bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement losses in soil stabilisation due to decomposing roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides and Chrysopogon nemoralis
Authors: Phan Trung Nghia , Leung Anthony Kwan , Kamchoom Viroon , Likitlersuang Suched
Published: November 2022

Quantifying evolutions of the biomechanical properties and mechanical root reinforcement to soil with the duration of root decomposition is important to land management strategy and to soil stabilisation purposes. However, the variations of these properties of the roots of herbaceous species, especially following herbicide application in agriculture practices, have rarely been studied. This study aims to measure the effects of root decomposition due to herbicide on the root biomechanical properties and root reinforcement provided by two contrasting vetiver species (Chrysopogon nemoralis and Chrysopogon zizanioides). We applied herbicide (i.e., propanil) to four treatments of each species, considering four different durations of decomposition (7‐, 28‐, 56‐ and 112‐days since herbicide application). The biomechanical properties were measured by uniaxial tensile tests, whereas the root reinforcement to poorly graded sand (SP) was quantified by direct shear tests. Root decomposition significantly reduced mean root tensile strength, secant modulus and breakage strain of C. nemoralis and C. zizaniodes roots after 112 days since the herbicide application. Significant negative power correlations between root diameter and root strength (or root secant modulus) (R2 = 0.39–0.86; p‐value < 0.05) were identified. Root decomposition did not change the shape of these correlations, but they shifted downwards as roots decomposed. The root reinforcement also declined with the decomposition duration, in terms of root cohesion and maximum dilatancy within the study period. C. nemoralis displayed greater and quicker loss of both the root biomechanical properties and root reinforcement to soil than C. zizanioides.
Steady‐state bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation in a cross‐diffusion prey–predator system with Ivlev functional response
Authors: Farshid Marzieh , Jalilian Yaghoub
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we investigate bifurcations of stationary solutions of a cross‐diffusion prey–predator system with Ivlev functional response and Neumann boundary conditions. First, we analyze the local stability and existence of a Hopf bifurcation at a coexistence stationary solution. We show that the bifurcating periodic solutions are asymptotically orbitally stable and the bifurcation direction is supercritical when the ratio of the conversion of prey captured by predator to the death rate of predator is in the interval
. Next, we derive sufficient conditions for the existence of a steady‐state bifurcation from a simple eigenvalue. We establish the existence of two intersecting
curves of steady‐state solutions near the coexistence stationary solution. To illustrate our theoretical results, we give some numerical examples. From numerical simulations we observe that the coexistence stationary solution loses its stability via the Hopf bifurcation and a periodic solution emerges after a short time. Also by taking the bifurcation parameter value in the stable region, the effect of the initial condition disappears over time and the solution returns to the coexistence stationary solution.
Association between Inflammatory Factors, Vitamin D, Long Non‐Coding RNAs, MALAT1, and Adiponectin Antisense in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rashidmayvan Mohammad , Khorasanchi Zahra , Nattagh‐Eshtivani Elyas , Esfehani Ali Jafarzadeh , Sahebi Reza , Sharifan Payam , Assadiyan‐sohan Parisa , Aghasizadeh Malihe , Avan Amir , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon
Published: November 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common clustering of cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased inflammation. Long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) are involved in many of the body's metabolic activities, including inflammation. Vitamin D may play a vital role in preventing metabolic syndrome risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the status of inflammation and expression of LncRNA and their relationship with serum vitamin D levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Method

This cross‐sectional study included staff and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences students between 30 and 50 years old who met the International Diabetes Federation criteria for Mets. Total RNA was extracted from both frozen clinical samples using the Trizol reagent.

Results

A total of eighty people were recruited into the two groups, with and without MetS. Inflammatory markers were higher in the individuals in the MetS group, and linear regression showed an inverse association between serum vitamin D and LncRNAs. There was a positive association between inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profiles and Adiponectin Antisense (APQ AS) expression.

Conclusion

APQ AS and MALAT1 levels are positively associated with inflammatory biomarkers and inverse relation between MALAT1 and serum 25 (OH) D concentration.
Prognostic generalization of multi‐level CT‐dose fusion dosiomics from primary tumor and lymph node in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Cai Chunya , Lv Wenbing , Chi Feng , Zhang Bailin , Zhu Lin , Yang Geng , Zhao Shiwu , Zhu Yuanhu , Han Xu , Dai Zhenhui , Wang Xuetao , Lu Lijun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic performance of multi‐level computed tomography (CT)‐dose fusion dosiomics at the image‐, matrix‐, and feature‐levels from the gross tumor volume (GTV) at nasopharynx and the involved lymph node for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

Two hundred and nineteen NPC patients (175 vs. 44 for training vs. internal validation) were used to train prediction model, and 32 NPC patients were used for external validation. We first extracted CT and dose information from intratumoral nasopharynx (GTV_nx) and lymph node (GTV_nd) regions. Then, the corresponding peritumoral regions (RING_3 mm and RING_5 mm) were also considered. Thus, the individual and combination of intratumoral and peritumoral regions were as follows: GTV_nx, GTV_nd, RING_3 mm_nx, RING_3 mm_nd, RING_5 mm_nx, RING_5 mm_nd, GTV_nxnd, RING_3 mm_nxnd, RING_5 mm_nxnd, GTV + RING_3 mm_nxnd, and GTV + RING_5 mm_nxnd. For each region, 11 models were built by combining five clinical parameters and 127 features from: (1) dose images alone; (2–7) fused dose and CT images via wavelet‐based fusion using CT weights of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8, gradient transfer fusion, and guided‐filtering‐based fusion (GFF); (8) fused matrices (sumMat); (9–10) fused features derived via feature averaging (avgFea) and feature concatenation (conFea); and finally, (11) CT images alone. The concordance index (C‐index) and Kaplan–Meier curves with log‐rank test were used to assess model performance.

Results

The fusion models’ performance was better than single CT/dose model on both internal and external validation. Models that combined the information from both GTV_nx and GTV_nd regions outperformed the single region model. For internal validation, GTV + RING_3 mm_nxnd GFF model achieved the highest C‐index both in recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and metastasis‐free survival (MFS) predictions (RFS: 0.822; MFS: 0.786). The highest C‐index in external validation set was achieved by RING_3 mm_nxnd model (RFS: 0.762; MFS: 0.719). The GTV + RING_3 mm_nxnd GFF model is able to significantly separate patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups compared to dose‐only or CT‐only models.

Conclusion

Fusion dosiomics model combining the primary tumor, the involved lymph node, and 3 mm peritumoral information outperformed single‐modality models for different outcome predictions, which is helpful for clinical decision‐making and the development of personalized treatment.
Polyuria in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Prevalence and etiology
Authors: Fisch George Z. , Fang Alexander H. , Miller Connelly D. , Choi Claire , Monaghan Thomas F. , Smith Edward F. , Prishtina Learta , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Blaivas Jerry G.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be subcategorized into polyuria, normal or oliguria groups. Polyuria may be caused by pathologies including diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes insipidus (DI), or primary polydipsia (PPD). While fluid restriction is appropriate for some, doing so in all may result in serious complications. This study investigates the prevalence of these pathologies in LUTS patients with polyuria.

Materials and Methods

Two databases were retrospectively queried for men and women who filled out a lower urinary tract symptom score (LUTSS) questionnaire, 24‐h bladder diary (24HBD) and were polyuric (>2.5 L/day). Patients were divided into four groups: poorly controlled DM, DI, an CKD grade 3 and PPD. One‐way analysis of variance compared 24HBD and LUTSS questionnaires. Pearson correlation examined LUTSS and bother with 24‐h voided volume (24 HVV), maximum voided volume (MVV) and total voids.

Results

Among 814 patients who completed a 24HBD, 176 had polyuria (22%). Of the patients with complete data, 7.8% had poorly‐controlled DM, 3.1% had DI, 4.7% had CKD grade 3% and 84.4% had PPD. Amongst the four different sub‐groups, significant differences were seen in 24 HVV (p < 0.001), nocturnal urine volume (NUV) (p < 0.001), MVV (p = 0.003), daytime voids (p = 0.05), nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) (p < 0.001) and nocturia index (Ni) (p = 0.002). Significance was also seen between LUTSS and bother subscore (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), LUTSS and total voids (r = 0.29, p = 0.001) and bother sub‐score and total voids (r = 0.21, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

22% of patients with LUTS were found to have polyuria based on a 24HBD. Within this cohort, four sub‐populations were identified as being demonstrating statistically significant differences in 24 HVV, NUV, MVV, daytime voids, NPi and Ni. Identifying the underlying etiology of polyuria should be carried out to safely treat patients with LUTS.
Outcomes of liver transplantation in children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis: Experience from a quaternary care center
Authors: Menon Jagadeesh , Shanmugam Naresh , Valamparampil Joseph , Vij Mukul , Kumar Vimal , Munirathnam Deenadayalan , Hakeem Abdul , Rammohan Ashwin , Rela Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare but important cause of end‐stage liver disease in children. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents that are otherwise the standard‐of‐care in LCH may be counterproductive in patients with hepatic decompensation. Furthermore, the precise role of liver transplantation (LT) in the management of LCH remains unclear.

Methods

Review of a prospectively collected database (January 2014 to December 2020) of children with liver disease was performed. All clinical details of patients with LCH managed at our center were collected and data analyzed. Based on the outcomes, a management algorithm was proposed.

Results

Of the eight (five male) patients referred to our unit, six (75%) underwent LT (four and two for compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, respectively). Median age at diagnosis of LCH was 25 (range: 9–48) months. Two patients, who had previously completed LCH‐specific chemotherapy, underwent upfront LT for compensated cirrhosis. Other two patients with compensated cirrhosis showed evidence of active disease. They underwent LT following completion of chemotherapy. Two children with decompensated cirrhosis also had evidence of active disease and were started on modified chemotherapy Both of them had progression of liver disease while on chemotherapy. Hence, an urgent LT was performed which was followed by completion of chemotherapy in these patients. On a median follow‐up of 30.5 (10.5–50) months, all post‐LT patients were alive with stable graft function and showed no disease recurrence.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that an algorithmic approach, along with newer chemotherapeutic agents, results in excellent outcomes in LCH patients with liver involvement. Larger multicentric studies on this rare disease are, however, needed to validate our findings.
Silicon nanocrystal synthesis with the atmospheric plasma source HelixJet
Authors: Dworschak Maren , Kohlmann Niklas , Matějka Filip , Galář Pavel , Kienle Lorenz , Schäfer Jan , Benedikt Jan
Published: November 2022

The HelixJet, a plasma source operating under atmospheric pressure with RF power, was used for the synthesis of silicon nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) in the context of relevance in nanomedicine, sensor technology, and nanotechnology. The HelixJet was operated with a variety of He/Ar/H2/SiH4 gas mixtures to characterize the Si‐NPs in regard to their size, crystallinity, structure, and photoluminescence. Distinct varieties of nanomaterials in the size range from 3 nm to over 100 nm were synthesized depending on the operation parameters of the HelixJet. Admixture of H2 alongside high RF powers led to the formation of crystalline nanoparticles with a strong photoluminescence intensity, where the photoluminescence properties as well as the nanocrystal synthesis yield were tunable by adjustment of the synthesis parameters. Post‐synthesis in‐flight annealing allowed the formation of large crystalline nanoparticles. In addition, the experiments conducted in this study resulted in a design improvement of the HelixJet plasma source that extends the stability of the operating range. Furthermore, the added spatial separation of the He/H2 and He/Ar/SiH4 streams (SiH4 injection on‐axis) minimizes material deposition within the HelixJet and enables continuous long‐term operation.
Spatial and social mobility in England: The persistence of the ‘Escalator’ effect for the millennial generation
Authors: Yu Yang
Published: November 2022

Regional disparities in social mobility have long been apparent in Britain. Recent decades have seen a growing level of spatial inequalities in terms of social, economic and employment opportunities. Empirical studies suggest not only what do your parents do, but also where do you come from, profoundly influences one's life opportunities, London and the Southeast are consistently shown to be areas with more social mobility than the rest of country. This study presents an updated estimate of the extent of social mobility across regions in England, and more importantly, how this has been conditional on cross‐region migration. By using national representative survey data covering a decade (2005–2015), the results show considerable variations in the regional estimates of both absolute and relative mobility. In particular, London was found to be leading on social mobility measures in nationwide comparisons, supporting previous findings that London plays an important national role in Britain's social mobility. In addition, separate analysis for samples of cross‐region ‘movers’ and ‘stayers’ suggests that migration is associated with social upward mobility, with London still functioning as an ‘escalator‘ region providing better opportunities for those who move there from elsewhere the country. This persistence of the ‘escalator region’ effect for the millennial generation in England underlines how unequal economic geography continues to shape opportunity and trajectories of mobility for individuals.
Annealed Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films for Exceptional Absorption of Ultrabroad Low‐Frequency Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Li Yaling , Gao Xinpei , Wang Ming , Gao Yanan , Jiang Donglin
Published: November 2022

Different from harvesting of ultraviolet and visible lights via electronic transitions, absorption of low‐frequency electromagnetic waves is sophisticated in mechanism and poor in efficiency, imposing the structural design arduous and challenging. Here, the first example of exploring covalent organic frameworks for highly efficient absorption of low‐frequency electromagnetic waves is reported. Three pyrene frameworks are synthesized and annealed into porous networks, which upon mixture with paraffin are processed into thin films with tunable thickness. The films absorb ultrabroad low‐frequency electromagnetic waves covering S, C, X, and Ku bands and achieve exceptional efficiency of 99.999% with a thickness of only 2.5 mm and a loading content of only 20%. This result originates from a synergistic effect of conductivity, heteroatoms, and pores and outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art polymers, carbons, and metals. This approach opens a way to electromagnetic wave absorption.
The effect of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 on reproductive variables of cadmium‐challenged male Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica)
Authors: Irani Saba , Zhandi Mahdi , Sadeghi Mostafa , Yousefi Ali Reza , Marzban Havva , Rafieian‐Naeini Hamid Reza
Published: November 2022

Background

In recent decades, efforts to produce more efficient poultry products have increased due to its high demand. Meanwhile, some stressors have a negative impact on poultry efficiency and reproduction. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a high potential for inducing reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), with antioxidant properties, exerts a free radical‐neutralizing effect on biological systems under stressful conditions.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary CoQ10 supplementation on reproductive variables of Cd‐challenged male quails.

Methods

Two hundred and sixteen 42‐day‐old Japanese quails with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:3 were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 72) and fed by experimental diets from 9 to 13 weeks of age (woa). Treatments included a negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and Cd administration (1 mg per 100 g body weight at 10 and 11 woa); and CdQ10: dietary supplementation of CoQ10 (900 mg per kg diet) and Cd administration. At 10 and 13 woa, liver and testis, cloacal gland index, sera concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testicular histology, mRNA abundance of Hsp70 and fatty acid profile of testis, as well as hatchability and fertility, were measured.

Results

Liver and testis weights, cloacal gland index, serum concentration of testosterone, ALT, MDA, TAC, mRNA abundance of HSP70, hatchability, and fertility were not affected by the treatments. However, Cd administration decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium thickness (SET) in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in testis tissue was increased, and the proportion of PUFA and n‐3 to n‐6 PUFA ratio was decreased in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). In addition, CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated the effect of Cd on decreasing SFA and increasing n‐3 to n‐6 PUFA ratio proportions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Cd exerts several adverse effects on reproductive‐associated variables; some, but not all, of them are mitigated by CoQ10 supplementation.
Rassistische Praktiken bei der Schutz- und Kriminalpolizei – Die Bedeutung der polizeilichen Felder für die Konstruktion von Tatverdächtigen
Authors: Hunold Daniela
Published: November 2022

Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, welche Felder und Handlungslogiken der zwei wesentlichen Bereiche der Polizei – der Schutz- und Kriminalpolizei – mit rassistischen Handlungspraktiken assoziiert sein können. Es wird deutlich, dass die schutzpolizeiliche Handlungsgrundlage der Gefahrenabwehr mit stereotypen Konstruktionen von Tatverdächtigen zusammenhängen, die rassifizierende Zuschreibungen enthalten können. Insgesamt basieren Tatverdächtigenkonstruktionen im Rahmen der Gefahrenabwehr im Wesentlichen auf äußere Erscheinungen. Diese spielen in der kriminalpolizeilichen Praxis eine geringere Rolle, vielmehr besitzen hier Zuordnungsprozesse von Informationen zu konstruierten bzw. ermittelten Tatverdächtigengruppen eine Bedeutung, die ebenfalls rassifizierende Zuschreibungen widerspiegeln können.
Verräumlichte Wahrnehmung
Authors: Belina Bernd
Published: November 2022

Verräumlichte Wahrnehmung ist im Alltag lebensnotwendig, wird aber zum Problem, wenn sie sich verselbständigt und in der polizeilichen Praxis handlungsleitend wird. Wenn die Polizei in Räumen, die sie mit Gefahr und Kriminalität in Verbindung bringt – und das sind meist solche, in denen Minderheiten und Randgruppen anzutreffen sind –, anders agiert als in solchen, die sie für harmlos hält, bedeutet das notwendig, dass Minderheiten und Randgruppen stärker kontrolliert werden. Über den „Umweg“ des „kriminellen Raums“ poliziert sie auf diese Weise tendenziell diskriminierend.
Polizeikultur(en)
Authors: Behrendes Udo
Published: November 2022

Zunächst werden kurz Entwicklungsprozesse der Polizei der Bundesrepublik Deutschland betrachtet, die in den vergangenen 70 Jahren für Veränderungen ihres Berufsbildes und ihrer Organisationskultur(en) bedeutsam waren. Auf Grundlage dieser Bestandaufnahme werden dann solche Aspekte der Polizeikultur(en) näher beleuchtet, die besondere Relevanz für das Themenfeld „Rassismus und Diskriminierung“ haben. Davon ausgehend werden „Kulturentwicklungspfade“ zur Minimierung entsprechender Risikokonstellationen markiert.
Rechtlicher Schutz vor polizeilicher Diskriminierung aus rassistischen Gründen
Authors: Ruch Andreas
Published: November 2022

Der Beitrag legt dar, dass die Rechtsordnung nicht nur die zielgerichtete Ungleichbehandlung aufgrund rassistisch motivierter Zuschreibungen verbietet. Die Polizei hat es auch zu unterlassen, die Hautfarbe mit anderen Kriterien zu verbinden und auf dieser Grundlage über die Durchführung von Eingriffsmaßnahmen zu entscheiden. Dieser Diskriminierungsschutz ist auch dann keiner Einschränkung zugänglich, wenn polizeiliche Lagebilder die erhöhte Auffälligkeit einer bestimmten, anhand phänotypischer Merkmale vermeintlich eingrenzbaren Täter:innengruppierung nahelegen. Konkretisiert wird dieser verfassungsrechtliche Schutzauftrag durch landesrechtliche Antidiskriminierungsvorschriften. Deren Regelungsinhalt umfasst auch Kriterien zur Verteilung der Beweislast bei Diskriminierungsklagen.
Rassistische Einstellungen von Polizeibeamt:innen
Authors: Wegner Maren , Ellrich Karoline
Published: November 2022

Der Aufsatz unternimmt den Versuch, Forschungsergebnisse aus drei Dekaden, die Rückschlüsse auf die Verbreitung und Ausgestaltung rassistischer Einstellungsmuster innerhalb der Polizei liefern, pointiert zusammenzufassen und eine zeitgenössische Neubewertung selbiger vorzunehmen. Im Zuge dessen werden Forschungsdesiderate identifiziert und eine ganzheitlichere Betrachtungsweise, die verschiedene individuelle wie strukturelle Analyseebenen in einem multimodalen Ansatz vereint, aufgezeigt.
Duality defects in E8
Authors: Burbano Ivan M. , Kulp Justin , Neuser Jonas
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We classify all non-invertible Kramers-Wannier duality defects in the E8 lattice Vertex Operator Algebra (i.e. the chiral (E8)1 WZW model) coming from ℤm symmetries. We illustrate how these defects are systematically obtainable as ℤ2 twists of invariant sub-VOAs, compute defect partition functions for small m, and verify our results against other techniques. Throughout, we focus on taking a physical perspective and highlight the important moving pieces involved in the calculations. Kac’s theorem for finite automorphisms of Lie algebras and contemporary results on holomorphic VOAs play a role. We also provide a perspective from the point of view of (2+1)d Topological Field Theory and provide a rigorous proof that all corresponding Tambara-Yamagami actions on holomorphic VOAs can be obtained in this manner. We include a list of directions for future studies.
Sensitivities on dark photon from the forward physics experiments
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Ouseph C. J.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Neutrino-electron scattering experiments can explore the potential presence of a light gauge boson A′ which arises from an additional U(1)B−L group, or a dark photon A′ which arises from a dark sector and has kinetic mixing with the SM hypercharge gauge field. We generically call it a dark photon. In this study, we investigate the effect of the dark photon on neutrino-electron scattering νe−→ νe− at the newly proposed forward physics experiments such as FASERν, FASERν2, SND@LHC and FLArE(10 tons). We estimate the anticipated sensitivities to the U(1)B−L gauge coupling in a wide range of the dark photon mass MA′. We compare the sensitivities of the proposed forward physics experiments with the current limits from TEXONO, GEMMA, BOREXINO, LSND, and CHARM II as well as NA64e experiments. We also extend the calculation to obtain the sensitivities on the kinetic mixing parameter ϵ in a wide range of dark photon mass MA′. We demonstrate that the sensitivities do not improve for MA′< 1 GeV at the Forward Physics Facilities.
Topological susceptibility of Nf = 2 + 1 QCD from staggered fermions spectral projectors at high temperatures
Authors: Athenodorou Andreas , Bonanno Claudio , Bonati Claudio , Clemente Giuseppe , D’Angelo Francesco , D’Elia Massimo , Maio Lorenzo , Martinelli Guido , Sanfilippo Francesco , Todaro Antonino
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We compute the topological susceptibility of Nf = 2 + 1 QCD with physical quark masses in the high-temperature phase, using numerical simulations of the theory discretized on a space-time lattice. More precisely we estimate the topological susceptibility for five temperatures in the range from ∼ 200 MeV up to ∼ 600 MeV, adopting the spectral projectors definition of the topological charge based on the staggered Dirac operator. This strategy turns out to be effective in reducing the large lattice artifacts which affect the standard gluonic definition, making it possible to perform a reliable continuum extrapolation. Our results for the susceptibility in the explored temperature range are found to be partially in tension with previous determinations in the literature.
Burgers’ Equation Revisited: Extension of Mono-Dimensional Case on a Network
Authors: Mucha Piotr Bogusław , Puchalska Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

The paper deals with the analysis of Burgers’ equation on acyclic metric graphs. The main goal is to establish the existence of weak solutions in the TV—class of regularity. A key point is transmission conditions in vertices obeying the Kirchhoff law. First, we consider positive solutions at arbitrary acyclic networks and highlight two kinds of vertices, describing two mechanisms of flow splitting at the vertex. Next we design rules at vertices for solutions of arbitrary sign for any subgraph of hexagonal grid, which leads to a construction of general solutions with TV—regularity for this class of networks. Introduced transmission conditions are motivated by the change of the energy estimation.
Human–computer interaction tools with gameful design for critical thinking the media ecosystem: a classification framework
Authors: Musi Elena , Federico Lorenzo , Riotta Gianni
Published: November 2022

In response to the ever-increasing spread of online disinformation and misinformation, several human–computer interaction tools to enhance data literacy have been developed. Among them, many employ elements of gamification to increase user engagement and reach out to a broader audience. However, there are no systematic criteria to analyze their relevance and impact for building fake news resilience, partly due to the lack of a common understanding of data literacy. In this paper we put forward an operationalizable definition of data literacy as a form of multidimensional critical thinking. We then survey 22 existing tools and classify them according to a framework of 10 criteria pointing to their gameful design and educational features. Through a comparative/contrastive analysis informed by a focus group, we provide a principled set of guidelines to develop more efficient human–computer interaction tools to teach how to critically think in the current media ecosystem.
No adverse effects of symbiotic control on the parasitism of Halyomorpha halys by egg parasitoids
Authors: Orrù Bianca , Moraglio Silvia T. , Tortorici Francesco , Gonella Elena , Tavella Luciana , Alma Alberto
Published: November 2022

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is a polyphagous insect, which has a devastating impact on agricultural production in many countries. The alteration of symbiont vertical transmission, by removing symbionts from stink bug eggs (symbiotic control), has been recently introduced in control programmes against this insect. A major advantage of this strategy is the compatibility with natural enemies, since it allows an insecticide-free approach that is not harmful to other agroecosystem components. However, the effect of anti-symbiont products on parasitism by egg parasitoids is still unexplored. Here, we investigated the impact on parasitism by native (Anastatus bifasciatus, Ooencyrtus telenomicida and Trissolcus kozlovi) and exotic (Trissolcus japonicus and Trissolcus mitsukurii) parasitoids that attack H. halys eggs, after treatment with the micronutrient biocomplex Dentamet®, used for symbiotic control. The native wasp species were tested in no-choice bioassays, showing that treatment of the egg masses did not affect emergence percentages, but the non-reproductive effects were often reduced by the biocomplex. The exotic species T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii were used in no-choice and paired choice bioassays, showing an opposite influence of Dentamet® on emergence percentage and preference in the two species. No-choice tests indicated the highest successful parasitoid emergence on biocomplex-treated egg masses for T. japonicus, while no preference in the paired comparison with eggs treated with water or untreated. In contrast, T. mitsukurii displayed the lowest parasitism after Dentamet® treatment in no-choice tests, and preferred egg masses without Dentamet® in paired choice tests. We did not record any natural symbiont acquisition by the parasitoids emerged from H. halys egg masses, indicating that the wasp fitness is very unlikely to be altered by dysbiotic effects resulting from treatments. Therefore, our results support a further implementation of symbiotic control in different crops in combination with biological control, as sustainable options for H. halys integrated pest management.
Intellectual property meets transdisciplinary co-design: prioritizing responsiveness in the production of new AgTech through located response-ability
Authors: Burch Karly Ann , Nafus Dawn , Legun Katharine , Klerkx Laurens
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the complex relationship between intellectual property (IP) and the transdisciplinary collaborative design (co-design) of new digital technologies for agriculture (AgTech). More specifically, it explores how prioritizing the capturing of IP as a central researcher responsibility can cause disruptions to research relationships and project outcomes. We argue that boundary-making processes associated with IP create a particular context through which responsibility can, and must, be located and cultivated by researchers working within transdisciplinary collaborations. We draw from interview data and situated IP practices from a transdisciplinary co-design project in Aotearoa New Zealand to illustrate how IP is a fluid boundary-requiring-and-producing object that impels researchers into its management, and produces tensions that need to be noticed and skillfully navigated within research relations. We propose located response-ability as a conceptual tool and practice to reposition IP within the relations that make up a transdisciplinary co-design project, as opposed to prioritizing IP by default without recognizing its possible impacts on collaborative relations and other project aims and accountabilities. This can support researchers practicing responsible innovation in making everyday decisions on how to protect potential IP without disrupting the collaborative relations that make the creation of potential IP possible, and the existence of protected IP relevant and beneficial to project collaborators and wider societal actors. This may help to ensure that societal benefits can be generated, and positive science–society relationships prioritized and preserved, in the design of new AgTech.
Two factor-based models of precedential constraint: a comparison and proposal
Authors: Mullins Robert
Published: November 2022

The article considers two different interpretations of the reason model of precedent pioneered by John Horty. On a plausible interpretation of the reason model, past cases provide reasons to prioritize reasons favouring the same outcome as a past case over reasons favouring the opposing outcome. Here I consider the merits of this approach to the role of precedent in legal reasoning in comparison with a closely related view favoured by some legal theorists, according to which past cases provide reasons for undercutting (or ‘excluding’) reasons favouring the opposing outcome. After embedding both accounts within a general default logic, I note some important differences between the two approaches that emerge as a result of plausible distinctions between rebutting and undercutting defeat in formal models of legal reasoning. These differences stem from the ‘preference independence’ of undercutting defeat . Undercutting reasons succeed in defeating opposing reasons irrespective of their relative strength. As a result, the two accounts differ in their account of the way in which precedents constrain judicial reasoning. I conclude by suggesting that the two approaches can be integrated within a single model, in which the distinction between undercutting and rebutting defeat is used to account for the distinction between strict and persuasive forms of precedential constraint.
Fragility curves of Italian school buildings: derivation from L’Aquila 2009 earthquake damage via observational and heuristic approaches
Authors: Di Ludovico Marco , Cattari Serena , Verderame Gerardo , Del Vecchio Ciro , Ottonelli Daria , Del Gaudio Carlo , Prota Andrea , Lagomarsino Sergio
Published: November 2022

Recent seismic events worldwide have demonstrated the high vulnerability of existing school buildings and the urgent need to have reliable tools for the rapid seismic performance assessment and damage and loss quantification. Indeed, the significant damage observed on structural and non-structural components may have a significant impact in terms of direct and indirect losses making critical the recovery of stricken communities. Although a significant amount of work has been done in developing fragility curves for the residential building stock, only few contributions clearly refer to school buildings that significantly differ in terms of the main characteristics from the residential ones. This research work proposes fragility curves for reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry public school buildings typical of the Italian building stock, based on the damage observed in the aftermath of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. A comprehensive and unique database including data on damaged and undamaged school buildings (2037 records) in the Abruzzo region was built using data from four different sources. Due to limited amount of data, the fragility curves can be very sensitive to the method adopted for their derivation, thus three different approaches (i.e. empirical, empirical-binomial, heuristic) are considered in the paper and the results are compared. Finally, a direct comparison with fragility curves available in the literature for the Italian residential building stock is presented.
Queering the Book Club: Empathy Development Through Young Adult Literature in Australian Discussion Groups
Authors: Herb Annika , Betts David
Published: November 2022

Young Adult (YA) literature that focuses on the experiences of marginalized individuals and communities empowers young readers, challenges social stigma and discrimination, and supports identity formation. This article explores the impact of queer YA literature on young queer and questioning readers, with a specific focus on how it can develop empathy within its audience. We analyzed reader responses to queer representation through monthly focus groups with twenty-three queer-identifying participants. Over eight months the participants discussed pre-selected queer YA texts. We found that queer YA literature has the capacity to not only empower its readers, but to develop their capacity for empathy, challenge perceived social norms, and demonstrate the potential of literature as a tool for activism and advocacy. Showing younger readers diverse experiences within queer YA literature can support readers to see themselves reflected on the page, and challenge reductive and restrictive views about queer identities.
Pesticide effects on the abundance of springtails and mites in field mesocosms at an agricultural site
Authors: Konestabo Heidi Sjursen , Birkemoe Tone , Leinaas Hans Petter , van Gestel Cornelis A. M. , Sengupta Sagnik , Borgå Katrine
Published: November 2022

The use of pesticides to protect crops often affects non-target organisms vital to ecosystem functioning. A functional soil mesofauna is important for decomposition and nutrient cycling processes in agricultural soils, which generally have low biodiversity. To assess pesticide effects on natural soil communities we enclosed intact soil cores in situ in an agricultural field in 5 cm wide mesocosms. We used two types of mesh lids on the mesocosms, allowing or preventing migration of mesofauna. The mesocosms were exposed to the insecticide imidacloprid (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg dry soil) and left in the field for 20 days. Overall, regardless of lid type, mesocosm enclosure did not affect springtail or mite abundances during the experiment when compared with undisturbed soil. Imidacloprid exposure reduced the abundance of both surface- and soil-living springtails in a concentration-dependent manner, by 65–90% at the two highest concentrations, and 21–23% at 0.1 mg/kg, a concentration found in some agricultural soils after pesticide application. Surface-living springtails were more affected by imidacloprid exposure than soil-living ones. In contrast, neither predatory nor saprotrophic mites showed imidacloprid-dependent changes in abundance, concurring with previous findings indicating that mites are generally less sensitive to neonicotinoids than other soil organisms. The possibility to migrate did not affect the springtail or mite abundance responses to imidacloprid. We show that under realistic exposure concentrations in the field, soil arthropod community composition and abundance can be substantially altered in an organism-dependent manner, thus affecting the soil community diversity.
Name game: the naming history of the chemical elements—part 1—from antiquity till the end of 18th century
Authors: Miśkowiec Paweł
Published: November 2022

The aim of the series of the three articles entitled “Name game…” is to present the historical information about nomenclature history of every known chemical element. The process of naming each chemical element is analyzed, with particular emphasis on the first publication with a given name. It turned out that in many cases this information is not obvious and unambiguous, and the published data are even contradictory. In a few cases, the names of the elements were changed even several times. Moreover, even when the author of a given element name is known, it is sometimes not entirely clear in which publication he/she first used it. Therefore, the series of three articles are an attempt to sort out the issue of first publishing of the names of all 118 chemical elements known so far, based on original source texts, available thanks to the digitization of a number of collections of scientific literature. The articles are divided according to the time of discoveries: (1) research till the end of the 18th century, (2) discoveries in the 19th century, (3) discoveries and syntheses of elements in the 20th and 21st centuries. This particular article presents the history of naming of the first 37 elements: known from antiquity, discovered in nature and named in 17th and 18th century.
Perceived Economic Uncertainty and Fertility Intentions in Couples: A Dyadic Extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Matera Camilla , Dommermuth Lars , Bacci Silvia , Bertaccini Bruno , Minello Alessandra , Vignoli Daniele
Published: November 2022

By adopting a dyadic extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991), this study examined whether perceived economic uncertainty affects fertility intentions. Three-hundred thirty one heterosexual couples living in Italy participated in a randomized between-group experimental study, in which we manipulated perceived economic uncertainty (low vs. high vs. control). The participants subsequently completed a questionnaire measuring their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and fertility intentions. We employed Structural Equation Modelling in estimating the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. The model showed a good fit to the data. Women’s attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were influenced by the high economic uncertain scenario, whereas among men these variables were affected only by the positive economic scenario. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of fertility intentions for both sexes. Significant partner effects were observed as well. These findings suggest that fertility plans should be examined by adopting a dyadic perspective, as individuals’ intentions are affected not only by their own beliefs, but also by those of their partners.
Planar chromatographic super-hyphenations for rapid dereplication
Authors: Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: November 2022

Analytical chemistry offers important tools that provide insight and step-by-step understanding. However, natural samples containing many thousands of different compounds are subject to natural variance which makes it complex for artificial intelligence and human understanding. Instead of the prevailing comprehensive separation/detection approach, a prioritization approach is discussed for dereplication that focuses on the most necessary to discover. It is extremely helpful to combine on the same surface two disciplines, i.e. chemistry for separation of mixtures and biology for detection of biological effects, to filter out and prioritize the important compounds that then need to be identified. Complex mixtures are separated in parallel with imaging high-performance thin-layer chromatography, detected non-targeted with planar multiplex bioassays to prioritize compounds and elute the important ones to orthogonal column chromatography−diode array detection−high-resolution mass spectrometry for further characterization. Super-hyphenations reduce thousands of compounds to a manageable number of important active compounds. Its potential lies not only in the prioritization of compounds, but also detection of unknown compounds that were not previously the focus of analysts. An image is worth a thousand words and an effect image even more so. On-surface multiplex bioassays enable the differentiation of opposing signals/effects of compounds in a complex natural sample, which only makes understanding possible. On-surface metabolization enables the study of any changes in the effects through digestion or de-/toxification (S9 liver system). By these new tools applied on the same surface, the mechanisms of action of complex mixtures can be better understood. The latest open-source 2LabsToGo system combines the chemistry and biology laboratory in a miniaturized system developed for wider use of this innovative technique.
Limit theory and robust evaluation methods for the extremal properties of GARCH(p, q) processes
Authors: Laurini Fabrizio , Fearnhead Paul , Tawn Jonathan
Published: November 2022

Generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) processes are widely used for modelling financial returns, with their extremal properties being of interest for market risk management. For GARCH($$p,q$$p,q) processes with$$\max (p,q) = 1$$max(p,q)=1all extremal features have been fully characterised, but when$$\max (p,q)\ge 2$$max(p,q)≥2much remains to be found. Previous research has identified that both marginal and dependence extremal features of strictly stationary GARCH($$p,q$$p,q) processes are determined by a multivariate regular variation property and tail processes. Currently there are no reliable methods for evaluating these characterisations, or even assessing the stationarity, for the classes of GARCH($$p,q$$p,q) processes that are used in practice, i.e., with unbounded and asymmetric innovations. By developing a mixture of new limit theory and particle filtering algorithms for fixed point distributions we produce novel and robust evaluation methods for all extremal features for all GARCH($$p,q$$p,q) processes, including ARCH and IGARCH processes. We investigate our methods’ performance when evaluating the marginal tail index, the extremogram and the extremal index, the latter two being measures of temporal dependence.
Why studying plant cognition is valuable, even if plants aren’t cognitive
Authors: Colaço David
Published: November 2022

Philosophers and scientists propose the idea that plants are cognitive, which has been met with criticisms. These criticisms focus on the fact that plants do not possess the properties traditionally associated with cognition. By contrast, several proponents introduce novel ways to conceptualize cognition. How should we make sense of this debate? In this paper, I argue that the plant cognition debate is not about whether plants meet a set of well-delineated and agreed-upon criteria according to which they count as cognitive. Rather, many proponents are hypothesizing about cognition. They construe COGNITION not as an expression of what cognition is, but rather as a conjecture about what cognition might be. These conjectures orient research that can uncover novel similarities amongst the phenomena to which these concepts extend. In defending this view, I argue that investigating plant cognition is valuable, even if the results of these investigations lead us to reject the claim that plants are cognitive.