bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoinduced aggregation of liposome modified with DNA containing ultrafast DNA photo‐cross‐linker
Authors: Fujimoto Kenzo , Ichikawa Masakatsu , Nakamura Shigetaka
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, we demonstrated the aggregation of liposome using ultrafast DNA photo‐cross‐linking with 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside (CNVK). Liposomes are not only used in model experiments of cell membranes, but also are attracting attention as a carrier for drug delivery. The surface of liposomes can be modified with biomolecules such as peptides and DNA. So far, several studies have been conducted to control liposome aggregation by DNA, and it was found that oligoDNA (ODN) containing CNVK can photo‐cross‐link to pyrimidine bases in complementary strand using photoirradiation for a few seconds. Therefore, this DNA photo‐cross‐linking procedure was adapted for liposome aggregation.

RESULT

Based on results of confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was confirmed that the liposomes were aggregated by photoirradiation. Also, from the results of denaturing PAGE, it was confirmed that the DNA fixed on the liposome surface and the linker connecting the liposomes were photo‐cross‐linked. In addition, the energy of photoirradiation can be used to extract the translated part, so it is expected that liposomes can be prepared according to each degree of aggregation.

CONCLUSION

Linker DNA containing CNVK can induce liposome aggregation upon photoirradiation, and the proportion of liposomes aggregated can be varied by changing the irradiation energy (intensity). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
An Early Pleistocene hippopotamus from Westbury Cave, Somerset, England: support for a previously unrecognized temperate interval in the British Quaternary record
Authors: Adams Neil F. , Candy Ian , Schreve Danielle C.
Published: October 2021

Although fossil assemblages from the late Early Pleistocene are very rare in Britain, the site of Westbury Cave in Somerset, England, has the potential to address this gap. The mammal fossils recovered previously from the Siliceous Member in Westbury Cave, though few in number, have hinted at an age for the deposits that is as yet unparalleled in Britain. Here, we describe the first bona fide occurrence of Hippopotamus in the British Early Pleistocene, discovered during recent reinvestigation of the Siliceous Member. The hippo fossil indicates a refined biochronological age of ca. 1.5–1.07 Ma for the Siliceous Member and a palaeoclimate that was warm and humid, which accords well with previous palaeoenvironmental inferences. A synthesis of late Early Pleistocene hippo occurrences suggests that the Siliceous Member hippo may have been part of an early colonization of north‐west Europe by these megaherbivores, possibly during MIS (Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage) 31. Alternatively, it evidences a currently cryptic northward migration during an even earlier temperate phase. In either case, the Siliceous Member is likely to represent a warm period that has not been recognized previously in the British Quaternary record.
Evaluating hearing results in stapedotomy: Comparison of fluoroplastic Causse loop piston and Matrix prosthesis
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Pedramfard Pegah , Roosta Sareh , Kazemi Tayebeh , Aboughadare Hanie
Published: October 2021

Objective

We carried out this research to assess and compare post‐stapedotomy hearing results of Matrix titanium prosthesis with a Teflon piston prosthesis, specifically the fluoroplastic (Teflon) Causse loop piston prosthesis in patients who suffered from otosclerosis.

Methodology

In this retrospective study, Causse loop piston prosthesis was used in 81 ears, and the Matrix prosthesis was applied in 44 ears. For pairwise matching with Matrix prosthesis, 44 out of 81 Causse loop piston‐treated ears were selected based on preoperative audiometric data. Then, postoperative audiometric results of these two groups were compared. The main outcomes were pure tone audiometric results and air‐bone gap (ABG) closure before and after the surgery. Incidence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss was also evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

The results revealed no significant difference in improvement of speech reception threshold, mean air conduction, bone conduction gain, ABG closure, and incidence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss at the frequencies of 0.5‐4 kHz between the two groups. However, performance of Matrix prosthesis was better in ABG closure at a frequency of 250 Hz.

Conclusion

Herein, similar postoperative improvement was achieved at the frequencies of 0.5‐4 kHz; nevertheless, Matrix provided better ABG closure at frequency of 250 Hz in short term.

Level of Evidence

4
Hand movement speed in advertising elicits gender stereotypes and consumer responses
Authors: Malik Sumit , Sayin Eda
Published: October 2021

Merely observing the hand movement speed with an advertised product can affect consumer perception. Five studies show that hand movement speed when observed (e.g., watching or even reading the description of slow vs. fast hand interaction with a product) elicits distinct associations in the consumer's mind and affects their responses. We suggest that people implicitly associate speedy movements with a more masculine (than feminine) behavior and use hand movement speed as an input to form evaluations of a touched product. Additionally, we demonstrate that consumers elicit higher product preference when their associations from observed hand movement speed match their own social identity. Thus, female (than male) consumers would prefer an advertised product that is depicted with a gentle (instead of speedy) hand movement—as such observed movement makes, both, the product, and the action‐performer be perceived as more feminine. We find support for these effects across different product and advertising contexts. Our findings provide novel evidence on the effect of observed and described hand movements as a signal of gender identity and have significant implications for advertising.
The best asymptotic profile of solutions to Euler equations with time‐dependent damping
Authors: Cui Haibo , Hou Xiaofeng
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate the best profile of the classical solutions for the Euler equations with time‐dependent damping term
when v+ = v− and
. Based on the time‐weighted energy method, we deduce that the solutions time‐asymptotically converge to the nonlinear diffusion wave with the special initial data and the improved convergence decay rates which are faster than the previous results obtained by Cui et al. (2018, J. Differential Equations, 264, 4564–4602) and Li et al. (2017, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 456, 849–871).
Labor market participation and productivity costs for female caregivers of minor male children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies
Authors: Soelaeman Rieza H. , Smith Michael G. , Sahay Kashika , Tilford J. Mick , Goodenough Dana , Paramsothy Pangaja , Ouyang Lijing , Oleszek Joyce , Grosse Scott D.
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DBMD) are X‐linked neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness, leading to decreased mobility and multisystem complications. We estimate productivity costs attributable to time spent by a parent caring for a male child under the age of 18 y with DBMD, with particular focus on female caregivers of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have already lost ambulation.

Methods

Primary caregivers of males with DBMD in the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance and Research Tracking Network (MD STARnet) were surveyed during 2011–2012 on family quality of life measures, including labor market outcomes. Of 211 respondents, 96 female caregivers of boys with DBMD were matched on state, year of survey, respondent's age, child's age, and number of minor children with controls constructed from Current Population Survey extracts. Regression analysis was used to estimate labor market outcomes and productivity costs.

Results

Caregivers of boys with DBMD worked 296 h less per year on average than caregivers of unaffected children, translating to a $8816 earnings loss in 2020 U.S. dollars. Caregivers of boys with DMD with ≥4 y of ambulation loss had a predicted loss in annualized earnings of $23,995, whereas caregivers of boys with DBMD of the same ages who remained ambulatory had no loss of earnings.

Discussion

Female caregivers of non‐ambulatory boys with DMD face additional household budget constraints through income loss. Failure to include informal care costs in economic studies could understate the societal cost‐effectiveness of strategies for managing DMD that might prolong ambulation.
Adaptive asymptotical funnel control for nonlinear systems with input quantization
Authors: Wang Huanqing , Shao Liyuan
Published: October 2021

This article focuses on the problem of output tracking control for a class of uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with input quantization and output tracking funnel constraint. On the basis of the backstepping design procedure, an adaptive quantized funnel control scheme is achieved by introducing a hysteresis quantizer and predefined funnel variable, where the true quantization parameters are allowed to be unknown. The proposed control scheme can guarantee that all closed‐loop signals are globally uniformly bounded, the system output asymptotically track the desired reference signal and the output tracking error is preserved within prescribed funnel performance bound all the time, simultaneously. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
LPV modeling of nonlinear systems: A multi‐path feedback linearization approach
Authors: Abbas Hossam S. , Tóth Roland , Petreczky Mihály , Meskin Nader , Mohammadpour Velni Javad , Koelewijn Patrick J.W.
Published: October 2021

This article introduces a systematic approach to synthesize linear parameter‐varying (LPV) representations of nonlinear (NL) systems which are described by input affine state‐space (SS) representations. The conversion approach results in LPV‐SS representations in the observable canonical form. Based on the relative degree concept, first the SS description of a given NL representation is transformed to a normal form. In the SISO case, all nonlinearities of the original system are embedded into one NL function, which is factorized, based on a proposed algorithm, to construct an LPV representation of the original NL system. The overall procedure yields an LPV model in which the scheduling variable depends on the inputs and outputs of the system and their derivatives, achieving a practically applicable transformation of the model in case of low order derivatives. In addition, if the states of the NL model can be measured or estimated, then a modified procedure is proposed to provide LPV models scheduled by these states. Examples are included to demonstrate both approaches.
Developing a Carbon Baseline to Support Multi-Stakeholder, Multi-Level Climate Governance at County Level
Authors: Russell Erica , Christie Ian
Published: October 2021

Highlights

Orchestration requires political commitment and engagement on the basis of evidence, knowledge and progress-checking. Local actors face challenges in compiling carbon baselines that offer useful production and consumption emissions.
University of Guadalajara: Transforming and Innovating Through Stronger Collaboration Between Higher and Upper-Secondary Education During the Pandemic
Authors: Moreno Carlos Iván , Delgadillo Cesar Barba , Sigala Miguel Ángel , Cárdenas Ernesto Herrera
Published: October 2021

This chapter examines the context of higher education and upper-secondary education in Mexico, focusing on the role of the University of Guadalajara – the second largest in the country – and its response to the pandemic by strengthening collaboration with the upper-secondary system.

During the pandemic, the lack of articulation between higher education and upper-secondary education posed a challenge for the transition to online education in the University of Guadalajara. This chapter discusses how the different initiatives advanced by the University to face this unprecedented situation helped to reduce the barriers between these levels and led to academic innovation, resulting in valuable discussions on the educational model and teaching practices for the post-Covid-19 world.

Finally, the authors reflect on the views of faculty regarding the need for an innovative educational model, concluding that a closer collaboration between systems is needed for the benefit of students and faculty.
University as State Agent or Social Actor: Al Akhawayn University and Social Responsibility
Authors: Dahbi Mohammed , Darhmaoui Hassane
Published: October 2021

University Social Responsibility (USR) has been addressed in the academic literature and in professional educational meetings only in the last 10–15 years, but it is far from being unanimously accepted as part of a university’s mission. A university is all about serving society anyway; its mission has always been to educate people, to train professionals, and to prepare young men and women for their roles as good citizens of their countries and of the world. So, what other social role is a university to serve that it does not? This issue becomes more acute and compelling when society’s expectations of service from higher education institutions has to do with K-12 school education, as is the situation for the Covid-19 pandemic. The chapter considers the case of Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Ifrane, Morocco (AUI), a university that has been established by the State as the first public, autonomous, non-governmental institution of higher education in the country. We describe several social roles that the university has taken on in its host region as well as nationally, most notably during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we argue that AUI has been able to do so because of its autonomy and its special legal status. We claim that non-autonomous state universities are not able to use the full potential of their sophisticated faculty and staff to contribute to the development of the country, and we call for the transformation of state universities into autonomous institutions that are able to serve their full Social Actor role and comply with their University Social Responsibility duties.
Supporting Schools in Times of Crisis: A Case of Partnerships and Networking with Schools by the Institute of Education at the University of Lisbon
Authors: Costa Estela , Baptista Monica , Dorotea Nuno
Published: October 2021

This chapter examines the Institute of Education at the University of Lisbon (IE-ULisbon) and its engagement with schools during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to supplement knowledge about responses to unanticipated crises impacting schools, factors influencing schools’ coping strategies, and IE-ULisbon’s actions in this unfolding context. Therefore, this case study follows two IE-ULisbon experiences with school clusters (totaling 1700 students and 160 teachers), meeting the challenges posed by the pandemic. Both examples relate to longer-term projects aiming to improve students’ learning through innovative practices and teachers’ capacity-building. However, the crisis instigated new difficulties for teachers, and researchers responded by empowering and enabling teachers to create learning environments to facilitate educational consistency and foster academic achievement.
University-K-12 Collaboration During the Pandemic: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Atay Derin
Published: October 2021

As of March 2020, educational institutions across Turkey were closed, and distance learning was introduced as an early precaution to halt the spread of the coronavirus. The shift was especially hard for K-12 school students, parents, and teachers, and it required collaboration between universities and schools more than ever. This chapter presents the systematic academic and psychological support provided by the Faculty of Educational Science of Bahçeşehir University, Turkey. Based on a needs analysis, faculty instructors offered online training and seminars to K-12 teachers mainly on digital literacy and integration of technology to courses, and to students and parents on topics such as anxiety, stress, and resilience. The support of faculty members to both public and private schools throughout Turkey has been proved to be of great importance in navigating through the pandemic, and especially in areas with low bandwidth and connectivity. One of the most important issues realized during the pandemic was the need for robust and continuous university-K-12 relationships to ensure continuity of teaching and learning in hard times.
Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Efforts to Improve Basic Education Before, During, and After the Pandemic
Authors: Costin Claudia , Lins João , Paim José Henrique , de Moraes Ferreira Marieta , de Oliveira Raquel , Pontual Teresa , Santos Vinicius Farias
Published: October 2021

This chapter details FGV’s contributions to basic education during the pandemic. FGV created in 2003 an accessible tool that addresses the managerial gaps that schools and education departments face to evaluate and assess its students, called FGV High School. Since March 2020, when school closures took place, the rapid demand for digital education tools placed FGV High School in an advantageous position to establish partnerships with education departments across Brazil, benefiting millions of high school students. In the state of São Paulo alone, the FGV High School platform gives access to approximately 3.5 million students. In 2008, FGV became a member of Open Education Global (OEG), a consortium of educational institutions from different countries that provide online content and teaching materials free of charge. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for FGV’s online courses has substantially increased. In March 2020 alone, the program’s website registered more than 1.6 million hits, and the number has since then consistently increased. Additionally, FGV has recently created two policy centers that focus on basic education: The Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education Policy (CEIPE), created in 2016, and the Center for the Development of Public Management and Educational Policy (DGPE), in 2018. Since the beginning of the pandemic, both centers have organized a series of webinars and publications to support policymakers in the education sector to make better decisions regarding reopening of schools, online and digital education options, curriculum, etc. The high number of views and engagement that the FGV webinars attract reflects the desire for reliable information that education professionals have been seeking, despite the overwhelming number of online events that have surfaced with the pandemic.
Pontificia Universidad Católica Support for the School System During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Chile
Authors: Treviño Ernesto , Claro Magdalena , Medina Lorena
Published: October 2021

This chapter presents the case of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in supporting the school system during the Covid-19 pandemic. It shows how supporting individual faculty initiatives as well as interinstitutional collaborations and participating in and supporting specific policies shaped a complex array of support for a highly atomized school system because of its market-driven arrangements. The case study also shows that, beyond individual initiatives, collaboration among Chilean universities was key for rapidly responding to the emerging needs of schools.
Desafío TEP – Positive Educational Trajectories. A Public-Private Alliance to Strengthen Public Education During the Pandemic
Authors: Valenzuela Juan Pablo , Rodriguez Simon
Published: October 2021

This case study describes the Desafío TEP project, which arose from a public-private alliance between the Arauco Educational Foundation, the Center for Advanced Research in Education (CIAE) from the University of Chile, and the Andalién Sur Local Public Education Service (SLEP). The goal of the project is to develop a model for the prevention of school exclusion (resulting from repetition and dropout) in public schools.

Although the initiative was in consideration to be suspended due to the closure of schools across the country caused by COVID-19, instead the proposal was completely redesigned, recognizing that the pandemic would increase the problems of school exclusion. The innovations generated in this redesign are anticipated to lead to long-term sustainability and scalability in the region through cost reductions and the promotion of remote interactions between different establishments working in networks, such as the SLEP, the schools, and the teams from the CIAE and Arauco Educational Foundation. This network is further supported by the actors in the educational system of the territory.
The Indigenous Paleolithic Cultural Inheritance in the “Maritime Region of Southeastern Asia” During the Early Neolithization Around 10,000 Years Ago
Authors: Wu Chunming
Published: October 2021

The “Maritime Region of Southeastern Asia” between the south coast of China and Southeast Asia was once an important cross-border community in the multicultural lineages of human history. During the Mesolithic age around ten thousand years ago and the era of synchronically global and tremendous cultural change in human prehistory, the indigenous cultural connotation in this region and its unique model of cultural evolution along with both inheritance, continuation, and innovation between the Paleolithic and Neolithic age, are of great significance in the cultural history of humankind and Asia–Pacific ethno-history.
A Comparative Study of the Astronomical Navigation Between Ancient China and Pacific Austronesian
Authors: Wu Chunming
Published: October 2021

Astronomical navigation was a kind of sea route orientating and steering practice the ancient seamen used to judge the direction, relative position, and track of ships in the blue water of deep sea by observing the stars, other celestial bodies, and their regular occurrence in the sky, as one of maritime piloting methods employed by ancient Chinese navigators. The comparative study of ethno-archaeology revealed that the representative astronomical navigation practices recorded in the ancient Chinese literatures are highly consistent with the “star observation method” and “star measuring method” used by both the local seamen in south China and the Austronesian navigators in Pacific, showing the close cultural connection between them.
Biota communities influence on nutrients circulation in hyporheic zone—a case study in urban spring niches in Bialystok (NE Poland)
Authors: Jekatierynczuk-Rudczyk Elżbieta , Puczko Katarzyna , Żukowska Justyna , Sawicka Anna
Published: October 2021

Hyporheic zone (HZ) is an interstitial part of groundwater. Complex physical, chemical and biological processes in HZ impact water quality. We hypothesized that groundwater upwelling improves surface water with biogenic compounds in lowland spring niches, and it depends on among others biota communities. The research was conducted in two spring niches in suburbs of Białystok. Interstitial samples were collected with mini-piezometers. In the field, the physical parameters of water were examined, and the micro and macro elements were determined in the laboratory. The analysis of biota included: vascular plants and bryophytes, diatoms, macroinvertebrates and bacteria. The springs studied differed in their richness of organisms, which is associated with varying degrees of abiotic conditions and human transformation. In spring niche with high degree of naturalness were twice less nitrate ions in the surface water than in interstitial water, which indicates the assimilation of nitrate ions by plants growing on the bottom of the niche. Hydrophilic vegetation performs a stabilizing function by assimilating nitrogen compounds and contributing to a variation in nutrients concentration. Groundwater upwelling enrich surface water with DOC and TON. In spring niche No.1 with patches of vegetation, the largest number of macrozoobenthos was recorded. While, the heterogeneous bottom of spring niche No.2 affected the diversity of habitats, and greater biodiversity of benthic fauna. In interstitial waters, there were about twice as few bacteria as in spring waters. Psychrophilic bacteria were present in interstitial waters that influence natural hyporheic processes including circulation of organic matter in the microbiological loop and self-purification of water.
Computer‐Analyzed Ultrasound Predictors of the Treatment Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Yu , Wu Ming‐Hsun , Ko Wen‐Ching , Cheng Shih‐Ping
Published: October 2021

Aim

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively safe and efficient alternative to surgery for patients with benign thyroid nodules. We investigated predictive factors associated with volume reduction using digital imaging analysis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a prospectively maintained database containing the data of patients who received treatment from April 2019 to March 2020 was analyzed. Computerized analysis for quantitative measurement of echogenicity, heterogeneity, and the proportion of cystic components was performed on ultrasonographic images. The volume reduction rate (VRR) was calculated during follow‐up. Treatment efficacy was defined as a volume reduction greater than 50% of baseline volume.

Results

The median volume of 58 benign thyroid nodules before RFA was 22.7 mL. Of 53 nodules with sufficient follow‐up, the median VRR was 46.4%, 61.5%, 63.4%, and 67.4% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Overall, at one‐year follow‐up, treatment efficacy was achieved in 39 (74%) nodules. In a multivariate regression analysis, the proportion of cystic components and RFA treatment time were independently associated with treatment efficacy. A subgroup analysis focusing on solid nodules indicated a negative correlation between echogenicity and VRR.

Conclusions

The proportion of cystic components in thyroid nodules is the main predictor of RFA treatment efficacy. In solid nodules, higher echogenicity is associated with a lower volume reduction.
The current state of research on energy communities
Authors: Gruber Lia , Bachhiesl Udo , Wogrin Sonja
Published: October 2021

The introduction of the Clean energy for all Europeans package by the European Union (EU) led to a significant boost of public and research interest in energy communities. However, since neither their definition nor their goals are clearly defined, there is a very broad field of research on this topic. This paper aims to classify existing research on energy communities and to analyze what this umbrella term looks like in the literature. First, a literature review is conducted with regard to energy communities that have a local scope and are community-owned. The analysis of the results leads to the determination of the following categories for the existing literature on energy communities: the terminology used to refer to energy communities, components of energy communities, and their characteristics and structure. The review affirms that space-saving and easily constructible components are used the most, with photovoltaics (PV) and storage at the forefront. Our results also show that a third-party aggregator can be a vital part of an energy community with various functions, from managing the community’s energy flow and local market to trading energy with the grid. Taking this into consideration, we conclude that the use of aggregators is a good way to make the formation of energy communities easier, especially for people without an engineering background.
The Trials and Tribulations of Assembling Large Medical Imaging Datasets for Machine Learning Applications
Authors: Magudia Kirti , Bridge Christopher P. , Andriole Katherine P. , Rosenthal Michael H.
Published: October 2021

With vast interest in machine learning applications, more investigators are proposing to assemble large datasets for machine learning applications. We aim to delineate multiple possible roadblocks to exam retrieval that may present themselves and lead to significant time delays. This HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board–approved, retrospective clinical study required identification and retrieval of all outpatient and emergency patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) at three affiliated hospitals in the year 2012. If a patient had multiple abdominal CT exams, the first exam was selected for retrieval (n=23,186). Our experience in attempting to retrieve 23,186 abdominal CT exams yielded 22,852 valid CT abdomen/pelvis exams and identified four major categories of challenges when retrieving large datasets: cohort selection and processing, retrieving DICOM exam files from PACS, data storage, and non-recoverable failures. The retrieval took 3 months of project time and at minimum 300 person-hours of time between the primary investigator (a radiologist), a data scientist, and a software engineer. Exam selection and retrieval may take significantly longer than planned. We share our experience so that other investigators can anticipate and plan for these challenges. We also hope to help institutions better understand the demands that may be placed on their infrastructure by large-scale medical imaging machine learning projects.
Genome-wide markers reveal differentiation between and within the cryptic sister species, sunset and vermilion rockfish
Authors: Longo Gary C. , Harms John , Hyde John R. , Craig Matthew T. , Ramón-Laca Ana , Nichols Krista M.
Published: October 2021

The vermilion rockfish complex, which consists of the cryptic sister species vermilion and sunset rockfish, is one of the most valuable recreational fisheries on the U.S. West Coast. These species are currently managed as a single complex, and because of uncertainty surrounding the relative contribution of each species within existing data sources, the stock status of each species is not fully known. A reliable and cost-effective method is needed to disentangle these species that will allow for the development of abundance indices, life history profiles, and catch histories that may potentially support species-specific stock assessments. Using restriction-site associated DNA sequence (RADseq) markers we generated 10,003 polymorphic loci to characterize the vermilion rockfish complex. PCA and Bayesian clustering approaches based on these loci clearly distinguished between sunset and vermilion rockfishes and identified hybrid individuals. These loci included 203 highly differentiated (FST ≥ 0.99) single nucleotide polymorphisms, which we consider candidates in the planned development of a diagnostic assay capable of distinguishing between these cryptic species. In addition to clearly delineating to species, subsets of the interspecific markers allowed for insight into intraspecific differentiation in both species. Population genetic analyses for sunset rockfish identified two weakly divergent genetic groups with similar levels of genetic diversity. Vermilion rockfish, however, were characterized by three distinct genetic groups with much stronger signals of differentiation and significantly different genetic diversities. Collectively, these data will contribute to well-informed, species-specific management strategies to protect this valuable species complex.
Non-Markovian Dynamics of Geometric Quantum Discord in a Double Quantum Dot System
Authors: Ablimit Arapat , Hitjan Dildar , Abliz Ahmad
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the geometric quantum discord dynamics of the double quantum dot charge qubit in the non-Markovian environment. We apply the non-perturbative non-Markovian quantum state diffusion method to obtain the exact master equation of the double quantum dot system coupled to two independent non-zero temperature electronic baths. Then, we use this master equation to investigate the effects of non-Markovianity, inter-dot coupling strength and bath temperature on the dynamics of geometric quantum discord. Our studies show that the geometric quantum discord of a double quantum dot system can be modified and enhanced in some cases via these factors.
The Detection of Impact Damage to the Edges of CFRP Plates Using Extensional Ultrasonic Edge Waves
Authors: Chu Jun Yu Harry , Courtney Charles R. P.
Published: October 2021

Extensional edge waves propagate along the edges of plates, with low attenuation in the propagation direction and amplitude decreasing rapidly (within one or two wavelengths) in the direction perpendicular to the plate edge. This makes them an ideal candidate for inspecting the edges of plate-like structures. Here, finite-element models and experiments are used to investigate the propagation and scattering of extensional edge waves in composite plates and application to damage detection is demonstrated. Piezoceramic transducers attached to the edge of a 4-mm-thick carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate were used to excite 140-kHz edge waves and damage detection demonstrated using two experimental configurations: pitch-catch and two-transducer pulse-echo. Damage due to edge-on impacts of 5 J and 10 J were detected in both configurations. A mass-addition damage model was used to investigate the effect of damage location. Detection was specific to damage within 33 mm (1.5 wavelengths) of the plate edge with propagation unaffected by features beyond that distance. The time of arrival of reflected signals in pulse-echo mode was accurately predicted using the edge-wave group velocity indicating that this configuration can be used for locating damage on edges. The localisation of edge waves means that they can specifically detect damage at the edges of structures, and attenuation measurements indicate that their useful propagation distance is large (5.5 m).
Implementing a Stratified Vocational Advice Intervention for People on Sick Leave with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Multimethod Process Evaluation
Authors: Aanesen Fiona , Øiestad Britt Elin , Grotle Margreth , Løchting Ida , Solli Rune , Sowden Gail , Wynne-Jones Gwenllian , Storheim Kjersti , Eik Hedda
Published: October 2021

Purpose To perform a process evaluation of a stratified vocational advice intervention (SVAI), delivered by physiotherapists in primary care, for people on sick leave with musculoskeletal disorders participating in a randomised controlled trial. The research questions concerned how the SVAI was delivered, the content of the SVAI and the physiotherapists’ experiences from delivering the SVAI. Methods We used qualitative and quantitative data from 148 intervention logs documenting the follow-up provided to each participant, recordings of 18 intervention sessions and minutes from 20 meetings with the physiotherapists. The log data were analysed with descriptive statistics. A qualitative content analysis was performed of the recordings, and we identified facilitators and barriers for implementation from the minutes. Results Of 170 participants randomised to the SVAI 152 (89%) received the intervention and 148 logs were completed. According to the logs, 131 participants received the correct number of sessions (all by telephone) and 146 action plans were developed. The physiotherapists did not attend any workplace meetings but contacted stakeholders in 37 cases. The main themes from the recorded sessions were: ‘symptom burden’, ‘managing symptoms’, ‘relations with the workplace’ and ‘fear of not being able to manage work’. The physiotherapists felt they were able to build rapport with most participants. However, case management was hindered by the restricted number of sessions permitted according to the protocol. Conclusion Overall, the SVAI was delivered in accordance with the protocol and is therefore likely to be implementable in primary care if it is effective in reducing sick leave.
Improving the efficiency of reinforcement learning for a spacecraft powered descent with Q-learning
Authors: Wilson Callum , Riccardi Annalisa
Published: October 2021

Reinforcement learning entails many intuitive and useful approaches to solving various problems. Its main premise is to learn how to complete tasks by interacting with the environment and observing which actions are more optimal with respect to a reward signal. Methods from reinforcement learning have long been applied in aerospace and have more recently seen renewed interest in space applications. Problems in spacecraft control can benefit from the use of intelligent techniques when faced with significant uncertainties—as is common for space environments. Solving these control problems using reinforcement learning remains a challenge partly due to long training times and sensitivity in performance to hyperparameters which require careful tuning. In this work we seek to address both issues for a sample spacecraft control problem. To reduce training times compared to other approaches, we simplify the problem by discretising the action space and use a data-efficient algorithm to train the agent. Furthermore, we employ an automated approach to hyperparameter selection which optimises for a specified performance metric. Our approach is tested on a 3-DOF powered descent problem with uncertainties in the initial conditions. We run experiments with two different problem formulations—using a ‘shaped’ state representation to guide the agent and also a ‘raw’ state representation with unprocessed values of position, velocity and mass. The results show that an agent can learn a near-optimal policy efficiently by appropriately defining the action-space and state-space. Using the raw state representation led to ‘reward-hacking’ and poor performance, which highlights the importance of the problem and state-space formulation in successfully training reinforcement learning agents. In addition, we show that the optimal hyperparameters can vary significantly based on the choice of loss function. Using two sets of hyperparameters optimised for different loss functions, we demonstrate that in both cases the agent can find near-optimal policies with comparable performance to previously applied methods.
Multi-objective optimization of energy-efficient production schedules using genetic algorithms
Authors: Küster Tobias , Rayling Philipp , Wiersig Robin , Pozo Pardo Francisco Denis
Published: October 2021

The optimization of production schedules to be more energy efficient while still meeting production goals is a difficult task: How to schedule and distribute production tasks to meet production goals, while making best use of fluctuating energy market prices and availability of locally installed energy sources? Although a large body of related work exists in this domain, most of those seem to focus on individual aspects and not the whole picture. In this paper, a genetic algorithm for optimization of production schedules with respect to energy consumption, peak shaving, and makespan is presented, that also takes into account that tasks can be performed in different ways, having different characteristics. The algorithm has been successfully employed within the SPEAR project by applying it for optimization of an automotive production line and for the pathway of an automated guided vehicle.
The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST)/Visible Broadband Imager (VBI)
Authors: Wöger Friedrich , Rimmele Thomas , Ferayorni Andrew , Beard Andrew , Gregory Brian S. , Sekulic Predrag , Hegwer Steven L.
Published: October 2021

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is a ground-based observatory for observations of the solar atmosphere featuring an unprecedented entrance aperture of four meters. To address its demanding scientific goals, DKIST features innovative and state-of-the-art instrument subsystems that are fully integrated with the facility and designed to be capable of operating mostly simultaneously. An important component of DKIST’s first-light instrument suite is the Visible Broadband Imager (VBI). The VBI is an imaging instrument that aims to acquire images of the solar photosphere and chromosphere with high spatial resolution and high temporal cadence to investigate the to-date smallest detectable features and their dynamics in the solar atmosphere. VBI observations of unprecedented spatial resolution ultimately will be able to inform modern numerical models and thereby allow new insights into the physics of the plasma motion at the smallest scales measurable by DKIST. The VBI was designed to deliver images at various wavelengths and at the diffraction limit of DKIST. The diffraction limit is achieved by using adaptive optics in conjunction with post-facto image-reconstruction techniques to remove residual effects of the terrestrial atmosphere. The first images of the VBI demonstrate that DKIST’s optical system enables diffraction-limited imaging across a large field of view of various layers in the solar atmosphere. These images allow a first glimpse at the exciting scientific discoveries that will be possible with DKIST’s VBI.
The role of ethnic origin and situational information in teachers’ reactions to social exclusion among students
Authors: Beißert Hanna , Staat Miriam , Bonefeld Meike
Published: October 2021

The current study investigated pre- and in-service teachers' reactions to interethnic exclusion in Germany. Using hypothetical scenarios, we examined a sample of 482 teachers (84 males, 398 females; 59% pre-service teachers, 41% in-service teachers) as observers of exclusion among students. In these scenarios, we varied the ethnic origin of the excluded student (German vs. Turkish) and the background information, providing participants either with no additional background information or with information specifying that the excluded student had shown prior norm-violating behavior (insult of another student). We assessed the teachers’ evaluations of the scenarios and their anticipated reactions. The aim of the study was to replicate and extend previous research on teachers’ reactions to social exclusion. As expected, the analyses revealed a strong effect of the background information on teachers’ evaluations and reactions. The teachers evaluated exclusion as much more acceptable and were less likely to intervene in the scenarios with negative background information compared to those without additional information. Teachers seem to view exclusion in these situations as an understandable consequence of norm-violating behavior. However, in contrast to our expectations, the ethnic origin of the excluded student in the scenarios had no impact on teachers’ reactions. That is, situational information seems to be much more important for teachers’ reactions to social exclusion than the ethnic origin of an excluded student.
Hierarchical Domain-Adapted Feature Learning for Video Saliency Prediction
Authors: Bellitto G. , Proietto Salanitri F. , Palazzo S. , Rundo F. , Giordano D. , Spampinato C.
Published: October 2021

In this work, we propose a 3D fully convolutional architecture for video saliency prediction that employs hierarchical supervision on intermediate maps (referred to as conspicuity maps) generated using features extracted at different abstraction levels. We provide the base hierarchical learning mechanism with two techniques for domain adaptation and domain-specific learning. For the former, we encourage the model to unsupervisedly learn hierarchical general features using gradient reversal at multiple scales, to enhance generalization capabilities on datasets for which no annotations are provided during training. As for domain specialization, we employ domain-specific operations (namely, priors, smoothing and batch normalization) by specializing the learned features on individual datasets in order to maximize performance. The results of our experiments show that the proposed model yields state-of-the-art accuracy on supervised saliency prediction. When the base hierarchical model is empowered with domain-specific modules, performance improves, outperforming state-of-the-art models on three out of five metrics on the DHF1K benchmark and reaching the second-best results on the other two. When, instead, we test it in an unsupervised domain adaptation setting, by enabling hierarchical gradient reversal layers, we obtain performance comparable to supervised state-of-the-art. Source code, trained models and example outputs are publicly available at https://github.com/perceivelab/hd2s.
Narratives underlying research in African river basin management
Authors: Kleinschroth Fritz , Lumosi Caroline , Bantider Amare , Anteneh Yilikal , van Bers Caroline
Published: October 2021

River modifications through hydropower dams and other infrastructure have far-reaching economic, ecological and social effects that are viewed in highly contrasting ways depending on underlying narratives. As part of a Euro-African research consortium funded by the European Commission we studied pathways for sustainable river basin management in the Omo-Turkana basins in Ethiopia and Kenya. Based on a literature review, stakeholder workshops, targeted interviews and considering our own positionality, we identified underlying narratives related to (a) economic transformation and modernization, (b) indigenous rights and (c) nature conservation, which were all connected through water, energy, food and ecosystems within a (d) landscape nexus. Yet, we also identified a (e) living museum narrative suggesting that international advocacy for indigenous rights and nature conservation is a means through which Western societies want to preserve African societies in an “undeveloped” state. National governments use this narrative to silence external critique, while the tourism industry promotes it to advertise visits to pastoralist tribes. This narrative reveals powerful, yet largely ignored hindrances for collaborative projects resulting from cultural and historical biases in Euro-African collaborations. Based on our analysis, we argue that international research projects in sustainability sciences need to increase the transparency of open and hidden narratives that influence research directions and power relationships between scientific partners, also those using mostly technically-driven approaches. We emphasize that African landscapes are not to be viewed as living museums, and collaborative research should be based on fairness, respect, care, and honesty to allow for multiple narratives that underlie research.
On the Role of Stirring on Microstructure and Ductility of Rheocast Al Alloys
Authors: Zhang Qing , Jonsson Stefan , Jarfors Anders E. W.
Published: October 2021

Two alloys containing different Mg contents have been used to study the combined effect of stirring and oxidation on microstructure and ductility. The results show that intensive stirring can sufficiently disperse the α-Al particles and enable better liquid feeding during solidification and consequently reduce the porosity. The morphology of the oxides is determined by the amount of both Mg and stirring. With lower Mg content, the oxides present as oxide films, which can be broken up during stirring. In alloy with higher Mg content, the oxides exist as particles with numerous cracks, and the particle size increases slightly after stirring. In the Magsimal 59 alloy, due to the presence of large clusters of pores in the fracture surface, the influence of the small oxide particles on the ductility is negligible. In contrast, in the 42000 alloy, large oxide films on the fracture surface are correlated with the ductility.