bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical evaluation of partial credit scoring of the multiple-choice test item
Authors: Persson Rasmus A. X.
Published: January 2023

In multiple-choice tests, guessing is a source of test error which can be suppressed if its expected score is made negative by either penalizing wrong answers or rewarding expressions of partial knowledge. Starting from the most general formulation of the necessary and sufficient scoring conditions for guessing to lead to an expected loss beyond the test-taker’s knowledge, we formulate a class of optimal scoring functions, including the proposal by Zapechelnyuk (Econ. Lett. 132, 24–27 (2015)) as a special case. We then consider an arbitrary multiple-choice test taken by a rational test-taker whose knowledge of a test item is defined by the fraction of the answer options which can be ruled out. For this model, we study the statistical properties of the obtained score for both standard marking (where guessing is not penalized), and marking where guessing is suppressed either by expensive score penalties for incorrect answers or by different marking schemes that reward partial knowledge.
Large-scale fabrication of decoupling coatings with promising robustness and superhydrophobicity for antifouling, drag reduction, and organic photodegradation
Authors: Xin Lei , Li Hao , Gao Jian , Wang Zhongwei , Zhou KaiJie , Yu Sirong
Published: January 2023

It is still a challenge to achieve large-area preparation of robust superhydrophobic surfaces with strong mechanical stability. Here, a simple and low-cost method to prepare robust decoupling superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum (Al) alloys substrate has been presented. The superhydrophobicity and robustness of decoupling coatings are realized by structuring surfaces at two different length scales, with nanostructures for superhydrophobicity and microstructures for robustness. This prepared decoupling coating shows promising superhydrophobicity, with water contact angle (CA) of ∼158.4° and roll off angle (RA) of ∼3°. It also exhibits high repellency for impacting water droplets. Notably, the decoupling coating processes outstanding adhesion strength on the substrate after tape-peeling and cross-cut tests, also with promising wear resistantance after sandpaper abrasion and wear test. The friction coefficient of this decoupling coating is only ∼0.2. In addition, the robust decoupling superhydrophobic coating is applied to underwater buoyancy enhancement and fluid resistance reduction (drag reduction rate ∼30.09%). This decoupling superhydrophobic coating also displays promising self-cleaning and antifouling properties. Moreover, benefitting from the photocatalytic property of TiO2, this decoupling coating is also exploited for degrading organics to achieve seawater purification. This obtained decoupling superhydrophobic coating is expected to apply on other solids in marine fields, and the simple and eco-friendly method develops the potential practical application.
Friction and wear of multiple steel wires in a wire rope
Authors: Peng Yuxing , Huang Kun , Ma Chenbo , Zhu Zhencai , Chang Xiangdong , Lu Hao , Zhang Qing , Xu Chunming
Published: January 2023

The fretting wear among the steel wires aggravates the wire rope’s fatigue damage, affects the service performance of the wire ropes, and threatens mine hoisting safety. In this paper, the practical friction behavior and wear mechanism among the wires in the wire rope are investigated. A series of tests were carried out on multiple steel wires in helical contact and tension-torsion coupling under different fretting parameters, twisting parameters, and lubrication conditions by self-made friction and wear testing machine. The results show that the coefficient of friction (COF) among the steel wires decreases slightly with increasing lateral loads and tension, and the effect of twist angle on the COF has opposite results under different lubrication conditions. Lateral loads, tension of the steel wires, twist angle, and lubrication condition all affect the fretting morphology among the steel wires. Fretting wear with larger twist angle structure leads to more energy loss. The energy loss of fretting is directly related to the fretting morphology among the contact surfaces, and the dissipated energy is lower in the two forms of complete slip and sticking. The wear depth and width increase with the increase of lateral loads, steel wire tension, and twist angle. And the wear width and depth under dry friction conditions are higher than those under oil lubrication conditions. In addition, the wear mechanism under dry friction conditions is mainly abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and fatigue wear. And the wear mechanism under oil lubrication conditions is mainly abrasive wear and fatigue wear.
Strong dependency of the tribological behavior of CuZr-based bulk metallic glasses on relative humidity in ambient air
Authors: Barlemont Solène , Laffont Paul , Daudin Rémi , Lenain Alexis , Colas Guillaume , Cornuault Pierre-Henri
Published: January 2023

Thanks to their outstanding mechanical properties, Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) are new alternatives to traditional crystalline metals for mechanical and micromechanical applications including power transmission. However, the tribological properties of BMGs are still poorly understood, mostly because their amorphous nature induces counter intuitive responses to friction and wear. In the present study, four different BMGs (Cu47Zr46Al7, Zr46Cu45Al7Nb2, Zr60Cu28Al12, and Zr61Cu25Al12Ti2) underwent ball-on-disc friction tests against 100Cr6 steel balls (American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 52100) at different relative humidities (RHs) ranging from 20% to 80%. Controlling humidity enabled to observe a high repeatability of the friction and wear responses of the BMG. Interestingly, the friction coefficient decreased by a factor of 2 when the humidity was increased, and the wear rate of BMGs was particularly low thanks to a 3rd-body tribolayer that forms on the BMG surface, composed of oxidized wear particles originating from the ball. The morphology of this tribolayer is highly correlated to humidity. The study also identifies how the tribolayer is built up from the initial contact until the steady state is achieved.
Optimal redistribution behind the veil of ignorance
Authors: Abatemarco Antonio , Stroffolini Francesca
Published: January 2023

We propose a formalization of the Difference Principle (maximin) by which Rawls’ contribution is shown to go beyond distributive value judgments in such a way as to embrace efficiency issues as well. In our model, inequalities are shown to be permitted as far as they stimulate a greater effort in education (or training), and so economic growth. This is the only possibility for an income disparity to be unanimously accepted by both the most-, and above all, the least-advantaged individual. In this vein, we highlight the peculiarity of the Rawlsian equity-efficiency trade off behind the veil of ignorance. Finally, by recalling the old tradition of ‘universal ex-post efficiency’, we identify the set of Rawls-optimal social contracts, which is shown to be a subset of Pareto-optimal ones.
Comparison and selection of municipal solid waste treatment technologies in Tibet plateau area
Authors: Zhou Wenwu , Dan Zeng
Published: January 2023

The treatment of municipal solid waste has different impacts on the society, economy and environment of a region. It is extremely important to select a municipal solid waste disposal method suitable for the Tibetan Plateau. In the study, social, technical, economic, environmental and municipal solid waste characteristics are selected as comprehensive analysis indicators, and then combined with analytical hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution methods for comprehensive analysis. The results show that the population size, population growth, population density and other indicators account for a large weight, and have a greater impact on the selection of municipal solid waste treatment methods. Through the final analysis, it is believed that the incineration treatment method is better than the landfill treatment method in the Tibetan plateau area.
Multi-layered roles of BBX proteins in plant growth and development
Authors: Cao Jing , Yuan Jiale , Zhang Yingli , Chen Chen , Zhang Beihong , Shi Xianming , Niu Rui , Lin Fang
Published: January 2023

Light and phytohormone are external and internal cues that regulate plant growth and development throughout their life cycle. BBXs (B-box domain proteins) are a group of zinc finger proteins that not only directly govern the transcription of target genes but also associate with other factors to create a meticulous regulatory network to precisely regulate numerous aspects of growth and developmental processes in plants. Recent studies demonstrate that BBXs play pivotal roles in light-controlled plant growth and development. Besides, BBXs have been documented to regulate phytohormone-mediated physiological procedures. In this review, we summarize and highlight the multi-faced role of BBXs, with a focus in photomorphogenesis, photoperiodic flowering, shade avoidance, abiotic stress, and phytohormone-mediated growth and development in plant.
From Radical Jesus People to Virtual Religion
Authors: Borowik Claire
Published: January 2023

The Family International (formerly the Children of God) emerged from the radical fringe of the Jesus People Movement in the late 1960s to establish a new religious movement with communities in ninety countries. Characterized from its early days by controversy due to its unconventional version of Christianity, countercultural practices, and high level of tension with society, the Family International created a communal society that endured for four decades. The movement's reinvention in 2010 as an online community offers insights into the dynamic nature of new religious movements, as they strategically adapt to evolving social contexts and emergent issues, and the negotiations of belief and identity this may entail. The Family International's transformation from a radical communal movement to a deradicalized virtual community highlights the novel challenges alternative religions may face in entering the mainstream and attaining legitimacy within the increasingly globalized context of online information dissemination in virtual spaces.
Love Spells and Lost Treasure
Authors: Stanmore Tabitha
Published: January 2023

Magic is ubiquitous across the world and throughout history. Yet if witchcraft is acknowledged as a persistent presence in the medieval and early modern eras, practical magic by contrast – performed to a useful end for payment, and actually more common than malign spellcasting – has been overlooked. Exploring many hundred instances of daily magical usage, and setting these alongside a range of imaginative and didactic literatures, Tabitha Stanmore demonstrates the entrenched nature of 'service' magic in premodern English society. This, she shows, was a type of spellcraft for needs that nothing else could address: one well established by the time of the infamous witch trials. The book explores perceptions of magical practitioners by clients and neighbours, and the way such magic was utilised by everyone: from lowliest labourer to highest lord. Stanmore reveals that – even if technically illicit – magic was for most people an accepted, even welcome, aspect of everyday life.
A cross-sectional survey of non-specialist Australian audio-vestibular clinical practice for traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation
Authors: Šarkić Bojana , Douglas Jacinta. M. , Simpson Andrea
Published: January 2023

Objective:

This study explored non-specialist audiological clinical practice in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and whether such practices incorporated considerations of TBI-related complexities pertaining to identification, diagnosis and management of associated auditory and vestibular disturbances.

Design:

A cross-sectional online survey exploring clinical practice, TBI-related training and information provision was distributed to audiologists across Australia via Audiology Australia and social media. Fifty audiologists, 80% female and 20% male, participated in this study. Years of professional practice ranged from new graduate to more than 20 years of experience.

Results:

Clear gaps of accuracy in knowledge and practice across all survey domains relating to the identification, diagnosis and management of patients with auditory and/or vestibular deficits following TBI were evident. Further, of the surveyed audiologists working in auditory and vestibular settings, 91% and 86%, respectively, reported not receiving professional development for the diagnosis and management of post-traumatic audio-vestibular deficits.

Conclusion:

Inadequate resources, equipment availability and TBI-related training may have contributed to the gaps in service provision, influencing audiological management of patients with TBI. A tailored TBI approach to identification, diagnosis and management of post-traumatic auditory and vestibular disturbances is needed.
Law, Policy, Expertise: Hallmarks of Effective Judicial Review in EU Competition Law
Authors: IBÁÑEZ COLOMO Pablo
Published: January 2023

This article discusses the techniques—‘hallmarks’—that the EU courts have developed to ensure that judicial review remains effective in competition law. These hallmarks can be grouped into three main categories. Some of them concern the interpretation of substantive law, namely the definition of legal tests and their consistent use over time. Some, the need for administrative action to rely on the best available evidence (which comprises both reliance on the expert consensus and the careful examination of the economic and legal context). A third category relates to the scrutiny exercised over the policy statements through which the European Commission chooses to constrain its discretion.
The reduction of pressure losses in thermally modulated vertical channels
Authors: Floryan J.M. , Wang W. , Bassom Andrew P.
Published: January 2023

The role played by patterned heating in reducing pressure losses within vertical conduits is investigated. The heating generates flow separation structures which reduce the direct contact between the stream and the sidewalls, thereby limiting the frictional resistance. This also modifies the temperature field thereby inducing a net buoyancy force which may either assist or oppose the pressure gradient required to maintain a fixed flow rate. If the flow Reynolds number is increased sufficiently, the separation structures may be washed away, which means that the pressure-gradient-reducing mechanism is eliminated. The details of the system response are a function of the form of spatial heating distribution, its intensity, the flow Reynolds number and the fluid Prandtl number. Carefully chosen heating of the two walls can induce a pattern interaction effect and a judicious choice of the two patterns can have as much as an order of magnitude effect on the system response.
Effects of sheltering on the unsteady wake dynamics of tandem cylinders mounted in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Essel Ebenezer E. , Balachandar Ram , Tachie Mark F.
Published: January 2023

The unsteady wake dynamics of two finite wall-mounted cylinders of unequal height and arranged in tandem are investigated using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV). The cylinders were fully submerged in a turbulent boundary layer with a Reynolds number based on the cylinder diameter (d) of 5540 and boundary layer thickness of$\delta /d = 8.7$. The centre-to-centre spacing between the cylinders was fixed at 4d. The degree of sheltering was studied by varying the height of the upstream cylinder (UC)$(h/d \in [0.7\unicode{x2013} 7.0])$while keeping the height of the downstream cylinder (DC) constant at$H/d\; = \; 7.0$. The resulting height ratios were$h/H = 0.10,0.25,0.50,0.75$and$1.00$denoted as HR10, HR25, HR50, HR75 and HR100, respectively. The wake dynamics of the DC were also compared to those of an isolated single cylinder (SC) with similar Reynolds number, aspect ratio and submergence ratio. TR-PIV measurements were performed in the symmetry plane for all test cases and five spanwise planes along the height of HR75. The results showed that as the height ratio increases, the downwash from the free end of the UC impinges directly on the frontal surface of the DC and induces a strong upwash on the opposite rear side of the DC. The induced upwash impedes the downwash from the free end of the DC much earlier than observed behind the SC, resulting in a reduced reverse flow area and high velocity deficit in the sheltered portion of the DC. Nonetheless, the reverse flow area behind the UC and DC undergoes a quasi-periodic pumping motion with frequencies that are synchronized for HR25 to HR100. Spectral analysis and proper orthogonal decomposition also reveal that the attachment of the shear layers of the UC on the DC also promotes a lock-in anti-symmetric vortex shedding behaviour.
Two- and three-dimensional wake transitions of a NACA0012 airfoil
Authors: Gupta Siddharth , Zhao Jisheng , Sharma Atul , Agrawal Amit , Hourigan Kerry , Thompson Mark C.
Published: January 2023

Flow transitions are an important fluid-dynamic phenomena for many reasons, including the direct effect on the aerodynamic forces acting on the body. In the present study, two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) wake transitions of a NACA0012 airfoil are studied for angles of attack in the range

$0^\circ \leq \alpha \leq 20^\circ$

and Reynolds numbers

$500 \leq {\textit {Re}} \leq 5000$

. The study uses water-channel experiments and 2-D and 3-D numerical simulations based on the nodal spectral-element method, level-set function-based immersed-interface method and Floquet stability analysis. The different wake states are categorised based on the time-instantaneous wake structure, non-dimensional frequency and aerodynamic force coefficients. The wake states and transition boundaries are summarised in a wake regime map. The critical angle of attack and Reynolds number for the supercritical Hopf bifurcation (i.e. steady to periodic wake transition) varies as

$\alpha _1 {\sim} {\textit {Re}}^{-0.65}$

, while the critical angle of attack for the onset of three dimensionality varies as

$\alpha _{3D} {\sim} {\textit {Re}}^{-0.5}$

. Over the entire Reynolds number range, the transition to 3-D flow occurs through a mode C (subharmonic) transition. Beyond this initial transition, further instabilities of the 2-D periodic base flow arise and are investigated. For instance, at

$ {\textit {Re}}=2000$

and

$\alpha _{3D,2}=11.0^\circ$

, mode C coexists together with modes related to modes A and QP seen in a stationary circular cylinder wake. In contrast, at

$ {\textit {Re}}=5000$

and

$\alpha _{3D,2}=8.0^\circ$

, the dominant mode C coexists with mode QP. Three-dimensional simulations well beyond critical angles indicate that 2-D vortex-street transitions are approximately maintained in the fully saturated 3-D wakes in a spanwise-averaged sense.
Large eddy simulations of the accumulation of buoyant material in oceanic wind-driven and convective turbulence
Authors: Dingwall Jenny , Chor Tomas , Taylor John R.
Published: January 2023

Buoyant material such as microplastics accumulate near the ocean surface in regions with convergent surface currents where they can be harmful to marine life. Here, we use large eddy simulations to investigate the transport and accumulation of buoyant material in a turbulent ocean mixed layer under combined wind and convection forcing. We model non-inertial buoyant particles with a combination of buoyant tracers and Lagrangian surface particles, which allows us to explore a wide range of particle buoyancies. Surface cooling drives convection, and under this regime persistent convective vortices form that trap buoyant particles, leading to large concentrations. Despite their small size, the convective vortices exhibit a bias towards cyclonic vorticity that has not been reported previously. Based on an analysis of Lagrangian trajectories, the average time that a particle spends inside a convective vortex is long enough for planetary vorticity to become important and further vortex stretching causes an exponential increase in vorticity. When wind forcing is included, there is a transition from convective cells to longitudinal wind rolls with three distinct flow patterns observed under weak, moderate and strong wind forcing. For sufficiently weak winds, convective vortices survive but are less effective at trapping buoyant material. Under strong wind forcing, convective vortices no longer exist, but some clustering occurs in regions of high speed associated with longitudinal wind rolls. We quantify the degree of clustering using the Gini coefficient and find that clustering is strongly influenced by the relative size of the friction and convective velocities and the particle buoyancy.
The structure of energy fluxes in wave turbulence
Authors: Dematteis Giovanni , Lvov Yuri V.
Published: January 2023

We calculate the net energy per unit time exchanged between two sets of modes in a generic system governed by a three-wave kinetic equation. Our calculation is based on the property of detailed energy conservation of the triadic resonant interactions. In a first application to isotropic systems, we re-derive the previously used formula for the energy flux as a particular case for adjacent sets. We then exploit the new formalism to quantify the level of locality of the energy transfers in the example of surface capillary waves. A second application to anisotropic wave systems expands the currently available set of tools to investigate magnitude and direction of the energy fluxes in these systems. We illustrate the use of the formalism by characterizing the energy pathways in the oceanic internal wavefield. Our proposed approach, unlike traditional approaches, is not limited to stationarity, scale invariance and strict locality. In addition, we define a number

$w$

that quantifies the scale separation necessary for two sets of modes to having negligible mutual energy exchange, with potential consequences in the interpretation of wave turbulence experiments. The methodology presented here provides a general, simple and systematic approach to energy fluxes in wave turbulence.
Disparities on the Basis of Nationality, Ethnicity, and gender in Road Accident Compensation in Israel
Authors: Bitton Yifat , Kricheli Katz Tamar
Published: January 2023

This study documents disparities on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, and gender in court awards regarding the loss of future earnings in road accident cases in Israel. We analyze a random selection of 236 court decisions in road accident cases that reached final decisions on their merits between 1978 and 2018 in which the nationality, ethnicity, and gender of victims were identifiable (via first and last names). We show that, although in Israel the reliance on sex- and race-based statistical data to calculate damages in tort cases is a prohibited practice, courts tend to reach lower estimates of future lost earnings for Mizrahi Jews, Arabs, and women than those of otherwise similarly situated Ashkenazi Jewish men. In the analyses, we hold injured persons’ earnings at the time of the accident and occupations constant. The effects we observe are significant in magnitude. The results of our study are particularly noteworthy given the fact that we document disparities that correspond with the already existing labor force inequalities and discrimination in hiring, salary, and promotion on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, and gender in Israel.
Validation of a sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire for athletes in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Edmonds Caitlin , Tam Ryan , Madigan Sharon , Gubb Louise , Beck Kathryn L. , Gifford Janelle A. , Flood Victoria M. , Prvan Tania , Gemming Luke N. , O'Connor Helen
Published: January 2023

Sound general and sports nutrition knowledge in athletes is essential for making appropriate dietary choices. Assessment of nutrition knowledge enables evaluation and tailoring of nutrition education. However, few well-validated tools are available to assess nutrition knowledge in athletes. The objective of the present study was to establish the validity of the Platform to Evaluate Athlete Knowledge Sports – Nutrition Questionnaire (PEAKS-NQ) for use in the United Kingdom and Irish (UK-I) athletes. To confirm content validity, twenty-three sports nutritionists (SNs) from elite, UK-I sports institutes provided feedback on the PEAKS-NQ via a modified Delphi method. After minor changes, the UK-I version of the PEAKS-NQ was administered to UK-I SN from the British Dietetic Association Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register, and elite athletes (EA) training at elite sports institutes in the UK and Ireland. Independent samples t-test and independent samples median tests were used to compare PEAKS-NQ total and subsection scores between EA and SN (to assess construct validity). Cronbach's alpha (good ≥ 0⋅7) was used to establish internal consistency. The SN achieved greater overall [SN (n 23) 92⋅3 (9⋅3) v. EA (n 154): 71⋅4 (10⋅0)%; P < 0⋅001] and individual section scores (P < 0⋅001) except Section B, Identification of Food Groups (P = 0⋅07). Largest knowledge differences between SN and EA were in Section D, Applied Sports Nutrition [SN: 88⋅5 (8⋅9) v. EA: 56⋅7 (14⋅5)%; P < 0⋅00]. Overall ES was large (2⋅1), with subsections ranging from 0⋅6 to 2⋅3. Cronbach's alpha was good (0⋅83). The PEAKS-NQ had good content and construct validity, supporting its use to assess nutrition knowledge of UK-I athletes.
Psychomotor and neurofunctional aspects after COVID-19
Authors: Chiminazzo Lara L. W. , Kirsten Thiago Berti
Published: January 2023

Objective:

The pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 virus) has infected more than 646 million people and caused more than 6.6 million deaths worldwide (December/2022). It is surprising that a virus that affects airways can trigger neurological manifestations. The aim of this study was to create and apply specific questionnaires/evaluations for post-COVID-19 patients to profile any neurofunctional sequelae.

Methods:

Epidemiological and psychomotor aspects as well as the intensity of cognitive, memory, attention, and concentration impairment were assessed. A total of 184 subjects post-COVID-19 and a control group (n = 30) were evaluated.

Results:

The most prevalent blood types in the COVID-19 group were the same as those from control group and in Brazilian population (no influence). Loss of smell/taste and headache were the most common reported symptoms. Talking about psychomotor and neurofunctional aspects, COVID-19 induced marked impairments in the tests: fine motor development (diadochokinesis, puppets, fan, and knead paper); balance (immobility, static balance, feet in line, and persistence); episodic memory after distractors; verbal fluency; and clock, compared to the control group data. There was also marked increase of synkinesis. Therefore, COVID-19 induced impairments in psychomotor assessments and in different cognitive aspects of the Mini-Mental State Examination. These results are more surprising considering that most participants did not report pre-existing disease and did not require hospitalisation.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 induced psychomotor, neurofunctional, and memory impairments, including in young and healthy subjects. The present study revealed neurological impairments, which should be considered in the development of rehabilitation protocols for patients affected by COVID-19.
THE IMPACT OF LEACHING ON RADIOCARBON AGES OF SMALL-SIZED FORAMINIFERA SAMPLES
Authors: Grotheer Hendrik , Mollenhauer Gesine
Published: January 2023

Reliable radiocarbon (14C) ages of foraminifera are a prerequisite to generate robust high-resolution age-depth models or to obtain precise understanding of past carbon cycle dynamics. With the advance of small-scale 14C measurements, instrumental precision and levels of contamination (extraneous carbon introduced during sample pretreatment or analysis) became increasingly important to consider. To reduce the effect of carbon contamination, an attempt can be made to remove it by leaching the surface with weak acids. Alternatively, mathematical corrections (e.g., subtraction) based on processing blanks can be applied. We report on 14C analyses of monospecific foraminifera samples compared between different blank corrections (correction against 14C-free CO2, IAEA-C1 and foraminifera) and sample treatments (i) to examine whether chemical pretreatment and mathematical blank subtraction are comparable, and (ii) to determine limitations hindering reliable 14C dating with ever smaller sample sizes. The data show that chemical pretreatment of foraminifera corrected against IAEA-C1 does remove surface contamination and that the same effect can be achieved for untreated samples that were mathematically corrected for blank values determined from sample size-matched 14C-free foraminifera. Leaching only has a beneficial effect on 14C data for older samples, where the isotopic difference between untreated and chemically pretreated samples exceeds the analytical precision.
Petrogenesis and metallogenesis of the Qieganbulake carbonatite-related phosphate deposit associated with the mafic–ultramafic–carbonatite complex in the Kuluketage block, northeastern Tarim Craton
Authors: Chen Wei , Lü Xinbiao , Yuan Qian , Huang Changsheng , Gao Xiang , Lu Youyue , Cao Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

The Qieganbulake deposit associated with a mafic–ultramafic–carbonatite complex in the Kuluketage block is not only the world’s second-largest vermiculite deposit, but also a medium-size carbonatite-related phosphate deposit. Field observations, radiometric dating results and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes reveal that the parental magmas of the carbonatite and mafic–ultramafic rocks are cogenetic and formed synchronously at c. 810 Ma. Geochemical characteristics and Sr–Nd–Hf–S isotopes ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70581–0.70710; ϵNd(t) = −0.20 to −11.80; ϵHf(t) = −7.5 to −10.3; δ34S = +0.7 ‰ to +3.0 ‰ (some sulfides with high δ34S values (+3.2 to +6.6) were formed by late hydrothermal sulfur)), in combination with mineral compositions and previous research, strongly indicate that the Qieganbulake mafic–ultramafic–carbonatite complex formed via extensive crystal fractionation/cumulation and liquid immiscibility of a carbonated tholeiitic magma, possibly derived from partial melting of an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle previously modified by slab-released fluids and sediment input in a continental rift setting. The coupled enriched Sr–Nd isotopic signatures, in combination with previous research, suggest that the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle could have been metasomatized by asthenospheric mantle melts to different degrees. The Qieganbulake carbonatite-related phosphate ores were the products of normal fractional crystallization/cumulation of P–Fe3+ complex enriched carbonatite magma in high oxygen fugacity conditions, which was generated by liquid immiscibility of CO2–Fe–Ti–P-rich residual magma undergoing high differentiation.
Birth preparedness and complication readiness: Evaluating the “know-do” gap among women receiving antenatal care in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Ohenhen Victor , Oshomoh Samson Aiwobeuke , Akpojaro Ejovi , Enobakhare Egbe , Ovenseri Christopher , Eboreime Ejemai
Published: January 2023

Across several African countries, birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) among pregnant women is poor. The practice of BPACR, though improving in recent years, is not commensurate with the knowledge available to pregnant women. Maternal health indices remain sub-optimal. This study evaluates the determinants of this “know-do’ gap among women receiving antenatal care at a secondary health facility in Benin City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 427 pregnant women was conducted between October and December 2020 using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of knowledge and practice were described, and the determinants of BPACR practice evaluated using bivariable (chi-square) analysis and multivariable ordinal logistic regression with post-estimation predictive margins analysis. About 77% of respondents had good birth preparedness practice. Multivariable regression revealed that respondents with poor knowledge and moderate knowledge of components of BPACR had statistically significant lower odds (OR:0.05 (95% CI: 0.02-0.13) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03-0.30) times, respectively) for greater practice of BPACR when compared to those with good knowledge. Respondents with poor knowledge of danger signs had statistically significant lower odds (OR: 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03-0.26) for greater practice of BPACR when compared to those with good knowledge. But predictive margins analyses demonstrates that knowledge, though critical to practice, is insufficient to optimize practice. The optimum number of danger signs women need to know to improve practice may be between eight to ten. Beyond this number, practice may not change significantly. Other predictors of BPACR practice include income level, parity, gravidity, and residential settings. The number of antenatal clinic visits had no statistically significant correlation with BPACR practice. Interventions to facilitate practice at the community level may be helpful to improve outcomes and bridge the know-do gap with respect to BPACR within the study context.
Diffusive scattering of energetic electrons by intense whistler-mode waves in an inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Frantsuzov Viktor A. , Artemyev Anton V. , Zhang Xiao-Jia , Allanson Oliver , Shustov Pavel I. , Petrukovich Anatoli A.
Published: January 2023

Electron resonant interactions with electromagnetic whistler-mode waves play an important role in electron flux dynamics in various space plasma systems: planetary radiation belts, bow shocks, solar wind and magnetic reconnection regions. Two key wave characteristics determining the regime of wave–particle interactions are the wave intensity and the wave coherency. The classical quasi-linear diffusion approach describes well electron diffusion by incoherent and low-amplitude waves, whereas the nonlinear resonant models describe electron phase bunching and trapping by highly coherent intense waves. This study is devoted to the investigation of the regime of electron resonant interactions with incoherent but intense waves. Although this regime is characterized by electron diffusion, we show that diffusion rates scale linearly with the wave amplitude,$D\propto B_w$, in contrast to the quasi-linear diffusion scaling$D_{QL}\propto B_w^2$. Using observed wave amplitude distributions, we demonstrate that the quasi-linear diffusion model significantly overestimates electron scattering by incoherent, but intense whistler-mode waves. We discuss the results obtained in the context of simulations of long-term electron flux dynamics in space plasma systems.
Quantifying use of kelp forest habitat by commercially important crustaceans in the United Kingdom
Authors: Smale Dan A. , King Nathan G. , Jackson-Bué Mathilde , Moore Pippa J.
Published: January 2023

Kelp forests are regarded as important nursery and foraging habitats for commercially important species of finfish and shellfish despite an absence of fishery-independent data in many regions. Here, we conducted targeted surveys at 12 subtidal reefs, distributed across 9° of latitude in the UK, using three complementary techniques (Underwater Visual Census (UVC), Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and deployment of prawn pots) to quantify the abundance of crustaceans within kelp forests. Commercially important species were recorded at all sites; Cancer pagurus (brown/edible crab) and Necora puber (velvet swimming crab) were the most abundant and commonly observed, although Maja brachydactyla (spider crab), Homarus gammarus (European lobster) and Palaemon serratus (common prawn) were also recorded. The abundance of some species exhibited pronounced regional variability, with higher abundances of C. pagurus within northern regions and, conversely, higher abundances of M. brachydactyla and P. serratus within southern regions. Each sampling technique yielded similar spatial patterns for the most abundant species but had varying sensitivity to some species. Most individuals observed were juvenile or sub-adults, suggesting kelp forests serve as important nursery grounds for commercially and ecologically important crustaceans. Further monitoring efforts, conducted across greater spatiotemporal scales and in different habitat types, are needed to provide a robust baseline against which to detect changes and to inform management and conservation actions.
First mitochondrial genome of a lugworm (Annelida: Arenicolidae) and its phylogenetic position
Authors: Kobayashi Genki , Itoh Hajime , Nakajima Nobuyoshi
Published: January 2023

The annelid mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been well documented, and phylogenetic analyses based on the mitogenomes provide insightful implications for annelid evolution. However, the mitogenomes of some families remain unknown. Herein, we determined the complete mitogenome of the lugwormAbarenicola claparedi oceanica(15,524 bp), representing the first mitogenome from the family Arenicolidae. The gene order of this species is the same as the various lineages in Sedentaria. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were performed based on six different datasets, including 43 ingroups (oligochaetes, hirudineans, echiurans and closely related polychaetes) and two outgroups (Siboglinidae), namely, aligned and trimmed datasets consisting of the nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes (PCGs) and rRNAs, and amino acid sequences of PCGs. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide sequences yielded trees with better support values than those based on the amino acid sequences. Arenicolidae is clustered with Maldanidae in all analyses. Analyses based on nucleotide sequences confirm the monophyly of Terebellidae, which was paraphyletic in recent mitogenomic phylogenetic studies. We also performed the phylogenetic analysis based on the RY-coding of the nucleotide sequences of PCGs only to yield phylogeny with generally low support values. Additional mitogenome sequences of related ingroup species would be needed to comprehensively understand the phylogenetic relationship, which was not present in this study.
Physical activity and dietary considerations for prostate cancer patients: future research directions
Authors: Hamblen Andrew J , Bray James W , Hingorani Mohan , Saxton John M
Published: January 2023

This review considers current evidence on physical activity and dietary behaviours in the context of prostate cancer prevention and survivorship outcomes. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer amongst men, with over 1⋅4 million newly diagnosed cases globally each year. Due to earlier detection via screening and advances in treatments, survival rates are amongst the highest of all cancer populations. However, hormone treatments (i.e. androgen deprivation therapy) can lead to undesirable body composition changes, increased fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life, which can impair the overall wellbeing of men living with and beyond prostate cancer. Existing research has only provided limited evidence that physical activity and nutrition can impact a man's risk of prostate cancer but cohort studies suggest they can influence survival outcomes after diagnosis. Additionally, data from observational and intervention studies suggest that habitual physical activity (or structured exercise) and healthy diets can help to ameliorate hormone-related treatment side-effects. Current physical activity guidelines state that prostate cancer patients should complete at least three sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two resistance exercise sessions, but dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients are less well defined. In conclusion, regular physical activity and nutritional interventions may improve survival outcomes and attenuate some adverse side-effects of hormone treatments in men with prostate cancer. However, further research is required to improve our understanding of the health impacts of physical activity (including structured exercise) and nutrition in relation to prostate cancer prevention and survivorship.
Socialistic 3D tracking of humans from a mobile robot for a ‘human following robot’ behaviour
Authors: Malviya Vaibhav , Kala Rahul
Published: January 2023

Robotic guides take visitors on a tour of a facility. Such robots must always know the position of the visitor for decision-making. Current tracking algorithms largely assume that the person will be nearly always visible. In the robotic guide application, a person’s visibility could be often lost for prolonged periods, especially when the robot is circumventing a corner or making a sharp turn. In such cases, a person cannot quickly come behind the limited field of view rear camera. We propose a new algorithm that can track people for prolonged times under such conditions. The algorithm is benefitted from an application-level heuristic that the person will be nearly always following the robot, which can be used to guess the motion. The proposed work uses a Particle Filter with a ‘follow-the-robot’ motion model for tracking. The tracking is performed in 3D using a monocular camera. Unlike approaches in the literature, the proposed work observes from a moving base that is especially challenging since a rotation of the robot can cause a large sudden change in the position of the human in the image plane that the approaches in the literature would filter out. Tracking in 3D can resolve such errors. The proposed approach is tested for three different indoor scenarios. The results showcase that the approach is significantly better than the baselines including tracking in the image and projecting in 3D, tracking using a randomized (non-social) motion model, tracking using a Kalman Filter and using LSTM for trajectory prediction.
Patient-reported outcomes using a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: results from a systematic review
Authors: Aidelsburger Pamela , Seyed-Ghaemi Janine , Bonderman Diana
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in adult patients with high risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in Medline (via PubMed) and Cochrane Library in February 2022 and included studies with a study population ≥18 years and prescribed WCD. PRO include health-related quality of life (QoL), symptoms, utilities, or satisfaction ratings. Study selection was done by two reviewers independently using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment of studies as well as data extraction was performed by one author and approved by a second author. Results of the included studies are presented quantitatively.

Results

One randomized controlled trial (RCT), one comparative non-randomized trial, and three single-arm trials were included. QoL was assessed in four studies, but with different assessment tools. One study additionally evaluated the change in depressive symptoms and anxiety and one study focused on acceptability of WCD but evaluated items that are closely related to QoL. Results of the RCT show no statistically significant difference in QoL assessed by SF-36 and EQ-5D comparing WCD and Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. One comparative study reports an improvement in depressive symptoms and anxiety within groups but no significant difference between groups. Further, one single-arm study reported improvement in QoL between baseline and day 90 and day 180.

Conclusions

The available evidence demonstrates that the usage of WCD is not affecting PRO, like QoL, depressive symptoms or anxiety negatively.
Nest density ofAtta sexdens(Linnaeus, 1758) in Atlantic Forest restoration sites depends on the surrounding landscape
Authors: Garcia Jéssica Magon , Gonzaga Géssi de Sousa , Bordignon Alexandre Mello , Torezan José Marcelo Domingues
Published: January 2023

Herbivory is an important ecological filter, affecting plant establishment in restoration sites. One group of herbivores whose abundance has been increasing with environmental changes are the leaf-cutting ants (LCA). Here we evaluated the influence of the surrounding landscape onAtta sexdensnest density in restoration sites, by testing the hypothesis that sites farthest from forest fragments or with less surrounding habitat cover have higher nest density. The study was conducted in eleven reforestations with native species, amidst an agricultural matrix in southern Brazil. For each site, we estimated LCA nest density (active, inactive and total) and landscape metrics (distance to nearest forest fragment, surrounding habitat area and an index combining both distance and surrounding habitat area, the Proximity Index). There were negative relationships between active and total nest density and surrounding habitat area. These results suggest that increased isolation from forest fragments is a factor contributing to the relaxation of top-down control. Therefore, the increase inA. sexdenspopulation density in restoration sites is a result, at least in part, of low pressure from natural enemies, since LCA are not limited by resource availability.
Assessment of paediatric exertional or peri-exertional syncope: does the story matter?
Authors: Turan Ozlem , Marshall Taylor , Runciman Martin , Schaffer Michael , von Alvensleben Johannes , Collins Kathryn K.
Published: January 2023

Exertional syncope has been suggested to correlate with a cardiac aetiology, particularly when occurring in mid-stride. The aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of cardiac disease among children presenting with exertional syncope, determine the influence of timing within activity, and determine the utility of genetic testing and implantable event monitors in the evaluation of cardiac syncope. The patients ≤18 years old with exertional syncope who underwent exercise stress testing between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively included. Patients were assessed to be in one of three groups: mid-exertion (mid-stride syncope), peri-exertion (syncope during activity but not moving), and post-exertion (within minutes of the activity). A total of 334 patients were included; 46 % were mid-exertion, 18 % were peri-exertion, and 36 % were post-exertion. Thirteen patients (3.8 %) were diagnosed with cardiac syncope; n = 9 (69 %) mid-exertion. Only mid-exertional syncope was significantly associated with a cardiac diagnosis (OR: 2.6). Cardiac diagnoses included inherited arrhythmia syndromes (n = 9), abnormal coronary origins (n = 2), and supraventricular tachycardia (n = 2). Only catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (n = 5) was associated with mid-exertional syncope (OR: 1.4). The definitive diagnostic test was exercise testing (n = 8), echocardiogram (n = 2), genetic testing (n = 1), ambulatory monitor (n = 1), and EKG (n = 1). Mid-stride syncope was more likely to result in a cardiac diagnosis, and exercise testing is the most common definitive test as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was the primary aetiology of exertional syncope in our cohort. Implantable event monitors and genetic testing could be helpful in ruling out cardiac disease.