bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Neuro)Aesthetics: Beauty, ugliness, and ethics
Authors: Dietrich Philip , Knieper Thomas
Published: August 2021

The objective of this essay is a holistic view of aesthetics, ethics, and neuroaesthetics. After a few introductory case studies, aesthetics is systematically introduced as a philosophical subdiscipline. This perspective is then expanded from aesthetics to neuroaesthetics. Using various art forms as well as current media formats, the aspects of beauty and ugliness are discussed, and aesthetic properties are expanded to include ethical implications. These can be expressed through ideals of beauty and the compulsion for body transformation. This perspective is then expanded from aesthetics to neuroaesthetics. From this point of view of art, the so‐called golden ratio will play a central role. It will be shown how representations affect people and what ethical implications are associated with the effects. Therefore, this essay first has to look at art from the perspective of neuroaesthetics, and then consider the ethical aspects of the beautiful and the ugly. The considerations lead to a brief discussion of Socrates's three sieves.
Registration of three peanut allotetraploid interspecific hybrids resistant to late leaf spot disease and tomato spotted wilt
Authors: Chu Ye , Stalker H. Thomas , Marasigan Kathleen , Levinson Chandler M. , Gao Dongying , Bertioli David J. , Leal‐Bertioli Soraya C. M. , Holbrook C. Corley , Jackson Scott A. , Ozias‐Akins Peggy
Published: August 2021

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has a narrow genetic base and is isolated from its wild relatives. This genetic bottleneck results in a lack of strong resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. However, high levels of genetic variation and resistance exist among the wild relatives. In order to enlarge the genetic base of cultivated peanut and introgress beneficial alleles from the wild relatives, interspecific hybrids were produced among a set of selected diploid species. Upon colchicine treatment, fertile allotetraploids were recovered from three combinations including (A. ipaënsis KG 30076  × A. correntina GKP 9530)4x (Reg. no. GP‐241, PI 695391), (A. ipaënsis KG 30076 × A. duranensis KGBSPSc 30060)4x (Reg. no. GP‐242, PI 695392), and (A. valida KG30011 × A. stenosperma V 10309)4x (Reg. no. GP‐243, PI 695393). All of them demonstrated high levels of resistance to leaf spot diseases in the field. Tolerance to Tomato spotted wilt virus was found in (A. valida KG 30011 × A. stenosperma V 10309)4x. These newly created allotetraploids are cross‐compatible with cultivated peanut. These genetic resources will provide peanut breeding researchers with new sources of disease resistances to improve the agronomic performance of cultivated peanut.
Incorporating polymers within a single‐crystal: From heterogeneous structure to multiple functions
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Yujing , Li Hanying
Published: August 2021

Single‐crystals, commonly considered as homogeneous solids, are able to be internally interfaced abnormally with guest polymers, which can be found in the biominerals where single‐crystals incorporate surrounding biomacromolecules to reinforce their mechanical properties. This unique feature combining heterogeneous structure and long‐range atomic ordering have attracted abundant investigations of reproducing their synthetic analogs to expand the potential application scope. Here, we summarize the recent progresses in the synthetic single‐crystal composites, where polymer guests are incorporated inside single‐crystals to generate heterogeneous structures without interruption to the long‐range ordering of crystal hosts. First, the uniform and patterned encapsulations inside the various single‐crystals are concluded in the sequence of isolated and continuous polymer‐based guests. In addition, the mechanisms are classified chemically and physically, and the corresponding controlled factors that govern the incorporation processes are discussed. Most importantly, typical attempts on the applications of these heterogeneous single crystals are introduced, including mechanical reinforcement, bandgap engineering, catalyst, self‐healing, controlled release, and optoelectronic devices. We aim at stressing on the current and potential applications benefited from the unique structural properties of the polymer incorporated single‐crystals, and accordingly propose the perspectives to accelerate the path from the structural analysis toward prosperous functions.
Phase 1 study in healthy participants of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of enpatoran (M5049), a dual antagonist of toll‐like receptors 7 and 8
Authors: Port Andreas , Shaw Jamie V. , Klopp‐Schulze Lena , Bytyqi Afrim , Vetter Claudia , Hussey Elizabeth , Mammasse Nadra , Ona Victor , Bachmann Angelika , Strugala Denis , Reh Christian , Goteti Kosalaram
Published: August 2021

This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and multiple oral doses of enpatoran (formerly named M5049), a new toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 dual antagonist, and the effect of food on a single dose in healthy participants. In this single phase 1, randomized (3:1), double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 96 participants received single and multiple ascending oral doses of enpatoran. Participants in single‐dose cohorts received one dose of enpatoran (1, 3, 9, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg) or placebo using a sentinel dosing strategy. Multiple‐dose cohorts received enpatoran (9, 25, or 200 mg once daily, or 25 or 50 mg twice daily) or placebo for 14 days. Safety, tolerability, PK, and PD (ex vivo‐stimulated cytokine secretion) were assessed in both parts. The effect of food was assessed in an open‐label, one‐way crossover study in the 25 mg single‐dose cohort. Single‐ and multiple‐oral doses of enpatoran up to 200 mg were well tolerated and no significant dose‐limiting adverse events or safety signals were observed under fasting or fed conditions. PK parameters were linear and dose‐proportional across the dose range evaluated, with a slightly delayed absorption and lower peak concentration observed at 25 mg with food. Exposure‐dependent inhibition of ex vivo‐stimulated interleukin‐6 secretion was observed, with maximum inhibition at 200 mg. Enpatoran was well tolerated at doses up to 200 mg. Further investigation of enpatoran is warranted as a potential treatment for diseases driven by TLR7/8 overactivation, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Ask the River: A Public Art and Placemaking Project
Authors: Billings Elizabeth , Lovett Evie , Wasserman Andrea
Published: August 2021

Intertwining people and place, Ask the River is a public art and placemaking project reconnecting the Brattleboro, Vermont community to the nearby Connecticut River. Ask the River is guided by the Abenaki understanding that people and place are one: we are the River, the River is us. Three artists and multiple community partners create public art for community–a riverscape of shimmering kinetic sculpture spanning the town's parking garage–and in community, in workshops using the hands‐on, accessible and engaging process of cyanotype. The River is inspiration and guide. The purpose of Ask the River is for the Brattleboro community to explore seeing ourselves as a part of, not separate from, the River: to create pathways of reconnection, to enable us to hear its voice.
Sketched Stochastic Dictionary Learning for large‐scale data and application to high‐throughput mass spectrometry
Authors: Permiakova Olga , Burger Thomas
Published: August 2021

Factorization of large data corpora has emerged as an essential technique to extract dictionaries (sets of patterns that are meaningful for sparse encoding). Following this line, we present a novel algorithm based on compressive learning theory. In this framework, the (arbitrarily large) dataset of interest is replaced by a fixed‐size sketch resulting from a random sampling of the data distribution characteristic function. We apply our algorithm to the extraction of chromatographic elution profiles in mass spectrometry data, where it demonstrates its efficiency and interest compared to other related algorithms.
Investigating the controls on greenhouse gas emission in the riparian zone of a small headwater catchment using an automated monitoring system
Authors: Wang Jihuan , Bogena Heye , Süß Thomas , Graf Alexander , Weuthen Ansgar , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Riparian zones as the transition zone between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems play an important role in C and N cycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As such, they may help to mitigate climate change but could also accelerate it, depending on the particular processes affected by changes in the hydrologic regime. Hydrological observations indicated frequent shallow groundwater in the riparian zone, especially near the stream and during the wet winter and spring seasons with consequently frequent occurrence of soil water saturation. The redox potential was mainly governed by the soil water regime: under water saturation conditions, the redox potential of the soil decreased and returned to the oxic state after soil drainage. We found that soil temperature and soil water content were the main drivers of the variations in CO2 fluxes, with highest CO2 emission during summer and the lowest emissions in the winter period (162.2–5.4 mg CO2–C m−2 h−1). The annual average daily N2O emission rate was low (2.3 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1), with the highest average daily N2O emission in March as a result of low temperature and partial soil saturation after heavy precipitation events (37.5 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1). Our study showed that continuous measurement of redox potential, soil temperature, and soil water content can improve the understanding of GHG emissions in riparian zones.
Antimicrobial and dye degradation application of fungi‐assisted silver nanoparticles and utilization of fungal retentate biomass for dye removal
Authors: Gola Deepak , Tyagi Pankaj Kumar , Arya Arvind , Gupta Dhriti , Raghav Jyoti , Kaushik Ankush , Agarwal Meenu , Chauhan Nitin , Srivastava Sunil Kumar
Published: August 2021

The present study utilized Aspergillus spp. for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs); the developed AgNPs were categorized using analytical techniques, that is, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer, Zeta‐potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A sharp peak of 463 nm highlighted the synthesis of AgNPs; further Zeta‐potential of −16 mV indicates stability of synthesized AgNPs. The TEM micrograph showed spherical and hexagonal shapes of synthesized AgNPs of 6–25 nm. The photocatalytic activity of fungal‐mediated AgNPs was evaluated for degradation of reactive yellow dye in the concentration range of 20–100 mg L−1. The results showed efficient degradation of dye using AgNPs in short span of time. For antibacterial activity, synthesized AgNPs, antibiotic, and AgNPs + antibiotic were tested. As per results, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of AgNPs showed the values of 13 and 10 mm for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Further, the ZOI of penicillin highlighted the values of 18 and 17 mm for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. When AgNPs and penicillin were used in combination, a clear synergistic effect was observed; the ZOI showed 0.49‐ and 0.36‐fold increase in area against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, in comparison with penicillin or AgNPs alone. Further, the leftover biomass (retentate biomass) was used to decolorize the reactive yellow dye at different initial concentration ranging from 20 to 100 mg L−1. It was observed that 1 g L−1 retentate biomass (BR) can effectively remove 82%–100% dye at 20 and 100 mg L−1 initial dye concentration. Results also indicated that with increase in initial reactive dye concentration from 20 to 100 mg L−1, the decolorization capacity of retentate biomass (BR) (at 0.2 g L−1) decreased from 79.2% to 32.3%. However, the use of AgNPs synthesized leftover fungal biomass can be a good option for up taking the additional dyes/contaminants, and also as leftover biomass can be utilized effectively, it can prove to be an excellent approach for environment safety. As the literature studies did not mentioned the further use of retentate biomass, the present study provides an excellent approach for further research on this aspect.

Practitioner points

Synthesis of AgNPs from Aspergillus spp. and characterized with the help of a U.V‐vis spectrophotometer, a zeta potential, DLS and TEM.

The developed AgNPs were used for antibacterial and dye degradation activity.

The left over (retentate) fungal biomass was used further for additional dye degradation activity
An accuracy comparison of piecewise linear reconstruction techniques for the characteristic finite volume method for two‐dimensional convection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Para Kanokwarun , Jitsom Bubpha , Eymard Robert , Sungnul Surattana , Sirisubtawee Sekson , Phongthanapanich Sutthisak
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we apply the characteristic finite volume method (CFVM) for solving a convection‐diffusion problem on two‐dimensional triangular grids. The finite volume method is used to discretize the equation while the finite element method is applied to estimate the gradient quantities at cell faces. The numerical analysis of the convergence has been implemented for the CFVM in one‐dimension. The approximate L2 norm of the error is derived to determine the errors for the approximate solution. The accuracy of four piecewise linear reconstruction techniques, namely, Frink, Holmes‐Connell, Green‐Gauss, and least‐squares methods are investigated on structured triangular grids. Numerical evidence shows that the least‐squares method is the most accurate of all methods for smooth initial condition problems. For discontinuous initial condition problems, the Frink and the Holmes‐Connell methods give a spurious oscillating solution in the vicinity of the discontinuity upstream of the discontinuity, and the Green‐Gauss and least‐squares methods give a spurious oscillating solution in the vicinity of the discontinuity downstream of the discontinuity. Moreover, the amplitude of the oscillation could be amplified on the finer grid sizes.
The Impact of the Music Industry in Europe and the Business Models Involved in Its Value Chain
Authors: de-Miguel-Molina Blanca , Boix-Doménech Rafael , Rausell-Köster Pau
Published: August 2021

This chapter analyses the impact of the music industry in Europe. Although the direct and indirect impact of this industry in the European economy is significant, the sector is made up of different activities and companies, which compete and encounter diverse challenges in it. The current situation of these companies and organisations is presented through an analysis of the business models of several enterprises engaging in a variety of activities throughout the industry’s value chain, such as music production, publishing, distribution and exhibition. Moreover, we analyse digital transformation and the growth in rivalry detected in these activities.
Soundcool: A Business Model for Cultural Industries Born Out of a Research Project
Authors: Lloret-Romero Nuria , Sastre-Martínez Jorge , Ospina-Gallego Crismary , Scarani Stefano
Published: August 2021

Soundcool is a system for musical, sound and visual collaborative creation through mobile phones, tablets and other interfaces. This paper describes the creation of the app from the outset, illustrating not only how the Soundcool® system has been developed from the initial idea to the current reality, but also the evolution that the app has had during this period and how it has become ready to use. The research group in the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) has played a key role in the development of the app. We also explain the opportunities for Soundcool in different markets and economic sectors. Last but not least, we describe how the idea has been financed to make it a reality.
The Intangible Cultural Landscape of the Banda Primitiva de Llíria
Authors: Santamarina-Campos Virginia , Gasent-Blesa José Luis , Alcocer-Torres Pau , Carabal-Montagud Mª Ángeles
Published: August 2021

The Banda Primitiva de Llíria is presented as an open heritage resource, which has been built on the uses, values and symbols assigned to it by the local town of Llíria and its inhabitants over the musical society’s two centuries of history. This work focuses on analysing how this musical phenomenon contributes to positioning creativity and cultural industries at the centre of local development, reinforcing the identity elements of Llíria and the Valencian Region. It intends to support the safeguarding, respect and awareness of one of the oldest civic bands in Spain, providing greater visibility and creating positive recognition of the fundamental importance of this form of intangible cultural heritage for social cohesion and development, in an environment that is transformed into one of collective action, shared culture and creativity.
Conclusions: Music as an Economic, Social, Cultural, Creative and Resilient Activity
Authors: de-Miguel-Molina María , Santamarina-Campos Virginia
Published: August 2021

Music, like many cultural and creative industries, can be analysed from symbolic, political and economic dimensions. It is a vibrant, highly resilient sector that has continued to evolve over time from prehistory to the present. Moreover, the music industry has developed in lockstep with technology, creating fascinating business models since the inception of the Internet, forcing companies and artists to adapt continuously to the new environment. This is also related to music customers, who change their preferences as new genres and trends appear. Governments are well aware of the opportunities that music affords to local development and have created public policies that boost the sector. On the other hand, music has also proved its educational role, and its function as an identity builder, especially in local environments where music is present in many festivities in the shape of bands. Mediterranean locations have a rich tradition in this type of musical societies and groups which create a collective identity that is transmitted from one generation to the next. Finally, music has not been immune to the crisis caused by the pandemic, though it has once again shown resilience in this respect, adapting rapidly to the new economic, societal and educational challenges that are currently affecting the entire world.
Effects of co-formulants on the absorption and secretion of active substances in plant protection products in vitro
Authors: Karaca Mawien , Fischer Benjamin Christian , Willenbockel Christian Tobias , Tralau Tewes , Marx-Stoelting Philip , Bloch Denise
Published: August 2021

Currently, the authorisation process for plant protection products (PPPs) relies on the testing of acute and topological toxicity only. Contrastingly, the evaluation of active substances includes a more comprehensive set of toxicity studies. Nevertheless, mixture effects of active ingredients and co-formulants may result in increased toxicity. Therefore, we investigated effects of surface active co-formulants on the toxicity of two PPPs focussing on qualitative and quantitative toxicokinetic effects on absorption and secretion. The respective products are based on the active substances abamectin and fluroxypyr-meptyl and were tested for cytotoxicity in the presence or absence of the corresponding surfactants and co-formulants using Caco-2 cells. In addition, the effect of co-formulants on increased cellular permeation was quantified using LC–MS/MS, while potential kinetic mixture effects were addressed by fluorescence anisotropy measurements and ATPase assays. The results show that surface active co-formulants significantly increase the cytotoxicity of the investigated PPPs, leading to more than additive mixture effects. Moreover, analytical investigations show higher efflux ratios of both active substances and the metabolite fluroxypyr upon combination with certain concentrations of the surfactants. The results further point to a significant and concentration-dependent inhibition of Pgp transporters by most of the surfactants as well as to increased membrane fluidity. Altogether, these findings strongly support the hypothesis that surfactants contribute to increased cytotoxicity of PPPs and do so by increasing the bioavailability of the respective active substances.
The application prospect of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Authors: Luo Junchao , Zhang Yin , Zhu Senbo , Tong Yu , Ji Lichen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Qiong , Bi Qing
Published: August 2021

The current understanding of osteoarthritis is developing from a mechanical disease caused by cartilage wear to a complex biological response involving inflammation, oxidative stress and other aspects. Nanoparticles are widely used in drug delivery due to its good stability in vivo and cell uptake efficiency. In addition to the above advantages, metal/metal oxide NPs, such as cerium oxide and manganese dioxide, can also simulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes and catalyze the degradation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide. Degrading of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles releases metal ions, which may slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by inhibiting inflammation, promoting cartilage repair and inhibiting cartilage ossification. In present review, we focused on recent research works concerning osteoarthritis treating with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, and introduced some potential nanoparticles that may have therapeutic effects.
Modification of EDC method for increased labeling efficiency and characterization of low-content protein in gum acacia using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multiple detectors
Authors: Zhang Meiyu , Nilsson Lars , Lee Seungho , Choi Jaeyeong
Published: August 2021

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) is widely used as a crosslinker for fluorescence labeling of protein in the fields of biochemistry and food analysis. Many natural polysaccharides often contain some proteins or peptides that are very low in content but play a vital role in their biological function as well as technical applications. Determination of these low-content proteinaceous matters requires a highly sensitive and selective method. In this study, a methodological approach for investigations of the presence of proteinaceous material over the molar mass distribution (MD) of polysaccharides was developed using gum acacia (GA) as a model polysaccharide. EDC fluorescence-labeling method was modified by changing the pH (7, 9, and 11) of the solution for the analysis of low-content protein in food materials. Fluorescence spectroscopy and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) were employed for characterizing the labeling efficiency and physiochemical properties of unlabeled and fluorescence-labeled GA. AF4 provided molar mass (M) and the radius of gyration (rG) of arabinogalactan (AG) and arabinogalactan protein complex (AGP) and determined the presence of proteinaceous matter over the MD. The labeling efficiencies of GA at pH 7, 9, and 11 determined by fluorescence spectroscopy were 56.5, 68.4, and 72.0%, respectively, with an increment of 15.5% when pH was increased from 7 to 11. The modified EDC fluorescence-labeling method allows highly sensitive and selective analysis of low-content proteinaceous matters and their distribution in natural polysaccharides.

Graphical abstract
Cross-chain deals and adversarial commerce
Authors: Herlihy Maurice , Liskov Barbara , Shrira Liuba
Published: August 2021

Modern distributed data management systems face a new challenge: how can autonomous, mutually distrusting parties cooperate safely and effectively? Addressing this challenge brings up familiar questions from classical distributed systems: how to combine multiple steps into a single atomic action, how to recover from failures, and how to synchronize concurrent access to data. Nevertheless, each of these issues requires rethinking when participants are autonomous and potentially adversarial. We propose the notion of a cross-chain deal, a new way to structure complex distributed computations that manage assets in an adversarial setting. Deals are inspired by classical atomic transactions, but are necessarily different, in important ways, to accommodate the decentralized and untrusting nature of the exchange. We describe novel safety and liveness properties, along with two alternative protocols for implementing cross-chain deals in a system of independent blockchain ledgers. One protocol, based on synchronous communication, is fully decentralized, while the other, based on semi-synchronous communication, requires a globally shared ledger. We also prove that some degree of centralization is required in the semi-synchronous communication model.
Does #Tamojunto alter the dynamic between drug use and school violence among youth? Secondary analysis from a large cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Gusmões Julia D. , Valente Juliana Y. , Eid Michael , Sanchez Zila M.
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated how intervention might alter the relationship between perpetrating violence and later drug use. A cluster-randomized controlled trial design involving 72 schools (38 intervention, 34 control) and 6390 students attending grades 7 and 8 was employed in Brazil. Drug use and violence were assessed at three points. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model examined the reciprocal association between drug use and school violence domains across the three data collection waves. For both groups, we found that the cross-lagged effect of perpetration on further drug use in adolescents was stronger than the reverse, but the interrelationship was not statistically significant between #Tamojunto and control schools. The carry-over effects of drug use and violence were also not significantly different between groups. There is a lack of evidence showing that #Tamojunto can modify the dynamics between drug use and school violence across the 21-month period. The direction of the causal effect (i.e., the more perpetration behavior, the more subsequent drug use behavior) is present, but weak in both groups. The trial registration protocol at the national Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials (REBEC) is #RBR-4mnv5g.
Dialysis-related carpal tunnel syndrome in the past 40 years
Authors: Hatano Masaki , Kitajima Izuru , Yamamoto Seizo , Nakamura Masaki , Isawa Kazuya , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hoshino Junichi , Sawa Naoki , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: August 2021

Purpose and method

Patients on hemodialysis develop carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to an accumulation of dialysis-related β2 microglobulin (β2m) amyloid (DRA). In Japan, dialysis technology has progressed remarkably in the past 40 years and has increased the time until patients require surgery for CTS. However, unclear is whether the time from the start of hemodialysis to the first surgery for CTS is associated with β2m clearance by the different hemodialysis techniques. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated β2m clearance, serum β2m levels, and the change in the length of this period in patients across 4 periods according to the year that first surgery for CTS was performed: period 1, 1982–1989; period 2, 1990–1999; period 3, 2000–2009; and period 4, 2010–2019.

Result

A total of 222 patients who met the selection criteria were included. Mean β2m clearance was −1.8 ± 16.7% in period 1, and improved to 65.4 ± 8.6% in period 3. Accordingly, the serum β2m value after hemodialysis decreased significantly. The time from the start of hemodialysis to the first surgery for CTS was 12.4 ± 2.9 years in period 1 but increased to 21.8 ± 6.3 years in period 3. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the significant factors contributing to β2m clearance were periods 2, 3, and 4. In particular, the relation between removal of β2m and the extension of the dialysis vintage in period 1 and 2 was remarkable compared with periods 3 and 4.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that improvement of β2m clearance via advances in dialysis technology might result in a significant extension in the time between starting HD and the first surgery for CTS.
A carbuncle cure for the Harten-Lax-van Leer contact (HLLC) scheme using a novel velocity-based sensor
Authors: Vevek U. S. , Zang B. , New T. H.
Published: August 2021

A hybrid numerical flux scheme is proposed by adapting the carbuncle-free modified Harten-Lax-van Leer contact (HLLCM) scheme to smoothly revert to the Harten-Lax-van Leer contact (HLLC) scheme in regions of shear. This hybrid scheme, referred to as the HLLCT scheme, employs a novel, velocity-based shear sensor. In contrast to the non-local pressure-based shock sensors often used in carbuncle cures, the proposed shear sensor can be computed in a localized manner meaning that the HLLCT scheme can be easily introduced into existing codes without having to implement additional data structures. Through numerical experiments, it is shown that the HLLCT scheme is able to resolve shear layers accurately without succumbing to the shock instability.
Collective action problems and governance barriers to sea-level rise adaptation in San Francisco Bay
Authors: Lubell Mark , Stacey Mark , Hummel Michelle A.
Published: August 2021

This paper translates Ostrom’s “diagnostic approach” for social-ecological systems to identify the collective action problems and core governance barriers for sea-level rise adaptation in the San Francisco Bay Area. The diagnostic approach considers variables related to the resource system, the resource units, the users, and the governance system. Coupled ecological-infrastructure models identify two core collective action problems: vulnerability interdependency and adaptation interdependency. Qualitative social science case study methods identify the key structural governance and behavioral barriers to cooperation and ongoing activities to address them. The diagnostic approach is potentially applicable to any coastal regions that are vulnerable to sea-level rise and also other climate adaptation issues where vulnerability and adaptation interdependencies require overcoming governance challenges to collective action.
Mobilizing private adaptation finance: lessons learned from the Green Climate Fund
Authors: Stoll P. P. , Pauw W. P. , Tohme F. , Grüning C.
Published: August 2021

The mobilization of effective private sector engagement is considered to be critical to address the adaptation challenge, but literature demonstrates that it has proven difficult. In the context of international climate finance, the focus has been on mobilizing private finance for adaptation and in addressing barriers that prevent investments from materializing. In contrast, this article identifies options to engage the private sector in adaptation beyond finance and focuses on market imperfections instead of barriers. This moves the focus away from simply mobilizing more private adaptation finance towards identifying market forces that innovate, engage, and direct investments towards adaptation. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and its portfolio of 74 adaptation projects serve as a case study. Two of these projects are categorized as private sector projects and an additional nine mobilize private co-finance or non-financial private contributions. Beyond these two indicators, we demonstrate that an additional 60 projects engage the private sector in other ways, thus indicating the important broader role of the private sector in adaptation. Furthermore, our ordinal regression demonstrates that by addressing the market imperfections of positive externalities, imperfect financial markets, and incomplete and/or asymmetric information, all have a significant positive effect on private sector engagement in the GCF’s adaptation portfolio. Both findings indicate that there is a large potential for the GCF—and other climate finance providers—to increase private sector engagement in adaptation. It must be noted, however, that the mobilization of private sector engagement in adaptation is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The main aim should be to adapt society as a whole in an efficient manner, including the most vulnerable groups and people.
Medical and public health instructors’ perceptions of online teaching: A qualitative study using the Technology Acceptance Model 2
Authors: Zhu Meina , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2021

Many universities in the U.S. shifted from in-person teaching to online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instructors’ acceptance of online teaching plays a crucial role, as the acceptance level can impact instructors’ online teaching behaviors. This qualitative study examined medicine and public health instructors’ perceptions of online teaching using the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2) model. Through semi-structured interviews with ten instructors in a Midwest university in the U.S., this study found that instructors had a high level of acceptance of online teaching. Instructors perceived the usefulness of online teaching in terms of learning objectives, assessment, instructional methods, and learning experience. Online teaching was perceived as useful overall, although challenges existed, such as online interaction, assessment, and hands-on practices. Regarding ease of use in online teaching, instructors perceived technology was easy to use; yet some pedagogical challenges existed, such as class engagement, the focus of learners’ attention, and transforming hands-on lab or clinical sessions online. The blended model is recommended to use for teaching and learning in medical and public health education post the pandemic. Detailed implications for practice and research were discussed in the end.
Nitro- and oxy-PAHs in grassland soils from decade-long sampling in central Europe
Authors: Wietzoreck M. , Bandowe B. A. M. , Hofman J. , Martiník J. , Nežiková B. , Kukučka P. , Přibylová P. , Lammel G.
Published: August 2021

Long-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitrated (NPAHs) and oxygenated (OPAHs) derivatives can cause adverse health effects due to their carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and oxidative potential. The distribution of PAH derivatives in the terrestrial environment has hardly been studied, although several PAH derivatives are ubiquitous in air and long-lived in soil and water. We report the multi-annual variations in the concentrations of NPAHs, OPAHs and PAHs in soils sampled at a semi-urban (Mokrá, Czech Republic) and a regional background site (Košetice, Czech Republic) in central Europe. The concentrations of the Σ18NPAHs and the Σ11+2OPAHs and O-heterocycles were 0.31 ± 0.23 ng g−1 and 4.03 ± 3.03 ng g−1, respectively, in Košetice, while slightly higher concentrations of 0.54 ± 0.45 ng g−1 and 5.91 ± 0.45 ng g−1, respectively, were found in soil from Mokrá. Among the 5 NPAHs found in the soils, 1-nitropyrene and less so 6-nitrobenzo(a)pyrene were most abundant. The OPAHs were more evenly distributed. The ratios of the PAH derivatives to their parent PAHs in Košetice indicate that they were long-range transported to the background site. Our results show that several NPAHs and OPAHs are abundant in soil and that gas-particle partitioning is a major factor influencing the concentration of several semi-volatile NPAHs and OPAHs in the soils. Complete understanding of the long-term variations of NPAH and OPAH concentrations in soil is limited by the lack of kinetic data describing their formation and degradation.
Pupils’ prior knowledge about technological systems: design and validation of a diagnostic tool for primary school teachers
Authors: Wammes Dannie , Slof Bert , Schot Willemijn , Kester Liesbeth
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to develop and validate, based on the Evidence Centered Design approach, a generic tool to diagnose primary education pupils’ prior knowledge of technological systems in primary school classrooms. Two technological devices, namely the Buzz Wire device and the Stairs Marble Track, were selected to investigate whether theoretical underpinnings could be backed by empirical evidence. Study 1 indicated that the tool enabled pupils to demonstrate different aspects of their prior knowledge about a technological system by a wide variety of work products. Study 2 indicated that these work products could be reliably ranked from low to high functionality by technology education experts. Their rank order matched the Fischer-scale-based scoring rules, designed in cooperation with experts in skill development. The solution patterns fit the extended non-parametric Rasch model, confirming that the task can reveal differences in pupils’ prior knowledge on a one-dimensional scale. Test–retest reliability was satisfactory. Study 3 indicated that the diagnostic tool was able to capture the range of prior knowledge levels that could be expected of 10 to 12 years old pupils. It also indicated that pupils’ scores on standardised reading comprehension and mathematics test had a low predictive value for the outcomes of the diagnostic tool. Overall, the findings substantiate the claim that pupils’ prior knowledge of technological systems can be diagnosed properly with the developed tool, which may support teachers in decisions for their technology lessons about content, instruction and support.
Study of cytotoxic activity of Ti–13Nb–13Zr medical alloy with different surface finishing techniques
Authors: Hoppe Viktoria , Szymczyk-Ziółkowska Patrycja , Rusińska Małgorzata , Poradowski Dominik , Janeczek Maciej , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Dybała Bogdan
Published: August 2021

The characterization of materials surface is essential, as the initial in vivo response is highly dependent on surface properties. Surface topography is a key aspect that influences the response of cells to products resulting from interaction with the surface of a titanium alloy, including parameters such as adhesion, spread, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Various surface modifications are used to improve the interface properties between MC3T3 and NHDF cells and the Ti–13Nb–13Zr-based surface. Among the techniques discussed in this paper, scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal scanning microscopy, and computed tomography are adequate to investigate materials topography at different scale levels. Chemical characterization of the outer layers of Ti–13Nb–13Zr samples was performed with X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. Studies have shown that the surfaces resulting from the treatment enabling the formation of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide show the lowest cytotoxicity. Implants made from the new generation of titanium alloy, not containing toxic elements, with the use of surface modification could be an essential innovation in implantology.
Chemical Cues from Entomopathogenic Nematodes Vary Across Three Species with Different Foraging Strategies, Triggering Different Behavioral Responses in Prey and Competitors
Authors: Grunseich John M. , Aguirre Natalie M. , Thompson Morgan N. , Ali Jared G. , Helms Anjel M.
Published: August 2021

Chemical cues play important roles in predator–prey interactions. Semiochemicals can aid predator foraging and alert prey organisms to the presence of predators. Previous work suggests that predator traits differentially influence prey behavior, however, empirical data on how prey organisms respond to chemical cues from predator species with different hunting strategies, and how foraging predators react to cues from potential competitors, is lacking. Furthermore, most research in this area has focused on aquatic and aboveground terrestrial systems, while interactions among belowground, soiling-dwelling organisms have received relatively little attention. Here, we assessed how chemical cues from three species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), each with a different foraging strategy, influenced herbivore (cucumber beetle) and natural enemy (EPN) foraging behavior. We predicted these cues could serve as chemical indicators of increased predation risk, prey availability, or competition. Our findings revealed that foraging cucumber beetle larvae avoided chemical cues from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (active-foraging cruiser EPNs), but not Steinernema carpocapsae (ambusher EPNs) or Steinernema riobrave (intermediate-foraging EPNs). In contrast, foraging H. bacteriophora EPNs were attracted to cues produced by the two Steinernema species but not conspecific cues. Notably, the three EPN species produced distinct blends of olfactory cues, with only a few semi-conserved compounds across species. These results indicate that a belowground insect herbivore responds differently to chemical cues from different EPN species, with some EPN species avoiding prey detection. Moreover, the active-hunting EPNs were attracted to heterospecific cues, suggesting these cues indicate a greater probability of available prey, rather than strong interspecific competition.
Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Delayed Gratification
Authors: Gschwandtner Adelina , Jewell Sarah , Kambhampati Uma S.
Published: August 2021

This paper considers the impact of two measures of lifestyle—the consumption of fruit and vegetables and doing exercise—on individual well-being. Since lifestyle is likely to be endogenous, we correct for this by using two dimensions of delayed gratification as instruments. The ability to delay gratification enables individuals to give greater weight to the investment component of lifestyle decisions rather than merely the affective component. Our analysis is based on the UK Understanding Society Data, which covers 40,000 UK households over time. We find that the two delayed gratification instruments are positive and significant in influencing lifestyle. In Stage 2, we find that fruit and vegetable consumption and sports activity increase life satisfaction, though the impacts vary for men and women. These results are robust across income quartiles, region, gender, education and age groups.
Irony as a Test of the Presupposition-Denial Account: An ERP Study
Authors: Filik Ruth , Ingram Joanne , Moxey Linda , Leuthold Hartmut
Published: August 2021

According to the Presupposition-Denial Account, complement set reference arises when focus is on the shortfall between the amount conveyed by a natural language quantifier and a larger, expected amount. Negative quantifiers imply a shortfall, through the denial of a presupposition, whereas positive quantifiers do not. An exception may be provided by irony. One function of irony is to highlight, through indirect negation, the shortfall between what is expected/desired, and what is observed. Thus, a positive quantifier used ironically should also lead to a shortfall and license complement set reference. Using ERPs, we examined whether reference to the complement set is more felicitous following a positive quantifier used ironically than one used non-ironically. ERPs during reading showed a smaller N400 for complement set reference following an ironic compared to a non-ironic context. The shortfall generated thorough irony is sufficient to allow focus on the complement set, supporting the Presupposition-Denial Account.
A Recast Framework for Welfare Deservingness Perceptions
Authors: Knotz Carlo Michael , Gandenberger Mia Katharina , Fossati Flavia , Bonoli Giuliano
Published: August 2021

Many important societal debates revolve around questions of deservingness, especially when it comes to debates related to inequality and social protection. It is therefore unsurprising that a growing body of research spanning the social and political sciences is concerned with the determinants of deservingness perceptions. In this contribution, we engage with the currently central theoretical framework used in deservingness research and point out an important weakness: Partly ambiguous definitions of the framework’s central concepts, the criteria for perceived deservingness. We also highlight the negative consequences this has for empirical research, including notably varying and overlapping operationalizations and thereby a lacking comparability of results across studies. Our main contribution is a redefinition of the criteria for perceived deservingness and a demonstration of the empirical implications of using this new set of criteria via original vignette survey experiments conducted in Germany and the United States in 2019. Our results provide a clearer image of which criteria drive deservingness perceptions.
Married Adults Coresiding with Older Parents: Implications for Paid Work and Domestic Workloads
Authors: Hertog Ekaterina , Kan Man-Yee
Published: August 2021

The rise of life expectancy throughout the developed world has meant that older adults play an increasingly important role in their grown-up children’s lives. We evaluate whether the intergenerational solidarity theory is useful for understanding the intergenerational transfers of time in Japan given the relatively generous welfare provision for the older adults and the fall in intergenerational coresidence. We apply seemingly unrelated regression models to data of the 2006 Japanese Survey on Time Use and Leisure Activities (Statistics Bureau Japan, 2006) to investigate how coresidence patterns are associated with paid and unpaid work time of adult married children. The sample contains 23,226 married couples where both husband and wife are aged 20 to 59. We find evidence of intergenerational solidarity in coresident households. We also find that “doing gender” is layered through intergenerational exchanges of support between married working-age children and their older parents. Working-age women’s time use patterns are associated with coresidence arrangements and care needs of their older relatives to a much greater extent than working-age men’s. The observed patterns are consistent with healthy older women supporting their daughters’ careers in exchange for care when they need help themselves. For working-age men, the patterns are not very pronounced. Notably, working-age husbands without children appear to be more responsive to their older the parents’ care needs, suggesting that fatherhood may be associated with solidifying gendered role performance within Japanese couples.
Fishing during the early human occupations of the Atacama Desert coast: what if we standardize the data?
Authors: Rebolledo Sandra , Béarez Philippe , Zurro Débora
Published: August 2021

The Atacama Desert coast (18–30° S) presents one of the earliest chronologies in the South America region, whose first occupations date from ~ 13,000 cal BP. Since that time, coastal and marine resources have been a common component at sites along the littoral zone. Fish species have been particularly important, as have the fishing technologies developed and used by the coastal communities. However, even though several archaeological sites have been studied, there is no systematic macro-regional analysis of early fisheries along the Atacama Desert coast. Furthermore, differences in theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as research objectives, hinder comparisons between ichthyoarchaeological assemblages. Here, we present a comparative analysis of the Atacama Desert fish data obtained from publications and gray literature from ten archaeological sites dating from the Terminal Pleistocene to the Early Holocene. Through the standardization of contextual and ichthyoarchaeological information, we compared data using NISP, MNI, and weight to calculate fish density, richness, and ubiquity, in order to identify similarities and differences between assemblages. This exploratory approach aims to contribute to studies of fish consumption in the area, as well as proposing new methodological questions and solutions regarding data heterogeneity in archaeozoology.