bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of All‐Metal 3D Anisotropic Metamaterial for Ultrabroadband Terahertz Reflective Linear Polarization Conversion
Authors: Li Nan , Zhao Jingcheng , Tang Peiyi , Cheng Yongzhi
Published: March 2023

Herein, a novel and simple design of all‐metal 3D anisotropic metamaterial (3DAMM) is proposed and investigated numerically, which can achieve a high‐efficient and wide‐angle ultrabroadband reflective linear–linear and dual‐band linear–circular polarization conversion in the terahertz (THz) region. The 3DAMM is composed of a periodic array of copper stand‐up split ring resonator (SRR) adhered on a copper film ground plane. Incident ultrabroadband linear polarization waves can be converted to its orthogonal counterpart after reflection due to the three neighboring plasmon resonances of the 3DAMM structure. The proposed design demonstrates a high conversion efficiency of over 90% within a relative bandwidth of 88.7% in the range of 0.62–1.61 THz, and its efficiency is validated for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes and a wide range of incident angles (0°–50°). This ultrabroadband and high‐efficient linear polarization conversion of the 3DAMM is attributed to multiple plasmon resonances within the operating frequency range. The surface current distributions on the unit cell show that the ultra‐broadband conversion behaviors result from the decomposed electric field components coupling with different resonance modes. Further simulation results suggest that the polarization conversion properties of the 3DAMM can be adjusted by changing the geometric parameters of the unit cell. The proposed 3DAMM‐based reflective linear polarization convertor can find potential applications in remote sensors, imaging systems, and reflector antennas at THz frequencies.
Understanding the packaging colour on consumer perception of plant‐based hamburgers: A preliminary study
Authors: da Fonseca Camila , Sá Amanda Gomes Almeida , Ribeiro Gagliardi Talita , dos Santos Alves Maria Jaízia , Ayala Valencia Germán
Published: March 2023

Plant‐based hamburgers (PBH) are a recent alternative for consumers who want to reduce meat consumption. The marketing of this type of food has increased in the last few years, being an exciting niche in the food industry. In parallel, food marketing uses packaging to attract consumers, being packaging colour a key to improving consumer perceptions and increasing purchasing intentions. However, no study has explored the ideal packaging colour for PBH. Hence, this research aimed to understand the packaging colour on consumer perception of PBH. A study with 727 volunteers was carried out, and the data were obtained through an online form and analysed using an electronic spreadsheet. Firstly, the diet types and purchasing intention of BPH were analysed. In sequence, it was investigated the perceptions against different colours used in the package of PBH. Neutral (white and black), cool (green, blue and lilac), and warm (red, yellow and magenta) colours were used in the PHB package and data derived from consumers' perceptions were analysed using the word association methodology. Results from volunteers showed that people are interested in buying PBH, including people having a carnivore or flexitarian diet type (89% of volunteers). Important attributes related to PBH were induced in the volunteers using food packaging with green, yellow and white colours. These colours can attract attention and induce emotions related to nature, health, nutritional value and quality in packages of PBH.
What hurt the most? Assessing the influence of pollution and climate change on agricultural sustainability in Asia
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Agriculture faces unprecedented abiotic and biotic stressors due to climate change and environmental contamination. This consequence serves as a severe warning to our society and a challenge to balance sustainable production with rapid population growth. However, prior studies have not explored how pollution and climate change affect agricultural sustainability individually, particularly in Asia. To do so, we examined the analytical linkages between environmental degradation, climate change, governance, and agriculture in Asian countries. To quantify the long‐term estimates, the study employs a fresh econometric approach, such as the generalized method of moments and quantile regression, to test the robustness of all diagnostic checks, notably with the contemplation of outliers performed. The results of panel cointegration tests confirm the long‐term interactions between sustainable agriculture and its determinants. Besides this, it is inferred that governance quality, agricultural land, fertilizers, and stock led to increased agricultural production, whereas carbon emissions and temperature change hurt agricultural performance. Moreover, it is asserted that all predictors have a significant predictive capacity for both measures of agricultural sustainability. These findings are the foundation for a comprehensive set of policies designed to achieve Sustainable Development Agenda 2, 8, and 13 through agricultural sustainability.
Improved Capacitive Energy Storage Nanocomposites at High Temperature Utilizing Ultralow Loading of Bimetallic MOF
Authors: Wang Fan , Cai Jieming , Yang Chenchen , Luo Hang , Li Xiaona , Hou Hongshuai , Zou Guoqiang , Zhang Dou
Published: March 2023

It is urgent to develop high‐temperature dielectrics with high energy density and high energy efficiency for next‐generation capacitor demands. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used due to their structural diversity and functionally adaptable properties. Doping of metal nodes in MOFs is an effective strategy to change the band gap and band edge positions of the original MOFs, which helps to improve their ability to bind charges as traps. In this work, the incorporation of ultralow loading (<1.5 wt%) of novel bimetallic MOFs (ZIF 8–67) into the polyetherimide (PEI) polymer matrix is exhibited. With the addition of ZIF 8–67, the breakdown strength and energy storage capacity of ZIF 8–67/PEI nanocomposites are significantly improved, especially at high temperatures (200 °C). For example, the energy densitiy of the 0.5 wt% ZIF 8–67/PEI nanocomposite is up to 2.96 J cm−3, with an efficiency (η) > 90% at 150 °C. At 200 °C, the discharge energy density of 0.25 wt% ZIF 8–67/PEI nanocomposites can still reach 1.84 J cm−3 with a η > 90%, which is nine times higher than that of pure PEI (0.21 J cm−3) under the same conditions, and it is the largest improvement compared with the previous reports.
Code quality improvement using Aquila Optimizer
Authors: Mohamed Amany , Salah Marwa , Eldefrawi Mai
Published: March 2023

The software industry always requires high‐quality software. Code quality has been improved via refactoring and re‐refactoring and removing code smells. Refactoring is a technique to improve existing code by modifying inner structure, while code smells are indication that might have a wrong in code that causes a negative impact on the code quality. According to previous studies, the accuracy of code smell detection was not stable and could be improved by advanced algorithms. Additionally, the impact of refactoring on each of the quality attributes is unclear. This research proposes the use of Aquila Optimizer to detect code smells in addition to investigate the refactoring and re‐refactoring impact through ISO 9126 model. The experiment is conducted on five open‐sources Java projects to detect nine code smell types and measure the values of the ISO 9126 before and after the refactoring and re‐refactoring techniques to show the impact on code quality. The results showed that the average of detection accuracy is 95.18% and 95.68% for precision and recall, respectively. Moreover, the results in large projects are better than in the medium projects. The findings also show improvement in the values of the ISO 9126 model after applying refactoring and re‐refactoring.
A new multiresidue thin layer chromatography–ultraviolet detection method for the rapid determination of six herbicides residue applied as ready mix formulation for rice
Authors: Sondhia Shobha
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a new multiresidue thin‐layer chromatography analysis method for the simultaneous analysis of herbicides in soil and plant samples. A new liquid‐liquid extraction method was also developed for the extraction and identification of herbicides from the soil, rice grain, and straw samples. The thin layer chromatography‐ultra violet technique with silica gel 60 F254 thin layer chromatography plates, using a solvent system consisting of ethyl acetate, hexane, benzene, and methanol was found to be most effective in simultaneous separation and identification of all herbicides with retention factor in the range of 0.21–0.91. The impurities and matrix effects from soil, water, grain, and straw were minimal and did not interfere with the identification of any targeted herbicide. The method developed is found suitable to detect residues of herbicides in the soil, rice grains, and straw samples with a limit of determination of 0.1–0.01 mg/kg. The validation parameters of the developed method were satisfactory and therefore can be successfully used for the simultaneous determination of the herbicides in the soil, water, and plant samples. This method can also be used to determine these herbicides in other environmental samples as well as in Forensic analysis of biological/non‐biological samples.
Handling Missing Data in Principal Component Analysis Using Multiple Imputation
Authors: van Ginkel Joost R.
Published: March 2023

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a widely used tool for establishing the dimensional structure in questionnaire data. Whenever questionnaire data are incomplete, the missing data need to be treated prior to carrying out a PCA. Several methods exist for handling missing data prior to carrying out a PCA. The current chapter first discusses the most recent developments regarding the treatment of missing data in PCA. Next, of these methods, the method that is most promising both from a theoretical and practical point of view will be discussed in more detail, namely, multiple imputation. Finally, some extensions of multiple imputation to other PCA-related techniques or to statistics within PCA beyond the basics are discussed, and some general recommendations regarding the use of PCA on multiply imputed datasets in different statistical software packages will be given.
Investigating the encrustation of reinforced ureteral stents by computational flow dynamic simulations
Authors: Vogt Benoît
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In cases of extrinsic ureteral obstruction, obstruction due to encrustation is particularly detrimental to functioning of the stent. A thorough understanding of the causes that lead to stent encrustation is essential. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations may provide a reliable screening platform for investigating the interplay between flow processes and encrustation dynamics in stents.

Methods

Using a tailor-made program, we attempted to evaluate a number of reinforced ureteral stents by CFD simulations with an obstructed or unobstructed ureter and steady or discontinuous flow patterns to identify critical regions with abrupt changes in shape susceptible to stagnant flow and encrustation.

Results

For the Vortek® and Urosoft stents, the longitudinal opening of the stents confirmed the presence of critical regions. No critical region was observed for the Superglide stent. CFD simulations showed that cavities formed near the critical regions represented patently stagnant flow and were potentially susceptible to the formation of encrusting deposits. Encrustations were greater in the obstructed design than in the unobstructed design. In the model with a suddenly interrupted laminar flow, the peristaltic motion resulted in new discontinuous encrustation areas scattered throughout the entire external and internal surface of the stent.

Conclusion

The analysis of fluid dynamics through the tested stents confirmed that encrustations are possible in regions of stagnant flow and showed that stent models with the smoothest possible surface are preferable. The discontinuous flow model provided results that are closer to the findings observed in the clinic and should be more often integrated into CFD simulations.
Lineages to circuits: the developmental and evolutionary architecture of information channels into the central complex
Authors: Kandimalla Pratyush , Omoto Jaison Jiro , Hong Elizabeth J. , Hartenstein Volker
Published: March 2023

The representation and integration of internal and external cues is crucial for any organism to execute appropriate behaviors. In insects, a highly conserved region of the brain, the central complex (CX), functions in the representation of spatial information and behavioral states, as well as the transformation of this information into desired navigational commands. How does this relatively invariant structure enable the incorporation of information from the diversity of anatomical, behavioral, and ecological niches occupied by insects? Here, we examine the input channels to the CX in the context of their development and evolution. Insect brains develop from ~ 100 neuroblasts per hemisphere that divide systematically to form “lineages” of sister neurons, that project to their target neuropils along anatomically characteristic tracts. Overlaying this developmental tract information onto the recently generated Drosophila “hemibrain” connectome and integrating this information with the anatomical and physiological recording of neurons in other species, we observe neuropil and lineage-specific innervation, connectivity, and activity profiles in CX input channels. We posit that the proliferative potential of neuroblasts and the lineage-based architecture of information channels enable the modification of neural networks across existing, novel, and deprecated modalities in a species-specific manner, thus forming the substrate for the evolution and diversification of insect navigational circuits.
Size of the zero set of solutions of elliptic PDEs near the boundary of Lipschitz domains with small Lipschitz constant
Authors: Gallegos Josep M.
Published: March 2023

Let$$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^d$$Ω⊂Rdbe a$$C^1$$C1domain or, more generally, a Lipschitz domain with small Lipschitz constant andA(x) be a$$d \times d$$d×duniformly elliptic, symmetric matrix with Lipschitz coefficients. Assumeuis harmonic in$$\Omega $$Ω, or with greater generalityusolves$${\text {div}}(A(x)\nabla u)=0$$div(A(x)∇u)=0in$$\Omega $$Ω, anduvanishes on$$\Sigma = \partial \Omega \cap B$$Σ=∂Ω∩Bfor some ballB. We study thedimension of the singular setofuin$$\Sigma $$Σ, in particular we show that there is a countable family of open balls$$(B_i)_i$$(Bi)isuch that$$u|_{B_i \cap \Omega }$$u|Bi∩Ωdoes not change sign and$$K \backslash \bigcup _i B_i$$K\⋃iBihas Minkowski dimension smaller than$$d-1-\epsilon $$d-1-ϵfor any compact$$K \subset \Sigma $$K⊂Σ. We also find upper bounds for the$$(d-1)$$(d-1)-dimensional Hausdorff measure of the zero set ofuin balls intersecting$$\Sigma $$Σin terms of the frequency. As a consequence, we prove a newunique continuation principle at the boundaryfor this class of functions and show that theorder of vanishingat all points of$$\Sigma $$Σis bounded except for a set of Hausdorff dimension at most$$d-1-\epsilon $$d-1-ϵ.
Critical functions and blow-up asymptotics for the fractional Brezis–Nirenberg problem in low dimension
Authors: De Nitti Nicola , König Tobias
Published: March 2023

For $$s \in (0,1)$$

s
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, $$N > 2s$$

N
>
2
s

, and a bounded open set $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^N$$

Ω
⊂

R

N

with $$C^2$$

C
2

boundary, we study the fractional Brezis–Nirenberg type minimization problem of finding $$\begin{aligned} S(a):= \inf \frac{\int _{{\mathbb {R}}^N} |(-\Delta )^{s/2} u|^2 + \int _\Omega a u^2}{\left( \int _\Omega u^\frac{2N}{N-2s} \right) ^\frac{N-2s}{N}}, \end{aligned}$$

S

(
a
)

:
=
inf

∫

R

N

|

(
-
Δ
)

s
/
2

u
|

2

+

∫
Ω

a

u
2

∫
Ω

u

2
N

N
-
2
s

N
-
2
s

N

,

where the infimum is taken over all functions $$u \in H^s({\mathbb {R}}^N)$$

u
∈

H
s

(

R

N

)

that vanish outside $$\Omega $$
Ω
. The function a is assumed to be critical in the sense of Hebey and Vaugon. For low dimensions $$N \in (2\,s, 4\,s)$$

N
∈
(
2

s
,
4

s
)

, we prove that the Robin function $$\phi _a$$

ϕ
a

satisfies $$\inf _{x \in \Omega } \phi _a(x) = 0$$

inf

x
∈
Ω

ϕ
a

(
x
)

=
0

, which extends a result obtained by Druet for $$s = 1$$

s
=
1

. In dimensions $$N \in (8s/3, 4s)$$

N
∈
(
8
s
/
3
,
4
s
)

, we then study the asymptotics of the fractional Brezis–Nirenberg energy $$S(a + \varepsilon V)$$

S
(
a
+
ε
V
)

for some $$V \in L^\infty (\Omega )$$

V
∈

L
∞

(
Ω
)

as $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0+$$

ε
→
0
+

. We give a precise description of the blow-up profile of (almost) minimizing sequences and characterize the concentration speed and the location of concentration points.
Improved Methods for Characterizing Emulsions by Low-Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance via Surface Relaxation and One-Dimensional Images
Authors: Sørland Geir Humborstad , Less Simone , Alkhabbaz Sajjad , Simon Sébastien
Published: March 2023

The use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an appropriate tool for studying colloids in a non-invasive manner. Droplet size distributions and one-dimensional sample profiles are readily produced to characterize an emulsion, its stability, the size distribution of the dispersed phase, and rheological behavior with respect to parameters as temperature and/or water cut. Here, we present pulsed field Grgdient NMR methods that improve the performance as compared to existing methods. In particular, the so-called multi-echo approach is introduced to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio significantly making it possible to characterize emulsions in a minute or less. Thus, any evolution that takes place in the order of just a few minutes can be monitored. In addition to the multi-echo approach, an improved method for determining the droplet size distribution from a residual emulsion, i.e., in the presence of a bulk water phase, is presented.
Exhaled patient derived aerosol dispersion during awake tracheal intubation with concurrent high flow nasal therapy
Authors: Eain Marc Mac Giolla , Nolan Kevin , Murphy Brian , McCaul Conan , MacLoughlin Ronan
Published: March 2023

Awake Tracheal Intubation (ATI) can be performed in cases where there is potential for difficult airway management. It is considered an aerosol generating procedure and is a source of concern to healthcare workers due to the risk of transmission of airborne viral infections, such as SARS–CoV-2. At present, there is a lack of data on the quantities, size distributions and spread of aerosol particles generated during such procedures. This was a volunteer observational study which took place in an operating room of a university teaching hospital. Optical particle sizers were used to provide real time aerosol characterisation during a simulated ATI performed with concurrent high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. The particle sizers were positioned at locations that represented the different locations of clinical staff in an operating room during an ATI. The greatest concentration of patient derived aerosol particles was within 0.5–1.0 m of the subject and along their midline, 2242 #/cm3. As the distance, both radial and longitudinal, from the subject increased, the concentration decreased towards ambient levels, 36.9 ± 5.1 #/cm3. Patient derived aerosol particles < 5 µm in diameter remained entrained in the exhaled aerosol plume and fell to the floor or onto the subject. Patient derived particles > 5 µm in diameter broke away from the exhaled plume and spread radially throughout the operating room. Irrespective of distance and ventilation status, full airborne protective equipment should be worn by all staff when ATI is being performed on patients with suspected viral respiratory infections.
Precision nutrition in the context of bariatric surgery
Authors: Aguas-Ayesa Maite , Yárnoz-Esquíroz Patricia , Olazarán Laura , Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Frühbeck Gema
Published: March 2023

Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity. This review summarizes the main nutritional deficiencies before and after BS, as well as current dietary and supplementation recommendations to avoid them. Likewise, we have reviewed all those aspects that in recent years have been shown to be related to postoperative weight loss (WL) and its subsequent maintenance, such as hormonal changes, dietary patterns, changes in food preference, adherence to recommendations and follow-up, genetic factors and microbiota, among others. Despite all the knowledge, nutritional deficiencies and weight regain after BS are frequent. It is essential to continue studying in this field in order to establish more precise recommendations according to the individual characteristics of patients. It is also a major objective to understand more deeply the role of the factors involved in WL and its maintenance. This will allow the development of precision treatments and nutrition for patients with obesity, optimizing their benefit after BS.
Three Eruptions Observed by Remote Sensing Instruments Onboard Solar Orbiter
Authors: Mierla Marilena , Cremades Hebe , Andretta Vincenzo , Chifu Iulia , Zhukov Andrei N. , Susino Roberto , Auchère Frédéric , Vourlidas Angelos , Talpeanu Dana-Camelia , Rodriguez Luciano , Janssens Jan , Nicula Bogdan , Aznar Cuadrado Regina , Berghmans David , Bemporad Alessandro , D’Huys Elke , Dolla Laurent , Gissot Samuel , Jerse Giovanna , Kraaikamp Emil , Long David M. , Mampaey Benjamin , Möstl Christian , Pagano Paolo , Parenti Susanna , West Matthew J. , Podladchikova Olena , Romoli Marco , Sasso Clementina , Stegen Koen , Teriaca Luca , Thompson William , Verbeeck Cis , Davies Emma
Published: March 2023

On February 21 and March 21 – 22, 2021, the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) onboard Solar Orbiter observed three prominence eruptions. The eruptions were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed by Metis, Solar Orbiter’s coronagraph. All three eruptions were also observed by instruments onboard the Solar–TErrestrial RElations Observatory (Ahead; STEREO-A), the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Here we present an analysis of these eruptions. We investigate their morphology, direction of propagation, and 3D properties. We demonstrate the success of applying two 3D reconstruction methods to three CMEs and their corresponding prominences observed from three perspectives and different distances from the Sun. This allows us to analyze the evolution of the events, from the erupting prominences low in the corona to the corresponding CMEs high in the corona. We also study the changes in the global magnetic field before and after the eruptions and the magnetic field configuration at the site of the eruptions using magnetic field extrapolation methods. This work highlights the importance of multi-perspective observations in studying the morphology of the erupting prominences, their source regions, and associated CMEs. The upcoming Solar Orbiter observations from higher latitudes will help to constrain this kind of study better.
Learning positioning policies for mobile manipulation operations with deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Iriondo Ander , Lazkano Elena , Ansuategi Ander , Rivera Andoni , Lluvia Iker , Tubío Carlos
Published: March 2023

This work focuses on the operation of picking an object on a table with a mobile manipulator. We use deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to learn a positioning policy for the robot’s base by considering the reachability constraints of the arm. This work extends our first proof-of-concept with the ultimate goal of validating the method on a real robot. Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm is used to model the base controller, and is optimised using the feedback from the MoveIt! based arm planner. The idea is to encourage the base controller to position itself in areas where the arm reaches the object. Following a simulation-to-reality approach, first we create a realistic simulation of the robotic environment in Unity, and integrate it in Robot Operating System (ROS). The drivers for both the base and the arm are also implemented. The DRL-based agent is trained in simulation and, both the robot and target poses are randomised to make the learnt base controller robust to uncertainties. We propose a task-specific setup for TD3, which includes state/action spaces, reward function and neural architectures. We compare the proposed method with the baseline work and show that the combination of TD3 and the proposed setup leads to a$$11\%$$11%higher success rate than with the baseline, with an overall success rate of$$97\%$$97%. Finally, the learnt agent is deployed and validated in the real robotic system where we obtain a promising success rate of$$75\%$$75%.
Voltammetric quantitative analysis of vildagliptin in bulk form and spiked human serum at a modified electrode
Authors: Hassanein Amira M. , Moharram Youssef I. , Sadek Mohammed E. , Khamis Abeer A. A. , Ebied Sherif E.
Published: March 2023

The electrochemical behavior of Vildagliptin (VILD) was studied using the cyclic voltammetric technique in an aqueous Britton–Robinson (BR) universal buffer solution of various pH levels between 4.0 and 10 at a 5% calcium-montmorillonite clay modified with carbon paste electrode surface (5% Ca-MMT/CPE). The results exhibited an irreversible anodic peak at about 1.238 V versus Ag/AgCl, KCl (3 mol L−1). The anodic peak was found to be diffusion–adsorption controlled. The possible reaction mechanism is estimated taking into consideration of the calculated electrons and protons number transferred on the electrode/electrolyte interface using the cyclic voltammetric technique. VILD was found to adsorb onto the surface of 5% Ca-MMT/CPE in a monolayer surface coverage of 3.0 × 10−12 mol cm−2. A validated square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique for VILD determination was performed. The calibration curve of VILD onto the 5% Ca-MMT/CPE surface was linear in the concentration range of 1.0–110 nmol L−1 with the mean limits of detection and quantification was 0.285 and 0.950 nmol L−1, respectively, in the bulk form. The proposed procedure for the assay of VILD in bulk form, dosage form, and spiked human serum has the advantage of being simple, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive compared to other analytical methods. The described method showed an excellent performance for the trace determination of VILD in its formulation without interference from excipients.

Graphical abstract
“Starting from the Image”: A Tele-pathology Pre-graduate Course Aimed at Motivating Medical Students
Authors: Lazari Evgenia-Charikleia , Lazaris Andreas C. , Manou Evangelia , Agrogiannis Georgios , Nastos Constantinos , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Thomopoulou Georgia-Eleni
Published: March 2023

In the tele-course entitled “Starting from the image”, medical students are confronted with practical tasks in relevant professional contexts. Initially, a macroscopic or microscopic image of a patient case is presented to learners who then receive relevant information on the patient’s history, clinical findings, and other laboratory tests. A pathologist actively discusses the pathological findings; then, a clinician explains their implications for the patient’s individualized treatment and prognosis. In this way, pathology’s interaction with other medical specialties is highlighted. Students declared that through these simulated professional practice experiences, they strengthened their decision-making skills. Educators should consider upgrading from information-based teaching to practice-focused instruction.
Does neck flexion improve performance? Effects on reaction time depend on whether responses are expected
Authors: Baer Jason L. , Cohen Rajal G.
Published: March 2023

This research investigates the limitations of the apparent paradox in which neck flexion, which is associated with poor inhibition and neck pain, seems to facilitate performance in some tasks. We compared the effect of a flexed neck on performance in a reaction time and go-nogo task using a novel method of fixing neck posture. We hypothesize that using a flexed neck posture speeds response time for tasks with high prepotency (when participants are biased toward responding), but not for tasks with low prepotency (when participants are more likely to withhold a response). Previous findings demonstrated the effect of neck flexion on reaction time with a harness. In this study, participants complete both simple reaction time and go-nogo tasks with neck angles fixed in neutral or forward positions with tape. We found that simple reaction times were 10 ms faster in the forward neck position than in neutral; this facilitation was not seen in the go-nogo task. We conclude that using tape to induce a flexed neck posture facilitates reaction time during tasks that always require a response and does not affect reaction time on a task which may require withholding a response.
Insights into the mechanisms underlying the biodegradation of phenanthrene in biochar-amended soil: from bioavailability to soil microbial communities
Authors: Zhang Meng , Luo Yaqi , Zhu Yitao , Zhang Haiyun , Wang Xilong , Li Wei , Li Pingping , Han Jiangang
Published: March 2023

The dynamic effect of biochar amendment in contaminated soil on the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and microbial communities and how it comprehensively affects PAH biodegradation remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of wheat straw-derived biochars obtained at 300 and 500 °C at different amendment levels (0.03% and 0.3%) on the mineralization kinetics of phenanthrene with different initial concentrations (2 and 20 mg kg−1) in soil by indigenous microorganisms. The results revealed that the addition of biochar inhibited both the rates and extents of mineralization in low-concentration phenanthrene-contaminated soil (PLS) by 38.9–78.3% and 23.9–53.6%, respectively. This was because biochar amendment in the PLS greatly reduced the bioavailable fraction of phenanthrene for degradation owing to its strong sorption and also decreased that to specific degrading bacterial genera, which hindered their growth and reduced their abundances by 1.37–36.6%. However, biochar addition into the soil contaminated with high concentrations of phenanthrene (PHS) resulted in its effective mineralization and enhanced mineralization rates and extents at high amendment levels by 32.4–86.7% and 32.0–44.7%, respectively. This was because biochar amendment in the PHS significantly promoted the abundances of the total bacterial communities (29.9–80.4%) and potential degrading genera (1.89–25.9%) by providing nutrients and stimulated the specific PAH-degradative nidA gene abundance by 1–2 times. These findings will guide the use of biochar to remediate soils with different PAH pollution levels based on the two roles that they play (i.e., immobilizing PAHs or facilitating PAH degradation).

Graphical Abstract
Tools and Techniques for Teaching and Research in Network Design and Simulation
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Azizur , Pakstas Algirdas
Published: March 2023

Computer networking is taught for some time at universities. A network is a complex mix of applications, communications protocols and link technologies, traffic flows and routing algorithms. Teaching the networking concept, the network design process is a challenging task, requiring designers to balance user performance expectations with costs and capacities. One of the obvious approaches employed to deal with its complexity is through the use of modelling and simulation techniques. This paper examines three best educational tools that can be used in the Computer Networking course at Cardiff Metropolitan University or any University for educational purpose. The paper demonstrates that a successful teaching programme needs to combine a range of teaching tools to achieve its aims. Analysing various aspects of the course provides evaluation of the overall success of the tools. Many network design and simulation tools have been studied. Based on our research and experiment, the best educational tools were selected that could be used for the purpose of teaching in the area of computer communications networks. The wide area network modelling tool Delite, the network simulator ns-3, the topology generation tool Brite can be used together to teach students the networking concepts. These tools can not only help students to understand computer network principles but also improve their network practical skills. Currently there are various tools available that are created by different companies and groups of researchers in academia and that are intended for use as practical and/or educational tools for network design including security issues. To make this task easy, different users, researchers and companies have developed different network modelling and simulation (MS) tools. Very often, such tools are addressing different issues in the network design process which are complementary to each other. It would be useful for learning and improving the network design process by allowing the use of a variety of tools.
A Novel Weight-Assignment Load Balancing Algorithm for Cloud Applications
Authors: Adewojo Adekunbi A. , Bass Julian M.
Published: March 2023

Web applications commonly suffer from flash crowds and resource failure, resulting in performance degradation. Flash crowds are large, sudden, yet legitimate influxes of user requests that constitute a critical problem because of their potential economic damage. For cloud providers, resource estimation is challenging, while distributing workload and sustaining performance. To alleviate flash crowds and resource failure problems, we propose a novel weight assignment load balancing algorithm that combines five carefully selected server metrics to efficiently distribute the workload of three-tier web applications among virtual machines. We experimentally characterised, using a private cloud running OpenStack, the load distribution ability of our proposed novel algorithm, as well as a baseline algorithm and round-robin algorithm. We compared the performance of the three algorithms by simulating resource failures and flash crowds, while carefully measuring response times. Our experimental results show that our approach improves average response times by 12.5% when compared to the baseline algorithm and 22.3% when compared to the round-robin algorithm in the flash crowds’ situation. In addition, average response time was improved by 20.7% when compared to the baseline algorithm and 21.4% when compared to the round-robin algorithm in resource failure situations. These experiments show that our novel algorithm is more resilient to fluctuating loads and resource failures than baseline algorithms.
In vitro cytocompatibility evaluation of nanostarch reinforced polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol conductive bionanocomposites for skin tissue engineering application
Authors: Switha D. , Basha S. Khaleel , Kumari V. Sugantha
Published: March 2023

In this study, we aimed to fabricate nanostarch (NS) reinforced polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol (PANI-PVA) bionanocomposite of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-nanostarch for skin tissue engineering application. The microstructure of the bionanocomposite was analyzed using TEM and the particle size ranged from 35 to 37 nm. The swelling degree was increased with the increase in the concentration of nanostarch and displayed a greater hydrophilic surface leading to the increase in the absorption. The degradation index analysis was recorded with an increase in the weight loss of the scaffold which attributed to a strong hydrogen bond network. The bionanocomposites exhibited 70% to 82% of cytocompatibility towards L929 cells during the incubation period of day 1, day 4 and day 7. Hence, the novel bionanocomposite with the features of enhanced water-holding capacity, weight loss percentage and cytocompatibility made it suitable for the prospective use in skin tissue engineering applications.

Graphical abstract
Why Populism?
Authors: Kenny Paul
Published: March 2023

The rise to power of populists like Donald Trump is usually attributed to the shifting values and policy preferences of voters-the demand side. Why Populism shifts the public debate on populism and examines the other half of the equation-the supply side. Kenny argues that to understand the rise of populism is to understand the cost of different strategies for winning and keeping power. For the aspiring leader, populism-appealing directly to the people through mass communication-can be a quicker, cheaper, and more effective strategy than working through a political party. Probing the long history of populism in the West from its Ancient Greek roots to the present, this highly readable book shows that the 'economic laws of populism are constant.' 'Forget ideology. Forget resentment. Forget racism or sexism.' Populism, the author writes, is the result of a hidden strategic calculus.
The Life of the Clinician
Authors: Lepore Michael
Published: March 2023

The autobiography of one of America's most important gastroenterologists.
Writing Ghana, Imagining Africa
Authors: Korang Kwaku
Published: March 2023

This book makes Africa the centerpiece of an intercultural investigation of modern colonial power and its resistance, focusing on the writings of Ghanaian intellectuals.
A History of Reasonableness
Authors: Kennedy Rick
Published: March 2023

A defense of the social operation of thinking, with an emphasis on testimony and authority.
Charles Nicolle, Pasteur's Imperial Missionary
Authors: Pelis Kim
Published: March 2023

Kim Pelis uses a wide range of French and Tunisian archival materials and a close reading of Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist Charles Nicolle's scientific papers and philosophical treatises to explore the relationship of science and medicine to society and culture in the first third of the twentieth century.
The Art of the Anglo-Saxon Goldsmith
Authors: Coatsworth Elizabeth , Pinder Michael
Published: March 2023

Goldsmiths' products examined, combining discussion of object with analysis of inscription and design, and literary and archaeological evidence for smiths and their work.
Upscaled dynamic capillary pressure for two-phase flow in porous media
Authors: Lasseux Didier , Valdés-Parada Francisco J.
Published: March 2023

A closed expression for the average pressure difference (often called the macroscopic dynamic capillary pressure in the literature) is proposed for two-phase, Newtonian, incompressible, isothermal and creeping flow in homogeneous porous media. This upscaled equation complements the average equations for mass and momentum transport derived in a previous article. Consistently with this work, the expression is derived employing a simplified version of the volume-averaging method that makes use of elements of the adjoint method and Green's formula. The resulting equation for the average pressure difference is novel, as it shows that this quantity is controlled by the pressure gradient (and body forces) in each phase, as well as interfacial effects, and is applicable to situations in which the fluid–fluid interface is not necessarily at its steady position. The effective-medium quantities associated with the sources are all obtained from the solution of a single adjoint (or closure) problem to be solved on a (periodic) unit cell representative of the process. The average pressure difference predicted by the derived expression is validated through excellent comparisons with direct numerical simulations performed in a model porous structure.
Assessment of the vitamin D status and its determinants in young healthy students from Palestine
Authors: Lenz Janina Susann , Tintle Nathan , Kerlikowsky Felix , Badrasawi Manal , Zahdeh Rana , Qasrawi Radwan , Hahn Andreas , Schuchardt Jan Philipp
Published: March 2023

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high. Poor vitamin D status, especially in women, has been reported in several countries in the Middle East despite adequate year-round sunlight for vitamin D synthesis. However, data on vitamin D status in Palestine are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate vitamin D status based on serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D] among young healthy Palestinian students (18–27 years) and to assess associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and several predictors. The mean 25-(OH)D concentration of women (n 151) was 27⋅2 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with the majority having insufficient (31⋅1 %) or deficient (<60 %) 25-(OH)D status. Only 7 % of women achieved sufficient or optimal 25-(OH)D status. In contrast, men (n 52) had a mean 25-(OH)D concentration of 58⋅3 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with none classified as deficient, and most obtaining sufficient (55⋅8 %) or even optimal 25-(OH)D status (11⋅5 %). Among women, 98 % wore a hijab and 74 % regularly used sunscreen. Daily dietary vitamin D intake (3-d 24-h recalls) was 45⋅1 ± 36⋅1 IU in the total group (no sex differences). After adjustment, multiple linear regression models showed significant associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and the use of supplements (B = 0⋅069; P = 0⋅020) and dietary vitamin D (B = 0⋅001; P = 0⋅028). In gender-stratified analysis, the association between supplement use and 25-(OH)D concentrations was significant in women (B = 0⋅076; P = 0⋅040). The vitamin D status of women in the present cohort is critical and appears to be mainly due to wearing a hijab, regular use of sunscreen and low dietary vitamin D intake. The vitamin D status of the women should be improved by taking vitamin D containing supplements or fortified foods.
Class Conflict or Consensus? Understanding Social Partner Positions on Social Policy Reforms
Authors: Bender Benedikt
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the positions of unions and employer associations towards the level of unemployment benefits and active labour market policy (ALMP). These are prominent examples of social compensation and social investment policies respectively. The new dataset ‘Reform Monitor on Political Conflict’ (ReMoPo) is based on expert interviews and a systematic text analysis of all relevant press releases. Over a time-span of 14 years (2000-2014) the data clearly shows conflict between social partners on the level of unemployment benefits whilst there is consensus towards ALMP. I show that, for unemployment benefits, different motivations do lead to different positions. However, for ALMP, different motivations combine with overlapping interests, resulting in a common positive stance. The main theoretical implications of these findings were two-fold: firstly, the type of organisation does not predict positioning on welfare state issues, whereas pragmatic considerations do. Secondly, I suspect that the divergence of motivational factors combined with a consensus towards particular measures is specific to the concept of social investment. This is because social investments (training and qualification measures in this case) were expected to have the most far-reaching and long-lasting positive effects on both individuals and companies and were therefore supported by unions and employer associations.
Force tracking smooth adaptive admittance control in unknown environment
Authors: Liu Chengguo , Li Zeyu
Published: March 2023

In this research, a force tracking smoothing adaptive admittance controller is proposed that grants precise contact forces (performance necessary for many critical interaction tasks such as polishing) for unknown interaction environments (e.g., leather or thin and soft materials). First, an online indirect adaptive update strategy is proposed for generating the reference trajectory required by the desired tracking force, considering the uncertainty of the interaction. The sensor noise amplitude is environment dynamics and the necessity condition for traditional admittance controller to achieve ideal steady-state force tracking. Then, a pre-PD controller is introduced to increase the parameter convergence rate while ensuring the steady-state force tracking accuracy and enhancing the robustness of the system. The robustness boundary is also analyzed to provide assurance for the stability of the system. Finally, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in simulations. Simultaneously, an experiment is conducted on the AUBO-i5 serial collaborative robot, and the experimental results proved the excellent comprehensive performance of the control framework.
Radical practices, radical pedagogies: intercultural explorations in language and meaning
Authors: Alexander Jacqui , Grassi Samuele , Mellos George
Published: March 2023

This article reflects on the visual, spatial, and textual devices deployed by the Architettura Radicale in the 1960s and 1970s through a discussion of a pedagogical project developed for undergraduate architecture students from Monash University, Australia, as part of a travelling intensive based in Prato, Italy. At the time, Prato became the subject of debate about the rapid expansion of consumer culture in Italy, as underscored in Claudio Greppi’s graduating project, ‘Territorial City-Factory’ (1964-5). This architectural proposal rendered the area between Prato and Florence as a totalising city-factory, a proposition that was later developed under Archizoom as ‘No-Stop City’ (1968-70). Greppi’s recasting of Prato as a site for political and architectural experimentation became the catalyst for a teaching-led research project, re-examining the work of the Radical movement in Tuscany. In collaboration with architect and artist Gianni Pettena, the intensive sought to draw out the performative and embodied approaches implicit in his own work and that of his peers including UFO and 9999, as well as the rhetorical devices embedded within the critical fictions of Superstudio and Archizoom. By first dissecting and then redeploying these techniques in response to a site-specific brief, the ultimate pedagogical aim was to expose the students to an expanded range of architectural approaches and to re-evaluate the nature of radical practices ‘within and against’ the omnipresent struggles of late capitalism, and the contemporary cultural and educational context of neoliberalism and the university.
Sweeping criticism: Rem Koolhaas’ Kunsthal in Rotterdam and the new Europe
Authors: Pataky Tibor
Published: March 2023

Previous research on the Kunsthal Rotterdam - designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas from 1987 to 1992 - has been limited in scope and depth, taking into account only a fraction of the available archival sources. The few scholarly articles to be published in the past twenty years have focused on the relation between interior and exterior (2003), the role of montage (2015), the concept of the ‘pliable’ floor (2018), and a first project for the Kunsthal that never materialised (2016).1 The subject of this article, namely the relation between the project and its context of origin, has not yet been addressed. My argument is based on a research project that reconstructs the genesis of the arts centre in minute detail, drawing on extensive archival research and interviews with several OMA staff members and municipal representatives involved in the project.2 The account dovetails with the discussion of three distinct phases in the Kunsthal's design - the first project, the inception of the second scheme, and the development of the project between 1989 and 1992 - with ‘digressions’ on the respective historical backdrop, concluding with the particularly intricate relation between the project and the prospect of European unification at the turn of the 1990s.