bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A post‐imperial, pluralist nationalism? From the Five Nation Republic of China to multicultural Taiwan
Authors: Ferrer Alessandra
Published: April 2023

Although many nations emerged during the collapse of the empire, the case of China is curious in its failure to divide into separate nation‐states. Resisting disunion, the Republic of China (ROC) adopted a rhetoric of national pluralism and laid claim to the fallen Qing Empire's vast territory. This divergence from other post‐imperial nationalisms engenders questions about the legacy of imperialism in the ROC's approaches to nation‐building. Such questions remain salient after the ROC retreat to Taiwan (1949), as since the end of martial law (1987), the ROC has championed itself as a model of multiculturalism. This paper examines the extent to which today's ‘Multicultural Taiwan’ paradigm differs from 20th‐century official conceptualisations of pluralism, through discourse analysis of publications from the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission (MTAC). Investigation finds that despite centring Taiwan in national ideology, certain Chinese imperialist attitudes towards cultural hierarchy remained influential in MTAC representations of pluralism within Asia.
Diagnosing anemia: Challenges selecting methods, addressing underlying causes, and implementing actions at the public health level
Authors: Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves , Dary Omar , Jefferds Maria Elena , Pasricha Sant‐Rayn
Published: April 2023

Accurate and affordable tools for diagnosing anemia and its main determinants are essential for understanding the magnitude and distribution of the problem and the appropriate interventions needed for its timely prevention and treatment. The objective of this review is to address methods, equipment, and sample‐related and quality control aspects of hemoglobin measurement for anemia diagnosis. Also, other iron‐, infectious‐, and genetic‐related causes of anemia are addressed in individuals and populations. The best practice for hemoglobin determination is the use of venous blood, analyzed on automated hematology analyzers, with high‐quality control measures in place. The importance of a correct anemia diagnosis is highlighted by the cost of a misdiagnosis. A false‐negative diagnosis may result in missing out and not treating anemia, its causes, and its adverse effects. On the other hand, a false‐positive diagnosis may result in the provision of unneeded treatment or referral for expensive laboratory tests to determine a cause of anemia, wasting valuable resources and risking causing harm. At the individual level, clinicians must understand the causes of absolute and functional anemia to diagnose and treat anemia at the clinical level. Actions toward anemia diagnosis and control at public health levels require global, regional, and country actions that should cover general and context‐specific characteristics.
Comparison of effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetics on pupillary function during general anesthesia in children: A prospective observational study
Authors: Kang Pyoyoon , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Park Jung‐bin , Jang Young‐Eun , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Jin‐Tae , Kim Hee‐Soo
Published: April 2023

Background

The light reflex, which reflects central nervous system dysfunction, can also be affected by anesthetic agents.

Aims

We evaluated whether these effects differed according to the anesthetic agent in pediatric patients.

Methods

Twenty children aged 3–12 years who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to propofol and sevoflurane groups and underwent pupillometric assessments at five points during anesthesia: T1, after confirming loss of consciousness; T2, after endotracheal intubation; T3, at the time of skin incision; T4, 1 h after skin incision; and T5, before endotracheal extubation. The primary outcome was the Neurological Pupil index at T4, and the secondary outcomes were other pupillometric parameters, including pupil diameter, percentage of change in pupil diameter, dilation velocity, and constriction velocity.

Results

At T4, the Neurological Pupil index was significantly lower in the sevoflurane group (median difference, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.70; p = .036). Furthermore, the Neurological Pupil index at all time points was lower in the sevoflurane group. The time‐and‐group interaction effects on constriction velocity and dilation velocity were significantly different [F(1, 4) = 16.68, p = .002; F(1, 4) = 14.78, p = .008, respectively] but were not different on the Neurological Pupil index, pupil diameter, and percentage of change in pupil diameter. No intergroup differences were observed in the baseline characteristics, the flow rate of remifentanil at each time point, and total infused remifentanil.

Conclusion

The Neurological Pupil index value in pediatric patients under general anesthesia is affected by the anesthetic agent used; this factor requires consideration in evaluations of the Neurological Pupil index during general anesthesia.
Emotion self‐stigma as a unique predictor of help‐seeking intentions: A comparative analysis of early adolescents and young adults
Authors: Harvey Lauren J. , White Fiona A.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

There has been limited consideration of the role emotion self‐stigma (i.e. beliefs that experiencing and expressing so called ‘negative’ emotions are unacceptable) may play in help‐seeking for emotional distress. This study is the first to investigate whether emotion self‐stigma uniquely predicts help‐seeking intentions across two key emotion vulnerability periods in development: (a) early adolescence and (b) young adulthood.

Methods and Design

Cross‐sectional data were collected from secondary school (n = 510; M age = 13.96 years) and university students (n = 473; M age = 19.19 years) residing in Australia. Both samples completed measures online examining demographic characteristics, emotional competence, mental health and help‐seeking stigma, emotion self‐stigma, and help‐seeking intentions. The Data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

Emotion self‐stigma was a significant unique predictor of help‐seeking intentions in young adults but not adolescents. The strength of the relationship between increased emotion self‐stigma and lowered help‐seeking intentions was similar for both males and females, regardless of developmental period.

Conclusions

Addressing emotion self‐stigma alongside mental illness and help‐seeking stigma may be useful to improve help‐seeking outcomes, particularly as young people transition into early adulthood.
Reproductive characteristics in an understory bamboo and gradual environmental changes after its dieback provide an extended opportunity for overstory tree regeneration in a mixed cool‐temperate forest in central Japan
Authors: Nakagawa M. , Yoda K. , Asahi K. , Yumigeta Y. , Watanabe A. , Celegeer
Published: April 2023

The reproductive characteristics of understory bamboo and the effects of dieback on overstory tree seedlings through temporal changes in the environment at the forest floor have only been examined in a few bamboo species, due to the unpredictable occurrence of flowering events and long intervals between them but provide valuable information on tree regeneration and succession in a forest with dense dwarf bamboo cover.

We investigated environmental conditions and assessed seedlings (< 30‐cm tall) of the dwarf bamboo Sasa borealis and overstory tree species at 44–50 measurement points during 2016–2021, which included a S. borealis mass flowering event in 2017. We also conducted seed germination tests to determine germination rates and patterns in S. borealis. Environmental factors affecting seedling recruitment of S. borealis and of overstory trees were analysed using spatiotemporal generalized linear mixed models in the Bayesian framework.

We observed gradual temporal changes in the environment, including increasing canopy openness and decreasing maximum height of dead S. borealis culms. The seeds germinated slowly and the emergence of current‐year S. borealis seedlings peaked in spring–summer in 2019. The tree seedling density after 2019 increased significantly compared to that before the dieback. The model results suggest that tree seedling establishment was enhanced by increased light availability.

Continuous field observation beginning before S. borealis dieback revealed gradually enhanced tree recruitment in response to slow decay of the remaining dead culms and slow recovery of S. borealis. The seedling regeneration pattern of understory bamboo partly contributes to a prolonged opportunity for overstory tree regeneration.
Managing the security of information systems with partially observable vulnerability
Authors: Mookerjee Radha , Samuel Jayarajan
Published: April 2023

We consider the security maintenance of information systems where the extent of vulnerability is partially observable. However, the exact extent of the vulnerability can be observed by paying an inspection fee. In each period, the decision‐maker needs to take one of three decisions: (i) do nothing, (ii) inspect and implement (fix the vulnerability) if needed, and (iii) directly implement. We prove that the optimal policy follows a threshold structure. For each value of k (the known vulnerability), there are two thresholds for the partial information: the lower of the two thresholds dictates whether for this value of k, inspection is optimal before a possible implementation or whether direct implementation (i.e., without inspection) is optimal. If inspection is done, another threshold determines whether an implementation is done or not. If neither threshold applies, it is optimal to do nothing. We develop a numerical procedure to find the decision variables in the maintenance policy. We extend the main model to include variable implementation and inspection costs. The optimality of the threshold policy is shown to hold under more general settings.

We apply the model to a real‐world problem and demonstrate its applicability and value in managing security systems. Here, we study the security maintenance policies for three different real‐world telecommunications operators and find that these operators can significantly reduce the cost of managing their security by adopting our proposed policy. Another finding is that inspection is more beneficial for medium‐sized to large‐sized operators.
What do we know about the punctuated equilibrium theory in China? A systematic review and research priorities
Authors: van den Dool Annemieke , Li Jialin
Published: April 2023

The punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) shows that government policy is mostly stable with occasional drastic change, which scholars attribute to institutional friction and limited information processing capacity. Although the existing PET literature predominantly focuses on democracies, scholars have started to apply the theory to authoritarian countries. Autocracies are a fertile testing ground for the theory's underlying mechanisms because they appear to experience less institutional friction but more informational restrictions than democracies. However, PET studies on autocracies are still rare. To deepen our understanding of the PET and the policy process beyond democracies, we conduct a systematic review of 88 Chinese language PET journal articles. We show that Chinese language PET research is increasing. Contrary to the English language PET literature, most Chinese studies are qualitative, while a key similarity is the weak operationalization of PET core concepts. The reviewed studies confirm a punctuated equilibrium pattern of policymaking in China but provide only limited evidence for more intense punctuations compared with democracies. Future PET research on China ought to use long‐term data sets and examine institutional friction and information processing by policymakers. We also argue for more international exchange and comparative research to advance our understanding of the policy process in China and other autocracies.
Hospital‐acquired peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis: A call to action
Authors: Ling Chau Wei , Castelino Ronald L. , Sud Kamal
Published: April 2023

Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), and severe episodes of peritonitis lead to structural and functional alterations of the peritoneal membrane, which can result in a permanent transfer to hemodialysis. Although PD is designed primarily to be delivered in the community setting, patients on PD get hospitalized for a number of reasons. In this commentary, we highlight the enormous risks each hospitalization has on the occurrence of peritonitis in patients on PD and the need to understand factors that predispose patients to hospital‐acquired peritonitis. Furthermore, we suggest directions on several strategies that could not only reduce the risks of developing peritonitis but also improve outcomes of patients on PD who get hospitalized for an unrelated illness.
Is this “fascist” laughter? Notes on the ethics of humor
Authors: Carli Riccardo
Published: April 2023

The traditional concern of the academic literature on the ethics of humor is to determine whether ethical considerations influence comic amusement or, in other words, judge the impact of ethics over aesthetics. For some, ethically questionable dimensions bear no implication for the effectiveness of jokes; for others, they do, but this group disagrees on whether ethical problems make jokes less or more funny. This article attempts an alternative approach and explores the occurrences in which the aesthetic reaction to humor reveals a more profound ethical commitment. It asks: What are the conditions under which laughter resulting from comic amusement reflects the moral stance of an individual? Or, more simply: Can one judge a person's character based on what this person is laughing at? The article starts by showing how humor can legitimately be taken as representative of the individual spirit, continues by identifying the subsection of humor that can offer an affirmative answer to the posed questions, highlights the power dynamics at play within this subsection of humor to justify its characterization as “fascist,” and concludes by offering guidance on identifying fascist laughter.
Combined effect of process variables on the plastic behaviour of 316L stainless steel printed by L‐PBF
Authors: Morichelli Luca , Chiappini Gianluca , Lattanzi Attilio , Santecchia Eleonora , Rossi Marco
Published: April 2023

The metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a technology that is rapidly spreading in the industrial sector with its enormous potential in making components with complex shapes and low weight, ensuring a high structural strength. However, the mechanical properties of the components depend on the printing process, and the interactions between the process variables and the final material behaviour is still not totally understood. In this work, 12 different types of tensile specimen were built by AM using the laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) technique; the used material is the 316L stainless steel. The specimens have the same geometry and the same process parameters in terms of layer thickness, hatch space, laser power, spot diameter, scanning speed and platform preheating temperature, while different laser scan strategies and building orientations are evaluated. The scope is to characterize the plastic behaviour of such specimens and study the differences due to distinct printing strategies. Stereo digital image correlation (stereo‐DIC) was used to evaluate the deformation state and analyse the material anisotropy. Finally, the microstructure and presence of defects were investigated through the optical microscopy (OM) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis shows how the plastic behaviour and the formation of defects are remarkably influenced by the laser scan strategy and by the building orientation.
The heterogeneous effects of trade policy on trade resilience during the 2020 trade downturn
Authors: Nicita Alessandro , Tresa Enxhi
Published: April 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in large and varying declines in bilateral trade flows. This study investigates whether these diverse effects can be explained by differences in trade costs as measured by pre‐existing trade policies (e.g. tariffs, non‐tariff measures and trade agreements). Results indicate that trade flows subject to higher trade costs declined more than average during 2020. The results also show that trade costs have heterogeneous effects depending on the thickness of trade relationships, with small exporters being relatively more affected by the presence of trade costs. We interpret the results as evidence that the fall in demand during 2020 caused higher‐cost and less‐established suppliers to be squeezed out of international markets.
FROM ANGELS TO ALIENS: HUMANKIND'S ONGOING ENCOUNTERS WITH, AND EVOLVING INTERPRETATIONS OF, THE GENUINE CELESTIAL UNKNOWN
Authors: Lomas Tim , Case Brendan
Published: April 2023

Throughout history, people have observed aerial events that appeared extraordinary and anomalous. In earlier eras, these were often interpreted through a lens that invoked special classes of divine beings, such as angels (who, compared with gods, are regarded as more likely to interact with humans). Today, in our ostensibly secular scientific age, there is a tendency to assume such observers were mistaken, and that with the benefit of modern knowledge, these events can be “debunked” and attributed to conventional naturalistic explanations. However, recent years have seen a burgeoning interest and even concern over the issue of unidentified aerial phenomena. Through the lens of our “space age,” these are sometimes interpreted using notions such as extraterrestrial agents. Ultimately though, this article suggests that both categories of explanation, from angels to aliens, may be the perennial human quest to render comprehensible, through the prism of prevailing beliefs and traditions, an ongoing encounter with celestial phenomena that remain genuinely unknown but deeply significant.
The Silenced Women in Pauline Letters with Possible Interpolation
Authors: De Sousa Marquesa Mariosan
Published: April 2023

Women silenced in the Assembly, prevented from asking their husbands in public, and having to bring their heads covered. All this points to a situation of subjugation of the woman/wife in relation to the man/husband. This textual situation, present in Paul’s letters which are considered authentic, generally advocates a situation of gender equality, and raises questions about the figure of the Apostle and about the possibility of late textual interpolation in the Pauline letters. In this paper, we seek to analyze Paul’s personality within his cultural and religious background. We also seek to identify who are the women with whom he worked in terms of apostolic and ministerial parity in order to understand the possible reasons for late textual interpolation in his written liberating message. The investigative procedure employed in this research is, mainly, the interpretative and analytic critique of the textual analysis. The main conclusions are that the Word of God is always a force of renewal capable of transforming the structures of a society. Wherever Paul went, this transformation took place in a germ. However, because of the incarnation process, the Word of God can suffer adverse forces, especially in the context of a sexist and misogynist society, making it possible, therefore, to think of textual extracts interpolated within the authentic Paulinum corpus.
Percepción de los estudiantes de pregrado de medicina frente a la tasa de éxito de la reanimación cardiopulmonar:
Authors: Gempeler Fritz Eduardo , Arbelaez Paula , Rezk Schuler Gabril Salim , Moreno Ormza Diana Carolina
Published: April 2023

Introduction: According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed at a hospital is 25.8%. In both medical staff and the general population, multiple factors cause an overestimation of the effectiveness of CPR maneuvers. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. Through an online survey, the perception of medical students about the survival rate after receiving CPR in an in-hospital setting was inquired. Additionally, it was asked if they would accept CPR in case of presenting a cardiac arrest. Participants were then informed of the actual survival rates and asked again if they would accept receiving CPR. Results: 692 students were surveyed (78.9% of the target population). 61% of the participants stated that the survival rate after CPR was greater than 30%. Before knowing the actual survival rates, 95.5% would accept CPR maneuvers, and after knowing the actual survival rates, only 75.3% would accept them. Discussion: The results confirmed that the perception of the survival rate after in-hospital CPR maneuvers is overestimated by medical students. This could affect their medical criteria and shared decision-making process with patients. Additionally, having adequate information about the result of an intervention changes the decision towards receiving it or not.
Multifidelity Algorithm for the Sensitivity Analysis of Multidisciplinary Problems
Authors: Drouet Vincent , Balesdent Mathieu , Brevault Loïc , Dubreuil Sylvain , Morio Jérôme
Published: April 2023

The present article proposes an algorithm for the sensitivity analysis of a multidisciplinary problem, in which the derivative-based global sensitivity indices are computed with multifidelity Gaussian process models. Two levels of fidelity are used to estimate the indices, where the low-fidelity samples are obtained by stopping the multidisciplinary analysis solver before convergence. A dedicated refinement strategy for the multifidelity Gaussian process is proposed to ensure the accuracy of the sensitivity index estimation. This algorithm is tested on three multidisciplinary problems of increasing complexity (one analytical and two representative engineering design problems), and proved to be both reliable in detecting the noninfluential variables and computationally efficient, compared to classical Monte Carlo integration and to three other candidate algorithms.
Twist-Coupled Flapping Mechanism for Bird-Type Flapping-Wing Air Vehicles
Authors: Han Yu-Jeong , Yang Hyeon-Ho , Han Jae-Hung
Published: April 2023

In flapping-wing air vehicles, the flapping mechanism is directly related to the movement of the wing making it one of the major factors in determining aerodynamic performance. In this study, a method to increase aerodynamic performance using the flapping mechanism is discussed. This paper presents a twist-coupled mechanism that can increase thrust by combining twisting motion with flapping motion. The proposed mechanism generates twisting motion by the 4-bar planar link mechanism and flapping motion by the 4-bar spatial link mechanism. The mechanism can be driven by only one actuator by connecting two crankshafts with a pair of gears and rotating them at once. Here, we define the design parameters and constraints and search for the optimal design parameters to maximize aerodynamic force. Optimization is carried out by a genetic algorithm, a global optimization algorithm, combining kinematic and aerodynamic analyses. We then search for the design parameters that maximize thrust. Based on our optimization results, the proposed mechanism has the figure-of-eight wingtip trajectory motion like the flying animals. The aerodynamic efficiency of the proposed mechanism was validated by an aerodynamic measurement test comparing a reference mechanism that can only generate flapping motion without twisting motion. For comparative validation, prototypes of the proposed mechanism and the reference mechanism were designed and fabricated. Thrust and lift were measured by the wind tunnel test. From the wind tunnel test, it is confirmed that the proposed mechanism can generate aerodynamic loads more efficiently than the reference mechanism.
Environmental Contamination and Persistence of Clostridioides difficile in Hospital Wastewater Systems
Authors: Freier Lia , Zacharias Nicole , Gemein Stefanie , Gebel Jürgen , Engelhart Steffen , Exner Martin , Mutters Nico T.
Published: April 2023

Wastewater pipes are microbial ecosystems. The potential risk of infection emanating from the wastewater for individuals is often neglected, since it is perceived to remain in the pipes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter braakii GW-Imi-1b1, Isolated from Hospital Wastewater in Greifswald, Germany
Authors: Schneider Dominik , Ganbarzade Aygun , Post Sina , Zühlke Daniela , Hinzke Tjorven , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Poehlein Anja , Riedel Katharina , Daniel Rolf
Published: April 2023

The imipenem-resistant
Citrobacter braakii
strain GW-Imi-1b1 was isolated from a hospital wastewater sample in Greifswald, Germany. The genome comprises one chromosome (5.09 Mb), one prophage (41.9 kb), and 13 plasmids (2 to 140.9 kb). The genome harbors 5,322 coding sequences, shows a high potential for genomic mobility, and includes genes encoding proteins for multiple drug resistances.
Novel Sources of Biodiversity and Biomolecules from Bacteria Isolated from a High Middle Ages Soil Sample in Palermo (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Vassallo Alberto , Modi Alessandra , Quagliariello Andrea , Bacci Giovanni , Faddetta Teresa , Gallo Michele , Provenzano Aldesia , La Barbera Andrea , Lombardo Giovanna , Maggini Valentina , Firenzuoli Fabio , Zaccaroni Marco , Gallo Giuseppe , Caramelli David , Aleo Nero Carla , Baldi Franco , Fani Renato , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Pucciarelli Sandra , Puglia Anna Maria , Sineo Luca
Published: April 2023

One of the goals of paleomicrobiology is the characterization of the microbial community present in archaeological sites. These analyses can usually provide valuable information about past events, such as occurrence of human and animal infectious diseases, ancient human activities, and environmental changes.
Various Mobile Genetic Elements Involved in the Dissemination of the Phenicol-Oxazolidinone Resistance Gene
optrA
in the Zoonotic Pathogen Streptococcus suis: a Nonignorable Risk to Public Health
Authors: Dai Xingyang , Sun Junjie , Zhu Boqin , Lv Mingsiyi , Chen Liye , Chen Li , Wang Xiaoming , Huang Jinhu , Wang Liping
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance to phenicols and oxazolidinones by the dissemination of the
optrA
gene leads to treatment failure in both veterinary and human medicine. However, information about the profile of these MGEs (mobilome) that carry
optrA
and their transferability in streptococci was limited, especially for the zoonotic pathogen
S. suis
.
Supplemental Material: Ammonoid extinction vs. nautiloid survival: Is metabolism responsible?
Authors: Tajika Amane , al. et
Published: April 2023

Raw data and additional information.  
A Paradox in the Theory of Prediction
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Lindquist W. Brent
Published: April 2023

Given the set of past values, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], it is known that the conditional mean [Formula: see text] is the best predictor of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where ‘best’ is defined in terms of minimization of mean square error. In this paper, we show that a prediction using the Riemann sum approximation to the spectral (Fourier) representation of a stationary time series produces a smaller mean square error. We attribute the resolution of this apparent paradox to the fact that the Riemann sum approach preserves more information of the spectral (frequency) content of the past time series than does the conditional mean — which effectively represents only the zeroth (constant value) frequency.
On the Aα-spectra of some corona graphs
Authors: Najiya V. K. , Chithra A. V.
Published: April 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple, connected graph. The matrix [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the adjacency matrix and [Formula: see text] is the degree matrix of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the neighborhood corona, subdivision vertex corona, subdivision edge corona, central vertex corona and central edge corona of two graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. In this paper, we determine the [Formula: see text]-characteristic polynomial and [Formula: see text]-spectra of non-regular graphs obtained from the above operations. As an application, we construct infinitely many pairs of non-regular [Formula: see text]-cospectral graphs. Also, we estimate the [Formula: see text]-energy of the graphs obtained by operating a regular graph [Formula: see text] and a non-regular graph, [Formula: see text].
Aspects of
Aktuo-Paläontologie
of the rocky beaches of the eastern Isle of Mull, UK
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: April 2023

Conglomerates are, commonly, only poorly fossiliferous at best. Yet beaches with common lithic clasts can be used to model the taphonomy of fossils in conglomeratic settings. Four beaches on the east coast of the Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, are clast-rich, with lithic pebbles, cobbles and boulders, but poor in shells, many of which are poorly preserved. There is ample evidence of shells being bored and encrusted, yet many or most of these were infested after death of the host. Of the ‘boring trinity’,
Caulostrepsis
Clarke,
Entobia
Bronn and
Gastrochaenolites
Leymerie, so typical of the
Trypanites
Ichnofacies around Britain's coasts, only the last ichnogenus was not present, most probably owing to the absence of suitable mobile substrates (such as limestone cobbles and oysters). Encrusters including
Balanus
, serpulids and spirorbids show different patterns of preservation, probably owing to multiple factors. Bored wood (
Apectoichnus
) was found at only one locality, which may be due to hydrodynamic sorting. Whelk shells show a range of patterns of breakage, most probably caused by mechanical damage. But conglomerates commonly preserve fossil snails either complete or not at all. The results from these sites suggest that they represent an intermediate condition rarely preserved in the rock record.
Farm to Table: Understanding Collaboration and Information Practices among Stakeholders in the Process of Produce Production, Sales, and Consumption
Authors: Yuan Chien Wen (Tina) , Bi Nanyi , Lin Ya-Fang , Lu An Pang , Chiang Tsai-Wei
Published: April 2023

Collaboration comes in many forms. How relevant stakeholders collaborate at the scale of a system deserves scholarly attention because their practices may differ from traditional teams like dyads or small groups. This study investigates how stakeholders of a local produce supply-and-demand system, namely experts, farmers, sellers, and consumers, in Taiwan collaborate and communicate for information as a case to illustrate how they depend on one another for information collaboration in the system. Using qualitative in-depth interview, we found that stakeholders had diverse collaboration goals within the system and encountered challenges in acquiring information from one another. In addition to establishing a holistic understanding of stakeholders' individual and collective practices in the system of produce supply-and-demand, we propose several design suggestions to address the needs and challenges we identified.
A Deep Dive into User's Preferences and Behavior around Mobile Phone Sharing
Authors: Paudel Rizu , Dumaru Prakriti , Shrestha Ankit , Kocabas Huzeyfe , Al-Ameen Mahdi Nasrullah
Published: April 2023

Users share their personal devices with different entities in various circumstances. While prior research shed light on the broad reasons behind the sharing of mobile phones, there is a dearth of systematic study to understand the user's decision-making process and the underlying preferences and concerns in the context of phone sharing. To address these gaps, we designed a prototype that we leveraged to investigate the interplay between a user's relationship with sharees, preferences of sharing a subset of apps with a certain entity, perceived sensitivity of the apps being shared, and how these factors relate to their authentication behavior. We conducted a multi-session study with 50 participants from three countries (USA, Turkey, and Nepal), where the participants interacted with our prototype and took part in semi-structured interviews. The findings from our study revealed the need for phone sharing at a granular level, where we identified the factors that could influence a user's decision-making process in sharing. Our analysis unpacked the relation between a user's perceived sensitivity of apps being shared, and authentication behavior to protect information from unauthorized access. Overall, our findings advance the CSCW community's understanding of how the user attains a balance between privacy protection and the need for phone sharing.
Deforestation-Free Commodity Supply Chains: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Lambin Eric F. , Furumo Paul R.
Published: April 2023

Since the early 2000s, many private companies, public-private coalitions, and governments have committed to remove deforestation from commodity supply chains. Despite these zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs), high rates of deforestation persist and may even be increasing. On the upside, a few region- and commodity-specific ZDCs have contributed to reductions by up to hundreds of thousands of hectares of deforestation, with mixed evidence on associated leakage. ZDCs have also spurred progress in monitoring, traceability, and awareness of deforestation. On the downside, as currently implemented, supply chain initiatives only cover a small share of tropical deforestation. Government- and company-led ZDCs are just two components of broader policy mixes aimed at reducing deforestation. To be more impactful, ZDCs needs to cover entire biomes, supply bases of companies, and export and domestic markets, with special attention not to exclude marginal producers.
Impact of the Microbiota on Viral Infections
Authors: Campbell Danielle E. , Li Yuhao , Ingle Harshad , Baldridge Megan T.
Published: April 2023

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract (GIT) hosts a diverse and highly active microbiota composed of bacteria, eukaryotes, archaea, and viruses. Studies of the GIT microbiota date back more than a century, although modern techniques, including mouse models, sequencing technology, and novel therapeutics in humans, have been foundational to our understanding of the roles of commensal microbes in health and disease. Here, we review the impacts of the GIT microbiota on viral infection, both within the GIT and systemically. GIT-associated microbes and their metabolites alter the course of viral infection through a variety of mechanisms, including direct interactions with virions, alteration of the GIT landscape, and extensive regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Mechanistic understanding of the full breadth of interactions between the GIT microbiota and the host is still lacking in many ways but will be vital for the development of novel therapeutics for viral and nonviral diseases alike.
Hepatic progesterone receptor membrane component 1 attenuates ethanol-induced liver injury by reducing acetaldehyde production and oxidative stress
Authors: Jo Seong-Lae , Baek In-Jeoung , Ko Je-Won , Kwun Hyo-Jung , Shin Hyun-Jin , Hong Eui-Ju
Published: April 2023

Loss of Pgrmc1 increased acetaldehyde production, and excess acetaldehyde consequently increased ER stress, which activates apoptosis. Since low expression of PGRMC1 is vulnerable to alcoholic liver damage, the loss of PGRMC1 expression may increase susceptibility to ALD.
A Double Clustering Approach for Color Image Segmentation
Authors: Abdulsahib Asma Khazaal , Kamaruddin Siti Sakira , Jabar Mustafa Musa
Published: April 2023

One of the significant stages in computer vision is image segmentation which is fundamental for different applications, for example, robot control and military target recognition, as well as image analysis of remote sensing applications. Studies have dealt with the process of improving the classification of all types of data, whether text or audio or images, one of the latest studies in which researchers have worked to build a simple, effective, and high-accuracy model capable of classifying emotions from speech data, while several studies dealt with improving textual grouping. In this study, we seek to improve the classification of image division using a novel approach depending on two methods used to segment the images. The first method used the minimum distance, and the second method used the clustering algorithm called DBSCAN. Both methods were tested with and without reclustering using the self-organizing map (SOM). The result from comparing the images after segmenting them and comparing the time taken to implement the segmentation process shows the effectiveness of these methods when used with SOM.
Performance of Body Adiposity Index and Relative Fat Mass in Predicting Bioelectric Impedance Analysis‐Derived Body Fat Percentage: A Cross‐Sectional Study among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Ho Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Ametefe Cephas Yao , Osei-Yeboah James , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Ahenkorah-Fondjo Linda , Agordoh Percival Delali , Acheampong Emmanuel , Duedu Kwabena Obeng , Adejumo Esther Ngozi , Appiah Michael , Asiamah Emmanuel Akomanin , Ativi Emmanuel , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah
Published: April 2023

Objective. The study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) and relative fat mass (RFM) to predict BIA‐derived BFP among patients with type 2 diabetes in the Ho municipality. Materials and Method. This hospital‐based cross‐sectional study involved 236 patients with type 2 diabetes. Demographic data, including age and gender were obtained. Height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured using standard methods. BFP was estimated on a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale. The validity of BAI and RFM as alternative estimates for BIA‐derived BFP was evaluated based on mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Passing‐Bablok regression, Bland‐Altman plots, receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC), and kappa statistics analyses. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. BAI showed systematic bias in estimating BIA‐derived BFP in both genders, but this was not evident between RFM and BFP among females (t = −0.62; p = 0.534). While BAI showed “good” predictive accuracy in both genders, RFM exhibited “high” predictive accuracy for BFP (MAPE: 7.13%; 95% CI: 6.27‐8.78) among females according to MAPE analysis. From the Bland‐Altman plot analysis, the mean difference between RFM and BFP was acceptable among females [0.3 (95% LOA: ‐10.9 to 11.5)], but both BAI and RFM recorded large limits of agreement and low Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient with BFP (Pc < 0.90) in the two gender populations. The optimal cut‐off, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index for RFM were >27.2, 75%, 93.75%, and 0.69, respectively, while those of BAI were >25.65, 80%, 84.37%, and 0.64, respectively, among males. Among females, the values for RFM were >27.26, 92.57%, 72.73%, and 0.65, whereas those of BAI were >29.4, 90.74%, 70.83%, and 0.62, respectively. The accuracy of discriminating between BFP levels was higher among females [BAI (AUC: 0.93) and RFM (AUC: 0.90)] compared to males [BAI (AUC: 0.86) and RFM (AUC: 0.88)]. Conclusion. RFM had a better predictive accuracy of BIA‐derived BFP in females. However, both RFM and BAI failed as valid estimates for BFP. Furthermore, gender‐specific performance in the discrimination of BFP levels for RFM and BAI was observed.
Numerical Simulation of Diversion Tunnel Excavation Using GPU-Accelerated Anisotropic Random Fields
Authors: Zhu Guo-jin , Ning Yu , Cui Zhi-hao , Hu Nanxiang , Meng Qing-xiang , Zhu Chun
Published: April 2023

In this study, a combined anisotropic random field and GPU-accelerated Cholesky decomposition algorithm is proposed for diversion tunnel excavation. With the MATLAB programming control be used to combine the advantages of GPU and CPU computing, the efficient method of generating large numerical model random fields is realized. Based on the geological structure characteristics of red-layered soft rocks in central Yunnan, the anisotropic rock random field and tunnel excavation with different rotation angles are simulated. The results show that the variability of rotational anisotropy random fields and mechanical parameters of the red-bedded soft rocks in central Yunnan has a large influence on the deformation and stress state of the surrounding rocks at the excavation face of the tunnel. This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the design and construction of relevant rock engineering in the red-layered soft rock area in central Yunnan.
Nitride/Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell with High Stability: Analytical Study of Adjusting Current Matching Condition
Authors: Piralaee Mina , Asgari Asghar
Published: April 2023

One of the essential challenges of tandem solar cells is designing and adjusting the current-matched tandem structures with high efficiency and stability. Nitride-based wide band gap semiconductors, owing to their high stability and high resistance against the cosmic rays, are appropriate elements to apply as the top cell of tandem solar cells. On the other hand, the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites are emerging materials with exclusive electronic properties such as tunable band gap, low cost, simple manufacturing process, and efficient charge transport properties, making them capable candidates to be used in tandem layered structures. The aim of this paper is to adjust and optimize the performance of a two-terminal tandem solar cell consisting of InxGa1-xN as the top cell and a FAPbIyBr3-y as the bottom cell. We have studied the effect of different practical parameters such as the indium molar of the top cell, iodine molar of the bottom cell, the thickness of each layer, threading dislocation density of InxGa1-xN, and surface texturing effect on the performance of the two-terminal tandem structure. Because of the prominence of current matching problem in two-terminal tandem structures, we have determined the optimum situation for maximum light harvesting along with the minimum value of current matching factor. In the optimum situation, the current matching factor of 0.15 mA/cm2 leads to the power conversion efficiency of 25.17% for the device.
Development and Evaluation of a Nomogram for INCS Insensitivity in Chinese Adults with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Sun Deping , Liu Lan , Yan Yuqing
Published: April 2023

Objective. The objective of this study was to design and validate a nomogram of intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) insensitivity for adult patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods. Training and validation datasets comprised randomly divided groups of AR patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022, with a 7 : 3 ratio. These patients were categorized according to their INCS insensitivity status, and LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associated risk factors. These factors were incorporated into a nomogram for predicting INCS insensitivity. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and discrimination techniques. Results. In this study, 313 patients were included, of which 120 (38.3%) showed INCS insensitivity. The type of AR, comorbidities, family history of AR, and duration of AR were identified as predictors and incorporated into the nomogram using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate logistic regression. The calibration curves showed excellent agreement between predicted and actual probabilities of INCS insensitivity in both the training and validation sets. The area under the curve values observed in the validation set were 0.918 (95% confidence interval, 0.859–0.943), and 0.932 (95% confidence interval, 0.849–0.953) in the training set, indicating strong performance on both sets. Decision curve analysis showed that the constructed nomogram yielded a net clinical benefit for AR patients. Conclusion. The nomogram constructed from risk predictors of INCS insensitivity in patients with AR demonstrated strong predictive power and enabled clinicians to identify high-risk patients, aiding them in developing an optimal treatment plan for AR.
Biomechanical Performance of Mandibular Molars with Deep Mesio-Occlusal-Distal Cavities Rehabilitated with Horizontal Posts: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Sharma Sonali , Ramesh Sindhu , Rayapudi Jasmine
Published: April 2023

Aim. To compare and contrast by three-dimensional finite element analysis the biomechanical performance of deep mesio-occlusal-distal cavities of mandibular molars reinforced by different sizes of horizontal fiber posts. Materials and Methods. The finite element (FE) stress analysis was performed with the ANSYS, a commercial finite element method package. Based on the evidence-based scientific data and on the mechanical properties of materials, i.e., Young’s modulus and Poisson ratio, the model of a mandible and mandibular first molar was replicated. The mandibular molar models replicating the clinical scenarios were simulated, designed, and built, assuming all materials to be homogenous, isotropic, and linearly elastic as follows: Model 1 control: the model of an intact first mandibular molar. Model 2: the prepared cavity mesio-occlusal-distal is replicated by the subtraction Boolean method. The remaining thickness of dentin is 1 mm. Model 3: these were rehabilitated by three different diameters of two horizontal fiber posts. Model 3A: fiber post diameter 1 mm, Model 3B: 1.5 mm and Model 3C: 2 mm. The dimensions of the cavity, the intercuspal distance between buccal walls and lingual walls, and the distance of placement of the post from occlusal reference points were all kept constant for all three subgroups of Model 3. The cavities of Model 3 were restored with Filtek bulk-fill posterior composite. After meshing the models, loads were defined on the buccal and lingual distal cusps with a constant value of 600 N and at an angle of 45°. Results. The results of finite element analysis are expressed as stresses, i.e., tensile compressive, shear, or a combination known as von Mises stresses. The overall von Mises stresses were as follows: Model 1:154.83 Mpa; Model 2: 376.877 Mpa; Model 3A: 160.221 Mpa; Model 3B: 159.488 Mpa; Model 3C: 147.231 Mpa. Statistical analysis of the compiled data was carried out. It was seen that there was a significant difference in stress values from the intact tooth Model 1 and cavity Model 2 (

p
<
0.05

) with means values of 53.1 and 139.22, respectively. The means of all subgroups were comparable but there was a statistically significant difference between Model 3, i.e., 3A (67.74), Model 3B (60.47), Model 3C (53.70), and Model 2. Model 1 and Model 3C had comparable mean values. Conclusion. Rehabilitation of deep mesio-occlusal-distal cavities of molars with intact buccal and lingual walls with the aid of a horizontal post of any diameter has a similar stress distribution to an intact tooth. However, the biomechanical performance of a 2 mm horizontal post was exacting of the natural tooth. Horizontal posts can be included in expanding our restorative option for rehabilitating grossly mutilated teeth.