bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the Automatic Mathematician
Authors: Rabe Markus N. , Szegedy Christian
Published: July 2021

Over the recent years deep learning has found successful applications in mathematical reasoning. Today, we can predict fine-grained proof steps, relevant premises, and even useful conjectures using neural networks. This extended abstract summarizes recent developments of machine learning in mathematical reasoning and the vision of the N2Formal group at Google Research to create an automatic mathematician. The second part discusses the key challenges on the road ahead.
An Automated Approach to the Collatz Conjecture
Authors: Yolcu Emre , Aaronson Scott , Heule Marijn J. H.
Published: July 2021

We explore the Collatz conjecture and its variants through the lens of termination of string rewriting. We construct a rewriting system that simulates the iterated application of the Collatz function on strings corresponding to mixed binary–ternary representations of positive integers. Termination of this rewriting system is equivalent to the Collatz conjecture. To show the feasibility of our approach in proving mathematically interesting statements, we implement a minimal termination prover that uses the automated method of matrix/arctic interpretations and we perform experiments where we obtain proofs of nontrivial weakenings of the Collatz conjecture. Finally, we adapt our rewriting system to show that other open problems in mathematics can also be approached as termination problems for relatively small rewriting systems. Although we do not succeed in proving the Collatz conjecture, we believe that the ideas here represent an interesting new approach.
The ksmt Calculus Is a $$\delta $$-complete Decision Procedure for Non-linear Constraints
Authors: Brauße Franz , Korovin Konstantin , Korovina Margarita V. , Müller Norbert Th.
Published: July 2021

is a CDCL-style calculus for solving non-linear constraints over the real numbers involving polynomials and transcendental functions. In this paper we investigate properties of the calculus and show that it is a$$\delta $$δ-complete decision procedure for bounded problems. We also propose an extension with local linearisations, which allow for more efficient treatment of non-linear constraints.
Politeness and Stable Infiniteness: Stronger Together
Authors: Sheng Ying , Zohar Yoni , Ringeissen Christophe , Reynolds Andrew , Barrett Clark , Tinelli Cesare
Published: July 2021

We make two contributions to the study of polite combination in satisfiability modulo theories. The first is a separation between politeness and strong politeness, by presenting a polite theory that is not strongly polite. This result shows that proving strong politeness (which is often harder than proving politeness) is sometimes needed in order to use polite combination. The second contribution is an optimization to the polite combination method, obtained by borrowing from the Nelson-Oppen method. The Nelson-Oppen method is based on guessing arrangements over shared variables. In contrast, polite combination requires an arrangement overallvariables of the shared sorts. We show that when using polite combination, if the other theory is stably infinite with respect to a shared sort, only the shared variables of that sort need be considered in arrangements, as in the Nelson-Oppen method. The time required to reason about arrangements is exponential in the worst case, so reducing the number of variables considered has the potential to improve performance significantly. We show preliminary evidence for this by demonstrating a speed-up on a smart contract verification benchmark.
Selbstwahrgenommene Mundgesundheit und assoziierte Faktoren bei Erwachsenen in Deutschland. Ergebnisse aus GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS
Authors: Krause Laura , Seeling Stefanie , Starker Anne
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Informationen zur Mundgesundheit der Bevölkerung sind wichtig für die Einschätzung von (vermeidbarer) Krankheitslast, für die Einschätzung und Planung von Gesundheitsressourcen und -kosten sowie für die Beurteilung gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, erstmals auf Datenbasis einer bundesweit repräsentativen Stichprobe für die erwachsene Bevölkerung in Deutschland die selbstwahrgenommene Mundgesundheit einschließlich assoziierter Faktoren zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

Datenbasis ist die Studie Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS, n = 22.708 ab 18 Jahre). Im telefonischen Interview wurden die Teilnehmenden gefragt, wie sie den Zustand ihrer Zähne und ihres Zahnfleischs beschreiben würden – „sehr gut“, „gut“, „mittelmäßig“, „schlecht“, „sehr schlecht“. Soziodemografische, verhaltensbezogene und zahnmedizinische Merkmale werden als assoziierte Faktoren untersucht. Ausgewiesen werden Prävalenzen und Ergebnisse multivariater binär-logistischer Regressionen (Odds Ratios, OR).

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

71,4 % der Befragten schätzten ihre Mundgesundheit als sehr gut oder gut ein, 28,6 % als mittelmäßig bis sehr schlecht. Die wichtigsten assoziierten Faktoren waren Beeinträchtigungen beim Kauen und Beißen (OR 4,0), ein unerfüllter zahnmedizinischer Versorgungsbedarf (OR 2,3), männliches Geschlecht (OR 1,5) und ein nicht täglicher Obst- und Gemüsekonsum (OR 1,2), bei Männern zudem eine niedrige Bildung (OR 2,1), das tägliche Rauchen (OR 1,6) und eine nicht jährliche zahnmedizinische Inanspruchnahme (OR 1,4). Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich Ansatzpunkte zur Förderung der Mundgesundheit ableiten.
Die Corona-Pandemie und Multiple Sklerose: Impfungen und deren Implikationen für Patienten – Teil 1: Empfehlungen
Authors: Monschein Tobias , Zrzavy Tobias , Löbermann Micha , Winkelmann Alexander , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus , Hartung Hans-Peter , Zettl Uwe K.
Published: July 2021

Die aktuelle COVID-19-Pandemie stellt eine weltweite Gesundheitskrise dar. Nicht zuletzt mit dem Aufkommen diverser Virusmutationen entstehen insbesondere für das Gesundheitswesen laufend neue Herausforderungen. Angesichts der Vielfalt an immunmodulatorischen und immunsuppressiven Therapien für die Multiple Sklerose (MS) sowie der enormen Entwicklungen im Bereich der Vakzinenherstellung besteht ein hoher Informationsbedarf für Menschen mit MS. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es daher, einen Überblick über MS und COVID-19 sowie die damit einhergehenden Implikationen für MS-Patienten, insbesondere das Impfwesen betreffend, aufzuarbeiten und entsprechende Empfehlungen auszusprechen.
Effusibacillus dendaii sp. nov. isolated from farm soil
Authors: Konishi Tomoyuki , Tamura Tomohiko , Tobita Toru , Sakai Saori , Matsuda Namio , Kawasaki Hisashi
Published: July 2021

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming, thermophilic, and acidophilic bacterium, designated as strain skT53T, was isolated from farm soil in Tokyo, Japan. Under aerobic conditions, the strain grew at 35–55 °C (optimum temperature 44–55 °C) and pH 4.0–6.0 (optimum pH 5.0). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate was moderately related to the type strain of Effusibacillus consociatus (94.3% similarity). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 48.2 mol%, and MK-7 was the predominant respiratory quinone in the strain. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, and iso-C16:0. Based on the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and whole genome analyses, strain skT53T represents a novel species in the genus Effusibacillus, for which the name Effusibacillus dendaii sp. nov. has been proposed. The type strain is skT53T (= NBRC 114101 T = TBRC 11241 T).
Long-term effects of different starter yeasts on colour and natural antioxidant power of red wines
Authors: Caridi Andrea , Romeo Rosa , De Bruno Alessandra , Masaneo Cristian , Poiana Marco
Published: July 2021

Eighty-seven red wines produced from red grapes of the grape variety Gaglioppo from the Calabria region (vintage 2009) were analysed by standard methods after 4 and 120 months of ageing. So, a total of 29 selected starters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae—3 wild type, 12 monoclonal cultures, and 14 hybrids—inoculated in triplicate were studied for their effects on colour and natural antioxidant power keeping of red wine. Wine ageing decreased the red component, the colour intensity, and the DPPH values while the colour hue values increased. This research has shown that the evolution of wine ageing is affected in a very different way by the starter yeast used and has allowed choosing the best yeast strain useful to produce red wine able to endure very long-time ageing, until 10 years.
The influence of age and development temperature on the temperature-related foraging risk of Formica cinerea ants
Authors: Ślipiński Piotr , Trigos-Peral Gema , Maák István , Wojciechowska Iga , Witek Magdalena
Published: July 2021

Climate change and the subsequent increase of global temperature are the most current and important threats to biodiversity. Despite the importance of temperature, our knowledge about the level of behavioural and physiological adaptations of ant species from temperate regions to cope with high temperatures is limited compared to the broad knowledge of typical thermal specialists from warmer regions. In the current study, we investigated the temperature-related foraging risk of xerothermic ant species from the temperate climate in Europe, Formica cinerea. Our aims were to check how an increase in external soil temperature affects the foraging activity of workers and how the temperature during development and worker age affects foraging activity in high temperatures. Based on our results, we can draw the following conclusions: (1) the majority of workers utilize a risk-aversive strategy in relation to foraging in high surface temperatures; (2) pupal development temperature affects the risk taken by adult workers: workers that developed in a higher temperature forage more often but for shorter intervals compared to workers that developed in a lower temperature; (3) age is an important factor in temperature-related foraging activity, as with increasing age, workers forage significantly longer at the highest temperatures. Our study is one of the first to assess the potential factors that can affect the foraging risk of ants from a temperate climate in high ambient temperatures.

Significance statement

Our study is the first direct test of workers' age and the development temperature of pupae on the thermal-related foraging strategy of adult F. cinerea workers. It shows that worker age and the development temperature of pupae interact to promote tolerance of thermal stress. We found that with increasing age, workers are prone to forage significantly longer at the highest and riskiest temperatures. Workers that developed in the high temperature (28°C) foraged more often but for shorter intervals compared to workers that developed in the lower temperature (20°C). Interestingly, the factor of age is more significant for ants that developed in the higher temperature of 28°C; the foraging time of these ants significantly increased with their age.
24-Month Efficacy and Safety Results from Japanese Patients in the IMPERIAL Randomized Study of the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Stent and the Zilver PTX Drug-Coated Stent
Authors: Iida Osamu , Fujihara Masahiko , Kawasaki Daizo , Mori Shinsuke , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Miyamoto Akira , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Nakamura Masato , Ohki Takao , Diaz-Cartelle Juan , Müller-Hülsbeck Stefan , Gray William A. , Soga Yoshimitsu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to report 24-month efficacy and safety results for the Japanese patient cohort in a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) of drug-eluting stent (DES) use for peripheral artery disease.

Materials and methods

Patients in the global IMPERIAL RCT had femoropopliteal lesions treated with either the Eluvia DES (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) or the Zilver PTX drug-coated stent (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA). At 24 months, assessments included duplex ultrasound imaging for core laboratory vessel patency measurement, target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates, and clinical outcome measures.

Results

The Japanese cohort included 84 patients (56 treated with Eluvia and 28 with Zilver PTX). The clinically driven TLR rates were 5.6% (3/54) and 18.5% (5/27) for patients treated with Eluvia and Zilver PTX, respectively (difference -13.0%, 95%CI -28.8, 2.9%; p = 0.11). The Kaplan–Meier estimates for freedom from clinically driven TLR at 24 months were 94.3% for patients who received Eluvia and 80.4% for those who received Zilver PTX (log rank p = 0.05), and for primary patency they were 88.5% and 80.4%, respectively (log rank p = 0.28). Mortality rates were 5.6% (3/54) and 11.1% (3/27); p = 0.39. Rutherford classification improved by at least one category without TLR for 91.8% (45/49) and 68.2% (15/22) of patients (p = 0.03). Walking impairment score improvements were sustained over time.

Conclusion

The results at 24 months support the efficacy and safety of DES in Japanese patients, with sustained clinical improvements and numerically fewer reinterventions for those treated with Eluvia.

Clinical trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02574481.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02574481

Level of Evidence

EBM Level III; cohort analysis of randomized trial.
Citrus rootstocks modify scion antioxidant system under drought and heat stress combination
Authors: Balfagón Damián , Terán Fátima , de Oliveira Tadeu dos Reis , Santa-Catarina Claudete , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio
Published: July 2021

Key message

The activation of the antioxidant system under stress combination is a transmissible trait from the rootstock to the scion. Therefore, rootstock selection is key to improve crop performance and a sustainable production under changing climate conditions.

Climate change is altering weather conditions such as mean temperatures and precipitation patterns. Rising temperatures, especially in certain regions, accelerates soil water depletion and increases drought risk, which affects agriculture yield. Previously, our research demonstrated that the citrus rootstock Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) is more tolerant than Cleopatra mandarin (C. reshni) to drought and heat stress combination, in part, due to a higher activation of the antioxidant system that alleviated damage produced by oxidative stress. Here, by using reciprocal grafts of both genotypes, we studied the importance of the rootstock on scion performance and antioxidant response under this stress combination. Carrizo rootstock, under stress combination, positively influenced Cleopatra scion by reducing H2O2 accumulation, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymatic activities and inducing SOD1, APX2 and catalase (CAT) protein accumulations. On the contrary, Cleopatra rootstock induced decreases in APX2 expression, CAT activity and SOD1, APX2 and CAT contents on Carrizo scion. Taken together, our findings indicate that the activation of the antioxidant system under stress combination is a transmissible trait from the rootstock to the scion and highlight the importance of the rootstock selection to improve crop performance and maintain citrus yield under the current scenario of climate change.
Longitudinal associations between prepubertal childhood total energy and macronutrient intakes and subsequent puberty timing in UK boys and girls
Authors: Cheng Tuck Seng , Sharp Stephen J. , Brage Soren , Emmett Pauline M. , Forouhi Nita G. , Ong Ken K.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Early puberty is associated with adverse health outcomes. To identify potential modifiable factors for puberty timing, we examined the associations of prepubertal childhood macronutrient intakes with puberty timing in boys and girls.

Methods

In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, macronutrient intakes at age 6 years were predicted using random intercepts linear regression models of dietary data at 3, 4, 7 (assessed by food frequency questionnaires) and 7.5 years (by 3-day food diaries). Timings of puberty onset (Tanner stage 2 genital or breast (B2) development) and puberty completion (voice breaking (VB) or menarche) were calculated from annual parental and child reports at 8–17 years. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) was derived from repeated height measurements at 5–20 years. Linear regression models were fit to estimate the associations of total energy (TEI) and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrate, fat, protein) with puberty timing traits, adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics.

Results

Among 3811 boys, higher TEI, but no macronutrient, was associated with earlier VB. Among 3919 girls, higher TEI was associated with earlier ages at B2, PHV, and menarche. Higher protein intake but not carbohydrate or fat intake (in energy partition models) and substitution of dietary protein for carbohydrate (in nutrient density and residual models) was associated with earlier B2, PHV, and menarche in girls. Findings were not attenuated on additional adjustment for body fat percentage during adolescence.

Conclusions

These findings suggest habitual total energy intakes in children, and protein intakes in girls, as potential modifiable determinants of puberty timing.
Late Palaeozoic extensional volcanism along the northern margin of Gondwana in southern Turkey: implications for Palaeotethyan development
Authors: Robertson Alastair H. F. , Parlak Osman , Ustaömer Timur
Published: July 2021

The Late Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic Tethyan development of the Eastern Mediterranean region remains debatable, especially in Turkey, where alternative northward and southward subduction hypotheses are proposed. Relevant to this debate, new whole-rock geochemical data are provided here for early Carboniferous (Late Tournaisian-Late Visean; c. 340–350 Ma) tuffaceous sedimentary rocks within the Çataloturan thrust sheet (Aladağ nappe), eastern Taurides. The tuffs accumulated from evolved alkaline volcanism, variably mixed with terrigenous and radiolarian-rich sediments. In addition, Late Palaeozoic meta-volcanic rocks, c. 150 km farther NE, within the Binboğa (= Malatya) metamorphics (a low-grade high-pressure unit), are indicative of a within-plate setting. An impersistent geochemical subduction signature in these volcanics may represent an inherited, rather than contemporaneous, subduction influence, mainly because of the absence of a continental margin arc or of arc-derived tuff. Both the Binboğa metamorphics and the Çataloturan thrust sheet (Aladağ nappe) restore generally to the north of the relatively autochthonous Tauride carbonate platform (Geyik Dağ), within the carbonate platform bordering north-Gondwana. The Çataloturan thrust sheet is interpreted, specifically, as a c. E–W, deep-water, volcanically active rift that progressively infilled. Regional geological evidence suggests that melange units (Konya Complex, Afyon zone), Teke Dere unit, Lycian nappes), and Chios–Karaburun melange, E Aegean) accreted to the north-Gondwana continental margin during the late Carboniferous; this was coupled with localised calc-alkaline granitic magmatism (Afyon zone of Anatolide crustal block). We propose an interpretation in which Late Devonian–Carboniferous alkaline intra-plate volcanism relates to extension/rifting along the north-Gondwana margin. In contrast, the melange accretion and granitic magmatism could relate to short-lived late Carboniferous southward subduction that accompanied the diachronous closure of Palaeotethys.
The molecular identity of the characean OH− transporter: a candidate related to the SLC4 family of animal pH regulators
Authors: Quade Bianca N. , Parker Mark D. , Hoepflinger Marion C. , Phipps Shaunna , Bisson Mary A. , Foissner Ilse , Beilby Mary J.
Published: July 2021

Characeae are closely related to the ancient algal ancestors of all land plants. The long characean cells display a pH banding pattern to facilitate inorganic carbon import in the acid zones for photosynthetic efficiency. The excess OH−, generated in the cytoplasm after CO2 is taken into the chloroplasts, is disposed of in the alkaline band. To identify the transporter responsible, we searched the Chara australis transcriptome for homologues of mouse Slc4a11, which functions as OH−/H+ transporter. We found a single Slc4-like sequence CL5060.2 (named CaSLOT). When CaSLOT was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, an increase in membrane conductance and hyperpolarization of resting potential difference (PD) was observed with external pH increase to 9.5. These features recall the behavior of Slc4a11 in oocytes and are consistent with the action of a pH-dependent OH−/H+ conductance. The large scatter in the data might reflect intrinsic variability of CaSLOT transporter activation, inefficient expression in the oocyte due to evolutionary distance between ancient algae and frogs, or absence of putative activating factor present in Chara cytoplasm. CaSLOT homologues were found in chlorophyte and charophyte algae, but surprisingly not in related charophytes Zygnematophyceae or Coleochaetophyceae.
Correction to: Boron nitride nanotubes as containers for targeted drug delivery of doxorubicin
Authors: Nejad Marjan A. , Umstätter Philipp , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: July 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00894-021-04832-y
A logic-based incremental approach to graph repair featuring delta preservation
Authors: Schneider Sven , Lambers Leen , Orejas Fernando
Published: July 2021

We introduce a logic-based incremental approach to graph repair, generating a sound and complete (upon termination) overview of least-changing graph repairs from which a user may select a graph repair based on non-formalized further requirements. This incremental approach features delta preservation as it allows to restrict the generation of graph repairs to delta-preserving graph repairs, which do not revert the additions and deletions of the most recent consistency-violating graph update. We specify consistency of graphs using the logic of nested graph conditions, which is equivalent to first-order logic on graphs. Technically, the incremental approach encodes if and how the graph under repair satisfies a graph condition using the novel data structure of satisfaction trees, which are adapted incrementally according to the graph updates applied. In addition to the incremental approach, we also present two state-based graph repair algorithms, which restore consistency of a graph independent of the most recent graph update and which generate additional graph repairs using a global perspective on the graph under repair. We evaluate the developed algorithms using our prototypical implementation in the tool AutoGraph and illustrate our incremental approach using a case study from the graph database domain.
The complexity of barriers to biogas digester dissemination in Indonesia: challenges for agriculture waste management
Authors: Budiman Ibnu
Published: July 2021

In the global south, the use of firewood and LPG as dominant energy sources for cooking contributes to socio-ecological issues. Alternatively, biogas is considered a clean energy source generated from organic waste. However, in Indonesia, until 2018, only less than 2% of households utilized biogas for cooking fuel. This research aims to explore the landscape of biogas governance in Indonesia, its fragmentation, and its relation with biodigester dissemination. This study found that there is fragmentation within small-medium scale national biogas programs in Indonesia. Seven national government biogas programs have similar governance arrangements and characteristics; scattered in different departments within the ministry, using the grant approach with two main vendors, often overlapping with local government programs, and not providing proper monitoring and evaluation mechanism, as well as proper training for users. Meanwhile, the biogas program by a non-government organization utilizes a semi-commercial approach; collaborating with multiple stakeholders (governments, local construction partner organizations, cooperatives, and private sectors-companies and banks); and has standardized training and after-sale services. Within those biogas programs, there are multiple barriers along the supply chain process of biodigester dissemination. These barriers relate to the governance aspect of biogas programs. Fragmented governance affected the capability of each program to tackle barriers in biogas digester dissemination. Besides, heavy subsidy on LPG by the government reduced attraction to biogas. This study shows technology adoption barriers beyond the user/individual aspects. It shows interaction among different factors such as policy, the governance of technology transfer, technical production issues, and socio-cultural problems.
Reconciling agile frameworks with IT sourcing through an IT sourcing dimensions map and structured decision-making
Authors: Amiri Fouad , Overbeek Sietse , Wagenaar Gerard , Stettina Christoph Johann
Published: July 2021

While there is a plethora of literature on IT Sourcing (ITS) strategy, little is known about the impact of large-scale agile frameworks on these strategies. Empirical evidence suggests that application of agile frameworks has an impact on governance and processes in large organisations including ITS strategies. Yet, the effects of such frameworks remain unrevealed. This research investigates the impact of agile frameworks on ITS decisions and the way organisations configure their ITS strategies. The research first studies literature to realise that there is a lack of empirical research on ITS strategies in organisations that use agile frameworks. Then, through a systematic literature review, ten different dimensions of ITS are identified and used as the required construct for a multiple-case study at six Netherlands-based organisations. The results reveal that four dimensions, namely sourcing model, location, pricing model, and relational governance are mostly affected by agile frameworks. Furthermore, after more than three years of utilising agile frameworks, case organisations still have not discovered a proper optimum point for these dimensions. The results also uncover that organisations are not fully aware of the impact of agile transformation on the process of ITS decision-making. This process may remain intact for years, resulting in continuous experimentation and trial and error of ITS strategies. We conclude that organisations should recognise the effects of agile frameworks to make ITS decisions accordingly. Additionally, adhering to a more rational and structured decision-making process helps organisations to more efficiently find proper optimum points for the dimensions of ITS strategy.
A novel throughput control algorithm for semi-heterarchical industry 4.0 architecture
Authors: Vespoli Silvestro , Guizzi Guido , Gebennini Elisa , Grassi Andrea
Published: July 2021

Modern market scenarios are imposing a radical change in the production concept, driving companies’ attention to customer satisfaction through increased product customization and quick response strategies to maintain competitiveness. At the same time, the growing development of Industry 4.0 technologies made possible the creation of new manufacturing paradigms in which an increased level of autonomy is one of the key concepts to consider. Taking the advantage from the recent development around the semi-heterarchical architecture, this work proposes a first model for the throughput control of a production system managed by such an architecture. A cascade control algorithm is proposed considering work-in-progress (WIP) as the primary control lever for achieving a specific throughput target. It is composed of an optimal control law based on an analytical model of the considered production system, and of a secondary proportional-integral-derivative controller capable of performing an additional control action that addresses the error raised by the theoretical model’s. The proposed throughput control algorithm has been tested in different simulated scenarios, and the results showed that the combination of the control actions made it possible to have continuous adjustment of the WIP of the controlled production system, maintaining it at the minimum value required to achieve the requested throughput with nearly zero errors.
Ranking local climate policy: assessing the mitigation and adaptation activities of 104 German cities
Authors: Otto Antje , Kern Kristine , Haupt Wolfgang , Eckersley Peter , Thieken Annegret H.
Published: July 2021

Climate mitigation and climate adaptation are crucial tasks for urban areas and can involve synergies as well as trade-offs. However, few studies have examined how mitigation and adaptation efforts relate to each other in a large number of differently sized cities, and therefore we know little about whether forerunners in mitigation are also leading in adaptation or if cities tend to focus on just one policy field. This article develops an internationally applicable approach to rank cities on climate policy that incorporates multiple indicators related to (1) local commitments on mitigation and adaptation, (2) urban mitigation and adaptation plans and (3) climate adaptation and mitigation ambitions. We apply this method to rank 104 differently sized German cities and identify six clusters: climate policy leaders, climate adaptation leaders, climate mitigation leaders, climate policy followers, climate policy latecomers and climate policy laggards. The article seeks explanations for particular cities’ positions and shows that coping with climate change in a balanced way on a high level depends on structural factors, in particular city size, the pathways of local climate policies since the 1990s and funding programmes for both climate mitigation and adaptation.
Critical success factors for improving learning management systems diffusion in KSA HEIs: An ISM approach
Authors: Alduraywish Yousef , Patsavellas John , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

Higher educational institutes (HEIs) are managing their resources by using learning management systems (LMS) which facilitate the learning processes. This paper aims to develop the relationships among success factors typically found in the technology, as well as the human and organisational aspects using an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach for LMS diffusion in HEIs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The success factors possessing a higher driving power in the ISM approach need to be prioritised as many other dependent variables are affected by them. Success factors emerging with high dependence contribute to facilitating the implementation of LMS. A key finding of the modelling is that clearly defined information technology (IT) policies along with appropriate technology infrastructure are significant factors for facilitating the technology aspect of LMS implementation. Additionally, the strengthening and standardisation of IT education resources, level of computer skills, proper training programmes for staff to deliver knowledge to users as well as a high level of human competencies are significant factors for facilitating the human aspect of LMS implementation. Moreover, the support of top management is a very significant factor for improving the organisational aspect of LMS. To ensure successful LMS implementation, KSA HEIs should focus on effective learning environments, facilitate education activities, top management involvement and increased interaction between pedagogy and technology. Understanding user characteristics and online needs is essential to ensure that barriers are overcome, ensuring successful and continued LMS implementation. Further, in this research, the relationship models among the identified success factors in terms of technology, human and organisational have not been statistically validated. However, it has been suggested that future research may be targeted to develop the initial model through ISM for success factors for improving LMS implementation and then testing it using Structural equation modeling (SEM).
Mapping large-scale-structure evolution over cosmic times
Authors: Silva Marta B. , Kovetz Ely D. , Keating Garrett K. , Dizgah Azadeh Moradinezhad , Bethermin Matthieu , Breysse Patrick C. , Karkare Kirit , Bernal José L. , Delabrouille Jacques
Published: July 2021

This paper outlines the science case for line-intensity mapping with a space-borne instrument targeting the sub-millimeter (microwaves) to the far-infrared (FIR) wavelength range. Our goal is to observe and characterize the large-scale structure in the Universe from present times to the high redshift Epoch of Reionization. This is essential to constrain the cosmology of our Universe and form a better understanding of various mechanisms that drive galaxy formation and evolution. The proposed frequency range would make it possible to probe important metal cooling lines such as [CII] up to very high redshift as well as a large number of rotational lines of the CO molecule. These can be used to trace molecular gas and dust evolution and constrain the buildup in both the cosmic star formation rate density and the cosmic infrared background (CIB). Moreover, surveys at the highest frequencies will detect FIR lines which are used as diagnostics of galaxies and AGN. Tomography of these lines over a wide redshift range will enable invaluable measurements of the cosmic expansion history at epochs inaccessible to other methods, competitive constraints on the parameters of the standard model of cosmology, and numerous tests of dark matter, dark energy, modified gravity and inflation. To reach these goals, large-scale structure must be mapped over a wide range in frequency to trace its time evolution and the surveyed area needs to be very large to beat cosmic variance. Only a space-borne mission can properly meet these requirements.
The emergency department physician rostering problem: obtaining equitable solutions via network optimization
Authors: Cappanera Paola , Visintin Filippo , Rossi Roberta
Published: July 2021

In this study, we address workload balancing in Emergency Department Physician Rostering Problems. We propose a two-phase approach to deal with two common workload balancing issues: (1) the even distribution of worked weekends and weekend night shifts across physicians in the long term, and (2) the even distribution of morning and afternoon shifts in the medium term. To implement such an approach, we have developed two Integer Linear Programming (ILP) models, one for each phase. In the first phase, we determine the weekends that each physician will be on duty over the long term planning horizon (6-months) while evenly distributing the workload (worked weekends and weekend night shifts) across physicians. In the second phase, month by month, we iteratively determine the workday shifts of each physician while pursuing the even distribution of workload (morning and afternoon shifts) across physicians. The second phase relies on the solution of the first phase, i.e., the weekend shifts assigned to each physician in the first phase are considered preassigned shifts in the second phase. In both phases, we consider the constraints deriving from collective as well as individual contractual agreements (e.g. constraints limiting the maximum number of night shifts each physician can work every month, their maximum weekly and monthly workload, etc.) as well as individual physician’s preferences and desiderata. The problems addressed in the two phases differ in terms of the planning horizon, objective function, and constraints, yet they are both modeled as multicommodity ow problems and share the same network structure. Also, we define some families of simple yet effective, valid inequalities that are crucial to address the computational complexity of the first-phase problem. The proposed optimization models have been tested on real data from a leading European Hospital and on benchmark instances from the literature. The models’ effectiveness has been assessed through six key performance indicators purposely defined. Results demonstrate that the presented models allow considering the complex nature of physicians rostering problems and obtaining well-balanced and thus equitable work schedules.
Early nitrogen supply as an alternative management for a cover crop-maize sequence under a no-till system
Authors: Momesso Letusa , Crusciol Carlos A. C. , Soratto Rogério P. , Nascimento Carlos A. C. , Rosolem Ciro A. , Moretti Luiz G. , Kuramae Eiko E. , Cantarella Heitor
Published: July 2021

Optimizing agronomic efficiency (AE) of nitrogen (N) fertilizer use by crops and enhancing crop yields are challenges for tropical no-tillage systems since maintaining crop residues on the soil surface alters the nutrient supply to the system. Cover crops receiving N fertilizer can provide superior biomass, N cycling to the soil and plant residue mineralization. The aims of this study were to (i) investigate N application on forage cover crops or cover crop residues as a substitute for N sidedressing (conventional method) for maize and (ii) investigate the supply of mineral N in the soil and the rates of biomass decomposition and N release. The treatments comprised two species, i.e., palisade grass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] and ruzigrass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins], and four N applications: (i) control (no N application), (ii) on live cover crops 35 days before maize seeding (35 DBS), (iii) on cover crop residues 1 DBS, and (iv) conventional method (N sidedressing of maize). The maximum rates of biomass decomposition and N release were in palisade grass. The biomass of palisade grass and ruzigrass were 81 and 47% higher in N application at 35 DBS compared with control in ruzigrass (7 Mg ha−1), and N release followed the pattern observed of biomass in palisade and ruzigrass receiving N 35 DBS (249 and 189 kg N ha−1). Mineral N in the soil increased with N application regardless of cover crop species. Maize grain yields and AE were not affected when N was applied on palisade grass 35 DBS or 1 DBS (average 13 Mg ha−1 and 54 kg N kg−1 maize grain yield) compared to conventional method. However, N applied on ruzigrass 35 DBS decreased maize grain yields. Overall, N fertilizer can be applied on palisade grass 35 DBS or its residues 1 DBS as a substitute for conventional sidedressing application for maize.
The effect of seasonal flooding and livelihood activities on retention of nitrogen and phosphorus in Cyperus papyrus wetlands, the role of aboveground biomass
Authors: Hes Edwin M. A. , Yatoi Ruth , Laisser Sadiki L. , Feyissa Aster K. , Irvine Kenneth , Kipkemboi Julius , van Dam Anne A.
Published: July 2021

With growing demand for food production in Africa, protecting wetlands and combining increased agricultural production with conservation of the ecological integrity of wetlands is urgent. The role of aboveground biomass of papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) in the storage and retention of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was studied in two wetland sites in East Africa under seasonally and permanently flooded conditions. Nyando wetland (Kenya) was under anthropogenic disturbance from agriculture and vegetation harvesting, whereas Mara wetland (Tanzania) was less disturbed. Maximum papyrus culm growth was described well by a logistic model (regressions for culm length with R2 from 0.70 to 0.99), with culms growing faster but not taller in Nyando than in Mara. Maximum culm length was greater in permanently than in seasonally flooded zones. Total aboveground biomass was higher in Mara than in Nyando. The amounts of N and P stored were higher in Mara than in Nyando. In disturbed sites, papyrus plants show characteristics of r-selected species leading to faster growth but lower biomass and nutrient storage. These findings help to optimize management of nutrient retention in natural and constructed wetlands.
Evaluation of the input site and characteristics of the antegrade fast pathway based on three-dimensional bi-atrial stimulus-ventricle mapping
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Tobiume Takeshi , Matsuura Tomomi , Ise Takayuki , Kusunose Kenya , Yamaguchi Koji , Yagi Shusuke , Fukuda Daijyu , Wakatsuki Tetsuzo , Yamada Hirotsugu , Soeki Takeshi , Sata Masataka
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Previous studies examined the right atrial (RA) input site of the antegrade fast pathway (AFp) (AFpI). However, the left atrial (LA) input to the atrioventricular (AV) node has not been extensively evaluated. In this study, we created three-dimensional (3-D) bi-atrial stimulus-ventricle (St-V) maps and analyzed the input site and characteristics of the AFp in both the RA and LA.

Methods

Forty-four patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or WPW syndrome were included in this study. Three-dimensional bi-atrial St-V mapping was performed using an electroanatomical mapping system. Sites exhibiting the minimal St-V interval (MinSt-V) were defined as AFpIs and were classified into seven segments, four in the RA (F, S, M, and I) and three in the LA (M1, M2, and M3). By combining the MinSt-V in the RA and LA, the AFpIs were classified into three types: RA, LA, and bi-atrial (BA) types. The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics were compared.

Results

AFpIs were most frequently observed at site S in the RA (34%) and M2 in the LA (50%), and the BA type was the most common (57%). AFpIs in the LA were recognized in 75% of the patients. There were no clinical or electrophysiological indicators for predicting AFpI sites.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional bi-atrial St-V maps could classify AFpIs in both the RA and LA. AFpIs in the LA were frequently recognized. There were no significant clinical or electrophysiological indicators for predicting AFpI sites, and 3-D bi-atrial St-V mapping was the only method to reveal the precise AFp input site.
Incremental Composition in Distributional Semantics
Authors: Purver Matthew , Sadrzadeh Mehrnoosh , Kempson Ruth , Wijnholds Gijs , Hough Julian
Published: July 2021

Despite the incremental nature of Dynamic Syntax (DS), the semantic grounding of it remains that of predicate logic, itself grounded in set theory, so is poorly suited to expressing the rampantly context-relative nature of word meaning, and related phenomena such as incremental judgements of similarity needed for the modelling of disambiguation. Here, we show how DS can be assigned a compositional distributional semantics which enables such judgements and makes it possible to incrementally disambiguate language constructs using vector space semantics. Building on a proposal in our previous work, we implement and evaluate our model on real data, showing that it outperforms a commonly used additive baseline. In conclusion, we argue that these results set the ground for an account of the non-determinism of lexical content, in which the nature of word meaning is its dependence on surrounding context for its construal.
A Multilevel Intervention to Increase HPV Vaccination among Asian American Adolescents
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Zhu Lin , Tan Yin , Zhai Shumenghui , Lin Timmy R. , Zambrano Cristina , Siu Philip , Lai Sarah , Wang Min Qi
Published: July 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. HPV vaccine is a viable source of prevention against high-risk strains that are likely to cause cancer. However, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities such as Chinese Americans, HPV vaccination rates are suboptimal. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a culturally tailored intervention on HPV vaccine uptake in Chinese Americans. We designed and implemented a multilevel longitudinal pilot study to examine the efficacy of the HPV intervention among Chinese American parents/guardians. We recruited 180 participants from federally qualified health center and community-based clinics that serve predominantly low-income Chinese Americans in Philadelphia. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (n = 110) or a control group (n = 70). The intervention group received an HPV specific intervention, while the control group received a general health intervention. The primary outcome was medical record-confirmed receipt of first shot and completion of HPV vaccine within six months of receiving the interventions. Repeated measure ANOVA was utilized to examine the intervention effect on knowledge between intervention and control groups. Knowledge differed significantly, with participants in the intervention group demonstrating the greatest improvement following the intervention. A multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between HPV vaccine initiation and study group assignment. There was a significant effect of provider recommendation, parent’s gender, and health insurance status on HPV vaccine uptake. This study demonstrated positive impact of a culturally tailored intervention on HPV vaccination uptake among Chinese Americans.
Sensitivity to habitat fragmentation across European landscapes in three temperate forest herbs
Authors: Naaf Tobias , Feigs Jannis Till , Huang Siyu , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , Decocq Guillaume , De Frenne Pieter , Diekmann Martin , Govaert Sanne , Hedwall Per-Ola , Helsen Kenny , Lenoir Jonathan , Liira Jaan , Meeussen Camille , Plue Jan , Poli Pedro , Spicher Fabien , Vangansbeke Pieter , Vanneste Thomas , Verheyen Kris , Holzhauer Stephanie I. J. , Kramp Katja
Published: July 2021

Context

Evidence for effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the viability of temperate forest herb populations in agricultural landscapes is so far based on population genetic studies of single species in single landscapes. However, forest herbs differ in their life histories, and landscapes have different environments, structures and histories, making generalizations difficult.

Objectives

We compare the response of three slow-colonizing forest herbs to habitat loss and fragmentation and set this in relation to differences in life-history traits, in particular their mating system and associated pollinators.

Methods

We analysed the herbs’ landscape-scale population genetic structure based on microsatellite markers from replicate forest fragments across seven European agricultural landscapes.

Results

All species responded to reductions in population size with a decrease in allelic richness and an increase in genetic differentiation among populations. Genetic differentiation also increased with enhanced spatial isolation. In addition, each species showed unique responses. Heterozygosity in the self-compatibleOxalis acetosellawas reduced in smaller populations. The genetic diversity ofAnemone nemorosa, whose main pollinators are less mobile, decreased with increasing spatial isolation, but not that of the bumblebee-pollinatedPolygonatum multiflorum.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that habitat loss and fragmentation compromise the long-term viability of slow-colonizing forest herbs despite their ability to persist for many decades by clonal propagation. The distinct responses of the three species studied within the same landscapes confirm the need of multi-species approaches. The mobility of associated pollinators should be considered an important determinant of forest herbs’ sensitivity to habitat loss and fragmentation.