bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Mold Powders for High‐Nitrogen Stainless Steel Based on Mold Thermocouple Temperature Variation
Authors: Chen Fuhang , Wen Guanghua , Tang Ping , Hou Zibing , Lu Youyu , Cheng Peng , Kong Qingmao
Published: July 2023

High‐nitrogen stainless steel (HNSS) is prone to surface depression during continuous casting; however, its high‐temperature solidification characteristics and mold powder design have not been reported. Based on the analysis of mold thermocouple temperature variation, this study clarifies the high‐temperature solidification characteristics of HNSS and the cause of surface depression. It optimizes the mold powder for HNSS continuous casting according to factory and laboratory research. The factory trials indicate that the mold thermocouple temperature at the corresponding location decreases by 6.0–20.9 °C when the slab surface is depressed. The analysis shows that the high initial solidification strength of HNSS causes its slab surface depressions. Owing to this characteristic, the mold powder for HNSS should have a suitable melting rate, low basicity, and proper Al2O3. This low‐basicity Al2O3‐containing slag has a crystal slag film near the mold side and a thick liquid slag film near the slab. It can both provide good lubrication and control horizontal heat transfer.
Caravaggio's copper
Authors: Twilley John
Published: July 2023

St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness, commissioned for the private chapel of Genoese banker. Ottavio Costa in 1602/3 and now in the collection of the Nelson‐Atkins Museum of Art (#52‐25), provides an important opportunity to understand Caravaggio's use of materials from one of his best‐preserved paintings. macro‐X‐ray fluorescence (MA‐XRF) elemental mapping has now been used to build upon a 2016 stratigraphic study of the palette employing optical and UV fluorescence microscopies, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and polarized light microscopy. The combined results of these methods clarify aspects of the iconography that have previously been obscure and expand our understanding of the roles of the various pigments. The roles for copper‐based pigments are surprisingly diverse for a painting with few obvious green and blue passages, in which many greens are based on terraverte. Darkening of the foliage adjacent to the figure of St. John has long posed interpretive difficulties, due to poor legibility of the plants depicted there. The foliage has been clarified by the results of MA‐XRF mapping, which distinguish the plant species by the palette choices involved in their depiction. Copper pigments play a fundamental role in Caravaggio's work, shading and modulating complementary colors with the additional practical benefit of playing a siccative role in paints that would otherwise dry poorly. MA‐XRF mapping has also revealed a role for copper pigment used to lay out the composition that was not apparent through radiography or infrared imaging methods.
The Evolving Landscape of Sovereign Wealth Funds in a Changing World Economy: How Resilient Are the Santiago Principles?
Authors: Barbary Victoria , Dixon Adam D. , Schena Patrick J.
Published: July 2023

The emergence of sovereign wealth funds in the early 2000s as a growing pool of large, globally focused state-owned investors quickly became a concern for politicians in the United States and in Europe who were fearful of possible financial and economic malfeasance by these institutions. Underlying these concerns were normative foundations that presumed liberal global capital markets to be the reserve primarily of private actors. The presence of state actors also raised questions about possible market distortion if capital allocation decisions are made on non-commercial (political) grounds. Such concerns led to the creation of 24 Generally Accepted Principles and Practices for sovereign wealth funds, commonly referred to as the Santiago Principles, as a means of increasing the transparency of sovereign wealth funds and ultimately legitimizing their presence in global capital markets. Since then, the transparency of sovereign wealth funds in aggregate has increased, and much of the fervent concerns about sovereign wealth funds as ‘barbarians at the gate’ have subsided. However, this does not mean that concerns from investment-receiving countries have disappeared. Sovereign wealth funds are still state capital, and scrutiny thereof in general has increased. At the same time, the number of sovereign wealth funds has increased, as have the number of funds focused on strategic investments. This article discusses the changing landscape of sovereign wealth funds and the challenges this poses for the Santiago Principles as the global governance regime for sovereign wealth funds.
$${\mathcal {A}}$$-Variational Principles
Authors: Bandeira Luís , Pedregal Pablo
Published: July 2023

Though the $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
-quasiconvexity condition has been fully explored since its introduction, no explicit examples of associated variational principles have been considered except in the classical $${\text {curl}}$$
curl
-case. Our aim is to propose such a family of problems in the $${\text {div}}{-}{\text {curl}}$$

div
-
curl

-situation, and explore the corresponding $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
-polyconvexity condition as the main structural assumption to ensure weak lower semicontinuity and existence results.
The written history of plant phenology: shaping primary sources for secondary publications
Authors: Holopainen Jari , Helama Samuli , Väre Henry
Published: July 2023

Phenological research establishes the science of nature's natural calendar. This research, the monitoring and analysis of seasonal rhythms of plants and animals, is commonly based on citizen science data. Such data may be digitized from primary sources provided by the citizen scientist’s original phenological diaries. Secondary data sources are formed by historical publications (for example, yearbooks and climate bulletins). While primary data has the advantage of first-hand notetaking, its digitization may, in practice, be time-consuming. Contrastingly, secondary data can contain well-organized typesetting, making digitization less labour-intensive. However, secondary data can be reshaped by the motivations of the historical actors who were collating the data. This study compared data from 1876–1894 gathered originally by citizen scientists (primary data) and the secondary data founded upon the previous primary data, later published by the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters as a series of phenological yearbooks. In the secondary data, the recorded numbers of taxa and their phenological stages appeared to be fewer and phenological events standardized, with an increased prevalence of agricultural phenology (at the cost of autumn phenology). Moreover, it seems the secondary data had been screened for potential outliers. While secondary sources may provide current phenologists with coherent sets of relevant data, future users must be aware of potential data reshaping resulting from the preferences of historical actors. These actors may weigh and limit the original observations according to their own criteria and preferences.
Antibacterial evaluation of electroless Ni–P coating with ZnO nanoparticles on 3D printed ABS
Authors: Restrepo Sebastián , Duque María P. , Bello Sindy , Tirado Laura M. , Echeverría Félix , Zuleta Alejandro A. , Castaño Juan G. , Correa Esteban
Published: July 2023

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is one of the most widely used polymers in the manufacture of different parts in engineering applications. This polymer is sometimes subjected to metallizing processes that seek to modify the surface properties of the accessories. These processes often require the use of chromium and palladium. Some of the accessories in which ABS is used are subjected during their day-to-day use to environments in which they are prone to colonization of bacteria, generating multiple problems that affect both human health and the useful life of different equipment and devices. Recently, there have been great developments of nanoparticles with antibacterial properties, such as zinc oxides. However, these nanoparticles have not yet been incorporated and evaluated in metal coatings on ABS substrates with a view to conferring such properties on the polymer. This work implements the use of an electroless antibacterial Ni-P coating, modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles through processes free of chromium and palladium, on ABS substrates. The results showed that the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles in quantities of 0.5 g/L and above in the electroless bath confer antibacterial characteristics on the surface for S. aureus under JIS Z 2801 standard. Through the methodology developed, the future development of 3D printed parts with metallized coating is possible, implementing processes chrome and palladium free, expanding the applications and uses of these.
Blood pressure changes during tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi: results from the prospective LighTen Cohort Study
Authors: Steffen Hans-Michael , Mahanani Melani Ratih , Neuhann Florian , Nhlema Angelina , Kasper Philipp , de Forest Andrew , Chaweza Thom , Tweya Hannock , Heller Tom , Chiwoko Jane , Winkler Volker , Phiri Sam
Published: July 2023

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the regions in the world with the highest numbers of uncontrolled hypertension as well as people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). However, the association between hypertension and antiretroviral therapy is controversial.

Methods

Participant demographics, medical history, laboratory values, WHO clinical stage, current medication, and anthropometric data were recorded at study entry and during study visits at 1, 3, 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter until month 36. Patients who stopped or changed their antiretroviral therapy (tenofovir, lamivudine, efavirenz) were censored on that day. Office blood pressure (BP) was categorized using ≥ 2 measurements on ≥ 2 occasions during the first three visits. Factors associated with systolic and mean BP were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable multilevel linear regression.

Results

1,288 PLHIV (751 females, 58.3%) could be included and 832 completed the 36 months of observation. Weight gain and a higher BP level at study entry were associated with an increase in BP (p < 0.001), while female sex (p < 0.001), lower body weight at study entry (p < 0.001), and high glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.009) protected against a rise in BP. The rate of uncontrolled BP remained high (73.9% vs. 72.1%) and despite indication treatment, adjustments were realized in a minority of cases (13%).

Conclusion

Adherence to antihypertensive treatment and weight control should be addressed in patient education programs at centers caring for PLHIV in low-resources settings like Malawi. Together with intensified training of medical staff to overcome provider inertia, improved control rates of hypertension might eventually be achieved.

Trial registration

NCT02381275.

Graphical abstract
Acoustical behavior of periodic flank modifications under dynamic operating conditions
Authors: Sepp Sebastian , Wenig Alois , Otto Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: July 2023

Noise emissions belong to the crucial design characteristics in modern transmissions. The most efficient way to achieve beneficial noise behavior is to reduce the excitation in the tooth contact, since the tooth contact represents the main source of noise in gearboxes. Special flank modifications may optimize the noise behavior, but the common design approach uses static assumptions, whereas operating conditions include dynamic operation.

The application of periodic flank modifications as a special type of flank form provides a possibility to avoid the typical compromise between the flank design objectives load carrying capacity and low excitation behavior which results from the exclusive usage of standard modifications such as crownings or tip- and root relieves. The principle of periodic modifications is based on the direct compensation of the inconstant part of the elastic deformations in the tooth mesh. For this reason, the static loaded transmission error (LTE) is typically used as specific value to evaluate the effect of these flank forms on the excitation. In theoretical and experimental studies, the effectiveness of periodic modifications to optimize the excitation behavior could be verified. However, the analysis of these modifications under dynamic operating conditions is still scarcely documented. In this paper, the mesh excitation of periodic and standard modifications under various dynamic operating conditions in the subcritical, resonance and supercritical operating range is simulated and compared to each other. In addition, experimental investigations at the dynamic test rig of the Gear Research Center (FZG) were performed. Due to the measurement of the torsional acceleration level during continuous speed runups, the simulated results can be validated by experimental data.
Body size constrains the annual apparent survival of lekking Great Snipe Gallinago media males of eastern, lowland population
Authors: Witkowska Marta , Pinchuk Pavel , Meissner Włodzimierz , Karlionova Natalia
Published: July 2023

Survival of adult individuals is a key demographic parameter, that is critical for conservation programs of species and evolutionary research focused on life-history traits. Here, we present the estimates of the apparent annual survival of lekking male Great Snipes of the lowland population, breeding in wet meadow habitats in the valley of the Pripyat River. We also investigate individual traits such as body size and body condition, that may influence birds’ survival. The annual apparent survival in the studied population was low (Φ (.) = 0.43), but no change in this parameter was found over the period of 22 years. The chances for survival increased with the body size of an individual. We hypothesize that smaller individuals with shorter bills might face limited foraging options compared to larger birds, which may result in insufficient nutrition during challenging life cycle events such as moulting of primaries combined with preparation for long-distance migration conducted in one non-stop flight. Additionally, the presented results indicate that the wet meadow in the Pripyat River Valley provides suitable breeding habitat for this species with sufficient conservation practices held there, and the low annual apparent survival is probably a life-history trait of this species resulting from a “high pace of life” and elevated metabolic rate. To our knowledge, this study provides the first estimates of the long-term population characteristic for the eastern, lowland population of this species, which could prove helpful in the assessment of population viability for this globally declining species.
Using visual stimuli in narrative career interventions: effects of image-supported storytelling on interview anxiety and performance
Authors: Lin-Stephens Serene , Manuguerra Maurizio
Published: July 2023

While narrative approaches flourish in contemporary career guidance, insufficient attention has been paid to the sensory input of narrative construction. This study concerns supporting narrative construction with visual stimuli. We examined whether image-supported storytelling preparation improved interview anxiety and performance. Using within-subject repeated measures, we found that although interview anxieties conceived by interviewees and perceived by assessors were negatively associated with interview performance, an image-supported intervention improved performance rating, appearance anxiety and assessor-perceived interviewee anxiety. Combined with practice, the intervention also alleviated other dimensions of interview anxiety, showing the value of visual input in narrative interventions.
Fault diagnosis and self-healing for smart manufacturing: a review
Authors: Aldrini Joma , Chihi Ines , Sidhom Lilia
Published: July 2023

Manufacturing systems are becoming more sophisticated and expensive, particularly with the development of the intelligent industry. The complexity of the architecture and concept of Smart Manufacturing (SM) makes it vulnerable to several faults and failures that impact the entire behavior of the manufacturing system. It is crucial to find and detect any potential anomalies and faults as soon as possible because of the low tolerance for performance deterioration, productivity decline, and safety issues. To overcome these issues, a variety of approaches exist in the literature. However, the multitude of techniques make it difficult to choose the appropriate method in relation to a given context. This paper proposes a new architecture for a conceptual model of intelligent fault diagnosis and self-healing for smart manufacturing systems. Based on this architecture, a review method for the different approaches, sub-approaches and methods used to develop a Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) and Self-Healing-Fault-Tolerant (SH-FT) strategy dedicated to smart manufacturing is defined. Moreover, this paper reviews and analyzes more than 256 scientific articles on fault diagnosis and self-healing approaches and their applications in SM in the last decade. Finally, promising research directions in the field of resilient smart manufacturing are highlighted.
Enhancing diagnostic of stochastic mortality models leveraging contrast trees: an application on Italian data
Authors: Levantesi Susanna , Lizzi Matteo , Nigri Andrea
Published: July 2023

The rise in longevity in the twentieth century has led to a growing interest in modeling mortality, and new advanced techniques such as machine learning have recently joined to more traditional models, such as the Lee–Carter or the Age Period Cohort. However, the performances of these models, in terms of fitting to the observed data, are difficult to compare in a unified framework. The goodness-of-fit measures summarizing the discrepancy between the estimates from the model and the observed values are different for traditional mortality models and machine learning. We, therefore, employ a new technique, Contrast trees, which, leveraging on decision trees, provides a general approach for evaluating the quality of fit of different kinds of models by detecting the regions in the input space where models work poorly. Once the low-performance regions are detected, we use Contrast boosting to improve the inaccuracies of mortality estimates provided by each model. To verify the ability of this approach, we consider both standard stochastic mortality models and machine learning algorithms in the estimate of the Italian mortality rates from the Human Mortality Database. The results are discussed using both graphical and numerical tools, with particular attention to the high-error regions.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Fertility Experience and Gender Identity in Young Women Following Hysterectomy for Benign Disease
Authors: Bottomley Daisy , Stafford Lesley , Blowers Gina , Reddington Charlotte , Dior Uri , Cheng Claudia , Healey Martin
Published: July 2023

Hysterectomy may impact young women’s perceptions of their gender identity and fertility status, with implications for quality of life. However, research into this important area is limited, particularly among women with benign disease. To investigate gender identity and fertility in this population, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign disease at age 39 or younger. Women were asked to describe their experience of hysterectomy and how it affected their perceptions of their gender identity, fertility status and overall quality of life. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and code responses. Three themes were identified; Implications of Infertility, I am a Woman and Womanhood Compromised. Within these themes, 3 sub-themes were identified. Implications of Infertility comprised three sub-themes describing women’s varied relationships with their post-hysterectomy infertility: Plans Fulfilled, Acceptable Compromise and Persistent Grief. A novel finding was that women engaged in a “trade-off”, whereby relief of gynaecological symptoms outweighed their desire for a child/further child/ren. The study also found that women with an extensive history of infertility may have more trouble adjusting to the outcomes of their hysterectomy than women who were satisfied with their fertility history. Counselling around identity and how this can be influenced by fertility status may be needed. Further research into the psychological processes involved in the “trade-off” is also needed.
Simulating deployment of genetic gain in a radiata pine breeding program with genomic selection
Authors: McLean Duncan , Apiolaza Luis , Paget Mark , Klápště Jaroslav
Published: July 2023

Genomic selection (GS) is currently being used in the New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) breeding program to accelerate genetic gain. GS also has the potential to accelerate the deployment of genetic gain to the production forest through early selection. The increased rate of genetic gain in the breeding cycle will need to be transferred more quickly to realise that gain in the deployment population. GS selections will have lower accuracies than selections based on phenotypic data as currently practised; however, it is unknown how this will affect the genetic gain from GS-based deployment. Moreover, census size and turnover rate need to be optimised to cope with the influx of new marker-based selected material into a commercial orchard. We utilised a stochastic simulation approach to investigate these concepts, comparing three deployment scenarios: half-sib open-pollinated orchards (OP), full-sib control-pollinated orchards (CP) and clonal deployment through somatic embryogenesis. When accounting for time, genomic selection in OP, CP and clonal deployment pathways increased genetic gain by 9.5%, 15.9% and 44.6% respectively compared to phenotypic selection. The optimal orchard scenario would be genomic-selected control-pollination with a low census size (n = 40, males and females combined), low female turnover (5%) and a high male turnover (15–25%). This scheme balances high genetic gain with high seed yield while moderating the rate of inbreeding.
ADP as a novel stimulus for NLRP3-inflammasome activation in mice fails to translate to humans
Authors: Wissemann Julius , Heidenreich Adrian , Zimmermann Helene , Engelmann Juliane , Jansen Jasper , Suchanek Dymphie , Westermann Dirk , Wolf Dennis , Stachon Peter , Merz Julian
Published: July 2023

The NLRP3-inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex that triggers an inflammatory response to certain danger signals. Recently adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was found to activate the NLRP3-inflammasome in murine macrophages via the P2Y1 receptor. Blockade of this signaling pathway reduced disease severity in a murine colitis-model. However, the role of the ADP/P2Y1-axis has not yet been studied in humans. This present study confirmed ADP-dependent NLRP3-inflammasome activation in murine macrophages, but found no evidence for a role of ADP in inflammasome activation in humans. We investigated the THP1 cell line as well as primary monocytes and further looked at macrophages. Although all cells express the three human ADP-receptors P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2Y13, independent of priming, neither increased ASC-speck formation could be detected with flow cytometry nor additional IL-1β release be found in the culture supernatant of ADP stimulated cells. We now show for the first time that the responsiveness of monocytes and macrophages to ADP as well as the regulation of its purinergic receptors is very much dependent on the species. Therefore the signaling pathway found to contribute to colitis in mice is likely not applicable to humans.
Cultivation of carbohydrate-rich microalgae with great settling properties using cooling tower wastewater
Authors: Ortíz-Sánchez Edwin , Guillén-Garcés Rosa Angélica , Morales-Arrieta Sandra , Ugochukwu Okoye Patrick , Olvera-Vargas Hugo , Sebastian P. J. , Arias Dulce María
Published: July 2023

Wastewater treatment and simultaneous production of value-added products with microalgae represent a sustainable alternative. Industrial wastewater, characterized by high C/N molar ratios, can naturally improve the carbohydrate content in microalgae without the need for any external source of carbon while degrading the organic matter, macro-nutrients, and micro-nutrients. This study aimed to understand the treatment, reuse, and valorization mechanisms of real cooling tower wastewater (CWW) from a cement-processing industry mixed with domestic wastewater (DW) to produce microalgal biomass with potential for synthesis of biofuels or other value-added products. For this purpose, three photobioreactors with different hydraulic retention times (HRT) were inoculated simultaneously using the CWW-DW mixture. Macro- and micro-nutrient consumption and accumulation, organic matter removal, algae growth, and carbohydrate content were monitored for 55 days. High COD (> 80%) and macronutrient removals (> 80% of N and P) were achieved in all the photoreactors, with heavy metals below the limits established by local standards. The best results showed maximum algal growth of 1.02 g SSV L−1 and 54% carbohydrate accumulation with a C/N ratio of 31.24 mol mol−1. Additionally, the harvested biomass presented a high Ca and Si content, ranging from 11 to 26% and 2 to 4%, respectively. Remarkably, big flocs were produced during microalgae growth, which enhanced natural settling for easy biomass harvesting. Overall, this process represents a sustainable alternative for CWW treatment and valorization, as well as a green tool for generating carbohydrate-rich biomass with the potential to produce biofuels and fertilizers.
A 3D image-based method to measure soil stiffness in triaxial tests
Authors: Wang Zewen , Du Wenhan , Lehane B. M.
Published: July 2023

This paper describes a new simple and inexpensive method for accurately measuring the three-dimensional deformation of soil specimens during triaxial tests. The method incorporates a cost-effective image capture system that can be applied to any triaxial apparatus as well as an automated post-image analysis approach for processing the images acquired during triaxial tests. Image capture is performed using multiple low-cost Raspberry Pi cameras and accessories placed outside the triaxial chamber. The system employs particle image velocimetry, camera calibration and stereophotogrammetry to determine the spatial variation in axial and radial sample strains as samples are loaded. It is demonstrated that axial and radial displacements can be measured with an accuracy of 1–2 μm, respectively, and it is verified by comparison with data from triaxial tests on sand samples that the full nonlinear stiffness–strain degradation of soil samples from fully elastic conditions can be determined without the need for any additional sensors.
„Löwenstark in der Schwangerschaft!“ Ressourcenaktivierung und Stressreduktion mit dem Zürcher Ressourcen Modell (ZRM®) – eine unkontrollierte Interventionsstudie
Authors: Schneider Tamara , Weber Julia , Bauer Nicola H.
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Jede Schwangerschaft bringt physische, psychische und soziale Veränderungen mit sich. Diese können zu Stress und ambivalenten Gefühlen bei Schwangeren führen, die einen starken Einfluss auf das Wohlbefinden und die Gesundheit von Mutter und Kind haben. Zur Förderung eines komplikationslosen Verlaufs der Schwangerschaft wird in der Forschungsliteratur die Stärkung der gesundheitlichen Ressourcen gefordert. Das Zürcher Ressourcen Modell (ZRM) ist ein ressourcenaktivierendes Selbstmanagementtraining, welches nach aktuellen Studienergebnissen die Gefühlsregulierung unterstützen und Stress reduzieren kann.

Methodik

Ziel dieser Studie war die erstmalige Wirksamkeitsprüfung des ZRM in der Schwangerschaft. Angenommen wurde, dass durch die Aktivierung der persönlichen Ressourcen der Schwangeren das Stresserleben reduziert und das subjektive Wohlbefinden gesteigert werden kann. Die Konstrukte „Stress“ und „Wohlbefinden“ wurden anhand von fünf psychometrischen Parametern operationalisiert. Durchgeführt wurde eine quasiexperimentelle unkontrollierte 6‑stündige Online-Interventionsstudie mit dem ZRM im Januar 2021 an N = 32 Schwangeren, basierend auf einem Prä-Post-Follow-up-Design. Zur Überprüfung der gebildeten Hypothesen wurden einfaktorielle Varianzanalysen (rmANOVAs) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die 1-faktoriellen rmANOVAs ergaben, dass die ZRM-Intervention das Stresserleben allgemein und schwangerschaftsspezifisch sowie das Angsterleben signifikant senken konnte. Handlungsorientierung nach Misserfolg und emotionales Wohlbefinden konnten signifikant gesteigert werden. Hinsichtlich der subjektiven Vitalität ließ sich lediglich deskriptiv eine Steigerung der Werte verzeichnen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die ZRM-Intervention erwies sich als wirksame Methode zur Optimierung der Stressbewältigung und Steigerung des Wohlbefindens während der Schwangerschaft. Es kann zielführend sein, das ZRM-Training als Ergänzung zur üblichen Geburtsvorbereitung einzusetzen. Zukünftige Forschungsarbeiten sollten v. a. die Übertragbarkeit der Ergebnisse unter Einbindung einer Kontrollgruppe sicherstellen.
„Feminismus und Völkertod“? Kulturkritische Deutungen zu Frauenemanzipation und Geburtenrückgang in den Diskursen der deutschen Eugenik und Rassenhygiene
Authors: Neumann Andreas
Published: July 2023

Konservative Rassenhygieniker lehnten die Frauenemanzipation ab, weil sie angeblich den Geburtenrückgang verschärfte. Doch beschränkte sich die deutsche Eugenikbewegung im frühen 20. Jahrhundert nicht nur auf das nationalkonservative Milieu, sondern war an das gesamte politische Spektrum anschlussfähig. Es fragt sich deshalb, welche Deutungsspielräume es innerhalb der eugenischen und rassehygienischen Diskurse gab, um die Frauenemanzipation zu beurteilen und auf welche kulturkritischen Topoi dabei zurückgegriffen wurde. Antworten auf diese Fragen ergeben sich aus einer Diskursanalyse auf der Quellengrundlage dreier Fachzeitschriften, die für den deutschen Eugenikdiskurs von zentraler Bedeutung waren – ergänzt durch die Standardwerke der Zeitschriftenherausgeber. Der Hauptteil des Beitrags enthält eine Analyse der in den Quellen getroffenen Aussagen, die sich auf die Frauenemanzipation beziehen. Aufgezeigt werden die in den Texten identifizierten Problemstrukturen, die den Dreh- und Angelpunkt der sozial- und rassenhygienischen Kulturkritik an der Frauenemanzipation und -bewegung darstellen. Die Problemstrukturen ermöglichen es, zwei in der deutschen Eugenikbewegung virulente Deutungsmuster zu rekonstruieren, in denen Urteile über die moderne Kultur- und Gesellschaftsentwicklung mit der Frauenemanzipation verbunden waren, und die sich je nach politischer Weltanschauung verschiedenartig reproduzieren ließen.
A generalization of the Goebel–Kirk fixed point theorem for asymptotically nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Matkowski Janusz
Published: July 2023

Some results extending the Goebel–Kirk fixed point theorem for asymptotically nonexpansive mappings are presented.
Management of Thromboembolic Disease in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors
Authors: Woods Ryan R. , Lesser Glenn J.
Published: July 2023

Opinion statement

Patients with primary brain tumors are at a substantially elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to other disease states or other forms of malignancy. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), often complicate the care of patients with primary brain tumors, and treatment may pose specific unique risks and considerations for management. This paper critically reviews the relevant literature and the most common treatment options in addition to a discussion regarding the relative risk considerations for neurooncology patients facing thromboembolic disease.
Sleep pattern of Hong Kong residents during the 2019 anti-extradition bill controversy
Authors: Lee Paul H. , Marek Jan , Nálevka Petr
Published: July 2023

This study examined the sleep pattern of Hong Kong residents during the anti-extradition bill controversy from June to December of 2019. We used crowdsourced sleep data of 5,442,005 sleep records from 76,600 users (15,693 records from 274 users who were Hong Kong residents at the time of the study, mean age 33.3, SD 9.6). A total of 123 participants (44.9%) provided at least 30 days of data. We compared these sleep parameters in Year 2019 to their expected values. The expected value of these variables was computed using linear regression, controlling for time zone, the month of the record, and the day of the record (S/M/T/W/T/F/S). At the nights of major protest events, habitual sleep duration of the participants was reduced by 8 to 23 min and delayed their sleep onset by at most 34 min. Date-specific analysis (12th June, 21st July, 31st August, 1st October, 12th November, 23rd November, and 24th November) revealed Hong Kong residents changed their sleep pattern according to the timeline of the protests.
Factors Affecting Acceptance of Social Robots Among Prospective Users
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos D. , Lazaraki Vasiliki , Apostolidis Savvas D. , Gasteratos Antonios C.
Published: July 2023

Rapid technological and scientific developments in the robotics field have led to the expansion of the use of service robots in domestic environments. The purpose of the study reported in this paper is to identify the factors that determine people’s psychology, attitude, and intention to use a social robotic system. A new conceptual framework is developed and empirically tested, using data from 347 people, performing Structural Equation Modeling analysis. The proposed framework incorporates various factors related to hedonic attitudes, utilitarian attitudes, normative beliefs, control beliefs, and personality traits. The results reveal predominantly the positive impact of normative beliefs and utilitarian and hedonic attitudes but, also, the negative impact of control beliefs on people’s intention to use social robot systems. Consequently, it is concluded that future clients are not only influenced by society’s general attitudes, perceptions, and prejudices towards technology but, also, by the functional benefits of social robots.
Influence of Anisotropic Stress Conditions on Tunnel Deformation and Sequential Excavation Performance in Rock Mass
Authors: Adhikari Anuj , Roy Nishant
Published: July 2023

This study looks at how anisotropic stress conditions affect the mechanical response of circular tunnels in rock mass using a finite element plane strain model. The deformation response and evolution of the yield zone are evaluated using a non-linear Hoek-Brown failure criterion. The results show that predictions made under the widely employed assumption of isotropic stress conditions significantly underestimate the deformations for in-situ stress ratios greater than 1.0 and overestimate the values for in-situ stress ratios less than 1 under full-face excavation. The pattern of the yield zone changes noticeably as the in-situ stress ratio changes. With stress anisotropy, the yield zone becomes asymmetric. When the in-situ stress ratio is less than 1.0, the yield zone concentrates on the sidewalls and transitions to the crown when the in-situ stress ratio assumes values greater than 1.0. Also, the effect of anisotropic stress conditions on the performance of two commonly used excavation support schemes is studied. The results emphasize the importance of consideration of the in-situ stress ratio for prediction of tunnel deformation and selection of sequential excavation schemes.
Study on Drainage Network Pattern and Morphometric Analysis by Using Hydrology Support Algorithm
Authors: Erosemiah D. , Viji R.
Published: July 2023

The degree of accuracy in the extraction of the drainage network and morphometric analysis of the basin plays a vital role in assessing geomorphological characteristics and hydrological processes. The extraction of the exact flow network from SRTM-DEM quantifies the drainage network, and morphometric parameters, which is the main objective of this study. The Thamirabarani river basin in Tamil Nadu, India is taken as the study area. The stream order threshold algorithm is used for stream rasterization to get the pattern of the basin’s drainage network. The hydrology-based algorithm uses a different range of threshold values to determine the stream pattern, which is comparable to the stream vectors of the toposheet. The drainage network distribution with a threshold value of 10000 gives many minor streams which imply dissimilarities with the stream network of toposheet, whereas the threshold value of 20000 shows remarkable similarity to an existing river system. The model with threshold 20000 provides a Stranhler-based drainage network with a basin area of 5664.52 km2. The basin is the fifth-order stream network with many lower-order streams. The drainage pattern is resulted in dendritic and sub-dendritic. The morphometric parameters of the basin are evaluated with the help of an aspect, slope, and contour. The slope of the study area is flat in the east and steeper in the west, along the area of Western Ghats. A bifurcation ratio ranges from 1.05 to 2.42, indicating that the drainage network is not influenced by structural disturbances in that area. The comprehensive evaluation of flow patterns along with morphometric properties obtained from this study provides data support for estimation of the volume of water in the basin, reservoir operation, and construction of hydrological structures. Also, this result can be used to compute watershed attributes normally used in hydrologic and water resources studies. The hydrology-based algorithm can be employed in other river basins to extract drainage network patterns.
Technical Assessment of the Key LVRT Techniques for Grid-Connected DFIG Wind Turbines
Authors: Alaboudy Ali H. Kasem , Mahmoud Heba A. , Elbaset Adel A. , Abdelsattar Montaser
Published: July 2023

As a key portion of renewable energy resources (RESs), wind energy penetration is rapidly deployed. The effects of grid faults on grid-connected wind turbines (WTs) are causing problems for wind energy producers. To meet the necessary requirements, additional resources and technical interventions are needed. One of these requirements is low voltage ride-through (LVRT) of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based WTs. This means that DFIG-WTs must stay connected to the grid during transient grid faults and supply active and reactive power after the fault is cleared. Many techniques for improving the LVRT capability of DFIG-WTs have been developed and this paper examines them. The paper also evaluates how well they align with grid codes, and offers case studies and simulations of the selected key techniques. Lastly, this paper provides guidelines and suggested designs for the LVRT techniques for DFIG-WTs to ensure they meet local grid codes.
Comparison principles for the time-fractional diffusion equations with the Robin boundary conditions. Part I: Linear equations
Authors: Luchko Yuri , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: July 2023

The main objective of this paper is analysis of the initial-boundary value problems for the linear time-fractional diffusion equations with a uniformly elliptic spatial differential operator of the second order and the Caputo type time-fractional derivative acting in the fractional Sobolev spaces. The boundary conditions are formulated in form of the homogeneous Neumann or Robin conditions. First we discuss the uniqueness and existence of solutions to these initial-boundary value problems. Under some suitable conditions on the problem data, we then prove positivity of the solutions. Based on these results, several comparison principles for the solutions to the initial-boundary value problems for the linear time-fractional diffusion equations are derived.
New halimane and clerodane diterpenoids from Croton cnidophyllus
Authors: Wei Xun , Huang Jia-Luo , Gao Hua-Hua , Yuan Fang-Yu , Tang Gui-Hua , Yin Sheng
Published: July 2023

Three new halimane furanoditerpenoids (1–3) and three new clerodane furanoditerpenoids (4–6), along with seven known terpenoids including four pimarane diterpenoids (7–10) and three norisoprenoids (11–13) were isolated from the 95% EtOH extracts of the plants of Croton cnidophyllus. The 2D structures including absolute configuration of new furanoditerpenoids (1–6) were elucidated by analysis of their HRMS and NMR data as well as comparison of experimental and calculated ECD curves. Bioassay revealed that two compounds (8 and 9) possessed certain inhibitory effects against NO production stimulated by LPS, with IC50 values of 19.00 ± 1.76 and 21.61 ± 1.11 μM, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
Bailout Blues: The Write-Down of the AT1 Bonds in the Credit Suisse Bailout
Authors: Paz Valbuena Javier , Eidenmüller Horst
Published: July 2023

The recent bailout of Credit Suisse is noteworthy for many reasons. One of them is that, while AT1 bondholders were wiped out, shareholders were not. This violates the ‘absolute priority rule’ which is central to corporate reorganisation and bank resolution regimes. In this article, we analyse the motives and mechanics of the write-down and argue that, given the bond terms, the prospect for a legal challenge by the bondholders is slim. At the same time, we question the merits of the write-down. Bondholders should fare no worse than common equity, regardless of whether a financial institution is put in an insolvency proceeding or bailed out, and the applicable bond terms should reflect this. We also raise the issue of a more principled approach to bailouts more generally.
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental conservation policy: a case of Satoyama redevelopment in the peri-urban area
Authors: Sato Masayuki , Minamoto Toshifumi , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a practice and discussion for an interdisciplinary approach to policies for the conservation of suburban and peri-urban ecosystems. We highlight the need for evidence-based assessment of the current quality of the targeted nature from perspectives of natural science and problem formulation, and that causes should be investigated from the combined perspectives of social science, economic evaluation, and policy design and evaluation, with an awareness of the possibility of consensus building. In this study, based on the ongoing international trend of ecosystem conservation, an economic analysis was conducted to examine the direction of Satoyama development as a case study of urban and peri-urban ecosystem conservation. The result identified the preference and needs of citizens with regard to Satoyama ecosystems and discussed the consistency between policy targets and citizens’ evaluation.
Schisandrin B Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis Through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Zhou Liqin , Zhou Liping , Ma Huanjie , Zhao Jinkai , Lou Dayong
Published: July 2023

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor; the main treatment method is surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20% for metastatic patients. Schisandrin B is the most abundant and active ingredient found in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Schisandraceae, which has document properties such as liver protection, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and antitumor. The present investigation explored the therapeutic effect of schisandrin B on osteosarcoma (MG63 cells). Cell proliferation and viability, scratch assay, and transwell migration analysis were used to detect the effects of schisandrin B on the growth activity, migration, and invasion of MG63 cells. The effects of schisandrin B on MG63 cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry and tunel staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy and apoptosis related proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect schisandrin B effects of autophagy and apoptosis on MG63 cells. Schisandrin B inhibited the growth activity, migration ability, and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, schisandrin B induced apoptosis of MG63 cells through autophagy mediated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Graphical Abstract
Frames and generalized operator orbits
Authors: Christensen Ole , Hasannasab Marzieh
Published: July 2023

This short note is concerned with various operator representations of frames in a Hilbert space $${{{\mathcal {H}}}}.$$

H
.

While it is known that only very special frames can be represented in the form $$\{ T^n \varphi \}_{n=0}^\infty $$

{

T
n

φ
}

n
=
0

∞

for a bounded operator T,  we prove that every frame (actually, every Bessel sequence) has a representation of the form $$\{UT^k \varphi \}_{k=0}^\infty $$

{
U

T
k

φ
}

k
=
0

∞

for certain bounded operators U and T. We also provide a lifting procedure that allows to represent any given Bessel sequence in the form $$\{PT^k \varphi \}_{k=0}^\infty ,$$

{
P

T
k

φ
}

k
=
0

∞

,

where T is a bounded operator on an ambient Hilbert space and P denotes the orthogonal projection onto the given Hilbert space $${{{\mathcal {H}}}}.$$

H
.

In particular, this implies that for any frame, the frame coefficients of $$f\in {{{\mathcal {H}}}}$$

f
∈
H

can be calculated as inner products between f and a system of functions of the form $$\{T^k \varphi \}_{k=0}^\infty ,$$

{

T
k

φ
}

k
=
0

∞

,

for a bounded operator T on an ambient Hilbert space.
Highly Accurate Method for Boundary Value Problems with Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ahmed Hany. M.
Published: July 2023

The main aim of the current paper is to construct a numerical algorithm for the numerical solutions of second-order linear and nonlinear differential equations subject to Robin boundary conditions. A basis function in terms of the shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind that satisfy the homogeneous Robin boundary conditions is constructed. It has established operational matrices for derivatives of the constructed polynomials. The obtained solutions are spectral and are consequences of the application of collocation method. This method converts the problem governed by their boundary conditions into systems of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations, which can be solved by any convenient numerical solver. The theoretical convergence and error estimates are discussed. Finally, we support the presented theoretical study by presenting seven examples to ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of the constructed algorithm. The obtained numerical results are compared with the exact solutions and results from other methods. The method produces highly accurate agreement between the approximate and exact solutions, which are displayed in tables and figures.