bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Online Resources for the Development of Behaviour Change Support Competencies
Authors: Štiglic Gregor , Braam Katja , Carmo Maria Beatriz , Correia Luís , Gosak Lucija , Lorber Mateja , Pimenta Nuno , Cláudio Ana Paula
Published: March 2023

The final chapter presents open-access educational products that supplement this book: case studies and a web application to simulate behaviour change support in persons with chronic disease. The former is of particular interest for academic educators, while the latter may interest students independently pursuing training outside the classroom. These products can also be useful for professionals aiming to enhance behaviour change competencies in practice.

First, we address key aspects of product development , including hallmarks such as the incorporation of behaviour change science and transnational co-production with users. Then, the main features of case studies and the web application with 2D virtual humans are described.
Completeness and the Finite Model Property for Kleene Algebra, Reconsidered
Authors: Kappé Tobias
Published: March 2023

Kleene Algebra (KA) is the algebra of regular expressions. Central to the study of KA is Kozen’s (1994) completeness result, which says that any equivalence valid in the language model of KA follows from the axioms of KA. Also of interest is the finite model property (FMP), which says that false equivalences always have a finite counterexample. Palka (2005) showed that, for KA, the FMP is equivalent to completeness.

We provide a unified and elementary proof of both properties. In contrast with earlier completeness proofs, this proof does not rely on minimality or bisimilarity techniques for deterministic automata. Instead, our approach avoids deterministic automata altogether, and uses Antimirov’s derivatives and the well-known transition monoid construction.

Our results are fully verified in the Coq proof assistant.
Black hole interiors in holographic topological semimetals
Authors: Gao Ling-Long , Liu Yan , Lyu Hong-Da
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We study the black hole interiors in holographic Weyl semimetals and holographic nodal line semimetals. We find that the black hole singularities are of Kasner form. In the topologically nontrivial phase at low temperature, both the Kasner exponents of the metric fields and the proper time from the horizon to the singularity are almost constant, likely reflecting the topological nature of the topological semimetals. We also find some specific behaviors inside the horizon in each holographic semimetal model.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 higher spins: superfield equations of motion, the hypermultiplet supercurrents, and the component structure
Authors: Buchbinder Ioseph , Ivanov Evgeny , Zaigraev Nikita
Published: March 2023

Abstract

As a continuation of our previous papers arXiv:2109.07639 and arXiv:2202.08196, we study the linearized structure of the manifestly 4D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric theory of the cubic couplings of the higher spin gauge superfields to the matter hypermultiplets. We consider in detail the superfield equations of motion, construct the conserved hypermultiplet superfield currents, explore their component structure (basically in the bosonic sector) and compare it with the corresponding currents in the conventional higher-spin bosonic theory. We thoroughly study the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 spin 2 and 3 models as instructive examples.
Intermittent and temporally variable bioturbation by some terrestrial invertebrates: implications for ichnology
Authors: Hsieh Shannon , Łaska Weronika , Uchman Alfred
Published: March 2023

Bedding planes and vertical sections of many sedimentary rock formations reveal bioturbation structures, including burrows, produced by diverse animal taxa at different rates and durations. These variables are not directly measurable in the fossil record, but neoichnological observations and experiments provide informative analogues. Comparable to marine invertebrates from many phyla, a captive beetle larva burrowing over 2 weeks showed high rates of sediment disturbance within the first 100 h but slower rates afterwards. Tunnelling by earthworms and adult dung beetles is also inconstant—displacement of lithic material alternates with organic matter displacement, often driven by food availability with more locomotion when hungry. High rates of bioturbation, as with locomotion generally, result from internal and external drives, slowing down or stopping when needs are filled. Like other processes affecting sediment deposition and erosion, rates can drastically differ based on measured timescale, with short bursts of activity followed by hiatuses, concentrated in various seasons and ontogenetic stages for particular species. Assumptions of constant velocities within movement paths, left as traces afterward, may not apply in many cases. Arguments about energetic efficiency or optimal foraging based on ichnofossils have often overlooked these and related issues. Single bioturbation rates from short-term experiments in captivity may not be comparable to rates measured at an ecosystem level over a year or generalized across multiple time scales where conditions differ even for the same species. Neoichnological work, with an understanding of lifetime variabilities in bioturbation and their drivers, helps connect ichnology with behavioural biology and movement ecology.
Definition der Hüftdysplasie im Jahr 2023
Authors: Heimann Alexander Frank , Zurmühle Corinne Andrea , Stetzelberger Vera Marie , Galley Julien , Schwab Joseph M. , Tannast Moritz
Published: March 2023

Hintergrund

Die Hüftdysplasie ist eine komplexe statisch-dynamische Pathologie, welche zu chronischer Gelenkinstabilität und Arthrose führt. Das Verständnis der zugrundeliegenden Pathomorphologie hat sich weiterentwickelt, sodass eine Aktualisierung der Definition erforderlich ist.

Fragestellung

Wie lautet die Definition der Hüftdysplasie im Jahr 2023?

Methoden

Durch Zusammenfassung und Aufarbeitung der relevanten Literatur wird eine aktuelle Definition der Hüftdysplasie mit konkreten Angaben zur Diagnostik bereitgestellt.

Ergebnisse

Neben pathognomonischen sind supportive und deskriptive Parameter, sowie sekundäre Veränderungen von zentraler Bedeutung zur Diagnose der Hüftinstabilität. Die diagnostische Basis ist die konventionelle Beckenübersichtsaufnahme, welche bei Bedarf durch Zusatzuntersuchungen (Arthro-MRT der Hüfte; CT) ergänzt wird.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Komplexität, Subtilität und Vielfalt der Pathomorphologie residueller Hüftdysplasien erfordert eine sorgfältige, mehrstufige Diagnostik und Therapieplanung in spezialisierten Zentren.
A grounded theory about how teachers communicated high expectations to their secondary school students
Authors: Johnston Olivia , Wildy Helen , Shand Jennifer
Published: March 2023

High teachers’ expectations are associated with improved student academic achievement. However, no research explains how students experience their teachers’ expectations, from their points of view. A new theory was developed to achieve the study’s aim of accounting for how high expectations were experienced by 25 students in Western Australia. The findings offer educators student-focused perspectives of how to convey high teacher expectations that lead to improved student academic outcomes. Straussian grounded theory (Strauss, 1990) methods were used to generate substantive theory together with the Year 10 students in three Western Australian public schools, through data including more than 100 classroom observations and 175 interviews. The theory generated from the data provides a lens for understanding how teachers communicated high expectations through confidence, approach, relationship, and environment. Students identified practices that communicated high expectations that add to existing knowledge in the literature. The students recognised high expectations, then described how they responded by becoming motivated, engaged in learning, and acting to improve their academic outcomes. Teachers might draw on the substantive theory to inform classroom interactions that communicate high expectations in their own teaching contexts.
Integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome reveals key candidate genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in Pinellia ternata under heat stress
Authors: Guo Lianan , Tan Jun , Deng Xiaoshu , Mo Rangyu , Pan Yuan , Cao Yueqing , Chen Daxia
Published: March 2023

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb and very sensitive to high temperatures. To gain a better understanding of flavonoid biosynthesis under heat stress in P. ternata, we performed integrated analyses of metabolome and transcriptome data. P. ternata plants were subjected to a temperature of 38 °C, and samples were collected after 10 d of treatment. A total of 502 differential accumulated metabolites and 5040 different expressed transcripts were identified, with flavonoid biosynthesis predominantly enriched. Integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analysis showed that high temperature treatment upregulated the expression of CYP73A and downregulated the expression of other genes (such as HCT, CCoAOMT, DFR1, DFR2), which might inhibit the biosynthesis of the downstream metabolome, including such metabolites as chlorogenic acid, pelargonidin, cyanidin, and (-)-epigallocatechin in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The transcription expression levels of these genes were validated by real-time PCR. Our results provide valuable insights into flavonoid composition and accumulation patterns and the candidate genes participating in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways under heat stress in P. ternata.
Charging forward: deploying EV infrastructure for Uber and Lyft in California
Authors: Jenn Alan
Published: March 2023

With recent policies such as the Clean Miles Standard in California and Lyft’s announcement to reach 100% electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, the electrification of vehicles on ride-hailing platforms is inevitable. The impacts of this transition are not well-studied. This work attempts to examine the infrastructure deployment necessary to meet demand from electric vehicles being driven on Uber and Lyft platforms using empirical trip data from the two services. We develop the Widespread Infrastructure for Ride-hail EV Deployment model to examine a set of case studies for charger installation in San Diego, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. We also conduct a set of sensitivity scenarios to measure the tradeoff between explicit costs of infrastructure versus weighting factors for valuing the time for drivers to travel to a charger (from where they are providing rides) and valuing the rate of charging (to minimize the amount of time that drivers have to wait to charge their vehicle). There are several notable findings from our study: (1) DC fast charging infrastructure is the dominant charger type necessary to meet ride-hailing demand, (2) shifting to overnight charging behavior that places less emphasis on daytime public charging can significantly reduce costs, and (3) the necessary ratio of chargers is approximately 10 times higher for EVs in Uber and Lyft compared to chargers for the general EV owning public.
Restoration of Well-Posedness of Infinite-Dimensional Singular ODE’s via Noise
Authors: Baños David , Bauer Martin , Meyer-Brandis Thilo , Proske Frank
Published: March 2023

In this paper we aim at generalizing the results of A. K. Zvonkin (That removes the drift, 22, 129, 41) and A. Y. Veretennikov (Theory Probab. Appl., 24, 354, 39) on the construction of unique strong solutions of stochastic differential equations with singular drift vector field and additive noise in the Euclidean space to the case of infinite-dimensional state spaces. The regularizing driving noise in our equation is chosen to be a locally non-Hölder continuous Hilbert space valued process of fractal nature, which does not allow for the use of classical construction techniques for strong solutions from PDE or semimartingale theory. Our approach, which does not resort to the Yamada-Watanabe principle for the verification of pathwise uniqueness of solutions, is based on Malliavin calculus.
Temperature sensitivity of carbon concentrating mechanisms in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Li Meng , Young Jodi N.
Published: March 2023

Marine diatoms are key primary producers across diverse habitats in the global ocean. Diatoms rely on a biophysical carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) to supply high concentrations of CO2 around their carboxylating enzyme, RuBisCO. The necessity and energetic cost of the CCM are likely to be highly sensitive to temperature, as temperature impacts CO2 concentration, diffusivity, and the kinetics of CCM components. Here, we used membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) and modeling to capture temperature regulation of the CCM in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Pt). We found that enhanced carbon fixation rates by Pt at elevated temperatures were accompanied by increased CCM activity capable of maintaining RuBisCO close to CO2 saturation but that the mechanism varied. At 10 and 18 °C, diffusion of CO2 into the cell, driven by Pt’s ‘chloroplast pump’ was the major inorganic carbon source. However, at 18 °C, upregulation of the chloroplast pump enhanced (while retaining the proportion of) both diffusive CO2 and active HCO3− uptake into the cytosol, and significantly increased chloroplast HCO3− concentrations. In contrast, at 25 °C, compared to 18 °C, the chloroplast pump had only a slight increase in activity. While diffusive uptake of CO2 into the cell remained constant, active HCO3− uptake across the cell membrane increased resulting in Pt depending equally on both CO2 and HCO3− as inorganic carbon sources. Despite changes in the CCM, the overall rate of active carbon transport remained double that of carbon fixation across all temperatures tested. The implication of the energetic cost of the Pt CCM in response to increasing temperatures was discussed.
Use of scientific journals in Spanish universities: analysis of the relationship between citations and downloads in two university library consortia
Authors: Fernández-Ramos Andrés , Rodríguez-Bravo Blanca , Diez-Diez Ángela
Published: March 2023

We analyse the relationship between downloads of electronic journals included in four big deal bundles subscribed to by public university libraries affiliated to two library consortia in Spain (Castile and León and Galicia) and citations of the same journals by researchers at these universities. Download data on the big deals analysed (Emerald, ScienceDirect, Springer and Wiley) were obtained from COUNTER Journal Reports 1, and citation data were obtained from the bibliographic references given in articles indexed in Scopus between 2010 and 2017. The results show that only a low percentage of the subscribed journals was used in the scientific output of the universities’ researchers, with values ranging from 15 to 50%, and that there was a strong correlation between the universities’ volume of scientific production and the percentage of cited journals. We also found a strong correlation between downloads and citations, which was higher in the case of universities with a higher scientific output.
The dubious origin of beryllium toxicity
Authors: Elguero José , Alkorta Ibon
Published: March 2023

Four mechanisms have been proposed in the literature to explain beryllium toxicity; they can be divided in two groups of two mechanisms: (i) replacement type: models 1 and 2; (ii) addition type: models 3 and 4. At this moment is not possible to select the best model not even to establish if one of these models will be the ultimate mechanism of beryllium toxicity. However, it is important to know the still open discussion about something so important associated with one of the simplest elements of the periodic table.
Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of early studies on ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Ragó Zsuzsanna , Tóth Barbara , Szalenko-Tőkés Ágnes , Bella Zsolt , Dembrovszky Fanni , Farkas Nelli , Kiss Szabolcs , Hegyi Péter , Matuz Mária , Tóth Noémi , Hegedüs Imre , Máthé Domokos , Csupor Dezső
Published: March 2023

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has been repurposed for COVID-19 treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Although its antiviral efficacy was confirmed early in vitro and in preclinical studies, its clinical efficacy remained ambiguous. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of ivermectin in terms of time to viral clearance based on the meta-analysis of available clinical trials at the closing date of the data search period, one year after the start of the pandemic. This meta-analysis was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and by using the PICO format for formulating the question. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), bioRvix, and medRvix were searched for human studies of patients receiving ivermectin therapy with control groups. No language or publication status restrictions were applied. The search ended on 1/31/2021 exactly one year after WHO declared the public health emergency on novel coronavirus. The meta-analysis of three trials involving 382 patients revealed that the mean time to viral clearance was 5.74 days shorter in case of ivermectin treatment compared to the control groups [WMD = −5.74, 95% CI (−11.1, −0.39), p = 0.036]. Ivermectin has significantly reduced the time to viral clearance in mild to moderate COVID-19 diseases compared to control groups. However, more eligible studies are needed for analysis to increase the quality of evidence of ivermectin use in COVID-19.
Rate of the phase transition for a charged anti-de Sitter black hole
Authors: Xu Zhen-Ming , Wu Bin , Yang Wen-Li
Published: March 2023

Phase transition is a core content of black hole thermodynamics. This study adopted the Kramer’s escape rate method for describing the Brownian motion of particles in an external field to investigate the intensity of the phase transition between small and large black hole states. Some existing studies mostly focused on the formal analysis of the thermodynamic phase transition of black holes, but they neglected the detailed description of the phase transition process. Our results show that the phase transition between small and large black holes for charged anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes presents serious asymmetric features, and the overall process is dominated by the transition from a small black hole to a large black hole. This study filled a research gap of a stochastic process analysis on the issue of the first-order phase transition rate in the AdS black hole.
Diagnostic posture control system for seated-style echocardiography robot
Authors: Shida Yuuki , Sugawara Masami , Tsumura Ryosuke , Chiba Haruaki , Uejima Tokuhisa , Iwata Hiroyasu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Conventional robotic ultrasound systems were utilized with patients in supine positions. Meanwhile, the limitation of the systems is that it is difficult to evacuate the patients in case of emergency (e.g., patient discomfort and system failure) because the patients are restricted between the robot system and bed. Therefore, we validated a feasibility study of seated-style echocardiography using a robot.

Method

Preliminary experiments were conducted to verify the following two points: (1) diagnostic image quality due to the sitting posture angle and (2) physical load due to the sitting posture angle. For reducing the physical burden, two unique mechanisms were incorporated into the system: (1) a leg pendulum base mechanism to reduce the load on the legs when the lateral bending angle increases, and (2) a roll angle division by a lumbar lateral bending and thoracic rotation mechanisms.

Results

Preliminary results demonstrated that adjusting the diagnostic posture angle allowed to obtain the views, including cardiac disease features, as in the conventional examination. The results also demonstrated that the body load reduction mechanism incorporated in the results could reduce the physical load in the seated echocardiography. Furthermore, this system was shown to provide greater safety and shorter evacuation times than conventional systems.

Conclusion

These results indicate that diagnostic echocardiographic images can be obtained by seated-style echocardiography. It was also suggested that the proposed system can reduce the physical load and guarantee a sense of safety and emergency evacuation. These results demonstrated the possibility of the usage of the seated-style echocardiography robot.
Who is at Risk of Parkinson Disease? Refining the Preclinical Phase of GBA1 and LRRK2 Variant Carriers: a Clinical, Biochemical, and Imaging Approach
Authors: Menozzi Elisa , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Blandini Fabio , Avenali Micol
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

Genetic variants in GBA1 and LRRK2 genes are the commonest genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD); however, the preclinical profile of GBA1 and LRRK2 variant carriers who will develop PD is unclear. This review aims to highlight the more sensitive markers that can stratify PD risk in non-manifesting GBA1 and LRRK2 variant carriers.

Recent Findings

Several case–control and a few longitudinal studies evaluated clinical, biochemical, and neuroimaging markers within cohorts of non-manifesting carriers of GBA1 and LRRK2 variants.

Despite similar levels of penetrance of PD in GBA1 and LRRK2 variant carriers (10–30%), these individuals have distinct preclinical profiles. GBA1 variant carriers at higher risk of PD can present with prodromal symptoms suggestive of PD (hyposmia), display increased α-synuclein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and show dopamine transporter abnormalities. LRRK2 variant carriers at higher risk of PD might show subtle motor abnormalities, but no prodromal symptoms, higher exposure to some environmental factors (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), and peripheral inflammatory profile. This information will help clinicians tailor appropriate screening tests and counseling and facilitate researchers in the development of predictive markers, disease-modifying treatments, and selection of healthy individuals who might benefit from preventive interventions.
Implementation and verification of a real-time system for automatic aftershock forecasting in China
Authors: Liu Zhumei , Jiang Haikun , Li Shengle , Li Mingxiao , Liu Jian , Zhang Jingfa
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an automatic aftershock forecasting system for China is presented. Based on a parameter-free historical analogy method, this system can produce short-term aftershock forecast, including seismic sequence types and the magnitude of the largest aftershock, within a few minutes after a major earthquake and can further provide scientists and government agencies with a set of background information for consultation purposes. First, the system construction concept and operation framework are described, and an evaluation of the forecast performance of the system is then conducted considering earthquakes from 2019 to 2021 in mainland China. The results indicate that the sequence type classification precision reaches 83.5%, and the magnitude of more than 90% of the aftershocks is smaller than that of upper range forecast. This system is fast and easy to control, and all the reports and maps can be produced approximately 5 min after earthquake occurrence. Practical use verifies that the application of this system has greatly improved the efficiency of post-earthquake consultation in mainland China.
The role of male partners in modern contraceptive use by women in South Africa: Does space also matter?
Authors: Mulamba Kabeya Clement
Published: March 2023

This paper examined the role of male partners in modern contraceptive use by women across clusters in South Africa. Its main objective was threefold. First, the present paper sought to test whether South African married women’s modern contraceptive use is related to the influence of their husbands or male partners. Second, it examined whether modern contraceptive use is similar within clusters. Third, it tested whether group effects are spatially dependent among neighbouring clusters. It used the recent Demographic and Health Survey for South Africa as the data source to carry out the empirical analysis. On the one hand, the results confirm a positive and significant relationship between South African married women’s modern contraceptive use with their partners’ secondary education level, irrespective of the cluster in which they reside. On the other hand, the hypothesis that spatial dependence of random effects is not confirmed, leading to the conclusion that space only matters when it comes to spatial heterogeneity or group effects.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus characteristics in glioma patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Kaneoka Azumi , Fujimoto Satoka Hashimoto , Tamura Kaoru , Inaji Motoki , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Epilepsy is a common complication of gliomas. The diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is challenging because it causes impaired consciousness and mimics glioma progression. NCSE complication rate in the general brain tumor patient population is approximately 2%. However, there are no reports focusing on NCSE in glioma patient population. This study aimed to reveal the epidemiology and features of NCSE in glioma patients to enable appropriate diagnosis.

Methods

We enrolled 108 consecutive glioma patients (45 female, 63 male) who underwent their first surgery between April 2013 and May 2019 at our institution. We retrospectively investigated glioma patients diagnosed with tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) or NCSE to explore disease frequency of TRE/NCSE and patient background. NCSE treatment approaches and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) changes following NCSE were surveyed. NCSE diagnosis was confirmed using the modified Salzburg Consensus Criteria (mSCC).

Results

Sixty-one out of 108 glioma patients experienced TRE (56%), and five (4.6%) were diagnosed with NCSE (2 female, 3 male; mean age, 57 years old; WHO grade II 1, grade III 2, grade IV 2). All NCSE cases were controlled by stage 2 status epilepticus treatment as recommended in the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Epilepsy by the Japan Epilepsy Society. The KPS score significantly decreased after NCSE.

Conclusion

Higher prevalence of NCSE in glioma patients was observed. The KPS score significantly decreased after NCSE. Actively taking electroencephalograms analyzed by mSCC may facilitate accurate NCSE diagnosis and improve the activities of daily living in glioma patients.
Understanding the Self-identification of Autism in Adults: a Scoping Review
Authors: Overton Gayle L. , Marsà-Sambola Ferran , Martin Rachael , Cavenagh Penny
Published: March 2023

Adults are increasingly self-identifying as autistic, and reporting problems being referred for an autism diagnostic assessment. This scoping review aims to ascertain: (1) what research has been conducted on the self-identification process of autism in adults, who do and do not have a formal diagnosis of autism, and (2) which aspects of the self-identification process could be used to improve the referral and the diagnostic process of an adult autism assessment. The main themes identified were: the diagnostic process from a client´s perspective; the process of self-identifying as autistic from a lifespan perspective; an autistic identity; sexual identity and experiences, and the perception of autism as a difference or a disability. These themes could positively enhance the referral and diagnostic process.
The effect of controllable train-tail devices on the longitudinal impulse of the combined trains under initial braking
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wei Wei , Liu Boyang , Zhang Jun , Zhu Jichao
Published: March 2023

The 20,000-ton combined train running has greatly promoted China’s heavy-haul railway transportation capability. The application of controllable train-tail devices could improve the braking wave of the train and braking synchronism, and alleviate longitudinal impulse. However, the characteristics of the controllable train-tail device such as exhaust area, exhaust duration and exhaust action time are not uniform in practice, and their effects on the longitudinal impulse of the train are not apparent, which is worth studying. In this work, according to the formation of the Datong–Qinhuangdao Railway, the train air brake and longitudinal dynamics simulation system (TABLDSS) is applied to establish a 20,000-ton combined train model with the controllable train-tail device, and the braking characteristics and the longitudinal impulse of the train are calculated synchronously with changing the air exhaust time, exhaust area, and action lag time under initial braking. The results show that the maximum coupler force of the combined train will decrease with the extension of the continuous exhaust time, while the total exhaust time of the controllable train-tail device remains unchanged; the maximum coupler force of the combined train reduces by 32.5% with the exhaust area increasing from 70% to 140%; when the lag time between the controllable train-tail device and the master locomotive is more than 1.5 s, the maximum coupler force of the train increases along with the time difference enlargement.
On wave–current interaction in deep and finite water depths
Authors: Kumar Arun , Hayatdavoodi Masoud
Published: March 2023

Interaction of linear and nonlinear, long-crested waves with currents in deep and finite water depths is studied by use of the computational fluid dynamics approach. Various wave conditions are considered by systematically changing the wave height and the wavelength. Several current profiles are studied as polynomial functions of water depth following the profiles and magnitudes of the available ocean current data. Both following and opposing currents are considered, and in total, 26 wave–current configurations are investigated. The two-dimensional study is carried out computationally by solving the Navier–Stokes equations for a laminar flow. The governing equations are solved by use of the finite volume approach in an open-source computational fluid dynamics package, namely OpenFOAM. Modifications are made to an existing wave-making toolbox, waves2Foam, to generate combined nonlinear waves and currents in deep and finite waters. Results of the numerical wave–current tank are compared with the existing laboratory measurements and overall very good agreement is observed. Discussion is provided on the effect of these currents on the change of the wave field, including quantitative change of the surface elevation, wave profile, pressure distribution, and fluid particle velocity of waves. Overall, it is observed that opposing current has a remarkable impact on the wave field, and the particle velocity and wave height are affected the most from the presence of the current.
Occurrence of Eutypella species on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Le Duy Phu , Gregson Aphrika , Madden Anna , Jackson Rodney
Published: March 2023

We report for the first time the occurrence of an Eutypella species on cotton in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The putative Eutypella was isolated from dead cotton plants that exhibited atypical symptoms of either Fusarium or Verticillium wilt. Dead plants had symptoms resembling lightning strike damage with blackened outer bark around the fifth node zone. Internal vascular discoloration was reddish grey and often occurred in V-shaped sections. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) revealed a 93.7–94.1% similarity to Eutypella scoparia, indicating that the NSW cotton isolates represented a putatively novel species within the Eutypella genus. Pathogenicity of the isolated Eutypella was assessed on cotton stem cuts and living plants inoculated with culture agar plugs. Typical black necroses on outer bark and reddish vascular discoloration were reinduced in both Eutypella-inoculated stem cuts and living plants. Subsequently, the same Eutypella pathogen was successfully recovered, thus fulfilling Koch’s postulates. The detection of Eutypella on NSW cotton is believed to be an independent event from a recently reported occurrence of Eutypella on Queensland cotton. The Queensland detection occurred in the same 2017/18 cropping season at approximately 730 km apart and was associated with distinct Eutypella isolates.
Conducting Violence Research Across Multiple Family Generations and with Young Children: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Pilot Study in South Africa
Authors: Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Christofides Nicola , Woollett Nataly , Fouche Ansie , Silima Mpho , Thurston Christina , Monaisa Kopano , Meinck Franziska
Published: March 2023

This paper presents findings from a pilot study focused on examining intergenerational violence in a three-generation sample, which included young children, in a rural area of South Africa. The aims of the pilot study were to investigate the feasibility of participant recruitment, consent, and interviewing; length and burden of the study questionnaires; appropriateness and acceptability of the measures used; and young children’s (age 4–7) ability to comprehend the measures and participate meaningfully in interviews asking about violence. Data were collected for 4 months with three groups of participants, often within families (young adults, their children, and the young adults’ former caregivers), using cognitive interviews, quantitative questionnaires, and qualitative in-depth interviews. All groups participated in arts-based methods and child interviews included visual and tactile aids. Pilot study findings demonstrated feasible recruitment within families for a three-generation study using comprehensive consent protocols and mandatory reporting information. Adults and young children were able to participate in the extensive interviews (2–3 h and 1 h, respectively) without significant burden. The employed measures were appropriate and acceptable to the setting, though minor revisions were made to improve comprehension of certain items. Young children were able to engage and participate meaningfully in the research, though they were not able to answer abstract reasoning items in cognitive interviews and children who were less developmentally advanced required more play- and arts-based accommodations to support their participation. Future research around sensitive topics, such as violence, appears feasible within families and including young children as participants even in resource-poor settings.
Computer Vision Based Automatic Margin Computation Model for Digital Document Images
Authors: Guha Abhijit , Samanta Debabrata , Sengar Sandeep Singh
Published: March 2023

Margin, in typography, is described as the space between the text content and the document edges and is often essential information for the consumer of the document, digital or physical. In the present age of digital disruption, it is customary to store and retrieve documents digitally and retrieve information automatically from the documents when necessary. Margin is one such non-textual information that becomes important for some business processes, and the demand for computing margins algorithmically mounts to facilitate RPA. We propose a computer vision-based text localization model, utilizing classical DIP techniques such as smoothing, thresholding, and morphological transformation to programmatically compute the top, left, right, and bottom margins within a digital document image. The proposed model has been experimented with different noise filters and structural elements of various shapes and size to finalize the bilateral filter and lines and structural elements for the removal of noises most commonly occurring due to scans. The proposed model is targeted towards text document images and not the natural scene images. Hence, the existing benchmark models developed for text localization in natural scene images have not performed with the expected accuracy. The model is validated with 485 document images of a real-time business process of a reputed TI company. The results show that $$91.34\%$$

91.34
%

of the document images have conferred more than $$90\%$$

90
%

IoU value which is well beyond the accuracy range determined by the company for that specific process.
Current Clinical Trials for the Monkeypox Virus
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

Background

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus causing smallpox-like symptoms. Before April 2022, MPX cases outside Africa were rare. The virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, respiratory droplets, and household items such as towels and blankets.

Aim

This study was aimed at highlighting the dire need for vaccination and treatment against this infection. Several in-process clinical trials that may help overcome MPX infection are discussed.

Methods

A search for recent clinical studies was conducted in the clinicaltrials.gov database.

Results

A total of 15 trials were identified. After February 2022, 14 new trials were launched. Of the 15 trials, 9 were observational studies, 3 were treatment studies and 3 were preventive studies. MPX clinical trial topics were classified into four broad categories: MPX virus shedding and clearance; response to MPX vaccine; antiviral treatment for MPX; and awareness regarding MPX. One medication, tecovirimat, and two vaccines are currently in clinical trials.

Conclusions

Few treatments and vaccines are under evaluation. Although multiple trials have been conducted, evidence to determine the present state of MPX infection is currently insufficient. Global collaboration is required to achieve complete understanding of the epidemiology, prevention and control of MPX.
Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Alexander J. McKenzie
Published: March 2023

Evolutionary game theory originated in population biology from the realisation that frequency-dependent fitness introduced a strategic element into evolution. Since its development, evolutionary game theory has been adopted by many social scientists, and philosophers, to analyse interdependent decision problems played by boundedly rational individuals. Its study has led to theoretical innovations of great interest for the biological and social sciences. For example, theorists have developed a number of dynamical models which can be used to study how populations of interacting individuals change their behaviours over time. In this introduction, this Element covers the two main approaches to evolutionary game theory: the static analysis of evolutionary stability concepts, and the study of dynamical models, their convergence behaviour and rest points. This Element also explores the many fascinating, and complex, connections between the two approaches.
The Spy Who Came In from the Co-op
Authors: Burke David
Published: March 2023

A story of wartime intelligence, super-power relations and spies and their handlers - seen through the experience of Melita Norwood.
Crossing the Zambezi
Authors: McGregor JoAnn
Published: March 2023

This is the story of 150 years of conflict and contested claims over control and access to the waters and banks of the River Zambezi, one of Africa's longest and most important rivers.
The Genius of Valhalla
Authors: Lucas John
Published: March 2023

The life of enigmatic Wagner conductor, Reginald Goodall, by the author of the acclaimed Thomas Beecham: An Obsession with Music, newly available in paperback.
Evaluating the Polish NAPs: Lessons for the Future Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Authors: Kilanowski Marcin
Published: March 2023

Since their adoption, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have become crucial to intensify actions to protect human rights in the context of business conduct. Numerous countries, including Poland, have adopted National Action Plans (NAPs). Taking into account the years that have passed, it is worth assessing the implementation of their goals. Guidelines for the preparation of NAPs on business and human rights of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG) are helpful in assessing the Polish NAPs. This Development in the Field piece concludes that every NAP should begin with an assessment that would help identify areas where there is a need to implement necessary policies. Such an assessment could be used to compare the initial stage with future achievements. It should rely on clear milestones mentioned in NAPs, and on key performance indicators to assess effectiveness while also relying on inclusive decision-making processes. Unfortunately, this was not the case with the two Polish NAPs.
Experiments on Marangoni spreading – evidence of a new type of interfacial instability
Authors: Ma Xue , Huang Yao , Huang Yanru , Liu Zhanwei , Li Zhenzhen , Floryan Jerzy M.
Published: March 2023

Marangoni spreading on thin films is widely observed in nature and applied in industry. It has serious implications for airway drug delivery, especially in surfactant displacement therapy. This paper reports the results of experimental investigations of a surfactant-laden droplet spreading on films made of more viscous Newtonian fluids as well as on films made of viscoelastic fluids. The experiments used particle seeding, the transmission-speckle method and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) to determine the deformation of the film–droplet interface and to measure velocity fields. Radially aligned patterns were observed on Newtonian films. Similar patterns, but with much smaller wavenumber, were observed on viscoelastic films in combination with rapid azimuthal variations of the film thickness. The Saffman–Taylor instability at the film–droplet interface explains the formation of patterns on a more viscous Newtonian film, and their onset requires exceeding the critical capillary number. The pattern formation on viscoelastic films is correlated with an instability at the film–droplet–air contact line when the liquid is expelled radially by the spreading droplet. PTV revealed azimuthal variations of the velocity field in the vicinity of the contact line. The observed contact line instability is different from previously reported fingering instabilities of Newtonian thin films. A simple scaling law accounting for the Marangoni-stress-induced elastic shear deformation is proposed to describe the flow field in the patterns formed in the viscoelastic films.
Scaling maximum spreading of droplet impacting on flexible substrates
Authors: Ma Yufei , Huang Haibo
Published: March 2023

We numerically study the impact of a droplet on superhydrophobic flexible plates, aiming to understand how the flexible substrate influences the maximum spreading of the droplet. Compared with the rigid case, the vertical movement of the flexible substrate due to droplet impact reduces the maximum spreading. Besides, the average acceleration

$a$

during droplet spreading changes significantly. Arising from energy conservation, we rescale the acceleration

$a$

for cases with different bending stiffness

$K_B$

and mass ratio

$M_r$

. Moreover, through theoretical analysis, we propose a scaling for the droplet's maximum spreading diameter ratio

$\beta _{max}$

. In the scaling, based on the derived

$a$

, an effective Weber number

$We_m$

is well defined, which accounts for the substrate properties without any adjustable parameters. In the (

$\beta _{max}, We_m$

) plane, the two-dimensional numerical results of different

$K_B$

,

$M_r$

and rigid cases all collapse into a single curve, as do the experimental and three-dimensional (3-D) results. In particular, the collapsed 3-D data can be well represented by the universal rescaling of

$\beta _{max}$

proposed by Lee et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 786, 2016, R4). Furthermore, an a posteriori energy analysis confirms the validation of our a priori scaling law.
The semantic representation of food is shaped by cultural experience
Authors: Mazzuca Claudia , Majid Asifa
Published: March 2023

While eating is universally salient, food habits vary greatly even across similar western cultural groups. Italians, for example, are renowned pasta consumers whereas this habit is less pervasive in other western cultures. This variability might shape the conceptualization of food of different cultural groups. Against this backdrop, it has been proposed the semantic representation of food is universally organized along two main axes, with natural food (e.g., vegetables, fruit) relying more on sensory properties and manufactured food (e.g., pasta) relying more on functional properties. In this exploratory study, we compared the semantic representation of pasta, vegetables, and fruit across Italian and English-speaking participants with a free-listing task. We find the representation of pasta is not restricted to functional properties. Moreover, Italian and English speakers differed both quantitatively and qualitatively in their representation of pasta. Italians produced more exemplars of pasta than English-speaking participants, and their conceptual organization of pasta also included fine-grained distinctions (e.g., egg-based vs. flour-and-water pasta), whereas English-speaking participants mostly focused on perceptual components (e.g., long) – even when accounting for differential consumption, cooking, and preparation experience of pasta. Our results suggest that culture-specific experiences can shape the conceptualization of food.
A network community detection method with integration of data from multiple layers and node attributes
Authors: Reittu Hannu , Leskelä Lasse , Räty Tomi
Published: March 2023

Multilayer networks are in the focus of the current complex network study. In such networks, multiple types of links may exist as well as many attributes for nodes. To fully use multilayer—and other types of complex networks in applications, the merging of various data with topological information renders a powerful analysis. First, we suggest a simple way of representing network data in a data matrix where rows correspond to the nodes and columns correspond to the data items. The number of columns is allowed to be arbitrary, so that the data matrix can be easily expanded by adding columns. The data matrix can be chosen according to targets of the analysis and may vary a lot from case to case. Next, we partition the rows of the data matrix into communities using a method which allows maximal compression of the data matrix. For compressing a data matrix, we suggest to extend so-called regular decomposition method for non-square matrices. We illustrate our method for several types of data matrices, in particular, distance matrices, and matrices obtained by augmenting a distance matrix by a column of node degrees, or by concatenating several distance matrices corresponding to layers of a multilayer network. We illustrate our method with synthetic power-law graphs and two real networks: an Internet autonomous systems graph and a world airline graph. We compare the outputs of different community recovery methods on these graphs and discuss how incorporating node degrees as a separate column to the data matrix leads our method to identify community structures well-aligned with tiered hierarchical structures commonly encountered in complex scale-free networks.