bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering disagreement in the annotation of EU legislation
Authors: van Dijck Gijs , Aguilera Carlos , Chakravarthy Shashank M.
Published: November 2024

The topic of annotating legal data has received surprisingly little attention. A key challenge of the annotation process is reaching a sufficient agreement between annotators and filtering mistakes from genuine disagreement. This study presents an approach that provides insights into and resolves potential disagreement amongst annotators. It (1) introduces different strategies to calculate agreement levels and compares (2) agreement levels between annotators (inter-annotator agreement) before and after a revision round and (3) agreement levels for annotators who annotate the same texts twice (intra-annotator agreement). The inter-annotator agreement levels are compared to a revision round in which an arbiter corrected the annotator’s labels. The analysis is based on the annotation of EU legislative provisions at two stages (initial annotations, after annotator revisions) and for various tasks (Definitions, References, Quantities, IF-THEN statements, Exceptions, Scope, Hierarchy, Deontic Clauses, Active and Passive Role) by multiple annotators. The results reveal that agreement levels vary based on the stage of measurement (before/after revisions), the nature of the task, the method of assessment, and the annotator combination. The agreement scores - along with some initial measurements—align with those reported in previous research but increase after each revision round. This suggests that annotator revisions can substantially reduce disagreement. Additionally, disagreements were found not only between but also among annotators. This inconsistency does not appear to stem from a lack of understanding of the guidelines or a lack of seriousness in task execution, as evidenced by moderate to substantial inter-annotator agreement scores. These findings suggest that annotators identified multiple valid interpretations, which highlights the complexity of annotating legislative provisions. The results underscore the significance of embracing, addressing, and reporting about (dis)agreement in different ways and at the various stages of an annotation task.
A middle-class nation? The middle class and its moral boundaries in post-dictatorial Uruguay
Authors: Ott Marlen
Published: November 2024

In this article, I examine the middle class as a contested category in contemporary Uruguay and the role of moral boundaries in its formation and maintenance. I contend that amidst the economic fragility experienced by the middle class, both individuals and the state grapple with the precarious position of the middle class. In this scenario, moral boundaries function as a crucial mechanism for navigating this uncertainty. Through an analysis of parliamentary debates and public statements of politicians, I redraw how, in these discourses, the middle class emerges as a moralized national and cultural identity centering around work ethic and colonial history. Central to my analysis is an examination of the historical material and symbolic struggles that have shaped the emergence and evolution of the middle class in Uruguay. Thus, I pay attention to its formative role during the early nineteenth century in the emergence and stabilization of the nation, as well as to the impact of the dictatorship (1972–1985). Finally, I show how these notions intersect with conceptions of (un)deservingness, ultimately legitimizing increasing punitivism.
Effectiveness and Heterogeneous Effects of Purchase Grants for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Haan Peter , Santonja Adrián , Zaklan Aleksandar
Published: November 2024

We evaluate German purchase subsidies for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) using data on new vehicle registrations in Germany during 2015-2022. We account for confounding time trends and interacting EU-level $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ standards using neighboring countries as a control group. We find that 40% of BEV and 25% of PHEV registrations were subsidy-induced. The program had strong distributional effects, with greater uptake in wealthier and greener counties. We estimate implied abatement costs of 870 euro per ton of $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ for BEVs and 2,470 euro for PHEVs, suggesting that policy makers should re-balance support schemes away from PHEVs.
Comparison of Middlewares in Edge-to-Edge and Edge-to-Cloud Communication for Distributed ROS 2 Systems
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Yu Xianjia , Ha Sier , Peña Queralta Jorge , Westerlund Tomi
Published: November 2024

The increased data transmission and number of devices involved in communications among distributed systems make it challenging yet significantly necessary to have an efficient and reliable networking middleware. In robotics and autonomous systems, the wide application of ROS 2 brings the possibility of utilizing various networking middlewares together with DDS in ROS 2 for better communication among edge devices or between edge devices and the cloud. However, there is a lack of comprehensive communication performance comparison of integrating these networking middlewares with ROS 2. In this study, we provide a quantitative analysis for the communication performance of utilized networking middlewares including MQTT and Zenoh alongside DDS in ROS 2 among a multiple host system. For a complete and reliable comparison, we calculate the latency and throughput of these middlewares by sending distinct amounts and types of data through different network setups including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G. To further extend the evaluation to real-world application scenarios, we assess the drift error (the position changes) over time caused by these networking middlewares with the robot moving in an identical square-shaped path. Our results show that CycloneDDS performs better under Ethernet while Zenoh performs better under Wi-Fi and 4G. In the actual robot test, the robot moving trajectory drift error over time (96 s) via Zenoh is the smallest. It is worth noting we have a discussion of the CPU utilization of these networking middlewares and the perfosrmance impact caused by enabling the security feature in ROS 2 at the end of the paper.
From marginal croplands to natural habitats: A methodological framework for assessing the restoration potential to enhance wild-bee pollination in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Torchio Gabriela María , Cimon-Morin Jérôme , Mendes Poliana , Goyette Jean-Olivier , Schwantes Amanda M. , Arias-Patino Miguel , Bennett Elena M. , Destrempes Catherine , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique
Published: November 2024

Context

Intensive agriculture increases crop yields, but harms biodiversity and associated ecosystem services such as pollination. To sustain wild-bee pollination in intensive agricultural landscapes, a minimum of (semi-) natural habitat is needed in the vicinity of crop fields. However, restoration of (semi-) natural habitat is a challenge, especially when most land is allocated to commodity production.

Objectives

To evaluate the restoration potential of marginal lands to enhance pollination in intensive agricultural landscapes.

Methods

We simulated restoration scenarios in marginal agricultural lands (abandoned and degraded fields, and field edges) in La Vallée-du-Richelieu (Quebec, Canada), aimed at enhancing pollination provision and increasing (semi-) natural habitat coverage by at least 20% within 1 km from crop fields, the estimated minimum amount required to sustain wild-bee populations. We then evaluated the extent to which restoration targets were reached in our scenarios.

Results

More than half of the agricultural region studied remained with less than 20% (semi-) natural area coverage, and wild-bee pollination provision could not be ensured across the whole agricultural region after restoration. However, our results show that there is still an important potential for increasing natural habitat coverage by restoring marginal agricultural lands alone.

Conclusion

Restoration of marginal lands has a key role to play in the transition towards multifunctionality of production landscapes but might not be sufficient to achieve goals such as those adopted at the COP15 (e.g., restoring 30% of degraded land). Our framework can assist landscape planners in evaluating the restoration potential of agricultural landscapes, as well as its limitations.
Is there a desired added worker effect? Evidence from involuntary job losses
Authors: Beckmannshagen Mattis , Glaubitz Rick
Published: November 2024

While the existing evidence on added worker effects is mixed, most studies find no or only small effects. However, studies to date have mostly analyzed individuals’ actual labor supply responses to their partners’ job loss, neglecting to consider a potential mismatch between desired and actual labor supply adjustments. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we study individuals’ changes in actual and desired working hours after their partners’ involuntary job loss in an event study design. Our results show that actual and desired working hours only increase marginally and that these increases are of similar magnitude. Thus, we provide first evidence that the absence of more substantial added worker effects is in line with individuals’ stated labor supply preferences and is not the result of an inability to realize desired working hours.
Specification uncertainty: what the disruption index tells us about the (hidden) multiverse of bibliometric indicators
Authors: Leibel Christian , Bornmann Lutz
Published: November 2024

Following Funk and Owen-Smith (Manag Sci 63:791–817, 2017), Wu et al. (Nature 566:378–382, 2019) proposed the disruption index (DI1) as a bibliometric indicator that measures disruptive and consolidating research. When we summarized the literature on the disruption index for our recently published review article (Leibel and Bornmann in Scientometrics 129:601–639, 2024), we noticed that the calculation of disruption scores comes with numerous (hidden) degrees of freedom. In this Letter to the Editor, we explain based on the DI1 (as an example) why the analytical flexibility of bibliometric indicators potentially endangers the credibility of research and advertise the application of multiverse-style methods to increase the transparency of the research.
Low-pressure and Temperature Oxidation of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Using Ozone and Metal-Loaded TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Mkhize Nomthandazo , Rajasekhar Pullabhotla Viswandha Srirama
Published: November 2024

At low temperature and pressure (20 o C and 1 atm), the oxidation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene using ozone and metal (Mn, Ni, V, and Fe) supported on TiO2 catalysts was investigated in this study. The metal loaded on TiO2 catalysts were prepared using the wet impregnation method and characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, BET, TEM, and ICP-OES techniques. 1,2-dichlorobenzene was oxidized for 24 h and the sample aliquots were collected after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h of ozonation. The ozonation products were identified using GC-MS and FT-IR techniques and the identified products were 3,4-dichloro-2,5-furandione (DHF) and mucochloric acid (MCA). The 2.5% Fe/TiO2 was found to be the most active catalyst with a percentage conversion of 73% after 24 h of ozonation. Among the identified products, MCA recorded the highest percentage selectivity after 24 h of ozonation in all the metal-supported TiO2 catalyzed ozonation reactions. The highest percentage of selectivity towards the formation of the main product was 97%.
Growth, physiological responses, and meat quality of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers offered unprocessed Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal with or without conventional and green zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gamedze Nozipho Phila , Mthiyane Doctor Mziwenkosi Nhlanhla , Kgaswane Khomotso Sherdina , Mavengahama Sydney , Onwudiwe Damian Chinedu
Published: November 2024

Feedlot finishing of beef cattle on commercial nutrient-dense diets based on expensive corn (maize), soybean meal (SBM) and other commonly used protein-rich ingredients is economically unsustainable, especially for smallholder farmers. Rich in energy and proteins, Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) could replace corn and protein-rich ingredients in beef cattle diets provided its problems of antinutritional factors (ANFs) and high fiber content that compromise animal growth performance are resolved. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effects of incorporation of conventional (C-Nano-ZnO) versus green (G-Nano-ZnO) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in the diets of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers supplemented with 20% MSM (dry matter basis). In a completely randomized design, 28 Bonsmara steers were randomly allocated to 4 experimental diets [i.e., Control diet without MSM (C); C with 20% MSM replacing corn (partially) and the common protein-rich ingredients (CM); CM with 25 mg/kg C-Nano-ZnO (CM-C); and CM with 25 mg/kg G-Nano-ZnO (CM-G)] each with seven replicates for 98 days. Performance variables, carcass traits, hemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were then measured. All data were analyzed with SAS using one-way ANOVA applying the GLM procedure, with diet as the independent variable, except for growth performance data that were analyzed as repeated measures. Results showed that while dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality and serum biochemistry, it decreased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), feed intake (FI; P = 0.001), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; P < 0.01), carcass fatness (P = 0.05), hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.05), cold carcass weight (CCW; P = 0.05), blood MCV (P < 0.05), MCH (P < 0.01), and neutrophils (P < 0.01) as it increased blood lymphocytes (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the harmful effects of MSM were attenuated by C-Nano-ZnO and worsened by G-Nano-ZnO. In conclusion, feeding of high dietary unprocessed MSM did not affect Bonsmara beef meat quality and serum biochemistry but compromised their growth performance, carcass traits, and some hematology responses, and these were alleviated by C-Nano-ZnO and deteriorated by G-Nano-ZnO incorporation. We recommend feeding commercial diets supplemented with 20% MSM, replacing corn and commonly used protein-rich ingredients, plus 25 mg/kg of C-Nano-ZnO to feedlot-finishing beef cattle.
Comparing the effectiveness of multiple text reading and rereading on knowledge retention and metacognitive accuracy
Authors: Seban Peter , Urban Kamila , Sikl Radovan
Published: November 2024

Although learning approaches are designed to enhance individuals' ability to store and retrieve information, not all of them are considered effective. The goal of the present study was to experimentally compare the test performance as well as the accuracy of metacognitive judgements of a multiple text reading group, rereading group, and single reading group in a one-day vs. one-week delayed test (3 × 2 between subject design). A total of 186 psychology students (Mage = 20.76) participated in the experiment focused on reading comprehension, accuracy of metacognitive judgments and knowledge retention. Results of the knowledge test indicate that in the one-day delayed test, multiple text reading and rereading yield similar results: both deliver slightly better results than single reading. In the one-week delayed test, though, multiple text reading yields better results than rereading, and both these reading approaches outperform single reading. Moreover, multiple text reading results in fairly robust knowledge retention with only a slight decrease in scores between the one-day delayed and one-week delayed test. Regarding metacognitive monitoring, judgements of learning in the multiple text reading group remained relatively stable after each reading and participants were underconfident about their knowledge. In the rereading group, judgements of learning increased after each reading and participants were overconfident about their knowledge, especially on the one-day delayed test. These findings have implications for educational practices aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and promoting effective learning.
Eyes on phishing emails: an eye-tracking study
Authors: Ribeiro Liliana , Guedes Inês Sousa , Cardoso Carla Sofia
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore susceptibility to phishing emails by analysing the visual patterns of individuals.

Method

A quasi-experimental study was developed, using 28 emails (13 phishing; 13 legitimate; 2 control) which were subdivided into two groups (G1; G2) and presented to the participants who looked at a set of 15 emails. The sample consisted of 70 participants.

Results

Phishing emails showed significantly higher average fixation times and total fixations in the sender’s area compared to legitimate emails. However, no significant correlations were found between fixation time, total number of fixations in various areas of the email, and the accuracy of email identification (both general and phishing).

Conclusion

This pioneering study within the Portuguese context lays the foundation for future research on analysing and accurately detecting different types of emails, including differentiating between them. It also supports the development of targeted training to improve the recognition of various emails cues.
Why some ‘inbreeder’ species among mostly outbreeders? conifer examples, a postulate, and research agenda
Authors: Burdon Rowland David
Published: November 2024

Breeding systems vary widely in plants, but mostly cluster towards outbreeding or inbreeding extremes. Conifers, which are woody and generally long-lived perennials, are almost all classical outbreeders, but include occasional species characterised as inbreeders. The latter include some very narrow endemics, but narrow endemics include outbreeders. The inbreeders show high self-fertility, minimal inbreeding depression, typically low DNA polymorphism, and modest functional genetic variation, but self-fertilisation rates can be low. Seven such species are reviewed. It is widely (if often tacitly) assumed that inbreeders arise through severe population bottlenecks. It is proposed, more specifically, that inbreeders could arise through recessive resistance alleles of large effects being expressed, during biotic crises, through some inbreeding in the typically mixed mating systems of outbreeders. Such a crisis might produce not only a population bottleneck but also the conditions for recessive alleles to operate beneficially to make inbreeding advantageous. Avenues for probing the recessive-alleles hypothesis are: quantitative modelling to identify what are plausible conditions, examining genomic signatures of inbreeders, and empirical observation. Appropriate modelling appears challenging, as does seeking informative genomic signatures. Empirical observation, however, may be facilitated by biotic crises promoted by current global migration of pathogens and animal pests.
A Patient-centred Concept(ion) of Life’s Meaningfulness: Lessons from African Perspectives
Authors: Attoe Aribiah David
Published: November 2024

The literature on the question of life’s meaning has primarily focused on agent-centred paths to meaningfulness. This path involves an individual making a concerted effort towards achieving meaningfulness in life. Thus, even in defining meaning or presenting a concept of meaning, philosophers often approach such a description from an agent-centred perspective. In this essay, I articulate a patient-centred approach to meaning particularly from the African philosophical perspective. Drawing chiefly from African relational viewpoints, I develop the “patient-centred variable”, which ought to be contemplated by any definition of what meaningfulness entails. This patient-centred variable is the idea that a life can be meaningful (at least, momentarily) if it receives from other people acts that are considered (within a particular societal context) acts of love, communion and/or kindness, which transcend normal relationality among human beings and elicit personal feelings of esteem and worthiness. I begin by extracting clues from African metaphysics and from practical ethical values, which all suggest the plausibility of received meaning. Then I conceptualise what I call the patient-centred variable (PcV), and present it as a plausible and necessary addition (not a stand-alone concept of meaning) to any conceptual analysis of meaning.
CD34+ and CD34− MM cells show different immune-checkpoint molecule expression profiles: high expression of CD112 and CD137 ligand on CD34+ MM cells
Authors: Fukui-Morimoto Ayano , Serizawa Kentaro , Fujimoto Ko , Hanamoto Aki , Iwata Yoshio , Kakutani Hiroaki , Kumode Takahiro , Hirase Chikara , Morita Yasuyoshi , Tatsumi Yoichi , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Matsumura Itaru
Published: November 2024

Despite the introduction of new drugs, multiple myeloma (MM) still remains incurable. We previously reported that CD34+ MM cells, which are clonogenic and self-renewing, are therapy-resistant and persist as a major component of minimal residual disease, expanding during relapse. To investigate the effects of immunotherapies such as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T therapy, and bispecific antibodies on CD34+ MM cells, we analyzed immune profiles of both MM cells and T cells from MM patients using microarrays and flow cytometry. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed 14 out of 289 canonical pathways were more active in CD34+ MM cells compared to CD34− cells, many of which were involved in inflammation and immune responses. Notably, PD-1 signaling-related genes were highly expressed in CD34+ MM cells. Among 10 immune-checkpoint molecules, CD34+ cells more frequently expressed CD112, CD137L, CD270, CD275, and GAL9 than CD34− cells in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/resistant patients. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells more frequently expressed TIGIT and CD137, suggesting that CD112/TIGIT and CD137L/CD137 interactions may suppress T-cell activity against CD34+ MM cells. Furthermore, our finding of higher FcRH5 expression on CD34+ MM cells is encouraging for future research into the efficacy of FcRH5-targeted therapy in MM.
Impact of the WHO-5 classification of haematolymphoid tumours on clinical practice
Authors: Brand Rosa , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid
Published: November 2024

The long-awaited 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO-5-HAEM) has finally been published as part of the IARC Blue Book series. This two-volume edition is significantly more comprehensive than its predecessors, reflecting the integration of extensive advancements in genetic and molecular understanding, alongside clinically relevant findings. This brief review will highlight the key changes in the classification of the most common B‑cell lymphoproliferative disorders, specifically follicular lymphomas and large B‑cell lymphomas (LBCL). It will also introduce new entities and summarize the most critical updates within these lymphoma categories.
Geoparks Twinning Agreements, A Vision from Formality and Territorial Links. Mixteca Alta (Mexico) and Napo Sumaco (Ecuador) Geoparks as Comparative Cases
Authors: Sánchez-Cortez José Luis , Palacio-Prieto José Luis , Vélez-Macías Kathleen , Simbaña-Tasiguano Marco , Cabascango-Chiliquinga Estefanía , Ramírez-Miguel Xóchitl , Grefa-Shiguango Henry , Bonilla Daniel Jaque
Published: November 2024

Currently, geoparks represent territories with great potential for the generation of educational and conservation processes, with productive and community development strategies through geotourism, using their natural and unique attributes, in a coordinated effort to improve the quality of life of their communities, based on the sustainable use of sites of geological interest of global importance. On the way to the construction of geoparks, territories find elements in common with other territories pursuing similar objectives, which leads to the creation of synergies and commonwealths. Working together in a network represents one of the most solid pillars of the geoparks, being a fundamental contribution to society. Geopark twinning is an alternative to promote micro-partnerships between geoparks with similar conditions and characteristics, which allow strengthening internal processes, as well as the exchange of knowledge, strategies and experiences, and the strengthening of institutional and management capacities. In addition, twinning arrangements are management tools that also serve as instruments to merge and unite identities in territories that are compatible in several areas, beyond geological heritage. In this sense, the present work shows the case studies of Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark (MAUGG) and Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUGG), where twinning arises from aspects such as community management, traditions, cultural approaches, worldview towards the land and its use. In both territories there is a high population of local indigenous groups: Mixtecos (Mexico) and Napo Runa (Ecuador), with agricultural customs based on their limitations or environmental conditions, such as the development of lamabordos and chacras; moreover, the decision-making systems are based on the competence and trust that the population has in their leaders, and not in political or partisan conflicts (election by uses and customs). Finally, their vision of the territory is based on respect for the environment and the beings that are part of it, and on giving a sacred conception to what provides them with food and life.
Pleurotus spp.—an effective way in degradation mycotoxins? A comprehensive review
Authors: Zapaśnik Agnieszka , Bryła Marcin , Sokołowska Barbara , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Mycotoxins—secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungal species—occur as a global problem in agriculture due to the reduction in crop quality and the negative effects on human and animal health. There is a need to develop environment-friendly methods of detoxification. In recent years, a number of biological methods for the removal/degradation of mycotoxins have been described. One of them—particularly interesting due to its high effectiveness—is mycoremediation, which involves the ability of Pleurotus spp. mushrooms to remove toxic contaminants from the environment and food. Pleurotus spp. biosynthesizes ligninolytic enzymes, such as laccase and manganese peroxidase that are the main factors of enzymatic degradation of various pollutants, including mycotoxins. The degradation process of mycotoxins (especially aflatoxins) with the participation of isolated enzymes reaches approximately 30–100%, depending on the culture conditions, substrate, and mediators used. In the food industry, their application may include, among others, the detoxification of animal feed from mycotoxins or fermentation products (e.g., juices and wines). While these applications are promising, they require further research to expand toxicological knowledge and optimize their use. This review presents current research on this new and very promising topic related to the use of edible Pleurotus spp. mushrooms in the process of biological degradation of toxic fungal metabolites.
Structural Modifications of CdS/Graphene Oxide with Ionic Dopants of Fe/Ag for Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Abdrabou Dalia , Ahmed M. K. , Khairy Sh. A. , Hassan H. H. , El-Sherbini Th. M.
Published: November 2024

Global demand for pollution removal agents requires advanced materials to provide a good protocol to keep clean water resources. The composition of CdS was modified with ionic dopants including iron (Fe) and silver (Ag) and is incorporated into graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. The obtained compositions are CdS, Fe-CdS, Ag-CdS, CdS@GO, Fe-CdS@GO, and Ag-CdS@GO that have been fabricated by the co-precipitation method and examined by several techniques to estimate the morphological, optical, and structural properties using TEM, SEM, UV–Vis analysis, and XRD. The crystallite size of the CdS@Go was measured using the Williamson-Hall (W–H) method and was found to be around 28.6 nm. Furthermore, the a-axis was found to be 5.78 Å and 5.80 Å for cubic crystals and the a-axis achieved 14.28 to 14.24 Å for an orthorhombic crystal of CdS, respectively. The average roughness varied from 32.30 ± 3.3 to 66.65 ± 10.9 nm for CdS and Ag-CdS@GO. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) is increased from 75.56, 73.87, 76.01, 81.53, 89.34, and 91.68% for CdS, Fe-CdS, Ag-CdS, CdS@GO, Fe-CdS@GO, and Ag-CdS@GO after 60 min of exposure under visible light irradiation. The pseudo-first-order constant (Kapp) is increased from 4.4 × 10−3 to 39.4 × 10−3 min−1 for CdS and Ag-CdS@GO.
Lecture Capture, Transcripts, and Captioning in US Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Khong Phillip , Holmes Duncan , Masoudian Bahar , Lund Gregg C. , Garwood Steven
Published: November 2024

This study describes lecture capture, transcription, and captioning services at US Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). An anonymous online survey was sent to Deans or Directors of Curriculum at all 34 fully accredited COMs, with 21 (62%) responding. Results showed widespread lecture recording (95%), but of those, there were varied transcript and caption offerings: 7 (33%) provided both, 5 (24%) offered closed captions only, and 3 (14%) offered transcripts only. Overall, 71% offered at least one service. These findings indicate the prevalence of these lecture services at US COMs and will assist COMs in benchmarking their practices.
Active learning on stacked machine learning techniques for predicting compressive strength of alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Kazemi Farzin , Shafighfard Torkan , Jankowski Robert , Yoo Doo-Yeol
Published: November 2024

Conventional ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has excellent development potential. However, a significant quantity of CO2 is produced throughout the cement-making process, which is in contrary to the current worldwide trend of lowering emissions and conserving energy, thus restricting the further advancement of UHPC. Considering climate change and sustainability concerns, cementless, eco-friendly, alkali-activated UHPC (AA-UHPC) materials have recently received considerable attention. Following the emergence of advanced prediction techniques aimed at reducing experimental tools and labor costs, this study provides a comparative study of different methods based on machine learning (ML) algorithms to propose an active learning-based ML model (AL-Stacked ML) for predicting the compressive strength of AA-UHPC. A data-rich framework containing 284 experimental datasets and 18 input parameters was collected. A comprehensive evaluation of the significance of input features that may affect compressive strength of AA-UHPC was performed. Results confirm that AL-Stacked ML-3 with accuracy of 98.9% can be used for different general experimental specimens, which have been tested in this research. Active learning can improve the accuracy up to 4.1% and further enhance the Stacked ML models. In addition, graphical user interface (GUI) was introduced and validated by experimental tests to facilitate comparable prospective studies and predictions.
Lady health workers smoking cessation initiative in rural Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Nazia , Ngoma Chimwemwe , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Glover Marewa
Published: November 2024

Background

In Pakistan, tobacco smoking and indoor smoke from cooking fires pose significant health risks. Lady Health Workers (LHWs) play a crucial role in improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to explore the practicality of training LHWs to deliver health education aimed at reducing household exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor biomass smoke, while also documenting baseline exposure levels and assessing the immediate impact on household awareness and intentions to reduce exposure.

The Program

Over 170 LHWs were trained and equipped with health education resources to raise awareness about the risks of tobacco and biomass smoke exposure. The training was designed to be integrated into their routine duties.

Results

Over 24 weeks, the program was delivered to 25,760 households in Gujranwala district. Approximately half of these households had at least one person who smoked, with 90% smoking indoors. Many (85%) households used indoor cooking fires. Only 24% of household head-women were aware of the health risks associated with indoor smoke exposure. Awareness of less harmful alternatives to smoking was low. Most households had someone who wanted to stop smoking and 51 women and 146 men agreed to try a tobacco harm reduction (THR) product. Primary health units’ staff appreciated the project, especially the training provided. They believed the program could be sustainable, and LHWs expressed interest in continuing it.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the practicality of training LHWs to deliver health education on reducing tobacco and biomass smoke exposure in rural settings. The program effectively raised awareness and showed potential for sustainable integration into existing healthcare structures, highlighting the value of community-centric approaches in low-resource settings.
Conditional Cash Transfer Programs and the Sustainable Development Goals: Problematizing the Empowering Potential of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs
Authors: O’Neill Kerry Ellen
Published: November 2024

Purportedly in line with the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) commitment to end poverty and gender inequality by 2030, conditional cash transfer programs (CCTs) provide poor households with cash contingent on parents making human capital investments in their children. Advocates claim CCTs empower and so benefit women and girls. Critics worry the programs reinforce gendered expectations by tying social protection to “good mothering.” The aim of this paper is to assess whether CCTs are compatible with the SDGs’ stated aims with regards to Goal 5 on gender equality and empowerment. I argue that CCTs run contrary to the stated aims of SDG 5. CCTs rely on and perpetuate sexist ideology about women while simultaneously policing women’s behavior to ensure they fulfill the state’s conception of a “good mother.” Notwithstanding the potential benefits women receive from CCTs, the programs prevent the disruption of power relations by reinforcing norms that incentivize women to engage in self-subordinating ways in exchange for cash. Given that the programs re-entrench and police gender norms, CCTs thwart progress towards SDG 5 and so move us no closer to a gender equal world.
Mass transport modelling of two partially miscible, multicomponent fluids in nanoporous media
Authors: Ma Ming , Emami-Meybodi Hamid , Zhang Fengyuan , Rui Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

High-pressure fluid transport in nanoporous media such as shale formations requires further understanding because conventional continuum approaches become inadequate due to their ultralow permeability and complexity of transport mechanisms. We propose a species-based approach for modelling two partially miscible, multicomponent fluids in nanoporous media – one that does not rely on conventional bulk fluid transport frameworks but on species movement. We develop a numerical model for species transport of partially miscible, non-ideal fluid mixtures using the chemical potential gradient as the driving force. The model considers the binary friction concept to include the friction between fluid molecules as well as between fluid molecules and pore walls, and incorporates the key multicomponent transport mechanisms – Knudsen, viscous and molecular diffusion. Under single-phase conditions, the system under consideration is quantified by introducing multicomponent Sherwood number (Sh), Péclet number (Pe) and fluid–solid friction modulus (φ). Despite the complexity of fluid transport in nanopores, the steady-state single-phase transport results reveal the contribution of diffusion in nanopores, where all parameters collapse on a set of master curves for the multicomponent Sh with a dependence on multicomponent Pe and φ. Unsteady state, two-phase transport modelling of the codiffusion process shows that light and intermediate alkanes are produced much higher than heavy alkanes when the vapour phase appears. We demonstrate that the pressure gradient is also crucial in promoting CO2 and alkane mixing during counterdiffusion processes. These results stress the need for a paradigm shift from classical bulk flow modelling to species-based transport modelling in nanoporous media.
Control of roughness-induced transition in supersonic flows by local wall heating strips
Authors: Liu Zaijie , Huang Hexia , Tan Huijun , Liu Mengying
Published: November 2024

Isolated-roughness-induced transitions controlled by local wall heating strips are studied via direct numerical simulation and BiGlobal linear stability analysis. The transition mechanisms are studied first with different wall temperatures. The separated shear layer–counter-rotating vortex system is found to be the main source for transitions. Symmetric and antisymmetric modes are observed in the wake, and the former is dominant. The local wall heating strip can delay the transition, and this effect is enhanced with higher heating temperature, wider strip and a combination of upstream and downstream control strips. The upstream strip lifts up the inlet flow and weakens the wake system in an indirect manner. The antisymmetric mode gradually vanishes, while the symmetric mode always exists but becomes weaker. The downstream strip exhibits a more effective transition delay by directly weakening the separated shear layer and vortex system in the wake. Vorticity transport analysis suggests that the downstream strip increases dissipation for streamwise vorticity and transfers it into wall-normal and spanwise vorticity. BiGlobal analyses indicate that the downstream strip shows less influence on the peak growth rate of the symmetric mode but significantly shrinks its unstable region. Analyses of the disturbance energy production indicate that the upstream strip wakens the wall-normal and spanwise shear at the same time, but the downstream strip mainly wakens the wall-normal one. More simulations are performed with different roughness heights, point-source disturbance and different roughness shapes. The results show that the current method remains effective enough in delaying transitions at a wide range of conditions.
Insights into spatio-temporal dynamics during shock–droplet flame interaction
Authors: Vadlamudi Gautham , Aravind Akhil , Rao Saini Jatin , Basu Saptarshi
Published: November 2024

This study comprehensively investigates the response of a combusting droplet during its interaction with a high-speed transient flow imposed by a coaxially propagating blast wave. The blast wave is generated using a specially designed miniature shock generator that produces blast waves using the wire-explosion technique, facilitating a wide range of Mach numbers (1.03 < Ms < 1.8). The experiments are performed in two configurations: open field and focused blast wave. The charging voltage and the configuration determine the Mach number (Ms) and flow characteristics. The flame is found to exhibit two major response patterns: partial extinction followed by reignition and full extinction. Increasing the Mach number (Ms > 1.1) makes the droplet flame more vulnerable to extinction. Additionally, the flame exhibits stretching and shedding, followed by reignition at lower Mach numbers (Ms < 1.06). In all cases, the flame base lifts off in response to the imposed flow, and the advection of the flame base interacting with the flame tip results in flame extinction. The entire interaction occurs in two stages: (i) interaction with the blast wave and the decaying velocity profile associated with it, and (ii) interaction with the induced flow behind the blast wave as a result of the entrainment (delayed response). Alongside the flame's response, the droplet also interacts with the flow imposed by the blast wave, exhibiting different response modes including pure deformation, Rayleigh–Taylor piercing bag breakup and shear-induced stripping.
Dynamic characteristic of transonic aeroelasticity affected by fluid mode in pre-buffet flow
Authors: Dou Zihao , Gao Chuanqiang , Zhang Weiwei
Published: November 2024

Transonic aeroelasticity remains a significant challenge in aerospace. The coupling mechanism of aeroelastic problems involving the coexistence of fluid modes and multiple structural modes still needs further investigation. For this purpose, we analysed the dynamic characteristic of a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) NACA0012 airfoil in pre-buffet flow. First, we constructed an aeroelastic reduced-order model, which can represent near-unstable transonic flow using the dominant fluid mode. Then, the flutter mechanism was investigated by studying the main eigenvalues of the model that vary with the natural pitching frequency. The results revealed that the existence of the fluid mode transitions the transonic flutter type from coupled-mode flutter to single-DOF (SDOF) flutter, which leads to a reduction in the flutter boundary. Under the effect of the fluid mode, the system produces six aeroelastic phenomena at different structural natural frequencies, including SDOF heaving/pitching flutter, heaving/pitching instability within coupled-mode flutter, forced vibration and stable state. Moreover, we identified two types of SDOF flutter in the 2DOF system. The first type corresponds to the traditional SDOF flutter, where the coupling of other modes has a small impact on the system's stability in most cases. However, within specific ranges of natural frequencies, this type of SDOF flutter may disappear due to coupling with other modes. The second type of SDOF flutter is characterized by strong coupling dominated by the unstable mode. It arises from the interaction among the flow, heaving and pitching modes, and does not manifest in the absence of any of these modes.
Transition of the thermal boundary layer and plume over an isothermal section-triangular roof: an experimental study
Authors: Zhai Haoyu , Torres Juan F. , Zhao Yongling , Xu Feng
Published: November 2024

The development of thermal boundary layers and plume near a section-triangular roof under different isothermal heating conditions has been the focus of numerous numerical studies. However, flow transition in this type of flow has never been observed experimentally. Here, phase-shifting interferometry and thermistor measurements are employed to experimentally observe and quantify the flow transitions in a buoyancy-driven flow over an isothermal section-triangular roof. Visualisation of temperature contours is conducted across a wide range of Rayleigh numbers from laminar at 103 to chaotic state at 4 × 106. Power spectral density of the temperature measurements reveals the type of bifurcations developing as the Rayleigh number is increased. This flow transition is characterised as a complex bifurcation route with the presence of two fundamental frequencies, a low and a high frequency. We found that the thermal stratification in the environment plays a significant role in the flow transition. The spatial development of flow is also quantitatively and qualitatively described. In addition to clarifying flow transition in experiments, the work demonstrates the implementation of phase-shifting interferometry and punctual temperature measurements for characterisation of near-field flow over a heated surface.
Cavitation dynamics in creeping flow
Authors: Combriat Thomas , Dysthe Dag K. , Flekkøy Eirik G.
Published: November 2024

We investigate the heterogeneous cavitation phenomenon in water when a spherical surface is abruptly separated from a nearby flat substrate, at a distance of approximately 10 nm. By tracking the surface separation using Newton ring positions, and capturing the bubble evolution with a high-speed camera on a microscope, we compare our experimental findings with hydrodynamic predictions at low Reynolds numbers. Upon upward movement of the spherical surface, the resulting bubble develops branched fingers through the Saffman–Taylor instability. Simultaneously, negative liquid pressures in the range

$\sim$

10 atm are observed. These large tension values occasionally lead to secondary nucleation events. The bubble sizes satisfy a predicted Family–Vicsek scaling law where the bubble area is proportional to the inverse bubble lifetime. The fact that creeping flow cavitation bubbles are more short-lived the larger they are separates them from bubbles that are governed by inertial dynamics.
Hiring and firing – a signaling game
Authors: Ekström Erik , Tolonen-Weckström Topias
Published: November 2024

We study a signaling game between an employer and a potential employee, where the employee has private information regarding their production capacity. At the initial stage, the employee communicates a salary claim, after which the true production capacity is gradually revealed to the employer as the unknown drift of a Brownian motion representing the revenues generated by the employee. Subsequently, the employer has the possibility to choose a time to fire the employee in case the estimated production capacity falls short of the salary. In this setup, we use filtering and optimal stopping theory to derive an equilibrium in which the employee provides a randomized salary claim and the employer uses a threshold strategy in terms of the conditional probability for the high production capacity. The analysis is robust in the sense that various extensions of the basic model can be solved using the same methodology, including cases with positive firing costs, incomplete information about an individual’s own type, as well as an additional interview phase.
Reciprocally related primes
Authors: Kobal Damjan
Published: November 2024

Number theory and especially primes are an infinite source of inspirational ideas in elementary mathematics. Many of these ideas can be understood and some also explained with very basic mathematical knowledge. In our paper we explain the cycle which appears between the first six multiples of the decimal expression of and explore an inspiringly simple relation between primes, which somehow makes them gather into mysterious groups. And while exploring these simple questions, we are led to unveil some aspects of the power and limits of human mind and those of a computer.
Strategic policy options to improve quality and productivity of biomedical research
Authors: Balas E. Andrew , De Leo Gianluca , Shaw Kelly B.
Published: November 2024

Emerging societal expectations from biomedical research and intensifying international scientific competition are becoming existential matters. Based on a review of pertinent evidence, this article analyzes challenges and formulates public policy recommendations for improving productivity and impact of life sciences. Critical risks include widespread quality defects of research, particularly non-reproducible results, and narrow access to scientifically sound information giving advantage to health misinformation. In funding life sciences, the simultaneous shift to nondemocratic societies is an added challenge. Simply spending more on research will not be enough in the global competition. Considering the pacesetter role of the federal government, five national policy recommendations are put forward: (i) funding projects with comprehensive expectations of reproducibility; (ii) public–private partnerships for contemporaneous quality support in laboratories; (iii) making research institutions accountable for quality control; (iv) supporting new quality filtering standards for scientific journals and repositories, and (v) establishing a new network of centers for scientific health communications.