bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green economy with efficient public incentives
Authors: Galeotti Marcello , Vannucci Emanuele
Published: July 2023

There is a widespread interest among institutions and economic agents for a reduction of the environmental impact of the production system. An important role seems to be played by the ability of public institutions to push the transition toward a green economy also through the application of fiscal policies that envisage a system of rewards and penalties, respectively, for those companies which adopt green strategies and those which do not. It is clear that readjusting older production systems to new pollution regulations can lead in the short term to profitability reductions for the companies implementing them, even though it is possible to assume increases in profitability over medium-long time horizons. One possible approach to this issue is the classical econometric one, which analyzes the effect of different parameters of multivariate models, that influence the level of pollution due to production systems with different propensity for environmental protection. Optimal control models have been also considered with control variables relating to the technologies of production systems and public incentive policies for the green economy: see for example (Tan et al. in J Syst Sci Inf 9(1):61–73, 2021). In recent years, many scholars have studied the relationship between environmental regulation and enterprise technological innovation using evolutionary games, involving mainly economic incentives and fiscal strategies (see see Suyong et al. in Appl Math Comput 355(15):343–355, 2019; Zhang and Li in Appl Math Model 63:577–590, 2018). In our article, we propose a dynamical model where the public administration uses pollution penalties as a control variable in order to push a production sector toward better performances concerning two targets, pollution level and profitability. To this end, we consider the effects of competitiveness among firms and technology innovation.
A new plastic flow theoretical model and verification for non-dense metals
Authors: Qiao Dan , Yang Bao , Jiang Zhenyu , Zhou Licheng , Liu Zejia , Liu Yiping , Tang Liqun
Published: July 2023

The mechanical behavior and constitutive equations of isotropic non-dense metals, such as metal foams, porous metals, and lattice metals, have been extensively studied, but the subsequent yield surfaces depicted by different theoretical models are somewhat controversial and have not been fully validated in the whole permissible loading space. Based on two accepted assumptions for isotropic non-dense metals, we proposed a new plastic flow theoretical model. In order to verify its rationality, we established two mesoscopic models with different initial relative densities and different meso-structures. Then, the large amount of numerical simulation experimental data was established, which covers enough multiaxial loadings in the permissible principle-strain space. Our model solves some of the controversies in current models and adapts the equivalent stress, equivalent strain, and constitutive equations seamlessly to deformation from non-dense to dense state. Numerical results from two mesoscopic models show the relations between equivalent stress and plastic strain in our theoretical model have better consistency under all multiaxial loadings than those in some known models. We checked the topology of subsequent yield surfaces in the plastic principle-strain space and the results turn out the subsequent yield surfaces are not self-similar. The large amount of numerical test data not only well validates our theoretical model but also will be beneficial to the mechanical study of non-dense metals under multiaxial loadings.
Investigating the Interplay Between Matrix Compliance and Passaging History on Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated Within Alginate-Gelatin Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Orabi Mohamad , Ghosh Gargi
Published: July 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used widely in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their ease of isolation and their pluripotency. The low survival and retention rate of MSCs at the target site upon implantation can be addressed via encapsulation within hydrogels capable of directing their fate. In this study, the interplay between matrix mechanics and the passage number of MSCs on their chondrogenic differentiation was assessed. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs between passages 4 and 6 were encapsulated within alginate-gelatin hybrid gels. The stiffness of the gels was varied by varying alginate concentrations while maintaining the concentration of gelatin and consequently, the cell adhesion sites, constant. The study revealed that within 4.8 kPa gels, GAG deposition was higher by P4 MSCs compared to P6 MSCs. However, an opposite trend was observed with collagen type 2 deposition. Further, we observed enhanced chondrogenic differentiation upon encapsulation of MSCs within 6.7 kPa hydrogel irrespective of passaging history. However, the effect of matrix compliance was more prominent in the case of higher passaged MSCs suggesting that matrix stiffness can help rescue the reduced differentiation capability of these cells.
On-surface Ullmann coupling of halo-derivatives of arenes: Monte Carlo simulations for tetracene
Authors: Lisiecki Jakub , Szabelski Paweł
Published: July 2023

On-surface synthesis of C–C covalent low-dimensional nanomaterials is a promising method of obtaining structures with tailored and novel physicochemical and electric properties. In this contribution, the Monte Carlo simulation approach was proposed to predict the topology of metal–organic (MO) intermediates formed in the Ullmann homocoupling of halogenated isomers of tetracene. The coarse-grained model of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) haloderivatives and divalent copper adatoms on a metallic crystal surface (111) was used, where locations of substituents in the molecules were encoded as active centres with directional C–Cu interactions. The computations were performed for various structural isomers of tetracene, from disubstituted to tetrasubstituted units. As a result, diverse superstructures were obtained, such as dimers, trimers, and other oligomers, chains and ladders, and metal–organic (MO) networks, both chiral and achiral. Additionally, for the prochiral linkers, simulations of the racemic mixtures were performed. Our study provided useful insight into the influence of substituents’ position and the carbon backbone’s size on the topology of the modelled precursor architectures.
The adsorption studies of phenol derivatives on halloysite-carbon adsorbents by inverse liquid chromatography
Authors: Frydel Laura , Słomkiewicz Piotr M. , Szczepanik Beata
Published: July 2023

The adsorption of chloroxylenol and chlorophene on halloysite-carbon composites was investigated in batch and flow systems. The synthesis of halloysite-carbon composites through two different methods was performed with microcrystalline cellulose as carbon precursor. The obtained halloysite-carbon composites were characterized by SEM/EDS analysis, the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption methods, and infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The SEM/EDS analysis and FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of carbon on the surface of the halloysite. On the basis of the measurement results in the batch system, the two composites with the best adsorption properties for both adsorbates were chosen for measuring the flow system (using the inverse liquid chromatography). Removal efficiency was equal to 92.26 and 81.36%. It was obtained for chloroxylenol on HNT-m 800 and HNT-Zn 500, respectively. For chlorophene, the removal efficiency had the value of 78.79 and 77.87% on HNT-m 800 and HNT-Zn 800, respectively. Adsorption parameters of chloroxylenol and chlorophene were determined with inverse liquid chromatography methods: the adsorption equilibrium constants were determined with the peak division method and the adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was determined with the breakthrough curve method. Maximum adsorption capacity for the adsorption of chloroxylenol on HNT-m 800 was 5.48 mg·g−1 and on HNT-Zn 500 its value was 2.77 mg·g−1. For the adsorption of chlorophene on HNT-m 800 the value was 4.44 mg·g−1 and on HNT-Zn 800–2.5 mg·g−1. Halloysite-carbon composites can be successfully used as effective adsorbents for removing chloroxylenol and chlorophene from solutions in the flow system.
Median-adaptive portfolios: a minimum criteria approach to asset allocation
Authors: Kyriazi Foteini , Tarani Sophia , Thomakos Dimitrios D.
Published: July 2023

We propose a new class of adaptive portfolios for asset allocation, based on a one-parameter variation of the equally weighted portfolio and the use of the median-ranked asset. Our methodological contribution offers a simple way of performing, static or optimized, allocation of assets in portfolios of any dimension, thus easily circumventing the “curse of dimensionality”. Our results show that, even for a static selection of the parameter that defines our allocation, we obtain improved performance compared to the equally weighted benchmark in all the standard metrics. For the case of an optimized selection of the parameter we offer results from minimum variance optimization, that do require the estimation of the covariance matrix, but our approach can easily be adapted to other kinds of portfolio objective functions. This new class of portfolios can easily be added to, as a complement or substitute, to any existing portfolio allocation method.
Adaptive enhancement design of triply periodic minimal surface lattice structure based on non-uniform stress distribution
Authors: Zhang Yijin , Liu Bin , Peng Fei , Jia Heran , Zhao Zeang , Duan Shengyu , Wang Panding , Lei Hongshuai
Published: July 2023

The Schwarz primitive triply periodic minimal surface (P-type TPMS) lattice structures are widely used. However, these lattice structures have weak load-bearing capacity compared with other cellular structures. In this paper, an adaptive enhancement design method based on the non-uniform stress distribution in structures with uniform thickness is proposed to design the P-type TPMS lattice structures with higher mechanical properties. Two types of structures are designed by adjusting the adaptive thickness distribution in the TPMS. One keeps the same relative density, and the other keeps the same of non-enhanced region thickness. Compared with the uniform lattice structure, the elastic modulus for the structure with the same relative density increases by more than 17%, and the yield strength increases by more than 10.2%. Three kinds of TPMS lattice structures are fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) with 316L stainless steel to verify the proposed enhanced design. The manufacture-induced geometric deviation between the as-design and as-printed models is measured by micro X-ray computed tomography (µ-CT) scans. The quasi-static compression experimental results of P-type TPMS lattice structures show that the reinforced structures have stronger elastic moduli, ultimate strengths, and energy absorption capabilities than the homogeneous P-TPMS lattice structure.
Using network analysis to study and manage human-mediated dispersal of exotic species
Authors: Runghen Rogini , Llopis-Belenguer Cristina , McNeill Mark R. , Dalla Riva Giulio V. , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: July 2023

Human-mediated dispersal is a major contributor of biological invasions. To reduce impacts induced by the introduction and spread of exotic species, biosecurity interventions are put into place. These interventions often rely on risk-assessment procedures, whereby biosecurity practitioners (which includes researchers, stakeholders such as national park managers, and all other decision makers who determine when and how to protect biodiversity) attempt to preemptively identify and predict which exotic species could potentially become a threat to natural ecosystems. In theory, extensive field and experimental studies would be required to accurately and precisely determine the risks of biological invasion of a species or group of species. However, due to a lack of resources or knowledge, such critical studies are limited. As a result, biosecurity practitioners rarely have a full picture of the extent to which the exotic species has and will spread at the time of decision making. Hence, they instead opt for preventive measures such as identifying and managing potential target exotic species which are likely to be invasive or dispersal pathways through which exotic species are likely to be introduced and spread. As most of the uncertainties pertaining to biosecurity interventions lie in the resolution of data made available to practitioners at the time of decision making, we first present some of the different types of information which are readily available during the risk-assessment procedure. We then highlight how one could exploit these different resolutions of data during the risk-assessment procedure using network analysis to better understand human-mediated dispersal of exotic species. By doing so, our paper puts forward what network analysis has to offer practitioners in the context of biosecurity interventions.
Enhancing semi-aquatic species representativeness beyond protected areas: dragonflies in networks of conservation corridors
Authors: van Schalkwyk J. , Kietzka G. J. , Pryke J. S. , Gaigher R. , Samways M. J.
Published: July 2023

Complementarity is crucial when prioritizing sites for biodiversity conservation. Networks of conservation corridors (CCs) can contribute to regional representativeness by complementing biodiversity features included in existing protected areas (PAs). We ask whether criteria important for CC management and design are effective at prioritizing complementary sites, and how the consideration of species represented in PAs influence criteria performance. We focused on species turnover of generalist and specialist dragonflies across 88 riverine sites. Criteria assessed included site-level estimates of dragonfly species richness, estimates of local habitat quality and corridor width. Measures of local habitat quality were based on either dragonfly indicator species or proportion of alien vegetation. Results showed that CCs complement dragonfly diversity in PAs by contributing unrepresented generalist species. Of the criteria, corridor width was the most efficient at prioritizing complementary sites, while prioritization based on dragonfly indicator species or species richness underperformed. When aiming to prioritize CC sites that also complement sites situated in established PAs, wide corridors with low levels of alien vegetation should be favoured.
The Ethics of Entrepreneurship: A Millian Approach
Authors: Cordasco Carlo Ludovico
Published: July 2023

What is morally valuable—if anything at all—in entrepreneurship? Existing normative takes can be broadly categorized as belonging to two main views: a backward and a forward-looking approach. The former sees entrepreneurial activity as a permissible emergent product of individuals’ interactions within the boundaries of people’s existing rights; the latter looks at entrepreneurship in the broader context of market processes and emphasizes its role in generating Pareto-improvements in social welfare. In this paper, I suggest that certain instances of entrepreneurship can be intrinsically valuable when they constitute Millian Experiments in Living, that is when entrepreneurial ventures are the expression of an entrepreneur’s conception of the good. Engaging in entrepreneurial activity which reflects one’s conception of the good helps individuals in cultivating their individuality and originality by means of subjecting their normative beliefs to empirical scrutiny, thus allowing one to confirm, revise, or refine them.
Improved stereo perception in coronary angiography using the X-ray tube as the viewpoint and validation with 3D printed models
Authors: Chen Miao , Zhang Tianpeng
Published: July 2023

Coronary angiography (CAG) provides two-dimensional images, but a clinician who is experienced in percutaneous coronary interventions can use information from these images to interpret spatial depth and infer the three-dimensional (3D) locations of vessels. We hypothesized that CAG results were equivalent to the mirror image of a coronary artery perspective projection, and a stereo perception could be easily established when the viewpoint of the angiogram was the X-ray tube instead of the detector. To eliminate the influence of heartbeat and respiration, a 3D-printed a coronary artery model was constructed for analysis. The effects of gantry movements during digital subtraction angiography (DSA) on the image were used to identify factors that affected DSA image transformation. Then, based on these factors, DSA imaging was simulated using UG NX software with three methods: (i) a perspective projection with the detector as the viewpoint; (ii) a parallel projection; and (iii) a mirror image of the perspective projection with the X-ray tube as the viewpoint. Finally, the resulting 3D images were compared with the DSA image. Our mirror image of the coronary artery perspective projection that used the X-ray tube as the viewpoint fused precisely with the CAG results and provided exact simulations of all the effects of DSA gantry movements on the DSA image. CAG results were equivalent to the mirror image of coronary artery perspective projection, and the stereo perception was easily established using the X-ray tube as the viewpoint.
Social reproduction and the family: contradictions of childcare and eldercare in Germany
Authors: Weiss Hadas
Published: July 2023

At the heart of capitalism is a contradiction between capital’s need for value-producing labor, including the commodification of care work and care products, and capitalists’ pursuit of profit at all costs, including the value of wages and the life and wellbeing of workers. The family is entangled in this contradiction insofar as its members, and particularly its female members, are encouraged to care for their children and for their dependent parents without (adequate) compensation out of love or duty, at the same time as they are immersed in and held up to standards of autonomy and self-care. In this article, I unpack this entanglement with respect to men and women’s care for their children and for their dependent parents in Germany. I argue that family members live out a structural contradiction in the reproduction of capitalism as a personal and family conflict and assume its fallouts as their personal failures. This makes the family relationships that center on care singularly excessive and family members prone to questioning their commitment, sensibility, and competence as mothers and fathers and as daughters and sons.
Early Childhood Practitioners’ Perceptions of Children’s Risky Play Based on Childhood and Present Practice: A Questionnaire Survey in Japan
Authors: Tsujitani Machiko
Published: July 2023

Similar to countries in Europe and the Americas, risky play is a feature in Japanese early childhood education and care. This study investigated the perceptions and practices of Japanese early childhood education specialists with respect to risky play in order to ascertain whether their childhood experiences influenced their attitudes toward preschoolers’ risky play. Data were collected from a survey, and findings showed that childhood experiences influenced respondents’ practices regarding restricting risky or unsafe play. Among the various types of risky play, play at great heights received the most references regarding both childhood play and current activity restrictions. The research concluded that 1) regular and ongoing discussions among practitioners are crucial given their diverse experiences and the disparity of perceived risks between players and supervisors; 2) policy is required to provide children with rich experiences of risky play because of insufficient opportunities in their early childhood environments. Overall, the research highlights the importance of cultural and environmental backgrounds in practitioners’ perception of risky play.
Undergraduate students’ attitudes towards mathematical proving in an introduction to proof course
Authors: Häsä Jokke , Westlin Lín , Rämö Johanna
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigated undergraduate mathematics students’ (N = 267) attitudes towards proving. The students were taking an introduction-to-proof type course that was situated at the beginning of the mathematics curriculum and lasted for one term. Four attitude variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of the course with a new self-report instrument: self-efficacy, anxiety, appreciation and motivation. The instrument was based on two existing instruments on mathematics attitudes and proof-related self-efficacy. We studied how these four attitude variables were related to the students’ prior skills and their gender at the beginning of the course, how the attitude variables changed during the course, and how they affected the students’ performance in the final course project. Our results indicate that students’ prior performance is linked to their proof-related self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation at the beginning of the course. Female students exhibited lower efficacy and motivation levels than male students. During the focus course, students’ self-efficacy increased and anxiety decreased. The gender gaps in self-efficacy and motivation persisted throughout the course. In addition, high motivation in the beginning of the course predicted good performance in the final project. Based on our results, we conclude that an introductory course on proving can enhance students’ attitudes, and we suggest that these attitudes are taken into account in teaching as they can affect students’ performance. Finally, we urge researchers and professionals to earnestly consider ways to mitigate gender differences in mathematics.
Parameterizing Lognormal state space models using moment matching
Authors: Smith John W. , Thomas R. Quinn , Johnson Leah R.
Published: July 2023

In ecology, it is common for processes to be bounded based on physical constraints of the system. One common example is the positivity constraint, which applies to phenomena such as duration times, population sizes, and total stock of a system’s commodity. In this paper, we propose a novel method for parameterizing Lognormal state space models using an approach based on moment matching. Our method enforces the positivity constraint, allows for arbitrary mean evolution and variance structure, and has a closed-form Markov transition density which allows for more flexibility in fitting techniques. We discuss two existing Lognormal state space models and examine how they differ from the method presented here. We use 180 synthetic datasets to compare the forecasting performance under model misspecification and assess the estimation of precision parameters between our method and existing methods. We find that our models perform well under misspecification, and that fixing the observation variance both helps to improve estimation of the process variance and improves forecast performance. To test our method on a difficult problem, we compare the predictive performance of two Lognormal state space models in predicting the Leaf Area Index over a 151 day horizon by using a process-based ecosystem model to describe the temporal dynamics. We find that our moment matching model performs better than its competitor, and is better suited for intermediate predictive horizons. Overall, our study helps to inform practitioners about the importance of incorporating sensible dynamics when using models of complex systems to predict out-of-sample.
Stories of a water-table: anomalous depressions, aquitard breaches and seasonal implications, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA
Authors: Lozano-Medina Daniela , Waldron Brian , Schoefernacker Scott , Antipova Anzhelika , Villalpando-Vizcaino Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

An extensive water level survey of the water-table aquifer (i.e., shallow aquifer) within Shelby County, Tennessee, was conducted in the dry (fall 2020) and wet (spring 2021) seasons. Water-table surfaces were generated using cokriging to observe seasonal differences to identify anomalous water-table depressions, indicative of an underlying aquitard breach. Seasonal differences were attributed to non-coincident control and timing between the surveys and when optimum dry (fall) and wet (spring) conditions existed, as observed through comparisons with continuous historical water levels from 12 shallow monitoring wells. Additionally, data from fall 2020 were compared to previous studies in 2005 and 2015 to determine decadal changes in levels and shape of the water-table surface which were mostly attributed to changes in data control and potential climate variations. A prediction error map was generated from the 2020 dataset to identify areas of the county with high-prediction error (>7.0 m) to offer guidance on where future well control would be optimal.
Neurotoxicity of microplastics: a CiteSpace-based review and emerging trends study
Authors: Ye Zeyan , Mai Tingyu , Cheng Yuqian , Zhang Xiashuang , Liu Zhe , Zhang Zhiyong , Li You
Published: July 2023

Microplastics, as a currently emerging pollutant, are gaining increasing attention from researchers in various fields. The purpose of this study is to summarize research development on microplastics in the field of neurotoxicity using bibliometric tools and visualization methods and to identify current research hotspots. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched under the topics of “microplastics” and “neurotoxicity.” A total of 33 published articles were obtained by exclusion and analyzed using CiteSpace (V6.1.R2). It was found that microplastic neurotoxicity research is currently on the rise, with the most research results being published in China, the most collaboration occurring between Italy and other countries, and the least collaboration occurring between authors. The focus and hotspots of future research on the neurotoxicity of microplastics may revolve around “accumulation” and “integrated biomarker response.” These findings demonstrate the trends and frontiers in the field of microplastic neurotoxicity research and provide valuable information for subsequent research directions and potential collaborations.
Spatiotemporal environmental monitoring of the karst-related Almyros Wetland (Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Kokinou E. , Zacharioudaki D.E. , Kokolakis S. , Kotti M. , Chatzidavid D. , Karagiannidou M. , Fanouraki E. , Kontaxakis E.
Published: July 2023

Wetlands are of great importance for providing the appropriate conditions for the diversity of species and inhabitants living in these ecosystems and for a wide range of public goods and services (fresh water, air filtering, recreational and tourism opportunities). However, despite their importance, wetlands are continuously degraded due to various human activities at an alarming rate worldwide. In the context of this study and considering the rational management of wetlands and the inevitable impact of climate change, a wetland, spatiotemporal monitoring system is proposed, implemented in the karst wetland of Almyros Stream (Heraklion, Crete, Greece). The implementation of this system is based on robust techniques from the allied fields of chemistry, earth and ecology assisted by GIS techniques. Our results indicate that this Mediterranean karst wetland of great ecological importance is under pressure because of pollution, climate change and land change. This argument is supported by (a) the high concentrations of water photosynthetic pigments and nutrients at certain times of the year, both provided by chemical analysis and partially verified by geophysical monitoring (spectral induced polarization) and (b) the high values of soil magnetic susceptibility at sites close to human infrastructures that is an indicator of heavy metals concentrations.
Metz’s Relational Moral Theory and Environmental Ethics
Authors: Moellendorf Darrel
Published: July 2023

Metz’s contribution to environmental ethics is a novel theory of moral status, which he argues explains the intuition that although we have direct moral duties to some nonhuman animals, our duties to fellow human beings are always weightier. The theory takes the moral status of an individual to depend on it being the subject and object of friendly relations with human. This paper argues that the account of moral status explains the intuition about the existence and relative weight of duties to nonhuman animals only if evidence of human-nonhuman animal cooperation is ignored. The paper argues additionally that a focus on the moral status of individual nonhuman animals offers no insight into one the most pressing environmental problems of our time, the threat of mass species extinction. Finally, the duties that would seem to follow from the account of moral status are contrary a traditional environmental concern of nature preservation.
Comparison of visual quality after SMILE correction of low-to-moderate myopia in different optical zones
Authors: Zhou Cong , Li Ying , Wang Yinghan , Fan Qiuyang , Dai Lili
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare the effects of different optical zones for small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) on postoperative visual quality in low-to-moderate myopia.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study involved patients who underwent SMILE using two optical-zone diameters: 6.5 mm (50 patients, 100 eyes) and 6.8 mm (50 patients, 100 eyes). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent (SE), corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and subjective visual-quality questionnaire scores were assessed.

Results

Postoperatively, UCVA and SE did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). In both groups, corneal HOAs, spherical aberration, and coma significantly increased at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.05), while trefoil was unchanged after surgery (P > 0.05). Corneal HOAs, spherical aberration, and coma significantly differed between the groups at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05), while trefoil did not (P > 0.05). Visual-quality scores were higher in the 6.8 mm group than in the 6.5 mm group at 1 month (P = 0.058), but not at 3 months (P > 0.05). In both groups, subjective scores significantly decreased at 1 month (P < 0.05) and gradually returned to the preoperative level at 3 months (P > 0.05). The subjective visual-quality scores were negatively and positively correlated with pupillary and optical-zone diameter, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). Objective visual-quality indicators (HOAs, spherical aberration, and coma) were negatively correlated with optical-zone diameter (P < 0.05) but not pupillary diameter (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

SMILE in different optical zones effectively corrected low-to-moderate myopia. The larger the optical-zone diameter, the better the early postoperative visual quality.
Migration and public finances in the EU
Authors: Fiorio Carlo V. , Frattini Tommaso , Riganti Andrea , Christl Michael
Published: July 2023

We provide novel and comprehensive evidence on the net fiscal contributions of natives and migrants to the governmental budgets of EU countries. We account for income taxes and cash benefits, along with indirect taxes and in-kind benefits, which are often missing in standard datasets. We find that on average, migrants were net contributors to public finances over the period of 2014–2018 in the EU and, moreover, that they contribute approximately €1.5 thousand more per capita each year than natives. We also show that this difference is partly due to the selection on characteristics that make migrants net fiscal contributors, such as demographic factors and employment probability.
3D modeling of feature-scale fluorocarbon plasma etching in silica
Authors: Rodrigues Frâncio , Felipe Aguinsky Luiz , Lenz Christoph , Hössinger Andreas , Weinbub Josef
Published: July 2023

Fluorocarbon dry etching of vertical silica-based structures is essential to the fabrication of advanced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor and dynamic random access memory devices. However, the development of etching technology is challenged by the lack of understanding of complex surface reaction mechanisms and by the intricacy of etchant flux distribution on the feature-scale. To study these effects, we present a three-dimensional, TCAD-compatible, feature-scale modeling methodology. The methodology combines a level-set topography engine, Langmuir kinetics surface reaction modeling, and a combination of reactant flux evaluation schemes. We calibrate and evaluate our model to a novel, highly selective, etching process of a $$\mathrm {SiO_2}$$

SiO
2

via and a $$\textrm{Ru}$$
Ru
hardmask by $$\mathrm {CF_4/C_4F_8}$$

CF
4

/

C
4

F
8

. We adapt our surface reaction model to the novel stack of materials, and we are able to accurately reproduce the etch rates, topography, and critical dimensions of the reported experiments. Our methodology is therefore able to prototype and study novel etching processes and can be integrated into process-aware three-dimensional device simulation workflows.
Differential responses of Orthoptera in vineyards to organic farming, pesticide reduction, and landscape heterogeneity
Authors: Kaczmarek Marvin , Gillich Melanie , Entling Martin H. , Hoffmann Christoph , Schirmel Jens
Published: July 2023

Conservation measures such as those under the European Green Deal aim to counteract the biodiversity loss by increasing the share of organic farming and reducing pesticide use, as well as increasing the proportion of semi-natural habitats (SNH) in agricultural landscapes. Given the large environmental impacts of agriculture, it is important to thoroughly understand effects of such measures on organisms to provide evidence-based and effective implications for conservation. In this study, we analysed how vineyard management, pesticide reduction, and landscape composition affect Orthoptera densities and species composition. Therefore, we sampled herb- and vine-dwelling orthopterans in a paired design of classic and fungus-resistant grape (FRG) varieties in conventionally and organically managed vineyards along a landscape heterogeneity gradient. Here, FRG varieties allowed us to study the effect of 44% reduced pesticide applications under real-world conditions. Total densities of herb-dwelling Orthoptera did not differ between grape varieties in conventional vineyards, but were 2.9 times higher in FRG varieties under organic management. In contrast, total densities of vine-dwelling Orthoptera, mainly driven by the dominant species Phaneroptera falcata, were similar between grape varieties in organic vineyards, but tended to be 1.4 times higher in classic grapes under conventional management. Furthermore, the management system and SNH in a radius of 500 m in the surrounding landscape influenced species composition.
The Bacterial Gq Signal Transduction Inhibitor FR900359 Impairs Soil-Associated Nematodes
Authors: Hanke Wiebke , Alenfelder Judith , Liu Jun , Gutbrod Philipp , Kehraus Stefan , Crüsemann Max , Dörmann Peter , Kostenis Evi , Scholz Monika , König Gabriele M.
Published: July 2023

The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR) is derived from the soil bacterium Chromobacterium vaccinii and known to bind Gq proteins of mammals and insects, thereby abolishing the signal transduction of their Gq protein-coupled receptors, a process that leads to severe physiological consequences. Due to their highly conserved structure, Gq family of proteins are a superior ecological target for FR producing organisms, resulting in a defense towards a broad range of harmful organisms. Here, we focus on the question whether bacteria like C. vaccinii are important factors in soil in that their secondary metabolites impair, e.g., plant harming organisms like nematodes. We prove that the Gq inhibitor FR is produced under soil-like conditions. Furthermore, FR inhibits heterologously expressed Gαq proteins of the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Heterodera schachtii in the micromolar range. Additionally, in vivo experiments with C. elegans and the plant parasitic cyst nematode H. schachtii demonstrated that FR reduces locomotion of C. elegans and H. schachtii. Finally, egg-laying of C. elegans and hatching of juvenile stage 2 of H. schachtii from its cysts is inhibited by FR, suggesting that FR might reduce nematode dispersion and proliferation. This study supports the idea that C. vaccinii and its excreted metabolome in the soil might contribute to an ecological equilibrium, maintaining and establishing the successful growth of plants.
RiskNet: Neural Risk Assessment in Networks of Unreliable Resources
Authors: Rusek Krzysztof , Boryło Piotr , Jaglarz Piotr , Geyer Fabien , Cabellos Albert , Chołda Piotr
Published: July 2023

We propose a graph neural network (GNN)-based method to predict the distribution of penalties induced by outages in communication networks, where connections are protected by resources shared between working and backup paths. The GNN-based algorithm is trained only with random graphs generated on the basis of the Barabási–Albert model. However, the results obtained show that we can accurately model the penalties in a wide range of existing topologies. We show that GNNs eliminate the need to simulate complex outage scenarios for the network topologies under study—in practice, the entire time of path placement evaluation based on the prediction is no longer than 4 ms on modern hardware. In this way, we gain up to 12 000 times in speed improvement compared to calculations based on simulations.
On a Kinetic Equation Describing the Behavior of a Gas Interacting Mainly with Radiation
Authors: Demattè Elena
Published: July 2023

In this article we study a kinetic model which describes the interaction between a gas and radiation. Specifically, we consider a scaling limit in which the interaction between the gas and the photons takes place much faster than the collisions between the gas molecules themselves. We prove in the homogeneous case that the solutions of the limit problem solve a kinetic equation for which a well-posedness theory is considered. The proof of the convergence to a new kinetic equation is obtained analyzing the dynamics of the gas–photon system near the slow manifold of steady states.
Stabilized Performance Maximization for GAN-based Real-Time Authentication Image Generation over Internet
Authors: Shim Joo Yong , Jung Soyi , Kim Joongheon , Kim Jong-Kook
Published: July 2023

Providing the completely automated public test to tell computers and humans apart (CAPTCHA) services that are not vulnerable to learning is an important issue. Image-based CAPTCHA services have strengthened authentication by taking advantage of the fact that it is more difficult for computers to understand images, but the rapid growth of deep learning has made it possible to break and attack authentication. Image-based CAPTCHA uses pre-stored data, which enables learning and results in vulnerability. This paper presents an adaptive generative adversarial network (GAN) selection scheme using time-average image quality maximization subject to system/buffer stability. By using GAN, it can generate and provide new images for CAPTCHA authentication every time, preventing deep learning from learning images and enhancing security. In the image generation process, the trade-off exists between image quality and generation time, and in consideration of this trade-off, delay aware image-based authentication Lyapunov-based algorithm is proposed for stable and maximized performance. Moreover, through the performance evaluation, we investigate and show the existence of trade-off between generation time and generated image quality in the image generation process in both quantitative and qualitative manner.
Opioid, sedative, preadmission medication and iatrogenic withdrawal risk in UK adult critically ill patients: a point prevalence study
Authors: Eadie Rebekah , McKenzie Cathrine A. , Hadfield Daniel , Kalk Nicola J. , Bolesta Scott , Dempster Martin , McAuley Daniel F. , Blackwood Bronagh ,   UK ALERT-ICU study investigators
Published: July 2023

Background

Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome, after exposure medication known to cause withdrawal is recognised, yet under described in adult intensive care.

Aim

To investigate, opioid, sedation, and preadmission medication practice in critically ill adults with focus on aspects associated with iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome.

Method

One-day point prevalence study in UK intensive care units (ICUs). We collected ICU admission medication and/or substances with withdrawal potential, sedation policy, opioid and sedative use, dose, and duration.

Results

Thirty-seven from 39 participating ICUs contributed data from 386 patients. The prevalence rate for parenteral opioid and sedative medication was 56.1% (212 patients). Twenty-three ICUs (59%) had no sedation/analgesia policy, and no ICUs screened for iatrogenic withdrawal. Patient admission medications with withdrawal-potential included antidepressants or antipsychotics (43, 20.3%) and nicotine (41, 19.3%). Of 212 patients, 202 (95.3%) received opioids, 163 (76.9%) sedatives and 153 (72.2%) both. Two hundred and two (95.3%) patients received opioids: 167 (82.7%) by continuous infusions and 90 (44.6%) patients for longer than 96-h. One hundred and sixty-three (76.9%) patients received sedatives: 157 (77.7%) by continuous infusions and 74 (45.4%) patients for longer than 96-h.

Conclusion

Opioid sedative and admission medication with iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome potential prevalence rates were high, and a high proportion of ICUs had no sedative/analgesic policies. Nearly half of patients received continuous opioids and sedatives for longer than 96-h placing them at high risk of iatrogenic withdrawal. No participating unit reported using a validated tool for iatrogenic withdrawal assessment.
Effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and advanced kidney disease
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chen , Chen Cheng-Chi , Chou Chian-Ying , Chen Kuan-Hsuan , Wang Sheng-Fan , Chang Shih-Lin , Chang Yuh-Lih
Published: July 2023

Background

The effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and advanced kidney disease (AKD) has not been fully established.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness and safety related to pooled or specific DOACs to that with warfarin in patients with AF and AKD.

Methods

Patients with AF and AKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min) who received DOAC or warfarin from July 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively identified in a medical center in Taiwan. Primary outcomes were hospitalized for stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included any ischemia and any bleeding.

Results

A total of 1,011 patients were recruited, of whom 809 (80.0%) were in the DOACs group (15.3% dabigatran, 25.4% rivaroxaban, 25.2% apixaban, and 14.1% edoxaban), and 202 (20.0%) in the warfarin group. DOACs had considerably lower risks of stroke/systemic embolism (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09–0.97) and any ischemia (aHR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.79), but had comparable risks of major bleeding (aHR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.34–2.92) and any bleeding (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.50–1.09) than warfarin. Apixaban was linked to considerably lower risks of any ischemia (aHR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04–0.48) and any bleeding (aHR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28–0.99) than warfarin.

Conclusion

Among patients with AF and AKD, DOACs were linked to a lower risk of ischemic events, and apixaban was linked to a lower risk of any ischemia and any bleeding than warfarin.
Role of metabolomic profile as a potential marker to discriminate membranous nephropathy from IgA nephropathy
Authors: Qu Yuchen , Wang Yueyuan , Hu Zhanhong , Su Cunjin , Qian Chenyue , Pan Jie , Zhu Ye , Shi Aiming
Published: July 2023

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are the most common primary glomerulopathies worldwide. The systemic metabolic changes in the progression of MN and IgAN are not fully understood.

Methods

A total of 87 and 70 patients with MN and IgAN, respectively, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to explore the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in the early stage of MN and IgAN. To judge the diagnostic ability of biomarkers, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) were performed.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) suggested that patients with MN and IgAN showed an obvious separation trend from the healthy controls. In addition, 155 and 148 metabolites were identified to be significantly altered in the MN and IgAN groups, respectively. Of these, 70 metabolites were markedly altered in both disease groups; six metabolites, including L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxyindoleacetylglycine, and N-alpha-acetyllysine, showed the opposite tendency. The most affected metabolic pathways included the amino acid metabolic pathways, citrate cycle, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and hormone signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Substantial metabolic disorders occurred during the progression of MN and IgAN. L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, GABA, indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxyindoleacetylglycine, and N-alpha-acetyllysine may show potential as biomarkers for the identification of MN and IgAN.
EU COST Action CA21130 PRESTO ‘P2X receptors as therapeutic targets’ inaugural meeting report
Authors: Tattersall Luke , Agrawal Ankita , Adinolfi Elena , Gartland Alison
Published: July 2023

The inaugural meeting of the EU COST Action CA21130 PRESTO was held in February 2023, at the University of Ferrara, Italy. Our meeting report provides an overview of PRESTO, a tribute to Professor Jim Wiley, overviews of the talk, and a speaker synopsis that discusses the resources, models, equipment, and techniques available in different lab groups throughout Europe, increasing the prospect of collaborative research.
Functional expression of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor in human iPSC-derived astrocytes
Authors: Kesavan Jaideep , Watters Orla , de Diego-Garcia Laura , Méndez Aida Menéndez , Alves Mariana , Dinkel Klaus , Hamacher Michael , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Henshall David C. , Engel Tobias
Published: July 2023

Activation of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), implicated in numerous diseases of the brain, can trigger diverse responses such as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of neurotransmission, cell proliferation or cell death. However, despite the known species-specific differences in its pharmacological properties, to date, most functional studies on P2X7R responses have been analyzed in cells from rodents or immortalised cell lines. To assess the endogenous and functional expression of P2X7Rs in human astrocytes, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into GFAP and S100 β-expressing astrocytes. Immunostaining revealed prominent punctate P2X7R staining. P2X7R protein expression was also confirmed by Western blot. Importantly, stimulation with the potent non-selective P2X7R agonist 2′,3′-O-(benzoyl-4-benzoyl)-adenosine 5′- triphosphate (BzATP) or endogenous agonist ATP induced robust calcium rises in hiPSC-derived astrocytes which were blocked by the selective P2X7R antagonists AFC-5128 or JNJ-47965567. Our findings provide evidence for the functional expression of P2X7Rs in hiPSC-derived astrocytes and support their in vitro utility in investigating the role of the P2X7R and drug screening in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).