bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convolutional ProteinUnetLM competitive with long short‐term memory‐based protein secondary structure predictors
Authors: Kotowski Krzysztof , Fabian Piotr , Roterman Irena , Stapor Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

The protein secondary structure (SS) prediction plays an important role in the characterization of general protein structure and function. In recent years, a new generation of algorithms for SS prediction based on embeddings from protein language models (pLMs) is emerging. These algorithms reach state‐of‐the‐art accuracy without the need for time‐consuming multiple sequence alignment (MSA) calculations. Long short‐term memory (LSTM)‐based SPOT‐1D‐LM and NetSurfP‐3.0 are the latest examples of such predictors. We present the ProteinUnetLM model using a convolutional Attention U‐Net architecture that provides prediction quality and inference times at least as good as the best LSTM‐based models for 8‐class SS prediction (SS8). Additionally, we address the issue of the heavily imbalanced nature of the SS8 problem by extending the loss function with the Matthews correlation coefficient, and by proper assessment using previously introduced adjusted geometric mean (AGM) metric. ProteinUnetLM achieved better AGM and sequence overlap score than LSTM‐based predictors, especially for the rare structures 310‐helix (G), beta‐bridge (B), and high curvature loop (S). It is also competitive on challenging datasets without homologs, free‐modeling targets, and chameleon sequences. Moreover, ProteinUnetLM outperformed its previous MSA‐based version ProteinUnet2, and provided better AGM than AlphaFold2 for 1/3 of proteins from the CASP14 dataset, proving its potential for making a significant step forward in the domain. To facilitate the usage of our solution by protein scientists, we provide an easy‐to‐use web interface under https://biolib.com/SUT/ProteinUnetLM/.
Neuroprotective effects of hawthorn leaf flavonoids in Aβ25–35‐induced Alzheimer's disease model
Authors: Xu Ying , Deng Ting , Xie Linjiang , Qin Tao , Sun Tao
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal cell loss, and oxidative stress. Further deposition of Aβ in the brain induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and memory dysfunction. Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) leaf, a known traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, heart palpitations, forgetfulness, and tinnitus, and its main bioactive components are Hawthorn Leaf Flavonoids (HLF). In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of the HLF on the Aβ25–35 (bilateral hippocampus injection) rat model of AD. The results showed that the oral administration of HLF at a dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 30 days significantly ameliorated neuronal cell damage and memory deficits, and markedly increased the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the content of glutathione whereas it decreased the malondialdehyde content in the Aβ25–35 rat model of AD as well as suppressed the activation of astrocytes. In addition, HLF up‐regulated Nrf‐2, NQO‐1, and HO‐1 protein expressions. Also, it reduced neuroinflammation by inhibiting activation of astrocytes. In summary, these results indicated that HLF decreased the oxidative stress via activating Nrf‐2/antioxidant response element signaling pathways, and may suggest as a potential candidate for AD therapeutic agent.
The blame game of the US baby formula crisis
Authors: Chamlagai Lila K. , Silva Elizabeth , Alikhani Anna
Published: November 2022

The United States cannot meet the demand for infant formula. The nation is currently experiencing a problem due to the industry being controlled by a small number of enterprises, states relying on a single supplier, and a ban on importing infant formula from other nations. The four major corporations’ control 89% of the domestic infant formula market creating an industry monopoly within the United States. Second, the dependence of separate states on a single baby formula provider is the cause of the infant formula shortage. In exchange for granting monopolies to formula producers inside specific areas, the federal government is given price cuts on baby formula goods, enabling it to pay for the acquisition. Finally, the United States's inability to import infant formula has significantly exacerbated the current scarcity. However, in the meanwhile, President Joe Biden's administration has put stopgap measures in place to end this shortage, like loosening limits on imports from abroad, but these measures are unlikely to provide long‐term remedies. A multi‐level strategy with long‐lasting structural adjustments is required to avert future infant formula shortages in the United States, but for the time being, caregivers must find individual‐level solutions to meet their children's nutritional needs.
Investigation of oscillations in katabatic Prandtl slope flows
Authors: Henao‐Garcia Sebastian , Xiao Cheng‐Nian , Senocak Inanc
Published: November 2022

Dynamically unstable katabatic Prandtl slope flows are studied via numerical simulations and spectral analysis. Results confirm the presence of aperiodic temporal and spatial oscillations in the flow fields due to the emergence and propagation of flow instabilities. Damped en masse
oscillations are observed to dominate the initial oscillatory stage of laminar katabatic slope flows. Stationary longitudinal rolls, which are dominant at shallow slopes, are observed to meander with increasing stratification perturbation parameter and the average distance between the rolls exhibits a strong dependence on slope inclination for slope angles less than . At much steeper slopes, traveling slope waves emerge and they are transported at the mean jet velocity. Both types of instability rolls coexist for certain combinations of dimensionless parameters, forming intricate structures that break into smaller eddies as the flow becomes more dynamically unstable. In the dynamically unstable nonturbulent regime, en masse oscillations are insignificant, but their normalised frequency can be used to discern the type of flow instability.
Parameter estimation for a class of time‐varying systems with the invariant matrix
Authors: Xu Ning , Ding Feng
Published: November 2022

This article is concerned with the identification of time‐varying systems. Differently from the conventional polynomial approximation approaches, the changing laws of the time‐varying parameters are considered to build the identification model for the time‐varying systems. Specifically, the concept of the invariant matrix is put forward to characterize the time‐varying parameters and to establish the state‐space model with regard to the system parameters. Then this article proposes a stacked state estimation algorithm to achieve the time‐varying parameter estimation. Moreover, for the purpose of enhancing the computational efficiency, a detached state estimation algorithm is proposed by reducing the dimension of the state vector to reconstruct the state equation. Finally, a numerical simulation example is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Microscale 3D Printing and Tuning of Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Groetsch Alexander , Stelzl Samuel , Nagel Yannick , Kochetkova Tatiana , Scherrer Nadim C. , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Michler Johann , Pethö Laszlo , Siqueira Gilberto , Nyström Gustav , Schwiedrzik Jakob
Published: November 2022

The increasing demand for functional materials and an efficient use of sustainable resources makes the search for new material systems an ever growing endeavor. With this respect, architected (meta‐)materials attract considerable interest. Their fabrication at the micro‐ and nanoscale, however, remains a challenge, especially for composites with highly different phases and unmodified reinforcement fillers. This study demonstrates that it is possible to create a non‐cytotoxic nanocomposite ink reinforced by a sustainable phase, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), to print and tune complex 3D architectures using two‐photon polymerization, thus, advancing the state of knowledge toward the microscale. Micro‐compression, high‐res scanning electron microscopy, (polarised) Raman spectroscopy, and composite modeling are used to study the structure‐property relationships. A 100% stiffness increase is observed already at 4.5 wt% CNC while reaching a high photo‐polymerization degree of ≈80% for both neat polymers and CNC‐composites. Polarized Raman and the Halpin–Tsai composite‐model suggest a random CNC orientation within the polymer matrix. The microscale approach can be used to tune arbitrary small scale CNC‐reinforced polymer‐composites with comparable feature sizes. The new insights pave the way for future applications where the 3D printing of small structures is essential to improve performances of tissue‐scaffolds, extend bio‐electronics applications or tailor microscale energy‐absorption devices.
Addressing the Role of 2D Domains in High‐Dimensionality Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite for Solar Cells
Authors: Bravetti Gianluca , Altamura Davide , Paci Barbara , Generosi Amanda , Carallo Sonia , Guaragno Marco , Gigli Giuseppe , Listorti Andrea , Grancini Giulia , Giannini Cinzia , Colella Silvia , Rizzo Aurora
Published: November 2022

High‐dimensionality Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites, with general formula R2An−1BnX3n+1 and high n values (n ≥ 5), are regarded as viable materials for photovoltaics because they feature higher stability if compared to the 3D perovskite, i.e., ABX3, still maintaining good charge absorption and transport properties. When integrated into the actual solar cells, however, scattered, sometimes contradictory results are reported among different deposition procedures and different cations, especially for higher n resulting in not uniform morphology and mixed composition. Herein, high‐dimensionality RP perovskites with n = 1, 4, 10, 20, and 40 values are systematically investigated considering the interplay between the formation of 2D domains, their distribution along the active layer, the active layer thickness, and the solar cells’ performance. Given the complexity of the investigated system, combined advanced structural/morphological analyses are performed to explain solar cells’ performance, finding that the 2D phase segregates at the interface with the top electrode, acting as a barrier for charge extraction, overall decreasing the short‐circuit current (Jsc). Reducing the relative amount of bulky alkylammonium cation with respect to the methylammonium, the 2D perovskite overlayer is intentionally decreased leading to a recovery of the Jsc values, corroborating the hypothesis.
Efficient Visible‐Light‐Initiated Dehydrogenative Coupling of Amines for Coproduction of Imines and Hydrogen over NiS/ZnIn2S4
Authors: Qin Yuhuan , Li Juan , Chen Li , Lin Sen , Li Zhaohui
Published: November 2022

NiS is deposited on the surface of hexagonal ZnIn2S4 via a hydrothermal method and the as‐obtained NiS/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposite shows superior activity for photocatalytic dehydrogenative coupling of amines to produce imines, with simultaneous generation of hydrogen under visible light. The superior performance over NiS/ZnIn2S4 for photocatalytic dehydrogenative coupling of benzylamine to produce N‐benzylidenebenzylamine can not only be ascribed to NiS, which acts as a cocatalyst to promote the charge transfer and hydrogen evolution, but also attributed to its strong adsorption toward benzylamine and its relatively weak adsorption toward the product, which is also proved by density functional theory calculations. This study not only provides an efficient, green, and cost‐effective strategy to produce imines, but also demonstrates that the adsorption of the photocatalyst toward the reactants and the products is an important issue that should be considered in a photocatalytic reaction.
Assessment of antiretroviral drugs in vegetables: Evaluation of microwave‐assisted extraction performance with and without solid‐phase extraction cleanup
Authors: Kunene Philisiwe , Mahlambi Precious
Published: November 2022

This study presents unique data on concentrations of antiretroviral drugs, (abacavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz) in the root, leaf, and fruit vegetables. The microwave‐assisted extraction, solid‐phase extraction, and liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection were applied to assess antiretroviral drugs in vegetable samples. The analytical method showed high precision with the linearity (R2) greater than 0.99, with acceptable, and accuracy with recoveries ranging from 85 to 103% for microwave‐assisted extraction and from 87% to 104% for solid‐phase extraction. The limit of detection and quantification ranged from 0.020 to 0.032 μg/kg and from 0.068 to 0.109 μg/kg for microwave‐assisted extraction and from 0.019 to 0.066 μg/L and 0.065 to 0.22 μg/L for solid‐phase extraction, respectively and the repeatability of the methods as relative standard deviation was a less than 6%. The antiretroviral drugs concentration range obtained in vegetable samples is not detected–1.48 ± 0.5 μg/kg for abacavir, not detected–27.9 ± 1.2 μg/kg for nevirapine, and not detected–13.14 ± 0.1 μg/kg for efavirenz. The microwave‐assisted extraction method with solid‐phase extraction cleanup resulted in low concentration compared to microwave‐assisted extraction without cleanup which could be due to its high limits of detection and quantification making it less sensitive. However, the concentration difference was not significant. Root vegetables (beetroot) exhibited high concentrations of antiretroviral drugs, while nevirapine was found to have high concentration and as a dominant compound.
Multistep Transformations of DNA Origami Domino Array via Mechanical Forces
Authors: Liu Yan , Ge Huan , Wang Yuqi , Tang Linlin , Pei Yufeng , Fan Sisi , Song Yongxiu , Zhang Chuan , Song Jie
Published: November 2022

Nanostructures that display controllable motions and functions are indispensable to build molecular nanomachines. Structural DNA nanotechnology, enabling precise design of complex static and dynamic structures, can be used to construct molecular nanomachines. However, designing complex dynamic structures that present multiple motion behaviors with different stimuli‐responsiveness is full of challenges. Herein, multistep transformations of DNA origami domino array (DODA) triggered by mechanical forces are developed. The DODA consists of small, modular DNA units, which can be regulated by the external forces. Under the expanding and contraction forces exerted by the DNA trigger and G‐quadruplex (G4)‐functionalized loop strand, the units are reconfigured, leading to the programmable transformations of DODA among three conformations. This multistep transformation strategy is applied to construct chiral plasmonic metamolecules, and analyze K+ via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. Moreover, the strategy shows a diversified approach to build the DNA‐based nanodevices, and may find potential applications in various fields.
U.S.‐China trade war and competitive advantage of Vietnam
Authors: Dhar Bablu Kumar , Tiep Le Thanh , Coffelt Tina A. , Shaturaev Jakhongir
Published: November 2022

China has been losing international competitiveness in labor‐intensive industries due to various factors, including the trade war with the United States and globalization. Vietnam, however, has rapidly expanded its labor‐intensive exports. The paper proposes to explore the future of labor‐intensive industries in Vietnam due to the U.S.‐China trade war. The paper examines export performance data from United Nation Comtrade for 10 specific labor‐intensive industries that serve the U.S. market between 2000 and 2020 to assess the possibility of Vietnam overtaking China's position as the world's largest manufacturer. Using situation analysis, the paper compares the competitive advantage of Vietnam in labor‐intensive industries due to the U.S.‐China trade war. The paper found that China's competitiveness was negatively impacted for the final two periods, while Vietnam's competitive advantage increased.
Sulfur‐nitrogen bond activation to give polynuclear terbium(III) complexes
Authors: Lüert Daniel , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: November 2022

In recent years the SN ligand platform was progressing toward high performing lanthanide‐based single‐molecule magnets. Especially the sodium and potassium triimidosulfites are the most promising starting materials. Hence, the [Na(thf)6][S(tmsN)3(thf)3Na3{(Ntms)3S}] (1), [S(tBuN)3(thf)3K3{(HNtBu)(NtBu)2S}] (2), and [S(tBuN)3(thf)3Na3{(HNtBu)(NtBu)2S}] (L1) precursors were prepared.L1leads to four different terbium derivatives upon reaction with the terbium halide salts. For the derived complexes [ClTb{Na(thf)}2{(NtBu)3S}2] (3), [{Na(thf)}2{S(tBuN)3}TbSTb{Na(thf)}2{(NtBu)3S}] (4), [(tBuNH)Tb{(NtBu)3S}]2(5), and [{S(tBuN)3}TbSTb{(NtBu)3S}]2(6) the solid‐state structures were determined and compared. Unfortunately, isolation of these four complexes in preparative applicable yields could not yet be accomplished.
Vision Zero in Germany
Authors: Hell Wolfram , Bodewig Kurt , Hammer Ute , Kellner Christian , Klinke Clemens , Mück Matthias , Schreiner Martin , Walz Felix , Zielke Guido
Published: November 2022

Vision Zero has a central role in traffic safety in Germany. Finally, it was even a relevant point in the coalition treaty from the Federal Governing Parties in the year 2018.

It is a unifying theme for safety measures taken on the federal, state, and local levels and in private, nonprofit traffic safety organizations. In later years, cooperation between these different agents has been intensified. Evaluation and measurability are essential in the German approach to Vision Zero. One example of this is the statistical work performed every year to identify “zero cities,” i.e., cities that had zero road fatalities the previous year. A yearly award puts focus on cities that have a particularly long string of zero years, in relation to their size. This is performed on an international level, and cities around the world are incentivized by these recognitions. Munich is used as an example of a city that has recently stepped up its traffic safety work. The city has adopted Vision Zero and followed up this with intensified traffic safety work, including improved data collection, the identification of accident black spots, targeted measures to improve safety in these black spots, safety audits of new infrastructure plans, etc. Before the introduction of new traffic technologies which may have an impact on safety, in-depth technology assessment has to be performed. This is illustrated by an example in which sufficient prior technology assessment did not take place, namely the introduction of e-scooters in Germany. After their introduction, they have turned out to be significantly more dangerous than bicycles, as can be seen from the statistics of fatalities and severe injuries. Proposals are made for measures are needed to reverse this trend, including obligatory use of helmets. The dialogue with neighbor states is also essential. Here the Traffic Expert Society of Medical and Technical Biomechanics, gmttb (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland= D A CH), has initiated to discuss and bundle basic principles of the Vision Zero in three neighbor countries. To promote Vision Zero, gmttb also organizes interdisciplinary yearly conferences with experts from Austria (Vision Zero is a state philosophy) and Switzerland (here named Via Sicura) to bundle strength and adopt ideas together with Swedish and multinational experts. As well as a yearly gmttb Vision Zero Safety Award is granted to motivate people, organizations, and manufacturers to promote good ideas for better traffic safety.
The Development of the “Vision Zero” Approach in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cockfield Samantha , Healy David , Harris Anne , McIntyre Allison , Cavallo Antonietta
Published: November 2022

For many decades, road safety measures in Australia focused almost exclusively on behavioral approaches. When Claes Tingvall was appointed Director of MUARC, he introduced the concept of “Vision Zero” to Australia and, with it, the “Safe System” approach. While political leaders initially regarded a vision for zero deaths as unachievable, they supported the inherent logic of the Safe System.

Initially the Safe System was applied as four independent pillars. While this lack of integration had limitations, it did enable road safety measures to move beyond road user behavior to focus more on safer road infrastructure and vehicle safety.

The initial Safe System approach became “Towards Zero” an approach that accepts humans are fragile, and the road system designed to protect from death or serious injury was adopted across all Australia jurisdictions between 2004 and 2018.

Public education has been used to introduce and explain Towards Zero and bring greater attention to the importance of purchasing a safe vehicle. Infrastructure investment has moved from a “blackspot” approach to the Safe System approach. However, shifting community and decision-makers’ understanding of the importance of speed limits being set to match the safety standard and design of a road remains a challenge. Future opportunities involve better integration of the components of the Safe System, focusing on serious injuries and improving strategy delivery, performance reporting, management, and accountability.
Saving Lives Beyond 2020: The Next Steps
Authors: Tingvall Claes , Michael Jeffrey P. , Larsson Peter , Lie Anders , Segui-Gomez Maria , Wong Shaw Voon , Kobusingye Olive , Krafft Maria , Wegman Fred , Peden Margie , Hyder Adnan , Khayesi Meleckidzedeck , Dumbaugh Eric , Cockfield Samantha , Furas Alejandro
Published: November 2022

Road safety has come a long way in our lifetimes, and there are steps in this progress that mark their place in history. Many of these were technical innovations, such as seat belts, electronic stability control, and geofencing for vehicle speed control. Also important, though perhaps fewer in number, were innovations in strategies to achieve change. These include the public health model of Dr. William Haddon, the introduction of Vision Zero, the World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention from WHO and the World Bank, and more recently, the Decade of Action 2011–2020. I am sure that the work and recommendations presented in this report will deserve their place in a “Hall of Fame” for strategic innovation in saving lives across the globe.
Holographic BCFT spectra from brane mergers
Authors: Biswas Shovon , Kastikainen Jani , Shashi Sanjit , Sully James
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We use holography to study the spectra of boundary conformal field theories (BCFTs). To do so, we consider a 2-dimensional Euclidean BCFT with two circular boundaries that correspond to dynamical end-of-the-world branes in 3-dimensional gravity. Interactions between these branes inform the operator content and the energy spectrum of the dual BCFT. As a proof of concept, we first consider two highly separated branes whose only interaction is taken to be mediated by a scalar field. The holographic computation of the scalar-mediated exchange reproduces a light scalar primary and its global descendants in the closed-string channel of the dual BCFT. We then consider a gravity model with point particles. Here, the interaction of two separated branes corresponds to a heavy operator which lies below the black hole threshold. However, we may also consider branes at finite separation that “merge” non-smoothly. Such brane mergers can be used to describe unitary sub-threshold boundary-condition-changing operators in the open-string spectrum of the BCFT. We also find a new class of sub-threshold Euclidean bra-ket wormhole saddles with a factorization puzzle for closed-string amplitudes.
Das 9-Euro-Ticket: Erfahrungen, Wirkungsmechanismen und Nachfolgeangebot
Authors: Krämer Andreas , Wilger Gerd , Bongaerts Robert
Published: November 2022

Auf der Basis einer aktuellen empirischen Untersuchung wird das 9-Euro-Ticket, das in den Monaten Juni, Juli und August 2022 in Deutschland genutzt werden konnte, bewertet. Trotz erheblicher Vorbehalte gegenüber dem Ticket vor dessen Einführung und trotz der teilweisen Überforderung des ÖPNV-Systems ist das Urteil der Nutzenden im Rückblick überwiegend positiv. Diese Bewertung bietet zudem wichtige Implikationen für das Nachfolgemodell.
Methoden zur Erkennung des Kartoffelkäfers (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) mit Multispektral- und Farbbildkamera-Sensoren
Authors: Dammer Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2022

Zu Beginn einer Massenvermehrung des Kartoffelkäfers sind in der Regel nur eine begrenzte Anzahl Kartoffelpflanzen im Feld befallen (Befallsherde). Bei einer schaderregerbezogenen gezielten Insektizidspritzung würden in Abhängigkeit von Bekämpfungsschwellen nur diese Befallsherde behandelt, was zu einer erheblichen Reduzierung des Insektizideinsatzes führen könnte. Voraussetzung ist ein lückenloses Monitoring des gesamten Feldes. Durch den Betrieb von Kamerasensoren am Traktor z. B. während Pflegemaßnahmen oder an unbemannten Fluggeräten (UAVs) könnte eine schnelle Erfassung ermöglicht werden. Die Vielzahl der dabei anfallenden Bilder muss mit geeigneten Bildverarbeitungsmethoden zeitnah, idealerweise in Echtzeit (real-time) ausgewertet werden, wobei eine hochgenaue Erkennung der verschiedenen Entwicklungsstadien des Käfers in den aufgenommenen Bildern im Vordergrund steht.

Im Beitrag wird die Methodik des Einsatzes einer Multispektralkamera sowie dreier handelsüblicher Farbbildkameras (RGB) für die Aufnahme von Boden- bzw. Luftbildern und die Ergebnisse von Feldtests zur Erkennung der jeweiligen Entwicklungsstadien des Kartoffelkäfers abhängig vom Wachstum der Kartoffelpflanzen vorgestellt. Während die Klassifizierung von Kartoffelkäferlarven in den Traktor-basierten multispektralen Bilder in Echtzeit während des Betriebes des Sensors erfolgte, wurden die RGB-Bilder mit Hilfe eines künstlichen neuronalen Netzes nach der Bildaufnahme ausgewertet.

Eigelege und das erste Larvenstadium befinden sich an der Blattunterseite. Mit einem kamerabestückten Vertikalsensor, mit dem schräg nach oben Aufnahmen generiert wurden sowie mittels UAV-Bildern, ließen sich diese Stadien in den RGB-Bildern nachweisen. Ein Monitoring unterhalb der Pflanzenoberfläche bietet dem Landwirt einen Zeitvorteil bei der Bekämpfungsentscheidung (z. B. Planung Technikeinsatz, Beschaffung Insektizide).

Im Beitrag werden Beispielsbilder sowie ein möglicher Praxiseinsatz der vorgestellten sensorbasierten Monitoringmethoden oberhalb und unterhalb der Pflanzenoberfläche aufgezeigt und diskutiert.
A Contextual Reintegration of Shaw’s 1959–1964 Igbo-Ukwu Excavation Sites and Their Material Culture
Authors: Ray Keith
Published: November 2022

This paper interrogates afresh what the various Igbo-Ukwu site contexts, carefully examined and closely documented by Shaw, represent in terms of depositional history (that is, the sequence and interrelation of events and processes embodied in the archaeologically observable site features). To this end, the paper re-specifies key contextual relationships at the three excavated sites and addresses the time-depth that each series of site contexts represents. It also considers what the spatial and artifactual relationships—both within and between the sites—may reveal about the ordering of settlement locally and regionally. There has been an understandable assumption that there must be more buried bronzes and elaborate artifacts, like those discovered beneath the Anozie family compounds between 1937 and 1964, to be found in the close vicinity and in the broader Igbo-Ukwu area. Although there will undoubtedly be much to discover, including early ceramics, this article concludes that the principal items recovered 50 years ago, and to a degree also their circumstances of deposition, may represent a unique situation and a key juncture in early Igbo history.
Local food systems, citizen and public science, empowered communities, and democracy: hopes deserving to live
Authors: Lacy William
Published: November 2022

Since 1984, the AHV journal has provided a key forum for a community of interdisciplinary, international researchers, educators, and policy makers to analyze and debate core issues, values and hopes facing the nation and the world, and to recommend strategies and actions for addressing them. This agenda includes the more specific challenges and opportunities confronting agriculture, food systems, science, and communities, as well as broader contextual issues and grand challenges. This paper draws extensively on 40 years of AHV journal articles and reviews and begins with a focus on a limited number of key grand challenges (climate change and global warming; threats to democracy and the growing neo-nationalism, populism, and authoritarianism; and increasing national and international inequality). With these challenges as the underlining context, the remainder of the paper addresses core journal themes of sustainable agriculture and local food systems, citizen and public science, and empowered communities. Highlighted are numerous important journal contributions to the analyses and recommendations to address these hopes and themes. I conclude that these themes and hopes not only deserve to live but are essential for changing and redirecting an unsustainable and destructive environmental, economic, political and social agenda to a viable, livable and just democratic society.
Genetic analysis of anemone-type and single-type inflorescences in chrysanthemum using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Lee Ye-Ji , Jung Jae-A , Lee Na Hyeong , Kim Jung Sun , Won So Youn
Published: November 2022

Flower shape is a key trait of ornamental and commercial importance in breeding programs for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.). Understanding the genetic basis of the phenotypic variation seen in inflorescence-related traits will contribute to genetic improvement and to the development of new varieties. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of inflorescence traits using an F1 segregating population derived from a cross between two cultivars with different inflorescence types, ‘Puma White’ (anemone-shaped inflorescence) and ‘Dancer’ (single-type inflorescence). Genotyping-by-sequencing identified 26,847 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between 182 F1 progenies and their parents. A genome-wide association study highlighted 17 SNPs mapping to 15 GBS-tags as being significantly associated with three inflorescence traits: flower type, number of ray florets, and disk flower diameter. No single SNP was associated with flower diameter. These SNP-harboring sequences defined ten candidate genes associated with inflorescence traits. We explored the transcript levels for nine of these in flower buds, disk florets and ray florets using publicly available genome and transcriptome data. These results will provide the genetic and genomic foundation to harness important horticultural traits and explore new avenues in chrysanthemum breeding.
The Parent-completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Exploring Children’s Sensory Sensitivities and Their Relationship to Well-being
Authors: Smees Rebecca , Rinaldi Louisa J. , Simmons David R. , Simner Julia
Published: November 2022

Sensory sensitivities in children are found not only across a range of childhood disorders, but also within the general population. The current exploratory study examines the reliability and validity of a novel parent-report measure which assesses sensory-sensitivities in both typically developing and non-typically developing children. This 42-item Parent-completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ-P) has been adapted by us from an existing adult tool (Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire), and measures children’s hyper-sensitivities (sensory overload leading to avoidance-behaviours) and hypo-sensitivities (sensory dampening leading to seeking-behaviours) across seven different sense domains (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, vestibular, proprioception). We validated this novel measure on the parents of 601 English children 6–11 years. Both the long version (42-items GSQ-P) and an additional reduced version (24-item rGSQ-P) significantly associated with children’s anxiety, behavioural difficulties, and ability to empathise. As expected, sensory sensitivities were invariant across age and gender, but non-typically developing children had significantly elevated scores compared to typically developing peers (in both GSQ-P and rGSQ-P). We also provide insight into the structure of sensory sensitivities in children, showing for the first time that hyper sensitivities cluster by sense (e.g., tactile questions cluster together; visual questions cluster together) whilst hypo sensitivities cluster by behaviour (e.g., a cluster of seeking-behaviours irrespective of sense; a cluster of sensory dampening irrespective of sense). We offer both instruments (GSQ-P and rGSQ-P) as free reliable measures for better understanding children’s sensitivities, for use in different circumstances depending on focus.
Accelerating legacy applications with spatial computing devices
Authors: Savio Paolo , Scionti Alberto , Vitali Giacomo , Viviani Paolo , Vercellino Chiara , Terzo Olivier , Nguyen Huy-Nam , Magarielli Donato , Spano Ennio , Marconcini Michele , Poli Francesco
Published: November 2022

Heterogeneous computing is the major driving factor in designing new energy-efficient high-performance computing systems. Despite the broad adoption of GPUs and other specialized architectures, the interest in spatial architectures like field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) has grown. While combining high performance, low power consumption and high adaptability constitute an advantage, these devices still suffer from a weak software ecosystem, which forces application developers to use tools requiring deep knowledge of the underlying system, often leaving legacy code (e.g., Fortran applications) unsupported. By realizing this, we describe a methodology for porting Fortran (legacy) code on modern FPGA architectures, with the target of preserving performance/power ratios. Aimed as an experience report, we considered an industrial computational fluid dynamics application to demonstrate that our methodology produces synthesizable OpenCL codes targeting Intel Arria10 and Stratix10 devices. Although performance gain is not far beyond that of the original CPU code (we obtained a relative speedup of $$\times$$
×
 0.59 and $$\times$$
×
 0.63, respectively, for a single optimized main kernel, while only on the Stratix10 we achieved $$\times$$
×
 2.56 by replicating the main optimized kernel 4 times), our results are quite encouraging to drawn the path for further investigations. This paper also reports some major criticalities in porting Fortran code on FPGA architectures.
Local-scale habitat configuration makes a niche for wildlife encroaching into an urban landscape: grubbing sites of wild boar Sus scrofa in a city matrix
Authors: Ciach Michał , Tetkowski Piotr , Fedyń Izabela
Published: November 2022

Urban environments may offer certain species diverse and abundant food resources of natural and anthropogenic origin. However, the local-scale configuration of habitats and urban infrastructure may influence foraging decisions regardless of the availability of food. In recent years, the expansion of wild boarSus scrofainto areas significantly transformed by humans has been observed in many parts of its range. Grubbing (rooting) is a major foraging mode of the species, during which disturbance of the upper soil layers enables these animals to find and consume food items. However, the factors that determine the selection of grubbing sites in the urban landscape, where the balance between food availability and the avoidance of humans may influence foraging decisions, are not known. Our aim was to identify local-scale factors that influence grubbing site selection and the size of grubbed patches in an urban landscape. The characteristics of 108 wild boar grubbing sites in the city of Kraków (Poland) were compared to randomly selected control sites. The probable presence of a grubbing site was positively correlated with the proportion of meadows and fallow land in the vicinity and with increases in both canopy cover and distance to pavements. The size of a grubbed patch was positively correlated with the percentage of meadows in the vicinity, increasing distance to buildings and decreasing distance to pavements. We found a non-random pattern of grubbing sites in the urban landscape and indicated that the local-scale configuration of vegetation and urban infrastructure contribute to foraging site selection by wild boar. Our study highlights that the encroachment of wildlife into the urban landscape is a complex process, driven by both resource availability and the avoidance of human-related disturbances.
Metal- and antibiotic-resistant heterotrophic plate count bacteria from a gold mine impacted river: the Mooi River system, South Africa
Authors: Bosch Janita , Bezuidenhout Carlos , Coertze Roelof , Molale-Tom Lesego
Published: November 2022

The Wonderfonteinspruit, South Africa, is highly impacted by a century of gold mining activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical properties of the Wonderfonteinspruit and the receiving Mooi River system, the levels of antimicrobial (metals and antibiotics) resistance characteristics and heterotrophic bacteria levels in these water systems. Various physico-chemical parameters were determined. R2A agar and R2A agar supplemented with antimicrobials were used to enumerate heterotrophic bacteria. Morphologically distinct antimicrobial-resistant isolates were purified and screened for antibiotic susceptibility by a disc diffusion method. Selected isolates were identified, and minimum inhibitory concentration ranges determined. Among the antimicrobial resistant isolates, 87% were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Of these, almost 50% were resistant to more than 3 antibiotic classes. A large proportion was resistant to all 7 antibiotics tested. Phyla detected were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes. High MIC levels for metals and antibiotics were detected among all the genera. Results demonstrate potential impacts of physico-chemical properties on levels of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Metal-resistant bacteria were also resistant to multiple antibiotics, suggesting that metal pollution from mining may be responsible for co-selection and maintenance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in this aquatic system.
Influence of Oxygen on the Kinetics of Omega and Alpha Phase Formation in Beta Ti–V
Authors: Enzinger Robert Josef , Luckabauer Martin , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Ichitsubo Tetsu , Sprengel Wolfgang , Würschum Roland
Published: November 2022

A detailed understanding of the kinetics of phase formation in

$$\beta $$

β

-stabilised titanium is of decisive importance for the applicability of these materials. However, the complex nature and long timescales of the various transformations, calls for specialized measurement techniques. In this work high-stability isothermal laser dilatometry is used to study the temporal volume changes associated with the various phase formation processes. Distinctly different behaviours between samples of Ti–21 at. pct V with different solute oxygen content could be detected and quantified. Temperature regimes for both diffusionless and diffusion-assisted isothermal

$$\omega $$

ω

-formation as well as for

$$\omega $$

ω

-to-

$$\alpha $$

α

-transformation were determined. Low oxygen contents promote the diffusionless

$$\omega $$

ω

-formation mechanism, but retard the diffusion-assisted one as well as the

$$\omega $$

ω

-to-

$$\alpha $$

α

-transformation process. The results confirm recent findings of a clear distinction between the diffusionless and diffusion-assisted isothermal

$$\omega $$

ω

formation modes. Modelling of the

$$\omega $$

ω

-phase formation applying Austin–Rickett kinetics revealed the temperature-dependent formation rates, on the basis of which the isothermal TTT-diagrams were developed which reflect the strong influence of the oxygen content.
‘Some Myths Need to be Ripped Apart’ (Iizuka): The Violence of Reception and Reception of Violence in Naomi Iizuka’s Polaroid Stories: An Adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses
Authors: McShane Siobhan
Published: November 2022

Naomi Iizuka’s Polaroid Stories (1997) combines a stage adaptation of selected tales from Ovid’s Metamorphoses with the stories of homeless young people. Iizuka’s use of these two sources in her play provides a new insight into Ovid’s treatment of the theme of sexual violence in the Metamorphoses as well as exposing the dangers faced by young people on city streets today. In particular, looking at the two texts exposes the link between sexual violence and linguistic violence in the silencing of victims and the refusal of victims to be silenced. Alongside exploring Iizuka’s reception of the sexual violence portrayed in the Metamorphoses, this article uses a feminist reception theory to analyse Iizuka’s own literary act of violence in her reception of Ovid. Does Iizuka simply present Ovid’s tales and their concern with sexual violence in a more modern setting, or does she violently dismember Ovid’s text to produce a play that criticizes his portrayal of victims of sexual violence in the Metamorphoses? In some ways the techniques Iizuka uses to give the characters in her play a strong voice against the violence they face are similar to those that can be identified in Ovid. However, Iizuka can be seen to use those techniques against the author she emulates in order to give a voice to characters he had silenced.
Erinaceomorpha and Soricomorpha (Mammalia) of the Miocene Tagay fauna (Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia): A preliminary report
Authors: Voyta Leonid L. , Mörs Thomas , Erbajeva Margarita A.
Published: November 2022

The current paper is a preliminary attempt to describe the eulipotyphlan fauna from the Early/Middle Miocene (MN5) Tagay-1 locality. Our results reveal one hedgehog species, Parvericius cf. P. buk (Erinaceinae), one desman species, Desmaninae gen. et sp. indet. (Desmaninae), three mole species, Quyania sp., Urotrichini gen. et sp. indet. and Yanshuella cf. Y. primaeva, one Desmanodon species (Talpidae incertae sedis) and three shrew species, Plesiosorex sp., Heterosorex sp. and Miosorex sp. (Plesiosoricidae, Soricidae). Therefore, the Tagay fauna is composed of European, Asian and North American genera. The desman remains are very similar to Late Miocene representatives of European Archaeodesmana, and represent the first Miocene record of Desmaninae in northern Asia. Our small mammal assemblage of the Tagay-1 section allows us to confirm the earlier reconstruction of the local palaeoenvironmental conditions as linked habitats such as closed forest and open ecotonal habitats preferred by ground-dwelling hedgehogs, shrew moles and shrews, and subterranean groups such as digging moles. The presence of desmans indicates flowing waters and probably wetland areas that would also be the favoured habitat of shrews.
Discrete fracture modeling by integrating image logs, seismic attributes, and production data: a case study from Ilam and Sarvak Formations, Danan Oilfield, southwest of Iran
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Sirous , Kadkhodaie Ali , Wood David A. , Rezaee Reza , Kadkhodaie Rahim
Published: November 2022

Understanding the fracture patterns of hydrocarbon reservoirs is vital in the Zagros area of southwest of Iran as they are strongly affected by the collision of the Arabian and Iranian plates. It is essential to evaluate both primary and secondary (fracture) porosity and permeability to understand the fluid dynamics of the reservoirs. In this study, we adopted an integrated workflow to assess the influence of various fracture sets on the heterogeneous carbonate reservoir rocks of the Cenomanian–Santonian Bangestan group, including Ilam and upper Sarvak Formations. For this purpose, a combination of field data was used including seismic data, core data, open-hole well-logs, petrophysical interpretations, and reservoir dynamic data. FMI interpretation revealed that a substantial amount of secondary porosity exists in the Ilam and Sarvak Formations. The upper interval of Sarvak 1-2 (3491 m to 3510 m), Sarvak 1-3 (3530 m to 3550 m), and the base of Sarvak 2-1 are the most fractured intervals in the formation. The dominant stress regime in the study area is a combination of compressional and strike-slip system featuring reverse faults with a NW–SE orientation. From the depositional setting point of view, mid-ramp and inner-ramp show a higher concentration of fractures compared to open marine environment. Fracture permeability was modeled iteratively to establish a realistic match with production log data. The results indicate that secondary permeability has a significant influence on the productivity of wells in the study area.
Additive Manufacturing of Binary Ni–Ti Shape Memory Alloys Using Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion: Functional Reversibility Through Minor Alloy Modification and Carbide Formation
Authors: Krooß P. , Lauhoff C. , Gustmann T. , Gemming T. , Sobrero C. , Ewald F. , Brenne F. , Arold T. , Nematolahi M. , Elahinia M. , Thielsch J. , Hufenbach J. , Niendorf T.
Published: November 2022

Shape memory alloys (SMAs), such as Ni–Ti, are promising candidates for actuation and damping applications. Although processing of Ni–Ti bulk materials is challenging, well-established processing routes (i.e. casting, forging, wire drawing, laser cutting) enabled application in several niche applications, e.g. in the medical sector. Additive manufacturing, also referred to as 4D-printing in this case, is known to be highly interesting for the fabrication of SMAs in order to produce near-net-shaped actuators and dampers. The present study investigated the impact of electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB/M) on the functional properties of C-rich Ni50.9Ti49.1 alloy. The results revealed a significant loss of Ni during PBF-EB/M processing. Process microstructure property relationships are discussed in view of the applied master alloy and powder processing route, i.e. vacuum induction-melting inert gas atomization (VIGA). Relatively high amounts of TiC, being already present in the master alloy and powder feedstock, are finely dispersed in the matrix upon PBF-EB/M. This leads to a local change in the chemical composition (depletion of Ti) and a pronounced shift of the transformation temperatures. Despite the high TiC content, superelastic testing revealed a good shape recovery and, thus, a negligible degradation in both, the as-built and the heat-treated state.
Chiral quantum phases and tricriticality in a Dicke triangle
Authors: Cheng Guo-Jing , Fallas Padilla Diego , Deng Tao , Zhang Yu-Yu , Pu Han
Published: November 2022

The existence of quantum tricriticality and exotic phases are found in a tricritical Dicke triangle (TDT) where three cavities, each one containing an ensemble of three-level atoms, are connected to each other through the action of an artificial magnetic field. The conventional superradiant phase (SR) is connected to the normal phase through first- and second-order boundaries, with tricritical points located at the intersection of such boundaries. Apart from the SR phase, a chiral superradiant (CSR) phase is found by tuning the artificial magnetic field. This phase is characterized by a nonzero photon current and its boundary presents chiral tricritical points (CTCPs). Through the study of different critical exponents, we are able to differentiate the universality class of the CTCP and TCP from that of second-order critical points, as well as find distinctive critical behavior among the two different superradiant phases. The TDT can be implemented in various systems, including atoms in optical cavities as well as the circuit QED system, allowing the exploration of a great variety of critical manifolds.