bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desulfovulcanus ferrireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., a thermophilic autotrophic iron and sulfate-reducing bacterium from subseafloor basalt that grows on akaganéite and lepidocrocite minerals
Authors: Kashyap Srishti , Musa Masroque , Neat Kaylee A. , Leopo Deborah A. , Holden James F.
Published: February 2022

A deep-sea thermophilic bacterium, strain Ax17T, was isolated from 25 °C hydrothermal fluid at Axial Seamount. It was obligately anaerobic and autotrophic, oxidized molecular hydrogen and formate, and reduced synthetic nanophase Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxide minerals, sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur for growth. It produced up to 20 mM Fe2+ when grown on ferrihydrite but < 5 mM Fe2+ when grown on akaganéite, lepidocrocite, hematite, and goethite. It was a straight to curved rod that grew at temperatures ranging from 35 to 70 °C (optimum 65 °C) and a minimum doubling time of 7.1 h, in the presence of 1.5–6% NaCl (optimum 3%) and pH 5–9 (optimum 8.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain was 90–92% identical to other genera of the family Desulfonauticaceae in the phylum Pseudomonadota. The genome of Ax17T was sequenced, which yielded 2,585,834 bp and contained 2407 protein-coding sequences. Based on overall genome relatedness index analyses and its unique phenotypic characteristics, strain Ax17T is suggested to represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Desulfovulcanus ferrireducens is proposed. The type strain is Ax17T (= DSM 111878T = ATCC TSD-233T).
Right atrial and ventricular strain detects subclinical changes in right ventricular function in precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Vos J. L. , Leiner T. , van Dijk A. P. J. , van der Zwaan H. B. , Sieswerda G. Tj. , Snijder R. J. , Post M. C. , Vonk M. C. , van Leuven S. , Vart P. , Snoeren M. , Hirsch A. , El Messaoudi S. , Nijveldt R. , Driessen M. M. P.
Published: February 2022

Right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) correlates to outcome in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (pPH) patients, but is insensitive to early changes. Strain might provide incremental information. In this study, we compare right atrial (RA) and RV strain in pPH patients to healthy controls, and evaluate the prognostic value of strain in pPH. In this cross-sectional study, 45 pPH patients and 20 healthy controls underwent CMR, and feature-tracking derived RA and RV strain were evaluated. pPH patients had impaired RA reservoir and conduit strain, and RV longitudinal strain (LS), compared to healthy controls. In pPH patients with preserved RVEF (≥ 50%, n = 18), RA reservoir (35% ± 9 vs. 41% ± 6, p = 0.02) and conduit strain (16% ± 8 vs. 23% ± 5, p = 0.004), and RV–LS (−25% ± 4 vs. −31% ± 4, p < 0.001) remained impaired, compared to healthy controls. The association of strain with the primary endpoint (combination of all-cause death, lung transplantation, and heart failure hospitalization) was evaluated using a multivariable Cox regression model. RV–LS (HR 1.18, 95%–CI 1.04–1.34, p = 0.01) and RA strain (reservoir: HR 0.87, 95%–CI 0.80–0.94, p = 0.001; conduit: HR 0.85, 95%–CI 0.75–0.97, p = 0.02, booster: HR 0.81, 95%-CI 0.71–0.92, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of outcome, beyond clinical and imaging features. In conclusion, pPH patients have impaired RA strain and RV–LS, even when RVEF is preserved. In addition, RA strain and RV–LS were independent predictors of adverse prognosis. These results emphasize the incremental value of RA and RV strain analyses, to detect alterations in RV function, even before RVEF declines.
Markerless gait estimation and tracking for postural assessment
Authors: Tay Chuan Zhi , Lim King Hann , Phang Jonathan Then Sien
Published: February 2022

Postural assessment is crucial in the sports screening system to reduce the risk of severe injury. The capture of the athlete’s posture using computer vision attracts huge attention in the sports community due to its markerless motion capture and less interference in the physical training. In this paper, a novel markerless gait estimation and tracking algorithm is proposed to locate human key-points in spatial-temporal sequences for gait analysis. First, human pose estimation using OpenPose network to detect 14 core key-points from the human body. The ratio of body joints is normalized with neck-to-pelvis distance to obtain camera invariant key-points. These key-points are subsequently used to generate a spatial-temporal sequences and it is fed into Long-Short-Term-Memory network for gait recognition. An indexed person is tracked for quick local pose estimation and postural analysis. This proposed algorithm can automate the capture of human joints for postural assessment to analyze the human motion. The proposed system is implemented on Intel Up Squared Board and it can achieve up to 9 frames-per-second with 95% accuracy of gait recognition.
What Shapes Satisfaction with Democracy? Interests, Morals, and the German East–West Divide
Authors: Welsch Heinz
Published: February 2022

Thirty years after reunification, East and West Germany are still characterized by a considerable difference in satisfaction with democracy (SWD). This paper proposes and tests a model which assumes SWD to be shaped by the interests (economic and cultural) and moral values individuals demand to see fostered by the democratic system. Empirical application of the model reveals substantial differences between the East and West German SWD function in that the satisfaction of economic interests is much more important in the East than the West whereas the opposite applies to moral concerns. Demands on redistribution and immigration policies—conceptualized asproximatedrivers of SWD—also shape SWD differently in the East and the West, in addition to being shaped by interests and morals in different ways. East–West differences in therelationshipbetween economic demands and SWD are more important than differences in thelevelsof demand.
Dams in South Europe: socio-environmental approach and eDNA-metabarcoding to study dam acceptance and ecosystem health
Authors: Fernandez Sara , Arboleya Elena , Dopico Eduardo , Garcia-Vazquez Eva
Published: February 2022

Under current climate warming, dams and reservoirs are main options to ensure water supply in dry regions. However, the presence of these infrastructures encompasses impacts on ecosystem due to the alteration of connectivity and river habitat. We expect that as a result of the relation between water supply as a resource and the population will depend on their use or demand, so the benefits of dams compensate their negative impacts in regions with droughts while not having the same perception in zones where water supply is not a problem, so the public acceptance of dams is expected to change depending on the area. Here, we have employed a multidisciplinary approach to study dam acceptance and also measure ecosystem health in two dammed areas, Guadalhorce and Nalón rivers, Mediterranean dry south and Atlantic humid north of Spain, respectively. The methodology employed has included the use of Environmental DNA for phytoplankton inventory and surveys to stakeholders and ordinary citizens to measure dam’s acceptance. Worse bioindicators of water quality associated to dams were found in Guadalhorce than in Nalon River. However, stakeholders valued more the ecosystem services provided by Guadalhorce dams, especially of cultural nature, than those provided by Nalón dams. Most citizens consulted (N = 319 and 300 in Guadalhorce and Nalón regions) were favourable to the presence of dams and reservoirs. They would also increase their annual taxes to restore river connectivity, especially in Guadalhorce River, while dam demolition was the least supported. The generally positive views would help to identify actions for improvement of dammed rivers highlighting the importance of restoring river connectivity without dam demolition for local river users.
Genetic medicine is accelerating in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Saori , Kubo Makoto , Kaneshiro Kazuhisa , Kai Masaya , Yamada Mai , Morisaki Takafumi , Takao Yuka , Shimazaki Akiko , Shikada Sawako , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: February 2022

Background

In 2018, BRACAnalysis® was covered by medical insurance in Japan as a companion diagnostic test for the poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor olaparib. In April 2020, eligibility for BRCA1/2 genetic testing was expanded to the diagnosis of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, and medical management including prophylactic surgery and surveillance were covered by public insurance for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who developed breast or ovarian cancer. The amount of BRCA1/2 genetic testing has been increasing recently, but the number of subjects and the impact of testing for patients’ outcomes remain unclear.

Patients and methods

This study explored the potential number of patients who will be eligible for new insurance coverage for BRCA1/2 genetic testing. We analyzed 868 patients from 938 surgeries between January 2014 and September 2020 from our database.

Results

Overall, 372 patients (43%) were eligible for new insurance coverage for BRCA1/2 genetic testing. The most common category was family history of breast or ovarian cancer within third-degree relatives. We found that 202 patients (23%) had family history of breast or ovarian cancer. In addition, the progression-free survival was significantly lower in triple-negative breast cancer patients aged 60 years or younger compared with the other patients (P = 0.0005).

Conclusion

The genetic medicine for primary breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 germline mutation is accelerating rapidly in Japan. Therefore, establishing a system for the genetic medicine would be urgent.
An Optimal Thirty-Second-Order Iterative Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations and a Conjecture
Authors: Varona Juan Luis
Published: February 2022

Many multipoint iterative methods without memory for solving non-linear equations in one variable are found in the literature. In particular, there are methods that provide fourth-order, eighth-order or sixteenth-order convergence using only, respectively, three, four or five function evaluations per iteration step, thus supporting the Kung-Traub conjecture on the optimal order of convergence. This paper shows how to find optimal high order root-finding iterative methods by means of a general scheme based in weight functions. In particular, we explicitly give an optimal thirty-second-order iterative method; as long as we know, an iterative method with that order of convergence has not been described before. Finally, we give a conjecture about optimal order multipoint iterative methods with weights.
Wind tunnel experiments of interstage segments used for aerodynamic control of retro-propulsion assisted landing vehicles
Authors: Marwege Ansgar , Hantz Christian , Kirchheck Daniel , Klevanski Josef , Gülhan Ali , Charbonnier Dominique , Vos Jan
Published: February 2022

In the RETALT (RETro propulsion Assisted Landing Technologies) project vertical landing launcher configurations are investigated. In the aerodynamic phase of retro propulsion assisted descent and landing, the main devices for control and trim of the vehicle are the aerodynamic control surfaces. In this paper, experimental data of a novel concept where the interstage is divided in four segments which are used as aerodynamic control surface during the aerodynamic descent of the first stage is presented. The results are compared to theoretical results obtained using a simplified modelling of supersonic and hypersonic flow fields. The interstage segments show to be very effective in creating drag for aerodynamic deceleration in the atmosphere. A large deflection of the interstage segments can lead to largely unsteady flows. The deflection of only one interstage segment does not yield statically stable configurations.
CURIE: Towards an Ontology and Enterprise Architecture of a CRM Conceptual Model
Authors: Fernández-Cejas Miguel , Pérez-González Carlos J. , Roda-García José L. , Colebrook Marcos
Published: February 2022

Companies face the challenge of managing customer relationships (CRM) in a context marked by a drastic digital transformation and unbridled evolution of consumer behavior, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The customer is more demanding, has access to the global market and interacts with companies through multiple digital channels, such as email, social networks, mobile apps or instant messaging. In this situation, the success of a CRM implementation highly depends on information technology and the applications used. To harmonize this new business context with the development of information systems (IS), a suitable CRM ontology and enterprise architecture (EA) is needed. While an ontology-based conceptual model provides a unifying framework, aids sharing and reusing knowledge, and facilitates communication within a domain, an EA-based model unequivocally describes, analyzes, and visualizes how an organization should operate from the perspective of business, application, and technology. The purpose of the paper is the proposal of CURIE-O, a CRM OntoUML UFO-based ontology, together with CURIE-EA, a CRM ArchiMate-based EA to serve business managers and IS specialists an updated unifying framework of reference in the CRM domain as well as a highly efficient tool to support application development and maintenance in this changing and increasingly digital context. Modeling has proven to be an essential element to achieve high-performance information systems. In order to apply the ontology and the EA proposed here, the authors developed a CRM task management application prototype that was implemented as a case study in a consulting company. The methodology followed was design science research (DSR), in order to design and validate the artifacts. Within the DSR framework, other complementary research methods have been used, in particular literature research, interviews and focus groups carried out with several hotel chains in Tenerife (Canary Islands). The main existing CRM models in the scientific literature have also been analyzed together with the leading CRM market solutions.
B2-Tree: Page-Based String Indexing in Concurrent Environments
Authors: Schmeißer Josef , Schüle Maximilian E. , Leis Viktor , Neumann Thomas , Kemper Alfons
Published: February 2022

Recently proposed index structures, that combine trie-based and comparison-based search mechanisms, considerably improve retrieval throughput for in-memory database systems. However, most of these index structures allocate small memory chunks when required. This stands in contrast to block-based index structures, that are necessary for disk-accesses of beyond main-memory database systems such as Umbra. We therefore present the B2-tree. The outer structure is identical to that of an ordinary B+-tree. It still stores elements in a dense array in sorted order, enabling efficient range scan operations. However, B2-tree is composed of multiple trees, each page integrates another trie-based search tree, which is used to determine a small memory region where a sought entry may be found. An embedded tree thereby consists of decision nodes, which operate on a single byte at a time, and span nodes, which are used to store common prefixes. This architecture usually accesses fewer cache lines than a vanilla B+-tree as shown in our performance evaluation. As a result, the B2-tree answers point queries considerably faster. Concurrent access to B2-tree pages are managed by an optimistic locking protocol which results in high utilization of the available hardware resources. Our evaluation of read-write workloads attests more than competitive performance for the B2-tree compared to a traditional B+-tree.
Groundwater Exploitation and Illegal Behaviors in a Differential Game
Authors: Biancardi Marta , Iannucci Gianluca , Villani Giovanni
Published: February 2022

This paper studies groundwater management through a leader–follower differential game between a water agency and farmers. The access to the common pool is not free and farmers have to pay a water tax to withdraw. To save this cost, we assume that farmers may not declare all the water pumped and face the risk of being sanctioned. The water agency, on the other hand, knows that unauthorized water extraction may occur and chooses the water tax that maximizes only the legal social welfare. The value of the farmers’ evasion share is unknown ex-ante by the water agency. The game is solved using feedback Nash solution. To understand how the water agency may counter illegal behaviors, we perform numerical simulations based on the Western La Mancha (Spain) aquifer data. It emerges that the optimal path of the water table is always above the minimum level, although it is sensitive to the level of the ecosystem costs. Moreover, increasing the administrative sanction reduces the unauthorized water extraction and raises the social welfare.
Mining Resource Corridor development in Nigeria: critical considerations and actions for a diversified and sustainable economic future
Authors: Azubuike Smith I. , Nakanwagi Susan , Pinto Jaqueline
Published: February 2022

The low crude oil prices in 2019 add momentum to Nigeria’s need for economic diversification as its foreign earnings come primarily from crude oil sales. As a result, Nigeria is seeking to explore other economic potentials, such as developing a Mining Resource Corridor (MRC) to reduce poverty and assist the country’s sustained growth and development. MRCs catalyse mineral extraction, transportation, processing, and infrastructural development and integrate other sectors of the economy, thus, creating jobs and promoting economic diversification and inclusive growth. However, achieving this requires drawing up an articulated delivery mechanism through a framework strategic implementation plan to attain a strategic diversification away from hydrocarbons to minerals. This article takes an applied research approach to examine the critical considerations and actions that Nigeria should take in developing an MRC to ensure a diverse and sustainable economic future. Additionally, it discusses the lessons Nigeria can learn from two corridors in Mozambique. This study notes that the success of a MRC is a function of, among other things, a skilled and adequately strengthened institution, enabling infrastructure and the participation of communities in the decision-making process of the corridor development. It also includes the support of all levels of government and possible assistance from development partners and donor agencies such as the World Bank.
Tackling multiple bacterial diseases of Solanaceae with a handful of immune receptors
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Choi Jihyun , Segonzac Cécile
Published: February 2022

Every year, despite the use of chemicals, significant crop loss is caused by pathogenic microbes. Plant innate resistance to pathogens depends on two sets of genetically encoded immune receptors that sense invaders and trigger signaling cascades leading to reinforcement of physical barriers and production of various antimicrobial compounds. In the past 30 years, the molecular cloning and characterization of plant immune receptors have deepened our understanding of the plant immune system and more importantly, have provided means to improve crop protection against devastating pathogens. Here, we review the molecular characterization of selected immune receptors that can detect multiple species of bacterial pathogens through an expanded recognition range, or through the detection of conserved pathogen activities or host targets. These recent structural and molecular insights about the activation of immune receptors provide the necessary framework to design their concomitant deployment in crops, in order to lower selective pressure on pathogen populations and prevent evasion from recognition. Hence, these few immune receptors emerge as high potential genetic resources to provide durable and environmentally safe protection against important bacterial diseases of solanaceous crops.
Approximation by Convolution Polyanalytic Operators in the Complex and Quaternionic Compact Unit Balls
Authors: Gal Sorin G. , Sabadini Irene
Published: February 2022

In this paper, by using the convolution method, we obtain quantitative results in terms of various moduli of smoothness for approximation of polyanalytic functions by polyanalytic polynomials in the complex unit disc. Then, by introducing the polyanalytic Gauss–Weierstrass operators of a complex variable, we prove that they form a contraction semigroup on the space of polyanalytic functions defined on the compact unit disk. The quantitative approximation results in terms of moduli of smoothness are then extended to the case of slicep-polyanalytic functions on the quaternionic unit ball. Moreover, we show that also in the quaternionic case the Gauss–Weierstrass operators of a quaternionic variable form a contraction semigroup on the space of polyanalytic functions defined on the compact unit ball.
Fabrication System for Large-Area Seamless Nanopatterned Cylinder Mold Using the Spiral Laser Interference Exposure Method
Authors: Ma Yong-Won , Park Jun Han , Lee Sung Jae , Lee Jeonghoon , Cho Suchan , Shin Bo Sung
Published: February 2022

With the advancement in the field of nanotechnology, nanopatterning finds extensive application not only in high value-added products but also in inexpensive products. In addition, the technology required for the mass production of inexpensive products, such as the continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) process, is rapidly emerging. Extensive research has been conducted on the manufacture of submicron- and nano- molds. In this study, we have proposed a laser interference exposure for fabricating nanopatterned cylindrical molds that can be used in continuous roll-to-roll patterning. Additionally, we have demonstrated spiral exposure process to fabricate a seamless patterning on a cylinder (length of 300 mm and diameter of 100 mm) using a prism. The pattern was transferred to the flat mold using UV resin and measured using a field emission scanning electron microscope; the pattern was measured to have a uniform with nano pattern line width (75 nm) and a sub-micron period (286 nm). It was observed that the proposed method for fabrication of the roll mold using laser interference lithography is a fast and reliable seamless patterning.
Ni Flower/MXene-Melamine Foam Derived 3D Magnetic/Conductive Networks for Ultra-Efficient Microwave Absorption and Infrared Stealth
Authors: Cheng Haoran , Pan Yamin , Wang Xin , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Schubert Dirk W. , Guo Zhanhu , Liu Xianhu
Published: February 2022

The development of multifunctional and efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials is a challenging research hotspot. Here, the magnetized Ni flower/MXene hybrids are successfully assembled on the surface of melamine foam (MF) through electrostatic self-assembly and dip-coating adsorption process, realizing the integration of microwave absorption, infrared stealth, and flame retardant. Remarkably, the Ni/MXene-MF achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of − 62.7 dB with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.24 GHz at 2 mm and an EAB of 6.88 GHz at 1.8 mm. Strong electromagnetic wave absorption is attributed to the three-dimensional magnetic/conductive networks, which provided excellent impedance matching, dielectric loss, magnetic loss, interface polarization, and multiple attenuations. In addition, the Ni/MXene-MF endows low density, excellent heat insulation, infrared stealth, and flame-retardant functions. This work provided a new development strategy for the design of multifunctional and efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
Cohort Profile: The Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso)
Authors: Ribeaud Denis , Murray Aja , Shanahan Lilly , Shanahan Michael J. , Eisner Manuel
Published: February 2022

The Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso) began in 2004 in response to the need for a better evidence base to support optimal child social development and prevent crime and violence. Since then, the study has tracked the development of a diverse sample of youths (N = 1,675 in the target sample; ~50% female) from age 7 (n = 1,360) to age 20 (n = 1,180), with primary data collection waves at ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, and 20. The study uses a multi-method, multi-informant design that combines teacher, youth, and parent reports with observational and behavioural measures, biosampling, functional imaging, and ecological momentary assessment. Analyses of the data have contributed important evidence to a diversity of topics in child and adolescent development, illuminating the developmental roots of crime and aggression, the impacts of exposure to different forms and combinations of victimisation, and trajectories of mental health and neurodevelopmental symptoms.
AFM Measurements and Tip Characterization of Nanoparticles with Different Shapes
Authors: Bellotti Roberto , Picotto Gian Bartolo , Ribotta Luigi
Published: February 2022

Unambiguous identification of the measurement methodologies is fundamental to reduce the uncertainty and support traceability of particle shape and size at the nanoscale. In this work, the critical aspects in atomic force microscopy measurements, that is, drawbacks on sample preparation, instrumental parameters, image pre-processing, size reconstruction, and tip enlargement, are discussed in reference to quantitative dimensional measurements on different kinds of nanoparticles (inorganic and biological) with different shapes (spherical, cylindrical, complex geometry). Once the cross-section profile is extracted, top-height measurements on isolated nanoparticles of any shape can be achieved with sub-nanometer accuracy. Lateral resolution is affected by the pixel size and shape of the probe, causing dilation in the atomic force microscopy image. For the reconstruction of critical sizes of inorganic non-spherical nanoparticles, a geometric approach that considers the nominal shape because of the synthesis conditions is presented and discussed.
Effect of Antibacterial Enoxacin on the Properties of Injectable Nano-hydroxyapatite/Polyurethane Cement for Bone Repairing
Authors: Zhang Jinzheng , Lei Xiaoyu , Tang Jiajing , Chen Jie , Zhao Qing , Fang Wei , Zhang Yinglong , Li Yubao , Zuo Yi
Published: February 2022

Biomaterial-associated infection (BAI) is a kind of serious post-operative complication in orthopaedic surgery. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement shines a light on BAI prevention for convenient manipulation and complex filling. To this aim, we designed an antibacterial bone cement based on Nano-hydroxyapatite/Polyurethane (PUHA) loading with antibiotic Enoxacin (EN). The distinct shear-thinning behavior of the prepolymers was observed, indicating a good injectability. The PUHA bone cement possessed a suitable curing speed, and the addition of EN might slightly expedite the curing process and enhance the mechanical properties. The EN release profile indicated that the EN-loaded bone cement could reach the minimum inhibitory concentration in 2 h, and sustainedly released EN for almost 8 days, exhibiting an antibacterial delivery potential. Antibacterial test further confirmed the antibacterial ability of EN-loaded bone cement is in a dose-dependent manner. However, the osteogenic performance of drug-loaded bone cement with high dosage is not as good as antibacterial activity. When the EN concentration of antibacterial cement was lower than 32 μg⋅mL−1, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells could be significantly promoted. Overall, this study verified the potential of the EN-loaded PUHA bone cement in anti-infection and osteogenesis for bone repairing.
Public sector AI transparency standard: UK Government seeks to lead by example
Authors: Kingsman Nigel , Kazim Emre , Chaudhry Ali , Hilliard Airlie , Koshiyama Adriano , Polle Roseline , Pavey Giles , Mohammed Umar
Published: February 2022

In releasing the Algorithmic Transparency Standard, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to greater algorithmic transparency in the public sector. The Standard signals that the UK government is both pushing forward with the AI standards agenda and ensuring that those standards benefit from empirical practitioner-led experience, enabling coherent, widespread adoption. The two-tier approach of the Algorithmic Transparency Standard encourages transparency inclusivity across distinct audiences, facilitating trust across algorithm stakeholders. Moreover, it can be understood that implementation of the Standard within the UK’s public sector will inform standards more widely, influencing best practice in the private sector. This article provides a summary and commentary of the text.
Eigenvalues of a Class of Eigenparameter Dependent Third-Order Differential Operators
Authors: Bai Yulin , Wang Wanyi , Li Kun , Zheng Zhaowen
Published: February 2022

The present paper deals with a class of third-order differential operators with eigenparameter dependent boundary conditions. The continuity of eigenvalues concerning a given parameter is proved. Moreover, the derivative formulas of eigenvalues concerning the parameters, in particular, the eigenparameter dependent boundary condition matrix, are given.
Frequency and Amplitude Identification of Weak Signal Based on the Limit System of Smooth and Discontinuous Oscillator
Authors: Li Haiping , Tian Ruilan , Zhang Xiaolong , Yang Xinwei
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a new method is proposed to identify the frequency and amplitude of weak signals by using a non-smooth system. The variable scale limit system of smooth and discontinuous (SD) oscillator without considering the phase is adopted as the identification system. By using the non-smooth stochastic subharmonic-like Melnikov method, an analytical expression of chaotic threshold under Gaussian white noise is given. Based on the phase diagram and Poincaré section diagram, the influence of noise intensity on the recognition system is studied. According to the non-smooth variable scale-convex-peak frequency identification method, the frequency of the signal to be detected can be accurately identified. Using the numerical simulation, the amplitude of the signal to be measured is identified according to the amplitude bifurcation diagram of the reference signal. The optimal value range of the parameters of the identification system is determined. Through an example of early fault of wheelset bearing of high-speed train, the frequency and amplitude of the early weak fault signal can be identified and the fault location can be determined, which verifies the effectiveness of the above method. The results show that the non-smooth system can identify the frequency and amplitude of the weak signal submerged in strong noise, and it has a wider application and higher accuracy than the continuous system.
Critical Race Theory
Authors: Riccucci Norma M.
Published: February 2022

This Element explores Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its potential application to the field of public administration. It proposes specific areas within the field where a CRT framework would help to uncover and rectify structural and institutional racism. This is paramount given the high priority that the field places on social equity, the third pillar of public administration. If there is a desire to achieve social equity and justice, systematic, structural racism needs to be addressed and confronted directly. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is one example of the urgency and significance of applying theories from a variety of disciplines to the study of racism in public administration.
Evaluation of prevalance and risk factors for bloodstream infection in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients
Authors: Erbay Kubra , Ozger Hasan Selcuk , Guzel Tunccan Ozlem , Gaygısız Ümmügülsüm , Buyukkoruk Merve , Sultanova Fidan , Yıldız Mehmet , Boyacı Dündar Nazlıhan , Aydoğdu Müge , Bozdayi Gulendam , Dizbay Murat
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of bloodstream infection (BSI) in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to determine the risk factors of BSI in critical COVID-19 patients.

Design:

Retrospective, descriptive study between March 2020 and January 2021.

Setting:

An 1,007-bed university hospital.

Participants:

Patients who were hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 disease and had an aerobic blood culture taken at least once during hospitalization

Methods:

Case definitions were made according to National Institutes of Health clinical definitions. According to the blood culture results, the patients were grouped as with and without BSIs, and compared for BSIs risk factors.

Results:

In total, 195 patients were included in the study. Blood culture positivity was detected in 76 (39.0%) of 196 patients. Excluding blood culture positivity considered as contamination, the prevalence of BSI in all severe COVID-19 cases was 18.5% (n = 36). In intensive care unit patients the prevalence of BSI was 30.6% (n = 26). In multivariate analyses, central venous catheter (odds ratio [OR], 8.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.46–27.1; P < .01) and hospitalization in the multibed intensive care unit (OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.28–14.3; P < .01) were risk factors associated with the acquisition of BSI.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of BSI in COVID-19 patients is particularly high in critically ill patients. The central venous catheter and multibed intensive care follow-up are risk factors for BSI. BSIs can be reduced by increasing compliance to infection control measures and central venous catheter insertion-care procedures. The use of single-bed intensive care units where compliance can be achieved more effectively is important for the prevention of BSIs.
Defining success in open source hardware development projects: a survey of practitioners
Authors: Antoniou Rafaella , Bonvoisin Jérémy , Hsing Pen-Yuan , Dekoninck Elies , Defazio Daniela
Published: February 2022

Recent years have seen the rise of citizens as contributors to hardware product creation. This trend has increased attention to open source hardware (OSH): a phenomenon that extends the intellectual property management and development practices in open source software (OSS) into the design of physical objects. OSH projects are different from OSS projects due to product type, and distinct from traditional closed source new product development (NPD) ones due to their openness. These differences challenge the degree of applicability of existing project success definitions in the OSH context. To investigate project success in OSH, we conducted a qualitative survey with practitioners. We report characteristics of successful OSH projects through three identified themes: (a) value creation – the big-picture impact, (b) quality of output – the quality of the hardware and accompanying documentation and (c) project process – activities that contribute to success. We contextualise by comparing OSH with selected literature on the success of OSS and NPD project management. While our study confirms a similarity between OSS and OSH in defining project success, it also highlights themes that are uniquely important to the latter. These findings are helpful for OSH development practice and could provide lessons for OSS development and closed source NPD.
Covering action on Conley index theory
Authors: LIMA D. V. S. , R. DA SILVEIRA M. , VIEIRA E. R.
Published: February 2022

In this paper we apply Conley index theory in a covering space of an invariant set S, possibly not isolated, in order to describe the dynamics in S. More specifically, we consider the action of the covering translation group in order to define a topological separation of S which distinguishes the connections between the Morse sets within a Morse decomposition of S. The theory developed herein generalizes the classical connection matrix theory, since one obtains enriched information on the connection maps for non-isolated invariant sets, as well as for isolated invariant sets. Moreover, in the case of an infinite cyclic covering induced by a circle-valued Morse function, one proves that the Novikov differential of f is a particular case of the p-connection matrix defined herein.
Embedding codimension of the space of arcs
Authors: Chiu Christopher , de Fernex Tommaso , Docampo Roi
Published: February 2022

We introduce a notion of embedding codimension of an arbitrary local ring, establish some general properties and study in detail the case of arc spaces of schemes of finite type over a field. Viewing the embedding codimension as a measure of singularities, our main result can be interpreted as saying that the singularities of the arc space are maximal at the arcs that are fully embedded in the singular locus of the underlying scheme, and progressively improve as we move away from said locus. As an application, we complement a theorem of Drinfeld, Grinberg and Kazhdan on formal neighbourhoods in arc spaces by providing a converse to their theorem, an optimal bound for the embedding codimension of the formal model appearing in the statement, a precise formula for the embedding dimension of the model constructed in Drinfeld’s proof and a geometric meaningful way of realising the decomposition stated in the theorem.
Mental health literacy amongst children with common mental health problems and their parents in Java, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Brooks Helen , Prawira Benny , Windfuhr Kirsten , Irmansyah Irman , Lovell Karina , Syarif Armaji Kamaludi , Dewi Suzy Yusna , Pahlevi Swastika Wulan , Rahayu Atik Puji , Syachroni  , Afrilia Annisa Rizky , Renwick Laoise , Pedley Rebecca , Salim Soraya , Bee Penny
Published: February 2022

Background

Optimising mental health literacy (MHL) at the individual and population level can be an effective mental health improvement and prevention tool. However, concepts of MHL are largely based on evidence from high-income countries. Little is known about the manifestation and role of MHL in countries where collectivist health and social cultures are dominant.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the MHL of Indonesian children and young people (CYP) with experience of common mental health problems and their parents.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 40 participants (19 CYP aged 11–15 with experience of common mental health problems and 21 parents) from three areas of Java, Indonesia. Data were analysed using framework analysis, informed by Jorm's 1997 Mental Health Literacy Framework.

Results

Parents and CYP demonstrated relatively low levels of MHL defined from a conventional perspective. Religiosity and spirituality were salient in participants' accounts, particularly parents, as were narratives about personal responsibility. These beliefs appeared to contribute to a high level of self-blame for mental illness, self-reliance for symptom management, the foregrounding of support from spiritual/traditional healers and a reduced propensity to access professional help. CYP were heavily reliant on family support, but parents often felt they were not best placed to communicate with their children about mental health. Providing trusted, technology-based sources of mental health information were advocated by CYP.

Conclusion

Robust efforts are needed to improve MHL in low- and middle-income countries drawing on culturally appropriate approaches to reduce stigma and optimise timely, effective help-seeking for CYP. Enhancing parental and family level literacy may be efficacious, especially when combined with mechanisms to facilitate open communication, as may the development of standalone interventions directly developed to reach younger generations. Future research may usefully establish the comparative efficacy and acceptability of these different approaches.
(Legal) assistance in employment matters to low-paid EU migrant workers in the East of England
Authors: Barnard Catherine , Costello Fiona , Butlin Sarah Fraser
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the everyday lives of low-paid, low-skilled EU migrant workers living in and around Great Yarmouth in the East of England both pre- and post-Brexit. It considers the legal problems they face, especially around employment law, and how those problems may be resolved. It draws on the results of quantitative and qualitative research to examine the reach of law into the everyday lives of vulnerable EU migrants. We term our research ‘pragmatic law’ (PL) because our experience is that most legal issues, at least with the groups we are working with, do not enter any formal legal resolution pathway at a community level. They are addressed in the everyday, often by first-tier generalist (and sometimes volunteer) advisers with no formal legal training, who make no express reference to ‘the law’. This access to advice and problem resolution at a street level can be a lifeline to those living at the margins of the workforce.
Verbal folklore in contemporary southern Italy: a not-so-distant mirror of cultural and environmental change
Authors: Luciani Liberata
Published: February 2022

The socio-cultural and environmental shifts that have taken place in southern Italy over the last 30 years can usefully be traced by their impact on folkloric texts which present modifications that tend to emerge progressively over time. An analysis of such modifications to a body of southern Italian folkloric texts – as used in practice over the last three decades – finds that these reflect and are driven by changes in the people's living environment denoting a cultural dilution and a growing distance between people and the natural world, particularly the land. These modifications also expose a shift of emphasis from ends (e.g. food) to means (e.g. money), indicating increased commercial dependence driven by socio-economic changes. These changes are also reflected in folkloric texts which demonstrate a decline of direct, physical experience of some aspects of the natural world while including references relating to the local environment. Understanding these processes allows us to gauge the extent to which verbal folklore connects contemporary societies to past knowledge.
The option of Roman canal construction by Drusus in the Vecht river area (the Netherlands): a geoarchaeological approach
Authors: Verhagen Jan G. M. , Kluiving Sjoerd J. , Kars Henk
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a geoarcheological study on potential canal subsections present in the Roman-age Vecht branch of the Rhine-Meuse delta (the Netherlands).The first Roman canals in this delta were dug around 12 BC by Drusus, but their location has been the subject of debate since the 16th century, with various hypotheses proposed. Based on actual palaeogeographical knowledge of the Rhine-Meuse delta, the Utrechtse Vecht hypothesis is considered the most plausible. Within the study area, in the northern part of the Vecht system, natural sections of this river may alternate with possible artificial reaches, created at the time of Drusus.

Such artificial canals, being part of an otherwise natural channel belt system, can widen and deepen overtime, eroding all or most of the recognizable features associated with their original construction. As study area was chosen a relatively straight section of the Vecht between two former lakes. Two approaches were used. The first approach centred upon mapping channel morphology and recording sediment stratigraphy of the river deposits through detailed auger coring. Results corroborated the hypothesis of an originally straight feature (landform), confirming that it might have started life as a dug course, but not providing preserved archaeological remains of this stage. The second approach was chronological, whereby a programme of 14C dating was undertaken to refine the understanding of the origin and development of this reach of the Vecht, allowing earlier chronological investigations to be further contextualised and reassessed. A significant challenge to understand age control and floodplain evolution is the degradation of the top of the clayey peat that was observed below the levee deposits; this degradation is due to the lowering of groundwater levels and causes the end of peat growth to be dated as older than it actually is.

Using new radiocarbon dates we have reconstructed that the Overmeer-Nigtevecht reach of the Vecht between two former lakes started life as a straight channel. We have constrained its age to be closer to the time of Drusus’ activities (early Roman age). Although we have not found in situ remains of Drusus canal(s), these two new insights make the Vecht option, effectuated by a series of short canals, more likely to be the Drusus canal(s).
What I Have Learned
Authors: Boyarin Daniel
Published: February 2022

I will begin by thanking Professor Quayson and all of the contributors to this forum with the deepest of gratitude. I deem it a great privilege to have been engaged with in such depth and seriousness by such a group of superb interlocutors, all of whom seem nearly completely to have understood my project, even when more negatively reflecting on it. As a version of the Talmud would have said: it is far better to be understood by one’s opponents than to be misread by one’s supporters. Even those who have most highly approbated my thinking here have done so in ways that have taught me much and challenged me to match the precision of my thinking to theirs. So I welcome both the approbation and the reprobation. In this response—and following the guidance of Professor Quayson—I will not answer or comment point by point or even author by author but give a somewhat expanded account of what I am about that will show, I hope, the manner in which I concede some arguments to the opponents and understand myself better having read carefully the proponents of my views.
As If You Were There
Authors: Saussy Haun
Published: February 2022

What is involved in framing a counterfactual? Let’s say I have a daydream about living in Shakespeare’s time. Who would I be and what would I do? Well, I’d go to the Globe, that much I know for sure, and bring a notebook. Of course, it is impossible for me to have lived in Shakespeare’s time, for the “me” that is having this revery is the result of genealogies, circumstances, and relationships that cannot be displaced from the second half of the twentieth century without tearing apart the structure of all world history. To have this imagination, I must first assume that there is a “me” that can be transported into times and places whose definition excludes that “me.” Perhaps the concept of an essential self or soul derives from the wish to pursue such scenarios beyond the point at which they crash into inescapable contradictions.
All That Is Solid Falls from the Sky: Modernity and the Volume of World Literature
Authors: Davies Dominic
Published: February 2022

This article pits two conceptions of modernity—that of the Marxist humanist Marshall Berman and the ANT (Actor-Network Theory) sociologist Bruno Latour—against each other, exploring the implications of each for postcolonial and world literary criticism. The article begins by explaining “modernity” in the terms of both theorists, focusing on the “split” between subject and object, text and world. It then identifies a wider Latourian turn in postcolonial and world literary studies that has emerged in response to the prescriptively structural approaches of groups such as the WReC. In response, the article offers in turn a Latourian reading and then a structural critique of the Colombian novelist Juan Gabriel Vásquez’s fifth novel, The Sound of Things Falling (2011, trans. 2013), probing their possibilities and limitations. In conclusion, it suggests Berman’s more expansive definition of modernist practice as one way in which postcolonial and world literary criticism might more effectively mediate between structural critique and close reading.