bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food security in slow‐onset disasters: A policy review in Southeast Asian regions
Authors: Le Hiep N. , Sofija Ernesta , Harris Neil , Nguyen Thu , Phung Hai
Published: January 2024

Slow‐onset disasters, a neglected climatic event, affect the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia and threaten regional food security. Improving food security in slow‐onset disasters requires policy development by both regional and national governments. Despite this articulated need, very little research on the national and regional food security policies in slow‐onset disaster events has been undertaken. Focusing on Southeast Asia, this paper aims to (i) review existing policies to support food security in slow‐onset disasters; (ii) identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing policies; (iii) explain the policy window on food security in slow‐onset disasters. An analytical framework of eight components of food security was adopted for the content analysis of 39 related policy documents collected from 11 countries in Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The study found that none of the 39 policies directly targeted improving food security in slow‐onset disasters. Existing policies to support food security in slow‐onset disasters were incorporated in the context of climate change or national target programs on green development, agricultural development, nutrition, and famine. Our analysis also revealed that existing policies primarily focus on the first two pillars of the food security framework: food availability and access, with a predominant emphasis on availability. However, the third pillar, food utilization, is often overlooked. This study recommends developing a comprehensive policy to address protracted food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations in areas impacted by slow‐onset disasters.
Curl up with a good B: detecting ultralight dark matter with differential magnetometry
Authors: Bloch Itay M. , Kalia Saarik
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Ultralight dark matter (such as kinetically mixed dark-photon dark matter or axionlike dark matter) can source an oscillating magnetic-field signal at the Earth’s surface, which can be measured by a synchronized array of ground-based magnetometers. The global signal of ultralight dark matter can be robustly predicted for low masses, when the wavelength of the dark matter is larger than the radius of the Earth, λDM ≫ R. However, at higher masses, environmental effects, such as the Schumann resonances, can become relevant, making the global magnetic-field signal B difficult to reliably model. In this work, we show that ∇ × B is robust to global environmental details, and instead only depends on the local dark matter amplitude. We therefore propose to measure the local curl of the magnetic field at the Earth’s surface, as a means for detecting ultralight dark matter with λDM ≲ R. As this measurement requires vertical gradients, it can be done near a hill/mountain. Our measurement scheme not only allows for a robust prediction, but also acts as a background rejection scheme for external noise sources. We show that our technique can be the most sensitive terrestrial probe of dark-photon dark matter for frequencies 10 Hz ≤ $$ {f}_{A^{\prime }} $$

f

A
′

≤ 1 kHz (corresponding to masses 4 × 10−14 eV ≤ $$ {m}_{A^{\prime }} $$

m

A
′

≤ 4 × 10−12 eV). It can also achieve sensitivities to axionlike dark matter comparabe to the CAST helioscope, in the same frequency range.
Relativistic quantum Otto engine: instant work extraction from a quantum field
Authors: Gallock-Yoshimura Kensuke
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this study, we carry out a non-perturbative approach to a quantum Otto engine, employing an Unruh-DeWitt particle detector to extract work from a quantum Klein-Gordon field in an arbitrary globally hyperbolic curved spacetime. We broaden the scope by considering the field in any quasi-free state, which includes vacuum, thermal, and squeezed states. A key aspect of our method is the instantaneous interaction between the detector and the field, which enables a thorough non-perturbative analysis. We demonstrate that the detector can successfully extract positive work from the quantum Otto cycle, even when two isochoric processes occur instantaneously, provided the detector in the second isochoric process receives a signal from the first interaction. This signaling allows the detector to release heat into the field, thereby the thermodynamic cycle is completed. As a demonstration, we consider a detector at rest in flat spacetime and compute the work extracted from the Minkowski vacuum state.
Identification of inflammatory biomarkers in IgA nephropathy using the NanoString technology: a validation study in Caucasians
Authors: Gaumond Laurence , Lamarche Caroline , Beauchemin Stéphanie , Henley Nathalie , Elftouh Naoual , Gerarduzzi Casimiro , Laurin Louis-Philippe
Published: January 2024

Objective and design

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of IgA deposits in the glomeruli of the kidney, leading to inflammation and damage to the kidney. The inflammatory markers involved in IgAN remain to be defined. Gene expression analysis platforms, such as the NanoString nCounter system, are promising screening and diagnostic tools, especially in oncology. Still, their role as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in IgAN remains scarce. In this study, we aimed to validate the use of NanoString technology to identify potential inflammatory biomarkers involved in the progression of IgAN.

Subjects

A total of 30 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and 7 cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis were included for gene expression measurement. For the immunofluorescence validation experiments, a total of 6 IgAN patients and 3 controls were included.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy specimens, and a customized 48-plex human gene CodeSet was used to study 29 genes implicated in different biological pathways. Comparisons in gene expression were made between IgAN and ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis patients to delineate an expression profile specific to IgAN. Gene expression was compared between patients with low and moderate risk of progression. Genes for which RNA expression was associated with disease progression were analyzed for protein expression by immunofluorescence and compared with controls.

Results

IgAN patients had a distinct gene expression profile with decreased expression in genes IL-6, INFG, and C1QB compared to ANCA patients. C3 and TNFRSF1B were identified as potential biomarkers for IgAN progression in patients early in their disease course. Protein expression for those 2 candidate genes was upregulated in IgAN patients compared to controls. Expression of genes implicated in fibrosis (PTEN, CASPASE 3, TGM2, TGFB1, IL2, and TNFRSF1B) was more pronounced in IgAN patients with severe fibrosis compared to those with none.

Conclusions

Our findings validate our NanoString mRNA profiling by examining protein expression levels of two candidate genes, C3 and TNFRSF1B, in IgAN patients and controls. We also identified several upregulated mRNA transcripts implicated in the development of fibrosis that may be considered fibrotic markers within IgAN patients.
Mirk/Dyrk1B controls ventral spinal cord development via Shh pathway
Authors: Kokkorakis N. , Douka K. , Nalmpanti A. , Politis P. K. , Zagoraiou L. , Matsas R. , Gaitanou M.
Published: January 2024

Cross-talk between Mirk/Dyrk1B kinase and Sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli pathway affects physiology and pathology. Here, we reveal a novel role for Dyrk1B in regulating ventral progenitor and neuron subtypes in the embryonic chick spinal cord (SC) via the Shh pathway. Using in ovo gain-and-loss-of-function approaches at E2, we report that Dyrk1B affects the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors at E4 and impacts on apoptosis specifically in the motor neuron (MN) domain. Especially, Dyrk1B overexpression decreases the numbers of ventral progenitors, MNs, and V2a interneurons, while the pharmacological inhibition of endogenous Dyrk1B kinase activity by AZ191 administration increases the numbers of ventral progenitors and MNs. Mechanistically, Dyrk1B overexpression suppresses Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 mRNA levels, while conversely, Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 transcription is increased in the presence of Dyrk1B inhibitor AZ191 or Smoothened agonist SAG. Most importantly, in phenotype rescue experiments, SAG restores the Dyrk1B-mediated dysregulation of ventral progenitors. Further at E6, Dyrk1B affects selectively the medial lateral motor neuron column (LMCm), consistent with the expression of Shh in this region. Collectively, these observations reveal a novel regulatory function of Dyrk1B kinase in suppressing the Shh/Gli pathway and thus affecting ventral subtypes in the developing spinal cord. These data render Dyrk1B a possible therapeutic target for motor neuron diseases.
Digitale Technologien zur Verbesserung der psychischen Gesundheit
Authors: Fuhr Daniela C. , Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Hoel Viktoria , Zeeb Hajo
Published: January 2024

Die Krankheitslast in Bezug auf psychische Erkrankungen ist enorm und wächst weltweit stetig. Der daraus resultierende steigende Bedarf an psychosozialer Hilfe schlägt sich auch in Deutschland negativ auf die Wartezeiten für Psychotherapieplätze nieder. Abhilfe können hier digitale Interventionen für die psychische Gesundheit schaffen, wie etwa Interventionen, die durch oder mithilfe einer Internetseite vermittelt werden (z. B. „Tele-Health“), Smartphone- oder Tablet-App-gestützte Interventionen sowie Interventionen, bei denen Textnachrichten oder virtuelle Realitäten Anwendung finden. In diesem Artikel wird zunächst eine Übersicht über die Funktionen und das Anwendungsspektrum von digitalen Technologien für die psychische Gesundheit gegeben. Die Evidenz von einzelnen digitalen Interventionsformen wird angesprochen. Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass im Vergleich zu keiner Therapie oder einer nicht-therapeutischen Kontrollgruppe digitale Interventionen für die psychische Gesundheit wahrscheinlich kosteneffizient sind. Neuere Ansätze wie das „digitale Phänotypisieren“ werden im Artikel erläutert. Abschließend werden einzelne Arbeiten aus dem „Leibniz WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health“ vorgestellt sowie Grenzen und Herausforderungen von Technologien für die psychische Gesundheit diskutiert.
Hydrophobic and hygroscopic properties of cellulose treated with silicone agents
Authors: Perdoch Waldemar , Treu Andreas , Mazela Bartłomiej , Majka Jerzy , Czajkowski Łukasz , Olek Wiesław
Published: January 2024

The effects of various cellulose treatments on the hydrophobic properties and sorption behavior with respect to liquid water uptake and water vapor sorption were examined within the study. Different hydrophobic agents based on silicon compounds were applied to improve the properties of cellulose-based sheets. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane treatment increased hydrophobicity significantly, while N-octyltriethoxysilane and inorganic sodium silicate solution treatments only slightly affected the properties. Silicone-cellulose interaction varied, influencing the fiber saturation and moisture content of the material. The swelling differences between untreated and treated cellulose and, consequently, the uncovering of new active sorption sites during a swelling process and the increase in the content of bound water were confirmed by the T2 relaxation times analysis. The GDW sorption model estimated maximum water content but lacked activation dynamics. The blocking phenomenon of active sorption sites together with silicone improved hydrophobicity had different mechanisms for applied agents. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane additionally cross-linked silane structure and restricted cellulose swelling.
Genetic gains in IRRI’s rice salinity breeding and elite panel development as a future breeding resource
Authors: Khanna Apurva , Anumalla Mahender , Ramos Joie , Cruz Ma Teresa Sta. , Catolos Margaret , Sajise Andres Godwin , Gregorio Glenn , Dixit Shalabh , Ali Jauhar , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Singh Vikas Kumar , Rahman Md. Akhlasur , Khatun Hasina , Pisano Daniel Joseph , Bhosale Sankalp , Hussain Waseem
Published: January 2024

Key message

Estimating genetic gains and formulating a future salinity elite breeding panel for rice pave the way for developing better high-yielding salinity tolerant lines with enhanced genetic gains.

Genetic gain is a crucial parameter to check the breeding program's success and help optimize future breeding strategies for enhanced genetic gains. To estimate the genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding program and identify the best genotypes based on high breeding values for grain yield (kg/ha), we analyzed the historical data from the trials conducted in the IRRI, Philippines and Bangladesh. A two-stage mixed-model approach accounting for experimental design factors and a relationship matrix was fitted to obtain the breeding values for grain yield and estimate genetic trends. A positive genetic trend of 0.1% per annum with a yield advantage of 1.52 kg/ha was observed in IRRI, Philippines. In Bangladesh, we observed a genetic gain of 0.31% per annum with a yield advantage of 14.02 kg/ha. In the released varieties, we observed a genetic gain of 0.12% per annum with a 2.2 kg/ha/year yield advantage in the IRRI, Philippines. For the Bangladesh dataset, a genetic gain of 0.14% per annum with a yield advantage of 5.9 kg/ha/year was observed in the released varieties. Based on breeding values for grain yield, a core set of the top 145 genotypes with higher breeding values of > 2400 kg/ha in the IRRI, Philippines, and > 3500 kg/ha in Bangladesh with a reliability of > 0.4 were selected to develop the elite breeding panel. Conclusively, a recurrent selection breeding strategy integrated with novel technologies like genomic selection and speed breeding is highly required to achieve higher genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding programs.
Differential correlates of criticism versus emotional overinvolvement towards patients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses or with their families
Authors: Ferentinos Panagiotis , Douki Stamatina , Kourkouni Eleni , Dragoumi Dimitra , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Douzenis Athanassios
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study systematically searched for differential correlates of criticism vs. emotional overinvolvement (EOI) towards patients with schizophrenia in families and halfway houses, which have only incidentally been reported in previous research. Identified patterns were compared across settings.

Methods

We included 40 inpatients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses and 40 outpatients living with their families and recorded the expressed emotion (EE) of 22 psychiatric nurses or 56 parents, respectively, through Five Minutes Speech Samples. Each nurse rated 1–12 inpatients and each inpatient was rated by 2–5 nurses. Each outpatient was rated by one or both parents. As EE ratings had a multilevel structure, weighted Spearman correlations of criticism and EOI with various patient- and caregiver-related characteristics were calculated and compared with Meng’s z-test.

Results

Criticism was weakly negatively correlated with EOI in nurses but negligibly in parents. Distinct patterns of significant differential correlates arose across settings. Outpatients’ aggressive behavior and parents’ related burden were mainly associated with higher criticism. Inpatients’ symptoms (agitation/aggression, negative and other psychotic symptoms) and nurses’ burnout (Depersonalization) were mainly associated with lower EOI. Inpatients’ perceived criticism and outpatients’ previous suicide attempts were equally associated with higher criticism and lower EOI (mirror correlations). Finally, various inpatient attributes (older age, chronicity, unemployment and smoking) triggered higher EOI only. Inpatients’ age, psychopathology (esp. agitation/aggression and negative symptoms) and perceived criticism survived adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest setting-specific pathogenetic pathways of criticism and EOI and might help customize psychoeducational interventions to staff and families.
Turing pattern formation on the sphere is robust to the removal of a hole
Authors: Borgqvist Johannes G. , Gerlee Philip , Lundholm Carl
Published: January 2024

The formation of buds on the cell membrane of budding yeast cells is thought to be driven by reactions and diffusion involving the protein Cdc42. These processes can be described by a coupled system of partial differential equations known as the Schnakenberg system. The Schnakenberg system is known to exhibit diffusion-driven pattern formation, thus providing a mechanism for bud formation. However, it is not known how the accumulation of bud scars on the cell membrane affect the ability of the Schnakenberg system to form patterns. We have approached this problem by modelling a bud scar on the cell membrane with a hole on the sphere. We have studied how the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator, which determines the resulting pattern, is affected by the size of the hole, and by numerically solving the Schnakenberg system on a sphere with a hole using the finite element method. Both theoretical predictions and numerical solutions show that pattern formation is robust to the introduction of a bud scar of considerable size, which lends credence to the hypothesis that bud formation is driven by diffusion-driven instability.
Large diversity in AMOC internal variability across NEMO-based climate models
Authors: Zhao Alcide , Robson Jon , Sutton Rowan , Lai Michael W.K. , Mecking Jennifer V. , Yeager Stephen , Petit Tillys
Published: January 2024

We characterise, and explore the drivers of, differences in the internal variability of the atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) across five NEMO-based CMIP6 class climate models. While the variability of AMOC variability is dominated by its lower dense limb in all models, there is large diversity in the timescale, multidecadal variability, and latitudinal coherence of AMOC across models. In particular, the UK models have much weaker AMOC multidecadal variability and latitudinal coherence. The model diversity is associated with differences in salinity-governed surface density variations which drive high-density water mass transformation (WMT) in the Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian Seas (GIN) and the Arctic. Specifically, GIN Seas WMT shows large multidecadal variability which has a major impact on AMOC variability in non-UK models. In contrast, the smaller variability in GIN Seas WMT in the UK models has limited impact on the lower latitude AMOC via the Denmark strait overflow mass transport. This leads to a latitudinally less coherent and weaker multidecadal variability of the AMOC lower limb. Such differences between UK and non-UK models are related to differences in model mean states and densification processes in the Arctic and GIN Seas. Consequently, we recommend further in-depth studies to better understand and constrain processes driving salinity changes in the Arctic and GIN Seas for more reliable representation of the AMOC in climate models.
The complex interplay between perception, cognition, and action: a commentary on Bach et al. 2022
Authors: O’Shea Helen , Bek Judith
Published: January 2024

Bach (Psychological Research 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-022-01773-w) offer a re-conceptualisation of motor imagery, influenced by older ideas of ideomotor action and formulated in terms of action effects rather than motor output. We share the view of an essential role of action effect in action planning and motor imagery processes, but we challenge the claim that motor imagery is non-motoric in nature. In the present article, we critically review some of Bach et al.’s proposed ideas and pose questions of whether effect and motor processes are functionally separable, and if not, what mechanisms underlie motor imagery and what terminology best captures its function.
Local gradient analysis of human brain function using the Vogt-Bailey Index
Authors: Farrugia Christine , Galdi Paola , Irazu Irati Arenzana , Scerri Kenneth , Bajada Claude J.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we take a closer look at the Vogt-Bailey (VB) index, proposed in Bajada et al. (NeuroImage 221:117140, 2020) as a tool for studying local functional homogeneity in the human cortex. We interpret the VB index in terms of the minimum ratio cut, a scaled cut-set weight that indicates whether a network can easily be disconnected into two parts having a comparable number of nodes. In our case, the nodes of the network consist of a brain vertex/voxel and its neighbours, and a given edge is weighted according to the affinity of the nodes it connects (as reflected by the modified Pearson correlation between their fMRI time series). Consequently, the minimum ratio cut quantifies the degree of small-scale similarity in brain activity: the greater the similarity, the ‘heavier’ the edges and the more difficult it is to disconnect the network, hence the higher the value of the minimum ratio cut. We compare the performance of the VB index with that of the Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) algorithm, commonly used to assess whether voxels in close proximity have synchronised fMRI signals, and find that the VB index is uniquely placed to detect sharp changes in the (local) functional organization of the human cortex.
Propranolol inhibits EMT and metastasis in breast cancer through miR-499-5p-mediated Sox6
Authors: Zheng Bo , Du PeiXin , Zeng Zhi , Cao Peng , Ma Xuelei , Jiang Yu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study will focus on 4T1 cells, a murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line, as the primary research subject. We aim to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of propranolol on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells, aiming to elucidate this phenomenon at the miRNA level.

Methods

In this study, the EMT inhibitory effect of propranolol was observed through in vitro and animal experiments. For the screening of potential target miRNAs and downstream target genes, second-generation sequencing (SGS) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. Following the screening process, the identified target miRNAs and their respective target genes were confirmed using various experimental methods. To confirm the target miRNAs and target genes, Western Blot (WB), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence experiments were performed.

Results

In this study, we found that propranolol significantly reduced lung metastasis in 4T1 murine breast cancer cells (p < 0.05). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that propranolol inhibited the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by Western Blot analysis (p < 0.05). Through next-generation sequencing (SGS), subsequent bioinformatics analysis, and PCR validation, we identified a marked downregulation of miR-499-5p (p < 0.05), suggesting its potential involvement in mediating the suppressive effects of propranolol on EMT. Overexpression of miR-499-5p promoted EMT, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells, and these effects were not reversed or attenuated by propranolol (Validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). Sox6 was identified as a functional target of miR-499-5p, with its downregulation correlating with the observed EMT changes (p < 0.05). Silencing Sox6 or overexpressing miR-499-5p inhibited Sox6 expression, further promoting the processes of EMT, invasion, and migration in 4T1 cells. Notably, these effects were not alleviated by propranolol (validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). The direct interaction between miR-499-5p and Sox6 mRNA was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.

Conclusion

These results suggest that propranolol may have potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment by targeting EMT and its regulatory mechanisms.
The Economic Costs of Informal Care: Estimates from a National Cross-Sectional Survey in The Netherlands
Authors: Elayan Saif , Angelini Viola , Buskens Erik , de Boer Alice
Published: January 2024

Faced with an unprecedented demand for long-term care, European health care systems are moving towards mixed care models, where the welfare state and informal caregivers share care responsibilities. While informal care is often viewed as a means of alleviating pressure on public care, it comes with significant economic costs for caregivers, their employers, and society at large. This study uses nationally representative data to estimate the total direct (informal care time and out-of-pocket costs) and indirect (productivity) economic costs of informal care in the Netherlands in 2019. Informal care time costs are estimated using the opportunity cost and the proxy good methods. Indirect costs are estimated using the human capital and friction cost approaches. Our results reveal the considerable annual societal cost of informal care in the Netherlands, ranging between €17.5 billion and €30.1 billion, depending on the valuation approach. These costs are equivalent to 2.15% and 3.71% of Dutch GDP in 2019, comparable to the public expenditure on long-term care in that year. Female caregivers account for slightly more than half (53%–57%) of the total costs. Around 57%–88% of these costs are in the form of informal care time. The main driver of indirect costs is the temporary cessation of work, which comprises 12%–17% of the total costs. Findings corroborate that substantial resources, yet thus far largely disregarded, are spent on informal care even in a country with a relatively generous public long-term care system.
On totally semipermutable products of finite groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches A. , Cossey J. , Madanha S. Y. , Pedraza-Aguilera M. C.
Published: January 2024

We say a group G = AB is the totally semipermutable product of subgroups A and B if every Sylow subgroup P of A is totally permutable with every Sylow subgroup Q of B whenever $$ \gcd(|P|,|Q|)=1 $$

gcd
(
|
P
|
,
|
Q
|
)
=
1

. Products of pairwise totally semipermutable subgroups are studied in this article. Let $$ \mathfrak{U} $$
U
denote the class of supersoluble groups and $$ \mathfrak{D} $$
D
denote the formation of all groups which have an ordered Sylow tower of supersoluble type. We obtain the $$ \mathfrak{F} $$
F
-residual of the product from the $$ \mathfrak{F} $$
F
-residuals of the pairwise totally semipermutable subgroups when $$ \mathfrak{F} $$
F
is a subgroup-closed saturated formation such that $$ \mathfrak{U}\subseteq \mathfrak{F}\subseteq \mathfrak{D} $$

U
⊆
F
⊆
D

.
Parametric resonance of axially functionally graded pipes conveying pulsating fluid
Authors: Jing Jie , Mao Xiaoye , Ding Hu , Chen Liqun
Published: January 2024

Based on the generalized Hamilton’s principle, the nonlinear governing equation of an axially functionally graded (AFG) pipe is established. The non-trivial equilibrium configuration is superposed by the modal functions of a simply supported beam. Via the direct multi-scale method, the response and stability boundary to the pulsating fluid velocity are solved analytically and verified by the differential quadrature element method (DQEM). The influence of Young’s modulus gradient on the parametric resonance is investigated in the subcritical and supercritical regions. In general, the pipe in the supercritical region is more sensitive to the pulsating excitation. The nonlinearity changes from hard to soft, and the non-trivial equilibrium configuration introduces more frequency components to the vibration. Besides, the increasing Young’s modulus gradient improves the critical pulsating flow velocity of the parametric resonance, and further enhances the stability of the system. In addition, when the temperature increases along the axial direction, reducing the gradient parameter can enhance the response asymmetry. This work further complements the theoretical analysis of pipes conveying pulsating fluid.
Modeling Indium Extraction, Supply, Price, Use and Recycling 1930–2200 Using the WORLD7 Model: Implication for the Imaginaries of Sustainable Europe 2050
Authors: Sverdrup Harald Ulrik , van Allen Ole , Haraldsson Hördur Valdimar
Published: January 2024

The increasing need for indium in photovoltaic technologies is set to exceed available supply. Current estimates suggest only 25% of global solar cell demand for indium can be met, posing a significant challenge for the energy transition. Using the WORLD7 model, this study evaluated the sustainability of indium production and overall market supply. The model considers both mass balance and the dynamic interplay of supply–demand in determining indium prices. It is estimated that a total of 312,000 tons of indium can be extracted. However, the primary hindrance to supply is the availability of extraction opportunities and the necessary infrastructure. Unless we improve production capacity, indium may face shortages, hindering the advancement of pivotal technologies. A concern observed is the insufficient rate of indium recycling. Boosting this could greatly alleviate supply pressures. Projections indicate that indium production will reach its peak between 2025 and 2030, while the peak for photovoltaic solar panels due to indium shortages is anticipated around 2090, with an installed capacity of 1200 GW. Thus, the growth of photovoltaic capacity may lag behind actual demand. For a sustainable future, understanding the role of essential metals like indium is crucial. The European Environment Agency (EEA) introduced four “imaginaries” depicting visions of a sustainable Europe by 2050 (SE2050), each representing a unique future set within specific parameters. Currently, Europe is heavily dependent on imports for tech metals and has limited recycling capabilities, putting it at a disadvantage in a global context. To achieve sustainability, there is a need for improved infrastructure for extraction, recycling, and conservation of metals such as indium. These resources are crucial for realizing Europe’s 2050 sustainability objectives. Furthermore, understanding the role of these metals in wider overarching strategies is vital for envisioning a sustainable European Union by 2050, as depicted in the Imaginaries.
Ambiguity attitudes toward natural and artificial sources in gain and loss domains
Authors: Watanabe Masahide , Fujimi Toshio
Published: January 2024

In this study, we compare ambiguity attitudes—ambiguity aversion and ambiguity-generated insensitivity (a-insensitivity)—toward natural and artificial sources of ambiguity in gain and loss domains with the participation of individuals with various attributes. In our experiment, we use precipitation during the rainy season as a natural source of ambiguity and the Ellsberg-type box as an artificial source. We find that people are more a-insensitive toward the natural source than the artificial source, even though the outcomes are identical. Additionally, people with low cognitive reflection ability are more a-insensitive than those with high cognitive reflection ability. Thus, people with low cognitive reflection ability have more difficulty in identifying likelihood under ambiguity and tend to view the likelihood of all uncertain events to be equal. Furthermore, we examine the relationships between ambiguity attitudes and real-world behaviors with regard to flood preparedness. In the group with high cognitive reflection ability, people with higher a-insensitivity are less likely to adopt flood preparedness behaviors in the gain domain of the natural source. However, we do not find any relationship between ambiguity attitudes and flood preparedness behaviors in the artificial source. Thus, applying ambiguity attitudes toward natural sources is worth considering when explaining real-world behaviors based on ambiguity attitudes.
Bayesian defeat of certainties
Authors: Rescorla Michael
Published: January 2024

When P(E) > 0, conditional probabilities P$$(H|E)$$

(
H
|
E
)

are given by the ratio formula. An agent engages in ratio conditionalization when she updates her credences using conditional probabilities dictated by the ratio formula. Ratio conditionalization cannot eradicate certainties, including certainties gained through prior exercises of ratio conditionalization. An agent who updates her credences only through ratio conditionalization risks permanent certainty in propositions against which she has overwhelming evidence. To avoid this undesirable consequence, I argue that we should supplement ratio conditionalization with Kolmogorov conditionalization, a strategy for updating credences based on propositions E such that P(E) = 0. Kolmogorov conditionalization can eradicate certainties, including certainties gained through prior exercises of conditionalization. Adducing general theorems and detailed examples, I show that Kolmogorov conditionalization helps us model epistemic defeat across a wide range of circumstances.
Analyzing university students’ entrepreneurial intentions under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cardella Giuseppina Maria , Barba-Sánchez Virginia , Meseguer-Martinez Ángel , Hernández-Sánchez Brizeida , Sánchez-García José Carlos
Published: January 2024

This study examines the influence of psychological variables on university students' entrepreneurial intention during the current crisis. We argue that individuals use their psychological resources to cope with adverse situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore investigate how the basic psychological needs satisfaction, proactivity and optimism positively influence the intentions of choosing an entrepreneurial career and, on the contrary, how the impact of COVID-19 pandemic perception on the future country's economy can negatively affect the student’s career choice. Methodologically, we used structural equation modelling on a sample of 201 university students in Spain. Our findings support the idea that entrepreneurial intentions are hampered by the perception of COVID-19, but promoted by the basic psychological needs satisfaction, as a motivational factor, when driven by optimism and proactivity. Our research has important implications. From a theoretical point of view, it contributes to the little existing literature on the importance of factors that promote entrepreneurial intention in adverse conditions, demonstrating that students' psychological characteristics can support their performance and, therefore, the economic and social development of the community. From a practical perspective, the present work has important implications for educators and policymakers to introduce programs that encourage entrepreneurship in students by cultivating proactivity and optimism and by offering educational resources that help students reduce perceived risk and increase motivation towards an entrepreneurial career.
k-means clustering for persistent homology
Authors: Cao Yueqi , Leung Prudence , Monod Anthea
Published: January 2024

Persistent homology is a methodology central to topological data analysis that extracts and summarizes the topological features within a dataset as a persistence diagram. It has recently gained much popularity from its myriad successful applications to many domains, however, its algebraic construction induces a metric space of persistence diagrams with a highly complex geometry. In this paper, we prove convergence of thek-means clustering algorithm on persistence diagram space and establish theoretical properties of the solution to the optimization problem in the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker framework. Additionally, we perform numerical experiments on both simulated and real data of various representations of persistent homology, including embeddings of persistence diagrams as well as diagrams themselves and their generalizations as persistence measures. We find thatk-means clustering performance directly on persistence diagrams and measures outperform their vectorized representations.
Methodology for soft-sensor design and in-process surface conditioning in turning of aluminum alloys
Authors: Junge Thomas , Mehner Thomas , Nestler Andreas , Lampke Thomas , Schubert Andreas
Published: January 2024

Surface properties significantly influence the performance of machined parts. However, they cannot be measured directly during machining. For surface conditioning based on a soft sensor, it is necessary to monitor process characteristics like temperatures and forces, which influence the surface state. Soft-sensor development in machining requires a robust methodology, which is adaptable to different materials and machining processes. In addition, a measurement system that combines hardware sensors to measure temperatures and process forces has to be implemented into the machine tool. In the present study, a suitable methodology is proposed and tested using a tool-workpiece thermocouple and a dynamometer to determine the thermomechanical workpiece load during turning of the aluminum alloys EN AW-2017 and EN AW-7075. Experimental investigations are performed according to a D-optimal statistical design of experiments. For this, the machining parameters cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, as well as the flank wear land width are varied on four levels. Subsequent measurements of residual stresses and the surface roughness are used to correlate the surface state with input parameters and their resulting thermomechanical workpiece load by multiple regression based on analysis of variance (ANOVA). It is found that the methodology is applicable and allows for the prediction of surface states. The developed soft sensors enable an in-process control of machining parameters, which enables a robust prediction and targeted conditioning of the addressed surface properties during machining.
The Cancer Screening and Survivorship Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Flores Tessa , Crabtree-Ide Christina R. , Glaser Kathryn M. , Reid Mary
Published: January 2024

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Roswell) is the only NCI-designated cancer center in New York State outside of the New York City metropolitan area. The Cancer Screening and Survivorship Program combines cancer screening services with survivorship care in a freestanding centralized clinic with providers also dispersed to see survivors in other clinical areas. The aims of the program are to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to cancer survivors and their families and caregivers by addressing symptoms, supporting wellness, prevention and quality of life, and engaging community primary care providers in a shared-care model. The clinic is led by an onco-generalist, defined as an internal medicine trained physician serving cancer survivor’s medical issues from all cancer disease sites. Roswell’s Cancer Screening and Survivorship Program growth and development is guided by ongoing research related to patient needs and barriers to care, overall quality of life, health promotion and prevention, as well as education and training to build a more robust cancer survivorship workforce. The cancer center leadership has identified the expansion of cancer survivorship paired with community outreach and engagement, PCP outreach and education, and comprehensive cancer screening services as one of the key strategic areas of growth over the next decade. With the investment in our long-term strategic plan, we expect to continue to grow and serve a broader community of cancer survivors and further our research related to the structure and outcomes of our programmatic activities.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This program provides robust whole-person care for cancer survivors and provides an example of successful infrastructure for cancer survivorship.
Change in rate of healthcare encounters for respiratory infection from air pollution exposure after improved vehicle emissions standards in New York State
Authors: Croft Daniel P. , Utell Mark J. , Liu Han , Lin Shao , Hopke Philip K. , Thurston Sally W. , Chen Yunle , Rich David Q.
Published: January 2024

The introduction of Tier 3 light-duty vehicles with reduced emissions began in New York State (NYS) in 2017, with required compliance by 2025. We hypothesized that improved air quality during the early implementation of Tier 3 (2017–2019) would result in reduced rates of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits for respiratory infection associated with increased PM2.5 compared to 2014–2016 (pre-Tier 3). Using data on adult patients hospitalized or having an ED visit for influenza, upper respiratory infection, culture-negative pneumonia, or respiratory bacterial infection, living within 15 miles of six air quality monitoring sites in NY, and a case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression, we estimated the rates of respiratory infection hospitalizations and ED visits associated with increased ambient PM2.5 concentrations in the previous 0–6 days and each week thereafter up to 1 month. Interquartile range (IQR) increases in PM2.5 in the previous 6 days were associated with 4.6% (95% CI: − 0.5, 10.1) and 11.9% (95% CI = 6.1, 18.0) increased rates of influenza hospitalizations in 2014–2016 and 2017–2019, respectively. This pattern of larger relative rates in 2017–2019 observed at all lag times was only present in males hospitalized for influenza but not other infections or in females. The rates of respiratory infection visits associated with increased PM2.5 were generally not reduced in this early Tier 3 implementation period compared to 2014–2016. Limited fleet penetration of Tier 3 vehicles and differences in particle deposition, infection type, and sex by period may all have contributed to this lack of improvement.
Stress, Coping, burnout and mental health in the Irish Police Force
Authors: Gibbons Chris
Published: January 2024

The aims sought to identify the sources of stress and coping responses and their relationship to burnout and mental health in Irish police officers and to explore gender differences and differences between those ‘at risk’ or ‘not at risk’ of a stress-related illness. The unpredictable nature of police work, dealing with the public and potential criminals in often trying circumstances and the ever-present risk of danger and trauma, makes police work one of the most stressful of human-service professions. This area is under-researched in Ireland. A survey was administered, in 2019, to 104 full-time Garda members of the An Garda Síochana, measuring organisational and operational stress, coping style and wellbeing. Organisational stress was a stronger predictor of emotional exhaustion and operational stress of depersonalization. Venting, which, in a supportive environment is usually associated with good coping, had an adverse effect on burnout. This suggested a work environment where individuals felt unsupported. Females experienced higher burnout and more adverse mental health. They reported greater organisational stress, and this may relate to real or perceived gender-based barriers. Age had a protective effect, and this suggests there is scope to improve coping through mentoring schemes or other initiatives to cascade good coping.
Fostering Hope and Acknowledging Uncertainty: Meeting Parents’ Needs and Preferences When Communicating Prognosis in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Authors: Turbitt Erin , Callinan Elizabeth , Shakes Pieta , McEwen Alison , Amor David J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

We sought to summarise recent research on prognostication in genetic neurodevelopmental conditions, focusing on parent preferences for prognostic conversations. We further aimed to explore recommendations about communicating children’s prognoses with parents at the time of diagnosis and beyond.

Recent Findings

Our review revealed growing research on prognostic conversations in oncology settings and for conditions that are life-limiting; however, there remains little research in the context of genetic neurodevelopmental conditions. The literature indicates a shift from censoring prognosis towards open discussions emphasising predicted challenges and abilities. The little research that has been done shows that parents seek prognosis discussions tailored to their preferences, relating to the timing, depth, and mode of delivery of information. Divergent perspectives between parents and healthcare professionals complicate prognostic communication and may relate to the stance of the healthcare professional (such as preconceived views and biases), and gaps in their training or within evidence-based interventions.

There is a need for personalised, sensitive approaches to prognostic conversations with parents and to address societal biases that influence the stance and behaviours of healthcare professionals in those conversations. Future research should prioritise understanding that parental needs are diverse, improving communication strategies, and expanding information modalities. Focus should also be on reflexively identifying healthcare professional and societal stereotypical views on disability, mitigating biases for effective prognostic discussions with parents regarding genetic neurodevelopmental conditions.
Investigation of color protection of laminated glass by UV-blocking interlayers for conservation application
Authors: Müller Marius , Reich Stefan , Pfütze Christian , Stelzer Ingo
Published: January 2024

The damaging of color pigments under UV radiation, usually called fading, is known, the most common is the loose of color intensity of clothes. A high UV-resistance of window and façade glazing is urgent for the conservation and preservation of historical exhibits and interiors. In this contribution, a long-lasting natural weather testing of several glass types, mostly LSG with different interlayer materials, and the effect of the different color patterns of paper and textile specimens are presented. According to the Harrison damage function, the initial damage level starts at 500 nm wavelength. Therefore, besides standard PVB-interlayer (UV-blocking from 360 to 380 nm wavelength) also special UV-blocking interlayer (UV-blocking from 400 nm) are part of the study. The research was conducted over the full summer of the year 2021. The assessment of the fading effect was measured as color spacing according to the CIELAB color space and verified by human eye perception. The CIELAB color space is the most used color system and combines brightness, yellow-blue and red-green tones. The research shows a significant effect of different glass build-ups on the color spacing value, especially for medium-sensitive pigment papers and textiles. Furthermore, the color shifting of single color scale samples showed demonstrated the limitation of the color spacing value of the CIELAB color space versus the human eye perception.
Generative model for learning quantum ensemble with optimal transport loss
Authors: Tezuka Hiroyuki , Uno Shumpei , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: January 2024

Generative modeling is an unsupervised machine learning framework, that exhibits strong performance in various machine learning tasks. Recently, we find several quantum versions of generative model, some of which are even proven to have quantum advantage. However, those methods are not directly applicable to construct a generative model for learning a set of quantum states, i.e., ensemble. In this paper, we propose a quantum generative model that can learn quantum ensemble, in an unsupervised machine learning framework. The key idea is to introduce a new loss function calculated based on optimal transport loss, which have been widely used in classical machine learning due to its good properties; e.g., no need to ensure the common support of two ensembles. We then give in-depth analysis on this measure, such as the scaling property of the approximation error. We also demonstrate the generative modeling with the application to quantum anomaly detection problem, that cannot be handled via existing methods. The proposed model paves the way for a wide application such as the health check of quantum devices and efficient initialization of quantum computation.