bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualising arts entrepreneurship education: bridging the arts and entrepreneurship within higher education settings
Authors: Wong Hannah Y. H. , Chan Cecilia K. Y.
Published: March 2024

Despite the rise of entrepreneurship education within higher education, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education remain overlooked in the arts discipline. Existing research in arts entrepreneurship education is scarce. The current study aims to investigate stakeholder perspectives towards conceptualisations of arts entrepreneurship education within higher education, including that of first and final year undergraduate students, educators and industry professionals in the arts discipline. A questionnaire was administered for preliminary insights towards how arts students understand entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education. Individual interviews were then conducted for in-depth investigation in how arts students, educators and professionals conceptualise and define arts entrepreneurship education. The findings revealed arts students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education. Moreover, diverse stakeholder viewpoints shed light upon understandings of arts entrepreneurship education, roles of relevant stakeholders and the relationship between entrepreneurship education and arts. This study highlights the value of arts entrepreneurship education, contributing to discussion on addressing gaps between arts and entrepreneurship education, and between higher education and the industry.
In vitro evaluation and characterization of cisplatin loaded nanofibers for local chemotherapy
Authors: Mendoza Carlos Miguel López , Figueroa Yolanda Terán , Sánchez Mariana Gutiérrez , Ortega María Mónica Castillo , Fuentes Nayeli Rodríguez , Quintana Luz Eugenia Alcántara
Published: March 2024

Cancer is a disease that affects the quality of life of the patients that are treated with Cisplatin (CDDP), which is needed for adjuvant therapy, however it leads to many secondary and adverse effects. In this study, we manufactured and characterized poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) non-woven fibers loaded with Cisplatin (CDDP) by electrospinning technique to evaluate their cytotoxicity in in vitro assays on HeLa cells (cervical carcinoma cell line). PLA–CDDP solutions with increasing concentrations of CDDP (0.5, 1 and 2% w/w) were used in a TL-01 electrospinning equipment with the same system parameters. We analyzed the chemical, thermal and morphological characteristics of PLA and PLA–CDDP fiber mats. Furthermore, hydrolytic degradation, hemolysis and toxicity in HeLa cells were evaluated. By adding the CDDP to the fibers, the degradation, glass transition and melting temperatures were modified; the 3 µm fiber diameter of pristine PLA fibers was decreased in half the size and the degradation time was extended over 5 months. However, the hemocompatibility of the material with and without CDDP was maintained, while cytotoxicity in HeLa cells increased in the three concentrations of fiber mats of PLA–CDDP compared to the intravenous drug at 24 h (p < 0.01). We concluded that the fiber mats PLA–CDDP could be used for localized therapy in the adjuvant treatment when resection panels are expose after a surgical extirpation of solid tumors.
Comparative studies of tetrazole derivatives on the corrosion inhibition of copper and commercial brass in simulated seawater
Authors: Mahdy Sara A. , Abdel-Gawad Soha A. , El-Sherif Rabab M. , Ghayad I. M.
Published: March 2024

The corrosion inhibition of copper and its alloys in seawater using organic inhibitors has received much interest. Electrochemical techniques were used to evaluate the effectiveness of 5-Mercapto-1-methyltetrazole (MTAH) and 5-Aminotetrazole (ATAH) as corrosion inhibitors on copper and commercial brass in simulated seawater with 3.5% NaCl. EDS and SEM techniques were used to investigate the sample surfaces. The results showed that ATAH is more effective than MTAH in both samples, with an inhibition rate of 98% for copper and 86% for brass at a concentration of 0.01 M. Surface investigations reveal that the presence of ATAH has significantly protected the copper and brass surfaces compared to MTAH because of its amino group. According to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the inhibitors physicochemically adsorb on the sample surface. On the other hand, the Arrhenius plot showed a considerable jump in the corrosion activation energy when the inhibitor was present, proving the inhibitor’s efficiency in preventing corrosion on copper and brass surfaces.
Online learning for DBC segmentation of new IGBT samples based on computed laminography imaging
Authors: Li Yan , Luo Man , Fei Xuan , Liu Shuangquan , Wei Cunfeng
Published: March 2024

Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is a power semiconductor module .Voids may arise in its solder process when a contaminant or gas is absorbed into the solder joint. They heavily influence the heat exchange efficiency of IGBT, so void inspection is very important. The segmentation of solder region is a crucial step for automated defect detection of IGBT based on x-ray computed laminography (CL) system. In recent years, deep learning has made remarkable process in semantic segmentation and has been used for the segmentation of solder joint between the direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate and baseplate, which has been proved to be accurate and efficient. However, deep learning architectures exhibit a critical drop of performance due to catastrophic forgetting when new IGBT samples encountered. Hence, this paper proposes to use online learning techniques to continuously improve the learned model by feeding new IGBT samples without losing previously learned knowledge.
A compact circuit-based metasurface for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xu Yang , Guo Zhiwei , Chen Hong
Published: March 2024

Herein, we propose a compact 0.36 T MRI-enhancing circuit-based metasurface working at its third order mode. Different from most MRI-enhancing metasurface designs which exploit the fundamental mode with the highest enhancement, our choice is a trade-off between the enhancement and homogeneity. The metasurface is organized with capacitively-loaded metal wires where the capacitors decrease the electric length of the wires thus enabling a deep subwavelength scale. The working frequency of metasurface is tuned to the Larmor frequency, contributing to the redistribution of transmitted field. Full-wave simulations based on CST Microwave Studio compare the magnetic field in a mimicked MRI environment with and without the metasurface. The utilization of metasurface leads to a field enhancement ratio of 9.36-fold over a 28 × 28 cm2 area at 2 cm height while exceeding unity till almost 12 cm. Meanwhile, the variation of the quasi-homogenous magnetic field is less than 1/3 over a relatively large area. The impact of metasurface is further demonstrated by simulations with a head bio-model to evaluate the transmitted field strength and electromagnetic energy absorption. A preliminary measuring experiment is also conducted to validate the special mode pattern. The proposed metasurface effectively enhances the transmitted efficiency thus can be employed in clinical MRI to enhance imaging quality or reduce the input power. Moreover, this design paradigm is compatible with other enhancing approaches due to the nonmagnetic inclusions and frequency-dependent response and can be adapted for higher-field MRI systems by adjusting the length of metal wires and the value of loaded capacitors.
Exploring hydrogen binding and activation on transition metal-modified circumcoronene
Authors: Müllerová Simona , Malček Michal , Bucinsky Lukas , Cordeiro Maria Natália Dias Soeiro
Published: March 2024

Graphene-based materials modified with transition metals, and their potential utilization as hydrogen storage devices, are extensively studied in the last decades. Despite this widespread interest, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between graphene-based transition metal systems and H2 molecules remains incomplete. Beyond fundamental H2 adsorption, the activation of H2 molecule, crucial for catalytic reactions and hydrogenation processes, may occur on the transition metal center. In this study, binding modes of H2 molecules on the circumcoronene (CC) decorated with Cr or Fe atoms are investigated using the DFT methods. Side-on (η2-dihydrogen bond), end-on and dissociation modes of H2 binding are explored for high (HS) and low (LS) spin states. Spin state energetics, reaction energies, QTAIM and DOS analysis are considered. Our findings revealed that CC decorated with Cr (CC-Cr) emerges as a promising material for H2 storage, with the capacity to store up to three H2 molecules on a single Cr atom. End-on interaction in HS is preferred for the first two H2 molecules bound to CC-Cr, while the side-on LS is favored for three H2 molecules. In contrast, CC decorated with Fe (CC-Fe) demonstrates the capability to activate H2 through H–H bond cleavage, a process unaffected by the presence of other H2 molecules in the vicinity of the Fe atom, exclusively favoring the HS state. In summary, our study sheds light on the intriguing binding and activation properties of H2 molecules on graphene-based transition metal systems, offering valuable insights into their potential applications in hydrogen storage and catalysis.

Graphical abstract
Client and provider experiences with, and approaches to sustain HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at two public hospitals in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Akatukwasa Cecilia , Beesiga Brian , Owaraganise Asiphas , Nangendo Joan , Kakande Elijah , Mwangwa Florence , Nayiga Susan , Semitala Fred C. , Kamya Moses R. , Kabami Jane
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching consequences on global health systems, disrupting the delivery of routine healthcare services, and posing new challenges to ongoing disease control efforts. In Uganda, where HIV is endemic, the pandemic threatened to reverse the gains in the country’s HIV response over the past decade. In this study, we explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV cascade, focusing on the impact of pandemic-related disruptions on retention in HIV care among Persons with HIV (PWH). We further highlighted the key challenges and opportunities for mitigating the adverse effects.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from January 2022 to March 2022 using in-depth interviews with PWH (n = 20) and healthcare workers (n = 4) and key informant interviews (n = 6) with healthcare managers. The interviews explored current and previous experiences with HIV care services, including experiences of healthcare providers and managers delivering and PWH receiving HIV care amidst the COVID-19 restrictions and recovery period, strategies implemented to ensure continuity of services and barriers to implementing these strategies. We coded data in Dedoose software and analyzed using the thematic analysis.

Results

The qualitative findings highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including restricted access to HIV care points, sub-optimal clinical management of persons with HIV, loss of livelihoods, and interruptions in adherence. Adaptations to ensure continuity of care included leveraging community-based drug delivery strategies, phone call consultations, modification of clinic workspaces, and linkages to nearby health facilities. Barriers to these adaptations included the increased cost of services, psychological challenges, fear and anxiety surrounding COVID infection, access to treatment, survival, loss to follow-up with no information on patient referral, COVID infection among health workers, depletion of drug stocks due to multi-month scripting, shortage of Personal protective  equipment (PPE) supplies and other drugs.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on HIV care in Uganda, including reduced access to HIV care and support services, interruptions to ART adherence, and changes in HIV care delivery. Our findings highlight the barriers and enablers to HIV care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and provide valuable lessons on efforts to mitigate interruptions in the future during periods of pandemics/lockdowns.
Maternal decentering and child maladjustment: a mediated maternal psychological distress and parenting model
Authors: Murayama Yasuo , Uemiya Ai , Ohya Aiko
Published: March 2024

Negative parenting, which exacerbates children’s maladjustment, could result from poor mental health in parents. Therefore, factors that improve parental mental health may also facilitate positive parenting. One such factor is decentering (i.e., the capacity to observe internal experiences as passing mental phenomena that do not reflect self or reality). However, little research has examined the indirect association between parental decentering and children’s maladjustment. This cross-sectional study investigated whether parental decentering was associated with child maladjustment through the mediation of parental psychological distress and parenting quality. Japanese mothers (N = 2522) participated in an online survey assessing parenting quality, maternal decentering levels, maternal psychological distress, and the oldest child’s maladjustment level as reported by the mothers. A parallel mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect. Mothers with greater decentering demonstrated lower psychological distress and more positive and less negative parenting. These characteristics were related to lower maladjustment in their children as reported by the mothers. This is the first study to demonstrate the link between decentering and positive maternal parenting. Therefore, decentering may be a possible factor to promote better parenting.
Failure-mode scale transitions in RC and PC beams
Authors: Cafarelli Renato , Accornero Federico , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: March 2024

Current design Standards for reinforced concrete beams prescribe to respect a minimum, ρmin, and a maximum, ρmax, reinforcement ratio in the design of structures. Below ρmin a brittle failure due to unstable crack propagation is expected. On the other hand, for ρ > ρmax a brittle failure due to concrete crushing is obtained. In this framework, a reinforced concrete element with ρmin < ρ < ρmax presents yielded steel at Ultimate Limite State (ULS) with a stable behaviour and no catastrophic loss of bearing capacity. Design Standards define ρmin and ρmax limits on the basis of the Bernoulli’s hypothesis of plane sections, and completely disregard size-scale effects. Within the present paper, Dimensional Analysis is used to determine the Brittleness Numbers that govern the behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) as well as of prestressed reinforced concrete (PC) beams. Therefore, parametric analyses carried out by means of the Cohesive/Overlapping Crack Model (COCM) are used to study the ductile-to-brittle transitions in RC and PC beams, and to highlight the size-scale dependency of the two above-mentioned reinforcement limits.
Microplastics in indoor deposition samples in university classrooms
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad
Published: March 2024

The pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern on a global scale, especially considering the significant proportion of time that individuals spend indoors. The contamination in question has the potential to directly impact the human population through exposure to indoor dust and air. This research undertook a comprehensive analysis of the indoor deposition of MPs in university classrooms, employing various investigative tools. The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze the physical and chemical properties of MPs found in university classrooms. Analyzing samples under a stereomicroscope, the predominant MPs were identified as fibers of varied colors, mainly attributed to clothing. Sizes of these MPs varied significantly across different classrooms, with a general average size range of 120–2222 µm. The observed morphological changes in MPs, including cracks and grooves, hint at potential degradation into nanosized plastics over time. This observation raises concerns about increased concentrations of nanoplastics in indoor environments. Using µRaman analysis, eleven types of MPs were identified, potentially originating from clothing, shoes, and stationery. The majority of MPs were polyamide 6, polypropylene, and polyamide 12. The scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) technique unveiled the elemental composition of the MPs, with carbon, fluorine, and oxygen being dominant. The findings align with past studies but highlight the need to understand MPs' structural components and any possible contaminants. Compared to existing literature, this study adopts a comprehensive methodological approach combining optical microscopy, µRaman, and SEM–EDX, enriching the knowledge on indoor MP deposition and aiding future research directions.
Geochemical signature and prediction of mechanical characteristics of bituminous sand
Authors: Okewale Ismail Adeniyi , Grobler Hendrik
Published: March 2024

The worldwide interest in bituminous materials can be linked to being a strategic minerals of significant economic value and numerous engineering, industrial and infrastructural applications. Hence, detailed characterization in terms of geochemical, geological and geotechnical properties is very crucial. In this work, bituminous sands were characterized using geochemical signatures and attempts were made to determine the usefulness of chemical, physical and mineralogical indices for predicting the mechanical parameters needed by engineering practitioners using bituminous sand. This is very important particularly at the beginning of the project where data availability may pose a problem. This was achieved by conducting several laboratory tests and statistical analyses on bituminous sands obtained from different locations and depths. The bituminous sand is heterogeneous and the STI, Lc, SA, Kr and WIP are the geochemical signatures that could be used for characterization of the samples. The chemical indices (STI, Lc, SOC, SA, S/SAF, Kr and WIP) are the best for predicting the yield stress and compressibility. The fines content (Fc) can successfully predict the compressibility, yield stress and uniaxial compressive strength. Depending on the parameter needed, the relationships could be used by practicing engineers working on these materials.
Elimination of Decapod iridovirus 1 (DIV1) infection at high water temperature: a new environmental control strategy
Authors: Wang Yue , Dai Linxin , Liang Zuluan , Hu Naijie , Hou Danqing , Zhou Yinhuan , Sun Chengbo
Published: March 2024

Decapod iridovirus 1 (DIV1) poses a major challenge to sustainable shrimp farming and poses a serious hazard to aquaculture industry. This study investigated the complex interaction between DIV1 infection and water temperature, focusing on the effect of high temperature on DIV1 infection due to Penaeus monodon. Using models of latent and acute infection, the study revealed the response of P. monodon to DIV1 under different conditions. In the experimental set-up, the effect of high water temperature (34 ± 1 °C) compared with room temperature (26 ± 1 °C) was investigated. DIV1 replication was significantly inhibited in the high-temperature group (H), resulting in complete viral elimination within 15 days. DIV1 did not resurface even after return to room temperature (26 ± 1 °C), indicating sustained antiviral effects. Compared with the room temperature (26 ± 1 °C) group (N), the H group showed a 100% reduction in the incidence of latent and acute infection. Exposure to high water temperature directly impaired the viability of DIV1, enhancing the immune system of P. monodon, and expediting metabolic processes for efficient DIV1 clearance. The study highlights the significant inhibitory effects of high water temperature (34 ± 1 °C) on DIV1 infection in P. monodon, resulting in viral eradication. This discovery offers a potential strategy for mitigating DIV1 infections in shrimp aquaculture, prompting further investigation into underlying mechanisms. Optimising parameters and protocols for high-temperature treatment is crucial for viral control. Exploring the broader implications of the findings on other viral infections in crustacean aquaculture could provide valuable insights for comprehensive disease prevention and control.
Leveraging national security: private equity and bankruptcy in the United States defense industry
Authors: Mahoney Charles W. , Tkach Benjamin K. , Rethmeyer Craig J.
Published: March 2024

Defense contractors play an essential role in US security operations. Among other responsibilities, contractors manufacture arms, manage logistics, analyze intelligence, and carry out cybersecurity operations. Historically, defense contractors were either publicly traded corporations or privately owned companies. The past two decades, however, have seen a major shift in the ownership structure of the US defense industry. Private equity firms—once niche actors in the US national security marketplace—have carried out over 1,500 deals involving defense contractors since 2000. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to assess the effects of private equity investment on the financial stability of the US defense industry. Using data on over 8,000 defense contractors, the inquiry finds that contractors with private equity backing experience bankruptcy at higher rates than contractors with no prior private equity investment. In addition, the study evaluates private equity activity in the military satellite services market—a field of growing importance in the strategically important domain of outer space. The inquiry’s findings have notable international security implications. Given the US’ role as a lynchpin in numerous alliances around the world, higher rates of bankruptcy among defense contractors have the potential to affect the security of the United States and its allies.
The Paradox of Algorithms and Blame on Public Decision-makers
Authors: Ozer Adam L. , Waggoner Philip D. , Kennedy Ryan
Published: March 2024

Public decision-makers incorporate algorithm decision aids, often developed by private businesses, into the policy process, in part, as a method for justifying difficult decisions. Ethicists have worried that over-trust in algorithm advice and concerns about punishment if departing from an algorithm’s recommendation will result in over-reliance and harm democratic accountability. We test these concerns in a set of two pre-registered survey experiments in the judicial context conducted on three representative U.S. samples. The results show no support for the hypothesized blame dynamics, regardless of whether the judge agrees or disagrees with the algorithm. Algorithms, moreover, do not have a significant impact relative to other sources of advice. Respondents who are generally more trusting of elites assign greater blame to the decision-maker when they disagree with the algorithm, and they assign more blame when they think the decision-maker is abdicating their responsibility by agreeing with an algorithm.
Use of whole genomic sequencing to detect New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase (NDM)-producing Escherichia coli outbreak associated with endoscopic procedures
Authors: Suleyman Geehan , Shallal Anita , Ruby Abigail , Chami Eman , Gubler Jenny , McNamara Sara , Miles-Jay Arianna , Tibbetts Robert , Alangaden George
Published: March 2024

Background:

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as an alternative genotyping tool for outbreak investigations in the healthcare setting. We describe the investigation and control of a New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase (NDM)-producing Escherichia coli cluster in Southeast Michigan.

Methods:

Michigan Bureau of Laboratories identified several closely related NDM-producing E. coli isolates with WGS. An epidemiologic investigation, including case-control study, assessment of infection control practices, and endoscope culturing, was performed to identify source of transmission. Targeted screening of potentially exposed patients was performed following identification of probable source.

Results:

Between July 2021 and February 2023, nine patients were identified. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolates were closely related with less than 26 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences between isolates, suggesting an epidemiological link. Eight (89%) patients had a duodenoscope and/or gastroscope exposure. Cases were compared with 23 controls. Cases had significantly higher odds of exposure to duodenoscopes (odds ratio 15.0; 95% CI, 1.8–142.2; P = .015). The mean incubation period, estimated as date of procedure to positive index culture, was 86 days (range, 1–320 days). No lapses in endoscope reprocessing were identified; NDM-producing E. coli was not recovered from reprocessed endoscopes or during targeted screening. No additional cases were identified after removal of implicated gastroscopes and replacement of duodenoscope with disposable end caps.

Conclusions:

In this investigation, WGS was utilized to identify transmission of an NDM-producing E. coli outbreak associated with endoscope exposure. Coupled with epidemiologic data, WGS can facilitate outbreak investigations by rapidly identifying linked cases and potential sources to prevent further transmission.
Any slice is predictive? On the consistency of impressions from the beginning, middle, and end of assessment center exercises and their relation to performance
Authors: Ingold Pia V. , Heimann Anna Luca , Breil Simon M.
Published: March 2024

This study generates new insights on the role of initial impressions in assessment centers. Drawing from the “thin slices” of behavior paradigm in personality and social psychology, we investigate to what extent initial impressions of assessees—based on different slices of assessment center exercises (i.e., two minutes at the beginning, middle, and end of AC exercises)—are consistent across and within AC exercises, and are relevant for predicting assessment center performance and job performance. Employed individuals (N = 223) participated in three interactive assessment center exercises, while being observed and evaluated by trained assessors. Based upon video-recordings of all assessment center exercises, a different, untrained group of raters subsequently provided ratings of their general initial impressions of assessees for the beginning, middle, and end of each exercise. As criterion measure, supervisors rated assessees’ job performance. Results show that initial impressions in assessment centers are (a) relatively stable, (b) consistently predict assessment center performance across different slices of behavior (i.e., across the three time points and exercises), and (c) mostly relate to job performance.
Swing and reverse swing of a cricket ball: laminar separation bubble, secondary vortex and wing-tip-like vortices
Authors: Parekh Aman , Chaplot Daksh , Mittal Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Large eddy simulation of flow past a cricket ball with its seam at

$30^\circ$

to the free stream is carried out for

$5 \times 10^4 \le Re \le 4.5 \times 10^5$

. Three regimes of flow are identified on the basis of the time-averaged swing force coefficient (

$\bar {C}_Z$

) – no swing (NS), conventional swing (CS,

$\bar {C}_Z>0$

) and reverse swing (RS,

$\bar {C}_Z<0$

). The effect of seam on the boundary layer is investigated. Contrary to the popular belief, the boundary layer does not transition to a turbulent state in the initial stages of CS. The seam energizes the laminar boundary layer and delays its separation. The delay is significantly larger in a region near the poles, whose extent increases with an increase in

$Re$

causing

$\bar {C}_Z$

to increase. Here

$\bar {C}_Z$

assumes a near constant value in the later stage of CS. The boundary layer transitions to a turbulent state via formation of a laminar separation bubble (LSB) in the equatorial region and directly, without a LSB, in the polar region. The extent of the LSB shrinks while the region of direct transition near the poles increases with an increase in

$Re$

. A LSB forms on the non-seam side of the ball in the RS regime. A secondary vortex is observed in the wake bubble. While it exists on the non-seam side for the entire range of

$Re$

considered, the mixing in the flow introduced by the seam causes it to disappear beyond a certain

$Re$

on the seam side. The pressure difference between the seam and non-seam sides sets up wing-tip-like vortices. Their polarity reverses with the switch from the CS to RS regime.
Breaking bubbles across multiple time scales in turbulence
Authors: Qi Yinghe , Xu Xu , Tan Shiyong , Zhong Shijie , Wu Qianwen , Ni Rui
Published: March 2024

The familiar process of bubbles generated via breaking waves in the ocean is foundational to many natural and industrial applications. In this process, large pockets of entrained gas are successively fragmented by the ambient turbulence into smaller and smaller bubbles. The key question is how long it takes for the bubbles to reach terminal sizes for a given system. Despite decades of effort, the reported breakup time from multiple experiments differs significantly. Here, to reconcile those results, rather than focusing on one scale, we measure multiple time scales associated with the process through a unique experiment that resolves bubbles’ local deformation and curvature. The results emphasize that the scale separation among various time scales is controlled by the Weber number, similar to how the Reynolds number determines the scale separation in single-phase turbulence, but shows a distinct transition at a critical Weber number.
Self-tuning model predictive control for wake flows
Authors: Marra Luigi , Meilán-Vila Andrea , Discetti Stefano
Published: March 2024

This study presents a noise-robust closed-loop control strategy for wake flows employing model predictive control. The proposed control framework involves the autonomous offline selection of hyperparameters, eliminating the need for user interaction. To this purpose, Bayesian optimization maximizes the control performance, adapting to external disturbances, plant model inaccuracies and actuation constraints. The noise robustness of the control is achieved through sensor data smoothing based on local polynomial regression. The plant model can be identified through either theoretical formulation or using existing data-driven techniques. In this work we leverage the latter approach, which requires minimal user intervention. The self-tuned control strategy is applied to the control of the wake of the fluidic pinball, with the plant model based solely on aerodynamic force measurements. The closed-loop actuation results in two distinct control mechanisms: boat tailing for drag reduction and stagnation point control for lift stabilization. The control strategy proves to be highly effective even in realistic noise scenarios, despite relying on a plant model based on a reduced number of sensors.
Models and integral differentials of hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Muselli Simone
Published: March 2024

Let
$C\; : \;y^2=f(x)$
be a hyperelliptic curve of genus
$g\geq 1$
, defined over a complete discretely valued field
$K$
, with ring of integers
$O_K$
. Under certain conditions on
$C$
, mild when residue characteristic is not
$2$
, we explicitly construct the minimal regular model with normal crossings
$\mathcal{C}/O_K$
of
$C$
. In the same setting we determine a basis of integral differentials of
$C$
, that is an
$O_K$
-basis for the global sections of the relative dualising sheaf
$\omega _{\mathcal{C}/O_K}$
.
Reduced dorsal fronto-striatal connectivity at rest in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Muratore Alexandra F. , Foerde Karin , Lloyd E. Caitlin , Touzeau Caroline , Uniacke Blair , Aw Natalie , Semanek David , Wang Yun , Walsh B. Timothy , Attia Evelyn , Posner Jonathan , Steinglass Joanna E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric illness that remains difficult to treat. Elucidating the neural mechanisms of AN is necessary to identify novel treatment targets and improve outcomes. A growing body of literature points to a role for dorsal fronto-striatal circuitry in the pathophysiology of AN, with increasing evidence of abnormal task-based fMRI activation within this network among patients with AN. Whether these abnormalities are present at rest and reflect fundamental differences in brain organization is unclear.

Methods

The current study combined resting-state fMRI data from patients with AN (n = 89) and healthy controls (HC; n = 92) across four studies, removing site effects using ComBat harmonization. First, the a priori hypothesis that dorsal fronto-striatal connectivity strength – specifically between the anterior caudate and dlPFC – differed between patients and HC was tested using seed-based functional connectivity analysis with small-volume correction. To assess specificity of effects, exploratory analyses examined anterior caudate whole-brain connectivity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and node centrality.

Results

Compared to HC, patients showed significantly reduced right, but not left, anterior caudate-dlPFC connectivity (p = 0.002) in small-volume corrected analyses. Whole-brain analyses also identified reduced connectivity between the right anterior caudate and left superior frontal and middle frontal gyri (p = 0.028) and increased connectivity between the right anterior caudate and right occipital cortex (p = 0.038). No group differences were found in analyses of anterior caudate ALFF and node centrality.

Conclusions

Decreased coupling of dorsal fronto-striatal regions indicates that circuit-based abnormalities persist at rest and suggests this network may be a potential treatment target.
Precision psychiatry: predicting predictability
Authors: van Dellen Edwin
Published: March 2024

Precision psychiatry is an emerging field that aims to provide individualized approaches to mental health care. An important strategy to achieve this precision is to reduce uncertainty about prognosis and treatment response. Multivariate analysis and machine learning are used to create outcome prediction models based on clinical data such as demographics, symptom assessments, genetic information, and brain imaging. While much emphasis has been placed on technical innovation, the complex and varied nature of mental health presents significant challenges to the successful implementation of these models. From this perspective, I review ten challenges in the field of precision psychiatry, including the need for studies on real-world populations and realistic clinical outcome definitions, and consideration of treatment-related factors such as placebo effects and non-adherence to prescriptions. Fairness, prospective validation in comparison to current practice and implementation studies of prediction models are other key issues that are currently understudied. A shift is proposed from retrospective studies based on linear and static concepts of disease towards prospective research that considers the importance of contextual factors and the dynamic and complex nature of mental health.
Divine psychology and cosmic fine-tuning
Authors: Donahue Miles K.
Published: March 2024

After briefly outlining the fine-tuning argument (FTA), I explain how it relies crucially on the claim that it is not improbable that God would design a fine-tuned universe. Against this premise stands the divine psychology objection: the contention that the probability that God would design a fine-tuned universe is inscrutable. I explore three strategies for meeting this objection: (i) denying that the FTA requires any claims about divine psychology in the first place, (ii) defining the motivation and intention to design a fine-tuned universe into the theistic hypothesis, and (iii) providing arguments that the relevant probability is not terribly low. While I reject the first two, I conclude, in line with the third, that considerations about life's objective value establish that it is not absurdly improbable that God would design a fine-tuned universe, whether one regards the FTA as an inference merely to a cosmic designer, or to theism proper. Accordingly, the divine psychology objection fails.
An Endless Capacity for Dissembling: Representing Teenage Girls on the American Stage from The Children's Hour through If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be a Muhfucka
Authors: Rowen Bess
Published: March 2024

One day in 2018, I arrived at Playwrights Horizons in New York City excited to see a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino called This Flat Earth. I did not know much about the story aside from the fact that it had teenage actors playing teenager characters, but I quickly realized that it was about two teens trying to make sense of a recent mass shooting event as their school. The most striking part of this experience was watching Ella Kennedy Davis playing a thirteen-year-old white girl named Julie who takes out her anger, grief, and confusion about this senseless violence on those around her. Davis spent much of the play on the emotional limits of anguish, screaming, crying, and shaking to the point where she continued to do so throughout the curtain call. Both my discomfort with the actor's obvious distress, and my genuine dislike for the whiny, sad, one-dimensional role—whose main characteristic is her ignorance of previous school shootings—were enough to distract me from the play itself. But what created this distancing effect? I first thought of Bert O. States's phenomenological observation that children onstage often break our illusion of the theatrical world, but I noted that my phenomenological response was distinctly different from what I feel when I see children acting onstage. Instead of wondering if the actor understood the play she was in, I instead feared she understood all too well.
Queer Performance and Radical Possibilities: Bill Butler and the Post-Stonewall Roller Disco
Authors: Sturges Melissa Lin
Published: March 2024

The preface of Bill Butler and Elin Schoen's 1979 skating instruction manual, Jammin’, teems with encouragement, but offers one slight warning. Welcoming his first-time skaters, Butler tells the reader, “chances are, once you've roller-discoed, you won't want to stop. You'll want to stay on wheels. And there's no reason why you shouldn't, even if you're not in a rink.” With the tagline “[everything you need to know to get up and boogie down!],” Jammin’ begins with “skating the rail”—a necessary means for first-timers to establish balance, appreciate the tempo of the rink, and learn to control the skates beneath them. Butler then goes on to describe couples skating, group skating, and dancing in place, each of which articulates a relationship to tempo and “the beat,” to the other individuals in the rink, and the contradictions of the rink itself. Jammin’ therefore proposes a practice of emphatic improvisation that is decidedly nonlinear and centers an expressive practice. Jammin’ also cites the logistics and pleasures associated with skating as a community. These logistics and pleasures include everything from “dealing with other people” to “how to become a disco dazzler in one minute flat.” Butler tells us the secret of both is, simply put, to relax.
L2 learning outcomes of a research-based digital app for Japanese children
Authors: Bang Hee Jin , Setoguchi Eric , Mackey Alison , Fujii Akiko
Published: March 2024

Digital educational game-based apps can be effective in helping young children develop language skills, particularly when paired with formal instruction. However, we need to know more about how educational games benefit learning in the absence of formal instruction, given children’s proficiency with and willingness to use mobile devices anytime, anywhere. This study uses a randomized controlled trial design to investigate the impact of a digital app—ABCmouse English—on L2 learning of seven- and eight-year-old Japanese children over a 16-week period. Pre- and post-assessments of the children’s English proficiency, together with an analysis of when and how they played with the app, were used to shed light on the relationship between the children’s in-app game choices and their language learning outcomes. Surveys and interviews with parents provide qualitative insights and information about the experiences of children and their families while using the app and its impact on their development as language learners.
The Causal Effects of a Trump Endorsement on Voter Preferences in a General Election Scenario
Authors: Blatte Scott , Piccoli Danielle , Zachem Matthew
Published: March 2024

Former President Trump’s persistent influence over Republican politics divides those who argue that he mobilizes otherwise apathetic voters against those contending he mobilizes Democrats at down-ballot Republicans’ expense. Scholars and pundits alike question whether policy still matters in the face of increasingly strong personas like the former president’s. Using a survey experiment, we find suggestive evidence that Trump’s endorsement in a general election reduces the likelihood of voting for a hypothetical Republican candidate. We also test the effect of policy stances and find evidence that Republican respondents value policy stances over an endorsement, but Democrats show no signs of prioritizing one more than the other. However, when shown a hypothetical candidate with unorthodox policy stances, the mere mention of a Trump endorsement leads members of both parties to demonstrate significant changes in the likelihood of voting for that candidate. Ultimately, we show that elite signals can attenuate support derived from policies.
Change my mind
Authors: Merkle Belinda , Bürkle Hanna , Janke Stefan , Karst Karina
Published: March 2024

Abstract: High dropout rates at universities, often caused by false expectations and a lack of motivation, pose a serious problem in higher education. Online self-assessments (OSAs) assess expectations regarding a field of study (major) and provide feedback on the reality of the major, thus pointing out expectation-reality discrepancies as well as helping prospective students choose a major. Based on cognitive dissonance theory, pointing out expectation-reality discrepancies should be related to changes in motivation for the major (expectancies for success, subjective values, intention to choose a major) and this relationship should be strengthened by feedback. Past research has shown that OSAs can correct expectations and that expectation-reality discrepancies are related to motivation but has not investigated the role of feedback for this process. Therefore, we extend past research by examining whether the positive relationships between expectation-reality discrepancies and changes in motivation for a major are stronger for prospective students who receive feedback on their expectation-reality discrepancies than for prospective students who do not receive feedback after the assessment. We conducted a field experiment in which 234 prospective students were randomly assigned to one of two groups (EG1 = OSA including feedback; EG2 = OSA without feedback). As hypothesized larger expectation-reality discrepancies were associated with larger changes in motivation for a major (expectancies for success, subjective values, intention to choose a major). Beyond that, we found a moderation effect of the feedback condition showing that the positive relationships between expectation-reality discrepancies and expectancies for success were stronger when prospective students received feedback (vs. no feedback). As feedback only showed effects beyond expectation-reality discrepancies in one of the considered outcomes, both the development of assessment and feedback should be targeted to optimize the effectiveness of OSAs.
A Unified Phenomenological Model Captures Water Equilibrium and Kinetic Processes in Soil
Authors: Zhang Yong , van Genuchten Martinus Th. , Zhou Dongbao , Zhang Golden J. , Sun HongGuang
Published: March 2024

Soil water sustains life on Earth, and how to quantify water equilibrium and kinetics in soil remains a challenge for over a century despite significant efforts. For example, various models were proposed to interpret non‐Darcian flow in saturated soils, but none of them can capture the full range of non‐Darcian flow. To unify the different models into one overall framework and improve them if needed, this technical note proposes a theory based on the tempered stable density (TSD) assumption for the soil‐hydraulic property distribution, recognizing that the underlying hydrologic processes all occur in the same, albeit very complex and not measurable at all the relevant scales, soil‐water system. The TSD assumption forms a unified fractional‐derivative equation (FDE) using subordination. Preliminary applications show that simplified FDEs, with proposed hydrological interpretations and TSD distributed properties, effectively capture core equilibrium and kinetic water processes, spanning non‐Darcian flow, water retention, moisture movement, infiltration, and wetting/drying, in the soil‐water system with various degrees and scales of system heterogeneity. Model comparisons and evaluations suggest that the TSD may serve as a unified density for the properties of a broad range of soil‐water systems, driving multi‐rate mass, momentum, and energy equilibrium/kinetic processes often oversimplified by classical models as single‐rate processes.
Unveiling the relationship between WWOX and BRCA1 in mammary tumorigenicity and in DNA repair pathway selection
Authors: Bidany-Mizrahi Tirza , Shweiki Aya , Maroun Kian , Abu-Tair Lina , Mali Bella , Aqeilan Rami I.
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, with the basal-like or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype being particularly aggressive and challenging to treat. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of TNBC is essential. We previously showed that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is commonly inactivated in TNBC and is implicated in the DNA damage response (DDR) through ATM and ATR activation. In this study, we investigated the interplay between WWOX and BRCA1, both frequently inactivated in TNBC, on mammary tumor development and on DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair choice. We generated and characterized a transgenic mouse model (K14-Cre;Brca1fl/fl;Wwoxfl/fl) and observed that mice lacking both WWOX and BRCA1 developed basal-like mammary tumors and exhibited a decrease in 53BP1 foci and an increase in RAD51 foci, suggesting impaired DSB repair. We examined human TNBC cell lines harboring wild-type and mutant BRCA1 and found that WWOX expression promoted NHEJ repair in cells with wild-type BRCA1. Our findings suggest that WWOX and BRCA1 play an important role in DSB repair pathway choice in mammary epithelial cells, underscoring their functional interaction and significance in breast carcinogenesis.