bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible to Short‐Wave Infrared Broadband p‐WSe2/n‐Ge Heterojunction Phototransistor with an Annular Shallow‐Trench Schottky Barrier Collector
Authors: Li Shuo , Cai Xinwei , Ding Haokun , Wu Qiang , Wu Songsong , Lin Guangyang , Huang Wei , Chen Songyan , Li Cheng
Published: August 2023

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on two‐dimensional materials and conventional group IV semiconductors have shown great potential for wide spectrum, highly sensitive photodetectors owing to their broadband absorption, high‐quality interface, and compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Herein, a unique heterojunction phototransistor composed of an indium tin oxide capped p‐WSe2/n‐Ge vdW heterojunction serving as the emitter and an annular shallow‐trench Al/Ge Schottky junction acting as the collector is proposed. The mixed‐dimensional phototransistor exhibiting high responsivities up to 66 A W−1 at 405 nm and 124 A W−1 at 1,550 nm demonstrates a brilliant wide spectrum response performance. The high photocurrent gain can be attributed to the extra‐large carrier injection ratio of the heterojunction. The short transient response time in the order of 100 μs is achieved with the modified lateral electrical field by the annular shallow‐trench Schottky barrier collector. The combination of p‐WSe2/n‐Ge vdW heterojunction and the annular shallow‐trench Al/n‐Ge Schottky junction renders a low‐cost, high‐performance photodetector fabricated in a simple and CMOS compatible way for visible to short‐wave infrared broadband detection.
Introducing Ferroelasticity into 1D Hybrid Lead Halide Semiconductor by Halogen Substitution Strategy
Authors: Lun Meng‐Meng , Su Chang‐Yuan , Li Jie , Jia Qiang‐Qiang , Lu Hai‐Feng , Fu Da‐Wei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zhi‐Xu
Published: August 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites (OLHPs), represented by (CH3NH3)PbI3, are one of the research focus due to their exceptional performance in optoelectronic applications, and ferroelastic domain walls are benign to their charge carrier transport that is confirmed recently. Among them, the 1D OLHPs feature better stability against desorption and moisture, but related 1D ones possessing ferroelasticity are rarely investigated and reported so far. In this work, the 1D ferroelastic semiconductor (N‐iodomethyl‐N‐methyl‐morpholinium)PbI3 ((IDMML)PbI3) is prepared successfully by introducing successively halogenate atoms from Cl, Br to I into the organic cation of the prototype (N,N‐dimethylmorpholinium)PbI3 ((DMML)PbI3). Notably, (IDMML)PbI3 shows the narrow bandgap energy (≈2.34 eV) according to the ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectrum and the theoretical calculation, and possesses the evident photoconductive characteristic with the on/off ratio of current of ≈50 under the 405 nm light irradiation. This work provides a new case for the ferroelastic OLHPs and will inspire intriguing research in the field of optoelectronic.
Emerging Pristine MOF‐Based Heterostructured Nanoarchitectures: Advances in Structure Evolution, Controlled Synthesis, and Future Perspectives
Authors: He Qingqing , Bai Jie , Wang Huayu , Liu Shude , Jun Seong Chan , Yamauchi Yusuke , Chen Lingyun
Published: August 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be customized through modular assembly to achieve a wide range of potential applications, based on their desired functionality. However, most of the initially reported MOFs are limited to microporous systems and are not sufficiently stable, which restricts their popularization. Heterogeneity is introduced into a simple MOF framework to create MOF‐based heterostructures with fascinating properties and interesting functions. Heterogeneity can be introduced into the MOFs via postsynthetic/ligand exchange. Although the ligand exchange has shown potential, it is difficult to precisely control the degree of exchange or position. Among the various synthesis strategies, hierarchical assembly is particularly attractive for constructing MOF‐based heterostructures, as it can achieve precise regulation of MOF‐based heterostructured nanostructures. The hierarchical assembly significantly expands the compositional diversity of MOF‐based heterostructures, which has high elasticity for lattice matching during the epitaxial growth of MOFs. This review focuses on the synthetic evolution mechanism of hierarchical assemblies of MOF‐based nanoarchitectures. Subsequently, the precise control of pore structure, pore size, and morphology of MOF‐based nanoarchitectures by hierarchical assembly is emphasized. Finally, possible solutions to address the challenges associated with heterogeneous interfaces are presented, and potential opportunities for innovative applications are proposed.
Post-script: Visualising Safety
Authors: Reiman Teemu , Le Coze Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2023

This concluding chapter on visualisation for, and of, safety, weaves together ideas put forward by the volume’s contributors. It analyses how visualisations and their role have changed over time, their co-evolution with key concepts in safety science and impact on cognitive representations built by practitioners, whether success should be assessed by level of adoption or by impacts on safety outcomes. A number of open questions for future research are outlined.
Visualizing Complex Industrial Operations Through the Lens of Functional Signatures
Authors: Smith Doug , Veitch Brian , Langroudi Arash Fassihozzaman
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, the concept of functional signatures is presented as a way to understand complex industrial operations. Visualization of functional signatures can be used to improve tractability of complex operations, which can be valuable for safety analysis. Two techniques for visualizing functional signatures are presented: (1) cyclic functional signatures and (2) linear functional signatures. Both techniques are seen as valuable and selection of technique can be left to user preference. The two visualization techniques are demonstrated through an application of an ice management operation for an offshore petroleum installation performed in a simulated ship environment.
The weak field limit of quantum matter back-reacting on classical spacetime
Authors: Layton Isaac , Oppenheim Jonathan , Russo Andrea , Weller-Davies Zachary
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Consistent coupling of quantum and classical degrees of freedom exists so long as there is both diffusion of the classical degrees of freedom and decoherence of the quantum system. In this paper, we derive the Newtonian limit of such classical-quantum (CQ) theories of gravity. Our results are obtained both via the gauge fixing of the recently proposed path integral theory of CQ general relativity and via the CQ master equation approach. In each case, we find the same weak field dynamics. We find that the New-tonian potential diffuses by an amount lower bounded by the decoherence rate into mass eigenstates. We also present our results as an unraveled system of stochastic differential equations for the trajectory of the hybrid classical-quantum state and provide a series of kernels for constructing figures of merit, which can be used to rule out part of the parameter space of classical-quantum theories of gravity by experimentally testing it via the decoherence-diffusion trade-off. We compare and contrast the weak field limit to previous models of classical Newtonian gravity coupled to quantum systems. Here, we find that the Newtonian potential and quantum state change in lock-step, with the flow of time being stochastic.
Yang-Mills form factors on self-dual backgrounds
Authors: Bogna Giuseppe , Mason Lionel
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The construction of perturbative quantities on non-linear backgrounds leads to the possibility of incorporating strong field effects in perturbation theory. We continue a programme to construct QFT observables on self-dual backgrounds in Yang-Mills theory. The approach works with asymptotic data for fields defined at null infinity $$ \mathcal{I} $$
I
, extending earlier work on Yang-Mills amplitudes on self-dual backgrounds to form factors and further incorporating supersymmetry. Since our analysis is based on reconstruction from data at null infinity, it naturally ties into work on celestial and twisted holography. We study form factors both in pure Yang-Mills and their supersymmetric counterparts in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM, giving a full treatment of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills at null infinity and their self-dual nonlinear backgrounds. We obtain tree-level MHV form factors around these backgrounds using new formulae for lifting operators to twistor space leading to simple dressings of the corresponding form factors around the vacuum. We give brief indications on how to go beyond the MHV sector by introducing dressed versions of the MHV diagram propagator. We discuss generating functionals of the MHV all plus 1-loop amplitude in this context together with its various dual conformal representations.
A guide to diagnosing colored resonances at hadron colliders
Authors: Han Tao , Lewis Ian M. , Liu Hongkai , Liu Zhen , Wang Xing
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We present a comprehensive study on how to distinguish the properties of heavy dijet resonances at hadron colliders. A variety of spins, chiral couplings, charges, and QCD color representations are considered. Distinguishing the different color representations is particularly difficult at hadron colliders. To determine the QCD color structure, we consider a third jet radiated in a resonant dijet event. We show that the relative rates of three-jet versus two-jet processes are sensitive to the color representation of the resonance. We also show analytically that the antennae radiation pattern of soft radiation depends on the color structure of dijet events and develops an observable that is sensitive to the antennae patterns. Finally, we exploit a Convolutional Neural Network with Machine Learning techniques to differentiate the radiation patterns from different colored resonances and find encouraging results to discriminate them. We demonstrate our results numerically at a 14 TeV LHC, and the methodology presented here should be applicable to other future hadron colliders.
Is environmental innovation the key to addressing the dual economic and sustainability challenge of the Italian economy?
Authors: Rubiconto Francesca
Published: August 2023

The effects of rising global temperatures are becoming increasingly evident, with observable consequences such as the melting of polar ice caps, the occurrence of cyclones and hurricanes, desertification, and the destruction of ecosystems. The Italian economy is particularly vulnerable to the climate challenge, due to the prolonged slowdown in economic growth and the high unemployment that have plagued this economy over the last decades. Environmental innovation could be the key to tackling climate change, while at the same time promoting growth and employment. A comprehensive assessment of the effects of environmental innovation on growth and employment at the macroeconomic level should consider the compensation mechanisms associated with productivity gains, the substitution effects between more or less polluting goods, and the role of demand and consumer preferences. However, a comprehensive analysis that includes all of these direct and indirect effects of environmental innovation at the macroeconomic level is still lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap, introducing a structuralist computable general equilibrium model to simulate the effects of an increase in productivity and a change in consumer preferences in favour of less polluting industries in the Italian economy over the period 1995–2050. The results of the simulations indicate that a change in consumer preferences in favour of environmentally friendly goods in the Italian context may be more effective than an increase in productivity in stimulating demand, growth, and employment.
On the Linearized System of Equations for the Condensate-Normal Fluid Interaction Near the Critical Temperature
Authors: Escobedo M.
Published: August 2023

The Cauchy problem for the linearization around one of its equilibria of a non linear system of equations, arising in the kinetic theory of a condensed gas of bosons near the critical temperature, is solved for radially symmetric initial data. As time tends to infinity, the solutions are proved to converge to an equilibrium of the same linear system, determined by the conservation of total mass and energy. The asymptotic limit of the condensate’s density is proved to be larger or smaller than its initial value under a simple and explicit criteria on the initial data. For a large set of initial data, and for values of the momentum variable near the origin, the linear approximation n(t) of the density of the normal fluid behaves instantaneously as the equilibria of the non linear system.
Reliability and practicability of PSMA-RADS 1.0 for structured reporting of PSMA-PET/CT scans in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Grawe Freba , Blom Franziska , Winkelmann Michael , Burgard Caroline , Schmid-Tannwald Christine , Unterrainer Lena M. , Sheikh Gabriel T. , Pfitzinger Paulo L. , Kazmierczak Philipp , Cyran Clemens C. , Ricke Jens , Stief Christian G. , Bartenstein Peter , Ruebenthaler Johannes , Fabritius Matthias P. , Geyer Thomas
Published: August 2023

Objectives

As structured reporting is increasingly used in the evaluation of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA-PET/CT) for prostate cancer, there is a need to assess the reliability of these frameworks. This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and interreader agreement among readers with varying levels of experience using PSMA-RADS 1.0 for interpreting PSMA-PET/CT scans, even when blinded to clinical data, and therefore to determine the feasibility of implementing this reporting system in clinical practice.

Methods

PSMA-PET/CT scans of 103 patients were independently evaluated by 4 readers with different levels of experience according to the reporting and data system (RADS) for PSMA-PET/CT imaging PSMA-RADS 1.0 at 2 time points within 6 weeks. For each scan, a maximum of five target lesions were freely chosen and stratified according to PSMA-RADS 1.0. Overall scan score and compartment-based scores were assessed. Intra- and interreader agreement was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

PSMA-RADS 1.0 demonstrated excellent interreader agreement for both overall scan scores (ICC ≥ 0.91) and compartment-based scores (ICC ≥ 0.93) across all four readers. The framework showed excellent intrareader agreement for overall scan scores (ICC ≥ 0.86) and compartment-based scores (ICC ≥ 0.95), even among readers with varying levels of experience.

Conclusions

PSMA-RADS 1.0 is a reliable method for assessing PSMA-PET/CT with strong consistency and agreement among readers. It shows great potential for establishing a standard approach to diagnosing and planning treatment for prostate cancer patients, and can be used confidently even by readers with less experience.

Clinical relevance statement

This study underlines that PSMA-RADS 1.0 is a valuable and highly reliable scoring system for PSMA-PET/CT scans of prostate cancer patients and can be used confidently by radiologists with different levels of experience in routine clinical practice.

Key Points

PSMA-RADS version 1.0 is a scoring system for PSMA-PET/CT scans. Its reproducibility needs to be analyzed in order to make it applicable to clinical practice.

Excellent interreader and intrareader agreement for overall scan scores and compartment-based scores using PSMA-RADS 1.0 were seen in readers with varying levels of experience.

PSMA-RADS 1.0 is a reliable tool for accurately diagnosing and planning treatment for prostate cancer patients, and can be used confidently in clinical routine.
Minor tranquillizers for short-term treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Munkholm Klaus , Ussing Anja , Brink Maria , Edemann-Callesen Henriette , Canbolat Sengül Sari , Christensen Robin , Dahl Kristine Søgaard , Ebdrup Bjørn H. , Jensen Mikkel Erik Juul , Kierulf-Lassen Casper , Madsen Gitte Krogh , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Paulsen Camilla Paludan , Rohde Jeanett Friis , Tarp Simon , Baandrup Lone
Published: August 2023

Unspecific symptoms of anxiety and distress are frequently encountered in patients in both general practice and acute psychiatric services. Minor tranquillizers may be a treatment option when non-pharmacological interventions are insufficient or unavailable. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis of the evidence for short-term (1–4 weeks) pharmacological treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress. We searched the PsycInfo, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases and extracted data following a predefined hierarchy of outcomes. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework (GRADE). We included 34 randomized trials comprising a total of 7044 patients with adjustment disorders or anxiety spectrum disorders. The network meta-analysis showed that regarding the critical outcome symptoms of anxiety within 1–4 weeks benzodiazepines (SMD − 0.58, 95% CI − 0.77 to − 0.40), quetiapine (SMD − 0.51, 95% CI − 0.90 to − 0.13) and pregabalin (SMD − 0.58, 95% CI − 0.87 to − 0.28) all performed better than placebo with no statistically significant difference between the drugs. Data on other important outcomes were inconsistently reported. Adverse effects varied, but overall, it was uncertain whether adverse effects differed between interventions. The evidence regarding the risk of dependence was uncertain, but dependence may be a concern in susceptible individuals even with short-term treatment. Overall, the certainty of the evidence according to GRADE was rated as low to very low across outcomes. Despite the limitations in the evidence, the results of this review can inform treatment guidelines, supporting clinicians in the choice of minor tranquillizer in this prevalent and help-seeking, clinically heterogeneous population.
Dimensionality reduction approach based on modified hunger games search: case study on Parkinson’s disease phonation
Authors: Hashim Fatma A. , Neggaz Nabil , Mostafa Reham R. , Abualigah Laith , Damasevicius Robertas , Hussien Abdelazim G.
Published: August 2023

Hunger Games Search (HGS) is a newly developed swarm-based algorithm inspired by the cooperative behavior of animals and their hunting strategies to find prey. However, HGS has been observed to exhibit slow convergence and may struggle with unbalanced exploration and exploitation phases. To address these issues, this study proposes a modified version of HGS called mHGS, which incorporates five techniques: (1) modified production operator, (2) modified variation control, (3) modified local escaping operator, (4) modified transition factor, and (5) modified foraging behavior. To validate the effectiveness of the mHGS method, 18 different benchmark datasets for dimensionality reduction are utilized, covering a range of sizes (small, medium, and large). Additionally, two Parkinson’s disease phonation datasets are employed as real-world applications to demonstrate the superior capabilities of the proposed approach. Experimental and statistical results obtained through the mHGS method indicate its significant performance improvements in terms of Recall, selected attribute count, Precision, F-score, and accuracy when compared to the classical HGS and seven other well-established methods: Gradient-based optimizer (GBO), Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Harris Hawks Optimizer (HHO), and Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO).
Akzeptanz grenzüberschreitender Rettungsdiensteinsätze
Authors: Bäßler Julian , Orsson Jakub , Kuntosch Julia , Fleßa Steffen
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Um eine grenzüberschreitende Notfallversorgung zwischen Deutschland und Polen zu etablieren, ist die Einbeziehung aller Stakeholder notwendig. Diese Forschungsarbeit erfasste erstmalig die Akzeptanz zur Versorgung durch einen ausländischen Rettungsdienst aus Bevölkerungsperspektive.

Methodik

An der qualitativen Befragung nahmen insgesamt 422 Personen aus Deutschland und Polen teil. Die strukturierten Interviews wurden mithilfe eines Befragungsleitfadens durchgeführt, elektronisch dokumentiert und für weitere Analysen kategorisiert.

Ergebnisse

99 % der deutschen Befragten und 97 % der polnischen Befragten waren dazu bereit, sich in einem medizinischen Notfall auch von einem Rettungsdienst des Nachbarlandes versorgen zu lassen, wenn dieser schneller bei ihnen sein kann als der heimische Rettungsdienst. Darüber hinaus konnten zahlreiche Herausforderungen erfasst werden, die die Interaktion zwischen dem Rettungsteam und den Betroffenen erschweren können. Hierbei wurden vor allem Sprachbarrieren, Unsicherheiten zur Finanzierung der Behandlungskosten und unterschiedliche medizinische Standards genannt. Um diesen Herausforderungen entgegenzuwirken, formulierte ein Großteil der Befragten mögliche Lösungsansätze.

Diskussion

Trotz der Herausforderungen, die mit einer grenzüberschreitenden Notfallversorgung einhergehen können, sind über 97 % der Befragten dazu bereit, sich auch von einem ausländischen Rettungsdienst versorgen zu lassen. Eine schnelle Versorgung wird von den Befragten deutlich höher priorisiert als die damit verbundenen Herausforderungen.

Graphic abstract
An Upper Bound on Topological Entropy of the Bunimovich Stadium Billiard Map
Authors: Činč Jernej , Troubetzkoy Serge
Published: August 2023

We show that the topological entropy of the billiard map in a Bunimovich stadium is at most $$\log (3.49066)$$

log
(
3.49066
)

.
How do enhanced videos support generative learning and conceptual understanding in individuals and groups?
Authors: Ruf Alessia , Zahn Carmen , Roos Anna-Lena , Opwis Klaus
Published: August 2023

Videos are an increasingly popular medium for supporting learning in various educational settings. Nowadays, newly designed video-based environments contain enhanced tools that allow for specific interactions with video materials (such as adding annotations and hyperlinks) which may well support generative learning and conceptual understanding. However, to exploit the potentials of such enhanced tools, we need to gain a deeper understanding on the learning processes and outcomes that go along with using these tools. Thus, we conducted a controlled laboratory experiment with 209 participants who were engaged in learning a complex topic by using different enhanced video tools (annotations vs. hyperlinks vs. control group) in different social learning settings (individual vs. collaborative learning in dyads). Findings revealed that participants who learned with hyperlinks and participants in collaborative settings created hypervideo products of higher quality than learners in other conditions. Participants who learned with annotations assessed their knowledge gain higher and had higher results in conceptual understanding when they experienced low cognitive load. With our study we contribute new original work to advance cognitive research on learning with enhanced video learning environments. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Proteomics Analysis of Polyphyllin D-Treated Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Reveal the Anticancer Mechanisms of Polyphyllin D
Authors: Wei Chuanchao , Mao Anwei , Liu Yongzhi , Zhang Qing , Pan Gaofeng , Liu Weiyan , Liu Jiazhe
Published: August 2023

Polyphyllin D (PD), one of the important steroid saponins in traditional medicinal herb Paris polyphylla, has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms through which PD exerts its anticancer effects in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain unclear. Our study was presented to evaluate the anticancer effect and the potential mechanisms of PD in two TNBC cell lines, BT-549 and MDA-MB-231. Through comprehensively comparing the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) data of PD-treated and untreated BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells, we found that PD could induce apoptosis of TNBC cells by activating oxidative phosphorylation pathway in BT-549 cells, as well as inhibiting spliceosome function alteration in MDA-MB-231 cells. These results suggested that the mechanisms underlying the pro-apoptotic effect of PD on TNBC may be cell type-specificity-dependent. Moreover, we found that nodal modulator 2/3 (NOMO2/3) were downregulated both in PD-treated BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that NOMO2/3 may be the potential target of PD. Verification experiments revealed that PD deceased NOMO2/3 expression at protein level, rather than mRNA level. Whether NOMO2/3 are the upstream modulators of oxidative phosphorylation pathway and spliceosome needs further validation. In conclusion, a comprehensive proteomics study was performed on PD-treated or untreated TNBC cells, revealing the anticancer mechanisms of PD.
International Cooperation, Criminal Justice and Human Rights: The Missing Link
Authors: Sadouk Rachid
Published: August 2023

International society has recently witnessed the emergence of two interrelated trends: on the one hand, the significant rise in transnational crimes, which constitute a serious challenge to States’ traditional security capabilities, and the noticeable increase in the number of international instruments put in place to bring that challenge to acceptable levels, on the other hand. The great emphasis the international community has put on the principle “aut dedere aut judicare” to strengthen the universal legal regime against serious crimes and to deny safe haven to their perpetrators is challenged not only by political, legislative and practical considerations pertaining to the lack of ratification and incorporation of international conventions and the wide disparity between States as to their implementation capacity, but also by the inherent differences between States’ differing legal systems. This is an area that, despite its relevance to international cooperation and human rights, has long been ignored by criminal justice comparative studies. Based on actual cases such as the Ramda and El Guerbouzi cases, this article examines and assesses the impact of the differences between civil law and common law systems on the effectiveness of international cooperation and human rights. It argues that, unless these differences are acknowledged and properly dealt with, perpetrators of serious crime will continue to constitute a serious threat to our peace and security.
Reasons for Belief and Aretaic Obligations
Authors: Smith Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

I argue that, if doxastic involuntarism is true, then we should reconceive what are traditionally called reasons for belief. The truth of doxastic involuntarism would rule out a certain understanding of reasons for belief according to which they are reasons to form, alter, or relinquish beliefs. Thus, reconceiving reasons for belief would require reconceiving doxastic obligations. I argue that, in fact, a reconception of reasons for belief warrants abandoning the notion of doxastic obligations, understood as obligations to perform acts of belief formation, alteration, or relinquishment. Instead, the only sorts of obligations we would have that concern our doxastic states would be aretaic or practical.
A universal velocity transformation for boundary layers with pressure gradients
Authors: Chen Peng E.S. , Wu Wen , Griffin Kevin P. , Shi Yipeng , Yang Xiang I.A.
Published: August 2023

The logarithmic law of the wall does not capture the mean flow when a boundary layer is subjected to a strong pressure gradient. In such a boundary layer, the mean flow is affected by the spatio-temporal history of the imposed pressure gradient; and accounting for history effects remains a challenge. This work aims to develop a universal mean flow scaling for boundary layers subjected to arbitrary adverse or/and favourable pressure gradients. We derive from the Navier–Stokes equation a velocity transformation that accounts for the history effects and maps the mean flow to the canonical law of the wall. The transformation is tested against channel flows with a suddenly imposed adverse or favourable pressure gradient, boundary layer flows subjected to an adverse pressure gradient, and Couette–Poiseuille flows with a streamwise pressure gradient. It is found that the transformed velocity profiles follow closely the equilibrium law of the wall.
Structural impairment in superficial and deep white matter in schizophrenia
Authors: Joo Sung Woo , Jo Young Tak , Ahn Soojin , Choi Young Jae , Choi Woohyeok , Kim Sang Kyoung , Joe Soohyun , Lee Jungsun
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Although disconnectivity among brain regions has been one of the main hypotheses for schizophrenia, the superficial white matter (SWM) has received less attention in schizophrenia research than the deep white matter (DWM) owing to the challenge of consistent reconstruction across subjects.

Methods:

We obtained the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data of 223 healthy controls and 143 patients with schizophrenia. After harmonising the raw dMRIs from three different studies, we performed whole-brain two-tensor tractography and fibre clustering on the tractography data. We compared the fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter tracts between healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. Spearman’s rho was adopted for the associations with clinical symptoms measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The Bonferroni correction was used to adjust multiple testing.

Results:

Among the 33 DWM and 8 SWM tracts, patients with schizophrenia had a lower FA in 14 DWM and 4 SWM tracts than healthy controls, with small effect sizes. In the patient group, the FA deviations of the corticospinal and superficial–occipital tracts were negatively correlated with the PANSS negative score; however, this correlation was not evident after adjusting for multiple testing.

Conclusion:

We observed the structural impairments of both the DWM and SWM tracts in patients with schizophrenia. The SWM could be a potential target of interest in future research on neural biomarkers for schizophrenia.
Current and future approaches to shifting businesses towards plastic-free packaging systems based on reduction and reuse
Authors: Blumhardt Hannah
Published: August 2023

The fate of plastics and packaging are intimately connected; plastics revolutionised the world of packaging, and today, packaging is plastics’ biggest market. However, as awareness of plastics’ negative human and environmental impacts grows, policymakers, civil society and industry are seeking alternatives to plastic packaging as a pathway to reducing plastics production, waste and pollution. The shortcomings of recycling, lightweighting and material substitution strategies has turned attention to source reduction strategies up the waste hierarchy. These strategies transform products, business models and supply chains to prevent packaging altogether or accommodate reusable packaging systems. As these are radical changes from business-as-usual, widespread industry uptake has not been forthcoming. This review highlights three categories of current and potential approaches to incentivising businesses to adopt plastic-free packaging systems based on reduction and reuse: persuasion, legislation and enabling measures. Predominant persuasive approaches based on voluntarism are not delivering desired results under current policy settings and could be more successful if combined with legislative reform to level the economic playing field between single-use and reuse. Additionally, enabling measures that fill practical and infrastructural system-level gaps could help to accelerate and coordinate uptake of effective and efficient unpackaged or reusable packaging systems.
Detection of the β-lactoglobulin genotype in zebu cattle (Gangatiri) milk using high-resolution accurate mass spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Manish Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Nimmanapalli Ramadevi , Pandey Anand Kumar
Published: August 2023

We studied the genetic polymorphism of beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) whey protein in Gangatiri zebu cows for this Research Communication. The polymorphic nature of milk protein fractions and their association with milk production traits, composition and quality has attracted several efforts in evaluating the allelic distribution of protein locus as a potential dairy trait marker. Genetic variants of β-Lg have highly significant effects on casein number (B > A) and protein recovery (B > A) and also determine the yield of cheese dry matter (B > A). Molecular techniques of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-resolution accurate mass-spectroscopy were applied to characterize the β-Lg protein obtained from the Gangatiri breed milk. Sequence analysis of β-Lg showed the presence of variant B having UniProt database accession number P02754, coded on the PAEP gene. Our study can provide reference and guidance for the selection of superior milk (having β-LgB) from this indigenous breed that could potentially give a good yield of β-Lg for industrial applications.
Theodore of Tarsus and the Study of Computus at the Canterbury School
Authors: Loevenich Tobit , Warntjes Immo
Published: August 2023

The Irish Computus Einsidlensis (CE) of c. 700 contains a reference to a certain Theodore. This article makes the case that this Theodore should be identified with Theodore of Tarsus, archbishop of Canterbury from 668/9 to his death, 690, on the basis of comparison not only with other contemporary Latin versions of the same argumentum, but also Byzantine computi. The passage under discussion represents the only known computistical tract that can with confidence be ascribed to the famous Canterbury school under Theodore and Hadrian. From the evidence provided, it appears that Theodore learnt this algorithm while studying in the Byzantine Empire and introduced it through his teaching to his Canterbury audience; his Irish students brought it to Ireland, from where it got popularised on the Continent through Willibrord.
Fluconazole and echinocandin resistance of Candida species in invasive candidiasis at a university hospital during pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Szekely Jidapa , Rakchang Wiraphan , Rattanaphan Paramaporn , Kositpantawong Narongdet
Published: August 2023

Antifungal susceptibility of Candida species is decreasing. Successful treatment for antifungal-resistant candida infection is challenging and associated with significant mortality. We performed a prospective observational study to identify the species and antifungal susceptibilities of invasive isolates of Candida species over a 5-year period at a university hospital in southern Thailand. Between 2017 and 2021, the species distribution was 39.1% Candida tropicalis, 24.8% Candida albicans, 20.3% Candida parapsilosis complex, 10.5% Candida glabrata, and 5.2% miscellaneous Candida spp. Notable observations include elevated minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and decrease susceptibility of C. tropicalis and C. glabrata to echinocandin and all tested triazoles. A shift of MIC90 value in the COVID-19 era was seen in C. albicans and C. tropicalis with azoles and echinocandins. Azole resistance increased among C. tropicalis isolates, and echinocandin resistance also increased among C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata isolates. Novel alterations in FKS1 HS1 and HS2 were detected in both isolates of anidulafungin-resistant C. parapsilosis. As Candida species have become more resistant to azoles and less susceptible to echinocandin development, the need arose to observe the emergence of resistance to both antifungal classes in candida clinical isolates, for a more effective infection control in the hospital.
‘Showing people part of your life’: service-user experiences of taking and sharing photographs in a DBT-informed emotional coping skills group
Authors: Barrow J.L. , Masterson C. , Lee R.
Published: August 2023

The added value of using photographs to explore experiences has been embraced in research methods such as photo-elicitation and Photovoice. Despite evidence that photographs aid communication and understanding, there is little research investigating photograph use within cognitive behavioural therapy. This project explores participant experiences of taking and sharing photographs within a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)-informed emotional coping skills group intervention. Five service users were recruited from groups that had implemented the taking and sharing of photographs as a feature of homework tasks and feedback. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, using the photographs taken for the group as prompts, and interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to develop themes. Group evaluation data were used to support the analysis. Participants were positive about the impact of the photographs, despite initially experiencing anxieties regarding sharing them. The task supported them to express themselves in ways that added value to verbal feedback, which had benefits for group relationships and for the therapeutic tasks such as mindful observing. Further research is indicated, given the small sample and participants all being white, working-age females. However, the findings suggest that using photographs as homework tasks could support communication and the exploration of experiences that may be difficult to express using words.

Key learning aims

(1)

Photographs may be an excellent tool for the communication of meaning and emotion in therapy.

(2)

Photographs taken on smartphones are likely to be a user-friendly, familiar and effective addition to homework recording tools.

(3)

Sharing photographs may have particular benefit for service users who struggle to be open about or express their feelings.

(4)

Photographs can provide a prop to help service users share experiences in a non-verbal way, which may help when working with people who struggle to describe their emotional experiences.

(5)

Sharing photographs can lead to a deeper connection with others, although some negotiation about what types of images can be captured will need agreement in a group setting.
A galaxy of norms: UN peace operations and protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict
Authors: Tignino Mara , Kebebew Tadesse
Published: August 2023

Given the increasing size and functions of United Nations (UN) peace operations (POs) and the fact that they often operate in contexts where natural resources are degraded, POs have repercussions on the environment. Yet, there is not much literature on their obligations regarding the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts. This article provides insights into the obligations of POs in relation to armed conflict. First, it highlights POs’ customary international environmental law obligations. Second, it delves into their environmental obligations under the UN's internal rules and the host State's laws. Third, it explores obligations that arise from their mandates. In each of these sections, the article highlights the relevance and application of these obligations in armed conflicts. The last section examines the obligations of POs to protect the natural environment under international humanitarian law.
Kurzfassung der S2k-Leitlinie „Diagnostik und Therapie von Neglect und anderen Störungen der Raumkognition“ (AWMF-030/126)
Authors: Karnath Hans-Otto , Schenk Thomas , Benke Thomas , Brinkmann Sabine , Brötz Doris , Engel Anna , Guggisberg Adrian , Hildebrandt Helmut , Kerkhoff Georg , Rodenberg Anuschka , Schöberl Florian , Wallesch Claus-W.
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfassung: In der neu überarbeiteten Leitlinie wurde das bewährte Explorationstraining bei der Behandlung des Neglects durch Vorschläge zum therapeutischen Vorgehen für verschiedene Schweregrade des Neglects und eine damit einhergehende zeitliche Reduktion ergänzt. Darüber hinaus erfährt es derzeit interessante Erweiterungen durch den Einsatz von „Augmented Reality“- und von „Virtual Reality“-Verfahren. Weiterhin empfohlen zur Behandlung des Neglects wird das Training mittels langsamer Folgebewegungen zur kontralateralen Seite und mittels Nackenmuskelvibration. Unter den nichtinvasiven transkraniellen Hirnstimulationsverfahren hat sich das kontinuierliche Theta-Burst Stimulation (cTBS) -Protokoll in Bezug auf die Neglectsymptomatik als wirksam erwiesen, wenn es mit mindestens einem weiteren Trainingsverfahren (z. B. Explorationstraining) kombiniert wurde. Zur Behandlung des Pusher-Syndroms wurden Visuelles-Feedback-Training und robotergestütztes Laufbandtraining von unterschiedlichen Gruppen erfolgreich eingesetzt. Die Situation ist problematischer bei jenen Verfahren, die zur Behandlung der weiteren in der Leitlinie besprochenen Störungen der Raumkognition (Bálint-Syndrom, Simultanagnosie, optische Ataxie, Störungen der visuell-räumlichen Wahrnehmung, visuokonstruktive Störungen, topografische Störungen) eingesetzt werden. Hier dominieren Einzelfall- bzw. Kleingruppenstudien. Die Auswertung einzelner methodisch hochwertiger und gut dokumentierter Therapiestudien bietet derzeit die einzige Grundlage zur Ableitung von Empfehlungen für die Behandlung dieser Gruppe von Störungen der Raumkognition.
Extensive Accumulation of Nitrous Oxide in the Oxygen Minimum Zone in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Toyoda Sakae , Terajima Kotaro , Yoshida Naohiro , Yoshikawa Chisato , Makabe Akiko , Hashihama Fuminori , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

The production by microorganisms of nitrous oxide (N2O), a trace gas contributing to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion, is enhanced around the oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). The production constitutes an important source of atmospheric N2O. Although an OMZ is found in the northern part of the eastern Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal (BoB), two earlier studies conducted during the later phase of winter monsoon (February) and spring intermonsoon (March–April) found quite different magnitudes of N2O accumulation. This study found two‐ to ten‐fold greater accumulation of N2O during the autumn intermonsoon (November) than for other seasons described in earlier reports. The maximum N2O concentration (136 nmol kg−1 at 16°N, 88°E) is comparable to those observed around the OMZ in the Arabian Sea or eastern tropical Pacific. Isotopic signatures suggest that bacterial denitrification and archeal nitrification play important roles in N2O production, but earlier studies using nitrate or nitrite analysis did not confirm denitrification in the BoB. Large seasonal variation of N2O implicates the BoB as an important N2O source, similar to the Arabian Sea and eastern tropical Pacific, if the accumulated N2O is emitted to the atmosphere during the subsequent monsoon season.
Beyond the Wine-Dark Sea
Authors: Micalizio Caryl-Sue
Published: August 2023

Innovative research on hazards in the Mediterranean is helping scientists contribute to safer communities in the basin and beyond.
The pro-environmental behavioral intention of villagers in rural tourist destinations under China’s environmental remediation policy
Authors: Tang Hongjiu , Hu Di , Long Yuelin , Zhao Yuqi
Published: August 2023

This study examined villagers’ intention of pro-environmental behavior while supporting the Landcare Policy in China. The research team conducted field surveys of villagers from four famous scenic spots of Cili, which is near the world natural heritage site of the Zhangjiajie natural landscape core area. This area has developed rural tourism, many local villagers rely on tourism to obtain their livelihood income. However, the area is now affected by the environmental remediation policy called Landcare Policy. Cultivated land near the tourist area needs to be repaired, which affects the tourism income of some local villagers. Therefore, local villagers are facing a contradiction between tourism development and environmental protection. The study chose the change in local villagers’ pro-environmental intention as the research content. Then we adopted an empirically validated norm activation model (NAM) from Schwartz, and merged the NAM with the expectancy theory of Vroom, based on 511 valid responses from the field questionnaire surveys, we aimed to develop a theoretical framework for researchers to understand the change in villagers' pro-environmental behaviors, concerning the balance between rural tourism livelihood benefits and environmental remediation behavior. Structural equation modeling was conducted for each index of the responses, the findings showed that the merged model had 76.46% better predictive accuracy of villagers’ pro-environmental intentions than applying Schwartz’s NAM independently. This study found that the motivational force of this new theory significantly influences environmental personal norms due to the joint impact of valence, instrumentality, and expectancy. Villagers with a positive pro-environmental behavior intention expect good tourism benefits and environmental living conditions under the impact of the Landcare policy in rural tourism destinations near the famous natural heritage site.
An investigation on removal of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin by phycoremediation with an emphasis on acute toxicity and biochemical composition
Authors: Ricky R. , Shanthakumar S.
Published: August 2023

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and norfloxacin (NOR) belong to the class of emerging contaminants that are frequently detected in the aquatic environment as a binary mixture, responsible for the development of antibiotic-resistant genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aims to investigate five different algal species Chlorella vulgaris (Cv), Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Cp), Scenedesmus obliquus (So), Tetradesmus sp (T) and Monoraphidium sp (M) for their tolerance and removal of binary mixture. The effects on biochemical composition in the algal species concerning the binary mixture and its removal efficiency are first reported in this study. The acute toxicity (96 h EC50) values are in the order of So > Cp > T > M > Cv, Chlorella vulgaris is the most sensitive algal species with 17.73 ± 0.24 mg/L and Scenedesmus obliquus is the least sensitive algal species with 39.19 ± 0.79 mg/L. The removal efficiency of the binary mixture was found to be in the order of So > Cp > T > M > Cv, Scenedesmus obliquus removed CIP (52.4%) and NOR (87.5%) with biodegradation as the major contributing removal mechanism. Furthermore, less toxic biotransformed products were detected in Scenedesmus obliquus and the biochemical characterization revealed that the growth-stimulating effect is higher with lipid (35%), carbohydrate (18%), and protein (33%) providing an advantage in the production of valuable biomass.
AI-dente: an open machine learning based tool to interpret nano-indentation data of soft tissues and materials
Authors: Giolando Patrick , Kakaletsis Sotirios , Zhang Xuesong , Weickenmeier Johannes , Castillo Edward , Dortdivanlioglu Berkin , Rausch Manuel K.
Published: August 2023

Machine learning can improve the identification of soft material parameters from nano-indentation experiments.