bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomous underwater vehicle link alignment control in unknown environments using reinforcement learning
Authors: Weng Yang , Chun Sehwa , Ohashi Masaki , Matsuda Takumi , Sekimori Yuki , Pajarinen Joni , Peters Jan , Maki Toshihiro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHigh‐speed underwater wireless optical communication holds immense promise in ocean monitoring and surveys, providing crucial support for the real‐time sharing of observational data collected by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). However, due to inaccurate target information and external interference in unknown environments, link alignment is challenging and needs to be addressed. In response to these challenges, we propose a reinforcement learning‐based alignment method to control the AUV to establish an optical link and maintain alignment. Our alignment control system utilizes a combination of sensors, including a depth sensor, Doppler velocity log (DVL), gyroscope, ultra‐short baseline device, and acoustic modem. These sensors are used in conjunction with a particle filter to observe the environment and estimate the AUV's state accurately. The soft actor‐critic algorithm is used to train a reinforcement learning‐based controller in a simulated environment to reduce pointing errors and energy consumption in alignment. After experimental validation in simulation, we deployed the controller on an actual AUV called Tri‐TON. In experiments at sea, Tri‐TON maintained the link and angular pointing errors within 1 m and , respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed alignment control method can establish underwater optical communication between AUV fleets, thus improving the efficiency of marine surveys.
Puttybot: A sensorized robot for autonomous putty plastering
Authors: Liu Zhao , Chen Dayuan , Eldosoky Mahmoud A. , Ye Zefeng , Jiang Xin , Liu Yunhui , Ge Shuzhi Sam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlastering is dominated manually, exhibiting low levels of automation and inconsistent finished quality. A comprehensive review of literature indicates that extant plastering robots demonstrate a subpar performance when tasked with rectifying defects in the transition area. The limitations encompass a lack of capacity to independently evaluate the quality of work or perform remedial plastering procedures. To address this issue, this research describes the system design of the Puttybot and a paradigm of plastering to solve the stated problems. The Puttybot consists of a mobile chassis, a lift platform, and a macro/micromanipulator. The force‐controlled scraper parameters have been calibrated to dynamically modify their rigidity in response to the applied putty. This strategy utilizes convolutional neural networks to identify plastering defects and executes the plastering operation with force feedback. This paradigm's effectiveness was validated during an autonomous plastering trial wherein a large‐scale wall was processed without human involvement.
Connectivity graph‐codes
Authors: Alon Noga 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe symmetric difference of two graphs on the same set of vertices is the graph on whose set of edges are all edges that belong to exactly one of the two graphs . For a fixed graph call a collection of spanning subgraphs of a connectivity code for if the symmetric difference of any two distinct subgraphs in is a connected spanning subgraph of . It is easy to see that the maximum possible cardinality of such a collection is at most , where is the edge‐connectivity of and is its minimum degree. We show that equality holds for any ‐regular (mild) expander, and observe that equality does not hold in several natural examples including any large cubic graph, the square of a long cycle and products of a small clique with a long cycle.
Can green technology mergers and acquisitions enhance sustainable development? Evidence from ESG ratings
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Ziyuan , Sheng Anqi , Zhang Longyu , Kan Yiwen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn order to better understand the impact of green technology mergers and acquisitions (GTMA) on sustainable development, the difference‐in‐differences model is applied to investigate the direct impact and underlying mechanisms of GTMA on the environment, society, and governance (ESG) in China. Additionally, we established a two‐dimensional framework of “market versus government” to analyze the heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) GTMA is positively aligned with greater ESG performance, indicating that GTMA is an effective way to enhance sustainable development. (2) GTMA fosters ESG performance by boosting green subsidies (i.e., signal transmission channel), lowering financing costs (i.e., impression management channel), and enhancing green innovation (i.e., technology synergy channel). (3) The positive relationship is largely dependent on the collaborative supervision environment (i.e., “strong” market and “strong” government) and the appropriate policy environment (i.e., “big” market and “small” government). (4) Furthermore, GTMA carries significant spillover effects, with other enterprises in the same industry improving their ESG performance. Additionally, this paper proposes targeted directions for the government and enterprises to take advantage of GTMA dividends to realize superior ESG performance.
Does digitalisation help achieve (selected) socio‐economic SDGs? Evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Abbas Syed Ali , Zaman Asif 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of digitalisation on achieving the selected socio‐economic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of [1] no poverty, [8] economic growth and [10] reducing inequality—set out in 2015 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly—in emerging economies. Employing the least square estimation technique on panel data of 18 emerging economies (listed by the International Monetary Fund) for the period, 2002–2020, the study finds that digitalisation significantly improves growth and reduces poverty and inequality, helping emerging economies achieve the (selected socio‐economic) UN SDGs. Moreover, the study offers important policy recommendations to achieve the respective UN SDGs.
Exploring LGBTQ+ equality in India: A comprehensive examination from anthropological and legal perspectives
Authors: Kaur Lovepreet 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research paper meticulously traces the historical trajectory and contemporary landscape of LGBT rights in India, comprehensively examining legislative advancements, pivotal judicial rulings, and societal paradigms. It underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing human rights over entrenched societal norms, particularly in the context of including transgender individuals as equal and integral members of society. The imposition of stringent moral standards has historically curtailed freedom of choice and expression, disproportionately impacting the marginalized queer community. This study endeavors to explore the multifaceted evolution of LGBT rights within historical contexts and assesses the practical accessibility of these rights as guaranteed by Constitutional Law, case law, and other pertinent legislations. Through a nuanced analysis, this research scrutinizes the extent to which societal perceptions, cultural shifts, and policy changes have influenced the inclusion and acceptance of the LGBT community. Additionally, it aims to illuminate persisting issues that continue to be disregarded or inadequately addressed, including healthcare disparities, socio‐economic inequalities, and cultural stigma.
Opening and out‐of‐plane shear fracture performance of steel and natural sisal hybrid fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Sreekumaran Sreenath , Krishna Arathi , Karuppanan Kathiresan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe key objective in developing sustainable concrete is enhancing performance by mitigating adverse environmental effects simultaneously. Using short and discrete steel fibers to reinforce the concrete matrices is a widely accepted approach to improve the ductility of concrete. Although the utilization of traditional steel fibers enhances the strength of the concrete, it simultaneously leads to an increase in its weight. Also, the production of steel fibers is an energy‐intensive and carbon‐emitting process. To attain sustainability, it is imperative to reduce the use of steel fibers by including a suitable alternative through the hybridization of fiber reinforcements. The concrete developed in this study was composed of a ternary blended binder containing Ordinary Portland Cement, Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag and Microsilica. Fibers were hybridized by partially replacing 25%, 50%, and 75% of steel fibers with natural sisal fibers. Mixes reinforced with 100% steel fibers and 100% sisal fibers were also assessed for better understanding. Basic properties such as workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength were assessed. Fracture performance of the prepared mixes under pure and mixed, opening, and tearing modes of loading was also assessed by conducting disc bending tests. It can be observed from the results that, steel fibers can be replaced with sisal fibers up to 25% of the total fiber volume without greatly compromising the workability, strength and fracture performance of concrete. Hence, hybridizing steel fibers with sisal fibers can be considered a viable option to reduce the overall weight of the structural components, which can further help reduce the environmental impacts and overall cost of concrete production.
Unique diet and Philonema sp. infections in reservoir-rearing juvenile Chinook Salmon
Authors: Larson Marina S. , Choudhury Anindo , Gardner Ethan N. , Konstantinidis Peter , Murphy Christina A. , Kent Michael L. , Peterson James T. , Couch Claire E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Dams and reservoirs can alter juvenile growth and survival of migratory salmonids through several physical and biological mechanisms. Juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that are produced upstream of large hydropower dams may have associated passage mortality, but the reservoirs created by these dams can support rapid growth. Characterizing the biotic drivers of growth and mortality in reservoirs may aid in understanding the cumulative effects of river impoundments on migratory salmonid populations. The purpose of this study was to understand how reservoirs facilitate rapid growth in juvenile Chinook Salmon.

Methods
We analyzed stomach contents to determine diet composition throughout the summer and fall. We also recorded prevalence of the parasitic nematode Philonema sp. in the coeloms of fish.

Result
We found that juvenile Chinook Salmon frequently consumed young-of-year centrarchids, which likely contributed to rapid growth. Piscivory was highest from July through October and decreased with surface temperature from November through December. Correspondingly, zooplankton and arthropod consumption increased in November and December. Prevalence of visible Philonema sp. infections in the coelom was high (34.6%), negatively associated with time, and nonlinearly associated with fork length.

Conclusion
These findings reveal unique diet patterns and suggest potential parasite-associated mortality in reservoir-rearing Chinook Salmon, but more detailed studies across a longer time scale are needed to robustly assess the population-level effects of this parasite.
Betaine ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis through the modulation of AMPK/Nrf2/TGF‐β expression
Authors: Singh Sumeet Kumar , Yadav Poonam , Patel Dhaneshvaree , Tanwar Sampat Singh , Sherawat Abhishek , Khurana Amit , Bhatti Jasvinder Singh , Navik Umashanker 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic with potent anti‐cancer activity. Nevertheless, despite having effective anti‐neoplasm activity, its use has been clinically restricted due to its life‐threatening side effects, such as cardiotoxicity. It is evident that betaine has anti‐oxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activity and has several beneficial effects, such as decreasing the amyloid‐β generation, reducing obesity, improving steatosis and fibrosis, and activating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, whether betaine could mitigate DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy is still unexplored. Cardiomyopathy was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats using DOX (4 mg/kg dose with a cumulative dose of 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Further, betaine (200 and 400 mg/kg) was co‐treated with DOX through oral gavage for 28 days. After the completion of the study, several biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, western blotting, and qRT‐PCR were performed. Betaine treatment significantly reduced CK‐MB, LDH, SGOT, and triglyceride levels, which are associated with cardiotoxicity. DOX‐induced increased oxidative stress was also mitigated by betaine intervention as the SOD, catalase, MDA, and nitrite levels were restored. The histopathological investigation also confirmed the cardioprotective effect of betaine against DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy as the tissue injury was reversed. Further, molecular analysis revealed that betaine suppressed the DOX‐induced increased expression of phospho‐p53, phospho‐p38 MAPK, NF‐kB p65, and PINK 1 with an upregulation of AMPK and downregulation of Nrf2 expression. Interestingly, qRT‐PCR experiments show that betaine treatment alleviates the DOX‐induced increase in inflammatory (TNF‐α, NLRP3, and IL‐6) and fibrosis (TGF‐β and Acta2) related gene expression, halting the cardiac injury. Interestingly, betaine also improves the mRNA expression of Nrf2, thus modulating the expression of antioxidant proteins and preventing oxidative damage. Here, we provide the first evidence that betaine treatment prevents DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis by regulating AMPK/Nrf2/TGF‐β expression. We believe that betaine can be utilized as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for preventing DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
The Development and Institutionalization of Urban Agriculture Policy: Emerging Governance Models in Three Norwegian Cities
Authors: Saglie Inger-Lise 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUrban agriculture has been closely associated with citizen activism and voluntary work based on local bottom-up initiatives. However, municipalities have been interested in urban agriculture, and this chapter presents the development of public policies and the main actors in three cities, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. They show many common traits in institutionalization of urban agriculture policy. But there are also differences particularly between role of voluntary groups and bottom-up and top-down processes, degree of networking, relationship to ordinary peri-urban agriculture and new forms of urban agriculture, and the implementation of urban agriculture in plans. Oslo shows a politically driven implementation through traditional participatory methods with plans and visions for developing urban agriculture as a social activity in green/urban spaces and as new ways of professional production of food in dense urban areas. In Bergen, the voluntary sector has an active role as co-creators of policy through political activism and participation in strategy development and in running competence center. In Trondheim, the policy is co-produced with the growers each year based on their experiences, and the connection to ordinary, professional agriculture is strong. While Oslo and Bergen have developed strategies for developing urban agriculture, Trondheim has consciously chosen not to do so.
Cultivating Publicness Through Urban Agriculture: Learning from Aarhus and Rotterdam
Authors: Murphy Melissa Anna , Grabalov Pavel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis chapter sets out to explore how urban agriculture can contribute to the development of the capabilities of gardeners and the larger urban community. Our study of cases in Aarhus (Denmark) and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) aimed to understand how different municipalities facilitate urban agriculture and how different urban agriculture initiatives perform in public space. In the analysis of the initiatives, we drew on a conceptualization of publicness focused on interactions in and products from physical space that link people. With an emphasis on a definition of public that is greater than the gardeners involved in each initiative, we identify four trajectories in urban agriculture’s public service, which include increasing access and animation in public space, contributing to social services, producing and distributing food, and building communities to spread cultivation knowledge. These trajectories structure our presentation and discussion of selected urban agriculture initiatives. While not mutually exclusive, the four areas of service place different strains upon the public space ideal of physical access. We find that food production and social services may be little suited for urban spaces that demand high levels of public access, though these benefits can reach broad public if localized and facilitated appropriately.
Afterword
Authors: Bull Susan , Parker Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis casebook offers a window into important aspects of the ethical landscapes that researchers, communities, health professionals, policy makers – and ethicists – had to navigate during the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cases presented in this casebook are inevitably a selection informed by and constrained by the processes through which they were sought, and by the pandemic itself. Additional cases could valuably complement all the thematic chapters in this casebook. In addition, this casebook calls for a broader approach to research ethics, both in terms of the issues to be considered, and the range of stakeholders having ethical responsibilities relating to the conduct of research. However a broad range of stakeholders have differing values, remits, authorities and capacities to exercise power in pandemic contexts, and in many situations, exercises of power, and their impact on research, are not direct and explicit. As such they are less amenable to clear representation in real-world cases, highlighting the importance of complementing discussions of the cases in this casebook with conceptual literature. Reflection on the research that has not been conducted is also critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has reemphasized that global health emergencies are never only about health. The wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic on economies, employment, education and a range of socially and culturally important activities, accentuates the importance of an equally comprehensive research agenda, which goes beyond a narrow conception of ‘health’, and addresses a broad range of pandemic impacts on populations. A further way in which we believe debate on pandemic research ethics both could and should be broadened is in relation to aspects of pandemic science beyond those relating to ‘response’. Inevitably, in the context of an emerging and continuing pandemic, scientific research attention has tended to focus on interventions that can enable more effective responses. However pandemic science can be thought of as divisible into four interdependent and overlapping domains: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Research is essential to the development, evaluation, and deployment of interventions in each of these domains and effective, valuable, trustworthy and trusted research will require ethical questions to be identified and addressed. This chapter concludes by inviting the connection of additional cases and conceptual resources to this casebook, to enhance and expand the themes and topics covered.
Adapting and Adaptive Research
Authors: Smith Maxwell J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractResearch conducted during epidemics may warrant adaptations or adaptive designs owing to practical constraints, time pressures, uncertainty, the importance of flexibility, and the potential for research to detract from epidemic response. Adapting research entails choosing different research designs or methods if research goals, contexts or constraints justify or require a different approach. Adaptive research, by contrast, is a type of research that prospectively plans for modifications after research has been initiated, while maintaining the validity and integrity of the research. While adaptation and adaptive designs introduce an important degree of flexibility to research conducted during epidemics and help to address research objectives and constraints, adaptation and adaptive designs require close ethical scrutiny and are no different from other research in that they are expected to align with universally accepted ethical standards. Important ethical questions exist regarding the conditions that justify adaptations to research, the kinds of adaptive research designs that can be ethically justified, and how ethics review bodies ought to evaluate such novel approaches to research in epidemic contexts. The five cases included in this chapter prompt reflection on the ethical considerations and implications of adapting research in response to epidemic-related risks and the public health measures deployed in response to those risks, as well as the ethical implications of not adapting research in such contexts. These cases also highlight ethical questions and issues arising during the conduct of adaptive trials, including when treatments under study, treatment doses, sample size, and other study features are reviewed in response to evolving evidence. This chapter invites reflection on these key ethical dimensions when considering adaptive designs and adaptations to standard research procedures during epidemics. What these cases make clear is that adaptive designs and adaptations to research do not reduce the need for rigorous scientific evaluation and adherence to universal ethical standards, and must be explicitly ethically justified and reviewed through transparent and inclusive processes.
Semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes
Authors: Steinke Günter F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSemi-classical geometries have been investigated in the context of 2-dimensional affine planes, projective planes, Möbius planes and Laguerre planes. Here we deal with the case of 2-dimensional Minkowski planes. Semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes are obtained by pasting together two halves of the classical real Minkowski plane along two circles or parallel classes. By solving some functional equations for the functions that describe the pasting we determine all semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes. In contrast to the rich variety of other semi-classical planes there are only very few models of such Minkowski planes.
Mean curvature flow with generic initial data
Authors: Chodosh Otis , Choi Kyeongsu , Mantoulidis Christos , Schulze Felix 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe show that the mean curvature flow of generic closed surfaces in $\mathbb{R}^{3}$

R
3

avoids asymptotically conical and non-spherical compact singularities. We also show that the mean curvature flow of generic closed low-entropy hypersurfaces in $\mathbb{R}^{4}$

R
4

is smooth until it disappears in a round point. The main technical ingredient is a long-time existence and uniqueness result for ancient mean curvature flows that lie on one side of asymptotically conical or compact shrinking solitons.