Solid Ground Research Articles

Microdosimetry for hadron therapy: A state of the art of detection technology

The interest in hadron therapy is growing fast thanks to the latest technological advances in accelerators and delivery technologies, to the development of more and more efficient and comprehensive treatment planning tools, and due to its increasing clinical adoption proving its efficacy. A precise and reliable beam quality assessment and an accurate and effective inclusion of the biological effectiveness of different radiation qualities are fundamental to exploit at best its advantages with respect to conventional radiotherapy. Currently, in clinical practice, the quality assurance (QA) is carried out by means of conventional dosimetry, while the biological effectiveness of the radiation is taken into account considering the Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE). The RBE is considered a constant value for protons and it is estimated as a function of the absorbed dose in case of carbon ions. In this framework, microdosimetry could bring a significant improvement to both QA and RBE estimation. By measuring the energy deposited by the radiation into cellular or sub-cellular volumes, microdosimetry could provide a unique characterisation of the beam quality on one hand, and a direct link to radiobiology on the other. Different detectors have been developed for microdosimetry, from the more conventional tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC), silicon-based and diamond-based solid-state detectors, to ΔE-E telescope detectors, gas electrons multiplier (GEM), hybrid microdosimeters and a micro-bolometer based on Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) technology. However, because of their different advantages and drawbacks, a standard device and an accredited experimental methodology have not been unequivocally identified yet. The establishment of accepted microdosimetry standard protocols and code of practice is needed before the technique could be employed in clinical practice. Hoping to help creating a solid ground on which future research, development and collaborations could be planned and inspired, a comprehensive state of the art of the detector technologies developed for microdosimetry is presented in this review, discussing their use in clinical hadron therapy conditions and considering their advantages and drawbacks.

Extended terramechanics model for machine–soil interaction: Representation of change in the ground shape and property via cellular automata

Terramechanics, as an interdisciplinary field, focuses on the interaction between the ground and vehicles. Terramechanics concepts can be used to realize the design of underbodies and pass-planning of off-road vehicles, among other applications. However, conventional semi-empirical terramechanics models cannot accurately evaluate the terrain surface deformation associated with the interaction between the solid object and ground. Therefore, this article proposes an extended terramechanics model, which incorporates the terrain surface deformation mechanism based on cellular automata. First, to examine the effectiveness of the proposed model to capture variations in the terrain surface deformation and draft force, an analysis of a vertical plate drag test was conducted based on the proposed model. Next, a single-wheel traveling analysis was performed. The experimentally obtained drawbar-pull and sinkage could be reasonably simulated, which cannot be easily realized using conventional methods.

CNSC-15. DECIPHERING RAMAN-SPECTRAL TISSUE HETEROGENEITY IN GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract Raman Spectroscopy is able to provide a fast identification method for healthy and pathological tissues without the need for sample preparation. This makes it highly interesting for intraoperative use in identifying tumor types and borders. However, the capability of a machine-learning classifier to recognize known tissues based on Raman spectra relies on a solid ground truth that is usually provided by measuring small tissue samples first and analyzing the sample later by histopathology. This approach is limited in very closely interspersed tissues that cannot be identified macroscopically, such as glioblastoma where vital tumor tissue, necrosis and peritumoral tissue with characteristic changes to healthy brain tissue are tightly arranged. These areas have been shown to be distinct in their spectral properties, which makes tumor border identification aided by Raman Spectroscopy challenging. As infiltrative tumors leaving no tumor-cell-free brain tissue, borders need to be defined on a clinical scale, where extensive resection must be weighed against retaining functional brain tissue. For this, spectral analysis beyond tumor identification is necessary. In a computational approach we use methods of unsupervised learning and K-means Clustering to investigate heterogeneity within glioblastomas in the native state in order to reduce the complexity of this tumor type. Thereby, it was possible to extract spectra of necrotic tumor areas and to calculate a prediction probability for necrotic tissue within glioblastomas. Several clusters with spectral similarity to each other could be identified, which might represent the different areas of a glioblastoma. Two of these clusters were identified as probable grey and white matter, respectively, by comparison with autopsy tissue. In addition, this assignment independently confirmed the prediction of the classifier as non-necrotic tissue. Deciphering the spectral heterogeneity of glioblastoma in this way may be a great advantage for the surgeon to identify tumor borders and assist in resection control.

Cross-Border Document Service Procedures in the EU from the Perspective of Italian Practitioners—The Lessons Learnt and the Process of Digitalisation of the Procedure through e-CODEX

An effective legal framework for judicial cooperation in the field of the service of documents is a keystone for the effective functioning of the area of freedom, security and justice, as referred to in the Treaty on the EU. In particular, the proper service of a claim to the addressee is a necessary step for starting a proceeding and, simultaneously, an essential requirement for exercising the right of defence. The EU has adopted specific provisions to remodel the traditional channel of documents’ transmission with smoother solutions that assist cross-border judicial proceedings. Despite this, the European service procedure is not that straightforward and can still be very complex for most users, causing additional costs and legal uncertainty. Against this background, this article explores how the cross-border service of documents works in practice. It presents the findings resulting from empirical exploratory research carried out in Italy to assess the concrete use and usability of the European rules adopted to simplify, speed up and reduce the costs of cross-border service of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil and commercial matters, also in the view to support a possible digitalisation of the procedure. Building on empirical data, the paper brings to light the existing hiatus between the service procedure ‘on the books’ and the reality of how the relevant provisions are applied daily, so as to provide solid ground for reflecting on the current situation and on the impact that the recast Regulation 2020/1784/EU, which took effect in July 2022, will have to the supranational system of cross-border service of documents, in particular concerning the potential of the use of ICT to support it.

Influence of Demographic Factors on Retirement Planning and Socio-Economic Status of Civil Servants in Uganda

This study provides a Ugandan perspective on the influence of demographic factors on retirement planning and the socio-economic status of civil servants. The study collected data from 236 pensioners using a questionnaire survey. The demographic factors included gender, marital status, age, income, and educational level. Using multiple regression, the study concludes that there is a low predictive influence of demographic factors on retirement planning and socio-economic status. Only educational level and monthly income have significant influences on retirement planning and the socioeconomic status of the retirees. This study offers a solid ground for increasing civil servants’ salaries in Uganda. Also, the government may consider identifying resources for the professional development needs of civil servants.

Building Trust between Police and Community to Ensure Public Safety: The Case of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

The primary objective of this study is to identify the critical factors playing a significant role in the implementation of community policing, partnering the police and community to work together on the safety, peace, and security of the area. Six woredas located in the West Wollega Zone of Oromiya Regional State were selected after consulting the crime statistics and performance reports of community policing. Informants enrolled in interviews and filling out the questionnaires were selected purposely. Percentiles and thematic analysis were the procedures employed to give meaning to data generated in multiple ways. The findings show that community policing strategies are not helping the inhabitants to ensure peace and safety. It further indicated that a lack of trust between the police and the communities is one of the factors impeding the implementation. The community's conception of peace and leaving all the responsibilities of ensuring law, peace, and order to the police are part of the findings. On the one hand, the residential community views the police negatively and is unlikely to share the responsibilities for the area's safety and peace. It is thus keen to build trust between the police and the community to set up a partnership on solid ground to achieve the strategic emphasis of community policing. Key Terms: Crime Prevention, Community Policing, Community, Police, Peace, Security DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-22-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Self-deception: Distorted metacognitive process in ambiguous contexts.

As one of the commonly used folk psychological concepts, self-deception has been intensively discussed yet is short of solid ground from cognitive neuroscience. Self-deception is a biased cognitive process of information to obtain or maintain a false belief that could be both self-enhancing or self-diminishing. Study 1 (N= 152) captured self-deception by adopting a modified numerical discrimination task that provided cheating opportunities, quantifying errors in predicting future performance (via item-response theory model), and measuring the belief of how good they are at solving the task (i.e., self-efficacy belief). By examining whether self-efficacy belief is based upon actual ability (true belief) or prediction errors (false belief), Study 1 showed that self-deception occurred in the effortless (easier access to answer cues) rather than effortful (harder access to answer cues) cheating opportunity conditions, suggesting high ambiguity in attributions facilitates self-deception. Studies 2 and 3 probed the neural source of self-deception, linking self-deception with the metacognitive process. Both studies replicated behavioral results from Study 1. Study 2 (ERP study; N= 55) found that the amplitude of frontal slow wave significantly differed between participants with positive/self-enhancing and negative/self-diminishing self-deceiving tendencies in incorrect predictions while remaining similar in correct predictions. Study 3 (functional magnetic resonance imaging study; N= 33) identified self-deceiving associated activity in the anterior medial prefrontal cortex and showed that effortless cheating context increased cheating behaviors that further facilitated self-deception. Our findings suggest self-deception is a false belief associated with a distorted metacognitive mental process that requires ambiguity in attributions of behaviors.

Cinderella pneumatology as an intercultural discussion: personal, church, and theological experience sequence

Pneumatology shares rich discussion to theology and its brances knowledge. Indeed, intercultural discussion to the account receives attention but has no solid ground, where I borrow Moltmann’ term, pneumatology as cinderalla theology that frequently left behind. Question on why intercultural discussion to pneumatology is one the forgotten question that need more clarification. Futher, its relation to Indonesian context provokes curiosity to the tension. By using qualitative-analysis method, this research attempts to gain knowledge concerning why pneumatological-intercultural discussion. In sum, personal, church, and theological experience encourage pneumatology to open access for intercultural discussion, specifically speaking, in relation to Indonesian context.

Using Earned Value Management for More Sustainable Project Schedule Control

Research Question: The aim of this paper is to provide a state-of-science review and offer a critical analysis of contemporary schedule related Earned Value Management (EVM) approaches. Motivation: Since the introduction of the EVM as a tool for project control in the late 1960s, academics have tried to improve its best application. Although this method significantly contributed to efficient cost management, application of EVM to schedule management was falling behind. A significant effort has been made to improve its usability for project time management, which resulted in a dramatic evolution. The paper builds on existing literature and earlier studies, adding value with the inclusion of the cost-based and time-based approaches for assessing project schedule performance. Idea: The idea of this paper was to evaluate some of the most significant EVM schedule control methods and identify open issues. The main study hypothesis is that the most recent approaches provide a more reliable forecast and thus a solid ground for further improvements. Data: A case study in the form of a simplified project was used to illustrate how different contemporary approaches compare in terms of conceptualization, methodological issues, and theoretical underpinnings. Tools: A combination of statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the performance of different EVM approaches. Microsoft Excel was used for data processing, Microsoft Project and SATA software for data visualization, and Oracle Crystal Ball for Monte Carlo simulation. Findings: Quantitative analysis confirmed that the project-specific Earned Duration Management (EDM) and Earned Schedule (ES) approaches provide sustainable and more accurate results during the whole projects lifespan, while forecasts obtained by more traditional methods proved to be unreliable in the later stages of the project. While practical application generally lags after the growing theory, the latest literature paves the way to the integration of EVM and risk management making the contemporary EVM approaches stochastic and therefore more realistic. Contribution: The results of this study can be used as a basis for introducing advanced and generally more usable EVM models, which will improve the project schedule control.

Spin-diffusion model for micromagnetics in the limit of long times

In this paper, we consider spin-diffusion Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equations (SDLLG), which consist of the time-dependent Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) equation coupled with a time-dependent diffusion equation for the electron spin accumulation. The model takes into account the diffusion process of the spin accumulation in the magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic multilayers. We prove that in the limit of long times, the system reduces to simpler equations in which the LLG equation is coupled to a nonlinear and nonlocal steady-state equation, referred to as SLLG. As a by-product, the existence of global weak solutions to the SLLG equation is obtained. Moreover, we prove weak-strong uniqueness of solutions of SLLG, i.e., all weak solutions coincide with the (unique) strong solution as long as the latter exists in time. The results provide a solid mathematical ground to the qualitative behavior originally predicted by Zhang, Levy, and Fert in [44] in ferromagnetic multilayers.

The Phytosociology of Weeds in Agroforestry Systems in Different Types of Amazonian Forest Cover

Agroforestry systems are examples of soil exploration that is closer to the natural form of the forest, with intercropping of several species within an area, thus being sustainable alternatives. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the weed community in agroforestry systems in two ecosystems: solid ground and floodplain in the state of Pará. Such collections were made in eight areas, with about one hectare each, cultivated in agroforestry systems, four of which are on dry land and four on floodplains, in the rural area of Cametá-PA. Four plots of one square meter per area were randomly sampled, where the species were identified, counted, and taken to weigh to evaluate the weed community. Among the evaluated environments, the species that stood out the most in the solid ground environment was Kyllinga brevifolia, leading most of the evaluated indices. In the lowland ecosystem, the Brachiaria species purpuracens were the most relevant.

A FAIR Digital Object Lab Software Stack

A FAIR Digital Object Lab Software Stack

“There is no solid ground beneath us”: The Shoals and Detours of Nalo Hopkinson’s “The Glass Bottle Trick,” “Precious,” and “Greedy Choke Puppy”

This article presents a reading of Nalo Hopkinson’s short stories “The Glass Bottle Trick,” “Precious,” and “Greedy Choke Puppy” that considers Caribbean Canadian subjectivity through lenses of (inter)textuality and the material/metaphorical spaces and movements of interruption. It draws from Tiffany Lethabo King’s thinking on shoals to theorize the gathering and accumulation of tales that occurs in Hopkinson’s re/imaginings of “Bluebeard,” “The Kind and the Unkind Girls,” and soucouyant folklore. The article suggests that these shoals interrupt the paths of dominant narratives in ways that force detours to emerge, adapting Rinaldo Walcott’s use of the term to explore the transformative possibilities that occur through the creation of new improvised paths, of otherwise ways of conceptualizing Caribbean Canadian being. Ultimately, it proposes that Hopkinson’s stories acknowledge and yet interrupt colonial narratives of geography, identity, and femininity, providing a framework through which to consider the unstable grounds and the searching detours of Caribbean Canadian subjectivities.

Detuning Effects on the Reverse Intersystem Crossing from Triplet Exciton to Lower Polariton.

The lower polariton (LP) can reduce the energy barrier of the reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) process from T1 to harvest triplet energy for fluorescence. Based on a Tavis-Cummings model including both singlet and triplet excitons, both coupled with quantized photons, we derive here a comprehensive rISC rate formalism. We found that the latter consists of three contributions: the one originated from spin-orbit coupling as first obtained by Martinez-Martinez et al. ( J. Chem. Phys. 2019, 151, 054106), the one from light-matter coupling of Ou et al. ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 17786), and the cross-term first reported here. We apply the formalism to investigate the experimentally observed barrier-free rISC (BFrISC) process in cavity devices with DABNA-2 molecular thin film. We found it can be attributed to the detuning effect. The rISC rates can be increased by orders of magnitude through changing the detuning energy to realize the BFrISC process. In addition, the BFrISC rates exhibit a maximum as a function of the incident angle and the doping concentration. The formalism provides a solid ground for molecular design toward highly efficient cavity-promoted light-emitting materials.

Thе activity of the Ukrainian intellectuals in Dykanka village at the beginning of the XX century on the development of national culture

Dykanka village in Poltava region is still perceived in mass culture as one of the most famous representations of a traditional Ukrainian village. But by the beginning of the XX century, as a result of the purposeful russification state policy in the Russian Empire, due to the penetration of foreign, quite often distorted elements, the local folklore tradition was significantly transformed. As a result, the Ukrainian spirit of Dikanka residents was gradually leveled off. But thanks to the purposeful activity of the intellectuals, these processes were suspended. During the times of the Russian Empire and the USSR, the role of the intellectuals in the preservation of the national cultural features of Dykanka people was silenced in scientific and popular science works. Currently, there is a significant number of publications (in particular, by Vasyl Sheiko), which, within the framework of the historical and cultural paradigm, describe in detail the role of the intellectuals in the socio-cultural transformations in the Ukrainian lands during the beginning of the XX century. In the conditions of the current situation in the cultural life of the population of Ukraine, the study of the successful historical experience of the formation and development of the national identity of the masses, taking into account the work of culturologists, is extremely relevant.
 The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ways and results of the influence of the intellectuals on the processes of change in the socio-cultural life of Dykanka village in 1905–1917.
 The methodology of the study are the principles of historicism and systematics in combination with historical-comparative and micro-historical methods.
 The results. The article is devoted to the cultural analysis of information on the socio-cultural activities of the intellectuals of Dykanka village (Poltava region) during 1905–1917. The mechanisms of influence of a small but socially active group of residents on the transformation of the national identity of the local masses are shown on the basis, mainly, of newspaper publications of that time.
 The conclusions. By spreading progressive enlightened Ukrainian ideas among the villagers, in particular through the distribution of literature in the Ukrainian language and the demonstration of Ukrainian-language theater performances, they were able to protect the local folklore culture from the ugly imperial invasions, in particular russification. Activities conducted by individual intellectuals (the most active was the teacher, writer and translator Oleksa Dikhtiar) prepared solid ground for the national revival of 1917–1918.
 The scientific novelty: for the first time, a cultural analysis of the national educational activities of individual representatives of the intellectuals of Dykanka village (Poltava region) during 1905–1917 was realized.
 The practical significance: the historical experience of the formation and development of the national identity of the masses can be used in modern socio-cultural activities.

Listening to the unheard and unseen: Information literacy perspectives of the rural bi/multilinguals in Nigeria

This article aims to investigate information literacy perspectives of bi/multilinguals in Nigeria. The study aims to identify bilingual and multilingual definitions of information literacy, determine factors that influence their information literacy needs and at what point bi/multilinguals need it. This implies that individuals who can speak up to two or three native languages would be used as the population of the study. Despite being a multicultural country, some languages are more recognised in Nigeria and as such, those groups of people are recognised. This research aims to listen to the unheard and unseen individuals who are the rural indigenes while considering a major influencing factor in the study which is language. A focus group interview was used and a transcript-based analysis was used for the study. The results indicate that information literacy is being able to communicate with their environment but more so involves giving back to the society through languages. These findings can provide a solid ground on which inclusion of rural indigenes can be formed. It provides a platform on which library advocacy for the inclusion of the rural community indigenes to enable them to express their form of information literacy and produce intellectual works in indigenous languages can be formed.

Innovation in the European Statistical System: Recent achievements and challenges ahead

The National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) of the European Statistical System (ESS) have constantly strived to innovate products, processes and methods. Recent developments in the past decade have shown how rapidly data ecosystems are evolving across our globalised and digitalised societies. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 represented a turning point for innovation in the ESS. The speed of change spiked: those NSIs that had established a solid ground for innovation managed to continue providing high quality statistics to society and policymakers, while exploiting the potential for innovation given by the availability of new data sources. Despite the pandemic slowly losing its grip, Europe has found itself in the middle of a new crisis with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, NSIs now face the challenge of keeping up the innovative work and rolling out these innovations into production. This paper provides an overview of the work on innovation done at the ESS level in recent years and its contribution to the resilience of the statistical system to respond to recent crises. Furthermore, taking stock of recent experiences, it presents some of the main challenges and enablers which are needed to sustain ESS innovation in the years to come.

Assignment of IVL-Methyl side chain of the ligand-free monomeric human MALT1 paracaspase-IgL3 domain in solution

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue protein 1 (MALT1) plays a key role in adaptive immune responses by modulating specific intracellular signalling pathways that control the development and proliferation of both T and B cells. Dysfunction of these pathways is coupled to the progress of highly aggressive lymphoma as well as to potential development of an array of different immune disorders. In contrast to other signalling mediators, MALT1 is not only activated through the formation of the CBM complex together with the proteins CARMA1 and Bcl10, but also by acting as a protease that cleaves multiple substrates to promote lymphocyte proliferation and survival via the NF-κB signalling pathway. Herein, we present the partial 1H, 13C Ile/Val/Leu-Methyl resonance assignment of the monomeric apo form of the paracaspase-IgL3 domain of human MALT1. Our results provide a solid ground for future elucidation of both the three-dimensional structure and the dynamics of MALT1, key for adequate development of inhibitors, and a thorough molecular understanding of its function(s).

Flavonoid-based nanomedicines to target tumor microenvironment

Cancer cells arise and grow in tumor microenvironment which consists of stromal cells and extracellular matrix. The dynamic interaction between cancer cells and different components of the tumor microenvironment is a critical step in cancer development and progression. Several therapeutic strategies were explored as promising approaches to target tumor microenvironment.Flavonoids have gained increasing importance in cancer therapy due to their high bioavailability, low toxicity, and affordability. Many flavonoids showed potent activities as potential cytotoxic agents and multiple nano- formulations were tested to enhance the therapeutic effect of flavonoids.In this review, a comprehensive analysis of flavonoid-based nanomedicine was provided with special emphasis on tumor microenvironment components as therapeutic targets. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to consider flavonoid based nano- formulations as possible adjuvant therapies with conventional anticancer agents.

Sites Of Salvation; Classics And Small Liberal Arts Colleges

Sites Of Salvation; Classics And Small Liberal Arts Colleges Shelley P. Haley keywords endangered Classics, small liberal arts colleges (SLACs), state of SCS as in previous scs/apa presidential address publications, my text is only lightly edited, and footnotes are at a minimum. The Society is financially better off in the fiscal year 2021 than we anticipated. Thanks to the excellent stewardship of our financial trustees and the finance committee, along with the superlative direction and grant-writing skills of Helen Cullyer, our Executive Director, we ended up on more solid ground than we expected after year one of the pandemic. Our first-ever fully virtual meeting was a huge success with very few glitches. We looked forward to an in-person meeting in 2022 in San Francisco; Helen sent out a survey for the membership to weigh on the meeting mode, and you voted for a hybrid model which, while being the most expensive of the options, is the most equitable in terms of access. So, working with our colleagues and members in AIA, we planned for a hybrid meeting. But COVID was not finished with us yet, and the omicron variant threw a spanner into the works: we had to switch to an all-virtual meeting. We all owe a huge thank-you not only to Helen but also to her staff, Cherane Ali, the Director of Meetings and Events, and Erik Shell, the Communications and Services Coordinator. The transition from hybrid to virtual within ten days of the event would have been impossible without the hard work and persistence of these folks. Please send them your thanks in the chat! Furthermore, it is with both great sadness and great pride that we will bid farewell to Erik, who will start a new position in Chicago at the end of this meeting. Erik joined the staff of SCS in 2016 and it has been a great joy to work with him. We wish Erik all the best. [End Page 285] In some ways, the disruption to the planning of the 2022 annual meeting has, at least for me, caused more sadness and melancholy. Plans for a virtual meeting in 2021 were concretized early in 2020, partly because we had never done this before and partly because there was no path out of the pandemic at the time. There was excitement about trying something new and having it succeed beyond expectations. Then came the vaccines early in 2021, and we were all hopeful that we could have an in-person meeting in 2022. That hope persisted even as the rate of vaccinations plateaued, and the vaccines became the victims of politics and disinformation. Although most people living in the United States did get vaccinated, the rate was not high enough to stop variants—first delta and now omicron—from getting established. So the leadership had to adjust and adapt as members changed their registrations. I want to acknowledge that, in addition to the economic costs of having to cancel flight arrangements and hotel rooms, there has also been a psychological cost. Even the most introverted of us still need human contact. We want the networking, catching up with old friends, and the spur-of-the-moment greeting/meeting in an elevator or at the registration desk. Hopefully the 2023 meeting can bring these aspects back. The year 2021 saw Classics in the news: there were articles in the New York Times Magazine, Times Higher Education, and others. The pandemic has put even greater stress on vulnerable Classics programs around the country, as administrations use it as an excuse to eliminate not just Classics but other Humanities programs, especially language-based ones. This is a great segue to the topic of my presidential address: "Classics and Small Liberal Arts Colleges (SLACs): Sites of Salvation?" Being both a participant in and an observer of these very public debates on the discipline and the challenges we face, I felt called upon to reflect on my place in the field. I began my career as a Classics professor at Luther College, a small liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa. It was the height of economic hard times as a result of the oil...