bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Symmetric Solutions of the Semi-Classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon System
Authors: Sanders Ko
Published: September 2021

We consider solutions of the semi-classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon system with a cosmological constant $$\Lambda \in \mathbb {R}$$

Λ
∈
R

, where the spacetime is given by Einstein’s static metric on $$\mathbb {R}\times \mathbb {S}^3$$

R
×

S

3

with a round sphere of radius $$a>0$$

a
>
0

and the state of the scalar quantum field has a two-point distribution $$\omega _2$$

ω
2

that respects all the symmetries of the metric. We assume that the mass $$m\ge 0$$

m
≥
0

and scalar curvature coupling $$\xi \in \mathbb {R}$$

ξ
∈
R

of the field satisfy $$m^2+\xi R>0$$

m
2

+
ξ
R
>
0

, which entails the existence of a ground state. We do not require states to be Hadamard or quasi-free, but the quasi-free solutions are characterised in full detail. The set of solutions of the semi-classical Einstein–Klein–Gordon system depends on the choice of the parameters $$(a,\Lambda ,m,\xi )$$

(
a
,
Λ
,
m
,
ξ
)

and on the renormalisation constants in the renormalised stress tensor of the scalar field. We show that the set of solutions is either (i) the empty set, or (ii) the singleton set containing only the ground state, or (iii) a set with infinitely many elements. We characterise the ranges of the parameters and renormalisation constants where each of these alternatives occur. We also show that all quasi-free solutions are given by density matrices in the ground state representation and we show that in cases (ii) and (iii) there is a unique quasi-free solution which minimises the von Neumann entropy. When $$m=0$$

m
=
0

this unique state is a $$\beta $$
β
-KMS state. We argue that all these conclusions remain valid in the reduced order formulation of the semi-classical Einstein equation.
Reinfection rates after one- and two-stage revision surgery for hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goud Annemarie L. , Harlianto Netanja I. , Ezzafzafi Solaiman , Veltman Ewout S. , Bekkers Joris E. J. , van der Wal Bart C. H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Revisions for periprosthetic joint infection of knee and hip arthroplasty can be performed following one- or two-stage treatment protocols. Current literature is inconclusive whether one protocol is superior to the other, as prior literature reported similar reinfection rates for both treatment options. We aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature on septic arthroplasty revisions.

Methods

Between April 2015 and December 2020, Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting reinfection outcomes in patients treated with one-stage and two-stage knee or hip revision arthroplasty. Two reviewers independently extracted data and disagreements were resolved by a third investigator. We utilized a double arcsine transformation, prior to pooling using a random-effects model.

Results

For hip revision arthroplasty, we identified 14 one-stage studies (n = 1237) with a pooled reinfection rate of 5.7% (95% CI 3.7–8.1%), and 46 two-stage studies (n = 5009) with a reinfection rate of 8.4% (95% CI 6.9–9.9%). For knee revision arthroplasty, 6 one-stage studies (n = 527) and 48 two-stage studies (n = 4344) were identified with reinfection rates of 12.7% (7.0–19.7%) and 16.2% (13.7–19.0%), respectively. Overall, reinfection rates did not vary substantially after subgroup analysis. Limitations of our study are the limited amount of one-stage studies that introduce a potential bias.

Conclusion

The reinfection rates following one- and two-stage hip and knee arthroplasty revisions were similar. Knee reinfection rates have increased compared to the previous analysis. Individual patient characteristics and adequate treatment algorithms are needed for a more individual selection approach, until a randomized trial is performed.
Volar plating: functional recovery of the pronator quadratus
Authors: Porter Patrick , MacInnes Alasdair , Drew Tim , Wang Weijie , Abboud Rami , Nicol Graeme
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The pronator quadratus (PQ) is reflected in the surgical approach to the distal radius. This study explores the functional strength of PQ, 12 months after volar plating without repair of PQ.

Methods

A total of 135 patients were identified from our prospectively collected database. All volunteers had grip strength and pronation power tested in the treated and contralateral forearms at 45, 90 and 135 degrees of elbow flexion using a custom-built torque measuring device and hydraulic hand dynamometer to evaluate forearm pronation.

Results

Twenty-seven participants were included in the study. No significant difference was identified in mean peak pronation torque between the volar plated and non-treated forearms. Pronation strength was identified as being independent of angle of elbow flexion. Grip strength was correlated with forearm pronation showing no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest adequate long-term (15–32 months) functional recovery of the pronator quadratus after volar plating.

Level of Evidence

III.
Kontrazeption bei sehr jungen Mädchen
Authors: Böttcher B. , Hosa H.
Published: September 2021

Insbesondere bei sehr jungen Mädchen sollten Schwangerschaften im Teenageralter vermieden werden. Daher ist eine altersgemäße Verhütungsberatung von besonderer Bedeutung. Den Mädchen sollten verschiedene Methoden erklärt und gemeinsam eine Methode gewählt werden, die einfach in der Handhabung und verlässlich in der Anwendung ist. Ein Großteil der Mädchen entscheidet sich für die Verhütung mittels einer kombinierten Pille, auch wenn in Studien das Interesse an langwirksamen reversiblen Kontrazeptiva hoch war. Eine zusätzliche Anwendung eines Kondoms zum Schutz vor sexuell übertragbaren Erkrankungen sollte empfohlen werden.
Multiplexity analysis of networks using multigraph representations
Authors: Shafie Termeh , Schoch David
Published: September 2021

Multivariate networks comprising several compositional and structural variables can be represented as multigraphs by various forms of aggregations based on vertex attributes. We propose a framework to perform exploratory and confirmatory multiplexity analysis of aggregated multigraphs in order to find relevant associations between vertex and edge attributes. The exploration is performed by comparing frequencies of the different edges within and between aggregated vertex categories, while the confirmatory analysis is performed using derived complexity or multiplexity statistics under different random multigraph models. These statistics are defined by the distribution of edge multiplicities and provide information on the covariation and dependencies of different edges given vertex attributes. The presented approach highlights the need to further analyse and model structural dependencies with respect to edge entrainment. We illustrate the approach by applying it on a well known multivariate network dataset which has previously been analysed in the context of multiplexity.
Functions-as-constructors higher-order unification: extended pattern unification
Authors: Libal Tomer , Miller Dale
Published: September 2021

Unification is a central operation in constructing a range of computational logic systems based on first-order and higher-order logics. First-order unification has several properties that guide its incorporation in such systems. In particular, first-order unification is decidable, unary, and can be performed on untyped term structures. None of these three properties hold for full higher-order unification: unification is undecidable, unifiers can be incomparable, and term-level typing can dominate the search for unifiers. The so-calledpatternsubset of higher-order unification was designed to be a small extension to first-order unification that respects the laws governingλ-binding (i.e., the equalities forα,β, andη-conversion) but which also satisfied those three properties. While the pattern fragment of higher-order unification has been used in numerous implemented systems and in various theoretical settings, it is too weak for many applications. This paper defines an extension of pattern unification that should make it more generally applicable, especially in proof assistants that allow for higher-order functions. This extension’s main idea is that the arguments to a higher-order, free variable can be more than just distinct bound variables. In particular, such arguments can be terms constructed from (sufficient numbers of) such bound variables using term constructors and where no argument is a subterm of any other argument. We show that this extension to pattern unification satisfies the three properties mentioned above.
Implications of prognosis-associated genes in pancreatic tumor metastasis: lessons from global studies in bioinformatics
Authors: Kisling Sophia G. , Natarajan Gopalakrishnan , Pothuraju Ramesh , Shah Ashu , Batra Surinder K. , Kaur Sukhwinder
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. The occurrence of metastasis, among other hallmarks, is the main contributor to its poor prognosis. Consequently, the elucidation of metastatic genes involved in the aggressive nature of the disease and its poor prognosis will result in the development of new treatment modalities for improved management of PC. There is a deep interest in understanding underlying disease pathology, identifying key prognostic genes, and genes associated with metastasis. Computational approaches, which have become increasingly relevant over the last decade, are commonly used to explore such interests. This review aims to address global studies that have employed global approaches to identify prognostic and metastatic genes, while highlighting their methods and limitations. A panel of 48 prognostic genes were identified across these studies, but only five, including ANLN, ARNTL2, PLAU, TOP2A, and VCAN, were validated in multiple studies and associated with metastasis. Their association with metastasis has been further explored here, and the implications of these genes in the metastatic cascade have been interpreted.
Nicorandil Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats, as Evaluated by 7 T Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wan Yixuan , He Bo , Zhu Dongyong , Wang Lei , Huang Ruijue , Wang Shiyu , Wang Chunhua , Zhang Mengdi , Ma Lu , Gao Fabao
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is a common side effect of doxorubicin chemotherapy, and a major mechanism of DIC is inflammation. However, no effective method exists to prevent DIC. In the present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of nicorandil against DIC using multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and elucidated the anti-inflammatory properties of nicorandil in rat models.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received four weekly intraperitoneal doxorubicin doses (4 mg/kg/injection) to establish the DIC model. After treatment with or without nicorandil (3 mg/kg/day) or diazoxide (10 mg/kg/day) orally, all the groups underwent weekly CMR examinations, including cardiac function and strain assessment and T2 mapping, for 6 weeks. Additionally, blood samples and hearts were collected to examine inflammation and histopathology.

Results

According to our results, the earliest DIC CMR parameter in the doxorubicin group was T2 mapping time prolongation compared with the DIC rats treated with nicorandil (doxorubicin+nicorandil group) at week 2. Subsequently, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global peak systolic myocardial strain in the doxorubicin group were significantly reduced, and nicorandil effectively inhibited these effects at week 6. Our results were confirmed by histopathological evaluations. Furthermore, nicorandil treatment had a protective effect against the doxorubicin-induced inflammatory response. Interestingly, similar protective results were obtained using the KATPchannel opener diazoxide.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings indicate that nicorandil application ameliorates DIC in rats with significantly higher cardiac function and myocardial strain and less fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production. Nicorandil prevents T2 abnormalities in the early stages of DIC, showing a high clinical value for early nicorandil treatment in chemotherapy patients.
The Economic and Climate Value of Flexibility in Green Energy Markets
Authors: Abrell Jan , Rausch Sebastian , Streitberger Clemens
Published: September 2021

This paper examines how enhanced flexibility across space, time, and a regulatory dimension affects the economic costs and CO$$_2$$

2

emissions of integrating large shares of intermittent renewable energy from wind and solar. We develop a numerical model which resolves hourly dispatch and investment choices among heterogeneous energy technologies and natural resources in interconnected wholesale electricity markets, cross-country trade (spatial flexibility), energy storage (temporal flexibility), and tradable green quotas (regulatory flexibility). Taking the model to the data for the case of Europe’s system of interconnected electricity markets, we find that the appropriate combination of flexibility can bring about substantial gains in economic efficiency, reduce costs (up to 13.8%) and lower CO$$_2$$

2

emissions (up to 51.2%). Regulatory flexibility is necessary to realize most of the maximum possible benefits. We also find that gains from increased flexibility are unevenly distributed and that some countries incur welfare losses.
Association between vitamin K1 intake and mortality in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort
Authors: Palmer Claire R. , Bellinge Jamie W. , Dalgaard Frederik , Sim Marc , Murray Kevin , Connolly Emma , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Croft Kevin D. , Gislason Gunnar , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Schultz Carl , Lewis Joshua R. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Bondonno Nicola P.
Published: September 2021

Reported associations between vitamin K1 and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality are conflicting. The 56,048 participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health prospective cohort study, with a median [IQR] age of 56 [52–60] years at entry and of whom 47.6% male, were followed for 23 years, with 14,083 reported deaths. Of these, 5015 deaths were CVD-related, and 6342 deaths were cancer-related. Intake of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) was estimated from a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and its relationship with mortality outcomes was investigated using Cox proportional hazards models. A moderate to high (87–192 µg/d) intake of vitamin K1 was associated with a lower risk of all-cause [HR (95%CI) for quintile 5 vs quintile 1: 0.76 (0.72, 0.79)], cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related [quintile 5 vs quintile 1: 0.72 (0.66, 0.79)], and cancer-related mortality [quintile 5 vs quintile 1: 0.80 (0.75, 0.86)], after adjusting for demographic and lifestyle confounders. The association between vitamin K1 intake and cardiovascular disease-related mortality was present in all subpopulations (categorised according to sex, smoking status, diabetes status, and hypertension status), while the association with cancer-related mortality was only present in current/former smokers (p for interaction = 0.002). These findings suggest that promoting adequate intakes of foods rich in vitamin K1 may help to reduce all-cause, CVD-related, and cancer-related mortality at the population level.
Monochannel Preference in Autism Spectrum Conditions Revealed by a Non-Visual Variant of Rubber Hand Illusion
Authors: Galigani Mattia , Fossataro Carlotta , Gindri Patrizia , Conson Massimiliano , Garbarini Francesca
Published: September 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are less susceptible to multisensory delusions, such as rubber hand illusion (RHI). Here, we investigate whether a monochannel variant of RHI is more effective in inducing an illusory feeling of ownership in ASC. To this aim, we exploit a non-visual variant of the RHI that, excluding vision, leverages only on the somatosensory channel. While the visual-tactile RHI does not alter the perceived hand position in ASC individuals, the tacto-tactile RHI effectively modulates proprioception to a similar extent as that found in typical development individuals. These findings suggest a more effective integration of multiple inputs originating from the same sensory channel in ASC, revealing a monochannel preference in this population.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles promote the aging process in a size-dependent manner
Authors: Deylam Mahla , Alizadeh Effat , Sarikhani Manizheh , Hejazy Marzie , Firouzamandi Masoumeh
Published: September 2021

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are generally utilized in cosmetic goods, sheds, biosensors, and delivery of drug. As in vitro ideal systems, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used to test acute toxicity. In the present study, size-dependent cytotoxicity effects of ZnO NPs on MSCs were assessed. Bone marrow and adipose MSCs were treated with ZnO NPs with average sizes of 10–30 and 35–45 nm. The 5 and 10 µg/ml concentrations of ZnO NP were found to be the safe concentrations for the NP sizes of 10–30 and 35–45 nm, respectively. Cell-cycle analysis indicated that the small size of ZnO NPs has more negative effects on the process of cell entry to DNA synthesis when compared to the larger size. The results of the β-galactosidase test showed the promotion of the aging process in the cells treated with the smaller size of ZnO NPs. Both sizes of the NP were found to upregulate the aging-related genes NF-kB and p53 and downregulate the anti-aging gene Nanog. To sum up, the smaller size of ZnO NPs can enhance the aging process in the cells.
Motivation as a function of success frequency
Authors: van der Kooij Katinka , in ‘t Veld Lars , Hennink Thomas
Published: September 2021

It is well-established that intermediate challenge is optimally motivating. We tested whether this can be quantified into an inverted-U relationship between motivation and success frequency. Participants played a game in which they navigated a scene to catch targets. In Experiment 1 (N = 101), play duration was free and the motivating value of success frequency was measured from the probability that a player would continue at that frequency. In Experiment 2 (N = 70), play duration was fixed, and motivation was measured using repeated self-reports. In Experiment 1, the probability to continue increased linearly with the success frequency whereas play duration did show the inverted-U relationship with success frequency. In Experiment 2, self-reported motivation showed the inverted-U relationship with success frequency. Together, this shows that motivation depends on success frequency. In addition, we provide tentative evidence that the concept of intermediate challenge being most motivating can be quantified into an inverted-U relationship between motivation and success frequency.
Mobility functional areas and COVID-19 spread
Authors: Iacus Stefano Maria , Santamaria Carlos , Sermi Francesco , Spyratos Spyridon , Tarchi Dario , Vespe Michele
Published: September 2021

This work introduces a new concept of functional areas called Mobility Functional Areas (MFAs), i.e., the geographic zones highly interconnected according to the analysis of mobile positioning data. The MFAs do not coincide necessarily with administrative borders as they are built observing natural human mobility and, therefore, they can be used to inform, in a bottom-up approach, local transportation, spatial planning, health and economic policies. After presenting the methodology behind the MFAs, this study focuses on the link between the COVID-19 pandemic and the MFAs in Austria. It emerges that the MFAs registered an average number of infections statistically larger than the areas in the rest of the country, suggesting the usefulness of the MFAs in the context of targeted re-escalation policy responses to this health crisis. The MFAs dataset is openly available to other scholars for further analyses.
Response to Intervention in first-grade writing instruction: a large-scale feasibility study
Authors: Arrimada María , Torrance Mark , Fidalgo Raquel
Published: September 2021

Early failure to learn writing skills might go unnoticed and unremedied unless teachers adopt specific strategies for identifying and supporting students who learn at a slower pace. We implemented a Response to Intervention (RTI) program for teaching narrative writing. Over 18 months from start of primary school, 161 Spanish children received instruction in strategies for planning text and training in handwriting and spelling, and completed very regular narrative writing tasks. Data from these tasks were analysed to identify students at risk of falling behind. These students then completed additional, parent-supervised training tasks. During this training the quality of these students’ texts improved more rapidly than those of their peers. The resulting decrease in difference relative to peers, as measured by both regular narrative tasks and by post and follow-up measures, was sustained after additional training ceased. Interviews and questionnaires found good parent and teacher buy-in, with some caveats. Findings therefore indicate the feasibility and potential value of a RTI approach to teaching writing in single-teacher, full-range, first-grade classes.
The effect of psychrometry on the performance of a solar collector
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Gebremicheal Gedion H.
Published: September 2021

The investigation of a solar collector is based on the thermal behaviour of a carrier fluid and the degradation of energy across a flat plate collector. The exergy analysis of a thermal system includes the change in the exergy function of a carrier fluid while transferring solar radiation across an air gap. The cell cast acrylic glass was used to transmit the incident solar radiation to the absorber plate, and to safeguard the absorber plate from the outside environment. With the help of the steady flow energy equation, the enthalpy of the carrier fluid (moist air) was calculated. The specific humidity of the incoming air was calculated at an average dry bulb temperature of 299.4 K. The stagnation temperature at a limiting condition was also estimated to find out the maximum permissible limit for a given thermal design. The mass flow rate of air was assumed to be 5.2 g-s−1. The efficiency of the solar collector was found to vary from 40 to 42%, whereas the thermal energy available for drying was 15–59% of the exergy of the carrier fluid. The net entropy generation rate due to the collector plate was calculated to be 0.12 W-K−1.
The Impact of Perceived Discrimination on Mental Health Among Chinese Migrant and Left-Behind Children: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yu , Hu Jingwen , Zhu Yi
Published: September 2021

In China, rural–urban migration is one of major influences on the mental health of migrant and left-behind children. Literature suggests that the perception of discrimination is an important factor that influences the mental health of these children. The present research explores (1) whether migrant children and left-behind children are different in the relationship between the perception of discrimination and mental health, and (2) whether the relationship between the perception of discrimination and mental health of these children is moderated by gender and age. Using a meta-analytic technique, the authors included 26 studies (generating 48 independent samples) with a total sample size of 28,883 participants. Results showed that the perception of discrimination of migrant children was negatively correlated with positive indicators of mental health, and it has a stronger effect than left-behind children; the perception of discrimination of migrant children was positively correlated with negative indicators of mental health, and it has a weaker effect than left-behind children. Additionally, gender moderated the relationship between the perception of discrimination and the positive indicators of mental health among left-behind children, while age moderated such relationship among migrant children.
Organisationsgesellschaft neu gedacht: Vom Archetyp zu neuen Formen der Organisation
Authors: Arnold Nadine , Hasse Raimund , Mormann Hannah
Published: September 2021

Während die Organisationssoziologie vornehmlich auf die Analyse von Organisationen und zwischenorganisatorischen Arrangements konzentriert ist, finden wir in verschiedenen anderen Teilgebieten der Soziologie die Einschätzung, dass die Rolle von Organisationen hinsichtlich ihrer gesellschaftlichen Effekte oftmals nur unzureichend reflektiert wird. Dieser Beitrag zielt darauf ab, konzeptionelle Voraussetzungen zur Überwindung dieser Situation zu schaffen. In Abschn. 2 wird auf das Konzept der Organisationsgesellschaft rekurriert, so wie es in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts entwickelt worden ist. Als gemeinsames Problem dieser Forschungsbeiträge wird identifiziert, dass sie sich auf eine bestimmte – hier als Archetyp bezeichnete – Organisationsform beziehen, deren Dominanz im 21. Jahrhundert fragwürdig geworden ist. In Abschn. 3 wird deshalb vorgeschlagen, neue Organisationsformen einzubeziehen. Insbesondere wird auf Hyper-Organisation, partielle Organisation und Plattform-Organisation eingegangen. Es werden zwei Schwachpunkte dieser Konzepte identifiziert: Erstens suggerieren die entsprechenden Beiträge eine Ersetzung des Archetyps und vernachlässigen zudem andere neuartige Organisationsformen; zweitens beziehen sie gesellschaftliche Voraussetzungen und Folgen nur selektiv ein. Abschließend werden Perspektiven zur Überwindung dieser gravierenden Schwachstellen diskutiert.
Robust logistic zero-sum regression for microbiome compositional data
Authors: Monti G. S. , Filzmoser P.
Published: September 2021

We introduce the Robust Logistic Zero-Sum Regression (RobLZS) estimator, which can be used for a two-class problem with high-dimensional compositional covariates. Since the log-contrast model is employed, the estimator is able to do feature selection among the compositional parts. The proposed method attains robustness by minimizing a trimmed sum of deviances. A comparison of the performance of the RobLZS estimator with a non-robust counterpart and with other sparse logistic regression estimators is conducted via Monte Carlo simulation studies. Two microbiome data applications are considered to investigate the stability of the estimators to the presence of outliers. Robust Logistic Zero-Sum Regression is available as an R package that can be downloaded athttps://github.com/giannamonti/RobZS.
Systematic review of latent tuberculosis infection research to inform programmatic management in Ireland
Authors: O’Connell James , de Barra Eoghan , McConkey Samuel
Published: September 2021

The World Health Organisation (WHO) End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy and the WHO Framework Towards Tuberculosis Elimination in Low Incidence Countries state that latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and treatment in selected high-risk groups is a priority action to eliminate TB. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises that this should be done through high-quality programmatic management, which they describe as having six key components. The research aim was to systematically review the literature to identify what is known about the epidemiology of LTBI and the uptake and completion of LTBI screening and treatment in Ireland to inform the programmatic management of LTBI nationally. A systematic literature review was performed according to a review protocol and reported in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Twenty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion and described LTBI screening or treatment performed in one of five contexts, pre-biologic or other immunosuppression screening, people living with HIV, TB case contacts, other vulnerable populations, or healthcare workers. The risk of bias across studies with regard to prevalence of LTBI was generally high. One study reported a complete cascade of LTBI care from screening initiation to treatment completion. This systematic review has described what published research there is on the epidemiology and cascade of LTBI care in Ireland and identified knowledge gaps. A strategy for addressing these knowledge gaps has been proposed.
General data protection regulations (2018) and clinical research: perspectives of patients and doctors in an Irish university teaching hospital
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , O’Donnell John P.M. , Maher Elizabeth , McMenamin Cliona , McAnena Peter F. , Kerin Michael J. , Miller Nicola , Lowery Aoife J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, is a set of data protection rules on the acquisition, storage, use, and access of personal data. GDPR came into effect in May 2018 when it was introduced across all 27 European Union (EU) member states and the European Economic Area (EEA). Maintaining compliance with this legislation has presented significant new challenges for ongoing clinical research.

Aims

To evaluate the knowledge and expectations of patients and doctors regarding GDPR and implications for future clinical research.

Methods

An anonymous 12-item questionnaire was circulated to patients and doctors at a University Teaching Hospital. Data analysis included descriptive statistics.

Results

Five hundred nine participants were included: 261 females (51.3%) and 248 males (48.7%). Three hundred fifty were patients (68.8%) and 159 were doctors (31.2%). Three hundred thirty-four participants were aware of GDPR (65.7%): 116 doctors (73.0%) and 218 patients (62.3%,P = 0.018). 71.1% of doctors were willing to allow their personal data to be processed anonymously as part of a clinical research project compared to 43.4% of patients (P < 0.001). 80.2% of patients believed explicit consent is needed before using personal data in clinical research in comparison to 60.4% of doctors (P < 0.001). Level of education impacted awareness of GDPR (P < 0.001); a higher level of education among patients increased GDPR familiarity (P < 0.001), however failed to impact doctor familiarity (P = 0.117).

Conclusion

GDPR has introduced complexity to the processing and sharing of personal data among researchers. This study has identified differences in the perception of GDPR and willingness to consent to data being used in clinical research between doctors and patients. Measures to adequately inform prospective research participants on data processing and the evolving landscape of data protection regulation should be prioritised.
Thilachium madagascariense (Capparaceae), a new species from eastern Madagascar with a key to the species of the genus
Authors: Fici Silvio
Published: September 2021

Thilachium madagascarienseFici, a small tree characterised by 1-foliolate leaves with articulate petioles, leaf blades elliptic or narrowly obovate with base attenuate and apex acuminate, flowers in groups of 2 – 3 at the top of lateral twigs and a high number of stamens, is described and illustrated from forest habitats of eastern Madagascar. The new species is similar toT. laurifoliumBaker, a species endemic to central and eastern Madagascar, differing in the longer leaves with acuminate apex, flowers conferted at the top of lateral twigs, shorter pedicels, higher number of stamens and shorter gynophore. Its affinities are discussed and an updated key is provided for all the species of the genusThilachium.
The Cerebellum in Drug-naive Children with Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Tikoo Sankalp , Suppa Antonio , Tommasin Silvia , Giannì Costanza , Conte Giulia , Mirabella Giovanni , Cardona Francesco , Pantano Patrizia
Published: September 2021

Tourette syndrome (TS) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are two neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive behaviors. Our recent study in drug-naive children with TS and OCD provided evidence of cerebellar involvement in both disorders. In addition, cerebellar functional connectivity (FC) was similar in TS patients without comorbidities (TSpure) and TS patients with OCD comorbidity (TS + OCD), but differed in pure OCD patients. To investigate in detail the cerebellar involvement in the pathophysiology of TS and OCD, we explored cerebellar structural and functional abnormalities in drug-naive children with TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD and assessed possible correlations with severity scores. We examined 53 drug-naive children, classified as TSpure (n = 16), TS + OCD (n = 14), OCD (n = 11), or controls (n = 12). All subjects underwent a multimodal 3T magnetic resonance imaging examination. Cerebellar lobular volumes and quantitative diffusion tensor imaging parameters of cerebellar peduncles were used as measures of structural integrity. The dentate nucleus was selected as a region of interest to examine cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity alterations. Structural analysis revealed that both TSpure and TS + OCD patients had higher fractional anisotropy in cerebellar peduncles than controls. Conversely, OCD patients were characterized by lower fractional anisotropy than both controls and TSpure and TS + OCD patients. Lastly, cerebellar functional connectivity analysis revealed significant alterations in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit in TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD patients. Early cerebellar structural and functional changes in drug-naive pediatric TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD patients support a primary role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of these disorders.
Multiple solutions and transient chaos in a nonlinear flexible coupling model
Authors: Margielewicz Jerzy , Gąska Damian , Opasiak Tadeusz , Litak Grzegorz
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamics of a flexible tyre coupling via computer modelling and simulation. The research mainly focused on identifying basins of attraction of coexisting solutions of the formulated phenomenological coupling model. On the basis of the derived mathematical model, and by assuming ranges of variability of the control parameters, the areas in which chaotic clutch movement takes place are determined. To identify multiple solutions, a new diagram of solutions (DS) was used, illustrating the number of coexisting solutions and their periodicity. The DS diagram was drawn based on the fixed points of the Poincaré section. To verify the proposed method of identifying periodic solutions, the graphic image of the DS was compared to the three-dimensional distribution of the largest Lyapunov exponent and the bifurcation diagram. For selected values of the control parameter ω, coexisting periodic solutions were identified, and basins of attraction were plotted. Basins of attraction were determined in relation to examples of coexistence of periodic solutions and transient chaos. Areas of initial conditions that correspond to the phenomenon of unstable chaos are mixed with the conditions of a stable periodic solution, to which the transient chaos is attracted. In the graphic images of the basins of attraction, the areas corresponding to the transient and periodic chaos are blurred.
A Superhydrophobic/Electrothermal/Photothermal Synergistically Anti-icing Strategy with Excellent Self-healable and Anti-abrasion Property
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Jian , Duan Wei , Li Chunyan , Han Huilong , Xie Qing
Published: September 2021

Unexpected ice accumulation tends to cause many problems or even disasters in our daily life. Based on the superior electrothermal and photothermal function of the carbon nanotubes, we introduced a superhydrophobic/electrothermal/photothermal synergistically anti-icing strategy. When a voltage of 15 V was applied to the superhydrophobic sample, the surface could rapidly melt the ice layer (~ 3 mm thickness) within 530 s at the environmental temperature of − 25 °C. When the near-infrared light (808 nm) irradiates on the superhydrophobic sample, the ice could be rapidly removed after 460 s. It was found that the superhydrophobicity helps the melted water to roll off immediately, and then solves the re-freeze problem the traditional surfaces facing. Moreover, the ice can be completely melted with 120 s when the superhydrophobic/electrothermal/photothermal synergistically anti-icing strategy was utilized. To improve the mechanical robustness for practical application, both nanoscale carbon nanotubes and microscale carbon powders were utilized to construct hierarchical structure. Then these dual-scale fillers were sprinkled onto the semi-cured elastomer substrate to prepare partially embedded structure. Both hierarchical structure and partially embedded structure were obtained after completely curing the substrate, which imparts excellent abrasion resistance (12.50 kPa, 16.00 m) to the prepared sample. Moreover, self-healable poly(urea–urethane) elastomer was introduced as the substrate. Thus, the cutted superhydrophobic sample can be mended by simply contacting at room temperature.
Development of Strategies to Reduce Ventilation and Heating Costs in a Swedish Sublevel Caving Mine—a Unique Case of LKAB’s Konsuln Mine
Authors: Gyamfi S. , Halim A. , Martikainen A.
Published: September 2021

This paper outlines a unique case of the development of strategies to reduce ventilation and heating costs in Konsuln iron ore mine in northern Sweden. The mine, located just south of Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag’s Kiruna iron ore mine, was developed as a test mine 2018–2020 for the Sustainable Underground Mining (SUM) project. Besides functioning as a test mine, Konsuln also contributes ore production. The existing mine ventilation system was designed for the current production rate of 0.8 million tons per annum (Mtpa). There is a plan to increase this rate to between 1.8 and 3 Mtpa in the future, and this requires the primary fans to be upgraded. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine whether using ventilation on demand (VOD) could avoid this fan upgrade and reduce Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs in the future. The study also investigated whether using battery electric vehicles (BEVs) along with VOD or as a standalone strategy could further reduce these power costs. In addition, the study analyzed the suitability of heating power reduction strategies presently or previously used in the Nordic countries and Canada to investigate potential additional strategies to reduce the heating power cost, the largest portion of Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs. The study found using VOD can avoid the expensive upgrading of the existing primary fans and reduce Konsuln’s ventilation and heating power costs in the future. Using BEVs can further reduce these costs. Finally, none of the Nordic and Canadian heating power reduction strategies is suitable for Konsuln because they require unique conditions that do not exist in Konsuln.
Deep Quantile Regression for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection in Time-Series
Authors: Tambuwal Ahmad Idris , Neagu Daniel
Published: September 2021

Time-series anomaly detection receives increasing research interest given the growing number of data-rich application domains. Recent additions to anomaly detection methods in research literature include deep neural networks (DNNs: e.g., RNN, CNN, and Autoencoder). The nature and performance of these algorithms in sequence analysis enable them to learn hierarchical discriminative features and time-series temporal nature. However, their performance is affected by usually assuming a Gaussian distribution on the prediction error, which is either ranked, or threshold to label data instances as anomalous or not. An exact parametric distribution is often not directly relevant in many applications though. This will potentially produce faulty decisions from false anomaly predictions due to high variations in data interpretation. The expectations are to produce outputs characterized by a level of confidence. Thus, implementations need the Prediction Interval (PI) that quantify the level of uncertainty associated with the DNN point forecasts, which helps in making better-informed decision and mitigates against false anomaly alerts. An effort has been made in reducing false anomaly alerts through the use of quantile regression for identification of anomalies, but it is limited to the use of quantile interval to identify uncertainties in the data. In this paper, an improve time-series anomaly detection method called deep quantile regression anomaly detection (DQR-AD) is proposed. The proposed method go further to used quantile interval (QI) as anomaly score and compare it with threshold to identify anomalous points in time-series data. The tests run of the proposed method on publicly available anomaly benchmark datasets demonstrate its effective performance over other methods that assumed Gaussian distribution on the prediction or reconstruction cost for detection of anomalies. This shows that our method is potentially less sensitive to data distribution than existing approaches.
Sextus Empiricus
Authors: Bett Richard
Published: September 2021

Sextus Empiricus' Against the Physicists examines numerous topics central to ancient Greek inquiries into the nature of the physical world, covering subjects such as god, cause and effect, whole and part, bodies, place, motion, time, number, coming into being and perishing and is the most extensive surviving treatment of these topics by an ancient Greek sceptic. Sextus scrutinizes the theories of non-sceptical thinkers and generates suspension of judgement through the assembly of equally powerful opposing arguments. Richard Bett's edition provides crucial background information about the text and elucidation of difficult passages. His accurate and readable translation is supported by substantial interpretative aids, including a glossary and a list of parallel passages relating Against the Physicists to other works by Sextus. This is an indispensable edition for advanced students and scholars studying this important work by an influential philosopher.
A survey of human pilot models for study of Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO) in longitudinal aircraft motion
Authors: Bidinotto J.H. , Moura H.C. , Macedo J.P.C.A.
Published: September 2021

Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO), although an old issue, still poses a significant threat to aviation safety. The introduction of new systems in modern aircraft modifies the human–machine interaction and makes it necessary for research to revisit the subject from time to time. Given the need of aircraft manufacturers to constantly perform PIO tests, this study analysed the feasibility of using three different computational pilot models (Tustin, Crossover and Precision) to simulate PIO conditions. Three aircraft models with different levels of propensity to PIO (original, low propensity and high propensity) were tested, as well as two pilot gain conditions (normal and high). Data were collected for a purely longitudinal synthetic task through simulations conducted in MATLAB®. PIO conditions were detect using a tuned PIO detection algorithm (ROVER). Data were analysed in terms of both whether the pilot models triggered a PIO condition and for how long the condition was sustained. The results indicated that the three pilot models only provoked PIO conditions when high gain inputs were applied. Additionally, Crossover was the only pilot model to trigger a PIO for the three aircraft models. There were also significant differences between the pilot models in the total PIO time, as the Tustin model typically sustained the oscillatory condition for longer.
Institutional improvements in readability of written informed consent forms sustained post-revised Common Rule
Authors: Caballero Alison , Leath Katherine J. , Gan Jennifer M.
Published: September 2021

Obtaining informed consent is a fundamental and ethical practice within human subjects’ research. Informed consent forms (ICFs) include a large amount of information, much of which may be unfamiliar to research subjects, and the revised Common Rule resulted in several required additions to that language. As limited health literacy impacts many potential subjects, efforts should be made to optimize subjects’ ability to read and understand ICFs. In this brief report, we describe an assessment of ICFs at an academic medical center to evaluate longitudinal changes in readability with the introduction and update of a plain language ICF template.
Cross-dialectal diversity in Mukrī Kurdish I: Phonological and phonetic variation
Authors: Asadpour Hiwa
Published: September 2021

This article provides a comparative overview of phonological and phonetic differences of Mukrī Kurdish varieties and their geographical distribution. Based on the examined data, four distinct varieties can be distinguished. In each variety area, different phonological patterns are analyzed according to age, gender, and social groups in order to establish cross-regional and cross-generational developments in relation to specific phonological distributions and shifts. The variety regions which are examined in the present article include West Mukrī (representing an archaic form of Mukrī), Central Mukrī (representing a linguistically peripheral dialect), East Mukrī (representing mixed archaic and peripheral dialect features), and South Mukrī (sharing features of both Mukrī and Ardałānī). The study concludes that variation in the Mukrīyān region depends on phonological developments, which in turn are due to geographical and sociological factors. Moreover, contact-induced change and internal language development are also established as triggering factors distinguishing regional variants.
THE NEW BATTLE OF IDEAS: HOW AN INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTION WILL RESHAPE SOCIETY
Authors: Collier Paul
Published: September 2021

Britain, like many other societies within the OECD, has been facing cumulative and interdependent social, political, and economic crises which came to a head shortly before COVID. The shock of COVID has accentuated these crises, creating a state of policy flux in which all long-established intellectual frameworks have proved inadequate: across the OECD, public policy has largely abandoned them. Fortunately, across the social sciences, history and philosophy there have been important new advances by major scholars which cohere and provide a more sophisticated account of society. While they will ultimately prove inadequate as new complexities emerge, for the present that offer the best guide available for policy. This essay provides an integrated review of this recent literature and relates it to some of the key policy problems.
RADIOCARBON VS. LUMINESCENCE DATING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL CERAMICS IN THE SOUTHERN ANDES: A REVIEW OF PAIRED DATES, BAYESIAN MODELS, AND A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Marsh Erik J , Korpisaari Antti , Puerto Mundt Sebastián , Gasco Alejandra , Durán Víctor
Published: September 2021

Archaeologists have been using luminescence to date pottery in South America since the late 1970s, inspired by early success in northern Chile. However, luminescence dates have not been rigorously compared to independent dating methods, which this paper’s goal. First, we present a compilation of 94 paired14C and luminescence dates from the southern Andes, which reveals discrepancies across a range of contexts and ages. Second, we compare two Bayesian models of sets of14C and thermoluminescence (TL) dates from three ceramic styles in the Azapa Valley, Chile, and the Inca occupation of Mendoza, Argentina. We find that only the14C models produce results that agree with expectations based on independent data. Third, we present results from a pilot study in Mendoza that dated 6 sherds with 3 luminescence methods each and closely associated14C dates. The reasons for disagreement between methods remain unclear, but Andean sediments with low and unstable luminescence sensitivity seem to be an important factor. Even though some luminescence ages are accurate, the clear trend of inconsistent results leads us to recommend that archaeologists use14C rather than luminescence dates to build cultural chronologies.