bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of activated carbon from cherry tree waste and its application in removing cationic red 14 dye from aqueous environments
Authors: Askari Roya , Mohammadi Faezeh , Moharrami Amir , Afshin Shirin , Rashtbari Yousef , Vosoughi Mehdi , Dargahi Abdollah
Published: March 2023

The environment is threatened by a diversity of pollutants, and synthetic dyes are considered a foremost environmental pollutant among them. The characteristics detected for the dye, e.g., toxicity and carcinogenicity, have brought severe problems for humans and aquatic organisms. The present study was done to clarify the potential of activated carbon made from cherry tree wood (CWAC) in the adsorption of cationic red 14 dye. In our experimental-laboratory study, the changes in removal efficiency were assessed by considering the changes in values of pH, concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. In addition, the nature of our prepared adsorbent was defined based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The concentration of dye after the completion of experiments was recorded using a spectrophotometer at 514 nm. Evaluating the attained data by isotherm and kinetic models were also considered. Our results demonstrated the enhancement in the efficiency of the studied process at higher contact times, temperatures, and pH and its decline at higher initial dye concentrations. pH = 11, time of 45 min, dye concentration of 50 mg/L, and AC mass of 0.25 g/l were optimal values in obtaining the highest removal of the studied dye. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order (PSO) with (R2 = 0.9972) and (R2 = 0.9947) were the best isotherms and kinetic models in the description of the observed data, respectively. Considering the results, CWAC could be effectively utilized for the adsorption of cationic red 14 dye from solutions.
The reallocation of water and ecosystem service values in arid ecosystems with the implementation of an ecological water diversion project
Authors: Lu Zhixiang , Feng Qi , Xie Jiali , Yin Zhenliang , Zhu Meng , Xu Min
Published: March 2023

The rational allocation of the water resources in drylands and the scientific evaluation of their values are important for the regional sustainable development. We estimated the water consumption of each ecosystem in Ejina Oases in the arid area in northwest China based on the water balance equation, then assessed their ecosystem service values (ESVs) using the value per unit area method and the value equivalent factor per unit area method considering the cost of water consumption, respectively, and calculated their water productivities from 1990 to 2015. With the implementation of the ecological water diversion project (EWDP) in 2000, the deciduous broadleaf forest dominated by Populus euphratica had an increasing trend, meanwhile, lakes had a changing process from shrinking and drying up to recovery and expansion from 1990 to 2015. The total water consumption in Ejina Oases decreased from 5.26*108 m3 in 1990 to 4.79*108 m3 in 2000, and then increased continually to 5.97*108 m3 in 2015. The water consumption of forest, grassland and cultivated land hardly changed, while the water consumption of water or wetland changed obviously. The total ESVs estimated using the value per unit area method in Ejina Oases decreased from 1052.6 to 787.3 million ¥ in the period of 1990–2000, then increased to 1500.6 million ¥ in 2015, while the ESVs estimated using the value equivalent factor per unit area method decreased from 6368.7 million ¥ in 1990 to 5892.0 million ¥ in 2000, then increased to 7139.9 million ¥ in 2015, and the latter method was more reasonable. The results showed that the EWDP started in 2000 led to the reallocation of water resources and transfer of ESVs among ecosystems, which had obvious performance in the ecological environment and social economy. This study provided a comprehensive view of water use and management, ecological restoration and socio-economic development in this key ecological function zone, and will help decision-makers to formulate the scheme of rational allocation and efficient utilization of water resources in the basin.
NiFe(CoFe)/silica and NiFe(CoFe)/alumina nanocomposites for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Pryhunova Olha , Dyachenko Alla , Ischenko Olena , Diuyk Vitaliy , Goncharuk Olena , Oranska Olena , Bonarowska Magdalena
Published: March 2023

The fumed SiO2 and Al2O3 oxides with a specific surface area of about 80 m2 g–1 were used for the synthesis of Ni(80)Fe(20)/SiO2, Co(93)Fe(7)/SiO2, Ni(80)Fe(20)/Al2O3 and Co(93)Fe(7)/Al2O3 nanocomposites, and numbers between brackets indicate the metal content in wt%, being 10 wt% of the mass of catalysts. Catalytically active bimetallic compositions (NiFe and CoFe) that modified the fumed oxides’ surface were prepared using the solvate-stimulated method with subsequent thermal decomposition and reduction of the metal oxides to corresponding metals with hydrogen. The catalysts were characterized using the TGA in dynamic hydrogen, nitrogen physisorption, and PXRD methods. The complete conversion of carbon dioxide is observed in the temperature range of 350–425 °C at the maximum methane yield of 72–84%. The long-time catalytic test demonstrates the high stability of the catalyst during 5 weeks of exposure to the reaction mixture. The yield of methane was decreased by 3–14% after 1–2 months of long-time testing.
Eco-friend shellfish powder of the mussel Brachidontes variabilis for uptake lead (II) ions
Authors: Mahmoud Safaa A. , Orabi Adel S. , Mohamedein Lamiaa I. , El-Moselhy Khalid M. , Saad Eman M.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to employ clam powder as an environmentally acceptable sorbent to capture lead(II) from an aquatic media. Mussel Brachidontes variabilis “Mytilus arabicus” shells collected from the intertidal zone of the Gulf of Suez for producing shellfish powder (SFP). Before and after lead loading, SFP sorbent was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Maximum Pb(II) ion removal capacity of SFP sorbent was done as a function of shacking duration interval, SFP particle size, pH, Pb (II) ion concentration, SFP dose, temperature, and agitation rate. Numerous mathematical kinetic and isothermal approaches were used to equilibrium experimental data to validate the highest bio-sorption capabilities of SFP (in mg g-1). Optimal conditions were determined to be 90 min, 0.063 mm SFP particle size, pH 5.5, 130 mg L-1 Pb(II) ions in 50 mL solution, 0.05 g SFP, 25o C, and 250 rpm. In this sorption process, the Qasi-1st order and monolayer Langmuir isothermal simulations were prominent. In terms of thermodynamics, the capturing of Pb (II) by SFP was spontaneous (−ΔGo), endothermic (+ΔHo), and highly disordered at the interface of phases (+ΔSo). In addition, SFP sorbent was used well to uptake Pb ions from effluents wastewater and various water matrices.
Early Efforts to Smelt Iron in Central Anatolia: Analysis of Iron Artefacts from the Bronze Age in Kaman-Kalehöyük
Authors: Kucukarslan N. , Ota T. , Kobayashi K. , Nakamura E. , Omura S.
Published: March 2023

A group of iron artefacts were excavated from the stratigraphic layers at Kaman-Kalehöyük in Central Anatolia, which were dated to the Middle and Early Bronze Ages. Some of them were re-analysed to discuss the state of iron production during such early periods, in terms of intentional carburization. The artefacts were re-examined via a minimally invasive approach by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine their chemical composition and microstructure. It was observed that the artefacts are composed of iron and/or steel. However, it is difficult to assert that they were produced as steel intentionally, because of their varying C contents and the lack of correlation between C content and artefact type. Such a finding could highlight the range in early efforts to smelt iron, while ancient metal workers were trying to figure out how to control furnace conditions during the Bronze Age in Central Anatolia.
A new screen-printed electrode for selective determination of bismuth in different authentic samples
Authors: Aglan Refaat F. , Hamed Mostafa M. , Saleh Hosam M.
Published: March 2023

A new potentiometric method based on the screen-printed ion-selective electrode (SPISE) was described for the determination of Bi(III) ion in different authentic samples. The novelty is based on, for the first time, the utilization of the cerium zirconium phosphotungstate (CZPT) in a screen-printed electrode (SPE) as a sensing material. In the literature, there is no screen-printed ion-selective electrode for the determination of Bi(III) ion. The influences of the paste composition, different conditioning parameters and foreign ions on the electrode performance were investigated. The reversibility and also response time of the electrode have been studied. The electrode showed a Nernstian response of 18.2 mV decade−1 in the concentration range of 3.3 × 10−7–1 × 10−1 mol. L−1. The electrode was found to be usable within the pH range of 3.5–8.0 and exhibited a fast response time, limit of detection (LOD) (1 × 10−7 mol. L−1), limit of quantification (LOQ) (3.33 × 10−7 mol. L−1), long lifetime and good stability. The matched potential method (MPM) was applied to determine the selectivity coefficient. The isothermal temperature coefficient (dEo/dt) of the electrode was calculated. The electrode was successfully applied for the determination of Bi(III) ion in different authentic samples. By comparing the current results with those obtained using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, the nominated Bi(III) screen-printed ion-selective electrode has attained acceptable and efficient performance.
Fear of weight gain during cognitive behavioral therapy for binge-spectrum eating disorders
Authors: Butler Rachel M. , Lampe Elizabeth , Trainor Claire , Manasse Stephanie M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Fear of weight gain may play a central role in maintaining eating disorders (EDs), but research on the role of fear of weight gain during cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for binge-spectrum EDs is sparse. We examined changes in fear of weight gain during CBT-E for binge-spectrum EDs. We investigated whether fear of weight gain predicted loss of control (LOC) eating or weight change.

Methods

Participants (N = 63) were adults of any gender recruited as part of a larger trial. Participants received 12 sessions of CBT-E, completed diagnostic assessments at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment, and completed brief surveys before sessions.

Results

Fear of weight gain decreased across treatment, moderated by diagnosis. Those with bulimia nervosa spectrum EDs (BN-spectrum), compared to binge eating disorder, reported higher fear of weight gain at baseline and experienced a larger decrease in fear across treatment. Those reporting higher fear of weight gain at a given session experienced more frequent LOC episodes the following week. Fear of weight gain was not associated with session-by-session changes in BMI.

Conclusion

CBT-E results in decreases in fear of weight gain, but levels remain high at post-treatment, especially for those with BN-spectrum EDs. Future interventions should consider targeting fear of weight gain as a maintaining factor for LOC episodes

Trial registration

NCT04076553.

Level of evidence

Level II controlled trial without randomization.
Screening e terapia dell’ipertensione arteriosa nel paziente con massa del surrene
Authors: Canu Letizia
Published: March 2023

Sommario

Il riscontro di incidentaloma surrenalico è un’evenienza sempre più frequente a causa del sempre più largo utilizzo di esami radiologici e spesso, poiché sia gli incidentalomi surrenalici che l’ipertensione sono entrambi più frequenti con l’avanzare dell’età, le due affezioni coesistono. In tutti i pazienti è necessario effettuare una corretta valutazione biochimica che nel paziente iperteso comprende anche la diagnosi di iperaldosteronismo primitivo, oltre a quella di ipercortisolismo ed eccesso di catecolamine. Nelle forme secernenti l’indicazione è chirurgica dopo adeguata preparazione del paziente.
Mechanical Activation-Assisted Recovery of Valuable Metals from Black Mass in the Form of Fe/Cu Alloys
Authors: Babanejad Safoura , Ahmed Hesham , Andersson Charlotte , Heikkinen Eetu-Pekka
Published: March 2023

Pyrometallurgy is a popular industrial method that is employed in the recovery of valuable elements from black mass (BM), which is produced by pretreatment of Li-ion batteries. This method struggles with some downsides, such as the incineration of graphite and high energy consumption. In this study, the goal is to utilize graphite in the BM to produce a master alloy in an attempt to decrease the energy input requirement. To achieve this, metal oxides (Fe2O3 and CuO) are added to the BM to produce an Fe/Cu-based alloy containing Co/Ni as alloying elements. Mechanical activation is also employed to decrease the energy requirement and to increase the amount of metal oxide that can be reduced by the graphite in the BM. The results revealed that it is possible to produce the aforementioned alloys, the efficiency of which can be improved by applying mechanical activation. After 1 h of milling, the required heat flow for producing Fe- and Cu-based alloys is lowered for ~10 and ~25 kWh, respectively. Plus, the direct CO2 emission decreases for 13–17% in the iron system and 43–46% in the copper system.

Graphical Abstract
Combining Membrane and Zero Brine Technologies in Waste Acid Treatment for a Circular Economy in the Hot-Dip Galvanizing Industry: A Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Lorenz Manuel , Seitfudem Georg , Randazzo Serena , Gueccia Rosa , Gehring Florian , Prenzel Tobias M.
Published: March 2023

An innovative approach of combining membrane and zero brine technologies for a joint treatment of industrial liquid waste is investigated regarding its environmental impacts compared to the existing liquid waste treatment. The object of investigation is the generation of waste acid solution by a hot dip galvanizing plant in Sicily, Italy. The waste acid solution contains hydrochloric acid, iron and zinc, which makes it a hazardous waste according to EU classifications. Environmental impacts are studied for two scenarios in the Tecnozinco hot-dip galvanizing plant in Sicily, Italy: (i) the current process of pickling with linear disposal of waste acid and (ii) the pickling combined with in-situ treatment of the waste acid using a combination of diffusion dialysis (DD), membrane distillation (MD) and a precipitation reactor. Results are obtained via an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) approach focusing on the water footprint profile of the process. The linear disposal path creates significant costs, environmental burdens and risks during the 1500 km transport of hazardous liquid waste. The combination of DD and MD, complemented with a zero-brine precipitation reactor, closes internal material loops, could save local water resources and reduces costs as well as environmental impacts. Reduction potentials of 70–80% regarding most LCA impact categories can be expected for the application of the novel technology combination supporting the galvanizing pre-treatment process under study. Therefore, the application of such technology on the way forward to a more circular economy is recommended from an environmental viewpoint, especially in process plants similar to the investigated one.

Graphical Abstract
Popular Religion or Lived Religion? Exploring Indigenous Religious Festival Practice in Mexico
Authors: Rieger Ivy Alana
Published: March 2023

This article investigates the practice of lived religion in two contemporary indigenous communities in Mexico (San Juan Mixtepec, Oaxaca and El Espíritu, Hidalgo) by examining some of their unique religious festive traditions to analyze the ways in which human and non-human social actors interact with one another to create networks of symbolic meaning and senses of belonging. Specific examples of embodied practices and materiality in the festive cycle of each community are analyzed as the basis for their religious identities which also, the author suggests, create dynamic senses of community and self through the mutual sharing of symbolically significant cultural discourses. By analyzing different elements of traditional religious festivals in these two communities from the perspective of actor-network theory, the article reveals how the concept of “lived religion” can be used to express the realities of indigenous religious life in Mexico and as an alternative to “popular religion,” which typically resonates more frequently throughout the literature.
Electric-impulse-technology: results of a basic investigation into the use of the technology as a selective demolition method in the construction industry
Authors: Hammel Lukas , Otto Jens , Will Frank , Lehmann Franziska , Anders Erik , Voigt Matthias
Published: March 2023

A large proportion of today's building projects are realized in existing buildings. This almost always requires the sensitive deconstruction of existing building fabric. Deconstruction technologies have to fulfill high requirements particularly in inner-city residential areas and during ongoing building use, both for construction projects in the existing building stock and for new construction activities. Currently used demolition technologies rarely meet the growing requirements in building practice. Common demolition and separation methods are characterized by high emissions, such as vibrations and noise, large quantities of blasting material, slow performance progress or high physical effort. An alternative technology is the electrodynamic Electric-Impulse-Technology (EIT). The process technology, initially developed for applications in mining and special civil engineering, is based on the destruction of solid materials by high-voltage pulses. On the basis of large-scale tests in mining dimensions, it was possible to demonstrate high dissolving capacities with low energy input. The research project aimed to investigate the basics for transferring the EIT to low-emission and selective material removal in civil and structural engineering. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted on sand-lime and concrete specimens to verify the adaptation of the EIT. It was found out that the technology is suitable for use in the construction industry. Further research is to be conducted to investigate the identified areas of application in greater depth and to further develop EIT for practical use.
Designing Educational Futures: Imagine a Collaborative Bloom
Authors: Abegglen Sandra , Burns Tom , Heller Richard , Sinfield Sandra
Published: March 2023

This commentary is a working out loud of what a liberatory education might entail that builds on partnership and co-creation. Proposed is the addition of collaboration as a central element to education, to break individuality and hierarchy – for collective, socially just action. The perquisites for this is openness – and the abandonment of the neoliberal competitive approach to education as well as the conscious development and use of Open EdTech for connection. Why? Because we need the collective intelligence to address the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.
Underactuated embedded constraints gripper for grasping in toxic environments
Authors: Achilli Gabriele Maria , Logozzo Silvia , Malvezzi Monica , Valigi Maria Cristina
Published: March 2023

In this paper a soft gripper is proposed and designed to achieve some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) described by United Nations (UN) and in particular SDG3, SDG8, SDG 9 and SDG 12. In fact, the presented gripper is conceived for application in the waste industry for helping or partially replacing human operations which could lead to risks or hazards for human health. The device can artificially reproduce the action of human hands allowing a more sustainable work, focusing the attention on worker’s health. Also the design characteristics are oriented to sustainability by using eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the device is an underactuated soft gripper with modular elements and without sensors. There are no electronic components, and the damageable and non-recyclable parts are minimized. After the description of gripper and mechanical analysis, three different configurations (wearable, with extension and mounted on a cobot) are presented where it is possible to notice that the ends of the gripper (the fingers) are far from the most delicate and less recyclable components such as the motor. Thus, thanks to the modularity of the fingers, it is easy to replace damaged fingers: they have a lower environmental impact than electronic components. In this way, the presented project falls in “the circular design for sustainability” in robotics.
On rotational surfaces with circular boundary and almost constant mean curvature
Authors: Dong Jason Minghan
Published: March 2023

We analyze compact rotationally symmetric surfaces of $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

with circular boundary and almost constant mean curvature, showing that they must nearly spherical caps.
Mapping social capital across Wales (UK) using secondary data and spatial analysis
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Buckley Kelly , Cheung Sin Yi , Lewis James J. , Koj Aleksandra , Thomas Hywel
Published: March 2023

Social capital, a powerful community resource based on trust, relationships, norms, culture, values, networks and belonging, could shape the acceptance, cooperation, and involvement of citizens towards new policies or interventions. In past, connections of social capital have been studied in relation to human health, wellbeing, social and economic development. More recently, social capital has been studied with respect to human resilience and adaptation to climate change. We argue that social capital could also play a vital role in our efforts to reduce carbon footprint through behaviour change, a shift on shared local renewable energy resources, and adoption of low carbon technologies. In Wales (UK) there is no national scale dataset, reflecting its social capital landscape, that could be used for designing the right policies/interventions in this context, based on an expected level of trust, cooperation, and support within the communities. This paper is an effort to fill this data gap using secondary datasets. Firstly, a literature review is carried out to identify the indicators of social capital (cognitive and participatory). Secondary datasets have then been identified and acquired. Geospatial analysis has been carried out to produce the criterion maps for various indicators of social capital. Finally, Analytical Hierarchy Process is applied to generate a social capital map of Wales combining these indicators together. For validation of the produced data, social capital’s known correlations were tested with crime rates, income level and multiple deprivations.
Degree distributions in recursive trees with fitnesses
Authors: Iyer Tejas
Published: March 2023

We study a general model of recursive trees where vertices are equipped with independent weights and at each time-step a vertex is sampled with probability proportional to its fitness function, which is a function of its weight and degree, and connects to
$\ell$
new-coming vertices. Under a certain technical assumption, applying the theory of Crump–Mode–Jagers branching processes, we derive formulas for the limiting distributions of the proportion of vertices with a given degree and weight, and proportion of edges with endpoint having a certain weight. As an application of this theorem, we rigorously prove observations of Bianconi related to the evolving Cayley tree (Phys. Rev. E66, paper no. 036116, 2002). We also study the process in depth when the technical condition can fail in the particular case when the fitness function is affine, a model we call ‘generalised preferential attachment with fitness’. We show that this model can exhibit condensation, where a positive proportion of edges accumulates around vertices with maximal weight, or, more drastically, can have a degenerate limiting degree distribution, where the entire proportion of edges accumulates around these vertices. Finally, we prove stochastic convergence for the degree distribution under a different assumption of a strong law of large numbers for the partition function associated with the process.
Analysis of Beliefs Acquired from a Conversational AI: Instruments-based Beliefs, Testimony-based Beliefs, and Technology-based Beliefs
Authors: Freiman Ori
Published: March 2023

Speaking with conversational AIs, technologies whose interfaces enable human-like interaction based on natural language, has become a common phenomenon. During these interactions, people form their beliefs due to the say-so of conversational AIs. In this paper, I consider, and then reject, the concepts of testimony-based beliefs and instrument-based beliefs as suitable for analysis of beliefs acquired from these technologies. I argue that the concept of instrument-based beliefs acknowledges the non-human agency of the source of the belief. However, the analysis focuses on perceiving signs and indicators rather than content expressed in natural language. At the same time, the concept of testimony-based beliefs does refer to natural language propositions, but there is an underlying assumption that the agency of the testifier is human. To fill the lacuna of analyzing belief acquisition from conversational AIs, I suggest a third concept: technology-based beliefs. It acknowledges the non-human agency-status of the originator of the belief. Concurrently, the focus of analysis is on the propositional content that forms the belief. Filling the lacuna enables analysis that considers epistemic, ethical, and social issues of conversational AIs without excluding propositional content or compromising accepted assumptions about the agency of technologies.
The unique Late Paleolithic artifactual bone assemblage from the Volchia Griva site, Western Siberia
Authors: Leshchinskiy Sergey V. , Zenin Vasiliy N. , Burkanova Elena M. , Kuzmin Yaroslav V.
Published: March 2023

In 2020, a unique bone assemblage was found at the Late Paleolithic site Volchia Griva. Its base is made of a distal mammoth femur minus epiphysis, in which a cavity has been hollowed out. Impact notches along the edges of the cavity and holes in the metaphysis prove the human-made nature of this specimen. A portion of a polar fox cranium, half of a fox hemimandible, a fox tooth, and a large mammal rib fragment were enclosed in the cavity. The mammoth femur was previously used as a retoucher, as evinced by the impressions and cut marks. Incisions were detected on the polar fox cranium, indicating skinning. According to two 14C dates, the age of the remains is 19.3–19.1 ka BP. Palynological analysis of the cavity fill shows a forb-grass steppe at that time. The assemblage, which has no known analogues, is a reflection of prehistoric culture. This extraordinary find most likely is evidence of the ritual behavior of people who lived in the south of Western Siberia during the last glacial maximum. The assemblage was accompanied by a large number of fox remains, and lithic artifacts identical to bladelet-based Late Paleolithic industries of Siberia and the Middle Urals.
The Deportations and First Anfal of Faily Kurds in Iraq
Authors: Ketuly Kamal Aziz
Published: March 2023

On April 4th, 1980, Saddam Hussein's government initiated a mass deportation of Iraqi citizens to Iran. In total, an estimated one million people were deported between 1980 and 1990. At the same time, thousands of the relatives of these deportees were detained as hostages, an estimated 4,000 of whom are still missing. This is considered the first Anfal operation undertaken by the Baʿthist regime against the Kurds.
The Inaugural Goldstein Memorial Lecture — Some challenging new applications for basic mathematical methods in the mechanics of fluids that were originally pursued with aeronautical aims
Authors: Lighthill James
Published: March 2023

The lecture recalls great Manchester traditions in the mechanics of fluids and in related areas of mathematics which were brilliantly renewed from 1945 onwards through Sydney Goldstein’s work as Beyer Professor of Applied Mathematics. Goldstein brought to this important task not only his own personal distinction in those fields but also his great experience in leading interacting groups working in experimental and theoretical fluid dynamics with largely aeronautical objectives. The University has continued strongly to maintain these traditions.

The lecture celebrates also two fine pieces of research where gifted biologists have successfully used certain key mathematical ideas and methods in the mechanics of fluids to solve problems of importance in the field of animal locomotion. The first example is the work of C. J. Pennycuick, J. M. V. Rayner and G. R. Spedding in determining the character of the vortex wake behind a steadily moving bird in horizontal flapping flight. Typically, this takes the form of a “concertina wake” of fluctuating width but approximately constant circulation, exerting forces which are greater in the downstroke (which sheds a wide wake) and less in the upstroke (which sheds a narrower wake). Some notable advantages of the concertina wake are indicated.

Finally, work by Sir Eric Denton, Sir John Gray and Dr J. H. S. Blaxter on schooling behaviour in herrings and other clupeoid fishes is described. These fishes’ mechanisms for advantageously maintaining well coordinated motion of the school as a whole depend not only on eye vision but also on certain specialised organs admirably fitted to the sensing of hydrodynamic pressure fields (associated with the motions of other fishes) and of their lateral and longitudinal gradients.
Practical developments in holographic interferometry
Authors: Parker R. J.
Published: March 2023

Holography is a very powerful tool for studying compressible flows. It is a non-intrusive technique capable of both qualitative and quantitative assessment. This paper describes a number of applications to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional flow fields.
Prediction of penetration of curved metal stiffened panels due to birdstrike
Authors: Wisnom M. R.
Published: March 2023

A finite element analysis has been carried out to simulate the effect of birdstrike on concave curved metal stiffened panels representative of engine intakes. A simplified static analysis approach was adopted including the effects of non-linear material response and large displacements. Loading was by means of an equivalent pressure derived from experimental results of bird impacts on rigid plates. Good agreement was obtained between predicted and measured bird impact velocities to cause penetration of the structure for a range of panel thicknesses, curvatures and impact angles.
Effect of swirl on mixing of co-axial jets
Authors: Singh S. N. , Agrawal D. P. , Malhotra R. C. , Raghava A. K.
Published: March 2023

The imposition of swirl on co-axial jets exhausting into confined space, akin to a combustor model, has far reaching effects on their mixing and flow development. In the present paper, the influence of swirl on both the jets has been determined in terms of velocity and pressure distributions in the confined space. It has been shown that swirl in the central jet leads to faster mixing whereas higher swirl in the annular jet improves both mixing and development.
Free vibration of laminated beams and stiffened plates using a high-order element
Authors: Mukherjee Abhijit
Published: March 2023

Free vibration analysis of laminated composite beams, plates and stiffened plates using the finite element method has been presented. To give due importance to the shear deformation in composite materials, a high-order element which considers the quadratic variation of shear strain along the thickness of the element has been developed. The element has been developed using the quadratic isoparametric shape functions. Therefore, it can accommodate curved boundaries. Moreover, the stiffener element can have an arbitrary planform and it need not pass through any nodal point. The stiffener element has been developed in such a fashion to make the mesh division free from the location of the stiffener. This is extremely advantageous for optimisation of the path of the stiffener in a stiffened plated structure, while it is not necessary to modify the mesh division whenever the stiffener path is modified. Two different shape functions — the eight-node Serendipity and the nine-node Lagrangian — have been employed and a comparison between their performances has been presented. Two schemes for the generation of mass matrix, namely the lumped mass scheme and the consistent mass scheme, have been developed. The elements have been implemented in the ASKA element library and they can be used along with any standard ASKA element.
Technical Note — Aerodynamics at the speed of sound
Authors: Denning R. M.
Published: March 2023

This is a summary of work detailed in a more comprehensive paper which contains a major re-examination of, and challenge to, the assumptions of aerodynamics theory as applied to infinite flow fields at the speed of sound and their consequent relevance to the reality of free flight.

In steady-state flow fields generally, fore-bodies are embedded in the flow by a process based on the contraction of the streamline cross-sections. In subsonic flow this is achieved by velocity increase whereas in supersonic flow it is by velocity decrease. A primary reason for the challenge to accepted theory lies in the fact that, in a steady-state sonic field streamlines can only increase from their undisturbed area (Fig. 1) and this leads to fundamental difficulties in the construction of the forward flow field which in turn lead to the various theoretical anomalies.
Heat transfer measurements on a biconic in
hypervelocity nitrogen flow
Authors: Gai S. L. , Cain T. , Joe W. S.
Published: March 2023

Heat transfer rates on a straight biconic, an attractive configuration for an aero-assisted orbital transfer vehicle, were made in the ANU T3 shock tunnel at various angles of attack and a stagnation enthalpy of 26 MJ/kg, equivalent to a flight speed of 7-2 km/s. The heat transfer database at this higher enthalpy has been compared with the data obtained on the same model in hypersonic and hypervelocity facilities elsewhere. The non-equilibrium flow effects on the model have been discussed in terms of the Hornung reaction rate parameter Ω.
Solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for transonic aerofoil flows
Authors: Johnston L. J.
Published: March 2023

A computational method to predict the viscous transonic flow development around two-dimensional aerofoil sections is described. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations applicable to turbulent flow are discretised in space using a cell-centred finite-volume formulation. A multi-stage, explicit, time-marching scheme is used to advance the unsteady flow equations in time to a steady-state solution. Turbulence closure is achieved using either the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model, or a one-equation model based on the turbulent kinetic energy equation. This latter equation is solved using essentially identical procedures to those for the mean-flow equations. Results are presented for the RAE 2822, RAE 5225, CAST 7 and MBB-A3 transonic aerofoil sections. The relative performance and limitations of the two turbulence models are discussed.
The application of high pressure ejectors to reaction control systems
Authors: Miller P. , Seel M. W. R.
Published: March 2023

A study of the thrust augmentation arising from the application of ejectors to high pressure reaction control systems typical of VSTOL aircraft is presented. A numerical analysis was undertaken to identify parameters critical to the attainment of high performance. A novel technique for improving mixing in confined ejector flows was investigated experimentally.

Theoretical work considered configurations with both sonic and supersonic primary flows. The studies show that thrust augmentation ratios ⋍ 1·3 are possible at pressure ratios around 15 using an ejector area ratio of 35. Little benefit accrues from diffusion at high pressure and performance is sensitive to mixing efficiency in terms of the mixing duct exit flow uniformity and primary nozzle losses.

Jets issuing from underexpanded nozzles fitted with castellations around their exit were compared experimentally with those leaving plain nozzles. Significant improvements in jet entrainment rates arise from the castellations. Strong correlation is observed between the free jet mixing rate and ejector secondary thrust. The level of thrust augmentation is low in conventional terms but constitutes a significant improvement over plain nozzle ejectors and non-augmented convergent nozzles.
The 1991 Handley Page Lecture — The engineering dimension in Europe
Authors: Levy J. C.
Published: March 2023

It is customary to begin lectures of this kind with reference to the person after whom the lecture is named. I do so with particular relish on this occasion.

This is because I spent most of my working life at The City University, formerly The Northampton Polytechnic, with which Sir Frederick Handley Page was closely associated throughout his working life.

The results of a little archival work reveal that in June 1909 a class in aeronautics was arranged for the following session. As it turned out, the momentous event of 1910 was the appointment of a Mr Frederick Handley Page to be lecturer in aeronautics to attend for two evenings per week at £75 for the session.

Not surprisingly the subject was a great success at the Northampton, and 81 years later at The City University, it still is.
Mercenary Punishment: Penal Logics in the Military Labour Market
Authors: Heinsen Johan
Published: March 2023

This article examines the entangled logics of corporal and carceral punishments of mercenary soldiers in eighteenth-century Denmark. Beginning with the story of a single man and his unfortunate trajectory through a sequence of punitive measures before his death as a prison workhouse inmate, the article looks at how punishments of soldiers communicated in multiple ways and were used to a variety of ends that were both typical and atypical within eighteenth-century society. It argues that soldiers experienced a breadth of both corporal and carceral punishments that were, in many cases, designed to limit otherness while communicating exemplarity along a fine-tuned spectrum of pain. The clearest example of this was running the gauntlet; a harrowing physical ordeal meted out by the offender's fellow soldiers. Turning to the carceral experiences often initiated by this ritual, it then examines how former mercenaries experienced convict labour differently from other occupational groups based on several factors. Their gender and occupational belonging meant they were funnelled towards specific penal institutions. Yet, their status as migrants and potential military labour meant they would often exit these institutions in specific ways. Whereas civilians often endured dishonouring punishments, ex-military convicts experienced punishments designed to inflict great pain without rendering them unfit for later military labour.
Effect of surgical intervention on serum insulin-like growth factor 1 in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Jaiswal A S , Valappil B V , Gupta Y , Sikka K , Thakar A , Verma H
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of surgical intervention on serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea for whom continuous positive airway pressure therapy failed or was refused. All patients underwent polysomnography and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 evaluation pre-operatively and at three months post-operatively. The site of surgery was determined using Müller's manoeuvre and ApneaGraph AG 200.

Results

Fifteen patients were included with a mean age of 38 years: 11 males and 4 females. The mean pre-operative Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index using polysomnography was 53.7 events per hour, and the mean post-operative Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index at three months was 15.3 events per hour (p = 0.0001). The mean pre-operative serum insulin-like growth factor 1 was 160.2 μg/l, while the mean post-operative value was 236.98 μg/l (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

In adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea for whom continuous positive airway pressure therapy fails, site-specific surgical intervention to treat the obstruction leads to an increase in serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels.
Clinical outcomes of sinonasal inverted papilloma: a retrospective analysis of 139 cases
Authors: Yeom S , Lee D H , Lim S C
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Sinonasal inverted papilloma has a high tendency for recurrence, local bone destruction and risk of malignant transformation. Therefore, complete resection of the tumour is required, and close follow up is essential. This article describes the clinical outcomes, recurrence rate and malignant transformation rate of sinonasal inverted papilloma.

Methods

In this study, 139 patients diagnosed with sinonasal inverted papilloma in our hospital from December 2010 to May 2022 were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent endoscopic surgery.

Results

Sinonasal inverted papilloma occurred more often in males than in females. The mean age of patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma was 67.3 ± 5.7 years at diagnosis. The most prevalent site of origin was the maxillary sinus (50.4 per cent). The recurrence rate was 5.75 per cent, and the malignant transformation rate was 6.5 per cent.

Conclusion

All patients in this study underwent endoscopic surgery. Meticulous resection and regular long-term follow ups are crucial to reducing sinonasal inverted papilloma recurrence after surgery.
In defence of God making stuff up: a reply to Ward
Authors: Gould Paul M.
Published: March 2023

Thomas Ward explicates and defends a version of divine exemplarism called Containment Exemplarism to make good on the claim that God is a ‘totally original artist’. According to Containment Exemplarism, (i) God ex nihilo creates according to divine ideas, (ii) divine ideas are about an aspect or part of God, and (iii) God has the ideas he has by knowing himself. Containment Exemplarism, we are told, secures the rationality and creativity of the divine creative act. I argue, first, that Ward's God is not a totally original artist since, on Containment Exemplarism, God does not act creatively in creating. Theistic Activism, the view that God makes up the ideas he has, can secure the creativity of the divine creative act. I argue, second, that Ward's argument against the rationality of God making stuff up fails. Thus, there is one version of divine exemplarism that satisfies key desiderata for divine creation.
Adversarial agent-learning for cybersecurity: a comparison of algorithms
Authors: Shashkov Alexander , Hemberg Erik , Tulla Miguel , O’Reilly Una-May
Published: March 2023

We investigate artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for optimizing the adversarial behavior of agents in cybersecurity simulations. Our cybersecurity simulations integrate the modeling of agents launching Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) with the modeling of agents using detection and mitigation mechanisms against APTs. This simulates the phenomenon of how attacks and defenses coevolve. The simulations and machine learning are used to search for optimal agent behaviors. The central question is: under what circumstances, is one training method more advantageous than another? We adapt and compare a variety of deep reinforcement learning (DRL), evolutionary strategies (ES) and Monte Carlo Tree Search methods within Connect 4, a baseline game environment, and on both a simulation supporting a simple APT threat model, SNAPT, as well as CyberBattleSim, an open-source cybersecurity simulation. Our results show that when attackers are trained by DRL and ES algorithms, as well as when they are trained with both algorithms being used in alternation, they are able to effectively choose complex exploits that thwart a defense. The algorithm that combines DRL and ES achieves the best comparative performance when attackers and defenders are simultaneously trained, rather than when each is trained against its non-learning counterpart.
Epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease worldwide from 2010–2019: a literature review
Authors: Pardo de Santayana Carmen , Tin Tin Htar Myint , Findlow Jamie , Balmer Paul
Published: March 2023

The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is unpredictable, varies by region and age group and continuously evolves. This review aimed to describe trends in the incidence of IMD and serogroup distribution by age group and global region over time. Data were extracted from 90 subnational, national and multinational grey literature surveillance reports and 22 published articles related to the burden of IMD from 2010 to 2019 in 77 countries. The global incidence of IMD was generally low, with substantial variability between regions in circulating disease-causing serogroups. The highest incidence was usually observed in infants, generally followed by young children and adolescents/young adults, as well as older adults in some countries. Globally, serogroup B was a predominant cause of IMD in most countries. Additionally, there was a notable increase in the number of IMD cases caused by serogroups W and Y from 2010 to 2019 in several regions, highlighting the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the disease. Overall, serogroups A, B, C, W and Y were responsible for the vast majority of IMD cases, despite the availability of vaccines to prevent disease due to these serogroups.
Life stress influences the relationship between sex hormone fluctuation and affective symptoms in peripubertal female adolescents
Authors: Andersen Elizabeth , Klusmann Hannah , Eisenlohr-Moul Tory , Baresich Kayla , Girdler Susan
Published: March 2023

Female adolescents have a greatly increased risk of depression starting at puberty, which continues throughout the reproductive lifespan. Sex hormone fluctuation has been highlighted as a key proximal precipitating factor in the development of mood disorders tied to reproductive events; however, hormone-induced affective state change is poorly understood in the pubertal transition. The present study investigated the impact of recent stressful life events on the relationship between sex hormone change and affective symptoms in peripubertal female participants. Thirty-five peripubertal participants (ages 11–14, premenarchal, or within 1 year of menarche) completed an assessment of stressful life events, and provided weekly salivary hormone collections [estrone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] and mood assessments for 8 weeks. Linear mixed models tested whether stressful life events provided a context in which within-person changes in hormones predicted weekly affective symptoms. Results indicated that exposure to stressful life events proximal to the pubertal transition influenced the directional effects of hormone change on affective symptoms. Specifically, greater affective symptoms were associated with increases in hormones in a high stress context and decreases in hormones in a low stress context. These findings provide support for stress-related hormone sensitivity as a diathesis for precipitating affective symptoms in the presence of pronounced peripubertal hormone flux.