bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of the Relationship Between Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Inferior Thyroid Artery in the Setting of Total Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Single-Surgeon Study
Authors: Gurluler Ercument
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to determine the anatomical position of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) relative to inferior thyroid artery (ITA) in a consecutive total thyroidectomy series. A total of 421 patients (mean (min–max) age: 45.6 (18–78) years, 76.2% were women) who had total thyroidectomy accompanied with intraoperative exposure of the bilateral RLNs were included in this prospective single-surgeon thyroidectomy series study. Patient demographics and thyroidectomy indications (benign and malignant) were recorded in each patient. The relation of RLN to ITA was assessed bilaterally using the 3-subtype system (anterior to the ITA, posterior to the ITA, and between the branches of the ITA). Most of the thyroidectomy indications (69.1%) were related to malignant disease including papillary carcinoma in 54.9% of cases. The posterior RLN-ITA pattern was the most commonly noted pattern, regardless of the side (74.1% on the left and 68.4% on the right), followed by the anterior RLN-ITA pattern (17.3% on the left and 21.1% on the right) and the between pattern (8.6% on the left and 10.4% on the right). In conclusion, this prospective single-surgeon thyroidectomy series study regarding the position of RLN relative to ITA indicate the predominance of posterior RLN-ITA pattern, similarly, on both the right and the left sides. Accordingly, our findings do not support the higher prevalence of “anterior” or “between” RLN-ITA patterns on the right side, opposing the consideration of right RLN to be at a higher risk of iatrogenic injury.
New ammonoid records and the definition of the base of the German Hemberg-Stufe (Famennian III, Upper Devonian)
Authors: Becker R. Thomas
Published: October 2024

In the revised ammonoid biostratigraphy of Becker (1993), the base of the German Hemberg-Stufe (Hembergian, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian III) was defined by the entry of Pernoceras dorsatum (Wedekind, 1918). However, this taxon is an invalid junior homonym of Tornoceras simplex var. dorsata Gürich, 1900 and Wedekind`s form was poorly defined and originally not illustrated. Based on a review of Wedekind material and unpublished collections from two trenches at the Enkeberg type section, the defining taxon of the Hembergian is re-assigned to Protornoceras genulobatum (Sobolew, 1914b). The species is discussed in the context of previous records of Tornoceras dorsatum and in the taxonomic framework of the Aulatornoceratinae, especially of the genera Protornoceras and Pernoceras. In the revised regional and international zonation scheme, UD III-A becomes a regional Prot. genulobatum Zone and international Protornoceras Genozone. Some other Protornoceras, questionable Falcitornoceras, and Pernoceras are described. These include Prot. rhenicum n. sp., Prot. umbilicatoides (Sobolew, 1914a), Prot. aff. delepinei (Petter, 1975), and Prot. aff. crebriseptum (Raymond, 1909) from the Enkeberg, Prot. aff. genulobatum from Beringhauser Tunnel, the Rhenish Perno. kochi (Wedekind, 1908), and the Russian Pernoceras kirsaense n. sp.
Score test for marks in Hawkes processes
Authors: Richards Kylie-Anne , Dunsmuir William T. M. , Peters Gareth W.
Published: October 2024

A score statistic for detecting the impact of marks in a linear Hawkes self-exciting point process is proposed, with its asymptotic properties, finite sample performance, power properties using simulation and application to real data presented. A major advantage of the proposed inference procedure is that the Hawkes process can be fitted under the null hypothesis that marks do not impact the intensity process. Hence, for a given record of a point process, the intensity process is estimated once only and then assessed against any number of potential marks without refitting the joint likelihood each time. Marks can be multivariate and serially dependent. The score function for any given set of marks is easily constructed as the covariance of functions of future intensities fits the unmarked process with functions of the marks under assessment. The asymptotic distribution of the score statistic is a Chi-squared distribution, with degrees of freedom equal to the number of parameters required to specify the boost function. Model-based or nonparametric estimation of required features of the mark’s marginal moments and serial dependence can be used. Using sample moments of the marks in the test statistic construction does not impact the size and power properties.
Landfill leachate treatment by incorporating MWCNTs assisted adsorption and coagulation process
Authors: Narendra K. R. , Shetty Shivakumar Jagadish , Prashant Shreelaxmi , Gurumurthy S. C. , Biliangadi Nagabhushan B.
Published: October 2024

Landfill leachate generation due to unscientific solid waste management seriously threatens soil, groundwater, and surface water. The biological treatment system alone is insufficient to remediate this dark-colored liquid and requires appropriate physicochemical methods as pre-treatment. This study evaluates the efficiency of coagulation, adsorption, and a combination of both to remove color and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Two common chemicals, alum and ferric chloride, were conventionally used as coagulants and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as adsorbents due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. The parameters, such as pH and dosage, were optimized using the coagulation process. The effect of contact time and temperature was evaluated for adsorption using MWCNTs. In the coagulation process, about 66.67% COD and 95.77% color removal were observed for alum, whereas 77.78% COD and 99.65% color removal were observed for ferric chloride. Adsorption using MWCNTs resulted in 65.66% COD and 97.38% color removal. Combined treatment of coagulation followed by adsorption using MWCNTs resulted in 88.89% COD and 100% color removal. Overall, MWCNTs were found to be effective at removing COD and color from the stabilized landfill leachate.

Graphical abstract
Die Ein-Mann-Theorie. Reinhart Koselleck auf der Zeitenschwelle zum Klassiker
Authors: Huhnholz Sebastian , Jung Ludwig , Käppner Anton
Published: October 2024

Ein Jahrhundert nach seiner Geburt 1923 in Görlitz gilt Reinhart Koselleck (1923–2006) als Vieles: begriffsgeschichtliches Mastermind, populäre Allzweckwaffe, universeller Metaphernspender. Entsprechend ist es zunehmend schwieriger geworden, Orientierung in der Menge von Koselleck-Referenzen und Koselleckiana, insbesondere der Fülle an Veröffentlichungen, Konferenzen und Forschungsprojekten zu dessen Jubiläum, zu behalten. Der Rezensionsaufsatz arbeitet die facettenreiche neuere Rezeption Reinhart Kosellecks vor dem Hintergrund des bestehenden Korpus auf. Unsere Beobachtungen zeigen, dass der Übergang von einem in der Entstehung befindlichen zu einem genuinen, etablierten Forschungsfeld, vom geschichtswissenschaftlichen zum allgemeineren Klassiker genau jetzt vollzogen worden ist. Weiterhin oszilliert die Koselleck-Rezeption zwar zwischen tiefer Auseinandersetzung und oberflächlicher Inanspruchnahme. Doch motiviert die Strukturierungs- und Reflexionsreichweite vieler Forschungsbeiträge auch dazu, mit Koselleck über ihn hinauszugehen. Wie unsere Darstellung diverser neuerer Artikel und insbesondere der jüngsten Bücher von und über Koselleck zeigt, bietet vor allem die immer reichhaltigere Quellenlage die Basis für zahlreiche Forschungsprojekte, laufende wie potenzielle.
Composted biochar versus compost with biochar: effects on soil properties and plant growth
Authors: Mikajlo Irina , Lerch Thomas Z. , Louvel Brice , Hynšt Jaroslav , Záhora Jaroslav , Pourrut Bertrand
Published: October 2024

Biochar is widely recognized as an amendment that enhances soil properties and sequesters carbon, particularly in degraded soils. However, biochar applied solely to soil may also hinder plant development due to toxic by-products generated during pyrolysis or nutrient retention. To mitigate these adverse effects, it has been suggested to either mix biochar with compost or to process it by composting with fresh organic materials. To date, there is a lack of comparative studies evaluating the performance of these two approaches. In this study, three types of biochar, differing in their initial feedstocks (beech wood, hornbeam/beech/oak mixture, and digestate/cereal straw mixture), were investigated. These biochars were applied solely, mixed with green waste compost, or processed as composted biochar in two soils of different fertility (a Luvisol and a gleyic Fluvisol). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions where lettuce was grown for three months. After harvesting, plant biomass, and soil microbial and physicochemical properties were measured. Composted biochar and compost additives maintained a neutral soil pH, contrary to biochar applied solely or mixed with compost. The dissolved organic carbon and total nitrogen were higher in composted biochar treatments, leading to a higher proportion of humified material with a high degree of condensed aromatic groups compared to other treatments. Microbial activities were higher in the composted biochar treatments compared to those in the compost with biochar, and more specifically in the less fertile Luvisol. Finally, composted biochar increased plant growth by almost six times compared to the control without amendments, whereas the mix of biochar and compost increased it by only three times. Solely applied biochars did not affect lettuce growth. This study demonstrates that biochar composting is more beneficial than mixing biochar with compost in terms of improving soil fertility and mitigating the negative effects associated with pure biochar application.

Graphical Abstract
Plasma Volume Shifts and Acid–Base Balance After a Single Bout of Resistance Training
Authors: Schierbauer Janis , Zimmer Rebecca , Wachsmuth Nadine , Maassen Norbert , Schmidt Walter
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Changes in plasma volume (PV), acid–base status and ventilation have rarely been investigated in relation to resistance training (RT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of a single set of exhaustive leg press exercise on these basic physiological parameters in an integrated manner.

Methods

Twenty-seven male individuals (27.1 ± 4.1 years, 1.82 ± 0.62 m, 84.4 ± 12.5 kg, BMI: 25.4 ± 3.0 k/gm2) performed a single set leg press exercise during which hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (Hct), pH, oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide partial pressures (pCO2), hydrogen carbonate concentration ([HCO3−]), standard base excess (SBE) and lactate concentration ([La−]) were determined. Total buffer capacity was calculated based on pH, [HCO3−] and pCO2.

Results

Mean PV decreased by 559 ± 230 mL (13.7%). As a result, arterial oxygen content was significantly increased due to hemoconcentration (P < 0.001). At exhaustion, pH (7.30 ± 0.06), [HCO3−] (18.6 ± 2.0 mmol/L) and SBE (− 6.6 ± 2.4 mmol/L) were all significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). The pCO2 first remained unchanged (39.4 ± 4.3 mm Hg) but demonstrated a significant decrease one-minute post-exercise (34.4 ± 4.2 mmHg), indicating metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, which was maintained until t+15. Non-bicarbonate buffering remained constant during recovery while the respiratory component steadily increased until 15-min post-exercise (50.2 mmol/L per pH).

Conclusion

PV shifts following a single set of leg press exercise improve post-exercise arterial oxygen content. The moderate metabolic acidosis was not compensated during exercise because of restricted breathing but partly compensated during the following 15-min recovery period. The respiratory compensation as part of the bicarbonate buffering made up 50% of total buffer capacity in the course of recovery.
On the scope of the right to explanation
Authors: Fritz James
Published: October 2024

As opaque algorithmic systems take up a larger and larger role in shaping our lives, calls for explainability in various algorithmic systems have increased. Many moral and political philosophers have sought to vindicate these calls for explainability by developing theories on which decision-subjects—that is, individuals affected by decisions—have a moral right to the explanation of the systems that affect them. Existing theories tend to suggest that the right to explanation arises solely in virtue of facts about how decision-subjects are affected by opaque systems. But this ignores an important part of the normative landscape: sometimes, facts about a decision-maker’s rights and freedoms can make a difference to whether she owes anyone explanations of her decisions. I illustrate the point by calling attention to examples of artistic, romantic, and supererogatory altruistic decisions; in at least some cases of this sort, even highly influential decisions can legitimately be kept entirely private and opaque,
Meeting Men Where they are: Motivators and Barriers to Accessing Health Services through a Men’s Mobile Wellness Clinic, October 2019 to March 2020, Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Nyangulu Mtemwa , Aholou Tiffiany , Thorsen Viva , Ebrahim Shahul , Nkhoma Ernest , Payesa Chipiliro , Chipungu Getrude , Kalua Masozie , van ’t Pad Bosch Jeroen , Gibson Hannah , Buie Verita , Sindani Fidelis , Dale Helen , Behel Stephanie , Hassan Rashida , Maida Alice , Grabbe Kristina
Published: October 2024

Background

In Malawi approximately, 88.3% people living with HIV are aware of their HIV status. Significant gaps are among men aged 15–34 years; only 72% know their HIV status. To reach men, Jhpiego, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), implemented the Men’s Mobile Wellness Clinic (MMWC) at workplace settings in Blantyre, Malawi between October 2019 and March 2020.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study to understand motivators and barriers to MMWC service uptake by employees and employers. Primary data was drawn from in-depth telephone interviews from four study populations: employers who accepted or declined to host the MMWC at their worksite, and employees who accessed or did not access the services. We performed a thematic analysis using Nvivo 12 software to identify patterns and themes across the dataset.

Findings

Main reasons given for using the service among male employees were a desire to know their health status, availability of free health services at the workplace, and good quality services offered by MMWC staff, and support from their supervisor. Men who did not access services stated reasons such as work-clinic scheduling conflicts, lack of adequate promotion of the service, and miscommunication on the criteria about who should attend the MMWC. Employers who accepted to host the MMWC stated convenience and employee’s rights to know their health status. Those who declined either stated that employees did not want the services or COVID-19 preventive measures by the MOH between October 2019 and March 2020 restricted participation.

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential utility of MMWC services including HIV testing among men. The desire to know their health status, availability of free MMWC services at the workplace, good quality services offered by MMWC staff, and the endorsement of MMWC by supervisors were main motivators to access the MMWC services. Sensitizing supervisors and employees about the benefits of the MMWC services, strengthening demand creation, and clarifying eligibility are important to facilitate MMWC uptake among men in Malawi.
Out of Her Mind
Authors: Gask Linda
Published: October 2024

For centuries so called 'difficult women' have been labelled as 'hysterical' and 'out of their minds'. Today they wait longer for health diagnoses, often being told it's 'all in their heads'. Although healthcare systems are overburdened, why are women the first to feel the effects of this? Why is it so hard for women to find the kind of help they need? Why is no one listening to them? And why have so many lost faith in mental healthcare? Drawing on the lived experiences of women, alongside expert commentators, recent history, current events, and her own personal and professional experience, Dr Linda Gask explores women's mental healthcare today. In doing so she confronts her role as a psychiatrist, recalling experiences treating women and as a woman who has received mental healthcare, illustrating the dire need for more change, faster. Women can't all be out of their minds.
Analysis of invasive group A streptococcal puerperal sepsis in Calgary, Alberta: clinical consequences and policy implications
Authors: Qaddoura Amro , McQuiston Megan , Tyrrell Gregory , Croxen Matthew , Li Vincent , Demarco Rhonda , Pinfield Suzanne , Ramazanova Ruziyya , Hope Karen , Cairns Edith-Rose , MacDonald Judy , Hu Jia , Larios Oscar , Kim Joseph , Missaghi Bayan , Vayalumkal Joseph , Martin Irene , Marsten Valerie , Soucie Jennifer , Wilson Robert Douglas , Birch Colin , Conly John
Published: October 2024

We analyzed invasive group A streptococcal puerperal sepsis cases in a large health zone in Alberta, Canada between 2013 and 2022. Of the 21 cases, 85.7% were adjudicated as hospital/delivery-acquired, with 2 clusters having identical isolates found through whole genome sequencing. We implemented policy interventions across Alberta aimed at preventing future infections.
Steady solutions of quasi-geostrophic flows in basins, gulfs and channels on a β-plane
Authors: Gonzalez Jeasson F. , Zavala Sansón L. , Graef F.
Published: October 2024

Nonlinear steady solutions of the barotropic quasi-geostrophic equation in basins, gulfs and channels on a

$\beta$

-plane are presented. The domains are rectangular with arbitrary aspect ratios. The two-dimensional solutions assume a linear relationship between the potential vorticity

$q$

and the stream function

$\psi$

. The sign of the slope in the linear

$q\unicode{x2013}\psi$

relationship defines two broad sets of solutions. For a positive slope, the solutions in a closed basin correspond to the inertial gyres derived by Fofonoff in 1954. The negative slope solutions consist of normal modes that can be resonant. For gulfs and channels, the conditions at the open boundaries are almost arbitrary flows entering or leaving the domain. Such conditions allow a great variety of solutions in the interior, characterised mainly by arrays of vortices with alternate signs. Several examples are presented and discussed.
How surface modifications enhance vertical falling film evaporation
Authors: Hidman Niklas , Åkesjö Anders , Gourdon Mathias , Jongsma Alfred , Ström Henrik , Sardina Gaetano , Sasic Srdjan
Published: October 2024

We use multiphase direct numerical simulations to identify, analyse and quantify components of wall-normal heat flux distributions in evaporative vertical falling films with surface modifications at industrially relevant conditions. Previous experiments showed a potential increase of the heat transfer rate through the film by up to 100 % using various types of modifications. We show that the modifications induce significant advective heat transport and hypothesise that four synergistic mixing mechanisms are behind the heat transfer rate improvement. Additionally, we examine how the important surface topology parameters, pitch

$\hat {p}$

(distance between modifications), height

$\hat {h}$

and the liquid Prandtl number

$\mathit {Pr}_l$

, influence the mode of heat transport and the Nusselt number

$\mathit {Nu}$

. We show that

$\hat {p}/\hat {h} \approx 10$

maximises

$\mathit {Nu}$

and that the optimal pitch is related to the recirculation zone length

$L_r$

behind the modification. We find that

$L_r/\hat {h} \approx 3.5$

and that

$\mathit {Nu} \propto \mathit {Pr}_l^{0.42}$

in the investigated parameter ranges. We also show that all our cases on both smooth and modified surfaces have

$\mathit {Pe}_l \gg 1$

and collapse well on a line

$\mathit {Nu} \propto (\mathit {Pe}_l/\mathit {Re})^{0.35}$

. This relation suggests that

$\mathit {Nu}$

is governed by the balance of film mixing, thermal resistance and diffusivity, and that the ratio

$\mathit {Pe}_l/\mathit {Re}$

can be used to estimate

$\mathit {Nu}$

. Our methodology and findings extend the knowledge concerning the mechanisms behind the heat transfer improvement due to surface modifications and facilitate guidelines for designing more efficient modified surfaces in industrial evaporators.
Elasto-inertial dissipation in particle-laden viscoelastic Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Carré Charles , Moazzen Masoud , Lacassagne Tom , Bahrani S. Amir
Published: October 2024

Many natural and industrial processes involve the flow of fluids made of solid particles suspended in non-Newtonian liquid matrices, which are challenging to control due to the fluid's nonlinear rheology. In the present work, a Taylor–Couette canonical system is used to investigate the flow of dilute to semi-dilute suspensions of neutrally buoyant spherical particles in highly elastic base polymer solutions. Friction measurement synchronized with direct flow visualization are combined to characterize the critical conditions for the onset of elasto-inertial instabilities, expected here as a direct transition to elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT). Adding a low particle volume fraction (

${\leq }2\,\%$

, dilute regime) does not affect the nature of the primary transition and reduces the critical Weissenberg number for the onset of EIT, despite a significant decrease in the apparent fluid elasticity. However, for particle volume fractions

${\geq }6\,\%$

(semi-dilute regime), EIT is no longer observed in the explored Reynolds range, suggesting an apparent relaminarization with yet not further decrease in fluid elasticity. Instead, a new regime, termed here elasto-inertial dissipative (EID), was uncovered. It originates from particle–particle interactions altering particle–polymer interactions and occurring under elasto-inertial conditions comparable to those of EIT. Increasing particle volume fraction in the semi-dilute regime and, in so, the particle contribution to the overall viscosity, delays the onset of EID similarly to what was observed previously for EIT in lower elasticity fluids. After this onset, a decrease in the pseudo-Nusselt number observed with increasing inertia and particle-to-polymer concentration ratio confirms a particle-induced alteration of energy transfer in the flow.
Phase segregation of a partially miscible binary mixture subjected to an external force field
Authors: Chueh Chih-Che , Mauri Roberto , Bertei Antonio
Published: October 2024

When a partially miscible binary mixture is quenched below its critical temperature, it transitions from its single-phase to a two-phase region, undergoing phase separation. The processes of formation and coalescence of droplets are driven by diffusive and convective phenomena, taking place isotropically in the system. The application of an external force field, which exerts a different contribution on the two species, breaks the symmetry of phase separation, leading to the segregation of two equilibrated phases separated by a single interface. This study investigates the dynamics of phase segregation under an external force. The effects of various force magnitudes, captured by the Bond number, in both high- and low-viscosity mixtures, distinguished by different fluidity numbers, are quantified via numerical simulations by using the phase field model. The intricate dynamics of formation, floating and coalescence of droplets towards complete segregation are described along with the quantification of the segregation time, revealing different patterns for high and low Bond numbers. Results show that in none of the cases, formation and floating can be regarded as strictly serial processes. A universal scaling between segregation time, Bond number, fluidity number and domain size is not possible, with a power-law dependence emerging only under the diffusion-dominated regime.
Early acquisition of figurative meanings in polysemous nouns and verbs
Authors: Horvat Ana Werkmann , Štrkalj Despot Kristina , Hržica Gordana
Published: October 2024

Early research on the first language acquisition of figurative language indicated that figurative language comprehension and production skills develop relatively late, while recent studies contest this view. This study explores early production of metaphorical (e.g., shark meaning a rapacious crafty person) and metonymic (e.g., house meaning an organisation) meanings in English polysemous nouns and verbs by using the Braunwald corpus, which tracks a single child’s speech from the age of 1 year, 5 months to 7 years. We explore the initial production of these meanings, with respect to the age, order of acquisition and part of speech (noun vs. verb). Our study shows that children start using figurative meanings at a much earlier age than previously thought. In this early stage, metonymic meanings emerge earlier, while metaphorical meanings come a few months later. These findings challenge prior beliefs that children only develop figurative language skills at 3 years of age and show that it is not only the pre-figurative skills that develop early but also the production of very conventional types of figurative meaning, which might not necessarily require the completed development of the complex set of cognitive skills necessary for cross-domain comparison.
The Culprit-Hypothesis: how blame attribution influences the interpretation of expressive adjectives
Authors: Glauch Kalle
Published: October 2024

Frazier and colleagues, in 2015, proposed the speech-act hypothesis as an inferentially rich pragmatic account for the interpretational flexibility of expressive adjectives (EAs) (e.g., damn, frigging). One pragmatic cue in EA interpretation proposed by Frazier and colleagues is the Culprit-Hypothesis, which predicts that the likelihood of EAs targeting the subject-referent of an utterance increases with the degree of its perceived culpability or blameworthiness in negative events. This article aims to refine the Culprit-Hypothesis by embedding it in a robust theoretical framework based on the psychological models of blame attribution and providing reliable empirical validation. Focusing on the role of intentionality, one of the major components of blame attribution, this article reports a forced-choice study investigating the influence of blameworthiness on EA interpretation. The study followed a 2$ \times $3 within-subject repeated measures design, with sentences manipulated by the factors intentionality (intentional versus unintentional versus underspecified) and EA placement (subject-internal versus object-internal) (The [damn] NOUN1 [intentionally$ \mid $unintentionally$ \mid $ϕ] verbs the [damn] NOUN2). Participants (n = 100) read the sentences and selected their preferred interpretation of the EA among the subject-referent, the object-referent and the event-referent. A generalized linear mixed effects model fitted to the data reveals that intentional actions are significantly more likely to result in subject-readings compared to unintentional actions, thus corroborating the Culprit-Hypothesis.
Evolution of cooperation in networks with well-connected cooperators
Authors: Brask Josefine Bohr , Brask Jonatan Bohr
Published: October 2024

Cooperative behavior constitutes a key aspect of human society and non-human animal systems, but explaining how cooperation evolves represents a major scientific challenge. It is now well established that social network structure plays a central role for the viability of cooperation. However, not much is known about the importance of the positions of cooperators in the networks for the evolution of cooperation. Here, we investigate how the spread of cooperation is affected by correlations between cooperativeness and individual social connectedness (such that cooperators occupy well-connected network positions). Using simulation models, we find that these correlations enhance cooperation in standard scale-free networks but not in standard Poisson networks. In contrast, when degree assortativity is increased such that individuals cluster with others of similar social connectedness, we find that Poisson networks can maintain high levels of cooperation, which can even exceed those of scale-free networks. We show that this is due to dynamics where bridge areas between social clusters act as barriers to the spread of defection. We also find that this positive effect on cooperation is sensitive to the presence of Trojan horses (defectors placed within cooperator clusters), which allow defection to invade. The results provide new knowledge about the conditions under which cooperation may evolve, and are also relevant to consider in regard to the design of cooperation studies.
Postcolonialism without Colonialism: Vestiges of a Method
Authors: Boynton T.J.
Published: October 2024

It is a revealing exercise to search for variations of the word “colonial” in the indexes and tables of contents of these recent monographs in Anglophone literary studies. As the subdiscipline begins to chronicle contemporary cultural developments in which the British Empire’s legacies grow ever-less marked, it is perhaps inevitable that the terms and concepts that governed the preceding phase of scholarship—colonialism, imperialism, and postcolonialism—begin to recede into the background. The sudden and sharp recession of these terms, however, raises fundamental questions regarding the study of English-language texts from the Caribbean, South Asia, West, and East Africa (among other locales). Among the foremost of such questions may be: does the term “postcolonialism” now designate a mere literary period, as opposed to being what scholars over the last several decades seem to have agreed it also is, namely a critical method? What are the effects and implications of this shift, wherein not just literary works newly arrived to a world scene still marked and structured by colonial legacies, but older ones long identified as definitionally “postcolonial,” are increasingly treated without such concepts and terms? Suggestions of answers to such questions arise throughout these three books, all of which seek to reconsider one of the keystone concerns of postcolonial studies, namely the relationship between contemporary Anglophone writing and the authors and texts of the British literary canon.
Intra-ethnic divisions and disagreement over self-determination demands in ethnic movements
Authors: Gremler Frederik , Vogt Manuel , Weidmann Nils B.
Published: October 2024

Ethnic movements continue to challenge state governments globally, with many ethnic conflicts revolving around the status of groups’ territories. Yet, politically mobilized ethnic groups vary considerably in their territorial demands: some press for increased autonomy or even outright secession, while others do not make such demands at all and prefer integration in the existing state. What explains this divergence in ethnic group demands with respect to the group's territorial status? We argue that the expected benefits of ethno-regional autonomy or secession compared to integration in a centralized state differ across distinct segments within the group as a function of three structural factors: heterogeneity in the group's income sources, cultural divisions, and territorial fragmentation, leading to disagreement over self-determination demands between different political organizations representing the same ethnic group. We test our argument using an expanded version of the Ethnic Power Relations–Organizations (EPR-O) dataset. Our pre-registered study finds support for one of our hypotheses: heterogeneity in groups’ income sources increases disagreement over self-determination demands. This finding sheds new light on the structural sources of internal divisions within ethno-political movements.
A novel morphing soft robot design to minimize deviations
Authors: Ferrandy Varell , Garriga-Casanovas Arnau , Franco Enrico , Indrawanto  , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando , Mahyuddin Andi Isra , Virdyawan Vani
Published: October 2024

Soft robotics is rapidly advancing, particularly in medical device applications. A particular miniaturized manipulator design that offers high dexterity, multiple degrees-of-freedom, and better lateral force rendering than competing designs, has great potential for minimally invasive surgery. However, it faces challenges such as the tendency to suddenly and unpredictably deviate in bending plane orientation at higher pressures. In this work, we identified the cause of this deviation as the buckling of the partition wall and proposed design alternatives along with their manufacturing process to address the problem without compromising the original design features. In both simulation and experiment, the novel design managed to achieve a better bending performance in terms of stiffness and reduced deviation of the bending plane. We also developed an artificial neural network-based inverse kinematics model to further improve the performance of the prototype during vectorization. This approach yielded mean absolute errors in orientation of the bending plane below
$5^{\circ }$
.
Approximation of subgraph counts in the uniform attachment model
Authors: Björklund Johan , Holmgren Cecilia , Janson Svante , Lo Tiffany Y. Y.
Published: October 2024

We use Stein’s method to obtain distributional approximations of subgraph counts in the uniform attachment model or random directed acyclic graph; we provide also estimates of rates of convergence. In particular, we give uni- and multi-variate Poisson approximations to the counts of cycles and normal approximations to the counts of unicyclic subgraphs; we also give a partial result for the counts of trees. We further find a class of multicyclic graphs whose subgraph counts are a.s. bounded as
$n\to \infty$
.
Lymphatic magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Holm-Weber Thomas , Mohanakumar Sheyanth , Helt Thora Wesenberg , Borgwardt Lotte , Borgwardt Lise , Juul Klaus , Christensen Vibeke B. , Hjortdal Vibeke E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Tetralogy of Fallot patients face an elevated risk of developing chylothorax and pleural effusions post-surgery. This patient group exhibits risk factors known to compromise the lymphatic system, such as elevated central venous pressure, pulmonary flow changes, and hypoxia. This study investigates the morphology and function of the lymphatic system in tetralogy of Fallot patients through lymphatic magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared fluorescence imaging, respectively.

Methods:

Post-repair tetralogy of Fallot patients aged 6–18 years were recruited, along with age and gender-matched controls. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the morphology of the thoracic lymphatic vessels and the thoracic, while near-infrared fluorescence imaging was used to assess lymphatic activity utilising lymph rate, velocity, and pressure.

Results:

Nine patients and 10 controls were included. Echocardiography revealed that 2/3 of the patients had moderate-severe pulmonary regurgitation, while none displayed signs of elevated central venous pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging identified three patients with type 3 (out of 4 types) lymphatic abnormalities, while controls had none. The thoracic ducts showed severe (one patient) and moderate (one patient) tortuosity. Mean thoracic duct diameters were 3.3 mm ±1.1 in patients and 3.0 mm ± 0.8 in controls (p-value = 0.53). Near-infrared fluorescence imaging revealed no anomalous patterns.

Conclusion:

Despite no presence of clinical lymphatic disease, 3/9 of the repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients exhibited lymphatic morphological abnormalities. The significance of these anomalies remains uncertain currently. Further research is needed to determine whether these lymphatic alterations in this patient cohort are a result of congenital malformations, haemodynamic shifts, or prenatal and early-life saturation levels.
ZETA INVARIANTS OF MORSE FORMS
Authors: Álvarez López Jesús A. , Kordyukov Yuri A. , Leichtnam Eric
Published: October 2024

Let
$\eta $
be [-11pc] [-7pc]a closed real 1-form on a closed Riemannian n-manifold
$(M,g)$
. Let
$d_z$
,
$\delta _z$
and
$\Delta _z$
be the induced Witten’s type perturbations of the de Rham derivative and coderivative and the Laplacian, parametrized by
$z=\mu +i\nu \in \mathbb C$
(
$\mu ,\nu \in \mathbb {R}$
,
$i=\sqrt {-1}$
). Let
$\zeta (s,z)$
be the zeta function of
$s\in \mathbb {C}$
, defined as the meromorphic extension of the function
$\zeta (s,z)=\operatorname {Str}({\eta \wedge }\,\delta _z\Delta _z^{-s})$
for
$\Re s\gg 0$
. We prove that
$\zeta (s,z)$
is smooth at
$s=1$
and establish a formula for
$\zeta (1,z)$
in terms of the associated heat semigroup. For a class of Morse forms,
$\zeta (1,z)$
converges to some
$\mathbf {z}\in \mathbb {R}$
as
$\mu \to +\infty $
, uniformly on
$\nu $
. We describe
$\mathbf {z}$
in terms of the instantons of an auxiliary Smale gradient-like vector field X and the Mathai–Quillen current on
$TM$
defined by g. Any real 1-cohomology class has a representative
$\eta $
satisfying the hypothesis. If n is even, we can prescribe any real value for
$\mathbf {z}$
by perturbing g,
$\eta $
and X and achieve the same limit as
$\mu \to -\infty $
. This is used to define and describe certain tempered distributions induced by g and
$\eta $
. These distributions appear in another publication as contributions from the preserved leaves in a trace formula for simple foliated flows, giving a solution to a problem stated by C. Deninger.
Plus tree selection of Casuarina equisetifolia L. in eastern coastal plain of Odisha
Authors: Mohapatra Sourav Ranjan , Pujari Rashmi Ranjan , M.N. Ashwath , Panda L. R. Lakshmikanta
Published: October 2024

Casuarina equisetifolia L. commonly called whistling pine is an economically and industrially important tree species with global significance. Although species possess versatile importance worldwide, efforts imparted for selection and designing a robust model of selection index are inadequate. The selection process, based on quantitative and qualitative traits, identified 15 superior trees from the eastern coastal plain of Odisha. These superior trees showcased exceptional qualitative and quantitative attributes. Correlation analysis highlighted key similarities among various traits like volume and above ground biomass (AGB), volume and diameter at breast height (DBH), DBH and AGB, DBH and Tree Height (TH), crown length (CL), height, AGB and height. Principal component analysis emphasized substantial contributions of traits like DBH, height, CL, crown width, AGB and volume across different clusters. Furthermore, culmination resulted in a comprehensive selection index, integrating both qualitative and quantitative characters, reaching 52.04, signifying superior performance among specific accessions. The current study provides valuable insights into selection and designing optimal selection index of C. equisetifolia, guiding future decisions concerning optimal wood production and resource management.
Empfehlungen zur medikamentösen Behandlung von ADHS bei komorbiden, substanzbezogenen Störungen
Authors: Holtmann Martin , Klein Marianne , Krömer Thomas , Melchers Peter , Reis Olaf , Schimansky Gisela , Wenzel Angela , Thomasius Rainer
Published: October 2024

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) und der Konsum psychoaktiver Substanzen treten bei Jugendlichen häufig gemeinsam auf. In den verfügbaren Leitlinien wird die Gruppe von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit ADHS und komorbider SUD nur wenig berücksichtigt. Methodik: Die Gemeinsame Suchtkommission der deutschen kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Fachgesellschaft und Verbände hat eine Stellungnahme mit konkreten Behandlungsempfehlungen erarbeitet. Sie soll Orientierung im Sinne eines Best Practice-Vorgehens geben. Ergebnisse: Eine frühe Behandlung mit Stimulanzien bei Jugendlichen mit ADHS und SUD kann das Risiko für die spätere Entwicklung einer SUD verringern. Trotz ihrer nachweislichen Wirksamkeit muss ein mögliches Missbrauchspotenzial der Stimulanzien berücksichtigt werden. Um das Missbrauchspotenzial zu minimieren, werden lang wirkende bzw. retardierte Zubereitungsformen von Stimulanzien und Nicht-Stimulanzien empfohlen. Es ist wichtig, die spezifische SUD und deren Behandlung bei der Verschreibung von Stimulanzien zu berücksichtigen. Schlussfolgerungen: Trotz Bedenken wird der Einsatz von Stimulanzien bei Patienten mit komorbider ADHS und SUD grundsätzlich empfohlen, auch wenn in jedem Einzelfall eine sorgfältige Abwägung notwendig ist, da die Vorteile einer frühzeitigen gleichzeitigen Behandlung überwiegen. Zudem sind eine sorgfältige Überwachung und therapeutisches Monitoring unerlässlich.
New 3D Velocity Model (mTAB3D) for Absolute Hypocenter Location in Southern Iberia and the Westernmost Mediterranean
Authors: Sánchez‐Roldán José Luis , Álvarez‐Gómez José A. , Martínez‐Díaz José J. , Herrero‐Barbero Paula , Perea Hector , Cantavella Juan V. , Lozano Lucía
Published: October 2024

The Trans‐Alboran Shear Zone is one of the most seismically active areas in the westernmost Mediterranean, where a wide variety of tectonic domains have developed within the context of oblique convergence between Eurasia and Africa plates. In this region, earthquakes occur close to seismogenic structures, some of them large enough to cause damaging events. In addition, the diversity of tectonic domains implies a lateral variation of seismic wave propagation, which could affect the hypocenter reliability if not addressed during the location procedure. We present mTAB3D, a new 3D P‐wave velocity created after data collection, geometry modeling and velocity estimation in our study area. To test this model, we used arrival times from the Spanish Seismic Network catalog and performed two non‐linear absolute hypocenter inversions: the first comprises all the seismicity detected during 2018–2022 in the Eastern Betics Shear Zone; the second one consists of the earthquakes recorded during the Al‐Hoceima seismic sequence (2016). We compare our results against hypocenters computed with a 1D velocity model of the region (mIGN1D) and observe that mTAB3D achieves better clustering near active structures and lower epicentral uncertainties (up to 11% lower). Moreover, hypocenters obtained with mTAB3D show notable reliability even in scenarios of a low azimuthal gap, such as the 2016 Al‐Hoceima sequence. The new catalogs computed with our model help us to infer possible genetic relations between seismicity and source faults within our study area and can be used as an additional tool when looking into prior seismic sequences.
Secondary Gravity Wave Propagation in Tropical Thermospheric Region: Role of Varying Kinematic Viscosity
Authors: Datta Soumen , Das Saurabh , Sunda Surendra
Published: October 2024

The current study has investigated the thunderstorm induced atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) over Indian region based on the perturbation signatures in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) measurement. Robust traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID) signature has been identified along the east side of the thunderstorm affected area. Neutral wind was found to have a favorable impact in this aspect for a certain time duration of the day by modulating the vertical wavelength. The role of temperature was analyzed in terms of kinematic viscosity which is a crucial component, especially over tropical region, for wave dissipation and reflection along its propagation path. Ray tracing algorithm is also applied with varying kinematic viscosity and thermal diffusivity for retrieval of possible ray paths and source location of observed waves. A statistical investigation has been carried out to identify the dissipation altitude of observed waves along the ray paths. It has been found that all waves dissipated at almost a constant altitude for a specific kinematic viscosity and above this altitude vertical wavelength was found to decrease. The ray paths interacted at a common point which was located at about 125 km altitude and was very close to the region of maximum lightning activity. It can also be noted that the observed phase velocities can't be achieved by a wave below the turbopause. It indicates that the observed waves were excited from a secondary source and not directly connected to convective system. The study provides an in‐depth analysis of mesoscale system induced gravity wave propagation and dissipation over tropical region.
Seasonal Variation of the Martian Dayside Ionosphere
Authors: Zhai Haohui , Ruan Haibing
Published: October 2024

The Martian ionosphere has many similarities and differences compared to Earth, attracting significant attention. This paper utilizes radio occultation data from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN), and ESA Mars Express mission (MEX), associated with the measurements from Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) aboard MEX, to investigate the seasonal variation of the Martian dayside ionosphere. Data preprocessing is performed first to isolate the influence of solar zenith angle and solar radiation, the seasonal variation of the Martian dayside ionosphere explored in this study. The results suggest that the peak electron density reaches its minimum and maximum at LS = 70.2° and LS = 250.2°, respectively, with an amplitude of 16.5% concerning the average (LS is referred to as the solar longitude of Mars). The peak altitude experiences its minimum at LS = 78.4° and maximum at LS = 258.4°, and its relative amplitude is 12.1%. The outcomes suggest that the seasonal variations in the Martian ionosphere are primarily attributed to the Mars‐Sun distance change, which is different from the situation on Earth. This study will benefit both Martian ionosphere modeling and Earth’s ionosphere understanding in the future.
Machine Learning Predicts the Slip Duration and Friction Drop of Laboratory Earthquakes in Sheared Granular Fault
Authors: Wei Mengfan , Gao Ke
Published: October 2024

Predicting laboratory earthquakes using machine learning has progressed markedly recently. Previous related studies mainly focus on predicting the occurrence time and shear stress of laboratory earthquakes using acoustic emission signals. Here, based on numerical simulations, we use machine learning to show that statistical features of plate motion signals contain information about the slip duration and friction drop of laboratory earthquakes. We find that the plate motion signals during the initial slip stage contain the precursor information about the slip duration of laboratory earthquakes. However, to accurately predict the friction drop, we need to incorporate the plate motion signals during the entire slip stage. The results demonstrate that the high‐order moment and variance of plate motion signals are respectively among the best predictors for the slip duration and friction drop of laboratory earthquakes. Our work provides new insights for future investigations into natural earthquake prediction through machine learning.