bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bounds on Regge growth of flat space scattering from bounds on chaos
Authors: Chandorkar Deeksha , Chowdhury Subham Dutta , Kundu Suman , Minwalla Shiraz
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study four-point functions of scalars, conserved currents, and stress tensors in a conformal field theory, generated by a local contact term in the bulk dual description, in two different causal configurations. The first of these is the standard Regge configuration in which the chaos bound applies. The second is the ‘causally scattering configuration’ in which the correlator develops a bulk point singularity. We find an expression for the coefficient of the bulk point singularity in terms of the bulk S matrix of the bulk dual metric, gauge fields and scalars, and use it to determine the Regge scaling of the correlator on the causally scattering sheet in terms of the Regge growth of this S matrix. We then demonstrate that the Regge scaling on this sheet is governed by the same power as in the standard Regge configuration, and so is constrained by the chaos bound, which turns out to be violated unless the bulk flat space S matrix grows no faster than s2 in the Regge limit. It follows that in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence, the chaos bound applied to the boundary field theory implies that the S matrices of the dual bulk scalars, gauge fields, and gravitons obey the Classical Regge Growth (CRG) conjecture.
Design of a self-learning multi-agent framework for the adaptation of modular production systems
Authors: Scrimieri Daniele , Afazov Shukri M. , Ratchev Svetan M.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the design of a multi-agent framework that aids engineers in the adaptation of modular production systems. The framework includes general implementations of agents and other software components for self-learning and adaptation, sensor data analysis, system modelling and simulation, as well as human-computer interaction. During an adaptation process, operators make changes to the production system, in order to increase capacity or manufacture a product variant. These changes are automatically captured and evaluated by the framework, building an experience base of adjustments that is then used to infer adaptation knowledge. The architecture of the framework consists of agents divided in two layers: the agents in the lower layer are associated with individual production modules, whereas the agents in the higher layer are associated with the entire production line. Modelling, learning, and adaptations can be performed at both levels, using a semantic model to specify the structure and capabilities of the production system. An evaluation of a prototype implementation has been conducted on an industrial assembly system. The results indicate that the use of the framework in a typical adaptation process provides a significant reduction in time and resources required.
Effect of metal foam on vibration damping and its modelling
Authors: Albertelli Paolo , Esposito Stefano , Mussi Valerio , Goletti Massimo , Monno Michele
Published: May 2021

The use of metal foams for damping vibrations of mechanical structures has found interesting applications in machine tools and its components. Indeed, undesired vibration is one of the most detrimental causes that limit the machine performance in terms of the maximum achievable material removal rate MRR. Although positive results were presented in some research works, a methodology for predicting the damping properties of such materials in the machine tool design phase using finite element codes is still missing. In order to bridge this gap, in this paper, an experimental procedure for identifying the damping contribution of the aluminum metal foam to the hosting structure is proposed. The experimental data are even used to develop a model for predicting the damping. The procedure is further validated on a dummy structure.
Influence of the frequency of pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid jets on the resulting chip length and surface finish
Authors: Splettstoesser Antonia , Schraknepper Daniel , Bergs Thomas
Published: May 2021

High-pressure cutting fluid supply is a proven technology for chip breaking when turning difficult-to-cut materials, such as Inconel 718. However, the technology is usually not suitable for the finish turning of safety-critical parts in aero engines. The acting force of the cutting fluid jet on the back of the chip causes chip breaking. The broken chips are then accelerated by the cutting fluid jet towards the workpiece surfaces where they cause damage on impact. One approach to minimize surface damage is a specific increase in the chip length. The center of gravity of the chips with an adjusted length is shifted out of the focus where the cutting fluid jet hits the chips. Hence, the already finished surface is subjected to fewer impacts of the chips. In this study, the adjustment of the chip length by pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid supply to prevent surface damage was investigated. A valve unit was used to generate two alternating cutting fluid supply pressure levels in certain time intervals. During the low-pressure stage, the force of the cutting fluid jet does not lead to chip breakage and the chip length increases until the valves switch and the high-pressure stage is released. The focus of this work was the analysis of the relationship between the duration of the low-pressure and high-pressure time intervals and the chip length. Additionally, the influence of the depth of cut, the feed, and the cutting speed on the chip length during pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid supply was investigated. Finally, a case study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid supply technology. Therefore, the shoulder surface of a demonstrator part was finished by face turning. Following, the cylindrical surface was finished with a continuous and pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid supply with varied supply parameters. Microscopic analyses of the surface prove that the pulsating high-pressure cutting fluid supply prevents the surface from being damaged by the impacts of chips.
Regionalisierung hydrologischer Modelle mit Function Space Optimization
Authors: Feigl Moritz , Herrnegger Mathew , Schweppe Robert , Thober Stephan , Klotz Daniel , Samaniego Luis , Schulz Karsten
Published: May 2021

Das Schätzen von räumlich verteilten Parametern hydrologischer Modelle ist ein bereits lang erforschtes und anspruchsvolles Problem. Parameter-Transferfunktionen, die einen funktionellen Zusammenhang zwischen Modellparametern und geophysikalischen Gebietseigenschaften herstellen, sind eine potenzielle Möglichkeit, Parameter ohne Kalibrierung zu schätzen. Function Space Optimization (FSO) ist eine symbolische Regressionsmethode, die automatisiert Transferfunktionen aus Daten schätzen kann. Sie basiert auf einem textgenerierenden neuronalen Netzwerk, das die Suche nach einer optimalen Funktion in ein kontinuierliches Optimierungsproblem umwandelt.

In diesem Beitrag beschreiben wir die Funktionsweise von FSO und geben ein Beispiel der Anwendung mit dem mesoscale Hydrological Model (mHM). Ziel der Anwendung ist die Schätzung zweier Transferfunktionen für die Parameter KSat (gesättigte hydraulische Leitfähigkeit) und FieldCap (Feldkapazität). Dafür verwenden wir Daten 7 großer deutscher Einzugsgebieten über einen Zeitraum von 5 Jahren zum Schätzen der Transferfunktionen und weiterer numerischer Parameter. Die resultierenden Funktionen und Parameter werden ohne weitere Kalibrierung auf 222 Validierungsgebiete über eine Validierungsperiode von 35 Jahren angewendet. Mit der Anwendung in diesen „unbeobachteten“ Gebieten können wir die Übertragbarkeit und die zumindest regionale Gültigkeit der Transferfunktionen überprüfen.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass bei einer Anwendung in unbeobachteten Gebieten die Modellgüte in einem ähnlichen Wertebereich wie in den Trainingsgebieten liegt und somit weiterhin akzeptabel ist. Die Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) in den Trainingsgebieten über den Validierungszeitraum unterscheidet sich mit einem medianen Wert von 0,73 nicht nennenswert von dem der Validierungsgebiete mit einem medianen NSE von 0,65.

Zusammengefasst haben Transferfunktionen das Potenzial, die Vorhersagefähigkeiten, Übertragbarkeit auf andere Gebiete sowie physikalische Interpretierbarkeit bestehender hydrologischer Modelle zu verbessern. Mit FSO wurde zum ersten Mal eine objektive, datengetriebene Methode entwickelt, mit der Transferfunktionen geschätzt werden können.
Wirtschaftsprogramme gegen die Pandemiekrise — Deutschland im internationalen Vergleich
Authors: Dauderstädt Michael
Published: May 2021

Die Wirtschaftsprogramme der 23 OECD-Länder setzen unterschiedliche Schwerpunkte. Im Mittelpunkt der Programme stehen Geld- und Fiskalpolitik, Einkommensunterstützung und Konjunkturprogramme, Arbeitsmarktpolitik und andere staatliche Programme in Bereichen wie Infrastruktur, Gesundheit, Bildung und Klimaschutz. Im Vergleich scheint Deutschland beim Schutz von Beschäftigung und Einkommen gut aufgestellt zu sein, wenn auch ohne einen deutlichen Fokus auf die Armutsbekämpfung. Allerdings fehlt eine klare Vision zur Ausgestaltung der Post-Corona-Ökonomie.
Impact of public health interventions to curb SARS-CoV-2 spread assessed by an evidence-educated Delphi panel and tailored SEIR model
Authors: Brüggenjürgen Bernd , Stricker Hans-Peter , Krist Lilian , Ortiz Miriam , Reinhold Thomas , Roll Stephanie , Rotter Gabriele , Weikert Beate , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Willich Stefan N.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To use a Delphi-panel-based assessment of the effectiveness of different non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) in order to retrospectively approximate and to prospectively predict the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic progression via a SEIR model (susceptible, exposed, infectious, removed).

Methods

We applied an evidence-educated Delphi-panel approach to elicit the impact of NPIs on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission rate R0 in Germany. Effectiveness was defined as the product of efficacy and compliance. A discrete, deterministic SEIR model with time step of 1 day, a latency period of 1.8 days, duration of infectiousness of 5 days, and a share of the total population of 15% assumed to be protected by immunity was developed in order to estimate the impact of selected NPI measures on the course of the pandemic. The model was populated with the Delphi-panel results and varied in sensitivity analyses.

Results

Efficacy and compliance estimates for the three most effective NPIs were as follows: test and isolate 49% (efficacy)/78% (compliance), keeping distance 42%/74%, personal protection masks (cloth masks or other face masks) 33%/79%. Applying all NPI effectiveness estimates to the SEIR model resulted in a valid replication of reported occurrence of the German SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A combination of four NPIs at consented compliance rates might curb the CoViD-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Employing an evidence-educated Delphi-panel approach can support SARS-CoV-2 modelling. Future curbing scenarios require a combination of NPIs. A Delphi-panel-based NPI assessment and modelling might support public health policy decision making by informing sequence and number of needed public health measures.
Outpatient multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation in Switzerland: a status assessment
Authors: Dehler Anna , Cabaset Sophie , Schmid Margareta , Schneider-Mörsch Beate , Sperisen Nicolas , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aimed to assess the situation of outpatient multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation in Switzerland as of March 2018.

Subject and methods

Seventeen programmes providing outpatient cancer rehabilitation were identified; 12 in the German-speaking, 4 in the French-speaking and 1 in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Structure, organisation, type of programme and details on therapies offered were assessed. Difference by language regions and the status of the programme (running vs in development) were examined in a descriptive analysis.

Results

Centres in the German- and Italian-speaking parts had mostly individual modular programmes with a longer duration (median: 12 weeks) and low intensity (median: 2.5–3 h per week). The French-speaking part had standard programmes with a shorter duration (median: 9 weeks) but higher intensity (median: 5.5 h per week) and a higher number of obligatory modules a patient must attend (median: 2 instead of 1). The language regions also showed differences in duration of therapies, communication, indications and screening instruments.

Conclusion

Outpatient cancer rehabilitation in Switzerland is characterized by a wide range of programmes. These differences between language regions, as well as between the individual programmes, highlight important variables that may influence the efficiency and the quality of the different programmes; understanding these variables could lead to improvements in cancer rehabilitation in Switzerland.
Soft Urinary Bladder Phantom for Endoscopic Training
Authors: Choi Eunjin , Waldbillig Frank , Jeong Moonkwang , Li Dandan , Goyal Rahul , Weber Patricia , Miernik Arkadiusz , Grüne Britta , Hein Simon , Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo , Kriegmair Maximilian Christian , Qiu Tian
Published: May 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is the main disease in the urinary tract with a high recurrence rate and it is diagnosed by cystoscopy (CY). To train the CY procedures, a realistic bladder phantom with correct anatomy and physiological properties is highly required. Here, we report a soft bladder phantom (FlexBlad) that mimics many important features of a human bladder. Under filling, it shows a large volume expansion of more than 300% with a tunable compliance in the range of 12.2 ± 2.8 – 32.7 ± 5.4 mL cmH2O−1 by engineering the thickness of the bladder wall. By 3D printing and multi-step molding, detailed anatomical structures are represented on the inner bladder wall, including sub-millimeter blood vessels and reconfigurable bladder tumors. Endoscopic inspection and tumor biopsy were successfully performed. A multi-center study was carried out, where two groups of urologists with different experience levels executed consecutive CYs in the phantom and filled in questionnaires. The learning curves reveal that the FlexBlad has a positive effect in the endourological training across different skill levels. The statistical results validate the usability of the phantom as a valuable educational tool, and the dynamic feature expands its use as a versatile endoscopic training platform.
Agroforestry contributions to smallholder farmer food security in Indonesia
Authors: Duffy Colm , Toth Gregory G. , Hagan Robert P. O. , McKeown Peter C. , Rahman Syed Ajijur , Widyaningsih Yekti , Sunderland Terry C. H. , Spillane Charles
Published: May 2021

Agroforestry has potential for strengthening the climate change resilience of smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, the food security challenges faced by smallholders will likely worsen due to climate change impacts. Agroforestry provides and option for strengthening climate change resilience, while contributing to food access, income, health, and environmental stability. To evaluate the evidence for such benefits, this systematic review identifies 22 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2019 which assess agroforestry’s contributions to food security in Indonesia, mostly in Java or Sumatra. Analysis of the studies indicate that traditional and commercial agroforestry contribute to food security in diverse ways: for example, traditional homegardens offer 20% more dietary diversity than commercial counterparts, while commercial homegardens may contribute up to five times more income. Agri-silviculture contributions fall along a timber versus non-timber forest product continuum that displays a similar tradeoff between diversity and income. Those systems with a commercial focus may receive 54% of their income from a single commodity crop such as coffee, while traditional systems allow greater access to plants with medicinal benefits. Nearly all agroforestry systems offered indirect benefits for food security, such as allowing more off-farm work than traditional agriculture and contributing to environmental stability: users of agroforestry were found by one study to collect 83% less fuelwood from natural forests. One study highlighted that agroforestry options have up to 98% greater net present value (for periods over 30 years) compared to slash and burn style agriculture. However, very few studies of Indonesian agroforestry focused explicitly on financial analysis and food security, indicating the need for further research. Given the similar situations faced by many Southeast Asia countries, our findings contribute to emerging trends throughout the region regarding the relationship between agroforestry and food security.
Medical Mistrust and Stigma Associated with COVID-19 Among People Living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Jarolimova Jana , Yan Joyce , Govere Sabina , Ngobese Nompumelelo , Shazi Zinhle M. , Khumalo Anele R. , Bunda Bridget A. , Wara Nafisa J. , Zionts Danielle , Thulare Hilary , Parker Robert A. , Bogart Laura M. , Bassett Ingrid V.
Published: May 2021

We evaluated COVID-19 stigma and medical mistrust among people living with HIV in South Africa. We conducted telephone interviews with participants in a prospective study of a decentralized antiretroviral therapy program. Scales assessing medical mistrust, conspiracy beliefs, anticipated and internalized stigma, and stereotypes specific to COVID-19 were adapted primarily from the HIV literature, with higher scores indicating more stigma or mistrust. Among 303 participants, the median stigma summary score was 4 [interquartile range (IQR) 0–8; possible range 0–24] and 6 (IQR 2–9) for mistrust (possible range 0–28). A substantial proportion of participants agreed or strongly agreed with at least one item assessing stigma (54%) or mistrust (43%). Higher COVID-19 stigma was associated with female gender and antecedent HIV stigma, and lower stigma with reporting television as a source of information on COVID-19. Further efforts should focus on effects of stigma and mistrust on protective health behaviors and vaccine hesitancy.
Feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance left ventricular global longitudinal strain improves 6 months after kidney transplantation associated with reverse remodeling, not myocardial tissue characteristics
Authors: Barbosa Maurício Fregonesi , Contti Mariana Moraes , de Andrade Luis Gustavo Modelli , Mauricio Alejandra del Carmen Villanueva , Ribeiro Sergio Marrone , Szarf Gilberto
Published: May 2021

To determine whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by feature-tracking (FT) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves after kidney transplantation (KT) and to analyze associations between LV GLS, reverse remodeling and myocardial tissue characteristics. This is a prospective single-center cohort study of kidney transplant recipients who underwent two CMR examinations in a 3T scanner, including cines, tagging, T1 and T2 mapping. The baseline exam was done up to 10 days after transplantation and the follow-up after 6 months. Age and sex-matched healthy controls were also studied for comparison. A total of 44 patients [mean age 50 ± 11 years-old, 27 (61.4%) male] completed the two CMR exams. LV GLS improved from − 13.4% ± 3.0 at baseline to − 15.2% ± 2.7 at follow-up (p < 0.001), but remained impaired when compared with controls (− 17.7% ± 1.5, p = 0.007). We observed significant correlation between improvement in LV GLS with reductions of left ventricular mass index (r = 0.356, p = 0.018). Improvement in LV GLS paralleled improvements in LV stroke volume index (r = − 0.429, p = 0.004), ejection fraction (r = − 0.408, p = 0.006), global circumferential strain (r = 0.420, p = 0.004) and global radial strain (r = − 0.530, p = 0.002). There were no significant correlations between LV GLS, native T1 or T2 measurements (p > 0.05). In this study, we demonstrated that LV GLS measured by FT-CMR improves 6 months after KT in association with reverse remodeling, but not native T1 or T2 measurements.
Season of birth and the risk of dementia in the population‐based Rotterdam Study
Authors: Mooldijk Sanne S. , Licher Silvan , Vinke Elisabeth J. , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram Mohammad Kamran , Ikram Mohammad Arfan
Published: May 2021

Early-life environmental factors have been suggested in the pathophysiology of dementia. Season of birth has previously been used as a proxy for these external exposures. We investigated the link between season of birth and the risk of dementia and further explored underlying pathways by studying structural brain changes on MRI. From the Dutch, population-based Rotterdam Study, 12,964 participants born between 1887 and 1960 were followed between 1990 and 2018 for dementia. Cox regression was conducted to assess the association between season of birth and dementia. In addition, we distinguished between mild and cold winters. The association of season of birth with structural brain markers on MRI was examined in 5237 participants. The risk of dementia in participants born in winter and fall was higher than of those born in summer (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.31] for winter and HR 1.17 [95% CI 1.01–1.33] for fall), especially for Alzheimer’s disease (HR 1.23 [1.06–1.43] for winter and HR 1.15 [95% CI 0.99–1.35] for fall). The risk was particularly increased for participants born in a cold winter. Except for slightly lower hippocampus in fall born participants (β − 0.03; 95% CI − 0.06 to 0.00), we did not find associations with brain imaging markers. In conclusion, winter and fall births were associated with a higher incidence of dementia, especially of AD. We did not find evidence for structural brain changes as an underlying mechanism.
Cybersecurity of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
Authors: Pyzynski Mariusz , Balcerzak Tomasz
Published: May 2021

In recent years, UASs have become more and more popular. There are many reasons for this; one of the most popular is the enhancement of drones’ functionalities and improvement in battery life, stabilization, navigation, sensor technology, and much more. Many benefits drive growth. However, as the number of drones is expanding and their technological functionalities are evolving, drones’ use brings many concerns and challenges that should not be underestimated. This refers to issues in the area of cybersecurity, privacy, and public safety. UASs, under the international, regional, and national regime of aviation law, are considered aircraft. Since there is no existing cybersecurity framework specific to the UASs, the civil aviation cybersecurity framework should apply to their operations. This paper will focus on the potential cyber threats against UASs, providing examples of cyber-attacks from the past. Further, the aviation cybersecurity framework’s overview will follow to determine the current status of maturity at the international, regional (the European Union), and national (the Republic of Poland) levels. The paper’s conclusion will address the proposed recommendations for the UAS and aviation industries to be considered and potential solutions in terms of applying the aviation cybersecurity framework into the operation of UASs.
Extending multidimensional poverty identification: from additive weights to minimal bundles
Authors: Jones Sam
Published: May 2021

In the popular class of multidimensional poverty measures introduced by Alkire and Foster (2011), a threshold switching function is used to identify who is multidimensionally poor. This paper shows that the weights and cut-off employed in this procedure are generally not unique and that such functions implicitly assume all groups of deprivation indicators of some fixed size are perfect substitutes. To address these limitations, I show how the identification procedure can be extended to incorporate any type of positive switching function, represented by the set of minimal deprivation bundles that define a unit as poor. Furthermore, the Banzhaf power index, uniquely defined from the same set of minimal bundles, constitutes a natural and robust metric of the relative importance of each indicator, from which the adjusted headcount can be estimated. I demonstrate the merit of this approach using data from Mozambique, including a decomposition of the adjusted headcount using a ‘one from each dimension’ non-threshold function.
Gambling by Young Adults in the UK During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Emond Alan , Nairn Agnes , Collard Sharon , Hollén Linda
Published: May 2021

Gambling is a common activity amongst young adults in the UK, and was a behavior of interest during the early mitigation against COVID-19 (first lockdown). The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was used to investigate attitudes, moods and behavior during lockdown in England. ALSPAC participants were invited to complete online questionnaires in May 2020, including a set of questions about frequency of gambling and gambling activities which had been asked three years previously. Mental health and wellbeing data and alcohol use were also collected as part of lockdown questionnaires. Gambling questions were completed by 2632 young adults, 71% female, with a mean age of 27.8 years. Overall, gambling frequency reduced during lockdown for both males and females, but more males engaged in regular (weekly) gambling. Gambling activities became more restricted compared to previous reports, but online gambling (e.g. online poker, bingo, casino games) was more frequent. Previous gambling behaviour predicted gambling frequency during lockdown. No associations were apparent between gambling frequency and measures of mental health and well-being. Heavy alcohol use was strongly linked with regular gambling during lockdown. Gamblers were more than twice as likely as non-gamblers to have experienced financial difficulties pre-COVID, but gambling frequency was not related to employment status during lockdown. Online gambling increased during lockdown, whilst offline gambling activities decreased in frequency. A small minority of regular weekly gamblers, who tended to be male and heavy users of alcohol, participated in a wide range of online and offline gambling activities.
Correlates of Primary Healthcare Access and the Moderating Effects of Gender: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Irish Migrants
Authors: Moore Jeff
Published: May 2021

Despite long established comparatively poor health outcomes there has been limited research into the healthcare access of Irish migrants in the UK. This study examines the relationship between demography, self-reported health (SRH) and social support and healthcare access and the influence of gender on these associations. Data was collected as part of a community-based action research project with Irish migrants in London (n = 790). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict self-reported access to a GP (compared with no reported access). The effect of gender was measured via interactions entered in the second step of the model. Older participants and males were less likely to report GP access. SRH was a significant predictor. Gender moderated the relationship between SRH, social support, employment and GP access. Findings highlight the help-seeking vulnerability of male and older Irish migrants and the potential of social support in promoting healthcare access for males.
Sorption and desorption experiments using stable cesium: considerations for radiocesium retention by fresh plant residues in Fukushima forest soils
Authors: Manaka Takuya , Ohashi Shinta , Ogo Sumika , Otsuka Yuichiro , Furusawa Hitomi
Published: May 2021

We conducted sorption experiments with stable cesium (133Cs) solution in different organic matter samples, aiming to understand the sorption of radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) in the initial throughfall by fresh plant residues (e.g., needles, wood, and bark from Japanese cedar trees) in the Oi horizon in forests in Fukushima. Among the organic matter samples, bark and wattle tannin sorbed relatively large amounts of Cs, whereas wood and cellulose powder sorbed small amounts. In contrast, samples containing clay minerals showed much higher Cs sorption. We also conducted desorption experiments, and suggested that Cs on the organic matter samples were relatively mobile.
The role of Cytochrome b6f in the control of steady-state photosynthesis: a conceptual and quantitative model
Authors: Johnson J. E. , Berry J. A.
Published: May 2021

Here, we present a conceptual and quantitative model to describe the role of the Cytochrome $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

complex in controlling steady-state electron transport in $$\hbox {C}_{3}$$

C
3

leaves. The model is based on new experimental methods to diagnose the maximum activity of Cyt $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

in vivo, and to identify conditions under which photosynthetic control of Cyt $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

is active or relaxed. With these approaches, we demonstrate that Cyt $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

controls the trade-off between the speed and efficiency of electron transport under limiting light, and functions as a metabolic switch that transfers control to carbon metabolism under saturating light. We also present evidence that the onset of photosynthetic control of Cyt $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

occurs within milliseconds of exposure to saturating light, much more quickly than the induction of non-photochemical quenching. We propose that photosynthetic control is the primary means of photoprotection and functions to manage excitation pressure, whereas non-photochemical quenching functions to manage excitation balance. We use these findings to extend the Farquhar et al. (Planta 149:78–90, 1980) model of $$\hbox {C}_{3}$$

C
3

photosynthesis to include a mechanistic description of the electron transport system. This framework relates the light captured by PS I and PS II to the energy and mass fluxes linking the photoacts with Cyt $$\hbox {b}_{6}\hbox {f}$$

b
6

f

, the ATP synthase, and Rubisco. It enables quantitative interpretation of pulse-amplitude modulated fluorometry and gas-exchange measurements, providing a new basis for analyzing how the electron transport system coordinates the supply of Fd, NADPH, and ATP with the dynamic demands of carbon metabolism, how efficient use of light is achieved under limiting light, and how photoprotection is achieved under saturating light. The model is designed to support forward as well as inverse applications. It can either be used in a stand-alone mode at the leaf-level or coupled to other models that resolve finer-scale or coarser-scale phenomena.
A parallel algorithm for ridge-penalized estimation of the multivariate exponential family from data of mixed types
Authors: Laman Trip Diederik S. , Wieringen Wessel N. van
Published: May 2021

Computationally efficient evaluation of penalized estimators of multivariate exponential family distributions is sought. These distributions encompass among others Markov random fields with variates of mixed type (e.g., binary and continuous) as special case of interest. The model parameter is estimated by maximization of the pseudo-likelihood augmented with a convex penalty. The estimator is shown to be consistent. With a world of multi-core computers in mind, a computationally efficient parallel Newton–Raphson algorithm is presented for numerical evaluation of the estimator alongside conditions for its convergence. Parallelization comprises the division of the parameter vector into subvectors that are estimated simultaneously and subsequently aggregated to form an estimate of the original parameter. This approach may also enable efficient numerical evaluation of other high-dimensional estimators. The performance of the proposed estimator and algorithm are evaluated and compared in a simulation study. Finally, the presented methodology is applied to data of an integrative omics study.
Impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio throughout the course of chemoradiotherapy on overall survival and distant failure in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Hamamoto Yasushi , Nagasaki Kei , Kozuki Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to be associated with treatment outcomes in various cancers; however, the optimal timing to measure NLR is unclear. In this study, “average-NLR” was newly devised, which reflects the NLR throughout the course of radiotherapy, and its usefulness was assessed for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Materials and methods

A total of 111 patients who received definitive chemoradiotherapy for unresectable stage III NSCLC were reviewed. Patient/tumor-related factors, treatment-related, and NLR-related factors (average-NLR, pre- and post-radiotherapy NLR, NLR-nadir, NLR-maximum) were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The median follow-up period was 43.8 months among the survivors. In the multivariate analysis, average-NLR and post-radiotherapy NLR were significant factors for the overall survival (OS) (p = 0.016 and 0.028) and distant failure (DF) (p = 0.008 and 0.040). For the patients with low, intermediate, and high average-NLR, the median OS was 41.2, 37.7, and 14.8 months, respectively, and the median DF free time was 52.5, 13.5, and 8.9 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Average-NLR and post-radiotherapy NLR were significant factors for the OS and DF. Average-NLR, which was available immediately after the completion of chemoradiotherapy, seemed to be helpful for treatment decisions.
CFD Investigation of Rotational Sloshing Waves in a Top-Submerged-Lance Metal Bath
Authors: Obiso D. , Reuter M. , Richter A.
Published: May 2021

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is applied to investigate rotational sloshing waves in a top-submerged-lance (TSL) cylindrical metal bath. The study is an extension of a recent work of the authors, where the top injection of Ar into a metallic bath was examined in a quasi-2D flat setup, allowing the numerical model to be extensively validated against experimental data based on x-ray radiography. The new analysis of top gas injection in a cylindrical vessel reveals the appearance of rotational sloshing in the bath, which is maintained by a condition of synchronism between the gas bubbles and the free surface of the bath. A numerical quantification is achieved with specific post-processing of the simulation results, showing the effect of control parameters such as the lance immersion depth and the gas flow rate. This fundamental research study demonstrates the capability of CFD modeling to predict bath dynamics known from literature and practice, the understanding of which is essential for the design of TSL furnaces.
The everchanging framework of autoinflammation
Authors: Manna Raffaele , Rigante Donato
Published: May 2021

The innate immunity works as a defence bullwark that safeguards healthy tissues with the power of detecting infectious agents in the human body: errors in the context of innate immunity identify autoinflammatory disorders (AIDs), which arise as bouts of aberrant inflammation with little or no involvement of T and B cells and neither recognized infections, nor associated autoimmune phenomena. Hereditary AIDs tend to have a pediatric-onset heralded by stereotyped inflammatory symptoms and fever, while AIDs without an ascertained cause, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, derive from the interaction of genetic factors with environmental noxae and are unevenly defined. A dysregulated inflammasome activation promotes the best-known family of AIDs, as well as several degenerative and metabolic disorders, but also nuclear factor κB- and interferon-mediated conditions have been framed as AIDs: the zenith of inflammatory flares marks different phenotypes, but diagnosis may go unnoticed until adulthood due to downplayed symptoms and complex kaleidoscopic presentations. This review summarizes the main AIDs encountered in childhood with special emphasis on the clinical stigmata that may help establish a correct framework and blueprints to empower young scientists in the recognition of AIDs. The description focuses inflammasomopathies as paradigms of interleukinopathies, nuclear factor-κB -related disorders and interferonopathies. The challenges in the management of AIDs during childhood have been recently boosted by numerous therapeutic options derived from genomically-based approaches, which have led to identify targeted biologic agents as rationalized treatments and achieve more tangible perspectives of disease control.
Interventional Radiology Approaches for Liver Metastases from Thyroid Cancer: A Case Series and Overview of the Literature
Authors: Nervo Alice , Ragni Alberto , Retta Francesca , Calandri Marco , Gazzera Carlo , Gallo Marco , Piovesan Alessandro , Arvat Emanuela
Published: May 2021

Background

Liver metastases (LMs) from thyroid cancer (TC) are relatively uncommon in clinical practice and their management is challenging. Interventional radiology loco-regional treatments (LRTs), including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), have been successfully employed to treat LMs from various types of cancer.

Methods

We analyzed the role of LRTs in the management of unresectable LMs from differentiated and medullary TCs performed at our institution from 2015 to 2020. A review of the available English literature regarding this topic was also performed.

Results

Six hepatic LRTs were performed in 4 TC patients with LMs, in 2 cases after the start of treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). A partial response was obtained in 2 patients; the diameter of the largest targeted lesion was 18 mm in both of them. The remaining procedures were performed on larger lesions and a stable disease was achieved in all but one case. Acute LRT-related complications were transient and mild. In literature, the largest studies were focused on TACE in LMs from MTC, showing good tolerance and remarkable disease control, especially in case of limited liver tumour involvement.

Conclusion

LRTs for LMs represent a valuable option for the treatment of metastatic TC in case of isolated hepatic progression or for symptoms relief, also after the start of TKI treatment as part of a multimodal approach. The best disease control is obtained when hepatic metastatic burden is limited. These procedures are generally well tolerated; however, a cautious multidisciplinary selection of the candidates is mandatory.
Challenges to competitive manufacturing in high-cost environments: checklist and insights from Swedish manufacturing firms
Authors: Edh Mirzaei Nina , Hilletofth Per , Pal Rudrajeet
Published: May 2021

Research on competitive manufacturing (CM) in high-cost environments has earlier indicated that firms struggle to remain competitive and that manufacturing operations often have been offshored to low-cost environments. The purpose of this research is to explore and create a compounded view of challenges related to both internal and external environments of firms when operating in high-cost environments. This issue has been investigated through a qualitative case study involving five manufacturing firms in Sweden. This research has empirically derived the challenges associated with sustaining CM in high-cost environments and developed a prescriptive checklist. Seven main categories of challenges have been identified, ranging from a micro level related to product characteristics and employee involvement, to a macro level related to supply chain collaborations and industry systems. This research contributes to the existing literature on CM in high-cost locations by explaining and detailing what constitutes challenges in this kind of environment.
Sugarcane Breeding in Reunion: Challenges, Achievements and Future Prospects
Authors: Dumont Thomas , Barau Laurent , Thong-Chane Audrey , Dijoux Jordan , Mellin Mathilde , Daugrois Jean , Hoarau Jean-Yves
Published: May 2021

All over the world, sugarcane breeding programs are developing new, high-yielding cultivars that are resistant to major diseases to improve the profitability and sustainability of the sugar-energy industries they serve. In Reunion Island, sugarcane genetic improvement efforts began in 1929. Many challenges had to be overcome. Continuous breeding efforts have been made to develop varietal resistances to control some major diseases and are still going on today. Given the extreme agroclimatic diversity that characterizes the different production areas of the industry, it was necessary to gradually develop a large network of seven decentralized breeding programs to support genetic progress throughout the whole industry. This article provides an overview of the sugarcane breeding program of Reunion. It describes historical achievements and gives detailed information about germplasm development, variety exchanges, breeding program and selection scheme and procedures. A review is also made on applied genetics research activities supporting variety improvement. Further progress depends on the optimized functioning of the current breeding program, which has never been so largely extended in terms of target environments. The article discusses prospects of genomics breeding applications in the complex genetic context of sugarcane, which will require large multidisciplinary collaborations.
Gamblified digital product offerings: an experimental study of loot box menu designs
Authors: Adam Martin , Roethke Konstantin , Benlian Alexander
Published: May 2021

To augment traditional monetization strategies, digital platform providers increasingly draw on gamblification (i.e., the use of gambling design elements). By means of gambling design elements (e.g., lottery tickets, scratch cards, loot boxes), platform providers do not only entertain users but also incentivize them to purchase digital products. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of gamblified digital platforms, little is known about how gamblification influences user purchase behaviors. Drawing on prospect theory, we investigate gamblification in the form of loot box menu designs and the associated effects of uncertainty, loss experience and behavioral control on user purchase behavior. Specifically, we conducted a contest-based online experiment with 159 participants, finding that platform providers can profit from offering loot boxes with certain (vs. uncertain) rewards in loot box menus. Furthermore, this effect intensifies when participants previously experienced a loss and decreases when they perceive to have more control over the result. Thus, our findings provide theoretical and practical insights for a better understanding of gamblification in general and of loot box menu designs for enhancing digital business models in particular.
Image smoothing based on global sparsity decomposition and a variable parameter
Authors: Ma Xiang , Li Xuemei , Zhou Yuanfeng , Zhang Caiming
Published: May 2021

Smoothing images, especially with rich texture, is an important problem in computer vision. Obtaining an ideal result is difficult due to complexity, irregularity, and anisotropicity of the texture. Besides, some properties are shared by the texture and the structure in an image. It is a hard compromise to retain structure and simultaneously remove texture. To create an ideal algorithm for image smoothing, we face three problems. For images with rich textures, the smoothing effect should be enhanced. We should overcome inconsistency of smoothing results in different parts of the image. It is necessary to create a method to evaluate the smoothing effect. We apply texture pre-removal based on global sparse decomposition with a variable smoothing parameter to solve the first two problems. A parametric surface constructed by an improved Bessel method is used to determine the smoothing parameter. Three evaluation measures: edge integrity rate, texture removal rate, and gradient value distribution are proposed to cope with the third problem. We use the alternating direction method of multipliers to complete the whole algorithm and obtain the results. Experiments show that our algorithm is better than existing algorithms both visually and quantitatively. We also demonstrate our method’s ability in other applications such as clip-art compression artifact removal and content-aware image manipulation.
Scalability of photochemical reactions in continuous flow mode
Authors: Donnelly Kian , Baumann Marcus
Published: May 2021

Continuous flow photochemistry as a field has witnessed an increasing popularity over the last decade in both academia and industry. Key drivers for this development are safety, practicality as well as the ability to rapidly access complex chemical structures. Continuous flow reactors, whether home-built or from commercial suppliers, additionally allow for creating valuable target compounds in a reproducible and automatable manner. Recent years have furthermore seen the advent of new energy efficient LED lamps that in combination with innovative reactor designs provide a powerful means to increasing both the practicality and productivity of modern photochemical flow reactors. In this review article we wish to highlight key achievements pertaining to the scalability of such continuous photochemical processes.

Graphical abstract
Quasi-3D modeling of Li-ion batteries based on single 2D image
Authors: Takagishi Yoichi , Yamanaka Takumi , Yamaue Tatsuya
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical physics-based simulations of Li-ion batteries using a mesoscale 3D structure of porous electrodes are one of the most effective approaches for evaluating the local Li concentration in active materials and the Li-ion concentration in electrolytes. However, this approach requires considerable computational resources compared with a simple 2D or 1D homogeneous simulation. In this work, we developed an advanced electrochemical physics-based simulation method for Li-ion batteries that enabled a quasi-3D simulation of charge/discharge using only a single 2D slice image. The governing equations were based on typical theories of electrochemical reactions and ion transport. From referencing the 2D plane, the model was able to simulate both the Li concentration in the active material and the Li-ion concentration in the electrolyte for their subsequent consideration in a virtual 3D structure. To confirm the validity of our proposed model, a full 3D discharge simulation with randomly packed active material particles was performed and compared with the results of the quasi-3D model and a simple-2D model. Results indicated that the quasi-3D model properly reproduced the sliced Li and Li-ion concentrations simulated by the full 3D model in the charge/discharge process, whereas the simple-2D simulation partially overestimated or underestimated these concentrations. In addition, the quasi-3D model made it possible to dramatically decrease the computation time compared to the full-3D model. Finally, we applied the model to an actual scanning electron microscopy equipped with a focused ion beam (FIB-SEM) image of a positive electrode.

Graphic abstract