bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory cortex modelled as a dynamical network of oscillators: understanding event-related fields and their adaptation
Authors: Hajizadeh Aida , Matysiak Artur , Wolfrum Matthias , May Patrick J. C. , König Reinhard
Published: June 2022

Adaptation, the reduction of neuronal responses by repetitive stimulation, is a ubiquitous feature of auditory cortex (AC). It is not clear what causes adaptation, but short-term synaptic depression (STSD) is a potential candidate for the underlying mechanism. In such a case, adaptation can be directly linked with the way AC produces context-sensitive responses such as mismatch negativity and stimulus-specific adaptation observed on the single-unit level. We examined this hypothesis via a computational model based on AC anatomy, which includes serially connected core, belt, and parabelt areas. The model replicates the event-related field (ERF) of the magnetoencephalogram as well as ERF adaptation. The model dynamics are described by excitatory and inhibitory state variables of cell populations, with the excitatory connections modulated by STSD. We analysed the system dynamics by linearising the firing rates and solving the STSD equation using time-scale separation. This allows for characterisation of AC dynamics as a superposition of damped harmonic oscillators, so-called normal modes. We show that repetition suppression of the N1m is due to a mixture of causes, with stimulus repetition modifying both the amplitudes and the frequencies of the normal modes. In this view, adaptation results from a complete reorganisation of AC dynamics rather than a reduction of activity in discrete sources. Further, both the network structure and the balance between excitation and inhibition contribute significantly to the rate with which AC recovers from adaptation. This lifetime of adaptation is longer in the belt and parabelt than in the core area, despite the time constants of STSD being spatially homogeneous. Finally, we critically evaluate the use of a single exponential function to describe recovery from adaptation.
Smith–Treumann theory and the linkage principle
Authors: Riche Simon , Williamson Geordie
Published: June 2022

We apply Treumann’s “Smith theory for sheaves” in the context of the Iwahori–Whittaker model of the Satake category. We deduce two results in the representation theory of reductive algebraic groups over fields of positive characteristic: (a) a geometric proof of the linkage principle; (b) a character formula for tilting modules in terms of the$\ell $ℓ-canonical basis, valid in all blocks and in all characteristics.
Constructing conductive titanium carbide nanosheet (MXene) network on natural rubber foam framework for flexible strain sensor
Authors: Ding Hongda , Luo Zirong , Kong Na , Li Zhifeng , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Jizhen , Tao Jinlong
Published: June 2022

Sensors, as one of the crucial components of wearable electronics, have attracted much attention due to their extensive application in healthcare, human–machine interfaces, electronic skins (E-skins), rehabilitation, and internet of things. However, there is still a challenge to fabricate flexible strain sensors with both good sensitivity and large working strain range. Herein, a facile, scalable, and low-cost strategy is developed to prepare highly sensitive strain sensors based on natural rubber foam and Ti3C2Tx nanosheeets (MXene/NR) by dip-coating method. The fabricated MXene/NR composite exhibits excellent strain sensitivity and large strain range. The gage factor of the MXene/NR composite reaches 14 in the strain range of 0–5% with a low pressure limitation of detection (435 Pa). Additionally, the sensing range is as large as 0–80% of strain and shows good stability during the pressing and relaxing cycles. It is demonstrated that the MXene/NR composite could be used to detect motions, such as finger pressing and step monitoring, suggesting it is a promising candidate for fabricating wearable electronics.
The Cross-Country Comparison Model for Labor Participation (CCC Model for LP) of Persons with Chronic Diseases
Authors: de Rijk Angelique , Carrasco-Negüe Karina , Houkes Inge
Published: June 2022

Purpose To design a model based on the three pillars of new institutional theory (NIT), that facilitates cross-country comparison of labor participation (LP) of people with chronic diseases. This model should support getting a comprehensive overview of factors representing country differences, understanding these differences and should support estimating cross-country transferability of policies and interventions in the context of Work Disability Prevention. Methods Based on NIT, a draft model was designed by means of (1) a literature review of empirical studies; (2) theoretical books and articles; (3) a focus group with six expert researchers. This draft model was (4) adapted in the context of academic education. Literature was searched on Web of Science and EBSCO host. Feedback on (use of) the model was received from the focus group, four different academic courses at 28 occasions and two international conferences. Results The cross-country comparison model for labor participation (CCC model for LP) of persons with chronic diseases is proposed consisting of five factors: (1) Legislation; (2) Norms & values in practice; (3) Culture; (4) Organization of WDP in practice; (5) Labor market characteristics. Within these factors and based on (in)direct empirical evidence, subfactors are distinguished. The feedback received led to renaming (sub) factors, improved visual representation and a tool for estimating transferability. Conclusions The CCC model for LP of persons with chronic diseases allows for a comprehensive understanding of country differences and cross-country transferability of policies and interventions. The CCC model can be used for other populations when population-specific subfactors are included.
The influence of phosphorus- and nitrogen- containing groups on the thermal stability and combustion characteristics of styrenic polymers
Authors: Baby Aloshy , Tretsiakova-McNally Svetlana , Joseph Paul , Arun Malavika , Zhang Jianping , Pospiech Doris
Published: June 2022

The effects of covalently bound phosphorus (P-) and nitrogen (N-) bearing groups on the thermal and combustion attributes of polystyrene have been investigated. The necessary chemical modifications were achieved through co- and ter-polymerisation reactions, in a suitable solvent, under radical initiation conditions. The influence of P–N cooperative interactions on the combustion properties of styrenic polymers was studied. The co-monomers of interest included: diethyl(acryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate (DEAMP), diethyl-p-vinylbenzylphosphonate (DEpVBP), acrylic acid-2-[(diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl amino]ethyl ester (ADEPMAE) and maleimide (MI). For the first time, the ter-polymers of styrene containing both P- groups, DEAMP or DEpVBP, and N- groups, MI, were prepared via solution polymerisation. It was found that the thermal stability and combustion characteristics of polystyrene were significantly altered by the presence of nominal amounts of P- and N- containing groups, and, in certain cases, cooperative interactions of these groups were also evident. For instance, the extents of char formation post-degradation of the prepared ter-polymers, as revealed by thermogravimetric investigations in an inert atmosphere (nitrogen), were found to be enhanced by more than 20%, as compared to the unmodified polystyrene. The heat release rates and heat release capacities of the ter-polymers, as measured using the pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetric (PCFC) technique, were reduced by almost 50% in comparison to the same parameters obtained for the unmodified counterpart.
Ethics, Force, and Power: On the Political Preconditions of Just War
Authors: Finlay Christopher J.
Published: June 2022

Benbaji and Statman’s contractarian ethics of war offers a powerful new philosophical defence of orthodox conclusions against revisionist criticism. I present a two-pronged argument in reply. First, contractarianism yields what I call ‘decent war theory,’ a theory in which war between decent states is paradigmatic. I argue, by contrast, that states should treat wars against indecent states as paradigmatic, resulting in a Rawlsian alternative that issues in an ethics closer to revisionism. The second prong argues that the symmetrical international distribution of power required by contractarianism throws into doubt the viability of war as an instrument for securing just ends. But I argue that there is a very important lesson to take from Benbaji and Statman’s analysis here. Even if contractarianism is arguably weakened by its political assumptions, revisionists frequently fail to pay any attention to the vagaries of power and their effects in shaping the outcomes of different accounts of ethics. I therefore argue that just war theory in general ought to develop an ethics with sufficient versatility to respond to shifts and variations in the distribution of military power. In particular, philosophers must consider morally defensible ways in which decent states can challenge rising indecent powers.
A dual watermarking scheme for identity protection
Authors: Sharma Sunpreet , Zou Ju Jia , Fang Gu
Published: June 2022

A novel dual watermarking scheme with potential applications in identity protection, media integrity maintenance and copyright protection in both electronic and printed media is presented. The proposed watermarking scheme uses the owner’s signature and fingerprint as watermarks through which the ownership and validity of the media can be proven and kept intact. To begin with, the proposed watermarking scheme is implemented on continuous-tone/greyscale images, and later extended to images achieved via multitoning, an advanced version of halftoning-based printing. The proposed watermark embedding is robust and imperceptible. Experimental simulations and evaluations of the proposed method show excellent results from both objective and subjective view-points.
Six Novel Hybrid Extreme Learning Machine–Swarm Intelligence Optimization (ELM–SIO) Models for Predicting Backbreak in Open-Pit Blasting
Authors: Li Chuanqi , Zhou Jian , Khandelwal Manoj , Zhang Xiliang , Monjezi Masoud , Qiu Yingui
Published: June 2022

Backbreak (BB) is one of the serious adverse blasting consequences in open-pit mines, because it frequently reduces economic benefits and seriously affects the safety of mines. Therefore, rapid and accurate prediction of BB is of great significance to mine blasting design and other production activities. For this purpose, six different swarm intelligence optimization (SIO) algorithms were proposed to optimize the extreme learning machine (ELM) model for BB prediction, i.e., ELM-based particle swarm optimization (ELM–PSO), ELM-based fruit fly optimization (ELM–FOA), ELM-based whale optimization algorithm (ELM–WOA), ELM-based lion swarm optimization (ELM–LOA), ELM-based seagull optimization algorithm (ELM–SOA) and ELM-based sparrow search algorithm (ELM–SSA). In total, 234 data records from blasting operations in the Sungun mine in Iran were used in this study, including six input parameters (special drilling, spacing, burden, hole length, stemming, powder factor) and one output parameter (i.e., BB). To evaluate the predictive performance of the different optimization models and initial models, six performance indicators including the root mean square error (RMSE), Pearson correlation coefficient (R), determination coefficient (R2), variance accounted for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE) and sum of square error (SSE) were used to evaluate the models in the training and testing phases. The results show that the ELM–LSO was the best model to predict BB with RMSE of 0.1129 (R: 0.9991, R2: 0.9981, VAF: 99.8135%, MAE: 0.0706 and SSE: 2.0917) in the training phase and 0.2441 in the testing phase (R: 0.9949, R2: 0.9891, VAF: 98.9806%, MAE: 0.1669 and SSE: 4.1710). Hence, ELM techniques combined with SIO algorithms are an effective method to predict BB.
Differences in measurement quality depending on recall: results for a question about trust in the parliament
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Höhne Jan Karem , Rettig Tobias
Published: June 2022

A large body of studies estimate the measurement quality of survey questions using multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) experiments. In these experiments, respondents are asked (nearly) identical questions at least twice. Most commonly, this is done within the same survey by, for instance, changing the response scale characteristics. However, it has frequently been argued that the estimates from these experiments might be biased when respondents recall their first answer and base their second answer on the initial one. So far, only little is known about the impact of memory effects on the estimates of measurement quality. In this study, we conducted a MTMM experiment in the probability-based German Internet Panel (N = 4,401) to investigate whether and to what extent measurement quality estimates differ across respondent groups varying in terms of recall. For this purpose, we use a survey question on trust in the German parliament that was asked with three different response scales. The results reveal that the recall of answers and memory effects vary significantly depending on the scales used for the trust in the parliament question. We also found significant differences in measurement quality across different recall groups. However, more refined research is necessary to better understand the association between answer recall and measurement quality estimates.
X-Ray Imaging of Complex Flow Patterns during Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
Authors: Wu F. , Falch K. V. , Ramachandran S. , Drakopoulos M. , Mirihanage W. U.
Published: June 2022

Fusion welding techniques such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process have been widely used in industrial and construction applications. The molten metal flow in the weld pool has a major impact on the microstructure evolution, chemical element distribution and defects formation during solidification, which subsequently determines the performance of the welds. However, limited real-time experimental data availability of internal flow behavior has been considered as a major barrier to achieve a thorough understanding and development of accurate weld pool prediction models. In situ x-ray imaging with the tracking particles facilitated us to visualize the flow evolution during the solid–liquid–solid transformation. Experimental results indicated the flow patterns are progressively becoming complicated with the expansion of the melt pool. The shape of the melt pool also changed according to this flow evolution. Our analysis of flow patterns concerning the underlying variation of the driving forces suggests that gravity-derived buoyancy has a considerable effect on determining fluid flow at the melt pool periphery compared to other regions.
Iodine as a potential endocrine disruptor—a role of oxidative stress
Authors: Karbownik-Lewińska Małgorzata , Stępniak Jan , Iwan Paulina , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for thyroid hormone biosynthesis. However, overtreatment with iodine can unfavorably affect thyroid physiology. The aim of this review is to present the evidence that iodine—when in excess—can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and, therefore, can act as a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), and that this action, as well as other abnormalities in the thyroid, occurs—at least partially—via oxidative stress.

Methods

We reviewed published studies on iodine as a potential EDC, with particular emphasis on the phenomenon of oxidative stress.

Results

This paper summarizes current knowledge on iodine excess in the context of its properties as an EDC and its effects on oxidative processes.

Conclusion

Iodine does fulfill the criteria of an EDC because it is an exogenous chemical that interferes—when in excess—with thyroid hormone synthesis. However, this statement cannot change general rules regarding iodine supply, which means that iodine deficiency should be still eliminated worldwide and, at the same time, iodine excess should be avoided. Universal awareness that iodine is a potential EDC would make consumers more careful regarding their diet and what they supplement in tablets, and—what is of great importance—it would make caregivers choose iodine-containing medications (or other chemicals) more prudently. It should be stressed that compared to iodine deficiency, iodine in excess (acting either as a potential EDC or via other mechanisms) is much less harmful in such a sense that it affects only a small percentage of sensitive individuals, whereas the former affects whole populations; therefore, it causes endemic consequences.
Lessons from the Criticality of the Spanish High Capacity Road Network on Direct, Representative Democracies and Technocracies
Authors: Martín Juan Carlos , Román Concepción
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to shed some light on an issue that has not been analyzed enough in previous studies on complex transportation networks. The financial crisis and disrupting events like the COVID-19 pandemic episode are affecting how governments make crucial decisions regarding policymaking paying more attention to experts’ opinions. The impacts of disruptive events that could affect each road section will be analyzed using the criticality of the high capacity road network in Spain under different policymaking scenarios, such as direct democracy based on pure provincial decentralization (federal or cantonal vision), representative democracy in which decisions are taken by the National Parliament, and the governance based on technocracy stimulated by ‘what matters is what works’ (Southern Local Economy, 16(4), 264-271, 2001) using an Evidence-Based Policy Making (EBPM) case study based on a Data Envelopment Analysis applied to four accessibility indicators. We will complement our analysis with the different results obtained by the different national parties that were represented in the past election (November, 2019): PSOE, PP, VOX, Unidas Podemos, Ezquerra Republicana de Catalunya, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, Partido Nacionalista Vasco and Euskal Herria Bildu, exploring in-depth the obtained differences between the technocrat solution and the direct and representative democracy results. Important insights and lessons for the future will be obtained from the different party visions observed among the regionalist (nationalist) and the state-wide parties. The spillover effects created by the networks are so important that the room for federalist solutions might be very limited.
Integrated system for recycling and treatment of hazardous pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Abdelfattah I. , Abuarab M. E. , Mostafa E. , El-Awady M. H. , Aboelghait K. M. , El-Shamy A. M.
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to investigate an integrated system that can deal with different pharmaceutical wastewaters. Pharmaceutical wastewater was subjected to biological, chemical and advanced oxidation according to its pollutant’s nature. Wastewater with high total suspended solids (TSS 480 mg/L) was subjected to a conventional chemical treatment process utilizing different coagulants. The best results were obtained by using calcium oxide and alum added with calcium oxide where the removal efficiency of COD was 46.8% and 51%. Highly loaded pharmaceutical wastewater (COD 9700 mg/L, BOD/COD 0.16) had been subjected to Fenton oxidation, the removal of COD reached 80.4%, and the ratio of BOD/COD is enhanced to 0.6. Photocatalysis by using different nanomaterials was applied to pharmaceutical wastewater containing 10 mg/L of phenols. Phenol is completely removed by using mesoporous TiO2 after 90-min irradiation and after 120 min in the case of TiO2/P25 and TiO2/UV 100 nanocomposites, while it is removed by 40% in case of using mesoporous TiO2/Ta2O5. Effluent-treated water from previous routes was subjected to biological treatment and followed with disinfection by using UV as post-treatment. The final COD was 40, and it matches with the Egyptian practice code for water reuse in agriculture (ECP 501 in Egyptian code of practice for the use of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes. The ministry of Housing Utilities and Urban Communities., n.d. No title, 2015). Results showed also using treated wastewater in irrigation of barley and bean seeds achieved germination ratio up to 71% in barely and 70% in bean compared with that irrigated with Nile water, which reached 70% and 75%, while it was about 16.6% and 30% in case of irrigation with untreated wastewater (Jeong et al. in Water (Switzerland). https://doi.org/10.3390/w8040169, 2016).
Interval inversion of multiwell logging data for estimating laterally varying petrophysical parameters and formation boundaries
Authors: Abdellatif Mahmoud , Szabó Norbert P.
Published: June 2022

The present paper introduces a Legendre polynomials based interval inversion method for processing multi-borehole logging data. The method allows the determination of lateral changes of the layer-thicknesses together with the vertical and lateral variations of petrophysical parameters along a 2D cross-section of several boreholes. The method is assessed using noisy synthetic measurements of a petrophysical model made of two-layers structure related to hydrocarbon bearing formations. The numerical experiments aided to investigate the stability and convergence of the 2D interval inversion procedure. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the inversion results, the misfit of data and model distance are tested, beside the calculation of estimation errors and correlation coefficients. A large amount of input data relative to the number of unknowns results in a high overdetermined ratio, consequently more precise estimates are obtained in stable and convergent procedure than in conventional local (1D) inversion schemes. The feasibility of the 2D interval inversion method is shown by analysing in-situ well logging data acquired in four wells situated in an Egyptian hydrocarbon field.
Prevalence and impact of polypharmacy in older patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Remelli Francesca , Ceresini Maria Giorgia , Trevisan Caterina , Noale Marianna , Volpato Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background

Polypharmacy is a prevalent condition in older adults, especially those with multiple chronic diseases, and has been largely associated with adverse outcomes, including disability, hospitalizations, and death.

Aims

This systematic review focused on diabetes and aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of polypharmacy in older adults affected by such disease.

Methods

Observational (either cross-sectional or longitudinal) or experimental studies investigating the frequency and impact of polypharmacy in older adults with diabetes were identified from scientific databases and grey literature until August 2021. The prevalence and the 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes were summarized by a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

From a total of 1465 records, 9 were selected for the qualitative synthesis, and 8 for the quantitative synthesis. Most studies defined polypharmacy using a cut-off for the minimum number of medications ranging from 4 to 6 drugs/day. The pooled prevalence of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes was 64% (95% CI 45–80%). Considering studies that used the same definition of polypharmacy (i.e. ≥ 5 drugs/day), the pooled prevalence was 50% (95% CI 37–63%). The between-studies heterogeneity was high. Across the selected studies, polypharmacy seemed to negatively influence both diabetes-specific (poor glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia) and health-related (risk of incident falls, syncope, hospitalization, and death) outcomes.

Conclusion

This systematic review confirms the high prevalence of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes and its strong impact on several health-related outcomes, including mortality. These results strengthen the need to improve care strategies for management of these patients.
Design of sampling-based noniterative algorithms for centroid type-reduction of general type-2 fuzzy logic systems
Authors: Chen Yang
Published: June 2022

General type-2 (GT2) fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) become a popular research topic for the past few years. Usually the Karnik–Mendel algorithms are the most prevalent approach to complete the type-reduction. Nonetheless, the iterative quality of these types of computational intensive algorithms might impede applying them. For the improved types of algorithms, some noniterative algorithms can enhance the calculation efficiencies greatly, while it is still an open problem for comparing the relation between the discrete TR algorithms and corresponding continuous TR algorithms. First, the sum and integral operations in discrete and continuous noniterative algorithms are compared. Then, three kinds of noniterative algorithms originate from the type-reduction of interval type-2 FLSs are extended to complete the centroid type-reduction of general T2 FLSs. Four computer simulations prove that while changing the number of samples suitably, the calculational results of discrete types of algorithms may accurately gain on the related continuous types of algorithms, and the calculational times of discrete types of algorithms are obviously less than the continuous types of algorithms, this may offer the possible meaning for designing and applying T2 FLSs.
Cohabitation among Chinese minorities in Western countries: an alternative family formation strategy for disadvantaged groups?
Authors: Shi Wenlei , Lievens John
Published: June 2022

Using data of Chinese immigrants extracted from the Belgian National Register registering a cohabitation or marriage between 2005 and 2015 (N = 3945), this study aims to advance the understanding of cohabitation among disadvantaged groups in local marriage markets. From the difference in prevalence of cohabitation between Chinese men and women, we conclude that Chinese immigrants could use cohabitation rather as a practical living arrangement in the context of recent migration rather than as an alternative to marriage, as the receiving society does. The practical living strategy of ethnic minorities enhances our understanding of cohabitation among disadvantaged groups, for whom the choice for cohabiting would be largely influenced by the home familial culture.
Return to sport after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: what variables actually have an influence? A retrospective study
Authors: Ruffilli Alberto , Barile Francesca , Viroli Giovanni , Manzetti Marco , Traversari Matteo , Ialuna Marco , Bulzacki Bogucki Bartlomiej Dobromir , Faldini Cesare
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate a cohort of athletically active patients who underwent surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to determine which clinical, surgical and anthropometric variables influenced their return to sport after surgery.

Methods

112 adolescents who underwent high-density posterior fusion for AIS by a single surgeon were analyzed for clinical, surgical and demographic predictors of return to presurgical physical activity levels. Data were retrospectively collected by charts and X-rays analysis and patients interviews.

Results

Preoperative main curve Cobb was 64.4 ± 14.12° and obtained correction was 70.0 ± 12.5%. Included patients played many different sports (Table 4), most of all ballet (44/112, 39.2%), swimming (40/112, 35.7%) and gymnastics (32/112, 28.6%). At an average of 50.3 months follow-up, 76 (67.8%) patients returned to sports (RTS) at an equal or higher level than preoperatively. Younger age, lower Lenke curve type and lower main curve Cobb were significantly associated with RTS. As for RTS timing, patients who returned within the first 6 months were younger, with a higher Lenke and a less severe main curve, a more distal UIV and a more proximal LIV. No complications related to RTS were registered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis safely returned to physical activity after surgery. Younger age, higher Lenke type and lower main curve severity predicted a quicker return to sport. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Global feminisms: a mega social analysis of confidence in women’s organisations in Europe and the MENA Region
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Pilar , Ferreras Carreras Elena
Published: June 2022

This article aims at defining the concept of global feminisms within the framework of a mega-sociology of emotions that allows us to compare people’s confidence towards women's organisations in two different geo-cultural regions: Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), based on data collected by the World Values Survey (WVS) in the 6th edition 2010–14. From a discriminatory analysis, the article concludes that people's identifications with women's organisations are related to: (i) their fundamental conceptions of the social relationships between men and women and their conception of social change (emancipation, equality and sexual freedom); (ii) their identification towards other social organisations; and (iii) their sex-gender, social position, income and religious practice. The comparison of these gender cosmologies displays similarities and differences that could be useful instruments for those involved in transformative identity policies and programmes in both regions.
Clinical Study on the Use of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Jun tan , Ma Lin , Gong Xiang , Luo Sufang , Zhao Shuqin
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) seriously affects the quality of life of women. However, most women do not have access to effective treatment.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of acupuncture in FSD treatment based on existing clear acupuncture protocol and experience-supported face-to-face therapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients with FSD who received acupuncture from October 2018 to February 2022. The Chinese version of the female sexual function index , subjective sensation, sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia scores were compared before and after the treatment in all 24 patients.

Main Outcome Measure

A specific female sexual function index questionnaire was used to assess changes in female sexual function before and after the acupuncture treatment.

Results

In this study, the overall treatment improvement rate of FSD was 100%. The Chinese version of the female sexual function index total score, sexual desire score, sexual arousal score, vaginal lubrication score, orgasm score, sexual satisfaction score, and dyspareunia score during intercourse were significantly different before and after the treatment (P < .05). Consequently, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with acupuncture. This study indicates that acupuncture could be a new and effective technique for treating FSD. The main advantages of this study are its design and efficacy in treating FSD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of FSD using the female sexual function index scale from 6 dimensions. The second advantage is that the method used (ie, the nonpharmacological method) is simple, readily available, highly safe with few side effects, and relatively inexpensive with high patient satisfaction. However, limitations include small sample size and lack of further detailed grouping, pre and post control study of patients, blank control group, and pre and post control study of sex hormones.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can effectively treat FSD from all dimensions with high safety, good satisfaction, and definite curative effect, and thus, it is worthy of promotion and application.
There Is More Than One Way To Lead
Authors: Hunter Samuel T. , Lovelace Jeffrey B.
Published: June 2022

The charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic (CIP) theory of leadership has emerged as a novel framework for thinking about the varying ways leaders can influence followers. The theory is based on the principle of equifinality, or the notion that there are multiple pathways to the same outcome. Researchers of the CIP theory have proposed that leaders are effective by engaging in one, or a mix of, three leader pathways: the charismatic approach focused on an emotionally evocative vision, an ideological approach focused on core beliefs and values, or a pragmatic approach focused on an appeal of rationality and problem solving. Formation of pathways and unique follower responses are described. The more than 15 years of empirical work investigating the theory are summarized, and the theory is compared and contrasted to other commonly studied and popular frameworks of leadership. Strengths, weaknesses, and avenues for future investigation of the CIP theory are discussed.
Between Consent and Coherence: Incidental Questions in an Imperfect World
Authors: Akhavan Payam , Bjorge Eirik
Published: June 2022

International courts and tribunals must maintain a delicate balance between consent and coherence when they consider incidental questions as part of their dispute settlement function. There are compelling reasons, in the contemporary world of unprecedented complexity and interdependence, to instill coherence into dispute settlement procedures, so as to avoid the denial of justice. The exercise of jurisdiction over an “incidental question,” however, must not be forced to the point that it undermines the willingness of states to give their consent to such procedures.
Laxatives are Associated with Poorer Polysomnography-derived Sleep Quality
Authors: Costa Yakdehikandage S. , Murray Brian J. , Boulos Mark I.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To characterize 1) the relationship between laxative use and objective sleep metrics, and 2) the relationship between laxative use and self-reported insomnia symptoms in a convenience sample of middle-aged/elderly patients who completed in-laboratory polysomnography.

Methods:

We cross-sectionally analyzed first-night diagnostic in-laboratory polysomnography data for 2946 patients over the age of 40 (mean age 60.5 years; 48.3% male). Laxative use and medical comorbidities were obtained through self-reported questionnaires. Patient insomnia symptoms were based on self-report. Associations between laxative use and objective sleep continuity were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. Associations between laxative use and insomnia were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results:

After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, total recording time, and relevant comorbidities, laxative users had a 7.1% lower sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), 25.5-minute higher wake after sleep onset (p < 0.001), and a 29.4-minute lower total sleep time (p < 0.001) than patients not using laxatives. Laxative users were found to be at greater odds of reporting insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.7, p = 0.024) than patients not using laxatives.

Conclusion:

Laxative use is associated with impairments in objective sleep continuity. Patients using laxatives were also at greater odds of reporting insomnia symptoms.
Who Should Call for Advocacies? The Influence of Rights Advocates on the Public's Attitude Toward Immigrants’ Voting Rights in Japan
Authors: Igarashi Akira , Ono Yoshikuni
Published: June 2022

Native allies are critical to the success of immigrants’ social movements in East Asian countries because of their relatively small number. However, it remains unclear whether advocacy messages from natives or from immigrants are more effective in changing natives’ attitudes toward supporting immigrant-oriented policies. We hypothesize, from the perspective of social identity theory, that the persuasiveness of a message varies, depending on the identity of the group sending the message—that is, whether it is an in-group or an out-group. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a survey experiment using the case of granting local voting rights to immigrants in Japan. We found that support for granting local voting rights to immigrants does not decrease when the Japanese hear advocacy messages from the Japanese, however, it does decrease when they hear messages from Korean immigrants who stand to benefit from the granting of local suffrage. These results suggest that natives’ advocacy messages may increase support for immigrants.
A physics-based model for wind turbine wake expansion in the atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Vahidi Dara , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: June 2022

Analytical wind turbine wake models are widely used to predict the wake velocity deficit. In these models, the wake growth rate is a key parameter specified mainly with empirical formulations. In this study, a new physics-based model is proposed and validated to predict the wake expansion downstream of a turbine based on the incoming ambient turbulence and turbine operating conditions. The new model utilises Taylor diffusion theory, the Gaussian wake model, turbulent mixing layer theory and the analogy between wind turbine wake expansion and scalar diffusion. These components ensure that the model conserves mass and momentum in the far wake and accounts for the ambient turbulence and turbine-induced turbulence effects on the wake expansion. To account for the turbulence relevant scales that contribute to the wake expansion, the model uses the root-mean-square of the low-pass filtered radial velocity component. A simplified version that only requires the unfiltered velocity standard deviation and turbulence integral scale is also proposed. In addition, a new relation for the near-wake length is derived. The model performance is validated using large-eddy simulation data of a wind turbine wake under neutral atmospheric conditions with a wide range of incoming turbulence levels. The results show that the proposed model yields reasonable predictions of the wake width, maximum velocity deficit and near-wake length. In the case with a relatively low incoming streamwise turbulence intensity of 0.05, the ambient and turbine-induced terms in the model contribute almost equally to the wake width, rendering them both crucial for reasonable wake predictions.
Direct numerical simulation of interaction between a stationary crossflow instability and forward-facing steps
Authors: Casacuberta J. , Hickel S. , Westerbeek S. , Kotsonis M.
Published: June 2022

The interaction between forward-facing steps of several heights and a pre-existing critical stationary crossflow instability of a swept-wing boundary layer is analysed. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed of the incompressible three-dimensional laminar base flow and the stationary distorted flow that arise from the interaction between an imposed primary stationary crossflow perturbation and the steps. These DNS are complemented with solutions of the linear and the nonlinear parabolised stability equations, used towards identifying the influence of linearity and non-parallelism near the step. A fully stationary solution of the Navier–Stokes equations is enforced numerically, in order to isolate the mechanisms pertaining to the interaction of the stationary disturbance with the step. Results provide insight into the salient modifications of the base laminar boundary layer due to the step, and the response of the incoming crossflow instability to these changes. The fundamental spanwise Fourier mode of the disturbance field gradually lifts up as it approaches the step and passes over it. The flow environment around the step is characterised by a sudden spanwise modulation of the base-flow streamlines. Additional stationary perturbation structures are induced at the step, which manifest in the form of spanwise-aligned velocity streaks near the wall. Shortly downstream of the step, the fundamental component of the crossflow perturbation maintains a rather constant amplification for the smallest steps studied. For the largest step, however, the fundamental crossflow perturbation is stabilised significantly shortly downstream of the largest step. This surprising result is ascribed to a modulation of the kinetic energy transfer between the base flow and the fundamental perturbation field, which is brought forward as a new step interaction mechanism. Possible non-modal growth effects at the step are discussed. Furthermore, the results from DNS indicate significant amplification of the high-order harmonic crossflow components downstream of the step.
Following negative search instructions: the role of visual context
Authors: Rück Franziska , Dudschig Carolin , Mackenzie Ian G. , Leuthold Hartmut , Kaup Barbara
Published: June 2022

One typical use of negation is to refer to exceptions. In a visual display showing several similar items (majority) and one exception, referring to the exception by negating the majority should therefore be pragmatically felicitous. We investigated whether comprehenders are sensitive to these pragmatic aspects when processing negative sentences and having to identify the according items in the visual display. In Experiment 1, participants read affirmative and negative sentences referring to either the exception or the majority object in strongly biased displays. Additionally, unbiased displays were implemented, showing equal numbers of objects of each type. Identification times of the correct referent were shorter with the biased display independent of sentence polarity. Also, picking the exceptional item in the biased display was faster than picking a majority item, independent of sentence polarity. Thus, participants did not specifically profit from pragmatically felicitous conditions when processing negation. Critically, in the biased displays, the exceptional object was highly salient, which might have initially drawn the participant’s attention to this object, resulting in a general speed-up. Therefore, in Experiment 2, we used a biased display with reduced saliency of the exceptional object. Again negation did not result in a specific speed-up due to pragmatically correct negation use. Thus, negation does not seem to facilitate the identification of an exceptional object.
Proportionally Less Difficult?: Reevaluating Keele’s “Proportionally Difficult”
Authors: Metzger Shawna K.
Published: June 2022

Keele (2010, Political Analysis 18:189–205) emphasizes that the incumbent test for detecting proportional hazard (PH) violations in Cox duration models can be adversely affected by misspecified covariate functional form(s). In this note, I reevaluate Keele’s evidence by running a full set of Monte Carlo simulations using the original article’s illustrative data-generating processes (DGPs). I make use of the updated PH test calculation available in R’s survival package starting with v3.0-10. Importantly, I find the updated PH test calculation performs better for Keele’s DGPs, suggesting its scope conditions are distinct and worth further investigating. I also uncover some evidence for the traditional calculation suggesting it, too, may have additional scope conditions that could impact practitioners’ interpretation of Keele (2010). On the whole, while we should always be attentive to model misspecification, my results suggest we should also become more attentive to how frequently the PH test’s performance is affected in practice, and that the answer may depend on the calculation’s implementation.
THE BILLY AND CHARLEY FORGERIES
Authors: Halliday Robert
Published: June 2022

Billy Smith and Charley Eaton were mudlarks in London. In 1857 they began to manufacture counterfeit antiquities. Their creations displayed many significant errors and anachronisms, and some archaeologists were immediately sceptical. Nevertheless, other leading experts were convinced that Billy and Charley’s supposed discoveries were authentic archaeological finds. The ensuing debate resulted in an inconclusive court case. Eventually a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London used subterfuge to expose the fraud. Even after this, Billy Smith and Charley Eaton continued producing forgeries for another decade. This paper explores how the forgeries were made, why they generated controversy, how the fraud was detected and how Billy Smith and Charley Eaton could produce their forgeries over such a long time-span.
The Friday Effect: How Communal Religious Practice Heightens Exclusionary Attitudes
Authors: Brooke Steven , Chouhoud Youssef , Hoffman Michael
Published: June 2022

Does attending communal religious services heighten the tendency to express exclusionary attitudes? Drawing on responses from thousands of Muslims, we identify how the ritual Friday Prayer systematically influences congregants' political and social attitudes. To isolate the independent role of this religious behavior, we exploit day-of-the-week variation in survey enumeration, which we assume to be plausibly uncorrelated with likely confounders, including self-reported religiosity. In our primary analysis, six variables charting various modes of intolerance each indicate that frequent attenders interviewed on Fridays (that is, proximate to the weekly communal prayer) were significantly more likely to express sectarian and antisecular attitudes than their counterparts. To test the potential mechanism behind this tendency, we rely on a controlled comparison between Egyptian and Algerian subgroups, as well as an original survey experiment in Lebanon. Evidence from both analyses is consistent with arguments that elite political messaging embedded in religious rituals spurs much of the observed variation.
Facilitating arts participation for creative ageing: an action research in South Korea
Authors: Cho Euna , Chang Woongjo
Published: June 2022

How to promote wellbeing in old age is an issue that is drawing increasing attention as populations age in societies around the world. This study explores arts participation in later life and creative ageing through artistic engagement. We focus on potential participants who have had little prior experience with the arts, examining their journey through artistic activities, and the broader benefits to society of a creatively engaged population. We applied an action research methodology by designing two phases of arts workshops, one focused on hands-on creation activities and the other on appreciation of professional artists' works. This approach yielded the following findings. First, facilitation is key to initiating and sustaining artistic engagement among older adults, in part by helping them adapt to a changing society. Second, potential participants should be centred in discussions on creative initiatives. In particular, still active pre-seniors have much to offer in developing creative ageing initiatives. Third, arts participation for creative ageing goes far beyond the individual; it promotes community wellbeing and contributes to creating social value. Finally, we make an actionable suggestion that ‘facilitation for arts participation’ be developed as a specialised professional field.
Using Topic-Modeling in Legal History, with an Application to Pre-Industrial English Case Law on Finance
Authors: Grajzl Peter , Murrell Peter
Published: June 2022

We argue that topic-modeling, an unsupervised machine-learning technique for analysis of large corpora, can be a powerful tool for legal-historical research. We provide a non-technical introduction to topic-modeling driven by the presentation of an example of how researchers can use the data that topic-modeling produces. The context of the example is pre-industrial English caselaw on finance. We generate new insights on the timing of pertinent legal developments, the linkages of law on finance to other areas of law, and the relative importance of common-law and equity in the emergence of law and legal ideas relevant to finance. We argue that topic-modeling has the potential to bridge traditional legal history and economics, increasing the influence of the former on the latter, which is overdue. The output of topic-modeling includes the data required to generate a quantitative macroscopic overview of the flow of legal history. These data can be used in many ways in subsequent legal-historical research. Epistemologically, topic-modeling offers an escape from the temptations of Whig history and opens up new avenues for inductive analysis characteristic of traditional historical research.