bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Approaches to Estimate Flow Rate of Drip Irrigation Emitter Based on Structure Parameters and Pressure
Authors: Chen Xueli , Wei Zhengying , Wei Caixiang , He Kun
Published: February 2022

The agricultural water-saving irrigation systems need to be adapted to local conditions, and irrigation emitters with different flow rates need to be designed to meet actual needs. In this study, machine learning approaches were used to predict the flow rate of the labyrinth emitters. The structural parameters of the emitter [number of channel units (N), channel unit length (L), channel width (W), tooth height (H) and channel depth (D)] and working pressure (P) were considered as independent variables. The applied machine learning models included k-nearest neighbor (KNN), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM) and radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF-ANN). The accuracy of the machine learning model was evaluated by the mean square error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R
2). The results show that the MSE and R2 of the RBF-ANN model were higher than the corresponding parameters of the other three models, indicating the RBF-ANN model can predict the flow rate of the labyrinth emitter more accurately. The research provides a reference for the rapid design of emitters with different flow rate. It is helpful to realize the automation of agricultural irrigation, and then realize the construction of a smart agricultural irrigation system.
Design and test of a distributed control system of weeding robot based on multi-STM32 and CAN bus
Authors: Pan Dong , Gao Qiaoming , Zhao Pengfei , Zeng Junhao , Xu Peng , Xiang Hao
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the problems of a single control mode, complex signal line, serious interference and poor system stability of a traditional weeding machine, a distributed control idea was proposed. Based on STM32 as the main control chip, each control unit realizes motion control, detection control, command control, and the terminal was displayed in a centralized manner. Based on ISO11783 protocol, according to the actual requirements of the weeding robot, the CAN bus communication protocol was improved and formulated to form a distributed control system. The system can completely realized all the actions of the weeding robot. 1. Motion controls: robot forwards, backwards, turning and weeding knife up or down; 2. Detection feedback: a power chassis climbing angle calculation and weeding knife speed self-adjustment, battery power, engine fuel capacity display; 3. Control command input functions. The test results had shown that the control system is stable, responsive solid, design specifications. It could meet the requirements of practical application. Meanwhile, the real-time accuracy and reliability of a CAN bus application in the agricultural production control system were verified.
Droplet Distribution of an Autonomous UAV-based Sprayer in Citrus Tree Canopy
Authors: Meng Yanhua , Zhong Wanqiang , Liu Yue , Wang Meimei , Lan Yubin
Published: February 2022

Although Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are developed for military missions originally, they have been used widely in civil activities for several decades globally. In agricultural, UAVs have been developed as an efficient sprayer for pesticide application since 1987. UAV-based sprayers are popular for the prevention and control of pests and diseases in field crop in many countries recently. Some of the UAV-based sprayers are developed to be equipped with fruit tree mode aiming at solving droplet penetration in the inside and bottom part of the fruit tree canopy. In this study, a newly released UAV-based sprayer (i.e., T30) equipped fruit tree mode is chosen as spraying platform to optimize the spraying parameters for practical application. The flight velocity and application rate are the variables, while droplet coverage, density, size, and penetration are the observed metrics. Three treatments with different flight velocities (2 m s-1 or 3 m s-1) or application rates (60 L ha-1 or 75 L ha-1) are arranged to collect the droplets for assessment. Water Sensitive Papers (WSPs) are placed in the outside, bottom, and inside layers of the canopy to collect droplets. The results show that the treatment combined a flight velocity of 2 m s-1 and an application rate of 60 L ha-1 obtains the most droplets among all the variables based on the values of droplet coverage and density. The treatment with a flight velocity of 2 m s-1 and an application rate of 75 L ha-1 has the best penetration, while the treatment with a velocity of 2 m s-1 and an application rate of 60 L ha-1 takes the second place according to the percentages of droplet deposition in the three layers. Overall consideration of the total droplet distribution and penetration of the application parameters, a flight velocity of 2 m s-1 and an application rate of 60 L ha-1 are recommended to get an ideal droplet distribution in tree canopy when UAV-based sprayer T30 equipped with fruit tree mode flies at 1.6∼2 m above the citrus tree canopy.
Spatial-Temporal Semantic Neural Network for Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xie Fei , Shi Jianjun , Zhao Jing , Yang Jiquan , Ling Xu
Published: February 2022

Time series forecasting play an important role in many applications, and combining neural networks to forecast time series features can uncover many potential application situations. For example, forecasting traffic flow time series data is important for urban traffic planning and traffic management. Accurate forecasting of traffic flow provides the basis for road traffic control, which in turn improves traffic efficiency and reduces congestion. In this paper, STSeNN is proposed, which combines graph neural network and TCN to dynamically capture the spatial correlation, temporal correlation and semantic correlation of data. Experiments show that the prediction performance of STSeNN on the traffic flow datasets is more accurate compared with existing methods.
A Data Augmentation Method to Optimize Neural Networks for Predicting SOH of Lithium Batteries
Authors: Fan Yuanliang , Wu Han , Chen Weiming , Jiang Zeyu , Huang Xinghua , Chen Si-Zhe
Published: February 2022

Neural Network is an excellent methodology for predicting lithium battery state of health (SOH). However, if the data amount is insufficient, the neural network will be overfitted, which decreass the prediction accuracy of SOH. To solve this issue, a data augmentation method based on random noise superposition is proposed. The original dataset is expanded in this approach, which enhances the neural network’s generalization ability. Moreover, random noises simulate capacity regeneration, capacity dips and sensor errors during the actual operation of lithium batteries, which also improves the adaptive and robustness of the SOH prediction method. The proposed method is validated on mainstream neural networks, including long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks. In terms of the results, the proposed data augmentation method effectively improves the neural network generalization ability and lithium battery SOH prediction accuracy.
Application of Particle Swarm Optimization Combined with Long and Short-term Memory Networks for Short-term Load Forecasting
Authors: Han Mingchong , Tan Aiguo , Zhong Jianwei
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we apply the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to short-term load forecasting, and use the TensorFlow deep learning framework to build a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) model to optimize the parameters of the LSTM. Optimization (PSO) model to optimize the parameters of LSTM. In this paper, we use the meteorological data and historical load data of a certain place as the input of LSTM before and after optimization, and compare the model with the BP Neural Network before and after optimization, and the results show that the PSO-LSTM model has higher reliability and prediction accuracy.
Model Predictive Control : A Reinforcement Learning-based Approach
Authors: Pan Xia , Chen Xiaowei , Zhang Qingyu , Li Nannan
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a method of model predictive control, which combine the excellent data-driven optimization ability of reinforcement learning and model predictive control to design the controller. Different from the off-line design of MPC, reinforcement learning is based on the adaptation of on-line data to achieve the purpose of control strategy optimization. The reinforcement learning-based model predictive control can improve the control performance effectively. And the numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
YOPCB: A Single-stage Multi-attention Detection Network for PCB Surface Defects
Authors: Ge Yi , Zhou Yang , Yang Jiale , Zhang Yue , Xie Fei , Tang Xiaobo
Published: February 2022

With the miniaturization of electronic components, printed circuit boards (PCB) as a important component of them has become more and more complex and exquisite. Different defects in PCB can be found in modern industrial manufacture, such as lack of weld, lacking components, continuous welding, and the color ring resistance, resulting in low production. Accordingly, it is necessary to achieve the high rate of precision and efficiency when defecting during PCBs industrial production process. Considering that existing detection of PCB defects have a low efficiency, we propose an improved model YOPCB defecting PCB surface defects. Our improved model can achieve the precision of 97.6% mAP, which means our method is more efficient.
The Control Principle and Mathematical Model of Intelligent Solar Panels
Authors: Chen Wenxing , Dai Shuyang , Zheng Baojuan , Tang Zhuyan , Lin Hao
Published: February 2022

Energy is an important material that promotes social development and maintains human life. Clean energy has become a scientific research theme of open world which appeal to many scientists to research it. This paper inspired by the experience of sunflower growth. So we proposed a mathematical model for automatic adjustment of the maximum luminous flux for a limited solar panel, which can help to adjust the best light position. The physical model added to the light detector in the practical application, real-time comparison of the difference in illumination at different positions to adjust the direction of solar panel, thereby enhancing the utilization of light energy. In addition, in order to save space and prevent severe weather attacks, we designed a autofolding circle disc and retractable rectangular solar panels. The intelligent system judgement and decision making based on the electrical signals fed back by the wind sensor or the vibration sensor. When the wind speed reaches the threshold, it can be folded or contracted automatically, reducing manual maintenance. The fully automatic solar panels are designed in this paper, the research results show that theis model has a high utilization, strong sensitivity, safety and durability, and easy control. This is also a process of theoretical exploration of interdisciplinary services for the energy system.
Advances in the DTT poloidal interferometer/polarimeter design
Authors: Fiorucci D. , Fassina A. , Filippi F. , Mazzotta C. , Rocchi G. , Rossi R. , Terranova D. , Tudisco O. , Andreoli P. , Cipriani M. , Consoli F. , Gaudio P. , Gelfusa M. , Giudicotti L. , Innocente P. , Belpane A. , Mauro G. , Mascali D. , Naselli E. , Orsitto F.P. , Torrisi G.
Published: February 2022

A multi-channels poloidal interferometer/polarimeter is under development for the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) facility, a new tokamak device whose construction is starting in Italy. The aim of the diagnostics is the simultaneous measurement of the line integrated electron density, Faraday rotation and Cotton Mouton effect. The measurement of two polarimetric signals together with the interferometric one would allow for a robust electron density estimate, for the internal magnetic field measurement as well as for the magnetic equilibrium reconstruction. In this work, we present the advances in the diagnostics design whose characteristics are constrained by scientific requirements as well as the DTT structural aspects. In this regards, we have analyzed the possibility of accommodating up to 16 lines of sight in the available space and the contribution of different chords positions in the magnetic equilibrium reconstruction. In particular, we have used the VMEC and V3FIT codes to evaluate the expected interferometric/polarimetric signals and their contribution in the reconstruction of the q profile. These results have been used to optimize the chords positions. Eventually, we present a realistic CAD-driven design of the diagnostic, with details of the most critical components (e.g. the corner cube retroreflectors in the high field side), which would allow for the selected chords configurations implementation.
Decoupling between ecosystem photosynthesis and transpiration: a last resort against overheating
Authors: Krich Christopher , Mahecha Miguel D , Migliavacca Mirco , De Kauwe Martin G , Griebel Anne , Runge Jakob , Miralles Diego G
Published: February 2022

Ecosystems are projected to face extreme high temperatures more frequently in the near future. Various biotic coping strategies exist to prevent heat stress. Controlled experiments have recently provided evidence for continued transpiration in woody plants during high air temperatures, even when photosynthesis is inhibited. Such a decoupling of photosynthesis and transpiration would represent an effective strategy (‘known as leaf or canopy cooling’) to prevent lethal leaf temperatures. At the ecosystem scale, continued transpiration might dampen the development and propagation of heat extremes despite further desiccating soils. However, at the ecosystem scale, evidence for the occurrence of this decoupling is still limited. Here, we aim to investigate this mechanism using eddy-covariance data of thirteen woody ecosystems located in Australia and a causal graph discovery algorithm. Working at half-hourly time resolution, we find evidence for a decoupling of photosynthesis and transpiration in four ecosystems which can be classified as Mediterranean woodlands. The decoupling occurred at air temperatures above 35 ∘C. At the nine other investigated woody sites, we found that vegetation CO2 exchange remained coupled to transpiration at the observed high air temperatures. Ecosystem characteristics suggest that the canopy energy balance plays a crucial role in determining the occurrence of a decoupling. Our results highlight the value of causal-inference approaches for the analysis of complex physiological processes. With regard to projected increasing temperatures and especially extreme events in future climates, further vegetation types might be pushed to threatening canopy temperatures. Our findings suggest that the coupling of leaf-level photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, common in land surface schemes, may need be re-examined when applied to high-temperature events.
Electrically tunable toroidal Fano resonances of symmetry-breaking dielectric metasurfaces using graphene in the infrared region
Authors: Chen Yankai , Wang Yi
Published: February 2022

The magnitudes of coupling strength play an important role in various resonant phenomena such as Fano resonances (FRs). However, the coupling strength within the FRs using dielectric metasurfaces cannot be easily manipulated once they have been made. In this paper, toroidal FR is excited using the silicon metasurface with symmetry-breaking nanocylinders. Inserting a graphene layer with an ion-gel top gate onto the silicon metasurface, actively tunable response of a toroidal FR resulting from the manipulated coupling strength and the phase shift between two states. The hybrid graphene-silicon metasurface realize tunable Fano parameter (q) from −1.38 to −1.85 with applied voltage ranging from 0 to 2 v. Theoretical results predicted that higher q values are reachable relying on the hybrid graphene-silicon metasurface. The high-quality(Q)-factor (∼444) tunable FR of metasurface in the near-infrared region is observed. By applying a bias voltage to graphene obtain a blueshift of resonant wavelength (∼4 nm) with a maximum change of transmission spectrum peak up to 30%. These results have potential in high-efficient tunable electro-optic modulators, near-infrared optical switches, etc.
A DFT study of transition metal doped two-dimensional Bismuth (Bismuthene) for spintronics applications
Authors: Saini Shipra , Choudhary Sudhanshu
Published: February 2022

The effect of substitutional doping of transition metals such as Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc and Ru on the electronic and magnetic properties of two-dimensional bismuth (bismuthene) is investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) based simulations. The geometry optimisation results in covalent bonds between transition metal atoms and bismuthene atoms due to orbital hybridisation. The results suggest that semiconducting and non-magnetic behaviour of bismuthene can be altered by magnetically active dopants. The Nb, Tc and Ru doped bismuthene shows half metallic properties, and Zr and Mo doped bismuthene shows non-magnetic metal and magnetic semiconductor characteristics, respectively. Furthermore, Y doped bismuthene behaves as non-magnetic semiconductor like pristine bismuthene.
Software mitigation of coherent two-qubit gate errors
Authors: Lao Lingling , Korotkov Alexander , Jiang Zhang , Mruczkiewicz Wojciech , O'Brien Thomas E , Browne Dan E
Published: February 2022

Two-qubit gates are important components of quantum computing. However, unwanted interactions between qubits (so-called parasitic gates) can be particularly problematic and degrade the performance of quantum applications. In this work, we present two software methods to mitigate parasitic two-qubit gate errors. The first approach is built upon the Cartan’s KAK decomposition and keeps the original unitary decomposition for the error-free native two-qubit gate. It counteracts a parasitic two-qubit gate by only applying single-qubit rotations and therefore has no two-qubit gate overhead. We show the optimal choice of single-qubit mitigation gates. The second approach applies a numerical optimisation algorithm to re-compile a target unitary into the error-parasitic two-qubit gate plus single-qubit gates. We demonstrate these approaches on the CPhase-parasitic iSWAP-like gates. The KAK-based approach helps decrease unitary infidelity by a factor of 3 compared to the noisy implementation without error mitigation. When arbitrary single-qubit rotations are allowed, recompilation could completely mitigate the effect of parasitic errors but may require more native gates than the KAK-based approach. We also compare their average gate fidelity under realistic noise models, including relaxation and depolarising errors. Numerical results suggest that different approaches are advantageous in different error regimes, providing error mitigation guidance for near-term quantum computers.
Phase diagrams, quantum correlations and critical phenomena of antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on diamond-type hierarchical lattices
Authors: Zhang Pan-Pan , Gao Zhong-Yang , Xu Yu-Liang , Wang Chun-Yang , Kong Xiang-Mu
Published: February 2022

The spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic (AF) Heisenberg systems are studied on three typical diamond-type hierarchical lattices (systems A, B and C) with fractal dimensions 1.63, 2 and 2.58, respectively, and the phase diagrams, critical phenomena and quantum correlations are calculated by a combination of the equivalent transformation and real-space renormalization group methods. We find that there exist a reentrant behavior for system A and a finite temperature phase transition in the isotropic Heisenberg limit for system C (not for system B). Unlike the ferromagnetic case, the Néel temperatures of AF systems A and B are inversely proportional to

ln

Δ

c

−
Δ

(when Δ → Δc) and ln Δ (when Δ → 0), respectively. And we also find that there is a turning point of quantum correlation in the isotropic Heisenberg limit Δ = 0 where there is a ‘peak’ of the contour and no matter how large the size of system is, quantum correlation will change to zero in the Ising limit for the three systems. The quantum correlation decreases with the increase of lattice size L and it is almost zero when L ⩾ 30 for system A, and for systems B and C, they still exist when L is larger than that of system A. Moreover, we discuss the effects of quantum fluctuation and analyze the errors of results in the above three systems, which are induced by the noncommutativity.
Fabrication of Pt–Ag–Au heterogeneous truncated hollow sub-microspheres for chemically self-propelled colloidal motors
Authors: Wei Yi , Zhao Qian , Zhang Hongwen , Zhou Le , Cai Weiping
Published: February 2022

Colloidal motors with cavity structure, which have advantages over solid motors in catalytic efficiency, cargo capacity and biocompatibility, are still expected. Here, we design and fabricate a type of truncated hollow sub-microsphere via organic colloidal template etching/heating and layer-by-layer isotropic deposition. The as-prepared truncated hollow sphere is of one circular open pore through the shell layer and built of Pt, Ag and Au shell layers from inside to outside. They are controllable in sphere diameter, circular open pore size and shell thickness, which depend on the template and deposition conditions. Further experiments have shown that the Ag sandwich layer and post-deposition ageing process are crucial to obtaining strong and complete truncated hollow sub-microspheres. Their formation is attributed to the template geometry and nearly isotropic deposition. Due to the catalytic Pt layer on the inner surface and the truncated hollow spherical structure, such Pt–Ag–Au hollow spheres are demonstrated to be chemically propelled colloidal motors, which can directionally move in H2O2-containing solutions. This study presents a controllable route for mass-fabricating heterogeneous multi-layer truncated hollow sub-microspheres, and provides a new type of chemically self-propelled colloidal motor.
Monte Carlo simulation of ultrafast nonequilibrium spin and charge transport in iron
Authors: Briones J , Schneider H C , Rethfeld B
Published: February 2022

Spin transport and spin dynamics after femtosecond laser pulse irradiation of iron (Fe) are studied using a kinetic Monte Carlo model. This model simulates spin dependent dynamics by taking into account two interaction processes during nonequilibrium: elastic electron–lattice scattering, where only the direction of the excited electrons changes, and inelastic electron–electron scattering processes, where secondary electrons are generated. An analysis of the spin dependent particle kinetics inside the material shows that a smaller elastic scattering time leads to a larger spatial spread of electrons in the material, whereas generation of secondary electrons extends the time span for superdiffusive transport and increases the spin current density.
Automatic rule-based generation of spinal cord connectome model for a neuro-musculoskeletal limb in-silico
Authors: Pithapuram Madhav Vinodh , Raghavan Mohan
Published: February 2022

Studying spinal interactions with muscles has been of great importance for over a century. However, with surging spinal-related movement pathologies, the need for computational models to study spinal pathways is increasing. Although spinal cord connectome models have been developed, anatomically relevant spinal neuromotor models are rare. However, building and maintaining such models is time-consuming. In this study, the concept of the rule-based generation of a spinal connectome was introduced and lumbosacral connectome generation was demonstrated as an example. Furthermore, the rule-based autogenerated connectome models were synchronized with lower-limb musculoskeletal models to create an in-silico testbed. Using this setup, the role of the autogenic Ia-excitatory pathway in controlling the ankle angle was tested.
Stability and measurability of the modified lower dimension
Authors: Balka Richárd , Elekes Márton , Kiss Viktor
Published: February 2022

The lower dimension

dim
L

\dim _L

is the dual concept of the Assouad dimension. As it fails to be monotonic, Fraser and Yu [Adv. Math. 329 (2018), pp. 273–328] introduced the modified lower dimension

d
i

m

{ML}

dim_\textit {{ML}}

by making the lower dimension monotonic with the simple formula

d
i

m

{ML}

X
=
sup
{

dim
L

⁡
E
:
E
⊂
X
}

dim_\textit {{ML}}X=\sup \{\dim _L E: E\subset X\}

.

As our first result we prove that the modified lower dimension is finitely stable in any metric space, answering a question of Fraser and Yu.

We prove a new, simple characterization for the modified lower dimension. For a metric space

X
X

let

K

(
X
)

\mathcal {K}(X)

denote the metric space of the non-empty compact subsets of

X
X

endowed with the Hausdorff metric. As an application of our characterization, we show that the map

d
i

m

{ML}

:

K

(
X
)
→
[
0
,
∞
]

dim_\textit {{ML}}\colon \mathcal {K}(X)\to [0,\infty ]

is Borel measurable. More precisely, it is of Baire class

2
2

, but in general not of Baire class

1
1

. This answers another question of Fraser and Yu.

Finally, we prove that the modified lower dimension is not Borel measurable defined on the closed sets of

ℓ
1

\ell ^1

endowed with the Effros Borel structure.
Betti and Hodge numbers of configuration spaces of a punctured elliptic curve from its zeta functions
Authors: Cheong Gilyoung , Huang Yifeng
Published: February 2022

Given an elliptic curve

E
E

defined over

C

\mathbb {C}

, let

E

×

E^{\times }

be an open subset of

E
E

obtained by removing a point. In this paper, we show that the

i
i

-th Betti number of the unordered configuration space

C
o
n
f

n

(

E

×

)

\mathrm {Conf}^{n}(E^{\times })

of

n
n

points on

E

×

E^{\times }

appears as a coefficient of an explicit rational function in two variables. We also compute its Hodge numbers as coefficients of another explicit rational function in four variables. Our result is interesting because these rational functions resemble the generating function of the

F

q

\mathbb {F}_{q}

-point counts of

C
o
n
f

n

(

E

×

)

\mathrm {Conf}^{n}(E^{\times })

, which can be obtained from the zeta function of

E
E

over any fixed finite field

F

q

\mathbb {F}_{q}

. We show that the mixed Hodge structure of the

i
i

-th singular cohomology group

H

i

(

C
o
n
f

n

(

E

×

)
)

H^{i}(\mathrm {Conf}^{n}(E^{\times }))

with complex coefficients is pure of weight

w
(
i
)

w(i)

, an explicit integer we provide in this paper. This purity statement implies our main result about the Betti numbers and the Hodge numbers. Our proof uses Totaro’s spectral sequence computation that describes the weight filtration of the mixed Hodge structure on

H

i

(

C
o
n
f

n

(

E

×

)
)

H^{i}(\mathrm {Conf}^{n}(E^{\times }))

.
Estimating Subgroup Effects in Generalizability and Transportability Analyses
Authors: Robertson Sarah E , Steingrimsson Jon A , Joyce Nina R , Stuart Elizabeth A , Dahabreh Issa J
Published: February 2022

Methods for extending—generalizing or transporting—inferences from a randomized trial to a target population involve conditioning on a large set of covariates that is sufficient for rendering the randomized and nonrandomized groups exchangeable. Yet, decision makers are often interested in examining treatment effects in subgroups of the target population defined in terms of only a few discrete covariates. Here, we propose methods for estimating subgroup-specific potential outcome means and average treatment effects in generalizability and transportability analyses, using outcome model--based (g-formula), weighting, and augmented weighting estimators. We consider estimating subgroup-specific average treatment effects in the target population and its nonrandomized subset, and we provide methods that are appropriate both for nested and non-nested trial designs. As an illustration, we apply the methods to data from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (North America, 1975–1996) to compare the effect of surgery plus medical therapy versus medical therapy alone for chronic coronary artery disease in subgroups defined by history of myocardial infarction.
Job Demands and Resources and Employee Well-being among Social Workers in China: The Mediating Effects of Affect
Authors: Cheung Shannon P , Xie Xiaoxia , Huang Chien-Chung , Li Xia
Published: February 2022

Social workers’ jobs require a great deal of emotional labour and can lead to compassion fatigue and psychological distress. Whilst China has seen rapid development in the professionalisation of social work, the future of this field is threatened by high burnout and turnover, prompting a need to understand how best to support the well-being of social workers, who provide essential services to vulnerable community members. This study examines job demands (JD) and resources as antecedents of employee well-being (EWB) and whether these relations are mediated by positive and negative affect (NA). In a sample of 897 social workers based in Chengdu, China, JD had a total effect of −0.15 on EWB (p < 0.001), whilst job resources (JR) had a total effect of 0.52 on EWB (p < 0.001). About two-thirds of JD’s effects and half of JR’s effects on EWB were mediated by positive and NA. The mediation effects of positive and NA suggest that interventions that seek to increase positive affect and reduce NA may promote EWB in Chinese social workers.
Adult alcohol drinking and emotional tone are mediated by neutral sphingomyelinase during development in males
Authors: Kalinichenko Liubov S , Mühle Christiane , Jia Tianye , Anderheiden Felix , Datz Maria , Eberle Anna-Lisa , Eulenburg Volker , Granzow Jonas , Hofer Martin , Hohenschild Julia , Huber Sabine E , Kämpf Stefanie , Kogias Georgios , Lacatusu Laura , Lugmair Charlotte , Taku Stephen Mbu , Meixner Doris , Sembritzki Nina-Kristin , Praetner Marc , Rhein Cosima , Sauer Christina , Scholz Jessica , Ulrich Franziska , Valenta Florian , Weigand Esther , Werner Markus , Tay Nicole , Mc Veigh Conor J , Haase Jana , Wang An-Li , Abdel-Hafiz Laila , Huston Joseph P , Smaga Irena , Frankowska Malgorzata , Filip Malgorzata , Lourdusamy Anbarasu , Kirchner Philipp , Ekici Arif B , Marx Lena M , Suresh Neeraja Puliparambil , Frischknecht Renato , Fejtova Anna , Saied Essa M , Arenz Christoph , Bozec Aline , Wank Isabel , Kreitz Silke , Hess Andreas , Bäuerle Tobias , Ledesma Maria Dolores , Mitroi Daniel N , Miranda André M , Oliveira Tiago Gil , Lenz Bernd , Schumann Gunter , Kornhuber Johannes , Müller Christian P
Published: February 2022

Alcohol use, abuse, and addiction, and resulting health hazards are highly sex-dependent with unknown mechanisms. Previously, strong links between the SMPD3 gene and its coded protein neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (NSM) and alcohol abuse, emotional behavior, and bone defects were discovered and multiple mechanisms were identified for females. Here we report strong sex-dimorphisms for central, but not for peripheral mechanisms of NSM action in mouse models. Reduced NSM activity resulted in enhanced alcohol consumption in males, but delayed conditioned rewarding effects. It enhanced the acute dopamine response to alcohol, but decreased monoaminergic systems adaptations to chronic alcohol. Reduced NSM activity increased depression- and anxiety-like behavior, but was not involved in alcohol use for the self-management of the emotional state. Constitutively reduced NSM activity impaired structural development in the brain and enhanced lipidomic sensitivity to chronic alcohol. While the central effects were mostly opposite to NSM function in females, similar roles in bone-mediated osteocalcin release and its effects on alcohol drinking and emotional behavior were observed. These findings support the view that the NSM and multiple downstream mechanism may be a source of the sex-differences in alcohol use and emotional behavior.
Circulation of an Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria Lineage in a Traveler Returning from East Africa to France
Authors: Coppée Romain , Bailly Justine , Sarrasin Véronique , Vianou Bertin , Zinsou Boris Enock , Mazars Edith , Georges Hugues , Hamane Samia , Lavergne Rose Anne , Dannaoui Eric , Balikagala Betty , Fukuda Naoyuki , Odongo-Aginya Emmanuel I , Mita Toshihiro , Houzé Sandrine , Clain Jérôme
Published: February 2022

A returned traveler to Uganda presented with a Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 A675V mutant infection that exhibited delayed clearance under artesunate therapy. Parasites were genetically related to recently reported Ugandan artemisinin-resistant A675V parasites. Adequate malaria prevention measures and clinical and genotypic surveillance are important tools to avoid and track artemisinin resistance.
Survival after surgery of the ascending aorta: a matched cohort study
Authors: Skoglund Larsson Linn , Ljungberg Johan , Johansson Lars , Carlberg Bo , Söderberg Stefan , Brunström Mattias
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

Surgery of ascending aortic aneurysms is performed prophylactically or acute. The expected survival after surgery is uncertain. The goal of this study was to compare mortality in people with aortic surgery with matched controls.

METHODS

All patients undergoing ascending aortic surgery at Umeå University Hospital from 1988 to 2012, who previously participated in 1 of 3 population-based health surveys, were matched to 2 randomly selected controls from the same health survey and followed until death or until censoring on 24 August 2017, whichever came first. Mortality was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Cox regression analyses were made for all-cause mortality, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Deaths during the first 90 days after surgery and at >90 days postoperatively were studied separately.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 9.2 years. A total of 61 of 189 patients and 51 of 370 controls died [hazard ratio (HR) 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–4.01]. Mortality was increased during the first 90 days post-surgery (HR 43.4, 95% CI 5.83–323), as well as after the first 90 days (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.25–2.88) and after acute surgery (HR 6.05, 95% CI 2.92–12.56) as well as after elective surgery (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.35–3.27). Among 57 surgical patients with information about cause of death, 23 (40%) died of aortic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

During follow-up, more patients died than matched controls. Findings were consistent when adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and across subgroups. Both short-term and long-term postoperative deaths were increased as well.
Composition of the surgical team in aortic arch surgery—a risk factor analysis
Authors: Berger Tim , Kreibich Maximilian , Rylski Bartosz , Schibilsky David , Pooth Jan-Steffen , Fagu Albi , Zimmer Emmanuel , Pingpoh Clarence , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Czerny Martin , Siepe Matthias
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of varying experiences within each surgical team to identify team-related risk factors on clinical outcomes after total aortic arch replacement.

METHODS

Each surgeon was rated from 1 to 5, and a surgical team’s score was calculated (operating surgeon + assisting surgeon = team score) by relying on each member’s experience. A composite end point (mortality, stroke or spinal cord injury) was defined.

RESULTS

Total aortic arch replacement was performed in 264 patients by 19 cardiovascular surgeons. Analysis revealed that the composite end point was attained more frequently when the team score was <7 (n = 23; 29%) than >7 (n = 35; 19%) (P = 0.015). There was a significant difference depending on the surgeon’s experience [3 = 23 (35%); 4 = 9 (22%); 5 = 26 (17%); P = 0.008] and whether he was equally experienced (n = 9, 45%) or not as the assisting surgeon (n = 49, 20%; P = 0.015). Logistic regression revealed age >70 years [OR 2.93 (1.52–5.66); P = 0.001], previous stroke [OR 3.02 (1.36–6.70); P = 0.007], acute type A aortic dissection [OR 2.58 (1.08–6.13); P = 0.033], previous acute kidney injury [OR 2.27 (1.01–5.14); P = 0.049] and 2 surgeons with the same experience [OR 4.01 (1.47–10.96); P = 0.007] as predictors for the composite end point.

CONCLUSIONS

Total aortic arch replacement is equally safe whether an experienced surgeon carries it out or assists the procedure. A less experienced team may raise the risk for postoperative complications. Our data suggest an association of equally experienced surgeons in a team with worse outcomes than teams possessing different experience levels.
Sudden cardiac death in congenital heart disease
Authors: Khairy Paul , Silka Michael J , Moore Jeremy P , DiNardo James A , Vehmeijer Jim T , Sheppard Mary N , van de Bruaene Alexander , Chaix Marie-A , Brida Margarita , Moore Benjamin M , Shah Maully J , Mondésert Blandine , Balaji Seshadri , Gatzoulis Michael A , Ladouceur Magalie
Published: February 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for up to 25% of deaths in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). To date, research has largely been driven by observational studies and real-world experience. Drawbacks include varying definitions, incomplete taxonomy that considers SCD as a unitary diagnosis as opposed to a terminal event with diverse causes, inconsistent outcome ascertainment, and limited data granularity. Notwithstanding these constraints, identified higher-risk substrates include tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, cyanotic heart disease, Ebstein anomaly, and Fontan circulation. Without autopsies, it is often impossible to distinguish SCD from non-cardiac sudden deaths. Asystole and pulseless electrical activity account for a high proportion of SCDs, particularly in patients with heart failure. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is essential to improve outcomes. Pulmonary hypertension and CHD complexity are associated with lower likelihood of successful resuscitation. Risk stratification for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) should consider the probability of SCD due to a shockable rhythm, competing causes of mortality, complications of ICD therapy, and associated costs. Risk scores to better estimate probabilities of SCD and CHD-specific guidelines and consensus-based recommendations have been proposed. The subcutaneous ICD has emerged as an attractive alternative to transvenous systems in those with vascular access limitations, prior device infections, intra-cardiac shunts, or a Fontan circulation. Further improving SCD-related outcomes will require a multidimensional approach to research that addresses disease processes and triggers, taxonomy to better reflect underlying pathophysiology, high-risk features, early warning signs, access to high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and specialized care, and preventive therapies tailored to underlying mechanisms.
Misled by Evgenii Khaldei: “Budapest Ghetto” Photos Staged outside the Ghetto and Their False Narratives
Authors: Pastor Peter
Published: February 2022

World War II Soviet photojournalist Evgenii Khaldei gained fame in the West when his photographs of war victims were exhibited there in the 1990s. Among his Holocaust-related images are two iconic photos that he claimed were taken upon the January 18, 1945 liberation of the Budapest ghetto. One represents the wanton murder of Jews, the other their survival. Exhibited or published, these photos were accompanied by Khaldei’s brief stories about their subjects. The following examination proves that they were not taken in the ghetto, that they were staged, and that the stories Khaldei attached to them were false.
Energy Transition: A Labour Law Retrospective
Authors: Tomassetti Paolo
Published: February 2022

This article investigates labour law and industrial relations implications of the energy transition from fossil-fuels to renewable energy sources. It discusses how and why different energy paradigms and their political economies have affected labour and industrial relations institutions over time. It is argued that sustainability of working conditions depends largely on organised labour’s access to, and control over, the natural, energy resources on which workers’ livelihoods depend. Drawing on a novel literature that considers energy sources as a core analytical referent, the following trajectories are presented and discussed. While the possibility of labour control over the mining and distribution of coal has favoured the development of democratic institutions and welfare state in Western jurisdictions and in recently developed economies in the so-called Global South, ‘petro-capitalism’ and the political economy of nuclear energy have contributed to the dismantling of internal labour markets and to the crisis of classical labour law and industrial relations institutions. In contrast to oil and nuclear power, renewable energy sources could favour the transition from an extractive economic model to one that is generative and participatory: by democratising the political and economic power of energy, renewables might be able to better serve human welfare, labour and the environment. Technological progress will be a decisive factor in facilitating the democratisation of the energy system. No less important are the institutional, political and legal variables which will be needed in the process of concluding the energy transition and building the society that future generations of workers and citizens deserve.
Economic Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Infection in European Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Mao Zhuxin , Li Xiao , Korsten Koos , Bont Louis , Butler Christopher , Wildenbeest Joanne , Coenen Samuel , Hens Niel , Bilcke Joke , Beutels Philippe ,   RESCEU Investigators, Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Nair Harish , Campbell Harry , Pollard Andrew , Openshaw Peter , Martinon-Torres Federico , Heikkinen Terho , Meijer Adam , Fischer Thea K , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Rizkalla Bishoy , Vernhes Charlotte , Gallichan Scott , Aerssens Jeroen , Kumar Veena , Molero Eva
Published: February 2022

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus infections result in a considerable mortality and morbidity among the aging population globally. Influenza vaccination for older adults before the seasonal influenza epidemic has been evaluated to be cost-effective in many countries. Interventions against RSV in older adults are in the pipeline, and evaluating their cost-effectiveness is crucial for decision making. To inform such evaluations, our aim was to estimate average costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with RSV and influenza infection.

Methods

The European RESCEU observational cohort study followed 1040 relatively healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older during 2 consecutive winter seasons. Health care resource use and HRQoL were collected and analyzed during RSV episodes, and also during influenza episodes. Country-specific unit cost data were mainly obtained from national databases. Direct costs were estimated from a patient, health care provider, and health care payers’ perspective, whereas indirect costs were estimated from a societal perspective. Due to small sample size, no formal statistical comparisons were made.

Results

Thirty-six RSV and 60 influenza episodes were reported, including 1 hospitalization. Means (median; first-third quartile) of €26.4 (€5.5; 0–47.3) direct and €4.4 (€0; 0–0) indirect costs were reported per nonhospitalized RSV episode, and €42.5 (€36; 3.3–66.7) direct and €32.1 (€0; 0–0) indirect costs per nonhospitalized influenza episode. For RSV episodes, the utility value decreased from 0.896 (0.928; 0.854–0.953) to 0.801 (0.854; 0.712–0.937) from preseason to 1 week after symptom onset; for influenza, the change was from 0.872 (0.895; 0.828–0.953) to 0.664 (0.686; 0.574–0.797).

Conclusions

The average costs and HRQoL estimates of older adults treated outside the hospital can be used to inform the design of future studies and the decision making regarding interventions to prevent RSV infection in older adults. Larger studies are needed to provide better country-specific and complementary cost estimates and to allow for formal statistical comparison of costs between RSV and influenza.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03621930.
A novel modality for real-time measurement of provider happiness
Authors: Carlile Narath , Tantillo Sarah , Brown Michael , Bates David W , Choudhry Niteesh K
Published: February 2022

Objective

Physician burnout is at epidemic proportions, impacts clinical outcomes, and is very costly. Although there is emerging data about effective interventions, most physicians at risk of burnout do not seek help. Survey-based measures exist which can quantify burnout within populations, but these are usually only administered episodically. We hypothesized that a novel modality for real-time measurement of happiness and stressors would be acceptable, scalable, and could provide new actionable insights.

Materials

We developed a novel informatics system consisting of a networked smart button device, server, and analytics for measuring happiness, and stressors in real-time during clinical work. We performed an observational cohort study in 3 primary care clinics. Random and fixed effects modeling was used to analyze predictors of stress and happiness and we conducted a survey of usability and user acceptance of the novel system.

Results

We captured 455 recordings across 392 provider days from 14 primary care providers. In total, 85% of users found the device easy to use, and 87% would recommend the system to their colleagues. Happiness and stressors were observed in all working hours of the day, with a 22% reduction in feeling (the proportion of happiness to stressors) across a clinical day.

Discussion

We tested a novel system which providers found easy to use and enabled collection of detailed data. Limitations included being an observational study within a small number of clinics. A simple, unintrusive, scalable informatics system capable of measuring happiness, and stressors in real-time could be useful to healthcare organizations and teams.
Association of Medical Financial Hardship and Mortality Among Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: Yabroff K Robin , Han Xuesong , Song Weishan , Zhao Jingxuan , Nogueira Leticia , Pollack Craig E , Jemal Ahmedin , Zheng Zhiyuan
Published: February 2022

Background

Cancer survivors frequently experience medical financial hardship in the United States. Little is known, however, about long-term health consequences. This study examines the associations of financial hardship and mortality in a large nationally representative sample of cancer survivors.

Methods

We identified cancer survivors aged 18-64 years (n = 14 917) and 65-79 years (n = 10 391) from the 1997-2014 National Health Interview Survey and its linked mortality files with vital status through December 31, 2015. Medical financial hardship was measured as problems affording care or delaying or forgoing any care because of cost in the past 12 months. Risk of mortality was estimated with separate weighted Cox proportional hazards models by age group with age as the timescale, controlling for the effects of sociodemographic characteristics. Health insurance coverage was added sequentially to multivariable models.

Results

Among cancer survivors aged 18-64 years and 65-79 years, 29.6% and 11.0%, respectively, reported financial hardship in the past 12 months. Survivors with hardship had higher adjusted mortality risk than their counterparts in both age groups: 18-64 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.30) and 65-79 years (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.28). Further adjustment for health insurance reduced the magnitude of association of hardship and mortality among survivors aged 18-64 years (HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.24). Adjustment for supplemental Medicare coverage had little effect among survivors aged 65-79 years (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.29).

Conclusion

Medical financial hardship was associated with mortality risk among cancer survivors in the United States.