bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a real-life survey among 25 Italian radiation oncology centers
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , Vincini Maria Giulia , Zaffaroni Mattia , Pepa Matteo , Angelicone Ilaria , Astone Antonio , Bergamini Cristiana , Buonopane Sergio , Conte Mario , De Rosa Nicola , Deantoni Chiara , Dell’Oca Italo , Di Gennaro Davide , Di Muzio Nadia , Osti Mattia Falchetto , Federico Manuela , Ferini Gianluca , Franzese Ciro , Gatti Marco , Grillo Antonietta , Iorio Vincenzo , Manzo Roberto , Marmiroli Luca , Martin Giuseppe , Mazzuca Federica , Molinaro Maria Angela , Muto Matteo , Pacelli Roberto , Pepe Alfonsina , Perillo Annarita , Russo Donatella , Salerno Francesca , Spadaro Pietro , Viola Anna , Iorio Giuseppe Carlo , Muto Paolo , Ricardi Umberto , Alterio Daniela
Published: December 2023

Aim

Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is the most frequent side effect in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with curative radiotherapy (RT). A standardized strategy for preventing and treating RIOM has not been defined. Aim of this study was to perform a real-life survey on RIOM management among Italian RT centers.

Methods

A 40-question survey was administered to 25 radiation oncologists working in 25 different RT centers across Italy.

Results

A total of 1554 HNC patients have been treated in the participating centers in 2021, the majority (median across the centers 91%) with curative intent. Median treatment time was 41 days, with a mean percentage of interruption due to toxicity of 14.5%. Eighty percent of responders provide written oral cavity hygiene recommendations. Regarding RIOM prevention, sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes, oral mucosa barrier agents, and hyaluronic acid-based mouthwashes were the most frequent topic agents used. Regarding RIOM treatment, 14 (56%) centers relied on literature evidence, while internal guidelines were available in 13 centers (44%). Grade (G)1 mucositis is mostly treated with sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes, oral mucosa barrier agents, and steroids, while hyaluronic acid-based agents, local anesthetics, and benzydamine were the most used in mucositis G2/G3. Steroids, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequent systemic agents used independently from the RIOM severity.

Conclusion

Great variety of strategies exist among Italian centers in RIOM management for HNC patients. Whether different strategies could impact patients’ compliance and overall treatment time of the radiation course is still unclear and needs further investigation.
Hölder regularity for parabolic fractional p-Laplacian
Authors: Liao Naian
Published: December 2023

Local Hölder regularity is established for certain weak solutions to a class of parabolic fractional p-Laplace equations with merely measurable kernels. The proof uses DeGiorgi’s iteration and refines DiBenedetto’s intrinsic scaling method. The control of a nonlocal integral of solutions in the reduction of oscillation plays a crucial role and entails delicate analysis in this intrinsic scaling scenario. Dispensing with any logarithmic estimate and any comparison principle, the proof is new even for the linear case.
Behavior of a Rock Mass in Uplift Field Tests of Rock Anchors
Authors: Grindheim Bjarte , Li Charlie C. , Høien Are Håvard , Lia Leif
Published: December 2023

Rock anchors are high-capacity reinforcement measures used to stabilize large-scale infrastructures. According to the literature, they can fail in one of the four ways: (1) steel tensile failure; (2) tendon–grout interface failure; (3) grout–rock interface failure; and (4) rock mass uplift failure. Rock mass uplift field tests were performed in a limestone quarry to test this fourth failure mode. The tests were designed to induce rock mass failure around rock anchors. The ground surface heaved asymmetrically around the anchors and the pre-existing joints in the rock mass tended to open first. The seismic activity in the rock mass was greatest close to the anchor, decreasing with distance. The failure crater in the rock followed the joint sets in the rock mass, and the shape was partly controlled by the pre-existing joints. The apex angle of the failures was measured to be between 125 and 140$$^{\circ }$$

∘

. The horizontal stress in the rock mass increased when the anchor was pulled, indicating load arching around the anchor. The observed failure was a combination of rock mass uplift and grout–rock bond failure. The measured anchor capacity was much higher than the estimated rock mass capacity using the recommended design methods of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
The Generative Role of Objects in Infrastructure Design: A Case of Designing a System for Continuity of Care
Authors: Sadorge Christopher , Nerland Monika , Grisot Miria
Published: December 2023

This study explores the generative role of objects in design work. While the CSCW literature includes a range of contributions on infrastructure design and ways of accounting for diverse existing systems, practices and perspectives in design, the focus has typically been on the point of use, rather than the earlier stages of design processes. However, as more worker groups become involved in design there is a need to understand the microdynamics of collaborative design in this phase and the interplay between problem framing and exploration. We examined how the design of an information system in the health sector evolved through the instantiation and exploration of intermediary objects that become generative in the design process. The data comprised observations over 2 years from design meetings with a team of health professionals and software developers mandated to develop a system for the registration and sharing of patient information across primary care units. The analysis showed how intermediary objects formed focal points from which infrastructure design problems were framed and collectively explored. These processes required considerable negotiation and exploration within and between the interdependencies that become relevant in the design process. We identified how intermediary objects take different representational forms and become generative in two ways: By producing new or transformed objects, and by revealing layers of complexity inherent in the design problem. We discussed implications of the analysis as regards aspects of the infrastructure design that can be handled in the design team versus aspects that should be delegated to local adaptation.
Unbiased Proxy Calibration
Authors: Mudelsee Manfred
Published: December 2023

The linear calibration model is a powerful statistical tool that can be utilized to predict an unknown response variable, Y, through observations of a proxy or predictor variable, X. Since calibration involves estimation of regression model parameters on the basis of a limited amount of noisy data, an unbiased calibration slope estimation is of utmost importance. This can be achieved by means of state-of-the-art, data-driven statistical techniques. The present paper shows that weighted least-squares for both variables estimation (WLSXY) is able to deliver unbiased slope estimations under heteroscedasticity. In the case of homoscedasticity, besides WLSXY, ordinary least-squares (OLS) estimation with bias correction (OLSBC) also performs well. For achieving unbiasedness, it is further necessary to take the correct regression direction (i.e., of Y on X) into account. The present paper introduces a pairwise moving block bootstrap resampling approach for obtaining accurate estimation confidence intervals (CIs) under real-world climate conditions (i.e., non-Gaussian distributional shapes and autocorrelations in the noise components). A Monte Carlo simulation experiment confirms the feasibility and validity of this approach. The parameter estimates and bootstrap replications serve to predict the response with CIs. The methodological approach to unbiased calibration is illustrated for a paired time series dataset of sea-surface temperature and coral oxygen isotopic composition. Fortran software with implementation of OLSBC and WLSXY accompanies this paper.
Causal localizations of the massive scalar boson
Authors: Castrigiano Domenico P. L.
Published: December 2023

The positive operator-valued localizations (POL) of a massive scalar boson are constructed, and a characterization and structural analyses of their kernels are obtained. In the focus of this article are the causal features of the POL. There is the well-known causal time evolution (CT). Recently a POL by Terno and Moretti, which is a kinematical deformation of the Newton–Wigner localization (NWL) and belongs to the here fully analyzed class of finite POL, is shown by V. Moretti to comply with CT. A further POL with CT treated here, which is in the same class, is the only one being the trace of a projection-valued localization (like NWL) with CT. Causality imposes a condition CC, which implies CT but is more restrictive than CT. Extending Moretti’s method it is shown rigorously that the POL of the class introduced by Petzold et al. satisfy CC. Their kernels are called causal kernels, of which a rather detailed description is achieved. One the way there the case of one spatial dimension is solved completely. This case is instructive. In particular it directed Petzold et al. and subsequently Henning, Wolf to find their basic one-parameter family $$K_r$$

K
r

of causal kernels. The causal kernels are, up to a fixed energy factor, normalized positive definite Lorentz invariant kernels. A full characterization of the latter is attained due to their close relation to the zonal spherical functions on the Lorentz group. Finally these considerations discharge into the main result that $$K_{3/2}$$

K

3
/
2

is the absolute maximum, viz. $$|K|\le K_{3/2}$$

|
K
|

≤

K

3
/
2

for all causal kernels K.
Nonlinear normal modes of highly flexible beam structures modelled under the SE(3) Lie group framework
Authors: Bagheri Amir K. , Sonneville Valentin , Renson Ludovic
Published: December 2023

This work presents a shooting algorithm to compute the periodic responses of geometrically nonlinear structures modelled under the special Euclidean (SE) Lie group formulation. The formulation is combined with a pseudo-arclength continuation method, while special adaptations are made to ensure compatibility with the SE framework. Nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of various two-dimensional structures including a doubly clamped beam, a shallow arch, and a cantilever beam are computed. Results are compared with a reference displacement-based FE model with von Kármán strains. Significant difference is observed in the dynamic response of the two models in test cases involving large degrees of beam displacements and rotation. Differences in the contribution of higher-order modes substantially affect the frequency-energy dependence and the nonlinear modal interactions observed between the models. It is shown that the SE model, owing to its exact representation of the beam kinematics, is better suited at adequately capturing complex nonlinear dynamics compared to the von Kármán model.
Predicative subject matter
Authors: Plebani Matteo , Spolaore Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

The notions of subject matter and aboutness have been objects of considerable attention among philosophers over the last few years. Current theories of subject matter take sentences to be the primary bearers of subject matter: “sentences have aboutness properties if anything has” (Yablo, Aboutness, Princeton University Press, 2014). However, some subsentential expressions can also be thought of as being about something. Moreover, it appears that the subject matters of sentences depend in a systematic way on the aboutness properties of their subsentential components. In this paper, we focus on the question of what predicates are about. We provide an account of predicative subject matter in which subject matters are assigned to predicates in a natural way, and which can be smoothly integrated with some existing accounts of sentential subject matter. We also argue that the notion of predicative subject matter is a worthy object of study, both within the current debate on subject matter and in its own right.
Humean learning (how to learn)
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2023

David Hume’s skeptical solution to the problem of induction was grounded in his belief that we learn by means of custom . We consider here how a form of reinforcement learning like custom may allow an agent to learn how to learn in other ways as well. Specifically, an agent may learn by simple reinforcement to adopt new forms of learning that work better than simple reinforcement in the context of specific tasks . We will consider how such a bootstrapping process may lead to a system that includes trial-and-error forms of learning like win-stay/lose-shift, probe and adjust, and simple reinforcement itself together with higher-rationality inferential tools.
Prevalence and predictors of positive airway pressure therapy prescription in obstructive sleep apnoea: a population-representative study
Authors: Woehrle Holger , Arzt Michael , Ficker Joachim H. , Deger Melike , Sterling Kimberly L. , Ehrsam-Tosi Daniela , Vogelmann Tobias , Weinand Sina , Fietze Ingo , Young Peter , Schoebel Christoph
Published: December 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition that is associated with several important comorbidities and increased mortality. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is an effective treatment for OSA that is associated with a reduction in mortality. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of PAP prescription for OSA in Germany.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used an anonymized German claims research database. Adults (age ≥ 18 years) with treatment-naïve OSA who were or were not started on PAP were included.

Results

Of 22,317 participants, 12,297 (55%) were started on PAP; the remaining 10,020 individuals (45%) formed the control group (no PAP). Significant predictors of PAP prescription in multivariate logistic regression analysis were overweight/obesity, hypertension, heart failure, other cardiovascular diseases, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, breathing abnormalities, vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, somatoform disorders and use of several medication classes (especially angiotensin receptor blockers, inhaled adrenergics or other inhaled drugs).

Conclusion

Only just over half of all individuals with OSA in the current analysis were prescribed PAP. The presence of a variety of comorbidities and use of several medication classes were significant predictors of PAP prescription. Future research should focus on identifying ways to increase PAP use in eligible individuals to optimize clinical outcomes.
A New Index to Detect Process Deviations Using IR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Process Tools
Authors: Schorn-García Daniel , Ezenarro Jokin , Busto Olga , Aceña Laura , Boqué Ricard , Mestres Montserrat , Giussani Barbara
Published: December 2023

Process analytical technologies (PATs) have transformed the beverage production management by providing real-time monitoring and control of critical process parameters through non-destructive measurements, such as those obtained with infrared (IR) spectroscopy and enabling process readjustment if necessary. New requirements in the analysis of beverages call for new methods, so in this article, we propose a method based on the construction of multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) charts from a new dissimilarity index (the evolving window dissimilarity index, EWDI) to monitor fermentation processes. The EWDI was applied to monitor wine alcoholic fermentation, the biochemical transformation of sugars into ethanol. Small-scale fermentations were carried out and analyzed using a portable mid-infrared spectrometer. In some of them, process deviations due to nitrogen deficiency or temperature changes were intentionally promoted to evaluate the performance of the EWDI. The MSPC charts build by using the fermentations carried out under normal operating conditions allowed identifying deviations of the fermentation in its early stages. Furthermore, the shape of the EWDI curve over time provides insights about the specific type of deviation occurring. These results show the potential of this new approach to improve the monitoring and control of key process stages in biochemical processes in the food industry, which allows maximizing quality and minimizing losses.

Graphical Abstract
Testing the Effectiveness of a Commercially Sold Probiotic on Restoring the Gut Microbiota of Honey Bees: a Field Study
Authors: Damico Megan E. , Beasley Burton , Greenstein Drew , Raymann Kasie
Published: December 2023

Antibiotic use in apiculture is often necessary to ensure the survival of honey bee colonies. However, beekeepers are faced with the dilemma of needing to combat bacterial brood infections while also knowing that antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria important for bee health. In recent years, bee probiotics have become increasingly purchased by beekeepers because of product claims like being able to “replenish the microbes lost due to agricultural modifications of honey bees' environment” or "promote optimal gut health." Unfortunately, these products have little scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and previous lab experiments have refuted some of their claims. Here, we performed hive-level field experiments to test the effectiveness of SuperDFM-HoneyBee™ − the most commonly purchased honey bee probiotic in the United States − on restoring the honey bee gut microbiota after antibiotic treatment. We found slight but significant changes in the microbiota composition of bees following oxytetracycline (TerraPro) treatment and no difference between the microbiota of antibiotic treated bees with or without subsequent probiotic supplementation. Moreover, the microorganisms in the probiotic supplement were never found in the guts of the worker bee samples. These results highlight that more research is needed to test the efficacy and outcomes of currently available commercial honey bee probiotic supplements.
Sintered Bottom and Vitrified Silica Ashes Derived from Incinerated Municipal Solid Waste as Circular Economy-Friendly Partial Replacements for Cement in Mortars
Authors: Wijesekara D. A. , Sargent P. , Hughes D. J. , Ennis C. J.
Published: December 2023

Sintered bottom ash (SBA) and vitrified ash (VA) derived from the incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) at 1200 °C were used in this study as replacements for Type 2 Portland cement (CEM-II) based mortars. This approach negates the need to send them to landfill, benefits the circular economy and contributes towards the decarbonisation of cementitious construction materials in response to international net zero carbon emission agendas. The material (physico-chemical) characteristics of VA and SBA were analysed before being used as partial replacements for CEM-II in mortars, whereby compressive strength (CS) was the primary criterion for assessing engineering performance. VA and SBA replaced CEM-II at dosages of 10%, 25% and 50% based on their high inorganic and pozzolanic contents; whereby the 10% and 25% replacements did not compromise mortar strength. The alkalinity and pozzolanic properties of SBA collectively indicated it has greater potential as a cementitious material over VA, which possessed a neutral pH. The 28-day CS recorded for mixtures containing 25% VA and 10% SBA were 13.74 MPa and 11.77 MPa, respectively compared with 17.06 MPa for CEM-II control samples. The use of 2% additional water in 25% SBA mortar designs improved strength further, indicating that SBA’s water retention properties permitted further hydration and strength development with curing. Microstructural, mineralogical and infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that these strengths were owed to the formation of silicate-based hydration products. The outcomes from this study highlight that SBA has potential for replacing CEM-II and VA as a filler in cementitious mortar.

Graphical Abstract
Optimal effective concentration combinations (OPECCs) for binary application of membrane-targeting antiseptics and TMPyP-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Authors: Maisch Tim , Scholz Konstantin J. , Forster Eva-Maria , Wenzl Verena , Auer David L. , Cieplik Fabian , Hiller Karl-Anton
Published: December 2023

The widespread occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria is a health problem of global dimension. Infections caused by multi-resistant pathogens are difficult to treat and often associated with high mortality. Therefore, new treatment strategies are of interest, such as the use of differently acting antibacterial concepts. One of these new concepts is the use of antiseptics in combination with the antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Currently, no method has yet been established as a standard procedure for investigating combined effects and evaluating them in a generally valid and unambiguous manner. The focus of this study was on how cationic antiseptics benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) behave in a combined application with aPDT using the photosensitizer TMPyP. For this purpose, BAC and CHX were applied in combination with the aPDT using TMPyP in non-lethal concentrations to the three bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The results of the combination experiments with sublethal concentrations of BAC or CHX with the aPDT showed that the binary application had a lethal effect. Irrespective of the bacteria, the reduction in concentrations in OPECC, compared to individual concentrations, was more than 50% for TMPyP, 23–40% for BAC, and 18–43% for CHX. Furthermore, the optimal effective concentration combinations (OPECCs) could be determined. The latter showed that the combined application allowed the reduction of both concentrations compared to the single application.
Publics’ views on ethical challenges of artificial intelligence: a scoping review
Authors: Machado Helena , Silva Susana , Neiva Laura
Published: December 2023

This scoping review examines the research landscape about publics’ views on the ethical challenges of AI. To elucidate how the concerns voiced by the publics are translated within the research domain, this study scrutinizes 64 publications sourced from PubMed® and Web of Science™. The central inquiry revolves around discerning the motivations, stakeholders, and ethical quandaries that emerge in research on this topic. The analysis reveals that innovation and legitimation stand out as the primary impetuses for engaging the public in deliberations concerning the ethical dilemmas associated with AI technologies. Supplementary motives are rooted in educational endeavors, democratization initiatives, and inspirational pursuits, whereas politicization emerges as a comparatively infrequent incentive. The study participants predominantly comprise the general public and professional groups, followed by AI system developers, industry and business managers, students, scholars, consumers, and policymakers. The ethical dimensions most commonly explored in the literature encompass human agency and oversight, followed by issues centered on privacy and data governance. Conversely, topics related to diversity, nondiscrimination, fairness, societal and environmental well-being, technical robustness, safety, transparency, and accountability receive comparatively less attention. This paper delineates the concrete operationalization of calls for public involvement in AI governance within the research sphere. It underscores the intricate interplay between ethical concerns, public involvement, and societal structures, including political and economic agendas, which serve to bolster technical proficiency and affirm the legitimacy of AI development in accordance with the institutional norms that underlie responsible research practices.
Cultivating change: agroecological perspectives on EU pesticide law
Authors: Garcia-Caro Daniela
Published: December 2023

In search of a climate-neutral Europe, the EU Green Deal presented agroecology as an alternative guide for food system transitions through explicit policy and regulatory actions. While the term agroecology is used in Green Deal policy documents, its meaning remains elusive in both policymaking and academic legal research. To explore existing regulatory frameworks’ potential to align with agroecological perspectives for food system transitions, this article analyses pesticide regulation, a core area of agricultural governance, using an agroecological framework. This article aims to contribute to the current legal debate in two ways: it presents agroecology as a framework capable of guiding and assessing law and regulation and illustrates, via a study of EU pesticide regulation, how this framework can be deployed in practice to evaluate legal frameworks.
Case report: Hospital-acquired chickenpox in a healthcare setting
Authors: Utpat Sandeepa , Utpat Nishka , Nookala Vinod , Podakula Lalitha , Utpat Kaanchi
Published: December 2023

Chickenpox (varicella) is a rare occurrence in healthcare settings in the USA, but can be transmitted to healthcare workers (HCWs) from patients with herpes zoster who, in turn, can potentially transmit it further to unimmunized, immunosuppressed, at-risk, vulnerable patients. It is uncommon due to the inclusion of varicella vaccination in the recommended immunization schedule for children and screening for varicella immunity in HCWs during employment. We present a case report of hospital-acquired chickenpox in a patient who developed the infection during his prolonged hospital stay through a HCW who had contracted chickenpox after exposure to our patient’s roommate with herpes zoster. There was no physical contact between the roommates, but both patients had a common HCW as caregiver. The herpes zoster patient was placed in airborne precautions immediately, but the HCW continued to work and have physical contact with our patient. The HCW initially developed chickenpox 18 days after exposure to the patient with herpes zoster, and our patient developed chickenpox 17 days after the HCW. The timeline and two incubation periods, prior to our patient developing chickenpox, indicate transmission of chickenpox in the HCW from exposure to the herpes zoster patient and subsequently to our patient. The case highlights the potential for nosocomial transmission of chickenpox (varicella) to unimmunized HCWs from exposure to patients with herpes zoster and further transmission to unimmunized patients. Verification of the immunization status of HCWs at the time of employment, mandating immunity, furloughing unimmunized staff after exposure to herpes zoster, and postexposure prophylaxis with vaccination or varicella zoster immunoglobulin (Varizig) will minimize the risk of transmission of communicable diseases like chickenpox in healthcare settings. Additionally, establishing patients’ immunity, heightened vigilance and early identification of herpes zoster in hospitalized patients, and initiation of appropriate infection control immediately will further prevent such occurrences and improve patient safety.
Pilot test of Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary care (CRISP)
Authors: Sturgiss Elizabeth , Phillips William R.
Published: December 2023

The Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary care (CRISP) provides a new research reporting guideline to meet the needs of the producers and users of primary care (PC) research. Developed through an iterative program of research, including investigators, practicing clinicians, patients, community representatives, and educators, the CRISP Checklist guides PC researchers across the spectrum of research methods, study designs, and topics. This pilot test included a variety of team members using the CRISP Checklist for writing, revising, and reviewing PC research reports. All or most of the 15 participants reported that the checklist was easy to use, improved research reports, and should be recommended by PC research journals. The checklist is adaptable to different study types; not all items apply to all reports. The CRISP Checklist can help meet the needs of PC research when used in parallel with existing guidelines that focus on specific methods and limited topics.
Hemmung konstruktiver Aggression
Authors: Maß Reinhard , Müller-Alcazar Anett
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Mit konstruktiver Aggression ist ein evolviertes Verhaltensmuster gemeint, mit dem Individuen gewaltlos Interessen, Bedürfnisse und Grenzen in interpersonalen Beziehungen einbringen können. Es wird postuliert, dass die Hemmung konstruktiver Aggression (i. e., Aggressionshemmung) schädlich ist. Fragestellung: Es sollte zunächst ein Instrument zur Erfassung von Aggressionshemmung entwickelt und evaluiert werden. Damit sollten die Zusammenhänge von Aggressionshemmung mit Depressivität, Trait-Angst und Lebenszufriedenheit untersucht werden. Methode: In zwei Studien (299 bzw. 253 Gesunde) wurde das „Aggressionshemmungs-Inventar“ (AHI) entwickelt. In einer dritten Studie wurde das AHI bei 263 Depressiven in vollstationärer Behandlung eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Das AHI korrelierte bei Gesunden mit Depressivität, Trait-Angst und Lebenszufriedenheit. Die Depressiven zeigten eine ausgeprägte Aggressionshemmung, die bis zur Entlassung abnahm. Der Rückgang der Depressivität hing von der Aggressionshemmung bei Entlassung ab. Schlussfolgerungen: Das AHI kann die Hemmung konstruktiver Aggression zuverlässig messen. Der Abbau von Aggressionshemmung könnte wichtig bei der Behandlung von Depression sein.
Seeing Eye-to-Eye
Authors: Dauphin Barry , Greene Harold H. , Juve Mindee , Boyle Mellisa , Day-Suba Ellen
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Considering the continuing interest in the use of eye-tracking technology for study of the Rorschach response process, the present study examines the internal consistencies for several eye-tracking indices during Rorschach administration. Many experimental psychologists have recently maintained that researchers should be interested in and report the internal consistency statistics of performance measures, including eye tracking in order to improve effect size, the power of hypothesis testing, and the replicability of findings. In the current study, eye-tracking variables more relevant to understanding top–down (goal-driven) processes showed good-to-excellent internal consistencies, while variables largely affected by bottom–up (stimulus-driven) processes showed questionable or poor internal consistency. The current findings provide support for recent research strategies of utilizing protocol-level eye-tracking averages to link to Rorschach coding variables. In addition, the current study found differences across cards for the eye-tracking variables, showing medium-to-large effect sizes, which provides evidence for the stimulus pull of the cards for visual search strategies, including variables not previously used in Rorschach research.
Persistence and Cessation of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Under Psychotherapy
Authors: Aoki Sanae , Kogayu Nobuo , Ono Satoshi
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This study examines factors associated with recovery from nonsuicidal self-injury, comparing the characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury behavior, clinical history, and psychological features of one group of patients who recovered from nonsuicidal self-injury within 12 months of psychotherapy and one group of patients who did not. Both groups received three components of treatment: feedback on psychological assessment results, psychoeducation on stress and emotional control, and acquisition of stress-coping skills. The Rorschach Comprehensive System was used for the measurement of participants’ psychological characteristics. Results indicated that the nonrecovery group ( N = 14) remembered significantly fewer self-harm episodes than the recovery group ( N = 16). The Rorschach showed differences in variables indicative of thinking and cognitive problems: PTI positivity and X-% were significantly higher in the nonrecovery group, while X+%, XA%, and WDA% were significantly lower in the nonrecovery group. Results suggest that the recovery group interrupted self-injury behaviors in a relatively short period by acquiring self-understanding and coping skills. Additional treatment for thinking, cognitive deficits, and dissociation may be necessary for the nonrecovery group.
Linking Biogeochemical and Hydrodynamic Processes to Model Methane Fluxes in Shallow, Tropical Floodplain Lakes
Authors: Guo Mingyang , Melack John M. , Zhou Wencai , Barbosa Pedro M. , Amaral Joao H. F. , Zhuang Qianlai
Published: December 2023

Floodplains lakes are abundant in the Amazon basin and are important methane sources to the atmosphere. Existing biogeochemical models require modifications and inclusion of hydrodynamic processes operative in shallow, warm waters to be applied to these aquatic ecosystems. We modified a 1‐dimensional process‐based, lake biogeochemical model and combined a 3‐dimensional hydrodynamic model to suit Amazon floodplains. We evaluated the combined model's performance simulating methane concentrations and fluxes and several related processes in the open lake and an embayment of a well‐studied Amazon lake. Parameters for calibration were selected through sensitivity tests using a machine learning‐based algorithm, classification, and regression trees. Comparison between simulated and measured fluxes indicate generally good agreement in seasonal patterns and magnitudes. Comparisons of near‐surface concentrations varied with no clear patterns. Simulations of methane concentrations at near‐surface and near‐bottom, and diffusive emissions are most sensitive to carbon mineralization rate, Q10 factors for methanogenesis and oxidation, and methane oxidation potential. Modeled rates of planktonic photosynthesis were generally lower than measurements, though simulated planktonic respiration was often similar to measurements. Simulated rates of methane oxidation were considerably lower, with a few exceptions, than measurements of methane oxidation in oxic water of the lake. Improvements of results of the linked hydrodynamic‐biogeochemical model will result from inclusion of advective transport, use of parameter values appropriate for tropical waters, especially for methane oxidation and photosynthesis, and addition of changes in hydrostatic pressure to model of ebullition.
Mobilization of Tungsten in Greenstone Belts of the Archean Kaapvaal and Singhbhum Cratons
Authors: Messling N. , Jodder J. , Hegner E. , Hofmann A. , Wemmer K. , Willbold M.
Published: December 2023

Due to the inherently fluid‐mobile nature of W, the 182W record of the early Earth may have been obscured by fluid‐induced mobilization of W. To investigate W mobilization in Archean greenstone sequences, we analyzed 182W isotope systematics and major and trace element concentrations in samples from the 3.53 Ga old Onverwacht Group of the Kaapvaal Craton (South Africa) and the >3.51 Ga old Badampahar Group of the Singhbhum Craton (India). Our results for mafic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks show W/Th ratios significantly higher than primary magmatic values, which suggests fluid‐induced W enrichment. Samples least affected by secondary W enrichment (W/Th < 0.26) show no resolvable W isotope anomalies from modern mantle values in both cratons. Samples from the Kaapvaal Craton with elevated W/Th exhibit deficits in 182W as low as −8.1 ± 4.3 ppm compared to the modern mantle. Covariations of μ182W with W/Th, and Ce/Pb suggest that negative isotope signatures were introduced during secondary fluid‐mediated processes. The enrichment of W is most evident in altered ultramafic rocks comprising serpentine, resulting in additional covariations between MgO, LOI, and W/Th. The W isotope composition of serpentinized komatiites reflects the composition of younger intruding granitoids. We therefore infer the latter as a possible source of W‐rich fluids. The Badampahar Group samples exhibit little W isotope variability. A well‐resolved 182W deficit of −6.2 ± 2.9 ppm was determined in a single komatiite sample, which indicates an unknown fluid source, currently not represented in any other unit of the Singhbhum Craton.
Troposphere Sensing Using Grazing‐Angle GNSS‐R Measurement From LEO Satellites
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: December 2023

This paper studies a new concept of using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals coherently reflected over relatively smooth ocean and ice surfaces from very low elevation angles (below ∼8°) and received by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to retrieve the tropospheric information. This approach can provide horizontal profiles of tropospheric zenith delay and total column water vapor (TCWV) with centimeter‐level high precision and spatial resolutions of tens of km by ∼1 km, depending on the elevation angle, with a sampling spacing of ∼100 m. This approach can potentially be applied to most sea ice and calm ocean areas and provide tropospheric sensing data, which can complement and augment existing observation systems. A few case studies are conducted in this paper using the Spire grazing‐angle GNSS‐R data. The retrieved TCWV is compared to ERA5 products and the Sentinel‐3 Ocean and Land Color Instrument measurements and shows promising performances. The errors associated with the GNSS‐R tropospheric measurements are also discussed.
Physical Insights From the Multidecadal Prediction of North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature Variability Using Explainable Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Glenn , Wang Peidong , Kwon Young‐Oh
Published: December 2023

North Atlantic sea surface temperatures (NASST), particularly in the subpolar region, are among the most predictable in the world's oceans. However, the relative importance of atmospheric and oceanic controls on their variability at multidecadal timescales remain uncertain. Neural networks (NNs) are trained to examine the relative importance of oceanic and atmospheric predictors in predicting the NASST state in the Community Earth System Model 1 (CESM1). In the presence of external forcings, oceanic predictors outperform atmospheric predictors, persistence, and random chance baselines out to 25‐year leadtimes. Layer‐wise relevance propagation is used to unveil the sources of predictability, and reveal that NNs consistently rely upon the Gulf Stream‐North Atlantic Current region for accurate predictions. Additionally, CESM1‐trained NNs successfully predict the phasing of multidecadal variability in an observational data set, suggesting consistency in physical processes driving NASST variability between CESM1 and observations.
Statistical Characteristics of Thunderstorm Activity in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin Based on a Five‐Year Cloud‐To‐Ground Lighting Data Set
Authors: Wei Qian , Sun Jianhua , Zhang Yuanchun , Liu Dongxia , Sun Zhuling , Liu Mingyuan , Ma Zheng
Published: December 2023

Using a clustering algorithm based on cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lighting data, 72,974 thunderstorms were identified and tracked in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Basin from May to September of 2016–2020. Thunderstorms predominantly occur in the southeast region and move to the northeast at a speed of 16–64 km/hr. Most thunderstorms have short durations (98.3%, ≤3 hr) and low CG flash frequencies (90.0%, ≤64). Thunderstorms with longer durations are mainly triggered near the mountains and tend to occur (end) earlier (later) in the afternoon (evening). The peak composite reflectivity (CR) corresponding to CG flashes from all thunderstorms is 50 dBZ. Approximately 70% (20%) of CG flashes occur in convective (stratiform) areas. The first CG flash of a thunderstorm tends to occur in convective areas with a higher CR than that of the last CG flash. The average and maximum CRs of CG flashes increase significantly with thunderstorm duration.
A Comparative Assessment of the Distribution of Joule Heating in Altitude as Estimated in TIE‐GCM and EISCAT Over One Solar Cycle
Authors: Baloukidis D. , Sarris T. , Tourgaidis S. , Pirnaris P. , Aikio A. , Virtanen I. , Buchert S. , Papadakis K.
Published: December 2023

During geomagnetically active times, Joule (or frictional) heating in the Lower Thermosphere‐Ionosphere is a significant source of thermal energy, greatly affecting density, temperature, composition and circulation. At the same time, Joule heating and the associated Pedersen conductivity are amongst the least known parameters in the upper atmosphere in terms of their quantification and spatial distribution, and their parameterization by geomagnetic parameters shows large discrepancies between estimation methodologies, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive measurements in the region where they maximize. In this work we perform a long‐term statistical comparison of Joule heating as calculated by the NCAR Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE‐GCM) and as obtained through radar measurements by the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT). Statistical estimates of Joule heating and Pedersen conductivity are obtained from a simulation run over the 11 year period spanning from 2009 until 2019 and from radar measurements over the same period, during times of radar measurements. The results are statistically compared in different Magnetic Local Time sectors and Kp level ranges in terms of median values and percentiles of altitude profiles. It is found that Joule heating and Pedersen conductivity are higher on average in TIE‐GCM than in EISCAT for low Kp and are lower than EISCAT for high Kp. It is also found that neutral winds cannot account for the discrepancies between TIE‐GCM and EISCAT. Comparisons point toward the need for a Kp‐dependent parameterization of Joule heating in TIE‐GCM to account for the contribution of small scale effects.
On the Constitutive Equations for Coupled Flow, Chemical Reaction, and Deformation of Porous Media
Authors: Yarushina Viktoriya M. , Podladchikov Yury Y. , Wang Hongliang
Published: December 2023

Deformation, chemical reactions, fluid flow in geological formations, and many engineering materials are coupled processes. Most existing models of chemical reactions coupled with fluid transport assume the dissolution‐precipitation process or mineral growth in rocks. However, these models have limitations, such as predicting restricted reaction extent due to pore clogging or disregarding porosity changes resulting from mineral growth. Recent studies indicate mineral replacement involves coupled dissolution‐precipitation, maintaining porosity while altering the solid volume. This has multiple practical implications for natural geological processes and within petroleum and environmental engineering. We present a novel model for reaction‐driven mineral expansion that preserves porosity and allows solid volume change. First, we look at fluid‐rock interaction at the pore scale and derive effective rheology of a reacting porous media. On a larger scale, we adopt a two‐phase continuum medium approach to investigate the coupling between reaction, deformation, and fluid flow. Our micromechanical model based on observations assumes that rock or cement consists of an assembly of solid reactive grains, initially composed of a single, pure phase. The reaction occurs at the fluid‐solid contact and progresses into the solid grain material. We approximate the pores and surrounding solid material as an idealized cylindrical shell to simplify the problem and obtain tractable results. We derive macroscopic stress‐strain constitute laws that account for chemical alteration and viscoelastic deformation of porous rocks. Our model explains the possibility of achieving a complete reaction, preservation of porosity during chemical reactions, and dependence of mechanical rock properties on fluid chemistry.
The Heat and Carbon Characteristics of Modeled Mesoscale Eddies in the South–East Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Smith T. G. , Nicholson S.‐A. , Engelbrecht F. A. , Chang N. , Mongwe N. P. , Monteiro P. M. S.
Published: December 2023

Mesoscale eddies provide critical links between the atmosphere and the ocean interior modulating the exchanges of key climatic tracers across the air‐sea and mixed‐layer interface. Mesoscale eddies, widespread in the Southern Ocean, are unresolved by Earth System Models; to what extent they modify contemporary and future heat and CO2 uptake remains unknown. The missing contribution of mesoscale eddies and their effects on properties and fluxes of heat and CO2 are investigated in the South‐East Atlantic using a mesoscale resolving (1/12°) physical biogeochemical model. Unsupervised Self‐Organizing Maps are used to separate anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies into distinct sub‐categories based on spatial characteristics in relative vorticity. Thermal drivers dominated over non‐thermal on partial pressure of ocean CO2 (pCO2sw) leading to a weaker CO2 sink in anticyclonic eddies and a stronger CO2 sink in cyclonic eddies relative to the climatological mean. Magnitudes and depth extents of tracer anomalies scale with eddy size but are also dependent on background tracer gradients. Resolving only the largest (>50 km radii) eddies leads to underestimations in total magnitude of heat storage by 52% and 77%, and underestimations of 61% and 77% in dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) storage for anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies respectively. The inclusion of smaller eddy features (<50 km) also offsets the asymmetry in heat and CT storage between anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies. Resolving eddies explicitly or improvements in existing parameterizations that fail to sufficiently include eddy effects are crucial to improving estimates of heat and CO2.
A High Accuracy Spatial Reconstruction Method Based on Surface Theory for Regional Ionospheric TEC Prediction
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Yi‐ran , Shi Ya‐fei
Published: December 2023

In order to achieve more accurate spatial reconstruction of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and promote improved satellite positioning and ranging applications, a high accuracy spatial reconstruction (HASR) method for TEC is proposed based on the surface theory. The core theory of this method is as follows: (a) Any surface can be uniquely determined by its first and second fundamental quantities; (b) By direct difference approximation, differential equations are transformed into algebraic equations to solve Gauss equations faster. At the same time, taking parts of Europe as an example, the proposed HASR method is used to determine the correlation coefficients and the number of iterations of the model by using the relative root mean square error (RRMSE) as the evaluation criterion. The statistical results show that the TEC predicted by the HASR method is highly consistent with the actual observed values of ionospheric observation stations, and the prediction RRMSE is 9.75%. Compared with the Kriging interpolation with scale factor, the prediction accuracy of the HASR method is improved by 8.5%. We hope this method can provide ideas for the spatial reconstruction of other ionospheric parameters and further promote the realization of complete and accurate space weather forecast.