bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of land–atmosphere coupling processes over Africa in coupled model intercomparison project Phase 6
Authors: Mwanthi A. M. , Mutemi J. N. , Dyer E. , James R. , Opijah F. J. , Webb T. , Mutua F. , Washington R. , Senior C. , Segele Z. , Artan G.
Published: March 2023

Climate models are useful tools for monthly to decadal prediction of the evolution of climate. This study assesses how CMIP6 models represent soil moisture-latent heat regimes and coupling processes between the land and atmosphere. Metrics considered are terrestrial and atmospheric coupling indices to show the nature and strength of the coupling over Africa, focusing on the March to May (MAM) and June to August (JJA) seasons over East, Central, and West Africa. Characterization of the annual cycle indicates that model biases are highest during the peak of the rainfall season and least during the dry season, while soil moisture biases correspond with rainfall. Models show appreciable sensitivity to regional characteristics; there was model consensus in representing East Africa and the Sahel as regions of limited soil moisture, while major differences were noted in the wet regime over Central Africa. Most CMIP6 models tend to overestimate the strength of the terrestrial and atmospheric coupling pathways over East and Southern Africa. Inter-model differences in coupling indices could be traced to their inter-annual variability rather than the mean biases of the variables considered. These results encourage further advancement of land surface schemes in the next generation of climate models for a better representation of climate over Africa.
Association of blood lipids with onset and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: results from the ALS Swabia registry
Authors: Michels Sebastian , Kurz Deborah , Rosenbohm Angela , Peter Raphael S. , Just Steffen , Bäzner Hansjörg , Börtlein Axel , Dettmers Christian , Gold Hans-Jürgen , Kohler Andreas , Naumann Markus , Ratzka Peter , Ludolph Albert C. , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Nagel Gabriele , Dorst Johannes ,   the ALS Registry Swabia Study Group
Published: March 2023

Background

To date, the role of blood lipid levels and their association with the onset and prognosis of ALS is controversial. We explored these associations in a large, population-based case–control study.

Methods

Between October 2010 and June 2014, 336 ALS patients (mean age 65.7 ± 10.7; 57.7% male) and 487 sex- and age-matched controls from the same geographic region were recruited within the ALS registry in Southwest Germany. Triglycerides and cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total) were measured. The ALS cohort was followed up for vital status. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to calculate odds ratio (OR) for risk of ALS associated with serum lipid concentrations. In ALS patients only, survival models were used to appraise the prognostic value.

Results

High concentration of total cholesterol (OR 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.49, top vs. bottom quartile), but not HDL, LDL, LDL–HDL ratio, or triglycerides, was positively associated with the risk of ALS. During the median follow-up time of 88.9 months, 291 deaths occurred among 336 ALS patients. In the adjusted survival analysis, higher HDL (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.19–2.50) and LDL cholesterol levels (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.11–2.26) were associated with higher mortality in ALS patients. In contrast, higher triglyceride levels were associated with lower mortality (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.96).

Conclusion

The results highlight the importance to distinguish cholesterol from triglycerides when considering the prognostic role of lipid metabolism in ALS. It further strengthens the rationale for a triglyceride-rich diet, while the negative impact of cholesterol must be further explored.
Assessing the influence of cognitive response conflict on balance control: an event-related approach using response-aligned force-plate time series data
Authors: Johannsen Leif , Stephan Denise Nadine , Straub Elisa , Döhring Falko , Kiesel Andrea , Koch Iring , Müller Hermann
Published: March 2023

Process interference or sharing of attentional resources between cognitive tasks and balance control during upright standing has been well documented. Attentional costs increase with greater balancing demands of a balance activity, for example in standing compared to sitting. The traditional approach for analyzing balance control using posturography with a force plate integrates across relative long trial periods of up to several minutes, which blends any balance adjustments and cognitive operations within this period. In the present study, we pursued an event-related approach to assess if single cognitive operations resolving response selection conflict in the Simon task interfere with concurrent balance control in quiet standing. In addition to traditional outcome measures (response latency, error proportions) in the cognitive Simon task, we investigated the effect of spatial congruency on measures of sway control. We expected that conflict resolution in incongruent trials would alter short-term progression of sway control. Our results demonstrated the expected congruency effect on performance in the cognitive Simon task and the mediolateral variability of balance control within 150 ms before the onset of the manual response was reduced to a greater degree in incongruent compared to congruent trials. In addition, mediolateral variability before and after the manual response was generally reduced compared to variability following target presentation, where no effect of congruency was observed. Assuming that response conflict in incongruent conditions requires suppression of the incorrect response tendencies, our results may imply that mechanisms of cognitive conflict resolution may also carry over to intermittent balance control mechanisms in a direction-specific manner.
Prevalence of substance use disorders and associations with mindfulness, impulsive personality traits and psychopathological symptoms in a representative sample of adolescents in Germany
Authors: Arnaud Nicolas , Wartberg Lutz , Simon-Kutscher Kathrin , Thomasius Rainer ,   IMAC-Mind Consortium
Published: March 2023

Adolescence is a critical phase for the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). For Europe and Germany, there are limited data on problematic substance use from representative youth samples. Trait mindfulness is relevant in buffering against substance use-related problems and associated deficits in self-regulatory control. The objective of this study is to estimate 12-month prevalence rates for SUDs in a representative sample of adolescents in Germany and to examine associations with mindfulness and related factors such as stress, impulsivity, sensation seeking and symptoms of psychopathology. A sample of 4001 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Germany was surveyed based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for SUDs. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations with mindfulness-related variables. Criteria of at least one of the assessed SUDs were endorsed by 11.2% of the adolescents. Alcohol use disorders had the highest prevalence rate (10.1%) followed by cannabis use disorders (2.6%). For both substances, the criteria for abuse were met about twice as often as those for dependence. The prevalence of cigarette dependence was 1.7%, while the prevalence for e-cigarette dependence was only 0.1%. Prevalence rates were higher for male youth and increasing with age. SUD prevalence was also related to mindfulness, impulsivity and sensation seeking and externalizing symptoms of psychopathology. The statistically significant associations varied across different SUDs. SUDs appear highly prevalent among German adolescents. The results have public health implications with regard to treatment needs and prevention measures in the youth population in Germany.
Hydrogeological origin of the CO2-rich mineral water of Vilajuïga in the Eastern Pyrenees (NE Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Mas-Pla Josep , Brusi David , Roqué Carles , Soler David , Menció Anna , Costa Josep M , Zamorano Manuel , Meredith Warren
Published: March 2023

The mineral water of Vilajuïga village in Alt Empordà (NE Catalonia, Spain) owes its uniqueness to an emanation of geogenic CO2 that modifies groundwater hydrochemistry to produce a differentiated HCO3–Na- and CO2-rich groundwater among the usual Ca–HCO3 type found in this region. A hydrogeological conceptual model attributes its occurrence to the intersection of two faults: La Valleta and Garriguella-Roses. The former provides a thrust of metamorphic over igneous rocks, formed during the Paleozoic, over a layer of ampelitic shale that, from a hydrogeological perspective, acts as a confining layer. The Garriguella-Roses normal fault, which originated during the Neogene, permits the degassing of geogenic CO2 that is attributed to volcanic activity occurring in the Neogene. Groundwater mixing from the metamorphic and igneous rock units plus the local occurrence of CO2 creates a HCO3–Na water that still holds free-CO2 in solution. Interaction with the gas phase is restricted at the intersection of the two faults. Radiocarbon dating, after correcting for geogenic dead carbon, estimates an age of 8,000 years BP. The low tritium content (0.7 TU) indicates that Vilajuïga water is a mix of “older” groundwater recharged in the metamorphic rocks of the Albera range and “younger” groundwater from the igneous rocks of the Rodes range, over a recharge area of 45 km2 and a maximum elevation of 600 m. Given its origin as rare groundwater in the southern slope of the Eastern Pyrenees, purposeful monitoring is necessary to evaluate the groundwater vulnerability and anticipate impacts from nearby wells and climate-change effects.
Generalized residuals and outlier detection for ordinal data with challenging data structures
Authors: Iannario Maria , Monti Anna Clara
Published: March 2023

Motivated by the analysis of rating data concerningperceived health status, a crucial variable in biomedical, economic and life insurance models, the paper deals with diagnostic procedures for identifying anomalous and/or influential observations in ordinal response models with challenging data structures. Deviations due to some respondents’ atypical behavior, outlying covariates and gross errors may affect the reliability of likelihood based inference, especially when non robust link functions are adopted. The present paper investigates and exploits the properties of the generalized residuals. They appear in the estimating equations of the regression coefficients and hold the remarkable characteristic of interacting with the covariates in the same fashion as the linear regression residuals. Identification of statistical units incoherent with the model can be achieved by the analysis of the residuals produced by maximum likelihood or robustM-estimation, while the inspection of the weights generated byM-estimation allows to identify influential data. Simple guidelines are proposed to this end, which disclose information on the data structure. The purpose is twofold: recognizing statistical units that deserve specific attention for their peculiar features, and being aware of the sensitivity of the fitted model to small changes in the sample. In the analysis of the self-perceived health status, extreme design points associated with incoherent responses produce highly influential observations. The diagnostic procedures identify the outliers and assess their influence.
Dissolved organic matter transformations in a freshwater rivermouth
Authors: Pearce Nolan J. T. , Larson James H. , Evans Mary Anne , Bailey Sean W. , Frost Paul C. , James William F. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: March 2023

River-to-lake transitional areas are biogeochemically active ecosystems that can alter the amount and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) as it moves through the aquatic continuum. However, few studies have directly measured carbon processing and assessed the carbon budget of freshwater rivermouths. We compiled measurements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and DOM in several water column (light and dark) and sediment incubation experiments conducted in the mouth of the Fox river (Fox rivermouth) upstream from Green Bay, Lake Michigan. Despite variation in the direction of DOC fluxes from sediments, we found that the Fox rivermouth was a net sink of DOC where water column DOC mineralization outweighed the release of DOC from sediments at the rivermouth scale. Although we found DOM composition also changed during our experiments, alterations in DOM optical properties were largely independent of the direction of sediment DOC fluxes. We found a consistent decrease in humic-like and fulvic-like terrestrial DOM and a consistent increase in the overall microbial composition of rivermouth DOM during our incubations. Moreover, greater ambient total dissolved phosphorus concentrations were positively associated with the consumption of terrestrial humic-like, microbial protein-like, and more recently derived DOM but had no effect on bulk DOC in the water column. Unexplained variation indicates that other environmental controls and water column processes affect the processing of DOM in this rivermouth. Nonetheless, the Fox rivermouth appears capable of substantial DOM transformation with implications for the composition of DOM entering Lake Michigan.
Interventions and Approaches Targeting Early Self-Regulation or Executive Functioning in Preschools: A Systematic Review
Authors: Muir Rosalyn A. , Howard Steven J. , Kervin Lisa
Published: March 2023

This systematic literature review sought to reconcile the evidence of efficacy for interventions and approaches to enhancing self-regulation and/or executive function in preschool settings. Following PRISMA methodology, a comprehensive search of 20 years of intervention research identified 85 studies that met inclusion criteria. Interventions were categorised by intervention approach and coded for their characteristics (e.g. sample size, dose, duration, interventionist, intervention activities), outcomes (e.g. significance, size of effects) and study quality (i.e. risk of bias). Reconciliation of intervention results indicated (1) within intervention approaches, some approaches had more consistent and robust evidence of efficacy (e.g. mindfulness, mediated play, physical activity) and (2) across intervention approaches, characteristics that had greater (or exclusive) presence amongst the higher efficacy interventions (e.g. cognitive challenge, movement, as well as interventionist, fidelity and dose considerations). Implications for future intervention (re)design, and for theorising about mechanisms of self-regulation and executive function change, are discussed.
Development of a novel silk sericin-based hydrogel film by mixture design
Authors: Jaramillo-Quiceno Natalia , Rueda-Mira Santiago , Marín Juan Felipe Santa , Álvarez-López Catalina
Published: March 2023

Sericin has been used in functional and potentially biodegradable materials for cosmetics, biomedical, agricultural, and food applications. It is a natural polymer with applications in absorbent materials, such as hydrogels, because of its hydrophilic character. However, sericin by itself is brittle, and in contact with water has low structural stability, being necessary its blending with other polymers or the application of crosslinking processes. In this work, hydrogel films were prepared from different mixtures containing sericin (SS), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), using a simple and environmentally friendly method consisting of a gelling process followed by solvent casting. A mixture design was applied to assess the incidence of each component and its interaction with the output variables of interest. Two response variables were evaluated in each formulation: water absorption capacity (WA) and gel fraction (GF). It was also possible to model the output variables based on the proportions of the sample components. In addition, a set of formulations were used to produce hydrogels with high water absorption rates while maintaining their structural stability. The optimal hydrogel formulation (HF) was structurally and thermally characterized by FTIR and TGA, respectively. Hydrogel morphology was also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of this study constitute an important contribution to the design of novel processing routes to extend the use of silk sericin in the development of new materials.
Sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured cobalt oxide in four different ionic liquids
Authors: Al Kiey Sherief A. , Sery Alaa A. , Farag Hala K.
Published: March 2023

In this paper we report on the sol-gel synthesis of cobalt oxide in four different ionic liquids with two different cations and anions. The employed ionic liquids are; 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate ([EMIm]TfO), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethylsulfonate ([Py1,4]TfO), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIm]TFSA), and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidiniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py1,4]TFSA). The influence of the cation and anion of the ionic liquids on the morphology of the synthesized oxides was explored. The results showed that octahydron-shaped Co3O4 nanoparticles with different average sizes depending on the type of the employed ionic liquid. The imidazolium cation was found to play a significant role in reducing the particle size of the synthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles. The samples prepared in the imidazolium-based ionic liquids showed smaller particle sizes than those of the samples prepared in the pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids. The shape of the particles of the synthesized Co3O4 was not affected by the type of the ionic liquids.

Graphical abstract
Violent Discipline in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo: The Role of Child Gender and Disability Status in Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Blackwell Alexandra H. , de Dieu Hategekimana Jean , Bauma Daddy , Roth Danielle , Thivillier Pauline , O’Connor Meghan , Falb Kathryn
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Violence is used to punish or educate children across the world, with detrimental effects on their physical, emotional, and social health that persist into their adulthood. This study aimed to understand the use of violent discipline by caregivers in conflict-affected communities and how it varied by the child’s gender and disability level.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data collected from 394 respondents (196 men and 198 women) in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, logistic generalized estimating equations stratified by gender assessed the association between past-three-month perpetration of violent discipline, caregiver demographics, conflict experiences, and disability attitudes, as well as child demographics of age, gender, disability level, and the interaction of gender and disability.

Results

Compared to women with boy children with no disability, odds of perpetration of violent discipline were higher among those with girl children with no disability (aOR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.11–4.51) and boy children with moderate or severe disability (aOR: 2.91; 95%CI: 1.14–7.33), and the interaction of girl children with a moderate or severe disability showed a 7.80 increase in odds of perpetration; however, association with women’s discriminatory disability attitudes was not significant. In contrast, the interaction of child gender and disability level were not significantly associated with perpetration of violent discipline for men, but disability attitudes were significantly associated (aOR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.00-1.15).

Discussion

Results suggest that levels of violence in conflict-affected households in North Kivu, DRC are high, with women reporting higher levels of violent discipline overall, and amplified use of violence against girl children with disabilities. More research and programs with an intersectional lens are needed in conflict settings to better understand and address the use of violent discipline and underlying discriminatory norms around gender and disability.
Like Parent, like Child: General and Specific Associations Between Parents’ and Children’s Binary Gender Identity in a Gender Egalitarian Context
Authors: Antoniucci Chiara , Portengen Christel , Endendijk Joyce J.
Published: March 2023

There is ample scientific evidence for the importance of parental gender socialization in children’s binary gender development. Surprisingly, little is known about the role of parents’ own gender identity in the binary gender identity development of their children. Therefore, the present study investigated the association between parents’ and children’s binary gender identity (i.e., similarity to same- and other-gender individuals) in a sample of 142 Dutch families with a child between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. The Dutch context is characterized by relatively high gender equality. Both parents and their children answered questions about their similarity to same-gender and other-gender individuals. Generalized estimating equations revealed that parents’ same-gender similarity and parents’ other-gender similarity were positively associated with their children’s same- and other-gender-similarity, respectively. In addition, more other-gender similarity in parents was associated with less same-gender similarity in girls, but more same-gender similarity in boys. Parents who reported high similarity with both genders were more likely to have children who also reported higher similarity with both genders. These findings indicate that parents’ own binary gender identity is related in general and specific ways to their children’s binary gender identity development. Parents should be made aware of their role in children’s binary gender identity development. Yet, more research on different types of gender identity in parents and their children is necessary.
The Modal-Epistemic Argument Self-undermined
Authors: Wintein Stefan
Published: March 2023

In a recent article, Emanuel Rutten defends his Modal-Epistemic Argument (MEA) for the existence of God against various objections that I raised against it. In this article, I observe that Rutten’s defence fails for various reasons. Most notably though, the defence is self-undermining: the very claims that Rutten argues for in his defence yield novel counterexamples to the first premise of the MEA.
Autoimmune Gastritis: Update and New Perspectives in Therapeutic Management
Authors: Orgler Elisabeth , Dabsch Stefanie , Malfertheiner Peter , Schulz Christian
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

Diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is often delayed because of the absence of typical symptoms. Clinical guidelines are lacking which results in inadequate treatment and poor cancer screening. This review presents an overview of current management options and aims at raising awareness for this often-neglected disease.

Recent Findings

Autoimmune gastritis is mostly thought of as a disease of the elderly with vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. Today it is recognized that AIG is found with a similar prevalence among all age-groups, with iron deficiency being a frequent feature. Conventional therapy consists of adequate iron and vitamin B12 supplementation as well as symptomatic approaches. The associated risk for gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric neuroendocrine tumors requires regular endoscopic follow up. Novel therapies aiming to reduce gastric atrophy and cancer risk are currently under development.

Treatment of autoimmune gastritis should focus on optimizing supplementation of deficiencies and include cancer prevention measures. Clinical research should address the possibility to arrest the inflammatory process and to prevent progression of AIG. International guidelines on management and endoscopic screening intervals should be set up.
Environment, biodiversity and health in university scientific cooperation in Mozambique
Authors: Taviani Elisa , Cappuccinelli Piero , Colombo Mauro , Cirillo Tiziano , Neves Luis , Saide Joaquim , Attorre Fabio
Published: March 2023

Mozambique and Italy share a history of academic cooperation spanning almost half a century. The topical collection “Environment, biodiversity and health in university scientific cooperation in Mozambique” stems from the desire to collect the scientific progress achieved through this alliance. Research papers in the collection cover themes including biodiversity conservation for the sustainable use of natural resources, diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of genetic and infectious diseases, and the anthropogenic impact on the environment under the one health principle. The sustainable growth of a country depends, to a large extent, on the establishment of solid research capacity, ensuring the ownership and full involvement of local institutions. The availability of adequate scientific research frameworks is critical to guarantee the integrated conservation of the ecological, socio-economic and cultural value of biodiversity. The works published within this collection emphasize the importance of international cooperation in scientific research.
Integral inequalities using signed measures corresponding to majorization
Authors: Horváth László
Published: March 2023

In this paper we derive majorization type integral inequalities using measure spaces with signed measures. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the studied integral inequalities to be satisfied. To apply our results, we first generalize Hardy–Littlewood–Pólya and Fuchs inequalities. Then we deal with the nonnegativity of some integrals with nonnegative convex functions. As a consequence, the known characterization of Steffensen–Popoviciu measures on compact intervals is extended to arbitrary intervals. Finally, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the satisfaction of the integral Jensen inequality and the integral Lah–Ribarič inequality for signed measures. All the considered problems are also studied for special classes of convex functions. To prove the main assertions some approximation results for nonnegative convex functions are also developed.
Using geophysical log data to predict the fracture density in a claystone host rock for storing high-level nuclear waste
Authors: Tóth Emese , Hrabovszki Ervin , Tóth Tivadar M.
Published: March 2023

Previously drilled boreholes of a host rock for a potential nuclear waste repository in Hungary revealed a highly fractured claystone rock body. A crucial step for characterizing the hydrodynamic behavior of such a fractured reservoir is fracture identification and accurate calculation of the fracture density. Although acoustic borehole televiewers provide a reliable base for determining the fracture density, older boreholes usually lack such data. However, conventional borehole geophysical measurements are often accessible in such cases. The aim of this study was to identify any correlations between well log data and fracture density. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on data from two boreholes penetrating the Boda Claystone Formation in southwest Hungary. The upper section of the BAF-4 borehole was used for training, where the fracture density was estimated with a fit of R2 = 0.767. The computed regression function predicted the fracture density with high accuracy in both boreholes for all intervals with typical lithological features. However, in some sections where anomalous well log data indicated changes in the lithology, the prediction accuracy decreased. For example, the function underestimated the fracture density in sandy intervals.
A generalized Caputo-type fractional-order neuron model under the electromagnetic field
Authors: Kumar Pushpendra , Erturk Vedat Suat , Tyagi Swati , Banas Jozef , Manickam A.
Published: March 2023

This article considers a fractional-order neuron model under an electromagnetic field in terms of generalized Caputo fractional derivatives. The motivation for incorporating fractional derivatives in the previously proposed integer-order neuron model is that the fractional-order model impresses with efficient effects of the memory, and parameters with fractional orders can increase the model performance by amplifying a degree of freedom. The results on the uniqueness of the solution for the proposed neuron model are established using well-known theorems. The given model is numerically solved by using a generalized version of the Euler method with stability and error analysis. Several graphical simulations are performed to capture the variations in the membrane potential considering no electromagnetic field effects, various frequency brands of external forcing current, and the amplitude and frequency of the external magnetic radiation. The impacts of fractional-order cases are clearly justified.
LSH-based missing value prediction for abnormal traffic sensors with privacy protection in edge computing
Authors: Gao Ailing , Liu Xiaomei , Miao Ying
Published: March 2023

Traffic flow prediction is an important part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). However, sensor failures or the transmission distortion often occur in the process of data acquisition, which will inevitably cause the loss or abnormality of traffic flow data transmitted to the edge server. In this situation, it is necessary to share traffic flow data among different platforms. However, existing traffic flow prediction methods are facing two challenges in the process of traffic flow data sharing. First, user privacy is often leaked in the process of sharing traffic data on various platforms. Moreover, with the continuous updating of data, the efficiency and scalability of data sharing between different platforms will become lower and lower. In view of the above challenges, in this paper, we propose a novel prediction method for the missing traffic flow data caused by abnormal sensors, named $$ASMVP_{distr-LSH}$$

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A comprehensive experimental study of municipal solid waste (MSW) as solid biofuel and as composite solid fuel in blends with lignite: quality characteristics, environmental impact, modeling, and energy cover
Authors: Vasileiadou Agapi , Zoras Stamatis , Dimoudi Argiro
Published: March 2023

Recently, coal power plants across Europe have been reopened. Alternative fuels are needed for energy autonomy purposes, for a smoother transition to the post-lignite era and for sustainable development. In this work, different categories of municipal solid wastes (MSW) and their blends with lignite were studied for their potential use as alternative fuels. Seventeen samples were studied using several techniques: gross calorific value (GCV), proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, ion chromatography, ash elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, kinetic modeling and thermodynamic analysis. A determination of empirical chemical formulas was performed. Slagging/fouling potential was evaluated with various indices including modified indices that take into account ash production and GCV. Maximum emission factors were calculated and defined per produced MJ. Also, an environmental footprint index was developed regarding the environmental impact of solid wastes. The GCV experimental results were compared with those of twenty different empirical models. Moreover, several case studies were performed to evaluate the potential of covering the energy demands, with combustion of MSW, in Greece and Europe. The results showed that MSW as a primary/secondary fuel is an attractive solution considering the fact that it boasts better characteristics in comparison with lignite. Moreover, the environmental footprint index (EFIsw) of the MSW revealed a much smaller environmental impact. The high N content is not always translated to high emissions if NO is expressed per produced MJ (gNO/MJ). In addition, MSW can also be used as a significant contributor in covering energy demands regarding the energy recovery potential.

Graphical abstract
Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction: an Analysis of the Readability and Quality of Online Information Available to Patients
Authors: O’Dwyer Liam , Murphy Ben , O’Farrell Dermot
Published: March 2023

Currently, patients use the Internet for health information relating to surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the readability and quality of online health information relating to acromioclavicular joint reconstruction. We hypothesise that the information will be of poor quality and be too difficult to read for the average patient. The top 50 results from Google, Bing, and Yahoo (MeSH “acromioclavicular joint reconstruction”, “ac joint reconstruction”) were used for analysis. Readability was assessed using three scores (Gunning FOG (GF), Flesch–Kincaid Grade (FKG), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE)); these scores were generated using an online calculator (www.readable.com). Quality was assessed using a HONcode Google Toolbar extension and JAMA benchmark criteria. One hundred sixteen webpages were subject to analysis. The mean GF was 12.1 ± 2.9. The mean FKG was 10.6 ± 2.15. The mean FRE was 38.9 ± 13.3. FRE score found no webpage pitched at the 6th grade level, and only 4 (3.4%) and 2 (1.7%) of the webpages were pitched at this level according to the GF and FKG scores, respectively. The mean JAMA score was 1.9 ± 1.5. Only 10 webpages had HONcode certification. The quality of online patient information pertaining to acromioclavicular joint reconstruction is of poor quality and is too difficult to read. Physicians and health information providers should conform to health literacy standards. Health information providers should meet the minimum standards of verified assessment tools.
Analysis of sinkholes in a karst area adjacent to three mines in south China
Authors: Jiang Xiaozhen , Zhou Wangfang , Guang Zhende , Pan Zongyuan , Ma Xiao
Published: March 2023

Eighty-six sinkholes occurred in a karst area of 2 km2 from 1990 to 2016, resulting in cracked houses and abandoned farmland. The affected area is adjacent to three underground mines with mining depth up to 600 m below ground. Sinkhole characteristics, hydrogeochemical and isotopic data, and groundwater-gas pressure measurements were evaluated to understand the dynamic karst system. An aquiclude layer was identified between the Triassic Nanlinghu Formation and Donggangling Formation, leading to recognition of two karst groundwater subsystems—Dongmaanshan subsystem and Nanlinghu subsystem. The sinkholes occurred in the Dongmaanshan subsystem where Xinhua Copper Mine and a water supply wellfield are located, and the influence distance can reach 1.2 km. A larger groundwater cone of depression induced by dewatering in a pyrite mine and gold mine in the Nanlinghu subsystem caused differential settlement. Because the sinkhole occurrence is sensitive to groundwater extraction in the Dongmaanshan subsystem, it is recommended that underground engineering activities should be avoided in this subsystem in future land use planning unless effective measures are taken to prevent groundwater level decline and high-frequency groundwater-gas pressure monitoring is implemented.
A Sub-flow Adaptive Multipath Routing Algorithm for Data Centre Network
Authors: Lu You , Chen Yuhao , Xu Xiao , Fu Qiming , Chen Jianping , Liu Lanhui
Published: March 2023

In response to the fast and intensive traffic changes and the presence of redundant links in the network topology in data centre networks, multipath routing has become the dominant approach. Existing multipath routing algorithms are still inadequate in terms of adapting to dynamic changes in the network state quickly and the cooperation of path selection and sub-flow assignment. Therefore, this paper proposes a sub-flow adaptive multipath routing algorithm for data centre networks (SAMP). The deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is introduced. DDPG combines deep learning (DL) and reinforcement learning (RL) to implement different network state changes quickly, especially in the process of topology, to achieve dynamic migration of the optimised decisions that have been learned. An adaptive multipath routing model for subflows is established to accomplish collaborative scheduling of path selection and subflow assignment based on the real-time state of the network. The experimental results show that the algorithm can be well adapted to the data centre network, and when compared with several traditional methods, it reduces the latency by an average of 31.3%, improves the task transmission success rate by an average of 14.9%, and increases the throughput by 37.1%.
Non-parametric Nearest Neighbor Classification Based on Global Variance Difference
Authors: Deng Shaobo , Wang Lei , Guan Sujie , Li Min , Wang Lei
Published: March 2023

As technology improves, how to extract information from vast datasets is becoming more urgent. As is well known, k-nearest neighbor classifiers are simple to implement and conceptually simple to implement. It is not without its shortcomings, however, as follows: (1) there is still a sensitivity to the choice of k-values even when representative attributes are not considered in each class; (2) in some cases, the proximity between test samples and nearest neighbor samples cannot be reflected accurately due to proximity measurements, etc. Here, we propose a non-parametric nearest neighbor classification method based on global variance differences. First, the difference in variance is calculated before and after adding the sample to be the subject, then the difference is divided by the variance before adding the sample to be tested, and the resulting quotient serves as the objective function. In the final step, the samples to be tested are classified into the class with the smallest objective function. Here, we discuss the theoretical aspects of this function. Using the Lagrange method, it can be shown that the objective function can be optimal when the sample centers of each class are averaged. Twelve real datasets from the University of California, Irvine are used to compare the proposed algorithm with competitors such as the Local mean k-nearest neighbor algorithm and the pseudo-nearest neighbor algorithm. According to a comprehensive experimental study, the average accuracy on 12 datasets is as high as 86.27$$\%$$
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, which is far higher than other algorithms. The experimental findings verify that the proposed algorithm produces results that are more dependable than other existing algorithms.
Reverberation chamber for electromagnetic compatibility testing of electric thrusters
Authors: Kiefer F. , Holste K. , Klar P. J. , Rover Y. , Probst U. , Volkmar C.
Published: March 2023

The need for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electrical devices on satellites increases dramatically as the number of satellites is rapidly growing and the density of electrical devices on the satellite increases due to their miniaturization. Thus, EMC of the electric propulsion system becomes an important issue for a safe and reliable operation of the satellite. In particular, this also concerns the electric propulsion system. Since electric thrusters usually need to be operated in vacuum, dedicated facilities are required to assess their EMC. Here, we present how a common cylindrical vacuum vessel can be converted into a reverberation chamber suitable for EMC pre-compliance testing of electric thrusters. We describe and validate its operation principle and discuss its limitations. Finally, we show first measurement results of radiated emission measurements of a thruster and compare those with data obtained for the same thruster in a semi-anechoic chamber where the thruster is operated inside a metal-free vessel and fires into a larger vacuum chamber outside the semi-anechoic chamber.
Continuation Versus De-escalation of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Aldardeer Namareq F. , Shukairi Abeer Nizar A. L. , Nasser Mohannad E. , Al Musawa Mohammad , Kalkatawi Bayader S. , Alsahli Reem M. , Ramdan Aiman M. Elsaed , Qushmaq Ismael , Aldhaeefi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Background

Antibiotic de-escalation (ADE) is a stewardship initiative that aims to reduce exposure to antimicrobials, thus limiting their unwanted effect, including antimicrobial resistance. Our study aims to describe the impact of ADE compared with the continuation of therapy on the outcome of critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Material and Methods

A single-center retrospective study included critically ill COVID-19 adult patients admitted between January 1, 2019 and August 31, 2021, and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. In addition, other clinical outcomes were evaluated, including ICU readmissions, length of stay, and superinfection.

Results

The study included 73 patients with a mean age of 61.0 ± 19.4, and ADE was performed in 10 (13.6%) of these. In the ADE group, 8/10 (80%) cultures were positive. ICU mortality was not statistically different between ADE and continuation of therapy groups (60 vs. 41.3%, respectively, P = 0.317). Superinfection occurred in 4 (5.4%) patients. Hospital mortality, length of stay, and ICU readmission rates did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

De-escalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics in critically ill covid-19 patients was not associated with higher mortality. A larger cohort is needed to confirm these findings.
Popular Music Heritage, Cultural Justice and the Deindustrialising City
Authors: Baker Sarah , Cantillon Zelmarie , Nowak Raphaël
Published: March 2023

The celebration of popular music can be an important mode of cultural expression and a source of pride for urban communities. This Element analyses the capacity for popular music heritage to enact cultural justice in the deindustrialising cities of Wollongong, Australia; Detroit, USA; and Birmingham, UK. The Element develops a critical approach to cultural justice for examining music and the city in a heritage context and outlines how the quest for cultural justice manifests in three key ways: collection, preservation and archiving; curation, storytelling and heritage interpretation; and mobilising communities for collective action.
Framing a Revolution
Authors: Schmidt Rachel
Published: March 2023

Rhetorical contests about how to frame a war run alongside many armed conflicts. With the rise of internet access, social media, and cyber operations, these propaganda battles have a wider audience than ever before. Yet, such framing contests have attracted little attention in scholarly literature. What are the effects of gendered and strategic framing in civil war? How do different types of individuals - victims, combatants, women, commanders - utilize the frames created around them and about them? Who benefits from these contests, and who loses? Following the lives of eleven ex-combatants from non-state armed groups and supplemented by over one hundred interviews conducted across Colombia, Framing a Revolution opens a window into this crucial part of civil war. Their testimonies demonstrate the importance of these contests for combatants' commitments to their armed groups during fighting and the Colombian peace process, while also drawing implications for the concept of civil war worldwide.
We, the King
Authors: Masters Adrian
Published: March 2023

We, the King challenges the dominant top-down interpretation of the Spanish Empire and its monarchs' decrees in the New World, revealing how ordinary subjects had much more say in government and law-making than previously acknowledged. During the viceregal period spanning the post-1492 conquest until 1598, the King signed more than 110,000 pages of decrees concerning state policies, minutiae, and everything in between. Through careful analysis of these decrees, Adrian Masters illustrates how law-making was aided and abetted by subjects from various backgrounds, including powerful court women, indigenous commoners, Afro-descendant raftsmen, secret saboteurs, pirates, sovereign Chiriguano Indians, and secretaries' wives. Subjects' innumerable petitions and labor prompted – and even phrased - a complex body of legislation and legal categories demonstrating the degree to which this empire was created from the “bottom up”. Innovative and unique, We, the King reimagines our understandings of kingship, imperial rule, colonialism, and the origins of racial categories.
The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson Distribution
Authors: Sellers Kimberly F.
Published: March 2023

While the Poisson distribution is a classical statistical model for count data, the distributional model hinges on the constraining property that its mean equal its variance. This text instead introduces the Conway-Maxwell-Poisson distribution and motivates its use in developing flexible statistical methods based on its distributional form. This two-parameter model not only contains the Poisson distribution as a special case but, in its ability to account for data over- or under-dispersion, encompasses both the geometric and Bernoulli distributions. The resulting statistical methods serve in a multitude of ways, from an exploratory data analysis tool, to a flexible modeling impetus for varied statistical methods involving count data. The first comprehensive reference on the subject, this text contains numerous illustrative examples demonstrating R code and output. It is essential reading for academics in statistics and data science, as well as quantitative researchers and data analysts in economics, biostatistics and other applied disciplines.
London's News Press and the Thirty Years War
Authors: Boys Jayne E. E.
Published: March 2023

A topical subject offering interesting parallels between the news revolution in the age of James I and Charles I and our internet age. An important contribution to the history of print and books.
A History of the Late Medieval Siege, 1200-1500
Authors: Purton Peter
Published: March 2023

Detailed survey of the continued development of the siege in the later middle ages, showing the effects of new technology and armaments.
Richard Wagner and the Centrality of Love
Authors: Emslie Barry
Published: March 2023

Emslie's study of Wagner's creativity examines the centrality of love - and its obverse, hate - to the composer's world view.
The Political Life of Josiah C. Wedgwood
Authors: Mulvey Paul
Published: March 2023

A new study of the radical politician Josiah Wedgwood, setting him in context and illuminating many of the political issues of the time.
Lost Country Houses of Suffolk
Authors: Roberts W. M.
Published: March 2023

Lavishly illustrated account of forty magnificent country houses, destroyed in the last century.