bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does artificial intelligence exhibit basic fundamental subjectivity? A neurophilosophical argument
Authors: Northoff Georg , Gouveia Steven S.
Published: February 2024

Does artificial intelligence (AI) exhibit consciousness or self? While this question is hotly debated, here we take a slightly different stance by focusing on those features that make possible both, namely a basic or fundamental subjectivity. Learning from humans and their brain, we first ask what we mean by subjectivity. Subjectivity is manifest in the perspectiveness and mineness of our experience which, ontologically, can be traced to a point of view. Adopting a non-reductive neurophilosophical strategy, we assume that the point of view exhibits two layers, a most basic neuroecological and higher order mental layer. The neuroecological layer of the point of view is mediated by the timescales of world and brain, as further evidenced by empirical data on our sense of self. Are there corresponding timescales shared with the world in AI and is there a point of view with perspectiveness and mineness? Discussing current neuroscientific evidence, we deny that current AI exhibits a point of view, let alone perspectiveness and mineness. We therefore conclude that, as per current state, AI does not exhibit a basic or fundamental subjectivity and henceforth no consciousness or self is possible in models such as ChatGPT and similar technologies.
ApcE plays an important role in light-induced excitation energy dissipation in the Synechocystis PCC6803 phycobilisomes
Authors: Assefa Gonfa Tesfaye , Botha Joshua L. , van Heerden Bertus , Kyeyune Farooq , Krüger Tjaart P. J. , Gwizdala Michal
Published: February 2024

Phycobilisomes (PBs) play an important role in cyanobacterial photosynthesis. They capture light and transfer excitation energy to the photosynthetic reaction centres. PBs are also central to some photoprotective and photoregulatory mechanisms that help sustain photosynthesis under non-optimal conditions. Amongst the mechanisms involved in excitation energy dissipation that are activated in response to excessive illumination is a recently discovered light-induced mechanism that is intrinsic to PBs and has been the least studied. Here, we used single-molecule spectroscopy and developed robust data analysis methods to explore the role of a terminal emitter subunit, ApcE, in this intrinsic, light-induced mechanism. We isolated the PBs from WT Synechocystis PCC 6803 as well as from the ApcE-C190S mutant of this strain and compared the dynamics of their fluorescence emission. PBs isolated from the mutant (i.e., ApcE-C190S-PBs), despite not binding some of the red-shifted pigments in the complex, showed similar global emission dynamics to WT-PBs. However, a detailed analysis of dynamics in the core revealed that the ApcE-C190S-PBs are less likely than WT-PBs to enter quenched states under illumination but still fully capable of doing so. This result points to an important but not exclusive role of the ApcE pigments in the light-induced intrinsic excitation energy dissipation mechanism in PBs.
Asian American Women’s Racial Dating Preferences: An Investigation of Internalized Racism, Resistance and Empowerment against Racism, and Desire for Status
Authors: Le Thomas P. , Ahn Lydia HaRim
Published: February 2024

Asian American women’s racialized dating choices have drawn widespread attention both in academic and public spheres. However, little empirical research has examined racially relevant sociocultural factors that may affect this population’s dating and physical attraction preferences. To further understand racialized desire among this underrepresented population, the present study examined the extent to which three sociocultural factors (i.e., internalized racism, resistance and empowerment against racism, and desire for status) were associated with two attraction outcome variables (i.e., dating preferences, physical attraction) across four racial categories of men: Asian men, Black men, Latino men, and White men. Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 207 Asian American women who completed an online survey. Path analyses showed that internalized racism was associated with stronger dating preference toward White men and weaker dating preference and physical attraction to Asian men. Resistance and empowerment were associated with stronger dating preference for Black and Latino men as well as stronger physical attraction toward Asian, Black, and Latino men. Desire for status was negatively associated with a preference for dating Black men. The results of our study emphasize the importance of considering racially relevant factors that may be associated with Asian American women’s racialized dating and physical attraction preferences. Implications related to addressing internalized racism and emphasizing the strengths of Asian American women are discussed.
Hydrogel capsules as new delivery system for Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003 to control Rhizoctonia solani in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Cruz-Barrera Mauricio , Izquierdo-García Luisa Fernanda , Gómez-Marroquín Magda , Santos-Díaz Adriana , Uribe-Gutiérrez Liz , Moreno-Velandia Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2024

The incorporation of biological control agents (BCAs) such as Trichoderma spp. in agricultural systems favors the transition towards sustainable practices of plant nutrition and diseases control. Novel bioproducts for crop management are called to guarantee sustainable antagonism activity of BCAs and increase the acceptance of the farmers. The encapsulation in polymeric matrices play a prominent role for providing an effective carrier/protector and long-lasting bioproduct. This research aimed to study the influence of biopolymer in hydrogel capsules on survival and shelf-life of T. koningiopsis. Thus, two hydrogel capsules prototypes based on alginate (P1) and amidated pectin (P2), containing conidia of T. koningiopsis Th003 were formulated. Capsules were prepared by the ionic gelation method and calcium gluconate as crosslinker. Conidia releasing under different pH values of the medium, survival of conidia in drying capsules, storage stability, and biocontrol activity against rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) were studied. P2 prototype provided up to 98% survival to Th003 in fluid bed drying, faster conidia releasing at pH 5.8, storage stability greater than 6 months at 18 °C, and up to 67% of disease reduction. However, both biopolymers facilitate the antagonistic activity against R. solani, and therefore can be incorporated in novel hydrogel capsules-based biopreparations. This work incites to develop novel biopesticides-based formulations with potential to improve the delivery process in the target site and the protection of the active ingredient from the environmental factors.
Comparison of sediment biomarker signatures generated using time-integrated and discrete suspended sediment samples
Authors: Upadhayay Hari Ram , Granger Steven J. , Collins Adrian L.
Published: February 2024

Sediment source fingerprinting using biomarker properties has led to new insights in our understanding of land use contributions to time-integrated suspended sediment samples at catchment scale. A time-integrated mass-flux sampler (TIMS; also known as the ‘Phillips’ sampler), a cost-effective approach for suspended sediment collection in situ. Such samplers are widely being used to collect sediment samples for source fingerprinting purposes, including studies using biomarkers as opposed to more conventional tracer properties. Here, we assessed the performance of TIMS for collecting representative sediment samples for biomarkers during high discharge events in a small lowland grassland-dominated catchment. Concentrations of long odd-chain n-alkanes (> C23) and both saturated free and bound fatty acids (C14-C32), as well as compound-specific 13C were compared between sediment collected by both TIMS and autosamplers (ISCO). The results showed that concentrations of alkanes, free fatty acids, and bound fatty acids are consistently comparable between TIMS and ISCO suspended sediment samples. Similarly, compound-specific 13C signals were not found to be significantly different in the suspended sediment samples collected using the different samplers. However, different magnitudes of resemblance in biomarker concentrations and compositions between the samples collected using the two sediment collection methods were confirmed by overlapping index and symmetric coordinates-based correlation analysis. Here, the difference is attributed to the contrasting temporal basis of TIMS (time-integrated) vs. ISCO (discrete) samples, as well as potential differences in the particle sizes collected by these different sediment sampling methods. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that TIMS can be used to generate representative biomarker data for suspended sediment samples collected during high discharge events.
Is Violence Victimization Associated with the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food? A Population-Based Study with 96 K Adolescent Students Exploring the Mediating Role of Psychoactive Substance Use
Authors: Mesas Arthur Eumann , de Andrade Selma Maffei , Melanda Francine Nesello , López-Gil José Francisco , Beneit Nuria , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Jiménez-López Estela
Published: February 2024

This study analyzed the association between different types of violence victimization and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and explored the mediating role of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use on these associations. Cross-sectional study with Brazilian students aged 13–17. Participants reported their UPF consumption, bullying and physical aggression victimization, and use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs in the last month. Generalized linear regression models and mediation analyses were adjusted for the main confounders. A total of 96,396 adolescent students (52.2% female) were analyzed. In adjusted analyses, the number of UPF consumed was higher in those experiencing bullying victimization (β = 0.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.09, 0.27), aggression from parents or guardians (β = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.38) and aggression from others (β = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.49). The adjusted mediation models showed that these associations were partially mediated by alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. Among adolescents, exposure to violence victimization might potentially drive a rise in the consumption of UPF. Such associations are partially influenced by an increased use of psychoactive substances.
Global competences and education for sustainable development. A bibliometric analysis to situate the OECD global competences in the scientific discourse
Authors: Costa Jana , Alscher Pascal , Thums Kathrin
Published: February 2024

The Programme for International Study Assessment (PISA) regularly assesses a set of interdisciplinary competences in addition to the traditional core domains. With the 2018 assessment of ‘global competences’, the OECD (2019) aims to support evidence-based decisions on the improvement of the curricula and teaching in order to prepare young people to become active and global citizens who contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In assessing this domain, the OECD is entering a field of research characterised by dynamic debates and heterogeneous research strands. The aim of this paper is to visualise the theoretical foundations on which the analytical PISA 2018 Global Competence Framework (OECD 2019) is based, allowing a transparent discussion of the different theoretical reference points. The bibliometric analyses reveal that discourses related to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) are hardly taken into account in the analytical framework. The paper subsequently formulates impetus from the ESD research field with the aim of linking discourses in the future.
Effect of Travel Speed on the Properties of 5087 Aluminum Alloy Walls Produced by Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sahul Miroslav , Pavlík Marián , Sahul Martin , Kovačócy Pavel , Martinkovič Maroš
Published: February 2024

An innovative Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing combines the well-studied process of arc welding with direct energy deposition. Effect of travel speed 5.0 and 7.5 mm/s on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 5087 aluminum alloy was investigated. Five thousand eighty-three aluminum alloy was used as a substrate material and 5087 aluminum alloy was utilized as a filler material for the walls fabrication. The presence of pores reducing the strength of the overlay weld metal was detected on both overlay welds. The lower welding speed (5 mm/s) resulted in the smaller amount of porosity in comparison to higher welding speed (7.5 mm/s). Average pore area of wall No. 1 was 0.66% and wall No. 2 was 1.13%. It was found that higher welding speed affected the wall width and overlay weld bead geometry. Increase in welding speed led to a narrowing of wall width from 10.23 to 8.44 mm. The microstructure of weld metal matrix consisted of a α-Al substitution solid solution. The tensile strength of parallel to welding direction removed samples exceeded the tensile strength of perpendicular removed samples. It is a result of the cohesion of the layers in the overlay welding direction compared to the non-uniformity of the layers in the perpendicular direction. Furthermore, the tensile strength was higher in the case of travel speed of 5 mm/s in comparison to that of 7.5 mm/s.
Carbon sequestration in a bamboo plantation: a case study in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Chiti Tommaso , Blasi Emanuele , Chiriacò Maria Vincenza
Published: February 2024

In the Mediterranean region, despite bamboo being an alien species that can seriously alter plant and animal biocoenosis, the area occupied by bamboo plantations continues to increase, especially for the purpose to sequester carbon (C). However, the C dynamics in the soil–plant system when bamboo is grown outside its native area are poorly understood. Here we investigated the C mitigation potential of the fast-growing Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) introduced in Italy for climate-change mitigation. We analyzed aboveground (AGB) and belowground (as root/shoot ratio) biomass, litter and soil organic C (SOC) at 0–15- and 15–30-cm depths in a 4-year-old bamboo plantation in comparison with the former annual cropland on which the bamboo was established. To have an idea of the maximum C stored at an ecosystem level, a natural forest adjacent the two sites was also considered. In the plantation, C accumulation as AGB was stimulated, with 14.8 ± 3.1 Mg C ha–1 stored in 3 years; because thinning was done to remove culms from the first year, the mean sequestration rate was 4.9 Mg C ha–1 a–1. The sequestration rates were high but comparable to other fast-growing tree species in Italy (e.g., Pinus nigra). SOC was significantly higher in the bamboo plantation than in the cropland only at the 0–15 cm depth, but SOC stock did not differ. Possibly 4 years were not enough time for a clear increase in SOC, or the high nutrient uptake by bamboos might have depleted the soil nutrients, thus inhibiting the soil organic matter formation by bacteria. In comparison, the natural forest had significantly higher C levels in all the pools. For C dynamics at an ecosystem level, the bamboo plantation on the former annual cropland led to substantial C removal from the atmosphere (about 12 Mg C ha–1 a–1). However, despite the promising C sequestration rates by bamboo, its introduction should be carefully considered due to potential ecological problems caused by this species in overexploited environments such as the Mediterranean area.
Maternal Fed Zinc-Deficient Diet: Effects on Relaxin Family Peptides and Oxidant System in the Testis and Liver Tissue of Male Offspring
Authors: Kose Hamiyet , Sivrikaya Abdullah , Menevse Esma
Published: February 2024

Today, the studies are limited on roles of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7), and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) which are synthesized by the testis. It is aimed to investigate the levels of the sex hormone as testosterone and the family of insulin-like proteins (relaxin family peptides), which are important in the puberty transition, in the testicular and liver tissues of male offspring born to female rats fed a zinc-deficient diet during the pregnancy, and in the changes in lipid peroxidation markers. The study was performed on 40 male offspring. In Group I: Control group, both male offspring and mothers were fed with standard rat chow. In Group II: Zinc deficient diet, both male offspring and mothers were fed a zinc-deficient diet (2.8 mg/kg zinc). In Group III: Normal diet, male offspring fed standard rat chow for 45 days (66th day) after being separated from their mothers with a maternal zinc-deficient diet. In Group IV: Zinc-supplemented diet, offspring fed with zinc supplemented (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal zinc sulfate, i.p.) in addition to standard rat chow after being separated from their mothers with maternal zinc deficiency until the termination of the study (66th day). Our study suggests that zinc-supplemented diets play an important role in the changes in INSL3, INSL7, RXFP1, and testosterone levels during spermatogenesis. INSL7, INSL3, and RXFP1 levels were higher in zinc-supplemented group than the zinc-deficient diet group. Liver levels of INSL3, INSL7, and MDA were significantly different in zinc-deficiency diet group than zinc-supplemented group.
Identity Theory and Falsifiability
Authors: Søgaard Anders
Published: February 2024

I identify a class of arguments against multiple realization (MR): BookofSand arguments. The arguments are in their general form successful under reasonably uncontroversial assumptions, but this, on the other hand, turns the table on identity theory: If arguments from MR can always be refuted by BookofSand arguments, is identity theory falsifiable? In the absence of operational demarcation criteria, it is not. I suggest a parameterized formal demarcation principle for brain state/process types and show how it can be used to identify previously unconsidered contenders for evidence for MR, e.g., binary classification, division, and sorting. For these to be actual instances of MR, the corresponding psychological kinds must be verifiably, relevantly similar. I also briefly discuss possible linguistic, behavioral, and experimental demarcation criteria for psychological kinds.
Properties of [18F]FAPI monitoring of acute radiation pneumonia versus [18F]FDG in mouse models
Authors: Liu Mingyu , Yao An , Li Zili , Zhang Jianping , Ren Caiyue , Sun Yuyun , Ma Guang , Sun Yun , Cheng Jingyi
Published: February 2024

Objective

In this study, the uptake characteristics of [18F]fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) molecular imaging probe were investigated in acute radiation pneumonia and lung cancer xenografted mice before and after radiation to assess the future applicability of [18F]FAPI positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in early radiotherapy response.

Methods

Initially, the biodistribution of [18F]FAPI tracer in vivo were studied in healthy mice at each time-point. A comparison of [18F]FAPI and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT imaging efficacy in normal ICR, LLC tumor-bearing mice was evaluated. A radiation pneumonia model was then investigated using a gamma counter, small animal PET/CT, and autoradiography. The uptake properties of [18F]FAPI in lung cancer and acute radiation pneumonia were investigated using autoradiography and PET/CT imaging in mice.

Results

The tumor area was visible in [18F]FAPI imaging and the tracer was swiftly eliminated from normal tissues and organs. There was a significant increase of [18F]FDG absorption in lung tissue after radiotherapy compared to before radiotherapy, but no significant difference of [18F]FAPI uptake under the same condition. Furthermore, both the LLC tumor volume and the expression of FAP-ɑ decreased after thorax irradiation. Correspondingly, there was no notable [18F]FAPI uptake after irradiation, but there was an increase of [18F]FDG uptake in malignancies and lungs.

Conclusions

The background uptake of [18F]FAPI is negligible. Moreover, the uptake of [18F]FAPI may not be affected by acute radiation pneumonitis compared to [18F]FDG, which may be used to more accurately evaluate early radiotherapy response of lung cancer with acute radiation pneumonia.
On the qualitative and quantitative analysis for two fourth–order difference equations
Authors: Gümüş F. Hilal , Abo-Zeid R.
Published: February 2024

Our aim in the present paper is to derive the closed-form solutions for the two fourth-order difference equations$$\begin{aligned} x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}x_{n-3}}{ax_{n}+bx_{n-3}}, \ n\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$xn+1=xn-2xn-3axn+bxn-3,n≥0,and$$\begin{aligned} x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}x_{n-3}}{-ax_{n}+bx_{n-3}}, \ n\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$xn+1=xn-2xn-3-axn+bxn-3,n≥0,with positive arbitrary real parametersa, band arbitrary real initial conditions, as well as study the qualitative behaviors for each. For the first equation, we show that every admissible solution converges to a period-3 solution when$$a+b=1$$a+b=1. For the second equation, we show that every admissible solution converges to zero if$$b>2$$b>2when$$b^2\ge 4a$$b2≥4a. When$$b^2<4a$$b2<4a, we show the existence of periodic solutions under certain conditions. We introduce the forbidden sets as well as provide some illustrative examples for the above-mentioned equations.
Improving the second-tier classification of methylmalonic acidemia patients using a machine learning ensemble method
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Xing , Genchev Georgi Z. , Wang Yan-Min , Ji Wei , Ren Yong-Yong , Tian Guo-Li , Sriswasdi Sira , Lu Hui
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance, with an estimated prevalence of 1:50,000. First-tier clinical diagnostic tests often return many false positives [five false positive (FP): one true positive (TP)]. In this work, our goal was to refine a classification model that can minimize the number of false positives, currently an unmet need in the upstream diagnostics of MMA.

Methods

We developed machine learning multivariable screening models for MMA with utility as a secondary-tier tool for false positives reduction. We utilized mass spectrometry-based features consisting of 11 amino acids and 31 carnitines derived from dried blood samples of neonatal patients, followed by additional ratio feature construction. Feature selection strategies (selection by filter, recursive feature elimination, and learned vector quantization) were used to determine the input set for evaluating the performance of 14 classification models to identify a candidate model set for an ensemble model development.

Results

Our work identified computational models that explore metabolic analytes to reduce the number of false positives without compromising sensitivity. The best results [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 97%, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 95%] were obtained utilizing an ensemble of the algorithms random forest, C5.0, sparse linear discriminant analysis, and autoencoder deep neural network stacked with the algorithm stochastic gradient boosting as the supervisor. The model achieved a good performance trade-off for a screening application with 6% false-positive rate (FPR) at 95% sensitivity, 35% FPR at 99% sensitivity, and 39% FPR at 100% sensitivity.

Conclusions

The classification results and approach of this research can be utilized by clinicians globally, to improve the overall discovery of MMA in pediatric patients. The improved method, when adjusted to 100% precision, can be used to further inform the diagnostic process journey of MMA and help reduce the burden for patients and their families.

Graphical Abstract
Transforming China’s Tourism Industry: The Impact of Industrial Integration on Quality, Performance, and Productivity
Authors: Lu Yi
Published: February 2024

The global tourism industry has witnessed significant growth, with China emerging as a powerhouse in this sector. However, China’s tourism faces challenges related to service quality, market organization, technology adoption, and market share loss. To address these issues, there is a growing consensus between the government and the industry to promote high-quality tourism. This paper explores the phenomenon of industrial integration, where boundaries between sectors within the tourism industry blur, leading to the emergence of new collaborative models and novel forms of tourism. While previous research has primarily focused on the economic impacts of such integration, this study delves deeper into its effects on quality development, using empirical data at the enterprise level. The findings reveal that industrial integration has a substantial positive impact on the performance and productivity of Chinese tourism companies. Companies embracing integration strategies exhibit better financial performance, as evidenced by higher returns on equity (ROE) and total factor productivity (TFP). These integrated firms demonstrate improved financial strength, profitability, and overall operational efficiency. Unexpectedly, the study uncovers the significant role of residential tourism consumption in integration rates, highlighting the complex relationship between local demand and industry dynamics. The implications of this research extend to industry leaders and policymakers, advocating for a transformative approach to integrated tourism. It emphasizes the potential of cross-sectoral collaboration, digital technology adoption, talent development, and policy support in enhancing performance and sustainability. The study’s insights empower stakeholders to contribute actively to the future of China’s tourism industry, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to integration that benefits all stakeholders. This research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of integration’s dynamics, enriching the discourse on the interconnected factors driving integrated tourism models.
What waterfowl hunters want: exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences
Authors: Sainsbury Katherine A. , Harshaw Howard W. , Fulton David C. , Cole Nicholas W. , Dayer Ashley A. , Duberstein Jennie N. , Raedeke Andrew H. , Schuster Rudy M. , Vrtiska Mark P.
Published: February 2024

Canadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel, quantity of waterfowl seen, and the potential for interference/competition. We found a diminishing return associated with the number of waterfowl harvested, and that ‘devoted’ and ‘local’ hunters did not perceive appreciable benefit from harvesting more birds beyond harvesting a single bird. Results highlight the importance of not only considering population size, but also the location of habitat for people and waterfowl. Our results provide waterfowl managers important insights into the heterogeneity of North American waterfowl hunters by highlighting differences in priorities for waterfowl hunting trips. Notably, to address this heterogeneity, managers could consider the balance of objectives, actions and resources designed to satisfy current waterfowl hunters. Managing access to improve the likelihood that hunters will see and have opportunities to harvest some waterfowl has benefit to hunters.
Informing the Conservation of Ephemerally Flooded Wetlands Using Hydrologic Regime and LiDAR-Based Habitat Assessments
Authors: Chandler Houston C. , McLaughlin Daniel L. , Haas Carola A.
Published: February 2024

Integrated assessments of wetland hydrologic regimes and other environmental factors are key to understanding the ecology of species breeding in ephemerally flooded wetlands, and reproductive success is often directly linked to suitable flooding regimes, both temporally and spatially. We used high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to develop bathymetric stage–flooded area relationships, predict spatial extent of flooding, and assess vegetation structure in 30 pine flatwoods wetlands. For a subset of wetlands with monitoring wells, we then integrated bathymetric and water level data to create multi-year time series of daily flooded areas. We then related the observed flooded areas to topographic and landscape metrics to develop models predicting flooded extents in wetlands without monitoring wells. We found that stage–area curves varied depending on wetland size and bathymetry, such that a one-cm increase in water depth could generate flooded area increases ranging from hundreds to thousands of square meters. Flooded areas frequently fragmented into discrete flooded patches as wetlands dried, and there was a weak positive correlation between hydroperiod and mean flooded area across multiple years (r = 0.32). To evaluate the utility of using LiDAR-derived data to support the conservation of wetland-breeding species, we combined metrics of flooding and vegetation to map potentially suitable habitat for the imperiled reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi). Overall, projects focusing on the ecology of wetland-breeding species could gain a broader understanding of habitat effects from coupled assessments of bathymetry, water level dynamics, and other wetland characteristics.
Supply Chain Resilience: A Common Weights Efficiency Analysis with Non-discretionary and Non-controllable Inputs
Authors: Kiani Mavi Reza , Kiani Mavi Neda , Hosseini Shekarabi Seyed Ashkan , Pepper’s Matthew , Arisian Sean
Published: February 2024

Supply chain resilience (SCRes) as the supply chain network's (SCN) capacity is essential to recover from disruptions. The economic, environmental, and geopolitical regional characteristics of the Pacific region present many challenges and opportunities for building supply chain resilience. This study aims to measure the resilience of supply chains (SCs) considering the characteristics of the network under which they operate. In this study, we proposed a new common set of weights (CSW) model in data envelopment analysis to evaluate the resilience of SCNs. Many external variables beyond decision-makers’ direct control impact SC operations and their resilience. Therefore, the proposed CSW model formulates the non-discretionary and non-controllable inputs in measuring the resilience of SCNs and provides a complete ranking with a higher discrimination power. To improve SCRes, SC managers are recommended to enhance the clustering coefficient and node degree of their SCN by establishing more connections with other SCNs in order to pinpoint the essential capabilities that companies should prioritise in order to develop a stronger and more adaptable SC in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Local mechanical properties of dissimilar metal TIG welded joints of CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy and AISI 304 austenitic steel
Authors: Rhode Michael , Erxleben Kjell , Richter Tim , Schroepfer Dirk , Mente Tobias , Michael Thomas
Published: February 2024

Multiple principal element alloys encompass the well-known high entropy alloys (HEA). The alloy system represents a new class of materials consisting of at least three alloying elements, each containing 5 to 35 at.%. Thus, this alloying concept differs fundamentally from conventional materials such as steel or nickel alloys. For this purpose, the alloying elements are specifically selected, the microstructures are adjusted in a single-phase and, in some cases, multi-phase manner. In particular, conflicting goals, such as the trade-off between strength and ductility in conventional steels, are overcome. However, in the last 20 years, the focus has been on material synthesis. With the increase in available material quantities, the focus is now on processing issues such as joining and welding processes. The weldability of HEAs has received very little attention so far. The experience with dissimilar metal welds is completely lacking but is essential for the application of these materials in combination with conventional materials. The present study presents comprehensive experimental results on the weldability of an equimolar CoCrFeMnNi-HEA in cold-rolled and heat-treated condition, which was joined by tungsten inert gas welding to an austenitic steel AISI 304. The mechanical properties of the dissimilar metal welds were characterized by cross-weld tensile samples, whereas the local deformation in the weld of the different welding zones was measured by digital image correlation. In accordance with the respective initial HEA condition (cold-rolled vs. heat-treated), the local strain behavior was divergent and influenced the global mechanical properties of both DMW types. Nonetheless, the experiments provided proof in principle of the weldability for dissimilar joints of the CoCrFeMnNi-HEA welded to conventional materials like austenitic stainless steels ensuring a corresponding capability for mechanical loading. This allows further considerations on the application of these innovative materials.
Complex fuzzy intelligent decision modeling for optimizing economic sustainability in transportation sector
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Zia Muhammad Danish , Yousafzai Faisal , Ahmed Sarfraz , Wang Muwen
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces the concept of complex quadratic Diophantine fuzzy sets (CQDFS) which serves as a robust framework for effectively dealing with uncertainty within decision-making challenges. The study comprehensively explores the properties and characteristics of CQDFS by conducting a systematic comparative analysis to demonstrate its superiority over existing techniques in managing complex fuzzy information. This foundation contributes to the theoretical understanding of CQDFS and also provides valuable practical insights into a wide range of transportation strategies and economic efficiency. These insights offer practical solutions to enhance decision-making within these important and interconnected domains. The proposed complex information system serves as a versatile and adaptive tool, significantly strengthening the flexibility available for addressing complex decision-making challenges, particularly in contexts such as the management of GPS-enabled cargo vehicles and cargo loading operations, where precision and efficiency are of great importance.
Philosophy of Physical Magnitudes
Authors: Martens Niels C. M.
Published: February 2024

Dimensional quantities such as length, mass and charge, i.e., numbers combined with a conventional unit, are essential components of theories in the sciences, especially physics, chemistry and biology. Do they represent a world with absolute physical magnitudes, or are they merely magnitude ratios in disguise? Would we notice a difference if all the distances or charges in the world suddenly doubled? These central questions of this Element are illustrated by imagining how one would convey the meaning of a kilogram to aliens if one were only allowed to communicate via Morse code.
A Performance History of The Fair Penitent
Authors: McGirr Elaine
Published: February 2024

Theatre is the most ephemeral of art forms. It is a truism that the ephemeral performance text is divorced from the static published play text. This Element is of the eighteenth-century performance history of The Fair Penitent demonstrates the interrelation of print and performance and models how readers can recover elements of performance through close attention to text. Traces of performance adhere to the mediascape in playbills and puffs, reviews and accounts. The printed text also preserves traces of performance in notation and illustration. By analysing traces found in performance trends, casting decisions, publication histories and repertory intertexts, this Element recovers how The Fair Penitent was interpreted at different points in the century and explains how a play that bombed in its first season could become a repertory staple.
Mobile Banking and Access to Public Services in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Ferdous Jannatul , Banna Hasanul
Published: February 2024

This Element examines the role of mobile banking in accessing public services in Bangladesh. It also identifies the key influencing factors and challenges in accessing public services through mobile banking and suggests policy measures to overcome these challenges. Based on a survey of 300 people, the study finds that mobile banking facilitates access to public services, which is beneficial and effective for both rural and urban users, as technology can increase the quality of work. Despite the benefits, some individuals are reluctant to use the service due to high transaction costs and a lack of digital literacy.
Physical and behavioural health of dogs belonging to homeless people
Authors: King Camille , Smith Thomas J , Kabrick Kyle , Dzur Amy , Grandin Temple
Published: February 2024

Homeless persons with dogs are often the subject of stigma, with the public criticising them for not having a proper lifestyle to care for a pet. There is solid documentation of how dogs enhance a homeless person’s life, but there are few publications that address the welfare of the dog. This descriptive study assesses the physical and behavioural health of dogs belonging to homeless persons through a One Welfare lens by observing animal/human well-being, environment, and “a life worth living”. A survey was carried out along with a visual assessment of the condition of the dog for 100 human-dog dyads in the Western United States. Results showed that dogs of homeless persons were well cared for and physically healthy (which was consistent with other studies), and had few behavioural problems, but did display evidence of separation distress while the owner was away. Results from this study can provide information that may lead to policy and practice changes, including, for example, changes to policies and practices prohibiting dogs from being kept with their owner while staying at a homeless shelter. Typically, shelters report that they do not have the resources to care for a person with a dog.
The Power to Contract and the Offer-and-Acceptance Analysis of Contract Formation
Authors: Sakharova Irina
Published: February 2024

The offer-and-acceptance analysis has long been questioned as not (easily) applicable to certain methods of contracting. This paper looks at this analysis through the prism of normative powers and identifies much deeper problems with the analytic explanation of how such unilateral normative powers as offer and acceptance can generate such a normative result as concluding a contract. It argues that even if the powers to offer and accept are exercised, as they are in certain methods of contracting, these are not the normative powers that create contractual obligations; such obligations are always created by the jointly exercised power to contract. The paper substantiates an account of the power to contract as a sui generis normative power and explains the role the unilateral powers to offer and to accept play when they are exercised, while also explaining why there is no need to ‘invent’ offering and accepting where there are none.
Motorized three-wheelers and their potential for just mobility in Caribbean urban areas
Authors: Nieto-Combariza Mariajosé , San Gil Andrea , Quesada Adriana , Agudelo Dayana , Arellana Julian , Oviedo Daniel
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the role of motorized three-wheelers (MTW) in urban mobility within popular transport, a demand-responsive and unscheduled mode of transportation provided by self-organized small operators frequently operating in grey areas of regulation. Although popular transport is the primary mobility option for millions worldwide, knowledge about its users, operation, and environmental and social impacts remains scarce. This paper sheds light on some of the features and impacts of popular MTW, focusing on two case studies in the Caribbean with different scales and urban trajectories: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and Soledad in Colombia. We explored the relationship between MTW and fragmentation–(in)accessibility–exclusion in these cities, drawing on a framework connecting these concepts in the Latin American and Caribbean context. Using primary data from qualitative and quantitative methods, the paper examines the distribution of inhibitors or enablers of accessibility within the context of unequal, splintered, and fragmented transport and communication infrastructures. Additionally, the environmental impact of MTW in terms of CO2 and PM2.5 emissions is assessed using field data from low-cost sensors. The paper argues that planning for just urban mobility necessitates considering the ecological consequences of various transportation modes and their social consequences and potential for participation and inclusion. The applied methodology introduces low-cost, replicable, and scalable data production and analysis techniques, contributing to future research on sustainable and just mobility in resource-limited urban areas.
Shifts of finite type on locally finite groups
Authors: RAYMOND JADE
Published: February 2024

In this work we prove that every shift of finite type (SFT), sofic shift, and strongly irreducible shift on locally finite groups has strong dynamical properties. These properties include that every sofic shift is an SFT, every SFT is strongly irreducible, every strongly irreducible shift is an SFT, every SFT is entropy minimal, and every SFT has a unique measure of maximal entropy, among others. In addition, we show that if every SFT on a group is strongly irreducible, or if every sofic shift is an SFT, then the group must be locally finite, and this extends to all of the properties we explore. These results are collected in two main theorems which characterize the local finiteness of groups by purely dynamical properties. In pursuit of these results, we present a formal construction offree extensionshifts on a groupG, which takes a shift on a subgroupHofG, and naturally extends it to a shift on all ofG.
On the lack of compactness in the axisymmetric neo-Hookean model
Authors: Barchiesi Marco , Henao Duvan , Mora-Corral Carlos , Rodiac Rémy
Published: February 2024

We provide a fine description of the weak limit of sequences of regular axisymmetric maps with equibounded neo-Hookean energy, under the assumption that they have finite surface energy. We prove that these weak limits have a dipole structure, showing that the singular map described by Conti and De Lellis is generic in some sense. On this map, we provide the explicit relaxation of the neo-Hookean energy. We also make a link with Cartesian currents showing that the candidate for the relaxation we obtained presents strong similarities with the relaxed energy in the context of

$\mathbb {S}^2$

-valued harmonic maps.
The merger of co-rotating vortices in dusty flows
Authors: Shuai Shuai , Roy Anubhab , Kasbaoui M. Houssem
Published: February 2024

We investigate the effect of particle inertia on the merger of co-rotating dusty vortex pairs at semi-dilute concentrations. In a particle-free flow, the merger is triggered once the ratio of vortex core size to vortex separation reaches a critical value. The vortex pair separation then decreases monotonically until the two cores merge together. Using Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations of co-rotating particle-laden vortices, we show substantial departure from the vortex dynamics previously established in particle-free flows. Most strikingly, we find that disperse particles with moderate inertia cause the vortex pair to push apart to a separation nearly twice as large as the initial separation. During this stage, the drag force exerted by particles ejected out of the vortex cores on the fluid results in a net repulsive force that pushes the two cores apart. Eventually, the two dusty vortices merge into a single vortex with most particles accumulating outside the core, similar to the dusty Lamb–Oseen vortex described in Shuai & Kasbaoui (J. Fluid Mech., vol 936, 2022, p. A8). For weakly inertial particles, we find that the merger dynamics follows the same mechanics as that of a single-phase flow, albeit with a density that must be adjusted to match the mixture density. For highly inertial particles, the feedback force exerted by the particles on the fluid may stretch the two cores during the merger to a point where each core splits into two, resulting in inner and outer vortex pairs. In this case, the merger occurs in two stages where the inner vortices merge first, followed by the outer ones.
Common valuations of division polynomials
Authors: Naskręcki Bartosz , Verzobio Matteo
Published: February 2024

In this note, we prove a formula for the cancellation exponent

$k_{v,n}$

between division polynomials

$\psi _n$

and

$\phi _n$

associated with a sequence

$\{nP\}_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$

of points on an elliptic curve

$E$

defined over a discrete valuation field

$K$

. The formula greatly generalizes the previously known special cases and treats also the case of non-standard Kodaira types for non-perfect residue fields.
Anger and Political Conflict Dynamics
Authors: SCHNAKENBERG KEITH E. , WAYNE CARLY N.
Published: February 2024

Emotions shape strategic conflict dynamics. However, the precise way in which strategic and emotional concerns interact to affect international cooperation and contention are not well understood. We propose a model of intergroup conflict under incomplete information in which agents are sensitive to psychological motivations in the form of anger. Agents become angry in response to worse-than-expected outcomes due to actions of other players. Aggression may be motivated by anger or by beliefs about preferences of members of the other group. Increasing one group’s sensitivity to anger makes that group more aggressive but reduces learning about preferences, which makes the other group less aggressive in response to bad outcomes. Thus, anger has competing effects on the likelihood of conflict. The results have important implications for understanding the complex role of anger in international relations and, more generally, the interplay between psychological and material aims in both fomenting and ameliorating conflict.
“Side by Side with Fighting Nations”: Making the New Culture of Pro-African Solidarity in the Campaigns of the Czechoslovak Committee for Solidarity with African and Asian Peoples
Authors: Buzássyová Barbora
Published: February 2024

The article analyses the solidarity campaigns organized by the Czechoslovak Committee for Solidarity with African and Asian Peoples between the 1960s and 1980s. It situates the Czechoslovak solidarity towards African countries in the wider framework of the solidarity politics of the Eastern bloc and points out differences as well as similarities. Although the Czechoslovak Solidarity Committee was one of the first such committees to be founded in Eastern Europe, in the 1960s its official as well as public commitment to internationalist principles was modest compared with those of solidarity movements elsewhere in the bloc. However, the solidarity campaigns with African liberation movements intensified in the early 1970s. The campaigns in this period were marked by strong national symbolism, which drew on historical parallels between the African and Czechoslovak struggles for independence. The everyday internationalism in this case filled the public space with images of shared suffering, inferiority, and occupation, through which Czechoslovak citizens made sense of their historical role in the world. The article argues that this “nationalization” of official solidarity campaigns helped to embed the victimization narratives that survived the Velvet Revolution and that, in the 1990s, became a basis for new Czech and Slovak political identification.