bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can sensors be used to measure the Arm Curl Test results? a systematic review
Authors: Matos Tomás , Vornicoglo Daniel , Coelho Paulo Jorge , Zdravevski Eftim , Albuquerque Carlos , Pires Ivan Miguel
Published: February 2024

There is growing interest in the automated measurement of physical fitness tests, such as the Arm Curl Test, to enable more objective and accurate assessments. This review aimed to systematically analyze the types of sensors and technological methods used for automated Arm Curl Test measurement and their benefits for different populations. The search consisted of the search related to the possibilities to measure the Arm Curl Test results with sensors in scientific databases, including PubMed Central, IEEE Explore, Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, ACM, and PMC, published from January 2010 to October 2022. The analysis included 30 studies from 15 nations with diverse populations analyzed. According to data extraction, the most prevalent sensors were chronometers, accelerometers, stadiometers, and dynamometers. In the investigations, statistical analysis predominated. The study shows how automated sensor technologies can objectively measure the Arm Curl Test. The detected sensors combined with statistical analysis techniques can enhance assessments. Applications for the Arm Curl Test may be improved even more with more research on cutting-edge sensors and algorithms. This evaluation offers insightful information about utilizing sensor-based automation to enhance Arm Curl Testing.
The effectiveness of very low-frequency electromagnetics (VLF-EM) method in detecting buried targets at a controlled site
Authors: Alao Joseph Omeiza , Lawal Kolawole Muyideen , Dewu Bala Bello Muhammad , Raimi Jimoh
Published: February 2024

The ever-increasing anthropogenic activities that pose a significant threat to environmental security and sustainability have spurred geophysicists to review enhance geophysical techniques for shallow geophysical investigations, especially in identifying illegal buried materials. This article applied very low-frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) at an experimental geophysical site (EGS) to examine the geophysical response over various buried targets. The VLF-EM data acquired on the site with and without buried targets demonstrate the nature of the anomalies and the characteristic signals of the buried targets. There are significant variations in the anomalies source-bodied between the site with and without buried targets. The result of the pre-burial investigation shows no major contrast in the equivalent current density values across the site without targets. Minors and major anomalies were encountered after burying the targets corresponding to the buried targets. Some signals become stronger over a large buried target. However, there were a few undetected targets and some cases of unsatisfied results, which were also discussed. The performance of the VLF-EM method in terms of depth estimation was also examined. A significant variation was noted due to the presence of the buried targets and it was noted that the current density seems to always emerge maximally and minimally around the conductor targets and non-conductive targets, respectively. The failure of the VLF-EM to detect the buried pipes in various orientations was examined. The VLF-EM method is more consistent at small spacing and it can be very useful for identifying underground metallic and non-metallic targets. The study successfully provides useful information to complement the complexity of the use of geophysical methods while enhancing the subsurface information and understanding of VLF-EM anomalies or responses generated by various targets such as subsurface geological structures, buried waste contaminants and underground utilities to boost environmental studies and engineering investigations.
Recent progress in Fano-resonant terahertz metasurface and its application
Authors: Chen Songnan , Gao Yang , Sun Kangyao , Zhang Qianyi , Ye Zhehao , Fu Quanhong , Fan Yuancheng , Zhang Fuli
Published: February 2024

The unique electromagnetic response characteristics of metasurfaces and their intrinsic physical mechanisms have attracted a lot of attention. With the help of metasurfaces, the amplitude, phase, polarization, and other information of light waves can be effectively modulated. Fano resonance with asymmetric and sharp line shape is sensitive to refractive index changes in the environment, it can be realized through the structure design of the metasurface. Terahertz wave is located between microwave and infrared waves and can be used in the fields of high-sensitivity detection, high-precision imaging, and wireless communication. Terahertz metasurface with sharp Fano resonance is promising in realizing highly sensitive detection of biological macromolecules, such as glioma cells and other substances, which has attracted more and more attention. Here we review the progress of passive or active terahertz metasurfaces with Fano resonances due to various operation mechanisms and their applications in sensitive sensing.
Modeling CO2 loading capacity of triethanolamine aqueous solutions using advanced white-box approaches: GMDH, GEP, and GP
Authors: Hadavimoghaddam Fahimeh , Amiri-Ramsheh Behnam , Atashrouz Saeid , Abuswer Meftah Ali , Lv Qichao , Mohaddespour Ahmad , Ostadhassan Mehdi , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein
Published: February 2024

The equilibrium solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the solvents is a key essential characteristic that has to be evaluated for successful absorption-based CO2 capture procedures. In this study, the CO2 loading capacity of triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solutions was estimated using three famous white-box algorithms namely gene expression programming (GEP), genetic programming (GP), and group method of data handling (GMDH). For achieving the aim of this study, 258 data in a wide range of pressure, temperature, and amine concentration were collected from literature. Temperature, partial pressure of CO2, and amine concentration were used as input parameters. The results demonstrated that GMDH correlation is more accurate than GEP and GP with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9813 and root mean square error of 0.0222. The R2 values of 0.9713 and 0.9664 for the GEP and GP, respectively, demonstrated that the GEP and GP also showed accurate predictions. In addition, GMDH approach accurately predicted the anticipated trends of the CO2 loading in response to changes in the partial pressure of CO2 and temperature. The Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were also incorporated in this research which showed that temperature and CO2 partial pressure have almost the same relative effect on CO2 loading, while amine concentration has the lowest effect on it.
Differential curcumin absorption and curcumin-induced STAT3 inhibition during 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis in 2D and 3D cultures
Authors: Yang Sehee , Lee Soyeon , Kwon Youngjoo
Published: February 2024

It is increasingly considered that 3D cell culture systems are superior to 2D in evaluating health promoting effects of candidate molecules because they better mimic tissue-like structures, thus testing in such systems will increase their in vivo applicability. The present study sought to examine the potential usefulness of spheroid models for assessing the antiadipogenic effect of polyphenols. The major food polyphenols were compared for their antiadipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 cells grown in conventional 2D conditions and as 3D spheroids. Further, the study evaluated the effect of the cell culture environment on the inhibition of the adipogenesis-related signaling pathway mediated by curcumin (CUR), the most effective antiadipogenic polyphenol identified in 2D and 3D, and its cellular absorption rate. CUR treatment inhibited the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in cells cultured in both conditions; however, it was more effective in 2D. Notably, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a 3D cell culture system maintained high STAT3 activity and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) expression compared with a 2D system. Additionally, the cellular absorption rate was lower in 3D cultures. Thus, different cellular absorption rates, innate STAT3 activity, and C/EBPα expression levels may contribute to the difference in CUR efficacy. This study demonstrated that the STAT3 inhibition at least partly contributes to antiadipogenic effect of CUR. Moreover, it showed that the presentation of cells in 3D significantly alters activation of intracellular signaling pathways and absorption rate of CUR. Therefore, 3D spheroid models are valuable tools to evaluate the anti-adipogenicity of candidate molecules.
Assessment of alternative methods for analysing maximum rainfall spatial data based on generalized extreme value distribution
Authors: Ferreira Thales Rangel , Liska Gilberto Rodrigues , Beijo Luiz Alberto
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to analyze and spatially model maximum rainfall in the southern and southwestern regions of Minas Gerais using spatial statistical methods. Daily data on maximum rainfall were collected from 29 cities in the region. To obtain predictions of maximum rainfall for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 years, Bayesian Inference was employed, utilizing the most appropriate prior for each locality. The spatial analysis of the phenomenon based on results obtained through Bayesian Inference was conducted using interpolation methods, including Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Kriging (Ordinary Kriging (OK) and Log-Normal Kriging (LK)). Different semivariogram models were used, and the most suitable one was selected based on cross-validation results for each method, which were also compared to those of IDW. Additionally, a spatial analysis was carried out using max-stable processes and spatial Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution, with the models evaluated based on Takeuchi’s Information Criteria. All models were also assessed by calculating the mean prediction error for six locations that were not used in model fitting. The results indicated that the most suitable models among Kriging and IDW for return periods of 2, 5, and 10 years were Gaussian (LK), Spherical (OK), and Wave (OK), respectively. Among the max-stable models and spatial GEV, the most suitable for modeling was the Smith max-stable model. Consequently, for spatial prediction over 50- and 100-year return periods, OK (Wave) and the Smith max-stable model were employed.
The effect of nano-natural biomaterial on stimulation of RADMSCs toward osteogenesis: an in vitro study
Authors: Alahgahi Farideh , Fattahi Esmail , Saeidi Mohsen , Mortazavi Roudmiane Mir Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

In recent years, natural biomaterials have been the focal point of most biomedical investigations. To prepare the Ostrich Eggshell/Hydroxyapatite (OE/HA) powder scaffolds, OE powder was immersed in 1% Triton X-100 for 24 h and then autoclaved twice. Medical grade HA was combined with pulverized OE at different ratios to yield three different OE/HA powder scaffolds. The resultant scaffolds underwent characterization experiments using different techniques, including FTIR, XRD, radiography, and SEM analyses. Rabbit adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (RADMSCs) were isolated from adipose tissues and characterized by flow cytometry. A direct contact test was performed for the cytotoxicity test using L929 cells. Cell adhesion was validated using SEM imaging, viability was assessed using DAPI and Annexin V/PI staining, and osteogenic differentiation was investigated using the ALP assay. The cytotoxicity assay using L929 cells verified that the OE/HA powder scaffold is safe and further functional experiments could be carried out. Behavioral assays, radiography, surface markers, surface topography analyses, and viability tests yielded promising results confirming cellular acceptance of the scaffold. In the present study, we provided evidence that the prepared OE/HA scaffold is not only cytocompatible but also can enhance mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, growth, and osteogenic differentiation in vitro.
A simple TD-BEM model for heterogeneous orthotropic hill-shaped topographies
Authors: Mojtabazadeh-Hasanlouei Saeed , Panji Mehdi , Kamalian Mohsen
Published: February 2024

A simple numerical model named DASBEM was successfully developed to analyze the seismic heterogeneous orthotropic hill-shaped topographies by a time-domain boundary element method (TD-BEM) based on half-space Green’s functions. The model was elaborated only by discretizing the hill surface and its interface with the underlying half-space through the use of image source theory and the substructure approach. To improve the model at the corners, the double node procedure was applied to the extreme nodes of the quadratic elements. An attenuation ratio is implemented in the boundary equations using a decremental exponential function. After presenting the technique, a validation example is presented alongside the literature to measure the convergence with an isotropic response. Next, a sample Gaussian-shaped hill model is prepared under propagating obliquely incident SH-waves as a common sample topography and the surface response is obtained by considering some significant parameters as well as the shape ratio, isotropy factor, frequency content, and angle of the incident wave. The ground surface response is sensitized in two time and frequency domains. The results showed that the amplitude of the response was not only dependent on the impedance ratio but also the orthotropy ratio, which was always effective in orienting the wave-front to amplify the ground movement.

Graphical Abstract
GnRHr, LHr, and Vg gene expression levels and ovarian development of G5 transgenic mutiara female catfish (Clarias gariepinus) after exposure photoperiod induction
Authors: Buwono Ibnu Dwi , Grandiosa Roffi , Mulyani Yuniar , Pratiwy Fittrie Meyllianawaty
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine the relative expression ratios of the genes gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr), vitellogenin (Vg) and β-actin genes as expression control internal of the G5 fish using real-time PCR in a photoperiod experiment with designed treatments (A: 8L-16D; B: 12L-12D; C: 16L-8D for transgenic fish; and A*: 8L-16D; B*: 12L-12D; C*: 16L-8D for nontransgenic fish) for 60 days of rearing period. Ovary maturation was evaluated in G5 transgenic mutiara catfish during different photoperiod induction. A short photoperiod (8L-16D) induced an high expression of GnRHr, LHr, and Vg genes (mean, 4.42 ± 0.53, 5.63 ± 0.42, and 6.67 ± 0.31, respectively), indicating the role of dark cycle in increasing the gene expressions involved in ovarian maturation of G5 transgenic mutiara catfish. The lowest GnRHr, LHr, and Vg gene expression levels were found in nontransgenic fish (C*) (mean, 1.27 ± 0.13, 1.38 ± 0.24, and 2.42 ± 0.33, respectively). The exposure of transgenic fish (CgGH insert content) to a long photoperiod (16L-8D) resulted in lower expression levels of GnRHr, LHr, and Vg (mean, 2.31 ± 0.27, 2.34 ± 0.25, and 4.49 ± 0.30, respectively) and lower levels of hormones Vg and E2 (mean, 295.16 ± 21.71 μg/mL and 0.25 ± 0.03 ng/mL, respectively) and in non-transgenic fish (mean, 163.54 µg/mL and 0.14 ng/mL, respectively). Short photoperiods (8L-16D and 12l-12D) led to oocyte maturation and higher GSI values (mean, 12.24 ± 0.53 and 10.24 ± 0.38, respectively) compared to long photoperiods (16L-8D). Conversely, a long photoperiod led to decreased GnRHr, LHr, and Vg expression levels, and Vg and E2 hormone levels, leading to the growth of immature oocytes and decreased GSI (mean, 3.93 ± 0.29) in nontransgenic fish. The presence of CgGH in G5 transgenic mutiara female catfish can maintain the growth of primary oocytes to secondary oocytes during the 16L-8D photoperiod induction.
Statistical Fault Analysis of TinyJambu
Authors: Salam Iftekhar , Alawatugoda Janaka , Madushan Hasindu
Published: February 2024

The resource-constrained IoT devices have limited resources such as processing power, memory, and battery capacity. Therefore it is challenging to adopt traditional cryptographic algorithms on them. In order to find a solution, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated the Lightweight Cryptography (LWC) competition to standardize cryptographic algorithms for resource-constrained devices. The primary aim of our work is to implement and analyse selected finalist algorithms from the NIST competition using modern cryptanalysis techniques, with a focus on statistical fault attacks. Traditional analysis methods, such as linear and differential analysis, were not prioritized as most finalist algorithms have established defences against these methods. We implemented six of the selected finalist algorithms from the competition: Ascon, Elephant, GIFT-COFB, ISAP, TinyJambu, and Xoodyak. We chose TinyJumbu for statistical fault analysis because of its attractiveness, compact block size, and provision of a more lightweight keyed permutation.
Wet-to-dry transition description in the mixture of working fluids
Authors: Ahmed Aram M. , Imre Attila R.
Published: February 2024

The organic rankine cycle performance and some similar processes depend on many factors. One of them is the category of the working fluid, influencing the performance through the phase/phases during and at the end of the expansion process. Droplet formation for wet fluids and superheated for dry fluids motivated the researchers to seek isentropic working fluids, where expansion could proceed and terminate in a saturated vapour state. The shape of the T-s diagram is a material property; it cannot be changed for real pure fluids, but small jumps can be initiated by replacing one working fluid with a chemically very similar one, like Propane (a wet one) with Butane (a dry one). Our study presents a much smoother transition, using mixed working fluids prepared from chemically similar materials to obtain almost ideal zeotropic mixtures. The main point of our study is to show the wet-to-dry transition for mixtures and prove or disprove the existence of compositions where the fluid can show T-s diagram resembling the ones for ideal isentropic working fluids. For this purpose, Propane was mixed with other alkanes, such as Butane, Pentane, and Hexane, in various compositions, and the thermophysical properties of fluids were calculated by using the REFPROP software program. Wet-to-dry transitions were shown for the Propane/Hexane mixture at (0.6584 + 0.3416 mass fraction), while (0.5823 + 0.4177 mass fraction) and (0.6436 + 0.3564 mass fraction) was the transition mixture for Propane/Butane and Propane/Pentane respectively. Consequently, when exceeding the mentioned composition range, the fluids switch from wet to dry without forming a composition showing ideal isentropic properties. Therefore, isentropic working fluid (showing an infinite slope for the saturated vapour branch in a finite, nonzero temperature range) was not found during this transition.
Seasonal Chemical Variation and Antidiabetic Activity of Major Compounds in Artemisia afra Infusions
Authors: Stevens Michelle R. , van Niekerk Suzanne E. , Netshimbupfe Mmbulaheni H. , Hamman Josias H. , Van der Kooy Frank
Published: February 2024

Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Asteraceae, is a very popular herbal medicine in Southern Africa and is mainly used in the form of a tea infusion for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments, including diabetes. In this study, the phytochemical variation of four individual A. afra plants, collected monthly for a 1-year period, was determined. Eleven phytochemical compounds present in the infusions were identified and was used to illustrate the seasonal chemical variability. These compounds were also tested for their in vitro antidiabetic activity using the α-glucosidase inhibition bioassay. The results indicated that considerable phytochemical variation existed over a 1-year period within each plant but also between the four plants tested. The main bioactive compounds, namely, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, showed better α-glucosidase inhibition activity than the positive control, acarbose. Furthermore, these compounds appeared to show an interchangeable transition trend with its monomer, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid with the former seemingly increasing during summer and the latter two during the winter months. This study highlights the importance of quality control and standardisation of popular herbal remedies such as A. afra.

Graphical Abstract
Shell and the Climate Case: Is the Shell Group the “Cheapest Cost Avoider”?
Authors: Kanning Arnald J.
Published: February 2024

The Hague District Court in the Netherlands faced a novel tort law issue in 2021 in Milieudefensie et al v Royal Dutch Shell plc – namely, whether Shell is liable in tort for the reduction costs of carbon dioxide produced in the end use of energy-carrying Shell products. The civil lawsuit aims to make Shell (re)search for adequate substitutes so as to enable Shell’s customers to reduce their consumption of energy-carrying Shell products. It is argued here that Shell’s liability should be assessed within Guido Calabresi’s “cheapest cost avoider” framework.
A simple prediction of time-mean and wave orbital velocities in submerged canopy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhao Chuyan , Nepf Heidi
Published: February 2024

Flow within submerged canopies influences the transport of nutrients, sediment, pollutants, plant seeds and the settlement of larvae. To improve our understanding of mass transport within canopies, a simple model is proposed to predict the total time-varying velocity within submerged rigid canopies (representing coral reefs) and flexible canopies (representing seagrasses and saltmarshes). The model divides the momentum equations into a canopy layer and free-stream layer. The difference in the time derivative of the velocity between the two layers is balanced by the sum of the shear stress and canopy drag, both of which depend on the in-canopy total velocity. The present model extended the shear stress model developed for steady current to combined current and wave conditions without additional calibrating coefficients. The model agreed well with the in-canopy velocity measured in the present and several previous studies. Importantly, the proposed model significantly improved the accuracy of canopy time-mean velocity prediction, which reduced the root mean square error by more than 50 %, compared with previous models. The model revealed that the addition of waves can significantly decrease the in-canopy time-mean velocity.
Vortex dynamics and boundary layer transition in flow around a rectangular cylinder with different aspect ratios at medium Reynolds number
Authors: Li Jiang-Hua , Wang Bo-Fu , Qiu Xiang , Zhou Quan , Fu Shi-Xiao , Liu Yu-Lu
Published: February 2024

The numerical investigation focuses on the flow patterns around a rectangular cylinder with three aspect ratios (

$L/D=5$

,

$10$

,

$15$

) at a Reynolds number of

$1000$

. The study delves into the dynamics of vortices, their associated frequencies, the evolution of the boundary layer and the decay of the wake. Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) vortices originate from the leading edge (LE) shear layer and transform into hairpin vortices. Specifically, at

$L/D=5$

, three KH vortices merge into a single LE vortex. However, at

$L/D=10$

and

$15$

, two KH vortices combine to form a LE vortex, with the rapid formation of hairpin vortex packets. A fractional harmonic arises due to feedback from the split LE shear layer moving upstream, triggering interaction with the reverse flow. Trailing edge (TE) vortices shed, creating a Kármán-like street in the wake. The intensity of wake oscillation at

$L/D=5$

surpasses that in the other two cases. Boundary layer transition occurs after the saturation of disturbance energy for

$L/D=10$

and

$15$

, but not for

$L/D=5$

. The low-frequency disturbances are selected to generate streaks inside the boundary layer. The TE vortex shedding induces the formation of a favourable pressure gradient, accelerating the flow and fostering boundary layer relaminarization. The self-similarity of the velocity defect is observed in all three wakes, accompanied by the decay of disturbance energy. Importantly, the decrease in the shedding frequency of LE (TE) vortices significantly contributes to the overall decay of disturbance energy. This comprehensive exploration provides insights into complex flow phenomena and their underlying dynamics.
Glycine supplementation can partially restore oxidative stress-associated glutathione deficiency in ageing cats
Authors: Ruparell Avika , Alexander Janet E. , Eyre Ryan , Carvell-Miller Laura , Leung Y. Becca , Evans Samantha J. M. , Holcombe Lucy J. , Heer Martina , Watson Phillip
Published: February 2024

Intracellular levels of glutathione, the major mammalian antioxidant, are reported to decline with age in several species. To understand whether ageing affects circulating glutathione levels in cats, blood was sampled from two age groups, < 3 years and > 9 years. Further, to determine whether dietary supplementation with glutathione precursor glycine (GLY) affects glutathione concentrations in senior cats (> 8 years), a series of free GLY inclusion level dry diets were fed. Subsequently, a 16-week GLY feeding study was conducted in senior cats (> 7 years), measuring glutathione, and markers of oxidative stress. Whole blood and erythrocyte total, oxidised and reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased in senior cats, compared with their younger counterparts (P ≤ 0·02). The inclusion level study identified 1·5 % free GLY for the subsequent dry diet feeding study. Significant increases in erythrocyte total and reduced glutathione were observed between senior cats fed supplemented and control diets at 4 weeks (P ≤ 0·03; maximum difference of 1·23 µM). Oxidative stress markers were also significantly different between groups at 8 (P = 0·004; difference of 0·68 nG/ml in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and 12 weeks (P ≤ 0·049; maximum difference of 0·62 nG/mG Cr in F2-isoprostane PGF2α). Senior cats have lower circulating glutathione levels compared with younger cats. Feeding senior cats a complete and balanced dry diet supplemented with 1·5 % free GLY for 12 weeks elevated initial erythrocyte glutathione and altered markers of oxidative stress. Dietary supplementation with free GLY provides a potential opportunity to restore age-associated reduction in glutathione in cats.
Dynamic blending and assimilation in Catalan lingual fricative sequences. An ultrasound and acoustic study
Authors: Recasens Daniel
Published: February 2024

Ultrasound and center of gravity frequency data for the sequences /ʃ#s/ and /s#ʃ/ produced by Central Catalan speakers reveal that the former sequence is implemented through continuous articulatory and spectral trajectories which, depending on speaker, may be: intermediate between /ʃ/ and /s/ all throughout, thus supporting a dynamic blending mechanism; /ʃ/-like at onset and intermediate between the two fricatives at offset, which is indicative of C1-to-C2 carryover coarticulation. The sequence /s#ʃ/, on the other hand, undergoes regressive assimilation into [ʃ(ʃ)] according to the acoustic signal but less clearly so in the light of the articulatory data. This discrepancy appears to be due to the fact that, while C1=/s/ assimilates indeed to C2=/ʃ/ at constriction location, coarticulation-induced changes in tongue body configuration behind the primary articulator may occur as long as they do not jeopardize the front-cavity dependent frequency characteristics of the [ʃ] frication noise. Differences in articulatory complexity between /ʃ#s/ and /s#ʃ/ appear to result from the production mechanisms involved, i.e., tongue dorsum raising behind the /s/ constriction for /s#ʃ/ and tongue body repositioning for /ʃ#s/. In agreement with this interpretation, /ʃ#s/ but not /s#ʃ/ turned out to be longer than /s#s/ and /ʃ#ʃ/.
Mapping out due diligence in regional human rights law: Comparing case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Authors: Malaihollo Medes , Lane Lottie
Published: February 2024

In international human rights law, the notion of due diligence concerns a qualifier of behaviour to realize human rights protection, including the protection against non-state actor interferences. However, the question remains what due diligence obligations of states in the context of non-state actor interferences exactly entail in international human rights law. The present article aims to address this matter by comparing case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) with that of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR). Using a working model of due diligence that has been introduced in recent scholarly work, this article further explores this model and attempts to give further meaning to its two paradigms: ‘regulation’ and ‘risk management’. In that way, it maps out the relevant elements of this foundational concept that lies at the heart of human rights protection.
Unionization, industry concentration, and economic growth
Authors: Davis Colin , Hashimoto Ken-ichi , Tabata Ken
Published: February 2024

This paper examines how unionization affects economic growth through its impact on industry concentration in a two-country model of international trade and endogenous productivity growth. Knowledge spillovers link firm-level productivity in innovation with geographic patterns of industry ensuring a faster rate of output growth when industry is relatively concentrated in the country with the greater labor supply. We show that stronger bargaining power in the relatively large country increases the rate of output growth when labor unions are employment-oriented but decreases the rate of growth when unions are wage-oriented. We then calibrate the model using labor market data for the United Kingdom and France and study the effects of union bargaining power on industry location patterns, output growth, and national welfare.
Model Explanation via Support Graphs
Authors: CABALAR PEDRO , MUÑIZ BRAIS
Published: February 2024

In this note, we introduce the notion of support graph to define explanations for any model of a logic program. An explanation is an acyclic support graph that, for each true atom in the model, induces a proof in terms of program rules represented by labels. A classical model may have zero, one or several explanations: when it has at least one, it is called a justified model. We prove that all stable models are justified, whereas, for disjunctive programs, some justified models may not be stable. We also provide a meta-programming encoding in Answer Set Programming that generates the explanations for a given stable model of some program. We prove that the encoding is sound and complete, that is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between each answer set of the encoding and each explanation for the original stable model.
Do spirituality and emotional intelligence improve the perception of the ability to provide care at the end of life? The role of knowledge and self-efficacy
Authors: Martins Maria de Lurdes da Costa , Rodrigues Ana Paula , Marques Carlos Duarte Coelho Peixeira , Carvalho Rui Miguel Barros Cunha
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Spirituality, emotional intelligence, and palliative care (PC) knowledge have a positive and direct influence on self-efficacy and on perception of preparation and ability to provide end-of-life (EOL) care. The aim of this work is to propose a conceptual model that relates spirituality, emotional intelligence, PC knowledge, self-efficacy, and the preparation and ability to provide EOL care by doctors and nurses.

Methods

Quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, and inferential study applied to doctors and nurses in a hospital in the north of Portugal, between May and July 2022. The data collection instrument includes a questionnaire. The relationships between latent variables were evaluated using structural equation models by the partial least squares method using the Smart PLS 3.0 software. It was obtained the previous authorization of the ethics committee.

Results

The results (n = 380) indicate that self-efficacy, spirituality, and PC knowledge have a positive influence on the ability to provide EOL care. Emotional intelligence and spirituality have a direct and positive effect on self-efficacy. There is no direct influence of emotional intelligence on the ability to provide EOL care, but emotional intelligence has an indirect effect mediated by self-efficacy.

Significance of results

Spirituality, self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence are very important for the ability of doctors and nurses to provide EOL care. The identification of predictive factors of the ability to provide EOL care and the determination of the relationship between them can improve the provision of EOL care, reduction of health costs, timely and early referral of people to PC, and increase life quality.
Advancements and developments in the detection and control of invasive weeds: a global review of the current challenges and future opportunities
Authors: Roberts Jason , Florentine Singarayer
Published: February 2024

Weed invasion has become increasingly recognized as a major threat to the practice of sustainable agriculture and the maintenance of natural ecosystems around the world. Without effective and ongoing management strategies, many weed species have the aggressive capacity to alter ecosystem functions and reduce the economic potential of the land into which they have been introduced. Although traditional weed management strategies can be useful in eliminating certain weeds, these approaches can be costly, economically damaging, and laborious and can result in variable long-term success. To further add to these challenges, several weed species have now developed resistance to a range of herbicide modes of action, which, to date, have been the major mechanism of weed control. As a result, it is anticipated that the use of emerging technology will help to provide a solution for the economical and environmentally sustainable management of various weeds. Of particular interest, emerging technology in the areas of weed detection and control (chemical, mechanical, electrical, laser, and thermal) has shown promising signs of improving long-term weed management strategies. These methods can also be assisted by, or integrated alongside, other technology, such as artificial intelligence or computer vision techniques for improved efficiency. To provide an overview of this topic, this review evaluates a range of emerging technology used for the detection and control of various weeds and explores the challenges and opportunities of their application within the field.
Solar Wind—Ionosphere Interface at Mars. Ion Dynamics, Asymmetry, Plasma Jets
Authors: Dubinin E. , Fraenz M. , Pätzold M. , Tellmann S. , McFadden J. , Halekas J. , DiBraccio G.
Published: February 2024

We report on observations made by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft, in the shocked solar wind‐ionosphere interface of Mars. We observe a strong asymmetry in plasma flow governed by the direction of the motional electric field. In the hemisphere, in which the motional electric field ∼−V × B is pointed outward the planet the solar wind flow is decelerated by the j × B force related to the magnetic field compression in the barrier. In contrast, in the opposite hemisphere, the solar wind flow is accelerated. The gain in velocity is about 100–200 km/s. The dynamics of ionospheric ions are also very different on both sides. Such an asymmetry implies very different patterns of the electric current closure and the electromagnetic forces in both hemispheres.
Effects of Electron Vortices on the Magnetic Structures in the Terrestrial Magnetosheath
Authors: Wang Z. , Huang S. Y. , Yuan Z. G. , Jiang K. , Wu H. H. , Xu S. B. , Wei Y. Y. , Zhang J. , Xiong Q. Y. , Lin R. T.
Published: February 2024

Electron vortices are usually embedded within different magnetic structures in space plasmas. The effects, including the nonideal electric field, energy dissipation and magnetic field, of electron vortices on these magnetic structures are still unclear. Utilizing the unprecedented high‐resolution data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission in the terrestrial magnetosheath, we statistically investigate these effects on magnetic structures. Both nonideal electric fields and energy dissipation have no obvious correlations with the scales of electron vortices. However, compared to the scales, stronger correlations are found between the vorticities of electron vortices and nonideal electric fields, and energy dissipation, respectively. Most of electron vortices have positive contributions to magnetic fields of magnetic structures, such as strengthening the decrease (or increase) of Bt for current sheets and magnetic holes (or flux ropes and magnetic peaks). Our results reveal that the electron vortices play an important role in the evolution of magnetic structures.
Vegetation Phenological Differences Between Polar‐ and Equatorial‐Facing Slopes in the Three Rivers Source Region, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Dujuan , Xie Jiangliu , Wang Changjing , Chen Rui , Wu Xiaodan , Wang Cong , Xie Qiaoyun , Yin Gaofei
Published: February 2024

Vegetation growth is influenced by the microclimate driven by aspects, as evident in the asymmetric vegetation greenness on polar‐facing slopes (PFS) and equatorial‐facing slopes (EFS). However, it remains uncertain whether aspects influence vegetation phenology. To address this question, we defined the aspect‐induced phenological differences between PFS and EFS from 2019 to 2022 within each 3 × 3 km2 grid, using average phenological metrics extracted from Sentinel‐2 data. We found that the start of the growing season (SOS) occurs earlier on EFS in cold and humid regions, but in arid areas, PFS has an earlier SOS. The end of the growing season (EOS) consistently occurred later on EFS due to radiation limitations in autumn phenology. Employing the space‐for‐time approach, the observed distribution of phenological differences within the climate space could potentially indicate the phenological trends of different slope orientations in the future. Our study provides valuable insights into topographic regulation on vegetation phenology.
How Solar Wind Controls the Recovery Phase Morphology of Intense Magnetic Storms
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Chi
Published: February 2024

Geomagnetic storms are critical space weather phenomena resulting from the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere. However, most studies focus on the main phase of magnetic storms, leaving the morphology of the recovery phase an open question. In this study, we analyze 82 intense magnetic storms with the minimum Dst index ≤ −100 nT between 1995 and 2018, finding that these storms can be classified into two distinct types: one‐stage recovery storms that exhibit a single rapid exponential recovery and two‐stage recovery storms that are characterized by a rapid exponential recovery in the early recovery phase and a slow linear recovery in the later recovery phase. We find that the two‐stage recovery storms are dominant, accounting for approximately 60% of the events. Interestingly, the proportion of two‐stage recovery storms peaks during solar minimum. The two‐stage recovery storms tend to be accompanied by more Alfvén waves with long‐duration and intense southward interplanetary magnetic fields. In addition, we find that the decay rate of the Dst index in the later recovery phase is correlated with the average BZ of the interplanetary magnetic field when the solar wind has a high degree of Alfvénicity. Overall, our results shed new light on the recovery phase morphology of intense magnetic storms and highlight the role of Alfvén waves in this process.
The Relationship Between the Energization of Moon‐Originating Ions and Terrain Type on the Lunar Surface
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hee , Kim Khan‐Hyuk , Baek Seul‐Min , Jin Ho , Saito Yoshifumi , Nishino Masaki N. , Yokota Shoichiro
Published: February 2024

We analyze data acquired by the Kaguya satellite on 14 October 2008 when the Moon was in the terrestrial magnetotail lobe to gain new insight into the energization of ions originating from the Moon. The Moon‐originating ions were detected over a broad range of latitudes from −80° to 50° above the Moon's dayside at ∼100 km altitude. The fluxes of the Moon‐originating ions were observed at energies from ∼50 to ∼1,000 eV. Additionally, these ions exhibited a wide distribution pitch angle spanning from ∼45 to 90°. The energy levels of ions originating from the Moon show rapid changes, either increasing or decreasing by a factor of ∼10 within 8 min without the solar zenith angle dependence. Such rapid energy changes were observed over the highland regions. These observations are discussed in light of possible acceleration mechanisms of Moon‐originating ions, including temporal and spatial effects.
Latitude Variation of the Post‐Sunset Plasma Density Enhancement During the Minor Geomagnetic Storm on 27 May 2021
Authors: Hao Honglian , Zhao Biqiang , Jin Yuyan , Yue Xinan , Ding Feng , Li Guozhu , Sun Wenjie , Ren Zhipeng , Li Zishen
Published: February 2024

In this study, multiple instrumental observations including Global Navigation Satellite System total electron content (TEC), plasma drift velocity measured by Sanya (18.3°N, 109.6°E, dip latitude 12.6°N) Incoherent Scatter Radar (SYISR) and F2‐layer peak electron density (NmF2) and peak height (hmF2) from ionosonde and SYISR have been used to investigate ionospheric responses during a minor yet highly geo‐effective geomagnetic storm on 26–27 May 2021. Our findings revealed a significant time delay in the post‐sunset plasma density enhancement peak across different latitudes over East Asia, that is, the lower the geographic latitude, the earlier the peak appeared. The plasma density enhancement was accompanied by a decrease in hmF2 prior to NmF2 peak around sunset. The newly built SYISR measurements around sunset verified that the field‐aligned drift decreased the ionosphere with a notable time delay at latitude, beneficial to electron density enhancements at lower altitudes within the 16–30°N latitudinal band but a small TEC change. While at 30–50°N, it is possible that the competition between storm‐induced equatorward winds and downward field‐aligned drift depressed hmF2 decline and the buildup increased both NmF2 and TEC. The ICON observations suggested that the meridional wind during this minor storm event modulated the direction of plasma transport near sunset, playing a dominant role in post‐sunset plasma density enhancement from low to middle latitudes. These results provide fresh insight into the electrodynamic mechanisms of post‐sunset enhancements at middle and low latitudes over East Asia, and also enhance our understanding of the intricate behaviors within the ionosphere‐thermosphere system in response to a minor storm.
MAVEN SWIA Observations of Solar Wind Signatures in the Collisional Atmosphere of Mars
Authors: Girazian Z. , Halekas J. , Ruhunusiri S.
Published: February 2024

At Mars, the solar wind is usually decelerated and heated at the bow shock, then diverted around the planet by the induced magnetosphere. A recent study by Crismani et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018ja026251), however, presented evidence of near‐pristine solar wind below the exobase of Mars (<200 km) during one Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) periapsis pass, implying the solar wind penetrated into the upper atmosphere with little modification. In this work, we search through 7 years of MAVEN Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA) periapsis observations to determine how often, and the conditions under which, these low‐altitude solar wind events occur. We find 23 candidate events that contain signatures of the solar wind below 200 km. The events are much more common at low solar zenith angles and tend to occur over weak crustal field regions where the radial component of the field is oriented downward. The observations also point to significant interactions between the incoming solar wind and the neutral atmosphere, including evidence of solar wind alphas becoming singly ionized helium through collisions with atmospheric CO2. Finally, we find the events are four times more likely to be detected when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is radial (cone angle <30°), suggesting the events are triggered when the IMF is nearly aligned with the solar wind flow.
Depth of Sudden Velocity Changes Derived From Multi‐Mode Rayleigh Waves
Authors: Finger C. , Löer K.
Published: February 2024

To integrate structural subsurface models and smooth seismic velocity models, they need to share common features and resolutions. Here, we propose a new approach, Depth Assessment from Rayleigh Wave Ellipticities (DARE), for estimating the depth of sudden velocity changes from ambient‐noise multi‐mode Rayleigh waves applicable to a wide range of frequencies. At frequencies where multi‐mode Rayleigh waves have an extremum in ellipticity, the phase velocity can be used to estimate the depth of sudden velocity changes. We test our approach theoretically, numerically, and on real data from two geothermal sites by extracting Rayleigh wave ellipticities and phase velocities from three‐component beamforming of ambient noise using the python code package B3AMpy. For a small‐scale array, our approach validates the depth of quaternary sediments predicted by geological models. For deeper velocity changes, high uncertainties remain but the general trend of inclining boundaries can be recovered well. We demonstrate that, if impedance contrasts are larger than three, our approach is valid for multiple layers, laterally heterogeneous models, and a wide range of Poisson ratios.
Digitized Continuous Magnetic Recordings for the August/September 1859 Storms From London, UK
Authors: Beggan C. D. , Clarke E. , Lawrence E. , Eaton E. , Williamson J. , Matsumoto K. , Hayakawa H.
Published: February 2024

Dedicated scientific measurements of the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field began at Greenwich and Kew observatories in London, United Kingdom, in the middle of the nineteenth century. Using advanced techniques for the time, collimated light was focussed onto mirrors mounted on free‐swinging magnetized needles which reflected onto photographic paper, allowing continuous analog magnetograms to be recorded. By good fortune, both observatories were in full operation during the so‐called Carrington storm in early September 1859 and its precursor storm in late August 1859. Based on digital images of the magnetograms and information from the observatory yearbooks and scientific papers, it is possible to scale the measurements to International System of Units (SI units) and extract quasi‐minute cadence spot values. However, due to the magnitude of the storms, the periods of the greatest magnetic field variation were lost as the traces moved off‐page. We present the most complete digitized magnetic records to date of the 10‐day period from 25 August to 5 September 1859 encompassing the Carrington storm and its lesser recognized precursor on 28 August. We demonstrate the good correlation between observatories and estimate the instantaneous rate of change of the magnetic field.