bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency propagating and evanescent waves in strongly inhomogeneous sandwich plates
Authors: Prikazchikova Ludmila , Rege Ameya , Kaplunov Julius , Prikazchikov Danila
Published: October 2024

The paper aims at studying dispersion of elastic waves in a sandwich plate with the parameters, characteristic of aerogel core and hard skin layers, typical for aerospace applications including optimal design of fuselage structural components. The proposed approach relies on multiparametric analysis, taking into account the effect of strong transverse inhomogeneity. It is demonstrated that both an additional low-frequency propagating wave and a slowly decaying evanescent one appear due to a high contrast in geometric and mechanical parameters of the layers. The key findings include the derivation of two-mode asymptotic expansions of the full dispersion relation at the low-frequency limit, as well as elucidation of the non-trivial link between long-wave evanescent and propagating modes. A sophisticated composite nature of the obtained expansions involving various shortened forms is investigated. The range of validity for each of these forms over frequency and wave-number domains is evaluated. Comparison of asymptotic results with the numerical solution of the full dispersion relation is presented.
Political trust and economic development in European regions
Authors: Muringani Jonathan , Fitjar Rune Dahl , Rodríguez-Pose Andrés
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the complex relationship between political and social trust, government quality, and economic development across 208 regions in the European Union (EU). We use a pooled data generalized structural equation model (GSEM) to show that political trust serves as a fundamental driver of regional economic development in the EU. Political trust is, in turn, influenced by both social trust and government quality. Social trust and government quality have quadratic effects on political trust, showing diminishing returns, while the effect of political trust on economic development is linear. Political trust mediates the relationship between social trust and economic development entirely, while government quality retains a direct relationship with economic development. These findings underscore the fundamental role that political trust plays as a mechanism through which both formal and informal institutions shape regional development.
Conditional sufficient variable selection with prior information
Authors: Wang Pei , Lu Jing , Weng Jiaying , Mitra Shouryya
Published: October 2024

Dimension reduction and variable selection play crucial roles in high-dimensional data analysis. Numerous existing methods have been demonstrated to attain either or both of these goals. The Minimum Average Variance Estimation (MAVE) method and its variants are effective approaches to estimate directions on the Central Mean Subspace (CMS). The Sparse Minimum Average Variance Estimation (SMAVE) combines the concepts of sufficient dimension reduction and variable selection and has been demonstrated to exhaustively estimate CMS while simultaneously selecting informative variables using LASSO without assuming any specific model or distribution on the predictor variables. In many applications, however, researchers typically possess prior knowledge for a set of predictors that is associated with response. In the presence of a known set of variables, the conditional contribution of additional predictors provides a natural evaluation of the relative importance. Based on this concept, we propose the Conditional Sparse Minimum Average Variance Estimation (CSMAVE) method. By utilizing prior information and creating a meaningful conditioning set for SMAVE, we intend to select variables that will result in a more parsimonious model and a more accurate interpretation than SMAVE. We evaluate our strategy by analyzing simulation examples and comparing them to the SMAVE method. And a real-world dataset validates the applicability and efficiency of our method.
Early developments toward HbA1c determination in whole blood by high-speed sample preparation and LC–MS/MS analysis
Authors: Mitra Indranil , Leinenbach Andreas , Geistanger Andrea , Huber Andreas , Dülffer Thomas , Adam Susanne , Hillringhaus Lars , Silvestre Martin , Busskamp Holger , Vopel Sven
Published: October 2024

We report a method to determine HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) where whole blood samples are prepared by fast hemolysis (dilution with deionized water and vortex mixing), digestion with 0.6 mg/mL endoproteinase Glu C (Glu C) in 30 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.3) at 37 °C for 45 min, and termination of the digestion by diluting with 0.1% formic acid in water, and then analysis by a gradient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method with a run time of 36 s. The method is linear between 0 and 200 HbA1c/mol Hb (IFCC) with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, providing an inter-day reproducibility between 1.3 and 2.3% CV, and comparable with results from analysis of the same samples on the Roche Cobas® c 513 clinical analyzer with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. In two alternative detection workflows that were not characterized in detail, the same digested samples were purified by a magnetic bead-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) method requiring about 10 min and then analyzed using either an isocratic LC–MS/MS method or a flow injection analysis (FIA)-MS/MS method with run times of 12 s and 18 s, respectively. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of LC–MS-based methods for HbA1c determination that minimize the time required for sample preparation and measurement while preserving analytical performance and are thereby more suitable for routine clinical settings compared to traditional methods which require up to 25 h and 23 min, respectively, to prepare and measure samples.

Graphical abstract
High-pressure synthesis of rhenium carbide Re3C under megabar compression
Authors: Yin Yuqing , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Aslandukov Andrey , Aslandukova Alena , Fedotenko Timofey , Glazyrin Konstantin , Garbarino Gaston , Abrikosov Igor A. , Dubrovinskaia Natalia
Published: October 2024

The rhenium carbide Re3C was predicted to be stable under high pressure and expected to have high hardness and low compressibility. In this study, we realise the synthesis of Re3C at megabar pressures of 105(3) and 140(5) GPa in laser-heated diamond anvil cells and characterise its structure using synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of Re3C has the monoclinic space group C2/m and is built of CRe7 capped octahedra. Our combined ab initio calculations and quantitative topological analysis support experimental structural data and further deepen the understanding of the chemical bonding in the newly synthesized compound.
Spectrally narrowband simultaneous dual-wavelength emission from Y-branch DBR diode lasers at 785 nm
Authors: Theurer Lara Sophie , Koester Jan-Philipp , Müller André , Maiwald Martin , Knigge Andrea , Sumpf Bernd , Tränkle Günther
Published: October 2024

Y-branch distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) diode lasers with a stable narrowband emission in simultaneous dual-wavelength operation with spectral distances below 3.2 nm are presented. The Y-branch laser consists of two laser branches with different DBR gratings serving as wavelength-selective rear-side mirrors. Therefore, two emission wavelengths with a spectral distance defined by the DBR grating periods can be generated simultaneously. A Y-coupler combines the two ridge waveguide (RW) branches into a single straight output RW. Devices with a spectral distance of 0.6 nm and 2.0 nm emitting around 785 nm are manufactured. Selecting the operation parameters carefully, stable narrowband emission for both wavelengths is obtained. Resistors serving as heaters implemented next to the DBR gratings allow for wavelength adjustment and a tuning of the spectral distance. At an optical output power of 100 mW, the spectral distance can be shifted from 0 to 1.55 nm (0–0.76 THz) for the former device or from 1.00 to 3.15 nm (0.49–1.54 THz) for the latter device, respectively. This makes the Y-branch DBR diode laser particularly interesting for the generation of THz beat-note signals, needed to generate THz radiation via photo-mixing.
Factors influencing the outcomes of trabeculectomy, conventional canaloplasty, and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty
Authors: Prinz Julia , Fuest Matthias , Kuerten David , Walter Peter , Cursiefen Claus , Prokosch Verena
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To compare the efficacy, safety, and factors influencing the outcomes of trabeculectomy (TE), conventional canaloplasty (cCP), and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty (mCP) in glaucoma patients.

Methods

Intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of IOP-lowering eye drops, and surgery-related complications were evaluated at baseline and through 18 months postoperatively. Correlations between patients’ demographic data, ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic conditions, outcomes and complications were evaluated.

Results

171 patients were included. IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced 18 months after TE, cCP, and mCP. At the 18-month follow-up, IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE than cCP (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively) and mCP (p = 0.010, p = 0.014). At the 18-month follow-up, complete success rates were significantly higher after TE compared to cCP and mCP for IOP ≤ 21, 18, and 16 mmHg (p < 0.001). Qualified success rates for IOP ≤ 16 mmHg were higher following TE than cCP and mCP (p = 0.023). In the TE group, clinical hypotony at any postoperative follow-up was positively correlated with previous intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-therapy (p < 0.001), leukaemia (p = 0.002), and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations in the cCP and mCP groups.

Conclusion

TE, cCP, and mCP led to a significant reduction in IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops during 18 months of follow-up. At 18 months of follow-up, IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE compared to cCP and mCP. Anti-VEGF-therapy, cystostatic therapy in leukaemia, and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres were significantly correlated with postoperative hypotony, macular folds, and choroidal detachment in the TE group.

Key messages

What is known

• Trabeculectomy (TE) is considered the gold standard in the surgical management of glaucoma. However, TE involves extensive postoperative management and might be associated with severe surgery-related complications.

What is new

• In this study, intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE compared to conventional canaloplasty (cCP) and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty (mCP) at a follow-up of 18 months.

• In patients undergoing TE, anti-VEGF-therapy, cystostatic therapy in leukaemia, and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres were significantly correlated with postoperative hypotony, macular folds, and choroidal detachment.
Risk factors of pediatric steroid-induced ocular hypertension
Authors: Takano Fumio , Ueda Kaori , Yamada-Nakanishi Yuko , Nakamura Makoto
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) is a significant ocular complication of pediatric steroid administration. In this study, we analyzed the risk factors associated with pediatric SIOH.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 78 children under 20 years of age who received systemic steroids during hospitalization. The data included age, gender, primary disease, intraocular pressure (IOP) before and one month after administration, total monthly steroid dose adjusted for body weight (BW), and one-month changes in red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts. A multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors related to steroid responsiveness.

Results

Thirty patients (38.5%) were classified as steroid responders, and 48 as non-responders. The median IOP during the first month of steroid treatment was 24.0 mmHg (IQR; 23.0–28.3) for responders and 15.0 mmHg (IQR; 12.3–18.0) for non-responders. The Generalized Estimating Equations analysis revealed that younger age, male sex, primary disease, increase the amount of white blood cell (WBC) and total steroid dose per BW in one month were independently associated variables. The receiver operating characteristic analysis also revealed that the cutoff values for age, total monthly steroid dose, the increase amount of WBC were 11.0 years, 40.7 mg/kg and 3.40 × 10²/µl respectively.

Conclusion

High-dose steroid administration, especially in male, younger patients, necessitates careful monitoring for IOP changes during treatment. WBC count also needs to be monitored during IOP follow-ups.

Key messages

What is known

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) is one of the essential complications during steroid administration, but only limited analyses have been performed in children.

What is new

A comprehensive analysis of multiple factors was performed that are predicted to be associated with pediatric SIOH from previous literature.

Younger age, male sex, primary disease, increase the amount of WBC, and higher total monthly steroid dose were extracted as risk factors of SIOH.

This study can contribute to the prediction of cases in which ophthalmologic examinations are particularly important during systemic steroid administration in children.
Better Hardness Results for the Minimum Spanning Tree Congestion Problem
Authors: Luu Huong , Chrobak Marek
Published: October 2024

In the spanning tree congestion problem, given a connected graph G, the objective is to compute a spanning tree T in G that minimizes its maximum edge congestion, where the congestion of an edge e of T is the number of edges in G for which the unique path in T between their endpoints traverses e. The problem is known to be

$$\mathbb{N}\mathbb{P}$$

N
P

-hard, but its approximability is still poorly understood, and it is not even known whether the optimum solution can be efficiently approximated with ratio o(n). In the decision version of this problem, denoted

$${\varvec{K}-\textsf {STC}}$$

K

-
STC

, we need to determine if G has a spanning tree with congestion at most K. It is known that

$${\varvec{K}-\textsf {STC}}$$

K

-
STC

is

$$\mathbb{N}\mathbb{P}$$

N
P

-complete for

$$K\ge 8$$

K
≥
8

, and this implies a lower bound of 1.125 on the approximation ratio of minimizing congestion. On the other hand,

$${\varvec{3}-\textsf {STC}}$$

3

-
STC

can be solved in polynomial time, with the complexity status of this problem for

$$K\in { \left\{ 4,5,6,7 \right\} }$$

K
∈

4
,
5
,
6
,
7

remaining an open problem. We substantially improve the earlier hardness results by proving that

$${\varvec{K}-\textsf {STC}}$$

K

-
STC

is

$$\mathbb{N}\mathbb{P}$$

N
P

-complete for

$$K\ge 5$$

K
≥
5

. This leaves only the case

$$K=4$$

K
=
4

open, and improves the lower bound on the approximation ratio to 1.2. Motivated by evidence that minimizing congestion is hard even for graphs of small constant radius, we also consider

$${\varvec{K}-\textsf {STC}}$$

K

-
STC

restricted to graphs of radius 2, and we prove that this variant is

$$\mathbb{N}\mathbb{P}$$

N
P

-complete for all

$$K\ge 6$$

K
≥
6

.
Mid infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics as tool to monitor the impact of heat stress and dietary interventions in lactating sows
Authors: Navarro M. , Coba A. , Muller M. , Roura E. , Cozzolino D.
Published: October 2024

Heat stress in hyper-prolific lactating sows is recognised as a factor reducing feed intake, milk production, and welfare, with significant losses in farm productivity. Individual capacities for body thermoregulation during environmental hyperthermia determine the adaptation of the animal during long and recurrent events. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as a high-throughput method to identify markers of stress in plasma and milk collected from lactating sows under heat stress conditions fed with two levels of protein in the diet defined as low (16%) and standard (20%). The MIR spectra were analysed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis and validated using cross-validation. The results obtained indicated that MIR spectroscopy, in combination with chemometrics, was able to identify changes in the spectra associated with heat stress in wavenumbers corresponding with amide groups (proteins) (highest loadings observed in the regions between1065 and 1635 cm−1), lipids and unsaturated fatty acids (regions between 1746 and 3063 cm−1), lipo-polysaccharides (in 1247 cm−1) and carbohydrates (around the region1050 cm−1). These results also indicated that the information provided by these wavenumbers can be used as metabolic markers of the adaptation of the sows to hyperthermia. It was concluded that MIR spectroscopy is a rapid and inexpensive tool capable of detecting and evaluating the main biochemical changes of hyperthermia on lactating sows, facilitating the development of palliative management strategies such as dietary manipulations.
Implications for fall efficacy strategies on center of pressure and center of gravity sway distances in adults with chronic low back pain
Authors: Sung Paul S. , Rowland Phyllis , Lee Dongchul
Published: October 2024

Background

Although chronic low back pain (LBP) is a complex condition often associated with altered motor control and compensatory postural adjustments, existing literature provides inconsistent reports on the underlying control mechanisms for maintaining balance.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare differences in sway distances between the center of pressure (COP) and the center of gravity (COG), while considering limb dominance, in adults with and without LBP.

Methods

There were 26 subjects with LBP and 39 control subjects who performed three repeated unilateral standing tasks on a force platform. Outcome measures included the sway distances between COP and COG in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, as well as the results of the fall efficacy scale (FES).

Results

A significant group interaction was demonstrated on limb dominance and direction for the sway distance (F = 5.46, p = 0.02). Specifically, the third trial in the ML direction while standing on the dominant limb indicated a significant difference in COP-COG sway distance (t = -2.30, p = 0.01). When FES scores were used as a covariate, a significant three-way interaction (dominance x direction x trial) was found (F = 4.06, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Although no significant group interaction was observed for dominance, direction, and trial, the LBP group demonstrated an ability to leverage fall efficacy following repeated trials to reduce ML balance deficits. Clinicians should consider neuromuscular control and limb dominance when developing fall efficacy strategies for postural adaptations in adults with LBP.
Anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste for biogas production and sustainable bioenergy recovery: a review
Authors: Alengebawy Ahmed , Ran Yi , Osman Ahmed I. , Jin Keda , Samer Mohamed , Ai Ping
Published: October 2024

Anaerobic digestion constitutes a sustainable method for waste management and renewable energy generation, addressing significant environmental and societal challenges. The growing global waste crisis and the increasing momentum toward sustainable energy solutions emphasize the critical need to enhance anaerobic digestion technology for improved efficiency and environmental advantages. This process mitigates waste accumulation, enhances energy security, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a feasible solution within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Here, we review the principles of anaerobic digestion and biogas production, focusing on agricultural waste and the utilization of biogas for energy within a sustainable framework. We specifically explore biogas applications in rural and industrial settings, assess the environmental impacts, and discuss the regulatory landscape with insights from China and Europe. This study reveals that the strategic implementation of anaerobic digestion can markedly improve energy yield and sustainability, demonstrating how focused policies and advanced technological practices can optimize biogas utilization. The review enhances comprehension of environmental impacts, emphasizing insights from China and Europe as key examples.
Explainable artificial intelligence to improve the resilience of perishable product supply chains by leveraging customer characteristics
Authors: Jauhar Sunil Kumar , Harinath Susmitha , Krishnaswamy Venkataraghavan , Paul Sanjoy Kumar
Published: October 2024

Optimizing costs and profits while meeting customer demand is a critical challenge in the development of perishable supply chains. Customer-centric demand forecasting addresses this challenge by considering customer characteristics when determining inventory levels. This study proposes a solution framework comprising two steps: (a) segmentation using customer characteristics and (b) demand forecasting for each segment using transparent and responsible artificial intelligence techniques. We employed k-means, hierarchical clustering, and explainable AI (XAI) to segment, model, and compare several machine-learning techniques for demand forecasting. The results showed that support vector regression outperformed the autoregressive models. The results also showed that the two-step segmentation and demand forecasting process using hierarchical clustering and LSTM outperforms (Weighted average RMSE across segments = 61.57) the conventional single-step unsegmented forecasting process (RMSE overall data = 238.18). The main implication of this study is the demonstration of XAI in enhancing transparency in machine learning and an improved method for reducing forecasting errors in practice, which can strengthen the supply chain resilience for perishable products.
Assessing the impacts of land use and climate change on the distribution patterns of Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae) in the Canary Islands
Authors: Da Re Daniele , Tordoni Enrico , Naranjo-Cigala Agustín , Padrón-Mederos Miguel Antonio , González Maya , González-Montelongo Cristina , Arévalo-Sierra José Ramón
Published: October 2024

Biological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity, but their impact is particularly detrimental on oceanic islands like the Canary Archipelago. The common gorse (Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae)) is a highly invasive shrub with established populations in Tenerife, the sole island of the archipelago where it is present. Understanding the habitat preferences of U. europaeus is essential for predicting its current and potential future distribution across Tenerife and other Canary Islands, guiding effective local management practices. In 2019 and 2020, we surveyed different populations of U. europaeus in Tenerife, retrieving information on its abundance, presence of other invasive species and most frequent natural and anthropogenic characteristics of the landscape. We used this information to build explanatory and predictive models to identify the key natural and anthropogenic drivers of U. europaeus abundance in Tenerife and estimate the potential distribution of the species across the whole archipelago under current and future climatic conditions. Our findings showed that U. europaeus thrives in humid areas impacted by human activities where other invasive species persist. Both current and future climatic conditions do not support the presence of the species in the more arid islands of the archipelago (i.e., Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), rather highlight that the windwards, and thus more humid, areas of the other islands might support the species also under future warmer climatic scenarios. These findings deepen our understanding of U. europaeus local dynamics and are crucial to inform targeted management strategies to mitigate its impact across the Canary Archipelago and, ultimately, oceanic islands.
The Mediating Role of Social Interactions and Early Psychopathological Symptoms in the Relationship Between Empathy and Prosociality in Young Children with ASD and Neurotypical Peers
Authors: Lasota Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

This study examined the relationship between empathy, prosocial behaviour, social interactions and early psychopathological symptoms (internalising and externalising behaviours) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children. A total of 506 parents of children aged 18–48 months participated in this study. The parents of 92 children with ASD and 414 neurotypical children completed the Empathy Questionnaire, the Child Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Emotional and Social Development Questionnaire. The results confirmed the direct relationship between empathy and prosocial behaviour in both groups. However, the findings showed a different pattern of the indirect relationship between empathy and prosociality through the social dimensions in the children with ASD compared to their typically developing peers. In the children with ASD, there was only one significant indirect path from empathy to prosocial behaviour – through internalising behaviours (anxiety). Anxiety also played a moderating role in this relationship. The higher the anxiety, the stronger the relationship between empathy and prosociality. In the neurotypical group, social interactions were a significant mediator, strengthening the relationship between empathy and prosocial behaviour. Externalising behaviours weakened this relationship. Intergroup and gender differences were also examined. These findings may have practical implications for social skills training programmes based on behavioural interventions by highlighting the importance of prosocial behaviour for social interaction and protection against psychopathological problems in children with autism and typically developing children.
Data-assisted non-intrusive model reduction for forced nonlinear finite elements models
Authors: Cenedese M. , Marconi J. , Haller G. , Jain S.
Published: October 2024

Spectral submanifolds (SSMs) have emerged as accurate and predictive model reduction tools for dynamical systems defined either by equations or data sets. While finite-elements (FE) models belong to the equation-based class of problems, their implementations in commercial solvers do not generally provide information on the nonlinearities required for the analytical construction of SSMs. Here, we overcome this limitation by developing a data-driven construction of SSM-reduced models from a small number of unforced FE simulations. We then use these models to predict the forced response of the FE model without performing any costly forced simulation. This approach yields accurate forced response predictions even in the presence of internal resonances or quasi-periodic forcing, as we illustrate on several FE models. Our examples range from simple structures, such as beams and shells, to more complex geometries, such as a micro-resonator model containing more than a million degrees of freedom. In the latter case, our algorithm predicts accurate forced response curves in a small fraction of the time it takes to verify just a few points on those curves by simulating the full forced-response.
Segmentation and Metallographic Evaluation of Aluminium Slurry Coatings Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Juez Lorenzo Maria del Mar , Kolarik Vladislav , Sethia Khyati , Strakos Petr
Published: October 2024

Analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images is crucial for characterising aluminide diffusion coatings deposited via the slurry route on steels, yet challenging due to various factors like imaging artefacts, noise, and overlapping features such as resin, precipitates, cracks, and pores. This study focuses on determining the thicknesses of the coating layers Fe2Al5 and, if present, FeAl, pore characteristics, and chromium precipitate fractions after the heat treatment that forms the diffusion coating. A deep learning SEM image segmentation model utilising U-Net architecture is proposed. Ground truth data were generated using the trainable Weka segmentation plugin in ImageJ, manually refined for accuracy, and supplemented with synthetic data from Blender 3D software for data augmentation of a limited number of SEM label images. The deep learning model trained on a combination of synthetic and real SEM data achieved mean dice scores of 98.7% ± 0.2 for the Fe2Al5 layer, 82.6% ± 8.1 for pores, and 81.48% ± 3.6 for precipitates when evaluated on manually labelled SEM data. The deep learning procedure was applied to evaluate a series of SEM images of diffusion coatings obtained with three different slurry compositions. The evaluation revealed that using a slurry without a rheology modifier may lead to a thicker partial Fe2Al5 layer that is formed by inward diffusion. The relation between the outward and inward diffusion Fe2Al5 layers was not affected by the coating thickness. The thinner diffusion coating presents lower pores and chromium precipitate fractions independently of the slurry selected.
Flexible Bayesian modeling for longitudinal binary and ordinal responses
Authors: Kang Jizhou , Kottas Athanasios
Published: October 2024

Longitudinal studies with binary or ordinal responses are widely encountered in various disciplines, where the primary focus is on the temporal evolution of the probability of each response category. Traditional approaches build from the generalized mixed effects modeling framework. Even amplified with nonparametric priors placed on the fixed or random effects, such models are restrictive due to the implied assumptions on the marginal expectation and covariance structure of the responses. We tackle the problem from a functional data analysis perspective, treating the observations for each subject as realizations from subject-specific stochastic processes at the measured times. We develop the methodology focusing initially on binary responses, for which we assume the stochastic processes have Binomial marginal distributions. Leveraging the logits representation, we model the discrete space processes through continuous space processes. We utilize a hierarchical framework to model the mean and covariance kernel of the continuous space processes nonparametrically and simultaneously through a Gaussian process prior and an Inverse-Wishart process prior, respectively. The prior structure results in flexible inference for the evolution and correlation of binary responses, while allowing for borrowing of strength across all subjects. The modeling approach can be naturally extended to ordinal responses. Here, the continuation-ratio logits factorization of the multinomial distribution is key for efficient modeling and inference, including a practical way of dealing with unbalanced longitudinal data. The methodology is illustrated with synthetic data examples and an analysis of college students’ mental health status data.
Assessment of background dose rate on non-human biota in a Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystem
Authors: Guillén Javier , Real Almudena , Salas Alejandro , Pérez Danyl , Muñoz-Muñoz Juan Gabriel , Escribano Alicia , Sterling Agustina
Published: October 2024

The assessment of radiological impact to the environment is usually carried out by the dose rate estimation to hypothetical entities named Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs). There are many codes to carry out this assessment, which requires the definition of a scenario and using site-specific transfer parameters when possible. Transfer parameters present a geographical bias, as they are mostly derived from temperate and arctic climate datasets, but there is a scarcity of data for Mediterranean climates. In this study, a terrestrial Mediterranean scenario was defined using the distribution of activity concentrations of anthropogenic (90Sr, 137Cs) and naturally occurring radionuclides (40 K, 210Pb, 210Po, 226,228Ra, 235,238U, 232Th) in Cáceres province (Spain). Site-specific transfer factors, CRwo-media, defined as the ratio between the concentration in the whole organism and the medium (soil in this case) were considered. Dose rate assessments for terrestrial RAPs were carried out using Tier 3 in ERICA Tool, ranging 0.23–3.73 µGy/h which is below the screening level of 10 µGy/h. Therefore, no harmful effects are expected to occur. Internal dose rate predominates over external one because the main contributors are naturally occurring radionuclides (in most cases 40 K, 226,228Ra, 210Pb, 210Po), which are mostly α-emitting radionuclides. These results can be used for the evaluation of other radiological and nuclear installations in Mediterranean climates, as they set the background dose rate.
A reduced graphene oxide-coated conductive surgical silk suture targeting microresistance sensing changes for wound healing
Authors: Ding YuQi , Wang XuChen , Liu JingGe , Shen HongQiang , Wang Zhong , Xie MaoBin , Chen Ying , Barcenas Adileidys Ruiz , Zhao ZeYu , Li Gang
Published: October 2024

Conventional sutures used in surgical procedures often lack the capability to effectively monitor physical and chemical activities or the microbial environment of surgical wounds due to their inadequate mechanical properties, insufficient electrical accuracy and unstability. Here, we present a straightforward layer-by-layer coating technique that utilizes 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (CA), graphene oxide (GO), and ascorbic acid (AA) to develop conductive silk-based surgical sutures (CA-rGSFS). The CA-rGSFS feature a continuous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film on their surface, forming robust hydrogen bonds with silk fibroin. The reduction process of rGO is confirmed through Raman analysis, demonstrating an enhanced D peak to G peak ratio. Notably, the CA-rGSFS exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and efficient electron transmission, with a knot-pull tensile strength of 2089.72 ± 1.20 cN and an electrical conductivity of 130.30 ± 11.34 S/m, respectively, meeting the requirements specified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for 2-0 sutures. These novel CA-rGSFS demonstrate the ability to accurately track resistance changes in various fluid environments with rapid response, including saline, intestinal, and gastric fluids. The suture also retains remarkable stretchablility and stability even after enduring 3000 tensile cycles, highlighting their potential for precise surgical site monitoring during the wound healing process.
Semi-automatic robotic puncture system based on deformable soft tissue point cloud registration
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Kui , Yao Yuhang , Wu Bo , Li Qiang , Zhang Zheming , Fan Peihua , Wang Wei , Lin Manxia , Fujie Masakatsu G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Traditional surgical puncture robot systems based on computed tomography (CT) and infrared camera guidance have natural disadvantages for puncture of deformable soft tissues such as the liver. Liver movement and deformation caused by breathing are difficult to accurately assess and compensate by current technical solutions. We propose a semi-automatic robotic puncture system based on real-time ultrasound images to solve this problem.

Method

Real-time ultrasound images and their spatial position information can be obtained by robot in this system. By recognizing target tissue in these ultrasound images and using reconstruction algorithm, 3D real-time ultrasound tissue point cloud can be constructed. Point cloud of the target tissue in the CT image can be obtained by using developed software. Through the point cloud registration method based on feature points, two point clouds above are registered. The puncture target will be automatically positioned, then robot quickly carries the puncture guide mechanism to the puncture site and guides the puncture. It takes about just tens of seconds from the start of image acquisition to completion of needle insertion. Patient can be controlled by a ventilator to temporarily stop breathing, and patient’s breathing state does not need to be the same as taking CT scan.

Results

The average operation time of 24 phantom experiments is 64.5 s, and the average error between the needle tip and the target point after puncture is 0.8 mm. Two animal puncture surgeries were performed, and the results indicated that the puncture errors of these two experiments are 1.76 mm and 1.81 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Robot system can effectively carry out and implement liver tissue puncture surgery, and the success rate of phantom experiments and experiments is 100%. It also shows that the puncture robot system has high puncture accuracy, short operation time, and great clinical value.
Climatic and edaphic controls of root-tip production and mortality in five temperate tree species
Authors: Ma Yaoyuan , Yang Ni , Wang Siyuan , Huo Changfu , Yu Lizhong , Gu Jiacun
Published: October 2024

Root tips are the main components of absorptive fine roots, but their seasonal dynamics and relationship to environmental factors remain unclear due to the difficulties in methodology. In this study, we explored the temporal patterns of root-tip production and mortality in monoculture plantations of five temperate tree species at a common site in northeastern China, and identified the general environmental controls on such processes. We made monthly in-situ assessments of root tip length (RTL) production and mortality in two hardwood and three coniferous species with a minirhizotron (MR) method during the growing seasons of 2008 and 2009. Air temperature, rainfall, soil temperature and water content at 10 cm depth were determined concurrently. RTL production in all species exhibited consistent peaks in summer (June–August) in two growing seasons. RTL mortality showed substantial interannual and interspecific variability, with peaks in autumn and winter in 2008, but various patterns in 2009. RTL production positively correlated with monthly soil and air temperature across all species, and with monthly rainfall in three coniferous species. However, there was no significant correlation between RTL production and soil water content. By contrast, RTL mortality was weakly related to environmental factors, showing positive correlations with soil temperature in Korean spruce, and with rainfall in Korean pine and Korean spruce. Our findings suggest that the seasonal patterns of RTL production are convergent across the five temperate tree species due to the overlapped distribution of heat and rainfall, which can conduce roots to maximizing the acquisition of nutrient resources in the soil.
Addressing Stigma-Related Health Disparities for Autistic Individuals Through Cultural Competemility: Insights from Research and Lived Experience
Authors: Hotez Emily , Phan Jenny M. , Truong Dieu M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

Autistic individuals experience disproportionate stigma across the life course in interpersonal, healthcare, and educational contexts. These experiences contribute to negative health and healthcare outcomes for this population. This paper seeks to describe autistic individuals’ experiences of stigma and marginalization; discuss frameworks such as Campinha-Bacote's innovative concept of cultural competemility and its relevance to autistic populations; offer recommendations to healthcare providers based on this framework; and apply theory to practice in a case study.

Recent Findings

Autistic individuals increasingly understand autism as an important aspect of their identity. There are, however, few culturally informed healthcare efforts that reflect this understanding. As a result, efforts to address stigma-related health disparities for this population have limited effectiveness.

In this manuscript, we highlight opportunities within clinical encounters, medical training, healthcare offices and systems, and research to provide higher quality culturally informed care to autistic populations and address stigma-related health disparities.
Do Community Views of Local Police Agencies Change During “Crises of Legitimacy”? Results of a Multi-wave Random Sample Community Survey in a Large Suburban Jurisdiction
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Koper Christopher S. , Khatchatourian Hailey
Published: October 2024

George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis Police Department officer on May 25, 2020, was arguably one of the most impactful events in modern policing in the United States. However, several controversial and highly publicized use-of-force events preceded it during the 2010s, leading to this entire period being labeled a “crisis of legitimacy” or “reckoning” for the police. Nationally, perceptions of the police declined during this period, especially after Floyd’s death, prompting a great deal of debate, protest, and discussion about police reform (including arguments about defunding the police). However, a great deal of variation exists in these perceptions at the local level. This study presents a rare insight into this issue, pooling two random-sample household mail surveys that researchers collected in 2015 and 2021 in a large urban-suburban county. It seeks to determine whether changes in specific measures of perceived police legitimacy and effectiveness found in national-level polls were also found in this jurisdiction, and more specifically, across different racial groups. Although this racially and ethnically diverse county is also a progressive Democratic stronghold, the results suggest that local views about police—even when disaggregated by race—may not align with national perspectives or events as expected, which, in turn, may impact support for police reforms at the local and national levels.
Zakat, Non-state Welfare Provision and Redistribution in Times of Crisis: Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gallien Max , Javed Umair , van den Boogaard Vanessa
Published: October 2024

Around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic drew attention to state social protection and its limitations. Less attention has been paid to what is likely the world’s largest system of predominantly non-state welfare provision: zakat, an annual Islamic obligatory payment of a percentage of productive wealth to the poor and other eligible recipients. We explore how states and citizens engage with zakat during crises through a case study of the Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan, Egypt, and Morocco, drawing on novel and nationally representative survey data of 5484 respondents across the three countries. While we may expect that citizens may be less motivated to pay zakat in times of personal economic hardship, we find that a large majority of the general population and of zakat contributors perceives zakat as particularly important in the Covid context. We show that while zakat may play an important role in non-state social welfare provision supplementing state social protection and redistribution in times of crisis, state attempts to harness it are often ineffective. However, while we find that higher income individuals are more likely to pay zakat, even only among those that are eligible, there are potentially negative equity impacts given the flat rate at which it is levied and the fact that people tend to give through personal networks.
Saltwater intrusion simulations in coastal karstic aquifers related to climate change scenarios
Authors: Canul-Macario Cesar , Pacheco-Castro Roger , Hernández-Espriú Antonio , González-Herrera Roger , Salles Paulo
Published: October 2024

Coastal zones are crucial ecosystems supporting significant biodiversity and pertinent socio-economic activities. However, anthropogenic development contributes to socio-environmental complexities, particularly public water supply threats caused by climate change. This research presents a case study on the north-western coast of Yucatan, Mexico, which models potential saltwater intrusion in groundwater for multiple projections of sea level rise and recharge change due to climate change and its implications for the public water supply of the regional population and ecosystem. For this purpose, a previously calibrated and validated numerical model is employed, adapting its boundary conditions, keeping its calibrated hydrogeologic parameters, and considering the 2040 and 2100 climate change projections. Simulation results show that under these projections, significant saltwater intrusion may occur, reducing freshwater thickness due to increased salinity in groundwater and a loss of freshwater sources resulting from brackish-saline wedge intrusion. These scenarios are of particular concern as freshwater in this coastal region is the main source for public water supply and for freshwater input in coastal ecosystems. Moreover, this study underscores the susceptibility of karstic aquifers to salinization, especially in the face of rising sea levels, given their unique hydrogeological characteristics and substantial responsiveness to marine forcings. In spite of the uncertainties in global climate change predictions, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of these unique aquifers, and presents future saltwater intrusion projections that offer valuable technical insights to design and implement pertinent and resilient coastal aquifer management strategies.
DNA methylation dysregulation patterns in the 1p36 region instability
Authors: Swierkowska-Janc Joanna , Kabza Michal , Rydzanicz Malgorzata , Giefing Maciej , Ploski Rafal , Shaffer Lisa G. , Gajecka Marzena
Published: October 2024

In the monosomy 1p36 deletion syndrome, the role of DNA methylation in the genomic stability of the 1p36 region remains elusive. We hypothesize that changes in the methylation pattern at the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region influenced the chromosomal breakage leading to terminal deletions. From the monosomy 1p36 material collection, four cases with 4.0 to 5.5 Mb terminal deletions and their parents were investigated. DNA samples were assessed by targeted bisulfite sequencing (NimbleGen SeqCap Epi) to examine DNA methylation status in the 1p36 hotspot region at single-base resolution as compared to the chromosomal hotspot regions, 9p22, 18q21.1, and 22q11.2. Additionally, in in silico assessment, the mean GC content of various classes of repeats in the genome and especially in the breakpoint regions was evaluated. A complex landscape of DNA methylation in the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region was found. Changes in DNA methylation level in the vicinity of the breakpoint in the child’s DNA when compared to parents’ and control DNA were observed, with a shift from 15.1 to 70.8% spanning the breakpoint region. In the main classes of evaluated repeats, higher mean GC contents in the 1p36 breakpoint region (47.06%), 22q11.2 (48.47%), and 18q21.1 (44.21%) were found, compared to the rest of the genome (40.78%). The 9p22 region showed a lower GC content (39.42%) compared to the rest of the genome. Both dysregulation of DNA methylation and high GC content were found to be specific for the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region suggesting that methylation abnormalities could contribute to aberrations at 1p36.
Parental Insightfulness, Parental Sensitivity, Parent and Child Mental Health, and Attachment in Autistic Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Jia Ying Sarah , Whittingham Koa , Mitchell Amy E.
Published: October 2024

This systematic review aimed to examine whether parental insightfulness is associated with parental sensitivity, parent and child mental health, and attachment in autistic children. Eligible articles used a quantitative research design and included participants who were parents or caregivers of a child diagnosed with autism and who completed a measure of parental insightfulness. Eight papers (six studies) met inclusion criteria. Parental insightfulness was associated with higher parental sensitivity and attachment security. No studies investigated associations between parental insightfulness and parent mental health. Although research is limited, parental insightfulness appears to be associated with parental sensitivity and child attachment in families of autistic children. More research is required to confirm whether these relationships exist cross-culturally, and with different caregivers.