bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to act on what you know
Authors: Heil Roman
Published: June 2024

That we may rely on our knowledge seems like a platitude. Yet, the view that knowledge is sufficient for permissible reliance faces a major challenge: when much hangs on whether we know, relying on our knowledge seems to license irrational action. Unfortunately, extant proposals to meet this challenge (Hawthorne & Stanley, 2008; Williamson, 2005a; Schulz, 2017, 2021b) either fail to make the correct predictions about high-stakes cases or, as I will argue, face a substantial objection. In this paper, I will offer two novel proposals for defending the sufficiency of knowledge for permissible reliance. My favoured proposal, which I call Flexible Fallibilism, is based on the idea that stakes can affect how we rely on our knowledge and how our knowledge determines what is rational for us to do. Besides making the correct predictions about high-stakes cases, I will argue that Flexible Fallibilism also provides us with a knowledge-based account of when to simplify our practical reasoning. Afterwards, I will present another proposal, which I call Dual Infallibilism, that combines two recent claims by Moss (2013, 2018) and Jackson (2019a) about credal knowledge and the metaphysics of doxastic states. While the offered proposals share various virtues, I will argue that we ultimately should prefer Flexible Fallibilism.
Students’ voices—the dynamic interactions between learning preferences, gender, learning disabilities, and achievements in science studies
Authors: Aloni Oshra , Zion Michal , Spektor-Levy Ornit
Published: June 2024

Students’ individual characteristics influence the effectiveness of instruction and learning and, therefore, the depth of learning. This study brings forth the voices of middle school students regarding their science learning preferences through four modalities: visual, auditory, sensorimotor, and agency support. We examined the relationship between the students’ science learning preferences and three of their personal characteristics (gender, having or not having a learning disability, and level of scientific knowledge and skills). The study encompassed 305 students (166 girls) and applied a quantitative methodology employing two questionnaires: Scientific Knowledge and Skills and Learning Preferences. Analysis of variance and multiple regressions revealed that the participants favored all four learning modalities, with a significant preference for learning via visual and sensorimotor means. Girls significantly preferred learning preferences via visuals and agency support. A significant correlation was found between the level of preference for learning science via auditory means and the students’ level of scientific knowledge and skills. Hierarchical regression analysis showed a significant positive contribution of gender and preference for learning science via auditory means but no contribution of having a learning disability to the students’ level of scientific knowledge and skills. The study results show the importance of implementing multi-faceted instructional strategies to address students’ diversity and learning preferences. Our findings underscore the need for educators and policymakers to be attentive to the students’ voices when striving to narrow gaps, achieve equality among students, and elevate students’ knowledge and skills in science studies.
An ethical assessment of professional opinions on concerns, chances, and limitations of the implementation of an artificial intelligence-based technology into the geriatric patient treatment and continuity of care
Authors: Parchmann Nina , Hansen David , Orzechowski Marcin , Steger Florian
Published: June 2024

With the introduction of an artificial intelligence-based dashboard into the clinic, the project SURGE-Ahead responds to the importance of improving perioperative geriatric patient treatment and continuity of care. The use of artificial intelligence to process and analyze data automatically, aims at an evidence-based evaluation of the patient’s health condition and recommending treatment options. However, its development and introduction raise ethical questions. To ascertain professional perspectives on the clinical use of the dashboard, we have conducted 19 semi-structured qualitative interviews with head physicians, computer scientists, jurists, and ethicists. The application of a qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis enabled the detection of main ethical concerns, chances, and limitations. These ethical considerations were categorized: changes of the patient-physician relationship and the current social reality are expected, causing de-skilling and an active participation of the artificial intelligence. The interviewees anticipated a redistribution of human resources, time, knowledge, and experiences as well as expenses and financing. Concerns of privacy, accuracy, transparency, and explainability were stated, and an insufficient data basis, an intensifying of existing inequalities and systematic discrimination considering a fair access emphasized. Concluding, the patient-physician relationship, social reality, redistribution of resources, fair access, as well as data-related aspects of the artificial intelligence-based system could conflict with the ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and social justice. To respond to these ethical concerns, a responsible use of the dashboard and a critical verification of therapy suggestions is mandatory, and the application limited by questions at the end of life and taking life-changing decisions.
Gestational Diabetes Risk and Low Birth Weight After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: a Complex Interplay to be Balanced
Authors: Rodrigues-Martins Diana , Andrade Sara , Pereira Sofia S. , Braga Jorge , Nunes Inês , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is known to improve the obstetric outcomes of women with obesity and to prevent gestational diabetes (GD). To what extent does MBS decreases GD, without incurring at additional risks is a matter of concern.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study to compare the pregnancy outcomes of women previously submitted to MBS to those of age and preconception body mass index (PC BMI) matched non-operated controls.

Results

Pregnancies of women after MBS (n = 79) and matched controls (n = 79) were included. GD was significantly less frequent after MBS (7.6% vs. 19%; p = 0.03). Fasting blood glucose (76.90 ± 0.77 vs 80.37 ± 1.15 mg/dl, p < 0.05; 70.08 ± 1.34 vs. 76.35 ± 0.95 mg/dl; p < 0.05, first and second trimesters respectively) and birth weight (2953.67 ± 489.51 g vs. 3229.11 ± 476.21 g; p < 0.01) were significantly lower after MBS when compared to controls. The occurrence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) was more frequent after MBS (22.8% vs. 6.3%; p < 0.01), but no longer significant after controlling for smoking habits (15.5% vs. 6%, p = 0.14). There were no significant differences in gestational weight gain, prematurity rate nor mode of delivery between groups.

Conclusion

MBS was associated with a lower prevalence of GD than observed in non-operated women with the same age and BMI. After controlling for smoking, this occurred at the expense of a lower birth weight. Our data reinforces the hypothesis that MBS has body weight independent effects on glucose kinetics during pregnancy with distinctive impacts for mother and offspring, which need to be balanced.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of duration and severity of obesity exposure on cardiometabolic health
Authors: van Ede Elisabeth S. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Goossens Gijs H. , Bouwman R. Arthur , Buise Marc P.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Duration and severity of exposure to excess adipose tissue are important risk factors for complications, but are generally not examined in conjunction. We developed a metric considering both factors to examine the relationship between obesity-related complications and parameters of cardiometabolic health in patients undergoing a metabolic bariatric procedure (MBS).

Materials & Methods

Data from patients screened for primary MBS between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. The Obesity Exposure score (OBES), based on self-reported years of life with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, was calculated with increased weighting applied for higher BMI categories. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for multiple potential confounders.

Results

In total, 2441 patients were included (76% female, age 42.1 ± 11.9 years, BMI 42.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2). OBES was positively related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss (per 10 OBES-units: OR 1.31, 95%CI [1.11–1.52], p = 0.002; OR 1.23, 95% CI [1.06–1.44], p = 0.008; and OR 1.26, 95% CI [1.04–1.51], p = 0.02). OBES was negatively associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (OR 0.90, 95% CI [0.83–0.98], p = 0.02). In patients without obesity-related complications, OBES was related to lower HbA1c and higher HDL-cholesterol levels (ß -0.5 95% CI [-0.08-.0.02] p < 0.001 and ß 0.02 [0.00–0.04] p = 0.01).

Conclusion

OBES was related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss in patients applying for MBS. OBES was negatively related to OSAS, possibly because undiagnosed years were not taken into account. In the absence of obesity-related complications, OBES was not related to metabolic blood markers. Our data may aid in improving perioperative risk assessments.

Graphical Abstract
Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells Alleviate Autoimmune Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Mice by Targeting Granulosa Cells via AKT/ERK Pathways
Authors: Ye Xiaohang , Lin Yifeng , Ying Yanyun , Shen Xuezhi , Ni Feida , Wang Feixia , Chen Jianpeng , Zhao Wei , Yu Xiaoming , Zhang Dan , Liu Yifeng
Published: June 2024

Autoimmune factors play an important role in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) have recently shown promising treatment effects on chemotherapy-induced POI. However, the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of hAESCs in autoimmune POI remain to be investigated. In this study, we showed for the first time that intravenous transplantation of hAESCs could reside in the ovary of zona pellucida 3 peptide (pZP3) induced autoimmune POI mice model for at least 4 weeks. hAESCs could improve ovarian function and fertility, alleviate inflammation and reduce apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) in autoimmune POI mice. The transcriptome analysis of mice ovaries and in vitro co-cultivation experiments suggest that activation of the AKT and ERK pathways may be the key mechanism in the therapeutic effect of hAESCs. Our work provides the theoretical and experimental foundation for optimizing the administration of hAESCs, as well as the clinical application of hAESCs in autoimmune POI patients.

Graphical Abstract
Complete Description of Local Conservation Laws for Generalized Dissipative Westervelt Equation
Authors: Sergyeyev Artur
Published: June 2024

We give a complete description of inequivalent nontrivial local conservation laws of all orders for a natural generalization of the dissipative Westervelt equation and, in particular, show that the equation under study admits an infinite number of inequivalent nontrivial local conservation laws for the case of more than two independent variables.
From the Definition to the Automatic Assessment of Engagement in Human–Robot Interaction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sorrentino Alessandra , Fiorini Laura , Cavallo Filippo
Published: June 2024

The concept of engagement is widely adopted in the human–robot interaction (HRI) field, as a core social phenomenon in the interaction. Despite the wide usage of the term, the meaning of this concept is still characterized by great vagueness. A common approach is to evaluate it through self-reports and observational grids. While the former solution suffers from a time-discrepancy problem, since the perceived engagement is evaluated at the end of the interaction, the latter solution may be affected by the subjectivity of the observers. From the perspective of developing socially intelligent robots that autonomously adapt their behaviors during the interaction, replicating the ability to properly detect engagement represents a challenge in the social robotics community. This systematic review investigates the conceptualization of engagement, starting with the works that attempted to automatically detect it in interactions involving robots and real users (i.e., online surveys are excluded). The goal is to describe the most worthwhile research efforts and to outline the commonly adopted definitions (which define the authors’ perspective on the topic) and their connection with the methodology used for the assessment (if any). The research was conducted within two databases (Web of Science and Scopus) between November 2009 and January 2023. A total of 590 articles were found in the initial search. Thanks to an accurate definition of the exclusion criteria, the most relevant papers on automatic engagement detection and assessment in HRI were identified. Finally, 28 papers were fully evaluated and included in this review. The analysis illustrates that the engagement detection task is mostly addressed as a binary or multi-class classification problem, considering user behavioral cues and context-based features extracted from recorded data. One outcome of this review is the identification of current research barriers and future challenges on the topic, which could be clustered in the following fields: engagement components, annotation procedures, engagement features, prediction techniques, and experimental sessions.
Alcohol-related Consequences: Factor Structure and Associations With Trait Mindfulness and Drinking Motivations
Authors: Carney Lauren M. , Park Crystal L. , Russell Beth
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to determine if motivations to use alcohol (coping and social motivations) mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and a variety of alcohol-related consequences and to determine if the relationship between motivations to use alcohol and alcohol-related consequences is moderated by alcohol use. We determined the factor structure of positive and negative consequences of alcohol use and used this structure as outcomes across eight moderated mediation models.

Methods

Data were obtained from 296 undergraduate students to confirm the alcohol-related consequences factor structure and to test eight moderated-mediation models.

Results

Four alcohol-related consequences scales (romantic/sexual, positive, mild negative, and severe negative consequences) were confirmed. The motive of drinking to cope significantly mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and all four of the alcohol-related consequences scales. Drinking to socialize did not significantly mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and all of the alcohol-related consequences scales.

Conclusions

The identified four-factor structure suggests that alcohol-related consequences should be assessed in a more specific manner. Additionally, different motivations for alcohol use relate differentially to trait mindfulness and different alcohol-related consequences; drinking to cope is particularly problematic for this population. Future research on the usefulness of promoting mindfulness to reduce problematic drinking appears warranted.
Characteristics of mast cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma and its impact on prognosis
Authors: Qiu Zijian , Pang Guanchao , Xu Xia , Lin Jun , Wang Pingli
Published: June 2024

Background

The role of mast cells in malignancies remains unclear, and there is no clear correlation between mast cells and tumor microvessels, tumor growth, or lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis. This study aims to explore the association between mast cell density (MCD) and intratumoral microvessel density (MVD), clinicopathological parameters, and prognosis in LUAD, by evaluating mast cell infiltration characteristics and their prognostic significance.

Methods

This retrospective investigation involved 238 patients with LUAD undergoing complete resection. Tumor and normal lung tissue sections outside the tumor were immunohistochemically stained for MCD in the intratumoral and outside regions, respectively. CD34 polyclonal antibody was used to measure intratumoral MVD.

Results

Intratumoral regions of LUAD had a higher MCD (P < 0.001) than normal lung tissue. In the intratumoral region, MCD and CD34-MVD were positively correlated (r = 0.411, P < 0.001). Intratumoral MCD correlated with sex, smoking history, tumor differentiation, pathological subtype, and tumor size. Female sex (P = 0.012), no smoking history (P = 0.002), acinar predominant type (P = 0.012), and tumor size ≤ 3 cm (P = 0.009) were associated with a higher MCD, whereas poorly differentiated (P = 0.039) and solid/micropapillary predominant types (P = 0.001) were associated with a lower MCD. Higher intratumoral MCD exhibited a marginally improved overall survival, and individuals with higher MCD infiltration ratios (intratumoral MCD/outside the MCD) had higher disease-free and overall survival rates (log-rank P < 0.001). A high MCD infiltration ratio was associated with decreased risk of tumor progression and death following complete resection.

Conclusion

The tumor microenvironment controls mast cell infiltration in LUAD, and patients with increased intratumoral mast cell infiltration have better prognosis.
Percentage Comparison of Fuzzy Numbers Using a Newly Presented Method in the Context of Surrogate Modeling
Authors: Oberleiter Thomas , Willner Kai
Published: June 2024

The O-index presented here allows a statement about the percentage deviation between two fuzzy numbers. For this purpose, one fuzzy number is defined s the reference. This fuzzy number is described with the help of its core value and its support. The deviation of the other fuzzy number, which is defined as the comparison number, is then quantified via the area differences of the left and right limits of the two numbers. In addition, the case when decomposed fuzzy numbers are involved, which are given as

$$\alpha $$

α

-cuts is taken into account. Thus, the O-index-

$$\alpha $$

α

can be used to calculate a separate percentage deviation for each

$$\alpha $$

α

-cut and thus generate additional knowledge. The O-index then allows a very detailed description of the deviation between two fuzzy numbers. One application of the O-index is the estimation of the accuracy of a surrogate model in relation to a reference model in the context of uncertainty quantification. This is illustrated by a mechanical example, a bending beam.
Rise of Global South and changes in contemporary international order
Authors: Zhou Guiyin
Published: June 2024

The rise of the Global South, already an important factor in contemporary global politics, has initiated and will continue to instigate huge changes in international order. Since World War II, the rise of the Global South has transitioned through three stages: decolonization (1945–1989), globalization (1990–2008), and the rise of emerging economies as a group (since 2009). Countries in the South acted first as “rebels”, then “responsive participants” and now as “active agents” within the system. Through the three stages of development, the rise of the Global South has caused varying changes in international order at different levels and in different regions and fields. These changes, however, all manifest in three aspects: power structure, modes of international interactions, and international rules and systems. Revealing the interactions and mechanisms between the rise of the Global South and the changes in contemporary international order both vertically and horizontally will contribute to further understanding the great changes and general direction of today’s world politics.
Mikania micrantha Kunth and its derived biochar impacts on heavy metal bioavailability and siderophore-related genes during chicken manure composting
Authors: Abdellah Yousif Abdelrahman Yousif , Chen Hong-Yu , Deng Shi-Wen , Li Wan-Ting , Ren Rong-Jie , Yang Xi , Rana Muhammad Shoaib , Sun Shan-Shan , Liu Jia-Jie , Wang Rui-Long
Published: June 2024

Biochar can potentially reduce heavy metals (HMs) mobility and bioavailability during composting. However, siderophores secreted by functional microbes might lead to the re-mobilization of metals like Cu and Zn. Therefore, this study intended to explore the impacts of Mikania micrantha Kunth (MM) and MM-derived biochar (MMB) in the reduction of Cu and Zn bioavailability, and siderophore-related gene abundances during composting. Compared with MM and corn straw (CS) composts, a significant decline was noticed in the extractable and reducible Cu [(2.3 mg kg−1 + 12.1 mg kg−1), and (3.3 mg kg−1 + 14.6 mg kg−1)], and Zn [(103.1 mg kg−1 + 110.1 mg kg−1), and (109.6 mg kg−1 + 117.2 mg kg−1)] in MMB and corn straw biochar (CSB) composts, respectively. Besides, the lowest relative abundance of HMs-resistant bacteria particularly Corynebacterium (0.40%), Pseudomonas (0.46%), and Enterobacter (0.47%), was noted in MMB compost. Also, a significant increase in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis abundance (5.77%) accompanied by a reduction in the abundance of clusters related to siderophore transport, and siderophore transmembrane transporter activity was detected in MMB compost. Multivariate analysis labeled temperature, moisture content, total organic carbon, Corynebacterium, and Bacillus as the primary factors significantly correlated with the Cu and Zn bioavailability (− 0.90 ≤ r ≤ 0.90, P < 0.05). The structural equation model revealed that physicochemical parameters, microbial abundance, and siderophores exert a substantial influence on Cu and Zn bioavailability. Accordingly, MM and its derived biochar are recommended as an effective approach for accelerating Cu and Zn bioavailability reduction and managing the growth and distribution of invasive plants.

Graphical Abstract
Algebraic curves associated with centrosymmetric matrices of orders up to 6
Authors: Bebiano N. , Lemos R. , Soares G.
Published: June 2024

In this paper the boundary generating curves and numerical ranges of centrosymmetric matrices of orders up to 6 are characterized in terms of the matrices entries. These results extend previous ones concerning Kac-Sylvester matrices. The classification of all the possible boundary generating curves for centrosymmetric matrices of higher dimensions remains open.
Percutaneous computed tomography-guided drainage of presacral fluid collections: a comprehensive analysis of 93 cases in a single-center experience
Authors: Franceschi Paola , Attinà Domenico , Niro Fabio , Sportoletti Camilla , Buia Francesco , Lovato Luigi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage of presacral fluid collections.

Methods

The records of patients who underwent percutaneous CT-guided drainages of presacral fluid collections at our institution from January 2015 to October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics and morphological data, procedural details, complications, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

In all, 93 patients with 95 presacral fluid collections received percutaneous CT-guided drainages. A total of 117 procedures were performed with 18 patients who required re-drainages. Technical and radiological success rate of drainage placement procedures was, respectively, 98% and 78%. One of 93 [1%] patients experienced a minor complication from drainage placement. No major complications occurred. The preferred approach was left infrapiriformis transgluteal in prone position. Median drainage size was 10 Fr (range 6–14 Fr).

Conclusions

Percutaneous CT-guided drainage is a safe and effective treatment option for presacral fluid collections, which in selected cases can be used as an alternative to surgery or as a preparatory phase for it, with minor complications occurring rarely.
Critical transitions on a route to chaos of natural convection on a heated horizontal circular surface
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Zhao Yongling , Carmeliet Jan , Nie Bingchuan , Xu Feng
Published: June 2024

The transition route and bifurcations of the buoyant flows developing on a heated horizontal circular surface are elaborated using direct numerical simulations and direct stability analysis. A series of bifurcations, as a function of Rayleigh numbers (

$Ra$

) ranging from

$10^6$

to

$6.0\times 10^7$

, are found on the route to chaos of the flows at

$Pr=7$

. When

$Ra<1.0\times 10^3$

, the buoyant flows above the heated horizontal surface are dominated by conduction, because of which the distinct thermal boundary layer and plume are not present. At

$Ra=1.1\times 10^6$

, a Hopf bifurcation occurs, resulting in the flow transition from a steady state to a periodic puffing state. As

$Ra$

increases further, the flow enters a periodic rotating state at

$Ra=1.9\times 10^6$

, which is a unique state that was rarely discussed in the literature. These critical transitions, leaving from a steady state and subsequently entering a series of periodic states (puffing, rotating, flapping and period-doubling) and finally leading to chaos, are diagnosed using two-dimensional Fourier transforms. Moreover, direct stability analysis is conducted by introducing random numerical perturbations into the boundary condition of the surface heating. We find that when the state of a flow is in the vicinity of critical values (e.g.

$Ra=2.0\times 10^6$

), the flow is conditionally unstable to perturbations, and it can bifurcate from the rotating state to the flapping state in advance. However, for relatively stable flow states, such as at

$Ra=1.5\times 10^6$

, the flow remains in its periodic puffing state even though it is being perturbed.
Equisingularity in pencils of curves on germs of reduced complex surfaces
Authors: Barranco Mendoza Gonzalo , Snoussi Jawad
Published: June 2024

We study pencils of curves on a germ of complex reduced surface $(S,0)$. These are families of curves parametrized by $ \mathbb{P}^1 $ having 0 as the unique common point. We prove that for $w\in \mathbb{P}^1$, the corresponding curve of the pencil does not have the generic topology if and only if either the corresponding curve of the pulled-back pencil to the normalized surface has a non generic topology or w is a limit value for the function $ f/g $ along the singular locus of $(S,0)$, where f and g are generators of the pencil.
Revolving doors in Europe: does hiring from the public sector facilitate access?
Authors: Belli Sharon S. , Stevens Frederik
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the movement of personnel from the public sector to interest groups has garnered considerable attention throughout Europe. Consequently, there has been an increased focus on the phenomenon of revolving door lobbyists within academic literature. This research contributes to this scholarly discussion by examining how the employment of such lobbyists facilitates access. We argue that interest groups gain advantages by recruiting individuals from the public sector in policy domains with limited mobilization, but this benefit decreases as more interest groups mobilize. Our analysis of survey data from seven European political systems supports these expectations, indicating that recruiting professionals with experience in the public sector enhances access, especially in policy areas with minimal lobbying activity. This highlights the potential for interest mobilization to counterbalance the advantages of hiring revolving door lobbyists.
Loneliness and social isolation of ethnic minority/immigrant older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Joshi Mengxing , Finney Nissa , Hale Jo Mhairi
Published: June 2024

Loneliness and social isolation among older adults are emerging public health concerns. Older adults from ethnic minority communities or with immigration backgrounds may be particularly vulnerable when encountering loneliness and social isolation due to the double jeopardy of their old age and minority status. The goal of this study is to conduct a scoping review of published journal articles on ethnic minority/immigrant older adults' loneliness and social isolation experiences to show the extent, range and nature of empirical studies in this area across several high-income countries (i.e. European countries, United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia and New Zealand). This review uses Arksey and O'Malley's five-state framework, a well-established scoping review method. We identify and analyse 76 articles published between 1983 and 2021. This evidence base is largely US-focused (54%) with the vast majority (76%) having a quantitative design. We summarise and map factors of loneliness and social isolation into a multi-dimensional socio-ecological model. By doing so, we show how ethnicity/immigration-specific factors and general factors intersect in multiple dimensions across places and time, shaping ethnic minority/immigrant older adults' heterogeneous experiences of loneliness and social isolation. Several critical gaps that should be at the forefront of future research are highlighted and discussed.
Bimodal microstructural characterization of Si powder using X-ray diffraction: the role of peak shape
Authors: Bhakar Ashok , Srivastava Himanshu , Tiwari Pragya , Rai S. K.
Published: June 2024

X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of Si powder was carried out using synchrotron and laboratory sources. Microstructural (size-strain) analyses of XRD patterns were carried out using the Rietveld refinement method. Experimentally observed super-Lorentzian shapes of the XRD peaks of Si powder were examined using multimodal profile fitting and bimodal model was found to be adequate. The two components obtained using a bimodal approach are referred as narrow and broad profiles based on their estimated relative peak widths. Peak shapes of crystallite size-dependent parts of narrow and broad profiles were found to be almost Gaussian and Lorentzian in nature, respectively. The simultaneous presence of such peak shapes corresponding to a bimodal microstructure is uncommon in literature. Therefore, in order to explore the role of different natures of XRD peak shapes (size dependent) of the bimodal profiles of Si, detailed microstructural analysis was carried out using the complementary method of whole powder pattern modeling (WPPM) and found to be related to the variance of crystallites' size distribution. Additionally, the effect of instrument resolution (laboratory and synchrotron sources) on the microstructural parameters was also studied. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of Si powder and correlate with the microstructural findings of XRD methods.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Mathematics Community: A Perspective on Data and Policy
Authors: Saha Abhishek
Published: June 2024

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) questions have taken on increasing importance within the mathematics community recently and generated substantial debate. This article focuses on data collection, data analysis and evidence-based policy for EDI in the context of the UK mathematics higher education sector. It proposes that targeted latitudinal surveys and longitudinal studies would be useful to quantify experiences of disadvantage or discrimination but cautions against hasty conclusions from the data obtained. It notes that topics related to equality and diversity are politically controversial and emphasizes the importance of academic freedom in data analysis. It argues that EDI action should be based on evidence of disadvantage or discrimination rather than on the existence of quantitative disparities in outcomes. Finally, it reflects upon the importance of gathering balanced data on the effects of EDI policies in order to measure their costs and benefits.
Individual differences in L2 proficiency moderate the effect of L1 translation knowledge on L2 lexical retrieval
Authors: Takahesu Tabori Andrea Akemi , Pyers Jennie E.
Published: June 2024

The effect of translation knowledge on bilingual lexical production is mixed, with some studies showing translation interference and others showing facilitation. We considered the roles of first-language (L1) translation knowledge and second-language (L2) proficiency in lexical retrieval, testing predictions of the competition for selection, frequency lag and activation boosting accounts. In experiment 1, 54 highly proficient Spanish–English bilinguals named pictures of low-frequency nouns in English (L2). Spanish (L1) translation knowledge and English proficiency had an interactive effect on tip-of-the-tongue experiences with increased L1 translation interference at low levels of L2 proficiency and facilitation at high levels of L2 proficiency, consistent with combined predictions of competition for selection and activation boosting accounts. Experiment 2 confirmed that confounding lexical variables did not drive translation effects. By examining individual differences within bilinguals, we found support for multiple mechanisms that play a role in bilingual lexical retrieval that were not evident at the group level.
Communicating overpopulation to a global audience: Disney’s Family Planning (1968)
Authors: Ellis Patrick , Olszynko-Gryn Jesse
Published: June 2024

Family Planning (1968), a short, animated film featuring Donald Duck, was translated into at least twenty-four languages and viewed in the span of two years by nearly 1.4 million people around the world. Commissioned by the Rockefeller’s Population Council and expensively produced by Disney, the movie represents the international family planning industry’s single largest investment in a media object. It has since been perceived as largely effective in achieving its goal of promoting contraception to culturally diverse audiences. Using an unusually rich collection of archival records and other previously neglected sources, we demonstrate how Family Planning failed to connect with local viewerships. Our historical analysis recovers the Population Council’s homogenizing and infantilizing view of the global poor and critiques of this view that emanated from the Global South – not just with the benefit of hindsight but at the time. We conclude that the Rockefeller–Disney collaboration was ill-suited for communicating to a heterogeneous, global audience, and that a misplaced optimism in animation as a universal language all but guaranteed failure.
Impact of burial depth and root segment length on vegetative propagation of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Authors: Stup Rebecca S. , Westbrook Anna S. , DiTommaso Antonio
Published: June 2024

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) is widely planted as part of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) conservation efforts. Vegetative propagation is an alternative to planting A. syriaca from seed and offers advantages such as high emergence rates. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal planting depth and initial root segment length to vegetatively propagate A. syriaca. In a greenhouse trial with two runs, A. syriaca was grown from seed, and then 3-, 8-, and 15-cm segments were harvested. These segments were then planted at depths of 3, 8, or 15 cm. Planting depth did not impact A. syriaca growth, but an initial root segment length of 15 cm was associated with greater above- and belowground biomass and height in both runs of the experiment. Emergence rates were not impacted by either factor. Overall, A. syriaca was likely to establish regardless of the initial root segment length or planting depth, but plants grown from root segments of 15 cm were more vigorous than plants grown from shorter segments.
Different Strategies of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Would Significantly Affect Climate Extreme Mitigation
Authors: Jiang Jiu , Xia Yi , Cao Long , Kravitz Ben , MacMartin Douglas G. , Fu Jianjie , Jiang Guibin
Published: June 2024

Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) has been proposed as a potential supplement to mitigate some climate impacts of anthropogenic warming. Using Community Earth System Model ensemble simulation results, we analyze the response of temperature and precipitation extremes to two different SAI strategies: one injects SO2 at the equator to stabilize global mean temperature and the other injects SO2 at multiple locations to stabilize global mean temperature as well as the interhemispheric and equator‐to‐pole temperature gradients. Our analysis shows that in the late 21st century, compared with the present‐day climate, both equatorial and multi‐location injection lead to reduced hot extremes in the tropics, corresponding to overcooling of the mean climate state. In mid‐to‐high latitude regions, in comparison to the present‐day climate, substantial decreases in cold extremes are observed under both equatorial and multi‐location injection, corresponding to residual winter warming of the mean climate state. Both equatorial and multi‐location injection reduce precipitation extremes in the tropics below the present‐day level, associated with the decrease in mean precipitation. Overall, for most regions, temperature and precipitation extremes show reduced change in response to multi‐location injection than to equatorial injection, corresponding to reduced mean climate change for multi‐location injection. In comparison with equatorial injection, in response to multi‐location injection, most land regions experience fewer years with significant change in cold extremes from the present‐day level, and most tropical regions experience fewer years with significant change in hot extremes. The design of SAI strategies to mitigate anthropogenic climate extremes merits further study.
Asynchronous Methane and Carbon Dioxide Fluxes Drive Temporal Variability of Mangrove Blue Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Chen Jingke , Li Lichun , Li Mingjie , Li Tingting , Qin Zhangcai , Wang Fan , Zhao Xiaosong
Published: June 2024

The climate benefit of blue carbon sequestered by mangrove forests can be partially offset by CH4 emission, but this offset is rarely assessed using multi‐year high‐frequency measurements. Here, four‐year eddy covariance measurements were used to examine temporal patterns of CH4 flux and its blue carbon offset (i.e., reduced climate benefit) in a subtropical estuarine mangrove in China. We found both diel and seasonal CH4 fluxes were mainly driven by soil temperature and tidal activities, showing greater nighttime emission. On average, one‐tenth of CO2 uptake was offset by CH4 emission using the sustained‐flux global warming potential metric at a 20‐year time horizon, while this offset could vary over an order of magnitude due to asynchronous fluxes of CH4 and CO2 across diel and seasonal cycles. These results highlight the significant contribution of nighttime emission to mangrove CH4 budget and the importance of asynchronous flux variations in assessing mangrove's climate benefit.
Physical and Unphysical Causes of Nonstationarity in the Relationship Between Barents‐Kara Sea Ice and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Strommen Kristian , Cooper Fenwick C.
Published: June 2024

The role of internal variability in generating an apparent link between autumn Barents‐Kara sea (BKS) ice and the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has been intensely debated. In particular, the robustness and causality of the link has been questioned by showing that BKS‐NAO correlations exhibit nonstationarity in both reanalysis and climate model simulations. We show that the lack of ice observations means nonstationarity cannot be confidently assessed using reanalysis prior to 1961. Model simulations are used to corroborate an argument that forced nonstationarity could result from ice edge changes due to global warming. Consequently, the observed change in BKS‐NAO correlations since 1960 might not be purely a result of internal variability and may also reflect that the ice edge has moved. The change could also reflect the availability of more accurate ice observations. We discuss potential implications for analysis based on coupled climate models, which exhibit large ice edge biases.
Rapid Ice‐Wedge Collapse and Permafrost Carbon Loss Triggered by Increased Snow Depth and Surface Runoff
Authors: Parmentier Frans‐Jan W. , Nilsen Lennart , Tømmervik Hans , Meisel Ove H. , Bröder Lisa , Vonk Jorien E. , Westermann Sebastian , Semenchuk Philipp R. , Cooper Elisabeth J.
Published: June 2024

Thicker snow cover in permafrost areas causes deeper active layers and thaw subsidence, which alter local hydrology and may amplify the loss of soil carbon. However, the potential for changes in snow cover and surface runoff to mobilize permafrost carbon remains poorly quantified. In this study, we show that a snow fence experiment on High‐Arctic Svalbard inadvertently led to surface subsidence through warming, and extensive downstream erosion due to increased surface runoff. Within a decade of artificially raised snow depths, several ice wedges collapsed, forming a 50 m long and 1.5 m deep thermo‐erosion gully in the landscape. We estimate that 1.1–3.3 tons C may have eroded, and that the gully is a hotspot for processing of mobilized aquatic carbon. Our results show that interactions among snow, runoff and permafrost thaw form an important driver of soil carbon loss, highlighting the need for improved model representation.
Combining Neural Networks and CMIP6 Simulations to Learn Windows of Opportunity for Skillful Prediction of Multiyear Sea Surface Temperature Variability
Authors: Davenport Frances V. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Gordon Emily M.
Published: June 2024

We use neural networks and large climate model ensembles to explore predictability of internal variability in sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies on interannual (1–3 years) and decadal (1–5 and 3–7 years) timescales. We find that neural networks can skillfully predict SST anomalies at these lead times, especially in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, Tropical Pacific, Tropical Atlantic and Southern Ocean. The spatial patterns of SST predictability vary across the nine climate models studied. The neural networks identify “windows of opportunity” where future SST anomalies can be predicted with more certainty. Neural networks trained on climate models also make skillful SST predictions in reconstructed observations, although the skill varies depending on which climate model the network was trained. Our results highlight that neural networks can identify predictable internal variability within existing climate data sets and show important differences in how well patterns of SST predictability in climate models translate to the real world.
Improving Diurnal Precipitation Forecasts Through Coherent Coupling of Cumulus and Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterizations
Authors: Mei Haixia , Liang Xin‐Zhong , Zeng Mingjian , Yang Yang , Sun Chao , Li Xin
Published: June 2024

This study explores the impact of coupling cumulus and planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations on diurnal precipitation forecasting during the plum rainy season in Jiangsu Province, China, using a double grid‐nesting approach. Results show that coherent coupling of cumulus (only in the 15 km grid outer domain [O]) and PBL parameterizations leads to improved forecasting of diurnal variations in the morning, afternoon, and the evening. Increasing the frequency of the Kain‐Fritsch (KF) cumulus scheme in [O] enhances subgrid precipitation while reducing grid‐scale precipitation, resulting in a more accurate representation of daytime convective activities and a reduction in over‐forecasting of evening valley and early‐morning precipitation. Additionally, coupling a suitable PBL scheme mitigates the overpredicted afternoon peak by facilitating turbulent mixing to penetrate higher altitudes with a thicker layer, thereby reducing instability energy accumulation. A higher KF frequency in [O] retains less low tropospheric moisture, reducing moisture convergence into the 1 km grid inner domain [I] and decreasing overpredicted daytime precipitation in [I]. Various PBL schemes produce distinct vertical distributions of turbulent moisture and heat transport, impacting convection and precipitation in [I] resolved by cloud microphysics processes. The coherent coupling of these parameterizations maintains a balanced supply of convective energy and water vapor, significantly improving diurnal precipitation forecasts in [I]. Isolating these parameterizations between nested grids may undermine this improvement.
Polar Low Circulation Enhances Greenland's West Coast Cloud Surface Warming
Authors: Lac Jean , Chepfer Hélène , Arouf Assia , Shupe Matthew D. , Gallagher Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Mass loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) plays a major role in the global sea level rise. The west coast of the GrIS has contributed 1,000 Gt of the 4,488 Gt GrIS mass loss between 2002 and 2021, making it a hotspot for GrIS mass loss. Surface melting is driven by changes in the radiative budget at the surface, which are modulated by clouds. Previous works have shown the impact of North Atlantic transport for influencing cloudiness over the GrIS. Here we used space‐based lidar cloud profile observations to show that a polar low circulation promotes the presence of low clouds over the GrIS west coast that warm radiatively the GrIS surface during the melt season. Polar low circulation transports moisture and low clouds from the sea to the west of Greenland up over the GrIS west coast through the melt season. The concomitance of the increasing presence of low cloud in fall over the Baffin Sea due to seasonal sea‐ice retreat and a maximum occurrence of Polar low circulation in September results in a maximum of low cloud fraction (∼14% at 2.5 km above sea level) over the GrIS west coast in September. These low clouds warm radiatively the GrIS west coast surface up to 80 W/m2 locally. This warming contributes to an average increase of 10 W/m2 of cloud surface warming in September compared to July on the GrIS west coast. Overall, this study suggests that regional atmospheric processes independent from North Atlantic transport may also influence the GrIS melt.
Multi‐Task Learning for Tornado Identification Using Doppler Radar Data
Authors: Xie Jinyang , Zhou Kanghui , Chen Haonan , Han Lei , Guan Liang , Wang Maoyu , Zheng Yongguang , Chen Hongjin , Mao Jiaqi
Published: June 2024

Tornadoes, as highly destructive weather events, require accurate detection for effective decision‐making. Traditional radar‐based tornado detection algorithms (TDA) face challenges with limited tornado feature extraction capabilities, leading to high false alarm rates and low detection probabilities. This study introduces the Multi‐Task Identification Network (MTI‐Net), leveraging Doppler radar data to enhance tornado recognition. MTI‐Net integrates tornado detection and estimation tasks to acquire comprehensive spatial and locational information. As part of MTI‐Net, we introduce a novel backbone network of Multi‐Head Convolutional Block (MHCB), which incorporates Spatial and Channel Attention Units (SAU and CAU). SAU optimizes local tornado feature extraction, while CAU reduces false alarms by enhancing dependencies among input variables. Experiments demonstrate the superiority of MTI‐Net over TDA, with a decrease in false alarm rates from 0.94 to 0.46 and an increase in hit rates from 0.23 to 0.81, highlighting the effectiveness of MTI‐Net in handling small‐scale tornado events.