bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sign language recognition from digital videos using feature pyramid network with detection transformer
Authors: Liu Yu , Nand Parma , Hossain Md Akbar , Nguyen Minh , Yan Wei Qi
Published: March 2023

Sign language recognition is one of the fundamental ways to assist deaf people to communicate with others. An accurate vision-based sign language recognition system using deep learning is a fundamental goal for many researchers. Deep convolutional neural networks have been extensively considered in the last few years, and a slew of architectures have been proposed. Recently, Vision Transformer and other Transformers have shown apparent advantages in object recognition compared to traditional computer vision models such as Faster R-CNN, YOLO, SSD, and other deep learning models. In this paper, we propose a Vision Transformer-based sign language recognition method called DETR (Detection Transformer), aiming to improve the current state-of-the-art sign language recognition accuracy. The DETR method proposed in this paper is able to recognize sign language from digital videos with a high accuracy using a new deep learning model ResNet152 + FPN (i.e., Feature Pyramid Network), which is based on Detection Transformer. Our experiments show that the method has excellent potential for improving sign language recognition accuracy. For instance, our newly proposed net ResNet152 + FPN is able to enhance the detection accuracy up to 1.70% on the test dataset of sign language compared to the standard Detection Transformer models. Besides, an overall accuracy 96.45% was attained by using the proposed method.
Performance analysis of coherent DPSK SIMO laser-based satellite-to-ground communication link over weak-to-strong turbulence channels considering Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov spectrum models
Authors: Abouelez Ahmed Elsayed
Published: March 2023

The performance of satellite-to-ground laser-based communication links is highly affected by atmospheric turbulence. Coherent detection with spatial diversity at the ground station receiver can mitigate the scintillation effects caused by atmospheric turbulence. Traditionally, the scintillation effects are modeled based on the Kolmogorov spectrum model. However, the experiments have indicated that scintillation effects on the laser beam propagation have non-Kolmogorov properties. Our goal in the present work is to analyze the average bit error rate (BER), outage probability (OP), and ergodic capacity of the satellite-to-ground heterodyne optical communication system with receiver spatial diversity. A differential phase-shift keying modulation technique is considered in this work. The propagated laser signal from the satellite to the ground station is assumed to be subjected to Málaga-distributed atmospheric turbulence. The atmospheric turbulence statistics are carried out based on the conventional Kolmogorov spectrum model and the three-layer altitude (TLA) non-Kolmogorov spectrum model. The performance of popular diversity combining techniques, namely, maximum ratio combining (MRC) and equal gain combining (EGC) techniques are analyzed. The statistical models of the MRC technique under the Málaga-distributed atmospheric channel model are obtained in analytical form expressions. The statistical models of the EGC technique under the Málaga-distributed atmospheric channel model are obtained via the fast Fourier transform representation of the characteristic function method. Based on these statistical models, average BER, OP, and ergodic capacity expressions for each type of diversity combining technique are derived. For the communication system under investigation, the performance of MRC and EGC multiple aperture receiver systems are compared to a single aperture receiver with the same total aperture area. These comparisons are carried out under the same conditions in terms of zenith angle and signal-to-noise ratio. The obtained results show that the performance of the optical communication system under investigation with MRC and EGC receivers can be improved by increasing the order of diversity. In addition, it is found that the difference in the performance between Kolmogorov and TLA non-Kolmogorov spectrum models is not significant at low zenith angles, while this difference increases as the zenith angle increases. All numerical results are verified by Monte-Carlo simulations.
Question sense, inquiry, and inventiveness
Authors: Freestone Melvin , Khan Khalid , Mason Jon
Published: March 2023

This article is a synthesis of possibility. A view of how question sense might generate inquiry and inventiveness across the gamut of human experience is presented. Dialogue between curiosity and questions spawns sense-making processes through which we can perceive and construct connections that have value. The application of a layered set of question frames energizes the construction of curious-concatenates that are precarious and continually networked across the template of human consciousness. They are created through intention and perceived value, and thereby, reflect underlying motivations in the life world, as distinct from psychological maturation. Ways in which curious-concatenates change and transform to make order out of disorder are discussed. The whole is synthesised into a two-phase iterative model for the generation and enactment of inventiveness, with a question-led process at the center. The implications for curriculum design and development and pedagogy are profound.
Does democracy foster entrepreneurship?
Authors: Farè Luca , Audretsch David B. , Dejardin Marcus
Published: March 2023

Entrepreneurship has been connected to several socio-economic issues. However, despite the growing conjectures, the links with democracy have yet to be substantiated. By using a country-level panel dataset over the 1972–2010 period, we find evidence that democracy is conducive to entrepreneurship. We shed light on the intensity and multidimensionality of democracy by showing that the promotion of free social interchange and the direct involvement of civil society in political processes are two dimensions of democracy driving such effect. We additionally observe that entrepreneurship is sensitive to both contemporaneous and historical values of democracy. By providing the first systematic empirical evidence that entrepreneurship and democracy are directly connected, this study suggests to consider their ongoing concomitant retreats as two related phenomena.
Against a normative asymmetry between near- and future-bias
Authors: Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie , Norton James
Published: March 2023

Empirical evidence shows that people have multiple time-biases. One is near-bias; another is future-bias. Philosophical theorising about these biases often proceeds on two assumptions. First, that the two biases areindependent: that they are explained by different factors (the independence assumption). Second, that there is a normative asymmetry between the two biases: one is rationally impermissible (near-bias) and the other rationally permissible (future-bias). The former assumption at least partly feeds into the latter: if the two biases were not explained by different factors, then it would be less plausible that their normative statuses differ. This paper investigates the independence assumption and finds it unwarranted. In light of this, we argue, there is reason to question the normative asymmetry assumption.
Semi-supervised Visual Tracking of Marine Animals Using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Cai Levi , McGuire Nathan E. , Hanlon Roger , Mooney T. Aran , Girdhar Yogesh
Published: March 2023

In-situ visual observations of marine organisms is crucial to developing behavioural understandings and their relations to their surrounding ecosystem. Typically, these observations are collected via divers, tags, and remotely-operated or human-piloted vehicles. Recently, however, autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with cameras and embedded computers with GPU capabilities are being developed for a variety of applications, and in particular, can be used to supplement these existing data collection mechanisms where human operation or tags are more difficult. Existing approaches have focused on using fully-supervised tracking methods, but labelled data for many underwater species are severely lacking. Semi-supervised trackers may offer alternative tracking solutions because they require less data than fully-supervised counterparts. However, because there are not existing realistic underwater tracking datasets, the performance of semi-supervised tracking algorithms in the marine domain is not well understood. To better evaluate their performance and utility, in this paper we provide (1) a novel dataset specific to marine animals located at http://warp.whoi.edu/vmat/, (2) an evaluation of state-of-the-art semi-supervised algorithms in the context of underwater animal tracking, and (3) an evaluation of real-world performance through demonstrations using a semi-supervised algorithm on-board an autonomous underwater vehicle to track marine animals in the wild.
The Contribution of Moral Case Deliberation to Teaching RCR to PhD Students
Authors: Inguaggiato Giulia , Labib Krishma , Evans Natalie , Blom Fenneke , Bouter Lex , Widdershoven Guy
Published: March 2023

Teaching responsible conduct of research (RCR) to PhD students is crucial for fostering responsible research practice. In this paper, we show how the use of Moral Case Deliberation—a case reflection method used in the Amsterdam UMC RCR PhD course—is particularity valuable to address three goals of RCR education: (1) making students aware of, and internalize, RCR principles and values, (2) supporting reflection on good conduct in personal daily practice, and (3) developing students’ dialogical attitude and skills so that they can deliberate on RCR issues when they arise. What makes this method relevant for RCR education is the focus on values and personal motivations, the structured reflection on real experiences and dilemmas and the cultivation of participants’ dialogical skills. During these structured conversations, students reflect on the personal motives that drive them to adhere to the principles of good science, thereby building connections between those principles and their personal values and motives. Moreover, by exploring personal questions and dilemmas related to RCR, they learn how to address these with colleagues and supervisors. The reflection on personal experiences with RCR issues and questions combined with the study of relevant normative frameworks, support students to act responsibly and to pursue RCR in their day-to-day research practice in spite of difficulties and external constraints.
IL-17A Facilitates Entry of Autoreactive T-Cells and Granulocytes into the CNS During EAE
Authors: Zimmermann Julian , Nitsch Louisa , Krauthausen Marius , Müller Marcus
Published: March 2023

Interleukin-17A plays a crucial role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Although the link between IL-17 and disease activity has been clearly demonstrated, the precise function of this cytokine remains elusive. Here, we investigated the function of astrocyte-targeted IL-17A production in GF/IL-17 transgenic mice during EAE. In particular, IL-17A is important during disease induction. In mice with transgenic IL-17A production, disease occurs earlier and peak disease is more severe, whereas remission is unimpaired. IL-17A synthesis is associated with increased infiltration of granulocytes into the CNS and microglial activation. Moreover, IL-17A synthesis allows induction of MOG-EAE without the additional administration of the co-adjuvant pertussis toxin. Examination of double transgenic GF/IL-17 2D2 mice revealed that, in addition, local IL-17A production facilitates spontaneous infiltration of immune cells into the CNS in mice expressing a MOG-specific T-cell receptor. Overall, we provide evidence for a crucial effect of IL-17A in the induction phase of EAE, facilitating the infiltration of granulocytes and autoreactive T-cells into the CNS.
PD-L1/PD-1 blockage enhanced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cell on the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by granzyme B secretion
Authors: Qiao Duan-Rui , Cheng Jun-Ya , Yan Wei-Qun , Li Hai-Jun
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the role of PD-L1/PD-1 blockage in the cytotoxicity of natural killer cell in NSCLC.

Methods

Two NSCLC cell lines, Calu-1 and H460, were tested for susceptibility to the cytolytic activity of freshly isolated healthy donor NK cells by a non-radioactive cellular cytotoxicity assay kit. Western blot analysis, FACS, ELISA and antibody blockage experiments were conducted to determine the mechanisms. NK cells isolated from NSCLC patients were also collected for functional assays.

Results

Calu-1 and H460 cells were lysed by NK cells in a dose-dependent manner. H460 cells showed less susceptibility to NK cell-mediated lysis than Calu-1 cells at all ratios. The expression of PD-L1 on H460 cells was higher than that on Calu-1 cells, as determined by FACS and western blot analysis. The specific lysis of H460 cells by NK cells was enhanced when the PD-L1/PD-1 interaction was blocked by anti-PD-L1 antibody. This finding was also demonstrated in NK cells isolated from NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that PD-L1/PD-1 blockage enhanced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in NSCLC via granzyme B secretion. This study will greatly facilitate the precise treatment of lung cancer through determination of PD-L1 expression in tumors.
Alcohol consumption after pregnancy awareness and the additive effect of pregnancy-related anxiety and child abuse
Authors: Brunton Robyn , Dryer Rachel
Published: March 2023

This study examined whether pregnant women alter their alcohol consumption upon pregnancy awareness and any additive effect of a maternal history of child abuse and pregnancy-related anxiety in predicting antenatal alcohol consumption. Pregnant women (N = 548, M = 31.44, SD = 4.58) completed an online survey consisting of the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale, Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire, questions on alcohol consumption and demographics. The Wilcoxon test examined difference scores between pre-pregnancy awareness and post-awareness drinking. More women reduced or ceased drinking after pregnancy awareness (M = 0.15, SD = 1.03) than before pregnancy recognition (M = 3.12, SD = 3.91). Only two women increased their alcohol consumption, with 140 reporting no change. In the hierarchical regression analysis, child abuse was not significant in the model, whereas pregnancy-related anxiety predicted alcohol consumption, with pre-pregnancy drinking the strongest predictor. There was no significant interaction effect between pregnancy-related anxiety and child abuse. While limited by a cross-sectional design and single questions to assess alcohol intake, our findings are consistent with extant literature. Findings related to child abuse were not significant, and likely due to low prevalence in the sample, Despite this, we further established that pregnancy-related anxiety remains a significant predictor of antenatal drinking regardless of how much alcohol a woman may consume pre-pregnancy. This relationship may be explained by drinking used to cope with pregnancy-related anxieties. While current guidelines recommend alcohol screening, many women may not accurately report their alcohol intake screening for pregnancy-related anxiety may provide an avenue to identify women more at risk of drinking during pregnancy.
Supporting students with empathy: the association between empathy and coping strategies in pre-clinical medical students
Authors: Ardenghi Stefano , Russo Selena , Bani Marco , Rampoldi Giulia , Strepparava Maria Grazia
Published: March 2023

How medical students cope with stress predicts their mental health and academic/clinical performances, making the promotion of functional copy strategies a relevant outcome for medical educators. Empathy has been reported to be connected with coping. This study wanted to explore the most used coping strategies and whether gender differences existed, and to investigate whether and to what extent empathy affected coping in a sample of pre-clinical medical students. In a cross-sectional study design, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Coping Orientations to the Problems Experienced - New Italian Version (COPE-NIV) were administered to 398 (53% females) Italian second-year medical students. T-tests and multiple regression analyses were used to explore gender differences and the association between IRI and COPE-NIV scores, respectively. Problem Orientation obtained the highest mean score, whereas Avoidance the lowest one. Females outscored males on Social Support (t = 4.95, p < .001) and Transcendent Orientation (t = 4.04, p < .001). After controlling for gender, Empathic Concern was positively associated with Social Support (β = 0.223, p = .001) and Transcendent Orientation (β = 0.234, p = .001). Perspective Taking was positively and negatively associated with Positive Attitude (β = 0.248, p < .001) and Transcendent Orientation (β = − 0.180, p = .008), respectively. Personal Distress was negatively related to Problem Orientation (β = − 0.250, p < .001). Educational and psychological counselling interventions targeting empathy should be implemented in the pre-clinical years to equip medical students to cope functionally with the emotional distress linked to medical school.
Shell disc beads and the development of class-based society at the K2-Mapungubwe settlement complex (South Africa)
Authors: Mouton Michelle , Antonites Alexander
Published: March 2023

The K2-Mapungubwe settlement complex is widely regarded as the centre for the development of class-based society out of earlier ranked communities between c. AD 900 and AD 1300 in northern South Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and eastern Botswana. Beads made from ostrich eggs, the shells of Achatinidae snails, and freshwater bivalves formed an important part of the K2-Mapungubwe economy. Although thousands of shell beads have been excavated at the K2-Mapungubwe complex, this assemblage has never been analysed or even quantified in any meaningful manner. As such, only rough estimates of the distribution, use, and meaning of shell beads at these important sites were done. This article represents the first focussed research effort on this assemblage. The results demonstrate distinct spatial and chronological changes in the shell bead assemblage. Achatina beads are more common earlier in earlier phases, but after AD 1220, ostrich eggshell beads dominate. This could indicate access to new sources of raw materials. Our analysis took into account the spatial and social contexts of beads. This indicated that shell bead assemblage from the higher-status royal living areas remained morphologically constant over time, with a clear preference for smaller-sized beads. In contrast, beads from the lower-status areas could be grouped into distinct clusters of larger and smaller beads. The grouping of smaller bead on lower-status areas closely resembles elite assemblages. Smaller beads however become proportionally rarer outside elite areas over time. This may reflect changes in elite control and preferential access to shell beads. These results demonstrate how the use and manufacture of shell beads intersected with the socio-political changes that characterise the period. It also highlights the need for careful consideration of shell beads as a significant component of the political economy in the southern African Iron Age.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Telehealth Family-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Health Wellness (MBHW) Program for Self-Management of Weight by Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Myers Rachel E. , Medvedev Oleg N. , Oh Jisun , Shogren Karrie A. , Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and the availability of and engagement in self-determined health and wellness programs is limited. The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Health Wellness (MBHW) program of using telehealth to enable families to teach a field-tested lifestyle change program to their adolescents with IDD. The program encouraged the adolescents to self-determine the parameters of the program that they could use to self-manage their weight through a lifestyle change process.

Method

Eighty adolescents were randomized into experimental (n = 42) and control (n = 38) groups. The experimental group engaged in the MBHW program as taught by their families, and the control group engaged in treatment as usual (TAU) in a randomized controlled trial. Adolescents in the experimental group self-determined the parameters of each of the five components of the MBHW program and engaged in self-paced weight reduction using a changing-criterion design.

Results

All 42 adolescents in the experimental group reached their target weights and, on average, reduced their weight by 38 lbs. The 38 adolescents in the control group reduced their weight by an average of 3.47 lbs. by the end of the study. There was a large statistically significant effect of the MBHW program on reduction of both weight and body mass index (BMI) for adolescents in the experimental group. Family members and adolescents rated the MBHW program as having high social validity, and the intervention was delivered with a high degree of fidelity.

Conclusions

Families can support adolescents with IDD to use the MBHW program to effectively self-manage their weight through a lifestyle change program. Future research should use an active control group, assess maintenance of weight loss across settings and time, use relative fat mass (RFM) for estimating body fat percentage, and evaluate the impact of consuming highly processed foods on weight loss interventions.
Beyond Mindfulness Assessed by Questionnaires: The Mindful-Breathing Exercise as an Additional Approach in PTSD and Depression
Authors: Kümmerle Stella , Heidenreich Thomas , Müller-Engelmann Meike
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Despite various methodological concerns, previous studies mainly use questionnaires to assess mindfulness. Following a multi-measurement approach, the present study aimed to evaluate the added value of an experience-sampling measure in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Method

Data were collected in a PTSD group, depression group, and control group (each n = 33). The Mindful-Breathing Exercise (MBE) was used as an experience-sampling method and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) as a mindfulness questionnaire. Clinical variables included PTSD and depressive symptoms.

Results

Scores from the MBE and the FFMQ were positively correlated in the control group (r = 0.48) and the depression group (r = 0.28), while a non-significant correlation emerged for the PTSD group. On the level of FFMQ facets, results were heterogeneous among the three groups. The MBE predicted hyperarousal (β = − 0.41) and intrusions (β = − 0.32) in the PTSD group, whereas the FFMQ predicted depressive symptoms in the depression group (β = − 0.41) and the control group (β = − 0.65). Compared to the control group, the PTSD group (d = 1.88) and the depression group (d = 1.67) demonstrated lower FFMQ scores. In terms of the MBE, there was a trend towards higher scores in the control group than either clinical group.

Conclusions

Findings hint at conceptual overlaps and distinctive features of both measurement approaches. With respect to the clinical context, results suggest an added value of the MBE to questionnaire-based assessments of mindfulness with respect to its predictive value for hyperarousal and intrusions.

Preregistration

This study is not pre-registered.
An enhanced approach for sentiment analysis based on meta-ensemble deep learning
Authors: Kora Rania , Mohammed Ammar
Published: March 2023

Sentiment analysis, commonly known as “opinion mining,” aims to identify sentiment polarities in opinion texts. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the acceptance of sentiment analysis by academics, businesses, governments, and several other organizations. Numerous deep-learning efforts have been developed to effectively handle more challenging sentiment analysis problems. However, the main difficulty with deep learning approaches is that they require a lot of experience and hard work to tune the optimal hyperparameters, making it a tedious and time-consuming task. Several recent research efforts have attempted to solve this difficulty by combining the power of ensemble learning and deep learning. Many of these efforts have concentrated on simple ensemble techniques, which have some drawbacks. Therefore, this paper makes the following contributions: First, we propose a meta-ensemble deep learning approach to improve the performance of sentiment analysis. In this approach, we train and fuse baseline deep learning models using three levels of meta-learners. Second, we propose the benchmark dataset “Arabic-Egyptian Corpus 2” as an extension of a previous corpus. The corpus size has been increased by 10,000 annotated tweets written in colloquial Arabic on various topics. Third, we conduct several experiments on six benchmark datasets of sentiment analysis in different languages and dialects to evaluate the performance of the proposed meta-ensemble deep learning approach. The experimental results reveal that the meta-ensemble approach effectively outperforms the baseline deep learning models. Also, the experiments reveal that meta-learning improves performance further when the probability class distributions are used to train the meta-learners.
Herpesviruses, polyomaviruses, parvoviruses, papillomaviruses, and anelloviruses in vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Jauhiainen Maria K. , Mohanraj Ushanandini , Lehecka Martin , Niemelä Mika , Hirvonen Timo P. , Pratas Diogo , Perdomo Maria F. , Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Mäkitie Antti A. , Sinkkonen Saku T.
Published: March 2023

Etiology of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is unknown. Viruses can infect and reside in neural tissues for decades, and new viruses with unknown tumorigenic potential have been discovered. The presence of herpesvirus, polyomavirus, parvovirus, and anellovirus DNA was analyzed by quantitative PCR in 46 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded VS samples. Five samples were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing. Viral DNA was detected altogether in 24/46 (52%) tumor samples, mostly representing anelloviruses (46%). Our findings show frequent persistence of anelloviruses, considered normal virome, in VS. None of the other viruses showed an extensive presence, thereby suggesting insignificant role in VS.
Strong Overall Error Analysis for the Training of Artificial Neural Networks Via Random Initializations
Authors: Jentzen Arnulf , Riekert Adrian
Published: March 2023

Although deep learning-based approximation algorithms have been applied very successfully to numerous problems, at the moment the reasons for their performance are not entirely understood from a mathematical point of view. Recently, estimates for the convergence of the overall error have been obtained in the situation of deep supervised learning, but with an extremely slow rate of convergence. In this note, we partially improve on these estimates. More specifically, we show that the depth of the neural network only needs to increase much slower in order to obtain the same rate of approximation. The results hold in the case of an arbitrary stochastic optimization algorithm with i.i.d. random initializations.
One-Step Gas–Solid-Phase Diffusion-Induced Elemental Reaction for Bandgap-Tunable CuaAgm1Bim2In/CuI Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Fan Erchuang , Liu Manying , Yang Kangni , Jiang Siyu , Li Bingxin , Zhao Dandan , Guo Yanru , Zhang Yange , Zhang Peng , Zuo Chuantian , Ding Liming , Zheng Zhi
Published: March 2023

Lead-free inorganic copper-silver-bismuth-halide materials have attracted more and more attention due to their environmental friendliness, high element abundance, and low cost. Here, we developed a strategy of one-step gas–solid-phase diffusion-induced reaction to fabricate a series of bandgap-tunable CuaAgm1Bim2In/CuI bilayer films due to the atomic diffusion effect for the first time. By designing and regulating the sputtered Cu/Ag/Bi metal film thickness, the bandgap of CuaAgm1Bim2In could be reduced from 2.06 to 1.78 eV. Solar cells with the structure of FTO/TiO2/CuaAgm1Bim2In/CuI/carbon were constructed, yielding a champion power conversion efficiency of 2.76%, which is the highest reported for this class of materials owing to the bandgap reduction and the peculiar bilayer structure. The current work provides a practical path for developing the next generation of efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly photovoltaic materials.
Cartographic Modelling and Multi-Criteria Analysis (CMCA) for Rail Transit Suitability
Authors: Çalışkan Berna , Atahan Ali Osman
Published: March 2023

Rail transportation planning is a continuous, multi-phase, functioning scale that is based on reconstructing the spatial system, thus contributing to build a more quality-focused, long-term-oriented and balanced approach. This paper presents cartographic modelling and multi-criteria analysis (CMCA) for the optimum route/station location in accordance with selected criteria and constraints for rail transit system planning. The methodology is based on overlay analysis (cartographic modelling) to combine diverse criteria maps and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method for criteria weighting. The purpose of the study is to examine a GIS multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework by considering Stream, Geology, Slope, Land use and Population decision criteria. The decision modelling framework conceives an additional prominent approach by co-producing with the public, especially for underserved areas of low socio-economic status and public user expectations in the railway transport planning process. This model applied to a candidate metro line referred to as M 18 (Başakşehir-Esenyurt-Beylikdüzü) with eight railway stations for the preliminary stage evaluation. The outcomes of this research will close the gap by establishing a novel suitability framework which can be used as a preliminary analysis for transforming and developing urban rail transit networks.
Dynamical boson stars
Authors: Liebling Steven L. , Palenzuela Carlos
Published: March 2023

The idea of stable, localized bundles of energy has strong appeal as a model for particles. In the 1950s, John Wheeler envisioned such bundles as smooth configurations of electromagnetic energy that he called geons, but none were found. Instead, particle-like solutions were found in the late 1960s with the addition of a scalar field, and these were given the name boson stars. Since then, boson stars find use in a wide variety of models as sources of dark matter, as black hole mimickers, in simple models of binary systems, and as a tool in finding black holes in higher dimensions with only a single Killing vector. We discuss important varieties of boson stars, their dynamic properties, and some of their uses, concentrating on recent efforts.
Innovative and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of dyschromatopsia and the re-education of the eyes
Authors: Bile Alessandro , Bile Gianmarco , Pepino Riccardo , Tari Hamed
Published: March 2023

Objective

Dyschromatopsia is a pathology that afflicts many people even if, in most cases, they are not aware of it. The pathology, in fact, is not disabling in everyday life even if it is limiting from some points of view. Once diagnosed, dyschromatopsia is generally not investigated further: it is not known exactly how it manifests itself and with what extent. Furthermore, since it is a genetic pathology, it is “condemned” not to be resolvable. Biological neural networks have shown the capability to readapt their structure in order to overcome sensory malfunctions or neuronal damage. We propose a diagnostic algorithm capable of qualitatively and quantitatively assessing the degree of visual impairment due to the presence of congenital or acquired dyschromatopsia. The algorithm can also be easily integrated for its possible therapeutic use.

Methods

The application of a novel approach based on an innovative algorithm for the diagnosis of dyschromatopsia and plastic reeducation training of the eye is proposed.

Results

Our algorithm provides an accurate measure of the degree of dyschromatopsia severity in patients quickly and noninvasively. In addition, it can be used for a reeducational training process.

Conclusions

Dyschromatopsia is an increasingly common disease in the world. The method we developed can diagnose dyschromatopsia. The algorithm also develops a metric scale for recognizing the degree of severity. The algorithm can be used independently by specilized and non-specilized people. In addition, the algorithm can be integrated with Machine Learning techniques to create a customized eye retrainer based on the plasticity and adaptability of neural tissue.
A Nonsurgical Approach to Management of Lepidopterism due to Woolly Bear Caterpillar Ingestion
Authors: Halmo Laurie Seidel , Lackey Taylor , Gitomer Sarah A. , Brent Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Systemic symptoms resulting from exposure to members of the Lepidoptera order, such as moths, butterflies, and caterpillars, are known as lepidopterism. Most cases of lepidopterism are mild and result from dermal exposure to urticating hairs; ingestion is less common and generally more medically significant because the hairs may get embedded in the patient’s mouth, hypopharynx, or esophagus, leading to dysphagia, drooling, edema, and possible airway obstruction. In previous cases of symptomatic caterpillar ingestion reported in the literature, extensive efforts, including direct laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and bronchoscopy, were undertaken to remove these hairs. We review the case of a 19-mo-old previously healthy male infant who presented to the emergency department with vomiting and inconsolability after ingesting half of a woolly bear caterpillar ( Pyrrharctia isabella). His initial examination was notable for embedded hairs in his lips, oral mucosa, and right tonsillar pillar. The patient underwent a bedside flexible laryngoscopy, which revealed a single hair embedded in the epiglottis, without significant edema. He was stable from a respiratory standpoint and, thus, was admitted for observation and IV dexamethasone without any attempt to remove the hairs. He was discharged in good condition after 48 h; at a follow-up visit 1 wk later, no remaining hairs were visible. This case demonstrates that lepidopterism secondary to caterpillar ingestion is amenable to conservative management and does not require routine removal of urticating hairs in patients who do not show signs of airway distress.
The Age of Discontent
Authors: Rhodes-Purdy Matthew , Navarre Rachel , Utych Stephen
Published: March 2023

The years following the 2008 financial crisis produced a surge of political discontent with populism, conspiracism, and Far Right extremism rising across the world. Despite this timing, many of these movements coalesced around cultural issues rather than economic grievances. But if culture, and not economics, is the primary driver of political discontent, why did these developments emerge after a financial collapse, a pattern that repeats throughout the history of the democratic world? Using the framework of 'Affective Political Economy', The Age of Discontent demonstrates that emotions borne of economic crises produce cultural discontent, thus enflaming conflicts over values and identities. The book uses this framework to explain the rise of populism and the radical right in the US, UK, Spain, and Brazil, and the social uprising in Chile. It argues that states must fulfill their roles as providers of social insurance and channels for citizen voices if they wish to turn back the tide of political discontent.
A 110 W fiber gas Raman laser at 1153 nm
Authors: Cui Yulong , Tian Xin , Rao Binyu , Li Hao , Huang Wei , Pei Wenxi , Wang Meng , Chen Zilun , Wang Zefeng
Published: March 2023

We report here the first hundred-watt continuous wave fiber gas laser in H2-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) by stimulated Raman scattering. The pump source is a homemade narrow-linewidth fiber oscillator with a 3 dB linewidth of 0.15 nm at the maximum output power of 380 W. To efficiently and stably couple several-hundred-watt pump power into the hollow core and seal the gas, a hollow-core fiber end-cap is fabricated and used at the input end. A maximum power of 110 W at 1153 nm is obtained in a 5 m long hollow-core PCF filled with 36 bar H2, and the conversion efficiency of the first Stokes power is around 48.9%. This work paves the way for high-power fiber gas Raman lasers.
Model-based spectral coherence analysis
Authors: Abootorabi Seyedalireza , Zare Armin
Published: March 2023

Recent data-driven efforts have utilized spectral decomposition techniques to uncover the geometric self-similarity of dominant motions in the logarithmic layer, and thereby validate the attached eddy model. In this paper, we evaluate the predictive capability of the stochastically forced linearized Navier–Stokes equations in capturing such structural features in turbulent channel flow at$Re_\tau =2003$. We use the linear coherence spectrum to quantify the wall-normal coherence within the velocity field generated by the linearized dynamics. In addition to the linearized Navier–Stokes equations around the turbulent mean velocity profile, we consider an enhanced variant in which molecular viscosity is augmented with turbulent eddy-viscosity. We use judiciously shaped white- and coloured-in-time stochastic forcing to generate a statistical response with energetic attributes that are consistent with the results of direct numerical simulation (DNS). Specifically, white-in-time forcing is scaled to ensure that the two-dimensional energy spectrum is reproduced and coloured-in-time forcing is shaped to match normal and shear stress profiles. We show that the addition of eddy-viscosity significantly strengthens the self-similar attributes of the resulting stochastic velocity field within the logarithmic layer and leads to an inner-scaled coherence spectrum. We use this coherence spectrum to extract the energetic signature of self-similar motions that actively contribute to momentum transfer and are responsible for producing Reynolds shear stress. Our findings support the use of coloured-in-time forcing in conjunction with the dynamic damping afforded by turbulent eddy-viscosity in improving predictions of the scaling trends associated with such active motions in accordance with DNS-based spectral decomposition.
American first-generation college students’ narratives of positive relationships with their school counsellors
Authors: Waalkes Phillip L. , Stickl Haugen Jaimie , Mizutani Yuima , Meyer Jiaying J. , Salvatierra Dave , Odle Carrie , Somerville Tiffany
Published: March 2023

Trusting and supportive relationships with school counsellors can help first-generation college students access college despite barriers. In this narrative inquiry, 11 first-generation college students in the United States shared stories of their positive relationships with their former high school counsellors. After an iterative and consensus-based data analysis process, we summarised our participants’ grand narrative with five themes: family context, school counselling delivery, relationships with school counsellors, impact of relationships with school counsellors, and suggested improvements. Participants valued how school counsellors helped them advocate for themselves, build their confidence, and feel encouraged and accountable through individual meetings, career counselling, and college guidance. School counsellors can offer targeted and relational interventions to help first-generation college students access and persist through college.
Comments on Murmann and Vogt ‘A Capabilities Framework for Dynamic Competition Assessing the Relative Chances of Incumbents, Start-ups, and Diversifying Entrants’
Authors: Blair John , Teece David J.
Published: March 2023

Murmann and Vogt's (2022) analysis of the automobile industry using a capabilities framework that integrates both dynamic and ordinary capabilities supports an informative table which sets out the major relevant capabilities that incumbents, start-ups, and diversifying entrants would need to develop or access via contract or other arrangement (see Murmann and Vogt, 2022, Table 3). Jiang and Lu (2022) have further discussed new industry paradigms which they suggest will greatly challenge – and perhaps overwhelm – automotive industry incumbents. We believe that their insights can be taken a step further by focusing on two areas: first, the greatly increased availability of outsourced manufacturing driven by the shift to electric vehicle (‘EV’) powertrains; and second, the ongoing transformation of the driver and passenger experience that is driven by software–user experience software integrated with networked consumer service ecosystems.
Obstetric complications and clinical presentation in first episode of psychosis
Authors: Verdolini Norma , Mezquida Gisela , Valli Isabel , Garcia-Rizo Clemente , Cuesta Manuel , Vieta Eduard , Bioque Miquel , Lobo Antonio , González-Pinto Ana , Pina-Camacho Laura , Corripio Iluminada , Garriga Marina , Baeza Inmaculada , Martínez-Sadurní Laura , Bitanihirwe Byron , Cannon Mary , Bernardo Miquel ,   PEPs GROUP
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Psychotic disorders exhibit a complex aetiology that combines genetic and environmental factors. Among the latter, obstetric complications (OCs) have been widely studied as risk factors, but it is not yet well understood how OCs relate to the heterogeneous presentations of psychotic disorders. We assessed the clinical phenotypes of individuals with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) in relation to the presence of OCs.

Methods:

Two-hundred seventy-seven patients with an FEP were assessed for OCs using the Lewis–Murray scale, with data stratified into three subscales depending on the timing and the characteristics of the obstetric event, namely: complications of pregnancy, abnormal foetal growth and development and difficulties in delivery. We also considered other two groups: any complications during the pregnancy period and all OCs taken altogether. Patients were clinically evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for schizophrenia.

Results:

Total OCs and difficulties in delivery were related to more severe psychopathology, and this remained significant after co-varying for age, sex, traumatic experiences, antipsychotic dosage and cannabis use.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight the relevance of OCs for the clinical presentation of psychosis. Describing the timing of the OCs is essential in understanding the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation.
Variations on the Musical Sublime
Authors: FRY KATHERINE
Published: March 2023

It can sometimes seem as if musicology is perpetually running late. At least, that is the impression that emerges from two new histories of music and the discourse of the sublime in European culture and aesthetics. Both books stress an imbalance between music and other scholarly fields as a premise for revisiting the long history of the sublime, charting its rise to prominence in the late-seventeenth century with the reception of Peri Hupsous (On Sublimity, attributed to the Greek critic Longinus), to its dominant place in British, German, and French aesthetics and criticism in the late-eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries. During this period, the sublime was debated by critics, literary writers, theologians, philosophers and musicians, and used to evoke multiple meanings and applications. Put simply: the sublime was more than a set of intrinsic qualities – such as elevation, grandeur, excess, power, persuasion, innovation and so on – to be located in an external object, style, or mode of expression. It was also an experience and state of mind identified with the (usually male) perceiving subject, an emotional and cognitive confrontation with that which is overwhelming, unknowable, or indescribable.1
‘On which they (merely) held drones’: Fugitive Tapes from the Theatre of Eternal Music Archive, 1963–6
Authors: NICKLESON PATRICK
Published: March 2023

Between 1963 and 1966, John Cale, Tony Conrad, La Monte Young, Marian Zazeela and a handful of other collaborators rehearsed together on a daily basis. Held since then in the archive at Young and Zazeela’s Church Street apartment in New York City, the tapes of the Theatre of Eternal Music have become obscure objects of fascination and mystery for experimental music fans. They have also been at the centre of disputes over the authorial propriety of the drones that they record. This paper offers a material history of those tapes as they circulate online. By tracking and organizing the available bootlegs, I trace the ensemble’s changing sonic self-conception as it moved from a composer-led ensemble supporting Young’s saxophone improvisations to an egalitarian collective constituted in its dedication to the daily practice of listening from ‘inside the sound’.
Stress concentration factors in countersunk holes
Authors: Young J. B. , Lee K. K.
Published: March 2023

The use of finite element analysis in the modelling of an unloaded countersunk hole revealed that there is a consistent relationship between the maximum stress concentration factor and the design parameters of the hole — countersunk depth, edge distance, t/d ratio and countersunk angle. It has been shown that countersunk depth and edge distance have a strong influence on the Kt value while the t/d ratio has a lesser effect. Variation of countersunk angles between 90° and 110° was found to have a negligible influence on the maximum Kt values.

It has also been shown that normalising the stress concentration factors of a countersunk hole by dividing the Ktvalues at various countersunk depths by the Ktvalues for a plain hole of similar configuration, enables the stress concentration factors in a countersunk hole to be determined from values in a plain hole. This is very useful since extensive work had been done on stress concentration factors for a plain hole and data are therefore more commonly available.
Moving to Your Place: Labour Coercion and Punitive Violence against Minors under Guardianship (Charcas, Sixteenth through Eighteenth Centuries)
Authors: Revilla Orías Paola A.
Published: March 2023

This article examines the experience of minors at the intersection of guardianship, domestic servitude (free and unfree labour), and punitive violence in Charcas (Bolivia) in the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. The author proposes that the study of the role of punishment in the lives of working children and adolescents allows us to question how practices that occurred under the legal cloak of guardianship – in which many members of colonial society participated – were used as a hidden practice of domination that sought to reproduce servitude based on certain origins from an early age. In this context, punitive violence exercised by masters and lords would have been at the core of prevailing prejudices about ethnic and racial difference.