bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy outcomes among women affected with thalassemia traits
Authors: Ruangvutilert Pornpimol , Phatihattakorn Chayawat , Yaiyiam Chutima , Panchalee Tachjaree
Published: March 2022

Objective

To compare the maternal and perinatal outcomes between a group of pregnant women diagnosed with thalassemia traits and normal controls.

Study design

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnant women affected and unaffected by thalassemia traits who attended an antenatal care clinic and delivered in Siriraj Hospital. Thalassemia status for all subjects was diagnosed by hemoglobin typing and/or DNA analysis. Patient charts were reviewed from January 2007 to December 2018. The control participants were randomly selected from the same period, with a control–case ratio of around 1:1.

Results

Overall, 1288 women with thalassemia traits (348 with α thal-1 trait, 424 with β thal trait and 516 with HbE trait) and 1305 women in the control group were recruited. Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar, with the exception that the hematocrit level in the first trimester in the thalassemia trait group was significantly lower than that in the control group (34.8 ± 3.4% VS 36.9 ± 3.0%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was higher in the thalassemia trait group, at 6.9% VS 4.7% in the control group; p = 0.018. When subgroups were analyzed between each thalassemia trait, the number of maternal anemias in the first and third trimester was higher for all thalassemia traits compared to the normal group. The β thal and HbE traits increased the risk of PIH, with a relative risk (RR) = 1.67 and 1.66, respectively.

Conclusions

Thalassemia traits minimally but significantly increase the risk of hypertensive disorders and maternal anemia. In addition, physiological changes during pregnancy may worsen the severity of anemia in the pregnant women with thalassemia traits.
Neural kernels for recursive support vector regression as a model for episodic memory
Authors: Leibold Christian
Published: March 2022

Retrieval of episodic memories requires intrinsic reactivation of neuronal activity patterns. The content of the memories is thereby assumed to be stored in synaptic connections. This paper proposes a theory in which these are the synaptic connections that specifically convey the temporal order information contained in the sequences of a neuronal reservoir to the sensory-motor cortical areas that give rise to the subjective impression of retrieval of sensory motor events. The theory is based on a novel recursive version of support vector regression that allows for efficient continuous learning that is only limited by the representational capacity of the reservoir. The paper argues that hippocampal theta sequences are a potential neural substrate underlying this reservoir. The theory is consistent with confabulations and post hoc alterations of existing memories.
Context-specific effects of NOX4 inactivation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Authors: Demircan Muhammed Burak , Schnoeder Tina M. , Mgbecheta Peter C. , Schröder Katrin , Böhmer Frank-D. , Heidel Florian H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Oxidative stress has been linked to initiation and progression of cancer and recent studies have indicated a potential translational role regarding modulation of ROS in various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Detailed understanding of the complex machinery regulating ROS including its producer elements in cancer is required to define potential translational therapeutic use. Based on previous studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models, we considered NADPH oxidase (NOX) family members, specifically NOX4 as a potential target in AML.

Methods

Pharmacologic inhibition and genetic inactivation of NOX4 in murine and human models of AML were used to understand its functional role. For genetic inactivation, CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used in human AML cell lines in vitro and genetically engineered knockout mice for Nox4 were used for deletion of Nox4 in hematopoietic cells via Mx1-Cre recombinase activation.

Results

Pharmacologic NOX inhibitors and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated inactivation of NOX4 and p22-phox (an essential NOX component) decreased proliferative capacity and cell competition in FLT3-ITD-positive human AML cells. In contrast, conditional deletion of Nox4 enhanced the myeloproliferative phenotype of an FLT3-ITD induced knock-in mouse model. Finally, Nox4 inactivation in normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) caused a minor reduction in HSC numbers and reconstitution capacity.

Conclusion

The role of NOX4 in myeloid malignancies appears highly context-dependent and its inactivation results in either enhancing or inhibitory effects. Therefore, targeting NOX4 in FLT3-ITD positive myeloid malignancies requires additional pre-clinical assessment.
Rickets guidance: part II—management
Authors: Haffner Dieter , Leifheit-Nestler Maren , Grund Andrea , Schnabel Dirk
Published: March 2022

Here, we discuss the management of different forms of rickets, including new therapeutic approaches based on recent guidelines. Management includes close monitoring of growth, the degree of leg bowing, bone pain, serum phosphate, calcium, alkaline phosphatase as a surrogate marker of osteoblast activity and thus degree of rickets, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and calciuria. An adequate calcium intake and normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels should be assured in all patients. Children with calcipenic rickets require the supplementation or pharmacological treatment with native or active vitamin D depending on the underlying pathophysiology. Treatment of phosphopenic rickets depends on the underlying pathophysiology. Fibroblast-growth factor 23 (FGF23)-associated hypophosphatemic rickets was historically treated with frequent doses of oral phosphate salts in combination with active vitamin D, whereas tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) should primarily undergo tumor resection, if possible. Burosumab, a fully humanized FGF23-antibody, was recently approved for treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and TIO and shown to be superior for treatment of XLH compared to conventional treatment. Forms of hypophosphatemic rickets independent of FGF23 due to genetic defects of renal tubular phosphate reabsorption are treated with oral phosphate only, since they are associated with excessive 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production. Finally, forms of hypophosphatemic rickets caused by Fanconi syndrome, such as nephropathic cystinosis and Dent disease require disease-specific treatment in addition to phosphate supplements and active vitamin D. Adjustment of medication should be done with consideration of treatment-associated side effects, including diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypercalciuria, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and development of nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis.
Angle Shear Testing of 15.2 mm Seven Wire Cable Bolt
Authors: Aziz Naj , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , Anzanpour Sina , Rastegarmanesh Ashkan , Khaleghparat Saman , Nemcik Jan , Oh Joung , Si Guangyao
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on the experimental study of shear testing of 15.2 mm, 25 t capacity seven wire cables at zero, 30° and 45° angles using two different shear testing facilities at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba. A circular double-shear rig MK-IV was used for testing cable perpendicular to the sheared joint faces (zero angle of orientation), while testing the cable at 30° and 45° was carried out using a larger-size rectangular-shaped rig. Testing was carried out based on the double-shear testing methodology wherein cable bolts were fully encapsulated using Stratabinder HS inside of three concrete blocks representing host rocks. This study was part of the tri-universities-funded ACARP project C27040 awarded jointly to the University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong and University of Southern Queensland. The objective of the experimental testing programme was to provide the essential information for the development of numerical models that included not only the technical parameters, but also the behavioural outcomes from various tests with respect to the angles of testing and their effect on the nature of cable failure, be it pure shear, tensile shear or shear tensile, cable pretension and the credibility of the effectiveness of the Barrel and Wedge (B&W) anchorage system were evaluated. Laboratory facilities at both UOW and USQ were used in the study. The prepared double-shear samples were then positioned inside of compression testing machines and were subjected to shear testing. The values of shear load and displacement were recorded for various inclinations angles. It was found that increased angle of shear contributes to increased stiffness of the cable in shear with other parameters being equal. Subroutine codes were developed in UDEC and 3DEC to simulate shear behaviour of cable bolts installed in angles for different pretension loads. The numerical simulations indicated that UDEC and 3DEC can simulate the general shear behaviour of cable bolts reasonably well for various inclination angles and pretension values.
Perpetrators and victims of cyberbullying among youth with conduct disorder
Authors: Baumann Sarah , Bernhard Anka , Martinelli Anne , Ackermann Katharina , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Freitag Christine , Konrad Kerstin , Kohls Gregor
Published: March 2022

Due to modern technological innovations, aggressive behaviors have expanded into the cyberspace, creating a new matter of public concern: cyberbullying. Antisocial and aggressive behaviors, including bullying are characteristic for children and adolescents diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD), raising the question whether these youths are highly involved in cyberbullying experiences, too. 206 participants with CD versus typically developing controls (TDCs) aged 9–19 years (57% girls) were included in the study. Individuals completed several self-report measures investigating cyber- and traditional bullying experiences, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to explain the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and perpetration with demographic and clinical variables. Experiences of cyberbullying victimization and perpetration were significantly higher among youth with CD compared to TDCs, and this was accompanied by significantly higher scores on a measure of traditional bullying in CD versus TDCs. CD diagnosis, female sex and higher levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits were each uniquely associated with increased experiences of cyberbullying victimization, whereas CD diagnosis, higher levels of CU traits and older age were each uniquely associated with increased experiences of cyberbullying perpetration. Individuals with CD, compared to TDCs are at higher risk of becoming cyberbully victims and perpetrators, hence representing an important novel aspect in the assessment and treatment of these youths.
Guidance on the need for contraception related to use of pharmaceuticals: the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development Study Group for providing information on the proper use of pharmaceuticals in patients with reproductive potential
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Takai Yasushi , Yonemura Masahito , Negoro Hiromitsu , Motonaga Shinya , Fujishiro Noriko , Nakamura Eishin , Takae Seido , Yoshida Saori , Uesugi Koji , Ohira Takashi , Katsura Aiko , Fujiwara Michio , Horiguchi Itsuko , Kosaki Kenjiro , Onodera Hiroshi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

Background

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have published guidelines on the use of cancer treatments in young people of reproductive potential. However, no such guideline is available in Japan. Therefore, this project aimed to gather relevant data and draft a respective guidance paper.

Methods

From April 2019 to March 2021, the Study Group for Providing Information on the Proper Use of Pharmaceuticals in Patients with Reproductive Potential at the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development gathered opinions from experts in reproductive medicine, toxicology, and drug safety measures. The group considered these opinions, the FDA and EMA guidelines, and relevant Japanese guidelines and prepared a guidance paper, which they sent to 19 related organizations for comment.

Results

By November 2020, the draft guidance paper was completed and sent to the related organizations, 17 of which provided a total of 156 comments. The study group finalized the guidance paper in March 2021.

Conclusions

The “Guidance on the Need for Contraception Related to Use of Pharmaceuticals” (The report of the Study Group for Providing Information on the Proper Use of Pharmaceuticals in Patients with Reproductive Potential, Research on Regulatory Science of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development: JP20mk0101139) is expected to help Japanese healthcare professionals provide fertility-related care and advice to adolescents, and young adults with cancer and their families.
What do faculty members know about universal design and digital accessibility? A qualitative study in computer science and engineering disciplines
Authors: Sanderson Norun Christine , Kessel Siri , Chen Weiqin
Published: March 2022

Purpose Students in higher education are a diverse group comprising people with different backgrounds and abilities. Regulations require that digital learning materials and platforms employed in higher education accommodate this diversity. Furthermore, they require faculty members to have an understanding of universal design and digital accessibility, as well as practical knowledge of how to make learning materials and courses accessible for more students. The goal of this research is to gain insight into the status of such knowledge among faculty members. Methods The research presented in this paper involved a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 faculty members employed in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Norway and Poland. The participants worked in the computer science and engineering disciplines. The data was analysed using thematic analysis, and two main themes and six sub-themes were identified. Results We found that most participants lack sufficient understanding of digital barriers and assistive technologies. Very few were aware of legislation and guidelines related to universal design. Most importantly, the majority lack practical knowledge on how to make digital learning materials and courses accessible. Furthermore, the solutions they propose for addressing the barriers are intuitive and only encompass barriers that are easy to recognise and identify. Conclusion The findings indicate that there is a gap between legislation and implementation in practice when it comes to making digital learning materials accessible in higher education. The lack of knowledge among faculty members shows that training is necessary to increase understanding and practical knowledge, and HEIs should prioritise this in strategies and action plans going forward.
Landscape simplification increases Bactrocera oleae abundance in olive groves: adult population dynamics in different land uses
Authors: Paredes Daniel , Alves João Frederico , Mendes Sara , Costa José Miguel , Alves Joana , da Silva António Alves , Sousa José Paulo
Published: March 2022

Bactrocera oleae is the main pest in olive groves, and its management requires a sustainable perspective to reduce the use of chemical products. Landscape context is being considered as an important driver of pest reduction, but results on B. oleae show inconsistency to date. Most of landscape-pest control studies focus on the dynamics of the pests within the focal crop, ignoring these dynamics in other land uses. Here we present a study in which we analyze the seasonal population dynamics of the olive pest B. oleae in the most important land uses of a typical olive landscape in Portugal. We found that B. oleae is present in all the land uses and the dynamics are very similar to those in the olive groves. However, the presence of these land uses in the landscape did not display any increase in B. oleae abundance within the olive groves. In contrast, a landscape mainly composed by olive groves increased the abundance of this pest. Importantly, more diverse landscapes surrounding olive groves reduce the abundance of the olive fly. Based on these findings, we can conclude that B. oleae is present in all the land uses of the studied landscape but that this presence does not imply an increase of B. oleae in olive groves. Indeed, other land uses can promote landscape diversification which is a driver of the reduction of B. oleae populations in olive groves. We thus encourage olive stakeholders to increase landscape diversification around their farms by promoting/restoring other crops/habitats.
A social exclusion perspective on loneliness in older adults in the Nordic countries
Authors: Dahlberg Lena , McKee Kevin J. , Lennartsson Carin , Rehnberg Johan
Published: March 2022

Several factors associated with loneliness are also considered indicators of social exclusion. While loneliness has been proposed as an outcome of social exclusion, there is limited empirical evidence of a link. This study examines the associations between social exclusion indicators and loneliness in older adults (60+ years) in four Nordic countries. Data from four waves of the European Social Survey were pooled, providing a total of 7755 respondents (Denmarkn = 1647; Finlandn = 2501, Norwayn = 1540; Swedenn = 2067). Measures of loneliness, demographic characteristics, health, and eight indicators of social exclusion were selected from the survey for analysis. Country-specific and total sample hierarchical logistic regression models of loneliness were developed. Significant model improvement occurred for all models after social exclusion indicators were added to models containing only demographic and health variables. Country models explained between 15.1 (Finland) and 21.5% (Sweden) of the variance in loneliness. Lower frequency of social contacts and living alone compared to in a two-person household was associated with a higher probability of loneliness in all countries, while other indicators were associated with loneliness in specific countries: lower neighbourhood safety (Sweden and Denmark); income concern (Sweden and Finland); and no emotional support (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden). A robust relationship was apparent between indicators of social exclusion and loneliness with the direction of associations being highly consistent across countries, even if their strength and statistical significance varied. Social exclusion has considerable potential for understanding and addressing risk factors for loneliness.
Epidemiological geography at work: An exploratory review about the overall findings of spatial analysis applied to the study of CoViD-19 propagation along the first pandemic year
Authors: Pranzo Andrea Marco Raffaele , Dai Prà Elena , Besana Angelo
Published: March 2022

The present work aims to give an overview on the international scientific papers related to the territorial spreading of SARS-CoV-2, with a specific focus upon applied quantitative geography and territorial analysis, to define a general structure for epidemiological geography research. The target publications were based on GIS spatial analysis, both in the sense of topological analysis and descriptive statistics or lato sensu geographical approaches. The first basic purpose was to organize and enhance the vast knowledge developments generated hitherto by the first pandemic that was studied “on-the-fly” all over the world. The consequent target was to investigate to what extent researchers in geography were able to draw scientifically consistent conclusions about the pandemic evolution, as well as whether wider generalizations could be reasonably claimed. This implied an analysis and a comparison of their findings. Finally, we tested what geographic approaches can say about the pandemic and whether a reliable spatial analysis routine for mapping infectious diseases could be extrapolated. We selected papers proposed for publication during 2020 and 209 articles complied with our parameters of query. The articles were divided in seven categories to enhance existing commonalities. In some cases, converging conclusions were extracted, and generalizations were derived. In other cases, contrasting or inconsistent findings were found, and possible explanations were provided. From the results of our survey, we extrapolated a routine for the production of epidemiological geography analyses, we highlighted the different steps of investigation that were attained, and we underlined the most critical nodes of the methodology. Our findings may help to point out what are the most critical conceptual challenges of epidemiological mapping, and where it might improve to engender informed conclusions and aware outcomes.
Husserl’s Taxonomy of Action
Authors: Spano Nicola
Published: March 2022

In the present article I discuss, in confrontation with the most recent studies on Husserl’s phenomenology of acting and willing, the taxonomy of action that is collected in the volume ‘Wille und Handlung’ of the Husserliana edition Studien zur Struktur des Bewussteins. In so doing, I first present Husserl’s universal characterization of action (Handlung) as a volitional process (willentlicher Vorgang). Then, after clarifying what it means for a process to have a character of volitionality (Willentlichkeit), I illustrate the various types of actions, which Husserl distinguishes as ‘straightforward’ (schlicht) or ‘deciding’ (entscheidend), ‘primary’ (primär) or ‘secondary’ (sekundär), ‘inner’ (innere) or ‘outer’ (äußere), ‘immediate’ (unmittelbar) or mediate (mittelbar), ‘simple’ (einfach) or ‘compound’ (zusammengesetzt). Finally, I consider Husserl’s discussion of the direction and foundation of action.
Population growth, family planning and the Paris Agreement: an assessment of the nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
Authors: Dodson Jenna , Dérer Patricia , Cafaro Philip , Götmark Frank
Published: March 2022

Under the Paris Agreement, nations made pledges known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs): national climate plans detailing countries’ ambitions to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Population growth is a driver of both climate vulnerability and climate-altering emissions. We asked, to what extent do countries take population growth into account in their NDCs, beyond simple statements of population trends? Our research method was a comprehensive text review of 164 NDCs submitted by countries. About one-third (49) of countries’ NDCs either link population growth to a negative effect and/or identify population growth as a challenge or trend affecting societal needs. Common impacts of population growth noted were increased energy demand, natural resource degradation, vulnerability to climate impacts, and decreased food and water security. Seven NDCs included strategies to slow population growth, and none specified implementation measures. Overall, the adaptation potential and mitigation co-benefits associated with slowing population growth through meeting the unmet need for family planning are largely overlooked in national NDC documents, suggesting that they are also neglected in countries’ climate change planning. In upcoming rounds of NDC updates, we recommend that governments consider the potential impact of population growth on adaptation and mitigation efforts, prioritize meeting their unmet needs for family planning, and integrate population-health-environment projects in their national climate plans.
Video analytics using deep learning for crowd analysis: a review
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Roman , Abdullah Junaidi , Hashim Noramiza , Al Farid Fahmid
Published: March 2022

Gathering a large number of people in a shared physical area is very common in urban culture. Although there are limitless examples of mega crowds, the Islamic religious ritual, the Hajj, is considered as one of the greatest crowd scenarios in the world. The Hajj is carried out once in a year with a congregation of millions of people when the Muslims visit the holy city of Makkah at a given time and date. Such a big crowd is always prone to public safety issues, and therefore requires proper measures to ensure safe and comfortable arrangement. Through the advances in computer vision based scene understanding, automatic analysis of crowd scenes is gaining popularity. However, existing crowd analysis algorithms might not be able to correctly interpret the video content in the context of the Hajj. This is because the Hajj is a unique congregation of millions of people crowded in a small area, which can overwhelm the use of existing video and computer vision based sophisticated algorithms. Through our studies on crowd analysis, crowd counting, density estimation, and the Hajj crowd behavior, we faced the need of a review work to get a research direction for abnormal behavior analysis of Hajj pilgrims. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the research works relevant to the broader field of video analytics using deep learning with a special focus on the visual surveillance in the Hajj. The review identifies the challenges and leading-edge techniques of visual surveillance in general, which may gracefully be adaptable to the applications of Hajj and Umrah. The paper presents detailed reviews on existing techniques and approaches employed for crowd analysis from crowd videos, specifically the techniques that use deep learning in detecting abnormal behavior. These observations give us the impetus to undertake a painstaking yet exhilarating journey on crowd analysis, classification and detection of any abnormal movement of the Hajj pilgrims. Furthermore, because the Hajj pilgrimage is the most crowded domain for video-related extensive research activities, this study motivates us to critically analyze the crowd on a large scale.
Geotechnical characterization and stability analysis of subaqueous slopes in Lake Lucerne (Switzerland)
Authors: Shynkarenko Anastasiia , Kremer Katrina , Stegmann Sylvia , Bergamo Paolo , Lontsi Agostiny Marrios , Roesner Alexander , Hammerschmidt Steffen , Kopf Achim , Fäh Donat
Published: March 2022

Tsunamis occur not only in marine settings but also in lacustrine environments. Most of the lacustrine tsunamis are caused by seismically- or aseismically-triggered mass movements. Therefore, an assessment of the stability of subaqueous slopes is crucial for tsunami hazard assessment in a lake. We selected Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) as a natural laboratory to perform an in-depth geotechnical characterization of its subaqueous slopes. This lake experienced documented tsunamis in 1601 and 1687. Some of its slopes still bear sediment volumes with a potential for tsunamigenic failure. To identify such slopes, we interpreted available reflection seismic data and analyzed the bathymetric map. Then, we performed 152 dynamic Cone Penetration Tests with pore pressure measurement (CPTu) and retrieved 49 sediment cores at different locations in the lake. These data were used to characterize the failure-prone sediments and to evaluate the present-day static stability of subaqueous slopes. Obtained results allowed the definition of three classes of slopes in terms of static stability: unstable slopes, stable slopes close to the unstable state, and stable areas. Non-deltaic slopes with thicker unconsolidated fine-grained sediment drape and moderate-to-high slope gradients (> 5–10°) have the lowest Factor of Safety. In agreement with previous studies, the failure plane for the non-deltaic slopes is embedded within the fine-grained glaciolacustrine sediments. Deltaic slopes with prevailing coarse-grained sediments mostly appear statically stable. Finally, we generalized the measured undrained shear strength profiles $${s}_{u}(z)$$

s
u

(
z
)

into the depth-dependent power-law models. These models define the $${s}_{u}$$

s
u

of Lake Lucerne’s sediments and can be applied to other lakes with similar sedimentation history.
Detection of cardiac apoptosis by [18F]ML-10 in a mouse model of permanent LAD ligation
Authors: Fischer Maximilian , Olivier Jessica , Lindner Simon , Zacherl Mathias J. , Massberg Steffen , Bartenstein Peter , Ziegler Sibylle , Brendel Matthias , Lehner Sebastian , Boening Guido , Todica Andrei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The loss of viable cardiac cells and cell death by myocardial infarction (MI) is still a significant obstacle in preventing deteriorating heart failure. Imaging of apoptosis, a defined cascade to cell death, could identify areas at risk.

Procedures

Using 2-(5-[18F]fluoropentyl)-2-methyl-malonic acid ([18F]ML-10) in autoradiography and positron emission tomography (PET) visualized apoptosis in murine hearts after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) inducing myocardial infarction (MI). 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET imaging localized the infarct area after MI. Histology by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining validated apoptosis in the heart.

Results

Accumulation of [18F]ML-10 was evident in the infarct area after permanent ligation of the LAD in autoradiography and PET imaging. Detection of apoptosis by [18F]ML-10 is in line with the defect visualized by [18F]FDG and the histological approach.

Conclusion

[18F]ML-10 could be a suitable tracer for apoptosis imaging in a mouse model of permanent LAD ligation.
Bayesian Model Assessment for Jointly Modeling Multidimensional Response Data with Application to Computerized Testing
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Xiaojing , Hancock Roeland , Chen Ming-Hui
Published: March 2022

Computerized assessment provides rich multidimensional data including trial-by-trial accuracy and response time (RT) measures. A key question in modeling this type of data is how to incorporate RT data, for example, in aid of ability estimation in item response theory (IRT) models. To address this, we propose a joint model consisting of a two-parameter IRT model for the dichotomous item response data, a log-normal model for the continuous RT data, and a normal model for corresponding paper-and-pencil scores. Then, we reformulate and reparameterize the model to capture the relationship between the model parameters, to facilitate the prior specification, and to make the Bayesian computation more efficient. Further, we propose several new model assessment criteria based on the decomposition of deviance information criterion (DIC) the logarithm of the pseudo-marginal likelihood (LPML). The proposed criteria can quantify the improvement in the fit of one part of the multidimensional data given the other parts. Finally, we have conducted several simulation studies to examine the empirical performance of the proposed model assessment criteria and have illustrated the application of these criteria using a real dataset from a computerized educational assessment program.
Deep convolutional neural network for multi-level non-invasive tunnel lining assessment
Authors: Chiaia Bernardino , Marasco Giulia , Aiello Salvatore
Published: March 2022

In recent years, great attention has focused on the development of automated procedures for infrastructures control. Many efforts have aimed at greater speed and reliability compared to traditional methods of assessing structural conditions. The paper proposes a multi-level strategy, designed and implemented on the basis of periodic structural monitoring oriented to a cost- and time-efficient tunnel control plan. Such strategy leverages the high capacity of convolutional neural networks to identify and classify potential critical situations. In a supervised learning framework, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) profiles and the revealed structural phenomena have been used as input and output to train and test such networks. Image-based analysis and integrative investigations involving video-endoscopy, core drilling, jacking and pull-out testing have been exploited to define the structural conditions linked to GPR profiles and to create the database. The degree of detail and accuracy achieved in identifying a structural condition is high. As a result, this strategy appears of value to infrastructure managers who need to reduce the amount and invasiveness of testing, and thus also to reduce the time and costs associated with inspections made by highly specialized technicians.
Uncertainties in estimating global potential yields and their impacts for long-term modeling
Authors: Ollenburger Mary , Kyle Page , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2022

Estimating realistic potential yields by crop type and region is challenging; such yields depend on both biophysical characteristics (e.g., soil characteristics, climate, etc.), and the crop management practices available in any site or region (e.g., mechanization, irrigation, crop cultivars). A broad body of literature has assessed potential yields for selected crops and regions, using several strategies. In this study we first analyze future potential yields of major crop types globally by two different estimation methods, one of which is based on historical observed yields (“Empirical”), while the other is based on biophysical conditions (“Simulated”). Potential yields by major crop and region are quite different between the two methods; in particular, Simulated potential yields are typically 200% higher than Empirical potential yields in tropical regions for major crops. Applying both of these potential yields in yield gap closure scenarios in a global agro-economic model, GCAM, the two estimates of future potential yields lead to very different outcomes for the agricultural sector globally. In the Simulated potential yield closure scenario, Africa, Asia, and South America see comparatively favorable outcomes for agricultural sustainability over time: low land use change emissions, low crop prices, and high levels of self-sufficiency. In contrast, the Empirical potential yield scenario is characterized by a heavy reliance on production and exports in temperate regions that currently practice industrial agriculture. At the global level, this scenario has comparatively high crop commodity prices, and more land allocated to crop production (and associated land use change emissions) than either the baseline or Simulated potential yield scenarios. This study highlights the importance of the choice of methods of estimating potential yields for agro-economic modeling.
Understanding drivers of stunting reduction in Nigeria from 2003 to 2018: a regression analysis
Authors: Adeyemi Olutayo , Toure Mariama , Covic Namukolo , van den Bold Mara , Nisbett Nicholas , Headey Derek
Published: March 2022

Nigeria is a high burden country for stunting. Stunting reduction has been slow and characterized by unequal progress across the 36 states and federal capital territory of the country. This study aimed to assess the changes in prevalence of stunting and growth determinants from 2003 to 2018, identify factors that predicted the change in stunting, and project future stunting prevalence if these predicted determinants improve. Trend and linear decomposition analyses of growth outcomes and determinants were conducted using 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data. Pooled data included 57,507 children 0 to 59 months old. Findings show that stunting and severe stunting significantly reduced from 43 to 37% and 23% to 17%, respectively (p < 0.001), between 2003 and 2018. Disturbingly, height-for-age z-scores at birth significantly decreased, indicating risks of potential future stunting increase. Improvements in nine stunting determinants (maternal body mass index, maternal height, ≥ 4 antenatal care visits, health facility delivery, reduced child illnesses, asset index, maternal education, paternal education, and preceding birth interval) predicted stunting reductions in children 0–59 months. Few of these nine determinants improved in subpopulations with limited stunting progress. Intra-sectoral and multisectoral coordination were potentially inadequate; 12% of children had received all of three selected health sector interventions along a continuum of care and 6% had received all of six selected multisector interventions. Forward looking projections suggest that increased efforts to improve the nine predictors of stunting change can reduce under-five stunting in Nigeria to ≤ 27% in the short term.
Environmental and health impact of current uranium mining activities in southwestern Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Ramadan Randa S. , Dawood Yehia H. , Yehia Mohamed M. , Gad Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Stream sediments and groundwater samples were collected from the vicinity of El Allouga uranium mine in southwestern Sinai and analyzed for their radionuclides to explore the geochemical dispersion and environmental impact. The radioactivity measurements were performed using γ-ray spectrometry and UV-photometry. Most stream sediments samples have eU concentrations more than the background level. The significant correlations between eU, clay, and organic matter contents reflect possible adsorption of U to the surface of clay and organic matter. The high radionuclide concentrations in the stream sediment are mainly due to contamination from the mining process, and, in some locations, due to rock outcrops weathering. The measured concentrations of U in groundwater samples exceed the Maximum Contamination Level of groundwater U (30 ppb). The lack of correspondence of U concentrations in the country rocks and associated groundwater indicates the high mobility of U and reflects absence of a simple rock/water equilibration. Water resources in the study area have 234U/238U activity ratios with obvious deviations from secular equilibrium. The U isotopic data support that uranium ore body could be locally forming within the rock aquifer at El Allouga area. The calculated external hazard parameter values are higher than the worldwide average in 30% of the studied stream sediment samples; this indicates that people who are exposed to that level of radiation for a lifetime would have an elevated cancer risk. The Annual Effective Dose resulting from U activity concentrations in the studied drinking water is significantly higher than the recommended limit for children and adults. Therefore, the available water resources in the study area are considered unsafe for human consumption.
A numerical verification method to specify homoclinic orbits as application of local Lyapunov functions
Authors: Nitta Koki , Yamamoto Nobito , Matsue Kaname
Published: March 2022

We propose a verification method for specification of homoclinic orbits as application of our previous work for constructing local Lyapunov functions by verified numerics. Our goal is to specify parameters appeared in the given systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which admit homoclinic orbits to equilibria. Here we restrict ourselves to cases that each equilibrium is independent of parameters. The feature of our methods consists of Lyapunov functions, integration of ODEs by verified numerics, and Brouwer’s coincidence theorem on continuous mappings. Several techniques for constructing continuous mappings from a domain of parameter vectors to a region of the phase space are shown. We present numerical examples for problems in 3 and 4-dimensional cases.
Ricci solitons on four-dimensional Lorentzian Lie groups
Authors: Ferreiro-Subrido M. , García-Río E. , Vázquez-Lorenzo R.
Published: March 2022

We determine all non-Einstein Ricci solitons on four-dimensional Lorentzian Lie groups whose soliton vector field is left-invariant. In addition to pp-wave and plane wave Lie groups, there are four families of Lorentzian metrics on semi-direct extensions $$\mathbb {R}^3\rtimes \mathbb {R}$$

R

3

⋊
R

and $$E(1,1)\rtimes \mathbb {R}$$

E
(
1
,
1
)
⋊
R

. We show that some of these Ricci solitons are conformally Einstein and they may be expanding, steady or shrinking.
Domain-adapted Gaussian mixture models for population-based structural health monitoring
Authors: Gardner Paul , Bull Lawrence A. , Dervilis Nikolaos , Worden Keith
Published: March 2022

Transfer learning, in the form of domain adaptation, seeks to overcome challenges associated with a lack of available health-state data for a structure, which severely limits the effectiveness of conventional machine learning approaches to structural health monitoring (SHM). These technologies utilise labelled information across a population of structures (and physics-based models), such that inferences are improved, either for the complete population, or for particular target structures — enabling a population-based view of SHM. The aim of these methods is to infer a mapping between each member of the population’s feature space (called a domain) in which a classifier trained on one member of the population will generalise to the remaining structures. This paper introduces the domain-adapted Gaussian mixture model (DA-GMM) for population-based SHM (PBSHM) scenarios. The DA-GMM, infers a linear mapping that transforms target data from one structure onto a Gaussian mixture model that has been inferred from source data (from another structure). The proposed model is solved via an expectation maximisation technique. The method is demonstrated on three case studies: an artificial dataset demonstrating the approach’s effectiveness when the target domain differs by two-dimensional rotations; a population of two numerical shear-building structures; and a heterogeneous population of two bridges, the Z24 and KW51 bridges. In each case study, the method is shown to provide informative results, outperforming other conventional forms of GMM (where no target labelled data are assumed available), and provide mappings that allow the effective exchange of labelled information from source to target datasets.
Unitals with many involutory translations
Authors: Grundhöfer Theo , Stroppel Markus J. , Van Maldeghem Hendrik
Published: March 2022

If every point of a unital is fixed by a non-trivial translation and at least one translation has order two then the unital is classical (i.e., hermitian).
The genesis, development and implementation of an interdisciplinary university Cross-School Research Group
Authors: Brandenburg Robyn , Smith Jeremy , Higgins Angela , Courvisanos Jerry
Published: March 2022

This article examines the genesis, development and implementation of an interdisciplinary university cross-school research group (three individual schools) at Federation University in Australia. This CSRG is a consequence of both local and national calls for interdisciplinarity in university research and a direct response to the revised Strategic Goals and Policy document at Federation University. Using a conceptual framework based on a treatise by Jürgen Habermas (The theory of communicative action, Beacon Press, 1987) incorporating three socio-political levels (Lifeworld, Steering Media and Systems), we examined the ideals, processes and challenges in setting up an interdisciplinary research group within a traditional disciplinary-based university environment. Drawing on multiple data sets composed of member survey responses and interviews, email communication, online meetings, policy documents and co-leader feedback, we identified key resonant themes focussing on academic aspiration and motivation, the role of policy and practice, influence of grants and grant development across schools, mentoring and publishing. Using Habermas’ conceptual framework and his overarching notion of Lifeworld with qualitative methods of data analysis, this article explores establishment of the CSRG, deeper academic aspirations and engagement for interdisciplinarity informing the group’s formation and effectiveness of the processes used in this specific case. The impact on systems and policy is addressed together with the processes adopted to bring about interdisciplinary university collaboration. Evaluating the formation of the CSRG, the authors found that researchers placed a high value on opportunities to creatively collaborate in a cross-school and interdisciplinary environment, whereas obtaining grants and publishing research were seen by staff as indirect and less immediate benefits of collaboration. This article contributes to the growing body of research on interdisciplinary collaboration by applying a distinct theoretical and analytical framework to emphasise the potential of grassroots collaboration and the role of power and influence on research within universities.
Metallurgical infrastructure and technology criticality: the link between photovoltaics, sustainability, and the metals industry
Authors: Bartie Neill , Cobos-Becerra Lucero , Fröhling Magnus , Schlatmann Rutger , Reuter Markus
Published: March 2022

Various high-purity metals endow renewable energy technologies with specific functionalities. These become heavily intertwined in products, complicating end-of-life treatment. To counteract downcycling and resource depletion, maximising both quantities and qualities of materials recovered during production and recycling processes should be prioritised in the pursuit of sustainable circular economy. To do this well requires metallurgical infrastructure systems that maximise resource efficiency.To illustrate the concept, digital twins of two photovoltaic (PV) module technologies were created using process simulation. The models comprise integrated metallurgical systems that produce, among others, cadmium, tellurium, zinc, copper, and silicon, all of which are required for PV modules. System-wide resource efficiency, environmental impacts, and technoeconomic performance were assessed using exergy analysis, life cycle assessment, and cost models, respectively. High-detail simulation of complete life cycles allows for the system-wide effects of various production, recycling, and residue exchange scenarios to be evaluated to maximise overall sustainability and simplify the distribution of impacts in multiple-output production systems. This paper expands on previous studies and demonstrates the key importance of metallurgy in achieving Circular Economy, not only by means of reactors, but via systems and complete supply chains—not only the criticality of elements, but also the criticality of available metallurgical processing and other infrastructure in the supply chain should be addressed. The important role of energy grid compositions, and the resulting location-based variations in supply chain footprints, in maximising energy output per unit of embodied carbon footprint for complete systems is highlighted.
A Comparison of Statistically Equivalent and Realistic Microstructural Representative Volume Elements for Crystal Plasticity Models
Authors: Azhari Fatemeh , Davids William , Chen Hansheng , Ringer Simon P. , Wallbrink Chris , Sterjovski Zoran , Crawford Bruce R. , Agius Dylan , Wang Chun H. , Schaffer Graham
Published: March 2022

Two methods used to construct a microstructural representative volume element (RVE) were evaluated for their accuracy when used in a crystal plasticity-based finite element (CP-FE) model. The RVE-based CP-FE model has been shown to accurately predict the complete tensile stress–strain response of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy manufactured by laser powder bed fusion. Each method utilized a different image-based technique to create a three-dimensional (3D) RVE from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) images. The first method, referred to as the realistic RVE (R-RVE), reconstructed a physical 3D microstructure of the alloy from a series of parallel EBSD images obtained using serial-sectioning (or slicing). The second method captures key information from three orthogonal EBSD images to create a statistically equivalent microstructural RVE (SERVE). Based on the R-RVEs and SERVEs, the CP-FE model was then used to predict the complete tensile stress–strain response of the alloy, including the post-necking damage progression. The accuracy of the predicted stress–strain responses using the R-RVEs and SERVEs was assessed, including the effects of each microstructure descriptor. The results show that the R-RVE and the SERVE offer comparable accuracy for the CP-FE purposes of this study.
Correction to: ACM curves in multiprojective spaces
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: March 2022

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s40574-022-00319-7