bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Microfeeding of Polymer and Metal Powders for Locally Graded Properties in Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rothfelder R. , Lanzl L. , Selzam J. , Drummer D. , Schmidt M.
Published: October 2021

Subject of this work is the contact mechanical properties and flowability of polymer and metal powders when they are dispensed on the surface of a powder bed for use in laser-based powder bed fusion in additive manufacturing. Generating local part properties in metal as well as polymer-based powder bed fusion processes is of high interest, so an approach is made to locally add additives by a vibrational microfeeding system for metal and polymer powders. To realize a controlled powder discharge, the behavior of additives, which are dropped on a surface and on a powder bed is analyzed. Influencing factors for mass flow of the powders will be excitation frequency, excitation amplitude and capillary diameter on the side of experimental setup as well as particle size distribution and physical properties on the material side.
Diagnosis of Carney complex following multiple recurrent cardiac myxomas
Authors: Yokoyama Shigeki , Nagao Kanetsugu , Higashida Akihiko , Aoki Masaya , Yamashita Shigeyuki , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Doi Toshio , Yamashita Akio , Fukahara Kazuaki , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: October 2021

Carney complex is a rare syndrome caused by a genetic mutation leading to multiple endocrine abnormalities and a variety of tumors. Here, we report a case of Carney complex diagnosed due to recurrent multiple myxomas in the right atrium of a patient 16 years after the resection of the primary left atrial myxoma. Surgical excision was performed for the multiple recurrent right atrial tumors under cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient remained complication-free after surgery and was discharged on the 14th day. He was scheduled to continue echocardiographic follow-up and periodic systemic review by an endocrinologist. This case emphasizes the fact that if cardiac myxomas tend to be multiple and recurrent at a relatively young age, the possibility of Carney complex should be considered, even in the absence of any other related feature other than cardiac tumors.
The Overlooked Hybrid: Geographic Distribution and Niche Differentiation Between Spartina Cytotypes (Poaceae) in Wadden Sea Salt Marshes
Authors: Granse Dirk , Romeiro Motta Mariana , Suchrow Sigrid , von Schwartzenberg Klaus , Schnittger Arp , Jensen Kai
Published: October 2021

Whole genome duplications (WGDs) lead to polyploid specimens and are regarded as major drivers for speciation and diversification in plants. One prevalent problem when studying WGDs is that effects of polyploidization in ancient polyploids cannot be disentangled from the consequences of selective evolutionary forces. Cytotypic differences in distribution, phenotypic appearance and in response to surface elevation (determined by HOF-modeling) were identified in a relatively young taxa-group of a hexaploid F1-hybrid (Spartina× townsendii H. Groves & J. Groves, Poaceae) and its dodecaploid descendent (Spartina anglica C.E. Hubbard, Poaceae) using vegetation assessments (1029 plots; 1 × 1 m2) from the European Wadden Sea mainland salt marshes, including elevational and mean high tidal (MHT) data. While the F1-hybrid was mainly present in the eastern part of the Wadden Sea, its dodecaploid descendent occurred in the entire Wadden Sea area. The Spartina cytotypes differed in phenotypes (median of Spartina cover: hexaploid = 25% vs. dodecaploid = 12%) and in elevational niche-optimum (hexaploid = − 49.5 cm MHT vs. dodecaploid = 8.0 cm MHT). High ploidy levels correlated with establishment success in Spartina along geographic gradients but did not seem to increase the capacity to cope with abiotic severity downwards the elevational gradient in salt marshes.
Sensitivity of Estuaries to Compound Flooding
Authors: Harrison Lisa M. , Coulthard Tom J. , Robins Peter E. , Lewis Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

Fluvial and surge-tide extremes can occur synchronously resulting in compound flooding in estuaries, greatly intensifying the hazard. This flood risk has the potential to increase in the future as the frequency, phasing and/or intensity of these drivers change. Improved understanding of how extreme fluvial discharge and surge-tides interact will help inform future flood mitigation methodology. In this paper, therefore, we resolve for the first time intra-estuary sensitivities to fluvial and surge-tide extremes, for two contrasting UK estuaries (Humber and Dyfi). Model simulations at hyper-spatial resolution (< 50 m) using a 2D hydrodynamic model predicted compound flooding hazards based on: (1) present-day extreme events (worst on record); (2) present-day extreme events with shifted timings of the drivers to maximise flooding; and (3) modified drivers representing projected climate change. We found that in a small estuary with short-duration, high-intensity fluvial inputs (Dyfi), flood extent is sensitive to the relative timing of the fluvial and surge-tide drivers. In contrast, the relative timing of these drivers did not affect flooding in a larger estuary with a slower fluvial response to rainfall (Humber). In the Humber, extreme fluvial inputs during a compound hazard actually reduced maximum water depths in the outer estuary, compared with a surge-tide-only event. Projected future changes in these drivers by 2100 will increase compound flooding hazards: simulated sea-level rise scenarios predicted substantial and widespread flooding in both estuaries. However, projected increases in surge-tide behaved differently to sea-level rise of the same magnitude, resulting in a greater seawater influx and more flooding. Increased fluvial volumes were the weakest driver of estuarine flooding. In this paper we show how these interactions are complex and how the hydrodynamics vary considerably between different estuaries and sites within estuaries, making it difficult to generalise, use probabilistic or use 1D approaches for assessing compound flooding hazards. Hence, we contribute new knowledge and methods for catchment-to-coast impact modelling used for flood mitigation strategies.
Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Infusion of Non-formulated Furosemide in Patients with Worsening Heart Failure: a Real-World Study
Authors: Civera Jose , de la Espriella Rafael , Heredia Raquel , Miñana Gema , Santas Enrique , Conesa Adriana , Mollar Anna , Sastre Clara , Martínez Ana , Villaescusa Amparo , Núñez Julio
Published: October 2021

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy (short-term changes in surrogates of decongestion) and safety following the ambulatory administration of subcutaneous furosemide (SCF) in patients with WHF. Fifty-five ambulatory patients were treated with SCF administered by an elastomeric pump for at least 72 h. Surrogates of congestion were assessed at baseline, 72 h, and 30 days. Spot urinary sodium (uNa+) was assessed at baseline, 24-48-72 h, and 30 days. The median (IQI) of NT-proBNP and uNa+ at baseline was 5218 pg/mL (2856-10878) and 68±3 mmol/L, respectively. Following administration of SCF (median dose of 100 mg/daily), we found a sustained increase in uNa+ during the first 72 h of treatment compared to baseline, paralleled with evidence of decongestion at 72 h, and 30 days. No significant safety concerns were observed. SCF was an effective and safe diuretic strategy for outpatient congestion management.

Graphical abstract
Update Nagelchirurgie
Authors: Böhler Kornelia
Published: October 2021

Im Gesamtkontext der Haut als größtes Organ des Menschen mag das Nagelorgan unscheinbar erscheinen, dennoch hat es nicht nur eine herausragende Stellung als Indikator für Systemerkrankungen, sondern wird im Allgemeinen als ästhetisch überaus bedeutend wahrgenommen. Chirurgische Interventionen erfordern neben einer genauen Kenntnis der Anatomie und Physiologie Fingerspitzengefühl und Erfahrung, um das chirurgische Trauma so minimal wie möglich zu halten und irreversible Dystrophien zu vermeiden. Neben grundsätzlichen Maßnahmen rund um chirurgische Interventionen am Nagelorgan wird auf operative Eingriffe an der Nagelplatte, dem Nagelbett sowie der Nagelmatrix gesondert eingegangen.
Mortars and plasters—how to manage mortars and plasters conservation
Authors: Caroselli Marta , Ruffolo Silvestro A. , Piqué Francesca
Published: October 2021

The use of mortars and plasters has been widespread in many cultures for thousands of years and these materials are found in the vast majority of built cultural heritage. They play a crucial role in the preservation of immovable heritage and must be taken into great consideration when conserving historical buildings. Plasters and mortars have been extensively studied from a chemical and mineralogical point of view. The main causes and mechanisms of damage and deterioration are understood and various methods and materials have been developed for their preservation. Treatment development, testing and evaluation in the laboratory, under controlled conditions, has produced a high level of knowledge. However, there is a divergence between the results of academic-scientific studies and practice in the field. Laboratory studies typically tackle only a few variables at the time and the results cannot always be directly applied to address the complex problems that restorers face in their daily work practice. In addition, in situ conservation-restoration is extremely challenging because many of large number of variables involved cannot be controlled or modified. Following a description of the ideal “value-based” conservation process, this compilation work discusses aspects related to understanding deterioration mechanisms and planning of preventive and remedial interventions in a way that may be useful to update conservators-restorers on the status of scientific research in this field, and to guide conservation-scientists to identify unresolved issues, which require future research efforts.
Wall paintings through the ages: the roman period—Republic and early Empire
Authors: Salvadori Monica , Sbrolli Clelia
Published: October 2021

This paper aims at presenting an overview of Roman wall painting production between late Republic and the early Empire. It will focus on the technique and style of in situ wall paintings from the Vesuvian area (Italy). Frescoes are indeed an integral part of architecture and reflect the patrons’ ambitions and social level as well as the craftsmen’s technical know-how. Since this is a handicraft product, the quality of materials, the craftsmen’s skills and the technique are fundamental to understand the fresco’s value and the message that the patron wished to communicate through the use of elaborate schemes, expensive colours or certain mythological themes.
A computerized facial approximation method for archaic humans based on dense facial soft tissue thickness depths
Authors: Shui Wuyang , Zhang Yameng , Wu Xiujie , Zhou Mingquan
Published: October 2021

Facial approximation (FA) is a common tool used to recreate the possible facial appearance of a deceased person based on the relationship between soft tissue and the skull. Although this technique has been primarily applied to modern humans in the realm of forensic science and archaeology, only a few studies have attempted to produce FAs for archaic humans. This study presented a computerized FA approach for archaic humans based on the assumption that the facial soft tissue thickness depths (FSTDs) of modern living humans are similar to those of archaic humans. Additionally, we employed geometric morphometrics (GM) to examine the geometric morphological variations between the approximated faces and modern human faces. Our method has been applied to the Jinniushan (JNS) 1 archaic human, which is one of the most important fossils of the Middle Pleistocene, dating back to approximately 260,000 BP. The overall shape of the approximated face has a relatively lower forehead and robust eyebrows; a protruding, wider, and elongated middle and upper face; and a broad and short nose. Results also indicate skull morphology and the distribution of FSTDs influence the approximated face. These experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can approximate a plausible and reproducible face of an archaic human.
Building heterogeneous ensembles by pooling homogeneous ensembles
Authors: Sabzevari Maryam , Martínez-Muñoz Gonzalo , Suárez Alberto
Published: October 2021

Heterogeneous ensembles consist of predictors of different types, which are likely to have different biases. If these biases are complementary, the combination of their decisions is beneficial and could be superior to homogeneous ensembles. In this paper, a family of heterogeneous ensembles is built by pooling classifiers from M homogeneous ensembles of different types of size T. Depending on the fraction of base classifiers of each type, a particular heterogeneous combination in this family is represented by a point in a regular simplex in M dimensions. The M vertices of this simplex represent the different homogeneous ensembles. A displacement away from one of these vertices effects a smooth transformation of the corresponding homogeneous ensemble into a heterogeneous one. The optimal composition of such heterogeneous ensemble can be determined using cross-validation or, if bootstrap samples are used to build the individual classifiers, out-of-bag data. The proposed heterogeneous ensemble building strategy, composed of neural networks, SVMs, and random trees (i.e. from a standard random forest), is analyzed in a comprehensive empirical analysis and compared to a benchmark of other heterogeneous and homogeneous ensembles. The achieved results illustrate the gains that can be achieved by the proposed ensemble creation method with respect to both homogeneous ensembles and to the tested heterogeneous building strategy at a fraction of the training cost.
Optimization of FDM 3D printing process parameters to produce haemodialysis curcumin-loaded vascular grafts
Authors: Basile Sara , Mathew Essyrose , Genta Ida , Conti Bice , Dorati Rossella , Lamprou Dimitrios A.
Published: October 2021

3D printing has provided a new prospective in the manufacturing of personalized medical implants, including fistulas for haemodialysis (HD). In the current study, an optimized fused modelling deposition (FDM) 3D printing method has been validated, for the first time, to obtain cylindrical shaped fistulas. Printing parameters were evaluated for the manufacturing of fistulas using blank and 0.25% curcumin-loaded filaments that were produced by hot melt extrusion (HME). Four different fistula types have been designed and characterized using a variety of physicochemical characterization methods. Each design was printed three times to demonstrate printing process accuracy considering outer and inner diameter, wall thickness, width, and length. A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) biocompatible elastomer was chosen, showing good mechanical properties with a high elastic modulus and maximum elongation, as well as stability at high temperatures with less than 0.8% of degradation at the range between 25 and 250 °C. Curcumin release profile has been evaluated in a saline buffer, obtaining a low release (12%) and demonstrating drug could continue release for a longer period, and for as long as grafts should remain in patient body. Possibility to produce drug-loaded grafts using one-step method as well as 3D printing process and TPU filaments containing curcumin printability has been demonstrated.

Graphical abstract
Emotional AI, Ethics, and Japanese Spice: Contributing Community, Wholeness, Sincerity, and Heart
Authors: McStay Andrew
Published: October 2021

This paper assesses leading Japanese philosophical thought since the onset of Japan’s modernity: namely, from the Meiji Restoration (1868) onwards. It argues that there are lessons of global value for AI ethics to be found from examining leading Japanese philosophers of modernity and ethics (Yukichi Fukuzawa, Nishida Kitaro, Nishi Amane, and Watsuji Tetsurō), each of whom engaged closely with Western philosophical traditions. Turning to these philosophers allows us to advance from what are broadly individualistically and Western-oriented ethical debates regarding emergent technologies that function in relation to AI, by introducing notions of community, wholeness, sincerity, and heart. With reference to AI that pertains to profile, judge, learn, and interact with human emotion (emotional AI), this paper contends that (a) Japan itself may internally make better use of historic indigenous ethical thought, especially as it applies to question of data and relationships with technology; but also (b) that externally Western and global ethical discussion regarding emerging technologies will find valuable insights from Japan. The paper concludes by distilling from Japanese philosophers of modernity four ethical suggestions, or spices, in relation to emerging technological contexts for Japan’s national AI policies and international fora, such as standards development and global AI ethics policymaking.
Towards a high robust neural network via feature matching
Authors: Li Jian , Guo Yanming , Lao Songyang , Wu Yulun , Bai Liang , Wei Yingmei
Published: October 2021

Image classification systems have been found vulnerable to adversarial attack, which is imperceptible to human but can easily fool deep neural networks. Recent researches indicate that regularizing the network by introducing randomness could greatly improve the model’s robustness against adversarial attack, but the randomness module would normally involve complex calculations and numerous additional parameters and seriously affect the model performance on clean data. In this paper, we propose a feature matching module to regularize the network. Specifically, our model learns a feature vector for each category and imposes additional restrictions on image features. Then, the similarity between image features and category features is used as the basis for classification. Our method does not introduce any additional network parameters than undefended model and can be easily integrated into any neural network. Experiments on the CIFAR10 and SVHN datasets highlight that our proposed module can effectively improve both clean data and perturbed data accuracy in comparison with the state-of-the-art defense methods and outperform the L2P method by 6.3$$\%$$%, 24$$\%$$%on clean and perturbed data, respectively, using ResNet-V2(18) architecture.
Ungewissheit in Schulentwicklungsprozessen am Beispiel von Digitalisierung
Authors: Killus Dagmar , Gerick Julia
Published: October 2021

Schulentwicklung kann als bewusste und systematische Gestaltung und Verbesserung schulischer Qualität an der Einzelschule aufgefasst werden. Angesichts dieser (Ideal-)Vorstellung richtet der Beitrag den Blick auf Ungewissheitsmomente in solchen Schulentwicklungsprozessen, die sich auf das Lernen mit digitalen Medien beziehen. Datenbasis bilden 20 Interviews mit Projektkoordinator/innen an Schulen unterschiedlicher Schulformen in Schleswig-Holstein. Mit Hilfe einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Bereiche von Schule eine Relevanz für Ungewissheit haben und wie sich diese Ungewissheit näher beschreiben lässt. Damit verbindet der Beitrag die beiden – bislang weitestgehend unabhängig voneinander verlaufenden – Diskurse zur Schulentwicklung und zur Ungewissheit und leistet einen empirisch fundierten Beitrag zur Spezifik von Ungewissheit in Schulentwicklungsprozessen. Schlussfolgerungen für die Schulentwicklungsforschung und die Gestaltung von Schulentwicklungsprozessen im Bereich des Lernens mit digitalen Medien (aber auch darüber hinaus) werden abschließend diskutiert.
The association between erosive tooth wear and diet, hygiene habits and health awareness in adolescents aged 15 in Poland
Authors: Rusyan E. , Grabowska E. , Strużycka I.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and risk indicators in the population of adolescents aged 15 in Poland.

Methods

Erosive tooth wear in 2639 participants was determined by calibrated examiners according to the BEWE scoring system, and the prevalence of risk factors was assessed on the basis of a survey.

Results

Erosive tooth wear was reported in 24.3% of participants. Initial loss of surface (BEWE 1) was the predominant finding, observed in 21.3% of participants. Hard tissue loss (BEWE 2 and 3) occurred very rarely, only in 3% of participants. Acidic diet, masculine gender and lower socio-economic status were associated with higher prevalence and severity of erosive lesions in the examined population.

Conclusion

Two modifiable factors—acidic diet and low health awareness—were found to be highly unsatisfactory in the adolescents aged 15 in Poland. Accordingly, to prevent the deterioration of the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth in young people, certain measures, such as routine clinical examination, education, dietary consulting and prophylaxis, should be implemented as early as possible, focusing predominantly on families with lower socio-economic status.
Prospektive und prozessbezogene Kompetenzanalyse im Digitalisierungskontext – Gestaltung und Erprobung eines Vorgehens
Authors: Depenbusch Sarah , Bender Elena , Schaper Niclas
Published: October 2021

Im Zuge der Digitalisierung von Arbeits- und Geschäftsprozessen ist es wichtig, Kompetenzanforderungen zukunftsbezogen und konkret zu ermitteln, um Entwicklungsbedarfe frühzeitig zu erkennen. Dieser Beitrag untersucht daher, wie zukünftige Kompetenzen zugleich prospektiv und prozessbezogen erfasst werden können. Dazu wird ein Vorgehen erprobt, welches verschiedene Verfahren der Anforderungsanalyse integriert. In der gegenwartsbezogenen Analysephase werden zunächst die Kompetenzen ermittelt, die für den Prozess vor dessen digitaler Veränderung relevant sind, und in gegenwarts- und prozessbezogenen Kompetenzprofilen zusammengefasst. In der zukunftsbezogenen Analysephase werden anschließend die für den veränderten, digitalisierten Prozess erforderlichen Kompetenzen hergeleitet und in zukunfts- und prozessbezogenen Kompetenzprofilen abgebildet. Die Kompetenzerhebung erfolgt in beiden Analysephasen mittels Experteninterviews, in denen dieselben Befragungsinstrumente eingesetzt werden. Durch einen Vergleich der gegenwarts- und zukunftsbezogenen Kompetenzprofile lassen sich schließlich zukünftige Kompetenzentwicklungsbedarfe der Mitarbeitenden prozessbezogen und prospektiv ableiten.

Praktische Relevanz: Das Vorgehen ermöglicht Unternehmen die prospektive und prozessbezogene Erfassung zukünftig relevanter Kompetenzen und Entwicklungsbedarfe sowie die Gestaltung individueller und prozessorientierter Kompetenzentwicklungsmaßnahmen, insbesondere im Digitalisierungskontext. Die prospektive Ableitung des zukünftigen Entwicklungsbedarfs ist wichtig, um technologisch mit dem digitalen Wandel Schritt zu halten und die Mitarbeitenden dabei proaktiv mit einzubeziehen.
Einflussfaktoren auf die Nutzungsintention von Pflegekräften zur Verwendung digitaler Technologien in der ambulanten Pflege – Fallstudie zur Einführung eines Sensortextils
Authors: Güsken Sarah Ranjana , Frings Katrin , Zafar Faizan , Saltan Timur , Fuchs-Frohnhofen Paul , Bitter-Krahe Jan
Published: October 2021

Durch die steigende Arbeitsbelastung in der Pflegebranche werden Arbeitsprozesse zunehmend digitalisiert. Die Folge eines unzureichenden Einbezugs von Pflegekräften in diesen Digitalisierungsprozess zeigt sich in schlecht integrierten technologischen Entwicklungen mit ausbleibender Technikakzeptanz. Um eine Basis für eine erfolgreiche Technikentwicklung in der ambulanten Pflege legen zu können, gilt es zunächst die Nutzungsabsicht ambulanter Pflegekräfte besser zu verstehen. Zur Untersuchung der Nutzungsabsicht wird in dieser Arbeit ein Modell entwickelt, das Einflussfaktoren auf die Nutzungsintention von digitalen Technologien in der ambulanten Pflege anhand einer Fallstudie zur Einführung einer textilen Sensormatte aufzeigt. Im entwickelten Modell wird erstmals neben der Technikakzeptanz auch die Pflegesituation als Einflussfaktor auf die Nutzungsintention betrachtet und untersucht. Neben der Herleitung der Faktoren des Modells und der Untersuchung der Stärke ihrer Einflüsse wird die praktische Relevanz für Technikentwickler*innen auch in anderen Pflegekontexten abgeleitet.

Praktische Relevanz: Der demographische Wandel in der deutschen Bevölkerung führt zu großen Herausforderungen in unterschiedlichen Branchen. In der ohnehin bereits stark vom Fachkräftemangel betroffenen Pflegebranche macht sich dieser Wandel besonders in einer Zunahme pflegebedürftiger Menschen in der ambulanten Pflege und einer hohen Arbeitsbelastung der Beschäftigten bemerkbar. Zur Reduktion dieser Arbeitsbelastung werden daher vermehrt digitale Technologien verwendet, die den Arbeitsalltag von Pflegekräften hinsichtlich physischer und psychischer Faktoren erleichtern sollen. Das in dieser Studie entwickelte Modell beschreibt – auf Basis eines Fallbeispiels zur Einführung einer Sensormatte – förderliche und hinderliche Faktoren für die Technikeinführung in der ambulanten Pflege und trägt so zu einer gelingenden Digitalisierung in diesem Berufsbereich bei.
Kompatibilität aus der Perspektive des Designs
Authors: Kießling Marion
Published: October 2021

Ergonomen wie Designer planen Mensch-Maschine-Systeme mit dem Ziel, den technischen Teil des Systems den menschlichen Eigengesetzlichkeiten anzupassen – Kompatibilität der Maschine mit dem Menschen herzustellen. Trotz des gemeinsamen Ziels gehen beide Disziplinen unterschiedlich mit dieser Aufgabe um und nutzen dafür unterschiedliche Begriffe. Hier werden die in der Gestaltung wichtigen Aspekte beschrieben: Was macht gute Kommunikation innerhalb des Mensch-Maschine-Systems aus? Was meinen Designer, wenn sie von der Funktion eines Produktes sprechen? Wie stellt sich die Paßgenauigkeit, das Maß der Kompatibilität, aus Sicht der Designer dar? Wie werden Erkenntnisse aus der Gestaltpsychologie und der Wahrnehmungspsychologie umgesetzt?

Gestalter gehen insbesondere auf die emotionalen, gesellschaftlichen und ästhetischen Bedürfnisse der Nutzer ein. Sie beschäftigen sich mit der Vorstellung, dem Konzept des Nutzers von dem Objekt, mit dem er interagiert und versuchen ihn dort abzuholen.

Je genauer diese Passung mit Einzelprodukten und ganzen Systemen gelingt, umso besser ist die Akzeptanz und der Anreiz, die Mensch-Maschine-Systeme auszureizen, ja zu genießen.

Ästhetik betrifft die Wahrnehmung und die Entscheidungsprozesse. Sie ist keine oberflächliche Dreingabe, die Designer einem technischen Produkt aufsetzen, sondern berühren die fundamentalen Bedürfnisse der Menschen. Diese Produkte funktionieren schön, sie weisen eine um die ästhetischen Aspekte erweiterte Kompatibilität auf.

Praktische Relevanz: Technische Kompatibilität kommt erst zum Tragen, wenn das Gerät wirklich benutzt wird. Genutzt wird es, wenn der Nutzer über die praktische Funktion hinaus einen emotionalen Mehrwert (Joy of Use) vermutet.
Vertical profile of the clear-sky aerosol direct radiative effect in an Alpine valley, by the synergy of ground-based measurements and radiative transfer simulations
Authors: Fasano Gabriele , Diémoz Henri , Fountoulakis Ilias , Cassardo Claudio , Kudo Rei , Siani Anna Maria , Ferrero Luca
Published: October 2021

Atmospheric aerosols play an important role in Earth’s radiative balance, directly interacting with solar radiation or influencing cloud formation and properties. In order to assess their radiative impact, it is necessary to accurately characterise their optical properties, together with their spatial and vertical distribution. The information on aerosol vertical profile is often scarce, in particular in mountainous, complex terrains. This study presents the first attempt to evaluate the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect in the Aosta Valley, a mountainous region in the Northwestern Italian Alps. Ground-based, remote sensing instruments (a sky radiometer and an Automated Lidar Ceilometer) are used to derive two descriptions of the aerosol properties and vertical distribution: a first, more accurate description, which includes the whole spectral information about the aerosol extinction coefficient, phase function and single scattering albedo; a second, more approximate one, which only relies on spectrally constant values of aerosol single scattering albedo and asymmetry factor. This information is used as input for radiative transfer simulations, which allow to estimate, in cloudless conditions, the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect and the vertical profile of the instantaneous heating rates in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The simulations obtained with the two descriptions do not differ significantly: they highlight a strong surface dimming (between − 25 and − 50 W m− 2) due to the presence of aerosol, with a considerable radiative absorption inside the atmospheric column (around + 30 W m− 2), and an overall small cooling effect for the Earth-atmospheric system. The absorption of solar radiation within the atmospheric column due to aerosol leads to instantaneous heating rates up to 1.5 K day− 1 in the tropospheric layers below 6 km a.s.l. These results show that, in some conditions, the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect can be considerable even in this Alpine environment, usually considered as relatively pristine (yearly average PM10 concentration about 20 μg m− 3).
Measuring advanced theory of mind: Do story‐based tasks work?
Authors: Białecka‐Pikul Marta , Szpak Marta , Zubek Julian , Stępień‐Nycz Małgorzata , Kołodziejczyk Anna , Bosacki Sandra , Homer Bruce D.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Although much is known about theory of mind (ToM) development during childhood, data on how these skills develop in adolescence is scarce. This cavity is due in part to the limited knowledge about measures of advanced theory of mind.

Methods

The study examined the relation among six common story‐based tasks designed to measure advanced ToM in two age groups of Polish adolescents: early (13‐year‐olds; 78 girls) and late (16‐year‐olds; 143 girls) adolescents.

Results

Factor models for individual tasks were constructed, followed by an examination of the underlying structure that explained the variability of factor scores. Only in half of the tasks, the results revealed an age‐related increase in advanced ToM. Contrary to expectation, results showed a lack of correlations among story‐based advanced ToM tasks in the two adolescent groups.

Conclusions

The results suggest a lack of coherence among advanced story‐based ToM tasks and the need for further development of reliable and valid advanced ToM measures which are sensitive enough to show increasingly complex social reasoning abilities in adolescence.
Hong Kong Competition Law
Authors: Cheng Thomas K. , Kwok Kelvin Hiu Fai
Published: October 2021

This is the first academic monograph on the new competition law in Hong Kong. It provides an overview of the historical background of the Competition Ordinance, highlighting the debate and the process that led to the adoption of the Ordinance. It offers detailed comparative and theoretical analysis of the key provisions of the Ordinance, focusing on the First Conduct Rule, the Second Conduct Rule, the exclusions and exemptions, and the procedural provisions. It draws on overseas legislation and jurisprudence that inspired the provisions in the Ordinance and incorporates a detailed examination of the latest cases decided by the Competition Tribunal. It engages in relevant academic debates and theoretical analysis of how competition law in Hong Kong should develop in light of its unique economic and political contexts. It concludes by setting forth of a set of recommendations for further reform.
The Decision of the National People's Congress on Improving the Election System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Authors: Young Simon N.M.
Published: October 2021

In 2021, Hong Kong's electoral system underwent its most significant reform since the People's Republic of China (PRC) resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. By a decision adopted on March 11, 2021 to “improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and develop a democratic system suited to the actual situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” (HKSAR), the National People's Congress (NPC) decided to amend the methods of selecting the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and forming the Legislative Council of the HKSAR (LegCo). The existing Election Committee would be reformed and given a pivotal role in the elections of the Chief Executive and LegCo members. A new candidate qualification review committee would be established to qualify all candidates. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) was empowered to amend the first two annexes of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Basic Law), which specify the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and forming the LegCo. The HKSAR would amend local election laws to implement the reforms and organize future elections in accordance with the law. The Chief Executive would submit timely reports to the Central People's Government. The NPC Decision was adopted with 2,895 votes in favor and one abstention.
Long medians and long angle bisectors
Authors: Abu-Saymeh Sadi , Al-Momani Yaqeen , Hajja Mowaffaq , Hayajneh Mostafa
Published: October 2021

Following Euler, we denote the side lengths and angles of a triangle ABC by a, b, c, A, B, C in the standard order. Any line segment joining a vertex of ABC to any point on the opposite side line will be called a cevian, and a cevian AA′ of length t will be called long, strictly long, or balanced according as t ≥ a, t > a or t = a. If A′ lies strictly between B and C, AA′ is called an internal cevian. This convention regarding cevians is not universal, and it is, for example, in a heavy contrast with that in [1, p. 73].
A pretty series revisited
Authors: Stewart Seán M.
Published: October 2021

In the May 1954 issue of the Gazette Daniel F. Ferguson challenged readers to devise their own proof for what he described as a curious and somewhat pleasing sum (see [1])
AN UNKNOWN PREFACE FROM DIODORUS’ BIBLIOTHÊKÊ (BOOK 34)?
Authors: Wozniczka Piotr
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with two fragments (34/35.2.25–6 and 2.33) from Diodorus’ Bibliothêkê that are unanimously considered to belong to the narrative of the First Slave Revolt in Sicily (Book 34). It is the main concern of this paper to demonstrate that they most likely did not, but instead originate from an unknown preface to Book 34. The article begins with a brief introduction into Diodorus’ prefaces and discusses the Byzantine transmission of both fragments. Against this backdrop, three main steps are consecutively applied to prove the hypothesis. First, the narrative order of both fragments within the Byzantine collections is re-examined. Furthermore, the paper establishes a thematic and argumentative relationship between the two fragments. In the last step, the structure and the style of both fragments are analysed.
Rapidly progressive hearing loss occurring over weeks: review of differential diagnoses
Authors: Lee C W , Walters H , Steele H , Stafford F
Published: October 2021

Background

Sudden hearing loss, or progressive hearing loss occurring over months to years, are well-established presentations. However, little is described in the medical literature on how to approach patients presenting with a rapidly progressive hearing loss occurring over weeks. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of patients presenting with rapidly progressive hearing loss.

Methods

A case of rapidly progressive hearing loss occurring over 12 weeks is presented. A PubMed literature review was performed to determine the evidence-based differential diagnoses for rapidly progressive hearing loss.

Results

Fifteen causes were identified for rapidly progressive hearing loss: intracranial aetiologies (meningioma, lymphoma, metastatic deposit, cavernous angioma, meningitis, superficial siderosis); paraneoplastic syndrome (small cell lung carcinoma, thymoma); inflammatory or autoimmune disorders (autoimmune inner-ear disease, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, Sjögren's syndrome); infective disorders (syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus); and medication-induced causes.

Conclusion

Rapidly progressive hearing loss should be considered a ‘red flag’ symptom that warrants urgent action. Most causes are systemic or sinister in nature, and the patient's hearing loss can potentially be reversed.
Australidea (Malmideaceae, Lecanorales), a new genus of lecideoid lichens, with notes on the genus Malcolmiella
Authors: Kantvilas Gintaras , Wedin Mats , Svensson Måns
Published: October 2021

The new genus Australidea Kantvilas, Wedin & M. Svensson is described to accommodate Lecidea canorufescens Kremp., a widespread lichen in temperate Australasia. It is characterized by a crustose thallus with a green photobiont, reddish brown, biatorine apothecia with an internally hyaline, cupulate proper exciple constructed of branched and anastomosing hyphae, mainly simple paraphyses, 8-spored, Porpidia-type asci and simple, hyaline, non-halonate ascospores. A phylogenetic analysis places the new genus in the family Malmideaceae. Lecidea canorufescens Kremp., L. glandulosa C. Knight, L. immarginata R. Br. ex Cromb. and L. intervertens Nyl. are lectotypified. These names, plus L. dacrydii Müll. Arg. and L. eucheila Zahlbr., are all synonyms of Australidea canorufescens (Kremp.) Kantvilas, Wedin & M. Svensson comb. nov. Several genera superficially similar to Australidea, including Malcolmiella Vĕzda, Malmidea Kalb et al. and Myochroidea Printzen et al., are compared. A comprehensive anatomical and morphological description of the genus Malcolmiella, recorded for Tasmania for the first time, is also provided. The new combination M. interversa (Nyl.) Kantvilas, Wedin & M. Svensson is introduced and the names M. cinereovirens Vĕzda and M. cinereovirens var. isidiata Vĕzda are reduced to synonyms. The systematic position of this genus remains unclear, although phylogenetic analysis suggests its affinities lie with a group of genera that includes Bryobilimbia Fryday et al., Romjularia Timdal and Clauzadea Hafellner & Bellem.
Callose depositions underlie the incompatible reaction in intergeneric crosses of rice
Authors: Kaur Karminderbir , Gupta Mehak , Vikal Yogesh , Singh Kuldeep , Neelam Kumari
Published: October 2021

Distant hybridization of cereals is often impaired by fertilization barriers. Haploid induction through intergeneric crossing is well developed in wheat but has not been successful in rice due to incompatibility issues. The present study was thus undertaken to identify fertilization barriers that hinder the compatibility of the rice cultivar Punjab Rice 121 with maize and pearl millet lines as pollinators. A total of 37,357 spikelets were pollinated, yielding 494 caryopses upon supplementation with auxins. The resultant caryopses, arising from true intergeneric crosses, lacked embryos. Imaging of the pollinated pistils at different intervals indicated that intense callose depositions block the release of generative nuclei to the ovule in these wide crosses. Rice spikelets pollinated with rice pollen (cis-generic crosses) exhibited positive indicators of fertilization reaction at the micropyle. While the cis-generic crosses initiated true caryopsis formation after 24 h, no comparative reaction was observed in the intergeneric crosses. The current survey underlines that the rice female gametophyte presents a strong pre-fertilization barrier to foreign pollen. This barrier may be modulated in the future by altering genotype and auxin combinations.
A Reconstruction of Total Solar Irradiance Based on Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Xu Haijun , Lei Bin , Li Zhen
Published: October 2021

As an important indicator of solar activity, the long‐term total solar irradiance (TSI) observations are needed to uncover the impact of solar activity on Earth's climate. In this paper, the periodic variation of TSI and its relationships with sunspot number and Ca II K index are analyzed by using the satellite observation data from 1979 to 2015 and the wavelet method. The results of continuous wavelet analysis show that TSI, sunspot number and Ca II K index all have significant and stable oscillation periods of 9∼13 years and intermittent oscillation periods of 2∼6 months only during the time of intense solar activity. Moreover, the results of cross wavelet analysis indicate that the effect of sunspot number and Ca II K index on TSI is mainly reflected in the period of 9∼13 years with one month phase lag, and sunspot number and Ca II K index cannot explain the TSI variation in the period of 3∼6 months. Under the condition of considering the phase relationship and the model order, the TSI reconstruction model is established and the monthly TSI time series from 1907 to 1978 is restored.
Deep-Ocean Cooling May Have Offset Global Warming Until 1990
Authors: Donovan Robin
Published: October 2021

New machine learning techniques have estimated ocean temperatures below 2,000 meters, leading to a new model of warming trends.
Driving Parameters for Multi‐MeV Electrons Flux Variations in Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Behailu G. , Nigussie M. , Reeves G. D. , Wing S.
Published: October 2021

The Earth's outer radiation belt is highly dynamic and the variations of multi‐MeV electrons flux in the region depend on solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field () parameters. This study attempts to characterize the causality and timing of the solar wind and IMF parameter activities on the outer radiation belt environment based on three tools: time shifted cross correlation, mutual information, and transfer entropy statistical analysis. The Van Allen Probes mission measurements of multi‐MeV (3.4–6.3 MeV) electrons flux data in the period from January 01, 2017 to December 31, 2018 have been used. The results indicate that the information transfer from solar wind and IMF parameters into multi‐MeV electrons flux is dependent on the kind of driving parameter, range of L‐shell, and energy of electrons. The result identifies the rank of driving parameters based on their maximum values in the correlation and information transfer analysis. Thus, solar wind velocity is the dominant driving parameter for the variation of multi‐MeV electrons flux in the outer radiation belt. Given three ranges of L‐shell (, and ), with decreasing L‐shell values the maximum information transfer from driving parameters into electron flux decreases and the lag time increases. Such dependency analysis can help to select the model parameters that influence the variation of multi‐MeV electrons flux and improve the existed models of the dynamical system.
A 1‐Million‐Year Record of Environmental Change in the Central Mediterranean Sea From Organic Molecular Proxies
Authors: Martínez‐Dios Ariadna , Pelejero Carles , Cobacho Sara , Movilla Juancho , Dinarès‐Turell Jaume , Calvo Eva
Published: October 2021

The Mediterranean Sea is particularly sensitive to climate oscillations and represents a key location to study past climatic and oceanographic changes. One valuable source of paleoceanographic information is through molecular biomarkers in deep sea sediments. This approach has been applied in a number of studies in this basin, but only covering the most recent glacial/interglacial cycles. Here we present, for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, a molecular biomarker record from the Strait of Sicily that covers the last million years until the present, almost continuously. We present data on alkenone derived index sea surface temperatures (SST) and provide insights on the evolution of the phytoplankton community composition and terrestrial inputs through the analysis of the concentrations of alkenones, brassicasterol and long‐chain alcohols. The ‐SST record followed a climatic evolution modulated by glacial/interglacial cycles with a marked increase in the 100 kyr‐amplitude of the glacial cycles at ∼430 ka, coincident with the Mid‐Brunhes transition. In addition, SSTs were consistently higher compared with other records in the western Mediterranean, indicative of the progressive warming that surface waters experience along their transit from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Central Mediterranean. Regarding the concentrations of alkenones and brassicasterol, they displayed distinct alternate peaks, some of them coeval with the deposition of sapropels. This suggests that different environmental and oceanographic conditions characterized each sapropel which, together with changes in terrestrial inputs and the degree of oligotrophy, induced the alternate proliferation of coccolithophores and diatoms.
Consensus Equilibrium for Subsurface Delineation
Authors: Yang Hyung Jun , Lin Youzuo , Wohlberg Brendt , Tartakovsky Daniel M.
Published: October 2021

Heterogeneity and insufficient site characterization limit our knowledge of the subsurface. Inversion techniques, which minimize the mismatch between observations and model predictions, have become an essential tool of subsurface characterization. Most optimization‐based approaches fail to incorporate various implicit priors and capture the geological complexity. We overcome these limitations by deploying the plug‐and‐play and consensus equilibrium (CE) strategies, which provide a flexible framework for image reconstruction. Our CE methodology for spatial delineation of geologic formations consists of an image denoiser and a variational auto‐encoder (deep learning‐based emulator). The former ameliorates the reconstruction noise, yielding well‐defined geological structures; its mathematical equivalence with the proximal operator allows the deployment of advanced denoisers (e.g., CNN‐based denoiser) that do not correspond to a regularization objective. The latter defines a geology prior that imposes a geological constraint, for example, continuity and shape of geological features, onto the reconstructed image. We conduct a series of numerical experiments dealing with transient two‐dimensional flow driven by a pumping well and natural hydraulic head gradient. They demonstrate the CE framework's ability to delineate, both probabilistically and deterministically, complex subsurface environments with sufficient quality.
Understanding complex functional wiring patterns in major depressive disorder through brain functional connectome
Authors: Yang Zhiyun , Jian Lingyu , Qiu Hui , Zhang Chaoqing , Cheng Song , Ji Junjun , Li Ting , Wang Yu , Li Junfeng , Li Kefeng
Published: October 2021

Brain function relies on efficient communications between distinct brain systems. The pathology of major depressive disorder (MDD) damages functional brain networks, resulting in cognitive impairment. Here, we reviewed the associations between brain functional connectome changes and MDD pathogenesis. We also highlighted the utility of brain functional connectome for differentiating MDD from other similar psychiatric disorders, predicting recurrence and suicide attempts in MDD, and evaluating treatment responses. Converging evidence has now linked aberrant brain functional network organization in MDD to the dysregulation of neurotransmitter signaling and neuroplasticity, providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of the disease and antidepressant efficacy. Widespread connectome dysfunctions in MDD patients include multiple, large-scale brain networks as well as local disturbances in brain circuits associated with negative and positive valence systems and cognitive functions. Although the clinical utility of the brain functional connectome remains to be realized, recent findings provide further promise that research in this area may lead to improved diagnosis, treatments, and clinical outcomes of MDD.