bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new framework for assessing ecosystem health with consideration of the sustainable supply of ecosystem services
Authors: Huang Ying , Gan Xiaoyu , Feng Yaofa , Li Jin , Niu Shaofei , Zhou Bo
Published: February 2024

Context

The establishment of an ecosystem health assessment framework from a human–environment view is vital to landscape sustainability. Although several studies have improved the assessment framework by integrating ecosystem services (ESs) supply or demand, consideration of the sustainable supply of ESs is lacking.

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to improve the current methodological framework by integrating ecological integrity and the sustainable supply of ESs to establish an ecosystem health assessment framework.

Methods

An improved assessment framework, including four indicators, vigor, organization, resilience, and ecosystem services supply rate, was established from the perspective of human–environment systems. Then, the performance of the improved assessment framework was demonstrated in a case study in China from 2000 to 2020.

Results

From 2000 to 2020, the overall spatial pattern of ecosystem health values in China was high in the southern and southeastern coastal regions, and low health values were mostly located in the western region, parts of Inner Mongolia, and metropolitan areas, with a descending trend from southeast to northwest. The imbalance between the potential and actual supply of ESs greatly contributed to the deterioration of regional ecosystem health. During the study period, the regional ecosystem in China was found to be in a more unhealthy state than in traditional Vigor-Organization-Resilience-Ecosystem services (VORES) evaluation.

Conclusions

The improved assessment framework that incorporates the ecological integrity and sustainable supply of ESs provides a new perspective for understanding the complex inherent characteristics of ecosystems and the regional human-nature connectedness in coupled human–environment systems. Our results could serve as a scientific reference for practical landscape governance in a changing world to achieve landscape sustainability.
MNPDenseNet: Automated Monkeypox Detection Using Multiple Nested Patch Division and Pretrained DenseNet201
Authors: Demir Fahrettin Burak , Baygin Mehmet , Tuncer Ilknur , Barua Prabal Datta , Dogan Sengul , Tuncer Turker , Ooi Chui Ping , Ciaccio Edward J. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: February 2024

Background

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPV). A surge in monkeypox infection has been reported since early May 2022, and the outbreak has been classified as a global health emergency as the situation continues to worsen. Early and accurate detection of the disease is required to control its spread. Machine learning methods offer fast and accurate detection of COVID-19 from chest X-rays, and chest computed tomography (CT) images. Likewise, computer vision techniques can automatically detect monkeypoxes from digital images, videos, and other inputs.

Objectives

In this paper, we propose an automated monkeypox detection model as the first step toward controlling its global spread.

Materials and method

A new dataset comprising 910 open-source images classified into five categories (healthy, monkeypox, chickenpox, smallpox, and zoster zona) was created. A new deep feature engineering architecture was proposed, which contained the following components: (i) multiple nested patch division, (ii) deep feature extraction, (iii) multiple feature selection by deploying neighborhood component analysis (NCA), Chi2, and ReliefF selectors, (iv) classification using SVM with 10-fold cross-validation, (v) voted results generation by deploying iterative hard majority voting (IHMV) and (vi) selection of the best vector by a greedy algorithm.

Results

Our proposal attained a 91.87% classification accuracy on the collected dataset. This is the best result of our presented framework, which was automatically selected from 70 generated results.

Conclusions

The computed classification results and findings demonstrated that monkeypox could be successfully detected using our proposed automated model.
A YOLOX Object Detection Algorithm Based on Bidirectional Cross-scale Path Aggregation
Authors: Liu Qunpo , Zhang Jingwen , Zhao Yi , Bu Xuhui , Hanajima Naohiko
Published: February 2024

To solve the problem of insufficient feature fusion between the deep and shallow feature layers of the original YOLOX algorithm, which resulting in a loss of object semantic information, this paper proposes a YOLOX object detection algorithm based on attention and bidirectional cross-scale path aggregation. First, an efficient channel attention module is embedded in the YOLOX backbone network to reinforce the key features in the object region by distinguishing between the importance of the different channels in the feature layer, thus enhancing the detection accuracy of the network. Second, a bidirectional cross-scale path aggregation network is designed to change the information fusion circulation path while increasing the cross-scale connections. Weighted feature fusion is used to learn the importance of the different path input features for differentiated fusion, thereby improving the feature information fusion capability between the deep and shallow layers. Finally, the SIOU loss function is introduced to improve the detection performance of the network. The experimental results show that on the PASCAL VOC2007 and MS COCO2017 datasets, the algorithm in this paper improves mAP by 2.32% and 1.53% compared with the original YOLOX algorithm, and has comprehensive performance advantages compared with other algorithms. The mAP reaches 99.44% on the self-built iron ore metal foreign matter dataset, with a recognition speed of 56.90 frames/s.
Determination of land surface temperature and urban heat island effects with remote sensing capabilities: the case of Kayseri, Türkiye
Authors: Cetin Mehmet , Ozenen Kavlak Mehtap , Senyel Kurkcuoglu Muzeyyen Anil , Bilge Ozturk Gulsah , Cabuk Saye Nihan , Cabuk Alper
Published: February 2024

Kayseri, a densely urbanized province in Türkiye, grapples with pressing challenges of air pollution and limited green spaces, accentuating the need for strategic urban planning. This study, utilizing Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellite imagery, investigates the evolution of land surface temperatures (LST) and urban heat island (UHI) effects in key districts—Kocasinan, Melikgazi, Talas, and Hacılar—between 2013 and 2022. This research has been complemented with an analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), exploring correlations among the LST, UHI, NDVI, and NDBI changes. The findings indicate that a significant portion (65% and 88%) of the study area remained unchanged with respect to the NDVI and NDBI differences. This research’s findings reveal that a substantial portion (65% and 88%) of the study area exhibited consistency in the NDVI and NDBI. Noteworthy increases in the NDVI were observed in 20% of the region, while only 4% exhibited higher NDBI. Strikingly, the UHI displayed strong negative correlations with the NDVI and robust positive correlations with the NDBI. The LST changes demonstrated a reduced temperature range, from 21 to 51 °C in 2013, to 18 to 40 °C in 2022. Localized environmental factors, notably at the National Garden site, showcased the most significant temperature variations. Notably, the UHI exhibited strong negative correlations with the NDVI and strong positive correlations with the NDBI. The study’s results emphasize the interplay among the NDBI, LST, and UHI and an inverse relationship with the NDVI and NDBI, LST, and UHI. These findings hold implications for urban planning and policymaking, particularly in the context of resilient and sustainable land use planning and the UHI mitigation. This research underscores the intricate interplay among the NDBI, LST, and UHI, highlighting an inverse relationship with the NDVI. These findings hold crucial implications for resilient and sustainable urban planning, particularly in mitigating the UHI effects. Despite limited vacant spaces in Kayseri, geospatial techniques for identifying potential green spaces can facilitate swift UHI mitigation measures. Acknowledging Kayseri’s complex dynamics, future research should delve into the UHI responses to urban morphology and design, extending this methodology to analyze the UHI effects in other Turkish cities. This research contributes to a broader understanding of UHI dynamics and sustainable urban planning practices, offering valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers alike.
Effects of working memory and visual search skill on Chinese reading comprehension: examining the simple view of reading
Authors: Liu Sisi , Li Ning , Zhang Xinyong , Wang Li-Chih Angus , Liu Duo
Published: February 2024

To investigate the longitudinal effects of two domain-general cognitive abilities, namely verbal working memory and visual search skill, on Chinese reading comprehension. To evaluate whether decoding and linguistic comprehension mediate such effects. A total of 202 first-grade Chinese-speaking children from mainland China (Mage = 86 months, SD = 4.9 months; 126 boys) completed tasks that measured verbal working memory, visual search, expressive vocabulary, morphological awareness, Chinese character recognition, and word reading fluency. One year later, they completed a passage comprehension task and a nonverbal intelligence test. Structural equation modeling was conducted with decoding and linguistic comprehension being included as latent variables and mediating factors explaining the effects of working memory and visual search. The children with better verbal working memory and visual search skill exhibited better reading comprehension performance. The effect of working memory on reading comprehension was fully mediated by linguistic comprehension (captured by vocabulary and morphological awareness) but not decoding (measured by word reading accuracy and fluency). However, decoding fully mediated the impact of visual search skill. Our findings suggest that the reading comprehension ability of beginning Chinese readers is associated with verbal working memory and visual search ability. These general cognitive abilities influence reading comprehension through distinct pathways. In line with the simple view of reading theory, decoding and linguistic comprehension skills explain such impacts. This research underlines the value of simultaneously examining general cognitive abilities and exploring their interconnectedness with linguistic skills in the context of reading comprehension.
Strong Lensing by Galaxy Clusters
Authors: Natarajan P. , Williams L. L. R. , Bradač M. , Grillo C. , Ghosh A. , Sharon K. , Wagner J.
Published: February 2024

Galaxy clusters as gravitational lenses play a unique role in astrophysics and cosmology: they permit mapping the dark matter distribution on a range of scales; they reveal the properties of high and intermediate redshift background galaxies that would otherwise be unreachable with telescopes; they constrain the particle nature of dark matter and are a powerful probe of global cosmological parameters, like the Hubble constant. In this review we summarize the current status of cluster lensing observations and the insights they provide, and offer a glimpse into the capabilities that ongoing, and the upcoming next generation of telescopes and surveys will deliver. While many open questions remain, cluster lensing promises to remain at the forefront of discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology.
Williams’ Relativism and the Moral Point of View: A Challenge by Cora Diamond
Authors: Miguens Sofia
Published: February 2024

There are similarities between Bernard Williams and Cora Diamond as moral philosophers: both their moral philosophies are marked by an engagement with the question of what it is like to be a human being, and both are engaged with experience more than theory. Still, such similarities rest on very different philosophical grounds. In this article, I consider whether a Nietzschean (Williams) and a Wittgensteinian (Diamond) could ever converge on a characterization of the ‘moral point of view’ as this involves views on life, thought, and language. I argue that divergences between Williams and Diamond persist, a very important one concerning relativism: whereas Diamond adumbrates a Wittgensteinian way out of relativism, it remains a last word for Williams.
Pre-treatment 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Prognostic Value in Predicting Response to 177Lu-PSMA-I&T Therapy and Patient Survival
Authors: Eisazadeh Roya , Mirshahvalad Seyed Ali , Schwieghofer-Zwink Gregor , Hehenwarter Lukas , Rendl Gundula , Gampenrieder Simon , Greil Richard , Pirich Christian , Beheshti Mohsen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the prognostic value of pre-treatment [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and other baseline clinical characteristics in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) patients response to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA (PSMA-I&T), as well as patient survival.

Procedures

In this retrospective study, 81 patients who received [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T between October 2018 and January 2023 were reviewed. Eligible patients had metastatic castration-resistant PCa, underwent pre-treatment [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, and had serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels available. On PET/CT images, SUVmax, SULmax, SUVpeak, and SULpeak of the most-avid tumoral lesion, as well as SUVmean of the parotid gland (P-SUVmean) and liver (L-SUVmean), were measured. Also, whole-body PSMA tumour volume (PSMA-TV) and total lesion PSMA (TL-PSMA) were calculated. To interpret treatment response after [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, a composite of PSA values and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT findings were considered. The outcomes were dichotomised into progressive versus controlled (stable disease or partial response) disease. Then, the association of baseline parameters with patient response was evaluated. Also, survival analyses were performed to assess baseline parameters in predicting overall survival.

Results

Sixty patients (age:73 ± 8, PSA:185 ± 371) were included. Patients received at least one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy (median = 4). Overall, half of the patients showed disease progression. In the progressive versus controlled disease evaluation, the highest SULmax, as well as SUVmax and SULmax to both backgrounds (L-SUVmean and P-SUVmean), were significantly correlated with the outcome (p-values < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only SULmax to the L-SUVmean remained significant (p-value = 0.038). The best cut-off was 8 (AUC = 0.71). With a median follow-up of 360 days, 11 mortal events were documented. In the multivariate survival analysis, only SULmax to P-SUVmean (cut-off = 2.4; p-value = 0.043) retained significance (hazard ratio = 4.0).

Conclusions

A greater level of PSMA uptake, specifically higher tumour-to-background uptake in the hottest lesion, may hold substantial prognostic significance, considering both [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T response and patient survival. These ratios may have the potential to be used for PCa patient selection for radioligand therapy.
Piezoelectric rubber sheet sensor: a promising tool for home sleep apnea testing
Authors: Hayano Junichiro , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Tanaka Haruhito , Yuda Emi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop an unobtrusive method for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) utilizing micromotion signals obtained by a piezoelectric rubber sheet sensor.

Methods

Algorithms were designated to extract respiratory and ballistocardiogram components from micromotion signals and to detect respiratory events as the characteristic separation of the fast envelope of the respiration component from the slow envelope. In 78 adults with diagnosed or suspected sleep apnea, micromotion signal was recorded with a piezoelectric rubber sheet sensor placed beneath the bedsheet during polysomnography. In a half of the subjects, the algorithms were optimized to calculate respiratory event index (REI), estimating apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). In the other half of subjects, the performance of REI in classifying sleep apnea severity was evaluated. Additionally, the predictive value of the frequency of cyclic variation in heart rate (Fcv) obtained from the ballistocardiogram was assessed.

Results

In the training group, the optimized REI showed a strong correlation with the AHI (r = 0.93). Using the optimal cutoff of REI ≥ 14/h, subjects with an AHI ≥ 15 were identified with 77.8% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity. When applying this REI to the test group, it correlated closely with the AHI (r = 0.92) and identified subjects with an AHI ≥ 15 with 87.5% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity. While Fcv showed a modest correlation with AHI (r = 0.46 and 0.66 in the training and test groups), it lacked independent predictive power for AHI.

Conclusion

The analysis of respiratory component of micromotion using piezoelectric rubber sheet sensors presents a promising approach for HSAT, providing a practical and effective means of estimating sleep apnea severity.
Determining the green technology innovation accelator and natural resources towards decarbonization for the EU countries: evidence from MMQR
Authors: Cutcu Ibrahim , Cil Dilek , Karis Cigdem , Kocak Sinem
Published: February 2024

Gearing up for green technology innovation (GTI) and natural resources has become even more important in the transition to a zero-emission life, a green economy, and sustainable development goals. This attempt has become a situation that needs to be overpowered much sooner by the European countries, which have encountered challenges in many ways, especially regarding natural resources, energy supply, and the climate crisis. In this vein, the current study follows the novel, robust Method of Moment Quantile-Regression (MM-QR), which successfully yields heterogeneous information structure across quantiles, to examine the determinants of GTI for 15 EU countries over the period of 2003–2018. MM-QR estimation results indicate that the determinants of green technology innovation are heterogeneous across the EU countries. While green growth (GG) has an adverse impact on GTI in middle- and high-GTI countries, the effect of ecological footprint on GTI is positive for countries in the highest-GTI countries. The positive effects of financial development (FD) on GTI are revealed for all countries. Remarkably, environmental taxes have an adverse and positive influence on GTI in the lowest and highest quantile countries, respectively. Finally, renewable energy and greenfield FDI have no effect on GTI. Governments can promote GTI by providing financial resources, in the most immaculate way, to firms that engage in green technology projects, as well as by encouraging these through environmental taxes.
Anwendungen der Kabelbakterien in der Umwelt- und Biotechnologie
Authors: Scholz Vincent , Lueders Tillmann
Published: February 2024

Cable bacteria are living electric wires, exerting remarkable effects on their surroundings. Despite still refusing pure culture isolation, their biological conductivity and their impact on aquatic sediments give rise to interesting application prospects in environmental and bio-engineering, including bioremediation, the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, and bioelectronics. Here, we summarize how research is currently striving to realize the very versatile application potential of these fascinating bacteria.
Distribution of pesticides in agroecosystem food webs differ among trophic groups and between annual and perennial crops
Authors: Michalko Radek , Purchart Luboš , Hofman Jakub , Košulič Ondřej
Published: February 2024

Pesticides threaten biodiversity, but we know little about how they permeate food webs. Few studies have investigated the number, concentration, and composition of pesticides in agroecosystem food webs even though agroecosystems cover one-third of Earth’s land area. We conducted a pioneering study on the distribution of pesticides across local (i.e., on farm) and meta food webs (i.e., regional pool of local food webs) within both perennial (N = 8) and annual crops (N = 11), examining four trophic groups—soil (primary resource), plants (primary producers), rodents (herbivores), and spiders (predators)—for the presence of multiple residues, and comparing these findings to pesticides applied by farmers in recent years. We also undertook interviews with farmers to obtain the most precise information about pesticide applications in their fields. We detected a wide spectrum of pesticides in both annual and perennial crop types. Pesticides applied by farmers represented only a small proportion of all detected pesticides, indicating that pesticides entered local food webs from surrounding landscapes. Some detected pesticides had been banned by the European Union several years ago, which is highly alarming. Trophic group mobility and crop type drove pesticides number at local scale, as mobile groups contained larger numbers of pesticides (probably from encountering wider spectra of pesticides). At a meta scale, spiders contained the highest number of detected pesticides in perennial crops but lowest diversity in annual crops. This might be explained by how spiders’ functional traits are selected in different crops. Insecticides and fungicides concentrations mostly increased with trophic level, indicating bioaccumulation. Herbicides concentration were highest in plants suggesting (bio)degradation. As bioaccumulation outweighed (bio)degradation, pesticides increased overall with trophic level. Therefore, the distribution of pesticides in agroecosystem food webs was affected simultaneously by several mechanisms and depended upon trophic group, crop type, and, probably, surrounding landscape.
The effect of thermomechanical welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of S700MC steel welds
Authors: Wang Peng , Gomes Felipe Martins , Warchomicka Fernando Gustavo , Ernst Wolfgang , Vallant Rudolf , Poletti Maria Cecilia , Enzinger Norbert
Published: February 2024

Grain refinement by plastic deformation during conventional TIG welding can help to compensate for the loss of mechanical properties of welded joints. The thermomechanical welding (TMW) tests were performed on S700MC steel with different combinations of TIG arc energy and high frequency hammering over three target cooling times (t8/5 = 5s, 15s, and 25s). Additionally, the effect of initial microstructures on the weld joint quality was analysed by testing three materials conditions: hot-rolled (as-received) and cold-rolled with 10% and 30% thickness reductions, respectively. The effects of plastic deformation and the mechanical vibration on the grain refinement were studied separately. Optical microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, and Vickers hardness were used to characterise the weld microstructure heterogeneity. The weld width and depth and the mean grain size were correlated as the function of cooling time t8/5. The results show that the weld dimensions increase with increasing the t8/5. The weld microstructures transformed from the mixed martensite and bainite into mixed ferrite and bainite with increasing the t8/5 time, and the related mean grain size increased gradually. The TMW welds exhibit smaller grains compared to TIG welds due to the coupled effects of mechanical vibration and plastic deformation. The mechanical vibration contributes to weld metal homogenisation, accelerating TiN precipitation in the fusion zone. The proposed TMW process can refine the weld microstructure of S700MC steel, enhancing its mechanical properties.
Temperature prediction for wire rod pickling plant management
Authors: Machón-González Iván , López-García Hilario , Espitia-Cuchango Helbert
Published: February 2024

The prediction of the temperature in the different tanks of a mixed acid pickling line of wire rod coils is described in this paper. The goal is to develop a robust model-based prediction tool that allows prospective development of pickling bath states and adjustments in the management of a pickling line. The temperature of the pickling bath is a critical variable for the efficiency of the pickling process. Excessive temperatures can have an unfavorable effect on the pickling results and can complicate the decontamination of the exhaust gases. Root mean square error values lower than 0.2$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C were obtained when treating martensitic and ferritic steels, which are precisely the most problematic types of steel in the control of pickling temperature. The model software was installed on a computer for online operation at the pickling plant. Relevant information is predicted and transmitted such as the temperature pickling bath trend with the sequence of the wire coils to be treated. Plant personnel are able to change this sequence or modify pickling retention times based on this information. The economic benefits come mainly from better use of the production line, reducing coil waiting times.

Graphical abstract
Federated two-stage decoupling with adaptive personalization layers
Authors: Zhu Hangyu , Fan Yuxiang , Xie Zhenping
Published: February 2024

Federated learning has gained significant attention due to its groundbreaking ability to enable distributed learning while maintaining privacy constraints. However, as a consequence of data heterogeneity among decentralized devices, it inherently experiences significant learning degradation and slow convergence speed. Therefore, it is natural to employ the concept of clustering homogeneous clients into the same group, allowing only the model weights within each group to be aggregated. While most existing clustered federated learning methods employ either model gradients or inference outputs as metrics for client partitioning to group similar devices together, heterogeneity may still exist within each cluster. Moreover, there is a scarcity of research exploring the underlying reasons for determining the appropriate timing for clustering, resulting in the common practice of assigning each client to its own individual cluster, particularly in the context of highly non-independent and identically distributed (Non-IID) data. In this paper, we introduce a two-stage decoupling federated learning algorithm with adaptive personalization layers named FedTSDP, where client clustering is performed twice according to inference outputs and model weights, respectively. Hopkins amended sampling is adopted to determine the appropriate timing for clustering and the sampling weight of public unlabeled data. In addition, a simple yet effective approach is developed to adaptively adjust the personalization layers based on varying degrees of data skew. Experimental results show that our proposed method has reliable performance on both IID and non-IID scenarios.
Effects of green and urban environment exposure during classroom breaks in a video-based setting
Authors: Mason Lucia , Sella Enrico , di Bosco Marta Mazzella , Pazzaglia Francesca
Published: February 2024

Natural environments are beneficial for cognitive functioning and affect. Appraisals of such benefits can lead to the development of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in the long run. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an indirect exposure to a natural and urban environment during a short break in a school day, using a ‘green’ video depicting a walk through a lush forest and comparing it to an urban video portraying a walk through a busy city. We involved 91 fourth and fifth graders in a within-participants design. Results show that students decreased their performance in an arithmetic calculation task after watching the urban video, while no significant differences were observed before and after the exposure to the green environment. Students also reported experiencing more negative affect in relation to the exposure to the urban than the natural environment. Moreover, the students perceived the natural environment as more restorative than the urban environment. Taken together, our findings suggest that exposure to urban environments, in contrast to natural environments, may have negative effects on cognitive and affective functioning during school breaks. Educational implications suggest that when it is not possible to stay in a natural environment around the school, or there is no access to nature due to distance, videos of natural environments can be used during short breaks. They have potential to cognitively and affectively benefit students’ who may often be exposed to environmental stressors.
Research progress of electrolyte additives for subzero-temperature aqueous sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ru , Zhang Shupeng , Peng Shaochen , Tong Yifan , Hu Xiaofei
Published: February 2024

Sodium-ion batteries are considered one of the perspective alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to their affordability and plentiful supply of sodium. However, traditional sodium-ion batteries that use organic electrolytes pose a threat to public safety and the ecological environment. As a result, aqueous electrolytes with high safety and cost-effectiveness are becoming more popular. Unfortunately, typically aqueous electrolytes face limitations in ionic conductivity and have relatively high freezing points, which hinder their ability to function at extremely low temperatures. These issues can be resolved with an easy-to-use method called electrolyte additive. The research on electrolyte additives for subzero-temperature aqueous sodium-ion batteries has not been systematically reviewed at present. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the electrolyte additives for subzero-temperature aqueous sodium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the potential development paths of electrolyte additives to promote the advancement of electrochemical energy storage are also explored.

Graphical Abstract
Governing Ethical Gaps in Distributed AI Development
Authors: Swaminathan Nandhini , Danks David
Published: February 2024

Good business practice often leads companies to subdivide into separate functional entities for operational efficiency and specialization. However, these kinds of divisions can generate significant ethical and perhaps even regulatory gaps when they occur in AI companies. In particular, one natural division for an AI company is into separate entities responsible for model development, testing, and cybersecurity (to maintain and protect data). In this paper, we argue that this division can lead to some ethical responsibilities always being “someone else’s job.” For concreteness, we consider the US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI RMF) as a guide to ethical obligations in a corporate context. We show that a common division of labor in AI development and deployment can lead to specific obligations for which no entity is responsible, even though they apply to the effort as a whole. We propose “Join Accountability Agreements”, a mechanism to ensure that ethical obligations do not slip through the cracks because of the way an effort is structured. We thus aim to highlight the significance of comprehensive examinations of and adaptable strategies for our ethical obligations when developing AI systems in a distributed manner.
Acute Spontaneous Posterior Fossa Haemorrhage
Authors: Harris Lauren , Grover Patrick
Published: February 2024

Non-traumatic posterior fossa haemorrhage accounts for approximately 10% of all intracranial haematomas, and 1.5% of all strokes. In the posterior fossa, a small amount of mass effect can have dramatic effects, due to its small volume. This can be due to immediate transmission of pressure to the brainstem, or via occlusion of the aqueduct of Sylvius or compression of the fourth ventricle, leading to acute obstructive hydrocephalus, with the risk of tonsillar herniation. Timely investigations and management are essential to maximise good outcomes. This Element offers a brief overview of posterior fossa haemorrhage. It looks at the anatomy, aetiology, management, and surgical options, with a review of the available evidence to guide practice.
Encounters with British Composers
Authors: Palmer Andrew
Published: February 2024

Contemporary British composers talk about their music, with the emphasis on the aesthetic sensibilities and psychological processes behind composing rather than technique. This is a close reading of the cultural exchanges between England and Spain in the eighteenth century as seen in the periodical press.
Burnham Norton Friary after the Dissolution
Authors: Francis Sally
Published: February 2024

The story of the fate of a small Norfolk priory after its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1538 shows how both its medieval and modern history can be recovered by archival and physical research.
Literary Variety and the Writing of History in Britain's Long Twelfth Century
Authors: Burek Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2024

A survey of the different literary forms adopted by history writers after the Conquest, exploring why and for what effects they were used.
High technology and economic statecraft: the emergence of techno-economic statecraft in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seungjoo
Published: February 2024

This study identifies the core of Korea’s economic statecraft as (1) diversification of the supply chain of high-tech industries to proactively mitigate vulnerability to economic coercion, (2) the pursuit of technological sovereignty to increase self-sufficiency in advanced technologies, (3) governance reforms to strengthen supply chain resilience, and (4) industrial policies to enhance the competitiveness of advanced industries. The four strategies mentioned above all have in common that they are predicated on the strategic utilization of high technology. Based on these traits, I define Korea’s new economic security strategy as techno-economic statecraft. Korea’s techno-economic statecraft has two features. First, Korea utilizes high technology as a nexus between economy and security. Second, Korea uses high technology as a nexus to link domestic and foreign policies.
High school financial education courses in the United States.: What is the importance of setting state policies?
Authors: Luedtke Allison Oldham , Urban Carly
Published: February 2024

Access to financial education courses makes a difference in high school students’ future financial lives. However, little data have been available to assess the access students have to these classes and what types of financial education are offered throughout the United States. We describe a novel dataset of over 19,000 hand-coded high school personal finance courses for over 7,400 high schools across the United States. These data cover the academic years from 2019–2020 to 2022–2023. The most common type of financial education offered is a semester-long course focused entirely on financial education, rather than, for example, a course on another topic that builds in a section on financial education. Schools that are in rural areas, schools with a higher percentage of Black students and schools that are geographically isolated from peers with high financial education requirements are less likely to require financial education courses for graduation.
Interfaces of high- and low-speed large-scale structures in compressible turbulent mixing layers: compressibility effects and structures
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Guo Jing , Wang Jianchun , Chen Shiyi
Published: February 2024

Direct numerical simulations of temporally developing mixing layers have been performed to investigate the effects of compressibility on statistics and structures near the interfaces of high- and low-speed large-scale structures (LSSs), covering a range of convective Mach numbers from

$M_c=0.2$

to

$1.8$

and Taylor Reynolds numbers up to 290. The interfaces of LSSs are directly defined by the isosurface of zero fluctuating streamwise velocity. The characteristic velocity jump at the interfaces grows rapidly in the transition stage and then decreases until reaching a gradual self-similar stage. The evolution of velocity jump is evidently delayed as the convective Mach number increases. The interface layer is formed by the shearing motion of neighbouring LSSs. A small vortical motion characterized by the Kolmogorov scale is induced in the interface layer by shear-dominated outer regions. The strengths of outer shearing motion and central vortical motion are greater at the leading edge, but smaller at the trailing edge, which is also reflected in a larger velocity jump at the leading edge. As the convective Mach number increases, the small-scale vortical structure is obviously suppressed by compressibility. At high convective Mach number

$M_c=1.8$

, the compressive shear-dominated outer regions are linked with a sheet-like structure passing through the centre of the expansion region corresponding to a small-scale vortical structure. The compressibility and shearing strength near the interface are highly dependent on the interface orientation.
Kierkegaard and Schmitt on the State of Exception
Authors: Neoh Joshua
Published: February 2024

This essay begins with a quotation from Carl Schmitt in which he quotes Søren Kierkegaard on the significance of the exception in political theology. The essay is an extended reflection on this quotation within a quotation. Through a comparison of Kierkegaard and Schmitt, the author presents two readings of the state of exception: the first centers on the figure of the sovereign, while the second centers on the figure of the martyr. The sovereign suspends the law from above, while the martyr suspends it from below. In the political sphere, there are two ways of becoming the exception: the sovereign versus the martyr.
Infinitely many composites
Authors: Lord Nick , MacHale Des
Published: February 2024

In number theory, we frequently ask if there are infinitely many prime numbers of a certain type. For example, if n is a natural number:

(i)

Are there infinitely many (Mersenne) primes of the form 2n − 1?

(ii)

Are there infinitely many primes of the form n2 + 1?

These problems are often very difficult and many remain unsolved to this day, despite the efforts of many great mathematicians. However, we can sometimes comfort ourselves by asking if there are infinitely many composite numbers of a certain type. These questions are often (but not always) easier to answer. For example, echoing (i) above, we can ask if there are infinitely many composites of the form 2p − 1 with p a prime number but (to the best of our knowledge) this remains an unsolved problem. Of course, it must be the case that there are either infinitely many primes or infinitely many composites of the form 2p − 1 and it seems strange that we currently cannot decide on either of them.
GRAPH CHARACTERISATION OF THE ANNIHILATOR IDEALS OF LEAVITT PATH ALGEBRAS
Authors: VAŠ LIA
Published: February 2024

If E is a graph and K is a field, we consider an ideal I of the Leavitt path algebra
$L_K(E)$
of E over K. We describe the admissible pair corresponding to the smallest graded ideal which contains I where the grading in question is the natural grading of
$L_K(E)$
by
${\mathbb {Z}}$
. Using this description, we show that the right and the left annihilators of I are equal (which may be somewhat surprising given that I may not be self-adjoint). In particular, we establish that both annihilators correspond to the same admissible pair and its description produces the characterisation from the title. Then, we turn to the property that the right (equivalently left) annihilator of any ideal is a direct summand and recall that a unital ring with this property is said to be quasi-Baer. We exhibit a condition on E which is equivalent to unital
$L_K(E)$
having this property.
Feed intake, microbial adherence and fibrolytic activity in residues of forage samples incubated in the rumen of sheep fed grass forages and/or a total mixed ration
Authors: Pérez-Ruchel A. , Repetto J. L. , Cajarville C. , Mezzomo M. P. , Kozloski G. V.
Published: February 2024

Three male sheep were fed, throughout three experimental periods, with either only forage, only total mixed ration (TMR) or a mixed diet (TMR + forage). The rich-fibre ingredients of each diet were incubated dailyin situfor three days and the ruminal pH was measured every 2 h during the last day of each experimental period. Rumen pH decreased at increased proportion of TMR in diet (P< 0.05). The dry matter (DM) degradability of the grass forage was higher (P< 0.05) in animals receiving only forage than in those receiving the mixed diet whereas the DM degradability of the corn silage was higher (P< 0.05) in animals receiving the mixed diet than in those receiving only TMR. The level of microbial adherence in residues of grass forage was higher (P< 0.05) in animals fed with only forage than in those fed with the mixed diet and, the level of microbial adherence in residue of corn silage was higher (P< 0.05) in animals receiving the mixed diet than in those receiving TMR. The carboxymethylcellulase activity in residues of grass forage was higher (P< 0.05) in sheep fed the mixed diet whereas not significant effect of diet type was observed for this variable in residues of corn silage. In conclusion, increased inclusion of TMR in sheep diet showed a negative impact on microbial adherence and forage degradabilityin situ, an effect mediated by changes in rumen pH which was not compensated by increased fibrolytic activity.
Impact of financial assistance on stunting: Syrian refugee children under 5 in Türkiye
Authors: Ay Kesgin Meryem , Saraç Melike , Grede Nils , Çavlin Bircan Alanur , Koç İsmet
Published: February 2024

Despite the global decrease over the last two decades, stunting, also called ‘chronic malnutrition’, remains a public health issue affecting almost 150 million children under the age of 5 years globally. Defined by height-for-age, stunting is the consequence of poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Programmes and policies target undernutrition globally, and humanitarian and development actors invest great efforts to prevent stunting. This study uses multivariate analysis to examine the impact of financial assistance on the reduction of stunting in a refugee context, focusing on Syrian refugee children under the age of 5 years in Türkiye. Using a unique dataset, the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey Syrian Migrant Sample (2018 TDHS-SR), the findings indicate that financial assistance significantly reduces the incidence of stunting among refugee children under the control of economic, mother and children, environmental, health-related and nutritional and breastfeeding characteristics. However, having household members generate income is found to be another stronger predictor to reduce stunting. The paper also argues that the nutritional well-being of refugee children might improve if forced migration occurs towards a stable host country/region. In addition, adaptation over time also seems to have a positive influence.
Nonlinear Hall effect in a stationary cylinder with a radial heat flux
Authors: Bisnovatyi-Kogan G.S. , Glushikhina M.V.
Published: February 2024

A conducting cylinder with a uniform magnetic field along its axis and radial temperature gradient is considered at the stationary state. At large temperature gradients the azimuthal Hall electrical current creates an axial magnetic field whose strength may be comparable with the original one. It is shown that the magnetic field, generated by the azimuthal Hall current, leads to the decrease of a magnetic field originated by external sources, and this suppression increases with an increase of the electromotive force, connected with thermodiffusion. Obtained results can help to investigate the influence of the Hall current on the coupled magnetothermal evolution of magnetic and electric fields in neutron stars, white dwarfs and, possibly, in laboratory facilities.
Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review
Authors: Almoraie Noha M. , Alothmani Noor M. , Alomari Wajd D. , Al-amoudi Amal H.
Published: February 2024

University life is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits and attitudes. However, university students are at risk of developing poor eating habits due to various factors, including economic conditions, academic stress and lack of information about nutritional concepts. Poor diet quality leads to malnutrition or overnutrition, increasing the risk of preventable diseases. Food environments on university campuses also play a significant role in shaping the dietary habits of students, with the availability of and accessibility to healthy food options being important factors influencing food choices and overall diet quality. Disordered eating habits and body dissatisfaction are prevalent among university students and can lead to eating disorders. Income and living arrangements also influence dietary habits, with low household income and living alone being associated with unhealthy eating habits. This study is a narrative review that aimed to address nutritional issues and eating behaviours, specifically among university students. We investigated the eating behaviours of university students, including their dietary patterns, food choices and food environments. The objective of this review was to provide insights into the nutritional issues and eating behaviours of university students, with the aim of identifying target areas for intervention to improve the overall health and wellbeing among college students. University food environments need to be restructured to promote healthy eating, including the availability, accessibility, affordability and labelling of healthy foods, and policies to limit the availability of unhealthy foods and drinks on campus.
Disparities in neighbourhood characteristics and 10-year dementia risk by nativity status
Authors: Wong R. , Soong D.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Prior research indicates that neighbourhood disadvantage increases dementia risk. There is, however, inconclusive evidence on the relationship between nativity and cognitive impairment. To our knowledge, our study is the first to analyse how nativity and neighbourhood interact to influence dementia risk.

Methods

Ten years of prospective cohort data (2011–2020) were retrieved from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of 5,362 U.S. older adults aged 65+. Cox regression analysed time to dementia diagnosis using nativity status (foreign- or native-born) and composite scores for neighbourhood physical disorder (litter, graffiti and vacancies) and social cohesion (know, help and trust each other), after applying sampling weights and imputing missing data.

Results

In a weighted sample representing 26.9 million older adults, about 9.5% (n = 2.5 million) identified as foreign-born and 24.4% (n = 6.5 million) had an incident dementia diagnosis. Average baseline neighbourhood physical disorder was 0.19 (range 0–9), and baseline social cohesion was 4.28 (range 0–6). Baseline neighbourhood physical disorder was significantly higher among foreign-born (mean = 0.28) compared to native-born (mean = 0.18) older adults (t = −2.4, p = .02). Baseline neighbourhood social cohesion was significantly lower for foreign-born (mean = 3.57) compared to native-born (mean = 4.33) older adults (t = 5.5, p < .001). After adjusting for sociodemographic, health and neighbourhood variables, foreign-born older adults had a 51% significantly higher dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.19–1.90, p < .01). There were no significant interactions for nativity with neighbourhood physical disorder or social cohesion.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that foreign-born older adults have higher neighbourhood physical disorder and lower social cohesion compared to native-born older adults. Despite the higher dementia risk, we observed for foreign-born older adults, and this relationship was not moderated by either neighbourhood physical disorder or social cohesion. Further research is needed to understand what factors are contributing to elevated dementia risk among foreign-born older adults.