bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speed-Limits in Local Streets: Lessons from a 30 km/h Trial in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Fildes Brian N. , Lawrence Brendan , Thompson Luke , Oxley Jennie
Published: May 2022

Fatal and Severe Injuries (FSI) to vulnerable road users is a major road safety problem internationally. Recent resolutions by the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety called for a blanket 30 km/h speed limit in urban areas to address this problem. A project undertaken in Melbourne, Australia, set out to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of a lower speed limit in a local residential area in the City of Yarra. The intervention comprised replacing 40 km/h speed limit signs in the treated area with 30 km/h signs with an adjacent untreated control area. A before and after study was employed with speed, resident surveys, and estimated safety benefits as measures of its success. Modest reductions in mean speed were observed in the after-phase of the study while benefits were impressive for vehicles travelling at higher speed levels where the risk of severe injury or death is greater. These findings represent an estimated 4% reduction in the risk of severe injury for pedestrians in the event of a collision. Questionnaire responses showed an increased degree of support for the 30 km/h speed limit in local streets in the trial area. The implication of these findings for road safety is discussed, along with the challenges and potential hurdles. Lower speed limits in local streets and municipalities is one important measure to help address vulnerable road users in residential local streets.
Local Dimensions of Sustainable Energy Governance: Case Study
Authors: Thiaw Abdoulaye , Badiane Sidia
Published: May 2022

Innovative scientific approaches and digital tools can support the planning  of a sustainable energy transition that complies with the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of sustainability in local communities. This chapter discusses the leading role of localized energy governance through case studies of projects implemented in Senegal communities. It aims to document the diversity of  approaches and tools that are locally available to define and achieve sustainability objectives in the energy sector and thereby contributes to the more inclusive goal of achieving sustainable development. Our ambition is to compare cases with a range of practices that can support municipalities in developing a tailor-made sustainable energy agenda.
Local Action for Energy Sustainability: A Review of Policies’ Impact
Authors: Mbodji C. A. , Sumereder C. , Diouf D. , Maiga A.
Published: May 2022

Energy sustainability in practice demonstrates the need to scale down the focus from the national to the local level. The literature proposes different models and policies for implementing sustainable energy solutions in communities. In this chapter, the authors review the policy competencies of local governments and propose a new model for transition to energy sustainability in communities, learning from different initiatives. The study confronts this model with lessons learned in transitioning to energy sustainability in four sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique and Senegal. The main findings are countries made significant efforts to improve energy access in rural communities with renewable energy systems and to improve the efficiency of energy use in urban communities. However, prerequisites such as investment in the network infrastructure and in planning tools, especially at the scale of municipalities, continue to impede progress in access and transition to energy sustainability.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential in Cities: Case Studies of Solar Photovoltaic, Waste-to-Energy and Wind Energy
Authors: Fall A. , Haas R.
Published: May 2022

Theoretically, all places on earth are endowed with renewable energy resources. However, the requirements for co-existence with existing energy and non-energy infrastructure limit the technical realization of these resources. Scientific publications on the renewable energy potential of cities mainly rely on geographic information system (GIS) data such as solar and wind maps. However, planning systems that realize the potential of renewable energy resources need additional tools beyond GIS. In this study, we consider two additional dimensions in the assessment of cities’ renewable energy potential: competing space and competing resources. The findings show the impact of city land-use density, infrastructure and capital cost on the achievement of a transition to the energy sustainability objective with locally available renewable energy resources.
Action prediction modulates self–other integration in joint action
Authors: van der Weiden Anouk , Porcu Emanuele , Liepelt Roman
Published: May 2022

People often coordinate actions with others, requiring an adjustable amount of self–other integration between actor’s and co-actor’s actions. Previous research suggests that such self–other integration (indexed by the joint Simon effect) is enhanced by agent similarity of the co-actor (e.g., high in intentionality). In this study, we aimed to extend this line of research by testing whether experiencing agency over a co-actor’s actions (vicarious agency) and/or action prediction strengthens the joint Simon effect. For this purpose, we manipulated experienced agency by varying the experienced control over a co-actor’s actions (Experiment 1), and action prediction regarding the co-actor’s actions (Experiment 2). Vicarious agency could effectively be induced, but did not modulate the size of the joint Simon effect. The joint Simon effect was decreased when the co-actor’s actions were unpredictable (vs. predictable) during joint task performance. These findings suggest social agency can be induced and effectively measured in joint action. Action prediction can act as an effective agency cue modulating the amount of self–other integration in joint action.
A not sign-preserving iteration algorithm for the ‘Improved Normalized Squared Differences’ matrix adjustment model
Authors: Revesz Tamas
Published: May 2022

Estimating the elements of a matrix, when only the margins (row and column sums) are known, but a supposedly similar ‘reference matrix’ is available, is a standard problem in many disciplines. After discussing the main types, issues and applications of these two-directional matrix adjustment problems the paper concentrates on the case of negative matrix elements and models with quadratic objective functions. The solution of the Improved Normalized Squared Differences (INSD) model is proved to be the same as the result of that iteration algorithm which is presented in the paper. It is also argued that if the sign-preservation requirement is dropped then the iteration procedure suggested by Huang et al. (Econ Syst Res 20(1):111–123, 2008) boils down to the same algorithm. Using the numerical example of the earlier literature it is also demonstrated that even in this not sign-preserving case, which even requires sign-flips for some elements, the INSD-model produces good fit in mathematical terms.
What Motivates Entrepreneurs into Circular Economy Action? Evidence from Japan and Finland
Authors: Rovanto Savu , Finne Max
Published: May 2022

This study investigated entrepreneurs’ motivations to implement circular economy (CE) practices and the ways in which their approaches to CE practices differed by their sociocultural context. The research aimed to contrast the contemporary instrumental perspective on CE through an ecologically dominant logic. The empirical analysis focused on Finland and Japan, two countries with distinct sociocultural contexts but similar regulatory environments regarding the CE. The study analysed entrepreneurs’ motivations towards the CE through self-determination theory that makes a distinction between different levels of internalization in motivations. The Finnish entrepreneurs were characterised by more frequent intertwined intrinsic/transcendent motivations and a vocal approach to CE. The Japanese entrepreneurs’ motivations were more varied; some were intrinsically interested in the CE, while some were even unaware of the CE concept despite operating CE businesses. The Japanese entrepreneurs resorted to masking their CE businesses to better relate with the surrounding linear system. The study shows how the individualistic Finnish culture fostered progress on the CE, while the collectivistic Japanese culture emphasised the need for relatedness and caused stagnation in the CE in its society.
Living in the Flesh: Technologically Mediated Chiasmic Relationships (in Times of a Pandemic)
Authors: de Boer Bas , Verbeek Peter-Paul
Published: May 2022

During the Corona pandemic, it became clear that people are vulnerable to potentially harmful nonhuman agents, as well as that our own biological existence potentially poses a threat to others, and vice versa. This suggests a certain reciprocity in our relations with both humans and nonhumans. In his The Visible and the Invisible, Merleau-Ponty introduces the notion of the flesh to capture this reciprocity. Building on this idea, he proposes to understand our relationships with other humans, as well as those with nonhuman beings as having a chiasmic structure: to sense, or perceive another entity in a particular way simultaneously implies to be sensed or perceived in a particular way by this other entity. In this paper, we show how a postphenomenological perspective expands on Merleau-Ponty: first, it more radically interprets Merleau-Ponty’s notion of flesh by not only considering it to be a medium that is the condition of possibility for vision but as pointing to the constitution of an intercorporeal field in which entities—both human and nonhuman—mutually sense one another. Second, it augments Merleau-Ponty’s thought by drawing attention to how technologies mediate chiasmic relations. This is clarified through the example of the facemask, which (1) reveals the chiasmic structure of our relation with nonhuman entities, and (2) shows that technologies co-constitute interpersonal relationships by making humans present to one another in a particular way. We suggest that these aspects are not unique to the facemask, but point to a general technologically mediated chiasmic structure of human-world relations.
Personality Cult or a Mere Matter of Popularity?
Authors: Sundahl Anne-Mette Holmgård
Published: May 2022

This paper introduces a theoretical model for distinguishing between mere popularity and personality cults as there currently is an inflated use of the personality cult concept, especially in news media, attaching it to significantly different phenomena. The model is based on Weber’s concept of charismatic authority and consists of three parameters, widespread symbolic elevation, resilience and religious parallels, covering a representational and social practice dimension. Both dimensions are needed to constitute a personality cult. Trump, Putin and Ardern are used as examples of the model’s ability to distinguish between cult and non-cult phenomena. The comparison shows that only Trump and Putin have a cult on both dimensions. Mere popular politicians like Ardern are more comparable to celebrities as these do not have the same authority and power over the followers as leaders with a personality cult – despite potentially showing some cultlike tendencies on the representational dimension. Popular politicians are thus especially characterised by lacking the key social practice aspect of personality cults. As they might still exhibit some cultlike characteristics, the different phenomena are best perceived as being on a continuum ranging from mere admiration or popularity to a personality cult.
LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) differentiates malignant chordomas from less malignant chondrosarcomas
Authors: Vanderheijden Cas , Vaessen Thomas , Yakkioui Youssef , Riedl Robert , Temel Yasin , Hovinga Koos , Hoogland Govert
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Chordomas are malignant tumors that develop along the neuraxis between skull-base and sacrum. Chondrosarcomas show similarities with chordomas, yet show less malignant behavior. LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) is a cytoskeletal protein known to promote the malignant behavior of tumors. LASP1 was previously identified as a possibly overexpressed protein in a chordoma proteomics experiment. In this study we compare LASP1 expression in chordoma and chondrosarcoma tissue.

Methods

Biopsies of primary tumors were collected from surgically treated chordoma (n = 6) and chondrosarcoma (n = 6) patients, flash-frozen upon collection and collectively analyzed for LASP1 RNA (real-time PCR) and protein expression (western blotting). Additionally, tissue micro array (TMA)-based immunohistochemistry was applied to an archive of 31 chordoma and 1 chondrosarcoma specimen.

Results

In chordoma samples, LASP1 mRNA was detected in 4/6 cases and a strong 36 kDa immunoreactive protein band was observed in 4/5 cases. In contrast, 0/6 chondrosarcoma samples showed detectable levels of LASP1 mRNA and only a weak 36 kDa band was observed in 4/5 cases. Immunohistochemical analysis showed LASP1 expression in all chordoma samples, whereas chondrosarcoma specimen did not show immunoreactivity.

Conclusion

LASP1 is strongly expressed in the majority of chordoma cases and shows low expression in chondrosarcoma tissue. Since LASP1 is known to function as oncogene and regulate cell proliferation in other tumor types, this study implicates a role for LASP1 in chordoma biology. Further studies are warranted to improve understanding of LASP1’s expression and functioning within chordoma, both in vitro and in vivo.
Efficient exact k-flexible aggregate nearest neighbor search in road networks using the M-tree
Authors: Chung Moonyoung , Hyun Soon J. , Loh Woong-Kee
Published: May 2022

This study proposes an efficient exact k-flexible aggregate nearest neighbor (k-FANN) search algorithm in road networks using the M-tree. The state-of-the-art IER-kNN algorithm used the R-tree and pruned off unnecessary nodes based on the Euclidean coordinates of objects in road networks. However, IER-kNN made many unnecessary accesses to index nodes since the Euclidean distances between objects are significantly different from the actual shortest-path distances between them. In contrast, our algorithm proposed in this study can greatly reduce unnecessary accesses to index nodes compared with IER-kNN since the M-tree is constructed based on the actual shortest-path distances between objects. To the best of our knowledge, our algorithm is the first exact FANN algorithm that uses the M-tree. We prove that our algorithm does not cause any false drop. In conducting a series of experiments using various real road network datasets, our algorithm consistently outperformed IER-kNN by up to 6.92 times.
Credal accuracy and knowledge
Authors: Siscoe Robert Weston
Published: May 2022

Traditional epistemologists assumed that the most important doxastic norms were rational requirements on belief. This orthodoxy has recently been challenged by the work of revolutionary epistemologists on the rational requirements on credences. Revolutionary epistemology takes it that such contemporary work is important precisely because traditional epistemologists are mistaken—credal norms are more fundamental than, and determinative of, belief norms. To make sense of their innovative project, many revolutionary epistemologists have also adopted another commitment, that norms on credences are governed by a fundamental accuracy norm. Unfortunately for the revolutionary epistemologist, it has been difficult to define a measure of accuracy while maintaining that credal norms are more basic than belief norms. In this paper, I criticize one such proposal for measuring accuracy, that the accuracy of our credences should be assessed in terms of what we know, arguing that this picture ultimately cannot vindicate the revolutionary approach.
Towards investigating the validity of measurement of self-regulated learning based on trace data
Authors: Fan Yizhou , van der Graaf Joep , Lim Lyn , Raković Mladen , Singh Shaveen , Kilgour Jonathan , Moore Johanna , Molenaar Inge , Bannert Maria , Gašević Dragan
Published: May 2022

Contemporary research that looks at self-regulated learning (SRL) as processes of learning events derived from trace data has attracted increasing interest over the past decade. However, limited research has been conducted that looks into the validity of trace-based measurement protocols. In order to fill this gap in the literature, we propose a novel validation approach that combines theory-driven and data-driven perspectives to increase the validity of interpretations of SRL processes extracted from trace-data. The main contribution of this approach consists of three alignments between trace data and think aloud data to improve measurement validity. In addition, we define the match rate between SRL processes extracted from trace data and think aloud as a quantitative indicator together with other three indicators (sensitivity, specificity and trace coverage), to evaluate the “degree” of validity. We tested this validation approach in a laboratory study that involved 44 learners who learned individually about the topic of artificial intelligence in education with the use of a technology-enhanced learning environment for 45 minutes. Following this new validation approach, we achieved an improved match rate between SRL processes extracted from trace-data and think aloud data (training set: 54.24%; testing set: 55.09%) compared to the match rate before applying the validation approach (training set: 38.97%; test set: 34.54%). By considering think aloud data as “reference point”, this improvement of the match rate quantified the extent to which validity can be improved by using our validation approach. In conclusion, the novel validation approach presented in this study used both empirical evidence from think aloud data and rationale from our theoretical framework of SRL, which now, allows testing and improvement of the validity of trace-based SRL measurements.
Augmented reality navigation for minimally invasive craniosynostosis surgery: a phantom study
Authors: Thabit Abdullah , Benmahdjoub Mohamed , van Veelen Marie-Lise C. , Niessen Wiro J. , Wolvius Eppo B. , van Walsum Theo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In minimally invasive spring-assisted craniectomy, surgeons plan the surgery by manually locating the cranial sutures. However, this approach is prone to error. Augmented reality (AR) could be used to visualize the cranial sutures and assist in the surgery planning. The purpose of our work is to develop an AR-based system to visualize cranial sutures, and to assess the accuracy and usability of using AR-based navigation for surgical guidance in minimally invasive spring-assisted craniectomy.

Methods

An AR system was developed that consists of an electromagnetic tracking system linked with a Microsoft HoloLens. The system was used to conduct a study with two skull phantoms. For each phantom, five sutures were annotated and visualized on the skull surface. Twelve participants assessed the system. For each participant, model alignment using six anatomical landmarks was performed, followed by the participant delineation of the visualized sutures. At the end, the participants filled a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire. For evaluation, an independent optical tracking system was used and the delineated sutures were digitized and compared to the CT-annotated sutures.

Results

For a total of 120 delineated sutures, the distance of the annotated sutures to the planning reference was $$2.4\pm 1.2$$

2.4
±
1.2

 mm. The average delineation time per suture was $$13\pm 5$$

13
±
5

 s. For the system usability questionnaire, an average SUS score of 73 was obtained.

Conclusion

The developed AR-system has good accuracy (average 2.4 mm distance) and could be used in the OR. The system can assist in the pre-planning of minimally invasive craniosynostosis surgeries to locate cranial sutures accurately instead of the traditional approach of manual palpation. Although the conducted phantom study was designed to closely reflect the clinical setup in the OR, further clinical validation of the developed system is needed and will be addressed in a future work.
Identifying teachers’ motivational profiles and their changes from teacher education into practice: A longitudinal study
Authors: Hartl Anna , Holzberger Doris
Published: May 2022

In the present study, we examined teachers’ self-efficacy and enthusiasm as two motivational constructs and assessed how they are organized and change over time, using a sample of 662 participants from the end of pre-service teacher education up to two years after entering the teaching profession. We first used latent profile analyses to identify teachers’ motivational profiles. Quantitative motivational profiles were found for those concluding their teacher education, enabling low, medium, and high motivation to be distinguished. Two years after entering the profession, these profiles were no longer clearly identifiable. To investigate the change in the motivational variables, we applied a latent change score model. Finally, we examined whether social support from colleagues, a resource, could explain the change in motivational variables. A significant decrease over time was found for self-efficacy for classroom management and enthusiasm for teaching, while enthusiasm for the subject increased. No significant change was detected for general self-efficacy. Additionally, we found no evidence that social support influences these changes.
Suboptimal Weight Loss 13 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Is Hedonic Hunger, Eating Behaviour and Food Reward to Blame?
Authors: Nymo Siren , Børresen Skjølsvold Oda , Aukan Marthe , Finlayson Graham , Græslie Hallvard , Mårvik Ronald , Kulseng Bård , Sandvik Jorunn , Martins Catia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Suboptimal weight loss (SWL) and weight regain (WR) following bariatric surgery are common. The exact reasons for this phenomenon remain to be fully elucidated. To compare hedonic hunger, food preferences, food reward and eating behaviour traits between participants with SWL and optimal weight loss (OWL) 13 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Materials and Method

Cross-sectional case control study where participants experiencing SWL or OWL (< or ≥ 50% of excess weight, respectively) post-RYGB were compared to a non-surgical control group matched for pre-operative body mass index. Hedonic hunger (Power of Food Scale), implicit and explicit liking and wanting for high-fat and low-fat savoury and sweet food (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire) and eating behaviour (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Food Cravings Questionnaires State and Trait-reduced) were assessed.

Results

In total, 75 participants were recruited from the bariatric surgery observation study (BAROBS). Disinhibition, hunger, emotional, external and restrained eating, frequency of cravings and hedonic hunger were lower in the OWL, compared with the SWL and/or control groups. Implicit wanting and explicit liking and wanting for high-fat savoury and high-fat sweet food were lower, and implicit wanting for low-fat savoury food higher, in the OWL, compared with the SWL and/or control groups.

Conclusion

SWL 13 years after RYGB is associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours, increased preference and reward for high-fat food and increased hedonic hunger. Future longitudinal studies are needed to establish the cause-effect relationship between these variables.

Graphical abstract
Management of Dyslipidemia in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Martin Anna , Lang Sonja , Goeser Tobias , Demir Münevver , Steffen Hans-Michael , Kasper Philipp
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, represent a population at high cardiovascular risk and frequently suffer from atherogenic dyslipidemia. This article reviews the pathogenic interrelationship between NAFLD and dyslipidemia, elucidates underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and focuses on management approaches for dyslipidemic patients with NAFLD.

Recent Findings

Atherogenic dyslipidemia in patients with NAFLD results from hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance along with associated alterations of hepatic glucose and lipoprotein metabolism, gut dysbiosis, and genetic factors.

Since atherogenic dyslipidemia and NAFLD share a bi-directional relationship and are both major driving forces of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) development, early detection and adequate treatment are warranted. Thus, integrative screening and management programs are urgently needed. A stepwise approach for dyslipidemic patients with NAFLD includes (i) characterization of dyslipidemia phenotype, (ii) individual risk stratification, (iii) definition of treatment targets, (iv) lifestyle modification, and (v) pharmacotherapy if indicated.
Vitamin D Regulation of Immune Function
Authors: Bikle Daniel D
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

To review the mechanisms by which vitamin D and its metabolites regulate the immune system to facilitate the ability of the body to prevent and/or treat SARS-CoV2 and other respiratory infections and encourage further research into the role that vitamin D supplementation plays in preventing/treating such infections.

Recent Findings

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV2 and other respiratory infections. Clinical trials in general demonstrate that correction of vitamin D deficiency reduces the risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death from SARS-CoV2 infection. The airway epithelium and alveolar macrophages express the enzyme, CYP27B1, that produces the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, and the vitamin D receptor, VDR. Vitamin D and its metabolites promote the innate immune response, which provides the first line of defense against viral and bacterial infections while restricting the adaptive immune response, which if unchecked promotes the inflammatory response leading to the acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.

The rationale for treating vitamin D deficiency to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection and supplementing patients with vitamin D early in the course of SARS-CoV2 infection rests primarily on the ability of vitamin D metabolites to promote an effective immune response to the infection.
Advanced land imager superiority in lithological classification utilizing machine learning algorithms
Authors: Shebl Ali , Kusky Timothy , Csámer Árpád
Published: May 2022

Different types of remote sensing data are commonly used as inputs for lithological classification schemes, yet determining the best data source for each specific application is still unresolved, but critical for the best interpretations. In addition, various classifiers (i.e., artificial neural network (ANN), maximum likelihood classification (MLC), and support vector machine (SVM)) have proven their variable efficiencies in lithological mapping, yet determining which technique is preeminent is still questionable. Consequently, this study aims to test the potency of Earth observing-1 Advanced Land Imager (ALI) data with the frequently utilized Sentinel 2 (S2), ASTER, and Landsat OLI (L8) data in lithological allocation using the widely accepted ANN, MLC, and SVM, for a case study in the Um Salatit area, in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. This area has a recent geological map that is used as a reference for selecting training and testing samples required for machine learning algorithms (MLAs). The results reveal (1) ALI superiority over the most commonly used S2, ASTER, and L8; (2) SVM is much better than MLC and ANN in executing lithologic allocation; (3) S2 is strongly recommended for separating higher numbers of classes compared to ASTER, L8, and ALI. Model overfitting may negatively impact S2 results in classifying small numbers of targets; (4) we can significantly enhance the classification accuracy, to transcend 90% by blending different sensor datasets. Our new approach can help significantly in further lithologic mapping in arid regions and thus be fruitful for mineral exploration programs.
Density and occupancy of leopard cats across different forest types in Cambodia
Authors: Pin Chanratana , Phan Channa , Kamler Jan F. , Rostro-García Susana , Penjor Ugyen , In Visattha , Crouthers Rachel , Macdonald Ewan A. , Chou Sophark , Macdonald David W.
Published: May 2022

The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most common wild felid in Southeast Asia, yet little is known about the factors that affect their population density and occupancy in natural habitats. Although leopard cats are highly adaptable and reportedly can attain high densities in human-modified habitats, it is not clear which natural habitat is optimal for the species. Also, this felid has been preyed upon by large carnivores in Southeast Asia, yet the intra-guild effects of large carnivore presence on leopard cats are almost unknown. To shed light on these fundamental questions, we used data from camera trap surveys for felids to determine the leopard cat densities in three different forest types within Cambodia: continuous evergreen, mosaic dominated by evergreen (hereafter evergreen mosaic), and mosaic dominated by open dry deciduous forests (hereafter DDF mosaic). We also conducted occupancy analyses to evaluate the interactions of the leopard cats with three large carnivores: leopards (Panthera pardus), dholes (Cuon alpinus), and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). The estimated density (individuals/100 km2 ± SE) was highest in the continuous evergreen (27.83 ± 7.68), followed by evergreen mosaic (22.06 ± 5.35) and DDF mosaic (13.53 ± 3.23). Densities in all three forest types were relatively high compared to previous studies. Domestic dogs were detected on all 3 sites, and leopards and dholes had sufficient records on only one site each. The occupancy probability of leopard cats was not affected by the presence or absence of any large carnivore, indicating that large carnivores and leopard cats occurred independently of each other. Our findings support the claim that leopard cats are habitat generalists, but we show that evergreen forest is the optimum natural habitat for this species in the region. The DDF mosaic appears to sustain lower densities of leopard cats, probably due to the harsh dry season and wildfires that led to reduced prey base, although this generalist felid was still able to occupy DDF in relatively moderate numbers. Overall, the adaptability of leopard cats to various forest types, and lack of negative interaction with large carnivores, helps to explain why this species is the most common and widespread felid in Southeast Asia.
How to approximate the Dirac equation with the Mauser method
Authors: Renziehausen Klaus , Liu Kunlong , Barth Ingo
Published: May 2022

Mauser and coworkers discussed in a series of papers an ansatz how to split the Dirac equation and the wave function appearing therein into a part related to a free moving electron and another part related to a free moving positron. This ansatz includes an expansion of these quantities into orders of the reciprocal of the speed of light $$\epsilon = 1/c$$

ϵ
=
1
/
c

. In particular, in Mauser (VLSI Design 9:415, 1999) it is discussed how to apply this expansion up to the second order in the reciprocal of the speed of light $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
. As an expansion of this analysis, we show in this work how all three well-known terms that appear in an expansion of the Dirac equation in second order on the reciprocal of the speed of light, namely, a relativistic correction to the kinetic energy, the Darwin term, and the spin-orbit interaction, can be found using the ansatz of Mauser—and doing so, we close a gap between this ansatz to approximate the Dirac equation and other approximative results found using the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation.
Surroundings affect slip length dynamics in nanoscale friction through contact stiffness and damping
Authors: Skuratovsky Simona , Agmon Liron , Gnecco Enrico , Berkovich Ronen
Published: May 2022

Friction force microscopy (FFM) explores the interaction in a sliding contact on the nanoscale, providing information on the frictional dynamics and lateral contact stiffness with lattice resolution. Recent FFM measurements on a NaCl crystal immersed in liquid (ethanol) surroundings displayed an increase of the effective contact stiffness, Keff, with the applied load, differently from similar measurements performed under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions, where Keff showed negligible load dependency. Additionally, under UHV conditions multiple slip length friction with increasing load was reported, while in ethanol surroundings only single (lattice unit length) slips were observed. Our current understanding of this behavior relates the transition from single jumps to multiple jumps dynamics to the normal load (manifested through the amplitude of the interaction potential at the contact, U0) and to the damping of the system. Here we have incorporated the effect of the load dependency on both U0 and Keff within Prandtl—Tomlinson based simulations, accompanied by variations in the damping coefficient of the system. Introducing the experimentally observed load dependency to Keff resulted indeed in single slip jumps at critical damping, while multiple slip jumps were obtained at constant Keff. The average slip length increased with the normal load, particularly when the system became underdamped. Our work provides a glimpse on the relation between the characteristic observables in atomic-scale sliding friction (maximal slip forces, stiffness, and slip dynamics) with respect to their governing parameters (corrugation energy, effective stiffness, and damping). While common understanding in nanotribology relates the effect of surrounding media mainly to the interaction potential at the contact, here we show that the media can also greatly affect the elastic interaction, and consequently play an important role on the transition from single to multiple stick-slip.
Leveraging Technology and Gamification to Engage Learners in a Microbiology Curriculum in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Walker Jeremey , Heudebert Jose Pablo , Patel Mukesh , Cleveland John D. , Westfall Andrew O. , Dempsey Donald M. , Guzman Alfredo , Zinski Anne , Agarwal Monica , Long Dustin , Willig James , Lee Rachael
Published: May 2022

Background

Microbiology is a critical and expansive topic that many medical schools’ curriculum must teach in a constrained time frame. We implemented a microbiology question bank smart phone app enhanced with game elements and clinical pearls during a microbiology course for first-year medical students. We hypothesized that these enhancements and clinical pearls would engage the students meaningfully and increase their knowledge base.

Methods

Though use was optional, students’ game play was recorded through the app, which was compared to test grades retrospectively. A player efficiency rating (PER) was calculated as a function of question response, accuracy, and engagement. Students were separated into tertiles of PER and median exam grades were compared using a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis (KW) test. An anonymous satisfaction and usability feedback survey was also administered.

Results

One hundred eighty-one of the 189 students (96%) answered at least one question, and 165 (87%) completed all 56 questions. The average PER was 84.75. We received feedback surveys from 61 (34%) students in the course, with positive responses regarding the perceived impact on learning microbiology. The KW test found a positive correlation for median exam scores of the player groups when divided into tertiles by PER (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

We leveraged gamification and clinical pearls to design a supplemental microbiology question bank. We found high engagement overall and higher class exam scores associated with greater use of the question bank.
Feasibility of Mindful After Cancer: Pilot Study of a Virtual Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Sexual Health in Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Gorman Jessica R. , Drizin Julia H. , Smith Ellie , Corey Stephanie , Temple Madison , Rendle Katharine A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for supporting female cancer survivors experiencing sexual health concerns.

Aim

To examine the feasibility of a sexual health MBI, Mindful After Cancer, which was adapted to meet the needs of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in a community setting and for delivery via videoconference.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the 8-week virtual MBI. Weekly sessions were 1.5–2 hours in duration and included guided meditations and group discussion about sexuality after cancer and mindfulness in daily life. Home practice activities related to both mindfulness practice and sexual health. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and 1-month post-intervention. A purposive sample of 10 participants were invited to complete a follow-up interview 2–3 months post-intervention.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes included both qualitative and quantitative assessments of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Mindful After Cancer intervention for sexual health in cancer survivorship.

Results

Twenty-two women completed the intervention (Mean age 53.2 years, SD = 9.4, Range= 39–73), with time since diagnosis ranging from 1 to 27 years (Mean 6.0 years, SD = 5.9). Participants completed 6.8 sessions on average (Range = 2 – 8) and 77% reported that the time commitment was manageable. Both qualitative and quantitative findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the intervention.

Clinical Implications

Many cancer survivors experience sexual dysfunction and related distress after diagnosis and well after treatment ends, yet there are few interventions available. Improved access to effective interventions can improve the delivery of survivorship care and patient outcomes.

Strengths & Limitations

The sample size is small for this pilot study, and a control group was not included. The intervention was offered over two time periods, one prior to COVID-19 pandemic and one during the pandemic, resulting in both limitations associated with potential differences between the experiences of participants and the opportunity to learn more about the feasibility of the intervention during times of crisis.

Conclusion

Results suggest that virtual delivery of the MBI is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.
Derivation of control inputs for deep stall recovery using nonlinear frequency analysis
Authors: Nguyen D. H. , Lowenberg M. H. , Neild S. A.
Published: May 2022

Although the problem of locked-in deep stall is well documented over many years, there currently exists no consistent procedure that can guarantee recovery. Past studies have suggested that it might be possible to rock the aircraft in pitch to destabilise the statically stable deep stall trim point, thereby gaining enough momentum to push the nose down. However, the methods used in these studies are either of preliminary or empirical nature and cannot guarantee recovery. In this paper, we use bifurcation analysis to derive a recovery manoeuvre, specifically by assessing the aircraft’s nonlinear frequency response under an elevator forcing. The ensuing nonlinear Bode plot detects unstable (divergent) solutions near resonance that contribute to a successful deep stall recovery. Moreover, the nonlinear resonant frequency is slightly lower than the result obtained using linear analysis, and time simulation shows that relying on the linear result does not lead to a successful recovery. It is also found that at the high angles of attack associated with deep stall, the frequency separation between the short period and phugoid mode is significantly reduced, leading to only one visible peak in the frequency response. This feature is also reflected in the time-domain step response.
System identification of cropped delta UAVs from flight test methods using particle Swarm-Optimisation-based estimation
Authors: Kumar N. , Saderla S. , Kim Y.
Published: May 2022

In the era of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), an onboard autopilot occupies a prominent place and is inevitable for many of their modern applications. The efficacy of autopilot heavily relies upon the accuracy of the sensors employed and the capability of the onboard flight controller. In general, aerodynamic behaviour and flight dynamic capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) govern the selection and the design of flight controllers. Precise modeling of linear aerodynamic characteristics from flight data can be achieved using many of the existing classical parameter estimation techniques such as Output Error Method (OEM), Equation Error Method (EEM), and Filter Error Method (FEM). However, all the classical methods may not be readily applicable for aerodynamic modeling in nonlinear flight envelopes. The current manuscript is an attempt to exploit the capabilities of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique, named Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), in combination with Least Squares (LS) cost function to perform linear as well as nonlinear aerodynamic parameter estimation. The aforementioned task is accomplished by considering flight data from manoeuvers pertaining to linear angles of attack, moderate and near stall flight envelopes of two different UAVs with cropped delta planform geometry. Parameters estimated using the proposed LS-PSO method are consistent with minimum standard deviation and are on a par with OEM estimates. The proposed LS-PSO method enhances the capabilities of LS-based EEM while estimating stall characteristic parameters, which was not possible with LS alone. The longitudinal and lateral-directional static parameters estimated from the full-scale wind tunnel testing of the two UAVs were also used to corroborate the results obtained from the flight data using the LS-PSO method.
Thoughts and beliefs of healthcare workers regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and which messaging themes might affect vaccine confidence and recommendation of the vaccine
Authors: Spires S. Shaefer , Clark Jenna L. , Rayburn-Reeves Rebecca , Ashley Elizabeth Dodds , Desai Avani , Lindemans Jan
Published: May 2022

We surveyed healthcare workers within the Duke Antimicrobial Stewardship Outreach Network (DASON) to describe beliefs regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and their decision-making process behind vaccination recommendations. In contrast to the type of messaging that appealed most on a personal level to the healthcare workers, they preferred a more generic message emphasizing safety and efficacy when making vaccination recommendations.
UNIVERSAL CODING AND PREDICTION ON ERGODIC RANDOM POINTS
Authors: DĘBOWSKI ŁUKASZ , STEIFER TOMASZ
Published: May 2022

Suppose that we have a method which estimates the conditional probabilities of some unknown stochastic source and we use it to guess which of the outcomes will happen. We want to make a correct guess as often as it is possible. What estimators are good for this? In this work, we consider estimators given by a familiar notion of universal coding for stationary ergodic measures, while working in the framework of algorithmic randomness, i.e., we are particularly interested in prediction of Martin-Löf random points. We outline the general theory and exhibit some counterexamples. Completing a result of Ryabko from 2009 we also show that universal probability measure in the sense of universal coding induces a universal predictor in the prequential sense. Surprisingly, this implication holds true provided the universal measure does not ascribe too low conditional probabilities to individual symbols. As an example, we show that the Prediction by Partial Matching (PPM) measure satisfies this requirement with a large reserve.
Refiguring the Archive for Eras before Writing: Digital Interventions, Affordances and Research Futures
Authors: Hamilton Carolyn , McNulty Grant
Published: May 2022

In most of Africa there are written materials from the eras before colonialism that offer a view of the kinds of ideas, cultural life, and currents of political thought, as well as practices and events, that predate substantial European engagement. In the present-day South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, and bordering provinces and countries, there arenoequivalent discursive materials that predate a European presence. With colonialism, much knowledge about the remote past was stitched up in imperial and colonial knowledge systems and recording practices. In this paper, we discuss what digital interventions and affordances offer in terms of researching the history of the material used as sources for the remote past, and of releasing that material from distorting or anachronistic colonial classifications and categories. We consider the capacities and significance of digital interventions in calling out sequestered and lost materials, in convening innovative new assemblages of material, in creating conditions conducive to the restoration of neglected details of provenance, in documenting the twists and turns involved in the shaping of materials into sources, and in formally recognizing the archival potential of materials, notably the writings of early African literati, long positioned as being something other than sources and as “not-archive.”
The British German Legion and the Irish “Marriage Force”: Assisted Emigration Schemes and the Mid-Victorian British Empire
Authors: Bender Jill C.
Published: May 2022

This article examines the Lady Kennaway assisted emigration scheme, designed to send women from Ireland's workhouses to the eastern frontier of the Cape Colony in Southern Africa. First proposed by Colonial Secretary Henry Labouchere in 1857, the scheme's purpose was to provide wives for the British German Legion, which had been resettled to British Kaffraria the previous year. Initially, the plan appeared to be of benefit for both Ireland and the Cape Colony. According to colonial officials and emigration commissioners, Ireland would be rid of a superfluous population, the Irish women would attain social and economic advancement, and the Eastern Cape would gain much-needed female settlers. Emigration authorities quickly found their optimism tempered by realities, however, as many Irish Poor Law guardians and workhouse women refused to participate. The Lady Kennaway scheme—so named after the ship that carried the emigrants—demonstrates the ways in which local interests could, and often did, shape imperial practices. Moreover, in tracking the decisions of emigration commissioners in London, colonial officials in Southern Africa, Poor Law guardians in Ireland, and potential female emigrants, this analysis reveals the multitude of individuals who molded Britain's mid-nineteenth-century imperial project.
Macabalaca: New Evidence of the Kotosh Religious Tradition in the Huarmey Valley, Peru
Authors: Mesia-Montenegro Christian , Sánchez-Borjas Angel
Published: May 2022

Rescue excavations at the site of Macabalaca (PV35-72) in the Huarmey Valley, Peru, identified a rectangular structure with niches on its walls and a floor with a central hearth. We present results of those excavations, emphasizing the stratigraphic components and relative chronology. We conclude that the structure belongs to the Kotosh Religious Tradition (KRT) and can be preliminarily placed in the Late Archaic (2800–1800 BC) or Early Formative period (1800–1200 BC).