bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The wrong horse was bet on: the effects of argument structure versus argument adjacency on the processing of idiomatic sentences
Authors: Reimer Laura , Smolka Eva
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Psycholinguistic research remains puzzled about the circumstances under which syntactically transformed idioms keep their figurative meaning. There is an abundance of linguistic and psycholinguistic studies that have examined which factors may determine why some idioms are more syntactically fixed than others, including transparency, compositionality, and syntactic frozenness; however, they have returned inconclusive, sometimes even conflicting, results. This is the first study to examine argument structure (i.e., the number of arguments a verb takes) and argument adjacency (i.e., the position of the critical arguments relative to the verb) and their effects on the processing of idiomatic and literal sentences in German. Our results suggest that neither the traditional models of idiom processing (according to which idioms are stored as fixed entries) nor more recent hybrid theories (which concede some compositional handling in addition to a fixed entry) adequately account for the effects of argument structure or argument adjacency. Therefore, this study challenges existing models of idiom processing.

Methods

In two sentence-completion experiments, participants listened to idiomatic and literal sentences in both active and passive voice without the sentence-final verb. They indicated which of three visually-presented verbs best completed the sentence. We manipulated the factor argument structure within experiments and argument adjacency across experiments. In Experiment 1, passivized three-argument sentences had the critical argument adjacent to the verb while two-argument sentences had the critical argument non-adjacent to the verb, and vice versa in Experiment 2.

Results

In both experiments, voice interacted with argument structure. Active sentences—both literal and idiomatic—showed equivalent processing of two- and three-argument sentences. However, passive sentences returned contrasting effects. In Experiment 1, three-argument sentences were processed faster than two-argument sentences and vice versa in Experiment 2. This pattern corresponds to faster processing when critical arguments are adjacent than non-adjacent.

Discussion

The results point to the dominant role of argument adjacency over the number of arguments in the processing of syntactically transformed sentences. Regarding idiom processing, we conclude that the adjacency of the verb to its critical arguments determines whether passivized idioms keep their figurative meaning and present the implications of this finding for relevant models of idiom processing.
A systematic review of handover actions in human dyads
Authors: Kopnarski Lena , Rudisch Julian , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Handover actions are joint actions in which an object is passed from one actor to another. In order to carry out a smooth handover action, precise coordination of both actors’ movements is of critical importance. This requires the synchronization of both the kinematics of the reaching movement and the grip forces of the two actors during the interaction. Psychologists, for example, may be interested in studying handover actions in order to identify the cognitive mechanisms underlying the interaction of two partners. In addition, robotic engineers may utilize insights from sensorimotor information processing in human handover as models for the design controllers in robots in hybrid (human-robot) interaction scenarios. To date, there is little knowledge transfer between researchers in different disciplines and no common framework or language for the study of handover actions.

Methods

For this reason, we systematically reviewed the literature on human-human handover actions in which at least one of the two types of behavioral data, kinematics or grip force, was measured.

Results

Nine relevant studies were identified. The different methodologies and results of the individual studies are here described and contextualized.

Discussion

Based on these results, a common framework is suggested that, provides a distinct and straightforward language and systematics for use in future studies. We suggest to term the actors as giver and receiver, as well as to subdivide the whole action into four phases: (1) Reach and grasp, (2) object transport, (3) object transfer, and (4) end of handover to comprehensively and clearly describe the handover action. The framework aims to foster the necessary exchange between different scientific disciplines to promote research on handover actions. Overall, the results support the assumption that givers adapt their executions according to the receiver’s intentions, that the start of the release of the object is processed feedforward and that the release process is feedback-controlled in the transfer phase. We identified the action planning of the receiver as a research gap.
Proculturation shaped by social representations of academic migrants from Italy to the United States
Authors: Dryjanska Laura
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Existing literature has highlighted the phenomenon of academic migrants leaving Italy for the United States with the hope of finding institutions that offer more opportunities for growth and recognition based on merit, as opposed to corruption, nepotism, and excessive bureaucracy. Likely, these may be the expectations of Italian academic migrants, who seem to be thriving and flourishing in their careers. This paper discusses proculturation of academic migrants from Italy to the United States, in the light of their expectations related to self-concept as well as social representations of North American university instructors from transnational families.

Methods

In this study, 173 participants volunteered to provide information in an online survey that included their demographic profile, family situation, language ability, recalled pre-migration expectations and preparations, satisfaction with life, self-perceived stress, self-rated health, free responses to questions about major successes, challenges, and goals, as well as self-identification.

Results

The results have shown that participants were indeed thriving in their careers and lives (majority scored high in satisfaction with life, health, realistic expectations and helpful per-migration preparations, while low in stress, also indicating work-related accomplishments and successes), but somewhat struggled with proculturation-related issues, frequently mentioned among major challenges.
Analysis of factors affecting the construction duration of public health emergency medical facilities
Authors: Zhao Wenchao , He Haibo
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study explores the factors influencing the construction duration of public health emergency medical facilities and the ways in which they can be enhanced.

Methods

Combining 30 relevant emergency medical facility construction cases in different cities in China from 2020 to 2021, seven condition variables and an outcome variable were selected, and necessary and sufficient condition analyses of duration influence factors were conducted using the fsQCA method.

Results

The consistency of seven condition variables was <0.9, which shows that the construction period of public health emergency medical facilities is not independently affected by a single condition variable but by multiple influencing factors. The solution consistency value of the path configurations was 0.905, indicating that four path configurations were sufficient for the outcome variables. The solution coverage of the four path configurations was 0.637, indicating that they covered ~63.7% of the public health emergency medical facility cases.

Conclusion

To reduce the construction duration, the construction of emergency medical facilities should focus on planning and design, the selection of an appropriate form of construction, the reasonable deployment of resources, and the vigorous adoption of information technology.
Altered coordination strategies during upright stance and gait in teachers of the Alexander Technique
Authors: Johnson Molly B. , Cohen Rajal G.
Published: May 2023

Deterioration in movement and posture often occurs with aging. Yet there may be approaches to movement training that can maintain posture and movement coordination patterns as we age. The Alexander Technique is a non-exercise-based approach that aims to improve everyday movement and posture by increasing awareness and modulating whole-body postural muscle activity. This study assessed whether nineteen 55–72-year-old Alexander Technique teachers showed different posture and movement coordination patterns than twenty age-matched controls during a standing and walking protocol using 3D inertial sensors. During upright stance, Alexander Technique teachers showed lower centroidal sway frequency at the ankle (p = .04) and lower normalized jerk at the sternum (p = .05) than controls. During gait, Alexander Technique teachers had more symmetrical gait cycles (p = .04), more symmetrical arm swing velocity (p = .01), greater arm swing velocity (p < .01), greater arm swing range of motion (p = .02), and lower range of acceleration of the torso in the frontal plane (p = .03) than controls. Smoother control of upright posture, more stable torso motion, and less restrained arm mobility suggest that Alexander Technique training may counter movement degradation that is found with aging. Results highlight the important balance between mobility and stability within the torso and limbs.
Long-term locked knee ankle foot orthosis use: A perspective overview of iatrogenic biomechanical and physiological perils
Authors: Ghoseiri Kamiar , Zucker-Levin Audrey
Published: May 2023

A knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) may be prescribed to the person with severe neuromusculoskeletal impairment of the lower limb to promote walking stability. The locked knee ankle foot orthosis (L-KAFO) is among the KAFO's routinely prescribed; however, long-term use of the L-KAFO is associated with musculoskeletal (arthrogenic and myogenic) and integumentary changes, and gait asymmetry with increased energy expenditure. Consequently, the risk of developing low back pain, osteoarthritis of the lower limbs and spinal joints, skin dermatitis, and ulceration increases, all of which impact quality of life. This article synthesizes the iatrogenic biomechanical and physiological perils of long-term L-KAFO use. It promotes using recent advances in rehabilitation engineering to improve daily activities and independence for proper patient groups.
A length-adjustable vacuum-powered artificial muscle for wearable physiotherapy assistance in infants
Authors: Gollob Samuel Dutra , Mendoza Mijaíl Jaén , Koo Bon Ho Brandon , Centeno Esteban , Vela Emir A. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: May 2023

Soft pneumatic artificial muscles are increasingly popular in the field of soft robotics due to their light-weight, complex motions, and safe interfacing with humans. In this paper, we present a Vacuum-Powered Artificial Muscle (VPAM) with an adjustable operating length that offers adaptability throughout its use, particularly in settings with variable workspaces. To achieve the adjustable operating length, we designed the VPAM with a modular structure consisting of cells that can be clipped in a collapsed state and unclipped as desired. We then conducted a case study in infant physical therapy to demonstrate the capabilities of our actuator. We developed a dynamic model of the device and a model-informed open-loop control system, and validated their accuracy in a simulated patient setup. Our results showed that the VPAM maintains its performance as it grows. This is crucial in applications such as infant physical therapy where the device must adapt to the growth of the patient during a 6-month treatment regime without actuator replacement. The ability to adjust the length of the VPAM on demand offers a significant advantage over traditional fixed-length actuators, making it a promising solution for soft robotics. This actuator has potential for various applications that can leverage on demand expansion and shrinking, including exoskeletons, wearable devices, medical robots, and exploration robots.
Estimating hidden fishing activity hotspots from vessel transmitted data
Authors: Coro Gianpaolo , Sana Lorenzo , Ferrà Carmen , Bove Pasquale , Scarcella Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Monitoring fishery activity is essential for resource planning and guaranteeing fisheries sustainability. Large fishing vessels constantly and continuously communicate their positions via Automatic Identification System (AIS) or Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMSs). These systems can use radio or Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to transmit data. Processing and integrating these big data with other fisheries data allows for exploring the relations between socio-economic and ecosystem assets in marine areas, which is fundamental in fishery monitoring. In this context, estimating actual fishing activity from time series of AIS and VMS data would enhance the correct identification of fishing activity patterns and help assess regulations' effectiveness. However, these data might contain gaps because of technical issues such as limited coverage of the terrestrial receivers or saturated transmission bands. Other sources of data gaps are adverse meteorological conditions and voluntary switch-offs. Gaps may also include hidden (unreported) fishing activity whose quantification would improve actual fishing activity estimation. This paper presents a workflow for AIS/VMS big-data analysis that estimates potential unreported fishing activity hotspots in a marine area. The workflow uses a statistical spatial analysis over vessel speeds and coordinates and a multi-source data integration approach that can work on multiple areas and multiple analysis scales. Specifically, it (i) estimates fishing activity locations and rebuilds data gaps, (ii) estimates the potential unreported fishing hour distribution and the unreported-over-total ratio of fishing hours at a 0.01° spatial resolution, (iii) identifies potential unreported fishing activity hotspots, (iv) extracts the stocks involved in these hotspots (using global-scale repositories of stock and species observation data) and raises an alert about their possible endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) status. The workflow is also a free-to-use Web Service running on an open science-compliant cloud computing platform with a Web Processing Service (WPS) standard interface, allowing efficient big data processing. As a study case, we focussed on the Adriatic Sea. We reconstructed the monthly reported and potential unreported trawling activity in 2019, using terrestrial AIS data with a 5-min sampling period, containing ~50 million records transmitted by ~1,600 vessels. The results highlight that the unreported fishing activity hotspots especially impacted Italian coasts and some forbidden and protected areas. The potential unreported activity involved 33 stocks, four of which were ETP species in the basin. The extracted information agreed with expert studies, and the estimated trawling patterns agreed with those produced by the Global Fishing Watch.
Measuring Wine Quality and Typicity
Authors: Basalekou Marianthi , Tataridis Panagiotis , Georgakis Konstantinos , Tsintonis Christos
Published: May 2023

Wine quality and typicity are complex concepts that can be hard to define. Wine is a product destined to not only be consumed and appreciated but also marketed, and its distinctiveness, quality and typicity are important characteristics that describe a wine’s sensory profile and, ultimately, add value to the finished product. Even though both quality and typicity are mostly assessed using a sensory evaluation, many studies have examined the feasibility of using chemical analysis methods in order to increase the objectivity of assessments. Today, the use of chemometrics facilitates the handling of big data, and outcomes from various analytical techniques can be integrated to produce more accurate results. This study discusses the existing sensory and analytical approaches, implications and future prospects for an objective measurement of quality and typicity as well as methods for the selection of appropriate data for predictive model development.
Encapsulated Allografts Preclude Host Sensitization and Promote Ovarian Endocrine Function in Ovariectomized Young Rhesus Monkeys and Sensitized Mice
Authors: Day James R. , Flanagan Colleen L. , David Anu , Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J. , Garcia de Mattos Barbosa Mayara , Martinez Michele L. , Lee Charles , Barnes Jenna , Farkash Evan , Zelinski Mary , Tarantal Alice , Cascalho Marilia , Shikanov Ariella
Published: May 2023

Transplantation of allogeneic donor ovarian tissue holds great potential for female cancer survivors who often experience premature ovarian insufficiency. To avoid complications associated with immune suppression and to protect transplanted ovarian allografts from immune-mediated injury, we have developed an immunoisolating hydrogel-based capsule that supports the function of ovarian allografts without triggering an immune response. Encapsulated ovarian allografts implanted in naïve ovariectomized BALB/c mice responded to the circulating gonadotropins and maintained function for 4 months, as evident by regular estrous cycles and the presence of antral follicles in the retrieved grafts. In contrast to non-encapsulated controls, repeated implantations of encapsulated mouse ovarian allografts did not sensitize naïve BALB/c mice, which was confirmed with undetectable levels of alloantibodies. Further, encapsulated allografts implanted in hosts previously sensitized by the implantation of non-encapsulated allografts restored estrous cycles similarly to our results in naïve recipients. Next, we tested the translational potential and efficiency of the immune-isolating capsule in a rhesus monkey model by implanting encapsulated ovarian auto- and allografts in young ovariectomized animals. The encapsulated ovarian grafts survived and restored basal levels of urinary estrone conjugate and pregnanediol 3-glucuronide during the 4- and 5-month observation periods. We demonstrate, for the first time, that encapsulated ovarian allografts functioned for months in young rhesus monkeys and sensitized mice, while the immunoisolating capsule prevented sensitization and protected the allograft from rejection.
Role of Cytokines and Growth Factors in the Manufacturing of iPSC-Derived Allogeneic Cell Therapy Products
Authors: Kao Chen-Yuan , Mills Jason A. , Burke Carl J. , Morse Barry , Marques Bruno F.
Published: May 2023

Cytokines and other growth factors are essential for cell expansion, health, function, and immune stimulation. Stem cells have the additional reliance on these factors to direct differentiation to the appropriate terminal cell type. Successful manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapies from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires close attention to the selection and control of cytokines and factors used throughout the manufacturing process, as well as after administration to the patient. This paper employs iPSC-derived natural killer cell/T cell therapeutics to illustrate the use of cytokines, growth factors, and transcription factors at different stages of the manufacturing process, ranging from the generation of iPSCs to controlling of iPSC differentiation into immune-effector cells through the support of cell therapy after patient administration.
Special Issue: Cancer Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance
Authors: Yeh Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2023

Metastasis and resistance to cancer therapeutics are critical barriers to curing cancer. This special issue entitled “Cancer Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance” contains nine original contributions. The articles span a variety of human cancers, including breast, lung, brain, prostate, and skin and touch upon significant areas of interest such as cancer stem cell function, cancer immunology, and glycosylation.
Surgically Induced Demyelination in Rat Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Rayilla Rahul Shankar Rao , Naidu MUR , Babu Phanithi Prakash
Published: May 2023

Demyelination is a common sign of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) caused by damage to the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the sciatic nerve. There are not many methods to induce demyelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) using animal models. This study describes a surgical approach using a single partial sciatic nerve suture to induce demyelination in young male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. After the post-sciatic nerve injury (p-SNI) to the sciatic nerve, histology and immunostaining show demyelination or myelin loss in early to severe phases with no self-recovery. The rotarod test confirms the loss of motor function in nerve-damaged rats. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) imaging of nerve-damaged rats reveals axonal atrophy and inter-axonal gaps. Further, administration of Teriflunomide (TF) to p-SNI rats resulted in the restoration of motor function, repair of axonal atrophies with inter-axonal spaces, and myelin secretion or remyelination. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a surgical procedure that can induce demyelination in the rat sciatic nerve, which is then remyelinated after TF treatment.
Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy of Glioblastomas: A Long-Term Follow-up Analysis of Survival and Volumetric MRI Data
Authors: Foglar Marco , Aumiller Maximilian , Bochmann Katja , Buchner Alexander , El Fahim Mohamed , Quach Stefanie , Sroka Ronald , Stepp Herbert , Thon Niklas , Forbrig Robert , Rühm Adrian
Published: May 2023

Background: The treatment of glioblastomas, the most common primary malignant brain tumors, with a devastating survival perspective, remains a major challenge in medicine. Among the recently explored therapeutic approaches, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) has shown promising results. Methods: A total of 16 patients suffering from de novo glioblastomas and undergoing iPDT as their primary treatment were retrospectively analyzed regarding survival and the characteristic tissue regions discernible in the MRI data before treatment and during follow-up. These regions were segmented at different stages and were analyzed, especially regarding their relation to survival. Results: In comparison to the reference cohorts treated with other therapies, the iPDT cohort showed a significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 10 of 16 patients experienced prolonged OS (≥ 24 months). The dominant prognosis-affecting factor was the MGMT promoter methylation status (methylated: median PFS of 35.7 months and median OS of 43.9 months) (unmethylated: median PFS of 8.3 months and median OS of 15.0 months) (combined: median PFS of 16.4 months and median OS of 28.0 months). Several parameters with a known prognostic relevance to survival after standard treatment were not found to be relevant to this iPDT cohort, such as the necrosis–tumor ratio, tumor volume, and posttreatment contrast enhancement. After iPDT, a characteristic structure (iPDT remnant) appeared in the MRI data in the former tumor area. Conclusions: In this study, iPDT showed its potential as a treatment option for glioblastomas, with a large fraction of patients having prolonged OS. Parameters of prognostic relevance could be derived from the patient characteristics and MRI data, but they may partially need to be interpreted differently compared to the standard of care.
Evaluation of the Versius Robotic System for Infant Surgery—A Study in Piglets of Less than 10 kg Body Weight
Authors: Krebs Thomas Franz , Kayser Timo , Lorenzen Ulf , Grünewald Matthias , Kayser Marit , Saltner Anna , Durmaz Lidya-Olgu , Reese Lina Johanna , Brownlee Ewan , Reischig Katja , Baastrup Jonas , Meinzer Andreas , Kalz Almut , Becker Thomas , Bergholz Robert
Published: May 2023

Background: We were able to demonstrate the feasibility of a new robotic system (Versius, CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) for procedures in small inanimate cavities. The aim of this consecutive study was to test the Versius® system for its feasibility, performance, and safety of robotic abdominal and thoracic surgery in piglets simulating infants with a body weight lower than 10 kg. Methods: A total of 24 procedures (from explorative laparoscopy to thoracoscopic esophageal repair) were performed in 4 piglets with a mean age of 12 days and a mean body weight of 6.4 (7–7.5) kg. Additional urological procedures were performed after euthanasia of the piglet. The Versius® robotic system was used with 5 mm wristed instruments and a 10 mm 3D 0° or 30° camera. The setup consisted of the master console and three to four separate arms. The performance of the procedure, the size, position, and the distance between the ports, the external and internal collisions, and complications of the procedures were recorded and analyzed. Results: We were able to perform all surgical procedures as planned. We encountered neither surgical nor robot-associated complications in the live model. Whereas all abdominal procedures could be performed successfully under general anesthesia, one piglet was euthanized early before the thoracic interventions, likely due to pulmonary inflammatory response. Technical limitations were based on the size of the camera (10 mm) being too large and the minimal insertion depth of the instruments for calibration of the fulcrum point. Conclusions: Robotic surgery on newborns and infants appears technically feasible with the Versius® system. Software adjustments for fulcrum point calibration need to be implemented by the manufacturer as a result of our study. To further evaluate the Versius® system, prospective trials are needed, comparing it to open and laparoscopic surgery as well as to other robotic systems.
Morphological Systematics of Spathoglottis Blume (Orchidaceae: Collabieae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo
Authors: Nordin Farah Alia , Raffi Akmal , Go Rusea , Seok Yien Yong Christina , Saibeh Kartini , Othman Ahmad Sofiman
Published: May 2023

Seventy-two morphological characters and three ecological characteristics were measured to assess variation and phylogenetic relationships among twelve species and three infraspecific taxa of the genus Spathoglottis from Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. The morphological analyses divided Spathoglottis into two main groups based on the colours of the flower: Purple-Flowered Spathoglottis and Yellow-Flowered Spathoglottis. Species within the two groupings were further classified based on the size of the plants (Large/Dwarf Purple Spathoglottis and Large/Dwarf Yellow Spathoglottis) and the shapes of the labellum (spathulate, bilobulate or narrow/thread–like). The selected morphological characters appeared to support the taxonomic boundaries between two mostly debated taxa in the genus, S. aurea and S. microchilina.
Estimating Forest Above-Ground Biomass in Central Amazonia Using Polarimetric Attributes of ALOS/PALSAR Images
Authors: Narvaes Igor da Silva , Santos João Roberto dos , Bispo Polyanna da Conceição , Graça Paulo Maurício de Alencastro , Guimarães Ulisses Silva , Gama Fábio Furlan
Published: May 2023

Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images are essential to understand forest structure and plan forest inventories with the purpose of natural resource management and environmental conservation efforts. We developed a method for estimating above-ground biomass (AGB) from power and phase-radar attributes in L-band images. The model was based on the variables “Pv” (from Freeman–Durden decomposition) and “σ°HH”, complemented by the attributes of Touzi decomposition “αS2”, “τm”, “ ΦS3”, and “ ΦS2”. The analyses demonstrated the contribution of volumetric, multiple, and direct scattering resulting from the interaction between the signal and the random structure of canopies and their forest biomass. The proposed model had good predictive capacity and a positive correlation (R2 = 0.67 and = 0.81, respectively), with Syx = 56.9 Mg ha−1 and a low average estimation error of 7.5% at R2 = 0.81 in the validation. An additional exploratory analysis of the parallel polarimetric responses did not reveal a defined pattern for the different phytophysiognomies—although all indicated a predominance of multiple and/or volumetric scattering. This fact can be related to the floristic and structural variation in the primary forest units, the degree of human intervention in legal logging, and the differences among succession stages.
Dorsal Fin Spines and Rays for Nonlethal Ageing of Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara
Authors: Carroll Jessica L. , Ellis Robert D. , Collins Angela B. , Murie Debra J.
Published: May 2023

Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, the largest grouper in the western North Atlantic, exhibits life history characteristics (e.g., it is slow-growing, long-lived, and late-maturing) that make it particularly susceptible to fishing pressure. Otoliths, the structure typically processed for age determination, are usually collected as part of fishery monitoring, but otoliths are not available from Goliath Grouper due to a harvest moratorium enacted in 1990 for United States waters. Alternative structures—such as dorsal fin rays or spines—can be acquired for ageing via nonlethal sampling and may provide reliable age estimates. Since 2006, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been collecting incidental Goliath Grouper samples from mortality events including those from cold kills and red tides. Corresponding otolith, dorsal fin ray and dorsal fin spine samples were compared to determine the accuracy and precision of the external ageing structures. Marginal increment analyses indicated that annulus (translucent zone) deposition occurred primarily in March–June on spines and in April–June on rays. While ages determined from both rays and spines exhibited high precision, the accuracy compared to otolith ages was low as a result of systematic underageing of both external structures, particularly at the oldest age classes. A correction factor was applied to rays and spines that remedied the underageing, but the correction factor was more successful for spines. An analysis of ray and spine section accuracy based on nonlethal structure removal from the fish (i.e., comparing ages from sections at the base of the structure within the body to those sectioned from the external surface of the body) determined that spines can be accurately aged when sampled distal of the base of the structure, but that rays cannot. Nonlethal sampling and ageing of Goliath Grouper spines facilitated by public participation could address management goals and help determine the offshore population age structure. Simultaneously, it could contribute critical data needed for a traditional stock assessment, should such a path be warranted by the recovery or management of the species.
Quantifying the Rock Damage Intensity Controlled by Mineral Compositions: Insights from Fractal Analyses
Authors: Dinç Göğüş Özge , Avşar Elif , Develi Kayhan , Çalık Ayten
Published: May 2023

Since each rock type represents different deformation characteristics, prediction of the damage beforehand is one of the most fundamental problems of industrial activities and rock engineering studies. Previous studies have predicted the stress–strain behaviors preceding rock failure; however, quantitative analyses of the progressive damage in different rocks under stress have not been accurately presented. This study aims to quantify pre-failure rock damage by investigating the stress-induced microscale cracking process in three different rock types, including diabase, ignimbrite, and marble, representing strong, medium-hard, and weak rock types, respectively. We demonstrate crack intensity at critical stress levels where cracking initiates (σci), propagates (σcd), and where failure occurs (σpeak) based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Furthermore, the progression of rock damage was quantified for each rock type through the fractal analyses of crack patterns on these images. Our results show that the patterns in diabase have the highest fractal dimensions (DB) for all three stress levels. While marble produces the lowest DB value up to σci stress level, it presents greater DB values than those of ignimbrite, starting from the σcd level. This is because rock damage in ignimbrite is controlled by the groundmass, proceeding from such stress level. Rock texture controls the rock stiffness and, hence, the DB values of cracking. The mineral composition is effective on the rock strength, but the textural pattern of the minerals has a first-order control on the rock deformation behavior. Overall, our results provide a better understanding of progressive damage in different rock types, which is crucial in the design of engineering structures.
First You Get the Money, Then You Get the Power: The Effect of Cheating on Altruism
Authors: Johnson David B. , Rogers Jonathan
Published: May 2023

When there is direct competition for a position of power (promotion, elected office, etc.), competitors are tempted to cheat to increase their chances of winning. If they do so successfully, then how they rationalize their cheating can determine how they treat the losers of the competition. In this paper, we explore how the winners of a promotion tournament treat the losers, using a two stage laboratory experiment run in Canada and the United Arab Emirates. In the first stage, subjects compete to earn the role of the dictator in a dictator game, which takes place in the second stage. We vary whether or not subjects can cheat during the competition. The results of the experiment can be summarized as follows: (1) cheating significantly increases altruism in some tournament winners, (2) winners who cheat the most are significantly less altruistic than winners who cheated only a little, (3) there are significant differences in cheating behavior across the two populations, and (4) cheating behavior can be at least partially attributed to differences in intelligence and beliefs across the two populations.
Enhancing Short-Term Berry Yield Prediction for Small Growers Using a Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Model
Authors: Borrero Juan D. , Borrero-Domínguez Juan-Diego
Published: May 2023

This study presents a novel hybrid model that combines two different algorithms to increase the accuracy of short-term berry yield prediction using only previous yield data. The model integrates both autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with Kalman filter refinement and neural network techniques, specifically support vector regression (SVR), and nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) neural networks, to improve prediction accuracy by correcting the errors generated by the system. In order to enhance the prediction performance of the ARIMA model, an innovative method is introduced that reduces randomness and incorporates only observed variables and system errors into the state-space system. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid models exhibit greater accuracy in predicting weekly production, with a goodness-of-fit value above 0.95 and lower root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values compared with non-hybrid models. The study highlights several implications, including the potential for small growers to use digital strategies that offer crop forecasts to increase sales and promote loyalty in relationships with large food retail chains. Additionally, accurate yield forecasting can help berry growers plan their production schedules and optimize resource use, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. The proposed model may serve as a valuable information source for European food retailers, enabling growers to form strategic alliances with their customers.
The Adoption of Low-Input Turfgrasses in the Midwestern US: The Case of Fine Fescues and Tall Fescue
Authors: Philocles Sanchez , Torres Ariana P. , Patton Aaron J. , Watkins Eric
Published: May 2023

Fine fescues (Festuca spp.) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) are low-input turfgrass species that perform well under less water, pesticides, and fertilizers when compared to commonly cultivated species in the Midwestern US. There are numerous benefits in increasing the use of low-input turfgrasses: lowering resource usage, reducing maintenance costs, improving the landscape aesthetic, and contributing to residents’ health and general wellbeing. However, increasing the market share of these grasses requires an understanding of what influences buyers to purchase these turfgrasses. These grasses are usually purchased by consumers as seed; however, sod is a preferred method of establishment for many professional end users. To better understand the economic potential of low-input turfgrass sod, we surveyed sod buyers (landscapers, golf courses, sports turf managers) who purchased sod in 2020 to investigate (1) the factors impacting them to purchase low-input turfgrasses, and (2) the factors influencing the quantity purchased of low-input turfgrasses. The results from our model showed that larger businesses are the most likely to purchase low-input turfgrasses, and, once they purchase them, they tend to acquire a larger amount than their smaller counterparts. Landscaping businesses were more likely to purchase low-input turfgrasses, and factors such as availability, distance, drought, and shade tolerance impacted the decision to purchase low-input turfgrasses. Finally, turfgrass density, the ability to purchase directly from the sod grower, and availability impacted the amount of turfgrasses that buyers purchased.
Influence of Mask Wearing during COVID-19 Surge and Non-Surge Time Periods in Two K-12 Public School Districts in Georgia, USA
Authors: Lin Xiting , Ali Fatima , Leong Traci , Edelson Mike , Hampton Samira , Zuo Zoey , Li Chaohua , Rice Chris , Yan Fengxia , Baltrus Peter T. , Randolph Sonya , Immergluck Lilly Cheng
Published: May 2023

Background: Into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the second year of in-person learning for many K-12 schools in the United States, the benefits of mitigation strategies in this setting are still unclear. We compare COVID-19 cases in school-aged children and adolescents between a school district with a mandatory mask-wearing policy to one with an optional mask-wearing policy, during and after the peak period of the Delta variant wave of infection. Methods: COVID-19 cases during the Delta variant wave (August 2021) and post the wave (October 2021) were obtained from public health records. Cases of K-12 students, stratified by grade level (elementary, middle, and high school) and school districts across two counties, were included in the statistical and spatial analyses. COVID-19 case rates were determined and spatially mapped. Regression was performed adjusting for specific covariates. Results: Mask-wearing was associated with lower COVID-19 cases during the peak Delta variant period; overall, regardless of the Delta variant period, higher COVID-19 rates were seen in older aged students. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for more layered prevention strategies and policies that take into consideration local community transmission levels, age of students, and vaccination coverage to ensure that students remain safe at school while optimizing their learning environment.
Optimizing Mass Rearing of the Egg Parasitoid, Telenomus podisi, for Control of the Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros
Authors: Parra Letícia Martins , Carvalho José Romário de , Hoback William Wyatt , Oliveira Regiane Cristina de
Published: May 2023

The parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 is used in biological control programs in Brazil against eggs of Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798), a key pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. To optimize the mass production of parasitoids, artificial diets and storage of host eggs at low temperatures have been developed; however, direct comparisons of the effects of these conditions have not occurred. We assessed a double factorial arrangement composed of six treatments (fresh or cryopreserved E. heros eggs from adults fed on natural or two artificial diets). We evaluated the biological characteristics and parasitism capacity of T. podisi produced from these treatments across seven temperatures. The thermal range between 21 and 30 °C resulted in satisfactory daily parasitism in all treatments tested, with an inverse relationship between temperature and female survival. The best parasitoid biological parameters were found between 21 and 27 °C, where all tested diets supported T. podisi development, with the best results from artificial diets. Fresh eggs and those frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −196 °C until use supported parasitoid development. These results suggest that the best method to mass rear T. podisi is to use artificial diets to rear E. heros and store eggs until needed, and then rear parasitoids at 24 °C.
Hygro-Elastic Coupling in a 3D Exact Shell Model for Bending Analysis of Layered Composite Structures
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore , Cesare Domenico
Published: May 2023

In this work, a 3D fully coupled hygro-elastic model is proposed. The moisture content profile is a primary variable of the model’s displacements. This generic fully coupled 3D exact shell model allows the investigations into the consequences arising from moisture content and elastic fields in terms of stresses and deformations on different plate and shell configurations embedded in composite and laminated layers. Cylinders, plates, cylindrical and spherical shells are analyzed in the orthogonal mixed curvilinear reference system. The 3D equilibrium equations and the 3D Fick diffusion equation for spherical shells are fully coupled in a dedicated system. The main advantage of the orthogonal mixed curvilinear coordinates is related to the degeneration of the equations for spherical shells to simpler geometries thanks to basic considerations of the radii of curvature. The exponential matrix method is used to solve this fully coupled model based on partial differential equations in the thickness direction. The closed-form solution is related to simply supported sides and harmonic forms for displacements and the moisture content. The moisture content amplitudes are directly applied at the top and bottom outer faces through steady-state hypotheses. The final system is based on a set of coupled homogeneous second-order differential equations. A first-order differential equation system is obtained by redoubling the number of variables. The moisture field implications are evaluated for the static analysis of the plates and shells in terms of displacement and stress components. After preliminary validations, new benchmarks are proposed for several thickness ratios, geometrical and material data, lamination sequences and moisture values imposed at the external surfaces. In the proposed results, there is clearly accordance between the uncoupled hygro-elastic model (where the 3D Fick diffusion law is separately solved) and this new fully coupled hygro-elastic model: the differences between the investigated variables (displacements, moisture contents, stresses and strains) are always less than 0.3%. The main advantages of the 3D coupled hygro-elastic model are a more compact mathematical formulation and lower computational costs. Both effects connected with the thickness layer and the embedded materials are included in the conducted hygro-elastic analyses.
Parametric Generation of Small Ship Hulls with CAD Software
Authors: Pérez-Arribas Francisco
Published: May 2023

CAD software is a daily tool in ship design offices and shipyards, and every software uses NURBS or B-splines curves and surfaces as common foundations. The CAD tools of today are not static software products and most of them now include parametric design modules, which enable users to change the shape of an object based on its key geometric feature parameters with the use of sliders or equivalent controls. Although B-spline techniques are commonly applied to the representation of the ship hull curves and surfaces, the parametric deformation of the hull surfaces based on geometric parameters is less used. This paper presents a methodology to define the parametric definition of a ship hull with the use of a standard and non-specialized CAD software that is of common use in the ship design offices and universities: Rhinoceros. The presented parametric design methodology will use specific ship hull parameters or feature parameters with a clear geometric meaning, such as displacement, waterplane area, LCB, and LCF, together with the properties of the B-spline curves and the power of Grasshopper, the parametric design tool inside Rhinoceros, to create parametric ship hulls.
Copper-Based Diamond-like Thermoelectric Compounds: Looking Back and Stepping Forward
Authors: Wang Wenying , Bo Lin , Zhu Junliang , Zhao Degang
Published: May 2023

The research on thermoelectric (TE) materials has a long history. Holding the advantages of high elemental abundance, lead-free and easily tunable transport properties, copper-based diamond-like (CBDL) thermoelectric compounds have attracted extensive attention from the thermoelectric community. The CBDL compounds contain a large number of representative candidates for thermoelectric applications, such as CuInGa2, Cu2GeSe3, Cu3SbSe4, Cu12SbSe13, etc. In this study, the structure characteristics and TE performances of typical CBDLs were briefly summarized. Several common synthesis technologies and effective strategies to improve the thermoelectric performances of CBDL compounds were introduced. In addition, the latest developments in thermoelectric devices based on CBDL compounds were discussed. Further developments and prospects for exploring high-performance copper-based diamond-like thermoelectric materials and devices were also presented at the end.
Elimination of Carbides in Carburized Layer of Stainless Steel/Carbon Steel by Horizontal Continuous Liquid–Solid Composite Casting
Authors: Sun Jihong , Liu Xuefeng , Yang Yaohua , Wang Wenjing , Wang Xin , Zhang Weiliang
Published: May 2023

The carbides in the carburized layer of stainless steel (SS)/carbon steel (CS) clad plates are prone to inducing intergranular cracks and reducing the interfacial bonding strength. In this paper, SS/CS clad plates were fabricated by horizontal continuous liquid–solid composite casting (HCLSCC), and the formation mechanism of the interfacial carbides and their effect on the elimination of carbides in the carburized layer were revealed by numerical simulation and thermodynamic calculations. During the HCLSCC process, the cladding interface encountered re-melting and re-solidification after rapid melting and solidification, resulting in liquid–liquid and solid–solid diffusion at the cladding interface, where the atomic ratio of Cr/C (Cr/C) gradually increased. Therefore, strip M7C3 and M23C6 carbides as well as blocky M23C6 carbides formed at the cladding interface in turn and had a coherent relationship with the matrix. The blocky M23C6 carbides led to an increase of 240% in the interfacial ferrite strength. The formation of interfacial carbides reduced the difference in C activity between the cladding interface and SS, thus preventing the diffusion of C to SS and inhibiting carbide precipitation in the carburized layer of SS, which was beneficial to improving the interfacial bonding strength.