bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governance in the time of COVID‐19: Systemic implications for governing in an Anthropocene world based on experiences from Australia and Brazil
Authors: Ison Ray L. , Schlindwein Sandro L.
Published: November 2024

The disruption of the COVID‐19 pandemic reveals that contemporary governance systems are not fit for purpose as we progress our living in a human‐induced Anthropocene world. Governance failings of a cybersystemic nature are highlighted through a comparative case study undertaken as a systemic co‐inquiry of acts of governing in relation to pandemic effects in Australia and Brazil. Drawing on recent governance scholarship, key praxis failures in governing were revealed. The systemic implications were explored using a narrative analysis plus use of a simple diagnosis and design heuristic based on 14 cybersystemic conceptual elements. Arguments and evidence for the pressing need to institutionalise cybersystemic governance practices are presented, highlighting how they are critical to systemic design of effective governance systems. Considering that the human‐induced Anthropocene world and climate emergency will have similar patterns to the pandemic, the proposed design heuristic within a rapidly assembled systemic co‐inquiry process has the potential to facilitate dialogue and design for imagining and enacting new alternative governance systems.
Numerical Simulation of Solute Transport Behavior During the Grade Transition of Round Billet Continuous Casting
Authors: Zhang WenChao , Jiang ZhouHua , Leng YongLei , Liu FuBin , Yin XiuGang , Ren LiKun , Xing Wei , Zhang YingNan
Published: November 2024

Grade transitions in continuous casting can significantly improve casting machine productivity and reduce production costs. Accurate prediction of the mixing zone length is essential. A two‐dimensional transient model for grade transition in continuous casting is developed by integrating fluid flow, thermosolute transfer, and solidification. The model predicts the mixing zone changes at various casting speeds. The results indicate that positive segregation of the old steel (Q355NE) occurred at the billet's center, while the maximum negative segregation appears in the billet shell region. The process involves pausing the solidification of the grade transition connectors and the billet shell before casting is resumed with the introduction of a new steel (42CrMo). The extent of the mixing zone is determined by the carbon concentration at the centerline and 1/2 R. Numerical simulations of the temperature field and solute distribution trends are closely aligned with experimental data, validating the accuracy of the solute transport model. Although excessively slow speeds may disrupt the straightening process, reducing the casting speed and decreasing the mixing zone size. This study result provides theoretical guidance for the grade transition in large section round billet continuous casting.
Use of Dependency‐Annotated Learner Corpora in Measuring Syntactic Complexity for Granularity, Accuracy, Consistency, and Transparency: Implications for Research and Teaching
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: November 2024

Syntactic complexity has long been used to gauge language learners' performance, proficiency, and development, offering language teachers valid recommendations for syllabus design and materials development. Progress in syntactic complexity research foreshadows the imperative of measuring syntactic features at a high level of granularity, which remains, however, inadequately represented in the current operationalization of syntactic complexity. Beyond this misalignment, researchers also caution against the issues of consistency and accuracy in its measurement. We thus advocate for a methodological synergy by combining automatized dependency annotation and self‐built learner corpora, arguing that this can effectively address the aforementioned concerns and promote the initiative for transparency and openness in applied linguistics. Next, we concisely showcase how to manage this method step by step, which can be done easily with tools, and some practical considerations, so researchers and teachers can compile their do‐it‐yourself corpora. We conclude by discussing the implications of adopting this method for research and teaching. How this method can figure into potential areas of inquiry is identified with examples, including task‐based language teaching, writing assessment, and additional language syntactic acquisition. Pedagogically, we illustrate how this method can help language teachers identify gaps in learners' language production, raise their language awareness, and inform learner‐centered instruction.
Global Financial Market Spillovers to the Dhaka Stock Exchange: Strategic Insights From Trade‐Friendly Nations
Authors: Borman Tanmay , Nahiduzzaman Md. , Kuri Bapon Chandra , Dhar Bablu Kumar , Sarker Sanjoy Kumar
Published: November 2024

This study explores the strategic implications of global financial market spillovers on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), with a particular emphasis on the financial markets of Bangladesh's key trade partners. Leveraging daily price data, the analysis focuses on major equity indices from Bangladesh, the USA, China, Japan, Russia, and India, in addition to global green and commodity indices. The study employs advanced methodologies, including value at risk (VaR), conditional value at risk (CVaR), continuous wavelet transforms (CWT), wavelet coherence (WC), and time‐varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP‐VAR). The findings reveal that while the DSE demonstrates lower downside risk relative to global indices, certain global assets, such as WTICO, exhibit heightened tail risk. The wavelet analyses underscore significant volatility and co‐movements among key assets, particularly during periods of global crises, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, highlighting the profound interconnectedness between global and regional markets and the DSE. Notably, global green and commodity assets provide potential safe haven benefits for Bangladeshi investors during times of crisis. The TVP‐VAR model further highlights the dynamic nature of volatility spillovers, identifying global green indices as key volatility transmitters, while the DSE retains robust internal market dynamics with reciprocal spillovers between DSE30 and DSEB. These insights suggest that Bangladesh should strategically integrate green and commodity assets into its financial markets to bolster market stability and protect investors amidst global uncertainties.
Embedded Many‐Body Green's Function Methods for Electronic Excitations in Complex Molecular Systems
Authors: Tirimbó Gianluca , Sundaram Vivek , Baumeier Björn
Published: November 2024

Many‐body Green's function theory in the GW approximation with the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) provides a powerful framework for the first‐principles calculations of single‐particle and electron–hole excitations in perfect crystals and molecules alike. Application to complex molecular systems, for example, solvated dyes, molecular aggregates, thin films, interfaces, or macromolecules, is particularly challenging as they contain a prohibitively large number of atoms. Exploiting the often localized nature of excitation in such disordered systems, several methods have recently been developed in which GW‐BSE is applied to a smaller, tractable region of interest that is embedded into an environment described with a lower‐level method. Here, we review the various strategies proposed for such embedded many‐body Green's functions approaches, including quantum–quantum and quantum–classical embeddings, and focus in particular on how they include environment screening effects either intrinsically in the screened Coulomb interaction in the GW and BSE steps or via extrinsic electrostatic couplings.
Geometric Theory of Perturbation Dynamics Around Non-equilibrium Fluid Flows
Authors: Holm Darryl D. , Hu Ruiao , Street Oliver D.
Published: November 2024

The present work investigates the evolution of linear perturbations of time-dependent ideal fluid flows with advected quantities, expressed in terms of the second order variations of the action corresponding to a Lagrangian defined on a semidirect product space. This approach is related to Jacobi fields along geodesics and several examples are given explicitly to elucidate our approach. Numerical simulations of the perturbation dynamics are also presented.
On Forward–Backward SDE Approaches to Conditional Estimation
Authors: Kim Jin Won , Reich Sebastian
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, we investigate the representation of conditional expectation values for partially observed diffusion processes in terms of appropriate estimators. The work of Kalman and Bucy has established a duality between filtering and estimation in the context of time-continuous linear systems. This duality has recently been extended to time-continuous nonlinear systems in terms of an optimization problem constrained by a backward stochastic partial differential equation. Here we revisit this problem from the perspective of appropriate forward-backward stochastic differential equations. Our approach sheds new light on the conditional estimation problem and provides a unifying perspective. It is also demonstrated that certain formulations of the estimation problem lead to deterministic formulations similar to the linear Gaussian case as originally investigated by Kalman and Bucy. Finally, we discuss an application of the proposed formulation to optimal control problem on partially observed diffusion processes.
Data Assimilation for the Stochastic Camassa-Holm Equation Using Particle Filtering: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Cotter Colin J. , Crisan Dan , Singh Maneesh Kumar
Published: November 2024

In this study, we explore data assimilation for the Stochastic Camassa-Holm equation through the application of the particle filtering framework. Specifically, our approach integrates adaptive tempering, jittering, and nudging techniques to construct an advanced particle filtering system. All filtering processes are executed utilizing ensemble parallelism. We conduct extensive numerical experiments across various scenarios of the Stochastic Camassa-Holm model with transport noise and viscosity to examine the impact of different filtering procedures on the performance of the data assimilation process. Our analysis focuses on how observational data and the data assimilation step influence the stability of the obtained results.
A Central Limit Theorem for Random Disc-Polygons in Smooth Convex Discs
Authors: Fodor Ferenc , Papvári Dániel I.
Published: November 2024

In this paper we prove a quantitative central limit theorem for the area of uniform random disc-polygons in smooth convex discs whose boundary is $$C^2_+$$

C
+
2

. We use Stein’s method and the asymptotic lower bound for the variance of the area proved by Fodor, Grünfelder and Vígh (Doc Math 27: 1015-1029, 2022).
An efficient claim management assurance system using EPC contract based on improved monarch butterfly optimization models
Authors: Mukilan K. , Rameshbabu C. , Baranitharan B. , Muthusamy Suresh , Ramamoorthi Ponarun , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Oflaz Kamil , Khan Anish
Published: November 2024

The Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contract systems are widely employed in the construction industry. Among the prevalent issues in this sector, cash flow problems frequently lead to decreased productivity and efficiency. To address these challenges, a claim management system is developed based on the Improved Monarch Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (IMBOA) and the principles of EPC. Conventional construction models typically optimize only a single objective, such as time, cost, or delay, which may not effectively enhance overall performance. This study aims to develop a claim management system based on IMBOA and EPC principles to optimize multiple objectives, focusing on minimizing project costs and time delays while ensuring high-quality results. The basic methodology of this research involves integrating EPC and claim management principles with the IMBOA algorithm to create an efficient, high-quality system. This process starts with a comprehensive literature review on EPC, claims, MBOA, and related algorithms. Common disputes and claims in the construction industry are examined, and critical factors influencing these claims are identified. The Monarch Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (MBOA) and its improved version (IMBOA) are explored for their application in optimizing project performance. A case study in China's coal mining industry evaluates the effectiveness of the EPC approach, demonstrating that it minimizes time delays and costs. The IMBOA approach proposed in this study has the potential to mitigate 23% of risks and avoid 32% of risks associated with the action plan of China's coal mining industry. Furthermore, comparative analysis with other optimization models indicates that the developed IMBOA model yields superior results, reducing overall project time by 15% and cost by 18%.
Scalable reinforcement learning-based neural architecture search
Authors: Cassimon Amber , Mercelis Siegfried , Mets Kevin
Published: November 2024

We assess the feasibility of a reusable neural architecture search agent aimed at amortizing the initial time-investment in building a good search strategy. We do this through the use of Reinforcement Learning, where an agent learns to iteratively select the best way to modify a given neural network architecture. This is achieved using a transformer-based agent design trained using the Ape-X algorithm. We consider both the NAS-Bench-101 and NAS-Bench-301 settings, and compare against various known strong baselines, such as local search and random search. While achieving competitive performance on both benchmarks, the amount of training required for the much larger NAS-Bench-301 is only marginally greater than NAS-Bench-101, illustrating the strong scaling properties of our agent. Our agent is able to achieve strong performance, but the choice of values for certain parameters are crucial to ensuring the succesful training of the agent. We provide some guidance for the selection of appropriate values for hyperparameters through a detailed description of our experimental setup and several ablation studies.
The patient and the family: investigating parental mental health problems, family functioning, and parent involvement in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
Authors: Wirehag Nordh Emme-Lina , Grip Karin , Axberg Ulf
Published: November 2024

Parental mental health problems can impact child mental health, as well as treatment of child mental health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported mental health problems in parents of children referred to outpatient child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and to compare child mental health problems, family variables, treatment received and parent participation in treatment planning between parents above and below the cut-off for elevated mental health problems. The sample included N = 111 parents of N = 98 children. Parental reports covering their own and their children’s mental health problems, family functioning, adult relationship satisfaction, and previous treatment for mental health problems were collected at the time of the child’s intake appointment. Questions concerning contact with CAMHS were completed one year later. At the time of the intake appointment, 44% of the children had a parent who reported elevated mental health problems. In these families, children reportedly had significantly more mental health problems and problematic family functioning was more common than in families where parent mental health problems were not elevated. Parents with elevated mental health problems received group-based parent support/education to a greater extent during the first year of contact with CAHMS and reported less participation in treatment planning compared to parents without elevated mental health problems. To conclude, findings indicate that co-occurring mental health problems are common in parents when their child is referred to CAMHS, and in these families, it is reported that children have more symptoms, and more families experience problematic functioning. These factors merit consideration in assessment and treatment planning, indicating increased treatment needs in this group of families.
Observation of an order change during the course of a reaction in a kinetic study of the reduction of trans-dicyanodibromoaurate(III) by octacyanotungstate(IV) in an acidic medium
Authors: Swarts Jannie C. , Dennis C. Robert
Published: November 2024

The reduction of dibromodicyanoaurate(III) ion by octacyanotungstate(IV) ions was studied under near stoichiometric conditions in an acidic medium. An order change occurred during the course of the reaction. The reaction was first order in Au(CN)2(Br)2
– and second order in W(CN)8
4– for the first half-life, but after ca. 60% conversion became first order in both reactants. The order change is ascribed to two different AuII intermediates that form during the reaction course. A third order rate constant of k3 = 7.80 × 105 M−2 min−1 and a second order rate constant of k2 = 108 M−1 min−1 was found at [H+] = 1.633 × 10–3 M, an ionic strength of I = 0.11 M (NaBr) and at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C for the reaction. The reaction rate decreases with increasing [H+] in the reaction mixture at low pH and an experimental pKa of 1.80 ± 0.03 was found at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C for the deprotonation of HW(CN)8
3–. The reaction rate is independent of [Br−] and decrease with addition of W(CN)8
3– in the reaction mixture. Activation parameters have been obtained by a least-squares fit of the temperature data directly to the Eyring equation.

Graphical abstract
Avian Influenza: An Overview and Clinical Status
Authors: Kiley John L. , Yun Heather C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

2024 saw the outbreak of a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza with intermittent transmission to humans. This review will consider the landscape of avian influenza, the role migratory birds and cattle play in transmission, and our understanding of the current outbreak in humans.

Recent Findings

While cases of human avian influenza have fortunately continued to be relatively low, the evidence that continued circulation in migratory and domestic poultry flocks combined with spillover into bovine herds support further efforts to understand this outbreak and develop mitigation strategies like vaccines and therapeutics.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is likely to remain a critical target for epidemiologic surveillance along with further development of new mitigation strategies.
Progression of Low-Grade Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) to High-Grade Neoplasms Harboring the NEC-Like Co-alteration of RB1 and TP53
Authors: Joseph Nancy M. , Umetsu Sarah E. , Kim Grace E. , Terry Merryl , Perry Arie , Bergsland Emily , Kakar Sanjay
Published: November 2024

High-grade or grade 3 epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms (G3 NEN) are now divided into grade 3 well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (G3 NET) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), both defined by Ki-67 > 20% and/or > 20 mitoses per 2 mm2. NET and NEC are thought to be distinct tumors with different genetic profiles: NEC classically harbors co-alteration of TP53 and RB1, whereas NET genetics are site-dependent with frequent alterations in MEN1, ATRX, DAXX, and TSC1/2 in pancreatic NETs. Progression from NET to NEC is considered rare and is not well described. While both TP53 and RB1 alterations were initially thought to be rare in NET, recent work has demonstrated the former in up to 35% of high-grade G3 NET and the latter in rare high-grade NEN that progressed from NET. Here, we describe the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features associated with tumor evolution in a series of five patients that had low-grade NET that progressed to high-grade NEN with co-alteration of RB1 and TP53, similar to NEC. Morphology of the high-grade neoplasms remained well-differentiated in some cases despite RB1/TP53 co-alteration and had some NEC-like features in other cases. All five patients died of disease, with a mean overall survival of 41 months from the first metastatic disease and 12 months from acquisition of RB1/TP53 co-alteration. Our data demonstrate that low-grade NET can progress via the acquisition of both TP53 and RB1 alteration, similar to NEC, but whether this represents a transformation from NET to NEC remains unclear.
Artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring: in-depth analysis
Authors: Alotaibi Emran , Nassif Nadia
Published: November 2024

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in environmental monitoring, based on 4762 publications from 1991 to 2024. The research highlights a notable increase in publications and citations since 2010, with China, the United States, and India emerging as leading contributors. Key areas of research include air and water quality monitoring, climate change modeling, biodiversity assessment, and disaster management. The integration of AI with emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensing, has significantly expanded real-time environmental monitoring capabilities and data-driven decision-making. In-depth analysis reveals advancements in AI/ML methodologies, including novel algorithms for soil mapping, land-cover classification, flood susceptibility modeling, and remote sensing image analysis. Notable applications include enhanced air quality predictions, water quality assessments, climate impact forecasting, and automated wildlife monitoring using AI-driven image recognition. Challenges such as the “black-box” nature of AI models, the need for high-quality data in resource-constrained regions, and the complexity of real-time disaster management are also addressed. The study highlights ongoing efforts to develop explainable AI (XAI) models, which aim to improve model transparency and trust in critical environmental applications. Future research directions emphasize improving data quality and availability, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across environmental and computer sciences, and addressing ethical considerations in AI-driven environmental management. These findings underscore the transformative potential of AI and ML technologies for sustainable environmental management, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in addressing global environmental challenges.
Producer Willingness to Accept Incentive Levels for Cover Crop Adoption in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Johnson Trevor D. , Mitchell-McCallister Donna , deVilleneuve Stephanie , Berthold T. Allen
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze agricultural producers’ willingness to adopt regenerative cover crop practices in their operation and the effects of producer and farm characteristics on willingness to accept (WTA) values. The paper utilizes the double-bounded contingent valuation method to analyze survey responses submitted by producers and non-operating landowners in the Texas and Oklahoma portions of the Southern Great Plains. Results showed an average WTA of $26.38/acre for producers to adopt cover crops and that programs aimed at increasing adoption rates may require more substantial investment compared to those focused on continuity with current adopters.
Unlocking the potential of V/Ti-AAC: a promising eco-friendly catalyst for cyclohexene epoxidation
Authors: Belaidi Noureddine , Azzi Hajer , El-Korso Sanaa , Choukchou-Braham Abderrahim , Nebatti-Ech Chergui Abdelkader
Published: November 2024

Bentonite is an abundant natural resource in the Maghnia region of Algeria that may have potential value in catalysis, but heretofore has been considered of low value for this purpose due to its low acidity and low catalytic activity. Low cost is one of the main criteria for choosing a suitable material for catalysis. Because bentonite is abundant and low-cost, its use as a starting material for the preparation of catalysts deserves reconsideration. The present study was undertaken, therefore, to optimize the performance of bentonite as a catalyst in one of the most promising reactions in organic synthesis, namely, cyclohexene epoxidation. The bentonite was subjected to adjustment of its structure by means of a number of laboratory treatments based on its large cation exchange capacity. These modifications aimed to achieve an environmentally friendly catalytic process by incorporating transition metals, specifically titanium and vanadium, into the modified bentonite structure through acid activation. Redox properties were enhanced and Lewis and Brønsted acidities were introduced. The vanadium oxide, supported on titania-pillared, acid-activated bentonite (5V/Ti-AAC), was characterized comprehensively using various techniques, including diffuse-reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy (DR UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for surface acidity analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis (EDX). The catalytic activity was investigated in response to certain variables, such as catalyst mass, nature of the solvent, amount of oxidant, and reaction temperature. A kinetic study was conducted to understand the reaction behavior. The experimental results demonstrated intriguing catalytic activity, achieving a 42% conversion rate with ~68% selectivity toward the epoxide product when employing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant and heptane as the solvent. This study highlights the potential of 5V/Ti-AAC as an environmentally friendly catalyst applied in the epoxidation of cyclohexene.
Effect of temperature on mineral evolution and adsorption of Eu3+ by bentonite in hyperalkaline conditions
Authors: Liao Rao-ping , Chen Yong-gui , Yu Chuang , Ye Wei-min , Wu Dong-bei , Liu Cong , Wang Qiong
Published: November 2024

Compacted bentonite, used as an engineering barrier for permanent containment of high-level radioactive waste, is susceptible to mineral evolution resulting in compromise of the expected barrier performance due to alkaline–thermal chemical interaction in the near-field. To elucidate the mineral-evolution mechanisms within bentonite and the transformation of the nuclide adsorption properties during that period, experimental evolution of bentonite was conducted in a NaOH solution with a pH of 14 at temperatures ranging from 60 to 120°C. The results showed that temperature significantly affects the stability of minerals in bentonite under alkali conditions. The dissolution rate of fine-grained cristobalite in bentonite exceeds that of smectite, with the phase-transition products of smectite being temperature-dependent. As the temperature rises, smectite experiences a three-stage transformation: initially, at 60°C, the lattice structure thins due to the collapse of the octahedral sheets; at 80°C, the lattice disintegrates and reorganizes into a loose framework akin to albite; and by 100°C, it further reorganizes into a denser framework resembling analcime. The adsorption properties of bentonite exhibit a peak inflection point at 80°C, where the dissolution of the smectite lattice eliminates interlayer pores and exposes numerous polar or negatively charged sites which results in a decrease in specific surface area and an increase in cation exchange capacity and adsorption capacity of Eu3+. This research provides insights into the intricate evolution of bentonite minerals and the associated changes in radionuclide adsorption capacity, contributing to a better understanding of the stability of bentonite barriers and the effective long-term containment of nuclear waste.
Data-driven optimization of a gas turbine combustor: A Bayesian approach addressing NO
x
emissions, lean extinction limits, and thermoacoustic stability
Authors: Reumschüssel Johann Moritz , von Saldern Jakob G. R. , Ćosić Bernhard , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: November 2024

The design of gas turbine combustors for optimal operation at different power ratings is a multifaceted engineering task, as it requires the consideration of several objectives that must be evaluated under different test conditions. We address this challenge by presenting a data-driven approach that uses multiple probabilistic surrogate models derived from Gaussian process regression to automatically select optimal combustor designs from a large parameter space, requiring only a few experimental data points. We present two strategies for surrogate model training that differ in terms of required experimental and computational efforts. Depending on the measurement time and cost for a target, one of the strategies may be preferred. We apply the methodology to train three surrogate models under operating conditions where the corresponding design objectives are critical: reduction of NO
x
emissions, prevention of lean flame extinction, and mitigation of thermoacoustic oscillations. Once trained, the models can be flexibly used for different forms of a posteriori design optimization, as we demonstrate in this study.
Predicting Participation in a Post-disaster Mental Health Program
Authors: Crompton David , Kohleis Peter , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , FitzGerald Gerard , Young Ross
Published: November 2024

Objectives

A retrospective naturalistic evaluation was undertaken to identify if pre- and post-disaster factors may predict the likelihood of those considered “at risk” of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) entering a post-disaster clinical treatment program.

Methods

The intake data of 881 people referred to the program following the Queensland (Australia) natural disasters of 2010-11 was evaluated. Those referred scored >2 on the Primary Care PTSD scale. Assessment included the disaster exposure experience, demographic and clinical information, and measures of coping and resilience. Descriptive analyses and a Classification Tree Analysis (CTA) were undertaken to ascertain which factors may predict treatment participation.

Results

The treatment group (TG) in comparison to the non-treatment group (NTG) were more likely to perceive their life was threatened (85.1% vs 8.1%), less able to cope (67% vs 25.8%) and less resilient (4.2% vs 87.5%). The CTA using all the assessment variables found the Connor-Davidson (2-item scale) (P < 0.001), degree of property damage (P < 0.001), financial losses (P < 0.001), perception their life was threatened (P < 0.001) and insurance claims (P < 0.003) distinguished the TG from the NTG.

Conclusions

The study identified factors that distinguished the TG from the NTG and predicted the likelihood of participation in a post-disaster mental health treatment.
Sailing Through Choppy Waters: Management of Medical Oxygen Emergencies During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Siddharth Vijaydeep , Khare Amitesh , Guleria Randeep
Published: November 2024

During the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of patients experienced breathlessness, which progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to the need for supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. With each passing day, the need for medical oxygen increased and simultaneously medical oxygen reserves in the country were getting depleted. Government agencies deployed multipronged strategies to ensure that the hospitals had an adequate supply of medical oxygen. Mechanisms and formulae were devised for the rational allocation of medical oxygen to various regions in the country; the production of medical oxygen was boosted along with the curtailment of oxygen usage in industries; and efficient supply chain management, which included “Oxygen Express”— special trains for transporting oxygen, aircrafts for transporting medical oxygen, creating green corridors and real-time monitoring of oxygen levels using information technology. The usage and promotion of indigenous PSA oxygen technology augmented the medical oxygen generation capacity at the health care facility level. This emergency situation demonstrated a need for strengthening established intersectoral coordination mechanisms for swift and effective responses to similar situations in future. Various strategies adopted by the Central Government and other government agencies to a large extent helped in addressing the medical oxygen emergencies.
Proton–boron fusion in a hydrogen-doped-boron target
Authors: Li Zhi , Wang Zhao , Zhao Guanchao , Liu Bing , Xie Huasheng , Tan Muzhi , Huang Hairong , Liu Minsheng , Hoffmann Dieter H. H. , Cheng Rui , Luo Di
Published: November 2024

The proton–boron

${}^{11}{\text{B}}\left( {p,\alpha } \right)2\alpha $

reaction (p-11B) is an interesting alternative to the D-T reaction

${\text{D}}\left( {{\text{T}},{\text{n}}} \right)\alpha $

for fusion energy, since the primary reaction channel is aneutronic and all reaction partners are stable isotopes. We measured the α production yield using protons in the 120–260 keV energy range impinging onto a hydrogen–boron-mixed target, and for the first time present experimental evidence of an increase of α-particle yield relative to a pure boron target. The measured enhancement factor is approximately 30%. The experiment results indicate a higher reactivity, and that may lower the condition for p-11B fusion ignition.
Principal bundle structure of the space of metric measure spaces
Authors: Kazukawa Daisuke , Nakajima Hiroki , Shioya Takashi
Published: November 2024

We study the topological structure of the space

$\mathcal{X}$

of isomorphism classes of metric measure spaces equipped with the box or concentration topologies. We consider the scale-change action of the multiplicative group

${\mathbb{R}}_+$

of positive real numbers on

$\mathcal{X}$

, which has a one-point metric measure space, say

$*$

, as only one fixed-point. We prove that the

${\mathbb{R}}_+$

-action on

$\mathcal{X}_* := \mathcal{X} \setminus \{*\}$

admits the structure of non-trivial and locally trivial principal

${\mathbb{R}}_+$

-bundle over the quotient space. Our bundle

${\mathbb{R}}_+ \to \mathcal{X}_* \to \mathcal{X}_*/{\mathbb{R}}_+$

is a curious example of a non-trivial principal fibre bundle with contractible fibre. A similar statement is obtained for the pyramidal compactification of

$\mathcal{X}$

, where we completely determine the structure of the fixed-point set of the

${\mathbb{R}}_+$

-action on the compactification.
General study on limit cycle bifurcation near a double eight figure loop
Authors: Shi Hongwei
Published: November 2024

In this article, we explore the bifurcation problem of limit cycles near the double eight figure loop (compound cycle with a 2-polycycle connecting two homoclinic loops). A general theory is established to find the lower bound of the maximal number of limit cycles (isolated periodic orbits) near the double eight figure loop. The Liénard system, a well-known nonlinear dynamical model, appears in a natural way in physics, chemistry, engineering, and so on, where periodic phenomena play a relevant role. As an application, we investigate an

$(n+1)$

th-order generalized Liénard system and prove the system has at least

$7[\frac{n}{6}]+2[\frac{r}{2}]-[\frac{r}{4}]$

limit cycles near the double eight figure loop for any

$n\geq5$

and

$r=\rm mod(n,6)$

, and their distribution is also gained.
Temperature and relative humidity mediated life processes of Spodoptera species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Maharjan Rameswor , Hong Seoyeon , Yoon Youngnam , Jang Yunwoo , Park Kido
Published: November 2024

Anthropogenic-mediated climate change is expected to negatively affect pest management in agriculture. Hence, we investigated the oviposition, immature mortality, and developmental processes of Spodoptera species (Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) and Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)) under different temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C) and relative humidity (RH) (30–35, 50–55, 70–75, and 90–95%) conditions. For fecundity, mouths of each Spodoptera species were released into a rectangular box whose inner walls were covered with a sheet of white paper for each combination of temperature and RH. The mouths were kept inside the box to deposit eggs for 72 h. Temperature and RH significantly affected the fecundity, with the maximum number of eggs laid in 70–75% at 30°C. The highest egg and larval mortalities were recorded in 30–35 and 90–95% RH, respectively. Temperature and RH greatly affected the developmental period (egg–adult) and adult emergence rate. The rapid development was recorded in 70–75% RH at 30°C. Higher number of adults was found with an increase in temperature and RH. Adult longevity was significantly higher in 70–75% RH at 20°C. Based on the present study's findings, temperature and RH had an individual apparent effect on the developmental processes of Spodoptera species instead of an interactive effect. Therefore, there is need for an in-depth study of the influence of several climatic factors, including CO2, on the developmental modality and demographic changes of Spodoptera species to assess the impacts of climatic components and the sustainable development of management strategies.
Punishing Individuals Who Complied with Intolerably Unjust ‘Laws’ in Predecessor Regimes
Authors: Tan Seow Hon
Published: November 2024

Suppose a ‘law’ required individuals to report neighbours of a certain race for extermination. If individuals complied with such a ‘law’ to avoid the penal sanction of a death sentence, should a tribunal involved in the process of transitional justice in a successor regime punish them? Radbruch suggests that intolerably unjust ‘laws’ are not legally valid. According to Radbruch's Formula, reporting the neighbour would not be justified by law. The logical implication of this Formula is that the act of reporting was, in substance, abetment to murder (or possibly, genocide). Yet, punishing individuals who complied with the purported ‘law’ in the predecessor regime seems unfair, particularly as some legal positivists would regard the law as valid. Individuals might have acted according to what they believed was law and under duress (out of fear of penal sanction for failure to comply) in the predecessor regime. I examine whether these are valid considerations in proceedings before a tribunal prosecuting individuals for acts done in compliance with intolerably unjust ‘laws’ in predecessor regimes. While the perceived unfairness might militate against acceptance of Radbruch's Formula, if the considerations are not valid, Radbruch's Formula is unobjectionable.
Breathing in danger: unveiling cooking fuel transitions in India and alarming effect of household air pollution on under-five children’s health
Authors: Bajpayee Priyandu M. , Mohanty Pratap C. , Yadav Milind K.
Published: November 2024

Air pollution in households is a prime contributor to health issues in developing countries, as in the case of India. According to the latest National Family Health Survey Report 2022, more than half of India’s rural population and 41 per cent overall still depend on solid or unclean fuel combustions, which may reflect in future health hazards. Thus, it is crucial to understand the issue empirically. To that end, the study traces the transitional pattern of unclean cooking fuel users towards clean fuel over the last 30 years using responses from all five National Family Health Survey rounds. Further, the study uses an adjusted probit model to analyse the determinants that lead to the choice of cooking fuel in a household and a logistic model to examine the association between the choice made and the respiratory health of children under five. The empirical results show that the number of households using unclean fuel has declined over the years, with a slightly higher decline in the last five years. Moreover, it also shows that poverty status and place of residence significantly influence cooking fuel choice. Additionally, children residing in households that use clean fuels are less likely to suffer respiratory infections. In conclusion, the present study provides strong evidence to ameliorate the existing policies in a way that exhorts clean energy use. The authors propose pro-poor, pro-rural policies to expedite the clean energy transition, benefitting the most vulnerable households.
Genomic characterization of a new species of Pseudoparacreptotrema (Digenea: Allocreadiidae) from Puerto Rico, with comments on the biogeography of the genus
Authors: Torres-Nieves G.M. , López-Hernández D.D. , Locke S.A.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we describe a new species of Pseudoparacreptotrema (Allocreadiidae) from the mugilid Dajaus monticola collected in western Puerto Rico, where no allocreadiid has previously been reported, bringing the number of species in this genus to seven (five in D. monticola, two in Profundulus spp.). The new parasite species is distinguished from congeners by its overall size, oral-to-ventral sucker size ratio, pharynx size, cirrus sac, and oral lobe morphology, and by 0.64%–3.45% divergence in a 1019-bp alignment of 28S. We build on prior suggestions that the current concept of P. agonostomi likely includes multiple species and provide the first mitochondrial data (whole mitochondrial genome) as well as the complete nuclear rDNA array from Pseudoparacreptotrema to facilitate future phylogenetic work. Within the Allocreadiidae, phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes and 28S provides conflicting topologies for the placement of Pseudoparacreptotrema and Allocreadium. The 28S phylogeny of six species of Pseudoparacreptotrema resembles that of four lineages of D. monticola in that in both host and parasite, Pacific coastal lineages branch earliest, and a Caribbean lineage is more recently evolved.
The Generating Excellent Nutrition in UK Schools (GENIUS) network: working towards a more health-promoting food and nutrition system in UK schools
Authors: Woodside Jayne V. , O’Kane Niamh , Pallan Miranda , Evans Charotte E. L. , Defeyter Greta , Brownlee Iain , Murphy Marie , Parnham Jennie C. , Lalli Gurpinder S. , Bryant Maria , McKinley Michelle C. , Gallagher Alison M. , Schliemann Desiree , McConnell Cara , Olgacher Dilara , Spence Suzanne
Published: November 2024

School food has a major influence on children’s diet quality and has the potential to reduce diet inequalities and non-communicable disease risk. Funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership, we have established a UK school food system network. The overarching aim was to build a community to work towards a more health-promoting food and nutrition system in UK schools. The network has brought together a team from a range of disciplines, while the inclusion of non-academic users and other stakeholders, such as pupils and parents, has allowed the co-development of research priorities and questions. This network has used a combination of workshops, working groups and pump-priming projects to explore the school food system, as well as creating a systems map of the UK school food system and conducting network analysis of the newly established network. Through understanding the current food system and building network expertise, we hope to advance research and policy around food in schools. Further funding has been achieved based on these findings, working in partnership with policymakers and schools, while a Nutrition Society Special Interest Group has been established to ensure maximum engagement and future sustainability of the network. This review will describe the key findings and progress to date based on the work of the network, as well as a summary of the current literature, identification of knowledge gaps and areas of debate, according to key elements of the school food system.
Incorporating healthcare access and equity in economic evaluations: a scoping review of guidelines
Authors: Dawkins Bryony , Shinkins Bethany , Ensor Tim , Jayne David , Meads David
Published: November 2024

Background

International development agendas increasingly push for access to healthcare for all through universal healthcare coverage. Health economic evaluations and health technology assessment (HTA) could provide evidence to support this but do not routinely incorporate consideration of equitable access.

Methods

We undertook an international scoping review of health economic evaluation and HTA guidelines to examine how well issues of healthcare access and equity are represented, evidence recommendations, and gaps in current guidance to support evidence generation in this area. Guidelines were sourced from guideline repositories and websites of international agencies and organizations providing best practice methods guidance. Articles providing methods guidance for the conduct of HTA, or health economic evaluation, were included, except where they were not available in English and a suitable translation could not be obtained.

Results

The search yielded forty-seven national, four international, and nine independent guidelines, along with eighty-six articles providing specific methods guidance. The inclusion of equity and access considerations in current guidance is extremely limited. Where they do feature, detail on specific methods for providing evidence on these issues is sparse.

Discussion

Economic evaluation could be a valuable tool to provide evidence for the best healthcare strategies that not only maximize health but also ensure equitable access to care for all. Such evidence would be invaluable in supporting progress towards universal healthcare coverage. Clear guidance is required to ensure evaluations provide evidence on the best strategies to support equitable access to healthcare, but such guidance rarely exists in current best practice and guidance documents.
Sex differences in response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in Italian population
Authors: Ferroni Eliana , Mateo-Urdiales Alberto , Bietta Carla , Cesaroni Giulia , Anticoli Simona , Di Maggio Elisa , Ancona Angela , Petrone Daniele , Cannone Andrea , Sacco Chiara , Fabiani Massimo , Del Manso Martina , Riccardo Flavia , Bella Antonino , Ruggieri Anna , Pezzotti Patrizio
Published: November 2024

Since the beginning of mass vaccination campaign for COVID-19 in Italy (December 2020) and following the rapidly increasing vaccine administration, sex differences have been emphasized. Nevertheless, incomplete and frequently incoherent sex-disaggregated data for COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available, and vaccines clinical studies generally do not include sex-specific analyses for safety and efficacy. We looked at sex variations in the COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness against infection and severe disease outcomes. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study on Italian population, linking information on COVID-19 vaccine administrations obtained through the Italian National Vaccination Registry, with the COVID-19 integrated surveillance system, held by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. The results showed that, in all age groups, vaccine effectiveness (VE) was higher in the time-interval ≤120 days post-vaccination. In terms of the sex difference in vaccination effectiveness, men and women were protected against serious illness by vaccination in a comparable way, while men were protected against infection to a somewhat greater extent than women. To fully understand the mechanisms underlying the sex difference in vaccine response and its consequences for vaccine effectiveness and development, further research is required. The sex-related analysis of vaccine response may contribute to adjust vaccination strategies, improving overall public health programmes.