bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography and conservation gaps of Musa balbisiana Colla genetic diversity revealed by microsatellite markers
Authors: Mertens Arne , Bawin Yves , Vanden Abeele Samuel , Kallow Simon , Swennen Rony , Vu Dang Toan , Vu Tuong Dang , Minh Ho Thi , Panis Bart , Vandelook Filip , Janssens Steven B.
Published: May 2022

Collection and storage of crop wild relative (CWR) germplasm is crucial for preserving species genetic diversity and crop improvement. Nevertheless, much of the genetic variation of CWRs is absent in ex situ collections and detailed passport data are often lacking. Here, we focussed on Musa balbisiana, one of the two main progenitor species of many banana cultivars. We investigated the genetic structure of M. balbisiana across its distribution range using microsatellite markers. Accessions stored at the International Musa Germplasm Transit Centre (ITC) ex situ collection were compared with plant material collected from multiple countries and home gardens from Vietnam. Genetic structure analyses revealed that accessions could be divided into three main clusters. Vietnamese and Chinese populations were assigned to a first and second cluster respectively. A third cluster consisted of ITC and home garden accessions. Samples from Papua New Guinea were allocated to the cluster with Chinese populations but were assigned to a separate fourth cluster if the number of allowed clusters was set higher. Only one ITC accession grouped with native M. balbisiana populations and one group of ITC accessions was nearly genetically identical to home garden samples. This questioned their wild status, including accessions used as reference for wild M. balbisiana. Moreover, most ITC accessions and home garden samples were genetically distinct from wild populations. Our results highlight that additional germplasm should be collected from the native distribution range, especially from Northeast India, Myanmar, China, and the Philippines and stored for ex situ conservation at the ITC. The lack of passport data for many M. balbisiana accessions also complicates the interpretation of genetic information in relation to cultivation and historical dispersal routes.
Unveiling ableism and disablism in assessment: a critical analysis of disabled students’ experiences of assessment and assessment accommodations
Authors: Nieminen Juuso Henrik
Published: May 2022

This study examines the underlying mechanisms of ableism and disablism in the assessment of student learning in higher education. Globally, higher education institutions rely strongly on assessment accommodations (e.g., extra time in tests) to ensure disabled students’ participation in assessment. This is also the case in Finland. Even though research on disabled students’ experiences of assessment has repeatedly shown that both assessment and assessment accommodations cause barriers for disabled students’ inclusion, critically oriented research on this topic has been scarce. In this study, the frameworks of ableism and disablism are used to unveil how assessment is predominantly designed for “the ideal, able student” and how disabled students are framed as “the Other” through assessment. This work is based on an analysis of 139 disabled students’ experiences of assessment and assessment accommodations as collected through an open-ended, institution-wide survey at a Finnish university. The findings reveal the profound role of assessment in excluding and marginalizing disabled students as unfit to take part in the testing cultures of academia. The accommodation model is shown to hold disabled people responsible for their own exclusion. Disablism is identified in students’ experiences of outright discrimination, such as teachers denying access to assessment accommodations when they are officially granted. This study offers a novel, critical means of discussing assessment from the viewpoints of diversity and inclusion. It also proposes future trajectories for anti-ableist assessment approaches that understand diversity as enriching, rather than obscuring, assessment.
The Ocean of Yoga: An Unpublished Compendium Called the Yogārṇava
Authors: Gupta S. V. B. K. V. , Birch Jason
Published: May 2022

The Yogārṇava (‘the ocean of yoga’) is a Sanskrit compendium on yoga that has not been published, translated or even mentioned in secondary literature on yoga. Citations attributed to it occur in several premodern commentaries and compendiums on yoga, and a few published library catalogues report manuscripts of a work on yoga called the Yogārṇava. This article presents the results of the first academic study of the text. It has attempted to answer basic questions, such as the work’s provenance and textual sources. The authors then discuss the importance of the Yogārṇava within the broader history of yoga based on their identification of citations and parallel verses in other Sanskrit texts and a detailed analysis of the Yogārṇava’s content.
Deciding the Word Problem for Ground and Strongly Shallow Identities w.r.t. Extensional Symbols
Authors: Baader Franz , Kapur Deepak
Published: May 2022

The word problem for a finite set of ground identities is known to be decidable in polynomial time using congruence closure, and this is also the case if some of the function symbols are assumed to be commutative or defined by certain shallow identities, called strongly shallow. We show that decidability in P is preserved if we add the assumption that certain function symbolsfareextensionalin the sense that$$f(s_1,\ldots ,s_n) \mathrel {\approx }f(t_1,\ldots ,t_n)$$f(s1,…,sn)≈f(t1,…,tn)implies$$s_1 \mathrel {\approx }t_1,\ldots ,s_n \mathrel {\approx }t_n$$s1≈t1,…,sn≈tn. In addition, we investigate a variant of extensionality that is more appropriate for commutative function symbols, but which raises the complexity of the word problem to coNP.
Generation of Dynamically Feasible Window Traversing Quadrotor Trajectories Using Logistic Curve
Authors: Upadhyay Saurabh , Richardson Thomas , Richards Arthur
Published: May 2022

This work considers dynamically feasible point-to-point trajectory generation problem for a quadrotor flying through a constrained planner region referred as window (narrow gap). A four parameter logistic (4PL) curve is investigated as a prospective candidate and closed-form conditions are derived on the 4PL design parameters to satisfy the window traversability and vehicle dynamic feasibility constraints. A hierarchical approach first computes a dynamically feasible design parameter set for decoupled trajectory components and then obtains a solution set satisfying 3-D axis-coupled window traversability conditions. Numerical examples with a comparative study are presented to validate the analytical findings that highlight the quick computation of the dynamically feasible window traversing trajectories in complex window scenarios.
Ornithopter Trajectory Optimization with Neural Networks and Random Forest
Authors: Pérez-Cutiño M. A. , Rodríguez F. , Pascual L. D. , Díaz-Báñez J. M.
Published: May 2022

Trajectory optimization has recently been addressed to compute energy-efficient routes for ornithopter navigation, but its online application remains a challenge. To overcome the high computation time of traditional approaches, this paper proposes algorithms that recursively generate trajectories based on the output of neural networks and random forest. To this end, we create a large data set composed by energy-efficient trajectories obtained by running a competitive planner. To the best of our knowledge our proposed data set is the first one with a high number of pseudo-optimal paths for ornithopter trajectory optimization. We compare the performance of three methods to compute low-cost trajectories: two classification approaches to learn maneuvers and an alternative regression method that predicts new states. The algorithms are tested in several scenarios, including the landing case. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated through simulation, which show that the machine learning techniques can be used to compute the flight path of the ornithopter in real time, even under uncertainties such as wrong sensor readings or re-positioning of the target. Random Forest obtains the higher performance with more than 99% and 97% of accuracy in a landing and a mid-range scenario, respectively.
The Effort of Reasoning: Modelling the Inference Steps of Boundedly Rational Agents
Authors: Solaki Anthia
Published: May 2022

In this paper we design a new logical system to explicitly model the different deductive reasoning steps of a boundedly rational agent. We present an adequate system in line with experimental findings about an agent’s reasoning limitations and the cognitive effort that is involved. Inspired by Dynamic Epistemic Logic, we work with dynamic operators denoting explicit applications of inference rules in our logical language. Our models are supplemented by (a) impossible worlds (not closed under logical consequence), suitably structured according to the effect of inference rules, and (b) quantitative components capturing the agent’s cognitive capacity and the cognitive costs of rules with respect to certain resources (e.g. memory, time). These ingredients allow us to avoid problematic logical closure principles, while at the same time deductive reasoning is reflected in our dynamic truth clauses. We further show that our models can be reduced to awareness-like plausibility structures that validate the same formulas and we give a sound and complete axiomatization with respect to them. This approach to the agent’s internal deductive reasoning is finally combined with actions of external information.
Tunable Assembly and Magnetic Interactions in Two Cyano-bridged FeIII–CoII Bimetallic Complexes
Authors: Yao Nian-Di , Wang Xi-Lun , Wang Xiao-Qin , Liu Jun-Shen , Zheng Hui
Published: May 2022

Using a new semi-rigid tetradentate ligand and two cyanometalate building blocks with different steric hindrance, a Fe2Co triangular unit [(Tp)FeIII(CN)3]2CoII(bpmb)·2H2O [1; Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate; bpmb = 1,2-bis(3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzenes] and a Fe2Co2 square unit {[(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]2[CoII(bpmb)]2}·[(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]2·4H2O [2; pzTp = tetrakis(pyrazolyl)borate] were synthesized via tunable assembly. Both compounds adopt cis arrangement because of the structural distorted semi-rigid bpmb. Tetranuclear square of 2 was formed due to larger steric hindrance building block of [(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]− compared with [(Tp)FeIII(CN)3]− in trinculear 1. Magnetic measurements show that antiferromagnetic interactions dominate in 1 and 2. The fitting results of J values suggest a positive correlation between magnetic orbitals overlap of FeIII and CoII ions and Co–N≡C bond angles.

Graphical Abstract

Two cis arrangement cyanometalate [Fe-Co] clusters were synthesized via tunable assembly with a new semi-rigid tetradentate ligand. The tetranuclear cluster was formed because of larger steric hindrance of pzTp. Both compounds exhibit dominant antiferromagnetic couplings. The fitting results of J values suggest a positive correlation between magnetic orbitals overlap of FeIII and CoII ions and Co–N≡C bond angles.
Weak acid leaching of uranium ore from a high carbonate uranium deposit
Authors: Chen Shifeng , Wei Xuebin , Liu Jinhui , Sun Zhanxue , Chen Gongxin , Yang Mei , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Duo , Ma Chengcui , Kong Dexuan
Published: May 2022

Mineralogical study showed that the Yuejin uranium ore is from a low grade, high carbonate and high pyrite sandstone type uranium deposit. Uranium leaching rate, uranium speciation of leachate, leaching kinetics and precipitation analysis were investigated under the conditions of different acidity, liquid–solid ratio and H2O2 concentration. The test results showed that the weak acid leaching process can be used to develop high carbonate type uranium deposits, however, because of the high content of pyrite, other oxidants except high concentration H2O2 need to be considered.
Higher-Order Logic and Disquotational Truth
Authors: Picollo Lavinia , Schindler Thomas
Published: May 2022

Truth predicates are widely believed to be capable of serving a certain logical or quasi-logical function. There is little consensus, however, on the exact nature of this function. We offer a series of formal results in support of the thesis that disquotational truth is a device to simulate higher-order resources in a first-order setting. More specifically, we show that any theory formulated in a higher-order language can be naturally and conservatively interpreted in a first-order theory with a disquotational truth or truth-of predicate. In the first part of the paper we focus on the relation between truth and full impredicative sentential quantification. The second part is devoted to the relation between truth-of and full impredicative predicate quantification.
[99Tc]Sestamibi bioaccumulation induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells: an in vitro study
Authors: Urbano Nicoletta , Scimeca Manuel , Bonanno Elena , Bonfiglio Rita , Mauriello Alessandro , Schillaci Orazio
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this preliminary in vitro study was to evaluate both the uptake of [99Tc]Sestamibi into prostate cancer cells and the relationship among [99Tc]Sestamibi bioaccumulation, cancer cells proliferation and apoptosis. An in vitro study in which PC3 prostate cancer cell line was cultured with increasing doses of decayed sestamibi has been developed. Specifically, PC3 cells were incubated with three different concentrations of [99Tc]Sestamibi: 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL Expression of apoptotic caspase-3 and AIF, as well as the ultrastructure of PC3 cells, were evaluated at T0 and after 24, 48, 72, and 120 h following [99Tc]Sestamibi incubation. Data here reported showed the bioaccumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells. As concern the cancer cell homeostasis, the treatment of PC3 cells with [99Tc]Sestamibi strongly influenced the cells proliferation. Indeed, a significant reduction in the number of mitosis was observed. Noteworthy, the accumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells was associated with the appearance of morphological signs of apoptosis. The increase in AIF and caspase 3 expression in prostate cancer cells treated with 10 µg/mL of [99Tc]Sestamibi confirmed that this radiopharmaceutical can trigger the apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study reported for the first time in vitro data about the uptake of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells. The evidence about the accumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells and its role in the apoptosis process could open new clinical perspectives on the use of this radiopharmaceutical in both the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers.
Long Hands gesture recognition system: 2 step gesture recognition with machine learning and geometric shape analysis
Authors: Popov Pavel A. , Laganière Robert
Published: May 2022

A two stage real-time hand gesture recognition system is presented. It combines a machine learning trained detection step with a colour processing contour shape validation step. The detection step is done with either Adaboost Cascades or Support Vector Machines using HOG features. The system achieves a low false positive rate and a sufficient true positive rate necessary for robust real-time performance. It performs well compared to MobileNets a state of the art Neural Network for mobile real-time applications.
Relation between digital tool practices in the language arts classroom and reading comprehension scores
Authors: Salmerón Ladislao , Vargas Cristina , Delgado Pablo , Baron Naomi
Published: May 2022

Concerns about the negative effects of digitalization on students’ reading comprehension, empirically backed by recent meta-analyses, question the efficacy of digital tools in the language arts classroom. By analyzing data from 4 and 8th grade US students from NAEP 2017, we aimed to test the generalization of the negative association between screens use and reading comprehension test scores within language arts classrooms, and to identify teachers’ practices to support comprehension, which could reduce such a negative relationship. We used data from 149,400 4th grade and 144,900 8th grade students to predict their reading comprehension scores based on their frequency of use of digital devices in the language arts class, as well as on the specific learning activities performed with such devices. Results revealed that amount of daily use of digital devices was negatively related to scores on a reading comprehension test. In addition, teachers’ uses of digital tools to support students’ reading comprehension showed positive relations for student use of digital devices for reading projects, and negative relations for activities addressing specific reading skills, such as building and practicing vocabulary. We discuss these results in light of our current understanding of the effects of digitalization on reading.
3D map reconstruction using a monocular camera for smart cities
Authors: Hu Yuxi , Fu Taimeng , Niu Guanchong , Liu Zixiao , Pun Man-On
Published: May 2022

Large-scale high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) maps play a vital role in the development of smart cities. In this work, a novel deep learning-based multi-view-stereo method is proposed for reconstructing the 3D maps in large-scale urban environments by exploiting a monocular camera. Compared with other existing works, the proposed method can perform 3D depth estimation more efficiently in terms of computational complexity and graphics processing unit memory usage. As a result, the proposed method can practically perform depth estimation for each pixel before generating 3D maps for even large-scale scenes. Extensive experiments on the well-known DTU dataset and real-life data collected on our campus confirm the good performance of the proposed method.
Metabotyping the Welsh population of badgers based on thoracic fluid
Authors: Scott-Baumann James , Pizzey Richard , Beckmann Manfred , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo , King Jonathan , Hopkins Beverley , Rooke David , Hewinson Glyn , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The European badger (Meles meles) is a known wildlife reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and a better understanding of the epidemiology of bTB in this wildlife species is required for disease control in both wild and farmed animals. Flow infusion electrospray—high-resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) may potentially identify novel metabolite biomarkers based on which new, rapid, and sensitive point of care tests for bTB infection could be developed.

Objectives

In this foundational study, we engaged on assessing the baseline metabolomic variation in the non-bTB infected badger population (“metabotyping”) across Wales.

Methods

FIE-HRMS was applied on thoracic fluid samples obtained by post-mortem of bTB negative badgers (n = 285) which were part of the Welsh Government ‘All Wales Badger Found Dead’ study.

Results

Using principal component analysis and partial least squares—discriminant analyses, the major sources of variation were linked to sex, and to a much lesser extent age, as indicated by tooth wear. Within the female population, variation was seen between lactating and non-lactating individuals. No significant variation linked to the presence of bite wounds, obvious lymphatic lesions or geographical region of origin was observed.

Conclusion

Future metabolomic work when making comparisons between bTB infected and non-infected badger samples will only need be sex-matched and could focus on males only, to avoid lactation bias.
Computation for Latent Variable Model Estimation: A Unified Stochastic Proximal Framework
Authors: Zhang Siliang , Chen Yunxiao
Published: May 2022

Latent variable models have been playing a central role in psychometrics and related fields. In many modern applications, the inference based on latent variable models involves one or several of the following features: (1) the presence of many latent variables, (2) the observed and latent variables being continuous, discrete, or a combination of both, (3) constraints on parameters, and (4) penalties on parameters to impose model parsimony. The estimation often involves maximizing an objective function based on a marginal likelihood/pseudo-likelihood, possibly with constraints and/or penalties on parameters. Solving this optimization problem is highly non-trivial, due to the complexities brought by the features mentioned above. Although several efficient algorithms have been proposed, there lacks a unified computational framework that takes all these features into account. In this paper, we fill the gap. Specifically, we provide a unified formulation for the optimization problem and then propose a quasi-Newton stochastic proximal algorithm. Theoretical properties of the proposed algorithms are established. The computational efficiency and robustness are shown by simulation studies under various settings for latent variable model estimation.
Impact of tissue properties on time-dependent alterations in apparent diffusion coefficient: a phantom study using oscillating-gradient spin-echo and pulsed-gradient spin-echo sequences
Authors: Ichikawa Kazushige , Taoka Toshiaki , Ozaki Masanori , Sakai Mayuko , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Naganawa Shinji
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the changes in apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) due to differences in diffusion time reflect tissue properties in actual measurements of phantoms.

Materials and methods

Various n-alkane phantoms and sucrose/collagen phantoms with various collagen densities were set up with and without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam with an average pore diameter of 300 μm. Thus, n-alkanes or sucrose/collagen represented substrate viscosity and the presence of PVA foam represented tissue structure with septum. Diffusion-weighted images with various diffusion times (7.71–60 ms) were acquired using pulsed-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) and oscillating-gradient spin-echo (OGSE) sequences. The ADCs of the phantoms with and without PVA foam were calculated.

Results

The ADCs of some of the phantoms without PVA decreased with diffusion times decreased. In the n-alkane phantoms, only C8H18 showed significantly different ADCs depending on the use of PVA foam in the OGSE sequence. On the other hand, sucrose/collagen phantoms showed significant differences according to diffusion time. The ADCs of the phantoms decreased as the molecular size of the n-alkanes or collagen density of the sucrose/collagen phantom increased. Compared to phantoms without PVA foam, the ADC of the phantoms with PVA foam decreased as the diffusion time increased.

Conclusion

Changes in ADCs due to differences in diffusion time reflect tissue properties in actual measurements of phantoms. These changes in ADCs can be used for tissue characterization in vivo.
The role of perceptions and social norms in shaping women’s fertility preferences: a case study from Ethiopia
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Manlosa Aisa O. , Fischer Joern , Schultner Jannik , Hanspach Jan , Senbeta Feyera , Dorresteijn Ine
Published: May 2022

The population–environment–food nexus is a sustainability challenge for the Global South, and for Africa in particular, where rapid human population growth typically overlaps with high levels of food insecurity and environmental degradation. In this context, it is important to understand the reasons driving high fertility in these regions. Here, we examined possible determinants of women’s fertility preferences in rural southwestern Ethiopia. Using a survey tool (n = 120), we assessed women’s perceptions of four key environmental stressors, namely food insecurity, environmental degradation, human population growth, and land scarcity. Through statistical modelling we tested whether there was a relationship between perceptions of future trends in these stressors and women’s fertility preferences; expressed as their desired number of children and use of family planning methods. This analysis was complemented by a qualitative content analysis of the survey’s open-ended questions, to contextualize and interpret the quantitative data. Our quantitative results indicated that perceptions of future trends in key stressors had little effect on fertility preferences of respondents, with the exception of perceptions of human population growth. Our qualitative data suggested that this may be due to the influence of social-cultural norms and religion, decision-making with the husband, as well as a perceived utilitarian value of children. These findings have important implications for the development of interventions to slow down human population growth. Our findings suggest the need to look beyond improved physical access to family planning, and develop a new suite of deliberative approaches that engage with social norms, religion, and gender equity.
A Combined Powder Metallurgical Approach to Process Gamma-TiAl with Composite Structure
Authors: Gao R. , Peng H. , Guo H. , Chen B.
Published: May 2022

Gamma-TiAl (> 99 pct) sample with composite structural design was fabricated by a combined powder metallurgical approach of the SEBM capsule and HIP. Selective electron beam melting (SEBM) was used to create the pre-sintered powder bed, composite structure and the capsule, followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at 1250 °C. A mixture of plasma rotating electrode (PREP) and gas atomization (AA) processed powders, with the respective higher (49.66 at. pct) and lower Al (47.61 at. pct) concentrations, was employed successfully to track the transition from powder to bulk sample, providing enriched information to elucidate the microstructure formation mechanism. The selective melting created composite structure consisted of the fine equiaxed γ-grains, while the rest of the powder bed that had been subjected to preheat only and then HIP was characterized by the triple microstructure. Formation mechanisms of such unique microstructure, consisting of primarily the coarse γ-grains and fine γ-grains with the previous particle boundaries (PPBs), were correlated to the Al concentration. The Al-rich powder was transformed into the coarse γ-grains, while the Al-depleted powder was responsible for the fine γ-grains with the PPBs. This finding suggests that the detrimental PPBs can be eliminated by increasing the Al concentration in the nascent powder. In the post-heat treated condition (1350 °C), no PPBs was found, suggesting that heat treatment is beneficial by eliminating the PPBs. For the designed composite structures, there was evidence to suggest desired distribution of the hard and soft regions, with the fine γ-grains associated with the composite structure being responsible for the high hardness region.
The Inverse and Conventional Magnetocaloric Effects in Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe2-xDyxO4 Nanoferrites Over an Extraordinary Temperature Range
Authors: Hamad Mahmoud A. , Alamri Hatem R.
Published: May 2022

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe2-xDyxO4 (x = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04) nanoferrites is simulated using a phenomenological model. The analysis indicates that the MCE of Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe2-xDyxO4 nanoferrites is strongly influenced by Dy content in both conventional and inverse MCE. For conventional MCE, the full-width at half-maximum ($$\delta {\text{T}}_{{{\text{FWHM}}}}$$

δ

T
FWHM

) has significant values, ranging between 200 K and 258 K for Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe2-xDyxO4 nanoferrites. However, for inverse MCE, $$\delta {\text{T}}_{{{\text{FWHM}}}}$$

δ

T
FWHM

ranges between 25 and 55 K. The MCE of the Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe2-xDyxO4 system covers an extensive temperature range and is a particularly interesting prospect for nitrogen and hydrogen liquefaction.
From growth goals to proactive organizational resilience: first evidence in women-led and non-women-led Italian wineries
Authors: Casprini Elena , Pucci Tommaso , Zanni Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

In a fast-changing world, characterized by evenly unexpected challenges and shocks, being resilient is a crucial aspect for every organization. Drawing from the goal setting theory and the double standards of competence perspective, this study aims at understanding the antecedents of organizational proactive resilience. More precisely, it looks at the impact of quantitative and qualitative organizational growth goals on proactive resilience, distinguishing between women-led and non-women-led firms. Based on a unique sample of 167 Italian wineries (67 women-led and 100 non-women-led), this paper tests this theoretical model using path analysis techniques. The wine sector is a particularly interesting context to study the phenomenon due to its exposure to natural disasters, new consumers’ behaviours that are requiring firms to continuously innovate and differentiate in a traditionally low-tech sector, but also changes happening at wineries’ management level. In fact, the sector has been traditionally male dominated, but women are increasingly taking the lead. The findings indicate that growth goals differently contribute to proactive organizational resilience, but their effects vary in women- and non-women-led businesses. Specifically, these results suggest that in women-led wineries, proactive organizational resilience depends on quantitative growth goals while in non-women-led wineries businesses this depends on qualitative growth goals.
Imaging-Guided Treatment for Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Ioannou Adam , Patel Rishi , Gillmore Julian D. , Fontana Marianna
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

This review will explore the role of cardiac imaging in guiding treatment in the two most commonly encountered subtypes of cardiac amyloidosis (immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis [AL] and transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR]).

Recent Findings

Advances in multi-parametric cardiac imaging involving a combination of bone scintigraphy, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have resulted in earlier diagnosis and initiation of treatment, while the evolution of techniques such as longitudinal strain and extracellular volume quantification allow clinicians to track individuals’ response to treatment. Imaging developments have led to a deeper understanding of the disease process and treatment mechanisms, which in combination result in improved patient outcomes.

The rapidly expanding treatment regimens for cardiac amyloidosis have led to an even greater reliance on cardiac imaging to help establish an accurate diagnosis, monitor treatment response and aid the adjustment of treatment strategies accordingly.
How Much Lowering of Blood Pressure Is Required to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With and Without Previous Cardiovascular Disease?
Authors: Canoy Dexter , Nazarzadeh Milad , Copland Emma , Bidel Zeinab , Rao Shihir , Li Yikuan , Rahimi Kazem
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

To review the recent large-scale randomised evidence on pharmacologic reduction in blood pressure for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Recent Findings

Based on findings of the meta-analysis of individual participant-level data from 48 randomised clinical trials and involving 344,716 participants with mean age of 65 years, the relative reduction in the risk of developing major cardiovascular events was proportional to the magnitude of achieved reduction in blood pressure. For each 5-mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk of developing cardiovascular events fell by 10% (hazard ratio [HR] (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 [0.88 to 0.92]). When participants were stratified by their history of cardiovascular disease, the HRs (95% CI) in those with and without previous cardiovascular disease were 0.89 (0.86 to 0.92) and 0.91 (0.89 to 0.94), respectively, with no significant heterogeneity in these effects (adjusted P for interaction = 1.0). When these patient groups were further stratified by their baseline systolic blood pressure in increments of 10 mmHg from < 120 to ≥ 170 mmHg, there was no significant heterogeneity in the relative risk reduction across these categories in people with or without previous cardiovascular disease (adjusted P for interaction were 1.00 and 0.28, respectively).

Pharmacologic lowering of blood pressure was effective in preventing major cardiovascular disease events both in people with or without previous cardiovascular disease, which was not modified by their baseline blood pressure level. Treatment effects were shown to be proportional to the intensity of blood pressure reduction, but even modest blood pressure reduction, on average, can lead to meaningful gains in the prevention of incident or recurrent cardiovascular disease.
The Public Debates Regarding the Use of the Contraceptive Pill and PrEP: What can the Arguments Used Tell Us About Attitudes Surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Norway?
Authors: Espejord Idun Eskeland , Sandset Tony
Published: May 2022

The introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in 2012 in the US ushered in new technology for preventing HIV in people who are seen as at risk of contracting HIV. However, the rollout of PrEP has been filled with various debates and controversies ranging from concerns about effectiveness, adherence levels, cost-effectiveness, and moral responsibility for HIV prevention. In this context, some commentators have noted the uncanny similarities between this debate on PrEP and the debates that surrounded the launch of the oral contraceptive pill (the Pill) some 50 years ago. In this article, we provide the first to our knowledge analysis that compares how debates surrounding the launch of the Pill and debates which emerged concerning the launch of PrEP. Our analytical setting is the launch of the Pill in Norway in the 1960s and the launch of PrEP in 2016. Moreover, we wanted to focus on how both pharmaceuticals were framed in news media in Norway. We argue that such an analysis can tell us something about how the pharmaceuticalization of sex and sexuality often becomes dominated by discourses of morality and pivots around various issues of responsibility, in particular when it comes to female and gay sexualities.
Exploring the relationship between personality, morality and lying: A study based on the person-centred approach
Authors: Palena Nicola , Caso Letizia , Cavagnis Lucrezia , Greco Andrea , Vrij Aldert
Published: May 2022

Past research explored the relationship between personality, moral disengagement, and deception and found a general trend showing that the lower people score on the big five personality factors, but the higher they score on moral disengagement and Machiavellianism, the higher their lying tendency. However, a limitation of past research is that it has usually adopted a variable-centred approach, whereas a person-centred approach might describe people in more detail and provide further insight into the relationship between personality and morality. In the present study, we collected data from 316 participants and asked them to fill an on-line questionnaire which included measures on personality, moral disengagement, and lying tendency (perceived lying ability, frequency, negativity and contextuality). The latter was measured via the newly developed Structure of Deception (SoD) scale (Makowski et al., Current Psychology, 2021). We had to aims. First, to validate an Italian version of the SoD, which showed a good factor structure, gender measurement invariance, and good construct and criterion validity. Second, to explore the association between personal characteristics and lying tendency. Personality and morality scores were combined to obtain subpopulations of participants by a mean of cluster analysis. We obtained four clusters, one of which was marked by high Machiavellianism and moral disengagement but low scores on the personality factors, and one of which showed the opposite trend. The results also showed that cluster membership, and hence personal characteristics, was associated with lying tendency. The person-centred approach can be applied in research on lying. Limitations of the study and future suggestions are also discussed.
Persistence in ESG and conventional stock market indices
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil-Alana Luis , Plastun Alex , Makarenko Inna
Published: May 2022

This paper uses R/S (Rescaled Range) analysis and fractional integration techniques to examine the persistence of two sets of 12 ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and conventional stock price indices from the MSCI ((Morgan Stanley Capital International) database over the period 2007–2020 for a large number of both developed and emerging markets. Both sets of results imply that there are no significant differences between the two types of indices in terms of the degree of persistence and its dynamic behaviour. However, higher persistence is found for the emerging markets examined (especially the BRICS, i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), which suggests that they are less efficient and thus offer more opportunities for profitable trading strategies. Possible explanations for these findings include different type of companies’ ‘camouflage’ and ‘washing’ (green, blue, pink, social, and Sustainable Development Goals—SDG) in the presence of rather lax regulations for ESG reporting.
Laparoscopic Resection of a Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Lee Mi Rin , Do Yang Jae
Published: May 2022

Gastroduodenal artery aneurysm is a rare condition generally diagnosed incidentally. Once detected, it cannot be ignored due to the high risk for rupture. Endovascular intervention may be a method of effectively treating this condition. We describe elective laparoscopic surgical excision of gastroduodenal artery aneurysm along with cholecystectomy safely performed in an elderly woman.
Integrated petrographical and petrophysical studies of sandstones from the Araba Formation for reservoir characterization
Authors: Kassab Mohamed , Weller Andreas , Abuseda Hesham
Published: May 2022

The present study aims at an integration of both petrographic and petrophysical data of 45 sandstone samples collected from Araba Formation (Lower Paleozoic) for reservoir characterization. The studied Araba Formation is classified into three types of facies: (i) quartz arenite, (ii) sublithic quartz arenite, and (iii) calcareous quartz arenite. The mineralogical composition of the studied sandstone samples includes mainly quartz and detrital clays, some pyrite, and iron oxides as cement. The petrographic investigation of the studied Araba Formation reveals various diagenetic processes including compaction and pressure solution, cementation with iron oxides, carbonates, or clays. The porosity values for investigated samples range from 14.5 to 27.8% and permeability values from 2.4 mD to 8.4 D, the surface area per unit pore volume (Spor) from 0.011 to 17 µm−1, the formation factor from 6 to 13, and the dimensionless volumetric magnetic susceptibility from 13 10−6 to 126 10−6. The samples of facies (i) and (ii) are characterized by higher values of porosity and permeability. The samples of facies (iii) indicate increasing permeability with rising porosity. The relationship between permeability and formation factor reflects the effect of porosity changes. The specific surface Spor shows an inverse relationship to permeability. The petrophysical investigations provide relationships between permeability and other reservoir parameters such as porosity, formation factor, specific surface, and longitudinal and transverse relaxation time resulting from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The permeability prediction model based on NMR data proves to be applicable for samples from facies (i) and (ii), whereas the predictive quality is considerably lower for facies (iii).
Geometric accuracy investigations of terrestrial laser scanner systems in the laboratory and in the field
Authors: Kersten Thomas P. , Lindstaedt Maren
Published: May 2022

This paper summarizes recent research into current terrestrial laser scanners undertaken by the HafenCity University Hamburg and gives an assessment of the geodetic accuracy of the latest generation of scanners. Three separate independent test methods are presented to investigate the geometric accuracy of terrestrial laser scanners under laboratory conditions: (a) distance measurement accuracy to b/w targets and spheres on the 20-m comparator track, (b) comparison of spatial distances in the 3D test field on b/w targets, and (c) investigation of the flatness deviation following the guideline VDI/VDE 2634 (VDI/VDE 2012) on a flat stone slab. The following laser scanners were tested in the lab: Leica BLK360 (2017), Leica RTC360 (2019), Z+F IMAGER 5016 (2019, 2020), Z+F IMAGER 5010 (2020), and Faro Focus3D X330 (2020). The reference measurements were realised with the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 (2017, 2020) and with the Leica TS60 total station (2019). The results of the geometric accuracy tests in the laboratory show very small deviations in the range of 1–2 mm for most of the scanners, thus corresponding to the manufacturer’s specifications. In addition, five laser scanners were tested in accordance with instruction sheet 7-2014 of the German Society for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management (DVW) for standardised testing of terrestrial laser scanners in the outdoor area of HafenCity University Hamburg. For the execution of the field test procedure, only the standard equipment and software of the respective manufacturers were used. The entire field test procedure, including data acquisition and evaluation, was completed within 4 to 5 h for each scanner. As expected, no significant distance or angle deviations were detected in any of the measurement systems, so that the tested laser scanners are ready-to-use, taking into account the measurement volume recorded.
Wireless modulation classification based on Radon transform and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Ghanem Hanan S. , Al-Makhlasawy Rasha M. , El-Shafai Walid , Elsabrouty Maha , Hamed Hesham F. A. , Salama Gerges M. , El-Samie Fathi E. Abd
Published: May 2022

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are efficient tools for pattern recognition applications. They have found applications in wireless communication systems such as modulation classification from constellation diagrams. Unfortunately, noisy channels may render the constellation points deformed and scattered, which makes the classification a difficult task. This paper presents an efficient modulation classification algorithm based on CNNs. Constellation diagrams are generated for each modulation type and used for training and testing of the CNNs. The proposed work depends on the application of Radon Transform (RT) to generate more representative patterns for the constellation diagrams to be used for training and testing. The RT has a good ability to represent discrete points in the spatial domain as curved lines. Several pre-trained networks including AlexNet, VGG-16, and VGG-19 are used as classifiers for modulation type from the spatial-domain constellation diagrams or their RTs. Several simulation experiments are presented in this paper to compare different scenarios for modulation classification at different Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs) and fading channel conditions.
Characterization of the soil and rock hosting an aquifer with possible uses for drinking water and irrigation in SE Panama City using Geotechnical, Geophysical and Geochemical parameters
Authors: González-Valoys Ana Cristina , Vargas-Lombardo Miguel , Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , Arrocha Jonatha , Gutiérrez Eric , García-Ordiales Efrén , Cienfuegos Pablo , García-Navarro Francisco Jesús , Higueras Pablo
Published: May 2022

The supply of water to populations is a basic need that has been threatened more frequently in recent years due to climate change, which renders seeking other sources of water essential. The hydrochemistry of the groundwater of the aquifer located in the UTP Tocumen was characterized by previous research to determine its possible use as a source of drinking water and irrigation water. The objective of this study is to characterize the soil and rock hosting the aquifer to acquire more information about them with a view to possibly exploit an alternative source of drinking water. To this end, a 10-m-depth survey was conducted to obtain soil and rock samples from the area, and to characterize geotechnical and geochemical parameters. 2D electrical resistivity tomography was used to create a lithological model of the aquifer and to correlate the data. Soil is residual of the technosol type, considered permeable with a transmissivity level that favors rainwater infiltration, followed by the soil–rock interface, where rock is weathered. It´s followed by a sedimentary rock corresponding to marly siltstones with a certain degree of tectonic fractures that allow water infiltration and its accumulation in the rocks, constituting the aquifer. The 2D electrical resistivity suggests two water accumulations: a superficial and a deep one. There was a good correlation between the aquifer water’s chemistry and the rock geochemistry.
Combining Numerical Relational and Fundamental Motor Skills to Improve Preschoolers’ Early Numeracy: A Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Jylänki Pinja , Sipinen Elina , Mbay Theo , Sääkslahti Arja , Aunio Pirjo
Published: May 2022

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the immediate and long-term effects of an intervention program that aims to improve preschoolers’ (N = 36, M = 4.49 years, SD = 0.35) early numeracy skills by combining the learning of numerical relational skills via story reading with fundamental motor skill practice. The intervention program was piloted with two study designs: a within-subject repeated-measures design with 18 children (study I), and a quasi-experimental study design with 18 children (study II). Children’s early numeracy, symbolic magnitude processing, and fundamental motor skills were measured. Results demonstrated that children’s early numeracy and especially numerical relational skills improved during the intervention, and the intervention had larger effects on children’s early numeracy and numerical relational skills compared to the control period (study I) and control group (study II). Furthermore, the results from the delayed post-test demonstrated that the effects were maintained for 4.5–8 weeks after the intervention. These findings provide preliminary evidence that it is possible to support children’s early numeracy skills with combined learning of numerical relational skills via story reading and fundamental motor skills despite the socioeconomic or language background, and narrow the gap between low- and average-performing children.
Development and evaluation of an RNP AR approach procedure under tight airspace constraints
Authors: Unkelbach Richard M. , Dautermann Thomas
Published: May 2022

Required navigation performance authorization required (RNP AR) approach (APCH) procedures are a special form of approaches with vertical guidance (APVs) where stricter navigation system requirements in terms of accuracy, integrity and functionalities allow smaller obstacle clearance areas and the use of curved legs in all approach segments. That leads to very flexible approach design possibilities compared to other instrument approach procedures. This paper guides through the development and initial evaluation of an RNP AR approach on runway 15L at Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The establishment of instrument approaches on this runway has been complicated so far because the final approach would have led straight through the controlled traffic region (CTR) of an adjacent air base. We show that entering the CTR, which ends less than 3.3 NM before the runway threshold, can be avoided with an RNP AR approach by employing a curved leg in the final approach segment and the highest possible navigation accuracy of RNP 0.1—two unique features of RNP AR APCH. We then fly and test the developed procedure in an Airbus A320 full-flight simulator under the wind and weather conditions considered by the procedure design rules. The results show that the actual navigation and flight technical performance met the required one under all conditions without the bank angle and effective glide path limits being exceeded. An initial flight test with a Boeing B737-800 showed that the approach can also be flown with sufficient accuracy in practice.