bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach to corporate due diligence from a human rights, environmental, and TWAIL perspective
Authors: Dehbi Fatimazahra , Martin‐Ortega Olga
Published: June 2023

Ten years since the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we have witnessed an increasing trend in Europe toward the adoption of mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. Focusing on due diligence legislation from France, Germany, Norway, and the EU, this article examines the extent to which these laws are laying the foundations for the articulation of an integrated, comprehensive, and robust framework that effectively fosters corporate accountability through preventing, addressing, and remedying corporate‐related human rights and environmental harms. In this examination, we draw on international human rights and environmental standards and Third World Approaches to International Law, to identify the lessons learned from current approaches and that ought to be considered in future frameworks.
The nonlinear relationship between poverty and financial globalisation: A panel quantile regression approach
Authors: Singh Sunny Kumar , Sharma Prateek , Sharma Swati
Published: June 2023

Using data from 109 countries from 1980 to 2018, we examine the nonlinear relationship between financial globalisation and poverty. Financial globalisation is further segregated into de facto and de jure dimensions to study their differential impact on poverty. We have two main findings with important implications. First, our results point to significant nonlinearities, indicating that the relationship between financial globalisation and poverty is non‐monotonic. There exists a threshold above which the marginal effect of financial globalisation on poverty is negative. Moreover, the effect of financial globalisation on poverty is stronger for countries with high institutional characteristics. Second, we also show that the effect of financial globalisation is non‐monotonic and heterogeneous across different quantiles of poverty distribution. The effect of financial globalisation is relatively stronger at the higher quantile of poverty distribution for the overall sample. However, we find the existence of a U‐shaped and an inverted U‐shaped relationship between financial globalisation and poverty across quantiles, conditional on a country's economic development and institutional quality. The results are robust to alternative measures of poverty and financial globalisation. We account for unobserved heterogeneity and use multiple econometric approaches to validate our results.
Weed control in wheat with pyroxasulfone and its combinations with other herbicides
Authors: Chhokar Rajender Singh , Sharma Ramesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

Field and pot investigations were conducted to determine the effectiveness of pyroxasulfone alone and its combinations with other herbicides against diverse weed flora of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) including multiple herbicide‐resistant (MHR) littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.). Applications of pyroxasulfone 100–127.5 g/ha as pre‐emergence (PE) or early post‐emergence (EPOE) @ 63.75 g/ha at 21–23 days after sowing (1 day before irrigation) were highly effective for control of grass weeds namely P. minor and wild oat (Avena ludoviciana Dur.). It was poor for control of broad‐leaved weeds (Medicago denticulata Willd. and Rumex dentatus L.). However, pyroxasulfone in tank‐mix combination with metsulfuron 4 g/ha, triasulfuron 20 g/ha, and pyroxsulam 18 g/ha effectively controlled (96.5%–99.8%) the diverse weed flora and improved the wheat grain yield (69.5%–285.9%) over untreated weedy control. Also, the pre‐mix of pyroxasulfone + pendimethalin applied as PE was superior to either of these applied alone for weed control and grain yield. Pyroxasulfone 100–127.5 g/ha had yield gain of 119.6%–125.4% and 10.1%–26% over untreated control and pendimethalin 800–1250 g/ha, respectively. In pot studies, straw burnt ash drastically reduced the pyroxasulfone efficacy against P. minor and A. ludoviciana. Pyroxasulfone was also effective in pot studies for control of MHR P. minor having resistance against acetyl‐coA carboxylase (ACCase), acetolactate synthase (ALS), and photosynthesis at the photosystem‐II site‐A (PS‐II) inhibitor herbicides (clodinafop, sulfosulfuron, and isoproturon, respectively). The studies indicate that pyroxasulfone as PE or EPOE can be an alternative grass weed control herbicide in wheat in particular for the control of MHR P. minor.
Morphology does not allow differentiating the species of the Phlebotomus perniciosus complex: Molecular characterization and investigation of their natural infection by Leishmania infantum in Morocco
Authors: Gijón‐Robles Patricia , Gómez‐Mateos Magdalena , Corpas‐López Evaristo , Abattouy Naima , Merino‐Espinosa Gemma , Morillas‐Márquez Francisco , Corpas‐López Victoriano , Díaz‐Sáez Victoriano , Riyad Myriam , Martín‐Sánchez Joaquina
Published: June 2023

Morphological and DNA‐based complemented approaches were applied for characterization of sympatric populations of Phlebotomus longicuspis and Phlebotomus perniciosus in Morocco. Both sand fly species are generally recorded in sympatry in North Africa but on few occasions have been molecularly characterized. The diagnostic confusion of these species has led to errors in their geographical distribution and probably, in the assignment of their role in the transmission of L. infantum. Sand flies were caught inside households in El Borouj, central Morocco, in 2014–2015. For female sand flies, detection of L. infantum natural infection and blood meal identification were carried out. According to morphological identification, Phlebotomus longicuspis s.l. (34.7%) was the second most abundant Phlebotomus species after P. sergenti, followed by atypical Phlebotomus perniciosus (7.1%); 11.6% of the male specimens of P. longicuspis s.l. were identified as P. longicuspis LCx according to the number of coxite setae. The density of Larroussius species was very high (31 Larroussius/light trap/night) in the peripheral neighbourhood of Oulad Bouchair (p = 0.001) where the first case of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum was detected in 2017. Phylogenetic trees based on three independent genes highlighted three well‐supported clusters within P. perniciosus complex that could be interpreted as corresponding to P. perniciosus, P. longicuspis s.s. and an undescribed species, all coexisting in sympatry. Some females with typical morphology of P. longicuspis were genetically homologous to P. perniciosus. The taxa cannot be differentiated by morphological methods but characterized by a distinctive genetic lineage for which the synapomorphic characters are described. Leishmania infantum was detected in females of all clusters with a low parasite load. Population genetics will help to assess the threat of the geographical spread of L. infantum in Morocco by determining the density, abundance and vector role of the species of the P. perniciosus complex identified correctly.
The Indo-European (IE) Linguistic Spread and the ‘Homeland Problem’ Revisited
Authors: Boroujerdi Sarah
Published: June 2023

The nineteenth and early twentieth-century intellectual claim to European ancestry stems from the ‘Aryan Myth’—the linguistic equating of Iranians as direct descendants of Aryans, or Indo-Europeans. The historical genesis of the word ‘Aryan’ was influenced by The First Persian Empire (550-330 B.C.E.) in reference to an Iranian homeland, and by nineteenth-century Western linguists’ associations with the ancestral Indo-Europeans (IE).1 Notable philologists examining the ‘homeland problem’ have shown a standard concern towards the accuracy of scholarship on Indo-European origins. Ara (2008) decodes Indo-European origins and spread that gradually led to affiliations between Indo-Iranians and the ‘Aryan’ label. The onomastics approach would suggest that the proto-language left identifiable clues in the landscape itself (Mallory & Adams, 2006, p. 447). Dyen’s (1956) linguistic migration and homeland theory cites a European homeland accepted since the nineteen hundreds. Nichols’ (1997) analysis of the Indo-European migrations from 4,000 to 3,500 B.C.E. points to a locus of language dispersal within western central Asia (p. 134). Mallory (1989) and Kuzmina (1994a) favor a Proto-Indo-European homeland in the Pontic-Caspian steppe region from the fifth to fourth millennium B.C.E.2 (Lamberg-Karlovsky, 2004, p. 142). The accurate whereabouts of the Indo-European and daughter Indo-Iranian language group have been reviewed from various fields and by abundant methodologies, including the eschatological, anthropological, linguistic, and archaeological—all adding to the convoluted nature of scholarship on the Aryan question. The academic search for an Iranian homeland raises the inquiry of how ethnicity and region become tantamount to politicized and prejudiced topics on the account of misappropriations of a linguistic concept. An archaeological and lexicostatistic excavation of the conservative nature to review the genesis of Aryan homeland origins may help diverge from the aggrandized ethnological, ethnographic, and anthropometric evidence that has ramified an essentialist nomenclature of the Indo-Iranians in the eighteen and nineteen hundreds.
Sensitivity Analysis of Direct Numerical Simulation of a Spatially Developing Turbulent Mixing Layer to the Domain Dimensions
Authors: Colmenares F Juan D. , Abuhegazy Mohamed , Peet Yulia T. , Murman Scott M. , Poroseva Svetlana V.
Published: June 2023

Understanding spatial development of a turbulent mixing layer is essential for many engineering applications. However, the flow development is difficult to replicate in physical or numerical experiments. For this reason, the most attractive method for the mixing layer analysis is the direct numerical simulation (DNS), with the most control over the simulation inputs and free from modeling assumptions. On the other hand, the DNS cost often prevents conducting the sensitivity analysis of the simulation results to variations in the numerical procedure and thus, separating numerical and physical effects. In this paper, effects of the computational domain dimensions on statistics collected from DNS of a spatially developing incompressible turbulent mixing layer are analyzed with the focus on determining the domain dimensions suitable for studying the flow asymptotic state. In the simulations, the mixing layer develops between two coflowing laminar boundary layers formed on two sides of a sharp-ended splitter plate of a finite thickness with characteristics close to those of the untripped boundary layers in the experiments by Bell and Mehta, AIAA J., 28(12), 2034 (1990). The simulations were conducted using the spectral-element code Nek5000.
A New Strain Energy Function Representing the Passive Behavior of the Myocardium
Authors: Hussein Tawfik M. , Criscione John C.
Published: June 2023

Classical models for the passive myocardium, such as the Fung and Holzapfel–Ogden models, are known to have high degeneracy as well as numerous mechanical and mathematical limitations, preventing their utility in microstructural experiments and precision medicine. Hence, the upper triangular (QR) decomposition and orthogonal strain attributes were leveraged to develop a new model using published biaxial data on slabs of left myocardium, resulting in a separable strain energy function. This new model, the Criscione–Hussein model, was compared with both the Fung and Holzapfel–Ogden models by quantifying the uncertainty, computational efficiency, and material parameter fidelity for all three models. As a result, the Criscione–Hussein model was found to significantly reduce the uncertainty and computational time (p < 0.05) and enhance the fidelity of the material parameters. Hence, the Criscione–Hussein model enhances the predictability for the passive behavior of the myocardium and may serve a role in creating more accurate computational models that provide better visualizations for the mechanical behavior of the heart and enable the experimental connection between the model and the myocardial microstructure.
Enhancing the Thermal Performance of a Central Tower Tubular Solar Receiver With Direct Steam Generation by Using Internal Fins and Thicknesses Variation
Authors: Maytorena V. M. , Hinojosa J. F. , Moreno S. , Durán R. L.
Published: June 2023

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the thermal behavior of tubular solar receivers used for direct steam generation, focusing on the effects of different wall thicknesses and longitudinal rectangular fins on the internal surface. The study evaluated six tubes, including two tubes with distinct wall thicknesses (5 mm and 3 mm) without fins and four tubes with fins but varying configurations. These tubes represent external tubular receivers used in solar central tower plants and operate at 4.5 MPa with a nonuniform solar flux averaging 0.8 MW/m2. Adding longitudinal fins to the tubes significantly reduced the maximum temperature on the irradiated surface and improved heat transfer to the fluid. The study concluded that the 45F5 receiver, which has three fins on the internal section, outperforms the other receivers, presenting a higher vapor generation. Furthermore, the 45F5 geometry enhances heat transfer, allowing the lowest maximum Biot number. These results are crucial for designing tubular solar receivers with direct steam generation systems and improving their efficiency in generating energy from renewable sources.
Interactions Between Molten Sodium and Standard Pipe Insulation
Authors: LaBrier Daniel , Harley Jordan , Robbins Morgan
Published: June 2023

Safety system design and implementation are critical to the operation of any nuclear plant. For sodium-cooled nuclear reactors, hazards external to the reactor core are present in the form of molten sodium that leaks through degraded piping structures. These structures are often clad in high-temperature insulation to preserve the heat needed to keep the sodium molten in the piping. While large sodium leaks are quite noticeable and often result in hazardous fire situations, small leaks of molten sodium are often masked by the shroud of insulation until a large pool of material has collected outside of the failed pipe. This study concentrated on the physical and chemical interactions between molten sodium and standard fiberglass insulation in temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 500 °C. The degradation of the insulation material begins with the volatilization of the organic binder around 250 °C, thereafter the insulation deteriorates at an advanced rate in areas that are in direct contact with the sodium. Chemical profile data were collected for a variety of sample locations that were in contact with the molten sodium, with only a slight increase in the amount of sodium present that can be attributed to the external sodium source. In this way, the molten sodium chemically reacts with the insulation, which accelerates the degradation of the insulation in locations where the sodium is in direct contact with the insulation. These reactions are enhanced by the temperature of the sodium.
Section VIII–Division I: Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
Authors: Roberts Steven C.
Published: June 2023

Section VIII, Division 1 is written for the construction of new pressure vessels, and it covers a wide range of industrial and commercial pressure vessel applications. It applies to small compressed air receivers as well as to very large pressure vessels needed by the petrochemical and refining industry. This chapter provides an overview to each of the parts of Section VIII, Division 1.

History

This Chapter was initially authored by Urey R. Miller, and he updated it for the subsequent second edition. Thomas P. Pastor and Jay Vattappilly revised this chapter for the third and fourth edition. Steven C. Roberts has updated for current edition.
Safety of Personnel Using Quick-Actuating Closures on Pressure Vessels and Associated Litigation Issues
Authors: Reedy Roger F.
Published: June 2023

Quick-actuating closures have been used on ASME pressure vessels for more than 50 years. This chapter was written because of the number of lawsuits filed against manufacturers of quick-actuating closures even though these were operated by the owners of pressure vessels for 20, even 30 and more, years without any serious accidents. This is because, in order to bring forth litigation, lawyers would skillfully take words in the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code completely out of context. Or, some attorneys for the injured party may misinterpret the Code rules to accuse the manufacturer of not having complied with the Code when the closure was made. So, based on experience, the author warns the writers of the ASME Code to assure that the rules are clear, concise, and understandable to the common man. He hopes that the rules in Section VIII, Division 1 will incorporate many of the suggestions mentioned in this chapter. To understand the current Code requirements for quick-actuating closures, the author identifies each of the changes made to the Code rules in Section VIII, Division 1, from 1952 Edition to the 2007 Edition of the ASME Code. The chapter includes an Appendix that provides guidance in the form of recommendations for the installation, operation, and maintenance of quick-actuating closures. This guidance is primarily for the use of the Owner and the User. The safety of the quick-actuating closure is the responsibility of the user. This includes the requirement for the user to provide training for all operating personnel, follow safety procedures, periodically inspect the closure, provide scheduled maintenance, and have all necessary repairs made in a timely fashion. The chapter also contains guidance for use by the designer. The chapter concludes with a list of suggested future changes in the Code for quick-actuating closures on pressure vessels.

History

Roger Reedy is the original author of this chapter introduced in the third edition and has updated it for the fourth, fifth and the current online edition.
Welding, Brazing and Fusing Qualifications
Authors: Swezy John P. , Feldstein Joel G.
Published: June 2023

This chapter covers the qualification of welding, brazing, and plastic fusing procedures and the qualification of individuals performing these procedures as required by the Construction Codes of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel and Piping Codes. It first traces the history of Section IX, outlines the organization of the Section, and reviews the scope of weld processes that Section IX addresses. Section IX contains rules for the qualification of the several weld processes such as oxyfuel welding, shielded metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and plasma arc, among others. The chapter then describes the classification of ASME base materials as given in Section IX. It explains the general requirements for both the welding procedure and welder performance qualification as well as the variables applicable to the welding procedure and welder performance qualification. The chapter also discusses the requirements to perform Charpy V-notch impact testing of the weld procedure qualification. It outlines the requisites for conducting the following testing and examination methods for groove weld and pressure-retaining fillet weld procedure qualification: tension test, guided-bend test, visual examination, volumetric examination, macroexamination, and fracture test. The qualification rules for two special weld processes, corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay and hardfacing overlay, are also explained. General requirements for brazing procedure and brazer performance qualification and the variables applicable to brazing procedure and brazer performance qualification are subsequently addressed. Finally, the chapter summarizes the general requirements for fusing procedure and fusing machine operator performance qualifications and identifies the variables applicable to fusing procedure and fusing machine operator performance qualification.
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels and ASME RTP-1–Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Corrosion-Resistance Equipment
Authors: Shelley Bernard F. , Bustillo Juan L.
Published: June 2023

This chapter begins with a discussion on the basics of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) technology used in RTP-1 and Section X that may not be familiar to engineers and designers of metal vessels. It describes the resins and reinforcing fibers included in RTP-1 and Section X. The chapter then discusses the following processes used to manufacture RTP-1 and Section X vessels: contact molding, bag molding, centrifugal casting, and filament winding. The joining of vessel parts made by these methods is also discussed. The chapter describes ways to treat the two factors that complicate the stress analysis of FRP vessels. The scope of Section X and RTP-1 is covered next. It then looks at the design qualification of Section X, Class I, Class II, Class III, and RTP-1 vessels. In addition, it presents an example of a Section X Design Specification and its calculations as well as RTP-1 design examples. The chapter closes with a discussion on the quality assurance requirements of Section X and RTP-1.

History

Late Peter J. Conlisk was the originator of this chapter for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions. Bernard F. Shelley updated this chapter for the 4th and 5th editions. The current online edition was updated by Juan L. Bustillo and reviewed by D. Bruce Hebb.
Repair/Replacement Activities for Nuclear Power Plant Items
Authors: Swayne Richard W.
Published: June 2023

This chapter addresses the requirements of IWA-4000 for repair/replacement (R/R) activities for nuclear power plant items. It examines the background of these R/R activities, notes some of the changes in R/R activity requirements since the original 1970 Edition, and reviews in detail the requirements in IWA-4000 in the 2015 Edition of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The discussion of the scope and applicability of Section XI R/R activities is informative to both new and longtime users. The chapter discusses the alternative requirements for small items, which is described in IWA-4131.1 and covers the requirements for items that are rotated from stock and for those involving mechanical clamping devices. It describes the responsibilities of two organizations, identified in IWA-4000, that may perform R/R activities: the Owner and the R/R Organization. The chapter explains the content of the R/R program and the R/R plan and discusses three additional general requirements included in IWA-4000: verification of acceptability, inspection by an Authorized Inspection Agency, and documentation. The new provisions that have been added in IWA-4200, such as provisions for addition of new systems, and improved and expanded provisions for reconciliation of Construction Codes and Owner’s Requirements, are also described. The chapter includes numerous Code Interpretations and Code Cases to help clarify and implement R/R activities. It looks at the design provisions that were added in the new Subarticle IWA-4300. The chapter details the changes and addenda made to IWA-4400 in the area of welding, brazing, metal removal/defect removal, fabrication, and installation and explains the specific requirements of IWA-4400. It discusses the examination and pressure testing requirements provided by IWA-4500 as part of the R/R activity. The chapter also provides a general overview of the alternative, specialized welding methods mentioned in IWA-4600.

History

Richard E. Gimple was the original author of this chapter for the first, second and third editions. Richard W. Swayne updated this chapter for the fourth, fifth and sixth editions.
Description of Rules of Section XII Transport Tank Code
Authors: Rana Mahendra D. , Staniszewski Stanley , Xu Kang
Published: June 2023

This chapter presents a broad overview of Section XII Transport Tank Code, which provides rules for construction and continued service of pressure vessels used in the transportation of dangerous goods via highway, rail, or water. It begins with an overview of the scope and general requirements of the Code including rules on pressure relief devices, stamping, marking certification, reports, and records. The scope of the Code applies to pressure vessels 450 L and above, including additional components and criteria addressed in Modal Appendices that are to be used along with applicable regulations and laws. The Modal Appendix covers Categories 406, 407, 412, 331, and 338 cargo tanks permanently mounted on trucks or wheels used for transporting hazardous materials over public roads. The sections on materials and design rules cover design conditions and allowable stresses, design temperatures, design and allowable working pressures, the design of formed heads, and external pressure design. The coverage also includes information on flat heads and covers, openings and reinforcements, the design of welded joints, and articles covering portable cryogenic tanks including materials and design. The rules for fatigue design are also given in the article covering portable cryogenic tanks. The sections on fabrication, inspection, and testing provide information on general requirements for tanks fabricated by welding; the responsibilities and duties for inspection of transport tanks while being manufactured and for continued service; requirements for nondestructive examination; and rules for transport tanks after they leave the manufacturing facility and are in use by the carriers of hazardous materials.

History

Stephen V. Voorhees was the co-author of this chapter for the first edition.

The second-fourth editions were updated by Mahendra D. Rana and Stanley Staniszewski. Mahendra D. Rana, Stanley Staniszewski and Kang Xu updated the fifth edition and the current online edition.
ASME Piping Code: B31.1, Power Piping
Authors: Meyer Jimmy E. , Vilminot Kristi A. , Frey Joe
Published: June 2023

This chapter covers the ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code and provides additional insight into the proper use of the Code. The chapter intends to supplement and provide additional insight to the proper use of the Code. It begins with a discussion of the conditions or considerations for the design of piping systems; the basis of the allowable stresses, quality factors, etc. to be used for the design of piping systems; and the requirements for pressure design of piping components. The chapter briefly addresses various piping components or types of piping joints which might be limited to nonhazardous or nonflammable fluids, size limitation, pressure, and temperature limits. It also addresses the requirements for designing power piping systems subject to thermal expansion, contraction, or other displacement stress producing loads. The chapter then provides information on the factors to be considered during the design of pipe supports and those piping systems typically found in power generating facilities. It presents some examples of how the piping codes are interrelated for some common carbon steel and stainless steel Pressure Rating/Dimensional Standards, Material Forming Standards, and Material Grades. The chapter lists the acceptable standards for Code construction such as ASME, API, AWWA, ASTM, etc. It then addresses the requirements for fabrication, assembly, inspection, examination, testing, and maintenance of piping systems. A number of appendices are included in the Code. The Mandatory Appendices contain information on allowable stress, thermal expansion data, moduli of elasticity, stress intensification factors and rules for nonmetallic pipes to name a few. The Nonmandatory Appendices include information on safety valves, corrosion, and operation and maintenance and more.

History

Charles Becht IV was the author of “Chapter 16” titled “B31.1 Power Piping” for the original, second and third editions. Chapter 17 of the third edition was revised in its entirety and renumbered as Chapter 36 in the fourth edition. The fifth edition was authored by Jimmy E. Meyer and Joe Frey. The current online edition has been updated by Jimmy E. Meyer and Kristi A. Vilminot.
Transportation Pipelines, Including ASME B31.4, B31.8, B31.8S, B31G, and B31Q Codes
Authors: Rosenfeld Michael J.
Published: June 2023

There are five ASME codes that apply to the transportation of oil and gas by pipeline. ASME B31.4 covers the transportation of liquids such as crude oil and refined petroleum products. The standard also covers certain non-hydrocarbon liquids, namely anhydrous ammonia, carbon dioxide, and aqueous mineral slurries. This chapter discusses the 2019 Edition of B31.4. ASME B31.8 covers transmission and local distribution of natural gas. This chapter discusses the 2020 Edition of B31.8. ASME B31.8S is a supplement to B31.8 covering integrity management of natural gas transmission pipelines. This chapter discusses the 2020 Edition of B31.8S. B31G covers evaluation of the fitness for service of B31.4 and B31.8 pipelines affected by corrosion. This chapter discusses the 2020 Edition of B31G. B31Q covers the qualification of frontline personnel who work on B31.4 and B31.8 pipeline systems. This chapter discusses the 2021 Edition of B31Q.

History

This chapter was newly created for the fourth edition. Michael J. Rosenfeld is the original author and has updated all editions including the current online edition.
Dolphins reduce hearing sensitivity in anticipation of repetitive impulsive noise exposures
Authors: Finneran James J. , Schlundt Carolyn E. , Bowman Victoria , Jenkins Keith
Published: June 2023

The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) was continuously measured in two bottlenose dolphins during impulse noise exposures to determine whether observed head movements coincided with actual changes to auditory system sensitivity. Impulses were generated by a seismic air gun at a fixed inter-pulse interval of 10 s. ASSR amplitudes were extracted from the instantaneous electroencephalogram using coherent averaging within a sliding analysis window. A decline in ASSR amplitude was seen during the time interval between air gun impulses, followed by an elevation in ASSR amplitude immediately after each impulse. Similar patterns were not observed during control trials where air gun impulses were not generated. The results suggest that the dolphins learned the timing of the impulse noise sequences and lowered their hearing sensitivity before each impulse, presumably to lessen the auditory effects of the noise. The specific mechanisms responsible for the observed effects are at present unknown.
Effects of Powerchair Football: Contextual Factors That Impact Participation
Authors: Vandenbergue Aurelien , Barfield J.P. , Ahmaidi Said , Williams Stephanie , Weissland Thierry
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to identify contextual factors that negatively affect activity and participation among powerchair football (PF) players. Thirty-seven semistructured interviews were conducted with PF players (Mage = 27.9 ± 8.2 years) in France (n = 18) and the United States (n = 19). Participants reported acute back and neck pain as the primary morbidities resulting from PF participation, with sustained atypical posture in the sport chair as the primary cause. Competition-related physical and mental stress were also identified as participation outcomes. Accompanying the many benefits of PF, participants recognized negative impacts of discomfort, physical fatigue, and mental fatigue. Interventions such as seating modifications, thermotherapy to combat pain, napping to combat acute physical stress, and mental preparation to manage state anxiety were all identified as prospective interventions.
What Are We Aiming for in Eccentric Hamstring Training: Angle-Specific Control or Supramaximal Stimulus?
Authors: Alt Tobias , Knicker Axel J. , Nodler Yannick T. , Strüder Heiko K.
Published: June 2023

Context: Different resistance exercise determinants modulate the musculotendinous adaptations following eccentric hamstring training. The Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) can be performed 2-fold: the movement velocity irreversibly increases toward the end of the range of motion or it is kept constant. Design: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate if the downward acceleration angle (DWAangle) can be used as a classification parameter to distinguish between increasing and constant velocity NHE execution. Furthermore, the kinetic and kinematic differences of these 2 NHE execution conditions were examined by analyzing the DWAangle in relation to the angle of peak moment. Methods: A total of 613 unassisted NHE repetitions of 12 trained male sprinters (22 y, 181 cm, 76 kg) were analyzed. Results: The majority of analyzed parameters demonstrated large effects. NHEs with constant velocity  (n = 285) revealed significantly higher impulses (P < .001; d = 2.34; + 61%) and fractional time under tension (P < .001; d = 1.29; +143%). Although the generated peak moments were significantly higher for constant velocity (P = .003; d = 0.29; +4%), they emerged at similar knee flexion angles (P = .167; d = 0.28) and revealed on average just low relationships to the DWAangle (). DWAangle highly correlated with the impulse () and δ (DWAangle–angle of peak moment; ). Conclusions: Relating DWAangle to angle of peak moment assists to distinguish between significantly different NHE execution, which will potentially elicit different musculotendinous adaptations. These insights are essential for coaches and athletes to understand how to manipulate eccentric hamstring training to change its purpose.
Answer to June 2023 Photo Quiz
Authors: Zimmet Alex N. , Mah Jordan K. , Budvytiene Indre , Banaei Niaz , Salinas Jorge
Published: June 2023

Read the full article for the answer.
The Early Secretory Pathway Is Crucial for Multiple Aspects of the Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Avula Kiran , Singh Bharati , Samantaray Subhashish , Syed Gulam Hussain
Published: June 2023

The virus life cycle involves entry into the host, replication of the genome, assembly of infectious progeny, and their subsequent release. Different aspects of the HCV life cycle, including entry, genome replication, and assembly, are well characterized; however, our understanding of the HCV release is still not clear and subject to debate due to varied findings.
Powassan virus persistence after acute infection
Authors: Telford Sam R. , Piantadosi Anne L.
Published: June 2023

Survivors of Powassan encephalitis often have persistent neurological disease. A new mouse model replicates some elements of the human disease and demonstrates the presence of viral RNA in the brain as well as myelitis more than 2 mo after the acute infection. The related tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) also have common neurological sequelae, and models for these better-studied diseases provide evidence for prolonged virus, RNA, and inflammation in some cases, in addition to damage from the acute encephalitic disease. A better understanding of the biological basis for persistent signs and symptoms after Powassan encephalitis, currently a rare disease, could benefit from further studies of the more prevalent flaviviral encephalitides.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Phage ESa2
Authors: Bird Jordan T. , Margulieux Katie R. , Burke Kevin A. , Mzhavia Nino , Kevorkian Richard T. , Ellison Damon W. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Filippov Andrey A.
Published: June 2023

We describe the genome of a lytic phage, ESa2, isolated from environmental water and specific for
Staphylococcus aureus
. ESa2 belongs to the family
Herelleviridae
and genus
Kayvirus
. Its genome consists of 141,828 bp, with 30.25% GC content, 253 predicted protein-coding sequences, 3 tRNAs, and 10,130-bp-long terminal repeats.
Complete Genome Sequences of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv.
phaseoli
BT01,
Rhizobium
sp. Strain BT03, and
Rhizobium
sp. Strain BT04, Isolated from Black Turtle Bean Nodules in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kaur Sabhjeet , Christie Catherine E. , diCenzo George C.
Published: June 2023

We report the complete genome sequences of three
Rhizobium
strains isolated from nodules of heritage black turtle bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris
) plants grown in a community garden in Ontario, Canada. The genomes are between 6.91 Mb and 7.98 Mb long and consist of five to seven DNA replicons.
New RoxS sRNA Targets Identified in Bacillus subtilis by Pulsed SILAC
Authors: Allouche Delphine , Kostova Gergana , Hamon Marion , Marchand Christophe H. , Caron Mathias , Belhocine Sihem , Christol Ninon , Charteau Violette , Condon Ciarán , Durand Sylvain
Published: June 2023

Non-coding RNAs (sRNA) play an important role in bacterial adaptation and virulence. The identification of the most complete set of targets for these regulatory RNAs is key to fully identifying the perimeter of its function(s).
Glyoxylate Shunt and Pyruvate-to-Acetoin Shift Are Specific Stress Responses Induced by Colistin and Ceragenin CSA-13 in Enterobacter hormaechei ST89
Authors: Prasad Suhanya V. , Fiedoruk Krzysztof , Zakrzewska Magdalena , Savage Paul B. , Bucki Robert
Published: June 2023

Colistin and ceragenins, like CSA-13, are cationic antimicrobials that disrupt the bacterial cell envelope through different mechanisms. Here, we examined the genomic and transcriptome changes in
Enterobacter hormaechei
ST89, an emerging hospital pathogen, after prolonged exposure to these agents to identify potential resistance mechanisms.
On amenability and measure of maximal entropy for semigroups of rational maps: II
Authors: Cabrera Carlos , Makienko Peter
Published: June 2023

We compare dynamical and algebraic properties of semigroups of rational maps. In particular, we show a version of the Day-von Neumann conjecture and give a partial positive answer to “Sushkievich’s problem” for semigroups of rational maps. We relate these conjectures with Furstenberg’s [Formula: see text] problem and prove a coarse version of Furstenberg’s problem for semigroups of non-exceptional polynomials.
A polynomial invariant of Kauffman type for knotoids
Authors: Miyazawa Yasuyuki
Published: June 2023

We construct a three-variable polynomial invariant for unoriented kd([Formula: see text])-linkoid diagrams including knotoid ones as a certain weighted sum of polynomials on oriented kd([Formula: see text])-linkoid diagrams associated with a given kd([Formula: see text])-linkoid diagram.
Nonlinear optical properties of 3d transition metal oxides and applications in fiber lasers: Review and prospect
Authors: Kong Linghao , Chu Hongwei , Pan Zhongben , Zhao Shengzhi , Li Dechun
Published: June 2023

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are distinguished by their thermal and chemical stability as well as excellent optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Moreover, the 3[Formula: see text]-orbital electrons of the transition metal ions in TMOs have a strong [Formula: see text] Coulomb interaction, enabling them to exhibit a variety of unusual physical phenomena, dramatically different from conventional metals and semiconductors. Additionally, TMOs possess excellent nonlinear optical properties, such as third-order nonlinear response and saturation absorption, which make them broadly applicable for ultrafast photonics devices. Herein, a review is presented of the nonlinear optical properties of typical TMOs, as well as their employment as saturable absorbers in near-infrared pulsed fiber lasers in recent years. Finally, some challenges and promising prospects for nonlinear ultrafast photonic devices based on TMOs are discussed.
Ethanol monitoring gas sensor based on Co2P nanomaterials by a facile hydrothermal approach
Authors: Zhang Li , Luo Qingxia , Song Chengwen , Zhang Xiaoxing
Published: June 2023

Co2P nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The microstructure, morphology and elemental composition were examined by XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS. The effects of synthesis temperature and reaction time on the sensing properties of Co2P nanocomposites were analyzed. The Co2P sensor at 200[Formula: see text]C and 3 h reaction condition exhibited optimum sensitivity toward 100 ppm ethanol. In comparison with other gases, ethanol possesses good selective characteristics at optimal operating temperature of 160[Formula: see text]C, which greatly reduce energy consumption. The above results showed that Co2P nanocomposites have the potential application as an effective sensor for ethanol detection.
Bank size and efficiency in Pakistan: Interdependency of market power and economies of scale
Authors: Qureshi Mariya Ahmad , Iftikhar Syed Faizan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The key objectives of the study are to investigate whether increased bank size is essential for banking efficiency in Pakistan, further, to explore the influence of market power or economies of scale on size–efficiency relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: The dynamic two-step system GMM approach is applied on bank-level data of a panel set of 31 commercial banks of Pakistan, over the period 2006 to 2022. For robustness, the selected period is further divided into three time spans, 2006–2010, 2011–2019, and 2019–2022, and to explore size-efficiency association among different size categories, the entire data is divided into two groups. Findings: The study reveals two key outcomes. First, size is a c ore variable in describing efficiency movement in Pakistan as a significant positive relationship is evinced between bank size and net interest margin in both groups even in the period of COVID-19. Second, both market power and economies of scale strongly influence size–efficiency relationship. However, the impact of these variables is insignificant for medium and small banks. Further, all bank-specific and macroeconomic variables are significantly allied with banking efficiency. Originality: The study is premiered to examine the bank size–efficiency relationship in the light of market power and economies of scale for the banking sector of Pakistan. The originality of this research is the deep examination of bank size–efficiency relationship with two effectual macroeconomic variables. Research Implications: The core policy implication is that size is a fundamental factor while market power and economies of scale are driving forces of size–efficiency association in Pakistan.
Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation Using a Type of Fixed-Time Sliding Mode Controller for Avoiding Epileptiform Discharge in a Human Cortical Model
Authors: Mohammad-Ali-Nezhad Sajad , Rezvani-Ardakani Samira , Ghasemi Reza
Published: June 2023

The cortical excitability rate correlates with epileptic seizures, which should be modulated in a finite time to prevent brain damage. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a successful treatment for patients with refractory epilepsy. This study proposes a closed-loop DBS control method that uses a Fixed-Time Integral Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Controller (FTISTSMC) to stop simulated epileptiform discharges within a limited time by modifying cortical excitability in the human Cortical Model (CM). First, the simulated stimulus current in the DBS method is injected into the state variable of the excitatory neurons population in CM. Then, the FTISTSMC is applied to the state variable described above to regulate the stimulus current value during the stimulation process to reduce the possible destructive effects of electrical pulses on the behavior of the healthy neurons. The proposed controller has some characteristics causing the simulated epileptic activity to become normal and the tracking error of the healthy state to be completely zero after 4.7[Formula: see text]s. In addition, it is possible to resolve the chattering and singularity problems and completely control epileptic seizures within a fixed and finite time frame.
Computational Analysis and Rational Design of N-Substituting Perturbation on the Affinity and Specificity of Pediatric Fyn SH3–Peptoid Interaction
Authors: Liu Qin , Wang Jie , Shi Lin , Shao Xiang
Published: June 2023

Human nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (TK) Fyn is implicated in various cellular processes and has been exploited as a sophisticated druggable target of pediatric T-cell lymphoma by blocking its kinase domain with small-molecule inhibitors or disrupting its regulatory SH2 and SH3 domains with peptidic inhibitors. In this study, the proline-heavy 9P1Y-peptide was found as a good binder of Fyn SH3 domain, of which the chemical diversity space was extended by replacing its proline residues with a variety of N-substituted amino acids, since N-substitution can mimic the side-chain location and shape of proline. A systematic single-point N-substituting perturbation profile (SSNPP) for 9P1Y-peptide was created theoretically, from which a systematic combinatorial peptoid library (SCPL) was then generated by introducing favorable N-substituted to different proline residue positions of the peptide. The computational design was further substantiated by fluorescence spectroscopy assays to identify five promising peptoid hits in the SCPL as potential Fyn SH3 binders. In particular, the designed peptoid Ptoid2 exhibited a good affinity to Fyn SH3 domain ([Formula: see text]M) and a moderate selectivity for Fyn over Lyn (3.8-fold), which are improved substantially from the natural 9P1Y-peptide. Molecular mechanism underlying the N-substituting perturbation effect was also examined in detail.
Beyond Law as a Tool of Public Health: Vaccines in Interdisciplinary Sociolegal and Science Studies
Authors: Kirkland Anna
Published: June 2023

Research on vaccines in the law and social sciences skews heavily toward an instrumentalist approach to knowledge in service of vaccine promotion. Overcoming hesitancy and promoting vaccine acceptance have been major goals, but successful levers for behavioral change remain elusive. Research with constructivist approaches to vaccines from feminist sociology and anthropology has uncovered ethnographic richness to describe how vaccine debates illuminate inequalities in parenting and re-entrench patterns of racism and colonialism. There is considerable potential in science and technology studies approaches that take seriously the materiality and movement of vaccines in networks of production, finance, and global politics, though there are considerable methodological challenges for these research designs. This review charts the lopsided bibliography of law and social science research on vaccines, asking why scholars rarely move away from instrumentalist conceptions of law in the service of public health and, when they do, explaining what theoretical tools enable it.
Competition Policy and the Environment
Authors: Inderst Roman , Thomas Stefan
Published: June 2023

Traditionally, competition law and practice serve to preserve competition, with a focus on the maximization of consumer welfare. This has been criticized as conflicting with society's overarching goal of achieving greater (environmental) sustainability. Consequently, various jurisdictions have recently reformed their laws and guidance allowing them to account for sustainability benefits in the assessment of cooperation between competitors, with potentially considerable implications for how firms can jointly develop and introduce more sustainable technologies and products. This has opened a new research frontier in the long-standing tradition of marrying the theory of industrial organization with the field of environmental and resource economics. The consideration of sustainability benefits in competition analysis also requires both the transfer and adaptation of measurement techniques. We summarize recent developments and sketch potential research opportunities.