bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Modeling of Ni/YSZ Triple Phase Boundary in Solid Oxide Cells Using First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Wakamatsu Katsuhiro , Yasuda Takaaki , Ogura Teppei
Published: May 2024

Power generation with renewable energy using solid oxide cells (SOCs) has been widely researched. To solve the existing problems of SOCs, such as degradation and efficiency improvement, it is essential to understand reaction mechanisms on the surface/interface such as triple phase boundary (TPB) composed of catalysts, electrolytes, and gas phases. However, a reliable TPB model has not been uniquely defined to discuss the property. This study focused on the TPB model comprising Ni catalysts, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes, and gas phases, and aimed to theoretically identify a reliable TPB model by using density functional theory calculations. The stable structure of YSZ surface models was first identified considering various oxygen vacancy positions, yttrium atom arrangements, yttria concentration, and YSZ surfaces. Thereafter, a reliable Ni/YSZ interface model was discussed by evaluating various Ni structure types, Ni interfaces in contact with the YSZ surface, and interface positions. As a result, we have proposed a more reliable YSZ surface structure than previous reports and reasonable Ni/YSZ interface models considering the computational cost to discuss the properties of TPB. These findings will contribute to the improved design of SOCs as high-performance energy conversion systems for sustainable energy storage.
Renal calcium and magnesium handling during pregnancy: modeling and analysis
Authors: Hakimi Shervin , Dutta Pritha , Layton Anita T.
Published: May 2024

A growing fetus’ demands of minerals, notably calcium and magnesium, necessitate adaptations in pregnancy. In particular, the kidney undergoes major changes in morphology, hemodynamics, and molecular structure. This computational modeling study provides insights into how these pregnancy-induced renal adaptation impact calcium and magnesium transport along different nephron segments. Model simulations indicate that, despite the enhanced transport capacity, the marked increase in glomerular filtration rate results in elevated urinary excretions of calcium and magnesium in pregnancy.
Validation of an organ mapping antibody panel for cyclical immunofluorescence microscopy on normal human kidneys
Authors: Brewer Maya , Migas Lukasz G. , Clouthier Kelly A. , Allen Jamie L. , Anderson David M. , Pingry Ellie , Farrow Melissa , Quardokus Ellen M. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Van de Plas Raf , de Caestecker Mark P.
Published: May 2024

We describe here validation criteria used to define on organ mapping panel of antibodies that can be used to define 18 cell types and five extracellular matrix compartments using cyclical immunofluorescence (CyCIF) microscopy. As CyCIF does not require specialized instrumentation, and image registration required to assemble CyCIF images can be performed by any laboratory without specialized computational skills, this technology is accessible to any laboratory with access to a fluorescence microscope and digital scanner.
Rare Combined Congenital Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Malformations Revealed by Acute Hemoptysis
Authors: Siblani Dima , Abi Chedid Ghassan , Challita Samir , el Zoghbi Sylvana , Le Bon Chami Béatrice
Published: May 2024

Background. Lung sequestration is a subtype of congenital lung malformations; it is infrequently diagnosed in adults and is a rare cause of hemoptysis. The typical management of symptomatic lung sequestration is usually surgical, though intra-arterial embolization is becoming an acceptable alternative. Case Presentation. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented for an acute onset of hemoptysis. CT chest showed an intralobar sequestration of the right lower lobe lung segment. In addition to the sequestration, the chest imaging also revealed a number of associated abnormalities including double superior vena cava communicating through a bridge, absence of brachiocephalic venous trunk, cardiac dextroposition, and agenesis of the right middle lobe. Outcome and Discussion. The transarterial embolization was selected for being mini-invasive and effective. It successfully controlled the bleed and led to complete regression of the sequestered lung on the follow-up CT chest several months later. Conclusion. Successful management and complete regression are possible with mini-invasive intra-arterial embolization of lung sequestration. Although it is not uncommon to have associated congenital cardiopulmonary abnormalities with lung sequestration, however the exceptional abnormalities described in this case have never been reported before.
Liberal Preoperative Fasting in Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Gan Haoyue , Liu Hangcheng , Huang Huaping , He Mei
Published: May 2024

Background. Prolonged fasting before surgery has negative effects on the physiology and psychology of patients. Preoperative liberal fasting proposes that patients can drink clear liquids before entering the operating theater, challenging the guideline strategy of a two-hour preoperative liquid fast for adults. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies on liberal preoperative fasting in adults. However, currently there is no consensus on the safe amount of fluid consumed, adverse effects, or benefits of this new policy. Objective. This scoping review protocol will map the existing evidence of liberal preoperative fasting in adults undergoing elective surgery for clinical practice, to summarize more scientific evidence to healthcare professionals when providing perioperative care. Methods and Analysis. The methodology will follow the six steps of the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review. A comprehensive search of six databases will be performed from their inception to 31 May 2023 to identify suitable English studies. Two trained investigators will independently screen and extract the data, and any disagreements will be judged by a third investigator. The results of the study will be presented as graphs or tables. Ethics and Dissemination. This scoping review only examines literature in the database, without reference to human or animal studies, and therefore does not require ethical approval. The findings of this scoping review will be published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at conferences. The Registration Number. This scoping review has been registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PMW7C).
A Comparative Study between Time Series and Machine Learning Technique to Predict Dengue Fever in Dhaka City
Authors: Akter Tanzina , Islam Md. Tanvirul , Hossain Md. Farhad , Ullah Mohammad Safi
Published: May 2024

The dengue virus is the most dangerous one that mosquitoes may spread to people. Despite attempts by the government, dengue outbreaks are becoming increasingly common in Bangladesh. Interventions in public health rely heavily on KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practice) studies. The primary goal of this research is to forecast the occurrence of dengue disease in the city of Dhaka using methods from machine learning and time series analysis and then to compare the models in order to find the one with the lowest MAPE. From January 2016 through July 2021, monthly data were retrieved for this study from WHO and the Directorate General of Health and Services (DGHS). According to the findings of this research, neural networks outperform time series analysis when it comes to making predictions. The best‐fitted neural network (NN) model was found in model 04 with 05 hidden layers which produced the minimum error model with the value of error 0.003032557, and the values of RMSE and MAPE are 7.588889e − 06 and 1.15273, respectively, for the prediction of the dengue fever in Dhaka city. In contrast, the original dengue data in the time series analysis is not stationary. Take the difference and run the unit root test by the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test to make it stationary. The dengue data series is stationary at the first‐order difference, as evidenced by the ACF and PACF, which show no noticeable spike in the first‐order difference. The ARIMA (6, 1, 1) model with the lowest AIC = −251.8, RMSE = 0.0310797, and MAPE = 15.2892 is the best choice model for predicting the dengue death rate. Therefore, from these two models, the NN model gives better prediction performance with the lowest value of MAPE. So, the neural network gives better prediction performance than time series analysis. The NN model forecasted 12‐month death rates of dengue fever that suggest the death rate in dengue fever falling month by month. This study is more innovative than any other research because this research approach is different from any other research approach. The model selection criteria are based on the most effective performance metrics MAPE, indicating the lowest error and better prediction performance. Therefore, from this research, the author suggests machine learning gives better prediction performance than time series analysis for any other prediction performance.
Brain Abscess due to Streptococcus intermedius after Spontaneous Esophageal Perforation in an Adolescent
Authors: Camacho-Gomez Sandra Mabel , Monagas Javier , Noel Robert Adam , Castagnini Luis
Published: May 2024

Streptococcus intermedius is an inhabitant of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, known to cause deep‐seated abscesses. Thereby, we present a previously healthy adolescent with esophageal perforation (EP) and secondary mediastinal and brain abscesses due to Streptococcus intermedius. EP is a potentially life‐threatening condition that requires a prompt diagnosis.
Perceived Organizational Effectiveness during a Public Health Crisis and Moral Wellness among Nurse Leaders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rushton Cynda , Nelson Katie , Bergman Alanna , Boyce Danielle , Jenkins Christian , Swoboda Sandra M. , Hanson Ginger
Published: May 2024

Background. During a public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nurse leaders coordinate timely high-quality care, maintain profit margins, and ensure regulatory compliance while supporting the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce. In a rapidly changing environment where resources may be scarce, nurse leaders are vulnerable to moral injury; however, organizational effectiveness may help to buffer moral challenges in healthcare leadership, thereby fostering greater moral resilience and reducing turnover intention. Aim. To understand mechanisms by which perceived organizational effectiveness contributes to nurse leaders’ moral wellness (i.e., moral injury and moral resilience) and thereby effects work outcomes (i.e., engagement, burnout, and turnover intention). Methods. A cross-sectional survey of nurse leaders (N = 817) from across the United States was conducted using a snowball methodology, independent t-tests, and structural equation modeling to examine theoretical relationships among moral injury, moral resilience, and organizational effectiveness. Results. Higher ratings on every facet of perceived organizational effectiveness were significantly related to greater moral resilience (p<0.001 for all t-tests) and lower moral injury (p<0.001 for all t-tests) among nurse leaders. Structural equation models indicated both moral resilience and moral injury were significant mediators of the relationship between organizational effectiveness and work outcomes. Moral resilience and moral injury significantly mediated the effect of organizational effectiveness on burnout. Moral resilience was also a significant mediator of the relationship between organizational effectiveness and moral injury. Conclusion. Dismantling organizational patterns and processes in healthcare organizations that contribute to moral injury and lower moral resilience may be important levers for increasing engagement, decreasing burnout, and reducing turnover of nurse leaders.
On Second-Order Cone Functions
Authors: Jibrin Shafiu , Swift James W.
Published: May 2024

We consider the second-order cone function (SOCF)f:Rn⟶Rdefined byfx=cTx+d−Ax+b, with parametersc∈Rn,

d

∈

R

,A∈Rm×n, andb∈Rm. Every SOCF is concave. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for strict concavity off. The parametersAandbare not uniquely determined. We show that every SOCF can be written in the formfx=cTx+d−δ2+x−x∗TMx−x∗. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the parametersc,d,δ,M=ATA, andx∗to be uniquely determined. We also give necessary and sufficient conditions forfto be bounded above.
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Post‐Operative Complications following Tooth Extraction: A Narrative Review
Authors: Dignam Peter , Elshafey Mariam , Jeganathan Aparna , Foo Magdalen , Park Joon Soo , Ratnaweera Manorika
Published: May 2024

Background. Complications from dental extractions may result in multiple post‐operative visits and adversely affect the patient’s life. Preventing complications may decrease post‐operative morbidity for the individual as well as lower societal costs, such as lost time from work and healthcare costs. Objectives. This narrative review aims to assess the prevalence and factors influencing post‐operative complications following tooth extraction, helping clinicians minimise the risk. Data Sources. Cross‐sectional studies. Study Eligibility and Participants. Patients undergoing dental extractions. Our exclusion criteria included in vitro studies, animal studies, terminally ill patients, and tooth loss not due to dental extraction. Literature was collected from “PubMed” and “Web of Science” through search criteria based on the “PICO” framework. Twenty articles were used to formulate a prevalence table, and 156 articles were included for the factors influencing complications. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods. This narrative review was reported using the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles) checklist. Due to the scope of our narrative review and its associated objectives, the quality of cross‐sectional studies (AXIS) will be conducted from the studies outlining the prevalence. Results. Alveolar osteitis appears to be the most prevalent post‐operative complication following tooth extraction. Predisposing factors can be significant in their ability to alter the risk of postoperative complications, and clinicians should provide patient‐centred care to mitigate this risk. Limitations. Due to the breadth of context, a systematic review was not feasible, as it may have introduced heterogeneity. Conclusion. This narrative review has highlighted an array of factors which can influence the prevalence of post‐operative complications. Future research would benefit from individually reporting post‐operative complications, reducing the heterogeneity in definitions of the complications, and including greater detail on the predisposing factors studied.
Substantial Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Performances of Activated Carbon‐Decorated Vanadium Pentoxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Sekar Sankar , Ilanchezhiyan Pugazhendi , Ahmed Abu Talha Aqueel , Lee Youngmin , Lee Sejoon
Published: May 2024

Developing the ecofriendly and high‐fidelity electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential to foster effective production of environmentally friendly hydrogen. Herein, we fabricated the highly efficient OER electrocatalysts of the activated carbon‐decorated vanadium pentoxide (AC‐V2O5) nanocomposites using a facile hydrothermal technique. The AC‐V2O5 nanocomposites displayed an aggregated structure of the AC nano‐sheet‐anchored orthorhombic V2O5 nanorods. When performing the OER process in an alkaline electrolyte at 10 mA/cm2, AC‐V2O5 exhibited the low overpotential (~230 mV), small Tafel slope (~54 mV/dec), and excellent stability. These substantial OER performances of AC‐V2O5 could be ascribed to the synergistic effects from both the electrochemically active V2O5 nanorods and the highly conductive AC nanosheets. The results infer that the AC‐V2O5 nanocomposites possess a substantial aptitude as a high‐performance OER electrocatalyst for production of the future green energy source—hydrogen.
Plaque Ruptures Are Related to High Plaque Stress and Strain Conditions: Direct Verification by Using In Vivo OCT Rupture Data and FSI Models
Authors: Zhao Chen , Lv Rui , Maehara Akiko , Wang Liang , Gao Zhanqun , Xu Yishuo , Guo Xiaoya , Zhu Yanwen , Huang Mengde , Zhang Xiaoguo , Zhu Jian , Yu Bo , Jia Haibo , Mintz Gary S. , Tang Dalin
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

While it has been hypothesized that high plaque stress and strain may be related to plaque rupture, its direct verification using in vivo coronary plaque rupture data and full 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models is lacking in the current literature due to difficulty in obtaining in vivo plaque rupture imaging data from patients with acute coronary syndrome. This case-control study aims to use high-resolution optical coherence tomography–verified in vivo plaque rupture data and 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models to seek direct evidence for the high plaque stress/strain hypothesis.

METHODS:

In vivo coronary plaque optical coherence tomography data (5 ruptured plaques, 5 no-rupture plaques) were acquired from patients using a protocol approved by the local institutional review board with informed consent obtained. The ruptured caps were reconstructed to their prerupture morphology using neighboring plaque cap and vessel geometries. Optical coherence tomography–based 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models were constructed to obtain plaque stress, strain, and flow shear stress data for comparative analysis. The rank-sum test in the nonparametric test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Our results showed that the average maximum cap stress and strain values of ruptured plaques were 142% (457.70 versus 189.22 kPa;
P
=0.0278) and 48% (0.2267 versus 0.1527 kPa;
P
=0.0476) higher than that for no-rupture plaques, respectively. The mean values of maximum flow shear stresses for ruptured and no-rupture plaques were 145.02 dyn/cm
2
and 81.92 dyn/cm
2
(
P
=0.1111), respectively. However, the flow shear stress difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

This preliminary case-control study showed that the ruptured plaque group had higher mean maximum stress and strain values. Due to our small study size, larger scale studies are needed to further validate our findings.
Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Afolabi Jeremiah , Laffer Cheryl L. , Beasley Heather K. , Hinton Antentor , Masenga Sepiso K. , Kirabo Annet
Published: May 2024

The year 2024 marks the centennial of the initiation of the American Heart Association. Over the past 100 years, the American Heart Association has led groundbreaking discoveries in cardiovascular disease including salt sensitivity of blood pressure, which has been studied since the mid-1900s. Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events, but the phenotype remains unclear because of insufficient understanding of the underlying mechanisms and lack of feasible diagnostic tools. In honor of this centennial, we commemorate the initial discovery of salt sensitivity of blood pressure and chronicle the subsequent scientific discoveries and efforts to mitigate salt-induced cardiovascular disease with American Heart Association leading the way. We also highlight determinants of the pathophysiology of salt sensitivity of blood pressure in humans and recent developments in diagnostic methods and future prospects.
Influence of Blood Pressure Reduction on Pulse Wave Velocity in Primary Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis and Comparison With an Acute Modulation of Transmural Pressure
Authors: McNally Ryan J. , Boguslavskyi Andrii , Malek Rayka , Floyd Christopher N. , Cecelja Marina , Douiri Abdel , Bruno Rosa-Maria , Farukh Bushra , Chowienczyk Phil , Faconti Luca
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Increased arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the aorta and large arteries impose adverse hemodynamic effects on the heart and other organs. Antihypertensive treatment reduces PWV, but it is unknown whether this results from an unloading of stiffer elements in the arterial wall or is due to an alternate functional or structural change that might differ according to class of antihypertensive drug.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of different antihypertensive drug classes and duration of treatment on PWV with and without adjustment for change in mean arterial blood pressure (BP; study 1) and compared this to the change in PWV after an acute change in transmural pressure, simulating an acute change in BP (study 2).

RESULTS:

A total of 83 studies involving 6200 subjects were identified. For all drug classes combined, the reduction of PWV was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.46–0.83) m/s per 10 mm Hg reduction in mean arterial BP, a change similar to that induced by an acute change in transmural pressure in a group of hypertensive subjects. When adjusted for change in mean arterial BP, the reduction in PWV after treatment with beta-blockers or diuretics was less than that after treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor antagonists or calcium channel antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reduction in PWV after antihypertensive treatment is largely explained by the reduction in BP, but there are some BP-independent effects. These might increase over time and contribute to better outcomes over the long term, but this remains to be demonstrated in long-term clinical trials.
Analyzing asymmetry in brain hierarchies with a linear state-space model of resting-state fMRI data
Authors: Benozzo Danilo , Baggio Giacomo , Baron Giorgia , Chiuso Alessandro , Zampieri Sandro , Bertoldo Alessandra
Published: May 2024

This study challenges the traditional focus on zero-lag statistics in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) research. Instead, it advocates for considering time-lag interactions to unveil the directionality and asymmetries of the brain hierarchy. Effective connectivity (EC), the state matrix in dynamical causal modeling (DCM), is a commonly used metric for studying dynamical properties and causal interactions within a linear state-space system description. Here, we focused on how time-lag statistics are incorporated within the framework of DCM resulting in an asymmetric EC matrix. Our approach involves decomposing the EC matrix, revealing a steady-state differential cross-covariance matrix that is responsible for modeling information flow and introducing time-irreversibility. Specifically, the system’s dynamics, influenced by the off-diagonal part of the differential covariance, exhibit a curl steady-state flow component that breaks detailed balance and diverges the dynamics from equilibrium. Our empirical findings indicate that the EC matrix’s outgoing strengths correlate with the flow described by the differential cross covariance, while incoming strengths are primarily driven by zero-lag covariance, emphasizing conditional independence over directionality.
Religion, Morality, and Democracy in Ghana
Authors: Haynes Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

Many Ghanaians express concern about what they regard as a serious decline in morality and integrity, at both elite and popular levels. The decline is believed to fuel corruption, undermine national development, and diminish faith in democracy as the best available system of government. The paper argues that a close relationship between Ghana’s largest church, the Church of Pentecost (CoP), and the country’s two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, threatens Ghana’s secular constitution and the country’s three decades of democracy in two ways. First, the CoP wants undemocratically to impose a framework to control Ghanaians’ moral behaviour according to the church’s values and beliefs. Second, the CoP’s influence on Ghana’s two main political parties seeks to prioritise power and control over all Ghanaians regardless of their religious affiliation and of the country’s commitment to democratic norms and institutions.
Revisiting the Deviation Effects of Irrelevant Sound on Serial and Nonserial Tasks
Authors: Nakajima Yu , Ashida Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Two types of disruptive effects of irrelevant sound on visual tasks have been reported: the changing-state effect and the deviation effect. The idea that the deviation effect, which arises from attentional capture, is independent of task requirements, whereas the changing-state effect is specific to tasks that require serial processing, has been examined by comparing tasks that do or do not require serial-order processing. While many previous studies used the missing-item task as the nonserial task, it is unclear whether other cognitive tasks lead to similar results regarding the different task specificity of both effects. Kattner et al. (Memory and Cognition, 2023) used the mental-arithmetic task as the nonserial task, and failed to demonstrate the deviation effect. However, there were several procedural factors that could account for the lack of deviation effect, such as differences in design and procedures (e.g., conducted online, intermixed conditions). In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the deviation effect could be observed in both the serial-recall and mental-arithmetic tasks when these procedural factors were modified. We found strong evidence of the deviation effect in both the serial-recall and the mental-arithmetic tasks when stimulus presentation and experimental design were aligned with previous studies that demonstrated the deviation effect (e.g., conducted in-person, blockwise presentation of sound, etc.). The results support the idea that the deviation effect is not task-specific.
Phylogenetic position of Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis (Dinosauria: Theropoda: Ornithomimosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous of Thailand
Authors: SAMATHI ADUN
Published: May 2024

A small-bodied ornithomimosaur, Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis Buffetaut, Suteethorn, and Tong 2009, from the Lower Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation of northeastern Thailand was first reported in 1995, then named in 2009. It is the only report of this group in Southeast Asia and was concluded to be a member of Ornithomimosauria, more derived than Harpymimus and Garudimimus but more basal than Archaeornithomimus. Since then, a few published studies have analyzed the phylogenetic position of Kinnareemimus but failed to find it within the clade Ornithomimosauria. Here, the phylogenetic analyses for assessing the relationships of Kinnareemimus within Ornithomimosauria were performed. The results suggested it might be a basal ornithomimosaur or belongs to the subclade Deinocheiridae. Kinnareemimus shares with deinocheirids the proximally projected cnemial crest and the shape of the fibula in proximal view. Its metatarsal III shows subarctometatarsalian condition with metatarsal III pinched between II and IV but visible in anterior view proximally, which might have evolved independently from other ornithomimids. However, the basal position of Kinnareemimus could also be due to the immaturity and the incomplete nature of this animal.
Two new American species of Aberrapex (Eucestoda: Lecanicephalidea: Aberrapecidae) from myliobatid stingrays (Batoidea: Myliobatidae)
Authors: QUADROS ALEX L.
Published: May 2024

Here I describe Aberrapex panamensis sp. nov., a parasite of the rough eagle ray Aetomylaeus asperrimus from the eastern Pacific coast of Panama, and Aberrapex catarinensis sp. nov., found in Myliobatis goodei off southern coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Aberrapex panamensis sp. nov. is the second record of Aberrapex Jensen, 2001 for the eastern Pacific Ocean and A. catarinensis sp. nov. is the fifth species of the genus registered in southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The two new species are morphologically distinct from all their congeners. Aberrapex panamensis sp. nov. and A. catarinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the majority of their congeners by the microthrix pattern on the scolex surface, number of proglottids and testes, length and width of the scolex, uterus extension, and presence and extension of an external seminal vesicle. The description of these two new species of lecanicephalideans expands the knowledge of this cestode order, with A. panamensis sp. nov. being the third species of the genus reported from Aetomylaeus Garman, and A. catarinensis sp. nov. being the sixth species of Aberrapex reported from Myliobatis Cuvier.
Runoff Variability in the Truckee–Carson River Basin from Tree Rings and a Water Balance Model
Authors: Meko David M. , Biondi Franco , Taylor Alan H. , Panyushkina Irina P. , Thaxton Richard D. , Prusevich Alexander A. , Shiklomanov Alexander I. , Lammers Richard B. , Glidden Stanley
Published: May 2024

Regional warming and associated changes in hydrologic systems pose challenges to water supply management in river basins of the western United States and call for improved understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of runoff. We apply a network of total width, subannual width, and delta blue intensity tree-ring chronologies in combination with a monthly water balance model to identify droughts and their associated precipitation P and temperature T footprints in the Truckee–Carson River basin (TCRB). Stepwise regression gave reasonably accurate reconstructions, from 1688 to 1999, of seasonal P and T (e.g., R2 = 0.50 for May–September T). These were disaggregated to monthly values, which were then routed through a water balance model to generate “indirectly” reconstructed runoff. Reconstructed and observed annual runoff correlate highly (r = 0.80) from 1906 to 1999. The extended runoff record shows that twentieth-century droughts are unmatched in severity in a 300-yr context. Our water balance modeling reconstruction advances the conventional regression-based dendrochronological methods as it allows for multiple hydrologic components (evapotranspiration, snowmelt, etc.) to be evaluated. We found that imposed warming (3° and 6°C) generally exacerbated the runoff deficits in past droughts but that impact could be lessened and sometimes even reversed in some years by compensating factors, including changes in snow regime. Our results underscore the value of combining multiproxy tree-ring data with water balance modeling to place past hydrologic droughts in the context of climate change.

Significance Statement

We show how water balance modeling in combination with tree-ring data helps place modern droughts in the context of the past few centuries and a warming climate. Seasonal precipitation and temperature were reconstructed from multiproxy tree-ring data for a mountainous location near Lake Tahoe, and these reconstructions were routed through a water balance model to get a record of monthly runoff, snowmelt, and other water balance variables from 1688 to 1999. The resulting extended annual runoff record highlights the unmatched severity of twentieth-century droughts. A warming of 3°C imposed on reconstructed temperature generally exacerbates the runoff anomalies in past droughts, but this effect is sometimes offset by warming-related changes in the snow regime.
Influence of Natural External Forcings on Interdecadal Variation of Global Land Monsoon over the Last Millennium in CESM-LME
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Li Laurent Z. X. , Shi Xiaoyi , Wang Jianglin , Jia Jia
Published: May 2024

Interdecadal variations of the global land monsoon have been previously attributed to internal fluctuations of the climate system, but the role of natural external forcings was underexplored. Here, we investigate this issue by using the Community Earth System Model ensemble simulations over the last millennium (LM) (AD 950–1850). Our analysis reveals that the surface temperature, with two dominant structures (global cooling/warming and longitudinal sea surface temperature gradient in the tropical Pacific, which affects the Walker circulation), predominantly shapes the leading forced mode of the global land monsoon. This mode, representing 19% of the total variance, manifests as consistent features across South Asia, the southern part of East Asia, North Australia, South America, and western South Africa, contrasting with other monsoon regions. Under global cooling conditions, the monsoon intensity is enhanced in the northern parts of the East Asian and eastern parts of the North and South African monsoons, but it decreases in the other monsoon regions. Under weak Walker circulation conditions, changes in atmospheric circulation in response to the sea surface temperature gradient in the tropical Pacific are associated with a substantial attenuation of almost all land monsoon regions. It was further shown that the global mean surface temperature and the tropical Pacific temperature gradient jointly account for 75% of the total variance in the leading mode of the global land monsoon, with 29% and 46% as their respective contributions. Furthermore, our results suggest that volcanic eruptions are the dominant external forcing for these variations. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on global monsoon dynamics.

Significance Statement

Our study using the Community Earth System Model reveals that surface temperature significantly impacts decadal global land monsoon (GLM) variations during the last millennium. Two key factors in relation to global-scale cooling/warming and changes in the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature gradient affect the GLM’s leading forced mode. The leading forced GLM features remain consistent across regions like South Asia, southern East Asia, North Australia, South America, and western South Africa. Under global cooling, monsoon intensities in most land monsoon regions are enhanced, while they are reduced in northern East Asian land monsoon regions. In contrast, weak tropical Pacific temperature gradient conditions cause a decrease in intensities in almost all land monsoon regions. Additionally, the global mean surface temperature and the tropical Pacific temperature gradient account for 75% of the total variance in the leading forced GLM variations, contributing 29% and 46%, respectively. Notably, volcanic eruptions emerge as the key external factor influencing these variations.
Multicultural Counseling Skills Evaluation Form: A Tool for Clinical Supervision
Authors: Sahu Ankita , Bell Anne-Stuart , Ridley Charles R. , Tran Vy
Published: May 2024

As trainees’ development of multicultural counseling skills has become integral to graduate training in the mental health professions, so has the necessity of competent supervision for developing these skills. A critical component of supervision is evaluation, the process of observing, judging, and providing feedback to supervisees about their development. However, there is a paucity of guidance and resources available to assist supervisors in evaluating the multicultural skill development of supervisees. Such a vacuum opens the door for considerable bias as well as judgmental and inferential errors, resulting in the real possibility of unsound, unreliable, and invalid evaluations of supervisee development. This article presents the Multicultural Counseling Skills Evaluation Form (MCSEF), a 23-item instrument designed to fill the vacuum. The conceptual foundation of the form, development of items and revisions through expert review, potential utility in training and evaluation, and limitations are discussed.
Social Participation Patterns Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Community Social Cohesion and Health
Authors: Cheung Ethan Siu Leung
Published: May 2024

The objectives of this study were to investigate groupwide variations in social participation among older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and how such variations were associated with their community social cohesion and health. Data were from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2019–2020; n = 2,597 adults aged 65 or older). Latent class analysis was used to identify groupwide variations in social participation. These variations were then incorporated into adjusted regressions to test relationships with social cohesion and health. Four participation patterns emerged: active, selective independent, occasional, and selective religious participants. Selective independent and occasional participants were likely to live in less socially cohesive communities. During the pandemic, active participants were likely to report better self-rated health and lower risks of depressive and anxiety symptoms and dementia. Findings highlight directions for policy and intervention design that can enhance social participation and support healthy aging.
Proxeniaas a Model for Early Christian Host-Leaders
Authors: Borges Jason
Published: May 2024

To mitigate the costs and risks of travel, Greek communities utilized the formal social institution of proxenia. The honorific title of proxenos (“public host”) was bestowed upon someone in another community who provided travelers with hospitality services, such as physical accommodation, social access, and legal protections. This social institution of proxenia, similar to but more specific than ancient patronage or benefaction, offers a fruitful heuristic model for interpreting travel among early Christians and the role of host-leaders within the emerging movement. Itinerant Christians would have utilized the proxenos-paradigm and cultivated proxenos-like relationships with prominent Christian hosts. This paper examines how Philemon and Phoebe functioned as proxenos-like hosts for Christians traveling through their respective cities. We conclude with discussions regarding the prominence and authority of proxenia-like host-leaders within early Christian social networks. Such people with the capacity to facilitate travel and grant social inclusion amassed significant power, as they became the centralized nodes enabling social connectivity..
Idolizing Aaron: Aaron Defended or Disparaged?
Authors: Zucker David J.
Published: May 2024

Without doubt Aaron is intimately involved in the creation of the molten/golden calf. Does he act with good faith seeking to delay action until Moses descends from Mt Sinai, or because he fears for his life if he refuses to act? (He did the best he could under the circumstances.) Idolizing Aaron could mean “Defending Aaron.” Or Idolizing Aaron could mean Aaron-as-idol-maker, “Disparaging Aaron.” The preponderance of post-biblical writings exonerates Aaron, a minority view is that he is a blasphemer.
Original Eden Story
Authors: Hur Unsok
Published: May 2024

Numerous scholars have proposed varied theories as to how the story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2-3 arrived at its present text. In this paper, I will offer a different sense of the original Eden story stemming from a new perspective that differs from existing theories. In this paper I present sufficient evidence to derive the original Eden story from the present text of Genesis 2-3. Most importantly, Genesis 3:22-24 diverges from other parts of Genesis 3 as the subject of the action in Genesis 3:22-24 changes abruptly. As a second reason, I will point out the problem of overlapping narratives, and how more fundamental narratives can be separated. This paper uses these grounds to reconstruct the original Eden story.
Fighting the good fight: Relating warmth and dominance across romantic conflict to resolution
Authors: Gibson Sidney , Slotter Erica B. , Markey Patrick M.
Published: May 2024

Research on romantic conflict has persuasively documented that the way partners communicate with one another during disagreements is a driving factor in predicting how they perceive the conflicts in their relationships. The current research added to this literature by differentiating couples who resolve conflicts more, versus less, successfully. Specifically, the current work examined how couples’ behavioral trajectories across the course of conflict related to their perceptions of conflict resolution. To this end, we coded warmth and dominance behaviors exhibited by 173 couple members (346 individuals) over the course of an eight-minute conflict discussion. We examined how participants’, and their partners’, perceptions of conflict resolution were related to their interpersonal behaviors. In line with predictions, less average interpersonal warmth was associated with worse perceptions of resolution, and declining warmth over time was also associated with worse perceptions of resolution. Dominance behaviors were not associated with conflict resolution perceptions.
Future directions for context in ICT4D: A systematic literature review
Authors: Pyram Sonel
Published: May 2024

The digital divide between the Global South and North has been a major concern for researchers from various fields in the past two decades. This divide has led to an increased focus on research related to information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) and other relevant disciplines. Given the prevalence of dominant paradigms that often lead to aggregated and context-free observations, this paper emphasizes the role of context in ICT4D while advocating for more nuanced, context-specific approaches in research and policy formulation. Through a systematic literature review, it proposes a conceptual framework that captures the psycho-social and the structural dimensions of context in ICT4D as well as their impact on success of related projects. The paper highlights the need for tailored theories addressing often overlooked elements such as language, ethnicity, religion, government change, political instability, and legal frameworks in the context of ICT4D. The proposed framework offers a roadmap for researchers to navigate the complex context of ICT4D, especially in the realm of emerging technologies.
Is There a Timeless Truth for Good Arrangement of Paintings in Art Galleries and Museums? An Experimental Investigation of the Barnes Collection
Authors: Thömmes Katja , Hübner Ronald , Hayn-Leichsenring Gregor U.
Published: May 2024

The Barnes Foundation is a traditional art collection and it is one of a kind as for the assorted hanging of the paintings. The sophisticated wall compositions by Albert Barnes were created as a tool for art education, and they have not been altered since 1951. Today, we are interested whether Barnes’ taste withstood the test of time. We asked participants in an online study to create their own hangings on five of the original gallery walls, and also tested whether beholders are able to identify a missing painting from a selection of suitable alternatives. Results show that Barnes’ motifs are reproduced by a significant number of participants and that experts produce more Barnes-like displays than naive participants. We conclude that Albert Barnes based his choices at least to some degree on universally valid visual aspects that are still understood today, especially by people trained in the visual domain.
Perceptions, Knowledge, and Emotions About Owls in Southern Ecuador
Authors: Iñiguez-Gallardo Verónica , Reyes-Bueno Fabián , González-Coronel Ivonne , Freile Juan , Ordóñez-Delgado Leonardo
Published: May 2024

Owls hold significant utilitarian and aesthetic values for humans, ranging from pest control to ecotourism. However, cultural beliefs rooted in negative perceptions and emotions have led to conflicts and threats to many owl species. In South America, research on the relationship between owls and people is limited. This study aims to identify the variables involved in the construction of social knowledge, perceptions, and emotions toward owls. Face-to-face questionnaires were administered to residents in southern Ecuador. The data were analyzed using decision trees, a novel approach in ethnobiology. The results indicate that participants exhibited accurate knowledge of owl diet and habitat, with a majority having previous owl sightings and familiarity with their vocalizations. These factors, along with the sources informing their knowledge (such as school and family), contribute to the development of neutral perceptions and emotions toward these birds. The majority of participants recognize the importance of owls for the environment and support their conservation, with these two variables playing a crucial role in shaping positive emotions. Additionally, perceptions and emotions are primarily influenced by the region of residence. The presented data provide valuable insights into the significance of social perceptions and emotions in designing strategies to mitigate intentional owl mortality and persecution resulting from misconceptions and misperceptions.
Tribology-Based Specifications for Assessing the Production Temperatures of Asphalt Binder
Authors: Wagh Vivek Pratap , Gupta Ankit
Published: May 2024

The success of warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology and polymer-modified binders (PMB) depends on the accurate determination of the production temperatures. To date, no standard protocol has been developed to determine the production temperatures of the WMA technology. Recent studies have shown that the production temperature is related to the friction between the aggregate and asphalt binder, which can be explored using tribology. This study attempted to develop a tribology-based approach to evaluate the production temperature of WMA-modified binder and PMB. The ball-on-the-three-plate test was performed using different normal loads (1N, 3N, 5N, and 10N) and sliding speeds (0.05 m/s, 0.1 m/s, and 0.3 m/s). The test results were compared with the equi-viscous (EQ) method. Production temperatures obtained from the EQ method were inappropriate for WMA and PMB. Results of the tribology study showed that the normal load of 1N and 0.3 m/s was found suitable for evaluating the production temperatures. Adding WMA additives resulted in a lower coefficient of friction (CoF), whereas PMB showed higher CoF than viscosity grade binder (V8, which is used for WMA modification). The addition of WMA additive reduced the production temperatures of V8, and reduction was a function of the WMA additive type. Temperature ranges corresponding to the CoF of 0.26 ± 0.021 and 0.33 ± 0.023 were proposed for assessing the mixing and compaction temperatures, respectively.
Potential Impacts of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles on Controlling Criteria for Road Geometric Design: A Review
Authors: Hossain Md Mahmud , Lima Mohammad Reza Abbaszadeh , Zhou Huaguo
Published: May 2024

The development of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) has progressed rapidly with advancements in intelligent transportation systems, automated driving technologies, and regulatory reforms worldwide. As the efficiency and safety of surface transportation heavily rely on highway geometric design, understanding the impact of CAVs on design control elements is essential to fully capitalize the benefits CAVs may offer. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature to synthesize how CAVs can influence the controlling criteria for highway geometric design. Over 30 articles were thoroughly reviewed to gain insights into the impacts of CAVs on highway design and potential explanations for them. As CAVs could potentially reduce the minimum required stopping sight distance, they create opportunities to decrease other geometric dimensions, such as horizontal curve radius, length of vertical curves, horizontal sight offset, extra widening, and so on. However, this optimization is more feasible in an environment with fewer human-driven vehicles. Moreover, further related research needs to be done in mixed traffic streams and complex driving conditions. The critical discussions of this study can offer valuable insights, shedding light on the potential benefits and implications that an automated transportation sector may bring to future road geometry design.