bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overlapping minds and the hedonic calculus
Authors: Roelofs Luke , Sebo Jeff
Published: May 2024

It may soon be possible for neurotechnology to connect two subjects' brains such that they share a single token mental state, such as a feeling of pleasure or displeasure. How will our moral frameworks have to adapt to accommodate this prospect? And if this sort of mental-state-sharing might already obtain in some cases, how should this possibility impact our moral thinking? This question turns out to be extremely challenging, because different examples generate different intuitions: If two subjects share very few mental states, then it seems that we should count the value of those states twice, but if they share very many mental states, then it seems that we should count the value of those statesonce. We suggest that these conflicting intuitions can be reconciled if the mental states that matter for welfare have a holistic character, in a way that is independently plausible. We close by drawing tentative conclusions about how we ought to think about the moral significance of shared mental states.
Efficiency in electricity distribution in Sweden and the effects of small-scale generation, electric vehicles and dynamic tariffs
Authors: Lundgren Tommy , Vesterberg Mattias
Published: May 2024

We measure the cost of technical inefficiency for local electricity distribution firms in Sweden using Stochastic Frontier Analysis, and explore how small-scale generation, the number of electric vehicles and the introduction of dynamic pricing schemes affects the transient inefficiency and efficiency scores. Our results show little to no effect of these environmental variables on the cost of technical inefficiency of electricity distribution grids in Sweden.
Efficiency analysis using SBM and PLS-SEM: insights from the Italian judicial system
Authors: Mazzocchi Paolo , Quintano Claudio , Rocca Antonella
Published: May 2024

Recent governmental concerns regarding the persistent long duration of judicial proceedings have drawn attention to efficiency issues in this sector. This paper provides insights into the Italian scenario, investigating potential relationships between Italian judicial efficiency and several latent constructs identified as relatively more significant than others. For this purpose, a two-step procedure was used, considering data envelopment analysis (DEA), precisely the slacks-based measure (SBM), and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Beyond ranking courts according to their technical efficiency, findings reveal that judicial efficiency has significant relationships with performance, quality and context features. At the same time, results do not show evidence to support a relationship with proceeding features. What emerges from the work is that the analysis of heterogeneity seems to offer relevant evaluation leverage, and significant differences appear among Italian courts. These insights and the model provided would represent a useful analysis tool for specific policy assessments, supporting the evaluation of regulatory measures and structural reforms relevant to judicial administration.
Competitive effects of implicit auction on interconnectors: evidence from Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Kota
Published: May 2024

Interconnectors play a crucial role in electric power systems. They contribute to balancing demand and supply in real-time, guaranteeing efficient dispatch in wide geographic regions, and increasing competition by creating large markets. However, interconnector capacity is a scarce resource because vertically integrated utilities were required to have generating capacity enough to supply most customers within their operating region under a regulated monopoly. Hence, identifying the efficient allocation method is essential, particularly after recent electricity market restructuring. This study evaluates the competitive effect of the implicit auction on the interconnector transmission capacity. The implicit auction allocates all the interconnector capacity simultaneously with electric energy in the day-ahead market. This method prevents market participants from strategically withholding the physical interconnector capacity ex ante to exercise market power, as allowed under the first come, first served rule. This study empirically shows how the capacity was withheld from the day-ahead market under the first come, first served rule using detailed reservation data. Next, I show that the implicit auction increases interconnector capacity available at the day-ahead market and trade volume. I use machine-learning methods, such as random forest and deep neural networks, to predict the counterfactual market outcomes without implicit auction. I find that the gain from trade under the implicit auction is more than US$55 million per year in Japan, which is more than 100 times the implementation cost of the implicit auction.
DICEguard: enhancing DICE security for IoT devices with periodic memory forensics
Authors: Yamak Yusuf , Tosun Suleyman , Aydos Murat
Published: May 2024

The number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices has been increasing rapidly every year. Most of these devices have access to important personal data such as health, daily activities, location, and finance. However, these devices have security problems since they have limited processing power and memory to implement complex security measures. Therefore, they possess weak authentication mechanisms and a lack of encryption. Additionally, there are no widely accepted standards for IoT security. Device Identifier Composition Engine (DICE) was proposed as a standard that enables adding a security layer to low-cost microcontrollers with minimal silicon overhead. However, previous studies show that DICE-based attestation is vulnerable to some remote attacks. In this study, we present a novel method called DICEguard to address the security problems of DICE. One of the key innovations of DICEguard is its incorporation of periodic memory forensics (PMF) technique, leveraging a hardware-based hash engine to detect and mitigate potential security breaches resulting from firmware vulnerabilities. DICEguard enhances the overall resilience of IoT devices against attacks by swiftly detecting alterations indicative of malicious activity through periodic calculation and comparison of firmware digests. Furthermore, DICEguard introduces a one-time programmable (OTP) memory component to safeguard critical security parameters, such as public keys used for signature verification, against tampering by adversaries. This ensures the integrity of essential security measures even in the face of sophisticated attacks. We implemented the enhanced DICE architecture using the open-source RISC-V platform Ibex and the mbedTLS library for cryptographic operations. We performed the hash operations required by DICE in a hardware-based manner on a commercial Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform rather than firmware, which is more vulnerable to attacks. Our test results show that with negligible area overhead to a standard microcontroller system, the proposed method can detect the simulated attacks.
Application of growth models to South African Boer goat castrates and does under feedlot conditions
Authors: Brand T. S. , van der Westhuyzen J. P. , Hough W. , van Zyl J. H. C.
Published: May 2024

Mathematical models may aid researchers in describing biological processes, like growth, in animals. This study aimed to collect the body weight data of 18 Boer goat castrates and 20 Boer goat does, from birth until maturity, to model growth and determine growth trends. This is a novel investigation as sufficient information on an age-weight database for these two Boer goat sexes from birth to maturity, is lacking. Using age-weight data, four nonlinear models, namely the Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy growth models, were plotted and evaluated. The model parameters of each growth model were compared for differences between the two sexes. The statistical effectiveness of fit was determined for each model using AIC and RMSE, with R2 also being considered. All models except the Brody model, predicted significantly heavier mature weights for castrates. The Brody model was deemed unfit to describe Boer goat growth as the function severely over-predict weights from birth until maturity for both sexes. The Von Bertalanffy (R2 = 91.3) and Gompertz functions (R2 = 91.3) showed the best fit for Boer goat castrates, while the Gompertz model (R2 = 95.1) showed the best fit for Boer goat does. The Gompertz function is the preferred model to depict Boer goat growth overall, as it accurately characterized growth of both sexes. According to the Gompertz model the age at which the inflection point of the growth curve was reached, did not differ significantly between castrates and does (141.80 days versus 136.31 days). There was also no significant difference in maturation rate between the two sexes.
Association between hyperuricemia and diabetic nephropathy: insights from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007–2016 and mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wu Sensen , Wang Hui , Pan Dikang , Guo Julong , Zhang Fan , Ning Yachan , Gu Yongquan , Guo Lianrui
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the role of uric acid (UA) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) from epidemiological and genetic perspectives.

Methods

We used data from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to evaluate the relationship between UA and DN risk using weighted multivariate-adjusted logistic regression. Subsequently, a two-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted using genome-wide association study summary statistics. The main inverse variance weighting (IVW) method and supplementary MR method were used to verify the causal relationship between UA and DN, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to confirm the credibility of the results.

Results

Our observational study enrolled 4363 participants with diabetes mellitus from NHANES, among them, 2682 (61.4%) participants were identified as DN. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that compared with those without hyperuricemia, the DN risk of the hyperuricemia population was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The MR results suggest a direct causal effect of hyperuricemia on DN (IVW odds ratio (OR): 1.37 (95% confidence interval 1.07–1.76); P = 0.01), which is consistent with findings from other MR methods.

Conclusion

The evidence from observational studies indicates a positive correlation between HUA and the onset of DN. And the causal effects of HUA on DN were supported by the MR analysis.
Physically based vs. data-driven models for streamflow and reservoir volume prediction at a data-scarce semi-arid basin
Authors: Özdoğan-Sarıkoç Gülhan , Dadaser-Celik Filiz
Published: May 2024

Physically based or data-driven models can be used for understanding basinwide hydrological processes and creating predictions for future conditions. Physically based models use physical laws and principles to represent hydrological processes. In contrast, data-driven models focus on input–output relationships. Although both approaches have found applications in hydrology, studies that compare these approaches are still limited for data-scarce, semi-arid basins with altered hydrological regimes. This study aims to compare the performances of a physically based model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)) and a data-driven model (Nonlinear AutoRegressive eXogenous model (NARX)) for reservoir volume and streamflow prediction in a data-scarce semi-arid region. The study was conducted in the Tersakan Basin, a semi-arid agricultural basin in Türkiye, where the basin hydrology was significantly altered due to reservoirs (Ladik and Yedikir Reservoir) constructed for irrigation purposes. The models were calibrated and validated for streamflow and reservoir volumes. The results show that (1) NARX performed better in the prediction of water volumes of Ladik and Yedikir Reservoirs and streamflow at the basin outlet than SWAT (2). The SWAT and NARX models both provided the best performance when predicting water volumes at the Ladik reservoir. Both models provided the second best performance during the prediction of water volumes at the Yedikir reservoir. The model performances were the lowest for prediction of streamflow at the basin outlet (3). Comparison of physically based and data-driven models is challenging due to their different characteristics and input data requirements. In this study, the data-driven model provided higher performance than the physically based model. However, input data used for establishing the physically based model had several uncertainties, which may be responsible for the lower performance. Data-driven models can provide alternatives to physically-based models under data-scarce conditions.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of four new species of Entoloma (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from Europe and Western Eurasia
Authors: Kaygusuz Oğuzhan , Reschke Kai , Kaya Abdullah , Dima Bálint , Morozova Olga , Noordeloos Machiel Evert , Piepenbring Meike
Published: May 2024

Entoloma is one of the largest genera of Agaricales in terms of species diversity and is widespread throughout the world. In the present study, four new species, namely Entoloma brunneofibrillosum, E. humidiphilum, E. ochraceodiscum, and E. colchicum, are introduced as new to science. These species are described based on specimens collected in Cyprus, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Türkiye, including morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Entoloma brunneofibrillosum is recognized by its brown to dark brown pileus with conspicuous dark, radial fibrils, a pale brown stipe with glistening fibrils, and usually fusiform to broadly clavate cheilocystidia. It belongs to the /Undulatosporum clade. Entoloma humidiphilum (subg. Alboleptonia) is close to E. niveum from New Zealand but differs by a completely pruinose or minutely squamulose pileus surface, narrowly cylindrical to cylindrical pileipellis elements with a deep median constriction, and by occurring in riparian habitats. Entoloma ochraceodiscum is characterized by funnel-shaped basidiomata with a deeply depressed yellowish-brown pileus and belongs to the section Griseorubida. Entoloma colchicum (subg. Nolanea) is similar to E. ortonii but differs by its distinctive radially fibrillose or velutinous pileus and the absence of odour. The new species are presented with photographs, line drawings, and comparisons with similar taxa.
Stress intensity factor: new and improved estimates
Authors: Ascenzi Oscar
Published: May 2024

In this paper we give new estimates from above and from below of the Stress Intensity Factor on an open bounded and convex domain $$\Omega \subseteq \mathbb {R}^2$$

Ω
⊆

R

2

. This analysis is a continuation of the study that we have done in Ascenzi et al. (Appl Math Comput 158:597–617, 2004), Ascenzi (Ann Univ Ferrara Sez VII (NS) 47:41–56, 2001) and Livieri et al. (Acta Mech 176:95–105, 2005) and that started from the paper of Oore and Burns (J Press Vessel Technol 102:204–211, 1980).
Studying efficacy of particular design elements in online teacher professional development courses: The case of systematizing videos for enhancing teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge
Authors: Wischgoll Anke , Prediger Susanne
Published: May 2024

While design principles for effective teacher professional development (PD) courses have been empirically identified in comprehensive studies, they have not yet been well disentangled with respect to the contribution of specific design elements. This particularly applies for digital online PD courses and for teachers with different prior knowledge. In this paper, we investigate two design elements for the systematizing phase (videos vs. discussions) of a synchronous online PD session with regard to their differential effectiveness for teachers’ professional growth in pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and their emotional and motivational reactions to the PD. In our focused randomized controlled trial, 102 mathematics teachers (with heterogeneous PCK) participated in 2‑hour online PD sessions on specifying, noticing, and enhancing students’ understanding of multiplication with various PD inquiry activities. In the systematization phase, teachers were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions: the video group watched a systematizing video (i.e., a video that summarizes the PCK elaborated during the session) and the discussion group had small-group discussions about individual summaries. In both groups, teachers’ reports about emotional and motivational reactions to the PD revealed similarly high values, and their PCK improved significantly from pre-test to post-test. Analyses of variance with repeated measures revealed significant differences between the treatment conditions for teachers with low prior PCK: Teachers with low prior PCK who watched the systematizing video developed their PCK significantly more than those who discussed in small groups. In this way, the study contributes to disentangling the differential effects of design elements in online PD courses for teachers with heterogeneous prior knowledge.
Membranous urethral length is the single independent predictor of urinary continence recovery at 12 months following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fonseca Jorge , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca , Sousa Inês , Oliveira Francisco , Froes Gonçalo , Gaivão Ana , Palmas Artur , Rebola Jorge , Muresan Ciprian , Santos Tiago , Dias Daniela , Varandas Mário , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Ribeiro Ricardo , Fraga Avelino
Published: May 2024

The influence of anatomical parameters on urinary continence (UC) after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) remains uncharted. Our objective was to evaluate their association with UC at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Data from patients who underwent RS-RARP were prospectively collected. Continence was defined as no pad use. Anatomic variables were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of UC at each time point. We included 158 patients with a median age of 60 years, most of whom had a localized tumor (≤ cT2). On multivariate analyses, at 3 months post-surgery, urinary incontinence (UI) rises with age, odds ratio (OR) 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004−1.142] and with prostate volume (PV), OR 1.029 (95% CI 1.006−1.052); it reduces with longer membranous urethral length (MUL), OR 0.875 (95% CI 0.780−0.983) and with higher membranous urethral volume (MUV), OR 0.299 (95% CI 0.121−0.737). At 6 months, UI rises with PV, OR 1.033 (95% CI 1.011−1.056) and decreases with MUV, OR 0.1504 (95% CI 0.050−0.444). Significantly, at 12 months post-surgery, the only predictor of UI is MUL, OR 0.830 (95% CI 0.706−0.975), establishing a threshold associated with a risk of UI of 5% (MUL > 15 mm) in opposition to a risk of 25% (MUL < 10 mm). This single institutional study requires external validation. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study supporting MUL as the single independent predictor of UC at 12 months post-surgery. By establishing MUL thresholds, we enable precise patient counseling.
Stiffness increase in main spindles by using tapered roller bearings for aluminum cutting tests
Authors: Gärtner Marcus , Brecher Christian , Neus Stephan , Eckel Hans-Martin , Strachkov Anton , Klimaschka Ralph
Published: May 2024

Due to increasing demands regarding higher manufacturing accuracy and the machining of high-strength materials, the stiffness and load-carrying capacity of main spindles must be enhanced. One approach is to replace the conventionally used angular contact ball bearings, so called spindle bearings, with tapered roller bearings of the same size, which have a higher stiffness and load carrying capacity due to their larger rolling contact. In case the speed requirement is below a speed parameter $$n\cdot d_{m}=0.9\times 10^{6}$$

n
·

d
m

=
0.9
×

10
6

mm/min, the poorer speed parameter of tapered roller bearings can be compensated by a sufficiently high lubrication quantity. However, the stiffness increase by using this bearing type in main spindles has not yet been quantified in field tests. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate the stiffness advantage of a spindle with an elastically arranged tapered roller bearing compared to a conventional spindle with angular contact ball bearings by machining tests. First, the radial load displacement characteristic of the newly developed tapered roller bearing spindle is tested in advance on an isolated test rig. In machine cutting tests, full slots are milled in an aluminum block. During the tests, the axial and radial displacements of the spindle shaft relative to the housing are measured and evaluated in radial and axial direction. These tests are repeated and compared with the conventional spindle. By varying the process parameters such as cutting depth, feed rate or rotational speed, the increased stiffness of the tapered roller bearing spindle compared to the conventional spindle is illustrated based on the measured displacements. Moreover, frequency response measurements at different speeds underpin the improved damping of the tapered roller bearing spindle. Assuming that the speed requirements are not too high and the tapered roller bearing is sufficiently lubricated, the use of this type of bearing can significantly increase the stiffness and thus the manufacturing precision in the long term for main spindles.
Understanding the onto-semiotic approach in mathematics education through the lens of the cultural historical activity theory
Authors: Godino Juan D. , Batanero Carmen , Burgos María , Wilhelmi Miguel. R.
Published: May 2024

Research in mathematics education can be understood as a system of activities addressing the basic and applied problems related to teaching and learning of mathematics. Such a system includes the activities of foundation, planning, implementation, evaluation of mathematics instruction, and teacher professional development, which are supported by different theories. This diversity of theories raises interest in their comparison, coordination, and possible integration. The paper aims to present a case of application of the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), in its 3rd and 4th generation versions, to analyze the emergence of the Onto-semiotic Approach to mathematical knowledge and instruction as a theoretical framework that addresses the study of the five partial activities mentioned above. This use of the CHAT can be useful in studies on theory articulation by focusing not only on the subjects, the object, and the instruments but also on the community context, the ecological-normative environment in which these activities take place, and the dilemmas or contradictions between theories.
Dignity in Medicine: Definition, Assessment and Therapy
Authors: Grassi Luigi , Nanni Maria Giulia , Riba Michelle , Folesani Federica
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Over the last 20 years, dignity and dignity-conserving care have become the center of investigation, in many areas of medicine, including palliative care, oncology, neurology, geriatrics, and psychiatry. We summarized peer-reviewed literature and examined the definition, conceptualization of dignity, potential problems, and suggested interventions.

Recent Findings

We performed a review utilizing several databases, including the most relevant studies in full journal articles, investigating the problems of dignity in medicine. It emerged that dignity is a multifactorial construct and that dignity-preserving care should be at the center of the health organization. Dignity should be also regularly assessed through the tools currently available in clinical practice. Among dignity intervention, besides dignity models of care, dignity intervention, such as dignity therapy (DT), life review and reminiscence therapy, have a role in maintaining both the extrinsic (preserved when health care professionals treat the patient with respect, meeting physical and emotional needs, honors the patient’s wishes, and makes attempts to maintain privacy and confidentiality) and intrinsic dignity (preserved when the patient has appropriate self-esteem, is able to exercise autonomy and has a sense of hope and meaning).

Unified trends across diverse medical contexts highlight the need for a holistic, patient-centered approach in healthcare settings. Challenges compromising dignity are pervasive, underscoring the importance of interventions and systematic efforts to address these issues. Future research and interventions should prioritize the multifaceted nature of dignity, striving to create healthcare environments that foster compassion, respect, and dignity across all medical settings.
Isatuximab with pomalidomide-dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: post-marketing surveillance in Japan
Authors: Tagami Nami , Uchiyama Michihiro , Suzuki Kenshi , Shirai Heigoroh , Seto Takeshi , Nishina Satoshi , Iida Shinsuke
Published: May 2024

This post-marketing surveillance assessed the safety and effectiveness of isatuximab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Isa-Pd) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) during real-world use in Japan. Data from 211 individuals with RRMM treated with Isa-Pd in Japan between October 2020 and October 2021 were collected, with follow-up for up to 12 months after initiation of Isa-Pd or until treatment discontinuation. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), ADRs of special interest (infusion reactions, bone marrow suppression, infections, cardiac disorders, other ADRs of Grade ≥ 3), and serious ADRs was assessed. Best overall response and overall response rate (ORR) were determined. In the safety analysis set (n = 120), ADR incidence was 57.5%. Most ADRs were hematologic, and serious ADRs occurred in 28.3%. Bone marrow suppression occurred in 46.7% of participants (19.2% serious), infusion reactions in 18.3% (6.7% serious), infections in 11.7% (8.3% serious), and a serious cardiac disorder in one participant; other Grade ≥ 3 ADRs were reported in 3.3% (1.7% serious). In the effectiveness analysis set (n = 108), the most common best overall response was very good partial response (24.1%), and ORR was 51.9%. These findings support the safety and effectiveness of Isa-Pd for RRMM in real-life settings in Japan.
Nanoemulsions and nanocapsules as carriers for the development of intranasal mRNA vaccines
Authors: Borrajo Mireya L. , Lou Gustavo , Anthiya Shubaash , Lapuhs Philipp , Álvarez David Moreira , Tobío Araceli , Loza María Isabel , Vidal Anxo , Alonso María José
Published: May 2024

The global emergency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spurred extensive worldwide efforts to develop vaccines for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Our contribution to this global endeavor involved the development of a diverse library of nanocarriers, as alternatives to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), including nanoemulsions (NEs) and nanocapsules (NCs), with the aim of protecting and delivering messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for nasal vaccination purposes. A wide range of prototypes underwent rigorous screening through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, encompassing assessments of cellular transfection, cytotoxicity, and intramuscular administration of a model mRNA for protein translation. As a result, two promising candidates were identified for nasal administration. One of them was a NE incorporating a combination of an ionizable lipid (C12-200) and cationic lipid (DOTAP), both intended to condense mRNA, along with DOPE, which is known to facilitate endosomal escape. This NE exhibited a size of 120 nm and a highly positive surface charge (+ 50 mV). Another candidate was an NC formulation comprising the same components and endowed with a dextran sulfate shell. This formulation showed a size of 130 nm and a moderate negative surface charge (-16 mV). Upon intranasal administration of mRNA encoding for ovalbumin (mOVA) associated with optimized versions of the said NE and NCs, a robust antigen-specific CD8 + T cell response was observed. These findings underscore the potential of NEs and polymeric NCs in advancing mRNA vaccine development for combating infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Convex hulls of surfaces in fourspace
Authors: Meroni Chiara , Ranestad Kristian , Sinn Rainer
Published: May 2024

This is a case study of the algebraic boundary of convex hulls of varieties. We focus on surfaces in fourspace to showcase new geometric phenomena that neither curves nor hypersurfaces exhibit. Our method is a detailed analysis of a general purpose formula by Ranestad and Sturmfels in the case of smooth real algebraic surfaces of low degree (that are rational over the complex numbers). We study both the complex and the real features of the algebraic boundary of Veronese and Del Pezzo surfaces. The main difficulties and the possible approaches to the case of general surfaces are discussed for and complemented by the example of Bordiga surfaces.
Underoil superhydrophilic flame-retardant 3D porous composite for efficient on-demand emulsion separation: Interface engineering design on sphagnum moss
Authors: Guo Yuyan , Liu Peng , Zhang Wenhao , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: May 2024

Oil pollution and the energy crisis make oil-water separation an urgent for human need. The widespread use of materials with a single emulsion separation capability is limited. Multifunctional on-demand separation materials can adapt to a wide range of application scenarios, thus having a wider range of applications. The underoil superhydrophilic surface is of great significance for realizing the on-demand separation of oil/water emulsions through the removal of water in the oil and oil in the water. A 3D porous emulsion separation material based on the superhydrophilic principle of sphagnum moss was designed. The material was prepared in a simple step by taking advantage of the adhesion of polydopamine and the introduction of the as-prepared superhydrophilic BaSO4 nanoparticles to achieve superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 0° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 157.3°, resulting in excellent separation performance for both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. Underoil superhydrophilic porous composite (OSPC) can complete two kinds of emulsion separations by filtration or adsorption. It adsorbs water from water-in-oil emulsion to achieve separation, with a good adsorption capacity of 74.38 g/g and efficiency up to 99%. It can also filter oil-in-water emulsions with an efficiency of 99.92%. The separation efficiencies are all almost unchanged after ten separation cycles. Furthermore, the material has excellent flame retardancy, which reduces the possibility of secondary disasters. The three-dimensional porous sponge has excellent on-demand separation performance for multiple emulsions. It provides a new preparation strategy for underoil superhydrophilic materials and a new idea for the design direction of special wetting materials for the on-demand separation of oil/water emulsions.
YouTube vs. Lehrmittel – Lernwirksamkeit von Erklärvideos für den Naturwissenschaftsunterricht
Authors: Vonschallen Stephan , Labude Marlene , Schneider Charlotte , Krüger Maleika , Susanne Metzger
Published: May 2024

Erklärvideos gewinnen für den Naturwissenschaftsunterricht zunehmend an Bedeutung. Um den potenziellen Lernzuwachs beim Einsatz von Erklärvideos im Vergleich zu schriftbasiertem Lernmaterial zu untersuchen und einen möglichen Effekt der Auswahlmöglichkeiten für Schüler:innen auf den Lernzuwachs explorativ zu untersuchen, wurde eine Interventionsstudie durchgeführt. Insgesamt 102 Schüler:innen aus sechs Klassen der Sekundarstufe I bearbeiteten selbständig eine 60-minütige Lerneinheit im Klassenzimmer, wobei die Teilnehmenden drei experimentellen Bedingungen (Lerneinheit ohne Erklärvideo, Lerneinheit mit einem vorgegeben Lehrmittel-Erklärvideo, Lerneinheit mit vier auswählbaren YouTube-Erklärvideos) zugeteilt wurden und der Lernzuwachs mithilfe von Prä- und Posttests erhoben wurde. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Erklärvideos eine signifikant größere Lernwirksamkeit aufweisen als rein schriftbasiertes Lernmaterial, wobei kein signifikanter Effekt der Auswahlmöglichkeit gefunden werden konnte. Abschließend werden Vorschläge für zukünftige Studien diskutiert, um diesen Zusammenhang genauer zu untersuchen.
Measuring the Fate and Natural Attenuation Potential of a Viscous Marine Fuel on an Artificial Beach Mesocosm
Authors: Poon Ho Yin , Greer Charles W. , Wasserscheid Jessica , Elias Miria , Watts Taylor , Wohlgeschaffen Gary , Cobanli Susan E. , Robinson Brian , King Thomas L. , Ortmann Alice C.
Published: May 2024

Shoreline oiling poses a risk to coastal ecosystems and resources. Understanding the natural attenuation potential and impact of different sediment types is important for choosing appropriate intervention strategies and priority areas following a spill. Simulated IFO-40 oil spills on artificial beach mesocosms were carried out using different sediment types: sandy beach and sandy tidal flat, under low energy tidal cycles over a 5-day period. Chemical and biological analysis of leachate and sediment was conducted to understand the movement of oil through these mesocosms. Rapid oil movement from the oil slick to the surface sediment layer was observed in the sandy beach enclosures, while slower oil movement was observed in the sandy tidal flat enclosures. Increased hydrocarbon dissolution was observed in the sandy beach enclosures, marked by higher concentrations of low molecular weight n-Alkanes (C12 − 15) and naphthalenes (C0 − 3) in sandy beach leachate compared to sandy tidal flat samples. Despite the increase in hydrocarbons, there were no major shifts in microbial communities observed in the leachate and sediment compartments for either sediment type. Both prokaryote and microeukaryote communities differed between the two sediment types, with little overlap between dominant sequences. Our results indicate that limited oil penetration occurs within sandy tidal flat shorelines resulting in oil accumulation suggesting that sorbent or vacuuming could be used as emergency response to minimize the environmental and ecological impacts of spilled oil.
An experimental study on aging effects of fuel-cut events including sound optimized torque reduction on modern three-way catalysts
Authors: Eickenhorst René , Koch Thomas
Published: May 2024

Continuously increasing country-specific emission standards for passenger vehicles demand additional development steps in complex exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for a more effective reduction of harmful gases. The efficiency of the aftertreatment system declines over its lifecycle due to specific load profiles and other boundary conditions, resulting in increasing emissions over vehicle mileage. As a result, the durability of the exhaust system becomes more important. Fuel cut is an intended, temporary interruption of the fuel supply of modern combustion engines of passenger cars to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. During this fuel reduction event, unconsumed oxygen of rich and cool fresh air is introduced to the combustion chamber and to the exhaust system. Besides a catalyst cool down, oxidation effects are provoked by enhanced oxygen reactions processes within the catalyst’s washcoat and surface layers. In this publication, specific aging cycles with a variation of fuel-cut programs were examined on their effects on a modified modern eight-cylinder turbo-charged engine, especially on their oxidation effects correlating to catalyst aging. Light-off curves and conversion heat maps were used to evaluate possible damaging impacts of fuel-cut events on the aging behavior of the catalyst systems. Results indicate that higher frequency of fuel-cut events results in a reduced catalyst conversion efficiency, whereas thermal sintering might be reduced due to overall lower temperature load. Temporary oxidation processes on catalyst’s surfaces occur only in a short timespan after changing the air fuel ratio to lean, resulting in a weaker thermal sintering during longer fuel-cut events. Sound optimized torque reduction functions, used in sports cars for a better drivability and powertrain response, exhibit a stronger aging influence due to additional thermal shock effects on the catalysts front face, as demonstrated via optical infrared sensor technology during catalyst aging cycles on the modified engine bench setup. A theoretical calculation of aging processes as a combination of thermal sintering by Arrhenius equation as well as oxidation process is discussed to describe an aging classification induced via oxidation processes. Additional physisorption measurements of different catalyst probes support the results which indicate the direction of future experimental approaches.
The “neglecting the vectorization" error in Stan: erroneous coding practices for computing marginal likelihood and Bayes factors in models with vectorized truncated distributions
Authors: Tsukamura Yuki , Okada Kensuke
Published: May 2024

The methods for statistical analysis continue to advance; however, they remain susceptible to coding errors. This paper highlights the “neglecting the vectorization" error, which is a specific type of mistake made in calculating the marginal likelihood and Bayes factors (BFs) using vectorized truncated distributions with the Stan programming language. This error arises when the normalizing constant of the truncated distribution is not properly incremented for each element of a vectorized variable. Upon examination of publicly available Stan codes, it became evident that the inadequate coding methods were employed in a significant portion of studies. As the practical methods for calculating Bayes factors—such as bridge sampling—become increasingly prevalent, careful attention must be given to ensure proper model implementation.
J-selfadjoint matrix means and their indefinite inequalities
Authors: Bebiano N. , Lemos R. , Soares G.
Published: May 2024

Let J be a non trivial involutive Hermitian matrix. Consider $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

equipped with the indefinite inner product induced by J, $$[x,y]=y^*J x$$

[
x
,
y
]

=

y
∗

J
x

for all $$x,y\in {{\mathbb {C}}}^n,$$

x
,
y
∈

C

n

,

which endows the matrix algebra $${\mathbb {C}}^{n\times n}$$

C

n
×
n

with a partial order relation $$\le ^J$$

≤
J

between J-selfadjoint matrices. Inde-finite inequalities are given in this setup, involving the J-selfadjoint $$\alpha $$
α
-weighted geometric matrix mean. In particular, an indefinite version of Ando–Hiai inequality is proved to be equivalent to Furuta inequality of indefinite type.
Strategic Resources for Drug Trafficking Organizations and the Geography of Violence: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Macías-Medellín Martín , Ponce Aldo F.
Published: May 2024

This article helps understand why locations close to strategic infrastructure to transport illegal drugs (seaports, airports, highways, and US ports of entry along the Mexico-US border) or to increase income (pipelines) experience different levels of violence due to DTOs operations. Our theory breaks down the impact of the geographical distance to these facilities on violence into two effects. The first effect is produced by the level of (violent) competition among DTOs, measured by the number of DTOs employing violence. We report that greater proximity to the U.S. ports of entry along the Mexico-US border, ports, and airports furthers the number of competitors, and such increase boosts violence. The second effect shapes the intensity of competition among DTOs. Reductions in the costs of excluding competing DTOs from using the facility could trigger greater confrontation among DTOs. We confirm the importance of this second effect in relation to ports and the U.S. ports of entry along the Mexico-US border.
Introduction: The New Polarization in Latin America
Authors: Sarsfield Rodolfo , Moncagatta Paolo , Roberts Kenneth M.
Published: May 2024

Mounting evidence suggests that Latin American democracies are characterized by politics and societies becoming more divisive, confrontational, and polarized. This process, which we define here as the “new polarization” in Latin America, seems to weaken the ability of democratic institutions to manage and resolve social and political conflicts. Although recent scholarship suggests that polarization is integral to contemporary patterns of democratic “backsliding” seen in much of the world, this new polarization in the region has not yet received systematic scholarly attention. Aiming to address this gap in the literature, the different contributions in this special issue revise the conceptualization, measurement, and theory of a multidimensional phenomenon such as polarization, including both its ideological and affective dimensions, as well as perspectives at the elite and mass levels of analysis. Findings shed light on the phenomenon of polarization as both a dependent and an independent variable, contributing to comparative literature on polarization and its relationship to democratic governance.
Sticking around or fading away: water patronage and value in Chad
Authors: Maazaz Ismaël
Published: May 2024

This article explores trajectories in the politics of water patronage in N’Djamena, Chad. Water appears as a malleable and elusive commodity, at once ubiquitous and somewhat overlooked. Drawing on ethnographic field research in peripheral N’Djamena, I argue that relational distance is skilfully handled by water patrons for monetary rewards and influence. Such handling swings the making of water value in contradictory directions unaccounted for in much of the existing literature on water patronage. Present or absent, hidden or on display, funders or profit makers, patrons may leverage water supply through material, symbolic or entrepreneurial labour that places them in conflicting spaces. Ultimately, these leveraging processes based on the manipulation of relational distance create a multifaceted water valuation. The various positionalities of the water patrons and their use of relational distance point to the existence of multiple water values, rather than a single one. Therefore, I argue that water may have either a ‘distant value’ or an ‘anchored value’, depending on the relational distance strategy implemented by the patron who provides it.
Unintended consequences, conflict and resilience in a small-scale irrigation development, Marakwet, Kenya
Authors: Davies M. I. J. , Moore H. L. , Bailengo N. , Bernstein M. , Cheptoo H. , Kiprutto T. K. , Lunn-Rockliffe S. , Kay D. K. , Kipkore W. K.
Published: May 2024

This article examines the development, early operation and subsequent failure of the Tot-Kolowa Red Cross irrigation scheme in Kenya’s Kerio Valley. Initially conceived as a technical solution to address regional food insecurity, the scheme aimed to scale up food production through the implementation of a fixed pipe irrigation system and the provision of agricultural inputs for cash cropping. A series of unfolding circumstances, however, necessitated numerous modifications to the original design as the project became increasingly entangled with deep and complex histories of land use patterns, resource allocation and conflict. Failure to understand the complexity of these dynamics ultimately led to the project’s collapse as the region spiralled into a period of significant unrest. In tracing these events, we aim to foreground the lived realities of imposed development, including both positive and negative responses to the scheme’s participatory obligations and its wider impact on community resilience.
Maintenance of steady-state mRNA levels by a microRNA-based feed forward loop in the presence of stochastic gene expression noise
Authors: Zabaikina Iryna , Bokes Pavol
Published: May 2024

All vital functions of living cells rely on the production of various functional molecules through gene expression. The production periods are burst-like and stochastic due to the discrete nature of biochemical reactions. In certain contexts, the concentrations of RNA or protein require regulation to maintain a fine internal balance within the cell. Here we consider a motif of two types of RNA molecules – mRNA and an antagonistic microRNA – which are encoded by a shared coding sequence and form a feed forward loop (FFL). This control mechanism is shown to be perfectly adapting in the deterministic context. We demonstrate that the adaptation (of the mean value) becomes imperfect if production occurs in random bursts. The FFL nevertheless outperforms the benchmark feedback loop in terms of counterbalancing variations in the signal. Methodologically, we adapt a hybrid stochastic model, which has widely been used to model a single regulatory molecule, to the current case of a motif involving two species; the use of the Laplace transform thereby circumvents the problem of moment closure that arises owing to the mRNA–microRNA interaction. We expect that the approach can be applicable to other systems with nonlinear kinetics.
Usability of a telehealth-nurse supported home-based walking training	for peripheral arterial disease – The Keep Pace! pilot	study
Authors: Prenner Andreas , Ziegl Andreas , Wiesmüller Fabian , El Moazen Gihan , Hayn Dieter , Prenner Anna , Brodmann Marianne , Seinost Gerald , Modre-Osprian Robert , Schreier Günter , Silbernagel Günther
Published: May 2024

Summary: Background: Guidelines recommend walking trainings for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) management. Supervised walking training is superior to walking advise to improve the walking distance. Telehealth service with nurse support may close this gap. Patients and methods: This study introduces a telehealth service, “Keep pace!”, which has been developed for patients with symptomatic PAD (Fontaine stage IIa and IIb), enabling a structured home-based walking training while monitoring progress via an app collecting unblinded account of steps and walking distance in self-paced 6-minute-walking-tests by geolocation tracking to enhance intrinsic motivation. Supervision by nurses via telephone calls was provided for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of independent walking training. Patient satisfaction, walking distance and health-related quality of life were assessed. Results: 19 patients completed the study. The analysis revealed an overall high satisfaction with the telehealth service (95.4%), including system quality (95.1%), information quality (94.4%), service quality (95.6%), intention to use (92.8%), general satisfaction with the program (98.4%) and health benefits (95.8%). 78.9% asserted that the telehealth service lacking nurse calls would be less efficacious. Pain-free walking distance (76.3±36.8m to 188.4±81.2m, +112.2%, p<0.001) as well as total distance in 6-minute-walking test (308.8±82.6m to 425.9±107.1m, +117.2%, p<0.001) improved significantly. The telehealth service significantly reduced discomfort by better pain control (+15.5%, p=0.015) and social participation (+10.5%, p=0.042). Conclusions: In conclusion, patients were highly satisfied with the telehealth service. The physical well-being of the PAD patients improved significantly post vs. prior the telehealth program.
Decadal Predictability of Seasonal Temperature Distributions
Authors: Düsterhus André , Brune Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Decadal predictions focus regularly on the predictability of single values, like means or extremes. In this study we investigate the prediction skill of the full underlying surface temperature distributions on global and European scales. We investigate initialized hindcast simulations of the Max Planck Institute Earth system model decadal prediction system and compare the distribution of seasonal daily temperatures with estimates of the climatology and uninitialized historical simulations. In the analysis we show that the initialized prediction system has advantages in particular in the North Atlantic area and allow so to make reliable predictions for the whole temperature spectrum for two to 10 years ahead. We also demonstrate that the capability of initialized climate predictions to predict the temperature distribution depends on the season.