bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible Light‐Active Copper Cobaltite Supported Film for Hexavalent Chromium Photocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Cárdenas Vasquez Nataly , Mehling Simon , Alarcón Cavero Hugo , Schnabel Tobias
Published: November 2024

Copper cobaltite (CuCo2O4) films were synthesized on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using a hydrothermal method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and cyclic voltammetry. This research addresses the challenge of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution by employing CuCo2O4/TiO2/FTO as visible light‐active photocatalyst. The films demonstrated strong absorption in the visible spectrum. The heterostructure comprising CuCo2O4 and TiO2 films was synthesized to enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) through synergetic effects. The CuCo2O4/TiO2/FTO film exhibited superior photoreduction performance, achieving photoreduction efficiencies of ∼62.9% under UV‐A and ∼72.3% under visible light, outperforming individual TiO2/FTO and CuCo2O4/FTO films. Reaction rates were 0.00433 min−1 (R2: 0.98893) under UV and 0.00638 min−1 (R2: 0.98787) under visible light, with a half‐life of 1.81 h, indicating significant improvement in photocatalytic activity. However, it is necessary to optimize the synthesis parameters to analyze their impact on its physicochemical properties and its behavior as a photocatalyst. Making possible its applicability is due to the appropriate charge transport, visible light absorption, reduced recombination of electron‐holes pairs, and improved photocatalytic performance.
Interfacial Engineering of Polymer Solid‐State Lithium Battery Electrolytes and Li‐Metal Anode: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Kashif , Hussain Arshad , Hussain Ghulam , Majeed Muhammad Umar , Ashfaq Muhammad Zeeshan , Iqbal Rashid , Saleem Adil
Published: November 2024

A combination of material innovations, advanced manufacturing, battery management systems, and regulatory standards is necessary to improve the energy density and safety of lithium (Li) batteries. High‐energy‐density solid‐state Li‐batteries have the potential to revolutionize industries and technologies, making them a research priority. The combination of improved safety and compatibility with high‐capacity electrode materials makes solid‐stateLi‐batteries with polymer solid‐electrolytes an attractive option for applications where energy density and safety are critical. While polymer‐based solid‐state Li‐batteries hold enormous promise, there are still several challenges that must be addressed, particularly regarding interface between polymer solid‐electrolyte and Lianode. There are significant advancements in improving the performance of solid‐state Li batteries, and researchers continue to explore new methods to address these challenges. These improvements are critical for enabling the widespread adoption of solid‐state Li‐batteries invariety of applications, from electrical vehicles to portable electronics. Here, common polymer solid‐electrolyte and its interface challenges with Lianode are first introduced, highlighting the trend in polymer solid‐state‐electrolyte research toward enhancing stability, safety, and performance of solid‐state Li‐batteries. This includes developing novel polymer materials with improved properties, exploring advanced fabrication techniques, and integrating these electrolytes into battery designs that optimize both safety and energy density.
Refractory Metal‐Based MXenes: Cutting‐Edge Preparation and Applications
Authors: Sun Ruiyan , Hu Ping , Wang Jin , Yang Fan , Zhu Fei , Xing Hairui , Luo Jiao , Gao Lili , Wang Kuaishe , Yin Zongyou
Published: November 2024

Refractory metal‐based MXenes refer to MXenes with M as a refractory metal. Due to their high conductivity, large specific surface area, multiple active sites, high photothermal conversion efficiency, adjustable surface groups, and controllable nanolayer spacing, they hold broad application prospects in various fields such as photoelectrocatalysis, biomedicine, water treatment, electromagnetic shielding, and sensors. The unique physical properties of refractory metal‐based MXenes are related to their electronic and crystal structures. The interstitial layer causes the carbides to exhibit different behavior compared to the original metal. At the same time, different preparation methods have a great influence on the interlayer spacing and surface termination of refractory metal‐based MXenes, thus affecting their performance. This review systematically summarizes the latest progress in the preparation methods and frontier applications of refractory metal‐based MXenes, offering new insights for further development. Additionally, various characterization techniques and first‐principles calculations are summarized, which are crucial for optimizing refractory metal‐based MXenes for applications such as catalysis, energy storage, and sensors. In summary, the current challenges and future development prospects of refractory metal‐based Mxenes are addressed, aiming to provide indispensable information for the intelligent design of 2D materials in the future.
Circular Adhesion Substrates Inhibiting Cell Polarization and Proliferation via Graded Texture of Geometric Micropatterns
Authors: Nie Yifeng , Lu Xi , Zhu Yuting , Shi Yahong , Ren Keli , Li Zhongxian , Chen Peipei , Han Dong , Li Xiang
Published: November 2024

Most melanomas that occur on the skin surface originate from a newly formed nevus and grow outward in a circular pattern and metastasize from the nevus center. Herein, a circular microfabricated substrate is constructed to explore the growth behavior of melanoma cells. Modeling software is used to calculate appropriate parameters, including shape and size, and then the substrates are processed with microfabrication technologies. The results show that the melanoma cells on the circular adhesion substrate are oval and are significant changes in cell spread length, nuclei, area, aspect ratio, Young's modulus, and orientation angles, indicating inhibition of cell polarization. Moreover, three different layers from circular adhesion substrates are selected to construct new substrates, which indicates that the polarization degree of cells is closely related to the number of micropillar arrays on the circular geometric substrate. In addition, flow cytometry demonstrates that the circular substrate reduced the transition from resting/gap 1 phase (G0/G1) to synthesis phase (S phase), thereby decreasing DNA synthesis and proliferation, reminding a potential method for treatment strategy. More importantly, the circular adhesion substrate influences the integrin signaling pathway, which has a potential application and research prospect in the treatment of melanoma.
RISC Fault of Non‐Salient Wound‐Rotor Synchronous Generator: A Detection Method and Effect Analysis of Insulation
Authors: Sun Kai , He Yu‐ling , Wu Xue‐wei , Wang Wen , Gerada David , Bai Hong‐hua , Huang Wei‐ling
Published: November 2024

Rotor interturn short circuit (RISC) fault is one of the most prevalent fault types in the non‐salient wound‐rotor synchronous generator (WRSG). In the paper, the theoretical mechanism of the RISC fault is studied in detail. Building upon this understanding, from the fault detection and harm consequences, the further work of this article includes proposing a RISC detection method and analyzing the influence of RISC on the insulation thermal damage. On the one hand, a new detection for RISC fault is first proposed based on the phase voltage. The proposed detection method innovatively allows for accurate determination of both the severity and location of RISC faults. On the other hand, the loss and the temperature of the stator core‐winding system are comprehensively investigated with varied RISC degrees and positions. The thermal responses of the winding insulation are obtained under the joint action of the external magnetic heat source and the internal electric heat source. The study identifies critical points of insulation vulnerability, particularly noting areas prone to noise and connection joints. This research contributes to the timely online identification of RISC faults and supports preventive maintenance strategies for protecting winding insulation. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Summer reading: James Buckley and his amendment, FERPA at 50
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: November 2024

It always interests me when TV interviewers ask well‐known personalities what they read on their summer vacations.
Risk of Cancer Diagnosis in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using a Nationwide Swedish Population Cohort
Authors: Uchida Amiko M. , Schuman Sophia S. , Pyne Ashley , Peterson Kathryn , Carlson Marie , Garber John J. , Roelstraete Bjorn , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: November 2024

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the esophagus. Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer development. We aimed to study the potential association between EoE and later cancer diagnosis.

Methods

In this nationwide population‐based cohort study, we identified 1580 individuals with EoE diagnosed between 1990–2017 through Sweden's 28 pathology departments. Up to five general population reference individuals were matched on age and sex (n = 7533). A Cox regression analysis estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for cancer up until December 31, 2020. To reduce potential intrafamilial confounding, we also compared EoE individuals with their unaffected siblings.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 7 years, 47 individuals with EoE (3.9/1000 person‐years) developed cancer versus 183 (3.2/1000 person‐years) reference individuals. This corresponded to a non‐significant aHR of 1.11 (95% CI = 0.80–1.53). Incidence rates were independent of budesonide and proton‐pump inhibitor use. Individuals with EoE however did have an increased risk of esophageal cancer where two EoE versus one reference individual were diagnosed (aHR = 25.20; 95% CI = 2.28–278.80), and also Barrett's esophagus risk was also increased in EoE (HR = 18.18; 95% CI = 6.75–48.95). Non‐esophageal gastrointestinal (GI) cancer occurred in 11 EoE versus 24 reference individuals: aHR = 2.03 (95% CI = 0.99–4.18). We found no increased risk of cancers from the skin (EoE n = 10), lung (n = 0), breast (n = 4), or blood (n = 0). Sibling analyses supported these findings.

Conclusion

We did not find any overall association between EoE and cancer development. EoE was associated with esophageal cancer, but this was very rare with wide confidence interval and few cases therefore we urge caution with generalization of these findings.
A Study of Civil Society Elites in Europe
Authors: Santilli Cecilia , Scaramuzzino Roberto
Published: November 2024

This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the methodologies and data utilised in our comparative study of civil society elites across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Italy. The study incorporates data from 133 respondents in Italy, supplemented by comparative data from Sweden (308 respondents), the UK (123 respondents), and the EU level (158 respondents) to offer a broader context. It begins by mapping elite organisations and their leaders, identifying and categorising resource-rich civil society organisations and their leaders. Following this, it details an online survey conducted in the spring of 2021, which captures various aspects of the composition, reproduction, integration, and contestation of civil society elites. The analysis and discussion of the survey data highlight significant findings and trends that shed light on the dynamics of civil society elites across different European contexts. Additionally, supplementary interview data from Italian civil society leaders illustrates specific phenomena such as career paths, professionalisation, and the unique challenges they face. With these methodological approaches and empirical findings, the chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of civil society elites in Europe and offers valuable insights into their roles, influence, and the broader socio-political landscape within which they operate.
Perceptions, facilitators, and barriers of participation for a behavioral weight loss group-based telehealth program for breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study
Authors: Liu Yangzi , De Jesus Elizabeth , Goldbach Macy , Krouse Robert S. , Guerra Carmen E. , Rendle Katharine A. , Cadet Tamara J. , Allison Kelly C. , Tchou Julia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Results from the pilot Group-basEd Telehealth behavioral Weight Loss (GET-WEL) Program (NCT04855552) showed that fewer Black breast cancer survivors (BCS) enrolled than White BCS. Black participants also lost less weight than White participants. Little is known about mitigating factors or how best to implement such programs equitably. In this study, we explored facilitators and barriers in Black and White BCS who did or did not participate in GET-WEL.

Methods

BCS who are overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) and who had previously been assessed for their willingness to participate in GET-WEL were invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview conducted from June to August 2023. Interviewees were purposefully sampled from those who did (participants) and did not (non-participants) enroll in GET-WEL. Interviews were coded and analyzed via comparative thematic analysis.

Results

Of the 24 interviewees, 9 (8 White, 1 Black) were GET-WEL participants, and 15 (8 White, 6 Black, 1 Asian) were non-participants. There were no thematic differences between Black and White BCS. Most non-participants lacked awareness that the Program was recruiting. Program accountability, session flexibility, and pre-existing exercise routines emerged as facilitators while inability to identify enjoyable physical activities, difficulty accessing healthy foods, and competing work/life priorities emerged as barriers.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that enhancing Program awareness and outreach may increase enrollment in minoritized BCS. Resources providing healthy foods and support to ease competing work/life priorities may help BCS maintain healthy lifestyles during and after GET-WEL. These results may help inform future large-scale GET-WEL implementation.
Correlation between inflammatory markers and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) failure in laparoscopic colectomy
Authors: Song Ji Hyeong , Shin Yoonsoo , Lee Kyung Ha , Kim Ji Yeon , Kim Jin Soo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate inflammatory markers to identify patients at risk of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) failure following laparoscopic colectomy.

Methods

We included patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy between September 2020 and February 2023. ERAS failure was defined as intolerance of a soft diet on postoperative day (POD) 2, postoperative stay > 7 days, or readmission within 30 days postoperatively. Inflammatory markers were analyzed immediately postoperatively and on POD 1 and 3. All patients were subjected to the ERAS protocol and divided into success and failure groups.

Results

Data from 402 patients (success, 330; failure, 72) were analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.004), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.041), and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR; p < 0.001) were elevated in the failure group on POD 3. The immediate postoperative CAR was higher in the failure group (p = 0.045). ERAS failure occurred more frequently in patients with body mass index < 20 (p < 0.001), right colon tumors (p = 0.012), and longer operative time (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that inflammatory markers are associated with ERAS failure. Among the inflammatory markers, CAR might be the most potent indicator of ERAS failure following laparoscopic colectomy.
The relevance of combined testing of cerebrospinal fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 in multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Csecsei Peter , Acs Peter , Gottschal Marianna , Imre Piroska , Miklos Egon , Simon Diana , Erdo-Bonyar Szabina , Berki Timea , Zavori Laszlo , Varnai Reka
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the significance of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and peripheral neuropathy (PN).

Methods

We included 41 MS patients, 35 PN patients, and 36 controls across 5 sites. MS patient data included lesion counts, disease activity, albumin quotient, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. PN patients included those with acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and sensorimotor neuropathy based on nerve conduction studies. CSF concentrations of GFAP and UCHL-1 were measured using the MILLIPLEX Map Human Neuroscience Magnetic Bead Panel 1.

Results

Both GFAP and UCHL-1 levels were significantly higher in the two patient groups compared to controls. In the MS group, GFAP showed a strong correlation with disease duration, EDSS score, non-enhancing lesions, and the CSF/blood albumin quotient. UCHL-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with active disease (gadolinium-enhancing lesions). The combination of UCHL-1 and GFAP improved diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.895, 95% CI 0.780-1.000) compared to the independent measurement of either marker for indicating Gd-negative lesions. In the PN group, CSF GFAP levels were significantly lower in patients with purely demyelinating neuropathy compared to those with axonal or mixed neuropathy.

Conclusion

GFAP serves as a sensitive marker for axonal damage in PN, while UCHL-1 closely correlates with disease activity in MS patients.
Evaluation of seismic demands for adjacent irregular buildings with transverse alignment eccentricity
Authors: Raheem Shehata E. Abdel , Youssry Ahmed , Soghier Mahmoud H. , Fooly Mohammed Y. M. , Gamal Yasser A. S.
Published: November 2024

Seismic pounding occurs when adjacent buildings lack adequate spacing, exacerbated by Alignment eccentricity and horizontal irregularities of adjacent buildings. The seismic lateral oscillation of adjacent irregular buildings promotes a torsional response under earthquake excitation, moreover, the gap distances recommended in the regulations to prevent collisions are generally insufficient due to the pounding behavior complicated by irregularity of adjacent buildings. Hence, this research aims to evaluate the eccentric pounding effects on seismic response demands for adjacent irregular buildings with transverse alignment eccentricity. The displacement, inter-story drift, story shear force, and torsional rotation responses are investigated and compared for different levels of irregularity. Results findings reveal that increasing alignment eccentricity of adjacent buildings leads to greater lateral displacements in the rebound direction, reduced displacements in the impact direction, and increased torsional rotation of the buildings, consequently, promote eccentric pounding, higher eccentricity leads to greater horizontal floor displacements and twisting motions, which increases the chances of adjacent floors colliding.
Pre-service teacher professional education program (PPG) and Indonesian science teachers' TPACK development: A career-path comparative study
Authors: Chang Chiung-Fang , Annisa Nurul , Chen Ken-Zen
Published: November 2024

This study examined the impact of the Indonesian pre-service teacher professional education program (PPG) on pre-service science teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) competencies. As a government-directed initiative, the PPG program's curriculum is aligned with TPACK principles. We conducted a comparative analysis involving 311 teachers divided into four groups: pre-service PPG science teachers, pre-service science teachers not enrolled in PPG, in-service science teachers with less than two years of experience, and those with more than two years of experience. ANOVA results revealed a significant positive effect of the PPG program on TPACK scores, except when comparing non-PPG pre-service teachers to in-service teachers with less than two years of experience. Pre-service PPG teachers demonstrated greater confidence in technology-related TPACK components. In contrast, in-service teachers with over two years of experience exhibited higher overall TPACK scores, particularly in pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. These findings highlight the effectiveness of government-sponsored teacher training in enhancing TPACK while recognizing the valuable expertise that experienced teachers bring to their practice. The study suggests a need for resource allocation and training strategies that incorporate the strengths of both pre-service and experienced educators to foster a more comprehensive approach to teacher development.
A calibration method for projecting future extremes via a linear mapping of parameters
Authors: Lee Jeongjin , Cooley Daniel , Wagner Anna M. , Liston Glen E.
Published: November 2024

In order to study potential impacts arising from climate change, future projections of numerical model output often must be calibrated to be comparable to observations. Rather than calibrating the data values themselves, we propose a novel statistical calibration method for extremes that assumes there exists a linear relationship between parameters associated with model output and parameters associated with observations. This approach allows us to capture uncertainty in both parameter estimates and the linear calibration, which we achieve via bootstrap. To focus on extreme behavior, we assume both model output and observations have distributions composed of a mixture model combining a Weibull distribution with a generalized Pareto distribution for the tail. A simulation study shows good coverage rates. We apply the method to project future daily-averaged river runoff at the Purgatoire River in southeastern Colorado.
Habitat management interventions for a specialist mid- successional grassland butterfly, the Lulworth Skipper
Authors: Jones Rachel , Wilson Robert , Maclean Ilya , Bourn Nigel
Published: November 2024

Evidence-based management is needed to reverse declines in insect abundance. The Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon is a range-restricted and declining species in the UK and northern Europe associated with mid-successional grassland, which presents management challenges because interventions are necessary to prevent long-term habitat deterioration but can result in short-term reductions in quality. In addition, site management should be compatible for the focal species and for wider plant and insect diversity. We conducted factorial experimental management trials to understand effects of cutting and rotovation on the height and structure of vegetation containing the larval host plant Tor-grass Brachypodium rupestre. We monitored vegetation height, B. rupestre cover and plant diversity, and T. acteon larval presence over four years. Rotovation and cutting differed in their effects on habitat structure and larval occupancy relative to controls. Vegetation height and host plant cover, the most important components of habitat quality for T. acteon, were faster to recover to suitable levels on cut plots. However, larval occupancy increased more quickly on rotovated plots, where plant species diversity was also higher. Results suggest that due to initial negative impacts of interventions on T. acteon occupancy, low frequency or low-intensity management, such as managing sections of a site every three years, is advisable. Our results show that rotovation or cutting the sward can be suitable for mid-successional grassland species such as Lulworth Skipper on sites where grazing might be problematic. Rotational grazing or rotovation can maintain suitable conditions for habitat specialist insects requiring a range of different grassland conditions, serving wider conservation goals.
Manufacturing process energy consumption modeling: a methodology to identify the most appropriate model
Authors: Ekwaro-Osire Henry , Bode Dennis , Ohlendorf Jan-Hendrik , Thoben Klaus-Dieter
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the appropriateness of machine learning (ML) and other techniques for modeling manufacturing processes energy consumption by developing a comparison methodology. Three research questions are posed: Firstly, how do prediction errors compare using different techniques with varying complexity and ML use? Secondly, how does performance vary with different amounts of data? Thirdly, how do different techniques compare in terms of required expertise, effort to build and interpretability of results? To answer these questions, the authors develop a structured approach, which is also envisioned to be useable by practicing engineers and manufacturers. Four modeling categories are defined, ranging from simple non-ML methods, such as linear regression, to complex ML methods, such as deep neural networks. The approach is evaluated using data from a compound feed manufacturing process. The results confirm the notion that non-ML models are better suited to understand and model manufacturing processes when few parameters are present, due to their high interpretability, while ML models are recommended for analyzing processes with many potentially relevant and interrelated parameters. Interestingly the approach finds that the complex ML category model does not outperform the simple ML category model in terms of prediction accuracy, and only has the drawback of requiring more expertise to build and having lower interpretability. The study concludes that the decision to use complex ML for modeling manufacturing process energy consumption should be critically questioned and that a simpler approach may be better suited, suggesting that the developed methodology would be of value to practicing engineers.
Seismic scenario simulation and ANN-based ground motion model development on the North Tabriz Fault in Northwest Iran
Authors: Temiz Caglar , Hussaini S. M. Sajad , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Askan Aysegul , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: November 2024

Earthquakes pose significant seismic hazards in urban regions, often causing extensive damage to the built environment. In regions lacking robust seismic monitoring networks or sufficient data from historical events, ground motion simulations are crucial for assessing potential earthquake impacts. Yet, validating these simulations is challenging, leading to notable predictive uncertainty. This study aims to simulate four scenario earthquakes with moment magnitudes of 6.8, 7.1, 7.4, and 7.7 in Iran, specifically investigating variations in fault plane rupture and earthquake hypocenter. The North Tabriz Fault (NTF), located within the seismic gap in northwest Iran, is selected as the case study due to the lack of well-recorded ground motions from severe earthquakes, despite historical evidence of large-magnitude events. Simulations are conducted using a stochastic finite-fault ground motion simulation methodology with a dynamic corner frequency. Validation of the simulations is performed by comparing estimated peak ground motions and pseudo-spectral ordinates with existing ground motion models (GMMs), supplemented by inter-period correlation analysis. Simulation results reveal high hazard levels, especially in the northeastern area near the fault plane. Intensity maps in terms of the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale underscore the urgency for comprehensive preparedness measures. Finally, a region-specific GMM is developed using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to predict peak ground motion parameters with an online platform accessible to end-users.
Crossover detection based on variances of slope differences for multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA)
Authors: Moreno-Pulido Soledad , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Ruiz Patricia , Pavón-Domínguez Pablo
Published: November 2024

Multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) describes long-range correlations across scales in time series in terms of the linear fittings of the fluctuation functions $$F_q(s)$$

F
q

(
s
)

for every moment q considered. It is relatively common to find time scales, also called crossovers, where different linearities are found at each side of the $$F_q(s)$$

F
q

(
s
)

, leading to different (multi-)fractal properties. Generally, crossovers are manually identified by experts, subject then to their skills and possible bias. In this work, a novel methodology based on the variances of the slope differences (CDV-A) is proposed to automatically detect crossovers. A set of synthetic fluctuation functions with different mono-fractal and multi-fractal features, different noise levels and known crossovers is generated to assess the CDV-A. Moreover, the proposed methodology is also applied to state of the art fluctuation functions in order to compare the proposed manual and automated locations of the crossovers. Results show the proposed methodology is highly accurate, specially in low noise synthetic fluctuation functions and in most of the real cases.
Breaking away from family control? Collaboration among political organisations and social media endorsement among their constituents
Authors: Wagner Paul M. , Malkamäki Arttu , Ylä-Anttila Tuomas
Published: November 2024

Coalitions that engage in political advocacy are constituted by organisations, which are made up of individuals and organisational subunits. Comparing the coalitions formed by organisations to the those formed by their constituent parts provides a means of examining the extent to which their coalition memberships are aligned. This paper applies inferential network clustering methods to survey data collected from organisations engaging in Irish climate change politics and to X (formerly twitter) data extracted from both the primary accounts of these organisations and the accounts of the individuals and subunits affiliated with them. Analysis of the survey-based organisation-level policy network finds evidence of an outsider coalition, formed by non-governmental organisations, labour unions and left-leaning political parties, and an insider coalition formed by the two main political parties in government, energy sector organisations, business and agricultural interests, scientific organisations, and government bodies. An analysis of the X-based account-level endorsement network finds evidence for a nested coalition structure wherein there are multiple distinct communities, which largely align with the organisation-level coalitions. Most interestingly, the largest and most active community is formed by accounts affiliated with the organisations with agricultural interests—the sector most opposed to ambitious climate action in Ireland. The results show how the somewhat disjoint behaviours of formal organisations and their affiliates give rise to nested coalitions, which can only be identified by disaggregating organisations by their constituent parts.
Multiple social factors are associated with wellbeing when accounting for shared genetic and environmental confounding
Authors: Bjørndal Ludvig Daae , Nes Ragnhild Bang , Ayorech Ziada , Vassend Olav , Røysamb Espen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Social factors are associated with mental health and wellbeing. However, few studies have examined genetic and environmental influences on social factors themselves, limiting current understanding of influences on aspects of the social environment. Most studies which have identified links between social factors and mental health are also limited by the possible influence of unmeasured genetic and environmental confounding. In this study, we investigated the genetic and environmental underpinnings of multiple social factors (relationship satisfaction, loneliness, attachment, trust, relationship disruptions), and their associations with life satisfaction measured concurrently and six years later, after accounting for shared genetic and environmental confounding.

Methods

Data from a population-based sample of adult twins (N = 1987) and two measurement timepoints were used for the primary analyses. We used multivariate Cholesky models to estimate genetic and environmental influences across five social factors. Subsequently, we conducted co-twin control analyses to examine associations between social factors and wellbeing after controlling for shared genetic and environmental confounding.

Results

Heritability estimates for the social factors ranged from 24 to 42%. Genetic correlations across social factors were substantial, indicative of considerable genetic overlap. Associations between wellbeing and relationship satisfaction, loneliness, anxious and avoidant attachment, trust, and disruptions in relationships in the past year were attenuated in co-twin control analyses but remained statistically significant. Relationship satisfaction, loneliness, and attachment avoidance were also associated with wellbeing measured six years later in estimates which controlled for shared genetic and environmental confounding.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that multiple social factors are associated with wellbeing after accounting for potential confounding by shared genetic and/or environmental factors. These findings highlight the importance of multiple aspects of the social environment for wellbeing in older adulthood. Future studies should examine the directionality in associations between social factors and mental health and assess these relationships beyond older adulthood.
EQ-5D-5L value set for Norway: a hybrid model using cTTO and DCE data
Authors: Garratt Andrew M. , Stavem Knut , Shaw James W. , Rand Kim
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To develop the Norwegian value set for the EQ-5D-5L based on interviews with a representative sample of the Norwegian adult population.

Methods

Random and quota sampling were used to recruit the sample of adults (age> 18 years) representative of the Norwegian general population. Data collection followed EQ-VT 2.1 undertaken before and after the COVID-19 pandemic from November 2019 to December 2022, using PC-assisted and video conferencing interviews, respectively. Each respondent valued 10 health states using composite time trade-off (cTTO) and 7 health states using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Different statistical models were assessed for logical consistency and predictive accuracy using cTTO and DCE data alone or in combination as hybrid models.

Results

Of the 1,321 respondents, 1,237 met inclusion criteria. All statistical models demonstrated logical consistency. The weighted hybrid model combining both cTTOand DCE data was preferred and had the highest predictive accuracy. Predicted values ranged from -0.453 to 1, and the dimension of anxiety/depression was the most highly valued by respondents, followed by pain/discomfort, self-care, mobility, and usual activities. These findings are not dissimilar to those for most Western European countries, and regression coefficients are closest to those for other Scandinavian countries.

Conclusion

This study provides the Norwegian value set for the EQ-5D-5L based on health state values obtained from members of the adult general population in Norway. This is an important contribution to economic evaluation and the broader application ofthe EQ-5D-5L in Norway including clinical and health services research, and quality measurement.
An empirical analysis of gender differences in asymmetric labor adjustment: evidence from Korea
Authors: Cho Meeok , Hyeon Jiwon , Lee Woo-Jong , Sunwoo Hee-Yeon
Published: November 2024

This paper documents the difference in asymmetric labor adjustment between male and female employees, as alluded to in the labor economics literature. Based on detailed gender-specific employment disclosures of Korean-listed firms, we report a significant presence of labor cost stickiness. Breaking labor costs down, we further show that labor cost stickiness is mainly attributable to the asymmetric adjustment of employment rather than that of wages. More importantly, this adjustment is more salient for males than it is for females, suggesting that managers tend to dismiss females to a greater extent than males during sales downturns than they recruit during sales upturns. In cross-sectional analyses, we present evidence that formal and informal institutions underlie the asymmetric labor adjustment. Lastly, gender differences in asymmetric labor adjustment widen the tenure gap across gender, which may contribute to the low likelihood of firms appointing and promoting female executives.
The Concept of Weight as Reflecting the Epistemological Changes in Physics
Authors: Galili Igal
Published: November 2024

The goal of this study was to elicit and juxtapose the account of the concept of weight in history vis a vis physics education. The results reveal the problem of consistency in the currently employed teaching materials. The weight concept is very old and remains ubiquitous in science. Its history reflects the maturation of scientific methodology. The latter implied three periods of its development: old, classical, and modern. The “old” weight designated heaviness, or gravity, of bodies and the quantity of matter, both measured through weighing by balance. The “old” weight served as the basis for trade and technology. “Old” weight split in the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century into mass and gravitational force that explained the weight of massive objects—weight was identified with gravitational force. The third period followed the scientific revolution of the twentieth century. Classical Mechanics adopted the equivalence principle and included the accelerated observers. This implied redefinition of weight by the operational definition as the result of weighing. Thus, weight was distinguished from the gravitational force. All three periods reflect the change of physics methodology. In education, physics textbooks are currently divided between the contradictory accounts of the second and third periods of weight history. The weight concept is often confused by students who show numerous related misconceptions. Facing this complexity, we argue for using weight teaching as a tool for promoting the modern perspective of knowledge construction in physics, its epistemology, that is, revealing the nature of science, the need for a reliable operational definition alongside a theoretical one, to the students. The teaching in accordance with the discipline-culture paradigm emphasizes the discursive nature of science, reveals the conceptual dialogue, and suggests its presentation in science/physics classes.
Prediction of Geoeffective CMEs Using SOHO Images and Deep Learning
Authors: Alobaid Khalid A. , Wang Jason T. L. , Wang Haimin , Jing Ju , Abduallah Yasser , Wang Zhenduo , Farooki Hameedullah , Cavus Huseyin , Yurchyshyn Vasyl
Published: November 2024

The application of machine learning to the study of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their impacts on Earth has seen significant growth recently. Understanding and forecasting CME geoeffectiveness are crucial for protecting infrastructure in space and ensuring the resilience of technological systems on Earth. Here we present GeoCME, a deep-learning framework designed to predict, deterministically or probabilistically, whether a CME event that arrives at Earth will cause a geomagnetic storm. A geomagnetic storm is defined as a disturbance of the Earth’s magnetosphere during which the minimum Dst index value is less than −50 nT. GeoCME is trained on observations from the instruments including LASCO C2, EIT, and MDI on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), focusing on a dataset that includes 136 halo/partial halo CMEs in Solar Cycle 23. Using ensemble and transfer learning techniques, GeoCME is capable of extracting features hidden in the SOHO observations and making predictions based on the learned features. Our experimental results demonstrate the good performance of GeoCME, achieving a Matthew’s correlation coefficient of 0.807 and a true skill statistics score of 0.714 when the tool is used as a deterministic prediction model. When the tool is used as a probabilistic forecasting model, it achieves a Brier score of 0.094 and a Brier skill score of 0.493. These results are promising, showing that the proposed GeoCME can help enhance our understanding of CME-triggered solar-terrestrial interactions.
Is Mandatory Community Service a Catalyst for Civic Growth or Fruitless Servitude?: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hwiyoung P. , Cnaan Ram A.
Published: November 2024

Diminishing civic vitality has been reported in numerous societies, irrespective of democratic maturity. Mandatory community service initiatives in schools have garnered attention as a strategy for fostering long-term civic engagement. However, methodological challenges such as selection bias and observation timing have led to inconsistent empirical results. This study leverages a unique natural experimental context where mandatory community service requirements were nationally implemented in middle and high schools in South Korea. Employing a non-parametric regression-discontinuity design, we provide robust evidence that such programs increase the likelihood of volunteering in adulthood among lower socioeconomic groups. We found no indications that these mandates increase or decrease the propensity for civic engagement among higher socioeconomic groups.
Source, transport, and fate of nitrate in shallow groundwater in the eastern Niger Delta
Authors: Aleku Dogo Lawrence , Dähnke Kirstin , Pichler Thomas
Published: November 2024

The eastern Niger Delta region in Nigeria is a hotspot for reactive nitrogen pollution due to extensive animal husbandry, pit latrine usage, and agricultural practices. Despite the high level of human activity, the sources and processes affecting nitrogen in groundwater remain understudied. Groundwater nitrate (NO3−) concentrations are highly variable, with some areas recording values well above the safe drinking water threshold of 50 mg/L. This is particularly true near municipal sewage systems. Elevated nitrite (NO2−) and ammonium (NH4+) concentrations were also detected in the study area. Sewage analysis revealed NO3− concentrations ranging from 1 to 145 mg/L, NO2− from 0.2 to 2 mg/L, and notably high NH4+ concentrations. A comparison of major ions indicated that 71%, 90%, 87%, and 92% of groundwater samples surpassed reference site levels for calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl−), respectively, pointing to sewage as a likely source of contamination. The NO3−/Cl− ratios at several sites suggested that most groundwater NO3− originates from human waste. Stable isotope analysis of NO3− showed a general enrichment in 15N and, in some cases, a depletion in 18O, indicating that the NO3− originates from sewage-derived NH4+ nitrification. Although denitrification, a process that reduces NO3−, is present, the high dissolved oxygen (DO) and NO3− levels in the groundwater suggest that denitrification is insufficient to fully mitigate NO3− pollution. Consequently, there is a risk of NO3− leaching from shallow aquifers into the Niger Delta’s surface waters and ultimately into the coastal ocean.
Subsurface Weave Pattern Influences on Polymer Cold Spray Deposits onto Woven Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Kaminskyj Madison , Mennie Nicholas , Singh Nand , Koohbor Behrad , Haas Francis M.
Published: November 2024

The polymer cold spray (CS) process has recently been demonstrated as a promising coating and repair technique for fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). However, a noticeable variation in coating thickness (herein referred to as checkerboard pattern) often occurs in the initial pass of low-pressure CS deposition. The checkerboard pattern occurs due to the periodic variations in matrix thickness and volume above the subsurface fiber weave pattern. When the initial pass exhibits the so-called checkerboard pattern, the CS deposition for subsequent passes may be negatively affected in terms of deposition efficiency, porosity, adhesion, surface roughness, and thickness consistency. The present work compares results of both numerical simulations and experimental studies performed to reveal the governing mechanisms for and elimination of checkerboarding. Single particle impact numerical simulations are conducted to observe thermomechanical behavior of particles during CS impact on the FRP surface at different regions of the composite material. Complementary experimental CS studies of exemplar powders onto FRPs with various surface interlayer thicknesses are also presented and discussed. Experimental analyses of deposits include microstructural observations to compare against the simulations while also providing practical strategies for the elimination of checkerboarding effects. It is demonstrated that the thickness and volume of the matrix region underneath the impact area are the main contributing factors that govern the CS deposition variations on CFRP substrates. As such, increasing the surface epoxy layer thickness beyond a critical value can reduce the effect of substrate stiffness effects imposed by the subsurface fiber tows, thereby effectively eliminating the checkerboard patterns.
Statistical properties of partially observed integrated functional depths
Authors: Elías Antonio , Nagy Stanislav
Published: November 2024

Integrated functional depths (IFDs) present a versatile toolbox of methods introducing notions of ordering, quantiles, and rankings into a functional data analysis context. They provide fundamental tools for nonparametric inference of infinite-dimensional data. Recently, the literature has extended IFDs to address the challenges posed by partial observability of functional data, commonly encountered in practice. That resulted in the development of partially observed integrated functional depths (POIFDs). POIFDs have demonstrated good empirical results in simulated experiments and real problems. However, there are still no theoretical results in line with the state of the art of IFDs. This article addresses this gap by providing theoretical support for POIFDs, including (i) uniform consistency of their sample versions, (ii) weak continuity with respect to the underlying probability measure, and (iii) uniform consistency for discretely observed functional data. Finally, we present a sensitivity analysis that evaluates how our theoretical results are affected by violations of the main assumptions.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Quality of Employment in Colombia
Authors: Mora Jhon James , Arranz José María
Published: November 2024

This article analyses the effect of COVID-19 on the quality of employment in Colombia. Based on the construction of two job quality indexes, we estimate a pseudo-panel-ordered probit model correcting for measurement errors and the endogeneity of education. Depending on the job quality index, our results show that the probability of having a low-quality job increases between 1.6 and 27.8 percent points (p.p). In contrast, the probability of having a high-quality job decreases by 8.3 and 21.4 p.p. due to COVID-19. Also, people with higher levels of education are more likely to have high-quality jobs in Colombia; being a Venezuelan immigrant reduces the probability of having quality jobs, and being a woman has different effects depending on the index.