bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygonal contact model revisited: notes on usage and improved implementation
Authors: Hippmann Gerhard
Published: March 2023

The polygonal contact model is an established contact algorithm for multibody dynamics based on polygonal surfaces. Some guidance for its practical use is presented. In particular, assignment and discretization of the surface meshes are discussed with regard to correct results and optimal efficiency. Moreover, notes on stiffness and damping parameters are given.

An improved implementation of the polygonal contact model is introduced. The new algorithm goes without quite complicated intersection construction steps. As a consequence, it is less complex, more robust and usually more efficient than the classic implementation.

Application examples of varied complexity demonstrate both notes on usage and improved implementation of the polygonal contact model.
“Letting Go and Staying Connected”: Substance Use Outcomes from a Developmentally Targeted Intervention for Parents of College Students
Authors: Hill L. G. , Bumpus M. , Haggerty K. P. , Catalano R. F. , Cooper B. R. , Skinner M. L.
Published: March 2023

We present results of a randomized, controlled, efficacy trial of a handbook intervention for parents of first-year college students. The aim of the interactive intervention was to decrease risk behaviors by increasing family protective factors. The handbook, based in self-determination theory and the social development model, provided evidence-based and developmentally targeted suggestions for parents to engage with their students in activities designed to support successful adjustment to college. We recruited 919 parent-student dyads from incoming students enrolled at a university in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and randomly assigned them to control and intervention conditions. We sent handbooks to intervention parents in June before students’ August matriculation. Research assistants trained in motivational interviewing contacted parents to encourage use of the handbook. Control parents and students received treatment as usual. Participants completed baseline surveys during their final semester in high school (time 1) and their first semester at college (time 2). Self-reported frequency of alcohol, cannabis, and simultaneous use increased across both handbook and control students. In intent-to-treat analyses, odds of increased use were consistently lower and of similar magnitude for students in the intervention condition than in the control condition, and odds of first-time use were also lower in the intervention condition. Contact from research assistants predicted parents’ engagement, and parent and student report of active engagement with handbook predicted lower substance use among intervention than control students across the transition to college. We developed a low-cost, theory-based handbook to help parents support their young adult children as they transition to independent college life. Students whose parents used the handbook were less likely to initiate or increase substance use than students in the control condition during their first semester in college.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03227809
Network-based principles of entrepreneurial ecosystems: a case study of a start-up network
Authors: Ancona Andrea , Cinelli Matteo , Ferraro Giovanna , Iovanella Antonio
Published: March 2023

Entrepreneurial ecosystems are wealthy environments in which entrepreneurs, firms, and governments can operate frictionless, contributing to innovation and economic growth. The investigation of the structure of such systems is an open issue. We provide insights on this aspect through the formulation of seven network-based principles associating specific network metrics to distinct structural features of entrepreneurial ecosystems. In this way, we aim to support the measurement of the structural characteristics of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and the design of policy interventions in case of unmet properties. The proposed methodology is applied to an original network built on the relationships occurring on Twitter among 612 noteworthy start-ups from seven different European countries. This is a novel way to conceptualize entrepreneurial ecosystems considering online interactions. Thus, this work represents a first attempt to analyze the structure of entrepreneurial ecosystems considering their network architecture to guide policy-making decisions. Our results suggest a partial ecosystem-like nature of the analyzed network, providing evidence about possible policy recommendations.
Using the History of the Super-Organismic-Plant-Community Concept To Help Students Understand the Nature of Science
Authors: Ampatzidis Georgios , Ergazaki Marida
Published: March 2023

Although formulating a broadly accepted definition of scientific literacy may be challenging, it is widely recognized that Nature of Science (NOS) is an essential component of it. There are different ways to define NOS. In some cases, NOS can be conceptualized through a number of general NOS aspects like for instance science’s empirical basis or tentativeness. This approach in NOS teaching and learning is considered to be helpful for advancing students’ understanding about NOS. Moreover, it has been suggested that history of science, and more specifically narratives informed by the history of science, can be very well used to explicitly and systematically highlight general NOS aspects. Thus, this paper reports on two “fiction talk stories” that we created considering the history of the super-organismic-plant-community concept and the critique against it. Our stories, “Inspiration cannot wait” and “Panta rhei,” set focus on the creativity involved in scientists’ work, the distinction between observation and inference, and the tentativeness of science. In this paper, we (a) discuss fiction talk stories as a type of narratives used in educational contexts, (b) highlight the historical background of “Inspiration cannot wait” and “Panta rhei” and present the narratives themselves, (c) discuss them in terms of their essential features and the strategies we considered, and (d) we make some final remarks.
Automated Classification of Well Test Responses in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Freites A. , Corbett P. , Rongier G. , Geiger S.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the impact of fractures on fluid flow is fundamental for developing geoenergy reservoirs. Pressure transient analysis could play a key role for fracture characterization purposes if better links can be established between the pressure derivative responses (p′) and the fracture properties. However, pressure transient analysis is particularly challenging in the presence of fractures because they can manifest themselves in many differentp′ curves. In this work, we aim to provide a proof-of-concept machine learning approach that allows us to effectively handle the diversity in fracture-relatedp′ curves by automatically classifying them and identifying the characteristic fracture patterns. We created a synthetic dataset from numerical simulation that comprised 2560p′ curves that represent a wide range of fracture network properties. We developed an unsupervised machine learning approach that can distinguish the temporal variations in thep′ curves by combining dynamic time warping with k-medoids clustering. Our results suggest that the approach is effective at recognizing similar shapes in thep′ curves if the second pressure derivatives are used as the classification variable. Our analysis indicated that 12 clusters were appropriate to describe the full collection ofp′ curves in this particular dataset. The classification exercise also allowed us to identify the key geological features that influence thep′ curves in this particular dataset, namely (1) the distance from the wellbore to the closest fracture(s), (2) the local/global fracture connectivity, and (3) the local/global fracture intensity. With additional training data to account for a broader range of fracture network properties, the proposed classification method could be expanded to other naturally fractured reservoirs and eventually serve as an interpretation framework for understanding how complex fracture network properties impact pressure transient behaviour.
Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Pizzolitto Elia
Published: March 2023

Music is the background of life, representing an international language that connects different cultures. It is also significant with respect to economies, markets, and businesses. The literature in the music field has identified several issues related to the role of digitalization in the revolution of music, the distribution of music products, the management and organization of music events, music marketing strategies, and the position of musicians as entrepreneurs. This paper comprises a systematic literature review of the most recent articles discussing the numerous connections between music, business, and management (2017–2022). Through a rigorous protocol, this research discusses the effects of the digital revolution on the music industry, with particular reference to the persisting oligopoly of major labels and the new business models that integrate music streaming and social networks. The findings show the renaissance and relevance of live music events, the fundamental role of segmentation strategies for managing festivals, and the limited presence of sustainability as a priority during festivals and events management. Furthermore, the literature highlights the relevance of discussions concerning musicians’ identity, especially in light of the complex relationship between the bohemian and the entrepreneurial nature of their profession. This is followed by numerous reflections on future research opportunities, recommending theoretical and empirical in-depth studies of music industry competition, futuristic management philosophies and business models, and the roles of technology, sustainability, and financial elements in fostering artists’ success in the digital era. Finally, the paper discusses business models and strategies for musicians, festivals management, stores, and sustainability.
Fungal and bacterial endophytes antagonistic to Phytophthora species causing root rot in Cinnamomum cassia
Authors: Dang Quynh N. , Burgess Treena I. , McComb Jen , Pham Thu Q. , Le Binh V. , Tran Thang V. , Nguyen Loan T. , Hardy Giles E. St. J.
Published: March 2023

Endophytes were investigated for their potential to protect Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) from Phytophthora root rot. From healthy cinnamon trees in diseased plantations, 134 bacterial and fungal endophytes were isolated and screened in vitro for their ability to antagonise the root rot pathogens Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. multibullata and P. × vanyenensis. Seventeen endophytes exhibiting high levels of antagonism in vitro (more than 45%) were then tested in a glasshouse study for their ability to reduce the impact of Phytophthora infection in cinnamon seedlings. Trials using cinnamon seeds or seedlings inoculated with an endophyte and then infested with Phytophthora identified three endophytes expressing high levels of disease suppression (based on root damage reduction) and plant growth promotion. These were Penicillium citrinum, Xylaria curta and Clonostachys rosea. These endophytes can potentially be used in the biological control of root rot in cinnamon, but this must be explored further under field conditions.
Gender Differences in Perceived Working Conditions of General Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic—a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Schaffler-Schaden Dagmar , Stöllinger Lena , Avian Alexander , Terebessy András , Scott Anna M. , Streit Sven , Piccoliori Giuliano , Zelko Erika , Huter Sebastian , Mergenthal Karola , Bachler Herbert , Flamm Maria , Siebenhofer Andrea
Published: March 2023

Background

The
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gender-specific differences between general practitioners in adapting to the posed challenges. As primary care workforce is becoming increasingly female, in many countries, it is essential to take a closer look at gender-specific influences when the global health care system is confronted with a crisis.

Objective

To explore gender-specific differences in the perceived working conditions and gender-specific differences in challenges facing GPs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Design

Online survey in seven countries.

Participants

2,602 GPs from seven countries (Austria, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia). Of the respondents, 44.4% (n = 1,155) were women.

Main Measures

Online survey. We focused on gender-specific differences in general practitioners’ perceptions of working conditions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Key Results

Female GPs rated their skills and self-confidence significantly lower than male GPs (f: 7.1, 95%CI: 6.9–7.3 vs. m: 7.6, 95%CI 7.4–7.8; p < .001), and their perceived risk (concerned about becoming infected or infecting others) higher than men (f: 5.7, 95%CI: 5.4–6.0 vs. m: 5.1, 95%CI: 4.8–5.5; p = .011). Among female GPs, low self-confidence in the treatment of COVID-19 patients appear to be common. Results were similar in all of the participating countries.

Conclusions

Female and male GPs differed in terms of their self-confidence when dealing with COVID-19-related issues and their perceptions of the risks arising from the pandemic. To ensure optimal medical care, it is important that GPs realistically assess their own abilities and overall risk.
Rif1 Regulates Self-Renewal and Impedes Mesendodermal Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yu Peng , Ren Zongna , Yao Fang , Wang Li , Hu Guang , Li Pishun , Zhao Quanyi
Published: March 2023

Background

RAP1 interacting factor 1 (Rif1) is highly expressed in mice embryos and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). It plays critical roles in telomere length homeostasis, DNA damage, DNA replication timing and ERV silencing. However, whether Rif1 regulates early differentiation of mESC is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we generated a Rif1 conditional knockout mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line based on Cre-loxP system. Western blot, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), RNA high-throughput sequencing (RNA-Seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation followed high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR), immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation were employed for phenotype and molecular mechanism assessment.

Results

Rif1 plays important roles in self-renewal and pluripotency of mESCs and loss of Rif1 promotes mESC differentiation toward the mesendodermal germ layers. We further show that Rif1 interacts with histone H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2, a subunit of PRC2, and regulates the expression of developmental genes by directly binding to their promoters. Rif1 deficiency reduces the occupancy of EZH2 and H3K27me3 on mesendodermal gene promoters and activates ERK1/2 activities.

Conclusion

Rif1 is a key factor in regulating the pluripotency, self-renewal, and lineage specification of mESCs. Our research provides new insights into the key roles of Rif1 in connecting epigenetic regulations and signaling pathways for cell fate determination and lineage specification of mESCs.

Graphical abstract
Assessing the suitability of local earth resources for use in clay barriers to protect historic masonry in Pompeii
Authors: Michette Martin , Breuninger Tamara , Kilian Ralf , Nickmann Marion , Thuro Kurosch , Ziegert Christof
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a case study for the testing of locally available resources selected to form a clay barrier. This is a promising technique for protecting historic masonry from ground moisture intrusion. There are several historical precedents for the use of calcareous, clayey soils to form moisture resilient barriers in architecture. More recently, specialised bentonite mixtures have arrived on the market. Assessment protocols for suitable barrier material will help establish general codes and the potential for this technique to make use of locally available resources, either in their raw state or in mixtures. In this project, a variety of different geo-materials are collected from around Pompeii to test their suitability for use in a barrier installation on a tomb in the archaeological site. The methodology consists of laboratory tests used in the assessment of barrier material for landfill engineering, and rapid tests used in earth construction. A mixture of a calcareous clay and a sand produced barrier material with suitable properties. The methodology can form the basis of assessments elsewhere, to further develop the potential of using locally available geo-resources for conservation and construction projects.
Alterations in Dynamic Functional Connectivity in Patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Chen Futao , Chen Qian , Zhu Yajing , Long Cong , Lu Jiaming , Jiang Yaoxian , Zhang Xin , Zhang Bing
Published: March 2023

Cerebral small
vessel disease (CSVD) is a common disease that seriously endangers people’s health, and is easily overlooked by both patients and clinicians due to its near-silent onset. Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) is a new concept focusing on the dynamic features and patterns of brain networks that represents a powerful tool for gaining novel insight into neurological diseases. To assess alterations in DFC in CSVD patients, and the correlation of DFC with cognitive function. We enrolled 35 CSVD patients and 31 normal control subjects (NC). Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) with a sliding-window approach and k-means clustering based on independent component analysis (ICA) was used to evaluate DFC. The temporal properties of fractional windows and the mean dwell time in each state, as well as the number of transitions between each pair of DFC states, were calculated. Additionally, we assessed the functional connectivity (FC) strength of the dynamic states and the associations of altered neuroimaging measures with cognitive performance. A dynamic analysis of all included subjects suggested four distinct functional connectivity states. Compared with the NC group, the CSVD group had more fractional windows and longer mean dwell times in state 4 characterized by sparse FC both inter-network and intra-networks. Additionally, the CSVD group had a reduced number of windows and shorter mean dwell times compared to the NC group in state 3 characterized by highly positive FC between the somatomotor and visual networks, and negative FC in the basal ganglia and somatomotor and visual networks. The number of transitions between state 2 and state 3 and between state 3 and state 4 was significantly reduced in the CSVD group compared to the NC group. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the FC strength between the two groups, and the altered temporal properties of DFC were significantly related to cognitive performance. Our study indicated that CSVD is characterized by altered temporal properties in DFC that may be sensitive neuroimaging biomarkers for early disease identification. Further study of DFC alterations could help us to better understand the progressive dysfunction of networks in CSVD patients.
Modeling the impacts of best management practices (BMPs) on pollution reduction in the Yarra River catchment, Australia
Authors: Ahsan Amimul , Das Sushil K. , Khan Md. Habibur Rahman Bejoy , Ng Anne W. M. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Ahmed Shakil , Imteaz Monzur , Tariq Muhammad A. U. R. , Shafiquzzaman Md.
Published: March 2023

Pollution of a watershed by different land uses and agricultural practices is becoming a major challenging factor that results in deterioration of water quality affecting human health and ecosystems. Sustainable use of available water resources warrants reduction of Non-Point Source (NPS) pollutants from receiving water bodies through best management practices (BMPs). A hydrologic model such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) can be used for analyzing the impacts of various BMPs and implementing of different management plans for water quality improvement, which will help decision makers to determine the best combination of BMPs to maximize benefits. The objective of this study is to assess the potential reductions of sediments and nutrient loads by utilizing different BMPs on the Yarra River watershed using the SWAT model. The watershed is subdivided into 51 sub-watersheds where seven different BMPs were implemented. A SWAT model was developed and calibrated against a baseline period of 1998–2008. For calibration and validation of the model simulations for both the monthly and annual nutrients and sediments were assessed by using the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) statistical index. The values of the NSE were found more than 0.50 which indicates satisfactory model predictions. By utilizing different BMPs, the highest pollution reduction with minimal costs can be done by 32% targeted mixed-crop area. Furthermore, the combined effect of five BMPs imparts most sediments and nutrient reductions in the watershed. Overall, the selection of a BMP or combinations of BMPs should be set based on the goals set in a BMP application project.
Synthesis of nanomagnetite/copper oxide/potassium carrageenan nanocomposite for the adsorption and Photo-Fenton degradation of Safranin-O: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Hassan Asaad. F. , Alshandoudi Laila M. , Awad Aya M. , Mustafa Ahmed A. , Esmail Ghada
Published: March 2023

In the current study, a novel nanomaterial called nanomagnetite/copper oxide/potassium carrageenan nanocomposite (MKCO) was fabricated to include Fenton (nanomagnetite, NM) and Fenton-like reagent (copper oxide nanoparticles, NCO) in a matrix of potassium carrageenan biopolymer. The prepared solid materials were characterized by different physicochemical techniques, such as TGA, N2 adsorption/desorption, SEM, TEM, XRD, DRS, pHPZC, and FTIR. The prepared MKCO showed unique properties like higher specific surface area of 652.50 m2/g, pore radius of 1.19 nm, pHPZC equals 7.80, and the presence of different surface chemical functional groups. Under various application conditions, comparative experiments between Safranin-O dye (SO) adsorption and Photo-Fenton catalytic degradation were conducted. After 24 h, MKCO had a maximum adsorption capacity of 384.61 mg/g at 42 °C, while the Photo-Fenton oxidation process took only 10 min to totally decompose 93% of SO at 21 °C. Based on the higher values of correlation coefficients, Langmuir’s adsorption model is the best-fitted adsorption model for SO onto all the prepared solid materials. Studies on SO adsorption’s kinetics and thermodynamics show that it is physisorption and that it operates according to endothermic, spontaneous, and PFO model processes. While, PFO, endothermic, and non-spontaneous processes are satisfied by the catalytic decomposition of SO. After five application cycles, MKCO demonstrated good catalyst reusability with a 3.4% decrease in degrading efficiency. For lower contaminant concentrations and shorter application times, Photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of organic pollutants is more effective than adsorption.

Graphical abstract

Fenton and Photo-Fenton degradation of Safranin-O
Well-posedness for a stochastic Camassa–Holm type equation with higher order nonlinearities
Authors: Miao Yingting , Rohde Christian , Tang Hao
Published: March 2023

This paper aims at studying a generalized Camassa–Holm equation under random perturbation. We establish a local well-posedness result in the sense of Hadamard, i.e., existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence on initial data, as well as blow-up criteria for pathwise solutions in the Sobolev spaces $$H^s$$

H
s

with $$s>3/2$$

s
>
3
/
2

for $$x\in \mathbb R$$

x
∈
R

. The analysis on continuous dependence on initial data for nonlinear stochastic partial differential equations has gained less attention in the literature so far. In this work, we first show that the solution map is continuous. Then we introduce a notion of stability of exiting time. We provide an example showing that one cannot improve the stability of the exiting time and simultaneously improve the continuity of the dependence on initial data. Finally, we analyze the regularization effect of nonlinear noise in preventing blow-up. Precisely, we demonstrate that global existence holds true almost surely provided that the noise is strong enough.
Computational Efficient Modeling of Supersolidus Liquid Phase Sintering in Multi-component Alloys for ICME Applications
Authors: Molla Tesfaye T.
Published: March 2023

One of the challenges in computational design of pre-alloyed powders for sintering is the absence of predictive, efficient, and fast acting models that enable the design space of alloys to be tractable. This study presents an efficient and predictive model to simulate the densification as well as shape distortion of pre-alloyed powder compacts during supersolidus liquid phase sintering (SLPS). The model combines the generalized viscous theory of sintering with microstructural models for diffusional creep accommodated by viscous grain boundary sliding. Critical model parameters are obtained from thermodynamic modeling based on the calculation of phase diagrams (CalPhaD) and simulations of diffusional transformations in metals. The model is validated by comparing simulation results with experimental data from the literature for various types of engineering alloys. In addition, a processing window for defect free sintering of samples is presented by defining a microstructural softening parameter for a sintering body. The model can be used in the design of pre-alloyed powders for SLPS within the context of an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) frameworks.
Validation of a Farsi version of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (F-EPSI) among Iranian adolescents
Authors: Sahlan Reza N. , Saunders Jessica F. , Fitzsimmons-Craft Ellen E.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Limited research has validated eating pathology assessments in Iranian adolescent boys and girls. In particular, the measures that have been validated do not capture both boys’ and girls’ eating behaviors in adolescence. The purpose of the current study was to validate a Farsi version of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (F-EPSI) for use in Iranian adolescents.

Methods

Participants (N = 913; 85.3% girls) were adolescents who completed a battery of questionnaires including the F-EPSI. In addition, F-EPSI data for Iranian adolescents were compared with those of previously published data of adult Iranian college students.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated that the F-EPSI had an acceptable fit to the data and supported the eight-factor model. The scale was invariant by gender, weight status, eating disorder, and age groups. Boys reported higher scores than girls on the Excessive Exercise, Muscle Building, Body Dissatisfaction, and Binge Eating subscales. Adolescents with higher weight and eating disorder symptoms endorsed higher scores on the F-EPSI subscales. Older adolescents and adults reported higher scores than younger adolescents and adolescents, respectively. Adolescents had higher scores than adults on Restricting and Excessive Exercise subscales. The F-EPSI demonstrated good convergent validity through correlations with other eating pathology symptoms. The F-EPSI subscales were associated with depression and body mass index (zBMI) in expected directions that indicate criterion validity of the scale.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the F-EPSI is a reliable and valid measure in Iranian non-clinical adolescents. The F-EPSI will enable researchers to examine a broad array of eating pathology symptoms in adolescents for whom Farsi is their official language.

Level of evidence

Level V; Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Synergistically assembled RGO/Si3N4 whiskers hybrid aerogels to endow epoxy composites with excellent thermal and tribological performance
Authors: Zhou Yongjun , Zhang Yuanya , Liu Meng , Wang Yanling , Yuan Junya , Men Xuehu
Published: March 2023

Epoxy resin (EP) composites with satisfactory thermal and tribological performance are highly required for engineering moving components. However, the simple addition of fillers leaded to the serious filler agglomeration and limited promotion in tribological properties. In this work, we constructed a new kind of three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Si3N4 hybrid aerogel for EP composites, which was prepared by a facile hydrothermal self-assembly method followed by freeze-drying technique. As a result, the dispersibility of Si3N4 whiskers was greatly improved through wrapping of polydopamine—polyethyleneimine copolymer (PDA—PEI) copolymer and physical spacing of 3D skeleton. Furthermore, benefiting from the synergistic effect of RGO and Si3N4@PDA—PEI in the thermal network, the thermal conductivity of RGO/Si3N4 hybrid aerogel (GSiA)—EP increased by 45.4% compared to that of the neat EP. In addition, the friction coefficient and wear rate of GSiA—EP decreased by 83.7% and 35.8%, respectively. This work is significant for opening a tribological performance enhancement strategy though constructing 3D hybrid architecture.
RDQN: ensemble of deep neural network with reinforcement learning in classification based on rough set theory for digital transactional fraud detection
Authors: Tekkali Chandana Gouri , Natarajan Karthika
Published: March 2023

All financial sectors are facing the most common frauds, which are digital transactional frauds. Fraudsters have always engaged in illegal activities such as stealing personal information and logging in with unauthorised credentials. Many machine learning algorithms predict whether the transaction is factual or nonfactual but fail to decrease the processing time. Hybrid models are used in this case to identify the fraud in a quick and efficient manner. This article demarcates to construct a novel model, RDQN, i.e., deep reinforcement learning, that combines with the rough set theory. This article has three steps, including data pre-processing to determine the quality of the data, which affects the learning ability of the model, determining the structural relationship and gaining useful features from the data set using rough set theory, and doing a hybridization of DNN (deep neural network) and Q learning, which is called DQN. It uses the MISH activation function and the ReLU activation function in different layers for training dynamics in the neural network. The proposed model classifies and predicts that the transaction belongs to the category implemented by the agents by activating the reward function. The reinforcement-learning agent’s performance improves based on reward assessment. This reward function gives a more precise value for each transaction, and no fraudster can escape from the agent’s sight. This novel approach improves accuracy and reduces processing time by considering the best feature selection during the process.
Differentiable channel pruning guided via attention mechanism: a novel neural network pruning approach
Authors: Cheng Hanjing , Wang Zidong , Ma Lifeng , Wei Zhihui , Alsaadi Fawaz E. , Liu Xiaohui
Published: March 2023

Neural network pruning offers great prospects for facilitating the deployment of deep neural networks on computational resource limited devices. Neural architecture search (NAS) provides an efficient way to automatically seek appropriate neural architecture design for compressed model. It is observed that, for existing NAS-based pruning methods, there is usually a lack of layer information when searching the optimal neural architecture. In this paper, we propose a new NAS approach, namely, differentiable channel pruning method guided via attention mechanism (DCP-A), where the adopted attention mechanism is able to provide layer information to guide the optimization of the pruning policy. The training process is differentiable with Gumbel-softmax sampling, while parameters are optimized under a two-stage training procedure. The neural network block with the shortcut is dedicatedly designed, which is of help to prune the network not only on its width but also on its depth. Extensive experiments are performed to verify the applicability and superiority of the proposed method. Detailed analysis with visualization of the pruned model architecture shows that our proposed DCP-A learns explainable pruning policies.
Fibrous MXene Aerogels with Tunable Pore Structures for High-Efficiency Desalination of Contaminated Seawater
Authors: Wu Fan , Qiang Siyu , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Jiao Wenling , Liu Lifang , Yu Jianyong , Liu Yi-Tao , Ding Bin
Published: March 2023

The seawater desalination based on solar-driven interfacial evaporation has emerged as a promising technique to alleviate the global crisis on freshwater shortage. However, achieving high desalination performance on actual, oil-contaminated seawater remains a critical challenge, because the transport channels and evaporation interfaces of the current solar evaporators are easily blocked by the oil slicks, resulting in undermined evaporation rate and conversion efficiency. Herein, we propose a facile strategy for fabricating a modularized solar evaporator based on flexible MXene aerogels with arbitrarily tunable, highly ordered cellular/lamellar pore structures for high-efficiency oil interception and desalination. The core design is the creation of 1D fibrous MXenes with sufficiently large aspect ratios, whose superior flexibility and plentiful link forms lay the basis for controllable 3D assembly into more complicated pore structures. The cellular pore structure is responsible for effective contaminants rejection due to the multi-sieving effect achieved by the omnipresent, isotropic wall apertures together with underwater superhydrophobicity, while the lamellar pore structure is favorable for rapid evaporation due to the presence of continuous, large-area evaporation channels. The modularized solar evaporator delivers the best evaporation rate (1.48 kg m−2 h−1) and conversion efficiency (92.08%) among all MXene-based desalination materials on oil-contaminated seawater."Image missing"
Recent Advances in Wide-Bandgap Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells and Tandem Application
Authors: Nie Ting , Fang Zhimin , Ren Xiaodong , Duan Yuwei , Liu Shengzhong
Published: March 2023

Perovskite-based tandem solar cells have attracted increasing interest because of its great potential to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit set for single-junction solar cells. In the tandem architectures, the wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskites act as the front absorber to offer higher open-circuit voltage (VOC) for reduced thermalization losses. Taking advantage of tunable bandgap of the perovskite materials, the WBG perovskites can be easily obtained by substituting halide iodine with bromine, and substituting organic ions FA and MA with Cs. To date, the most concerned issues for the WBG perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are huge VOC deficit and severe photo-induced phase separation. Reducing VOC loss and improving photostability of the WBG PSCs are crucial for further efficiency breakthrough. Recently, scientists have made great efforts to overcome these key issues with tremendous progresses. In this review, we first summarize the recent progress of WBG perovskites from the aspects of compositions, additives, charge transport layers, interfaces and preparation methods. The key factors affecting efficiency and stability are then carefully discussed, which would provide decent guidance to develop highly efficient and stable WBG PSCs for tandem application.
The Green Asset Ratio (GAR): a new key performance indicator for credit institutions
Authors: Brühl Volker
Published: March 2023

The financial sector plays an important role in financing the green transformation. Various regulatory initiatives in the EU aim to improve transparency in relation to the sustainability of financial products and the sustainability of economic activities of non-financial and financial undertakings. For credit institutions, the Green Asset Ratio (GAR) has been established by the European regulatory authorities as a key performance indicator (KPI) for measuring the proportion of Taxonomy-aligned on-balance-sheet exposure in relation to the total assets. The breakdown of the total GAR by type of counterparty, environmental objective and type of asset provides in-depth information about the sustainability profile of a credit institution. This information, which has not been available to date, may also initiate discussions between management and shareholders or other stakeholders regarding the future sustainability strategy of credit institutions. This paper provides an overview of the regulatory background and the method of calculating the GAR along different dimensions. Finally, the potential benefits and limitations of the GAR are discussed.
Magnetohydrodynamic Analysis of Load Shifting in Hall-Héroult Cells
Authors: Gesell Hendrik , Janoske Uwe
Published: March 2023

The research project SynErgie aims to adapt large scale industrial processes to a volatile supply of renewable energy which is expected for the future. The aluminum electrolysis process is one of the biggest consumers of electric energy in Germany. The aim is to vary its nominal process power by ± 25%. This numerical study focuses on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) behavior of the electrolysis cells of Trimet Aluminum SE in Essen. To capture the MHD driven flow and electrodynamics inside the electrolysis cells a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed in the OpenFOAM® framework. This accounts for the influence of neighboring electrolysis cells, the magnetization of ferromagnetic materials, a static ledge profile and the dynamic changes of anode shape caused by the carbon consumption. The simulation predictions show the heave of the aluminum cryolite interface for different line currents. To analyze the behavior of flexible process operation, shifts of the line currents are studied in detail. After shifting the line current, the interface heave changes directly whereas the shape of the anode bottom reacts with a delay in time. This leads to a locally uneven anode cathode distance (ACD) followed by a disturbed current distribution inside the electrolysis cell after shifting the line current. The anodic current distribution is quantified by the model, which can help process operators to identify whether increased anode currents are caused by the line current shift or potential abnormalities like spikes.

Graphical Abstract
Shield Attitude Adjustment Induced by Slurry Pressure Balance (SPB) Shield Tunneling Considering the Effects of Overbreak Cutter: A Numerical Simulation by DEM and Engineering Application
Authors: Shen Xiang , Yuan Dajun , Jin Dalong , Wang Xiao , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: March 2023

Based on a cross-river tunnel of Wuhan Metro Line 8, we present a two-dimensional discrete element model for shield attitude adjustment considering the effect of overbreak cutters. The shield shell mechanics under the influence of over-excavation rate, over-excavation orientations, and overburden load are simulated, and the tunneling mechanics law and the ultimate range during the adjustment of the shield attitude are investigated. The simulation results indicate the following: (1) The greater the over-excavation rate, the smaller the force exerted by the soil layer in the negative direction of the shield movement; therefore, increasing the over-excavation rate is helpful in expanding the range of shield attitude adjustment. (2) The shield is stressed symmetrically while conducting positive and negative horizontal adjustments in the soil layer, which has a symmetrical distribution, but vertical upward adjustment is more difficult than vertical downward adjustment. (3) With the increase in overburden load, the space of the shield attitude adjustment is gradually reduced at the same over-excavation rate. A good engineering application was achieved in this project using the simulation model. It is recommended to use the attitude adjustment method by controlling the tunneling parameters. In difficult situations such as high overlying loads, the over-excavation cutter can be used to assist in adjusting the shield attitude.
Morphology differences between fractional Brownian motion and the Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function and corresponding Hurst evaluation
Authors: Dong Jiabin , Wu Ying , Jin Yi , Liu Shunxi , Zheng Junling , Dong Wenhao
Published: March 2023

Fractional Brownian motion (FBM) and the Weierstrass-Mandelbrot (W-M) function are two important methods for constructing self-affine objects. Accurately characterizing their features, such as the morphology and fractal geometry, is fundamental for their follow-up applications. However, due to the differences between self-similar and self-affine properties, the fractal dimension evaluation is difficult and sometimes unconvincing. In addition, the sampling length and diversity of calculation methods both lead to the non-uniqueness of the fractal dimension. This study compared the morphology differences between FBM and the W-M function and then analyzed the effects of each parameter on their morphology. Comparisons indicated that FBM has fewer control parameters than the W-M function. Finally, from basic fractal geometric properties, we derived the relationship between the measurement scale r and profile lengths L(r) for self-affine profiles and found that it is a complicated form rather than $$L(r)\sim c r^{H-1}$$

L

(
r
)

∼
c

r

H
-
1

, where H is the Hurst exponent. Meanwhile, the equivalent vertical height v(r) has an intuitive and clear power law relationship to the measurement scale $$v(r)\sim \sigma r^H$$

v

(
r
)

∼
σ

r
H

, which provides a method to estimate the Hurst exponent.
Carbon Dot-Modified TiO2@SiO2 Aerogel as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zanyu , Hu Jiugang , Ding Kuixing , Tan Jun , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: March 2023

Titanium oxides have been considered promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor conductivity and low specific capacity of bulk titanium oxides limit their application. In this study, a carbon dot-modified TiO2@SiO2 aerogel was successfully fabricated through a facile ambient pressure drying strategy and used as an anode material of LIBs. Benefiting from the crosslinking of carbon dots and the surface modification of SiO2, the as-prepared hierarchical aerogel exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 974 mAh g−1 and maintained a capacity of 299 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. It also retained a discharge capacity of 111 mAh g−1 with a CE of 99.9% at 3 A g−1. The carbon dot-modified cross-linking skeleton contributes to the structural integrity of the TiO2@SiO2 aerogel during repeated insertion/extraction of lithium ions, guaranteeing outstanding cycling and high-rate performance. This ambient pressure drying strategy provides a facile and feasible way to produce high-performance aerogel anode materials for lithium-ion storage.
Radiotherapie beim Prostatakarzinom: Stereotaxie bei Primärtumor und Oligometastasen
Authors: Moll Matthias , Goldner Gregor , Miszczyk Marcin , Widder Joachim
Published: March 2023

Die Strahlentherapie findet eine vielseitige Anwendung im Bereich der Prostatakarzinomtherapie. Eine spezielle Form der Strahlentherapie ist die sog. Stereotaxie. Bei ihr werden hohe Einzeldosen in einer oder wenigen Fraktionen, präzise und in lokal-kurativer Intention appliziert. Daher ist es wichtig, adäquate technische Voraussetzungen für die Stereotaxie vorzuhalten. Aus strahlenbiologischer Sicht eignet sich das Prostatakarzinom dabei besonders gut für die Stereotaxie. Sie kann sowohl zur Behandlung des Primärtumors als auch von Oligometastasen angewandt werden. Unter Oligometastasierung versteht man gemäß dem Konsens der europäischen Gesellschaft für Radiotherapie und Onkologie ein Tumorstadium, das zwischen einer lokalisierten und einer systemisch metastasierten Erkrankung liegt. Die Stereotaxie ist dabei sowohl bei der primären Bestrahlung als auch zur Behandlung der Metastasen sicher und effizient. Sie verkürzt die Behandlungszeit und erhöht den Patientenkomfort. Gleichzeitig bietet sie eine potenziell kurative Option auch im oligometastasierten Setting und sollte daher mit dem Patienten diskutiert werden.
The Phantom Menace: latest findings on effector biology in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Fernandez Jessie
Published: March 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae is a hemibiotrophic fungus responsible for the economically devastating and recalcitrant rice blast disease. However, the blast fungus is not only restricted to rice plants as it can also infect wheat, millet, and other crops. Despite previous outstanding discoveries aimed to understand and control the disease, the fungus remains one of the most important pathogens that threatens global food security. To cause disease, M. oryzae initiates morphological changes to attach, penetrate, and colonize rice cells, all while suppressing plant immune defenses that would otherwise hinder its proliferation. As such, M. oryzae actively secretes a battery of small proteins called “effectors” to manipulate host machinery. In this review, we summarize the latest findings in effector identification, expression, regulation, and functionality. We review the most studied effectors and their roles in pathogenesis. Additionally, we discern the current methodologies to structurally catalog effectors, and we highlight the importance of climate change and its impact on the future of rice blast disease.
Access to and equity in the curriculum in the Australian government secondary school system
Authors: Dean Jenny , Downes Natalie , Roberts Philip
Published: March 2023

One of the main aims of schooling both in Australia and internationally is to provide equitable access to education for all children regardless of their social background or the schools they attend. A key part of this aim should be reflected in access to the curriculum, particularly in government schools, which in Australia enrol the majority of students and are affected by policies of marketisation and school choice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of a range of factors on access to the senior secondary curriculum and mean school achievement. The study addresses whether the number and level of academic subjects offered, and mean school achievement levels, are associated with socioeconomic advantage, location, school size, school selectivity and resourcing. We conduct regression analyses using administrative data on all government schools from Australia’s largest state of New South Wales, to show that schools in outer regional, remote and very remote areas, as well as those of lower socioeconomic advantage, and of smaller size, offer fewer and less advanced subjects compared to other government schools. This variability also has an association with mean school achievement levels.
Symbiosis, not alignment, as the goal for liberal democracies in the transition to artificial general intelligence
Authors: Friederich Simon
Published: March 2023

A transition to a world with artificial general intelligence (AGI) may occur within the next few decades. This transition may give rise to catastrophic risks from misaligned AGI, which have received a significant amount of attention, deservedly. Here I argue that AGI systems that are intent-aligned—they always try to do what their operators want them to do—would also create catastrophic risks, mainly due to the power that they concentrate on their operators. With time, that power would almost certainly be catastrophically exploited, potentially resulting in human extinction or permanent dystopia. I suggest that liberal democracies, if they decide to allow the development of AGI, may react to this threat by letting AGI take shape as an intergenerational social project, resulting in an arrangement where AGI is not intent-aligned but symbiotic with humans. I provide some tentative ideas on what the resulting arrangement may look like and consider what speaks for and what against aiming for intent-aligned AGI as an intermediate step.