bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties and constitutive model of fractured red sandstone under acid corrosion
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , Liu Wang , Wang Cui 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRed sandstone was selected for the study and specimens were prepared at 0°, 30°, 45° and 60° fracture inclinations and maintained in an acid solution at pH = 2. The specimens were subjected to uniaxial compression tests before and after maintenance to obtain the mechanical parameters and to observe the damage properties of the specimens. Based on the Lemaitre strain equivalence principle, a macroscopic fracture model for single-fissure rock masses and a statistical damage model for the Weibull distribution of micro-fissures were combined to derive macro-and micro-coupled damage variables for the specimens. The damage variables after acid solution corrosion are considered to derive the constitutive model for fractured red sandstone containing fractures after acid corrosion. The theoretical damage constitutive curves were compared with the experimental curves to analyse the applicability of the constitutive equation. The results show that the peak stress, peak strain and elastic modulus of the fractured specimens all vary regularly with the inclination angle, first decreasing and then increasing with the increase in the inclination angle; the peak compressive strength and elastic modulus of the fractured sandstone all tend to decrease and the peak strain tends to increase after corrosion by acid solution; the damage characteristics of the fractured sandstone are more influenced by the inclination angle and less influenced by acid corrosion; by comparing the theoretical curve with the experimental curve, the established damage constitutive model is in good agreement at the elastic deformation and plastic yielding stages. The mechanical properties of rock masses with different inclinations of fracture are quantified on the basis of the test results. The damage characteristics of rock masses with different fracture inclinations under normal and acid corrosion conditions are studied. The macro- and micro-coupled damage variables of fractured rock masses under acid corrosion are derived and validated.
A Novel Similarity Measure Based on Accuracy Score of Conventional Type of Trapezoidal-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Applications in Multi-criteria Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Nayagam V. Lakshmana Gomathi , Suriyapriya K. , Jagadeeswari M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe article aims to investigate the distance measure between any two conventional type trapezoidal-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (CTrVIFSs) whose membership and non-membership grades of an element are expressed as conventional trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (CTrIFN). Using the proposed distance measure, the similarity measure of CTrVIFSs is determined and its efficiency is shown by applying it to pattern recognition problems and MCDM problems. The similarity measure propounded in this article can be used to tackle real-world problems involving CTrVIFS as parameters, such as clustering, machine learning, and DNA matching. The application section discusses that this research can help decision-makers to recognize patterns and categorize samples with those patterns. Furthermore, the model of a real-world problem is given which utilizes the suggested similarity measure to solve MCDM problems, demonstrate the usability of the new technique and comprehend its applied intelligence above other methods. Finally, a general conclusion and future scope on this topic are discussed.
Water blister geomorphology and subglacial drainage sediments: an example from the bed of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in SW Finland
Authors: Mäkinen Joni , Dow Christine F. , Ahokangas Elina , Ojala Antti , Kajuutti Kari , Kautto Juulia , Palmu Jukka-Pekka 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study presents the first light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based morphometric description of a water blister from a past ice-sheet bed caused by rapid supraglacial drainage. The blister formed during the rapid early Holocene deglaciation of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS). It is located in southwest Finland within a subglacial meltwater route interpreted to represent the transition from a distributed to a channelized drainage system. A LiDAR digital elevation model was supplemented with sedimentological and ground-penetrating radar data on blister outflow channels and sedimentology of downflow polymorphous mounds and ridges (PMRs). Unlike the water blisters recorded from the rapid drainage of supraglacial lakes on the Greenland Ice Sheet, the smaller blister size here was either due to crevasse or moulin drainage, or was a supraglacial lake drainage that tapped into a pre-existing, relatively efficient drainage system and related semi-sorted sediments, promoting rapid drainage and reworking of PMRs along the meltwater route. The preservation potential or exposure probability of blister marks is presumably low but they can provide important information about evolution of subglacial drainage systems that is of value to modern interpretations of glacial hydrology.
Transitions between peace and systemic war as bifurcations in a signed network dynamical system
Authors: Morrison Megan , Kutz J. Nathan , Gabbay Michael 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe investigate structural features and processes associated with the onset of systemic conflict using an approach which integrates complex systems theory with network modeling and analysis. We present a signed network model of cooperation and conflict dynamics in the context of international relations between states. The model evolves ties between nodes under the influence of a structural balance force and a dyad-specific force. Model simulations exhibit a sharp bifurcation from peace to systemic war as structural balance pressures increase, a bistable regime in which both peace and war stable equilibria exist, and a hysteretic reverse bifurcation from war to peace. We show how the analytical expression we derive for the peace-to-war bifurcation condition implies that polarized network structure increases susceptibility to systemic war. We develop a framework for identifying patterns of relationship perturbations that are most destabilizing and apply it to the network of European great powers before World War I. We also show that the model exhibits critical slowing down, in which perturbations to the peace equilibrium take longer to decay as the system draws closer to the bifurcation. We discuss how our results relate to international relations theories on the causes and catalysts of systemic war.
Endoscopic classification system of pars tensa retractions
Authors: Mahajan Nilesh , Vijayendra Vinay Kumar , Redleaf Miriam , Honnurappa Vijayendra 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious classification systems of pars tensa retractions have not consistently incorporated ossicular erosion or the presence of cholesteatoma.ObjectiveThis study aimed to illustrate our classification of pars tensa retractions, which is more precise than previous systems, with aided use of the endoscope.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out on 200 ears of 170 patients whose pars tensa retractions had been documented at a tertiary otological referral centre.ResultsA classification system was developed. Pars tensa retractions were divided into the following subcategories: grade 0, grade 1, grade 2a, grade 2b, grade 3a, grade 3b, grade 3c, grade 4a, grade 4b, grade 4c, grade 5a, grade 5b and grade 5c.ConclusionThis classification system was able to accommodate all pars tensa retractions. The distribution of grades of pars tensa retractions was based on ossicular status and the presence or absence of cholesteatoma. It is therefore a more applicable, and functionally based system than previous alternatives.
Changes in vocal fold gene expression and histology after injection augmentation in a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury model
Authors: Malka Ronit , Isaac Alisa , Gonzales Gabriela , Miar Solaleh , Walters Benjamin , Baker Amelia , Guda Teja , Dion Gregory R 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate changes in neuroregenerative pathways with vocal fold denervation in response to vocal fold augmentation.MethodsEighteen Yorkshire crossbreed swine underwent left recurrent laryngeal nerve transection, followed by observation or augmentation with carboxymethylcellulose or calcium hydroxyapatite at two weeks. Polymerase chain reaction expression of genes regulating muscle growth (MyoD1, MyoG and FoxO1) and atrophy (FBXO32) were analysed at 4 and 12 weeks post-injection. Thyroarytenoid neuromuscular junction density was quantified using immunohistochemistry.ResultsDenervated vocal folds demonstrated reduced expression of MyoD1, MyoG, FoxO1 and FBXO32, but overexpression after augmentation. Healthy vocal folds showed increased early and late MyoD1, MyoG, FoxO1 and FBXO32 expression in all animals. Neuromuscular junction density had a slower decline in augmented compared to untreated denervated vocal folds, and was significantly reduced in healthy vocal folds contralateral to augmentation.ConclusionInjection augmentation may slow neuromuscular degeneration pathways in denervated vocal folds and reduce compensatory remodelling in contralateral healthy vocal folds.
China's Corporate Social Credit System: The Dawn of Surveillance State Capitalism?
Authors: Lin Lauren Yu-Hsin , Milhaupt Curtis J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractChinese state capitalism may be transitioning towards a technology-assisted variant that we call “surveillance state capitalism.” The mechanism driving this development is China's corporate social credit system (CSCS) – a data-driven project to evaluate the “trustworthiness” of all business entities in the country. In this paper, we provide the first empirical analysis of CSCS scores in Zhejiang province, as the Zhejiang provincial government is to date the only local government to publish the scores of locally registered firms. We find that while the CSCS is ostensibly a means of measuring legal compliance, politically connected firms receive higher scores. This result is driven by a “social responsibility” category in the scoring system that valorizes awards from the government and contributions to causes sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party. Our analysis underscores the potential of the CSCS to nudge corporate fealty to party-state policy and provides an early window into the far-reaching potential implications of the CSCS.
“EM Doc On Call:” A Pilot Study to Improve Interhospital Transfers in Rwanda
Authors: Ndebwanimana Vincent , Beeman Aly , Gallaer Alexander , Uwamahoro Chantal , Uwamahoro Doris , Ritz Cody , Lewis Samuel , Hoyt Savanna Dayne , Jean Paul Nzabandora , Gonsalves-Domond Gersandre , Odoom Enyonam , Vital Mutijima , Martin Kyle Denison 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroduction:Treatment of seriously ill patients is often complicated by prolonged or complex transfers between hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa. Difficulties or inefficiency in these transfers can lead to poor outcomes for patients. “On-call” triage systems have been utilized to facilitate communication between facilities and to avoid poor outcomes associated with patient transfer. This study attempts to examine the effects of a pilot study to implement such a system in Rwanda.Methods:Data collection occurred prospectively in two stages, pre-intervention and intervention, in the emergency department (ED) at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK). All patients transferred during the pre-determined timeframe were enrolled. Data were collected by ED research staff via a standardized form. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 15.0. Differences in characteristics were assessed using χ2 or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables and independent sample t-tests for normally distributed continuous variables.Results:During the “on call” physician intervention, the indication for transfer was significantly more likely to be for critical care (P <.001), transfer times were faster (P <.001), patients were more likely to be displaying emergency signs (P <.001), and vital signs were more likely to be collected prior to transport (P <.001) when compared to the pre-interventional phase.Conclusion:The “[Emergency Medicine] EM Doc On Call” intervention was associated with improved timely interhospital transfer and clinical documentation in Rwanda. While these data are not definitive due to multiple limitations, it is extremely promising and worthy of further study.
Predicting Exporters with Machine Learning
Authors: Micocci Francesca , Rungi Armando 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this contribution, we exploit machine learning techniques to evaluate whether and how close firms are to become successful exporters. First, we train various algorithms using financial information on both exporters and non-exporters in France in 2010–2018. Thus, we show that it is possible to predict the distance non-exporters are from export status. In particular, we find that a Bayesian Additive Regression Tree with Missingness In Attributes (BART-MIA) performs better than other techniques with an accuracy of up to 0.90. Predictions are robust to changes in definitions of exporters and in the presence of discontinuous exporting activity. Eventually, we discuss how our exporting scores can be helpful for trade promotion, trade credit, and assessing aggregate trade potential. For example, back-of-the-envelope estimates show that a representative firm with just below-average exporting scores needs up to 44% more cash resources and up to 2.5 times more capital to get to foreign markets.
An Unlikely Duet: Public-Private Interaction in China's Environmental Public Interest Litigation
Authors: Xia Ying , Wang Yueduan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIncreasing research has been devoted to examining collaborations between public and private actors in environmental regulation under neoliberal democracies. However, this public-private interaction in authoritarian regimes remains understudied. This article seeks to address this gap in the literature through an empirical examination of the interaction between environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and procuratorates in China's environmental public interest litigation. We find emerging complementarity: NGOs focus on new issues and target high-profile defendants to increase the socio-legal impact of their civil litigation, whereas procuratorates increasingly engage in administrative litigation against government agencies. This complementarity is shaped by the different legal opportunities for Chinese NGOs and procuratorates, as well as their respective institutional objectives and capacities. Their divergent regulatory preferences have also fostered synergy between these two actors, allowing them to collaborate on legal experimentation and innovation.
How Ecuador's Courts Are Giving Form and Force to Rights of Nature Norms
Authors: Kauffman Craig M. , Martin Pamela L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn 2008, Ecuador recognized rights of nature (RoN) in its Constitution. Since then, RoN have been relied upon in judicial decisions 55 times in Ecuador. Following years of ad hoc treatment of RoN by Ecuador's government and courts, its Constitutional Court selected various cases to establish binding jurisprudence in respect of RoN. In doing so, the Constitutional Court and various provincial courts in Ecuador have clarified the content of RoN, including specific criteria for determining RoN violations and the relationship between RoN and other constitutional rights, including community and economic rights related to development. Moreover, the courts are imposing sanctions on RoN violators, including the state and powerful commercial sectors. This article shows how Ecuadorian court decisions are changing RoN from a vague, abstract concept into a set of specific standards for how to balance RoN with various human rights and existing environmental law in order to implement sustainable development in an integrated and holistic manner that does not sacrifice ecosystem functioning. In doing so, the article contributes to the emerging literature on how new environmental law norms are constructed as they are put into practice, as well as the important role that judges play as norm entrepreneurs.
Safety and efficacy of endovenous thermal ablation for treatment of symptomatic varicose veins during summertime
Authors: Uthoff Heiko , Teruzzi Elisa , Boesch Patricia , Hofer Manuel , Spinedi Luca , Bossart Simon , Staub Daniel , Keo Hak Hong 
Published: June 2023

Summary: Background: Traditionally, varicose vein treatment is predominately performed during the colder seasons. However, data whether higher outdoor temperatures affect the outcome and/or complication rate of endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for treatment of symptomatic varicose veins are missing. Patients and methods: In this observational study, the medical records of all patients who had ETA of the great saphenous vein (GSV), accessory saphenous vein (ASV), or small saphenous vein (SSV) between September 2017 and October 2020 were reviewed. Results: In total 846 ETA interventions in 679 patients with 1239 treated truncal veins and an average length of 69 cm phlebectomy were included. The highest temperature recorded on and within the first 14 days after treatment was on average 19.0°C (SD±7.2°C) with a minimum and maximum of −1°C and 35.9°C. Interventions were categorized according to the recorded temperature (<25°C n=584; 25–29.9°C n=191; and ≥30°C n=71). The occlusion rates were excellent (99–100%) across groups. Despite a significantly higher proportion of patients with obesity, personal history of superficial vein thrombosis and length of phlebectomies in the high temperature groups, no significant difference regarding days of work loss, patients’ satisfaction or complications including bleeding or thromboembolic events was observed. Infections were rare (0.8%), but more frequently observed in the 25–29.9°C group (2.6%; p=0.058). No infection was observed in the ≥30°C group and pain 6 weeks after the intervention was even lower (VAS 0.5±1.0 and 0.5±1.2 vs. 0.0±0.1, p=0.008). Conclusions: Given the minimal invasive nature of ETA, our results can reassure clinicians and patients that ETA varicose vein treatment is possible and safe throughout the year, even on hot summer days. A non-significant trend to more infections was observed but was not associated with other adverse outcomes such as prolonged analgetics intake or inability to work.
Material Properties of Sediments Steer Burrowers and Effect Bioturbation
Authors: Dorgan Kelly M. , Arwade Sanjay R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractInfaunal organisms mix sediments through burrowing, ingestion and egestion, enhancing fluxes of nutrients and oxygen, yet the mechanisms underlying bioturbation remain unresolved. Burrows are extended through muddy sediments by fracture, and we hypothesize that the cohesive properties of sediments play an important but unexplored role in resisting bioturbation. Specifically, we suggest that crack branching, tortuosity, and microcracking are important in freeing particles from the cohesive matrix, and that the sediment properties that affect these processes are important predictors of bioturbation. We use finite element modeling and simplified, mechanics‐based models to explore the relative importance of sediment mechanical properties and worm behaviors in determining crack propagation paths. Our results show that crack propagation direction depends on variability in fracture toughness, and that applying more force to one side of the burrow wall, simulating “steering” behavior, has surprisingly little effect on crack propagation direction. Burrowers instead steer by choosing among crack branches. Paths created by burrowing worms in natural sediments are mostly straight with some crack branching, consistent with modeling results. Crack branching also requires sufficient stored elastic energy to drive two cracks, and worms can exert larger forces resulting in more stored energy in stiffer sediments. This implies that more crack branching and consequently more particle mixing occurs in heterogeneous sediments with low fracture toughness relative to stiffness. Whether sediments with greater potential for crack branching also experience higher bioturbation remains to be tested, but these results indicate that material properties of sediments may be important in resisting or facilitating bioturbation.
Quantifying Antarctic‐Wide Ice‐Shelf Surface Melt Volume Using Microwave and Firn Model Data: 1980 to 2021
Authors: Banwell Alison F. , Wever Nander , Dunmire Devon , Picard Ghislain 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAntarctic ice‐shelf stability is threatened by surface melt, which has been implicated in several ice‐shelf collapse events over recent decades. Here, we first analyze cumulative days of wet snow/ice status (“melt days”) for melt seasons from 1980 to 2021 over Antarctica's ice shelves using passive and active microwave satellite observations. As these observations do not directly reveal meltwater volumes, we calculate these using the physics‐based multi‐layer snow model SNOWPACK, driven by the global climate‐reanalysis model Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version 2. We find a strong non‐linear relationship between melt days and meltwater production volume. SNOWPACK's calculation of melt days shows agreement with observations of both cumulative days, and spatial and interannual variability. Highest melt rates are found on the Peninsula ice shelves, particularly in the 1992/1993 and 1994/1995 austral summers. Over all ice shelves, SNOWPACK calculates a small, but significant, decreasing trend in both annual melt days and meltwater production volume over the 41 years.
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) and organoid models of autism: opportunities and limitations
Authors: Kilpatrick Savannah , Irwin Courtney , Singh Karun K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic or environmental perturbations during early development. Diagnoses are dependent on the identification of behavioral abnormalities that likely emerge well after the disorder is established, leaving critical developmental windows uncharacterized. This is further complicated by the incredible clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder that is not captured in most mammalian models. In recent years, advancements in stem cell technology have created the opportunity to model ASD in a human context through the use of pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can be used to generate 2D cellular models as well as 3D unguided- and region-specific neural organoids. These models produce profoundly intricate systems, capable of modeling the developing brain spatiotemporally to reproduce key developmental milestones throughout early development. When complemented with multi-omics, genome editing, and electrophysiology analysis, they can be used as a powerful tool to profile the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this complex disorder. In this review, we will explore the recent advancements in hPSC-based modeling, discuss present and future applications of the model to ASD research, and finally consider the limitations and future directions within the field to make this system more robust and broadly applicable.