bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical discretization causing error variance loss and the need for inflation
Authors: Ménard Richard , Skachko Sergey , Pannekoucke Olivier
Published: August 2021

The effects of model discretization errors on the propagation of error covariance have a more complex nature than the effect on the state variable. The analysis is carried out for the advection transport equation, where the continuous (in space and time) propagation of the related error covariance function can be written, solved and compared with the discrete model applied to the covariance matrix. The numerical analysis of the problem is carried out with a 1D‐problem, but is also illustrated with a 3D chemical transport model (CTM) used for chemical data assimilation. It is shown that variance loss (compared to the continuous propagation solution) depends on the covariance function itself as well as the numerical discretization scheme. The variance loss is particularly sensitive to the correlation length. In a simple first‐order discretization, an analytical expression is obtained and is used to derive an analytical expression for inflation. Experiments show, for example, that following an analysis over a dense network of observations (with spatially uncorrelated errors) a significant variance loss occurs in the propagation step. With the (variance) inflation scheme, we are able to restore the variance lost at each grid point, and at each timestep, during the entire integration. The variance inflation scheme applied to an EnKF can be formulated to change the variance spread of the ensemble or to act directly on the state.
On time‐parallel preconditioning for the state formulation of incremental weak constraint 4D‐Var
Authors: Daužickaitė Ieva , Lawless Amos S. , Scott Jennifer A. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: August 2021

Using a high degree of parallelism is essential for the efficient performance of data assimilation. The state formulation of the incremental weak constraint four‐dimensional variational data assimilation method allows parallel calculations in the time dimension. In this approach, the solution is approximated by minimising a series of quadratic cost functions using the conjugate gradient method. To use this method in practice, effective preconditioning strategies that maintain the potential for parallel calculations are needed. We examine approximations to the control variable transform (CVT) technique when the latter is beneficial. The new strategy employs a randomised singular value decomposition and retains the potential for parallelism in the time domain. Numerical results for the Lorenz '96 model show that this approach accelerates the minimisation in the first few iterations, with better results when CVT performs well.
The impact of Aeolus wind retrievals on ECMWF global weather forecasts
Authors: Rennie Michael P. , Isaksen Lars , Weiler Fabian , de Kloe Jos , Kanitz Thomas , Reitebuch Oliver
Published: August 2021

Aeolus is the world's first spaceborne Doppler Wind Lidar, providing profiles of horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind retrievals. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) impact and error statistics of Aeolus Level‐2B (L2B) wind statistics have been assessed using the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global data assimilation system. Random and systematic error estimates were derived from observation minus background departure statistics. The HLOS wind random error standard deviation is estimated to be in the range 4.0–7.0 m·s−1 for the Rayleigh‐clear and 2.8–3.6 m·s−1 for the Mie‐cloudy, depending on atmospheric signal levels which in turn depend on instrument performance, atmospheric backscatter properties and the processing algorithms. Complex systematic HLOS wind error variations on time‐scales less than one orbit were identified, most strongly affecting the Rayleigh‐clear winds. NWP departures and instrument housekeeping data confirmed that it is caused by temperature gradients across the primary mirror. A successful bias correction scheme was implemented in the operational processing chain in April 2020. In Observing System Experiments (OSEs), Aeolus provides statistically significant improvement in short‐range forecasts as verified by observations sensitive to temperature, wind and humidity. Longer forecast range verification shows positive impact that is strongest at the day two to three forecast range: ∼2% improvement in root‐mean‐square error for vector wind and temperature in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and polar troposphere. Positive impact up to 9 days is found in the tropical lower stratosphere. Both Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy winds provide positive impact, but the Rayleigh accounts for most tropical impact. The Forecast Sensitivity Observation Impact (FSOI) metric is available since 9 January 2020, when Aeolus was operationally assimilated, which confirms Aeolus is a useful contribution to the global observing system, with the Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy winds providing similar overall short‐range impact in 2020.
Dramatic response to alectinib in an ALK‐positive LCNEC patient with a poor performance status: A case report
Authors: Masuda Kazuki , Saiki Masafumi , Shimamura So , Ide Shuichiro , Uchida Yoshinori , Sogami Yusuke , Ishihara Hiroshi , Ikeda Fumi , Kugiyama Kiyotaka
Published: August 2021

The echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4)–anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene, a driver mutation in lung carcinoma, is fairly common in lung adenocarcinoma but rare in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Here we report a case of stage IV LCNEC positive for this fusion gene in a patient with a poor performance status (PS) who was effectively treated with alectinib. The patient was a 72‐year‐old non‐smoking man diagnosed as LCNEC with multiple metastases. Because of his poor PS, cytotoxic chemotherapy was not indicated, but he was later found to be positive for the ALK fusion gene and treated with alectinib as first‐line therapy. One month later, the tumour had shrunk remarkably, and the therapeutic effect was rated as a partial response. The PS also improved from 4 to 1. Investigating actionable driver mutations seems worth doing for advanced LCNEC, especially if the patient's PS is poor.
Disturbance‐observer‐based adaptive neural control for switched nonlinear systems with average dwell time
Authors: Wu Dawei , Sun Yonghui , Shao Shuyi
Published: August 2021

In this article, a robust control framework is developed for nonstrict‐feedback switched nonlinear systems in the presence of unknown time‐varying delays and external disturbances. Taking into account the differences in the disturbance of each subsystem, a novel disturbance observer (DO) based on the auxiliary system is proposed for the first time. The auxiliary system is designed with the same order as that of the studied switched system, whose state variables are used to adjust the parameters of the DO in real time. Furthermore, by improving the stability condition in the frame of average dwell time (ADT), a robust control law design method based on the DO is extended to the switched system. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, an improved delay processing method is developed, which can eliminate the widely used growth assumptions of unknown functions. Based on the DO and neural network, a robust adaptive neural network controller is constructed, and the ADT approach is adopted to analyze the semiglobal uniform ultimate boundedness of all closed‐loop system signals. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is further verified through simulation studies of an electromechanical system.
Graphon convergence of random cographs
Authors: Stufler Benedikt
Published: August 2021

We study the behavior of random labeled and unlabeled cographs with n vertices as n tends to infinity. We show that both models admit a novel random graphon W1/2 as distributional limit. Our main tool is an enhanced skeleton decomposition of the random Pólya tree with n leaves and no internal vertices having only one child. As a byproduct, we obtain limits describing the asymptotic shape of this model of random trees.
Cell Therapy for Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tripathi Avnish , Khan Mohammad Saud , Khan Abdur Rahman , Vaughn Vida M. , Bolli Roberto
Published: August 2021

Cell therapy involves transplantation of human cells to promote repair of diseased or injured tissues and/or cells. Only a limited number of mostly small-scale trials have studied cell therapy in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). We performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the safety and efficacy of cell therapy in NICM. Electronic databases were searched for relevant RCTs from inception until August 2020. Outcomes assessed were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter or volume (LVEDD), quality of life (QoL) indices, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Weighted mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects methods. Eleven RCTs with 574 participants were included in the analysis. There was a significant increase in mean LVEF (MD, 4.17%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.66-6.69) and modest decrease in LVEDD (SMD, −0.50; 95% CI = −0.95 to −0.06) in patients treated with cell therapy compared with controls. Cell therapy was also associated with improvement in functional capacity, as assessed by the 6-minute walking distance (MD, 72.49 m; 95% CI = 3.44-141.53). No significant differences were seen in MACEs and QoL indices between treated and control groups. This meta-analysis suggests that cell therapy may improve LV systolic function and may be associated with improvement in LVEDD and functional capacity compared with maximal medical therapy. Cell therapy was safe, with no significant difference in MACEs between treatment and control groups. However, given the limitations of current studies, larger well-designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the efficacy of cell therapy in patients with NICM.
Mechanism‐Based Approach of CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) Interfaces for CIGS Solar Cells through Deposition in Different Stages of Continuous Chemical Bath Deposition Reaction: Key to Achieving High Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Cho Ara , Jeong Inyoung , Song Soomin , Shin Donghyeop , Lee Sangmin , Kim Kihwan , Yun Jae Ho , Cho Jun Sik , Park Joo Hyung
Published: August 2021

To accurately obtain an adjustable CdS layer, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system is used in the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method by measuring the frequency change. However, although the thickness of the CdS layers deposited using the QCM system can be accurately adjusted to the same thickness, CdS layers of the same thickness formed in each section of the continuous reaction are expected to have different properties due to the reaction rate and mechanism, ultimately affecting the performance of solar cells. Therefore, 30 nm‐thick CdS layers are formed in the various reaction sections (initial, middle, and late ranges) and their characteristics and performances are examined and compared with the conventional 60 nm‐thick CdS buffer layer. Most Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells with the 30 nm‐thick CdS buffer exhibit a higher efficiency than those with the 60 nm‐thick CdS buffer due to improved J
sc. However, the CIGS with the 30 nm CdS formed in the middle range exhibits the lowest photovoltaic performance. To investigate this unexpected result, all the deposited CdS layers are chemically, structurally, and optically examined and the results are explained by a deposition mechanism study. Furthermore, the effect of heat treatment is demonstrated by band alignment.
Einsatz der Digitalisierung bei der Nachrechnung von Rheinbrücken
Authors: Munoz‐Cobo Cique Guillermo , Hellebrandt Laura , Gabler Markus
Published: August 2021

Zahlreiche Rheinbrücken in Deutschland und den Niederlanden werden aktuell nachgerechnet und dabei zeigen sich vermehrt Traglastdefizite gegenüber den Anforderungen der Eurocodes. Wann immer möglich, sollte dem Erhalt der Vorzug vor dem Ersatzneubau gegeben werden, nicht zuletzt wegen des Denkmalschutzes und der CO2‐Bilanz. Dabei kann es helfen, bei der Nachrechnung den „Bleistift zu spitzen“, also den lokal tatsächlich auftretenden Verkehr einfließen zu lassen sowie das Tragverhalten im Detail zu untersuchen und stille Reserven zu aktivieren. Hierbei können digitale Werkzeuge große Dienste erweisen, da dadurch zahlreiche Szenarien, Details oder Abstufungen jeweils individuell betrachtet werden können, anstatt auf der sicheren Seite liegend nur maßgebende Punkte zu betrachten. Eine sinnvoll eingesetzte Digitalisierung hilft also die Ökobilanz zu verbessern, Brückendenkmäler zu retten und letztlich dem Bauherrn auch Kosten zu sparen. Am Beispiel einiger Rheinbrücken soll aufgezeigt werden, wie durch den Einsatz digitaler Werkzeuge wesentlich bessere Ergebnisse erzielt werden konnten als in der Originalstatik, dies dient dann als Grundlage für gezielte und insgesamt wirtschaftliche Verstärkungsmaßnahmen. Zu diesen Maßnahmen gehören die verfeinerte Diskretisierung des Tragwerks und der Detailmodelle, Nachweise der Verbindungen und Ermittlung der lokalen individuellen Ermüdungseinwirkung für das Tragwerk.
From Transport Phenomena to Systems Chemistry: Chemohydrodynamic Oscillations in A+B→C Systems
Authors: Budroni Marcello A. , Rossi Federico , Rongy Laurence
Published: August 2021

Can simple chemistry drive the emergence of self‐organised complex behaviours? Addressing this big‐picture question crucially impacts the comprehension of fundamental mechanisms at the basis of stationary and dynamical spatio‐temporal chemical patterns which represent an integral part of Origin of Life studies and morphogenesis. This is also of paramount importance in cutting‐edge approaches for the design and control of bio‐inspired self‐organised functional materials as well as for understanding how complex biological networks work. So far, spontaneous chemical self‐organisation has constituted the realm of Nonlinear Chemistry. Oscillations, waves, Turing structures have been typically obtained in systems characterised by a complex network of nonlinear reactions activated on appropriate relative timescales. Here we revisit the emergence of oscillatory dynamics in systems characterised by a kinetics as simple and general as a bimolecular process, provided that it is actively coupled with transport phenomena, in the absence of any nonlinear or external kinetic feedback. We also present new numerical experiments to substantiate and clarify the minimal ingredients underlying these complex dynamics. The objective of this paper is to discuss chemo‐hydrodynamics as a possible mechanism for activating self‐organised structures and functional behaviours in contexts characterised by a minimal chemistry like prebiotic conditions. In this view, we also highlight the necessity to include convective phenomena in the paradigm of Systems Chemistry.
Quantifying hydrologic pathway and source connectivity dynamics in tile drainage: Implications for phosphorus concentrations
Authors: Nazari Saeid , Ford William I. , King Kevin W.
Published: August 2021

Flowpathways and source water connectivity dynamics are widely recognized to affect tile‐drainage water quality. In this study, we developed and evaluated a framework that couples event‐based hydrograph recession and specific conductance end‐member mixing analysis (SC‐EMMA) to provide a more robust framework for quantifying both flow pathway dynamics and source connectivity of drainage water in tile‐drained landscapes. High‐frequency (30‐min) flow and conductivity data were collected from an edge‐of‐field tile main located in northwestern Ohio, and the newly developed framework was applied for data collected in water year 2019. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was used to evaluate the impact of pathway‐connectivity dynamics on flow‐weighted mean dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations, which were collected as part of the USDA‐ARS edge‐of‐field monitoring network. The hydrograph recession and SC‐EMMA results highlighted intra‐ and interevent differences between quick (preferential) flow and new (precipitation) water transported during events, challenging a common assumption that new water reflects drainage through preferential flow paths. The analysis of hydrologic flow pathways demonstrated matrix–macropore exchange (Qquick‐old), preferential flow of new water (Qquick‐new), slow flow of old water (Qslow‐old), and slow flow of new water (Qslow‐new) contributed 9, 39, 42, and 10% to tile discharge, on average, with interevent variability. Matrix water that is transported to tile drains via macropore flowpaths was found to be activated throughout the year, even under drier antecedent conditions, suggesting that matrix–macropore exchange was more sensitive to within‐event hydrological processes as compared with antecedent conditions. The MLR results highlighted that pathway‐connectivity hydrograph fractions improved prediction of DRP concentrations, although improvement may be more pronounced in landscapes with higher rates of matrix–macropore exchange.
Conceptual ex ante simulation for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Adoption on private property using agent‐based modeling
Authors: Brown Seth , Ferreira Celso , Houck Mark , Liner Barry
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Social Spatial Adoption (G‐SSA) model, a cellular automata agent‐based model that simulates the behavior of private property owners responding to incentives to adopt on‐site green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Concepts such as small‐world social networks, opinion dissemination, and diffusion of innovation are used to capture dynamic social, spatial, and temporal aspects of green stormwater infrastructure adoption. Demographic information, site constraints, GSI practice type and costs, and financial incentive information are integrated into modeling rules that influence adoption dynamics. A methodology is presented that describes how these concepts have been translated into an agent‐based modeling platform that provides the opportunity to explore modeling dynamics and output. Model output confirms the viability of the methodology and produces results that inform future efforts to explore the G‐SSA model.

Practitioner points

Agent‐based modeling (ABM) can evaluate the expected impact of market‐based approaches for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) adoption and O&M services.

ABM can simulate years of implementation of GSI program incentives, which vary from stormwater fee reduction to subsidy payments to tradable credits revenues generated.

Publicly available demographic data combined with behavioral economic relationships can build models to evaluate how municipalities can meet regulatory goals for urban retrofits using market‐based approaches to encourage GSI adoption.
Monodromy defects in free field theories
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Chalabi Adam , Procházka Vladimír , Robinson Brandon , Sisti Jacopo
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We study co-dimension two monodromy defects in theories of conformally coupled scalars and free Dirac fermions in arbitrary d dimensions. We characterise this family of conformal defects by computing the one-point functions of the stress-tensor and conserved current for Abelian flavour symmetries as well as two-point functions of the displacement operator. In the case of d = 4, the normalisation of these correlation functions are related to defect Weyl anomaly coefficients, and thus provide crucial information about the defect conformal field theory. We provide explicit checks on the values of the defect central charges by calculating the universal part of the defect contribution to entanglement entropy, and further, we use our results to extract the universal part of the vacuum Rényi entropy. Moreover, we leverage the non-supersymmetric free field results to compute a novel defect Weyl anomaly coefficient in a d = 4 theory of free $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 hypermultiplets. Including singular modes in the defect operator product expansion of fundamental fields, we identify notable relevant deformations in the singular defect theories and show that they trigger a renormalisation group flow towards an IR fixed point with the most regular defect OPE. We also study Gukov-Witten defects in free d = 4 Maxwell theory and show that their central charges vanish.
Pyramiding of scald resistance genes in four spring barley MAGIC populations
Authors: Hautsalo Juho , Novakazi Fluturë , Jalli Marja , Göransson Magnus , Manninen Outi , Isolahti Mika , Reitan Lars , Bergersen Stein , Krusell Lene , Damsgård Robertsen Charlotte , Orabi Jihad , Due Jensen Jens , Jahoor Ahmed , Bengtsson Therése ,   the PPP Barley Consortium, Veteläinen Merja , Manninen Outi , Isolahti Mika , Alsheikh Muath , Bergersen Stein , Jansen Constantin , Windju Susanne , Reitan Lars , Jalli Marja , Hautsalo Juho , Jahoor Ahmed , Orabi Jihad , Vangdorf Nana , Jensen Jens Due , Krusell Lene , Hjortshøj Rasmus Lund , Robertsen Charlotte Damsgård , Jahoor Ahmed , Bengtsson Therése , Novakazi Fluturë , Åhman Inger , Göransson Magnus , Hilmarsson Hrannar Smári , Sveinsson Sæmundur
Published: August 2021

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of four Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) populations identified nine regions on chromosomes 1H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H associated with resistance against barley scald disease. Three of these regions are putatively novel resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). Barley scald is caused by Rhynchosporium commune, one of the most important barley leaf diseases that are prevalent in most barley-growing regions. Up to 40% yield losses can occur in susceptible barley cultivars. Four MAGIC populations were generated in a Nordic Public–Private Pre-breeding of spring barley project (PPP Barley) to introduce resistance to several important diseases. Here, these MAGIC populations consisting of six to eight founders each were tested for scald resistance in field trials in Finland and Iceland. Eight different model covariate combinations were compared for GWAS studies, and the models that deviated the least from the expected p-values were selected. For all QTL, candidate genes were identified that are predicted to be involved in pathogen defence. The MAGIC progenies contained new haplotypes of significant SNP-markers with high resistance levels. The lines with successfully pyramided resistance against scald and mildew and the significant markers are now distributed among Nordic plant breeders and will benefit development of disease-resistant cultivars.
Multiplicative automatic sequences
Authors: Konieczny Jakub , Lemańczyk Mariusz , Müllner Clemens
Published: August 2021

We obtain a complete classification of complex-valued sequences which are both multiplicative and automatic.
Advanced iterative particle reconstruction for Lagrangian particle tracking
Authors: Jahn Tobias , Schanz Daniel , Schröder Andreas
Published: August 2021

The method of iterative particle reconstruction (IPR), introduced by Wieneke (Meas Sci Technol 24:024008, 2013), constitutes a major step toward Lagrangian particle tracking in densely seeded flows (Schanz et al. in Exp Fluids 57:1–27, 2016). Here we present novel approaches in several key aspects of the algorithm, which, in combination, triple the working range of IPR in terms of particle image densities. The updated method is proven to be fast, accurate and robust against image noise and other imaging artifacts. Most of the proposed changes to the original processing are easy to implement and come at low computational cost. Furthermore, a bundle adjustment scheme that simultaneously updates the 3D locations of all particles and the camera calibrations is introduced. While the particle position optimization proved to be more effective using localized ‘shake’ schemes, this so-called global shake scheme constitutes an effective measure to correct for decalibrations and vibrations, acting as an in-situ single-image volume-self-calibration. Further optimization strategies using such approaches are conceivable.

Graphic abstract
Supercutaneous locking compression plate in the treatment of infected non-union and open fracture of the leg
Authors: Janssen Stein J. , Kloen Peter
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Salvage of infected tibia and fibula non-union and severe open fractures is challenging and often requires staged treatment. We describe all cases that underwent supercutaneous plating of the leg as external fixation technique and assessed union rate, time to union, rate of infection clearance, and patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from a single level 1 trauma center. We included 19 patients that underwent supercutaneous plating—locking compression plate applied as external fixator—of the leg. Indications were: infected non-union of a pilon, cruris, or ankle fracture (n = 13); post-traumatic fistula draining osteomyelitis of the tibia (n = 3); infected mal-reduced subacute cruris fracture (n = 1); acute open pilon fracture (n = 1); and acute open cruris fracture (n = 1). Outcome measures were: union, time to union, infection clearance, the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) physical component summary scale (PCS) and mental component summary scale (MCS), and NRS pain scores.

Results

Union was achieved in 88% of the patients after a median of 279 days [interquartile range (IQR) 154–440]. Infection clearance was achieved in 94% of the patients. The PCS (median 51, IQR 46–56, p = 0.903) and MCS (median 57, IQR 50–60, p = 0.241) do not differ from normative population values. NRS Pain score at rest was 0 on average (IQR 0–1), 2 on average when walking (IQR 0–4), and 1 on average when climbing stairs (IQR 0–2).

Conclusion

Supercutaneous plating is a simple and reliable technical trick to bridge and stabilize a nonunion or fracture site while clearing an infection and have soft-tissues heal before subsequent definitive (internal)fixation and/or cancellous bone grafting. Reasonable union and infection clearance rates are achieved, and good functional outcome can generally be expected.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic level III.
The economic burden of obesity in Italy: a cost-of-illness study
Authors: d’Errico Margherita , Pavlova Milena , Spandonaro Federico
Published: August 2021

Background

Obesity is a complex health disorder that significantly increases the risk of several chronic diseases, and it has been associated with a 5–20-year decrease in life expectancy. The prevalence of obesity is increasing steadily worldwide and Italy follows this trend with an increase of almost 30% in the adult obese population in the last 3 decades. Previous studies estimated that 2–4% of the total health expenditure in Europe is attributed to obesity and it is projected to double by 2050. Currently, there is a lack of sufficient knowledge on the burden of obesity in Italy and most relevant estimates are derived from international studies. The aim of this study is to estimate the direct and indirect costs of obesity in Italy, taking 2020 as the reference year.

Methods

Based on data collected from the literature, a quantitative cost-of-illness (COI) study was performed from a societal perspective focussing on the adult obese population (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) in Italy.

Results

The study indicated that the total costs attributable to obesity in Italy amounted to €13.34 billion in 2020 (95% credible interval: €8.99 billion < µ < €17.80 billion). Direct costs were €7.89 billion, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) having the highest impact on costs (€6.66 billion), followed by diabetes (€0.65 billion), cancer (€0.33 billion), and bariatric surgery (€0.24 billion). Indirect costs amounted to €5.45 billion, with almost equal contribution of absenteeism (€2.62 billion) and presenteeism (€2.83 billion).

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with high direct and indirect costs, and cost-effective prevention programmes are deemed fundamental to contain this public health threat in Italy.
MIKADO: a smart city KPIs assessment modeling framework
Authors: De Sanctis Martina , Iovino Ludovico , Rossi Maria Teresa , Wimmer Manuel
Published: August 2021

Smart decision making plays a central role for smart city governance. It exploits data analytics approaches applied to collected data, for supporting smart cities stakeholders in understanding and effectively managing a smart city. Smart governance is performed through the management of key performance indicators (KPIs), reflecting the degree of smartness and sustainability of smart cities. Even though KPIs are gaining relevance, e.g., at European level, the existing tools for their calculation are still limited. They mainly consist in dashboards and online spreadsheets that are rigid, thus making the KPIs evolution and customization a tedious and error-prone process. In this paper, we exploit model-driven engineering (MDE) techniques, through metamodel-based domain-specific languages (DSLs), to build a framework calledMIKADO for the automatic assessment of KPIs over smart cities. In particular, the approach provides support for both: (i) domain experts, by the definition of a textual DSL for an intuitive KPIs modeling process and (ii) smart cities stakeholders, by the definition of graphical editors for smart cities modeling. Moreover, dynamic dashboards are generated to support an intuitive visualization and interpretation of the KPIs assessed by our KPIs evaluation engine. We provide evaluation results by showing a demonstration case as well as studying the scalability of the KPIs evaluation engine and the general usability of the approach with encouraging results. Moreover, the approach is open and extensible to further manage comparison among smart cities, simulations, and KPIs interrelations.
Lattice ground states for embedded-atom models in 2D and 3D
Authors: Bétermin Laurent , Friedrich Manuel , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: August 2021

The Embedded-Atom Model (EAM) provides a phenomenological description of atomic arrangements in metallic systems. It consists of a configurational energy depending on atomic positions and featuring the interplay of two-body atomic interactions and nonlocal effects due to the corresponding electronic clouds. The purpose of this paper is to mathematically investigate the minimization of the EAM energy among lattices in two and three dimensions. We present a suite of analytical and numerical results under different reference choices for the underlying interaction potentials. In particular, Gaussian, inverse-power, and Lennard-Jones-type interactions are addressed.
A survey on presentation attack detection for automatic speaker verification systems: State-of-the-art, taxonomy, issues and future direction
Authors: Tan Choon Beng , Hijazi Mohd Hanafi Ahmad , Khamis Norazlina , Nohuddin Puteri Nor Ellyza binti , Zainol Zuraini , Coenen Frans , Gani Abdullah
Published: August 2021

The emergence of biometric technology provides enhanced security compared to the traditional identification and authentication techniques that were less efficient and secure. Despite the advantages brought by biometric technology, the existing biometric systems such as Automatic Speaker Verification (ASV) systems are weak against presentation attacks. A presentation attack is a spoofing attack launched to subvert an ASV system to gain access to the system. Though numerous Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) systems were reported in the literature, a systematic survey that describes the current state of research and application is unavailable. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the state-of-the-art voice PAD systems to promote further advancement in this area. The objectives of this paper are two folds: (i) to understand the nature of recent work on PAD systems, and (ii) to identify areas that require additional research. From the survey, a taxonomy of voice PAD and the trend analysis of recent work on PAD systems were built and presented, whereby the recent and relevant articles including articles from Interspeech and ICASSP Conferences, mostly indexed by Scopus, published between 2015 and 2021 were considered. A total of 172 articles were surveyed in this work. The findings of this survey present the limitation of recent works, which include spoof-type dependent PAD. Consequently, the future direction of work on voice PAD for interested researchers is established. The findings of this survey present the limitation of recent works, which include spoof-type dependent PAD. Consequently, the future direction of work on voice PAD for interested researchers is established.
The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Whitfield Tim , Barnhofer Thorsten , Acabchuk Rebecca , Cohen Avi , Lee Michael , Schlosser Marco , Arenaza-Urquijo Eider M. , Böttcher Adriana , Britton Willoughby , Coll-Padros Nina , Collette Fabienne , Chételat Gaël , Dautricourt Sophie , Demnitz-King Harriet , Dumais Travis , Klimecki Olga , Meiberth Dix , Moulinet Inès , Müller Theresa , Parsons Elizabeth , Sager Lauren , Sannemann Lena , Scharf Jodi , Schild Ann-Katrin , Touron Edelweiss , Wirth Miranka , Walker Zuzana , Moitra Ethan , Lutz Antoine , Lazar Sara W. , Vago David , Marchant Natalie L.
Published: August 2021

Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are increasingly utilized to improve mental health. Interest in the putative effects of MBPs on cognitive function is also growing. This is the first meta-analysis of objective cognitive outcomes across multiple domains from randomized MBP studies of adults. Seven databases were systematically searched to January 2020. Fifty-six unique studies (n = 2,931) were included, of which 45 (n = 2,238) were synthesized using robust variance estimation meta-analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses evaluated moderators. Pooling data across cognitive domains, the summary effect size for all studies favored MBPs over comparators and was small in magnitude (g = 0.15; [0.05, 0.24]). Across subgroup analyses of individual cognitive domains/subdomains, MBPs outperformed comparators for executive function (g = 0.15; [0.02, 0.27]) and working memory outcomes (g = 0.23; [0.11, 0.36]) only. Subgroup analyses identified significant effects for studies of non-clinical samples, as well as for adults aged over 60. Across all studies, MBPs outperformed inactive, but not active comparators. Limitations include the primarily unclear within-study risk of bias (only a minority of studies were considered low risk), and that statistical constraints rendered some p-values unreliable. Together, results partially corroborate the hypothesized link between mindfulness practices and cognitive performance. This review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018100904].
Hydrogenation of alkynyl substituted aromatics over rhodium/silica
Authors: Gregory Joseph W. , Jackson S. David
Published: August 2021

The cascade reactions of phenylacetylene to ethylcyclohexane and 1-phenyl-1-propyne to propylcyclohexane were studied individually, under deuterium and competitively at 343 K and 3 barg pressure over a Rh/silica catalyst. Both systems gave similar activation energies for alkyne hydrogenation (56 ± 4 kJ mol−1 for phenylacetylene and 50 ± 4 kJ mol−1 for 1-phenyl-1-propyne). Over fresh catalyst the order of reactivity was styrene > phenylacetylene ≫ ethylbenzene. Whereas with the cascade hydrogenation starting with phenylacetylene, styrene hydrogenated much slower phenylacetylene even once all the phenylacetylene was hydrogenated. The activity of ethylbenzene was also reduced in the cascade reaction and after styrene hydrogenation. These reductions in rate were likely due to carbon laydown from phenylacetylene and styrene. Similar behavior was observed with the 1-phenyl-1-propyne cascade. Deuterium experiments revealed similar positive KIEs for phenylacetylene (2.6) and 1-phenyl-1-propyne (2.1). Ethylbenzene hydrogenation/deuteration gave a KIE of 1.6 obtained after styrene hydrogenation in contrast to the inverse KIE of 0.4 found with ethylbenzene hydrogenation/deuteration over a fresh catalyst, indicating a change in rate determining step. Competitive hydrogenation between phenylacetylene and styrene reduced the rate of phenylacetylene hydrogenation but increased selectivity to ethylbenzene suggesting a change in the flux of sub-surface hydrogen. In the competitive reaction between 1-phenyl-1-propyne and propylbenzene, the rate of hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1-propyne was increased and the rate of alkene isomerization was decreased, likely due to an increase in the hydrogen flux for hydrogenation and a decrease in the hydrogen species active in methylstyrene isomerization.
The Need and Safety of Mineral Supplementation in Adults with Obesity Post Bariatric Surgery—Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG)
Authors: Wawrzyniak Agata , Krotki Monika
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Most of the research indicated that daily dietary intake of minerals in SG patients was lower than the current recommendations. The aim of the study was to assess the need and safety of a mineral supplementation practice in adults with obesity, at 3, 6, and 9 months post bariatric surgery—sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

The study included 24 women and 6 men. Based on a 4-day food record questionnaire, mineral and calorie intake was calculated at 3, 6, and 9 months after bariatric surgery (SG). Furthermore, an interview on supplement intake was also conducted.

Results

It was found that in both men and women, there was a dietary intake deficiency of calcium (97% of respondents), potassium (97%), magnesium (83%), sodium (60%), and zinc (53%). In women, the deficiencies also included iron (50%) and copper (29%). Only 72% of the patients took dietary supplements. The applied supplementation did not adjust for the required intake of calcium in all of the patients, as well as the intake of magnesium in the male patients. Low intake of sodium and potassium were not supplemented and should be corrected by diet modification. The patients did not require supplementation of phosphorus or manganese, while male patients did not require iron or copper supplementation. The dietary and/or supplemental intake of minerals did not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL).

Conclusion

The results of the study confirm the need to implement personalized mineral supplementation for bariatric surgery patients.

Graphical abstract
Group Agency and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: List Christian
Published: August 2021

The aim of this exploratory paper is to review an under-appreciated parallel between group agency and artificial intelligence. As both phenomena involve non-human goal-directed agents that can make a difference to the social world, they raise some similar moral and regulatory challenges, which require us to rethink some of our anthropocentric moral assumptions. Are humans always responsible for those entities’ actions, or could the entities bear responsibility themselves? Could the entities engage in normative reasoning? Could they even have rights and a moral status? I will tentatively defend the (increasingly widely held) view that, under certain conditions, artificial intelligent systems, like corporate entities, might qualify as responsible moral agents and as holders of limited rights and legal personhood. I will further suggest that regulators should permit the use of autonomous artificial systems in high-stakes settings only if they are engineered to function as moral (not just intentional) agents and/or there is some liability-transfer arrangement in place. I will finally raise the possibility that if artificial systems ever became phenomenally conscious, there might be a case for extending a stronger moral status to them, but argue that, as of now, this remains very hypothetical.
Intestinal microbiota and their metabolic contribution to type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Cunningham A. L. , Stephens J. W. , Harris D. A.
Published: August 2021

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common, chronic metabolic disorders with associated significant long-term health problems at global epidemic levels. It is recognised that gut microbiota play a central role in maintaining host homeostasis and through technological advances in both animal and human models it is becoming clear that gut microbiota are heavily involved in key pathophysiological roles in the aetiology and progression of both conditions. This review will focus on current knowledge regarding microbiota interactions with short chain fatty acids, the host inflammatory response, signaling pathways, integrity of the intestinal barrier, the interaction of the gut-brain axis and the subsequent impact on the metabolic health of the host.
Modeling multi-prototype Chinese word representation learning for word similarity
Authors: Yin Fulian , Wang Yanyan , Liu Jianbo , Tosato Marco
Published: August 2021

The word similarity task is used to calculate the similarity of any pair of words, and is a basic technology of natural language processing (NLP). The existing method is based on word embedding, which fails to capture polysemy and is greatly influenced by the quality of the corpus. In this paper, we propose a multi-prototype Chinese word representation model (MP-CWR) for word similarity based on synonym knowledge base, including knowledge representation module and word similarity module. For the first module, we propose a dual attention to combine semantic information for jointly learning word knowledge representation. The MP-CWR model utilizes the synonyms as prior knowledge to supplement the relationship between words, which is helpful to solve the challenge of semantic expression due to insufficient data. As for the word similarity module, we propose a multi-prototype representation for each word. Then we calculate and fuse the conceptual similarity of two words to obtain the final result. Finally, we verify the effectiveness of our model on three public data sets with other baseline models. In addition, the experiments also prove the stability and scalability of our MP-CWR model under different corpora.
Clustering refinement
Authors: Iglesias Félix , Zseby Tanja , Zimek Arthur
Published: August 2021

Advanced validation of cluster analysis is expected to increase confidence and allow reliable implementations. In this work, we describe and test CluReAL, an algorithm for refining clustering irrespective of the method used in the first place. Moreover, we present ideograms that enable summarizing and properly interpreting problem spaces that have been clustered. The presented techniques are built on absolute cluster validity indices. Experiments cover a wide variety of scenarios and six of the most popular clustering techniques. Results show the potential of CluReAL for enhancing clustering and the suitability of ideograms to understand the context of the data through the lens of the cluster analysis. Refinement and interpretability are both crucial to reduce failure and increase performance control and operational awareness in unsupervised analysis.
Leveling the playing field – Kommunikationsstrategien und Ungleichheitsnarrative des linken Diskurses im Umfeld der Demokratischen Partei der USA
Authors: Rauscher Natalie , Schäfer Maren
Published: August 2021

In den letzten Jahrzehnten ist in den USA eine größer werdende Einkommens- und Vermögensungleichheit zu beobachten. Zusätzlich hat die Präsidentschaft Donald Trumps die Spaltung im Land weiter vertieft. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist das entscheidende Narrativ der amerikanischen Gesellschaft unter Druck geraten: DerAmerican Dream. Diese Erzählung verspricht jedem Chancengleichheit und wirtschaftlichen Aufstieg. Ein Versprechen, dass für viele Amerikaner:innen allerdings nicht mehr der Wirklichkeit entspricht. Vor allem junge Leute fordern deshalb tiefgreifende Veränderungen im politischen System und eine Umkehr der etablierten Politik. Viele dieser Wähler:innen richten sich zunehmend nach links aus und legen vermehrt Wert auf die Diskussion progressiver Themen innerhalb der Demokratischen Partei. Obwohl sich Kandidat:innen des linken Spektrums im Vorwahlkampf 2020 nur bedingt durchsetzen konnten, gehörten progressive politische Schwergewichte wie Bernie Sanders oder Elizabeth Warren lange zu den Favoriten für die Präsidentschaftskandidatur.

Elizabeth Warren scheiterte im Wahlkampf, konnte jedoch bei vielen Themen Schwerpunkte setzen und trieb oftmals die Agenda voran. Deshalb lässt eine Analyse ihrer Kommunikation Rückschlüsse auf den linken Diskurs innerhalb der Demokratischen Partei der USA zu. An ihrem Beispiel zeigt dieses Papier daher, welche Ungleichheitsnarrative im (progressiven) politischen Diskurs der Vereinigten Staaten eine Rolle spielen und wie sie kommuniziert und mit Hilfe von Frames bewertet werden. Eine Korpus-gestützte Frame-Analyse zeigt beispielhaft die Verwendung zweier Frames im politischen Diskurs: Des „fairness-Frames“ und des „wealth-Frames.“ Diese heben hervor, wie stark derAmerican Dreamfür den Durchschnittsamerikaner unter Druck geraten ist und legen nahe, warum sich ein größerer Teil der amerikanischen Wählerschaft Kandidat:innen zuwenden, die strukturelle Veränderungen des amerikanischen Systems befürworten.
Parameters of Attention at Work (PAW36)—Construction of a Questionnaire
Authors: Münscher Johann-Christoph , Bürger Marcus , Herzberg Philipp Yorck
Published: August 2021

Assessing occupational demands of attention plays a vital role in job analysis which is mandatory to assess and optimize person-job fit. In this article, we aim to contribute to this field by presenting a novel questionnaire, Parameters of Attention at Work (PAW36). It is a German job analysis tool (a yet untested English translation is provided) that enables the differentiated assessment and interpretation of thoroughly derived task-oriented parameters (attentional job characteristics). A stepwise construction, using a pretesting sample (N = 268) followed by the main study with German adults (N = 800), and cross-validation resulted in a final version of 36 items loading on seven subscales that reflect task-oriented attentional demands at work. Initial validation efforts indicate that the PAW36 questionnaire is a useful and generally applicable assessment tool—e.g., in the field of job analysis or job design—both for practitioners and researchers.
Unilateral left spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage in a middle aged male. A case report
Authors: Zulu Sphamandla
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adrenal haemorrhage is a rare condition, traditionally diagnosed at autopsy. Aetiology of adrenal haemorrhage can be traumatic or non-traumatic related. Rare cases of spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage, mostly from the right adrenal gland have been documented without any identifiable predisposing aetiologies.

Case presentation:

A middle aged male with no comorbidities presented to the emergency department with non-specific signs and symptoms. There was no history of trauma and the haemoglobin was dropping. Initial investigations showed abdominal haematomas with no clear source. Taken to theatre, a diagnosis of a left spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage was made and left adrenalectomy was performed.

Conclusion:

Adrenal haemorrhage is associated with severe complications such as adrenal insufficiency, sepsis and death. The following report will explore one such case, of a patient diagnosed with spontaneous left adrenal haemorrhage that was complicated by sepsis and death.

Highlights