Author: Latest Results

Biancai (1011–1091) and his friends in the outside secular world: Longjing Monastery in the Northern Song (960–1127)

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Abstract

Longjing Monastery served as a prominent Buddhist center in Hangzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty. Similar to other esteemed Buddhist monasteries and mountains in China, the monastery’s initial prestige owed in part to its mystical associations with the Daoist recluse, Ge Hong. However, to secure sustained acclaim, adept leadership was crucial. Thus, this study delves into the monastery’s popularity during the Northern Song era, highlighting how the legendary abbot Biancai established both a robust personal reputation and monastic success by “making friends in the outside secular world.”

Construction land reduction projects as a pathway to sustainability: an empirical analysis of risks factors in China

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Abstract

Construction land reduction (CLR) is an effective instrument to improve intensive land use, restrict the expansion of construction land, safeguard the requisition-compensation balance of construction land in China, and realize sustainable development. But multiple risks arise from the process of construction land reduction. In that case, identifying and analyzing the key risks of CLR is the prerequisite for formulating practical policy guidelines. This study is conducted to identify the risk factors of CLR and analyze these risks based on expert opinion. Initially, the original risk factors are sourced from existing literature. In order to tailor them to China’s specific context, the Delphi method is employed to systematically refine risk definitions, consolidate similar risk elements, and identify any previously unrecognized risks in the literature. Following an in-depth review of the literature, we create a contextual relationship-based model employing an integrated technique of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis. Based on the ISM and MICMAC analysis, five key risks were identified, and the prevention strategies and policy recommendations for CLR project risks are put forward.

Victim-offender overlap: the identity transformations experienced by trafficked Chinese workers escaping from pig-butchering scam syndicate

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Abstract

The pig-butchering scam, also known as Sha Zhu Pan (杀猪盘) in Chinese, is a distinctive form of online romance scam. It involves fraudulently enticing victims through fake online investment platforms and the use of romantic persuasion. While this crime is renowned for its innovative social engineering techniques, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the scammers' involvement in human trafficking, particularly their recruitment of vulnerable Chinese workers for illegal labor practices. Recognizing these overlapping identities, the current research aims to comprehensively understand the process of identity transformation experienced by these Chinese workers concerning their vulnerabilities and resilience. Using victim testimonial data from two prominent online sources, this study presents a four-stage model outlining the processes undergone by trafficked Chinese workers, leading to the development of a victim-offender identity. Additionally, this effort elucidates strategies employed by them to manage the unique identity subsequent to their escape from the base camp of the pig-butchering scam. The outcomes shed light on a significant criminogenic aspect within the pig-butchering scam, an area that has received limited attention thus far. This knowledge is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the transformation of these individuals into scammers, thereby offering valuable insights for preemptive prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.

Priorities for efficacy trials of gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen: collaborative design and results of a community survey

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Abstract

Purpose

Treatment guidelines for gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen (GAHT-E) recommend specific dosing regimens based on limited data. Well-controlled efficacy trials are essential to tailoring treatment to patient goals as the guidelines recommend. The goal of this study was to take a foundational step toward designing community-centered effectiveness trials for gender-diverse individuals seeking GAHT-E.

Methods

Our team developed a cross-sectional survey based on broad clinical experience and consultation with our community advisory board. The survey included 60 items covering demographics, transition history, goals and priorities for treatment, indicators of treatment success, sexual function goals, and future research priorities. The survey was distributed during the summer of 2021, primarily through social networks designed for gender-expansive individuals seeking treatment with estrogen.

Results

A total of 1270 individuals completed the survey. Overall treatment goals most frequently rated “extremely important” or “very important” were the following: (1) improved satisfaction with life (81%), (2) appearing more feminine (80%), (3) appearing less masculine (77%), (4) improved mental health (76%), and (5) being seen as your true gender by others (75%). The three body characteristics most frequently rated “highest priority” or “high priority” among changes were the following: (1) facial hair (85%), (2) breast shape or size (84%), and (3) body shape (80%). The highest-rated research priority was comparing feminization with different routes of estrogen administration.

Conclusion

The goals and experiences of individuals seeking GAHT-E are diverse. Future clinical trials of GAHT-E should be grounded in the needs and priorities of community stakeholders.

Combining Pocket Parks with Ecological Rainwater Management Techniques in High-Density Urban Environments

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Abstract

In this paper, the benefits of combining pocket parks with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in densely built urban areas are demonstrated, through an application proposal in a medium to low-income neighborhood of the historical center of Thessaloniki, Greece. After an outline of the urbanization impact upon rainwater management, the features of the proposed site are presented, in particular those related to rainwater runoff (e.g., rather large ground slope, narrow sidewalks), which result in considerable nuisance, even during medium intensity rainfall events. The choice of the SuDS components, namely a small-scale rain garden and a permeable pavement zone is explained next. Then, the basic design details of the proposed rain garden are given, including the form of the inlet structures and a list of plants, suitable for the climatic conditions of many North Mediterranean regions. The role and the features of the permeable pavement zone are also discussed and some ideas for the urban equipment required to upgrade the park are presented. A preliminary estimate of the cost for the construction of the rainwater management works and for upgrading the available lot to a pocket park is also included. Compared to the cost of sewer pipe network reconstruction, it can be concluded that the proposed solution is cost-efficient, even without considering aesthetic and social benefits. Moreover, it allows for stepwise construction, based on the available funds.

Complementary scientific techniques for the study of Mesoamerican greenstone objects

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Abstract

Jade and greenstone objects have been held in high regard by many cultures stemming from their limited geological availability and their unique optical and mechanical properties. Jade and greenstone objects symbolized life, fertility, and eternity to early Mesoamerican people. In recent years, scientific studies on jade and greenstone objects have been performed to establish provenance and usage, identify composition, and verify the presence of a particular material. These studies of jade and greenstone objects are generally divided geographically, with considerable interest in China and Central America. Most studies are focused on objects from one particular archaeological site; however, a few studies have focused on collections from a range of sites. The use of multiple complimentary analytical techniques has been shown to be the most effective method for characterizing and understanding the technical information obtained from cultural heritage objects. In our study, we examine a set of Mesoamerican jade and greenstone objects from the collection at the Dallas Museum of Art using multiple non-destructive techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Lastly, we present the results from our study and discuss them in their archaeological and historical context.

Air invasion into three-dimensional foam induces viscous fingering instabilities

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Abstract

We conducted an experimental investigation to examine the immiscible radial displacement flows of air invading three-dimensional foam in a Hele-Shaw cell. Our study successfully identified three distinct flow regimes. In the initial regime, characterized by relatively low fingertip velocities, the foam underwent a slow displacement through plug flow. During this process, the three-phase contact lines slipped at the cell walls. Notably, we discovered that the air injection pressure exhibited a proportional relationship with the power of the fingertip velocity. This relationship demonstrated excellent agreement with a power law, where the exponent was determined to be 2/3. Transitioning to the second regime, we observed relatively high velocities, resulting in the displacement of the foam as a plug within single layers of foam bubbles. The movement of these bubbles near the cell walls was notably slower. Similar to the first regime, the behavior in this regime also adhered to a power law. In the third regime, which manifested at higher air injection pressures, the development of air fingers occurred through narrow channels. These channels had the potential to isolate the air fingers as they underwent a process of "healing." Furthermore, our results unveiled a significant finding that the width of the air fingers exhibited a continuous scaling with the air injection pressure, irrespective of the flow regimes being observed.

Inter-organisational Sustainability Cooperation Among European Regions and the Role of Smart Specialisation

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Abstract

Innovation represents one of the most crucial levers for regional prosperity and sectoral renewal. Additionally, it is applied to address challenges such as a sustainable transition and the battle against climate change. Since innovation is the result of cooperation between different actors with different backgrounds, the topic is increasingly studied from a systemic perspective. Here, not only internal cooperation but also cross-border connections between regions become important. While smart specialisation, a European policy for innovation and cohesion, highlights the role of interregional cooperation, practical manifestations and research on this aspect have remained limited so far. This article addresses this gap by discussing the relevance of interregional cooperation for knowledge creation and presents empirical evidence on cooperation between organisations in different European regions in the field of environmental sustainability. The underlying dataset was constructed from Horizon 2020 (H2020) research projects with Northern Germany as an exemplary set of regions chosen as the core of a social network analysis (SNA). The findings reveal that involvement in interregional projects is concentrated particularly in urban regions and correlates with GDP and population density. On the other hand, also organisations in regions with different structural characteristics are involved in interregional cooperation, and H2020 managed to introduce new cooperation patterns. Finally, the empirical data do not adequately match the regional smart specialisation strategies (S3) which raises questions on updating smart specialisation as a policy.

Effect of liquid nitrogen cryogenic cooling during wire arc directed energy deposition of nickel aluminum bronze

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Abstract

The effect of liquid nitrogen (LN) cryogenic cooling during gas metal arc directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) of nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) was investigated. A commercially available LN spray cooling system was incorporated into the DED process for interpass temperature control and duty cycle optimization. Reductions in total build time and distortion were measured for single-bead wall and multi-layer block deposits. Strength and ductility requirements of the NAB wire and base material were met. In agreement with experimental results, coupled thermal-mechanical finite element analysis of DED AM with an active cooling source predicted a reduction in build time, and in residual stress build-up and distortion. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that LN cryogenic cooling can be used to control interpass temperature without adversely affecting NAB build properties and offers opportunities for immediate transition into NAB DED applications.

Using networks modeling for assessing the structure of socio-ecological systems based on the flow-space approach: a case study of Shenzhen, China

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Abstract

Understanding the complex interactions within urban social-ecological systems and revealing the characteristics of multi-layered network structures are essential for enhancing human well-being and sustainable urban management. This study proposes seven types of spatial patterns by dismantling, defining, and formalizing the urban social-ecological system processes from three primary dimensions. We use the flow-space approach to develop a method to construct urban social-ecological network model, with the primary steps including node segmentation, sub-network construction, inter-layer network construction, multi-layer network generation, and network model expression. From an ecosystem-services perspective, this study identifies coupling nodes based on the logic of matching the supply and demand of ecosystem services and then constructs a hierarchically connected social-ecological network model. Shenzhen is selected as the empirical object in this study. A social-ecological network model is constructed, containing a social sub-network, an ecological sub-network, and an inter-layer network, according to which the components of Shenzhen’s social-ecological system and its spatial distribution are analyzed. Then this study explores the robustness and small-world characteristics of social-ecological networks, and reveals that the network structure in Shenzhen has a higher average clustering coefficient and a smaller average path length. The network model constructed in this study can portray the spatial processes of social-ecological systems and retain the primary topological characteristics and geographical attributes dependent on urban issues, providing a reference for research on and management of urban socio-ecological systems.