bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of volitional emigration timing and smolt size on survival and age-at-return in a Pacific salmon hatchery population
Authors: Bosch William J. , Pandit Shubha N. , Sandford Benjamin P. , Temple Gabriel M. , Johnston Mark V. , Larsen Donald A.
Published: February 2023

Many Pacific salmon populations are returning from sea at younger ages and smaller sizes. Hatchery culture, management practices, and environmental factors influence juvenile release size and emigration timing, which in turn affect important demographic characteristics in returning adults. We analyzed data from approximately 345,000 tagged spring Chinook Salmon juveniles exiting Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility (Yakima River, Washington, USA) acclimation sites over thirteen brood years (2002–2014), evaluating smolt size, emigration timing, river flow, juvenile survival, and age-at-return. We observed a relationship between size and volitional exit timing of smolts from acclimation sites, with larger fish tending to emigrate earlier than smaller fish. Early emigration was also coincident with lower river flows near acclimation sites. Later emigration timing was correlated with an increase in apparent survival of juveniles to Bonneville Dam (500–530 km downstream of acclimation sites), but also with a lower rate of survival to return from sea. In general, for juveniles successfully emigrating downstream of Bonneville Dam, age-at-return increased with decreasing juvenile fish size and later emigration timing. Our results support a growing body of evidence that hatchery practices may result in larger smolts that tend to return at younger ages. Given the biological and economic consequences of younger age-at-maturation, methods to reverse this trend should be further explored and implemented.
Kickstarting blockchain: designing blockchain-based tokens for equity crowdfunding
Authors: Guggenberger Tobias , Schellinger Benjamin , von Wachter Victor , Urbach Nils
Published: February 2023

Blockchain-based tokens seek to overcome the friction and opaqueness of the legacy financial infrastructure in the company funding process, particularly in the early-stage and equity crowdfunding domain. While Initial Coin Offerings and Security Token Offerings proposed a solution for crowdfunding, early-stage companies still face challenges in using blockchain as an alternative equity funding infrastructure. In this context, the idea of blockchain-based equity tokens remains hypothetical. In addition, the literature lacks design theory for the development and implementation of blockchain-based equity tokens. This research bridges this gap by designing, developing, and evaluating an equity token prototype for crowdfunding, following the design science research approach. We propose a refined crowdfunding model and derive seven design principles that contribute to the design theory of equity tokens. The research results show that blockchain-based equity tokens improve efficiency, transparency, and interoperability while meeting regulatory requirements and facilitating secondary market trading.
Sialoadhesin (CD169/Siglec-1) is an extended molecule that escapes inhibitory cis-interactions and synergizes with other macrophage receptors to promote phagocytosis
Authors: Klaas Mariliis , Dubock Stuart , Ferguson David J. P. , Crocker Paul R.
Published: February 2023

Sialoadhesin (CD169/Siglec-1, Sn) is a macrophage receptor that interacts with sialic acids on both host cells and pathogens. It is a type 1 membrane protein with an unusually large number of 17 extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, made up of an N-terminal V-set domain that binds sialic acid and 16 adjacent C2-set domains. The potential importance of 17 Ig domains in Sn for mediating cellular interactions has not been investigated experimentally. In the present study, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with full-length or truncated forms of Sn. Using human red blood cells (RBC) as a model system, CHO cells expressing truncated forms of Sn with 4 or less Ig domains were unable to bind RBC in comparison to the full-length protein. Immunoelectron microscopy of the CHO cells indicated that full-length Sn extends ~ 33 nm from the plasma membrane compared with ~ 14 nm for a truncated form with 6 N-terminal Ig domains. Co-expresssion of Sn-expressing CHO cells with heavily glycosylated membrane proteins of differing predicted lengths resulted in selective modulation of Sn-dependent binding to RBC and supported the hypothesis that Sn has evolved 17 Ig domains to escape inhibitory cis-interactions. The functional significance of the extended length of Sn was demonstrated in experiments with macrophages showing that Sn synergizes with phagocytic receptors FcR and TIM-4 to strongly promote uptake of IgG-opsonized and eryptotic RBC respectively.
Explaining the Female Preponderance in Adolescent Depression—A Four-Wave Cohort Study
Authors: Morken Ida Sund , Viddal Kristine Rensvik , von Soest Tilmann , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: February 2023

In the transition from childhood into adolescence, a female preponderance in depression emerges. Despite substantial empirical research to test theoretical propositions as to why this happens, our understanding is still limited. One explanation claims that girls become exposed to more stress (stress exposure model) whereas another proposes that girls become more vulnerable to the impact of stress (stress reactivity model) than boys when entering adolescence. Stressful life events (SLEs) and bullying victimization are established risk factors for adolescent depression. However, whether these factors contribute to the gender difference in depression is undetermined and thus investigated herein. Children (49.9% boys; n = 748) and parents from two birth cohorts in Trondheim, Norway, were followed biennially from ages 8 to 14 with clinical interviews about symptoms of depressive disorders and self-reports on SLEs. Teachers reported on bullying victimization. Prospective associations were investigated using an autoregressive latent trajectory model with structured residuals, examining within-person longitudinal associations while accounting for all time-invariant confounding effects. The number of depressive symptoms increased from ages 12 to 14 among girls. In the period before (ages 10 to 12), girls and boys were equally exposed to SLEs and bullying victimization. Increased stress (both SLEs and bullying victimization) at age 12 predicted increased depression at age 14 more strongly among girls than boys. Hence, increased impact—but not exposure—of SLEs and bullying victimization in girls may partly explain the emerging female preponderance in depression, in line with a stress reactivity model.
When is a Techno-Fix Legitimate? The Case of Viticultural Climate Resilience
Authors: Nydal Rune , De Grandis Giovanni , Ursin Lars
Published: February 2023

Climate change is an existential risk reinforced by ordinary actions in affluent societies—often silently present in comfortable and enjoyable habits. This silence is sometimes broken, presenting itself as a nagging reminder of how our habits fuel a catastrophe. As a case in point, global warming has created a state of urgency among wine makers in Spain, as the alcohol level has risen to a point where it jeopardises wine quality and thereby Spanish viticulture. Efforts are currently being made to solve this problem technologically by developing (non-GMO) strains of yeast that produce less alcohol. If successful, this could help save Spanish viticulture. This kind of technological solution is routinely criticised for offering simplistic “techno-fix” solutions to solve complex societal problems. However, it is not clear what features are criticised by the notion of techno-fix and hence how to avoid this criticism. In our interpretation, the techno-fix notion is not exclusively used as a dismissive term. The notion points to a general virtue of engineering: to create technological solutions that work silently in the background. This asset of technological solutions might sometimes be problematic and sometimes not. Hence, it needs to be analysed case-by-case by paying attention to the moral relevance of the hidden implications of the technology and of the unreflective actions and habits that they facilitate. Such moral analysis will in turn inform strategies for foregrounding this technology to counteract silencing. We discuss what this means in the case of modifying yeast as a viticultural climate resilience strategy.
Artificial habitat – a chance for survival of a rare montane dragonfly (Odonata): case study on an alpine emerald (Somatochlora alpestris)
Authors: Kašák Josef , Holuša Otakar , Mazalová Monika
Published: February 2023

The mountain ecosystems of Central Europe are an important natural phenomenon. The character of small isolated islands also predetermines their vulnerability. Typical inhabitant of subalpine and alpine peat bogs, tiny montane habitats, is the endangered dragonfly Alpine Emerald (Somatochlora alpestris) a glacial relict surviving in restricted area of several mountain ranges within Central Europe. Species is threatened mainly by habitat loss and its transformation due to climate change, the expansion of tourist activities and plant succession. In our study from three mountain ranges in the Czech Republic, we bring the first ever evidence of successful development of S. alpestris in artificial habitats. Successful development of the species was recorded in peat pools created by the movement of heavy machinery on now almost abandoned forest roads. Some of the pools have been colonized in great numbers - up to tens of larvae of different instars, exuviae and imagoes have been found. Successful colonisation of the species was mainly due to: (i) proximity to source sites, (ii) suitable environmental parameters of the secondary habitat and (iii) the gradual abandonment of the paths´ use, leading to a reduction in the frequency of disturbance.
Within-habitat vegetation structure and adult activity patterns of the declining butterfly Euphydryas aurinia
Authors: Konvicka Martin , Hula Vladimir , Vlasanek Petr , Zimmermann Kamil , Faltynek Fric Zdenek
Published: February 2023

Background

Euphydryas aurinia is a declining butterfly inhabiting oligotrophic grasslands in Central and Western Europe. Despite numerous ecological studies, patterns of its adult activity have so far been rather neglected, although adult resource use contributes to resource-based understanding of insects’ habitats.

Aim

To relate E. aurinia adult activity patterns to within-habitat vegetation structures.

Methods

(1) Timed adult activity observations along a transect crossing a colony site, analysed via partial ordination methods. (2) Activity records obtained during mark-recapture, analysed via binomial regressions.

Results

Both methods, besides influences of weather, time of day (similarities between morning and late afternoon hours), and progression of season (mate locating replaced by maintenance activities), revealed consistent association of behaviours to vegetation structures. Of the two male mate-locating behaviours, perching occurred near shrubs and woodland edges, and patrolling over centres of inhabited meadows. Female activity concentrated in nectar-rich mid-height sward near host plants. Consequently, male and female activity were partly spatially separated.

Implications for conservation

A habitat for E. aurinia should provide resources for all its activities in close proximity. Grasslands containing host plants should be dissected by structures such as shrubs, woodlot edges, or taller herbaceous vegetation, emphasising the importance of landscape heterogeneity for insect fauna.
The influence of concentration variation on the spectroscopic behavior of Sm3+-doped zinc–lead-phosphates glasses for orange and reddish-orange light-emitting applications: experimental and Judd–Ofelt approach
Authors: Okasha Aly , Gaafar M. S. , Marzouk Samir Y.
Published: February 2023

A spectroscopy study was performed to investigate the absorption and emission behavior of zinc–lead phosphate-doped Sm3+glasses sample. The parameters, density,ρ, molar volume,Vm, samarium ion concentrationN, and mean samarium ion separation,Rwere calculated. The absorption peaks were assigned and discussed. The band gap and Urbach’s energies analysis were illustrated. The emission spectra and the emission lifetime decay were studied. The CIE diagram coordinate (0.393, 0.601) of the sample’s emission was very close to the TV standard value. The oscillator strengthfcalandfexpwere calculated using Judd–Ofelt theory, and the model parameter trend was found to beΩ4 > Ω2 > Ω6which indicates high glasses rigidity. The Absorption and emission cross-sections were studied and illustrated. The obtained optical parameters, absorption, and emission behaviors introduce the samples under investigation as a candidate for orange and reddish-orange photonic applications.
Proton Bragg peak imaging by colour centre radiophotoluminescence in lithium fluoride thin film radiation detectors on silicon
Authors: Montereali R. M. , Nichelatti E. , Nigro V. , Picardi L. , Piccinini M. , Ampollini A. , Libera S. , Ronsivalle C. , Vincenti M. A.
Published: February 2023

Optically transparent lithium fluoride (LiF) thin films, thermally evaporated on Si(100) substrates, are under investigation as novel radiation detectors based on radiophotoluminescence for imaging of the full Bragg curves of proton beams produced by a linear accelerator for proton therapy under development at ENEA C.R. Frascati. Proton irradiation induces the formation of stable colour centres in LiF, amongst which the broadband light-emitting F2 and F3+ aggregate defects, whose concentrations are locally proportional to the energy deposited in the material. Their spatial distributions in the irradiated LiF thin films and crystals are carefully measured by acquiring the latent two-dimensional visible fluorescence images with an optical microscope under blue lamp excitation. Several LiF films grown on silicon substrate were irradiated in air at increasing proton energies up to 35 MeV with their surface parallel to the particle beam and a cleaved edge perpendicularly facing it; for each sample, the fluorescence image acquired from the top surface side of the film allows to obtain the depth profile of the energy released by protons. Differences in colour centre distributions detected in LiF films with respect to LiF crystals are presented and discussed. Accurate Monte Carlo simulations allow to fully explain their experimental behaviours, paving the way towards using LiF film radiation detectors on silicon for the advanced diagnostics of proton beams at typical particle energies used for proton therapy.
Dielectric behavior and AC conductivity of PEO/CMC polymer blend incorporated with gold nanoparticles produced by laser ablation
Authors: Abdelghany A. M. , Elashmawi I. S. , Al-Shamari A. A. , Alnattar Hany
Published: February 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized via laser ablation technique. PEO/CMC-AuNPs nanocomposites were prepared using the casting method. Water was chosen as a solvent because it was considered an eco-friendly solvent compared to other organic solvents. SEM micrographs reveal uniformly distributed AuNPs on the sample surface. 3D images were used to estimate the roughness parameters. The $${\varepsilon }^{{\prime}}$$

ε

′

and $${\varepsilon }^{{\prime\prime} }$$

ε

″

values decrease at high frequencies due to the short time allotted for dipole aligning. The behavior of tan$$\delta$$
δ
was attributed to more dipoles that cannot follow the oscillating electric field. The values of M′ approach zero at low frequencies due to the insignificant effect of electrode polarization. The presence of semicircles below the real axis M′ implies a dispersion in relaxation time, indicating that the dielectric relaxation process follows the non-Debye model. The two regions' curves imply that the samples contain an electrical conduction mechanism of the hopping type. The conductivity was increased with the increase of AuNPs due to an increase in transition probability for hopping electrons. From the obtained results, the PEO/CMC-AuNPs nanocomposites can be considered superior to others in different biological applications.
The Predictive Role of Tolerance and Health Problems in Problem Gambling: A Cross-Sectional and Cross-Lagged Network Analyses
Authors: Horváth Zsolt , Paksi Borbála , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: February 2023

The existing symptomatic networks of problem gambling are all based on cross-sectional data. Thus, there is a need to explore longitudinal symptom networks of problem gambling. Moreover, the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks can be limited; therefore, further research should assess the convergence between cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms. The present study aimed (i) to examine cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms and evaluate their replicability and (ii) to examine a longitudinal cross-lagged network of problem gambling symptoms. The study included a representative sample of young adult gamblers (born between 1984 and 2000) from the first two waves of the Budapest Longitudinal Study (original sample: N = 2777; final sample: N = 335). The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to assess symptoms of problem gambling. Cross-sectional symptom networks showed differences in the centrality of nodes. Correlations between the two cross-sectional networks were low in the presence vs. absence of edges, rank order of edge weights, and centrality estimates. However, network invariance tests indicated non-significant differences between them. The cross-lagged network revealed that the symptoms of tolerance and health problems could predict the subsequent presence of multiple problem gambling symptoms. Overall, limited evidence demonstrated the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks of problem gambling. Future research needs to explore the utility of cross-sectional networks of problem gambling and assess more precisely causal relationships between problem gambling symptoms by distinguishing within- and between-subject effects.
Magnetic Cooling and Vibration Isolation of a Sub-kHz Mechanical Resonator
Authors: van Heck Bernard , Fuchs Tim M. , Plugge Jaimy , Bosch Wim A. , Oosterkamp Tjerk H.
Published: February 2023

We report recent progress toward the realization of a sub-mK, low-vibration environment at the bottom stage of a dry dilution refrigerator for use in mechanical tests of quantum mechanics. Using adiabatic nuclear demagnetization, we have cooled a silicon cantilever force sensor to $$T\approx 1$$

T
≈
1

mK. The temperature of the tip holder of the cantilever chip was determined via a primary magnetic flux noise thermometer. The quality factor of the cantilever continues to increase with decreasing temperature, reaching $$Q\approx 4\cdot 10^4$$

Q
≈
4
·

10
4

at 2 mK. To demonstrate that the vibration isolation is not compromised, we report the detection of the thermal motion of the cantilever down to $$T \approx 20$$

T
≈
20

mK, only limited by the coupling to the SQUID readout circuit. We discuss feasible improvements that will allow us to probe unexplored regions of the parameter space of continuous spontaneous localization models.
Deep-Learning Based Detection for Cyber-Attacks in IoT Networks: A Distributed Attack Detection Framework
Authors: Jullian Olivia , Otero Beatriz , Rodriguez Eva , Gutierrez Norma , Antona Héctor , Canal Ramon
Published: February 2023

The widespread use of smart devices and the numerous security weaknesses of networks has dramatically increased the number of cyber-attacks in the internet of things (IoT). Detecting and classifying malicious traffic is key to ensure the security of those systems. This paper implements a distributed framework based on deep learning (DL) to prevent many different sources of vulnerability at once, all under the same protection system. Two different DL models are evaluated: feed forward neural network and long short-term memory. The models are evaluated with two different datasets (i.e.NSL-KDD and BoT-IoT) in terms of performance and identification of different kinds of attacks. The results demonstrate that the proposed distributed framework is effective in the detection of several types of cyber-attacks, achieving an accuracy up to 99.95% across the different setups.
Chaplaincy Perspectives on the Role of Spirituality in Australian Health and Aged Care
Authors: Best Megan C. , Jones Kate , Bradford Kate , Kearney Matthew
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to explore Australian chaplains’ views of spirituality. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Participants relied heavily on metaphors and analogies to describe spirituality. Four inter-related themes were identified through reflexive thematic analysis: (1) The core of spirituality: spirituality as a source of meaning or belief which leads to connectedness with something greater than oneself; (2) A function of spirituality: spirituality empowers people to cope in a crisis, by providing motivation, hope and comfort; (3) The experience of spiritual crisis: admission to hospital or residential care can lead to existential struggle; and (4) The spiritual practice: of holding space between struggle and growth. Greater understanding of the theoretical basis of their work may allow chaplains to offer more in the therapeutic space.
Primary and potential secondary risks of landslide outburst floods
Authors: Gao Yunjian , Fan Lee Chack , Deng Jianhui , Zhao Siyuan , Dai Wen , Zhu Jun , He Zhiliang , Yang Zhongkang , Lane Stuart N.
Published: February 2023

Outburst floods triggered by breaching of landslide dams may cause severe loss of life and property downstream. Accurate identification and assessment of such floods, especially when leading to secondary impacts, are critical. In 2018, the Baige landslide in the Tibetan Plateau twice blocked the Jinsha River, eventually resulting in a severe outburst flood. The Baige landslide remains active, and it is possible that a breach happens again. Based on numerical simulation using a hydrodynamic model, remote sensing, and field investigation, we reproduce the outburst flood process and assess the hazard associated with future floods. The results show that the hydrodynamic model could accurately simulate the outburst flood process, with overall accuracy and Kappa accuracy for the flood extent of 0.956 and 0.911. Three future dam break scenarios were considered with landslide dams of heights 30 m, 35 m, and 51 m. The potential storage capacity and length of upstream flow back up in the upstream valley for these heights were 142 × 106m3/32 km, 182 × 106m3/40 km, and 331 × 106m3/50 km. Failure of these three dams leads to maximum inundation extents of 0.18 km2, 0.34 km2, and 0.43 km2, which is significant out-of-bank flow and serious infrastructure impacts. These results demonstrate the seriousness of secondary hazards associated with this region.
Explaining why public officials perceive interest groups as influential: on the role of policy capacities and policy insiderness
Authors: Albareda Adrià , Braun Caelesta , Fraussen Bert
Published: February 2023

This article asks why public officials perceive some interest groups as influential for policy outcomes. Theoretically, we rely on resource exchange and behavioral approaches. Perceived influence of interest groups does not only follow from the policy capacities they bring to the table; it also relates to the extent to which public officials consider groups as policy insiders. Both effects are assumed to be conditional on advocacy salience, i.e., the number of stakeholders mobilized in each legislative proposal. We rely on a new dataset of 103 prominent interest groups involved in 28 legislative proposals passed between 2015 and 2016 at the European Union level. Our findings show that interest groups associated with high analytical and political capacities are perceived as more influential for final policy outcomes than other groups with less policy capacities. Yet, in policy issues with high advocacy salience, interest groups characterized by higher ‘insiderness’ are perceived as more influential among public officials.
Ultra high resolution point spread function based on photonic crystal lens for 3D biomedical applications
Authors: Salama Norhan A. , Swillam Mohamed A. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Badr Y. , Alexeree Shaimaa M. , Obayya Salah S. A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a novel design of superlens based on photonic bandgap structure for high resolution point spread function (PSF) is reported at a wavelength of 3 μm. The lens is able to generate a non-diffraction Bessel beam with a number of focusing points with variant resolution limits. The optimized structure provides high resolution in both lateral and axial directions. The maximum achieved lateral resolution of PSF is down to ~ 0.27λ with corresponding axial resolution down to ~ 0.57λ attaining a FOM, the inverse of the product of both resolution limits, of ~ 6.49. Meanwhile, the maximum axial resolution is down to ~ 0.4λ with corresponding lateral resolution down to ~ 0.33λ with a FOM of ~ 7.34. In addition, the proposed design is able to generate a focusing point extended in space up to ~ 0.98 µm with a sub-diffraction lateral resolution down to ~ 0.47λ. Furthermore, the reported superlens demonstrates a sub-diffraction focusing in lateral direction along the range the bandgap wavelengths (from 2.4 to 3.6 µm) showing a significant increase of focal depth when decreasing the operating wavelength. Remarkably, a high focal depth up to ~ 1.77 µm is achieved at the operating wavelength of 2.6 µm. The suggested design has a tremendous potential in 3D biological imaging and biosensing applications.
State-dependent importance sampling for estimating expectations of functionals of sums of independent random variables
Authors: Ben Amar Eya , Ben Rached Nadhir , Haji-Ali Abdul-Lateef , Tempone Raúl
Published: February 2023

Estimating the expectations of functionals applied to sums of random variables (RVs) is a well-known problem encountered in many challenging applications. Generally, closed-form expressions of these quantities are out of reach. A naive Monte Carlo simulation is an alternative approach. However, this method requires numerous samples for rare event problems. Therefore, it is paramount to use variance reduction techniques to develop fast and efficient estimation methods. In this work, we use importance sampling (IS), known for its efficiency in requiring fewer computations to achieve the same accuracy requirements. We propose a state-dependent IS scheme based on a stochastic optimal control formulation, where the control is dependent on state and time. We aim to calculate rare event quantities that could be written as an expectation of a functional of the sums of independent RVs. The proposed algorithm is generic and can be applied without restrictions on the univariate distributions of RVs or the functional applied to the sum. We apply this approach to the log-normal distribution to compute the left tail and cumulative distribution of the ratio of independent RVs. For each case, we numerically demonstrate that the proposed state-dependent IS algorithm compares favorably to most well-known estimators dealing with similar problems.
Adaptation of the tuning parameter in general Bayesian inference with robust divergence
Authors: Yonekura Shouto , Sugasawa Shonosuke
Published: February 2023

We introduce a novel methodology for robust Bayesian estimation with robust divergence (e.g., density power divergence or $$\gamma $$
γ
-divergence), indexed by tuning parameters. It is well known that the posterior density induced by robust divergence gives highly robust estimators against outliers if the tuning parameter is appropriately and carefully chosen. In a Bayesian framework, one way to find the optimal tuning parameter would be using evidence (marginal likelihood). However, we theoretically and numerically illustrate that evidence induced by the density power divergence does not work to select the optimal tuning parameter since robust divergence is not regarded as a statistical model. To overcome the problems, we treat the exponential of robust divergence as an unnormalisable statistical model, and we estimate the tuning parameter by minimising the Hyvarinen score. We also provide adaptive computational methods based on sequential Monte Carlo samplers, enabling us to obtain the optimal tuning parameter and samples from posterior distributions simultaneously. The empirical performance of the proposed method through simulations and an application to real data are also provided.
Probabilistic time series forecasts with autoregressive transformation models
Authors: Rügamer David , Baumann Philipp F. M. , Kneib Thomas , Hothorn Torsten
Published: February 2023

Probabilistic forecasting of time series is an important matter in many applications and research fields. In order to draw conclusions from a probabilistic forecast, we must ensure that the model class used to approximate the true forecasting distribution is expressive enough. Yet, characteristics of the model itself, such as its uncertainty or its feature-outcome relationship are not of lesser importance. This paper proposes Autoregressive Transformation Models (ATMs), a model class inspired by various research directions to unite expressive distributional forecasts using a semi-parametric distribution assumption with an interpretable model specification. We demonstrate the properties of ATMs both theoretically and through empirical evaluation on several simulated and real-world forecasting datasets.
Interface Shapes in Microfluidic Porous Media: Conditions Allowing Steady, Simultaneous Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Cox S. J. , Davarpanah A. , Rossen W. R.
Published: February 2023

Microfluidic devices offer unique opportunities to directly observe multiphase flow in porous media. However, as a representation of flow in geological pore networks, conventional microfluidics face several challenges. One is whether steady simultaneous two-phase flow through a two-dimensional network is possible without fluctuating occupancy of the pore constrictions. Flow without fluctuations can occur only if the flow paths of the two phases can cross on the 2D network; this requires that wetting phase can form a bridge across the gap between grains at a pore constriction while non-wetting phase flows through the constriction. We consider the conditions under which this is possible as a function of the local capillary pressure and the geometry of the constriction. Using the Surface Evolver software, we determine conditions for stable interfaces in constricted geometries, the range of capillary pressures at which bridging can occur, and those where the wetting phase would re-invade the constriction to block the flow of the non-wetting phase (“snap-off”). If a constriction is long and either straight or uniformly curved, snap-off occurs at the same capillary pressure as bridging. For constrictions of concave shape, which we represent as constrictions between cylindrical grains, however, we find a range of capillary pressures at which bridging is stable; the range is greater the narrower the diameter of the cylinders (i.e. the more strongly concave the throat) relative to the width of the constriction. For smaller-diameter pillars, the phenomenon of “Roof” snap-off as non-wetting phase invades a downstream pore body, is predicted not to occur.
Concept for modeling and quantitative evaluation of life cycle dynamics in factory systems
Authors: Dér Antal , Hingst Lennart , Nyhuis Peter , Herrmann Christoph
Published: February 2023

Against the background of the climate crisis, fast innovation space in emerging technologies and the global competitive environment for manufacturing companies, a sound understanding of the life cycle behavior of factory systems becomes more and more important. The decision context of the factory life cycle conveys a high level of complexity, e.g. by the heterogeneous nature of factory element life cycles, manifold interactions between them as well as external change drivers. A model-based understanding as well as methods and tools are required that support factory planners and operators in this regard. This paper presents an approach for the modeling and quantitative evaluation of life cycle dynamics in factory systems while respecting the dynamic behavior of factory operation, as well. The purpose of the modeling is to deepen the knowledge of the prevailing life cycle mechanisms and their implications for factory planning and operation. The application of the approach is demonstrated in an exemplary case study.
Prospective Secondary Teachers’ Emergent Knowledge and Beliefs: Inquiry-Oriented Differential Equations Contributing to Teacher Preparation
Authors: Apkarian Naneh , Habre Samer , LaTona-Tequida Talia , Rasmussen Chris
Published: February 2023

This article reports on the evolution of prospective secondary teachers’ knowledge (meanings for $$\frac{dy}{dt}$$

dy

dt

) and beliefs (about teaching and learning mathematics) in a semester-long inquiry-oriented differential equations class. Students entered the course with limited, primarily procedural, meanings for $$\frac{dy}{dt}$$

dy

dt

. Throughout the semester, they engaged in collaborative mathematical inquiry using a research-based curriculum. As viewed through the emergent perspective, students’ meanings for $$\frac{dy}{dt}$$

dy

dt

and their beliefs about teaching and learning mathematics co-evolved with community norms and practices through the classroom discourse. Students’ end-of-term portfolios and portfolio presentations were analyzed for evidence of meanings for $$\frac{dy}{dt}$$

dy

dt

and beliefs about students’ roles, instructors’ roles, and the general nature of learning mathematics. In these, students expressed rich, multifaceted meanings for $$\frac{dy}{dt}$$

dy

dt

and beliefs about learning as an active process of meaning-making. While many prospective teachers do not see the relevance of advanced mathematics coursework to their career, these students reflected on their experiences in the course and volunteered ways in which their emerging knowledge and beliefs would influence their future practice. We emphasize that the classroom norms supported students in pursuing connections themselves, and conjecture that similar norms would support the development of reflective practitioners in other contexts.
Deriving Expert Knowledge of Situational Awareness in Policing: a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Huhta Juha-Matti , Di Nota Paula Maria , Hietanen Tony , Ropo Eero
Published: February 2023

Situational awareness (SA) is the most important skill required by police to effectively assess and respond to encounters, including critical incidents. Incomplete or sub-optimal SA strategies can lead to errors in subsequent judgement, decision-making, and action, including tactics and use of force (UOF). Errors in UOF, especially lethal force, in training or operational field settings, have severe consequences for learning, occupational health, and public safety. Therefore, adequately defining and instructing SA is an important gap to fill in existing applied police literature and practice. Using a mixed-methods approach, the current study aimed to define and conceptualize SA in police-specific contexts. Participants included 23 novice trainees and 11 experienced officers and instructors in tactics and UOF. Participants were shown 13 static images of various staged encounters, ranging from non-threatening to high-threat. Following each image, participants were interviewed and asked to describe what they saw and how they would respond. Thematic analyses of the interview data revealed the following seven themes that are highly interrelated and more completely define police-specific SA: distance/time laws; partner/roles; profiling the suspect; tactical options and opportunities; ongoing assessment of own tactical activities and outcomes; surrounding environment and conditions; and dangerous objects. Expert officers provided more detailed and multidimensional descriptions of the themes and statistical analyses confirmed that experts identified more themes compared to novices. By making tacit knowledge visible, the current findings establish a professional standard for SA formation, which can inform evidence-based police training in SA, tactical decision-making, and UOF while improving operational safety.
Sexual Dysfunctions and Problematic Sexuality in Personality Disorders and Pathological Personality Traits: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ciocca Giacomo , Di Stefano Ramona , Collazzoni Alberto , Jannini Tommaso B. , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Rossi Alessandro , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

This aim of the present systematic literature review is to critically analyze problematic sexuality and sexual dysfunctions in personality disorders (PDs) and pathological personality traits.

Recent Findings

An initial pool of 123 studies was found, out of which 17 met the selection criteria and were therefore included. Traumatic experiences as childhood sexual abuse and adverse childhood experiences characterize the relationship between sexual behavior and PDs. From this point of view, sexual compulsivity and sexual risk behaviors, typical of BPD and ASPD, respectively, are among the pathognomonic aspects of PDs and of pathological personality traits.

Summary

A maladaptive personality functioning may manifest through a problematic sexuality and a sexual impairment. In this regard, traumatic life experiences may structure personality together with sexual functioning. Therefore, it would be useful to consider the relationship between trauma, sexuality, and personality in research and in the clinical setting.
The Uncanny Capital: Mapping the Historical Spatial Evolution of Windhoek
Authors: Roland Stephanie , Stevens Quentin , Simon Katrina
Published: February 2023

This paper has traced the historic spatial development of Windhoek through five distinct socio-political epochs. These different periods’ spatial, aesthetic, and representational effects on the city’s urban landscape are presented in original maps, allowing a spatial-to-scale comparison and analysis of the city’s development. Rather than the discrete chapters in Windhoek’s urban development, successive occupations’ spatial compositions are shown to have been assembled from and grounded in the geomorphological, spatial, social, and administrative conditions preceding them. The paper expands the concept of the uncanny, the colonial drive to recreate home in foreign lands and local resistance to this, from the architectural to the urban. It describes how infrastructure, residential typologies and neighbourhood morphologies, memorials, places of memory, and public space were designed to segregate and subjugate Windhoek’s population and how this spatial legacy continues to inform city-making in Windhoek today. In doing so, the paper challenges the notion that the city’s spatial structure, layout, and urban planning are neutral quantitative entities.
Rescuing Mele/Robb-Style Cases
Authors: Rychter Pablo
Published: February 2023

A good part of the philosophical debate on free will and moral responsibility in the last fifty years has revolved around so-called Frankfurt-style cases. One of the most important milestones in this debate is the case described by Mele and Robb (1998), which was intended to avoid some earlier objections directed at Frankfurt’s original argument. However, the success of Mele and Robb’s case has been contested by Pereboom (2001), Widerker (2003), and Moya (2003, 2017), among others. The present paper aims to vindicate Mele and Robb’s (and Frankfurt’s) general argument by describing a variation of their case that overcomes or avoids the objections of those authors.
How animal dung can help to reconstruct past forest use: a late Neolithic case study from the Mooswinkel pile dwelling (Austria)
Authors: Jakobitsch Thorsten , Dworsky Cyril , Heiss Andreas G. , Kühn Marlu , Rosner Sabine , Leskovar Jutta
Published: February 2023

Animal dung analyses are a useful tool for vegetational studies. Preserved ruminant dung from archaeological layers offers a unique possibility for the reconstruction of past fodder management strategies, and further for studying the impact of fodder acquisition and pasturing on forests. In this case study we investigate the impact of Late Neolithic livestock keeping on the forest around the “Mooswinkel” pile dwelling at the Austrian lake Mondsee through the analysis of botanical macroremains, insect remains as well as microhistological analyses of botanical remains in animal dung. Seasonal plant parts in the dung point out that cattle, goats, and/or sheep were evidently kept inside the settlement during the winter for protection. During the daytime, they were allowed to forage around the settlement. Winter fodder consisted of dried leaf hay, hay from grasses and herbs, male flowers of early blooming bushes, and fresh twigs of evergreen species, such as fir (Abies alba), ivy (Hedera helix), and mistletoe (Viscum album).
MUC1 promotes lung metastases of liver cancer by impairing anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Yin Yanze , Yang Changjie , Xu Jiafeng , Luo Yi , Xia Qiang , He Kang
Published: February 2023

Purpose

MUC1 is a membrane bound protein that can regulate tumor progression but its role in tumor metastasis and the metastatic microenvironment remains unclear.

Methods

We performed differential gene analysis for primary liver cancer (n = 31) and lung metastases (n = 31) using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE141016) and obtained RNA sequencing data from 374 liver cancer and 50 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We analyzed the prognostic value of MUC1 and the relationship between MUC1 and the TME using online databases and a clinical cohort. Immunohistochemistry detected MUC1 in normal liver, liver cancer, and lung metastases. Multiplex immunohistochemistry staining detected immune cells in the metastatic microenvironment.

Results

High MUC1 expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with worse clinical prognosis and higher rates of lung metastasis. In addition, we observed a correlation between MUC1 and multiple immune cells in the metastatic microenvironment. In paired primary liver cancer and lung metastatic tumor tissues from the same patient, we observed higher MUC1 protein levels in lung metastases than in primary liver cancer. Furthermore, MUC1 was negatively correlated with CD8+T and Treg cells in the metastatic tumor microenvironment and positively correlated with DC. In addition, we found that MUC1 was associated with CD8+T cell activation and function using flow cytometry in another cohort of patients with liver cancer.

Conclusion

These data confirm the potential of MUC1 as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
Intimate coupling of a hydrologic model with an economic input–output model using system dynamics
Authors: Abdolabadi Hamid , Amaya Maria , Little John C.
Published: February 2023

This paper illustrates the intimate coupling of a hydrologic model with an economic input–output model. A realistic watershed and a simple hypothetical economy are used to illustrate the trade-off between water use and water availability. This approach provides two key benefits for water management. First, it directly links the supply side (the hydrologic model is used to estimate water availability) to the demand side (the economic model is used to estimate water use by sector) using a common framework that accounts for the interdependence of the two models. This link allows us to analyze water allocation and calculate the intensity of water scarcity. Second, it enables us to consider the effect of spatial distribution of economic activity on the hydrologic model and prevents either under or over estimating water scarcity. Without this spatial disaggregation, a shortfall in one sub-watershed may be offset by an abundance in another sub-watershed. The framework is sufficiently flexible to assess more complex situations, including varied spatial disaggregation and feedbacks. The coupled model is much faster and can be applied to watersheds with different characteristics. We use system dynamics to develop the integrated hydrologic-economic modelling framework and analyze three scenarios: a baseline situation, a spatially-resolved coupled model, and a temporally-resolved coupled model. The paper concludes with recommendations for implementation and future research.
Production of cost-effective activated carbon from tea waste for tannery waste water treatment
Authors: Hossain M. N. , Islam Md. Didarul , Rahaman Ashiqur , Khatun Nazma , Matin M. A.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we attempted to develop a cost-effective activated carbon (AC) from local tea waste. AC was synthesized via a pyrolysis process and used it to treat tannery waste-water. A methylene blue adsorption test was then conducted to determine the highest adsorption capability of synthesized AC. The crystal structure and microstructure of AC were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An average crystallite size of 15 nm was measured from XRD while sub-nano meter scale particle size was confirmed from SEM images. Produced AC was then used for the treatment of industrial waste-water that results in a reduction of about 89–97% chromium from water. In addition, other physical parameters (Biochemical oxygen demandchemical oxygen demand turbidity, conductivity, Cr content) were also significantly reduced from the waste-water. These results suggest the use of AC for the treatment of industrial as well as domestic waste-water.
The influence of torrefaction on the biochar characteristics produced from sesame stalks and bean husk
Authors: Khairy M. , Amer M. , Ibrahim M. , Ookawara S. , Sekiguchi H. , Elwardany A.
Published: February 2023

Torrefaction encourages homogeneity and enhances the energy-producing capabilities of biomass. In the current study, bean husk (BH) and sesame stalks (SS) were torrefied for 30 and 60 min at operating temperatures of 200, 225, 250 and 275, and 300 °C with nitrogen purging. Mass yield (MY), higher heating value (HHV), energy yields (EY), and torrefaction severity index (TSI) were examined. The variations of the biochar characteristics, pyrolysis kinetics by applying two models (Coats and Redfern (CR) and Direct Arrhenius (DA)), and crystallinity index (CRI) were depicted. Depending on pyrolysis kinetics, thermodynamic activation parameters were derived to elucidate biomass pyrolysis. The alterations in the torrefied materials’ composition were also analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The calculations revealed that the torrefied SS and BH decreased MY by 32.74, 29.02% and decreased EY 26, 20.97%, increased high heating values by 14.1, 13.52%, increased fixed carbon by 55.1, 39.91% respectively, and had a slight reduction in bulk density (approximately 2%). Generally, 275 °C and 30 min were the optimal conditions for a balanced torrefaction of SS and BH based on the HHV that reached to 20.5, 16.2 MJ/kg and EY that reached to 86.16 and 85.56% respectively. The FTIR, XRD, and the thermogravimetric results showed that the torrefaction treatment altered samples owing to carbohydrate breakdown, a rise in lignin, and a reduction in hemicellulose as the temperature of the torrefaction process increased. The CR methodology yielded greater frequency factor (A) and activation energy (Ea) values than the DA method. The broadest peak width, lowest average Ea, and lnA were seen in sesame stalks that had been torrefied at 300 °C and 30 min that reached to 107.85 (kJ/mol) and 13.57 (min−1). Results indicated an excellent linear relationship with the index of comprehensive pyrolysis (CPI), CRI, atomic H/C ratio, severity index, and EY.