bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase transitions of ionic fluids in nanoporous electrodes
Authors: Emrani Ayeh , Woodward Clifford E. , Forsman Jan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this work, we utilise grand canonical Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations, to establish pore-induced freezing of restricted primitive model fluids. A planar pore model is utilised, with walls that are initially neutral, and either non-conducting or perfectly conducting. The phase of the confined electrolyte (solid/fluid) displays an oscillatory dependence on surface separation, in narrow pores. Conditions are chosen so that the bulk is composed of a stable fluid electrolyte. The tendency for the electrolyte to freeze in narrow pores is somewhat stronger in systems with non-conducting walls. We also demonstrate that an applied potential will, above a threshold value, melt a frozen electrolyte. In these cases, the capacitance, as measured by the average surface charge density divided by the applied potential, will be almost vanishing if the applied potential is below this threshold value. We do not see any evidence for a “superionic fluid”, which has been hypothesised to generate a strong capacitance in narrow pores, due to an efficient screening of like-charge repulsions by image charges.

Graphic abstract
Discovering and Exploiting Sparse Rewards in a Learned Behavior Space
Authors: Paolo Giuseppe , Coninx Miranda , Laflaquière Alban , Doncieux Stephane 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Learning optimal policies in sparse rewards settings is difficult as the learning agent has little to no feedback on the quality of its actions. In these situations, a good strategy is to focus on exploration, hopefully leading to the discovery of a reward signal to improve on. A learning algorithm capable of dealing with this kind of setting has to be able to (1) explore possible agent behaviors and (2) exploit any possible discovered reward. Exploration algorithms have been proposed that require the definition of a low-dimension behavior space, in which the behavior generated by the agent's policy can be represented. The need to design a priori this space such that it is worth exploring is a major limitation of these algorithms. In this work, we introduce STAX, an algorithm designed to learn a behavior space on-the-fly and to explore it while optimizing any reward discovered (see Figure 1). It does so by separating the exploration and learning of the behavior space from the exploitation of the reward through an alternating two-step process. In the first step, STAX builds a repertoire of diverse policies while learning a low-dimensional representation of the high-dimensional observations generated during the policies evaluation. In the exploitation step, emitters optimize the performance of the discovered rewarding solutions. Experiments conducted on three different sparse reward environments show that STAX performs comparably to existing baselines while requiring much less prior information about the task as it autonomously builds the behavior space it explores.
The Right to Bail in Seychelles: Implementing Article 9(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Authors: Ddamulira Mujuzi Jamil 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Seychelles acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (iccpr) in 1992. Article 9(3) of the iccpr provides for circumstances in which an accused may be released on bail. Article 18(7) of the Constitution of Seychelles (2008) provides for the grounds on which a court may decline to release an arrested or accused person on bail. Article 48 of the Constitution requires Seychellois courts to, inter alia, refer to international treaties and the practice/jurisprudence of international human rights bodies when interpreting constitutional rights. This article illustrates the drafting history of Article 9(3) of the iccpr and how it has been interpreted by the Human Rights Committee. It also highlights the right to bail under the African human rights system. Based on over 250 cases of the magistrate’s court, Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal decided between 1998 and 2023, the article discusses the extent to which the courts’ jurisprudence complies with the practice and/or jurisprudence of the Human Rights Committee on the following issues: the right to bail, courts with jurisdiction to grant bail, factors courts consider in making bail decisions, burden of proof in bail matters, bail pending appeal and court’s power to revoke bail. It is argued, inter alia, that although the jurisprudence on bail substantially complies with the standards set by the Human Rights Committee, there are instances in which some of the courts’ decisions are contrary to these standards. The article recommends that courts should ensure that the jurisprudence on bail complies with the principles developed by the Human Rights Committee.
An Extratropical Pathway for the Madden–Julian Oscillation’s Influence on North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Chang Chuan-Chieh , Lubis Sandro W. , Balaguru Karthik , Leung L. Ruby , Hagos Samson M. , Klotzbach Philip J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the combined impacts of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and extratropical anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking (AWB) on subseasonal Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity and their physical connections. Our results show that during MJO phases 2–3 (enhanced Indian Ocean convection) and 6–7 (enhanced tropical Pacific convection), there are significant changes in basinwide TC activity. The MJO and AWB collaborate to suppress basinwide TC activity during phases 6–7 but not during phases 2–3. During phases 6–7, when AWB occurs, various TC metrics including hurricanes, accumulated cyclone energy, and rapid intensification probability decrease by ∼50%–80%. Simultaneously, large-scale environmental variables, like vertical wind shear, precipitable water, and sea surface temperatures become extremely unfavorable for TC formation and intensification, compared to periods characterized by suppressed AWB activity during the same MJO phases. Further investigation reveals that AWB events during phases 6–7 occur in concert with the development of a stronger anticyclone in the lower troposphere, which transports more dry, stable extratropical air equatorward, and drives enhanced tropical SST cooling. As a result, individual AWB events in phases 6–7 can disturb the development of surrounding TCs to a greater extent than their phases 2–3 counterparts. The influence of the MJO on AWB over the western subtropical Atlantic can be attributed to the modulation of the convectively forced Rossby wave source over the tropical eastern Pacific. A significant number of Rossby waves initiating from this region during phases 5–6 propagate into the subtropical North Atlantic, preceding the occurrence of AWB events in phases 6–7.
The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey
Authors: Wanless Anna , Stormer Sam , Ripberger Joseph T. , Krocak Makenzie J. , Fox Andrew , Hogg David , Jenkins-Smith Hank , Silva Carol , Robinson Scott E. , Eller Warren S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters have many roles and responsibilities, including communication with core partners throughout the forecast and warning process to ensure that the information they are providing is relevant, understandable, and actionable. Although the NWS communicates to many groups, members of the emergency management community are among the most critical partners. However, little is known about the diverse population of emergency managers (EMs) and how they receive, process, and use forecast information. The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey (WxEM) aims to fill this knowledge gap by 1) building a nationwide panel of EMs and 2) fielding routine surveys that include questions of relevance to NWS operations. The panel was built by creating a database with contact information from more than 4000 EMs across the country. An enrollment survey was sent to the list, and over 700 EMs agreed to participate in the project. Following enrollment, WxEM panelists receive surveys three–four times per year that address how EMs use NWS forecast information. These surveys cover a variety of subjects, with the goal of working with other researchers to develop surveys that address their research needs. By collaborating with other research groups to design short, focused surveys, the WxEM project will reduce the research burden on EMs and, at the same time, increase the quality and comparability of research data in the weather enterprise. The results will be shared with the NWS and the research community, and all data gathered from these surveys will be publicly available.

Significance Statement
The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey aims to better understand how emergency managers use National Weather Service (NWS) forecast information via a series of surveys regularly distributed to a panel of emergency managers across the country. By collaborating with other researchers, these surveys will cover broad topics and should limit the number of participation requests sent to emergency managers. Results will be distributed to participants, researchers, and NWS forecasters. All data will be publicly available.
The Burden of Proof in Taxation Disputes: Does Section 170 or Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) Offend the Rule of Law?
Authors: Bruce Max 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFor the purposes of assessing tax, section 170 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) permits the Commissioner to determine that the taxpayer has committed fraud or evasion. The taxpayer then bears the onus of showing that they have not. There is no requirement that the Commissioner show that such determination is correct, nor to support it with evidence. The Commissioner may, if they wish, do nothing more than put the taxpayer to proof by tendering their assessment as evidence. This article sets out in detail how the reversal of the onus of proof in cases arising from the Commissioner’s determination of fraud or evasion offends the principle of procedural fairness, as well as the principles of certainty and prospectivity. This paper also extends that analysis to disputes arising out of the commissioner’s determination of tax avoidance under Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth). This paper further considers whether general administrative law principles, in particular the Briginshaw Principle, may obviate some of the concerns regarding the reversal of the onus of proof. It is contended that the reversal of the onus of proof in cases arising out of the Commissioner’s determination of fraud or evasion under section 170 and tax avoidance under Part IVA significantly offend fundamental tenets of the rule of law, namely, the principles of procedural fairness, certainty and prospectivity. It is further contended that requiring the Commissioner to adduce evidence to support the opinion or allowing the Commissioner’s determination to be judicially examined would obviate the offence to the rule of law.
Consumer Protection Against Unfair Contract Terms in the Age of Smart Contracts
Authors: Nguyen Son T 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSmart contracts are designed to be self-executing and self-enforcing. They are written as computer code that can automatically monitor, execute and enforce the performance of the agreed terms. The code of smart contracts exists across a distributed, decentralised blockchain network, controlling the execution and making transactions trackable and irreversible. This article examines the extent to which the Australian Consumer Law unfair contract term provisions can respond to the use of smart contracts. The article finds that the Australian Consumer Law unfair contract term provisions work relatively well to protect smart contract consumers. While some challenges exist and should be properly considered, there seems to be no need to either create entirely new law, modify the existing regime or totally ban smart contracts to protect consumers against unfair contract terms in smart consumer contracts.
Segmental analysis of liver cirrhosis with different etiologies: a study based on iodine mixed imaging in port-venous phase
Authors: Jiang Changqin , Jiang Ruisheng , Zhang Wanwei , Ma Zhijun , Dong Haixia , Wang Zhaoqian , Feng Qiang 
Published: October 2023

Background Computed tomography (CT) in port-venous phase can display the intra-hepatic vessels, and may provide the possibility for segment function evaluation for cirrhosis. Purpose To assess the value of iodine mixed imaging of dual-source dual-energy CT in port-venous phase in segmental evaluation of liver cirrhosis with different etiologies. Material and Methods Patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Patients without cirrhosis were included as a control group. Each patient underwent iodine-contrast enhanced multi-phase dual-energy CT scanning. Parameters were analyzed by SPSS, version 22.0, and Medcalc. Results In total, 256 patients were investigated, including 114 Child-Pugh A, 51 Child-Pugh B, 41 Child-Pugh C and 50 control patients. Total iodine content (ICt)/body surface area (BSA) in the cirrhosis group was significantly lower than the control group ( P < 0.05) and the standardized-iodine parameter (SI) of each segment decreased with cirrhosis progression. In Child-Pugh A and B, SI increased more significantly in the caudal and lateral segment in A (alcholism) than in the V (virus-related) and N (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) groups ( P < 0.001). ICt/BSA showed the best diagnosis power of cirrhosis with an area under the curve of 0.765, sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 71.8%. Conclusion Blood flow compensated in the left lateral and caudal lobe in the early stage of liver cirrhosis. The compensation in alcoholism in the middle and early stages is significantly higher than that of V and N cirrhosis. Iodine mixed imaging in portal phase may provide the possibility of an incremental value in segmented blood flow perfusion and functional evaluation of liver cirrhosis on a morphological basis.
Perceived Community Belonging as a Moderator of the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Health and Well-Being
Authors: Chai Lei 
Published: October 2023

Purpose This study examines the moderating role of perceived community belonging in the association between sexual orientation and various health and well-being outcomes. Design A national cross-sectional survey. Setting Confidential microdata from the 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey. Subjects Individuals aged 15 and older, with a sample size ranging from 43,000 to 44,100. Measures Sexual orientation, health and well-being outcomes, and sense of community belonging were all self-reported. Outcomes included self-rated general and mental health, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Analysis A series of multiple linear regression models. Results Compared to heterosexual individuals, bisexual individuals reported poorer self-rated general health (b = .402, P < .001 for men; b = .454, P < .001 for women) and mental health (b = .520, P < .001 for men; b = .643, P < .001 for women), higher depressive symptoms (b = 2.140, P < .001 for men; b = 2.685, P < .001 for women), and lower life satisfaction (b = .383, P < .05 for men; b = .842, P < .001 for women). Few disparities were observed among gay men and lesbians. Contrary to some recent findings, no disparities were observed among individuals uncertain about their sexual orientation or those who chose not to disclose it, even without controlling for covariates. A stronger sense of community belonging mitigated the disadvantages associated with self-rated general health (b = -.276, P < .01) and depressive symptoms (b = -.983, P < .01) for gay men, and life satisfaction (b = -.621, P < .01) for lesbians. Conclusion This study is among the first to highlight the stress-buffering role of community belonging in the association between sexual orientation and health and well-being outcomes.
Human immunodeficiency virus care and management in incarcerated populations in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2022: A narrative review
Authors: Annor Francis , Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Abbew Elizabeth Tabitha , Cudjoe Obed , Ayisi-Addo Stephen , Ashinyo Anthony , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas 
Published: October 2023

Background Different countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have established guidelines to reduce HIV transmission and improve its management in prisons. This narrative review aimed to examine established literature on HIV care and management among incarcerated persons in SSA to identify successful interventions that could inform improved guidelines, policies, and practices related to the clinical care of this population. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and TRIP Medical Databases in August 2022 for articles published between 1st January 2010 and 30th June 2022. We identified 27 eligible articles based on the Population/Concept/Context framework. Results HIV screening primarily involved mass campaigns rather than formal prison programmes, with limited implementation of universal testing and treatment. Although a few studies reported on access to antiretrovirals (ARVs), prisoners in urban areas and females had disproportionate access. Barriers identified include poor living conditions, high levels of stigma, and resource constraints. Inter-prison transfers, release from prison, and lack of established programmes hindered follow-up and linkage to care. Conclusions The implementation of strategies such as universal testing and treatment, human resource strengthening, financing plans for testing, ARV care, and frequent assessment of risk could improve HIV care and management in prisons in SSA.
Novel insights into weight loss: acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet—a Swiss experience
Authors: Fumagalli Massimo , Landgraaf Raymond G , Schiavi-Lods Nadège N , Golcea Sorin S , Büller Harry R , Nieuwdorp Max 
Published: October 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an acupuncture–diet program for treatment of overweight and obesity. Methods: The program consisted of weekly acupuncture sessions combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or above. Data were collected retrospectively between 2002 and 2021 in seven clinics in Switzerland through automated data extraction of existing medical records. The treatments described are standard care at the facilities where they took place. Results: A total of 11,233 patients were included. In those with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, a positive effect on body weight was noted with a peak average body weight loss of approximately 17.5 kg reached after 7 months. Long-term stabilization was at about 15.5 kg after 18 months. Significant male–female differences (p < 0.01) were observed with women losing less weight. Differences were also noted between overweight, obese and extremely obese patients suggesting a BMI-dependent effect. Maximum weight loss of patients with BMI of 35 kg/m2 or above was 29.8 ± 12 kg, while it was 18.8 ± 8 kg for obese patients (BMI = 30–34.9 kg/m2) and 12 ± 7 kg for overweight patients (BMI = 25–29.9 kg/m2), reflecting a significant overall difference between groups (p < 0.01). Compliance to the protocol by patients and physicians seemed to be another differentiating factor; more adherent patients appeared to lose more weight and preserve body weight loss better over time. Conclusion: Although this study lacked a control group and was retrospective and observational in nature, a program of acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet appeared to be effective at inducing weight loss among obese patients. The observed weight reduction in this retrospective chart review represents a good starting point for further investigation of this approach via a comparative evaluation.
A quality analysis of internet patient information for immediate, sequential, bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS)
Authors: Carlisle Aaron , Patterson Timothy , Bonnar Jonathan 
Published: October 2023

Background Due to surgical capacity pressures, induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, immediate bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery (ISBCS) has been utilised increasingly throughout the U.K. This surgical method comes with both novel risks and benefits, so the consent process must be modified. Prior randomised trials have demonstrated that appropriate online information may act as an adjunct to the surgical consent process. This study aims to assess the quality of available internet information for ISBCS. Methods Terms searched were ‘bilateral cataract surgery patient information’, ‘double cataract surgery patient information’, and ‘immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery patient information’. The Google search engine was used. The DISCERN instrument and JAMA benchmarks were used to assess healthcare information for quality. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade (FKG) Level and Gunning Fog Score (GFS) were used to assess for readability. HONcode certification was used to assess transparency and quality. Results Forty-six websites were found. The average DISCERN score was 41.3, meaning a “fair” quality which is below what many patients would anticipate discovering when trying to find information. National Healthcare Service websites had higher DISCERN scores than private healthcare-provided websites ( p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.13–1.88.) Conclusions Fair patient information for ISBCS has been demonstrated. Specific internet information sources with appropriate information should be further developed, with cited sources, and patients signposted to them if felt appropriate.