bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design methodology for high‐performance low‐cost microstrip termination load for mmWave applications
Authors: Azari Abolfazl , Skrivervik Anja , Aliakbarian Hadi
Published: November 2023

Millimetre wave (mmWave) has been a popular research topic in recent years. Termination loads are useful for RF components and integrated circuits. Commercially available terminators are expensive and not easily applicable for integration to MMICs. In this letter, a wideband, high‐performance, and cost‐effective microstrip termination load is proposed based on the combination of a printed monopole antenna and an absorber sheet. The results show an excellent matched termination between 20 and 67 GHz that can be used as integrated with microstrip lines in RF circuits and MMICs and as loaded dummy ports for test and measurements for mmWave applications. The proposed high‐quality termination is compact and cost‐effectively competitive with commercial products.
Analysis of leakage flux, losses, and temperature in large synchronous generator end zone under the multi‐layer screen thickness based on novel iterative method
Authors: Han Jichao , Qiu Jiayu , Teng Mingxuan , Qi Haiming , Ge Baojun
Published: November 2023

The multi‐layer screen is the key component in the large synchronous generator end zone. The leakage flux, losses, and temperature of end components are significantly affected by the thickness of multi‐layer screen in the synchronous generator. To investigate the influence of multi‐layer screen thickness on the end leakage flux, losses, and temperature in the synchronous generator end zone, 1407MVA nuclear power synchronous generator is studied. Three‐dimensional transient electromagnetic field model of synchronous generator end zone is established. Three‐dimensional transient electromagnetic field in the end zone of 1407MVA synchronous generator with the multi‐layer screen is calculated based on the novel iterative method. The flux density of end components is compared and studied in the end zone under the variation of multi‐layer screen thickness. Influence of the different thicknesses of multi‐layer screen on the losses of the shield plate, screen, finger plate, and stator end core is researched. The losses of end components obtained from 3D end electromagnetic field calculation are applied to the end zone as the heat source in the three‐dimensional fluid and thermal coupled field. The temperature distribution of the end components is determined. The accuracy of the calculated results is validated by the experimental values.
The role of cognitive processes in healthy consumption food products: An eye-tracking technology study
Authors: Escandon-Barbosa Diana , Salas-Paramo Jairo , López-Ramírez María Patricia , Pava-Cárdenas Alexandra
Published: November 2023

This research investigates consumer behavior when selecting snacks and beverages from vending machines in educational settings. The study aims to discern the impact of age on decision-making processes, perceptions, and memory factors related to product choices. Three experiments involved eye-tracking technology to monitor visual attention and a questionnaire to gather additional insights. The experiments analyzed the number of fixations, perceptions, overall product impressions, and memory influence. The sample comprised 90 adults aged 18 to 65 from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali. This sample includes a population distribution of 60% women and 40% men. Additionally, the socioeconomic distribution across economic levels was reported as follows: 40% falling within levels 1, 2, and 3, and 10% within levels 4, 5, and 6. The experiments revealed age-related differences in consumer behavior. Older individuals placed greater emphasis on healthier beverages, whereas young-adult individuals favored healthier snacks. Perception differences existed between age groups for beverages and snacks. Young-adult participants exhibited stronger positive perceptions of somewhat healthy options. Memory influenced choices, with young-adult participants relying more on memory cues. The findings provide valuable insights for tailoring marketing strategies and enhancing public policy initiatives to promote healthier vending machine choices.
Language and power
Authors: Campbell Akua , Obeng Samuel Gyasi
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the power dynamics at play in interpreter-mediated discourse interactions in the
district courts in Ghana. Using audio recordings of authentic courtroom proceedings, we analyzed the discursive practices
performed by court actors, especially interpreters, and the ways in which these practices signal their power or the lack thereof.
We also examine the way language is employed by dominant actors to intrude on the liberty of less dominant actors in the courtroom
and how this is sometimes resisted by the latter actors. We couch our analyses in Fairclough’s theory of language and power and
Obeng’s theory of language and liberty. Our analysis shows that interpreters in Ghanaian courts are tacitly imbued with an
inordinate amount of power, which is exercised in the service of the courts. The interpreters in our study employ speech acts such
as questioning, scolding and persuading to control the discursive behavior of lay court users (e.g., litigants, witnesses) in
order to ensure efficient court proceedings. These acts impinge on the liberty of litigants as they are not free to engage the
court in a manner suitable to them. This study raises questions about the interpreter’s neutrality and professionalism and its
findings could be useful to those entities interested in improving legal interpreting standards.
Structured model selection via
ℓ1−ℓ2
optimization
Authors: Lu Xiaofan , Zhang Linan , He Hongjin
Published: November 2023

Automated model selection is an important application in science and engineering. In this work, we develop a learning approach for identifying structured dynamical systems from undersampled and noisy spatiotemporal data. The learning is performed by a sparse least-squares fitting over a large set of candidate functions via a nonconvex

ℓ
1

−

ℓ
2

sparse optimization solved by the alternating direction method of multipliers. We show that if the set of candidate functions forms a structured random sampling matrix of a bounded orthogonal system, the recovery is stable and the error is bounded. The learning approach is validated on synthetic data generated by the viscous Burgers’ equation and two reaction–diffusion equations. The computational results demonstrate the theoretical guarantees of success and the efficiency with respect to the number of candidate functions.
Experimental observation of the vertical displacement between heating and levitation regions in an electromagnetic levitation coil
Authors: Sniķeris Jānis , Apsītis Aigars , Pumpurs Austris , Lācis Uģis , Kravchenko Sergey , Silamiķelis Viesturs
Published: November 2023

Scientific progress in the relevant fields of science and technology requires the production of crystals with quality beyond the current state of the art. Electro-magnetic levitation (EML) is a prospective method for the growth of high-purity crystals, allowing for avoidance of any contact between the crystal-melt and the crucible. Contactless crystal growth reduces the number of crystal defects commonly abundant in conventional crystal growth methods. The EML method also allows crystal growth of materials with very high melting points. In this article, we report detailed measurements of the EML method. The induction coil used in this study has three turns and one counterturn. We subject different metal material (Al, Cu, Sn, and Ni) samples to the induction coil’s electromagnetic field. For each sample, we measure the induced lift force, Joule heating, and components of magnetic induction as a function of position inside the coil. The results show that the maximum heating in an EML coil is emitted in the area below the levitation zone, a discrepancy not reported earlier. Our findings suggest that this shift should be considered in coil design to avoid instability of the levitated material. We hope this study will serve as a stepping stone for developing EML techniques. The experimental results we provide will be used to evaluate the accuracy of current and future theoretical models of EML coils. This, in turn, will facilitate progress in the application of EML to the growth of larger crystals of higher quality.
Ultra-broadband high-efficiency cross-polarization conversion and amplitude-phase manipulable multi-functional wavefront manipulation based on terahertz metasurface
Authors: Cai Chengxin , Li Yinfei , He Guangchen , Meng Hongmei , Li Mingxing , Qin Yao , Wang Qifu
Published: November 2023

Drawing upon the physical phenomenon of polarization transformation, this paper proposes an ultra-broadband, high-efficiency linear polarization converter composed of a metallic grating, an L-shaped metallic patch, and a dielectric substrate. The polarization conversion properties have been scrutinized using the finite element numerical simulation software CST. The computational outcomes reveal that the polarization converter operates within the frequency range of 0.5 THz to 1.8 THz, exhibiting a relative bandwidth of 113%, a transmission coefficient exceeding 0.87, a polarization conversion efficiency approaching 100%, and a phase coverage spanning 360°. Furthermore, a Fabry–Perot interference model was established utilizing Matlab to corroborate the concurrence between the theoretical analysis and the numerical findings. The polarization converter metasurface amalgamates both phase and transmission amplitude variations to accomplish not only a two-dimensional focusing lens operating between 1.55 THz and 1.65 THz, but also a spatial imaging capability utilizing transmission amplitude variation within the 0.5 THz to 1.15 THz range. The outcomes demonstrate that the devised metasurface exhibits ultra-broadband and high transmission efficacy, thus providing novel insights for the versatility of terahertz wave polarization and phase manipulation.
Polarization-insensitive graphene-based THz rasorber with ATA characteristics
Authors: Ali Mohd Farman , Bhattacharya Rajarshi
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a polarization-insensitive rasorber implemented with absorption-transmission-absorption (ATA) characteristics over three consecutive frequency ranges in the terahertz (THz) band. The proposed rasorber is made of a two-layer periodic structure. These two layers are separated by a spacer made of glass substrate. The unit cells of the top layer have a modified swastika geometry metallization, which is loaded with graphene strips to make it lossy and provide dual-band absorption. In the bottom plane frequency selective surface (FSS), a square ring is engraved on the metal layer to obtain bandpass characteristics between two stopbands provided by the top layer. The designed rasorber works in the

0.2
–
1.2

THz frequency range. It provides wideband absorption with a

S

11

<
−
10

dB

from

0.274

to

1.094

THz with a fractional bandwidth (BW) of around

118
%
.

An in-band transmission window is designed with a

S

21

>
−
3

dB

in the frequency of

0.615

to

0.719

THz provides a large BW of

104

GHz (

15.59
%

) for THz communication. Within this transmission band, the lowest insertion loss of

0.27

dB

is obtained at 0.686 THz. It provides the absorption of more than

80
%

in both the lower band (

0.276
–
0.442

THz,

46.24
%

BW) and the higher band (

0.861
–
1.094

THz,

23.83
%

BW). The simulated response of the designed rasorber using a full-wave electromagnetic simulator and calculated through ECM are found to be in good agreement.
DFT studies of 2D materials inspired by Lie algebras
Authors: Belhaj Adil , Ennadifi Salah Eddine
Published: November 2023

Inspired by the root systems of Lie algebras of rank 2, we propose a mathematical method to engineer new 2D materials with double periodic structures tessellating the plane. Concretely, we investigate two geometries relaying on squares and hexagons exhibiting the D
4 × D
4 and D
6 × D
6 dihedral group invariances, respectively. Due to lack of empirical verifications of such double configurations, we provide a numerical investigation by help of the open source quantum espresso. Motivated by hybrid structures of the graphene, the silicene, and the germanene, we investigate two models involving the D
4 × D
4 and D
6 × D
6 dihedral symmetries which we refer to as Si4Ge4 and Si6C6 compounds, respectively. For simplicities, we study only the opto-electronic physical properties by applying an electromagnetic source propagating in linear and isotropic mediums. Among others, we find that such 2D materials exhibit metallic behaviors with certain optical features. Precisely, we compute and discuss the relavant optical quantities including the dielectric function, the absorption spectra, the refractive index, and the reflectivity. We believe that the Lie algebra inspiration of such 2D material studies, via density functional theory techniques, could open new roads to think about higher dimensional cases.
A new 3D fractional-order chaotic system with complex dynamics
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Dong Chengwei
Published: November 2023

Compared to integer-order chaotic systems, fractional-order chaotic systems have more complex dynamical features due to the introduction of order. The application of fractional-order chaotic systems to chaotic cryptosystems makes the cryptosystems with higher security properties. In this paper, we developed a new 3D fractional-order chaotic system from a 3D integer-order chaotic system, and investigate the dynamical behaviors of this fractional-order system with different parameters and orders. Moreover, self-excited attractors appeared at lower orders through circuit simulations. Furthermore, the synchronization of the new fractional-order chaotic system in the presence of systematic uncertainties and perturbations was achieved using the sliding mode control technique, which sets the stage for the implementation of communication. Finally, offset boosting control was used to investigate the utility of the new chaotic system in engineering applications.
Old rocks, new limits: excavated ancient mica searches for dark matter
Authors: Acevedo Javier F. , Bramante Joseph , Goodman Alan
Published: November 2023

Minerals excavated from the Earth's crust contain gigayear-long astroparticle records, which can be read out using acid etching and microscopy, providing unmatched sensitivity to high mass dark matter. A roughly millimetre size slab of 500 million year old muscovite mica, calibrated and analyzed by Snowden-Ifft et al. in 1990, revealed no signs of dark matter recoils and placed competitive limits on the nuclear interactions for sub-TeV mass dark matter. A different analysis of larger mica slabs in 1986 by Price and Salamon searched for strongly interacting monopoles. After implementing a detailed treatment of Earth's overburden, we utilize these ancient etched mica data to obtain new bounds on high mass dark matter interactions with nuclei.
Constraining extended cosmologies with GW×LSS cross-correlations
Authors: Bosi M. , Bellomo N. , Raccanelli A.
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of gravitational wave astronomy provides the unique opportunity of
exploring the dynamics of the Universe using clustering properties of coalescing binary black hole
mergers. Gravitational wave data, along with information coming from future galaxy surveys, have
the potential of shedding light about many open questions in Cosmology, including those regarding
the nature of dark matter and dark energy. In this work we explore which combination of
gravitational wave and galaxy survey datasets are able to provide the best constraints both on
modified gravity theories and on the nature of the very same binary black hole events. In
particular, by using the public Boltzmann code Multi_CLASS, we compare cosmological
constraints on popular ΛCDM extensions coming from gravitational waves alone and in
conjunction with either deep and localized or wide and shallow galaxy surveys. We show that
constraints on extensions of General Relativity will be at the same level of existing limits from
gravitational waves alone or one order of magnitude better when galaxy surveys are included.
Furthermore, cross-correlating both kind of galaxy survey with gravitational waves datasets will
allow to confidently rule in or out primordial black holes as dark matter candidate in the
majority of the allowed parameter space.
A smoking gun from the power spectrum dipole for elastic interactions in the dark sector
Authors: Beltrán Jiménez Jose , Di Dio Enea , Figueruelo David
Published: November 2023

Models with pure momentum exchange in the dark sector have been shown to provide a promising scenario to tackle the tension in the clustering inferred from high- and low-redshift probes. A distinctive feature of these models is that only the Euler equation for the dark matter component is modified and the correction is such that the net effect can be associated to an additional friction determined by the interaction rate. In this work, we show that the strength of the interaction parameter needed to resolve the σ
8 tension could be detected from the dipole of the matter power spectrum that is expected to be measured by a SKA-like survey.
Checking the second law at cosmic scales
Authors: Banerjee Narayan , Mukherjee Purba , Pavón Diego
Published: November 2023

Based on recent data about the history of the Hubble factor, it is argued that the second
law of thermodynamics holds at the largest scales accessible to observation. This is consistent
with previous studies of the same question.
Network Planning Application for Scheduling of Marine Diesel Engine General Overhaul Activities
Authors: Rachmawati Indah , Dimas Endro W R. , Haryono Edi
Published: November 2023

There are many sub-tasks and tools in general overhaul activities, so that a planned and systematic arrangement are needed. In systematic general overhaul planning can use the Network Planning method. Scheduling by the Network Planning method describes a task into a network. The Network Planning has two commonly used techniques, namely CPM (Critical Method Path) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique). Therefore, in this study, scheduling will be carried out by the Network Planning method, CPM and PERT techniques. By using network planning in overhaul activities, it is hoped that it will be able to identify deviations and critical paths in the sequence of work processes so as to prevent delays in completing work.
The Effect of Reinforce Powder Size on The Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber – Bagasse Sandwich Composites
Authors: Primaningtyas Widya Emilia , Anitasari Galuh , Munir M. Miftachul , Alfanda Benedicta Dian , Wulandari Kiki Dwi
Published: November 2023

The growth of ship production in Indonesia encourages the shipping industry to utilize the composite material in order to be more efficient. Natural fibre-reinforced composite (NFRC) is one option that should be considered for use safer than fiberglass. The usage of fiberglass could trigger several health problems. Sugarcane and pineapples are one of the most common agricultural commodities, yet their waste has not been treated optimally. This research is going to analyse the effect of reinforcement powder size on its bending strength in pineapple leaf fibre – bagasse reinforced sandwich composites. Pineapple leaf fibre use as skin reinforcement whereas bagasse use as core reinforcement. Sandwich composites were reviewed for their bending strength on specimens on reinforcement powder size 40, 60, and 100 mesh. The composite was made using the hand lay-up method with skin composition is 20:80% and core composition is 25:75%, each layer of skin and core have 2 mm thickness. The highest bending strength for sandwich composite is 52,72±0,85 MPa as a result of the experiment using 100 mesh of reinforcement powder. The bending strength of sandwich composite increase as finer particle powder use for the reinforcement. The highest bending strength in this study can be used as bulkhead material for the interior of the ship’s accommodation space based on SNI 01-4449-2006.
Analysis of Workload on Fibre Ship Development Project Using Workload Analysis and NASA-TASK LOAD INDEX Methods
Authors: Nuraismi Paramitha , Hardiyanti Fitri , Rustini Irma
Published: November 2023

One of the fibre shipyards in Surabaya has 16 workers who play a direct role in shipbuilding activities. Every year this shipyard experiences an increase in the number of job requests. The more demand for shipbuilding, the workers involved also have to work harder. The purpose of this study is to find out how the workload is owned by the workforce and determine the optimal number of workers so that it can be used as a reference for decision making in the construction of the next ship. This research will use Workload Analysis and NASA-TLX methods. The results of the analysis using the Workload Analysis method resulted in a recommended workforce of 21 people so that 5 additional workers were needed. While the results of the analysis using the NASA-TLX method, the recommended workforce is 28 people, so there needs to be 12 additional workers. With this addition there is no excessive workload owned by the workforce.
Cyclic behavior and numerical study of PRC coupling beam with steel truss floor slab
Authors: Nie Jianchun , Zhang Zhen , Liu Guangjun , Qiao Yufeng , Zhao Zhe , Li Jie , Jin Bo , Tian Jianbo , Li Bolin , Zhou Wenjing
Published: November 2023

The coupling beam with small span-to-depth ratio is prone to brittle shear failure under the action of earthquake, so it can not play its role as the first line of defense against earthquake. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for calculating the shear bearing capacity of PRC-connected beams with reinforced truss floor plates. A more rational calculation model should be adopted based on its mechanical mechanism. In this study, ABAQUS finite element software is utilized to explore the parameters of PRC-connected beams with steel truss plates, including the span-to-height ratio, reinforcement ratio of the internal steel plate, diameter of upper and lower chord bars, and diameter of abdominal bars. The analysis shows that the span-to-height ratio, steel plate ratio and concrete compressive strength have a significant effect on the seismic behavior of PRC coupling beams with steel truss floor slab. Based on the softened tension-compression bar model combined with the multi-strip model, the theoretical calculation method of the shear capacity of PRC connected beams with steel truss bearing plates is derived. The results of comparison test and simulation verify the accuracy of the calculation results, and provide a design basis for the engineering application of PRC connected beams with steel truss floor plates.
Evaluation of present-day extreme precipitation over the United States: an inter-comparison of convection and dynamic permitting configurations of E3SMv1
Authors: A A Akinsanola , G J Kooperman , W M Hannah , K A Reed , A G Pendergrass , Wei-Ching Hsu
Published: November 2023

Accurate simulation of the present-day characteristics of mean and extreme precipitation at regional scales remains a challenge for Earth system models, which is due in part to deficiencies in model physics such as convective parameterization (CP), and coarse resolution. High horizontal resolution (HR, ∼25 km) and multiscale modeling framework (MMF, i.e. replacing conventional CP with embedded km-scale cloud-resolving models) are two promising directions that could help improve the interaction between subgrid-scale physical processes and large-scale climate. Here, we evaluate simulated extreme precipitation over the United States (US) across three configurations (i.e. low-resolution [LR], HR, and MMF) of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SMv1) and intercompare them against two gridded observation datasets (climate prediction center daily US precipitation and integrated multi-satellite retrievals for global precipitation measurement). We assess the model’s ability to simulate very heavy seasonal precipitation (illustrated by the difference between the 99th and 90th percentile values) as well as the spatial distributions of several extreme precipitation indices defined by the expert team on climate change detection and indices. Our results show that both the dry (i.e. consecutive dry days (CDD)) and wet (i.e. consecutive wet days, maximum 5 day precipitation, and very wet days) extremes evaluated herein show some improvement as well as degradation with MMF and HR relative to LR. These results vary across seasons and US subregions. For instance, only the very heavy precipitation of winter is improved with MMF and HR. Both configurations alleviate the well-known drizzling bias evident in LR across both winter and summer in many parts of the US, largely due to the overall improvement in intensity and frequency of precipitation. Additionally, our results suggest that while E3SMv1-MMF has higher intensity rates when it does rain, it has too many CDD during the summer, contributing to a low mean precipitation bias.
Clinicopathological prognostic stratification for proteinuria and kidney survival in IgA nephropathy: a Japanese prospective cohort study
Authors: Koike Kentaro , Kawamura Tetsuya , Hirano Keita , Nishikawa Masako , Shimizu Akira , Joh Kensuke , Katafuchi Ritsuko , Hashiguchi Akinori , Yano Yuichiro , Matsuzaki Keiichi , Matsushima Masato , Tsuboi Nobuo , Maruyama Shoichi , Narita Ichiei , Yokoo Takashi , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Background

We require a clinicopathological risk stratification method for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) to predict kidney outcomes. We examined a renal failure risk group (RF-RG) classification system created following a prior multicentre, retrospective study to determine if RF-RG could predict kidney outcomes.

Methods

We collected data from Japanese patients with IgAN registered between 1 April 2005 and 31 August 2015. The primary outcome was a composite 50% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or dialysis induction. The secondary outcomes were times to proteinuria remission (ProR) and haematuria remission (HemR).

Results

The enrolled 991 patients from 44 facilities were followed for a median of 5.5 years (interquartile range 2.5–7.5), during which 87 composite events (8.8%) occurred. RF-RG was significantly associated with the primary outcome {hazard ratio [HR] II 2.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–6.93], III 7.15 (2.90–17.6), IV 33.4 (14.1–79.0), I as a reference, P < .001}.

The discrimination performance was good [C-statistic 0.81 (95% CI 0.76–0.86)] and the time-dependent C-statistics exceeded 0.8 over 10 years. Among the 764 patients with proteinuria and 879 patients with haematuria at baseline, 515 and 645 patients showed ProR and HemR, respectively. ProR was significantly less frequent in patients with advanced disease [subdistribution HR: II 0.79 (95% CI 0.67–0.94), III 0.53 (0.41–0.66), IV 0.15 (0.09–0.23), I as a reference, P < .001]. We also observed an association between HemR and RF-RG.

Conclusions

RF-RG demonstrated good predictive ability for kidney outcomes.
Mid-term outcomes of aortic valve repair using an anatomically shaped internal annuloplasty ring
Authors: Jarral Omar A , Jensen Christopher W , Doberne Julie W , Downey Peter S , Serfas J D , Vekstein Andrew M , Hughes G Chad
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVES

The Hemispherical Aortic Annuloplasty Reconstructive Technology (HAART) ring is a rigid, internal and geometric device. The objective of this article is to assess the mid-term outcomes of aortic valve repair (AVr) using this prosthesis.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database was used to obtain outcomes for adult patients undergoing AVr using the HAART ring between September 2017 and June 2023. All aortic patients at our institution undergo life-long surveillance with regular assessment and valve imaging.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients underwent AVr using the HAART device: 53 had a trileaflet valve and 18 a bicuspid valve. The median age was 54 years, and most were male (79%). Many required concomitant intervention: 46% had a root procedure and 77% an arch repair. There were no in-hospital deaths, and the median postoperative stay was 5 days. At a mean follow-up of 3.9 (±1.1) years, freedom from reoperation was 94%. Late imaging demonstrated: zero trace (25%), 1+ (54%), 2+ (15%) and 4+ (6%) aortic insufficiency (AI). Eleven patients have ≥moderate AI under surveillance, all of whom have a trileaflet valve (21% of trileaflet patients). Four patients required reoperation: 3 for ring dehiscence and 1 for endocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although early results using the HAART device are encouraging, mid-term results raise concern as 21% of trileaflet patients developed recurrent ≥moderate AI by 4 years post-repair. We experienced 3 incidences of ring dehiscence requiring reoperation. Based on this, we recommend caution using the sub-annular approach for stabilization in patients with trileaflet aortic valves. Long-term results are needed to assess outcomes against established techniques.
“A Whirligig of Revolutionary Presidents”: state capacity, political stability, and business in Haiti, 1905–1927
Authors: Palsson Craig
Published: November 2023

Political instability in developing countries can be detrimental to the business environment. I examine how a sudden end to instability affected businesses in Haiti from 1905 to 1927. In 1915, after a tumultuous 4 years that saw seven different men serve as president, US Marines landed in Haiti and ended the conflict. Using new data on foreign-owned businesses operating in Haiti, I show that the number of foreign businesses increased rapidly after the end of instability. I present evidence that the businesses responded to lower uncertainty and increased trust in who held the executive power.
Imputation method for single-cell RNA-seq data using neural topic model
Authors: Qi Yueyang , Han Shuangkai , Tang Lin , Liu Lin
Published: November 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology studies transcriptome and cell-to-cell differences from higher single-cell resolution and different perspectives. Despite the advantage of high capture efficiency, downstream functional analysis of scRNA-seq data is made difficult by the excess of zero values (i.e., the dropout phenomenon). To effectively address this problem, we introduced scNTImpute, an imputation framework based on a neural topic model. A neural network encoder is used to extract underlying topic features of single-cell transcriptome data to infer high-quality cell similarity. At the same time, we determine which transcriptome data are affected by the dropout phenomenon according to the learning of the mixture model by the neural network. On the basis of stable cell similarity, the same gene information in other similar cells is borrowed to impute only the missing expression values. By evaluating the performance of real data, scNTImpute can accurately and efficiently identify the dropout values and imputes them accurately. In the meantime, the clustering of cell subsets is improved and the original biological information in cell clustering is solved, which is covered by technical noise. The source code for the scNTImpute module is available as open source at https://github.com/qiyueyang-7/scNTImpute.git.
Evaluating long-read de novo assembly tools for eukaryotic genomes: insights and considerations
Authors: Cosma Bianca-Maria , Shirali Hossein Zade Ramin , Jordan Erin Noel , van Lent Paul , Peng Chengyao , Pillay Stephanie , Abeel Thomas
Published: November 2023

Background

Assembly algorithm choice should be a deliberate, well-justified decision when researchers create genome assemblies for eukaryotic organisms from third-generation sequencing technologies. While third-generation sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) has overcome the disadvantages of short read lengths specific to next-generation sequencing (NGS), third-generation sequencers are known to produce more error-prone reads, thereby generating a new set of challenges for assembly algorithms and pipelines. However, the introduction of HiFi reads, which offer substantially reduced error rates, has provided a promising solution for more accurate assembly outcomes. Since the introduction of third-generation sequencing technologies, many tools have been developed that aim to take advantage of the longer reads, and researchers need to choose the correct assembler for their projects.

Results

We benchmarked state-of-the-art long-read de novo assemblers to help readers make a balanced choice for the assembly of eukaryotes. To this end, we used 12 real and 64 simulated datasets from different eukaryotic genomes, with different read length distributions, imitating PacBio continuous long-read (CLR), PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi), and ONT sequencing to evaluate the assemblers. We include 5 commonly used long-read assemblers in our benchmark: Canu, Flye, Miniasm, Raven, and wtdbg2 for ONT and PacBio CLR reads. For PacBio HiFi reads , we include 5 state-of-the-art HiFi assemblers: HiCanu, Flye, Hifiasm, LJA, and MBG. Evaluation categories address the following metrics: reference-based metrics, assembly statistics, misassembly count, BUSCO completeness, runtime, and RAM usage. Additionally, we investigated the effect of increased read length on the quality of the assemblies and report that read length can, but does not always, positively impact assembly quality.

Conclusions

Our benchmark concludes that there is no assembler that performs the best in all the evaluation categories. However, our results show that overall Flye is the best-performing assembler for PacBio CLR and ONT reads, both on real and simulated data. Meanwhile, best-performing PacBio HiFi assemblers are Hifiasm and LJA. Next, the benchmarking using longer reads shows that the increased read length improves assembly quality, but the extent to which that can be achieved depends on the size and complexity of the reference genome.
Military music and society during the French wars, 1793–1815
Authors: O’Keeffe Eamonn
Published: November 2023

The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars were experienced by the ears as much as the eyes, yet the auditory dimensions of these conflicts have received limited attention from historians. This article interrogates the reach and reception of military music in wartime Britain and Ireland by drawing on a wealth of evidence from memoirs, diaries, press reports and regimental archives. It demonstrates that military bands provided sought-after entertainment at myriad public events and staged open-air concerts for socially diverse audiences. The article interprets martial music-making as an important civil-military interface and a potent form of cultural propaganda: a means of inculcating patriotism and asserting the sonic supremacy of the established order in a revolutionary age. But it also reveals that military music provoked irritation, controversy and distress, not least by generating noise complaints and exacerbating sectarianism in Ireland. The article concludes by considering the role of British regimental music-making in overseas colonies and foreign theatres of operations, arguing that it functioned as a form of soft power that underpinned imperial authority, aided diplomacy and eased relations with local inhabitants. An intrusive symptom of large-scale military mobilization, martial music shaped civilian attitudes and soundscapes while profoundly influencing broader musical culture.
(Re)Designing Security and War? Reflections on Transgressive Creativity and International Relations
Authors: Lacy Mark
Published: November 2023

In the discipline of IR, a growing number of academics work with artists, designers, architects, and filmmakers to explore a range of global political, economic, and security challenges. At the same time, there has been a concern—made powerfully by Dan Öberg—that there is a danger of what he terms “transgressive creativity” in the way that new approaches and methods are being used to respond to security challenges, especially in a military context. In this essay, I explore how the problem of this “transgressive creativity” is a concern shared by two groups working on the problems of security, war, technology, economy, and politics: critical designers and military designers (or the group that is becoming known as the Archipelago of Design). While the objectives of both communities are different, they both share a view that a sense of openness to collaboration is essential to go beyond traditional institutional approaches in order to make sense of complex and uncertain futures in a time of technological acceleration and geopolitical change. The essay concludes that we should be vigilant to the problems of transgressive creativity that Öberg alerts us to, but we also need to broaden the research agenda to understand how creative techniques are being used by a variety of actors and organizations to address the problems of international politics; academics in IR also need to see whether the “openness” to collaboration has broader disciplinary and methodological implications for researchers.
Double marginalization, market foreclosure, and vertical integration
Authors: Choné Philippe , Linnemer Laurent , Vergé Thibaud
Published: November 2023

Double marginalization is a robust phenomenon in procurement under asymmetric information when sophisticated contracts can be implemented. In this context, vertical integration causes merger-specific elimination of double marginalization but biases the make-or-buy decision against independent suppliers. If the buyer has full bargaining power over prices and quantities, a vertical merger benefits final consumers even when it results in the exclusion of efficient suppliers. If on the contrary the buyer’s bargaining power is reduced after she has committed to deal exclusively with a limited set of suppliers, exclusion of efficient suppliers may harm final consumers.
The art of rivalry
Authors: Hilker Anne
Published: November 2023

In the years just before the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the American banker and philanthropist Jules S. Bache (1861–1944) built a collection of European paintings and decorative art which, in the 1930s, was located at a crossroads in collecting practices and museum growth in the United States. His offer of the collection as a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, made in 1936 on condition that it be separately named and housed, was at first rejected. He next opened his home to the public as a museum, burnishing his holdings with frequent exhibitions and publicity. In 1943 the Second World War forced Bache’s museum to close but brought the collection on loan to the Met, which had put its own masterworks into protective storage. Acquisition of Bache’s collection was now ‘imperative’, and the parties agreed on terms. At his death he contributed fifty-eight paintings together with items of sculpture, Georgian silver, enamel work, porcelain, tapestry, and furniture. Their transfer to the Met illustrates the competitive forces – personal, financial, institutional and geopolitical – that brought private collections to public museums in the USA before and during the years of global war.
Best practice guidelines for clinical and radiological assessment of patients with femoroacetabular impingement. Results from the ISHA International Delphi Consensus Project—Phase 2
Authors: Radha Sarkhell , Hutt Jonathan , Lall Ajay , Domb Benjamin , Lynch T Sean , Griffin Damian , Field Richard E , Chuck-Cakic Josip
Published: November 2023

In 2018, the International Society for Hip Preservation Surgery (ISHA) initiated a series of Delphi consensus studies to identify the global hip preservation community’s current opinion on best practices for different facets of hip preservation surgery. Arthroscopic procedures to treat hip pathologies, such as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are now established in mainstream orthopaedic practice. This study establishes recommendations for the investigation of patients with suspected FAIS. The investigation has focused on the three phases of the diagnostic process—patient history, physical examination and special investigations. Our expert panel consisted of 174 international orthopaedic surgeons with expertise in hip preservation surgery, thereby making recommendations generalisable across the globe. After three rounds of survey and analysis with 174 participants per round, our study achieved consensus at a minimum agreement threshold of 80.0% on 55 statements pertaining to the assessment of patients with FAIS. We encourage our junior and senior hip arthroscopy colleagues internationally to consider these statements both to standardize the clinical and radiological assessment of patients with FAIS and to aid in the design of future research.
Highly efficient conversion of mouse fibroblasts into functional hepatic cells under chemical induction
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Du Jiangchuan , Zhu Xiangjie , Guan Lingting , Hu Yanyu , Zhang Peilin , Wang Hongyang
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have shown that hepatocyte-like cells can be generated from fibroblasts using either lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical induction methods. However, these methods have their own deficiencies that restrict the therapeutic applications of such induced hepatocytes. In this study, we present a transgene-free, highly efficient chemical-induced direct reprogramming approach to generate hepatocyte-like cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Using a small molecule cocktail (SMC) as an inducer, MEFs can be directly reprogrammed into hepatocyte-like cells, bypassing the intermediate stages of pluripotent and immature hepatoblasts. These chemical-induced hepatocyte-like cells (ciHeps) closely resemble mature primary hepatocytes in terms of morphology, biological behavior, gene expression patterns, marker expression levels, and hepatic functions. Furthermore, transplanted ciHeps can integrate into the liver, promote liver regeneration, and improve survival rates in mice with acute liver damage. ciHeps can also ameliorate liver fibrosis caused by chronic injuries and enhance liver function. Notably, ciHeps exhibit no tumorigenic potential either in vitro or in vivo. Mechanistically, SMC-induced mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and suppression of SNAI1 contribute to the fate conversion of fibroblasts into ciHeps. These results indicate that this transgene-free, chemical-induced direct reprogramming technique has the potential to serve as a valuable means of producing alternative hepatocytes for both research and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, this method also sheds light on the direct reprogramming of other cell types under chemical induction.
Clinical outcomes of scalp or face angiosarcoma treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a multicenter study
Authors: Iwai Takahiro , Imagumbai Toshiyuki , Hiraoka Shinya , Kishi Takahiro , Okabayashi Shun , Ashida Ryo , Mitsuyoshi Takamasa , Matsuo Yukinori , Ishigaki Takashi , Mizowaki Takashi , Kokubo Masaki
Published: November 2023

Combined modality therapy, including radiotherapy (RT), is a common treatment for scalp or face angiosarcoma. Although intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can deliver homogeneous doses to the scalp or face, clinical data are limited. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate scalp or face angiosarcoma treated with definitive or post-operative IMRT. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who received IMRT for scalp or face angiosarcoma at three institutions between January 2015 and March 2020. Local control (LC) rate, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence patterns and toxicity were evaluated. Fifteen patients underwent IMRT during the study period. Definitive RT was performed on 10 patients and post-operative RT was performed on 5 patients. The 1-year LC rate was 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.9–96.2%). The 1-year OS and PFS rates were 66.7% (95% CI, 37.5–84.6%) and 53.3% (95% CI, 26.3%–74.4%), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that a clinical target volume over 500 cm3 was associated with poor LC. Distant metastasis was the most common recurrence pattern. All patients experienced Grade 2 or 3 radiation dermatitis, and five patients experienced grade ≥ 3 skin ulceration. One patient who underwent maintenance therapy with pazopanib developed Grade 5 skin ulceration. Fisher’s exact test showed that post-operative RT was significantly associated with an increased risk of skin ulceration of grade ≥ 3. These results demonstrate that IMRT is a feasible and effective treatment for scalp or face angiosarcoma, although skin ulceration of grade ≥ 3 is a common adverse event in patients who receive post-operative RT.
Module 9: Managing Cognitive Difficulties and “Brain Fog”
Authors: Jaywant Abhishek , Oberlin Lauren E. , Cherestal Stephanie , Bueno Castellano Christina , Wilkins Victoria M. , Kanellopoulos Dora
Published: November 2023

This chapter focuses on how to handle common post-COVID-19 cognitive difficulties and symptoms of brain fog, using the cognitive behavioral model. While two or three sessions are recommended, clients can have more sessions if their main concern is their cognitive difficulties and brain symptoms. Therapists may also refer the client for a neuropsychological evaluation and administer self-report measures of cognitive functioning, such as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) cognitive function scale. Monitoring cognitive lapses may help clients become aware of how often they occur in their daily lives. The chapter offers some cognitive strategies adapted from existing approaches and workbooks for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury, and neurologic illness.
Module 12: Putting it all Together and Managing Uncertainty
Authors: Jaywant Abhishek , Oberlin Lauren E. , Cherestal Stephanie , Bueno Castellano Christina , Wilkins Victoria M. , Kanellopoulos Dora
Published: November 2023

This chapter covers how to consolidate and maintain the gains that the client made in treatment. Practicing can help clients to manage ongoing uncertainty, navigate setbacks, and prevent relapse into unhealthy cognitive and behavioral patterns. Clients must understand the nature of the gains they achieved in therapy and their agency as they transition into the later phases of treatment. Reflecting on the treatment helps build self-monitoring habits. Therapists should make clients aware of the difference between temporary setbacks (which are inevitable) and the persistent re-emergence of mood or anxiety symptoms (which need further treatment). The chapter emphasizes that successful completion of therapy does not preclude clients from experiencing difficulties.
Caregivers and Families
Authors: Jaywant Abhishek , Oberlin Lauren E. , Cherestal Stephanie , Bueno Castellano Christina , Wilkins Victoria M. , Kanellopoulos Dora
Published: November 2023

This chapter focuses on the importance of supporting family caregivers and involving them in the treatment of the client. Family members and friends of individuals with persisting sequelae of COVID-19 may find themselves temporarily or permanently involved in caregiving tasks, and as a result may experience sometimes dramatic changes in their usual roles. Caregivers are at risk for caregiver burden, which is associated with negative health outcomes. Family caregivers can positively impact the client’s adherence to medical and rehabilitation treatments. The chapter provides information about cultural factors that therapists need to consider when they are working with ethnoculturally diverse families.