bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Sequence Stratigraphy to the Investigation and Remediation of LNAPL-Contaminated Sites
Authors: Sadeque Junaid , Samuels Ryan C.
Published: November 2023

The heterogenous and complex nature of soil and groundwater systems leads to significant technical challenges in remediating Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) contamination and achieving cleanup goals within reasonable timeframes. Therefore, implementing a correlation approach that adequately addresses subsurface heterogeneity between sampling locations is critical for effective management of LNAPL-contaminated sites. In traditional LNAPL remedial investigations in clastic environments, correlation has typically been conducted using ‘lithostratigraphy’, which connects like-lithologies without recognizing the heterogeneity of subsurface sediments between boreholes. The resulting ‘layer cake’ stratigraphy of the subsurface is often too simplistic and inadequate for developing effective remedial strategies. In contrast, the sequence stratigraphic approach (supported by facies analysis) provides a more realistic subsurface correlation based on the predictable distribution of sediments in different depositional environments. The three-dimensional geologic framework derived from sequence stratigraphy can be used to map the heterogeneity between coarse- and fine-grained units across multiple scales and beyond the existing site data set. Moreover, this framework can be integrated with site hydrologic and chemical data to identify sediments with high- and low-fluid transmissive properties. This chapter demonstrates how a sequence-stratigraphy-based conceptual site model can be used to identify preferential LNAPL migration pathways and inform effective remedial decision-making.
More synergies from beauty, top, Z and Drell-Yan measurements in SMEFT
Authors: Grunwald Cornelius , Hiller Gudrun , Kröninger Kevin , Nollen Lara
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We perform a global analysis of Beauty, Top, Z and Drell-Yan measurements in the framework of the Standard Model effective theory (SMEFT). We work within the minimal flavor violation (MFV) hypothesis, which relates different sectors and generations beyond the SU(2)L-link between left-handed top and beauty quarks. We find that the constraints on the SMEFT Wilson coefficients from the combined analysis are stronger than the constraints from a fit to the individual sectors, highlighting synergies in the global approach. We also show that constraints within MFV are strengthened compared to single-generation fits. The strongest bounds are obtained for the semileptonic four-fermion triplet operator $$ {C}_{lq}^{(3)} $$

C
lq

3

, probing scales as high as 18 TeV, followed by the gluon dipole operator CuG with 7 TeV, and other four-fermion and penguin operators in the multi-TeV range. Operators with left-handed quark bilinears receive order one contributions from higher orders in the MFV expansion induced by the top Yukawa coupling as a result of the FCNC b → sμμ anomalies combined with the other sectors. We predict the 68% credible intervals of the dineutrino branching ratios within MFV as $$ 4.25\cdot {10}^{-6}\le \mathcal{B}\left({B}^0\to {K}^{\ast 0}\nu \overline{\nu}\right)\le 11.13\cdot {10}^{-6} $$
4.25
⋅

10

−
6

≤
B

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν
¯

≤
11.13
⋅

10

−
6

and $$ 2.26\cdot {10}^{-6}\le \mathcal{B}\left({B}^{+}\to {K}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}\right)\le 5.78\cdot {10}^{-6} $$
2.26
⋅

10

−
6

≤
B

B
+

→

K
+

ν

ν
¯

≤
5.78
⋅

10

−
6

, which include the respective Standard Model predictions, and are in reach of the Belle II experiment. We show how future measurements of the dineutrino branching ratios can provide insights into the structure of new physics in the global fit.
Off-shell form factor in $$ \mathcal{N} $$=4 sYM at three loops
Authors: Belitsky A. V. , Bork L. V. , Smirnov V. A.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper we provide a detailed account of our calculation, briefly reported in arXiv:2209.09263, of a two-particle form factor of the lowest components of the stress-tensor multiplet in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 sYM theory on its Coulomb branch, which is interpreted as an off-shell kinematical regime. We demonstrate that up to three-loop order, both its infrared-divergent as well as finite parts do exponentiate in the Sudakov regime, with the coefficient accompanying the double logarithm being determined by the octagon anomalous dimension Γoct. We also observe that up to this order in ’t Hooft coupling the logarithm of the Sudakov form factor is identical to twice the logarithm of the null octagon, which was introduced within the context of integrability-based computation of four point correlators with infinitely large R-charges. The null octagon is known in a closed form for all values of the ’t Hooft coupling constant and kinematical parameters. We conjecture that the relation between the former and the off-shell Sudakov form factor holds to all loop orders.
A consistent resummation of mass and soft logarithms in processes with heavy flavours
Authors: Ghira Andrea , Marzani Simone , Ridolfi Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Perturbative calculations for processes that involve heavy flavours can be performed in two approaches: the massive scheme and the massless one. The former enables one to fully account for the heavy-quark kinematics, while the latter allows one to resum potentially-large mass logarithms. Furthermore, the two schemes can be combined to take advantage of the virtues of each of them. Both massive and massless calculations can be supplemented by soft-gluon resummation. However matching between massive and massless resummed calculations is difficult, essentially because of the non-commutativity of the soft and massless limits. In this paper, we develop a formalism to combine resummed massive and massless calculations. We obtain an all-order expression that consistently resums both mass and soft logarithms to next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. We perform detailed calculations for the decay of the Higgs into a heavy-quark pair, and discuss the applications of this formalism to different processes.
Revisit the entanglement entropy with gravitational anomaly
Authors: He Peng-Zhang , Zhang Hai-Qing
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper we study the entanglement entropy in the CFT2, whose gravity dual is AdS3 spacetime with a Chern-Simons term. Using the generalized Rindler method, we obtain the Rindler transformation in the two-dimensional planar CFT and compute the entanglement entropy of the CFT with gravitational anomalies. The conditions under which the entanglement entropy may have anomalous contributions is also discussed. In addition, we present a relatively general form of the Rindler AdS metric and compute its thermal entropy, which agrees with the entanglement entropy in the field theory. Moreover, we utilize the conformal transformation, which maps a cylinder to a plane, to compute the entanglement entropy of the CFT residing on a cylinder, as well as the entanglement entropy of the CFT at finite temperature on a plane. The corresponding contribution of the Chern-Simons term in gravity to the black hole thermal entropy is also obtained from this approach. These results are important for further understandings of the two-dimensional CFT with gravitational anomalies.
Safety and efficacy of helical tomotherapy following lung-sparing surgery in locally advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Layer Julian P. , Fischer Pascal , Dejonckheere Cas S. , Sarria Gustavo R. , Mispelbaum Rebekka , Hattenhauer Tessa , Wiegreffe Shari , Glasmacher Andrea R. , Layer Katharina , Nour Youness , Caglayan Lara , Grau Franziska , Müdder Thomas , Köksal Mümtaz , Scafa Davide , Giordano Frank A. , Lopez-Pastorini Alberto , Stoelben Erich , Schmeel Leonard Christopher , Leitzen Christina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To assess the value of radiation therapy (RT) with helical tomotherapy (HT) in the management of locally advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) receiving no or lung-sparing surgery.

Methods

Consecutive MPM cases not undergoing extrapleural pneumonectomy and receiving intensity-modulated (IM) HT were retrospectively evaluated for local control, distant control, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Impact of age, systemic treatment, RT dose, and recurrence patterns was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. As a secondary endpoint, reported toxicity was assessed.

Results

A total of 34 localized MPM cases undergoing IMHT were identified, of which follow-up data were available for 31 patients. Grade 3 side effects were experienced by 26.7% of patients and there were no grade 4 or 5 events observed. Median PFS was 19 months. Median OS was 20 months and the rates for 1‑ and 2‑year OS were 86.2 and 41.4%, respectively. OS was significantly superior for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

IMHT of locally advanced MPM after lung-sparing surgery is safe and feasible, resulting in satisfactory local control and survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves OS. Randomized clinical trials incorporating modern RT techniques as a component of trimodal treatment are warranted to establish an evidence-based standard of care pattern for locally advanced MPM.
Characterization of crystallization kinetics in Polyamide 6 with a focus on modeling the thermoforming process: experiments, modeling, simulations
Authors: Kulkarni Sameer , Reuvers Marie-Christine , Brepols Tim , Reese Stefanie , Johlitz Michael , Lion Alexander
Published: November 2023

Thermoforming of continuous fiber-reinforced plastics made of semi-crystalline thermoplastics has gained significant interest due to its potential for producing lightweight and high-strength components for various applications. Before thermoforming, a laminate is heated to a temperature beyond the melting point of the thermoplastic. During the subsequent forming process, the laminate is continuously cooled, which triggers non-isothermal crystallization in the semi-crystalline matrix material. In this context, the study of crystallization kinetics is crucial in identifying phase transition, analyzing exothermic latent heat during crystallization and determining inhomogeneous crystallinity distribution caused by uneven cooling in the laminate’s thickness direction. This contribution primarily deals with experimental investigations, modeling and finite element simulations for characterizing the crystallization kinetics in the matrix material, Polyamide 6 and investigating the aforementioned factors. To model the crystallization kinetics, an extended form of the Avrami model, known as the modified Nakamura–Ziabicki model, is adopted. The parameters for the modified Nakamura–Ziabicki model, which depend on the local cooling rates, are identified based on fitting the model to flash DSC (differential scanning calorimetry with high cooling rates) and standard DSC non-isothermal cooling experiments. Finally, the model is implemented into the commercial FE software COMSOL Multiphysics® and the crystallinity evolution in the laminate is simulated for the process-relevant die and laminate temperatures and laminate thicknesses.
QTAIM based descriptors for the classification of acrylates
Authors: Rincón David A. , Escorcia Ana J. , Doerr Markus , Daza Martha C.
Published: November 2023

Acrylates are used in cosmetics, orthopedics, paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and biomedical applications such as contact lenses and bone cements. However, some acrylates are mutagenic and the aim of this article is to explain the mutagenicity in terms of the atomic population redistribution in the molecule using two new descriptors which are based on atomic populations framed in the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. They describe the electron-withdrawing effect of a group of atoms in a molecule. The descriptors consider substituents of prop-2-enoates, the number of the acrolein units and the electrophilicity. The cluster analysis using these descriptors allows to classify acrylates in terms of the number of acrolein backbones and the type of the substituent group. Five main groups can be distinguished: monoacrylates with monomethacrylates, diacrylates with dimethacrylates, triacrylates, trimethacrylate and monoacrylates with electron-rich substituents. The substituents of mutagenic acrylates are electron withdrawing. This makes the acrolein backbone β-carbon more electrophilic and the molecule more reactive.
Carbohydrates and mineral substances in sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) from important growing areas in Slovakia
Authors: Musilová Janette , Fedorková Silvia , Podhorecká Klára , Harangozo Ľuboš , Mesárošová Andrea , Vollmannová Alena , Lidiková Judita , Čeryová Natália , Ňorbová Monika , Orsák Matyáš
Published: November 2023

The cultivation of sweet chestnuts in Slovakia has a century-year-old tradition. However, just a few research publications provide more comprehensive information about the chestnuts’ chemical composition of different varieties in individual growing areas. Sweet chestnuts contain various nutrients, of which carbohydrates are very important for assessing their commercial quality. Simple carbohydrates are mainly represented by glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. The content of glucose was 0.178–3.152, fructose 0.271–3.170, sucrose 9.355–29.890, and maltose 0.171–1.584 g/100 g DW in chestnut samples from 27 sampling points, which are part of Slovakia’s four largest growing areas of sweet chestnuts. Carbohydrate contents were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-RI) method. There are statistically proven differences in the content of individual carbohydrates depending on the sampling area of chestnuts. Potassium has a significant presence in sweet chestnuts as a mineral substance. Its content was determined in the 377–789 mg/100 g DW range. The content of sodium (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) was 0.65–6.90 (26.9–103, 58.7–101, and 96.5–179) mg/100 g DW. The contents of mineral substances were determined by the AAS method. The content of carbohydrates and mineral substances is mainly influenced by variety and age.
Whole-body MRI for the investigation of joint involvement in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Freeston Jane , Marzetti Matthew , Larkman Neal , Rowbotham Emma , Emery Paul , Grainger Andrew
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a novel whole-body MRI protocol capable of assessing inflammatory arthritis at an early stage in multiple joints in one examination.

Materials and methods

Forty-six patients with inflammatory joint symptoms and 9 healthy volunteers underwent whole-body MR imaging on a 3.0 T MRI scanner in this prospective study. Image quality and pathology in each joint, bursae, entheses and tendons were scored by two of three radiologists and compared to clinical joint scores. Participants were divided into three groups based on diagnosis at 1-year follow-up (healthy volunteers, rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis). Radiology scores were compared between the three groups using a Kruskal-Wallis test. The clinical utility of radiology scoring was compared to clinical scoring using ROC analysis.

Results

A protocol capable of whole-body MR imaging of the joints with an image acquisition time under 20 min was developed with excellent image quality. Synovitis scores were significantly higher in patients who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 12 months (p < 0.05). Radiology scoring of bursitis showed statistically significant differences between each of the three groups—healthy control, rheumatoid arthritis and non-rheumatoid arthritis (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ROC analysis between MRI and clinical scores.

Conclusion

This study has developed a whole-body MRI joint imaging protocol that is clinically feasible and shows good differentiation of joint pathology between healthy controls, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with other forms of arthritis.
Personality disorders: the impact of severity on societal costs
Authors: Sveen Carl-Aksel , Pedersen Geir , Hummelen Benjamin , Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit
Published: November 2023

Personality disorders (PDs) are associated with high levels of societal costs. However, previous research has found limited or no evidence of unique contributions of individual PD categories on the overall level of societal costs. Recent research supports the validity of PD as a dimensional construct, and PD severity may be a better predictor of societal costs than specific PD categories. The aim of this study was to explore if PD severity could predict the level of societal costs among treatment-seeking patients with PDs, while controlling for the impact of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders. Four different severity indicators were explored: the number of PDs, the total number of PD criteria, the number of BPD criteria, and the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS) from the alternative model in DSM-5. Participants (n = 798/794) were retrieved from the quality register of the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders for the period 2017–2020. Societal costs were assessed using a structured interview covering the six-month period prior to assessment. Diagnoses and diagnostic criteria were determined using a semi-structured diagnostic interview (SCID-5-PD and M.I.N.I), and the LPFS was assessed by the LPFS-Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0) questionnaire. Statistics included multiple regression analyses. None of the severity indicators were significant predictors of overall societal costs among treatment-seeking patients, and effect sizes were small.
A comparison of maceration methods for the preparation of infant skeletal remains for forensic anthropological analysis
Authors: Keyes C. A. , Giltrow K. R. , Mahon T.-J.
Published: November 2023

Very little literature currently exists prescribing which maceration method to use when preparing infant human remains, resulting in bone quality that is suitable for forensic anthropological analysis. The aim of the study was to test five maceration methods to determine which is most suitable for infant remains for forensic anthropological analysis. The sample included five neonate pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus), ranging between one to three days old. Five maceration methods were tested on the pig carcasses (one pig per maceration method) to determine their effectiveness. The methods included invertebrate maceration by meal worms, chemical maceration by bleach, chemical maceration by borax solution, enzymatic maceration by laundry detergent and sodium carbonate solution, and chemical maceration by sodium hypochlorite. A scoring method was created to assess the effectiveness of each maceration method. Invertebrate maceration and chemical maceration using bleach were the least successful methods of maceration (total maceration score = 8 respectively). Chemical maceration using borax and chemical maceration using sodium hypochlorite achieved complete maceration of the skeletal remains; however, they both resulted in artifacts that are unsuitable for forensic analysis (total maceration score = 14 respectively). Enzymatic maceration using laundry detergent and sodium carbonate was the most successful method (total maceration score = 17). The detergent technique subsequently successfully macerated all five sets of infant human remains. This study has validated that the enzymatic maceration technique using laundry detergent and sodium carbonate can be used to effectively macerate the remains of infant skeletal remains for forensic anthropological analysis.
Repetitive high-sustained gravitoinertial stress does not modulate pressure responsiveness to peripheral sympathetic stimulation
Authors: Keramidas Michail E. , Kölegård Roger , Elia Antonis , Sköldefors Håkan , Eiken Ola
Published: November 2023

Purpose

We evaluated the hypothesis that repetitive gravitoinertial stress would augment the arterial-pressure response to peripheral sympathetic stimulation.

Methods

Before and after a 5-weeks G-training regimen conducted in a human-use centrifuge, twenty healthy men performed a hand cold-pressor test, and nine of them also a foot cold-pressor test (4 min; 4 °C water). Arterial pressures and total peripheral resistance were monitored.

Results

The cold-induced elevation (P ≤ 0.002) in arterial pressures and total peripheral resistance did not vary between testing periods, either in the hand [mean arterial pressure: Before =  + 16% vs. After =  + 17% and total peripheral resistance: Before =  + 13% vs. After =  + 15%], or in the foot [mean arterial pressure: Before =  + 19% vs. After =  + 21% and total peripheral resistance: Before =  + 16% vs. After =  + 16%] cold-pressor tests (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Present results demonstrate that 5 weeks of prolonged iterative exposure to hypergravity does not alter the responsiveness of sympathetically mediated circulatory reflexes.
Predictive value of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test for outcomes after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: prospective study
Authors: Klukowska Anita M. , Staartjes Victor E. , Dol Manon , Vandertop W. Peter , Schröder Marc L.
Published: November 2023

Objective

It is unknown whether presence of pre-operative objective functional impairment (OFI) can predict post-operative outcomes in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). We aimed to determine whether pre-operative OFI measured by the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS) could predict outcomes at 12-months post-discectomy.

Methods

Adult patients with LDH scheduled for surgery were prospectively recruited from a Dutch short-stay spinal clinic. The 5R-STS time and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, EQ-5D-3L health-related quality of life, EQ5D-VAS and ability to work were recorded pre-operatively and at 12-months. A 5R-STS time cut-off of ≥ 10.5 s was used to determine OFI. Mann–Whitney and Chi-square tests were employed to determine significant differences in post-operative outcomes between groups stratified by presence of pre-operative OFI.

Results

We recruited 134 patients in a prospective study. Twelve-month follow-up was completed by 103 (76.8%) patients. Mean age was 53.2 ± 14.35 years and 50 (48.5%) patients were female. Pre-operatively, 53 (51.5%) patients had OFI and 50 (48.5%) did not. Post-operatively, patients with OFI experienced a significantly greater mean change (p < 0.001) across all PROMs compared to patients without OFI, except leg pain (p = 0.176). There were no significant differences in absolute PROMs between groups at 12-months (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The presence of OFI based on 5R-STS time does not appear to decrease a patient’s likelihood of experiencing satisfactory post-operative outcomes. The 5R-STS cannot predict how a patient with LDH will respond to surgery at 12-month follow-up.
Arizona Groundwater Explorer: interactive maps for evaluating the historical and current groundwater conditions in wells in Arizona, USA
Authors: Tillman Fred D , Flynn Marilyn E.
Published: November 2023

Groundwater is an important water source in Arizona, accounting for about 41% of water use in this mostly arid-to-semiarid state in the southwestern United States, and the availability of groundwater resources in the state is a concern. To provide accessible information from depth-to-groundwater data, a series of web-based interactive maps were developed, called the Arizona Groundwater Explorer (AGEx). Scripts were written to harmonize and synthesize groundwater datasets from the two largest publicly available sources, subset these data to address different groundwater availability questions, and display the results in online, interactive maps. The combined dataset contained 1,820,122 depth-to-groundwater measurements from 1891 through 2022 from 41,918 wells in Arizona. Data views are provided for 20 topics, including recent (2020 or later) depth to groundwater (4,569 wells), historical (pre-1950) depth to groundwater (4,287 wells), wells with long-term (≥50 years) records (1,183 wells), wells with recent groundwater level decline (277 wells), wells with recent groundwater level rise (120 wells), and linear trends in groundwater levels over ten 10-year periods (number of wells ranging from 341 in 1978–1987 to 1,208 in 2003–2012), among others. With ongoing drought in the region resulting in declining surface-water supplies in Arizona, groundwater may play an even larger role in satisfying water needs in the state. The AGEx series of maps provides a nonspecialist audience with an improved understanding of historical, current, and changes in groundwater levels in Arizona.
The generalized E-DVA method: a new approach for multi-modal pushover analysis under multi-component earthquakes with local variables maximization
Authors: Lherminier Olivier , Erlicher Silvano , Huguet Miquel , Civera Marco , Ceravolo Rosario , Barakat Maxime
Published: November 2023

Pushover analysis is a common nonlinear static procedure, performed to evaluate seismic response of civil structures. This approach allows considering the structural nonlinear behavior under earthquake loading in a simplified yet effective way; however, in its classic formulation, it is limited by restrictive and unrealistic assumptions. Thus, the basic method is inadequate for the accurate analysis of buildings without a vertical plane of symmetry and/or for multi-component earthquakes, where torsion effects cannot be neglected. Furthermore, standard pushover analysis only comprises one dominant mode of vibration; higher modes, and therefore their effects, are not accounted for. For all these reasons, the standard technique is generally not considered suitable for the assessment of buildings at high risk of natural-technological (NaTech) events, such as nuclear facilities in areas of high seismic activity. To overcome these limitations, a multi-modal pushover analysis procedure is here tested and validated on the data from a non-symmetric structure (the SMART case study) under multi-component earthquakes. In detail, the procedure applies a linear combination of modal load patterns, defined according to the well-established Direct Vectorial Addition (DVA) method. With respect to other existing multi-modal pushover analysis techniques, elliptical response envelopes are employed to calculate the corresponding combination factors. Innovatively, the identification of the dominant modes for the load pattern is not limited to the classic maximization of the forces at the basis of a structure but rather generalized to shear and displacement maximization at different heights and locations throughout the whole structural frame.
A quantitative assessment of natural and anthropogenic effects on the occurrence of high air pollution loading in Dhaka and neighboring cities and health consequences
Authors: Khan Riaz Hossain , Quayyum Zahidul , Rahman Shahanaj
Published: November 2023

Although existing studies mainly focused on the air quality status in Bangladesh, quantifying the natural and manmade effects, the frequency of high pollution levels, and the associated health risks remained beyond detailed investigation. Air quality and meteorological data from the Department of Environment for 2012–2019 were analyzed, attempting to answer those questions. Cluster analysis of PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants implied that Dhaka and neighboring cities, Narayangonj and Gazipur, are from similar sources compared to the other major cities in the country. Apart from the transboundary sources, land use types and climate parameters unevenly affected local pollution loadings across city domains. The particulate concentrations persistently remained above the national standard for almost half the year, with the peaks during the dry months. Even though nitrogen oxides remained high in all three cities, other gaseous pollutants, such as CO and O3, except SO2, showed elevated concentrations solely in Dhaka city. Concentrations of gaseous pollutants in Dhaka vary spatially, but no statistical differences could be discerned between the working days and holidays. Frequency analysis results and hazard quotients revealed the likelihood of adverse health outcomes in Narayangonj ensuing from particulate exposures surpasses the other cities for different age, gender, and occupation groups. Nonetheless, school-aged children and construction workers were most at risk from chronic exposure to gaseous pollutants mostly in Dhaka. One limitation of this study was that the routine air quality monitoring happens just from five sites, making the evidence-based study concerning health outcomes quite challenging.
Does code review speed matter for practitioners?
Authors: Kudrjavets Gunnar , Rastogi Ayushi
Published: November 2023

Increasing code velocity is a common goal for a variety of software projects. The efficiency of the code review process significantly impacts how fast the code gets merged into the final product and reaches the customers. We conducted a qualitative survey to study the code velocity-related beliefs and practices in place. We analyzed 75 completed surveys from SurIndustryDevs participants from the industry and 36 from the open-source community. Our critical findings are (a) the industry and open-source community hold a similar set of beliefs, (b) quick reaction time is of utmost importance and applies to the tooling infrastructure and the behavior of other engineers, (c) time-to-merge is the essential code review metric to improve, (d) engineers are divided about the benefits of increased code velocity for their career growth, (e) the controlled application of the commit-then-review model can increase code velocity. Our study supports the continued need to invest in and improve code velocity regardless of the underlying organizational ecosystem.
Jaws 30
Authors: Langdon W. B.
Published: November 2023

It is 30 years since John R. Koza published “Jaws”, the first book on genetic programming [Genetic Programming: On the Programming of Computers by Means of Natural Selection. MIT Press (1992)]. I recount and expand the celebration at GECCO 2022, very briefly summarise some of what the rest of us have done and make suggestions for the next thirty years of GP research.
A/Ā-Operations at the Mongolian Clausal Periphery
Authors: Gong Zhiyu Mia
Published: November 2023

This paper examines and provides a unified analysis for the interaction between ECM and $$\hspace{1.27777pt}\overline{\hspace{-1.27777pt}\text {A}\hspace{-1.27777pt}}\hspace{1.27777pt}$$

A

¯

-operations such as thematic topicalization and wh-licensing at the Mongolian embedded clausal periphery. Building on a previous proposal that ECM targets Spec CP, which can be an A-position in Mongolian (Fong 2019), I argue that thematic topicalization and wh-licensing are associated with an $$\hspace{1.27777pt}\overline{\hspace{-1.27777pt}\text {A}\hspace{-1.27777pt}}\hspace{1.27777pt}$$

A

¯

-domain projected below CP. Furthermore, I advance an analysis in which the A- and $$\hspace{1.27777pt}\overline{\hspace{-1.27777pt}\text {A}\hspace{-1.27777pt}}\hspace{1.27777pt}$$

A

¯

-properties of syntactic dependencies are the result of different features involved in Agree relations. The Agree-based analysis allows for a flexible account for the intricate patterns of the A/$$\hspace{1.27777pt}\overline{\hspace{-1.27777pt}\text {A}\hspace{-1.27777pt}}\hspace{1.27777pt}$$

A

¯

-interactions at the Mongolian clausal periphery, while also making concrete predictions confirmed by independent facts from this language. I then compare the Mongolian case with typical cases of improper movement, and discuss the implications of the current account for a general theory of movement typology.
A Pragmatic Theory of Computational Artefacts
Authors: Buda Alessandro G. , Primiero Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Some computational phenomena rely essentially on pragmatic considerations, and seem to undermine the independence of the specification from the implementation. These include software development, deviant uses, esoteric languages and recent data-driven applications. To account for them, the interaction between pragmatics, epistemology and ontology in computational artefacts seems essential, indicating the need to recover the role of the language metaphor. We propose a User Levels (ULs) structure as a pragmatic complement to the Levels of Abstraction (LoAs)-based structure defining the ontology and epistemology of computational artefacts. ULs identify a flexible hierarchy in which users bear their own semantic and normative requirements, possibly competing with the logical specification. We formulate a notion of computational act intended in its pragmatic sense, alongside pragmatic versions of implementation and correctness.
Cómo lograr el éxito con una reedición: 1964, el Ferdydurke de Sudamericana y Ernesto Sabato
Authors: Nogales Baena José Luis
Published: November 2023

In 1964, Sudamericana Publishing House printed in Buenos Aires the second edition of the Spanish version of the novel Ferdydurke (1937) by Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz. Apparently, it was identical to the first publication in Spanish (by Argos Publishing House, Buenos Aires, 1947); however, the text had been extensively revised according to Ernesto Sabato’s indications. Furthermore, a new prologue written by Sabato substituted the previous initials materials. This article documents and explains how this revision, the new prologue, the decision to publish in Sudamericana, and the publicity given to the book were conscious decisions either by Gombrowicz or by Sabato in search of editorial success. Their final goal was to place the novel and its author in a visible and privileged place in the Argentine and Spanish-speaking literary system. The study also focuses on the textual differences between Ferdydurke’s first and second Spanish editions: it tries to explain how and why specific changes were made and the implications of these changes.
Sharp changes in fractal basin of attraction in passive dynamic walking
Authors: Okamoto Kota , Akashi Nozomi , Obayashi Ippei , Nakajima Kohei , Kokubu Hiroshi , Senda Kei , Tsuchiya Kazuo , Aoi Shinya
Published: November 2023

A passive dynamic walker is a mechanical system that walks down a slope without any control, and gives useful insights into the dynamic mechanism of stable walking. This system shows specific attractor characteristics depending on the slope angle due to nonlinear dynamics, such as period-doubling to chaos and its disappearance by a boundary crisis. However, it remains unclear what happens to the basin of attraction. In our previous studies, we showed that a fractal basin of attraction is generated using a simple model over a critical slope angle by iteratively applying the inverse image of the Poincaré map, which has stretching and bending effects. In the present study, we show that the size and fractality of the basin of attraction sharply change many times by changing the slope angle. Furthermore, we improved our previous analysis to clarify the mechanisms for these changes and the disappearance of the basin of attraction based on the stretching and bending deformation in the basin formation process. These findings will improve our understanding of the governing dynamics to generate the basin of attraction in walking.
Meta-analysis unveils differential effects of agroforestry on soil properties in different zonobiomes
Authors: Ngaba Mbezele Junior Yannick , Mgelwa Abubakari Said , Gurmesa Geshere Abdisa , Uwiragiye Yves , Zhu Feifei , Qiu Qingyan , Fang Yunting , Hu Bin , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: November 2023

Aims

Current comprehensive meta-analysis study aims to explore how agroforestry practices influence soil quality across different climate zones. Since numerous studies proposed agroforestry as the promising agroecological farming systems over conventional monoculture systems to maintain soil quality and to regenerate disturbed soil to counteract the negative consequences of global extensive agricultural approaches.

Methods

By employing the comprehensive meta-analysis technique on data from 125 studies conducted in tropical, temperate, and Mediterranean environments, we quantitatively assessed the effects of agroforestry on physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators.

Results

Rates of soil erosion, the most important indication of land degradation, were improved in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures, especially in temperate (-138%) and Mediterranean soils (-40%), due to agroforestry-induced improved soil texture, aggregate stability, and soil water regulation. Soil acidification was decreased in tropical (-128%) and Mediterranean soils (-96%), but increased in temperate soils (+ 104%) due to agroforestry practices. Low temperate soil pH suggests high Ca2+leaching losses as evidenced by decreased Ca2+(-68%) and increased Fe2+(+ 129%) and Al3+(+ 235%) contents. Agroforestry systems increased organic matter accumulation in temperate (+ 86%) and Mediterranean soils (+ 65%), carbon sequestration in all climatic zones (+ 48%: 33–73%), and respiration rates in temperate (+ 119%) and tropical soils (+ 105%). Soil microbial communities, enzyme activities as well as nutrient cycling and availability were generally enhanced in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures.

Conclusions

Our results provide compelling evidence that agroforestry practices can contribute substantially to sustainable improvement of global soil quality.
High-speed train timetable optimization based on space–time network model and quantum simulator
Authors: Xu Hui-Zhang , Chen Jun-Hua , Zhang Xing-Chen , Lu Te-Er , Gao Tian-Ze , Wen Kai , Ma Yin
Published: November 2023

Timetable scheduling is a combinatorial optimization problem that presents formidable challenges for classical computers. This paper introduces a pioneering methodology for addressing the high-speed train timetabling problem through quantum computing. Initially, a comprehensive binary integer programming model, grounded in the space–time network, is proposed (M1). To manage the intricacy of model M1, a knapsack problem reformulation is employed to establish a simplified binary integer programming model (M2). Both M1 and M2 are subsequently converted into quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) models to harness the potential of quantum computing. Several techniques, including the Gurobi solver, simulated annealing, and the coherent Ising machine (CIM) quantum simulator, are deployed to solve the model across four distinct scenarios of varying complexity. The findings indicate that CIM quantum simulator outperforms the simulated annealing method in terms of solution quality for medium-scale problems.
Lottocracy Versus Democracy
Authors: Rummens Stefan , Geenens Raf
Published: November 2023

This paper critically compares a deliberative system based on parliamentary elections (an electoral system) and a deliberative system based on sortition (a lottocratic system). Both systems are analyzed in three dimensions. The epistemic dimension concerns the rational quality of the democratic process. The power dimension concerns the distribution of power and the extent to which citizens genuinely control all decisions. The motivational dimension, finally, concerns citizens’ identification with the decision-making process and their willingness to abide by its outcomes. We argue that an electoral system is, in all three dimensions, normatively superior to a sortition-based system. Most prominently, we claim that electoral mechanisms provide visibility to the decision-making process. This enables a form of interactive representation in which citizens and their representatives engage in a joint process of opinion and will formation. Sortition, in contrast, is characterized by a democratically much poorer form of descriptive representation. The selected citizens are a representative sample of the wider citizenry, but they deliberate in a forum that remains mostly disconnected from that wider citizenry and therefore cannot shoulder the process of collective self-government.
The importance of involving experts-by-experience with different psychiatric diagnoses when revising diagnostic criteria
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: November 2023

Philosophers of science have recently called for experts-by-experience to be involved in revising psychiatric diagnoses. They argue that experts-by-experience can have relevant knowledge which is important for considering potential modifications to psychiatric diagnoses. I show how altering one diagnosis can impact individuals with a different diagnosis. For example, altering autism can impact individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder through co-morbidity and differential diagnostic criteria. Altering autism can impact the population making up the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder which can then influence which behaviour each diagnosis covers and which parts of the causal structure each diagnosis covers. Expanding one diagnosis can mean, if differential diagnostic criteria are present, that individuals who have a different diagnosis, or would one day have been diagnosed with that different diagnosis, are instead now diagnosed with the expanded diagnosis. Alternatively, if two diagnoses can be co-morbid then expanding one diagnosis can mean individuals who have a different diagnosis can now also receive the expanded diagnosis. Changing these can then impact the adequacy of symptoms formulated to cover behaviour and causal mechanisms formulated to cover the causal structure. This means experts-by-experience representing a range of diagnoses should be involved in decisions over modifying diagnoses they do not have. For example, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder individuals should be involved in decisions to modify autism. I discuss practical issues relating to how much say people with a range of diagnoses should have in relation to modifying a diagnosis which they do not have. We should employ a principle of equality whereby the level of say individuals with one diagnosis should have on another diagnosis should be equally reciprocated.
Modeling the Effect of Excess Vacancies on Precipitation and Mechanical Properties of Al–Mg–Si Alloys
Authors: Myhr Ole Runar , Marioara Calin Daniel , Engler Olaf
Published: November 2023

A model for vacancy annihilation during aging has been combined with a precipitation model for coupled nucleation, growth, and coarsening in AA 6xxx series aluminum alloys. The simulation results were compared with precipitation parameters from TEM measurements and hardness data obtained for various times during artificial aging. Both simulations and measurements indicated that a combination of an excess concentration of non-equilibrium vacancies at the start of aging and a fast vacancy annihilation rate significantly affected the resulting precipitation and strength evolution. Hence, the model reproduced the short aging time required to reach the maximum strength when direct artificial aging was applied (DAA). In contrast to the fast aging response of DAA, the hardness measurements showed a much slower aging response when artificial aging was performed after prolonged natural aging. This aging behavior was captured in the model simulations by assuming that an equilibrium vacancy concentration is present from the start of the aging.
Pilze als Beweger und Gestalter im Untergrund
Authors: Wick Lukas Y.
Published: November 2023

Mycelial networks allow fungi to spread efficiently and traverse air-filled pores. By transporting nutrients from nutrient-rich and to nutrient-poor areas, they also promote bacterial growth and cometabolic degradation of contaminants. Mycelia likewise connect microhabitats and act as dispersal vectors (fungal highways) for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Co-transport with hyphal-riding bacteria allows phages to move in water-poor habitats and enhances the fitness of invading bacteria in host precolonised zones.
Unkonventionelle Sekretion von Nanobodies für die Virusdetektion
Authors: Philipp Magnus , Pohlentz Joana Charlot , Wegmann Simon , Schipper Kerstin
Published: November 2023

The fungus Ustilago maydis is a natural producer of diverse compounds with biotechnological relevance. Synthetic biology approaches have further expanded the portfolio by heterologous molecules like pharmaceutical proteins. Recently, we engineered U. maydis for the production of nanobodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Applying a chitin-binding carrier, we established nanobody immobilization, paving the way for inexpensive antigen tests based on a ubiquitous biogenic material.
Robot’s Gendering Trouble: A Scoping Review of Gendering Humanoid Robots and Its Effects on HRI
Authors: Perugia Giulia , Lisy Dominika
Published: November 2023

The discussion around gendering humanoid robots has gained more traction in the last few years. To lay the basis for a full comprehension of how robots’ “gender” has been understood within the Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) community—i.e., how it has been manipulated, in which contexts, and which effects it has yielded on people’s perceptions and interactions with robots—we performed a scoping review of the literature. We identified 553 papers relevant for our review retrieved from 5 different databases. The final sample of reviewed papers included 35 papers written between 2005 and 2021, which involved a total of 3902 participants. In this article, we thoroughly summarize these papers by reporting information about their objectives and assumptions on gender (i.e., definitions and reasons to manipulate gender), their manipulation of robots’ “gender” (i.e., gender cues and manipulation checks), their experimental designs (e.g., demographics of participants, employed robots), and their results (i.e., main and interaction effects). The review reveals that robots’ “gender” does not affect crucial constructs for the HRI, such as likability and acceptance, but rather bears its strongest effect on stereotyping. We leverage our different epistemological backgrounds in Social Robotics and Gender Studies to provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary perspective on the results of the review and suggest ways to move forward in the field of HRI.
A full-scale bioremediation study of diesel fuel-contaminated soil: the effect of plant species and soil amendments
Authors: Predikaka T. C. , Kralj T. , Jerman M. S. , Mastnak T.
Published: November 2023

This article presents a comprehensive on-site bioremediation of an excavated diesel fuel-contaminated soil aided by various soil amendments and plant species. In the first 125 days, the excavated soil was placed in a land treatment unit, mixed with compost, and seeded with white clover (Trifolium repens). In the next 155 days, the land treatment unit was re-established and divided into four experimental plots. Experimental plots 2 and 3 were seeded with a mixture of plant seeds (Trifolium alexandrinum, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Trifolium incarnatum, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Sinapis alba, Trifolium repens), while experimental plots 1 and 4 were left without seeded vegetation. Moreover, a zeolite and an Ascophyllum nodosum-based biostimulant were added to experimental plots 3 and 4. The objectives were to select the most beneficial plant species for the plant-based bioremediation process, to evaluate applicability of different soil amendments for an enhanced hydrocarbon biodegradation, and to study their effects on the microbial community in soil. Our results showed an overall reduction in hydrocarbon pollution by more than 95% within 280 days. The rates of hydrocarbon degradation and changes in the microbial population were not affected by the presence of the zeolite and the biostimulant. In addition, the use of different plant species did not have a statistically significant effect on hydrocarbon degradation but affected microbial population dynamics, confirming stabile and diverse indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community in the native soil.