bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time from blood draw to multiple electrode aggregometry and association with platelet reactivity
Authors: Hesselbarth David , Gjermeni Diona , Szabo Sofia , Siegel Patrick M. , Diehl Philipp , Moser Martin , Bode Christoph , Olivier Christoph B.
Published: November 2022

Results from multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) may vary according to pre-analytic factors. This study aimed to analyze the association of time from blood draw to MEA in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this observational single-center cohort study, platelet aggregation (aggregation units, U) was quantified by MEA (Multiplate Analyzer) after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP; final concentration [Fc] 6.4 μM), thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP; Fc 32 μM), or arachidonic acid (AA; Fc 0.5 mM) in patients treated with ASA and clopidogrel following PCI. High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as ADP-induced platelet aggregation ≥ 46 U. The manufacturer recommends performing the analysis within 30–180 min after blood draw. Patients were grouped according to the time from blood draw to MEA: 30–180 min, < 30 min, or > 180 min. Platelet function of 273 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI with dual antiplatelet therapy was analyzed. The median age was 72 years (interquartile range, IQR 62–79) and 179 (66%) were male. Median ADP-, TRAP-, and AA-induced aggregation was 25 (IQR 18–36) U, 79 (IQR 63–96) U, and 12 (IQR 7–18) U, respectively. For those analyzed within 30–180 min from blood draw, no significant correlation of time from blood draw to MEA was observed 1) ADP (r = − 0.04, p = 0.51); 2) TRAP (r = − 0.06, p = 0.32); 3) AA (r = − 0.03, p = 0.67). In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, the time from blood draw to multiple electrode aggregometry does not correlate with ADP- induced aggregation when the measurement occurred within the recommended time interval of 30–180 min after blood draw.
Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ATI 718Plus® Superalloy After Graded Solution Treatment
Authors: Lech Sebastian , Wusatowska-Sarnek Agnieszka M. , Wieczerzak Krzysztof , Kruk Adam
Published: November 2022

The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of ATI 718Plus® superalloy subjected to a graded solution treatment was evaluated. Graded solution treatment was performed on a single bar of 718Plus superalloy for 1 hour within a temperature range of 907 °C to 1095 °C. It resulted in a graded microstructure investigated mainly by light microscopy, scanning-, and transmission electron microscopy. A quantitative analysis of identified phases was performed. Mechanical properties were assessed using the Vickers hardness test and correlated with the microstructural changes. The structure–property relationship between 718Plus superalloy microstructure and mechanical properties was established. The change of theγphase grain size in the single-phase range did not affect the hardness in a meaningful manner. Significant increases in hardness were observed after the introduction ofγ′ andηphases. Phase stability limits were determined experimentally and compared with those calculated using the Thermo-Calc software.
Microstructural Aspects of Premature Pitting Corrosion of Steel Pipe–Case Study
Authors: Tyrała Dorota , Pawłowski Bogdan
Published: November 2022

A premature pitting corrosion in seam-welded 3-inch L235 steel pipe was reported to occur after 8 years in service. This pipe was part of a closed ice water cooling system, where the inlet water temperature was 6 °C and the outlet water temperature was 11 °C. The present work aimed to investigate the causes of this premature pitting corrosion of the pipe through metallographic investigations. This work comprised a visual examination of the internal surfaces of the pipe and microstructural examinations of the corrosion perforation regions (pitting corrosion areas) using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The investigations showed that the corrosion pits occurred only in areas with a huge number of specific micro-voids that can be associated with the excessive presence of trapped hydrogen dissolved in the steel, probably during steelmaking operations.
Does Oxidative Stress Along with Dysbiosis Participate in the Pathogenesis of Asthma in the Obese?
Authors: Kleniewska Paulina , Pawliczak Rafał
Published: November 2022

The most important environmental factor that can play a key role in the development of asthma in the obese is overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the study was to examine changes in the concentration of oxidative stress parameters in the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood of mice in models of asthma or/and obesity caused by high-fat diet (HFD). The concentrations of 4-HNE and isoprostanes in the lungs of the animals were measured. BAL fluid levels of hydrogen peroxide were marked. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were used as biomarkers of oxidative stress in the blood. Administration of lipoic acid (LA), a probiotic with standard-fat diet (SFD, 10% fat) and low-fat diet (LFD, 5% fat) significantly decreased the concentration of 4-HNE as compared to the OVA (ovalbumin) + HFD group (p < 0.05). Treatment with low-fat diet or LFD in combination with apocynin insignificantly decreased H2O2 values as compared to the OVA + HFD group. Supplementation of probiotic with SFD and LFD significantly decreased the concentration of TBARS as compared to the OVA + SFD and saline + HDF groups (p < 0.05). Significantly lower concentrations of TBARS were also observed in the LA plus LFD group (p < 0.05) as compared to the OVA + HFD group. Low-fat diet with probiotic significantly increased the concentration of FRAP as compared to the obese mice (p = 0.017). Treatment with LFD in combination with LA significantly increased FRAP values as compared to the obese and obese asthmatic mice (p < 0.001).
Assessment of extraneous water inflow in separate sewerage system by different quantitative methods
Authors: Bogusławski Bartosz , Sobczak Piotr , Głowacka Anna
Published: November 2022

Extraneous water that inflow to the sewage system is basically divided into two streams—accidental water (mainly rainwater) and infiltration water. The aim of the research was to assess the amount of extraneous water inflow to the considered system. Five different quantitative approaches were applied. Three well-known methods were used: the triangle method, the minimum night flow method, and the moving minimum method. The annual balance of water consumption and sewage supply to the wastewater treatment plant were calculated. Also, some analysis of sewage discharge during wet and dry weather was carried out. The study covered data from 6 years from 2014 to 2019. It was established that the main source of extraneous water was infiltration, because three methods which concern both streams (triangle method, minimum night flow, variability in wet and dry weather) confirm the conclusion. Merely the moving minimum method results differ from the others. In this investigation, accidental water (basically rainwater inflow) poses a significantly less share in the total volume of sewage compared to infiltration water. The total amount of extraneous water was estimated as in the range from 38 to 53% of annual sewage supply to wastewater treatment plant, depending on the year. Share of infiltration and accidental water is changing in different methods. Share of infiltration was in a range between 18 and 68%, depending on the year and the method used. Share of accidental water was in a range between 7 and 22%.
Optimisation of chemical oxygen demand removal from animal house wastewater using central composite design
Authors: Imoro Abubakari Zarouk , Owiredu Raymond Asante , Osarenotor Osayomwanbo , Acheampong Nana Aboagye , Duwiejuah Abudu Ballu , Mensah Moses
Published: November 2022

In the developing world, most animal farmhouses dispose of their wastewater without treatment and that creates conditions for the spread of diseases. To discourage this practice, there is the need to provide relatively simpler wastewater treatment options. Thus, this research work sought to optimise the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of a simple anaerobic digester by determining the optimum concentrations of rhamnolipid biosurfactant and potassium phosphate buffer needed to make the anaerobic digester remove COD efficiently. The central composite design was used for the optimization study. In the one factor at a time experiment, increasing the concentration of the potassium phosphate buffer from 1.07 g/l K2HPO4 + 0.53 g/l KH2PO4to 1.37 g/l K2HPO4 + 0.83 g/l KH2PO4increased the COD removal efficiency of the anaerobic digester from 19.3 to 24.7%. Also, increasing the concentration of rhamnolipid from 80 to 320 mg/l increased the efficiency of the digester from 24.2 to 26%. The percentage COD removal was highly improved (> 85%) in the optimisation study when both rhamnolipid and buffer were combined at high levels (+ 1). The model built from the central composite design reflected a good fit of the data obtained withR2of 82.5% and apvalue of 0.000. This study therefore demonstrated that a simple anaerobic digester can be used to remove COD in wastewater by optimising the concentrations of rhamnolipid and potassium phosphate buffers in the treatment system.
Assessment and delineation of groundwater potential zones using integrated geospatial techniques and analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Ajayi Oluibukun Gbenga , Nwadialor Ifeanyi Jonathan , Odumosu Joseph Olayemi , Adetunji Oluwatobi Olalekan , Abdulwasiu Ishola Olabanji
Published: November 2022

Hydrogeologists and other allied professionals involved in the exploration and management of water resources have benefited greatly from the integration of geospatial techniques and remote sensing (RS) applications for identifying prospective or possible groundwater availability zones. This method is progressively becoming a viable alternative to the traditional geophysical survey for groundwater (GW) exploration, which is costly, time-consuming, and labour-intensive. This research explored the applicability of integrating RS, geospatial technologies and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for mapping and classifying GW potential zones in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State in Northern-Nigeria. Five thematic maps were produced which represent the factors that influence and control the occurrence and transportation of GW. These factors are geology, lineament density, slope, land use and land cover, and drainage density. Normalized weights were assigned to these factors using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on their relative influence on occurrence and transportation of GW. Weighted overlay was implemented in a GIS environment to model the MCDA resulting to a GW potential map (GWPM). The produced GWPM was classified into four classes: ‘Very low’, ‘Low’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘High’ representing 3, 1, 85 and 11% of the total study area, respectively. The obtained result was validated using datasets obtained via hydrogeophysical techniques (vertical electrical sounding), and the result shows 68% positive correlation with the integrated remote sensing approach. The generated GWPM is recommended as an essential tool for water resource developers, and government agencies in charge of sourcing and distributing potable water resource in the study area.
Coupling of Epsilon-Near-Zero Mode to Mushroom-Type Metamaterial for Optimizing Infrared Suppression and Radiative Cooling
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Liu Shuang , Wu Shenglan , Liu Yong , Zhong Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

We report a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible metamaterial-based spectrally selective absorber/emitter (MBSSAE) for infrared (IR) stealth, which has the low absorption/emissivity in the IR atmospheric transmission window (3 µm–5 µm, 8 µm–14 µm) and ultra-high and broadband absorption/emissivity in the IR non-atmospheric window (5 µm–8 µm). We propose a novel method for the broadband absorption/emissivity in 5 µm–8 µm with incorporation of an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) material between the top patterned aluminum (Al) disks layer and the silicon oxide (SiO2) spacer layer. With an appropriate design, the peaks in the IR atmospheric transmission window can be suppressed while the peak intensity in the non-atmospheric window remains high. The optimized MBSSAE has an average absorption/emissivity less than 10% in 8 µm–14 µm and less than 6% in 3 µm–5 µm. And the average absorption/emissivity in 5 µm–8 µm is approximately over 64%. This proposed scheme may introduce the opportunities for the large-area and low-cost infrared stealth coating, as well as for the radiative cooling, spectral selective thermal detector, optical sensor, and thermophotovoltaic applications.
Deep learning prediction of non-perfused volume without contrast agents during prostate ablation therapy
Authors: Wright Cameron , Mäkelä Pietari , Bigot Alexandre , Anttinen Mikael , Boström Peter J. , Blanco Sequeiros Roberto
Published: November 2022

The non-perfused volume (NPV) is an important indicator of treatment success immediately after prostate ablation. However, visualization of the NPV first requires an injection of MRI contrast agents into the bloodstream, which has many downsides. Purpose of this study was to develop a deep learning model capable of predicting the NPV immediately after prostate ablation therapy without the need for MRI contrast agents. A modified 2D deep learning UNet model was developed to predict the post-treatment NPV. MRI imaging data from 95 patients who had previously undergone prostate ablation therapy for treatment of localized prostate cancer were used to train, validate, and test the model. Model inputs were T1/T2-weighted and thermometry MRI images, which were always acquired without any MRI contrast agents and prior to the final NPV image on treatment-day. Model output was the predicted NPV. Model accuracy was assessed using the Dice-Similarity Coefficient (DSC) by comparing the predicted to ground truth NPV. A radiologist also performed a qualitative assessment of NPV. Mean (std) DSC score for predicted NPV was 85% ± 8.1% compared to ground truth. Model performance was significantly better for slices with larger prostate radii (> 24 mm) and for whole-gland rather than partial ablation slices. The predicted NPV was indistinguishable from ground truth for 31% of images. Feasibility of predicting NPV using a UNet model without MRI contrast agents was clearly established. If developed further, this could improve patient treatment outcomes and could obviate the need for contrast agents altogether.

Trial Registration NumbersThree studies were used to populate the data: NCT02766543, NCT03814252 and NCT03350529.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secreted-Extracellular Vesicles are Involved in Chondrocyte Production and Reduce Adipogenesis during Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chen , Cheng Tai-Shan , Liao Hsiu-Jung , Chuang Ming-Hsi , Chen Hui-Ting , Chen Chun-Hung , Zhang Kai-Ling , Chang Chih-Hung , Lin Po-Cheng , Huang Chi-Ying F.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are derived from internal cellular compartments, and have potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in degenerative disease associated with aging. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising tool for functional EVs production. This study investigated the efficacy of EVs and its effect on differentiation capacity.

Methods:

The characteristics of MSCs were evaluated by flow cytometry and stem cell differentiation analysis, and a production mode of functional EVs was scaled from MSCs. The concentration and size of EVs were quantitated by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). Western blot analysis was used to assess the protein expression of exosome-specific markers. The effects of MSC-derived EVs were assessed by chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation analyses and histological observation.

Results:

The range of the particle size of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)- and Wharton’s jelly -MSCs-derived EVs were from 130 to 150 nm as measured by NTA, which showed positive expression of exosomal markers. The chondrogenic induction ability was weakened in the absence of EVs in vitro. Interestingly, after EV administration, type II collagen, a major component in the cartilage extracellular matrix, was upregulated compared to the EV-free condition. Moreover, EVs decreased the lipid accumulation rate during adipogenic induction.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that the production model could facilitate production of effective EVs and further demonstrated the role of MSC-derived EVs in cell differentiation. MSC-derived EVs could be successfully used in cell-free therapy to guide chondrogenic differentiation of ADSC for future clinical applications in cartilage regeneration.
Tageskliniken zentral und/oder disloziert. Ein Standardelement der kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Versorgung
Authors: Weindl Dina , Koller David , Kostial Martin , Zajec Karin , Noske Judith
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Tageskliniken als fachspezifische Versorgungseinheiten der kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Versorgung in Österreich stellen einen wichtigen Behandlungsbaustein für personenorientierte Behandlungsangebote dar. Neben zahlreichen Vorteilen, stellen sie jedoch auch höhere Anforderungen an die jungen Patient:innen und deren Angehörige.

Methodik

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die in Österreich etablierte tagesklinische Versorgungsstruktur, welche im Österreichischen Strukturplan Gesundheit festgehalten ist, dargestellt. Dabei wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Strukturqualitätskriterien, welche sich am Konzept der Leistungsorientierten Krankenhausfinanzierung orientieren, gelegt.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigt sich eine hohe Anforderung und Notwendigkeit zur Bereitschaft zu transdisziplinären, multimodalen Behandlungskonzepten und -formen, sowie ein großer räumlicher Ressourcenbedarf. Die Etablierung von mehreren tagesklinischen Gruppen an einem Standort finden sich im Konzept der Leistungsorientierten Krankenhausfinanzierung nicht wieder und es muss zur Orientierung auf andere Quellen verwiesen werden. Ebenso verhält es sich mit dem benötigten Raumbedarf.

Schlussfolgerung

Zur Sicherstellung und Evaluation der Behandlungsqualität werden auf patient:innenbezogener als auch team- beziehungsweise organisationsbezogener Ebene Empfehlungen ausgesprochen. Die Arbeitsgruppe Tagesklinik der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie empfiehlt neben der regionalisierten und wohnortnahen Versorgung und der Integration der Tagesklinik in die Gemeinde eine Behandlungsstruktur, welche durch Transdisziplinarität sowie Partizipation geprägt ist. Die Vernetzung mit anderen Versorgungsbereichen, sowie die Nutzung sozialpsychiatrischer Netzwerke ist unerlässlich. Regionale Besonderheiten sollten Berücksichtigung finden und spezialisierte, themenspezifische tagesklinische Gruppen sollten in weiteren Planungen und Konzepten vermehrt Eingang finden.
A sustainable game strategic supply chain model with multi-factor dependent demand and mark-up under revenue sharing contract
Authors: Bhuniya Shaktipada , Pareek Sarla , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: November 2022

In the current socio-economic situation, the daily demand for essential goods in the business sector is always changing owing to various unavoidable reasons. Choosing the right method for a profitable business has become quite tricky. The proposed study introduces different business strategies based on trade credit, revenue sharing contract, variable demand and production rate. As trade credit is one of the best policies to attract customers, there are two types of models based on it. In the first model, demand depends on average selling price, green degree, and products quality. An additional trade-credit factor is in the second model. However, considering coordination, non-coordination, and revenue sharing contracts, each model has three sub-cases. The main aim is to find the best strategy for the profit maximization of the supply chain members. Green investment, maintenance, and multi-factor dependent demand make the model more sustainable. The global optimization is established theoretically and different propositions are developed. Through numerical experiments, the global optimality is also verified. Some special cases, with a comparative graph, are provided for the validation of these results and to find the best strategy for profit maximization. Finally, some concluding remarks along with future extensions are discussed.
Self-regulatory Fractional Fuzzy Control for Dynamic Systems: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Mohan Vijay , Panjwani Bharti , Chhabra Himanshu , Rani Asha , Singh Vijander
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an analytical design of a fractional order fuzzy proportional integral plus derivative (FOFPI + D) controller. Artificial intelligence is incorporated into the controller with the help of a formula-based fuzzy logic system. The designed scheme combines fractional order fuzzy PI (FOFPI) and fractional order fuzzy D (FOFD) controller, derived from fundamental FOPID control law. The proposed scheme enjoys the linear structure of the FOPID controllers with non-linear gains that provide self-tuning control capability. The sufficient condition for stability of the closed-loop system is also established using the graphical approach. Performance of the proposed FOFPI + D, its integer order variant (FPI + D), and conventional controllers is examined for control of a highly non-linear and uncertain two-link robotic manipulator system. The optimum parameters of controllers are found by minimising aggregated control variation and error objective through non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The comparison for trajectory tracking shows that FOFPI + D has the minimum integral absolute error (IAE) compared to other controllers. Further, rigorous performance investigations are performed to verify the robustness of designed controllers against parametric uncertainties, the varying boundary conditions of reference trajectory and disturbance rejection. It is concluded from the results that the proposed FOFPI + D controller exhibits superior performance.
Selection of Appropriate Global Partner for Companies Using q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Aczel–Alsina Average Aggregation Operators
Authors: Senapati Tapan , Martínez Luis , Chen Guiyun
Published: November 2022

The term “q-Rung orthopair fuzzy sets ($$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs)” refers to the collection of the most differentiated ideas for expressing fuzzy data in decision-making rules. The $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs can gradually adapt the region of information by adjusting the parameter $$q \ge 1$$

q
≥
1

in response to the fluctuation degree, so assisting in the generation of more numerous possibilities. Aczel–Alsina triangular norm and conorm are superior operations that may create general and adaptable working principles for aggregating arguments. To make use of $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs and Aczel–Alsina triangular norms in “multiple attribute decision-making (MADM)” issues, a few q-rung orthopair fuzzy ($$q^{r}$$

q
r

OF) Aczel–Alsina aggregation operators: $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OF Aczel–Alsina weighted average ($$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFAAWA) operator, $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OF Aczel–Alsina order weighted average ($$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFAAOWA) operator, $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OF Aczel–Alsina hybrid average ($$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFAAHA) operator for aggregating $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs are exhibited in this article to fix the MADM issues based on $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs. Some significant properties are additionally demonstrated. A technique for taking care of the MADM issues is proposed based on these created operators. The adequacy of the suggested technique is shown by means of a numerical example on enterprise partner selection, a lot of investigations and correlations with other existing strategies. The sensitivity of the proposed aggregation operators to decision-making findings is investigated. The demonstration outcomes suggest that the suggested technique has fulfilling universality and adaptability in aggregating $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OF data and acquiring the correlations of criteria and the attitudes of “decision-makers (DMs)” and is doable and compelling for taking care of the MADM issues dependent on $$q^{r}$$

q
r

OFSs.
Formation of beryllium oxide nanofibers by polyvinyl alcohol/beryllium sulfate/polyethyleneimine composite precursors
Authors: Hossain Md. Shakhawat , Nakane Koji
Published: November 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/beryllium sulfate (BeSO4) precursor nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning technique, mixing PVA aqueous solution with BeSO4 salt. The productivity is increased by adding polyethyleneimine (PEI) with PVA/BeSO4 spinning solution. The beryllium oxide (BeO) nanofibers are obtained by calcinating the PVA/BeSO4/PEI precursor nanofiber heated at 1000 °C or above. The crystallographic structure of BeO nanofibers is examined by X-ray diffraction. The thermal behaviors of the pure PVA nanofibers, BeSO4 salt, and PVA/BeSO4/PEI precursor nanofibers are studied by thermogravimetry analysis. The BeO nanofiber diameters are reduced with the increase in calcination temperatures. The specific surface area of the PVA/BeSO4/PEI precursor nanofibers is around 36.9 m2 g−1, and that of the BeO nanofibers calcined at 1200 °C is about 11.9 m2 g−1. The pore properties deteriorate due to sintering and blockage as the calcination temperature increases. This work introduces mesoporous BeO nanofibers for the very first time.
A uniformly convergent numerical scheme for solving singularly perturbed differential equations with large spatial delay
Authors: Ejere Ababi Hailu , Duressa Gemechis File , Woldaregay Mesfin Mekuria , Dinka Tekle Gemechu
Published: November 2022

In this study, a parameter-uniform numerical scheme is built and analyzed to treat a singularly perturbed parabolic differential equation involving large spatial delay. The solution of the considered problem has two strong boundary layers due to the effect of the perturbation parameter, and the large delay causes a strong interior layer. The behavior of the layers makes it difficult to solve such problem analytically. To treat the problem, we developed a numerical scheme using the weighted average ($$\theta$$
θ
-method) difference approximation on a uniform time mesh and the central difference method on a piece-wise uniform spatial mesh. We established the Stability and convergence analysis for the proposed scheme and obtained that the method is uniformly convergent of order two in the temporal direction and almost second order in the spatial direction. To validate the applicability of the proposed numerical scheme, two model examples are treated and confirmed with the theoretical findings.
Anisotropic swelling of rubber: extension of the Flory theory
Authors: Fernandes V. A. , De Focatiis D. S. A.
Published: November 2022

The anisotropy of the swelling of rubber is examined both theoretically and experimentally. The Flory theory is extended to account for anisotropic swelling, allowing the determination of the average molecular weight between cross-links for rubber with swelling anisotropy for the first time. In addition, specimens from five commercial rubbers manufactured using either compression-moulding or sheet-rolling processes are swollen in appropriate organic solvents. Their linear dimensions and mass are carefully recorded before swelling, in the swollen state, and after drying, to obtain three linear swelling ratios which can differ by up to 10% within each specimen. Compression-moulded rubbers are shown to be transversely isotropic after moulding, whereas rolled rubbers exhibit full anisotropy, with different swelling ratios in all three directions. None of the rubbers examined were found to be truly isotropic. The new anisotropic swelling theory is applied to the experimental data to determine the average molecular weight between cross-links, which is determined as up to 0.5% larger than the value obtained using the Flory isotropic swelling theory.
Implications of Earth system tipping pathways for climate change mitigation investment
Authors: Caldecott Julian Oliver
Published: November 2022

Complex Earth systems under stress from global heating can resist change for only so long before tipping into transitional chaos. Convergent trajectories of change in Arctic, Amazon and other systems suggest a biosphere tipping point (BTP) in this mid-century. The BTP must be prevented and therefore offers a hard deadline against which to plan, implement, monitor, adjust and accelerate climate change mitigation efforts. These should be judged by their performance against this deadline, requiring mitigation investments to be compared and selected according to the unit cost of their dated mitigation value (tCO2edmv) outcomes. This unit of strategic effectiveness is created by exponentially discounting annual GHG savings in tCO2e against a dated BTP. Three proof of concept cases are described using a BTP in 2050 and a 10% discount rate, highlighting three key ways to prevent the BTP. The most reliably cost-effective for mitigation, and richest in environmental co-benefits, involves protecting high carbon-density natural ecosystems. Restored and regenerating natural ecosystems also yield abundant environmental co-benefits but slower mitigation gains. Improving choice awareness and building capacity to promote decarbonisation in all economic sectors is cost-effective and essential to meeting national net zero emission goals. Public mitigation portfolios should emphasise these three strategic elements, while private ones continue to focus on renewable energy and linked opportunities. Further research should prioritise: (1) consequences of an Arctic Ocean imminently free of summer sea ice; (2) testing the tCO2edmv metric with various assumptions in multiple contexts; and (3) integrating diverse co-benefit values into mitigation investment decisions.
The Persistence of Realism in Modernist Fiction
Authors: Stasi Paul
Published: November 2022

Form vs. content, aesthetics vs. politics, modernism vs. realism: these entrenched binaries tend to structure work in early 20th century literary studies even among scholars who seek to undo them. The Persistence of Realism demonstrates how realism's defining concerns – sympathy, class, social determination – animate the work of Henry James, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Samuel Beckett and Ralph Ellison. In contrast to the oft-told tale of an aesthetically rich modernism overthrowing realism's social commitments along with its formal structures, Stasi shows how these writers engaged with realism in concrete ways. The domestic novel, naturalist fiction, novels of sentiment, and industrial tales are realist structures that modernist fiction simultaneously preserves and subverts. Putting modernist writers in conversation with the realism that preceded them, The Persistence of Realism demonstrates how modernism's social concerns are inseparable from its formal ones.
The impact of weather shocks on crop yields: Evidence from India
Authors: Manohar Pramod
Published: November 2022

Given that nearly half of the Indian labor force is employed in agriculture, extreme weather events may harm most of the country’s population. By exploiting annual variation within Indian districts, I test whether greater temperature fluctuations significantly decrease the output value of 13 major crops. I find that a 1°C deviation above the annual mean temperature leads to a 21.3 percentage point decline in output value for a given year, indicating substantial losses from large fluctuations in temperature. I also find evidence that proportion of crop area irrigated and fertilizer usage mitigates the negative impacts of temperature shocks.
Staying safe by being good? The EU's normative decline as a security actor in the Middle East
Authors: Skare Erik
Published: November 2022

The European Union's cooperation with Middle Eastern regimes to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism has received increased scholarly attention following several terrorist attacks in Europe the last decade. Despite the EU's emphasis on good governance, democracy, and human rights to prevent violent extremism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), I argue that the Union is in fact declining as a ‘normative power’ as it has prioritised a ‘security first’ centred approach. This article demonstrates how the EU's normative projects have, first, appropriated a logic of securitisation; and second, how the Union downplays democracy and good governance in fear of alienating authoritarian key partners in the region. There are consequently inherent limitations to, and contradictions in, the EU's Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Preventing Violent Extremism (PvE) efforts. These conclusions are based on interviews with EU representatives and implementing partners on the ground. The interviews are complemented by an analysis of the scope and focus of the EU's CT and PvE projects. The findings have implications for our understanding of normative powers’ priorities when facing a perceived dilemma of choosing between its security, on the one hand, and its identity and value aspirations, on the other.
Dispersion management for a 100 PW level laser using a mismatched-grating compressor
Authors: Wu Fenxiang , Hu Jiabing , Liu Xingyan , Zhang Zongxin , Bai Peile , Wang Xinliang , Zhao Yang , Yang Xiaojun , Xu Yi , Wang Cheng , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: November 2022

We report dispersion management based on a mismatched-grating compressor for a 100 PW level laser, which utilizes optical parametric chirped pulse amplification and also features large chirped pulse duration and an ultra-broadband spectrum. The numerical calculation indicates that amplified pulses with 4 ns chirped pulse duration and 210 nm spectral bandwidth can be directly compressed to sub-13 fs, which is close to the Fourier-transform limit (FTL). More importantly, the tolerances of the mismatched-grating compressor to the misalignment of the stretcher, the error of the desired grating groove density and the variation of material dispersion are comprehensively analyzed, which is crucially important for its practical application. The results demonstrate that good tolerances and near-FTL compressed pulses can be achieved simultaneously, just by keeping a balance between the residual second-, third- and fourth-order dispersions in the laser system. This work can offer a meaningful guideline for the design and construction of 100 PW level lasers.
Statistical analysis of static and dynamic predictors for seismicb-value variations in the Groningen gas field
Authors: Kraaijpoel Dirk , Martins Joana E. , Osinga Sander , Vogelaar Bouko , Breunese Jaap
Published: November 2022

We perform statistical analyses on spatiotemporal patterns in the magnitude distribution of induced earthquakes in the Groningen natural gas field. The seismic catalogue contains 336 earthquakes with (local) magnitudes above$1.45$, observed in the period between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2022. An exploratory moving-window analysis of maximum-likelihoodb-values in both time and space does not reveal any significant variation in time, but does reveal a spatial variation that exceeds the$0.05$significance level.

In search for improved understanding of the observed spatial variations in physical terms we test five physical reservoir properties as possibleb-value predictors. The predictors include two static (spatial, time-independent) properties: the reservoir layer thickness, and the topographic gradient (a measure of the degree of faulting intensity in the reservoir); and three dynamic (spatiotemporal, time-dependent) properties: the pressure drop due to gas extraction, the resulting reservoir compaction, and a measure for the resulting induced stress. The latter property is the one that is currently used in the seismic source models that feed into the state-of-the-art hazard and risk assessment.

We assess the predictive capabilities of the five properties by statistical evaluation of both moving window analysis, and maximum-likelihood parameter estimation for a number of simple functional forms that express theb-value as a function of the predictor. We find significant linear trends of theb-value for both topographic gradient and induced stress, but even more pronouncedly for reservoir thickness. Also for the moving window analysis and the step function fit, the reservoir thickness provides the most significant results.

We conclude that reservoir thickness is a strong predictor for spatialb-value variations in the Groningen field. We propose to develop a forecasting model for Groningen magnitude distributions conditioned on reservoir thickness, to be used alongside, or as a replacement, for the current models conditioned on induced stress.
The Ambivalent Dead: Curation, Excarnation and Complex Post-mortem Trajectories in Middle and Late Bronze Age Britain
Authors: BRÜCK JOANNA , BOOTH THOMAS J.
Published: November 2022

This paper sets out the results of radiocarbon, histological, and contextual analysis of human remains from non-mortuary contexts in Middle and Late Bronze Age Britain. In the latter period in particular, human bone (much of it fragmentary and disarticulated) has frequently been recovered from settlement contexts and from other locations, such as waterholes, across the wider landscape. However, the source and post-mortem trajectories of such finds are poorly understood. The results of our analyses indicate that some of these finds come from primary burials while others were the result of post-mortem processes such as excarnation. Certain fragments appear to have been curated for lengthy periods of time but there is much less evidence for deliberate curation of bone than there is in Early Bronze Age graves, although other forms of manipulation, such as cutting and shaping of bone fragments, have been recorded. In contrast to the Early Bronze Age, where it has been argued that curated bones may have belonged to venerated ancestors, some of the individuals from the sites discussed in this paper had suffered violent deaths, suggesting that bones selected for manipulation, curation, and deposition may have belonged to a variety of different categories of person.
SUBADDITIVITY OF AN INTEGRAL TRANSFORM FOR POSITIVE OPERATORS IN HILBERT SPACES
Authors: DRAGOMIR SILVESTRU SEVER
Published: November 2022

For a continuous and positive function
$w(\lambda )$
,
$\lambda>0$
and
$\mu $
a positive measure on
$(0,\infty )$
, we consider the integral transform
$$ \begin{align*} \mathcal{D}( w,\mu ) ( T) :=\int_{0}^{\infty }w(\lambda) ( \lambda +T) ^{-1}\,d\mu ( \lambda ) , \end{align*} $$

where the integral is assumed to exist for T a positive operator on a complex Hilbert space H. We show among other things that if B,
$A>0,$
then
$\mathcal {D}( w,\mu ) $
is operator subadditive on
$(0,\infty ) $
, that is,
$$ \begin{align*} \mathcal{D}( w,\mu ) ( A) +\mathcal{D}( w,\mu) ( B) \geq \mathcal{D}( w,\mu )(A+B). \end{align*} $$

From this, we derive that if
$f:[0,\infty )\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$
is an operator monotone function on
$[0,\infty )$
, then the function
$[ f( t) -f( 0) ] t^{-1}$
is operator subadditive on
$( 0,\infty ) .$
Also, if
$f:[0,\infty )\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$
is an operator convex function on
$[0,\infty )$
, then the function
$[ f( t) -f( 0) -f_{+}^{\prime }( 0) t ] t^{-2}$
is operator subadditive on
$( 0,\infty ) .$
Heartfelt truths: Towards an existentialist ethics of war
Authors: O'Driscoll Cian
Published: November 2022

Just war theory appears ever more alienated from the practice it ostensibly regulates, warfare. An increasingly abstract and esoteric discourse, it can seem very remote from the mud-and-blood actualities of warfare. This is reflective of a broader disconnect between the study of, on the one hand, the ethics of war, and, on the other, the lived experience of war. Seeking to address this problem, this article asks: How can we recentre just war thinking as a ‘lived’ theory? It proposes that we can reconnect just war theory to the lived experience of warfare by restoring its historical dialogue with existentialism. It develops this position by reading just war theory through the prism of Albert Camus's writings on political violence. It concludes that Camus's political thoughts provides a set of signposts for the development of a mode of just war theorising that places that the lived experience of warfare at the heart of our ethical thinking about war.
Les effets de l’environnement de soins sur les comportements réactifs des personnes ayant des troubles neurocognitifs vivant en centre d’hébergement : Une revue de la portée
Authors: Blondeau Raphaëlle , Giguère Mélanie , Rousseau Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

Les personnes âgées atteintes de troubles neurocognitifs (démences) vivant en centre d’hébergement adoptent fréquemment des comportements réactifs qui limitent leur engagement dans des occupations. La présente étude vise à identifier des moyens d’intervention centrés sur l’engagement des personnes âgées ayant un trouble neurocognitif avec l’environnement humain et non humain en centre d’hébergement afin de diminuer leurs comportements réactifs, en particulier les comportements d’errance, d’apathie et d’agitation. Cette revue de la portée est basée sur la méthode proposée par Levac et ses collaborateurs (2010). Parmi les 21 études retenues, la plupart s’intéressent à des interventions ciblant l’environnement non humain (n=9) ou ciblant simultanément l’environnement humain et non humain (n=9). Plusieurs de ces interventions sont efficaces pour diminuer les comportements réactifs et permettent aux personnes âgées de s’engager avec leur environnement. Le support de l’environnement humain semble toutefois nécessaire à l’utilisation optimale de plusieurs interventions.
Profiles of interpersonal relationship qualities and trajectories of internalizing problems among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Xu Jianjie , Sun Ruixi , Shen Jingyi , Zhang Yuchi , Tong Wei , Fang Xiaoyi
Published: November 2022

Adolescence is a significant period for the formation of relationship networks and the development of internalizing problems. With a sample of Chinese adolescents (N= 3,834, 52.01% girls,Mage= 16.68 at Wave 1), the present study aimed to identify the configuration of adolescents’ relationship qualities from four important domains (i.e., relationship quality with mother, father, peers, and teachers) and how distinct profiles were associated with the development of internalizing problems (indicated by depressive and anxiety symptoms) across high school years. Latent profile analysis identified a five-profile configuration with four convergent profiles (i.e., relationship qualities with others were generally good or bad) and one “Father estrangement” profile (i.e., the relationship quality with others were relatively good but that with father was particularly poor). Further conditional latent growth curve analysis indicated the “Father estrangement” profile was especially vulnerable to an increase in the internalizing problems as compared with other relationship profiles. This study contributes to understanding the characteristics of interpersonal relationship qualities and their influences on adolescent internalizing problems in a non-Western context. Results were further discussed from a culturally specific perspective.
The Palaikastro Kouros and Iconoclasm in the Wider Mediterranean Area
Authors: Whittaker Helene
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the chryselephantine statue known as the Palaikastro Kouros, which was recovered in the excavations at Palaikastro in eastern Crete in the 1980s. The statue and the sanctuary building in which it had stood had been deliberately destroyed c. 1450 bc. It is probable that the motivation for the destruction was iconoclastic. This situates the fate of the Palaikastro Kouros within a broader context of iconoclasm in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean area.
Did a Chaotic Climate Drive Human Evolution?
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: November 2022

A new 620,000-year climate record from East Africa reveals dramatic swings between wet and dry conditions that may have influenced human evolution.
The Relationship Between Reflectivity and Rainfall Rate From Rain Size Distributions Observed in Hurricanes
Authors: Leighton Hua , Black Robert , Zhang Xuejin , Marks Frank D.
Published: November 2022

Raindrop size distributions collected by the DROPLET MEASUREMENT TECHNOLogies Precipitation imaging probe from 17 flights through 6 hurricanes during National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s hurricane field program in 2020 are used to study reflectivity (Z) and rainfall rate (RR) (R) relationship (i.e., Z‐R relationship). The results show that the Z‐R distribution is highly scattered and the scatter increases with RR and reflectivity up to 48 dBZ or 25 mm hr−1, after which it decreases rapidly. The range of the estimated RR from a power‐law Z‐R relationship can be as large as 50 mm hr−1 at reflectivity of 40 dBZ. The result from random forest regression model demonstrates that including the information of mass‐weighted‐diameter (Dm) along with radar reflectivity improves the estimated RR significantly.
Multidecadal Intensification of Atlantic Tropical Instability Waves
Authors: Tuchen Franz Philip , Perez Renellys C. , Foltz Gregory R. , Brandt Peter , Lumpkin Rick
Published: November 2022

Tropical Instability Waves (TIWs) are the dominant source of intraseasonal variability in the central equatorial Atlantic and play an important role in the redistribution of heat in the upper ocean. Here we use multidecadal records of sea surface temperature, sea level anomaly, sea surface salinity, and near‐surface currents constructed from in situ and satellite observations to reveal a long‐term intensification of the intraseasonal variability of these variables due to an increase of TIW activity. Enhanced barotropic energy conversion from increased covariance of horizontal current fluctuations, rather than low‐frequency changes of the mean zonal currents, drives the TIW intensification. As a consequence, boreal summer cooling of tropical North Atlantic surface waters through horizontal eddy temperature advection increased by 0.03°C month−1 decade−1 during 1993–2021, a change of 74% ± 53% relative to the long‐term mean. The presented multidecadal TIW trends are strongly modulated by interannual variations like the 2021 Atlantic Niño.
Recent Photosynthates Are the Primary Carbon Source for Soil Microbial Respiration in Subtropical Forests
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Lin Teng‐Chiu , Wang Lixin , Chen Shidong , Liu Xiaofei , Xiong Decheng , Xu Chao , Arthur Mary , McCulley Rebecca , Shi Sihong , Yang Yusheng
Published: November 2022

Tropical and subtropical forests represent the largest terrestrial carbon pool. Elucidating the carbon sources for soil microbial respiration (Rm) in tropical and subtropical forests is of fundamental importance to the global carbon cycle in a warming world. Based on hourly measurements, we quantified Rm of in situ forest soil and soil cores from a subtropical forest. We found recent photosynthates, not soil organic carbon (SOC), contributed 88% ± 12% of the carbon source fueling Rm. The control of recent photosynthates on Rm is also supported by the close relationship between Rm and photosynthetically active radiation as well as literature data synthesis results. These results challenge conventional models based on the tenet that Rm is mainly regulated by soil temperature in all forest ecosystems. The results imply that the widely observed warming‐induced Rm increases are largely explained by the enhanced input of recent photosynthates in tropical forests, not SOC consumption.