bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chromatic index of finite projective spaces
Authors: Xu Lei , Feng Tao
Published: June 2023

A line coloring of , the ‐dimensional projective space over GF, is an assignment of colors to all lines of so that any two lines with the same color do not intersect. The chromatic index of , denoted by , is the least number of colors for which a coloring of exists. This paper translates the problem of determining the chromatic index of to the problem of examining the existences of and with certain properties. In particular, it is shown that for any odd integer and , which implies the existence of a parallelism of for any odd integer and .
Local changes in viral RNA sequence drive global changes in influenza nucleoprotein binding
Authors: Le Sage Valerie , Kanarek Jack P. , Lakdawala Seema S. , Lee Nara
Published: June 2023

The genome of influenza A viruses (IAV) consists of eight negative‐sense RNA segments that are coated by viral nucleoprotein (NP). Until recently, it was assumed that NP binds viral genomic RNA (vRNA) uniformly along the entire segment. However, genome‐wide studies have revised the original model in that NP instead binds preferentially to certain regions of vRNA, while others are depleted for NP binding. Even strains with high sequence similarity exhibit distinct NP‐binding profiles. Thus, it remains unknown how NP‐binding specificity to vRNA is established. Here we introduced nucleotide changes to vRNA to examine whether primary sequence can affect NP binding. Our findings demonstrate that NP binding is indeed susceptible to sequence alterations, as NP peaks can be lost or appear de novo at mutated sites. Unexpectedly, nucleotide changes not only affect NP binding locally at the site of mutation, but also impact NP binding at distal regions that have not been modified. Taken together, our results suggest that NP binding is not regulated by primary sequence alone, but that a network formed by multiple segments governs the deposition of NP on vRNA.
Identification and quality evaluation of different processed products of Aconitum carmichaelii by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wei Nina , Song Dandan , Lu Chang , Jiang Yong , Liu Qin , Liu Lunyuan , Xu Liu , Chen Linwei , Chen Zhipeng
Published: June 2023

Aconitum carmichaelii is widely used to treat chronic and intractable diseases due to its remarkable curative effect, but it is also a highly toxic herb with severe cardiac and neurotoxicity. It has been combined with honey for thousands of years to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy, but there has been no study on the chemical constituent changes in the honey‐processing so far. In this study, the chemical constituents of A. carmichaelii before and after honey‐processing were characterized by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that a total of 118 compounds were identified, of which six compounds disappeared and five compounds were newly produced after honey‐processing, and the cleavage pathway of main components was elucidated. At the same time, 25 compounds were found to have significant effects on different products, among which four compounds with the biggest difference were selected for quantitative analysis by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. This study not only explained the chemical differences between the different products, but also helped to control the quality of the honey‐processed products more effectively, and laid a foundation for further elucidating the mechanism of chemical constituent change during the honey‐processing of A. carmichaelii.
Observation of Generalized Dynamic Localizations in Arbitrary‐Wave Driven Synthetic Temporal Lattices
Authors: Ye Han , Wang Shulin , Qin Chengzhi , Zhao Lange , Hu Xinyuan , Liu Chenyu , Wang Bing , Lu Peixiang
Published: June 2023

Dynamic localization (DL) refers to a wavefunction confinement effect of electrons in periodic lattices under an ac electric field driving. Recent studies have transplanted DLs from electronic to photonic systems using periodically curved waveguide lattices, where the ac electric field is mimicked by the waveguide's bending curvature. However, due to the severe limitations of bending losses and poor tunability for highly curved, arbitrarily shaped waveguides, present studies mainly focus on DL under the simplest sinusoidal‐wave driving; its extension to an arbitrary‐wave driving remains challenging. Here, by constructing a synthetic temporal lattice with a coupled fiber‐loop circuit, the limitations of spatially curved waveguides are circumvented and generalized DLs are experimentally demonstrated under arbitrary‐wave driving. First, by applying band‐collapse criteria, the general conditions for the driving field's symmetry to achieve DLs are revealed. Then, two representative even‐function driving fields of square‐ and triangle‐waveforms are chosen, and wave‐packet revivals are observed as signatures of DLs. As a counter‐example, the breakdown of DL is also verified using odd‐function driving field of sawtooth‐waveform. The work reveals the conditions for realizing generalized DLs and experimentally verifies them using synthetic lattice schemes. This paradigm may find potential applications in versatile temporal‐waveform reshaping, pulse manipulations for optical communications, and signal processing.
Entanglement of Six Orbital Angular Momentum Modes with Reconfigurable Topological Charges
Authors: Yu Sheng , Zhang Kai , Lou Yanbo , Liu Shengshuai , Jing Jietai
Published: June 2023

Entanglement is one of the most essential resources for quantum information. In addition to increasing the scale of entanglement, improving its flexibility is also of vital importance for its practical applications. In this article, a continuous‐variable (CV) entanglement of six orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes whose topological charges can be flexibly reconfigured is experimentally generated. In particular, six sets of CV hexapartite entanglement of OAM modes are obtained with their topological charges reconfigurable. The scheme enables the redistribution of the entangled OAM modes among the quantum channels, which provides a flexible platform to construct reconfigurable quantum communication networks in the CV regime.
Different receiver responses to rewarded referrals: The moderating effect of styles of thinking
Authors: Yu Zhenpeng , Zeng Hui , Hao Liaogang
Published: June 2023

Referral reward programs (RRPs) have attracted increasing attention from researchers and practitioners in recent years. Drawing on the analytic–holistic thinking framework, we explore the degree to which styles of thinking affect receiver's responses to the referrals through three studies. We find that rewards in RRPs adversely affect referral responses, resulting in lower purchase intention and brand evaluation. Such an effect of rewards, however, is moderated by styles of thinking. For holistic thinkers, the above effect of rewards on receiver's responses is valid because holistic receivers are more sensitive to contextual factors (e.g., rewards and tie strength). For analytic receivers, however, there is no significant difference in receiver's responses to unrewarded (vs. rewarded) referrals. In addition to styles of thinking, the results also show that tie strength has a moderating effect on the receiver's response to the referrals. However, the moderating effect of tie strength on receiver's responses is also affected by styles of thinking. For holistic receivers, the moderating effect of tie strength is significant. For analytic receivers, however, the moderating effect of tie strength is not significant. Our conclusions complement the existing research on RRP and provide management implications for enterprises to develop more efficient referral reward programs.
FDA issues first draft guidance on psychedelic research
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2023

Observing that designing clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic substances presents a number of unique challenges that require careful consideration to the industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month issued, for the first time, draft guidance for conducting clinical trials with psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and MDMA (ecstasy).
Youth cancer patients, survivors at higher risk for MH issues
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2023

Children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and survivors (CYACs) have a higher risk factor for anxiety, psychotic disorders and other mental health conditions compared with peers and siblings without cancer, according to a systematic review and meta‐analysis conducted by researchers in Singapore.
Numerical approximation based on a decoupled dimensionality reduction scheme for Maxwell eigenvalue problem
Authors: Jiang Jiantao , An Jing
Published: June 2023

We present a high‐accuracy numerical method based on a decoupled dimensionality reduction scheme for Maxwell eigenvalue problem in spherical domains. Using the orthogonality of vector spherical harmonics and the variable separation approach, we decompose the original problem into two classes of decoupled one‐dimensional TE mode and TM mode. For the TE mode, we establish a variational formulation and its discrete scheme and give the error estimations of the approximate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. For the TM mode, it is different from TE mode which naturally meets the divergence‐free condition and will not generate some spurious eigenvalues. We design a numerical algorithm based on a parameterized method to filter out the spurious eigenvalues. Finally, some numerical results are presented to confirm the theoretical results and validate the algorithms.
Predictors for adverse events following intravesical botulinum toxin injections in men
Authors: Ribeiro Luis , Leung Lap Yan , Tan Nataniel , Low Zhi‐Yang , Nagarajah Mathura , Ahmed Ghazia , Carey Mikaela , Sabbagh Samer , Sharma Davendra , Walker Roger , Nitkunan Tharani , Seth Jai
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Intravesical botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) has been long established as treatment for overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. However, most published data are reported among a female cohort. Adverse events such as intermittent self‐catheterization (ISC) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) play a large role in discontinuation of therapy. There is currently limited information regarding predictive factors to appropriately counsel male patients.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively collected data on male patients undergoing their first intravesical BTX‐A therapy from January 2016 to July 2021 in two high‐volume centers. Data included demographics, past medical and surgical history, and urodynamic parameters. Patients were excluded if they had a long‐term catheter or ISC before initiation of therapy.

Results

A total of 69 men were included in the study with a median age of 66 years. There were 18 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Thirty men had urge incontinence secondary to radical prostatectomy or bladder outflow surgery. Overall rates of ISC were 43.5%. Predictors for ISC included a baseline postvoid residual (PVR) ≥ 50 mL (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–13.03, p = 0.01), BTX‐A dose >100 units (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.36–13.0, p = 0.01). Stress urinary incontinence was protective against ISC (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04–1.00, p = 0.049) as well as history of prostatectomy/bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) surgery (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05–0.47, p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model with these factors yielded a c‐statistic of 0.80 (optimism‐adjusted = 0.75). An enlarged prostate was the only predictor for UTI among our male cohort (OR: 8.0, 95% CI: 2.03–31.5, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This is the first study assessing risk factors of adverse events among men following BTX‐A injection. High PVR and BTX‐A dose of >100U were predictors of requiring ISC after BTX‐A. Stress incontinence, previous radical prostatectomy, and BOO surgery were all protective against needing ISC post‐BTX‐A. An enlarged prostate was associated with development of UTI. These factors can be used to assist in counseling male patients regarding their risk of ISC and UTI.
Experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis of a collaborative care programme: A qualitative study
Authors: Payamani Firuzeh , Borzou Seyed Reza , Soltanian Alireza , Ghiasian Masoud , Khatiban Mahnaz
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study aimed to explain the experiences of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) about the collaborative care programme.

Design

This qualitative study was conducted from July 2021 to March 2022.

Methods

We conducted this study with individuals with MS who participated in the collaborative care programme in Hamadan, Iran. A purposive sampling with maximum variety was applied to recruit patients until data saturation. Eventually, 18 patients consented and were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. The transcriptions of audio‐checked interviews were analysed using a conventional content analysis approach of Graneheim and Lundman by MAXQDA 10, 2010 edition.

Results

The study identified three main categories. that emerged from the participants' experiences of collaborative care: the ‘Beginning of Communication’, which included two subcategories, ‘Introduction and Acquaintance with Each Other’ and ‘Formation of Trust’; ‘Mutual Interaction’, which included three subcategories, ‘Dialogue’, ‘Mutual Goal Setting’ and ‘Mutual Agreement of Care Solutions’; and ‘Exchange of Targeted Behaviors’, which included six categories, Implementation of Strategies for ‘Nutritional Behaviors’, ‘Sleep and Rest’, ‘Constipation Relief’, ‘Promotion of Physical Activity and Exercise’, ‘Fatigue Reduction’ and ‘Stress Management’.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the statistically significant role of collaborative care in MS management. Utilizing these research findings can update the development of interventions based on collaborative care, which can provide appropriate support to individuals with MS.

Patient or public contribution

Individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Bumping into the Species Scale with the Scalar Potential
Authors: Andriot David
Published: June 2023

As a quantum gravity cut‐off, the species scale gets naturally compared to the energy scale of a scalar potential V in an EFT. In this note, the species scale, its rate and their field dependence, to those of a scalar potential is compared. To that end, a string compactification leading to a scalar potential with the same properties as the species scale, namely, being positive, starting at a maximum in the bulk of field space and going asymptotically to zero is first identified. The trajectory followed in our 14‐fields scalar potential is the steepest descent. Evaluating the rate along this path, a local maximum, or bump, a feature noticed as well for the species scale are observed. The origin of this bump for the scalar potential, and compare it to that of the species scale are investigated.
The Role of Executive Functions in Lexical Processing During Reading Comprehension
Authors: Liao Xian , Cai Mingjia , Hung Cathy On‐Ying
Published: June 2023

Robust relation has been revealed previously between the components of executive function (EF) and reading comprehension performance. However, the specific role of EF in the reading processes remains relatively underexplored. Within the framework of the lexical quality hypothesis (LQH), this study examined the contribution of EF to the lexical processing of words, and how this eventually supports reading comprehension. A total of 262 Grade 3 students in Hong Kong were assessed using multiple measures of EF, lexical processing skills (i.e. orthographic awareness, morphological awareness, and receptive vocabulary knowledge) and reading comprehension, respectively. Our findings indicate significant associations between EF and lexical processing skills, which, in turn, contributed to better reading comprehension. The results demonstrate how EF supports Chinese reading comprehension through the mediating effects of a reader's mental operation in obtaining meanings of individual words. The findings support to the notion that peripheral skills facilitate reading comprehension through more central skills.
Determinants of corporate climate change disclosure: Is the mediating role of corporate strategic response to environmental governance and policy matter? Evidence from emerging market
Authors: Mehedi Sohel , Nahar Shamsun , Jalaludin Dayana
Published: June 2023

We examine the determinants and the mediating role of corporate strategic response to environmental governance and policy (EGP) with the extent of corporate climate change disclosure (CCD) through the isomorphic pressures. We collect data from annual reports of Bangladeshi listed manufacturing corporations and we analyze data via partial least square‐structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). Our study findings indicate that board specialty in terms of independent directorship, board human capital reflected by education, and experience, as well as the corporate values include corporate convictions and commitments reflected by vision, mission, core objectives have significant and positive relationships with CCD. The EGP also mediates the abovementioned relationships. Furthermore, the EGP mediates the relationship between corporate attributes (total assets, ROA, ROE, leverage) and CCD. Our findings suggest that when corporations strategically response to environmental issues by putting in place environmental‐related governance and policy, factors such as corporate attributes, board specialty, and corporate values play stronger role in promoting corporate climate change disclosure in developing economies like Bangladesh. Our results offer implications to policymakers, governmental units, professional bodies, social catalysts, and industry practitioners, on their important role in promoting sustainable development by encouraging corporations to manage their environmental issues strategically via corporate governance, strategic environmental management and climate change disclosure.
Characterization of a 2205 Duplex Steel Modified with Boron Obtained via Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Morita Terceiro Pedro , Soyama Juliano
Published: June 2023

Stainless steels are commonly used when a good balance between mechanical properties and corrosion resistance is required. Usually, to increase wear resistance, hard particles are added (carbides, borides, nitrides, and others) to the more ductile matrix (ferrite or austenite). The addition of boron to steels leads to the formation of primary and eutectic borides, which harden the material as solidified. Therefore, herein, the viability to prepare a modified 2205 duplex steel with 2.5 wt% of boron through powder metallurgy is investigated. The boron addition is performed in the atomization step. In addition, the effect of temperature in the sintering process is investigated, as well as the characterization of microstructure formation, phase transformations, and mechanical properties. The specimens are prepared from a prealloyed metal powder with three different granulometries: thick (250–500 μm), medium (106–180 μm), and thin powders (<45 μm). Shaping is conducted by cold uniaxial compaction with sintering in a controlled Ar atmosphere. An optimal sintering temperature of 1200 °C is identified for all granulometries studied. However, the highest densification of >85% is observed with medium powder with an increase of nearly 40% in microhardness in comparison to the reference 2205 steel.
Modification of Sorghum Starch by Propylene Oxide and Application in Texturing of Cookies
Authors: Gupta Arijit Dutta , Negi Sangeeta , Bhadauria Vivek , Bharti Bhawana , Sweeti  , Tian Yu , Blennow Andreas , Singh Harinder
Published: June 2023

Sorghum starch is hydroxypropylated with propylene oxide for 20 h under alkaline conditions and its physicochemical and structural properties are compared with native and alkali modified starches using the same procedure but without propylene oxide. The study demonstrates that functional effects of the hydroxypropylation are not a sum total of alkali modification and addition of propylene oxide. Syneresis and pasting temperature decrease following both modifications. However, alkali modification, as compared to hydroxypropylation, shows a greater decrease in the pasting temperature. Apparent amylose content and swelling power increase after hydroxypropylation. The starch granular structure remains intact after both modifications. The data support that hydroxypropylated starch can be a texturing agent for bakery products such as cookies as documented from data of cutting force and smooth surface of cookies.
Promoting teachers’ SRL with professional vision experiences of live‐actors simulations and video technology
Authors: Kramarski Bracha , Heaysman Orna
Published: June 2023

Self‐regulated learning (SRL) is a cyclical process of planning, performance, and reflection. Although SRL contributes to academic achievement, teaching SRL poses a challenge for teachers, who need support in theoretical and practical approaches to SRL knowledge and skills. The first stop for teachers to effectively learn and employ SRL practices is to enhance teachers’ professional vision (PV) skills: PV skills help teachers think about teaching goals and strategic performance. Enhancing teachers’ PV in the context of SRL, referred to as “PV‐SRL,” is based on two types of experiences; video learning and simulation. These experiences allow teachers to practice their SRL skills by observation and emulation and apply SRL theory in class. Video‐based learning refers to watching videos of themselves and other teaching, discussing, and analyzing the events. The term “simulation” refers to guided learning experiences artificially resembling reality, where participants can exercise their skills and cope with challenges in a supportive environment. This chapter describes the different types of video‐based learning and simulations and their application teachers’ professional development programs and also provides recommendations for teacher educators.
Introduction to and Importance of Insects
Authors: Redak Richard
Published: June 2023

Insects and closely related arthropods are the dominant and most diverse forms of terrestrial and aquatic (non-marine) animal life on the planet. Other than marine systems, insects occupy every conceivable environment and habitat on the Earth. Crustaceans and Annelids (worms) are the dominant and most diverse groups of animals in marine systems.
Bark Beetles
Authors: Gomez Demian F. , Riggins John J. , Cognato Anthony I.
Published: June 2023

Bark beetles often feed on dead or dying plant tissues, serving as primary decomposers. However, some bark beetle species kill healthy trees, although at the time of attack, these healthy trees are often experiencing stressful conditions, such as drought or lightning strikes. Populations of tree-killing bark beetles can increase in size to a level where they can overcome the resistance of healthy trees and cause mass destruction of forests resulting in tremendous economic and ecological damage. This chapter introduces the reader to bark beetle natural history, diversity, evolution and management. Natural history is organized by feeding ecology, mating strategies, and intra– and interspecific interactions. Evolution and diversity of bark beetles includes discussion of phylogeny, timing of evolutionary events and an annotated and illustrated list of bark beetle genera important to forest entomologists. Management and control covers efforts to reduce losses to bark beetle destruction of forests and plant products. Finally, we present case studies, including outbreak events, which have resulted in vast economic and ecological loss.
Form and Function
Authors: Doucet Daniel , Paine Timothy D.
Published: June 2023

The physiology and morphology of insects largely explain the immense adaptability of these organisms to forest ecosystems. This chapter presents an opportunity to review the basics of insect development, the morphology of the different stages and the organ systems that comprise them. The broad categories immature stages and developmental trajectories toward the adult are summarized. Important physiological systems involved in insect behavior such as sensory organs, the nervous system and locomotion are also reviewed. Concise reviews of digestion, immunity and reproduction provide the reader with a basic understanding of how insects interact with their hosts and pathogens and propagate. Together, these topics should convey the fundamental importance of insect form and function in forest entomology.
Forest Insect Invasions and Their Management
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , McCullough Deborah G.
Published: June 2023

As a result of increasing globalization, hundreds of forest insect species have been accidentally transported among continents. The most common invasion pathways by which non-native forest insects are transported globally are wood packaging material and live plants. While most non-native forest insect species have no noticeable impacts in their non-native ranges, several species have had serious or even catastrophic effects on tree health, forest resources and ecosystem functions. Approaches to preventing and managing forest insect invasions correspond to the four phases of biological invasions: arrival, establishment, spread and widespread established populations. Biosecurity agencies manage arrival through commodity entry prohibitions, port inspections and mandatory phytosanitary procedures designed to reduce transport of non-native species. Biosecurity measures to prevent establishment focus on surveillance (e.g. traps) to detect new populations that sometimes can be eradicated if populations are discovered early and their occurrence is limited. In very few cases, spread of invasions may be slowed or stopped using containment or barrier zone management. Finally, once populations are established and widespread, methods such as biological control, host resistance breeding, silviculture and pesticides may be needed to mitigate damage caused by non-native pests. As the world becomes increasing interconnected, more insect species are likely to become established in new regions, further increasing the problems associated with non-native forest pests.
Forest Arthropod Diversity
Authors: Hébert Christian
Published: June 2023

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on Earth with 952,794 described species (Roskov et al. in Species 2000 & ITIS catalogue of life, 2021). They account for 85% of arthropod species, 67% of animal species and 47% of all species currently known on the planet (Roskov et al. in Species 2000 & ITIS catalogue of life, 2021).
Forest Insect–Natural Enemy Interactions
Authors: Grégoire Jean-Claude , Gould Juli R.
Published: June 2023

As illustrated in several other chapters of this book, “forest insects”, including those linked to woody plants growing outside the forest environment stricto sensu (cities, field margins, hedgerows, river banks, roads, railway tracks, etc.), play various ecological and economic roles (pests, biocontrol agents, pollinators, recyclers of nutrients, key components of trophic webs, etc.). Often, the role of natural enemies in intricate food webs can be extremely complex and may change according to the presence and prevalence of other food web components.
Housing for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Moore Trivess , Doyon Andréanne
Published: June 2023

We find ourselves at a critical juncture: after decades of fragmented and limited action, we are experiencing a climate emergency. The built environment, which includes the housing sector, is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and wider environmental impact. Any transition to a low carbon future must include the housing sector and prioritize delivery of sustainable housing. This book explores the role that sustainable housing must play in the transition to a low carbon future and how we can provide that type of housing. This chapter explores the changing world we face, largely from a changing climate, and what this means for the built environment. We then discuss why housing is important and what benefits and opportunities sustainable housing can provide. Following this, we reflect on why, given the benefits of sustainable housing, we find ourselves facing ongoing challenges with changing the housing sector around the world. We conclude the chapter with an overview of each chapter in the book.
A Critical Juncture
Authors: Moore Trivess , Doyon Andréanne
Published: June 2023

This chapter explores the critical juncture that we find ourselves at in relation to sustainable housing, but also wider sustainability considerations. We know that in order to meet decarbonisation goals by the middle of the century (if not sooner) the time before 2030 is going to be critical and have a large baring on if those longer term objectives will be achieved. We discuss the future we are likely creating if we continue on a business-as-usual approach and cover core arguments around the urgency of change required. If done right, a sustainable housing transition will not just be about improving design, materials, technologies, and construction methods, but will also be a way to help address a range of other social justice and equity issues that have been exacerbated by rapidly worsening housing unaffordability issues around the world. We draw on this framing to start to present innovations in sustainable housing which will be important for guiding the wider sustainable housing transition.
Providing Sustainable Housing through Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Moore Trivess , Doyon Andréanne
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we explore the concept of sustainability transitions and how it offers a framework to change some of the deep structural elements and embeddedness within the current housing regime. Much of the focus in improving the design, quality, and performance of housing has resulted in minor tweaks rather than the more significant changes required to provide sustainable housing at the scale and rate required for a low carbon future. We begin this chapter with an overview of sustainability transitions theory and research, including exploring where sustainability transitions occur. Following this, we note emerging sustainable housing and transitions research and identify several important socio-technical dimensions for change which will be discussed in more detail in Chaps. 6 and 7.
Sustainable Housing in Practice
Authors: Moore Trivess , Doyon Andréanne
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we explore the socio-technical dimensions presented in Chap. 6 in more detail through key themes we have introduced throughout this book: high performing housing, small housing, shared housing, neighbourhood-scale housing, circular housing, and innovative financing for housing. Through these themes, we discuss sustainable housing at different scales: the dwelling scale, neighbourhood and city scale, and the state, national and international scale. We demonstrate different elements and approaches to providing sustainable housing and sustainable communities more broadly. For each theme, we present an overview and some examples of how the theme addresses the different socio-technical dimensions. We then present real-life case studies of where the theme is being demonstrated in practice, again referring to the socio-technical dimensions. Our intent is to show how key ideas from the book are translating into the current provision of sustainable housing and demonstrating elements already being provided for what could be the basis of a sustainable housing transition.
Self-similar gravitational dynamics, singularities and criticality in 2D
Authors: Moitra Upamanyu
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We initiate a systematic study of continuously self-similar (CSS) gravitational dynamics in two dimensions, motivated by critical phenomena observed in higher dimensional gravitational theories. We consider CSS spacetimes admitting a homothetic Killing vector (HKV) field. For a general two-dimensional gravitational theory coupled to a dilaton field and Maxwell field, we find that the assumption of continuous self-similarity determines the form of the dilaton coupling to the curvature. Certain limits produce two important classes of models, one of which is closely related to two-dimensional target space string theory and the other being Liouville gravity. The gauge field is shown to produce a shift in the dilaton potential strength. We consider static black hole solutions and find spacetimes with uncommon asymptotic behaviour. We show the vacuum self-similar spacetimes to be special limits of the static solutions. We add matter fields consistent with self-similarity (including a certain model of semi-classical gravity) and write down the autonomous ordinary differential equations governing the gravitational dynamics. Based on the phenomenon of finite-time blow-up in ODEs, we argue that spacetime singularities are generic in our models. We present qualitatively diverse results from analytical and numerical investigations regarding matter field collapse and singularities. We find interesting hints of a Choptuik-like scaling law.
Differential intracellular trafficking of extracellular vesicles in microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Pantazopoulou Marina , Lamprokostopoulou Agaristi , Karampela Dimitra Sotiria , Alexaki Anastasia , Delis Anastasios , Coens Audrey , Samiotaki Martina , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Melki Ronald , Pagakis Stamatis N. , Stefanis Leonidas , Vekrellis Kostas
Published: June 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key players in cell-to-cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes in the Central Nervous System. Thus far, the intracellular pathways involved in uptake and trafficking of EVs within different cell types of the brain are poorly understood. In our study, the endocytic processes and subcellular sorting of EVs were investigated in primary glial cells, particularly linked with the EV-associated α-synuclein (α-syn) transmission. Mouse microglia and astrocytic primary cultures were incubated with DiI-stained mouse brain-derived EVs. The internalization and trafficking pathways were analyzed in cells treated with pharmacological reagents that block the major endocytic pathways. Brain-derived EVs were internalized by both glial cell types; however, uptake was more efficient in microglia than in astrocytes. Colocalization of EVs with early and late endocytic markers (Rab5, Lamp1) indicated that EVs are sorted to endo-lysosomes for subsequent processing. Blocking actin-dependent phagocytosis and/or macropinocytosis with Cytochalasin D or EIPA inhibited EV entry into glial cells, whereas treatment with inhibitors that strip cholesterol off the plasma membrane, induced uptake, however differentially altered endosomal sorting. EV-associated fibrillar α-Syn was efficiently internalized and detected in Rab5- and Lamp1-positive compartments within microglia. Our study strongly suggests that EVs enter glial cells through phagocytosis and/or macropinocytosis and are sorted to endo-lysosomes for subsequent processing. Further, brain-derived EVs serve as scavengers and mediate cell-to-glia transfer of pathological α-Syn which is also targeted to the endolysosomal pathway, suggesting a beneficial role in microglia-mediated clearance of toxic protein aggregates, present in numerous neurodegenerative diseases.
Reprocessed precise science orbits and gravity field recovery for the entire GOCE mission
Authors: Arnold Daniel , Grombein Thomas , Schreiter Lucas , Sterken Veerle , Jäggi Adrian
Published: June 2023

ESA’s Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) orbited the Earth between 2009 and 2013 for the determination of the static part of Earth’s gravity field. The GPS-derived precise science orbits (PSOs) were operationally generated by the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB). Due to a significantly improved understanding of remaining artifacts after the end of the GOCE mission (especially in the GOCE gradiometry data), ESA initiated a reprocessing of the entire GOCE Level 1b data in 2018. In this framework, AIUB was commissioned to recompute the GOCE reduced-dynamic and kinematic PSOs. In this paper, we report on the employed precise orbit determination methods, with a focus on measures undertaken to mitigate ionosphere-induced artifacts in the kinematic orbits and thereof derived gravity field models. With respect to the PSOs computed during the operational phase of GOCE, the reprocessed PSOs show in average a 8–9% better consistency with GPS data, 31% smaller 3-dimensional reduced-dynamic orbit overlaps, an 8% better 3-dimensional consistency between reduced-dynamic and kinematic orbits, and a 3–7% reduction of satellite laser ranging residuals. In the second part of the paper, we present results from GPS-based gravity field determinations that highlight the strong benefit of the GOCE reprocessed kinematic PSOs. Due to the applied data weighting strategy, a substantially improved quality of gravity field coefficients between degree 10 and 40 is achieved, corresponding to a remarkable reduction of ionosphere-induced artifacts along the geomagnetic equator. For a static gravity field solution covering the entire mission period, geoid height differences with respect to a superior inter-satellite ranging solution are markedly reduced (43% in terms of global RMS, compared to previous GOCE GPS-based gravity fields). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the reprocessed GOCE PSOs allow to recover long-wavelength time-variable gravity field signals (up to degree 10), comparable to information derived from GPS data of dedicated satellite missions. To this end, it is essential to take into account the GOCE common-mode accelerometer data in the gravity field recovery.
Verletzungsdokumentation und Strafverfolgung bei häuslicher Gewalt: Hellfeldstudie an allen Ermittlungsverfahren eines Jahres in Thüringen
Authors: Hunold T. , Muggenthaler H. , Sauer S. , Hubig M. , Niederegger S. , Mall G.
Published: June 2023

Häusliche Gewalt ist ein Problemfeld, mit dem Ärzte diverser Fachrichtungen konfrontiert sind. Den Medizinern kommt dabei neben der Erstversorgung die forensisch relevante Aufgabe zu, eine Fremdeinwirkung zu erkennen und eine Verletzungsdokumentation durchzuführen.

In der vorliegenden Studie wurden erstmals alle 1403 unter der Rubrik „häusliche Gewalt“ archivierten staatsanwaltschaftlichen Ermittlungsakten Thüringens aus dem Jahr 2009 umfassend ausgewertet. Fokus der vorliegenden Auswertung war die Bedeutung der Verletzungsdokumentation für das staatsanwaltschaftliche Ermittlungsverfahren.

Bei rund einem Drittel der 987 Geschädigten mit Verletzungen von insgesamt 1472 Geschädigten erfolgte eine schriftliche und/oder fotografische Verletzungsdokumentation. Die Verletzungsdokumentation erhöhte die Chance auf eine strafrechtliche Ahndung (Anklageerhebung oder Strafbefehlsantrag) um das 3,75fache, bei schweren Verletzungen um das 3,96fache, bei leichten Verletzungen um das 3,41fache. Nichtsdestotrotz wurden 87,3 % der Ermittlungsverfahren nach dem Vorverfahren eingestellt. Die Ergebnisse basieren auf einer insgesamt forensisch unzureichenden ärztlichen Befunddokumentation.

Eine Verbesserung der ärztlichen Befunddokumentation dürfte zu einer noch höheren Ahndungsquote führen. Zudem legt die vorliegende Studie quantitative Daten vor, wie sehr der „Erfolg“ eines Ermittlungsverfahrens mit dem Vorhandensein einer Verletzungsdokumentation korreliert.
Interspecific avoidance of song overlap in tropical songbirds: species-specific responses to acoustically similar and different intruders
Authors: Budka Michał , Staniewicz Agata , Sokołowska Emilia
Published: June 2023

To ensure effective acoustic communication, signals should reach receivers in the least distorted form possible. Animals use various short- and long-term strategies to avoid signal degradation and masking. However, we still have an insufficient understanding of how animals’ vocal behaviour is impacted by the vocalisations of other animals in their acoustic communities. We experimentally examined how two tropical, sedentary, territorial songbirds in Western Uganda—the scaly-breasted illadopsis (Illadopsis albipectus) and the green-backed camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura)—modify their singing behaviour after the simulated appearance of new, unfamiliar acoustic competitors, whose songs vary in similarity to those of the species studied. We found that scaly-breasted illadopsis sang significantly less during the playback of songs of acoustically similar species than of acoustically different species or silence and avoided song overlapping with acoustically similar species but not with acoustically different species. Green-backed camaroptera sang significantly more during the playback of both acoustically similar and different simulated intruders than during the control containing silence, and patterns of overlap with the songs of both the acoustically similar and different species were random. Our results show that even a single-point noise source present within a territory can modify a bird’s singing behaviour. The new sound may affect species differently, depending in part on the level of acoustic similarity with the species’ song. To mitigate the effect of song masking, different species may use different strategies, such as temporal avoidance or signal redundancy. Studies examining the adaptive abilities of species in natural and modified habitats are needed to predict the consequences of changes in acoustic community structure.

Significance statement

To ensure effective communication, birds may use different strategies to avoid signal masking in common acoustic space, particularly in the complex acoustic environment of a tropical forest. While multiple studies have focused on responses to interference caused by anthropogenic noise, the effect of new individual species on the acoustic community structure has received little attention. We simulated intrusions by unfamiliar species with different levels of song similarity into the territories of two tropical songbird species. The appearance of new simulated acoustic intruders modified the birds’ singing behaviour, but the two study species responded differently. These results suggest that the level of acoustic similarity, as well as the species ecology, may affect the species response, which may be particularly important when predicting the effects of new species appearance as a result of changes in habitat and climate.
Acquisition and usage of robotic surgical data for machine learning analysis
Authors: Hashemi Nasseh , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Bjerrum Flemming , Rasmussen Sten , Tolsgaard Martin G. , Friis Mikkel Lønborg
Published: June 2023

Background

The increasing use of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has led to the need for new methods of assessing whether new surgeons are qualified to perform RAS, without the resource-demanding process of having expert surgeons do the assessment.

Computer-based automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are seen as promising alternatives to expert-based surgical assessment. However, no standard protocols or methods for preparing data and implementing AI are available for clinicians. This may be among the reasons for the impediment to the use of AI in the clinical setting.

Method

We tested our method on porcine models with both the da Vinci Si and the da Vinci Xi. We sought to capture raw video data from the surgical robots and 3D movement data from the surgeons and prepared the data for the use in AI by a structured guide to acquire and prepare video data using the following steps: ‘Capturing image data from the surgical robot’, ‘Extracting event data’, ‘Capturing movement data of the surgeon’, ‘Annotation of image data’.

Results

15 participant (11 novices and 4 experienced) performed 10 different intraabdominal RAS procedures. Using this method we captured 188 videos (94 from the surgical robot, and 94 corresponding movement videos of the surgeons’ arms and hands). Event data, movement data, and labels were extracted from the raw material and prepared for use in AI.

Conclusion

With our described methods, we could collect, prepare, and annotate images, events, and motion data from surgical robotic systems in preparation for its use in AI.
Exploring the experiences and priorities of women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Pasvanis Maree , Hegarty Sue , Russell Hayley , Peate Michelle , Marino Jennifer L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynaecological cancer among women, yet remains under-researched. Past studies suggest that women who present with ovarian cancer have more supportive care needs compared to women experiencing other gynaecological cancers. This study explores the experiences and priorities of women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and whether age may influence these needs and experiences.

Methods

Participants were recruited by a community organization, Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA), via a social media campaign promoted on Facebook. Participants were asked to rank priorities around living with ovarian cancer, and to endorse which supports and resources they had used to address those priorities. Distributions of priority rankings and resource use were compared by age (19-49 vs. 50+ years).

Results

Two hundred and eighty-eight people completed the consumer survey and most respondents were 60-69 years (33.7%). Priorities did not vary by age. Fear of cancer recurrence was identified by 51% respondents as the most challenging aspect of having ovarian cancer. Compared with older respondents, a higher proportion of young participants were more inclined to use a mobile app version of the OCA resilience kit (25.8% vs 45.1%, p=0.002) and expressed interest in using a fertility preservation decision aid (2.4% vs 25%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Fear of recurrence was participants’ primary concern, presenting an opportunity to develop interventions. Information delivery needs to consider age-specific preferences to better reach the target audience. Fertility is more important to younger women and a fertility preservation decision aid may address this need.