bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The social networks of manureshed management
Authors: Meredith Gwendwr Rhiannon , Spiegal Sheri , Kleinman Peter J. A. , Harmel Daren
Published: February 2022

Manureshed management—the strategic use of manure nutrients that prioritizes recycling between livestock systems and cropping systems—provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable nutrient management that necessitates the collaboration of many actors. Understanding the social dimensions of collaboration is critical to implement the strategic and technological requirements of functional manuresheds. To improve this understanding, we identified aspirational networks of actors involved in manureshed management across local, regional, and national scales, principally in the United States, elucidating key relationships and highlighting the breadth of interactions essential to successful manureshed management. We concluded that, although the social networks vary with scale, the involvement of a common core set of actors and relationships appears to be universal to the successful integration of modern livestock and crop production systems necessary for functional manuresheds. Our analysis also reveals that, in addition to agricultural producers, local actors in extension and advisory services and private and public sectors ensure optimal outcomes at all scales. For manureshed management to successfully integrate crop and livestock production and sustainably manage manure nutrient resources at each scale, the full complement of actors identified in these social networks is critical to generate innovation and ensure collaboration continuity.
Daily synoptic conditions associated with occurrences of compound events in estuaries along North Atlantic coastlines
Authors: Camus Paula , Haigh Ivan D. , Wahl Thomas , Nasr Ahmed A. , Méndez Fernando J. , Darby Stephen E. , Nicholls Robert J.
Published: February 2022

Coastal compound flooding events occur when extreme events of rainfall, river discharge and sea level coincide and collectively increase water surface elevation, exacerbating flooding. The meteorological conditions that generate these events are usually low‐pressure systems that generate high winds and intense rainfall. In this study, we identify the types of synoptic atmospheric conditions that are typically associated with coastal compound events using a weather‐type approach, for the North Atlantic coastlines (encompassing northwest Europe and the east coast of the United States). Compound events are identified along the estuaries of the study region from 1980 to 2014 based on an impact function defined by water surface elevation that resulted from the combination of river discharge and sea level. We find that compound events are more frequent along European as opposed to U.S. coastlines. In both cases, they are associated with a few dominant weather patterns. European hotspots of compound events are concentrated in the west coast of United Kingdom, the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula and around the Strait of Gibraltar. These areas share the same weather patterns which represent the main pathways of storms that cross the North Atlantic Ocean. In the case of U.S. locations, the areas with highest number of compound events are located mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and along Mexico and along the mid‐eastern U.S. coastlines. In these areas, compound events are produced by transitional weather patterns, which describe storms that travel northward parallel to the coastline. Splitting the occurrence of compound events in the corresponding weather types discriminates the interannual variability based on the relationship with dominant climate indices in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Discriminant Ability of the Eating Assessment Tool‐10 to Detect Swallowing Safety and Efficiency Impairments
Authors: Donohue Cara , Tabor Gray Lauren , Anderson Amber , DiBiase Lauren , Chapin Jennifer , Wymer James P. , Plowman Emily K.
Published: February 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

Quick, sensitive dysphagia screening tools are necessary to identify high‐risk patients for further evaluation in busy multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinics. We examined the relationship between self‐perceived dysphagia using the validated Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (EAT‐10) and videofluoroscopic analysis of swallowing safety and efficiency.

Study Design

Prospective, observational, longitudinal study.

Methods

Individuals with ALS completed the EAT‐10 and a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Duplicate, independent, blinded analyses of the validated Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) scale were performed to index swallowing safety and efficiency (mild dysphagia: DIGEST ≥ 1, moderate dysphagia: DIGEST ≥ 2). A between‐groups analysis of variance with Games‐Howell test for post‐hoc pairwise comparisons was performed to examine EAT‐10 scores across dysphagia severity levels. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive–negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and odds ratios (OR) were derived.

Results

Four hundred and thirty five paired EAT‐10 and DIGEST scores were analyzed. Mean EAT‐10 score was 8.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.63–9.33). Individuals with dysphagia demonstrated higher EAT‐10 scores (mild: 4.1 vs. 11.3, moderate: 6.0 vs. 17.5, P < .001). Mean EAT‐10 scores increased across DIGEST levels (D0: 4.1, D1: 7.9, D2: 15.1, D3: 20.4, D4: 39.0). For mild dysphagia, an EAT‐10 cut score of 3 was optimal: AUC 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69–0.78; sensitivity: 77%; specificity: 53%; PPV: 71%; NPV: 60%; OR: 3.5). An EAT‐10 cut score of 7 optimized detection of moderate dysphagia: AUC 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78–0.87; sensitivity: 81%; specificity: 66%; PPV: 39%; NPV: 93%; OR: 8.1).

Conclusion

The EAT‐10 is an easy‐to‐administer dysphagia screening tool with good discriminant ability for use in ALS clinics.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 132:2319–2326, 2022
Asymptotic synchronization of fractional‐order non‐identical complex dynamical networks with parameter uncertainties
Authors: Aadhithiyan Subramaniyan , Raja Ramachandran , Kou Bo , Selvam Govindaraj , Niezabitowski Michal , Lim Chee Peng , Cao Jinde
Published: February 2022

This article specifically deals with the asymptotic synchronization of non‐identical complex dynamic fractional‐order networks with uncertainty. Initially, by using the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative, we developed a model for the general non‐identical complex network, and based on the properties of fractional‐order calculus and the direct Lyapunov method in fractional order, we proposed that drive and response systems of non‐identical complex networks ensuring asymptotic synchronization by using neoteric control. Second, taking into account the uncertainties of non‐identical complex networks in state matrices and evaluating their requirements for asymptotic synchronization. In addition, to explain the effectiveness of the proposed approach, two numerical simulations are given.
Computational NMR of natural products: On the way to super large molecules exemplified with alasmontamine A
Authors: Semenov Valentin A. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: February 2022

1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of a tetrakis monoterpene indole alkaloid alasmontamine A with a molecular formula of C84H91N8O12have been calculated at the PBE0/pcSseg‐2//pcseg‐2 level of theory on M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVDZ geometry. In the course of the preliminary conformational search, six true minimum energy conformers were identified that can contribute to the actual conformation of this huge alkaloid. Calculated chemical shifts generally demonstrated a good agreement with available experimental data characterized with a corrected mean absolute error of 0.10 ppm for the range of about 7 ppm for protons and 1.1 ppm for the range of about 160 ppm for carbons.
Preparation of self‐healing hydrophobic coating and its anticorrosion property
Authors: Ma Conghuan , Li Jiahong , Wang Jianyu , Bian Da , Zhao Yongwu
Published: February 2022

In this study, a composite coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluorinated alkyl silane (FAS, C16H19F17O3Si) is prepared on AISI 304 L stainless steel. Scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to analyze the microstructure and chemical group changes of PTFE–FAS coating (PF coating) before and after sulfuric acid (H2SO4) corrosion and after heat treatment. In addition, differential scanning calorimeter is performed to study the thermodynamic properties of PF coating. The corrosion resistance of PF coating under the above conditions is tested by the electrochemical experiment. The results show that acid and abrasion treatments can reduce the hydrophobic properties of the coatings, and the damage caused by acid is more serious. Heat treatment can repair the hydrophobic properties of the coating damaged by acid and abrasion. In addition, PF coating has an excellent corrosion resistance, but after H2SO4 treatment, the protection efficiency (PE) decreases from 89.09% to 2.51%, indicating that the corrosion resistance of PF is severely damaged. However, PE of PF coating increases to 76.83% after heat treatment. This repair ability improves the corrosion resistance of the coating. At the same time, the related mechanism is also clarified.
Teachers’ consistency of emotional support moderates the association between young children's regulation capacities and their preschool adjustment
Authors: Bailey Craig S. , Ondrusek Ashlin R. , Curby Timothy W. , Denham Susanne A.
Published: February 2022

Preschool teachers’ consistency of warm, sensitive, and responsive interactions with children may be more important than average levels and may moderate the association between children's cognitive and emotion regulation and their preschool adjustment. A sample of 312 boys and girls aged 32–68 months in 44 classrooms at 16 privately‐funded centers and Head Starts completed assessments of emotion and cognitive regulation and were rated by their teachers using measures of social‐emotional functioning. Teacher–child interactions were rated for emotional support. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to simultaneously explore three aspects of preschool adjustment. Children who were the least regulated were more adjusted to preschool in classrooms where teachers were more consistent in their emotional support, over and above mean emotional support and after controlling for child‐ and preschool‐level covariates. Consistency matters for children's preschool adjustment perhaps even more so than average levels of emotional support.
In Situ Synthesis of Monodispersed CsPbBr3/PGMA‐EDMA Microspheres with High Stability for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xia Hongjun , Li Qingfeng , Wang Lin , Ding Hongwei , Hu Bin , Jin Lin
Published: February 2022

Recently, perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have attracted significant attention owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties in efficient white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). However, their poor stability for UV irradiation and high temperature hinders their practical applications. In this study, CsPbBr3 inorganic perovskite quantum dots (CPB QDs) are in situ grown into the channels of PGMA‐EDMA microspheres to improve their UV irradiation and thermal stability. Moreover, It is found that the pore structure of the PGMA‐EDMA microspheres can effectively block the aggregation between the CPB QDs, which effectively reduces the anion exchange and self‐absorption of fluorescence. Finally, A WLED is fabricated with the CPB/PGMA‐EDMA microspheres and the red‐emitting BaGe4O9:Eu3+ phosphor as color converters; The Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage color coordinates of the fabricated WLED is (0.33, 0.34), which is close to the standard white emission coordinate (0.33, 0.33). The luminous efficiency of as‐prepared WLED is 34.9 lm W−1 with a color render index (CRI) of 74.6, demonstrating that the CPB/PGMA‐EDMA microspheres are potential for application in lighting and display technologies.
All‐Inorganic‐State Fabric Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Kim Hyunseung , Jeong Chang Kyu
Published: February 2022

Highly efficient and economical wearable piezoelectric energy harvesters are required to achieve future human‐integrated self‐powered electronics with stability. Herein, an all‐inorganic‐state fabric piezoelectric nanogenerator (FPNG) is developed for high‐performance energy harvesting using a spray‐coated lead‐free piezoceramic layer on a glass fabric. 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3–0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (BCTZ) sol–gel solution is deposited by spray coating, which is very facile and cost‐effective processing for the textile industry. It is well‐annealed and crystallized on the glass fabric endurable in high‐temperature processes. The BCTZ‐coated glass fabric is also treated by spraying silver nanowire (AgNW) solution onto both sides of the fabric to form robust electrodes. The all‐inorganic‐state FPNG can generate electrical output about the voltage of ≈3 V and the current of ≈110 nA which are high‐performance energy harvesting signals compared to previously reported fabric‐type energy harvesters. This high‐output energy harvesting results from the effective piezoelectricity of inorganic piezoceramics on the robust glass fabric. This work would open ways for future wearable self‐powered electronics integrated in general textile.
Impact time and angle constrained guidance via range‐based line‐of‐sight shaping
Authors: Chen Yadong , Shan Jiayuan , Liu Junhui , Wang Jianan , Xin Ming
Published: February 2022

In this article, impact time and angle constrained guidance law is proposed using a range‐based line‐of‐sight (LOS) shaping strategy. The relative motion of missile and target is described in a polar coordinate, where the LOS angle can be shaped as a polynomial function of range‐to‐go. The order of the polynomial function is selected according to the number of constraints. Coefficients of the polynomial function are determined by the boundary conditions and solved through a simple integral equation, which facilitates the onboard implementation. Guidance command is designed in a state feedback form to track the shaped trajectory. The proposed guidance law shows some advantages over several similar polynomial shaping based guidance laws. Multiple simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law.
Fabrication of Biobased Nanocomposites by Chemical Intervention of Nano‐Hydroxyapatite in Aloe Vera Gel‐Guava Seed Matrix for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Mirza Sumbul , Jolly Reshma , Zia Iram , Umar Mohd S. , Owais Mohammad , Shakir Mohammad
Published: February 2022

The sharp increase in the bone defect related cases have derived an urgent search for novel bone implants which possess identical mechanical aspect as natural bone, along with commendable osteogenic property. Thus, to accomplish these requirements, in the present study, nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) reinforced guava seed (GS) – aloe vera (AV) gel nanocomposites were synthesized via a co precipitation approach with an attempt to induce bone mimicking activity. Three ternary systems were fabricated varying the concentration of different components as – nHA/GS/AV in the ratio of 70/20/10 (HGAV1), 70/15/15 (HGAV2) and 70/10/20 (HGAV3). All of the nanocomposites revealed a high cellular viability confirmed from fluorescence microscopy, increased osteogenic activity, phenomenal antibacterial activity, lower haemolysis, and high protein adsorption. These findings suggested that the use of natural products GS and AV gel for fabrication of nanocomposites gave them profound bioactivity and biocompatibility and exhibited a great potential in dental and orthopaedic applications.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes with Magnetically Separable PANI/Fe3O4 Composite under Both UV and Visible‐light Irradiation
Authors: Demir Muslum , Taymaz Bircan Haspulat , Sarıbel Muhammet , Kamış Handan
Published: February 2022

The creation of a novel composite photocatalyst has gained great attention in the field of organic dye remediation. Herein, the PANI/Fe3O4 photocatalyst has been prepared using the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. The as‐prepared photocatalyst represents a denser and uniform morphology along with strong magnetic properties. The photocatalytic activity of the PANI/Fe3O4 was investigated for the degradation of Malachite Green (MG), Jakazol Kala (JK) and Levafix Red (LR). In the presence of PANI/Fe3O4 composite, the reaction rate constants were found to be 0.1997, 0.0521, and 0.1993 min−1 for MG, JK and LR, under UV‐light irradiation and 0.0522, 0.0491, 0.0544 min−1 under visible light irradiation, respectively. The nanocomposite can be easily separated from the treated water and reused several times. The suppression of electron recombination, the reduced bandgap and the broad light‐harvesting in both UV and visible‐light regions contribute to the advanced photocatalytic performance of the PANI/Fe3O4.
Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Fabricated Using Industrial p‐Type Polycrystalline Silicon on Oxide/Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Silicon Bottom Cell Technology
Authors: Mariotti Silvia , Jäger Klaus , Diederich Marvin , Härtel Marlene S. , Li Bor , Sveinbjörnsson Kári , Kajari-Schröder Sarah , Peibst Robby , Albrecht Steve , Korte Lars , Wietler Tobias
Published: February 2022

Combining a perovskite top cell with a conventional passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) silicon bottom cell in a monolithically integrated tandem device is an economically attractive solution to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of silicon single‐junction technology. Proof‐of‐concept perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells using high‐temperature stable bottom cells featuring a polycrystalline silicon on oxide (POLO) front junction and a PERC‐type passivated rear side with local aluminum‐p+contacts are reported. For this PERC/POLO cell, a process flow that is compatible with industrial, mainstream PERC technology is implemented. Top and bottom cells are connected via a tin‐doped indium oxide recombination layer. The recombination layer formation on the POLO front junction of the bottom cell is optimized by postdeposition annealing and mitigation of sputter damage. The perovskite top cell is monolithically integrated in a p−i−n junction device architecture. Proof‐of‐concept tandem cells demonstrate a PCE of up to 21.3%. Based on the experimental findings and supporting optical simulations, major performance enhancements by process and layer optimization are identified and a PCE potential of 29.5% for these perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with PERC‐like bottom cell technology is estimated.
Transient Evolution of Nonmetallic Inclusions in a Si–Mn‐Killed Stainless Steel with Cerium Addition
Authors: Zhang Ji , Ren Ying , Ren Qiang , Zhang Lifeng
Published: February 2022

Laboratory experiments are performed to study the transient evolution of inclusions in Si–Mn‐killed stainless steels with additions of 40, 100, and 400 ppm cerium. With the increase of the cerium content in the molten steel, the evolution path of inclusions is Al2O3–SiO2–MnO–CaO → Ce2O3–Al2O3–SiO2–MnO–CaO → Ce2O3 → Ce2O3–CeS. The addition of 40 ppm cerium gradually increases the Ce2O3 content in liquid oxide inclusions. After the addition of 100 ppm cerium, inclusions first evolve to Ce2O3–Al2O3–SiO2–CaO–CeS, then to Ce2O3. The CeS is generated as a transient product then disappears. After the addition of 400 ppm cerium, liquid Al2O3–SiO2–MnO–CaO inclusions are modified to solid Ce2O3–CeS ones. The addition of 40 ppm cerium into the steel lowers the size from 1.74 to 1.53 μm. After the addition of 100 and 400 ppm cerium into the steel, the size of inclusions immediately decreases due to the formation of small Ce2O3–CeS inclusions and then increases owing to the collision of solid inclusions. A higher cerium content in the steel promotes the collision of Ce‐rich inclusions.
Changing presidential approval: Detecting and understanding change points in interval censored polling data
Authors: Tian Jiahao , Porter Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Understanding how a society views certain policies, politicians, and events can help shape public policy, legislation, and even a political candidate's campaign. This paper focuses on using aggregated, or interval censored, polling data to estimate the times when the public opinion shifts on the US president's job approval. The approval rate is modelled as a Poisson segmented (joinpoint) regression with the EM algorithm used to estimate the model parameters. Inference on the change points is carried out using BIC based model averaging. This approach can capture the uncertainty in both the number and location of change points. The model is applied to president Trump's job approval rating during 2020. Three primary change points are discovered and related to significant events and statements.
A tuned liquid mass damper implemented in a deep liquid storage tank for seismic vibration control of short period structures
Authors: Pandey Dhirendra K. , Mishra Sudib K. , Chakraborty Subrata
Published: February 2022

Deep liquid storage tanks cannot be implemented as tuned liquid damper (TLD) as the depth ratios often exceed the limit (0.3) for nonlinear sloshing and wave breaking. This study exploits the impulsive liquid mass to implement a tuned liquid mass damper (TLMD) by flexibly attaching the tank to the structure. The flexible mounting allows tuning of vibration of the impulsive mass to short period structures. The small, suboptimally tuned sloshing mass may also have minor contribute in dissipation. The performance of the TLMD is demonstrated by simulation and shake table experiments. The simulation involves solution of the governing equations for the structure‐TLMD system, in which the vibration of liquid is described by the Housner model. The optimal parameters for tuning are obtained through optimization. The dynamic response evaluation employs a suite of far field, recorded ground motions of varying hazard levels to demonstrate robustness. The simulation and the experiment results corroborate well. Comparative assessments with TMD and TLD with identical mass ratios show comparable efficiency. Given that the stored liquid is employed for the functional purpose (unlike the added mass in TMD), the proposed TLMD may be a preferred alternative to conventional tuned mass damper (TMD) or TLD.
Triboaktive Beschichtungen
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Kalscheuer Christian , Thiex Matthias
Published: February 2022

Hochbelastete fluidfrei geschmierte Zahnradkontakte führen aufgrund von Reibungswärme und Verschleißerscheinungen wie Überhitzen, Fressen sowie Verschleiß zu frühzeitigen Ausfällen des Systems. Eine Möglichkeit zur Reduktion von Reibung und Verschleiß ist die Einbringung von Festschmierstoffen wie Molybdändisulfid (MoS2) und Wolframdisulfid (WS2) durch die Applikation von Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)‐Beschichtungen. Hierzu wurde eine (Cr,Al)N‐Hartstoffmatrix mit Mo, W und S modifiziert und so die Bildung von molybdän‐ und wolframbasierten sulfidischen und oxidischen Verbindungen im tribologischen Kontakt ermöglicht. Die triboaktiven und gradierten (Cr,Al)N+Mo:W:Sg‐Schichtvarianten zeigen für den Einsatz auf Zahnrädern hinsichtlich Reibungsreduktion und Verbundhaftung auf 16MnCr5E hohes Potential. Dabei konnte die tribologische Leistungsfähigkeit auch im Vergleich zur bereits erfolgreich getesteten gradierten (Cr,Al)N+Mo:Sg‐Beschichtung signifikant gesteigert werden.
A global 1‐km downscaled SMAP soil moisture product based on thermal inertia theory
Authors: Fang Bin , Lakshmi Venkat , Cosh Michael , Liu Pang‐Wei , Bindlish Rajat , Jackson Thomas J.
Published: February 2022

Microwave remote sensing technology has been applied to produce soil moisture (SM) retrievals on a global scale for various studies and applications. However, due to the limitations of current technology, the native spatial resolution of currently available passive microwave SM products is on the order of tens of kilometers, and this resolution cannot be used to characterize SM variability on a regional scale. To overcome this limitation, a downscaling algorithm based on the thermal inertia theory–derived relationship between SM and temperature difference was developed using outputs from the Global Land Data Assimilation System–Noah Land Surface Model and the land long‐term data record–Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) dataset and applied to the Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer land surface temperature/NDVI data to produce a downscaled 1‐km Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) radiometer daily SM product, respectively, at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on a global scale from 2015 to 2020. The evaluation results reveal that the downscaling model performs better in the middle or low latitudes than in high latitudes. It also performs better in warm months than in cold months. The in situ SM observations from dense networks around the world were used to validate the 1‐km and enhanced 9‐km SMAP SM data. The validation metrics indicated that both the 1‐km and 9‐km SM data have overall overestimation trends, and the unbiased RMSE (0.063 m3m–3on average), mean absolute error (0.052 m3m–3on average), and spatial standard deviation (0.025 m3m–3on average) of the 1 km data are generally more accurate than the metrics of the 9‐km SM data, which indicates that the downscaled data provide reliable observed SM information.
Accessible Privacy
Authors: Wang Yang , Price Charlotte Emily
Published: February 2022

End-user privacy mechanisms have proliferated in various types of devices and application domains. However, these mechanisms were often designed without adequately considering a wide range of underserved users, for instance, people with disabilities. In this chapter, we focus on the intersection of accessibility and privacy, paying particular attention to the privacy needs and challenges of people with disabilities. The key takeaway messages of this chapter are as follows: (1) people with disabilities face heightened challenges in managing their privacy; (2) existing end-user privacy tools are often inaccessible to people with disabilities, making them more vulnerable to privacy threats; and (3) design guidelines are needed for creating more accessible privacy tools.
The Ethics of Privacy in Research and Design: Principles, Practices, and Potential
Authors: Kisselburgh Lorraine , Beever Jonathan
Published: February 2022

The contexts of sociotechnical privacy have evolved significantly in 50 years, with correlate shifts in the norms, values, and ethical concerns in research and design. We examine these eras of privacy from an ethics perspective, arguing that as contexts expand from the individual, to internet, interdependence, intelligences, and artificiality, they also reframe the audience or stakeholder roles present and broaden the field of ethical concerns. We discuss these ethical issues and introduce a principlist framework to guide ethical decision-making, articulating a strategy by which principles are reflexively applied in the decision-making process, informed by the rich interface of epistemic and ethical values. Next, we discuss specific challenges to privacy presented by emerging technologies such as biometric identification systems, autonomous vehicles, predictive algorithms, deepfake technologies, and public health surveillance and examine these challenges around five ethical principles:autonomy,justice,non-maleficence,beneficence, andexplicability. Finally, we connect the theoretical and applied to the practical to briefly identify law, regulation, and soft law resources—including technical standards, codes of conduct, curricular programs, and statements of principles—that can provide actionable guidance and rules for professional conduct and technological development, codifying the reasoning outcomes of ethics.
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies
Authors: Seamons Kent
Published: February 2022

An increasing amount of sensitive information is being communicated and stored online. Frequent reports of data breaches and sensitive data disclosures underscore the need for effective technologies that users and administrators can deploy to protect sensitive data. Privacy-enhancing technologies can control access to sensitive information to prevent or limit privacy violations. This chapter focuses on some of the technologies that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. These technologies include secure messaging, secure email, HTTPS, two-factor authentication, and anonymous communication. Usability is an essential component of a security evaluation because human error or unwarranted inconvenience can render the strongest security guarantees meaningless. Quantitative and qualitative studies from the usable security research community evaluate privacy-enhancing technologies from a socio-technical viewpoint and provide insights for future efforts to design and develop practical techniques to safeguard privacy. This chapter discusses the primary privacy-enhancing technologies that the usable security research community has analyzed and identifies issues, recommendations, and future research directions.
Education in Crisis. Transforming Schools for a Post-Covid-19 Renaissance
Authors: Reimers Fernando M. , Amaechi Uche , Banerji Alysha , Wang Margaret
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic shocked education systems around the world in ways for which they were not prepared.
Education 2.0: A Vision for Educational Transformation in Egypt
Authors: Moustafa Nariman , Elghamrawy Ebtehal , King Katherine , Hao Yu
Published: February 2022

This chapter presents a comprehensive description and analysis of Egypt’s Education 2.0 (EDU. 2.0) reform plan for grades K-2. The reform’s five key components are described including the new multidisciplinary curriculum, technology integration, school management Continuous Professional Development (CPD), access and infrastructure, and reformed assessment. We analyze this reform from five perspectives and conclude that a cultural shift, high-quality CPD, and a robust accountability system are imperative to sustainable educational reform in Egypt. This cannot be achieved without a shared vision and engagement between teachers, parents, and Egypt’s Education Ministry.
An Emerging Dragon: Vietnamese Education After Resolution 29
Authors: Le Anh Vinh , Han Puyuan , Khaing Maw Maw , Farrar Olivia
Published: February 2022

In the years since its independence in 1975, Vietnam has experienced much political, social, economic, and educational change. Multiple comprehensive reforms over the past few decades have served to transform Vietnam from a country of war into an “emerging dragon” across all social and economic sectors, including education. In 2013, Vietnam passed one of the most significant pieces of education legislature in the country’s history: Resolution 29, a fundamental and comprehensive education reform that put the development of Vietnam’s education system at the top of socioeconomic development plans. This chapter accounts for the major changes of Vietnam education system after Resolution 29, including the country’s “success formula” as well as its lapses. It makes further recommendations for educational policymakers and educators in Vietnam regarding the role of the education sector in the coming ever-disruptive social and economic context.
Crowdfunding Non-fungible Tokens on the Blockchain
Authors: Basu Sean , Basu Kimaya , Austin Thomas H.
Published: February 2022

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been used as a way of rewarding content creators. Artists publish their works on the blockchain as NFTs, which they can then sell. The buyer of an NFT then holds ownership of a unique digital asset, which can be resold in much the same way that real-world art collectors might trade paintings.

However, while a deal of effort has been spent on selling works of art on the blockchain, very little attention has been paid to using the blockchain as a means of fundraising to help finance the artist’s work in the first place. Additionally, while blockchains like Ethereum are ideal for smaller works of art, additional support is needed when the artwork is larger than is feasible to store on the blockchain.

In this paper, we propose a fundraising mechanism that will help artists to gain financial support for their initiatives, and where the backers can receive a share of the profits in exchange for their support. We discuss our prototype implementation using the SpartanGold framework. We then discuss how this system could be expanded to support large NFTs with the 0Chain blockchain, and describe how we could provide support for ongoing storage of these NFTs.
Statistical significance of the sterile-neutrino hypothesis in the context of reactor and gallium data
Authors: Berryman Jeffrey M. , Coloma Pilar , Huber Patrick , Schwetz Thomas , Zhou Albert
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We evaluate the statistical significance of the 3+1 sterile-neutrino hypothesis using νe and $$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

e disappearance data from reactor, solar and gallium radioactive source experiments. Concerning the latter, we investigate the implications of the recent BEST results. For reactor data we focus on relative measurements independent of flux predictions. For the problem at hand, the usual χ2-approximation to hypothesis testing based on Wilks’ theorem has been shown in the literature to be inaccurate. We therefore present results based on Monte Carlo simulations, and find that this typically reduces the significance by roughly 1 σ with respect to the naïve expectation. We find no significant indication in favor of sterile-neutrino oscillations from reactor data. On the other hand, gallium data (dominated by the BEST result) show more than 5 σ of evidence supporting the sterile-neutrino hypothesis, favoring oscillation parameters in agreement with constraints from reactor data. This explanation is, however, in significant tension (∼ 3 σ) with solar neutrino experiments. In order to assess the robustness of the signal for gallium experiments we present a discussion of the impact of cross-section uncertainties on the results.
The force-force-correlator in hot QCD perturbatively and from the lattice
Authors: Ghiglieri Jacopo , Moore Guy D. , Schicho Philipp , Schlusser Niels
Published: February 2022

Abstract

High-energy particles traversing a medium experience modified dispersion. In the Quark-Gluon Plasma, such dispersion affects jet propagation and transport properties and should be determined better. Above ~ 2Tc we expect strongly coupled infrared behavior and perturbative ultraviolet behavior, allowing a perturbative matching to an effective theory called EQCD, which can be studied non-perturbatively. We study the relevant non-local operator in EQCD at next-to-leading order which allows for a complete EQCD-to-lattice match and prepares the groundwork for a matching between EQCD and full QCD. Our results in EQCD show remarkable agreement between perturbation theory and the lattice in the expected regime.
Accidental symmetries in the scalar potential of the Standard Model extended with two Higgs triplets
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yilin , Zhou Shun
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The extension of the Standard Model (SM) with two Higgs triplets offers an appealing way to account for both tiny Majorana neutrino masses via the type-II seesaw mechanism and the cosmological matter-antimatter asymmetry via the triplet leptogenesis. In this paper, we classify all possible accidental symmetries in the scalar potential of the two-Higgs-triplet model (2HTM). Based on the bilinear-field formalism, we show that the maximal symmetry group of the 2HTM potential is SO(4) and eight types of accidental symmetries in total can be identified. Furthermore, we examine the impact of the couplings between the SM Higgs doublet and the Higgs triplets on the accidental symmetries. The bounded-from-below conditions on the scalar potential with specific accidental symmetries are also derived. Taking the SO(4)-invariant scalar potential as an example, we investigate the vacuum structures and the scalar mass spectra of the 2HTM.
Defect a-theorem and a-maximization
Authors: Wang Yifan
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Conformal defects describe the universal behaviors of a conformal field theory (CFT) in the presence of a boundary or more general impurities. The coupled critical system is characterized by new conformal anomalies which are analogous to, and generalize those of standalone CFTs. Here we study the conformal a- and c-anomalies of four dimensional defects in CFTs of general spacetime dimensions greater than four. We prove that under unitary defect renormalization group (RG) flows, the defect a-anomaly must decrease, thus establishing the defect a-theorem. For conformal defects preserving minimal supersymmetry, the full defect symmetry contains a distinguished U(1)R subgroup. We derive the anomaly multiplet relations that express the defect a- and c-anomalies in terms of the defect (mixed) ’t Hooft anomalies for this U(1)R symmetry. Once the U(1)R symmetry is identified using the defect a-maximization principle which we prove, this enables a non-perturbative pathway to the conformal anomalies of strongly coupled defects. We illustrate our methods by discussing a number of examples including boundaries in five dimensions and codimension-two defects in six dimensions. We also comment on chiral algebra sectors of defect operator algebras and potential conformal collider bounds on defect anomalies.
Haplotype mapping uncovers unexplored variation in wild and domesticated soybean at the major protein locus cqProt-003
Authors: Marsh Jacob I. , Hu Haifei , Petereit Jakob , Bayer Philipp E. , Valliyodan Babu , Batley Jacqueline , Nguyen Henry T. , Edwards David
Published: February 2022

Key message

The major soy protein QTL, cqProt-003, was analysed for haplotype diversity and global distribution, and results indicate 304 bp deletion and variable tandem repeats in protein coding regions are likely causal candidates.

Here, we present association and linkage analysis of 985 wild, landrace and cultivar soybean accessions in a pan genomic dataset to characterize the major high-protein/low-oil associated locus cqProt-003 located on chromosome 20. A significant trait-associated region within a 173 kb linkage block was identified, and variants in the region were characterized, identifying 34 high confidence SNPs, 4 insertions, 1 deletion and a larger 304 bp structural variant in the high-protein haplotype. Trinucleotide tandem repeats of variable length present in the second exon of gene Glyma.20G085100 are strongly correlated with the high-protein phenotype and likely represent causal variation. Structural variation has previously been found in the same gene, for which we report the global distribution of the 304 bp deletion and have identified additional nested variation present in high-protein individuals. Mapping variation at the cqProt-003 locus across demographic groups suggests that the high-protein haplotype is common in wild accessions (94.7%), rare in landraces (10.6%) and near absent in cultivated breeding pools (4.1%), suggesting its decrease in frequency primarily correlates with domestication and continued during subsequent improvement. However, the variation that has persisted in under-utilized wild and landrace populations holds high breeding potential for breeders willing to forego seed oil to maximize protein content. The results of this study include the identification of distinct haplotype structures within the high-protein population, and a broad characterization of the genomic context and linkage patterns of cqProt-003 across global populations, supporting future functional characterization and modification.
Isolierte bilaterale kranielle Hundebissverletzung bei einem Neugeborenen
Authors: Doberentz Elke , Wegner Anja , Madea Burkhard
Published: February 2022

Durch Hundeangriffe können lebensgefährliche Verletzungen verursacht werden. Die Lokalisationen von Hundebissen korrelieren mit dem Alter und den motorischen Fähigkeiten des Opfers. Bei Kindern unter 6 Jahren finden sich im Vergleich zu Erwachsenen und älteren Kindern häufiger schwere Bisswunden, v. a. im Kopf-Hals-Bereich. Es wird der Fall eines 20 Tage alten Neugeborenen mit einer schweren Form der Osteogenesis imperfecta vorgestellt, das mit 2 Hunden allein gelassen und attackiert wurde und eine isolierte, bilaterale Kopfschwartenverletzung und intrakranielle Verletzungen erlitt. Besonderheiten von Hundebissen werden mit besonderem Augenmerk auf Säuglinge und Kinder diskutiert. Isolierte schwere Kopfverletzungen nach Hundebissen sind ein seltenes Phänomen.
Settlements in corporate bribery cases: an illusion of choice?
Authors: Søreide Tina , Vagle Kasper
Published: February 2022

Despite prosecutors’ difficulties in proving corporate bribery, nearly all enforcement actions end with a settlement at the pretrial stage. Compared to court proceedings, settlement-based enforcement provide prosecutors with flexibility to reward offenders’ self-reporting and cooperation, and reach quicker conclusions to complex cases. In this article, we explain, such enforcement needs regulation to minimize potentially harmful side-effects. When the difference between a court and settlement sanction exceeds a certain size, the alleged offender accepts a settlement regardless of actual responsibility of misconduct. For the prosecutor, the option of offering a lenient settlement means weaker incentives to ascertain the material facts of the case. Society receives less information about the blameworthy act, little opportunity to evaluate the sanction, and less reason to expect sanctions to deter bribery. We show why such consequences result in under-deterrence of bribery and weaker rule of law. The use of settlement may have a self-escalating effect because the enforcement mode can reduce the predictability of the law, while a defendant’s inclination to accept a settlement offer depends on the predictability of the law. Our results suggest that United Kingdom’s current escalation of enforcement of corporate bribery laws will lead to a mixture of settlements and court decisions, while in the United States firms will continue to negotiate settlements as if there were no opportunity to have their cases tested in court.
A retrieval challenge exercise for the Ariel mission
Authors: Barstow Joanna K. , Changeat Quentin , Chubb Katy L. , Cubillos Patricio E. , Edwards Billy , MacDonald Ryan J. , Min Michiel , Waldmann Ingo P.
Published: February 2022

The Ariel mission, due to launch in 2029, will obtain spectroscopic information for 1000 exoplanets, providing an unprecedented opportunity for comparative exoplanetology. Retrieval codes - parameteric atmospheric models coupled with an inversion algorithm - represent the tool of choice for interpreting Ariel data. Ensuring that reliable and consistent results can be produced by these tools is a critical preparatory step for the mission. Here, we present the results of a retrieval challenge. We use five different exoplanet retrieval codes to analyse the same synthetic datasets, and test a) the ability of each to recover the correct input solution and b) the consistency of the results. We find that generally there is very good agreement between the five codes, and in the majority of cases the correct solutions are recovered. This demonstrates the reproducibility of retrievals for transit spectra of exoplanets, even when codes are not previously benchmarked against each other.
Mass removal efficiencies in water and consequences after a river diversion into coastal wetlands: second thoughts
Authors: Turner R. Eugene , Swenson Erick M. , Lee James M. , Milan Charles S.
Published: February 2022

Salinity control, nutrient additions, and sediment supply were directly or indirectly the rationale for a $220 million coastal wetland restoration project (Davis Pond River Diversion) that began in 2002. We sampled Mississippi River water going in and out of the receiving basin from 1999 to 2018 to understand why wetland loss increased after it began. There was a reduction in inorganic sediments, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations within the ponding area of 77%, 39% and 34%, respectively, which is similar to that in other wetlands. But the average sediment accumulation of 0.6 mm year−1 inadequately balances the present-day 5.6 mm year−1 sea level rise or the 7.9 ± 0.13 mm year−1 accretion rates in these organic soils. Nutrients added likely reduced live belowground biomass and soil strength, and increased decomposition of the organic matter necessary to sustain elevations. The eutrophication of the downstream aquatic system from the diversion, principally by P additions, increased Chl a concentrations to a category of ‘poor’ water quality. We conclude that this diversion, if continued, will be a negative influence on wetland area and will eutrophy the estuary. It is a case history example for understanding the potential effects arising from proposed river diversions.
Promoting access to decent work: career counselors’ experiences with career construction counseling
Authors: Dalene Kirsten Marie
Published: February 2022

This article is based on career counselors’ experiences with how career construction counseling (CCC) can benefit clients, and the results are discussed according to the psychological perspective of decent work in the psychology of working theory (PWT). The article argues that CCC can promote access to decent work by creating inward and outward meaning making, which refer to internal anchoring promoting the will to change. Hence, CCC’s focus on the individual, together with contextualization, is considered a strength regardless of culture. Additionally, the article suggests that career counselors may affect whether CCC ultimately promotes access to decent work.
TGF-β activates NLRP3 inflammasome by an autocrine production of TGF-β in LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Kang Hwansu , Seo Eunhui , Oh Yoon Sin , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: February 2022

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of liver disease, and inflammasome activation has been identified as a major contributor to the amplification of liver inflammation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key regulator of liver physiology, contributing to all stages of liver disease. We investigated whether TGF-β is involved in inflammasome-mediated fibrosis in hepatic stellate cells. Treatment with TGF-β increased priming of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling by increasing NLRP3 levels and activating TAK1-NF-kB signaling. Moreover, TGF-β increased the expression of p-Smad2/3-NOX4 in LX-2 cells and consequently increased ROS content, which is a trigger for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Elevated expression of NEK7 and active caspase-1 was also shown in TGF-β-induced LX-2 cells, and this level was reduced by (5Z)-oxozeaenol, a TAK inhibitor. Finally, TGF-β-treated cells significantly increased TGF-β secretion levels, and their production was inhibited by IL-1β receptor antagonist treatment. In conclusion, TGF-β may represent an endogenous danger signal to the active NLRP3 inflammasome, by which IL-1β mediates TGF-β expression in an autocrine manner. Therefore, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising approach for the development of therapies for TGF-β-induced liver fibrosis.