bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Umami Taste Signaling from the Taste Bud to Cortex
Authors: Delay Eugene R. , Roper Stephen D.
Published: September 2023

Umami is the meaty or savory taste elicited by monosodium glutamate and other amino acids. The presence of these amino acids in foods and beverages can alter dietary intake and nutritional balance and thus the health of human and nonhuman animals. Umami has been a major culinary influence in Eastern cultures for over a century and has gradually become an important factor in Western diets. Throughout its history, research on umami, especially the unique taste elicited by monosodium glutamate and its synergistic interaction with ribonucleotides such as inosine 5′-monophosphate, has played an important role in discovering peripheral taste receptors, cellular and molecular transduction mechanisms, and the neuroanatomy of the gustatory system. Umami taste has also been a focus of study to identify brain stem and cortical structures involved in sensory processing and generating food-directed behavior. This chapter provides a brief history of umami taste, a description of the molecular receptors and cellular transduction mechanisms for umami taste stimuli in chemosensory cells in the oral cavity and gut, and an overview of the brain systems involved in umami taste perception. An understanding of these aspects of umami taste is of fundamental importance for basic science and for healthcare professions working with patient populations with dietary challenges.
Umami Taste: Inborn and Experiential Effects on Taste Acceptance and Satiation During Infancy
Authors: Gabriel Ana San , Mennella Julie A.
Published: September 2023

From an early age, humans can detect the umami taste sensation of the free amino acid glutamate, as evidenced by the facial expressions of pleasure displayed by newborns. This chapter briefly reviews the biology of umami flavor and summarizes the earliest routes of exposure to free amino acids in amniotic fluid, human milk, and infant formula, highlighting how exposure to free glutamate, and umami tastes, varies from gestation to postnatal feedings and from infant to infant. It then summarizes scientific evidence revealing that during infancy, the amount of free glutamate ingested impacts satiation and growth during milk feedings, as well as the development of preferences for similarly flavored foods. The study of umami as a basic taste during infancy and childhood has been neglected compared to other basic tastes, and gaps in knowledge are highlighted.
Agency and Policy: Who Controls the Linguistic Landscape of a School?
Authors: Troyer Robert A.
Published: September 2023

Agency has been an ongoing topic of concern in Linguistic Landscape (LL) studies since the field’s emergence while more recently notions of top-down vs. bottom-up power have been questioned in favor of more nuanced appreciations of the multiple factors that influence a local LL actor’s selection and emplacement of public language. Agency in public schools in the United States exists at the nexus of policy (determined at national, state, and local district levels) and the many decisions made by administrators at individual schools while teachers and support staff, students, and other stakeholders act according to and sometimes against explicit and implied policies. Previous studies of the LL of schools (schoolscapes) have demonstrated the role that public displays of language play in constructing identities, agency, diversity, and ideologies that affect multilingualism and literacy practices. This chapter reports findings of a mixed-methods study of all three elementary schools and the two secondary schools in a mid-sized public school district in Oregon. The combination of photographs, video-recorded walking tours led by schoolscape actors, and interviews with teachers and administrators documents the district’s schoolscapes and provides insight regarding their composition. This data leads to a classification of the functions of schoolscape signage and comparisons across the three elementary schools and across educational levels in terms of languages present, attitudes, policies, and agency. A Nexus Analysis focuses on the ideological positioning of Spanish relative to English and the construction of collective identities primarily as they affect English Language Learners and Spanish heritage speakers in the district.
N-Level Hierarchy-Based Optimal Control to Develop Therapeutic Strategies for Ecological Evolutionary Dynamics Systems
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

This chapter mainly proposes an evolutionary algorithm and its first application to develop therapeutic strategies for Ecological Evolutionary Dynamics Systems (EEDS), obtaining the balance between tumor cells and immune cells by rationally arranging chemotherapeutic drugs and immune drugs. Firstly, an EEDS nonlinear kinetic model is constructed to describe the relationship between tumor cells, immune cells, dose, and drug concentration. Secondly, the N-Level Hierarchy Optimization (NLHO) algorithm is designed and compared with 5 algorithms on 20 benchmark functions, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of NLHO. Finally, we apply NLHO into EEDS to give a dynamic adaptive optimal control policy, and develop therapeutic strategies to reduce tumor cells, while minimizing the harm of chemotherapy drugs and immune drugs to the human body. The experimental results prove the validity of the research method.
Improved Thermal Sensitivity Using Virtual Monochromatic Imaging Derived from Photon Counting Detector CT Data Sets: Ex Vivo Results of CT-Guided Cryoablation in Porcine Liver
Authors: Decker Josua A. , Risch Franka , Schwarz Florian , Scheurig-Muenkler Christian , Kroencke Thomas J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To investigate differences in thermal sensitivity of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) series generated from photon-counting detector (PCD) CT data sets, regarding their use to improve discrimination of the ablation zone during percutaneous cryoablation.

Materials and Methods

CT-guided cryoablation was performed using an ex vivo model of porcine liver on a PCD-CT system. The ablation zone was imaged continuously for 8 min by acquiring a CT scan every 5 s. Tissue temperature was measured using fiberoptic temperature probes placed parallel to the cryoprobe. CT-values and noise were measured at the tip of the temperature probes on each scan and on VMI series from 40 to 130 keV. Correlation of CT-values and temperature was assessed using linear regression analyses.

Results

For the whole temperature range of [− 40, + 20] °C, we observed a linear correlation between CT-values and temperature in reference 70 keV images (R2 = 0.60, p < 0.001) with a thermal sensitivity of 1.4HU/°C. For the most dynamic range of [− 15, + 20] °C, the sensitivity increased to 2.4HU/°C (R2 = 0.50, p < 0.001). Using VMI reconstructions, the thermal sensitivity increased from 1.4 HU/°C at 70 keV to 1.5, 1.7 and 2.0HU/°C at 60, 50 and 40 keV, respectively (range [− 40, + 20] °C). For [− 15, + 20]°C, the thermal sensitivity increased from 2.4HU/°C at 70 keV to 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7HU/°C at 60, 50 and 40 keV, respectively. Both CT-values and noise also increased with decreasing VMI keV-levels.

Conclusion

During CT-guided cryoablation of porcine liver, low-keV VMI reconstructions derived from PCD-CT data sets exhibit improved thermal sensitivity being highest between + 20 and − 15 °C.

Graphical Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is associated with muscle area asymmetries in the lumbar spine
Authors: Becker Luis , Li Zhao , Wang Zhen , Pumberger Matthias , Schömig Friederike
Published: September 2023

Purpose

While the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unclear, it is assumed that muscular asymmetries contribute to curve progression. As previous studies have found asymmetries of the thoracic paraspinal muscles in AIS patients, our study’s aim was to analyze differences in the erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and psoas muscles of the lumbar spine depending on the curve’s radiographic characteristics.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients who received posterior reposition spondylodesis for AIS treatment at our institution. Patients were classified according to the Lenke classification. Muscle cross-sectional areas were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine. Data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank sum test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc testing, or the Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Seventy-four (14 males and 60 females) AIS patients with a median age of 16 (IQR ± 4) years and a mean Cobb angle of 56.0° (± 18.0°) were included. In curve types Lenke 1 and 2 (n = 45), the erector spinae (p < 0.001) and multifidus (p < 0.001) muscles had a significantly larger cross-sectional area on the convex side, whereas the quadratus lumborum (p = 0.034) and psoas (p < 0.001) muscles each had a significantly larger cross-sectional area on the lumbar contralateral side.

Conclusion

Our results show an asymmetry of the lumbar spine’s muscles which depends on both the convexity and the extent of the scoliotic curve. While our results cannot prove whether these differences are the deformity’s cause or effect, they may contribute to a better understanding of AIS pathogenesis and may allow for more specific preoperative physiotherapy.
Sensors for in situ monitoring of oral and dental health parameters in saliva
Authors: Timpel Julia , Klinghammer Stephanie , Riemenschneider Leif , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Hannig Christian , Sterzenbach Torsten
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The oral cavity is an easily accessible unique environment and open system which is influenced by the oral fluids, microbiota, and nutrition. Little is known about the kinetics and dynamics of metabolic processes at the intraoral surfaces. Real-time monitoring of salivary biomarkers, e.g., glucose, lactate, fluoride, calcium, phosphate, and pH with intraoral sensors is therefore of major interest. The aim of this review is to overview the existing literature for intraoral saliva sensors.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed to review the most relevant studies on intraoral saliva sensor technology.

Results

There is limited literature about the in situ saliva monitoring of salivary biomarkers. Bioadhesion and biofouling processes at the intraoral surfaces limit the performances of the sensors. Real-time, long-term, and continuous intraoral measurement of salivary metabolites remains challenging and needs further investigation as only few well-functioning sensors have been developed until today. Until now, there is no sensor that measures reliably beyond hours for any analyte other than glucose.

Conclusions

Saliva’s complex and dynamic structure as well as bioadhesion are key challenges and should be addressed in the future developments. Consequently, more studies that focus particularly on biofouling processes and interferential effects of the salivary matrix components on sensor surfaces are required.

Clinical relevance

By monitoring fluids in the oral cavity, as the entrance to the digestive system, extensive information can be obtained regarding the effects of foods and preventive agents on the oral microbiota and the tooth surfaces. This may lead to a better understanding of strategies to modulate oral and general health.
Comparing two relaxation procedures to ease fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garis Guadalupe , Dettmers Christian , Hildebrandt Andrea , Duning Thomas , Hildebrandt Helmut
Published: September 2023

Background

Various relaxation procedures have been proposed to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unknown, which type of relaxation has the largest effect on fatigue reduction and on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity.

Objective

We aimed to compare two biofeedback-supported relaxation exercises: a deep breathing (DB) exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), which may ameliorate MS fatigue and alter ANS activity.

Methods

We performed a single-blind randomized clinical trial, introducing MS patients (n = 34) to the DB or PMR exercise. We first tested cardiovagal integrity, reflected by changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in response to DB. Participants then performed a fatigue-inducing vigilance task, followed by the DB or PMR. State fatigue was recorded consecutively at baseline, after the vigilance task, and after the relaxation exercise, along with HRV reflecting ANS activity.

Results

Only patients assigned to the PMR group experienced a significant drop in fatigue, whereas both relaxation exercises changed ANS activity. MS patients showed the expected autonomic response during the cardiovagal reflex test. The vigilance task elevated short-term feelings of fatigue and significantly reduced HRV parameters of parasympathetic activity. Trait fatigue was negatively correlated with HRV during the second half of the vigilance task.

Conclusion

PMR alleviates short-term feelings of fatigue in persons with MS. The vigilance task in combination with HRV measurements may be helpful for evaluating relaxation procedures as a treatment of fatigue. Hereby, future studies should ensure longer and more frequent relaxation exercises and focus on patients with weak to moderate fatigue.

Trial registration

Trial Registry: DRKS00024358.
Local projection stabilized finite element methods for advection–reaction problems
Authors: Garg Deepika , Ganesan Sashikumaar
Published: September 2023

An a priori analysis for generalized local projection stabilized finite element approximations for the solution of an advection–reaction equation is presented in this article. The stability and a priori error estimates are derived for the conforming, and nonconforming (Crouzeix–Raviart) approximations in the local projection streamline derivative norm. Finally, the validation of the proposed stabilization scheme and verification of the derived estimates are presented with appropriate numerical experiments.
On thresholds for controlling negative particle (PM2.5) readings in air quality reporting
Authors: Jiang Ningbo , Akter Rinat , Ross Glenn , White Stephen , Kirkwood John , Gunashanhar Gunaratnam , Thompson Scott , Riley Matthew , Azzi Merched
Published: September 2023

Ambient PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter) is monitored in many countries including Australia. Occasionally PM2.5 instruments may report negative measurements, although in realty the ambient air can never contain negative amounts of particles. Some negative readings are caused by instrument faults or procedural errors, thus can be simply invalidated from air quality reporting. There are occasions, however, when negative readings occur due to other factors including technological or procedural limitations. Treatment of such negative data requires consideration of factors such as measurement uncertainty, instrument noise and risk for significant bias in air quality reporting. There is very limited documentation on handling negative PM2.5 data in the literature. This paper demonstrates how a threshold is determined for controlling negative hourly PM2.5 readings in the New South Wales (NSW) air quality data system. The investigation involved a review of thresholds used in different data systems and an assessment of instrument measurement uncertainties, zero air test data and impacts on key reporting statistics when applying different thresholds to historical datasets. The results show that a threshold of −10.0 μg/m3 appears optimal for controlling negative PM2.5 data in public reporting. This choice is consistent with the measurement uncertainty estimates and the zero air test data statistics calculated for the NSW Air Quality Monitoring Network, and is expected not to have significant impacts on key compliance reporting statistics such as data availability and annual average pollution levels. The analysis can be useful for air quality monitoring in other Australian jurisdictions or wider context.
Needs Analysis About Intercultural Communicative Competence Among Undergraduate Tourism Students
Authors: Trang Tran Thi Thu , Phuong Vo Tu
Published: September 2023

With both the quantitative and qualitative data from 628 responses to a set of questionnaire collected from the undergraduates of three educational institutions in central Vietnam, this study analyzed learners’ needs of intercultural communication competence (ICC) related to their studying of English for tourism purposes and future occupations. The methodology used for data analysis including semi-structured interviews, and the questionnaire. The findings showed that the students preferred intercultural language learning activities referring to authentic materials and real-life experience. The results also revealed the participants’ great needs of various ICC attitudes and regular tasks in tourism workplaces. Particularly, they had positive attitudes in intercultural communication, and higher needs of tasks for improving discourse and behavioural competences more than other ICC dimensions. The study has implications for tourism learners, educators and related stakeholders to raise their awareness in learning, teaching and developing this long-lasting competence.
From boots to suits: do military directors protect shareholders’ wealth?
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar , Haniffa Roszaini , Hudaib Mohammad
Published: September 2023

This paper explores the influence of military directors in protecting shareholders’ wealth through CEO compensation and corporate dividend payout policies. Based on manually collected data on corporate boards of non-financial companies operating in Pakistan, the results indicate a significant negative association between the presence of military directors on corporate boards and CEO compensation, thus supporting the notion that such directors are effective in monitoring and curtailing excessive rent seeking behaviour by the agents. In other words, presence of military directors on Pakistani corporate boards reduces agency costs and in turn enhances shareholders’ wealth. Results also indicate significant positive relationship between presence of military directors on boards and dividend payout, hence signifying that such directors are effective in enhancing shareholders’ wealth by reducing free cash flow opportunities that would otherwise be deployed by agents for their private benefits. We further found military directors with business education and wider networks to have significant positive association with dividend payout but not the case with CEO compensation. We control for board attributes, agent heterogeneity and firm-specific attributes in all our models. Overall, the benefits of military directors’ inclusion on corporate boards in Pakistan have far broader strategic, economic and policy implications on the nation besides resolving the principal-agent problems in the boardroom.
Definite descriptions and hybrid tense logic
Authors: Indrzejczak Andrzej , Zawidzki Michał
Published: September 2023

We provide a version of first-order hybrid tense logic with predicate abstracts and definite descriptions as the only non-rigid terms. It is formalised by means of a tableau calculus working on sat-formulas. A particular theory of DD exploited here is essentially based on the approach of Russell, but with descriptions treated as genuine terms. However, the reductionist aspect of the Russellian approach is retained in several ways. Moreover, a special form of tense definite descriptions is formally developed. A constructive proof of the interpolation theorem for this calculus is given, which is an extension of the result provided by Blackburn and Marx.
Dorsal and ventral fronto-amygdala networks underlie risky decision-making in age-related cognitive decline
Authors: Ren Ping , Ma Manxiu , Zhuang Yuchuan , Huang Jiayin , Tan Meiling , Wu Donghui , Luo Guozhi
Published: September 2023

Older adults often have difficulty in making decisions under uncertainty, increasing the risk of financial exploitation. However, it is still under investigation about the extent to which cognitive decline influences risky decision-making and the underlying neural correlates. We hypothesized that the individual differences of risk-taking behavior depend on cognitive integrity, in which the dorsal and ventral fronto-amygdala connectivity would play dissociable roles. In the current study, thirty-six young and 51 older adults were tested with the Iowa gambling task combing resting-state and task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed significant changes in behaviors and the fronto-amygdala network in older adults relative to young adults. More importantly, age-effect on risk-taking behaviors was remarkably different in cognitively normal and impaired older adults. In resting-state analysis, task performance was positively correlated with the ventral fronto-amygdala connectivity and negatively correlated with the dorsal fronto-amygdala connectivity in cognitively impaired older adults, compared with cognitively normal individuals. Furthermore, task-related analysis confirmed the relationships between dorsal/ventral fronto-amygdala network and risk-taking behaviors depending on cognitive integrity. These findings indicate that the fronto-amygdala network is crucial for understanding altered risky decision-making in aging, suggesting dissociable contributions of the dorsal and ventral pathways in the context of cognitive decline.
Evolution of Marijuana Research at the Biopsychosocial Level: a General View
Authors: Sixto-Costoya Andrea , García-Zorita Carlos , Valderrama-Zurián Juan Carlos , Sanz-Casado Elías , Serrano-López Antonio Eleazar
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there have been important changes related to marijuana use at the therapeutic, legislative, and social levels. Our goal is to know how they have influenced scientific research through the articles published in the Health Sciences journals in the last two decades (2001–2020). Marijuana articles included in the Web of Science Core Collection were retrieved, including their PubMed identifier (PMID) which was used to check whether these articles were also indexed in PubMed, obtaining a total of 36,982 documents. After, their descriptive terms (MeSH) on the specific branches of Chemicals and Drugs, Psychiatry and Psychology, and Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena were extracted to (1) conduct a correspondence analysis between terms and years to know the temporary evolution and (2) study the frequency per years of the terms “marijuana abuse,” “marijuana use,” and “medical marijuana.” The temporary analysis of the three branches showed a change in the use of terms from those more punitive to others more generic, more related to therapeutic issues, or more normalizing. The analysis of frequency showed that the most recent terms “marijuana use” and “medical marijuana” have gained weight on “marijuana abuse.” Starting with research on the negative consequences and ending with elements related to legislation and the therapeutic possibilities of marijuana shows a trend that has not been observed for any other drug. It would be advisable for scientific research and policy actions to take this into account in the development of prevention programs.
Definitive chemoradiation in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: outcome and toxicity from an observational multicenter Italian study on vulvar cancer (OLDLADY 1.1)
Authors: Macchia Gabriella , Lancellotta Valentina , Ferioli Martina , Casà Calogero , Pezzulla Donato , Pappalardi Brigida , Laliscia Concetta , Ippolito Edy , Di Muzio Jacopo , Huscher Alessandra , Tortoreto Francesca , Boccardi Mariangela , Lazzari Roberta , Perrone Anna Myriam , Raspagliesi Francesco , Gadducci Angiolo , Garganese Giorgia , Fragomeni Simona Maria , Ferrandina Gabriella , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Tagliaferri Luca
Published: September 2023

Background

Vulvar carcinoma is a rather uncommon gynecological malignancy affecting elderly women and the treatment of loco-regional advanced carcinoma of the vulva (LAVC) is a challenge for both gynecologic and radiation oncologists. Definitive chemoradiation (CRT) is the treatment of choice, but with disappointing results. In this multicenter study (OLDLADY-1.1), several institutions have combined their retrospective data on LAVC patients to produce a real-world dataset aimed at collecting data on efficacy and safety of CRT.

Methods

The primary study end-point was 2-year-local control (LC), secondary end-points were 2-year-metastasis free-survival (MFS), 2-year-overall survival (OS) and the rate and severity of acute and late toxicities. Participating centers were required to fill data sets including age, stage, histology, grading as well as technical/dosimetric details of CRT. Data about response, local and regional recurrence, acute and late toxicities, follow-up and outcome measures were also collected. The toxicity was a posteriori documented through the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5 scale.

Results

Retrospective analysis was performed on 65 patients with primary or recurrent LAVC treated at five different radiation oncology institutions covering 11-year time interval (February 2010–November 2021). Median age at diagnosis was 72 years (range 32–89). With a median follow-up of 19 months (range 1–114 months), 2-year actuarial LC, MFS and OS rate were 43.2%, 84.9% and 59.7%, respectively. In 29 patients (44%), CRT was temporarily stopped (median 5 days, range 1–53 days) due to toxicity. The treatment interruption was statistically significant at univariate analysis of factors predicting LC (p: 0.05) and OS rate (p: 0.011), and it was confirmed at the multivariate analysis for LC rate (p: 0.032). In terms of toxicity profile, no G4 event was recorded. Most adverse events were reported as grade 1 or 2. Only 14 acute G3 toxicities, all cutaneous, and 7 late G3 events (3 genitourinary, 3 cutaneous, and 1 vaginal stenosis) were recorded.

Conclusion

In the context of CRT for LAVC, the present study reports encouraging results even if there is clearly room for further improvements, in terms of both treatment outcomes, toxicity and treatment interruption management.
Excitable FitzHugh-Nagumo model with cross-diffusion: long-range activation instabilities
Authors: Gambino G. , Lombardo M. C. , Rizzo R. , Sammartino M.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we shall study a spatially extended version of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model, where one describes the motion of the species through cross-diffusion. The motivation comes from modeling biological species where reciprocal interaction influences spatial movement. We shall focus our analysis on the excitable regime of the system. In this case, we shall see how cross-diffusion terms can destabilize uniform equilibrium, allowing for the formation of close-to-equilibrium patterns; the species are out-of-phase spatially distributed, namely high concentration areas of one species correspond to a low density of the other (cross-Turing patterns). Moreover, depending on the magnitude of the inhibitor’s cross-diffusion, the pattern’s development can proceed in either case of the inhibitor/activator diffusivity ratio being higher or smaller than unity. This allows for spatial segregation of the species in both cases of short-range activation/long-range inhibition or long-range activation/short-range inhibition.
The Role of Multi-Sensor Measurement in the Assessment of Movement Quality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Swain T. Alexander , McNarry Melitta A. , Runacres Adam W. H. , Mackintosh Kelly A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Movement quality is typically assessed by drawing comparisons against predetermined movement standards. Movements are often discretely scored or labelled against pre-set criteria, though movement quality can also be evaluated using motion-related measurements (e.g., spatio-temporal parameters and kinematic variables). Wearable technology has the potential to measure and assess movement quality and offer valuable, practical feedback.

Objectives

A systematic approach was taken to examine the benefits associated with multi-sensor and multiple wearable-device usage, compared with unimodal applications, when assessing movement quality. Consequently, this review considers the additional variables and features that could be obtained through multi-sensor devices for use in movement analyses. Processing methods and applications of the various configurations were also explored.

Methods

Articles were included within this review if they were written in English, specifically studied the use of wearable sensors to assess movement quality, and were published between January 2010 and December 2022. Of the 62,635 articles initially identified, 27 papers were included in this review. The quality of included studies was determined using a modified Downs and Black checklist, with 24/27 high quality.

Results

Fifteen of the 27 included studies used a classification approach, 11 used a measurement approach, and one used both methods. Accelerometers featured in all 27 studies, in isolation (n = 5), with a gyroscope (n = 9), or with both a gyroscope and a magnetometer (n = 13). Sampling frequencies across all studies ranged from 50 to 200 Hz. The most common classification methods were traditional feature-based classifiers (n = 5) and support vector machines (SVM; n = 5). Sensor fusion featured in six of the 16 classification studies and nine of the 12 measurement studies, with the Madgwick algorithm most prevalent (n = 7).

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the differences between the applications and processing methods associated with the use of unimodal and multi-sensor wearable devices when assessing movement quality. Further, the use of multiple devices appears to increase the feasibility of effectively assessing holistic movements, while multi-sensor devices offer the ability to obtain more output metrics.
Experimental study on the interrelation of multiple mechanical parameters in overburden rock caving process during coal mining in longwall panel
Authors: Deng Daixin , Wang Hongwei , Xie Lili , Wang Zeliang , Song Jiaqi
Published: September 2023

In order to comprehend the dynamic disaster mechanism induced by overburden rock caving during the advancement of a coal mining face, a physical simulation model is constructed basing on the geological condition of the 21221 mining face at Qianqiu coal mine in Henan Province, China. This study established, a comprehensive monitoring system to investigate the interrelations and evolutionary characteristics among multiple mechanical parameters, including mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events during overburden rock caving. It is suggested that, despite the uniformity of the overburden rock caving interval, the main characteristic of overburden rock lies in its uneven caving strength. The mining-induced stress exhibits a reasonable interrelation with the displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events of the rock strata. With the advancement of the coal seam, the mining-induced stress undergoes four successive stages: gentle stability, gradual accumulation, high-level mutation, and a return to stability. The variations in other mechanical parameters does not synchronize with the significant changes in mining-induced stress. Before the collapse of overburden rock occurs, rock strata temperature increment decreases and the acoustic emission ringing counts surges with the increase of rock strata displacement and mining-induced stress. Therefore, the collaborative characteristics of mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission ringing counts can be identified as the precursor information or overburden rock caving. These results are in good consistent with on-site situation in the coal mine.
Integration of ERT and shallow seismic refraction for geotechnical investigation on El-Alamein Hotel Building Area, El-Alamein new city, Egypt
Authors: Qaher Mariam , Eldosouky Ahmed M. , Saada Saada A. , Basheer Alhussein Adham
Published: September 2023

El-Alamein new city is regarded as one of the iconic cities of the Egyptian North Western Coast to be not only residential units but also summer resorts for tourist attractions. This study examines the efficiency of integrating geophysical methods for determining if clay lenses exist or seawater has intruded into shallow strata and for calculating the geotechnical parameters of near-surface layers for construction purposes. Nine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and shallow seismic refraction (SSR) profiles are conducted in this study. From ERT data, we observed the intrusion of seawater in layers at different depths. From SSR data, two layers are observed along profiles, while three layers are observed along the other profiles according to their velocities. Near-surface geotechnical parameters, that were calculated from SSR data, are integrated to evaluate our study area. Accordingly, it was considered a low-competent area and suitable for buildings with low heights, and the only difference is the intrusion of seawater, therefore, it is subdivided into 2 zones. In zone (A), the second layer is used as a foundation layer. Zone (B) is pretentious by the intrusion of seawater, and it is not suggested to construct any buildings or to improve the strength of concrete exposed to seawater in this zone to be suitable also for buildings with a low height.
Initial Examination of DAHLIA: A Fully-automated Internet Intervention for Women Survivors of Sexual Assault
Authors: Goodmann Danielle R. , Brown Lisa M. , Bunge Eduardo L. , Leykin Yan
Published: September 2023

Sexual assault is a common human rights violation that globally affects approximately 1 in 3 women (30%). Making interventions available via the internet can enhance the security, privacy, and accessibility of mental health resources. This pilot study evaluates utilization, perceived helpfulness, and initial efficacy of Digital Aid to Help Life Improve after Assault (DAHLIA), a fully automated internet-based microintervention website developed to help women improve mood and functioning. Sixty-eight individuals consented to take part in this study. Although most participants visited the website only once, the eight DAHLIA microinterventions were used 117 times. Participants rated the microinterventions as moderately useful; depression and anxiety were inversely related to the perception of usefulness (p < .05). Microinterventions that were designed to offer immediate relief improved mood from before to after use more than the microinterventions requiring activities outside of the intervention (p < .05). Both types of microinterventions were similarly effective for reducing distress from before to after using microinterventions. Our initial test of DAHLIA indicated an interest in such interventions along with their potential to improve mental well-being in the moment. This study also suggested areas for improvement and further development.
Geometric characterization of level set families of harmonic functions on Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Lin Cunda
Published: September 2023

In (Bivens in Mathematics Magazine 65: 226–235, 1992), it is shown that the appearance of the curves completely determines whether a family of curves in the Euclidean plane is a family of level curves of some harmonic function free of critical points. In this paper, we extend the result of (Bivens in Mathematics Magazine 65: 226–235, 1992) to higher dimensional Riemannian manifolds and give a geometric characterization of the level set family of the solutions of the differential equation $$\vert {\text {grad}}\;u \vert ^{-1}\varDelta u=\psi$$

|
grad

u
|

-
1

Δ
u
=
ψ

, where $$\psi$$
ψ
is a smooth function on the manifold.
Gaetano Salvemini and foreign policy during the First World War: the collaboration with The New Europe
Authors: Frangioni Andrea
Published: September 2023

In 1958, A.J.P. Taylor's essay The Troublemakers explored the tradition of dissent against power politics in the United Kingdom. Gaetano Salvemini, who had always shown a consistent interest in British political and cultural debates, shared many of the positions put forward by these ‘troublemakers’, such as free trade, the fight against military expenditure, and suspicions regarding standing armies. At the outbreak of the First World War, Salvemini used these arguments to support Italy's involvement in the war against autocratic and militarist central powers. Salvemini's journal L'Unità reported the stances expressed by a ‘troublemaker network’ called the Union of Democratic Control, despite their criticism of the United Kingdom's line of action during the war. In the course of the conflict, Salvemini kept in close contact with a specific group of ‘troublemakers’ around Robert Seton-Watson's journal The New Europe. Salvemini championed The New Europe's fight for subject nationalities in the Habsburg Empire, though he criticised their support of Yugoslavian claims to Istria, Trieste and Venezia Giulia. This essay will focus on the complex relationship between Salvemini and these British ‘troublemakers’ through the former's writings and correspondence.
Using simulation as a platform to prepare for ear, nose and throat emergencies in the coronavirus disease 2019 era and beyond
Authors: Hopkins Michael E , Li Lucy Q , Yeo Justin JY , Hathorn Iain
Published: September 2023

Background

Following limited clinical exposure during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a simulation-based platform aimed at providing a unique and safe learning tool was established. The aim was to improve the skills, knowledge and confidence of new ENT doctors.

Method

The course was developed through 5 iterations over 28 months, moving from a half-day session to 2 full-day courses with more scenarios. Participant, faculty and local simulation team feedback drove course development. High-fidelity scenarios were provided, ranging from epistaxis to stridor, using technology including SimMan3 G mannequin, mask-Ed™ and nasendoscopy simulators.

Results

Participant feedback consistently demonstrated that the knowledge and skills acquired enhanced preparedness for working in ENT, with impact being sustained in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Preparing healthcare professionals adequately is essential to enhancing patient safety. This simulation course has been effective in supporting new doctors in ENT and has subsequently been rolled out at a national level.
Property and international relations: lessons from Locke on anarchy and sovereignty
Authors: Bertoldi Nancy
Published: September 2023

Property has a ubiquitous presence in international practice, but its implications for theorizing world order are not adequately explored. I remedy this by showing how property constitutes the core concepts of anarchy and sovereignty in international relations (IR) as overlapping spaces of right-based governance. I develop my account of a property-based world order in relation to the work of John Locke. Locke is generally overlooked as a core IR thinker, with the unfortunate consequence that anarchy and sovereignty are conceptualized as polar opposites under the enduring shadow of Hobbes. Even prominent critics of Hobbesian anarchy rely on Hobbesian notions of sovereignty, resulting in minimalist conceptions of international society and international ethics. To counter these Hobbesian legacies, I turn to Locke's limited, plural, and fluid accounts of anarchy and sovereignty and show how they are grounded in a normative notion of property that mutually constitutes them. This provides an alternative to the Hobbesian absolutist conceptions of anarchy and sovereignty that many IR theorists still operate with. The result is a distinctly normative vision for IR that condemns the twin evils of conquest and tyranny.
Seasonal Peak Snow Predictability Derived From Early‐Season Snow in North America
Authors: Lundquist Jessica D. , Kim Rhae Sung , Durand Michael , Prugh Laura R.
Published: September 2023

SNOwpack TELemetry observations and model simulations both demonstrate that the fractional contribution of October through December (early season) snowfall to peak snow accumulation in North America increases with latitude due to both colder temperatures and Pacific storm tracks focusing further north earlier in the season. Early season snowfall also makes up greater than 60 percent of peak accumulation in interior low‐precipitation locations leeward of mountains, particularly those that are subject to strong, warm winds and midwinter snow loss. Early season snow observations show promise in predicting peak snow water equivalent in locations where large‐scale ocean‐atmosphere patterns similarly influence fall and winter conditions, and in northern maritime locations where winter temperatures are warm enough that rain on snow and midwinter melt occur. Because climate change is likely to increase the extent of midwinter melt, the latter relationship is expected to become important over more locations in the future.
Variation Trends of Asymmetrical Precipitable Water Vapor Outside the Tropical Cyclone Center Over the WNP and WSP Ocean
Authors: Yu Shiwei , Liu Zhizhao , Yang Yuanjian
Published: September 2023

Precipitable water vapor (PWV) is one of the crucial driving forces for tropical cyclone (TC) genesis. Under the impact of global warming, TCs have changed their way to concentrate PWV from the ambient atmosphere. This study starts with the asymmetric characteristics of PWV in the TC's north and south sides using altimetry‐satellite‐based PWV profiles paired with 367 TCs over the western Pacific Ocean between 2008 and 2020. The results suggest that the TC‐concentrated PWV has a north‐leaning and south‐leaning property over the western North Pacific (WNP) and western South Pacific (WSP), respectively. Moreover, it is observed that the radius of TC‐concentrated PWV has broadened by 5.44% (5.83%) over the WNP (WSP) from 2008 to 2020. In contrast, the PWV gradient has decreased by 23.5% (17.5%) over the WNP (WSP). Our findings highlight that the TC‐concentrated PWV can be used as an important indicator of TC responses to global warming.
Numerical Simulation of Seismicity Induced by Gas Production—Implications for the Seismic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Baisch S. , Seidemann M. , Vörös R. , Bartels T.
Published: September 2023

Numerical models reproducing the seismic evolution in gas fields can be utilized to study the characteristics of compaction‐induced seismicity during production and thus derive valuable information for the assessment of the seismic hazard. Here, we present a numerical approach for a Rotliegend gas field in Northern Germany (“reference field”), consisting of the simulation of poro‐elastic stresses within a 3D finite element model. Fault stability is controlled by Coulomb friction, whereas the post‐failure process is implemented using a slider‐block model. The model successfully computes seismic sequences, which reproduce the main characteristics of the observed seismicity in the reference field: the location, the temporal seismic evolution, including the retarded onset several years after the beginning of production, the high prevalence of moderate magnitudes, the observed maximum magnitude and cumulative seismic moment release. The numerical simulations reveal that seismicity‐driving stresses are restricted to the vicinity of fault intersections with the top and bottom of the reservoir, respectively. Slip frequently extends beyond the vertical boundaries of the reservoir, although the failure process is generally self‐arrested outside the reservoir boundaries. The magnitude frequency distribution of observed and simulated earthquakes deviates from the log‐linear behavior frequently assumed in seismic hazard assessments. Instead, the earthquake activity is consistent with a “characteristic earthquake” model, where a fault repeatedly hosts earthquakes with a specific maximum magnitude. Our analysis indicates that production‐induced seismicity is primarily controlled by poro‐elastic stress changes rather than by unknown details of subsurface conditions. This allows for a prognosis of future seismicity and associated hazard.
Kaolinite Deposition Dynamics and Streambed Clogging During Bedform Migration Under Losing and Gaining Flow Conditions
Authors: Shimony T. , Teitelbaum Y. , Cifuentes E. Saavedra , Dallmann J. , Phillips C. B. , Packman A. I. , Arnon S.
Published: September 2023

Clogging of streambeds due to clay deposition influences the stream‐subsurface exchange flux and thus directly modulates hyporheic ecological and biogeochemical processes. Clogging of sandy streambeds has previously been studied under losing and gaining flows and during streambed movement, but not when these two flow conditions coincided. We conducted flume experiments to quantify the combined effect of moving bedforms and losing or gaining flows on kaolinite deposition and streambed clogging. The experiments were conducted by adding pulses of kaolinite in a flume packed with sand under a stream water velocity of 25 cm/s. We measured the deposition rates, dynamics of hyporheic exchange flux (HEF) and vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv), and the vertical distribution of kaolinite at the end of the experiments under two losing and two gaining flows (Darcy velocity of 10 and 20 cm/day). Kaolinite deposition led to clogging and reduction in Kv and HEF under all flow conditions. Deposition occurred faster under losing flow conditions than under gaining flow conditions. However, the changes in Kv and HEF were similar under losing and gaining flow conditions for similar kaolinite concentrations in the bed. Our results indicate that the deposition patterns of kaolinite were more influenced by bedform movement than by losing or gaining flow conditions, which is markedly different from the behavior observed under losing and gaining conditions for stationary bedforms. This implies that bedform morphodynamics control local‐scale clogging of sandy streambeds and should be accounted for when studying the hydrology of catchments at larger scales.
High Arctic channel incision modulated by climate change and the emergence of polygonal ground
Authors: Chartrand Shawn M. , Jellinek A. Mark , Kukko Antero , Galofre Anna Grau , Osinski Gordon R. , Hibbard Shannon
Published: September 2023

Stream networks in Arctic and high-elevation regions underlain by frozen ground (i.e., permafrost) are expanding and developing in response to accelerating global warming, and intensifying summertime climate variability. The underlying processes governing landscape dissection in these environments are varied, complex and challenging to unravel due to air-temperature-regulated feedbacks and shifts to new erosional regimes as climate change progresses. Here we use multiple sources of environmental information and physical models to reconstruct and understand a 60-year history of landscape-scale channelization and evolution of the Muskox Valley, Axel Heiberg Island. A time series of air photographs indicates that freeze-thaw-related polygon fields can form rapidly, over decadal time scales. Supporting numerical simulations show that the presence of polygons can control how surface runoff is routed through the landscape, exerting a basic control on channelization, which is sensitive to the timing, duration and magnitude of hydrograph events, as well as seasonal air temperature trends. These results collectively highlight that the occurrence and dynamics of polygon fields modulate channel network establishment in permafrost-rich settings undergoing changes related to a warming climate.