic burden group would exhibit the poorest verbal memory compared to those with low anticholinergic burden and healthy controls at baseline (3 months following admission). We further hypothesized that over time, at month 12, patients’ verbal memory performance would improve but would remain inferior to controls.

Methods

Patients ( n  =  311; low anticholinergic burden [ n  =  241] and high anticholinergic burden [ n  =  70], defined by a Drug Burden Index cut-off of 1) and healthy controls ( n  =  128) completed a clinical and neurocognitive battery including parts of the Wechsler Memory Scale at months 3 and 12.

Results

Cross-sectionally, using an analysis of variance, patients in the highest anticholinergic burden group had the poorest performance in verbal memory when compared to the other groups at month 3, F(2,430)  =  52.33, P < 0.001. Longitudinally, using a Generalized Estimating Equation model, the verbal memory performance of all groups improved over time. However, patients’ performance overall remained poorer than the controls.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of considering the anticholinergic burden when prescribing medications in the early stages of the disease.
Enhancement of the cure behavior and mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced NR/SBR vulcanizates based on waste tire rubber
Authors: El Mogy Soma A , Lawandy Samir N
Published: May 2023

The most important goal of this work was to investigate the different physical and mechanical properties of the nanoclay (montmorillonite, MMT)-filled 50/50 wt.% of natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (NR/SBR) blend containing 40 phr of waste tire rubber (WTR) in the presence of bio-resin. The MMT was added into the NR/SBR/WTR blends and processed via a two-roll mill to prepare blends at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr of nanoclay filler and a constant concentration of 10 phr of bio-resin. The morphology, rheological, percent of swelling weight, and mechanical properties of the MMT-reinforced NR/SBR/WTR blends were examined. The cure characteristics of the blends showed that MMT significantly affected the scorch and vulcanization times, torques, and curing rate of NR/SBR/WTR blends at all filler contents. Also, the findings revealed that the MMT was an efficient reinforcing material for the NR/SBR/WTR blend, improving crosslink density, tensile and tear strengths, hardness, compression set, and abrasion resistance. The tensile strength of filled NR/SBR/WTR blends achieved its maximum value (11.2 MPa) when the MMT content was 15 phr. While the elongation percent of the filled blends decreased for all MMT concentrations compared with the pristine blend. The elastic modulus and tear strength of the blends improved as the MMT loading increased. The hardness (Shore A) continued to increase with increasing MMT loading. On the contrary, the rebound resilience gradually decreased leading to improved interaction between the matrix and filler.