bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a new tool to predict the weed emergence in Spain
Authors: Sousa‐Ortega Carlos , Alcantara Maria Cristina
Published: July 2023

Background

The seedling stage is the most vulnerable period of growth and development for annual weeds and an important target for weed management operations. To address this, several weed emergence models have been developed, but none are commercially available. Therefore, this study aims to develop a web application that implements predictive weed emergence models for eight different weed species, utilizing weather data sourced from public weather stations.

Results

Lolium rigidum Gaudin presented a mean root mean squared error (RMSE) value of 8.9, achieving an RMSE value below 15 (success rate) in 84.5% of cases. This result may be attributed to the use of a water potential base, set at −0.4 MPa, to evaluate water availability. Centaurea diluta Aiton achieved an RMSE value below 15 in all situations, with an average value of 9.0. This weed showed higher accuracy at southern sites than northern sites. Conversely, Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gillet & Magne achieved higher precision at northern sites where no dry periods occurred. The newly developed model for Bromus diandrus Roth. achieved an average RMSE value of 7.7 and a 100% success rate. Papaver rhoeas L. and the three Phalaris species exhibited lower accuracy in this study than in previous ones. Nonetheless, the success rates for Papaver rhoeas and Phalaris paradoxa L. were still above 70%.

Conclusion

Models for C. diluta, B. diandrus, L. rigidum, Papaver rhoeas and Phalaris paradoxa have demonstrated potential for adoption in commercial production, while Phalaris minor and Phalaris brachystachys models require refinement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on Bandgap Property of Three‐Dimensional Star‐Like Double‐Arrow Lattice
Authors: Hou Jiahong , Li Dong , Yu Peng , Zhang Zhijun , Ruan Haifeng , Liu Hongchen
Published: July 2023

Herein, a three‐dimensional star‐like double‐arrow lattice is proposed, which is inspired by the double‐arrow structure. Based on Bloch's theorem and finite element method, the calculation program is made up and the band structures are calculated. The calculation results demonstrate that the bandgap property of the double‐arrow lattice is improved compared with that of a cross lattice. The parametric study is carried out and geometric parameters have strong effects on the bandgap property. As the angle between the external edge and symmetric line increases, the total bandgap width increases apparently, and the opening frequency of low‐order bandgap decreases. This phenomenon reflects that the low‐frequency bandgap property is improved. Via the isosurface of phase velocity and group velocity, the anisotropy is investigated. Strong anisotropy and energy focus appear, which can be used to design waveguides.
Therapeutic efficacy of gentle endometrial curettage on antibiotic‐resistant chronic endometritis in infertile women
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Ishiyama Shunsuke , Shiobara Keisuke , Nakao Kazuki , Moriyama Azusa , Kataoka Hisayo , Horikawa Takashi , Ojiro Yuko , Takamizawa Satoru , Nakagawa Koji , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To identify the efficacy of endometrial curettage on antibiotic‐resistant chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women.

Methods

Of 1580 women with CE, 87 with antibiotic‐resistant CE after two to five cycles of antibiotic treatment were recruited between 2019 and 2021. The women who underwent endometrial curettage without applying any force and, in the subsequent menstrual cycle, endometrial sampling for CD138 immunostaining without antibiotic use. Pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization treatment were analyzed in women who did not desire endometrial curettage and in those with cured and persistent CE after endometrial curettage.

Results

In 64 women who underwent endometrial curettage, the number of CD138‐positive cells decreased from 28.0 ± 35.3 to 7.7 ± 14.0 (p < 0.0001), and CE in 41 women (64.1%) was cured (<5 CD138‐positive cells). The pathological findings detected 3.1% of endometrial hyperplasia and 1.6% of endometrial cancer. The ongoing pregnancy rates in women aged ≤42 without endometrial curettage were significantly lower than those of women with cured and persistent CE (26.7%, 67.6%, and 57.1%, respectively, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Gentle endometrial curettage for antibiotic‐resistant CE significantly decreased the number of CD138‐positive cells, resulting in improved pregnancy outcomes regardless of remaining CE. Endometrial curettage is also important as a screening for endometrial malignancy.
Comparing multivariable uncertain model structures for data‐driven robust control: Visualization and application to a continuously variable transmission
Authors: Tacx Paul , Oomen Tom
Published: July 2023

The selection of uncertainty structures is an important aspect of system identification for robust control. The aim of this paper is to provide insight into uncertain multivariable systems for robust control. A unified method for visualizing model sets is developed by generating Bode plots of multivariable uncertain systems, both in magnitude and phase. In addition, these model sets are compared from the viewpoint of the control objective, allowing a quantitative analysis as well. An experimental case study on an automotive transmission application demonstrates these connections and confirms the importance of the developed framework for control applications. In addition, the experimental results provide new insights into the shape of associated model sets by using the presented visualization procedure. Both the theoretical and experimental results confirm that a recently developed robust‐control‐relevant uncertainty structure outperforms general dual‐Youla‐Kučera uncertainty, which in turn outperforms traditional uncertainty structures, including additive uncertainty.
Recent Advances in MXene‐Based Fibers: Fabrication, Performance, and Application
Authors: Yang Mengdan , Lou Huiqing , Kong Xiaobing , Pang Rui , Zhang Ding , Meng Weixue , Li Meng , Huang Xinguang , Zhang Shipeng , Shang Yuanyuan , Cao Anyuan
Published: July 2023

Two‐dimensional transition metal carbide/nitrides (MXenes) have recently received extensive attention due to their diverse material types and versatile structures, large‐scale production, and excellent properties. MXene sheets possess abundant hydrophilic functional groups on their surface, which enable them to be assembled into macroscopic fibers or compounded with other functional materials to produce composite fibers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of MXene fibers in terms of their fabrication, structure, properties, and recent applications as flexible and wearable electronics. The review will discuss the principles of different methods used to synthesize MXene fibers and analyze the characteristics of the as‐synthesized fibers, with a particular focus on the wet spinning method. The fundamental relationships between the microstructure of MXene fibers and their resulting mechanical and electrical properties will be explored. Furthermore, the review will elaborate on the progress made in MXene‐based fibers in the rapidly growing field of wearable electronics applications, provide insights into future development of MXene fiber materials and propose solutions to the challenges facing practical applications.
Programmable‐Modulated Ultrasonic Transducer Array for Contactless Detection of Viral RNAs
Authors: Luo Yong , Zhou Mengyun , Wang Lirong , Fan Chuan , Xu Tailin , Zhang Xueji
Published: July 2023

The current polymerase chain reactions‐based nucleic acid tests for large‐scale infectious disease diagnosis are always lab‐dependent and generate large amounts of highly infectious plastic waste. Direct non‐linear acoustic driven of microdroplets provide an ideal platform for contactless spatial and temporal manipulation of liquid samples. Here, a strategy to programmable‐manipulate microdroplets using potential pressure well for contactless trace detection is conceptualized and designed. On such contactless modulation platform, up to seventy‐two piezoelectric transducers are precisely self‐focusing single‐axis arranged and controlled, which can generate dynamic pressure nodes for effectively contact‐free manipulating microdroplets without vessel contamination. In addition, the patterned microdroplet array can act as contactless microreactor and allow multiple trace samples (1–5 µL) biochemical analysis, and the ultrasonic vortex can also accelerate non‐equilibrium chemical reactions such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The results of fluorescence detection indicated that such programmable modulated microdroplet achieved contactless trace nucleic acid detection with a sensitivity of 0.21 copy µL−1 in only 6–14 min, which is 30.3–43.3% shorter than the conventional RPA approach. Such a programmable containerless microdroplet platform can be used for toxic, hazardous, or infectious samples sensing, opening up new avenues for developing future fully automated detection systems.
Inkjet‐Printed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Thin Film Solar Cells Exceeding 15% Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Liu Bowen , Shi Xinan , Shao Wei , Gao Jiaxin , Zhao Chenxi , Chen Fuyan , Shen Dongdong , Zou Bingsuo , Pan Daocheng
Published: July 2023

Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) solar cells are one of the most promising thin film photovoltaics with a record efficiency of 23.6%. However, the biggest drawback to CIGSSe solar cells is their high material cost, partially resulting from relatively rare and expensive indium and gallium. Therefore, improving the utilization of indium and gallium and reducing their wastage can greatly lower the cost of CIGSSe thin film solar cells. Inkjet printing is a facile, cost‐effective, and low‐waste deposition technology, which is particularly suitable for low‐cost and large‐area fabrication of CIGSSe solar cells. Herein, a novel and green ionic liquid‐assisted ink to fabricate highly efficient CIGSSe solar cells is developed. The material utilization of inkjet printing can be remarkably improved compared to the conventional vacuum‐based deposition approach and spin‐coating solution approach. The CIGS printable ink is prepared by dissolving copper acetate, indium acetate, gallium nitrate, and thiourea into ethanol with the assistance of n‐butylammonium butyrate ionic liquid. Ionic liquid‐assisted CIGS ink has a nearly zero wetting angle and a tunable viscosity, which enable to deposit a flat and continuous CIGS thin film by an inkjet printing method. An encouraging power conversion efficiency of 15.22% has been achieved for inkjet‐printed CIGSSe solar cells.
What is variety engineering and why do we need it?
Authors: Schwaninger Markus , Ott Stefan
Published: July 2023

Management in systemic terms means to cope with complexity. Ross Ashby's law of requisite variety shows the way—maintaining the varieties of interacting systems in balance. To denote that process, we use the cybernetic concept of ‘variety engineering’, which we also formalize. It refers to processes of mutual complexity amplification and attenuation by interacting agents. The purpose of this contribution is to elicit ways of coping with complexity by means of variety engineering. The abstract concepts are illustrated by examples from ecological, social and economic contexts.
A comprehensive review of the energy efficiency on nano coated fin and tube condenser
Authors: Venkateswaran Naveenprabhu , Subbaiyan Naveen , Punniyakotti Varadharajan Gopirajan , Vellingiri Suresh , Asary Abdul Rab , Giri Jitendra Mohan , Petchimuthu Pitchandi
Published: July 2023

The condenser is a piece of equipment used to effectively transfer heat from water to the environment. The fin and tube condenser is the most commonly used in commercial applications. The improved performance of heat transfer in the fin and tube condenser is a significant area of study all over the world because optimizing the efficiency of heat transfer in the condenser will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of system performance. The vapor deposition, plasma spray, and thermal spray techniques are being used, and it is determined that a heat transfer enhancing coating improves condenser performance. This review discusses the nanomaterial coating over the fin and tube condenser in detail. The various nanomaterial coatings with various propositions and coating methods had been discussed with the evidence of previous researchers. At a 50‐degree inclination angle on the condensate plate, the condensate over the coating surface increases by more than 30%. The thermal properties of the working fluid are improved over the condenser, and the overall effectiveness of the condenser is increased by approximately 40% over the non‐coated condenser. A 1% volumetric concentration of Nanoparticles in the coated material achieves a maximum efficiency increase of 78.7%.
Open label, interventional, single arm multicentric clinical study to analyze the potency of VELNEZ nasal pack, post‐nasal surgery
Authors: Bellad Shama , Parusharam Nagula , Dhyani Vineeta , Bablani Pankaj , Pandey Siddharth
Published: July 2023

Background

Nasal packs are central to nasal surgeries. Primarily, these packs function by controlling bleeding, modulating pain and reducing adhesions postsurgery. However, the major setback of the currently used conventional nasal packs is the unbearable pain the patient undergoes upon removal of these packs. To overcome this shortcoming a variety of biodegradable packs have emerged. This study was aimed at evaluating the safety, efficacy and tolerability of VELNEZ nasal packs. VELNEZ, a patented Datt Mediproducts Pvt. Ltd. nasal pack, is one of its kind biodegradable composite that fragments within a few days of application.

Methods

Eighty patients were included in an open label, interventional, single arm clinical study using clinical endpoints to investigate the safety and efficacy of nasal pack VELNEZ. The patients were questioned using a visual analog scale from discharge day to 28th postoperative day (9 follow‐up visits) at regular intervals. The standardized questionnaires for hemorrhage control, relief from postoperative pain, moderate obstruction, and pain were used.

Results

A total of 76 patients were enrolled in the study and 74 patients completed the study. VELNEZ nasal pack played a significant role in controlling hemorrhage and reducing postoperative pain. The average hemorrhage control time was 7.49 ± 3.90 min with only 34.24% of population complaining of pain on the sixth day of surgery (follow‐up 4). Forteen days postsurgery only 10.95% of subject population complained of postoperative pain. This biodegradable composite has an average fragmentation time of 4.7 days in the nasal cavity. In addition, this study did not observe any postoperative adverse events or serious adverse events.

Conclusion

VELNEZ, a fragmentable nasal pack, is comfortable, safe, and effective against postsurgery bleeding and pain.
Street Voids: Analyzing Street-Level Walkability Based on 3D Morphology and Remotely Accessible Urban Data
Authors: Ensari Elif , Beirão José , Özkar Mine
Published: July 2023

Urban planning and design approaches that aim to leverage walking as a sustainable means of transportation require a thorough understanding of the built environment. Information regarding density, diversity, accessibility, and attractiveness of streets is critical to assess walkability, yet it is also resource-intensive to acquire through traditional methods. We present a computational analysis method that captures and aggregates information on walkability indicators encapsulated in the 3d morphology, street-view imagery, and POI data of streets, using a 3d component called the Street Void [1]. This component builds on the Convex and Solid-Void models [2] which are 3d representations of open-urban spaces informed by the interrelationships between topography, surrounding buildings and other immediate physical boundaries, and facilitates the quantitative evaluation of walkability attributes. The method is unique in that it allows for the walkability evaluation of urban open spaces in the micro level, with a semi-automated algorithm and utilizing remotely accessible urban data. We present the implementation of this analysis on four neighborhoods of Istanbul and Lisbon, demonstrating insight drawn from its quantitative output. The research interconnects knowledge in the domains of computational design, behavioral psychology, urban management, and planning; with the contribution of a novel quantitative analysis of streets to inform urban decision-making processes.
Werthaltungen hochaltriger Menschen und ihre Wünsche für die eigene Lebenssituation und das gesellschaftliche Zusammenleben
Authors: Reissmann Marcella , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2023

Zwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweiten Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ eine Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Dieser Kurzbericht aus der deutschlandweiten Repräsentativbefragung stellt dar, welche Werte hochaltrige Menschen in Deutschland vertreten, wie sie das gesellschaftliche Zusammenleben wahrnehmen und welche Wünsche sie für ihre konkrete eigene Situation, für andere Menschen oder für unsere Gesellschaft als Ganzes haben.
Die Alltagskompetenzen und das Wohnumfeld hochaltriger Menschen in Deutschland
Authors: Oswald Veronica , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2023

Zwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweit repräsentativen Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ (D80+) eine schriftliche Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Hiervon beantworteten 3233 Personen bis Dezember 2021 in einem zusätzlichen telefonischen Interview detaillierte Fragen zu ihren Alltagskompetenzen und ihrer Wohnumgebung. Auf dieser Grundlage stellt der vorliegende Kurzbericht die Alltagskompetenzen und das Wohnumfeld hochaltriger Menschen in Deutschland dar.
Familiale Belastungsfaktoren für die emotionale Entwicklung junger Kinder
Authors: Walper Sabine , Ulrich Susanne M. , Kindler Heinz
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Belastende Kindheitserfahrungen (Adverse Childhood Experiences – ACE) sind Risikofaktoren für die körperliche und psychische Gesundheit, deren Folgen bis ins Erwachsenenalter reichen können. Basierend auf Befunden zu den Effekten ausgewählter ACE sowie deren Kumulation wird hier untersucht, welche Effekte unterschiedliche familiale Belastungslagen auf die Ausprägung negativer Emotionalität von Kindern im Säuglings- und Kleinkindalter haben.

Methoden

Datenbasis ist die repräsentative Elternbefragung „Kinder in Deutschland 0–3 – KiD 0–3“ (N = 5583) mit Folgebefragung einer Teilstichprobe nach 2 Jahren (n = 681). Anhand von 14 Belastungsfaktoren werden unbelastete, sozioökonomisch belastete, elternstressbelastete und mehrfach belastete Familien unterschieden.

Ergebnisse

Kinder in mehrfach belasteten Familien haben das höchste Risiko hoher negativer Emotionalität (im Vergleich zu unbelasteten Familien: Odds Ratios [OR] zwischen 13,00 und 6,81), unter Kontrolle demografischer Merkmale, kindbezogener Belastungsfaktoren (z. B. exzessives Schreien) und Kindheitsbelastungen der Bezugsperson. Auch in elternstressbelasteten Familien ist das Risiko negativer Emotionalität der Kinder signifikant erhöht (OR zwischen 8,31 und 6,95), während Kinder aus primär sozioökonomisch belasteten Familien (ohne Konflikte und Elternstress) keine erhöhte negative Emotionalität aufwiesen. Längsschnittanalysen der wiederbefragten Teilstichprobe zeigen, dass Veränderungen der Anzahl von Belastungsfaktoren mit Veränderungen kindlicher negativer Emotionalität einhergehen.

Diskussion

Die Befunde zu ACE aus der internationalen Forschung bestätigen sich damit für den deutschsprachigen Raum und speziell für die frühe Kindheit. Dies unterstreicht die Bedeutung eines gut ausgebauten Systems Früher Hilfen.
Bringing pathology to nanomedicine: a comparison of in vivo toxicity of polymeric nanoparticle carriers with and without chitosan coating
Authors: Poulios Christos , Karagkiozaki Varvara , Kapoukranidou Dorothea , Chakim Zena , Zarampoukas Thomas , Foroglou Nikolaos , Logothetidis Stergios
Published: July 2023

Over the last years, there has been an increasing number of proposals for the use of nanomaterials in medicine. The safety of novel technologies must be verified, prior to their clinical application. Pathology has much to contribute towards this end. In this study, we compared the in vivo toxicity effects of poly- (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles with and without chitosan shell. Both nanoparticle types were loaded with curcumin. The nanoparticles were assessed in vitro for potential cytotoxicity with cell viability studies. For the in vivo test, 36 adult Wistar rats were used, four of which were the control group. The remaining 32 were divided into 2 groups, each of which was administered differentially coated drug carriers: (A) nanoparticles without chitosan coating and (B) nanoparticles with chitosan coating. For both groups, the subcutaneous route was used for administration. Each group was further divided into 2 sub-groups of 8 animals each. The animals of the first sub-groups were sacrificed 24 h after the injection and those of the second on the 7th day. The control group was also divided into 2 subgroups of 2 animals each. At the appointed post-administrative date, the rats were sacrificed, and specimens from the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, stomach, lungs, and from the skin at the injection site were collected and studied histopathologically. The evaluation of both in vitro and in vivo testing shows that nanoparticles with chitosan have significantly less, if any, toxic effects compared to those without chitosan.
Laryngeal mask airway in neonatal stabilization and transport: a retrospective study
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Brombin Laura , Turati Marialuisa , Sparaventi Chiara , Doglioni Nicoletta , Villani Paolo Ernesto , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: July 2023

Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) may be considered by health caregivers of level I–II hospitals for neonatal resuscitation and stabilization before and during interhospital care, but literature provides little information on this aspect. This study reviewed the use of LMA during stabilization and transport in a large series of neonates. This is a retrospective study evaluating the use of LMA in infants who underwent emergency transport by the Eastern Veneto Neonatal Emergency Transport Service between January 2003 and December 2021. All data were obtained from transport registry, transport forms, and hospital charts. In total, 64/3252 transferred neonates (2%) received positive pressure ventilation with an LMA, with increasing trend over time (p = 0.001). Most of these neonates were transferred after birth (97%), due to a respiratory or neurologic disease (95%). LMA was used before the transport (n = 60), during the transport (n = 1), or both (n = 3). No device-related adverse effects were recorded. Sixty-one neonates (95%) survived and were discharged/transferred from the receiving center.

Conclusion: In a large series of transferred neonates, LMA use during stabilization and transport was rare but increasing over time, and showed some heterogeneity among referring centers. In our series, LMA was safe and lifesaving in “cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate” situations. Future prospective, multicenter research may provide detailed insights on LMA use in neonates needing postnatal transport.

What is Known:

• A supraglottic airway device may be used as an alternative to face mask and endotracheal tube during neonatal resuscitation.

• The laryngeal mask may be considered by health caregivers of low-level hospitals with limited exposure on airway management, but literature provides little information on this aspect.

What is New:

• In a large series of transferred neonates, laryngeal mask use was rare but increasing over time, and showed some heterogeneity among referring centers.

• The laryngeal mask was safe and lifesaving in “cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate” situations.
Dichromacy in the brown marmorated stink bug? Spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes and phototaxis of Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Egri Ádám , Mészáros Ádám , Kriska György , Fail József
Published: July 2023

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive pest insect species, which was recently introduced from Asia to America and then to Europe. Besides causing serious damage in agriculture, this species also represents a source of intense annoyance for humans in residential areas, because large amounts of individuals can aggregate on buildings while seeking shelter before overwintering. Taking into account the need for pesticide-free pest management methods, for example light trapping, we measured the spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes of H. halys with electroretinography (ERG). In behavioural experiments, we also quantified the attraction of H. halys to 14 quasi-monochromatic light stimuli in the 368–743 nm spectral range. The dark-adapted compound eyes were mostly sensitive to the green range, but a minor sensitivity peak in the UV region was also identified. Recordings on chromatic-adapted eye preparations unequivocally revealed the presence of only a green- and a UV-sensitive photoreceptor type, with sensitivity maxima at 519 nm and 367 nm, respectively. No sign of any blue-sensitive receptor was detected, and thus only a receptor set allowing dichromatic vision was found. Based on the results of the behavioural experiments, we established that the attraction of H. halys to light is increasing with decreasing wavelength, and thus we emphasize the importance of short wavelength lights (368–455 nm) when phototactic attraction of H. halys is the aim.
Enhancing Role Integrity for Peer Workers
Authors: Elswick Alex , Murdock Melinda , Fallin-Bennett Amanda
Published: July 2023

Although informal peer support has been a central feature of recovery for people with substance use disorder (SUD), more recently there has been a stark increase in formal models of peer support. In the infancy of formalized peer support, researchers warned of potential threats to the integrity of the peer support role. Now, almost two decades into the rapid expansion of peer support, research has yet to evaluate the extent to which peer support is being implemented with fidelity and role integrity. The present study aimed to assess peer workers’ perceptions of peer role integrity. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 peer workers in Central Kentucky. Results suggest that the role of peers is not well understood by onboarding organizations, and thus, the integrity of peer support is diluted. Findings from this study suggest room for improvement in the training, supervision, and implementation of peer support.
Human-elephant conflict in the Sri Lankan dry zone: investigating social and geographical drivers through field-based methods
Authors: Köpke Sören , Withanachchi Sisira S. , Pathiranage Ruwan , Withanachchi Chandana R. , Gamage Deepika U. , Nissanka Thushantha S. , Warapitiya Chinthana C. , Nissanka Banu M. , Ranasinghe Nirangani N. , Senarathna Chathurika D. , Dissanayake Hansani R. , Perera E. N. Chinthake , Schleyer Christian , Thiel Andreas
Published: July 2023

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka has escalated over the recent years, with, on average, 300 elephant deaths annually and human casualties of around 90 per year. Employing field-based qualitative methods, this contribution identifies causes and contexts of human-elephant conflict in those parts of the Sri Lankan dry zone most severely affected. We have used field observations as well as semi-structured interviews with experts and affected villagers as primary data collection techniques. The findings show that (a) human-elephant conflicts are the result of land-use decisions, encroachment on elephant corridors, changes in agricultural production systems, and commercialization of land, and that (b) there is a deep division between the environmental knowledge and practices of rural people and the conservation governance provided by government authorities. Furthermore, both traditional and modern mitigation approaches fail to reign in HEC effectively. The insufficient implementation of HEC mitigation measures, and a severe disconnect between the needs and anxieties of rural people and conservation policies, render the management of human-wildlife interactions ineffective. This suggests a need for fundamental reform of elephant conservation policy in Sri Lanka.
Non-Positive Experiences Encountered by Pupils During Participation in a Mindfulness-Informed School-Based Intervention
Authors: Miller E.J. , Crane C. , Medlicott E. , Robson J. , Taylor L.
Published: July 2023

Mindfulness-informed school-based mental health curricula show much promise in cultivating a positive school climate which supports the well-being and mental health of pupils and staff. However, non-positive pupil outcomes and experiences of school-based mental health interventions are often under-recognised and under-reported. This study sought to capture non-positive pupil experiences of a popular mindfulness-informed curriculum. Some pupils across all schools in the study described non-positive experiences, including having troubling thoughts and emotions, and not finding the programme effective. Contexts surrounding these experiences are explored and linked to existing literature, and subsequent recommendations for improvements are made, including the importance of having clear programme structure, definitions and aims, acknowledging and accommodating fidelity issues as best as possible, and better highlighting the potential for non-positive experiences and how they may be reduced.
Evaluation of land use/land cover effect on streamflow: a case of Robigumero watershed, Abay Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Temtime Getnet Solomon , Eshete Asalf Shumete
Published: July 2023

Land use land cover change has an impact on hydrology of the watershed on the Robigumero watershed. The study mainly focused on estimating land use change and stream flow under different land use land cover changes of the Robigumero watershed. Land use land cove maps of 1996, 2006 and 2016 were collected from Ethiopian water irrigation and energy office. The soil and water assessment tool model (SWAT) was used to simulate LULC effects on the streamflow of Robigumero Watershed. The SWAT model performance was evaluated through sensitivity analysis, calibration, and validation. During the study period the land use land cover has changed due to growth in population of the study area. The Agricultural land increased by 22.4% and while grass land & forestland decreased by 17.5 and 5.3% Respectively in the year between 1996 to 2016. The findings of the stream flow simulation were used to assess the seasonal variability in stream flow caused by changes in land use and land cover. Both the calibration and validation result shows very good agreement between observed and simulated stream flow with NSE values of 0.81 and R2 values of 0.83 for calibration and NSE Values of 0.86 and R2 values of 0.87 for validation. The result of this study indicated that mean monthly stream flow were increased by 44.1m3/s for wet season and decreased by 2.3m3/s in dry season over 21 years’ period. In general redaction of agricultural land and increment of forest land on the degraded land reduce stream flow which shows the reduction of soil erosion. Therefore, this study results can be used to encourage different users and policymakers for planning and management of water resources in the Robigumero watershed as well as in other regions of Ethiopia.

Graphical abstract
Causes and mitigation of academic dishonesty among healthcare students in a Nigerian university
Authors: Orok Edidiong , Adeniyi Funmilayo , Williams Tonfamoworio , Dosunmu Oyebode , Ikpe Favour , Orakwe Clifford , Kukoyi Olasumbo
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, influencing factors as well as suggested strategies to reduce academic dishonesty among healthcare students.

A cross-sectional design that employed a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data among healthcare students in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. Knowledge was categorised into poor (< 50% of total score), fair (50–69% of total score) and good (≥ 70% of total score) while perception was classified as positive (≥ 50% of total score) and negative (< 50% of total score). Association between student demographics, and perception of academic dishonesty was analysed using Chi-Square and Fisher Exact tests. Differences in knowledge between demographics was analysed using independent sample T-test and One way Analysis of variance.

Three hundred thirty-five students were enrolled in this study of which 83.3% were female and the mean age of the respondents was 19.33 years. 29.8% and 94.9% of the students showed good knowledge and positive perception of academic dishonesty respectively. There was a significant difference in knowledge based on students’ level of study (p < 0.001) and departments (p < 0.001). Fear of failure (77.0%), social stigma and peer pressure (37.0%) were commonly identified reasons for academic dishonesty among students while strict punishment (18.3%) and proper invigilation (16.2%) were the most suggested strategies (n = 178) to control academic dishonesty among students.

Poor to fair knowledge and positive perception towards academic dishonesty was shown by majority of the students. Educational intervention in form of training and proper implementation of suggested strategies is warranted to improve knowledge, reduce misconceptions and ultimately reduce academic dishonest behaviours among students.
Securing Local Effects in Globalization through Multi-level Governance: Evidence from Steering the New Silk Road
Authors: Thees Hannes , Erschbamer Greta
Published: July 2023

The New Silk Road (NSR), in combination with global challenges on climate action, trade wars, and the COVID-19 Pandemic, requests a new understanding of the “local” in more sustainable globalization. Being far more than an infrastructure initiative, China takes a leading role in future globalization. However, the NSR faces an implementation gap in sustainably generating local effects. In this line, experts call to implement joint governance, leading to the research question: how can multi-level governance assist in securing local effects along with the countries of the NSR? Building upon theories on governance and regionalism across spatial scales, this article introduces the results of a qualitative content analysis on international expert interviews. The analysis reveals the potentials and challenges of the NSR for local effects but also includes suggestions for transnational cooperation and governance, which finally leads to defining the role of supranational institutions and the necessity of local support in terms of a governance design.
Michelangelo's Art of Devotion in the Age of Reform
Authors: Fenichel Emily A.
Published: July 2023

In this volume, Emily A. Fenichel offers an in-depth investigation of the religious motivations behind Michelangelo's sculpture and graphic works in his late period. Taking the criticism of the Last Judgment as its point of departure, she argues that much of Michelangelo's late oeuvre was engaged in solving the religious and artistic problems presented by the Counter-Reformation. Buffeted by critiques of the Last Judgment, which claimed that he valued art over religion, Michelangelo searched for new religious iconographies and techniques both publicly and privately. Fenichel here suggests a new and different understanding of the artist in his late career. In contrast to the received view of Michelangelo as solitary, intractable, and temperamental, she brings a more nuanced characterization of the artist. The late Michelangelo, Fenichel demonstrates, was a man interested in collaboration, penance, meditation, and experimentation, which enabled his transformation into a new type of religious artist for a new era.
Bayesian Filtering and Smoothing
Authors: Särkkä Simo , Svensson Lennart
Published: July 2023

Now in its second edition, this accessible text presents a unified Bayesian treatment of state-of-the-art filtering, smoothing, and parameter estimation algorithms for non-linear state space models. The book focuses on discrete-time state space models and carefully introduces fundamental aspects related to optimal filtering and smoothing. In particular, it covers a range of efficient non-linear Gaussian filtering and smoothing algorithms, as well as Monte Carlo-based algorithms. This updated edition features new chapters on constructing state space models of practical systems, the discretization of continuous-time state space models, Gaussian filtering by enabling approximations, posterior linearization filtering, and the corresponding smoothers. Coverage of key topics is expanded, including extended Kalman filtering and smoothing, and parameter estimation. The book's practical, algorithmic approach assumes only modest mathematical prerequisites, suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Many examples are included, with Matlab and Python code available online, enabling readers to implement algorithms in their own projects.
Secondary flow and streamwise vortices in three-dimensional staggered wavy-wall turbulence
Authors: Zhang Enwei , Wang Zhan , Wu Wangxia , Wang Xiaoliang , Liu Qingquan
Published: July 2023

The present paper simplifies the naturally formed dunes (riverbeds) as large-scale three-dimensional staggered wavy walls to investigate the features of the accompanying secondary flows and streamwise vortices via large-eddy simulation. A comparison between the swirling strength and the mean velocities suggests where a secondary flow induces upwash or downwash motions. Moreover, we propose a pseudo-convex wall mechanism to interpret the directionality of the secondary flow. The centrifugal instability criterion is then used to reveal the generation of the streamwise vortices. Based on these analytical results, we found that the streamwise vortices are generated in the separation and reattachment points on both characteristic longitudinal–vertical and horizontal cross-sections, which is related to the curvature effect of the turbulent shear layer. Furthermore, the maximum Görtler number characterized by the ratio of centrifugal to viscous effects suggests that, for fixed ratio of spanwise- to streamwise-wavelength cases, the strongest centrifugal instability occurring on the longitudinal–vertical cross-section gradually dominates with the increases in amplitude. A similar trend for the cases with varied spanwise wavelength can also be found. It is also found that the streamwise vortices are generated more readily via transverse flow around the crest near the separation and reattachment points when the ratio of spanwise- to streamwise-wavelength equals 1.
Annular self-organization of the two-dimensional vorticity condensate
Authors: Scott R.K.
Published: July 2023

Self-organization of the vorticity condensate of forced two-dimensional turbulence is examined in analogy with the mixing of a background planetary vorticity gradient in geophysical flows. Starting from the theoretical vorticity profile of the condensate, different scenarios are illustrated by the construction of idealized angular momentum conserving rearrangements of vorticity into a staircase profile similar to the potential vorticity staircase of

$\beta$

-plane turbulence. Two sets of numerical experiments are then presented that illustrate a similar self-organization of the background vorticity gradient in fully turbulent flows. In the first set of experiments, the flow is initialized with a laminar vortex dipole corresponding to the theoretical condensate vorticity profile. A fluctuation vorticity field is then induced by a stochastic forcing at smaller scales, which induces an azimuthally symmetric self-organization of the laminar flow into distinct annular bands. In the second set of experiments, the flow is initialized from rest with stochastic forcing generating a turbulent inverse energy cascade, out of which emerges the condensate in a self-consistent evolution as the turbulent energy accumulates at the domain scale. A self-organization of the condensate is again observed, giving a distinct annular structure on top of the theoretically predicted condensate profile. A major difference from the potential vorticity staircase of geophysical flows is the emergence in many cases of significantly non-monotonic radial vorticity profiles.
Subject Peoples and Civilizational Priority: Competition among Babylonians, Egyptians, and Judeans in the Hellenistic Era
Authors: Harland Philip A.
Published: July 2023

This article proceeds on the principle that we need to decenter dominant ethnic groups—primarily Greeks and Greco-Macedonians in the early Hellenistic era—in order to understand other marginalized viewpoints and experiences, including but not limited to those of Judeans (Jews). An analysis of the Babylonian author Bel-re’ushu helps to provide a new angle on Judean (e.g., Artapanus) and Egyptian (e.g., Manetho) participation within ethnic discourses that include claims to civilizational priority. I would suggest that the rhetoric of ethnic superiority in writings by subject peoples can be viewed as a symptom of ethnic interactions and not merely as a literary response to elite Greek claims regarding the inferiority of supposedly “barbarian” peoples. So it is not always the currently hegemonic Greeks that are the principal interlocutors in these ethnic discourses.
The Reason a Woman Is Obligated: Women’s Ritual Efficacy in Medieval Kabbalah
Authors: Brown Jeremy Phillip
Published: July 2023

The short fragment prompting this study is a kabbalistic inquiry into three of the positive commandments in which women are especially obligated—the so-called commandments of Hannah. When accounting for these commandments in kabbalistic terms, the fragment endorses the ritual efficacy of Jewish women. It does this in a manner analogous to descriptions of commandments performed by men, in which the practitioner is vested with the power of unifying the divinity and, as a result, drawing down its influence. The sizeable literature on the commandments produced by medieval kabbalists abounds with such descriptions, from which scholars have long sourced information concerning the practices of medieval men performing “Jewish mysticism.” The fragment on the commandments of Hannah urges a reassessment of how the literature of medieval kabbalah constructs women’s ritual efficacy. After gauging that text’s provenance and surveying a host of comparable traditions from authoritative texts, the study proceeds to ask: Do the rationales of the three commandments of Hannah presuppose the application—by women—of esoteric knowledge during ritual performances? The article also highlights the lack of correspondence between (a) the occasional affirmations of women’s sacramental efficacy in the texts and (b) the negative consensus concerning the social-historical representation of female practitioners of kabbalah. Without attempting to overturn this consensus, the study aims to recover a phenomenology of commandments performed specifically by women, which is shown to be a rare, albeit representative, feature of medieval kabbalah.
Moses Stuart and the Unintentional Secularization of American Biblical Studies
Authors: Lundeen Erik
Published: July 2023

Building off recent work investigating the development of modern biblical criticism, this essay argues that the broadly conservative scholar Moses Stuart (1780–1852) should be seen as playing a key but unintentional role in the secularization of biblical studies in nineteenth-century America. Stuart played this role in several ways. Hermeneutically, he imbibed and popularized naturalistic assumptions summed up in the maxim that the Bible should be interpreted like any other book. Educationally, when arguing for the curricular importance of Hebrew studies, he justified the Bible’s importance not via its role as Scripture, but primarily via its place as excellent classical literature. Stuart’s example thereby suggests that, in studying the demise of Scripture’s sacred status in the modern era, scholars must pay attention not only to the attacks of the Bible’s liberal critics but also to the methods and assumptions of its conservative defenders.
Bringing Philo Home: Responses to Harry A. Wolfson’s Philo (1947) in the Aftermath of World War II
Authors: Bloch René
Published: July 2023

In 1947 Harry Austryn Wolfson published his massive and revisionary Philo: Foundations of Religious Philosophy in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. With the book, Wolfson aimed at proving that Philo was an innovative and highly influential philosopher—by no means an isolated Jew of no consequence to the history of philosophy. As becomes clear from numerous letters written to Wolfson on the occasion of the publication of the book and stored at the Harvard University Archives, for Jewish readers Wolfson’s proposed rehabilitation of Philo could provide a point of orientation. It served as a source of comfort and of pride in the post-war years. While the main thesis of Wolfson’s book, Philo as the precursor of medieval philosophy, was rejected by most scholars of Philo and ancient philosophy, the letters and notes discussed in this article show that much more was at stake than a purely academic discussion.
Understanding informal care burden domains’ impact on overall burden – a structural equation modeling approach with cross-sectional data from Germany
Authors: Loboiko Katharina , Steiner Michael , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: July 2023

Informal caregivers are the core of long-term care for older and disabled people. Although previous research has studied factors that influence caregivers’ burden, little is known about the different care domains and why they influence the caregivers’ perceived burden. Drawing on a large-scale German survey, the current study makes a first attempt to address this research gap. The study used cross-sectional data on 1.429 informal caregivers. Germany is characterized by comprehensive but fragmented health and social protection systems oriented toward supporting informal care at home. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 3) was used to estimate the effects of five care domains on three burden dimensions and, ultimately, on the overall burden. Our results indicate that support in organizational matters had the highest impact on the overall perceived burden. The findings reveal that German caregivers particularly struggle with bureaucracy, i.e. an area that can directly be influenced by policymakers.
Institutional legacies and temporary assistance for needy families spending decisions: the case of the Freedmen’s Bureau
Authors: Lowder Morgan A. , Hobert Anthony , Shoub Kelsey
Published: July 2023

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was born out of the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act in the backdrop of highly racialised and otherizing fears about the mythical “welfare queen.” However, the perception of Black exploitation of public benefits to White detriment is not exclusively a modern phenomenon. One of its original manifestations can be found in White reactions to the Freedmen’s Bureau during the post-Civil War period of Reconstruction. We therefore argue that state decisions to allocate spending towards cash assistance and coercive programmes designed to motivate work participation and regulate private behaviour are shaped by the imprint of this historic institution. Using TANF spending data from 2001 to 2019 and data on Freedmen’s Bureau field offices, we find evidence of a link between these offices’ historic prevalence and contemporary, coercive allocations. However, we find little evidence that this link extends to spending towards cash assistance.