bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric Dirac operator on noncommutative torus and $$M_2({\mathbb {C}})$$
Authors: Lira-Torres E. , Majid S.
Published: May 2024

We solve for quantum geometrically realised pre-spectral triples or ‘Dirac operators’ on the noncommutative torus $${\mathbb {C}}_\theta [T^2]$$

C
θ

[

T
2

]

and on the algebra $$M_2({\mathbb {C}})$$

M
2

(
C
)

of $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

matrices with their standard quantum metrics and associated quantum Riemannian geometry. For $${\mathbb {C}}_\theta [T^2]$$

C
θ

[

T
2

]

, we obtain a standard even spectral triple but now uniquely determined by full geometric realisability. For $$M_2({\mathbb {C}})$$

M
2

(
C
)

, we are forced to a particular flat quantum Levi-Civita connection and again obtain a natural fully geometrically realised even spectral triple. In both cases there is an odd spectral triple for a different choice of a sign parameter. We also consider an alternate quantum metric on $$M_2({\mathbb {C}})$$

M
2

(
C
)

with curved quantum Levi-Civita connection and find a natural 2-parameter family of Dirac operators which are almost spectral triples, where "Equation missing" fails to be antihermitian. In all cases, we split the construction into a local tensorial level related to the quantum Riemannian geometry, where we classify the results more broadly, and the further requirements relating to the pre-Hilbert space structure. We also illustrate the Lichnerowicz formula for "Equation missing" which applies in the case of a full geometric realisation.
Volume singularities in general relativity
Authors: García-Heveling Leonardo
Published: May 2024

We propose a new notion of singularity in general relativity which complements the usual notions of geodesic incompleteness and curvature singularities. Concretely, we say that a spacetime has a volume singularity if there exist points whose future or past has arbitrarily small spacetime volume: in particular, smaller than a Planck volume. From a cosmological perspective, we show that the (geodesic) singularities predicted by Hawking’s theorem are also volume singularities. In the black hole setting, we show that volume singularities are always hidden by an event horizon, prompting a discussion of Penrose’s cosmic censorship conjecture.
Quantum particle localization observables on Cauchy surfaces of Minkowski spacetime and their causal properties
Authors: De Rosa Carmine , Moretti Valter
Published: May 2024

We introduce and study a general notion of spatial localization on spacelike smooth Cauchy surfaces of quantum systems in Minkowski spacetime. The notion is constructed in terms of a coherent family of normalized POVMs, one for each said Cauchy surface. We prove that a family of POVMs of this type automatically satisfies a causality condition which generalizes Castrigiano’s one and implies it when restricting to flat spacelike Cauchy surfaces. As a consequence, no conflict with Hegerfeldt’s theorem arises. We furthermore prove that such families of POVMs do exist for massive Klein–Gordon particles, since some of them are extensions of already known spatial localization observables. These are constructed out of positive definite kernels or are defined in terms of the stress–energy tensor operator. Some further features of these structures are investigated, in particular the relation with the triple of Newton–Wigner selfadjoint operators and a modified form of Heisenberg inequality in the rest 3-spaces of Minkowski reference frames.
Convergence in Financial Development and Growth
Authors: He Zhiheng , You Yang
Published: May 2024

We evaluate the cross-country convergence of financial development and its relationship with GDP growth. Financial inclusion variables have been widely converged across countries, and the catch-up effect of countries with poor financial coverage mainly drives the convergence. In contrast, financial development measures — including domestic credit, liability, mutual fund size, and stock market capitalization — have diverged since 1985 despite the absolute convergence in GDP and financial inclusion. The GDP growth rates strongly correlate with the change in financial development but not the improvement in financial inclusion.
Limiting environmental reporting flexibility: investor judgment based on the EU taxonomy
Authors: Chrzan Sandra , Pott Christiane
Published: May 2024

This experimental research investigates the effect of different types of environmental information on investor judgment. By examining three experimental cases varying the level of environmental disclosure, we evaluate the investment judgments of professional (Study 1) and private German investors (Study 2). Primarily, we investigate whether traditional, commonly disclosed environmental information affects investor judgments. Furthermore, we explore the effects of linking non-financial reporting elements to quantitative financial measures through the EU taxonomy by adding taxonomy indicators. Specifically, we operationalized the case where companies fall into a category of poor environmental performance by taxonomy classification. We find that only traditional environmental disclosure in combination with standardized taxonomy-aligned information (below average), influences the investment judgment. However, professional investors exhibit a significantly negative response, while private investors show a significantly positive reaction when constraining reporting flexibility through the inclusion of standardized taxonomy measures with poor performance. Consequently, we conclude that the connection between non-financial reporting elements and quantitative standardized financial measures enhances transparency for professional investors. Private investors, on the other hand, reward additional taxonomy-aligned environmental information irrespective of its content. This implies that environmental information generally conveys positive signals to private investors, but uncertainty in investment judgment can be assumed.
The Ionosphere of Mars After 20 Years of Mars Express Contributions
Authors: Peter Kerstin , Sánchez-Cano Beatriz , Němec František , González-Galindo Francisco , Kopf Andrew J. , Lester Mark , Pätzold Martin , Regan Catherine E. , Holmström Mats
Published: May 2024

The Martian ionosphere originates from the ionization of the planetary neutral atmosphere by solar radiation. This conductive layer is embedded within the thermosphere and exosphere of Mars where it forms a highly variable interaction region with the solar wind. The Martian ionosphere has been continuously observed by the three plasma instruments MaRS, MARSIS and ASPERA-3 on Mars Express for the last 20 years ( >10 Martian years). Those long-term observations laid a solid foundation for what we know today about the Martian ionosphere, and provided numerous opportunities for collaboration and coordinated observations with other missions. This review describes the most significant achievements of Mars Express for the ionosphere, such as the dynamics and structures of both day and nightside, its variability and couplings with the lower atmosphere, as well as the improvement of atmospheric and ionosphere modelling. Mars Express has also provided a better characterization of the role of several external and internal drivers in controlling the ionosphere, such as the Martian crustal magnetic fields, solar activity, seasons, dust lifting from the surface, and even the direct interaction of the Martian ionosphere with the coma of an Oort-cloud comet (C/2013 A1, Siding Spring).
Uncovering further diversity of Ochoterenatrema Caballero, 1943 (Digenea: Lecithodendriidae) in South American bats
Authors: Tkach Vasyl V. , Gasperetti Roxanne , Fernandes Thayane F. , Carrión-Bonilla Carlos A. , Cook Joseph A. , Achatz Tyler J.
Published: May 2024

Ochoterenatrema Caballero, 1943 is a genus of lecithodendriid digeneans that prior to this study included 8 species parasitic in bats in the Western Hemisphere. Species of Ochoterenatrema possess a unique morphological feature in form of the pseudogonotyl on the sinistral side of the ventral sucker. In this study, we describe 2 new species of Ochoterenatrema from bats in Ecuador. The new species are readily differentiated from their congeners by a combination of morphological characters, including the distribution of vitelline follicles, length of oesophagus, sucker ratio and the body shape, among other features. We have generated partial nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 gene DNA sequences from both new species. The newly obtained sequences were used to differentiate among species and study the phylogenetic interrelationships among Ochoterenatrema spp. The internal topology of the clade was weakly supported, although the cox1 tree was much better resolved than the 28S tree. Comparison of sequences revealed 0–1.2% interspecific divergence in 28S and 3.3–20.5% interspecific divergence in cox1 among Ochoterenatrema spp. The new findings demonstrate that bats in South America likely harbor multiple additional undescribed species of Ochoterenatrema. More extensive sampling from broader geographic and host ranges, especially in North America, should allow for a better understanding of the evolution of host associations and morphological traits of this lineage of lecithodendriid digeneans.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Hebeloma excedens mushroom extract as a new source: Anti-lipid peroxidation, bioaccessibility and antidiabetic properties
Authors: Okumus Emine
Published: May 2024

A traditional source of natural bioactive compounds, mushrooms are used to synthesize biomaterials, thanks to their potential applications in the medicine, pharmacology and cosmetics industries. In this study, the vitamin C and E contents of the Hebeloma excedens mushroom species were determined as 64.2 mg/g and 38.6 mg/g, respectively. In the mineral substance analysis, the highest amount of magnesium (32.16 mg/g) and trace amounts of iron (0.22 mg/g) were detected. In the nanoparticles (AgNPs/He) synthesized using this mushroom species, the colour of the mixture first changed to dark brown and exhibited maximum absorption at 428 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed the binding properties of the biocomponents responsible for coating and stabilizing the nanoparticles. The resulting nanostructures were much more stable than the mushroom extract and showed strong antioxidant activity (22.93 mg/ml). A significant decrease in phenolic compounds was observed after the gastrointestinal digestion process applied to the mushroom extract and AgNPs/He samples (p < 0.05). However, a significant increase in the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was detected in AgNPs/He particles (p < 0.05). It was determined that there was a significant increase in the thermal stability, inhibition against lipid peroxidation (6.64 mg/ml) and antidiabetic activities (29.20 mg/ml) of silver structures synthesized using the green synthesis method. As a result, the existence and current potential of a new biomaterial suitable for cost-effective and large-scale production in the synthesis of AgNPs/He has been demonstrated for the first time.
Oncological outcomes post transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a single-centre retrospective Australian study
Authors: Kornfeld Belen , Taha Ahmed , Kyang Lee , Sim Hao-wen , Dewhurst Suzannah , McCloy Rachael , Chin Vanessa , Earls Peter , Parker Andrew , Leavers Brett , Forstner Dion , Floros Peter , Crawford Julia , Gallagher Richard
Published: May 2024

We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year period. A retrospective case series review was performed of patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for HPV-associated OPSCC through the St. Vincent’s Head and Neck Cancer service from 2011 to 2022. The primary outcomes were to investigate complete resection of the primary tumour, rates of recurrence, and survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included complications, rates of adjuvant therapy, sites of recurrence and rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). 184 patients underwent TORS-based therapy with neck dissection, and guideline-directed adjuvant therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. Our median follow-up was 46 months. The positive margin rate on final histopathology analysis was 10.9%. Adjuvant therapy was indicated in 85 patients (46%). The local recurrence rate was 10.9% with the majority (80%) of patients recurring in the first 3 years since treatment. The disease-specific survival at 3 years was 98.6% and at 5 years was 94.4%. The 3-year and 5-year OS for the cohort was 96.7% and 92.5%, respectively. The presence of extranodal extension and positive margins were associated with increased risk of recurrence, whereas adjuvant therapy was found to be a protective factor for both overall recurrence and survival. Major complications occurred in 12 patients (6.5%), resulting in one death. This study has demonstrated that primary surgical therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC is a safe and effective treatment modality with low local recurrence and complication rates, and overall survival benefits.
Ladybird predators in natural and agricultural landscapes in Mexico: diversity and parasitism
Authors: Mendoza-Arroyo W. , del-Val E.
Published: May 2024

Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are a significant predator group that plays a role in agricultural contexts. They serve as important biocontrol agents against several agricultural pests. However, there is limited information available about how ladybirds’ populations are regulated by their natural enemies and habitat perturbation. In this study, we evaluated ladybird communities associated with natural and managed areas during the agricultural cycle of 2018 (June–September). We identified seven ladybird species; the most abundant species were Hippodamia convergens (70% individuals) and Cycloneda sanguinea (20% individuals), followed by the exotic species Harmonia axyridis (3.33% individuals), while Paranaemia vittigera, Coleomegilla maculata, Brachiacantha sp., and Olla v-nigrum represented less than 3% each. Ladybirds were more abundant in agricultural fields than in natural habitats. We identified several natural enemies associated with the collected ladybirds, including parasitoids (Dinocampus coccinellae, Hymenoptera: Braconidae), ectoparasitic Acari (Coccipolipus sp., Podapolipidae), and nematodes (Mermithidae). However, none of the natural enemies affected more than 10% of the ladybirds, so natural enemies do not appear to be exerting substantial control over their populations. Our results corroborated that ladybirds can efficiently thrive in anthropogenic habitats in Mexico and therefore may represent good biocontrol agents for agriculture. It is important to consider the ecology of agriculturally important ladybirds in programs for integrated pest management. This includes factors contributing to the mortality of ladybirds, including their natural enemies.
Nerve Injury Following Regional Nerve Block: A Literature Review of Its Etiologies, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors: Bais Kimmy , Guirguis Fady , Guirguis Mina
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Postoperative nerve injury after nerve block is complex and multifactorial. The mechanisms, etiologies, and risk factors are explored. This review article conducts a literature search and summarizes current evidence and best practices in prevention of nerve injury.

Recent Findings

Emerging technology such as ultrasound, injection pressure monitors, and nerve stimulators for peripheral nerve block have been incorporated into regular practice to reduce the rate of nerve injury. Studies show avoidance of intrafascicular injection, limiting concentrations/volumes of local anesthetic, and appropriate patient selection are the most significant controllable factors in limiting the negative consequences of nerve block.

Peripheral nerve injury is an uncommon occurrence after nerve block and is obscured by surgical manipulation, positioning, and underlying neural integrity. Underlying neural integrity is not always evident despite an adequate history and physical exam. Surgical stress, independently of nerve block, may exacerbate these neurologic disease processes and make diagnosing a postoperative nerve injury more challenging. Prevention of nerve injury by surgical teams, care with positioning, and avoidance of intrafascicular injection with nerve block are the most evidence-based practices.
Protective Effect of CXCR7 Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Meng Ping , Liu Chunli , Li Jingchun , Fang Ping , Chen Liling
Published: May 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a multifactorial syndrome with complex pathophysiology and prognosis. Ischaemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of induced AKI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upregulated CXCR7 expression on renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). HK-2 cells were divided into three groups: control group (pcDNA3.1), hypoxia/reoxygenation + pcDNA3.1 group (H/R+pcDNA3.1) and CXCR7 overexpression + hypoxia/reoxygenation group (H/R+ Flag-CXCR7). Protein levels of renal tubular epithelial cell injury-, apoptosis- and autophagy-related markers were assessed by qRT‒PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry (FCM), immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, HK-2 cells were treated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and divided into 3 groups: control group, 3-MA + pcDNA3.1 group, and 3-MA + Flag-CXCR7 group. Changes in autophagy and apoptosis in renal tubule epithelial cells were assessed by Western blotting and FCM. Compared with those in the control group, the protein and mRNA expression levels of CXCR7 in HK-2 cells were significantly lower under H/R conditions. Under H/R conditions, CXCR7 overexpression in HK-2 cells significantly downregulated the expression of NGAL. Moreover, CXCR7 overexpression significantly decreased H/R-induced cleaved PARP-1 and cleaved Caspase 3 levels, increased the level of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 and the autophagy-related molecules ATG5 and LC3B II, and significantly inhibited the expression of P62. Autophagy flow and TEM also showed that CXCR7 significantly promoted autophagy. CXCR7 significantly alleviated the 3-MA-induced inhibition of autophagy and increase in apoptosis. Upregulated CXCR7 expression can inhibit renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and damage by regulating autophagy. In conclusion, CXCR7 is a promising target for the prevention and/or treatment of AKI.
A General Integral Identity with Applications to a Reverse Serrin Problem
Authors: Magnanini Rolando , Molinarolo Riccardo , Poggesi Giorgio
Published: May 2024

We prove a new general differential identity and an associated integral identity, which entails a pair of solutions of the Poisson equation with constant source term. This generalizes a formula that the first and third authors previously proved and used to obtain quantitative estimates of spherical symmetry for the Serrin overdetermined boundary value problem. As an application, we prove a quantitative symmetry result for the reverse Serrin problem, which we introduce for the first time in this paper. In passing, we obtain a rigidity result for solutions of the aforementioned Poisson equation subject to a constant Neumann condition.
Improving motion management in radiation therapy: findings from a workshop and survey in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Claridge Mackonis Elizabeth , Stensmyr Rachel , Poldy Rachel , White Paul , Moutrie Zoë , Gorjiara Tina , Seymour Erin , Erven Tania , Hardcastle Nicholas , Haworth Annette
Published: May 2024

Motion management has become an integral part of radiation therapy. Multiple approaches to motion management have been reported in the literature. To allow the sharing of experiences on current practice and emerging technology, the University of Sydney and the New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory branch of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) held a two-day motion management workshop. To inform the workshop program, participants were invited to complete a survey prior to the workshop on current use of motion management techniques and their opinion on the effectiveness of each approach. A post-workshop survey was also conducted, designed to capture changes in opinion as a result of workshop participation. The online workshop was the most well attended ever hosted by the ACPSEM, with over 300 participants and a response to the pre-workshop survey was received from at least 60% of the radiation therapy centres in Australia and New Zealand. Motion management is extensively used in the region with use of deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) reported by 98% of centres for left-sided breast treatments and 91% for at least some right-sided breast treatments. Surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) was the most popular session at the workshop and survey results showed that the use of SGRT is likely to increase. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience, with most survey respondents indicating that their participation would lead to improvements in the quality of delivery of treatments at their centres.
Hypomineralised second primary molars: the Würzburg concept
Authors: Bekes K. , Steffen R. , Krämer N.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In addition to molar incisor hypomineralisation, the occurrence of enamel hypomineralisation in the primary dentition has become increasingly important in recent years. Hypomineralised second primary molar (HSPM) is defined as hypomineralisation of systemic origin affecting from one to all four second primary molars. Some years ago, the “Würzburg concept” was introduced, which proposed a grading of MIH findings (MIH treatment need index) in combination with an appropriate treatment plan depending on the severity of the affected tooth. Recently, this concept was updated and new treatment approaches have been added. However, currently, the concept solely addresses the treatment plan for permanent teeth. As there is a need to expand its scope to encompass primary teeth and, consequently, HSPM, this paper seeks to develop the second component of the Würzburg concept, the treatment plan, for the primary dentition in response to the increased focus on the disease in recent years. Although the evidence base for the different treatment options is still weak, there is a need for guidance for clinicians in their day-to-day practice.

Methods

The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, encompassing clinical and laboratory studies along with published guidelines.

Results

The treatment plan of the HSPM Würzburg concept contains prophylactic and regenerative aspects, non-invasive interventions, temporary and permanent restorative techniques, and extraction.

Conclusions

The intention is to provide practical guidance to practitioners, acknowledging the necessity for further validation through clinical trials.
The Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment for Mood Disorders
Authors: Ozan Elif , Chouinard Virginie-Anne , Palmer Christopher M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

The ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat diet which results in a metabolic state known as ketosis, in which fats are broken down into ketone bodies. The ketogenic diet is a 100-year-old evidence-based treatment for epilepsy and is gaining popularity as a treatment for various mental disorders, including mood disorders. Our objective is to explain the potential mechanisms through which ketogenic diets may improve the pathophysiology of mood disorders and provide a comprehensive review of recent clinical literature on the topic

Recent Findings

Mood disorders are associated with several proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The ketogenic diet shows promise in addressing these underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and emerging clinical data suggest that ketogenic diets may improve symptoms in people with mood disorders.

The ketogenic diet shows promise in the treatment of mood disorders. This metabolic intervention has the potential to directly target underlying disease mechanisms, potentially reduce the need for medications, and reduce common side effects and comorbidities, such as weight gain and insulin resistance.
Discrete element model for effective electrical conductivity of spark plasma sintered porous materials
Authors: Nisar F. , Rojek J. , Nosewicz S. , Szczepański J. , Kaszyca K. , Chmielewski M.
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to analyse electrical conduction in partially sintered porous materials using an original resistor network model within discrete element framework. The model is based on sintering geometry, where two particles are connected via neck. Particle-to-particle conductance depends on neck size in sintered materials. Therefore, accurate evaluation of neck size is essential to determine conductance. The neck size was determined using volume preservation criterion. Additionally, grain boundary correction factor was introduced to compensate for any non-physical overlaps between particles, particularly at higher densification. Furthermore, grain boundary resistance was added to account for the porosity within necks. For numerical analysis, the DEM sample was generated using real particle size distribution, ensuring a heterogeneous and realistic microstructure characterized by a maximum-to-minimum particle diameter ratio of 15. The DEM sample was subjected to hot press simulation to obtain geometries with different porosity levels. These representative geometries were used to simulate current flow and determine effective electrical conductivity as a function of porosity. The discrete element model (DEM) was validated using experimentally measured electrical conductivities of porous NiAl samples manufactured using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The numerical results were in close agreement with the experimental results, hence proving the accuracy of the model. The model can be used for microscopic analysis and can also be coupled with sintering models to evaluate effective properties during the sintering process.
Anti-corruption disclosure: evidence from the natural experiment of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive
Authors: Aluchna Maria , Kamiński Bogumił , Wrzosek Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Drawing upon institutional theory, we investigate how companies react to coercive pressures which impose anti-corruption disclosure practices. We adopt the concept of change in the institutionalized field and investigate the impact of the natural experiment of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) implementation on a company’s choice for disclosing its anti-corruption policy. We examine the relationship between firm linkages with the external environment, proxied by board independence and ownership dispersion, and anti-corruption disclosure. We use a sample of 72 companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange over the period of 2015–2019 that were subject to the NFRD legislation. The evidence from the Tobit model shows that the linkages with the external environment differentiate company reactions to the implementation of the mandatory reporting legislation. In particular, greater company linkages via interdependent directors and ownership dispersion increase the scope of the anti-corruption disclosure in the post-NFRD period. Our study offers policy implications suggesting that corporate scrutiny and exposure to external constituencies may improve implementation of legislation into company practice and enhance anti-corruption disclosure.
A Working Framework to Address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Jiang K. , Blumer J. B. , Zaveri N. T. , Schneid S. D. , Lee E. M. , Szarek J. L. , Kruidering M. , Quesnelle K. M. , Lee M. W.
Published: May 2024

Health disparities exist among groups that are based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and geography. Often, interventions directed at addressing these disparities are episodically incorporated into health professions education as opposed to a more uniform integration throughout a curriculum. Thus, a working framework for integrating and assessing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) specifically into foundational science teaching in health professions’ education is needed. Current frameworks are theoretically based and often bereft of practical examples that basic science and clinical educators would find useful in educational settings. Here we analyzed examples in pharmacology, therapeutics, and clinical medicine to create a tool aimed at identifying and remediating biases and disparities across the undergraduate medical education (UME) curriculum. We initially focused on pharmacology examples and performed a literature search followed by an in-depth analysis of the literature together with our experiences teaching topics with a DEI component. It became clear that, in addition to pure pharmacology topics, there are many pharmacology- and therapeutics-related topics that also involve race, gender, and sexual orientation. These include clinical guidelines and clinical screening criteria. Further analysis of all of the examples derived from our multi-faceted analysis revealed common themes that we, in turn, compiled into a framework. This framework can be used by foundational science and clinical educators to help both students and faculty understand how to navigate DEI-associated foundational science content.
From Liberal Democracy to Illiberal Populist Autocracy: Possible Reasons for Hungary’s Autocratization
Authors: Halmai Gábor
Published: May 2024

The paper looks for the main reasons of how was the Hungarian government of the Fidesz Party lead by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán able to within 13 years undermine the independent checks on their power so that it could convert what had looked like a stable but imperfect democracy into an autocracy? After listing the most obvious reasons the paper looks particularly at, how much is the way of a mostly elite-driven democratic transition using the tools of ‚legal constitutionalism‘and ‚undemocratic liberalism‘without real historical traditions of a liberal democratic constitutional culture and with the regionally determined value system is to blame. This also leads to the question, how to allocate the responsibility for the backsliding between the elites and the citizens, influenced and often manipulated by the leaders.
Transition zone parameter development in multi-material powder bed fusion: a general approach
Authors: Schroeder Timo , Lehmann Maja , Horn Max , Kindermann Philipp , Uensal Ismail , Michal Florian , Lippus Anja , Schlick Georg , Seidel Christian
Published: May 2024

Power bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) offers unique possibilities to manufacture functionally graded materials (FGM) consisting of different alloys. These so-called multi-material parts enable their material properties to be tailored to local material requirements. In this paper, a new methodical approach for the production of metal FGM with transition zones oriented in different directions and manufacturing sequences of the different materials is investigated. Existing approaches for the manufacturing of these transition zones were enhanced with graded parameter variations, spatial laser movement modulation techniques (wobbling), and geometric approximations using a step structure. For the validation of the approach and the characterization of the transition zones, the manufactured samples were investigated and characterized using optical microscopy and hardness profile measurements. Furthermore, the density of the transition zones was analyzed by image data processing. The feasibility of the presented methods is shown and the production of defect-free transition zones with controlled expansions for functionally graded materials via PBF-LB/M achieved
A model-based boosting approach to risk factors for physical intimate partner violence against women and girls in Mexico
Authors: Torres Munguía Juan Armando
Published: May 2024

The goal of this study was to identify and describe the extent to which a comprehensive set of risk factors from the ecological model are associated with physical intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in Mexico. To achieve this goal, a structured additive probit model is applied to a dataset of 35,000 observations and 42 theoretical correlates from 10 data sources. Due to the model's high dimensionality, the boosting algorithm is used for estimating and simultaneously performing variable selection and model choice. The findings indicate that age at sexual initiation and marriage, sexual and professional autonomy, social connectedness, household overcrowding, housework division, women's political participation, and geographical space are associated with physical IPV. The findings provide evidence of risk factors that were previously unknown in Mexico or were solely based on theoretical grounds without empirical testing. Specifically, this paper makes three key contributions. First, by examining the individual and relationship levels, it was possible to identify high-risk population subgroups that are often overlooked, such as women who experienced sexual initiation during childhood and women living in overcrowded families. Second, the inclusion of community factors enabled the identification of the importance of promoting women's political participation. Finally, the introduction of several emerging indicators allowed to examine the experiences faced by women in various aspects of life, such as decision-making power, social networks, and the division of housework.
Investigating the neurocognitive background of speech perception with a fast multi-feature MMN paradigm
Authors: Honbolygó Ferenc , Zulauf Borbála , Zavogianni Maria Ioanna , Csépe Valéria
Published: May 2024

The speech multi-feature MMN (Mismatch Negativity) offers a means to explore the neurocognitive background of the processing of multiple speech features in a short time, by capturing the time-locked electrophysiological activity of the brain known as event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Originating from Näätänen et al. (Clin Neurophysiol 115:140–144, 2004) pioneering work, this paradigm introduces several infrequent deviant stimuli alongside standard ones, each differing in various speech features. In this study, we aimed to refine the multi-feature MMN paradigm used previously to encompass both segmental and suprasegmental (prosodic) features of speech. In the experiment, a two-syllable long pseudoword was presented as a standard, and the deviant stimuli included alterations in consonants (deviation by place or place and mode of articulation), vowels (deviation by place or mode of articulation), and stress pattern in the first syllable of the pseudoword. Results indicated the emergence of MMN components across all segmental and prosodic contrasts, with the expected fronto-central amplitude distribution. Subsequent analyses revealed subtle differences in MMN responses to the deviants, suggesting varying sensitivity to phonetic contrasts. Furthermore, individual differences in MMN amplitudes were noted, partially attributable to participants’ musical and language backgrounds. These findings underscore the utility of the multi-feature MMN paradigm for rapid and efficient investigation of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying speech processing. Moreover, the paradigm demonstrated the potential to be used in further research to study the speech processing abilities in various populations.
Quality of Life and its sociodemographic determinants: a population-based study from rural Punjab, India
Authors: Kasaudhan Sapana , Saraswathy Kallur Nava , Chaudhary Vineet
Published: May 2024

Background

Quality of Life (QoL) is an individual’s subjective perception of well-being within their cultural context. While most QoL studies focus on individuals with certain health conditions, factors such as sex, marital status, education, and family structure can influence QoL beyond age and health conditions. Considering the limited studies on QoL in the general Indian population, especially from rural areas, the present study aims to explore the QoL and sociodemographic factors affecting QoL among community-dwelling adults in rural Punjab.

Methods

This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes (59.6% female) aged 20–75 years residing in rural areas of Mansa, Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected using an interview schedule, and QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF.

Results

The overall mean QoL score was found to be 67.44 ± 14.7. The most affected QoL was in the physical domain (mean = 60.203 ± 13.49), followed by psychological (mean = 65.67 ± 18.3), social-relationship (mean = 69.88 ± 26.43), and environmental domains (mean = 74.05 ± 20.58). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed female sex, advanced age (age group ≥ 60 years), illiteracy, and unmarried status to be positively associated and family size of 6–10 members to be negatively associated with poor QoL.

Conclusion

The study suggests that females, elderlies, illiterates, and unmarried individuals may be at a higher risk of poor QoL. Further, education and a bigger family size appear to increase subjective well-being among participants.
Near-death experiences after cardiac arrest: a scoping review
Authors: Kovoor Joshua G. , Santhosh Sanjana , Stretton Brandon , Tan Sheryn , Gouldooz Hasti , Moorthy Sylviya , Pietris James , Hannemann Christopher , Yu Long Kiu , Johnson Rhys , Reddi Benjamin A. , Gupta Aashray K. , Wagner Morganne , Page Gregory J. , Kovoor Pramesh , Bastiampillai Tarun , Maddocks Ian , Perry Seth W. , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio , Bacchi Stephen
Published: May 2024

Background

This scoping review aimed to characterise near-death experiences in the setting of cardiac arrest, a phenomenon that is poorly understood and may have clinical consequences.

Method

PubMed/MEDLINE was searched to 23 July 2023 for prospective studies describing near-death experiences in cardiac arrest. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adhered to. Qualitative and quantitative data were synthesised. Meta-analysis was precluded due to data heterogeneity.

Results

60 records were identified, of which 11 studies involving interviews were included from various countries. Sample size ranged from 28–344, and proportion of female patients (when reported) was 0–50%, with mean age (when reported) ranging 54–64 years. Comorbidities and reasons for cardiac arrest were heterogeneously reported. Incidence of near-death experiences in the included studies varied from 6.3% to 39.3%; with variation between in-hospital (6.3–39.3%) versus out-of-hospital (18.9–21.2%) cardiac arrest. Individual variables regarding patient characteristics demonstrated statistically significant association with propensity for near-death experiences. Reported content of near-death experiences tended to reflect the language of the questionnaires used, rather than the true language used by individual study participants. Three studies conducted follow-up, and all suggested a positive life attitude change, however one found significantly higher 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with near-death experiences versus those without, in non-controlled analysis.

Conclusions

From prospective studies that have investigated the phenomenon, near-death experiences may occur in as frequent as over one-third of patients with cardiac arrest. Lasting effects may follow these events, however these could also be confounded by clinical characteristics.
China’s privacy protection strategy and its geopolitical implications
Authors: Zhang Chi
Published: May 2024

How has China’s privacy protection strategy been developed, with its broad scope and stringent requirements for data localization and cross-border data flows? What are the broader geopolitical implications of its divergence from Western models of data privacy? This paper argues that China's privacy protection strategy, characterized by its comprehensive regulatory framework and government access to data, is redefining the contours of global data governance and creating new geopolitical fault lines. Drawing on official documents, laws, regulations, and a case study, this paper highlights the evolution of the regulatory framework in response to emerging challenges posed by technological innovations and the wider geopolitical environment. This paper contributes to the broader discussion regarding the implications of China's privacy protection approach, highlighting potential normative clashes with countries that favor a more open digital economy. China's efforts in developing its own privacy protection strategy have also resulted in the formulation of global standards for data privacy.
A pilot survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder dairy owners towards the importance of colostrum feeding to newborn calf in Humbo District of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremeskel Haben Fesseha , Mesfin Henok , Kebede Isayas Asefa
Published: May 2024

Background

Colostrum is the secretion produced by the mammary gland of mammals and it is passively transferred immunity that protects neonates from infectious diseases.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 to assess the community’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of smallholder dairy owners towards the importance of colostrum feeding to newborn calves in Humbo districts. A structured questionnaire was provided for 400 randomly selected smallholder dairy owners for face-to-face interviews.

Results

The results showed that females (21.6%), college and university levels (20.2%), farmers (15.4%), and single individuals (17.6%) had better knowledge compared to the respective status of respondents on colostrum feeding practices. Also, there was an association between sex, occupation, marital status, and knowledge of colostrum-feeding practices. Similarly, 32.5% of respondents with an elementary background practice the separation of calves from the dam soon after birth to prevent transmission of infection. There was an association between the educational background of the respondents and the perception of the respondents regarding colostrum feeding to newborn calves. Nearly, 30% of respondents had an elementary education background waiting for their calf to get up on its own and suckle from their dam. Likewise, 26.1%, 31.5%, and 23.8% of illiterate, elementary, college, and university graduate respondents, respectively, provide calves with 10 to 12% of their birth weight as colostrum within the first 8 h of calf’s life. Besides, the majority of the respondents (27.5%) believed that colostrum was the best food for calves’ growth, and the level of circulating antibodies in the calf's blood has a direct influence on its disease resistance.

Conclusion

The study revealed that smallholder dairy owners have different perceptions concerning knowledge, practice, and attitude on the importance and time of feeding colostrum to neonates during the early life of postpartum. Thus, awareness creation and training programs should be provided for smallholder dairy farmers as well as the use of colostrum feeding, and its role in the prevention of neonatal and preweaning calf mortality and morbidity.
Adolf Busch
Authors: Potter Tully
Published: May 2024

Monumental biography of one of the major musicians of the twentieth century.
Minoritized Communities in Iran: The Struggle for Unconditional Equality
Authors: Eliassi Barzoo
Published: May 2024

Following the tragic murder of Jina Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman, in 2022, subsequent protests in 2022–23 presented a significant intersectional challenge to the Islamic Republic of Iran's (IRI) political order, revealing deep-seated issues of ethnic, economic, gender, and political discrimination. Originating in the Kurdish region, these protests quickly spread across Iran and its diaspora, offering a glimpse of potential intersectional solidarity cutting across ethnic, gender, and religious lines. Notably, Kurds and Baluchis played a leading role in the protests, bearing the highest toll in terms of lives lost and injuries sustained. The Iranian regime responded ruthlessly, employing military violence to supress dissent and systematically dehumanizing these communities in an attempt to undermine their vocal opposition to the exclusionary and hierarchical rule rooted in Persian and Shiite dominance. Throughout history, the Kurds have consistently stood at the vanguard of resistance against the political authority in Tehran, as well as challenging the dominance of Persian and Shiite supremacy. This enduring opposition is instrumental to understanding the widespread, well-articulated, and mobilized resistance to the IRI's abuses of power. This resistance finds its epitome in the Women, Life, Freedom social movement.1
Dynamic feature-based deep reinforcement learning for flow control of circular cylinder with sparse surface pressure sensing
Authors: Wang Qiulei , Yan Lei , Hu Gang , Chen Wenli , Rabault Jean , Noack Bernd R.
Published: May 2024

This study proposes a self-learning algorithm for closed-loop cylinder wake control targeting lower drag and lower lift fluctuations with the additional challenge of sparse sensor information, taking deep reinforcement learning (DRL) as the starting point. The DRL performance is significantly improved by lifting the sensor signals to dynamic features (DFs), which predict future flow states. The resulting DF-based DRL (DF-DRL) automatically learns a feedback control in the plant without a dynamic model. Results show that the drag coefficient of the DF-DRL model is 25 % less than the vanilla model based on direct sensor feedback. More importantly, using only one surface pressure sensor, DF-DRL can reduce the drag coefficient to a state-of-the-art performance of approximately 8 % at Reynolds number

$(Re) = 100$

and significantly mitigates lift coefficient fluctuations. Hence, DF-DRL allows the deployment of sparse sensing of the flow without degrading the control performance. This method also exhibits strong robustness in flow control under more complex flow scenarios, reducing the drag coefficient by 32.2 % and 46.55 % at

$Re =500$

and 1000, respectively. Additionally, the drag coefficient decreases by 28.6 % in a three-dimensional turbulent flow at

$Re =10\,000$

. Since surface pressure information is more straightforward to measure in realistic scenarios than flow velocity information, this study provides a valuable reference for experimentally designing the active flow control of a circular cylinder based on wall pressure signals, which is an essential step toward further developing intelligent control in a realistic multi-input multi-output system.
Effect of age of first exposure on L2 contextual lexical semantic learning: an ERP investigation
Authors: Xu Shuang , Wang Hailing , Li Shouxin , Ouyang Guang
Published: May 2024

Age of first exposure (AoFE) is an important factor that influences the quality of L2 acquisition. This study aims to investigate the AoFE effect on the contextual learning of L2 novel words at the neural level, as measured by the N400 component from event-related potentials (ERPs). Eighty-eight participants were recruited for the experiment of L2 pseudoword learning, which includes a learning session and a testing session. The participants’ EEG data were recorded from the testing session, and the N400 effect was derived from target words that were either congruous or incongruous with the context. The linear mixed model and multiple regression model revealed a positive AoFE effect on the N400 effect in discourses that were designed for testing retrieval of episodic and semantic memory even after accounting for the variance contributed by several confounding factors. In addition to AoFE, the effects of total L2 exposure, L2 proficiency and personality on the L2 novel word learning performance indicated by the N400 effect were also confirmed in the statistical results.