bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swallow Reaction Time in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ambrocio Kevin Renz , Beall Jonathan , (Focht) Garand Kendrea L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Swallow onset is commonly characterized by bolus location. Quantifying this swallow event using swallow reaction time (SRT) may further inform swallow assessment, but few studies have established normative reference values for SRT using a large sample size and well-tested, standardized, and validated videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) approach. The purpose of this study was to investigate SRT in a large cohort of healthy adults and the effects of demographic (age, sex) and bolus (viscosity, volume) characteristics on SRT using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile approach.

Method:

Archival VFSSs of 195 healthy adults (21–89 years) were analyzed to obtain SRT across seven standardized swallow tasks ranging from thin to extremely thick liquid and a solid. Descriptive statistics were generated for age, sex, viscosity, and volume. Generalized estimating equation models were computed to explore the effects of demographic and bolus characteristics on SRT.

Results:

Variability in SRT was observed among healthy adults across all swallow tasks. Only viscosity significantly influenced SRT. Specifically, thicker viscosities resulted in longer SRT.

Conclusions:

Wide variability in SRT was observed in this large cohort of healthy adults across various liquid swallow tasks and a solid task. Thicker viscosities, in particular, yielded longer SRT and should be considered a normal variant. This study further provides normative SRT data related to a commonly used VFSS approach, which clinicians can use as reference values for their patient data.
Physical and chemical complexity in high-mass star-forming regions with ALMA
Authors: Gieser C. , Beuther H. , Semenov D. , Ahmadi A. , Henning Th. , Wells M. R. A.
Published: April 2023

Context. High-mass star formation is a hierarchical process from cloud (>1 pc), to clump (0.1−1 pc), to core scales (<0.1 pc). Modern interferometers that achieve high angular resolutions at millimeter wavelengths allow us to probe the physical and chemical properties of the gas and dust of protostellar cores in the earliest evolutionary formation phases.

Aims. In this study we investigate how physical properties, such as the density and temperature profiles, evolve on core scales through the evolutionary sequence during high-mass star formation ranging from protostars in cold infrared-dark clouds to evolved ultracompact HII (UCHII) regions.

Methods. We observed 11 high-mass star-forming regions with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at 3 mm wavelengths. Based on the 3 mm continuum morphology and H(40)α recombination line emission - which trace locations with free-free (ff) emission - the fragmented cores analyzed in this study are classified as either “dust” or “dust+ff” cores. In addition, we resolved three cometary UCHII regions with extended 3 mm emission that is dominated by free-free emission. The temperature structure and radial profiles (T ~ r−q) were determined by modeling the molecular emission of CH3CN and CH313CN with XCLASS and by using the HCN-to-HNC intensity ratio as a probe for the gas kinetic temperature. The density profiles (n ~ r−p) were estimated from the 3 mm continuum visibility profiles. The masses (M) and H2 column densities (N(H2)) were then calculated from the 3 mm dust continuum emission.

Results. We find a large spread in mass and peak H2 column density in the detected sources, ranging from 0.1 to 150 M⊙ and 1023 to 1026 cm−2, respectively. Including the results of the CORE and CORE-extension studies to increase the sample size, we find evolutionary trends on core scales for the temperature power-law index (q) increasing from 0.1 to 0.7 from infrared-dark clouds to UCHII regions, while for the density power-law index (p) on core scales, we do not find strong evidence for an evolutionary trend. However, we find that on the larger clump scales the density profile flattens from p ≈ 2.2 to p ≈ 1.2 during these evolutionary phases.

Conclusions. By characterizing a large statistical sample of individual fragmented cores, we find that the physical properties, such as the temperature on core scales and the density profile on clump scales, evolve even during the earliest evolutionary phases in high-mass star-forming regions. These findings provide observational constraints for theoretical models that describe the formation of massive stars. In follow-up studies we aim to further characterize the chemical properties of the regions by analyzing the large amount of molecular lines detected with ALMA in order to investigate how the chemical properties of the molecular gas evolve during the formation of massive stars.
The extended Planetary Nebula Spectrograph (ePN.S) early-type galaxy survey: The specific angular momentum of ETGs
Authors: Pulsoni Claudia , Gerhard Ortwin , Michael Fall S. , Arnaboldi Magda , Ennis Ana I. , Hartke Johanna , Coccato Lodovico , Napolitano Nicola R.
Published: April 2023

Context. Mass and angular momentum are key parameters of galaxies. Their coevolution establishes an empirical relation between the specific stellar angular momentum j* and the stellar mass M* that depends on morphology.

Aims. For this work, we measured j* in a sample of 32 early-type galaxies (ETGs) from the ePN.S survey, using the full two-dimensional kinematic information. We present local λ profiles and projected j* profiles in apertures. We derived the distribution of these galaxies on the total j* − M* plane and determined the ratio between the stellar j* and the specific angular momentum of the host dark matter halo.

Methods. We used integral-field-spectroscopic data in the central regions (one to two effective radii, Re) and planetary nebula (PN) kinematics in the outskirts (out to a mean 6Re). In the j* determination, we accounted for misaligned rotation and for the differences between light-weighted j* and mass-weighted j*, estimating also the effects of gradients in the mass-to-light ratio driven by variations in the initial mass function. We used simulated ETGs from the IllustrisTNG simulation TNG100 to correct for the limited radial coverage of the PN data and to account for projection effects on j*.

Results. The radially extended, two-dimensional kinematic data show that the stellar halos of ETGs do not contain large stellar mass fractions of high j*. The j* profiles of fast-rotator ETGs are largely converged within the range of the data. For slow rotators, j* is still rising and is estimated to increase beyond 6Re by up to 40%, using simulated galaxies from TNG100. More than 60% of their stellar halo angular momentum is in misaligned rotation. We find that the ePN.S ETG sample displays the well-known correlation between j*, M*, and morphology: elliptical galaxies have systematically lower j* than similar mass S0 galaxies. However, fast and slow rotators lie on the same relation within errors with the slow rotators falling at the high M* end. A power-law fit to the mass-weighted j* − M* relation gives a slope of 0.55 ± 0.17 for the S0s and 0.76 ± 0.23 for the ellipticals, with normalization about four and nine times lower than spirals, respectively. The estimated retained fraction of angular momentum at 1010 ≤ M* ≤ 1010.5 M⊙ is ∼25% for S0s and > 10% for ellipticals, and decreases by ∼1.5 orders of magnitude at M* ∼ 1012 M⊙.

Conclusions. Our results show that ETGs have substantially lower j* than spiral galaxies with similar M*. Their j* must be lost during their evolution, and/or retained in the hot gas component and the satellite galaxies that have not yet merged with the central galaxy.
LHAASO on Cosmic Ray Knees
Authors: Cao Zhen
Published: April 2023

LHAASO construction was complete in July 2021. The full array is operating very stably since then. All arrays, KM2A, WCDA and WFCTA are calibrated, including the absolute energy scale at 21 TeV, which was measured by using WCDA and propagated to WFCTA, with the uncertainty will be reduced down <10% in 4 years. The knee of pure proton spectrum will be measured in the first phase of the hybrid measurements of showers using four types of EAS detection techniques started in 2019 winter. Sufficient data have been collected and the analysis is in progress. Since the last run, the second phase were started in 2021 winter. The knee of the iron spectrum is the goal which will take at least 3 years of data collection. CR all-particle spectrum, composition and anisotropy are under analysis.
Energy Spectrum Measured by the Telescope Array Surface Detectors
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Ivanov Dmitri , Jui Charles , Thomson Gordon
Published: April 2023

Located in the west desert of Utah, USA, the Telescope Array experiment is the largest ultra-high energy cosmic ray observatory in the northern hemisphere. It consists of two types of detectors: scintillator surface detectors (SDs) and air fluorescence detectors (FDs). A total of 507 SDs consisting of two-layer plastic scintillation counters is deployed with 1.2 km spacing, making measurements over an area of approximately 700 km2. There are 3 FD stations, having 38 fluorescence telescopes viewing 3°–31°in elevation, overlooking the SD array. In this work, we update the Telescope Array energy spectrum as measured by the SD array for 14 years. We verify the linearity in TA SD energy reconstruction using three different energy comparisons: Monte Carlo comparison, FD/SD comparison, and Constant Intensity Cut method. The spectral features of ankle, softening, and GZK cutoff are seen in 14 years of TA SD data. Also, we consistently observe that the cutoff energy depends on declination.
Measurements of Cosmic Ray Mass Composition with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory
Authors: Plum Matthias ,   for the IceCube Collaboration
Published: April 2023

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a multi-component detector at the South Pole. Besides studying high-energy neutrinos, it is capable of measuring high-energy cosmic rays from PeV to EeV. This energy region is thought to cover the transition from galactic to extragalactic sources of cosmic rays. The observatory consists of the deep in-ice IceCube array, which measures the high-energy (≥500 GeV) muonic component, and the IceTop surface array, which is sensitive to the electromagnetic and low-energy muonic part of an air shower. The primary energy and the mass composition can be measured simultaneously by applying statistical methods including modern machine-learning techniques to reconstruct cosmic ray air showers. In this contribution, we will discuss recent improvements to the reconstruction techniques, the mass composition sensitivity, and an outlook on future improved measurements with the full surface scintillator/radio array to mitigate snow accumulation and measure the air shower maximumXmaxusing imaging air-Cherenkov telescopes IceAct.
Testing Model Predictions of Depth of Air-Shower Maximum and Signals in Surface Detectors using Hybrid Data of the Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors: Vícha Jakub
Published: April 2023

We present a method for testing the predictions of hadronic interaction models and improving their consistency with observed two-dimensional distributions of the depth of shower maximum,Xmax, and signal at the ground level as a function of zenith angle. The method relies on the assumption that the mass composition is the same at all zenith angles, while the atmospheric shower development and attenuation depend on composition in a correlated way. In the present work, for each of the three leading LHC-tuned hadronic interaction models, we allow a global shift ∆Xmaxof the predicted shower maximum, which is the same for every mass and energy, and a rescalingRHadof the hadronic component at the ground level which is constant with the zenith angle. We apply the analysis to 2297 events reconstructed with both the fluorescence and surface detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory with energies 1018.5−19.0eV and zenith angles below 60°. Given the modeling assumptions made in this analysis, the best fit reaches its optimum value when shifting theXmaxpredictions of hadronic interaction models to deeper values and increasing the hadronic signal. This change in the predictedXmaxscale alleviates the previously identified model deficit in the hadronic signal (commonly called the muon puzzle) but does not fully remove it. Because of the size of the adjustments ∆XmaxandRHadand the large number of events in the sample, the statistical significance of need for these adjustments is large, greater than 5σstat, even for the combination of the systematic experimental shifts within 1σsysthat are the most favorable for the models.
Model-independent Evidence for an Increase in the Mean Mass of Cosmic Rays above 3 EeV
Authors: Watson A. A.
Published: April 2023

Measurements of the Elongation Rate of the depth of shower maximum above 1 EeV are reviewed. There is evidence, from four independent estimates of this rate, made in the two hemispheres using three different techniques, for a decrease in the Elongation Rate above ~3 EeV, as first discovered by the Pierre Auger Collaboration over 15 year ago. Unless there is a dramatic change in the hadronic physics above this energy, the mean mass of the primary cosmic rays must increase as a function of energy, well into the decade beyond 10 EeV. To estimate the mass, the use of hadronic models is required, the accuracy of which remains uncertain. However, the possibility of a dramatic change in the hadronic physics appears unlikely, and would be inconsistent with data from the Auger Collaboration on the mass composition in the range 3 to 10 EeV, and on the anisotropy of arrival directions above 8 EeV. Both of these conclusions are insensitive to uncertainties in the shower models. Some remarks are made about the belief, still firmly held by some, that the highest-energy cosmic rays are dominantly protons.
Multi-messenger studies with the Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors: Perrone Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

The combination of data from observatories measuring ultra-high energy cosmic rays, photons, neutrinos and gravitational waves has provided new insights into the most extreme phenomena in the Universe. Sharing information within a broad community is the foundation of the multi-messenger approach. The Pierre Auger Observatory, the world’s largest cosmic ray detector, provides sensitivity to photons and neutrinos above 1017eV, thus contributing significantly to this joint effort. The latest results from diffuse and targeted searches will be reviewed here, along with results from follow-up analyses and future perspectives. In particular, preliminary limits on photon fluence from a selection of gravitational wave sources detected by LIGO/Virgo and results of the search for ultra-high energy neutrinos from binary black hole mergers will be presented.
UHECR Signatures and Sources
Authors: Fargion Daniele , De Sanctis Lucentini Pier Giorgio , Khlopov Maxim Y.
Published: April 2023

We discuss recent results on the clustering, composition and distribution of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR) in the sky; from the energy of several tens of EeV in the dipole anisotropy, up to the highest energy of a few narrow clusters, those of Hot Spots. Following the early UHECR composition records deviations from proton we noted that the UHECR events above 40 EeV can be made not just by any light or heavy nuclei, but mainly by the lightest ones as He,D, Li,Be. The remarkable Virgo absence and the few localized nearby extragalactic sources, such as CenA, NGC 253 and M82, are naturally understood: lightest UHECR nuclei cannot reach us from the Virgo distance of twenty Mpc, due to their nuclei fragility above a few Mpc distances. Their deflection and smearing in wide hot spots is better tuned to the lighter nuclei than to the preferred proton or heavy nuclei candidate courier. We note that these lightest nuclei still suffer of a partial photodistruction even from such close sources. Therefore, their distruption in fragments, within few tens EeV multiplet chain of events, have been expected and later on observed by Auger collaboration, nearly a decade ago. These multiplet presences, strongly correlate with the same CenA, NGC253 sources. The statistical weight of such correlation is reminded. We conclude that the same role of NGC 253 clustering at lower energies could also feed the Auger dipole anisotropy at lower energy ranges. Such lower energy anisotropy could be fed and integrated by nearest Vela, Crab, LMC and Cas A contributes. In our present UHECR model, based on lightest nuclei in local volumes of a few Mpcs, closest AGN, Star-Burst or very close SNR are superimposing their signals, frozen in different epochs, distances and directions, feeding small and wide anisotropy. Possible tests to confirm, or untangle the current model from alternative ones, are suggested and updated.
Pythia 8 as hadronic interaction model in air shower simulations
Authors: Reininghaus Maximilian ,   for the CORSIKA 8 Collaboration, Sjöstrand Torbjörn , Utheim Marius
Published: April 2023

Hadronic interaction models are a core ingredient of simulations of extensive air showers and pose the major source of uncertainties of predictions of air shower observables. Recently, Pythia 8, a hadronic interaction model popular in accelerator-based high-energy physics, became usable in air shower simulations as well. We have integrated Pythia 8 with its new capabilities into the air shower simulation framework CORSIKA 8. First results show significantly shallower shower development, which we attribute to higher cross-section predictions by the new simplified nuclear model of Pythia.
The JEM-EUSO Program for UHECR Studies from Space
Authors: Parizot Etienne , Casolino Marco , Picozza Piergiorgio , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu , Bertaina Mario Edoardo , Fuglesang Christer , Haungs Andreas , Kajino Fumiyoshi , Klimov Pavel , Olinto Angela , Ricci Marco , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Szabelski Jacek , Wiencke Lawrence
Published: April 2023

To take up the challenge of understanding the origin of the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), new observational means appear necessary. The JEM-EUSO Collaboration has undertaken to open the space road to UHECR studies. For more than a decade, it has been developing a realistic program to measure the UHECRs from space with unprecedented aperture, together with complementary scientific objectives in a broader multidisciplinary context. Several intermediate missions have already been completed (on the ground: EUSO-TA; under stratospheric ballons: EUSO-Balloon and EUSO-SPB1; in space: TUS, and on-board the ISS: MINI-EUSO), and others are in preparation for flight (EUSO-SPB2), under review (K-EUSO: currently on hold), or proposed for the next decade (POEMMA). We report on the general status of the JEM-EUSO program, underlining that its technology has now reached operational maturity, and is ready for actual cosmic-ray shower detection from above.
Muon counting with the Underground Muon Detector of The Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors: Scornavacche Marina
Published: April 2023

The Underground Muon Detector (UMD) aims to extend the detection range of the Pierre Auger Observatory to observe cosmic rays of energies greater than 1016.6 eV and performs a direct measurement of the muon component (sensitive observable to the mass composition) of the air showers. In this work, we will present an overview of the final design of the UMD and its reconstruction techniques alongside the observations obtained during the engineering array phase. First results suggest that the current hadronic interaction models have a muon deficit at energies between 2×1017 eV and 2×1018 eV.
The Pierre Auger Observatory: Studying atmospheric electricity with cosmicray detectors
Authors: Colalillo Roberta
Published: April 2023

The Pierre Auger Observatory, designed to detect extensive air showers (EAS) generated by ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, proved to be a unique instrument to study phenomena associated with atmospheric electricity: Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and ELVES. TGFs are the most explosive events emitted by thunderstorms and have usually been observed by spacecraft, but the Auger surface detector has collected events with a morphology very different from that of EAS, that are likely downward TGFs. Ground observations are a crucial addition to detection in space, as detectors are closer to TGF sources, and a single event can be observed with several complementary instruments. In this talk, I will discuss the comparison of the already collected data with simulations as well as the ongoing work to adapt the data-taking system to detect TGFs. I will also discuss the status of the study of ELVES, upper atmospheric optical phenomena associated with thunderstorms, which we have detected since 2013 with the fluorescence detectors. We have recorded with unprecedented time and space resolution both single and double ELVES, the latter being classified using the radial variation of the time gap and the photon flux ratio between flashes. The detection and classification algorithms were improved by detecting ELVES from closer lightning thanks to the three High Elevation Auger Telescopes, which observe the night sky with an enhanced time resolution at elevation angles between 30 and 60 degrees.
The EUROVOLC citizen-science tool: collecting volcano observations from Europe
Authors: Sandri Laura , Ilyinskaya Evgenia , Geyer Traver Adelina , Barsotti Sara , Duncan Melanie , Loughlin Susan
Published: April 2023

During the European Commission-funded project EUROVOLC, our team has created an interactive webpage to collect citizen-science observations of volcanic events, and to visualise, map and download previously collected data.
A posteriori error estimation and adaptivity for multiple-network poroelasticity
Authors: Eliseussen Emilie , Rognes Marie Elisabeth , Thompson Travis B.
Published: April 2023

The multiple-network poroelasticity (MPET) equations describe deformation and pressures in an elastic medium permeated by interacting fluid networks. In this paper, we (i) place these equations in the theoretical context of coupled elliptic–parabolic problems, (ii) use this context to derive residual-based a posteriori error estimates and indicators for fully discrete MPET solutions and (iii) evaluate the performance of these error estimators in adaptive algorithms for a set of test cases: ranging from synthetic scenarios to physiologically realistic simulations of brain mechanics.
Encapsulation of fungal spores for fungi-mediated self-healing concrete
Authors: Van Wylick Aurélie , De Laet Lars , Peeters Eveline , Rahier Hubert
Published: April 2023

Although concrete is a prominent building material in nearly all construction applications, it is also known for its reinforcement corrosion and thus material degradation due to crack formation. These severe durability issues ignited the use of microorganisms to self-heal concrete cracks in a biological way by promoting the precipitation of CaCO3 on their cell walls. Filamentous fungi have recently emerged as high-potential self-healing agents because of their ability to grow in large mycelial networks providing abundant nucleation sites for CaCO3 precipitation. Based on the extensive research already conducted on bacteria-based self-healing concrete, protection of the microbial spores in the concrete mix is key to the survival of the microorganism. This research therefore applied a natural encapsulation technique derived from bacteria-based literature on fungal spores. The fungus Trichoderma reesei, already known in the field of self-healing concrete, was used to prepare the capsules. First results showed that the fungus was able to withstand the encapsulation process, yet could not survive when embedded in cement due to its harsh conditions. The possibilities to optimize the procedure are however discussed in the paper and give rise to a broad range of research opportunities.
Self-protection concrete measures as prevention measure from chloride transport and corrosion of reinforcement
Authors: Alonso Maria Cruz , Prieto Miguel , Pilz Monika , Gomez Amaia , Maia Frederico
Published: April 2023

Incorporation of additives into a reinforced concrete matrix to delay or even completely avoid the initiation of corrosion during the service-life of the construction is a widely pursued topic. One of the new promising technologies achieving increased interest is to incorporate corrosion inhibitors encapsulated in layered double hydroxide (LDH). LDH structures follow a controlled release of the inhibitor while chloride is efficiently trapped at the same time. Another type of nanostructure additive offering self-protection ability in concrete is polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) developed to exhibit water-repellent functionalities protecting the reinforcement from corrosive attack. In the present laboratory work, the enhanced performance of concrete infrastructures in a marine environment was studied using a SCC design. The addition of LDH (0.5, 1 and 2 % by mass of binder (bmb)) and POSS (2 and 4 % additive level) was explored. Migration and diffusion Cl transport tests have been performed towards corrosion protection of reinforcing bars. The results showed that Cl transport decreases with the concrete maturity, and this is even more effective for concretes with LDH and POSS. This delay effect is more pronounced in the unidirectional diffusional Cl transport. LDH is significantly retarding the initiation of rebar corrosion.
Self-sealing cementitious composites by gelation in-situ: an experimental and modelling study
Authors: Fengt Jianhang , Qian Shunzhi
Published: April 2023

Healable crack widths of cementitious composites are still at micro scale currently, even after specific self-healing agents like bacteria are incorporated. To enlarge the size of healable cracks to macro scale (> 1 mm), in-situ gelation strategy was adopted to develop self-sealing concrete herein. This strategy was achieved by encapsulating sodium alginate which could be released then react with calcium ions to in-situ generate calcium alginate hydrogels within cracks. The characteristics of capsules were investigated, and results revealed that these capsules could endure shear stress during mixing of cementitious composites, rupture when composite cracked and subsequently induce in-situ gelation. Owing to the characteristics of capsules, mortar specimens with the capsules obtained self-sealing capacity for macro cracks. The crack sealing of cementitious composites with capsules was further simulated based on the volume growth kinetics of hydrogels and stereology. The simulation results were generally consistent with the experimental results in this study. To sum up, the experimental and modelling explorations suggested a great potential of macro-scale self-sealing of cracks in cementitious composites via in-situ gelation.
The Impacts and Challenges of ESG Investing
Authors: Liu Yuchen
Published: April 2023

With the rise and expansion of responsible and sustainable investing in recent years, ESG investing is one of the categories that has gained momentum. This literature review aims to bring ESG investing and its current state of development to a broader audience. The article first introduces the concepts related to ESG and the ESG ecosystem, demonstrating the current manifestation of the framework in prestigious corporations among different industries with in-depth case studies. In addition to understanding the content and structure of ESG, it is essential to recognize the controversial topics that have been argued in recent years. This article also highlights the current inconsistencies in ESG disclosure and the examination of its financial performance by authoritative bodies to bring a deeper and more contemporary understanding of ESG investing. Lastly, it draws out the improvement solutions that are currently available to refine ESG investing by demonstrating the most up-to-date policy announcements.
An empirical analysis of the applicability of the Fama-French five-factor model and the three-factor model to China’s stock market – Based on validated evidence from listed Chinese Internet companies
Authors: Wang Ruobing
Published: April 2023

Previous research on the Fama-French three-factor (FFTF) model in domestic academia has been dominated; while the literature and applications of applying the Fama-French five-factor (FFFF) to study the Chinese stock market are scarce, and the only few articles are contradictory in their respective conclusions. This study examines the applicability of the FFTF model and FFFF model in the Chinese stock market, starting from the empirical analysis of these two models respectively. The results of this paper conclude that the FFTF model has an overall concentration of fit of over 80 %, while the FFFF model has a concentration of fit of over 89 %, thus confirming that the FFFF model is more suitable for explaining and predicting the returns of Internet-listed companies in the Chinese stock market. However, the shortcomings of in the estimation of the value factor parameters in FFTF and FFFF models still exist, and there is still a need to improve on the original model.
Analysis on the motivation and economic consequences of Humanwell Healthcare asset stripping
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

Due to the rapid economic development, many listed companies blindly pursue diversification, resulting in the company into the main business diversification, loss of core competitiveness, performance decline and other difficulties, therefore, the means of asset stripping came into being. Taking Humanwell Healthcare as an example, this paper not only analysizes the motivation of enterprise asset stripping, but also measures the economic consequences of enterprise asset stripping from two aspects of market reaction and financial performance. In terms of market reaction, it makes a comprehensive evaluation through the event study method. In the aspect of financial performance, the financial indicators are used to analysize the performance changes of enterprises before and after asset stripping. Through the research of Humanwell Healthcare asset stripping, it can provide reference for other enterprises planning to carry out strategic contraction.
Study on the Sustainable Development of Street-stall economy in Smart Tourism Cities in Guizhou Province
Authors: Yan Zhichun
Published: April 2023

The street-stall economy, as part of individual’s ordinary lives, not only embodies urban characteristic culture but also drives informal employment, so it is essential to urban construction. As Guizhou Province, a national smart tourism pilot city, integrating the street-stall economy into the city blueprint is conducive to promoting employment and sustainable development of smart tourism cities in the region. This paper aims at analyzing the current situation of the street-stall economy in tourism cities through a questionnaire survey, and the market situation of the street-stall economy based on Porter’s Five Forces Model in Guizhou province, thus putting forward suggestions for the sustainable development of the street-stall economy in Guizhou’s smart tourism.
Influence Research of Digital Inclusive Finance on Innovation Efficiency of Agricultural Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Tao Zhongyuan , Yu Xueying
Published: April 2023

Based on the balanced panel data of 13 Jiangsu prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2020, this study utilizes the overall effect model and intermediary effect model to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance on innovation efficiency of agricultural science and technology. It is found that the digital inclusive finance has a positive and direct impact on the innovation efficiency of agricultural science and technology in Jiangsu. By further inspection, the marketization level has a masking effect between digital inclusive finance and innovation efficiency of agricultural science and technology, and urbanization level plays a part intermediary role between them. Concerning the positive effect of digital inclusive finance on agricultural science and technology innovation efficiency, central region, southern region and north region rank first, second and third respectively in Jiangsu province. Finally, the forecast model shows that in Central, Northern and Southern Jiangsu, the improvement of innovation efficiency of agricultural science and technology will benefit from the driving power of digital inclusive finance except Nantong.
Evolutionary Game Analysis for the Regulation of Merchants Selling Counterfeits on E-commerce Platforms
Authors: Le Lifang
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the phenomenon of merchants selling counterfeits has occurred frequently, exposing the lack of supervision by government and e-commerce platforms. In order to solve the problem of merchants selling counterfeits on e-commerce platforms, this paper takes the governments, e-commerce platforms and consumers as the regulatory participants, building a tripartite evolutionary game model, obtaining the system evolutionary equilibrium point, analyzing the equilibrium point and its stability, and finally providing corresponding countermeasures and suggestions for the supervision of merchants selling counterfeits on e-commerce platforms.
Analysis of Benefits Between Sales Revenue and Transportation Cost of a Gold Mineral Processing Plant in Shandong
Authors: Qin Guanglin , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2023

With the mining of gold mines, the gold level is gradually reduced, and the transportation cost of gold concentrate is gradually increased. This study analyzes the relationship between the analysis of different concentrate grades and transportation costs, so as to find the best economic benefits of the concentrator. A function is established in this paper. It is used to find the best economic benefit in different enrichment ratios. Raising the rate of recovery is not necessarily able to increase the total economic benefit of the concentrator. It was discovered by practice that the total economic benefit increased by 1109130 yuan when the recovery decreased by 0.22%.
The Development of Photolithographic Technology and Machines
Authors: Zeng Ailin
Published: April 2023

Photolithography is the most complicated, accurate, expensive process in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The lithography machine is one of the most critical equipment in photolithographic process, which is used to duplicate the circuit construction onto the wafer. DUVL is the dominant photolithography technology at present for technology node among 714nm, while EUVL has been applied in the manufacture of semiconductor devices for the technology node beyond 7nm. The main components of EUVL are light source, objective lens system and countertop. This paper will introduce the function, main components, exposure method, light source and the future development of lithographic technology.
A Study on the Grouping of Factors Influencing the Green Transformation of Heavy Polluting Enterprises under the “Double Carbon” Target
Authors: Yuan Bao , Yan Huang , Mengke Zhang , Yifan Jin
Published: April 2023

Promoting the green transformation of enterprises and helping to achieve the dual carbon goal. Based on the theoretical framework of “technology-organization-environment”. The paper constructs a model of the influencing factors of green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises. this uses the necessary conditions analysis method and qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the group effect of green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises with a sample of 514 listed enterprises. The results demonstrate that the green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises is not only a result of the green transformation, but also of the green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises. The results demonstrate that the green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises is not driven by a single antecedent condition. There are six groups of conditions for high level green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises, which are categorized as “scale-driven technology development”, “large-scale dynamic development” and “all-factor driven”. There are seven groups of conditions for the low-level green transformation of heavy polluting enterprises, and the two groups show asymmetry. There are obvious differences between the green transformation paths of state-owned enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises. The research findings provide a reference for the path of green transformation practice of enterprises.
Exploring the cultivation of innovative talents in mechanical disciplines in the context of the new engineering discipline
Authors: Bao Jiading , Tang Rongjiang , He Shuilong
Published: April 2023

With the improvement of China’s economic and technological development level, the concept of “new engineering” has been paid more and more attention. As the main force to promote the development of China’s manufacturing industry, the cultivation of innovative talents of mechanical majors will play a very key role. Based on this, this paper analyzes the current situation of the cultivation of innovative talents in mechanical major. We put forward some effective training strategies, such as the construction of a new talent training model and the establishment of an integrated teaching system.
Residents’ Sense of Place on Micro Small Public Spaces on Epidemic Perspective
Authors: Yu Lei , Chang Jinming
Published: April 2023

Like other historical preservation areas, the Fayuansi Community in Beijing’s old city zone faces many problems such as high population density and a shortage of public spaces. As a community that has lasted for more than a thousand years, its block pattern embodies the early historical pattern of Beijing city. Micro Small Public Spaces (MSPS) in the community are of great significance to the physical and mental health of residents, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. This research investigates the habit shifts of residents’ usage of these spaces and introduces the theory of “Sense of Place”, which is a concept that refers to the manner in which individuals relate or feel about the place they live, and conducts a questionnaire survey of residents in the Fayuansi community. After analyzing the residents’ needs according to the survey, this study gives suggestions on the management of MSPSs, such as increasing the supply of both spaces and facilities, strengthening management, paying more attention to senior residents’ needs, and providing more cultural events. All these measures would strengthen residents’ sense of place and develop popular support for policy.
A Study on Teaching Model of Multi-dimensional Integration of Ideological and Political Education into English Major Courses --- “English Viewing, Listening and Speaking” Course Perspective
Authors: Hou Yanan
Published: April 2023

Under the educational background of “Ideological and Political Theories Teaching in All Courses” in colleges and universities across the country, how to effectively realize the multi-dimensional integration of ideological and political education into English major courses has become an important topic for foreign language teachers to think and explore. In this paper, based on the core course of English major, “English Viewing, Listening and Speaking”, the goal of ideological and political education is clarified, the teaching content is reconstructed, the teaching design is optimized, the assessment and evaluation are innovated, so a teaching model that integrates the multi-dimensional ideological and political education into all aspects of the course teaching is constructed. While learning professional knowledge and improving language ability, students should enhance their cultural confidence and national feelings, expand their international vision, shoulder their social responsibility of “Share China stories and spread China voice by good communications”. This study will help the ideological and political education model of all-round education and provide reference for the construction and improvement of the ideological and political theories teaching in English major courses.
Investigation of the efficacy of an innovative endoscope drying and storage method in a simulated ERCP setting
Authors: Vos Margreet C. , Bruno Marco J. , Kwakman Judith A.
Published: April 2023

Background and study aims Drying after cleaning and disinfection is essential in the reprocessing of endoscopes since microorganisms can grow and form biofilms on wet surfaces. In this experimental non-clinical study, we investigated the efficacy of a novel, fast-drying method when reprocessing duodenoscopes.

Methods During a series of 40 tests, three duodenoscopes were exposed to an artificial test soil containing supraphysiological loads of four types of gut microorganisms in a non-clinical ERCP simulation, followed by reprocessing and drying with the PlasmaTYPHOON. Cultures of the distal tip and working channel were acquired immediately after automated decontamination and after drying with the PlasmaTYPHOON. Cobalt chloride paper tests and borescope inspections were used to evaluate drying efficacy.

Results Contamination of the working channels dropped from 86.4 % post-decontamination to 33.6 % post-drying, with 94 % of the positive post-drying samples belonging to one duodenoscope. This duodenoscope showed persistent contamination with P. aeruginosa in the working channel. The other two duodenoscopes only showed low levels of P. aeruginosa in post-decontamination channel samples, but not after drying. Cobalt chloride paper tests and borescope inspections revealed good drying efficacy.

Conclusions Positive cultures for gut microorganisms were often found in wet endoscopes post-decontamination. The PlasmaTYPHOON is an effective fast-drying method capable of abolishing nearly all remaining microorganisms after decontamination provided no biofilm has developed, even when using a supraphysiological concentration of bacterial load. The clinical use of the PlasmaTYPHOON has the potential to reduce endoscope contamination, the use of wet contaminated endoscopes and therefore the risk of patient infection.
Effects of Anesthesia Changes During Maintenance ECT: A Longitudinal
Comparison of Seizure Quality Under Anesthesia Using Propofol/Esketamine
Versus Methohexital
Authors: Methfessel Isabel , Zilles-Wegner David , Kunze-Szikszay Nils , Belz Michael
Published: April 2023

Introduction The effectiveness of ECT relies on the induction of a
generalized cerebral seizure. Among others, seizure quality (SQ) is potentially
influenced by the anesthetic drug used. Commonly used anesthetics comprise
barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, and esketamine, with different
characteristics and impacts on seizure parameters. So far, no studies have
compared the influence of methohexital vs. a combination of
propofol/esketamine on established SQ parameters.

Methods This retrospective longitudinal study compared eight established
SQ parameters (PSI, ASEI, MSC, midictal amplitude, motor and
electroencephalography (EEG) seizure duration, concordance, PHR) before and
after the change from propofol/esketamine to methohexital in 34 patients
under maintenance ECT. Each patient contributed four measurements, two before
and two after the anesthesia change. Anesthesia dose, stimulus dose, electrode
placement, and concomitant medication remained unchanged throughout the analyzed
treatments.

Results Under methohexital (M=88.97 mg), ASEI
(p=0.039 to 0.013) and midictal amplitude
(p=0.022 to<0.001) were significantly lower, whereas
seizure duration (motor and EEG) was significantly longer when compared to
propofol/esketamine
(M=64.26 mg/51.18 mg; p=0.012
to<0.001). PSI, MSC, seizure concordance, and PHR were not affected by
the anesthetic used.

Discussion Although to what extent these parameters correlate with the
therapeutic effectiveness remains ambiguous, a decision for or against a
particular anesthetic could be considered if a specific SQ parameter needs
optimization. However, no general superiority for one specific substance or
combination was found in this study. In the next step, anesthetic effects on
treatment response and tolerability should be focused on.
Lesion Analysis in PERCIST 1.0: Clinical Ease versus Research Requisite—Where Does the Balance Exist?
Authors: Bhoil Amit
Published: April 2023

Background Semiqualitative parameter SUVmax has been the most frequently used semiquantitative positron emission tomography (PET) parameter for response evaluation, but only metabolic activity of a single (most metabolic) lesion is predicted. Newer response parameters such as tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG) incorporating lesions' metabolic volume or whole-body metabolic tumor burden (MTBwb) are being explored for response evaluation. Evaluation and comparison of response with different semiquantitative PET parameters such as SUVmax and TLG in most metabolic lesion, multiple lesions (max of five), and MTBwb in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were made. The different PET parameters were analyzed for response evaluation, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

Methods 18F-FDG-PET/CT (18-fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography) imaging was performed in 23 patients (M = 14, F = 9, mean age = 57.6 years) with stage IIIB–IV advanced NSCLC before initiation of therapy with oral estimated glomerular filtration rate-tyrosine kinase inhibitor for early and late response evaluation. The quantitative PET parameters such as SUVmax and TLG were measured in single (most metabolic) lesion, multiple lesions, and MTBwb. The parameters SUVmax, TLG, and MTBwb were compared for early and late response evaluation and analyzed for OS and PFS

Results No significant difference in change in response evaluation was seen in patients evaluated with most metabolic lesion, multiple lesions, or MTBwb. Difference in early (DC 22, NDC 1) and late (DC 20, NDC 3) response evaluation was seen that remained unchanged when lesions were measured in terms of number of lesions or the MTBwb. The early imaging was seen to be statistically significant to the OS compared with late imaging.

Conclusions Single (most metabolic) lesion shows similar disease response and OS to multiple lesions and MTBwb. Response evaluation by late imaging offered no significant advantage compared with early imaging. Thus, early response evaluation with SUVmax parameter offers a good balance between clinical ease and research requisition.
Does the current crisis mark the end of the EU’s austerity era? Competing political projects in European fiscal governance
Authors: Abels Joscha
Published: April 2023

Following the pandemic, the EU has responded to the threat of a euro crisis flare-up by deactivating its fiscal framework and establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, drawing on joint European bonds to finance national investments. This paper seeks to explain these modifications to fiscal governance and asks whether they are an indication of European austerity making way for an alternative fiscal paradigm. Based on a neo-Gramscian approach, it discusses the policies as parts of competing political projects that are promoted or hindered by certain framework conditions. The paper undertakes a structured comparison of these framework conditions during the euro crisis and the current crisis. It finds that geoeconomic competition increases the demand for a more active fiscal policy, while political preferences and structural relations remained remarkably stable. As the current crisis is marked by high inflation, economic conditions are adverse to a fiscally expansive agenda. The findings do not suggest a lasting reorientation of European fiscal governance. Instead, the measures taken during the pandemic are interpreted as expressions of ‘passive revolution’ in which the EMU adapts elements of a fiscal integrative agenda to provide necessary fixes to its economic order while keeping its underlying fiscally restrictive features intact.
A roadmap to stopping an incurable lung disease
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: April 2023

More complex in vitro models are needed to advance treatments of pulmonary fibrosis.