bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine vision‐based automated earthquake‐induced drift ratio quantification for reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Hamidia Mohammadjavad , Jamshidian Sara , Afzali Mobinasadat , Safi Mohammad
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel method for estimating the seismic peak interstory drift ratio (IDR) in reinforced concrete (RC) columns after an earthquake using surface crack image analysis. The quantitative representation of the complexity and irregularity of crack images in damaged RC columns is obtained through the consideration of the generalized fractal dimensions. The authors have compiled a comprehensive database consisting of 445 crack maps obtained from cyclic experiments conducted on 110 rectangular RC column specimens exhibiting double‐curvature deformation mode. This database is utilized by the authors to develop and validate the proposed procedure. The research database contains a wide range of structural and geometric features. Five closed‐form equations are developed with the objective of estimating the peak IDR experienced by the RC columns during a seismic event. The predictive equations are derived through the utilization of symbolic regression technique, with the input parameters varying according to the availability of columns characteristic parameters. Results reveal that generalized fractal dimensions, especially D−1, are strong vision‐based indicator of damage in RC columns having correlation coefficients with IDR ranging from 0.82 to 0.92 across the considered plans. The seismic peak IDR obtained through the empirical equations can serve as the input engineering demand parameter (EDP) in the seismic loss estimation frameworks. This allows for the determination of the probability of exceeding damage states for structural and nonstructural components of concrete buildings. Finally, the practical implementation of the methodology is examined by its application to an actual case of a damaged column during the Kermanshah earthquake of magnitude 7.3 that occurred in 2017.
Does role play manipulate students? Persuasive effects of role play on students' attitude and behavior regarding a socioscientific issue
Authors: Steube Moritz , Wilde Matthias , Basten Melanie
Published: October 2023

Socioscientific issues (SSIs) can provide a context to address societal decision‐making processes in school. In recent years, studies have demonstrated that one effective way to deal with these topics is through role play. However, role plays may induce an unreflected attitude change based on the roles the participants take on, which raises ethical concerns about indoctrination. To explain this change of attitude, we applied the Transportation‐Imagery Model. We asked if transportation into a role play would bring about a change of attitude and behavior. Furthermore, we investigated whether the perspective of the prepared or performed characters affected transportation and the direction of an attitude change. The research was conducted in Germany with a sample of 256 secondary‐school students (Mage = 16.9 years, SDage = 1.5, 68% female). We found that transportation affected neither attitude change nor behavior. There was also no effect of the prepared or performed characters' perspective on transportation or attitude change. This suggests that role play does not constitute a form of manipulation and can be used as a learning method for SSIs without reservation.
Review of frequently used Kampo prescriptions: Part 4, Ninjin'yoeito
Authors: Takayama Shin , Michihara Seiwa , Kimura Yoko , Morinaga Akinori , Miyakawa Kyohei , Tsushima Nobuhiko , Otani Kahori , Jinnai Atsuko , Aso Yuko , Okabayashi Asako , Arita Ryutaro , Nogami Tatsuya , Inui Akio
Published: October 2023

Background

The source of ninjin'yoeito (NYT) is considered the ‘Formulary of Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy’, written around 1241–52 AD. NYT is used to treat patients with chronic fatigue, malaise with qi deficiency, and exhaustion of all five parenchymatous viscera with difficulty in recovering.

Key Findings

NYT formula consists of 12 crude drugs. NYT extract for medical use is covered by the National Health Insurance system of Japan for convalescence after recovery from diseases, fatigue and malaise, anorexia, perspiration during sleep, cold limbs, and anemia. Studies have shown clinical effects of NYT: treatment of anemia, cancer treatment support, frailty, cognitive dysfunction, apathy, fatigue/malaise, anorexia, and lung diseases. Preclinical studies support clinical studies; activating ghrelin‐neuropeptide Y pathway‐mediated appetite‐enhancing effects, inhibiting muscle volume loss through the Akt/mTOR pathway‐mediated hyperphosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and FoxO1‐mediated Atrogin‐1, suppressing the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by downregulating the sympathetic‐adrenal‐medullary axis and GABA neurons for improving sociability, promoting recovery from skeletal muscle atrophy through the activation of PGC‐1α, hematopoiesis‐promoting effects, and increasing the number of immune cells in immunocompromised models. The incidence of adverse events of NYT was reported as 3.09 or 2.03%. The most significant adverse effects of NYT are gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion

Recently, NYT has been widely used to treat several symptoms and conditions under the National Health Insurance System of Japan. Clinical studies showed the efficacy of NYT to treat anemia, frailty, cognitive dysfunction, anorexia, apathy, and fatigue/malaise, as well as for long‐term cancer treatment support. The pharmacological mechanisms supporting its effects are also being reported.
Local energy systems development in India and United Kingdom: A comprehensive review of latest developments and way forward
Authors: Deb Sanchari , Sachan Sulabh , Malik Prashant , Sinha Sunanda
Published: October 2023

Energy systems across the world are becoming localized, decarbonized, and digitalized. This is the era of local energy system integrating heat, power, and transport. Local energy system refers to arrangements that operate locally at a scale less than the traditional centralized model to maximize social, economic, environmental benefits for people or organization in a specific geographical area. Beyond decarbonization, local energy systems are expected to provide a wide range of other benefits such as alleviating fuel poverty, community income generation. The increase in the deployment of local energy systems has been the subject of intensive research and development in recent era. This article aims to review the recent local energy system developments in India and United Kingdom. Specifically, this will focus on local energy system taxonomy, landscape, challenges, pilot projects, policies, energy storage technologies in India and United Kingdom. Further, this work will also discuss how local energy system can be used for electrification of rural India. Thus, this work will put forward the latest developments of local energy system in a developed and developing country. This work will conclude by presenting the way forward for local energy system adoption and development in India and United Kingdom. It is expected that this work will help power and energy system researchers to track down the recent developments and landscape, and lessons of local energy system.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Other Renewables

Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and Decarbonization

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure
Achieving the “zero hunger” goal in Africa: Beyond the direct effects of infrastructure development
Authors: Ketu Isaac
Published: October 2023

The relevance of the worldwide commitment to end hunger as stated in Sustainable Development Goal 2.1 makes it crucial to understand the trend of undernourishment and the accompanying determinants that are still underexplored. Using a sample of 41 African countries covering the 2003–2019 period, this paper contributes to the literature by examining the direct and indirect effects of infrastructure development on the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU). Findings from the system generalized method of moments show that infrastructure development (including ICT, water and sanitation, transport, and electricity) significantly reduces the PoU and child stunting. Interestingly, the causal mediation analysis reveals that human capital, governance, and economic growth are the main channels through which infrastructure development reduces hunger in Africa. Among policy implications, the development of reliable infrastructures remains a prerequisite for attaining the “zero hunger” goal in Africa.
Modified pine needles as a formaldehyde scavenger for urea-formaldehyde resin in plywood production
Authors: Dukarska Dorota , Kawalerczyk Jakub , Kmieciak Jakub
Published: October 2023

The aim of the present work was to investigate whether it is possible to use ground pine needles as formaldehyde-scavenging filler for urea-formaldehyde resin in the production of plywood. The scope of the research included determinations of both optimal amount of introduced filler and the effect of its modification (silanization, hydrothermal and alkaline treatments). Properties of adhesives such as viscosity, gel time and pH were investigated and their morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. The manufactured plywood panels were tested in terms of their wet shear strength, tendency to delamination in varying conditions and formaldehyde emission. It was found that the addition of pine needles lowers the pH and reduces gel time of the adhesive. Moreover, it was shown that despite the significant reduction in formaldehyde emission, the addition of non-modified needles causes a decrease in bonding quality of plywood. Based on the results, 10 parts by weight of needles per 100 parts by weight of resin can be considered as an optimal loading. The use of ground needles modified hydrothermally and with silane allows to minimize the negative effect on the strength of glue lines and leads to further reduction of formaldehyde emission. Therefore, it can be concluded that pine needle powder has strong potential for the application as a formaldehyde-scavenging filler for urea-formaldehyde adhesive in plywood production.
Anterior cruciate ligament femoral footprint is oblong‐ovate, triangular, or two‐tears shaped in healthy young adults: three‐dimensional MRI analysis
Authors: Lin Jinrong , Zhang Shurong , Xin Enhui , Liang Meng , Yang Liqin , Chen Jiwu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) femoral footprint with three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) in healthy knees.

Methods

Fifty subjects with healthy knees were recruited, utilising 3D‐SPACE sequences for ACL evaluation. The ACL was manually segmented, and the shape, size and location of the ACL femoral footprint were evaluated on a reformatted oblique‐sagittal plane, which aligned closely with the ACL attachment. Statistical analysis included one‐way ANOVA for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, with a P value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Three types of ACL femoral footprint shape were identified, namely, oblong‐ovate (OO) in 33 knees (66%), triangular (Tr) in 12 knees (24%) and two‐tears (TT) in 5 knees (10%), with the mean areas being 58, 47 and 68 mm2, respectively. Within group TT, regions with similar sizes but different locations were identified: high tear (TT‐H) and low tear (TT‐L). Notably, group OO demonstrated a larger notch height index, whilst group TT was characterised by a larger α angle and lateral femoral condyle index. A noticeable variation was observed in the location of the femoral footprint centre across groups, with group TT‐L and group Tr showing a more distal position relative to the apex of the deep cartilage. According to the Bernard and Hertel (BH) grid, the ACL femoral footprint centres in group TT‐L exhibited a shallower and higher position than other groups. Furthermore, compared to group OO and TT‐H, group Tr showed a significantly higher position according to the BH grid.

Conclusion

In this study, the morphology of the ACL femoral footprint in healthy young adults was accurately evaluated using 3D MRI, revealing three distinct shapes: OO, Tr and TT. The different ACL femoral footprint types showed similar areas but markedly different locations. These findings emphasise the necessity of considering both the shape and precise location of the ACL femoral footprint during clinical assessments, which might help surgeons enhance patient‐specific surgical plans before ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

IV.
Felt or Thought: Distinct Mechanisms Underlying Exploitative Leadership and Abusive Supervision
Authors: Pircher Verdorfer Armin , Belschak Frank , Bobbio Andrea
Published: October 2023

The last two decades have seen a mounting fascination with unethical and destructive forms of leadership. Yet, do we know what all encapsulates this “dark” side of leadership? Despite initial evidence that exploitation is a notable addition to the unethical leadership scene, our understanding of its distinctiveness as well as of how and why it exerts its negative effects is limited. We speak to this gap by testing the distinct mechanisms through which exploitative leadership—relative to the more popular counterpart, abusive supervision—affects followers. Borrowing from the aggression literature, we describe exploitative leadership and abusive supervision as varying forms of aggression that undermine followers’ satisfaction with the leader via altered experiences of their social exchange relationship. Our theoretical model proposes that abusive supervision, as an inherently interpersonal provocation, primarily implicates followers’ emotional experiences within the social exchange process. By contrast, given its inherent focus on self-interest, exploitative leadership is assumed to affect followers primarily through the cognitive understanding of the social exchange. Results from multiple studies using different samples, measures, and research designs provide general support for our predictions. In sum, the evidence emerging from our data shows that exploitative leadership is not a symptom of construct proliferation but rather, adds cumulative knowledge to the field of unethical and destructive leadership.
Low-Attaining Secondary School Mathematics Students’ Perspectives on Recommended Teaching Strategies
Authors: Hodgen Jeremy , Foster Colin , Brown Margaret , Martin David
Published: October 2023

Recent research syntheses have identified several potentially high-leverage teaching strategies for improving low-attaining secondary school students’ learning of mathematics. These strategies include the structured use of representations and manipulatives and an emphasis on derived facts and estimation. This paper reports on 70 semi-structured interviews conducted with low-attaining students in Years 9–10 (ages 13–15) in England. The interviews addressed the students’ perceptions of learning mathematics and the teaching strategies that they experienced and believed were most helpful. Many students reported rarely using number lines, not spontaneously estimating answers and being unfamiliar with derived facts. During the interviews, with minimal direction, students often showed that they were well able to make use of these strategies; however, they did not report making spontaneous use of them independently. We conclude that many of the most well-evidenced and recommended strategies to support low-attaining students in mathematics appear to be unfamiliar and unvalued, and we discuss how this might be addressed.
The Mg doping ZIF-8 loaded with Icariin and its antibacterial and osteogenic performances
Authors: Li Lili , Zhao Jianghui , Ma Fengcang , He Daihua , Liu Ping , Li Wei , Zhang Ke , Chen Xiaohong , Song Lin
Published: October 2023

In this study, ICA@Mg-ZIF-8 was synthesized by Mg doping in ZIF-8 and loaded with icariin (ICA). The morphologies and phases were observed and analyzed by SEM, XRD, and the release behaviors of Mg, Zn ions and ICA were tested. Its antibacterial and mineralization performances were evaluated. The results showed that ICA@Mg-ZIF-8 has the same morphology and crystal structure as ZIF-8. ICA@Mg-ZIF-8 showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the antibacterial rate was increased to 87.7 % and 64.0 %, respectively. The results of in vitro mineralization showed that ICA@Mg-ZIF-8 presented better osteogenic performance promoting the uniform deposition of more calcium and phosphorus in simulated body fluids compared to ZIF-8.

Graphical Abstract
Linguistic Illusions Guide Eye Movement: Evidence From Doubling
Authors: Andan Qatherine , Bex Peter , Berent Iris
Published: October 2023

Across languages, certain phonological patterns are preferred to others (e.g., blog > lbog). But whether such preferences arise from abstract linguistic constraints or sensorimotor pressures is controversial. We address this debate by examining the constraints on doubling (e.g., slaflaf, generally, XX). Doubling demonstrably elicits conflicting responses (aversion or preference), depending on the linguistic level of analysis (phonology vs. morphology). Since the stimulus remains unchanged, the shifting responses imply abstract constraints. Here, we ask whether these constraints apply online, in eye movements. Experiment 1 shows that, in bare phonological forms, doubling is dispreferred, and correspondingly it elicits shorter fixations. Remarkably, when doubling signals morphological plurality, the aversion shifts into preference, in Experiment 2. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the constraints on doubling apply online. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that phonological knowledge arises, in part, from an abstract linguistic source.
Observationally Guided Models for the Solar Dynamo and the Role of the Surface Field
Authors: Cameron Robert H. , Schüssler Manfred
Published: October 2023

Theoretical models for the solar dynamo range from simple low-dimensional “toy models” to complex 3D-MHD simulations. Here we mainly discuss appproaches that are motivated and guided by solar (and stellar) observations. We give a brief overview of the evolution of solar dynamo models since 1950s, focussing upon the development of the Babcock–Leighton approach between its introduction in the 1960s and its revival in the 1990s after being long overshadowed by mean-field turbulent dynamo theory. We summarize observations and simple theoretical deliberations that demonstrate the crucial role of the surface fields in the dynamo process and give quantitative analyses of the generation and loss of toroidal flux in the convection zone as well as of the production of poloidal field resulting from flux emergence at the surface. Furthermore, we discuss possible nonlinearities in the dynamo process suggested by observational results and present models for the long-term variability of solar activity motivated by observations of magnetically active stars and the inherent randomness of the dynamo process.
Accelerating Bayesian inference for stochastic epidemic models using incidence data
Authors: Golightly Andrew , Wadkin Laura E. , Whitaker Sam A. , Baggaley Andrew W. , Parker Nick G. , Kypraios Theodore
Published: October 2023

We consider the case of performing Bayesian inference for stochastic epidemic compartment models, using incomplete time course data consisting of incidence counts that are either the number of new infections or removals in time intervals of fixed length. We eschew the most natural Markov jump process representation for reasons of computational efficiency, and focus on a stochastic differential equation representation. This is further approximated to give a tractable Gaussian process, that is, the linear noise approximation (LNA). Unless the observation model linking the LNA to data is both linear and Gaussian, the observed data likelihood remains intractable. It is in this setting that we consider two approaches for marginalising over the latent process: a correlated pseudo-marginal method and analytic marginalisation via a Gaussian approximation of the observation model. We compare and contrast these approaches using synthetic data before applying the best performing method to real data consisting of removal incidence of oak processionary moth nests in Richmond Park, London. Our approach further allows comparison between various competing compartment models.
Videobasierte Reflexion von klassenführungsspezifischen Ereignissen – Welche Rolle spielen Wissen und Reflexionsbereitschaft von Lehramtsstudierenden?
Authors: Weber Kira Elena , Neuber Katharina , Prilop Christopher Neil
Published: October 2023

Die Reflexion über Klassenführung als Basisdimension guten Unterrichts ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Professionalisierung von Lehrkräften. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, welche Rolle reflexionsbezogene Dispositionen (Wissen und Reflexionsbereitschaft) für die Qualität reflexionsbezogener Denkprozesse (Wahrnehmung und wissensgesteuerte Verarbeitung) mit dem Fokus auf Klassenführung spielen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde dieser Zusammenhang anhand einer Stichprobe von 193 Lehramtsstudierenden im Rahmen eines Mixed-Method-Designs empirisch überprüft. Neben der standardisierten Erfassung des deklarativen Wissens über Klassenführung und der Reflexionsbereitschaft wurde den Studierenden ein Unterrichtsvideo gezeigt, welches im Hinblick auf klassenführungsspezifische Situationen von den Studierenden reflektiert werden sollte. Die schriftlichen Reflexionen wurden mit einer strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet mit dem Ziel, die selektive Wahrnehmung, die wissensgesteuerte Verarbeitung klassenführungsspezifischer Situationen sowie das konzeptuelle Wissen zu erfassen. Die Ergebnisse dieser qualitativen Analyse wurden anschließend zum Zwecke statistischer Analysen quantifiziert. Regressionsanalysen ergaben, dass die standardisierte Erfassung des deklarativen Wissens die selektive Wahrnehmung vorhersagen kann, während das konzeptuelle Wissen über Klassenführung einen Prädiktor für die wissensgesteuerte Verarbeitung klassenführungsspezifischer Situationen darstellt. Die Reflexionsbereitschaft hängt signifikant mit beiden Wissensfacetten zusammen, stellt jedoch keinen Prädiktor für die reflexionsbezogenen Denkprozesse dar. Die Befunde werden vor dem Hintergrund der Relevanz von Reflexionsprozessen kritisch diskutiert.
Sekundärprävention der Nutzung von Kindesmissbrauchsabbildungen im Internet: ein internationaler Überblicksversuch
Authors: Merdian Hannah L. , Allardyce Stuart , DeBoeck Minne , Gannon Colm , Janssen Ellen , Klapilova Katerina , McCartan Kieran , von Franqué Fritjof , Lehmann Robert
Published: October 2023

Die Prävention des Konsums von Missbrauchsabbildungen von Kindern stellt die Gesellschaft vor eine Vielzahl neuer Herausforderungen und ist eine Priorität der Europäischen Union (EU). Neben der Identifizierung und strafrechtlichen Verfolgung von Personen, die Medien sexueller Gewalt an Kindern nutzen, besteht in der EU auch der Wunsch, diese Verbrechen zu verhindern, bevor sie (wieder) geschehen. Da sich in den letzten Jahren die Anzahl der gemeldeten Fälle des Konsums von Missbrauchsabbildungen im Hellfeld immer wieder verdoppelt hat, kommt der Sekundärprävention dabei eine bedeutende Rolle zu. Basierend auf allgemeinen Präventionsmodellen gibt dieser Artikel einen europabezogenen Überblick über ausgewählte sekundäre Präventionsprogramme und Interventionsansätze. Ziel des Artikels ist es, Fachpersonen aus Wissenschaft, Politik und Versorgung im deutschsprachigen Raum über bestehende Präventionsansätze zu informieren und dadurch bei der Gestaltung und Umsetzung maßgeschneiderter Präventionsmaßnahmen zu unterstützen. Einleitend wird auf die aktuellen Klassifikationskriterien der Europäischen Kommission eingegangen, die dem besseren Verständnis von Programmen zur Prävention von sexuellem Missbrauch von Kindern dienen sollen. Im Folgenden wird 1) auf Ansätze der sekundären Prävention in Form von präventiver Abschreckung durch Strafverfolgungsbehörden eingegangen und die Bedeutung der übergreifenden Zusammenarbeit mit verschiedenen Interessenvertretern wie Technologieunternehmen (z. B. Microsoft) und Nichtregierungsorganisationen (z. B. International Hotline Operators of Europe) aufgezeigt. Hierbei geht es u. a. um die Verhinderung von Tatgelegenheiten und Abschreckung potenzieller Konsumenten von Missbrauchsabbildungen durch die Ermittlungsbehörden. Weiterhin wird 2) anhand von psychosozialen Interventionsanbietern, wie Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Stop it Now! Helpline, Präventionsprojekt PARAPHILE, „Kein Täter werden“ und weiteren sekundären Präventionsangeboten in Deutschland, beispielhaft die Zunahme der Heterogenität von Präventionsanbietern aufgezeigt. Abschließend werden bestehende Herausforderungen der Prävention des Konsums von Missbrauchsabbildungen diskutiert.
The role of SIC on the design of next generation multiple access
Authors: Razzaque Asmad Bin Abdul , Qureshi Hassaan Khaliq , Baiocchi Andrea
Published: October 2023

The interplay of physical layer enhancements and classic random access protocols is the objective of this paper. Successive interference cancellation (SIC) is among the major enhancements of the physical layer. Considering the classic representatives of random access protocols, Slotted ALOHA and Channel Sensing Multiple Access (CSMA), we show that two regimes can be identified as a function of the communication link spectral efficiency. In case of high levels of spectral efficiency, multi-packet reception enabled by SIC is of limited benefit. Sum-rate performance is dominated by the effectiveness of the Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol. On the contrary, for low spectral efficiency levels, sum-rate performance is essentially dependent on physical layer SIC capability, while the MAC protocol has a marginal impact. Limitations due to transmission power dynamic range are shown to induce unfairness among nodes. However, the unfairness issue fades away when the system is driven to work around the sum-rate peak achieved for low spectral efficiency. This can also be confirmed by looking at Age of Information (AoI) metric. The major finding of this work is that SIC can boost performance, while still maintaining a fair sharing of the communication channel among nodes. In this regime, the MAC protocol appears to play a marginal role, while multi-packet reception endowed by SIC is prominent to provide high sum-rate, low energy consumption, and low AoI.
Indigenizing and Ruralizing NCI Screen to Save Program: Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching, Science (ROOTS)
Authors: Maybee William , Henry Whitney Ann , Lazore-Swan Dakota , Abrams Corrinne , Attwood Kris , Vincent Paula , Catalfamo Kayla , Haring Rodney C.
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex health disparity in many Indigenous and rural populations. While it affects anyone regardless of race, age, gender, or other common differences among people, Indigenous and rural populations are at a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer. An NCI Screen to Save (S2S) program was culturally tailored to promote awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer and screening in both Indigenous and rural communities across a sector in Northeastern USA. Indigenous and rural community outreach teams at an NCI-designated cancer center partnered with a community advisory board to provide an indigenized/ruralized version of the NCI Screen to Save program delivered to both Indigenous and rural/suburban communities. In total, n = 79 pre/post surveys were obtained from n = 82 participants, who had an average age of 49 years. Findings demonstrated that Indigenous/rural participants in both off-territory/non-reservation communities and a tribal community that received a culturally tailored version of NCI’s S2S program were able to identify both smoking and tobacco use along with lack of physical activity as risk factors for colorectal cancer. Post-intervention, participants reported being more likely to increase physical activity. Most importantly, participants said they would be more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer along with their family and friends based on their cancer screening experiences. Culturally tailored CRC messaging is an effective means for increasing screening intentions and decreasing cancer health disparities among both indigenous and rural populations. Future research should include the relationship of diet to obesity-related cancers, greater integration of Indigenous-rural patient navigation programs, creation of more information on genetic screening, and quality improvement to service translational science initiatives.
Finding the homology of manifolds using ellipsoids
Authors: Kališnik Sara , Lešnik Davorin
Published: October 2023

A standard problem in applied topology is how to discover topological invariants of data from a noisy point cloud that approximates it. We consider the case where a sample is drawn from a properly embedded "Equation missing"-submanifold without boundary in a Euclidean space. We show that we can deformation retract the union of ellipsoids, centered at sample points and stretching in the tangent directions, to the manifold. Hence the homotopy type, and therefore also the homology type, of the manifold is the same as that of the nerve complex of the cover by ellipsoids. By thickening sample points to ellipsoids rather than balls, our results require a smaller sample density than comparable results in the literature. They also advocate using elongated shapes in the construction of barcodes in persistent homology.
Assessment of the efficacy of a novel adhesive haemostat using real world, case series data collection
Authors: Grosheva M. , Liese M. , Menovsky T. , Rasschaert R. , Galun D. , Maric N. , Hayes P. D. , van Herzeele I.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background

Post-operative haemorrhage can lead to significant complications and even mortality. These utilise scarce healthcare resources and increase hospital costs, as well as negatively impacting on patient’s quality of life. Haemostats that exhibit additional adhesive properties can reduce the rate of bleeding complications. Standard gelatin sponges have been used safely in surgery for over 75 years but have almost no adhesive properties. This article reports the performance of a novel adhesive gelatin patch in human surgery for the first time.

Methods

A CE-marked gelatin foam patch (TenaTac®, Selentus Science, UK) has been created through a physical modification of the sponge surface, avoiding the need for the addition of blood-derived components or additional chemicals to stimulate adhesion. Real-world, post-approval clinical evaluations of the device were undertaken, and a structured data form was utilised to collect information on the device’s performance during these procedures.

Results

In total, 63 evaluations were undertaken by 40 surgeons in 13 countries, covering 29 different surgical procedures. When assessing the adherence of TenaTac, 83 % (48/58) of the surgeons assessed the adhesion as very good or excellent. Both “haemostatic effect” and “time to haemostasis” achieved median scores of 4/5 (IQR 4–5), which equated to “very good” on the questionnaire. When surgeons were asked to compare their experience with TenaTac against their usual haemostat, 91.7 % (55/60) rated it as good, very good or excellent. When surgeons were asked if they would recommend the use of TenaTac, 96.5 % (55/57) of the surgeons responded positively to this question.

Conclusion

Real world evaluation of the novel adhesive patch, TenaTac, has confirmed that it exhibits very good adhesive and haemostatic qualities and could be considered for use by a wide variety of surgical specialities.

Highlights
Essays on Ancient Greek Literature and Culture
Authors: Bowie Ewen
Published: October 2023

In this book one of the world's leading Hellenists brings together his many contributions over four decades to our understanding of major genres of Greek literature, above all the Greek novel, but also Attic Comedy, fifth-century historiography, and Hellenistic and Imperial Greek poetry. Many are already essential reading, such as the chapter on the figure of Lycidas in Theocritus' Idyll 7, or two chapters on the ancient readership of Greek novels. Discussions of Imperial Greek poetry published three decades ago opened up a world almost entirely neglected by scholars. Several chapters address literary and linguistic issues in Longus' novel Daphnis and Chloe, complementing the author's commentary published in 2019; two contribute to a better understanding of the enigmatic Aethiopica of Heliodorus; and many explore important questions arising from examination of the form of the Greek novel as a whole. This is the second of a planned three-volume collection.
Ownership language informs ownership psychology
Authors: Kemmerer David
Published: October 2023

Many languages grammatically distinguish between alienable and inalienable possessions. The latter are sometimes restricted to body parts, but they often include other kinds of personally significant entities too. These cross-linguistic patterns suggest that one's most precious owned objects tend to fall within a complex self system that includes not only the core (corporeal) self, but also the extended (noncorporeal) self.
On intuitive versus institutional accounts of ownership
Authors: Feeney Aidan , Hickey Robin
Published: October 2023

We contrast Boyer's intuitive account of ownership with formal legal accounts based on institutions of ownership. Boyer's emphasis on social aspects of ownership intuitions may have a bearing on recent arguments that property institutions are justified by their capacity to promote human flourishing. Moreover, Boyer's account of property intuitions facilitates the study of acquisition and mental representation of formal ownership concepts.
Cantonese culinary lexical interaction between Hong Kong and Singapore English
Authors: Tam Hugo Wing-Yu , Tsang Samuel C. S.
Published: October 2023

The English language continues to function as a form of linguistic capital in former British colonies. Although previous studies on World English lexicon documented how and what English lexical items entered another language, few studies have been conducted to investigate the typology of lexical interaction between two postcolonial English varieties. This paper aims to describe how Cantonese-origin English culinary lexical terms were spread from either Hong Kong or Singapore, whilst illustrating the possible multitrajectory pathways of lexical interaction in the Cantophone world by demonstrating five types of translingual practices of food words with Cantonese roots. The lexical examples of food words discussed in this paper were taken from Instagram, Google Map, Google Search, Google Trends, and Oxford English Dictionary. Drawing on the theoretical notion of the ‘sunflower model’, this qualitative study argues that Sinograph (a logographic written system; also known as Honzi) is a space of mediation, which plays an influential role in shaping the trajectories of culinary lexical terms across multilingual Asia. Findings also suggest that individuals’ multilingual competencies and the bidirectional influences between two Sinitic varieties (Cantonese and Mandarin) could shape spelling variations and conventions in Asian Englishes.
An Aerosol Optical Module With Observation‐Constrained Black Carbon Properties for Global Climate Models
Authors: Chen Ganzhen , Wang Jiandong , Wang Yuan , Wang Jiaping , Jin Yuzhi , Cheng Yueyue , Yin Yan , Liao Hong , Ding Aijun , Wang Shuxiao , Hao Jiming , Liu Chao
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric black carbon (BC) aerosols have been long‐lasting uncertain components in environmental and climate studies. Global climate models (GCMs) potentially overestimate BC absorption efficiency due to a lack of consideration of complex BC microphysical and mixing properties. We extract multiple BC properties from observations and develop an aerosol optical module known as Advanced Black Carbon (ABC) in the framework of the Modal Aerosol Model version 4 (MAM4). The ABC module is implemented in the Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6) and evaluated by in situ and remote sensing observations. CAM6‐ABC addresses the shortcomings of CAM6‐MAM4 in terms of BC microphysical and mixing properties, particularly their size, mixing state and optical simulations. Sensitivity simulations show that the global BC absorption aerosol optical depth at 550 nm simulated by CAM6‐ABC is reduced by ∼29% compared with that in CAM6‐MAM4. The BC absorption enhancement simulated by CAM6‐ABC is reduced from ∼2.6 of the default MAM4 to ∼1.4, which is closer to the observed values (mostly less than 1.5). With improved BC absorption estimation, the biases of aerosol single‐scattering coalbedo simulations are reduced by 18%–69% compared with global Aerosol Robotic Network observations. Moreover, the globally averaged BC direct radiative effect is reduced from 0.37 to 0.28 W/m2 at the top of the atmosphere. Our new scheme alleviates the overestimation of BC absorption in GCMs by constraining BC microphysical and mixing properties when assessing aerosol radiative and climate effects, and it can be easily implemented in most modal‐based aerosol modules of climate models.
Predicting Continental Scale Malaria With Land Surface Water Predictors Based on Malaria Dispersal Mechanisms and High‐Resolution Earth Observation Data
Authors: Kalthof Maurice W. M. L. , Gravey Mathieu , Wijnands Flore , Karssenberg Derek
Published: October 2023

Despite malaria prevalence being linked to surface water through vector breeding, spatial malaria predictors representing surface water often predict malaria poorly. Furthermore, precipitation, which precursors surface water, often performs better. Our goal is to determine whether novel surface water exposure indices that take malaria dispersal mechanisms into account, derived from new high‐resolution surface water data, can be stronger predictors of malaria prevalence compared to precipitation. One hundred eighty candidate predictors were created by combining three surface water malaria exposures from high‐accuracy and resolution (5 m resolution, overall accuracy 96%, Kappa Coefficient 0.89, Commission and Omission error 3% and 13%, respectively) water maps of East Africa. Through variable contribution analysis a subset of strong predictors was selected and used as input for Boosted Regression Tree models. We benchmarked the performance and Relative Contribution of this set of novel predictors to models using precipitation instead of surface water predictors, alternative lower resolution predictors, and simpler surface water predictors used in previous studies. The predictive performance of the novel indices rivaled or surpassed that of precipitation predictors. The novel indices substantially improved performance over the identical set of predictors derived from the lower resolution Joint Research Center surface water data set (+10% R2, +17% Relative Contribution) and over the set of simpler predictors (+18% R2, +30% Relative Contribution). Surface water derived indices can be strong predictors of malaria, if the spatial resolution is sufficiently high to detect small waterbodies and dispersal mechanisms of malaria related to surface water in human and vector water exposure assessment are incorporated.
Cause of Substantial Global Mean Sea Level Rise Over 2014–2016
Authors: Llovel William , Balem Kevin , Tajouri Soumaia , Hochet Antoine
Published: October 2023

Global mean sea level rose by 15 mm over June 2014 – May 2016. This rise is 7 mm larger than the 8 mm increase associated with the long‐term trend of 4 mm/yr estimated over 2006–2016. Using a combination of satellite gravimetry data and in situ measurements, we find that 20% of this rise is explained by ocean thermal expansion and 80% by an ocean mass increase, the latter being largely correlated with an equivalent terrestrial water storage (TWS) decrease. Half of the global ocean mass increase during that period can be attributed to the South American continent where we find a significant contribution of the TWS over the Amazon basin (5 mm). This TWS change between oceans and continents occurred during two El Nino events: one aborted in 2014–2015 and an extreme event in 2015–2016 which affected precipitation patterns, especially over the equatorial Pacific ocean and over South America.
Reconstruction of Surface Kinematics From Sea Surface Height Using Neural Networks
Authors: Xiao Qiyu , Balwada Dhruv , Jones C. Spencer , Herrero‐González Mario , Smith K. Shafer , Abernathey Ryan
Published: October 2023

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite is expected to observe sea surface height (SSH) down to scales approaching ∼15 km, revealing submesoscale patterns that have never before been observed on global scales. Features at these soon‐to‐be‐observed scales, however, are expected to be significantly influenced by internal gravity waves, fronts, and other ageostrophic processes, presenting a serious challenge for estimating surface velocities from SWOT observations. Here we show that a data‐driven approach can be used to estimate the surface flow, particularly the kinematic signatures of smaller scale flows, from SSH observations, and that it performs significantly better than using the geostrophic relationship. We use a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) trained on submesoscale‐permitting high‐resolution simulations to test the possibility of reconstructing surface vorticity, strain, and divergence from snapshots of SSH. By evaluating success using pointwise accuracy and vorticity‐strain‐divergence joint distributions, we show that the CNN works well when inertial gravity wave amplitudes are relatively weak. When the wave amplitudes are strong, reconstructions of vorticity and strain are less accurate; however, we find that the CNN naturally filters the wave‐divergence, making divergence a surprisingly reliable field to reconstruct. We also show that when applied to realistic simulations, a CNN model pretrained with simpler simulation data performs well, indicating a possible path forward for estimating real flow statistics with limited observations.
The New Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble With CMIP6 Forcing and High‐Frequency Model Output
Authors: Olonscheck Dirk , Suarez‐Gutierrez Laura , Milinski Sebastian , Beobide‐Arsuaga Goratz , Baehr Johanna , Fröb Friederike , Ilyina Tatiana , Kadow Christopher , Krieger Daniel , Li Hongmei , Marotzke Jochem , Plésiat Étienne , Schupfner Martin , Wachsmann Fabian , Wallberg Lara , Wieners Karl‐Hermann , Brune Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Single‐model initial‐condition large ensembles are powerful tools to quantify the forced response, internal climate variability, and their evolution under global warming. Here, we present the CMIP6 version of the Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble (MPI‐GE CMIP6) with currently 30 realizations for the historical period and five emission scenarios. The power of MPI‐GE CMIP6 goes beyond its predecessor ensemble MPI‐GE by providing high‐frequency output, the full range of emission scenarios including the highly policy‐relevant low emission scenarios SSP1‐1.9 and SSP1‐2.6, and the opportunity to compare the ensemble to complementary high‐resolution simulations. First, we describe MPI‐GE CMIP6, evaluate it with observations and reanalyzes and compare it to MPI‐GE. Then, we demonstrate with six application examples how to use the power of the ensemble to better quantify and understand present and future climate extremes, to inform about uncertainty in approaching Paris Agreement global warming limits, and to combine large ensembles and artificial intelligence. For instance, MPI‐GE CMIP6 allows us to show that the recently observed Siberian and Pacific North American heatwaves would only avoid reaching 1–2 years return periods in 2071–2100 with low emission scenarios, that recently observed European precipitation extremes are captured only by complementary high‐resolution simulations, and that 3‐hourly output projects a decreasing activity of storms in mid‐latitude oceans. Further, the ensemble is ideal for estimates of probabilities of crossing global warming limits and the irreducible uncertainty introduced by internal variability, and is sufficiently large to be used for infilling surface temperature observations with artificial intelligence.
Maximizing outcomes in penile prosthetic surgery: exploring strategies to prevent and manage infectious and non-infectious complications
Authors: Moukhtar Hammad Muhammed A. , Barham David W. , Sanford Daniel I. , Amini Eliad , Jenkins Lawrence , Yafi Faysal A.
Published: October 2023

Inflatable Penile Prostheses (IPP) implantation is a surgical treatment for patients desiring definitive treatment for erectile dysfunction. While this procedure has proven to be effective, it also carries its own set of unique risks that need to be carefully considered. The article reviews the current understanding of complications associated with penile prosthetic surgery and provides strategies to mitigate these adverse events. This article covers various aspects of IPP implantation, including the risks of infection, bleeding, injury to nearby structures, glans ischemia, and device malfunction. It also discusses the importance of careful preoperative screening to identify risk factors and the implementation of infection reduction strategies such as antimicrobial prophylaxis, skin prep, and operative techniques. In addition, it emphasizes the need for postoperative vigilance and prompt management of any complications that may arise. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the risks and strategies for mitigating complications associated with IPP implantation. Our recommendations are given based on the current consensus in the field and highlight the importance of careful planning, attention to detail, and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. Despite the potential risks, this review underscores the fact that complications following penile prosthesis implantation are relatively rare.
Oxygenation of the Baltoscandian shelf linked to Ordovician biodiversification
Authors: Lindskog Anders , Young Seth A. , Bowman Chelsie N. , Kozik Nevin P. , Newby Sean M. , Eriksson Mats E. , Pettersson Johan , Molin Emmy , Owens Jeremy D.
Published: October 2023

Marine biodiversity increased markedly during the Ordovician Period (~487–443 million years ago). Some intervals within the Ordovician were associated with unusually rapid and prominent rises in taxonomic richness, the reasons for which remain debated. Links between increased oxygenation and biodiversification have been proposed, although supporting marine oxygen proxy data are limited. Here we present an expansive multi-site iodine-to-calcium (I/Ca) record from Lower–Middle Ordovician marine carbonates in Baltoscandia that provides a detailed account of the spatio-temporal development of oxygen conditions across this palaeoshelf. The data document progressive oxygenation of regional seafloor environments, with well-oxygenated waters sourced from the palaeoequatorward Iapetus Ocean and peak I/Ca values (that is, dissolved oxygen concentrations) coinciding with the most pronounced biodiversity increases and ecosystem reorganizations during this time interval. This occurred while the climate cooled, global sea level dropped and carbonate deposits became regionally dominant. The results suggest that ventilation of shelves played a critical role in regulating early Palaeozoic marine biodiversity via development of ecospace and aerobic–metabolic conditions.