bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lawmaps: enabling legal AI development through visualisation of the implicit structure of legislation and lawyerly process
Authors: McLachlan Scott , Kyrimi Evangelia , Dube Kudakwashe , Fenton Norman , Webley Lisa C.
Published: January 2022

Modelling that exploits visual elements and information visualisation are important areas that have contributed immensely to understanding and the computerisation advancements in many domains and yet remain unexplored for the benefit of the law and legal practice. This paper investigates the challenge of modelling and expressing structures and processes in legislation and the law by using visual modelling and information visualisation (InfoVis) to assist accessibility of legal knowledge, practice and knowledge formalisation as a basis for legal AI. The paper uses a subset of the well-defined Unified Modelling Language (UML) to visually express the structure and process of the legislation and the law to create visual flow diagrams called lawmaps, which form the basis of further formalisation. A lawmap development methodology is presented and evaluated by creating a set of lawmaps for the practice of conveyancing and the Landlords and Tenants Act 1954 of the United Kingdom. This paper is the first of a new breed of preliminary solutions capable of application across all aspects, from legislation to practice; and capable of accelerating development of legal AI.
Evaluation of egg parasitoid Hadronotus pennsylvanicus as a prospective biocontrol agent of the leaffooted bug Leptoglossus zonatus
Authors: Straser Robert K. , Daane Kent M. , Talamas Elijah , Wilson Houston
Published: January 2022

The western leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Coreidae), is a key pest of almonds and pistachios in the USA. With limited monitoring strategies and no economic threshold developed, the use of broad-spectrum insecticides remains the primary control tactic for L. zonatus. In pursuit of more sustainable management options, experiments were carried out to assess the biocontrol potential of the egg parasitoid Hadronotus pennsylvanicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) against L. zonatus. Biological and demographical attributes of H. pennsylvanicus were evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. Mated females lived on average 116 days. However, female longevity declined by 74% when provided with host eggs, and by 97% when deprived of a suitable diet. Females produced an average 39.70 offspring, with peak fecundity observed within the first week of their lifespan. The total progeny was on average 92.75% female. Non-reproductive host mortality accounted for > 52% of the total egg mortality observed within the first two weeks, and represented the majority of total host egg mortality thereafter. Age of host eggs did not influence parasitism rates. Under laboratory conditions, H. pennsylvanicus exhibits suitable demographic and reproductive traits as a candidate biocontrol agent of L. zonatus. Further research is needed to determine how to best manipulate and enhance H. pennsylvanicus populations to promote biocontrol of L. zonatus under field conditions.
Multi-domain network infrastructure based on P4 programmable devices for Digital Data Marketplaces
Authors: Shakeri Sara , Veen Lourens , Grosso Paola
Published: January 2022

There are many organizations interested in sharing data with others, and they can do this only if a multi-domain secure platform is available. Such platforms, often referred to as Digital Data Marketplaces (DDMs), require that all the transactions follow the pre-defined policies that are established by the participating parties i.e, domains. However, building a multi-domain network infrastructure in which each domain can manage its own connectivity while at the same time all of the transactions follow the sharing agreements is still a challenge. In this paper, we introduce a multi-domain containerized DDM that is built upon a P4-based network. It can handle the communication of multiple domains and guarantee that the operation of transactions is based on the pre-defined policies. We also studied the setup performance by defining a model which we demonstrated follows the real measurements, and we can use for decision making. The results also show the low overhead of using P4 switch in network setup time. In addition, we conducted a security evaluation which showed that our P4-based network setup is secure against most types of attacks.
Adaptive learning in university students’ opinions: Cross-border research
Authors: Smyrnova-Trybulska Eugenia , Morze Nataliia , Varchenko-Trotsenko Lilia
Published: January 2022

Contemporary education is often based on using e-learning courses, which have become a popular means of delivering didactic material to students. Among the main advantages mentioned is the potential possibility of creating individual ways of learning and teaching. The purpose of this article is to provide a description of the various approaches to adaptive learning, to present the comparative research results of a Polish-Ukrainian study, as well as to highlight the options offered by LMS Moodle (Modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment Learning Management System) for the implementation of adaptive learning and the possibility of taking into account the expectation of students regardless of the country. During the study, an online survey was administered to 59 students at the University of Silesia in Katowice (US), Poland and 121 students at the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (BGKU), Ukraine between March–June 2020. All of the students were studying online due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. The classes were conducted in synchronous and in asynchronous modes using e-learning courses in the Moodle system, as well as MS Teams for Polish students and Google Suite for Ukrainian students. At the same time, the majority of the surveyed students declared that they lack personalization, both in terms of materials and the learning process, which was limited in terms of fulfilment and they would like to have a choice of the level of study.
Changemakers as digital makers: Connecting and co-creating
Authors: Whewell Emma , Caldwell Helen , Frydenberg Mark , Andone Diana
Published: January 2022

This paper presents data from two international projects focused on the interaction between changemaking and digital making in university students. The data is drawn from the contributions of 63 university students located in the United States, Romania, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Denmark and England. Using a design thinking methodology and a thematic analysis of student responses, the aim was to understand how the creative use of immersive technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, might create an environment for changemaking practices in an international context. Findings suggest that students demonstrated not only enhanced digital skills and student engagement but increased cultural competence and global mindfulness. International digital collaboration can create conditions for students to develop changemaker attributes and identify as changemakers within the spheres of entrepreneurship and education, preparing them to be a force for change in the world.
Micro-Prudential Regulation and Loan Monitoring
Authors: Instefjord Norvald , Nakata Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

We evaluate the value of loan monitoring systems for a bank controlled by a micro-prudential regulator. We investigate dynamic systems (an information channel that generates information flow about quality) and static systems (where the lender receives a single signal about loan quality). We find that dynamic systems carry a regulatory charge that dominates the benefit of the systems and are therefore unprofitable, whereas static systems have positive value. Specifically, lenders can profitably dismantle their dynamic systems and instead turn to static monitoring systems. The model reveals, therefore, a potential weakness of micro-prudential regulation.
On the convex hull and homothetic convex hull functions of a convex body
Authors: G. Horváth Ákos , Lángi Zsolt
Published: January 2022

The aim of this note is to investigate the properties of the convex hull and the homothetic convex hull functions of a convex body K in Euclidean n-space, defined as the volume of the union of K and one of its translates, and the volume of K and a translate of a homothetic copy of K, respectively, as functions of the translation vector. In particular, we prove that the convex hull function of the body K does not determine K. Furthermore, we prove the equivalence of the polar projection body problem raised by Petty, and a conjecture of G.Horváth and Lángi about translative constant volume property of convex bodies. We give a short proof of some theorems of Jerónimo-Castro about the homothetic convex hull function, and prove a homothetic variant of the translative constant volume property conjecture for 3-dimensional convex polyhedra. We also apply our results to describe the properties of the illumination bodies of convex bodies.
Birth Weight and Childhood Psychopathology in the ABCD Cohort: Association is Strongest for Attention Problems and is Moderated by Sex
Authors: Dooley Niamh , Clarke Mary , Cotter David , Cannon Mary
Published: January 2022

Many studies have shown low birth weight is associated with psychopathology later in life, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The association is well-replicated, independent from a variety of potential familial confounds, and follows a dose–response curve (decreasing birth weight linked with increasing odds of disorder). However, the specificity of the association to attention problems is called into question by the extent of comorbidity in ADHD, and recent findings that the association is stronger for autism than ADHD. We test the relative dose–response strength of birth weight on multiple aspects of behavior to explore specificity of the effect to attention problems. We also test recent suggestions that the association between birth weight and attention problems is driven by males. Our sample consisted of 9,076 children aged 9–10 from the United States (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study). Outcomes included 9 problem-scales and the total problems scale from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Attention problems were the most strongly associated with birth weight after controlling for gestational age, potential familial confounds, and multiple testing, supporting the outcome-specificity of this association. Contrary to recent registry-based findings, an association between birth weight and an autism scale was not observed. Sex moderated the effect of birth weight on total problems, attention problems and aggressive behavior such that these inverse associations were strongly driven by males. Our findings have strong implications for sex-specific prediction and etiological models of childhood psychopathology.
Microalgal biomass quantification from the non-invasive technique of image processing through red–green–blue (RGB) analysis
Authors: Salgueiro J. L. , Pérez L. , Sanchez Ángel , Cancela Ángeles , Míguez Clara
Published: January 2022

Continuous monitoring of biomass concentration in microalgae cultures is essential and one of the most important parameters to measure in this field. This study aims at digital image processing in RGB and greyscale models, being a simple and low-cost method for cell estimation. Images obtained from different photobioreactors with wastewater and at different conditions for the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris were analyzed. The results suggested that this technique is very effective under controlled lighting conditions, in contrast to photobioreactors placed outdoors and of different design, presenting a lower linearity. The accuracy of the method could be improved with a high-quality charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The development of efficient methods to assess biomass concentration is an important and necessary step towards large-scale microalgae cultivation. The colour analysis technique has a great potential to meet the needs of monitoring cultures in a cost-effective and automated way using simple and cheap instruments.
Tannin–Mn coordination polymer coated carbon quantum dots nanocomposite for fluorescence and magnetic resonance bimodal imaging
Authors: Xu Weibing , Zhang Jia , Yang Zhijie , Zhao Minzhi , Long Haitao , Wu Qingfeng , Nian Fang
Published: January 2022

The MR/FI bimodal imaging has attracted widely studied due to combining the advantages of MRI and FI can bridge gaps in sensitivity and depth between these two modalities. Herein, a novel MR/FI bimodal imaging probe is facile fabricated by coating the Mn-phenolic coordination polymer on the surface of the carbon quantum dots. The structure of the as-prepared nanocomposite probe is carefully validated via SEM, TEM, and XPS. The content of Mn2+ is calculated through the EDS and TGA. The quantum yield (QY) and emission wavelength of the probe are about 7.24% and 490 nm, respectively. The longitudinal r1 value (2.43 mM−1 s−1) with low r2/r1 (4.45) of the probe is obtained. Subsequently, fluorescence and MR imaging are performed. The metabolic pathways in vivo are inferred by studying the bio-distribution of the probe in major organs. Thus, these results indicate that probe would be an excellent dual-modal imaging probe for enhanced MR imaging and fluorescence imaging.
Chitosan-collagen-hydroxyapatite membranes for tissue engineering
Authors: Becerra José , Rodriguez Mariano , Leal Dayana , Noris-Suarez Karem , Gonzalez Gema
Published: January 2022

Tissue engineering is growing in developing new technologies focused on providing effective solutions to degenerative pathologies that affect different types of connective tissues. The search for biocompatible, bioactive, biodegradable, and multifunctional materials has grown significantly in recent years. Chitosan, calcium phosphates collagen, and their combination as composite materials fulfill the required properties and could result in biostimulation for tissue regeneration. In the present work, the chitosan/collagen/hydroxyapatite membranes were prepared with different concentrations of collagen and hydroxyapatite. Cell adhesion was evaluated by MTS assay for two in vitro models. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the different membranes employing hemolysis of erythrocytes isolated from human blood was carried out. The structure of the membranes was analyzed by X-rays diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal stability properties by thermogravimetric methods (TGA). The highest cell adhesion after 48 h was obtained for chitosan membranes with the highest hydroxyapatite and collagen content. All composite membranes showed good cell adhesion and low cytotoxicity, suggesting that these materials have a significant potential to be used as biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Loading of erythropoietin on biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics promotes osteogenesis and angiogenesis by regulating EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Peng , Wu Qionghui , Qin Zhifan , Xiang Zichao , Chu Yuxian , Li Jihua
Published: January 2022

Improving osteogenesis and angiogenesis using different cells and drugs is critical in the field of bone tissue engineering. Recent research has found that erythropoietin (EPO) plays an important role in both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, we grafted polydopamine and EPO onto the surface of biphasic calcium phosphate. The characterization and release property of the modified bioceramics were assessed. Cell proliferation, expression of osteoblastic and endothelial markers, and EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules were investigated while employing co-cultures of two different cells [rat vein endothelial cells (VECs) and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs)]. The modified bioceramics were finally implanted into the SD rats’ femurs and followed by investigating the bone defect repair efficacy and the expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules in vivo. The results indicated that the modified bioceramics could control the release of EPO continuously. The osteogenesis and angiogenesis were improved along with the increased expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules. The expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules was also significantly increased in vivo and the bone defect was repaired effectively. Overall, our findings demonstrated that EPO loading on biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics could promote both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The results suggest that EphB4/EphrinB2 may be crucial in the process.
Using MKT measures for cross-national comparisons of teacher knowledge: case of Slovakia and Norway
Authors: Marcinek Tibor , Jakobsen Arne , Partová Edita
Published: January 2022

The measures of mathematical knowledge for teaching developed at the University of Michigan in the U.S., have been adapted and used in studies measuring teacher knowledge in several countries around the world. In the adaptation, many of these studies relied on comparisons of item parameters and none of them considered a comparison of raw data. In this article, we take advantage of having access to the raw data from the adaptation pilot studies of the same instrument in Norway and Slovakia (149 practicing elementary teachers in Norway, 134 practicing elementary teachers in Slovakia) that allowed us to compare item parameters and teachers’ ability estimates on the same scale. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the mean scores between the Norwegian and the Slovak teachers in our samples and the paper provides further insight into the issues of cross-national adaptations of measures of teachers’ knowledge and the limitations of the methods commonly applied in the item adaptation research. We show how item adaptations can be refined by combining robust quantitative methods with qualitative data, how decisions on adaptation of individual items depend on context and purpose of the adaptation, and how comparability and heterogeneity of samples affects interpretation of the results.
Associations Between Mildly Impaired Autistic Boys’ and Girls’ Challenging Behaviour and Parental Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Bitsika Vicki , Sharpley Christopher F.
Published: January 2022

To investigate the contribution made by autistic children’s Challenging Behaviour (CB) to their parents’ anxiety and depression, parents of 32 autistic boys and 32 autistic girls (aged 6 to 18 years) completed standardised instruments on their children’s behaviour and their own anxiety and depression. Significant associations were found between the children’s CB and their parents’ anxiety and depression, but the patterns of those associations differed according to the sex of the child. At the individual CB level, boys’ change of mood, but girls’ social isolation, were most powerfully associated with their parents’ depression. Girls’ impulsive behaviour was most strongly linked with their parents’ anxiety.
Sol–gel glazes - a safe glass and ceramics coloring approach
Authors: Sfez Ruthy , De-Botton Sophie , Avnir David , Wakshlak Racheli
Published: January 2022

Major attention has been given to safety, environmental, and health hazard issues which arise from using toxic inorganic colorants and pigments in ceramic and glass technologies. A safe alternative is presented, wherein organic colorants approved for human use are entrapped within sol–gel aluminosilicate hybrid matrices and used for glazing porcelain ceramic and glass substrates. Among the colorants used are brilliant blue FCF replacing the toxic cobalt blue, curcumin replacing the toxic cadmium sulfide yellow, and a mixture of carmine and allura-red replacing the toxic cadmium selenide red. Additional advantages of the proposed approach are lowering of energy consumption, offering convenient and efficient recyclability of the colored glasses (thus also solving the current requirements for color-classified recycling), offering a huge library of thousands of organic colorants, opening for the artist and product designer a wide range of visual effects, and opening new artistic coloration methods to be explored. Full characterization was carried out including UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, topographic thickness analysis, wettability, SEM and XRD analyses, and FIB elemental analyses. The glazes are bright, of the order of 250 microns thick, crack free, chemically stable, with good adherence to both ceramic and glassy surfaces, and recyclable to the pure colorless ceramics or glass by heating. The potential for artistic applications, is demonstrated.
Health Impact Assessment: A Missed Opportunity for MCH Professionals in Their Quest to Address the Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Dills James E. , Lawson Taylor M. , Branscomb Jane , Mullenix Amy , Lich Kristen Hassmiller
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Public health professionals, especially ones concerned with maternal and child health (MCH), need to engage in cross-sector collaborations to address social determinants of health. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) systematically brings public health perspectives into non-health decision-making contexts that influence social determinants. Alignment of MCH and HIA practice has not previously been documented.

Methods

An exploratory review of HIAs conducted in the United States considered several dimensions of MCH-HIA alignment and produced data to test the hypothesis that HIAs involving MCH stakeholders are more likely to address MCH populations and relevant measures. The review examined three key variables for each HIA: inclusion of MCH-focused stakeholders, level of focus on MCH populations, and presence of MCH-relevant content.

Results

Of the 424 HIAs included in the database of US HIAs, 350 were included in this review. Twenty-four percent (84) included MCH-focused stakeholders, and 42% (148) focused on MCH populations. Ninety percent (317) included metrics or content relevant to at least one Title V National Performance Measure (NPM). HIAs that clearly included MCH stakeholders had seven times the odds of including both a focus on MCH populations and at least one NPM-relevant topic compared to HIAs that did not clearly include MCH stakeholders (OR 6.98; 95% CI 3.99, 12.20).

Discussion

Despite low engagement of MCH stakeholders in HIAs, many still consider MCH populations and measures. Intentional engagement of MCH workforce in HIAs could ensure greater alignment with existing MCH priorities (such as addressing the social determinants of health and equity) in a given jurisdiction.
Genotyping and Drug Resistance Profile of Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in the Eastern China
Authors: Hong Nan , Lei Yan , Chen Huan , Chen Xiaofei , Tsui Kin Ming , Hu Danyang , Liao Wanqing , Yan Liang , Zhang Hong , Zhao Rongfen , Wu Gang , Yu Nong , Deng Shuwen
Published: January 2022

A total of 244 Candida albicans isolates recovered from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) patients in Suzhou, Eastern China, were investigated. According to CLSI documents M27-A4 and M59-3ed/M60-2ed, the MIC geometric means of nine antifungals in increasing order were micafungin (0.048 mg/L), anidulafungin (0.132 mg/L), caspofungin (0.19 mg/L), itraconazole (0.23 mg/L), posaconazole (0.25 mg/L), voriconazole (0.28 mg/L), 5-flucytosine (0.44 mg/L), amphotericin B (0.49 mg/L) and fluconazole (2.01 mg/L) respectively. Of note, 6.5% (16/244) C. albicans isolates showed resistance mainly to anidulafungin (mono-echinocandin resistance), while voriconazole had the lowest susceptibility rate of 34.8% (85/244), followed by fluconazole 59.4% (145/244), respectively. All isolates were genotyped by allelic combination of 3 microsatellite markers (CEF3, CAIII and LOC4). A total of 129 different allelic genotypes were identified, in which seven different clades were recognized with a discriminatory power of 0.96. Genotypes A-D were present in 35% of the isolates. In conclusion, decrease in antifungal drug susceptibility to C. albicans isolates from VVC is alarming. Our findings revealed the genetic diversity of C. albicans isolates among VVC patients and provided insights into the molecular epidemiology of Candida infections in China.
Screening Ca concentration in staple food crops with energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)
Authors: Guild Georgia E. , Stangoulis James C. R.
Published: January 2022

Background and aims

Calcium deficiency is evident in populations worldwide and combating this could be addressed with the biofortification of staple crops. Consequently, identification of Ca concentration in breeding trials would be essential. Here we report the use of energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) for the rapid screening of Ca concentration in seed samples.

Methods

Grain samples of rice, wheat, pearl millet, bean, maize, and cowpea were provided from biofortification breeding programs and analysed with inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the reference Ca concentration. A set of samples were used to develop a Ca EDXRF calibration for each crop and another set of samples to validate the method.

Results

The EDXRF results were comparable to the reference ICP-MS analysis with an average difference of < ± 5 mg kg-1 for all crops and RSD for duplicate analysis < 10% for all crops.

Conclusions

EDXRF is suitable for the rapid analysis of Ca in bean, cowpea, wheat, pearl millet, maize and rice samples.
A comparison between measurement properties of four shoulder-related outcome measures in Nepalese patients with shoulder pain
Authors: KC Sudarshan , Sharma Saurab , Ginn Karen , Reed Darren
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Quick-DASH, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) are frequently used instruments in shoulder functional assessment. They are available in Nepali and all but the PSFS has been validated for shoulder assessment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the Nepali PSFS in shoulder pain patients and to compare validity, reliability, and responsiveness of all four instruments to provide a recommendation for their use.

Method

Patients attending physiotherapy completed the Nepali PSFS at baseline and follow-up (1–3 weeks). It was tested for reliability using internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), construct validity by hypothesis testing and responsiveness by anchor-based method using Area Under the Curve (AUC). The instruments were compared based on reported measurement properties and patients’ preference.

Results

156 patients enrolled at baseline and 121 at follow-up. The PSFS showed sufficient reliability (α = 0.70, ICC = 0.82), construct validity (all three hypotheses met) and responsiveness (AUC = 0.83). Measurement property comparison demonstrated adequate reliability and validity, while PSFS was the most responsive instrument. Patients favoured the verbal rating scale of the DASH/Quick-DASH. The DASH had a lower completion rate for ‘culturally sensitive’ and ‘uncommon’ activities.

Conclusion

The Nepali PSFS is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument in shoulder functional assessment. The combined use of the Quick-DASH or SPADI with the PSFS is recommended for a comprehensive assessment of Nepali shoulder pain patients in clinical and research settings. They are shorter, more appropriate to the Nepali context and provide balanced self-evaluation.
Discourse prominence effects on interpretation of reflexive pronoun “ziji” in children with ASD
Authors: Wuyun Gaowa , Zhang Long , Wang Kai , Wu Yanhong
Published: January 2022

The core of language disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the loss of social function in language communication.Futher, the correct use and processing of personal pronouns is the basis of language social function. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of processing the pronoun reference in children with ASD is a major focus in autism research. Currently, the main contradictory focus of the anaphora processing ability in children with ASD is use of semantic pragmatic information in the process of pronoun processing. Therefore, this study will focus on the effect of semantic cues on pronoun processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. This study uses the Chinese reflexive pronoun "ziji" (eg., himself/herself) as the media, because the Chinese reflexive pronoun "ziji (oneself)" is relatively flexible, which is not only restricted by the rule of syntactic rules, but also influenced by the semantic information of the antecedent. This study investigated the processing mechanism of Chinese reflexive pronoun "ziji (oneself)" in children with autism spectrum disorder by manipulating the position of strong semantic cues. The results showed that participants from both the experimental group (children with ASD) and the two control groups (children with typical development and children with intellectual disabilities) were able to process strong semantic cues. When the second person pronoun "you" or the s participant’s name appears in the remote subject position, children from both the experimental group and the two control groups could use semantic information to make long distance anaphora of the reflexive pronoun "ziji (oneself)". Conversely, when the second person pronoun "you" appeared in the close subject position, the children with autism spectrum disorder and the two control groups would both make close anaphora with the reflexive pronoun “ziji (oneself)”. This study found that children with autism spectrum disorder can process semantic information normally during pronoun anaphora when the semantic cues are sufficiently prominence. The results of this study provide a more comprehensive understanding of the language processing mechanism of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Implementing a Project-Based Learning Module in Urban and Indigenous Areas to Promote Young Children’s Scientific Practices
Authors: Hsin Ching-Ting , Wu Hsin-Kai
Published: January 2022

This study examined the impact of a project-based learning module on young children’s scientific practices in urban and Indigenous areas. The module was developed by drawing upon early science standards and research on scientific practices and project-based teaching approaches. Ninety-eight children from northern Taiwan participated. Their average age was 5 years and 7 months, ranging from 4 years and 6 months to 6 years and 5 months. A performance assessment of scientific practices was administered before and after the module. Results of paired samplettests showed that children improved in overall practices and every sub-practice after taking the module. Both city and Indigenous children performed significantly better on the post-test, as did both the 4- and 5-year-old groups. ANCOVA results indicated no significant difference between urban and Indigenous children in the post-test scores of overall and most sub-practices; the only exception was that urban children had significantly better improvement on doing an experiment. Similar ANCOVA results were found for the 4- and 5-year-old groups; the 4-year-old group had significantly better improvement only on measuring. Results suggest that the module promoted scientific practices of children of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. This study sheds light on evidence-based early science curricula, early scientific practices, and the achievement of educational equity.
Representing preorders with injective monotones
Authors: Hack Pedro , Braun Daniel A. , Gottwald Sebastian
Published: January 2022

We introduce a new class of real-valued monotones in preordered spaces, injective monotones. We show that the class of preorders for which they exist lies in between the class of preorders with strict monotones and preorders with countable multi-utilities, improving upon the known classification of preordered spaces through real-valued monotones. We extend several well-known results for strict monotones (Richter–Peleg functions) to injective monotones, we provide a construction of injective monotones from countable multi-utilities, and relate injective monotones to classic results concerning Debreu denseness and order separability. Along the way, we connect our results to Shannon entropy and the uncertainty preorder, obtaining new insights into how they are related. In particular, we show how injective monotones can be used to generalize some appealing properties of Jaynes’ maximum entropy principle, which is considered a basis for statistical inference and serves as a justification for many regularization techniques that appear throughout machine learning and decision theory.
Land sharing between cultivated and wild plants: urban gardens as hotspots for plant diversity in cities
Authors: Seitz Birgit , Buchholz Sascha , Kowarik Ingo , Herrmann Johann , Neuerburg Leonie , Wendler Julian , Winker Leonie , Egerer Monika
Published: January 2022

Plant communities in urban gardens consist of cultivated species, including ornamentals and food crops, and wild growing species. Yet it remains unclear what significance urban gardens have for the plant diversity in cities and how the diversity of cultivated and wild plants depends on the level of urbanization. We sampled plants growing within 18 community gardens in Berlin, Germany to investigate the species diversity of cultivated and wild plants. We tested species diversity in relation to local and landscape-scale imperviousness as a measure of urbanity, and we investigated the relationship between cultivated and wild plant species within the gardens. We found that numbers of wild and cultivated plant species in gardens are high – especially of wild plant species – independent of landscape-scale imperviousness. This suggests that all community gardens, regardless of their urban contexts, can be important habitats for plant diversity along with their role in urban food provision. However, the number of all species was negatively predicted by local garden scale imperviousness, suggesting an opportunity to reduce imperviousness and create more habitats for plants at the garden scale. Finally, we found a positive relationship between the number of cultivated and wild growing species, which emphasizes that community gardens present a unique urban ecosystem where land sharing between cultivated and wild flora can transpire. As the urban agriculture movement is flourishing worldwide with gardens continuously and spontaneously arising and dissipating due to urban densification, such botanical investigations can support the argument that gardens are places for the reconciliation of plant conservation and food production.
Competitive interactions shape plant responses to nitrogen fertilization and drought: evidence from a microcosm experiment with Lilium bulbiferum L. and Secale cereale L.
Authors: Lütke Schwienhorst Julia , Pyrlik Corinna , Tomberge Anna , Fichtner Andreas , Walmsley David , von Oheimb Goddert , Härdtle Werner
Published: January 2022

Many recent studies have analysed plant species responses to environmental change, but interactive effects of global change drivers and how they are modulated by biotic interactions are still poorly understood. In a mesocosm experiment, we studied the interactive effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and drought events on plant growth and how these effects are shaped by competitive interactions, using a segetal plant community typical of the lowlands of central Europe (composed of Lilium bulbiferum (segetal species) and Secale cereale (crop species)). We expected that N fertilization increases the drought sensitivity of Lilium (negative interaction effect), and that these effects are shaped by interspecific competition with Secale. Secale and Lilium showed opposing responses to N fertilization (second year of the experiment): Whilst Secale aboveground and belowground biomass almost doubled with N fertilization, Lilium aboveground and belowground biomass showed no response or decreased, respectively, providing Secale with a competitive advantage. Lilium aboveground tissue dieback (as a proxy for growth vigour) was 22% in N and 35% in drought treatments (control: 6%), but reached 91% when combining these treatments. Increasing Lilium tissue dieback was strongly related to decreasing belowground (root) biomass, caused by both negative direct effects of combined treatments (N fertilization + drought), and negative indirect effects acting via treatment-induced increase in Secale biomass. Our results demonstrate that competitive interactions can shape the effects of global change drivers on plant growth. This knowledge in turn could be important for plant species conservation, particularly in the face of ongoing shifts in environmental conditions.
Effects of air pollution on daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain: a region with moderate air quality
Authors: Rodríguez Diana , Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel , Quiles Rafael
Published: January 2022

Adverse impacts of air pollution on human health have been well documented in Spain; however, very few have been conducted in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha (CLM). CLM is an extensive region with a low population density, little industrial production, and moderate air pollution level. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in CLM during 2006–2015. Daily air pollution concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were monitored from the air quality monitoring stations in CLM. A time-series analysis with generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollution on hospital admissions by controlling for long-term trend and other potential confounders. The effect modifications by sex and age (15–64; ≥ 65 years) were examined. Lagging exposure concept was used to analyze a possible latency period in cumulative exposure-pollution analyses. Relative risks (RR) of CVD admissions at the same day (lag 0) and to 7 days after exposure (lag 7) were calculated. Relative risks of CVD admissions (for an increase of 10 µg m−3 in concentration of air pollutant) were calculated. The elderly group (≥ 65 years) were the most susceptible group to the effect of air pollution, whereas the estimated effect by sex was significantly different depending on the age group. The potential utility of these results may help for syndromic surveillance during future similar air pollutant concentrations, where an increase in the use of health services among the vulnerable groups could be unexpected by the emergency department.
Recent Advances in the Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass Platform Chemicals Via Hydrotalcite-Derived Metal Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Zhe-Hui , Sun Zhuohua , Yuan Tong-Qi
Published: January 2022

With the world’s fossil fuels being finite in nature, an increasing interest focuses on the application of alternative renewable resources such as biomass. Biomass-derived platform chemicals with abundant functional groups have the potential to replace bulk chemicals for the production of value-added chemicals, fuels, and materials. The upgrading of these platform chemicals relies on the development of efficient catalytic systems. Hydrotalcite, with its wide compositional variety, tuneable anion-exchange capacity, and controlled acidity/basicity sites demonstrates great potential in the catalytic upgrading of biomass and the derived platform chemicals. The past decade has witnessed the emergence of research achievements on the development of efficient and robust hydrotalcite-derived metal catalysts and their applications in the upgrading of biomass or the derived platform chemicals. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent advances on the catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived platform chemicals (e.g., furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, levulinic acid, and glycerol) via hydrotalcite-derived metal catalysts. We also observed that the crucial role of using hydrotalcite-derived catalysts relies on their strong metal–support interactions. As a result, a section focusing on the discussion of the metal–support interactions of hydrotalcite-derived catalysts was provided.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on ex-vessel prices using time-series analysis
Authors: Abe Keita , Ishimura Gakushi , Baba Shinya , Yasui Shota , Nakamura Kosuke
Published: January 2022

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subsequent lockdown measures have impacted economies and industries worldwide. The fisheries industry witnessed a sharp decline in demand and a slump in fish prices due to its dependence on the food service industry. It is important to quantitatively assess those fish species affected most and the extent of the pandemic’s impact on them, to take specific countermeasures. We propose a time-series analysis as an alternative to the current practice of using ad hoc year-on-year comparisons. Although the pandemic makes it difficult to construct a counterfactual approach due to the lack of an appropriate control group, we use time-series forecasting to simulate normal conditions using pre-pandemic data. In Tokyo, the unit price of fish species that were negatively impacted by the food services industry dropped by 12.65% to 14.64%, and by 26.08% to 28.22% after the declaration of a state of emergency. Seasonality, short weekly cycles, and short-term market trends are factors that affect the price of fish. Species-specific impact estimates related to the COVID-19 pandemic can allow policymakers to implement recovery measures in a more targeted and effective manner. The results of our analysis can increase fishers’ and policymakers’ awareness of the usefulness of economic analyses and incentivize them to release data to establish a system to accumulate and analyze data strategically for urgent and appropriate interventions in the fisheries industry.
Aprotic lithium air batteries with oxygen-selective membranes
Authors: Naqvi Asad A. , Zahoor Awan , Shaikh Asif Ahmed , Butt Faaz Ahmed , Raza Faizan , Ahad Inam Ul
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable batteries have gained a lot of interests due to rising trend of electric vehicles to control greenhouse gases emissions. Among all type of rechargeable batteries, lithium air battery (LAB) provides an optimal solution, owing to its high specific energy of 11,140 Wh/kg comparable to that of gasoline 12,700 Wh/kg. However, LABs are not widely commercialized yet due to the reactivity of the lithium anode with the components of ambient air such as moisture and carbon dioxide. To address this challenge, it is important to understand the effects of moisture on the electrochemical performance of LAB. In this review, the effects of ambient air on the electrochemical performance of LAB have been discussed. The literature on the deterioration in the battery capacity and cyclability due to operation in ambient environment and degradation of lithium anode due to exothermic reaction between lithium and water is reviewed and explained. The effects of using oxygen-selective membrane (OSM) to block moisture and $${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

contamination has also been discussed, along with suitable materials that can act as OSM. It is concluded that the utilization of OSM can not only make the safer operation of LAB in ambient air but could also enhance the electrochemical performance of LAB. Future direction of the research work required to address the associated challenges is also provided.
The influence of AlSi10Mg recycled powder on corrosion-resistance behaviour of additively manufactured components: mechanical aspects and acoustic emission investigation
Authors: Barile Claudia , Casavola Caterina , Paramsamy Kannan Vimalathithan , Renna Gilda
Published: January 2022

The effects of using recycled AlSi10Mg aluminium alloy powders on the mechanical properties and the corrosion-resistance behaviour of the components manufactured via selective laser melting (SLM) were analysed. The microstructural results show that the utilisation of recycled powder causes coarsening of interdendritic Si-network, especially along the melt pool boundaries of the SLM specimens. The corrosion resistance of the samples was evaluated by means of neutral salt spray (NSS) tests for 1000 h and mass loss measurements. The corrosion behaviour, in terms of surface roughness, density and porosity, however, remains almost the same between the samples produced by virgin and recycled powder. In addition to this, a passive NDE tool has been used to investigate and study the impact of powders on the corrosion performance of the alloy: Acoustic Emission (AE) technique. SEM observations allowed to highlight the morphological differences in the surface of the test specimens induced by the exposure condition. Thus, it was possible to correlate the AE results to corrosion mechanisms activated on the surfaces of the test specimen. A good correlation between the corrosion-resistance behaviour and the AE test results were obtained. Finally, the mechanical properties before and at the end of the accelerated corrosion were evaluated according to the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation at breakage. The results showed comparable mechanical properties for the samples produced using both virgin and recycled powders. Besides, no notable influence of the exposure to corrosive environment on the mechanical performance was observed.
Dynamic Analysis of Rolling Bearings with Roller Spalling Defects Based on Explicit Finite Element Method and Experiment
Authors: He Duo , Yang Yang , Xu Hongyang , Ma Hui , Zhao Xiang
Published: January 2022

Analysis of dynamic characteristics of the defective bearing is significant for the fault diagnosis of the machinery. At present, there are few researches on numerical modeling of bearing with defective roller. To solve this problem, explicit finite element method is adopted in this paper to establish a nonlinear dynamic model of the cylindrical roller bearing with roller spalling defects. In the proposed model, the flexibility of all the components, the internal friction, the relative sliding, the finite size of the roller and the rollers-to-cage contact force are all considered. Then the proposed dynamic model is verified theoretically and experimentally. The vibration responses of bearing and the sliding behavior of defective roller and cage are analyzed based on the proposed numerical model. The results show that the roller-to-cage contact force will be increased and the slippage of the defective roller will be aggravated when the roller defect occurs. In addition, the increment of defect width and number of defective rollers will aggravate the vibration of bearing and the sliding of cage.
Gromov–Witten theory with maximal contacts
Authors: Nabijou Navid , Ranganathan Dhruv
Published: January 2022

We propose an intersection-theoretic method to reduce questions in genus 0 logarithmic Gromov–Witten theory to questions in the Gromov–Witten theory of smooth pairs, in the presence of positivity. The method is applied to the enumerative geometry of rational curves with maximal contact orders along a simple normal crossings divisor and to recent questions about its relationship to local curve counting. Three results are established. We produce counterexamples to the local-logarithmic conjectures of van Garrel–Graber–Ruddat and Tseng–You. We prove that a weak form of the conjecture holds for product geometries. Finally, we explicitly determine the difference between local and logarithmic theories, in terms of relative invariants for which efficient algorithms are known. The polyhedral geometry of the tropical moduli of maps plays an essential and intricate role in the analysis.