bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning Foams: Towards an Atmospheric Ethics of Education
Authors: Tyrrell Jessica , Shalavin Courtney 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhere is the air in the design of learning futures? The Covid-19 pandemic and the unfolding climate crisis have rendered air as an explicit life support infrastructure of learning and as an agential force in design. As air becomes more contested and access to air is constricted, we need to design for atmospherically entangled learning futures. Existing discussion of atmospheres in educational literature focuses on their affective dimensions. We advocate for biometeorological dimensions of atmospheres to also be included by introducing air into the discourse around leaning futures. Addressing a networked learning context, we further ask, what constitutes digital air? By applying Peter Sloterdijk’s ontology of foams to educational situations, we develop ‘learning foams’ as a novel thought-image to aerate the existing concept of networked learning and provide a guide for thinking through atmospheric entanglements in education. We argue that being attuned to the air and atmospheres is necessary to design for breathable learning futures. Following Sloterdijk’s spatial and relational ontology, we show how the frame of learning foams surfaces the need for an atmospheric ethics of education that is centred on human and more-than-human relationality. We speculate on some emerging approaches to support this ethics, such as ‘planty’ pedagogies and more-than-human-centred design.
A quantum “black box” for entropy calculation
Authors: Koren Michal , Koren Oded , Peretz Or 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA significant part of global quantum computing research has been conducted based on quantum mechanics, which can now be used with quantum computers. However, designing a quantum algorithm requires a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and physics procedures. This work presents a generic quantum “black box” for entropy calculation. It does not depend on the data type and can be applied to building and maintaining machine learning models. The method has two main advantages. First, it is accessible to those without preliminary knowledge of quantum computing. Second, it is based on the quantum circuit with a constant depth of three, which is equivalent to three operations the circuit would perform to achieve the same result. We implemented our method using the IBM simulator and tested it over different types of input. The results showed a high correspondence between the classical and quantum computations that raised an error of up to 8.8e−16 for different lengths and types of information.
Tokenizing assets with dividend payouts—a legally compliant and flexible design
Authors: Zhitomirskiy Efim , Schmid Stefan , Walther Martin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe tokenization of financial assets using blockchain technology is a transformative process that allows for the fractionalization of ownership, thereby creating more accessible investment opportunities compared to traditional financial assets. Recent research has shown that token offerings are subject to moral hazard and fraud. In response to these challenges, we propose a novel token design that is compliant with the legal framework of Switzerland. Our design is characterized by its flexibility and can represent any yield or dividend-bearing asset, such as stocks, bonds, or rental income from real estate. Further enhancing its compatibility, the token conforms to the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, enabling seamless integration with existing decentralized finance solutions. Another contribution of our token design is its innovative approach to dividend distribution. Unlike traditional models that distribute dividends based on ownership at the time of payment, our token design distributes dividends based on holding times. This distinctive approach promotes smoother asset prices between dividend payouts by eliminating the need for compensation payments. Our token prototype represents a potential starting point for future research on leveraging the opportunities of decentralized finance.
Impact of Pedestrian Pavement Design on the Users’ Comfort Level in an Intermodal Passenger Terminal
Authors: Garilli Erika , Autelitano Federico , Freddi Francesco , Giuliani Felice 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe design of intermodal passenger terminals (IPTs) facilities requires a careful study of different aspects, including the walkability of their pedestrian paths. As for paved surfaces intended for pedestrians, these infrastructures must perform several tasks: greater attention is paid to functional requirements, considering different physical and perceptive people abilities. The regularity, grip and comfort are the prevailing aspects that need more attention from the designer. IPTs’ users are generally passengers performing long trips, who are more likely to carry a luggage: for this reason, the comfort and the effort to which the traveller is subjected when pulling or pushing a suitcase are significant features to analyse. Thus, an integrated approach of experimental measurements was introduced to characterise the comfort level of paved surfaces of the Mediopadana high-speed rail station (Italy), using a smart and original procedure, named stone pavement suitcase trolley test. Through these measurements the hand-arm vibrations perceived by the user, the horizontal forces required to pull or push the suitcase and the work done by the users along a real path were determined. These parameters make it possible to evaluate, from an objective point of view, the comfort of travellers on different pedestrian routes, providing useful tools for their design.
A damped Kačanov scheme for the numerical solution of a relaxed p(x)-Poisson equation
Authors: Heid Pascal 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe focus of the present work is the (theoretical) approximation of a solution of thep(x)-Poisson equation. To devise an iterative solver with guaranteed convergence, we will consider a relaxation of the original problem in terms of a truncation of the nonlinearity from below and from above by using a pair of positive cut-off parameters. We will then verify that, for any such pair, a damped Kačanov scheme generates a sequence converging to a solution of the relaxed equation. Subsequently, it will be shown that the solutions of the relaxed problems converge to the solution of the original problem in the discrete setting. Finally, the discrete solutions of the unrelaxed problem converge to the continuous solution. Our work will finally be rounded up with some numerical experiments that underline the analytical findings.
Swyer syndrome: a rare cause of primary amenorrhea
Authors: Sandilya Ujjwala , Jha Sangam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Swyer syndrome is one of the rare causes for disorders of sexual development.

Case report
An 18-year-old girl presented with complaints of inability to attain menarche. Physical examination revealed underdeveloped breast with absent pubic and axillary hair; however, the vagina was well canalized. Her hormonal profile was of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. USG and MRI demonstrated hypoplastic uterus with very small ovaries. Chromosomal analysis reported 46 XY genetic makeup. Given the higher risk of malignancy in dysgenetic gonads, the patient underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy and had been put on hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion
Swyer syndrome, though a very rare entity, should be kept in mind while evaluating primary amenorrhea. Gonadectomy should be performed early once diagnosis is made to avoid the risk of malignancy.
Many lessons still to learn about autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Orr Sarah , Sayer John A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe are still learning the genetic basis for many rare diseases. Here we provide a commentary on the analysis of the genetic landscape of patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), one of the most common genetic kidney diseases. Approaches including both phenotype first and genotype first allows some interesting and informative observations within this disease population. PKD1 and PKD2 are the most frequent genetic causes of ADPKD accounting for 78% and 15% respectively, whilst around 7–8% of cases have an alternative genetic diagnosis. These rarer forms include IFT140, GANAB, PKHD1, HNF1B, ALG8, and ALG9. Some previously reported likely pathogenic PKD1 and PKD2 alleles may have a reduced penetrance, or indeed may have been misclassified in terms of their pathogenicity. This recent data concerning all forms of ADPKD points to the importance of performing genetics tests in all families with a clinical diagnosis of ADPKD as well as those with more atypical cystic kidney appearances. Following allele identification, performing segregation analysis wherever possible remains vital so that we continue to learn about these important genetic causes of kidney failure.
A review of dairy production and utilization in Ghana and Benin
Authors: Achaglinkame Matthew Atongbiik , Dari Linda , Mörlein Daniel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHigh dairy production and utilization have proven very effective in improving food and nutrition security in society, especially among the rural poor. This review sought to find out the status of dairy production and utilization in Ghana and Benin, the challenges, and the way forward. The review discovered low dairy production in both countries which meets only about 19% (Ghana) and 20% (Benin) of dairy demand. This low self-sufficiency compels both countries to depend heavily on imported dairy products to meet consumers’ dairy needs. However, dairy consumption in both countries is still abysmally low (Ghana = 9 kg/person/year, Benin = 8 kg/person/year). Cow milk is the most regarded and consumed animal milk in both states and is consumed both raw and processed. Local dairy products include “wagashi” (local soft cheese), yoghurt and “brukina”/“dèguè” (fermented milk-millet beverage). Some of the challenges found include low patronage of dairy farming, low-performing breeds, safety issues, inadequate sustainable pro-dairy policies, water and pasture/forage shortages, inadequate infrastructure, poor education, unorganized local sector and climate change. However, adopting effective pro-dairy policies, effective safety and quality regulations, smart dairy farming and processing and exploring other dairy options like goat, sheep, and donkey milk is key to improving dairy production and utilization in both countries and beyond.
Posttraumatische Verfärbungen
Authors: Attin Thomas 
Published: August 2023

ZusammenfassungNach einem Zahntrauma mit oder ohne Dislokationsverletzung kann es zu unterschiedlichen Verfärbungen der klinischen Krone kommen. So können graue, rötliche oder gelbliche Farbveränderungen beobachtet werden. Der folgende Beitrag befasst sich mit den Ursachen und Therapiemöglichkeiten der jeweiligen Verfärbung.
Test score equating of multiple-choice mathematics items: techniques from characteristic curve of modern psychometric theory
Authors: Ayanwale Musa Adekunle 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExamination scores obtained by students from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) may not be directly comparable due to differences in examination administration, item characteristics of the subject in question, and student abilities. For more accurate comparisons, scores from different assessments or examibations must be equated. In the literature, little is known about using Stocking-Lord and Haebara Item Response Theory (IRT) methods to equalize WAEC and NABTEB mathematics multiple-choice items. The study used a counterbalanced quantitative design for a single group. As a method for dealing with order effects, counterbalancing was used to assess 50 multiple-choice four-option items developed by WAEC and NABTEB for Grade 12 mathematics. The study selected 1210 Grade 12 students who were divided into groups A (647), and B (563). The IRT equating methods were employed to compare the two test forms based on the obtained data. The findings indicate that WAEC and NABTEB have similar construct domains, though WAEC is more difficult, and discriminates better. Further, when placed on the same scale, both tests are comparable. These findings have implications for curriculum redesign, academic performance assessment, and policymaking in the education sector, as well as refuting public perceptions of the credibility and value of these certificates awarded by the testing organizations in Nigeria.
Reasoning and cognitive control, fast and slow
Authors: Voudouri Aikaterini , Bago Bence , Borst Grégoire , De Neys Wim 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Influential ‘fast-and-slow’ dual process models suggest that sound reasoning requires the correction of fast, intuitive thought processes by slower, controlled deliberation. Recent findings with high-level reasoning tasks started to question this characterization. Here we tested the generalizability of these findings to low-level cognitive control tasks. More specifically, we examined whether people who responded accurately to the classic Stroop and Flanker tasks could also do so when their deliberate control was minimized. A two-response paradigm, in which people were required to give an initial ‘fast’ response under time–pressure and cognitive load, allowed us to identify the presumed intuitive answer that preceded the final ‘slow’ response given after deliberation. Across our studies, we consistently find that correct final Stroop and Flanker responses are often non-corrective in nature. Good performance in cognitive control tasks seems to be driven by accurate ‘fast’ intuitive processing, rather than by ‘slow’ controlled correction of these intuitions. We also explore the association between Stroop and reasoning performance and discuss implications for the dual process view of human cognition.
Partisan districting and the adoption of proportional representation: gerrymandering and its discontents
Authors: Emmenegger Patrick , Walter André 
Published: August 2023

AbstractElectoral engineering strategies in majoritarian electoral systems, in particular the possibility to contain insurgent parties by manipulating electoral districts for partisan gain, are key determinants of parties’ positions on the adoption of proportional representation (PR). Providing both qualitative and quantitative evidence, this paper demonstrates that partisan districting can be an effective strategy to protect incumbent parties’ dominant political positions. In addition, it shows how insurgent parties push for the adoption of PR to end the practice of partisan districting. Finally, it demonstrates that incumbents – in the face of increasing electoral threats – cling to the existing majoritarian system if partisan districting allows them to influence vote-seat distortions in their favor. Together, these findings suggest that the possibility to contain insurgent parties by means of partisan districting is an important but overlooked alternative to the adoption of PR. Moreover, by demonstrating that vote-seat distortions moderate the relationship between district-level electoral threats and legislators’ support for PR adoption, this paper offers an important corrective to Stein Rokkan’s influential electoral threat thesis.
Time for “environmentarian corridors”? Investigating the concept of safe passage to protect the environment during armed conflict
Authors: Wartiainen Felicia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractActors engaging in a diverse set of environmental protection activities are experiencing serious difficulties executing their mandates during armed conflict, leading to environmental harm that could otherwise have been mitigated. This article examines to what extent the international legal and policy framework can ensure the protection of environmental protection actors during armed conflict. It is argued that environmental protection actors can be seen either as part of civil defence organizations or as humanitarian relief actors, and are therefore covered by special protections under international humanitarian law. However, two main challenges remain: (1) despite these existing provisions, environmental protection actors may still face access and safety issues during armed conflict, and (2) within this framework, environmental protection activities must be linked to civilian needs and cannot be conducted based on ecocentric motivations. To overcome these challenges, the article introduces the concept of “environmentarian corridors”. Environmentarian corridors would allow for the unimpeded movement of environmental protection workers and resources through contested territory and into emergency areas to protect the environment. They would also serve to increase awareness about obligations to protect the environment and would help to ensure the safety of environmental protection actors during armed conflict, as the role and mandate of these actors is explicitly accepted by stakeholders. Additionally, environmentarian corridors offer potential for conducting environmental protection activities on ecocentric grounds. The article concludes by advocating for stakeholders to employ the provisions and concepts articulated herein as a means to further promote and strengthen initiatives aimed at protecting the environment during armed conflict.
Roles of Regional Transport and Vertical Mixing in Aerosol Pollution in Shanghai Over the COVID‐19 Lockdown Period Observed Above Urban Canopy
Authors: Song Zhen , Gao Wei , Shen Hongru , Jin Yali , Zhang Chenqi , Luo Hao , Pan Liang , Yao Bo , Zhang Yijun , Huo Juntao , Sun Yele , Yu Dajiang , Chen Hui , Chen Jianmin , Duan Yusen , Zhao Defeng , Xu Jianming 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRegional transport and vertical mixing are important for aerosol pollution of megacities, but their roles are often challenging to assess via ground observations. In this study, we measured aerosol chemical composition simultaneously above urban canopy (Shanghai Tower, 609 m), a site representative of aerosols from regional scale, and a nearby ground site and investigated the roles of regional transport and vertical mixing over 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown period (1 January to 18 April), when local emissions were first drastically reduced and then recovered. During the lockdown period, regional transport was the major source of most aerosol species (organics, NO3−, SO42−, and NH4+) at both heights according to the high correlation coefficients (R = 0.81–0.87) between both heights. Correlation coefficients and vertical ratios (609 m/ground) of most aerosol components showed similar diurnal variations with the evolution of planetary boundary layer height, indicating the role of vertical mixing in aerosol pollution. Moreover, the concentrations of aerosol components at 609 m generally preceded those at ground level by 1–2 hr, indicating that aerosols were first transported at upper boundary layer, and then were mixed downwards to ground level. At 609 m, highly oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA; a surrogate of secondary organic aerosol (SOA)) dominated in organic aerosol (≥75%). The high correlations (R = 0.96) between OOA and hydrocarbon‐like organic aerosol (HOA; a surrogate of primary organic aerosol (POA)) at 609 m indicated that they originated similarly from regional transport. This study highlights the importance of regional joint prevention and control of pollutant emissions and observation above urban canopy.
A Novel Response Priority Framework for an Urban Coastal Catchment Using Global Weather Forecasts‐Based Improved Flood Risk Estimates
Authors: Ghosh Mousumi , Shastri Hiteshri , Ghosh Subimal , Karmakar Subhankar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA novel flood risk forecasting‐based response priority framework is proposed in this study, which will facilitate efficient decision‐making ahead of an extreme precipitation event. This study is demonstrated over a highly flood‐prone and geomorphologically diverse coastal catchment in Mumbai city, the financial capital of India, and is subjected to high spatio‐temporal variability of precipitation. A regional precipitation forecast model is developed, where a quantile regression (QR)‐based statistical approach is applied to the global weather forecasts for improvement in finer resolution extreme precipitation estimates. A QR is performed between the observed synoptic‐scale predictors obtained from ERA‐Interim Reanalysis data set and the observed subdaily precipitation within the study area. Subsequently, a set of reliably well‐simulated forecasted predictors obtained from the ensemble members of the Global Ensemble Forecast System are used in the established relationship to obtain extreme precipitation forecasts for higher quantile levels. The forecasted precipitation data serves as an essential input to a comprehensive hydrodynamic flood modeling framework. The flood inundation maps corresponding to different quantiles of forecasted precipitation are quantified to identify the flood hotspots. The set of flood inundations maps developed for different quantiles are utilized to demarcate the areas based on critical response time, that is, the time required by each cell within the study area to be inundated to a certain threshold depth, and the response priority levels for each cell are determined. This information is combined with socioeconomic vulnerability (SEV), a critical component of flood risk, to derive conjugated SEV‐based response priority maps.
Influences of Uncertainties in the STT Flux on Modeled Tropospheric Methane
Authors: Wang Zhiting 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMethane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas. At the global scale, inverse modeling is usually applied to infer CH4 fluxes on the surface. In the inverse model, the chemistry transport model (CTM) is used to link CH4 fluxes to its concentration in the atmosphere. Any uncertainties in the transport and chemical processes modeled by the CTM can lead to biases in the inferred fluxes. Therefore, diagnosing transport processes in the CTM is important for improving the accuracy of inferred fluxes. It is well‐known that the inverse model‐calculated total columns of CH4 contain latitude‐dependent biases when compared to observations. Previous studies revealed that these biases mostly occur in the troposphere. However, we demonstrate in the present study that the model biases in the troposphere can originate in the stratosphere, especially in the lowermost stratosphere, and propagate downward to the troposphere. The propagated biases in the simulations of the atmospheric model TM5‐CAMS are estimated to be about 25 ppb in the mid‐troposphere above the northern high‐latitudes and about 2 ppb over the tropics. At the surface the propagated biases are estimated to be about 20 and 7 ppb in the above two regions, respectively. In addition, the propagated biases display an important zonal asymmetry in the troposphere, especially over the Tibetan‐Plateau, Southeast Asia and tropical South America. It is recommended that some correction functions should be considered in inverse modeling that use surface observations only.