bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Envisioning the New Urban Informatics
Authors: Vainio Teija
Published: November 2024

This chapter envisions human implications of technology in cities, i.e., urban informatics, and focuses on related sustainability issues in technology design that particularly could influence citizens’ subjectively experienced security in urban environments. To date, much of the related urban informatics research contributes either to sustainability issues or security issues in the given context. In addition, sustainable technology design is quite often seen from the economic or environmental perspectives of sustainability and the challenges of secure technology, such as network stability and functionality. However, we argue here that these two phenomena, sustainability and citizen’s experienced security, are intertwined in the context of urban informatics. Thus, this chapter reviews the theoretical approaches and considerations of current urban informatics research related to sustainability and security issues from the citizen perspective. The outcome of this study reveals the gaps that have been unrecognized and discusses future research directions. The main contributions of this chapter are framing urban informatics into broader contexts of social sustainability and experienced security.
Climate Change: A Business Perspective of the Tourism Industry in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Pedrozo Lorena Aldana , Stephens Rixcie Newball
Published: November 2024

Mass tourism in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina is depleting natural ecosystems, which are precisely the basis that supports the local economy. Since the establishment of the free port in the territory, the region’s development has been promoted without considering the loss of its environmental resources. However, after the islands were declared the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve in 2000, actions have been taken to counteract the situation, envisioning a more environmentally friendly productive performance that provides the income necessary to guarantee the well-being and quality of life of islanders. Despite this, intensive economic activities prevail in the department, showing that the path towards sustainability under these conditions is difficult to achieve. Climate change has highlighted the importance of finding sustainable alternatives for islands. In this case, it is necessary to discourage conventional means that threaten the biodiversity of the territory and to promote business schemes that are more environmentally respectful. This will be possible through the strengthening of governance in the Biosphere Reserve and its coordination with different interest groups. In this article we estimate the relevance of the topic for the most important industry in the territory—tourism—to provide key elements for this discussion.
Advances and Needs in Marine Science Research in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina: A Literature Analysis
Authors: García Camilo B. , Villarraga Johan Sebastián
Published: November 2024

A searchable database of marine science bibliographic references relating to the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina is presented. A total of 422 documents were located, including scientific articles, books and book chapters, and thesis works, plus 103 internal technical reports. The database is used to formulate a diagnosis of advances and needs in marine science research in the archipelago. Despite having received the most attention, the species inventory is not complete and is biased toward certain groups. The biology of most species is poorly known, as well as their interactions. Static aspects like the co-occurrence of species in a certain time period predominate, while dynamic aspects including responses to climate change have been barely touched upon. Hence, there is a wide scope and need for new and modern initiatives in marine science research for the archipelago.
A Light Pollution Assessment in the Fringing Reefs of San Andrés Island: Towards Reducing Stressful Conditions at Impacted Coral Reefs
Authors: Chilma-Arias Andres , Giraldo-Vaca Sebastian , Sánchez Juan A.
Published: November 2024

The degradation of the night sky’s quality due to artificial light sources negatively affects marine environments, because many organisms use natural light as cues for reproductive and dispersal behaviors, find favorable habitats, and for the biochemistry of their symbiotic microorganisms. Despite the tremendous effect on marine life, measuring the effects of artificial light pollution is difficult because our understanding of natural light brightness coming from celestial bodies like the Moon is minimal. Here, we fill this gap by quantifying the sky’s brightness and Artificial Light Pollution at Night (ALAN). This study assessed light pollution along the reefs around San Andrés Island, which Hurricane Iota significantly impacted. We modified and installed Sky Quality Meters (LU-DL) at both leeward and fringing reefs, down to 11 m depth. The results indicate the highest ALAN values in the area of Johnny Cay (18 msas) compared to Acuario (20 msas) and West View (21 msas). Additionally, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA and Unihedron databases show an increase in artificial light on land, where constant artificial light and coastal vegetation loss due to Hurricane Iota (between 15 and 19th November 2020), are the main factors that may be generating this increase in artificial light.
The cosmological impact of Brane-Chern-Simons massive gravity
Authors: Kazempour S. , Akbarieh A. R.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel extension of massive gravity theory; the Brane-Chern-Simons massive gravity theory. We explore the cosmological implications of this theory by deriving the background equations and demonstrating the existence of self-accelerating solutions. Interestingly, our theory suggests the existence of self-accelerating mechanisms that originate from an effective cosmological constant, leading to intriguing possibilities for understanding the nature of cosmic acceleration. Furthermore, we perform a tensor perturbation analysis to investigate the propagation of gravitational waves in this framework. We derive the dispersion relation for gravitational waves and study their behavior in the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker cosmology within the context of Brane-Chern-Simons massive gravity.
Infinitely many new renormalization group flows between Virasoro minimal models from non-invertible symmetries
Authors: Nakayama Yu , Tanaka Takahiro
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Based on the study of non-invertible symmetries, we propose there exist infinitely many new renormalization group flows between Virasoro minimal models $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
(kq + I, q) →$$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
(kq – I, q) induced by ϕ(1,2k+1). They vastly generalize the previously proposed ones k = I = 1 by Zamolodchikov, k = 1, I > 1 by Ahn and Lässig, and k = 2 by Dorey et al. All the other ℤ2 preserving renormalization group flows sporadically known in the literature (e.g. $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
(10, 3) → $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
(8, 3) studied by Klebanov et al) fall into our proposal (e.g. k = 3, I = 1). We claim our new flows give a complete understanding of the renormalization group flows between Virasoro minimal models that preserve a modular tensor category with the SU(2)q−2 fusion ring.
Development and in vitro testing of an orthodontic miniscrew for use in the mandible
Authors: Bauer Carolien A. J. , Karl Pauline A. M. , Mielke Juliana M. -K. , Roser Christoph J. , Lux Christopher J. , Scheurer Mats , Keilig Ludger , Bourauel Christoph , Hodecker Lutz D.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have been successfully used in the maxilla. However, in the mandible, lower success rates present a challenge in everyday clinical practice. A new TAD design will be presented that is intended to demonstrate optimization of the coupling structure as well as in the thread area for use in the mandible.

Methods

Three TADs were examined: (A) Aarhus® system (68.99.33 A, Medicon, Tuttlingen, Germany), (B) BENEfit® orthodontic screw (ST-33-54209; PSM Medical, Gunningen, Germany) and (C) a new design with a two-part screw thread. The TADs were inserted into artificial bone blocks after predrilling to test primary stability. To test the fracture stability, the TADs were embedded in Technovit® 4004 (Heraeus Kulzer, Wehrheim, Germany) and torsional loaded at an angle of 90° until fracture. The threshold torque values occurring were recorded digitally. The statistical evaluation was carried out using the Kruskal–Wallis test with a post hoc test according to Bonferroni (p < 0.05).

Results

The following values were measured for the insertion torque: A: 33.7 ± 3.3 Ncm; B: 57.1 ± 8.4 Ncm; C: 34.2 ± 1.4 Ncm. There were significant differences between A–B and B–C. The measured values for the fracture strength were as follows: A: 46.7 ± 3.5 Ncm; B: 64.2 ± 5.1 Ncm; C: 55.4 ± 5.1 Ncm. Significant differences were found between all groups.

Conclusion

The adapted screw design has no negative influence on primary and fracture stability. Whether the design has a positive effect on the success rates in the mandible must be clarified in further clinical studies.
Werner Nachtigall (1934–2024)
Authors: Blickhan Reinhard
Published: November 2024

On September 5th, 2024, Werner Nachtigall (born July 6, 1934) passed away. Nachtigall is a pioneer in biomechanics, a founder of biomimetics (bionics), and a relentless advocate for his field in Germany. He conducted broad-ranging and innovative work on biomechanics in insects, birds, and fishes. He developed elaborate technical methods, such as sensitive scales, wind-tunnels, and high-speed photography. The research he performed at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich (dissertation and habilitation) and especially as a full professor at the Saarland-University in Saarbrücken focused on the biophysics of swimming in insects, and flight in both insects and birds. He set new standards for kinematic, aerodynamic, energetic, and cybernetic investigations. With his team, he continued to expand his biological and technical interests, ranging from the biomechanics of fish locomotion to the mechanics of biological light weight structures. With Werner Nachtigall we lost a talented scientist, a dedicated teacher, an enthusiastic naturalist, and a highly productive author.
Remarks on Foliations on $${{\mathbb {C}}}{{\mathbb {P}}}^2$$ with a Unique Singular Point
Authors: Alcántara Claudia R. , Mozo-Fernández Jorge
Published: November 2024

This paper is a contribution to the study of foliations on

$${{\mathbb {C}}}{{\mathbb {P}}}^2$$

C

P

2

with a unique singularity. We provide an explicit example in degree 7 of such a foliation, in the non dicritical case, having a divergent separatrix, and subsequently, we study different families of such foliations in low degree.
Destructive spondyloarthropathy of the lumbar spine in patients on long-term haemodialysis: a computed tomography-based study
Authors: Yabe Yutaka , Ishikawa Keisuke , Kurosawa Daisuke , Murakami Eiichi , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) is a serious complication of long-term haemodialysis; it commonly occurs in the cervical spine and has been investigated in cervical lesions. Although DSA of the lumbar spine has been reported, only few studies have investigated this, and the characteristics of patients with lumbar DSA are unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of DSA and its clinical characteristics in patients with DSA in the lumbar spine using computed tomography (CT) images of the patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing haemodialysis who underwent lumbar spine surgery (n = 67) were assessed. DSA was diagnosed using CT images, and the patients were divided into non-DSA and DSA groups. The differences in the clinical characteristics of the patients in the two groups were analysed.

Results

The prevalence of patients diagnosed with DSA was 31.3%. The mean intra- and inter-observer kappa values of DSA classification using CT images were 0.68 and 0.53, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the age, sex, body mass index, reason for lumbar surgery, disease causing haemodialysis, age at the start of haemodialysis, or duration of haemodialysis between the non-DSA and DSA groups, the duration of haemodialysis tended to be longer in the DSA group.

Conclusion

Among patients on haemodialysis who underwent lumbar spine surgery, the prevalence of patients with DSA was 31.3%. Classification of DSA using CT showed moderate-to-substantial agreement. Patients with DSA tended to have a longer haemodialysis duration.
Mobbing behaviour of hosts and non-hosts towards cuckoo Cuculus canorus of different sex
Authors: Tryjanowski Piotr , Jankowiak Łukasz , Indykiewicz Piotr , Morelli Federico , Grzywaczewski Grzegorz , Møller Anders Pape
Published: November 2024

The common cuckoo Cuculus canorus is an obligate brood parasite of many Eurasian bird species that exploit the parental care of their hosts. Although only females lay eggs in nests of passerine hosts, male and female cuckoos should cooperate to have a success in nest parasitism. Many bird species mobbing cuckoos as an element of deterrence of cuckoos from the breeding territory of the host. However, mobbing behaviour is costly, although only cuckoo females pose a threat to the dangers of the host. Because only the presence of a female cuckoo is dangerous, due to laying eggs in the nests of hosts, birds should mainly attack cuckoo females. Therefore, we tested for differences in anti-parasite response using field experiments with female and male cuckoo dummies, in 92 breeding sites with prime habitats in Poland. tested for differences in cuckoo responses in anti-parasite response using field experiments and cuckoo dummies (male and female) placed at 92 breeding sites with prime habitats in Poland. The host species that behaved most aggressively towards cuckoos was the barn swallow Hirundo rustica, while the most aggressive behaviour recorded in the non-host group was the great tit Parus major. Generally, host species reacted to cuckoo female dummies with a significantly higher probability than cuckoo males dummies. We conclude that differences in reaction by hosts and non-hosts may have arisen from selection for recognition of danger (parasite female) by reduction of reproductive success.
Always Relevant? Finding a Place for the Social Sciences in the Technical University and the Business School
Authors: Irwin Alan , Horst Maja
Published: November 2024

Relevance with regard to the social sciences can be presented as a new imposition from external stakeholders and an obligation imposed upon the individual researcher. As an alternative approach, we place relevance in a larger institutional but also historical perspective. Taking the case of two non-traditional locations for the social sciences, we suggest that ‘relevance’ has been actively constitutive of both institutions from the beginning—even if the definition and practice of relevance have been matters of discussion, change and contestation. In what we describe as a process of multi-layering, relevance has over time accumulated new meanings which can co-exist with older concerns. It follows that, even when universities express a commitment to relevance, the enactment of that commitment will be open to competing interpretations. Our account identifies an element of circularity as old issues return in new form. We also note that both the institutional past and organizational complexity can be overlooked within contemporary discussions. Relevance is not a static concept around which critical debate then circulates. Its contextuality, case-specificity and multi-dimensionality make it difficult to impose from above. Nevertheless, the shifting construction of its meaning and enactment provokes questions about the identity and purpose of both the social sciences and the universities.
Fiscal and macroprudential policies in a monetary union
Authors: Boscá José E. , Ferri Javier , Rubio Margarita
Published: November 2024

In the European Monetary Union (EMU), monetary policy is determined by the European Central Bank (ECB). This arrangement can give rise to certain national economic imbalances that may potentially be addressed through national policies. Traditionally, fiscal policy has been the primary tool to correct these imbalances. However, following the global financial crisis (GFC), a new policy tool has emerged: national macroprudential policies, which aim to mitigate financial risks. This situation raises an intriguing research question: How do macroprudential and fiscal policies interact? Through their influence on real interest rates and economic activity, discretionary macroprudential policies can impact the trajectory of public debt and may necessitate fiscal adjustments, such as tax rate increases, to stabilize the public debt-to-GDP ratio. In a monetary union, a domestic macroprudential shock generates significant cross-border financial effects and also influences the fiscal stance of foreign countries. Furthermore, discretionary government spending policies have an impact on housing prices and households debt. Therefore, the responsiveness of macroprudential policy to changes in housing prices affects the fiscal multiplier.
Indicator species of former lead (Pb) ore mining areas
Authors: Podgórska Monika
Published: November 2024

The main objective of this study was to determine whether species that are considered to be indicator species for former iron ore mining areas also have value as indicators for remnants of former lead ore mining areas. The study was conducted at an abandoned post-mining field dating from the sixteenth century with visible remains from the exploitation of lead ore deposits (post-mining mounds, PMM). In each of the 41 plots (21 on PMM and 21 in the surroundings of PMM), an inventory was conducted of all vascular plants growing in the vegetation layer indicating both their coverage in percent and analyzing them based on indicator species for former iron mining sites. Additionally, soil samples were taken from each, and chemical analyses were done: pH in H2O; contents of Ca, and Pb; and available forms of K, P, and Mg. Changes in the chemical properties of the soil impacted the diversity of the flora of the analyzed area. In the 21 research plots established on the PMM of the former lead ore mining area, as many as 18 species of mesophilic deciduous forest considered to be indicator species for former iron mining areas were identified. The analyses conducted indicate a strong preference for these species for the soil occurring on the lead PMM. Indicator species for former iron mining areas can also be a good indicator for former lead ore mining areas.
Jugular Venous Catheterization is Not Associated with Increased Complications in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Akbik Feras , Shi Yuyang , Philips Steven , Pimentel-Farias Cederic , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Howard Brian M. , Tong Frank , Cawley C. Michael , Samuels Owen B. , Mei Yajun , Sadan Ofer
Published: November 2024

Background

Classic teaching in neurocritical care is to avoid jugular access for central venous catheterization (CVC) because of a presumed risk of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). Limited data exist to test this hypothesis. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) leads to diffuse cerebral edema and often requires external ventricular drains (EVDs), which provide direct ICP measurements. Here, we test whether CVC access site correlates with ICP measurements and catheter-associated complications in patients with aSAH.

Methods

In a single-center retrospective cohort study, patients with aSAH admitted to Emory University Hospital between January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2020, were included. Patients were assigned by the access site of the first CVC placed. The subset of patients with an EVD were further studied. ICP measurements were analyzed using linear mixed effect models, with a binary comparison between internal-jugular (IJ) versus non-IJ access.

Results

A total of 1577 patients were admitted during the study period with CVC access: subclavian (SC) (887, 56.2%), IJ (365, 23.1%), femoral (72, 4.6%), and peripheral inserted central catheter (PICC) (253, 16.0%). Traumatic pneumothorax was the most common with SC access (3.0%, p < 0.01). Catheter-associated infections did not differ between sites. Catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis was most common in femoral (8.3%) and PICC (3.6%) access (p < 0.05). A total of 1220 patients had an EVD, remained open by default, generating 351,462 ICP measurements. ICP measurements, as compared over the first 24–postinsertion hours and the next 10 days, were similar between the two groups. Subgroup analysis accounting for World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade on presentation yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Contrary to classic teaching, we find that IJ CVC placement was not associated with increased ICP in the clinical context of the largest, quantitative data set to date. Further, IJ access was the least likely to be associated with an access-site complication when compared with SC, femoral, and PICC. Together, these data support the safety, and perhaps preference, of ultrasound-guided IJ venous catheterization in neurocritically ill patients.
Maimonides and Jewish Theocracy
Authors: Lesch Charles H. T.
Published: November 2024

Theocratic movements are on the rise. But what does it actually mean for God to rule? This Element offers one answer by recovering the theocratic project of medieval Judaism's most important thinker, Moses Maimonides. Theocracy is often thought to quash human agency, evoking an overpowering deity and clerical domination. Yet by reconsidering Maimonides' debt to the Islamic philosopher al-Fārābī, and challenging Leo Strauss' influential reading, the author argues that among Maimonides' aims was to elevate humanity's role in divine rule. In its highest form reason is identical with revelation, action with providence. God's governance is delegated: theocracy requires human agency-the imitation of God. Maimonides focuses on philosophical-religious leaders. But he also broadens imitatio dei to anyone whose knowledge of God inspires love of God: By emulating God's goodness, we can become agents of divine rule. In this way, Maimonides' ideas suggest ways by which theocracy and democracy might, counter-intuitively, be reconciled.
How Does Network Media Affect the Efficiency of Emergency Response During Natural Disaster Process?
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Shi Yijun
Published: November 2024

This paper delves into the influence of network media on the efficacy of emergency response during natural disasters. Given the frequent occurrence of disasters that pose significant risks to urban areas, effective emergency response mechanisms are paramount. Leveraging the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, this study assesses disaster response efficiency by analyzing network information. It explores the distinct characteristics of disaster response across different types of natural disasters and their various occurrence stages. To this end, three emblematic disasters are chosen for empirical analysis: the 2021 Zhengzhou heavy rainstorm, the 2022 Super Typhoon Chaba, and the 2022 Luding earthquake. Our findings reveal disparities in response efficiency among these disaster types, with Zhengzhou’s rainstorm response demonstrating the highest efficiency, followed by the Super Typhoon Chaba, and the Luding earthquake yielding the lowest efficiency. Furthermore, this study meticulously discusses the pivotal factors that shape response efficiency, encompassing government decision-making, emergency rescue operations, and social assistance. By pinpointing optimal response strategies tailored to distinct disaster stages, this paper underscores its contribution toward augmenting disaster response efficiency and fostering urban safety and disaster preparedness.
Chemokines Signature and T Cell Dynamics in Leishmaniasis: Molecular Insight and Therapeutic Application
Authors: Upadhyay Shreya , Kumar Shashi , Singh Vishal Kumar , Tiwari Rahul , Kumar Awnish , Sundar Shyam , Kumar Rajiv
Published: November 2024

Leishmaniasis, caused by obligate intracellular Leishmania parasites, poses a significant global health burden. The control of Leishmania infection relies on an effective T cell-dependent immune response; however, various factors impede the host’s ability to mount a successful defence. Alterations in the chemokine profile, responsible for cell trafficking to the infection site, can disrupt optimal immune responses and influence the outcome of pathogenesis by facilitating parasite persistence. This review aims to emphasize the significance of the chemokine system in T cell responses and to summarize the current knowledge on the dysregulation of chemokines and their receptors associated with different subsets of T lymphocytes during Leishmaniasis. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic nature of the chemokine system during Leishmaniasis is crucial for the development of successful immunotherapeutic approaches.
Quantum wreath products and Schur–Weyl duality I
Authors: Lai Chun-Ju , Nakano Daniel K. , Xiang Ziqing
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the authors introduce a new notion called the quantum wreath product, which is the algebra

$B \wr _Q \mathcal {H}(d)$

produced from a given algebra B, a positive integer d and a choice

$Q=(R,S,\rho ,\sigma )$

of parameters. Important examples that arise from our construction include many variants of the Hecke algebras, such as the Ariki–Koike algebras, the affine Hecke algebras and their degenerate version, Wan–Wang’s wreath Hecke algebras, Rosso–Savage’s (affine) Frobenius Hecke algebras, Kleshchev–Muth’s affine zigzag algebras and the Hu algebra that quantizes the wreath product

$\Sigma _m \wr \Sigma _2$

between symmetric groups.

In the first part of the paper, the authors develop a structure theory for the quantum wreath products. Necessary and sufficient conditions for these algebras to afford a basis of suitable size are obtained. Furthermore, a Schur–Weyl duality is established via a splitting lemma and mild assumptions on the base algebra B. Our uniform approach encompasses many known results which were proved in a case by case manner. The second part of the paper involves the problem of constructing natural subalgebras of Hecke algebras that arise from wreath products. Moreover, a bar-invariant basis of the Hu algebra via an explicit formula for its extra generator is also described.
Topological structures of large-scale interacting systems via uniform functions and forms
Authors: Bannai Kenichi , Kametani Yukio , Sasada Makiko
Published: November 2024

In this article, we investigate the topological structure of large-scale interacting systems on infinite graphs, by constructing a suitable cohomology which we call the uniform cohomology. The central idea for the construction is the introduction of a class of functions called uniform functions. Uniform cohomology provides a new perspective for the identification of macroscopic observables from the microscopic system. As a straightforward application of our theory when the underlying graph has a free action of a group, we prove a certain decomposition theorem for shift-invariant closed uniform forms. This result is a uniform version in a very general setting of the decomposition result for shift-invariant closed

$L^2$

-forms originally proposed by Varadhan, which has repeatedly played a key role in the proof of the hydrodynamic limits of nongradient large-scale interacting systems. In a subsequent article, we use this result as a key to prove Varadhan’s decomposition theorem for a general class of large-scale interacting systems.
Periods of elliptic surfaces with
$p_g=q=1$
Authors: Engel Philip , Greer François , Ward Abigail
Published: November 2024

We prove that the period mapping is dominant for elliptic surfaces over an elliptic curve with

$12$

nodal fibers, and that its degree is larger than

$1$

. This settles the final case of infinitesimal Torelli for a generic elliptic surface.
Transition to turbulence in rough plane Couette flow
Authors: Gokul S. , Narasimhamurthy Vagesh D.
Published: November 2024

This DNS study considers transition to turbulence in plane Couette flow (pCf) with a rough stationary wall and a smooth moving wall. The roughness elements are square ribs of height

$k=0.2h$

(where

$h$

is the half-channel height). Two different pitch separations,

$\lambda =2k$

and

$10k$

, are considered, i.e. d-type and k-type roughness, respectively. The transition in both rough pCf cases takes place through a stage of alternate laminar–turbulent bands aligned in an oblique fashion. However, roughness causes a shift in the transitional Reynolds number (

$Re$

) range. In the k-type roughness, stable bands are observed in the range

$Re \in [300, 325]$

, which is a downwards shift from the transitional

$Re$

range for the smooth pCf (

$Re \in [325,400]$

). The d-type roughness, on the other hand, surprisingly shifts the transitional

$Re$

range upwards to

$Re \in [350,425]$

. This peculiar behaviour is associated with the ability of the ribs to shed and regenerate vorticity. Large-scale components extracted using a filtering process relate to the transition bands and flow parallel to the oblique laminar–turbulent boundaries. Counter-rotating vortices are present in the turbulent regions of the flow field, which exist in tandem with the high- and low-velocity streaks. Another interesting observation is the secondary Reynolds shear stresses,

$-\overline {v^{\prime }u^{\prime }}$

and

$-\overline {w^{\prime }v^{\prime }}$

, which are non-zero in the transitional regime, in contrast to the turbulent regime where they are negligible.
The energetics and colour for linearised models of wall turbulence
Authors: Holford Jacob J. , Lee Myoungkyu , Hwang Yongyun
Published: November 2024

By comparing the budget of a data-driven quasi-linear approximation (DQLA) (Holford, Lee & Hwang, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 980, 2024, A12) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) (Lee & Moser, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 860, 2019, pp. 886–938), the energetics of linear models for wall-bounded turbulence are assessed. The DQLA is implemented with the linearised Navier–Stokes equations with a stochastic forcing term and an eddy viscosity diffusion model. The self-consistent nature of the DQLA allows for a global comparison across all wavenumbers to assess the role of the various terms in the linear model in replicating the features present in DNS. Starting from the steady-state second-order statistics of a Fourier mode, a spectral budget equation is derived, connecting Lyapunov-like equations to the transport budget equations obtained from DNS. It is found that the DQLA and DNS are in good qualitative agreement for the streamwise-elongated structures present in DNS, comparing well for production, viscous transport and wall-normal turbulent transport. However, the DQLA does not have an energy-conservative nonlinear term. This results in no dissipation under molecular viscosity, with energy instead being dissipated locally through the eddy viscosity model, which models the energy removal by the nonlinear term at integral length scales. Comparison of the pressure–strain statistics also highlights the absence of the streak instability, with production and forcing mainly being retained in the streamwise and wall-normal components or shifted to the spanwise component. It is demonstrated that the eddy viscosity diffusion term locally enforces a self-similar budget, making the model for the nonlinear term self-consistent with a logarithmic mean profile. Implications and recommendations to improve the current eddy viscosity enhanced linear models are also discussed concerning the comparison with DNS, as well as considerations with regard to pressure statistics to mimic the role of the streak instability through colour of turbulence models.
Integrative taxonomy approach to the study of parasitic ergasilids (Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) of fishes from the Pardo River, Brazil with a redescription of Rhinergasilus piranhus Boeger and Thatcher, 1988 and a molecular phylogeny for Ergasilidae
Authors: Narciso Rodrigo Bravin , Smit Nico J. , Perbiche-Neves Gilmar , da Silva Reinaldo José
Published: November 2024

Brazil has the richest biodiversity of Ergasilidae on Earth, with 76 species in 19 genera. However, several authors suggested that there is still great potential for discoveries, especially regarding genetic data that are still scarce for ergasilids from this region. To expand our knowledge of this taxon, we conducted an integrative study involving morphological (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular analyses of ergasilids from fishes sampled in the Pardo River, São Paulo State, Brazil. Two ergasilid species were found, Gamispatulus schizodontis and Rhinergasilus piranhus parasitizing the nostrils of 5 fish species (native and exotic): (i) R. piranhus from Astyanax lacustris; Cyphocharax modestus; Coptodon rendalli; Psalidodon bockmanni; and (ii) G. schizodontis from Serrasalmus maculatus. Additionally, we redescribed R. piranhus herein based on novelties and discrepancies found in the antennules, antennae, body segments and ornamentation of the swimming legs. Novel molecular data of ribosomal (18S and 28S rDNA) and/or mitochondrial (cox 1) genes were provided for both species and the phylogenetic relationships among the ergasilids were tested. Relationships between species/genera are still uncertain in Ergasilidae, but it was possible to verify the formation of 5 well-supported terminal clades – i.e. including a clade formed only by Neotropical species. More molecular data are needed to test this hypothesis, but the clades observed here represent good targets for future taxonomic revisions. The occurrence of R. piranhus specimens in the introduced fish, Co. rendalli can indicate (for the first time) host switching in this parasite species and spillback from native to introduced hosts.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HTAsiaLink network members
Authors: Sitanggang Ryan Jonathan , Chavarina Kinanti Khansa , K.C. Sarin , Wadhwa Raina , Wiweko Budi , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Ghazali Izzuna Mudla Mohamed , Jacobsen Jonathan Henry Webster , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth , Mayxay Mayfong , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Wang Yaoling , Chen Ying-Li , Ong Benjamin Shao Kiat , Kar Sitanshu , Avdeyev Andrey , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study investigates the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on HTAsiaLink members at the organizational level and provides recommendations for mitigating similar challenges in the future.

Methods

A survey was disseminated among HTAsiaLink members to assess the COVID-19 impact in three areas: (i) inputs, (ii) process, and (iii) outputs of the Health Technology Assessment organizations’ (HTAOs) research operations and HTA process in general.

Results

Survey results showed that most HTAOs hired more staff and secured similar or higher funding levels during COVID-19. Nevertheless, some organizations reported high staff turnover. COVID-19-relevant research was prioritized, and most of the organizations had to adapt their research design to meet the needs of policymakers. Time constraints in conducting research and inability to collect primary data were reported as impacts on the research process. Overall, the number of research projects and accessibility of respondents’ publications increased during COVID-19.

Conclusions

Research demand for HTAOs increased during COVID-19 and impacted their research process; however, they demonstrated resilience and adaptability to provide timely evidence for policymakers. With the growing reliance on HTA, HTAOs require adequate financial support, continuous capacity building, collaboration, and partnership, innovative HTA methods, and a pragmatic yet robust, evidence-to-policy process in preparation for future pandemics.
Optimal mixing via tensorization for random independent sets on arbitrary trees
Authors: Efthymiou Charilaos , Hayes Thomas P. , Štefankovič Daniel , Vigoda Eric
Published: November 2024

We study the mixing time of the single-site update Markov chain, known as the Glauber dynamics, for generating a random independent set of a tree. Our focus is obtaining optimal convergence results for arbitrary trees. We consider the more general problem of sampling from the Gibbs distribution in the hard-core model where independent sets are weighted by a parameter
$\lambda \gt 0$
; the special case
$\lambda =1$
corresponds to the uniform distribution over all independent sets. Previous work of Martinelli, Sinclair and Weitz (2004) obtained optimal mixing time bounds for the complete
$\Delta$
-regular tree for all
$\lambda$
. However, Restrepo, Stefankovic, Vera, Vigoda, and Yang (2014) showed that for sufficiently large
$\lambda$
there are bounded-degree trees where optimal mixing does not hold. Recent work of Eppstein and Frishberg (2022) proved a polynomial mixing time bound for the Glauber dynamics for arbitrary trees, and more generally for graphs of bounded tree-width.

We establish an optimal bound on the relaxation time (i.e., inverse spectral gap) of
$O(n)$
for the Glauber dynamics for unweighted independent sets on arbitrary trees. We stress that our results hold for arbitrary trees and there is no dependence on the maximum degree
$\Delta$
. Interestingly, our results extend (far) beyond the uniqueness threshold which is on the order
$\lambda =O(1/\Delta )$
. Our proof approach is inspired by recent work on spectral independence. In fact, we prove that spectral independence holds with a constant independent of the maximum degree for any tree, but this does not imply mixing for general trees as the optimal mixing results of Chen, Liu, and Vigoda (2021) only apply for bounded-degree graphs. We instead utilize the combinatorial nature of independent sets to directly prove approximate tensorization of variance via a non-trivial inductive proof.
Impact of white matter hyperintensity volume on cognition among US Mexican American adults
Authors: Graves Lisa V. , Diaz Monica M. , Dayan Eran ,   For the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities (HABS-HD) Team
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Higher white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume is a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. CVD risk factors increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Mexican Americans (MA) and individuals of other Hispanic/Latino heritages have higher risk for CVD and ADRD. However, knowledge of associations between WMH volume and cognition in these groups remains limited.

Method:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of associations between WMH volume and neuropsychological performance (attention/executive functioning, memory) in MA (n = 851) and non-Hispanic White (NHW; n = 747) adults in the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities.

Results:

The MA group (mean age = 63.72 ± 7.90 years; 66.3% female) had higher rates of consensus diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes, whereas the NHW group (mean age = 69.18 ± 8.65 years; 55.2% female) had higher rates of diagnosed CVD (ps < .01). WMH volumes were higher among individuals with CVD risk factors/conditions (ps < .01). There were differential associations between WMH and neuropsychological performance across ethnoracial groups (ps < .001), wherein associations were steeper in the NHW group than in the MA group. Lower educational level was associated with higher WMH volume in the NHW group (p < .001), but no association was seen in the MA group (p > .05).

Conclusions:

Negative effects of pathological changes in the form of WMH on cognition may be less robust or consistent for MA adults than NHW adults. Furthermore, the impact of WMH on cognition in NHW adults may be mitigated by cognitive reserve related to educational attainment.
On-demand beamforming and wide dynamic power range for WPT and EH applications
Authors: Paolini Giacomo , Battistini Giulia , Di Florio Di Renzo Alessandra , Fazzini Enrico , Tiberi Tommaso , Trovarello Simone , Masotti Diego , Costanzo Alessandra
Published: November 2024

This work delves into advancements in wireless power transfer (WPT) and radiofrequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH), focusing on on-demand beamforming and wide-dynamic power range technologies. These innovations promise significant improvements in efficiency and adaptability for wireless energy systems. For transmitting RF power, on-demand beamforming enhances power delivery precision by accurately targeting specific devices, minimizing energy waste, and maximizing received power. This technology is particularly useful in dynamic environments with constantly changing device positions, ensuring stable power levels and effective real-time power transfer, such as for mobile device charging. For receiving RF power, wide-dynamic power range implementation allows EH and WPT systems to adjust power output across a broad spectrum, optimizing energy use and extending device lifespan. This capability supports scalability, accommodating devices with varied power needs, also enabling new applications in consumer electronics, healthcare, smart homes, and cities, and enhancing energy management in smart infrastructures. Additionally, this study explores three-dimensional (3D)-printable antennas and RF circuitries for battery-free applications. The versatility of 3D printing allows the creation of complex, efficient, and customizable RF components, fostering innovative battery-free solutions. Integrating on-demand beamforming and wide-dynamic power range technologies in EH systems promise improved energy transfer efficiencies, reduced losses, and sustainable, cost-effective wireless power systems.
Using RISR‐N to Resolve Variations in Dayside and Nightside Plasma Density Spatial‐Scales
Authors: Goodwin L. V. , Ivarsen M. , Lamarche L. , Perry G. W. , Negrea C.
Published: November 2024

To provide new insights into plasma density scale‐sizes in the polar cap, irregularity spectra are developed and tracked relative to magnetic local time (MLT) and solar zenith angle (SZA). A novel Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) technique is applied to develop spectra between 20 and 300 km using 2016 to 2018 imaginglp mode data from Resolute Bay ISR‐North. This technique leverages: (a) volumetric plasma density measurements from Advanced Modular ISRs, (b) the slow F‐region cross‐field plasma diffusion at scales greater than 10 km, and (c) that high‐latitude geomagnetic field lines are nearly vertical. The results of this work find that the largest spectral features within periodograms that use sunlit or dayside plasma densities are predominately above 100 km, indicating that structures that are above 100 km are more common than structures below 100 km in dayside/sunlit plasma. However, the opposite is true when plasma is in the dark or on the nightside, where the largest spectral features are predominately below 100 km. This contrast between the dayside and nightside is symptomatic of photoionization generating structures larger than 100 km, highlighting the role of photoionization or E‐region shorting in removing structures less than 100 km or driving larger scale‐structures more strongly, and the role of other mechanisms (such as flows, recombination, precipitation, and instabilities) in generating small‐scale structures. This paper will discuss these findings in detail, as well as discuss forthcoming works.
Influence of Evaporation and High‐Frequency Seawater Inundation on Salinity Dynamics in Swash Zones
Authors: Geng Xiaolong , Michael Holly A. , Heiss James W. , Boufadel Michel C. , Li Hailong , Wang Xuejing
Published: November 2024

The interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, and beach in the swash zone are dynamic, influencing water flux and solute exchange across the land‐sea interface. This study employs groundwater simulations to examine the combined effects of waves and evaporation on subsurface flow and salinity dynamics in a shallow beach environment. Our simulations reveal that wave motion generates a saline plume beneath the swash zone, where evaporation induces hypersalinity near the sand surface. This leads to the formation of a hypersaline plume beneath the swash zone during periods of wave recession, which extends vertically downward to a maximum depth of 30 cm, driven by the resulting vertical density gradients. This hypersaline plume moves approximately 2 m landward to the top of the swash zone and down the beachface due to wave‐induced seawater infiltration and is subsequently diluted by the surrounding saline groundwater. Furthermore, swash motion increases near‐surface moisture, leading to an elevated evaporation rate, with dynamic fluctuations in both moisture and evaporation rate due to high‐frequency surface inundation caused by individual waves. Notably, the highest evaporation rates on the swash zone surface do not always correspond to the greatest elevations of salt concentration within the swash zone. This is because optimal moisture is also required—neither too low to impede evaporation nor too high to dilute accumulated salt near the surface. These insights are crucial for enhancing our understanding of coastal groundwater flow, biogeochemical conditions, and the subsequent nutrient cycling and contaminant transport in coastal zones.
Pore‐Scale Coupling of Flow, Biofilm Growth, and Nutrient Transport: A Microcontinuum Approach
Authors: Dawi Malik A. , Starnoni Michele , Porta Giovanni , Sanchez‐Vila Xavier
Published: November 2024

Biofilms are microbial communities that influence the chemical and physical properties of porous media. Understanding their formation is essential for different topics, such as water management, bioremediation, and oil recovery. In this work, we present a pore‐scale model for biofilm dynamics that is fully coupled with fluid flow and transport of growth‐limiting nutrients. Built upon micro‐continuum theory, the model considers biofilm as a fluid‐filled micro‐porous medium and simulates flow based on a coupled Darcy‐Brinkman‐Stokes model. We outline the key assumptions of the model and present the governing equations of biofilm dynamics, along with details of their numerical implementation. Through numerical simulations of biofilm development at the scale of a single pore, we analyze the influence of flow dynamics upon biofilm spatial distribution, as well as the way effective permeability is altered and evolves under different growth conditions. Our emphasis is on the critical hydrodynamic point, that is, the transition between bulky and dispersive biofilm shapes as a function of the driving parameters. We introduce a dimensionless number, termed , defined as the ratio between hydrodynamic and biomass cohesion forces, which provides a bulk characterization of the biomass‐flow system, and allows to assess biofilm morphology and growth patterns. We then discuss results in relation to available experimental data, where estimated values are in line with specific biofilm growth patterns, ranging from boundary‐layer appearance to bulky shapes .