bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypocortisolism in a dog caused by bilateral pheochromocytoma
Authors: Soler Arias Elber Alberto , Galac Sara , Teyssandier Santiago
Published: June 2022

We present a 12‐year‐old French bulldog with muscle weakness, epigastric pain, weight loss, high systolic blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. Physical and laboratory examination revealed no abnormalities. On a computed tomography scan, severely enlarged adrenals were found, and endocrine and biochemical evaluations excluded hypercortisolism and hyperaldosteronism. Urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine/creatinine ratios were elevated, compatible with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Symptomatic treatment with phenoxybenzamine was started and resulted in normalisation of a systolic blood pressure and reduction of arrhythmias. However, the onset of anorexia, vomiting and clinical deterioration prompted exploration of the adrenocortical reserve through an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test, which confirmed glucocorticoid deficiency. Mineralocorticoid deficiency was ruled out by normal plasma aldosterone concentration and renin activity. Finally, an elevated endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration defined the primary origin of the hypocortisolism. Clinical resolution occurred with prednisolone supplementation. This is the first report of hypocortisolism in a dog caused by a bilateral pheochromocytoma.
Marking the crown: Chimú territorial expansion and the appropriation of ancestral water resources in the highland Andes (AD 1000–1476)
Authors: Ambrosino Gordon
Published: June 2022

Rock art in the precontact Andes was frequently associated with venerated, pacarina water spring features. As nodes in the cultural landscape, pacarina were, and still are, considered critical access points to the primordial underworld from which the Ancestors arose to the world above and appropriating them was vital linking identity to the land, and to territorial expansion. During the Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000–1476), the Chimú Kingdom on present‐day Peru's central and north coasts aggressively expanded their influence in a time characterized by drought, conflict, and political fragmentation. This research focuses on a key rock art panel at Diablo Retrato, a rock shelter and pacarina situated at the headwaters of the Fortaleza River (4087 m above sea level), a highland landscape feature that was beyond the sphere of Chimú control and was a protected locale of the neighboring Chancay peoples to the south, a polity with whom the Chimú had combative relations. I combine colonial, ethnographic accounts with iconographic analysis, and radiocarbon dates obtained from soot samples on Diablo Retrato's walls to demonstrate how this rock art panel linked this pacarina to the Chimú royalty in the interest of expanding influence and appropriating valuable cultural and water resources.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Wave propagation in rotating thin‐walled porous blades reinforced with graphene platelets
Authors: Hashemi‐Nejad Hossien , Saidi Ali Reza , Bahaadini Reza
Published: June 2022

In this study, wave propagation in functionally graded (FG) graphene reinforced porous nanocomposite rotating thin‐walled blades is examined. The porous matrix shows both uniform and nonuniform distribution of graphene platelet alongside the thickness direction. The rule of mixture is used to obtain the effective Young's modulus, based on the Halpin–Tsai micromechanics model along with the mass density as well as Poisson's ratio of the porous blades. Applying the theory of first‐order shear deformation, it is possible to derive the governing motion equations based on Hamilton's principle whose analytical solution results in obtaining wave frequency as well as phase velocity of the rotating thin‐walled porous blades. According to the theory of thin‐walled Timoshenko beam, both lagging and flapping vibration modes have been considered. The impacts of number of layers, graphene platelets together with porous distribution patterns, weight fraction of graphene platelets, geometry of graphene platelets nanofillers as well as porosity coefficient on the wave propagation behaviors of the rotating thin‐walled porous blades are examined for the first time. The results show that the symmetric distribution of porosity with graphene platelets pattern A can predict the highest wave frequency and phase velocity for the composite blades.
Resources Shifting Values: Online and Offline Resources in Swedish Civil Society
Authors: Johansson Håkan , Scaramuzzino Gabriella
Published: June 2022

Resources have always been at the heart of civil society theorizing. While many earlier theories have focused on resources in the forms of money, people, ideas, or personnel, recent debates highlight the Internet and social media as new environments for resource mobilization. This chapter contributes to current research by comparing the human, economic, and political resources accumulated both offline and online by several social mobilization campaigns active on Swedish Facebook and Twitter; it also discusses the value of different resources and considers whether the use of social media has contributed to a devaluation of the traditional resource base of civil society in Sweden.
St. Petersburg LGBTQI+ Activists Negotiating Financial and Symbolic Resources
Authors: Lukinmaa Pauliina
Published: June 2022

Since the 2000s, the St. Petersburg LGBTQI+ movement has increasingly become part of the transnational human rights movement. Taking part in transnational networks and receiving financial and moral support from them have been vital both for the establishment of the Russian LGBTQI+ movement and its sustainability. Meanwhile, the movement has become manifold and multidimensional, consisting of various actors involved in organizations and self-organizing activist groups. This chapter examines the ways in which self-organizing groups in St. Petersburg that have only periodic funding for their activities—or no funding at all—acquire, employ, and develop symbolic resources. I analyze their relationships to well-established and mostly foreign-funded LGBTQI+ organizations as well as the types of resources from which they benefit and the ways in which those resources are provided.
Nonrelativistic strings and the limits of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 dualities
Authors: Roychowdhury Dibakar
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We carry out the formulation of nonrelativistic (NR) F-string theory for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 Gaiotto-Maldacena class of geometries in type IIA supergravity. Considering the NS-NS sector, we reduce the type IIA theory into the NR sigma models those are formulated over the nonrelativistic target space geometries known as the torsional String Newton-Cartan (TSNC) backgrounds. Using these TSNC data, we write down the sigma model action and explore several properties in the semiclassical limit. In particular, we carry out the canonical analysis of the T-duality transformation rules in TSNC background. Following the standard canonical prescription of obtaining T-duality transformations, we map these TSNC sigma models to relativistic sigma models propagating over general relativity backgrounds. Finally, we conclude with a detailed discussion on the effects of adding flavour branes and thereby taking the corresponding TSNC limit in the bulk description of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 quivers. We compute various field theory observables in the nonrelativistic limit and outline the structure of the NR Lagrangian following the light cone reduction of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SYM theory.
Domain collisions
Authors: Bea Yago , Casalderrey-Solana Jorge , Giannakopoulos Thanasis , Mateos David , Sanchez-Garitaonandia Mikel , Zilhão Miguel
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We use holography to study collisions of phase domains formed in a four-dimensional, strongly-coupled gauge theory with a first-order, thermal phase transition. We find three qualitatively different dynamical regimes depending on the collision velocity. For low velocities the domains slow down before the collision and subsequently merge and relax to equilibrium. For intermediate velocities no slow down is present before the merger. For high enough velocities the domains can collide and break apart several times before they finally merge. These features leave an imprint on the time evolution of the entropy of the system, which we compute from the area of the dual horizon on the gravity side.
Circulating SSEA-1+ stem cell-mediated tissue repair in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Chiu Chiao-Juno , Liao Chien-Chia , Hsu Yu-Hsiang , Chiang Bor-Luen
Published: June 2022

Structural changes known as airway remodeling characterize chronic/severe asthma and contribute to lung dysfunction. We previously reported that neonatal SSEA-1+ pulmonary stem/progenitor cells (PSCs) ameliorated airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. However, the molecular mechanisms by which endogenous SSEA-1+ PSC of adult mice afford beneficial effects in alveolar homeostasis and lung repair after allergen challenge remain incompletely understood. To analyze the expression profile and clarify the biological significance of endogenous adult lung SSEA-1+ cells in asthmatic mice. Lung SSEA-1+ cells and circulating SSEA-1+ cells in peripheral blood were determined by confocal microscopy and cytometric analysis. GFP chimeric mice were used to trace cell lineage in vivo. The roles of circulating SSEA-1+ cells were verified in ovalbumin-induced and house dust mite-induced allergic asthmatic models. In asthmatic mice, endogenous lung SSEA-1+ cells almost disappeared; however, a unique population of circulating SSEA-1+ cells was enriched after the challenge phase. In asthmatic mice, adoptive transfer of circulating SSEA-1+ cells had a specific homing preference for the lung in response to inhaled antigen through upregulating CXCR7–CXCL11 chemokine axis. Circulating SSEA-1+ cells can transdifferentiate in the alveolar space and ameliorate lung inflammation and structural damage through inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells into peribronchovascular and goblet cell hyperplasia areas, reducing the thickened smooth muscle layers and PAS-positive mucus-containing goblet cells. Reinforcing bone marrow-derived circulating SSEA-1+ cells from peripheral blood into lung tissue which create a rescue mechanism in maintaining alveolar homeostasis and tissue repair to mediate lung protection for emergency responses after allergen challenge in asthmatic conditions.
Higher balancing for tropical manifolds
Authors: Assemany Emilio , Lorscheid Oliver
Published: June 2022

In this text, we show that the local polyhedral structure of tropical manifolds given by its charts satisfies higher balancing conditions at all cells of positive codimension.
Binary Interaction Methods for High Dimensional Global Optimization and Machine Learning
Authors: Benfenati Alessandro , Borghi Giacomo , Pareschi Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

In this work we introduce a new class of gradient-free global optimization methods based on a binary interaction dynamics governed by a Boltzmann type equation. In each interaction the particles act taking into account both the best microscopic binary position and the best macroscopic collective position. For the resulting kinetic optimization methods, convergence to the global minimizer is guaranteed for a large class of functions under appropriate parameter constraints that do not depend on the dimension of the problem. In the mean-field limit we show that the resulting Fokker-Planck partial differential equations generalize the current class of consensus based optimization (CBO) methods. Algorithmic implementations inspired by the well-known direct simulation Monte Carlo methods in kinetic theory are derived and discussed. Several examples on prototype test functions for global optimization are reported including an application to machine learning.
MCL1 as putative target in pancreatoblastoma
Authors: Reissig Timm M. , Uhrig Sebastian , Jost Philipp J. , Luchini Claudio , Vicentini Caterina , Liffers Sven-Thorsten , Allgäuer Michael , Adsay Volkan , Scarpa Aldo , Lawlor Rita Teresa , Fröhling Stefan , Stenzinger Albrecht , Klöppel Günter , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Siveke Jens T.
Published: June 2022

Pancreatoblastoma (PB) is a rare tumor of the pancreas. In case of metastases, the treatment options are sparse and targeted approaches are not developed. We here evaluate MCL1 amplification as a putative target in PB.

Thirteen samples from adult (10/13) and pediatric patients (3/13) were collected. Three of these samples had been previously subjected to whole-exome sequencing (2 cases) or whole-genome sequencing (1 case) within a precision oncology program (NCT/DKTK MASTER), and this analysis had shown copy number gains of MCL1 gene. We established a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test to assess the copy number alterations of MCL1 gene in 13 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded PBs, including the 3 cases assessed by genome sequencing. FISH analysis showed the amplification of MCL1 in 2 cases (both were adult PB), one of which was a case with the highest copy number gain at genomic analysis. In both cases, the average gene copy number per cell was ≥ 5.7 and the MCL1/1p12 ratio was ≥ 2.4. Our data support MCL1 as a putative target in PB. Patients with MCL1-amplified PB might benefit from MCL1 inhibition. Sequencing data is useful to screen for amplification; however, the established FISH for MCL1 can help to determine the level and cellular heterogeneity of MCL1 amplification more accurately.
Interactions between tall oatgrass invasion and soil nitrogen cycling
Authors: Hinckley Eve-Lyn S. , Miller Hannah R. , Lezberg Ann , Anacker Brian
Published: June 2022

Increases in nitrogen (N) inputs to the biosphere can exacerbate the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plant species. Often, with elevated soil N levels, invasive plants establish and further enrich soil N pools, changing overall ecosystem function. This study examined the relationship between soil N cycling and an increasingly prevalent, invasive plant species, tall oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. elatius), in foothills ecosystems between the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Denver-Boulder Metropolitan area—similar to many Western US grasslands and woodlands. It focused on investigating differences in soil N transformations, inorganic N pools, and vegetation characteristics across invaded and uninvaded plots at three sites in two seasons (summer and autumn). There was a statistically significant effect of invasion on rates of net N mineralization, but it was dependent on site and season (p = 0.046). Site had a statistically significant effect on soil moisture and aboveground biomass C:N (p < 0.04). The interactions of invasion x site were statistically significant for ammonium pools (p < 0.03). These findings suggest that A. elatius invasion can be associated with accelerated N cycling, but that the nature of the relationship differs by location and season in the foothills. More broadly, this study contributes to determining how the N cycle is shifting in grassland ecosystems subject to increasing pressures from anthropogenic change.
Bildung von Senkungsmulden in Lösslehm durch subterrane Erosion
Authors: Hergert Frank , Kimmel Marcel
Published: June 2022

Eine temporär aktive Bachschwinde nahe der Stadt Koblenz ermöglicht einen Einblick in den lokalen Grundwasserfluss im Rheinischen Schiefergebirge. Ein im Lösslehm ausgespülter Erosionstunnel leitet Oberflächenwasser ab, dessen unterirdischer Verlauf anhand vierer Senkungsmulden und durch einen Quellaustritt oberflächlich angezeigt wird. Die Entstehung der Senkungsmulden wird mit subterraner Erosion erklärt.
Insecticidal features displayed by the beneficial rhizobacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis PCL1606
Authors: Arrebola Eva , Aprile Francesca R. , Calderón Claudia E. , de Vicente Antonio , Cazorla Francisco M.
Published: June 2022

The biocontrol rhizobacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis is one of the bacterial species of the P. fluorescens group where insecticide fit genes have been found. Fit toxin, supported with other antimicrobial compounds, gives the bacterial the ability to repel and to fight against eukaryotic organisms, such as nematodes and insect larvae, thus protecting the plant host and itself. Pseudomonas chlororaphis PCL1606 is an antagonistic rhizobacterium isolated from avocado roots and show efficient biocontrol against fungal soil-borne disease. The main antimicrobial compound produced by P. chlororaphis PCL606 is 2-hexyl-5-propyl resorcinol (HPR), which plays a crucial role in effective biocontrol against fungal pathogens. Further analysis of the P. chlororaphis PCL1606 genome showed the presence of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), pyrrolnitrin (PRN), and homologous fit genes. To test the insecticidal activity and to determine the bases for such activity, single and double mutants on the biosynthetic genes of these four compounds were tested in a Galleria mellonella larval model using inoculation by injection. The results revealed that Fit toxin and HPR in combination are involved in the insecticide phenotype of P. chlororaphis PCL1606, and additional compounds such as HCN and PRN could be considered supporting compounds.
Langevin dynamic for the 2D Yang–Mills measure
Authors: Chandra Ajay , Chevyrev Ilya , Hairer Martin , Shen Hao
Published: June 2022

We define a natural state space and Markov process associated to the stochastic Yang–Mills heat flow in two dimensions.

To accomplish this we first introduce a space of distributional connections for which holonomies along sufficiently regular curves (Wilson loop observables) and the action of an associated group of gauge transformations are both well-defined and satisfy good continuity properties. The desired state space is obtained as the corresponding space of orbits under this group action and is shown to be a Polish space when equipped with a natural Hausdorff metric.

To construct the Markov process we show that the stochastic Yang–Mills heat flow takes values in our space of connections and use the “DeTurck trick” of introducing a time dependent gauge transformation to show invariance, in law, of the solution under gauge transformations.

Our main tool for solving for the Yang–Mills heat flow is the theory of regularity structures and along the way we also develop a “basis-free” framework for applying the theory of regularity structures in the context of vector-valued noise – this provides a conceptual framework for interpreting several previous constructions and we expect this framework to be of independent interest.
The Potential for a Sovereign Wealth Fund to Acquire and Exert Influence Over the Eurozone
Authors: Junghanns Thomas , Körnert Jan
Published: June 2022

The financial clout of the world’s sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) is massive, and many of these are controlled by authoritarian regimes. It cannot be ruled out that these funds might acquire shareholdings in banks that play key roles in other countries. This paper studies the extent to which SWFs have the potential to use shareholdings in critical banks as mechanisms to exert influence on other countries’ banking, economic and political systems. We identify banks holding critical positions within the eurozone countries that might be exploited in the pursuit of power and determine whether SWFs could acquire simple or qualified majorities in these banks and whether they would have sufficient assets to enter into such investments. The paper concludes that three authoritarian regimes — China, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia — each have a SWF which would need to invest not even half of its assets to acquire such sweeping influence.
The Limits to Growth — 50 Years Ago and Today
Authors: Döring Thomas , Aigner-Walder Birgit
Published: June 2022

The Limits to Growthwas published 50 years ago. Ordered by the Club of Rome, the study was a milestone in the analysis of the economic, demographic, technical and ecological effects of the existing economic system. In industrialised Western countries in particular, the critical examination of the development model of continuous economic growth led to a broad discussion about the far-reaching implications of a global economy focusing on growth, on a planet with finite natural resources.
The War in Ukraine and Migration to Poland: Outlook and Challenges
Authors: Duszczyk Maciej , Kaczmarczyk Paweł
Published: June 2022

The war initiated by Russia against Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in the largest refugee migration in Europe since World War II, estimated by UNHCR (2022) at 6.3 million persons. In the first two months, almost 3.5 million war refugees crossed the Polish border, of which over 95% were Ukrainian citizens.
Seismic strengthening of existing RC buildings with external cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls hosting an integrated energetic and architectural renovation
Authors: Badini Lorenzo , Ott Stephan , Aondio Patrik , Winter Stefan
Published: June 2022

In this study a timber-based integrated solution is presented to solve at once common issues affecting typical reinforced concrete (RC) existing buildings, such as seismic and energy performances, providing an eco-friendly alternative to steel external bracing systems. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls are provided perpendicularly to the external façades as strengthening elements while interposed CLT slabs are foreseen at each floor level to host new architectural units together with a new envelope. While the connections to the foundations and to the existing RC frames are provided respectively with steel brackets and axial-connectors distributed along the height of the building, a post-tensioned connection, between CLT panels (PT-CLT connection), is implemented in the system to guarantee resistance to horizontal actions acting parallel to existing façades with consequent structural independence and architectural freedom. On this regards a first look at the findings of an experimental campaign carried on the Technical University of Munich are presented. A numerical model is developed with finite element software characterizing each type of connector for linear and non-linear analyses. Modal analyses with response spectrum are performed to verify structural elements and connectors, while pushover analyses with target displacement checks are performed to assess the obtained seismic improvement. Finally, the preassembled architectural components that allow to renovate the envelope and the provided assembly procedure are revealed.
Quantifying the influence of climate variability on armed conflict in Africa, 2000–2015
Authors: Wang Qian , Hao Mengmeng , Helman David , Ding Fangyu , Jiang Dong , Xie Xiaolan , Chen Shuai , Ma Tian
Published: June 2022

Global climate change, expected to be one of the most severe challenges that human beings have ever encountered, has had far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and humans, among which the potentially increasing chance of violent conflict has raised attention recently. However, several years of research have produced no consensus regarding whether climate variability affects the risk of armed conflict and how it may affect conflict. In this study, we built a geographically disaggregated method to explore the relationship between climate variability from normal climate conditions and armed conflicts both on a local and regional scale. With the 10,993 conflict records acquired in 25 African countries over 16 years from 2000 to 2015, we estimated the effects of temperature and wet day variability on conflicts in agricultural and non-agricultural areas, respectively, on gridded 1° resolution. The results showed that deviations from the normal climate have a systematical impact on the risk of conflict: The risk of violence rises with increasing deviations from the temperature norms in both non-agricultural and agricultural areas. Regarding the rainfall variability, in non-agricultural areas, the risk of violence grows with increasing anomalous wet days, either more or fewer days than the annual average, while in agricultural areas, increases in violence risk only exhibit under the impact of fewer wet days than the annual average. We expect these findings would provide empirical support for policymakers and relevant organizations who need to prepare additional law enforcement and/or peacekeeping resources when climatic anomalies are detected.
Seeking Solace in Gambling: The Cycle of Gambling and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women Who Gamble
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Mainey Lydia , O’Mullan Catherine , Nuske Elaine , Greer Nancy , Thomas Anna , Breen Helen
Published: June 2022

This study explored women’s gambling in response to male intimate partner violence (IPV). Twenty-four women were recruited through service providers and online advertising. All women had been victimised by IPV and all experienced problems relating to the gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Thematic analysis of their in-depth interviews identified three major themes. The main pattern of gambling and IPV (Theme 1) was where ongoing coercive control preceded the woman’s gambling. Situational violence in response to gambling was also observed. Regardless of temporal sequence, a self-perpetuating cycle of gambling and IPV victimisation was typically apparent, with both issues escalating over time. Reflecting severe traumatic violence, push factors from IPV that motivated the women’s gambling (Theme 2) included physical escape, psychological escape, hope of regaining control over their lives, and gambling to cope with the legacy of abuse. Pull factors attracting these women to gambling venues (Theme 3) appeared to have heightened appeal to these victims of IPV. These included venues’ social, geographic and temporal accessibility, allowance for uninterrupted play on EGMs, and the addictive nature of EGMs. These push and pull factors led to these women’s prolonged and harmful gambling while exacerbating their partner’s violence. Concerted efforts are needed to assist women in this cycle of IPV and gambling, prevent violence against women, and reduce harmful gambling products and environments.
Using social capital to develop South African principals and schools
Authors: Romanowski Michael H.
Published: June 2022

One feature of deprived communities is a lack of social capital. Yet, research reports that social capital contributes to poverty reduction and positively impacts schools and student educational outcomes. In South Africa, there is a deficit in social capital in under-resourced and underperforming schools that limits students’ educational opportunities and achievement. Partners for Possibility (PfP) responds to the lack of social capital in South African schools by partnering school principals and business leaders to develop support structures such as collaboration, networking, and professional learning communities. Findings from a site visit, conversational interviews, and examining participants’ portfolios indicate that PfP provides opportunities for developing three types of social capital: structural, cognitive, and relational. These produce options that would otherwise be unavailable to these students. The discussion raises issues about social capital as a resource for development and offers suggestions for further research.
The role of party preferences in explaining acceptance of freedom restrictions in a pandemic context: the Italian case
Authors: Ladini Riccardo , Maggini Nicola
Published: June 2022

As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, several governments adopted disease containment measures limiting individual freedom, especially freedom of movement. Our contribution aims at studying the role played by party preferences in explaining attitudes towards those freedom limitations during the pandemic, taking into account the moderating role played by confidence in institutions and collectivist-individualistic orientations. Focussing on Italy, as the first western democracy to be hit by Covid-19 and to adopt harsh restrictive measures, we analyse data coming from the ResPOnsE COVID-19 project. Our study initially investigates whether attitudes towards freedom restrictions are associated with the dynamics of the pandemic and the institutional responses to it. Then, through multilevel regression models, we test several hypotheses about the relationship between party preferences, confidence in institutions, collectivistic orientations and public acceptance of Covid-19 containment measures limiting individual freedom. Findings show that party preferences are associated with different attitudes towards freedom restrictions to contain the pandemic, but this occurs only if people have individualistic orientations. Collectivistic orientations and confidence in institutions are positively associated with acceptance of freedom restrictions, regardless of party preferences. As regards the latter, neither a classical ideological explanation (conservative people more inclined to accept limitations to personal freedoms) nor a government-opposition explanation (supporters of government parties more inclined to accept freedom restrictions) seems to be adequate to fully account for the mechanisms behind acceptance of Covid-19 harsh containment measures. Thus, we offer an alternative ideological explanation by pointing out the ambiguous nature of contemporary right-wing populisms.
Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Underwater Noise Pollution in Venice
Authors: Boaga Jacopo , Boschi Lapo
Published: June 2022

We illustrate the implementation and results of a field experiment, consisting of recording continuous signal from a hydrophone 3 m deep in the Venetian lagoon. We simultaneously recorded audio signal through a microphone placed on a nearby pier. We investigate the potential of this simple instrumental setup to explore the small touristic boat traffic contribution to the underwater noise. The ultimate goal of our work is to contribute to quantifying underwater noise pollution due to motorboat passages and its impact on the ecosystem. Efforts such as ours should help to identify measures that could diminish noise pollution, focusing specifically on the aspects that are most disruptive to underwater life. After this preliminary test, more work can be planned, involving the deployment of a larger network of similar instruments around the lagoon. At this point, we can conclude that (i) our instruments are sensitive enough to detect motorboats and identify some of their characteristics; (ii) the area of interest is characterized by a large (approx. 20 dB) day/night difference in ambient noise; and (iii) the historic center of Venice and its immediate surroundings are particularly noisy, in comparison to other similarly studied locations.
Comparison of INPEFA technology and wavelet transform in sequence stratigraphic division of mixed reservoir: a case study of lower Es3 of KL oilfield in Laizhouwan Sag
Authors: Wang Rui , Xie Jun , Ran Ai-hua , Wang Shi-chao , Wang Jin-kai , Hu Xiao , Cai Wu-chao , Zhou Ya-wei
Published: June 2022

Sequence identification and division is an important basis for oil and gas exploration research. In view of the complex sedimentary environment, based on the previous element logging correction lithology, through the combination of logging curve and lithology data, in this paper, two methods of maximum entropy spectrum analysis and wavelet transform are used to identify the logging curve and divide the interface, and the high-resolution sequence identification of migmatite in the study area was completed. Compared with AC and SP logging curves, the overall and local trend inflection points of INPEFA-GR curve can improve the accuracy of medium-term and short-term cycle interface identification; wavelet transform and time–frequency spectrum analysis of different scale factors can realize the identification and comparison of medium-term and short-term cycle interfaces. The results show that maximum entropy spectrum analysis is more suitable for determining the third-level and fourth-level sequence interfaces. Wavelet transform is more suitable for the division of fifth-level sequences. By comparing and adjusting the two methods, the lower Es3 of KL Oilfield in Laizhouwan Sag can be divided into 1 long-term base-level cycle, 3 medium-term base-level cycle and 8 short-term base-level cycle. This study has certain reference significance for the construction of sequence stratigraphic framework in migmatite area and helps to better describe the reservoir.
Ashwagandha-loaded nanocapsules improved the behavioral alterations, and blocked MAPK and induced Nrf2 signaling pathways in a hepatic encephalopathy rat model
Authors: Khalil Heba M. A. , Khalil Islam A. , Al-Mokaddem Asmaa K. , Hassan Marwa , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Eliwa Hesham A. , Tawfek Azza M. , El-Maadawy Walaa H.
Published: June 2022

Ashwagandha (ASH), a vital herb in Ayurvedic medicine, demonstrated potent preclinical hepato- and neuroprotective effects. However, its efficacy is limited due to low oral bioavailability. Accordingly, we encapsulated ASH extract in chitosan–alginate bipolymeric nanocapsules (ASH-BPNCs) to enhance its physical stability and therapeutic effectiveness in the gastrointestinal tract. ASH-BPNC was prepared by emulsification followed by sonication. The NCs showed small particle size (< 220 nm), zeta-potential of 25.2 mV, relatively high entrapment efficiency (79%), physical stability at acidic and neutral pH, and in vitro release profile that extended over 48 h. ASH-BPNC was then investigated in a thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rat model. Compared with free ASH, ASH-BPNC improved survival, neurological score, general motor activity, and cognitive task-performance. ASH-BPNC restored ALT, AST and ammonia serum levels, and maintained hepatic and brain architecture. ASH-BPNC also restored GSH, MDA, and glutathione synthetase levels, and Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways in liver and brain tissues. Moreover, ASH-BPNC downregulated hepatic NF-κB immunohistochemical expression. Moreover, the in vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated that most of the administered ASH-BPNC is accumulated in the brain and hepatic tissues. In conclusion, chitosan–alginate BPNCs enhanced the hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects of ASH, thus providing a promising therapeutic approach for HE.

Graphical abstract
Minding the gap: socio-demographic factors linked to the perception of environmental pollution, water harvesting infrastructure, and gardening characteristics
Authors: Moses Arthur , McLain Jean E. T. , Kilungo Aminata , Root Robert A. , Abrell Leif , Buxner Sanlyn , Sandoval Flor , Foley Theresa , Jones Miriam , Ramírez-Andreotta Mónica D.
Published: June 2022

With the ongoing need for water conservation, the American Southwest has worked to increase harvested rainwater efforts to meet municipal needs. Concomitantly, environmental pollution is prevalent, leading to concerns regarding the quality of harvested rainwater.Project Harvest, a co-created community science project, was initiated with communities that neighbor sources of pollution. To better understand how a participant’s socio-demographic factors affect home characteristics and rainwater harvesting infrastructure, pinpoint gardening practices, and determine participant perception of environmental pollution, a 145-question “Home Description Survey” was administered toProject Harvestparticipants (n = 167) by projectpromotoras(community health workers). Race/ethnicity and community were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with participant responses regarding proximity to potential sources of pollution, roof material, water harvesting device material, harvesting device capacity, harvesting device age, garden amendments, supplemental irrigation, and previous contaminant testing. Further, the study has illuminated the idiosyncratic differences in how underserved communities perceive environmental pollution and historical past land uses in their community. We propose that the collection of such data will inform the field on how to tailor environmental monitoring efforts and results for constituent use, how community members may alter activities to reduce environmental hazard exposure, and how future studies can be designed to meet the needs of environmentally disadvantaged communities.
Theorizing Technological Mediation in the Outdoor Classroom
Authors: van Kraalingen Imre
Published: June 2022

Situated within the context of the changing nature of teaching and learning in a postdigital context, this paper aims to theorize the mediating impacts of mobile technologies on outdoor learning experiences. Technological mediation is arguably a vital, yet often neglected, aspect of pedagogical practices. Today, the increasing employment of mobile technologies is not only changing the practices of outdoor education, but also challenging the traditional values of the field. This paper calls the predominant view that technology places a barrier between learners and the environment into question and offers a novel theoretical perspective. Inspired by postphenomenological mediation theory, the paper proposes a tri-polar technological mediation and outdoor learning framework. The framework offers a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of the mediating impacts of mobile devices on the relations between learners, their peers, and the natural environment in the outdoor classroom.
Synthesis and characterization of mechanical properties of boron–carbon-based superhard composites
Authors: Kommel Lembit , Omranpour Shahreza Babak
Published: June 2022

In this work, we investigated a modern combined processing technique for the synthesis of lightweight superhard composites based on boron–carbon. We used traditional B4C with precipitates of free graphite and Al powder as initial materials. In the first stage, the composites were fabricated by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) with the subsequent hot pressing of the compound. Further, by the disintegration and attrition milling, the ultrafine-grained powder was obtained. We used HCl and HNO3 acids for the chemical leaching of the powder to remove various impure compounds. At the last stage, a solid composite was obtained by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method under nitrogen pressure. The main feature of this approach is to implement different synthesis techniques and chemical leaching to eliminate soft phases and to obtain superhard compounds from low-cost materials. The phases were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The composites compacted by the SPS method contained superhard compounds such as B13C2, B11.7C3.3, and c-BN. The fabricated composite has an ultrafine-grained microstructure. Using a Berkovich indenter, the following nanohardness results were achieved: B13C2 ~ 43 GPa, c-BN ~ 65 GPa (all in Vickers scale) along with a modulus of elasticity ranging between ~ 400 GPa and ~ 450 GPa.
Relevance of the production system for the sustainability of conservation and breeding programs for the Creole cattle in Pasorapa, Bolivia
Authors: Bottani-Claros Gabriela , Jonas Elisabeth , Strandberg Erling
Published: June 2022

Local livestock breeds play an important role in the food security of smallholders in developing countries in the Global South. They are also a reservoir of potentially valuable genes for adaptation of global animal genetic resources. The Creole cattle population from Pasorapa, Bolivia, is threatened by effects of climate change and unplanned crossbreeding. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation in this population and to evaluate factors to be considered before implementing conservation and genetic improvement programs in order to achieve the sustainable development goals 1, 2, 13 and 15, which refer to no poverty, zero hunger, climate change and life on land, respectively. We examined and analyzed the most important elements related to the production system and farmers’ perceptions that could affect the design of such programs. Open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires and interviews were performed with 81 smallholders from 11 communities in Pasorapa. A rearing system based on two stages and animals feeding mainly on native plants during both, involves a strong interaction between the environment and the production system. A survey of farmers’ perceptions about diseases, mortality causes, and selection criteria revealed that farmers in Pasorapa consider coat color an important trait when selecting breeding and replacement animals. Half of all interviewees perceived an association between coat color and traits such as temperament, milk yield, and beef production. In a SWOT analysis we discussed the vulnerability of the system to climate change impacts and the contribution of this traditional system to rural mitigation. Overall, this work revealed the importance of this local ecotype and identified key factors to consider when developing breeding and conservation programs.
Explainability as fig leaf? An exploration of experts’ ethical expectations towards machine learning in psychiatry
Authors: Starke Georg , Schmidt Benedikt , De Clercq Eva , Elger Bernice Simone
Published: June 2022

The increasing implementation of programs supported by machine learning in medical contexts will affect psychiatry. It is crucial to accompany this development with careful ethical considerations informed by empirical research involving experts from the field, to identify existing problems, and to address them with fine-grained ethical reflection. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 experts from Germany and Switzerland with training in medicine and neuroscience on the assistive use of machine learning in psychiatry. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify key ethical expectations and attitudes towards machine learning systems. Experts’ ethical expectations towards machine learning in psychiatry partially challenge orthodoxies from the field. We relate these challenges to three themes, namely (1) ethical challenges of machine learning research, (2) the role of explainability in research and clinical application, and (3) the relation of patients, physicians, and machine learning system. Participants were divided regarding the value of explainability, as promoted by recent guidelines for ethical artificial intelligence, and highlighted that explainability may be used as an ethical fig leaf to cover shortfalls in data acquisition. Experts recommended increased attention to machine learning methodology, and the education of physicians as first steps towards a potential use of machine learning systems in psychiatry. Our findings stress the need for domain-specific ethical research, scrutinizing the use of machine learning in different medical specialties. Critical ethical research should further examine the value of explainability for an ethical development of machine learning systems and strive towards an appropriate framework to communicate ML-based medical predictions.
Exploration of teacher preparation for teaching controversial public issues
Authors: Hung Yu-Han
Published: June 2022

This study is aimed at exploring how teacher preparation programs in Taiwan—both traditional and alternative— prepare teachers for teaching controversial public issues specific to Taiwan (e. g., national identity, sovereignty, and ethnic issues). Using a case study design, this study documents six social studies teachers’ readiness and attitudes about whether to teach controversial public issues or not. Findings illuminate that 1) teachers’ attitudes and readiness have been influenced by their teacher preparation programs (both traditional and alternative); 2) teachers from different teacher education programs contribute to their curricular-instructional decision making for teaching controversial public issues differently.
A household-level demand system analysis of nuts in the United States
Authors: Bakhtavoryan Rafael , Cheng Guo “Chris” , Capps Oral , Dharmasena Senarath
Published: June 2022

An Exact Affine Stone Index demand model is estimated to analyze the household-level demand for nine nut products (peanuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, mixed nuts, macadamia nuts, and other nuts) in the United States using Nielsen Homescan panel data from 2009 through 2015. The demands for all nuts are elastic. All nut products are necessities and substitutes for each other. Household sociodemographic characteristics are statistically significant drivers of the demand for nut products. Finally, the effects of changes in the magnitude of selected promotion expenditure elasticities for nuts are simulated to determine their impacts on prices and quantities demanded.
Evaluation of an online case study-based course in translational science for a broad scientific audience: Impacts on students’ knowledge, attitudes, planned scientific activities, and career goals
Authors: Vogel Amanda L. , Hussain Shadab F. , Faupel-Badger Jessica M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

There is a need for education activities in translational science (TS) that focus on teaching key principles, concepts, and approaches to effectively overcome common scientific and operational bottlenecks in the translational process. Delivering this content to the broad range of individuals interested in advancing translation will help to both expand and develop the TS workforce. Rigorous evaluations will build the evidence base for effective educational approaches for varied audiences.

Methods:

In 2020, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences offered an online case study-based course in TS for students across education and career stages. The course evaluation used baseline and endpoint student surveys to assess satisfaction with the course and impacts of participation on knowledge and attitudes relevant to TS and professional goals.

Results:

Of 112 students, 100 completed baseline and/or endpoint surveys, with 66 completing both. Most found the online format (n = 59, 83%) and case study approach (n = 62, 87%) moderately or very effective. There were statistically significant increases in TS knowledge (P < .001) and positive attitudes about team science in translational research (TR) (P < .001). Students reported the course increased their skills and knowledge in cross-disciplinary team science, the process of preclinical and clinical TR, and how their work fits into the translational spectrum, and increased their interest in scientific approaches used in the case study and careers in TS, TR, or team science.

Conclusions:

This online case study-based course effectively conveyed TS concepts to students from a range of backgrounds and enhanced their professional interests related to course content.
Structural health monitoring of 52-meter wind turbine blade: Detection of damage propagation during fatigue testing
Authors: Fremmelev Mads A. , Ladpli Purim , Orlowitz Esben , Bernhammer Lars O. , McGugan Malcolm , Branner Kim
Published: June 2022

This work is concerned with damage detection in a commercial 52-meter wind turbine blade during fatigue testing. Different artificial damages are introduced in the blade in the form of laminate cracks. The lengths of the damages are increased manually, and they all eventually propagate and develop into delaminations during fatigue loading. Strain gauges, acoustic emission sensors, distributed accelerometers, and an active vibration monitoring system are used to track different physical responses in healthy and damaged states of the blade. Based on the recorded data, opportunities and limitations of the different sensing systems for blade structural health monitoring are investigated.