bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-field approach to multibody dynamics of rotating flexible bodies
Authors: Géradin Michel , Sonneville Valentin
Published: May 2023

A two-field version of the floating frame-of-reference approach is developed to describe the dynamics of a flexible body in the case of motion in a uniformly rotating frame. Full decoupling of the kinetic energy results from splitting of the motion into rigid-body modes of the floating center of mass and a velocity field orthogonal to them. The motion equations are developed from a canonical variational expression in which displacement and velocity fields play independent roles. They turn out to keep the same global structure as in the case of motion in an inertial frame. The discretization of all inertia terms is discussed in depth. It is also shown that, in the case of discretization of the continuum with 3D solid elements, all gyroscopic terms can be derived from a mass kernel and associated $\mathbf{S} _{i}$

S
i

matrices. Model reduction is proposed using the Herting–Martinez method in order to automatically satisfy orthogonality of the velocity field to rigid-body modes. Two application examples of high-speed rotating systems are developed at length to assess the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Is There a Pervasive World Real Credit Cycle?
Authors: Castro Vítor , Cerqueira Pedro A. , Martins Rodrigo
Published: May 2023

This paper analyses the international structure of credit and the potential buildup of a single world cycle using quarterly data for 48 economies between 1985 and 2015. For this analysis, we rely on an approximate factor model and on hard and fuzzy clustering methodologies. The results indicate that, for the whole sample, there are three common components to credit, one of these more pervasive and impacting most countries in the sample, particularly developed ones. One major cluster of countries is identified, but without the presence of both Japan and Germany, thus suggesting that a world real credit cycle is not yet formed. However, we found that the composition of this core cluster has been growing over the years, encompassing more countries and establishing a growing dominance over the credit cycles dynamic, opening the possibility for a single world credit cycle in the future.
Bounded rationality for relaxing best response and mutual consistency: the quantal hierarchy model of decision making
Authors: Evans Benjamin Patrick , Prokopenko Mikhail
Published: May 2023

While game theory has been transformative for decision making, the assumptions made can be overly restrictive in certain instances. In this work, we investigate some of the underlying assumptions of rationality, such as mutual consistency and best response, and consider ways to relax these assumptions using concepts from level-k reasoning and quantal response equilibrium (QRE) respectively. Specifically, we propose an information-theoretic two-parameter model called the quantal hierarchy model, which can relax both mutual consistency and best response while still approximating level-k, QRE, or typical Nash equilibrium behavior in the limiting cases. The model is based on a recursive form of the variational free energy principle, representing higher-order reasoning as (pseudo) sequential decision-making in extensive-form game tree. This representation enables us to treat simultaneous games in a similar manner to sequential games, where reasoning resources deplete throughout the game-tree. Bounds in player processing abilities are captured as information costs, where future branches of reasoning are discounted, implying a hierarchy of players where lower-level players have fewer processing resources. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the quantal hierarchy model in several canonical economic games, both simultaneous and sequential, using out-of-sample modelling.
Direct C(sp2)–H Borylation of Arenes Using Ir-bpy Porous Organic Polymers
Authors: Bennedsen Niklas R. , Yang Faliu , Goodarzi Farnoosh , Kramer Søren , Kegnæs Søren
Published: May 2023

Organoboron compounds are important building blocks in organic chemistry for a variety of key transformations in the production of compounds in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Direct C–H borylation provides many advantages over more traditional transformation via halide groups that lead to stoichiometric waste. In the direct C(sp2)–H borylation of arenes, Ir-bipyridine systems have shown excellent performance. However, to make the formation of borylated products more benign and greener, transformations catalyzed by heterogeneous catalysts are appealing as they provide easier recovery and reuse of the catalyst. In this study, two different porous organic polymers (POPs) based on polystyrene-bearing bipyridine (bpy) ligands were synthesized. These POPs can, upon metal ligation in situ create an active catalyst that is capable of borylation twice per B2pin2 molecule. Our Ir systems were tested with different arenes, and a preliminary mechanistic investigation was performed. The system was recyclable for up to three consecutive recycles, albeit, the polymer backbone had indications of being borylated during the reaction.
Current and Developing Lymphatic Imaging Approaches for Elucidation of Functional Mechanisms and Disease Progression
Authors: Aron Arjun , Zavaleta Cristina
Published: May 2023

Study of the lymphatic system, compared to that of the other body systems, has been historically neglected. While scientists and clinicians have, in recent decades, gained a better appreciation of the functionality of the lymphatics as well as their role in associated diseases (and consequently investigated these topics further in their experimental work), there is still much left to be understood of the lymphatic system. In this review article, we discuss the role lymphatic imaging techniques have played in this recent series of advancements and how new imaging techniques can help bolster this wave of discovery. We specifically highlight the use of lymphatic imaging techniques in understanding the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system; investigating the development of lymphatic vasculature (using techniques such as intravital microscopy); diagnosing, staging, and treating lymphedema and cancer; and its role in other disease states.
Critical Incidents in Police Work: What Incidents Stay with Danish Police Officers?
Authors: Møller Sara Rosenbeck , Hansen Anna Sofie Feilberg , Pihl-Thingvad Jesper , Elklit Ask , Hansen Nina Beck
Published: May 2023

Police officers are frequently exposed to critical and potentially traumatic incidents in their work. Exposure to critical incidents (CI) in policing is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health problems, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the definitions and understandings of police-specific CI vary extensively. The present qualitative study aimed to enhance our understanding of the core characteristics of work-related CI that are perceived as most burdensome among Danish police officers. Using content analysis, this study coded 2960 descriptions of work-related incidents that still cause emotional reactions among 1659 Danish police officers. The content analysis resulted in the development of three main categories of CI (danger or threat, accidents, and deaths and distressing crimes) which could be conceptualized in a diversity of 28 CI categories. Hereof, the main part consisted of common and more routine police tasks of a tragic or distressing nature, e.g., traffic accidents, handling cases of severe violence, suicide, homicide, child neglect and abuse, and making death notifications. Compared to a similar Danish study conducted three decades ago, the experiences of CI appear to have a continuing and general quality over time. The CI categories are further comparable to police-specific trauma event categories identified in other countries. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing routine police assignments as potentially distressing and emotionally burdensome, and they underline the importance of focusing prevention initiatives on the accumulation of psychological strain in police work due to various CI experienced over time.
Premature burial
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: May 2023

The fear of being buried alive or taphophobia remains a significant concern for a number of individuals. In previous centuries however, reports of live burials were frequently promulgated in the media fostering an industry focused around the manufacturing and selling of security coffins which either facilitated egress or enabled the recently buried to alert those on the surface to their plight. Holding mortuaries with resuscitation facilities were also established mainly in Continental Europe to permit close observation of the recently deceased until definitive signs of putrefaction had developed. Underpinning much of this panic was the inability of medical practitioners to definitely diagnose death. Although still a rare possibility, mainly in situations where qualified medical personnel are not available, the likelihood of alive burial is nowadays fortunately rare.
On plane conic arrangements with $$A_{5}$$ and $$A_{7}$$ singularities
Authors: Zieliński Marcin
Published: May 2023

In the present note we provide combinatorial constraints on certain conic arrangements in the plane admitting $$A_{5}$$

A
5

and $$A_{7}$$

A
7

singularities. As a corollary, we provide upper bounds on the number of $$A_{5}$$

A
5

and $$A_{7}$$

A
7

singularities for such arrangements.
Paleoenvironmental contribution and visual kerogen assessment of some Upper Cretaceous sediments from southern Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Magdy Salah , Khalaf Miran Mostafa
Published: May 2023

We investigated the palynological organic matter (POM) recovered from shale horizons, intercalating the Nubian-type sandstones in middle Egypt, for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Our palynofacies are dominated by either amorphous organic matter (AOM) or phytoclasts whereas palynomorphs are relatively rare, but not uncommon. The palynofacies categories revealed two different palynofacies types, reflecting estuarine/tidal and fluvio-lacustrine environments for the Maghrabi and the basal Quseir formations, respectively. The kerogen composition of our investigated material and the colors of the thin-walled spores suggest possible sources of hydrocarbons, which are poorly explored in the middle and southern areas of Egypt. Our findings confirmed the previously described marine origin of the Maghrabi Formation. The complete missing of any marine palynomorphs suggests that the basal sediments of the Quseir Formation are almost exclusively of terrestrial origin. This may reveal that the worldwide Late Cretaceous transgression was not effective during deposition of these basal clastics.
Mechanism of clay swelling in Villarlod molasse: a Swiss sandstone
Authors: Wangler Timothy
Published: May 2023

The characterization of swelling clays is important for diverse fields, including the field of conservation of built cultural heritage. Villarlod molasse, a building stone utilized frequently across Switzerland, is known to be damaged by swelling clays embedded in its matrix. In this study, the mechanism of how the clays lead to swelling in the stone itself is examined, and similar to previous studies, crystalline swelling is noted as the most likely source. A scaling factor linking X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dilatometric swelling experiments is calculated, and evidence for the existence of an initial monolayer of moisture in the embedded clays at ambient relative humidities is presented. A qualitative micromechanical model describing how the nonswelling stone matrix exerts a pressure on the clay layers, affecting their swelling behavior, is presented.
Sea-level change and human occupation over 6000 years on Areoso Island (Ría de Arousa, NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Cajade-Pascual Daniel , Costa-Casais Manuela , Blanco-Chao Ramón , Taboada Rodríguez Teresa
Published: May 2023

Coastal areas are extremely sensitive to variations in environmental conditions. The interaction of marine and continental processes causes a high degree of dynamism, generating depositional formations of great value for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. This paper focuses on two pedostratigraphic deposits located under the current beach, in close proximity to archaeological tumuli located on Areoso Island (Ría de Arousa, NW Iberian Peninsula). Employing a geoarchaeological approach, sea-level rise, environmental conditions and human occupation over a 6000-year period are interpreted. The results of granulometric and mineralogical data, elemental composition and stratigraphic features, help to identify three successive environments: continental (rock weathering, soil formation and erosion); a transition to a coastal environment; and the establishment of full coastal conditions. The geomorphological evolution of the last 6.0 kyr BP has been controlled by climate, sea-level rise and human activity. The continental facies shows evidence of low sea-level up to 4.8 kyr BP and the first evidence of coastal processes after 3.2 kyr BP. These pedostratigraphic deposits located in an open coastal system improve the Holocene sea-level rise curve in the NW Iberian Peninsula and help to understand the context in which the most important archaeological structures on the island (the tumuli) began to be eroded.
A Critical Review of the Monitor and Acceptance Theory of Mindfulness
Authors: Simione Luca , Saldarini Francesco
Published: May 2023

In 2017, Lindsay and Creswell proposed the Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) of mindfulness, which proposed a unified and testable framework for interpreting and predicting different mindfulness effects on attention, affective reactivity, emotion regulation, and health-related variables. MAT identifies two basic mindfulness skills: attention monitoring and acceptance. The theory is articulated in two main tenets, affirming that attention monitoring increases present-moment awareness and emotional reactivity (Tenet #1) while acceptance regulates the affective experience (Tenet #2). Therefore, MAT proposes that monitoring per se could also have a negative psychological outcome, while it should lead to positive outcomes when combined with acceptance. Even though MAT is founded on a reasonable basis and is apparently supported by the existing literature, we identify four main issues in the literature cited in support of MAT. In particular, the main issues regard the way in which MAT skills were defined and measured (Issue #1), the inconsistent effect of monitoring alone on emotional reactivity (Issue #2), the inconsistent moderation effect of acceptance on monitoring in determining (positive) health-related outcomes (Issue #3), and the current absence of substantial testing on MAT Tenet 2, considering the effect of acceptance alone on mindfulness interventions (Issue #4). In this manuscript, we review the main contributions to each of these points and show a number of results that do not support MAT or contrast its tenets. In particular, we focus on the recent intervention studies aiming at dismantling the effect of mindfulness on mental health. After a close analysis, we concluded that they failed in testing the MAT tenets and thus provide only insubstantial or incomplete evidence in favor of or against MAT. While we support the aim of MAT theory and its tentative systematization of the vast literature on mindfulness, we would like to highlight its weak or controversial points so to further promote its development and testing with more compelling methods.
Streamflow prediction using a hybrid methodology based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and machine learning approaches
Authors: Ahmadi Farshad , Tohidi Mansour , Sadrianzade Meysam
Published: May 2023

The optimal management of water resources depends on accurate and reliable streamflow prediction. Therefore, researchers have become interested in the development of hybrid approaches in recent years to enhance the performance of modeling techniques for predicting hydrological variables. In this study, hybrid models based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and machine learning models such as random forest (RF) and K-star algorithm (KS) were developed to improve the accuracy of streamflow forecasting. The monthly data obtained between 1956 and 2017 at the Iranian Bibijan Abad station on the Zohreh River were used for this purpose. The streamflow data were initially decomposed into intrinsic modes functions (IMFs) using the VMD approach up to level eight to develop the hybrid models. The following step models the IMFs obtained by the VMD approach using the RF and KS methods. The ensemble forecasting result is then accomplished by adding the IMFs’ forecasting outputs. Other hybrid models, such as EDM-RF, EMD-KS, CEEMD-RF, and CEEMD-KS, were also developed in this research in order to assess the performance of VMD-RF and VMD-KS hybrid models. The findings demonstrated that data preprocessing enhanced standalone models’ performance, and those hybrid models developed based on VMD performed best in terms of increasing the accuracy of monthly streamflow predictions. The VMD-RF model is proposed as a superior method based on root mean square error (RMSE = 13.79), mean absolute error (MAE = 8.35), and Kling–Gupta (KGE = 0.89) indices.
DNA methylome profiling of blood to identify individuals in a pair of monozygotic twins
Authors: Kim Jae-Yoon , Lee Hwan Young , Lee So-Yeon , Kim Seon-Young , Park Jong-Lyul , Lee Soong Deok
Published: May 2023

Background

Short tandem repeat (STR) markers cannot be used to distinguish between genetically identical monozygotic (MZ) twins, causing problems in a case with an MZ twin as a suspect. Many studies have shown that in older MZ twins, there are significant differences in overall content and genomic distribution of methylation.

Objective

In this study, we analyzed the DNA methylome profile of blood to identify recurrent differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) to discriminate between MZ twins.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 47 paired MZ twins. We performed the DNA methylation profiling using the HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip platform and identified recurrent DMCs between MZ twins. Then, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and motif enrichment analyses were performed to reveal the biological functions of recurrent DMCs. We collected DNA methylome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public database to verify the recurrent DMCs between MZ twins.

Results

We identified recurrent DMCs between MZ twin samples and observed that they were enriched in immune-related genes. In addition, we verified our DMCs in a public dataset.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the methylation level at recurrent DMCs between MZ twins may serve as a valuable biomarker for identification of individuals in a pair of MZ twins.
A domain semantics-enhanced relation extraction model for identifying the railway safety risk
Authors: Wang Youwei , Zhu Chengying , Guo Qiang , Ye Yangdong
Published: May 2023

The identification of railway safety risk is important in ensuring continuous and stable railway operations. Most works fail to consider the important relation between detected objects. In addition, poor domain semantics directly degrades the final performance due to difficulty in understanding railway text. To solve these challenging issues, we introduce the triple knowledge from knowledge graph to model the railway safety risk with the knowledge interconnection mode. Afterward, we recast the identification of railway safety risk as the relation extraction task, and propose a novel and effective Domain Semantics-Enhanced Relation Extraction (DSERE) model. Specifically, we design a domain semantics-enhanced transformer mechanism that automatically enhances the railway semantics from a dedicated railway lexicon. We further introduce piece-wise convolution neural networks to explore the fine-grained features contained in the structure of triple knowledge. With the domain semantics and fine-grained features, our model can fully understand the domain text and thus improve the performance of relation classification. Finally, the DSERE model is used to identify the railway safety risk of south zone of China Railway, and achieves 81.84% AUC and 76.00% F1 scores on the real-world dataset showing the superiority of our proposed model.
An introduction to the algebraic geometry of the Putman–Wieland conjecture
Authors: Landesman Aaron , Litt Daniel
Published: May 2023

We give algebraic and geometric perspectives on our prior results toward the Putman–Wieland conjecture. This leads to interesting new constructions of families of “origami” curves whose Jacobians have high-dimensional isotrivial isogeny factors. We also explain how a hyperelliptic analogue of the Putman–Wieland conjecture fails, following work of Marković.
Magnetically activated 3D printable polylactic acid/polycaprolactone/magnetite composites for magnetic induction heating generation
Authors: Galarreta-Rodriguez Itziar , Lopez-Ortega Alberto , Garayo Eneko , Beato-López Juan Jesús , La Roca Paulo , Sanchez-Alarcos Vicente , Recarte Vicente , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Pérez-Landazábal Jose Ignacio
Published: May 2023

Additive manufacturing technology has attracted the attention of industrial and technological sectors due to the versatility of the design and the easy manufacture of structural and functional elements based on composite materials. The embedding of magnetic nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix enables the development of an easy manufacturing process of low-cost magnetically active novel polymeric composites. In this work, we report a series of magnetic composites prepared by solution casting method combining 5 to 60 wt.% of 140 $$\pm$$
±
50 nm commercial Fe3O4 nanoparticles, with a semi-crystalline, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymeric blend made of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The composites were extruded, obtaining 1.5 $$\pm$$
±
0.2 mm diameter continuous and flexible filaments for fused deposition modelling 3D printing. The chemical, magnetic, and calorimetric properties of the obtained filaments were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, taking advantage of the magnetic character of the filaments, their capability to generate heat under the application of low-frequency alternating magnetic fields (magnetic induction heating) was analyzed. The obtained results expose the versatility of these easy manufacturing and low-cost filaments, where selecting a desired composition, the heating capacity can be properly adjusted for those applications where magnetic induction plays a key role (i.e., magnetic hyperthermia, drug release, heterogeneous catalysis, water electrolysis, gas capture, or materials synthesis).

Graphical Abstract

This paper presents the manufacture of novel magnetically activated 3D printable filaments, low cost and easy to manufacture, whereby selecting the desired composition, the heating capacity (ρ) generated under the application of an alternating magnetic field (Happ) can be adjusted to the needs of the user.
Preventing the escalation of cyber conflicts: towards an approach to plausibly assure the non-involvement in a cyberattack
Authors: Reinhold Thomas , Reuter Christian
Published: May 2023

While cyberspace has evolved into a commonly shared space vital to our individual lives and societies, malicious cyber activities by state actors as part of espionage operations, regarding defense strategies, or as part of traditional conflicts have strongly increased. In contrast, attributing the origin of such activities remains problematic. The ambiguity of digital data raises the problem of misinterpreting available information, increasing the risk of misinformed reactions and conflict escalation. In order to reduce this risk, this paper proposes a transparency system based on technologies which usually already exist for IT security measures that an accused actor in a specific incident can use to provide credible information which plausibly assures his non-involvement. The paper analyses the technical requirements, presents the technical concept and discusses the necessary adjustments to existing IT networks for its implementation. Intended as a measure for conflict de-escalation, the paper further discusses the limitations of this approach, especially with regard to technical limits as well as the political motivation and behavior of states.
Short-term efficacy analysis and comprehensive evaluation of laparoscopy for patients with rectal cancer-a prospective multi-center study
Authors: Zhao Zhixun , Guan Xu , Yu Guanyu , Feng Yi , Tang Qingchao , Liu Qian , Zheng Zhaoxu , Zhou Haitao , Liang Jianwei , Jiang Zheng , Liu Zheng , Lou Zheng , Chen Haipeng , Han Jiagang , Lu Yiping , Li Ang , Du Xiaohui , Shen Zhanlong , Lin Guole , Wang Guiyu , Jiang Bo , Zhang Wei , Wang Xishan
Published: May 2023

Objective

To compare the short-term efficacy indicators of laparoscopic technique and open surgery in patients with rectal cancer surgery, and to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

This study adopted a prospective multicenter, open-label, non-randomized concurrent control method to analyze patients who received rectal cancer surgery from 10 colorectal tumor centers across the country from January 2017 to December 2018. The two groups of patients received laparoscopic-assisted surgery and conventional open surgery respectively. All surgeons were selected according to relevant standards and participated in the two groups of operations at the same time. Comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the operation and postoperative recovery, postoperative pathological results, survival information, postoperative related functional scores and other indicators.

Results

In the open surgery group, the proportion of tumors with a maximum diameter of more than 5 cm was higher (χ2 = 0.089, P = 0.018), and the proportion of T4 was higher (χ2 = 0.478, P < 0.001). In the laparoscopic group, the proportion of more than 12 harvested lymph nodes was higher (χ2 = 0.248, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the length of postoperative hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, time to first flatus after operation, time to first out of bed, time to first liquid diet, and preservation rate of anal sphincter between the two groups, but in the laparoscopic surgery group the operation time was shorter (t = 6.750, P < 0.001) and postoperative pain was less (t = 0.896, 0.63, 0.964, and 0.989 on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, respectively, all P < 0.001). The incidence of grade 2–4 adverse complication in the two groups was 12.5% and 14.6%, respectively, with no statistical difference (χ2 = 0.061, P = 0.105), but the incidence of incision infection was lower in the laparoscopy group (χ2 = 0.19, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in 3-year disease-free survival between the two groups (HR = 1.089, 95% CI = 0.962–1.232, P = 0.170). Multivariate analysis suggested that intraoperative blood loss, T stage, N stage, nerve invasion, and postoperative sepsis were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Wexner score, IPSS score and LARS score were not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusion

The pathological results and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer are comparable to those of conventional open surgery, and laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for rectal cancer patients.
Vorticity dynamics diagnosis of the internal flow field in a high-load counter-rotating compressor
Authors: Yan T. , Chen H. , Yan P.
Published: May 2023

A high-load counter-rotating compressor is optimised based on the method of coupling aerodynamic optimisation technology and computational fluid dynamics, and the flow structures in the passage are analysed and evaluated by vorticity dynamics diagnosis. The results show that the aerodynamic performance of optimised compressor are obviously improved at both design point and off-design point. By comparing the distribution characteristics of vorticity dynamics parameters on the blade surface before and after the optimisation, it is found that BVF (boundary vorticity flux) and circumferential vorticity can effectively capture high flow loss regions such as shock waves and secondary flow in the passage. In addition, the BEF (Boundary enstrophy flux) diagnosis method based on the theory of boundary enstrophy flux is developed, which expands the application scenario of the boundary vorticity dynamics diagnosis method. The change of vorticity dynamics parameters shows blade geometric parameters’ influence on the passage’s viscous flow field, which provides a theoretical basis for the aerodynamic optimisation design.
On the thermal effect of porous material in porous media Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Zhong Jun , Liu Shuang , Sun Chao
Published: May 2023

We perform a two-dimensional numerical study on the thermal effect of porous media on global heat transport and flow structure in Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection, focusing on the role of thermal conductivity

$\lambda$

of porous media, which ranges from

$0.1$

to

$50$

relative to the fluid. The simulation is carried out in a square RB cell with the Rayleigh number

$Ra$

ranging from

$10^7$

to

$10^9$

and the Prandtl number

$Pr$

fixed at

$4.3$

. The porosity of the system is fixed at

$\phi =0.812$

, with the porous media modelled by a set of randomly displayed circular obstacles. For a fixed

$Ra$

, the increase of conductivity shows a small effect on the total heat transfer, slightly depressing the Nusselt number. The limited influence comes from the small number of obstacles contacting with thermal plumes in the system as well as the counteraction of the increased plume area and the depressed plume strength. The study shows that the global heat transfer is insensitive to the conduction effect of separated porous media in the bulk region, which may have implications for industrial designs.
Firn aquifer water discharges into crevasses across Southeast Greenland
Authors: Cicero Eric , Poinar Kristin , Jones-Ivey Renette , Petty Alek A. , Sperhac Jeanette M. , Patra Abani , Briner Jason P.
Published: May 2023

In Southeast Greenland, summer melt and high winter snowfall rates give rise to firn aquifers: vast stores of meltwater buried beneath the ice-sheet surface. Previous detailed studies of a single Greenland firn aquifer site suggest that the water drains into crevasses, but this is not known at a regional scale. We develop and use a tool in Ghub, an online gateway of shared datasets, tools and supercomputing resources for glaciology, to identify crevasses from elevation data collected by NASA's Airborne Topographic Mapper across 29000 km2of Southeast Greenland. We find crevasses within 3 km of the previously mapped downglacier boundary of the firn aquifer at 20 of 25 flightline crossings. Our data suggest that crevasses widen until they reach the downglacier boundary of the firn aquifer, implying that crevasses collect firn-aquifer water, but we did not find this trend with statistical significance. The median crevasse width, 27 meters, implies an aspect ratio consistent with the crevasses reaching the bed. Our results support the idea that most water in Southeast Greenland firn aquifers drains through crevasses. Less common fates are discharge at the ice-sheet surface (3 of 25 sites) and refreezing at the aquifer bottom (1 of 25 sites).
Economic Shocks and the Development of Immigration Attitudes
Authors: Laaker Dillon
Published: May 2023

How do immigration attitudes form? Drawing on the political socialization literature, I argue that growing up in a recession causes a lasting increase in anti-immigration attitudes. I delineate two mechanisms that emphasize the negative consequences of recessions for young workers and the anti-immigration narrative that often emerges during economic turmoil. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to these external shocks because they have minimal political experience and are developing their core political attitudes. Support is provided for this argument with evidence from the European Social Survey. An economic shock during young adulthood causes a significant increase in anti-immigration attitudes, a relationship not found for other ages. I find tentative evidence that growing up in a recession has a larger effect on the racial and cultural dimensions of immigration and causes a broader sociotropic response. Results highlight how economic crises affect the socialization of young adults and underscore their lasting political consequences.
Improved models for the relationship between age and the probability of trypanosome infection in female tsetse, Glossina pallidipes Austen
Authors: Hargrove J. W. , Van Sickle J.
Published: May 2023

Between 1990 and 1999, at Rekomitjie Research Station, Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, 29,360 female G. pallidipes were dissected to determine their ovarian category and trypanosome infection status. Overall prevalences were 3.45 and 2.66% for T. vivax and T. congolense, respectively, declining during each year as temperatures increased from July – December. Fits to age-prevalence data using Susceptible-Exposed-Infective (SEI) and SI compartmental models were statistically better than those obtained using a published catalytic model, which made the unrealistic assumption that no female tsetse survived more than seven ovulations. The improved models require knowledge of fly mortality, estimated separately from ovarian category distributions. Infection rates were not significantly higher for T. vivax than for T. congolense. For T. congolense in field-sampled female G. pallidipes, we found no statistical support for a model where the force of infection was higher at the first feed than subsequently. The long survival of adult female tsetse, combined with feeding at intervals ≤3 days, ensures that post-teneral feeds, rather than the first feed, play the dominant role in the epidemiology of T. congolense infections in G. pallidipes. This is supported by estimates that only about 3% of wild hosts at Rekomitjie were harbouring sufficient T. congolense to ensure that tsetse feeding off them take an infected meal, so that the probability of ingesting an infected meal is low at every meal.
Paleo-trade wind directions over the Yangtze Carbonate Platform during the Cambrian–Ordovician, Southern China
Authors: Hu Chenlin , Qin Tianyou , Ma Jinghui , Han Changcheng , Wang Xuliang
Published: May 2023

The Sichuan Basin was a part of the Yangtze Carbonate Platform (YCP) during the Cambrian–Ordovician, and marine carbonates were deposited in the basin during this interval. Although previous studies have evaluated the paleogeography, paleoclimate and paleoecology of this basin, they have primarily focused on the paleoecology and biological evolution in the basin; however, analysis of paleogeography and paleoclimate is lacking. This study integrated outcrop sedimentological and magnetic fabric data to document sedimentary differentiation and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) within the YCP. The aims of this study were to infer paleowind directions during each epoch of the Cambrian–Ordovician and to constrain the paleogeographic location of the YCP. The northwestern, central and southeastern sides of the YCP were characterized by high-energy deposition (e.g. sub-angular to rounded intraclasts), medium-energy deposition (e.g. sub-angular to sub-rounded intraclasts) and low-energy deposition (e.g. angular to sub-angular intraclasts), respectively. The centroid D-Kmaxvalues for the Early, Middle and Late Cambrian were 116° ± 52°, 145° ± 57° and 159° ± 62° from the present north, respectively; corresponding values for the Early, Middle and Late Ordovician were 169° ± 70°, 139° ± 73° and 91° ± 68° from the present north, respectively. Sedimentary differentiation and AMS results indicated that the prevailing wind directions during the Early Cambrian, Middle Cambrian, Late Cambrian, Early Ordovician, Middle Ordovician and Late Ordovician were 296° ± 52°, 325° ± 57°, 339° ± 62°, 349° ± 70°, 319° ± 73° and 271° ± 68° from the present north, respectively. The present study provides evidence for the location of the YCP during the Cambrian–Ordovician via the correspondence between the paleowind directions over the YCP and the trade winds in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The novelty of this study lies in the following aspects: (1) it integrates microfacies and AMS analyses to establish paleowind patterns; (2) it constrains the paleo-hemispheric location of the YCP during the Cambrian–Ordovician; and (3) it provides a reference for further studies of the paleoclimate and paleogeography of the YCP during the Cambrian–Ordovician.
Why do women abort their pregnancies? Evidence from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21) of India
Authors: Saikia Daisy , Pradhan Manas Ranjan
Published: May 2023

Induced abortion is closely associated with maternal morbidity, mortality, and reproductive rights of women and thus continues to draw research interest. This study assesses the reasons for abortion and their predictors using India’s National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) data. The sample of women aged 15–49 who had terminated their last pregnancy by induced abortion in the five years preceding the survey (n=5835) was considered for analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to check the adjusted effects of the socioeconomic predictors on the reasons for abortion. Stata (v16.0) was used for the data analysis. Women were more likely to abort their pregnancy at home/other than in the public health sector if unintended pregnancies (RR: 2.79; CI: 2.15–3.61) and sex-selective abortions (RR: 2.43; CI: 1.67–3.55) rather than life risk. The study found unintended pregnancy as the primary contributor to induced abortion. However, some women undergo the procedure due to medical reasons and the undesired gender of the unborn child. Unintended pregnancies that end in abortion are strongly correlated with gestational age, method of abortion, place of abortion, number of surviving children, religion, place of residence, and region. Again, there is a strong association between the sex-selective reason for abortion and the gestational age, method of abortion, place of abortion, number of surviving children, proper knowledge of the ovulatory cycle, religion, wealth quintile, and region. Women had abortions mainly due to unintended pregnancies, and there was socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic variation in the reasons for abortion in India. Sex-selective abortions continue to exist, especially among women of higher parity, poorest households and from the central, eastern, and north-eastern regions. The key to reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions is raising the understanding of contraception and empowering women in reproductive decisions. Reducing unintended pregnancies will contribute to lower induced abortion and thus improve women’s health.
Delayed extensive surgical emphysema after Valsalva manoeuvre post Eustachian tuboplasty
Authors: Hussain S Z M , Hashmi S , Qayyum A
Published: May 2023

Objective

This paper reports a case of balloon Eustachian tuboplasty with delayed presentation of extensive surgical emphysema.

Methods

This is a clinical case report with a review of literature.

Results

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a functional disorder that results in inadequate middle-ear ventilation, causing aural fullness and tinnitus. A 36-year-old male presented with the sudden onset of an isolated, painful, left-sided neck swelling. The patient underwent balloon Eustachian tuboplasty, which was uneventful, but subsequently developed a sudden onset of isolated left-sided neck swelling on the 5th post-operative day during Valsalva manoeuvre. Neck examination revealed extensive crepitus on the left side of the neck. Examination findings were confirmed by imaging. The patient was conservatively managed and subsequently discharged home.

Conclusion

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a safe procedure; however, extra care must be taken to avoid possible complications. Patients should be counselled against Valsalva manoeuvre and heavy weightlifting. They also should be instructed to sneeze with an open mouth and consider the use of stool softeners.
Olfactory recovery following omicron variant infection: a psychophysical prospective case–control study with six-month follow up
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Lechien Jerome R , Mayo-Yáñez Miguel , Petrocelli Marzia , Pistidda Laura , Salzano Giovanni , Maglitto Fabio , Hopkins Claire , De Riu Giacomo
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of olfactory function at six months in individuals infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 omicron variant, using psychophysical tests.

Methods

A prospective case–control study that included severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 patients infected in February and March 2022 was conducted. Patients underwent the Sniffin’ Sticks test within 10 days of infection and again after at least 6 months. The olfactory scores were compared with those of a control group.

Results

In all, 102 patients and 120 controls were enrolled in the study. At baseline, 26 patients (25.5 per cent) self-reported smell loss. The median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 33.6 (interquartile range, 12.5) for the cases and 36.5 (interquartile range, 4.38) for the controls (p < 0.001). Based on the threshold, discrimination and identification scores, 12 controls and 34 patients reported olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.001). Eighty cases underwent re-evaluation at six months; the median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 37.1 (interquartile range, 4.75) with no significant differences compared with the controls.

Conclusion

Six months after infection, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients did not differ significantly from the control population.
Socio-demographic differences in access to psychological treatment services: evidence from a national cohort study
Authors: Sharland Emma , Rzepnicka Klaudia , Schneider Dorothee , Finning Katie , Pawelek Piotr , Saunders Rob , Nafilyan Vahé
Published: May 2023

Background

Since 2008, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has offered adults in England evidence-based psychological treatments for common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, inequalities in access have not been explored at the national level.

Methods

Using a unique individual patient dataset that linked 2011 Census information of English residents to national IAPT data collected between April 2017 and March 2018, we estimated the rate of access by a wide range of socio-demographic characteristics that are not routinely available. A large household survey was used to estimate the prevalence of probable CMDs by these socio-demographic characteristics. We estimated the probability of access to IAPT amongst people with CMDs by comparing the rates of access from IAPT data and the estimates of prevalence of CMDs from the household survey. Both unadjusted and adjusted (for important patient characteristics) access rates were estimated in logistic regression models.

Results

As a proportion of those with a probable CMD, access to IAPT varied markedly by socio-demographic characteristics. Older adults, males, people born outside of the UK, people with religious beliefs, people from Asian ethnic backgrounds, people reporting a disability and those without any academic or professional qualifications were underrepresented in IAPT services nationally, in adjusted models.

Conclusions

The identification of patients who may be underrepresented in IAPT provides an opportunity for services to target outreach and engagement with these groups. Further understanding of barriers to access should help increase equity in access.
Design of a torsional compliant mechanism with given discrete torque-deflection points for nonlinear stiffness elastic actuator
Authors: Ju Wenjie , Li Bingwei , Kang Rongjie , Zhang Songyuan , Song Zhibin
Published: May 2023

Owing to inherent flexibility, compliant actuator with physical elastic elements can implement compliant interactions between robot and environment. Nonlinear stiffness elastic actuators (NSEAs) use one motor to adjust position and stiffness, which improve compactness of variable stiffness actuators, and consider high torque/force resolution and high bandwidth. The primary challenge of designing a NSEA is designing a reliable compliant mechanism with a given torque-deflection profile. In this study, a general design method of torsional compliant mechanism through given discrete torque-deflection points was proposed, where a chain algorithm based on 2R pseudo-rigid-body model was used to describe the large deformation in elastic elements. Moreover, the theoretical model of stiffness of a compliant mechanism based on series flexible beams was developed. Based on the proposed model, the dimensional parameters of proposed compliant mechanism were designed satisfying the condition of the given torque-deflection points. Finally, simulation and physical experiment of the designed compliant mechanism through three given torque-deflection points are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. The designed compliant mechanism was tested and evaluated in the self-developed NSEA.
Kaya forests: nucleus of cultural and biological diversity and functionality
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Schultze-Gebhardt Kathrin , Shauri Halimu S. , Maarifa Ali M. , Maghenda Marianne , Fungomeli Maria , Teucher Mike
Published: May 2023

The Kaya forests in Southern Kenya are valuable habitats for rare animal and plant species and provide various ecosystem services. The Kaya forests are also centres of cultural life and are of great relevance to rites, traditions, and the social order of the community of people. During the past decades, these forest remnants become under extreme pressure due to land use and resource exploitation and are in danger of disappearing completely during the next years. This negative trend is progressing with the increasing population density. In addition, the relevance of the former cultural rites is increasingly being forgotten, and with it the relevance of these places. In order to preserve these forest remnants in the long term, it is important to make the population aware of the numerous and valuable ecosystem services, as well as to bring the former cultural life back into the centre of society. A general prerequisite to efficiently conserve Kayas might be the improvement of communication among generations, such as between the elders of Kayas and the youth, as well as among elders from different Kayas to harmonize conservation strategies and the sustainable use of these forest remnants. In addition, strengthening the communication between state institutions and the elders of the individual Kayas might help to find a common strategy to conserve Kaya forests.
On the integral Hodge conjecture for varieties with trivial Chow group
Authors: DIAZ HUMBERTO A.
Published: May 2023

We obtain examples of smooth projective varieties over
${\mathbb C}$
that violate the integral Hodge conjecture and for which the total Chow group is of finite rank. Moreover, we show that there exist such examples defined over number fields.