bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Democracy Associated with Reduction of Poverty, Child Mortality and Child Deprivation in Low-income Countries?
Authors: Halleröd Björn , Ekbrand Hans
Published: July 2023

Is democracy related to lower poverty rates and better living conditions for children in developing countries? Multiple sources have confirmed that living conditions in low- and middle-income countries have improved significantly during the past decade. This development coincides with a period of economic growth and, until recently, a trend towards increasing democratization of many of the world’s political systems. In the present paper, we use data from 51 low- and lower-middle-income countries covering the period 1995–2019 to analyse: poverty ($1.90/day), child mortality as well as the degree to which children are malnourished, deprived of immunization, and lack education. The central aim is to test whether democracy contributes to the decrease in poverty and improvement of children’s living conditions. We also test whether the impact of democratization is conditional on political ideology, GDP, and corruption, i.e., whether democratization only is beneficial if combined with policies influenced by socialistic ideology, economic growth, or low corruption. Using data on living conditions from the World Bank, Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), V-Dem project on democratization, and Global Leader Ideology database, we draw the following conclusions: Democratization does contribute to the decrease in poverty, child mortality, malnutrition and lack of immunization among children. However, the impact of democracy is conditioned on previous experience of leftist governments; democracy only improves living conditions in countries with a history of leftist governments. Least beneficial are leftist autocracies. We also conclude that democracy counterbalances the detrimental effects of corruption on children’s school attendance.
Crotalaria heteromorpha (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), a new species of the trifoliolate crotalarias group from the state of Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Soto-Estrada Carmen , Cruz-Durán Ramiro
Published: July 2023

Crotalaria heteromorpha, a new species from the state of Guerrero, Mexico, is described and illustrated on the basis of vegetative and floral features, and compared to related species. It seems to have a close affinity with C. filifolia. The new species differs from C. filifolia by having variation in the shape of the leaflets, the leaflet margins frequently reddish-brown, with variable pubescence on the upper side, longer stipules, shorter pedicels, comparatively smaller and reflexed wings, a narrower keel with a slightly larger and narrower beak and darker seeds, which are rough-grained in texture. With the proposal of C. heteromorpha as a new species, there are now 10 endemic trifoliolate species of Crotalaria recognized in México.
Estrogen and Androgen Receptor Status in Uterosacral Ligaments of Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stratified by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Histology Quantification System
Authors: Orlicky David J. , Smith E. Erin , Bok Rachel , Guess Marsha K. , Rascoff Lauren G. , Arruda Jaime S. , Hutchinson-Colas Juana A. , Johnson Joshua , Connell Kathleen A.
Published: July 2023

Menopause is a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), suggesting that ovarian sex steroids play a major role in the etiology of the condition. POP results from failure of the uterine-cervix-vagina support structures, including the uterosacral ligament (USL). We previously identified consistent degenerative USL phenotypes that occur in POP and used their characteristics to develop a standardized POP Histologic Quantification System (POP-HQ). In this study, POP and matched control USL tissue was first segregated into the unique POP-HQ phenotypes, and specimens were then compared for estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERα), ERbeta (ERβ), the G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER), and androgen receptor (AR) content via immunohistochemical staining. ER and AR expression levels in the control USL tissues were indistinguishable from those observed in the POP-A phenotype, and partially overlapped with those of the POP-I phenotype. However, control-USL steroid receptor expression was statistically distinct from the POP-V phenotype. This difference was driven mainly by the increased expression of GPER and AR in smooth muscle, connective tissue, and endothelial cells, and increased expression of ERα in connective tissue. These findings support a multifactorial etiology for POP involving steroid signaling that contributes to altered smooth muscle, vasculature, and connective tissue content in the USL. Furthermore, these data support the concept that there are consistent and distinct degenerative processes that lead to POP and suggest that personalized approaches are needed that target specific cell and tissues in the pelvic floor to treat or prevent this complex condition.
Improving antibiotic utilization through an outpatient stewardship initiative
Authors: Hiryak Kayla M. , Kludjian Geena A. , Gallagher Jason C. , Cavaretta Marissa J.
Published: July 2023

Antibiotic prescribing errors at hospital discharge are common. We designed a pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program to evaluate prescriptions prior to being transmitted to community pharmacies. Drug-related problems were identified in prescriptions for 48 of 149 patients, resulting in 55 interventions. Review at discharge improves outpatient prescribing of antimicrobials.
Telemedicine and health disparities: Association between the area deprivation index and primary care telemedicine utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ostovari Mina , Zhang Zugui , Patel Vishal , Jurkovitz Claudine
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

The rapid implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the existing health disparities. This study investigated the association between the area deprivation index (ADI), which serves as a measure of socioeconomic deprivation within a geographic area, and the utilization of telemedicine in primary care.

Methods:

The study data source was electronic health records. The study population consisted of patients with at least one primary care visit between March 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome of interest was the visit modality (office, phone, and video). The exposure of interest was the ADI score grouped into quartiles (one to four, with one being the least deprived). The confounders included patient sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, marital status). We utilized generalized estimating equations to compare the utilization of telemedicine visits with office visits, as well as phone visits with video visits.

Results:

The study population included 41,583 patients with 127,165 office visits, 39,484 phone visits, and 20,268 video visits. Compared to patients in less disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI quartile = one), patients in more disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI = two, three, or four) had higher odds of using phone visits vs office visits, lower odds of using video visits vs office visits, and higher odds of using phone visits vs video visits.

Conclusions:

Patients who resided in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods mainly relied on phone consultations for telemedicine visits with their primary care provider. Patient-level interventions are essential for achieving equitable access to digital healthcare, particularly for low-income individuals.
The Impact of Oral Argument Attendance
Authors: Cann Damon , Goelzhauser Greg
Published: July 2023

How does oral argument attendance impact public perceptions of the judiciary? Judicial independence is partly contingent on public support, but the conditions that generate institutional good will are not well understood. We examine how judicial outreach and court exposure inform public attitudes. Leveraging a field-experiment randomizing in-person attendance at oral arguments conducted by a federal circuit court of appeals on a university campus, we find that exposure increases perceptions of institutional legitimacy and the extent to which judicial decisions are motivated by law versus politics. The results have important implications for judicial politics and policy debates concerning reform initiatives involving circuit riding, courtroom cameras, and public outreach.
Path tracking control method for automatic navigation rice transplanters based on VUFC and improved BAS algorithm
Authors: Zhu Dequan , Shi Menghao , Wang Yang , Xue Kang , Liao Juan , Xiong Wei , Kuang Fuming , Zhang Shun
Published: July 2023

During the operation of automatic navigation rice transplanter, the accuracy of path tracking is influenced by whether the transplanter can enter the stable state of linear path tracking quickly, thus affecting the operation quality and efficiency. To reduce the time to enter the path tracking stable state and improve the tracking accuracy and stability for the rice transplanter, path tracking control method based on variable universe fuzzy control (VUFC) and improved beetle antenna search (BAS) is proposed in this paper. VUFC is applied to achieve adaptive adjustment of the fuzzy universe by dynamically adjusting the quantization and scaling factors according to the variations of errors by the contraction–expansion factor. To solve the problem of setting the contraction–expansion factor in VUFC and real-time performance, an offline parameter optimization method is presented to calculate the optimal contraction–expansion factor by an iterative optimization algorithm in a path tracking simulation model, where the iterative optimization algorithm is the BAS algorithm improved by the isolated niching technique and adaptive step size strategy in this paper. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed path tracking control method, simulation and field linear path tracking experiments were carried out. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method reduces the time of entering the stable state of linear path tracking and improves the accuracy and stability of path tracking compared with the pure pursuit control method.
Honorary Aryans? Japanese German Mischlinge and the Negotiation of Identity in Nazi Germany
Authors: Panzer Sarah
Published: July 2023

Race is the black box at the centre of the German–Japanese alliance during the Second World War. Early Nazi racial legislation provoked speculation regarding its potential impact on Japanese German Mischlinge (individuals of mixed race), and the regime's reluctance to define its position helped to spread the rumour that they had been recognised as ‘honorary Aryans’. Although this was never more than a rumour, the ambiguous racialisation of the Japanese historically seemingly legitimised demands by Japanese Germans that the regime should recognise their rights as members of the Nazi Volksgemeinschaft (national community). This article traces how the Japanese Germans were able to negotiate concessions enabling them to function as a protected minority, albeit in contingent and arbitrarily defined ways. In effect, the Japanese Germans were able to exploit the ambiguities of Nazi racial thinking in order to carve out a place for themselves within the margins of the racial state.
Towards an Inclusive and Representative Academic Landscape
Authors: Leppert Linn , Solymosi Katalin , Galligan Yvonne
Published: July 2023

This article is a summary of a panel discussion entitled ‘Towards an inclusive and representative academic landscape’, held at the Building Bridges Meeting of Academia Europaea and the Young Academy of Europe on 26 October 2022. The panellists were Professor Yvonne Galligan, director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Comparative Politics at the Technological University Dublin, Dr Katalin Solymosi, plant biologist, assistant professor at Eötvös Loránd University and vice-chair of the Young Academy of Europe, and Professor Stephen Curry, Assistant Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Structural Biology at Imperial College London. Dr Linn Leppert, Associate Professor of Computational Chemical Physics and board member of the Young Academy of Europe chaired the discussion.
Neuropsychiatric phenotypes in functional movement disorder
Authors: Gilmour Gabriela S. , Langer Laura K. , Lang Anthony E. , MacGillivray Lindsey , Lidstone Sarah C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Functional movement disorder (FMD), the motor-dominant subtype of functional neurological disorder, is a complex neuropsychiatric condition. Patients with FMD also manifest non-motor symptoms. Given that patients with FMD are diagnosed based on motor phenotype, the contribution of non-motor features to the neuropsychiatric syndrome is not well characterized. The objective of this hypothesis-generating study was to explore potential novel, neuropsychiatric FMD phenotypes by combining movement disorder presentations with non-motor comorbidities including somatic symptoms, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychological traits.

Methods

This retrospective chart review evaluated 158 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FMD who underwent deep phenotyping across neurological and psychiatric domains. Demographic, clinical, and self-report features were analyzed. A data-driven approach using cluster analysis was performed to detect patterns when combining the movement disorder presentation with somatic symptoms, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychological factors. These new neuropsychiatric FMD phenotypes were then tested using logistic regression models.

Results

Distinct neuropsychiatric FMD phenotypes emerged when stratifying by episodic vs. constant motor symptoms. Episodic FMD was associated with hyperkinetic movements, hyperarousal, anxiety, and history of trauma. In contrast, constant FMD was associated with weakness, gait disorders, fixed dystonia, activity avoidance, and low self-agency. Pain, fatigue, somatic preoccupation, and health anxiety were common across all phenotypes.

Conclusion

This study found patterns spanning the neurological-psychiatric interface that indicate that FMD is part of a broader neuropsychiatric syndrome. Adopting a transdisciplinary view of illness reveals readily identifiable clinical factors that are relevant for the development and maintenance of FMD.
The Sub‐Ice Structure of Mt. Melbourne Volcanic Field (Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica) Uncovered by High‐Resolution Aeromagnetic Data
Authors: Ghirotto Alessandro , Armadillo Egidio , Crispini Laura , Zunino Andrea , Tontini Fabio Caratori , Ferraccioli Fausto
Published: July 2023

The Mt. Melbourne Volcanic Field is a quiescent volcanic complex located in Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica, mostly covered by ice. Its inner structure has remained largely unknown, due to the paucity of outcrops and the lack of detailed multi‐disciplinary investigations. Here we present a novel high‐resolution aeromagnetic dataset, revealing strong long‐wavelength negative anomalies superimposed by short‐wavelength positive ones forming characteristic radial patterns. Automatic lineament detection, through the Hough transform technique applied to the tilt derivative of our magnetic dataset, shows prevailing NW‐SE‐to NNE‐SSW‐trending structural features, which combined with the few structural field observations contribute to define the deformation pattern. Pre‐existing and novel magnetic property measurements, coupled with available geochronological data, are used to constrain a two‐step 3D magnetic inversion. A layer‐structured Oldenburg‐Parker's inversion was utilized to model the deep and long‐wavelength components of the magnetic field, whereas a linear inversion based on a set of shallower prisms was used to model the short‐wavelength components. The final 3D model shows widespread reversely‐polarized volcanics, which are locally intruded and superimposed, respectively by swarms of normally‐polarized dikes and radial lava flows along paleo‐valleys. These results support the onset of volcanic activity in the entire field at least in the Matuyama magnetic epoch, that is, between 2.58 and 0.78 Ma.
Influence of Sand Supply and Grain Size on Equilibrium Upper Regime Bedforms
Authors: Sanders Sydney , Jafarinik Sadegh , Hernandez Moreira Ricardo , Johnson Ryan , Balkus Amanda , Ahmadpoor Mahsa , Fryson Brandon , McQueen Briana , Fedele Juan , Viparelli Enrica
Published: July 2023

Notwithstanding the large number of studies on bedforms such as dunes and antidunes, predicting equilibrium bedform type and geometry for a given flow regime, sediment supply and caliber remains an open problem. Here, we present results from laboratory experiments specifically designed to study how upper regime bedform type and geometry vary with sediment supply and caliber. Experiments were performed in a sediment feed flume with flow rates varying between 5 and 30 l/s and sand supply rates varying between 0.6 and 20 kg/min. We used both uniform and non‐uniform sands with geometric mean diameters varying between 0.22 and 0.87 mm. Analysis of our data and data available in the literature reveals that the ratio of total (bedload plus suspension) volume transport rate of sediment to water discharge Qs/Qw plays a prime control on upper regime equilibrium beds. Equilibrium bedforms transition from washed out dunes (lower regime) to downstream migrating antidunes (upper regime) for Qs/Qw between 0.0003 and 0.0007. For values of Qs/Qw greater than 0.0015, the bedform length increases with Qs/Qw. At these high values of Qs/Qw, equilibrium in fine sand is characterized by upstream migrating antidunes, cyclic steps, and significant suspended load. In experiments with coarse sand, equilibrium is characterized by plane bed with bedload transport in sheet flow mode. Standing waves form at the transition between downstream migrating antidunes and upstream migrating bedforms.
The Timing of Global Floods and Its Association With Climate and Topography
Authors: Torre Zaffaroni Paula , Baldi Germán , Texeira Marcos , Di Bella Carlos M. , Jobbágy Esteban G.
Published: July 2023

Until recently, the development of a global geography of floods was challenged by the fragmentation and heterogeneity of in situ data and the high costs of processing large amounts of remote sensing data. Such geography would facilitate the exploration of large‐scale drivers of flood extent and timing including wide latitudinal, climate, and topographic effects. Here we used a monthly data set spanning 30 years (Global Surface Water) to develop a worldwide geographical characterization of slow floods (1‐degree grid), weighting the relative contribution of seasonal, interannual, and long‐term fluctuations on overall variability, and quantified precipitation‐flooding delays where seasonality dominated. We explored the dominance of different flooding timings across five main Köppen‐Geiger climates and seven topography classes derived from modeled water table depths (i.e., hydro‐topography) to contribute top‐down insight about the most salient, cross‐regional flooding patterns and their likely large‐scale drivers. Our results showed that, globally, the mean extent of floods averaged 0.48% of the global land area, predominantly associated with hydro‐topography (>2× more extensive in flatter landscapes). Climate drove flood timings, with predictable, seasonally dominated fluctuations in cold regions, interannual, and mixed patterns in temperate climates, and more irregular (higher variability) and unpredictable (less seasonal) patterns in arid regions. Net gains of flooded area dominated temporal variability in 9% of the cells including boreal clusters likely affected by warming trends. We propose that this new geographical perspective of floods can aid different avenues of hydrological research in the upscaling and extrapolation of field studies and the parsimonious representation of floods in hydroclimatic models.
Body composition assessment of people with overweight/obesity with a simplified magnetic resonance imaging method
Authors: Pereira Yoann , Mendelson Monique , Marillier Mathieu , Ghaith Abdallah , Verges Samuel , Borowik Anna , Vuillerme Nicolas , Estève François , Flore Patrice
Published: July 2023

To develop a simplified magnetic resonance imaging method (MRI) to assess total adipose tissue (AT) and adipose tissue free mass (ATFM) from three single MRI slices in people with overweight/obesity in order to implement body composition follow-up in a clinical research setting. Body composition of 310 participants (70 women and 240 men, age: 50.8 ± 10.6 years, BMI: 31.3 ± 5.6 kg.m−2) was assessed with 3 single slices (T6-T7, L4-L5 and at mid-thigh) MRI. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop equations predicting AT and ATFM from these three single slices. Then we implemented a longitudinal phase consisting in a 2-month exercise training program during which we tested the sensitivity of these equations in a subgroup of participants with overweight/obesity (n = 79) by comparing the exercise-induced variations between predicted and measured AT and ATFM. The following equations: total AT = − 12.74105 + (0.02919 × age) + (4.27634 × sex (M = 0, F = 1)) + (0.22008 × weight) + (26.92234 × AT T6-T7) + (23.70142 × AT L4-L5) + (37.94739 × AT mid-thigh) and total ATFM = − 33.10721 + (− 0.02363 × age) + (− 3.58052 × sex (M = 0, F = 1)) + (30.02252 × height) + (0.08549 × weight) + (11.36859 × ATFM T6-T7) + (27.82244 × ATFM L4-L5) + (58.62648 × ATFM mid-thigh) showed an excellent prediction (adjusted R2 = 97.2% and R2 = 92.5%; CCC = 0.986 and 0.962, respectively). There was no significant difference between predicted and measured methods regarding the AT variations (− 0.07 ± 2.02 kg, p = 0.70) and the ATFM variations (0.16 ± 2.41 kg, p = 0.49) induced by 2-months of exercise training. This simplified method allows a fully accurate assessment of the body composition of people with obesity in less than 20 min (10 min for images acquisition and analysis, respectively), useful for a follow-up.
A posteriori error approximation in discontinuous Galerkin method on polygonal meshes in elliptic problems
Authors: Jaśkowiec Jan , Pamin Jerzy
Published: July 2023

The paper presents a posteriori error approximation concept based on residuals in the two-dimensional discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method. The approach is relatively simple and effective in application, and it takes advantage of some unique properties of the DG method. The error function is constructed in an enriched approximation space, utilizing the hierarchical nature of the basis functions. Among many versions of the DG method, the most popular one is based on the interior penalty approach. However, in this paper a DG method with finite difference (DGFD) is utilized, where the continuity of the approximate solution is enforced by finite difference conditions applied on the mesh skeleton. In the DG methods arbitrarily shaped finite elements can be used, so in this paper the meshes with polygonal finite elements are considered, including quadrilateral and triangular elements. Some benchmark examples are presented, in which Poisson’s and linear elasticity problems are considered. The examples use various mesh densities and approximation orders to evaluate the errors. The error estimation maps, generated for the discussed tests, indicate a good correlation with the exact errors. In the last example, the error approximation concept is applied for an adaptive hp mesh refinement.
Optimization of PID trajectory tracking controller for a 3-DOF robotic manipulator using enhanced Artificial Bee Colony algorithm
Authors: Azeez Muhammad I. , Abdelhaleem A. M. M. , Elnaggar S. , Moustafa Kamal A. F. , Atia Khaled R.
Published: July 2023

This study introduces and compares two optimization techniques, the basic Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and the enhanced Artificial Bee Colony with multi-elite guidance (MGABC), for determining optimal gains of a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller in a 3 degrees of freedom (DOF) rigid link manipulator (RLM) system. The objective function used in the optimization process is a novel function that is based on the well-known Lyapunov stability functions. This function is evaluated against established error-based objective functions commonly used in control systems. The convergence curves of the optimization process demonstrate that the MGABC algorithm outperforms the basic ABC algorithm by effectively exploring the search space and avoiding local optima. The evaluation of the controller's performance in trajectory tracking reveals the superiority of the Lyapunov-based objective function (LBF), with significant improvements over other objective functions such as IAE, ISE, ITAE, MAE and MRSE. The optimized system demonstrates robustness to diverse disturbance conditions and uncertainty in the mass of the payload, while also exhibiting adaptability to joints flexibility without inducing any vibrations in the movement of the end-effector. The proposed techniques and objective function offer promising avenues for the optimization of PID controllers in various robotic applications.
Exploring risk factors for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs)-related thrombotic occlusion in the off-treatment period
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Zhanlun , Wang Jianxin , Cheng Meng , Xie Yanli , Wang Weina , Ma Cuicui , Zhang Lina , Song Zhenchuan , Zhang Yanshou
Published: July 2023

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) have been widely used for many years in the management of patients suffering from cancer. Thrombotic occlusion is the most common functional complication in the off-treatment period. This study aims to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for TIVADs-related thrombotic occlusion in patients with breast cancer. The clinical data of 1586 eligible patients with breast cancer with TIVADs at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 1 January 2019 to 31 August 2021 were analysed. Thrombotic occlusion was confirmed by angiography with signs of partial or total occlusion. Thrombotic occlusion occurred in 96 (6.1%) cases. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the insertion site of the catheter (P = 0.004), size of the catheter (P < 0.001), and indwelling time (P < 0.001) were significant factors for thrombotic occlusion. Insertion in the right internal jugular vein, smaller catheter size and shorter indwelling time can lower the incidence of thrombotic occlusion in breast cancer patients with TIVADs in the off-treatment period.
Salinity-induced changes in plastoquinone pool redox state in halophytic Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.
Authors: Pilarska Maria , Niewiadomska Ewa , Kruk Jerzy
Published: July 2023

We have analyzed the effect of salinity on photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and plastoquinone (PQ) pool in halophytic Mesembryanthemum crystallinum plants. Under prolonged salinity conditions (7 or 10 days of 0.4 M NaCl treatment) we noted an enlarged pool of open PSII reaction centers and increased energy conservation efficiency, as envisaged by parameters of the fast and slow kinetics of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Measurements of oxygen evolution, using 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone as an electron acceptor, showed stimulation of the PSII activity due to salinity. In salt-acclimated plants (10 days of NaCl treatment), the improved PSII performance was associated with an increase in the size of the photochemically active PQ pool and the extent of its reduction. This was accompanied by a rise in the NADP+/NADPH ratio. The presented data suggest that a redistribution of PQ molecules between photochemically active and non-active fractions and a change of the redox state of the photochemically active PQ pool indicate and regulate the acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus to salinity.
Peroxido-bridged chiral double-decker dysprosium macrocycles
Authors: Zhao Chen , Wang Tingting , Liu Xiaodong , Zhu Zhenhua , Ying Xu , Li Xiao-Lei , Tang Jinkui
Published: July 2023

Peroxido-bridged homochiral double-decker dysprosium macrocycles were designed, synthesized and magnetically studied.
Bioelectrochemical upgrading of anaerobic digester biogas under thermophilic conditions
Authors: Liu Si Ying , Charles Wipa , Cord-Ruwisch Ralf , Cheng Ka Yu , Ho Goen
Published: July 2023

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) can be integrated in situ into anaerobic digesters for increasing methane (CH4) content of biogas. Using BES ex situ for improving biogas quality has recently been gaining attention. However, information on the process under thermophilic conditions is very limited. In this study, we placed a BES cathode in-line at the exit gas from a thermophilic anaerobic digester to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) in the biogas into CH4. The performance of the ex situ BES reactor under thermophilic conditions was evaluated. When poising the cathode at −1.1 V versus Ag/AgCl in the ex situ BES reactor, CH4 content increased from 50% to 85%. Of the incoming CO2 73% was biologically converted to CH4 and 23% absorbed by alkalinity generated in the cathode. The energy output as additional CH4 as a percentage of the energy input to operate the BES was calculated at 56%. The biocathode of the BES reactor was dominated by Methanothermobacter spp., which are thermophilic hydrogen consuming methanogens. This study confirms that thermophilic BES can be used as an ex situ treatment process for enriching the CH4 content of biogas. However, energy efficiency of the process was found to be limited by the lack of an energetically efficient anodic reaction. For industrial applications, optimisation of energy efficiency is an area for further research.
The dynamic effect of trading between China and Taiwan under exchange rate fluctuations
Authors: Yang Tzu-Yi , Liu Chieh , Yang Yu-Tai , Chen Ssu-Han
Published: July 2023

As an export-oriented economy, Taiwan’s export income can be easily influenced by internal and international economic factors, including the industrial production index (IPI) and the exchange rate. With China being Taiwan’s largest recipient, Taiwan’s export income from China is extremely important to Taiwan’s economy. Therefore, this research investigates the nonlinear relationship between the IPI of Taiwan and Taiwan’s export income from China with the application of a panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model. In addition, the currency exchange rate of RMB to NTD, which is the transfer variable, is used to examine the dynamic effect. The research period is monthly data ranging from January 2001 to February 2022. The empirical results show that the effect of the IPI of Taiwan on Taiwan’s export income with China is dynamic. Moreover, with the existence of a threshold value, its influence changes as the currency exchange rate of RMB to NTD varies over time. Finally, regardless of whether the currency exchange rate of RMB to NTD is above or below the threshold value, as the IPI of Taiwan increases, Taiwan’s export income from China also increases, differing only in the degree of increase.
The physical and psychological health effects of pet ownership among children in China: A systematic review
Authors: Yin Xiaoshan , Morris Paul Graham , Liu Fangqing , Williams Joanne M.
Published: July 2023

Research to date in Western contexts has indicated various physical and psychological health effects of pet ownership among children, but less is known about the role pets play in the health of children in China. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence on the effects of pet ownership on physical and psychological health among children in China. A literature search was performed in eight databases for studies that investigated the health and psychological effects of pet exposure on children (operationalized as birth to 20 years) in China, and a quality assessment and a narrative synthesis of results were conducted. Fifty-nine studies published between 2002 and 2021 were included in this review, of which 57 focused on children’s physical health issues including asthma and allergy symptoms,
Toxoplasma gondii
infection, animal induced injuries, low birth weight and hypertension, while only two studies focused on children’s psychological health. Overall, pet exposure was most often studied as a risk factor for respiratory health, injuries, and
T. gondii
infection among children in China but was also seen as a protective factor for cardiovascular health and for the association between environmental pollution and children’s respiratory function. In addition to physical health effects, two studies focused on psychological factors: post-traumatic stress following animal-induced injuries and benefits of reading following a canine-assisted activity. Findings underscore the need for further research examining the effects of pet ownership on children’s development and psychological health in China.
Linearised conformal Einstein field equations
Authors: Feng Justin , Gasperín Edgar
Published: July 2023

The linearisation of a second-order formulation of the conformal Einstein field equations (CEFEs) in generalised harmonic gauge (GHG), with trace-free matter is derived. The linearised equations are obtained for a general background and then particularised for the study linear perturbations around a flat background—the inversion (conformal) representation of the Minkowski spacetime—and the solutions discussed. We show that the generalised Lorenz gauge (defined as the linear analogue of the GHG-gauge) propagates. Moreover, the equation for the conformal factor can be trivialised with an appropriate choice for the gauge source functions; this permits a scri-fixing strategy using gauge source functions for the linearised wave-like CEFE-GHG, which can in principle be generalised to the nonlinear case. As a particular application of the linearised equations, the far-field and compact source approximation is employed to derive quadrupole-like formulae for various conformal fields such as the perturbation of the rescaled Weyl tensor.
Electric field as a crystallization switch of heterogeneous ice formation
Authors: Zeng Jincheng , Zhou Ziyue , Song Zixuan , Lu Hao , Liu Yisi , Qiao Shi , Fu Yuequn , Wu Jianyang , Zhang Zhisen
Published: July 2023

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the effect of external electric field on ice formation with the present of a substrate surface. It turns out that the electric field can affect the ice formation on substrate surface by altering the dipole orientation of interfacial water molecules (IWs): a crossover from inhibiting to promoting ice formation with the increase of electric field strength. According to the influence of the electric field on ice formation, the electric field strength range of 0.0 V nm−1–7.0 V nm−1 can be divided into three regions. In the region I and region III, there are both ice formation on the substrate surface. While, the behavior of IWs in the region I and region III are distinguished, including the arrangements of oxygen atoms and the dipole orientation distribution. In region II, ice formation does not occur in the system within 5 × 200 ns simulations. The IWs show a disorder structure, preventing the ice formation process on substrate. The interfacial water molecular orientation distribution and two-dimensional free energy landscape reveals that the electric field can alter the dipole orientation of the interfacial water and lead a free energy barrier, making the ice formation process harder. Our result demonstrates the external electric field can regulate the behavior of IWs, and further affect the ice formation process. The external electric field act as a crystallization switch of ice formation on substrate, shedding light into the studies on the control of ice crystallization.
Inferring gas temperature from N2 emission via rotational distribution of the N2 B3Πg and C3Πu states
Authors: Tibère-Inglesse Augustin C , McGuire Sean D , Laux Christophe O
Published: July 2023

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is frequently used to measure the rotational temperature of a plasma. The technique is relatively simple to implement and non-intrusive. However, in the visible and ultraviolet spectral regions, it relies on emission from excited vibronic states whose rotational and vibrational temperatures might not be equilibrated with the bulk temperature of the plasma. Oftentimes, rapid equilibration between the rotational and translational modes occurs so that these temperatures are equilibrated. However, many cases exist where these modes are not equilibrated. In this work, we have developed a simple model that can be used as an experimental tool when using OES. An updated criterion for ensuring rotational-translational equilibrium is proposed. In cases where nonequilibrium is expected, the model may be used to provide an estimate of the bulk gas temperature. An illustrative example is given where we use this model to analyze previous measurements made in a nonequilibrium discharge.
Validation of density pump-out by pedestal-foot magnetic island formation prior to ELM suppression in KSTAR and DIII-D tokamaks
Authors: Hu Q.M. , Park J.-K. , Yang S.M. , Kim S.K. , Logan N.C. , Nazikian R. , Kang J. , Paz-Soldan C. , Ko W.H. , Park G.Y.
Published: July 2023

TM1 nonlinear two-fluid simulations reveal key characteristics of density pump-out caused by pedestal-foot island formation when applying resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP). These characteristics include a bifurcation in pump-out with a low RMP coil current threshold, a sensitivity of pump-out magnitude to q
95, and the magnitude of pump-out scaling as the square root of the RMP coil current. Dedicated experiments are carried out in the KSTAR and DIII-D tokamaks to validate these features and show that: (1) a staircase bifurcation in density pump-out is observed when slowly ramping up the n = 1 RMP current, and the density fluctuations are found to be slightly decreased from the pedestal-foot to the pedestal-top; (2) the magnitude of density pump-out becomes weaker when decreasing q
95 from 5.5 to 4.9, and a partial recovery of density pump-out is observed when q
95 is ramped down to lower than 4.9; and (3) analysis of a DIII-D database of n = 3 RMP edge-localized mode control experiments finds that the magnitude of density pump-out is proportional to the square root of RMP coil current Δn
e/n
e ∝

I

RMP

0.5

. These experimental observations are consistent with TM1 simulations.
PetaVolts per meter Plasmonics: introducing extreme nanoscience as a route towards scientific frontiers
Authors: Sahai Aakash A. , Golkowski Mark , Gedney Stephen , Katsouleas Thomas , Andonian Gerard , White Glen , Stohr Joachim , Muggli Patric , Filippetto Daniele , Zimmermann Frank , Tajima Toshiki , Mourou Gerard , Resta-Lopez Javier
Published: July 2023

A new class of plasmons has opened access to unprecedented
PetaVolts per meter electromagnetic fields which can transform the
paradigm of scientific and technological advances. This includes
non-collider searches in fundamental physics in addition to making
next generation colliders feasible. PetaVolts per meter plasmonics
relies on this new class of plasmons uncovered by our work in the
large amplitude limit of collective oscillations of quantum electron
gas. This Fermi gas constituted by “free” conduction band
electrons is inherent in conductive media endowed with a suitable
combination of constituent atoms and ionic lattice structure. As
this quantum gas of electrons can be as dense as
1024 cm-3, the coherence limit of plasmonic
electromagnetic fields is extended in our model from the classical
to the quantum domain,
0.1
√(n
0(1024 cm-3)) PVm-1. Appropriately
engineered, structured materials that allow highly tunable material
properties also make it possible to overcome disruptive
instabilities that dominate the interactions in bulk media. The
ultra-high density of conduction electrons and the existence of
electronic energy bands engendered by the ionic lattice is only
possible due to quantum mechanical effects. Based on this framework,
it is critical to address various challenges that underlie PetaVolts
per meter plasmonics including stable excitation of plasmons while
accounting for their effects on the ionic lattice and the electronic
energy band structure over femtosecond timescales. We summarize the
challenges and ongoing efforts that set the strategy for the
future. Extreme plasmonic fields can shape the future by not only
opening the possibility of tens of TeV to multi-PeV
center-of-mass-energies but also enabling novel pathways in
non-collider HEP. In view of this promise, our efforts are dedicated
to realization of the immense potential of PV/m plasmonics and its
applications.
Higher order Morita approximation and its validity for random copolymer adsorption onto homogeneous and periodic heterogeneous surfaces
Authors: Polotsky Alexey A , Ivanova Anna S
Published: July 2023

Adsorption of a single AB random copolymer (RC) chain onto homogeneous and inhomogeneous ab surfaces with a regular periodic pattern is studied theoretically. For the averaging over disorder in the RC sequence, the constrained annealed approximation, known as the Morita approximation is employed. A general scheme for constructing the Morita approximation of an arbitrary order m is proposed; it is based on representation of the RC monomer sequence as a Markov chain of overlapping

(
m

–1)-ads. The problem is solved within the framework of the generating functions approach for the two-dimensional partially directed walk model of the polymer on a square lattice. Temperature dependences of various adsorption characteristics are obtained. The accuracy of the Morita approximation is assessed by comparison with the numerical results for RC with quenched sequences obtained by the transfer matrix approach. It is shown that for RC adsorption on a homogeneous surface for AB-copolymers with adsorbing A and neutral B blocks, it is sufficient to use the Morita approximation of second or third order. If the non-adsorbing B block is repelled from the surface, then a higher order of the approximation (5th–6th) is required. An important indicator of validity of the Morita approximation is the entropy: if the order of the approximation is not high enough, the entropy becomes negative in the low-temperature regime which means that the Morita approximation is wrong in this order. In the case when the surface is periodically inhomogeneous, the Morita approximation works worse and very high orders are required, which can be beyond the computational capabilities. Moreover, the Morita approximations become degenerate: approximations of two or more consecutive orders give the same result.
Cathepsin S deficiency improves muscle mass loss and dysfunction via the modulation of protein metabolism in mice under pathological stress conditions
Authors: Wan Ying , Piao Limei , Xu Shengnan , Inoue Aiko , Meng Xiangkun , Lei Yanna , Huang Zhe , Wang Hailong , Yue Xueling , Shi Guo‐Ping , Kuzuya Masafumi , Cheng Xian Wu
Published: July 2023

Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a widely expressed cysteinyl protease that has garnered attention because of its enzymatic and non‐enzymatic functions under inflammatory and metabolic pathological conditions. Here, we examined whether CTSS participates in stress‐related skeletal muscle mass loss and dysfunction, focusing on protein metabolic imbalance. Eight‐week‐old male wildtype (CTSS+/+) and CTSS‐knockout (CTSS−/−) mice were randomly assigned to non‐stress and variable‐stress groups for 2 weeks, and then processed for morphological and biochemical studies. Compared with non‐stressed mice, stressed CTSS+/+ mice showed significant losses of muscle mass, muscle function, and muscle fiber area. In this setting, the stress‐induced harmful changes in the levels of oxidative stress‐related (gp91phox and p22phox,), inflammation‐related (SDF‐1, CXCR4, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1), mitochondrial biogenesis‐related (PPAR‐γ and PGC‐1α) genes and/or proteins and protein metabolism‐related (p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, p‐FoxO3α, MuRF‐1, and MAFbx1) proteins; and these alterations were rectified by CTSS deletion. Metabolomic analysis revealed that stressed CTSS−/− mice exhibited a significant improvement in the levels of glutamine metabolism pathway products. Thus, these findings indicated that CTSS can control chronic stress‐related skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction by modulating protein metabolic imbalance, and thus CTSS was suggested to be a promising new therapeutic target for chronic stress‐related muscular diseases.
The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach
Authors: Mainwaring Mark C. , Stoddard Mary Caswell , Barber Iain , Deeming D. Charles , Hauber Mark E.
Published: July 2023

Nests, including the enormous structures housing colonies of eusocial insects and the elaborately built nests of some fishes, have long fascinated scientists, yet our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of nests has lagged behind our understanding of subsequent reproductive stages. There has, however, been a burgeoning amount of interest in nests over the past decade, and this special issue on ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach' outlines our understanding of the form and function of nests in diverse animal lineages. Papers in ‘The function of nests: mechanisms and adaptive benefits' theme examine the various functions of nests, while papers in ‘The evolution of nest characteristics' theme examine the evolution of nesting behaviours. Meanwhile, papers in the ‘Large communal nests in harsh environments' theme examine how the enormous structures constructed by eusocial insects and social birds enable them to inhabit harsh arid environments, whereas papers in the ‘Nests in the Anthropocene' theme examine how adaptive shifts in nest architecture allow animals to adapt to breed in the age of accelerating global human impacts. Finally, the synthesis outlines how the mixture of ideas and approaches from researchers studying different taxa will advance our understanding of this exciting field of research.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
The role of cognition in nesting
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Helanterä Heikki , Solvi Cwyn , Wong Bob B. M. , Loukola Olli J.
Published: July 2023

For many animals, nests are essential for reproductive success. Nesting individuals need to carry out a range of potentially challenging tasks, from selecting an appropriate site and choosing suitable materials to constructing the nest and defending it against competitors, parasites and predators. Given the high fitness stakes involved, and the diverse impacts both the abiotic and social environment can have on nesting success, we might expect cognition to facilitate nesting efforts. This should be especially true under variable environmental conditions, including those changing due to anthropogenic impacts. Here, we review, across a wide range of taxa, evidence linking cognition to nesting behaviours, including selection of nesting sites and materials, nest construction, and nest defence. We also discuss how different cognitive abilities may increase an individual's nesting success. Finally, we highlight how combining experimental and comparative research can uncover the links between cognitive abilities, nesting behaviours and the evolutionary pathways that may have led to the associations between them. In so doing, the review highlights current knowledge gaps and provides suggestions for future research.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.