bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abrasive wear resistance of Fe$$_{{3}}$$Al and Stellite 6 coatings for the protection of valve faces
Authors: Szczucka-Lasota Bożena , Wȩgrzyn Tomasz , Tarasiuk Wojciech , Cybulko Piotr
Published: July 2023

Developing a technology that increases the service life of valve seats in CNG/LNG-powered vehicles requires the appropriate selection of material and its application technology. Commercially used valve seat materials show accelerated wear under operating conditions, especially in natural gas vehicle engines. The authors developed a new material and technological concept to protect the valve seat in CNG/LNG-powered vehicles. Two materials were used in the research: Stellite 6 alloy and Fe$$_{3}$$

3

Al intermetal. A commonly used material for valve seats of combustion engines is Stellite 6. The Fe$$_{3}$$

3

Al is the new proposed material coating for the protection of the valve seats of internal combustion engines. The article compares the abrasive wear resistance of these materials. The abrasion tests were performed on a T-11 pin-on-disc tester, and the counter-sample was steel S235JR. The test conditions were similar to those prevailing during the operation of the valves in the head of the internal combustion engine, without the influence of temperature. The results indicate that the Fe3Al intermetallic compound is characterised by a lower coefficient of friction and wear intensity than Stellite 6. The results of exploitation tests confirm that the Fe$$_{3}$$

3

Al phase is a prospective material to be used as a protective material on the valve seat of vehicles. The authors made a mathematical model for the wear of the newly created surface layers and proposed hypotheses regarding the wear mechanisms of these layers.
High-grade non-intestinal type sinonasal adenocarcinoma with ETV6::NTRK3 fusion, distinct from secretory carcinoma by immunoprofile and morphology
Authors: Klubíčková Natálie , Mosaieby Elaheh , Ptáková Nikola , Trinquet Aude , Laé Marick , Costes-Martineau Valérie , Skálová Alena
Published: July 2023

We report 2 cases of high-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma with a distinct morphological and immunohistochemical phenotype. Albeit histologically different from secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands, both tumors presented here share an ETV6::NTRK3 fusion. The highly cellular tumors were composed of solid and dense cribriform nests, often with comedo-like necroses in the center, and minor areas with papillary, microcystic, and trabecular formations without secretions, mostly located at the periphery of the lesion. The cells displayed high-grade features, with enlarged, crowded, and often vesicular nuclei with conspicuous nucleoli and brisk mitotic activity. The tumor cells were immunonegative for mammaglobin while showing immunopositivity for p40/p63, S100, SOX10, and GATA3, as well as for cytokeratins 7, 18, and 19. For the first time, we describe 2 cases of primary high-grade non-intestinal type adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavity, distinct from secretory carcinoma by morphology and immunoprofile, harboring the ETV6::NTRK3 fusion.
Outcomes of cervical spinal stenosis surgery in patients aged ≥ 65 years based on insurance status: a single-center cohort study from a tertiary center in Germany
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Papakonstantinou Vassilios , Kiening Karl , Unterberg Andreas W. , Ishak Basem
Published: July 2023

Objective

The prevalence of degenerative disorders of the spine, such as cervical spinal stenosis with cervical spine myelopathy (CSM) in the geriatric population, has rapidly increased worldwide. To date, there has been no systematic analysis comparing outcomes in older patients suffering from progressive CSM and undergoing surgery depending on their health insurance status. We sought to compare the clinical outcomes and complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior decompression with fusion in patients aged ≥ 65 years with multilevel cervical spinal canal stenosis and concomitant CSM with special focus on their insurance status.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data were retrieved from patients’ electronic medical records at a single institution between September 2005 and December 2021. Patients were allocated into two groups with respect to their health insurance status: statutory health insurance (SHI) vs. private insurance (PI).

Results

A total of 236 patients were included in the SHI group and 100 patients in the privately insured group (PI) group. The overall mean age was 71.7 ± 5.2 years. Regarding comorbidities, as defined with the age-adjusted CCI, SHI patients presented with higher rates of comorbidities as defined by a CCI of 6.7 ± 2.3 and higher prevalence of previous malignancies (9.3%) when compared to the PI group (CCI 5.4 ± 2.5, p = 0.051; 7.0%, p = 0.048). Both groups underwent ACDF (SHI: 58.5% vs. PI: 61.4%; p = 0.618), and the surgical duration was similar between both groups. Concerning the intraoperative blood transfusion rates, no significant differences were observed. The hospital stay (12.5 ± 1.1 days vs. 8.6 ± 6.3 days; p = 0.042) and intenisve care unit stay (1.5 ± 0.2 days vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 days; p = 0.049) were significantly longer in the PI group than in the SHI group. Similar in-hospital and 90-day mortality rates were noted across the groups. The presence of comorbidities, as defined with the age-adjusted CCI, poor neurological status at baseline, and SHI status, was significant predictor for the presence of adverse events, while the type of surgical technique, operated levels, duration of surgery, or blood loss was not.

Conclusions

Herein, we found that surgeons make decisions independent of health insurance status and aim to provide the most optimal therapeutic option for each individual; hence, outcomes were similar between the groups. However, longer hospitalization stays were present in privately insured patients, while SHI patients presented on admission with poorer baseline status.
Extension variance: an early geostatistical concept applied to assess nitrate pollution in groundwater
Authors: Schafmeister Maria-Theresia , Steffen Michael , Zeissler Karl-Otto , Zingelmann Markus
Published: July 2023

Monitoring and assessing groundwater quality according to European directives and national regulations is usually based on interpolation techniques, e.g. Kriging. However, contour maps of hydrochemical parameters often suggest a spurious local accuracy and can therefore lead to inappropriate action measures. Here, the early concept of extension variance combined with the Voronoi tessellation regionalization is proposed. The mosaic-like representation of pollutant concentrations in Voronoi polygons avoids misinterpretations caused by interpolation. The additional calculation of the extension variance, which is based on fundamental geostatistical assumptions, allows for estimating the probability that a given threshold is exceeded. This concept is further extended to hydraulically delimitable groundwater bodies, thus ensuring that hydraulic boundaries are considered. A method is here described for the assessment of groundwater quality with respect to nitrate concentration in the principal aquifer of the state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Germany.
The effects of Bacillus species probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis) on the water quality, immune responses, and resistance of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Fusarium solani infection
Authors: Monier Mohamed N. , Kabary Hoda , Elfeky Amal , Saadony Saadea , El-Hamed Nadia N. B. Abd , Eissa Moaheda E. H. , Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the impacts of water application of a commercial Bacillus species probiotics, SANOLIFE®PRO-W (containing Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis), on water quality, digestive enzymes, growth performance, antioxidants, innate immunity, body composition, and resistance of whiteleg shrimp against Fusarium solani infection. A total of 240 animals (2.00 ± 0.07 g) were stocked into twelve 1-m3 concrete ponds and divided into four triplicate treatments. For 56 days, the rearing water was supplemented with Bacillus species probiotic at 0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 g/m3 and defined as control, T1, T2, and T3 groups, respectively. Results revealed that Bacillus species probiotics increased dissolved oxygen and decreased total ammonia, nitrite, and unionized ammonia in the rearing ponds. However, adding probiotic Bacillus to rearing water significantly increased the digestive enzyme (chymotrypsin, trypsin, protease, lipase, and amylase) and growth performance parameters compared to the control. On the other hand, the antioxidant levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were increased significantly, while the malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased significantly compared to the control. Furthermore, Bacillus probiotics boosted the innate immunity of shrimp manifested by increased activities of lysozyme, prophenoloxidase, respiratory burst, and the total hemocyte count compared with the control treatment. Of interest, shrimp mortalities decreased after F. solani infection to 35% in the T3 group compared to 100% in the control group. In conclusion, water application of Bacillus species probiotics, especially at 0.02 and 0.03 g/m3, improved the water quality, welfare, and resistance of whiteleg shrimp to F. solani infection.
Real-world data analysis of perioperative chemotherapy patterns, G-CSF use, and FN status in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Shibata Nobuhiro , Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Tamaki Kentaro , Nukada Tomoyuki , Ohno Shinji
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to describe perioperative chemotherapy patterns, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) use, and febrile neutropenia (FN) status in patients with early breast cancer (EBC) using real-world data in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used anonymized claims data. The included patients were ≥ 18 years old, were female, and had breast cancer diagnosis and surgery records between January 2010 and April 2020. Measures included perioperative chemotherapy, G-CSF use (daily and primary prophylaxis [PP]), and FN and FN-related hospitalization (FNH), all examined annually. Perioperative chemotherapy was examined separately for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive/negative (HER2±). A multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with FNH.

Results

Of 32,597 patients, those with HER2 + EBC treated with anthracycline-based regimens followed by taxane + trastuzumab + pertuzumab increased since 2018, and those with HER2 − EBC treated with doxorubicin/epirubicin + cyclophosphamide followed by taxane and dose-dense regimens increased after 2014. The proportion of patients prescribed daily G-CSF declined after 2014, whereas that of pegfilgrastim PP increased. The incidence proportion of FN remained at approximately 24–31% from 2010 to 2020, while that of FNH declined from 14.5 to 4.0%. The odds of FNH were higher in those aged ≥ 65 years and lower with pegfilgrastim PP administration.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing use of escalated regimens in the last 5–6 years, FNH continuously declined, and the odds of FNH were lower among patients treated with pegfilgrastim PP. These results may suggest the contribution of PP in part to suppressing FNH levels over the last 5–6 years.
Embodied Learning Activities Focusing on Letter-Sound Knowledge Increase Spelling Performance in 1st Grade Children with Low and High Reading Ability
Authors: Damsgaard Linn , Nielsen Anne-Mette Veber , Topor Marta Katarzyna , Hansen Rasmus Ahmt , Jensen Søren Kildahl , Markers Rebekka Læssøe , Gejl Anne Kær , Malling Anne Sofie Bøgh , Wienecke Jacob
Published: July 2023

The study aimed to investigate the effect of embodied learning on children’s literacy skills and whether the activities were particularly beneficial for children at risk for reading difficulties. We conducted a randomized controlled trial during 4 weeks for grade 1 children (n = 52, age = 7.1). Children were randomly assigned to receive regular classroom teaching (CON) or to receive teaching focusing on letter-sound couplings with the use of the body (i.e., movement-phonemes) (MOVE). Children were evaluated on letter knowledge, word reading, and spelling performance before the intervention (T1) and after the intervention (T2). A significantly improvement for MOVE compared to CON from T1 to T2 was observed in children’s ability to name letter-sounds (p < 0.001), conditional sounds (p <0.001), and for spelling performance (p = 0.002). Within CON and MOVE, children were divided into low (LP) and high performers (HP) based on word reading performance at baseline. A significantly higher improvement for LP in MOVE was observed compared to LP in CON from T1 to T2 in letter-sounds (p < 0.0001), conditional letter-sounds (p <0.0001), and for spelling performance (p = 0.037). No differences were observed between LP-MOVE and HP-MOVE. Our results demonstrate that a short intervention based on movement-phonemes increase children’s letter knowledge and spelling performance. The results also demonstrate that LP and HP have similar improvements and therefore, this type of activities are not particularly beneficial for children at risk for reading difficulties. We suggest that this teaching method could be beneficial for all school children at this age.
Improving hardware/software interface management in systems of systems through documentation as code
Authors: Cadavid Héctor , Andrikopoulos Vasilios , Avgeriou Paris
Published: July 2023

Context

The management of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) has shown to be a major pain point in the architecting processes of Systems of Systems (SoS).

Objective

This work aims to improve on previously identified ICD management issues using the documentation-as-code philosophy as a potential basis for a treatment, and in collaboration with practitioners.

Method

We conducted a Technical Action Research (TAR) study with a group of engineers at the Netherlands Radio Astronomy Institute (ASTRON), in the context of the LOFAR radio telescope. An additional research instrument, in the form of an expert panel, was used to evaluate the transferability of the proposed treatment to alternative domains.

Results

In-depth insights on previously identified interface management issues were gained. Based on these insights a functional proof-of-concept was developed aimed at addressing these issues following the documentation-as-code principles. In addition to receiving overall positive reviews from practitioners and experts, further areas of improvement and transferability considerations for future work were identified.

Conclusions

The proposed approach, which to our knowledge has not been explored before in this context, is promising to address some of the recurring interfacing-related issues with directed SoS in multiple engineering domains. This could be done mainly by enforcing consistency and completeness on both text-based and formal elements of the ICDs, and turning ICDs into single sources of truth for the architecting processes of large scale SoS.
The forgotten giant of the Pacific: a review on giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don)
Authors: Müller Jonas V. , Guzzon Filippo
Published: July 2023

This article provides an overview over taxonomy, distribution, cultivation and use of giant taro, Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don. The species belongs to the Araceae (aroid) family, which consists of 3700 species grouped into 107 genera. Among those species are several important crop species from tropical Asia and America. Giant taro, with a thick stem, large leaves and inflorescences, is cultivated as a food crop in several Pacific countries and in tropical Asia. In other parts of the world, it is mainly cultivated as an ornamental species. With a high starch content and its pest resistance, it often forms part of local traditional polycropping and agroforestry systems, e.g. in Tonga, and it contributes to local food security in particular during periods of food scarcity. Few production statistics are available as giant taro is mainly cultivated on a small scale and as part of subsistence agriculture. We consider giant taro a neglected crop. To our knowledge, no breeding or research programmes for crop improvement are currently happening. A database query and literature review revealed only 59 gene bank accessions, held in 7 different gene banks worldwide. We suggest further research into the conservation of landraces and into an increase of the productivity of this crop.
Business is tense: new evidence on how language affects economic activity
Authors: Campo Francesco , Nunziata Luca , Rocco Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

We provide a large scale within-country analysis of the effect of language future time reference (FTR) on self-employment using individual-level data from Switzerland, a country characterized by a long-standing multilingualism and a large share of immigrant population. We test the hypothesis that speakers of languages where future tense marking is not obligatory in prediction contexts (defined as weak FTR) may have a closer perception of future rewards and be more willing to become self-employed, a choice that reflects future orientation. We perform an epidemiological analysis which consistently indicates that long-term immigrants who speak weak FTR languages are between 2 and 4 percentage points more likely to be self-employed compared to speakers of strong FTR languages, net of unobservable ancestral cultural traits, districts of destination’s characteristics, and linguistic features other than FTR. We find that the effect is largest when the main language of daily use is the mother tongue, but the effect is also significant when the main language is learnt later in life.
Development of Hybrid Graphene Polymeric Composite and Its Potential Application in Europium Removal
Authors: Dakroury G. A. , Mekawy Zakaria A. , Sheha Reda R.
Published: July 2023

A promising graphene polymeric composite was synthesized using gamma irradiation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO); itaconic acid (IA) grafted starch (St) and 16, 16-dimethylheptadecan-1-amine (PJMT). The prepared composite (HGPC) and RGO were characterized using different analytical methods such as FT-IR, SEM, DTA-TGA, XRD, particle size distribution, and pore size distribution. Then after, they were assessed as sorbents for removal of europium radionuclides from aqueous solutions at pH 3, volume-to-mass ratio 0.1 L g−1 and 25 °C. The sorption reaction reached the equilibrium after 4 h. The Qmax attained the values of 106.79 and 11.46 mg g−1 for Eu(III) sorption onto HGPC and RGO, respectively. The values of the isotherm parameters confirmed that a chemisorption mechanism controlled the sorption process. The calculated thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the sorption of Eu(III) by HGPC was a spontaneous and endothermic process. 83.53% and 84.09% of europium radionuclides were effectively eluted from loaded materials using 0.1 M EDTA and 0.1 M HCl solutions, respectively.
Correlation of local densities of states on mesoscopic energy scales in random band matrices
Authors: Louis Justine
Published: July 2023

We are interested in the phase transition of the correlation function of local densities of states at mesoscopic scales of random band matrices of width W in dimension 2. As a result, we show that the local densities of states are alternately positively and negatively correlated in the diffusive regime $$O(\log (L/W))$$

O
(
log
(
L
/
W
)
)

times, L being the size of the system.
The influence of population aging on global climate policy
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà , Teixidó Jordi J.
Published: July 2023

We study the connection between the demographic transition to an aging population and global climate policy ambition in the outcomes from recent international agreements on climate change: We test whether the share of the elderly in a population is a significant determinant of the quantity and ambition of a country’s policy actions against climate change. We use different indicators of climate policy ambition as measured by the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of the Paris Agreement as updated in the Glasgow Climate Pact. We also use the number of climate change laws passed in a country to further test robustness of main results. We resort to instrumental variables as part of our identification strategy to account for potential endogeneity. Our econometric results indicate a negative association between the share of the elderly and both policy ambition in climate agreements and the intensity of regulatory initiatives to fight climate change. This suggests that the increasing political influence of the older population as a consequence of aging hinders climate policy ambition. Policy implications are discussed.
Petrography, Diagenesis and Hydrocarbon Source Potential of the Barail and Disang Group of Rocks in Parts of the Naga Schuppen Belt and Inner Fold Belt of Assam-Arakan Basin
Authors: Gogoi Manash Pratim , Borgohain Pradip , Gogoi Yadav Krishna , Bezbaruah Devojit
Published: July 2023

Rock-thin section study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Rock-Eval pyrolysis have been carried out on the Barail (Oligocene) and Disang (Eocene) groups of rocks of the Naga Schuppen Belt of Assam-Arakan Basin to understand the reservoir properties and hydrocarbon source potential. Analyses show that the Barail Group sandstones are moderately well-sorted, medium-grained, sublithic arenite type, and bear good porosity (avg. 14.48%). In contrast, the Disang Group sandstones are very hard and compact, fine-grained, sublihic arenite, and lithic greywacke types and show medium porosity (avg. 11.3%). The reservoir properties of the sandstones of both groups are controlled by various diagenetic alterations like mechanical compaction, cementation, overgrowth, authigenesis of clay, fracturing, dissolution, and alteration of unstable clastic grains. However, no single diagenetic process could be considered as the main controlling parameter in the evolution of the porosity of the studied sandstones. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis indicates that the carbonaceous shales of both the Barail and Disang groups are characterized by type III and type IV kerogen. A good number of shale samples show TOC (total organic carbon) values ranging from 0.88 to 10.71 wt%, which seems quite good. In most of the samples, S2 is recorded <2 mg HC/g of rock, indicating the potential to generate wet gas. The various binary plots mostly show the gas source potential of shales of both the Barail and Disang groups. Production Index (PI) values vary between 0.04-0.45 for the Barail shales and 0.04-1.0 for the Disang shales, indicating that the studied shale samples are in the last phase of catagenesis.
Time Dependent Evolution of Heat and Stress Field in Granite–clay System Representing Geological Disposal Scheme for High Level Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Kumar Binu , Bajpai R. K. , Singh T. N.
Published: July 2023

A reference Geological Disposal System (GDS) for high level long lived heat emitting radioactive waste with dimension 20 x 10 x 6.25 m has been evaluated for time dependent heat field distribution, stress build up and possibility of micro-fracturing. The GDS comprises of three cylindrical heat sources (0.30 m diameter and 2 m length) mimicking radioactive waste loaded canisters emplaced within Jalore granite (JG) with barrier layers of Barmer bentonite (BB) clays, from Rajasthan. The methodology adopted in the study includes thermo- mechanical characterization of the granites and clays, followed by finite difference method (FDM) based numerical analysis for time dependent buildup of thermal and mechanical stresses, evolution of temperature field and micro fracturing phenomena within the studied GDS. The study reveals that three heat sources (waste filled SS canisters) of 500 watt intensity with spacing of 2.5 m and clay granite (CG) ratio of 60:40 and 70:30 produces maximum temperature of 92.42 and 94.69 °C and total stress (thermal and mechanical) of 24.77 and 24.97 MPa respectively within the system. 3.32 and 3.31 mm maximum displacement observed in the GDS for 60:40 and 70:30 CG ratio respectively which is within design limit. Analysis further establishes that clay admixture having bentonite clay and granite ratio in the range of 70:30 and 60:40 is capable of smooth dissipation of heat thorough them with resultant maximum temperature of < 100 °C throughout the entire duration of the time periods analysed. Based on these results it is concluded that JG and BB clay in 60:40 and 70:30 ratio with waste canister spacing of 2.5 m have appropriate characteristics suitable for hosting geological disposal system for heat emitting high level waste canisters. The study marks first analysis of multi-canister geological disposal system in Indian context.
Sedimentary Facies and Morpho-dynamics of Sand Spit and Island Inference as Coastal River Process
Authors: Sathish S. , Kankara R.S. , Selvan S. Chenthamil , Umamaheswari M. , James R. Arthur
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to characterize the sedimentary facies and understand the morphodynamics of the study area, and their results were correlated with various analytical methods. Different analyses such as depositional environmental, statistical, shoreline change, and grain size illustrated the temporal and spatial distribution of sediments. It has previously been claimed that current research locations are locii to fluvial landforms and are affected by fluvial processes. However, there are currently no rivers in the study region. This study was done to better understand the presence of fluvial landforms and to evaluate the previous findings. The dynamic behavior of the coast was revealed through shoreline analysis, which was done using satellite images from various years. Oceanographic parameters and longshore sediment transport play a vital role in geomorphological changes in coastal zones. According to the grain size analysis results, mean values showed that the deposits predominantlyare medium grained. The outcome discussed the spatiotemporal variations in geomorphology, sedimentation, and the function of coastal and fluvial processes on the beach of an island and a sand spit. Also highlighted was the role that wave action, fluvial currents, and tidal currents had in the long-term evolution of coastal geomorphological features such as spits, beaches, open coasts, and islands. The standard deviation signifies that the sediments are very well sorted to poorly sorted. Skewness ranges from fine skewed to strongly fine skewed and the kurtosis values show that the sediments are predominately very platykurtic which implies a low-energy environment of deposition. Four sedimentary facies (Facies A, B, C, D) have been found and facies A, B, and C may be wave-influenced deposits, but facies D may be formed by fluvial processes and contain medium to sand-sized particles. The direction of the tip area is also pointing to the south and this result concluded that the tip area is continuously growing. Thus, the results of this study revealed that sediment transport and coastal geomorphology evolution may be governed by two main processes such as the present ocean hydrodynamics and paleo fluvial processes of the study regions.
Frequency Analysis of Flood Flow in Markanda Basin of Ghaggar River System in North Western India
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Pandwar Sachin , Saini Divya , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Singh Omvir
Published: July 2023

This study aims to estimate the probabilities of occurrence and return periods of peak flood discharges over the Markanda basin of Ghaggar river system in north western India. For this purpose, two most frequently employed probability distribution models, namely Gumbel Extreme Value (GEV) and Log-Pearson Type III (LP-III) have been used to estimate the future flood discharges by means of annual extreme flood series (Qmax) data from 1990 to 2013, available at eight gauge and discharge sites. Two goodness-of-fit tests, i.e., Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling have been applied to the fitted probability distributions to identify the best-fit model. The Qmax for several return periods, for example 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 years have been estimated and compared. The return period for the highest Qmax recorded at Jhansa (2670 m3/s) gauge and discharge site has been computed as 9.5 and 8.2 years using the GEV and LP-III distribution model, respectively. The analyses have shown that GEV distribution model has produced the overestimated results in comparison to LP-III distribution model. Also, flood index has been computed for flood regionalization. The flood index values have been found variable at different gauge and discharge sites with an increase in return periods. Finally, the finding of this study will be valuable for water resource engineers in designing the hydraulic structures for the management of recurrent floods.
Discrimination in a Rank Order Contest: Evidence from the NFL Draft
Authors: Gregory-Smith Ian , Bryson Alex , Gomez Rafael
Published: July 2023

This paper examines discrimination in the NFL draft. The NFL is a favorable empirical setting to examine the role of skin color because franchise selectors are required to make rank-order judgements of players based on noisy signals of future productivity. Since wages are tightly related to the rank-order of the draft for the first four years of a player’s career, even if discrimination plays only a marginal role in selection, there could be a large discriminatory impact. We observe racial differences in drafting. However, much of the variation is explained by Black and White players selecting into different playing positions. Conditional upon a large set of control variables, including athletic performance at a marque selection event (the NFL combine), we do not find robust evidence of racial discrimination in NFL drafting between 2000 and 2018. However, we do find some evidence that Black players are disadvantaged relative to White players in later rounds of the draft.
Lectures on Lagrangian Torus Fibrations
Authors: Evans Jonny
Published: July 2023

Symington's almost toric fibrations have played a central role in symplectic geometry over the past decade, from Vianna's discovery of exotic Lagrangian tori to recent work on Fibonacci staircases. Four-dimensional spaces are of relevance in Hamiltonian dynamics, algebraic geometry, and mathematical string theory, and these fibrations encode the geometry of a symplectic 4-manifold in a simple 2-dimensional diagram. This text is a guide to interpreting these diagrams, aimed at graduate students and researchers in geometry and topology. First the theory is developed, and then studied in many examples, including fillings of lens spaces, resolutions of cusp singularities, non-toric blow-ups, and Vianna tori. In addition to the many examples, students will appreciate the exercises with full solutions throughout the text. The appendices explore select topics in more depth, including tropical Lagrangians and Markov triples, with a final appendix listing open problems. Prerequisites include familiarity with algebraic topology and differential geometry.
The Protected Grounds of Religion and Belief: Lessons for EU Non-Discrimination Law
Authors: van den Brink Martijn
Published: July 2023

The article draws lessons for EU non-discrimination law from the protected grounds of religion and belief through a discussion of the CJEU’s headscarf judgments. The article has two ambitions. First, the judgments are used to draw broader lessons for EU non-discrimination law, in relation to the distinction between and the justification of direct and indirect discrimination, as well as the purpose of protecting against (religious) discrimination. Second, these lessons are used to analyze the headscarf judgments and the criticism directed at them. While there is widespread agreement that the CJEU erred in these judgments, there is little agreement as to what mistakes were made. Through a discussion of these judgments, the article clarifies the difference between direct and indirect discrimination and the justification of both forms of discrimination. It is argued that the headscarf cases correctly distinguished between direct and indirect discrimination, and that the problem lies in the justificatory burden for indirect discriminatory measures, which was set too low by the CJEU.
Grasping a Proposition and Cancellation
Authors: Ghalbi Faraz
Published: July 2023

Recently, Indrek Reiland proposed a new version of the act-type theory of propositions (ATT) in which predication is still committal. However, the Frege-Geach problem can be addressed without resorting to Peter Hanks's cancellation manoeuvre. In this article, I argue that if we take predication as a committal act, we will then have to tackle another problem: non-committal representational acts. I argue that Reiland still needs a notion of cancellation to deal with the latter problem. On this account, he cannot avoid the major flaw he attributes to Hanks's version.
Prevalence of cognitive impairments and strengths in the early course of psychosis and depression
Authors: Stainton Alexandra , Chisholm Katharine , Griffiths Siân Lowri , Kambeitz-Ilankovic Lana , Wenzel Julian , Bonivento Carolina , Brambilla Paolo , Iqbal Mariam , Lichtenstein Theresa K. , Rosen Marlene , Antonucci Linda A. , Maggioni Eleonora , Kambeitz Joseph , Borgwardt Stefan , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Andreou Christina , Schmidt André , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Meisenzahl Eva , Ruhrmann Stephan , Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Pantelis Christos , Lencer Rebekka , Romer Georg , Bertolino Alessandro , Upthegrove Rachel , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Allott Kelly , Wood Stephen J. ,   PRONIA Consortium
Published: July 2023

Background

Studies investigating cognitive impairments in psychosis and depression have typically compared the average performance of the clinical group against healthy controls (HC), and do not report on the actual prevalence of cognitive impairments or strengths within these clinical groups. This information is essential so that clinical services can provide adequate resources to supporting cognitive functioning. Thus, we investigated this prevalence in individuals in the early course of psychosis or depression.

Methods

A comprehensive cognitive test battery comprising 12 tests was completed by 1286 individuals aged 15–41 (mean age 25.07, s.d. 5.88) from the PRONIA study at baseline: HC (N = 454), clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR; N = 270), recent-onset depression (ROD; N = 267), and recent-onset psychosis (ROP; N = 295). Z-scores were calculated to estimate the prevalence of moderate or severe deficits or strengths (>2 s.d. or 1–2 s.d. below or above HC, respectively) for each cognitive test.

Results

Impairment in at least two cognitive tests was as follows: ROP (88.3% moderately, 45.1% severely impaired), CHR (71.2% moderately, 22.4% severely impaired), ROD (61.6% moderately, 16.2% severely impaired). Across clinical groups, impairments were most prevalent in tests of working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning. Above average performance (>1 s.d.) in at least two tests was present for 40.5% ROD, 36.1% CHR, 16.1% ROP, and was >2 SDs in 1.8% ROD, 1.4% CHR, and 0% ROP.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that interventions should be tailored to the individual, with working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning likely to be important transdiagnostic targets.
Study of seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kulimbet Mukhtar , Saliev Timur , Alimbekova Gulzhan , Ospanova Dinara , Tobzhanova Kundyzay , Tanabayeva Dariga , Zhussupov Baurzhan , Fakhradiyev Ildar
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to analyse the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Kazakhstan. This is a cross-sectional study of adult population in Kazakhstan for the period from October 2021 to May 2022. For the study, 6 720 people aged 18 to 69 were recruited (from 17 regions). The demographic data were collected and analysed. Gender was evenly distributed (males 49.9%, females 50.1%). Women exhibited a higher seroprevalence than men (IgM 20.7% vs 17.9% and IgG 46.1% vs 41.5%). The highest prevalence of IgM was found in the age group of 30–39. However, the highest prevalence of IgG was detected in the age group of 60–69. The seroprevalence of IgG increased across all groups (from 39.7% in 18–29 age groups to 53.1% in 60–69 age groups). The odds for a positive test were significantly increased in older age groups 50–59 (p < 0.0001) and 60–69 (p < 0.0001). The odds of a positive test were 1.12 times higher in females compared to males (p = 0.0294). The odds for a positive test were significantly higher in eight regions (Astana, Akmola, Atyrau, Western Kazakhstan region, Kostanai, Turkestan, Eastern Kazakhstan region, and Shymkent) compared to Almaty city. The odds of a positive test were three times higher in Astana and the Western Kazakhstan region than in Almaty city. In urban areas, the odds of a positive test were 0.75 times lower than in rural areas (p < 0.0001). The study’s results showed an adequate level of seroprevalence (63%) that exceeds the essential minimum of herd immunity indicators in the country. There was significant geographic variability with a higher prevalence of IgG/IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in rural areas.
Automatic Differentiation in Prolog
Authors: SCHRIJVERS TOM , VAN DEN BERG BIRTHE , RIGUZZI FABRIZIO
Published: July 2023

Automatic differentiation (AD) is a range of algorithms to compute the numeric value of a function’s (partial) derivative, where the function is typically given as a computer program or abstract syntax tree. AD has become immensely popular as part of many learning algorithms, notably for neural networks. This paper uses Prolog to systematically derive gradient-based forward- and reverse-mode AD variants from a simple executable specification: evaluation of the symbolic derivative. Along the way we demonstrate that several Prolog features (DCGs, co-routines) contribute to the succinct formulation of the algorithm. We also discuss two applications in probabilistic programming that are enabled by our Prolog algorithms. The first is parameter learning for the Sum-Product Loop Language and the second consists of both parameter learning and variational inference for probabilistic logic programming.
Modeling Coastal Water Clarity Using Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2
Authors: Lang Sarah E. , Luis Kelly M. A. , Doney Scott C. , Cronin‐Golomb Olivia , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: July 2023

Understanding and attributing changes to water quality is essential to the study and management of coastal ecosystems and the ecological functions they sustain (e.g., primary productivity, predation, and submerged aquatic vegetation growth). However, describing patterns of water clarity—a key aspect of water quality—over meaningful scales in space and time is challenged by high spatial and temporal variability due to natural and anthropogenic processes. Regionally tuned satellite algorithms can provide a more complete understanding of coastal water clarity changes and drivers. In this study, we used open‐access satellite data and low‐cost in situ methods to improve estimates of water clarity in an optically complex coastal water body. Specifically, we created a remote sensing water clarity product by compiling Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2 reflectance data with long‐term Secchi depth measurements at 12 sites over 8 years in a shallow turbid coastal lagoon system in Virginia, USA. Our satellite‐based model explained ∼33% of the variation in in situ water clarity. Our approach increases the spatiotemporal coverage of in situ water clarity data and improves estimates from bio‐optical algorithms that overpredicted water clarity. This could lead to a better understanding of water clarity changes and drivers to better predict how water quality will change in the future.
Unlocking the Secrets of Floods: Breakthroughs in Riverine and Coastal Modeling
Authors: Jafarzadegan Keighobad , Moftakhari Hamed , Moradkhani Hamid
Published: July 2023

To enhance flood modeling, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the causative mechanisms and cutting-edge models and tools, while also acknowledging their uncertainties.
Coral Paleoclimate Perspectives Support the Role of Low‐Latitude Forcing on the 4.2 ka BP Event
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Deng Wenfeng , Xiao Hangfang , Guo Huimin , Zeng Ti , Zhao Jian‐xin , Wei Gangjian
Published: July 2023

The 4.2 ka BP Event is an abrupt climate change that might have contributed to the collapse of ancient civilizations and marks the transition between the mid‐ and late‐Holocene. Despite considerable research on this event, our understanding remains primarily based on terrestrial paleoclimate reconstructions, leaving a significant gap in understanding the role of the ocean in this event. Here, we present paired sea surface temperature (SST) and seawater δ18O reconstructions based on four fossil corals from the South China Sea. Our results demonstrate that the climate during the event was cooler, and there were meridional dry‐wet patterns in East Asia, indicating a weakened summer monsoon. Furthermore, our examination of additional coral records from the Pacific and Indian Oceans suggests that low‐latitude forcing (i.e., SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific) plays a crucial role in driving hydrology shifts in East Asia over the 4.2 ka BP interval.
Wave Groups and Small Scale Variability of Wave Heights Observed by Altimeters
Authors: De Carlo Marine , Ardhuin Fabrice , Ollivier Annabelle , Nigou Adrien
Published: July 2023

Recent satellite altimeter retracking and filtering methods have considerably reduced the noise level in estimates of the significant wave height (Hs), allowing to study processes with smaller spatial scales. In particular, previous studies have shown that wave‐current interactions may explain most of the variability of Hs at scales 20–100 km. As the spatial scale of the measurement is reduced, random fluctuations emerge that should be associated to wave groups. Here we quantify the magnitude of this effect, and the contribution of wave groups to the uncertainty in Hs measurements by altimeters, with a particular focus on extreme extra‐tropical storms. We take advantage of the low orbit altitude of the China‐France Ocean Satellite (CFOSAT), and the low noise level of the nadir beam of the SWIM instrument. Our estimate of wave group effects uses directional wave spectra measured by off‐nadir beams on SWIM, and signal processing theory that gives statistical properties of the wave envelope, and thus the local wave heights, from the shape of the wave spectrum. We find that the standard deviation of Hs associated to wave groups is a function of satellite altitude, wave height and spectral peakedness. For CFOSAT these fluctuations generally account for about 25% of the variance measured over a 80 km distance. This fraction is largest in storms and in the presence of long swells. When the estimated effect of wave groups is subtracted from the variance of Hs measurements, the remaining variability is higher in regions of strong currents.
Early and intensive motor training to enhance neurological recovery in people with spinal cord injury: trial protocol
Authors: Harvey Lisa A. , Glinsky Joanne V. , Chu Jackie , Herbert Robert D. , Liu Hueiming , Jan Stephen , Billot Laurent , Scivoletto Giorgio , Spooren Annemie I. , Seelen Henk A. , Ben Marsha , Tranter Keira , Chen Lydia W. , Rainey Donna , Rimmer Christine , Jorgensen Vivien , Di Natal Fernanda , Denis Sophie , Gollan Emilie J. , Tamburella Federica , Agostinello Jacqui , van Laake-Geelen Charlotte M. , Bell Chris , Lincoln Claire , Stolwijk Janneke M. , van der Lede Jessica , Paddison Sue , Oostra Kristine , Cameron Ian D. , Weber Gerard , Sherrington Catherine , Nunn Andrew K. , Synnott Emma-Leigh , McCaughey Euan , Kaur Jasbeer , Shetty Sachin
Published: July 2023

Study design

Protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (the SCI-MT trial).

Objectives

To determine whether 10 weeks of intensive motor training enhances neurological recovery in people with recent spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting

Fifteen spinal injury units in Australia, Scotland, England, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium.

Methods

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial will be undertaken. Two hundred and twenty people with recent SCI (onset in the preceding 10 weeks, American Spinal Injuries Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A lesion with motor function more than three levels below the motor level on one or both sides, or an AIS C or D lesion) will be randomised to receive either usual care plus intensive motor training (12 h of motor training per week for 10 weeks) or usual care alone. The primary outcome is neurological recovery at 10 weeks, measured with the Total Motor Score from the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI. Secondary outcomes include global measures of motor function, ability to walk, quality of life, participants’ perceptions about ability to perform self-selected goals, length of hospital stay and participants’ impressions of therapeutic benefit at 10 weeks and 6 months. A cost-effectiveness study and process evaluation will be run alongside the trial. The first participant was randomised in June 2021 and the trial is due for completion in 2025.

Conclusions

The findings of the SCI-MT Trial will guide recommendations about the type and dose of inpatient therapy that optimises neurological recovery in people with SCI.

Trial registration

ACTRN12621000091808 (1.2.2021).
Robust perovskite formation via vacuum thermal annealing for indoor perovskite solar cells
Authors: Penpong Kwanchai , Seriwatanachai Chaowaphat , Naikaew Atittaya , Phuphathanaphong Napan , Thant Ko Ko Shin , Srathongsian Ladda , Sukwiboon Thunrada , Inna Anuchytt , Sahasithiwat Somboon , Pakawatpanurut Pasit , Wongratanaphisan Duangmanee , Ruankham Pipat , Kanjanaboos Pongsakorn
Published: July 2023

Perovskite materials are fascinating candidates for the next-generation solar devices. With long charge carrier lifetime, metal-halide perovskites are known to be good candidates for low-light harvesting. To match the irradiance spectra of indoor light, we configured a triple-cation perovskite material with appropriate content of bromide and chloride (FA0.45MA0.49Cs0.06Pb(I0.62Br0.32Cl0.06)3) to achieve an optimum band gap (Eg) of $$\sim$$
∼
1.80 eV. With low photon flux at indoor condition, minimal recombination is highly desirable. To achieve such goal, we, for the first time, combined dual usage of antisolvent deposition and vacuum thermal annealing, namely VTA, to fabricate a high-quality perovskite film. VTA leads to compact, dense, and hard morphology while suppressing trap states at surfaces and grain boundaries, which are key culprits for exciton losses. With low-cost carbon electrode architecture, VTA devices exhibited average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.7 ± 2.7% with peak PCE of 32.0% (Shockley–Queisser limit of 50–60%) and average open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.93 ± 0.02 V with peak Voc of 0.96 V, significantly more than those of control and the vacuum treatment prior to heat.