bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Re)negotiating Asian and Asian American identities in solidarity as language teacher educators: An AsianCrit discourse analysis
Authors: Wong 黃浩文 Kevin M. , Son 손민혜 Minhye , Sun孙文扬 Wenyang , Ee 이종연 Jongyeon Joy , Harris Samantha , Kwon 권정민 Jungmin , Lê Khánh , Tian 田中锋 Zhongfeng
Published: July 2024

The historical and contemporary experiences of Asian/Asian Americans in the United States casts light on the significance of identity negotiation and construction. In this study, the identities of Asian/Asian American language teacher educators (LTEs) are examined within the current sociopolitical context, shedding light on the persistent pursuit of legitimacy and belonging within the Asian/Asian American LTE community. More specifically, this study examines the teaching philosophies of eight Asian/Asian American LTEs from different institutions and regions across the United States as a collective and critically reflexive entryway into their experiences and commitments as LTEs. Using AsianCrit to analyze participants' teaching statements and focus group discussions, this study uncovers (1) a commitment to asset‐based and culturally sustaining pedagogies, (2) identity‐informed convictions to foster critical consciousness in language teacher candidates; (3) pressures to downplay Asian intersectional identities to survive the Eurocentric norms of the job market; (4) a desire to do more than survive; and (5) the power of the collective for healing and liberation. The article concludes with a call for teacher education programs to create spaces for teacher educators to share lived experiences, foster community, and challenge the dominant narratives that marginalize Asian and other minoritized LTEs.
What’s Next for Gene Editing in Agrifood?
Authors: Clark Lisa F. , Hobbs Jill E.
Published: July 2024

This concluding chapter summarizes current and future challenges of governing gene editing in the agrifood system, as well as other emergent new breeding techniques on the horizon. We assess the current landscape of regulatory frameworks and review what may change in the coming years and decades as climate change and food insecurity continue to stress global agrifood supply chains and the system writ large. We examine the implications of a complex patent landscape for future applications of gene editing. We comment briefly on consumer considerations, including consumer acceptance and the role of labelling. Insights from stakeholder interviews illustrate applications of gene editing targeted at climate change and sustainability. We conclude with a summary of how elements of deliberative governance can help shape the regulatory environment for gene editing in agrifood, along with suggestion for future research.
Einleitung
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Das Kapitel leitet in die Problemstellung des Buches ein: Foltersituationen als eine spezifische Form von sozialen Situationen, die durch extreme Gewalt und Asymmetrie geprägt sind. Als empirischer Fall dient die Folter durch den US-Geheimdienst CIA und Teile des US-Militärs im sogenannten War on Terror gegen Al-Qaida und die Taliban infolge der Terroranschläge vom 11. September 2001. Anhand des US-Folterkomplexes als ein Beispiel für moderne Folter durch liberal-demokratisch verfasste Staaten verfolgt das Buch folgende Leitfragen: Wie konstituieren verschiedene Elemente wie Menschen, Organisationen, Artefakte und räumlich-zeitliche Strukturen soziale Situationen als Foltersituationen? Welche Verflechtungen von (diskursivem) Wissen sind dabei relevant; Wissen etwa über ‚effektive‘ Verletzung, vermeintliche Eigenarten der zu folternden Feinde und rechtliche Normen? Inwieweit erleben sich Gefolterte als handlungsfähige Subjekte und inwieweit werden sie als solche adressiert?
Raumzeitliche Übergänge als Foltersituationen
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Das Kapitel leitet den dritten Teil des Buches ein, das die diskursanalytischen Überlegungen der vorangegangenen Kapitel um Analysen von manifesten Foltersituationen erweitert. Ausgehend von Erving Goffmans Konzept der Totalen Institution zeigt das Kapitel die Dezentralität der Foltergewalt im War on Terror auf. Anhand von Berichten von Folterüberlebenden zeige ich, dass die Prozeduren bei raumzeitlichen Übergängen wie Gefangennahme, Transporte in Flugzeugen oder Ankunft an einem Folterort elementare Bestandteile der Folter im War on Terror darstellten. Die Folter besteht für die Gefolterten daher in der Verkettung von leidvollen Episoden über ihre gesamte Gefangenschaft und nicht nur aus Gewalt in Verhören.
Foltersituationen als Konstellationen situativer Elemente
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Folter besteht nicht in einzelnen Anwendungen von Foltertechniken. Sie ist vielmehr eine Verkettung leidvoller Erfahrungen seitens der Gefolterten und der Herstellung dieser Verkettung seitens Folternden über Abfolgen von miteinander verbundenen sozialen Situationen. Diese konstituieren sich durch komplexe Konstellationen von situativen Elementen. Um dieser Komplexität der untersuchten Situationen gerecht zu werden, diskutiert das Kapitel die folgenden Situationselemente und ihre Relevanz für Foltersituationen im War on Terror: Drohungen, Artefakte, die Akteursgruppen medizinisches, psychologisches und linguistisches Personal, anwesende Dritte und Sichtbarkeiten.
Was ist moderne Folter? Zur historischen Kontextualisierung
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Das Verständnis von Folter ebenso wie ihr institutionelles Setting, ihre Funktion, kosmologische Rahmung und nicht zuletzt ihre Methoden sind Wandlungen unterworfen. In der (sozial-)wissenschaftlichen Literatur zu Folter werden solche Wandlungen vor allem vor dem Hintergrund einer Unterscheidung zwischen ‚vormoderner‘, mittelalterlicher bzw. frühneuzeitlicher Folter auf der einen Seite und modernen Ausprägungen ab dem frühen 20. Jahrhundert auf der anderen Seite diskutiert. Das Kapitel unternimmt auf Basis vorhandener Literatur eine historische Kontextualisierung des US-Falls. Das ist unter anderem deshalb relevant, da die Abrenzung von 'klassicher' Folter wichtiger Bestandteil des legitimierenden Folterwissens im War on Terror ist.
Der Fall: Der US-Folterkomplex im War on Terror
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Das Kapitel führt in den Verlauf des untersuchten Falls - dem US-Folterkomplex infolge des 11. September 2001 – ein und stellt die für die weitere Analyse wichtigen Besonderheiten des Falls wie die Autorisierung von einzelnen Foltertechniken durch höchste Regierungskreise und die globale Vernetzung von extraterritorialen Folterorten heraus. Dabei unternimmt das Kapitel eine Typisierung der Folterorte im War on Terror. Ich unterscheide zwischen CIA-Blacksites, dem Gefangenenlager in Guantánamo sowie Militärgefängnissen und -lagern in Afghanistan und im Irak. Diese drei Typen unterscheiden sich unter anderem hinsichtlich ihrer räumlichen Struktur, der autorisierten und angewandten Foltertechniken, dem rechtlichen Status der Gefangenen und der beteiligten Organisationen.
Abu Zubaydah als Präzedenzfall der Folterlegalisierung
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Abu Zubaydah war der erste Gefangene der CIA im sogenannten War on Terror. Im Zuge dieses Falls entwickelte der Geheimdienst sein Folterprogramm, zu dem nicht zuletzt Legalisierungsversuche der eigenen Folterpraktiken gehörten. Das Kapitel führt in den zweiten – diskursanalytischen – Teil des Buches sowie den Fall Abu Zubaydah ein. Im Zentrum dieses Kapitels steht die juristische Argumentation der sogenannten Torture Memos, mit denen das US-Justizministerium in Bezug auf das globale Folterverbot und rechtliche Diskurse Foltertechniken – verharmlosend als enhanced interrogation techniques bezeichnet – autorisierte. Diese Legalisierungsversuche bestanden insbesondere aus einer extremen Verengung des Folterbegriffs der UN, die es ermöglichte, die CIA-Foltertechniken außerhalb der Folterdefinition zu verorten.
Die Emische Foltertheorie als Interdiskurs
Authors: Breger Max
Published: July 2024

Das Kapitel schließt unmittelbar an das vorangegangene Kapitel an und rekonstruiert die 'emische Foltertheorie' der CIA. Mit diesem Begriff bezeichne ich die erstaunlich explizite Konzeptualisierung von Folter im War on Terror. Hierzu analysiere ich in diesem Kapitel den innerbehördlichen Diskurs der CIA sowie zwischen dem US-Justizministerium und der CIA bei der Etablierung des CIA-Folterprogramms hinsichtlich des eingesetzten Wissens. Ich verstehe die emische Foltertheorie als 'Interdiskurs' (Link), weil Wissen aus den Diskursfeldern Recht, Medizin, Geheimdienst und Psychologie so konstelliert wird, dass es die CIA-Folter als legitime Praxis konstruiert. Die emische Foltertheorie teile ich in folgende Dimensionen auf: Akteurspositionierung der Gefolterten sowie des Personals, Körperzugriffe bzw. Foltertechniken sowie organisationale Zielsetzungen.
Probing Inert Triplet Model at a multi-TeV muon collider via vector boson fusion with forward muon tagging
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh , Parashar Snehashis , Sen Chandrima , Song Jeonghyeon
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of a multi-TeV Muon Collider (MuC) for probing the Inert Triplet Model (ITM), which introduces a triplet scalar field with hypercharge Y = 0 to the Standard Model. The ITM stands out as a compelling Beyond the Standard Model scenario, featuring a neutral triplet T0 and charged triplets T±. Notably, T0 is posited as a dark matter (DM) candidate, being odd under a Z2 symmetry. Rigorous evaluations against theoretical, collider, and DM experimental constraints corner the triplet scalar mass to a narrow TeV-scale region, within which three benchmark points are identified, with T± masses of 1.21 TeV, 1.68 TeV, and 3.86 TeV, for the collider study. The ITM’s unique TTVV four-point vertex, differing from fermionic DM models, facilitates efficient pair production through Vector Boson Fusion (VBF). This characteristic positions the MuC as an ideal platform for exploring the ITM, particularly due to the enhanced VBF cross-sections at high collision energies. To address the challenge of the soft decay products of T± resulting from the narrow mass gap between T± and T0, we propose using Disappearing Charged Tracks (DCTs) from T± and Forward muons as key signatures. We provide event counts for these signatures at MuC energies of 6 TeV and 10 TeV, with respective luminosities of 4 ab−1 and 10 ab−1. Despite the challenge of beam-induced backgrounds contaminating the signal, we demonstrate that our proposed final states enable the MuC to achieve a 5σ discovery for the identified benchmark points, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of the final state with one DCT and one Forward muon.
Pole-skipping for massive fields and the Stueckelberg formalism
Authors: Pan Wen-Bin , Sun Ya-Wen , Wang Yuan-Tai
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Pole-skipping refers to the special phenomenon that the pole and the zero of a retarded two-point Green’s function coincide at certain points in momentum space. We study the pole-skipping phenomenon in holographic Green’s functions of boundary operators that are dual to massive p-form fields and the dRGT massive gravitational fields in the AdS black hole background. Pole-skipping points for these systems are computed using the near horizon method. The relation between the pole-skipping points of massive fields and their massless counterparts is revealed. In particular, as the field mass m is varied from zero to non-zero, the pole-skipping phenomenon undergoes an abrupt change with doubled pole-skipping points found in the massive case. This arises from the breaking of gauge invariance due to the mass term and the consequent appearance of more degrees of freedom. We recover the gauge invariance using the Stueckelberg formalism by introducing auxiliary dynamical fields. The extra pole-skipping points are identified to be associated with the Stueckelberg fields. We also observe that, as the mass varies, some pole-skipping points of the wave number q may move from a non-physical region with complex q to a physical region with real q.
Experimental and simulative investigations of burr formation in planing of AISI 1045
Authors: Polus Gero , Saelzer Jannis , Brock Sven , Pleskun Heiko , Biermann Dirk , Brümmer Andreas
Published: July 2024

The clearance flow in dry-running vacuum pumps is the main loss mechanism. To reduce the clearance mass flow rate in rarefied gas flows, sawtooth structures transversing to the direction of flow can be utilized. However, due to the sawtooth’s structure size, micro-machining is necessary, whereby burr formation is a central challenge. First, the effectiveness of non-idealized sawtooth structures is investigated, demonstrating a high sensibility of the performance regarding the geometry of the tip. Therefore, burr formation in the cutting process must be minimized. For this reason, a 3D finite element (FE) chip formation model capable of predicting the burr formation is developed. An analysis of the burr formation zone showed positive triaxialities; thus, the triaxiality-dependent Johnson–Cook damage model is utilized. To minimize the mesh-induced error, a convergence analysis is conducted, showing no convergence of the maximum burr height. This is caused by the pathological mesh size dependence of local continuum damage models. A comparison of the cutting experiments and simulations revealed a reasonable prediction of cutting forces. In contrast, the passive force is predicted poorly, which is attributed to the underestimation of the ploughing force for non-elastic simulations. The prediction quality regarding the maximum burr height differs for the investigated cutting speeds, which can be explained by a built-up edge and a change in the machine tool compliance. Thereby, an analysis of the burr formation revealed that the burr height is captured by a non-physical remeshing algorithm and that the burr volume might be a more appropriate characteristic.
Voxel-based 3D reconstruction of additively manufactured open porous structures for CFD simulation
Authors: Otto Robert , Soellner Uliana , Kiener Christoph , Boschert Stefan , Wüchner Roland , Sørby Knut
Published: July 2024

With the ability to manufacture complex functional structures, Additive Manufacturing (AM) enables new advanced applications which could not be realized before. An example of such structures is open porous structures. In the presented approach, the open porous structures are a result of the selected manufacturing parameters, instead of being defined in CAD models. Thereby, various porosities can be achieved flexibly without design adjustments. However, to comprehensively understand the correlation of manufacturing parameters and different properties, various tests are required. As an alternative, properties can be determined by means of simulation. This study presents 3D reconstructions of complex open porous structures, which are based on μ-CT imaging. The influence of the downsampling during voxelization on the 3D reconstructed geometry is studied. Further, different polyhedral mesh settings have been tested in order to find a mesh that minimizes the deviation between the CFD simulation results and the laboratory test results for flow resistance. A guideline for the creation of a calibrated CFD model based on μ-CT imaging is proposed. As it is acknowledged by the authors that the data availability to reconstruct shown cases is crucial, data for a reference case have been made freely available online.

Graphical Abstract
‘Plasma first’ approach for detecting epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Rathor Amber , Malik Prabhat Singh , Tanwar Pranay , Khurana Sachin , Baskarane Hemavathi , Pushpam Deepam , Nambirajan Aruna , Jain Deepali
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The treatment approach for recently diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations primarily relies on confirming the tissue diagnosis as non-squamous NSCLC. This routine clinical practice of tissue diagnosis imposes several barriers and delays in turnaround time (TAT) for biomarker testing, significantly delaying the time to treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate the ‘plasma first’ approach for detection of EGFR mutation in advanced stage treatment naïve NSCLC patients.

Methods

We prospectively collected blood samples of treatment naïve patients with clinical and radiological suspicion of advanced stage NSCLC prior to obtaining tissue biopsy. Plasma cfDNA was tested for EGFR mutation using two different methods. We compared the sensitivity and TAT of liquid biopsy with tissue biopsy.

Results

In total, we analyzed plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of 236 patients suspected of having advanced NSCLC for EGFR mutations. We observed a notably shorter turnaround time (TAT) of 3 days, which was significantly quicker compared to the 12-day TAT for tissue biopsy (p < 0.05). The ddPCR method had a sensitivity of 82.8%, which was higher than 66.34% sensitivity of ARMS-PCR. The current study also highlights that there is no significant difference in the clinical outcome of the patients whether treated based on liquid biopsy only or tissue biopsy (median progression-free survival of 11.56 vs. 11.9 months; p = 0.94).

Conclusions

Utilizing a ‘plasma first’ strategy, given its shorter turnaround time, strong positive concordance and comparable outcomes to tissue biopsy, emerges as a highly specific and reliable method for detecting EGFR mutations in advanced-stage NSCLC.
Genetic relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ausserwinkler Mathias , Gensluckner Sophie , Voelkerer Andreas , Thiel Jens , Neumann Hans-Jörg , Flamm Maria , Datz Christian , Aigner Elmar , Wernly Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is recognized as a chronic autoimmune disorder with systemic inflammation and joint damage. Its potential role as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasingly noted. This review delves into the causal relationship between RA and CVD, with Mendelian randomization (MR) offering a genetic perspective.

Methods

An extensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science to identify MR studies addressing the RA-CVD link. Out of 530 studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria, which were rigorously assessed using a critical appraisal checklist. These were further stratified by a sensitivity analysis into categories reflecting the strength of their evidence, from not evaluable to robust.

Results

From the nine included studies, eight supported a causal association between RA and an increased risk of CVD, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD) and one did not support a link between RA and heart failure. The results suggest that genetic factors associated with RA may contribute to an elevated risk for CVD. Chronic inflammation, prevalent in RA, emerges as a key mediator in this connection.

Conclusion

The systematic review corroborates a genetic causal link between RA and CVD, as evidenced by eight of the nine MR studies reviewed. This suggests a need for integrated cardiovascular risk management in the treatment of RA patients. The findings advocate considering anti-inflammatory treatment that can reduce cardiovascular risk. The overarching evidence signifies a potential direction for new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health in RA patients.
Comprehensive genomic analysis reveals clonal origin and subtype-specific evolution in a case of sporadic multiple meningiomas
Authors: Sakaguchi Maki , Horie Masafumi , Ito Yukinobu , Tanaka Shingo , Mizuguchi Keishi , Ikeda Hiroko , Kiyokawa Etsuko , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Maeda Daichi
Published: July 2024

Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults, with up to 10% manifesting as multiple tumors. Data on the genomic and molecular changes in sporadic multiple meningiomas are scarce, leading to ongoing debates regarding their evolutionary processes. A comprehensive genetic analysis of a large number of lesions, including precursor lesions, is necessary to explore these two possible origins: clonal and independent. In the present study, we performed whole-exome sequencing and analyzed somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions (INDELs), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in a patient with sporadic multiple meningiomas. These meningiomas included two mass-forming lesions of different histological subtypes (transitional and chordoid) and two small meningothelial nests. Genetic analysis revealed CNAs on chromosomes 22q and Y as common abnormalities in the two largest tumors. Furthermore, we identified SNV/INDELs unique to each focus, with NF2 mutation prevalent in the transitional meningioma and CREBBP mutation in the chordoid meningioma. Loss of chromosome 22 was detected in two small meningothelial nests. Overall, we elucidated the clonal origin and subtype-specific evolution of multiple meningiomas in this case. CNAs may serve as the initial driving event in meningioma development.
Effect of online hemodiafiltration on quality of life, fatigue and recovery time: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Mariani Ilaria , Antocicco Manuela , Pepe Gilda , Di Stasio Enrico
Published: July 2024

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effect of bicarbonate hemodialysis and HDF on quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and time to recovery in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Searches were run on January 2024 and updated on 3 March 2024 in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1985 to present); Ovid EMBASE (1985 to present); Cochrane Library (Wiley); PubMed (1985 to present). Ten articles were fully assessed for eligibility and included in the investigation. Compared to HD, online HDF had a pooled MD of the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36 of 0.98 (95% CI − 0.92, 2.87; P = 0.31). and of the physical component score (PCS) of 0.08 (95% CI − 1.32, 1.48; P = 0.91). No significant heterogeneity was observed (Chi2 = 4.85; I
2 = 38%; P = 0.18 and Chi2 = 3.85; I
2 = 22%; P = 0.28, respectively). Studies that compared the QoL assessed through the Kidney Disease Questionnaire or KDQOL-SF and show that HDF does not improve QoL when compared with HD, in most studies. In five out of seven studies, HDF was not significantly more effective than HD in improving fatigue. The length of the recovery time resulted in similar in patients receiving HDF and HD in all studies included in the present review. HDF is not more effective than HD in improving QoL and fatigue and in reducing the length of time of recovery after dialysis.
Gnssrefl: an open source software package in python for GNSS interferometric reflectometry applications
Authors: Larson Kristine M.
Published: July 2024

An open source software package has been developed for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) interferometric reflectometry. The gnssrefl package is written in python; it can be installed from the source code, the python packaging index website, or via a docker. It includes modules that download GNSS data and orbit data from global archives. A periodogram is used to retrieve the height of the GNSS antenna over the reflecting surface using signal to noise ratio data. Signals from the Global Positioning System, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou constellations are supported. Modules are provided to estimate volumetric water content of soil, snow depth/accumulation, and water level. Utilities for mapping and assessing reflection zones and determining the maximum resolvable height are available.
Real-time cloud computing of GNSS measurements from smartphones and mobile devices for enhanced positioning and navigation
Authors: Hernández Olcina Jorge , Anquela Julián Ana B. , Martín Furones Ángel E.
Published: July 2024

In recent years, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) have become integral to our daily lives because of their precise positioning and navigation capabilities. Widespread use of smartphones equipped with GNSS receivers results in the generation of a huge amount of positioning data. Therefore, real-time cloud computing has emerged as a promising approach to effectively leverage this wealth of location information. In this study, we developed an Android app that captures raw GNSS data from smartphones, leverages cloud computing resources, calculates the position of the device, and returns the computed solution to the user. Integration of cloud-based processing not only conserves the device resources but also enables real-time position calculation, paving the way for enhanced location-based applications and services.
Examining the Effects of PrEP Use on Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Chinese Men who have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: She Bingyang , Lu Fang , Zhao Rui , Lin Siqi , Sun Jiajun , He Shiyi , Liu Yi , Su Shu , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2024

Men who have sex with men (MSM) is a high-risk population for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in HIV prevention. This study aims to examine the differences in sexual behaviors, STI prevalence and HIV/STI testing across subgroups of MSM with various PrEP use. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey in an MSM community in Xi’an, Shaanxi, from 2022.01 to 2022.09. Participants were categorized as ‘PrEP-naïve and unwilling to use’, ‘PrEP-naïve but willing to use’, and ‘current or former PrEP users’. Shannon index was used to assess sexual act diversity and multivariate logistic regression analyzed factors associated with PrEP use. Of the 1,131 MSM participants, 23.52% were PrEP-naïve and unwilling, 64.98% were PrEP-naïve but willing, and 11.49% were current or former PrEP users. The PrEP-naïve but willing group had the highest recent STI testing rates at 73.06% and showed greater sexual act diversity (Shannon index 1.61). This group also had the highest syphilis rates (7.49% vs. 6.47% and2.54%, p < 0.01). Younger age (18–30: OR = 0.39 (0.18–0.85); 31–40: OR = 0.43 (0.20–0.96)) and lower education (high school/vocational: OR = 0.15 (0.04–0.58); associate degree: OR = 0.21 (0.06–0.71)) were factors that negatively influenced PrEP use. Current or former PrEP users had the highest oropharyngeal gonorrhea (14.39% vs. 9.68% and 5.80%, p < 0.01) and overall gonorrhea rates (20.86% vs. 17.17% and 8.37%, p < 0.001). ‘PrEP-naïve but willing’ participants consistently demonstrated high-risk sexual behavior, increased STI testing, and more diverse sexual acts, whereas PrEP users had the highest STI prevalence.
Costly information providing in binary contests
Authors: Simon Noam , Levy Priel , Sarne David
Published: July 2024

Contests are commonly used as a mechanism for eliciting effort and participation in multi-agent settings. Naturally, and much like with various other mechanisms, the information provided to the agents prior to and throughout the contest fundamentally influences its outcomes. In this paper we study the problem of information providing whenever the contest organizer does not initially hold the information and obtaining it is potentially costly. As the underlying contest mechanism for our model we use the binary contest, where contestants’ strategy is captured by their decision whether or not to participate in the contest in the first place. Here, it is often the case that the contest organizer can proactively obtain and provide contestants information related to their expected performance in the contest. We provide a comprehensive equilibrium analysis of the model, showing that even when such information is costless, it is not necessarily the case that the contest organizer will prefer to obtain and provide it to all agents, let alone when the information is costly.
Use of otolith microchemistry to determine natal origin for Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in the lower Mississippi River basin
Authors: Barshinger C. E. , Eggleton M. A. , Spurgeon J. J.
Published: July 2024

Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) populations have established and expanded throughout the lower Mississippi River basin (LMRB). Information pertaining to Silver Carp population mixing among rivers within the LMRB is lacking. Documented relations between Silver Carp otolith and river water barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) microchemical signatures may enable estimation of origins of Silver Carp in the LMRB. Replicate water samples and otoliths from 308 Silver Carp were collected from the Cache, Arkansas, White, Yazoo, St. Francis, L’Anguille, and Mississippi rivers, and Merrisach Lake (situated along a canal connecting the lower reaches of the Arkansas and White rivers) within the LMRB. Water and carp otolith microchemical signatures exhibited consistent differences among water bodies. A classification and regression tree model exhibited 80% accuracy when assigning carp collected from the White, Arkansas, and Mississippi rivers based on fish-water microchemical signatures. Model accuracy decreased as smaller rivers were incorporated into models. Predicted natal origin based on otolith microchemical signatures suggested the White River (43%) and the lower Mississippi River (39%) were the likely origins for ~ 82% of the Silver Carp sampled. Despite the prevalence of adult Silver Carp within the Arkansas River system, fewer (18%) appeared to have originated there compared to the White and Mississippi rivers. Long-term water sampling and additional isotopic measurements may refine analyses to better determine the relative contributions of Silver Carp from the smaller river systems. Population mixing of Silver Carp among tributary rivers appears to be common within the LMRB, and removal efforts may benefit from evaluating the magnitude of fish movement and connectivity among rivers.
Factors driving human–elephant conflict: statistical assessment of vulnerability and implications for wildlife conflict management in Sri Lanka
Authors: Köpke Sören , Withanachchi Sisira S. , Chinthaka Perera E. N. , Withanachchi Chandana R. , Gamage Deepika U. , Nissanka Thushantha S. , Warapitiya Chinthana C. , Nissanka Banu M. , Ranasinghe Nirangani N. , Senarathna Chathurika D. , Dissanayake Hansani Ruwanthika , Pathiranage Ruwan , Schleyer Christian , Thiel Andreas
Published: July 2024

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) is a serious social–ecological problem in Sri Lanka’s elephant range regions, as between 200 and 400 elephants have been killed annually over the last years, and more than 1200 people have died from the consequences of elephant encounters within a decade. Crop foraging causes economic damage to farming households. The study aims to understand factors driving vulnerability to HEC among the population. Employing a cross-communal multi-item large-N field survey (N = 651), authors were able to describe living conditions and perceptions of Sri Lankan villagers affected by HEC. By running a multiple regression analysis with correlated variables, the study is able to correlate independent variables to vulnerability, namely socio-economic conditions, environmental change and land-use, and awareness. Furthermore, a vulnerability map has been created, identifying Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Matale, and Polonnaruwa districts as conflict hotspots. Private electric fences as a widespread protection measure were found to have unintended negative side-effects to non-protected households. The findings suggest the urgent need to upscale public policies mitigating the consequences of HEC on affected populations by reducing overall vulnerability to environmental hazards, including human–wildlife conflict.
Impact of maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal atrial strain
Authors: Pathan Faraz , Lam Penny , Sivapathan Shanthosh , Pathan Shahab , Gao Zhiyu , Orde Sam , Nirthanakumaran Deva , Negishi Kazuaki , Nanan Ralph
Published: July 2024

While Maternal Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is well known to affect the size and function of multiple fetal organ systems, effects on developing heart chamber function remain difficult to assess. We sought to determine the independent impact of maternal DM on fetal cardiac function in middle pregnancy. We prospectively recruited mothers with all categories of DM and non-diabetic healthy controls (NDC). Echocardiograms were optimized for chamber quantification and strain analysis. Left atrial area (LAA), LA strain (LAS), right atrial strain (RAS), global longitudinal ventricular strain (GLS) and Right ventricular free wall strain (RV FWS) were evaluated by 2 blinded operators. After excluding 9 mothers with poor fetal image quality, images from 104 mothers with DM and 47 NDC were analyzed. Mothers with DM and NDCs were well matched for age, blood pressure, smoking prevalence, and gestational age. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was significantly higher in fetuses of mothers with DM compared to NDC (147 ± 10 bpm vs. 144 ± 8, p = 0.04). LAA in fetuses of mothers with DM trended towards being larger in size (1.68 ± 0.4cm2 vs. 1.56 ± 0.4cm2, p = 0.08). Fetal septal diameters were larger in maternal DM compared to NDC (2.7 ± 0.5 cm vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.001). GLS was similar between the groups. Fetal LAS was lower in maternal DM (28.8 ± 8.8% vs. 33.3 ± 10.4%, p = 0.007) and was independently associated with maternal DM after adjusting for GLS and FHR. Fetal RAS was lower in maternal DM (27.7 ± 10.4% vs. 31.8 ± 10.3%, p = 0.007), however only determinates were estimated fetal weight and RV FWS. Maternal DM independently impairs fetal LA function in mid pregnancy. These early functional changes in the developing heart warrant future studies investigating impact on cardiovascular health.
Adenosine kinase protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by activating autophagy in hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Chuanxin , Liu Xuehao , Liu Xilong , Hua Rui , Liu Han , Ma Jiaxin , Zou Dan , Wang Guangmei , Yuan Qiuhuan , Wang Bailu , Wei Shujian , Chen Yuguo
Published: July 2024

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a common life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate due to liver disease-related death. However, current therapeutic interventions for ALI remain ineffective, and the development of effective novel therapies is urgently needed. Liver samples from patients with drug-induced ALI were collected to detect adenosine kinase (ADK) expression. Male C57BL/6 J mice, hepatocyte-specific ADK knockout (ADKHKO) mice, and their controls (ADKf/f) were exposed to acetaminophen (APAP) and other treatments to investigate the mechanisms of APAP-related ALI. ADK expression was significantly decreased in APAP-injured livers. Hepatocyte-specific ADK deficiency exacerbated APAP-induced ALI, while a gain-of-function approach delivering AAV-ADK, markedly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by changes in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, neutrophil infiltration and hepatocyte death. This study showed that ADK played a critical role in ALI by activating autophagy through two signaling pathways, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mTOR pathway and the adenosine receptor A1 (ADORA1)-Akt-mTOR pathway. Furthermore, we found that metformin upregulated ADK expression in hepatocytes and protected against APAP-induced ALI. These results demonstrate that ADK is critical in protecting against APAP-induced ALI and that developing therapeutics targeting ADK-adenosine-ADORA1 is a new approach for ALI treatment. Metformin is a potential candidate for preventing ALI by upregulating ADK.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of ML-LA feedback system on learners’ academic performance, engagement and behavioral patterns in online collaborative learning environments: A lag sequential analysis and Markov chain approach
Authors: Yildiz Durak Hatice
Published: July 2024

Feedback is critical in providing personalized information about educational processes and supporting their performance in online collaborative learning environments. However, giving effective feedback and monitoring its effects, which is especially important in online environments, is a complex issue. Although providing feedback by analyzing online learning behaviors, it is unclear how the effectiveness of this feedback translates into online learning experiences. The current study aims to compare the behavioral patterns of online system engagement of students who receive and do not receive machine learning-based temporal learning analytics (ML-LA) feedback, to identify the differences between student groups in terms of learning performance, online engagement, and various system usage variables, and to examine the behavioral patterns change over time of students regarding online system engagement. The current study was conducted with the participation of 49 undergraduate students. The study defined three engagement levels using system usage analytics and cluster analysis. While t-test and ANCOVA were applied to pre-test and post-test scores to evaluate students’ learning performance and online engagement, lag sequential analysis was used to analyze behavioral patterns, and the Markov chain was used to examine the change of behavioral patterns over time. The group receiving ML-LA feedback showed higher behavior and cognitive engagement than the control group. In addition, the rate of completing learning tasks was higher in the experimental group. Temporal patterns of online engagement behaviors across student groups are described and compared. The results showed that both groups used all stages of the system features. However, there were some differences in the navigation rankings. The most important behavioral transitions in the experimental group are task and discussion viewing and posting, task posting updating, and group performance viewing. In the control group, the most important behavioral transitions are the relationship between viewing a discussion and making a discussion, then this is followed by the sequential relationship between viewing individual performance and viewing group performance. The results showed that students’ engagement behaviors transitioned from light to medium and intense throughout the semester, especially in the experimental group. For learning designers and researchers, this study can help develop a deep understanding of environment design.
Students’ techniques for approaching defining properties of functions
Authors: Uscanga Rosaura , Melhuish Kathleen , Cook John Paul
Published: July 2024

Functions are an essential concept in mathematics. The studies that have examined functions in advanced contexts have primarily focused on students’ reasoning about specific types of functions (such as binary operations and isomorphisms) but not on the core characteristics of well-definedness and everywhere-definedness. Here, we report on a study in which we conducted task-based clinical interviews to gain insight into students’ techniques for addressing “is the given relation a function?” tasks. We found that the techniques students employed necessarily extended far beyond those reported in the literature (such as the vertical line test) and relied on the previously undocumented notions of sameness, convention, and ambiguity (for well-defined) and notions of containment, existence, and set operations (for everywhere-defined). These techniques coordinated the domain, codomain, and rule, which previous research has highlighted the importance of but stopped short of directly investigating. Two contributions of this work include identifying successful techniques (as the landscape of functions literature predominantly focuses on challenges and difficulties) and identifying techniques for everywhere-definedness (which had not previously received any direct attention in the literature).
An accuracy assessment of satellite-based cotton yield estimation using panel data regression: a case study of Uzbekistan
Authors: Khodjaev Shovkat , Bobojonov Ihtiyor , Kuhn Lena , Glauben Thomas
Published: July 2024

Satellite-based yield estimation is crucial for spotting potential deficits in crop yields at an early stage, supports farm-level decision-making and early-warning systems, and is a prerequisite for index insurance markets. Precise satellite-based yield estimations are already established for important food crops like maize and wheat. However, for many cash crops like cotton, the accuracy of satellite-based yield estimation has not been scientifically tested, mainly due to their low biomass-yield correlation. This paper contributes to exploring the suitability of multiple vegetation indices based on Sentinel-2 imagery to estimate farm-level yields for one of these cash crops, cotton. We estimated various vegetation indices conjugated with the cotton crop phenology for the selected study area and compared them with farm-level panel data (n = 232) for the years 2016–2018 obtained from a statistical agency in Uzbekistan. Overall, we tested the suitability of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index 2, the Red-Edge Chlorophyll Index and the Normalized Difference Red-Edge Index (NDRE). Among these indices, the NDRE index shows the highest fit with the actual cotton yield data (R2up to 0.96, adj R2 = 0.95 and RMSE = 0.21). These results indicate that the NDRE index is a powerful indicator for determining cotton yields. Based on this approach, farmers can monitor crop growth, which in turn avoids crop loss and thereby increases productivity. This research highlights that a satellite-based estimate of crop production can provide a unique perspective which should improve the possibility of identifying management priorities to improve agriculture productivity and mitigate climate impacts.
The hidden influence: exploring presence in human-synthetic interactions through ghostbots
Authors: McStay Andrew
Published: July 2024

Presence is a palpable sense of space, things and others that overlaps with matters of meaning, yet is not reducible to it: it is a dimension of things that hides in plain sight. This paper is motivated by observations that (1) presence is under-appreciated in questions of modern and nascent human-synthetic agent interaction, and (2) that presence matters because it affects and moves us. The paper’s goal is to articulate a multi-faceted understanding of presence, and why it matters, so the importance of presence may be readily understood by those who regulate media, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) industries. Novel forms of presence raise all sorts of questions of what it means to live with new forms of presences. Some of these are highly positive and others are resistant to simplistic moral diagnosis, a point explored through extended consideration of ‘thanatechnology’ and ‘ghostbots’. To clarify and foreground presence, this paper draws on continental philosophy and technologist ideas about presence to understand the significance and parameters of presence. It then puts these to work by considering a range of existing and emerging human-synthetic agent interactions, arguing that that presence is an underappreciated yet crucial factor in human-synthetic interactions, particularly involving AI and ghostbots. The paper concludes with points of focus for organisations charged with media, data protection and AI governance regarding facets of presence-based characteristics for emergent human-synthetic interaction. Foremost is consideration of open standards for a presence-based afterlife and suggestion of a temporal firewall, or a break of time before resurrection, to prevent harm to those who have recently lost someone.
Two Uses of Anekāntavāda
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes
Published: July 2024

The thesis I will present is that, whatever its exact origins, the anekāntavāda was primarily (though not exclusively) used for two purposes: (1) to solve the “paradox of causality”, and (2) to classify non-Jaina systems of thought. The earliest texts in which the doctrine occurs present it as a solution to the paradox of causality. Only later do we find its use to classify non-Jaina philosophies.
Complete Spectrum of Physical Comorbidities with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Villumsen Martin Dalgaard , Støving René Klinkby , Bilenberg Niels
Published: July 2024

The associations between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and physical diseases (PD) based on ICD-8 and ICD-10 diagnoses were studied, comparing with the risks of the general population. All individuals diagnosed before 30th April 2018 with ASD (n = 12,063) and a 5% random sample of the general population (n = 41,251) were drawn from Danish registers of the birth cohorts 1984–1995. For each of the entire spectrum of 13 PD categories, participants were followed from birth to first diagnosis, death, emigration, or 31st December 2017, whichever came first. Time from inclusion at birth to time of first physical diagnosis, accounting for censoring, was studied by use of time-stratified Cox models. When compared to the control sample, the individuals with ASD had a substantial added immediate risk in infancy and in childhood for 12 of the 13 categories. Particularly prominent were estimated associations for nervous system diseases at ages 0–9, and diseases of the eye and adnexa at ages 0–11. The associations were observed for both sexes, but were stronger among females than males, especially for genitourinary system diseases. On the cumulative scale, individuals with ASD were at pronounced greater risk through follow-up for 8 categories, with the greatest cumulative risk of respiratory system diseases, which at ages 5 and 30 was 24.9% and 41.5% for the ASD cohort while for the control sample it was 16.3% and 34.5% at the same ages. Especially in infancy and childhood, the present study found increased risks for a multitude of physical diseases.
Characteristics of Child Fatalities that Occur in the Context of Current or Past Intimate Partner Violence: a Scoping Review
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Jun Hyun-Jin , Kim Jeongsuk , Power Luke , Devaney John , Frederick John , Betz Gail
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem worldwide. In addition to directly observing or indirectly experiencing IPV, children may be killed because of IPV. To date, research on child IPV-related deaths exists in various, disconnected areas of scholarship, making it difficult to understand how IPV contributes to child fatalities. As such, this scoping review located and synthesized research on child fatalities that resulted from IPV, seeking to understand the state of global research concerning the prevalence and circumstances of IPV-related child fatalities.

Methods

Using a combination of keywords and subject terms, we systematically searched PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, PubMed, and seven research repositories. We located empirical studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals that reported findings concerning children (aged 0–17) who were killed because of IPV and/or people who killed children due to IPV. Among 9,502 de-duplicated records, we identified 60 articles that met review inclusion criteria. We extracted and synthesized information concerning research methods, circumstances and consequences of the fatalities, characteristics of people who committed IPV-related homicide of a child, and characteristics of children who died because of IPV.

Results

Studies were published from 1986–2022 and analyzed data from 23 countries. Most studies did not focus exclusively on IPV-related child homicides, and overall, studies reported sparse information concerning the contexts and circumstances of such fatalities. There were two predominant and distinct groups of children killed due to IPV: children killed by a parent or other adult caregiver and adolescents killed by an intimate partner. It was often difficult to ascertain whether the demographic characteristics of individuals who kill a child in the context of IPV and other contextual details might be similar to or different from child fatalities that occur under different circumstances or for other motivations.

Conclusions

This review highlighted that children die because of IPV. Findings indicated that such fatalities, while maybe difficult to predict, are often preventable if earlier intervention is made available and professionals are alert to key circumstances in which fatality risk is high. Future research and practice efforts should attend to understanding child fatalities resulting from IPV to identify critical intervention points and strategies that will save children’s lives.