bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the job demands–resources model to understand the effect of the interactions between home and work domains on work engagement
Authors: Chen I‐Shuo
Published: January 2024

Scholars have extensively used the job demands–resources model to explain the dynamics underlying work engagement and proposed several versions of the model. However, in theoretical terms, nonwork elements have not been incorporated into the model. This study investigated the roles of home demands and resources in the model by testing the boost/buffer hypotheses for work engagement from the perspective of the work–home interface. We demonstrated that (1) the demands of a domain boost the positive impact of resources drawn from another domain on work engagement, (2) the resources of a domain buffer the negative impact of demands derived from another domain on work engagement; and (3) the buffering and boosting effects of home demands and resources impact work engagement. We conducted a diary study on a group of coffee shop employees in Ireland. The results partially supported the proposed hypotheses but nevertheless indicated support for the cross‐domain boost/buffer hypotheses with regard to work engagement. The proposed model may serve as a theoretical foundation for research on issues related to the impact of work and nonwork domains on work engagement.
Enantioselective Optical Trapping of Multiple Pairs of Enantiomers by Focused Hybrid Polarized Beams
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Li Manman , Yan Shaohui , Zhou Yuan , Gao Wenyu , Niu Ruixin , Xu Xiaohao , Yao Baoli
Published: January 2024

Enantiomers (opposite chiral molecules) usually exhibit different effects when interacting with chiral agents, thus the identification and separation of enantiomers are of importance in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Here an optical approach is proposed to enantioselective trapping of multiple pairs of enantiomers by a focused hybrid polarized beam. Numerical results indicate that such a focused beam shows multiple local optical chirality of opposite signs in the focal plane, and can trap the corresponding enantiomers near the extreme value of optical chirality density according to the handedness of enantiomers. The number and positions of trapped enantiomers can be changed by altering the value and sign of polarization orders of hybrid polarized beams, respectively. The key to realizing enantioselective optical trapping of enantiomers is that the chiral optical force exerted on enantiomers in this focused field is stronger than the achiral optical force. The results provide insight into the optical identification and separation of multiple pairs of enantiomers and will find applications in chiral detection and sensing.
Experimental Requirements for High‐Temperature Solid‐State Electrochemical TEM Experiments
Authors: Ma Zhongtao , Chatzichristodoulou Christodoulos , Dacayan Waynah Lou , Mølhave Kristian Speranza , Chiabrera Francesco Maria , Smitshuysen Thomas Erik Lyck , Damsgaard Christian Danvad , Simonsen Søren Bredmose
Published: January 2024

The ability to perform both electrochemical and structural/elemental characterization in the same experiment and at the nanoscale allows to directly link electrochemical performance to the material properties and their evolution over time and operating conditions. Such experiments can be important for the further development of solid oxide cells, solid‐state batteries, thermal electrical devices, and other solid‐state electrochemical devices. The experimental requirements for conducting solid‐state electrochemical TEM experiments in general, including sample preparation, electrochemical measurements, failure factors, and possibilities for optimization, are presented and discussed. Particularly, the methodology of performing reliable electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in reactive gases and at elevated temperatures for both single materials and solid oxide cells is described. The presented results include impedance measurements of electronic conductors, an ionic conductor, and a mixed ionic and electronic conductor, all materials typically applied in solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells. It is shown that how TEM and impedance spectroscopy can be synergically integrated to measure the transport and surface exchange properties of materials with nanoscale dimensions and to visualize their structural and elemental evolution via TEM/STEM imaging and spectroscopy.
Analysis of Surface Behavior and Cavity Oscillations in a Liquid Metal Model Experiment of the Basic Oxygen Furnace Process
Authors: Burkert Johannes , Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: January 2024

Herein, the behavior of a free molten metal surface is investigated during the impact of a high‐velocity gas jet in a model experiment simulating a basic oxygen furnace. Both water and the alloy GaInSn serve as model melts. In the experiments, the parameters, nozzle height (hn), and the blowing number (NB) are varied. The behavior of the free surface of the melt, particularly the cavity induced by the impacting gas jet, is recorded in a time‐resolved manner using optical, noninvasive methods. The results of the observations with water align well with corresponding findings from other authors. The comparison of observations for water and GaInSn surfaces reveals that the free surfaces of the two model melts behave similarly. Furthermore, it is observed that the surfaces are agitated by a fast off‐centered rotation of the cavity. A theoretical explanation of this rotation is provided.
Prediction of Converter Tapping Weight Based on Principal Component Analysis–Whale Optimization Algorithm–Backpropagation Algorithm Neural Network Model
Authors: Xue Chao , Xu Weili , Bao Yanping , Zhao Lihua , Liu Xin , Zheng Ruixuan
Published: January 2024

Tapping weight is an important parameter in converter blowing process, wherein precisely predicting the quantity of steel required in an alloy baking converter can effectively guide the requirement of alloy ingredients. In practical production, the main approach is empirical estimation, despite its low accuracy. Employing a general neural network model for prediction requires to gather the converter blowing parameters and endpoint temperature measurement sampling parameters as the model inputs. However, this data cannot be obtained until the blowing process reaches its endpoint, rendering it impractical for alloy batching that requires advance preparation for baking. In this study, a principal component analysis–whale optimization algorithm–backpropagation algorithm (PCA–WOA–BP) neural network tapping prediction model is developed using raw material parameters available before alloy baking as input. This model is integrated into the intelligent alloy reduction model of a factory. The model achieves a regression coefficient R2 of 0.823, with 98.53% of furnaces having a prediction error of less than 2 t. The tapping weight of 20 consecutive heats in actual production is predicted; the error range is less than 80% within 1 t, and the converter tapping weight is predicted accurately.
YOLOv5s‐GC‐Based Surface Defect Detection Method of Strip Steel
Authors: Li Xi‐Xing , Yang Rui , Zhou Hong‐Di
Published: January 2024

Detecting surface defects in strip steel is significantly important for improving production efficiency and product quality. Herein, a novel surface defect detection of strip steel method based on You Only Look Once (YOLO)v5s‐GC is proposed. First, a ResNet‐Mini is developed to preclassify the original dataset to reduce the number of calculations. Subsequently, image preprocessing is conducted to enhance the defect features, which consists of two steps: the first is combining the ResNet‐Mini network weights with Grad‐CAM to crop defective areas and remove background interference and the second is applying the OTSU and normal distribution enhancement algorithm to extract the feature grayscale. Furthermore, a size enhancement strategy is adopted to obtain larger data sizes that could simulate an actual application scenario with a large‐area saccade of strip steel. Finally, the cross‐stage partial module of YOLOv5s is replaced with GhostBottleneck, and the convolutional block attention module is added to the detection neck. The average accuracy of YOLOv5s‐GC for detecting six types of strip steel is 82.4%, marking an increase of 7.0% over YOLOv5s. In addition, the calculation amount of YOLOv5s‐GC is reduced by 48%, and the inference speed is increased by 24%.
Effects of Cerium Content on the Nonmetallic Inclusions and Impact Toughness of Transformation‐Induced Plasticity Steel
Authors: Wang Lanqing , Zhu Hangyu , Chen Ji , Li Bin , Zhao Jixuan
Published: January 2024

The effects of Ce treatment on the inclusion evolution and impact toughness of as‐cast transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steel are systematically investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and impact toughness testing. The results reveal that in Fe‐2Mn‐1.5Al‐1Si‐0.2C steel without Ce, the primary inclusions consist of AlN, MnS, and Al2O3. After Ce addition, the inclusions evolve into Ce‐Al‐O, Ce2O2S, CeS, and Ce2O3 inclusions. The evolution of inclusions exhibits an initial reduction in both quantity and size with increasing Ce content, followed by a subsequent increase. In cases of excessive Ce content, there is an observable rise in the overall inclusion count, marked by the emergence of CeAs, CeP, and CeC2 inclusions. The segregation model suggests that P‐containing inclusions predominantly precipitate in the late solidification process, while As‐ and C‐containing inclusions form during the solid phase. When the Ce content reaches 0.0075 wt%, the minimum values of the number density and average diameter are 96.7 mm−2 and 1.6 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of the size, morphology, quantity, and type of inclusions on the impact toughness are analyzed. The highest recorded impact energy is 6.8 J with a Ce content of 0.0075 wt%.
Precipitation, Growth, and Aggregation Behavior of Primary Carbides during Continuous Casting of 6Cr13 Slabs
Authors: Li Shouhui , Li Jing , Pan Jixiang , Wei Haixia , Yan Wei , Zhu Shuang , Li Zhaoguo , Xu Bin
Published: January 2024

The types, distribution, morphology, orientation, growth, and aggregation mechanism of primary carbides in the continuous casting slab of 6Cr13 high‐carbon martensitic stainless steel are investigated. In the results, it is shown that M7C3 carbides precipitate from the liquid steel at the end of solidification. The area fraction of primary carbides in the slab thickness direction shows an overall decreasing trend from the center to the edge. And, the closer to the center region, the greater the difference in carbide distribution due to the presence of spot segregation defects. At 1/8 thickness and edges in the slab, the fast cooling rate and fine dendrites make the carbide morphology to be a small‐sized brain like that aggregates a large number of spherical carbides. At 1/4 thickness in the slab, blocky, fibrous, and spherical carbides precipitate successively and eventually aggregate together. At 3/8 thickness and center in the slab, the cooling rate is slower and spot segregation defects are randomly distributed in this region. The carbide morphology is mostly small‐sized brain like in the non‐spot segregation region. However, the alloying elements are highly supersaturated and the carbides can grow sufficiently to form less oriented, large‐sized brain‐like carbide in the spot segregation region.
Improvement of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot‐Formed Steel with Ce Addition
Authors: Du Wenbin , Liu Chengjun , Liu Hongliang , Yue Yingying
Published: January 2024

In this article, the effect of Ce element on the microstructure and mechanical properties was studied by Ce addition to the hot‐formed steel. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS) was used to analyze the improvement effect of Ce on inclusions and the effect of inclusions on fracture behavior; Electron back scattering diffractometer (EBSD) was used to analyze the refinement and strengthening effect of Ce on martensitic grains; transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) was used to analyze the microstructure strengthening effect and microalloying effect of solid solution Ce in hot‐formed steel. Through a systematic analysis of mechanical properties and microstructure, the mechanism of Ce enhances the strength and elongation of hot‐formed steel was clarified. Besides, this work provides a research basis for further improving the safety and machinability of hot‐formed steel.
Superior Yield Strength and High‐Tensile‐Toughness Matching of Medium‐Mn Steel with Gradient Structure Developed by Cyclic Torsion
Authors: Zhang Xiliang , Su Tong , Liu Tao , Shi Yindong , Liu Hongji , Zhou Qian , Xing Zhenguo
Published: January 2024

A multiphase‐gradient‐structured medium‐Mn steel with dislocation/stacking fault (SF) density gradient, austenite fraction gradient, and grain size gradient is designed and fabricated by cyclic torsion. It exhibits higher yield strength (YS) (942 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (1295 MPa), and tensile toughness (290 mJ mm−3) than its homogeneous counterpart (672, 1273 MPa, and 278 mJ mm−3, respectively). High‐density‐interlaced SFs are generated at the surface region because of the change in strain path and stress state during cyclic torsion. These massive interactive SFs promote the persistent martensite transformation of the retained austenite in the surface region within the entire uniform strain range. Therefore, in addition to the central layer, the surface region in the gradient structures provides strong strain hardening. Moreover, the continuous martensite transformation in the surface region allows the gradient structure to be retained even after tensile failure, which is beneficial for improving the heterogeneous‐deformation‐induced (HDI) hardening of the gradient‐structured sample during tensile deformation. Thus, the combination of active and persistent transformation‐induced plasticity effect and HDI hardening contributes to its excellent tensile toughness and ductility. Quantitative analysis indicates that HDI strengthening and dislocation strengthening play a dominant role in the sample's ultrahigh YS.
Composite girders with short headed studs in grouted joints of precast concrete elements – Numerical investigations and design recommendations
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Hoffmann Dominik , Schorr Johannes , Kantar Marko , Völlner Josef
Published: January 2024

Short headed studs used in grouted joints with precast concrete elements are currently not sufficiently covered by EN 1994‐1‐1. Therefore, three test series have been realised to define the load‐bearing capacity under these special conditions. These are characterised by short headed studs of height hsc=65 mm in combination with a high‐strength grout. For a more in‐depth analysis of the load‐bearing and deformation behaviour, a finite element model has been developed and validated on the conducted push‐out tests. Based on subsequent numerical studies – varying geometric and material parameters – recommendations of analytical model equations are given for headed studs of short length.
Experimental and numerical study of stirrup‐confined concrete‐filled L‐shaped steel tube stub column under axial compression
Authors: Wang En , Lyu Fei , Ding Faxing , Chen Jun , Liu Xuemei
Published: January 2024

In this paper, three concrete‐filled L‐shaped steel tube (CFLST) stub columns subjected to axial compression were tested, with one normal CFLST stub column and two stirrup‐confined specimens. The investigation focused on the effect of the equivalent stirrup ratio on ultimate bearing capacity, axial compression stiffness, ductility factor, and strain ratio of the columns. 3D finite element (FE) models of the specimens were constructed and verified against the tests results and data from literature Parametric analysis was carried out to analyze the influence of different section length–width ratios, steel ratios, material strength grades, and equivalent stirrup ratios on the ultimate bearing capacity. Additionally, the confinement effect of stirrups on the core concrete was analyzed. By generalizing the stress nephogram of the core concrete at the ultimate state and considering the equilibrium of forces, a formula was proposed for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of the stirrup‐confined CFLST stub column under axial compression using the superposition method. The accuracy of the proposed formula was demonstrated by comparing its results with experimental results, FE model results, and those proposed by other scholars.
Biocontrol efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana conidia against agricultural insect pests
Authors: Swathy Kannan , Parmar Mehesh K. , Vivekanandhan Perumal
Published: January 2024

Insect pests are serious threats to agriculture, forestry, and human health because they damage crops and trees and spread diseases. Chemical insecticides control insect pests quickly and effectively, protecting crops. Environmental and health concerns arise from their use. Long‐term exposure can cause pesticide‐resistant insects, requiring stronger chemicals. Beneficial insects and wildlife may be harmed. Some chemical insecticides persist in the environment, causing long‐term ecological damage. The present study was to isolate, identify, and characterize entomopathogenic fungi from the soil, evaluate their pathogenicity against major insect species, and evaluate the non‐target effect on soil bioindicator species. Bioassay results show that Beauveria bassiana conidia are more pathogenic to all three species at 10 days after treatment, causing 100% mortality in Halyomorpha halys and Tenebrio molitor within 10 days. The lethal concentration showed lower LC50 values of 9.5 × 103 conidia/mL in H. halys, 2.6 × 103 conidia/mL in T. molitor, and 8.3×104 conidia/mL in P. japonica, B. bassiana treatment results showed a shortened insect life time LT50 of H. halys (6.0 days), T. molitor (5.3 days), and P. japonica (6.9 days). The present study concluded that B. bassiana fungi conidia are more efficient against three major insect pests.
“I Had a Deep‐Down Stereotype”: Pairing Critical Literacy Practices to Examine Explicit and Implicit Gender Stereotypes with Elementary Students
Authors: Whitford Alyssa
Published: January 2024

Connecting literacy to social issues such as gender stereotypes supports reading and writing achievement while also allowing students to think critically and in justice‐focused ways. Such practices allow students to critique gender stereotypes in texts while also examining and even challenging their own implicit perceptions of gender. However, teachers are often not provided support in challenging stereotypical portrayals of gender and are often provided curricula that actively reinforces gender stereotypes. In this article, I explain how to use critical literacy practices to help students examine stereotypical portrayals of gender and their own thinking about gender. I describe a framework for using these practices and provide a specific lesson and its impact on second‐ to third‐grade students.
The osmotic potential of soil solutions in salt tolerance studies: Following M. Th. van Genuchten's innovation
Authors: Pachepsky Y. , Yakirevich A. , Ponizovsky A. A. , Gummatov N.
Published: January 2024

The osmotic potential in soil solutions decreases as salinity increases, and plants cannot take up enough soil water. Therefore, the osmotic potential of soil solutions can serve as an important metric of plant growth conditions in regions affected by soil salinization. Measurements of osmotic potential are labor and time consuming. This work aimed to determine more readily available soil salinity metrics to estimate the osmotic potential in soil solutions. A model to compute the osmotic potential from soil solution composition was developed and validated with data from the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. The mean relative error was 7%. Then, this model was applied to 230 datasets on soil solutions from various salinity‐affected regions of Eurasia. The correlation coefficient between logarithms of concentration of highly soluble (not including carbonates and sulfates of calcium and magnesium) in soil solutions at saturation and logarithms of osmotic potential values was above 0.99. The concentration of highly soluble salts in soil solution at saturation was chosen as the predictor of the osmotic potential. It was used to develop nomograms for evaluating the salinity‐related yield loss for major field crops, vegetables, and fruits. This work is a part of the Vadose Zone Journal tribute to the scientific legacy of Martinus van Genuchten, who championed the use of the osmotic potential for better quantification of crop salt tolerance at the macroscale and provided invaluable contributions to modeling soil salinity development and mitigation as a part of the global struggle for food security.
The Social Pain of Cancer in East Africa: Understanding Need
Authors: Nyandieka Lilian , Cross Charlotte , Njeru Mercy Karimi , Makene Fortunata Songora
Published: January 2024

Cancer is both an individual physical, social and psychological crisis for a patient with one of the many forms of this category of non-communicable disease, and also a cause of deep social pain. Cancer spreads its tentacles through families and friends, social groups and the wider economy, generating stigma, financial destruction, social and psychological damage. This chapter makes the case for a very broad social understanding of cancer need, framing cancer as a whole-society problem, with psychological, social, economic and spiritual impacts much wider than the sufferer. This framing also implies greater attention to survivability and human dignity in policies, practices and provision.
Access to Cancer Care: Navigating the Maze
Authors: Njeru Mercy Karimi , Mackintosh Maureen , Ngilangwa Richard , Mokua Sharon , Arun Richard Mutisya , Mukami Jane
Published: January 2024

This chapter analyses narratives from over 450 patients in Kenya and Tanzania, describing their cancer “pathways”, drawing also on views from carers and health workers. We characterise patients’ experiences as, too often, finding themselves in a “maze” after they first visit a health facility. Rather than a smooth clinical pathway from symptoms to diagnosis, patients had found themselves struggling to find money to move through a confusing health system maze, largely without maps or guides to aid their search for information, diagnosis and treatment. The chapter describes patterns of experience within the maze, and implications for access to care.
Emerging Business Models in Cancer Diagnostic Startups in India and Lessons for African Countries
Authors: Kale Dinar , Srinivas Smita , Banda Geoffrey
Published: January 2024

This chapter examines three innovative medical devices and diagnostics startups in India with potential for improving cancer care in low-resource health systems. The chapter describes and discusses their business model adaptations to India’s complex cancer care markets, and shows how early stage financial support, from government schemes, financial institutions, universities and venture capital, is instrumental in supporting entrepreneurship. However, firms struggle to capture value in later stages of technology commercialisation because of a lack of last-mile investment, medical culture and barriers to accessing the public healthcare market. Implications are drawn for industrial support in African contexts.
QCD factorization from light-ray OPE
Authors: Chen Hao
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The energy-energy correlator (EEC) in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) serves as an important event shape for probing the substructure of jets in high-energy collisions. A significant progress has been made in understanding the collinear limit, where the angle between two detectors approaches zero, from the factorization formula in QCD and the light-ray Operator Product Expansion (OPE) in Conformal Field Theory. Building upon prior research on the renormalization of light-ray operators, we take an innovative step to extend the light-ray OPE into non-conformal contexts, with a specific emphasis on perturbative QCD. Our proposed form of the light-ray OPE is constrained by three fundamental properties: Lorentz symmetry, renormalization group invariance, and constraints from physical observables. This extension allows us to derive a factorization formula for the collinear limit of EEC, facilitating the future exploration and understanding on subleading power corrections in collinear limit.
Free fermions, KdV charges, generalised Gibbs ensembles, modular transforms and line defects
Authors: Downing Max , Watts Gérard M. T.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this paper we return to the question of the modular properties of a generalised Gibbs ensemble of a single free fermion. We extend our previous proposals to a GGE containing an arbitrary number of conserved charges and provide a physical interpretation of the result in terms of a line defect. The defect description perfectly explains the product formula for the modular transformation we found previously. We also give a proposal for a Hamiltonian approach to the line defect.
Perspectives of patients and clinicians on big data and AI in health: a comparative empirical investigation
Authors: Hummel Patrik , Braun Matthias , Bischoff Serena , Samhammer David , Seitz Katharina , Fasching Peter A. , Dabrock Peter
Published: January 2024

Background

Big data and AI applications now play a major role in many health contexts. Much research has already been conducted on ethical and social challenges associated with these technologies. Likewise, there are already some studies that investigate empirically which values and attitudes play a role in connection with their design and implementation. What is still in its infancy, however, is the comparative investigation of the perspectives of different stakeholders.

Methods

To explore this issue in a multi-faceted manner, we conducted semi-structured interviews as well as focus group discussions with patients and clinicians. These empirical methods were used to gather interviewee’s views on the opportunities and challenges of medical AI and other data-intensive applications.

Results

Different clinician and patient groups are exposed to medical AI to differing degrees. Interviewees expect and demand that the purposes of data processing accord with patient preferences, and that data are put to effective use to generate social value. One central result is the shared tendency of clinicians and patients to maintain individualistic ascriptions of responsibility for clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Medical AI and the proliferation of data with import for health-related inferences shape and partially reconfigure stakeholder expectations of how these technologies relate to the decision-making of human agents. Intuitions about individual responsibility for clinical outcomes could eventually be disrupted by the increasing sophistication of data-intensive and AI-driven clinical tools. Besides individual responsibility, systemic governance will be key to promote alignment with stakeholder expectations in AI-driven and data-intensive health settings.
Adhesion-related properties of silver birch (Betula Pendula Roth) wood as affected by hydrophilic extraction
Authors: Engelhardt Max , Gilg Hans Albert , Richter Klaus , Sanchez-Ferrer Antoni
Published: January 2024

For the utilization of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) in load-bearing engineered wood products (EWPs), reliable bonding in production is a prerequisite. The current knowledge regarding the bonding of birch in EWP applications is limited. Extractives are considered a general factor of attention when securing bonding quality. Thus, in this study, the effects of hydrophilic extractives on several adhesion-related bulk and surface properties of silver birch wood were studied, e.g., vapor sorption, swelling behavior, microstructure, wettability, and mechanical properties. The extraction procedure slightly affected vapor sorption causing a reduction in swelling pressure. The extraction also led to a lower Young's modulus, as seen by compression tests. Control experiments with vapor-treated specimens, however, indicated that the effects were originating from the water imbibition and not due to the removal of extractives per se. This was supported by X-ray diffraction results, which were similarly affected by both vapor and extraction treatment. Therefore, the results indicate that the hygric history of the specimens was affecting the wood due to plasticization, increasing mobility, and thereby likely allowing biopolymer reconfiguration and subsequent quenching during re-drying, even though surface-free energy and wettability were not considerably affected. The extent to which these changes appear permanently or temporarily remains an open research question.
Assessing the perceptual equivalence of a firefighting training exercise across virtual and real environments
Authors: Narciso David , Melo Miguel , Rodrigues Susana , Dias Duarte , Cunha João , Vasconcelos-Raposo José , Bessa Maximino
Published: January 2024

The advantages of Virtual Reality (VR) over traditional training, together with the development of VR technology, have contributed to an increase in the body of literature on training professionals with VR. However, there is a gap in the literature concerning the comparison of training in a Virtual Environment (VE) with the same training in a Real Environment (RE), which would contribute to a better understanding of the capabilities of VR in training. This paper presents a study with firefighters (N = 12) where the effect of a firefighter training exercise in a VE was evaluated and compared to that of the same exercise in a RE. The effect of environments was evaluated using psychophysiological measures by evaluating the perception of stress and fatigue, transfer of knowledge, sense of presence, cybersickness, and the actual stress measured through participants’ Heart Rate Variability (HRV). The results showed a similar perception of stress and fatigue between the two environments; a positive, although not significant, effect of the VE on the transfer of knowledge; the display of moderately high presence values in the VE; the ability of the VE not to cause symptoms of cybersickness; and finally, obtaining signs of stress in participants’ HRV in the RE and, to a lesser extent, signs of stress in the VE. Although the effect of the VE was shown to be non-comparable to that of the RE, the authors consider the results encouraging and discuss some key factors that should be addressed in the future to improve the results of the training VE.
The Colombo Twin and Singleton Study (COTASS): Piloting the Feasibility of Collecting Nutritional Data and Extension of the Sample to Include Children of Twins
Authors: Dissanayake Lasith , Herath Binoli , Opatha Janani , Jabir Sameeha , Siriwardana Rajindra , Sirisena Kavish , Wickramasinghe Malmi , Wimalasekera Manouri , Liyanage Ruvini , Duminda Guruge G. N. , Jayaweera Kaushalya , Jayawardena Ranil , Zavos Helena M. S. , Sumathipala Athula , Rijsdijk Frühling
Published: January 2024

Nutrition and diet are key modifiable risk factors for the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like cardio-vascular diseases and diabetes in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The nutritional transition in dietary behaviours in LMICs has most likely contributed to this problem. Although traditionally assumed to be environmental, dietary choices are also genetically influenced. Twin study designs can be used to investigate the relative influence of genes and environment on nutrition intake, eating behaviours and associated psychological health. The overall aim of this project is to: provide proof-of-concept for the feasibility of using dietary (biomarker) data within the Children-of-Twin design in nutrition studies, develop laboratory skills and statistical genetic skills and establish a Sri Lankan-specific food composition database. Currently, a pilot study is being conducted with 304 individuals (38 Monozygotic twin pairs, 38 Dizygotic twin pairs and their male or female adult offspring). Questionnaire data on nutritional intake, eating behaviours, psychological well-being, physical health, and bio-specimens are being collected. A Sri Lankan-specific food composition database was developed, training sessions on macro and micro element analysis in biological samples and statistical genetics skills development were conducted and Community Engagement and Involvement programs were carried out in two districts of Sri Lanka.
Improved bounds for codes correcting insertions and deletions
Authors: Yasunaga Kenji
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the cardinality of codes correcting insertions and deletions. We give improved upper and lower bounds on code size. Our upper bound is obtained by utilizing the asymmetric property of list decoding for insertions and deletions and can be seen as analogous to the Elias bound in the Hamming metric. Our non-asymptotic bound is better than the existing bounds when the minimum Levenshtein distance is relatively large. The asymptotic bound exceeds the Elias and the MRRW bounds adapted from the Hamming-metric bounds for the binary and the quaternary cases. Our lower bound improves on the bound by Levenshtein, but its effect is limited and vanishes asymptotically.
Comparing methods and indices for biodiversity and status assessment in a hydropower-regulated river
Authors: Majaneva Markus , Sundt-Hansen Line Elisabeth , Brandsegg Hege , Sivertsgård Rolf , Bongard Terje , Fossøy Frode
Published: January 2024

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to achieve good status of aquatic habitats. Classification of ecological status and identifying the stressors impacting aquatic habitats is essential for achieving this aim. Here, we evaluate different methods and indices for assessing ecological status in a hydropower-regulated river in central Norway using kick-sampling and macroinvertebrate identification through morphology and DNA as well as using environmental DNA. In Norway, the ASPT index (Average Score Per Taxon) is commonly used to evaluate ecological condition in general, although the index only provides evidence for organic pollution. We observed lower than expected diversity in the regulated river, but this was not reflected in the ASPT index, which showed “Good” to “High” status for all samples and methods. An alternative index, the IBIBI (Intercalibrated Benthic Invertebrate Biodiversity Index), returned “Bad” to “Moderate” status using the same data. The DNA-based identification methods returned in general higher species richness and somewhat higher index values than morphological species identification did. Our study exemplifies the importance of including relevant biological quality indices in WFD compliant assessments, and we advocate inclusion of a pressure-independent index like IBIBI in Norwegian river management and DNA-based identification methods for future river management in general.
Azilsartan Attenuates 3-Nitropropinoic Acid-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats: The Role of IĸB/NF-ĸB and KEAP1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hamouda Hend A. , Sayed Rabab H. , Eid Nihad I. , El-Sayeh Bahia M.
Published: January 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. Injection of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a widely used experimental model for induction of HD. The current study aimed to inspect the potential neuroprotective properties of azilsartan (Azil), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ATR1), in 3-NP-induced striatal neurotoxicity in rats. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups and treated for 14 days as follows: group I received normal saline; group II received Azil (10 mg/kg, p.o.); group III received 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p); group IV and V received Azil (5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o, respectively) 1 h prior to 3-NP injection. Both doses of Azil markedly attenuated motor and behavioural dysfunction as well as striatal histopathological alterations caused by 3-NP. In addition, Azil balanced striatal neurotransmitters levels as evidenced by the increase of striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid content and the decrease of glutamate content. Azil also amended neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via modulating IĸB/NF-ĸB and KEAP1/Nrf2 downstream signalling pathways, as well as reducing iNOS and COX2 levels. Moreover, Azil demonstrated an anti-apoptotic activity by reducing caspase-3 level and BAX/BCL2 ratio. In conclusion, the present study reveals the neuroprotective potential of Azil in 3-NP-induced behavioural, histopathological and biochemical changes in rats. These findings might be attributed to inhibition of ATR1/NF-κB signalling, modulation of Nrf2/KEAP1 signalling, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Graphical Abstract
Asset, Token, or Coin? A Semiotic Analysis of Blockchain Language
Authors: Sewell Olivia , Robb Lachlan , Flood John
Published: January 2024

Blockchain’s language and terminology is confusing, contested, and rapidly changing. As a hype-driven technology, Blockchain is critical to an increasing number of projects that exist in a space of regulatory uncertainty. As communities of blockchain develop and evolve, the language they use to describe these functions changes. This causes concerns when attempting to have global regulatory certainty and clarity. Regulators and communities have different approaches to blockchain language, and this causes problems because of the translation between practical use in a community, and the legal effects created by regulators. Of particular concern is the lack of clear expression amongst the broader community regarding the concept of blockchain-related assets as these ‘tokens’, ‘coins’, and ‘assets’ form a key part of financial regulation. This project uses semiotics to study the diverse language associated with blockchain. This analyzes a series of self-proclaimed ‘dictionaries of blockchain’ to assess key definitions, themes, perceptions, and misconceptions present in these communities. The study involved a case analysis of the terminology used in Australia’s proposed response to blockchain in comparison with that of wider communities. When comparing this to regulatory definitions and approaches, it becomes clear that this is an area that requires further attention. This project highlights the need for regulators to understand and use common terms in blockchain regulation. It is argued that this approach facilitates a better understanding of poorly understood concepts and clearly connects the law with those it intends to target.
Steady-State Dynamics of Ganglia Populations During Immiscible Two-Phase Flows in Porous Micromodels: Effects of the Capillary Number and Flow Ratio on Effective Rheology and Size Distributions
Authors: Anastasiou A. , Zarikos I. , Yiotis A. , Talon L. , Salin D.
Published: January 2024

We study experimentally the flow of non-wetting ganglia during the co-injection of n-heptane and water in a predominantly 2D PMMA micromodel, which is constructed based on a stochastic digital algorithm. The dynamics of the phase distribution patterns are recorded optically and post-processed using cluster identification and motion tracking algorithms in order to study the characteristics and the interactions between the mobile and stranded ganglia populations. We focus primarily on the effects of the capillary number (Ca) and the ratio of the injection flow rates (Q) on the observed ganglia size distributions and the effective two-phase rheology. Our experimental setup allows for the study of ganglia fragmentation and coalescence dynamics over five orders of magnitude (in terms ganglia sizes), thus offering novel physical insight on the pore-scale characteristics of different ganglia populations and on how their interactions determine the relative permeability of the non-wetting phase. We demonstrate that the rates of ganglia fragmentation and coalescence intensify at higher Ca values, as viscous forces become dominant over capillary ones, leading to a log-normal size distribution that shifts toward smaller mean values. This effect is directly correlated with the emergence of new flow paths that develop progressively through narrower pores-throats, where the continuous wetting phase sweeps ganglia with sizes smaller than the mean pore-throat diameter. These flow paths further contribute to the Darcy scale velocity of the non-wetting phase, thus leading to a power-law Darcian regime at intermediate Ca values with a scaling exponent that is found to be a function of Q.
Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for Bagan (Myanmar)
Authors: Gögen Büşra , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: January 2024

Following the 2016 Chauk earthquake in Bagan (Myanmar), numerous old pagodas and temples suffered severe damage. This research presents a study on the seismic hazard analysis of the Bagan city in Myanmar, based on a probabilistic framework focussing on analysing 43 temples with their associated local soil information. To this end, two seismic source models are developed based on the tectonic setting of the region and information available. Instrumental and historical records are compiled from both literature and international earthquake catalogues while conducting catalogue completeness. This study uses state-of-the-art ground motion models to perform probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and develop seismic hazard maps for different return periods in the region. Results are also expressed for selected temples in the region in terms of site-specific uniform hazard spectra. The findings indicate significant seismic activity, with peak ground acceleration in the region ranging from 0.25 to 0.36 g for a return period of 2475 years, 0.22–0.32 g for a return period of 975 years, and 0.18–0.24 g for a return period of 475 years. The updated hazard levels indicate that the literature slightly underestimates hazard in the region under study.
Monitoring environmental sustainability in Japan: an ESGAP assessment
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Usubiaga-Liaño Arkaitz , Fairbrass Alison , Ekins Paul , Asuka Jusen
Published: January 2024

This paper assesses the environmental sustainability of Japan by applying the environmental sustainability gap (ESGAP) framework, which builds on the concepts of strong sustainability, critical natural capital, environmental functions, and science-based reference values. The assessment is carried out using two indices of environmental sustainability (Strong Environmental Sustainability Index (SESI) and Strong Environmental Sustainability Progress Index (SESPI)) that provide a snapshot and a trend perspective on environmental sustainability performance and on progress toward it. The results reveal that Japan has not experienced significant changes in terms of aggregate environmental sustainability throughout the 2011–2017 period, but this is primarily a consequence of the mutually offsetting movements of different indicators. The country performs best for the human health and other welfare indicators, but worst for the sink function indicators such as the per-capita CO2 emissions and the eutrophication of fresh water. The indices also expose the main policy areas that Japan needs to strengthen to improve its environmental performance. They include issues such as tropospheric ozone pollution, which has long been discussed in scientific literature but never been a primal policy focus of the government until very recently.
Metastable β-Phase Ti–Nb Alloys Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy: Effect of Nb on Superelasticity and Deformation Behavior
Authors: Kalita D. , Mulewska K. , Jóźwik I. , Zaborowska A. , Gawęda M. , Chromiński W. , Bochenek K. , Rogal Ł.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the effect of Nb concentration on the mechanical properties, superelasticity, as well as deformation behavior of metastable β-phase Ti–Nb alloys produced via powder metallurgy. The alloys were fabricated through mechanical alloying, followed by consolidation using hot pressing. The resulting microstructure comprises fine β-phase grains with TiC carbide precipitates at the grain boundaries. The study reveals non-linear variations in the values of yield strength for the manufactured materials, which were attributed to the occurrence of various deformation mechanisms activated during the loading. It was found that the mechanisms change with the increasing concentration of Nb in the manner: stress-induced martensitic transformation, twinning, slip. However, all these mechanisms were activated at a reduced concentration of Nb compared to the materials obtained by casting technology previously reported in the literature. This is most probably associated with the elevated oxygen content, which affects the stability of the parent β-phase. The study revealed that superelasticity in Ti–Nb-based alloys prepared using powder metallurgy may be achieved by reducing the content of β-stabilizing elements compared to alloys obtained by conventional technologies. In this study, the Ti–14Nb (at. pct) alloy exhibited the best superelasticity, whereas conventionally fabricated Ti–Nb alloys displayed superelasticity at an Nb concentration of approximately 26 at. pct. The developed material exhibited a non-conventional, one-stage yielding behavior, resulting in a superelastic response at significantly higher stresses compared to conventionally fabricated Ti–Nb alloys.
Analysis of Isotretinoin-Induced Alterations in the Levels of Plasma Trace Elements: Investigation of the Relationship Between Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, and Treatment-Related Side Effects
Authors: Akman Tugrul Cagri , Yazici Mustafa , Atila Alptug , Mertoglu Cuma
Published: January 2024

Isotretinoin is an effective treatment against acne vulgaris, but it also causes many side effects during and after the treatment. The relationship between the changes in the levels of plasma trace elements of patients with AV after 3 months of isotretinoin treatment and the side effects was investigated in the study. Plasma samples of 35 patients were collected before and after isotretinoin treatment. Samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer. After treatment, the levels of phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc in plasma increased statistically, while the level of potassium decreased (p < 0.05). The treatment had differing effects on zinc levels based on the gender of the individuals. With treatment, the levels of zinc in the plasma of men showed a greater increase compared to women (p = 7.3e-04). Additionally, the correlation matrix analysis revealed a strong correlation (R > 0.8) between magnesium and calcium. According to the study results, the change in phosphorus and potassium levels shows that isotretinoin affects kidney functions. The results suggest that phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc are associated with fatigue, dry skin and chapped lips, hair loss, and sebum secretion, respectively. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive pre-treatment assessment, including monitoring of liver and kidney function as well as the levels of phosphorus and potassium in patients.
Ricci Flow Under Kato-Type Curvature Lower Bound
Authors: Lee Man-Chun
Published: January 2024

In this work, we extend the existence theory of non-collapsed Ricci flows from point-wise curvature lower bound to Kato-type curvature lower bound. As an application, we prove that any compact three-dimensional non-collapsed strong Kato limit space is homeomorphic to a smooth manifold. Moreover, similar result also holds in higher dimension under stronger curvature condition. We also use the Ricci flow smoothing to study stability problem in scalar curvature geometry.