bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing convergence research: Coproducing climate projections to inform proactive decisions for managing simultaneous wildfire risk
Authors: Cullen Alison C. , Prichard Susan J. , Abatzoglou John T. , Dolk Alexandra , Kessenich Lee , Bloem Sunniva , Bukovsky Melissa S. , Humphrey Reed , McGinnis Seth , Skinner Haley , Mearns Linda O.
Published: February 2023

We apply a convergence research approach to the urgent need for proactive management of long‐term risk associated with wildfire in the United States. In this work we define convergence research in accordance with the US National Science Foundation—as a means of addressing a specific and compelling societal problem for which solutions require deep integration across disciplines and engagement of stakeholders. Our research team brings expertise in climate science, fire science, landscape ecology, and decision science to address the risk from simultaneous and impactful fires that compete for management resources, and leverages climate projections for decision support. In order to make progress toward convergence our team bridges spatial and temporal scale divides arising from differences in disciplinary and practice‐based norms. We partner with stakeholders representing US governmental, tribal, and local decision contexts to coproduce a robust information base for support of decision making about wildfire preparedness and proactive land/fire management. Our approach ensures that coproduced information will be directly integrated into existing tools for application in operations and policy making. Coproduced visualizations and decision support information provide projections of the change in expected number of fires that compete for resources, the number of fire danger days per year relative to prior norms, and changes in the length and overlap of fire season in multiple US regions. Continuing phases of this work have been initiated both by stakeholder communities and by our research team, a demonstration of impact and value.
Association between external training loads and injury incidence during 44 weeks of military training
Authors: Powell Steven D. , Siddall Andrew G. , Needham‐Beck Sarah C. , Edwards Victoria C. , Light Neil , Jackson Sarah , Greeves Julie P. , Blacker Sam D. , Myers Stephen D.
Published: February 2023

Military training is physically arduous and associated with high injury incidence. Unlike in high‐performance sport, the interaction between training load and injury has not been extensively researched in military personnel. Sixty‐three (43 men, 20 women; age 24 ± 2 years; stature 1.76 ± 0.09 m; body mass 79.1 ± 10.8 kg) British Army Officer Cadets undergoing 44 weeks of training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst volunteered to participate. Weekly training load (cumulative 7‐day moderate‐vigorous physical activity [MVPA], vigorous PA [VPA], and the ratio between MVPA and sedentary‐light PA [SLPA; MVPA:SLPA]) was monitored using a wrist‐worn accelerometer (GENEActiv, UK). Self‐report injury data were collected and combined with musculoskeletal injuries recorded at the Academy medical center. Training loads were divided into quartiles with the lowest load group used as the reference to enable comparisons using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall injury incidence was 60% with the most common injury sites being the ankle (22%) and knee (18%). High (load; OR; 95% CI [>2327 mins; 3.44; 1.80–6.56]) weekly cumulative MVPA exposure significantly increased odds of injury. Similarly, likelihood of injury significantly increased when exposed to low‐moderate (0.42–0.47; 2.45 [1.19–5.04]), high‐moderate (0.48–0.51; 2.48 [1.21–5.10]), and high MVPA:SLPA loads (>0.51; 3.60 [1.80–7.21]). High MVPA and high‐moderate MVPA:SLPA increased odds of injury by ~2.0 to 3.5 fold, suggesting that the ratio of workload to recovery is important for mitigating injury occurrence.
Evaluating the psychometrics of the SSIS SEL in a socio‐economically diverse sample
Authors: Syeda Maisha , Kim Sue , Graham Rachelle , Cwinn Eli
Published: February 2023

The increasing interest in implementing social‐emotional learning (SEL) interventions within schools calls for more reliable and valid assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of SEL programs. We investigated the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Social Skills Improvement System – Social‐Emotional Learning Edition (SSIS SEL) with a group of ethnically and socio‐economically diverse grade 3 students in Ontario, Canada (n = 427). The SSIS SEL is an age‐normed measure used for the evaluation of interventions and prevention initiatives. Data collected included both teacher‐report and student self‐report measures. The factor structure proposed by the scale developers was not replicated using this smaller single grade sample. However, the study demonstrates evidence of good construct and convergent validity supporting the novel factor structure. Results from this study suggest that more research on the SSIS SEL's application in real‐world intervention research programs is needed.
Three patients highlighting potential pitfalls in platelet refractory testing
Authors: Attieh Michel , Dent Edward A. , Happney Logan , Roback John D. , Alter David N. , Barrette Eileen , Then Caroline , Sullivan H. Cliff
Published: February 2023

Background

Platelet‐transfusion refractory (PR) patients do not achieve expected post‐transfusion platelet counts. We investigate suspected PR patients with post‐transfusion platelet counts, indirect platelet antibody screens (ind‐PAS), Class I HLA antibody tests (HLA‐Scr), and physical platelet crossmatch (PXM) studies.

Study Design and Methods

The three following cases describe possible pitfalls of laboratory tests used in PR workup and management.

Results

Case #1: Antibody testing detected antibodies to only HLA‐B13, corresponding to a 4% calculated panel reactive antibodies (CPRA; 96% predicted donor compatibility). However, PXM showed the patient compatible with 11/14 (79%) donors; two of the PXM‐incompatible units were ABO‐incompatible. Case #2: PXM revealed compatibility with 1/14 screened donors; however, the patient did not respond to the product from the compatible donor. The patient did respond to HLA‐matched product. Dilution studies provided evidence of the prozone effect, which caused negative PXM despite clinically relevant antibodies. Case #3: There was a discrepancy between the ind‐PAS and HLA‐Scr. Ind‐PAS was negative for HLA antibodies, while HLA‐Scr was positive and specificity testing corresponded to 38% CPRA. Per the package insert, the sensitivity of ind‐PAS is ~85% compared to HLA‐Scr.

Discussion

These cases highlight the importance of investigating incongruent results. Cases #1 and #2 demonstrate PXM pitfalls: ABO incompatibility can result in positive PXM and false‐negative PXM can occur in the setting of the prozone effect. Case #3 reveals the importance of knowing a test's sensitivity. Centers that only perform ind‐PAS may fail to detect HLA antibodies.
INTERPRETATION NEUTRALITY FOR QUANTUM THEOLOGY
Authors: Crull Elise
Published: February 2023

Within contemporary scientific and science‐adjacent communities, it is generally accepted that quantum physics is our best theory. For this reason, it is understandable—and laudable—that scholars interested in questions at the intersection of science and theology wish to meaningfully engage with this physics. Recent work in foundations of physics has, however, importantly altered the landscape of quantum theory; in this article, my goal is to introduce these advances, then make an argument within this new landscape that I hope will be useful for certain theological inquiries. Specifically, I shall argue from grounds of the physics itself that one may, with clear philosophical conscience, access the majority of quantum theory's tools, models, and explanations while maintaining an interpretation‐neutral yet realist stance toward this physics.
Energy-Efficient Actuator Design Principles for Robotic Leg Prostheses and Exoskeletons: A Review of Series Elasticity and Backdrivability
Authors: Laschowski Brokoslaw , McPhee John
Published: February 2023

Robotic leg prostheses and exoskeletons have traditionally been designed using highly-geared motor-transmission systems that minimally exploit the passive dynamics of human locomotion, resulting in inefficient actuators that require significant energy consumption and thus provide limited battery-powered operation or require large onboard batteries. Here we review two of the leading energy-efficient actuator design principles for legged and wearable robotic systems: series elasticity and backdrivability. As shown by inverse dynamic simulations of walking, there are periods of negative joint mechanical work that can be used to increase efficiency by recycling some of the otherwise dissipated energy using series elastic actuators and/or backdriveable actuators with energy regeneration. Series elastic actuators can improve shock tolerance during foot-ground impacts and reduce the peak power and energy consumption of the electric motor via mechanical energy storage and return. However, actuators with series elasticity tend to have lower output torque, increased mass and architecture complexity due to the added physical spring, and limited force and torque control bandwidth. High torque density motors with low-ratio transmissions, known as quasi-direct drives, can likewise achieve low output impedance and high backdrivability, allowing for safe and compliant human-robot physical interactions, in addition to energy regeneration. However, torque-dense motors tend to have higher Joule heating losses, greater motor mass and inertia, and require specialized motor drivers for real-time control. While each actuator design has advantages and drawbacks, designers should consider the energy-efficiency of robotic leg prostheses and exoskeletons during daily locomotor activities besides continuous level-ground walking.
Rational design of Lewis base molecules for stable and efficient inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Chongwen , Wang Xiaoming , Bi Enbing , Jiang Fangyuan , Park So Min , Li You , Chen Lei , Wang Zaiwei , Zeng Lewei , Chen Hao , Liu Yanjiang , Grice Corey R. , Abudulimu Abasi , Chung Jaehoon , Xian Yeming , Zhu Tao , Lai Huagui , Chen Bin , Ellingson Randy J. , Fu Fan , Ginger David S. , Song Zhaoning , Sargent Edward H. , Yan Yanfa
Published: February 2023

Lewis base molecules that bind undercoordinated lead atoms at interfaces and grain boundaries (GBs) are known to enhance the durability of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Using density functional theory calculations, we found that phosphine-containing molecules have the strongest binding energy among members of a library of Lewis base molecules studied herein. Experimentally, we found that the best inverted PSC treated with 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (DPPP), a diphosphine Lewis base that passivates, binds, and bridges interfaces and GBs, retained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) slightly higher than its initial PCE of ~23% after continuous operation under simulated AM1.5 illumination at the maximum power point and at ~40°C for >3500 hours. DPPP-treated devices showed a similar increase in PCE after being kept under open-circuit conditions at 85°C for >1500 hours.
Ultralow frictional healing explains recurring slow slip events
Authors: Shreedharan Srisharan , Saffer Demian , Wallace Laura M. , Williams Charles
Published: February 2023

Plate motion on shallow subduction megathrusts is accommodated by a spectrum of tectonic slip modes. However, the frictional properties and conditions that sustain these diverse slip behaviors remain enigmatic. Frictional healing is one such property, which describes the degree of fault restrengthening between earthquakes. We show that the frictional healing rate of materials entrained along the megathrust at the northern Hikurangi margin, which hosts well-characterized recurring shallow slow slip events (SSEs), is nearly zero (<0.0001 per decade). These low healing rates provide a mechanism for the low stress drops (<50 kilopascals) and short recurrence times (1 to 2 years) characteristic of shallow SSEs at Hikurangi and other subduction margins. We suggest that near-zero frictional healing rates, associated with weak phyllosilicates that are common in subduction zones, may promote frequent, small-stress-drop, slow ruptures near the trench.
What we lose when it is never night
The Darkness Manifesto
Johan Eklöf, translated by Elizabeth DeNoma
Scribner, 2023. 272 pp.
Authors: Kemp Christopher
Published: February 2023

A bat scientist laments the ecological effects of light pollution
C. David Allis (1951–2023)
Authors: Berger Shelley L.
Published: February 2023

Champion of modern chromatin biology
In Science Journals
Authors: Stern Peter , Yeston Jake , Stajic Jelena , Szuromi Phil , Grocholski Brent , Jiang Di , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Fogg Christiana N. , Alderton Gemma , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Maroso Mattia , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Lavine Marc S.
Published: February 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Jiang Di , Stern Peter , Yeston Jake , Uzogara Ekeoma , Maroso Mattia , Funk Michael A. , Smith Keith T.
Published: February 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Hidden hydrogen
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: February 2023

Does Earth hold vast stores of a renewable, carbon-free fuel?
Laser fusion success sparks hope of new route to fusion power
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2023

Startups lay plans for power plants that would trigger tiny, rapid-fire fusion blasts
Newcastle Disease Virus Manipulates Mitochondrial MTHFD2-Mediated Nucleotide Metabolism for Virus Replication
Authors: Tang Ning , Chen Pingyi , Zhao Changrun , Liu Panrao , Tan Lei , Song Cuiping , Qiu Xusheng , Liao Ying , Liu Xiufan , Luo Tingrong , Sun Yingjie , Ding Chan
Published: February 2023

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a dominant vector for vaccine and gene therapy that accommodates foreign genes well but can only infect mammalian cells that have undergone cancerous transformation. Understanding the remodeling of nucleotide metabolic pathways in host cells by NDV proliferation provides a new perspective for the precise use of NDV as a vector or in antiviral research.
A Genome-Wide Screen in Macrophages Defines Host Genes Regulating the Uptake of Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Gilliland Haleigh N. , Beckman Olivia K. , Olive Andrew J.
Published: February 2023

Pathogen interactions with immune cells like macrophages contribute to pathogenesis, yet the mechanisms underlying these interactions remain largely undefined. For emerging respiratory pathogens, like
Mycobacterium abscessus
, understanding these host-pathogen interactions is important to fully understand disease progression.
A Novel Synbiotic Alleviates Autoimmune Hepatitis by Modulating the Gut Microbiota-Liver Axis and Inhibiting the Hepatic TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kang Yongbo , Kuang Xiaoyu , Yan Huan , Ren Peng , Yang Xiaodan , Liu Haixia , Liu Qingqing , Yang Hao , Kang Xing , Shen Xiaorong , Tong Mingwei , Li Lin , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Linzhi , Ma Jieqiong , Zhang Fan , Fan Weiping
Published: February 2023

Synbiotics can ameliorate liver injury and improve liver function by reducing hepatic inflammation and pyroptosis. Our data indicate that our new Syn not only reverses gut dysbiosis by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-bearing Gram-negative bacteria but also maintains intestinal barrier integrity.
Constraints on the thermal evolution of metamorphic core complexes from the timing of high-pressure metamorphism on Naxos, Greece
Authors: Lamont Thomas N. , Smye Andrew J. , Roberts Nick M.W. , Searle Michael P. , Waters David J. , White Richard W.
Published: February 2023

Metamorphic core complexes are classically interpreted to have formed during crustal extension, although many also occur in compressional environments. New U−(Th)−Pb allanite and xenotime geochronologic data from the structurally highest Zas Unit (Cycladic Blueschist Unit) of the Naxos metamorphic core complex, Greece, integrated with pressure−temperature−time (P−T−t) histories, are incorporated into a thermal model to test the role of crustal thickening and extension in forming metamorphic core complexes. Metamorphism on Naxos is diachronous, with peak metamorphic conditions propagating down structural section over a ∼30−35 m.y. period, from ca. 50 Ma to 15 Ma. At the highest structural level, the Zas Unit records blueschist-facies metamorphism (∼14.5−19 kbar, 470−570 °C) at ca. 50 Ma, during northeast-directed subduction of the Adriatic continental margin. The Zas Unit was subsequently extruded toward the SW and thrust over more proximal continental margin and basement rocks (Koronos and Core units). This contractional episode resulted in crustal thickening and Barrovian metamorphism from ca. 40 Ma and reached peak kyanite-sillimanite−grade conditions of ∼10−5 kbar and 600−730 °C at 20−15 Ma. Model P−T−t paths, assuming conductive relaxation of isotherms following overthrusting, are consistent with the clockwise P−T−t evolution. In contrast, extension results in exhumation and cooling of the crust, which is inconsistent with key components of the thermal evolution. Barrovian metamorphism on Naxos is therefore interpreted to have resulted from crustal thickening over a ∼30−35 m.y. time period prior to extension, normal faulting, and rapid exhumation after a thermal climax at ca. 15 Ma.
Anaesthetic challenges in a patient with acromegaly and multinodular goitre undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery
Authors: Jamil Jabraan , Wan Hassan Wan Mohd Nazarudin , Ghani Ab Rahman , Yeap Tat Boon
Published: February 2023

Acromegaly is a progressive systemic disorder which is common among middle-aged women. A functioning growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma is the most common cause. Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery in patients with acromegaly is challenging. Rarely, these patients may develop thyroid lesions that may compromise the airway. We present the case of a young man with newly diagnosed acromegaly caused by a pituitary macroadenoma complicated by a large multinodular goitre. The aim of this report is to discuss the perianaesthetic approach in patients with acromegaly with a high risk of airway compromise undergoing pituitary surgery.
Internal hernia caused by a congenital peritoneal defect in the vesicouterine space
Authors: Odeh Ahmad , AlMssallem Nora Ibrahim , Alnaim Muna Faisal , Darwish Faten Adel
Published: February 2023

Internal hernias are protrusions of viscera that can cause obstructions such as small bowel obstruction (SBO). Diagnosis can be challenging, as they usually come with an atypical presentation. We report on a case of a woman in her early 40s, with no history of surgery or chronic illnesses, which came with abdominal pain associated with vomiting. CT scan revealed obstructed small bowel. On exploratory laparoscopy, an internal hernia through a peritoneal defect in the vesicouterine space was found, entrapping a limb of the jejunum. The entrapped loop of the small bowel was freed, the ischaemic part was resected, and the defect was closed. Our case presents the second reported case of a congenital vesicouterine defect causing SBO. It is important to consider patients presenting with SBO as a case of congenital peritoneal defect if they had no previous surgeries.
Role model: Neela Mukhopadhaya
Authors: Gulland Anne
Published: February 2023

Anne Gullandspeaks to Neela Mukhopadhaya, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and clinical director in gynaecology, in Luton
Cardiac involvement assessment in systemic sclerosis using speckle tracking echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qiao Wei , Bi Wenjing , Wang Xin , Li Ying , Ren Weidong , Xiao Yangjie
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Cardiac involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with poor prognosis. Early detection of myocardial impairment is essential for treatment. The present study aimed to systematically review the value of detecting subclinical myocardial impairment in SSc patients using myocardial strain obtained from speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were searched in the period from the earliest available indexing date to 30 September 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies evaluating myocardial function in SSc patients comparison with healthy controls based on myocardial strain data obtained from STE were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Ventricle and atrium data on myocardial strain were extracted to assessing the mean difference (MD).

Results

A total of 30 studies were included in the analysis. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (MD: −2.28, 95% CI −2.85 to –1.71), left ventricular global circumferential strain (MD: −3.27, 95% CI −4.26 to –2.29) and left ventricular global radial strain (MD: −3.95, 95% CI −6.33 to –1.57) was significantly lower in SSc patients than in healthy controls. Right ventricular global wall strain (MD: −2.68, 95% CI −3.21 to –2.16) was also decreased in SSc patients. STE revealed significant differences in several atrial parameters including left atrial reservoir strain (MD: −7.75, 95% CI −11.66 to –3.85) and left atrial conduit strain (MD: −3.26, 95% CI −6.50 to –0.03), as well as right atrial reservoir strain (MD: −7.37, 95% CI −11.20 to –3.53) and right atrial conduit strain (MD: −5.44, 95% CI −9.15 to –1.73). There were no differences in left atrial contractile strain (MD: −1.51, 95% CI −5.34 to 2.33).

Conclusion

SSc patients have a lower strain than healthy controls for the majority of STE parameters, indicating the presence of an impaired myocardium involving both the ventricle and atrium.
Using an objective computer task (QbTest) to aid the identification of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Children and Young People Secure Estate (CYPSE): a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chitsabesan Prathiba , Hall Charlotte Lucy , Carter Lesley-Anne , Reeves Mindy , Mohammed Vaseem , Beresford Bryony , Young Susan , Kraam Abdullah , Trowse Sally , Wilkinson-Cunningham Lloyd , Lennox Charlotte
Published: February 2023

Objectives

QbTest has been shown to improve time to decision/diagnosis for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim was to assess the feasibility of QbTest for young people in prison.

Design

Single-centre feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), with 1:1 allocation. Concealed random allocation using an online pseudorandom list with random permuted blocks of varying sizes.

Setting

One Young Offenders Institution in England.

Participants

355 young people aged 15–18 years displaying possible symptoms of ADHD were assessed for eligibility, 69 were eligible to take part and 60 were randomised.

Intervention

QbTest—a computer task measuring attention, activity and impulsivity.

Main outcome measures

Eligibility, recruitment and retention rates and acceptability of randomisation and trial participation.

Results

Of the 355 young people assessed for eligibility, 69 were eligible and 60 were randomised (n=30 QbTest plus usual care; n=30 usual care alone). The study achieved the specified recruitment target. Trial participation and randomisation were deemed acceptable by the majority of participants. 78% of young people were followed up at 3 months, but only 32% at 6 months, although this was also affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Secondary outcomes were mixed. Participants including clinical staff were mostly supportive of the study and QbTest; however, some young people found QbTest hard and there were issues with implementation of the ADHD care pathway. There were no serious adverse events secondary to the study or intervention and no one was withdrawn from the study due to an adverse event.

Conclusions

With adaptations, a fully powered RCT may be achievable to evaluate the effectiveness of QbTest in the assessment of ADHD in the Children and Young People Secure Estate, with time to decision (days) as the primary outcome measure. However, further programme developmental work is required to address some of the challenges highlighted prior to a larger trial.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17402196.
Role of empathy in the outcomes of colorectal cancer: protocol for a population-based study in two areas in France (EMPACOL Project)
Authors: Mulliri Andrea , Lelorain Sophie , Bouvier Véronique , Bara Simona , Gardy Josephine , Grynberg Delphine , Morello Rémy , Alves Arnaud , Dejardin Olivier
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The EMPACOL Project aims to investigate the link between healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) empathy and the results of the curative treatment of non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods and analysis

EMPACOL will be an observational multicentric prospective longitudinal study. It will cover eight centres comprising patients with non-metastatic CRC, uncomplicated at diagnosis in two French areas covered by a cancer register over a 2-year period. As estimated by the two cancer registries, during the 2-year inclusion period, the number of cases of non-metastatic CRCs was approximately 480. With an estimated participation rate of about 50%, we expect around 250 patients will be included in this study. Based on the curative strategy, patients will be divided into three groups: group 1 (surgery alone), group 2 (surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy) and group 3 (neo-adjuvant therapy, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy). The relationship between HCPs’ empathy at the time of announcement and at the end of the strategy, quality of life (QoL) 1 year after the end of treatment and oncological outcomes after 5 years will be investigated. HCPs’ empathy and QoL will be assessed using the patient-reported questionnaires, Consultation and Relational Empathy and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. A relationship between HCPs’ empathy and early outcomes, particularly digestive and genitourinary sequelae, will also be studied for each treatment group. Post-treatment complications will be assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Patients’ anxiety and depression will also be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board of the University Hospital of Caen and the Ethics Committee (ID RCB: 2022-A00628-35) have approved the study. Patients will be required to provide oral consent for participation. Results of this study will be disseminated by publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05447611.
Optimising older adults’ home spaces to enhance their physical activity level: an exploratory qualitative study protocol
Authors: Meghani Naureen Akber Ali , Hudson Joanne , Stratton Gareth , Mullins Jane
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Housing is a major contributing factor to health, and better housing condition has been linked to improved general and psychological health. There has also been strong evidence that the physical environment within the home setting substantially impacts sedentary behaviour and physical activity in children. However, there is a lack of research that has investigated the physical environment within the home setting in the context of older adults’ physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour. Given that with increasing age, older adults spend large proportions of their time in their homes it is important to optimise older adults’ home settings to support healthy ageing. Therefore, this study aims to explore older adults’ perceptions around optimising their physical environment within their home space to support physical activity and subsequently facilitate healthy ageing.

Methods and analysis

In this formative research, a qualitative exploratory research design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and a purposive sampling approach will be employed. IDIs will be conducted to collect data from study participants. Older adults from diverse community organisations in Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot will formally request approval to recruit via its contacts for this formative research. The study data will be analysed thematically using NVivo V.12 Plus software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the College of Engineering Research Ethics Committee (NM_31-03-22), Swansea University. The findings of the study will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the study participants. The results will enable us to explore the perceptions and attitudes of older adults towards physical activity within their home environment.
Trade-offs between greenhouse gas mitigation and economic objectives with drained peatlands in Finnish landscapes
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Launiainen Samuli , Leppä Kersti , Repo Anna , Salmivaara Aura , Lehtonen Aleksi
Published: February 2023

In Finland, the widespread drainage of boreal peatlands has led to increased forest productivity. The cost is a dramatic increase in soil greenhouse gas emissions. Empirical research of drained peatlands has found a correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and the ground water table. This suggests an opportunity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through forest management. We explore this opportunity at the landscape level through a simulation and optimization framework. We explore how forest management actions can impact the ground water table and the related greenhouse gas emissions. There are various economic and societal constraints for a set of forested peatland landscapes in Finland. First, we link forest simulations with hydrological and statistical models to predict CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from the drained peatlands. We then present the range of landscape level solutions that prioritize between minimizing the net ecosystem greenhouse gas emissions, the economic timber value, and the even flow of timber income over time. Our results highlight the impact that integrating peatland soil greenhouse gas emissions will have on the planning process. This promotes the use of management options that benefit both biomass growth and reduced peatland soil greenhouse gas emissions.
Remarks on symplectic capacities of p-products
Authors: Haim-Kislev Pazit , Ostrover Yaron
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the behavior of symplectic capacities of convex domains in the classical phase space with respect to symplectic [Formula: see text]-products. As an application, by using a “tensor power trick”, we show that it is enough to prove the weak version of Viterbo’s volume-capacity conjecture in the asymptotic regime, i.e. when the dimension is sent to infinity. In addition, we introduce a conjecture about higher-order capacities of [Formula: see text]-products, and show that if it holds, then there are no nontrivial [Formula: see text]-decompositions of the symplectic ball.
DOES ENERGY EFFICIENCY MATTER FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH? A FRESH EMPIRICAL INSIGHT FROM AN ASIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: JIANG XIAOHAN , ZHOU JIANWEN , WANG MINGYANG , DONG CHUNLONG , ISHAQUE AMIR
Published: February 2023

Globally, everybody deals with poverty as a shared societal issue. It is still unclear how to investigate its causes and create new paradigms for policy, but it offers many promising directions for academic study. The use of technological innovation in this environment for social change to address poverty reduction is also an important issue. Consequently, this study investigates how effective poverty reduction may be accomplished in Asia through technological innovation and financial development. The super-efficiency data envelopment analysis model and system generalized method of moments were utilized in the present study together with data from 2010 to 2020 for an empirical estimate. The data show that different areas have effectively reduced poverty over time. However, Asia’s overall effectiveness in reducing poverty is rather unevenly distributed geographically. The significance of poverty reduction in Asia is positively impacted by technical advancement and financial prosperity. The effects of globalization on the efficacy of poverty reduction are negligible. This study presents some policy insights for decision makers based on the empirical findings.
U.S. MONETARY POLICY AND SOVEREIGN CDS MARKETS
Authors: LAI SHAOJIE , ELLIS MICHAEL , LIU DANDAN , PU XIAOLING
Published: February 2023

This paper analyzes the effects of U.S. monetary policy on sovereign credit default swap (CDS) markets in a total of 66 countries including both advanced and emerging market economies at the monthly time horizon from 2001 to 2016. We employ a four-variable vector autoregression (VAR) model to estimate the monetary policy shock and examine the pass-through of U.S. monetary policy shocks to sovereign CDS markets. We find that the effect of monetary policy shocks on CDS markets is strong, especially during the European sovereign debt crisis and the period the U.S. monetary policy rate was near zero. Our analysis indicates that expansionary U.S. monetary policy leads to the widening of the sovereign credit spreads and the heightening of the CDS market volatility.
Enhanced Graph Neural Network with Multi-Task Learning and Data Augmentation for Semi-Supervised Node Classification
Authors: Fan Cheng , Wang Buhong , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2023

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have achieved impressive success in various applications. However, training dedicated GNNs for small-scale graphs still faces many problems such as over-fitting and deficiencies in performance improvements. Traditional methods such as data augmentation are commonly used in computer vision (CV) but are barely applied to graph structure data to solve these problems. In this paper, we propose a training framework named MTDA (Multi-Task learning with Data Augmentation)-GNN, which combines data augmentation and multi-task learning to improve the node classification performance of GNN on small-scale graph data. First, we use Graph Auto-Encoders (GAE) as a link predictor, modifying the original graphs’ topological structure by promoting intra-class edges and demoting interclass edges, in this way to denoise the original graph and realize data augmentation. Then the modified graph is used as the input of the node classification model. Besides defining the node pair classification as an auxiliary task, we introduce multi-task learning during the training process, forcing the predicted labels to conform to the observed pairwise relationships and improving the model’s classification ability. In addition, we conduct an adaptive dynamic weighting strategy to distribute the weight of different tasks automatically. Experiments on benchmark data sets demonstrate that the proposed MTDA-GNN outperforms traditional GNNs in graph-based semi-supervised node classification.
Spatiotemporal Detection and Localization of Object Removal Video Forgery with Multiple Feature Extraction and Optimized Residual Network
Authors: Kumari CH Lakshmi , Prasad K. V.
Published: February 2023

Video forgery detection and localization is one of the most important issue due to the advanced editing software that provides strengthen to tools for manipulating the videos. Object based video tampering destroys the originality of the video. The main aim of the video forensic is to eradicate the forgeries from the original video that are useful in various applications. However, the research on detecting and localizing the object based video forgery with advanced techniques still remains the open and challenging issue. Many of the existing techniques have focused only on detecting the forged video under static background that cannot be applicable for detecting the forgery in tampered video. In addition to this, conventional techniques fail to extract the essential features in order to investigate the depth of the video forgery. Hence, this paper brings a novel technique for detecting and localizing the forged video with multiple features. The steps involved in this research are keyframe extraction, pre-processing, feature extraction and finally detection and localization of forged video. Initially, keyframe extraction uses the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to extract frames from the forged videos. Then, the pre-processing stage is manipulated to convert the RGB frame into a grayscale image. Multi-features need to be extracted from the pre-processed frames to study the nature of the forged videos. In our proposed study, speeded up robust features (SURF), principal compound analysis histogram oriented gradients (PCA-HOG), model based fast digit feature (MBFDF), correlation of adjacent frames (CAF), the prediction residual gradient (PRG) and optical flow gradient (OFG) features are extracted. The dataset used for the proposed approach is collected from REWIND of about 40 forged and 40 authenticated videos. With the help of the DL approach, video forgery can be detected and localized. Thus, this research mainly focuses on detecting and localization of forged video based on the ResNet152V2 model hybrid with the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (Bi-GRU) to attain maximum accuracy and efficiency. The performance of this approach is finally compared with existing approaches in terms of accuracy, precision, F-measure, sensitivity, specificity, false-negative rate (FNR), false discovery rate (FDR), false-positive rate (FPR), Mathew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) and negative predictive value (NPV). The proposed approach assures the performance of 96.17% accuracy, 96% precision, 96.14% F-measure, 96.58% sensitivity, 96.5% specificity, 0.034 FNR, 0.04 FDR, 0.034 FPR, 0.92 MCC and 96% NPV, respectively. Along with is, the mean square error (MSE) and peak-to-signal-noise ratio (PSNR) for the GMM model attained about 104 and 27.95, respectively.
New exact solutions of optical metamaterial model with the Kerr law nonlinearity
Authors: Tripathy A. , Sahoo S.
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with the investigation of the newly obtained solitary solutions of perturbed optical metamaterial with Kerr law nonlinearity. Two novel analytical techniques, namely, the extended Riccati equation rational expansion (ERERE) method and the extended rational [Formula: see text]-expansion (EREE) methods are applied to develop new solitary solutions. The resultant wave solutions are periodic wave solution, singular kink, anti-peakon, dark, singular anti-kink, anti-kink, gray and singular soliton solutions. The detailed dynamics of the retrieved solutions are the most potent influence of the proposed methods which shows the efficacy and fruitfulness of both the methods.
SME OPEN INNOVATION: DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE SIMILAR ACROSS THE R&D INTENSITY SPECTRUM
Authors: DOOLEY LAWRENCE , BARRETT GILLIAN , O’SULLIVAN DAVID
Published: February 2023

Innovation management theory has its origins heavily grounded in studies of the routines and practices of large-scale and research and development (R&D) intensive enterprises, with a reduced understanding of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) context. Through a cross-case analysis of 12 case studies along the R&D-intensity spectrum (6 low-medium technology (LMT) and 6 medium-high/high-technology (HMHT) case studies selected), this research study explores our understanding of SMEs’ differences within the similar by asking the following question—how does open innovation manifest itself within the heterogeneous context of SMEs innovation practices? Our findings reinforce the heterogeneity of OI SME innovation practices by revealing the following. First, the rationale and importance of OI adoption differs—principally operational (LMT) vs. strategic (HMHT). Second, distinct OI partners are leveraged depending on the R&D intensity of the SME namely LMT SMEs typically partner with smaller scale SME partners known to them whereas for HMHT SMEs, there is a tendency to partner with larger scale, more geographically and cognitively distant partners. OI adoption for LMT SMEs tended to be short-term in duration, demonstrating a tendency to switchback to a closed innovation paradigm once OI motivating constraints were addressed. In contrast, our findings highlighted how HMHT SMEs explored more coupled OI modes. This study further reveals how OI SME can be peripheral in nature with many SMEs at a competitive disadvantage in the long term as the collaborative capabilities derived from engaging in deeper modes of OI are not being explored.
Totally 2-closed finite groups with trivial Fitting subgroup
Authors: Arezoomand Majid , Iranmanesh Mohammad A. , Praeger Cheryl E. , Tracey Gareth
Published: February 2023

A finite permutation group [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-closed if [Formula: see text] is the largest subgroup of [Formula: see text] which leaves invariant each of the [Formula: see text]-orbits for the induced action on [Formula: see text]. Introduced by Wielandt in 1969, the concept of [Formula: see text]-closure has developed as one of the most useful approaches for studying relations on a finite set invariant under a group of permutations of the set; in particular for studying automorphism groups of graphs and digraphs. The concept of total [Formula: see text]-closure switches attention from a particular group action, and is a property intrinsic to the group: a finite group [Formula: see text] is said to be totally [Formula: see text]-closed if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-closed in each of its faithful permutation representations. There are infinitely many finite soluble totally [Formula: see text]-closed groups, and these have been completely characterized, but up to now no insoluble examples were known. It turns out, somewhat surprisingly to us, that there are exactly [Formula: see text] totally [Formula: see text]-closed finite nonabelian simple groups: the Janko groups [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], together with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the Monster [Formula: see text]. Moreover, if a finite totally [Formula: see text]-closed group has no nontrivial abelian normal subgroup, then we show that it is a direct product of some (but not all) of these simple groups, and there are precisely [Formula: see text] examples.

In the course of obtaining this classification, we develop a general framework for studying [Formula: see text]-closures of transitive permutation groups, which we hope will prove useful for investigating representations of finite groups as automorphism groups of graphs and digraphs, and in particular for attacking the long-standing polycirculant conjecture. In this direction, we apply our results, proving a dual to a 1939 theorem of Frucht from Algebraic Graph Theory. We also pose several open questions concerning closures of permutation groups.
On the existence and construction of modular difference sets
Authors: Marrero Osvaldo
Published: February 2023

The concept of a modular difference set was originally motivated by the cognate notion of modular Hadamard matrices, which have been researched extensively. We initiate the study of the repetition-parameter set in a modular difference set, and we relate the repetition-parameter set to integer partitions and Diophantine equations. By example, we show how a computational study of integer partitions can improve the upper bound on the size of such repetition-parameter set. All previously known examples of modular difference sets in a direct product of groups are concerned with a product of just two groups. We present new constructions of modular difference sets in a direct product of n groups. These new constructions suggest that the size of the repetition-parameter set is intimately related to the group’s structure. A generalization of difference sets, partial difference sets, and relative difference sets, modular difference sets have been used to construct both modular symmetric designs and equiangular tight frames in finite fields.
DFTNet: Dual Flow Transformer Network for Conveyor Belt Edge Detection
Authors: Yang Zhifang , Zhang Liya , Hao Bonan , Li Biao , Zhang Tianxiang
Published: February 2023

In traditional conveyor belt edge detection methods, contact detection methods have a high cost. At the same time noncontact detection methods have low precision, and the methods based on the convolutional neural network are limited by the local operation features of the convolution operation itself, causing problems such as insufficient perception of long-distance and global information. In order to solve the above problems, a dual flow transformer network (DFTNet) integrating global and local information is proposed for belt edge detection. DFTNet could improve belt edge detection accuracy and suppress the interference of belt image noise. In this paper, the authors have merged the advantages of the traditional convolutional neural network’s ability to extract local features and the transformer structure’s ability to perceive global and long-distance information. Here, the fusion block is designed as a dual flow encoder–decoder structure, which could better integrate global context information and avoid the disadvantages of a transformer structure pretrained on large datasets. Besides, the structure of the fusion block is designed to be flexible and adjustable. After sufficient experiments on the conveyor belt dataset, the comparative results show that DFTNet can effectively balance accuracy and efficiency and has the best overall performance on belt edge detection tasks, outperforming full convolution methods. The processing image frame rate reaches 53.07 fps, which can meet the real-time requirements of the industry. At the same time, DFTNet can deal with belt edge detection problems in various scenarios, which gives it great practical value.
Modeling the Barriers of Blockchain Technology implementation in Supply Chain
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Khan Mohd Imran , Singh Rubee
Published: February 2023

Blockchain is an emerging technology that can transform many sectors in the age of digitization. By adding more transparency to the transitions of information and physical items, blockchain is considered a disruptive innovation that has the power to alter conventional supply chain activities. In these circumstances, blockchain technology must also be implemented in the supply chain. While implementing blockchain technology, supply chain partners face a number of barriers. As a result, the main goal of this research is to explore the prime barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain. In order to achieve these goals, we reviewed the literature and sought the advice of industry experts to identify the 10 main barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology. Further, the DEMATEL approach is used to categorize the finalized barriers into influential and influenced groups. The finding of this study suggests that “influential group” barriers demand more attention from the supply chain partners to minimize these barriers. The top influencing factors are “unwillingness of information sharing”, “lack of trust among SC partners” and “lack of technological advancement” and these barriers demand quick attention from supply chain stakeholders. This study looks into the barriers that stand in the way of effectively implementing blockchain in the supply chain, which will help managers do so.