bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal water tariffs for domestic, agricultural and industrial use
Authors: Caravaggio Andrea , De Cesare Luigi , Di Liddo Andrea
Published: February 2024

Consider a water supplier who determines sales rates with the goals of maximizing profits, protecting consumer welfare, and ensuring adequate future water supplies. Buyers are differentiated and can use the water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. We propose a leader-follower finite-horizon differential game. The leader (the water supplier) determines the selling price and the followers (consumers) react by requesting their optimal amount of water. We calculate a feedback Stackelberg equilibrium assuming that all user demand is satisfied (interior equilibrium). We compare two different tariff schemes: linear tariffs (the price paid is a multiple of the volume of water purchased), and increasing block tariffs (the unit price is lower for quantities of water that do not exceed a fixed threshold). We show that block pricing is never optimal and linear pricing is always preferred.
A CRISPR base editing approach for the functional assessment of telomere biology disorder-related genes in human health and aging
Authors: Borges Gustavo , Benslimane Yahya , Harrington Lea
Published: February 2024

Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) are a group of rare diseases characterized by the presence of short and/or dysfunctional telomeres. They comprise a group of bone marrow failure syndromes, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and liver disease, among other diseases. Genetic alterations (variants) in the genes responsible for telomere homeostasis have been linked to TBDs. Despite the number of variants already identified as pathogenic, an even more significant number must be better understood. The study of TBDs is challenging since identifying these variants is difficult due to their rareness, it is hard to predict their impact on the disease onset, and there are not enough samples to study. Most of our knowledge about pathogenic variants comes from assessing telomerase activity from patients and their relatives affected by a TBD. However, we still lack a cell-based model to identify new variants and to study the long-term impact of such variants on the genes involved in TBDs. Herein, we present a cell-based model using CRISPR base editing to mutagenize the endogenous alleles of 21 genes involved in telomere biology. We identified key residues in the genes encoding 17 different proteins impacting cell growth. We provide functional evidence for variants of uncertain significance in patients with TBDs. We also identified variants resistant to telomerase inhibition that, similar to cells expressing wild-type telomerase, exhibited increased tumorigenic potential using an in vitro tumour growth assay. We believe that such cell-based approaches will significantly advance our understanding of the biology of TBDs and may contribute to the development of new therapies for this group of diseases.
Cumulative effects of offshore wind farms on common guillemots (Uria aalge) in the southern North Sea - climate versus biodiversity?
Authors: Peschko Verena , Schwemmer Henriette , Mercker Moritz , Markones Nele , Borkenhagen Kai , Garthe Stefan
Published: February 2024

Governments are under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and large-scale wind farms are being developed in marine environments worldwide. However, top predators are strongly affected by environmental change and anthropogenic activities. Common guillemots (Uria aalge, hereafter guillemots), as one of the world’s most numerous seabird species, are prone to interference with offshore wind farms (OWFs). This study assessed the cumulative impacts of all operating OWFs on guillemots in the German North Sea. These estimates were applied to quantify the possible conflicts between guillemot occurrence and current German government plans to implement large-scale OWFs. If OWFs were implemented according to the current maritime spatial plan for the German Exclusive Economic zone, they would cover 13% of the German North Sea. Guillemot numbers peak during autumn, with German North Sea offshore waters hosting approximately 90,000 individuals. Guillemot density in autumn was significantly reduced within a radius of 19.5 km around operating OWFs. Applying this disturbance distance to current installation plans, about 70% of the German North Sea would be affected, and an estimated 68% of guillemots in the German North Sea would experience habitat loss. This highlights the possible threat to guillemots in the southern North Sea if the current German government plans are implemented. The current estimates are highly relevant to decisions regarding marine spatial planning and management recommendations. Such evaluations are essential for developing sustainable scenarios including reducing the human CO2 footprint, whilst also conserving biodiversity.
A Novel Similarity Approach for Describing the Bulk Shear in the Atmospheric Surface Layer
Authors: Urbancic G. H. , Stiperski I. , Holtslag A. A. M. , Mosso S. , Vihma T.
Published: February 2024

The Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) is a cornerstone of boundary layer meteorology and the basis of most parameterizations of the atmospheric surface layer. Due to its significance for observations and modelling, we generalize the dimensional analysis of MOST by considering the bulk gradient directly, enabling the study of any sublayer of the atmospheric surface layer. This results in a family of similarity relations describing all gradients from the local gradient to the full-layer bulk gradient. By applying the profiles derived from the law-of-the-wall and MOST, we are able to derive analytic expressions for this family of similarity relations. Under stable conditions, we discover that the log-linear profile of Businger–Dyer generalizes from the local to the bulk shear where the slope is dependent on the choice of the layer. The simplicity of the general log-linear relation allows for estimating the influence of stability on the non-dimensional gradients. It is shown that bulk gradients are less sensitive to stability than the local gradient. By correctly filtering cases where the full-layer bulk gradient is influenced by stability, we demonstrate that MOST is compatible with the Hockey-Stick Transition. For unstable conditions, the Kader and Yaglom (J Fluid Mech 212(151):637-662, 1990) model represents the local gradient well but was not successful in representing the bulk gradient, demonstrating the need for further analysis of scaling relations for the unstable atmospheric surface layer.
Real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients treated with eribulin after prior phosphoinositide 3-Kinase inhibitor treatment for metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Goyal Ravi K. , Zhang Jingchuan , Davis Keith L. , Sluga-O’Callaghan Martina , Kaufman Peter A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration approved eribulin for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Since then, the treatment landscape has evolved with many new therapy classes, a more recent one being the small molecule inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K). We sought to characterize the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of patients with MBC who received eribulin following prior treatment with a PI3K inhibitor.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study based on medical record review included MBC patients who initiated eribulin between March 2019 and September 2020 following prior treatment with a PI3K inhibitor was conducted. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed descriptively. Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated from the initiation of eribulin therapy using Kaplan-Meier analyses.

Results

82 eligible patients were included. Patients’ median age at eribulin initiation was 62 years; 86.5% had hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative tumors. Eribulin was most often administered in the second or third line (82.9%) in the metastatic setting. Best overall response on eribulin was reported as complete or partial response in 72% of the patients. The median rwPFS was 18.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4-not estimable); median OS was not reached. The estimated rwPFS and OS rates at 12 months were 63.3% (95% CI, 50.5–73.7) and 82.6% (95% CI, 72.4–89.3), respectively.

Conclusion

Our real-world study suggests that eribulin may be a potential treatment option for MBC patients who fail a prior PI3K inhibitor.
The Association of Quality of Life with Psychosocial Factors in Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Watson Kelly H. , Eckland Michelle , Schwartzman Jessica M. , Molnar Andrew , Boon Whitney , Hiller Matthew , Scholer Seth , Mace Rachel , Rothman Alice , Claassen Daniel O. , Riordan Heather R. , Isaacs David A.
Published: February 2024

Individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) have poorer quality of life (QoL) than their peers, yet factors contributing to poor QoL in this population remain unclear. Research to date has predominantly focused on the impact of tics and psychiatric symptoms on QoL in TS samples. The aim of this cross-sectional, multi-informant study was to identify psychosocial variables that may impact adolescent QoL in TS. Thirty-eight adolescents aged 13 to 17 with TS and 28 age-matched controls participated with a caregiver. No group differences were found on QoL, although the TS group reported reduced QoL compared to population normative data. In the TS group, reduced QoL was associated with lower self-esteem, poorer family functioning, higher stress, and greater depression and anxiety; QoL was unrelated to tic severity. In regression analyses, after adjusting for covariates, family functioning was the strongest predictor of QoL. These results emphasize the need to further explore the influence of psychosocial factors, particularly family functioning, on QoL in adolescents with TS.
What is a mathematician doing…in a chemistry class?
Authors: Estrada Ernesto
Published: February 2024

The way of thinking of mathematicians and chemists in their respective disciplines seems to have very different levels of abstractions. While the firsts are involved in the most abstract of all sciences, the seconds are engaged in a practical, mainly experimental discipline. Therefore, it is surprising that many luminaries of the mathematics universe have studied chemistry as their main subject. Others have started studying chemistry before swapping to mathematics or have declared some admiration and even love for this discipline. Here I reveal some of these mathematicians who were involved in chemistry from a biographical perspective. Then, I analyze what these remarkable mathematicians and statisticians could have learned while studying chemical subjects. I found analogies between code-breaking and molecular structure elucidation, inspiration for statistics in quantitative analytical chemistry, and on the role of topology in the study of some organic molecules. I also analyze some parallelisms between the way of thinking of organic chemists and mathematicians in terms of the use of backward analysis, search for patterns, and use of pictures in their respective researches.
Leaf extracts of eight selected southern African medicinal plants modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Khumalo Gugulethu P. , Loa-Kum-Cheung Wendy , Van Wyk Ben-Erik , Feng Yunjiang , Cock Ian E.
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of extracts prepared from the leaves of eight southern African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation and pain. The inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 release were determined using cytokine multiplex-bead assays. The ethanol extracts of Melianthus comosus Vahl (commonly known as honey flower), Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (misty plume bush) and Warburgia salutaris (G. Bertol.) Chiov. (pepper-bark tree), demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity, with over 50-fold inhibition of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of M. comosus also significantly inhibited the secretion of all the tested cytokines and chemokines. Phytochemical investigation of M. comosus ethanol leaf extract using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) led to the detection of crassolide, deoxylimonoic acid D-ring-lactone, 2-hydroxynonanoic acid and 5-noniloxytryptamine. To the best of our knowledge, the cytokine inhibition properties of most of the medicinal plants screened in this study are reported for the first time. Our results support the use of southern African medicinal plants as anti-inflammatory remedies and provide an insight into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of action.
Suspension electrospinning of SBR latex combined with photo-induced crosslinking: control of nanofiber composition, morphology, and properties
Authors: Kianfar Parnian , Bakry Ahmed , Dalle Vacche Sara , Bongiovanni Roberta , Vitale Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Suspension electrospinning of a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex coupled with photo-induced crosslinking in ambient conditions is proposed as a rapid method to prepare ultrafine shape-stable rubber fibrous membranes. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is used as template polymer and can eventually be removed from the nanostructured membrane by a simple water treatment. A multifunctional thiol crosslinker and an appropriate photo-initiating system are added to the latex to allow the fast and efficient photo-induced crosslinking of the nanofibers, based on thiol addition to the SBR double bonds, as demonstrated by real-time Infrared spectroscopy analyses. It is proved that by varying the PEO template polymer and the thiol crosslinker content, a fine control of the chemical composition, morphology, water solubility, and thermal properties of the nanofibrous membranes is ensured. Moreover, comparable mechanical properties to those of fibrous membranes produced by conventional electrospinning of organic solvent-based solutions are obtained, clearly showing the attractiveness of the present method, especially in terms of process sustainability.

Graphical abstract
A novel adaptive filter with a heart-rate-based reference signal for esophageal pressure signal denoising
Authors: Qin Yu , Huang Zhiwen , Zhou Xiaoyong , Gui Shuiqing , Xiong Lihong , Liu Ling , Liu Jinglei
Published: February 2024

Esophageal pressure (Peso) is one of the most common and minimally invasive methods used to assess the respiratory and lung mechanics in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. However, the Peso measurement is contaminated by cardiogenic oscillations (CGOs), which cannot be easily eliminated in real-time. The field of study dealing with the elimination of CGO from Peso signals is still in the early stages of its development. In this study, we present an adaptive filtering-based method by constructing a reference signal based on the heart rate and sine function to remove CGOs in real-time. The proposed technique is tested using clinical data acquired from 20 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Lung compliance ( QUOTE ) and esophageal pressure swings (△Pes) are used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the proposed technique. The CGO can be efficiently suppressed when the constructional reference signal contains the fundamental, and second and third harmonic frequencies of the heart rate signal. The analysis of the data of 8 patients with controlled mechanical ventilation reveals that the standard deviation/mean of the QUOTE is reduced by 28.4–79.2% without changing the QUOTE and the △Pes measurement is more accurate, with the use of our proposed technique. The proposed technique can effectively eliminate the CGOs from the measured Peso signals in real-time without requiring additional equipment to collect the reference signal.
Financing Thresholds for Sustainability of Community Health Worker Programs for Patients Receiving Medicaid Across the United States
Authors: Basu Sanjay , Patel Sadiq Y. , Robinson Kiiera , Baum Aaron
Published: February 2024

States have turned to novel Medicaid financing to pay for community health worker (CHW) programs, often through fee-for-service or capitated payments. We sought to estimate Medicaid payment rates to ensure CHW program sustainability. A microsimulation model was constructed to estimate CHW salaries, equipment, transportation, space, and benefits costs across the U.S. Fee-for-service rates per 30-min CHW visit (code 98960) and capitated rates were calculated for financial sustainability. The mean CHW hourly wage was $23.51, varying from $15.90 in Puerto Rico to $31.61 in Rhode Island. Overhead per work hour averaged $43.65 nationwide, and was highest for transportation among other overhead categories (65.1% of overhead). The minimum fee-for-service rate for a 30-min visit was $53.24 (95% CI $24.80, $91.11), varying from $40.44 in South Dakota to $70.89 in Washington D.C. The minimum capitated rate was $140.18 per member per month (95% CI $105.94, $260.90), varying from $113.55 in South Dakota to $176.58 in Washington D.C. Rates varied minimally by metro status but more by panel size. Higher Medicaid fee-for-service and capitated rates than currently used may be needed to support financial viability of CHW programs. A revised payment estimation approach may help state officials, health systems and plans discussing CHW program sustainability.
Modeling Excitable Cells with the EMI Equations: Spectral Analysis and Iterative Solution Strategy
Authors: Benedusi Pietro , Ferrari Paola , Rognes Marie E. , Serra-Capizzano Stefano
Published: February 2024

In this work, we are interested in solving large linear systems stemming from the extra–membrane–intra model, which is employed for simulating excitable tissues at a cellular scale. After setting the related systems of partial differential equations equipped with proper boundary conditions, we provide its finite element discretization and focus on the resulting large linear systems. We first give a relatively complete spectral analysis using tools from the theory of Generalized Locally Toeplitz matrix sequences. The obtained spectral information is used for designing appropriate preconditioned Krylov solvers. Through numerical experiments, we show that the presented solution strategy is robust w.r.t. problem and discretization parameters, efficient and scalable.
Discrimination of Second Language Vowel Contrasts and the Role of Phonological Short-Term Memory and Nonverbal Intelligence
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P. , Giannakou Aretousa
Published: February 2024

Although extensive research has focused on the perceptual abilities of second language (L2) learners, a significant gap persists in understanding how cognitive functions like phonological short-term memory (PSTM) and nonverbal intelligence (IQ) impact L2 speech perception. This study sets out to investigate the discrimination of L2 English monophthongal vowel contrasts and to assess the effect of PSTM and nonverbal IQ on L2 speech perception. The participants consisted of adult monolingually-raised Greek speakers, who completed an AX discrimination test, a digit span test, and a nonverbal intelligence test. A control group of English speakers also completed the AX test. Data were analyzed using Bayesian regression models. The results revealed that Greek speakers exhibited below chance discrimination for the majority of L2 vowel contrasts, consistently underperforming in comparison to the control group. Intriguingly, the study did not provide substantial evidence in favor of more accurate discrimination of L2 contrasts by Greek participants with high PSTM compared to those with low PSTM. However, the study yielded compelling evidence indicating that Greek participants with higher IQ demonstrated superior accuracy in discriminating most L2 contrasts compared to their lower IQ counterparts. The limited influence of PSTM on speech perception suggests the need for further exploration, considering the potential impact of test methodologies and the intricate interplay of other confounding factors. Furthermore, the study uncovers a noteworthy relationship between nonverbal IQ and L2 speech perception, likely linked with the association of high IQ with enhanced attentional capacities, information processing abilities, and learning skills—all of which are pivotal for accurate speech perception.
Geotechnical characteristics and seismic stability evaluation of pumice-fall deposits soil on collapse slope by the 2018 Hokkaido eastern Iburi earthquake
Authors: Kawajiri Shunzo , Watanabe Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Kohei , Minabe Yuki , Nakamura Dai , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Yamashita Satoshi
Published: February 2024

The September 6, 2018, earthquake in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan, caused extensive slope failures in Atsuma-town, Hokkaido, Japan. In this study, the authors performed in situ investigations, including trenching and portable dynamic cone penetration tests, on weathered fallen pumice sediments, which are one of the causes of the slope failures. In addition, we performed direct box shear tests on undisturbed samples collected from an undisturbed area under various shear conditions to characterize mechanical properties of the soil. The parameters obtained from the mechanical tests were used to evaluate slope stability under normal and seismic conditions with an infinite-length slope model. The results showed that the slopes where seismic failures occurred had a fragile layer from the surface to a depth of approximately 1.5 m, which generally corresponded to the depth of failure. Weathered pumice deposits with extremely high-water content existed at the boundary between the weak layer and the basement layer, and their shear strength was velocity dependent. It has been shown that an infinite-length slope stability analysis can be performed by using mechanical parameters for which velocity dependence of horizontal acceleration and shear strength due to seismic motion are accounted for.
Regulatory independence may limit electoral holdup but entrench capture
Authors: Schram Arthur , Ule Aljaž
Published: February 2024

Private infrastructure investment is profitable only if followed by a sufficiently high price, but pricing may be subject to regulation. We study markets where regulation is determined by elected policymakers. If price regulation is subject to manipulation then private investors may delay investment fearing an electoral pressure on future prices, leading to a holdup inefficiency. This could possibly be alleviated by regulatory independence, where policymakers can no longer influence the prices. However, to encourage investment the policymakers may install regulation that serves the interests of the infrastructure owners (“regulatory capture”) and lead to inefficient pricing. Regulatory independence can then be detrimental as it may entrench this capture. Whether inefficiencies can be moderated by creating regulatory independence therefore depends on the policymakers’ objectives. We provide experimental evidence for such capture entrenchment and detrimental effects of regulatory independence that therefore arise. Even without independence, the uninformed voters do not provide sufficient pressure to remove these effects. On the other hand, we observe that regulatory independence does reduce holdup inefficiency when policymakers align with the public interest.
Virtue, Authenticity and Irony: Themes from Sartre and Williams
Authors: Thomas Alan
Published: February 2024

In the course of criticizing indirect forms of consequentialism Bernard Williams argued that because virtues of character enter into the very content of the self, they cannot be instrumentalised. They must, instead, be viewed as cognitive responses to intrinsic value. This paper investigates this argument and relates it to similar claims in the work of Sartre. The inalienability of the first personal point of view represents a common theme and informs a further argument that an agent can only think of him or herself as merely one amongst others via a distinctive ethical use of the trope of irony.
On the ability of standard and brain-constrained deep neural networks to support cognitive superposition: a position paper
Authors: Garagnani Max
Published: February 2024

The ability to coactivate (or “superpose”) multiple conceptual representations is a fundamental function that we constantly rely upon; this is crucial in complex cognitive tasks requiring multi-item working memory, such as mental arithmetic, abstract reasoning, and language comprehension. As such, an artificial system aspiring to implement any of these aspects of general intelligence should be able to support this operation. I argue here that standard, feed-forward deep neural networks (DNNs) are unable to implement this function, whereas an alternative, fully brain-constrained class of neural architectures spontaneously exhibits it. On the basis of novel simulations, this proof-of-concept article shows that deep, brain-like networks trained with biologically realistic Hebbian learning mechanisms display the spontaneous emergence of internal circuits (cell assemblies) having features that make them natural candidates for supporting superposition. Building on previous computational modelling results, I also argue that, and offer an explanation as to why, in contrast, modern DNNs trained with gradient descent are generally unable to co-activate their internal representations. While deep brain-constrained neural architectures spontaneously develop the ability to support superposition as a result of (1) neurophysiologically accurate learning and (2) cortically realistic between-area connections, backpropagation-trained DNNs appear to be unsuited to implement this basic cognitive operation, arguably necessary for abstract thinking and general intelligence. The implications of this observation are briefly discussed in the larger context of existing and future artificial intelligence systems and neuro-realistic computational models.
Exploration of optimal control based surrogate modeling as a basis for fuel efficient 4D aircraft routing on graphs
Authors: Schweighofer Felix , Grüter Benedikt , Holzapfel Florian
Published: February 2024

Fuel efficient coordination of aircraft operations in the Terminal Maneuvering Area of large airports can contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact of air traffic. To exploit the full potential of the air traffic system, coordinated routing in the Terminal Maneuvering Area, runway assignment and scheduling need to be optimized considering detailed models of the aircraft dynamics and performance. Due to the inhomogeneous nature and level of detail of these combined discrete and continuous decision problems, the optimization of the overall operations poses significant challenges. As part of an integrated approach to the solution of this hybrid problem, this work explores the generation of surrogate models for the fuel consumption of individual aircraft using optimal control methods to exploit the physical capability of the aircraft within an operationally permissible envelope. The surrogate models approximate the predicted fuel consumption of a given point-mass aircraft model on short generic trajectory segments. The trade-off between flight duration and fuel consumption on such segments is analyzed, focusing on the influences of initial aircraft mass, altitude, distance, mean climb angle, along-track wind velocity and linear wind shear. An extensive description of the optimal control-based data generation and surrogate modeling methodology is followed by a discussion of the effects of parameter variation. Based on an illustrative case study, the applicability of the approach is critically analyzed.
Characterization of Chilean hot spring-origin Staphylococcus sp. BSP3 produced exopolysaccharide as biological additive
Authors: Banerjee Srijan , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Tapia Jaime , Fabi João Paulo , Delattre Cedric , Banerjee Aparna
Published: February 2024

A type of high molecular weight bioactive polymers called exopolysaccharides (EPS) are produced by thermophiles, the extremophilic microbes that thrive in acidic environmental conditions of hot springs with excessively warm temperatures. Over time, EPS became important as natural biotechnological additives because of their noncytotoxic, emulsifying, antioxidant, or immunostimulant activities. In this article, we unravelled a new EPS produced by Staphylococcus sp. BSP3 from an acidic (pH 6.03) San Pedro hot spring (38.1 °C) located in the central Andean mountains in Chile. Several physicochemical techniques were performed to characterize the EPS structure including Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), 1D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was confirmed that the amorphous surface of the BSP3 EPS, composed of rough pillar-like nanostructures, is evenly distributed. The main EPS monosaccharide constituents were mannose (72%), glucose (24%) and galactose (4%). Also, it is a medium molecular weight (43.7 kDa) heteropolysaccharide. NMR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of a [→ 6)-⍺-d-Manp-(1 → 6)-⍺-d-Manp-(1 →] backbone 2-O substituted with 1-⍺-d-Manp. A high thermal stability of EPS (287 °C) was confirmed by TGA analysis. Emulsification, antioxidant, flocculation, water-holding (WHC), and oil-holding (OHC) capacities are   also studied for biotechnological industry applications. The results demonstrated that BSP3 EPS could be used as a biodegradable material for different purposes, like flocculation and natural additives in product formulation.

Graphical Abstract
Prediction of CBR by Deep Artificial Neural Networks with Hyperparameter Optimization by Simulated Annealing
Authors: Yabi Crespin Prudence , Agongbe Sètondji Wadoscky , Koto Tamou Bio Chéïssou , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan , Alamou Eric , Gibigaye Mohamed
Published: February 2024

The construction of pavements requires the complete identification of the soils in place and of the added materials. This identification consists in determining the class of the soils and in evaluating their bearing capacity through the California bearing ratio (CBR) index. Obtaining the CBR index is very costly in terms of time and financial resources, especially when it is a large-scale project. It thus leaves prospects of obtaining it by simpler processes; hence, it arises the need to find simpler processes compared to classical processes. This study develops models for predicting the CBR index from physical properties that are less complex to obtain, based on deep neural networks. To achieve this, three databases were used. A first database consists of the proportion of fines, the Atterberg limits and the Proctor references of the soils. A second database uses the methylene blue value instead of the Atterberg limits, and a third database uses only the proportion of fines and the Proctor soil reference. On each of the databases, a deep neural network model was developed using dense layers, regularization layers, residual blocks and parallelization in TensorFlow to predict the CBR value. Each model was formed by combining several deep neural networks developed according to specific architectures. To expedite training, the simulated annealing method was employed to optimize hyperparameters and define the optimal configuration for each network. The predictions obtained are correlated with the true values from 83.6 to 96.5%. In terms of performance, the models have a mean deviation ranging from 3.74 to 5.96%, a maximum deviation ranging from 12.43 to 16.2% and a squared deviation ranging from 0.781 to 2.189. The results suggest that the variable VBS has a negative impact on the accuracy of the networks in predicting the CBR index. The developed models respect the confidence threshold (± 10%) and can be used to set up a local or regional geotechnical platform.
Valuing patient perspectives in the context of eating disorders
Authors: Jaiprakash Harshita H. , MacKinnon Amy , Arnaud Sarah , Neal Jacob P.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper advocates for the inclusion of patient perspectives in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) for ethical, epistemological, and pragmatic reasons. We build upon the ideas of a recent editorial published in this journal. Using EDs as their example, the authors argue against dominant DSM-oriented approaches in favor of an increased focus on understanding patients’ subjective experiences. We argue that their analysis stops too soon for the development of practical—and actionable—insights into how to effect the integration of first-person and third-person accounts of EDs.

Methods

Contextual analysis was used to make the case for patient perspectives.

Results

We use anorexia nervosa (AN) as an example to demonstrate how the integration of patient manifestations and voices offers a promising methodology to improve patient diagnosis and treatment. We suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support patients with AN by reconciling their values with the values that arise from a clinician’s duty of care.

Conclusions

We conclude that there are no good scientific reasons to exclude first-person perspectives of EDs in psychiatry.

Level of evidence: Level V: Opinions based on clinical experience.
A particle finite element method approach to model shear cutting of high-strength steel sheets
Authors: Sandin Olle , Rodríguez Juan Manuel , Larour Patrick , Parareda Sergi , Frómeta David , Hammarberg Samuel , Kajberg Jörgen , Casellas Daniel
Published: February 2024

Shear cutting introduces residual strains, notches and cracks, which negatively affects edge-formability. This is especially relevant for forming of high-strength sheets, where edge-cracking is a serious industrial problem. Numerical modelling of the shear cutting process can aid the understanding of the sheared edge damage and help preventing edge-cracking. However, modelling of the shear cutting process requires robust and accurate numerical tools that handle plasticity, large deformation and ductile failure. The use of conventional finite element methods (FEM) may give rise to distorted elements or loss of accuracy during re-meshing schemes, while mesh-free methods have tendencies of tensile instability or excessive computational cost. In this article, the authors propose the particle finite element method (PFEM) for modelling the shear cutting process of high-strength steel sheets, acquiring high accuracy results and overcoming the stated challenges associated with FEM. The article describe the implementation of a mixed axisymmetric formulation, with the novelty of adding a ductile damage- and failure model to account for material fracture in the shear-cutting process. The PFEM shear-cutting model was validated against experiments using varying process parameters to ensure the predictive capacity of the model. Likewise, a thorough sensitivity analysis of the numerical implementation was conducted. The results show that the PFEM model is able to predict the process forces and cut edge shapes over a wide range of cutting clearances, while efficiently handling the numerical challenges involved with large material deformation. It is thus concluded that the PFEM implementation is an accurate predictive tool for sheared edge damage assessment.
Different tumor growth pattern of clinically nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumor according to sex and age: a longitudinal study
Authors: Park S. S. , Kang H. , Kim Y. H. , Kim J. H.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Asymptomatic patients with clinically non-functional pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (CNF-PitNETs) are usually followed up. However, the natural course of CNF-PitNETs according to sex and age remains unclear. Therefore, this study assessed growth patterns of CNF-PitNETs according to sex and age.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, we enrolled 431 consecutive patients with CNF-PitNETs who were treated at Seoul National University Hospital from 1997 to 2021. The patients underwent hormone function testing and visual field testing, and were subsequently followed up with imaging over a median duration of 66 months.

Results

The median age of the patients was 53.0 years, and 37.1% (n = 160) were men. Men were older and harbored more macroadenomas than women. The annual tumor volume change was higher in men than in women (0.21 vs. 0.04 cm3/year, P < 0.001). The estimated cutoff value of age for significant tumor growth was 51 years. In men, the annual tumor volume change was similar across all age groups. In women, those aged ≤ 50 years showed significantly lower annual tumor volume change than those aged > 50 years (0.01, 0.11, and 0.17 cm3/year, P = 0.001). When comparing sexes within the same age group, the annual tumor volume changes was significantly lower for women than for men, only in patients aged ≤ 50 years (0.01 vs. 0.15 cm3/year, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients with CNF-PitNET, tumor growth was slower in women aged ≤ 50 years than in men and women aged > 50. These findings may guide the customization of surveillance strategies for CNF-PitNETs according to sex and age.
Muskuloskeletale Beschwerden und Lebensqualität bei Entsorgern von Sperrmüll
Authors: Velasco Garrido Marcial , Kraft Alexander , Harth Volker , Preisser Alexandra M.
Published: February 2024

Die Tätigkeit der Sperrmüllentsorgung ist immer mit der manuellen Handhabung von Lasten verbunden, die mit einem hohen Risiko für Überbeanspruchung des muskuloskeletalen Systems einhergehen können. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war, die Prävalenz von muskuloskeletalen Beschwerden sowie mögliche Zusammenhänge mit der Lebensqualität unter Sperrmüllentsorgern zu untersuchen. Es wurde zwischen Juni und Oktober 2018 eine Fragebogenerhebung durchgeführt. Die 12-Monats-Prävalenz von Rückenschmerzen und von weiteren muskuloskeletalen Beschwerden wurden mit Instrumenten des Robert Koch Instituts (RKI) (entsprechend des Gesundheitssurvey 2003, DEGS) erhoben. Die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität wurde mit dem EQ-5D-Instrument der EuroQol-Gruppe erhoben. Die Gesamt-Lebensqualität wurde mit dem WHOQOL-Bref erfasst (Werte 0–100). Es nahmen 56 Männer an der Befragung teil (Rücklaufquote 53 %; Alter 46,2 ± 10,9 Jahre). Die 12-Monats-Prävalenz von Rückenschmerzen von jeder Dauer und Stärke lag bei 70,4 %, für Schulterbeschwerden bei 67,3 % und für Kniebeschwerden bei 63,6 %. Die 12-Monats-Prävalenz von chronischen Rückenschmerzen (Dauer ≥ 3 Monate) wurde mit 25 % ermittelt, die Lebenszeitprävalenz von chronischen Rückenschmerzen mit 29,6 %. Jeweils 20,3 % wiesen eine gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität ohne Einschränkungen oder mit leichten Einschränkungen in der Dimension „Schmerzen“ auf. In der visuellen Analogskala (VAS) wurde die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität mit 75,4 ± 15,6 Punkten bewertet. Die globale Lebensqualität erreichte den Wert 60,5 ± 21,9. Die gesundheitsbezogene und die globale Lebensqualität der Sperrmüllentsorger mit chronischen Rückenschmerzen waren niedriger als im Durchschnitt. Im Vergleich zu den Ergebnissen von Bevölkerungssurveys (z. B. BURDEN-Studie) weisen die Sperrmüllentsorger höhere Prävalenzen von muskuloskeletalen Beschwerden sowie geringere Lebensqualitätsscores auf. Angesichts der hohen ergonomischen Belastungen der Tätigkeit besteht Interventionsbedarf zur Reduktion der muskuloskeletalen Beanspruchung.
Influence of water coupling coefficient on the blasting effect of red sandstone specimens
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Renshu , Wang Yanbing , Fu Dairui
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the impact of different water coupling coefficients on the blasting effect of red sandstone. The analysis is based on the theories of detonation wave and elastic wave, focusing on the variation in wall pressure of the blasting holes. Using DDNP explosive as the explosive load, blasting tests were conducted on red sandstone specimens with four different water coupling coefficients: 1.20, 1.33, 1.50, and 2.00. The study examines the morphologies of the rock specimens after blasting under these different water coupling coefficients. Additionally, the fractal dimensions of the surface cracks resulting from the blasting were calculated to provide a quantitative evaluation of the extent of rock damage. CT scanning and 3D reconstruction were performed on the post-blasting specimens to visually depict the extent of damage and fractures within the rock. Additionally, the volume fractal dimension and damage degree of the post-blasting specimens are calculated. The findings are then combined with numerical simulation to facilitate auxiliary analysis. The results demonstrate that an increase in the water coupling coefficient leads to a reduction in the peak pressure on the hole wall and the crushing zone, enabling more of the explosion energy to be utilized for crack propagation following the explosion. The specimens exhibited distinct failure patterns, resulting in corresponding changes in fractal dimensions. The simulated pore wall pressure–time curve validated the derived theoretical results, whereas the stress cloud map and explosion energy-time curve demonstrated the buffering effect of the water medium. As the water coupling coefficient increases, the buffering effect of the water medium becomes increasingly prominent.
4D time lapse tomography for monitoring cave propagation and stress distribution in Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) PT Freeport Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Wahyu , Sahara David P. , Widiyantoro Sri , Suharsono Suharsono , Riyanto Erwin , Nukman Mochamad , Wattimena Ridho Kresna , Melati Sari , Sitorus Eric , Nainggolan Turgod , Putra I. Putu Raditya Ambara
Published: February 2024

Caving activity results in an increased induced seismicity which should be monitored to avoid massive and uncontrolled rock damage. This research was conducted at the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) underground mine, the deepest underground mine in Indonesia operated by PT Freeport Indonesia. This research aims to monitor cave propagation by using 4D tomography with a catalogue of microseismic for 57 days with a total of 14,821 events recorded by 84 stations consisting of 176,265 P phases and 133,472 S phases. The data is divided into four subsets to see the velocity evolution related to cave progress. Checkerboard Resolution Test (CRT) and Derivative Weight Sum (DWS) are used to assess the resolution of the inversion. 3D initial velocity model is constructed based on geological information and coring data. We have succeeded in identifying the interpreted cave propagation of a 60 m extension to the NW at around 100 m above undercut level based on 4D changes in velocity tomogram validate by Time Domain Reflectometry data. The decrease of Vp and Vs in subset 3 is interpreted due to the fracturing processes as the cave progresses. Furthermore, we observe a stress redistribution along with the progress of the cave, which is characterized by high velocities (Vp and Vs) due to compensation for changes in low velocity values ​​in the area in front of the cave, which is starting to collapse. We suggest that a considerable change in the velocity tomogram as an indicator of impending caving.
Exploring the welfare effects of RCEP—a quantitative analysis based on a structural model
Authors: Lin Faqin , Lv Yutong , Yang Haoming , Li Youqiang
Published: February 2024

Based on Caliendo and Parro’s general equilibrium model, this study used the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) tariff reduction schedule to quantify the trade and welfare effects of the RCEP on its members at different points in time and calculated the welfare for the counterfactuals of India’s accession to the RCEP and tariff reductions in other parts of the world. Quantitative simulations showed that the RCEP brought welfare to most members, with South Korea receiving the greatest welfare, followed by Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole, while China had the smallest improvement in trade and welfare effects. The RCEP mainly originated from the increase in the scale of trade, the terms of which tended to deteriorate. There were no significant welfare improvements for Singapore as a free trade port. Computers, electronic and optical products, and electrical equipment contributed most to the increase in the scale effect of China’s trade. In addition, this study found that the greater the tariff reductions among members, the stronger the welfare improvement effect, and that the welfare generated by the reduction of RCEP tariffs has an inverted “U” correlation with GDP. That is, when a country’s GDP falls below a certain threshold, there is a positive correlation between GDP and welfare. Beyond this threshold, there is a negative correlation between the two, which is consistent with trade theory, which states that large and small countries receive unequal benefits from opening up to trade.
Weakly supervised target detection based on spatial attention
Authors: Zhao Wenqing , Xu Lijiao
Published: February 2024

Due to the lack of annotations in target bounding boxes, most methods for weakly supervised target detection transform the problem of object detection into a classification problem of candidate regions, making it easy for weakly supervised target detectors to locate significant and highly discriminative local areas of objects. We propose a weak monitoring method that combines attention and erasure mechanisms. The supervised target detection method uses attention maps to search for areas with higher discrimination within candidate regions, and then uses an erasure mechanism to erase the region, forcing the model to enhance its learning of features in areas with weaker discrimination. To improve the positioning ability of the detector, we cascade the weakly supervised target detection network and the fully supervised target detection network, and jointly train the weakly supervised target detection network and the fully supervised target detection network through multi-task learning. Based on the validation trials, the category mean average precision (mAP) and the correct localization (CorLoc) on the two datasets, i.e., VOC2007 and VOC2012, are 55.2% and 53.8%, respectively. In regard to the mAP and CorLoc, this approach significantly outperforms previous approaches, which creates opportunities for additional investigations into weakly supervised target identification algorithms.
Coming to Terms with the European Refugee Crisis
Authors: Kriesi Hanspeter , Altiparmakis Argyrios , Bojár Ábel , Oană Ioana-Elena
Published: February 2024

The refugee crisis which hit the European Union and its member states during 2015–16 was just one in a series of recent crises, but perhaps the most critical for the EU's resilience. This book shows how policymakers in the EU polity have tried to come to terms with it. To explain how they reacted to the crisis domestically and jointly at the EU-level, the study relies on an original method to analyze political processes. It argues that the policy-specific institutional context and the specific crisis situation, defined in terms of asymmetrical problem and political pressure, largely shaped the crisis response. The authors suggest that the way in which the refugee crisis was managed has resulted in conflicts between member states, which have been further exacerbated in subsequent crises and will continue to haunt the EU in times to come. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.