bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel graph-theoretical clustering approach to find a reduced set with extreme solutions of Pareto optimal solutions for multi-objective optimization problems
Authors: Kahagalage Sanath , Turan Hasan Hüseyin , Jalalvand Fatemeh , El Sawah Sondoss
Published: March 2023

Multi-objective optimization problems and their solution algorithms are of great importance as single-objective optimization problems are not usually a true representation of many real-world problems. In general, multi-objective optimization problems result in a large set of Pareto optimal solutions. Each solution in this set is optimal with some trade-offs. Therefore, it is difficult for the decision-maker to select a solution, especially in the absence of subjective or judgmental information. Moreover, an analysis of all the solutions is computationally expensive and, hence, not practical. Thus, researchers have proposed several techniques such as clustering and ranking of Pareto optimal solutions to reduce the number of solutions. The ranking methods are often used to obtain a single solution, which is not a good representation of the entire Pareto set. This paper deviates from the common approach and proposes a novel graph-theoretical clustering method. The quality of the clustering based on the Silhouette score is used to determine the number of clusters. The connectivity in the objective space is used to find representative solutions for clusters. One step forward, we identify ‘extreme solutions’. Hence, the reduced set contains both extreme solutions and representative solutions. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method by using different 3D and 8D benchmark Pareto fronts as well as Pareto fronts from a case study in Royal Australian Navy. Results revealed that the reduced set obtained from the proposed method outperforms that from theK-means clustering, which is the most popular traditional clustering approach in Pareto pruning.
Subjectivity of pre-test probability value: controversies over the use of Bayes’ Theorem in medical diagnosis
Authors: Rzepiński Tomasz
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the use of Bayes’ Theorem in medical diagnosis with a view to examining the epistemological problems of interpreting the concept of pre-test probability value. It is generally maintained that pre-test probability values are determined subjectively. Accordingly, this paper investigates three main philosophical interpretations of probability (the “classic” one, based on the principle of non-sufficient reason, the frequentist one, and the personalistic one). This study argues that using Bayes’ Theorem in medical diagnosis does not require accepting the radical personalistic interpretation. It will be shown that what distinguishes radical and moderate personalist interpretations is the criterion of conditional inter-subjectivity which applies only to the moderate account of personalist interpretation.
Experimental and computational studies of tautomerism pyridine carbonyl thiosemicarbazide derivatives
Authors: Kozyra Paweł , Kaczor Agnieszka , Karczmarzyk Zbigniew , Wysocki Waldemar , Pitucha Monika
Published: March 2023

Tautomerism is one of the most important phenomena to consider when designing biologically active molecules. In this work, we use NMR spectroscopy, IR, and X-ray analysis as well as quantum-chemical calculations in the gas phase and in a solvent to study tautomerism of 1- (2-, 3- and 4-pyridinecarbonyl)-4-substituted thiosemicarbazide derivatives. The tautomer containing both carbonyl and thione groups turned out to be the most stable. The results of the calculations are consistent with the experimental data obtained from NMR and IR spectroscopy and with the crystalline forms from the X-ray studies. The obtained results broaden the knowledge in the field of structural studies of the thiosemicarbazide scaffold, which will translate into an understanding of the interactions of compounds with a potential molecular target.
Noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers
Authors: Cheng Bin , Deng Xiu-Hao , Gu Xiu , He Yu , Hu Guangchong , Huang Peihao , Li Jun , Lin Ben-Chuan , Lu Dawei , Lu Yao , Qiu Chudan , Wang Hui , Xin Tao , Yu Shi , Yung Man-Hong , Zeng Junkai , Zhang Song , Zhong Youpeng , Peng Xinhua , Nori Franco , Yu Dapeng
Published: March 2023

Quantum computers have made extraordinary progress over the past decade, and significant milestones have been achieved along the path of pursuing universal fault-tolerant quantum computers. Quantum advantage, the tipping point heralding the quantum era, has been accomplished along with several waves of breakthroughs. Quantum hardware has become more integrated and architectural compared to its toddler days. The controlling precision of various physical systems is pushed beyond the fault-tolerant threshold. Meanwhile, quantum computation research has established a new norm by embracing industrialization and commercialization. The joint power of governments, private investors, and tech companies has significantly shaped a new vibrant environment that accelerates the development of this field, now at the beginning of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum era. Here, we first discuss the progress achieved in the field of quantum computation by reviewing the most important algorithms and advances in the most promising technical routes, and then summarizing the next-stage challenges. Furthermore, we illustrate our confidence that solid foundations have been built for the fault-tolerant quantum computer and our optimism that the emergence of quantum killer applications essential for human society shall happen in the future.
Structure-based mechanism and inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein
Authors: Xue Han , Zhang Meng , Liu Jianfang , Wang Jianjun , Ren Gang
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

Cholesteryl ester transfer proteins (CETP) regulate plasma cholesterol levels by transferring cholesteryl esters (CEs) among lipoproteins. Lipoprotein cholesterol levels correlate with the risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This article reviews recent research on CETP structure, lipid transfer mechanism, and its inhibition.

Recent Findings

Genetic deficiency in CETP is associated with a low plasma level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a profoundly elevated plasma level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which correlates with a lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, a very high concentration of HDL-C also correlates with increased ASCVD mortality. Considering that the elevated CETP activity is a major determinant of the atherogenic dyslipidemia, i.e., pro-atherogenic reductions in HDL and LDL particle size, inhibition of CETP emerged as a promising pharmacological target during the past two decades. CETP inhibitors, including torcetrapib, dalcetrapib, evacetrapib, anacetrapib and obicetrapib, were designed and evaluated in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of ASCVD or dyslipidemia. Although these inhibitors increase in plasma HDL-C levels and/or reduce LDL-C levels, the poor efficacy against ASCVD ended interest in CETP as an anti-ASCVD target. Nevertheless, interest in CETP and the molecular mechanism by which it inhibits CE transfer among lipoproteins persisted. Insights into the structural-based CETP-lipoprotein interactions can unravel CETP inhibition machinery, which can hopefully guide the design of more effective CETP inhibitors that combat ASCVD.

Individual-molecule 3D structures of CETP bound to lipoproteins provide a model for understanding the mechanism by which CETP mediates lipid transfer and which in turn, guide the rational design of new anti-ASCVD therapeutics.
Social Participation Considered as Meaningful in old age − the Perceptions of Senior Housing Residents in Finland
Authors: Sirén Ann-Louise , Seppänen Marjaana , von Bonsdorff Mikaela B.
Published: March 2023

As populations across the world age, there is a recognised need for promoting social participation in older adults. Previous studies related to social participation have addressed that interactions perceived as meaningful may improve quality of life in old age. However, what is less clear is the nature of such participation from the perspective of older adults, as the vast majority of studies have been quantitative. The present study aimed to explore what characterises social participation that contributes to a meaningful everyday life, from the viewpoint of independently living Finnish older adults. Thematic analysis was used as an interpretative method drawing on semi-structured in-depth interviews with six residents aged 82 to 97 years from one senior housing facility. The analysis showed that social participation perceived as meaningful involved caring reciprocal interactions with people they connected with; having the freedom to make autonomous decisions and influence matters that affected their own or others’ everyday life; and, on a more abstract level, feeling significant as a person. It furthermore fostered independence and companionship as well as reduced loneliness. To describe social participation that is perceived as meaningful from a theoretical perspective, we used Levasseur and colleagues’ (2010) taxonomy and found that such involvement creates a sense of connectedness, a sense of belonging and relates to the concepts of social integration, social networking and social engagement. This type of involvement is associated with enhanced quality of life and a more meaningful life, highlighting the importance of creating environments where older adults can socially connect.
Identification, Witnessing and Reaction to School Bullying Behaviour in Secondary Education
Authors: García-Díaz Verónica , Urbano-Contreras Antonio , Iglesias-García María-Teresa , Álvarez-Blanco Lucía
Published: March 2023

This study, carried out with 10,795 Compulsory Secondary Education students (Asturias, Spain), seeks to determine what behaviours are considered school bullying, to what extent they are witnessed, and what the typical reactions to bullying are. To gather the data, a 19-item questionnaire was used, with a high degree of reliability (α = 0.85). Regarding the results, most of the students have a concept of bullying generally related to the use of physical force, although the behaviours witnessed with the greatest frequency are insults, social exclusion, or damaging belongings. As for their reaction, students tend to assume the role of a proactive witness, the tendency being to ask an adult for help. Nevertheless, there are many students whose knowledge and recognition of bullying is scarce, and who, by choice, limit themselves to observing. The results are useful for designing educational actions aimed at the intervention and prevention of school bullying.
Braking distance prediction for vehicle consist in low-speed on-sight operation: a Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Pfaff Raphael
Published: March 2023

The first and last mile of a railway journey, in both freight and transit applications, constitutes a high effort and is either non-productive (e.g. in the case of depot operations) or highly inefficient (e.g. in industrial railways). These parts are typically managed on-sight, i.e. with no signalling and train protection systems ensuring the freedom of movement. This is possible due to the rather short braking distances of individual vehicles and shunting consists. The present article analyses the braking behaviour of such shunting units. For this purpose, a dedicated model is developed. It is calibrated on published results of brake tests and validated against a high-definition model for low-speed applications. Based on this model, multiple simulations are executed to obtain a Monte Carlo simulation of the resulting braking distances. Based on the distribution properties and established safety levels, the risk of exceeding certain braking distances is evaluated and maximum braking distances are derived. Together with certain parameters of the system, these can serve in the design and safety assessment of driver assistance systems and automation of these processes.
Der »Geist« der Deutschen Vierteljahrsschrift: Wühler, Problem und Problembibliothek
Authors: Laube Reinhard
Published: March 2023

Das Zeitschriftenkonzept von 1923 wird neu gelesen, mit einem selektiven Plädoyer für drei Anschlussmöglichkeiten: der »Geist« als »Wühler«, Geistesgeschichte als kultur- und wissenssoziologisch informierte Problemgeschichte und die Forschungs- als Problembibliothek.
Where Are the Children?: Addiction Workers’ Knowledge of Clients’ Offspring and Related Risks
Authors: Russell Lynda , Gajwani Ruchika , Turner Fiona , Minnis Helen
Published: March 2023

Parental substance use can harm and increase risk to children. Accurate reporting and monitoring by addiction staff is essential to support and protect families and children. The caseloads of 8 nurses and 12 social care workers (736 service users) were reviewed for offspring related information. 62.8% of service users were parents, 38.3% of those being parents of children aged 16 years and under. Data were available on 913 offspring, 475 (52%) aged 16 or under. 32% of the total offspring sample, and of the 16 and under sample, lived with a family member who was not the parent receiving treatment and had no social work involvement. Seven offspring (0.8%) were deceased—a two-fold increase in mortality rate compared to the general population, highlighting the increased risk of harm experienced by the offspring of this group of parents. In the records of 53 parents (11.5%; 68 children), there was a discrepancy between the electronic records and staff knowledge about children aged 16 and under. Of these 68 children, 56 (11.8%) were recorded on the electronic system but not reported by the care manager, and 12 (2.5%) were only reported by the care manager but were not recorded on the electronic system. Worryingly, there might also be children who are neither on electronic systems nor known to staff. Due to these discrepancies in recording and the increased risks to these children, we recommend that addiction staff routinely asks service users if they are parents and who provides care for their children.
Convergence of the source control and actual access accounts of privacy
Authors: Asgarinia Haleh
Published: March 2023

In this paper, it is argued that, when properly revised in the face of counter-examples, the source control and actual access views of privacy are extensionally equivalent but different in their underlying rationales. In this sense, the source control view and the actual access view, when properly modified to meet counter-examples, can be metaphorically compared to ‘climbing the same mountain but from different sides’ (as Parfit [1] has argued about normative theories). These two views can equally apply to the privacy debates and, thus, resolve a long-standing debate in the literature.
Mill's Constitution of Liberty: an alternative behavioural policy framework
Authors: Hargreaves Heap Shaun P.
Published: March 2023

This paper offers an interpretation of the behavioural evidence that casts doubt over whether people always have preferences or, if they do, that they are stable. If people do not have preferences in this sense, then the usual policy evaluation standard of preference satisfaction cannot be used in these cases. The paper then develops, to fill this gap, a Millian policy framework where policy is judged by whether it advances what Mill understands by individual liberty in On Liberty. This yields many recognisable policies but offers a different evaluative standard for them. It also yields some policy innovations: e.g. a basic income and a flat tax.
On the derived Lusztig correspondence
Authors: Laumon Gérard , Letellier Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

Let G be a connected reductive group, T a maximal torus of G, N the normalizer of T and

$W=N/T$

the Weyl group of G. Let

${\mathfrak {g}}$

and

${\mathfrak {t}}$

be the Lie algebras of G and T. The affine variety

$\mathfrak {car}={\mathfrak {t}}/\!/W$

of semisimple G-orbits of

${\mathfrak {g}}$

has a natural stratification

$$ \begin{align*} \mathfrak{car}=\coprod_{\lambda}\mathfrak{car}_{\lambda} \end{align*} $$

indexed by the set of G-conjugacy classes of Levi subgroups: the open stratum is the set of regular semisimple orbits and the closed stratum is the set of central orbits.

In [17], Rider considered the triangulated subcategory

$D_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {b}}([{\mathfrak {g}}_{\mathrm {nil}}/G])^{\mathrm {Spr}}$

of

$D_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {b}}([{\mathfrak {g}}_{\mathrm {nil}}/G])$

generated by the direct summand of the Springer sheaf. She proved that it is equivalent to the derived category of finitely generated dg modules over the smash product algebra

${\overline {\mathbb {Q}}_{\ell }}[W]\# H^{\bullet }_G(G/B)$

where

$H^{\bullet }_G(G/B)$

is the G-equivariant cohomology of the flag variety. Notice that the later derived category is

$D_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {b}}(\mathrm {B}(N))$

where

$\mathrm {B}(N)=[\mathrm {Spec}(k)/N]$

is the classifying stack of N-torsors.

The aim of this paper is to understand geometrically and generalise Rider’s equivalence of categories: For each

$\lambda $

we construct a cohomological correspondence inducing an equivalence of categories between

$D_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {b}}([{\mathfrak {t}}_{\lambda }/N])$

and

$D_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {b}}([{\mathfrak {g}}_{\lambda }/G])^{\mathrm {Spr}}$

.
Ion emission from nanodroplets undergoing Coulomb explosions: a continuum numerical study
Authors: Misra Kaartikey , Gamero-Castaño Manuel
Published: March 2023

A droplet charged above the Rayleigh limit is unstable. In the resulting dynamical process, referred to as a Coulomb explosion, smaller droplets with higher charge-to-mass ratios are ejected, reducing the charge of the parent droplet below the Rayleigh limit. Furthermore, if the droplet is sufficiently small, the electric field on its surface can promote ion field emission. Ion emission can lower the charge of a spherical droplet below its Rayleigh limit, keeping it stable, or reduce the charge of a deforming droplet, changing its dynamics and potentially preventing the Coulomb explosion. This article develops a continuum phase field electrohydrodynamic model to study the interplay between Coulomb explosions and ion emission, using charged nanodroplets of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMI-Im) as a case study. In small droplets (diameter

$D \lesssim 20$

 nm for EMI-Im), the electric field is strong enough to emit ions in the early phase of the droplet's evolution, suppressing the Coulomb explosion. For

$20 \lesssim D \lesssim 45$

 nm, the electric field on the EMI-Im droplet may not promote significant ion emission; however, as the unstable droplet becomes ellipsoidal, ions are emitted from its vertices, ultimately suppressing the Coulomb explosion while shedding

$20\unicode{x2013}40\,\%$

of the initial charge. For larger EMI-Im droplets,

$45 \lesssim D \lesssim 100$

 nm, the evolution typical of a Coulomb explosion is observed, accompanied by ion emission which is however insufficient to prevent the Coulomb explosion. Ion emission and the smaller progeny droplets account for

$24\,\%$

and

$16\,\%$

of the initial charge, respectively.
The P(4S) + NH(3Σ–) and N(4S) + PH(3Σ–)reactions as sources of interstellar phosphorus nitride
Authors: Gomes Alexandre C. R. , Souza André C. , Jasper Ahren W. , Galvão Breno R. L.
Published: March 2023

Phosphorus nitride (PN) is believed to be one of the major reservoirs of phosphorus in the interstellar medium (ISM). For this reason, understanding which reactions produce PN in space and predicting their rate coefficients is important for modelling the relative abundances of P-bearing species and clarifying the role of phosphorus in astrochemistry. In this work, we explore the potential energy surfaces of the

$\textrm{P}(^4\textrm{S}) + \textrm{NH}(^3\Sigma^-)$

and

$\textrm{N}(^4\textrm{S}) + \textrm{PH}(^3\Sigma^-)$

reactions and the formation of

$\textrm{H}(^2\textrm{S}) + \textrm{PN}(^1\Sigma^+)$

through high accuracy ab initio calculations and the variable reaction coordinate transition state theory (VRC-TST). We found that both reactions proceed without an activation barrier and with similar rate coefficients that can be described by a modified Arrhenius equation (

$k(T)=\alpha\!\left( T/300 \right)^{\beta} \exp\!{(\!-\!\gamma/T)})$

with

$\alpha=0.93\times 10^{-10}\rm cm^3\,s^{-1}$

,

$\beta=-0.18$

and

$\gamma=0.24\, \rm K$

for the

$\textrm{P} + \textrm{NH} \longrightarrow \textrm{H} + \textrm{PN}$

reaction and

$\alpha=0.88\times 10^{-10}\rm cm^3\,s^{-1}$

,

$\beta=-0.18$

and

$\gamma=1.01\, \rm K$

for the

$\textrm{N} + \textrm{PH} \longrightarrow \textrm{H} + \textrm{PN}$

one. Both reactions are expected to be relevant for modelling PN abundances even in the cold environments of the ISM. Given the abundance of hydrogen in space, we have also predicted rate coefficients for the destruction of PN via H + PN collisions.
Low speed aerodynamics of canard configurations
Authors: Bandyopadhyay G.
Published: March 2023

Numerical methods have been developed for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics of canard wing configurations by considering both attached and separated flow over the canard surface; the flow over the main wing surface is always assumed to be attached. Experimental tests have been conducted in a low speed wind tunnel to compare the theoretical results predicted by the numerical methods. The comparison shows good agreement up to approximately 16° incidence.
Aircraft antennas
Authors: Burberry R. A.
Published: March 2023

Reference to the few general papers on aircraft antennas which had been published up to 25 years ago shows that the underlying rules of antenna siting were well understood even though there were few theoretical models at the time. The hardware has changed considerably to reflect new environmental requirements and new manufacturing techniques. In this paper, antenna siting rules are reviewed in the light of aircraft developments and the increasing range of airborne radio systems. Some recent solutions to siting problems are discussed together with some thoughts on possible future problems.
Some observations on the cross flow oscillations of a pair of interfering circular cylinders
Authors: Bokaian A. , Geoola F.
Published: March 2023

Cylindrical arrays subjected to external flow have been the subject of considerable study in recent years. Much of this study is concerned with a solitary cylinder or cylinder arrays involving many cylinders with the same diameters. Common structures however have cylinders with different diameters. For example, in a reactor, there are small diameter cylinders amongst large ones. In this situation, the dynamic behaviour of the cylinders are different from the cylinder arrays of equal diameters. Since the case of a pair of parallel circular cylinders in a cross-flow constitutes the simplest configuration, its study should be of importance in the understanding of more complicated situations. Various modes of oscillations associated with two interfering cylinders may be found in review papers by Zdravkovich. This note presents some laboratory observations of the response of a rigid twodimensional flexibly mounted smooth circular cylinder, with vibrations restricted to a plane normal to the incident flow, as induced by the vicinity of a rigid parallel circular cylinder of different diameter.
The mixing of three-dimensional turbulent wakes and boundary layers
Authors: Moghadam A. , Squire L. C.
Published: March 2023

A fundamental study is presented of the three-dimensional aspects of the wake/boundary layer interaction as it occurs on high-lift wings, particularly the slat-wake/wing boundary layer interaction. A digital system for measuring and recording all the components of the mean velocity and the Reynolds stress tensor using a triple hot-wire probe has been developed. This system has been tested and has been used to measure the interaction between the wakes of swept aerofoils and the fully turbulent boundary layer developing on a flat plate. An important and interesting result of all the tests is the rapid decay of the three dimensionality in the wake, so that in many cases the actual interaction is almost two-dimensional. Two cases of three-dimensional interaction have been simulated. In one case the interaction is fully three-dimensional while in the other case it can be assumed to be quasi three-dimensional. For the quasi three-dimensional confluent flow, the measured results have been compared with the predictions of the two-dimensional form of K-ε and algebraic stress turbulence models. The overall agreement between the measured and predicted results is good. However, for the turbulence flow field the agreement is less satisfactory in the initial mixing region where the three-dimensionality is strong and it is also poor in the wall boundary layer.
Analysis of atmospheric turbulence measurements by spectral and discretegust methods
Authors: Foster G. W. , Jones J. G.
Published: March 2023

Detailed measurements of atmospheric-turbulence velocity have been made by a specially instrumented aircraft at altitudes below one thousand feet over a variety of terrains. These measurements are analysed in terms of power-spectral-density and a statistical-discrete-gust model. To a good approximation, spatial increments in turbulence velocity are shown to satisfy scaling laws implying self-similarity for amplitudes up to about four times their root-mean-square value and over a wide range of scales. A three-parameter relationship is established between two parameters from the statistical-discrete-gust analysis, corresponding respectively to intermittency and gust intensity, and one from the power-spectral representation, related to the average rate of energy dissipation.
LOPAN - A low-order panel method for subsonic and supersonic flows
Authors: Rubin T. D.
Published: March 2023

A low-order panel method is presented for the calculation of subsonic or supersonic linear flow about general configurations. The method uses piecewise constant source, doublet and/or vorticity singularities. The internal Dirichlet boundary condition is applied, providing zero perturbation potential inside the configuration. The external Neumann boundary condition may refer to a condition on the outward conormal component of the perturbation velocity (the so-called 'linearised normal mass flux'). However, the program may, if required, proceed to obtain specified conditions on the outward normal component of the perturbation velocity, using an iterative procedure.
An application of SQP and Ada to the structural optimisation of aircraft wings
Authors: Bartholomew-Biggs M. C.
Published: March 2023

Two versions of the Sequential Quadratic Programming technique for constrained optimisation are described and used to solve some minimum weight design calculations for aircraft wings. The problems and the solution methods are described and discussed in some detail: but the main feature of the work is the use of the programming language Ada for writing the necessary software. Some features of the language are illustrated which appear to be valuable for many kinds of numerical computation. In particular, it is also shown that Ada facilitates the calculation of the partial derivatives of function and constraint expressions which are required in optimisation calculations but which are often quite difficult to obtain in practice.
A solution method for the three-dimensional compressible turbulent boundary-layer equations
Authors: Johnston L. J.
Published: March 2023

The development of a new calculation method for compressible 3D boundary layers is described. The method involves a finite-difference discretisation of the governing mean-flow equations. In particular, the differencing scheme used to discretise spanwise derivatives adapts automatically to the sign of the local crossflow within the boundary layer. A plane-by-plane solution procedure in the spanwise direction enables second-order accuracy to be maintained throughout the whole flowfield. A normal coordinate scaling with the local total momentum thickness removes most of the boundary layer growth in computational space. The Cebeci-Smith algebraic turbulence model is used for the initial validation of the calculation method. A simple modification to this model is tested, involving an explicit dependence of the outer eddy viscosity on the crossflow within the boundary layer. There results a significantly improved prediction of the NLR infinite swept wing flow experiment.
Canadian Public Policy: The State of the Discipline
Authors: Skogstad Grace
Published: March 2023

This article examines the state of the English-language peer-reviewed literature published over the 2011–2021 period whose objective is to describe and explain processes of development of Canadian public policies and their consequences. It first presents a profile of the surveyed literature's attention to different policy sectors, elements of public policy, and its chosen methodologies to study them. It then examines the empirical and theoretical contributions of the literature to uncovering the constitutive actors and their interactions in policy processes in policy domains of Canadian jurisdictions; the logics of chosen policy instruments and their distributive effects; and the interactions among Canada's structural, institutional and ideational features and policy actors’ motivations and behaviour with processes of policy innovation, continuity and change. A foremost contribution of Canadian policy studies to comparative policy studies is to demonstrate the causal impacts of the interaction of institutional, structural and ideational/cultural factors on processes of policy development.
SOLDIERS ON STAGE: ATHENIAN ATTITUDES TOWARDS MERCENARIES IN MENANDER'S COMEDIES
Authors: Agrimonti Simone
Published: March 2023

In many of his comedies, Menander puts on stage the figure of the mercenary soldier. A survey of extant plays confirms that these characters are no lawless brutes but sympathetic figures, good Athenian citizens who act according to the laws and social norms of the polis. Previous scholarship has interpreted Menander's characterization of soldiers as a stylistic innovation from the stock type of the braggart soldier. Instead, I argue that his comedies reflect Athenian popular perception of mercenary service. A comparison with the depiction of mercenaries in Isaeus’ speeches confirms that Athenians did not look down on individuals who chose to serve abroad for money.
PINS, PESTLES, AND WOMEN: A MATERIAL APPROACH TO FEMALE VIOLENCE IN ANCIENT GREECE
Authors: Young Yael
Published: March 2023

The article examines the relationship of women and the objects surrounding them in the light of the term ‘affordance’. Coined by psychologist James J. Gibson, the term refers to the potentialities held by an object for a particular set of actions, stemming from its material properties. Through focusing on two case studies in which women use mundane objects (mainly pins and pestles) in violent situations – (a) stories (told by Herodotus and Euripides) about women attacking with pins, and (b) a group of vases representing women attacking with pestles – the article seeks to uncover a fundamental aspect of the engagement of women with the objects surrounding them, as envisioned by the men creating the literature and art. Deprived of almost any access to real weapons, these women are depicted as turning to objects in their immediate environment. Perceiving the affordances of these objects, stemming from their shape and material and the inherent potentialities for action, the women make use of them in acts of self-defence, anger, or revenge.
Risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders as a function of transitions in Sweden's public educational system: a national study
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Keefe Richard S. E. , Ohlsson Henrik , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: March 2023

Background

To clarify, in a national sample, associations between risk for seven psychiatric and substance use disorders and five key transitions in Sweden's public educational system.

Methods

Swedish-born individuals (1972–1995, N = 1 997 910) were followed through 12-31-2018, at mean age 34.9. We predicted, from these educational transitions, risk for major depression (MD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SZ), anorexia nervosa (AN), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and drug use disorder (DUD), assessed from Swedish national registers, by Cox regression, censoring individuals with onsets ⩽17. We also predicted risk from the deviation of grades from family-genetic expectations (deviation 1) and from changes in grades from ages 16 to 19 (deviation 2).

Results

We observed four major risk patterns across transitions in our disorders: (i) MD and BD, (ii) OCD and SZ, (iii) AUD and DUD, and (iv) AN. Failing early educational transitions had the greatest impact on risk for OCD and SZ while for other disorders, not progressing from basic to upper high school had the largest effect. Completing vocational v. college-prep upper high school was strongly associated with risk for AUD and DUD, had little relation with MD, OCD, BD, and SZ risk, and was protective for AN. Deviation 1 predicted risk most strongly for SZ, AN, and MD. Deviation 2 predicted risk most strongly for SZ, AUD, and DUD.

Conclusions

The pattern of educational transitions and within family and within person development deviations are strongly and relatively specifically associated with future risk for seven psychiatric and substance-use disorders.
Earlier mastery of English predicts 5th Grade academic outcomes for low-income dual language learners in Miami, USA
Authors: Winsler Adam , Rozell Nadine , Tucker Tevis L. , Norvell Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Earlier acquisition of English is associated with better academic performance for dual language learners (DLLs), but large-scale, prospective, longitudinal studies examining how trajectories for English acquisition relate to school-based outcomes, accounting for relevant covariates, are rare. We explored how the grade in which DLLs (N = 17,548; 47% female; 80% free/reduced-price lunch; 86% Latino, 10% Black, and 4% White/Other) acquire English proficiency, defined by the school district, relates to academic outcomes (grade retention, GPA, reading and math test scores) in 5th grade, controlling for gender, ethnicity, poverty, and school readiness skills at age 4. Earlier acquisition of English, especially before 2nd grade, predicted better performance on each 5th grade outcome. Earlier proficiency in English was even more important for 5th grade outcomes for those with initially high cognitive skills, Latino/Hispanic DLLs (compared to Black DLLs), and those not in poverty. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Does Spanish knowledge contribute to accurate English word spelling in adult bilinguals?
Authors: Rigobon Valeria M. , Gutiérrez Nuria , Edwards Ashley A. , Abes Daniel , Steacy Laura M. , Compton Donald L.
Published: March 2023

Correctly spelling an English word requires a high-quality orthographic representation. When faced with spelling a complex word without a high-quality representation, spellers often rely on other knowledge sources (e.g., incomplete stored orthographic forms, phonological to orthographic relationships) to spell it. For bilinguals, another potentially facilitative source is knowledge of a word's lexical and sublexical representations in another language. In the current study we considered simultaneous effects of word-level (e.g., frequency, cognate status) and person-level (e.g., English spelling skill, prompting, bilingual status) predictors on college students’ complex English word spelling. Monolinguals (English;n= 42) significantly outperformed bilinguals (Spanish and English;n= 76) on non-cognate spelling; no group differences emerged for cognate spelling accuracy. Within bilinguals, significantly higher spelling performance on cognates compared to non-cognates suggests cognate facilitation, with no prompting effects. Findings expand an interdisciplinary framework of understanding bilinguals’ activation and use of cross-linguistic representations in spelling.
The punitive impact of radical right populism on foreign aid: immigration pressure and mainstream partnership
Authors: Suzuki Motoshi
Published: March 2023

This study investigates populist radical right (PRR) influence on aid amid widespread concerns about a potential connection between its rise and the reduction of aid allocation. Previous studies failed to address these concerns owing to the disuse of immigrant inflows as an intervening variable and a bilateral framework capable of investigating properties in donor and recipient countries. By analyzing panel data on Western European parliamentary democracies, the study demonstrates the PRR’s reducing effect via a coalitional pathway on bilateral aid to the recipients, failing to stem emigration into the donor countries. Further, analysis shows that such reduction intensifies in conjunction with the donors’ weak pluralistic institutions and the recipients’ sociocultural characteristics different from the ordinary citizens represented by the PRR. The findings make a novel contribution to the expanding literature on the PRR to integrate insights on the aid–immigration nexus, strategies for policy influence, and ideational profiles.
Outcomes of endovascular repair of infrarenal penetrating aortic ulcers
Authors: Hatzl Johannes , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Grundmann Reinhart Thomas , Steinbauer Markus , Böckler Dittmar , Uhl Christian
Published: March 2023

Summary: Background: To report technical success as well as perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of penetrating abdominal aortic ulcers ≤35 mm in diameter (PAU). Patients and methods: The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) quality registry of the German institute for vascular research (DIGG) was used to identify patients with standard EVAR for infrarenal PAU ≤35 mm between 1/1/2019 and 12/31/2021. Infectious, traumatic, inflammatory PAUs, PAUs associated with connective tissue disease, PAUs following aortic dissection as well as true aneurysms were excluded. Demographics, cardiovascular comorbidity, technical success as well as perioperative morbidity and mortality were determined. Results: Amongst 11 537 patients who underwent EVAR during the study period, 405 with PAU ≤35 mm were eligible from 95 participating hospitals across Germany (22% women, 20.5% octogenarians). The median aortic diameter was 30 mm (Interquartile range 27–33). Cardiovascular comorbidities were frequent with coronary artery disease (34.8%), chronic heart failure (30.9%), history of myocardial infarction (19.8%), hypertension (76.8%), diabetes (21.7%), smoking (20.8%), history of stroke (9.4%), symptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (20%), chronic kidney disease (10.4%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.6%). Most patients were asymptomatic (89.9%). Among the symptomatic patients, 13 presented with distal embolization (3.2%) and 3 with contained ruptures (0.7%). Technical success of endovascular repair was 98.3%. Both, percutaneous (37.1%) or femoral cut-down access approaches (58.5%) were registered. Endoleaks of any type were present with type 1 (0.5%), type 2 (6.4%) and type 3 (0.3%) endoleaks. Overall mortality was 0.5%. Perioperative complications occurred in 12 patients (3.0%). Conclusions: According to this registry data, endovascular repair of PAU is technically feasible with acceptable perioperative outcomes, but further studies investigating mid- and long-term data are needed before invasive treatment of PAU disease in an elderly and comorbid patient population should be recommended.
Mental Rotation in Sports
Authors: Hellermann Frederik , Piesch Ludwig , Weigelt Matthias
Published: March 2023

Abstract: This study further validates the sport-specific Mental Rotation Test – Basketball (MRT-BB) in which participants solve 24 items regarding basketball plays. The task of each item consists of comparing four alternative stimuli with a criterion stimulus and identifying the two “correct” alternatives. A total of 203 participants (101 females) took part in this experiment in which they solved the original MRT and the MRT-BB. The results replicate the findings of Weigelt and Memmert (2021 ). The number of items attempted declined toward the end of each set, with participants solving more items in the second set and men outperforming women. While participants solved more items on the MRT-BB, performance in both tests was positively correlated. Our replication of the previous results supports the validity of the MRT-BB. The correlation supports the notion that the mental rotation of the sport-specific stimuli is based on more general mental rotation skills.
A Storyline Approach to the June 2021 Northwestern North American Heatwave
Authors: Terray Laurent
Published: March 2023

Northwestern North America has experienced an exceptional heatwave in late June 2021 with many new temperature records across western Canada, Oregon and Washington states. Here we use a recent atmospheric reanalysis and a conditional approach based on dynamical adjustment to assess and quantify the influence of atmospheric circulation and other driving factors to the heatwave magnitude during the June 28–30 period. A blocking anticyclone, enhanced low‐level moisture and clear‐sky downward long‐wave radiation are shown to be the main factors of the heatwave persistence and magnitude. The heatwave magnitude is mainly attributable to internal variability with climate change being an additional factor (10%). Consequences of a similar atmospheric circulation anomaly in different phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillations and in a warmer world at different global warming levels (1, 2, 3, and 4°C) are explored based on a single model initial‐condition large ensemble.
Underpredicted ENSO Teleconnections in Seasonal Forecasts
Authors: Williams N. C. , Scaife A. A. , Screen J. A.
Published: March 2023

The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences climate variability across the globe. ENSO is highly predictable on seasonal timescales and therefore its teleconnections are a source of extratropical forecast skill. To fully harness this predictability, teleconnections must be represented accurately in seasonal forecasts. We find that a multimodel ensemble from five seasonal forecast systems can successfully capture the spatial structure of the late winter (JFM) El Niño teleconnection to the North Atlantic via North America, but the simulated amplitude is half of that observed. We find that weak amplitude teleconnections exist in all five models throughout the troposphere, and that the La Niña teleconnection is also weak. We find evidence that tropical forcing of the El Niño teleconnection is not underestimated and instead, deficiencies are likely to emerge in the extratropics. We investigate the impact of underestimated teleconnection strength on North Atlantic winter predictability, including its relevance to the signal‐to‐noise paradox.
Migration of the Shear Margins at Thwaites Glacier: Dependence on Basal Conditions and Testability Against Field Data
Authors: Summers Paul T. , Elsworth Cooper W. , Dow Christine F. , Suckale Jenny
Published: March 2023

Projections of global sea level depend sensitively on whether Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica, will continue to lose ice rapidly. Prior studies have focused primarily on understanding the evolution of ice velocity and whether the reverse‐sloping bed at Thwaites Glacier could drive irreversible retreat. However, the overall ice flux to the ocean and the possibility of irreversible retreat depend not only on the ice speed but also on the width of the main ice trunk. Here, we complement prior work by focusing specifically on understanding whether the lateral boundaries of the main ice trunk, termed shear margins, might migrate over time. We hypothesize that the shear margins at Thwaites Glacier will migrate on a decadal timescale in response to continued ice thinning and surface steepening. We test this hypothesis by developing a depth‐averaged, thermomechanical free‐boundary model that captures the complex topography underneath the glacier and solves for both the ice velocity and for the position of the shear margins. We find that both shear margins are prone to migration in response to ice thinning with basal strength and surface slope steepening determining their relative motion. We construct four end‐member cases of basal strength that represent different physical properties governing friction at the glacier bed and present two cases of ice thinning to contrast the effects of surface steepening and ice thinning. We test our model by hindcasting historic data and discuss how data from ongoing field campaigns could further be used to test our model.
Study protocol on prevalence of non-exudative macular neovascularisation and its contribution to prediction of exudation in fellow eyes with unilateral exudative AMD (EYE-NEON)
Authors: Thottarath Sridevi , Chandra Shruti , Gurudas Sarega , Tsai Wei-Shan , Giani Andrea , De Cock Eduard , Yamaguchi Taffeta Ching Ning , Sivaprasad Sobha ,   EYENEON Study Group, Burton Ben , Menon Geeta , Chandran Manju , Pearce Ian , Madusudhan Savitha , Grabowska Anna , Ghanchi Faruque , Talks James , Gale Richard , Mckibbin Martin , Kotagiri Ajay , Narendran Niro , Jafree Afsar , Younis Saad , Bailey Claire , Prakash Priya , Dinah Christiana , Gupta Nitin , Downey Louise , Lotery Andrew , Shah Paritosh , Chhabra Romi , Dhingra Narendra , Dias Indra , Freeman Mary , Hanumanthudu Daren , Burale Asma , Ramakrishnan Radha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Fellow eyes of patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are at risk of developing macular neovascularisation (MNV). These eyes may first develop subclinical non-exudative MNV (neMNV) before they leak to form exudative MNV (eMNV). The EYE NEON study is a 2-year study aimed at estimating the prevalence and incidence of neMNV and evaluating its role as a predictor for conversion to neovascular AMD.

Methods

EYE NEON is a multicentre study that will run in retinal clinics across 25 National Health Service with the aim to recruit 800 patients with new onset nAMD in the first eye. The fellow-eye with no evidence of nAMD at baseline will be the study eye. All study eyes will have OCT and OCTA done at first and second year following first anti-VEGF treatment to the first eye (non-study eye), with new onset nAMD. We will estimate the prevalence and incidence of neMNV over 2 years, rate of conversion from neMNV to eMNV and numbers initiated on treatment for neovascular AMD in the study eye will be reported. Predictive models of conversion including neMNV with other demographic and imaging parameters will be developed.

Conclusion

The study design with proposed target sample size is sufficient to evaluate the retinal imaging characteristics of the study eyes with and without neMNV and develop predictive models to inform risk of conversion to nAMD.