bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An algorithm to factorize quantum walks into shift and coin operations
Authors: Cedzich C. , Geib T. , Werner R. F.
Published: August 2022

We provide an algorithm that factorizes one-dimensional quantum walks on an arbitrary but fixed cell structure into a protocol of two basic operations: a fixed conditional shift that transports particles between cells and suitable coin operators that act locally in each cell. This allows to tailor quantum walk protocols to any experimental set-up by rephrasing it on the cell structure determined by the experimental limitations. We give the example of a walk defined on a qutrit chain compiled to run on a qubit chain.
Is it the size, the movement, or both? Investigating effects of screen size and text movement on processing, understanding, and motivation when students read informational text
Authors: Haverkamp Ymkje E. , Bråten Ivar , Latini Natalia , Salmerón Ladislao
Published: August 2022

This study focused on the potential effects of screen size (smartphone vs. tablet) and text movement (scrolling vs. paging) on integrated understanding of text information, strategic backtracking, and intrinsic reading motivation when Norwegian university students read an informational text on either a smartphone or a tablet by either scrolling or paging. We expected that paging would lead to better integrated understanding of the text and more strategic backtracking than scrolling. Also, we explored whether scrolling would lower the intrinsic motivation for performing the reading task, and whether there were interactional effects of screen size with text movement on integrated understanding, strategic backtracking, and intrinsic motivation. Results indicated that students tended to obtain better integrated understanding when paging than when scrolling, and that those who paged through the text displayed more strategic backtracking than those who scrolled. Further, scrolling on a tablet led to a more positive reading experience than paging on a tablet or scrolling on a smartphone. In addressing two basic aspects of the reading context and the reading activity when students read digital text for understanding, this study provides new insights into the complex digital reading puzzle that may have both theoretical and practical implications.
Determinants of health insurance enrollment and health expenditure in Ghana: an empirical analysis
Authors: Adjei-Mantey Kwame , Horioka Charles Yuji
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the determinants of health insurance enrollment and health expenditure in Ghana using micro data from wave 7 of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) with emphasis on the role of risk preferences and the availability of health facilities in one’s own community. It is possible to analyze the determinants of health insurance enrollment in Ghana because its public health insurance system (the National Health Insurance Scheme or NHIS) is, in theory, mandatory, but is, in actual practice, voluntary, with only about 40% of the population enrolled in the scheme. Our empirical findings show that risk preferences have a significant impact on health insurance enrollment, with risk averse individuals being significantly more likely than other households to enroll in health insurance. Moreover, our findings also show that very poor households are significantly more likely to enroll in health insurance than other households, perhaps because they are exempt from paying premiums for health insurance. Finally, our findings also show that the availability of health facilities in one’s own community significantly decreases expenditures on health care.
Counting to infinity, successive addition, and the length of the past
Authors: Zarepour Mohammad Saleh
Published: August 2022

The Successive Addition Argument (SAA) is one of the arguments proposed by the defenders of the Kalām Cosmological Argument to support the claim that the universe has a beginning. The main premise of SAA states that a collection formed by successive addition cannot be an actual infinite. This premise is challenged by an argument originally proposed by Fred Dretske. According to Dretske’s Argument (DA), the scenario of a counter who starts counting numbers and never stops can provide a counterexample to the main premise of SAA. I argue that neither DA nor its past-oriented counterpart—which discusses the scenario of a counter who has always been counting negative integers from the infinite past—can play a decisive role in our evaluation of the strength of the arguments that are intended to establish the finitude of the past based on the impossibility of an actually infinite number of successive additions.
Expert Signs and Legal Burdens
Authors: Tuzet Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Expert signs and expert evidence generate a justification problem in legal factfinding: factfinders cannot form a justified belief about the relevant matter, nor justify the acceptance of an expert testimony, insofar as they do not understand it. The different profiles of factfinders in different legal systems (with jury trial or not) do not make a substantial difference for the point addressed, namely the epistemic or doxastic impasse generated by the inability to understand expert signs, for this occurs everywhere. However, legal systems have a way out of the impasse: burdens of proof. Burden rules govern the outcome of a case. If a burden is not discharged, decision must be against the burdened party. After discussing various aspects of the “Daubert trilogy” and performing a semiotic analysis of one case in particular (Kumho), the paper explores the impact that legal burdens have on expert evidence issues.
Power Analysis for the Wald, LR, Score, and Gradient Tests in a Marginal Maximum Likelihood Framework: Applications in IRT
Authors: Zimmer Felix , Draxler Clemens , Debelak Rudolf
Published: August 2022

The Wald, likelihood ratio, score, and the recently proposed gradient statistics can be used to assess a broad range of hypotheses in item response theory models, for instance, to check the overall model fit or to detect differential item functioning. We introduce new methods for power analysis and sample size planning that can be applied when marginal maximum likelihood estimation is used. This allows the application to a variety of IRT models, which are commonly used in practice, e.g., in large-scale educational assessments. An analytical method utilizes the asymptotic distributions of the statistics under alternative hypotheses. We also provide a sampling-based approach for applications where the analytical approach is computationally infeasible. This can be the case with 20 or more items, since the computational load increases exponentially with the number of items. We performed extensive simulation studies in three practically relevant settings, i.e., testing a Rasch model against a 2PL model, testing for differential item functioning, and testing a partial credit model against a generalized partial credit model. The observed distributions of the test statistics and the power of the tests agreed well with the predictions by the proposed methods in sufficiently large samples. We provide an openly accessible R package that implements the methods for user-supplied hypotheses.
A Nanomechanical Testing Framework Yielding Front&Rear-Sided, High-Resolution, Microstructure-Correlated SEM-DIC Strain Fields
Authors: Vermeij T. , Verstijnen J.A.C. , Ramirez y Cantador T.J.J. , Blaysat B. , Neggers J. , Hoefnagels J.P.M.
Published: August 2022

Background

The continuous development of new multiphase alloys with improved mechanical properties requires quantitative microstructure-resolved observation of the nanoscale deformation mechanisms at, e.g., multiphase interfaces. This calls for a combinatory approach beyond advanced testing methods such as microscale strain mapping on bulk material and micrometer sized deformation tests of single grains.

Objective

We propose a nanomechanical testing framework that has been carefully designed to integrate several state-of-the-art testing and characterization methods.

Methods

(i) Well-defined nano-tensile testing of carefully selected and isolated multiphase specimens, (ii) front&rear-sided SEM-EBSD microstructural characterization combined with front&rear-sided in-situ SEM-DIC testing at very high resolution enabled by a recently developed InSn nano-DIC speckle pattern, (iii) optimized DIC strain mapping aided by application of SEM scanning artefact correction and DIC deconvolution for improved spatial resolution, (iv) a novel microstructure-to-strain alignment framework to deliver front&rear-sided, nanoscale, microstructure-resolved strain fields, and (v) direct comparison of microstructure, strain and SEM-BSE damage maps in the deformed configuration.

Results

Demonstration on a micrometer-sized dual-phase steel specimen, containing an incompatible ferrite-martensite interface, shows how the nanoscale deformation mechanisms can be unraveled. Discrete lath-boundary-aligned martensite strain localizations transit over the interface into diffuse ferrite plasticity, revealed by the nanoscale front&rear-sided microstructure-to-strain alignment and optimization of DIC correlations.

Conclusions

The proposed testing and alignment framework yields front&rear-sided aligned microstructure and strain fields providing 3D interpretation of the deformations and opening new opportunities for unprecedented validation of advanced multiphase simulations.
AI-SCoRE (artificial intelligence-SARS CoV2 risk evaluation): a fast, objective and fully automated platform to predict the outcome in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Palmisano Anna , Vignale Davide , Boccia Edda , Nonis Alessandro , Gnasso Chiara , Leone Riccardo , Montagna Marco , Nicoletti Valeria , Bianchi Antonello Giuseppe , Brusamolino Stefano , Dorizza Andrea , Moraschini Marco , Veettil Rahul , Cereda Alberto , Toselli Marco , Giannini Francesco , Loffi Marco , Patelli Gianluigi , Monello Alberto , Iannopollo Gianmarco , Ippolito Davide , Mancini Elisabetta Maria , Pontone Gianluca , Vignali Luigi , Scarnecchia Elisa , Iannacone Mario , Baffoni Lucio , Sperandio Massimiliano , de Carlini Caterina Chiara , Sironi Sandro , Rapezzi Claudio , Antiga Luca , Jagher Veronica , Di Serio Clelia , Furlanello Cesare , Tacchetti Carlo , Esposito Antonio
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To develop and validate an effective and user-friendly AI platform based on a few unbiased clinical variables integrated with advanced CT automatic analysis for COVID-19 patients’ risk stratification.

Material and Methods

In total, 1575 consecutive COVID-19 adults admitted to 16 hospitals during wave 1 (February 16-April 29, 2020), submitted to chest CT within 72 h from admission, were retrospectively enrolled.

In total, 107 variables were initially collected; 64 extracted from CT. The outcome was survival.

A rigorous AI model selection framework was adopted for models selection and automatic CT data extraction. Model performances were compared in terms of AUC. A web–mobile interface was developed using Microsoft PowerApps environment. The platform was externally validated on 213 COVID-19 adults prospectively enrolled during wave 2 (October 14-December 31, 2020).

Results

The final cohort included 1125 patients (292 non-survivors, 26%) and 24 variables. Logistic showed the best performance on the complete set of variables (AUC = 0.839 ± 0.009) as in models including a limited set of 13 and 5 variables (AUC = 0.840 ± 0.0093 and AUC = 0.834 ± 0.007). For non-inferior performance, the 5 variables model (age, sex, saturation, well-aerated lung parenchyma and cardiothoracic vascular calcium) was selected as the final model and the extraction of CT-derived parameters was fully automatized. The fully automatic model showed AUC = 0.842 (95% CI: 0.816–0.867) on wave 1 and was used to build a 0–100 scale risk score (AI-SCoRE). The predictive performance was confirmed on wave 2 (AUC 0.808; 95% CI: 0.7402–0.8766).

Conclusions

AI-SCoRE is an effective and reliable platform for automatic risk stratification of COVID-19 patients based on a few unbiased clinical data and CT automatic analysis.
Feasibility of iodine concentration and extracellular volume fraction measurement derived from the equilibrium phase dual-energy CT for differentiating thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Takumi Koji , Nagano Hiroaki , Myogasako Tsuyoshi , Nakano Tsubasa , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Ueda Kazuhiro , Tabata Kazuhiro , Tanimoto Akihide , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic feasibility of iodine concentration (IC) and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction measurement using the equilibrium phase dual-energy CT (DECT) for the evaluation of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs).

Materials and methods

This study included 33 TETs (11 low-risk thymomas, 11 high-risk thymomas, and 11 thymic carcinomas) that were assessed by pretreatment DECT. IC was measured during the equilibrium phases and ECV fraction was calculated using IC of the thymic lesion and the aorta. IC and ECV fraction were compared among TET subtypes using the Kruskal–Wallis H test and Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of IC and ECV fraction to diagnose thymic carcinoma.

Results

IC during the equilibrium phase and ECV fraction differed among the three TET groups (both p < 0.001). IC during the equilibrium phase and ECV fraction was significantly higher in thymic carcinomas than in thymomas (1.9 mg/mL vs. 1.2 mg/mL, p < 0.001; 38.2% vs. 25.9%, p < 0.001; respectively). The optimal cutoff values of IC during the equilibrium phase and of ECV fraction to diagnose thymic carcinoma were 1.5 mg/mL (AUC, 0.955; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 90.9%) and 26.8% (AUC, 0.888; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 72.7%), respectively.

Conclusion

IC and ECV fraction measurement using DECT are helpful in diagnosing TETs. High IC during the equilibrium phase and high ECV fraction are suggestive of thymic carcinoma.
Rural tourism networking and covid-19 crisis: a gender perspective
Authors: Morales-Hernández Ana M. , Fernández-Hernández Carlos , Díaz-Pérez Flora M. , García-González Carlos G.
Published: August 2022

This paper studies networking in rural tourism from a gender perspective comparing pre and post Covid period. The empirical study consisted of a questionnaire answered by 154 tourism promoters. Results showed a higher percentage of promoters belonging to an association during the Covid-19. There was a link between receiving training and belonging to an association and a significant relationship between participation in associations and receiving public funds, this relationship being found more among male promoters. On the other hand, a higher score was given by women for the advantages of networking, and mainly for the following: ‘Simplifies the management of booking’.
China’s carbon neutrality: an extensive and profound systemic reform
Authors: Lu Xi , Tong Dan , He Kebin
Published: August 2022

China is the largest developing economy and carbon dioxide emitter in the world, the carbon neutrality goal of which will have a profound influence on the mitigation pathway of global climate change. The transition towards a carbon-neutral society is integrated into the construction of ecological civilization in China, and brings profound implications for China’s socioeconomic development. Here, we not only summarize the major challenges in achieving carbon neutrality in China, but also identify the four potential new opportunities: namely, the acceleration of technology innovations, narrowing regional disparity by reshaping the value of resources, transforming the industrial structure, and co-benefits of pollution and carbon mitigation. Finally, we provide five policy suggestions and highlight the importance of balancing economic growth and carbon mitigation, and the joint efforts among the government, the enterprises, and the residents.
Phenotypic plasticity in plasmodial slime molds and molecular phylogeny of terrestrial vs. aquatic species
Authors: Hoppe T. , Kutschera U.
Published: August 2022

Fifty years ago, the enigmatic Brazilian myxomycete-species Didymium aquatile was described and analyzed with respect to the structure of the plasmodium and its spores. In this study, we compare this rare plasmodial slime mold with another, temporarily aquatic taxon from Europe, Didymium nigripes. Phenotypic plasticity of D. nigripes was investigated under various environmental conditions. Large changes in the morphology of the plasmodia were observed. For species identification, characteristics of the fruiting bodies are key features. However, Didymium aquatile was only characterized by its “abnormal” plasmodia, but no molecular data were available. Here, we analyzed DNA-sequences of 22 species of the genera Didymium and Diderma with a focus on this South American taxon via molecular genetics. A comparison of 18S-rDNA-sequences from D. aquatile and 21 other Didymium (and Diderma)-species indicates that D. aquatile is a reproductively isolated morpho-species. Phenotypic plasticity of D. nigripes is documented with respect to plasmodium morphology and the formation of fruiting bodies, as an example of an adaptation of a terrestrial species to aquatic environments.
A New Cover Name for Latin Mercurius in Some Fifteenth-Century English Alchemical Recipes
Authors: Bulotta Donata
Published: August 2022

Anonymous alchemical poetry, which flourished during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in England, consisted of laboratory texts mainly concerning recipes and practical notes about the production of the philosophers’ stone or elixir. These texts, which are not part of the authoritative writings of the famous alchemists of the time, re-purposed the Opus in a prosaic and pragmatic way. They made use of the same mysterious lexicon of the well-known alchemical treatises, but they often revisited and modified it according to their own needs. Very little attention has been given to this body of writing or to the processes of adaptation of the original Latin figurative alchemical vocabulary during vernacular translation. This paper focuses on a particular lexical item related to a transmutative procedure identifiable in a collection of fifteenth-century English recipes for making the elixir. It highlights the strategy an anonymous writer employed to coin a metaphorical formula to describe cryptically the mysterious aqua mercurialis. This formula was handed down in a corpus of manuscripts without being fully understood by copyists and users. In fact, later translators, in rendering it from English into Latin, turned it into an unsuitable expression, which led to the loss of its semantic implications.
Geoheritage Assessment and Potential Geotouristic Enhancement in Mountain Environments: a Test-Site in the Northern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Guerra Veronica , Lazzari Maurizio
Published: August 2022

This work proposes an integrated methodology to inventory and quantitatively assess the geosites located in a mountain context of northern Apennines. The geological and geomorphological heritage and the historical, cultural, and religious heritage produce a complex cultural landscape. Such a context is expressed sometimes through monumental examples and other times through hidden or invisible points of interest. In particular, the test area is located between the Emilia-Romagna and Toscana regions (high valley of Tiber, Senatello and Marecchia rivers), including part of three protected areas. The choice of these test sites has been addressed also considering that meaningful historical sites and cultural testimonies are widely present, in addition to the geological and geomorphological features. Amongst these sites, we have considered the Mt. Faggiola Castle ruins, where Dante was possibly hosted when exiled from Florence, the St. Francesco route from Rimini to La Verna, the Historical Park of the Gothic Line of Badia Tedalda and the background of one of the most iconic Leonardo da Vinci’s portraits, la Gioconda.
Interactions Between Infectious Foodborne Viruses and Bacterial Biofilms Formed on Different Food Contact Surfaces
Authors: Gagné Marie-Josée , Savard Tony , Brassard Julie
Published: August 2022

Bacterial biofilms contribute to contamination, spoilage, persistence, and hygiene failure in the food industry, but relatively little is known about the behavior of foodborne viruses evolving in the complex communities that make up biofilm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between enteric viruses and biofilms on food contact surfaces. Formed biofilms of mono- and multispecies cultures were prepared on glass, stainless steel, and polystyrene coupons and 105 pfu/ml of murine norovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A virus were added and incubated for 15 min, 90 min, and 24 h. The data obtained clearly demonstrate that the presence of biofilms generally influences the adhesion of enteric viruses to different surfaces. Many significant increases in attachment rates were observed, particularly with rotavirus whose rate of viral infectious particles increased 7000 times in the presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens on polystyrene after 24 h of incubation and with hepatitis A virus, which seems to have an affinity for the biofilms formed by lactic acid bacteria. Murine norovirus seems to be the least influenced by the presence of biofilms with few significant increases. However, the different factors surrounding this association are unknown and seem to vary according to the viruses, the environmental conditions, and the composition of the biofilm.
Exploring the transformative potential of design thinking pedagogy in hybrid setting: a case study of field exercise course, Japan
Authors: Taimur Sadaf , Onuki Motoharu , Mursaleen Huma
Published: August 2022

The current research explores the transformative potential of Design Thinking (DT) pedagogy in Higher Sustainability Education (HSE) in a hybrid (mix of online and face-to-face) setting. The case study examined a Field Exercise in Sustainability Science (FESS) course, using DT pedagogy, in a HSE program at a university in Japan. The critical transformative learning experiences (i.e., signs of transformative learning) were captured to investigate whether DT pedagogy has allowed learners to challenge their perspectives and go through the transformative learning experience. The qualitative case study captures the critical transformative learning experiences by collecting students’ perspectives through semi-structured interviews, reflections, and class observations. As a result, the research successfully captured the signs of transformative learning, where each student went through multidimensional and embodied transformative experiences. Furthermore, the results show how DT as a pedagogy can support transformative learning in HSE by encouraging disorienting dilemmas, promoting reflection and discourse, fostering relationships, providing context, and offering an engaging experience. DT as a pedagogy can bring transformative learning into practice in HSE, and it can be implemented effectively using a digital or hybrid learning approach without a need for complex structural changes. The paper can provide concrete lessons for practice and curriculum development to bring transformative learning into digital teaching practice in HSE.
Evaluating different configurations of machine learning models and their transfer learning capabilities for stress detection using heart rate
Authors: Albaladejo-González Mariano , Ruipérez-Valiente José A. , Gómez Mármol Félix
Published: August 2022

In the twentyfirst-century society, several soft skills are fundamental, such as stress management, which is considered one of the key ones due to its strong relationship with health and well-being. However, this skill is hard to measure and master without external support. This paper tackles stress detection through artificial intelligence (AI) models and heart rate, analyzing in WESAD and SWELL-KW datasets five supervised models and five unsupervised anomaly detection models that had not been tested before for stress detection. Also, we analyzed the transfer learning capabilities of the AI models since it is an open issue in the stress detection field. The models with the highest performance on test data were the anomaly detection Local Outlier Factor (LOF) with F1-scores of 88.89% in WESAD and 77.17% in SWELL-KW, and the supervised Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) with F1-scores of 99.03% in WESAD and 82.75% in SWELL-KW. However, when evaluating the transfer learning capabilities of these AI models, MLP performed much worse on the other dataset, decreasing the F1-score to 28.41% in SWELL-KW and 57.28% in WESAD. In contrast, LOF reported better transfer learning performance achieving F1-scores of 70.66% in SWELL-KW and 85.00% in WESAD. Finally, we found that training AI models with both datasets (i.e., with data from different contexts) improved the average performance of the models and their generalization; with this setup, LOF achieved F1-scores of 87.92% and 85.51% in WESAD, and 78.03% and 82.16% in SWELL-KW; whereas MLP obtained 78.36% and 81.33% in WESAD, and 79.37% and 80.68% in SWELL-KW. Therefore, we suggest as a promising direction the use of anomaly detection models or multi-contextual training to improve the transfer learning capabilities in this field, which is a novelty in the literature. We believe that these AI models combined with the use of non-invasive wearables can enable a new generation of stress management mobile applications.
Kirby diagrams and 5-colored graphs representing compact 4-manifolds
Authors: Casali Maria Rita , Cristofori Paola
Published: August 2022

It is well-known that in dimension 4 any framed link (L, c) uniquely represents the PL 4-manifold $$M^4(L,c)$$

M
4

(
L
,
c
)

obtained from $${\mathbb {D}}^4$$

D

4

by adding 2-handles along (L, c). Moreover, if trivial dotted components are also allowed (i.e. in case of a Kirby diagram$$(L^{(*)},d)$$

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

), the associated PL 4-manifold $$M^4(L^{(*)},d)$$

M
4

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

is obtained from $${\mathbb {D}}^4$$

D

4

by adding 1-handles along the dotted components and 2-handles along the framed components. In this paper we study the relationships between framed links and/or Kirby diagrams and the representation theory of compact PL manifolds by edge-colored graphs: in particular, we describe how to construct algorithmically a (regular) 5-colored graph representing $$M^4(L^{(*)},d)$$

M
4

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

, directly “drawn over” a planar diagram of $$(L^{(*)},d)$$

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

, or equivalently how to algorithmically obtain a triangulation of $$M^4(L^{(*)},d)$$

M
4

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

. As a consequence, the procedure yields triangulations for any closed (simply-connected) PL 4-manifold admitting handle decompositions without 3-handles. Furthermore, upper bounds for both the invariants gem-complexity and regular genus of $$M^4(L^{(*)},d)$$

M
4

(

L

(

∗
)

,
d
)

are obtained, in terms of the combinatorial properties of the Kirby diagram.
Revisiting the Argument for Non-Conceptual Self-Consciousness Based on the Meaning of “I”
Authors: Niemeck Maik
Published: August 2022

A widely shared view in the literature on first-person thought is that the ability to entertain first-person thoughts requires prior non-conceptual forms of self-consciousness. Many philosophers maintain that the distinctive awareness which accompanies the use of the first person already presupposes a non-conceptual consciousness of the fact that oneself is the owner of a first-person thought. I call this argument The Argument for Non-Conceptual Self-Consciousness based on the Meaning of “I” and will demonstrate that most proponents of the presented argument fail to establish their conclusion, even though I believe that the conclusion is actually true. The argument only justifies the claim that contextual information is needed in order to recognize oneself as the referent of an occurrence of the first person. However, it does not justify the thesis that this information needs to be given consciously and thus the existence of any non-conceptual self-consciousness. Finally, I shall present an argument for the assumption that some form of self-consciousness is needed to reflexively think about oneself via the first-person concept. In order to do so, I will draw on the general discussion about the functional role of consciousness. In particular, I will rely on results recently proposed by Frith and Metzinger (2016), Frith (Pragmatics & Cognition 18:497–551, 2010, Cognitive Neuroscience 2:117–118, 2011), Graziano (2013, Frontiers in Robotics and AI 4:article 60, 2017), and Graziano and Kastner (Cognitive Neuroscience 2:98–113, 2011), which suggest that one of the central functions of consciousness is to provide information about mental states for communication.
Marine conservation in Vanuatu: Local conceptualisation and ‘assemblage’
Authors: Pascht Arno
Published: August 2022

This article deals with the local conceptualisation of ‘conservation’ in the village Siviri in Vanuatu where villagers have established and maintain a small marine conservation area. Looking at villagers’ motivations, the aim is to carve out the local conceptualisation and practice of ‘conservation’, to show what conservation is for the villagers. The theoretical framework is a combination of two approaches, namely ‘assemblage’ and ‘world-making’. Conservation in Siviri is ontologically different from the concept of conservation used in Vanuatu national policy. It can be regarded as a creative engagement of villagers with their environment(s) to preserve the specific world-making assemblage consisting of humans and marine life for future generations.
Methane emissions from macrophyte beach wrack on Baltic seashores
Authors: Björk Mats , Rosenqvist Gunilla , Gröndahl Fredrik , Bonaglia Stefano
Published: August 2022

Beach wrack of marine macrophytes is a natural component of many beaches. To test if such wrack emits the potent greenhouse gas methane, field measurements were made at different seasons on beach wrack depositions of different ages, exposure, and distance from the water. Methane emissions varied greatly, from 0 to 176 mg CH4-C m−2 day−1, with a clear positive correlation between emission and temperature. Dry wrack had lower emissions than wet. Using temperature data from 2016 to 2020, seasonal changes in fluxes were calculated for a natural wrack accumulation area. Such calculated average emissions were close to zero during winter, but peaked in summer, with very high emissions when daily temperatures exceeded 20 °C. We conclude that waterlogged beach wrack significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and that emissions might drastically increase with increasing global temperatures. When beach wrack is collected into heaps away from the water, the emissions are however close to zero.
Novel chitosan-acetyl isatin polymer derivatives: synthesis, characterization, and applications in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Dardeer Hemat M. , Taha Ahmed G. , Abouzeid Ragab E. , Aly Moustafa F.
Published: August 2022

Novel crystalline and thermally stable chitosan-N-acetylisatin (Chs-NAI) polymer derivatives were synthesized by chitosan modification. These polymers were formed by insertion of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and doping with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) yielding pseudopolyrotaxane (Chs-NAI/βCD), Chs-NAI/ZnO-NPs, and Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO NP composites. The chemical structure and morphology of the newly prepared polymers were investigated by FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses. Also, the optical properties and thermal stability analysis of the synthesized polymers were examined. These results showed that the use of β-CD or ZnO NPs to modify the polymer (Chs-NAI) dramatically improves the thermal stability and optical properties of the synthesized polymer. The weight losses of the synthesized polymers are 66%, 56%, 48%, and 59% in Chs-NAI, Chs-NAI/βCD, Chs-NAI/ZnO, and Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO, respectively. For mineral deposition, Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO was presoaked with a PO43− containing solution before being immersed in a Ca2+ containing solution. The properties of Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO nanoparticles/calcium phosphate materials were examined to confirm the deposition of the calcium phosphate on the Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO nanoparticles surface using different techniques. Based on the results of the tests on the Vero cell lines, Chs-NAI/βCD/ZnO NPs)/calcium phosphate demonstrated very mild cytotoxicity. In addition, the feasibility of a wide variety of hybrid was assessed with an MTT test, and it was determined that they were noncytotoxic under a variety of hybrid concentrations.
Normothermic Machine Perfusion in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Norton William G. , Pearson Robert , Devlin Joanne , Nicholson Michael L. , Hosgood Sarah A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a promising new tool in kidney transplantation to improve the outcome of marginal donor kidney transplantation. This review examines the current evidence for NMP in clinical practice and considers how the technology may be used in the future.

Recent Findings and Summary

There is emerging evidence to suggest that NMP has the potential to expand the donor pool of transplantable organs. The safety and feasibility of NMP have been established in a number of clinical studies but more research is needed to optimise the perfusion conditions. NMP shows promise as a viability assessment tool with particular focus on biomarkers and imaging techniques which provide real-time information to facilitate transplantation decision-making. Moreover, the exciting development of new potential therapeutics such as cell and gene-based therapies which are deliverable during NMP may also improve and recondition grafts prior to implantation.
Prevention of high body mass index and eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Le Long Khanh-Dao , Tan Eng Joo , Perez Joahna Kevin , Chiotelis Oxana , Hay Phillipa , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Lee Yong Yi , Mihalopoulos Cathrine
Published: August 2022

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) and high body mass index (BMI) are two important public health issues with significant health and cost impacts. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish whether interventions are effective in preventing both issues.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched up to 10 May 2021. Studies were included if they were randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that evaluated a preventive intervention (regardless of its aim to prevent ED, high BMI or both) and reported both EDs and BMI-related outcomes. Both narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were used to synthesise the results. Publication bias was also investigated.

Results

Fifty-four studies were included for analysis. The primary aim of the studies was ED prevention (n = 23), high BMI prevention (n = 21) and both ED and high BMI prevention (n = 10). Meta-analysis results indicated that preventive interventions had a significant effect on several ED outcomes including dieting, shape and weight concerns, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, eating disorder symptoms and internalization, with effect sizes ranging from – 0.16 (95% CI – 0.27, – 0.06) to – 0.61 (95% CI – 0.29, – 0.04). Despite several studies that demonstrated positive impacts on BMI, there was no significant effect on BMI-related measures in the meta-analysis. The risk of publication bias was low for the majority of the pooled effect results.

Conclusion

Preventive interventions were effective for either high BMI or EDs. However, there is limited evidence to show that current preventive interventions were effective in reducing both outcomes. Further research is necessary to explore the risk factors that are shared by these weight-related disorders as well as effective prevention interventions.

Level of evidence

Level I: systematic review.
Anti-nuclear autoantibodies in Graves’ disease and Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Lanzolla G. , Puccinelli L. , Giudetti M. , Comi S. , Menconi F. , Maglionico M. N. , Posarelli C. , Figus M. , Marcocci C. , Marinò M.
Published: August 2022

Objective

A relationship between thyroid and non-organ-specific autoimmunity could be relevant for Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), which affects connective tissue. We investigated the association between GO and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs).

Methods

Retrospective investigation was conducted in 265 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), 158 with and 107 without GO. Primary outcome was: prevalence of ANAs in GO vs no-GO. Secondary outcomes were: (1) relationship between ANAs and GO features; (2) prevalence of ANAs in GD compared with non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism [(78 patients with toxic nodular goiter (TNG)]; (3) distribution of ANA patterns.

Results

ANAs were detected in 212 (80%) GD patients, but prevalence did not differ between GO (79.7%) and no-GO (80.3%). Higher ANA titers (1:160) were more common in GO (51.5 vs 38.3%), but only nearly significantly (OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–1;P = 0.059). Proptosis was lower in ANA-positive patients (mean difference: − 1.4 mm; 95% CI from − 2.5 to − 0.3;P = 0.011), in whom nearly significantly lower CAS (Mann–WhitneyU: 1.5;P = 0.077) and eyelid aperture (mean difference: − 0.9 mm; 95% CI from − 2 to 0;P = 0.062) were observed. Prevalence of ANAs in GD was lower than in TNG (80 vs 91%; OR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9;P = 0.028), but nuclear speckled pattern was more frequent (OR 22.9; 95% CI 1.3–381.3;P = 0.028).

Conclusions

Although ANAs are not more frequent in GO, they seem to exert a protective role on its severity and on development of GD. A switch of T cell population in ANA-positive patients, resulting in a different phenotype, may be responsible. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms.
Teaching Mathematical Modelling and Programming with GAMS in Dual Management Master Curricula Using Flipped Classrooms and Open Book Exams
Authors: Jahr Michael
Published: August 2022

In this article, we present a flipped classroom based teaching concept and related open book exam for Master’s courses in the field of Operational Research while paying particular attention to dual curricula management students. The characteristics of dual curricula include that students study part-time complemented by practical stages in cooperating firms. As a consequence, there is a limited number of lectures available compared to full-time programs. Hence, adequate course structures are needed to facilitate learning and encourage students to explore the research field further. We present an illustrative teaching concept focusing on the well-known Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) and GAMS programming. Moreover, we demonstrate how self-study phases and classroom trainings are systematically combined to support the management students’ autonomous programming activities culminating in 24-h open book exams.
Effect of pyrolysis temperature on composition, carbon fraction and abiotic stability of straw biochars: correlation and quantitative analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Yang Xueqi , Yuan Xiangru , Tian Sicong , Wang Xinlei , Zhang Hehu , Han Lujia
Published: August 2022

Biochar provides an important pathway for the global response to climate change. The abiotic stability of biochar is important for its application in carbon capture and sequestration. To systematically illustrate the effects of pyrolysis temperature on composition, carbon fraction and abiotic stability of straw biochar, four kinds of straw biochars were prepared at pyrolysis temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. The ultimate and proximate compositions, different carbon fractions and abiotic stability of prepared biochar were characterized, and their qualitative and quantitative relationships were established by Kendall correlation analysis, factor analysis and different regression analysis methods. Results showed that pyrolysis temperature influenced compositions and carbon fractions directly, which affected the abiotic stability of biochar (p < 0.01). The higher the pyrolysis temperature (up to 500 °C), the higher the abiotic stability of biochar. The different abiotic stability indicators, including thermal stability (ratios of volatile matter and fixed carbon, hydrogen and organic carbon, oxygen and organic carbon, and thermal stability index R50), dissolution stability and chemical oxidation-resistant stability of biochar, all followed exponential functions with pyrolysis temperature. Unitary and binary linear regression equations among compositions, carbon fractions and the abiotic stability evaluation indicators were established. We hope that the results are scientifically valuable for a better understanding of the inherent properties of straw biochar, and thus help simplify the screening of appropriate indicators for evaluating the properties and abiotic stability of biochar.

Graphical Abstract
Machine Learning Could Revolutionize Mineral Exploration
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: August 2022

Using a global data set of zircon trace elements, new research demonstrates the power of machine learning algorithms to accurately identify and locate porphyry copper deposits.
Permafrost Landscape History Shapes Fluvial Chemistry, Ecosystem Carbon Balance, and Potential Trajectories of Future Change
Authors: Zolkos Scott , Tank Suzanne E. , Kokelj Steven V. , Striegl Robert G. , Shakil Sarah , Voigt Carolina , Sonnentag Oliver , Quinton William L. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Zona Donatella , Lafleur Peter M. , Sullivan Ryan C. , Ueyama Masahito , Billesbach David , Cook David , Humphreys Elyn R. , Marsh Philip
Published: August 2022

Intensifying permafrost thaw alters carbon cycling by mobilizing large amounts of terrestrial substrate into aquatic ecosystems. Yet, few studies have measured aquatic carbon fluxes and constrained drivers of ecosystem carbon balance across heterogeneous Arctic landscapes. Here, we characterized hydrochemical and landscape controls on fluvial carbon cycling, quantified fluvial carbon fluxes, and estimated fluvial contributions to ecosystem carbon balance across 33 watersheds in four ecoregions in the continuous permafrost zone of the western Canadian Arctic: unglaciated uplands, ice‐rich moraine, and organic‐rich lowlands and till plains. Major ions, stable isotopes, and carbon speciation and fluxes revealed patterns in carbon cycling across ecoregions defined by terrain relief and accumulation of organics. In previously unglaciated mountainous watersheds, bicarbonate dominated carbon export (70% of total) due to chemical weathering of bedrock. In lowland watersheds, where soil organic carbon stores were largest, lateral transport of dissolved organic carbon (50%) and efflux of biotic CO2 (25%) dominated. In watersheds affected by thaw‐induced mass wasting, erosion of ice‐rich tills enhanced chemical weathering and increased particulate carbon fluxes by two orders of magnitude. From an ecosystem carbon balance perspective, fluvial carbon export in watersheds not affected by thaw‐induced wasting was, on average, equivalent to 6%–16% of estimated net ecosystem exchange (NEE). In watersheds affected by thaw‐induced wasting, fluvial carbon export approached 60% of NEE. Because future intensification of thermokarst activity will amplify fluvial carbon export, determining the fate of carbon across diverse northern landscapes is a priority for constraining trajectories of permafrost region ecosystem carbon balance.
Environmental Calibration of Coral Luminescence as a Proxy for Terrigenous Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration in Tropical Coastal Oceans
Authors: Kaushal Nikita , Tanzil Jani T. I. , Zhou Yongli , Ong Maria Rosabelle , Goodkin Nathalie F. , Martin Patrick
Published: August 2022

The riverine flux of terrigenous dissolved organic matter (tDOM) to the ocean is a significant contributor to the global carbon cycle. In response to anthropogenic drivers the flux is expected to increase. This may impact the availability of sunlight in coastal ecosystems, and the seawater carbonate system and coastal CO2 fluxes. Despite its significance, there are few long‐term and high‐resolution time series of tDOM parameters. Corals incorporate fluorescent tDOM molecules from the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) pool in their skeletons. The resulting coral skeletal luminescence variability has traditionally been used to reconstruct hydroclimate variation. Here, we use two replicate coral cores and concurrent in‐situ biogeochemical data from the Sunda Shelf Sea in Southeast Asia, where peatlands supply high tDOM inputs, to show that variability in coral luminescence green‐to‐blue ratios (coral G/B) can be used to quantitatively reconstruct terrigenous dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) concentration. Moreover, coral G/B can be used to reconstruct the CDOM absorption spectrum from 230 to 550 nm, and the specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) of the DOM pool. Comparison to a core from Borneo shows that there may be site‐specific offsets in the G/B–CDOM absorption relationship, but that the slope of the relationship is very similar, validating the robustness of the proxy. By demonstrating that corals can be used to estimate past changes in coastal tDOC and CDOM, we establish a method to study drivers of land–ocean tDOM fluxes and their ecological consequences in tropical coastal seas over decadal to centennial time scales.
Rocket Measurements of Electron Energy Spectra From Earth's Photoelectron Production Layer
Authors: Collinson Glyn A. , Glocer Alex , Chornay Dennis , Michell Robert , Pfaff Rob , Cameron Tim , Uribe Paulo , Frahm Rudy A. , Rosnack Traci , Pirner Chris , Gass Ted , Clemmons Jim , Barjatya Aroh , Martin Steven , Akbari Hassanali , Debchoudhury Shantanab , Conway Rachel , Eparvier Francis , Zesta Eftyhia , Paschalidis Nikolaos
Published: August 2022

Photoelectrons are crucial to atmospheric physics. They heat the atmosphere, strengthen planetary ambipolar electric fields, and enhance the outflow of ions to space. However, there exist only a handful of measurements of their energy spectrum near the peak of photoproduction. We present calibrated energy spectra of pristine photoelectrons at their source by a prototype Dual Electrostatic Analyzer (DESA) instrument flown on 11 July 2021 aboard the Dynamo‐2 sounding rocket (NASA № 36.357). Photopeaks arising from 30.4 nm He‐II spectral line were observed throughout the flight above 120 km. DESA also successfully resolved the rarely observed N2 absorption feature. Below 10 eV observations were in good agreement with the GLOW suprathermal electron. Above 10 eV fluxes substantially deviated from the model by as much as an order of magnitude.
New Observations of Recently Active Wrinkle Ridges in the Lunar Mare: Implications for the Timing and Origin of Lunar Tectonics
Authors: Nypaver C. A. , Thomson B. J.
Published: August 2022

The variety of tectonic features on the Moon indicates that the lunar lithosphere has undergone a complex deformational history. Lobate scarps and wrinkle ridges are two such tectonic features that have resulted from compressional stresses. The crisp morphologies and cross cutting relations associated with a global population of lobate scarps have been cited as evidence for their recent (<1.0 Ga) formation, but observations of recently active wrinkle ridges have not been made on a similar scale. Here, we present new observations of 1,116 recently active (∼0.056–1.5 Ga) wrinkle ridge segments on the lunar maria. Our results indicate that clusters of recently active wrinkle ridges are distributed across ∼90% of nearside mare basins. Spatial correlations were noted between wrinkle ridge orientations with predicted stress fields from both orbital recession and global contraction as well as ongoing reactivation of a residual set of structures associated with the South Pole–Aitken basin.