bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiment of torsional response induced by the Q–delta resonance
Authors: Mizutori Fumiya , Kohiyama Masayuki
Published: December 2020

Because of geometric nonlinearities, vibrations in two horizontal directions can generate a torsional moment that induces a torsional response, even in a structure with no eccentricity; we term this phenomenon Q–Δ effect. In this study, the torsional response caused by the Q–Δ resonance was investigated by performing a shaking table test that involves a single‐layer symmetric specimen. The specimen was designed and fabricated by focusing on one of two resonance conditions. Its moment of inertia was adjustable by changing locations of weights, and the natural frequency in the torsional mode could be modified. We developed a numerical model of the specimen, in which the columns connected to the slab were integrated into an elastic Euler beam. It was confirmed that the torsional response increased near the predicted Q–Δ resonance point. In addition, the acceleration at the corner of the slab was significantly increased. The formulated equations of motion provided a better prediction of the actual phenomena. Because the specimen corresponds to a stiff and slender high‐rise building when converted into a full scale, the result suggests a need to be aware of the risk of torsional response increase due to the Q–Δ resonance.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of croplands in expanding West African cities
Authors: Karg Hanna , Drechsel Pay , Dittrich Nicole , Cauchois Angèle
Published: December 2020

The rapid expansion of cities in West Africa has implications for urban cropland. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of cropland in West African cities over time and space, to identify key drivers, and to report the effects of changing cropland on farmers and farmers’ resilience strategies. Cities studied were Accra (Ghana), Bamako (Mali), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), and Bamenda (Cameroon). Methodology involved multi‐temporal spatial analysis of satellite images and farmer surveys. Results showed that the share of urban land covered by cropland differed in these cities, with higher shares in Accra and Bamenda, which included rainfed cultivation. Over the past 15 years, Accra has lost large shares of its farming areas, both in the inner‐urban areas as well as in the fringe, whereas loss in Bamenda has been less substantial. In Ouagadougou and Bamako, where only irrigated sites were captured, cropland has shifted to the fringes but increased overall. Key drivers influencing the direction of change were official support of urban farming (or lack thereof), population pressure, and the availability of public open spaces that are not suitable for construction. In cities with decreasing cropland, implications included diminishing individual farm sizes, intensification of remaining sites, cessation of farming in the city, and the shift to other sites, which—apart from the physical availability of land and related resources—depends on social relations and informal rules.
One molecule, two states: Single molecular switch on metallic electrodes
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Sha , Li Jingtai , Su Guirong , Ren Ji‐Chang
Published: December 2020

The state‐of‐the‐art density functional theory (DFT) has become an essential tool for the investigation and development of molecular electronics at the electronic and atomic level. In this review paper, we show several typical examples to demonstrate that the DFT approaches, combined with nonequilibrium Green's function method, are able to design many prominent molecular switches—the most fundamental component in molecular electronics that can be utilized in information storage and logic gates. We mainly review the progress and important features of four remarkable switches with distinct transition mechanisms: (a) azobenzene‐like switches based on the cis–trans isomerization; (b) diarylethene‐like switches based on open‐closed transition; (c) porphyrin‐like switches based on tautomerizations; and (d) benzene‐like switches based on the physisorbed state and chemisorbed state. Special attentions have been paid on the molecular configuration, switching mechanism, and the role of van der Waals forces between the molecules and the metallic electrodes. We also summarize the avenues to effectively tailor the bistability, reversibility, and transport properties of these systems.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Predicting the ratings of Amazon products using Big Data
Authors: Woo Jongwook , Mishra Monika
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to apply several machine learning (ML) models to the massive dataset present in the area of e‐commerce from Amazon to analyze and predict ratings and to recommend products. For this purpose, we have used both traditional and Big Data algorithms. As the Amazon product review dataset is large, we present Big Data architecture suitable massive dataset for storing and computation, which is not possible with the traditional architecture. Furthermore, the dataset contains 15 attributes and has about 7 million records. With the dataset, we develop several models in Oracle Big Data and Azure Cloud Computing services to predict the review rating and recommendation for the items at Amazon. We present a comparative conclusion in terms of the accuracy as well as the efficiency with Spark ML—the Big Data architecture, and Azure ML—the traditional architecture.

This article is categorized under:

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction
On the differential transform method of solving boundary eigenvalue problems: An illustration
Authors: Narayana M. , Shekar M. , Siddheshwar P.G. , Anuraj N.V.
Published: December 2020

The differential transform method (DTM) is a simple technique based on the Taylor series. Applying the DTM, a given linear boundary eigenvalue problem (BEVP) involving ordinary differential equations is converted into a recurrence relation or a system of recurrence relations for the Taylor coefficients. This ultimately leads to the solution of the problem in the form of an infinite power series with an appropriate region of convergence. The present paper aims to apply the DTM in solving a BEVP arising from the Darcy–Brinkman convection in a rectangular box subject to general boundary conditions whose vertical sidewalls are assumed to be impermeable and adiabatic. The non‐dimensional temperature difference between the plates represented by the Darcy–Rayleigh number, the eigenvalue of the problem, is obtained as a function of the width of the Bénard cell ( : b is the horizontal wave number) and other parameters using the DTM. The work includes investigation on the convergence of the series solution. The solution by the DTM is compared with that obtained by the MATLAB bvp4c routine and excellent agreement is found thereby establishing the accuracy of the DTM.
The anxiety and ethanol intake controlling GAL5.1 enhancer is epigenetically modulated by, and controls preference for, high-fat diet
Authors: McEwan Andrew , Erickson Johanna Celene , Davidson Connor , Heijkoop Jenny , Turnbull Yvonne , Delibegovic Mirela , Murgatroyd Christopher , MacKenzie Alasdair
Published: December 2020

Excess maternal fat intake and obesity increase offspring susceptibility to conditions such as chronic anxiety and substance abuse. We hypothesised that environmentally modulated DNA methylation changes (5mC/5hmC) in regulatory regions of the genome that modulate mood and consumptive behaviours could contribute to susceptibility to these conditions. We explored the effects of environmental factors on 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer that controls anxiety-related behaviours and alcohol intake. We first observed that 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer differed significantly in different parts of the brain. Moreover, we noted that early life stress had no significant effect of 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1. In contrast, we identified that allowing access of pregnant mothers to high-fat diet (> 60% calories from fat) had a significant effect on 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1 in hypothalamus and amygdala of resulting male offspring. Cell transfection-based studies using GAL5.1 reporter plasmids showed that 5mC has a significant repressive effect on GAL5.1 activity and its response to known stimuli, such as EGR1 transcription factor expression and PKC agonism. Intriguingly, CRISPR-driven disruption of GAL5.1 from the mouse genome, although having negligible effects on metabolism or general appetite, significantly decreased intake of high-fat diet suggesting that GAL5.1, in addition to being epigenetically modulated by high-fat diet, also actively contributes to the consumption of high-fat diet suggesting its involvement in an environmentally influenced regulatory loop. Furthermore, considering that GAL5.1 also controls alcohol preference and anxiety these studies may provide a first glimpse into an epigenetically controlled mechanism that links maternal high-fat diet with transgenerational susceptibility to alcohol abuse and anxiety.
Additional value and new insights by four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging in congenital heart disease: application in neonates and young children
Authors: Geiger Julia , Callaghan Fraser M. , Burkhardt Barbara E. U. , Valsangiacomo Buechel Emanuela R. , Kellenberger Christian J.
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular MRI has become an essential imaging modality in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the last 15–20 years. With use of appropriate sequences, it provides important information on cardiovascular anatomy, blood flow and function for initial diagnosis and post-surgical or -interventional monitoring in children. Although considered as more sophisticated and challenging than CT, in particular in neonates and infants, MRI is able to provide information on intra- and extracardiac haemodynamics, in contrast to CT. In recent years, four-dimensional (4-D) flow MRI has emerged as an additional MR technique for retrospective assessment and visualisation of blood flow within the heart and any vessel of interest within the acquired three-dimensional (3-D) volume. Its application in young children requires special adaptations for the smaller vessel size and faster heart rate compared to adolescents or adults. In this article, we provide an overview of 4-D flow MRI in various types of complex CHD in neonates and infants to demonstrate its potential indications and beneficial application for optimised individual cardiovascular assessment. We focus on its application in clinical routine cardiovascular workup and, in addition, show some examples with pathologies other than CHD to highlight that 4-D flow MRI yields new insights in disease understanding and therapy planning. We shortly review the essentials of 4-D flow data acquisition, pre- and post-processing techniques in neonates, infants and young children. Finally, we conclude with some details on accuracy, limitations and pitfalls of the technique.
Evaluation of the FUSION-X-US-II prototype to combine automated breast ultrasound and tomosynthesis
Authors: Schäfgen Benedikt , Juskic Marija , Radicke Marcus , Hertel Madeleine , Barr Richard , Pfob André , Togawa Riku , Nees Juliane , von Au Alexandra , Fastner Sarah , Harcos Aba , Gomez Christina , Stieber Anne , Riedel Fabian , Hennigs André , Sohn Christof , Heil Joerg , Golatta Michael
Published: December 2020

Objective

The FUSION-X-US-II prototype was developed to combine 3D automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device. We evaluated the performance of ABUS and tomosynthesis in a single examination in a clinical setting.

Methods

In this prospective feasibility study, digital breast tomosynthesis and ABUS were performed using the FUSION-X-US-II prototype without any change of the breast position in patients referred for clarification of breast lesions with an indication for tomosynthesis. The tomosynthesis and ABUS images of the prototype were interpreted independently from the clinical standard by a breast diagnostics specialist. Any detected lesion was classified using BI-RADS® scores, and results of the standard clinical routine workup (gold standard) were compared to the result of the separate evaluation of the prototype images. Image quality was rated subjectively and coverage of the breast was measured.

Results

One hundred one patients received both ABUS and tomosynthesis using the prototype. The duration of the additional ABUS acquisition was 40 to 60 s. Breast coverage by ABUS was approximately 80.0%. ABUS image quality was rated as diagnostically useful in 86 of 101 cases (85.1%). Thirty-three of 34 malignant breast lesions (97.1%) were identified using the prototype.

Conclusion

The FUSION-X-US-II prototype allows a fast ABUS scan in combination with digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device integrated in the clinical workflow. Malignant breast lesions can be localized accurately with direct correlation of ABUS and tomosynthesis images. The FUSION system shows the potential to improve breast cancer screening in the future after further technical improvements.

Key Points

• The FUSION-X-US-II prototype allows the combination of automated breast ultrasound and digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device without decompression of the breast.

• Image quality and coverage of ABUS are sufficient to accurately detect malignant breast lesions.

• If tomosynthesis and ABUS should become part of breast cancer screening, the combination of both techniques in one device could offer practical and logistic advantages. To evaluate a potential benefit of a combination of ABUS and tomosynthesis in screening-like settings, further studies are needed.
Drug repurposing using transcriptome sequencing and virtual drug screening in a patient with glioblastoma
Authors: Saeed Mohamed E. M. , Kadioglu Onat , Greten Henry Johannes , Yildirim Adem , Mayr Katharina , Wenz Frederik , Giordano Frank A. , Efferth Thomas
Published: December 2020

Background Precision medicine and drug repurposing are attractive strategies, especially for tumors with worse prognosis. Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options and short survival times. We identified novel BRAF (47-438del) and PIK3R1 (G376R) mutations in a glioblastoma patient by RNA-sequencing. Methods The protein expression of BRAF and PIK3R1 as well as the lack of EGFR expression as analyzed by immunohistochemistry corroborated RNA-sequencing data. The expression of additional markers (AKT, SRC, mTOR, NF-κB, Ki-67) emphasized the aggressiveness of the tumor. Then, we screened a chemical library of > 1500 FDA-approved drugs and > 25,000 novel compounds in the ZINC database to find established drugs targeting BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutated proteins. Results Several compounds (including anthracyclines) bound with higher affinities than the control drugs (sorafenib and vemurafenib for BRAF and PI-103 and LY-294,002 for PIK3R1). Subsequent cytotoxicity analyses showed that anthracyclines might be suitable drug candidates. Aclarubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than both sorafenib and vemurafenib, whereas idarubicin and daunorubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than LY-294,002. Liposomal formulations of anthracyclines may be suitable to cross the blood brain barrier. Conclusions In conclusion, we identified novel small molecules via a drug repurposing approach that could be effectively used for personalized glioblastoma therapy especially for patients carrying BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutations.
Breeding synthetic varieties in annual caraway: observations on the outcrossing rate in a polycross using a high-throughput genotyping system
Authors: von Maydell Daniel , Brandes Julia , Lehnert Heike , Junghanns Wolfram , Marthe Frank
Published: December 2020

Caraway (Carum carvi) is an economically important spice and medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family (syn. Umbelliferrae). Farmers often favor annual cultivation of caraway. However, the annual varieties, which are currently available, do not provide satisfying seed yields. Employing heterosis can be a promising approach to increase yield. Breeding of synthetic varieties utilizes heterosis and may be the method of choice for future caraway breeding. Knowledge of the outcrossing rate is important to evaluate the effectiveness of this breeding method. However, the outcrossing rate of caraway is unknown so far. We estimated the outcrossing rate of seven inbred lines under field conditions in a neighbor-balanced polycross design. For this purpose, we implemented a high-throughput genotyping system (PACE), accompanied by a high-throughput method for DNA extraction adapted to caraway. In total, more than 1300 individual plants were genotyped. We found a high variability of lines regarding outcrossing rate and other traits associated with flowering. The outcrossing rate was on average 66.5% and ranged from 51.6 to 82%. We discussed implications of our findings on the targeted breeding method.
Sharing or gambling? On risk attitudes in social contexts
Authors: Grimm Stefan , Kocher Martin G. , Krawczyk Michal , Le Lec Fabrice
Published: December 2020

Decisions under risk are often embedded in a social context that we usually abstract from when studying decision-making in the laboratory. In contrast to that practice, our experiment investigates whether risk-taking is affected by social comparisons. In particular, we focus on situations where some amount of money has to be allocated to two parties: either the amount can be shared, or a random device allocates the entire amount to one of the parties. We find that the social context of the decision matters strongly: When participants are in a disadvantageous initial position compared to the other party, they select the risky option much more often than in a purely individual decision, identical in all other respects. Overall, we find that individuals are relatively more risk-seeking in the socially unfavorable domain than in isolation, in contrast to the favorable one, where we find no or little change in elicited risk attitudes in comparison to an isolated decision.
Boards in action: processes and practices of ‘strategising’ in the Boardroom
Authors: Watson Cate , Ireland Aileen
Published: December 2020

Normative expectations are that Governing Boards will be involved in setting the strategic direction of the organisation. However, knowledge of the processes and practices by which Boards engage in strategy is limited. In particular, very few empirical studies have penetrated the ‘black box’ of the Boardroom and examined the complex Board/Management interactions that amount to Boards ‘doing’ strategy. Here we address this gap, presenting an in-depth analysis of an unfolding process in which the Board and Management of a single organisation engaged in setting strategic direction over an 18-month period. We observed planning events, video-recorded Board meetings, analysed texts pertaining to the initiative, and spoke to key personnel. We adopt a ‘strong’ process approach which brings together strategy as process and as practice (SAPP). Our analysis is multi-modal: we track the iterative development of the strategy through documents/texts produced for Board meetings; and we adopt a sociomaterial approach in illuminating the entanglements of the human and nonhuman which constitute strategising. By considering events over a series of episodes, we have built a picture showing how micro-level practices in the Boardroom are layered incrementally in the emergence of strategy at organisational level. Relatedly, we show how these practices enable the Board to negotiate the tensions between control and service/collaboration. Hence the paper contributes to theory and knowledge around Board engagement in strategic activities.
New insights into the composition of historical remedies and pharmaceutical formulations: the identification of natural resins and balsams by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigations
Authors: Izzo Francesca Caterina , Lodi Giulia Carolina , Vázquez de Ágredos Pascual Maria Luisa
Published: December 2020

The present paper reports one of the first studies on the identification of natural resins and balsams in modern era drug formulations. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to investigate the composition of ancient remedies and pharmaceutical formulations coming from the Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala in Rome, founded at the end of the seventeenth century by the Discalced Carmelites. The obtained results highlight the presence of complex mixtures containing resinaceous and lipidic-based compounds. Thanks to the detection of characteristic markers, it was possible to identify several natural resins, such as guaiacum resin, ladano resin and scammony resin. Balsamic and aromatic compounds characteristic of essential oils were identified as well. In addition, an anti-inflammatory ointment, composed by mixing Venetian turpentine, a Pinaceae resin and a triterpene resin exudate of a plant from South America, was found among the analysed formulations. Combining the analytical results, the historical research and the botanical composition, it was possible to formulate compositional hypotheses of this historical medicine and provided some indications about their use in health. The study of historical drugs is not only important to know the practices handed down by apothecaries in the past, but also fundamental to reconstruct historical recipes that can inspire new dermatological, cosmetic, hygienic and current curative products.
An Online Questionnaire Survey on the Sexual Life and Sexual Function of Chinese Adult Men During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic
Authors: Fang Dong , Peng Jing , Liao Shujie , Tang Yuan , Cui Wanshou , Yuan Yiming , Wu Di , Hu Bai , Wang Renjie , Song Weidong , Gao Bing , Jin Lei , Zhang Zhichao
Published: December 2020

Introduction

There has been no report regarding the impact on male sexual life or sexual function by changes in lifestyle during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.

Aim

To investigate the changes in sexual life and sexual function of Chinese men during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods

An online questionnaire was created and the survey was administered through social media to Chinese adult men.

Main Outcome Measure

The main end point was the deteriorated erectile function or ejaculatory control ability, defined by self-evaluation or by decreased International Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5) scores or increased premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) scores.

Results

Altogether, 612 questionnaires were collected. About 322 (52.6%) subjects were unmarried. About 8.4% and 8.5% subjects reported deteriorated erectile function or ejaculation control ability by self-evaluation, whereas 31.9% and 17.9% subjects showed decreased IIEF-5 scores or increased PEDT scores. Subjects with deteriorated erectile function by self-evaluation and decreased IIEF-5 scores had higher General Anxiety Disorder-7 (P < .001 and P = .001) and higher Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (P < .001 and P = .002) after the epidemic, decreased frequency of sexual life (P < .001 and P < .001) and physical exercise (P = .009 and .007) after the epidemic. Subjects with deteriorated ejaculation control ability by self-evaluation and increased PEDT scores had higher General Anxiety Disorder-7 (P < .001 and P < .001) and higher Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (P < .001 and P = .002) after the epidemic. Subjects with decreased frequency of sexual life had reduced income (P < .001), increased anxiety (P < .001) and depression (P < .001). Married subjects had higher proportion of improved depression (P = .048) and increased frequency of sexual life (P = .010).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 epidemic, decreased sexual function was present in a certain proportion of adult men, and the risk factors include increased anxiety and depression, and decreased frequency of sexual life.
Modern Ghost Melodramas
Authors: Walker Michael
Published: December 2020

The popular and critical successes of films like The Sixth Sense and the Ring film and its sequels in the late 1990s led to an impressive international explosion of scary films dealing with ghosts. This book takes a close look at a number of those films from different countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Great Britain. Making a crucial distinction between these atmospheric films and conventional horror, Michael Walker argues that they are most productively seen as ghost melodramas, which opens them up to a powerful range of analytic tools from the study of melodrama, including, crucially, psychoanalysis.
Marriage, Sex and Death
Authors: Southon Emma
Published: December 2020

By the end of the fifth century, with the structural collapse of the Roman Empire in the west, Western Europe had fallen into the so-called Dark Ages. With the power of Rome removed, the Catholic Church stepped in to fill the void. Its political rise, alongside that of the Germanic kingdoms, led to dramatic changes in law, politics, power, and culture. Against the backdrop of that upheaval, the family became a vitally important area of focus for cultural struggles related to morality, law, and tradition. This book explores those battles in order to demonstrate, through the family, the intersections between Roman and Christian legal culture, thought, and political power.
Learning from Experiment: Unio Freshwater Mussel Shells in Fifth-millennium bc Romania
Authors: Mărgărit Monica , Radu Valentin , Voinea Valentina
Published: December 2020

Raw materials from aquatic environments were systematically used for domestic activities even before the appearance of modern humans. Here, the authors analyse the possible use of freshwater mussel valves of the Unio species, whose surfaces preserve marks resulting from their use. They consider the ways in which wear develops on these valves, starting from the comparison between archaeological exemplars and experimental pieces. An experimental programme was developed to record variables such as the procurement of the raw material, the processing of various materials, and the time needed for each operation. Experimental pieces were assessed to document how use-wear develops. The archaeological assemblage from the site of Cheia in Romania (Hamangia culture, fifth millennium cal bc) served as a case study to illustrate the relevance of the results.
The impact of a multimodel approach to designing a new orthopedic department
Authors: Keren Elad , Borer Abraham , Nesher Lior , Shafat Tali , Yosipovich Rivka , Nativ Ronit , Shimoni Orly , Sagi Orli , Greenshpoon Lilia , Saidel-Odes Lisa
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To determine whether a multifaceted approach effectively influenced antibiotic use in an orthopedics department.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study comparing the readmission rate and antibiotic use before and after an intervention.

Setting:

A 1,000-bed, tertiary-care, university hospital.

Patients:

Adult patients admitted to the orthopedics department between January 2015 and December 2018.

Methods:

During the preintervention period (2015–2016), 1 general orthopedic department was in operation. In the postintervention period (2017–2018), 2 separate departments were created: one designated for elective “clean” surgeries and another that included a “complicated wound” unit. A multifaceted strategy including infection prevention measures and introducing antibiotic stewardship practices was implemented. Admission rates, hand hygiene practice compliance, surgical site infections, and antibiotic treatment before versus after the intervention were analyzed.

Results:

The number of admissions and hospitalization days in the 2 periods did not change. Seven-day readmissions per annual quarter decreased significantly from the preintervention period (median, 7 days; interquartile range [IQR], 6–9) to the postintervention period (median, 4 days; IQR, 2–7; P = .038). Hand hygiene compliance increased and surgical site infections decreased in the postintervention period. Although total antibiotic use was not reduced, there was a significant change in the breakdown of the different antibiotic classes used before and after the intervention: increased use of narrow-spectrum β-lactams (P < .001) and decreased use of β-lactamase inhibitors (P < .001), third-generation cephalosporins (P = .044), and clindamycin (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Restructuring the orthopedics department facilitated better infection prevention measures accompanied by antibiotic stewardship implementation, resulting in a decreased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and a significant reduction in readmission rates.
Regularity criterion on the energy conservation for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Liang Zhilei
Published: December 2020

This paper concerns the energy conservation for the weak solutions of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Assume that the density is positively bounded, we work on the regularity assumption on the gradient of the velocity, and establish a Lp–Ls type condition for the energy equality to hold in the distributional sense in time. We mention that no regularity assumption on the density derivative is needed any more.
The ‘Soul of an Army’: A Defence of Military Court Trials for Violations of the Law of Armed Conflict
Authors: Donohue Conor
Published: December 2020

Military justice as a body of law was subject to much criticism in the preceding decades before undergoing significant reforms to ensure that fair trial rights could be achieved. However, modern military justice systems are appropriate mechanisms for addressing law of armed conflict (LOAC) violations committed by service members. It is argued that the goals of military justice are consistent with LOAC, and that military justice has a valid legal basis to try violations. Such trials have a large body of precedent. The purported disadvantages of military trials are sufficiently mitigated to prevent cover-ups and unfair trials. Furthermore, military justice offers several benefits that cannot be achieved in a civilian or international forum. It is concluded that although military legal systems are imperfect, their role in the enforcement of international criminal law is worthy of further debate.
Sanctuaries & cults in the Peloponnese: new evidence for sanctuaries & sacral contexts, 2010–2020
Authors: Spathi Maria G.
Published: December 2020

Sanctuaries remain important for the study of ancient Greek life and culture because they express the values and concerns of the communities where they were established and developed. The investigation of sanctuaries remains a fundamental aspect of research. The new data that have come to light clearly confirm that their study has in no way been exhausted. The Peloponnese has been at the centre of scholarly interest in this subject from the very start, and continues to be today. This article offers an overview of the excavations and publications of the last decade, recording also new trends in sanctuary research.
Detection of pre-industrial societies on exoplanets
Authors: Lockley Andrew , Visioni Daniele
Published: December 2020

Approximately 22% of sun-like stars have Earth-like exoplanets. Advanced civilizations may exist on these, and significant effort has been expended on the theoretical analysis of planetary systems, and accompanying practical detection instruments.

The longevity of technological civilizations is unknown, as is the probability of less advanced societies becoming technological. Accordingly, searching for pre-industrial extra-terrestrial societies may be more productive.

Using the earth as a model, a consideration of possible detectible proxies suggests that observation of seasonal agriculture may be possible in the near future – particularly in ideal circumstances, for which quantitative analysis is provided. More speculatively, other detectible processes may include: species introduction; climate change; large urban fires and land-use or aquatic changes.

Primitive societies may be both aware that their activities may be observed from other planets, and may deliberately adjust these activities to aid or conceal detection.
Beast of the Central Arctic
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: December 2020

Feast your eyes on Beast, the first remotely operated vehicle to brave the Arctic for 1 year.
A Graph Theoretical Intercomparison of Atmospheric Chemical Mechanisms
Authors: Silva Sam J. , Burrows Susannah M. , Evans Mathew J. , Halappanavar Mahantesh
Published: December 2020

Graph‐theoretical methods have revolutionized the exploration of complex systems across scientific disciplines. Here, we demonstrate their applicability to the investigation and comparison of three widely used atmospheric chemical mechanisms of varying complexity: the Master Chemical Mechanism v3.3, GEOS‐Chem v12.6, and the Super‐Fast chemical mechanism. We investigate these mechanisms using a class of graphical models known as species‐reaction graphs and find similarities between these chemical reaction systems and other systems arising in nature. Several graph theoretical properties are consistent across mechanisms, including strong dynamical system disequilibrium and clustering of chemically related species. This formalism also reveals key differences between the mechanisms, some of which have characteristics inconsistent with domain knowledge; e.g., isoprene and peroxy radical chemistry exhibit substantially different graph properties in each mechanism. Graph‐theoretical methods provide a promising set of tools for investigating atmospheric chemical mechanisms, complementing existing computational approaches, and potentially opening new avenues for scientific discovery.
Comparisons of Satellite and Airborne Altimetry With Ground‐Based Data From the Interior of the Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Brunt K. M. , Smith B. E. , Sutterley T. C. , Kurtz N. T. , Neumann T. A.
Published: December 2020

A series of traverses has been conducted for validation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat‐2) on the flat interior of the Antarctic ice sheet. Global Navigation Satellite System data collected on three separate 88S Traverses intersect 20% of the ICESat‐2 reference ground tracks and have precisions of better than ±7 cm and biases of less than ∼4 cm. Data from these traverses were used to assess heights from ICESat‐2, CryoSat‐2, and Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM). ICESat‐2 heights have better than ±3.3 cm bias and better than ±7.2 cm precision. ATM heights have better than 9.3 cm bias and better than ±9.6 cm precision. CryoSat‐2 heights have −38.9 cm of bias and ±47.3 cm precision. These best case results are from the flat ice‐sheet interior but provide a characterization of the quality of satellite and airborne altimetry.
Complex Patterns of Antarctic Ice Sheet Mass Change Resolved by Time‐Dependent Rate Modeling of GRACE and GRACE Follow‐On Observations
Authors: Wang Lei , Davis James L. , Howat Ian M.
Published: December 2020

The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) is a major contributor to current global sea‐level change and the largest potential source of future sea‐level change. Variability in AIS mass balance on a wide range of spatiotemporal scales obscures secular trends, increasing the uncertainty of projections. We introduce a novel approach for analyzing satellite gravity observations to estimate time‐varying mass‐change rates and resolve the time scales and amplitudes of rate fluctuations. The new analysis resolves a higher degree of variability than expected over all AIS sectors. Quantifying rate fluctuations on a range of time scales, we demonstrate that loss from the West AIS is characterized by a multidecadal trend, whereas variations of the East AIS are dominated by substantial, short‐term accumulation changes that impact AIS mass balance as whole. These complex spatiotemporal variabilities highlight the need to include stochastic processes in estimates of loss rates.
Multivariate Estimations of Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity From Short Transient Warming Simulations
Authors: Bastiaansen Robbin , Dijkstra Henk A. , von der Heydt Anna S.
Published: December 2020

One of the most used metrics to gauge the effects of climate change is the equilibrium climate sensitivity, defined as the long‐term (equilibrium) temperature increase resulting from instantaneous doubling of atmospheric CO2. Since global climate models cannot be fully equilibrated in practice, extrapolation techniques are used to estimate the equilibrium state from transient warming simulations. Because of the abundance of climate feedbacks—spanning a wide range of temporal scales—it is hard to extract long‐term behavior from short‐time series; predominantly used techniques are only capable of detecting the single most dominant eigenmode, thus hampering their ability to give accurate long‐term estimates. Here, we present an extension to those methods by incorporating data from multiple observables in a multicomponent linear regression model. This way, not only the dominant but also the next‐dominant eigenmodes of the climate system are captured, leading to better long‐term estimates from short, nonequilibrated time series.
Scale‐Dependent Flow Directions of Rivers and the Importance of Subplate Support
Authors: Lipp Alex G. , Roberts Gareth G.
Published: December 2020

Large rivers play crucial roles in determining locations of civilization, biodiversity, and efflux to the oceans. The paths they take across Earth's surface vary with scale. At long‐wavelengths rivers can have simple flow paths. At smaller scales, in meanders for example, their paths change rapidly as a consequence of lithology, biota, and other environmental variables. It is not straightforward to identify the scales at which river planforms are set. We overcome these issues by developing a spectral (wavelet) methodology to map flow‐directions as a function of distance and scale. This methodology allows short‐wavelength features (e.g., meanders) to be filtered from river flow‐paths. With short‐wavelength structure removed, the flow‐directions of rivers in Western USA correlate with long‐wavelength gravity anomalies suggesting control by subplate support. This relationship is replicated by an ensemble of landscape evolution models. These results combined suggest that drainage at large scales, O(103) km, is set by subplate support.
Observational Constraints on Warm Cloud Microphysical Processes Using Machine Learning and Optimization Techniques
Authors: Chiu J. Christine , Yang C. Kevin , van Leeuwen Peter Jan , Feingold Graham , Wood Robert , Blanchard Yann , Mei Fan , Wang Jian
Published: December 2020

We introduce new parameterizations for autoconversion and accretion rates that greatly improve representation of the growth processes of warm rain. The new parameterizations capitalize on machine‐learning and optimization techniques and are constrained by in situ cloud probe measurements from the recent Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program field campaign at Azores. The uncertainty in the new estimates of autoconversion and accretion rates is about 15% and 5%, respectively, outperforming existing parameterizations. Our results confirm that cloud and drizzle water content are the most important factors for determining accretion rates. However, for autoconversion, in addition to cloud water content and droplet number concentration, we discovered a key role of drizzle number concentration that is missing in current parameterizations. The robust relation between autoconversion rate and drizzle number concentration is surprising but real, and furthermore supported by theory. Thus, drizzle number concentration should be considered in parameterizations for improved representation of the autoconversion process.
The PC Index Variations During 23/24 Solar Cycles: Relation to Solar Wind Parameters and Magnetospheric Disturbances
Authors: Troshichev O. A. , Dolgacheva S. A. , Stepanov N. A. , Sormakov D. A.
Published: December 2020

The polar cap magnetic activity PC index is regarded as indicator of the solar wind energy that enters into the magnetosphere during the solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling (Resolutions of XXII IAGA Assembly, 2013). This study presents the results of statistical analysis of relationships between the yearly values of PC index and such indicators as the magnetic activity indices (AE and Dst), the solar wind parameters (velocity Vsw, density Nsw, dynamic pressure Pdyn, vertical interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) component Bz, total IMF field |B|, electric field EKL), and the solar activity parameters (sunspot number, coronal mass ejections, stream interaction regions) in course of 23–24 solar cycles. It is shown that the yearly values of the quiet daily curve magnitude (which serves as a level of reference in estimation of the PC index value) changed during 1998–2019 in remarkable agreement with variation of the Solar UV irradiation (150–200 nm) absorbed in the Earth's ionosphere. The yearly values of PC index perfectly correlate with the yearly values of Vsw and |B| and their product electric field EKL, as well as with the yearly values of AE and Dst indices testifying that PC index serves as the ground‐based indicator of the solar wind energy input into the magnetosphere. The yearly values of EKL, PC, AE, Dst correlate with the total IMF field |B| much better that with the IMF Bz component, testifying that efficiency of the solar wind impact on the magnetosphere is defined by the total IMF value, in contrast with Dungey's concept of reconnection.
Characterization of D‐Type Spectra Based on Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of the Lunar Surface
Authors: Yamamoto Satoru , Watanabe Sei‐ichiro
Published: December 2020

We surveyed dark, red‐sloped, and featureless visible and near‐infrared spectra on the lunar surface, similar to those of D‐type asteroids. Using the hyperspectral data obtained by Spectral Profiler onboard SELENE, we examined the distribution of sites showing low albedo and high spectral redness, irrespective of absorption features. We found that regions around several dark mantle deposits, such as Sinus Aestuum, Rimae Bode, Vaporum, Sulpicius Gallus, Oppenheimer, and Taurus Littrow, are the darkest, reddest sites on the lunar surface. In addition, dark mare regions (albedo < 4%) are shown to be high in TiO2 abundance, while red mare regions (spectral redness > 2.3) are low in TiO2 abundance. Interestingly, according to the criterion of asteroidal taxonomic classification used in previous studies, most of these geological features are classified as D‐type, which are characterized by featureless spectra, although they show absorption bands at visible, 1 μm, and/or 2 μm regions. This is because the asteroidal taxonomic classification relies on a small number of spectral bands of scaled reflectances, while the presence of absorption bands should be identified based on the continuum‐removed reflectance of the hyperspectral data. Thus, our results suggest that the D‐type group classified in previous studies consists not only of primitive objects of carbonaceous chondritic materials but also differentiated objects composed of rocky materials that may be found on the Moon. To provide better constraints for D‐type bodies regarding their composition from remote‐sensing data, a quantitative assessment based on an analysis of the continuum‐removed reflectance of hyperspectral data may be required.
One‐Day Forecasting of Global TEC Using a Novel Deep Learning Model
Authors: Lee Sujin , Ji Eun‐Young , Moon Yong‐Jae , Park Eunsu
Published: December 2020

In this study, we make a global total electron content (TEC) forecasting using a novel deep learning method, which is based on conditional generative adversarial networks. For training, we use the International GNSS Service (IGS) TEC maps from 2003 to 2012 with 2‐h time cadence. Our model has two input images (IGS TEC map and 1‐day difference map between the present day and the previous day) and one output image (1‐day future map). The model is tested with two data sets: solar maximum period (2013–2014) and solar minimum period (2017–2018). Then, we compare the results of our model with those of 1‐day Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) prediction model. Our major results can be summarized as follows. First, we successfully apply our model to the forecast of global TEC maps. Second, our model well predicts daily TEC maps with 1 day in advance using only previous TEC maps. The averaged root mean square error, bias, and standard deviation between AI‐generated and IGS TEC maps are 2.74 TECU, −0.32 TECU, and 2.59 TECU, respectively. Third, our model generates some peak structures around equatorial regions. Fourth, our model shows better performance than 1‐day CODE prediction model during both solar maximum and minimum periods. Fifth, another model with additional input data Kp index gives a slight improvement of the results. Our study shows that our deep learning model based on an image translation method will be effective for forecasting of future images using previous data.
Permafrost Promotes Shallow Groundwater Flow and Warmer Headwater Streams
Authors: Sjöberg Ylva , Jan Ahmad , Painter Scott L. , Coon Ethan T. , Carey Michael P. , O'Donnell Jonathan A. , Koch Joshua C.
Published: December 2020

The presence of permafrost influences the flow paths of water through Arctic landscapes and thereby has the potential to impact stream discharge and thermal regimes. Observations from 11 headwater streams in Alaska showed that July water temperatures were higher in catchments with more near‐surface permafrost. We apply a fully coupled cryohydrology model to investigate if the impact of permafrost on flow path depth could cause the same pattern in temperatures of groundwater discharging from hillslopes to streams. The model simulates surface energy and water balances, snow, and subsurface water and energy balances for two‐dimensional hillslope model cases with varying permafrost extent. We find that hillslopes with continuous permafrost have more shallow flow paths and twice as high rates of evapotranspiration, compared to hillslopes with no permafrost. For our simulated cases, 6.7% of the horizontal water flux moves through the top organic soil layers when there is continuous permafrost, while only 0.5% moves through organic layers without permafrost. The deeper flow paths in permafrost‐free simulations buffer seasonal temperature extremes, so that summer groundwater discharge temperatures are highest with continuous permafrost. Our results suggest that permafrost thawing alters groundwater flow paths and can lead to decreases in summer stream temperatures and reductions in evapotranspiration in headwater catchments. These changes are of potential importance for stream biotic components of ecosystems, however, the full impact remains unknown.
Serum metabolic profiles of septic shock patients based upon co-morbidities and other underlying conditions
Authors: Pandey Swarnima , Adnan Siddiqui Mohd. , Azim Afzal , Trigun Surendra Kumar , Sinha Neeraj
Published: December 2020

Serum based identification of potential molecular biomarkers of septic shock using NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis of the SO42−–Fe3O4/FeS coating catalyst on a TC4 titanium alloy for the enhanced Fenton-like degradation of phenol
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wang Jiankang , Yao Zhongping , Chen Changju , Zhou Yang , Jiang Zhaohua
Published: December 2020

SO42−–Fe3O4/FeS coatings prepared by PEO as Fenton-like catalysts exhibit remarkable catalytic performance.
The effect of bulky electron-donating thioether substituents on the performances of phthalocyanine based dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ince Mine , Kuboi Ren , Ince Tuncay , Yoshimura Kuon , Motoyoshi Daiki , Sonobe Masahiro , Kudo Ryota , Mori Shogo , Kimura Mutsumi , Torres Tomas
Published: December 2020

A series of novel phthalocyanine derivatives with bulky electron-donating thioether substituents were synthesized in order to investigate the effect of sulfur atoms on the solar-cell performances of Zn–phthalocyanine based dye-sensitized solar cells.