bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International cooperation on financial market regulation
Authors: Abendschein Michael , Gölz Harry
Published: July 2021

At the latest the global financial crisis has raised the awareness of the need for a globally coordinated financial market regulation. Even though the necessity to cooperate is widely acknowledged, cooperation is often limited in practice. This article characterizes the formation of self-enforcing international financial regulation agreements. Our analysis allows to evaluate the desirability and feasibility of cooperative solutions and explains the challenges associated with the process of cooperation. We model the cooperation of national financial regulators in a game-theoretical framework that considers financial stability to be an impure public good. Joint national supervisory effort is supposed to increase aggregate welfare in terms of a more stable financial system both on a global and on a local level by simultaneously generating incentives to free-ride. Our analysis in general indicates the difficulty of reaching a fully cooperative solution. In our basic version of the model we show that partial cooperation of two or three countries is stable and improves the welfare of all countries relative to the non-cooperative Nash equilibrium. Further analyses highlight the role of additional club benefits. When signatory countries of a coalition gain benefits over and above the joint welfare maximization, stable coalitions of any size become feasible.
In-plane lateral cyclic behaviour of lime-mortar and clay-brick masonry walls in dry and wet conditions
Authors: Elghazouli A. Y. , Bompa D. V. , Mourad S. A. , Elyamani A.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the structural and material response of ambient-dry and wet clay-brick/lime-mortar masonry elements. In addition to cyclic tests on four large-scale masonry walls subjected to lateral in-plane displacement and co-existing compressive gravity load, the study also includes complementary tests on square masonry panels under diagonal compression and cylindrical masonry cores in compression. After describing the specimen details, wetting method and testing arrangements, the main results and observations are provided and discussed. The results obtained from full-field digital image correlation measurements enable a detailed assessment of the material shear-compression strength envelope, and permit a direct comparison with the strength characteristics of structural walls. The full load-deformation behaviour of the large-scale walls is also evaluated, including their ductility and failure modes, and compared with the predictions of available assessment models. It is shown that moisture has a notable effect on the main material properties, including the shear and compression strengths, brick–mortar interaction parameters, and the elastic and shear moduli. The extent of the moisture effects is a function of the governing behaviour and material characteristics as well as the interaction between shear and precompression stresses, and can lead to a loss of more than a third of the stiffness and strength. For the large scale wall specimens subjected to lateral loading and co-existing compression, the wet-to-dry reduction was found to be up to 20% and 11% in terms of stiffness and lateral strength, respectively, whilst the ductility ratio diminished by up to 12%. Overall, provided that the key moisture-dependent material properties are appropriately evaluated, it is shown that analytical assessment methods can be reliably adapted for predicting the response, in terms of the lateral stiffness, strength and overall load-deformation, for both dry and wet masonry walls.
Comparative assessment of finite element macro-modelling approaches for seismic analysis of non-engineered masonry constructions
Authors: Ravichandran Nagavinothini , Losanno Daniele , Parisi Fulvio
Published: July 2021

All around the world, non-engineered masonry constructions (NECs) typically have high vulnerability to seismic ground motion, resulting in heavy damage and severe casualties after earthquakes. Even though a number of computational strategies have been developed for seismic analysis of unreinforced masonry structures, a few studies have focussed on NECs located in developing countries. In this paper, different modelling options for finite element analysis of non-engineered masonry buildings are investigated. The goal of the study was to identify the modelling option with the best trade-off between computational burden and accuracy of results, in view of seismic risk assessment of NECs at regional scale. Based on the experimental behaviour of a single-storey structure representative of Indian non-engineered masonry buildings, the output of seismic response analysis of refined 3D models in ANSYS was compared to that of a simplified model based on 2D, nonlinear, layered shell elements in SAP2000. The numerical-experimental comparison was carried out under incremental static lateral loading, whereas nonlinear time history analysis was performed to investigate the dynamic performance of the case-study structure. Analysis results show that the simplified model can be a computationally efficient modelling option for both nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, particularly in case of force-based approaches for design and assessment of base isolation systems aimed at the large-scale seismic vulnerability mitigation of NECs.
How history of mathematics can help to face a crisis situation: the case of the polemic between Bernoulli and d’Alembert about the smallpox epidemic
Authors: Gosztonyi Katalin
Published: July 2021

In this article, I present the eighteenth century’s polemic of Bernoulli and d’Alembert concerning the smallpox epidemic and a prevention method called inoculation. Through an analysis of the polemic and the related resources, I show that this historical debate has various interests for mathematics education; and more specifically it can help teachers to confront dilemmas emerging with the COVID-19 pandemic (for example if a teacher should talk about it in class or not, how to help students to interpret the statistical data and the mathematical models connected to the pandemic and more generally, how to deal with the confusions and concerns emerging in connection to the pandemic). I describe the documents related to the historical polemic as transitional objects, having a potential to reveal the teachers’ own professional or personal experiences, reflections and questions, and to stimulate dialogue with them on these issues. I illustrate this proposition by the presentation of an online reading seminar realized with a French group of teachers in April 2020.
Language and Its Limits: Meaning, Reference and the Ineffable in Buddhist Philosophy
Authors: Blomberg Johan , Żywiczyński Przemysław
Published: July 2021

Buddhist schools of thought share two fundamental assumptions about language. On the one hand, language (śabda) is identified with conceptual thinking (kalpanā), which according to the Buddhist doctrine (dharma) separates us from the momentary and fleeting nature of reality (satya, “truth”). Language is comprised of generally applicable forms, which fuel the reificatory proclivity for clinging to the distorted – and ultimately fictious – belief in substantial existence. On the other hand, the distrust of language is mitigated by the doctrine of ineffability (anirdeśya), which although asserts that reality is beyond the scope of linguistic description, submits that philosophical analyses of key Buddhist concepts is a means of overcoming the limitations that language imposes on our experience and facilitating insight into the nature of reality (bodhi). This paper provides an overview of Buddhist philosophy of language, with an emphasis on the dialectical view of language as indispensable but ultimately insufficient for contemplation. The Buddhist discussions of ineffability are explicated and compared with its treatment in modern Occidental thought, specifically the similarities and differences with Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language.
Modelling land system evolution and dynamics of terrestrial carbon stocks in the Luanhe River Basin, China: a scenario analysis of trade-offs and synergies between sustainable development goals
Authors: Xu Jiren , Renaud Fabrice G. , Barrett Brian
Published: July 2021

A more holistic understanding of land use and land cover (LULC) will help minimise trade-offs and maximise synergies, and lead to improved future land use management strategies for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, current assessments of future LULC changes rarely focus on the multiple demands for goods and services, which are related to the synergies and trade-offs between SDGs and their targets. In this study, the land system (combinations of land cover and land use intensity) evolution trajectories of the Luanhe River Basin (LRB), China, and major challenges that the LRB may face in 2030, were explored by applying the CLUMondo and InVEST models. The results indicate that the LRB is likely to experience agricultural intensification and urban growth under all four scenarios that were explored. The cropland intensity and the urban growth rate were much higher under the historical trend (Trend) scenario compared to those with more planning interventions (Expansion,Sustainability, andConservationscenarios). Unless the forest area and biodiversity conservation targets are implemented (Conservationscenario), the forest areas are projected to decrease by 2030. The results indicate that water scarcity in the LRB is likely to increase under all scenarios, and the carbon storage will increase under theConservationscenario but decrease under all other scenarios by 2030. Our methodological framework and findings can guide regional sustainable development in the LRB and other large river basins in China, and will be valuable for policy and planning purposes to the pursuance of SDGs at the sub-national scale.
Gene editing in tree and clonal crops: progress and challenges
Authors: Goralogia Greg S. , Redick Thomas P. , Strauss Steven H.
Published: July 2021

Because of the limitations inherent in conventional breeding of trees and clonally propagated crops, gene editing is of great interest. Dozens of published papers attest to the high efficiency of CRISPR-based systems in clonal crops and trees. The opportunity for “clean” edits is expected to avoid or reduce regulatory burdens in many countries and may improve market acceptance. To date, however, nearly all studies in trees and clonal crops retained all of the gene editing machinery in the genome. Despite high gene editing efficiency, technical and regulatory obstacles are likely to greatly limit progress toward commercial use. Technical obstacles include difficult and slow transformation and regeneration, delayed onset of flowering or clonal systems that make sexual segregation of CRISPR-associated genes difficult, inefficient excision systems to enable removal of functional (protein- or RNA-encoding) transgenic DNA, and narrow host range or limited gene-payload viral systems for efficient transient editing. Regulatory obstacles include those such as in the EU where gene-edited plants are regulated like GMO crops, and the many forms of method-based systems that regulate stringently based on the method vs. product novelty and thus are largely applied to each insertion event. Other major obstacles include the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol with respect to international trade and the need for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act in the USA. The USDA SECURE act has taken a major step toward a more science- and risk-based—vs. method and insertion event based—system, but much further regulatory and legal innovation is needed in the USA and beyond.
Acceleration-based disturbance compensation for elastic rack-and-pinion drives
Authors: Brenner Felix , Lechler Armin , Verl Alexander
Published: July 2021

Rack-and-pinion drives are mainly used for large machine tools and are often operated with indirect position control. Due to the lack of state information on the output side, this results in reduced accuracy regarding the table position. In addition, the system can only react inadequately to disturbances outside the control loop, meaning that often insufficient results can be achieved in typical application scenarios such as milling. To meet the increasing dynamic and accuracy requirements of the modern manufacturing industry, this paper presents a highly dynamic acceleration-based disturbance compensation method. For this purpose, the table acceleration is estimated using a dynamical model of the drive train and compared to the signal from an additional acceleration sensor attached to the machine table. Based on the resulting difference, an additional compensation torque is provided, which suppresses the disturbance in counterphase. The approach is tested experimentally on an open control platform with industrial drive components and the behavior is investigated based on compliance frequency responses and externally applied milling forces. At the same time, a standardized parametrization methodology is developed and the robustness is evaluated by varying table masses. In summary, a considerable improvement of the dynamic disturbance behavior can be achieved compared to the conventional system without compensator.
Maternal Ethanol Exposure Acutely Elevates Src Family Kinase Activity in the Fetal Cortex
Authors: Wang Dandan , Howell Brian W. , Olson Eric C.
Published: July 2021

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterized by disrupted fetal brain development and postnatal cognitive impairment. The targets of alcohol are diverse, and it is not clear whether there are common underlying molecular mechanisms producing these disruptions. Prior work established that acute ethanol exposure causes a transient increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins in cultured embryonic cortical cells. In this study, we show that a similar tyrosine phosphorylation transient occurs in the fetal brain after maternal dosing with ethanol. Using phospho-specific antibodies and immunohistochemistry, we mapped regions of highest tyrosine phosphorylation in the fetal cerebral cortex and found that areas of dendritic and axonal growth showed elevated tyrosine phosphorylation 10 min after maternal ethanol exposure. These were also areas of Src expression and Src family kinase (SFK) activation loop phosphorylation (pY416) expression. Importantly, maternal pretreatment with the SFK inhibitor dasatinib completely prevents both the pY416 increase and the tyrosine phosphorylation response. The phosphorylation response was observed in the perisomatic region and neurites of immature migrating and differentiating primary neurons. Importantly, the initial phosphotyrosine transient (~ 30 min) targets both Src and Dab1, two critical elements in Reelin signaling, a pathway required for normal cortical development. This initial phosphorylation response is followed by sustained reduction in Ser3 phosphorylation of n-cofilin, a critical actin severing protein and an identified downstream effector of Reelin signaling. This biochemical disruption is associated with sustained reduction of F-actin content and disrupted Golgi apparatus morphology in developing cortical neurons. The finding outlines a model in which the initial activation of SFKs by ethanol has the potential to disrupt multiple developmentally important signaling systems for several hours after maternal exposure.
Correction to: Fertility Intentions Within a 3-Year Time Frame: a Comparison Between Migrant and Native Italian Women
Authors: Mussino Eleonora , Gabrielli Giuseppe , Ortensi Livia Elisa , Strozza Salvatore
Published: July 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s12134-020-00800-2
Working towards full eradication of lipid-driven cardiovascular risk?
Authors: Nurmohamed N. S. , Stroes E. S. G.
Published: July 2021

Lipid-driven cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is caused by atherogenic apolipoprotein B (apoB) particles containing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and resembles a large and modifiable proportion of the total CVD risk. While a surplus of novel lipid-lowering therapies has been developed in recent years, management of lipid-driven CVD risk in the Netherlands remains suboptimal. To lower LDL‑C levels, statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibiting antibodies are the current standard of therapy. With the approval of bempedoic acid and the silencing RNA inclisiran, therapeutic options are expanding continuously. Although the use of triglyceride-lowering therapies remains a matter of debate, post hoc analyses consistently show a benefit in subsets of patients with high triglyceride or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Pemafibrate and novel apoC-III could be efficacious options when approved for clinical use. Lp(a)-lowering therapies such as pelacarsen are under clinical investigation, offering a potent Lp(a)-lowering effect. If proven effective in reducing cardiovascular endpoints, Lp(a) lowering holds promise to be the third axis of effective lipid-lowering therapies. Using these three components of lipid-lowering treatment, the contribution of apoB-containing lipid particles to the CVD risk may be fully eradicated in the next decade.
Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Wellbeing Among Saudi Women: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Alomair Noura , Alageel Samah , Davies Nathan , Bailey Julia V.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In Saudi Arabia, sexual and reproductive health education is not offered in any formal setting, and there is a significant lack of knowledge amongst Saudi women. This study aimed to explore barriers to Saudi women’s sexual and reproductive wellbeing.

Methods

The study employed qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews with women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2019. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-eight women were interviewed. Sexual and reproductive wellbeing is a complex matter affected by personal, familial, environmental, socio-cultural, religious, and institutional factors. Being unmarried is a significant barrier to accessing sexual and reproductive information and services, with ignorance signifying modesty and purity. Parental control acted as a barrier to acquiring knowledge and accessing essential healthcare services. Schools contribute to lack of awareness, with teachers omitting sexual and reproductive health-related subjects and evading answering questions.

Conclusions

There are multiple factors that restrict Saudi women’s access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, impacting their overall wellbeing. Research and policy efforts should be directed towards overcoming the complex barriers to Saudi women’s sexual and reproductive wellbeing. Public health initiatives are needed to improve youth, parents, and teacher’s knowledge, and improve public perceptions towards sexual and reproductive health education.
A Bayesian solution to the Behrens–Fisher problem
Authors: Girón Fco. Javier , del Castillo Carmen
Published: July 2021

A simple solution to the Behrens–Fisher problem based on Bayes factors is presented, and its relation with the Behrens–Fisher distribution is explored. The construction of the Bayes factor is based on a simple hierarchical model, and has a closed form based on the densities of general Behrens–Fisher distributions. Simple asymptotic approximations of the Bayes factor, which are functions of the Kullback–Leibler divergence between normal distributions, are given, and it is also proved to be consistent. Some examples and comparisons are also presented.
Using Telehealth to Provide Interventions for Children with ASD: a Systematic Review
Authors: de Nocker Yanicka L. , Toolan Christina K.
Published: July 2021

As the need for accessible interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) grows, empirically supported telehealth interventions become increasingly necessary. With the current COVID-19 public health crisis, in-person interventions have become largely infeasible; therefore, it is crucial that providers have information regarding the effectiveness of telehealth interventions. This systematic review evaluates and synthesizes existing group design research on telehealth ASD interventions. Sixteen articles were evaluated on implementer and child-level intervention outcomes as well as factors that promote equitable access to intervention. Findings suggest that telehealth programs are highly acceptable, comparable to face-to-face interventions, and can be an effective method of training implementers in interventions. Recommendations for future research and for maximizing equitable access to telehealth interventions are presented.
Thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a systematic review
Authors: Scappaticcio L. , Maiorino M. I. , Iorio S. , Camponovo C. , Piccardo A. , Bellastella G. , Docimo G. , Esposito K. , Trimboli P.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective thyroid surgery is experiencing delays. The problem is that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. The research purposes were to systematically collect the literature data on the characteristics of those thyroid operations performed and to assess the safety/risks associated with thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used all the procedures consistent with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus was made using ‘‘Thyroid’’ and “coronavirus” as search terms.

Results

Of a total of 293 articles identified, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients undergoing thyroid surgery was 2217. The indication for surgery was malignancy in 1347 cases (60.8%). Screening protocols varied depending on hospital protocol and maximum levels of personal protection equipment were adopted. The hospital length of stay was 2–3 days. Total thyroidectomy was chosen for 1557 patients (1557/1868, 83.4%), of which 596 procedures (596/1558, 38.3%) were combined with lymph node dissections. Cross-infections were registered in 14 cases (14/721, 1.9%), of which three (3/721, 0.4%) with severe pulmonary complications of COVID-19. 377 patients (377/1868, 20.2%) had complications after surgery, of which 285 (285/377, 75.6%) hypoparathyroidism and 71 (71/377, 18.8%) recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Conclusion

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission after thyroid surgery is relatively low. Our study could promote the restart of planned thyroid surgery due to COVID-19. Future studies are warranted to obtain more solid data about the risk of complications after thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 era.
A mathematical approach to medical diagnosis via Pythagorean fuzzy soft TOPSIS, VIKOR and generalized aggregation operators
Authors: Naeem Khalid , Riaz Muhammad , Karaaslan Faruk
Published: July 2021

Hepatitis is a therapeutic disorder caused by the inflammation/infection of liver and regarded as the existence of cells causing inflammation in the tissues of body parts. Hepatitis is deliberated as a lethal disease worldwide, especially in developing countries mainly due to contaminated drinking water, unhygienic sanitary conditions and careless blood transfusion. This infection is basically considered as viral infection even though this sort of liver infection can also take place due to autoimmune, toxin, medications, unprotected physical relations, drugs and alcohol. Many approaches of identifying viral hepatitis have been sought so for, which include physical inspection, liver function tests (LFTs), liver surgery (biopsy), imaging studies such as sonogram or CT scan, ultrasound, blood tests, viral serology panel, DNA test, and viral antibody testing. In this article, we propose mathematical analysis of viral hepatitis types using Pythagorean fuzzy soft sets (PFSSs) via TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), VIKOR (Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje) and generalized aggregation operators models and show that all the three techniques render the same optimal choice. We also present a commentary yielding comparison between the three techniques considering their structure of evaluation.
Impact of land use and land cover change on the magnitude of surface runoff in the endorheic Hayk Lake basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Mewded Mezgebu , Abebe Adane , Tilahun Seifu , Agide Zeleke
Published: July 2021

This study focused to analyze the main human-induced land use and/or cover changes and their impact on the response to surface runoff from the Hayk Lake endorheic basin between 1989 and 2015. The investigation of Landsat images of years 1989, 2000 and 2015 with the aid of ArcGIS 10.1 indicated an increase in cultivation land by 137.74% at the disbursement of a decrease of 1.34% in lake water, 49.48% in shrubland, 55.84% in plantation, and 17.32% in grassland. Overall accuracy (92%–96%) and kappa values (0.90–0.95) proved that the image classifications were accurate. The impact of the changed land use and/or cover on surface runoff was investigated by simulating the surface runoff for the years 1989, 2000 and 2015, and then quantifying the individual rate of contribution of land use and/or cover change on the magnitude of simulated surface runoff using HEC-HMS modeling tool. The analysis found that land use and cover change alone increased surface runoff by 20.18% and that climate change reduced surface runoff by 120.18%. The combined effect reduced surface runoff and caused a continued decline in water level at Hayk Lake. Therefore, this study advocated basin-based lake water management strategies linked to the negative impacts of land use and land cover, and climate change on the water balance of Hayk Lake for its sustainability.
Bias and comparison framework for abusive language datasets
Authors: Wich Maximilian , Eder Tobias , Al Kuwatly Hala , Groh Georg
Published: July 2021

Recently, numerous datasets have been produced as research activities in the field of automatic detection of abusive language or hate speech have increased. A problem with this diversity is that they often differ, among other things, in context, platform, sampling process, collection strategy, and labeling schema. There have been surveys on these datasets, but they compare the datasets only superficially. Therefore, we developed a bias and comparison framework for abusive language datasets for their in-depth analysis and to provide a comparison of five English and six Arabic datasets. We make this framework available to researchers and data scientists who work with such datasets to be aware of the properties of the datasets and consider them in their work.
Are Radial Pressure Waves Effective in Treating Erectile Dysfunction? A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Sandoval-Salinas Carolina , Saffon José P. , Corredor Hector A. , Fonseca Liliana , Manrique Laura , Solis Giovani
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Radial waves are used to treat erectile dysfunction; however, they are different than focal waves, and their mechanism of action or effect on improving this condition is not known.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of radial waves at the cellular level and their effectiveness at the clinical level for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Systematic literature review. Electronic database searches and manual searches were performed to identify (i) clinical trials or cohort studies evaluating the effectiveness of radial waves in men with erectile dysfunction and (ii) preclinical trials in animal models or cell cultures in which the production of nitric oxide or endothelial growth factor was evaluated. Study quality was assessed, and data were extracted from each study. A narrative synthesis of the results was performed given the high heterogeneity between the selected studies.

Main outcomes measures

Nitric oxide production, endothelial growth factor expression, and changes in the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire score.

Results

Four studies in animal models and 1 randomized clinical trial in men with erectile dysfunction and kidney transplantation were identified that met the selection criteria. Preclinical studies in animals suggest that radial waves increase cellular apoptosis in penile tissue, while vascular endothelial growth factor expression increases in brain tissue. In men with erectile dysfunction, no differences were found between radial wave therapy and placebo therapy in the mean IIEF score (15.6 ± 6.1 vs 16.6 ± 5.4 at 1 month after treatment), EHS (2.5 ± 0.85 vs 2.4 ± 0.7 at 1 month after treatment), or penile Doppler parameters.

Conclusions

No quality evidence was found to support the use of radial waves in humans for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In animal models and at the cellular level, the results are contradictory. More research is needed. Sandoval-Salinas C, Saffon JP, Corredor HA, et al. Are Radial Pressure Waves Effective in Treating Erectile Dysfunction? A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Sex Med 2021;9:100393.
Disrupting Africa
Authors: Arewa Olufunmilayo B.
Published: July 2021

In the digital era, many African countries sit at the crossroads of a potential future that will be shaped by digital-era technologies with existing laws and institutions constructed under conditions of colonial and post-colonial authoritarian rule. In Disrupting Africa, Olufunmilayo B. Arewa examines this intersection and shows how it encompasses existing and new zones of contestation based on ethnicity, religion, region, age, and other sources of division. Arewa highlights specific collisions between the old and the new, including in the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, which involved young people engaging with varied digital era technologies who provoked a violent response from rulers threatened by the prospect of political change. In this groundbreaking work, Arewa demonstrates how lawmaking and legal processes during and after colonialism continue to frame contexts in which digital technologies are created, implemented, regulated, and used in Africa today.
Exploring city digital twins as policy tools: A task-based approach to generating synthetic data on urban mobility
Authors: Papyshev Gleb , Yarime Masaru
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the technology of city digital twins (CDTs) and its potential applications in the policymaking context. The article analyzes the history of the development of the concept of digital twins and how it is now being adopted on a city-scale. One of the most advanced projects in the field—Virtual Singapore—is discussed in detail to determine the scope of its potential domains of application and highlight challenges associated with it. Concerns related to data privacy, availability, and its applicability for predictive simulations are analyzed, and potential usage of synthetic data is proposed as a way to address these challenges. The authors argue that despite the abundance of urban data, the historical data are not always applicable for predictions about the events for which there does not exist any data, as well as discuss the potential privacy challenges of the usage of micro-level individual mobility data in CDTs. A task-based approach to urban mobility data generation is proposed in the last section of the article. This approach suggests that city authorities can establish services responsible for asking people to conduct certain activities in an urban environment in order to create data for possible policy interventions for which there does not exist useful historical data. This approach can help in addressing the challenges associated with the availability of data without raising privacy concerns, as the data generated through this approach will not represent any real individual in society.
The Commission against the Internal Market and European Union Citizens’ Rights: Trying to Shoot Down Sputnik with the “Digital Green Certificate”?
Authors: KOCHENOV Dimitry Vladimirovich , VERALDI Jacquelyn Dietrich
Published: July 2021

The Digital Green Certificate (DGC) proposed by the European Commission on the basis of facilitating the free movement rights of European Union (EU) citizens will be capable of effectively serving as a COVID-19 passport. In this contribution, we cast doubt on whether the DGC is fit for purpose, highlighting in particular the potential for the DGC to in fact facilitate greater free movement restrictions for a large number of EU citizens, in particular those who have received non- European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved vaccines such as Sputnik V in compliance with EU law. Under the proposal as amended by the European Parliament, any destination Member State that accepts proof of vaccination “in order to waive restrictions to free movement” must apply the same waiver to any DGC-holder that has received an EMA-approved vaccine and has the option of doing so for vaccines added to the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing; however, such equal treatment is not available for DGC-holders who have received non-EMA/WHO vaccines. While this measure was alleged to be taken on grounds of public health, a convincing public health case has not been put forward. Instead, the DGC proposal as it stands disregards the promise of the internal market and sets the stage for its fragmentation through geopolitics and bilateralism.
Time-dependent measurement of high-power laser light reflection by low-Z foam plasma
Authors: Cipriani M. , Gus’kov S. Yu. , Consoli F. , De Angelis R. , Rupasov A. A. , Andreoli P. , Cristofari G. , Di Giorgio G. , Salvadori M.
Published: July 2021

Porous materials have many applications for laser–matter interaction experiments related to inertial confinement fusion. Obtaining new knowledge about the properties of the laser-produced plasma of porous media is a challenging task. In this work, we report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the time-dependent measurement of the reflected light of a terawatt laser pulse from the laser-produced plasma of low-Z foam material of overcritical density. The experiments have been performed with the ABC laser, with targets constituted by foam of overcritical density and by solid media of the same chemical composition. We implemented in the MULTI-FM code a model for the light reflection to reproduce and interpret the experimental results. Using the simulations together with the experimental results, we indicate a criterion for estimating the homogenization time of the laser-produced plasma, whose measurement is challenging with direct diagnostic techniques and still not achieved.
Low dose depot oral vitamin D3v. daily oral vitamin D3 for treating nutritional rickets: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Saluja Ravneet Kaur , Dewan Pooja , Gomber Sunil , Madhu Sri Venkata , Bhat Shuchi , Gupta Piyush
Published: July 2021

We aimed to compare the efficacy of daily v. low dose depot oral vitamin D3 for treating nutritional rickets. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in the department of paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital catering to semi-urban and rural population in Delhi, India. We randomised sixty-six children aged 3 months to 5 years with nutritional rickets to receive either daily oral vitamin D3 drops (3–12 months: 2000 IU; > 12 months to 5 years: 4000 IU; n 33) for 12 weeks duration or a single oral depot dose of vitamin D3 granules (3–12 months: 60 000 IU; > 12 months to 5 years: 150 000 IU; n 33). Participants in both groups had comparable demographic characteristics, laboratory features and radiological severity of rickets. Thirty-three participants in each group received the assigned intervention and all were followed up till 12 weeks. At 12 weeks follow-up, children in both groups showed a significant improvement in all biochemical parameters (serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone and 25(OH) vitamin D levels) as well as radiological healing. At 12 weeks, the mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels (nmol/l) were statistically comparable in both groups (daily: 120·2 (sd 83·2), depot: 108 (sd 74), P = 0·43) and 31 (93·9 %) children in each group had radiological healing (Thacher score < 1·5). Two children in each group persisted to have raised ALP, and one child each in the daily group continued to have hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia at 12 weeks. Low dose oral depot vitamin D3 is an effective alternative to daily oral vitamin D3 for nutritional rickets.
SCHOOL DESEGREGATION AND THE PIPELINE OF PRIVILEGE
Authors: Pettigrew Thomas F.
Published: July 2021

The struggle to end racial segregation in America’s public schools has been long and arduous. It was ostensibly won in the 1954 Brown v. Tulsa Board of Education Supreme Court ruling. But racist resistance has been intense. Years later, extensive school segregation remains for Black children. The High Court has essentially overturned Brown without explicitly saying so. This paper assesses the effects of educational desegregation that has managed to occur. Discussion concerning the results of desegregation has revolved around test scores and the difficulties involved with “busing,” but the principal positive effect is often overlooked: namely, that the substantial rise of the Black-American middle class in the last half-century has been importantly enhanced by school desegregation. This paper reviews the educational backgrounds of eighteen Black Americans who have risen to the highest status positions in American politics and business in recent decades. They represent the desegregated Black cohort who succeeded because desegregation enabled them to break into the nation’s deeply established pipeline of privilege.
Call for Papers on Machine Learning and Earth System Modeling
Authors: Yuval Janni , Pritchard Mike , Gentine Pierre , Zanna Laure , Fan Jiwen
Published: July 2021

Contributions are invited to a new journal special collection on the use of new machine learning methodologies and applications of machine learning to Earth system modeling.
Van Allen Probes Observations of Multi‐MeV Electron Drift‐Periodic Flux Oscillations in Earth's Outer Radiation Belt During the March 2017 Event
Authors: Zhao Hong , Sarris Theodore E. , Li Xinlin , Weiner Max , Huckabee Isabela G. , Baker Daniel N. , Jaynes Allison J. , Kanekal Shrikanth G. , Elkington Scot R. , Barani Mohammad , Tu Weichao , Liu Wenlong , Zhang Dianjun , Hartinger Michael D.
Published: July 2021

Radiation belt electrons undergo frequent acceleration, transport, and loss processes under various physical mechanisms. One of the most prevalent mechanisms is radial diffusion, caused by the resonant interactions between energetic electrons and ULF waves in the Pc4‐5 band. An indication of this resonant interaction is believed to be the appearance of periodic flux oscillations. In this study, we report long‐lasting, drift‐periodic flux oscillations of relativistic and ultrarelativistic electrons with energies up to ∼7.7 MeV in the outer radiation belt, observed by the Van Allen Probes mission. During this March 2017 event, multi‐MeV electron flux oscillations at the electron drift frequency appeared coincidently with enhanced Pc5 ULF wave activity and lasted for over 10 h in the center of the outer belt. The amplitude of such flux oscillations is well correlated with the radial gradient of electron phase space density (PSD), with almost no oscillation observed near the PSD peak. The temporal evolution of the PSD radial profile also suggests the dominant role of radial diffusion in multi‐MeV electron dynamics during this event. By combining these observations, we conclude that these multi‐MeV electron flux oscillations are caused by the resonant interactions between electrons and broadband Pc5 ULF waves and are an indicator of the ongoing radial diffusion process during this event. They contain essential information of radial diffusion and have the potential to be further used to quantify the radial diffusion effects and aid in a better understanding of this prevailing mechanism.
Observations and Modeling of Wave‐Induced Burial and Sediment Entrainment: Likely Importance of Degree of Liquefaction
Authors: Klammler Harald , Penko Allison M. , Staples Tracy , Sheremet Alex , Calantoni Joseph
Published: July 2021

Wave‐seabed interaction is known to be a fundamental cause of sediment instability and entrainment. Observations of burial for surrogate munitions were made with a high frequency, sector scanning sonar acquiring acoustic images of the seabed every 12 min during a storm event in May 2013 in the northern Gulf of Mexico offshore of Panama City Beach, FL. Surrogate munitions burial depth was verified by divers. Driven by time series of pressure observed near the seabed, an existing poro‐elastic wave‐sediment interaction model in combination with a sediment failure criterion due to liquefaction (loss of vertical effective stress) was used to correctly estimate depth and timing of burial. We introduce the concept of liquefaction degree, which is defined as the portion of vertical effective stress at the sediment surface that is, counteracted by wave‐induced pore pressures. The relationship between wave‐induced pressure at the seabed and liquefaction degree is expressed by a complex transfer function, indicating the importance of the swell band with respect to infra‐gravity and short‐wave components. The liquefaction degree was used to construct and calibrate a dynamical relationship between wave action and acoustic backscatter observations near the seabed, taken as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration. Predictions of backscatter based on liquefaction degree were accurate at time scales of 15 s–30 min during most of the time span analyzed and superior to predictions of backscatter based on shear stress. The observations and analysis provide evidence for the importance of wave‐induced seepage forces in describing sediment liquefaction and entrainment processes.
Uncertainties in Shoreline Projections to 2100 at Truc Vert Beach (France): Role of Sea‐Level Rise and Equilibrium Model Assumptions
Authors: D'Anna M. , Castelle B. , Idier D. , Rohmer J. , Le Cozannet G. , Thieblemont R. , Bricheno L.
Published: July 2021

Sandy shorelines morphodynamics responds to a myriad of processes interacting at different spatial and temporal scales, making shoreline predictions challenging. Shoreline modeling inherits uncertainties from the primary driver boundary conditions (e.g., sea‐level rise and wave forcing) as well as uncertainties related to model assumptions and/or misspecifications of the physics. This study presents an analysis of the uncertainties associated with future shoreline evolution at the cross‐shore transport dominated sandy beach of Truc Vert (France) over the 21st century. We explicitly resolve wave‐driven shoreline change using two different equilibrium modeling approaches to provide new insight into the contributions of sea‐level rise, and free model parameters uncertainties on future shoreline change in the frame of climate change. Based on a Global Sensitivity Analysis, shoreline response during the first half of the century is found to be mainly sensitive to the equilibrium model parameters, with the influence of sea‐level rise emerging in the second half of the century (∼2050 or later), under several simulated scenarios. The results reveal that the seasonal and interannual variability of the predicted shoreline position is sensitive to the choice of the wave‐driven equilibrium‐based model. Finally, we discuss the importance of the chronology of wave events in future shoreline change, calling for more continuous wave projection time series to further address uncertainties in future wave conditions. Our contribution demonstrates that unmitigated climate change can result in shoreline retreat of several tens of meters by 2100, even for sectors that have been stable or slightly accreting over the last century.
A Universal Approach for the Non‐Iterative Parametrization of Near‐Surface Turbulent Fluxes in Climate and Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Gryanik V. M. , Lüpkes C. , Sidorenko D. , Grachev A.
Published: July 2021

Weather prediction and climate simulations need reliable parameterizations of turbulent fluxes in the stable surface layer. Especially in these conditions, the uncertainties of such parametrizations are still large. Most of them rely on the Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory (MOST), for which universal stability functions (SFs) represent important ingredients. The SFs are nonlinear, if so, a numerical iteration of the MOST equations is required. Moreover, presently available SFs are significantly different at large stability. To simplify the calculations, a non‐iterative parametrization of fluxes is derived and corresponding bulk transfer coefficients for momentum and heat for a package of five pairs of state‐of‐the‐art SFs are proposed. For the first time, a parametrization of the related transfer coefficients is derived in a universal framework for all package members. The new parametrizations provide a basis for a cheap systematic study of the impact of surface layer turbulent fluxes in weather prediction and climate models.
Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan
Authors: Lee Ellen E. , Govind Tushara , Ramsey Marina , Wu Tsung Chin , Daly Rebecca , Liu Jinyuan , Tu Xin M. , Paulus Martin P. , Thomas Michael L. , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: July 2021

There is growing interest in the role of compassion in promoting health and well-being, with cross-sectional data showing an inverse correlation with loneliness. This is the first longitudinal study examining both compassion toward others (CTO) and compassion toward self (CTS) as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes including loneliness, across adult lifespan. We followed 552 women and 538 men in San Diego County for up to 7.5 (mean 4.8 and SD 2.2) years, using validated rating scales for CTO, CTS, and loneliness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine age- and sex-related trajectories of CTO and CTS over time. Linear regression models were used to evaluate baseline and longitudinal relationships of CTO and CTS with mental well-being, physical well-being, and loneliness. CTS and CTO were weakly intercorrelated. Women had higher baseline CTO than men. While CTO was stable over time and across the lifespan, CTS scores had an inverse U-shaped relationship with age, peaking around age 77. There were significant baseline × slope interactions of both CTO and CTS predicting improvements in physical well-being in adults <60 years old. Increases in CTO and CTS predicted improvements in mental well-being. Higher baseline CTO and CTS as well as increases in CTO and CTS scores predicted lower loneliness scores at follow-up. Thus, CTO and CTS were associated with better mental well-being and loneliness across the adult lifespan, and physical well-being in younger adults, and are promising targets for interventions to improve health outcomes.