bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation of neuroretinas with 3D pyrolytic carbon electrodes
Authors: Kusumanchi Pratik , Madsen Jesper Guldsmed , Bek Toke , Keller Stephan Sylvest , Davidsen Rasmus Schmidt
Published: February 2025

Retinal prosthesis has been one of the medical strategies aimed at restoring some degree of vision for patients affected by retinal degenerative diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which are leading causes of irreversible visual loss. In retinal prosthesis, electrical pulses are typically delivered to the retinal neurons via electrodes on the surface of the implant. In this work, we fabricated 3D carbon pillar electrodes by pyrolysis of SU-8 structures defined photolithographically on Si wafers. We then measured compound action potentials induced in porcine neuroretinas stimulated with electrical pulses. The recorded spikes were validated to be biological in origin by adding the voltage-gated sodium-channel blocking agent tetrodotoxin. The minimum threshold voltage needed to effectively stimulate retinal cells, such as retinal ganglion cells, with 3D electrodes was analyzed through systematic investigation of the spike rate and amplitudes as a function of stimulation voltage. 3D electrodes significantly increased spike rate and amplitudes above spontaneous activity in the tissue during stimulation and outperformed the 2D counterpart, both in terms of spike rate and amplitude. Our results indicate a threshold voltage range of 500-600 mV for 1 ms pulses at a frequency of 10 Hz above which a significant increase in spike count was observed. Furthermore, we report an order of magnitude increase in peak-to-peak amplitude for evoked spikes (> 3 mV), compared to spontaneous spikes (∼ 200 µV). Based on numerical integration, we estimate the area under the curve to be ~14 times larger in evoked compound action potentials compared to spontaneous activity. This indicates the relative increase in number of contributing cells to the compound action potential. At a stimulation voltage of 600 mV the spike rate for 3D electrodes was above 10 spikes/channel/s. We hypothesize that the significant difference between 2D and 3D electrodes is not only caused by the higher active electrode surface area of the 3D micropillar electrodes, but also by more intricate contact and interaction with the inner cell layers of the retinal tissue. Our findings indicate that 3D carbon micropillar electrodes are promising for electrical stimulation of the retina.
Brief-Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for People with Emotional Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Young Daniel Kim-wan , Carlbring Per , Ng Siu-man , Daphne Cheng Yi Ting , Ng Petrus Yat-nam , Qi-rong Joseph Chen , Tam Cherry Hau Lin , Yeung Jerf Wai Keung
Published: February 2025

This pilot study aimed to investigate the acceptability and effectiveness of a brief-guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for people with emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a quasi-experimental research design with a 3-arm study, eligible participants were assigned to a group with student counsellors (n = 24), a group with counsellors (n = 23) or a non-active control group (n = 21). Participants received eight online modules and regular support via telephone counselling or video conferencing app (Zoom) from a counsellor or student counsellor during a 5-week intervention period, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the intervention period. An adherence rate of 85.10% was observed. The results of the 3 (group) × time (pre vs. post) repeated-measures analysis of covariance showed that the student counsellor and counsellor groups demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total emotional distress (partial η2 = 0.10) and stress (partial η2 = 0.14) than the control group. In addition, student counsellors and counsellors produced comparable intervention effects, and telephone counselling and Zoom support produced comparable intervention effects. This pilot study supports the acceptability and effectiveness of brief-guided iCBT for people with emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Association Between Classroom Quality and the Social Competence of Autistic Preschool-Age Boys
Authors: Oppenheim David , Dolev Smadar , Hamburger Lior , Lottan Rony , Kunst Shimrit , Friedelman Jenny , Mottes-Peleg Michal , Yirmiya Nurit
Published: February 2025

Research on the impact of the classroom environment on neurotypical children has demonstrated that higher classroom quality contributes to children’s development, but whether this is also true with regard to autistic preschoolers has not been examined. Therefore, the goal of this study was to address this gap hypothesizing that higher classroom quality would be associated with higher child social competence both in and outside the classroom. The quality of the classrooms of 43 autistic preschooler boys was assessed by observation, and children’s social competence in preschool was assessed by observation and teacher-report, and outside preschool by observing children’s interactions with an unfamiliar adult. Controlling for the severity of the boys’ symptoms, results revealed that higher classroom emotional support and organization was associated with higher child social competence as observed and reported by teachers in preschool, and with the boys’ involvement with of an unfamiliar adult during play. The quality of the classroom environment was associated with the social skills of autistic boys.
A Low Background Setup for Low Energy X-ray Detection in the Context of the BabyIAXO/IAXO Axion Searches
Authors: Loidl M. , Ferrer-Ribas E. , Gastaldo L. , Kaur Arshjot , Kempf S. , Navick X.-F. , Rodrigues M. , Zahir M. L.
Published: February 2025

In the context of axion search in the BabyIAXO and IAXO helioscopes, various types of cryogenic detectors are investigated as high energy resolution, low energy threshold alternatives for the standard micromegas X-ray detectors. The setup presented in this paper comprising metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) X-ray detectors, a cryogenic local muon veto read out by an MMC, and internal and external lead shields, aims at establishing the background level that can be reached with MMCs in an above-ground experimental site. The low background setup is described in detail, and first observations from a low-temperature run are presented.
AI-assisted Real-Time Spatial Delphi: integrating artificial intelligence models for advancing future scenarios analysis
Authors: Calleo Yuri , Taylor Amos , Pilla Francesco , Di Zio Simone
Published: February 2025

The Real-Time Spatial Delphi represents an innovative method tailored to navigate the complexities of uncertain spatial issues. Adopted in Future Studies contexts, this method excels in developing spatial scenarios and leveraging the collaborative insights of experts within a virtual environment to achieve a consensus regarding territorial dynamics. However, while this method yields invaluable spatial insights and statistical metrics, the final outputs often remain confined to expert circles due to their technical complexity. In addition, the outcomes often lack direct policy implications, as they primarily provide an expansive overview of potential future scenarios. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes integrating text-to-image models and generative pre-trained transformers, into the Real-Time Spatial Delphi process. By adopting these advanced tools during the visioning and planning phases, the method endeavors to transform spatial judgments into visually immersive scenarios, while concurrently crafting actionable policy recommendations suitable for evaluation. To validate the approach, we present a case study in the environmental context, for the cities of Cork, Galway, and Limerick, located in Ireland. Through this application, we contribute to Futures Studies by illustrating the method’s capacity to envision plausible futures in the form of real images, considering the formulation of policies to support decision-making.
What has Happened to Job Quality in Britain? The Effect of Different Weighting Methods on Labour Market Inequalities and Changes Using a UK Quality of Work (QoW) Index, 2012–2021
Authors: Stephens Thomas C.
Published: February 2025

There has been a growth in the use of multidimensional job quality indices, yet the job quality agenda has had a limited impact on public policymaking. This has partly been attributed to disagreements over how to measure job quality and, in particular, weight different indicators of indices. A further reason is a tendency to use international indices, which lack the sample size to explore important country-level inequalities in job quality. To address these issues, this paper presents findings from four different weighting methods for a new synthetic index of the Quality of Work (QoW) for the United Kingdom, using data from a large national survey (Understanding Society). The UK QoW Index contains 7 dimensions and 15 indicators. Several novel indicators argued to be particularly important to the UK context are developed, including health & safety and long-term job prospects. The paper defaults to a widely-used equal weighting approach informed by the Alkire-Foster method, but simultaneously presents findings using alternative hedonic, frequency-based and data-driven weighting methods. The paper then analyses inequalities and changes in job quality from 2012 to 2021; and differences in job quality by type of employment (self-employed, platform labour or gig economy), previous employment status (prior unemployment spell), sex, age, ethnicity and region, according to these four weighting methods. Save for hedonic weighting, these show a broad consistency in many of the key findings: namely, inequalities in job quality between most of the same sub-groups; and a growing polarisation in job quality between employees and self-employed workers.
A functionalist account of truth-grounding: refining Lynch’s view
Authors: Akiba Takeshi
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to improve on Michael Lynch’s functionalist account of truth-grounding. According to Lynch, truth is grounded in another (non-generic) alethic property when the latter has all the conceptually essential features of truth. However, this view faces a problem raised by Marian David (“Lynch’s Functionalist Theory of Truth”) and Crispin Wright (“A Plurality of Pluralisms”), which is that some conceptually essential features of truth are not possessed by the properties usually taken to ground it (such as correspondence and superwarrant), so that Lynch’s account cannot allow truth to be grounded in these properties. In response to this objection, I propose to modify Lynch’s account by restricting the range of truth’s essential features that a truth-grounding property must have to the class of what I call the “bearer-centered” features of truth. They are those features whose possession by truth amounts to certain facts about how propositions bearing truth behave. The resultant account then is that truth is grounded in a property when the latter has all the essential and bearer-centered features of truth. This account is immune to the David–Wright objection because the features they mention do not belong to the class of bearer-centered features. Also, this account is well-motivated by some principled reasons. The account thus serves as a viable functionalist account of truth-grounding.
Influence of the Crystallinity on the Tribological Behavior of MoS2 Nanoparticles Stabilized by a Succinimide Dispersant
Authors: Benmansour Marina , Afanasiev Pavel , Galipaud Jules , Vacher Béatrice , Joly-Pottuz Lucile , Dassenoy Fabrice
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of the crystallinity of MoS2 nanoparticles on their tribological performance, when used as lubricant additives in presence of a succinimide-based dispersant. Friction tests were conducted at room temperature and 100 °C. Characterization techniques, such as TEM, XPS, TGA, and DLS were used to analyze the structural and chemical properties of the nanoparticles and the tribofilms formed during the friction tests. At room temperature, low crystallinity nanoparticles show superior friction reduction due to their structural defects which facilitate their exfoliation and make easier dispersant adsorption and effective nanoparticle interaction with surfaces. Higher friction coefficients are obtained with the high crystallinity nanoparticles. This is attributed to a less easy exfoliation of the nanoparticles together with greater difficulty for the dispersant to interact with closed-structure nanoparticles. The tribofilm is thicker with high crystallinity particles and made of exfoliated MoS2 sheets together with intact nanoparticles. At 100 °C, the friction performance of both nanoparticles are similar and very good as the dispersant looks to desorb from the rubbing surfaces, highlighting the significant impact of temperature on dispersant behavior and friction reduction. These findings underline the importance of tailoring lubricant formulations to both the crystallinity of MoS2 nanoparticles and the operating conditions in order to optimize tribological performance.
Detuning Estimation Measurement Uncertainty Quantification Using Descriptive Statistics
Authors: Keshwani Rajesh T. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Gudi R. D. , Joshi Gopal
Published: February 2025

Accurate estimation of Radio frequency (RF) cavity detuning is one of the important aims for controlling and monitoring of the particle accelerator used for beam acceleration. A methodological research is needed to achieve the aim of obtaining an accurate, unbiased and consistent detuning estimator. In the past, various estimation techniques for determination of RF cavity detuning have been applied. Methods like least squares, cavity parameter identification, linear and nonlinear observers have been employed for normal conducting and superconducting RF cavities. Apart from other methods, the Kalman filter has been employed by a few practitioners in the case of superconducting cavities. The Kalman filter is based on a stochastic state space framework, and it accounts for practical issues like model uncertainty and measurement noise in estimation of states and parameters. The behavioral model of a superconducting RF cavity is nonlinear due to the squared dependence of cavity detuning on the electric field inside it. Detuning being unmeasurable, is estimated from models and measured quantities. In general, a nonlinear system needs to use a nonlinear estimator for accuracy and low variability estimates. In this paper, we aim to quantify the uncertainty in detuning estimated by Kalman filter, extended Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter for superconducting RF cavity. This aim has been achieved by characterization of noise from simulated results. Moments of the underlying probability distribution function of noise are determined as noise propagates through these filters. Tools such as quantile plots and descriptive statistics are used in this work to compare various cases quantitatively and arrive at important conclusions.
Optimized FFT Designs for High-Performance LTE and 5G Networks
Authors: Khan Daud , Jan Latif , Zafar Mohammad Haseeb
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a run-time reconfigurable butterfly structure capable of simultaneously performing Radix-8, Radix-4, Radix-3, and Radix-2 Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) computations to cater to the bandwidth requirements of current Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Fifth Generation (5G), and beyond systems. While LTE and 5G promise exceptionally high throughput, ranging from 300 Mbps to 3 Gbps, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit vendors face significant challenges in meeting these demands. Efficient implementation strategies are essential for realizing these standards in silicon. Given that FFT is the cornerstone of 5G systems, its computational complexity poses challenges in meeting high throughput requirements. Furthermore, the flexibility to adapt to different bandwidths is crucial in 5G networks. Therefore, a configurable FFT engine that optimizes resource utilization while providing high throughput is highly desirable. This paper presents two FFT architectures based on the proposed reconfigurable butterfly, offering designers the flexibility to choose the most suitable approach for realizing efficient and high-throughput solutions tailored to the requirements of 5G and beyond.
Some mathematical properties of flexible hyperbolic tangent activation function with application to deep neural networks
Authors: Karateke Seda
Published: February 2025

This study rigorously delves into some analytic properties of an improved activation function (referred as

$${ flx}\tanh $$

flx

tanh

). The determined results appear as a generalization of some results known in the literature. The

$${ flx}\tanh $$

flx

tanh

is created by taking into account symmetry property, parameterizability, and deformability of the classical

$$\tanh $$

tanh

function. Under the regime of certain parameters, we examine the behaviours of

$${ flx}\tanh $$

flx

tanh

. Moreover, these dynamic properties of the function

$${ flx}\tanh $$

flx

tanh

yields promising results as an activation function in deep neural networks. We utilize the PyTorch library running on Python 3.9 to evaluate the performance of our activation function. Additionally, we aim to encourage the readers to improve their computer programming language skills by making the Python 3.9 codes available on GitHub.
Raman spectroscopy for the quantification of furans in blow steam condensates derived from steam explosion of softwood bark
Authors: Averheim Andreas , Thyrel Mikael
Published: February 2025

The steam explosion of softwood bark generates blow steam condensates rich in furans, such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). These are not only problematic inhibitors to enzymes and yeast but are also valuable platform chemicals, and their presence relates to the process intensity. This study explores the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive tool for accurately quantifying furans in condensates from varying treatment conditions. During the experiments, the temperature was kept at 200 °C; residence time was varied between 5, 10, and 20 min; and 0, 2, and 4% w/w H2SO4 was added. Collected condensates were analyzed by Raman and modeled using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS). The PCA analysis revealed a distinct clustering of condensates based on the severity of the treatment. The OPLS calibration model for furfural showed excellent predictive capabilities (R
2 = 0.986, Q
2 = 0.969, RMSEcv = 253 mg/L, and RMSEP = 155 mg/L). Our results highlight the potential of Raman spectroscopy for real-time steam explosion process control and accurate quantification of furans in blow steam condensates.
Experiences of Forgone Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Adults’ Mental Health: Variations by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Chen Jen-Hao , Wen Ming
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial forgone care. However, relatively few studies have investigated the mental health consequences of forgone care experiences on older adults and how these associations vary by race and ethnicity during this period. This study analyzed US older adults aged 55 or older from the Health, Ethnicity, and Pandemic Survey (N = 883; average age = 65), a nationally representative survey conducted in late 2020. Weighted OLS regression was used to examine the association between measures of forgone care and mental health outcomes. Results showed that experiences of forgone care were prevalent and similar across racial and ethnic groups, with some variations across types of missed care. Furthermore, forgone care and missing various types of care during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher psychological distress and poorer sleep quality, with some variations by race and ethnicity. Black older adults who had forgone care and missed more types of care showed even poorer sleep than their White counterparts. Additionally, missing chronic care, mental care, and preventative care, but not other types of care, was associated with greater psychological distress and poorer sleep for all racial and ethnic groups. However, Black older adults who missed chronic care had even poorer sleep than Whites. Findings emphasize the need to support all older adults’ healthcare access of various types during the pandemic and the importance of focusing on specific racial and ethnic groups such as Black older adults who were more affected by forgone care.
How does institutional quality affect the efficiency of local government? An assessment of Italian municipalities
Authors: Finocchiaro Castro Massimo , Guccio Calogero , Romeo Domenica , Vidoli Francesco
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the role of institutional quality in the cost efficiency of social services provided by local governments in Italy. Using a newly developed panel stochastic frontier approach, we address the issue of endogeneity, which can lead to biased estimates in efficiency analyses. By analysing a large dataset of social services expenditures in Italian municipalities from 2015 to 2018, we assess the impact of provincial institutional quality, measured by the Institutional Quality Index (IQI), on cost efficiency. Our findings reveal that low institutional quality negatively affects cost efficiency, but this effect is only fully captured when endogeneity is taken into account. Specifically, we find that three pillars of the IQI - control of corruption, rule of law, and regulatory quality - are critical determinants of cost efficiency in social service provision. These results underscore the importance of strengthening institutional quality to ensure fair, efficient, and effective delivery of social services, contributing to better governance and social well-being.
Real eternal PDE solutions are not complex entire: a quadratic parabolic example
Authors: Fiedler Bernold , Stuke Hannes
Published: February 2025

In parabolic or hyperbolic PDEs, solutions which remain uniformly bounded for all real times

$$t=r\in \mathbb {R}$$

t
=
r
∈
R

are often called PDE entire or eternal. For a nonlinear example, consider the quadratic parabolic PDE

$$\begin{aligned} w_t=w_{xx}+6w^2-\lambda , \end{aligned}$$

w
t

=

w

xx

+
6

w
2

-
λ
,

for

$$0<x<\tfrac{1}{2}$$

0
<
x
<

1
2

, under Neumann boundary conditions. By its gradient-like structure, all real eternal non-equilibrium orbits

$$\Gamma (r)$$

Γ
(
r
)

of (*) are heteroclinic among equilibria

$$w=W_n(x)$$

w
=

W
n

(
x
)

. For parameters

$$\lambda >0$$

λ
>
0

, the trivial homogeneous equilibria are locally asymptotically stable

$$W_0=-\sqrt{\lambda /6}$$

W
0

=
-

λ
/
6

, and

$$W_\infty =+\sqrt{\lambda /6}$$

W
∞

=
+

λ
/
6

of unstable dimension (Morse index)

$$i(W_\infty )=1,2,3,\ldots $$

i
(

W
∞

)
=
1
,
2
,
3
,
…

, depending on

$$\lambda $$

λ

. All nontrivial real

$$W_n$$

W
n

are rescaled and properly translated real-valued Weierstrass elliptic functions with Morse index

$$i(W_n)=n$$

i
(

W
n

)
=
n

. We show that the complex time extensions

$$\Gamma (r+\textrm{i}s)$$

Γ
(
r
+
i
s
)

, of analytic real heteroclinic orbits

$$\Gamma (r)$$

Γ
(
r
)

towards

$$W_0$$

W
0

, are not complex entire. For example, consider the time-reversible complex-valued solution

$$\psi (s)=\Gamma (r_0-\textrm{i}s)$$

ψ

(
s
)

=
Γ

(

r
0

-
i
s
)

of the nonlinear and nonconservative quadratic Schrödinger equation

$$\begin{aligned} \textrm{i}\psi _s=\psi _{xx}+6\psi ^2-\lambda \end{aligned}$$

i

ψ
s

=

ψ

xx

+
6

ψ
2

-
λ

with real initial condition

$$\psi _0=\Gamma (r_0)$$

ψ
0

=
Γ

(

r
0

)

. Then there exist real

$$r_0$$

r
0

such that

$$\psi (s)$$

ψ
(
s
)

blows up at some finite real times

$$\pm s^*\ne 0$$

±

s
∗

≠
0

. Abstractly, our results are formulated in the setting of analytic semigroups. They are based on Poincaré non-resonance of unstable eigenvalues at equilibria

$$W_n$$

W
n

, near pitchfork bifurcation. Technically, we have to except discrete sets of parameters

$$\lambda $$

λ

, and are currently limited to unstable dimensions

$$i(W_n)\le 22$$

i
(

W
n

)
≤
22

, or to fast unstable manifolds of dimensions

$$d<1+\tfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}i(W_n)$$

d
<
1
+

1

2

i

(

W
n

)

.
Where did you come from, where did you go? News trajectories in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Makhortykh Mykola , de León Ernesto , Urman Aleksandra , Gil-López Teresa
Published: February 2025

The article examines news trajectories used by individuals to access mainstream journalistic media in Germany and German-speaking Switzerland during the first peak of COVID-19 in Europe. It discusses the role of individual characteristics related to sociodemographics, political, and media attitudes in predisposition towards specific modes of news access. For this aim, it combines survey data with data on individuals’ engagement with news automatically tracked in spring 2020. The findings of the article highlight the prevalence of accessing news via search engines (search trajectory) and by directly going to news websites (routine trajectory). The study also demonstrates the important role of political and media attitudes in the prevalence of specific modes of news access, which, however, differs between the countries, thus emphasizing the importance of conducting more comparative research using tracking data.
Governmental incentives for sustainable building development-Saudi Arabia
Authors: Dahlan Ammar Sadik
Published: February 2025

Sustainable building incentives are mandatory for the successful implementation of sustainable building development. The research aims to highlight the need for incentives for fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 of sustainable development in the building sector by reviewing the provided governmental incentives worldwide. It has been found that incentives categorization and its usefulness in the building sector must be addressed in the sustainable research area. The incentives are categorized into financial and non-financial which come under the external incentives provided by the government. For the effective promotion of sustainable buildings both incentives are significant. In addition to this, the research demonstrates the data analysis about the knowledge, awareness, and willingness of the respondents related to the provision of incentives for sustainable building development. The research findings also signify the role of government for successful understanding and pursuing of sustainable building initiatives as many governments around the world have successfully implemented sustainable building initiatives by providing incentives. Moreover, the research areas also assist in developing the sustainable building incentives comprehension to its readers.
The impact of historic built environment on residents’ emotional experiences: Duhok as a case study
Authors: Albeyboni Beybin , Raswol Layla
Published: February 2025

This study explores the impact of Historic urban environments in shaping the emotional experience of Duhok City residents, focusing on interdisciplinary insights from urban design, planning, and environmental psychology as urban development has shown a significant impact on residents’ mental state, with recent research linking city living to an increased rate of mood and anxiety disorders. This study builds on previous findings and research gaps in a localized context. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs considers psychological well-being as a crucial aspect of the human journey to self-connection and transcendence, based on that the research explored how historic settings influence residents’ sense of belonging, identity, and self-connection. Preliminary results suggest that Historic Environments contribute to reduced negative emotions, and enhanced satisfaction levels, by fostering a strong emotional attachment, sense of place, and community identity. This research underlines the importance of preserving and integrating historical elements in urban design and planning to promote mental well-being and enrich residents’ emotional experiences.
Legality and Legitimacy in Making, Amending & Consolidating the Singapore Constitution
Authors: Tan Kevin YL
Published: February 2025

This article examines the relationship between legality and legitimacy in postcolonial constitution-making, focusing on Singapore's two stages of sovereignty transfer from colonial rule to independent statehood: its decolonisation from Britain in 1963, achieved through merger with Malaysia, and its separation from Malaysia in 1965. The article shows how different forms of legitimacy were established and sustained during these transitions. The first independence was characterised by legal continuity and political legitimacy, solidified through peaceful negotiations and the strategic use of a 1962 referendum that helped mitigate internal opposition. By contrast, the second independence in 1965 was a ‘legal revolution’, as neither the Malaysian Federal Constitution nor the State of Singapore Constitution 1963 provided for secession and the People's Action Party (PAP) government lacked an explicit public mandate to negotiate the secession. This break in legal continuity required new sources of (revolutionary) legitimacy, which the PAP government secured through subsequent electoral dominance, constitutional consolidation, and political manoeuvres. This article underscores the fact that legitimacy in making, amending, and consolidating constitutions is inherently transient and unstable, requiring continuous renewal through various political and legal mechanisms.
The effect of psychosocial stimulation on the development, nutrition, and treatment outcomes of hospitalised children with severe acute malnutrition in Southern Ethiopia: a cluster randomised control trial: EPSoSAMC study
Authors: Tessema Tesfalem Teshome , Alamdo Andamlak Gizaw , Mekonnen Eyoel B. , Yirtaw Tewodros G. , Debele Fanna A. , Gemechu Teklu , Belachew Tefera
Published: February 2025

Psychosocial stimulation is one of the recommended interventions in the management of hospitalised children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). However, there is currently limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. The study aimed to examine the effects of psychosocial stimulation on the development, nutrition, and treatment outcomes of hospitalised SAM children. A cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted among health facilities that provide inpatient care for children with SAM in Silti Zone, Ethiopia. Fifty-eight children enrolled in the intervention facilities were provided stimulation intervention during their inpatient care and for 6 months after discharge. Sixty-eight children enrolled from control health facilities received routine inpatient care without stimulation and were followed for six months. Health education was provided to all caregivers on child health-related topics. Child development and nutrition outcomes were assessed four times using Denver II-Jimma and anthropometric measurements while the length of hospitalisation was used to measure treatment outcome. Children in the intervention group showed significantly better scores in Personal Social (p=0.001, effect size=0.77), Fine Motor (p=0.001, effect size=1.87), and Gross Motor (p=0.001, effect size=0.78) developmental domains from baseline to end line. Language domain however showed a significant difference only after discharge and intervention children scored better at six months (p<0.001, effect size=0.59). The intervention significantly improved treatment outcomes (p=0.010), but no significant changes in nutritional outcomes were documented. The findings highlighted the benefits of the intervention and the need to promote these interventions in health facilities within resource-limited settings.
Tessellation-based analysis of impurity clustering in the edge plasma of tokamaks
Authors: Lin Zetao , Maurel-Oujia Thibault , Kadoch Benjamin , Benkadda Saddrudin , Schneider Kai
Published: February 2025

Confinement quality in fusion plasma is influenced significantly by the presence of heavy impurities, which can lead to radiative heat loss and reduced confinement. This study explores the clustering of heavy impurity, i.e. tungsten in edge plasma, using high-resolution direct numerical simulations of the Hasegawa–Wakatani equations. We use the Stokes number to quantify the inertia of impurity particles. It is found that particle inertia will cause spatial intermittency in particle distribution and the formation of large-scale structures, i.e. the clustering of particles. The degrees of clustering are influenced by the Stokes number. To quantify these observations, we apply a modified Voronoi tessellation, which assigns specific volumes to impurity particles. By determining time changes of these volumes, we can calculate the impurity velocity divergence, which allows the clustering dynamics to be assessed. To quantify the clustering statistically, several approaches are applied, such as probability density function (PDF) of impurity velocity divergence and joint PDF of volume and divergence.
Middle Persian documents and the making of the Islamic fiscal system: problems and prospects
Authors: Benfey Thomas
Published: February 2025

This article charts a new course for the study of the Middle Persian documents from early Islamic Iran, which takes their early Islamic context into account more fully than has hitherto been done. This approach and its potential fruits for the study of early Islamic history are illustrated through an in-depth treatment of four seventh-century documents from the Qom region (previously edited and discussed by Dieter Weber), each of which contains a fiscal term that is apparently otherwise unattested in the documentary corpus. I show that the existing interpretations of these documents anachronistically project the fiscal terminology and structures of a later time into early Islamic Iran, and that these documents, considered in aggregate, suggest a certain course of development for the Islamic fiscal system in the post-Sasanian territories in the decades following the initial conquests: from broad and relatively unspecific impositions to more targeted exactions, based on increasingly detailed assessments.
Intersecting Memories of Immunity and Climate: Potential Multiyear Impacts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation on Infectious Disease Spread
Authors: Chung Maya V. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Yang Wenchang , Grenfell Bryan , Metcalf C. Jessica
Published: February 2025

Climate and infectious diseases each present critical challenges on a warming planet, as does the influence of climate on disease. Both are governed by nonlinear feedbacks, which drive multi‐annual cycles in disease outbreaks and weather patterns. Although climate and weather can influence infectious disease transmission and have spawned rich literature, the interaction between the independent feedbacks of these two systems remains less explored. Here, we demonstrate the potential for long‐lasting impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on disease dynamics using two approaches: interannual perturbations of a generic SIRS model to represent ENSO forcing, and detailed analysis of realistic specific humidity data in an SIRS model with endemic coronavirus (HCoV‐HKU1) parameters. Our findings reveal the importance of considering nonlinear feedbacks in susceptible population dynamics for predicting and managing disease risks associated with ENSO‐related weather variations.
Statistical Survey of Loss Cone Electrons Observed In Situ in the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Takahara R. , Shinohara I. , Kasahara S. , Asamura K. , Yokota S. , Keika K. , Kazama Y. , Wang S.‐Y. , Tam S. W. Y. , Chang T.‐F. , Wang B.‐J. , Jun C.‐W. , Hori T. , Matsuoka A. , Teramoto M. , Yamamoto K. , Kasahara Y. , Matsuda S. , Kumamoto A. , Shinbori A. , Tsuchiya F. , Miyoshi Y.
Published: February 2025

We report a statistical result of electrons inside the loss cone with energies of 67 eV–88 keV using electron measurements obtained in situ by the Arase satellite in the inner magnetosphere around the magnetic equator for 60 months. Loss cone electrons are found with a high occurrence probability from the nightside to the dawnside at approximately L = 6. For 641 eV–88 keV electrons, the high‐occurrence region shifts toward later magnetic local times (MLTs) with increasing loss cone electron energy. The spatial distribution of the occurrence probability around MLT = 22–3 at L = 5–6 is consistent with the calculated average resonance energy distribution of whistler mode chorus waves near the magnetic equator. These results suggest that pitch angle scattering driven by chorus waves plays the main role in electron precipitation in this region.
Critical Factors That Control Hydrothermal Circulation Within Active Volcanoes: Constraints From Numerical Simulation Based on a Resistivity Structure Model
Authors: Matsunaga Yasuo , Kanda Wataru
Published: February 2025

Numerical modeling is a valuable approach for quantitative elucidation of the highly complex hydrothermal processes within active volcanoes. Various schemes have been developed for the numerical simulation of volcanic hydrothermal systems, generally employed in combination with other geophysical and geochemical monitoring techniques. However, a scheme for constructing realistic permeability structures (crucial for simulations) remains unexplored. As the first step toward establishing such a scheme, we conducted numerical simulations to explore the effect of lithology variations on hydrothermal circulation within active volcanoes. These simulation models were constructed based on the electrical resistivity structure model of the Kusatsu‐Shirane Volcano (KSV) in Japan. Key factors include the permeability of the host rock and underlying basement, permeability reduction in the ductile region, and the geometry of a silica sealing layer. Of these, the silica sealing layer was a significant factor in reproducing the actual observations. The simulations indicated that the permeability and degree of closure of the silica sealing layer determined the pressure distribution within the region that the layer enclosed, and were, thus, responsible for the low resistivity of the subvertical conductors commonly found beneath volcanoes. The permeability structure used in this study was simple but systematically constructed, and simulations based on this permeability distribution successfully reproduced the key observations. The knowledge obtained from the numerical model of KSV can be used to explain the resistivity distribution of other active volcanoes, including higher‐ and lower‐temperature systems. The results suggest the validity and potential broad applicability of the proposed modeling scheme.
Calcite U‐Pb Geochronology and Paleomagnetism Reveal Mesozoic Multi‐Episodic Remagnetizations From the Penglaitan GSSP Section, South China
Authors: Zhang Min , Qin Huafeng , Wu Shitou , Hou Yifei , Xiao Zhenglian , Qi Kaixian , Yuan Dong‐xun , Zhang Hua , Deng Chenglong , Shen Shu‐zhong , Pan Yongxin
Published: February 2025

Carbonate rocks are widely used for paleomagnetic reconstructions of continental block rifting and geodynamic evolution. However, the detection of remagnetization in carbonate rocks is challenging. Uncertainty of remagnetization timing hinders our ability to understand the geomagnetic behavior during critical Phanerozoic transitions, such as the period across the Middle‐Permian Guadalupian to Late‐Permian Lopingian boundary (GLB). To test whether primary magnetization is preserved, we conducted paleomagnetic, calcite U‐Pb geochronological and mineralogical studies at the Penglaitan section in southern China. The rock‐magnetic results indicate that magnetite, maghemite and rare hematite are dominant remanence carriers. Calcite U‐Pb ages of approximately 126 Ma, 223 Ma and 251 Ma, respectively, are consistent with the timing of three remanent magnetizations (RM1, RM2, RM3). This indicates that calcite U‐Pb dating can provide robust support to constrain the age magnetizations. The consistency indicates that RM3 was acquired during the limestone deposition, whereas component RM1 and RM2 were due to early Cretaceous and late‐Triassic remagnetization, respectively. In addition, the primary component RM3 was isolated from tuffaceous limestone and yielded a mean direction of Ds/Is = 195.3°/+5.6° (α95s = 5.3°, ks = 22.8, n = 34) after tilt‐correction. It defined a reversed magnetozone from the top of conodont Jinogondolella granti Zone to the lower part of the Clarkina dukouensis Zone, straddling the GLB. The calcite U‐Pb dating and paleomagnetic results provide new insights into Mesozoic multi‐remagnetization in the South China Block and refine the GLB positioned in a reversed magnetozone.
Atmosphere Response to an Oceanic Submesoscale SST Front: A Coherent Structure Analysis
Authors: Jacquet Hugo , Ayet Alex , Couvreux Fleur
Published: February 2025

The atmosphere response to oceanic submesoscale sea surface temperature (SST) fronts is neither resolved by operational nor climate models. Above the ocean, the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is in a convective regime and its turbulence levels and structure are altered by the SST variations. Using large eddy simulations, we investigate an ABL flowing above a 1D oceanic submesoscale SST front. The organization of atmospheric turbulence evolves from rolls to a cell‐roll transition state but with a 3.5 km delay due to the strong advection. The SST gradient imprints on the atmosphere, creating a pressure gradient that accelerates the flow at all altitudes. On warm water, horizontal wind in the lower half of the ABL increases mainly due to turbulent mixing. Most of the flow is resolved, and we relate statistical quantities to coherent structures using a conditional sampling. The SST increase strengthens updrafts, whereas a downward motion develops in response, transporting high wind from the upper to the lower layers of the ABL. We show that this descending flow is not a downdraft but rather a less turbulent object similar to an enhanced compensating subsidence, which could be parametrized by a mass‐flux term. The intense updrafts overshoot the boundary layer height and could trigger convection with moister environmental conditions.
Cleansing Beijing Air Pollution by Extensive Precipitation Leads to Marine‐Like Clouds With Warm Rain
Authors: Zhao Delong , Wang Minghuai , Rosenfeld Daniel , Chen Baojun , Zhu Yannian , Cai Miao , Duan Jing , Liu Dantong , Zhou Wei , Wang Fei , Sheng Jiujiang , Du Yuanmo , Tian Ping , Chen Yichen , He Hui , Wang Honglei , Huang Mengyu
Published: February 2025

Warm rain prevails in clean marine clouds and is one of the most abundant types of precipitation in the world. However, warm rain is rarely observed in urban polluted atmospheric environments due to high number concentrations of aerosols generally suppress the occurrence of warm rain. Three aircraft observation of clouds were used during summer in Beijing area. Here, we documented warm rain processes similar to shallow marine clouds in the urban (Beijing) atmospheric environment after cleansing air pollution by extensive precipitation observed on 11 September 2019. Our results showed that, compared with aircraft observations of similar cumulus clouds under polluted conditions, large‐scale precipitation can efficiently scavenge air pollution in Beijing and lead to marine‐like clouds with warm rain. The average aerosol concentration (Na) near the cloud base in these clean cases was only 225 cm−3 with cloud droplet number concentration (Nd) of 36 cm−3, (maximum of 142 cm−3) which led to enhanced coalescence. The warm rain was initiated at 600 m above the cloud base. Our results highlight the significance of pollution scavenging by precipitation in warm rain production in urban environment.
Multiscale WRF Modeling of Meso‐ to Micro‐Scale Flows During Sundowner Events
Authors: Janiszeski Andrew , Crippa Paola
Published: February 2025

Two Sundowner events observed during the Sundowner Wind Experiment (SWEX) project are analyzed using a realistically forced large eddy simulation (LES) employing a multiscale Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model configuration with domain grid spacings ranging from 11,250 to 30 m centered over the Santa Barbara, CA region to examine their meso‐ to micro‐scale drivers. The main drivers of both events are increasing mountaintop stability and the mountain wave activity exhibiting a hydraulic jump and near‐surface critical layer. Another important finding is ascent of the downslope flows over the turbulent adiabatic layers at the coastal regions. In both events, the strong downslope flow warms and dries the air descending the southern slopes of the SYM adiabatically generating a deepening adiabatic layer that is 0.4 to as much as 1 km deep during peak Sundowner intensity over the coastal regions. This layer, exhibiting turbulence within and atop, is characterized with the strong downslope flow atop with much weaker, and at times, reversed flow beneath over the coastal regions. This flow structure, along with regions of turbulence within and atop the adiabatic layer, is indicative of a mountain lee‐wave rotor. Coastal locations in both events remain relatively unaffected. Further investigations are needed to determine whether or not this is consistent across all Sundowner events observed during the SWEX project and whether turbulence helps diffuse or accelerate the flows.
Ternary molecular switching in a single-crystal optical actuator with correlated crystal strain
Authors: Cole Jacqueline M. , Gosztola David J. , Velazquez-Garcia Jose de J. , Guest Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2025

A growing portfolio of single-crystal optical actuators is forging a new class of photonic materials that hold prospects for quantum technologies. Ruthenium-based complexes that exhibit this phenomenon via SO2-linkage photoisomerisation are of particular interest since they display multiple metastable states, once induced by green light; yet, complete photoconversion into each SO2-isomeric state is rarely achieved. We discover a new complex, trans-[Ru(SO2)(NH3)4(4-bromopyridine)]tosylate2, that produces 100% photoconverted η1-OSO isomeric crystal structures at 90 K, which fully transition into η2-(OS)O photoisomers upon warming to 100 K, while the dark-state η1-SO2 structure is wholly recovered by heating the crystal to room temperature. Crystal structures and optical-absorption profiles of each state are captured via in-situ light-induced single-crystal X-ray diffraction and optical-absorption spectroscopy. Results show that both photoisomeric species behave as optical switches, but with distinct optical properties. The photoisomerisation process causes thermally-reversible micro- and nanoscopic crystal strain, as characterised by optical microscopy and in-situ light-induced atomic-force microscopy.