bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text and data mining exceptions in the development of generative AI models: What the EU member states could learn from the Japanese “nonenjoyment” purposes?
Authors: Dermawan Artha
Published: May 2023

The European Union (EU) text and data mining (TDM) provisions are a progressive move, but the horizon is still uncertain for both generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models researchers and developers. This article suggests that to drive innovation and further the commitment to the digital single market, during the national implementation, EU Member States could consider taking the Japanese broad, all‐encompassing and “nonenjoyment‐based” TDM as an example. The Japanese “nonenjoyment” purposes, however, are not foreign to the European continental view of copyright. A similar concept can be found under the German concept of “Freier Werkgenuss” or enjoyment of the work. A flexible TDM exception built upon the German notion of nonenjoyment purposes could become an opening clause to foster innovation and creativity in the age of GenAI. Moreover, the article argues that an opening clause allowing TDM with “nonenjoyment” purposes could be permissible under the so‐called three‐step test. This article further suggests, if there is no political will to safeguard “the right to read should be the right to mine” and to provide a welcoming environment for GenAI researchers and developers, when shaping the legal interpretation through national case law, the EU Member States could consider the following: (1) advocate for 72 h of response if technological protection measures (TPMs) are preventing TDM, and (2) Robot Exclusion Standard (robot.txt) as a warning when TDM is not allowed on a website. It is now in the hands of the EU Member States, whether to protect the interests of rightholders or to create a balance between safeguarding “the right to read should be the right to mine,” protecting rightholders exclusivity, and creating a supportive environment for the GenAI models researcher and developers.
A vision monitoring system for multipoint deflection of large‐span bridge based on camera networking
Authors: Yin Yihe , Yu Qifeng , Hu Biao , Zhang Yueqiang , Chen Wenjun , Liu Xiaolin , Ding Xiaohua
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a vision monitoring system for multipoint deflection of a large‐span bridge that can well compensate the camera motion–induced errors. The camera network system (CNS) consists of a series of dual‐camera stations that are linked with the cooperative markers. The infrared illumination supplement device is integrated in the camera station and the regular double‐sided prism is selected as the cooperative marker to realize 24‐h continuous monitoring. The feasibility and efficiency of CNS are verified by conducting a field test inside the steel box girders of a suspension bridge with a length of 1038 m. The results show that the proposed camera networking method can well solve the problem of the large‐scale high‐precision monitoring under unstable measuring platform. For the kilometer‐level flexible bridge, CNS can meet submillimeter precision in quasi‐static measurement, and can also provide deflection data similar to the conventional robotic total station and connecting pipe system in long‐term monitoring. The geometric alignment of large‐span bridges with dense multimeasuring points can be automatically monitored and recorded by CNS. The observed deflections of the studied suspension bridge are dominated with the vehicle load and wind load in the short term and are correlated with the temperature change in the long term. The proposed CNS can provide a new option for the bridge deflection monitoring and provide new parameters for bridge safety evaluation.
A real‐time lane detection network using two‐directional separation attention
Authors: Zhang Lu , Jiang Fengling , Yang Jing , Kong Bin , Hussain Amir
Published: May 2023

Real‐time network by adopting attention mechanism is helpful for enhancing lane detection capability of autonomous vehicles. This paper proposes a real‐time lane detection network (TSA‐LNet) that incorporates a lightweight network (LNet) and a two‐directional separation attention (TSA) to enhance the lane detection capability of autonomous vehicles. By adopting the attention mechanism, the real‐time performance and detection accuracy are significantly improved. Specifically, LNet employs symmetry layer to drastically reduce the number of parameters and the network's running time. TSA infers the attention map along two separate directions, transverse and longitudinal, and performs adaptive feature refinement by multiplying the attention map with the input feature map. TSA can be integrated into LNet to capture the local textural and global contextual information of lanes without increasing the processing time. Results on popular benchmarks demonstrate that TSA‐LNet achieves outstanding detection accuracy and faster speed (6.99 ms per image). Additionally, TSA‐LNet exhibits excellent robustness in real‐world scenarios.
The role of microbiota and its modulation in colonic diverticular disease
Authors: Marasco Giovanni , Buttitta Francesco , Cremon Cesare , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Background

Diverticular disease (DD) is a common condition in Western countries. The role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of DD and its related symptoms has been frequently postulated since most complications of this disease are bacteria‐driven and most therapies rely on microbiota modulation. Preliminary data showed fecal microbial imbalance in patients with DD, particularly when symptomatic, with an increase of pro‐inflammatory and potentially pathogenetic bacteria. In addition, bacterial metabolic markers can mirror specific pathways of the disease and may be even used for monitoring treatment effects. All treatments currently suggested for DD can affect microbiota structure and metabolome compositions.

Purpose

Sparse evidence is available linking gut microbiota perturbations, diverticular disease pathophysiology, and symptom development. We aimed to summarize the available knowledge on gut microbiota evaluation in diverticular disease, with a focus on symptomatic uncomplicated DD, and the relative treatment strategies.
Comparison of different measuring methods in the assessment of the ISNT rule and its variants in a normal population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Soares Ivo , Gravito‐Soares Marta , Gravito‐Soares Elisa , Vaz Sandra , Almeida Vasco
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare five different neuroretinal rim (NRR) measurement methods, based on quadrants and NRR widths, in the assessment of the ISNT (inferior (I) > superior (S) > nasal (N) > temporal (T)) rule, and its variants IST (inferior (I) > superior (S) > temporal (S)) rule, IS (inferior (I) > superior (S)) rule and T (temporal is the thinnest) rule in a normal population. Factors influencing compliance with this rule and its variants were also evaluated.

Methods

Stereoscopic fundus images were analysed through a dichoptic viewing system. Two graders labelled the optic disc and cup, as well as the fovea. Custom‐made software automatically determined the limits of the optic disc and cup and examined the ISNT rule and its variants using several NRR measurement methods.

Results

Sixty‐nine subjects with normal eyes were enrolled. For the various NRR measuring methods, the percentage of eyes following the rules, that is, validity ranges were 0.0%–15.9% for the ISNT rule, 31.9%–59.4% for the IST rule, 46.4%–59.4% for the IS rule and 50.7%–100.0% for the T rule. Significant intra‐measurement agreement ranges were IST (κ = 0.50–0.85), IS (κ = 0.68–1.00) and T (κ = 0.24–0.77). Only the IST and IS rules achieved significant inter‐measurement agreement (κ = 0.47–1.00). After multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, the vertical cup position cupy (area under the ROC curve (AUROC) = 0.60–0.96; cut‐off = |0.005|) was the most important predictor for virtually all NRR measurement agreements for the ISNT, IST and IS rules. The horizontal cup position (AUROC = 0.50–0.92; cut‐off = −0.028 to 0.05) was the most important predictive factor for the majority of the NRR measurement agreements for the T rule.

Conclusions

Only the IST and IS rules are valid for the same normal subjects. The most important factor affecting the validity of the ISNT rule and its variants was the anatomical cup position. NRR measurement agreements based on NRR quadrants exhibited larger validity and better agreement. The IST and IS rules can be combined with the alternative SIT (superior (S) > inferior (I) > temporal (T)) and SI (superior (S) > inferior (I)) rules to detect almost all normal subjects.
The comorbidities of recurrent inguinal hernia in children: A systematic review
Authors: Obayashi Juma , Yamoto Masaya , Fukumoto Koji , Furuta Shigeyuki , Kitagawa Hiroaki
Published: May 2023

Background

Higher risk of recurrence has been reported in pediatric inguinal hernia patients with specific comorbidities. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate which comorbidities predispose to recurrent pediatric inguinal hernias (RPIHs).

Methods

A comprehensive search of six databases was performed, reviewing the literature to date on RPIHs and the co‐occurrence of comorbidities. English‐language publications were considered for inclusion. The primary surgical technique (e.g., Potts procedure or laparoscopic repair) was not considered.

Results

Fourteen articles published between 1967 and 2021 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria. They reported a total of 86 patients diagnosed with RPIHs with 99 comorbidities. Thirty‐six percent of patients had conditions with increased intra‐abdominal pressure, such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus, posterior urethral valves, bladder exstrophy, seizure disorder, asthma, using continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Twenty‐eight percent of patients had diseases with weakness of the anterior abdominal wall, specifically mucopolysaccharidosis, giant omphalocele, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, connective‐tissue disorders, and segmental spinal dysgenesis.

Conclusions

The main comorbidities of RPIHs were conditions with increased intra‐abdominal pressure and weakness of the anterior abdominal wall. Although these comorbidities are rare, the risk of recurrence must be noted.
Perceptual learning
Authors: Jenkin Zoe
Published: May 2023

Perception provides us with access to the external world, but that access is shaped by our own experiential histories. Through perceptual learning, we can enhance our capacities for perceptual discrimination, categorization, and attention to salient properties. We can also encode harmful biases and stereotypes. This article reviews interdisciplinary research on perceptual learning, with an emphasis on the implications for our rational and normative theorizing. Perceptual learning raises the possibility that our inquiries into topics such as epistemic justification, aesthetic criticism, and moral knowledge should include not only an examination of cognition but also of perception.
On penance
Authors: Capes Justin A.
Published: May 2023

Penance is often said to be a part of the process of making amends for wrongdoing. Here I clarify the nature of penance as a remedial action, highlighting the differences between it and more familiar corrective actions such as reparation and apology, and I offer an account of how penance contributes to the expiation of wrongdoing. In doing so, I reject a popular view according to which one does penance primarily by either punishing oneself or voluntarily submitting to punishment at the hands of others. I contend that non‐punitive actions such gifts or acts of service are typically more conducive to achieving the reparative aims of penance.
Activation of caspase‐3/7, an apoptotic‐related marker, during incubation and cryopreservation of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) spermatozoa
Authors: Segura Carlos , La Rosa José , Báez Luis , Gómez‐Quispe Oscar E. , Evangelista‐Vargas Shirley , Morrell Jane M. , Santiani Alexei
Published: May 2023

Caspases are crucial mediators of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis can occur in spermatozoa during spermatogenesis or epididymal transit, as well as in ejaculated spermatozoa. A high proportion of apoptotic sperm would be a poor indicator of the freezability of a raw seminal sample. Alpaca spermatozoa are notoriously difficult to freeze successfully. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to study caspase activation during incubation (37°C) of fresh alpaca spermatozoa, as well as before and after cryopreservation, to gain some insight into the mechanisms behind the vulnerability of alpaca spermatozoa. Eleven sperm samples were incubated for 4 h at 37°C (Study 1), and 23 samples were frozen using an automated system (Study 2). Caspase‐3/7 activation was assessed at 0,1,2,3, and 4 h in samples incubated at 37°C (Study 1); and before/after cryopreservation (Study 2) using CellEvent™ Caspase 3/7 Green Detection Reagent and flow cytometry. The proportions of alpaca spermatozoa with caspase‐3/7 activated increased (p < 0.05) after 3–4 h of incubation at 37°C; however, caspase activation was similar before and after cryopreservation (36.2 ± 11.2% vs. 36.6 ± 33.7%, p > 0.05). The high standard deviation found after freezing could be explained by the existence of two subpopulations: one subpopulation where caspase‐3/7 activation decreased during cryopreservation (from 36.6 ± 9.1% to 1.5 ± 2.2%), and the other subpopulation where caspase‐3/7 activation increased after cryopreservation (from 37.7 ± 13.0% to 64.3 ± 16.7%). In conclusion, after 3–4 h of incubation, caspase‐3/7 activation increased in fresh alpaca sperm, whereas cryopreservation affects alpaca sperm samples in different ways.
Oral manifestations of nine individuals with Williams syndrome. A case series
Authors: Vavetsi Konstantina , Panagopoulou Olga , Koromantzos Panagiotis , Fryssira Ηelen , Bobetsis Spyridon A. , Emmanouil Dimitris , Bobetsis Yiorgos A.
Published: May 2023

Aims

Williams syndrome (WS) is a congenital developmental disorder characterized, mainly, by distinctive facial features, cardiovascular anomalies, growth delay and a typical neurobehavioral profile. The oral manifestations have not been sufficiently described and, therefore, the aim of the current study was to present the clinical, radiographic and microbiological findings of individuals with WS.

Methods and results

A series of nine WS individuals (seven females) with mean age 21 years‐old were evaluated. A complete intraoral clinical examination, a radiographic analysis using panoramic and cephalometric x‐ray and a supra‐ and sub‐gingival microbiological profiling were performed. We observed abnormal tooth morphology, excessive interdental spacing, congenitally missing permanent teeth and malocclusion. High levels of DMFT were observed and gingivitis was present in all subjects. Bacteria related to periodontal disease were detected in dental plaque. Three patients were classified with a gingival phenotype type I according to the Maynard and Wilson classification. The sella turcica bridging was a novel finding for this group of patients.

Conclusion

Due to the elevated prevalence of gingivitis, caries and malocclusion, a multidisciplinary approach including dental follow‐ups should be the standard of care in WS patients.
Aberrant Salience Inventory: A meta‐analysis to investigate its psychometric properties and identify screening cutoff scores
Authors: Merola Giuseppe Pierpaolo , Boy Ottone Baccaredda , Fascina Isotta , Pecoraro Vincenzo , Falone Andrea , Patti Andrea , Santarelli Gabriele , Cicero David Colin , Ballerini Andrea , Ricca Valdo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) is a useful tool to measure salience abnormalities among the general population. There is strong clinical and scientific evidence that salience alteration is linked to psychosis. To the present day, no meta‐analysis evaluating ASI's psychometric properties and screening potential has been published.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase were searched using terms including “psychosis,” “schizophrenia,” and “Aberrant Salience Inventory.” Observational and experimental studies employing ASI on populations of non‐psychotic controls and patients with psychosis were included. ASI scores and other demographic measures (age, gender, ethnicity) were extracted as outcomes. Individual patients' data (IPD) were collected. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the IPD.

Results

Eight articles were finally included in the meta‐analysis. ASI scores differ significantly between psychotic and non‐psychotic populations; a novel three‐factor model is proposed regarding subscales structure. Theoretical positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated and presented together with different cutoff points depending on preselected specific populations of interest.

Discussion

PPV and NPV values reached levels adequate for ASI to be considered a viable screening tool for psychosis. The factor analysis highlights the presence of a novel subscale that was named “Unveiling experiences.” Implications regarding the meaning of the new factor structure are discussed, as well as ASI's potential as a screening tool.
Exploring Education Differences in the Parental Well‐Being Gap
Authors: Augustine Jennifer March , Negraia Daniela V.
Published: May 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that raising minor children is a “mixed bag” of emotions. Parents with minor children report more positive emotions, but also more negative emotions than adults without children. Little attention, however, has been paid to how this mixed bag varies by one's education level: a key socioeconomic indicator connected to family life and well‐being. Drawing on data from the American Time Use Survey Subjective Well‐being Module (2010, 2012, 2013; N = 17,481 respondents) and random effects models, we explored this question. Results revealed that parents of all education levels (vs. non‐parents) reported greater levels of positive emotions (happiness, meaning) and less sadness, but only higher educated parents reported greater levels of negative emotions (stress, fatigue). Among lower educated women, however, we observed no parental well‐being gap. These findings provide new knowledge of, and challenge several prevailing arguments about, how parenting is associated with the well‐being of higher and lower socioeconomic groups.
How mask gap impacts discrimination and anxiety during COVID‐19: A study on overseas Chinese during the first outbreak in 2020
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , English Alexander S. , Kulich Steve J. , Chen Yuxian
Published: May 2023

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic brought unrelenting waves of xenophobia against people representing vulnerable populations, among them those identified as Asians or more specifically as Chinese. Although previous studies have found that some discriminatory actions against overseas Chinese were closely related to mask use during the pandemic, there is not much evidence that explicates what might be the social‐cultural triggers or impact of self‐other mask discrepancy. The current study aims to examine how a mask use gap impacts perceived discrimination and anxiety during the first outbreak of COVID‐19, and how perceived discrimination mediates the mask gap–anxiety relationship. This was operationalized by developing a new “mask gap” variable to capture the incongruent mask use norms between Chines and others around them in the host country. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional sample of Chinese (n = 745) residing in 21 countries from March to May 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic. Results showed the newly explicated “mask gap” variable was associated with a higher level of anxiety. In addition, perceived discrimination mediated the mask gap‐anxiety relationship. These findings advance both theoretical and practical understandings of how incongruent social norms impact discrimination and mental health during health threat events like the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results also suggest important implications for both societal responses and the mental health of sojourners or immigrants during pandemics.
Interest of seroprevalence surveys for the epidemiological surveillance of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in African populations: Insights from the ARIACOV project in Benin
Authors: Houngbégnon Parfait , Nouatin Odilon , Yadouléton Anges , Hounkpatin Benjamin , Fievet Nadine , Atindégla Eloïc , Dechavanne Sébastien , Guichet Emilande , Ayouba Ahidjo , Pelloquin Raphaël , Maman David , Thaurignac Guillaume , Peeters Martine , Aviansou Annonciat , Sourakafou Salifou , Delaporte Eric , Massougbodji Achille , Cottrell Gilles
Published: May 2023

Background

Many SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence surveys since the end of 2020 have disqualified the first misconception that Africa had been spared by the pandemic. Through the analysis of three SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence surveys carried out in Benin as part of the ARIACOV project, we argue that the integration of epidemiological serosurveillance of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the national surveillance packages would be of great use to refine the understanding of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Africa.

Methods

We carried out three repeated cross‐sectional surveys in Benin: two in Cotonou, the economic capital in March and May 2021, and one in Natitingou, a semi‐rural city in the north of the country in August 2021. Total and weighted‐by‐age‐group seroprevalences were estimated and the risk factors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In Cotonou, a slight increase in overall age‐standardised SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence from 29.77% (95% CI: 23.12%–37.41%) at the first survey to 34.86% (95% CI: 31.57%–38.30%) at the second survey was observed. In Natitingou, the globally adjusted seroprevalence was 33.34% (95% CI: 27.75%–39.44%). A trend of high risk for SARS‐CoV 2 seropositivity was observed in adults over 40 versus the young (less than 18 years old) during the first survey in Cotonou but no longer in the second survey.

Conclusions

Our results show that, however, rapid organisation of preventive measures aimed at breaking the chains of transmission, they were ultimately unable to prevent a wide spread of the virus in the population. Routine serological surveillance on strategic sentinel sites and/or populations could constitute a cost‐effective compromise to better anticipate the onset of new waves and define public health strategies.
Temporal trend, high‐risk spatial and spatiotemporal clustering of leprosy indicators in Brazil: A 20‐year ecological and population‐based study
Authors: Paz Wandklebson Silva , Ramos Rosália Elen Santos , Bezerra Letícia Pereira , Matos Dalton Ferreira , Tavares Débora Santos , Souza Carlos Dornels Freire , Bezerra‐Santos Márcio , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes Alencar
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Leprosy still represents a public health concern in Brazil. The country is the only one in America not to reach the global goal of leprosy disease control. Hence, this study aimed to assess the temporal, spatial and space–time patterns of leprosy cases in Brazil of the 20‐year time series 2001–2020.

Methods

An ecological and population‐based analysis was carried out, applying temporal and spatial techniques, and using the detection coefficient of sociodemographic and clinical–epidemiological variables of leprosy new cases in the 5570 municipalities of Brazil. Temporal trends were assessed using a segmented linear regression model. For spatial analysis, global and local Moran indexes were applied, and space–time scan statistics was used to identify risk clusters.

Results

The mean detection coefficient was 19.36/100,000 inhabitants, with a higher occurrence among men (21.29/100,000 inhabitants) and in the 60–69 age group (36.31/100,000). A decreasing temporal trend was observed in the country (annual percentage change: −5.20% per year). The North and Midwest regions were the most affected, exhibiting municipalities with a high/high standard, and with the highest annual percentage increase of multibacillary (MB) cases. Leprosy has a heterogeneous distribution throughout Brazil, but with high‐risk spatiotemporal clusters, mainly located in the North and Midwest regions.

Conclusion

Although Brazil has shown a decreasing temporal trend during the past 20 years, the country is still classified as highly endemic for leprosy, showing an increase in the proportion of new MB cases over the years.
Arabidopsis callus grafts: a system to study symplasmic intercellular macromolecular transport and gene silencing spread
Authors: Hasbioğlu Yağmur , Weber Stephanie , Kragler Friedrich , Machin Frank Qasim
Published: May 2023

In the present study, we present callus grafting, comprising a method for reproducibly generating tissue chimeras from callus cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana. In this way, callus cultures of different genetic backgrounds may be co‐cultivated such that cell‐to‐cell connectivity is achieved as a chimeric tissue is formed. To track intercellular connectivity and transport between non‐clonal callus cells, we used transgenic lines expressing fluorescently tagged mobile and non‐mobile fusion constructs. Using fluorescently‐labelled reporter lines that label plasmodesmata, we show that secondary complex plasmodesmata are present at the cell walls of connected cells. We use this system to investigate cell‐to‐cell transport across the callus graft junction and show that different proteins and RNAs are mobile between non‐clonal callus cells. Finally, we take advantage of the callus culture system to probe intercellular connectivity of grafted leaf and root calli and the effect of different light regimes of cell‐to‐cell transport. Taking advantage of the ability of callus to be cultivated in the complete absence of light, we show that the rate of silencing spread is significantly decreased in chimeric calli cultivated in total darkness. We propose that callus grafting is a fast and reliable method for analysing the capacity of a macromolecule to be exchanged between cells independent of the vasculature.
EMBODIED EXPERIENCE IN SOCIALLY PARTICIPATORY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Graves Mark
Published: May 2023

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes progressively more engaged with society, its shift from technical tool to participating in society raises questions about AI personhood. Drawing upon developmental psychology and systems theory, a mediating structure for AI proto‐personhood is defined analogous to an early stage of human development. The proposed AI bridges technical, psychological, and theological perspectives on near‐future AI and is structured by its hardware, software, computational, and sociotechnical systems through which it experiences its world as embodied (even for putatively disembodied AI). Further social and moral construction can occur building upon a simple “self” for AI synthesized from symbolic and statistical approaches to AI.
Strong A1${\mathbb {A}}^1$‐invariance of A1${\mathbb {A}}^1$‐connected components of reductive algebraic groups
Authors: Balwe Chetan , Hogadi Amit , Sawant Anand
Published: May 2023

We show that the sheaf of ‐connected components of a reductive algebraic group over a perfect field is strongly ‐invariant. As a consequence, torsors under such groups give rise to ‐fiber sequences. We also show that sections of ‐connected components of anisotropic, semisimple, simply connected algebraic groups over an arbitrary field agree with their ‐equivalence classes, thereby removing the perfectness assumption in the previously known results about the characterization of isotropy in terms of affine homotopy invariance of Nisnevich locally trivial torsors.
Floquet Theory for Linear Time-Periodic Delay Differential Equations Using Orthonormal History Functions
Authors: Shaik Junaidvali , Tiwari Sankalp , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: May 2023

In the usual approach to determining the stability of a time-periodic delay differential equation (DDE), the DDE is converted into an approximate system of time-periodic ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using Galerkin approximations. Later, Floquet theory is applied to these ODEs. Alternatively, semidiscretization-like approaches can be used to construct an approximate Floquet transition matrix (FTM) for a DDE. In this paper, we develop a method to obtain the FTM directly. Our approach is analogous to the Floquet theory for ODEs: we consider one polynomial basis function at a time as the history function and stack the coefficients of the corresponding DDE solutions to construct the FTM. The largest magnitude eigenvalue of the FTM determines the stability of the DDE. Since the obtained FTM is an approximation of the actual infinite-dimensional FTM, the criterion developed for stability is approximate. We demonstrate the correctness, efficacy and convergence of our method by studying several candidate DDEs with time-periodic parameters and/or delays, and comparing the results with those obtained from the Galerkin approximations.
The Effect of Biot Number on a Generalized Heat Conduction Solution
Authors: McMasters Robert L. , Monte Filippo de , D'Alessandro Giampaolo , Beck James V.
Published: May 2023

Analytical solutions for thermal conduction problems are extremely important, particularly for verification of numerical codes. Temperatures and heat fluxes can be calculated very precisely, normally to eight or ten significant figures, even in situations involving large temperature gradients. It can be convenient to have a general analytical solution for a transient conduction problem in rectangular coordinates. The general solution is based on the principle that the three primary types of boundary conditions (prescribed temperature, prescribed heat flux, and convective) can all be handled using convective boundary conditions. A large convection coefficient closely approximates a prescribed temperature boundary condition and a very low convection coefficient closely approximates an insulated boundary condition. Since a dimensionless solution is used in this research, the effect of various values of dimensionless convection coefficients, or Biot number values, are explored. An understandable concern with a general analytical solution is the effect of the choice of convection coefficients on the precision of the solution, since the primary motivation for using analytical solutions is the precision offered. An investigation is made in this study to determine the effects of the choices of large and small convection coefficients on the precision of the analytical solutions generated by the general convective formulation. Results are provided, in tabular and graphical form, to illustrate the effects of the choices of convection coefficients on the precision of the general analytical solution.
Investigations of Spoilers to Mitigate Columnar Vortices in Propeller Turbines at Speed-No-Load Based on Steady and Unsteady Flow Simulations
Authors: Bourgeois Janika , Houde Sébastien
Published: May 2023

With the introduction of an ever-larger share of renewable but intermittent energy sources on electrical grids, hydraulic turbines are more often used as network stabilizers. In such a role, they are generally operated in off-design operations like speed-no-load (SNL). No energy is extracted from the flow at SNL operation, but the runner rotates at the synchronous speed linked to the electrical grid. The flow inside the runner of low-head turbines operating at SNL is often dominated by a columnar vortex array that may induce damaging pressure fluctuations. This paper presents the study of a control device to mitigate those vortices. At SNL, the small guide vane opening leads to a high swirl in the runner generating secondary flows such as columnar vortices and backflows. The proposed concept is to move SNL operation toward a higher guide vane opening and hence lower swirl, preventing the formation of a columnar vortex array. Lowering the input swirl of SNL is accomplished by opening up the guide vanes while using a control device to limit the discharge. The control device, like a spoiler on an aircraft wing, is introduced on the guide vanes to generate added head losses, significantly decreasing the discharge in high guide vane angles. This paper compares the hydrodynamics of the flow in a propeller turbine with different spoiler geometries. The study is based on both Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and unsteady RANS (URANS) flow simulations. It highlights how such devices can successfully mitigate columnar vortices and their associated pressure fluctuations on runner blades.
Physiological Characteristics of Competitive Male Junior Cyclists Transitioning to the Under-23 Level: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Hovorka Matthias , Leo Peter , Simon Dieter , Rumpl Clemens , Nimmerichter Alfred
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The purpose of the current investigation was to retrospectively assess possible differences in physiological performance characteristics between junior cyclists signing a contract with an under-23 (U23) development team versus those failing to sign such a contract. Methods: Twenty-five male junior cyclists (age: 18.1 [0.7] y, stature: 181.9 [6.0] cm, body mass: 69.1 [7.9] kg, peak oxygen uptake: 71.3 [6.2] mL·min−1·kg−1) were assigned to this investigation. Between September and October of the last year in the junior category, each cyclist performed a ramp incremental exercise test to determine certain physiological performance characteristics. Subsequently, participants were divided in 2 groups: (1) those signing a contract with a U23 development team (JUNIORU23) and (2) those failing to sign such a contract (JUNIORNON-U23). Unpaired t tests were used to assess possible between-groups differences in physiological performance characteristics. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05 two tailed. Results: No significant between-groups differences in submaximal (ie, gas exchange threshold, respiratory compensation point) and maximal physiological performance characteristics (ie, peak work rate, peak oxygen uptake) expressed in absolute values (ie, L·min−1, W) were observed (P > .05). However, significant between-groups differences were observed when physiological performance characteristics were expressed relative to the cyclists’ body weights (P < .05). Conclusions: The current investigation showed that junior cyclists stepping up to a U23 development team might be retrospectively differentiated from junior cyclists not stepping up based on certain physiological performance characteristics, which might inform practitioners and/or federations working with young cyclists during the long-term athletic development process.
Unstable wave patterns of information in neural network under light illumination and magnetic field
Authors: Nyifeh P. , Njitacke Z. T. , Takembo C. N. , Mvogo A. , Ekobena Fouda H. P. , Awrejcewicz J.
Published: May 2023

Functional neurons built from neural circuits are capable of perceiving and processing external signals such as light illumination and magnetic radiation, by converting the physical signals into modulated bioelectric signals called action potential with diverse forms and shapes. Through modulational instability (MI), modulated wave formation and pattern transition are studied in a chain memristive network of [Formula: see text] photosensitive neurons. Memristors and photocells are incorporated in a simple FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron to detect and process the external magnetic flux and light illumination. To determine regions of modulated wave formation, linear stability analysis is performed on a nonlinear envelope equation which resulted from the asymptotic expansion of the generic dynamical equations. The growth rate of MI is plotted and the distinct zones of stable/unstable MI are presented. We confirm the analytical result through numerical simulations whereby the initial plane wave solutions lead to the emergence of localized structures with traits of spiking, bursting and chaotic states. High-frequency photocurrent changes orderly localized patterns to chaotic-like patterns while high-frequency magnetic flux promotes pattern transition from bursting to 2-period spiking state and a 4-period spiking state. This could provide an adequate way to influence the behaviors of artificial neurons as well as potential mechanism of information coding in the nervous system.
The Impact of Page Size and Microarchitecture on Instruction Address Translation Overhead
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Cox Alan L. , Dwarkadas Sandhya , Dong Xiaowan
Published: May 2023

As the volume of data processed by applications has increased, considerable attention has been paid to data address translation overheads, leading to the widespread use of larger page sizes (“superpages”) and multi-level translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). However, far less attention has been paid to instruction address translation and its relation to TLB and pipeline structure. In prior work, we quantified the impact of using code superpages on a variety of widely used applications, ranging from compilers to web user-interface frameworks, and the impact of sharing page table pages for executables and shared libraries. Within this article, we augment those results by first uncovering the effects that microarchitectural differences between Intel Skylake and AMD Zen+, particularly their different TLB organizations, have on instruction address translation overhead. This analysis provides some key insights into the microarchitectural design decisions that impact the cost of instruction address translation. First, a lower-level (level 2) TLB that has both instruction and data mappings competing for space within the same structure allows better overall performance and utilization when using code superpages. Code superpages not only reduce instruction address translation overhead but also indirectly reduce data address translation overhead. In fact, for a few applications, the use of just a few code superpages has a larger impact on overall performance than the use of a much larger number of data superpages. Second, a level 1 (L1) TLB with separate structures for different page sizes may require careful tuning of the superpage promotion policy for code, and a correspondingly suboptimal utilization of the level 2 TLB. In particular, increasing the number of superpages when the size of the L1 superpage structure is small may result in more L1 TLB misses for some applications. Moreover, on some microarchitectures, the cost of these misses can be highly variable, because replacement is delayed until all of the in-flight instructions mapped by the victim entry are retired. Hence, more superpage promotions can result in a performance regression. Finally, our findings also make a case for first-class OS support for superpages on ordinary files containing executables and shared libraries, as well as a more aggressive superpage policy for code.
The Effect of Feeding Laying Hens with Nonindustrial Hemp Seed on the Fatty Acid Profile, Cholesterol Level, and Tocopherol Composition of Egg Yolk
Authors: Taaifi Yassine , Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Rbah Youssef , Melhaoui Reda , Houmy Nadia , Ben moumen Abdesammad , Azeroual Embarek , Addi Mohamed , Elamrani Ahmed , Serghini-Caid Hana
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how cannabis-derived nonindustrial hemp seed (HS) inclusion in laying hen diets, as well as treatment duration, affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, cholesterol level, and tocopherol composition of egg yolks. Ninety-six (

n
=
96

) Lohmann Brown classic laying hens were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: control (standard diet) and HS-containing diets (10% HS, 20% HS, and 30% HS). The study was conducted for a period of 4 months. The findings demonstrated that the FA profile and the tocopherol composition are strongly impacted by the addition of HS to the diet of laying hens (

p
<
0.05

), but the cholesterol content remained unaffected. The increase in the dose of cannabis incorporated into the hen’s diet (HS-30% group) led to a significant increase in the amounts of the polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 and n-6 content of egg yolk. This enrichment was accompanied by a considerable decrease in the n-6/n-3 ratio (

p
<
0.001

) from 8.19 to 4.88, on day 84 of the experiment. The total tocopherol content significantly increased (

p
<
0.05

) from 281.44 (control) to 327.02 μg/g yolk (HS-30%) on day 84. Finally, in the context of warfare, these seeds might be used as a feed additive for laying hens to produce higher nutritive value eggs with affordable prices.
Anti-3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination
Authors: Rodrigues de Carvalho Marta , Sá de Deus Rocha Myrian Mathildes , Alves Bezerra Vinícius , de Pontes Maciel Eduardo , del Negro Maria Cristina , Antunes Julio Salgado , Montanaro Vinícius Viana Abreu , Fernandez Rubens Nelson Morato
Published: May 2023

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the unprecedented production of vaccines. In this context, the possible adverse effects remain to be identified and reported. In this article, we report the case of a young female patient who developed anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMG-CoA) immune-mediated necrotizing myositis (IMNM) after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 vaccine. The diagnosis of probable post-vaccination IMNM was made due to the absence of other factors that may have led to the development of autoantibodies (medicines; e.g., statins, drugs) and the temporal relationship between exposure and event. This case report is the first to suggest that a COVID-19 vaccine may trigger anti-HMG-CoA reductase necrotizing myopathy.
A Car Logo Design-Inspired CPW-Fed Semitransparent Antenna for Vehicular Applications
Authors: Kannappan Lekha , Palaniswamy Sandeep Kumar , Kanagasabai Malathi , Kumar Sachin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a quad-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) semitransparent antenna is designed for automotive applications. The transparent soda lime glass substrate is used in the prototype antenna for windshield applications, and the radiator is nontransparent copper metal. The unit cell radiator of the MIMO antenna is similar to the “NISSAN automobile-like” logo. The proposed MIMO antenna has a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 3.4 to 11 GHz. The edge-to-edge distance between the elements in the MIMO configuration is 6 mm. The antenna elements are perpendicularly oriented to offer dual (horizontal and vertical) polarization, which aids in providing better isolation and good signal reception in all directions. The isolation between the resonating elements is greater than 15 dB without the use of any decoupling structure. The diversity metrics are examined in order to gain a better understanding of the MIMO antenna performance. The envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is less than 0.01, diversity gain (DG) is greater than 9.98 dB, and the total active reflection coefficient (TARC) and channel capacity loss (CCL) are less than −10 dB and 0.07 bits/s/Hz, respectively. The quad-port MIMO antenna offers transparency of 52.26% over the entire area. The proposed antenna could be suitable for automotive applications such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), vehicular communications, and the automatic vehicle identifier (AVI).
Robots in Tourism and Hospitality: The Perception of Future Professionals
Authors: Palrão Teresa , Rodrigues Rosa I. , Madeira Arlindo , Mendes Alexandra S. , Lopes Sofia
Published: May 2023

This research is aimed at analyzing the perception of future tourism professionals about the presence of robots in the hospitality industry. It was based on data obtained from undergraduate and master students in tourism and hospitality, through a questionnaire that sought to assess their perceptions regarding hospitality, novelty, culture, robot performance management in the tourism industry, and their willingness to work in a partially robotized environment in the future. The analysis of the perceptions of future tourism and hospitality professionals was performed based on a structural equation model and revealed that perceptions of novelty and performance management have a significantly positive impact on the willingness of participants to work in a partially robot environment in the future. When the intention to use robots in the future is included in the model, this positive effect decreases. The current existing research on the application of artificial intelligence in hospitality and tourism has, mainly, focused on the customer or the hotelier, making it important to understand how generations of future employees in hospitality and tourism view the use of this type of technology, anticipating any future less favorable situations.
Optimal Allocation of Hybrid Renewable Distributed Generation with Battery Energy Storage System Using MOEA/D-DRA Algorithm
Authors: Pon Ragothama Priya P. , Baskar S. , Tamil Selvi S. , Babulal C. K.
Published: May 2023

The need for energy and environmental sustainability drives the adoption of renewable energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient planning of energy sources is crucial for a reliable distribution network. This article solves the optimal allocation of hybrid energy sources (i.e., Renewable Distribution Generators (RDGs) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)) problem, aiming to minimize the annual energy loss and investment costs simultaneously. The proposed formulation includes the uncertainties such as forced outages of RDG’s, intermittence in RDG power generation, Expected Energy Not Served (EENS) by DG units, and time-varying demand altogether in the existing formulation. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed formulation, a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition with Dynamic Resource Allocation (MOEA/D-DRA) is used. Simulation studies are conducted on IEEE 33-node and TNEB 84-node Radial Distribution Systems (RDSs), comparing results with the Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Hybrid Nelder Mead-Particle Swarm Optimization (HNMPSO) respectively. The proposed formulation for a Multi-objective Optimization of Hybrid Energy Sources allocation problem solved by the MOEA/D-DRA algorithm provides improved benefits like minimum annual energy loss, investment cost, CO2 emission, EENS by the DG units, and enhanced system voltage stability and voltage profile.