bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sources of variation in community composition of the hindgut microbiota in two tropical Kyphosus species
Authors: Pisaniello Alessandro , Bojarski Lilly D. , Handley Kim M. , White W. Lindsey , Angert Esther R. , Clements Kendall D.
Published: September 2022

Gut microbiota play a fundamental role in the nutrition of many vertebrate herbivores through foregut and hindgut fermentation of plant carbohydrates. Some species of marine herbivorous fishes contain moderate to high levels of short-chain fatty acids in the hindgut, indicating the importance of hindgut fermentation. Herbivorous fish hindgut microbiota are diverse and can vary with geographic location, but data on the scale of geographic variation involving a few km of separation are limited. Here, we used the 16S rRNA gene to describe community composition of the gut microbiota of the herbivorous speciesKyphosus vaigiensis and K. cinerascenscollected in the vicinity of Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia, in 2011 and 2017. Microbiota community structure differed between posterior hindgut sections, host species, sampling years and two mid-shelf and outer reef locations approximately 20 km apart. Hindgut bacterial community composition varied remarkably between mid-shelf and outer reef locations, and among individual fish on the mid-shelf reef. In both fish species, the most abundant phyla were Pseudomonadota, Bacillota and Bacteroidota, followed by Spirochaetota, Thermodesulfobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota. There were no clear differences between the host species in terms of the relative abundance and composition of bacterial genera in outer reef samples. In contrast, the dominant genera differed between mid-shelf samples ofK. cinerascensandK. vaigiensis, beingEndozoicomonas-like (Pseudomonadota) andBrevinema(Spirochaetota), respectively.Endozoicomonasare emerging as important symbionts in many marine hosts worldwide and are thought to be important in the coral sulphur cycle. Differences in microbiota composition were not associated with variation in fish condition, suggesting that the different microbial taxa perform equivalent functional roles.
Methods for uniform beam shaping and their effect on material ablation
Authors: Ackermann Lisa , Roider Clemens , Cvecek Kristian , Schmidt Michael
Published: September 2022

Phase-only beam shaping with a spatial light modulator (SLM) is a powerful tool in laser materials processing. It enables adapting the shaped profile to the ablation geometry and thereby tailoring the energy deposition. To mitigate speckle noise in tailored beam profiles, methods for uniform beam shaping were proposed. The two main approaches either implement averaging of speckled profiles or directly yield a uniform profile, i.e. by amplitude and wave front shaping. Even though both approaches provide comparable results in optical homogeneity, the ablation process differs. Even though it is important to know which method should be used for practical applications, a direct comparison of those two methods has not been studied before to the best of our knowledge. By employing both techniques in one setup, we perform ablation experiments on amorphous metal and investigate the results with respect to quality, efficiency, and feasibility. Averaging is especially suitable for ablating large areas with focus on homogeneity and simplicity. Amplitude and wave front shaping enables finer contours and sharper edges besides the obvious advantage of a uniform profile for single shot applications. Additionally, it exhibits no $$0{\text {th}}$$

0
th

order of non-diffracted light. These features arise from the inherently more sophisticated and complex experimental setup.
Exposure to dust and respiratory health among Australian miners
Authors: Rumchev Krassi , Van Hoang Dong , Lee Andy H.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to inhalable (INH) and respirable (RES) dust and respiratory health among mine workers in Western Australia using an industry-wide exposure database.

Methods

The database comprised cross-sectional surveys conducted by mining companies for the period 2001–2012. The study population consisted of 12,797 workers who were monitored for exposure to INH and RES dust and undertook health assessments including a respiratory questionnaire and spirometry test.

Results

Despite the general trend of declining exposure to both INH and RES dust observed over the 12 years period, mine workers reported a higher prevalence of phlegm and cough when exposed to elevated concentrations of INH and RES dust. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the positive association between INH dust exposure and the prevalence of phlegm with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.033 (95% CI 1.012–1.052). Overall, 6.3% of miners might have potential airway obstruction, and exposure to INH dust was associated with impaired lung function parameters.

Conclusion

Exposure levels of INH and RES dust particles among mine workers have reduced considerably and were well below currently legislated occupational exposure limits. However, given the reported higher prevalence of phlegm and cough among those with elevated dust concentrations, there is a continued need for effective dust exposure monitoring and control in the mineral mining industry.
Evaluation of short-term probabilistic eruption forecasting at Whakaari, New Zealand
Authors: Dempsey D. E. , Kempa-Liehr A. W. , Ardid A. , Li A. , Orenia S. , Singh J. , Tyler A. J. , Cronin S. J.
Published: September 2022

Phreatic explosions at volcanoes are difficult to forecast but can be locally devastating, as illustrated by the deadly 2019 Whakaari (New Zealand) eruption. Quantifying eruption likelihood is essential for risk calculations that underpin volcano access decisions and disaster response. But estimating eruption probabilities is notoriously difficult for sudden onset eruptions. Here, we describe two retrospectively developed models for short-term (48 h) probabilistic forecasting of phreatic eruptions at Whakaari. The models are based on a pseudo-prospective analysis of seven Whakaari eruptions whose precursors were identified by time series feature engineering of continuous seismic data. The first model, an optimized warning system, could anticipate six out of seven eruptions at the cost of 14 warning days each year. While a warning is in effect, the probability of eruption is about 8% in 48 h, which is about 126 times higher than outside the warning. The second model used isotonic calibration to translate the output of the forecast model onto a probability scale. When applied pseudo-prospectively in the 48 h prior to the December 2019 eruption, it indicated an eruption probability up to 400 times higher than the background. Finally, we quantified the accuracy of these seismic data-driven forecasts, alongside an observatory expert elicitation that used multiple data sources. To do this, we used a forecast skill score that was benchmarked against the average rate of eruptions at Whakaari between 2011 and 2019. This exercise highlights the conditions under which the three different forecasting approaches perform well and where potential improvements could be made.
The (R)Evolution of European Education Policy: European Higher Education Alliances
Authors: Moser Peter , Feiel Susanne , Kircher Volkmar
Published: September 2022

This article describes the development of Europe-wide higher education and research. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is an educational initiative of the European Commission designed to increase staff and student mobility and improve the employability of graduates. In addition, the ERASMUS programme has enabled millions of students to study abroad. In the field of research, the European Union is pursuing the vision of a unified European Research Area (ERA), open to the whole world and allowing the free transfer of researchers, scientific knowledge, and technologies. To link ERA and EHEA, European University Networks have been established to develop “European Joint Degrees” to educate highly qualified future graduates with European values. The European University on REsponsible Consumption And PROduction (EURECA-PRO) has the ambitious goal of not only strengthening the EHEA and ERA but also of mapping the circularity of materials and material flows, including their environmental impacts, in teaching and research.
Folgen der Inflation abfedern, aber wie?
Authors:   ZG Überblick
Published: September 2022

Seit einigen Monaten ist die Inflation auf einem hohen Niveau. Um 7,5 % erhöhten sich die Verbraucherpreise in Deutschland im Juli 2022 gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Der damit verbundene Kaufkraftverlust sorgt bei den Bürger:innen für Probleme und Unsicherheit. Dabei ist zu beobachten, dass insbesondere armutsgefährdete Personen darunter leiden, die von Transfers abhängig sind. Zudem leiden vor allem niedrige Einkommensgruppen unter der Inflation, da sie einen hohen Anteil ihres Einkommens für Nahrungsmittel und Energie ausgeben. Die Politik hat in einem ersten Schritt ein Entlastungspaket auf den Weg gebracht, das unter anderem den Tankrabatt und das 9-Euro-Ticket enthält. Insbesondere am unteren Ende der Einkommensverteilung sorgt die Inflation dennoch für Verwerfungen, die die Frage rechtfertigen, ob weitere Maßnahmen nötig sind.
Preisschübe beim Grundbedarf — Umverteilung erforderlich
Authors: Becker Irene
Published: September 2022

Since the beginning of 2022, prices for food and energy have been rising sharply. In the low-income sector, this leads to financial emergencies, since the standard of living here is far below the standards of society anyway. On the other hand, the consequences of inflation can certainly be absorbed in the upper income brackets. Against this background, government measures should be concentrated on lower income brackets. Appropriate measures would be the payment of inflation compensation for those receiving basic security, a reform of the updating of basic security benefits and an income-related transfer payment for households without basic security. A solidarity surcharge on the income tax is proposed for financing.
Zwei Jahre im Krisenmodus — die kommunalen Finanzen bleiben trotzdem stabil
Authors: Boettcher Florian , Freier Ronny
Published: September 2022

Die kommunalen Finanzen stehen seit Beginn der Coronakrise unter besonderer Beobachtung. Die deutsche Politik hat zurecht erkannt, dass bei der Bekämpfung der Krise eine handlungsfähige Kommunalpolitik zwingend notwendig ist. Tatsächlich haben die kommunalen Haushalte sowohl 2020 als auch 2021 mit Überschüssen abgeschlossen. Wie dieser Beitrag zeigt, sind die Gründe dafür sehr unterschiedlich. Die auskömmliche Finanzierung der Kommunen ist Garant für die effiziente Bewältigung der Krise vor Ort und die Rekordzahlen bei den kommunalen Investitionen sind der richtige Impuls in der Wirtschaftskrise.
Vibration modes of flexoelectric circular plate
Authors: Lan Mengdie , Yang Wenjun , Liang Xu , Hu Shuling , Shen Shengping
Published: September 2022

Beams, plates, and shells, as the fundamental mechanical structures, are widely used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) as sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and among others. Deeply understand the electromechanical coupling of these dielectric structures is of crucial for designing, fabricating, and optimizing practice devices in these systems. Herein we demonstrate the electromechanical coupling in flexoelectric circular plate, in which higher-order strain gradients were considered to extend the classical electromechanical properties to isotropic materials, in which the non-uniform distribution of the electric potential along the radial direction was considered. Analytical solutions for the vibration modes of the flexoelectric circular plates showed that the dynamic modes were totally different from the piezoelectric circular plates owing to the inversion symmetry breaking by the strain gradient. The electromechanical coupling dynamic modes are sensitive to bending, twisting modes owing to the sensitivity of the flexoelectric effect to bending. This work provides a fundamental understanding of the electromechanical coupling in flexoelectric circular plate, which is helpful in designing novel flexoelectric circular plate-based devices, such as flexoelectric mirrors.
Discolouration of Potato Tubers Under Retail Light: Cultivar Variations and Effect of Different Packaging Materials for Folva Potatoes Stored at 20 and 6 °C
Authors: Larsen Hanne , Molteberg Eldrid Lein
Published: September 2022

Light exposure of potatoes induces formation of both chlorophyll (greening) and of toxic glycoalkaloids (GAs). Greening leads to rejection by consumers and thus to food waste and economic loss. The aim of this study was to (1) study light sensitivity with respect to colour changes and GA development for different Norwegian grown potato cultivars stored at 20 °C and (2) evaluate the light protective effect of selected packaging materials on colour development in cv. Folva at 6 °C and 20 °C. Potatoes of seven cultivars were stored under LED illumination for 4 days at 20 °C. Changes in colour were measured during storage by Minolta Chroma meter and by visually assessing the limit for unacceptable change of colour. The tested cultivars became unacceptable at different times (24–60 h) and differed both in absolute colour values and relative changes of values. The levels of total glycoalkaloids in cultivars with and without light exposure did not correspond well to the changes in colour. Potatoes of cultivar Folva were packaged in materials with different light barrier properties, followed by LED illumination for 4 days at 20 °C and 18 days at 6 °C. None of the tested packaging types provided sufficient protection from light. All potatoes at 20 °C were unacceptably green after 2 days in light (16 h/day) while the potatoes at 6 °C were unacceptably green after 9 days. Packaging material for potatoes cv. Folva should aim for a total light transmittance below 0.02 W/m2 to avoid development of green colour during light exposure at 20 °C in grocery stores.
Four new genera and six new species of lyophylloid agarics (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from three different continents
Authors: van de Peppel Lennart J. J. , Aime M. Catherine , Læssøe Thomas , Pedersen Ole S. , Coimbra Victor R. M. , Kuyper Thomas W. , Stubbe Dirk , Aanen Duur K. , Baroni Timothy J.
Published: September 2022

Four new genera encompassing six new species are described in the Lyophyllaceae (Agaricales): the monotypic Australocybe from Australia; the monotypic Phaeotephrocybe from Belize; the monotypic Nigrocarnea from Laos containing the novel conidia-producing species N. radicata and Praearthromyces containing two Asian taxa, the conidia-producing P. corneri known from Malaysia and Singapore and P. griseus from Thailand, which lacks conidial production. In addition, we describe Arthromyces glabriceps, which is the first species in the genus Arthromyces that lacks conidial production on the basidiome. Alternative options for a classification of these lyophylloid taxa are discussed and based on morphological, ecological and biogeographical considerations rejected.
Co-producing theory of change to operationalize integrated landscape approaches
Authors: Reed James , Chervier Colas , Borah Joli Rumi , Gumbo Davison , Moombe Kaala B. , Mbanga Teddy M. , O’Connor Alida , Siangulube Freddie , Yanou Malaika , Sunderland Terry
Published: September 2022

Integrated landscape approaches that engage diverse stakeholder groups in landscape governance are increasingly promoted to address linked social–ecological challenges in tropical landscapes. Recent research suggests that a transdisciplinary approach to landscape management can help identify common research needs, enhance knowledge co-production, guide evidence-based policy development, and harmonize cross-sectorial integration. Meanwhile, guiding principles for landscape approaches suggest that identifying common concerns and negotiating a process of change are fundamental to implementation and evaluation efforts. As such, the use of decision support tools such as theory of change models that build ordered sequences of actions towards a desired, and agreed, future state are increasingly advocated. However, the application of the theory of change concept to integrated landscape approaches is limited thus far, particularly within the scientific literature. Here, we address this gap by applying the principles of landscape approaches and knowledge co-production to co-produce a theory of change to address current unsustainable landscape management and associated conflicts in the Kalomo Hills Local Forest Reserve No. P.13 (KFR13) of Zambia. The participatory process engaged a diverse range of stakeholders including village head people, local and international researchers, district councillors, and civil society representatives amongst others. Several pathways, actions, and interventions were developed around the themes of deforestation, biodiversity and wildlife conservation, socio-economic development, access rights, and law enforcement. To make the theory of change actionable, participants identified a need for enhanced cross-sector and multi-level communication, capacity development, and improved governance, while a lack of commitment towards coordinated knowledge exchange and access to information along with poor policy formulation and weak enforcement of rules were among potential impediments to action. Use of theory of change can both inform evidence-based policy design (by revealing place-based challenges and proposing solutions) and support policy mechanisms that promote integration between state and non-state actors (by clarifying actor rights, roles and responsibilities). Co-developing a theory of change for integrated landscape management is inherently context specific, but the process and outcomes of this study should hold relevance across a range of contexts faced with sustainability challenges related to reconciling both conservation and development objectives.
Assignment of IVL-Methyl side chain of the ligand-free monomeric human MALT1 paracaspase-IgL3 domain in solution
Authors: Han Xiao , Levkovets Maria , Lesovoy Dmitry , Sun Renhua , Wallerstein Johan , Sandalova Tatyana , Agback Tatiana , Achour Adnane , Agback Peter , Orekhov Vladislav Yu.
Published: September 2022

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue protein 1 (MALT1) plays a key role in adaptive immune responses by modulating specific intracellular signalling pathways that control the development and proliferation of both T and B cells. Dysfunction of these pathways is coupled to the progress of highly aggressive lymphoma as well as to potential development of an array of different immune disorders. In contrast to other signalling mediators, MALT1 is not only activated through the formation of the CBM complex together with the proteins CARMA1 and Bcl10, but also by acting as a protease that cleaves multiple substrates to promote lymphocyte proliferation and survival via the NF-κB signalling pathway. Herein, we present the partial 1H, 13C Ile/Val/Leu-Methyl resonance assignment of the monomeric apo form of the paracaspase-IgL3 domain of human MALT1. Our results provide a solid ground for future elucidation of both the three-dimensional structure and the dynamics of MALT1, key for adequate development of inhibitors, and a thorough molecular understanding of its function(s).
The ASHES 2020 special issue at JCEN
Authors: Chang Chip-Hong , Katzenbeisser Stefan , Rührmair Ulrich , Schaumont Patrick
Published: September 2022

This editorial provides its readers with a brief introductory overview of the ASHES workshop series in general, and of this special ASHES 2020 issue at the Journal of Cryptographic Engineering (JCEN) in particular.
Big data analyses for real-time tracking of risks in the mineral raw material markets: implications for improved supply chain risk management
Authors: Buchholz Peter , Schumacher Arne , Al Barazi Siyamend
Published: September 2022

Resilient supply chains have become a key issue for manufacturing companies to ensure a stable supply for their manufacturing processes and for governments to ensure the stable supply of essential goods to society. Building diversified supply chains and monitoring the performance of suppliers are major mitigation strategies to counteract disruptions at an early stage. Supply chain risk management and monitoring of supply chains using big data analytics are getting increasing attention. The growing number of data sources has huge implications on the reporting of incidents that may disrupt supply chains. The data sources may stem from a variety of internet sources like daily media reports provided on websites, social media or specialist media, or they may stem from specific databases. The sooner this information is disclosed to stakeholders and analysed the better the preventive strategies generally are. Timely information prolongs the reaction time and may help to reduce the severity of an incident. This paper highlights a science-based real-time tracking analysis of risks in the mineral raw material markets for the period 2019 to 2021 using big data analytics provided by a commercial system. A set of data for 12 selected mineral raw materials was provided by the authors and analysed using more than 100 risk indicators from 14 major risk categories as part of a commercial big data system. The extracted information can have imminent value to identify supply shortages, production halts or price peaks at an early stage. The main question was to find out whether such big data analytics are precise enough to detect potential, globally relevant, supply shortages in mineral raw material markets in due time. The results of this paper show that using big data analytics can be a very effective tool to extract relevant information about supply sources and to react timely in case of disruptions or social or environmental mismanagement on the supplier side. However, the nature of big data sources suggests that the parameters of the applied models need elaborate configuration. Each raw mineral market has its own peculiarities in terms of volume, mode of transport, market concentration or countries of origin. These factors influence the relevance of the reported incidents. Furthermore, some incidents have a spurious or only minor connection to the individual markets. For these reasons, we conclude that only supervised models reap the most benefits in the monitoring of mineral raw material markets.
Social aspects of business risk in the mineral industry—political, reputational, and local acceptability risks facing mineral exploration and mining
Authors: Suopajärvi Leena , Beland Lindahl Karin , Eerola Toni , Poelzer Gregory
Published: September 2022

Mineral exploration is an industry of uncertainties. Only 0,1% of exploration projects become mines, as the volume, content, and quality of a deposit all must be economically justifiable to find funding in the global financial market. However, the business risk of mineral exploration is not limited to geotechnical and financial risks, as social aspects are now considered the biggest risk facing the industry. Here, we identify three social aspects of business risk that may challenge the industry: political, reputational, and local acceptability. Political risk arises when sectoral authorities and the related legislation come into conflict, such as mineral versus environmental legislation. Reputational risk lies in the relationship between a company’s past and current operations in combination with the legitimacy of the entire industry. Local acceptability risk parallels the social license to operate, with poor corporate conduct, competition with other livelihoods, intrusion into culturally sensitive areas, and local values critical of mining all potentially evoking resistance. Companies must be aware not only of the nuances of each social aspect but also of the interplay between them to understand the full scale and scope of the business risks associated with exploration.
Patiëntgerapporteerde uitkomsten na chirurgische correctie van de peniele kromstand
Authors: Oostenbrink Elton J. V. , Meuleman Eric J. H. , Pigot Garry L. S.
Published: September 2022

Samenvatting

In deze studie werd gekeken naar patiëntgerapporteerde uitkomsten bij mannen met een congenitale peniele kromstand (CPK) en een verworven peniele kromstand (VPK) die een cavernoplicatie of cavernoplastiek ondergingen. Met een zelfvervaardigde vragenlijst werden de volgende domeinen geëvalueerd: uiterlijk van de penis, erectiele functie, geslachtsgemeenschap en bevindingen van de partner. De vragenlijst werd ingevuld door 55 van de 115 benaderde patiënten (responspercentage 48 %). Dit betrof 9 CPK- en 46 VPK-patiënten. Alle CPK-patiënten ondergingen een cavernoplicatie. Van de 46 VPK-patiënten ondergingen er 15 een cavernoplicatie en 31 een cavernoplastiek. CPK-patiënten scoorden na de ingreep op alle domeinen tevreden. VPK-patiënten scoorden tevreden, uitgezonderd op vier items in wisselende domeinen, waarop zij niet-tevreden scoorden. Dit was ongeacht de gebruikte chirurgische techniek. De postoperatieve tevredenheid bij VPK-patiënten kan dan ook tegen vallen.
Air pollution relevance analysis in the bay of Algeciras (Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez-García M. I. , González-Enrique J. , Moscoso-López J. A. , Ruiz-Aguilar J. J. , Turias I. J.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this work is to accomplish an in-depth analysis of the air pollution in the two main cities of the Bay of Algeciras (Spain). A large database of air pollutant concentrations and weather measurements were collected using a monitoring network installed throughout the region from the period of 2010–2015. The concentration parameters contain nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10). The analysis was developed in two monitoring stations (Algeciras and La Línea). The higher average concentration values were obtained in Algeciras for NO2 (28.850 µg/m3) and SO2 (11.966 µg/m3), and in La Línea for PM10 (30.745 µg/m3). The analysis shows patterns that coincide with human activity. One of the goals of this work is to develop a useful virtual sensor capable of achieving a more robust monitoring network, which can be used, for instance, in the case of missing data. By means of trends analysis, groups of equivalent stations were determined, implying that the values of one station could be substituted for those in the equivalent station in case of failure (e.g., SO2 weekly trends in Algeciras and Los Barrios show equivalence). On the other hand, a calculation of relative risks was developed showing that relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction produce an increase in the risk of higher pollutant concentrations. Besides, obtained results showed that wind speed and wind direction are the most important variables in the distribution of particles. The results obtained may allow administrations or citizens to support decisions.
F. Wiener’s Trick and an Extremal Problem for $$H^p$$
Authors: Brevig Ole Fredrik , Grepstad Sigrid , Instanes Sarah May
Published: September 2022

For $$0<p \le \infty $$

0
<
p
≤
∞

, let $$H^p$$

H
p

denote the classical Hardy space of the unit disc. We consider the extremal problem of maximizing the modulus of the kth Taylor coefficient of a function $$f \in H^p$$

f
∈

H
p

which satisfies $$\Vert f\Vert _{H^p}\le 1$$

‖
f
‖

H
p

≤
1

and $$f(0)=t$$

f
(
0
)
=
t

for some $$0 \le t \le 1$$

0
≤
t
≤
1

. In particular, we provide a complete solution to this problem for $$k=1$$

k
=
1

and $$0<p<1$$

0
<
p
<
1

. We also study F. Wiener’s trick, which plays a crucial role in various coefficient-related extremal problems for Hardy spaces.
Repositioning Generic Drugs: Empirical Findings and Policy Implications
Authors: Liddicoat Johnathon , Liddell Kathleen , Darrow Jonathan , Aboy Mateo , Jordan Matthew , Crespo Cristina , Minssen Timo
Published: September 2022

Commentators claim that drug repositioning (i.e. developing new uses for authorised drugs) significantly slows when generics are authorised and, therefore, law reform is necessary to encourage more R&D. This study empirically examines this claim by analysing records of clinical trials. It finds that once generics are authorised: (i) commercial trials continue at “active” rates for approximately half of the drugs studied, and (ii) the number of hospital and university trials actually increases. These findings cast doubt on whether additional incentives are needed. They also indicate that a more effective way to reposition drugs is for recently established government programmes to embrace IP strategies and leverage the hospital and university trials as an R&D pipeline.
Effect of demographic disparities on the use of the JMP ladders for water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Aderajew Mekonnen , Alemu Zinabu Assefa , Mengesha Sisay Derso , Dinssa Daniel Abera , Wagari Bedasa , Weldegebriel Mesaye Getachew , Serte Melaku Gizaw , Alemayehu Tsigereda Assefa , Kenea Moa Abate , Weldetinsae Abel , Teklu Kirubel Tesfaye , Adugna Ermias Alemayehu , Gobena Waktole , Fikresilassie Getinet , Demissie Belaynesh , Melese Abayew Wassie , Wube Wendayehu , Redwan Ekram , Tessema Masresha , Tollera Getachew
Published: September 2022

Reducing inequalities in all its forms is one of the key principles of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). However, the 2030 SDG Agenda has been a real challenge in addressing inequalities in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. There is a disparity in the use of WASH services in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify demographic factors affecting the use of Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) ladders for WASH services. In this study, a total of 5350 households were included. Households having heads with vocational education levels were 2.9 times higher in use of basic drinking-water services ((Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.9 with 95% CI 1.6–5.1) than household having heads who could not read and write. Besides, households living in urban areas were 21.7 times more likely to use basic drinking-water services (AOR = 21.7 with 95% CI 16–30) than in rural parts. Further, households with merchants’ heads were 2.1 times higher to use basic sanitation services (AOR = 2.1 with 95% CI 1.5, 3.1) than households with farmers’ heads. Moreover, households having higher monthly income per head were 2.9 times higher in utilizing basic sanitation services (AOR = 2.9 with 95% CI 2.32–3.58) than the poorest households. Similarly, households with female heads were 1.5 times higher in using the JMP ladder for basic hygiene services (AOR = 1.5 with 95% CI 1.24–1.71) than households with male heads. Additionally, respondents who live in urban areas had 2.8 times higher use of basic hygiene services (AOR = 2.8 with 95% CI 2.26–3.54) than those in rural areas. Many demographic factors that influence the use of the JMP ladders for water, sanitation, and hygiene services were identified. The use of surface water, open defecation practice, unimproved sanitation, and no hygiene services were positively associated with illiteracy. The findings suggest that state authorities should initiate firm WASH policies and strategies to achieve the SDG 6 and 10. Additionally, the government should apply effective WASH interventions that consider demographic disparities.
A Stock Price Forecasting Model Integrating Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Chen Youwei , Zhao Pengwei , Zhang Zhen , Bai Juncheng , Guo Yuqi
Published: September 2022

In recent years, due to the non-stationary behavior of data samples, modeling and forecasting the stock price has been challenging for the business community and researchers. In order to address these mentioned issues, enhanced machine learning algorithms can be employed to establish stock forecasting algorithms. Accordingly, introducing the idea of “decomposition and ensemble” and the theory of “granular computing”, a hybrid model in this paper is established by incorporating the complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), sample entropy (SE), independent component analysis (ICA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and long short-term memory (LSTM). First, aiming at reducing the complexity of the original data of stock price, the CEEMD approach decomposes the data into different intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). To alleviate the cumulative error of IMFs, SE is performed to restructure the IMFs. Second, the ICA technique separates IMFs, describing the internal foundation structure. Finally, the LSTM model is adopted for forecasting the stock price results, in which the LSTM hyperparameters are optimized by synchronously utilizing the PSO algorithm. The experimental results on four stock prices from China stock market reveal the accuracy and robustness of the established model from the aspect of statistical efficiency measures. In theory, a useful attempt is made by integrating the idea of “granular computing” with “decomposition and ensemble” to construct the forecasting model of non-stationary data. In practice, the research results will provide scientific reference for the business community and researchers.
“The First Feminist War in all of History”: Epistemic Shifts and Relinquishing the Mission to Rescue the “Other Woman”
Authors: Kapur Ratna
Published: September 2022

Rescuing the “other woman” has been an intractable feature of international and human rights legal interventions. This rescue narrative configures the “other woman,” invariably third world or from the Global South, as left behind in the movement toward progress and modernity. Part of the solution envisages the rescue and incorporation of the “other woman” into liberal rights discourse—the teleological endpoint of emancipation. Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) and postcolonial feminist critiques have exposed the racial and civilizational discourses that shape these rescue missions and the epistemic violence they engender. Using the example of the military invasion and occupation of Afghanistan from 2001–2021, I demonstrate how these discourses persist in contemporary women's human rights agendas and the carceral and securitized logics that they serve. I discuss the need to delink rights from rescue missions and the epistemic shifts required to move the critique in a meaningful and productive direction.
A nodule dome removal strategy to improve the laser-induced damage threshold of coatings
Authors: Liu Tianbao , Zhu Meiping , Du Wenyun , Shi Jun , Sun Jian , Chai Yingjie , Shao Jianda
Published: September 2022

Various coatings in high-power laser facilities suffer from laser damage due to nodule defects. We propose a nodule dome removal (NDR) strategy to eliminate unwanted localized electric-field (E-field) enhancement caused by nodule defects, thereby improving the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of laser coatings. It is theoretically demonstrated that the proposed NDR strategy can reduce the localized E-field enhancement of nodules in mirror coatings, polarizer coatings and beam splitter coatings. An ultraviolet (UV) mirror coating is experimentally demonstrated using the NDR strategy. The LIDT is improved to about 1.9 and 2.2 times for the UV mirror coating without artificial nodules and the UV mirror coating with artificial nodule seeds with a diameter of 1000 nm, respectively. The NDR strategy, applicable to coatings prepared by different deposition methods, improves the LIDT of laser coating without affecting other properties, such as the spectrum, stress and surface roughness, indicating its broad applicability in high-LIDT laser coatings.
Can Constitutional Change Transform Society?
Authors: Sanchez-Urribarri Raul
Published: September 2022

This essay reviews the following works:

Constitutional Change and Transformation in Latin America. Edited by Richard Albert, Carlos Bernal, and Juliano Zaiden Benvindo. Chicago: Hart Publishing, 2019. Pp. 304. $96.72 hardcover. ISBN: 9781509923502.

The Politics of Institutional Weakness in Latin America. Edited by Daniel M. Brinks, Steven Levitsky, and María Victoria Murillo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020. Pp. 359. $34.99 paperback. ISBN: 9781108702331.

Constituents before Assembly: Participation, Deliberation, and Representation in the Crafting of New Constitutions. By Todd A. Eisenstadt, A. Carl LeVan, and Tofigh Maboudi. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018. Pp. xxii + 200. $34.99 paperback. ISBN: 9781316619551.

A Revolution in Fragments: Traversing Scales of Justice, Ideology, and Practice in Bolivia. By Mark Goodale. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2019. Pp. 320. $27.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781478006527.

Only the People Can Save the People: Constituent Power, Revolution, and Counterrevolution in Venezuela. By Donald V. Kingsbury. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2018. Pp. xix + 210. $32.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781438469645.

Paths for Cuba: Reforming Communism in Comparative Perspective. Edited by Scott Morgenstern, Jorge Pérez-López, and Jerome Branche. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2019. Pp. 408. $$37.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780822965497.

Chile Constitucional. By Juan Luis Ossa Santacruz. Santiago de Chile: Fondo de Cultura Económica Chile and Centro de Estudios Públicos. Pp. 133. $12.00 paperback. ISBN: 9789562892056.

Assessing the Left Turn in Ecuador. Edited by Francisco Sánchez and Simón Pachano. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020. Pp. 403. $149.99 hardcover. ISBN: 9783030276249.
Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations and endometrial cancer risk: a multicentric case–control study
Authors: Esposito Giovanna , Turati Federica , Serraino Diego , Crispo Anna , Negri Eva , Parazzini Fabio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: September 2022

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) published evidence-based recommendations for cancer prevention focusing on body weight, physical activity, and diet. Our aim is to evaluate whether adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations could reduce endometrial cancer risk. We used data from a multicentric, Italian hospital-based case–control study (1992–2006) including 454 endometrial cancer cases and 908 age-matched controls. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was measured using a score (range: 0–7) based on seven components: body mass index (BMI), physical activity and five dietary items; higher scores indicated higher adherence. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated by multiple (adjusted) conditional logistic regression models including terms for major confounders and energy intake. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was inversely related to endometrial cancer risk (OR = 0·42, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0·30, 0·61 for the highest compared with the lowest score quartile), with a significant trend of decreasing risk with increasing adherence. An inverse association was also observed for a score including only dietary recommendations (OR = 0·67, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·96 for the highest compared with the lowest score tertile). In stratified analyses, the association was stronger among women with a normal weight, those who were older, and consequently those in post-menopause, and those with ≥ 2 children. In conclusion, high adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations has a favourable role in endometrial cancer risk, which is not fully explained by body weight.
The Death of the Little Man
Authors: Kernodle George R.
Published: September 2022

Attention must be paid! “I don't say he's a great man. Willy Loman never
made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest
character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is
happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall
into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to
such a person.”

Is there anything really tragic about the death of a salesman? After
three decades of seeing ourselves as little men lost in the anonymous masses
of the modern city, can we really pay attention? Can we really believe that
the failure and death of a little man is a terrible thing? Arthur Miller has
tried to write a tragedy about a little, ordinary man of our day. But
tragedy is a great affirmation, a great proclamation of belief. It is a
probing of the depth of pain and defeat and despair to find a solid base
from which the spirit can rise.
Terminal sliding-mode disturbance observer-based finite-time adaptive-neural formation control of autonomous surface vessels under output constraints
Authors: Naderolasli Amir , Shojaei Khoshnam , Chatraei Abbas
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a tracking controller for the formation construction of multiple autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances with output constraints. To design a formation control system, the leader-following strategy is adopted for each ASV. A symmetric barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), which advances to infinity when its arguments reach a finite limit, is applied to prevent the state variables from violating constraints. An adaptive-neural technique is employed to compensate uncertain parameters and unmodeled dynamics. To overcome the explosion of differentiation term problem, a first-order filter is proposed to realize the derivative of virtual variables in the dynamic surface control (DSC). To estimate the leader velocity in finite time, a high-gain observer is effectively employed. This approach is adopted to reveal all signals of the closed-loop system which are bounded, and the formation tracking errors are semi-globally finite-time uniformly bounded. The computer simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of this newly proposed formation controller for the autonomous surface vessels.
The Dialectics of Galileo
Authors: Schumacher Ernst
Published: September 2022

In the early fifties, Brecht wanted to change from “epic” theatre to
“dialectical” theatre. The latter was to keep the “narrative element” of the
former, but had a distinct aim: “ … deliberately
to develop features —dialectical vestiges —from earlier forms of theatre and
make them enjoyable” (Schriften zum Theatre, vol.
7, p. 316). “Developmental laws” were to be worked out by means of “the
dialectic of the classical writers of socialism, so that we could perceive
and enjoy the alterability of the world.” To this end, it would be necessary
to make perceptible the “imperceptible contradictions” in all things,
people, processes. Alienation techniques were to be used to depict the
“contradictions and development of human co-existence,” and to make
dialectic “a source of learning and enjoyment.”
Crystal structure and X-ray powder diffraction data for two solid-state forms of topiroxostat
Authors: Shi Dier , Liu Jiyong , Hu Xiurong
Published: September 2022

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for the topiroxostat form II, C13H8N6, are reported [a = 7.344(9) Å, b = 12.946(7) Å, c = 12.133(5) Å, β = 96.99(3)°, V = 1145.2(4) Å3, Z = 4, and space group P21/c]. The topiroxostat monohydrate, C13H8N6·H2O, crystallized in a triclinic system and unit-cell parameters are also reported [a = 7.422(9) Å, b = 8.552(1) Å, c = 11.193(5) Å, α = 74.85(1)°, β = 81.17(1)°, γ = 66.29(1)°, V = 627.0(6) Å3, Z = 2, and space group P-1]. In each case, all measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the corresponding space group. The single-crystal data of two solid-state forms of topiroxostat are also reported, respectively [a = 7.346(2) Å, b = 12.955(2) Å, c = 12.130(7) Å, β = 96.91(6)°, V = 1146.1(3) Å3, Z = 4, and space group P21/c] and [a = 7.418(6) Å, b = 8.532(8) Å, c = 11.183(9) Å, α = 74.807(1) °, β = 81.13(1)°, γ = 66.32(1) °, V = 624.7(6) Å3, Z = 2, and space group P-1]. The experimental powder diffraction pattern has been well matched with the simulated pattern derived from the single-crystal data.
Musical instruments as tangible cultural heritage and as/for intangible cultural heritage
Authors: Howard Keith
Published: September 2022

Musical instruments are central components of both the tangible and intangible heritage. However, discourse about music as intangible cultural heritage frequently overlooks the importance of instruments in conserving traditions inherited from the past and making live performance possible in the present, while curating instruments as tangible heritage often neglects their function for making music. This article explores two interrelated research questions about musical instruments as heritage. First, should instrument-crafting skills inherited from the past be sustained today, and, where industrial or mechanized manufacturing processes and the development of instruments is encouraged, what are the implications for sustaining music traditions? Second, given that instruments as crafted objects deteriorate over time, should instruments inherited from the past be displayed as objects, be restored to playing condition, or be updated and developed for contemporary use? To explore these questions, I take three case studies that juxtapose musical instruments from opposite sides of the world and from societies with very different philosophical and ideological approaches. The three case studies are Britain’s piano heritage, traditional Korean instruments (kugakki) in the Republic of Korea/South Korea, and “national” instruments (minjok akki) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea/North Korea. Based on fieldwork, ethnography, and collecting and curating work, my choice of case studies allows me to look at both the country I call home (Britain) and the region where I have researched matters musical for 40 years (the Korean peninsula). But the case studies also demonstrate that there is no single answer to questions about the role of musical instruments when (and if) instruments are recognized as both tangible and intangible heritage.
Validity testing of the conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiment scales during the COVID-19 pandemic across 24 languages from a large-scale global dataset
Authors: Han Hyemin , Blackburn Angélique M. , Jeftić Alma , Tran Thao Phuong , Stöckli Sabrina , Reifler Jason , Vestergren Sara
Published: September 2022

In this study, we tested the validity across two scales addressing conspiratorial thinking that may influence behaviours related to public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the COVIDiSTRESSII Global Survey data from 12 261 participants, we validated the 4-item Conspiratorial Thinking Scale and 3-item Anti-Expert Sentiment Scale across 24 languages and dialects that were used by at least 100 participants per language. We employed confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance test and measurement alignment for internal consistency testing. To test convergent validity of the two scales, we assessed correlations with trust in seven agents related to government, science and public health. Although scalar invariance was not achieved when measurement invariance test was conducted initially, we found that both scales can be employed in further international studies with measurement alignment. Moreover, both conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiments were significantly and negatively correlated with trust in all agents. Findings from this study provide supporting evidence for the validity of both scales across 24 languages for future large-scale international research.