bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural and impact response of bamboo and pineapple leaf fiber reinforced composites using experimental and numerical techniques
Authors: Srinag T. , Kumar R. Suresh , Srinivas CH. Lakshmi , Singh Bharat , Prasanthi P. Phani , Madhav V. V. Venu , Bandhu Din , Saxena Ashish , Abdullaev Sherzod Shukhratovich
Published: October 2023

The flexural and impact response of completely biodegradable natural composites, specifically bamboo and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced composites, is investigated using a combination of experimental and simulation techniques. The flexural strength and bending modulus are determined through 3-point bending tests while varying the weight fraction of the selected natural fibers from 5 to 15%. The impact of alkaline treatment at different percentages of 2 to 10% on the same properties such as flexural strength and bending modulus is also investigated. Subsequently, simulation techniques are employed to determine the behavior of the natural composite materials under bending loads. Finite element models are utilized to analyze the normal, and shear stresses in the composite structures. The research findings unveiled that incorporating a 10% weight fraction of bamboo fiber along with an 8% NaOH treatment led to the most significant enhancement in flexural strength, showcasing a notable advancement of 111.02%. Within the PALF fiber reinforced composite, employing 2% NaOH treated PALF fiber at a 15% weight fraction yielded an impressive improvement of 125.6%.
Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy presenting as sudden death in an 18-month-old infant
Authors: Foster Jacob , Parsons Sarah
Published: October 2023

Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy (HC) is an arrhythmogenic disorder, usually involving children under two years of age with a strong Caucasian and female predominance. The disease is fatal in the vast majority and diagnosis is nearly always established at autopsy, but this is only possible with adequate myocardial sampling. Meticulous gross and histological examination of the heart in collaboration with a cardiovascular-trained pathologist maximises the opportunity to make specific diagnoses (and therefore rule out the differentials of SIDS, SUDC and child abuse), guide genetic testing, and inform potentially life-saving medical interventions for blood relations. We present a typical HC case presenting as sudden death, without prodrome, in a previously healthy 18-month-old boy. The disease is characterised histologically by discrete groups of enlarged, polygonal histiocyte-like cells with distinct margins and abundant faintly eosinophilic foamy cytoplasm. Cells often contain coarse granules, microvacuoles and irregular, round nuclei. In our case, dysplastic fascicles were predominantly located immediately deep to the endocardium of the left ventricle. We report our own autopsy findings with histological images, and discuss the expected clinical, morphological and ultrastructural features of the disease.
Predictive Value of Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products-to-Potassium Ratio for Poor Functional Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Li Weida , Zhao Shuangquan , Chen Xinlong , Zhang Yi , Lin Ping , Huang Xingyuan , Yi Simeng , Deng Xuehai , Ding Jianlin , Xia Mingkai , Tang Peijun , Tang Xiaoping , Zhao Long
Published: October 2023

Background

The relationship of fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs) and potassium with the functional outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of a novel combination biomarker, the FDP-to-potassium ratio (FPR), for poor functional outcomes in patients with aSAH.

Methods

A total of 425 consecutive patients with aSAH at a single center were retrospectively enrolled in our study. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at 3 months after discharge. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed for baseline information and laboratory parameters recorded at admission. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted, and propensity score matching was performed based on the FPR.

Results

On the basis of mRS grade, 301 patients were classified as having favorable outcomes, and 124 patients were assessed as having unfavorable outcomes. FPR levels were significantly correlated with mRS grade (r[Spearman] = 0.410; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016–1.071; P = 0.002), white blood cell count (OR 1.150, 95% CI 1.044–1.267; P = 0.005), potassium (OR 0.526, 95% CI 0.291–0.949; P = 0.033), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (OR 1.276, 95% CI 1.055–1.544; P = 0.012), and FPR (OR 1.219, 95% CI 1.102–1.349; P < 0.001) at admission were independently associated with poor functional outcomes. The DeLong test showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of FPR was higher than that of age, white blood cell count, potassium, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, or FDP alone, indicating that FPR had better predictive potential than these other variables. After 1:1 propensity score matching (FPR ≥ 1.45 vs. FPR < 1.45), the rate of poor prognosis was still significantly increased in the high-FPR group (48/121 [39.7%] vs. 16/121 [13.2%], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fibrin(ogen) degradation product-to-potassium ratio is an independent predictor of poor outcomes for patients with aSAH and may be a promising tool for clinicians to evaluate patients’ functional prognosis.
The Unnamed: Exploring the Erasure of Women from the History of Ghana
Authors: Akuffo Aboabea Gertrude
Published: October 2023

In this paper, I reflect on the contribution of Ghanaian nationalist women towards the independence struggle and post-independence nation building (1950–1970), and their erasure from the mainstream history of Ghana. I rely on the literature on women’s political participation in Ghana and the scholarship on memorializing people for meritorious service in Ghana to explore women as victims of historical erasure. I also deploy other sources like the national currencies, commemorative dates, and naming of monuments to highlight the relative weight we attach to women’s and men’s political contribution to nation building. I argue that despite women’s frontal roles, including movement making, organizing prowess, founding parties, leading civil disruptions, and even funding the independence of Ghana, state-led commemorative acts and memorializing practices belie women’s effort and historize men as founders of Ghana. Such de-historizing is often endorsed by male-led political regimes. To ameliorate this masculinization of the memorializing concern, the paper proffers guidelines to enable a fairer memorializing practice. This includes acknowledging the gender biases in our memorializing practices, researching the unnamed leading women, making their information mainstream, renaming our already named monuments to include leading women, and embossing their portraits on our national currencies alongside the men.
Responsible Social Robotics and the Dilemma of Control
Authors: Capasso Marianna
Published: October 2023

Social robotic platforms are increasingly entering into human social practices, but to date the question of control and direction of innovation processes surrounding social robotics is still highly debated. In this paper I seek to make a two-fold contribution. Firstly, I critically discuss the “Collingridge Dilemma”, also known as the “dilemma of control” in Science and Technologies Studies, and contemporary efforts to address such a dilemma. I demonstrate how such efforts have neglected some wider implications of the dilemma, whose relevance is instead crucial for addressing ethical implications in social robotics. Secondly, to help improve the understanding of control in social robotics, I investigate two guiding principles that have been identified in responsible innovation literature, e.g., inclusion and responsiveness, and I identify potential methods and paradigms to put them into practice. The general aim of this paper is thus to bridge the gap between the theoretical assumptions of responsible innovation and its realisation in practice, as well as to explicitly integrate social robotics with an ethical dimension that can improve the inclusiveness, transdisciplinarity, and social sustainability of this emerging field.
Identifying Sources of Atmospheric Pollutants in Densely Populated Urban Areas from a Particle Toxicity Perspective: a Study Using PMF Model and Vehicle Flux Analysis
Authors: Song Myoungki , Choe Seoyeong , Song Min Young , Shin Sung-Kyun , Oh Sea-Ho , Jeon Hajeong , Yu Geun-Hye , Lee Taehyoung , Bae Min-Suk
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the sources of atmospheric pollutants in densely populated urban areas from a particle toxicity perspective. To this end, the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model and vehicle flux analysis were used to identify the sources of atmospheric pollutants in an urban area based on the measured compounds and wind speed at the receptor site. Moreover, the toxicity of each emission source was compared with the dithiothreitol-oxidation potential normalized to 9,10-Phenanthrenequinone (QDTT-OP) analysis using the PMF source apportionment results. The study found that the dominant sources of atmospheric pollutants in the urban area examined were secondary product (43.7%), resuspended dust (25.4%), and vehicle emissions (14.4%). The vehicle flux analysis demonstrated that reducing the number of vehicles could directly reduce urban atmospheric pollutants. By comparing the time series of PMF source profiles with QDTT-OP, the QDTT-OP analysis showed an r2 value of 0.9, thus indicating a strong correlation with biomass burning as the most harmful source of PM2.5 based on emission sources. Overall, this study is expected to provide valuable guidance for managing atmospheric pollutants in densely populated urban areas, and the findings could serve as a helpful resource for improving urban air quality in the future.
Identification in a binary choice panel data model with a predetermined covariate
Authors: Bonhomme Stéphane , Dano Kevin , Graham Bryan S.
Published: October 2023

We study identification in a binary choice panel data model with a singlepredeterminedbinary covariate (i.e., a covariate sequentially exogenous conditional on lagged outcomes and covariates). The choice model is indexed by a scalar parameter$$\theta $$θ, whereas the distribution of unit-specific heterogeneity, as well as the feedback process that maps lagged outcomes into future covariate realizations, is left unrestricted. We provide a simple condition under which$$\theta $$θis never point-identified, no matter the number of time periods available. This condition is satisfied in most models, including the logit one. We also characterize the identified set of$$\theta $$θand show how to compute it using linear programming techniques. While$$\theta $$θis not generally point-identified, its identified set is informative in the examples we analyze numerically, suggesting that meaningful learning about$$\theta $$θmay be possible even in short panels with feedback. As a complement, we report calculations of identified sets for an average partial effect and find informative sets in this case as well.
Soft tissue surgical robot for minimally invasive surgery: a review
Authors: Kim Minhyo , Zhang Youqiang , Jin Sangrok
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The current state of soft tissue surgery robots is surveyed, and the key technologies underlying their success are analyzed. State-of-the-art technologies are introduced, and future directions are discussed.

Methods

Relevant literature is explored, analyzed, and summarized.

Results

Soft tissue surgical robots had rapidly spread in the field of laparoscopic surgery based on the multi-degree-of-freedom movement of intra-abdominal surgical tools and stereoscopic imaging that are not possible in conventional surgery. The three key technologies that have made surgical robots successful are wire-driven mechanisms for multi-degree-of-freedom movement, master devices for intuitive remote control, and stereoscopic imaging technology. Recently, human-robot interaction technologies have been applied to develop user interfaces such as vision assistance and haptic feedback, and research on autonomous surgery has begun.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery not only replaces conventional laparoscopic surgery but also allows for complex surgeries that are not possible with laparoscopic surgery. On the other hand, it is also criticized for its high cost and lack of clinical superiority or patient benefit compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. As various robots compete in the market, the cost of surgical robots is expected to decrease. Surgical robots are expected to continue to evolve in the future due to the need to reduce the workload of medical staff and improve the level of care demanded by patients.
Harmonic and polyanalytic functional calculi on the S-spectrum for unbounded operators
Authors: Colombo Fabrizio , De Martino Antonino , Pinton Stefano
Published: October 2023

Harmonic and polyanalytic functional calculi have been recently defined for bounded commuting operators. Their definitions are based on the Cauchy formula of slice hyperholomorphic functions and on the factorization of the Laplace operator in terms of the Cauchy–Fueter operator $${\mathcal{D}}$$
D
and of its conjugate $$\overline{{\mathcal{D}}}.$$

D
¯

.

Thanks to the Fueter extension theorem, when we apply the operator $${\mathcal{D}}$$
D
to slice hyperholomorphic functions, we obtain harmonic functions and via the Cauchy formula of slice hyperholomorphic functions, we establish an integral representation for harmonic functions. This integral formula is used to define the harmonic functional calculus on the S-spectrum. Another possibility is to apply the conjugate of the Cauchy–Fueter operator to slice hyperholomorphic functions. In this case, with a similar procedure we obtain the class of polyanalytic functions, their integral representation, and the associated polyanalytic functional calculus. The aim of this paper is to extend the harmonic and the polyanalytic functional calculi to the case of unbounded operators and to prove some of the most important properties. These two functional calculi belong to so called fine structures on the S-spectrum in the quaternionic setting. Fine structures on the S-spectrum associated with Clifford algebras constitute a new research area that deeply connects different research fields such as operator theory, harmonic analysis, and hypercomplex analysis.
Learning convolutional multi-level transformers for image-based person re-identification
Authors: Yan Peilei , Liu Xuehu , Zhang Pingping , Lu Huchuan
Published: October 2023

As a vital vision task, person re-identification (Re-ID) aims to retrieve the same person under non-overlapping cameras. It is a very challenging task due to the presence of complex backgrounds, diverse illuminations and different perspectives. In this work, we integrate the advantages of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, and propose a novel learning framework named convolutional multi-level transformer (CMT) for image-based person Re-ID. More specifically, we first propose a scale-aware feature enhancement (SFE) module to extract multi-scale local features from a pre-trained CNN backbone. Then, we introduce a part-aware transformer encoder (PTE) to further mine discriminative local information guided by global semantics. Finally, a deeply-supervised learning (DSL) technique is adopted to optimize the proposed CMT and improve its training efficiency. Extensive experiments on four large-scale Re-ID benchmarks demonstrate that our method performs favorably against several state-of-the-art methods.
Integrated Inferences
Authors: Humphreys Macartan , Jacobs Alan M.
Published: October 2023

There is a growing consensus in the social sciences on the virtues of research strategies that combine quantitative with qualitative tools of inference. Integrated Inferences develops a framework for using causal models and Bayesian updating for qualitative and mixed-methods research. By making, updating, and querying causal models, researchers are able to integrate information from different data sources while connecting theory and empirics in a far more systematic and transparent manner than standard qualitative and quantitative approaches allow. This book provides an introduction to fundamental principles of causal inference and Bayesian updating and shows how these tools can be used to implement and justify inferences using within-case (process tracing) evidence, correlational patterns across many cases, or a mix of the two. The authors also demonstrate how causal models can guide research design, informing choices about which cases, observations, and mixes of methods will be most useful for addressing any given question.
Tasting and consumer demand for wine: do peers and experts matter?
Authors: Weerasekara Nadeeka , Streletskaya Nadia A.
Published: October 2023

Expert and peer reviews and popularity are freely available both on the Internet and in printed materials for a variety of food products. Using two experimental studies with non-hypothetical tastings and auctions, we explore the impact of peer tasting popularity, actual peer ratings, and expert ratings on demand for wines consumers can or have tasted. We find that higher own wine ratings are associated with higher willingness to pay (WTP). Morevoer, higher peer and expert rating scores increase consumer WTP for wine even after controlling for the impact of consumers’ own ratings. Observed peer popularity also increases WTP for preferred wines.
Repurposing of recreational drugs: will these new ‘medicines’ (e.g., psychedelics, psilocybin, cannabinoids, LSD, MDMA, ketamine) deliver short- or longer-term benefits for those with depressive or other mood disorders?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Young Allan , Leweke F. Markus
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been considerable enthusiasm among research groups focused on developing novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression, and a wider community that has had experiences using recreational drugs, in more systematic evaluation of the therapeutic value of these compounds (Goodwin et al., 2022; Young, 2023). This has also been associated with advocacy for decriminalization, legalization and possible public licensing for their ‘medicinal’ use (Siegel et al., 2023).
Applications of the vortex-surface field to flow visualization, modelling and simulation
Authors: Yang Yue , Xiong Shiying , Lu Zhen
Published: October 2023

We review the progress on the applications of the vortex-surface field (VSF). The VSF isosurface is a vortex surface consisting of vortex lines. Based on the generalized Helmholtz theorem, the VSF isosurfaces of the same threshold at different times have strong coherence. As a general flow diagnostic tool for studying vortex evolution, the numerical VSF solution is first constructed in a given flow field by solving a pseudo-transport equation driven by the instantaneous frozen vorticity, and then the VSF evolution is calculated by the two-time method. From the database of numerical simulations or experiments, the VSF can elucidate mechanisms in the flows with essential vortex dynamics, such as isotropic turbulence, wall flow transition, flow past a flapping plate and turbulence–flame interaction. The characterization of VSFs reveals the correlation between robust statistical features and the critical quantities needed to be predicted in engineering applications, such as the friction coefficient in transition, thrust in bio-propulsion and growth rate in interface instability. Since the VSF evolution captures the essential Lagrangian-based dynamics of vortical flows, it inspires novel numerical methods on cutting-edge hardware, e.g. graphic and quantum processors.
Obsidian on the Island: First Geochemical Characterization for Isla Victoria, Nahuel Huapi National Park (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Scartascini Federico L. , Fernández María Victoria , Hajduk Adam , Glascock Michael D. , MacDonald Brandi L. , Falco Juan I. , Gavuzzo Alhue Bay , Barberena Ramiro
Published: October 2023

We present the first geochemical data of archaeological obsidian for Isla Victoria, Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia. XRF analyses were performed on 15 samples of obsidian-like rocks from the Puerto Tranquilo 1 site. Only five of the artifacts—all of which come from upper levels of the site—correspond to obsidian as a raw material. The provenance analysis indicates the use of obsidian sources located in the Andean Forest area of southern Neuquen Province. Based on these preliminary results, we propose a north–south circulation axis for this raw material. These geographic results are discussed in relation to the information available regionally.
Crossing the Line: Evidence for the Categorization Theory of Spatial Voting
Authors: Pickup Mark , Kimbrough Erik O. , de Rooij Eline A.
Published: October 2023

Bølstad and Dinas (2017) propose a model of spatial voting, based on social identity theory, that suggests supporting a candidate/policy on the other side of the ideological spectrum has a disutility that is not accounted for by common spatial models. Unfortunately, the data they use cannot speak directly to whether the disutility arises because individuals perceive their ideology as a social identity. We present the results of an experimental study that measures the norm against crossing the ideological spectrum; tests the cost of doing so, controlling for spatial effects; and demonstrates that this cost increases with the salience and strength of identity norms. By demonstrating the norm mechanism for the disutility of crossing the ideological spectrum, we provide strong support for B&D's model.
When Do Citizens Consider Political Parties Legitimate?
Authors: Kölln Ann-Kristin
Published: October 2023

Research on negative partisanship and affective polarization shows that wholesale rejections of individual parties are a common and growing phenomenon. This article offers a novel perspective on assessments of parties by considering citizens' legitimacy perceptions of political parties as institutional players. Combining research on political parties and public opinion, I develop a theoretical framework that explains how parties' characteristics shape their perception as legitimate institutional players. I argue that governing experience, age, ideology, and democratic behaviour provide informational cues to citizens about how democratically dangerous a party is. To test my argument, I fielded a cross-sectional survey in seven West European countries and a large-scale survey experiment. The results consistently show that citizens use party-level cues such as ideological moderation and democratic behaviour to form party legitimacy perceptions. The findings have important public opinion implications for political parties and their institutional role in democracies.
Planet-based diets: improving environmental sustainability of healthy diets
Authors: van Dooren Corné
Published: October 2023

The focus of nutritionists is on improvement of the health impact of current diets. Therefore, it is important to ask the question whether healthy diets are more sustainable. This review provides an overview on the research on synergies between health and sustainability. Synergies are found from shifts from animal-based to plant-based diets, from ultra-processed foods to fresh and whole foods and from reduction of food waste. The importance of looking at sustainability of the present diets has led to steps made in Europe to incorporate sustainability into food-based dietary guidelines. Examples from UK, Nordics, Belgium and the Netherlands are given. World Wildlife Fund has summarised the insides in a future-proof diet: the planet-based diet within planetary boundaries.
Definite and indefinite article accuracy in learner English: A multifactorial analysis
Authors: Derkach Kateryna , Alexopoulou Theodora
Published: October 2023

We present a learner corpus-based study of English article use (“a”/“the”/Ø) by L2 learners with four typologically distinct first languages (L1s): German and Brazilian Portuguese (both have articles), Chinese and Russian (no articles). We investigate several semantic and morphosyntactic factors—for example, specificity, prenominal modification that can affect article use. Our analysis of 660 written scripts from the Education First Cambridge Open Database confirms the lower overall accuracy of learners with no-article L1s. Our main finding is the differential effect of specificity on definite and indefinite articles: learners tend to associate specificity with “a,” which implies article omission with nonspecific indefinite singulars and overuse of “a” with specific indefinite mass nouns. Prenominal modifiers further contribute to perceived specificity, leading to article overuse with modified indefinite mass nouns. However, in definite contexts, prenominal modifiers are associated with increased article omission.
Urban Regeneration under National Land Use Control: Guangdong's “Three-Old” Redevelopment Programme
Authors: Liu Zhi , Huang Zhiji , Yin Zihan , Zhang Lixin
Published: October 2023

In 2009, Guangdong province initiated a programme of regenerating its blighted urban neighbourhoods, outdated industrial plants and dilapidated villages (also known as “three-old redevelopment”), which continues today. While the academic attention focuses mainly on the city and project levels, few studies give a full and up-to-date account of the overall programme. This paper documents the background, purpose, scope, policy framework, project types, implementation modalities and initial outcomes of the programme. Unlike most urban regeneration projects around the world, the Guangdong programme – the largest coordinated effort in the global history of urban regeneration – is primarily driven not by the potential increases of land value but by an urgent need to find solutions to the conflict between the local demand for urban land and the rigid national land use control. The expected land value increases are harnessed to attract the participation of market players at the project level. The Guangdong experience opens up a new way for urban spatial development in China, especially at a time when China further strengthens national land use control under the newly established national territorial planning system.
“On the Centre–Periphery Borderline”: Educational Studies on/in Mainland China in the Global Context
Authors: Wu Hantian , Yang Rui , Li Mei
Published: October 2023

In the context of China's rising global role, the question of where its academia is moving to becomes a matter of concern. Embedded in the literature on academic (de)colonization and intellectual pluralism, research was conducted by Chinese educational scholars on the status quo of educational studies on and in mainland China within the world system of knowledge production. We report its major findings in order to respond to continuing struggles within the contemporary Chinese academic society and between global “centres” and “peripheries.” Drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted with both overseas ethnic Chinese and non-Chinese education researchers, as well as bibliographic and content analyses among relevant academic publications, its findings indicate the growing but still limited global impact of educational studies on/in China especially theoretically and epistemologically, tensions between “centres” and “peripheries” within the world knowledge system, as well as tensions between internationalization and local knowledge. Suggestions for future directions have been concluded based on empirical data.
Correlation of n-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide levels with the severity of single mitral regurgitation or accompanied by mild aorta valve dysfunction in patients with rheumatic heart disease in Sanglah general hospital
Authors: Saunders Ricky , Gunawijaya Eka , Hartawan I Nyoman Budi , Putra I Gusti Ngurah Sanjaya , Widnyana Anak Agung Ngurah Ketut Putra , Sukmawati Made
Published: October 2023

Background:

The most frequent abnormality of the valves involved in rheumatic heart disease is mitral regurgitation. A promising supportive diagnostic tool for rheumatic heart disease is the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, which can identify mitral valve damage.

Objective:

To prove a positive correlation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and the severity of mitral regurgitation or accompanied by mild aortic valve dysfunction in children with rheumatic heart disease.

Material and method:

Children aged 1–18 years who had been identified as having rheumatic heart disease with a single mitral regurgitation or accompanied by mild aortic issues at Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, met the inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study. Mitral regurgitation severity was determined using the parameters of vena contracta width, effective regurgitation orifice area, regurgitant jet area, and regurgitation volume. Bivariate analysis using the Spearman correlation test.

Results:

From 36 research subjects, the mean age was 11.32 years. In this study, there was a moderate positive correlation between the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and the regurgitation jet area. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels also had a moderately positive correlation with the vena contracta width and a weakly positive correlation with the regurgitation volume. Effective regurgitation orifice area and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels did not significantly correlate.

Conclusion:

There was a moderately positive correlation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and the severity of mitral regurgitation on regurgitation jet area, a moderately positive correlation with the vena contracta width, and a weakly positive correlation with regurgitation volume in rheumatic heart disease patients.
Evaluation of a menu box delivery service for Australian long-day care services to improve food provision and child intake: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kashef Shabnam , Bell Lucinda K , Brown Victoria , Gardner Claire , Zarnowiecki Dorota , Morgillo Samantha , Arguelles Jennifer C , Cox David N , Golley Rebecca K
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a menu box delivery service tailored to the long-day care (LDC) setting on improving menu compliance with recommendations, children’s diet quality and dietary intake while in care.

Design:

A cluster randomised controlled trial in LDC centres randomly assigned to an intervention (menu box delivery) or comparison (menu planning training) group. The primary outcome was child food provision and dietary intake. Secondary outcomes include menu compliance and process evaluation, including acceptability, fidelity and menu cost (per child, per day).

Setting:

South Australian LDC centres.

Participants:

Eight LDC centres (n 224 children) provided data.

Results:

No differences were observed in serves/d between intervention and comparison centres, for provision (intervention, 0·9 inter-quartile range (IQR) 0·7–1·2; comparison, 0·8 IQR 0·5–1·3) or consumption (intervention, 0·5 IQR 0·2–0·8; comparison, 0·5 IQR 0·3–0·9) of vegetables. Child food provision and dietary intake were similar across both groups for all food groups (P < 0·05). At follow-up, all intervention centres met menu planning guidelines for vegetables, whereas only one comparison centre met guidelines. Intervention centre directors found the menu box delivery more acceptable than cooks. Cost of the intervention was AUD$2·34 greater than comparison centres (intervention, AUD$4·62 (95 % CI ($4·58, $4·67)); comparison, AUD$2·28 (95 % CI ($2·27, $2·30)) per child, per day).

Conclusions:

Menu compliance can be improved via a menu delivery service, delivering equivalent impacts on child food provision and dietary intake compared with an online training programme. Further exploration of cooks acceptability and cost is essential before scaling up to implementation.
Gamification in radiotherapy education: adopting competitive task elements in simulation using the virtual environment of a radiotherapy treatment room (VERT) system
Authors: Flinton David , Khine Ricardo , Mannion Liam , O’Sullivan Chris , Cherry Pam
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Educational gamification is the introduction of game elements into other activities such as teaching and learning. VERT is a tool in therapeutic radiography that lends itself to gamification as it allows students to experiment and learn at no risk to the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a gamified simulation using competitive task elements.

Method:

A total of 78 participants undertook the study which involved a demonstration and practice patient set-up followed by an unassisted timed patient set-up. Once complete the students score was added to a leaderboard.

Results:

Results show very good students’ feedback on the simulation elements, and that skills were transferable and would improve clinical performance. Gender differences were observed in the competitive feedback on two items, satisfaction from competing and competition encouraging performance.

Conclusion:

Overall the competitive aspect was viewed positively by students, although females appeared to enjoy the competitive aspects less than the male students, deriving significantly less satisfaction from the competitive element of the simulation. Despite the emphasis on teamwork within the profession, competitive gamification does appear to have a role within the undergraduate curriculum if carried out correctly.
Ethofumesate-resistant annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in grass seed production systems
Authors: Vukovic Vera , Mattox Clint M. , Kowalewski Alec R. , McNally Brandon C. , Bigelow Cale A. , Meyers Stephen L. , Brosnan James T. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: October 2023

The prolific seed production and polyploidy of annual bluegrass allow for the rapid development of herbicide resistance. Ethofumesate-resistant annual bluegrass plants were identified in the 1990s in grass seed production in Oregon, but their prevalence and distribution are not well documented. Therefore a dose–response experiment was initiated to determine the potential level of ethofumesate resistance in seed production systems. Seeds from 55 annual bluegrass populations were obtained from three sources: seed production fields (31 populations), the seed cleaning process (6 populations), and seed testing lots prior to retail distribution (18 populations). Additionally, two populations, one with known ethofumesate resistance and one with known susceptibility, were identified in preliminary testing and used as controls in this experiment. Seed from each collected population was increased. Individual seedlings were then transplanted into separate cone-tainers, grown to a size of 2 to 3 tillers in the greenhouse, and then sprayed using a compressed air track spray chamber with 10 doses of ethofumesate at 0, 0.56, 1.1, 2.8, 5.6, 8.4, 11.2, 16.8, 22.4, and 44.8 kg ai ha−1, with 0.84 to 2.2 kg ha−1 as the label application rate for perennial ryegrass. The resistant to susceptible ratio of populations across all sources ranged from 0.5 to 5.5. The most resistant populations found in production fields, seed cleaning, and seed testing lots had the effective dose necessary to kill 50% of the population (ED50) of 12.1, 9.4, and 13.1 kg ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, 68% of the populations found in production fields had ED50 higher than 6 kg ha−1, indicating common annual bluegrass resistance in grass seed production. As such, growers should implement integrated weed management strategies, as herbicides alone will likely be ineffective at controlling annual bluegrass.
A Diffusion Model Analysis of Object-Based Selective Attention in the Eriksen Flanker Task
Authors: Kelber Paul , Gierlich Martina , Göth Jonathan , Jeschke Martin Georg , Mackenzie Ian Grant , Mittelstädt Victor
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Selective attention might be space-, feature-, and/or object-based. Clear support for the involvement of an object-based mechanism is rather scarce, possibly because the predictions of models from these different classes often overlap. Yet, only object-based models can account for a larger congruency effect (CE) in the Eriksen flanker task when flankers are more (vs. less) strongly grouped to the target, but spacing and other response-irrelevant features of target and flankers are held constant. Exactly this was observed by Kramer and Jacobson (1991) . So far, this theoretically relevant finding has not been replicated closely. We replicated the finding in two web-based experiments. Specifically, CEs were larger when flanker lines were connected to the central target line (vs. to outer neutral lines). We also successfully fitted the Diffusion Model for Conflict tasks (DMC) to the experimental data. Critically, diffusion modeling (DMC) and distributional analyses (delta functions) revealed that object membership primarily affected target processing strength rather than strength or timing of flanker processing. This challenges the prominent attentional spreading (sensory enhancement) account of object-based selective attention and motivates an alternative target attenuation account.
Collaborative Retrieval Practice Reduces Mind-Wandering During Learning
Authors: Knopps Alexander G. , Wissman Kathryn T.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Research has shown engaging in retrieval practice can reduce the frequency of mind-wandering. However, no prior research has examined how engaging in collaborative (as compared to individual) retrieval practice impacts mind-wandering during learning. In the current experiment, participants were asked to study a list of words, followed by retrieval practice that either occurred collaboratively (as a dyad) or individually. During retrieval practice, participants provided self-reports as to whether they were on task or off task. Following retrieval practice, all participants completed an individual final test. Of greatest interest, the results showed that engaging in collaborative retrieval practice decreased the frequency of mind-wandering during learning. In addition, and consistent with prior collaborative learning research, collaborative inhibition during practice and postcollaborative benefits on the final test were observed. The current results provide the first demonstration of an additional benefit to using collaborative retrieval practice: This technique reduces the frequency of mind-wandering.
Biochar and Its Potential to Deliver Negative Emissions and Better Soil Quality in Europe
Authors: Tisserant Alexandre , Hu Xiangping , Liu Qi , Xie Zubin , Zhao Wenwu , Cherubini Francesco
Published: October 2023

Negative emissions are essential to limit global warming, but their large‐scale deployment rises sustainability concerns. At the same time, agricultural soils are under increasing threat of degradation, as measured by losses in soil organic matter, water holding capacity, and nutrient retention, with increasing negative effects on plant productivity. Biochar from biomass residues is a technically mature option that does not compete for land and can typically restore key functions of degraded soils while delivering negative emissions. However, quantitative estimates of its potentials in Europe and a detailed spatially‐explicit analysis of the co‐benefits and trade‐offs for agricultural land are unclear. Here, we estimate an annual negative emission potential of biochar from forest and crop residues available in Europe from 1.7% to 3.9% of 2021s European greenhouse gas emissions (15.2%–35% of the agricultural emissions), depending on residue potentials and biochar scenarios. At the same time, biochar application to cropland increases water holding capacity (+6.5%‐9%), crop production (+7.1%‐8.4%), NH3 volatilization (+21.7%‐24.2%), and reduces soil N2O emissions (−13.7%–34.7%) and nitrogen leaching (−17.5%–22.7%). There are spatially heterogeneous trade‐offs for some soil effects (ammonia volatilization and yields) and air pollution (mainly due to emissions from biochar systems). Biochar offers synergistic solutions that co‐deliver across different sustainability challenges, but its optimal deployment requires strategies tailored to local conditions.
Incorporating the Effect of Large‐Scale Vertical Motion on Convection Through Convective Mass Flux Adjustment in E3SMv2
Authors: Song Xiaoliang , Zhang Guang , Wan Hui , Xie Shaocheng
Published: October 2023

Recent observational studies suggest that the large‐scale dynamical forcing (vertical motion) plays important roles in deep convection development. In this study we propose a convective mass flux adjustment (MAdj) approach to represent the dynamical effects of large‐scale vertical motion on convection in the Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2). With MAdj, convection is enhanced (suppressed) when there is large‐scale ascending (descending) motion at the planetary boundary layer top. The coupling of convection with large‐scale circulation significantly improves the simulation of climate variability in E3SMv2 across multiple scales from the diurnal cycle, convectively coupled equatorial waves, to the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO). The standard E3SMv2 tends to simulate overly weak diurnal amplitude of precipitation and overly weak variance of convectively coupled equatorial Kelvin and westward inertio‐gravity (WIG) waves. It also fails to simulate the essential characteristics of the MJO: continuous eastward propagation. With MAdj, the amplitude of diurnal cycle of precipitation is systematically increased and its probability density distribution is much closer to observations. The MAdj can also simulate more realistic eastward propagation of the MJO and much stronger convectively coupled Kelvin and WIG waves. Moreover, the MAdj approach slightly improves the climatology simulations in precipitation, cloud, radiation, circulation, temperature, and moisture fields, with overall root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of major climatological fields reduced by about 2%. The MAdj approach suppresses excessive grid‐scale precipitation, reducing precipitation wet biases over South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Himalayas, and South Pacific Convergence Zone in western Pacific in summer.
Predicting PM2.5 Concentrations Across USA Using Machine Learning
Authors: Vignesh P. Preetham , Jiang Jonathan H. , Kishore P.
Published: October 2023

Economic growth, air pollution, and forest fires in some states in the United States have increased the concentration of particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Although previous studies have tried to observe PM2.5 both spatially and temporally using aerosol remote sensing and geostatistical estimation, they were limited in accuracy by coarse resolution. In this paper, the performance of machine learning models on predicting PM2.5 is assessed with linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), gradient boosting regression (GBR), AdaBoost regression (ABR), XGBoost (XGB), k‐nearest neighbors (K‐NN), long short‐term memory (LSTM), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) using PM2.5 station data from 2017 to 2021. To compare the accuracy of all the nine machine learning models, the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), root mean square error ratio (RSR), and percent bias (PBIAS) were evaluated. Among all nine models, the RF (100 decision trees with a max depth of 20) and support vector regression (SVR; nonlinear kernel, degree 3 polynomial) models were the best for predicting PM2.5 concentrations. Additionally, comparison of the PM2.5 performance metrics displayed that the models had better predictive behavior in the western United States than that in the eastern United States.
Deep Learning for Bias‐Correcting CMIP6‐Class Earth System Models
Authors: Hess Philipp , Lange Stefan , Schötz Christof , Boers Niklas
Published: October 2023

The accurate representation of precipitation in Earth system models (ESMs) is crucial for reliable projections of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts in response to anthropogenic global warming. The complex cross‐scale interactions of processes that produce precipitation are challenging to model, however, inducing potentially strong biases in ESM fields, especially regarding extremes. State‐of‐the‐art bias correction methods only address errors in the simulated frequency distributions locally at every individual grid cell. Improving unrealistic spatial patterns of the ESM output, which would require spatial context, has not been possible so far. Here, we show that a postprocessing method based on physically constrained generative adversarial networks (cGANs) can correct biases of a state‐of‐the‐art, CMIP6‐class ESM both in local frequency distributions and in the spatial patterns at once. While our method improves local frequency distributions equally well as gold‐standard bias‐adjustment frameworks, it strongly outperforms any existing methods in the correction of spatial patterns, especially in terms of the characteristic spatial intermittency of precipitation extremes.
Shallow Slow Slip Events Identified Offshore the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica From GNSS Time Series
Authors: Perry Mason , Muller Cyril , Protti Marino , Feng Lujia , Hill Emma M.
Published: October 2023

Using new continuous geodetic time series, we identify five shallow slow slip events (SSEs) offshore and beneath the Osa peninsula in southern Costa Rica. An early event was detected by one station in 2013, and two events occurring in close succession in both 2018 and 2022 were detected by multiple stations, indicating a preliminary recurrence interval of ∼4–5 years. While SSEs have been observed to the northwest at Nicoya, this is their first documentation in southern Costa Rica. Modeled slip distributions of the 2018 and 2022 events indicate they likely ruptured the same or overlapping patches of the plate interface, near the trench, updip of the 1983 Mw 7.4 Osa event. Immediately offshore, estimated cumulative slip from the 2018 and 2022 events is sufficient to close the slip deficit from tectonic loading over the recurrence interval, potentially limiting the magnitude and spatial slip distribution of future large ruptures.
Observations of Ocean Surface Wave Attenuation in Sea Ice Using Seafloor Cables
Authors: Smith Madison M. , Thomson Jim , Baker Michael G. , Abbott Robert E. , Davis Jake
Published: October 2023

The attenuation of ocean surface waves during seasonal ice cover is an important control on the evolution of Arctic coastlines. The spatial and temporal variations in this process have been challenging to resolve with conventional sampling using sparse arrays of moorings or buoys. We demonstrate a novel method for persistent observation of wave‐ice interactions using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) along existing seafloor fiber optic telecommunications cables. DAS measurements span a 36‐km cross‐shore cable on the Beaufort Shelf from Oliktok Point, Alaska. DAS optical sensing of fiber strain‐rate provides a proxy for seafloor pressure, which we calibrate with wave buoy measurements during the ice‐free season (August 2022). We apply this calibration during the ice formation season (November 2021) to obtain unprecedented resolution of variable wave attenuation rates in new, partial ice cover. The location and strength of wave attenuation serve as proxies for ice coverage and thickness, especially during rapidly evolving events.