bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Stochastic Model for Rainfall Prediction Using Fuzzy Aquila Optimization
Authors: P Lathika , Singh D. Sheeba
Published: August 2023

In recent years, rainfall prediction has received major attention in research areas because of its demanding applications in pollution control management and flood control management. Despite having numerous learning-based approaches to calculate future rainfall trends, it remains inefficient to predict rainfall occurrences by learning linear and nonlinear data patterns of historical weather information (i.e., exact prediction value is complicated to be predicted). These complications are addressed with the evolution of stochastic models which have a greater ability to minimize prediction bias and represent long-term weather variability. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel modified stochastic fuzzy Aquila (MSFA) algorithm to make precise predictions regarding future trends by evaluating rainfall time series data. The proposed MSFA algorithm is applied in rainfall prediction applications in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic model. Here, 10 features of the open weather dataset collected from Tamil Nadu are provided as input for the proposed rainfall prediction design. The data inconsistencies such as undesirable format and missing values are structured using preprocessing procedures, namely data arrangement, null value removal, and data partitioning. The preprocessed data are fed into the proposed MSFA algorithm which learns the data features more precisely and predicts the probable occurrence of rainfall. To evaluate the performances of the proposed MSFA algorithm, the metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination, root mean squared logarithmic error (RMSLE), and root mean square error (RMSE) are analyzed. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed MSFA algorithm achieves superior performance in terms of all metrics.
Industrial and market opportunities in hybrid additive manufacturing
Authors: Kumari Soni , Abhishek Kumar , Bandhu Din , Pardeep  , Sunil B D Y , Gupta Manish
Published: August 2023

In the realm of manufacturing, the use of hybrid manufacturing has led to high-speed production by combining additive manufacturing (AM) with other digitally driven manufacturing machines. Despite its rapid growth over the past decade, the acceptance of hybrid AM within the industry has been limited due to various constraints. To achieve industrial acceptance, it is necessary to address the challenges and limitations of AM. As an effort to mitigate environmental concerns, manufacturers have recently started to explore integrating additional and secondary production methods into their manufacturing processes. Integrated production solutions have shown promise in overcoming present-day barriers in production systems by utilizing the best available integration technology. In this context, this article focuses on three critical points in the manufacturing sector. First, recent developments in the integration of AM processes have been significant. Second, integrated technical planning has been improved, which is essential for the successful implementation of hybrid manufacturing. Finally, there is a growing need to understand the mixed supplement production industry that combines both traditional and AM techniques. Thus, it is essential to emphasize advances in AM processes, integrated technical planning, and mixed supplement production industry to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving manufacturing sector.
Current Knowledge About the Impact of Maternal and Infant Nutrition on the Development of the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis
Authors: Cerdó Tomás , Nieto-Ruíz Ana , García-Santos José Antonio , Rodríguez-Pöhnlein Anna , García-Ricobaraza María , Suárez Antonio , Bermúdez Mercedes G. , Campoy Cristina
Published: August 2023

The prenatal and early postnatal periods are stages during which dynamic changes and the development of the brain and gut microbiota occur, and nutrition is one of the most important modifiable factors that influences this process. Given the bidirectional cross talk between the gut microbiota and the brain through the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA), there is growing interest in evaluating the potential effects of nutritional interventions administered during these critical developmental windows on gut microbiota composition and function and their association with neurodevelopmental outcomes. We review recent preclinical and clinical evidence from animal studies and infant/child populations. Although further research is needed, growing evidence suggests that different functional nutrients affect the establishment and development of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and could have preventive and therapeutic use in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, more in-depth knowledge regarding the effect of nutrition on the MGBA during critical developmental windows may enable the prevention of later neurocognitive and behavioral disorders and allow the establishment of individualized nutrition-based programs that can be used from the prenatal to the early and middle stages of life.
Gluconeogenesis Flux in Metabolic Disease
Authors: Shah Ankit , Wondisford Fredric E.
Published: August 2023

Gluconeogenesis is a critical biosynthetic process that helps maintain whole-body glucose homeostasis and becomes altered in certain medical diseases. We review gluconeogenic flux in various medical diseases, including common metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, specific inborn genetic errors, and cancer. We discuss how the altered gluconeogenic activity contributes to disease pathogenesis using data from experiments using isotopic tracer and spectroscopy methodologies. These in vitro, animal, and human studies provide insights into the changes in circulating levels of available gluconeogenesis substrates and the efficiency of converting those substrates to glucose by gluconeogenic organs. We highlight ongoing knowledge gaps, discuss emerging research areas, and suggest future investigations. A better understanding of altered gluconeogenesis flux may ultimately identify novel and targeted treatment strategies for such diseases.
Thrown for a loop: fibro-adipogenic progenitors in skeletal muscle fibrosis
Authors: Loomis Taryn , Smith Lucas R.
Published: August 2023

Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are key regulators of skeletal muscle regeneration and homeostasis. However, dysregulation of these cells leads to fibro-fatty infiltration across various muscle diseases. FAPs are the key source of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in muscle, and disruption to this process leads to a pathological accumulation of ECM, known as fibrosis. The replacement of contractile tissue with fibrotic ECM functionally impairs the muscle and increases muscle stiffness. FAPs and fibrotic muscle form a progressively degenerative feedback loop where, as a muscle becomes fibrotic, it induces a fibrotic FAP phenotype leading to further development of fibrosis. In this review, we summarize FAPs’ role in fibrosis in terms of their activation, heterogeneity, contributions to fibrotic degeneration, and role across musculoskeletal diseases. We also discuss current research on potential therapeutic avenues to attenuate fibrosis by targeting FAPs.
Nurse Practitioners in Community Health Care: A Rapid Scoping Review of Their Role, Tasks, Responsibilities, and Implementation in Northwest Europe
Authors: de Leede-Brunsveld S. F. M. , Bleijenberg N. , Verhoef J. , Holtkamp C. , van Vught J. A. H.
Published: August 2023

The objective of this rapid scoping review is to provide an overview of studies from northwest Europe that describe and evaluate community care delivered by a nurse practitioner (NP) in a team of healthcare professionals. In particular, we explore the roles of NPs within community care, the perceived impact at the patient and informal caregivers levels, and influencing factors (facilitating and impeding). This rapid scoping review was performed in accordance with Prisma RR guidelines. Data were collected from online databases between October and December 2020 and an update in March 2023. Medline was used for the search string, and the following databases were searched: Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science (WoS). All studies described the roles of NPs, including their tasks and responsibilities in community care. The main findings about the roles were that NPs in community care diagnose, treat patients, and support and advise informal caregivers. They refer and perform case management for (frail) older people. They train DNs and take on project and strategic management roles. The results showed that the NP meets the increasing and complex care demands in patients’ homes. The main findings about the perceived impacts were that patients and informal caregivers were generally satisfied with the deployment of the NP. Healthcare professionals experienced the benefits of NPs working in community care. Some healthcare professionals were sceptical when the role was first introduced, but attitudes improved after they worked alongside NPs. Other influencing factors were the competences of the NP, i.e., have a pioneering mentality, a clear vision, and a job profile from community care organisations, and having to collaborate with allied healthcare professionals. However, implementation of the NP in community care is still in its infancy in northwest Europe. This review will help policy makers and professionals understand the potential impact of this role and enhance it in the context of community care.
Development of a Financing Optimization Framework Based on Risk Simulation in BOT Projects: A Case Study of the Waste-to-Energy Project
Authors: Yaghubi D. , Doroodian M. , Adibi M. A.
Published: August 2023

Infrastructure projects that are mostly characterized by high uncertainty usually face various risks at all stages as timing risks, cost risks, and disruption in the executive processes (by the reason of unpredictable obstacles in financing risks, technology production, and so on). Owing to the complex nature of infrastructure projects, the build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract is usually concluded between the private and public sectors. Considering that the public sector transfers all or part of its financial risk to the private sector (contractors), in this type of contract, the distribution of risks is different from that of traditional contracts. Besides, project implementation methods and the lack of risk management might lead to the failure of the project. As the implementation of such projects, along with the risks of the projects that require a large amount of investment, it would be necessary to develop a proper financing schedule with consideration of the effect of repayment of various loans in the project to ensure the feasibility of the project. So, in this project, considering the effects of risks in a waste-to-energy infrastructure project, an optimal project financing framework is developed. In the current research, using Monte Carlo simulation, the impact of risks on the project is investigated during the construction period and the operation period. The results have shown that consideration of the impact of the risks on projects might have a significant effect on the increase of time and cost; nevertheless, the cost of optimal financing might reduce the project profit by 23%. The results indicate that choosing the appropriate financing solution guarantees the project’s final profit. Besides, it can help project managers to make the best financing decisions based on realistic situations.
Penfluroidol Attenuates the Imbalance of the Inflammatory Response by Repressing the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Reduces Oxidative Stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Macrophages
Authors: Li Qiulin , Wu Lidong , Cheng Bin , Tao Shaoyu , Wang Wei , Luo Zhiqiang , Fan Jun
Published: August 2023

Objectives. Excessive inflammatory responses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Penfluroidol (PF), an oral long-acting antipsychotic drug, has been suggested to possess diverse biological properties, including antischizophrenia, antitumour effect, and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this research was to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of penfluroidol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-related macrophages. Methods. The viability of RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells was measured by Enhanced Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The production of nitric oxide was evaluated by the Nitric Oxide Assay Kit. The generation of pro-inflammatory monocytes was detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The protein expression of the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by western blotting. Results. Our results indicated that no cytotoxic effect was observed when RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were exposed to PF (0–1 μm) and/or LPS (1 μg/ml) for 24 hr. The data showed that LPS, which was repressed by PF, facilitated the generation of the pro-inflammatory molecules TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, LPS contributed to increased production of intracellular ROS compared with the control group, whereas the administration of PF effectively reduced LPS-related levels of ROS. Moreover, LPS induced the generation of MDA and suppressed the activities of SOD. However, PF treatment strongly decreased LPS-induced MDA levels and increased SOD activities in the RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells. Furthermore, our research confirmed that penfluroidol repressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules by limiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing oxidative effects via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Conclusion. Penfluroidol attenuated the imbalance of the inflammatory response by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in LPS-induced macrophages.
Supplementary Materials and Methods from High-Throughput Drug Screening of Primary Tumor Cells Identifies Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Children with High-Risk Cancer
Authors: Mayoh Chelsea , Mao Jie , Xie Jinhan , Tax Gabor , Chow Shu-Oi , Cadiz Roxanne , Pazaky Karina , Barahona Paulette , Ajuyah Pamela , Trebilcock Peter , Malquori Angela , Gunther Kate , Avila Anica , Yun Doo Young , Alfred Stephanie , Gopalakrishnan Anjana , Kamili Alvin , Wong Marie , Cowley Mark J. , Jessop Sophie , Lau Loretta M.S. , Trahair Toby N. , Ziegler David S. , Fletcher Jamie I. , Gifford Andrew J. , Tsoli Maria , Marshall Glenn M. , Haber Michelle , Tyrrell Vanessa , Failes Timothy W. , Arndt Greg M. , Lock Richard B. , Ekert Paul G. , Dolman M. Emmy M.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Materials and Methods
Supplementary Figures and Figure Legends from High-Throughput Drug Screening of Primary Tumor Cells Identifies Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Children with High-Risk Cancer
Authors: Mayoh Chelsea , Mao Jie , Xie Jinhan , Tax Gabor , Chow Shu-Oi , Cadiz Roxanne , Pazaky Karina , Barahona Paulette , Ajuyah Pamela , Trebilcock Peter , Malquori Angela , Gunther Kate , Avila Anica , Yun Doo Young , Alfred Stephanie , Gopalakrishnan Anjana , Kamili Alvin , Wong Marie , Cowley Mark J. , Jessop Sophie , Lau Loretta M.S. , Trahair Toby N. , Ziegler David S. , Fletcher Jamie I. , Gifford Andrew J. , Tsoli Maria , Marshall Glenn M. , Haber Michelle , Tyrrell Vanessa , Failes Timothy W. , Arndt Greg M. , Lock Richard B. , Ekert Paul G. , Dolman M. Emmy M.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figures 1-7 and Figure Legends
Data from High-Throughput Drug Screening of Primary Tumor Cells Identifies Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Children with High-Risk Cancer
Authors: Mayoh Chelsea , Mao Jie , Xie Jinhan , Tax Gabor , Chow Shu-Oi , Cadiz Roxanne , Pazaky Karina , Barahona Paulette , Ajuyah Pamela , Trebilcock Peter , Malquori Angela , Gunther Kate , Avila Anica , Yun Doo Young , Alfred Stephanie , Gopalakrishnan Anjana , Kamili Alvin , Wong Marie , Cowley Mark J. , Jessop Sophie , Lau Loretta M.S. , Trahair Toby N. , Ziegler David S. , Fletcher Jamie I. , Gifford Andrew J. , Tsoli Maria , Marshall Glenn M. , Haber Michelle , Tyrrell Vanessa , Failes Timothy W. , Arndt Greg M. , Lock Richard B. , Ekert Paul G. , Dolman M. Emmy M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
For one-third of patients with pediatric cancer enrolled in precision medicine programs, molecular profiling does not result in a therapeutic recommendation. To identify potential strategies for treating these high-risk pediatric patients, we performed in vitro screening of 125 patient-derived samples against a library of 126 anticancer drugs. Tumor cell expansion did not influence drug responses, and 82% of the screens on expanded tumor cells were completed while the patients were still under clinical care. High-throughput drug screening (HTS) confirmed known associations between activating genomic alterations in NTRK, BRAF, and ALK and responses to matching targeted drugs. The in vitro results were further validated in patient-derived xenograft models in vivo and were consistent with clinical responses in treated patients. In addition, effective combinations could be predicted by correlating sensitivity profiles between drugs. Furthermore, molecular integration with HTS identified biomarkers of sensitivity to WEE1 and MEK inhibition. Incorporating HTS into precision medicine programs is a powerful tool to accelerate the improved identification of effective biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies for treating high-risk pediatric cancers.
Significance:
Integrating HTS with molecular profiling is a powerful tool for expanding precision medicine to support drug treatment recommendations and broaden the therapeutic options available to high-risk pediatric cancers.
TABLE 1 from Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion as a Radiosensitizer in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lickliter Jason D. , Ruben Jeremy , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Jennens Ross , Gzell Cecelia , Mason Ralph P. , Zhou Heling , Becker Jennifer , Unger Evan , Stea Baldassarre
Published: August 2023

Baseline patient characteristics
FIGURE 2 from Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion as a Radiosensitizer in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lickliter Jason D. , Ruben Jeremy , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Jennens Ross , Gzell Cecelia , Mason Ralph P. , Zhou Heling , Becker Jennifer , Unger Evan , Stea Baldassarre
Published: August 2023

Swimmer plot for patients with GBM treated with DDFPe, radiotherapy, and TMZ, showing PD and survival in relation to tumor MGMT promoter methylation status (methylated indicated by dark gray bars and unmethylated by light gray bars) and IDH1 mutation status. WT, wild type IDH1; Mut, R132H IDH1 mutation present; PD, progressive disease.
FIGURE 1 from Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion as a Radiosensitizer in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lickliter Jason D. , Ruben Jeremy , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Jennens Ross , Gzell Cecelia , Mason Ralph P. , Zhou Heling , Becker Jennifer , Unger Evan , Stea Baldassarre
Published: August 2023

Kaplan–Meier analysis of PFS (left) and OS (right) for all 11 patients and for the 9 patients with IDHwt.
Data from Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion as a Radiosensitizer in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lickliter Jason D. , Ruben Jeremy , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Jennens Ross , Gzell Cecelia , Mason Ralph P. , Zhou Heling , Becker Jennifer , Unger Evan , Stea Baldassarre
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a hypoxic tumor resistant to radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel oxygen therapeutic, dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), in chemoradiation treatment of GBM.
Experimental Design:
In this multicenter phase Ib/II dose-escalation study, patients were administered DDFPe via intravenous infusion (0.05, 0.10, or 0.17 mL/kg) while breathing supplemental oxygen prior to each 2 Gy fraction of radiotherapy (30 fractions over 6 weeks). Patients also received standard-of-care chemotherapy [temozolomide (TMZ)]. Serial MRI scans were taken to monitor disease response. Adverse events were recorded and graded. TOLD (tissue oxygenation level–dependent) contrast MRI was obtained to validate modulation of tumor hypoxia.
Results:
Eleven patients were enrolled. DDFPe combined with radiotherapy and TMZ was well tolerated in most patients. Two patients developed delayed grade 3 radiation necrosis during dose escalation, one each at 0.1 and 0.17 mL/kg of DDFPe. Subsequent patients were treated at the 0.1 mL/kg dose level. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a median overall survival of 19.4 months and a median progression-free survival of 9.6 months, which compares favorably to historical controls. Among 6 patients evaluable for TOLD MRI, a statistically significant reduction in tumor T1 was observed after DDFPe treatment.
Conclusions:
This trial, although small, showed that the use of DDFPe as a radiosensitizer in patients with GBM was generally safe and may provide a survival benefit. This is also the first time than TOLD MRI has shown reversal of tumor hypoxia in a clinical trial in patients. The recommended dose for phase II evaluation is 0.1 mL/kg DDFPe.

Trial Registration: NCT02189109
Significance:
This study shows that DDFPe can be safely administered to patients, and it is the first-in-human study to show reversal of hypoxia in GBM as measured by TOLD MRI. This strategy is being used in a larger phase II/III trial which will hopefully show a survival benefit by adding DDFPe during the course of fractionated radiation and concurrent chemotherapy.
Aluizio Trinta sobre Marshall McLuhan e o campo da Educação: a introdução das mídias nas escolas
Authors: Martins Vanessa , Trinta Aluizio
Published: August 2023

Nesta entrevista, o professor Aluizio Trinta nos brinda com rememorações de sua experiência como aluno ouvinte de Marshall McLuhan, na década de 1960, na Universidade de Toronto, no Canadá. Com foco no pensamento socioeducacional do autor, Aluizio traça um paralelo entre os apontamentos teórico- -comunicacionais do canadense, voltados à educação, e a importância da inserção das mídias e seu estudo em sala de aula. Nesse sentido, reflete sobre as confluências desses dois campos, frequentados por McLuhan, e alude aos desafios socioeducativos apresentados pela ambiência hiperconectada, hoje prevalente no cenário tecnológico brasileiro.
Free Speech and its Limits in the UK Parliament
Authors: Manu Thaddeus
Published: August 2023

The notion of Parliamentary supremacy in the United Kingdom’s constitution remains unquestionable. However, the legislative intent of Article 9 of the Bill of Rights 1689 which provides that debates or proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or place out of Parliament appears to undermine rules and principles that have been established in a system of jurisprudence for the promotion of administration of justice and enforcement of other rights. The question is whether there should be limitations on Parliamentary privilege on free speech to preclude wilful disregard of Court injunctions. This article argues that the invocation of Parliamentary privilege on free speech in wilful disregard of Court’s injunction undermines the universal principles applicable to the rule of law, breaches the sub judice rule, threatens the constitutional role of the Courts in the administration of justice and damages the comity that exist between Parliament and the Courts.
Description of Diaulota submarina sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) on Korean coasts
Authors: AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: August 2023

Taxonomy of the intertidal Diaulota Casey is briefly reviewed and 12 species are listed including a new species. Diaulota submarina sp. nov. is described with illustrations of diagnostic characters and a revised key to the species of Diaulota is provided. The new species is remarkably similar to D. uenoi (Sawada) and indistinguishable by external morphological characters. They can be regarded as cryptic species.
Additional information on the taxonomy of genus Asclerobia Roesler, 1969 (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae)
Authors: YEPISHIN VIKTOR
Published: August 2023

The current contribution aims to supplement a previous one by the author (2021) with information on new taxonomic changes in the systematics of genus Asclerobia, and to correct some diagnosis errors. Two new species-group taxa are established as synonyms: Asclerobia flavitinctella (Ragonot, 1893) = Salebria tchahabarella Amsel, 1950 syn. nov., and Asclerobia sinensis (Caradja in Caradja & Meyrick, 1937) = Etiella yangtseella Caradja, 1939 syn. nov. The hitherto unknown female genitalia of Asclerobia flavitinctella are described, and the improved diagnosis of this species as well as Asclerobia sinensis are given. The updated keys based on external features and genitalia of both sexes, as well as a revised distribution map for Asclerobia species are provided.
Lissodendoryx Topsent, 1892 (Poecilosclerida: Coelosphaeridae) from Brazil: a new species and transfer of Strongylacidon oxychaetum Menegola, Santos, Moraes & Muricy, 2012 to the genus Lissodendoryx
Authors: BARROS THALES , CAVALCANTI THAYNÃ , HAJDU EDUARDO , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: August 2023

The genus Lissodendoryx Topsent, 1892 has 118 valid species for the world, with five species records for Brazil. Here, we provide a description of Lissodendoryx (Waldoschmittia) almeidai sp. nov., distinguished from the other species of the subgenus by its spicular dimensions and spicular set, composed of oxeas as choanosomal megascleres, tylotes and arcuate isochelae. Also, we transfer Strongylacidon oxychaetum to Lissodendoryx (Anomodoryx), and record, for the first time, Lissodendoryx (Lissodendoryx) carolinensis from Brazil in addition to Lissodendoryx (Anomodoryx) vulcanus from Pernambuco State.
Kinetic Energy Exchanges between a Two-Dimensional Front and Internal Waves
Authors: Kar Subhajit , Barkan Roy
Published: August 2023

Fronts and near-inertial waves (NIWs) are energetic motions in the upper ocean that have been shown to interact and provide a route for kinetic energy (KE) dissipation of balanced oceanic flows. In this paper, we study these KE exchanges using an idealized model consisting of a two-dimensional geostrophically balanced front undergoing strain-induced semigeostrophic frontogenesis and internal wave (IW) vertical modes. The front–IW KE exchanges are quantified separately during two frontogenetic stages: an exponential sharpening stage that is characterized by a low Rossby number and is driven by the imposed strain (i.e., mesoscale frontogenesis), followed by a superexponential sharpening stage that is characterized by an Rossby number and is driven by the convergence of the secondary circulation (i.e., submesoscale frontogenesis). It is demonstrated that high-frequency IWs quickly escape the frontal zone and are very efficient at extracting KE from the imposed geostrophic strain field through the deformation shear production (DSP). Part of the extracted KE is then converted to wave potential energy. On the contrary, NIWs remain locked to the frontal zone and readily exchange energy with the ageostrophic frontal circulation. During the exponential stage, NIWs extract KE from the geostrophic strain through DSP and transfer it to the frontal secondary circulation via the ageostrophic shear production (AGSP) mechanism. During the superexponential stage, a newly identified mechanism, convergence production (CP), plays an important role in the NIW KE budget. The CP transfers KE from the convergent ageostrophic secondary circulation to the NIWs and largely cancels out the KE loss due to the AGSP. This CP may explain previous findings of KE transfer enhancement from balanced motions to IWs in frontal regions of realistic ocean models. We provide analytical estimates for the aforementioned energy exchange mechanisms that match well the numerical results. This highlights that the strength of the exchanges strongly depends on the frontal Rossby and Richardson numbers.

Significance Statement

Fronts with large horizontal density and velocity gradients are ubiquitous in the upper ocean. They are generated by a process known as frontogenesis, which is often initialized by straining motions of mesoscale balanced circulations. Here we examine the energy exchanges between fronts and internal waves in an idealized configuration, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms that can drain energy from oceanic balanced circulations. We identify a new mechanism for energy transfers from the frontal circulation to near-inertial internal waves called convergence production. This mechanism is especially effective during the later stages of frontogenesis when the convergent ageostrophic secondary circulation that develops is strong.
Status Competition: The BRICS’ Quest for Influence in Global Governance
Authors: Freddy Haans J. , Thomas C. Joshua
Published: August 2023

The 14th Brazil Russia India China South Africa (BRICS) Summit hosted by China on the 23rd and 24th of June 2022 has significance for world politics and global governance. Emerging powers or rising powers have in recent times had significance in terms of global governance. The emergence of rising powers and the subsequent shift in power from the Global North to the Global South can be seen as the new transformations that are occurring in the international order. New groupings such as the G7, G20, BRICS, Malaysia, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkiye, Australia (MIKTA) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations have now become significant players in the realm of global governance. They can also be seen as catalysers for the shifting of influence in terms of global governance. In this article, the shifting influence of power from the North to the South will be analysed in the context of status competition. The article would subsequently assess the BRICS grouping in terms of its quest for influence in global governance. Additionally, the article would also assess if this choice to achieve influence in global governance could result in the emergence of conflict between established powers and rising powers.
Beyond the surface: Unpacking the opportunity structure for gender equality bargaining in Chile
Authors: Martin Caballero Angel , Ugarte Sebastian M. , Cornejo-Abarca Paula
Published: August 2023

By analysing the interrelations between the regulatory framework, organisational dynamics and gender politics, we assess the challenges for Gender Equality Bargaining in Chile. Several factors in the political arena drive an optimistic outlook: feminisation of trade unions, new working rights for women and a recent labour reform which introduces new mechanisms to foster gender equality through collective bargaining. We wonder how these progressive movements cope with an evolving and increasingly fragmented institutional and organisational context. The empirical work is based on interviews with policy experts, labour inspectors and female union leaders from the mining, retail and banking sectors. The findings suggest a significant disconnect between how these debates are framed on gender politics and what happens at the regulatory and organisational levels in terms of policy design, implementation and enforcement, which ultimately undermines GEB. The article contributes to a greater understanding of the interrelationships between the factors that constitute the opportunity structure and the importance of looking at different spheres of regulation. The paper concludes that progressive gender politics must be combined with more structural reforms to the industrial relations system to pursue more successful outcomes.
Legume integration for biological control deserves a firmer scientific base
Authors: Wyckhuys Kris AG , Gonzalez-Chang M , Lavandero B , GC Y , Hadi BAR
Published: August 2023

Diversification measures are widely recognized for their potential to enhance the resilience of agri-food production systems under global change. Nitrogen-fixing legumes commonly feature in diversification schemes, where they exert positive impacts on soil structure, nutrient retention, carbon sequestration or fertilizer reduction. Though legumes are premier tools for conservation agriculture, their impacts on (invertebrate, microbial) biological control are far less clear. As legumes secrete copious amounts of energy-rich (floral, extra-floral) nectar and provide alternative host or prey items for resident natural enemies, their deployment is expected to benefit biological control. Yet, its mechanistic basis is poorly understood and scientific underpinnings weak. In this Perspective piece, we collate data from the published literature and open-access databases on the extent to which different natural enemy guilds interact with 25 legume species that are commonly used as intercrops in the (sub)tropics. Our work unveils how natural enemies regularly forage on legumes, but the portrayal of those interaction linkages –or “biostructure” data- is profoundly incomplete and their ensuing implications for biological control are under-investigated. For instance, merely 4 (out of 167) parasitoids of the globally invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda have been recorded in association with legumes. We hope that this Perspective piece will stimulate further thought, drive a new wave of biodiversity x ecosystem function research, and ultimately result in the design and implementation (or preservation) of more resilient, resource-frugal and pest-suppressive farming systems.
What Makes Tourists Use Public Transport? Value-Belief-Norm Theory, Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors, and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Kim Myung Ja , Hall C. Michael , Chung Namho , Kim Minseong , Sohn Kwonsang
Published: August 2023

Fifty percent of emissions must be cut by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 to keep global warming below 1.5°C. Transport is a major component of tourism’s contribution to climate change. Therefore, encouraging tourists to use less energy intensive public transport is an important strategy in reducing tourism emissions. Despite the crucial role of public transport for sustainable tourism, the area remains substantially under researched and theoretically uninformed. To fill the research gap, an extended-value-belief-norm (EVBN) model was created and assessed, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, air quality, and climate change, and comparing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) groups of fair distribution, efficient allocation, and sustainable scale. Results revealed that an EVBN model well explains tourist behavior for public transport, showing the significant distinct effect of ESG components and SDG groups in the research model, and providing theoretical and managerial insights with respect to tourist use of public transport.
Design and stability of moving horizon estimator for discrete-time linear systems subject to multiple measurement outliers
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Wang Zhongxin , Yuan Shouzheng , Zheng Linhe , Li Guosheng
Published: August 2023

This paper considers the state estimation problem for discrete-time linear systems suffering from dense measurement anomalies. Conventional moving horizon estimation algorithms can be used to solve the case containing sparse measurement anomalies, but their performance degrades dramatically as the number of outliers increases. To address this problem, we propose two outliers exclusion-moving horizon estimation strategies. That is, at each sampling instant, solving a set of least-squares cost functions aims to exclude all possible outliers. The state estimates corresponding to the optimal cost are retained and propagated to the next instant, and the procedure is repeated when new information arrives. The stability of the estimation error of the estimators is proved under moderate conditions, namely the observability of the noise-free state equation and the choice of the tuning parameters in the cost function. The simulation results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approaches in the presence of dense outliers.
Beyond Hand's Reach: Haptic Feedback Is Essential to Toddlers With Visual Impairments Achieving Independent Walking
Authors: Ambrose-Zaken Grace
Published: August 2023

Introduction: A toddler's ability to stand alone in the middle of a room (static standing) is an essential skill for independent walking and is accomplished visually or through haptic feedback. Toddlers who are blind or mobility visually impaired (hereafter, “visually impaired”) use haptic feedback to attain static balance as evidenced by their continued use of cruising furniture and walking with assistance long after it is age-appropriate. Methods: This study analyzed demographic data, motor skills, learning ability, mobility tool usage, and the solitary play activities of 562 learners who were visually impaired and born between 2012 and 2021. Results: A cross-sectional analysis of learners aged 8- to 180-months, found motor skill delays began at 12 months. The most frequent walking method reported was “walks with assistance” ( n = 274). The most frequent mobility tool provided was a gait trainer ( n = 131). A major reason for obtaining the pediatric belt cane was the child “does not use other tools correctly” ( n = 112). Discussion: The children received handheld mobility tools (e.g., long canes, gait trainers, push toys, and adaptive mobility devices) at 13 months of age. Adults were seeking belt canes for children aged 8 to 180 months because they did not benefit from handheld mobility tools. Physical therapists provided gait trainers to the children with visual impairments who had no motor impairments. PTs use gait trainers to provide the user with static and dynamic balance. Implications for Practitioners: Children who are born with visual impairments, as defined by the current study, acquire independent walking delays. These delays may be a function of how they learned to achieve static balance as toddlers, walking with assistance. Current instructional strategies and tools do not prevent these delays. The field of visual impairment must continue to search for new mobility tools and more effective strategies because the delayed achievement of independent walking appears to have long-lasting negative effects on development.
Perspectives on Sexual Socialization from a Sample of Black Heterosexual College Women
Authors: Frederick Helyne , Wade Jeannette M. , Parker Sharon , Dillon Hannah , Durocher Stacie , Wilson Dorrian
Published: August 2023

Informed by ecological and Black feminist approaches, this inductive, thematic analysis analyzed narratives from 24 Black college women, ages 18–25, about the sexual socialization they received from multiple agents within and outside of the family. The themes were: Avoidance, Safety and Consent, Fun and Action-Centered Acts, (Mis)Information About Sexual Health, Gendered Norms, and Purity versus Sexual Freedom. The women received messages of avoidance, purity, safety, consent, and gendered norms, from their families and schools. Peers and media socialized women to view sex as fun and action centered. Given the persistent increases in sexually transmitted infections and diseases, and formation of longer-lasting romantic relationships during the college years, it is important for young adult women, including Black women, to receive adequate knowledge and skills to advocate for safe and healthy romantic sexual relationships. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Anogenital distance, a biomarker of fetal androgen exposure and the risk of prostate cancer: A case-control study
Authors: Marín-Martínez Florencio Manuel , Arense-Gonzalo Julian J , Artes Miriam Artes , Bobadilla Romero Emny Rochell , García Porcel Víctor Javier , Alcon Cerro Pablo , Suárez-Pineda Mabel Coromoto , Guzmán Martínez- Valls Pablo Luis , Mendiola Jaime
Published: August 2023

Anogenital distance (AGD) is a biomarker and a sexual dimorphism measure that can be modulated by hormonal factors, like anti-androgens, responding to gestational exposure along fetal period. There seems to be a prenatal window period in which specific environmental exposures can result in increased risk of suffer hormone-dependent neoplasms, like prostate cancer (PCa).

Objective:

Evaluate the association between AGD and the risk of PCa.

Methods:

Incident case-control study, conducted on 153 patients. All patients underwent prostate biopsy for abnormal digital rectal exam and/or prostate antigen elevation. Two variants of AGD [anus to scrotum base (AGDas) and anus to dorsal insertion of penis (AGDap) were measured. Student’s t-test was used to analyze continuous variables and chi-square for discrete variables. Differences in AGD (raw and adjusted) measures between cases and controls were assessed using the ANCOVA test.

Results:

There is significant association between the diagnose of PCa and both AGD, patients diagnosed with PCa had both AGD measures shortened, in the crude and the full adjusted models.

Conclusions:

This research suggests that the same gestational environmental exposures, could represent a weak androgen signaling and may also have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
A void like the plague: Fragments of domestic theory
Authors: Prosser Howard
Published: August 2023

This essay is a reflection on Albert Camus’s revival during the COVID-19 pandemic of the early 2020s. The popularity of Camus’s novel, The Plague, is considered alongside his other writing as something that speaks to many throughout their lives. Such appraisal is interspersed with personal reflections on family life during pandemic lockdowns and the ways that Camus’s thought resounds in our everyday selves. Written in two parts at different times – mainly in 2020 and with a 2023 afterthought – the essay critically acknowledges how Camus instructs us to live together with meaning and dignity in an age of catastrophe.
Assessment of Functional and Dysfunctional Perceived Threat of Hate Crimes Among Persons With and Without Disability
Authors: Pyo Jimin , Hayes Brittany E.
Published: August 2023

This study examined the relationship between disability status and perceived threat of hate crimes. Building on existing conceptual frameworks, first we differentiated between dysfunctional perceived threat that damages quality of life and functional perceived threat that has the capacity to be motivational and precautionary. We then examined how disability status predicts individuals’ threat memberships across dysfunctional and functional perceived threats of hate crimes. Results—based on a survey of 1,824 adults recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk—indicate that persons with a disability are more likely than those without a disability to exhibit dysfunctional perceived threat (vs. functional or no perceived threat) of hate crime across different bias motivations. This relationship was evident even when accounting for those most at risk for each type of hate crime (e.g., persons of color for anti-race/ethnicity hate crime). Further, persons with cognitive and physical disabilities were associated with higher odds of dysfunctional perceived threat of all types of hate crimes when compared to persons without a disability. Overall, the present study highlights that persons with a disability may experience exacerbated consequences of subjective threat of hate crimes. Findings also suggest the importance of an intersectional approach to hate crime by considering how disability may intersect with other forms of oppression in relation to perceived threat of hate crime. Implications and future directions, especially as they relate to measurement, are discussed.
Potential Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Prognosis of Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy
Authors: Li Yuting , Li Hongxiang , Wang Youquan , Guo Jianxing , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2023

Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) is a life-threatening complication characterized by the systemic activation of coagulation in sepsis. The diagnostic criteria of SIC consist of three items, including Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, platelet count, and prothrombin time (PT)-international normalized ratio (INR). SIC has a high prevalence and it can lead to a higher mortality rate and longer length of hospital and ICU stay. Thus, the early detection of SIC is extremely important. It is unfortunate that there is still no precise biomarker for early diagnosis and assessment of the prognosis of SIC. We reviewed the current literature and discovered that some potential biomarkers, such as soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC), α2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC), C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) may be useful for early diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis of SIC. Early initiation of treatment without missing any therapeutic opportunities may improve SIC patients’ prognosis. Further large-scale clinical studies are still needed to confirm the role of these biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of SIC.
Effect of liquid sloshing in lateral and longitudinal directions on railway tank cars based on an improved equivalent model
Authors: Xu Ning , Yang Chao , Yang Guangxue , Ren Zunsong
Published: August 2023

Additional slosh forces and moments are generated owing to the movement of the liquid inside a partly filled tank car. The loads may have a great influence on the structure reliability and dynamic performance of the vehicle. An improved equivalent model of liquid sloshing is put forward to obtain the forces and moments of sloshing liquid acting on the tank during the lateral and longitudinal sloshing processes. An improved method is proposed to obtain the equivalent masses and stiffness for the improved equivalent model. The equivalent model is integrated into the multi-body dynamic model of a railway tank car with 68 degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the equivalent liquid-vehicle model is used to investigate the effects of fluid sloshing on dynamic characteristics. The influence of the filling ratio on the dynamic response of the tank car is discussed based on the forces and the corresponding moments between the tank car body and the liquid in different layers. The railway tank car is obviously influenced by the liquid sloshing during passing the curved and sloped tracks. The influence of liquid sloshing on the pitching motion of the tank is heavy if the tank is about half filled. The derailment coefficient and the wheel unloading rate are slightly influenced by the filling ratio of tank cars on curved tracks while the indices of the tank cars on sloped tracks are the greatest if the filling ratio is 40%.