bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Sectional Associations between Nutrient Intake and Tooth Decay in Older Australian Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Milledge Kate , Cumming Robert G. , Wright Fredrick A.C. , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona M. , Le Couteur David G. , Waite Louise M. , Handelsman David J. , Hirani Vasant
Published: May 2024

Poor nutrition is a risk factor for dental decay in younger people. However, except for sugar, it is unclear if this is true in older age groups. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible associations between overall dietary intake of nutrients and diet quality and the presence of dental decay in community-dwelling older men. A cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal study with a standardized validated diet history assessment and comprehensive oral health examination in 520 community-dwelling men (mean age: 84 years) participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. Nutrient reference values were used to determine if individual micronutrients and macronutrients were meeting recommendations. Acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) were attained for fat and carbohydrate intakes and were incorporated into a dichotomous variable to determine if the participants were consuming a high fat-low carbohydrate diet. Diagnosis of coronal caries was based on visual criteria and inspection and was completed on each of the five coronal surfaces. Root surface caries was textual changes across four root surfaces. This diagnosis was used to categorize participants by the presence and severity of coronal and root caries. The adjusted logistic regression showed not meeting the recommended intakes for thiamin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–4.67), and zinc (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.71–6.48) were associated with presence of severe root decay. Adjusted analysis also showed that participants who were outside the recommended AMDR for fat (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98) and those who consumed a high fat and low carbohydrate diet (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.91) were less likely to have coronal tooth decay. Our study shows associations between micronutrients and macronutrients and coronal and root surface decay. Although this study cannot prescribe causality or be generalized to all older adults, diet has a possible association with dental decay in older men.
Roselle Calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Ethyl Acetate Fraction Lowering Malondialdehyde and TNF-α and Reducing Hypercoagulability in Diabetic Model
Authors: Abdillah Rahmad , Maulina Milla , Rahmatika Afni , Suharti Netty , Armenia Armenia
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Traditionally and empirically, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. has been used in treating diabetes mellitus due to its antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of administering the ethyl acetate fraction of hibiscus calyxes (EAFHCs) on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, bleeding time, and platelet count in male white rats induced with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Method: Thirty-six Wistar Kyoto rats were induced with intraperitoneal streptozotocin at 55 mg/kg BW and stabilized for 5 days to obtain diabetic conditions. Diabetic animals were divided into four groups; the diabetic group was given vehicle, the glibenclamide group was given 0.45 mg/kg BW of glibenclamide, and two groups were administered the EAFHCs at doses of 100 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW for 5 days. Subsequently, the MDA, TNF-α, bleeding time and platelet count levels were examined on days 1, 3, and 5, respectively. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results: EAFHC significantly reduced MDA and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, this fraction appeared to shorten bleeding time and decrease platelet count in diabetic rats. Administration of the EAFHC for 5 days effectively lowered MDA and TNF-α levels significantly, decreased platelet counts and prolonged coagulation (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that EAFHC effectively reduces MDA and TNF-α levels and reduces the risk of hypercoagulability in diabetic model.
Podapolipid mites (Acari: Heterostigmata): key to genera, biogeographical history and description of four new Australian species of Eutarsopolipus
Authors: SEEMAN OWEN D. , KATLAV ALIHAN
Published: May 2024

Four new species of parasitic mites of the genus Eutarsopolipus (Trombidiformes: Podapolipidae) are described from Australian carabid beetles: E. ampullaceous sp. nov. (ochoai species group) from Lecanomerus niger (Harpalini); E. tripodus sp. nov. (ochoai species group) from Notolestus sulcipennis (Pterostichini); E. vepreculus sp. nov. (leytei species group) from Coleolissus papua (Harpalini); and E. walteri sp. nov. (myzus species group) from Chlaenius ophonoides (Chlaeniini). Keys to the world genera of Podapolipidae and to the Australian species of Eutarsopolipus are provided. We further reviewed the world distribution of Eutarsopolipus species groups and postulated that the Australian representatives could be classified into two distinct faunas: a putatively Gondwanan fauna represented mainly by the ochoai species group and a more recent Laurasian fauna represented by just a few species in the myzus and acanthomus species groups.
New species of ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from the Peruvian Andes
Authors: NIEDBAŁA WOJCIECH , MAGOWSKI WOJCIECH Ł.
Published: May 2024

New records of ten species (total 109 specimens) of ptyctimous mites collected from a mountain forest in the Peruvian Andes are presented. Five of these species are new for science: Mesotritia andensis Niedbała sp. nov., Austrophthiracarus conchamarcensis Niedbała sp. nov., A. pachiteaensis Niedbała sp. nov., Notophthiracarus churubambensis Niedbała sp. nov. and N. quasipedanos Niedbała sp. nov. Acrotritia ischnos (Niedbała, 2004) is recorded for the first time from Peru; besides, a split into two groups of different body sizes is recorded for a population of Mesotritia curviseta (Hammer, 1961).
First ontogenesis and bioecological study of Sciobia bouvieri (Orthoptera, Gryllidae), a North African endemic species
Authors: NAIMA ADJOU , AHLEM MERIEM , SALAHEDDINE DOUMANDJI
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the bioecology and life cycle of the Algerian endemic Sciobia bouvieri, which remained unknown until recently. A combined approach of field sampling through direct searching and captive rearing of S. bouvieri nymphs under natural conditions was employed to determine the population ontogeny. The life cycle was found to comprise three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The embryonic development period ranged from 22 to 30 days. Females laid an average of 9.4 ± 1.3 eggs per clutch. The nymphal stage consisted of six instars, lasting an average of 306.5 days. Adult longevity varied, with males living 32.3 ± 16.2 days and females living 23.9 ± 22.4 days. The duration of the ontogenesis cycle of Sciobia bouvieri in nature showed that it has a univoltine life cycle with summer and winter diapauses occurring during the fourth and fifth larval stages, respectively. These diapauses are likely controlled by photoperiod and temperature. This is the first study of the bioecology and life cycle of this North African endemic species.
Some New Results on Domination and Independent Dominating Set of Some Graphs
Authors: Mohamed Basma , Badawy Mohammed
Published: May 2024

One area of graph theory that has been studied in great detail is dominance in graphs. Applications for dominating sets are numerous. In wireless networking, dominant sets are used to find effective paths inside ad hoc mobile networks. They have also been used in the creation of document summaries and safe electrical grid systems. A set S⊆V is said to be dominating set of G if for every v є V-S there exists a vertex u є S such that uv є E. The dominance number of G, represented by γ(G), is the lowest cardinality of vertices among the dominating set of G. A classic NP-complete decision problem in computational complexity theory determines whether, given a graph G and input K, γ(G) ≤ K. This is known as the dominating set issue. Consequently, it is thought that calculating γ(G) for each given graph G may not be possible to do with a feasible algorithm. In addition to efficient approximation tactics, there exist efficient exact techniques for various graph classes. If there are no neighboring vertices in a subset S, then S⊆V is an independent set. Additionally, the empty set and the subset with just one vertex are independent. An independent dominating set of G is a set S of vertices in a graph G that is both an independent and a dominating set of G. This paper's primary goal is to investigate the dominance and independent dominating set of many graphs, including the line graph, the alternate triangular belt graph, the bistar graph, the triangular snake graph, and others.
Identification of Essential Components of RNA Binding Domain of TLS/FUS
Authors: Ueda Naomi , Yoneda Ryoma , Kurokawa Riki
Published: May 2024

TLS/FUS is RNA-binding protein having multiple functions of regulations of genes, homeostasis, and cellular growth. Recent studies show that TLS is involved in phase separation and occasionally forms precipitation related to neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RNA has been reported to suppress phase separation, droplet formation, and concomitant precipitation of TLS, suggesting that RNA is a possible candidate for ALS drug discovery. Our experiments demonstrated that a long noncoding RNA, promoter-associated noncoding RNA (pncRNA-D), specifically binds TLS and represses its phase separation and precipitation. To obtain competent drug seeds, it is essential to reveal mechanism of action of lncRNAs with specificity to TLS and inhibitory activity on phase separation and related precipitation. For this purpose, several lncRNAs (lncRNAs 1 to 6) were selected upon assays with GST-TLS binding and inhibition on the precipitation. With criteria of binding specificity for TLS, lncRNA3 has been selected for further analysis for RNA-binding ability. Initially, RNA-binding region at TLS amino acid sequence was identified from four fragments of TLS. RNA binding assay with biotinylated lncRNA3 precipitated with avidin magnetic beads indicated clearly that TLS binds the fragment 4 (373-526 aa), C-terminus end of TLS. Then, dissecting fragment 4 presents four regions, RGG2, zinc finger, RGG3, and the nuclear localization signal (NLS) region in this order. Experiments with extensive deletion mutants indicated that just one deletion out of the four regions irs not enough to delete the TLS binding, although combinatorial deletion of zinc finger with other three regions almost wiped off the lncRNA3 binding. Remarkably, each of four regions alone has no binding to TLS, either. Collectively, RGG2, zinc finger, RGG3, and NLS all are essential for binding to lncRNA3, but are required to work synergistically for full binding. These data indicate that dynamic assembly of RNA-binding domain works for action of lncRNAs and possibly has allosteric effect on intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of N-terminus of TLS, implying relation of RNA-binding with phase separation and the resultant precipitation.
The Development Process of Wushu Under the Influence of Wuju Selection System
Authors: Hua Li
Published: May 2024

Wuju, historically known as Wuke, was began in Tang Dynasty, the second year when Wu Zetian became empress. It was developed in successive dynasties. However, with the invasions of Western colonists in 19th century, the traditional martial arts were clearly no longer suitable for the needs of modern warfare, finally, it was abolished in the 27th year of Guangxu in Qing Dynasty. The abolition of Wuju system caused a fierce debate in the imperial court. Although there is still little research on the influence of Wuju to the development of martial arts in various dynasties, as the earliest main way to select martial arts talents, it has existed for more than 1,200 years in Chinese history and has improved the selection criteria for talents that are adept with both the pen and the sword. Wuju in Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, military martial arts and folk martial arts are the earliest martial arts system in China. The rise and fall, as well as combination of Wuju and martial arts have a profound impact on the history of martial arts. Therefore, the paper tries to explore to the development process of martial arts by explaining the five stages of Wuju: rise, development, imprisonment, prosperity and defeat, then provides a theoretical basis for future scientific research on martial arts.
Determinants of Agribusiness Diversification Among Women Agri-Preneurs in Njoro and Molo Sub-Counties in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Engurat Ikonya , Mutai Benjamin , Owuor George
Published: May 2024

Participating in agribusiness value chains is significant for growth and development of an economy. Women have been noted to have low participation in agribusiness activities as compared to men because women face challenges such as inaccessibility and ownership of assets, social cultural hindrances, lower market innovativeness and versatility factors. To reduce these challenges faced by women agri-preneurs, there is need to adopt agribusiness diversification to ensure the success of agribusiness enterprises. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the number of agribusiness lines that female agri-preneurs participate in. This study was carried out in Njoro and Molo Sub-counties in Nakuru County, Kenya between March and August 2023. A standard Poisson regression model was carried out to examine the number of agribusiness lines that female agri-preneurs have to maximize revenue and spread risks associated with post production agribusiness activities such as selling, distribution and value addition of agricultural products. The study sampled 267 female in agribusinesses, both group participants and non-participants. Data processing was done using SPSS and STATA software. The results showed that age, education level, Leadership position, size of agribusiness enterprise, time taken in the agribusiness activities and ability of the female agri-preneurs to borrow loans positively influence the number of agribusiness lines that women agri-preneurs have.
Thermal Insulation of “akassa” Hot Preservation Baskets Using Cow Dung Coatings
Authors: Mededji Daniel , Sogbochi Elie , Djossou Ayihaou , Fagbemi Latif , Sohounhloue Dominique
Published: May 2024

The use of eco-materials for thermal insulation is becoming more and more recommended compared with synthetic materials. They have the advantage of being biodegradable and sometimes less expensive. To this end, the use of packaging with the function of hot preservatives but made from local and biodegradable materials is a very interesting alternative to synthetic enclosures. This work involved formulating eco-materials made from cow dung coatings and a mixture of cow dung coatings with a framework of fibres extracted from the stalks of oil palm leaves. In addition, to monitor the temperature rise in the various eco-materials manufactured and characterise them using the hot ribbon method to determine their effusivity and thermal conductivity. The pair of materials exposed to heating showed a gradual rise in temperature within the materials when the resistor was energised. A slightly faster rise was observed in the first fifty minutes. The results obtained indicate that the cow dung has a higher effusivity (E = 517.32 J.m-2. °C-1. s-1/2) than its composite (E = 501.20 J.m-2. °C-1. s-1/2). The thermal conductivity values obtained indicate that the cow dung has a higher thermal conductivity (λ'=0.19 W.m^(-1).K^(-1)) than that of the composite structure (λ=0.15 W.m^(-1).K^(-1)). From the above, the presence of the fibre frame has the effect of reducing thermal conductivity because it absorbs more energy. The materials produced therefore have proven insulating properties, which are improved when the framework is made from fibres extracted from the stalks of oil palm leaves. Using oil palm fibres in combination with cow dung as eco-materials for thermal insulation is an excellent alternative to synthetic insulation.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Association of Treatment Outcomes, Psychosocial Factors, and Multimorbidity in Severe Hypertensive Patients Attending Health Institutions in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Nwaike Sylvia , Daniel Ebenezer , Lamidi Sheriff , Tomori Michael , Avwerhota Michael , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Salami Aisha , Alewi Olukayode
Published: May 2024

Severe hypertension is associated with a two-fold increase in relative risk of death. Interventions to date fail to achieve sustained improvement in blood pressure, particularly in regional areas of high social disparity. Growing evidence points to multiple psychological, social and morbidity factors as contributors to the onset of and trajectory of hypertension. This study aims to examine the association of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity with response to treatment and treatment outcomes in the management of severe hypertensive patients providing updated knowledge and recommendations to improve their quality of care. We employed a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study using a quantitative and qualitative approach. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 733 severe hypertensive patients attending cardiology clinics in two tertiary health institutions in southeastern Nigeria. Data collected was transcribed, coded, and analysed with IBM SPSS version 23 software with appropriate descriptive tools used in presenting findings. We observed a significant association between age of the respondents and their response to treatment. Overweight/obese respondents were 1.5times less likely to respond to treatment. These findings add to existing knowledge provoking thoughtful discussions among relevant public health actors and stakeholders to update management policies for severe hypertension.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Growth and Sporulation of Corticium koleroga (Cke) Hoehnel
Authors: Gidisa Gabisa , Wubshet Zenebe , Negesa Hailu
Published: May 2024

A numerous production constraints have been affecting coffee production and productivity. Among the constraints, coffee diseases attacking fruits, leaves, stems and roots that reducing coffee yield and marketability are economically important across the country. Coffee thread blight disease considered as a minor for 40 years in Ethiopia is currently emerging as a significant bottleneck to the sector. Recently, the occurrence and significant damage due to this disease have been frequently reported from different coffee production areas. However, there is the lack of profiled information on intrinsic and extrinsic character of the pathogen. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the effect of temperature and artificial media on the growth and sporulation of C. koleroga. Collected sample from Metu sub-center have been isolated and purified. Then after, purified isolate was characterized on five different artificial media namely PDA, MEA, Sabouraud, yeast and Czapeck and three temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) ranges for growth and sporulation. The result revealed, there was a significant difference (P<0.001) among media and temperature ranges in the sporulation and radial growth rate of the pathogen. The fastest radial growth 3.57 and 3.51mm/day was recorded from PDA and Sabouraud media when incubated at 25°C, respectively. Whereas, the lowest growth rate was observed on yeast extract agar. On the other hand, the highest spore amount (116 spores/ml) was recorded from Sabouraud medium followed by potato dextrose agar and Yeast extract agar media at 25°C. The study confirmed that the three media (Sabouraud, Yeast extract agar and potato dextrose agar) with 25°C temperature are the best combination for proper radial growth and sporulation of Corticium koleroga. In general future studies should focus on alternative intrinsic and extrinsic factors for the growth and sporulation of this pathogen.
Assessment of Stigma, Violence and Coping Mechanisms Among HIV Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Godwin , Sanni Olaniyi , Umoh Paul , Abang Roger , Amechi Paul , Kalaiwo Abiye , Boniface Ochonye , Motilewa Olugbemi
Published: May 2024

People who inject drugs (PWIDs) living with HIV face high levels of stigma, violence, and rape due to their risky lifestyles, potentially facilitating the spread of HIV. This study assessed the level and type of stigma and violence among PWIDs attending Heartland Alliance in Akwa Ibom State and their coping mechanisms. This descriptive cross-sectional study of 442 PWIDs receiving care at four one-stop shops in the state was conducted using mixed methods. Quantitative data were collected through pretested structured questionnaires and an adopted stigma scale, administered by trained research assistants using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewer (CAPI). For qualitative data, one focus group discussion (FGD) was held at each site with 8-10 purposively selected PWIDs, and transcripts were analyzed thematically. The study findings reveals that most respondents were male (78%) with a mean age of 32.7±7 years. Pentazocine use was common (52%), and 18% shared needles, with 15% sharing blood after injections among friends. More than half (58%) missed more than one dose of ARVs in the past week. Perceived stigma (59%) was more common than internal stigma (18%), with predictors being student status, non-disclosure of HIV status, and non-adherence to treatment. PWIDs Physical violence (47.5%) and verbal abuse (37.1%) were prevalent among PWIDs. Female PWIDs had a ninefold higher risk of rape. Coping mechanisms included isolation, increased substance use, battle readiness, and positive reframing. Conclusion: PWIDs face significant levels of stigma, violence, and non-adherence, jeopardizing treatment outcomes and perpetuating STI, HIV, and blood-borne infection transmission. Establishing harm-reduction programs is essential to address these vulnerabilities and the consequences associated with drug use.
Color Genesis and Chromatography of Yellow Silicified Corals
Authors: Guo Yilin , Guo Ying , Wu Yixiao , Tang Jun , Liu Ziyuan
Published: May 2024

Color plays a vital role in revealing the formation environment and metasomatic processes of silicified coral. This study investigated the color mechanism and colorimetric characteristics of yellow silicified coral from the aspects of gemology and colorimetry. A Mako G-507C industrial
camera, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis, EDXRF, and XRD were used for the 16 samples in this study. The results showed that the yellow color of the silicified coral was produced by Fe3+ and influenced by its degree of crystallization. The Raman peaks of all silicified corals were consistent
with the standard spectral group peaks of α-quartz, where the yellow part was inferred to be goethite. The peaks at 545 and 505 nm, with a secondary peak near 435 nm in the UV-vis first-order derivative spectrum, were consistent with the presence of hematite and goethite, respectively.
The band positions of the second-order derivative spectrum were shown to belong to one single-electron leap 6A1 → (4E;4A1) and one electron pair leap (6A1 +6A1) → (4T1
+4T1). The chroma and lightness were mainly affected by Fe3+. By analyzing the correlation between the Fe content and the characteristic peaks, it was found that an increase in the Fe content led to a red shift in the peak position of the main characteristic
peaks, as well as an increase in the hight of the corresponding peaks in the UV-visible first-order derivative spectra. In silicified corals, an increasing crystallinity index is correlated with a decreasing phase proportion of moganite, decreasing Fe content in the bulk, and low chroma.
Applications of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles in Photocatalysis
Authors: Inamdar Akbar K. , Inamdar Shamshad A. , Birajdar Chandrakant T. , Bhale Jaishree , Rajmane S. V. , Shinde Bapusaheb H. , Patole Shashikant P. , Shelke Satish B. , Inamdar Shaukatali N.
Published: May 2024

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are conspicuously preferred as photocatalyst among the transition metal oxide nanoparticles. It exhibited in three polymorphisms of steady state rutile phase while brookite and anatase sustaining in metastable phase. The mixed phases
of anatase phase and rarely found brookite phase mostly preferred for the photodegradation applications. The economically affordable along with nontoxic nature on top of excellent opto-electronics and catalytic properties of TiO2 NPs are eminently favorable for the photocatalytic
degradation of chemically complex structured numerous organic and inorganic dyes, phenol and phenol-based derivatives, passive microplastics as well as suspended matters, non-biodegradable cytostatic drugs, acetaminophen, pharmaceutical organic waste compounds in addition to water pollutants.
The photocatalytic capability of these NPs enhanced by upgrading the structural and morphological nature by opting different synthesis techniques as well preparing the nanocomposites of TiO2 incorporation with other metals. The hydrothermally prepared polymeric membranes of polyvinylidene
with TiO2 NPs effectively (more than 90%) removed 17 α–ethinylestradiol from the contaminated water compared to Diclofenac under Uv irradiation. As it fronting the issue of electrostatic repulsion to all other membranes surface. The grafted membrane recorded highest
degradation efficiency of 95.4% and best reusability of 90% saturated at fifth recycle for Methylene Blue azo dye compared with blending and dip coating membranes. The TiO2 modified ultrafiltration membranes of Polyvinylidene Fluoride with Dopamine illustrated the 92.6% photocatalytic
degradation of Sulfadiazine which is most hazardous and highly resistant to biodegradation. 100% degradation of phenol derivative by TiO2 NPs hybrid polymeric films in visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of heterogenous photocatalyst Carbon–TiO2
contained anatase and brookite phased for Methylene Blue dye was 100% while for Rhodamine–B higher than 99% in solar and more than 78% in LED light irradiation. The recent trends for improvisation of photocatalytic ability of TiO2 NPs to enhance the quality of water and hence
the mankind are elaborated.
Electrical Properties of Textured Bismuth Layer-Structured Ferroelectric Ceramics with Large Number of Layers (m = 5)
Authors: Ninomiya Yuki , Kuroishi Kosuke , Takagi Yuka , Nagata Hajime
Published: May 2024

Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics (BLSF) ceramics are attractive materials for high temperature sensor applications, because of their high Curie temperature Tc (300–900 °C), and the large anisotropy of their electromechanical coupling factor kt/kp
or k33/k31. In this study, BLSF ceramics with a large number of layers, namely, (K0.5Bi0.5)2Bi4Ti5O18 + MnCO3 0.3 wt%+ Bi2O3 0.025 wt% (KBT5) and
Sr0.75Ca0.25Na0.5Bi4.5Ti5O18 + CeO2 1 wt% [(SC)NBT5] ceramics, were prepared by ordinary firing (OF) and hot forging (HF) methods, and their electrical and piezoelectric properties were examined. Both KBT5 and (SC)
NBT5 ceramics showed high Tc values of 545 and 424 °C, respectively. The OF-KBT5 ceramic had an electromechanical coupling factor k33 of 0.14 and a piezoelectric constant d33 of 20 pC/N, whereas the HF-KBT5 ceramic had k33
of 0.17 and d33 of 31 pC/N. On the other hand, the OF-(SC) NBT5 ceramic had k33 of 0.13 and d33 of 17 pC/N, whereas the HF-(SC) NBT5 ceramic had k33 that increased to 0.32 and d33 to 41 pC/N. The k33
and d33 of the HF ceramics were improved compared with those of the OF ceramics. Thus, the KBT5 and (SC) NBT5 ceramics with oriented grains were shown to have good piezoelectric properties with high Tc.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecast Skill: Evaluation with the NSSL Warn-on-Forecast System
Authors: Potvin Corey K. , Flora Montgomery L. , Skinner Patrick S. , Reinhart Anthony E. , Matilla Brian C.
Published: May 2024

Forecasters routinely calibrate their confidence in model forecasts. Ensembles inherently estimate forecast confidence but are often underdispersive, and ensemble spread does not strongly correlate with ensemble-mean error. The misalignment between ensemble spread and skill motivates new methods for “forecasting forecast skill” so that forecasters can better utilize ensemble guidance. We have trained logistic regression and random forest models to predict the skill of composite reflectivity forecasts from the NSSL Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS), a 3-km ensemble that generates rapidly updating forecast guidance for 0–6-h lead times. The forecast skill predictions are valid at 1-, 2-, or 3-h lead times within localized regions determined by the observed storm locations at analysis time. We use WoFS analysis and forecast output and NSSL Multi-Radar/Multi-Sensor composite reflectivity for 106 cases from the 2017 to 2021 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiments. We frame the prediction task as a multiclassification problem, where the forecast skill labels are determined by averaging the extended fraction skill scores (eFSSs) for several reflectivity thresholds and verification neighborhoods and then converting to one of three classes based on where the average eFSS ranks within the entire dataset: POOR (bottom 20%), FAIR (middle 60%), or GOOD (top 20%). Initial machine learning (ML) models are trained on 323 predictors; reducing to 10 or 15 predictors in the final models only modestly reduces skill. The final models substantially outperform carefully developed persistence- and spread-based models and are reasonably explainable. The results suggest that ML can be a valuable tool for guiding user confidence in convection-allowing (and larger-scale) ensemble forecasts.

Significance Statement

Some numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts are more likely to verify than others. Forecasters often recognize situations where NWP output should be trusted more or less than usual, but objective methods for “forecasting forecast skill” are notably lacking for thunderstorm-scale models. Better estimates of forecast skill can benefit society through more accurate forecasts of high-impact weather. Machine learning (ML) provides a powerful framework for relating forecast skill to the characteristics of model forecasts and available observations over many previous cases. ML models can leverage these relationships to predict forecast skill for new cases in real time. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to forecasting forecast skill using a cutting-edge thunderstorm prediction system and logistic regression and random forest models. Based on this success, we recommend the adoption of similar ML-based methods for other prediction models.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Uncertainties in Warm-Rain Parameterizations in Climate Models Based on In Situ Measurements
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Mechem David B. , Chiu J. Christine , Covert Justin A.
Published: May 2024

Because of the coarse grid size of Earth system models (ESMs), representing warm-rain processes in ESMs is a challenging task involving multiple sources of uncertainty. Previous studies evaluated warm-rain parameterizations mainly according to their performance in emulating collision–coalescence rates for local droplet populations over a short period of a few seconds. The representativeness of these local process rates comes into question when applied in ESMs for grid sizes on the order of 100 km and time steps on the order of 20–30 min. We evaluate several widely used warm-rain parameterizations in ESM application scenarios. In the comparison of local and instantaneous autoconversion rates, the two parameterization schemes based on numerical fitting to stochastic collection equation (SCE) results perform best. However, because of Jessen’s inequality, their performance deteriorates when grid-mean, instead of locally resolved, cloud properties are used in their simulations. In contrast, the effect of Jessen’s inequality partly cancels the overestimation problem of two semianalytical schemes, leading to an improvement in the ESM-like comparison. In the assessment of uncertainty due to the large time step of ESMs, it is found that the rainwater tendency simulated by the SCE is roughly linear for time steps smaller than 10 min, but the nonlinearity effect becomes significant for larger time steps, leading to errors up to a factor of 4 for a time step of 20 min. After considering all uncertainties, the grid-mean and time-averaged rainwater tendency based on the parameterization schemes is mostly within a factor of 4 of the local benchmark results simulated by SCE.
Atmospheric Teleconnections Responsible for the Dominant Patterns of Interannual Variability in Summer Drought over Northern Asia
Authors: Ju Dingyu , Sun Jianqi , Hong Haixu , Zhang Mengqi
Published: May 2024

Summer drought over northern Asia (NA) seriously threatens the local fragile ecological environment and social economy development. In this study, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), we first identify the dominant modes of interannual variability in summer drought condition over NA and then explore the atmospheric patterns responsible for the formation of the modes. The results show that the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF1) mode of summer SPEI over NA exhibits a meridional dipole pattern, which is influenced primarily by the polar–Eurasian teleconnection (POL) and circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) patterns. Under the influence of negative POL and positive CGT patterns, there is an anomalous anticyclone (cyclone) over northwestern Siberia (Lake Baikal to Northeast China). Such atmospheric circulations lead to meridional dipole patterns in air temperature, moisture condition, vertical motion, and cloud cover over NA, favoring decreased (increased) precipitation and increased (decreased) potential evapotranspiration over northern (southern) NA, finally contributing to the formation of EOF1. The second EOF (EOF2) shows an approximate zonal dipole pattern, which is influenced by the British–Baikal Corridor (BBC) and Scandinavia (SCA) teleconnection patterns. The positive BBC and SCA patterns can lead to an anomalous anticyclone over the Ural Mountains and a cyclone over Lake Baikal. Such atmospheric circulations result in a zonal dipole pattern in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration over NA through changing the local moisture condition, air temperature, and radiation, consequently favoring the formation of EOF2. Fitting analysis indicates that the aforementioned atmospheric factors can explain 76% (55%) of the interannual variability of EOF1 (EOF2).
Exploring the Usefulness of Machine Learning Severe Weather Guidance in the Warn-on-Forecast System: Results from the 2022 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment
Authors: Flora Montgomery L. , Gallo Burkely , Potvin Corey K. , Clark Adam J. , Wilson Katie
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining popularity for severe weather forecasting. Recently, the authors developed an AI system using machine learning (ML) to produce probabilistic guidance for severe weather hazards, including tornadoes, large hail, and severe winds, using the National Severe Storms Laboratory’s (NSSL) Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) as input. Known as WoFS-ML-Severe, it performed well in retrospective cases, but its operational usefulness had yet to be determined. To examine the potential usefulness of the ML guidance, we conducted a control and treatment (experimental) group experiment during the 2022 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment (HWT-SFE). The control group had full access to WoFS, while the experimental group had access to WoFS and ML products. Explainability graphics were also integrated into the WoFS web viewer. Both groups issued 1-h convective outlooks for each hazard. After issuing their forecasts, we surveyed participants on their confidence, the number of products viewed, and the usefulness of the ML guidance. We found the ML-based outlooks outperformed non-ML-based outlooks for multiple verification metrics for all three hazards and were rated subjectively higher by the participants. However, the difference in confidence between the two groups was not significant, and the experimental group self-reported viewing more products than the control group. Participants had mixed sentiments toward explainability products as it improved their understanding of the input/output relationships, but viewing them added to their workload. Although the experiment demonstrated the usefulness of ML guidance for severe weather forecasting, there are avenues to improve upon the ML guidance, and more training and exposure are needed to exploit its benefits fully.

Significance Statement

We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system to predict tornadoes, large hail, and damaging straight-line winds. The AI system was leveraged in real time during the 2022 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment. This study reveals that forecasters using AI guidance produced more reliable and spatially accurate outlooks than those without. While AI and complementary explainability products did not reduce forecaster workload, both demonstrated great potential for improving severe weather forecasting. This research also highlights the importance of user feedback in refining AI tools for severe weather forecasting.
Psychoanalysis—More Than a Profession: Presidential Address, American Psychoanalytic Association, New York, February 3, 2023
Authors: Glover William C.
Published: May 2024

This plenary address was delivered just before learning the successful outcome of a bylaw amendment extending full American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) membership to psychoanalytic psychotherapists, researchers, scholars, and all who share a commitment to psychoanalysis. This historic change culminated efforts over the previous four decades to rectify exclusionary harms and revitalize psychoanalysis in the United States as a clinical practice and a cultural force. Membership expansion is discussed in the historical and sociological context of psychoanalysis as a profession with a focus on organizational resistance to change. Professionalization established and legitimized psychoanalysis but also contained the seeds of gradual decline as monopoly over training and practice distanced APsA from the wider psychoanalytic community. Expanding membership beyond the profession is a step toward uniting the community and strengthening all applications of psychoanalysis, including the traditional form. These developments at APsA reflect changes in other disciplines that feature inclusion, generosity, situated learning, and distributed subjectivity in epistemic communities of practice.
‘The Economy is Rigged’: Inequality Narratives, Fairness, and Support for Redistribution in Six Countries
Authors: Culpepper Pepper D. , Shandler Ryan , Jung Jae-Hee , Lee Taeku
Published: May 2024

Do narratives about the causes of inequality influence support for redistribution? Scholarship suggests that information about levels of inequality does not easily shift redistributive attitudes. We embed information about inequality within a commentary article depicting the economy as being rigged to advantage elites, a common populist narrative of both the left and right. Drawing on the media effects and political economy literature, we expect articles employing narratives that portray inequality as the consequence of systemic unfairness to increase demands for redistribution. We test this proposition via an online survey experiment with 7426 respondents in Australia, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our narrative treatment significantly increases attitudes favoring redistribution in five of the countries. In the US the treatment has no effect. We consider several reasons for the non-result in the US – highlighting beliefs about government inefficiency – and conclude by discussing general implications of our findings.
A virtuous cycle? Migrant integration policies, attitudes toward immigration, and populist radical right voting in Europe
Authors: Zagórski Piotr , Díaz Chorne Laura , Lorenzo Rodríguez Javier
Published: May 2024

Are citizens less likely to support populist radical right parties (PRRPs) in countries with more inclusive migrant integration policies? Studies show that integration policies foster positive attitudes toward migrants, which, in turn, are associated with a lower likelihood of supporting PRRPs. However, the impact of integration policies on PRRP voting has not been assessed yet on a cross-country level—neither direct nor dependent on (anti)immigration attitudes. Using data from the European Social Survey 2016 and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) from 2011 and 2015 for 15 EU member states, we show that more inclusive integration policies are associated with a lower likelihood to support PRRPs. We also find a moderating effect of these policies on the impact of attitudes toward migrants on PRRP voting. However, the effect of migration policy change seems to be more context dependent.
Determining the Effect of Psychological Resilience on Death, the Fear of Death, and Death Acceptance in Nursing Students in Turkey
Authors: Durmus Iskender Mahinur , Ulaş Karaahmetoğlu Gülşen
Published: May 2024

This study will investigate the effects of psychological resilience on death, fear of death and acceptance of death in nursing students. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample of the study consisted of 270 students who voluntarily participated. The data were collected using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, the resilience scale for adults (RSA) and the multidimensional orientation to death and dying inventory MODDI-F. A positive and significant correlation was found between the Acceptance Subscale, RSA and MODDI-F subscale scores. Nursing students’ attitudes towards death and dying are affected by their psychological resilience. Psychological resilience should be increased because nursing students are candida for future caregivers. For this reason, within the scope of the findings of the study, it is recommended that during the theoretical and practical nursing education process, students should be reinforced by conducting studies on the dying patient through educational teaching methods such as role play and case presentations. In addition, ıt is thought that an interview or focus group on nursing students’ psychological resilience and attitudes towards death can provide a more comprehensive source of information on the subject.
Multicultural Efficacy Beliefs in Higher Education: Examining University Instructors’ Burnout and Mental Well-Being
Authors: Chahar Mahali Saghar , Sevigny Phillip R. , Beshai Shadi
Published: May 2024

Canadian universities are experiencing a dramatic increase in enrollment of students from diverse backgrounds. Evidence suggests many educators are not prepared to teach in multicultural contexts. Educators’ lack of preparedness to teach in such contexts may lead them to develop burnout, which can negatively impact their mental and professional well-being. However, self-efficacy beliefs may buffer against job burnout and promote mental well-being. Hence, multicultural efficacy is an important factor for teaching in multicultural settings. In this study, we examined the relationships of multicultural efficacy with university instructors’ burnout and mental well-being. A total of 158 faculty and sessional instructors were recruited from four prominent higher education institutions in Canada. The results revealed that multicultural efficacy was significantly related to the Personal Accomplishment facet of burnout and mental well-being, even after controlling variance accounted for by demographics, job-related characteristics, teaching self-efficacy, and colour-blind racial attitudes. These findings indicate that domain specific multicultural efficacy and general teaching self-efficacy are distinct constructs. Further, findings may inform the development of training opportunities and diversity-related workshops to enhance university instructors’ awareness of diversity, social justice issues, and multicultural efficacy to better equip them for instruction in multicultural classrooms.
Examining the Relation Between Early Violence Exposure and Firearm-Related Experiences in Emerging Adulthood: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Osborne Melissa C. , Reidy Dennis E. , Temple Jeff R. , DeMello Annalyn , Lu Yu
Published: May 2024

Firearms are a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Early exposure to violence, as a victim or witness, is associated with increased risk of firearm-related experiences, including carrying and threatening others with a gun. These experiences, in turn, increase the risk of both fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries. Using an ethnically diverse sample of emerging adults, we build on prior research by examining the link between early violence exposure at multiple contexts of the social-ecological model and multiple firearm-related experiences (i.e., firearm-threatening victimization, firearm-threatening perpetration, and firearm carriage). We analyzed data from a 10-year longitudinal study of 1042 youth in the Southern United States. Experiencing childhood physical abuse was associated with both firearm-threatening victimization and perpetration in emerging adulthood. Additionally, exposure to neighborhood and interparental violence were linked to threatening others with firearms and carrying firearms, respectively. Counter to expectations, bullying victimization did not emerge as a predictor of any firearm-related experiences. Findings highlight the importance of cross-cutting violence prevention efforts to prevent high-risk firearm-related behaviors among emerging adults. Programs for children and adolescents that address these types of violence exposure should highlight coping skills and sources of positive social support to bolster protective factors against firearm-related outcomes.
On the essential work of fracture of polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane/halloysite
Authors: Hosseinjani Sadegh , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Fasihi Mohammad , Rajaee Pouya
Published: May 2024

The goal of this work is to investigate the mechanical and fracture characteristics of polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/halloysite (HNT). HNT with three levels (0, 3, and 6 wt.%) and TPU with three levels (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) were used as variables. The investigation of tensile properties revealed contrasting effects of TPU and HNT levels. Increasing TPU content to 30 wt.% led to a decrease in strength and modulus by 36% and 42% in turn, however resulted in a remarkable 338% improvement in elongation at break. Conversely, the addition of 3 wt.% HNT enhanced both tensile strength and modulus, although it caused a reduction in elongation at break. The results concerning fracture properties showed by incorporating TPU up to 30 wt.% EWF ( w e) and non-EWF ( βw p) rose by 459% and 178%, respectively. Additionally, the inclusion of 3 wt.% HNT further elevated the EWF compared to the compound containing 10 wt.% TPU without HNT. Through optimization, the compound with 10 wt.% TPU and 3 wt.% HNT was shown to have the optimum strength, stiffness, and toughness balance.