bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined nitrogen and drought stress leads to overlapping and unique proteomic responses in potato
Authors: Wellpott Katharina , Jozefowicz Anna M. , Meise Philipp , Schum Annegret , Seddig Sylvia , Mock Hans-Peter , Winkelmann Traud , Bündig Christin
Published: February 2023

Main conclusion

Nitrogen deficient and drought-tolerant or sensitive potatoes differ in proteomic responses under combined (NWD) and individual stresses. The sensitive genotype ‘Kiebitz’ exhibits a higher abundance of proteases under NWD.

Abiotic stresses such as N deficiency and drought affect the yield of Solanum tuberosum L. tremendously. Therefore, it is of importance to improve potato genotypes in terms of stress tolerance. In this study, we identified differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in four starch potato genotypes under N deficiency (ND), drought stress (WD), or combined stress (NWD) in two rain-out shelter experiments. The gel-free LC–MS analysis generated a set of 1177 identified and quantified proteins. The incidence of common DAPs in tolerant and sensitive genotypes under NWD indicates general responses to this stress combination. Most of these proteins were part of the amino acid metabolism (13.9%). Three isoforms of S-adenosyl methionine synthase (SAMS) were found to be lower abundant in all genotypes. As SAMS were found upon application of single stresses as well, these proteins appear to be part of the general stress response in potato. Interestingly, the sensitive genotype ‘Kiebitz’ showed a higher abundance of three proteases (subtilase, carboxypeptidase, subtilase family protein) and a lower abundance of a protease inhibitor (stigma expressed protein) under NWD stress compared to control plants. The comparably tolerant genotype ‘Tomba’, however, displayed lower abundances of proteases. This indicates a better coping strategy for the tolerant genotype and a quicker reaction to WD when previously stressed with ND.
Pattern of recurrence and overall survival in esophagogastric cancer after perioperative FLOT and clinical outcomes in MSI-H population: the PROSECCO Study
Authors: Nappo Floriana , Fornaro Lorenzo , Pompella Luca , Catanese Silvia , Lavacchi Daniele , Spallanzani Andrea , Cappetta Alessandro , Puzzoni Marco , Murgioni Sabina , Barsotti Giulia , Tirino Giuseppe , Pellino Antonio , Vivaldi Caterina , Strippoli Antonia , Aprile Giuseppe , Di Donato Samantha , Mazza Elena , Prisciandaro Michele , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Zagonel Vittorina , Cascinu Stefano , De Vita Ferdinando , Lonardi Sara
Published: February 2023

Background

FLOT regimen is the standard perioperative treatment in Western countries for patients with locally advanced gastric (GC) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC). High microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and Mismatch Repair deficient (dMMR) demonstrated a favorable prognostic role and a concomitant negative predictive impact on the benefit of perioperative 5-fluorouracil-based doublets; however, its role in pts receiving FLOT chemotherapy is still unclear.

Methods

This is a retrospective, multicenter observational study of 265 pts with GC/GEJC treated with perioperative FLOT regimen in 11 Italian oncology centers between January 2017 to December 2021 and analyzed for microsatellite status.

Results

The MSI-H phenotype was found in 27 (10.2%) of 265 analyzed tumors. Compared to microsatellite stable (MSS) and Mismatch Repair proficient (pMMR) cases, MSI-H/dMMR were more frequently female (48.1% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.0424), elderly pts (age > 70 years, 44.4% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.0003), Laurens’s intestinal type (62.5% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.02) and pts with a primary location tumor in the antrum (37 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.0004). A statistically significant difference in the rate of pathologically negative lymph node emerged (63% vs 30.7%, p = 0.0018).

Compared to the MSS/pMMR tumor population, the MSI-H/dMMR subgroup had a better DFS (median not reached [NR] vs. 19.5 [15.59–23.59] mos, p = 0.031) and OS (median NR vs. 34.84 [26.68–47.60] mos, p = 0.0316).

Conclusions

These real-world data confirm that FLOT treatment is effective in daily clinical practice for locally advanced GC/GEJC, also in the MSI-H/dMMR subgroup. It also showed a higher rate of nodal status downstaging and a better outcome of MSI-H/dMMR pts in comparison to MSS/pMMR.
Return to work after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy: a nationwide registry-based observational study
Authors: Lønne Vetle Vangen , Hara Sozaburo , Gulati Sasha , Aasdahl Lene , Salvesen Øyvind , Nygaard Øystein Petter , Solberg Tore , Hara Karen Walseth
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies of high quality exist on return to work (RTW) rate after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This study aims to examine the RTW rate in patients undergoing surgery for DCM.

Methods

Nationwide prospectively collected data were obtained from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. The primary outcome was return to work, defined as being at work at a given time postoperatively without any medical income-compensation benefits. Secondary endpoints included the neck disability index (NDI) and quality of life measured by EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D).

Results

Among 439 patients operated for DCM between 2012 and 2018, 20% of the patients received a medical income-compensation benefit one year before surgery. This number increased steadily towards the operation at which timepoint 100% received benefits. By 12 months after surgery, 65% had returned to work. By 36 months, 75% had returned to work. Patients that returned to work were more likely to be non-smokers and to have a college education. They had less comorbidity, more were without benefit 1-year pre-surgery, and significantly more patients were employed at operation date. Average days of sick leave in the year before surgery were significantly less in the RTW group, and they had a significantly lower baseline NDI and EQ-5D All PROMs reached statistical significance at 12 months, in favor of the group that achieved RTW.

Conclusion

At 12 months following surgery, 65% had returned to work. At the end of the 36-month follow-up period, 75% had returned to work, 5% less than the working percentage in the beginning of the follow-up period. This study demonstrates that a large percentage of patients return to work after surgical treatment for DCM.
Knock-out of the critical nitric oxide synthase regulator DDAH1 in mice impacts amphetamine sensitivity and dopamine metabolism
Authors: Kozlova Alena A. , Rubets Elena , Vareltzoglou Magdalini R. , Jarzebska Natalia , Ragavan Vinitha N. , Chen Yingjie , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Bode-Böger Stefanie M. , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Rodionov Roman N. , Bernhardt Nadine
Published: February 2023

The enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of nitric oxide levels by degrading the main endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Growing evidence highlight the potential implication of DDAH/ADMA axis in the etiopathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of DDAH1 in behavioral endophenotypes with neuropsychiatric relevance. To achieve this, a global DDAH1 knock-out (DDAH1-ko) mouse strain was employed. Behavioral testing and brain region-specific neurotransmitter profiling have been conducted to assess the effect of both genotype and sex. DDAH1-ko mice exhibited increased exploratory behavior toward novel objects, altered amphetamine response kinetics and decreased dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) level in the piriform cortex and striatum. Females of both genotypes showed the most robust amphetamine response. These results support the potential implication of the DDAH/ADMA pathway in central nervous system processes shaping the behavioral outcome. Yet, further experiments are required to complement the picture and define the specific brain-regions and mechanisms involved.
Direct evidence of fiber-protein-directed hemagglutination by canine adenoviruses
Authors: Matsugo Hiromichi , Kamiki Haruhiko , Ishida Hiroho , Kobayashi-Kitamura Tomoya , Takenaka-Uema Akiko , Murakami Shin , Horimoto Taisuke
Published: February 2023

Canine adenoviruses (CAdVs) are divided into two serotypes, CAdV1 and CAdV2, whose members mainly cause infectious hepatitis and laryngotracheitis, respectively, in canids. To gain insight into the molecular basis of viral hemagglutination, we constructed chimeric viruses whose fiber proteins or their knob domains, which play a role in viral attachment to cells, were swapped among CAdV1, CAdV2, and bat adenovirus via reverse genetics. The results revealed that, in each case, viral hemagglutination was specifically mediated by the fiber protein or knob domain, providing direct evidence for fiber-protein-directed receptor-binding characteristics of CAdVs.
Emergency-related inpatient admissions in child and adolescent psychiatry: comparison of clinical characteristics of involuntary and voluntary admissions from a survey in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Kandsperger Stephanie , Ecker Angelika , Schleicher Daniel , Wirth Michael , Brunner Romuald , Jarvers Irina
Published: February 2023

Emergency inpatient admissions of children and adolescents are more difficult if the patient is admitted involuntarily and/or the caregivers or custodians of institutional care are absent. The present study aimed to clinically characterize involuntary versus voluntary admissions by examining the reasons for presentation and associated factors. We retrospectively analyzed patients who presented to the emergency department of a hospital for child and adolescent psychiatry in Bavaria, Germany, and were admitted as inpatients for crisis intervention in the 4th quarter of 2014–2018. Reasons for presentation, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and type of admission (voluntary versus involuntary) were analyzed for 431 emergency inpatient admissions. A total of 106 (24.6%) patients were involuntarily admitted. In a binominal logistic regression, presentation due to alcohol consumption, deviant social behavior, and psychosocial burden was positively associated, whereas difficulties at school and depression were negatively associated, with the likelihood of involuntary admission. 58.5% of the 123 unaccompanied patients were admitted involuntarily. Reasons for the presentation of unaccompanied and voluntary inpatient admissions were suicidal thoughts, psychosocial burden, and externalized aggression. A substantial number of child and adolescent psychiatric admissions represent emergency admissions. Involuntarily admitted patients and unaccompanied children/adolescents represent a non-negligible proportion of clinical routine and the clinical and legal background factors need to be further clarified in future studies. This study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (24 September 2019, DRKS00017689).
The efficacy and safety of olokizumab for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed , Ghanem Ahmed , Mahmoud Abdelrahman , Brakat Aml M. , Elzeftawy Mohamad A. , Mamdouh Fayoud Aya , Awad Ahmed K. , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: February 2023

Olokizumab (OKZ) is a novel IL-6 inhibitor that directly targets IL-6 rather than its receptor. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OKZ for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate the optimal treatment regimen. A systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from WOS, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and PubMed until August 31, 2022. We used the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively, presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We registered our protocol in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022358082. Five RCTs with 2277 patients were included. OKZ significantly improved the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR) 20 (RR: 1.97 with 95% CI [1.49, 2.58], P = 0.00001), ACR50 (RR: 3.83 with 95% CI [2.13, 6.87], P = 0.00001), ACR70 (RR: 3.83 with 95% CI [2.13, 6.87], P = 0.00001), disease activity score 28 based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) (RR: 3.91 with 95% CI [2.65, 5.79], P = 0.00001), clinical disease activity index (CDAI) (RR: 2.80 with 95% CI [1.43, 5.48], P = 0.003), and health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) (MD: − 0.28 with 95% CI [− 0.38, − 0.18], P = 0.00001) after 12 weeks, compared to placebo. However, OKZ was also associated with a higher incidence of any adverse events (AEs) (RR: 1.15 with 95% CI [1.06, 1.25], P = 0.0005) and AEs leading to drug discontinuation (RR: 1.86 with 95% CI [1.05, 3.29], P = 0.03). OKZ is effective and with acceptable safety profile when administrated with methotrexate in patients with RA not adequately controlled by tumor necrosis factor inhibitors; however, more large-scale RCTs are still required to investigate the optimal dosing, long-term effects, and comparative efficacy versus established biological DMARDs.

Key Points• OKZ is effective especially with methotrexate in RA patients.
4D electrical resistivity to monitor unstable slopes in mountainous tropical regions: an example from Munnar, India
Authors: Watlet Arnaud , Thirugnanam Hemalatha , Singh Balmukund , Kumar M. Nitin , Brahmanandan Deepak , Inauen Cornelia , Swift Russell , Meldrum Phil , Uhlemann Sebastian , Wilkinson Paul , Chambers Jonathan , Ramesh Maneesha Vinodini
Published: February 2023

The number of large landslides in India has risen in the recent years, due to an increased occurrence of extreme monsoon rainfall events. There is an urgent need to improve our understanding of moisture-induced landslide dynamics, which vary both spatially and temporally. Geophysical methods provide integrated tools to monitor subsurface hydrological processes in unstable slopes at high spatial resolution. They are complementary to more conventional approaches using networks of point sensors, which can provide high temporal resolution information but are severely limited in terms of spatial resolution. Here, we present and discuss data from an electrical resistivity tomography monitoring system—called PRIME—deployed at the Amrita Landslide Early Warning System (Amrita-LEWS) site located in Munnar in the Western Ghats (Kerala, India). The system monitors changes in electrical resistivity in the subsurface of a landslide-prone slope that directly threatens a local community. The monitoring system provides a 4D resistivity model informing on the moisture dynamics in the subsurface of the slope. Results from a 10-month period spanning from pre-monsoon to the end of the monsoon season 2019 are presented and discussed with regard to the spatial variation of soil moisture. The temporal changes in resistivity within the slope are further investigated through the use of time-series clustering and compared to weather and subsurface pore water pressure data. This study sheds new light on the hydrological processes occurring in the shallow subsurface during the monsoon and potentially leading to slope failure. This geophysical approach aims at better understanding and forecasting slope failure to reduce the risk for the local community, thereby providing a powerful tool to be included in local landslide early warning systems.
Parental Interference in Offspring’s Mate Choice: Sets of Actions and Counteractions Based on Both Perspectives
Authors: Fišerová Anna , Havlíček Jan , Urban Marek , Urban Kamila , Štěrbová Zuzana
Published: February 2023

Mate choice in humans is specific by the involvement of kin both in partner choice and in the functioning of the relationship. The influence of relatives ranges from providing advice all the way to arranged marriages. Existing research so far tended to map neither the actual parental interventions and further reactions (counteractions) nor the independently pursued behavior (actions) by which the offspring or their partners assert their interests. This study identified such sets of behaviors through semi-structured individual interviews with members of 20 dyads of adult offspring and their biological parents (five son–mother, five son–father, five daughter–mother, and five daughter–father dyads). Thematic analysis revealed sets of parental actions aimed at the offspring, their partners, and the couple as a whole, as well as further counteractions (reactions to parental interference) and independently pursued behavior (actions) of the offspring and their partners aimed at the parents in the context of the offspring’s previous or current relationship. Our findings showed that parental interference differed depending on the recipient: toward the couple were applied mainly indirect and supportive parental actions, whereas when facing their offspring or offspring’s partner, parents’ actions were more direct and disruptive. Our results thus indicate the importance of reporting about actual interactions which differ from the hypothetical settings used in prior studies by lower intensity. Moreover, by interviewing both members of dyads, we expanded the sets of actions and counteractions identified by prior studies and managed to limit self-reporting bias.
Use of a novel technique to assess impact of age-related denervation on mouse soleus muscle function
Authors: Lal Navneet N. , Cornwall Jon , Sheard Philip W.
Published: February 2023

Denervation contributes to loss of force-generating capacity in aged skeletal muscles, but problems with quantification of denervated fibers mean the precise impact of denervation on muscle function remains unclear. This study therefore looked to develop a reliable assay for identifying denervated muscle fibers, and used this to explore the impact of denervation on age-related force-generation in mouse skeletal muscle. Thirteen young (6-month-old) and 10 old (24-months-old) C57Bl/6 J female mice were utilized. Anaesthetized mice were infused with the fluorescent deoxyglucose analog 2[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,2-diaxol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) and the tibial nerve was repeatedly stimulated to label active skeletal muscle fibers by activity-dependent uptake of 2-NBDG. Data on muscle force generation were acquired as part of the stimulation routine. Labeled muscles were removed, snap frozen, sectioned, and slide mounted. Sections were imaged to show accumulation of 2-NBDG in activated fibers and lack of 2-NBDG accumulation in quiescent (denervated) fibers, then processed using immunohistochemistry to allow collection of data on fiber number and morphology. Soleus muscles from older mice had nine times as many denervated fibers as those from young mice (average n = 36 vs 4, old vs young). Older muscles developed significantly more passive force and less specific force, but denervation only partly accounted for age-related deficits in specific force. Further investigations are required to definitively identify contributors to the decrease in force generation that remain unaccounted for.
A critical inventory of the mediterranean endemics in the egyptian flora
Authors: Bedair Heba , Shaltout Kamal , Halmy Marwa Waseem. A.
Published: February 2023

In terms of plant diversity, the Mediterranean Basin is the world’s second richest hotspot, and one of the most important locations on the planet for endemic species. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the region’s global importance for plant diversity, an up-to-date list of Mediterranean endemics is still unavailable. The available data are frequently insufficient or out of date at both the whole and the national levels. Therefore, the present study aimed at delimiting the Mediterranean floristic region, screening the Mediterranean endemics, and determining the habitats and phyto-geographical distribution of these taxa in Egypt. Hence, a preliminary list of 402 Mediterranean endemic taxa in Egypt was compiled from the available literature. Indeed, the present study has reduced this number to sixty-five (16.2%) Mediterranean endemics belonging to 49 genera and 22 families. Fifteen major habitats are supporting the Mediterranean endemics in Egypt. The most represented habitat was the non-saline depressions (20 taxa = 30.8%), followed by the coastal dunes (19 taxa = 29.2%). Moreover, the Mareotis (west) subsector was the richest with 57 taxa = 87.7%. In conclusion, it’s crucial to clearly define Mediterranean endemic plants and provide an updated documented database of these taxa for a given territory to help guide future management plans that support the conservation and sustainable use of these important species under the current thought-provoking devastating impacts of rapid anthropogenic and climate changes in the region.
Coping with Moral Dilemmas in German Criminal Law Theory and Justice: Classical Cases and Modern Variants
Authors: Schuster Frank Peter
Published: February 2023

Dilemma scenarios have always been among the most common problems of moral philosophy and criminal law theory. One only has to contemplate the Plank of Carneades, the classic thought experiment whereby two shipwrecked people’s only hope of rescue is a floating board that can only be occupied by one person. Other scenarios are Welzel’s switchman case and the well-known Trolley Problem. In most of the debated cases the death of one or more people is absolutely unavoidable. The protagonists do not cause the situation but are fated to come into conflict. The focus of this article is on one recent and one future variant. First, the prioritization of medical aid (also known as “triage”) is the subject of intense debate, because the COVID-19 pandemic posed a permanent risk of a temporary collapse in the health system in several countries. Situations had arisen whereby some patients can no longer be treated owing to lack of capacity. It can be asked whether a decision to treat may be based on which patients have a better chance of survival, whether reckless previous behaviour may play a role, and whether a treatment, once started, may be discontinued in favour of another. Second, dilemma scenarios are also one of the last remaining (largely unresolved) legal difficulties of autonomous vehicles. Never before has a machine been given the power to determine the life or death of human beings. Even though the automotive industry promises that such situations will hardly ever occur, the problem could prove to be a tangible obstacle to acceptance and innovation. The article offers solutions for those distinct scenarios, but it is also intended to demonstrate the underlying legal concepts of German law: namely, the tripartite analysis of criminal law and the idea of human dignity as a fundamental principle of the German constitution.
Bias characterization, assessment, and mitigation in location-based recommender systems
Authors: Sánchez Pablo , Bellogín Alejandro , Boratto Ludovico
Published: February 2023

Location-Based Social Networks stimulated the rise of services such as Location-based Recommender Systems. These systems suggest to users points of interest (or venues) to visit when they arrive in a specific city or region. These recommendations impact various stakeholders in society, like the users who receive the recommendations and venue owners. Hence, if a recommender generates biased or polarized results, this affects in tangible ways both the experience of the users and the providers’ activities. In this paper, we focus on four forms of polarization, namely venue popularity, category popularity, venue exposure, and geographical distance. We characterize them on different families of recommendation algorithms when using a realistic (temporal-aware) offline evaluation methodology while assessing their existence. Besides, we propose two automatic approaches to mitigate those biases. Experimental results on real-world data show that these approaches are able to jointly improve the recommendation effectiveness, while alleviating these multiple polarizations.
Vectorial Boolean functions with the maximum number of bent components beyond the Nyberg’s bound
Authors: Bapić Amar , Pasalic Enes , Polujan Alexandr , Pott Alexander
Published: February 2023

Recently, several interesting constructions of vectorial Boolean functions with the maximum number of bent components (MNBC functions, for short) were proposed. However, many of them have component functions from the completed Maiorana-McFarland class $${\mathcal {M}}^{\#}$$

M

#

. Moreover, no examples of MNBC functions containing component functions provably outside $${\mathcal {M}}^{\#}$$

M

#

are known. In this paper, we classify all MNBC functions in six variables. Based on the analysis of the obtained equivalence classes, we propose several infinite families of MNBC functions with component functions outside the $${\mathcal {M}}^{\#}$$

M

#

class. In particular, two of our new constructions are solutions to the open problem [Bapić et al (eds) Proceedings of the twelfth international workshop on coding and cryptography, 2022, Item 1., p. 9].
Imagining a Way Out of Dream Skepticism
Authors: Gregory Daniel
Published: February 2023

The problem of dream skepticism – i.e., the problem of what can justify one’s belief that they are not dreaming – is one of the most famous problems in philosophy. I propose a way of responding to the problem which is available if one subscribes to the theory that the sensory experiences that we have in dreams consist of images (as opposed to false percepts). The response exploits a particular feature of imagination, viz., that it is not possible to simultaneously have two separate imagistic experiences in the same modality.
Exact parallel waves in general relativity
Authors: Roche Cian , Aazami Amir Babak , Cederbaum Carla
Published: February 2023

We conduct a review of the basic definitions and the principal results in the study of wavelike spacetimes, that is spacetimes whose metric models massless radiation moving at the speed of light, focusing in particular on those geometries with parallel rays. In particular, we motivate and connect their various definitions, outline their coordinate descriptions and present some classical results in their study in a language more accessible to modern readers, including the existence of “null coordinates” and the construction of Penrose limits. We also present a thorough summary of recent work on causality in pp-waves, and describe progress in addressing an open question in the field—the Ehlers–Kundt conjecture.
Minimizing total completion time in large-sized pharmaceutical quality control scheduling
Authors: Martins Miguel S. E. , Viegas Joaquim L. , Coito Tiago , Firme Bernardo , Costigliola Andrea , Figueiredo João , Vieira Susana M. , Sousa João M. C.
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes an algorithm for the effective scheduling of analytical chemistry tests in the context of quality control for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The problem is formulated as an extension of a dual resource constrained flexible job shop scheduling problem for the allocation of both machines and analysts resources for analytical laboratory work of real dimensions. The formulation is novel and custom made to fit real quality control laboratory. The novelty comes from allowing multiple analyst interventions for each machine allocation while minimising the total completion time, formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model. A three-level dynamic heuristic is proposed to solve the problem efficiently for instances representative of real world schedules. The CPLEX solver and a Tabu Search algorithm are used for comparison. Results show that the heuristic is competitive with the other strategies for medium-sized instances while outperforming them for large-sized instances. The dynamic heuristic runs in a very short amount of time, making it suitable for real world environments. This work is valuable for the development of laboratory management solutions for quality control as it presents a way to provide automatic scheduling of resources.
Consumer willingness to pay for farmed seaweed with education on ecosystem services
Authors: Bolduc Will , Griffin Robert M. , Byron Carrie J.
Published: February 2023

Kelp aquaculture in the US is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. While the market potential is substantial, increasing demand is widely seen as a key step towards realizing this potential. Recent work on restorative aquaculture practices has led to increased study and valuation of ecosystem services of kelp aquaculture. This study demonstrates the efficacy of education on ecosystem services of kelp aquaculture as marketing material for kelp end products. Through an online willingness to pay survey, this study found a significant increase in consumer willingness to pay for end products after a brief education on ecosystem services. Price point of the product, income, gender, knowledge of ecosystem services, and frequency of kelp product consumption were found to be significant predictors of the magnitude of change in consumer willingness to pay. Of the four major categories of ecosystem services, supporting services were reported to be most important to consumers. These findings can guide private and public organizations in marketing efforts to drive consumer behavior and to actualize the large potential of kelp aquaculture in the USA.
The Convergence of Positivity: Are Happy People All Alike?
Authors: Iliev Rumen , M Bennis Will
Published: February 2023

More than a century ago Leo Tolstoy noted that happy families tend to be more similar to each other than unhappy families. Was this just a cognitive illusion, driven by his mind’s predisposition to see positive entities as more similar to each other, or did he make a profound observation about the world? If it is true, is the phenomenon limited to happiness, or is it a characteristic of positive traits more generally? This question has received attention in multiple fields, but not in psychology. We ran five studies, testing the more general hypothesis that people who share some positive individual-difference trait are more alike than those who do not (The Convergence of Positivity Hypothesis), and we consistently found empirical support for it. Happier, healthier, and richer people were more alike in their personality, values, and in various other domains. The research approach we followed here departs from traditional behavioral science methods and proposes a different level of analysis, where valence and directionality play a central role. We speculate about why this pattern might exist and about the boundary conditions, including whether it extends beyond individual differences to a broader set of complex systems where positivity can be defined.
On the Polyhedral Homotopy Method for Solving Generalized Nash Equilibrium Problems of Polynomials
Authors: Lee Kisun , Tang Xindong
Published: February 2023

Thegeneralized Nash equilibrium problem(GNEP) is a kind of game to find strategies for a group of players such that each player’s objective function is optimized. Solutions for GNEPs are calledgeneralized Nash equilibria(GNEs). In this paper, we propose a numerical method for finding GNEs of GNEPs of polynomials based on the polyhedral homotopy continuation and the Moment-SOS hierarchy of semidefinite relaxations. We show that our method can find all GNEs if they exist, or detect the nonexistence of GNEs, under some genericity assumptions. Some numerical experiments are made to demonstrate the efficiency of our method.
To entrepreneur or not to entrepreneur? How identity discrepancies influence enthusiasm for academic entrepreneurship
Authors: Pattnaik Shashwatashish , Mmbaga Nick , White T. Daniel , Reger Rhonda K.
Published: February 2023

Recognizing the commercial potential of university-based inventions and discoveries, legislators and administrators have called upon academic scientists to become academic entrepreneurs. Yet, few academic scientists appear enthusiastic about taking on entrepreneurial activities. The intrinsic reasons underlying the lack of enthusiasm are poorly understood. We extend the research by applying self-discrepancy theory to explore the role of future-oriented self and other guides on enthusiasm for academic entrepreneurship. Integrating self-discrepancy theory with social identity theory, we also examine the moderating effects of scientist identification and academic entrepreneur social identification. We test our model on a sample of National Science Foundation (NSF) funded academic scientists who participated in the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) entrepreneurship training program. We find academic scientists’ self-guides influence their enthusiasm for academic entrepreneurship, while interestingly, their other-guides do not. Additionally, we find that higher identification with a scientist identity enhances the positive effect of the self-guide on entrepreneurial enthusiasm while higher identification with an academic entrepreneur identity attenuates the positive effect. Our paper contributes to the academic entrepreneurship literature by developing and testing a framework that integrates self-discrepancy theory with social identity theory for a nuanced understanding of academic scientists’ thought processes regarding engagement in entrepreneurial activities. Our study has implications for research policy by suggesting a way that universities can identify candidates for academic entrepreneurship activities.
A semi-analytical approach to sensitivity analysis with flexible multibody dynamics of a morphing forward wing section
Authors: Gufler Veit , Wehrle Erich , Achleitner Johannes , Vidoni Renato
Published: February 2023

In the present paper, semi-analytical design sensitivity analysis of a morphing forward wing section modeled as a flexible multibody system is developed. The flexible multibody dynamics model consists of a flexible external wing skin and an actuation mechanism with rigid bodies. The floating frame of reference formulation is used for the formulation of the equations of motion, while time integration is carried out with the generalized-$\alpha$
α
method and Newton–Raphson iterations for the nonlinear analysis. These steps are considered in both the primal analysis and the developed efficient design sensitivity analysis. The calculation of the design sensitivities is based on direct differentiation and carried out with a semi-analytical approach. The responses of interest include the deviations of the wing profile from the targeted morphed geometry and the resulting stresses in the wing skin. The design variables considered in this work are geometric parameters, material parameters and loading parameters. The calculations with the shown method provide reliable and accurate results combined with high computational efficiency. The visualization of the computed sensitivity values gives an easy interpretation of the sensitivities and facilitates the understanding of the design engineer on how to change the design variables to improve the design of the system. The introduced sensitivity analysis enables future investigations, including the application of the method to gradient-based design optimization and uncertainty analysis.
Contribution of high-frequency (T < 2 h) sea level oscillations to the Adriatic sea level maxima
Authors: Ruić Krešimir , Šepić Jadranka , Mlinar Marko , Međugorac Iva
Published: February 2023

Sea level time series of up to 17.5 years length, recorded with a 1 min sampling interval at 18 tide gauges, evenly distributed along the eastern and western coast of the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean), were analysed in order to quantify contribution of high-frequency sea level oscillations to the positive sea level extremes of the Adriatic Sea. Two types of sea level extremes were defined and identified: (1) residual extremes which are mostly related to storm surges and (2) high-frequency (T < 2 h) extremes, strongest of which are meteotsunamis. The detailed analysis of extremes led to the following conclusions: (1) high-frequency sea level oscillations can dominate positive sea level extremes; (2) even when not dominating them, high-frequency oscillations can considerably contribute to extreme sea levels; (3) contribution of high-frequency oscillations to total signal is governed by a combination of bathymetry and atmospheric forcing, resulting in the strongest high-frequency oscillations over the middle Adriatic; (4) residual extremes mostly happen from October to January when they are also the strongest, while high-frequency extremes spread more evenly throughout the year, with the strongest events peaking during May to September; (5) tide gauge stations can be divided into three distinct groups depending on the characteristics of high-frequency oscillations which they record. Conclusively, both low-frequency and high-frequency sea level components must be considered when assessing hazards related to sea level extremes, implying that availability and analysis of 1 min sea level data are a must.
Use of accounting concepts to study research: return on investment in XSEDE, a US cyberinfrastructure service
Authors: Stewart Craig A. , Costa Claudia M. , Wernert Julie A. , Snapp-Childs Winona , Bland Marques , Blood Philip , Campbell Terry , Couvares Peter , Fischer Jeremy , Hancock David Y. , Hart David L. , Jankowski Harmony , Knepper Richard , McMullen Donald F. , Mehringer Susan , Pierce Marlon , Rogers Gary , Sinkovits Robert S. , Towns John
Published: February 2023

This paper uses accounting concepts—particularly the concept of Return on Investment (ROI)—to reveal the quantitative value of scientific research pertaining to a major US cyberinfrastructure project (XSEDE—the eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment). XSEDE provides operational and support services for advanced information technology systems, cloud systems, and supercomputers supporting non-classified US research, with an average budget for XSEDE of US$20M+ per year over the period studied (2014–2021). To assess the financial effectiveness of these services, we calculated a proxy for ROI, and converted quantitative measures of XSEDE service delivery into financial values using costs for service from the US marketplace. We calculated two estimates of ROI: a Conservative Estimate, functioning as a lower bound and using publicly available data for a lower valuation of XSEDE services; and a Best Available Estimate, functioning as a more accurate estimate, but using some unpublished valuation data. Using the largest dataset assembled for analysis of ROI for a cyberinfrastructure project, we found a Conservative Estimate of ROI of 1.87, and a Best Available Estimate of ROI of 3.24. Through accounting methods, we show that XSEDE services offer excellent value to the US government, that the services offered uniquely by XSEDE (that is, not otherwise available for purchase) were the most valuable to the facilitation of US research activities, and that accounting-based concepts hold great value for understanding the mechanisms of scientific research generally.
Stochastic variational inference for scalable non-stationary Gaussian process regression
Authors: Paun Ionut , Husmeier Dirk , Torney Colin J.
Published: February 2023

A natural extension to standard Gaussian process (GP) regression is the use of non-stationary Gaussian processes, an approach where the parameters of the covariance kernel are allowed to vary in time or space. The non-stationary GP is a flexible model that relaxes the strong prior assumption of standard GP regression, that the covariance properties of the inferred functions are constant across the input space. Non-stationary GPs typically model varying covariance kernel parameters as further lower-level GPs, thereby enabling sampling-based inference. However, due to the high computational costs and inherently sequential nature of MCMC sampling, these methods do not scale to large datasets. Here we develop a variational inference approach to fitting non-stationary GPs that combines sparse GP regression methods with a trajectory segmentation technique. Our method is scalable to large datasets containing potentially millions of data points. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on both synthetic and real world datasets.
Extending existential feeling through sensory substitution
Authors: Saarinen Jussi A.
Published: February 2023

In current philosophy of mind, there is lively debate over whether emotions, moods, and other affects can extend to comprise elements beyond one’s organismic boundaries. At the same time, there has been growing interest in the nature and significance of so-called existential feelings, which, as the term suggests, are feelings of one’s overall being in the world. In this article, I bring these two strands of investigation together to ask: can the material underpinnings of existential feelings extend beyond one’s skull and skin? To begin, I introduce and adopt a componential-systemic view of extended affectivity. In doing so, I specify the vehicle externalist criteria for extension employed in my analysis. I then define what existential feelings are and pinpoint several key issues in their potential extension. More specifically, I identify sensorimotor ‘know-how’ as a possibly extending component of existential feeling and posit it as the fulcrum of my argument. Finally, I move on to consider the extension of existential feeling via sensory substitution, especially through so-called tactile visual sensory substitution (TVSS) devices. Informed by both philosophical and empirical studies, I argue that, under certain conditions, (a) the agent’s implicit sensorimotor processing and a TVSS device can become coupled into a new systemic whole, which in turn (b) reconfigures the material underpinnings of the agent’s preintentional world-experience. This, I conclude, counts as a cogent case for extended existential feeling.
Games with possibly naive present-biased players
Authors: Haan Marco A. , Hauck Dominic
Published: February 2023

We propose a solution concept for games that are played among players with present-biased preferences that are possibly naive about their own, or about their opponent’s future time inconsistency. Our perception-perfect outcome essentially requires each player to take an action consistent with the subgame perfect equilibrium, given her perceptions concerning future types, and under the assumption that other present and future players have the same perceptions. Applications include a common pool problem and Rubinstein bargaining. When players are naive about their own time inconsistency and sophisticated about their opponent’s, the common pool problem is exacerbated, and Rubinstein bargaining breaks down completely.
Effect of varying recovery intensities on power outputs during severe intensity intervals in trained cyclists during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Chorley Alan , Lamb Kevin L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different recovery intensities on the power outputs of repeated severe intensity intervals and the implications for W′ reconstitution in trained cyclists.

Methods

Eighteen trained cyclists (FTP 258.0 ± 42.7 W; weekly training 8.6 ± 1.7 h∙week−1) familiar with interval training, use of the Zwift® platform throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and previously established FTP (95% of mean power output from a 20-min test), performed 5 × 3-min severe intensity efforts interspersed with 2-min recoveries. Recovery intensities were: 50 W (LOW), 50% of functional threshold power (MOD), and self-selected power output (SELF).

Results

Whilst power outputs declined as the session progressed, mean power outputs during the severe intervals across the conditions were not different to each other (LOW 300.1 ± 48.1 W; MOD: 296.9 ± 50.4 W; SELF: 298.8 ± 53.3 W) despite the different recovery conditions. Mean power outputs of the self-selected recovery periods were 121.7 ± 26.2 W. However, intensity varied during the self-selected recovery periods, with values in the last 15 s being greater than the first 15 s (p < 0.001) and decreasing throughout the session (128.7 ± 25.4 W to 113.9 ± 29.3 W).

Conclusion

Reducing recovery intensities below 50% of FTP failed to enhance subsequent severe intensity intervals, suggesting that a lower limit for optimal W′ reconstitution had been reached. As self-selected recoveries were seen to adapt to maintain the severe intensity power output as the session progressed, adopting such a strategy might be preferential for interval training sessions.
The relationship between fire severity and burning efficiency for estimating wildfire emissions in Mediterranean forests
Authors: Balde Bountouraby , Vega-Garcia Cristina , Gelabert Pere Joan , Ameztegui Aitor , Rodrigues Marcos
Published: February 2023

Forests are exposed to changing climatic conditions reflected by increasing drought and heat waves that increase the risk of wildfire ignition and spread. Climatic variables such as rain and wind as well as vegetation structure, land configuration and forest management practices are all factors that determine the burning potential of wildfires. The assessment of emissions released by vegetation combustion is essential for determining greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The estimation of wildfire-related emissions depends on factors such as the type and fraction of fuel (i.e., live biomass, ground litter, dead wood) consumed by the fire in a given area, termed the burning efficiency. Most approaches estimate live burning efficiency from optical remote sensing data. This study used a data-driven method to estimate live burning efficiency in a Mediterranean area. Burning severity estimations from Landsat imagery (dNBR), which relate to fuel consumption, and quantitative field data from three national forest inventory data were combined to establish the relationship between burning severity and live burning efficiency. Several proxies explored these relationships based on dNBR interval classes, as well as regression models. The correlation results between live burning efficiency and dNBR for conifers (R = 0.63) and broad-leaved vegetation (R = 0.95) indicated ways for improving emissions estimations. Median estimations by severity class (low, moderate-low, moderate-high, and high) are provided for conifers (0 .44 − 0.81) and broad-leaves (0.64 − 0.86), and regression models for the live fraction of the tree canopy susceptible to burning (< 2 cm, 2 − 7 cm, > 7 branches, and leaves). The live burning efficiency values by severity class were higher than previous studies.
A novel hyperspectral remote sensing tool for detecting and analyzing human materials in the environment: a geoenvironmental approach to aid in emergency response
Authors: Krekeler Mark P. S. , Burke Michelle , Allen Scott , Sather Barrett , Chappell Caleb , McLeod Claire L. , Loertscher Cynthia , Loertscher Seth , Dawson Claudia , Brum Jared , Fackey Debbie
Published: February 2023

Geology is the backdrop against which environmental disasters, emergencies and conflict occur. A search and discovery tool is developed to aid in investigations, search and rescue operations, and emergency response operations. The primary goal is to provide a software tool for the interpretations of hyperspectral remote sensing images in the context of investigations and emergency response operations in a wide range of outdoor settings (e.g., streams, semiarid settings, urban). Data is also translatable to indoor forensic hyperspectral imaging and reflective spectroscopy work. Data was collected on geologic materials, human materials, and other relevant items by staff and the accompanying software tool was developed by L3Harris Geospatial. A description of the spectral search and discovery tool is provided and is a customized ENVI extension written using the IDL programming language designed to help users find custom targets within hyperspectral imagery. The tool is free of charge and can be accessedhere.