bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new skeletal model for the ankle joint complex
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Mariana , Marques Filipe , Tavares da Silva Miguel , Flores Paulo
Published: December 2023

The talocrural and the talocalcaneal articulations collectively form the ankle joint complex of the human foot and are the focus of investigation of this work. The talocrural articulation enables plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, while the talocalcaneal articulation allows inversion and eversion of the foot. A comprehensive analysis of the literature suggests that the ankle joint complex is modeled in different manners considering approaches with varying complexity levels, which more or less accurately mimic its intrinsic anatomical features. Several studies assume that the foot articulates with the leg via the talocrural articulation only, which is modeled as a revolute joint. Other studies consider the movements allowed by both articulations and model the ankle joint complex as spherical, revolute, or classical universal joints. Most existing approaches do not consider sufficiently accurate anatomical modeling of this joint complex. Thus, this work presents a new skeletal model for the ankle joint complex of the human foot that considers the actual anatomy and movements of the talocrural and the talocalcaneal articulations. The proposed approach uses a modified universal joint, which incorporates a massless link to mimic the actual function of the talus bone. The developed formulation is compared with a model available in the literature, which uses a classical universal joint. The outcomes show that modeling the ankle joint complex as a modified universal joint allows a more realistic representation of the anatomy of the human foot. The main differences between the two joint models are observed in the mediolateral direction.
There is only one más: Spanish que/de comparative alternation
Authors: Toquero-Pérez Luis Miguel
Published: December 2023

Spanish has two forms to introduce comparative standards: que ‘that’ and de ‘of.’ The comparative morpheme is always the same más ‘-er/more.’ While que-comparatives show no variation in their syntactic properties, there is significant variation within de-comparatives regarding extraposition, scope, ACD resolution and the syntax of comparative numerals. Despite this variation, I argue that a uniform account is possible. I propose that más has the same syntax across the board (i.e. it takes the late-merged standard as complement, Bhatt and Pancheva 2004) and semantically it is a generalized quantifier over degrees (Heim 2001). The analysis (i) ensures that más and the standard form a constituent, (ii) allows for inverse scope, ACD resolution inside the standard of comparison and extraposition.
Organizational or Individual? The Effect of Social Networks on Volunteer Activities in Japan
Authors: Kojima Megumi
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates what kinds of social networks nudge volunteering by applying social network analysis. Unique Japanese data with various social network variables are used to explore the association between formal and informal social networks and volunteering. The results show that “attending meetings of neighborhood associations” and “enrollment in a membership association,” which involve forms of formal social networks, are positively correlated with the probability of both “any volunteering” and five kinds of volunteering. “Frequency of meals with friends,” an indicator of informal social networks, has statistical significance for volunteering. Notably, friendships, even if meals are infrequent, are enough to lead to volunteering opportunities. The author thus concludes that greater social participation can be fostered by promoting not only organizational assistance but also friendships.
High-temperature tribological performance of functionally graded Stellite 6/WC metal matrix composite coatings manufactured by laser-directed energy deposition
Authors: Ostolaza Marta , Zabala Alaitz , Arrizubieta Jon Iñaki , Llavori Iñigo , Otegi Nagore , Lamikiz Aitzol
Published: December 2023

Wear-driven tool failure is one of the main hurdles in the industry. This issue can be addressed through surface coating with ceramic-reinforced metal matrix composites. However, the maximum ceramic content is limited by cracking. In this work, the tribological behaviour of the functionally graded WC-ceramic-particle-reinforced Stellite 6 coatings is studied. To that end, the wear resistance at room temperature and 400 °C is investigated. Moreover, the tribological analysis is supported by crack sensitivity and hardness evaluation, which is of utmost importance in the processing of composite materials with ceramic-particle-reinforcement. Results indicate that functionally graded materials can be employed to increase the maximum admissible WC content, hence improving the tribological behaviour, most notably at high temperatures. Additionally, a shift from abrasive to oxidative wear is observed in high-temperature wear testing.
Nano-frictional mechano-reinforcing porous nanowires scaffolds
Authors: Hua Licheng , Hu Conghu , Zhang Jingkang , Li Jin , Gu Chenjie , Huang Bin , Li Guangyong , Du Jianke , Guo Wanlin
Published: December 2023

Artificial biomaterials with dynamic mechano-responsive behaviors similar to those of biological tissues have been drawing great attention. In this study, we report a TiO2-based nanowire (TiO2NWs) scaffolds, which exhibit dynamic mechano-responsive behaviors varying with the number and amplitude of nano-deformation cycles. It is found that the elastic and adhesive forces in the TiO2NWs scaffolds can increase significantly after multiple cycles of nano-deformation. Further nanofriction experiments show the triboelectric effect of increasing elastic and adhesive forces during the nano-deformation cycles of TiO2NWs scaffolds. These properties allow the TiO2NW scaffolds to be designed and applied as intelligent artificial biomaterials to simulate biological tissues in the future.
Generating synthetic as-built additive manufacturing surface topography using progressive growing generative adversarial networks
Authors: Seo Junhyeon , Rao Prahalada , Raeymaekers Bart
Published: December 2023

Numerically generating synthetic surface topography that closely resembles the features and characteristics of experimental surface topography measurements reduces the need to perform these intricate and costly measurements. However, existing algorithms to numerically generated surface topography are not well-suited to create the specific characteristics and geometric features of as-built surfaces that result from laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), such as partially melted metal particles, porosity, laser scan lines, and balling. Thus, we present a method to generate synthetic as-built LPBF surface topography maps using a progressively growing generative adversarial network. We qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate good agreement between synthetic and experimental as-built LPBF surface topography maps using areal and deterministic surface topography parameters, radially averaged power spectral density, and material ratio curves. The ability to accurately generate synthetic as-built LPBF surface topography maps reduces the experimental burden of performing a large number of surface topography measurements. Furthermore, it facilitates combining experimental measurements with synthetic surface topography maps to create large data-sets that facilitate, e.g. relating as-built surface topography to LPBF process parameters, or implementing digital surface twins to monitor complex end-use LPBF parts, amongst other applications.
The known ending: narrative closure and reading experience in Dream of the Red Chamber
Authors: Zhao Eileen Yiran
Published: December 2023

Different from most traditional Chinese full-length novels, Dream of the Red Chamber紅樓夢written by Cao Xueqin 曹雪芹 (1710?—1765?) begins its narrative by declaring that the whole story in its entirety has been finished and completed. This essay approach this narrative design from a different perspective, namely, the temporal structure and explore how the emplotments with a predestined ending point right at the beginning of the novel are constructed and their effects on the reader's experience. To better illustrate this mechanism, I will first examine the indication of a known ending in the framework of narrative theory and then look into the twofold layers that the novel adopts in its first chapter to persuade its readers that the whole story is built on a recollection and remembrance. In doing so, I explore how the construction of a known ending beforehand affects the reading experience at the cognitive and affective levels.
Office Openess Affects Stress Regulation and Teamwork: A Neurophysiological Field Study
Authors: Alexander Veronika , Dannhäuser Laura , Zak Paul J.
Published: December 2023

Stimulating and sustaining teamwork can be a strategic asset for an organization. Yet, little has been done to objectively assess how office design affects team performance. We conducted a neuroscience field experiment of employees (N = 96) to examine how different open-office configurations impact three measures of neurophysiologic stress, affect, and creative problem-solving in three existing office configurations that varied in their degree of openness. Physiologic stress was lowest in the most open work setting resulting in higher performance and more rapid post-work physiologic recovery compared to less open configurations. We identified three core factors driving these results: high perceived privacy, a more pleasant ambience, and increased autonomy. This multimodal approach identifies neurophysiologic mechanisms linking office design to team performance.
Hypericons for interpretability: decoding abstract concepts in visual data
Authors: Martinez Pandiani Delfina Sol , Lazzari Nicolas , Erp Marieke van , Presutti Valentina
Published: December 2023

In an era of information abundance and visual saturation, the need for resources to organise and access the vast expanse of visual data is paramount. Abstract concepts-such as comfort, power, or freedom-emerge as potent instruments to index and manage visual data, particularly in contexts like Cultural Heritage (CH). However, the variance and disparity in the visual signals that evoke a single abstract concept challenge conventional approaches to automatic visual management rooted in the Computer Vision (CV) field. This paper critically engages with the prevalent trend of automating high-level visual reasoning while placing exclusive reliance on visual signals, prominently featuring Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). We delve into this trend, scrutinising the knowledge sought by CNNs and the knowledge they ultimately encapsulate. In this endeavour, we accomplish three main objectives: (1) introduction of ARTstract, an extensive dataset encompassing cultural images that evoke specific abstract concepts; (2) presentation of baseline model performances on ARTstract to elucidate the intricate nuances of image classification based on abstract concepts; and, critically, (3) utilization of ARTstract as a case study to explore both traditional and non-traditional avenues of visual interpretability, a trajectory inspired by Offert and Bell (2021). To more comprehensively understand how CNNs assimilate and reflect cultural meanings, and to discern the echoes reverberating within these visions, we unveil SD-AM, a novel approach to explainability that collapses visuals into hypericon images through a fusion of feature visualization techniques and Stable Diffusion denoising. Overall, this study critically addresses abstract concept image classification’s challenges within the CNN paradigm. By embracing innovative methodologies and providing comprehensive analyses of explainability techniques, we make a substantial contribution to the broader discourse surrounding automatic high-level visual understanding, its interpretability, and the ensuing implications for comprehending culture within the digital era. Through our exploration, we illuminate the multifaceted trends, complexities, and opportunities that underlie the fusion of high-level visual reasoning and computer vision.
Twitter conversations on sustainable development goals in Brazilian public universities using natural language processing
Authors: Costa Abimael de Jesus Barros , Gomes Sonia Maria da Silva , Kouloukoui Daniel , de Marcellis-Warin Nathalie , Warin Thierry
Published: December 2023

This study aims to provide insight into the behavior of Twitter conversations related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by Brazilian public universities (UPBs) using Natural Language Processing (NLP). To achieve this goal, it was decided to develop descriptive research as it explores the characteristics of conversations focused on Twitter, one of the world's most used social media channels. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques based on the R programming language were used to extract and treat conversations held by the UPBs about the SDG objectives on Twitter. The study period is comprised of the creation of the first Twitter account by the universities until the data collection date, that is, between 2008 and 2022, therefore, 15 years of study, during this period, 326,114 tweets were identified. Evidence points to a substantial evolution in tweet publications by universities over the 15 years of studies. Thus, the practically zero publications in 2008 jumped to more than 15 thousand tweets in 2020. These findings show and confirm that universities use this social media to interact with their stakeholders. In addition, the results indicate that the analyzed universities make few publications on their Twitter about SDGs. In fact, of the 46 universities, only 6 tweeted about the subject, representing 13%. During the 15 years of studies, only 31 tweets were made on the subject. We found that the conversations and positions of universities on this subject in their social networks are few, insufficient, timid, and weak. As a second practical implication of this study, universities as centers of research, knowledge construction, and humanistic training urgently need to position themselves more on this subject in their social networks in order to demonstrate the relevance of the subject and inform about their accomplishments, and the need to everyone got involved in the theme.
Tiling and weak tiling in $$(\mathbb {Z}_p)^d$$
Authors: Kiss Gergely , Matolcsi Dávid , Matolcsi Máté , Somlai Gábor
Published: December 2023

We discuss the relation of tiling, weak tiling and spectral sets in finite abelian groups. In particular, in elementary p-groups $$(\mathbb {Z}_p)^d$$

(

Z
p

)

d

, we introduce an averaging procedure that leads to a natural object of study: a 4-tuple of functions which can be regarded as a common generalization of tiles and spectral sets. We characterize such 4-tuples for $$d=1, 2$$

d
=
1
,
2

, and prove some partial results for $$d=3$$

d
=
3

.
Ensuring a ‘Responsible’ AI future in India: RRI as an approach for identifying the ethical challenges from an Indian perspective
Authors: Bhalla Nitika , Brooks Laurence , Leach Tonii
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be seen to be at an inflexion point in India, a country which is keen to adopt and exploit new technologies, but needs to carefully consider how they do this. AI is usually deployed with good intentions, to unlock value and create opportunities for the people; however it does not come without its challenges. There are a set of ethical–social issues associated with AI, which include concerns around privacy, data protection, job displacement, historical bias and discrimination. Through a series of focus groups with knowledgeable people embedded in India and its culture, this research explores the ethical–societal changes and challenges that India now faces. Further, it investigates whether the principles and practices of responsible research and innovation (RRI) might provide a framework to help identify and deal with these issues. The results show that the areas in which RRI could offer scope to improve this outlook include education, policy and governance, legislation and regulation, and innovation and industry practices. Some significant challenges described by participants included: the lack of awareness of AI by the public as well as policy makers; India’s access and implementation of Western datasets, resulting in a lack of diversity, exacerbation of existing power asymmetries, increase in social inequality and the creation of bias; the potential replacement of jobs by AI. One option was to look at a hybrid approach, a mix of AI and humans, with expansion and upskilling of the current workforce. In terms of strategy, there seems to be a gap between the rhetoric of the government and what is seen on the ground, and therefore going forward there needs to be a much greater engagement with a wider audience of stakeholders.
Innovative image interpolation based reversible data hiding for secure communication
Authors: Punia Riya , Malik Aruna , Singh Samayveer
Published: December 2023

In an increasingly digitized world, secure communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the confidentiality of data transmission. Conventional encryption techniques are robust but often result in a loss of data during transmission, making it challenging to achieve both security and image quality simultaneously. To address this issue, an innovative technique for interpolation-based reversible data hiding (RDH) within images is presented in this study. The interpolation scheme considers the Min function of the neighboring pixels and generates the cover image. After that, a data hiding method is applied to the cover image by considering the intensity range of the pixels using the least-significant bit (LSB) substitution method. The suggested embedding approach first encrypts the secret message, and then it encodes the encrypted secret message into interpolated pixels based on pixel intensity range groups. This technique enables the image to be consistently recreated once the data has been extracted. The percentage increment in the embedding capacity and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is 40.00 and 8.64% for the proposed method as compared to the existing method. The experimental results indicate that the proposed technique enhanced the embedding capacity for all test pictures and produced higher PSNR values.
Current research and future directions of melatonin's role in seed germination
Authors: Liu Ze , Dai Hengrui , Hao Jinjiang , Li Rongrong , Pu Xiaojun , Guan Miao , Chen Qi
Published: December 2023

Seed germination is a complex process regulated by internal and external factors. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule, playing an important role in regulating seed germination under normal and stressful conditions. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview on melatonin's effects on seed germination on the basis of existing literature. Under normal conditions, exogenous high levels of melatonin can suppress or delay seed germination, suggesting that melatonin may play a role in maintaining seed dormancy and preventing premature germination. Conversely, under stressful conditions (e.g., high salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures), melatonin has been found to accelerate seed germination. Melatonin can modulate the expression of genes involved in ABA and GA metabolism, thereby influencing the balance of these hormones and affecting the ABA/GA ratio. Melatonin has been shown to modulate ROS accumulation and nutrient mobilization, which can impact the germination process. In conclusion, melatonin can inhibit germination under normal conditions while promoting germination under stressful conditions via regulating the ABA/GA ratios, ROS levels, and metabolic enzyme activity. Further research in this area will deepen our understanding of melatonin's intricate role in seed germination and may contribute to the development of improved seed treatments and agricultural practices.
ChatGPT and computational-based research: benefits, drawbacks, and machine learning applications
Authors: Atkinson Cameron F.
Published: December 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) systems are disrupting how research is conducted across a wide range of disciplines. Many journals have decided not to allow these tools to be co-authors for the purposes of publication, but rather they must be acknowledged by authors as having been utilised in the writing process. Furthermore, due to the hallucinations that these models sometimes produce, authors are to review what is generated and recognise that they hold it to be true and accurate. To date, there has been varying research conducted on the accuracy of GenAI systems and their production of written text. However, new functions that allow GenAI systems to produce coding for constructing tools in computer programming languages highlights a new area that warrants investigation. Therefore, this article puts forth an account of using ChatGPT 3.5 to construct coding to be utilised for a Latent Dirichlet Allocation Topic Model (LDA-TM) for use in a Systematic Literature Review. This is hoped to address three elements of using ChatGPT 3.5 for coding: code review, error resolution, and scripting new code. The code will be aimed at designating an appropriate Hyper-parameter for the Random State for use in the LDA-TM. Within this context, this article will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of utilising this new tool and what it means for researchers who wish to augment their work with computer programming-based applications. To the authors knowledge, this is the first time this has been discussed within the context of the research being conducted.
3D quantum Hall effect in a topological nodal-ring semimetal
Authors: Zhao Guang-Qi , Li Shuai , Rui W. B. , Wang C. M. , Lu Hai-Zhou , Xie X. C.
Published: December 2023

A quantized Hall conductance (not conductivity) in three dimensions has been searched for more than 30 years. Here we explore it in 3D topological nodal-ring semimetals, by employing a minimal model describing the essential physics. In particular, the bulk topology can be captured by a momentum-dependent winding number, which confines the drumhead surface states in a specific momentum region. This confinement leads to a surface quantum Hall conductance in a specific energy window in this 3D system. The winding number for the drumhead surface states and Chern number for their quantum Hall effect form a two-fold topological hierarchy. We demonstrate the one-to-one correspondence between the momentum-dependent winding number and wavefunction of the drumhead surface states. More importantly, we stress that breaking chiral symmetry is necessary for the quantum Hall effect of the drumhead surface states. The analytic theory can be verified numerically by the Kubo formula for the Hall conductance. We propose an experimental setup to distinguish the surface and bulk quantum Hall effects. The theory will be useful for ongoing explorations on nodal-ring semimetals.
Fractal characteristics and influencing factors of landscape space of Tibetan rural in Western Sichuan: a case study of three traditional villages
Authors: Fan Ding , Maliki Nor Zarifah Binti , Yu Siwei
Published: December 2023

This study takes the landscape space of traditional Tibetan villages in western Sichuan as the research object, and three national-level traditional villages of different Tibetan clans in Gyatso, Amdo and Baima Tibet were selected as samples. Using the fractal theory, combined with counting-box dimension measurement and spatial analysis methods, it comparatively analyzes the fractal characteristics of their landscape space and their influencing factors. The study finds that the landscape space of these villages has certain fractal characteristics, which are characterized by self-similarity and irregularity. The fractal characteristics of different villages are influenced by various factors such as geographic location, natural conditions, religious beliefs, folk costumes, etc., showing differences and diversity. There is a certain correlation between the fractal dimension and the distribution of landscape elements and spatial patterns, which can be used to describe the complexity and diversity of landscape space pattern. The article believes that the fractal theory provides a new perspective and method for analyzing the landscape space of traditional Tibetan villages, which helps to reveal its intrinsic formation mechanism and cultural connotation and provides new insights for the protection of traditional village heritage and the maintenance of cultural traditions. Meanwhile, the study also points out the limitations and shortcomings of the fractal theory in the study of traditional villages and puts forward directions and suggestions for future research.
Human-environment nexus: evaluating the anthropo-geomorphology and urban expansion of the Weija Gbawe Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Adu-Boahen Kofi , Addai Millicent Obeng , Hayford Steve Clarke , Adjovu Ebenezer Teye , Yeboah Derrick Oppong , Mensah Philip
Published: December 2023

The study's overarching goal was to examine the dynamics of geomorphological interaction and their effects on the urban expansion of the Weija-Gbawe Municipality in Ghana's Greater Accra Region. The study deployed a quantitative research approach to achieve the objective. A descriptive research design was used in collecting and analyzing data from three hundred and fifty-one (351) participants with a closed-ended questionnaire. The study employed a cluster sampling technique to select the participants based on areas with high concentrations of built-ups and other areas with low concentrations. Using the important relative index (RII), the fundamental level is ranked by the index. SPSS version 26 was used to analyse the data, and the results are shown in a descriptive frequency distribution table. The findings revealed population growth in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality as the main human factor transforming the landscapes' geomorphology, as residents change the landscape for human occupation and industrial uses. Similarly, the topographical terrain, emphasizing slope and elevation were the predominant geomorphological characteristic modifying urban expansion in the Municipality, as settlements were mainly distributed on flat terrain, and the elevation and slope were significant constraints for expansion of the city. Furthermore, urban land utilization in the Weija Gbawe Municipality is distinguished by an industrialized economy and built-up facilities. The paper concludes that applying geographic information systems, remote sensing, and field surveys is essential for generating comprehensive knowledge of urban and anthropocene geomorphology; this is possible through the use of GIS and remote sensing in analyzing the land use land cover changes in the study area. The study suggests enacting, enforcing environmental by-laws, intensifying, and restructuring environmental education by various stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Municipality's Physical Planning Agency (PPA). This could be done by bridging the weak linkage between land use/road planning and aborting applications received which were not in line with the planning standards and approving those that are accurate and standard.
How do States React to Advisory Opinions? Rejection, Implementation, and what Lies in Between
Authors: Sthoeger Eran
Published: December 2023

Advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are non-binding and lack operative clauses requiring compliance. At the same time, they reflect the ICJ's views as to rights and obligations of states under international law. In that sense they are not different from binding judgments and generate expectations of implementation of the Court's determinations. Although some states may reject an opinion, others have pursued implementation through the requesting organ, or through alternative political and legal means. And although it is not always easy to ascertain the effect of an opinion on states’ behavior, advisory opinions often have practical ramifications, even if they are not implemented.
Compliance with Advisory Opinions in the Inter-American Human Rights System
Authors: Arévalo Ramírez Walter , Rousset Siri Andrés
Published: December 2023

In this essay, we analyze how different actors contribute to compliance with the advisory jurisdiction of the Inter-American human rights system. The essay briefly reviews the discussion around the binding force of, and compliance with, advisory opinions. It then analyzes how the holdings in advisory opinions issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR or Court) over the last forty years have had a notable impact on states and how different interstate actors, including the executive, the legislature, the national judiciary, and local regulatory bodies, ensure compliance.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (Neupogen®; Filgrastim) Accelerates Neutrophil Recovery in a Rodent Model of Sulfur Mustard-Induced Hematologic Toxicity
Authors: Beske Phillip H , Harvilchuck Jill A , Gibbs Seth T , Green Carol E , Iyer Lalitha , O’Loughlin Kathleen , Hu Tom C-C , Nealy Michael S , Platoff Gennady E , Yeung David T
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Evidence of myelosuppression has been negatively correlated with patient outcomes following cases of high dose sulfur mustard (SM) exposure. These hematologic complications can negatively impact overall immune function and increase the risk of infection and life-threatening septicemia. Currently, there are no approved medical treatments for the myelosuppressive effects of SM exposure.

Methods:

Leveraging a recently developed rodent model of SM-induced hematologic toxicity, post-exposure efficacy testing of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor drug Neupogen® was performed in rats intravenously challenged with SM. Before efficacy testing, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses were performed in naïve rats to identify the apparent human equivalent dose of Neupogen® for efficacy evaluation.

Results:

When administered 1 d after SM-exposure, daily subcutaneous Neupogen® treatment did not prevent the delayed onset of hematologic toxicity but significantly accelerated recovery from neutropenia. Compared with SM controls, Neupogen®-treated animals recovered body weight faster, resolved toxic clinical signs more rapidly, and did not display transient febrility at time points generally concurrent with marked pancytopenia.

Conclusions:

Collectively, this work corroborates the results of a previous pilot large animal study, validates the utility of a rodent screening model, and provides further evidence for the potential clinical utility of Neupogen® as an adjunct treatment following SM exposure.
Neural representation of the stratospheric ozone chemistry
Authors: Mohn Helge , Kreyling Daniel , Wohltmann Ingo , Lehmann Ralph , Maass Peter , Rex Markus
Published: December 2023

In climate modeling, the stratospheric ozone layer is typically only considered in a highly simplified form due to computational constraints. For climate projections, it would be of advantage to include the mutual interactions between stratospheric ozone, temperature, and atmospheric dynamics to accurately represent radiative forcing. The overarching goal of our research is to replace the ozone layer in climate models with a machine-learned neural representation of the stratospheric ozone chemistry that allows for a particularly fast, but accurate and stable simulation. We created a benchmark data set from pairs of input and output variables that we stored from simulations of the ATLAS Chemistry and Transport Model. We analyzed several variants of multilayer perceptrons suitable for physical problems to learn a neural representation of a function that predicts 24-h ozone tendencies based on input variables. We performed a comprehensive hyperparameter optimization of the multilayer perceptron using Bayesian search and Hyperband early stopping. We validated our model by replacing the full chemistry module of ATLAS and comparing computation time, accuracy, and stability. We found that our model had a computation time that was a factor of 700 faster than the full chemistry module. The accuracy of our model compares favorably to the full chemistry module within a 2-year simulation run, also outperforms a previous polynomial approach for fast ozone chemistry, and reproduces seasonality well in both hemispheres. In conclusion, the neural representation of stratospheric ozone chemistry in simulation resulted in an ozone layer that showed a high accuracy, significant speed-up, and stability in a long-term simulation.
Remittances, Nonlabor Income as a Source of Hysteresis in Unemployment in Colombia, 2010–2020
Authors: Cardona-Arenas Carlos David , Sierra-Suarez Lya Paola
Published: December 2023

This study seeks to determine the impact of remittances and nonlabor income on the duration of unemployment, and therefore on the hysteresis phenomenon in Colombia for the period between January 2010 and January 2021. The long-term unemployment rate in Colombia (LAPU) is calculated, and a vector autoregressive (VAR) model is subsequently estimated to evaluate the impact of remittances and nonlabor income on the LAPU. The results suggest that the increase in nonlabor income significantly affected LAPU in Colombia in the period analyzed. The growth of remittances instead turned out to positively and significantly impact LAPU only during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This suggests that remittances have become a fundamental income in times of crisis that allow for financing the search for work for a longer period of time, thus increasing the duration of unemployment and generating a hysteresis effect.
Causal Constraints in the Life and Social Sciences
Authors: Ross Lauren N.
Published: December 2023

This paper examines constraints and their role in scientific explanation. Common views in the philosophical literature suggest that constraints are non-causal and that they provide non-causal explanations. While much of this work focuses on examples from physics, this paper explores constraints from other fields, including neuroscience, physiology, and the social sciences. I argue that these cases involve constraints that are causal and that provide a unique type of causal explanation. This paper clarifies what it means for a factor to be a constraint, when such constraints are causal, and how they figure in scientific explanation.
The effect of Coenzyme Q10 on mitochondrial biogenesis in mouse ovarian follicles during in vitro culture
Authors: Harsini Roya , Zavareh Saeed , Nasiri Meysam , Seyfi Sara
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the expression of the Transcription Factor A Mitochondrial (Tfam) gene and mtDNA copy number in preantral follicles (PFs) of mice during in vitro culture. To conduct this experimental study, PFs were isolated from 14-day-old National Medical Research Institute mice and cultured in the presence of 50 µm CoQ10 for 12 days. On the 12th day, human chorionic gonadotropin was added to stimulate ovulation. The fundamental parameters, including preantral follicle developmental rate and oocyte maturation, were evaluated. Additionally, the Tfam gene expression and mtDNA copy number of granulosa cells and oocytes were assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that CoQ10 significantly increased the diameter of PFs, survival rate, antrum formation, and metaphase II (MII) oocytes (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the CoQ10-treated groups, the Tfam gene expression in granulosa cells and oocytes increased considerably compared with the control group. The mtDNA copy number of granulosa cells and oocytes cultured in the presence of CoQ10 was substantially higher compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). The addition of CoQ10 to the culture medium enhances the developmental competence of PFs during in vitro culture by upregulating Tfam gene expression and increasing mtDNA copy number in oocyte and granulosa cells.
Temporal Variations of Earthquake Magnitude‐Frequency Relation in the Source Area of M ≥ 6.0 Earthquakes: A Systematic Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Sean Kuanhsiang , Chen Po‐Yuan , Wu Yih‐Min , Chen Chien‐Chih , Chan Chung‐Han
Published: December 2023

Recent studies in the earthquake magnitude‐frequency relation (b‐value) found that the b‐value can decrease with time before large earthquakes in the source area. Such a decrease even coincided with a burst of foreshocks immediately before the earthquakes implying a preslip migrating toward the nucleation zone. We systematically survey the b‐value variations in space and time in the source area of 17 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than ML 6.0 in Taiwan. We relocated the earthquakes released by the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan since 2012 as timing can provide a sufficiently low completeness magnitude (MC) of 1.5. We carefully determine the spatiotemporal search criteria on seismicity in the source area of all targeted earthquakes. We surveyed the temporal b‐value systematically using moving time windows with a given number of earthquake events with the magnitudes greater than MC. We found the b‐value decreased clearly for 2 days before the 2018 ML 6.3 Hualien earthquake, coinciding with a burst of ML 5.8 earthquake and its aftershocks nearby as foreshocks. The foreshocks migrated updip toward the hypocenter of the 2018 ML 6.3 Hualien earthquake and revealed a second decrease in the b‐value 10 hours before it occurred. The b‐value precursor primarily comes from a rapid reduction of small earthquakes in the foreshocks and agrees with recent key findings of preslip. However, there is no strong correlation between the b‐value precursor and coseismic slip. Apart from this, the b‐values did not change significantly in most cases of earthquakes in Taiwan before and after they occurred.
Survey and Analysis of Whistler‐ and Z‐Mode Emission in the Juno Extended Mission
Authors: Menietti J. D. , Averkamp T. F. , Kurth W. S. , Faden J. B. , Bolton S. J.
Published: December 2023

Whistler‐mode and Z‐mode waves may have significant impact on electron scattering and acceleration at Jupiter as recent stochastic models indicate. New observations of these waves in the Juno extended mission expand the orbital coverage from previous surveys, extending especially to smaller radial distances near the magnetic equator, and to extended ranges of dusk‐side magnetic local time. M‐shells transiting the Io torus and the orbit of Europa are recognized as a significant source region for whistler‐mode lower and upper band chorus emission with intensity peaks near 9 RJ. Ganymede is a significant source of intense whistler‐mode chorus confined to the local moon environment. New Z‐mode observations now extend from a few kHz to over 80 kHz. Inferred source regions for Z‐mode are consistent with the outer edge of the Io torus and with auroral field lines that may also support broadband kilometric or decametric emission.
Comparison of Simulated Warm‐Rain Microphysical Processes in a Record‐Breaking Rainfall Event Using Polarimetric Radar Observations
Authors: Wang Hong , Xue Ming , Yin Jinfang , Deng Hua
Published: December 2023

During 6–7 May 2017, a record‐breaking nocturnal rainfall event occurred in Guangzhou, China, and it was a typical warm‐sector heavy rainfall event under weak synoptic forcing. A prior observational study by the authors revealed that warm‐rain microphysical processes were dominant and responsible for the record‐breaking precipitation. In this study, the double‐moment Morrison, Thompson and NSSL microphysics schemes in WRF are evaluated against polarimetric radar observations in their ability of reproducing observed microphysical characteristics. The Thompson scheme shows the greatest fidelity to the observed raindrop size distribution (RSD) median value, corresponding to the most amount of precipitation forecast. While the Morrison and NSSL simulations overestimate (underestimate) the raindrop size (number concentration), exhibiting continental‐type convective precipitation. The three experiments slightly overestimate differential reflectivity (ZDR), but significantly underestimate specific differential phase (KDP) and liquid water content by about 30%–50%, implying the undervaluation of number of medium‐sized raindrops. Examinations of the occurrence frequencies of ZDR, KDP, mass‐weighted diameter, and logarithmic normalized intercept parameter for rain suggest that all three schemes fail to reproduce the full variability of observed RSD for the extreme rainfall. The vertical variations of RSD parameters and the Kumjian‐Ryzhkov parameter space suggest that the collision–coalescence is the dominant warm‐rain microphysical process but the simulated process is too weak. This may be attributed to the misrepresented RSD near the melting layer, where the raindrops with lower number concentration and larger sizes cannot grow through the collision–coalescence process as actively.
Impact of Reservoir Operation Policies on Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Sediment Methane Production and Release in a Large Reservoir
Authors: Xu Zhihao , Li Yunying , Cai Ximing , Cai Yanpeng , Yang Zhifeng
Published: December 2023

Reservoir operation policies affect sediment methane (CH4) production and pathways through complex influence on hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes in reservoir water and sediment. However, the underlying influencing mechanisms, especially the impact of operations on sediment CH4 production and pathways, remain poorly understood. This study combines a physical‐biogeochemical model with a reservoir operation model to evaluate operation impacts on spatiotemporal sediment CH4 production and release dynamics and to analyze affiliated processes and driving factors. Three typical operation policies (i.e., standard, hedging, eco‐friendly) are selected to create the operation scenarios, and a coupled physical‐biogeochemical model is adopted to simulate and compare sediment CH4 production, consumption, diffusion, and ebullition under these scenarios. The methods are applied in the second largest reservoir in China (i.e., Danjiangkou Reservoir) as a case study. Results show that annual total sediment CH4 production among the scenarios ranges from 285.9 to 298.3 Gg C year−1, while operation scenario outcomes significantly differ. Specifically, a significant CH4 percentage (34%–39%) is oxidized in surface sediment while the remaining escapes sediment through diffusion and ebullition. Although diffusion accounts for >60% of the annual sediment CH4 release, sediment ebullition ultimately dominates atmospheric CH4 emissions. Annual total atmospheric CH4 emissions range from 42.8 to 71.1 Gg C year−1 and account for 14%–25% of the annual total sediment production among the three scenarios. The differences demonstrate that reservoir operations significantly impact CH4 pathways and atmospheric emissions. This study provides implications for reservoir managers to coordinate socioeconomic and ecological protection while mitigating CH4 emission targets.
Neural network assisted high-spatial-resolution polarimetry with non-interleaved chiral metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Chen , Xiao Xingjian , Ye Xin , Sun Jiacheng , Ji Jitao , Yu Rongtao , Song Wange , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: December 2023

Polarimetry plays an indispensable role in modern optics. Nevertheless, the current strategies generally suffer from bulky system volume or spatial multiplexing scheme, resulting in limited performances when dealing with inhomogeneous polarizations. Here, we propose a non-interleaved, interferometric method to analyze the polarizations based on a tri-channel chiral metasurface. A deep convolutional neural network is also incorporated to enable fast, robust and accurate polarimetry. Spatially uniform and nonuniform polarizations are both measured through the metasurface experimentally. Distinction between two semblable glasses is also demonstrated. Our strategy features the merits of compactness and high spatial resolution, and would inspire more intriguing design for detecting and sensing.
The oral health of secondary school pupils: baseline data from the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial
Authors: Marshman Zoe , Fairhurst Caroline , El Yousfi Sarab , Whiteside Katie , Ainsworth Hannah , Chestnutt Ivor G. , Day Peter F. , Dey Donna , Hewitt Catherine , Hicks Katie , Pavitt Sue , Robertson Mark , Robinson-Smith Lyn , Sykes Debbie , Torgerson David , Turner Emma , Innes Nicola
Published: December 2023

Background This paper describes the sociodemographics and oral health of UK secondary school pupils. They were participants of the BRIGHT trial, which was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a toothbrushing intervention to reduce dental caries.

Methods Overall, 4,680 pupils aged 11-13 years attending 42 secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales with above average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, were recruited to the trial. Sociodemographic data were collected. Participants had a clinical assessment for caries, plaque and bleeding and completed measures of oral and general health-related quality of life and oral health behaviours (frequency of toothbrushing, dental attendance and cariogenic food/drinks consumed). Regression analyses were performed.

Results Over one-third (34.7%) of participants had caries experience, with 44.5% reporting their oral health had an impact on their daily lives. Factors associated with a statistically significant increased likelihood of caries experience were older age, being female, eligibility for free school meals, worse oral health-related quality of life, higher cariogenic diet, less than twice-daily toothbrushing, living in a more deprived area and lower school attendance.

Conclusions The prevalence and impact of dental caries on the lives of pupils remains high, with further oral health promotion activities needed in targeted secondary schools.
First in man study of intravitreal tripeptidyl peptidase 1 for CLN2 retinopathy
Authors: Wawrzynski James , Martinez Ana Rodriguez , Thompson Dorothy Ann , Ram Dipak , Bowman Richard , Whiteley Rebecca , Gan Chin , Harding Louise , Mortensen Amanda , Mills Philippa , Gissen Paul , Henderson Robert H.
Published: December 2023

Background/Objectives

CLN2 Batten Disease is a fatal neurodegenerative condition of childhood associated with retinal dystrophy and blindness. Intracerebroventricular infusion of rhTPP1 greatly slows the rate of neurodegenerative decline but not retinopathy. Intravitreal rhTPP1 is known to slow retinal degeneration in a canine model of CLN2. We report a first-in-man controlled clinical trial of intravitreal rhTPP1 for CLN2 associated retinal dystrophy.

Subjects/methods

8 children aged 5–9 with CLN2 Batten Disease were prospectively enroled. Severely affected patients were preferentially selected, provided that vision was better than no perception of light. Children underwent 8 weekly intravitreal injections of rhTPP1 (0.2 mg in 0.05 ml) into the right eye for 12–18 months. The left eye was untreated and acts as a paired control. The primary outcome was safety based on the clinical detection of complications. A secondary outcome was paracentral macular volume (PMV) measured by spectral domain OCT. Linear regression/paired t tests were used to compare rates of decline.

Results

No severe adverse reactions (uveitis, raised IOP, media opacity) occurred. The mean baseline PMV was 1.28 mm3(right), 1.27 mm3(left). 3 of the youngest patients exhibited bilateral progressive retinal thinning (p < 0.05), whereas retinal volume was stable in the remaining 5 patients. In the 3 patients undergoing retinal degeneration, the rate of PMV loss was slower in the treated vs. untreated eye (p = 0.000042, p = 0.0011, p = 0.00022).

Conclusions

Intravitreal rhTPP1 appears to be a safe and effective treatment for CLN2 related retinopathy however commencement of treatment early in the course of disease is more likely to be efficacious.