bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Killing vector fields on Riemannian and Lorentzian 3‐manifolds
Authors: Aazami Amir Babak , Ream Robert
Published: March 2023

We give a complete local classification of all Riemannian 3‐manifolds admitting a nonvanishing Killing vector field T. We then extend this classification to timelike Killing vector fields on Lorentzian 3‐manifolds, which are automatically nonvanishing. The two key ingredients needed in our classification are the scalar curvature S of g and the function , where Ric is the Ricci tensor; in fact their sum appears as the Gaussian curvature of the quotient metric obtained from the action of T. Our classification generalizes that of Sasakian structures, which is the special case when . We also give necessary, and separately, sufficient conditions, both expressed in terms of , for g to be locally conformally flat. We then move from the local to the global setting, and prove two results: in the event that T has unit length and the coordinates derived in our classification are globally defined on , we give conditions under which S completely determines when the metric will be geodesically complete. In the event that the 3‐manifold M is compact, we give a condition stating when it admits a metric of constant positive sectional curvature.
Investigation of the antibacterial mechanism of the novel bactericide dioctyldiethylenetriamine (Xinjunan)
Authors: Jin Ling , Chen Xing , Pang Chaoyue , Zhou Li , Liu Yu , Sun Yang , Xu Liang , Wang Yongxing , Chen Yu
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Chemical control is an important method for tackling crop diseases. Clarifying the antibacterial mechanisms of bactericides is useful for developing new bactericides and for continuous plant disease control. In this study, the antibacterial mechanism of a novel bactericide, dioctyldiethylenetriamine (Xinjunan), which affects adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, was investigated.

RESULTS

The results of an in vitro inhibition activity assay showed that dioctyldiethylenetriamine inhibited the growth of a variety of plant pathogenic bacteria, especially that of Xanthomonas spp. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that dioctyldiethylenetriamine caused cell distortion and rupture. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the antibacterial effect of dioctyldiethylenetriamine, transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed for Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo, PXO99A) treated with dioctyldiethylenetriamine, which has strong antibacterial effects against xanthomonads. The results showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched mainly in the oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways after treatment. Moreover, the dioctyldiethylenetriamine treatment exhibited reduction in enzyme activities in the TCA cycle, decreased intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and ATP contents, and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, dioctyldiethylenetriamine exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of other bacterial pathogens by reducing ATP synthesis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the mechanism by which dioctyldiethylenetriamine inhibits ATP synthesis by affecting oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle pathways in bacteria. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revisiting deep neural network test coverage from the test effectiveness perspective
Authors: Yan Ming , Chen Junjie , Cao Xuejie , Wu Zhuo , Kang Yuning , Wang Zan
Published: March 2023

Many test coverage metrics have been proposed to measure the deep neural network (DNN) testing effectiveness, including structural coverage and nonstructural coverage. These test coverage metrics are proposed based on the fundamental assumption: They are correlated with test effectiveness. However, the fundamental assumption is still not validated sufficiently and reasonably, which brings question on the usefulness of DNN test coverage. This paper conducted a revisiting study on the existing DNN test coverage from the test effectiveness perspective, to effectively validate the fundamental assumption. Here, we carefully considered the diversity of subjects, three test effectiveness criteria, and both typical and state‐of‐the‐art test coverage metrics. Different from all the existing studies that deliver negative conclusions on the usefulness of existing DNN test coverage, we identified some positive conclusions on their usefulness from the test effectiveness perspective. In particular, we found the complementary relationship between structural and nonstructural coverage and identified the practical usage scenarios and promising research directions for these existing test coverage metrics.
Optoelectronic Synaptic Memtransistor Based on 2D SnSe/MoS2 van der Waals Heterostructure under UV–Ozone Treatment
Authors: Yan Yuling , Yu Niannian , Yu Ziyan , Su Yupeng , Chen Jiawei , Xiang Tao , Han Yuenan , Wang Jiafu
Published: March 2023

Memristive switching devices with electrically and optically invoked synaptic behaviors show great promise in constructing an artificial biological visual system. Through rational design and integration, 2D materials and their van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures can be applied to realize multifunctional optoelectronic devices. Here, a multifunctional optoelectronic synaptic memtransistor based on a SnSe/MoS2 vdW p–n heterojunction to simulate the human biological visual system is reported. By employing simple mild UV–ozone treatment, the device exhibits reversible resistive switching (RS) behavior with switching ratio up to 103. The retina‐like selective response to different input light wavelengths is activated, as well as programmable multilevel resistance states and long‐term synaptic plasticity. Moreover, memory and logic functions analogous to those found in the visual cortex of the brain are performed by controlling the optical and electrical input signals. This work proposes a feasible strategy to modulate RS in vdW heterostructures for memristive devices, which show significant potential for neuromorphic processing.
Neue Querschnitte von Stahlverbundbrücken – Teil 1: Ermüdungsfestigkeit der querbelasteten zugbeanspruchten Fahrbahnplatte
Authors: Stempniewski Lena , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Geißler Karsten
Published: March 2023

Bei Verbundgroßbrücken, die über mehrere Felder spannen, kommt es aufgrund negativer Momentenbeanspruchung im Stützbereich zu Rissen infolge der Zugbeanspruchung in der Betonfahrbahn. Die Anordnung von stählernen Kragträgern im Querrahmenabstand unter der Fahrbahnplatte (u. a. zur Auflagerung von Teilfertigteilen) führt zu einer überwiegend längsspannenden Fahrbahnplatte, auf die direkt die Radlasten aus Verkehr wirken. Das heißt, die zyklische Querkraft infolge der lokalen Radlasten muss über die infolge der globalen Zugbeanspruchung gerissene Fahrbahnplatte zu den Querträgern übertragen werden. Derzeit wird für diesen Anwendungsfall die Rissbreite konservativ auf 0,15 mm begrenzt. Es werden Versuche und deren Ergebnisse vorgestellt, die Aufschluss über das Tragverhalten der gezogenen und damit gerissenen Betonfahrbahnplatte unter einer ermüdungswirksamen Querkraft liefern. Dazu zählen zum einen Einstufenversuche mit dem Ziel, das Tragverhalten zu klären und Parameter zu identifizieren, die die Ermüdungsfestigkeit beeinflussen. Weiterhin wurde zusätzlich in Mehrstufenversuchen der Einfluss einer realitätsnahen Beanspruchung mit wechselnder Belastungshöhe auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit getestet und die Anwendung der linearen Schadensakkumulationshypothese nach der Palmgren‐Miner‐Regel überprüft.
The year 2023 brings its own challenges
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: March 2023

I don't think many of you would argue that 2020, 2021, and 2022 have been three of the most difficult years of our lifetimes. Sure, good things have happened to us individually, but it's been a tough time in many arenas, such as public health, federal and state government, politics, economics, religion, civilization, and elementary, secondary, and higher education. I dare say no one has been immune to facing challenges in some, if not all, of these realms. All events during this three‐year period are intertwined with the global pandemic of COVID‐19.
Understand the new generation of student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2023

Monteigne Long's journey to working with student‐​veterans began as a military spouse. Today, Long is the Assistant Director at the Office of Veteran Services at Texas A&M University. At TAMU, Long helps oversee the programming for more than 400 student veterans across 11 institutions, along with more than 7,000 military dependents.
Hybrid zinc‐air battery (ZAB) with transition metal‐based electrocatalysts—A step toward next‐generation electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Tharani S. , Durgalakshmi D. , Kunhiraman Aruna K. , Balakumar S. , Rakkesh R. Ajay
Published: March 2023

Zinc air batteries (ZABs) are gaining popularity as a viable substitute for lithium‐based batteries in recent years because of their availability of raw materials, high energy density, affordability, and renewability. However, there remain challenges that have not been solved, like the lack of bifunctional catalysts that would increase the kinetics of oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR and OER) in the cathodic layer of ZABs. Transition metal‐based catalyst (TMBCs) credited with high activity, stability and affordability are researched as a potential bifunctional catalyst. The review that is being presented intend to provide an overview of ZABs, specific information about TMBC types utilized in ZABs, as well as an explanation of the functions of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Other Renewables

Emerging Technologies > Energy Storage

Emerging Technologies > Materials
Orality/Aurality and Voice of the Voiceless Mother in Abla Farhoud’s Happiness Has a Slippery Tail
Authors: Kačkutė Eglė
Published: March 2023

The problem of the representation of the mother’s voice and the maternal perspective in literary fiction has been a concern of contemporary scholarship in women’s writing for several decades. This chapter explores the literary representation of the voice and the perspective of a seemingly voiceless migrant mother who is silent in the language of the host country through the novelHappiness Has a Slippery Tail(1998) (Le bonheur a la queue glissante) by the Canadian Quebecois author of Lebanese origin, Abla Farhoud. This chapter demonstrates that in terms of literary representation of the mother’s voice, matrifocal migrant women’s writing relies on the orality of the mother’s voice to articulate the experience of mothering across the language barrier. It argues that the novel tells the story of a marginalised migrant mother in two voices: the aural voice of a marginalised mother who is voiceless in French and in writing (she is illiterate) and that of a French-educated writer daughter who understands the quality of the mother’s voice in Arabic. In this way the voice of the silent mother can be heard by the Western readership, and her perspective inscribed in the Western literary tradition.
Qualifications as Guarantees of Proficiency: Do We Understand Their Role?
Authors: Winch Christopher
Published: March 2023

A professional qualification should be a guarantee of the professional ability of its holder. But how do we know that a qualification is a guarantee given the variegated nature of the successful exercise of professional ability in a wide variety of complex and unique and often unexpected circumstances? One of the problems involved in professional qualification design concerns path dependency in the way in which qualifications are constructed. We tend to design qualifications according to categories that tradition and culture have handed down instead of asking whether they meet the current needs of professions. In this chapter I will suggest that professional curriculum designers be presented with a series of ‘decision points’ so that they are obliged to explicitly consider whether certain attributes need to be included in the qualification. These attributes will need to include far more than ‘skill’. This claim is illustrated with examples from some of the professions associated with low energy construction.
Es wimmelt von Henne-Ei-Problemen: Transformation als koevolutionärer Prozess
Authors: Jacob Klaus
Published: March 2023

Es stellt sich nicht nur aus Umweltsicht, sondern auch aus der Perspektive sozialpolitischer Akteure ein weitreichender Transformationsbedarf. Ernährung, Wohnen, Verkehr, Gesundheit, Bildung lassen sich nach Auffassung vieler nicht mehr mit kleinschrittigen Verbesserungen sichern, sondern es wird nach grundlegendem Wandel gefragt. Natürliche Ressourcen zu extrahieren und die Umwelt als Deponie für Schadstoffe und Abfälle zu nutzen, ist genauso wie die Ausbeutung von Arbeit eine Möglichkeit, um Kosten zu reduzieren und in der Konkurrenz mit anderen Unternehmen Vorteile zu erringen. Die gemeinsame Formulierung der Veränderungsanliegen durch sozial- und umweltpolitische Akteure wäre ein starker Impuls für eine Beschleunigung tiefgreifender Prozesse nachhaltigen Wandels. Wenn ein dominanter gesellschaftlicher Diskurs entsteht, in dem sich die Delegitimation des Bisherigen und die Machbarkeit und Vorteilhaftigkeit einer Alternative miteinander verbinden, hat das eine enorme Wirkung: Es gibt dem ungerichteten Innovationsgeschehen in den Nischen eine Richtung, verbindet und koordiniert das Handeln von Akteuren in eine gemeinsame Richtung. Das Geschehen erfährt große Dynamik.
Solidarität: Konstellationen und Dynamiken in der Spätmoderne
Authors: August Vincent
Published: March 2023

Solidarität ist eine paradoxe Leitidee der modernen Gesellschaft. Durch ihre übergreifende Zustimmung werden aber die Funktionsweisen und Folgen von Solidarität oftmals nicht hinreichend bedacht. Der Beitrag nimmt daher anhand konkreter Beispiele (Konservatismus, Arbeiterbewegung, Pandemie, Krieg gegen die Ukraine) die Geschichte und Funktionsweise von Solidarität in den Blick. Er untersucht typische Dynamiken (moralische Selbstorganisation, Eskalation, Burnout) und diskutiert Strategien des Umgangs mit diesen Dynamiken und ihre Folgen (Verrechtlichung, Bürokratisierung, Demobilisierung). Schließlich wendet sich der Beitrag den gesellschaftlichen Konstellationen der Gegenwart zu. Der Formwandel von Arbeit und Politik in der Spätmoderne bringt auch veränderte Bedingungen für klassische Solidaritätsakteure mit sich. Gleichzeitig haben wir es mit einer veränderten Konfliktstruktur zu tun, in der konkurrierende Solidaritätsansprüche aufeinanderprallen. Auf beiden Seiten wird dann mehr Solidarität gefordert, gerade dadurch bekommen wir aber mehr Konflikt. Dieses Solidaritätsparadox erfordert kluges Konfliktmanagement.
Der Pararectus-Zugang: operatives Vorgehen in der Acetabulumchirurgie
Authors: von Rüden Christian , Brand Andreas , Perl Mario
Published: March 2023

Operationsziel

Der Pararectus-Zugang wurde vor einigen Jahren für die Beckenchirurgie neu entdeckt und als alternativer Zugang insbesondere für die Behandlung von Acetabulumfrakturen des vorderen Pfeilers mit Beteiligung der quadrilateralen Fläche beschrieben.

Indikationen

Zur optimalen Darstellung von Acetabulumfrakturen mit Beteiligung der quadrilateralen Fläche, Frakturen der vorderen Wand und des vorderen Pfeilers, vorderen Pfeiler/hinteren Hemiquerfrakturen und Frakturen mit zentraler Impression von Domfragmenten hat sich der Pararectus-Zugang bewährt.

Kontraindikationen

Bei Frakturen des hinteren Pfeilers, der hinteren Wand, kombinierten Frakturen der hinteren Wand und des hinteren Pfeilers, Querfrakturen mit Dislokation des hinteren Pfeilers oder in Kombination mit Frakturen der hinteren Wand und bei T‑Frakturen mit Dislokation des hinteren Pfeilers oder in Kombination mit Frakturen der hinteren Wand findet der Pararectus-Zugang keine Anwendung, ebenso nicht bei Patienten mit Ileus.

Operationstechnik

Über den Pararectus-Zugang kann der gesamte Beckenring einschließlich der quadrilateralen Fläche erreicht werden. Die Auswahl der chirurgischen Fenster richtet sich nach der Frakturlokalisation und den Erfordernissen der Frakturreposition.

Weiterbehandlung

Grundsätzlich sollte eine Teilbelastung für 6 Wochen eingehalten werden, wobei Fraktur- und Osteosynthese-abhängig ggf. eine frühere Belastungsfreigabe möglich ist. Insbesondere von geriatrischen Patienten kann häufig keine Teilbelastung eingehalten werden, sodass hier die frühzeitige und oft relativ unkontrollierte Vollbelastung akzeptiert werden muss.

Ergebnisse

In einer vergleichenden instrumentellen Bewegungsanalyse zwischen Patienten nach operativer Stabilisierung einer isolierten unilateralen Acetabulumfraktur über den Pararectus-Zugang und gesunden Probanden zeichnete sich schon in der frühen postoperativen Phase eine suffiziente Stabilität und Bewegungsfunktion des Beckens und der Hüfte während des Gehens ab.
Rapid shipboard measurement of net-collected marine microplastic polymer types using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Beck Aaron J. , Kaandorp Mikael , Hamm Thea , Bogner Boie , Kossel Elke , Lenz Mark , Haeckel Matthias , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: March 2023

Isolation and detection of microplastics (MP) in marine samples is extremely cost- and labor-intensive, limiting the speed and amount of data that can be collected. In the current work, we describe rapid measurement of net-collected MPs (net mesh size 300 µm) using a benchtop near-infrared hyperspectral imaging system during a research expedition to the subtropical North Atlantic gyre. Suspected plastic particles were identified microscopically and mounted on a black adhesive background. Particles were imaged with a Specim FX17 near-infrared linescan camera and a motorized stage. A particle mapping procedure was built on existing edge-finding algorithms and a polymer identification method developed using spectra from virgin polymer reference materials. This preliminary work focused on polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as they are less dense than seawater and therefore likely to be found floating in the open ocean. A total of 27 net tows sampled 2534 suspected MP particles that were imaged and analyzed at sea. Approximately 77.1% of particles were identified as polyethylene, followed by polypropylene (9.2%). A small fraction of polystyrene was detected only at one station. Approximately 13.6% of particles were either other plastic polymers or were natural materials visually misidentified as plastics. Particle size distributions for PE and PP particles with a length greater than 1 mm followed an approximate power law relationship with abundance. This method allowed at-sea, near real-time identification of MP polymer types and particle dimensions, and shows great promise for rapid field measurements of microplastics in net-collected samples.
Internal architecture of the proximal femur: calcar femorale or Adams’ arch?
Authors: Bartoníček Jan , Alt Jan , Naňka Ondřej
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The calcar femorale (femoral calcar) is used in the English literature to designate the thickened medial cortex of the femoral neck. This term is, however, incorrect, as the calcar femorale is actually quite another structure.

Methods

Searching was performed in original and historic publication.

Results

The importance of the thickened medial cortex of the proximal femur in femoral neck fractures was discussed already by Robert Adams in 1834–1836. Therefore, the German surgeon C.W. Streubel, in 1847, called it Adamscher Knochenbogen (Adams’ arch). Due to misspelling, this term was gradually changed to Adambogen, and at the turn of twentieth century, it was commonly used primarily in the German literature. Then, it fell into oblivion and its “renaissance” came as late as during the 1960s, again in the German literature, in connection with operative treatment of trochanteric fractures.

Conclusions

However, under the influence of the English literature, it has been replaced by the term calcar femorale (femoral calcar), used ever since. The term Adams’ arch should be reserved for the thickened medial cortex of the proximal femur, while the term calcar femorale (femoral calcar) should be used for the vertical plate arising from the medial cortex close below the lesser trochanter.
Culturally sensitive stepped care for adolescent refugees: efficacy and cost–utility of a multicentric randomized controlled trial
Authors: Höhne Edgar , Böge Kerem , Karnouk Carine , Tschorn Mira , Banaschewski Tobias , Hoell Andreas , Sukale Thorsten , Plener Paul , Schneider Frank , Padberg Frank , Hasan Alkomiet , Rapp Michael A. , Bajbouj Malek , Kamp-Becker Inge
Published: March 2023

Adolescent refugees and asylum seekers (ARAS) are highly vulnerable to mental health problems. Stepped care models (SCM) and culturally sensitive therapies offer promising treatment approaches to effectively provide necessary medical and psychological support. To our knowledge, we were the first to investigate whether a culturally sensitive SCM will reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD in ARAS more effectively and efficiently than treatment as usual (TAU). We conducted a multicentric, randomized, controlled and rater-blinded trial across Germany with ARAS between the ages of 14 to 21 years. Participants (N = 158) were stratified by their level of depressive symptom severity and then equally randomized to either SCM or TAU. Depending on their severity level, SCM participants were allocated to tailored interventions. Symptom changes were assessed for depression (PHQ) and PTSD (CATS) at four time points, with the primary end point at post-intervention after 12 weeks. Based on an intention-to-treat sample, we used a linear mixed model approach for the main statistical analyses. Further evaluations included cost–utility analyses, sensitivity analyses, follow-up-analyses, response and remission rates and subgroup analysis. We found a significant reduction of PHQ (d = 0.52) and CATS (d = 0.27) scores in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between SCM and TAU. Cost–utility analyses indicated that SCM generated greater cost–utility when measured as quality-adjusted life years compared to TAU. Subgroup analysis revealed different effects for the SCM interventions depending on the outcome measure. Although culturally sensitive, SCMs did not prove to be more effective in symptom change and represent a more cost-effective treatment alternative for mentally burdened ARAS. Our research contributes to the optimization of clinical productivity and the improvement of therapeutic care for ARAS. Disorder-specific interventions should be further investigated.
Analyzing the effect of health reforms on the efficiency of Ecuadorian public hospitals
Authors: Piedra-Peña Juan , Prior Diego
Published: March 2023

This study aims to assess whether Ecuadorian health reforms carried out since 2008 have affected the efficiency performance of public hospitals in the country. We contribute to the literature by shedding new light on the effects on public healthcare efficiency for developing countries when policies move toward health equity and universal coverage. We follow a two-stage approach, wherein the first stage we make use of factor and cluster analysis to obtain three clusters of public hospitals based on their technological endowment; we exploit Data Envelopment Analysis for panel data in the second stage to estimate robust efficiency measures over time. Our innovative empirical strategy considers the heterogeneity of healthcare institutions in the analysis of their efficiency performance. The results show a significant decrease in the average efficiency of low and intermediate technology hospitals after the new constitution was adopted in 2008. The decline in efficiency coincides with the two reforms of 2010 and 2011 that brought on higher social security coverage.
The influence of micro-expressions on deception detection
Authors: Yildirim Suleyman , Chimeumanu Meshack Sandra , Rana Zeeshan A.
Published: March 2023

Facial micro-expressions are universal symbols of emotions that provide cohesion to interpersonal communication. At the same time, the changes in micro-expressions are considered to be the most important hints in the psychology of emotion. Furthermore, analysis and recognition of these micro-expressions have pervaded in various areas such as security and psychology. In security-related matters, micro-expressions are widely used to detect deception. In this research, a deep learning model that interprets the changes in the face into meaningful information has been trained using The Facial Expression Recognition 2013 dataset. Necessary data is also obtained through live stream or video stream by detecting via computer vision and evaluating with the trained model. Finally, the data obtained is transformed into graphic and interpreted to determine whether the people are trying to deceive or not. The deception classification accuracy of the custom trained model is 74.17% and the detection of the face with high precision using the computer vision methods increased the accuracy of the obtained data and provided it to be interpreted correctly. In this respect, the study differs from other studies using the same dataset. In addition, it is aimed to facilitate the deception detection which is performed in a complex and expensive way, by making it simple and understandable.
Increased Effect Sizes in a Mindfulness- and Yoga-Based Intervention After Adjusting for Response Shift with Then-Test
Authors: Bartos L. Javier , Posadas M. Pilar , Wrapson Wendy , Krägeloh Chris
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Response shift refers to variations in self-reported evaluations at different times from changes in one’s internal standards, values, and meanings. The current study explored the utility of the then-test to detect a potential mindfulness-based response shift occurrence during a mindfulness- and yoga-based intervention for student musicians, and to ascertain to what extent effect sizes could differ when adjusting for it.

Method

Participants (n = 31) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) halfway through the intervention (Time 1-FFMQ), post-intervention (Time 2-FFMQ), and immediately after Time 2-FFMQ with a then-test approach that asked participants to rate the FFMQ based on retrospective reflections on their mindfulness at Time 1 (then-test-FFMQ). Paired t-tests and Hedges’ g effect sizes were computed to estimate three potential effects: response shift (Time 1-FFMQ minus then-test-FFMQ), the conventional intervention effect (Time 2-FFMQ minus Time 1-FFMQ), and the effect after adjusting for response shift (i.e., actual intervention effect = Time 2-FFMQ minus then-test-FFMQ).

Results

Response shift was significant for the FFMQ Observe subscale (g = 0.41) and total scale (g = 0.37). The adjusted scores in all subscales (Observe, g = 0.47; Describe, g = 0.25; Act Aware, g = 0.40; Non-judge, g = 0.28; Non-react, g = 0.57) and total scale (g = 0.60) achieved significance and yielded larger effect sizes than the conventional results, for which only Act Aware (g = 0.28), Non-react (g = 0.36), and total scale (g = 0.28) were significant.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding some methodological limitations, this study lends support to the utility of the then-test to quantify response shift. When adjusting for it, effect sizes from a mindfulness- and yoga-based intervention were generally amplified.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
NEDORT: a novel and efficient approach to the data overlap problem in relational triples
Authors: Zhang Zhanjun , Hu Xiaoru , Zhang Haoyu , Liu Jie
Published: March 2023

Relation triple extraction is a combination of named entity recognition and relation prediction. Early works ignore the problem of data overlap when extracting triples, resulting in poor extraction performance. Subsequent works improve the capability of the model to extract overlapping triples through generative and extractive methods. These works achieve considerable performance but still suffer from some defects, such as poor extraction capability for individual triplets and inappropriate spatial distribution of the data. To solve the above problems, we perform sequence-to-matrix transformation and propose the NEDORT model. NEDORT predicts all subjects in the sentence and then completes the extraction of relation–object pairs. There are overlapping parts between relation–object pairs, so we conduct the conversion of sequence to matrix. We design the Differential Amplified Multi-head Attention method to extract subjects. This method highlights the locations of entities and captures sequence features from multiple dimensions. When performing the extraction of relation–object pairs, we fuse subject and sequence information through the Biaffine method and generate relation–sequence matrices. In addition, we design a multi-layer U-Net network to optimize the matrix representation and improve the extraction performance of the model. Experimental results on two public datasets show that our model outperforms other baseline models on triples of all categories
Competition policy in the new wave of global protectionism. Prospects for preserving a fdi-friendly institutional environment
Authors: Mariotti Sergio
Published: March 2023

By its very nature, competition policy has a double face vis-à-vis foreign direct investment (FDI), as it can encourage inflows into the country by ensuring a level playing field for all investors (domestic and foreign), but also be captured and misused to discourage FDI in the name of superior national interests or under pressure from lobbying groups. The worldwide emergence of “global protectionism”, in reaction to the inequalities and imbalances caused by globalization, and the impasse of supranational institutions in the governance of international relations have paved the way for the abuse of competition policy as a barrier to FDI. After giving evidence of these phenomena that threaten economic growth and welfare, the paper discusses prospects for preserving an institutional environment conducive to FDI. A desirable to-do list is outlined.
Silicon Vacancy Color Centers in 6H-SiC Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Zhou Zhanqi , Xu Zongwei , Song Ying , Shi Changkun , Zhang Kun , Dong Bing
Published: March 2023

As a single photon source, silicon vacancy (VSi) centers in wide bandgap semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) are expected to be used in quantum technology as spin qubits to participate in quantum sensing and quantum computing. Simultaneously, the new direct femtosecond (fs) laser writing technology has been successfully applied to preparing VSis in SiC. In this study, 6H-SiC, which has been less studied, was used as the processed material. VSi center arrays were formed on the 6H-SiC surface using a 1030-nm-wavelength fs pulsed laser. The surface was characterized by white light microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal photoluminescence (PL)/Raman spectrometry. The effect of fs laser energy, vector polarization, pulse number, and repetition rate on 6H-SiC VSi defect preparation was analyzed by measuring the VSi PL signal at 785-nm laser excitation. The results show that fs laser energy and pulse number greatly influence the preparation of the color center, which plays a key role in optimizing the yield of VSis prepared by fs laser nanomachining.
Clarence Streit and Twentieth-Century American Internationalism
Authors: Imlay Talbot C.
Published: March 2023

In this illuminating and comprehensive account, Talbot C. Imlay chronicles the life of Clarence Streit and his Atlantic federal union movement in the Unites States during and following the Second World War. The first book to detail Streit's life, work and significance, it reveals the importance of public political cultures in shaping US foreign relations. In 1939, Streit published Union Now which proposed a federation of the North Atlantic democracies modelled on the US Constitution. The buzz created led Streit to leave his position at The New York Times and devote himself to promoting the union. Over the next quarter of a century, Streit worked to promote a new public political culture, employing a variety of strategies to gain visibility and political legitimacy for his project and for federalist frameworks. In doing so, Streit helped shape wartime debates on the nature of the post-war international order and of transatlantic relations.
Following Their Leaders
Authors: Holcombe Randall G.
Published: March 2023

Models of democratic decision-making tend to assume that voters have preferences and that candidates adjust their platforms to conform with those preferences; however, the direction of causation is largely the opposite. Political elites offer policy platforms to voters, and voters adopt those policies - they follow their leaders. Following Their Leaders argues that policies are designed by the elite and the electorate has little say. Preferences for public policy tend to be anchored in a political identity associated with a candidate, party, or ideology; voters' preferences on most issues are derived from their anchor preferences. Holcombe argues that because citizens adopt the policies offered by the elite, democratic institutions are ineffective constraints on the exercise of political power. This volume explores political institutions that help control the elite who exercise political power and discusses the implications political preferences have on democracies.
Democratic Respect
Authors: Rostbøll Christian F.
Published: March 2023

Commentators often interpret the resentment of supporters of populism as blindly emotional and unconnected to facts and principles. Democratic Respect argues instead that we should approach the populist politics of resentment as a struggle for recognition based on moral experiences that are intimately connected to people's factual and moral beliefs. By associating populist resentment with alleged violations of democratic principles, we can discuss what citizens and governments owe one another in terms of recognition and respect. Populism advances a unique interpretation of democracy and recognition, which Rostbøll confronts with the notion of democratic respect. How democracy should recognize the people is shown to be connected to debates over the meaning and value of democratic procedures, rights, majority rule, compromise, and public deliberation. The book builds a bridge between empirical research and philosophical analysis, while providing insights relevant to a public grappling with the challenges many democracies face today.
A Guide to Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Wang Hongwei
Published: March 2023

This book is written for the learner's point of view, with the purpose of helping readers understand the principles of flow. The theory is explained using ordinary and accessible language, where fluid mechanics is presented in analogy to solid mechanics to emphasize that they are all the application of Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics. All the informative and helpful illustrations are drawn by the author, uniting the science and the art with figures that complement the text and provide clear understanding. Another unique feature is that one of the chapters is wholly dedicated to providing 25 selected interesting and controversial flow examples, with the purpose of linking theory with practice. The book will be useful to both beginners in the field and experts in other fields, and is ideal for college students, graduate students, engineers, and technicians.
The Evolution of Chinese Grammar
Authors: Shi Yuzhi
Published: March 2023

The Chinese language has the longest well-documented history among all human languages, making it an invaluable resource for studying how languages develop and change through time. Based on a twenty-year long research project, this pioneering book is the English version of an award-winning study originally published in Chinese. It provides an evolutionary perspective on the history of Chinese grammar, tracing its development from its thirteenth-Century BC origins to the present day. It investigates all the major changes in the history of the language within contemporary linguistic frameworks, and illustrates these with a wide range of examples taken from every stage in the language's development, showing how the author's findings are relevant to contemporary descriptive, theoretical, and historical linguistics. Shedding light on the essential properties of Chinese and, ultimately, language in general, it is essential reading for academic researchers and students of Asian linguistics, historical linguistics and syntactic theory.
SG-APSIC1175: Reusing of single-use devices management
Authors: Sirijindadirat Nanthipha
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Single-use devices are supposed to be used only once, but under some conditions those devices need to be reused. Therefore, we conducted the “Reuse of Single-Use Devices Management” project in our hospital. We evaluated single-use devices that are reused for the following factors: (1) reuse of the single-use device with the same patient; (2) a manufacturer stop production order; (3) lack of devices in inventory; and (4) device value >5,000 Thai baht (US $150). Every unit in the hospital is able to handle and monitor the reuse of single-use devices systematically for patient safety. We performed a quality surveillance project to monitor and prevent patient infection and injury from worn-out reused single-use devices, and we collected data related to the cost of reusing single-use devices. Methods: In a working group that studied single-use devices, responsibilities and roles were assigned and the purposes and scope of work were established. We reviewed the reuse of single-use devices policy. We created a request form for the reuse of single-use devices and a quality record form for use in units that reused single-use devices. We analyzed outcomes, monitored data, and audited the completion of these forms on these units. We assured the completion of single-use device registration. We measured the rate of reuse of single-use devices. We monitored the incidence of surgical wound infections related to reuse of a single-use device. Results: Both of these forms were implemented at 100%, and the number of surgical wound infections was zero. Conclusions: The project focused on single-use device registration and the rate of devices ready to use. The uptake of new procedures was 100%, and the expected number of surgical wound infections in patients was zero.
SG-APSIC1177: Improving the quality of sterile medical devices to international standards
Authors: Sirijindadirat Nanthipha
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The central sterile services department (CSSD) offers a variety of procedures, including collecting contaminated medical equipment from various agencies through a process of washing, cleaning, packing, and sterilization, followed by storage and distribution to internal and external departments. Plans to expand and open service to the Center of Excellence continue, which will result in a rapid increase in the processing of specialized medical devices. The Center of Excellence is a source of education, learning, teaching, and practice in the cleaning, disposal, and sterile treatment of medical devices. We sought to improve the quality of sterile medical equipment to satisfy international standards of safety. Methods: We implemented a 7-stage process in the CSSD and we developed a checklist with 8 categories of environmental development based on APSIC guidelines. We provided knowledge to CSSD employees, developed their skills, and promoted attitudes in various areas, including sterile work standards, the use of sterilization machines, and infection prevention and control both inside and outside the facility. Results: We established inventory control systems, storage guidelines, and disbursement of medical supplies and equipment in the CSSD. To improve machine use in sterilization treatment or disposal, we educated staff and provided practice of machine skills according to instructions for use. Information technology (IT) was used for the distribution process, medical device identification, recording sterilization, and statistical logging of sterilization and sterile services. Conclusions: Overall, we improved the quality of CSSD services and knowledge and practice of CSSD staff, and we achieved compliance with international standards. These measures ensure the safety of service providers and patients and build trust in the quality of CSSD services and output.
SG-APSIC1088: Two-stage primary total knee arthroplasty for evolutive infected arthritis with coexistent joint destruction
Authors: Choi Wonchul , Han Hyuk-Soo , Kim Tae-Woo , Chang Moon Jong , Kim Joong Il , Ro Du Hyun
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The treatment of infected knee arthritis in patients with coexisting joint destruction, including superimposed advanced arthritis or chronic osteomyelitis, is challenging. We investigated the outcomes of 2-stage primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for evolutive infected arthritis with coexistent joint destruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 50 patients from 5 hospitals who presented with infected arthritis of the knee and were treated with 2-stage TKA: debridement and antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacer (ALCS) insertion as the first stage and TKA as the second stage. We recorded demographics, laboratory results, and radiographic findings including Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL) for knee arthritis. Outcomes including infection eradication, knee range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated. Results: The patient cohort had a mean age of 71.8 years (range, 40–86); they were followed for an average of 4.1 years (range, 2.2–13.3). Also, 40 patients showed KL grade 4, whereas 10 patients showed grade 3. A pathogen was identified in 38 cases (73.1%); methicillin-resistant staphylococci infections (N = 16) and Candida spp infections (N = 7) were the 2 most common types. Constrained prostheses were used in 10 cases (20%). Stem augmentations were used in 15 cases (36.0%) and block augmentations were used in 8 cases (19.0%). One patient had recurrent infection after TKA, so the eradication rate was 98%. After 2-stage TKA, the mean knee ROM was 119.4° (range, 80°–140°) and the mean Knee Society (KS) knee score was 90.4, the average KS function score was 84.7, the average Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 87.2, and the average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 16.7. The KS function scores (P = .029) and the WOMAC scores (P = .022) were significantly better in 17 patients who underwent ALCS insertion within 30 days of infection diagnosis compared to the other 33 patients. Conclusions: The 2-stage primary TKA for patients with infected knee arthritis with coexisting joint destruction showed satisfactory outcomes with a low infection recurrence. However, constrained prostheses or augmentation use may be necessary. Notably, some functional scores were better in the group that underwent ALCS insertion relatively early after the infection diagnosis.
SG-APSIC1107: Effectiveness of interventions increasing surgical hand hygiene compliance at Hung Vuong Hospital
Authors: Dinh Anh , Nhung Ngo My , Hanh Tran Thi My , Tham Ngo Thi Thanh , Tien Bui Thi Thuy
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Surgical handwashing is one of the most important measures to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). We evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention program on surgical handwashing compliance of healthcare workers (HCWs) at Hung Vuong Hospital. Methods: This research was conducted from July 2019 to November 2019 in 3 phases. In the first phase, we determined the surgical handwashing compliance rate before the intervention. In the second phase, we implemented an intervention bundle as follows. We provided reminders of compliance in the form of video screen and automatic timers at surgical handwashing sinks. We provided links and QR codes for online access and live streaming of instructional videos on implementation of the hospital’s surgical hand sanitation procedures in the surgical handwashing area. We conducted direct monitoring to remind and guide HCWs to follow the procedures in combination with camera surveillance to accurately reflect compliance. Finally, we provided feedback in multiple steps: feedback to individual, feedback to head of department or department heads, cited names in briefings and sent names to the general planning department to suspend surgery privileges. In the third phase, we re-evaluated the surgical handwashing compliance rate after the intervention. Results: The total number of surgical handwashing checklists observed before and after the intervention was 787. The surgical handwashing compliance rate improved significantly from 48.8% to 71.8% (PR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.98–3.57; P < .01). The compliance rate in camera monitoring also increased from 22.1% to 57.9% (PR, 4.8; KTC 95%, 3.14–7.47; P < .01). The compliances rates of both surgeons and scrub nurses improved significantly after the intervention (P < .01). Conducting the new surgical handwashing procedure increased from 90.2% to 99.5% after this intervention. Conclusions: This intervention program improved surgical handwashing compliance of HCWs.
SG-APSIC1055: Hand hygiene challenges among the ancillary team during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Qinnan , Devi Kamini , Sazali Ismail Bin , Yuen Tan Kwee , Maroni Shaiful Bahri , Ganotisi King Richard Jay , Siang Quek Bak , Lin Ling Moi
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Ancillary staff members perform operational support functions and play an active role in enhancing the patient care experience. Infection prevention practices among ancillary staff play a critical role in preventing transmission of microorganisms, which ensures the safety of patients. Low hand hygiene compliance was found among porters in a cross-institutional hand hygiene audit in 2021. A quality improvement team was formed to improve hand hygiene compliance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A focus-group discussion and survey were conducted to understand hand hygiene knowledge and challenges among porters. Using the findings, the team initiated Glo–germ education tools, pocket alcohol hand-rub agents, pocket moisturizer, poster display, and a toolbox messaging system via conversion of group roll call to satellite-area roll call. Respective satellite teams were sent hand hygiene reminders, and prompt corrective action was taken following noncompliance events. Analytic comparisons of pre- and postsurvey data were performed using the χ2 test, and P < .05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: In total, 572 ancillary staff participated in the survey. Knowledge of hand hygiene practices improved significantly following the interventions, as shown in the comparison of pre- and postintervention results: knowledge of the hand hygiene steps (P < .001), knowledge of the duration of hand rub (P < .001), and knowledge of duration of handwashing (P < .001). Also, 295 staff members (97.68%) stated that implementation measures increased their awareness of the importance of hand hygiene. Moreover, the hand hygiene compliance rate improved from 77.8% to 100%. There were no significant differences related to sex (P = .089), age group (P = .355), years of working (P = .359), education level (P = .268), or difficulty in reading English (P = .906). Conclusions: Evaluating staff hand hygiene knowledge and understanding the challenges faced among porters helped toward the development of appropriate interventions and assurance of success in project.