bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology optimization of scale-dependent non-local plates
Authors: Tuna Meral , Trovalusci Patrizia
Published: August 2022

The main objective of this work is to extend finite element-based topology optimization problem to the two-dimensional, size-dependent structures described using weakly non-local Cosserat (micropolar) and strongly non-local Eringen’s theories, the latter of which finds an application for the first time, to the best of Authors’ knowledge. The optimum material layouts that minimize the structural compliance are attained by means of Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization approach, while the desired smooth, mesh-independent, binary solutions are obtained using density filter accompanied by volume preserving Heaviside projection method. The algorithms are enhanced by including an element removal and reintroduction strategy to reduce the computational cost, and to prevent spurious excessive distortion of elements with very low density. Example problems of practical importance are investigated under the assumption of linear elasticity to validate the code and to clearly demonstrate the influence of internal length scales and different non-locality mechanisms on final configurations. Obtained macro-scale optimum topologies admit the characteristics of corresponding continuum theories, and appear to be in agreement with the mechanical response governed by particle interactions in micro/nanoscale.
Analysis of double-emulsion droplets with ESI mass spectrometry for monitoring lipase-catalyzed ester hydrolysis at nanoliter scale
Authors: Heiligenthal Laura , van der Loh Marie , Polack Matthias , Blaha Maximilian E. , Moschütz Susanne , Keim Antje , Sträter Norbert , Belder Detlev
Published: August 2022

Microfluidic double-emulsion droplets allow the realization and study of biphasic chemical processes such as chemical reactions or extractions on the nanoliter scale. Double emulsions of the rare type (o1/w/o2) are used here to realize a lipase-catalyzed reaction in the non-polar phase. The surrounding aqueous phase induces the transfer of the hydrophilic product from the core oil phase, allowing on-the-fly MS analysis in single double droplets. A microfluidic two-step emulsification process is developed to generate the (o1/w/o2) double-emulsion droplets. In this first example of microfluidic double-emulsion MS coupling, we show in proof-of-concept experiments that the chemical composition of the water layer can be read online using ESI–MS. Double-emulsion droplets were further employed as two-phase micro-reactors for the hydrolysis of the lipophilic ester p-nitrophenyl palmitate catalyzed by the Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB). Finally, the formation of the hydrophilic reaction product p-nitrophenol within the double-emulsion droplet micro-reactors is verified by subjecting the double-emulsion droplets to online ESI–MS analysis.

Graphical abstract
Sutimlimab improves quality of life in patients with cold agglutinin disease: results of patient-reported outcomes from the CARDINAL study
Authors: Röth Alexander , Barcellini Wilma , Tvedt Tor Henrik Anderson , Miyakawa Yoshitaka , Kuter David J. , Su Jun , Jiang Xiaoyu , Hobbs William , Arias Jaime Morales , Shafer Frank , Weitz Ilene C.
Published: August 2022

Patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) experience fatigue and poor quality of life. However, previous CAD-related studies have not explored patient-reported outcomes such as the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue. Sutimlimab, a C1s complement inhibitor, has been shown to halt haemolysis in CAD. Here, we present 26-weeks’ patient-reported data from CARDINAL Part A (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03347396), which assessed efficacy and safety of sutimlimab in patients with CAD and recent history of transfusion. Aside from measuring changes in haemolytic markers, FACIT-Fatigue was measured at the treatment assessment timepoint (TAT; average of weeks 23, 25, and 26). Exploratory endpoints included the change in EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) at TAT, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and Patient Global Impression of (fatigue) Severity (PGIS) at week 26. Mean (range) FACIT-Fatigue scores increased from 32.5 (14.0–47.0) at baseline (a score indicative of severe fatigue) to 44.3 (28.0–51.0) at TAT. Considerable improvements were reported for EQ-5D-5L at TAT, SF-12 scores at TAT, and PGIC and PGIS scores at week 26. Sutimlimab treatment resulted in sustained improvements in symptoms of fatigue and overall quality of life in patients with CAD. NCT03347396. Registered 20 November, 2017.
Association of immunological parameters with aortic dilatation in giant cell arteritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jud Philipp , Verheyen Nicolas , Stradner Martin H. , Dejaco Christian , Szolar Dieter , Thonhofer René , Schweiger Leyla , Brodmann Marianne , Hafner Franz
Published: August 2022

Aortic dilatation (AD) occurs in up to 30% of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Reliable biomarkers for AD development, however, are still absent. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether immunological parameters are associated with the occurrence of AD in GCA. Cross-sectional study on 20 GCA patients with AD, 20 GCA patients without AD, and 20 non-GCA controls without AD measuring leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum amyloid A (SAA), interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin (IL) 5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), L-selectin, P-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1). AD was measured by aortic contrast-enhanced computed tomography and defined by enlargement of the aorta above population-based aortic diameters adjusted by age, gender, and body surface area. No significant differences were observed between GCA patients with AD and GCA patients without AD concerning levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CRP, ESR, SAA, IL-8, IL-18, PDGF, IP-10, selectins, and sICAM-1. Values of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF-α were all below the detection limits in more than 70% of subjects. Lymphocytes and CRP revealed positive correlations with the diameter of the thoracic descending aorta. Immunological parameters were not useful to conclude on the presence of AD in GCA. Further studies are required to test if CRP and lymphocytes may be useful to predict future development of AD in GCA.
Stability Against the Odds: The Case of Chromonic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Paparini Silvia , Virga Epifanio G.
Published: August 2022

The ground state of chromonic liquid crystals, as revealed by a number of recent experiments, is quite different from that of ordinary nematic liquid crystals: it istwistedinstead of uniform. The common explanation provided for this state within the classical elastic theory of Frank demands that one Ericksen’s inequality is violated. Since in general such a violation makes Frank’s elastic free-energy functional unbounded below, the question arises as to whether the twisted ground state can be locally stable. We answer this question in theaffirmative. In reaching this conclusion, a central role is played by the specific boundary conditions imposed in the experiments on the boundary of rigid containers and by a general formula that we derive here for the second variation in Frank’s elastic free energy.
Olfactory dysfunction is common in classical infratentorial superficial siderosis of the central nervous system
Authors: Kharytaniuk Natallia , Lim E. A. , Chan E. , Pavlou M. , Werring D. J. , Bamiou D. E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Established features of classical infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS) include hearing loss, impaired balance, myelopathy and, less commonly, cognitive compromise. Olfactory function may be affected but dedicated studies are lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in iSS and correlate it with auditory and cognitive functions.

Methods

Ten participants with iSS completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The scores were compared with population norms; regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations between the scores and hearing thresholds (3-frequency average, 3FA) or the number of cognitive domains impaired. Imaging was reviewed for haemosiderin distribution and to exclude other causes of olfactory and hearing dysfunction.

Results

Eight of ten participants were male; the mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 52.5 (14.5) years. Olfactory hypofunction was identified in all participants and in six (60%) was moderate or completely absent. The mean UPSIT score of 25.5 (7.8) was significantly worse than population norms (difference in means − 10.0; 95% CI − 15.6 to − 4.4). Linear regression identified an association between UPSIT and hearing thresholds (R = 0.75; p = 0.013). The score decreases by 0.157 units (95% CI − 0.31 to − 0.002; p = 0.048) per unit increase in 3FA, after adjusting for hearing loss risk factors. There was no statistically significant association between UPSIT and cognitive function (R = 0.383; p = 0.397).

Conclusion

We report a high prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in iSS, the severity of which correlated with hearing loss. Olfaction appears to be a core feature of the iSS clinical syndrome that should be assessed routinely.
Cancer patients’ experiences and preferences when receiving bad news: a qualitative study
Authors: Krieger Theresia , Salm Sandra , Dresen Antje , Cecon Natalia
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Receiving a cancer diagnosis significantly impacts patients’ lives, and how the bad news is delivered influences patients’ trajectory, psychosocial adjustment and openness to psycho-oncological support. We explored how patients’ experiences, reactions and preferences were when receiving the news and which optimization recommendations can be made.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with patients who enrolled in the new integrated cross-sectoral psycho-oncological care programme ‘isPO’, being enrolled 12 months post-diagnosis. Data on the main issue (i.e. perception of the moment when the diagnosis is received) were collected via telephone interviews that were fully audiotaped and transcribed. Two independent coders conducted inductive content analyses using MAXQDA.

Results

Out of 38 approached patients, 23 cancer patients with 13 different tumour entities participated. They had a mean age of 54.2 (SD 16.2); n = 17 (74%) were female. Three major themes with 14 corresponding subthemes emerged: (1) patients’ experiences with the bad news delivery, including setting, mode, preparation and perceived needs; (2) patients’ reactions to the bad news, such as shock, fear and helplessness, disbelief and denial, anger and feeling of injustice, thankfulness and depression; and (3) patients’ receiving preferences, including psycho-oncological support, addressing informational needs, needs-driven comprehensive support and a competent multidisciplinary support team.

Conclusions

The quality of bad news delivery and addressing patients’ needs should be strongly considered by physicians. We recommend integrating patients’ perspective on the quality management processes of breaking bad news. For providing needs-centred high-quality care, applying existing guidelines and acquiring patient-centred communication skills are central.
Non-Preemptive Tree Packing
Authors: Lendl Stefan , Woeginger Gerhard , Wulf Lasse
Published: August 2022

An instance of the non-preemptive tree packing problem consists of an undirected graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

together with a weight w(e) for every edge $$e\in E$$

e
∈
E

. The goal is to activate every edge e for some time interval of length w(e), such that the activated edges keep G connected for the longest possible overall time. We derive a variety of results on this problem. The problem is strongly NP-hard even on graphs of treewidth 2, and it does not allow a polynomial time approximation scheme (unless P=NP). Furthermore, we discuss the performance of a simple greedy algorithm, and we construct and analyze a number of parameterized and exact algorithms.
The sentiment of a virtual rock concert
Authors: Slater Mel , Cabriera Carlos , Senel Gizem , Banakou Domna , Beacco Alejandro , Oliva Ramon , Gallego Jaime
Published: August 2022

We created a virtual reality version of a 1983 performance by Dire Straits, this being a highly complex scenario consisting of both the virtual band performance and the appearance and behaviour of the virtual audience surrounding the participants. Our goal was to understand the responses of participants, and to learn how this type of scenario might be improved for later reconstructions of other concerts. To understand the responses of participants we carried out two studies which used sentiment analysis of texts written by the participants. Study 1 (n = 25) (Beacco et al. in IEEE Virtual Reality: 538–545, 2021) had the unexpected finding that negative sentiment was caused by the virtual audience, where e.g. some participants were fearful of being harassed by audience members. In Study 2 (n = 26) notwithstanding some changes, the audience again led to negative sentiment—e.g. a feeling of being stared at. For Study 2 we compared sentiment with questionnaire scores, finding that the illusion of being at the concert was associated with positive sentiment for males but negative for females. Overall, we found sentiment was dominated by responses to the audience rather than the band. Participants had been placed in an unusual situation, being alone at a concert, surrounded by strangers, who seemed to pose a social threat for some  of them. We relate our findings to the concept of Plausibility, the illusion that events and situations in the VR are really happening. The results indicate high Plausibility, since the negative sentiment, for example in response to being started at, only makes sense if the events are experienced as actually happening. We conclude with the need for co-design of VR scenarios, and the use of sentiment analysis in this process, rather than sole reliance on concepts proposed by researchers, typically expressed through questionnaires, which may not reflect the experiences of participants.
Myocardial scar detection in free-breathing Dixon-based fat- and water-separated 3D inversion recovery late-gadolinium enhancement whole heart MRI
Authors: Peters Alan A. , Wagner Benedikt , Spano Giancarlo , Haupt Fabian , Ebner Lukas , Kunze Karl-Philipp , Schmidt Michaela , Neji Radhouene , Botnar René , Prieto Claudia , Jung Bernd , Christe Andreas , Gräni Christoph , Huber Adrian T.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and reader confidence for late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detection of a novel free-breathing, image-based navigated 3D whole-heart LGE sequence with fat–water separation, compared to a free-breathing motion-corrected 2D LGE sequence in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac MRI patients including the respective sequences were retrospectively included. Two independent, blinded readers rated image quality, depiction of segmental LGE and documented acquisition time, SNR, CNR and amount of LGE. Results were compared using the Friedman or the Kruskal–Wallis test. For LGE rating, a jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed with a figure of merit (FOM) calculation. Forty-two patients were included, thirty-two were examined with a 1.5 T-scanner and ten patients with a 3 T-scanner. The mean acquisition time of the 2D sequence was significantly shorter compared to the 3D sequence (07:12 min vs. 09:24 min; p < 0.001). The 3D scan time was significantly shorter when performed at 3 T compared to 1.5 T (07:47 min vs. 09:50 min; p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding SNR, CNR or amount of LGE. 3D imaging had a significantly higher FOM (0.89 vs. 0.78; p < 0.001). Overall image quality ratings were similar, but 3D sequence ratings were higher for fine anatomical structures. Free-breathing motion-corrected 3D LGE with high isotropic resolution results in enhanced LGE-detection with higher confidence and better delineation of fine structures. The acquisition time for 3D imaging was longer, but may be reduced by performing on a 3 T-scanner.
Impact of residual extractives on the thermal stability of softwood Kraft pulp
Authors: Jusner Paul , Barbini Stefano , Schiehser Sonja , Bacher Markus , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: August 2022

Wood extractives are known to cause problems during the production of pulp and paper and to impact their mechanical properties. In the present work, we systematically explored whether minute residual amounts of extractives that reprecipitate on the fiber surface in the final stages of the pulping process would lower the thermal resilience of softwood Kraft pulp. Pulp samples subjected to different extraction methods were characterized by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The compound classes constituting the respective extracts were identified and quantified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector (GC-MS/FID) and the influence of the individual compound classes on the thermal stability of the samples was investigated separately. Soxhlet extraction with an ethanol/toluene solvent system clearly led to increased thermal stability. Besides fatty acids and resin acids also sterols and sterol esters that do not carry carboxylic acid functionalities contributed to the deterioration of the thermal pulp properties. Lateral order indices derived from Fourier transformed infrared spectra and crystallinity indices derived from solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra indicate that upon thermal degradation, the presence of even minute amounts of extractives leads to an increased degree of supramolecular disorder. Moreover, the characterization of the samples’ carbohydrate composition by means of acidic hydrolysis showed a tendency towards facilitated pyrolysis of the hemicelluloses if extractives were present in the pulp.
A pre-trained convolutional neural network with optimized capsule networks for chest X-rays COVID-19 diagnosis
Authors: AbouEl-Magd Lobna M. , Darwish Ashraf , Snasel Vaclav , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide. Recent studies show that radiological images contain accurate data for detecting the coronavirus. This paper proposes a pre-trained convolutional neural network (VGG16) with Capsule Neural Networks (CapsNet) to detect COVID-19 with unbalanced data sets. The CapsNet is proposed due to its ability to define features such as perspective, orientation, and size. Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) was employed to ensure that new samples were generated close to the sample center, avoiding the production of outliers or changes in data distribution. As the results may change by changing capsule network parameters (Capsule dimensionality and routing number), the Gaussian optimization method has been used to optimize these parameters. Four experiments have been done, (1) CapsNet with the unbalanced data sets, (2) CapsNet with balanced data sets based on class weight, (3) CapsNet with balanced data sets based on SMOTE, and (4) CapsNet hyperparameters optimization with balanced data sets based on SMOTE. The performance has improved and achieved an accuracy rate of 96.58% and an F1- score of 97.08%, a competitive optimized model compared to other related models.
Assessing covariation as a form of conceptual understanding through comparative judgement
Authors: Bagossi Sara , Ferretti Federica , Arzarello Ferdinando
Published: August 2022

This paper focuses on the importance of covariational reasoning within the processes of mathematics teaching and learning. Despite the internationally recognized relevance of covariation, research shows that only a small percentage of students and teachers is able to adopt covariational reasoning and the majority of mathematics curricula do not contain explicit references to covariational skills. In particular, when covariational reasoning manifests as conceptual knowledge, it becomes challenging to assess, and the need for innovative methods of assessment emerges; there is a need for suitable assessment to highlight the characteristics of covariation and capture the various features that characterize conceptual understanding. Comparative judgement (CJ) is an innovative assessment method based on collective expert judgements of students’ work rather than requiring scoring rubrics. Due to its holistic approach, CJ is particularly suitable for assessing complex mathematical competencies, and, as we shall see in this study, it proved to be appropriate for the covariation’s assessment. In details, our study aims to investigate the perception and relevance attributed by mathematics teachers to covariation as a theoretical construct and the way CJ can help in the assessment of covariational reasoning skills underlying a less structured modelling task.
A Note on Penrose’s Spin-Geometry Theorem and the Geometry of ‘Empirical Quantum Angles’
Authors: Szabados László B.
Published: August 2022

In the traditional formalism of quantum mechanics, a simple direct proof of (a version of) the Spin Geometry Theorem of Penrose is given; and the structure of a model of the ‘space of the quantum directions’, defined in terms of elementary SU(2)-invariant observables of the quantum mechanical systems, is sketched.
AI infers DoS mitigation rules
Authors: Zadnik Martin , Carasec Elena
Published: August 2022

DDoS attacks still represent a severe threat to network services. While there are more or less workable solutions to defend against these attacks, there is a significant space for further research regarding automation of reactions. In this article, we focus on one piece of the whole puzzle. We strive to automatically infer filtering rules which are specific to the current DoS attack to decrease the time to mitigation. We employ a machine learning technique to create a model of the traffic mix based on observing network traffic during the attack and normal period. The model is subsequently converted into the filtering rules. We evaluate our approach on several datasets. We experiment with various setups of hyperparameters as well as the various intensity of the attack traffic. The results of our experiments show that the proposed approach is feasible in terms of the capability of inferring successful filtering rules as well as inferring them in a reasonable time.
Synchronization for Networks of Globally Coupled Maps in the Thermodynamic Limit
Authors: Sélley Fanni M. , Tanzi Matteo
Published: August 2022

We study a network of finitely many interacting clusters where each cluster is a collection of globally coupled circle maps in the thermodynamic (or mean field) limit. The state of each cluster is described by a probability measure, and its evolution is given by a self-consistent transfer operator. A cluster is synchronized if its state is a Dirac measure. We provide sufficient conditions for all clusters to synchronize and we describe setups where the conditions are met thanks to the uncoupled dynamics and/or the (diffusive) nature of the coupling. We also give sufficient conditions for partially synchronized states to arise—i.e. states where only a subset of the clusters is synchronized—due to the forcing of a group of cluster on the rest of the network. Lastly, we use this framework to show emergence and stability of chimera states for these systems.
Developments of the k0-NAA measurement model implemented in k0-INRIM software
Authors: Di Luzio Marco , Oddone Massimo , D’Agostino Giancarlo
Published: August 2022

The k0-INRIM software is a computer program that was recently developed to automatically evaluate combined uncertainty while performing mass fraction measurements adopting the k0-standardization method of Neutron Activation Analysis. In this paper, significant developments of the adopted measurement model, following a complete revision of the detector characterization procedure, are reported. In particular, the efficiency ratio between monitor and analyte γ-emissions accounts for conversions between counting positions, extended sample geometry and self-absorption. In addition, true-coincidence summing, neutron flux gradient, moisture and blank corrections are included in the model. The developed measurement model is implemented in the latest k0-INRIM release; this greatly improves flexibility of the software in most of the common situations encountered in routine analysis without losing its inherent characteristic focused on uncertainty evaluation through propagation of covariances via sensitivity coefficients. A performance test was carried out by measuring the Au mass fraction of a cylindrical sample prepared from electronic waste material. Results obtained by counting the sample at different positions with respect to the detector end-cap are presented.
Robust DC optimal power flow with modeling of solar power supply uncertainty via R-vine copulas
Authors: Aigner Kevin-Martin , Schaumann Peter , Loeper Freimut von , Martin Alexander , Schmidt Volker , Liers Frauke
Published: August 2022

We present a robust approximation of joint chance constrained DC optimal power flow in combination with a model-based prediction of uncertain power supply via R-vine copulas. It is applied to optimize the discrete curtailment of solar feed-in in an electrical distribution network and guarantees network stability under fluctuating feed-in. This is modeled by a two-stage mixed-integer stochastic optimization problem proposed by Aigner et al. (Eur J Oper Res (2022) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2021.10.051). The solution approach is based on the approximation of chance constraints via robust constraints using suitable uncertainty sets. The resulting robust optimization problem has a known equivalent tractable reformulation. To compute uncertainty sets that lead to an inner approximation of the stochastic problem, an R-vine copula model is fitted to the distribution of the multi-dimensional power forecast error, i.e., the difference between the forecasted solar power and the measured feed-in at several network nodes. The uncertainty sets are determined by encompassing a sufficient number of samples drawn from the R-vine copula model. Furthermore, an enhanced algorithm is proposed to fit R-vine copulas which can be used to draw conditional samples for given solar radiation forecasts. The experimental results obtained for real-world weather and network data demonstrate the effectiveness of the combination of stochastic programming and model-based prediction of uncertainty via copulas. We improve the outcomes of previous work by showing that the resulting uncertainty sets are much smaller and lead to less conservative solutions while maintaining the same probabilistic guarantees.
Investigating root architectural differences in lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. L. with altered stomatal density using high resolution X-Ray synchrotron imaging
Authors: Mawodza Tinashe , Menon Manoj , Muringai Nancy , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Burca Genoveva , Casson Stuart
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Freshwater is an increasingly scarce natural resource, essential for agricultural production. As plants consume 70% of the world’s freshwater, a reduction in their water use would greatly reduce global water scarcity. Plants with improved Water Use Efficiency (WUE) such as those with altered expression of the Epidermal Patterning Factor (EPF) family of genes regulating stomatal density, could help reduce plant water footprint. Little however, is known about how this modification in Arabidopsis thaliana. L. affects root architectural development in soil, thus we aim to improve our understanding of root growth when stomatal density is altered.

Methods

We used X-Ray synchrotron and neutron imaging to measure in three dimensions, the root system architecture (RSA) of Arabidopsis thaliana. L. plants of three different genotypes, namely that of the wild type Columbia (Col 0) and two different EPF mutants, EPF2OE and epf2-1 (which show reduced and increased stomatal density, respectively). We also used the total biomass and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) methods to determine how WUE varies in these genotypes when grown in a sandy loam soil under controlled conditions.

Results

Our results confirm that the EPF2OE line had superior WUE as compared to the wild type using both the Δ and total biomass method. The epf2-1 mutant, on the other hand, had significantly reduced WUE using the Δ but not with the biomass method. In terms of root growth, the RSAs of the different genotypes had no significant difference between each other. There was also no significant difference in rhizosphere porosity around their roots as compared to bulk soil for all genotypes.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the EPF mutation altering stomatal density in Arabidopsis thaliana. L. plants did not have an adverse effect on root characteristics thus their wide adoption to reduce the global freshwater footprint is unlikely to compromise their soil foraging ability.
Das Netz und die Netze. Vom Wandel des Internets und der globalen digitalen Ordnung
Authors: Pohle Julia , Voelsen Daniel
Published: August 2022

Bis heute birgt das Internet das Versprechen, alle Menschen in einem globalen Kommunikationsnetz horizontal zu vereinen. Doch seit einigen Jahren gibt es Bemühungen autoritärer wie demokratischer Staaten, sowohl digitale Anwendungen als auch die physischen und technischen Infrastrukturen des Internets ihrem souveränen Zugriff zu unterwerfen. Und auch die „Big Tech“-Unternehmen versuchen zunehmend, „ihren“ digitalen Raum exklusiv zu kontrollieren. In der Folge mehren sich die Warnungen vor einer möglichen Fragmentierung des Internets. Um diese Warnungen einzuordnen, bedient sich der Beitrag der Netzwerktheorie und zeichnet die Konflikte und Entwicklungen nach, die das Internet seit den frühen Visionen der Internet-Exzeptionalisten in den 1990er-Jahren bis zu aktuellen Souveränitätsbestrebungen geprägt haben. Es wird sichtbar, dass sowohl Staaten als auch Unternehmen seit einiger Zeit eine fundamentale Rekonfiguration der globalen digitalen Ordnung herbeizuführen versuchen. Ihr Bemühen, die Macht über Teilnetze zu festigen, verändert dabei auch die Strukturen des globalen Netzes und geht mit einer Stärkung autoritärer Ordnungsvorstellungen einher. Vor der Kontrastfolie der kosmopolitisch-liberalen Vision eines global geeinten Netzes stellt sich dies zwar als Fragmentierung dar. Der netzwerktheoretische Zugriff macht jedoch deutlich, warum die Pluralisierung des Internets noch nicht mit dessen Fragmentierung gleichzusetzen ist.
What’s in a resource gradient? Comparing alternative cues for foraging in dynamic environments via movement, perception, and memory
Authors: Fagan William F. , Saborio Cole , Hoffman Tyler D. , Gurarie Eliezer , Cantrell Robert Stephen , Cosner Chris
Published: August 2022

Consumers must track and acquire resources in complex landscapes. Much discussion has focused on the concept of a ‘resource gradient’ and the mechanisms by which consumers can take advantage of such gradients as they navigate their landscapes in search of resources. However, the concept of tracking resource gradients means different things in different contexts. Here, we take a synthetic approach and consider six different definitions of what it means to search for resources based on density or gradients in density. These include scenarios where consumers change their movement behavior based on the density of conspecifics, on the density of resources, and on spatial or temporal gradients in resources. We also consider scenarios involving non-local perception and a form of memory. Using a continuous space, continuous time model that allows consumers to switch between resource-tracking and random motion, we investigate the relative performance of these six different strategies. Consumers’ success in matching the spatiotemporal distributions of their resources differs starkly across the six scenarios. Movement strategies based on perception and response to temporal (rather than spatial) resource gradients afforded consumers with the best opportunities to match resource distributions. All scenarios would allow for optimization of resource-matching in terms of the underlying parameters, providing opportunities for evolutionary adaptation, and links back to classical studies of foraging ecology.
HPLC–DAD Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Aromatic Herb Melissa officinalis L., Aerial Parts Extracts
Authors: Abdellatif Fahima , Begaa Samir , Messaoudi Mohammed , Benarfa Adel , Ouakouak Hamza , Hassani Aicha , Sawicka Barbara , Simal Gandara Jesus
Published: August 2022

In order to enhance natural products value, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) aerial part (leaves) has been studied in this work. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the chemical composition of the studied plant polyphenols extracts using HPLC/DAD, as well as evaluate their flavonoid extracts’ antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using DPPH• and disk diffusion methods, respectively. The results of phenols chemical composition showed the existence of two phenolic acids, five flavonic aglycones and six heterosides, while the biologic results of the plant flavonoid extracts exhibited the existence of a good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Exploring How People with Expressive Aphasia Interact with and Perceive a Social Robot
Authors: van Minkelen Peggy , Krahmer Emiel , Vogt Paul
Published: August 2022

People with aphasia need high-intensive language training to significantly improve their language skills, however practical barriers arise. Socially assistive robots have been proposed as a possibility to provide additional language training. However, it is yet unknown how people with aphasia perceive interacting with a social robot, and which factors influence this interaction. The aim of this study was to gain insight in how people with mild to moderate chronic expressive aphasia perceived interacting with the social robot NAO, and to explore what needs and requisites emerged. A total of 11 participants took part in a single online semi-structured interaction, which was analysed using observational analysis, thematic analysis, and post-interaction questionnaire. The findings show that participants overall felt positive towards using the social robot NAO. Moreover, they perceived NAO as enjoyable, useful, and to a lesser extent easy to use. This exploratory study provides a tentative direction for the intention of people with mild to moderate chronic expressive aphasia to use social robots. Design implications and directions for future research are proposed.
From bad to worse: examining the deteriorating labour market outcomes of international graduates in Australia
Authors: Tang Angelina , Perales Francisco , Rowe Francisco , Baxter Janeen
Published: August 2022

International graduates have been shown to experience comparatively poor outcomes in their transition to the host labour market after course completion. In Australia, international graduates typically fare worse than domestic graduates in the labour market, with new evidence pointing to a deterioration in their relative labour market position over the years. The contributing factors for the deterioration, however, remain unclear. In this article, we analysed unique large-scale survey data from the Australian Graduate Survey to identify the factors underlying the deteriorating labour market outcomes of international graduates from 2000. Our findings indicate that the deteriorating labour market outcomes of international graduates can be largely linked to the declining share of these graduates who are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. The rising percentage of international graduates who are non-native English-speakers also played a role, albeit a modest one. These findings call attention to the persistent labour market disadvantage of international graduates and highlight the inadequacies of existing policies aimed at temporary retention and stronger English language skills in promoting labour market integration.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in health care: where are we? A scoping review
Authors: Profetto Laura , Gherardelli Monica , Iadanza Ernesto
Published: August 2022

Purpose

(RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves for data collection and transfer, so data is captured efficiently, automatically and in real time without human intervention. This technology, alone or in addition to other technologies has been considered as a possible solution to reduce problems that endanger public health or to improve its management. This scoping review aims to provide readers with an up-to-date picture of the use of this technology in health care settings.

Methods

This scoping review examines the state of RFID technology in the healthcare area for the period 2017-2022, specifically addressing RFID versatility and investigating how this technology can contribute to radically change the management of public health. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) have been followed. Literature reviews or surveys were excluded. Only articles describing technologies implemented on a real environment or on prototypes were included.

Results

The search returned 366 results. After screening, based on title and abstract, 58 articles were considered suitable for this work. 11 articles were reviewed because they met the qualifying requirements. The study of the selected articles highlighted six matters that can be profitably impacted by this technology

Conclusion

The selected papers show that this technology can improve patient safety by reducing medical errors, that can occur within operating rooms. It can also be the solution to overcome the problem of the black market in counterfeiting drugs, or as a prevention tool. Further research is needed, especially on data management, security, and privacy, given the sensitive nature of medical information.

Graphical Abstract
Gorgonophilus canadensis (Copepoda: Lamippidae) a parasite in the octocoral Paragorgia arborea – relation to host, reproduction, and morphology
Authors: Buhl-Mortensen Lene , Neuhaus Jenny , Williams Jason D.
Published: August 2022

The family Lamippidae (Cyclopoida) are endosymbionts mainly occurring in shallow water octocorals and records from deep-sea corals are few. Here we investigated the relationship between the lamippid Gorgonophilus canadensis Buhl-Mortensen & Mortensen, 2004 and its host the deep-sea coral Paragorgia arborea. Twenty-one specimens of G. canadensis was found inside eight gall-like structures on a P. arborea colony collected in 2010 at 318 m depth off Norway. The galls contained on average 1.6 females, 1.0 males, and 7.5 egg sacs estimated to contain 400 eggs each. Females were larger than males (4.6 mm compared to 2.0 mm). The gall volume increased with the number of egg sacs, females, and the length of females inside, the latter correlation was significant (p < 0.05). The number of egg sacs in galls was positively correlated with the abundance and length of females (p < 0.05), and by adding Canadian data from 17 galls the relation between egg sacs and numbers of females and males in galls became stronger (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that this highly modified endoparasite has thoracic appendages with non-segmented flexible spines with a specialized structure at their tips through which threads are excreted. We speculate that this adaptation could relate to feeding or attachment of egg sacs inside the galls. Thread production has rarely been reported for copepods and we explore its function in the group as well as other crustaceans. The age and size of the parasite, and the introduction to and release from the host is also discussed.
Row–Column Sampling Design Using Auxiliary Ranking Variables
Authors: Ozturk Omer , Kravchuk Olena , Correll Raymond
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present a new class of row–column sampling design when a sampling region is presented by non-overlapping quadrats of an rp-by-p row–column grid. Quadrats are rank-ordered on a relevant auxiliary variable, first in the rp rows of the grid and then in the so formed p ranked columns. This ranking enhances the precision of the sampling using ideas from standard rank set sampling methods. The sampling design falls in the traditional sampling framework where the sample selection probabilities are independent of the variables of interest. Selection probabilities are governed by a spatial design and the auxiliary information to facilitate better sampling coverage over the sampling region. The paper constructs unbiased estimators for population mean, total and provides variance estimates for them. It also shows when the new sampling design performs better than its competitors. The new sampling design is applied to a forest and two agricultural field samples to estimate the population means. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
Algorithmic Political Bias Can Reduce Political Polarization
Authors: Peters Uwe
Published: August 2022

Does algorithmic political bias contribute to an entrenchment and polarization of political positions? Franke (Philosophy and Technology, 35, 7, 2022) argues that it may do so because the bias involves classifications of people as liberals, conservatives, etc., and individuals often conform to the ways in which they are classified. I provide a novel example of this phenomenon in human–computer interactions and introduce a social psychological mechanism (what I shall call ‘implied political labeling’) that has been overlooked in this context but should be experimentally explored. Furthermore, while Franke proposes that algorithmic political classifications entrench political identities, I contend that they may often produce the opposite result. They can lead people to change in ways that disconfirm the classifications (thus causing ‘looping effects’). Consequently and counterintuitively, algorithmic political bias can in fact decrease political entrenchment and polarization.
Treatment with IL5-/IL-5 receptor antagonists in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Authors: Gschwend Anna , Helbling Arthur , Feldmeyer Laurence , Mani-Weber Ulrich , Meincke Cordula , Heidemeyer Kristine , Bossart Simon , Jörg Lukas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe delayed drug hypersensitivity reaction with exanthema, eosinophilia, and organ manifestations. After culprit drug withdrawal, systemic corticosteroids (CS) are the most widely used treatment, often requiring high doses for months. Blocking the IL-5/IL‑5 receptor axis with mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab is a promising targeted treatment with a good safety profile and no immunosuppressive effect. The aim of this study is to summarize current experience with the anti-IL5/IL-5-receptor therapy in DRESS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with DRESS and treated with mepolizumab, reslizumab, or benralizumab in DRESS was performed. In addition, a PubMed–Medline search for publications on DRESS with anti-IL-5/IL‑5 receptor treatment was performed.

Results

Of the 14 cases identified, 6 patients were treated with mepolizumab, 6 with benralizumab, 1 patient with reslizumab, and 1 patient was switched from benralizumab to mepolizumab. The main indication for an IL‑5 blockade was a therapy-refractory course (7/14 [50.0%]), recurrent relapses (3/14 [21.4%]), and severe organ dysfunction (2/14 [14.3%]). In 13/14 (93%) cases, a rapid clinical improvement with suppression of eosinophilia and reduction of CS could be achieved. In all but two cases under mepolizumab (dose 100–600 mg) or reslizumab (dose according to body weight), two or more doses were necessary until resolution of DRESS. In 4/7 cases under benralizumab, a single 30 mg dose was sufficient.

Conclusion

Blockade of the IL-5/IL‑5 receptor axis appears to be a promising treatment in DRESS with fast clinical improvement, which may allow more rapid reduction of CS, and a good safety profile. In addition, a summary of recommendations on when to use blockade of the IL-5/IL‑5 receptor axis in DRESS treatment is provided.
What shapes the “value-action” gap? The role of time perception reconsidered
Authors: Franco Chiara , Ghisetti Claudia
Published: August 2022

While research on determinants and consequences of environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behaviours is quite broad, limited research efforts have been spent on the investigation of the discrepancy between the two: i.e. perceiving as environmentalist while not partaking substantially to specific environmental actions. For this reason, understanding how time perception shapes the misalignments, the so called “Value-Action gap”, is the objective of the paper. We analyse both individual (related to job motivation) and social determinants (related to the imitation of pro-environmental behaviours). While the former group refers to the way time is actually perceived, by using variables depicting the way work pressure is felt, the latter group acknowledges the possibility that a social norm is embodied into people and, being imitable, it can help acting in accordance with social environmental attitudes. The empirical analysis exploits the World Bank 3rd Wave of the World Values Survey, covering the years 1995–1998 on 34 countries, and it confirms that time perception and imitation both contribute to the decrease of VAG, although to a different extent.
DeepTLF: robust deep neural networks for heterogeneous tabular data
Authors: Borisov Vadim , Broelemann Klaus , Kasneci Enkelejda , Kasneci Gjergji
Published: August 2022

Although deep neural networks (DNNs) constitute the state of the art in many tasks based on visual, audio, or text data, their performance on heterogeneous, tabular data is typically inferior to that of decision tree ensembles. To bridge the gap between the difficulty of DNNs to handle tabular data and leverage the flexibility of deep learning under input heterogeneity, we proposeDeepTLF, a framework for deep tabular learning. The core idea of our method is to transform the heterogeneous input data into homogeneous data to boost the performance of DNNs considerably. For the transformation step, we develop a novel knowledge distillations approach,TreeDrivenEncoder, which exploits the structure of decision trees trained on the available heterogeneous data to map the original input vectors onto homogeneous vectors that a DNN can use to improve the predictive performance. Within the proposed framework, we also address the issue of the multimodal learning, since it is challenging to apply decision tree ensemble methods when other data modalities are present. Through extensive and challenging experiments on various real-world datasets, we demonstrate that the DeepTLF pipeline leads to higher predictive performance. On average, our framework shows 19.6% performance improvement in comparison to DNNs. The DeepTLF code ispublicly available.