bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Allocation Scheme of Software Development Budget with Minimal Conflict Attributes
Authors: Ma Yanfang , Zhou Wei
Published: September 2023

During the process of software development, a significant challenge revolves around accurately estimating the associated costs. The primary goal of project managers is to ensure the delivery of a highly trustworthiness product that aligns with the designated budgetary constraints. Nonetheless, the trustworthiness of software hinges upon a range of distinct attributes. When implementing a budget allocation scheme to enhance these attributes, conflicts among them may arise. Thus, it becomes imperative to select an appropriate allocation scheme that effectively mitigates conflict-associated costs. In this paper, we will define the conflict costs and establish costs estimation models. The difficulty coefficient constraint for improving attributes is established. Subsequently, we will analyze the relative importance weights of these attributes. Drawing upon the conflict costs, importance weights, and difficulty coefficient constraint, we present an algorithm to determine an appropriate budget allocation scheme, which can minimize conflict-associated costs. Finally, we provide an illustrative example that demonstrates the practicability of our proposed algorithm. This research offers valuable insights to software managers, aiding them in the reasonable allocation of budgetary resources, thereby maximizing overall benefits.
ℤ-gradings on the Grassmann algebra over infinite fields: Graded identities and central polynomials
Authors: Fideles Claudemir , Guimarães Alan
Published: September 2023

Let E be the infinite-dimensional Grassmann algebra over an infinite field F of characteristic different from 2. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the [Formula: see text]-ideal of the graded polynomial identities and the [Formula: see text]-space of the central polynomials of E equipped with its [Formula: see text] and 3-induced [Formula: see text]-gradings. Therefore, we generalize the results of [A. Brandão, C. Fidelis and A. Guimarães, [Formula: see text]-gradings of full support on the Grassmann algebra, J. Algebra 601 (2022) 332–353; C. Fidelis, A. Guimarães and P. Koshlukov, A note on [Formula: see text]-gradings on the Grassmann algebra and elementary number theory, Linear Multilinear Algebra 71(7) (2023) 1244–1264] in the PI theory context.
Double folding analysis of the α+28Si elastic scattering system
Authors: Amer Ahmed Hammad
Published: September 2023

Using the double folding model (DFM), we reanalyzed 20 sets of experimental angular distributions for the elastic scattering [Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]Si system in a wide energy range of [Formula: see text]-particles from 12.7[Formula: see text]MeV to 240[Formula: see text]MeV. We used three effective nucleon–nucleon (NN) interactions that are CDM3Y6, São Paulo Potential (SPP2), and Brazilian Nuclear Potential (BNP) to generate the DF potentials. The data analysis was performed using semi-microscopic (SM) and fully microscopic (FM) methods. In the SM approach, the real part of the optical potential (OP) is created with the DFM, and the Woods–Saxon (WS) potential is considered for the imaginary part of the OP. In the FM approach, the DF potential renormalization factors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the real and imaginary parts of the OP were extracted. We investigated the energy dependencies of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] factors, as well as of nuclear potential volume integrals and reaction cross-sections. We reasonably reproduced the data using [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] factors obtained from their energy-dependent functions.
Large-Strain Vibrations of Axially Stretched Hyperelastic Rods
Authors: Li Yiqun , Chen Wei , Wang Guozhen , Wang Lin , Yin Zhouping
Published: September 2023

Fast-moving soft robotics usually suffer large-strain deformation with a relatively high velocity. To improve their performance, it is necessary to study the underly dynamical mechanism. However, the inherent strong material nonlinearity brings considerable difficulties in modeling and calculating the soft structure’s nonlinear dynamics. This work focuses on the large-strain vibrations of the hyperelastic rod under an axial tensile force. Several typical hyperelastic models, including the neo-Hookean, Mooney, and Yeoh models, are used to derive the equations governing the rod’s dynamics. The equations based on these models are relatively complex, and their corresponding numerical calculation diverges in some cases. Therefore, a reference stretch ratio(s) polynomial fitting (RSRPF) model is proposed to derive the concise governing equation. Such a governing equation is effectively solved by the combination of the Galerkin discretization and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration algorithm. The correctness of the developed model and the employed algorithm is verified by comparing with the previous data of a hyperelastic membrane. In most cases, the rod periodically vibrates under a periodic tensile force. However, when the structural damping is small and the load frequency approaches the resonant frequency, the hyperelastic rod may quasi-periodically vibrate. The revealed large-strain vibration mechanism is supposed to be useful for guiding the dynamical design of soft structures.
Analytical Method for Bridge Overturning Analysis Coupled with Rigid and Deformable Body Rotation
Authors: Fan Dabo , Zhu Zhixiang , Gu Huiyan , Wei Jinxiao , Peng Weibing
Published: September 2023

A series of bridge overturning accidents in recent years indicates that single-column pier bridges are susceptible to overturning failure. However, the traditional calculation method was incapable of ensuring an accurate prediction of the ultimate overturning capacity, which may lead to serious consequences in engineering practice. In this work, an analytical method was proposed based on the identified failure mechanisms. The forensic survey was first carried out on two typical overturning cases, and the findings of the surveys were summarized into three typical overturning failure modes and their corresponding criterion for failure evaluation. Further, the analytical method was proposed on the assumption that overturning of the girder consists of rigid and deformable body rotation and characters including radial bending and torsional deformation were considered. The method was later validated by the field data of the overturning cases. Besides, factors influencing the results were also compared and analyzed. The results demonstrate that, in comparison with the conventional calculation method, the proposed approach more effectively accounts for spatial parameter variations and nonlinear factors during girder rotation, thereby aligning better with the actual overturning process.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Wave Energy Harvester
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Li Yongxin , Zhang Baifu , Yan Zhangwei , Wang Qingcheng , Wang Changhong
Published: September 2023

A novel wave energy harvester (WEH) that can recover energy in the direction of heave, sway, and surge is designed under the background of low recovery efficiency and complex installation of the existing wave energy harvester. The harvester consisted of four main components: energy input module, energy transfer module, energy conversion module, and energy store module. In the paper, to convert more wave energy into electrical energy and improve the energy conversion efficiency of WEH, the motion transfer module is divided into vertical and horizontal motion transfer modules, which are used to harvest vertical and horizontal wave energy, respectively. The vertical motion transfer module combined with the ball screw structure, planetary gear structure, and one-way gear units ensure the generator has high speed. The horizontal motion transfer module is mainly composed of three uniformly distributed one-way gear units, ensuring collect the wave energy in all horizontal directions. The dynamic model of the harvester is established, and the simulation experiment is carried out under wave conditions with periods of 2 s, 2.5 s, and 3 s, respectively. The simulation results show that when the wave period is 2[Formula: see text]s, 2.5 s, and 3 s, the corresponding energy conversion efficiency of the WEH is 66.7%, 60.9%, and 57.1%, respectively. The proposed study provides a theoretical reference for modeling similar WEHs and can effectively balance energy supply and demand and further support the global agenda of UN-2030 for sustainable development, especially SDG-7.
Structural Seismic Response Reconstruction Using Physics-Guided Neural Networks
Authors: Hu Yao , Guo Wei
Published: September 2023

Reconstruction of data loss in structural seismic responses is important for structural health monitoring to evaluate the safety of structures. A physics-guided neural network that leverages the prior knowledge was proposed for reconstructing structural seismic responses that were inaccessible to measure or missing during earthquakes. The presented methodology consisted of convolutional neural networks with dilated kernel and fully connected neural networks, which were developed to achieve a multitask learning that involved the regression task with measured labeled displacement data and the reconstruction task of seismic response without any labels. To better balance the loss gradient across different tasks, a probabilistic model was introduced to optimize the weight coefficient for each task by quantifying the task-dependent uncertainty based on Bayesian statistics. The weight coefficient for each task can be dynamically updated during the training process, thereby improving the learning efficacy and performance accuracy of the neural networks. The probabilistic model with task-dependent uncertainty was validated to outperform the equal-weighted model (i.e. equal weight for each task) in reconstructing the structural seismic responses based on numerical data, even when the relevant physical information (i.e. Bouc–Wen model) was not complete.
Novel Robust Control Method for Leg-Soil System of Lunar-Based Equipment
Authors: Chen Zheng-Han , Xu Zhao-Dong , Lu Hong-Fang , Yu Deng-Yun , Yang Jian-Zhong , Pan Bo , Zhao Xue-Liang , Hu Zhong-We
Published: September 2023

Lunar-based equipment undertakes the task of movement and transportation in the construction of unmanned lunar base. In the process of moving, the mechanical legs of the equipment are influenced by the lunar soil with special mechanical properties. In order to avoid these uncertainties caused by the lunar soil and other lunar environmental conditions affecting the safety during the mission, a new robust control method with the form of sectionalized expression is proposed based on the dynamic model of the leg-soil system. Lyapunov second method is introduced to demonstrate that the proposed control method can maintain the stability of the leg-soil system successfully. In order to clarify the contact force in the dynamics model, CAS-1 lunar soil simulant that can accurately simulate real lunar soil is used in the calibration test to obtain the precise mechanical parameters. Simulation and experiment are also carried out to verify the proposed control method and the traditional control methods are introduced to make a comparison. Both the simulation and experiment results show that the proposed control method has a better control effect than traditional methods. The proposed method improves the accuracy by an average of 75.7% and 55.9% compared to the traditional methods and the error is limited to 0.2%. By maintaining the stability and accuracy of the leg-soil system, the stability of the lunar-based equipment is improved when performing construction tasks. This study lays the foundation for the construction of unmanned lunar base in advance.
Dynamic Analysis of Meta-Material Plates with Magnetostrictive Face Sheets
Authors: Ebrahimi Farzad , Ahari Mehrdad Farajzadeh
Published: September 2023

This study aims to control the vibrational behavior of an auxetic plate coated with magnetostrictive material. The kinematic relations of the plate, rested on a Winkler–Pasternak medium, are expressed based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The governing equations are derived by employing the Hamilton’s principle and solved analytically by applying the Navier’s method. The effects of various parameters such as auxetic inclination angle, auxetic rib length, and feedback gain, on the control behavior of the system are monitored in detail. In order to exhibit the accuracy and validity of this study, our results are compared to those available in the literature. The results indicate that adding auxetic core to magnetostrictive plate results in increasing dimensionless natural frequency. The results obtained from this study can potentially contribute to the advancement of various applications such as the design and improvement of sensors, actuators, and vibration cancellation systems. Additionally, the obtained results could serve as a foundational basis for subsequent investigations.
Effects of Imperfections on the Instability of a Pipe Conveying Fluid: Data-Driven Modeling and Instability Transition
Authors: Xu Jianhang , Li Peng , Yang Yiren
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the instability of a non-ideal pipe system conveying fluid. Unlike ideal modeling, three types of possible non-ideal factors have been considered in the present analysis. The pipe has a crack and is subjected to boundary relaxation, and the fluid in the pipe is viscous. It is an interesting instability problem of a fluid-structure system with multiple forms of imperfections. It gains motivation from our previous study and aims at further essential results for comprehensively understanding the nature of such a problem. In order to incorporate multiple imperfections, a new data-driven approach is developed to model the non-ideal pipe-fluid system. Then the influences of the support stiffness, fluid–solid mass ratio, crack, and fluid viscosity on the pipe instability are systematically discussed. Results show that the pipe exhibits flutter-divergence conversion at low mass ratios and flutter-mode transition at high mass ratios. Due to the two types of instability transitions, the critical flow speed could experience multiple sudden jumps as the support stiffness changes. With the imperfections of crack and viscous flow, the pipe’s instability behavior tends to be more complicated, but the inducing mechanisms for the sudden changes are straightforward. They are instability-type conversion, instability-mode transition, and laminar-turbulent flow transition.
Bridge Damping Formula Based on Instantaneous Amplitudes of Vehicle’s Front and Rear Contact Responses by Hilbert Transform
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Yang M. , Liu Ding-Han , Liu Y. H. , Xu H.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a simple formula is derived for the modal damping ratio of the bridge using the correlation between the instantaneous amplitudes of the related front and rear contact responses of a two-axle test vehicle by the Hilbert transform (HT). To start, closed-form solutions were derived for the dynamic response of the damped bridge and vehicle-bridge contact responses. Next, the HT was employed to generate the instantaneous amplitudes of the two contact points. Based on their correlation, a simple formula is derived for the bridge damping ratio. Finally, the reliability of the derived formula was verified in the numerical study. It was demonstrated that the proposed formula can be successfully used to determine the first bridge damping ratio, even in the presence of rough pavement, but with the aid of random traffic.
A Frequency-Weighting Digital Filter in Sound Level Meter Based on Neural Computing Method
Authors: Lin Haiyun , Shen Xinjie , Long Gang , Lin Haijun
Published: September 2023

Frequency weighting networks are a critical component of a sound level meter (SLM), and their error characteristics directly determine the performances of SLM. For reducing the high-frequency error of the [Formula: see text] frequency-weighting filters with the bilinear transformation method (BTM), a design method for [Formula: see text] frequency-weighting filters based on neural computing method (NCM) is proposed. A detailed algorithm for solving the filter coefficients is provided, and the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the [Formula: see text] frequency-weighting filters with BTM and NCM are compared in detail. The experimental results show that the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the [Formula: see text] frequency-weighting filters in SLM with NCM are significantly better than those of BTM. The filter meets the requirements of the first class SLM defined by IEC61672, which demonstrates the effectiveness of this proposed method.
Weak Signal Detection in the Hodgkin–Huxley Neural Network with Channel Blocks under Electromagnetic Stimulus
Authors: Yang Huilan , Xu Guizhi , Tian Shuxiang , Zhu Haijun , Shan Yixuan
Published: September 2023

Neurons can detect weak signals in noisy cellular environments and complex backgrounds. Channel blocks have a great impact on the initiation and propagation of action potentials for neurons. The effects of channel blocks and electromagnetic stimulus on weak signal detection are studied in Hodgkin–Huxley neuronal network. The results suggest that the weak signal detection and the neural discharge behaviors of the neural network can be suppressed by the sodium channel blockage, whereas the block of potassium channels will have a positive impact on the signal detection and neuronal firing. For moderate membrane patch size, there is an optimal ratio of non-blocked potassium channels that maximize improvement in the detection of weak signals and the regularity of the neuronal activities. The combined influence of the two channel blocks on weak signal detection can be modulated by the ratio between the number of the sodium channels and potassium channels that function properly. The electromagnetic stimulus can significantly ameliorate the damage caused by the poisoning of sodium ion channels. In addition, synchronization of the neural network can promote weak signal detection.
Fabrication and Characterization Study of Porous Silicon for NIR-VIS Photodetector Applications
Authors: Ali Rusul Hamoud Abd , Jabbar Mushtak A. , Abd Ahmed N.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, photoelectrochemical etching of the n-type silicon (n-Si) wafers is used to prepare porous silicon (PSi) with current density of 10 mA.cm[Formula: see text] for 10 min. Moreover, the structural and morphological properties of the n-PSi were analyzed by using XRD and AFM, FTIR and PL. XRD patterns of PSi show that the films are single-crystalline, with cubic structure. The major peak characteristics are allocated to plane (004). The atomic force microscope image and the distribution chart of the grains of the n-PSi displayed that the grain sizes were −8.98. FTIR is a powerful and easy-to-use technique to obtain the surface chemical state of PSi. The convenience results from the transparency of silicon for IR light and the high surface area. The basic features begin from the knowledge of the bondings to hydrogen, [Si–H], and to oxygen [Si–O]. The model calculations sometimes provide useful information in the assignment. By examining FTIR, the active bonds showed the formation of PSi. PL spectra were measured in the range of (600–900) nm, the emission peak for the fixed excitation wavelength at 500 nm, and spectral 1.78 eV and 1.24 eV. PSi is recognized as an attractive building block for photonic devices because of its novel properties including high ratio of surface to volume and high light absorption. We first report NIR and VIS (PDs) fabricated by PSi as a carrier collector and a photoexcitation layer.
The equivalence between local inertial frames and electromagnetic gauge in Einstein–Maxwell theories
Authors: Garat Alcides
Published: September 2023

In this paper, it has been proven that locally the inertial frames and gauge states of the electromagnetic field are equivalent. This proof is valid for Einstein–Maxwell theories in four-dimensional Lorentzian spacetimes. Theorems proved in a previous paper will be used. These theorems state that locally the group of electromagnetic gauge transformations is isomorphic to the local group of Lorentz transformations of a special set of tetrad vectors. The tetrad that locally and covariantly diagonalizes any non-null electromagnetic stress–energy tensor. There are in total two isomorphisms, one for each orthogonal plane of stress–energy eigenvectors. We discuss the opposite problem in this paper. What happens with local electromagnetic gauge when the test object under study is boosted by any mechanical means? We will prove that boosting matter is indistinguishable from introducing an appropriate local electromagnetic gauge transformation.
Pure C3 modules
Authors: Gupta Kaushal , Gupta Ashok Ji
Published: September 2023

Within the paper, we study the class of modules in which the direct sum of two disjoint summands that is a pure submodule is also a summand. This class of modules is considered [Formula: see text] modules, a generalization of [Formula: see text] modules. In addition to pure-injective and [Formula: see text] modules that belong to the class of [Formula: see text] modules, which also include the semisimple, continuous, indecomposable, and regular modules. We gave new characterizations of many rings in respect of [Formula: see text] modules, namely semisimple rings, pure-semisimple rings, von Neumann regular rings, Noetherian rings, pure-hereditary rings, pure-[Formula: see text]-rings, etc. Moreover, we also discuss the [Formula: see text] envelope and [Formula: see text] cover of a module and introduce the pure continuous modules as the generalization of the continuous modules and also introduce the pure quasi-continuous modules as the generalization of the quasi-continuous modules.
On the asymptotic stabilization of the nonautonomous evolution equations in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Damak Hanen , Hammami Mohamed Ali , Maaloul Khouloud
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with the practical feedback stabilization of a class of evolution equations in Hilbert spaces. By using the Lyapunov function method, we give sufficient conditions for the global uniform practical convergence of the closed-loop system. Based on the global null-controllability, we construct an output feedback controller that guarantees global uniform practical stability of uncertain systems. A numerical application is given to show the applicability of our theoretical results.
Cooperative Guidance of a Multi-quadrotors System with Switching and Reduced Network Information Exchange: Application to Uncooperative Target Entrapping
Authors: allam Ahmed , Nemra Abdelkrim , Tadjine Mohamed
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we investigate the leader–followers Time-Varying Formation Tracking (TVFT) problem of a networked Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) based output feedback. The agents’ behavior is featured by linear dynamics. The interaction topology among the agents is switching over time, directed and only assumed to contain a directed spanning tree. This latter is rooted by a leader-agent whose control input is unknown and bounded. A novel fully distributed TVFT controller is proposed that exhibits a reduced network information exchange property among the agents, thus less communicating-resources are utilized. The proposed controlled design is based on an adaptive observer and disturbance rejection technique, where the unknown leader-input is viewed as an external disturbance. The key feature lies in introducing a local observer in each agent-controller design to observe all the relative neighboring output-measurements and the relative neighboring distributed observer-outputs, all gathered in one signal that we denote the agent’s network information signal. The Lyapunov theory is used to prove that the closed-loop MASs tracking error is stable. An analysis of the effect of the interaction topology structure on the tracking-error convergence rate is further provided, showing the validity of the proposed formation control for switching interaction topologies. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the obtained results, the proposed controller is extended to a cooperative guidance of a networked quadrotors to track and entrap an uncooperative aerial target that plays the role of a passive leader.
India–Korea Trade and Investment Relations: An Appraisal of Past Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: SAHOO PRAVAKAR , MIGLANI SMITA , KULAR SIMRAN KAUR , SETHI SHRIHAN
Published: September 2023

India and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are, respectively, the second and sixth largest economies of Asia with significant trade ties since the historic past. India is currently negotiating to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the RoK, which was operationalized on January 1, 2010. A key area of concern for India has been its increasing trade deficit with the RoK which has more than doubled since 2009–10. This paper aims to analyze the flow of goods, services and investment between the two sides in major sectors of interest in the last decade. Further, it aims to identify barriers to trade and investment for the Indian exporters and areas of improvement in the CEPA and beyond to enhance economic gains for both sides.
Diffusion Models: A Comprehensive Survey of Methods and Applications
Authors: Yang Ling , Zhang Zhilong , Song Yang , Hong Shenda , Xu Runsheng , Zhao Yue , Zhang Wentao , Cui Bin , Yang Ming-Hsuan
Published: September 2023

Diffusion models have emerged as a powerful new family of deep generative models with record-breaking performance in many applications, including image synthesis, video generation, and molecule design. In this survey, we provide an overview of the rapidly expanding body of work on diffusion models, categorizing the research into three key areas: efficient sampling, improved likelihood estimation, and handling data with special structures. We also discuss the potential for combining diffusion models with other generative models for enhanced results. We further review the wide-ranging applications of diffusion models in fields spanning from computer vision, natural language processing, temporal data modeling, to interdisciplinary applications in other scientific disciplines. This survey aims to provide a contextualized, in-depth look at the state of diffusion models, identifying the key areas of focus and pointing to potential areas for further exploration. Github:
https://github.com/YangLing0818/Diffusion-Models-Papers-Survey-Taxonomy
Large-Scale Eddy-Mean Flow Interaction in the Earth's Extratropical Atmosphere
Authors: Nakamura Noboru
Published: October 2023

Large-scale circulation of the atmosphere in the Earth's extratropics is dominated by eddies, eastward (westerly) zonal winds, and their interaction. Eddies not only bring about weather variabilities but also help maintain the average state of climate. In recent years, our understanding of how large-scale eddies and mean flows interact in the extratropical atmosphere has advanced significantly due to new dynamical constraints on finite-amplitude eddies and the related eddy-free reference state. This article reviews the theoretical foundations for finite-amplitude Rossby wave activity and related concepts. Theory is then applied to atmospheric data to elucidate how angular momentum is redistributed by the generation, transmission, and dissipation of Rossby waves and to reveal how an anomalously large wave event such as atmospheric blocking may arise from regional eddy-mean flow interaction.
Antiepileptic Drugs as Potential Dementia Prophylactics Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Locskai Laszlo F. , Alyenbaawi Hadeel , Allison W. Ted
Published: October 2023

Seizures and other forms of neurovolatility are emerging as druggable prodromal mechanisms that link traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the progression of later dementias. TBI neurotrauma has both acute and long-term impacts on health, and TBI is a leading risk factor for dementias, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Treatment of TBI already considers acute management of posttraumatic seizures and epilepsy, and impressive efforts have optimized regimens of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) toward that goal. Here we consider that expanding these management strategies could determine which AED regimens best prevent dementia progression in TBI patients. Challenges with this prophylactic strategy include the potential consequences of prolonged AED treatment and that a large subset of patients are refractory to available AEDs. Addressing these challenges is warranted because the management of seizure activity following TBI offers a rare opportunity to prevent the onset or progression of devastating dementias.
Knowledge Transfer Within Organizations: Mechanisms, Motivation, and Consideration
Authors: Argote Linda
Published: October 2023

Knowledge transfer—the extent to which one unit learns from or is affected by the experience of another—has the potential to improve the performance of organizations. Through knowledge transfer, developments made in one unit of an organization can benefit others. Studies have found, however, considerable variation in the extent to which knowledge transfers across organizational units. In some cases, knowledge transfers seamlessly, whereas in others, knowledge transfer is far from complete. This article reviews research with the aim of explaining the variation observed in knowledge transfer. Key factors identified as explaining the variation include knowledge transfer opportunities, knowledge characteristics, mechanisms for knowledge transfer, motivation for transfer, and the depth of consideration of knowledge. These factors are integrated into a theoretical framework that predicts when knowledge transfer will be successful. The article concludes with a discussion of directions for future research to increase our understanding of knowledge transfer in organizations.
Clinical Profiles of Children with Hypophosphatasia prior to Treatment with Enzyme Replacement Therapy: An Observational Analysis from the Global HPP Registry
Authors: Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Rockman-Greenberg Cheryl , Ozono Keiichi , Petryk Anna , Kishnani Priya S. , Dahir Kathryn M. , Seefried Lothar , Fang Shona , Högler Wolfgang , Linglart Agnès
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study was to better understand the clinical profiles of children with hypophosphatasia (HPP) prior to treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Methods: Pretreatment demographics and medical histories of ERT-treated children (aged <18 years) enrolled in the Global HPP Registry (2015–2020) were analyzed overall, by age at first HPP manifestation (<6 months vs. 6 months to 18 years), and by geographic region (USA/Canada, Europe, and Japan). Results: Data from 151 children with HPP were analyzed. Sex distribution was balanced overall (52.3% female; 47.7% male) but differed in Japan (63.0% female; 37.0% male). Prior to ERT initiation, common manifestations were skeletal (67.5%) and extraskeletal, with the foremost types being muscular (48.3%), constitutional/metabolic (47.0%), and neurologic (39.7%). A high proportion of children who first presented at <6 months of age (perinatal/infantile period) had a history of bone deformity (59.3%) and respiratory failure (38.3%), while those aged 6 months to 18 years at first manifestation had a predominance of early loss of primary teeth (62.3%) and gross motor delay (41.0%). Those from Japan were reported to have a younger median age overall, the highest proportion of skeletal manifestations (80.4%) and growth impairment, while European data reported the highest proportion of muscular manifestations (70.7%). In the USA/Canada, skeletal and muscular manifestations were reported at the same frequency (57.4%). Conclusion: Prior to ERT, skeletal and extraskeletal manifestations were commonly reported in children with HPP, with differences by age at first HPP manifestation and geographical region. Comprehensive assessments of children with HPP are warranted prior to ERT initiation.
Only Half the Truth. Proclus on Aristotle’s Deficient Metaphysics
Authors: Marinescu Rareș Ilie
Published: September 2023

In this paper I argue that Proclus’ criticism of the causality of Aristotle’s intellect is part of a general attack on Aristotle’s metaphysics. I show how Proclus criticises Aristotle for rejecting the One as a metaphysical principle and the metaphysical confusion that arises from this. Additionally, I claim that for Proclus Aristotle’s understanding of efficient causality differs from Plato’s and I discuss two of his arguments that Aristotle should have accepted the intellect as an efficient cause. As I show throughout, Proclus differs in his approach to Aristotle from the harmonising agenda of Ammonius and Simplicius.
Ontogeny of sleeping behaviour in four solitary species of Anolis lizard
Authors: Barnett Joseph , Poe Steven
Published: September 2023

Despite the nearly ubiquitous nature of sleep in the animal kingdom, behavioural research on sleep has focused on a few model organisms and widespread behaviours studied in artificial laboratory settings. In this study, we examine the ontogeny of sleeping perch selection in four closely related species of arboreal lizard in situ. The study species each occupy similar habitats and share ‘solitary’ ecology wherein potential lizard competitors are absent, thus providing four partially independent replicates with which to test hypotheses. We find that structural niche, analysed as perch height, varies by age and sex. Males sleep higher than females and adults sleep higher than juveniles in three of four species. Adults exhibit greater variability in sleep site selection. These patterns may reflect diurnal behaviour or indicate selective differences in sleeping perch variability across sex and ontogeny.
Applying Pillar Three of the Responsibility to Protect in Sudan
Authors: Wood Mark J.
Published: October 2023

With a prolonged war being played out in Sudan at the expense of civilian lives it is time to revisit the framework of the Responsibility to Protect and assess its merits in the new Sudan context. This article argues that through the structures of the United Nations, the Responsibility to Protect framework, the African Union and the African Union Constitutive Act, legal instruments can and should be implemented to stop the atrocities occurring. It provides examples from recent history that serve as a reference for deploying a peacekeeping stabilisation force in Sudan.
The Partisans: Civilian Support & Indirect Violence
Authors: Barter Shane Joshua
Published: September 2023

Although also victims, there is a growing appreciation that civilians are actors in civil wars. Scholarship on civilian agency shows how their decisions impact well-being and shape conflict dynamics. Civilians are increasingly framed as impartial forces resisting armed groups and cultivating peace. However, civilians are as likely to support armed groups and deepen violence. This paper seeks to better understand civilian partisanship. I frame forms of civilian support that enhance the coercive capacities of armed groups as ‘indirect violence’. Some forms of support, such as refusing to provide information or protesting enemy abuses, may reduce violence, while providing food or medicine is more neutral. Other actions, such as contributing funds, intelligence, recruits, and weapons, enable armed groups to carry out violence. That civilians contribute indirect violence does not mean they are not victims, but may call their innocence into question, providing a sober account of civilians in civil war.
Lectotypification of Othonna crassifolia Harv., a replaced synonym of Crassothonna capensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)
Authors: MCKENZIE ROBERT J. , DOLD ANTHONY P.
Published: October 2023

N/A
The Pre-Colonial Roots of Colonial Coercion: Evidence From British Burma
Authors: Zaw Htet Thiha
Published: September 2023

Under severe fiscal constraints that plagued colonial states, how did governments allocate their coercive power throughout the colonized territory? In this paper, I highlight the pre-colonial state consolidation as an important determinant of colonial coercion. When the state established control over society by appointing new local agents, the society became more compliant to state demands, reducing the need for coercion over the long run. To evaluate this argument in British Burma, I collected new data from indigenous land revenue inquests and colonial police reports, using the pre-colonial variation in local headman appointment after a plausibly exogenous extinction of a hereditary line. I find that places closer to locations that received new pre-colonial headmen experienced significantly lower colonial police presence. Neither spatial correlation nor the presence of other state institutions can explain the results. The findings emphasize the deep origins of contentious state-society relations that extend beyond colonial legacies.
Augmented Visual Feedback for Complex Motor Skill Acquisition: A Demonstration with Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Miyamoto Wakako , Kawahara Yasuhiro , Mori Suguru , Setsu Katsuyoshi , Hattori Fumitada
Published: September 2023

Mirror therapy (MT) is a treatment for improving motor function after stroke. Video therapy (VT) training combines observation and imitation of video clips, and it has been used to conduct efficient occupational therapy. We sought to determine the effects of MT and VT on tool-use with healthy young adults. We assigned participants to three different training groups in which they used their non-dominant left hands to move a ball with chopsticks: (a) a self-paced MT group ( N = 14), (b) an MT group who moved the ball while looking at the mirror image of the right hand with a sound cue (4-second intervals) ( N = 12), and (c) a group who imitated a video demonstration (4-second intervals) ( N = 13). The ball-moving time was significantly reduced after training in all three groups: MT group ( p < .001), MT-R group ( p = .010), and VT group ( p = .014), but the video group showed significantly greater relative improvements in motion variability ( p = .030) and object prediction ( p = .008).We concluded that MT was as effective as VT in improving movement speed, but, with these healthy young adults, MT was less effective than VT in learning speed control or hand pre-shaping to refine task movements for tool use.
Test-Retest Reliability of Immersive Virtual Reality Measures of Perceptual-Motor Performance
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Lansey Jonathan C. , Noblett Courtney N. , Sarris Caroline E.
Published: September 2023

The duration, accuracy, and consistency of responses to various types of stimuli are widely accepted as indirect indicators of the efficiency of brain information processing, but current clinical tests appear to lack sufficient sensitivity to detect subtle impairments. Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a new means to acquire measures of perceptual-motor responses to moving visual stimuli that require rapid conflict resolution, but their test-retest reliability has not yet been demonstrated. Repeated measures. We analyzed data from 19 healthy young adults who performed a 40-trial VR test on three consecutive days. We focused on response time (RT) and perceptual latency (PL) for eye, neck, arm, and whole-body step displacements involved in executing a reaching/lunging movement in a right or left direction toward a peripherally located virtual target. Measures of RT and PL included a 40-trial mean, an intra-individual variability (IIV) value, and a rate correct score (RCS) that incorporated both response duration and accuracy. Most mean and IIV values for PL and RT demonstrated a positive distributional skew that was substantially reduced by natural logarithm transformation. While a learning effect was evident between sessions 1 and 2 for 7 of 8 mean PL and RT measures, 3-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were moderate to excellent for 15 of 16 transformed PL and RT measures (range: .618 to .922). The composite RCS metric did not require transformation for either PL or RT, whose respective 3-session ICC values were .877 and .851. This moderate to excellent test-retest reliability for various VR measures of perceptual-motor function, combined with evidence of their validity from both past and future research, suggest that these measures can advance clinical detection of impaired brain processing and longitudinal assessments of potentially modifiable performance deficiencies.
Homeownership and subjective well-being: Are the links heterogeneous across location, age and income?
Authors: Ong ViforJ Rachel , Suenaga Hiroaki , Brierty Ryan
Published: September 2023

This article examines the impact of homeownership on subjective well-being and how it varies by location, age and income in Australia. We apply panel data models with instrumental variables within a two-stage modelling framework and find that homeownership, particularly outright ownership, positively affects subjective well-being – as measured by life, financial, home and neighbourhood satisfaction – relative to renting. However, these effects are not homogeneous. Outright owners in major urban locations enjoy higher financial satisfaction but poorer neighbourhood satisfaction than their counterparts outside major urban locations. The subjective well-being gap between owners and renters widens as age increases within the age range of 30s to 60s. However, the presence of mortgage debt depresses the financial satisfaction associated with homeownership. Beyond age 50, the existence of a mortgage debt burden cancels any positive financial satisfaction effects that homeownership has relative to renting. As income increases, the positive effects of homeownership on subjective well-being diminishes in the domain of financial satisfaction This reflects greater diversification in high-income households’ asset portfolios compared to low-income households’ portfolios. We discuss the policy implications of these heterogeneous effects.
How digitalisation influences neighbourhood change
Authors: Galster George C
Published: September 2023

Despite much research on the societal and individual consequences of new digital communication technologies, little attention has been paid to the neighbourhood as a locus of impact. This paper investigates how the growing influence of social media and real estate platforms will likely shape the process of neighbourhood change and the geographic distribution of population and financial resources. The investigation is grounded on a model of neighbourhood dynamics based on flows of households and property investments across metropolitan space, which are guided by imperfect information about housing market opportunities. Decision-makers receive information passively (increasingly through local and non-local social media) and when uncertainty about course of action becomes intolerable they turn to active search (increasingly involving online real estate platforms). Based on this conceptual framing, the article synthesises extant research to draw implications on how the expanding use of these new technologies is affecting neighbourhoods by changing the composition of decision-makers and the information that underpins their decisions. It concludes that digitalisation reduces neighbourhoods residential stability, social capital and diversity, while rendering their dwellings less well-maintained and more expensive.
Retained fragmented needle in intravenous drug users: An institutional experience and treatment protocol
Authors: Rawat Sanjib , Kynta Reuben Lamiaki , Barman Bhupen , Sun Neelamjinghba , Khandelwal Ankur , Deb Prakash
Published: October 2023

Retained needle fragments can occur in intravenous drug user (IVDU), which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of present study is to give an overview of our institutional experience and treatment protocol followed for such patients. IVDU with retained fragment of fractured needle were taken from the patient presenting in Emergency, Medicine and CTVS departments with history of IVDU, from January 2019 to December 2020. Six patients were found with retained broken needles. Detailed history, examination and investigations were done. The needle was removed under local anaesthesia successfully in all patients. IVDU with retained broken needle poses risk for catastrophic complications along with possibility of local complications. A systematic approach in managing such patients is required. These broken needles can be successfully retrieved as day care procedure. Lastly, IVDUs with fractured needles pose threat to the caregivers who should take caution to avoid iatrogenic injury.
BCStat: A Sustainable Approach to “CollaborationStat”
Authors: Olszewski Johnny , Abukhdier Momen
Published: September 2023

Baltimore City’s CitiStat, a performance management program designed to increase productivity by requiring key indicators on a regular basis, quickly became a highly lauded model that was replicated by other governments around the world but that has had its own sustainability questioned. Based on lessons learned from the CitiStat experience, Baltimore County’s BCStat program has taken a “three pronged approach” to maximize program benefits and to address the sustainability challenges faced by CitiStat. Specificially, BCStat is focused on collaborative, cross-departmental priorities; the Stat team provides data and consulting support; and data literacy has become infused across all county departments, including programmatic assistance.
Exploring inclusive teaching practices to enhance effective learning of students with visual impairments in a secondary school in Saudi Arabia using a self-regulated learning framework
Authors: Alraddadi Maram M , Zebehazy Kim T
Published: September 2023

This study’s goal was to investigate the extent to which general classroom teachers were implementing practices to promote the inclusion of students with visual impairment (VI) using self-regulated learning (SRL) as a framework for the study. SRL can help students, including struggling students or students with special needs, acquire the skills to take control of their learning situations as well as feel more included in the classroom. Observations and self-report questionnaires designed from SRL practices that foster inclusion were used to collect the data. Overall, the teachers provided limited opportunities at a depth that promoted inclusion or supported the SRL development of students with VI. Teacher training in SRL and student readiness to meet higher expectations will support inclusion within an SRL framework.
The impact of a rail network on socioeconomic inclusion: A ward-level analysis of Liverpool
Authors: Southern Billy
Published: October 2023

This study critically examines the impact of a rail network on mobility of residents in an urban area in the north of England. The research provides a ward-level analysis of rail commuting habits, social indicators and economic trends throughout Liverpool, in order to evaluate how access to the Merseyrail network reflects socioeconomic engagement and opportunity. Secondary sourced quantitative data is used in an exploratory data analysis of mobility and socioeconomic participation in Liverpool. Operating the Travel Time Application Programming Interface (API) furthers the research by generating a spatial analysis of rail accessibility. Initial results indicate that the rail line enables mobility throughout Liverpool. Wards served by the Merseyrail network demonstrate around 8%–12% of residents use the service. Findings highlight that the rail network is associated with socioeconomic opportunity, as eight of the ten wards served by the Merseyrail network represent the lowest unemployment rates. An inequality in rail accessibility is observed as all passenger routes converge on the city centre. Should the limitations to the network be addressed through the Liverpool City Region Long-Term Rail Strategy, new social, economic and cultural opportunities will open for the city and the wider city region.