bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Policy Mixes are Needed to Cope with Agricultural Water Demands Under Climate Change
Authors: Martínez-Valderrama Jaime , Olcina Jorge , Delacámara Gonzalo , Guirado Emilio , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: March 2023

The divergence between agricultural water use and the annual supply of water resources (water gap) has been increasing for decades. The forecast is that this water gap will continue to widen, compromising the water security of a large share of the global population. On the one hand, the increase in demand is attributed to an ever-growing population that, in addition, is adopting a high-water consumption per capita lifestyle (e.g., meat-rich diet, increased use of biofuels and of irrigated agriculture). On the other hand, climate change is increasing aridification and the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of precipitation worldwide. The water gap is particularly acute in drylands, where development and food security has been based on the massive exploitation of water resources, particularly groundwater. Here we analyze the mechanisms underlying this water gap, which is mainly driven by water use in agriculture, and suggest suitable solutions that can help to close it. Using causal diagrams, we show how population generates different demands that create a water gap that prevailing supply-side solutions cannot close. Indeed, it has been widening over the years because water consumption has grown exponentially. This behaviour is explained by a series of mechanisms that it is necessary to understand to realize the complexity of water scarcity problems. For solving the water gap, we propose and exemplify eight lines of action that can be combined and tailored to each territory. Our analyses corroborate the urgent need to plan an integral management of water resources to avoid widespread scenarios of water scarcity under future climatic conditions.
Costs-benefit Analysis for the use of Shallow Groundwater as non-conventional Water Resource
Authors: Marchioni Mariana , Raimondi Anita , Di Chiano Maria Gloria , Sanfilippo Umberto , Mambretti Stefano , Becciu Gianfranco
Published: March 2023

Encouraging the implementation of non-conventional water resources (NCWR) is a fundamental strategy to face the future challenges due to urban population growth and resource scarcity. The implementation of a systematic process of Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) offers reliable economic indicators to support decision makers in taking actions shifting towards NCWR. While infrastructure costs are directly estimated, while the benefits depend upon the considered stakeholders and require a tough estimation of the achieved ecosystem services. This research provides a framework for CBA analysis adopting NCWR at municipal level. The framework has been then applied to two case studies in Milan focused on the exploitation of shallow groundwater, where the obtained economic indicators has stressed out the importance of considering a complete benefits analysis that could support incentive policies on shifting part of the financial benefits to direct users leading to benefits for the whole community.
The potential of swimming pool rinsing water for irrigation of green areas: a case study
Authors: Poćwiardowski Wojciech
Published: March 2023

The aim of the research was to check the possibility of using the rinsing water after rinsing the recreational pool filters, cleaned with the rinse water recovery system, for irrigation of green areas. The system consists of the following stages: flocculation, pre-filtration, and ultrafiltration based on filter tubes. The degree of contamination of the rinse waters before and after the treatment process was assessed by means of physicochemical and microbiological tests, and then compared with the permissible parameter values for wastewater discharged into the ground or water. Thanks to the use of flocculation and appropriate ultrafiltration, the high level of total suspended solids and total organic carbon was reduced, which allows for safe discharge of purified water into the environment.

Graphical Abstract

Circular economy, wash water, zero waste technologies, water footprint, water recycling
Forecasting accuracy of machine learning and linear regression: evidence from the secondary CAT bond market
Authors: Götze Tobias , Gürtler Marc , Witowski Eileen
Published: March 2023

The main challenge in empirical asset pricing is forecasting the future value of assets traded in financial markets with a high level of accuracy. Because machine learning methods can model relationships between explanatory and dependent variables based on complex, non-linear, and/or non-parametric structures, it is not surprising that machine learning approaches have shown promising forecasting results and significantly outperform traditional regression methods. Corresponding results were achieved for CAT bond premia forecasts in the primary market. However, since secondary market data sets have a panel data structure, it is unclear whether the results of primary market studies can be applied to the secondary market. Against this background, this study aims to build the first out-of-sample forecasting model for CAT bond premia in the secondary market, comparing different modeling approaches. We apply random forest and neural networks as representatives of machine learning methods and linear regression based on a comprehensive data set of CAT bond issues and across various forecasting settings and show that random forest forecasts are significantly more precise. Because the lack of transparency of machine learning methods may limit their applicability, especially for institutional investors, we show ways to identify important variables in the context of random forest price forecasting.
Digitalization as a problem or solution? Charting the path for research on sustainable information systems
Authors: Veit Daniel J. , Thatcher Jason B.
Published: March 2023

Digitalization has permeated all aspects of human lives, economies, and societies. This transformation has been driven by the rapid growth in computing power, storage capabilities, and data transmission infrastructures. These changes have enabled innovations, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, smartphones, digitalized homes, (semi) autonomous vehicles, quantum computing, and more. Digitalization has further resulted in faster, more effective service delivery by many organizations. The phenomenon of digitalization relies on an increasingly finite supply of resources, such as crude oil, silicon, and energy. Over the past 150 years, humans have consumed as many natural resources as they have consumed in the past 20,000 years. In part, this increasing clip of consumption has been driven by digitalization, as novel, technology-based solutions, such as blockchain, supplant older, slower low-tech solutions, such as books and ledgers, to process data and create value. Digitalization’s demand for resources may be leading us to an environmental abyss. Consider cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, whose electricity consumption is approximately equal to the energy needs of small nations such as Malaysia or Sweden. Such consumption evokes the question, is, “is more digitalization really better, or given the harm to the planet, is this one context where less is more?”. In this paper, we develop a research agenda for understanding the full cost of digitalization and its impact on sustainability. We do so in three parts; first, we offer a crisp definition of sustainability; second, we offer a concise review of the digitalization and sustainability literature; and third, we offer suggestions for research that advances our understanding of how digitalization impacts sustainability.
Internal whistleblowing systems without proper sanctions may backfire
Authors: Krügel Sebastian , Uhl Matthias
Published: March 2023

Internal whistleblowing systems are supposed to fight misconduct within organizations. Because it is difficult to study their efficacy in the field, scientific evidence on their performance is rare. This is problematic, because these systems bind substantial resources and might generate the erroneous impression of compliance in a company in which misconduct is prevalent. We therefore suggest a versatilely extendable experimental workhorse that allows the systematic study of internal whistleblowing systems in the lab. As a first step, we tested the efficacy of whistleblowing systems if internal punishment for misconduct is mild and hesitant which is usually the case in practice, as several fraud surveys confirm. Our results show that under these conditions almost nobody blew the whistle, and misconduct occurred even more frequently with than without a whistleblowing system. The institutionalization of whistleblowing seemed to crowd out the intrinsic motivation to act compliantly. Moreover, when a whistleblowing system was either unavailable or not used, misconduct was highly contagious and spread quickly. Yet, when we implemented severe and ensured punishment for misconduct, whistleblowing systems could deter wrongdoing. In such a setting, people were willing to blow the whistle and the prevalence of misconduct dropped substantially. Altogether, our results highlight the interaction between institutions and preferences and can support the design of compliance measures within organizations. For compliance managers a key takeaway is that if companies preach a zero-tolerance policy, they should practice it as well. Otherwise, they might even worsen the situation.
Democracy, Agony, and Rupture: A Critique of Climate Citizens’ Assemblies
Authors: Machin Amanda
Published: March 2023

Stymied by preoccupation with short-term interests of individualist consumers, democratic institutions seem unable to generate sustained political commitment for tackling climate change. The citizens’ assembly (CA) is promoted as an important tool in combatting this “democratic myopia.” The aim of a CA is to bring together a representative group of citizens and experts from diverse backgrounds to exchange their different insights and perspectives on a complex issue. By providing the opportunity for inclusive democratic deliberation, the CA is expected to educate citizens, stimulate awareness of complex issues, and produce enlightened and legitimate policy recommendations. However, critical voices warn about the simplified and celebratory commentary surrounding the CA. Informed by agonistic and radical democratic theory, this paper elaborates on a particular concern, which is the orientation toward consensus in the CA. The paper points to the importance of disagreement in the form of both agony (from inside) and rupture (from outside) that, it is argued, is crucial for a democratic, engaging, passionate, creative, and representative sustainability politics.
The Interfacial Phenomena Between Graphene on Cu Substrate Covered by Ni, Cu, or W Layer, with Liquid Ga-Sn-Zn Alloy
Authors: Gancarz Tomasz , Ozga Piotr , Pstruś Janusz , Świątek Zbigniew , Czaja Paweł , Dybeł Aleksandra , Berent Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

To obtain better parameters of wetting and interfacial properties, the Cu substrate was covered by graphene. The first experiment showed that the liquid metal mechanically destroys the graphene layer. Therefore, the Ni, Cu, or W layer was sputtered to secure the graphene. The obtained graphene was examined by micro-Raman spectrometry. The thickness of the Cu, Ni, or W layer was ~ 25 nm, compared to previous work, where the thickness of the Ni-W electrochemically deposited layer varied from 8-10 μm. To observe changes at the interface, the experiments were performed with Ga-Sn-Zn eutectic alloy using the sessile drop method at temperatures of 100, 150, and 250 °C long-time contact of 1, 10, or 30 days. Atomic force microscopy was used to show the topology of obtained samples. The microstructure observation of the cross-sectioned samples was made by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction was conducted to identify occurring phases at the interface from the Cu-Ga system. The investigation showed that such a very thin Ni, Cu, or W layer is not sufficient to protect the Cu substrate from a reaction with liquid metals such as eutectic Ga-Sn-Zn, which can be used in cooling systems. The performed XRD analysis and microstructure observations show the occurring CuGa2 phase at the interface and dissolution of the Cu substrate in molten alloy with increasing temperature and time. The interfacial CuGa2 phase grows very slowly at annealing temperatures below 150 °C for the graphene/Ni and graphene/W coatings. Therefore, these coatings can be used to protect a copper substrate in cooling electronic devices.
In vitro shoot regeneration from leaves of Pyrus communis L. rootstock and cultivars
Authors: Ricci Angela , Mezzetti Bruno , Navacchi Oriano , Sabbadini Silvia
Published: March 2023

The influence of TDZ on adventitious shoot regeneration from leaves of the pear cultivars Conference and Abate Fétel, and the rootstock Farold®87 was investigated. Our main aim was to set up efficient in vitro regeneration protocols for all these pear genotypes by using expanding leaves from elongated shoot cultures as starting plant material. Our best results in terms of percentage of regeneration were achieved by using half-strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 1 μM NAA, combined with 13.5 μM TDZ for Conference (87.3%) and Farold®87 (53.3%), and 9 μM TDZ for Abate Fétel (68%). The impact on leaf organogenesis of the antibiotics timentin, cefotaxime, and carbenicillin, alone or in combination, usually used for the control of Agrobacterium overgrowth, and of kanamycin, commonly used for the selection of putatively transformed plants, were also evaluated to be exploited in future transformation trials. In general, the use of carbenicillin (475 mM), cefotaxime/carbenicillin (210/238 mM) and cefotaxime (630 mM) did not negatively affect the regeneration efficiency of Conference, Abate Fétel and Farold®87, respectively. The use of 4 μM kanamycin should be suitable to select transformed shoots from Abate Fétel and Farold®87 leaves, while a lower concentration or a different selection strategy should be applied for Conference. We report new regeneration and selection protocols usable for the application of new biotechnologies in the genetic improvement of pear cultivars and rootstocks.
Multiplicative, Non-Newtonian Viscoelasticity Models for Rubber Materials and Brain Tissues: Numerical Treatment and Comparative Studies
Authors: Ricker Alexander , Gierig Meike , Wriggers Peter
Published: March 2023

In many aspects, elastomers and soft biological tissues exhibit similar mechanical properties such as a pronounced nonlinear stress–strain relation and a viscoelastic response to external loads. Consequently, many models use the same rheological framework and material functions to capture their behavior. The viscosity function is thereby often assumed to be constant and the corresponding free energy function follows that one of the long-term equilibrium response. This work questions this assumption and presents a detailed study on non-Newtonian viscosity functions for elastomers and brain tissues. The viscosity functions are paired with several commonly used free energy functions and fitted to two different types of elastomers and brain tissues in cyclic and relaxation experiments, respectively. Having identified suitable viscosity and free energy functions for the different materials, numerical aspects of viscoelasticity are addressed. From the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient and ensuring a non-negative dissipation rate, four equivalent viscoelasticity formulations are derived that employ different internal variables. Using an implicit exponential map as time integration scheme, the numerical behavior of these four formulations are compared among each other and numerically robust candidates are identified. The fitting results demonstrate that non-Newtonian viscosity functions significantly enhance the fitting quality. It is shown that the choice of a viscosity function is even more important than the choice of a free energy function and the classical neo-Hooke approach is often a sufficient choice. Furthermore, the numerical investigations suggest the superiority of two of the four viscoelasticity formulations, especially when complex finite element simulations are to be conducted.
Advances in the Rehabilitation of Hemispatial Inattention
Authors: Singh Neena R. , Leff Alexander P.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

There continue to be a plethora of approaches to the rehabilitation of hemispatial inattention, from different forms of sensory stimulation (visual, auditory and somatosensory feedback), through all major modes of non-invasive brain stimulation to drug therapies. Here we summarise trials published in the years 2017–2022 and tabulate their effect sizes, with the aim of drawing on common themes that may serve to inform future rehabilitative studies.

Recent Findings

Immersive virtual reality approaches to visual stimulation seem well tolerated, although they have yet to yield any clinically relevant improvements. Dynamic auditory stimulation looks very promising and has high potential for implementation. Robotic interventions are limited by their cost and are perhaps best suited to patients with a co-occurring hemiparesis. Regarding brain stimulation, rTMS continues to demonstrate moderate effects but tDCS studies have yielded disappointing results so far. Drugs, primarily aimed at the dopaminergic system, often demonstrate beneficial effects of a medium size, but as with many of the approaches, it seems difficult to predict responders and non-responders.

Our main recommendation is that researchers consider incorporating single-case experimental designs into their studies as rehabilitation trials are likely to remain small in terms of patient numbers, and this is the best way to deal with all the factors that cause large between-subject heterogeneity.
A Review of Current and Evolving Imaging Techniques in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Khedraki Rola , Robinson Austin A. , Jordan Timothy , Grodin Justin L. , Mohan Rajeev C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Establishing an early, efficient diagnosis for cardiac amyloid (CA) is critical to avoiding adverse outcomes. We review current imaging tools that can aid early diagnosis, offer prognostic information, and possibly track treatment response in CA.

Recent findings

There are several current conventional imaging modalities that aid in the diagnosis of CA including electrocardiography, echocardiography, bone scintigraphy, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Advanced imaging techniques including left atrial and right ventricular strain, and CMR T1 and T2 mapping as well as ECV quantification may provide alternative non-invasive means for diagnosis, more granular prognostication, and the ability to track treatment response.

Leveraging a multimodal imaging toolbox is integral to the early diagnosis of CA; however, it is important to understand the unique role and limitations posed by each modality. Ongoing studies are needed to help identify imaging markers that will lead to an enhanced ability to diagnose, subtype and manage this condition.
The role of legal medicine professionals in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among female victims of sexual assault
Authors: Yesodharan Renjulal , Kamath Pratibha , Renjith Vishnu , Krishnan Nirmal M. , Senarathne Udara Dilrukshi , Sasidharan Suja Kumari , Jose Tessy Treesa , Nayak Vinod C.
Published: March 2023

Sexual violence can have an overwhelming impact on the victim’s physical and mental health; the consequences include unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, the examiners must assess victims for possible pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections as a part of the sexual assault examination. This article aims to orient the medico-legal examiners towards their role in preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among victims of sexual assault. Prompt detection of pregnancy or STIs is critical, as any delay would adversely affect the successful administration of emergency contraception and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections.
O is for Awesome: National Survey of New Zealand School-Based Well-being and Mental Health Interventions
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Biro Robert , Kumar Harshali
Published: March 2023

Although student well-being and mental health are government-identified responsibilities for New Zealand schools, the extent to which school-based well-being and mental health interventions are currently delivered is unknown. This survey of a nationally representative sample of schools was undertaken to identify: what well-being and mental health interventions are currently used by primary (elementary) and secondary (high) schools; what gaps exist between current practice and the evidence base; what ideas staff have for improving student well-being and mental health; and what barriers staff can identify for implementing evidence-based interventions and suggestions for how these may be overcome. Forty staff from 37 (22 primary, 13 secondary and 2 composite) schools participated in semi-structured interviews. Seven key themes were identified: (1) awareness and enthusiasm about student well-being and mental health; (2) existence of specific interventions to support student well-being and mental health; (3) support for government-sponsored programmes; (4) limitations of existing programmes; (5) drivers of new interventions; (6) perceived barriers to the implementation of new interventions; and (7) suggestions for future interventions and their implementation. Currently, a wide range of primarily non-evidence based well-being and mental health interventions are delivered in a variable manner by school-based and external providers. Despite current enthusiasm by schools, there is room for improvement in the quality and equity of intervention delivery.
A quarry for the construction of a Roman camp next to the Celtiberian city of Deza during the Sertorian Wars (Soria, Spain)
Authors: Pérez Eugenio Sanz , Alcalde Vicente Alejandre , Álvarez Antonio A. Arcos , Bazán Angela Moreno , de Ojeda Álvaro Sanz
Published: March 2023

Through an interdisciplinary investigation, a hastily exploited individual quarry of limestone is studied. The quarry was made all at once for the construction of a nearby military camp to improve the defence of a remarkable Celtiberian city during the Sertorian Wars. This is a perfect Roman military engineering project: on the one hand, the geological deposit was exploited selectively, differentiating the areas of extraction of large and small blocks of stone, according to the needs of the work. On the other hand, the material was transported by means of small roads along a carefully studied and laid out road of about 600 m in length and of clear Roman origin. The archaeological evidence shows the existence of a large camp that, according to previous surveys, adopts the known classical models of rectangular plans and the typology of Roman construction. In the camp environment, there are enough scattered remains that seem to point to a battlefield. All this indicates the importance of the primitive Celtiberian settlement, which is justified by an analysis of the territory by the existence of springs of high guarantee for human water supply, livestock and irrigation. The existence of silver mines is another added economic value. Due to the predominance in the monetary findings of the mint ofTitiakos, the possibility is raised that the Celtiberian city was linked to the ethnic group of the Titos indicating their active participation during the Sertorian Wars.
A homeomorphism theorem for sums of translates
Authors: Farkas Bálint , Nagy Béla , Révész Szilárd Gy.
Published: March 2023

For a fixed positive integer n consider continuous functions $$K_1,\dots $$

K
1

,
⋯

, $$ K_n:[-1,1]\rightarrow {{\mathbb {R}}}\cup \{-\infty \}$$

K
n

:

[
-
1
,
1
]

→
R
∪

{
-
∞
}

that are concave and real valued on $$[-1,0)$$

[
-
1
,
0
)

and on (0, 1], and satisfy $$K_j(0)=-\infty $$

K
j

(
0
)

=
-
∞

. Moreover, let $$J:[0,1]\rightarrow {{\mathbb {R}}}\cup \{-\infty \}$$

J
:
[
0
,
1
]
→
R
∪
{
-
∞
}

be upper bounded and such that $$[0,1]\setminus J^{-1}(\{-\infty \})$$

[
0
,
1
]

\

J

-
1

(

{
-
∞
}

)

has at least $$n+1$$

n
+
1

elements, but it is arbitrary otherwise. For $$x_0:=0<x_1<\dots < x_n \le x_{n+1}:=1$$

x
0

:
=
0
<

x
1

<
⋯
<

x
n

≤

x

n
+
1

:
=
1

, so called nodes, and for $$t\in [0,1]$$

t
∈
[
0
,
1
]

consider the sum of translates function $$F(x_1,\ldots ,x_n,t):=J(t)+\sum _{j=1}^n K_j(t-x_j)$$

F

(

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

,
t
)

:
=
J

(
t
)

+

∑

j
=
1

n

K
j

(
t
-

x
j

)

, and the vector of interval maximum values $$m_j:=m_j(x_1,\ldots ,x_n):=\max _{t\in [x_j,x_{j+1}]}F(x_1,\ldots ,x_n,t)$$

m
j

:
=

m
j

(

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

)

:
=

max

t
∈
[

x
j

,

x

j
+
1

]

F

(

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

,
t
)

($$j=0,1,\ldots ,n$$

j
=
0
,
1
,
…
,
n

). We describe the structure of the arising interval maxima as the nodes run over the n-dimensional simplex. Applications presented here range from abstract moving node Hermite–Fejér interpolation for generalized algebraic and trigonometric polynomials via Bojanov’s problem to more abstract results of interpolation theoretic flavour.
Predicting Optimized Dissolution of Selected African Copperbelt Copper-cobalt-bearing Ores by Means of Neural Network Prediction and Response Surface Methodology Modeling
Authors: Mbuya Bienvenu , Mulaba-Bafubiandi Antoine F.
Published: March 2023

While the uncertainty brought about by a varying feed mineralogy was taken into consideration, the paper investigated the modeling and prediction of the leaching behavior of complex copper-cobalt bearing ores, using an artificial neural network (ANN) with a backforward algorithm. The process optimization is further conducted using the response surface methodology (RSM) employing the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Seven (7) parameters were considered in a multiple linear regression according to the L12screening plan (27) of Plackett–Burman. From the seven parameters, four including solid percentage (15, 27.5, 40%), time (45, 90, 135 min), particle size passing (53, 75, 105 µm), and Fe2+ion concentration (2, 4, 6 g/L) are modeled with L27(34) BBD. With a composite desirability of 0.94, leaching yields of 93.46% Cu and 89.43% Co were obtained. The neural network algorithm used is the BFGS (Broyden, Fletcher, Goldfarb and Shanno) algorithm multilayer perceptron with the hyperbolic tangent activation function for the hidden layer and a linear activation function for the neural output. The Multilayer perceptron {4–7-1} structure was chosen as a suitable arrangement for Cu leaching. Comparing the predicted values and those obtained experimentally resulted with a correlation coefficient of 0.9552 for the data trained in the artificial neural network and 0.8742 for the data obtained with the response surface methodology. The synergy of these 2 techniques shows that the prediction can be achieved by means of the ANN giving the values of the root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.0115, 0.00624, 0.0229, respectively, for the training, testing and validation sets for copper recovery while the correlational study between variables could be done through the RSM. The above includes only the 95% confidence interval while the remaining 5% would be uncertain. The above results and conclusion are accompanied by the relative uncertainty as the ore mineralogy varies. The combination of the synergistic use of ANN and RSM with the sensitivity analysis has approached the process to the physics of the Multi-criteria decision-making.

Graphical Abstract
How to Prevent the Drop-Out: Understanding Why Adults Participate in Summative eHealth Evaluations
Authors: Hurmuz Marian Z. M. , Jansen-Kosterink Stephanie M. , van Velsen Lex
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate why adults participate in summative eHealth evaluations, and whether their reasons for participating affect their (non-)use of eHealth. A questionnaire was distributed among adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who participated in a summative eHealth evaluation. This questionnaire focused on participants’ reason to enroll, their expectations, and on whether the study met their expectations. Answers to open-ended questions were coded by two researchers independently. With the generalized estimating equations method we tested whether there is a difference between the type of reasons in use of the eHealth service. One hundred and thirty-one adults participated (64.9% female; mean age 62.5 years (SD = 10.5)). Their reasons for participating were mainly health-related (e.g., being more active). Between two types of motivations there was a difference in the use of the eHealth service: Participants with an intellectual motivation were more likely to drop out, compared to participants with an altruistic motivation. The most prevalent expectations when joining a summative eHealth evaluation were health-related (like expecting to improve one’s health). 38.6% of the participants said their expectation was fulfilled by the study. In conclusion, We encourage eHealth evaluators to learn about adults’ motivation to participate in their summative evaluation, as this motivation is very likely to affect their results. Including altruistically motivated participants biases the results by their tendency to continue participating in a study.
Flexible Hybrid Table Recognition and Semantic Interpretation System
Authors: Namysł Marcin , Esser Alexander M. , Behnke Sven , Köhler Joachim
Published: March 2023

Extracting information from documents containing quantitative data in tabular format is an important but still unsolved task due to the heterogeneity of document layouts. This work aims to take a step toward developing a solution to this problem. This paper proposes a flexible, hybrid table extraction system consisting of a deep learning-based table detection module, a heuristic-based structure recognition method, and a graph-based semantic interpretation component. The proposed system is modular and supports the most frequent table layouts. Moreover, it handles both the documents in image format and PDF files with embedded text. The proposed system outperforms the baseline method and achieves results on par with state-of-the-art approaches on the challenging benchmarks from ICDAR 2013 and ICDAR 2019 table interpretation competitions. Moreover, we correct an issue with the evaluation script used in the latter competition and report extended results of the proposed method in comparison with a leading commercial product. Finally, our table extraction system achieves a high F$$_1$$

1

score in the scenario where raw documents are given as input and the targeted information is contained in a subset of table columns. The presented system achieves results competitive with leading methods in the field. It has already been evaluated on general-purpose data and biomedical benchmarks. We intend to continuously improve our approach and process data from other domains, e.g., financial documents. To support future research on information extraction from documents, we make the evaluation scripts and results from our experiments publicly available at https://github.com/mnamysl/tabrec-sncs.
Near and Far Interaction for Outdoor Augmented Reality Tree Visualization and Recommendations on Designing Augmented Reality for Use in Nature
Authors: Lilligreen Gergana , Wiebel Alexander
Published: March 2023

The application of augmented reality in nature and in the context of environmental education is not common. Moreover, augmented reality is often used mainly for visualization, which puts the user in a rather passive state. To promote a more active user experience, we have created an interactive AR environment for outdoor scenarios. In this article, we investigate how near and far interaction using a head-mounted display can be combined with visualization on a tree. We compare both interaction techniques to decide which is more suitable for future use. We present some educational use cases and investigate the interaction with virtual leaves on the ground in combination with a virtual-real interaction with a physical tree. Parameters such as type of interaction, different real environments, and task performance time as well as the combination and interconnection between them are discussed and studied. In addition, process visualizations in nature, such as clouds and rain, and tree root growth are included in the augmented reality modules and are evaluated in user tests followed by questionnaires. The results show that both near and far interaction can be beneficial for a future educational application. We further present a number of outdoor-specific recommendations for AR design and usage to support future researchers and AR practitioners outdoors in the nature.
Renaissance France at War
Authors: Potter David
Published: March 2023

The rulers of Renaissance France regarded war as hugely important. This book shows why, looking at all aspects of warfare from strategy to its reception, depiction and promotion.
A Companion to Jorge Luis Borges
Authors: Boldy Steven
Published: March 2023

An introduction to one of Latin America's most important authors.
Experimental study of a periodic turbulent boundary layer in zero mean pressure gradient
Authors: Menendez A. N. , Ramaprian B. R.
Published: March 2023

A turbulent boundary layer, subjected to a freestream velocity which changes sinusoidally with time around a spatially uniform mean value has been studied experimentally. The experiments were conducted in a specially designed unsteady-flow water tunnel. A two-component laser Doppler anemometer was used to measure the instantaneous velocities, and hence the turbulent stresses, in the periodic boundary layer. A surface-mounted heat-flux gauge was used to measure the unsteady wall shear stress. The experiments were conducted at relatively high amplitudes of oscillation (≈ 40% of the mean) and over a wide range of reduced frequencies (1.7-28). While the present data on the oscillatory flow properties generally confirm previously known trends the information on the turbulent shear stress and skin friction obtained in the present studies is more complete than previously available. The experimental data, all of which has been archived on magnetic tape, form a comprehensive base for the development and verification of predictive models for unsteady turbulent boundary layers.
THE CORNELII AND JUPITER: A CASE STUDY IN THE MANIPULATION OF TRADITIONAL RELIGION BY AN ARISTOCRATIC ROMAN KINSHIP GROUP
Authors: Farney Gary D.
Published: March 2023

The Cornelii were one of the oldest and most prestigious Roman gentes, extended family kinship groups, in Republican Rome. Various members and branches advertise some kind of connection to Jupiter, Jupiter Optimus Maximus in particular, notably Scipio Africanus, but he was certainly not the only Cornelius to do so. Numismatic evidence has long suggested some kind of claimed relationship between the Cornelii and Jupiter. The Cornelian connection to the religious office of flamen Dialis (high priest of Jupiter) is more proof that their claims to be associated with Jupiter were accepted by Roman society. Some later branches of the Cornelii, notably the Sullae, began to prefer Venus instead, but a connection with Jupiter was still explicable via the genealogy of the Trojan royal house.
ATHENA'S MENTION OF ORESTES IN HOM. OD. 1.298–302
Authors: Xian Ruobing
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on the interrelationship between two events taking place simultaneously in Odysseus’ megaron: Phemius’ performance and the conversation between Telemachus and Athena. I argue that at Hom. Od. 1.298–302 Athena, in her mention of Orestes’ kleos, refers directly to Phemius’ song that Telemachus can hear from where he is sitting. This reading sheds new light on the characters’ receptions of Phemius’ song. Between the well-known contrasting responses of the nearest and the farthest audiences – the suitors’ silence and Penelope's over-reaction – stands Athena's cognitively constructive use of it, by which the goddess attempts to establish a shared understanding with Telemachus, whose kleos is one of the main concerns of her visit to Ithaca.
Latin literature
Authors: Walter Anke
Published: March 2023

As always, it is hard to do justice to the many intriguing books that came out over the past months. I will try to give an overview of at least a few of them, from Republican literature over two imperial ‘Classics’, the Aeneid and the Fasti, over Ps.-Quintilian's Declamations and Apuleius, fourth and fifth-century commentaries, all the way to a lesser-known work from the fifteenth century. Let us start, however, with an exciting volume on ‘Roman Law and Latin Literature’, edited by Ioannis Ziogas and Erica Bexley. In their introduction, the two editors sketch out the relationship between law and literature, emphasizing the points of contact and the intricate relationship between the two. While the Law and Humanities movement, they argue, has been so far strongly focused on law, with literature playing an ancillary role, Ziogas and Bexley aim to redress that balance ‘by showing how literature anticipates, imitates, supplants or complements law's role in constituting rules and norms’ (3). The contributions in the volume cover a wide range of authors, from Naevius, Plautus, and Terence to Cicero, Ovid, Seneca, and Lucan. With her discussion of the role Latin literature played in shaping Roman concepts of legality, in the absence of a codified constitution, Michèle Lowrie provides a very good starting point to the volume, one that a couple of other contributors keep referring back to. There is a chapter on the jurist Marcus Antistius Labeo by Matthijs Wibier, Nora Goldschmidt traces the emergence of the Foucauldian author function in the interaction between law and literature in third-century bc Rome, and John Oksanish argues that Cicero, in De oratore (‘On the Orator’), adopts the theoretical and terminological frameworks of Roman property law to authorize the orator's power over various domains, a strategy also adopted by Vitruvius, to mention just a few of the topics covered. The concluding paper is a thought-provoking piece by Nandini Pandey, comparing Roman and American legal and literary practices around freedom, opportunity, and (in)equality.
Multivariate analysis from SSR and morphological data in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for breeding purposes
Authors: Mariana Pocovi , Sosa Maximiliano , Delgado Romina , Castillo Verónica , Collavino Graciela , Carreras Julia
Published: March 2023

In order to enhance genetic potential of chickpea materials from the National University of Córdoba Breeding Programme and Germplasm collection (Argentina), a study for a comprehensive understanding of the amount and pattern of genetic variation within and between genotypes was carried out by applying a multivariate analysis form single simple repeats (SSR) and morphological data. Molecular data were also used to determine the discriminating power for genotype identification, and to find the optimal primer combination to ensure unambiguous identification. With the analysis of 15 SSR markers on 53 genotypes, a total of 58 alleles were detected with individual values ranging from one to nine alleles per locus. High values of discriminating power (Dj ⩾ 0.7, PIC ⩾ 0.7), and low values of confusion probability (Cj ⩽ 0.23) were obtained for at least four evaluated markers. The combination of TA113 + TA114 + H1B09 + TA106 primers was effective for discriminating the 53 chickpea genotypes with a cumulative confusion probability value (Ck) of 9.60 × 10−4. Except for some exceptions, individual chickpea genotypes within a cluster in the consensus tree were definitely more closely related with each other by the origin or pedigree. The results confirmed that both multivariate data analysis methods, ordination and clustering, were complementary. In most genotypes, discriminant principal component analysis classification was consistent with the original clusters defined by molecular data. Differences in results from molecular and morphological data indicate that they provide complementary and relevant information for establishing genetic relationships among chickpea materials and a better description and interpretation of the available variability in the germplasm collection.
On the Outside Looking In: Ethnography and Authoritarianism
Authors: Stroup David R. , Goode J. Paul
Published: March 2023

Despite the common assumption that ethnography is most successful where researchers achieve recognition as insiders within the communities they study, conducting research in nondemocracies inverts incentives to conduct ethnographic research as an insider and poses unexpected ethical risks to both researchers and respondents. Rather than increasing trust and facilitating access, cultivating insider roles in nondemocracies may have the unintended effects of encouraging conformity with regime discourses, limiting further fieldwork access, and exacerbating respondents’ tendency toward epistemic deference. Drawing on the authors’ research experiences and the growing literature on fieldwork in nondemocracies, this article argues that outsider roles may be preferable to insider roles for identifying the unspoken rules, assumptions, and taken-for-granted aspects of everyday politics in nondemocracies. Moreover, outsider roles clarify the relationship between researcher and respondent in ways that provide clear ethical advantages in terms of consent, value, and risk.
Two Air Quality Regimes in Total Column NO2 Over the Gulf of Mexico in May 2019: Shipboard and Satellite Views
Authors: Thompson Anne M. , Kollonige Debra E. , Stauffer Ryan M. , Kotsakis Alexander E. , Abuhassan Nader , Lamsal Lok N. , Swap Robert J. , Blake Donald R. , Townsend‐Small Amy , Wecht Holli D.
Published: March 2023

The Satellite Coastal and Oceanic Atmospheric Pollution Experiment (SCOAPE) cruise in the Gulf of Mexico was conducted in May 2019 by NASA and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to determine the feasibility of using satellite data to measure air quality in a region of concentrated oil and natural gas (ONG) operations. SCOAPE addressed both technological and scientific issues related to measuring NO2 columns over the outer continental shelf. Featured were nitrogen dioxide (NO2) instruments (Pandora, Teledyne API analyzer) at Cocodrie, LA (29.26°, −90.66°), and on the Research Vessel Point Sur operating off the Louisiana coast with measurements of ozone, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The findings: (a) all NO2 observations revealed two atmospheric regimes over the Gulf, the first influenced by tropical air in 10–14 May, the second influenced by flow from urban areas on 15–17 May; (b) comparisons of OMI v4 and TROPOMI v1.3 TC (total column) NO2 data with shipboard Pandora NO2 column observations averaged 13% agreement with the largest difference during 15–17 May (∼20%). At Cocodrie, the satellite–Pandora agreement was ∼5%. (c) Three new‐model Pandora instruments displayed a TC NO2 precision of 0.01 Dobson Units (∼5%); (d) regions of smaller, older natural gas operations showed high methane readings from leakage; elevated VOCs were also detected. Neither satellite nor spectrometer captured the magnitude of ambient NO2 variability near ONG platforms. Given an absence of regular air quality monitoring over the Gulf of Mexico, SCOAPE data constitute a baseline against which future observations can be compared.
Controls on Terrestrial Carbon Fluxes in Simulated Networks of Connected Streams and Lakes
Authors: Vachon Dominic , Sponseller Ryan A. , Rosvall Martin , Karlsson Jan
Published: March 2023

Inland waters play a critical role in the carbon cycle by emitting significant amounts of land‐exported carbon to the atmosphere. While carbon gas emissions from individual aquatic systems have been extensively studied, how networks of connected streams and lakes regulate integrated fluxes of organic and inorganic forms remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a process‐based model to simulate the fate of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in artificial inland water networks with variable topology, hydrology, and DOC reactivity. While the role of lakes is highly dependent on DOC reactivity, we find that the mineralization of terrestrial DOC is more efficient in lake‐rich networks. Regardless of typology and hydrology, terrestrial CO2 is emitted almost entirely within the network boundary. Consequently, the proportion of exported terrestrial carbon emitted from inland water networks increases with the CO2 versus DOC export ratio. Overall, our results suggest that CO2 emissions from inland waters are governed by interactions between the relative amount and reactivity of terrestrial DOC and CO2 inputs and the network configuration of recipient lakes and streams.
Magnetic Signature of Vertically Migrating Aggregations in the Ocean
Authors: Fu M. K. , Dabiri J. O.
Published: March 2023

The significance of fluid transport in the ocean due to migrating aggregations of zooplankton remains poorly understood due to practical challenges associated with predicting, identifying, and quantifying instances of enhanced biogenic mixing. We present a new approach to overcome these limitations by quantifying the biogenic transport via its distinct magnetic signatures. This present approach can be accomplished potentially without a priori knowledge of the precise location of the aggregation and without triggering animal avoidance caused by the introduction of instruments into the migration.
A 510,000‐Year Record of Mars' Climate
Authors: Buhler P. B.
Published: March 2023

Mars' polar layered deposits record its climate history. However, no deposit yet analyzed provides a global water cycle record that can be tied to a specific orbital history. Here, I fill this gap by analyzing H2O ice layer formation in Mars' south polar Massive CO2 Ice Deposit (MCID), a 510,000‐year climate record. Statistical analyses of ∼109 formation model runs compared to observed stratigraphy indicate a variable H2O deposition rate of ∼1, 0.1, and 0.01 mm yr−1 at 20, 24, and 28 obliquity, respectively—likely recording the obliquity‐dependent midlatitude‐to‐pole H2O transport rate. The MCID record allows unprecedented obliquity‐driven H2O ice deposition rate derivation because of its well‐defined age relative to other deposits and its CO2 cold‐trapping effect, which simplifies local seasonal and long‐term H2O flux. The recovery of an orbit‐resolved H2O transport rate is an essential step in elucidating Mars' global, orbit‐driven water cycle.
Sea Ice Melt Pond Fraction Derived From Sentinel‐2 Data: Along the MOSAiC Drift and Arctic‐Wide
Authors: Niehaus Hannah , Spreen Gunnar , Birnbaum Gerit , Istomina Larysa , Jäkel Evelyn , Linhardt Felix , Neckel Niklas , Fuchs Niels , Nicolaus Marcel , Sperzel Tim , Tao Ran , Webster Melinda , Wright Nicholas
Published: March 2023

Melt ponds forming on Arctic sea ice in summer significantly reduce the surface albedo and impact the heat and mass balance of the sea ice. Therefore, their areal coverage, which can undergo rapid change, is crucial to monitor. We present a revised method to extract melt pond fraction (MPF) from Sentinel‐2 satellite imagery, which is evaluated by MPF products from higher‐resolution satellite and helicopter‐borne imagery. The analysis of melt pond evolution during the MOSAiC campaign in summer 2020, shows a split of the Central Observatory (CO) into a level ice and a highly deformed ice part, the latter of which exhibits exceptional early melt pond formation compared to the vicinity. Average CO MPFs are 17% before and 23% after the major drainage. Arctic‐wide analysis of MPF for years 2017–2021 shows a consistent seasonal cycle in all regions and years.