bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized, cross-over trial assessing effects of beverage sodium concentration on plasma sodium concentration and plasma volume during prolonged exercise in the heat
Authors: Wijering L. A. J. , Cotter J. D. , Rehrer N. J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study assessed whether increasing sodium in a sports drink above that typical (~ 20 mmol L−1) affects plasma sodium and volume responses during prolonged exercise in the heat.

Methods

Endurance trained males (N = 11, 36 ± 14 y, 75.36 ± 5.30 kg, $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max 60 ± 3 mL min−1 kg−1) fulfilled requirements of the study including one 1-h exercise pre-trial, to estimate fluid losses (to prescribe fluid intake), and two, experimental trials (3-h or until tolerance), in random order, cycling (55% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max, 34 °C, 65% RH). Beverages contained 6% carbohydrate and either 21 mmol L−1 (Low Na+) or 60 mmol L−1 sodium (High Na+). Analyses included linear mixed models and t-tests.

Results

Cycling time was similar 176 ± 9 min (Low Na+); 176 ± 7 min (High Na+). Fluid intake was 1.12 ± 0.19 L h−1; 1.14 ± 0.21 L h−1, resp. Body mass change was − 0.53 ± 0.40%;  − 0.30 ± 0.45%, resp. Sodium intake was 69 ± 12 mmol; 201 ± 40 mmol, resp. Plasma sodium concentration was greater in High Na+ than Low Na+ (p < 0.001); decreasing in Low Na+ (− 1.5 ± 2.2 mmol L−1), increasing in High Na+ (0.8 ± 2.4 mmol L−1) (p = 0.048, 95% CI [− 4.52, − 0.02], d = 0.99). Plasma volume decreased in Low Na+ (− 2 ± 2%) but remained unchanged in High Na+ (0 ± 3%) (p = 0.01, 95% CI [− 3.2, − 0.5], d = 0.80).

Conclusions

When conducting prolonged exercise in the heat, those who fully hydrate would benefit by increased sodium content of the beverage by improved plasma volume and sodium maintenance.

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000239460) 22/02/16.
Social context mediates the expression of a personality trait in a gregarious lizard
Authors: Brand Jack A. , Naimo Annalise C. , Michelangeli Marcus , Martin Jake M. , Sih Andrew , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G.
Published: September 2022

The social environment is a key factor that influences behavioural traits across a wide array of species. Yet, when investigating individual differences in behaviour, studies tend to measure animals in isolation from other conspecifics—even in social species. Surprisingly, whether behavioural traits measured in isolation are predictive of individual-level behaviour when in social groups is still poorly understood. Here, we repeatedly measured risk-taking behaviour (i.e. boldness; 741 total trials) in both the presence and absence of conspecifics in a social lizard, the delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata). Further, we manipulated food availability during group trials to test whether the effect of the social environment on risk-taking behaviour was mediated by competition over resources. Using 105 lizards collected from three independent populations, we found that individual risk-taking behaviour was repeatable when measured in either social isolation or within groups both with and without food resources available. However, lizards that were bolder during individual trials were not also bolder when in groups, regardless of resource availability. This was largely driven by individual differences in social behavioural plasticity, whereby individual skinks responded differently to the presence of conspecifics. Together, this resulted in a rank order change of individual behavioural types across the social conditions. Our results highlight the importance of the social environment in mediating animal personality traits across varying levels of resource availability. Further, these findings suggest that behavioural traits when measured in isolation, may not reflect individual variation in behaviour when measured in more ecologically realistic social groups.
Coupling 2D continuum and beam elements: a mixed formulation for avoiding spurious stresses
Authors: Klarmann Simon , Wackerfuß Jens , Klinkel Sven
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a novel approach to coupling beam and solid elements. Connecting standard beam elements with solid elements results in a situation where the solid part of the model covers the cross-sectional deformation, while at the beam part assumptions only consider the rigid body movement of the cross-section. Therefore, kinematic assumptions do not include cross-section deformations such as warping and contraction. Due to this restriction, spurious stresses occur at the transition zone. To circumvent this problem, this contribution introduces a mixed hybrid transition element based on an extended Hu–Washizu functional. The extension allows the cross-section to contract and warp. Compared with other approaches that include these phenomena, precomputation of the warping function is unnecessary. The present approach considers the cross-sectional deformation using local variables. On the solid interface, there are only displacement degrees of freedom (depending on the solid discretization), whereas on the beam interface, there are two displacement degrees of freedom and one rotation. This allows beam-like parts of the solid model to be replaced with standard beam elements without affecting the overall accuracy of the model. Besides solid–beam coupling, the proposed formulation can also be used to apply beam-like boundary conditions as well as stress resultants to the solid interface. For the sake of simplicity and without restricting generality, the underlying element formulation is introduced for the 2D linear elastic case. Numerical examples demonstrate that the transition element causes no spurious stress distributions on the solid part. The results of full solid models are compared with mixed beam–solid models.
Hasselt University’s Roadmap to a European University
Authors: Van Hellemont Elke , Vancauwenbergh Sadia
Published: September 2022

Hasselt University (UHasselt) recently joined EURECA-PRO, an eight-university partnership spanning seven European countries working to create a European University on Sustainable Consumption and Production. EURECA-PRO pursues sustainability research focused on the processes of resource extraction, production, and consumption in order to investigate the entire value chain of materials and products. EURECA-PRO partners and UHasselt have similar research expertise in the field of sustainability, present complementary educational profiles, and share multiple strategic policy priorities, such as inclusivity, lifelong learning, sustainability, and internationalisation. In what follows, we outline our motives and hopes in joining EURECA-PRO: the enhancement of international staff/student mobility, increased academic collaboration, further development of research/education innovation, and a positive spill over effects for UHasselt’s wider academic and geographical community. As a relatively new partner, UHasselt will invest substantially in communication strategies and initiatives to build connections between UHasselt staff/students and partnering institutions. UHasselt appreciates EURECA-PRO’s accomplishments to date and acknowledges the facilitation of UHasselt’s entrance into the alliance. Overall, UHasselt considers EURECA-PRO a valuable platform to enhance research, teaching, and public engagement on topics already a part of UHasselt’s DNA. At the same time, we believe that Hasselt University has meaningful contributions to make to EURECA-PRO, for example through expertise in international programmes, specialised and rare infrastructure (eg. Ecotron) and an established reputation as a leading research institute and teaching hub on topics, such as circular economy and energy transition, residing at the heart of the EURECA-PRO Alliance.
Exercise counselling and referral in cancer care: an international scoping survey of health care practitioners’ knowledge, practices, barriers, and facilitators
Authors: Ramsey Imogen , Chan Alexandre , Charalambous Andreas , Cheung Yin Ting , Darling H. S. , Eng Lawson , Grech Lisa , Hart Nicolas H. , Kirk Deborah , Mitchell Sandra A. , Poprawski Dagmara , Rammant Elke , Fitch Margaret I. , Chan Raymond J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Evidence supports the role of prescribed exercise for cancer survivors, yet few are advised to exercise by a healthcare practitioner (HCP). We sought to investigate the gap between HCPs’ knowledge and practice from an international perspective.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to HCPs working in cancer care between February 2020 and February 2021. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding exercise counselling and referral of cancer survivors to exercise programs.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 375 participants classified as medical practitioners (42%), nurses (28%), exercise specialists (14%), and non-exercise allied health practitioners (16%). Between 35 and 50% of participants self-reported poor knowledge of when, how, and which cancer survivors to refer to exercise programs or professionals, and how to counsel based on exercise guidelines. Commonly reported barriers to exercise counselling were safety concerns, time constraints, cancer survivors being told to rest by friends and family, and not knowing how to screen people for suitability to exercise (40–48%). Multivariable logistic regression models including age, gender, practitioner group, leisure-time physical activity, and recall of guidelines found significant effects for providing specific exercise advice (χ2(7) = 117.31, p < .001), discussing the role of exercise in symptom management (χ2(7) = 65.13, p < .001) and cancer outcomes (χ2(7) = 58.69, p < .001), and referring cancer survivors to an exercise program or specialist (χ2(7) = 72.76, p < .001).

Conclusion

Additional education and practical support are needed to equip HCPs to provide cancer survivors with exercise guidelines, resources, and referrals to exercise specialists.
Compact elliptic ring 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 MIMO-UWB antenna at 60 GHz for 5G mobile communications applications
Authors: Alassawi Sarah A. , Ali Wael A. E. , Ismail Nour , Rizk Mohamed R. M.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a new design of compact Multi Input and Multi Output (MIMO) elliptic ring antenna applied to 5G-UWB wireless mobile communications is discussed. There are two designs, first design consists of two radiators both are perpendicular in single side. The second design consists of four radiators and they are perpendicular to each other in single side. Those designs are compact with small size of substrate material Roger 4003 mounted over partial ground with dimensions of 30 × 30 × 0.203 mm3 for four antenna radiators and 15 × 30 × 0.203 mm3 for two antenna radiators. The operating frequency of the proposed designs which support MIMO microstrip patch antennas is 60 GHz for Milli-Meter short wave range applied for 5G Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) applications. The simulated results are validated by testing the fabricated antenna model and a good consistency is observed in terms of impedance and radiation characteristics. The diversity performance is also tested and good results are obtained in terms of ECC and DG.
Closed range Volterra-type integral operators and dynamical sampling
Authors: Mengestie Tesfa
Published: September 2022

We solve the closed range problem for Volterra-type integral operator on Fock spaces. Several applications of the result related to the operators invertibility, Fredholm, and dynamical sampling structures from frame perspectives are provided. We further prove a bounded Volterra-type integral operator preserves no frame property. On the contrary, the adjoint operator preserves frame if and only if it is noncompact but fails to preserve both tight frames and Riesz basis.
Mortality after chronic subdural hematoma is associated with frailty
Authors: Blaauw Jurre , Jacobs Bram , Hertog Heleen M. den , van der Gaag Niels A. , Jellema Korné , Dammers Ruben , Kho Kuan H. , Groen Rob J. M. , van der Naalt Joukje , Lingsma Hester F.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological disease often affecting the elderly. Long-term excess mortality for patients after CSDH has been suggested but causes of death are unknown. We hypothesize that excess mortality of CSDH patients is related to frailty. In this article, we describe mortality rates and causes of death of CSDH patients compared with the general population and assess the association of frailty with mortality.

Methods

A cohort study in which consecutive CSDH patients were compared to the general population regarding mortality rates. Furthermore, the association of six frailty indicators (cognitive problems, frequent falling, unable to live independently, unable to perform daily self-care, use of benzodiazepines or psychotropic drugs, and number of medications) with mortality was assessed.

Results

A total of 1307 CSDH patients were included, with a mean age of 73.7 (SD ± 11.4) years and 958 (73%) were male. Median follow-up was 56 months (range: 0–213). Compared with controls CSDH patients had a hazard ratio for mortality of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.2–1.5). CSDH patients more often died from cardiovascular diseases (37% vs. 30%) and falls (7.2% vs. 3.7%). Among CSDH patients frequent falling (HR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.7), inability to live independently (HR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), inability to perform daily self-care (HR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–1.9), and number of medications used (HR 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0–1.1) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

CSDH patients have higher mortality rates than the general population. Frailty in CSDH patients is associated with higher mortality risk. More attention for the frailty of CSDH patients is warranted.
Azolo substitution into the purine scaffold in nucleoside cyclic 3',5'-phosphorothioates
Authors: Andrei Mioara , Undheim Kjell
Published: September 2022

Azolation in the 8-position in the purine scaffold of cAMP (adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate) and cAMPS (adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate) provided derivatives with an azole ring directly attached to the purine via an annular azole nitrogen. Electrophilic bromination in the 8-position was followed by nucleophilic substitution with metalated azoles to afford 8-imidazo and 8-triazolo derivatives. The substrates were appropriately protected (Sp)-3′,5′-cyclic N-benzylphosphoramidate. A subsequent carbon disulfide promoted thiation reaction afforded corresponding (Rp)-8-azolo-3′.5′-cAMPS products. The reactions were stereoselective. The products as tri-n-butylammonium salts were soluble in organic solvents and were purified by chromatography. The ammonium salts were converted to sodium salts.

Graphical abstract
Psychotherapie als Gesellschaftspraxis. Integrativ-therapeutische und systemische Beiträge zu einer kontextsensitiven Psychotherapie
Authors: Luger Martin , Fehrmann Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

Unser Beitrag betrachtet Psychotherapie als soziale Praxis. Sie ist Phänomen ihrer Zeit, historisch situiert und aus groß angelegten, gesellschaftlichen Formierungsbewegungen gespeist. Ihr zentral ist die Befassung mit persönlichem Leid und dessen Einbettung in ökologische und dialektische Wirkfelder, die es aktiv mitgestalten. Der Text zieht vor allem wissenschaftshistorische, kulturanalytische und sozialwissenschaftliche Quellen heran. Entlang einer Theorie der Praxis argumentieren wir, dass Psychotherapie als spätmoderne Hervorbringung Individualisierung zuspitzen und zugleich lebensweltliche Bezogenheit, im Sinne einer Rekontextualisierung fördern kann. Es werden Beispiele aus integrativen und systemischen Therapieansätzen diskutiert, um deren Umwelt‑, Resonanz- und Kontextsensitivität zu beleuchten und Ausblicke auf eine allgemeine Psychotherapie als dialektisch-ökologische Praxeologie (Fischer 2008) zu geben. Psychotherapiewissenschaften haben Positionen von Gesellschaft, Intersubjektivität und sozialer Kognition zentral in ihre Erkenntnis- und Praxiswege mit einzubeziehen. Der Text argumentiert für die Stärkung sozialwissenschaftlicher, beispielsweise praxistheoretischer, phänomenologisch-lebensweltlicher und enaktiver Zugänge innerhalb der Psychotherapieforschung. Hiermit sind sowohl Ansätze einer 4e-cognition sowie kulturanalytische, sozialphänomenologische oder interaktionssoziologische Beiträge angesprochen.
Psychotherapie im Migrationskontext
Authors: Kostoula Olga
Published: September 2022

Migration und Flucht stellen vermutlich seit jeher bedeutende Bestandteile menschlicher Gesellschaften dar. Für die Psychotherapie sind sie aus zwei Hauptgründen relevant: Einerseits bringen Menschen, die migrieren, nicht selten psychische Belastungen beziehungsweise spezifische Herausforderungen mit sich. Andererseits konfrontieren Migrations- und Interkulturalitätsthemen Psychotherapeut*innen mit einer Reihe von methodischen und Grundsatzfragen. Eine zentrale psychotherapeutische Herausforderung betrifft die Gestaltung und die Inanspruchnahme psychotherapeutischer Leistungen. Obwohl Psychotherapie für viele Migrant*innen und Geflüchtete indiziert erscheint, existieren gerade bei diesen Zielgruppen mannigfaltige Hürden, wozu vorerst sprachliche und institutionelle Rahmenbedingungen gehören. Hinzu kommen Aspekte der psychotherapeutischen Praxis, die nicht immer auf dem ersten Blick als kulturabhängig erkannt werden. Dazu gehören Krankheitskonzepte, die auf andere Erklärungen fußen als die psychotherapeutische Krankheitslehre, mangelhafte Vertrautheit einiger Psychotherapeut*innen mit derartigen Konzepten oder Wissenslücken seitens der Klient*innen über die Möglichkeiten der Psychotherapie. Ausgehend von speziellen Gesundheitsbelastungen von Menschen mit Migrations- und Fluchterfahrungen werden im Beitrag Herausforderungen für die psychotherapeutische Versorgung erörtert. Soziokulturelle Hintergründe, die das Verständnis von und den Umgang mit psychischen Erkrankungen beeinflussen, werden auf Basis der transkulturellen Psychiatrie und der transkulturellen Kompetenz beleuchtet. Der Beitrag schließt mit Implikationen dieser Ansätze für die psychotherapeutische Praxis.
Fear of the new? Geckos hesitate to attack novel prey, feed near objects and enter a novel space
Authors: Szabo Birgit , Ringler Eva
Published: September 2022

Neophobia, the fear of novelty, is an ecologically important response which enables animals to avoid potentially harmful situations. Neophobia is a cognitive process by which individuals distinguish novelty from familiarity. In this study, we aimed to quantify this cognitive process in captive tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) across three contexts: when encountering novel prey, foraging near novel objects and entering a novel space. We also investigated individual consistency across trials using different novel stimuli, and correlation of individual responses across the three contexts. We found that geckos hesitate to attack novel prey and prey close to objects (familiar and novel). Geckos hesitated the most when entering novel space. Repeatability of behaviour within and across contexts was low (R = 0.101–0.190) indicating that neophobia might not be expressed similarly across contexts. The strength of a neophobic response can indicate how anxious or curious an individual is. This test has great potential to help answer questions about how captivity, enrichment, rearing environment and cognition affect fear responses in different contexts in lizards. By studying reptiles, we can better understand the universality of what is known about the causes leading to difference in neophobia across individuals and species.
A comparative study of mirror self-recognition in three corvid species
Authors: Vanhooland Lisa-Claire , Szabó Anita , Bugnyar Thomas , Massen Jorg J. M.
Published: September 2022

Mirror self-recognition (MSR) assessed by the Mark Test has been the staple test for the study of animal self-awareness. When tested in this paradigm, corvid species return discrepant results, with only the Eurasian magpies and the Indian house crow successfully passing the test so far, whereas multiple other corvid species fail. The lack of replicability of these positive results and the large divergence in applied methodologies calls into question whether the observed differences are in fact phylogenetic or methodological, and, if so, which factors facilitate the expression of MSR in some corvids. In this study, we (1) present new results on the self-recognition abilities of common ravens, (2) replicate results of azure-winged magpies, and (3) compare the mirror responses and performances in the mark test of these two corvid species with a third corvid species: carrion crows, previously tested following the same experimental procedure. Our results show interspecies differences in the approach of and the response to the mirror during the mirror exposure phase of the experiment as well as in the subsequent mark test. However, the performances of these species in the Mark Test do not provide any evidence for their ability of self-recognition. Our results add to the ongoing discussion about the convergent evolution of MSR and we advocate for consistent methodologies and procedures in comparing this ability across species to advance this discussion.
Pediatric tumefactive multiple sclerosis case (with baló-like lesions), diagnostic and treatment challenges
Authors: Kamari Christina , Galanakis Emmanouil , Raissaki Maria , Briassoulis George , Vlachaki Georgia , Vorgia Pelagia
Published: September 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, rare during childhood. MS variations, like tumefactive MS and Balo concentric sclerosis, constitute puzzling to treat diagnostic dilemmas for pediatric patients. Differential diagnosis, mainly from brain tumors, is an absolute necessity. In addition, apart from treating acute attacks, immunomodulatory alternatives are limited.

Case

We present a 12.5-year-old boy diagnosed, 5 years ago, with tumefactive relapsing–remitting MS, with severe recurrent clinical attacks. Definite diagnosis of demyelination was achieved via combined brain imaging including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR spectroscopy and computed tomography, avoiding brain biopsy. Acute attacks showed satisfactory response to aggressive treatment choices, like plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide, but age-appropriate immunomodulating treatment was available, only 2 years later. Finally, after a last radiological relapse, when he was 10 years old, fingolimod was initiated. He has been clinically and radiologically stable since, presenting an excellent treatment tolerance.
Predictions of machine learning with mixed-effects in analyzing longitudinal data under model misspecification
Authors: Hu Shuwen , Wang You-Gan , Drovandi Christopher , Cao Taoyun
Published: September 2022

We consider predictions in longitudinal studies, and investigate the well known statistical mixed-effects model, piecewise linear mixed-effects model and six different popular machine learning approaches: decision trees, bagging, random forest, boosting, support-vector machine and neural network. In order to consider the correlated data in machine learning, the random effects is combined into the traditional tree methods and random forest. Our focus is the performance of statistical modelling and machine learning especially in the cases of the misspecification of the fixed effects and the random effects. Extensive simulation studies have been carried out to evaluate the performance using a number of criteria. Two real datasets from longitudinal studies are analysed to demonstrate our findings. The R code and dataset are freely available athttps://github.com/shuwen92/MEML.
High Incidence, Reinfections, and Active Syphilis in Populations Attending a Specialized HIV Clinic in Mexico, a Dynamic Cohort Study
Authors: Tumalán-Gil Omar David , Ruiz-González Verónica , García-Cisneros Santa , González-Rodríguez Andrea , Herrera-Ortiz Antonia , Olamendi-Portugal Maria , Sánchez-Alemán Miguel Angel
Published: September 2022

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, has reemerged in many vulnerable groups around the world. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of syphilis among people who attended a specialized HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011 to 2015. Databases from the laboratory were analyzed, and the following four groups were formed: people seeking HIV-1 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), people in prison (PPr), people living with HIV (PLWH), and patients from primary care clinics (others). The diagnosis of syphilis was made using the reverse algorithm; antibody titers were examined to determine the stage of infection. Baseline data were analyzed and, with follow-up information, a retrospective dynamic cohort was formed. Factors associated with the seroprevalence of syphilis and active syphilis were evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, risk factors for the incidence of syphilis were described. A total of 81,863 baseline individuals were analyzed. The seroprevalence of syphilis was 9.9% in the VCT group, 8.2% in the PPr group, 37.0% in the PLWH group, and 8.7% in the others group; the prevalence of active syphilis was 1.7–13.1%. A total of 11,124 people were followed up. The incidence (cases per 100 person-years) was 3.5 among the VCT group, 16.0 among the PLWH group, and < 0.1 among both the PPr and others groups, respectively; moreover, the frequency of reinfections was 11.1–24.4%. The high prevalence and incidence of syphilis, active syphilis, and reinfections among men, transgender people, individuals aged 20–39 years, and people with a history of HIV or hepatitis B suggest that it is critical to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures to stop the reemergence of syphilis. There are also new factors such as methamphetamine use, group sex, or contacting partners over the internet that are associated with syphilis. In addition, HIV preexposure prophylaxis could contribute to the increased incidence of syphilis by providing false security in the prevention of STIs, thereby increasing risky sexual behaviors.
Differentiability results and sensitivity calculation for optimal control of incompressible two-phase Navier-Stokes equations with surface tension
Authors: Diehl Elisabeth , Haubner Johannes , Ulbrich Michael , Ulbrich Stefan
Published: September 2022

We analyze optimal control problems for two-phase Navier-Stokes equations with surface tension. Based on $$L_p$$

L
p

-maximal regularity of the underlying linear problem and recent well-posedness results of the problem for sufficiently small data we show the differentiability of the solution with respect to initial and distributed controls for appropriate spaces resulting from the $$L_p$$

L
p

-maximal regularity setting. We consider first a formulation where the interface is transformed to a hyperplane. Then we deduce differentiability results for the solution in the physical coordinates. Finally, we state an equivalent Volume-of-Fluid type formulation and use the obtained differentiability results to derive rigorosly the corresponding sensitivity equations of the Volume-of-Fluid type formulation. For objective functionals involving the velocity field or the discontinuous pressure or phase indciator field we derive differentiability results with respect to controls and state formulas for the derivative. The results of the paper form an analytical foundation for stating optimality conditions, justifying the application of derivative based optimization methods and for studying the convergence of discrete sensitivity schemes based on Volume-of-Fluid discretizations for optimal control of two-phase Navier-Stokes equations.
Environmental impacts due to the use of sunscreen products: a mini-review
Authors: Chatzigianni Myrto , Pavlou Panagoula , Siamidi Angeliki , Vlachou Marilena , Varvaresou Athanasia , Papageorgiou Spyridon
Published: September 2022

Sunscreen use has increased in recent years, as sunscreen products minimize the damaging effects of solar radiation. Active ingredients called ultraviolet (UV) filters or UV agents, either organic or inorganic, responsible for defending skin tissue against harmful UV rays, are incorporated in sunscreen formulations. UV agents have a serious impact on many members of bio communities, and they are transferred to the environment either directly or indirectly. Many organic UV filters are found to be accumulated in marine environments because of high values of the octanol/water partition coefficient. However, due to the fact that UV agents are not stable in water, unwanted by-products may be formed. Experimental studies or field observations have shown that organic UV filters tend to bioaccumulate in various aquatic animals, such as corals, algae, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, marine vertebrates. This review was conducted in order to understand the effects of UV agents on both the environment and marine biota. In vivo and in vitro studies of UV filters show a wide range of adverse effects on the environment and exposed organisms. Coral bleaching receives considerable attention, but the scientific data identify potential toxicities of endocrine, neurologic, neoplastic and developmental pathways. However, more controlled environmental studies and long-term human use data are limited. Several jurisdictions have prohibited specific UV filters, but this does not adequately address the dichotomy of the benefits of photoprotection vs lack of eco-friendly, safe, and approved alternatives.
Enforcing ethical goals over reinforcement-learning policies
Authors: Neufeld Emery A. , Bartocci Ezio , Ciabattoni Agata , Governatori Guido
Published: September 2022

Recent years have yielded many discussions on how to endow autonomous agents with the ability to make ethical decisions, and the need for explicit ethical reasoning and transparency is a persistent theme in this literature. We present a modular and transparent approach to equip autonomous agents with the ability to comply with ethical prescriptions, while still enacting pre-learned optimal behaviour. Our approach relies on a normative supervisor module, that integrates a theorem prover for defeasible deontic logic within the control loop of a reinforcement learning agent. The supervisor operates as both an event recorder and an on-the-fly compliance checker w.r.t. an external norm base. We successfully evaluated our approach with several tests using variations of the game Pac-Man, subject to a variety of “ethical” constraints.
The Mentoring Relationship with the Closest Grandparent and Identity Processes Among Emerging Adult Grandchildren in Poland: The Role of Perceived Grandparents’ Perspective Taking
Authors: Michałek-Kwiecień Justyna
Published: September 2022

The aim of the current study was to examine the mentoring relationship with the closest grandparent, considering perceived grandparent’s perspective taking, and identity processes among Polish emerging adult grandchildren. A total of 424 emerging adults (41.3% male) aged 18–25 completed self-assessment measures. The structural equation modeling analysis revealed positive associations between perception of mentoring relationships with the closest grandparent (mostly grandmother), their perspective taking, and emerging adults’ identity synthesis. The results indicated no significant gender differences in the hypothesized model. To sum up, relationships with grandparents may be perceived as important in promoting coherent identity development among emerging adults.
Influence of annealing temperature on structural, electrical, and optical properties of 80 nm thick indium-doped tin oxide on borofloat glass
Authors: Abd-Elnaiem Alaa M. , Hakamy A.
Published: September 2022

The influences of annealing temperature (473–573 K) on the crystal structure, linear/nonlinear optical parameters, and electrical characteristics of 80 nm thick indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) thin films are investigated. Thermal annealing induces the crystal structure in the ITO. As-prepared and annealed ITO have various morphologies depending on the annealing temperature, such as nanoplates and dendritic and spherical nanoparticles. As the substrate temperature increased up to 370 K, the electrical resistivity and sheet resistance of as-prepared ITO decreased dramatically and then slightly decreased as the substrate temperature further increased. The electrical conductivity and activation energy for the various processes were estimated. The reflectance (R) and transmittance (T) data are used to calculate the linear/nonlinear optical constants and parameters. The optical bandgap increased from 3.18 to 3.8 eV as the annealing temperature increased from room temperature to 573 K. Crystallinity is improved due to the annealing and hence an enhancement in the optical energy bandgap is achieved. Meanwhile, high-temperature annealing reversibly affected the optical bandgap energy of ITO thin films via reduction and oxidation reactions. Thermal annealing of ITO films improves crystal structure, visual transparency, and electrical conductivity, making it the preferred material for optoelectronic devices and solar cells.
THE 1ST LEVEL GENERAL FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVES AND SOME OF THEIR PROPERTIES
Authors: Luchko Yuri
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we first provide a short summary of the main properties of the so-called general fractional derivatives with the Sonin kernels introduced so far. These are integro-differential operators defined as compositions of the first order derivative and an integral operator of convolution type. Depending on succession of these operators, the general fractional derivatives of the Riemann-Liouville and of the Caputo types were defined and studied. The main objective of this paper is a construction of the 1st level general fractional derivatives that comprise both the general fractional derivative of the Riemann-Liouville type and the general fractional derivative of the Caputo type. We also provide some of their properties including the 1st and the 2nd fundamental theorems of Fractional Calculus for these derivatives and the suitably defined general fractional integrals.
Averaged cubature schemes on the real positive semiaxis
Authors: Djukić Dušan Lj , Fermo Luisa , Djukić Rada M. Mutavdžić
Published: September 2022

Stratified cubature rules are proposed to approximate double integrals defined on the real positive semiaxis. In particular, anti-Gauss cubature formulae are introduced and averaged cubature schemes are developed. Some of their appropriate modifications are also studied. Several numerical experiments are given to testify the performance of all the formulae.
Quadratic and higher-order unconstrained binary optimization of railway rescheduling for quantum computing
Authors: Domino Krzysztof , Kundu Akash , Salehi Özlem , Krawiec Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

As consequences of disruptions in railway traffic affect passenger experience and satisfaction, appropriate rerouting and/or rescheduling is necessary. These problems are known to be NP-hard, given the numerous restrictions of traffic nature. With the recent advances in quantum technologies, quantum annealing has become an alternative method to solve such optimization problems. To use quantum annealing, the problem needs to be encoded in quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) or higher-order binary optimization (HOBO) formulation that can be recast as a QUBO. This paper introduces QUBO and HOBO representations for rescheduling problems of railway traffic management; the latter is a new approach up to our knowledge. This new approach takes into account not only the single-track lines but also the double- and multi-track lines, as well as stations composed of tracks and switches. We consider the conditions of minimal headway between trains, minimal stay on stations, track occupation, and rolling stock circulation. Furthermore, a hybrid quantum-classical procedure is presented that includes rerouting. We demonstrate the proof of concept implementation on the D-Wave Quantum Processing Unit and D-Wave hybrid solver.
Backtesting stochastic mortality models by prediction interval-based metrics
Authors: Scognamiglio Salvatore , Marino Mario
Published: September 2022

Human lifespan increments represent one of the main current risks for governments and pension and health benefits providers. Longevity societies imply financial sustainability challenges to guarantee adequate socioeconomic conditions for all individuals for a longer period. Consequently, modelling population dynamics and projecting future longevity scenarios are vital tasks for policymakers. As an answer, the demographic and the actuarial literature have been introduced and compared to several stochastic mortality models, although few studies have thoroughly tested the uncertainty concerning mortality projections. Forecasting mortality uncertainty levels have a central role since they reveal the potential, unexpected longevity rise and the related economic impact. Therefore, the present study poses a methodological framework to backtest uncertainty in mortality projections by exploiting uncertainty metrics not yet adopted in mortality literature. Using the data from the Human Mortality Database of the male and female populations of five countries, we present some numerical applications to illustrate how the proposed criterion works. The results show that there is no mortality model overperforming the others in all cases, and the best model choice depends on the data considered.
The preference for belief, issue polarization, and echo chambers
Authors: Baumgaertner Bert , Justwan Florian
Published: September 2022

Some common explanations of issue polarization and echo chambers rely on social or cognitive mechanisms of exclusion. Accordingly, suggested interventions like “be more open-minded” target these mechanisms: avoid epistemic bubbles and don’t discount contrary information. Contrary to such explanations, we show how a much weaker mechanism—the preference for belief—can produce issue polarization in epistemic communities with little to no mechanisms of exclusion. We present a network model (with an empirically-validated structure) that demonstrates how a dynamic interaction between the preference for belief and common structures of epistemic communities can turn very small unequal distributions of initial beliefs into full-blown polarization. This points to a different class of explanations, one that emphasizes the importance of the initial spread of information. We also show how our model complements extant explanations by including a version of biased assimilation and motivated reasoning—cognitive mechanisms of exclusion. We find that mechanisms of exclusion can exacerbate issue polarization, but may not be the ultimate root of it. Hence, the recommended interventions suggested by extant literature is expected to be limited and the problem of issue polarization to be even more intractable.
Injuries in Canadian high school boys’ collision sports: insights across football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and rugby
Authors: West Stephen W. , Pankow Mark. P. , Gibson Eric S. , Eliason Paul H. , Black Amanda M. , Emery Carolyn A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Collision sport participation rates among high school youth in Canada are high. While participation is beneficial for physical and mental well-being, the rates of injury in these sports are high.

Aims

This study aims to compare injury rates and profiles across four common youth collision sports (ice hockey, tackle football, lacrosse, rugby).

Methods

Data from a cross-sectional questionnaire of 2029 high school youth were used to identify male collision sport participants to be included in this secondary analysis (n = 360).

Results

Of the 2029 students who completed the questionnaire, 360 participated in collision-based sports [Ages: 14 (5%), 15 (41%), 16 (25%), 17 (26%), 18 (3%)]. The rates of injury ranged from 12.7 injuries/100 participants/year (rugby) to 33.1 injuries/100 participants/year (ice hockey). Concussion rates ranged from 12.4 (football) to 15.8 (ice hockey) concussions/100 participants/year. Similarities existed in the profile of injuries between sports, with most injuries occurring due to contact with another player (range 57.0% to 87.5%). Injuries to the head (33.3%), wrist/hand (16.0%), shoulder (12.8%), and knee (12.0%) were the most prevalent injury type. Substantial differences in previous playing experience existed between sports.

Discussion

The high rate of injury and concussion reported across each of these sports highlights the need for the introduction of primary prevention strategies in these sports aimed to reduce the risk of injury.
Circulatory health risks from additive multi-pollutant models: short-term exposure to three common air pollutants in Canada
Authors: Shin Hwashin Hyun , Owen James , Maquiling Aubrey , Parajuli Rajendra Prasad , Smith-Doiron Marc
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies have reported adverse health effects of ambient air pollution on circulatory health outcomes mainly based on single-pollutant models. However, limited studies have focused on adjusted effect of multi-pollutant exposures on public health. This study aimed to examine short-term effects of three common air pollutants—ground-level ozone (ozone), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—through multi-pollutant models for mixed effect of adjustment. Daily data (circulatory hospitalization and mortality) and hourly data (air pollutants and temperature) were collected for 24 Canadian cities for 2001–2012. We applied generalized additive over-dispersion Poisson regression models with 1, 2, or 3 pollutants for city-specific risks, and Bayesian hierarchical models for national risks. This study found little mixed effect of adjustment through multi-pollutant models (ozone and/or NO2 and/or PM2.5) for circulatory hospitalization or mortality in Canada for 2001–2012, indicating that the 1-pollutant model did not result in considerable under- or over-estimates. It seemed weak-to-moderate correlations among air pollutants did not change the significant effect of one air pollutant after accounting for others. Inconsistent findings between other previous studies and this study indicate the need of comparable study design for multi-pollutant effect analysis.
Dinitroaniline herbicides: a comprehensive review of toxicity and side effects on animal non-target organisms
Authors: Giglio Anita , Vommaro Maria Luigia
Published: September 2022

The widespread use of herbicides has increased concern about the hazards and risks to animals living in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. A comprehensive understanding of their effective action at different levels of biological organization is critical for establishing guidelines to protect ecosystems and human health. Dinitroanilines are broad-spectrum pre-emergence herbicides currently used for weed control in the conventional agriculture. They are considered extremely safe agrochemicals because they act specifically on tubulin proteins and inhibit shoot and root growth of plants. However, there is a lack of toxicity information regarding the potential risk of exposure to non-target organisms. The aim of the present review is to focus on side effects of the most commonly used active ingredients, e.g. pendimethalin, oryzalin, trifluralin and benfluralin, on animal non-target cells of invertebrates and vertebrates. Acute toxicity varies from slightly to high in terrestrial and aquatic species (i.e. nematodes, earthworms, snails, insects, crustaceans, fish and mammals) depending on the species-specific ability of tested organisms to adsorb and discharge toxicants. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and activation of oxidative stress pathways as well as alterations of physiological, metabolic, morphological, developmental and behavioural traits, reviewed here, indicate that exposure to sublethal concentrations of active ingredients poses a clear hazard to animals and humans. Further research is required to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of action of these herbicides in the animal cell and on biological functions at multiple levels, from organisms to communities, including the effects of commercial formulations.
Can the Kuznetsov Model Replicate and Predict Cancer Growth in Humans?
Authors: El Wajeh Mohammad , Jung Falco , Bongartz Dominik , Kappatou Chrysoula Dimitra , Ghaffari Laleh Narmin , Mitsos Alexander , Kather Jakob Nikolas
Published: September 2022

Several mathematical models to predict tumor growth over time have been developed in the last decades. A central aspect of such models is the interaction of tumor cells with immune effector cells. The Kuznetsov model (Kuznetsov et al. in Bull Math Biol 56(2):295–321, 1994) is the most prominent of these models and has been used as a basis for many other related models and theoretical studies. However, none of these models have been validated with large-scale real-world data of human patients treated with cancer immunotherapy. In addition, parameter estimation of these models remains a major bottleneck on the way to model-based and data-driven medical treatment. In this study, we quantitatively fit Kuznetsov’s model to a large dataset of 1472 patients, of which 210 patients have more than six data points, by estimating the model parameters of each patient individually. We also conduct a global practical identifiability analysis for the estimated parameters. We thus demonstrate that several combinations of parameter values could lead to accurate data fitting. This opens the potential for global parameter estimation of the model, in which the values of all or some parameters are fixed for all patients. Furthermore, by omitting the last two or three data points, we show that the model can be extrapolated and predict future tumor dynamics. This paves the way for a more clinically relevant application of mathematical tumor modeling, in which the treatment strategy could be adjusted in advance according to the model’s future predictions.
Short-term DAPT after coronary stenting has similar ischemic and bleeding outcomes as long-term DAPT: a 5-year population-based cohort study
Authors: Balaji Srinivasan Sriraag , Sehly Amro , Jaltotage Biyanka , Qin Simon , Ihdayhid Abdul Rahman , Marangou James , Rankin James M. , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Dwivedi Girish
Published: September 2022

Background

Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial.

Aim

We investigated the relationship between DAPT duration following PCI and long-term ischemic and bleeding outcomes under real-world conditions.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent PCI with stenting in Western Australian hospitals between 2003 and 2008 and survived 2 years were identified from linked hospital admissions data. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) defined as a composite of all-cause death and admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery revascularization procedure, stroke, and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes were ACS admissions, all-cause death, and major bleeding admissions. Patients were followed up for 5 years from initial PCI.

Results

A total of 3963 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 74.5 ± 6.1 years with 67.3% males. No significant difference was seen with 6–12, 12–18, or 18–24 months DAPT, compared to 0–6 months DAPT duration for MACCE and all secondary outcomes at 3- and 5-year post-PCI.

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in both bleeding and ischemic outcomes in long-term DAPT as compared to short-term DAPT for first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents in a real-world population.