bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barosinusitis due to routine weather changes: A cross‐sectional analysis of public websites
Authors: Campbell James C. , Canick Julia E. , Chen Philip G. , Hachem Ralph Abi , Jang David W.
Published: June 2023

Background

Sinusitis is a common diagnosis that can be erroneously associated with routine weather‐related barometric pressure changes. In actuality, these pressure changes likely exacerbate migraine headaches, which can cause facial pain and pressure rather than true sinus inflammation.

Objective

The present study sought to characterize the representation of both sinusitis and migraine in association with barometric pressure changes across websites on the Internet.

Methods

An Internet search for relevant terms was conducted, and content of the resulting pages was assessed for associations between weather‐related pressure changes and either sinusitis or migraine. Variations in reported results across different subtypes of Internet sources were analyzed. The primary outcomes measured were (1) whether a given media source associated barometric weather changes with sinusitis, (2) whether that source associated barometric weather changes with migraine, and (3) treatment options offered by that source.

Results

Of the 116 included webpages, 36 (31.03%) associated sinusitis and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, 10 (27.77%) were otolaryngology practice sites. Sixty‐seven webpages (57.76%) associated migraine and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, nonotolaryngology webpages were more likely to report this link.

Conclusions

Otolaryngology practice sites were observed to be the most frequent professional medical resource reporting the unsubstantiated claim that routine barometric pressure changes are associated with sinusitis. Nonotolaryngology sources were more likely to link weather‐related pressure changes to migraine. These results suggest that opportunities exist for otolaryngology practice sites to educate patients about nonrhinogenic headache etiologies.
An adaptive decomposition algorithm for quantitative spectral CT imaging
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Yun Xiangyu , Wang Zhe , Li Mohan , Hu Jinming , Wang Chengmin , Wei Cunfeng
Published: June 2023

With the development of photon counting detectors (PCDs), spectral CT achieves higher performance than in the past, thus has better application prospects. In this paper, an adaptive dual effect decomposition (ADED) algorithm is proposed to perform the quantitative estimation of effective atomic number and electron density. The algorithm is an empirical material identification algorithm that achieves calibration by combining polynomials on the projection data and constraining in the image domain. In addition, we also propose an innovative effective atomic number estimation model with an accurate physical model that adaptively adjusts the parameters according to the x‐ray energy and material type. The performance of the algorithm was verified by experiment and simulation in this paper. Compared to the conventional basis material decomposition algorithm, the proposed ADED algorithm reduces the relative error in the quantification of the effective atomic number from 4.5%–12.0% to 0.3%–4.5%. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the accuracy of quantifying the effective atomic number.
Isotopes in Economic Geology, Metallogeny and Exploration—An Introduction
Authors: Huston David L. , Lambert Ian , Gutzmer Jens
Published: June 2023

Although (Soddy, Nature 92:399–400, 1913) inferred the existence of isotopes early last century, it was not until the discovery of the neutron by (Chadwick, Nature 129:312, 1932) that isotopes were understood to result from differing numbers of neutrons in atomic nuclei. (Urey, J Chem Soc 1947:562–581, 1947) predicted that different isotopes would behave slightly differently in chemical (and physical) reactions due to mass differences, leading to the concept of isotopic fractionation. The discovery that some elements transformed into other elements by radioactive decay happened even before the recognition of isotopes (Rutherford and Soddy, Lond Edinb Dublin Philos Mag 4:370–396, 1902), although the role that different isotopes played in this process was discovered later. The twin, and related, concepts of isotopes and radioactive decay have been used by geoscience and other scientific disciplines as tools to understand geochemical processes such as mineralization, and also the age and duration of these processes. This book is a review of how isotope geoscience has developed to better understand the processes of ore formation and metallogenesis, and thereby improve mineral system models used in exploration.
The Potential of Zn Isotopes in the Science and Exploration of Ore Deposits
Authors: Wilkinson Jamie J.
Published: June 2023

Since the turn of the Century, the growth in development and application of zinc isotopes to multiple fields in terrestrial and planetary sciences has been exponential. The potential for the application of zinc isotope systematics to ore deposit formation processes was obvious from the outset, given that they represent the most significant concentrations of zinc on Earth and because this approach allowed, for the first time, direct assessment of zinc metal origins and transport. This contribution presents a brief summary of the notation and analytical procedures for analysis of zinc isotopes and summarizes the terrestrial data reported to date. These results show that the variation in zinc isotope composition in rocks and ore systems is in fact rather small (< 2 ‰), linked, at least in part, to the single oxidation state in which zinc occurs in nature. Based on an assessment of the literature, the principal mechanisms for causing isotopic fractionation are all relatively low temperature processes: (i) biogenic; (ii) supergene dissolution-reprecipitation; (iii) adsorption–desorption reactions; and (iv) hydrothermal precipitation. High temperature igneous processes do not appear to produce significant isotopic variations. In ore deposit studies, it currently appears unlikely that zinc isotopes can be used to constrain potential metal sources, apart from zinc derived from carbonate host rocks which tends to be isotopically heavy. However, there are a number of systems in which systematic variation in δ66Zn of sulfides suggests that Rayleigh-type fractionation during ore mineral precipitation occurs, opening up the possibility of using zinc isotopes to trace flow paths and vector in towards mineralized centers. Modeling of such hydrothermal processes is currently hindered by a paucity of experimentally-determined fractionation factors, but as such work is done, our ability to better understand and utilize zinc isotopic zonation patterns for the purposes of mineral exploration will be progressively enhanced.
Conspicuously Silent: The Excesses of Religion and Medicine in Emma Donoghue’s Historical Novels The Wonder and The Pull of the Stars
Authors: Morales-Ladrón Marisol
Published: June 2023

This chapter explores Emma Donoghue’s The Wonder (2016) and The Pull of the Stars (2020) as texts that address the wrongs of the male-dominated institutions of religion and medicine, silently complicit of various kinds of female invisibility. As will be discussed from a cultural memory approach, The Wonder, a story tinted with religious fervour and scientific scepticism, probes into the so-called fasting-girls phenomenon and ultimately exposes a diseased culture nurtured by toxic practices of silence. Similarly, The Pull of the Stars, a novel set in a Dublin ward during the 1918 Great Flu pandemic which depicts the struggles of several female characters and their attempts to save the lives of labouring women, is analysed as a text concerned with retrieving the historically suppressed female body, controlled by male regulatory practices of health care and religious morality.
“He’s Been Wanting to Say That for a Long Time”: Varieties of Silence in Colm Tóibín’s Fiction
Authors: Carregal-Romero José
Published: June 2023

This chapter explores the multivalent significance of silence in Colm Tóibín’s fiction, from his debut novelThe South(1990) to his collection of storiesThe Empty Family(2010). The chapter considers Colm Tóibín’s use of silence as an aesthetic practice and key narrative element that foregrounds the tensions between revelation and concealment, emotional release and reticence, as well as the ambiguities between knowing and unknowing, which underlie most of his protagonists’ dilemmas. The analysis pays attention to how Tóibín dramatises sexual taboos and traumas—i.e. familial homophobia and AIDS stigma—through narratives that develop within the domain of personal silences. The chapter thus identifies and assesses a discourse of silence running through Tóibín’s oeuvre, which constructs his characters’ psychology as they navigate personal and social pressures, and attempt to come to terms with their emotional truths.
Zusammenfassung und Begründung der Forschungsfragen
Authors: Marusic Claudia
Published: June 2023

Die Ausführungen der bisherigen Kapitel zeigen, dass unterschiedliche Zugänge miteinander verbunden werden müssen, um die Frage nach den Handlungsorientierungen im Umgang mit Unterrichtsstörungen von Lehrpersonen aus Schulen mit und ohne personalisierte Lernkonzepte theoretisch und empirisch einzubetten. Es wurden Grundlagen zu Unterrichtsstörungen, zur Unterrichtsqualität und zur Professionalität von Lehrpersonen miteinander verknüpft. Nachfolgend werden die einzelnen Kapitel zusammengefasst und die Verbindungen nochmals überblickend dargestellt.
Achievement Sets of Reciprocals of Complete Sequences
Authors: Marchwicki Jacek
Published: June 2023

The paper is dedicated to answer Question 1 from the preprint of the paper (Jones in Am Math Mon 118: 508-521, 2011). We show that it is possible to construct a complete sequence $$(x_n)$$

(

x
n

)

such that the achievement set $$A(\frac{1}{x_n})$$

A
(

1

x
n

)

is not an interval. In particular it can be a Cantorval.
Effects of adenosine receptor overexpression and silencing in neurons and glial cells on lifespan, fitness, and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bhattacharya Debarati , Górska-Andrzejak Jolanta , Abaquita Terence Al L. , Pyza Elżbieta
Published: June 2023

A single adenosine receptor gene (dAdoR) has been detected in Drosophila melanogaster. However, its function in different cell types of the nervous system is mostly unknown. Therefore, we overexpressed or silenced the dAdoR gene in eye photoreceptors, all neurons, or glial cells and examined the fitness of flies, the amount and daily pattern of sleep, and the influence of dAdoR silencing on Bruchpilot (BRP) presynaptic protein. Furthermore, we examined the dAdoR and brp gene expression in young and old flies. We found that a higher level of dAdoR in the retina photoreceptors, all neurons, and glial cells negatively influenced the survival rate and lifespan of male and female Drosophila in a cell-dependent manner and to a different extent depending on the age of the flies. In old flies, expression of both dAdoR and brp was higher than in young ones. An excess of dAdoR in neurons improved climbing in older individuals. It also influenced sleep by lengthening nighttime sleep and siesta. In turn, silencing of dAdoR decreased the lifespan of flies, although it increased the survival rate of young flies. It hindered the climbing of older males and females, but did not change sleep. Silencing also affected the daily pattern of BRP abundance, especially when dAdoR expression was decreased in glial cells. The obtained results indicate the role of adenosine and dAdoR in the regulation of fitness in flies that is based on communication between neurons and glial cells, and the effect of glial cells on synapses.
The DNA damage response to radiological imaging: from ROS and γH2AX foci induction to gene expression responses in vivo
Authors: López-Riego Milagrosa , Płódowska Magdalena , Lis-Zajęcka Milena , Jeziorska Kamila , Tetela Sylwia , Węgierek-Ciuk Aneta , Sobota Daniel , Braziewicz Janusz , Lundholm Lovisa , Lisowska Halina , Wojcik Andrzej
Published: June 2023

Candidate ionising radiation exposure biomarkers must be validated in humans exposed in vivo. Blood from patients undergoing positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan (PET-CT) and skeletal scintigraphy (scintigraphy) was drawn before (0 h) and after (2 h) the procedure for correlation analyses of the response of selected biomarkers with radiation dose and other available patient information. FDXR, CDKN1A, BBC3, GADD45A, XPC, and MDM2 expression was determined by qRT-PCR, DNA damage (γH2AX) by flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by flow cytometry using the 2′, 7′—dichlorofluorescein diacetate test in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). For ROS experiments, 0- and 2-h samples were additionally exposed to UVA to determine whether diagnostic irradiation conditioned the response to further oxidative insult. With some exceptions, radiological imaging induced weak γH2AX foci, ROS and gene expression fold changes, the latter with good coherence across genes within a patient. Diagnostic imaging did not influence oxidative stress in PBMC successively exposed to UVA. Correlation analyses with patient characteristics led to low correlation coefficient values. γH2AX fold change, which correlated positively with gene expression, presented a weak positive correlation with injected activity, indicating a radiation-induced subtle increase in DNA damage and subsequent activation of the DNA damage response pathway. The exposure discrimination potential of these biomarkers in the absence of control samples as frequently demanded in radiological emergencies, was assessed using raw data. These results suggest that the variability of the response in heterogeneous populations might complicate identifying individuals exposed to low radiation doses.
What we see is what we touch? Sex estimation on the pelvis in virtual anthropology
Authors: Braun Sandra , Schwendener Nicole , Kanz Fabian , Lösch Sandra , Milella Marco
Published: June 2023

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scans are a convenient means to study 3D reconstructions of bones. However, errors associated with the different nature of the observation, e.g. visual and tactile (on dry bone) versus visual only (on a screen) have not been thoroughly investigated.

Materials and methods

We quantified the errors between modalities for sex estimation protocols of nonmetric (categorical and ordinal) and metric data, using 200 dry pelves of archaeological origin and the CT reconstructions of the same bones. In addition, we 3D surface scanned a subsample of 39 pelves to compare observations with dry bone and CT data. We did not focus on the sex estimation accuracy but solely on the consistency of the scoring, hence, the interchangeability of the modalities.

Results

Metric data yielded the most consistent results. Among the nonmetric protocols, ordinal data performed better than categorical data. We applied a slightly modified description for the trait with the highest errors and grouped the traits according to consistency and availability in good, intermediate, and poor.

Discussion

The investigated modalities were interchangeable as long as the trait definition was not arbitrary. Dry bone (gold standard) performed well, and CT and 3D surface scans performed better. We recommend researchers test their affinity for using virtual modalities. Future studies could use our consistency analysis and combine the best traits, validating their accuracy on various modalities.
Speed-up Measures and Associated Problems for Large-scale DEM-Models
Authors: Brandner Andreas , Koch Lukas Alexander
Published: June 2023

This contribution discusses the possibilities to increase the efficiency of large Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations. Simulations were conducted to test particle upscaling, decreasing shear modulus and using GPU instead of CPU for the computation. The conducted simulations modelled a simple ore extraction process from a defined outlet of a stope in a cave mine. The analysis is based on the influence of the approaches on the computation speed-up and the accuracy of the result. It was found that the real shear modulus could be decreased in the simulation by a factor of 103without interfering strongly with the result, provided that the decreased shear modulus is not smaller than 108 Pa. However, a reduction of 102was found to bring the highest speed-up to the present application.

For the particle upscaling in this contribution without parameter calibration, the upscaling factor should not exceed 3. Higher upscaling factors affect the results significantly. However, the flow dynamics was already differing for an upscaling factor of 2, even though the flow zones were comparable. Using a GPU instead of a CPU is only recommended if the simulation contains a high number of particles. The speed-up for a simulation with almost 250,000 particles was over 8, but the advantage diminished for less particles. Furthermore, differences in the results between CPU and GPU computation could be found, which could be a starting point for future work. In summary, this research significantly aids in the development of more efficient DEM simulations for large-scale applications, such as cave mining.
Das vaskuläre Trauma: Analyse der Versorgungsrealität in einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage
Authors: Warm Tobias Dominik , Stojanovic Tomislav ,   die Kommission Katastrophenmedizin und Gefäßtraumatologie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie, Stojanovic Tomislav , Bail Dorothee , Engelhardt Michael , Fellmer Peter , Hinck Daniel C. , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander ,   die Sektion gefäßchirurgische Techniken der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie, Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Hinck Daniel C. , Hoffmann-Wieker Carola , Masius Stephan , Rother Ulrich , Stübinger Axel , Zerwes Sebastian , Schönenberg Frank , Goßlau Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Die vaskuläre Beteiligung im Rahmen von Traumen ist selten. Für die Versorgung der Verletzungen gibt es nur wenige konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen, sodass von einer großen Varianz auszugehen ist. Ziel der vorliegenden Umfrage war die Statuserhebung der aktuellen Versorgungsrealität des Gefäßtraumas in Deutschland sowie die Eruierung des Bedarfs und der Form von entsprechenden Fortbildungsangeboten.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine Online-Umfrage über SurveyMonkey® mit den Mitgliedern der Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin (DGG) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

An der Umfrage haben sich 10,6 % der angeschriebenen Mitglieder der DGG beteiligt. Hieraus ergab sich, dass die meisten Kliniken 5–10 traumatische Gefäßverletzungen pro Jahr versorgen, wobei die höchsten Behandlungszahlen erwartungsgemäß in den überregionalen Traumazentren erreicht werden. Die Versorgung des Gefäßtraumas ist nicht einheitlich, sondern findet abhängig von der anatomischen Lokalisation durch unterschiedliche Fachabteilungen statt. Kliniken für Gefäßchirurgie sind selten an der Versorgung beteiligt. Bei den meisten Befragten bestand der Wunsch nach Fortbildungen zum Erlernen von gefäßtraumatologischen Techniken.

Diskussion

Gefäßchirurgische Kliniken sind nach den vorliegenden Umfrageergebnissen selten an der Versorgung des vaskulären Traumas beteiligt. Mögliche Erklärungen hierfür liegen in lokalen und infrastrukturellen Gegebenheiten. Eine aktive Einbindung von gefäßchirurgisch ausgebildeten Ärztinnen und Ärzten in die Diagnostik und Therapie der vaskulären Traumata ist wünschenswert und sollte aktiv angeboten werden. Das Erlernen der hierfür notwendigen Techniken kann beispielsweise im Rahmen praktischer Kurse stattfinden.

Graphic abstract
Governance of disaster emergency wells in three cities in Japan affected by earthquakes
Authors: Endo Takahiro , Iizuka Tomoki , Koga Hitomi , Hamada Nahoko
Published: June 2023

Concern has grown regarding how public and private sectors should make effective use of local groundwater to alleviate negative impacts of water-supply cutoff following an earthquake event, which can be regarded as an emergency groundwater governance problem. Existing literature on groundwater governance, however, is based on the tacit assumption of groundwater utilization under normal social conditions, and scant consideration has been given to the role of groundwater following occurrence of a natural disaster. This study conducted questionnaire surveys to reveal how groundwater was used in three cities (Kumamoto, Sapporo, and Sendai) in Japan struck by large earthquakes between 2010 and 2020. Results revealed substantial differences between these cities in terms of groundwater utilization following earthquake occurrence. The time between the restoration of the electricity supply and restoration of the waterworks, and the social capital accumulated by local governments, are indicated as possible reasons for such differences. Analysis also identified policy challenges for improved groundwater governance in an emergency: (1) establishment of a strategy for emergency water supply through combined use of groundwater and other water sources, (2) enhancement of methods for timely inspection of groundwater quality following occurrence of a disaster, (3) maintenance of records of the number of registered disaster emergency wells (DEWs), (4) creation of methods for publicizing locational information on DEWs with adequate regard for the privacy of well owners, and (5) recognition of the importance of making DEWs part of overall disaster preparedness.
Students’ geometric understanding of partial derivatives and the locally linear approach
Authors: Borji Vahid , Martínez-Planell Rafael , Trigueros María
Published: June 2023

We use Action-Process-Object-Schema (APOS) theory to study students’ geometric understanding of partial derivatives of functions of two variables. This study contributes to research on the teaching and learning of differential multivariable calculus and its didactics. This is an important area due to its multiple applications in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (STEM). The study tests a previously proposed model of mental constructions students may use to understand partial derivatives through a set of activities designed to help students make the conjectured constructions. The model is based on the local linearity of differentiable two-variable functions, and the model-based activities explore the relationship between partial derivatives and tangent plane in different representations. We used semi-structured interviews with eleven students whose teacher used the three-part cycle—Activities designed with the genetic decomposition; collaborative work in small groups and Class discussion; and Exercises for home (ACE)—as pedagogical strategy. The model-based activity set based on local linearity and the ACE strategy helped students construct a geometric understanding of partial derivatives. Results led to reconsider and further refine the model. This study also resulted in improving activity sets and obtaining information on students’ construction of second-order and mixed partial derivatives.
Navigation System-Based Routing Strategies in Traffic Flows on Networks
Authors: Festa Adriano , Goatin Paola , Vicini Fabio
Published: June 2023

Navigation choices play an important role in modeling and forecasting traffic flows on road networks. We introduce a macroscopic differential model coupling a conservation law with a Hamilton–Jacobi equation to, respectively, model the nonlinear transportation process and the strategic choices of users. Furthermore, the model is adapted to the multi-population case, where every population differs in the level of traffic information about the system.
The interaction of idioms and aspect in Polish
Authors: Klimek-Jankowska Dorota , Błaszczak Joanna
Published: June 2023

This study contributes to a longstanding discussion on the status of aspectual morphology and the aspectual architecture in Slavic by investigating aspectual properties of perfective and imperfective VP idioms in Polish. The investigation reveals that only lexical prefixes which can result in idiosyncratic meanings are part of basic perfective VP idioms. Building on the idea that littlevis a demarcation line for idiomatic meanings, it is concluded that lexical prefixes arevP-internal. It is also shown that basic imperfective VP idioms are compatible with some superlexical prefixes and basic perfective VP idioms are compatible with secondary imperfective morphology, which suggests that such morphology isvP-external. Further semantic analysis of the interaction of basic imperfective VP idioms with different classes of superlexical prefixes shows that the compatible ones measure over some scale associated withvP-external material or the temporal trace of an (idiomatic) event. In contrast, the incompatible ones measure over a scale encoded by a verbal predicate or impose semantic restrictions on its argument and hence they intervene in the semantics of a VP idiom. Based on stacking facts and the interaction of different classes of superlexical prefixes with secondary imperfective morphology, two classes of superlexical prefixes are distinguished:high(projected above secondary imperfective) andlow(projected below it). These observations are compatible with the view that aspectual morphology is separated from PFV and IPFV operators. The former may merge lower in the hierarchy, and the latter act at the level of AspP as phonologically null operators.
Persuasion-enhanced computational argumentative reasoning through argumentation-based persuasive frameworks
Authors: Ruiz-Dolz Ramon , Taverner Joaquin , Heras Barberá Stella M. , García-Fornes Ana
Published: June 2023

One of the greatest challenges of computational argumentation research consists of creating persuasive strategies that can effectively influence the behaviour of a human user. From the human perspective, argumentation represents one of the most effective ways to reason and to persuade other parties. Furthermore, it is very common that humans adapt their discourse depending on the audience in order to be more persuasive. Thus, it is of utmost importance to take into account user modelling features for personalising the interactions with human users. Through computational argumentation, we can not only devise the optimal solution, but also provide the rationale for it. However, synergies between computational argumentative reasoning and computational persuasion have not been researched in depth. In this paper, we propose a new formal framework aimed at improving the persuasiveness of arguments resulting from the computational argumentative reasoning process. For that purpose, our approach relies on an underlying abstract argumentation framework to implement this reasoning and extends it with persuasive features. Thus, we combine a set of user modelling and linguistic features through the use of a persuasive function in order to instantiate abstract arguments following a user-specific persuasive policy. From the results observed in our experiments, we can conclude that the framework proposed in this work improves the persuasiveness of argument-based computational systems. Furthermore, we have also been able to determine that human users place a high level of trust in decision support systems when they are persuaded using arguments and when the reasons behind the suggestion to modify their behaviour are provided.
Emotional intelligence and individuals’ viewing behaviour of human faces: a predictive approach
Authors: Al-Samarraie Hosam , Sarsam Samer Muthana , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Although several studies have looked at the relationship between emotional characteristics and viewing behaviour, understanding how emotional intelligence (EI) contributes to individuals’ viewing behaviour is not clearly understood. This study examined the viewing behaviour of people (74 male and 80 female) with specific EI profiles while viewing five facial expressions. An eye-tracking methodology was employed to examine individuals’ viewing behaviour in relation to their EI. We compared the performance of different machine learning algorithms on the eye-movement parameters of participants to predict their EI profiles. The results revealed that EI profiles of individuals high in self-control, emotionality, and sociability responded differently to the visual stimuli. The prediction results of these EI profiles achieved 94.97% accuracy. The findings are unique in that they provide a new understanding of how eye-movements can be used in the prediction of EI. The findings also contribute to the current understanding of the relationship between EI and emotional expressions, thereby adding to an emerging stream of research that is of interest to researchers and psychologists in human–computer interaction, individual emotion, and information processing.
Spatiotemporal change and prediction of land use in Manasi region based on deep learning
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Yin Xiaojun , Liu Shannan , Wang Dimeng
Published: June 2023

The Manasi region is located in an arid and semi-arid region with fragile ecology and scarce resources. The land use change prediction is important for the management and optimization of land resources. We utilized Sankey diagram, dynamic degree of land use, and landscape indices to explore the temporal and spatial variation of land use and integrated the LSTM and MLP algorithms to predict land use prediction. The MLP-LSTM prediction model retains the spatiotemporal information of land use data to the greatest extent and extracts the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of each grid through a training set. Results showed that (1) from 1990 to 2020, cropland, tree cover, water bodies, and urban areas in the Manasi region increased by 855.3465 km2, 271.7136 km2, 40.0104 km2, and 109.2483 km2, respectively, whereas grassland and bare land decreased by 677.7243 km2 and 598.5945 km2, respectively; (2) Kappa coefficients reflect the accuracy of the mode’s predictions in terms of quantity. The Kappa coefficients of the land use data predicted by the MLP-LSTM, MLP-ANN, LR, and CA-Markov models were calculated to be 95.58%, 93.36%, 89.48%, and 85.35%, respectively. It can be found that the MLP-LSTM and MLP-ANN models obtain higher accuracy in most levels, while the CA–Markov model has the lowest accuracy. (3) The landscape indices can reflect the spatial configuration characteristics of landscape (land use types), and evaluating the prediction results of land use models using landscape indices can reflect the prediction accuracy of the models in terms of spatial features. The results indicate that the model predicted by MLP-LSTM model conforms to the development trend of land use from 1990 to 2020 in terms of spatial features. This gives a basis for the study of the Manasi region to formulate relevant land use development and rationally allocate land resources.
Post-medieval Ship Graffiti on the North Coast of Ireland
Authors: Forsythe Wes
Published: June 2023

The generation of boat and ship imagery in the form of graffiti has long precedents internationally. Such imagery carries with it a range of context-dependant associations and meanings. This paper presents a collection of previously undescribed graffiti from the north coast of Ireland which demonstrates features and behaviours which parallel those witnessed in a wide range of chronological situations elsewhere, while retaining context-specific resonances. The twelve graffiti depict a variety of eighteenth–nineteenth century sailing craft and one anchor. In addition, a series of names or initials provide a sense not only of authorship and identification with maritime communities but also the performative and thereby provocative nature of graffiti. This paper argues that the wider socio-economic changes taking place within these coastal communities provides a basis for understanding the resonance of such imagery across this period.
Observation on the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Sheng Feng , Wang Saina , Wang Zhichao , Cheng Lei , Gong Chen , Wu Yi
Published: June 2023

Objective

To observe the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation (CDH).

Methods

A total of 120 CDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 60 cases in each group. Patients in both groups were given the same Tuina manipulations. In addition, patients in the observation group practiced traditional Qigong exercise, and those in the control group did conventional neck exercise. After 8 weeks of treatment, the efficacy of the two groups was observed. Follow-up was conducted 3 months after the end of the treatment to record any recurrence.

Results

The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The improvement in symptom scores was more significant in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was inter-group statistical significance in comparing the cross-sectional area and fatty infiltration of certain cervical muscles (P<0.05). In addition, the recurrence rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

On the basis of the same Tuina manipulation treatment, the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise in treating CDH is superior to that of conventional neck exercise, with more significant improvements in pain and quality of life and a lower recurrence rate.
Early Life Programming of Skeletal Health
Authors: Moon Rebecca J. , Citeroni Natasha L. , Aihie Riagbonse R. , Harvey Nicholas C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Increasing bone mineral accrual during childhood might delay the onset of osteoporosis. We discuss the scientific evidence for early life approaches to optimising skeletal health.

Recent Findings

There is an ever-growing body of evidence from observational studies suggesting associations between early life exposures, particularly during foetal development, and bone mineral density (BMD). The findings of such studies are often heterogeneous, and for some exposures, for example, maternal smoking and alcohol intake in pregnancy or age at conception, intervention studies are not feasible. The most frequently studied exposures in intervention studies are calcium or vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, which overall suggest positive effects on offspring childhood BMD.

Maternal calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy appear to have positive effects on offspring BMD during early childhood, but further long-term follow-up is required to demonstrate persistence of the effect into later life.
Daten, Algorithmen und technische Diskriminierung
Authors: Stangl Daniela
Published: June 2023

Der Beitrag bietet einen Einblick über mögliche technische Diskriminierung durch Fachsoftware im Bereich der Arbeitssuche. Dazu wird nach einer kurzen technischen Einführung konkret an den Softwarelösungen „ALLEGRO“ der Bundesagentur für Arbeit in Deutschland und dem Arbeitsmarktchancen-Assistenzsystem des Arbeitsmarktservice in Österreich aufgezeigt, ob und inwieweit diese Softwarelösungen auf technischen Mechanismen beruhen, die Diskriminierung von Arbeitssuchenden (re)produzieren. Nach einer zusammenfassenden Schlussfolgerung werden schließlich Vorschläge für erste Schritte der persönlichen Auseinandersetzung von Sozialarbeiter_innen mit diesen Mechanismen gegeben.
Validation of the name Cyperus atronervatus subsp. angustifolius (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Xanthos Martin
Published: June 2023

The name Cyperus atronervatus subsp. angustifolius was not validly published due to the omission of a Latin diagnosis. The name is validly published here.
Cyclicity Near Infinity in Piecewise Linear Vector Fields Having a Nonregular Switching Line
Authors: Bastos Jefferson L. R. , Buzzi Claudio A. , Torregrosa Joan
Published: June 2023

In this paper we recover the best lower bound for the number of limit cycles in the planar piecewise linear class when one vector field is defined in the first quadrant and a second one in the others. In this class and considering a degenerated Hopf bifurcation near families of centers we obtain again at least five limit cycles but now from infinity, which is of monodromic type, and with simpler computations. The proof uses a partial classification of the center problem when both systems are of center type.
Invariant Measures for Uncountable Random Interval Homeomorphisms
Authors: Morawiec Janusz , Szarek Tomasz
Published: June 2023

A necessary and sufficient condition for the iterated function system$$\{f(\cdot ,\omega )\,|\,\omega \in \Omega \}$${f(·,ω)|ω∈Ω}with probabilityPto have exactly one invariant measure$$\mu _*$$μ∗with$$\mu _*((0,1))=1$$μ∗((0,1))=1is given. The main novelty lies in the fact that we only require the transformations$$f(\cdot ,\omega )$$f(·,ω)to be increasing homeomorphims, without any smoothness condition, neither we impose conditions on the cardinality of$$\Omega $$Ω. In particular, positive Lyapunov exponents conditions are replaced with the existence of solutions to some functional inequalities. The stability and strong law of large numbers of the considered system are also proven.
Valorising Wood Ash as an Effective Green Alternative Pulping Agent for Achieving a High Yield of Banana Micro-Lignocellulose Fibres of Enhanced Crystallinity
Authors: Emrith P. D. , Ramasawmy H. , Surroop D. , Das D. B.
Published: June 2023

This study aims to explore the use of wood ash, a common waste, as an alternative and eco-friendly pulping agent. The first and most important singularity of the study is that wood ash solution, though mild in nature, has proven to be an effective pulping agent (in comparison with the common pulping solution, sodium hydroxide): comparable lignin (45%) and hemicellulose (50%) removal, high crystallinity (72–77%) and high pulp yield (70%) were obtained. Another particularity of this study is that the reported advanced aspects of pulped banana fibres, notably the chemical functionality, crystallinity and crystallite size have been correlated with the chemical composition of the wood ash used: calcium pectinate was formed on the pulped fibre surface. It apparently played a role in enhancing the fibre crystallinity. Moreover, another specialness of this study is that non-conventional factors, which would have significant bearing during industrial scale processing, such as liquor ratio, fibre input size and duration have been investigated—the latter has shown that to attain maximum delignification, small fibre input size at a high liquor ratio of 40 for an extended period of 2 h are necessary. Finally, the pulped banana fibres (which were intended to be used for membrane fabrication for use in water purification system) have depicted their applicability in the fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes by virtue of their aspect ratio, semi-hydrophilicity (due to presence of residual lignin) and projected high mechanical strength (due to high crystallinity and low crystallite size).

Graphical Abstract

Graphical abstract showing outcomes when pulping with wood ash solution.
Do linguistically diverse migrants dominate advanced mathematics? Comparing Greater Sydney with the rest of New South Wales
Authors: Sikora Joanna , Roberts Philip
Published: June 2023

This study uses ethnic capital theory to explore access to secondary mathematics education among linguistically diverse (LD) migrants in metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Australia. Administrative data from over 50,000 students who completed their Higher School Certificate in 2017 were analysed using multilevel logit regressions and marginal effects. The results indicate that, in Greater Sydney, all linguistically diverse first-generation youth took mathematics courses at higher rates than their peers. So did second-generation migrants from Asian backgrounds. Furthermore, considerably larger proportions of students who spoke East Asian, Indo-Aryan, or Arabic languages studied advanced mathematics. Even when only parents spoke these languages at home, their Australian-born children took advanced mathematics more often. Yet, these second-generation students were less overrepresented than those fluent in parental languages. The paper discusses the potential consequences of LD migrant concentration in Greater Sydney, stressing the importance of equitable mathematics education in metropolitan and regional areas.
Adaptive nonlinear optimization of district heating networks based on model and discretization catalogs
Authors: Dänschel Hannes , Mehrmann Volker , Roland Marius , Schmidt Martin
Published: June 2023

We propose an adaptive optimization algorithm for operating district heating networks in a stationary regime. The behavior of hot water flow in the pipe network is modeled using the incompressible Euler equations and a suitably chosen energy equation. By applying different simplifications to these equations, we derive a catalog of models. Our algorithm is based on this catalog and adaptively controls where in the network which model is used. Moreover, the granularity of the applied discretization is controlled in a similar adaptive manner. By doing so, we are able to obtain optimal solutions at low computational costs that satisfy a prescribed tolerance w.r.t. the most accurate modeling level. To adaptively control the switching between different levels and the adaptation of the discretization grids, we derive error measure formulas and a posteriori error measure estimators. Under reasonable assumptions we prove that the adaptive algorithm terminates after finitely many iterations. Our numerical results show that the algorithm is able to produce solutions for problem instances that have not been solvable before.
Negative imaginary feedback control of satellite orbit dynamical model
Authors: Choudhary Santosh Kumar , Chokkadi Shreesha
Published: June 2023

This article presents observer-based negative imaginary positive feedback control of satellite orbit dynamical model. In this article, satellite orbital model is transformed into a strongly strict negative imaginary system using observer-based transformation scheme, and then, negative imaginary control theory is applied to achieve stability and robustness in orbit control system in the presence of multiplicative uncertainty. The solutions of orbit control problem are investigated with two thrusters input as well as one thruster input. According to the numerical simulation findings reported in this study, the investigated control approach guarantees the robust stabilization of the satellite orbital system.
A Review on Providing Realistic Electric Grid Simulations for Academia and Industry
Authors: Birchfield Adam B. , Overbye Thomas J.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Engineering analysis and design for large-scale electric power grids require advanced modeling and simulation capabilities for a variety of studies, with two of the key study types being steady-state power flow and time-domain stability. In order to promote innovation in this area, during a time of rapid change, much recent work has been done on enhancing the availability of grid models and simulation datasets for the benefit of both academia and industry. The purpose of this paper is to review these new developments.

Recent Findings

Over the last several years, there have been many different developments in electric grid power flow and stability analysis. In power flow, key new changes include (1) the inclusion of geographic coordinates, (2) the addition of geomagnetic disturbance analysis, (3) the direct inclusion of weather data, and (4) new optimal power flow (OPF) and security-constrained OPF algorithms, some of which utilize machine learning. Key developments in stability are (1) many new models particularly for inverter-based resources, (2) wider availability of interactive stability simulations, and (3) greater use of wide-area visualization in both power flow and stability.

The paper shows the range of software platforms available for large-scale electric grid for power flow and stability simulations, along with associated data formats. It also considers modeling enhancements, including the ability to capture more detailed dynamics and coupling to inter-related infrastructure. The paper also summarizes the availability of test case datasets, both real and synthetic.
Assessing Food Access, Exercise, and Dietary History among Older African American Parishioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-FED Study): Design, Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Kibe Lucy W. , Bosah Adaobi , Schrode Katrina M. , Kuo Yufu , Shaheen Magda , Adinkra Edward , Sanchez Humberto , Bazargan Mohsen
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise are associated with chronic health conditions and excess mortality. Older African Americans do not meet dietary and exercise guidelines, and this may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic due to individual and environmental factors, including food insecurity. Studies evaluating these dynamics are essential for developing interventions. This narrative details a study protocol and data collection experiences during the pandemic.

Methods

Participants > 55 years African American old completed detailed food frequency, exercise, and food access questionnaires between October 2020 and July 2021. Observations of the study administrators (authors of this manuscript) for the duration of the study are presented. Details on the study design and reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned are summarized. Future manuscripts will report data analysis of study findings.

Results

A total of 123 older African American adults participated in the study, and 118 (70% female) completed all three questionnaires. More than 50% of the participants had at least two primary chronic conditions. About 85% were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Applying community-based participatory approaches, leveraging partnerships, and exercising flexibility approaches were pivotal to successfully implementing the study protocol.

Conclusions

Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, detailed data on older African American adults’ diet and exercise habits were obtained. Our study design and experiences will benefit future researchers. More importantly, results from our study will inform interventions and policies aimed at minimizing consequences associated with poor diet and exercise habits during the pandemic among this vulnerable population.
Patient Preferences and Osteoarthritis Care: What Do We Know About What Patients Want from Osteoarthritis Treatment?
Authors: Nicolson Philippa J A , Holden Melanie A
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

Patient-centred care for people with osteoarthritis requires shared decision making. Understanding and considering patients’ preferences for osteoarthritis treatments is central to this. In this narrative review, we present an overview of existing research exploring patient preferences for osteoarthritis care, discuss clinical and research implications of existing knowledge and future research directions.

Recent findings

Stated preference studies have identified that patients place more importance on reducing or eliminating negative side effects rather than reducing pain, other clinical benefits or cost. Patients’ treatment preferences are influenced by characteristics such as age, symptom severity and beliefs about their osteoarthritis. Preferences appear to be largely stable over time and are not easily altered by single-point interventions.

Research exploring patient preferences for osteoarthritis treatments has increased in recent years. Treatment preferences appear to be primarily driven by patients’ wish to avoid adverse side effects and by symptom severity. Individualised, evidence-based information about potential treatments, delivered over the course of disease, is required.