bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profundidad óptima de suelo recuperado y nivel de cobertura herbácea en la rehabilitación de escombreras de minería de carbón en Magallanes
Authors:   , Jaña Jiménez Jorge Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Los principios del modelo de rehabilitación forestal fueron implementados sobre una mina de carbón, ubicada en Isla Riesco, Región de Magallanes, Chile. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la profundidad óptima para un suelo recuperado y el nivel de cobertura herbácea obtenido por hidrosiembra, que permita mejorar la erosión del suelo y la supervivencia de N. pumilio. En 2016, se establecieron dos parcelas principales con 50 cm y 100 cm de profundidad del suelo recuperado en la pendiente. En ambas parcelas, se establecieron nueve subparcelas con diferentes dosis de hidrosiembra (0, 150 y 250 kg /ha). Las subparcelas se dividieron horizontalmente para determinar las diferencias entre las áreas superior e inferior. Se plantaron dos tipos de núcleos para evaluar la supervivencia de N. pumilio. Se midió la pérdida de sedimento, la cobertura herbácea, la supervivencia de N. pumilio y los cambios en los parámetros físicos y químicos del suelo. Los resultados indicaron que la variable de profundidad no fue significativa en la pérdida de sedimentos o en el nivel de cobertura herbácea, pero sí fue significativa en la supervivencia de N. pumilio. La cobertura herbácea de más del 50% en la superficie redujo la pérdida de sedimento de 11.4 Ton/ha a 3.36 Ton/ha. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las propiedades físicas y químicas a corto plazo. Una profundidad de 50 cm de suelo y la dosis más baja de hidrosiembra mejoraron la supervivencia de N. pumilio en un 10%. Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que un rescate en el suelo es una estrategia efectiva para el establecimiento de especies de vegetación para evitar la formación de pasivos mineros.
Filogeografía y estructura genética poblacional del Rayadito de cola espinosa (Aphrastura spinicauda), un paseriforme ampliamente distribuido en Chile (30°S – 56°S)
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Ortiz Carvajal Gustavo
Published: August 2023

Research on distribution of genetic diversity among populations allows us to infer ecological processes related to their connectivity. It also let us identify factors that contribute to their structure and demography. Although birds tend to exhibit low genetic structure due to their high dispersal capacity, a strong differentiation pressure has been reported on terrestrial and oceanic islands. We evaluated the population genetic structure, phylogeography, demographic history and past, current, and future climatic suitability of the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a passerine endemic to the southern South American temperate forest, which is distributed over a wide latitudinal range (30°S - 56°S) within Chile and western Argentina. Through whole genome analysis, we studied 50 samples from five localities distributed within the geographical range of the species in Chile. Using genetic structuring methods, clustering algorithms and identification of biogeographic barriers, we found evidence supporting a moderate genetic structure and spatial barriers that limit gene flow mainly to the Mocha Island and 3 to the Fray Jorge National Park which is a relict forest within the desert. On the other hand, we found no evidence to support the validity of the subspecies A. s. fulva, described for Chiloé and Chonos Islands. Demographic history and species distribution models suggests the possible existence of glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum for the species. Finally, our climate suitability maps highlight the current and future importance of preserving coastal continental areas and emphasize the risk of central and northern populations.
Sediment transport dynamics in a glacierized Andean basin: lessons from the Estero Morales, Chile
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Carrillo Muñoz Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Suspended and bedload transport dynamics on rivers draining glacierized basins depend on complex processes of runoff generation along with the degree of sediment connectivity and coupling at the basin scale. This thesis presents a recent dataset of sediment transport in the Estero Morales, a 27 km2 glacier-fed basin in Chile where suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and bedload (BL) fluxes have been continued monitored during two ablation seasons. The relationship between discharge and SSC depends on the origin of runoff, being transported in higher quantities during glacier melting, although the hysteresis index reveals that sediment sources are closer to the outlet during snowmelt. As for suspended sediment transport, bedload yield and availability depend on the origin of runoff. The relationship between discharge and BL reveals that early glacier melt period transport higher quantities of coarse sediments, and with higher efficiency, and the hysteresis suggests that sediments are provided by the proglacial area. Differences in volumes of transported sediments between the two studied ablation periods reveal differences in coupling mechanism on the sediment cascade, due to progressive changes of type and location of the main sources of runoff and sediments in this glacierized basin.
Cambios en la productividad primaria del bosque esclerófilo de la región tipo mediterránea de Chile y su relación con factores fisiográficos y estructurales en un contexto de sequía y olas de calor.
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Vergara López Benjamín Alejandro
Published: August 2023

La sequía y las olas de calor son componentes del cambio climático y el calentamiento global que pueden generar cambios en los ecosistemas forestales, y en muchas partes del mundo estos no han sido investigados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar el comportamiento de la productividad primaria de diversos bosques esclerófilos de la Región Mediterránea de Chile durante un contexto de sequía y olas de calor, e identificar factores ecológicos que influyen en el proceso. Para ello, como indicador de la productividad se midió el Índice de Área Foliar entre los años 2017 y 2021, y se calculó su cambio. En dicho periodo se mantuvieron condiciones de sequía y se experimentaron olas de calor extremas. Se usaron modelos GLM para modelar la relación del índice y su cambio con variables fisiográficas, estructurales, composición florística y la riqueza de especies leñosas de los bosques. Los resultados indican que el Índice de Área Foliar se redujo significativamente en el periodo de estudio y que el comportamiento de la productividad depende de la fisiografía del terreno y la estructura del bosque. La vegetación más productiva, que se localiza en terrenos propensos a la acumulación de agua, posee mayor cobertura arbórea, e individuos arbóreos más altos, experimentó los cambios más negativos, mientras que la vegetación menos productiva incluso experimentó incrementos en el índice.
Evaluación de pruebas de vigor en semillas de quínoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) y su correlación con pruebas de emergencia
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Sánchez Cabeza Carla
Published: August 2023

El cultivo de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) tiene un alto potencial de desarrollo, sin embargo, existe poco conocimiento acerca de cómo evaluar su calidad de semilla. El objetivo de este estudio fue encontrar una prueba de laboratorio que evalúe de mejor forma el vigor de semilla en quínoa. Para lograr esto se evaluaron distintas pruebas de vigor en nueve lotes de semilla de quínoa y sus resultados se correlacionaron con los resultados de pruebas de emergencia de plántula en invernadero. Las pruebas de envejecimiento acelerado no tuvieron un buen desempeño prediciendo el comportamiento de los lotes en invernadero debido a diferencias en la longevidad entre genotipos. Ninguna prueba realizada en laboratorio obtuvo correlaciones significativas con todas las pruebas realizadas en invernadero producto de la presencia de dormancia en la semilla de quínoa, que generó diferencias en clasificaciones de calidad de los lotes dependiendo de si la prueba evaluaba velocidad de germinación o no, ya que la dormancia se presentó como una disminución en la velocidad de germinación sin afectar el porcentaje final. La prueba de germinación estándar no fue superada por ninguna otra prueba en su correlación con el comportamiento de los lotes de quínoa en invernadero.
Evaluación de patogenicidad de Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, y del potencial biocontrolador de una mezcla de bacteriófagos líticos contra la mancha angular de las brásicas
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Valdivia Gómez Francisco Javier
Published: August 2023

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris es una bacteria gram negativa causante de la mancha angular de las brásicas. Esta enfermedad, económicamente importante para el cultivo, tiene un difícil control por su ciclo de vida, capacidad de sobrevivencia y resistencia al control químico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar diferencias en la patogenicidad de distintos aislados de Xcc y evaluar el control de esta enfermedad utilizando bacteriófagos líticos específicos para esta bacteria. Para este propósito, se evaluó la incidencia, severidad y concentración bacteriana en plantas de repollo inoculadas con siete diferentes aislados. Además, se evaluó la incidencia, severidad y concentración bacteriana de tratamientos de control curativo y preventivo contra la enfermedad. Todos los resultados obtenidos se analizaron mediante ANOVA y comparación de medias. Fue posible establecer aislados patogénicos y no patogénicos basados en la construcción de curvas de progreso de la enfermedad. X9, S2M9-2 y X32 destacan por su mayor nivel de patogenicidad sobre los demás aislados, mientras que X45 y X90 no mostraron patogenicidad. No fue posible corroborar la capacidad de biocontrol de Fagos en tratamientos preventivos de la enfermedad, pero los tratamientos curativos con los tratamientos Oxicloruro de cobre, Biosubtillis y Fagos obtuvieron un menor valor de AUDPC que el control bacteriano.
Factores que afectan el ciclo ovárico del parasitoide Mastrus ridens Horstmann (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) y genes asociados a fecundidad
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Saldaño Saldaño Sebastián Antonio
Published: August 2023

Mastrus ridens Horstmann es un insecto que parasita al lepidóptero Cydia pomonella o polilla de la manzana, para su reproducción y alimentación. En esta investigación evaluamos si el ciclo ovárico fue influenciado por diferencias genéticas o de alimentación (alimentación azucarada y desde el hospedero). Adicionalmente, la expresión relativa de cuatro genes asociados a fecundidad fue analizada. Este objetivo fue llevado a cabo mediante la medición de los folículos maduros en el ovario, el número de ovariolos por ovario, y el largo y ancho de los folículos maduros. Como último paso, la expresión relativa de estos cuatro genes fue evaluada con y sin alimentación desde el hospedero. Los resultados no mostraron un efecto significativo de la diversidad genética, ni de la alimentación azucarada y desde el hospedero. Sin embargo, existe una tendencia de mayor número de folículos maduros en la línea con menor endogamia, posiblemente por la mayor diversidad genética. Las expresiones relativas no mostraron diferencias significativas bajo alimentación desde el hospedero. Por lo tanto, bajo las condiciones de este estudio, la fecundidad no fue afectada por el estado genético o alimenticio, y más investigación es necesaria para entender en mayor medida los factores que afectan la reproducción en esta especie.
Impact of Mulberry Cultivation on Beneficiary Farmers in Amravati District, India
Authors: Kumare Sangeeta , Gohad V. V. , Karangami R. S.
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted in Amravati district in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. Six villages were selected from one taluka respectively. The 80 respondents were selected from 6 villages. The data were collected by personal interview method with the help of a structured interview schedule. The data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. The variables namely occupation, land holding, annual income, income from sericulture, farming experience, sources of information, training received and marketing facilities are positively and highly significant with social and economic impact at 0.01 level of probability. The variables namely education and extension contact are positively significant with social and economic impact at 0.05 level of probability. Whereas, the age of the respondent sericulturists had a non-significant relationship with the social and economic impact of mulberry cultivation. The financial gain by the beneficiaries of mulberry cultivation from one acre per year (4 rotations) was Rs.1,00,000. The majority of the respondent sericulturists faced problems related to the shortage of irrigation water, high labour charges, markets far away from the sericulture unit and lack of knowledge about disease control in mulberry.
Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Flower Quality of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Conditions in Prayagraj
Authors: Mounika Sunkara , Fatmi Urfi
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was executed during November, 2022 to April, 2023 under polyhouse conditions in the Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The objective was to study the response of foliar application of micronutrients on growth, yield and flower quality of gerbera. The research consisted of three levels of zinc, iron, magnesium (0.2, 0.4, 0.6%). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The results indicated that the treatment T2-Zn@0.4% performed better in all parameters recorded viz., plant height (24.08 cm), plant spread (37.68 cm), days for first bud initiation (73 days), number of flowers per plant (10), stalk length (54.17 cm) and vase life (9 days).
ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS ON THE ORIGIN OF WATER IN THE MARIMBUS WETLAND, CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, BRAZIL
Authors: Lima Geraldo Marcelo Pereira , Costa Alexandre Barreto , Lessa-Filho Joaquim Ramos
Published: August 2023

The Marimbus wetland is located in a lowered valley and made up of alluvial sediment, resembling flooded sinkholes where we find a backswamp in drylands that remains permanently-to-seasonally flooded in the Chapada Diamantina. To determine the origin of the Marimbus wetland waters, isotopic analyses were performed at several points. The samples presented values of δ18O and δ2H ranging from -21.1 ‰ to 9.0 ‰ and from -3.13 ‰ to 3.31 ‰, respectively. Most of the samples presented data coinciding with the global meteorological curve. The sinkhole’s morphological features do not prove that the waters of the Marimbus wetland area are of karstic origin since the isotopic signature is within the global meteoric curve, indicating that its source was rainfall and that it is undergoing intense evaporation. They are rounded-shaped ponds typically found in alluvial fans and floodplains.
Medicaid Expansion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Participation of Patients With Medicaid in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Unger Joseph M. , Xiao Hong , Vaidya Riha , LeBlanc Michael , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: August 2023

Importance

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion resulted in increased use of Medicaid insurance nationwide. However, the association between Medicaid expansion and access to clinical trials has not been examined to date.

Objective

To examine whether the implementation of ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with increased participation of patients with Medicaid insurance in cancer clinical trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data for this cohort study of 51 751 patients were from the SWOG Cancer Research Network. All patients aged 18 to 64 years and enrolled in treatment trials with Medicaid or private insurance between April 1, 1992, and February 29, 2020, were included. Interrupted time-series analysis with segmented logistic regression was used. The monthly unemployment rate and presidential administration were adjusted to reflect potential differences in Medicaid use associated with economic conditions and national administrative policies, respectively. Data analysis was conducted between June 22, 2021, and August 5, 2022.

Exposure

Implementation of Medicaid expansion on January 1, 2014, was the independent exposure variable.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The number and proportion of patients by insurance type enrolled in cancer clinical trials over time were analyzed.

Results

Overall, data for 51 751 patients were analyzed. Mean (SD) age was 50.6 (9.8) years, 67.3% of patients were female, 41.1% were younger than 50 years, and 9.1% used Medicaid. A 19% annual increase (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.28; P < .001) was identified in the odds of patients using Medicaid after the ACA Medicaid expansion, resulting in a 52% increase (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29-1.78; P < .001) compared with what was expected in the number of Medicaid patients enrolled over time. The association was greater in states that adopted Medicaid expansion in 2014 to 2015 (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.15-1.38; P < .001) compared with other states (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.96-1.21; P = .20; P = .04 for interaction). By February 2020, the proportion of patients with Medicaid insurance was 17.8% (95% CI, 15.0%-20.8%; P < .001), whereas the expected proportion had ACA Medicaid expansion not occurred was 6.9% (95% CI, 4.4%-10.3%; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings suggest that implementation of ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with increased participation of patients using Medicaid in cancer clinical trials. Improved participation in clinical trials for Medicaid-insured patients is critical for socioeconomically vulnerable patients seeking access to the newest treatments available in trials and for improving confidence that trial findings apply to patients of all backgrounds.
Narrow Angle Associated With an Iris Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Xiong Xiaomei , Jiang Zhihao , Yang Yangfan
Published: August 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of iris cavernous hemangioma in a woman aged 63 years who presented with recurrent pain, redness, and hazy vision in her left eye.
Uvular Lesion in a 62-Year-Old Man
Authors: Talebi-Talghian Tara , Ghogomu Nsangou
Published: August 2023

An otherwise healthy man in his early 60s presented with a sore throat and skin lesions on his neck. What is your diagnosis?
Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid‐Based 3D In Vitro Models
Authors: Landon‐Brace Natalie , Li Nancy T. , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: August 2023

Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single‐cell RNA‐sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO‐based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO‐based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO‐based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor‐TME interactions.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in siblings with PIGA‐related congenital disorder of glycosylation
Authors: Crenshaw Molly M. , Thompson Lauren , Piqué Daniel G. , Micke Kestutis , Saenz Margarita , Baker Peter R.
Published: August 2023

There are over 150 proteins involved in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein biosynthesis, a class within the larger category of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Pathogenic variants identified in phosphatidylinositol glycan class A protein (PIGA) are associated with X‐linked PIGA‐CDG, a GPI‐anchor defect. The disease has primarily been characterized by hypotonia, epilepsy, and global developmental delay; however, only 89 known cases are reported, so the phenotypic spectrum has likely not yet been fully delineated. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been reported in patients with various GPI‐anchor related defects but has only been described in one prior individual with PIGA‐CDG. Here, we describe the second and third reported cases of CDH in two brothers with PIGA‐CDG caused by a pathogenic missense variant in PIGA: c.355C > T, p.R119W. Chromosomal microarray and whole exome sequencing did not reveal another plausible explanation for the CDH. We relate our patients' clinical features to the single previously reported individual with CDH and PIGA‐CDG. We then compare this case series with the subset of individuals with CDH and other GPI‐anchor defects. These findings suggest that CDH should be considered in the phenotypic disease spectrum of PIGA‐CDG.
A simplified D3‐creatine dilution method for skeletal muscle mass determination with dynamic correction of creatinine and D3‐creatinine using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Zhang Tianai , Wang Xuan , Wang Shuqiao , Nie Manqing , Luo Xinyue , Yang Ming , Zou Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

This study developed a simple method for muscle mass determination based on D3‐creatine dilution by removing the matrix effects of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis through mutual correction of creatinine and D3‐creatinine. Rats were administered an oral tracer dose of D3‐creatine at age 6 weeks. Creatinine and D3‐creatinine in urine were detected using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry after diluting 20 times to obtain D3‐creatinine enrichment factor (mole percent excess). The mole percent excess obtained from peak area could be used to calculate muscle mass using the improved formula. The limit of detection was 0.500 ng/mL for D3‐creatinine. Creatinine and D3‐creatinine could be mutually corrected because of the same matrix effect, and D3‐creatine spillage was negligible within 0.22%. Isotopic steady time was consistent with that obtained using conventional methods. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated the satisfying consistency between the proposed method and magnetic resonance imaging. This is a simple and rapid measuring method of muscle mass based on D3‐creatine dilution that requires no accurate quantification of creatinine and D3‐creatinine concentrations and no urine sample collection to obtain D3‐creatine spillage.
Reductive Activation of Aryl Chlorides by Tuning the Radical Cation Properties of N‐Phenylphenothiazines as Organophotoredox Catalysts
Authors: Weick Fabian , Hagmeyer Nina , Giraud Madeleine , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: August 2023

Aryl chlorides as substrates for arylations present a particular challenge for photoredox catalytic activation due to their strong C(sp2)−Cl bond and their strong reduction potential. Electron‐rich N‐phenylphenothiazines, as organophotoredox catalysts, are capable of cleaving aryl chlorides simply by photoinduced electron transfer without the need for an additional electrochemical activation setup or any other advanced photocatalysis technique. Due to the extremely strong reduction potential in the excited state of the N‐phenylphenothiazines the substrate scope is high and includes aryl chlorides both with electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substituents. We evidence this reactivity for photocatalytic borylations and phosphonylations. Advanced time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy in combination with electrochemistry was the key to elucidating and comparing the unusual photophysical properties not only of the N‐phenylphenothiazines, but also of their cation radicals as the central intermediates in the photocatalytic cycle. The revealed photophysics allowed the excited‐state and radical‐cation properties to be fine‐tuned by the molecular design of the N‐phenylphenothiazines; this improved the photocatalytic activity.
Structural and Electronic Properties of Two‐Dimensional Materials: A Machine‐Learning‐Guided Prediction
Authors: Ramanathan Eshwar S , Chowdhury Chandra
Published: August 2023

The growing number of studies and interest in two‐dimensional (2D) materials has not yet resulted in a wide range of material applications. This is a result of difficulties in getting the properties, which are often determined through numerical experiments or through first‐principles predictions, both of which require lots of time and resources. Here we provide a general machine learning (ML) model that works incredibly well as a predictor for a variety of electronic and structural properties such as band gap, fermi level, work function, total energy and area of unit cell for a wide range of 2D materials derived from the Computational 2D Materials Database (C2DB). Our predicted model for classification of samples works extraordinarily well and gives an accuracy of around 99 %. We are able to successfully decrease the number of studied features by employing a strict permutation‐based feature selection method along with the sure independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO), which further supports the design recommendations for the identification of novel 2D materials with the desired properties.
Exposing the Oxygen‐Centered Radical Character of the Tetraoxido Ruthenium(VIII) Cation [RuO4]+
Authors: da Silva Santos Mayara , Medel Robert , Flach Max , Ablyasova Olesya S. , Timm Martin , von Issendorff Bernd , Hirsch Konstantin , Zamudio‐Bayer Vicente , Riedel Sebastian , Lau J. Tobias
Published: August 2023

The tetraoxido ruthenium(VIII) radical cation, [RuO4]+, should be a strong oxidizing agent, but has been difficult to produce and investigate so far. In our X‐ray absorption spectroscopy study, in combination with quantum‐chemical calculations, we show that [RuO4]+, produced via oxidation of ruthenium cations by ozone in the gas phase, forms the oxygen‐centered radical ground state. The oxygen‐centered radical character of [RuO4]+ is identified by the chemical shift at the ruthenium M3 edge, indicative of ruthenium(VIII), and by the presence of a characteristic low‐energy transition at the oxygen K edge, involving an oxygen‐centered singly‐occupied molecular orbital, which is suppressed when the oxygen‐centered radical is quenched by hydrogenation of [RuO4]+ to the closed‐shell [RuO4H]+ ion. Hydrogen‐atom abstraction from methane is calculated to be only slightly less exothermic for [RuO4]+ than for [OsO4]+.
Comparison of low‐velocity impact behavior of thick laminated composite structure with experimental and modeling technique
Authors: Başoğlu Furkan , Yakar Ender Can , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Tuna Volkan
Published: August 2023

In this study, the dynamic behavior under low‐veloctiy impact of E‐glass epoxy unidirectional thick laminated composite structure was investigated by numerical methods and compared with experimental results. Thereby, it was aimed to detect the impact behavior of the composite structures with numerical analysis program for reducing experimental tests on these composite structures. LS‐DYNA finite element method (FEM) software was used for numerical modeling. The material model MAT055, which is based on the Tsai–Wu matrix failure modeling on damage mechanics, was selected for the analyses in LS‐DYNA. Low‐velocity impact analyses have been carried out on composite structures at various impact energies as a range of 15–250 J as similar to experiments. From the analysis of the plots, it can be seen that the values of absorption energy provided by the FEM analyses are close to the experimental values at all impact energy levels. It can be determined that the mean difference between the absorption energy levels provided from the experimental and numerical studies is 1.81%. In the same studies, matrix cracking was observed at 50 J impact energy value and full penetration was observed at 250 J impact energy. The error rate between the values obtained using the derived impact energy prediction equation and the values obtained as a result of numerical analysis was maximum 5.26%. Thus, derived equation was found to be reasonable for use in predicting the absorption energy. As a result, these values indicate that the experimental results are agreed well with the numerical results.

Highlights

Dynamic behavior under impact of thick laminated composite was investigated.

Impact analyses were performed at impact energies as a range of 15–250 J.

At 250 J impact energy, the composite deformed with full penetration damage.

Impact damage areas were calculated according to impact energy levels.

It would be useful to use numerical analysis method in terms of cost and time.
Nordic Media Systems
Authors: Andersson Thomas
Published: August 2023

The present chapter reviews the structures and developments that characterise the Nordic media landscape. The Nordic countries are marked by various commonalities, in support of consensus-making and managing conflict, which have become associated with “corporatism”. Partly drawing on that context, they have commonly been depicted as belonging to a special “Nordic” media model. After taking note of the stylised key dimensions of such a model, we examine the actual features of the Nordic media systems and how they have evolved over time. In this, additionally, we compare the media systems of the Nordic countries with those of each other while also making international comparisons. Through the recent phase, associated with digitalisation, commercialisation, and populism, the Nordic countries have continued to display a special media model, although with a shift away from defensive and rigid sentiments towards becoming more conducive to adaptation and renewal. As the media landscape has become more complex and multifaceted, however, tensions building at the intersection of changed conditions for journalism, unruly media content, and polarising politics, pose serious questions for the road ahead.
Deterministic Dynamic Matching in Worst-Case Update Time
Authors: Kiss Peter
Published: August 2023

We present deterministic algorithms for maintaining a$$(3/2 + \epsilon )$$(3/2+ϵ)and$$(2 + \epsilon )$$(2+ϵ)-approximate maximum matching in a fully dynamic graph with worst-case update times$${\hat{O}}(\sqrt{n})$$O^(n)and$${\tilde{O}}(1)$$O~(1)respectively. The fastest known deterministic worst-case update time algorithms for achieving approximation ratio$$(2 - \delta )$$(2-δ)(for any$$\delta > 0$$δ>0) and$$(2 + \epsilon )$$(2+ϵ)were both shown by Roghani et al. (Beating the folklore algorithm for dynamic matching, 2021) with update times$$O(n^{3/4})$$O(n3/4)and$$O_\epsilon (\sqrt{n})$$Oϵ(n)respectively. We close the gap between worst-case and amortized algorithms for the two approximation ratios as the best deterministic amortized update times for the problem are$$O_\epsilon (\sqrt{n})$$Oϵ(n)and$${\tilde{O}}(1)$$O~(1)which were shown in Bernstein and Stein (in: Proceedings of the twenty-seventh annual ACM-SIAM symposium on discrete algorithms, 2016) and Bhattacharya and Kiss (in: 48th international colloquium on automata, languages, and programming, ICALP 2021, 12–16 July, Glasgow, 2021) respectively. The algorithm achieving$$(3/2 + \epsilon )$$(3/2+ϵ)approximation builds on the EDCS concept introduced by the influential paper of Bernstein and Stein (in: International colloquium on automata, languages, and programming, Springer, Berlin, 2015). Say thatHis a$$(\alpha , \delta )$$(α,δ)-approximate matching sparsifier if at all timesHsatisfies that$$\mu (H) \cdot \alpha + \delta \cdot n \ge \mu (G)$$μ(H)·α+δ·n≥μ(G)(define$$(\alpha , \delta )$$(α,δ)-approximation similarly for matchings). We show how to maintain a locally damaged version of the EDCS which is a$$(3/2 + \epsilon , \delta )$$(3/2+ϵ,δ)-approximate matching sparsifier. We further show how to reduce the maintenance of an$$\alpha $$α-approximate maximum matching to the maintenance of an$$(\alpha , \delta )$$(α,δ)-approximate maximum matching building based on an observation of Assadi et al. (in: Proceedings of the twenty-seventh annual (ACM-SIAM) symposium on discrete algorithms, (SODA) 2016, Arlington, VA, USA, January 10–12, 2016). Our reduction requires an update time blow-up of$${\hat{O}}(1)$$O^(1)or$${\tilde{O}}(1)$$O~(1)and is deterministic or randomized against an adaptive adversary respectively. To achieve$$(2 + \epsilon )$$(2+ϵ)-approximation we improve on the update time guarantee of an algorithm of Bhattacharya and Kiss (in: 48th International colloquium on automata, languages, and programming, ICALP 2021, 12–16 July, Glasgow, 2021). In order to achieve both results we explicitly state a method implicitly used in Nanongkai and Saranurak (in: Proceedings of the twenty-seventh annual ACM symposium on theory of computing, 2017) and Bernstein et al. (Fully-dynamic graph sparsifiers against an adaptive adversary, 2020) which allows to transform dynamic algorithms capable of processing the input in batches to a dynamic algorithms with worst-case update time.
Identifying Adolescents at Highest Risk of ART Non-adherence, Using the World Health Organization-Endorsed HEADSS and HEADSS+ Checklists
Authors: Cluver Lucie D. , Shenderovich Yulia , Seslija Marko , Zhou Siyanai , Toska Elona , Armstrong Alice , Gulaid Laurie A. , Ameyan Wole , Cassolato Matteo , Kuo Caroline C. , Laurenzi Christina , Sherr Lorraine
Published: August 2023

Brief tools are necessary to identify adolescents at greatest risk for ART non-adherence. From the WHO’s HEADSS/HEADSS+ adolescent wellbeing checklists, we identify constructs strongly associated with non-adherence (validated with viral load). We conducted interviews and collected clinical records from a 3-year cohort of 1046 adolescents living with HIV from 52 South African government facilities. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator variable selection approach with a generalized linear mixed model. HEADSS constructs most predictive were: violence exposure (aOR 1.97, CI 1.61; 2.42, p < 0.001), depression (aOR 1.71, CI 1.42; 2.07, p < 0.001) and being sexually active (aOR 1.80, CI 1.41; 2.28, p < 0.001). Risk of non-adherence rose from 20.4% with none, to 55.6% with all three. HEADSS+ constructs were: medication side effects (aOR 2.27, CI 1.82; 2.81, p < 0.001), low social support (aOR 1.97, CI 1.60; 2.43, p < 0.001) and non-disclosure to parents (aOR 2.53, CI 1.91; 3.53, p < 0.001). Risk of non-adherence rose from 21.6% with none, to 71.8% with all three. Screening within established checklists can improve identification of adolescents needing increased support. Adolescent HIV services need to include side-effect management, violence prevention, mental health and sexual and reproductive health.
Fabrication of an electrospun polycaprolactone substrate for colorimetric bioassays
Authors: Xu Chensong , Bonfante Gwenaël , Park Jongho , Salles Vincent , Kim Beomjoon
Published: August 2023

Colorimetric assays rely on detecting colour changes to measure the concentration of target molecules. Paper substrates are commonly used for the detection of biomarkers due to their availability, porous structure, and capillarity. However, the morphological and mechanical properties of paper, such as fibre diameter, pore size, and tensile strength, cannot be easily tuned to meet the specific requirements of colorimetric sensors, including liquid capacity and reagent immobilisation. As an alternative to paper materials, biodegradable polymeric membranes made of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres can provide various tunable properties related to fibre diameter and pore size.

We aimed to obtain a glucose sensor substrate for colorimetric sensing using electrospinning with PCL. A feeding solution was created by mixing PCL/chloroform and 3,3’,5’,5’-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/ethanol solutions. This solution was electrospun to fabricate a porous membrane composed of microfibres consist of PCL and TMB. The central area of the membrane was made hydrophilic through air plasma treatment, and it was subsequently functionalized with a solution containing glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase, and trehalose.

The sensing areas were evaluated by measuring colour changes in glucose solutions of varying concentrations. The oxidation reactions of glucose and TMB in sensor substrates were recorded and analysed to establish the correlation between different glucose concentrations and colour changes. For comparison, conventional paper substrates prepared with same parameters were evaluated alongside the electrospun PCL substrates. As a result, better immobilization of reagents and higher sensitivity of glucose were achieved with PCL substrates, indicating their potential usage as a new sensing substrate for bioassays.
Too poor to be clean? A quantile ARDL assessment of the environmental Kuznets curve in SADC countries
Authors: Phiri Andrew , Mhaka Simba , Taonezvi Lovemore
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a fit of the environmental Kuznets curve for Southern African development community (SADC) countries. To this end, we estimate a quadratic regression between greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N20, CH4), per capita income and other controls, using the pooled mean group (PMG) and quantile autoregressive distributive lag (QARDL) models applied to annual data spanning from 1990 to 2021. On one hand, the PMG (Pooled mean group) estimators reveal an EKC fit for CO2 emissions (turning point = $4675), an inverse EKC for CH4 emissions (turning point = $6310) and no fit for the N20 emissions. On the other hand, the QARDL estimators further reveal more significant effects existing at the tail end distributions of the curve for all classes of emissions with turning points in the upper (lower) quantiles being higher (lower) than those from the PMG estimators. Further analysis informs us that only Seychelles have crossed the EKC ‘turning point’ at the upper quantile while the remaining countries are ‘too poor to go green.’ Overall, these findings have implications for the debate on climate justice in Africa.
Some Problems for the Phenomenal Approach to Personal Identity
Authors: Labukt Ivar
Published: August 2023

I present some problems for phenomenal (i.e. consciousness-based) accounts of personal identity and egoistic concern. These accounts typically rely on continuity in the capacity for consciousness to explain how we survive ordinary periods of unconsciousness such as dreamless sleep. I offer some thought experiments where continuity in the capacity for consciousness does not seem sufficient for survival and some where it does not seem necessary. There are ways of modifying the standard phenomenal approach so as to avoid these difficulties, but I argue that they all lead to other problems that are no less serious.
Pyow-Hack: Ordered Compositions in Lewis-Skyrms Signaling Games
Authors: Gabriel Nathan
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a Lewis-Skyrms signaling game that can exhibit a type of compositionality novel to the signaling game literature. The structure of the signaling game is motivated by an analogy to the alarm calls of putty-nosed monkeys (Cercopithecus nictitans). Putty-nosed monkeys display a compositional system of alarm calls with a semantics that is sensitive to the ordering of terms. This sensitivity to the ordering of terms has not been previously modeled with a Lewis-Skyrms signaling game literature. Signaling games are valued for showing how communicative systems can arise with minimal learning tools. Simulation results show that basic (Roth-Erev) reinforcement learning is sufficient for the acquisition of a compositional signaling system sensitive to the ordering of terms.
Kant’s Crucial Contribution to Euler Diagrams
Authors: Lemanski Jens
Published: August 2023

Logic diagrams have been increasingly studied and applied for a few decades, not only in logic, but also in many other fields of science. The history of logic diagrams is an important subject, as many current systems and applications of logic diagrams are based on historical predecessors. While traditional histories of logic diagrams cite pioneers such as Leibniz, Euler, Venn, and Peirce, it is not widely known that Kant and the early Kantians in Germany and England played a crucial role in popularising Euler(-type) diagrams. In this paper, the role of the Kantians in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries will be analysed in more detail. It shows that diagrams (or intuition in general) were a highly contentious topic that depend on the philosophical attitude and went beyond logic to touch on issues of physics, metaphysics, linguistics and, above all, mathematics.
Sufficient Matrices: Properties, Generating and Testing
Authors: E.-Nagy Marianna , Illés Tibor , Povh Janez , Varga Anita , Žerovnik Janez
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates various aspects of sufficient matrices, one of the most relevant matrix classes introduced in connection with linear complementarity problems. We summarize the most important theoretical results and properties related to sufficient matrices. Based on these, we propose different construction rules that can be used to generate new matrices that belong to this class. A nonnegative number can be assigned to each sufficient matrix, which is called its handicap and works as a measure of sufficiency. The handicap plays a crucial role in proving convergence and complexity results for interior point algorithms for linear complementarity problems. For a particular sufficient matrix, called Csizmadia’s matrix, we give the exact value of the handicap, which is exponential in the size of the matrix. Another important topic that we address is deciding whether a matrix is sufficient. Tseng proved in 2000 that this decision problem is co-NP hard. We investigate three different algorithms for determining the sufficiency of a given matrix: Väliaho’s algorithm, a linear programming-based algorithm, and an algorithm that facilitates nonlinear programming reformulations of the definition of sufficiency. We tested the efficiency of these methods on our recently launched benchmark data set that consists of four different sets of matrices. In this paper, we give the description and most important properties of the benchmark set, which can be used in the future to compare the performance of different interior point algorithms for linear complementarity problems.
What we owe to decision-subjects: beyond transparency and explanation in automated decision-making
Authors: Grant David Gray , Behrends Jeff , Basl John
Published: August 2023

The ongoing explosion of interest in artificial intelligence is fueled in part by recently developed techniques in machine learning. Those techniques allow automated systems to process huge amounts of data, utilizing mathematical methods that depart from traditional statistical approaches, and resulting in impressive advancements in our ability to make predictions and uncover correlations across a host of interesting domains. But as is now widely discussed, the way that those systems arrive at their outputs is often opaque, even to the experts who design and deploy them. Is it morally problematic to make use of opaque automated methods when making high-stakes decisions, like whether to issue a loan to an applicant, or whether to approve a parole request? Many scholars answer in the affirmative. However, there is no widely accepted explanation for why transparent systems are morally preferable to opaque systems. We argue that the use of automated decision-making systems sometimes violates duties of consideration that are owed by decision-makers to decision-subjects, duties that are both epistemic and practical in character. Violations of that kind generate a weighty consideration against the use of opaque decision systems. In the course of defending our approach, we show that it is able to address three major challenges sometimes leveled against attempts to defend the moral import of transparency in automated decision-making.
Measuring disability in multiple sclerosis: the WHODAS 2.0
Authors: Young Carolyn A. , Rog David J. , Sharrack Basil , Constantinescu Cris , Kalra Seema , Harrower Tim , Langdon Dawn , Tennant Alan , Mills Roger J. ,   the Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions (MS) Study Group
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Reliable measurement of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) using a comprehensive, patient self-reported scale, such as the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0, would be of clinical and research benefit.

Methods

In the Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions-MS study, WHODAS 2.0 (WHODAS-36 items for working, WHODAS-32 items if not working, WHODAS-12 items short-form) was examined using Rasch analysis in 5809 people with MS.

Results

The 36- and 32-item parallel forms, and the cognitive and physical domains, showed reliability consistent with individual or group use. The 12-item short-form is valid for group use only. Interval level measurement for parametric statistics can be derived from all three scales which showed medium to strong effect sizes for discrimination across characteristics such as age, subtype, and disease duration. Smallest detectable difference for each scale was < 6 on the standardised metric of 0–100 so < 6% of the total range. There was no substantial differential item functioning (DIF) by age, gender, education, working full/part-time, or disease duration; the finding of no DIF for time or sample supports the use of WHODAS 2.0 for longitudinal studies, with the 36- and 32-item versions and the physical and cognitive domains valid for individual patient follow-up.

Conclusions

Disability in MS can be comprehensively measured at interval level by the WHODAS 2.0, and validly monitored over time. Routine use of this self-reported measure in clinical and research practice would give valuable information on the trajectories of disability of individuals and groups.