bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19-vaccinatiebereidheid bij studenten van de Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam
Authors: Someh Su A. E. , van der Hoeven Marinka , Montanus Alexandra W. A. , van de Reep Josine J. M. , Wassing Kevin R. M. , Campos Ponce Maiza
Published: March 2024

Samenvatting

Het COVID-19-virus kan zowel milde als langdurige en ernstige klachten veroorzaken. Preventieve maatregelen, waaronder vaccins, werden ingezet om (ernstige) ziekte te voorkomen en transmissie terug te dringen. Ondanks de beschikbaarheid van vaccins lag de COVID-19-vaccinatiegraad lager in jongere leeftijdsgroepen. Dit artikel beschrijft de vaccinatiebereidheid, determinanten en beweegredenen van studenten van de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (n = 372) ten tijde van de derde COVID-19-golf (voorjaar 2019), voordat het vaccin voor deze groep beschikbaar was. Dit hebben we via een crosssectionele online vragenlijst uitgevraagd en descriptief geanalyseerd. We vonden een hoge vaccinatiebereidheid (84%), waarbij beweegredenen om het vaccin te accepteren overwegend maatschappelijk en om te weigeren (bio)medisch van aard waren. Religie, politieke voorkeur, ouders geboren in Nederland en een vaccinatiebereidheid van naasten lijken verschillend te zijn tussen studenten die vaccinatiebereid zijn vergeleken met studenten die twijfelen of weigeren. Thema’s omtrent bijwerkingen en langetermijneffectiviteit van vaccins lijken ook belangrijk in het maken van een geïnformeerde keuze. Bij toekomstige vaccinatiecampagnes kan deze informatie gebruikt worden om vaccinatietwijfel te reduceren. Dit zou kunnen bijdragen aan de paraatheid voor uitbraken van infectieziekten in Nederland.
On the efficiency of energy markets with non-merchant storage
Authors: Frölke Linde , Prat Eléa , Pinson Pierre , Lusby Richard M. , Kazempour Jalal
Published: March 2024

Energy market designs with non-merchant storage have been proposed in recent years, with the aim of achieving optimal market integration of storage. In order to handle the time-linking constraints that are introduced in such markets, existing works commonly make simplifying assumptions about the end-of-horizon storage level, e.g., by imposing an exogenous level for the amount of energy to be left for the next time horizon. This work analyzes market properties under such assumptions, as well as in their absence. We find that, although they ensure cost recovery for all market participants, these assumptions generally lead to market inefficiencies. Therefore we consider the design of markets with non-merchant storage without such simplifying assumptions. Using illustrative examples, as well as detailed proofs, we provide conditions under which market prices in subsequent market horizons fail to reflect the value of stored energy. We show that this problem is essential to address in order to preserve market efficiency and cost recovery. Finally, we propose a method for restoring these market properties in a perfect-foresight setting.
Designing for Mindfulness and Global Public Health: Where Inner Awareness Meets the External Environment
Authors: Altay Burçak , Porter Nicole
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we offer a commentary on Oman’s article “Mindfulness for Global Public Health: Critical Analysis and Agenda” from the perspective of external environments, be they natural or built spaces. Utilizing the 14 domains of mindfulness and public health identified by Oman, we examine how spatio-environmental concerns are aligned, or have potential synergies with, these dimensions. We consider spatial and environmental qualities and relationships, for example, the presence of nature or a sense of safety, as supportive for public health and formal mindfulness practice, synthesizing a growing evidence base within environmental psychology and design literature. We highlight particular points of alignment, namely the impact of environments on mental health, stress, and attentional qualities. Potential synergies are evident where these domains seek to increase resilience and the sustainability of our planet, communities, and individuals, and through the increasing emphasis on designing places that offer inclusive access to, and direct involvement in, the creation of belief (spirituality) and culture-specific interventions. Although these domains offer the potential for greater holistic research and practice, more interdisciplinary research is needed to bridge gaps and bring this potential into the mainstream.
Barriers and Strategies for Digital Marketing and Smart Delivery in Urban Courier Companies in Developing Countries
Authors: Boom-Cárcamo Efrain , Molina-Romero Schneyder , Galindo-Angulo Cesar , del Mar Restrepo María
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the impact of digital marketing on urban courier companies in the municipality of Valledupar, Colombia. It also aims to propose strategies for smart delivery in urban courier companies in developing countries and identify barriers to be overcome in these activities. A quantitative approach with a descriptive research design is used. Given the nested nature of the data, a correlation analysis was performed to gather information on the relationship between the variables studied and the strength and direction of those relationships. A correlation analysis was conducted to identify the correlation coefficient between two specific variables. The ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method examined the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The results indicate that the use of social media has a significant positive impact on the dependent variable. In contrast, the use of email and websites does not show statistical significance. The proposed strategies include real-time tracking of shipments, personalized notifications, scheduled delivery, integration of augmented reality, use of smart lockers, and geolocation technology. As barriers to be overcome in urban courier activities in developing countries, the following are identified infrastructure limitations, limited access to technology, costs associated with technology adoption, digital divide and skills, and resistance to change. The study was conducted in small and medium-sized courier companies in developing countries, so the implications of the results should be generalized to only some companies worldwide. The research highlights the importance of developing digital marketing skills and addressing barriers to implementing smart delivery strategies. Strategies such as real-time tracking of shipments, personalized notifications, scheduled delivery, augmented reality integration, smart lockers, and geolocation technology are proposed. It is concluded that digital marketing can enhance urban courier services and provide competitive advantages to companies that adopt it. This study provides valuable insights to develop specific strategies and solutions that help improve the operational efficiency of urban courier companies, including website optimization, effective use of social media, and email, and increased visibility in search engines. It enhances service quality, providing a more satisfying customer experience and fostering customer loyalty. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of developing engaging and relevant content and establishing effective communication with customers through digital channels.
Observation of Ice Pellets and its Association with Meteorological Conditions in the Yeongdong Region of Korea
Authors: Chae Yu-Jin , Kim Byung-Gon , Choi Young-Gil , Jung Ji-Hoon , Kim Ji-Yun , Lim Byung-Hwan , Chang Ki-Ho
Published: March 2024

The microphysical properties of ice pellets (IP) are analyzed, and associated relevant thermodynamic conditions are investigated using rawinsonde soundings and model reanalysis data in the Yeongdong region of Korea. During the intensive observation campaign of snowfall, two distinctive IP events of 1 March 2021 (IP1) and 15 March 2018 (IP2) were observed when strong cold advection was prevalent below about 2 km as accompanied by distinctive inversion strength (4.7 ~ 9.3 ℃) above the cold layers. Cold air intrusion along the eastern side of Taebaek mountains appeared to abruptly decrease low level (850 hPa) temperature up to -4.7 ~ -3.4 ℃, but warmer than 8-year average (-9.5 ℃), respectively. Both episodes had smaller maximum size (1.8 mm in average) of ice pellets with greater fallspeed (4.2 m s−1) in comparison to general snow crystals. Ice pellets occurred in the synoptic condition of the High in the north and the Low passing by the south, which resulted in cold northeasterly over the Yeongdong region. Rawinsonde soundings show a melting layer between 800 and 700 hPa just above the freezing layer of 900 ~ 800 hPa existed, such as a reversed S temperature profile, which is also consistent with the model reanalysis. The IPs’ life time was short within a couple of hours since it occurred along with low-level strong cold advection (IP1) or rapidly-moving squall line (IP2).
The implications of structural control on the miocene carbonate reservoirs of Bakr-Al Hamd oil fields, Gulf of Suez
Authors: Sayed Mayada , Salim Sadek , El Araby Abdel Moneim , Hammed Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The present work aims to provide a tectonostratigraphic model of the Miocene carbonate reservoirs accumulated in Bakr-Al-Hamd ridge to help unlock an estimated statistical yet-to-find over 10 MMbbl of oil. The structural ridge is located in the western central Gulf of Suez and the hydrocarbon exploration within this NE-dipping structural high began in 1951. The model integrated several interpreted 3-D seismic volumes and their attributes, a complete set of well-log data, borehole images, and the resultant extensional structures from the natural and physical models. The structural model proposed the following: (1) a major gulf-parallel curved and faulted detachment between the two differentially strained sections of Miocene and Pre-Miocene sediments which were distinguished by seismic attributes and confirmed by borehole images, (2) the synthetic Gulf-parallel faults which represent footwall collapsing structural style of extensional faults, delineated Al Hamd Miocene Nullipore carbonate reservoir, (3) south-westward dislocation of the western gulf-parallel boundary fault of Al Hamd Nullipore facies and its allocation at the present-day shoreline, (4) three classification of the Miocene carbonate reef were interpreted; fringe reef in Bakr ridge, barrier reef in Al-Hamd, and patch reef in the intra-field. The achievements of the present study prompted exploration activity and two discoveries were announced in 2021 and 2022 in the vicinity of Bakr and Al-Hamd intra-fields. The recent discoveries penetrated more than 200 m of Miocene carbonate reef and dolomitic reservoirs accumulated on the detachment surface. The present study workflow could be used in similar petroliferous rift basins to maximize hydrocarbon resources, enhance production performance, and revive brownfields.
Drug contraindications in comorbid diseases: a protein interactome perspective
Authors: Karunakaran Kalyani B. , Ganapathiraju Madhavi K. , Jain Sanjeev , Brahmachari Samir K. , Balakrishnan N.
Published: March 2024

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are leading causes of death and drug withdrawals and frequently co-occur with comorbidities. However, systematic studies on the effects of drugs on comorbidities are lacking. Drug interactions with the cellular protein–protein interaction (PPI) network give rise to ADRs. We selected 6 comorbid disease pairs, identified the drugs used in the treatment of the individual diseases ‘A’ and ‘B’– 44 drugs in anxiety and depression, 128 in asthma and hypertension, 48 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, 58 in type 2 diabetes and obesity, 58 in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, and 84 in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis—and categorized them based on whether they aggravate the comorbid condition. We constructed drug target networks (DTNs) and examined their enrichment among genes in disease A/B PPI networks, expressed across 53 tissues and involved in ~ 1000 pathways. To characterize the biological features of the DTNs, we performed principal component analysis and computed the Euclidean distance between DTN component scores and feature loading values. DTNs of disease A drugs not contraindicated in B were affiliated with proteins common to A/B networks or uniquely found in the B network, similarly regulated common pathways, and disease-B specific pathways and tissues. DTNs of disease A drugs contraindicated in B were affiliated with common proteins or those uniquely found in the A network, differentially regulated common pathways, and disease A-specific pathways and tissues. Hence, DTN enrichment in pathways, tissues, and PPI networks of comorbid diseases will help identify drug contraindications in comorbidities.
Advancements in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Clinical Applications and Ethical Issues
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Kim Yoon Young , Han Ji Yeon , Kim Sung Woo , Kim Hoon , Ku Seung-Yup
Published: March 2024

Background:

The development and use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine have been revolutionary, offering significant advancements in treating various diseases. These pluripotent cells, derived from early human embryos, are central to modern biomedical research. However, their application is mired in ethical and regulatory complexities related to the use of human embryos.

Method:

This review utilized key databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, PubMed, and Google Scholar to gather recent clinical trials and studies involving hESCs. The focus was on their clinical application in regenerative medicine, emphasizing clinical trials and research directly involving hESCs.

Results:

Preclinical studies and clinical trials in various areas like ophthalmology, neurology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine have demonstrated the versatility of hESCs in regenerative medicine. These studies underscore the potential of hESCs in treating a wide array of conditions. However, the field faces ethical and regulatory challenges, with significant variations in policies and perspectives across different countries.

Conclusion:

The potential of hESCs in regenerative medicine is immense, offering new avenues for treating previously incurable diseases. However, navigating the ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes is crucial for the continued advancement and responsible application of hESC research in the medical field. Considering both scientific potential and ethical implications, a balanced approach is essential for successfully integrating hESCs into clinical practice.
Study on precise weld diameter validations by comparing destructive testing methods in resistance spot welding
Authors: Mathiszik Christian , Koal Johannes , Zschetzsche Jörg , Füssel Uwe , Schmale Hans Christian
Published: March 2024

The torsion test is rarely used for resistance spot-welded joints since they are not subjected to torsion in applications. Normal, shear, and/or peel loads are usually the main stresses. Extensive scientific investigations in the context of Kunsmann’s dissertation date back more than 50 years. These investigations are still the basis of ISO 17653 and the German guideline DVS 2916-1. Recent scientific investigations only use torsion tests, but do not describe the reason for its use. A decisive advantage of the torsion test over the other standardized destructive testing methods lies in the types of fracture modes that occur and the properties of the fracture surfaces. Torsional loading results in either interfacial or button-pulled fracture modes. No material residues occur on the fracture surfaces for ductile and advanced high-strength steels. Hence, the measurement of weld diameter is achievable with minimal constraints, resulting in reduced variability and facilitating objective assessments of spot welds. This article delineates these attributes through a comparative analysis of various destructive testing methods employing statistical approaches. Additionally, the article expounds on the design concept of the developed rig for conducting torsion tests on spot welds.
Atomistic Simulation of the Effect of H-Phase Precipitate on the Transformation Temperatures and Stress-Induced Phase Transformation in Ni-Rich NiTiHf
Authors: Ataollahi Saeed , Mahtabi Mohammad J.
Published: March 2024

Precipitation hardening is considered the most feasible method for strengthening NiTiHf alloys. In order to design the optimum aging treatment to form precipitates, it is crucial to understand the effect of precipitates on the thermomechanical behavior of these alloys. In this research, the effect of H-phase precipitates was studied on the martensitic and superelastic behavior of Ni-rich NiTiHf. Using atomistic simulations, two scenarios for formation of precipitates, resembling the short and long aging time of the alloy, were considered. In the first case a single and large precipitate was embedded into the center of NiTiHf matrix, and in the second case eight fine precipitates were inserted into the model. Upon the calculation of the transformation temperatures, the models with precipitates showed higher austenite start and finish temperatures. Moreover, by simulating the stress-induced phase transformation, it was found that the presence of fine precipitates inhibits the formation of different martensite variants leading to smaller transformation strains.
Application of hybrid oxidative processes based on cavitation for the treatment of methyl blue solutions
Authors: Ayedi Karima , Innocenzi Valentina , Prisciandaro Marina
Published: March 2024

Over the past few decades, the scientific community has developed an increasing interest in high-performance water treatment systems based on cavitational processes. Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is one of the promising technologies for wastewater treatment, especially for dyeing solutions, since it shows high efficiency in treating dyes, even at low concentrations. Both strategies have been shown to be efficient ways to get rid of pathogenic bacteria by disinfecting waters and achieving the mineralization of numerous organic pollutants. This makes cavitation-based techniques an attractive choice for use in water treatment facilities' post-treatment stages. Modern techniques have been presented that combine advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with cavitation for increased oxidation capacity. When used together, cavitation and AOPs (such as O3, H2O2, and Fenton's process) can cause materials to decay much more quickly. This work aims to investigate the degradation of Methyl Blue (MB) with HC and evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid process (O3 + HC). The experimental tests were conducted to determine the optimal operating conditions (pressure, pH, O3 dosage). Furthermore, the feasibility of MB mineralization at a high concentration range (10–100 mg/l) was performed. Cost estimation and energetic analysis were discussed. As a result, the optimal conditions were: P = 4.5 bar, pH 2, O3 = 7.5 mg/L. For the initial concentration of 10 mg/L, the MB decolorization yield of HC, O3, and HC + O3 were 10%, 99%, and 100%, respectively, after 30 min of treatment. The addition of O3 promoted the degradation efficiency above 95%, decreasing the treatment time. Increasing the O3 feed rate can reduce the treatment time. A flow rate of 8 L/min of ozone was adopted in the optimal flow value. The hybrid process has an important effect in improving the performance of wastewater treatment by reducing treatment time, causing saving in energy consumption and process cost.
An innovative method for accurate NBA player performance forecasting and line-up optimization in daily fantasy sports
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Sarlis Vangelis , Tjortjis Christos
Published: March 2024

This study presents a novel approach for predicting NBA players' performance in Fantasy Points (FP) by developing individualized models for 203 players, using advanced basketball metrics from season 2011–2012 up to season 2020–2021 from reliable sources. A two-step evaluation and validation process secured validity, while applying linear optimization methodology, considering constraints such as salary and player position to recommend an eight-player line-up for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Four scenarios with 14 machine learning models and meta-models with a blending approach with an ensembling methodology were evaluated. Using individual per-player modeling, standard and advanced features, and different timespans resulted in accurate, well-established, and well-generalized predictions. Standard features improved MAPE results by 1.7–1.9% in the evaluation and 0.2–2.1% in the validation set. Additionally, two model selection cases were developed, with average scoring MAPEs of 28.90% and 29.50% and MAEs of 7.33 and 7.74 for validation sets. The most effective models included Voting Meta-Model, Random Forest, Bayesian Ridge, AdaBoost, and Elastic Net. The research demonstrated practical application using predictions in a real-life DFS case evaluated in a DFS tournament on a specific match day. Among 11,764 real users, our Daily Line-up Optimizer ranked in the top 18.4%, and profitable line-ups reached the top 23.5%. This unique approach proves the proposed methodology's effectiveness and emphasizes its profitability, as the optimizer process delivers positive results.
Maximizing Supply Chain Resilience: Viability of a Distributed Manufacturing Network Platform Using the Open Knowledge Resilience Framework
Authors: Villar Alice , Abowitz Sarah , Read Robert , Butler James
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces the Open Knowledge Resilience Framework (OKRF), a set of seven cooperative data standards, and demonstrates its alignment with the Supply Chain Interoperability Specification (SCIS) Platform. Building upon the Internet of Production Alliance (IoPA) work, this article explores how integrating OKRF and SCIS can enhance production flexibility and efficiency through substitutability and resource repurposing strategies. The OKRF-SCIS integration exhibits the potential to enhance Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) by empowering organizations to adapt to fluctuating demand and availability through adaptability strategies such as supplier/product substitution and resource repurposing. While this study primarily focuses on the conceptual design of OKRF and SCIS, further empirical research is needed to validate its effectiveness. Additionally, investigating the framework’s applicability across various industries and contexts would provide valuable insights. The integration of OKRF and SCIS can enable organizations to optimize supply chain operations, enhancing resilience and facilitating adaptation to changing demands through seamless substitutability and resource repurposing. This integration can also reduce transportation costs and increase responsiveness to local demand. Furthermore, it can enhance SCR and promote sustainable, resilient supply chain ecosystems by improving data transparency and resource utilization efficiency. This paper illustrates the potential of OKRF and SCIS in healthcare supply chains.
Numerical Optimal Transport from 1D to 2D Using a Non-local Monge-Ampère Equation
Authors: Cassini Matthew A. , Hamfeldt Brittany Froese
Published: March 2024

We consider the numerical solution of the optimal transport problem between densities that are supported on sets of unequal dimension. Recent work by McCann and Pass reformulates this problem into a non-local Monge-Ampère type equation. We provide a new level-set framework for interpreting this nonlinear PDE. We also propose a novel discretisation that combines carefully constructed monotone finite difference schemes with a variable-support discrete version of the Dirac delta function. The resulting method is consistent and monotone. These new techniques are described and implemented in the setting of 1D to 2D transport, but they can easily be generalised to higher dimensions. Several challenging computational tests validate the new numerical method.
European Union Law
Authors: Chalmers Damian , Davies Gareth , Monti Giorgio , Heyvaert Veerle
Published: March 2024

This new edition sets out an account of EU law that includes not only that law's established features, but captures its development in recent years and the challenges facing the European Union. With dedicated new chapters on climate change, data protection, free movement of capital, and the EU's relations with other European States, topics such as the Union's response to covid-19 and the Ukraine crisis are addressed in detail. As with previous editions, the new edition integrates case law, legislation, academic materials and wider policy contributions in a way that broadens students' understanding of the law and prompts greater critical reflection on the limits, challenges, and possibilities of EU law. It seeks to set out EU law not so much as a series of laws to be learned but as something that stimulates heavy debate about some of the most contentious and significant issues of our time.
Aeroelastic tailoring of stiffened cantilever plate using composites and structural layouts: A parametric study
Authors: Fraihat B.I. , Ajaj R.M.
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the aeroelasticity of a stiffened cantilever plate using composite material and novel structural layouts. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to determine the influence of different design parameters on the aeroelastic boundaries. Design parameters include plate sweep angle, ply orientation, stringer cross-section and stringer sweep angle. Nastran is used to run the aeroelastic analysis, and the process is automated using
${\rm{Matla}}{{\rm{b}}^{}}$
. The structure of the plate is modelled using laminate elements whereas the stringers are modelled using the Euler-Bernoulli beam elements. The unsteady aerodynamic loads are modelled using doublet-lattice method (DLM) and the structural and aerodynamic meshes are connected using an infinite plate surface (IPS) spline. A mesh sensitivity analysis is conducted to ensure fine meshes for the aerodynamics and structure. The study’s findings demonstrate the benefits of employing forward swept (Fw) stringers since it increases flutter speed by almost 38% compared to the unswept stringers case and prevents divergence. Moreover, the static aeroelastic analysis illustrates that the utilisation of Fw swept stringers can reduce the average tip displacement and tip twist effectively. T-shaped stringers are recommended to stiffen the plate due to their lower impact on the total mass of the plate. In some configurations, the structural layout has a much higher effect on the aeroelastic instabilities when compared to the material effect (ply orientation). However, results suggest combining both for some cases to get balanced washin and washout effects.
“Games–Time Human Rights Due Diligence”: A Case Study of FIFA’s Human Rights Volunteers Program at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Authors: Heerdt Daniela
Published: March 2024

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 received an unprecedented amount of criticism from civil society and human rights organizations for the human rights risks and adverse human rights impacts related to organizing and staging the event. Interestingly, it was the first World Cup that was delivered with a team of human rights volunteers monitoring human rights issues at event venues on match days.1 Given the novelty of this project, this Article first informs about the FIFA human rights volunteers (HRV) program in general and second, it analyses to what extent it can be considered a concrete and practical example of an organization’s human rights due diligence (HRDD) and remedy efforts. As some of the broader business and human rights literature suggests, there seems to be a lack of practical examples of how corporations implement HRDD, making FIFA’s HRV program an exception worth studying.
On elementary four-wave interactions in dispersive media
Authors: Leblanc Stéphane
Published: March 2024

The cubic interactions in a discrete system of four weakly nonlinear waves propagating in a conservative dispersive medium are studied. By reducing the problem to a single ordinary differential equation governing the motion of a classical particle in a quartic potential, the complete explicit branches of solutions are presented, either steady, periodic, breather or pump, thus recovering or generalizing some already published results in hydrodynamics, nonlinear optics and plasma physics, and presenting some new ones. Various stability criteria are also formulated for steady equilibria. Theory is applied to deep-water gravity waves for which models of isolated quartets are described, including bidirectional standing waves and quadri-directional travelling waves, steady or not, resonant or not.
Sedimentation of spheroids in Newtonian fluids with spatially varying viscosity
Authors: Anand Vishal , Narsimhan Vivek
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the rigid body motion of a spheroid sedimenting in a Newtonian fluid with a spatially varying viscosity field. The fluid is at zero Reynolds number, and the viscosity varies linearly in space in an arbitrary direction with respect to the external force. First, we obtain the correction to the spheroid's rigid body motion in the limit of small viscosity gradients, using a perturbation expansion combined with the reciprocal theorem. Next, we determine the general form of the particle's mobility tensor relating its rigid body motion to an external force and torque. The viscosity gradient does not alter the force/translation and torque/rotation relationships, but introduces new force/rotation and torque/translation couplings that are determined for a wide range of particle aspect ratios. Finally, we discuss results for the spheroid's rotation and centre-of-mass trajectory during sedimentation. A steady orientation arises at long time whose value depends on the viscosity gradient direction and particle shape. These results are significantly different than when no viscosity gradient is present, where the particle stays at its initial orientation for all times. We summarize the observations for prolate and oblate spheroids for different viscosity gradient directions and provide plots for the orientation and centre-of-mass trajectory versus time. We also provide guidelines to extend the analysis when the viscosity gradient exhibits a more complicated spatial behaviour.
Word-object and action-object learning in a unimodal context during early childhood
Authors: Eiteljoerge Sarah , Elsner Birgit , Mani Nivedita
Published: March 2024

Word-object and action-object learning in children aged 30 to 48 months appears to develop at a similar time scale and adheres to similar attentional constraints. However, children below 36 months show different patterns of learning word-object and action-object associations when this information is presented in a bimodal context (Eiteljoerge et al., 2019b). Here, we investigated 12- and 24-month-olds’ word-object and action-object learning when this information is presented in a unimodal context. Forty 12- and 24-month-olds were presented with two novel objects that were either first associated with a novel label (word learning task) and then later with a novel action (action learning task) or vice versa. In subsequent yoked test phases, children either heard one of the novel labels or saw a hand performing one of the actions presented with the two objects on screen while we measured their target looking. Generalized linear mixed models indicate that 12-month-olds learned action-object associations but not word-object associations and 24-month-olds learned neither word- nor action-object associations. These results extend previous findings (Eiteljoerge et al., 2019b) and, together, suggest that children appear to learn action-object associations early in development while struggling with learning word-object associations in certain contexts until 2 years of age.
HINORA, a method for detecting ring-like structures in 3D point distributions I: Application to the Local Volume Galaxy catalogue
Authors: Olex Edward , Knebe Alexander , Libeskind Noam I. , Makarov Dmitry I. , Gottlöber Stefan
Published: March 2024

We present a new method – called HINORA (HIgh-NOise RANdom SAmple Consensus) – for the identification of regular structures in 3D point distributions. Motivated by the possible existence of the so-called Council of Giants, that is, a ring of 12 massive galaxies surrounding the Local Group in the Local Sheet with a radius of 3.75 Mpc, we apply HINORA to the Local Volume Galaxy catalogue confirming its existence. When varying the lower limit of K-band luminosity of the galaxy entering the catalogue, we further report on the existence of another ring-like structure in the Local Volume that now contains the Milky Way and M31. However, this newly found structure is dominated by low-mass (satellite) galaxies. While we here simply present the novel method as well as its first application to observational data, follow-up work using numerical simulations of cosmic structure formation shall shed light into the origin of such regular patterns in the galaxy distribution. Further, the method is equally suited to identify similar (or even different) structures in various kinds of astrophysical data (e.g. locating the actual ‘baryonic-acoustic oscillation spheres’ in galaxy redshift surveys).
The European Convention on Human Rights in Israeli Courts
Authors: Hostovsky Brandes Tamar , Davidson Natalie R.
Published: March 2024

References to the European Convention on Human Rights by Israeli courts – the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights as sources of comparative law – comparative law as technique of legitimation – content analysis of use by domestic courts of European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence – European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence and deference to state
Submesoscale Processes Fueled by the Kuroshio in the Tokara Strait
Authors: Chen Juntian , Zhu Xiao‐Hua , Nakamura Hirohiko , Zhao Ruixiang , Wang Min , Zheng Hua , Nishina Ayako
Published: March 2024

Submesoscale processes are essential in balancing global oceanic energy cascades and stimulating air–sea communications. However, measurements of submesoscale turbulence are still not acquired easily. Based on long‐term (2003–2012) shipboard current observations, we obtained direct evidence of considerable submesoscale energization in the Kuroshio, implied by conspicuous spectral characteristics across multiple scales. The submesoscale motions (peak at ∼26 km) exhibited topographically dependent features and typical contrarotating vortex‐pair forms for island wakes, indicating footprints of upstream islands and seamounts. The vortex regimes and stability were analyzed using dimensionless parameters. Furthermore, the submesoscale motions radiated energy in the form of near‐inertial waves, which exhibited consistent shear structures, and spread widely across the entire strait. These results highlight the role of topography in modulating dynamics by continuously promoting energy cascades into submesoscales, which is expected to be universal for rough topography in the ocean.
Linkages Between Mineral Element Composition of Soils and Sediments With Hyporheic Zone Dissolved Organic Matter Chemistry Across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Roebuck J. Alan , Rod Kenton A. , Garayburu‐Caruso Vanessa A. , Chu Rosalie K. , Goldman Amy E. , Renteria Lupita , Taylor Micah , Stegen James C.
Published: March 2024

The hyporheic zone is a hotspot for biogeochemical cycling where interactions with mineral metals preserve the release and biodegradation of organic matter (OM). A small fraction of OM can still be exchanged between localized sediments and the overlying water column, and recent evidence suggests there exists a longitudinal structuring in sediment dissolved OM (DOM) chemistry across the continental United States (CONUS). In this study, we tested a hypothesis that water extractable sediment DOM chemistry could be explained by sediment metal contents and integrative watershed scale features at the CONUS scale. Crowdsourced samples were characterized for high resolution mass spectrometry and coupled with sediment metals determined via x‐ray fluorescence as well as with land cover and soil elemental information obtained from national databases. Our results highlight weak relationships between DOM chemistry and elemental composition at the CONUS scale indicating limited transferability of organo‐metal linkages into multi‐scale hydrobiogeochemical models.
Investigating Diurnal and Seasonal Cycles of Vegetation Optical Depth Retrieved From GNSS Signals in a Broadleaf Forest
Authors: Yao Yitong , Humphrey Vincent , Konings Alexandra G. , Wang Yujie , Yin Yi , Holtzman Nataniel , Wood Jeffrey D. , Bar‐On Yinon , Frankenberg Christian
Published: March 2024

Vegetation Optical Depth (VOD) has emerged as a valuable metric to quantify water stress on vegetation's carbon uptake from a remote sensing perspective. However, existing spaceborne microwave remote sensing platforms face limitations in capturing the diurnal VOD variations and global products lack site‐level validation against plant physiology. To address these challenges, we leveraged the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) L‐band microwave signal, measuring its attenuation by the canopy of a temperate broadleaf forest using a pair of GNSS receivers. This approach allowed us to collect continuous VOD observations at a sub‐hourly scale. We found a significant seasonal‐scale correlation between VOD and leaf water potential. The VOD diurnal amplitude is affected by soil moisture, plant transpiration and leaf surface water. Additionally, VOD can help independently estimate plant transpiration. Our findings pave the way for a deeper understanding of response of the vegetation to water stress at finer temporal scales.
Increases in Water Balance‐Derived Catchment Evapotranspiration in Germany During 1970s–2000s Turning Into Decreases Over the Last Two Decades, Despite Uncertainties
Authors: Bruno G. , Duethmann D.
Published: March 2024

Understanding variations in catchment evapotranspiration (EC) is critical as it directly affects water availability for humans and ecosystems. Previous studies found increases in EC in Central Europe over recent decades, but fixed study periods may not fully reveal inter‐decadal hydroclimatological variability. We performed a multi‐temporal trend analysis of water balance‐derived EC for 461 German catchments and the period 1964–2019. We accounted for previously often neglected changes in storage and uncertainties in precipitation. EC generally increased throughout Germany during 1970s–2000s (>2 mm year−2), while it showed milder changes and decreases afterward. These variations were robust to uncertainties in precipitation (median relative uncertainty of 26%) and broadly coherent with sparse plot‐scale data. Variations in EC were related with variations in precipitation and radiation, with a potentially increasing influence of precipitation after 2000s. These findings provide a reference for synthesizing current knowledge on variations in EC and their uncertainties.
Rupture Dynamics of Cascading Earthquakes in a Multiscale Fracture Network
Authors: Palgunadi Kadek Hendrawan , Gabriel Alice‐Agnes , Garagash Dmitry Igor , Ulrich Thomas , Mai Paul Martin
Published: March 2024

Fault‐damage zones comprise multiscale fracture networks that may slip dynamically and interact with the main fault during earthquake rupture. Using 3D dynamic rupture simulations and scale‐dependent fracture energy, we examine dynamic interactions of more than 800 intersecting multiscale fractures surrounding a listric fault, emulating a major listric fault and its damage zone. We investigate 10 distinct orientations of maximum horizontal stress, probing the conditions necessary for sustained slip within the fracture network or activating the main fault. Additionally, we assess the feasibility of nucleating dynamic rupture earthquake cascades from a distant fracture and investigate the sensitivity of fracture network cascading rupture to the effective normal stress level. We model either pure cascades or main fault rupture with limited off‐fault slip. We find that cascading ruptures within the fracture network are dynamically feasible under certain conditions, including: (a) the fracture energy scales with fracture and fault size, (b) favorable relative pre‐stress of fractures within the ambient stress field, and (c) close proximity of fractures. We find that cascading rupture within the fracture network discourages rupture on the main fault. Our simulations suggest that fractures with favorable relative pre‐stress, embedded within a fault damage zone, may lead to cascading earthquake rupture that shadows main fault slip. We find that such off‐fault events may reach moment magnitudes up to Mw ≈ 5.5, comparable to magnitudes that can be otherwise hosted by the main fault. Our findings offer insights into physical processes governing cascading earthquake dynamic rupture within multiscale fracture networks.
The Contribution of Aeolus Wind Observations to ECMWF Sea Surface Wind Forecasts
Authors: Zuo Haichen , Stoffelen Ad , Rennie Michael , Hasager Charlotte Bay
Published: March 2024

Aeolus is the first satellite mission focusing on wind profile detection from near the surface to about 30 km in height on a global scale. This study evaluates the contribution of Aeolus winds to sea surface wind forecasts geographically by further analyzing the Observing System Experiments from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) with scatterometer winds from the meteorological operational satellites (assimilated into the model) and the Haiyang‐2B satellite (not assimilated into the model). The findings indicate that Aeolus has the ability to reduce the root‐mean‐square difference between scatterometer winds and background forecasts (short‐range) by about 0.05%–0.16% on average for climatic regions, except for the meridional wind component in the tropics. Also, Aeolus can generally reduce zonal biases of the background forecasts, while its beneficial impact on meridional biases mainly occurs in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics and tropics. For medium‐range forecast assessments, as the forecast step extends up to day 5, the positive impact of Aeolus on sea surface wind forecasts becomes more evident and is even greater than 3%, especially for extratropical ocean regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the impact of Aeolus shows seasonal variation, with a substantial positive impact from September 2019 to February 2020 and a negative impact mainly in March, April, and May 2020.
Cognitive function based on theta-gamma coupling vs. clinical diagnosis in older adults with mild cognitive impairment with or without major depressive disorder
Authors: Brooks Heather , Wang Wei , Zomorrodi Reza , Blumberger Daniel M. , Bowie Christopher R. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Fischer Corinne E. , Flint Alastair J. , Herrmann Nathan , Kumar Sanjeev , Lanctôt Krista L. , Mah Linda , Mulsant Benoit H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Voineskos Aristotle N. , Rajji Tarek K. ,   the PACt-MD Study Group, Mulsant Benoit H. , Rajji Tarek K. , Herrmann Nathan , Pollock Bruce G. , Blumberger Daniel M. , Bowie Christopher R. , Butters Meryl A. , Fischer Corinne E. , Flint Alastair J. , Golas Angela , Graff Ariel , Kennedy James L. , Kumar Sanjeev , Lanctôt Krista L. , Lourenco Lillian , Mah Linda , Ovaysikia Shima , Rapoport Mark , Thorpe Kevin E. , Verhoeff Nicolaas P. L. G. , Voineskos Aristotle
Published: March 2024

Whether individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a higher risk for cognitive decline than those with MCI alone is still not clear. Previous work suggests that a reduction in prefrontal cortical theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling (TGC) is an early marker of cognitive impairment. This study aimed to determine whether using a TGC cutoff is better at separating individuals with MCI or MCI with remitted MDD (MCI+rMDD) on cognitive performance than their clinical diagnosis. Our hypothesis was that global cognition would differ more between TGC-based groups than diagnostic groups. We analyzed data from 128 MCI (mean age: 71.8, SD: 7.3) and 85 MCI+rMDD (mean age: 70.9, SD: 4.7) participants. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery; TGC was measured during the N-back task. An optimal TGC cutoff was determined during the performance of the 2-back. This TGC cutoff was used to classify participants into low vs. high-TGC groups. We then compared Cohen’s d of the difference in global cognition between the high and low TGC groups to Cohen’s d between the MCI and MCI+rMDD groups. We used bootstrapping to determine 95% confidence intervals for Cohen’s d values using the whole sample. As hypothesized, Cohen’s d for the difference in global cognition between the TGC groups was larger (0.64 [0.32, 0.88]) than between the diagnostic groups (0.10 [0.004, 0.37]) with a difference between these two Cohen’s d’s of 0.54 [0.10, 0.80]. Our findings suggest that TGC is a useful marker to identify individuals at high risk for cognitive decline, beyond clinical diagnosis. This could be due to TGC being a sensitive marker of prefrontal cortical dysfunction that would lead to an accelerated cognitive decline.
Performance of self-cured versus light-cured universal adhesive in patients with non-carious cervical lesions: 18-month randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ashour Aya Gamal , Abd ElAziz Rawda Hesham , Yassen Asmaa Ali
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the clinical performance of self versus light-cured universal adhesive in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) after 18 months.

Materials and methods

Sixty-eight NCCLs in 28 patients were divided into two equal groups; G1: self-cured universal adhesive (Palfique,Tokuyama,Japan) and G2: light-cured universal adhesive (Single Bond Universal,3 M ESPE,USA). Nanohybrid resin composite (Z350XT, 3 M ESPE, USA) was used as a final restoration. Evaluation for fracture, loss of retention, marginal adaptation and discoloration were done after 1 week, 6,12, and 18 months using FDI criteria. Postoperative sensitivity was assessed after 1 week. Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests with statistical significance at (P ≤ 0.05) were used for intergroup comparison,while the intragroup one was performed using the Cochran’s Q and Friedman’s tests. Survival rate was analyzed using Kaplan-meier and Log-rank test.

Results

Both groups exhibited fracture and retention loss, however, there was statistically significant difference favoring the control group at 6 months (p = 0.0114,0.0016). For secondary outcomes, marginal adaptation and discoloration revealed no significant differences. For postoperative sensitivity, there was a significant difference favoring the control group (p = 0.0007, 0.0011). Palfique had 1.5 Relative-Risk (RR) after 6 months (95% CI 0.5659–4.2617; P = 0.3928) and 20% less risk of failure after 18 months (RR 0.8) (95% CI 0.4618–1.3858; P = 0.4260). Tested adhesives showed equal survival rate (P = 0.5685).

Conclusions

Both adhesives revealed similar clinical performance in restoring the NCCLs after 18 m, however, the early failure was more frequent in the self-cured universal adhesive.