bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling morphology of glassy nematic films with staggered director field
Authors: Xia Shan , He Linghui
Published: October 2023

The photo-induced buckling of axially periodic glassy nematic films with alternating stripped director domains is explored by the Föppl-von Kármán plate theory along with a modified kinetics approach. The effects of domain widths on the critical light intensity as well as the buckling morphology are examined numerically. It is found that in most cases the buckled film forms regularly aligned dimples and protrusions, but shows large scale bending perpendicular to the periodic axis if the widths of the stripes are nearly the same. In addition, change in light intensity is shown to alter the wavenumber of the buckling pattern. These results are expected helpful to the design of shape-shifting structures with glassy nematic films.
Challenges in achieving educational inclusion and development in the digital era: analysis of emotions, barriers and perceived needs
Authors: Mairal-Llebot María , Liesa-Orús Marta , Latorre-Cosculluela Cecilia
Published: October 2023

Society is currently immersed in a highly digitalised panorama due to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The educational process is also in a period of constant technological change and renewal. The transformation of education and methodologies can bring positive benefits for students, but also inequalities. This study aims to analyse the perceptions of families of pupils aged 3–18 on how the use of technology influences their children’s education in terms of emotions, barriers and needs. It is also intended to study whether the perceived barriers are determined by the underlying needs of the households and/or the emotions they experience from the use of technological resources. Finally, the consequences of perceived barriers on needs are studied. For this purpose, 720 parents completed an online questionnaire. The application of the Structural Equation Model reveals that negative emotions have a positive and significant effect on perceived barriers. On the other hand, a positive and significant effect of perceived barriers on expressed needs is found. The results of the research show the inequalities that ICT generate in the school environment, which are determined by the characteristics of the pupils’ family context. Knowing about the situations and perceptions of families is a first step towards carrying out actions to break down barriers and meet needs, the ultimate goal of inclusive education.
Phased Array Radio Navigation System on UAVs: In-Flight Calibration
Authors: Okuhara Mika , Bryne Torleiv Håland , Gryte Kristoffer , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: October 2023

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has been the primary positioning solution for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) due to their worldwide coverage, high precision and lightweight receivers. However, GNSS is prone to electromagnetic interference and malicious assaults, including jamming or spoofing because of its low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To ensure the continuity and protection of UAV operations, using redundant navigation systems is essential. In recent years, the phased array radio system (PARS) has established itself as a local navigation solution. PARS is robust towards malicious assaults because of an much higher SNR than GNSS regarding directed and encrypted transmission. An essential factor of PARS is that the orientation of the radio antenna at a ground station needs to be precisely determined to obtain the correct positioning of UAVs. This paper presents a method for extending a previously proposed calibration algorithm to estimate the ground antenna orientation with an inertial navigation system (INS) aided by redundant positioning sensors (GNSS, PARS or barometer) using a multiplicative extended Kalman filter (MEKF) so that the calibration can be activated during flights whenever GNSS is available. In other words, the proposed navigation system is essentially an aided-INS which switches between two modes depending on the availability of GNSS: calibration and GNSS aiding mode when GNSS is available (Mode 1) and PARS and barometer aiding mode when GNSS is unavailable (Mode 2). Considering that the navigation system needs to include the effect of Earth’s curvature for a long-distance flight, PARS horizontal measurement and the barometer measurement were treated independently, and the navigation equations were propagated in Earth Centred Earth Fixed (ECEF) frame. The independent treatment of barometer measurement, and the propagation in ECEF frame were also beneficial when using multiple ground antennas to have a common reference point and reference frame. The proposed method was validated using data (Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), GNSS, PARS, Pixhawk autopilot (including barometer) measurements) collected during a field test. In the validation, GNSS was made available at the middle of the flight and the calibration mode was activated for 200s. The proposed navigation system successfully estimated the precise orientation of multiple ground antennas and the navigation solutions were verified using GNSS and Pixhawk autopilot solutions as ground truth.
Oxidation Behavior and Outward Diffusion of Al Along Oxide Grain Boundaries of FeCrAl Alloys Overdoped with Zr and Hf
Authors: Daradkeh Samer I. , Recalde Oscar , Mousa Marwan S. , Sobola Dinara , Boll Torben
Published: October 2023

The formation of the α-Al2O3 scale on reactive element (RE)-doped FeCrAl alloys is commonly believed to be primarily caused by inward oxygen transport along grain boundaries. However, this study suggests that metal ion outward diffusion also plays a role in the development of the oxide scales and their microstructural characteristics. The study examines the oxidation behavior and grain boundary outward diffusion of iron-chromium alloys containing ~ 10 at% aluminum and ~ 22 at% chromium, doped with an over-critical concentration of REs, i.e., Zr and Hf. All samples were investigated after thermal exposure at 1100 °C by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). As a result of the overdoping, a considerable increase in oxide growth, an increase in the depth of internal oxidation, and RE-oxide formation near and at oxide grain boundaries (GBs) were observed as a consequence of increased inward and outward diffusion. The effect of overdoping manifests itself differently depending on the RE type and amount due to different solubility, ionic size, and electronic structure of alumina. The sample with Zr retained the adhesion of alumina to the alloy after the first and second thermal exposure, while Hf overdoping resulted in severe spallation after the second thermal exposure.
“Where lies the grail? AI, common sense, and human practical intelligence”
Authors: Hasselberger William , Lott Micah
Published: October 2023

The creation of machines with intelligence comparable to human beings—so-called "human-level” and “general” intelligence—is often regarded as the Holy Grail of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. However, many prominent discussions of AI lean heavily on the notion of human-level intelligence to frame AI research, but then rely on conceptions of human cognitive capacities, including “common sense,” that are sketchy, one-sided, philosophically loaded, and highly contestable. Our goal in this essay is to bring into view some underappreciated features of the practical intelligence involved in ordinary human agency. These features of practical intelligence are implicit in the structure of our first-person experience of embodied and situated agency, deliberation, and human interaction. We argue that spelling out these features and their implications reveals a fundamental distinction between two forms of intelligence in action, or what we call “efficient task-completion” versus “intelligent engagement in activity.” This distinction helps us to see what is missing from some widely accepted ways of thinking about human-level intelligence in AI, and how human common sense is actually tied, conceptually, to the ideal of practical wisdom, or good (normative) judgment about how to act and live well. Finally, our analysis, if sound, also has implications for the important ethical question of what it means to have AI systems that are aligned with human values, or the so-called “value alignment” problem for artificial intelligence.
The Opportunities and Challenges for Artificial Intelligence to Improve Sepsis Outcomes in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Tarik , Permana Budi , Harris Patrick N. A. , Naidoo Kuban D. , Pienaar Michael A. , Irwin Adam D.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

To describe existing applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in sepsis management and the opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation in the paediatric intensive care unit.

Recent Findings

Over the last decade, significant advances have occurred in the use of AI techniques, particularly in relation to medical image analysis. Increasingly, these techniques are being applied to a broad array of datasets. The availability of both structured and unstructured data from electronic health records, omics data and digital technologies (for example, portable sensors) is rapidly extending the range of applications for AI. These techniques offer the exciting potential to improve the recognition of sepsis and to help us understand the pathophysiological pathways and therapeutic targets of sepsis.

Although AI has great potential to improve sepsis management in children, significant challenges need to be overcome before it can be successfully implemented to change healthcare delivery.
Roles of Neuronal Protein Kinase Cε on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagic Formation in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Kan Yu-Yu , Chang Ying-Shuang , Liao Wen-Chieh , Chao Tzu-Ning , Hsieh Yu-Lin
Published: October 2023

In chronic diabetic neuropathy (DN), the cellular mechanisms of neuropathic pain remain unclear. Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is an intracellular signaling molecule that mediates chronic pain. This paper addresses the long-term upregulated PKCε in DN associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagic formation and correlates to chronic neuropathic pain. We found that thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia course development were associated with PKCε upregulation after DN but not skin denervation. Pathologically, PKCε upregulation was associated with the expression of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α; ER stress–related molecule) and ubiquitin D (UBD), which are involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-mediated degradation of misfolded proteins under ER stress. Manders coefficient analyses revealed an approximately 50% colocalized ratio for IRE1α(+):PKCε(+) neurons (0.34–0.48 for M1 and 0.40–0.58 for M2 Manders coefficients). The colocalized coefficients of UBD/PKCε increased (M1: 0.33 ± 0.03 vs. 0.77 ± 0.04, p < 0.001; M2: 0.29 ± 0.05 vs. 0.78 ± 0.04; p < 0.001) in the acute DN stage. In addition, the regulatory subunit p85 of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, which is involved in regulating insulin signaling, exhibited similar expression patterns to those of IRE1α and UBD; for example, it had highly colocalized ratios to PKCε. The ultrastructural examination further confirmed that autophagic formation was associated with PKCε upregulation. Furthermore, PKCεv1-2, a PKCε specific inhibitor, reverses neuropathic pain, ER stress, and autophagic formation in DN. This finding suggests PKCε plays an upstream molecule in DN-associated neuropathic pain and neuropathology and could provide a potential therapeutic target.
Impact of segmentation algorithms on multisensor LULC classification in a semiarid Mediterranean area
Authors: Valdivieso-Ros Carmen , Alonso-Sarría Francisco , Gomariz-Castillo Francisco
Published: October 2023

Geographic object-based image analysis methods usually provide better results than pixel-based methods for classifying land use and land cover from high and medium resolution satellite imagery. This study compares the results of Random Forest (RF) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) when used to classify the segments obtained on an RGB+NIR Sentinel-2 image using three different segmentation algorithms, Multiresolution (MR), Region Growing (RG), and Mean-Shift (MS). The hyperparameters of these algorithms were optimised minimising the intra-object heterogeneity and maximizing the inter-object heterogeneity, integrating them in an optimization loop. Geometric and two different centrality and dispersion statistics were computed from some Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and LiDAR variables over the segments, and used as features to classify the datasets. The highest segment cross-validation accuracies were obtained with RF using MR segments: 0.9048 (k=0.8905), while the highest accuracies calculated with test pixels were obtained with MLP using MR segments: 0.9447 (k=0.9303), both with the mean and standard deviation of the feature set. Although the overall accuracy is quite high, there are problems with some classes in the confusion matrix and, significant misclassification appear when a qualitative analysis of the final maps is performed, indicating that the accuracy metrics may be overestimated and that a qualitative analysis of the results may also be necessary.
Are agroforestry systems more productive than monocultures in Mediterranean countries? A meta-analysis
Authors: Scordia Danilo , Corinzia Sebastiano Andrea , Coello Jaime , Vilaplana Ventura Rosa , Jiménez-De-Santiago Diana Elisa , Singla Just Berta , Castaño-Sánchez Omar , Casas Arcarons Carme , Tchamitchian Marc , Garreau Léa , Emran Mohamed , Mohamed Sami Z. , Khedr Mai , Rashad Mohamed , Lorilla Roxanne Suzette , Parizel Alexandre , Mancini Giuseppe , Iurato Antonella , Ponsá Sergio , Dimauro Corrado , Gresta Fabio , Cosentino Salvatore Luciano , Testa Giorgio
Published: October 2023

Agroforestry is gaining interest due to its potential in enhancing climate resilience and sustainability of farming systems. In this meta-analysis, the crop yield in agroforestry system compared to the control (sole crop) from thirty-six experimental field trials in Mediterranean countries was assessed. The response variable Wlog(RR) (i.e., the weighted natural logarithm of the response ratio) was analyzed by the 95% confidence intervals of mean and by fitting eight linear mixed models. Fixed effects, namely the tree cover (low, medium, high), the tree species (ash tree, chestnut, cork oak, holm oak, olive, poplar, walnut), and the crop species (alfalfa, barley, durum wheat, faba bean, forage, oat, pasture, pea, winter wheat) were significant (P = 0.030, P = 0.017, and P = 0.014, respectively), while the system type (alley cropping, silvo-arable, silvo-pastoral) was not. Among management practices (variety, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, crop age classes, imposed warming and drought, harvest time), only the fertilization significantly improved the response variable (P = 0.006), while the interaction of pruning × crop species was marginally significant (P = 0.065). Relatively large study heterogeneity was observed (Q = 72.6, I2 = 72%), which is quite common for agronomic meta-analysis. On the contrary, publication bias based on funnel plots and the Trim and Fill method suggested symmetrical distribution of studies. The sensitivity analysis for significant models identified room for improvements. Overall, we observed a negative effect of trees on crop yield that could be ascribed to the competition for light. Nonetheless, facilitation could be expected under extreme climate events, provided that agricultural practices will maximize synergies among tree cover, tree species, crop species, and management. Future works are encouraged to focus on the overall benefit agroforestry can provide at the field and landscape level, along with long-term monitoring to assess the whole lifespan of these systems and other companion planting options and designs in the Mediterranean region.
Alterazioni tiroidee nella fecondazione medicalmente assistita
Authors: Meomartino Letizia , Rossi Mattia , Giaccherino Ruth Rossetto , Pagano Loredana
Published: October 2023

Sommario

Le tecniche di riproduzione assistita sono ormai diventate parte integrante della gestione dell’infertilità. Una corretta funzione tiroidea è essenziale nel concepimento, nel proseguimento della gravidanza e nello sviluppo intrauterino del feto. Infatti, diversi studi confermano l’associazione tra disturbi tiroidei e alterazione della fertilità in ambo i sessi. Negli ultimi anni, è stato inoltre molto discusso il ruolo negativo degli auto-anticorpi anti-tiroide, in particolare degli anti-tireoperossidasi, in questo contesto, anche in assenza di alterazioni del profilo tiroideo. Questa rassegna si pone quindi come obiettivo la discussione delle disfunzioni tiroidee, in particolare autoimmuni, e della loro gestione, nei pazienti subfertili e durante i percorsi di riproduzione medicalmente assistita.
“But This Is the New Reality, and I Will Adapt”: Understanding Lecturers’ Experiences of COVID-19 Lockdown Online Learning and Teaching
Authors: van der Merwe Lynette J. , van Zyl Sanet , Joubert Gina
Published: October 2023

Following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic national lockdown in South Africa, the University of the Free State launched various support initiatives for academic staff and students. Teaching and learning activities and assessments were adapted for emergency remote teaching. Students and academic staff members experienced disruption due to the migration to the online environment. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of academic staff members in an undergraduate medical programme using a mixed-methods approach in the form of a sequential exploratory design in two phases. Quantitative data were obtained through an online questionnaire survey that were triangulated and complemented with qualitative data obtained from responses to open questions in the questionnaire survey and online reflective essays. Quantitative data revealed that although most academic staff members had received training in and used mostly administrative functions in the learning management system (Blackboard) prior to lockdown, its uses almost doubled during the lockdown. Qualitative data analysis gave an in-depth understanding of academic staff members’ experiences identified in the themes Teaching and Learning, Assessment, Technology, Communication, and Personal Experience. Concerns were expressed regarding students’ access to technology and adaptation to online learning, and training needs and challenges were identified. The lessons learnt through the resilient, transformative responses to this global disruptor can guide future strategies for medical education.
A comprehensive study of the estuary sea environment in the Bay of Bengal, near the Mahanadi River confluence
Authors: Pati Sharada Shrinivas , Nayak Sumitra , Mishra Sangeeta , Panda Bhabani Shankar , Mahala Suravi Susmita , Mohanty Sarat Kumar , Behera Rajaram , Mallick Niranjan , Murugesan Kailasam
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the environmental conditions of the Mahanadi Estuary near Paradeep Harbor and the adjacent sea. Data collected from May 2013 to April 2020 from 32 GPS fixed stations was analyzed to assess the water quality in different zones (estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north) of study area. Parameters such as pH, SST, TSS, nitrite, phosphate, silicate, TOC, chlorophyll, fecal coliform, and heavy metals were used to estimate the Water Quality Index (WQI) for each zone. The study found a deterioration (> 30%) in the overall water quality of the Mahanadi Estuary from 2013 to 2020, potentially attributed to river inflows, port activities, and industrial outflows in to the coastal ecosystem. Seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia were observed. The water quality showed a deteriorating trend in estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north. Based on the water quality indices, the ecosystem shows moderate levels of stress. The degraded water quality highlights the need for a targeted mitigation plan to reduce external pressures and enhance the overall ecosystem quality.

Graphical Abstract
Cross cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Greek version of the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 (VMIQ-2)
Authors: Plakoutsis George , Fousekis Konstantinos , Tsepis Elias , Papandreou Maria
Published: October 2023

The VMIQ-2 has been proven a valid and useful psychometric tool to measure the ability of vividness of movement imagery in sports. However, no validity study has been reported in Greek. The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the VMIQ-2 into Greek in adult athletes derived from various sports activities and different athletic levels. The VMIQ-2-GR (n = 160) was examined for translation, construct and discriminant validity, and also for internal consistency and test–retest reliability. CFA did not show acceptable global fit indices and only the index of (x2/df) showed an acceptable fit. The resulting factors of the EFA highlighted the discrepancy between the Greek version and the original version of the VMIQ-2. The results of the discriminant validity confirmed that the VMIQ-2-GR was well discriminated between subgroups of athletes and, therefore, showed a good discriminant validity. The Cronbach a coefficient was excellent at both measurements (> 0.92 in all cases for all factors). The Spearman rho correlation coefficients were statistically significant (< 0.001) with values > 0.47. The findings of the VMIQ-2–GR suggest that it is a valid and reliable tool and it can be used by sports psychologists, sports physiotherapists, coaches and researchers who aim to apply MI in the Greek athletic population.
RetroSeeker reveals the characteristics, expression, and evolution of a large set of novel retrotransposons
Authors: Huang Junhong , Chen Zhirong , Li Bin , Qu Lianghu , Yang Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Retrotransposons are highly prevalent in most animals and account for more than 35% of the human genome. However, the prevalence, biogenesis mechanism and function of retrotransposons remain largely unknown. Here, we developed retroSeeker, a novel computational software that identifies novel retrotransposons from pairwise alignments of genomes and decodes their biogenesis, expression, evolution and potential functions. We discovered that the majority of new retrotransposons exhibit a specific L1 endonuclease cleavage motif, with some motifs precisely located ten nucleotides upstream of the insertion site. We identified that a large number of candidate functional genes might be generated through a retrotransposition mechanism. Importantly, we uncovered previously uncharacterized classes of retrotransposons related to histone genes, mitochondrial genes and vault RNAs. Moreover, we elucidated the tissue-specific expression of retrotransposons and demonstrated their ubiquitous expression in various cancer types. We also revealed the complex evolutionary patterns of retrotransposons and identified numerous species-specific retrotransposition events. Taken together, our findings establish a paradigm for discovering novel classes of retrotransposons and elucidating their new characteristics in any species.
Bush Kinders: Building Young Children’s Relationships with the Environment
Authors: Speldewinde Chris , Campbell Coral
Published: October 2023

Early childhood is an important time for building children’s affinity with nature and the environment. Early childhood professionals play a crucial role in developing young children’s understanding of the natural world. Over the past 50 years, there has been a movement in early childhood education and care contexts to provide young children with the opportunity to learn in natural surroundings such as forest schools and nature kindergartens. This research, occurred in four bush kinders, an Australian example of nature-based, early years education influenced by the forest school approach to education. In this paper we interrogate key ideas concerning environmental education, drawing on seminal empirical research, guiding curriculum documents such as Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework and government policy documents to build understandings of how children’s play can be observed by educators who can then support the children to develop their understandings of the natural world around them. Through ethnography, a methodology that uses both participation and observation of research participants, it became apparent that young children’s play-based learning offers opportunities for development of understandings of the environment. Applying a recent definition of environmental education from the US Environmental Protection Authority (2022), we analysed four vignettes which provide examples of educators and children’s interactions supporting children to build an affinity with nature observed during the research. This research’s implications are novel when considering the relatively new bush kinder approach to early childhood education as the findings remind us of the benefits of bush kinders in generating opportunities for young children’s environmental education.
Universal law of skin-friction coefficient in a fully developed zero pressure gradient axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer flow
Authors: Ali Sk Zeeshan , Dey Subhasish
Published: October 2023

Understanding the skin friction in an axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer (ATBL) flow is a key to designing and optimising the flow past axisymmetric bodies, for example, a rocket engine nozzle and a submarine hull. In this study, we propose a universal law of the skin-friction coefficient in an ATBL flow. The flow is steady and fully developed with a zero pressure gradient. The governing equation for the ATBL flow is derived by methodically applying the boundary layer approximation. Subsequently, the scaling law of the Reynolds shear stress, caused by turbulent eddies, at the surface tangential to the wall roughness summits is derived by incorporating the role of transverse curvature. The skin-friction coefficient in a smooth ATBL flow is found to depend on two parameters, namely, the Reynolds number based on the cylinder radius, Rea, and the ratio of boundary layer thickness to cylinder radius, δ/a. The analysis predicts a simple form of the skin-friction coefficient as

${C_f} = 4.56 \times {10^{ - 2}}{[R{e_a}\ln (1 + \delta /a)]^{ - 1/4}}$

, which agrees satisfactorily with the available experimental data and the numerical simulations in all the axisymmetric flow regimes. The proposed law, in the limit of infinite radius, is consistent with the classical law of the skin-friction coefficient in a plane turbulent boundary layer flow as

${C_{f0}}\sim Re_\delta ^{ - 1/4}$

, where Reδ is the Reynolds number based on the boundary layer thickness. This study reveals that, for δ/a < 1, the relative skin-friction coefficient,

$({C_f} - {C_{f0}})/{C_{f0}}$

, follows a linear law with δ

$/$

a.
Interplay between Brownian and hydrodynamic tracer diffusion in suspensions of swimming microorganisms
Authors: Nordanger Henrik , Morozov Alexander , Stenhammar Joakim
Published: October 2023

The general problem of tracer diffusion in non-equilibrium baths is important in a wide range of systems, from the cellular level to geographical length scales. In this paper, we revisit the archetypical example of such a system: a collection of small passive particles immersed in a dilute suspension of non-interacting dipolar microswimmers, representing bacteria or algae. In particular, we consider the interplay between thermal (Brownian) diffusion and hydrodynamic (active) diffusion due to the persistent advection of tracers by microswimmer flow fields. Previously, it has been argued that even a moderate amount of Brownian diffusion is sufficient to significantly reduce the persistence time of tracer advection, leading to a significantly reduced value of the effective active diffusion coefficient

$D_A$

compared to the non-Brownian case. Here, we show by large-scale simulations and kinetic theory that this effect is in fact practically relevant only for microswimmers that effectively remain stationary while still stirring up the surrounding fluid – so-called shakers. In contrast, for moderate and high values of the swimming speed, relevant for biological microswimmer suspensions, the effect of Brownian motion on

$D_A$

is negligible, leading to the effects of advection by microswimmers and Brownian motion being additive. This conclusion contrasts with previous results from the literature, and encourages a reinterpretation of recent experimental measurements of

$D_A$

for tracer particles of varying size in bacterial suspensions.
Persistence of voice pitch bias against policy differences
Authors: Cinar Asli Ceren , Kıbrıs Özgür
Published: October 2023

We use an online experiment to study the relative effect on voter behavior of a candidate’s voice pitch and policy stance. We demonstrate a strong voice-pitch bias: between candidates who are identical in every other aspect, voters are more likely to choose the one with the lower voice-pitch, and more so in elections between men than women candidates. We then introduce a novel phenomenon: persistence of voice-pitch bias is the amount of policy difference needed to compensate for voice-pitch bias. While persistence is also gender-dependent, the effect is now reversed: voice-pitch bias is more persistent in elections between women than men candidates. As a possible mechanism, we show that voters perceive candidates with lower voice-pitch as more competent and trustworthy.
ACHIEVING LOW BACKGROUNDS DURING COMPOUND-SPECIFIC HYDROXYPROLINE DATING: HPLC COLUMN EFFECTS
Authors: Linscott Bethan , Spindler Luke , Cameron Jamie , Chivall David , Wood Rachel
Published: October 2023

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon (14C) dating is central to the development of robust chronologies in archaeological and paleoenvironmental contexts spanning the last 50,000 years. For dates to be accurate, samples must be free of exogenous carbon contamination. At the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU), considerable advancements in the dating of bone collagen have been made through the development of a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the dating of the amino acid hydroxyproline, which can mitigate the effects of carbon contamination. However, recent changes in ligand manufacturing methods for the mixed-mode column used in the ORAU protocol (Primesep A, SIELC Technologies; IL, USA) have resulted in unacceptably high analytical backgrounds. Prior to the manufacturing change, backgrounds of > 50k BP were achievable. Since the manufacturing change, a mean background of 32.5k BP has been measured. Due to column bleed, the Primesep A is therefore no longer suitable for 14C measurement of hydroxyproline from older material. Here, we present background data and the chromatography conditions used to isolate hydroxyproline using an alternative column, a preparative-scale Newcrom AH, which shows promising potential as an alternative for the routine isolation and AMS dating of hydroxyproline—especially approaching the age and mass limits of the method.
‘Chống dịch như chống giặc’ (‘Fighting the pandemic like fighting the invader’): Audience agency and historical resources in Vietnam’s early securitisation of Covid-19
Authors: Phan Xuan Dung , Quah Say Jye , To Minh Son
Published: October 2023

Vietnam’s initial response to Covid-19 was conspicuous for various reasons, including how its attempt at securitisation drew deeply from historical narratives, symbols, and traditions specific to the Vietnamese experience, as well as how the securitisation project was not simply top-down and state-driven but also featured ground-up participation where the public was mobilised to participate in and actively reiterate securitisation practices. This richly textured empirical case study of the workings of Vietnamese society and politics represents an invitation to explore key debates surrounding securitisation theory. Reflecting on the empirical material of the case, this paper builds on scholarship seeking to highlight the shortcomings of the Copenhagen School’s model of securitisation and from there further explore securitisation theory and its limits. It takes aim at how the audience and its agency is conceptualised in the theory and develops the notions of ‘historical resources’ and ‘activation architecture’ to more adequately explain the processes of securitisation.
Exekutive Funktionen bei Kindern: Kognitive Trainingsprogramme unter der Lupe
Authors: Hagmann-von Arx Priska , Möhring Wenke
Published: October 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Exekutive Funktionen werden üblicherweise in die Bereiche Arbeitsgedächtnis, Inhibition und kognitive Flexibilität unterteilt. Kognitive Trainingsprogramme für Kinder zielen darauf ab, diese Bereiche isoliert zu trainieren, um positive Transfereffekte auf andere Fähigkeiten wie Lesen, Rechnen und schlussfolgerndes Denken zu erzielen. In diesem Beitrag werden jedoch empirische Befunde dargelegt, die Zweifel an der Wirksamkeit solcher Förderansätze aufkommen lassen. Diskussion: Stattdessen wird herausgearbeitet, dass eine erfolgreiche Förderung der Exekutiven Funktionen darin bestehen kann, diese im Hinblick auf ein konkretes Ziel im alltäglichen Kontext umzusetzen, auf dem Vorwissen aufzubauen, das dynamische Zusammenspiel zwischen Exekutiven Funktionen und Lernleistungen zu berücksichtigen und mit expliziter Instruktion Strategien zu vermitteln, welche die Exekutiven Funktionen unterstützen und entlasten.
Using Sea Level to Determine the Strength, Structure and Variability of the Cape Horn Current
Authors: Zheng Qi , Bingham Rory , Andrews Oliver
Published: October 2023

The Cape Horn Current (CHC) is one of the components of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current system that enables it to fulfill its crucial role as a conduit between ocean basins. Despite this, to‐date there have been very few measurements of CHC strength and none continuous in time or space. Here, we use a combination of ocean models, one free‐running and one data‐assimilating, and satellite altimetry (1993–2021) to estimate the time‐dependent strength of the CHC at 10 transects along its length. We find the time‐mean CHC transport increases from 0.4 ± 0.5 Sv near 49°S to 5.3 ± 2.2 Sv at Cape Horn, with peak‐to‐peak interannual fluctuations of 0.8–3.4 Sv. Although, theoretically, increased run‐off from a wasting Patagonian Ice‐field would strengthen its flow, the CHC appears quite stable over the last 29 years, with little evidence of a coherent, long‐term increase or decrease in the strength of the current.
SM2RAIN-Climate, a monthly global long-term rainfall dataset for climatological studies
Authors: Mosaffa Hamidreza , Filippucci Paolo , Massari Christian , Ciabatta Luca , Brocca Luca
Published: October 2023

A reliable and accurate long-term rainfall dataset is an indispensable resource for climatological studies and crucial for application in water resource management, agriculture, and hydrology. SM2RAIN (Soil Moisture to Rain) derived datasets stand out as a unique and wholly independent global product that estimates rainfall from satellite soil moisture observations. Previous studies have demonstrated the SM2RAIN products’ high potential in estimating rainfall around the world. This manuscript describes the SM2RAIN-Climate rainfall product, which uses the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) soil moisture v06.1 to provide monthly global rainfall for the 24-year period 1998–2021 at 1-degree spatial resolution. The assessment of the proposed rainfall dataset against different existing state-of-the-art rainfall products exhibits the robust performance of SM2RAIN-Climate in most regions of the world. This performance is indicated by correlation coefficients between SM2RAIN-Climate and state-of-the-art products, consistently exceeding 0.8. Moreover, evaluation results indicate the potential of SM2RAIN-Climate as an independent rainfall product from other satellite rainfall products in capturing the pattern of global rainfall trend.
The metagenomic and metabolomic profile of the gut microbes in Chinese full-term and late preterm infants treated with Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Li Hong , Ma Xingling , Li Yongfu , Liu Qin , Tian Qiuyan , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhou Zhemin , Ren Jing , Sun Bin , Feng Xing , Zhang Hong , Yin Xiaoping , Li Heng , Ding Xin
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated the composition, abundance, and diversity of gut microbes in full-term and late-preterm infants from a medical center in eastern China. A total of 144 genomes of stool samples were captured for 16S rRNA metagenomic analyses. A high abundance of commensal intestinal bacteria was detected in these samples such as Phocaeicola vulgatus, Escherichia coli, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, indicating a relatively consistent diversity of gut microbes in the present full-term infants aged 38–40 weeks. However, late preterm infants (n = 50) with mandatory antimicrobials feeding exhibited lower diversity but a higher composition of opportunistic pathogens such as Enterococcus species. Centralized on the situation, we explored the regulatory effect of Clostridium butyricum as probiotics on these late preterm infants. The consumption of C. butyricum did not restore the composition of gut microbes altered by antimicrobials to normal levels, although several opportunistic pathogens decreased significantly after probiotic therapy including Staphylococcus aureus, Sphingomonas echinoides, and Pseudomonas putida. We also compared the effects of day-fed versus night-fed probiotics. Intriguingly, the nighttime feeding showed a higher proportion of C. butyricum compared with probiotic day-feeding. Finally, fecal metabolome and metabolites were analyzed in late preterm infants with (n = 20) or without probiotic therapy (n = 20). The KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that vitamin digestion and absorption, synaptic vesicle cycle, and biotin metabolism were significantly increased in the probiotic-treated group, while MSEA indicated that a series of metabolism were significantly enriched in probiotic-treated infants including glycerolipid, biotin, and lysine, indicating the complex effects of probiotic therapy on glutathione metabolism and nutrients digestion and absorption in late preterm infants. Overall, this study provided metagenomic and metabolomic profile of the gut microbes in full-term newborns and late preterm infants in eastern China. Further studies are needed to support and elucidate the role of probiotic feeding in late preterm infants with mandatory antimicrobial treatment.
Mathematical modeling of disinformation and effectiveness of mitigation policies
Authors: Butts David J. , Bollman Sam A. , Murillo Michael S.
Published: October 2023

Disinformation is spread to manipulate public opinion for malicious purposes. Mathematical modeling was used to examine and optimize several strategies for combating disinformation—content moderation, education, and counter-campaigns. We implemented these strategies in a modified binary agreement model and investigated their impacts on properties of the tipping point. Social interactions were described by weighted, directed, and heterogeneous networks. Real social network data was examined as well. We find that content moderation achieved by removing randomly selected agents who spread disinformation is comparable to that achieved by removing highly influential agents; removing disinformation anywhere in a network could be an effective way to counter disinformation. An education strategy that increases public skepticism was more effective than one that targets already biased agents. Successful counter-campaign strategies required a substantial population of agents to influence other agents to oppose disinformation. These results can be used to inform choices of effective strategies for combating disinformation.
Enhancement of various images using coefficients obtained from a class of Sakaguchi type functions
Authors: Aarthy B. , Keerthi B. Srutha
Published: October 2023

Digital image processing has a wide range of uses, including robotics and automated inspection of industrial parts. Other uses include remote sensing using satellites and other spacecraft, image transmission and storage for business applications, medical processing, and Acoustic image processing. The process of highlighting particular intriguing features in a hidden image is known as image enhancement. We can accomplish this by altering the brightness, contrast, etc. The generated output is more suitable than the original image for some particular purposes. The proposed algorithm which is based on the convolution of coefficient bounds of a subclass $$p-\Upsilon {\mathcal {S}}^*(t,\delta ,\mu )$$

p
-
Υ

S

∗

(
t
,
δ
,
μ
)

obtained using Mittag-Leffler type Poisson Distribution is tested on three image data sets with different dimensions and image formats (PNG, JPEG, TIFF, etc.) and its PSNR, SSIM, MSE, RMSE, PCC and MAE values are observed to check the quality of the enhanced images.
The South America Low-Level Jet: form, variability and large-scale forcings
Authors: Jones Charles , Mu Ye , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Ding Qinghua
Published: October 2023

Northerly low-level jets (LLJ) along the eastern Andes are important conduits of moisture transport and play central roles in modulating precipitation in South America. This study further investigates the variability of the LLJ during extended austral summers. A new method characterizes the spatial extent of the LLJ and finds four distinct types: Central, Northern, Andes and Peru. We show the existence of specific evolutions such that the LLJ may initiate in the central region, expands along the Andes and terminates in the northern region. Conversely, the LLJ may propagate from north-to-south. The spatiotemporal evolution of the LLJ is remotely forced by Rossby wave trains propagating from the Pacific Ocean towards South America, and the different phases of the wave trains favor the occurrences of Central, Northern or Andes types. Occurrences of Central and Northern types are more frequent in El Niño and La Niña years, respectively. The persistence of precipitation is shown to be directly related to the persistence of the LLJ. Lastly, the Madden-Julian Oscillation plays an important role in generating wave trains modulating the frequency of LLJ, especially the Central type.
Earthquake size distributions are slightly different in compression vs extension
Authors: Taroni Matteo , Carafa Michele Matteo Cosimo
Published: October 2023

The earthquake size distribution is described by an exponential function governed by the b-value parameter. It has already been proven that the b-value depends on the differential stress and tectonic settings. Here, we propose a new method to group earthquakes using the kinematics of the interseismic geodetic strain rates and horizontal stress directions. We select the Italian peninsula as a case study, and we find that the b-value is significantly larger in the extensional setting than in the compressional one, although these differences are much smaller than previously reported. We also show that spatial fragmentation of uniform tectonic regimes leads to inaccurate b-value estimation due to the undersampling of earthquake size distribution. Given these results, we conclude that stress directions and geodetic data complement other geological or geophysical information and reduce the arbitrariness in drawing zones for a seismotectonic model.
Visual detection of microplastics using Raman spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Liu Kaili , Pang Xu , Chen Huacai , Jiang Li
Published: October 2023

In this study, microscopic Raman spectroscopy imaging enabled visual detection of microplastics. Pseudo-color imaging maps were generated to visually represent the distribution of different microplastics.
A stable ultra-microporous hafnium-based metal–organic framework with high performance for CO2 adsorption and separation
Authors: Ma Yali , Wang Haitang , Wang Hailong , Wang Jiani , Jiang Shuaiyu , Zheng Qiang , Jia Songyan , Li Xue , Ma Tianyi
Published: October 2023

A double walled hafnium-based metal–organic framework with ultra-microporous structure was successfully constructed and displayed high chemical stability and commendable CO2 adsorption and separation ability.
Investigating cooperative effects in small cobalt and cobalt–nickel alloy clusters with attached ethanol
Authors: Dietrich Fabian , Becherer Markus , Bellaire Daniel , Martínez-Rodríguez Paulina , Gerhards Markus
Published: October 2023

Cooperativity and bond cleavage are studied in small cobalt and nickel clusters with ethanol using IR(M)PD spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous two-phase systems for the purification of phosphoric acid
Authors: Falcon-Millan Guadalupe , Reyes-Aguilera J. Antonio , Razo-Lazcano Teresa A. , Ramírez-Hernández A. , Armas-Perez Julio C. , Gonzalez-Muñoz M. Pilar
Published: October 2023

In this work, Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations were used to elucidate key interactions between polyethylene glycol (PEG) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in aqueous two-phase systems for the extraction of phosphoric acid.
Mechanistic insights into photoinduced energy and charge transfer dynamics between magnesium-centered tetrapyrroles and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Jia-Ning , Cheng Ke-Qin , Zhang Xiaolong , Yang Shubin , Liu Jie , Li Wenzuo , Li Qingzhong , Han Juan , Xie Xiao-Ying , Cui Ganglong
Published: October 2023

Regulating the photophysical properties of nanocomposites via altering the aromaticity of coordinated rings.
Activation of 2D titanate nanosheet photocatalysts by nitrogen doping and solution plasma processing
Authors: Xing Yanmei , Zhang Yiyan , Wang Changhua , Wang Rui , Li Dashuai , Liang Shuang , Zhang Xintong
Published: October 2023

Solution plasma processing (SPP) can optimize the surface electronic state of 2D titanate, eliminating recombination centers for photogenerated carriers while retaining the strong visible light absorption resulting from N doping.
Tuning the solution aggregation and molecular order for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells
Authors: Gao Mengyuan , Wu Junjiang , Yuan Xiyue , He Chunyong , Jiang Hanqiu , Zhao Wenchao , Duan Chunhui , Chen Yu , Ke Yubin , Yao Huifeng , Ye Long
Published: October 2023

Molecular ordering effect of semi-paracrystalline polymers on the solution aggregation structure, morphology, and performance of polymer/nonfullerene blends has been thoroughly investigated by advanced neutron scattering and complementary techniques.
Driving electrochemical reactions at the microscale using CMOS microelectrode arrays
Authors: Duru Jens , Rüfenacht Arielle , Löhle Josephine , Pozzi Marcello , Forró Csaba , Ledermann Linus , Bernardi Aeneas , Matter Michael , Renia André , Simona Benjamin , Tringides Christina M. , Bernhard Stéphane , Ihle Stephan J. , Hengsteler Julian , Maurer Benedikt , Zhang Xinyu , Nakatsuka Nako
Published: October 2023

Precise control of pH values at electrode interfaces enables the systematic investigation of pH-dependent processes by electrochemical means.
Uniformly distributed graphite with dual attributes to achieve enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of PEK-C/graphite composites via a precipitation method
Authors: Cao Zengwen , Wang Zhipeng , Zhou Guangyuang
Published: October 2023

Amorphous cardo-polyetherketone (PEK-C) with excellent solubility was used to a produce PEK-C/graphite composite via a precipitation method. A uniform distribution of graphite was achieved, displaying the dual properties of graphite, as a filler and a lubricant.
Amorphous N-doped InSnZnO thin films deposited by RF sputtering for thin-film transistor application
Authors: Li Zhi-Yue , Song Shu-Mei , Wang Wanxia , Dai Ming-Jiang , Lin Song-Sheng , Chen Ting-Yong , Sun Hui
Published: October 2023

N-doped InSnZnO (ITZO:N) thin films as the active layer of thin film transistors (TFTs) were prepared using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at room temperature.