bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the Physical Properties of the Chalcogenide XZrS3 (X = Ca, Ba) Perovskites: A First-Principles Computation
Authors: Rahman Md. Zillur , Hasan Sayed Sahriar , Hasan Md. Zahid , Rasheduzzaman Md. , Rahman Md. Atikur , Ali Md. Mozahar , Hossain Aslam , Khokan Rashel Mohammad , Hossain Md. Mukter , Mukhtar Nurhakimah Mohd , Islam Md. Ariful
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the structural, mechanical, optical, thermal, and electronic properties of the ionic semiconducting materials XZrS3 (X = Ca, Ba) within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Here, the elastic constants, modulus (bulk, shear, Young's), ratios (Pugh, Poisson) and elastic anisotropy for XZrS3 (X = Ca, Ba) are studied. Furthermore, the electronic, optical, and thermal properties for XZrS3 (X = Ca, Ba) are regenerated and designed using the values obtained with Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) software. The calculated lattice parameters show excellent agreement with theoretical and experimental values. The elastic stiffness constants confirm the mechanical stability of both compounds. Although XZrS3 (X = Ca, Ba) is elastically anisotropic, it has little optical anisotropy. The electronic band structures of the material exhibit direct-bandgap semiconducting behavior, with values of 1.3 eV (CaZrS3) and 1.1 eV (BaZrS3) using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), respectively, which is ideal for solar cell (0.9–1.56 eV) and optoelectronic device applications. Bandgap values of 1.9 eV and 1.6 eV are found for CaZrS3 and BaZrS3, respectively, using the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof HSE06 functional, which is consistent with previous theoretical and experimental bandgap results. The optical properties including dielectric function, refractive index, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and loss function are characterized using the GGA of Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE) and HSE06 methods and are discussed in detail. Because of the relatively low Debye temperature (D), thermal conductivity of the lattice (kph), and minimum thermal conductivity (Kmin), the studied materials can be used as thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials. The capacity of heat, Debye temperature, and thermal coefficient of expansion are all computed.
The impact of resident training on robotic operative times: is there a July Effect?
Authors: Kanji Falisha F. , Choi Eunice , Dallas Kai B. , Avenido Raymund , Jamnagerwalla Juzar , Pannell Stephanie , Eilber Karyn , Catchpole Ken , Cohen Tara N. , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: May 2024

It is unknown whether the July Effect (a theory that medical errors and organizational inefficiencies increase during the influx of new surgical residents) exists in urologic robotic-assisted surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of urology resident training on robotic operative times at the beginning of the academic year. A retrospective chart review was conducted for urologic robotic surgeries performed at a single institution between 2008 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate mix model analyses were performed to determine the association between operative time and patient age, estimated blood loss, case complexity, robotic surgical system (Si or Xi), and time of the academic year. Differences in surgery time and non-surgery time were assessed with/without resident presence. Operative time intervals were included in the analysis. Resident presence correlated with increased surgery time (38.6 min (p < 0.001)) and decreased non-surgery time (4.6 min (p < 0.001)). Surgery time involving residents decreased by 8.7 min after 4 months into the academic year (July–October), and by an additional 5.1 min after the next 4 months (p = 0.027, < 0.001). When compared across case types stratified by complexity, surgery time for cases with residents significantly varied. Cases without residents did not demonstrate such variability. Resident presence was associated with prolonged surgery time, with the largest effect occurring in the first 4 months and shortening later in the year. However, resident presence was associated with significantly reduced non-surgery time. These results help to understand how new trainees impact operating room times.
Global nilpotent reversible centers with cubic nonlinearities symmetric with respect to the y-axis
Authors: Corbera Montserrat , Valls Claudia
Published: May 2024

We classify when the polynomial differential systems of the form $$\dot{x} = y+ P_3(x,y)$$

x
˙

=
y
+

P
3

(
x
,
y
)

, $$\dot{y} =Q_3(x,y)$$

y
˙

=

Q
3

(
x
,
y
)

, that are invariant under the change $$(x,y,t)\mapsto (-x,y,-t)$$

(
x
,
y
,
t
)
↦
(
-
x
,
y
,
-
t
)

(here $$P_3$$

P
3

and $$Q_3$$

Q
3

are general polynomials of degree three) have global centers.
Creep Effect on Time to Corrosion-Induced Cracking of Concrete Cover
Authors: Baji Hassan , Yang Wei , Li Chun-Qing
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an innovative method to include creep deformations in the prediction of time to corrosion-induced cover cracking. Using experimental results, creep and cracking criteria used in this method are verified. It is argued in the paper that the cover cracking problem under corrosion is close to a relaxation problem and the conventional creep formulations based on the effective elastic modulus cannot be adopted. It is found in the paper that accurate consideration of creep deformation would lead to about 30–40% longer time to cover cracking when compared to no consideration of creep deformations whilst for the currently practiced methods, the time can be up to 200% longer, which is unconservative in predicting time to cover cracking. Results in this paper open the debate on modelling of creep in the analysis of corrosion-affected structures and serve as an important step towards the accurate prediction of corrosion-induced concrete cracking.
When We Are Happy, We Are the Same—Emotions as a Boundary Condition for the Impact of Cultural Differences on Strategic Decisions
Authors: Florian Sophie , Meissner Philip , Wulf Torsten , Xu Xian , Yang Philip
Published: May 2024

Strategic decision-making research has mainly relied on the values-based approach to culture. However, the dynamic constructivist approach to culture has shown that cultural tendencies may also be altered by contingency factors in the decision-making process itself. We theorize based on the appraisal tendency framework as well as the concept of cultural affordances that emotions, such as happiness, can alter the cultural dispositions of managers from Western and East Asian contexts. To test our hypotheses, we conduct a lab-in-the-field experiment with 187 executives from China and Germany, and measure emotions based on participants’ psychophysiological skin conductance responses. Our results show that happiness moderates and can even reverse initial cultural dispositions in executives’ strategic decision-making behavior. These findings suggest that emotions may be important contingency factors that can alter the initial cultural dispositions of decision makers in the strategy process.
Artificial intelligence and robotic surgical education
Authors: Brian Riley , Murillo Alyssa , Gomes Camilla , Alseidi Adnan
Published: May 2024

There are numerous barriers in robotic surgical training, including reliance on observational learning, low-quality feedback, and inconsistent assessment. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential solutions to these central problems in robotic surgical education and may allow for more efficient and efficacious training. Three key areas in which AI has particular relevance to robotic surgical education are video labeling, feedback, and assessment. Video labeling refers to the automated designation of prespecified categories to operative videos. Numerous prior studies have applied AI for video labeling, particularly for retrospective educational review after an operation. Video labeling allows learners and their instructors to rapidly identify critical parts of an operative video. We recommend incorporating AI-based video labeling into robotic surgical education where available. AI also offers a mechanism by which reliable feedback can be provided in robotic surgery. Feedback through AI harnesses automated performance metrics (APMs) and natural language processing (NLP) to provide actionable and descriptive plans to learners while reducing faculty assessment burden. We recommend combining supervised AI-generated, APM-based feedback with expert-based feedback to allow surgeons and trainees to reflect on metrics like bimanual dexterity and efficiency. Finally, summative assessment by AI could allow for automated appraisal of surgeons or surgical trainees. However, AI-based assessment remains limited by concerns around bias and opaque processes. Several studies have applied computer vision to compare AI-based assessment with expert-completed rating scales, though such work remains investigational. At this time, we recommend against the use of AI for summative assessment pending additional validity evidence. Overall, AI offers solutions and promising future directions by which to address multiple educational challenges in robotic surgery. Through advances in video labeling, feedback, and assessment, AI has demonstrated ways by which to increase the efficiency and efficacy of robotic surgical education.
Further examination of the dual-factor model: characteristics of emerging adults with non-traditional mental health profiles
Authors: Antaramian Susan
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, the mental health field has focused on psychological symptoms and distress, and health is considered the absence of illness. An alternative view suggests that optimal mental health must include the presence of positive characteristics in addition to the absence of illness. Accordingly, a dual-factor model of mental health includes measures of both psychopathology and positive subjective well-being to determine an individual’s mental health status. The current study investigated this dual-factor model by examining whether subjective well-being and psychopathology combine to produce distinct mental health profiles in emerging adults. A sample of 559 university students completed self-report surveys indicating their life satisfaction and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Cluster analysis yielded four unique mental health groups. The well-adjusted cluster included individuals with high life satisfaction and low internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The dissatisfied cluster consisted of individuals with low externalizing, but also low life satisfaction and slightly above-average levels of internalizing. The externalizing cluster had high life satisfaction but also high externalizing psychopathology, and the troubled cluster exhibited low life satisfaction and high levels of both psychopathology symptoms. The clusters also differed in their personality traits, coping responses, and automatic thoughts, with the most favorable pattern across all three dimensions exhibited by the well-adjusted cluster. These findings highlight the importance of considering positive indicators of mental health in addition to measures of psychopathology and support the use of an empirical classification procedure in determining the mental health status of emerging adults.
Evaluating the impact of Zanjan city’s economic drivers on the quality of life in peri-urban villages: a case study of Do Asb and Payin Kouh villages
Authors: Shamaei Ali , Jafarpour Ghalehteimouri Kamran
Published: May 2024

The interplay between urban centers and peri-urban villages plays a pivotal role in rural development, particularly in the economic dimension. Analyzing these relationships and their influence on the progress and prosperity of peri-urban villages, coupled with capacity building, empowerment, and the integration of urban-rural management, is essential to reduce disparities and promote spatial justice, aligning with the sustainable development of rural areas. This study aims to assess the effects of Zanjan city's economic drivers on the livability quality of Do Asb and Payin Kouh, two peri-urban villages situated in Zanjan city. Employing a descriptive-analytical and practical approach, the study's statistical population comprises the aforementioned villages in Zanjan city. A sample of 219 households was selected from among the sample population based on Cochran's formula. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork, including the use of questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate regression) were employed for data analysis, along with descriptive statistics (averages) and geographic information systems to analyze land use changes. The research findings unveiled a robust correlation (0.87) between the quality of life in peri-urban villages and the economic drivers of Zanjan city. This indicates a significant and positive relationship between Zanjan city's economic drivers (independent variable) and the quality of life in peri-urban villages (dependent variable). Among the examined variables, communication flow for purchases, with a coefficient of 0.28, contributed most to the variance analysis of the quality of life in peri-urban villages. In contrast, the investment flow of urban residents in village economic activities and the flow of money exchange had relatively lower coefficients of 0.13 and 0.14, respectively. Thus, the research underscores the considerable impact of Zanjan's economic drivers on enhancing the quality of life in peri-urban villages and highlights the pivotal role of rural-urban links in fostering sustainable rural development.
Minimal subdynamics and minimal flows without characteristic measures
Authors: Frisch Joshua , Seward Brandon , Zucker Andy
Published: May 2024

Given a countable group G and a G-flow X, a probability measure

$\mu $

on X is called characteristic if it is

$\mathrm {Aut}(X, G)$

-invariant. Frisch and Tamuz asked about the existence of a minimal G-flow, for any group G, which does not admit a characteristic measure. We construct for every countable group G such a minimal flow. Along the way, we are motivated to consider a family of questions we refer to as minimal subdynamics: Given a countable group G and a collection of infinite subgroups

$\{\Delta _i: i\in I\}$

, when is there a faithful G-flow for which every

$\Delta _i$

acts minimally?
Asymptotic predictions on the velocity gradient statistics in low-Reynolds-number random flows: onset of skewness, intermittency and alignments
Authors: Carbone Maurizio , Wilczek Michael
Published: May 2024

Stirring a fluid through a Gaussian forcing at a vanishingly small Reynolds number produces a Gaussian random field, while flows at higher Reynolds numbers exhibit non-Gaussianity, cascades, anomalous scaling and preferential alignments. Recent works (Yakhot & Donzis, Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 119, 2017, 044501; Khurshid et al., Phys. Rev. E, vol. 107, 2023, 045102) investigated the onset of these turbulent hallmarks in low-Reynolds-number flows by focusing on the scaling of the velocity gradients and velocity increments. They showed that the onset of power-law scalings in the velocity gradient statistics occurs at low Reynolds numbers, with the scaling exponents being surprisingly similar to those in the inertial range of fully developed turbulence. In this work we address the onset of turbulent signatures in low-Reynolds-number flows from the viewpoint of the velocity gradient dynamics, giving insights into its rich statistical geometry. We combine a perturbation theory of the full Navier–Stokes equations with velocity gradient modelling. This procedure results in a stochastic model for the velocity gradient in which the model coefficients follow directly from the Navier–Stokes equations and statistical homogeneity constraints. The Fokker–Planck equation associated with our stochastic model admits an analytic solution that shows the onset of turbulent hallmarks at low Reynolds numbers: skewness, intermittency and preferential alignments arise in the velocity gradient statistics through a smooth transition as the Reynolds number increases. The model predictions are in excellent agreement with direct numerical simulations of low-Reynolds-number flows.
On the aeroelastic bifurcation of a flexible panel subjected to cavity pressure and inviscid oblique shock
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Ye Kun , Ye Zhengyin
Published: May 2024

The aeroelasticity of a panel in the presence of a shock is a fundamental issue of great significance in the development of hypersonic vehicles. In practical engineering, cavity pressure emerges as a crucial factor that influences the nonlinear dynamical characteristics of the panel. This study focuses on the aeroelastic bifurcation of a flexible panel subjected to both cavity pressure and oblique shock. To this end, a computational method is devised, coupling a high-fidelity reduced-order model for unsteady aerodynamic loads with nonlinear structural equations. The solution is meticulously tracked by continuous calculations. The obtained results indicate that cavity pressure plays a pivotal role in determining the bifurcation and stability characteristics of the system. First, the system exhibits hysteresis behaviour in response to the ascending and descending dynamic pressures. The evolution of hysteresis behaviour originates from the phenomenon of cusp catastrophe. Second, variations in cavity pressure induce three types of bifurcation phenomena, exhibiting characteristics akin to supercritical Hopf bifurcation, subcritical Hopf bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation of cycles. The system's response at the critical points of these bifurcations manifests as long-period asymptotic flutter or explosive flutter. Lastly, the evolution of the dynamical system among these three types of bifurcations is an important factor contributing to the discrepancies observed in certain research results. This study enhances the understanding of the nonlinear dynamical behaviour of panel aeroelasticity in complex practical environments and provides new explanations for the discrepancies observed in certain research results.
Wake structure of an array of cylinders in shallow flow
Authors: He Fei , Ghisalberti Marco , An Hongwei , Draper Scott , Branson Paul , Ren Chengjiao , Cheng Liang
Published: May 2024

Although there is a range of approaches for classifying the wake structure behind an array of obstacles, these approaches provide inconsistent results across different array systems. This motivates the present study to integrate and reconcile these approaches into one that is consistent across different systems. This new, transferable classification approach is based on the dimensionless flow blockage of the array and the wake stability parameter. To demonstrate this approach, a series of laboratory experiments was conducted to characterise the wake structure behind an array of emergent cylinders across a practically relevant parameter space that has not previously been explored. Two arrays with the same values of flow blockage and wake stability parameters but different sizes display the same wake structure, demonstrating the controlling influence of these two parameters on the wake structure. This approach classifies four different wake structures, which are distinct in that they display differences in instantaneous and time-averaged flow fields, temporal velocity oscillations, shear layer growth and the length of the steady wake region. The dependence of the wake structure on the two parameters is a consequence of (i) the controlling influence of blockage on the fraction of incident flow passing through the array and (ii) the ability of shallowness to suppress wake instabilities and, to a lesser extent, also influence the velocity through the array. This paper provides a predictive framework for the wake structure based on knowledge of the array geometry, and the depth and velocity of incident flow across the entire relevant practical parameter space.
Small-scale turbulent characteristics in transcritical wall-bounded flows
Authors: Li Fangbo , Zhang Weiwei , Bai Bofeng , Ihme Matthias
Published: May 2024

Considerable efforts have been devoted to the understanding of the small-scale characteristics in turbulent flows. While the universality of small-scale quantities has been established for incompressible flows, their extension to high-pressure transcritical flows remains an open area of research. To address this question, we investigate the real-fluid thermodynamic effects on small-scale velocity statistics of high-pressure transcritical wall-bounded turbulence. We show that in the locally isotropic region for transcritical flows, low-order moments of small-scale statistics collapse for all cases and Kolmogorov's (1941) theory holds. However, real-fluid thermodynamic effects introduce deviations in the tails of the probability density function for the velocity derivative and, consequently, high-order moments of velocity gradients and dissipation rate in transcritical flows cannot collapse in the locally isotropic region. Analysis of the intermittency shows that the low-order structure functions in transcritical flows follow extended self-similarity, while the dependence of the intermittency factor on real-fluid effects is observed for high-order structure functions. The real-fluid effects on intermittency are explained by turbulent structures related to rare events. Additionally, the dissipation rate moments for transcritical flows follow a universal scaling with Reynolds number, and the scaling exponents are different from those of incompressible flows. These results extend the small-scale universality in incompressible flows (Schumacher et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 111, 2014, pp. 10961–10965) to realistic flows with significant changes in thermodynamic properties, and provide a physical underpinning of the scaling laws of small-scale statistics at transcritical conditions.
Hydrodynamic efficiency limit on a Marangoni surfer
Authors: Daddi-Moussa-Ider Abdallah , Golestanian Ramin , Vilfan Andrej
Published: May 2024

A Marangoni surfer is an object embedded in a gas–liquid interface, propelled by gradients in surface tension. We derive an analytical theorem for the lower bound on the viscous dissipation by a Marangoni surfer in the limit of small Reynolds and capillary numbers. The minimum dissipation can be expressed with the reciprocal difference between drag coefficients of two passive bodies of the same shape as the Marangoni surfer, one in a force-free interface and the other in an interface with surface incompressibility. The distribution of surface tension that gives the optimal propulsion is given by the surface tension of the solution for the incompressible surface and the flow is a superposition of both solutions. For a surfer taking the form of a thin circular disk, the minimum dissipation is

$16\mu a V^2$

, giving a Lighthill efficiency of

$1/3$

. This places the Marangoni surfers among the hydrodynamically most efficient microswimmers.
Lagrangian statistics of concentrated emulsions
Authors: Girotto Ivan , Scagliarini Andrea , Benzi Roberto , Toschi Federico
Published: May 2024

The dynamics of stabilised concentrated emulsions presents a rich phenomenology including chaotic emulsification, non-Newtonian rheology and ageing dynamics at rest. Macroscopic rheology results from the complex droplet microdynamics and, in turn, droplet dynamics is influenced by macroscopic flows via the competing action of hydrodynamic and interfacial stresses, giving rise to a complex tangle of elastoplastic effects, diffusion, breakups and coalescence events. This tight multiscale coupling, together with the daunting challenge of experimentally investigating droplets under flow, has hindered the understanding of concentrated emulsions dynamics. We present results from three-dimensional numerical simulations of emulsions that resolve the shape and dynamics of individual droplets, along with the macroscopic flows. We investigate droplet dispersion statistics, measuring probability density functions (p.d.f.s) of droplet displacements and velocities, changing the concentration, in the stirred and ageing regimes. We provide the first measurements, in concentrated emulsions, of the relative droplet–droplet separations p.d.f. and of the droplet acceleration p.d.f., which becomes strongly non-Gaussian as the volume fraction is increased above the jamming point. Cooperative effects, arising when droplets are in contact, are argued to be responsible of the anomalous superdiffusive behaviour of the mean square displacement and of the pair separation at long times, in both the stirred and in the ageing regimes. This superdiffusive behaviour is reflected in a non-Gaussian pair separation p.d.f., whose analytical form is investigated, in the ageing regime, by means of theoretical arguments. This work paves the way to developing a connection between Lagrangian dynamics and rheology in concentrated emulsions.
Vortex bursting and associated twist dynamics on helical vortex tubes and vortex rings
Authors: Ji Lingbo , van Rees Wim M.
Published: May 2024

The interaction of opposite-signed twist waves on vortex tubes can lead to vortex bursting, a process where the core expands into a double ring-like structure with strong swirling flows. Previous works have studied vortex bursting on rectilinear vortices by axially perturbing the initial core size to generate the twist waves, and observed largely axisymmetric bursting dynamics. In this work, we numerically study bursting on vortical structures with curved centrelines, analysing the interaction between the centreline dynamics, twist wave generation and propagation, and vortex bursting. We focus on axially perturbed helical vortex tubes with small radius-to-pitch ratios up to

$0.0625$

, as well as vortex rings with a large radius-to-core size ratio

$10$

, both at a circulation-based Reynolds number

$5000$

. The results show that though the initial twist wave propagation speeds are relatively unaffected by the curvature and torsion of the centreline, the bursting process is altered significantly compared with rectilinear vortices. The self-induced rotation of the centreline of the helical tube induces a non-axisymmetric distortion of the bursting structure, which rapidly breaks up the vortex core into small-scale helical structures. A similar destabilization of the bursting structure also occurs on vortex rings. The enstrophy increase and accelerated energy decay associated with bursting are predominantly determined by the twist wave strength, rather than the curvature and torsion of the centreline. Combined, our findings imply that bursting could play an important role in transferring and dissipating energy of vortical structures in wakes, and turbulent flows in general.
The Enforcement of Political Norms
Authors: Alvarez-Benjumea Amalia , Valentim Vicente
Published: May 2024

Democracies generate norms prescribing what behaviours and preferences are deemed acceptable. But what keeps these political norms in place? We expect that they are enforced by observers who disapprove of norm-breaching behaviour and are willing to apply sanctions that make it socially costly. We test this expectation with a survey in Spain, where respondents were shown pictures of individuals with different political views. We focus on norms against radical-right preferences, one of the most established political norms. In line with our expectations, individuals disapprove of radical-right preferences more than other political preferences. This makes them more likely to socially sanction those preferences, which they do mainly in indirect ways that do not force interaction with the person breaching the norm. We provide evidence on the individual-level predictors of norm enforcement. Our findings highlight the micro-level mechanisms by which social influence affects the behaviour of democratic citizens.
Toward A (Not The) Political Philosophy Of Populism: Democracy, Moral Dualism And Minimalst Theory In Christopher Lasch
Authors: Gerson Gal
Published: May 2024

I compare Christopher Lasch's thought to specific features that research in political science attributes to contemporary populism. Lasch openly favoured a historical form of populism but is rarely considered when current forms of populism are discussed. The research literature characterizes populism as superficially tied to democracy while undermining it, as committed to the moral binary of people and elites, and as intellectually “thin” because it does not engage with the complex theories that ground other ideologies. These characters make populism incoherent and inimical to democracy. Lasch manifests all three characters while connecting them to a sustained worldview. Humans’ awareness of death is the core feature that makes them rational, ethical and equal. Attempts to dilute that awareness are inimical to the equality at democracy's basis. Experts and professionals encourage this dilution by promising remedies and progress. Democracy depends on ordinary people who resist elites and their complex phraseologies.
Long-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other respiratory infections: evidence from the Virus Watch prospective cohort in England
Authors: Beale Sarah , Yavlinsky Alexei , Fong Wing L. E. , Nguyen Vincent G. , Kovar Jana , Vos Theo , Wulf Hanson Sarah , Hayward Andrew C. , Abubakar Ibrahim , Aldridge Robert W.
Published: May 2024

This study compared the likelihood of long-term sequelae following infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants, other acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and non-infected individuals. Participants (n=5,630) were drawn from Virus Watch, a prospective community cohort investigating SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in England. Using logistic regression, we compared predicted probabilities of developing long-term symptoms (>2 months) during different variant dominance periods according to infection status (SARS-CoV-2, other ARI, or no infection), adjusting for confounding by demographic and clinical factors and vaccination status. SARS-CoV-2 infection during early variant periods up to Omicron BA.1 was associated with greater probability of long-term sequalae (adjusted predicted probability (PP) range 0.27, 95% CI = 0.22–0.33 to 0.34, 95% CI = 0.25–0.43) compared with later Omicron sub-variants (PP range 0.11, 95% CI 0.08–0.15 to 0.14, 95% CI 0.10–0.18). While differences between SARS-CoV-2 and other ARIs (PP range 0.08, 95% CI 0.04–0.11 to 0.23, 95% CI 0.18–0.28) varied by period, all post-infection estimates substantially exceeded those for non-infected participants (PP range 0.01, 95% CI 0.00, 0.02 to 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.06). Variant was an important predictor of SARS-CoV-2 post-infection sequalae, with recent Omicron sub-variants demonstrating similar probabilities to other contemporaneous ARIs. Further aetiological investigation including between-pathogen comparison is recommended.
The drying of Lake Urmia and its consequences for waterbird assemblages
Authors: Shariati Mitra , Hemami Mahmoud-Reza
Published: May 2024

The hypersaline Lake Urmia, located in Iran, has undergone a significant reduction in size and is currently facing the risk of desiccation. The decrease in water levels, coupled with elevated salinity levels, has initiated ecological degradation, leading to a substantial decline in the region’s waterbird population. This study employs breakpoint analysis to determine the year when the drought event affecting the lake commenced. Additionally, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) is utilised to elucidate the interaction between environmental parameters and the waterbird assemblages in Lake Urmia over the period 1970–2018. Our investigation identifies the year 2000 as the initiation of the water crisis in Lake Urmia, synchronously coinciding with the decline in the waterbird populations. This finding highlights a significant connection between the majority of waterbird species and the axes of CCA, intricately linked with water availability within Lake Urmia. This revelation underscores the pivotal role of fluctuations in water levels in shaping the dynamics of the lake’s waterbird assemblages. Furthermore, our observations emphasise the importance of even minor improvements in hydrological conditions of the lake, resulting in substantial positive impacts on waterbird populations.
Legal Design: New Opportunities for the Legal Information Sector?
Authors: Allbon Emily
Published: May 2024

This article by Emily Allbon introduces readers to the discipline of legal design, offering an insight into its application, its methodology, and the contexts in which it appears. There is coverage of why legal design is so pivotal for ensuring access to the law and an exploration of where it is being used: in legal practice, in academia, in public legal education and in the courts. There is also a close look at one element; that of visual contracts, and some consideration of where the legal information profession might position itself.
Interannual Variability of Marine Nitrogen Fixation in the Western Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Härri Jana , Louchard Domitille , Gruber Nicolas
Published: May 2024

N2 fixation is a central process of the marine nitrogen cycle, yet little is known about how this process varies from year‐to‐year. Here, we investigate this variability in the Western Tropical Atlantic (WTA), a region where N2 fixation is prevalent, fueled, in part, by the nutrient input from the Amazon River. We use hindcast simulations from 1983 through 2019 with the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) coupled to the Biogeochemical Elemental Cycling (BEC) model expanded to include Diatom‐Diazotroph Assemblages (DDAs). Throughout the WTA, we find a substantial level of interannual variability of N2 fixation, altering it by up to 33%, and locally by up to nearly 60%. Part of this interannual variability is driven by variations in the Amazon River discharge, which during high discharge events leads to reduced rates in the upper parts of the plume and strongly enhanced rates in the downstream part. This dipole pattern is a consequence of the riverine inputs of phosphorus and the competition with non‐diazotrophs for this limiting resource. Another part of the N2 fixation variability is driven by the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM), and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These processes alter N2 fixation primarily through the supply of the limiting nutrients phosphorus and iron by vertical mixing, while the role of top‐down control through grazing is relatively limited in our model. The high, and so far not well recognized interannual N2 fixation variability can lead to erroneous extrapolation of field measurements and inaccuracies in the marine nitrogen budget, if unaccounted for.
Low‐Frequency Earthquakes Downdip of Deep Slow Slip Beneath the North Island of New Zealand
Authors: Aden‐Antoniów F. , Frank W. B. , Chamberlain C. J. , Townend J. , Wallace L. M. , Bannister S.
Published: May 2024

We report the first catalog of low‐frequency earthquakes in the Hikurangi subduction zone, located beneath the Kaimanawa Range of the North Island at 50 km depth, downdip of regularly recurring (every 4–5 years) deep M7 slow slip events. To systematically detect low‐frequency earthquakes within the regional continuous seismic data, we utilized a matched‐filter approach with template waveforms derived from previous observations of tectonic tremor. We built our catalog of 36 low‐frequency earthquake sources, that produced almost 21,000 events over more than a decade, with two matched‐filter search iterations. In each iteration, the detections were gathered into families and their coherent waveforms processed and stacked to extract high‐quality waveforms, allowing us to pick seismic phase arrivals to locate the low‐frequency earthquakes. We highlight three characteristic features to validate that our detected events are indeed low‐frequency earthquakes: the eponymous deficit of high frequencies in their seismic waveforms, the episodic swarms of activity that define their activity through time, and their location at the plate boundary with a double‐couple source mechanism and geometry consistent with the subduction interface. Considering the observed low‐frequency earthquakes' relationship to neighboring slow slip, we observe the event swarms to occur much more frequently than the M7 slow slip events located just updip. Similar to other deep low‐frequency earthquakes in other subduction zones, we suggest that this characteristic clustering in time is driven by more frequent, smaller slow slip events that are not clearly observable at the surface.
Alerting Communities to Hyperlocalized Urban Flooding
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: May 2024

A high-accuracy, low-cost sensor network may change the way urban floods are detected and monitored.
Convergence Science in the Arctic
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: May 2024

Focusing on climate change and industrialization in Siberia’s Yamal Peninsula, researchers developed science questions that aim to reach far beyond any single discipline.
Direct observation of the atomic density fluctuation originating from the first sharp diffraction peak in SiO2 glass
Authors: Hirata Akihiko , Sato Shuya , Shiga Motoki , Onodera Yohei , Kimoto Koji , Kohara Shinji
Published: May 2024

The intermediate-range order of covalently bonded glasses has been extensively studied in terms of their diffraction peaks observed at low scattering angles; these peaks are called the first sharp diffraction peaks (FSDPs). Although the atomic density fluctuations originating from the quasilattice planes are a critical scientific target, direct experimental observations of these fluctuations are still lacking. Here, we report the direct observation of the atomic density fluctuations in silica glass by energy-filtered angstrom-beam electron diffraction. The correspondence between the local electron diffraction patterns of FSDPs and the atomic configurations constructed based on the X-ray and neutron diffraction results revealed that the local atomic density fluctuations originated from the quasi-periodic alternating arrangements of the columnar chain-like atomic configurations and interstitial tubular voids, as in crystals. We also discovered longer-range fluctuations associated with the shoulder of the FSDP on the low-Q side. The hierarchical fluctuations inherent in materials could aid in the elucidation of their properties and performance.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of an avivorous bat species (Nyctalus aviator)
Authors: Geng Yang , Liu Yingying , Zhang Yu , Gong Lixin , Han Yu , Huang Zhenglanyi , Ke Can , Wu Hui , Lin Aiqing , Feng Jiang , Jiang Tinglei
Published: May 2024

Currently, three carnivorous bat species, namely Ia io, Nyctalus lasiopterus, and Nyctalus aviator, are known to actively prey on seasonal migratory birds (hereinafter referred to as “avivorous bats”). However, the absence of reference genomes impedes a thorough comprehension of the molecular adaptations of avivorous bat species. Herein, we present the high-quality chromosome-scale reference genome of N. aviator based on PacBio subreads, DNBSEQ short-reads and Hi-C sequencing data. The genome assembly size of N. aviator is 1.77 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 102 Mb, of which 99.8% assembly was anchored into 21 pseudo-chromosomes. After masking 635.1 Mb repetitive sequences, a total of 19,412 protein-coding genes were identified, of which 99.3% were functionally annotated. The genome assembly and gene prediction reached 96.1% and 96.1% completeness of Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO), respectively. This chromosome-level reference genome of N. aviator fills a gap in the existing information on the genomes of carnivorous bats, especially avivorous ones, and will be valuable for mechanism of adaptations to dietary niche expansion in bat species.
Investigation of ionic liquid adsorption and interfacial tension reduction using different crude oils; effects of salts, ionic liquid, and pH
Authors: Khosravani Mojtaba , Akhlaghi Naser , Hosseini Seyednooroldin
Published: May 2024

The results revealed the significant effect of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, CaSO4, MgSO4, and Na2SO4 and pH values of 3.5–11 on the interfacial tension (IFT) reduction using three types of neutral, acidic, and basic crude oils, especially for acidic crude oil (crude oil II) as the pH was changed from 3.5 to 11 (due to saponification process). The findings showed the highest impact of pH on the IFT of crude oil II with a reducing trend, especially for the pH 11 when no salts exist. The results revealed that the salts except MgCl2 and CaCl2 led to a similar IFT variation trend for the case of distilled water/crude oil II. For the MgCl2 and CaCl2 solutions, a shifting point for IFT values was inevitable. Besides, the dissolution of 1-dodecyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([C12mim][Cl]) with a concentration of 100–1000 ppm eliminates the effect of pH on IFT which leads to a reducing trend for all the examined crude oils with minimum IFT of 0.08 mN/m. Finally, the [C12mim][Cl] adsorption (under pH values) for crude oils using only Na2SO4 was measured and the minimum adsorption of 0.41 mg surfactant/g Rock under the light of saponification process was obtained.
An accurate trajectory tracking method for low-speed unmanned vehicles based on model predictive control
Authors: Wang Lifen , Chen Sizhong , Ren Hongbin
Published: May 2024

Trajectory tracking on a low-speed vehicle using the model predictive control (MPC) algorithm usually assumes a simple road terrain. This assumption does not correspond to the actual road situation, leading to low tracking accuracy. Therefore, a trajectory tracking method considering road curvature based on MPC is proposed in this paper. In this method, the controller can automatically switch between MPC types. Linear model predictive control (LMPC) is selected for small road curvatures, while nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is employed for large road curvatures. In addition, the NMPC algorithm in this work considers the effect of road curvature on tracking accuracy, making it suitable for tracking time-varying curvature roads. To verify the feasibility of the algorithm, simulation comparisons with the basic MPC model were carried out at different testing roads and vehicle longitudinal speeds. The results indicate that the method significantly improves trajectory tracking accuracy, all while ensuring real-time calculations. The intelligent switching capability of control models based on road curvature allows its application to track trajectories on arbitrarily complex roads.
Development of shielding evaluation and management program for O-ring type linear accelerators
Authors: Choi Dong Hyeok , Ahn So Hyun , Kim Dong Wook , Choi Sang Hyoun , Ahn Woo Sang , Kim Jihun , Kim Jin Sung
Published: May 2024

The shielding parameters can vary depending on the geometrical structure of the linear accelerators (LINAC), treatment techniques, and beam energies. Recently, the introduction of O-ring type linear accelerators is increasing. The objective of this study is to evaluate the shielding parameters of new type of linac using a dedicated program developed by us named ORSE (O-ring type Radiation therapy equipment Shielding Evaluation). The shielding evaluation was conducted for a total of four treatment rooms including Elekta Unity, Varian Halcyon, and Accuray Tomotherapy. The developed program possesses the capability to calculate transmitted dose, maximum treatable patient capacity, and shielding wall thickness based on patient data. The doses were measured for five days using glass dosimeters to compare with the results of program. The IMRT factors and use factors obtained from patient data showed differences of up to 65.0% and 33.8%, respectively, compared to safety management report. The shielding evaluation conducted in each treatment room showed that the transmitted dose at every location was below 1% of the dose limit. The results of program and measurements showed a maximum difference of 0.003 mSv/week in transmitted dose. The ORSE program allows for the shielding evaluation results to the clinical environment of each institution based on patient data.
Effects of geopolitical risk on environmental sustainability and the moderating role of environmental policy stringency
Authors: Luo Heng , Sun Ying
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on consumption-based carbon (CCO2) emissions as well as the moderating role of environmental policy stringency (EPS) on the above relationship. Based on data collected from 27 countries from 1990 to 2020, the basic results from the sample of the study indicate that GPR accelerates CCO2 emissions. Quantile regression results reveal that the effect of GPR is more pronounced in countries with higher CCO2 emissions. Moreover, EPS weakens the escalating effect of GPR on CCO2 emissions. The robust test results validate the findings reported in the basic regression model. The heterogeneity test indicates that the impact of GPR on CCO2 emissions is greater in developing countries compared in developed countries. The study also proposes these policy implications based on the findings: (1) countries should ensure a stable political environment, establish a robust legal system and promote energy transition; and (2) the scope of environmental taxes should be expanded where different tax rates should be imposed in order to be useful in reducing CCO2 emissions.
FocusDet: an efficient object detector for small object
Authors: Shi Yanli , Jia Yi , Zhang Xianhe
Published: May 2024

The object scale of a small object scene changes greatly, and the object is easily disturbed by a complex background. Generic object detectors do not perform well on small object detection tasks. In this paper, we focus on small object detection based on FocusDet. FocusDet refers to the small object detector proposed in this paper. It consists of three parts: backbone, feature fusion structure, and detection head. STCF-EANet was used as the backbone for feature extraction, the Bottom Focus-PAN for feature fusion, and the detection head for object localization and recognition.To maintain sufficient global context information and extract multi-scale features, the STCF-EANet network backbone is used as the feature extraction network.PAN is a feature fusion module used in general object detectors. It is used to perform feature fusion on the extracted feature maps to supplement feature information.In the feature fusion network, FocusDet uses Bottom Focus-PAN to capture a wider range of locations and lower-level feature information of small objects.SIOU-SoftNMS is the proposed algorithm for removing redundant prediction boxes in the post-processing stage. SIOU multi-dimension accurately locates the prediction box, and SoftNMS uses the Gaussian algorithm to remove redundant prediction boxes. FocusDet uses SIOU-SoftNMS to address the missed detection problem common in dense tiny objects.The VisDrone2021-DET and CCTSDB2021 object detection datasets are used as benchmarks, and tests are carried out on VisDrone2021-det-test-dev and CCTSDB-val datasets. Experimental results show that FocusDet improves mAP@.5% from 33.6% to 46.7% on the VisDrone dataset. mAP@.5% on the CCTSDB2021 dataset is improved from 81.6% to 87.8%. It is shown that the model has good performance for small object detection, and the research is innovative.