bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of prescribed analgesics before and after exercise therapy and patient education in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Johansson Melker S. , Pottegård Anton , Søndergaard Jens , Englund Martin , Grønne Dorte T. , Skou Søren T. , Roos Ewa M. , Thorlund Jonas B.
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate utilisation patterns of prescribed analgesics before, during, and after an exercise therapy and patient education program among patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. This cohort study is based on data from the nationwide Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) patient-register linked with national health registries including data on prescribed analgesics. GLA:D® consists of 8–12 weeks of exercise and patient education. We included 35,549 knee/hip osteoarthritis patients starting the intervention between January 2013 and November 2018. Utilisation patterns the year before, 3 months during, and the year after the intervention were investigated using total dispensed defined daily doses (DDDs) per month per 1000 population as outcome. During the year before the intervention, use of prescribed paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids increased with 85%, 79% and 22%, respectively. During the intervention, use of paracetamol decreased with 16% with a stable use the following year. Use of NSAIDs and opioids decreased with 38% and 8%, respectively, throughout the intervention and the year after. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the prescription of most analgesics changed over time. For paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids, 10% of analgesic users accounted for 45%, 50%, and 70%, respectively, of the total DDDs dispensed during the study period. In general, analgesic use increased the year before the intervention followed by a decrease during the intervention and the year after. A small proportion of analgesic users accounted for half or more of all paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids dispensed during the study period.
On strongly dependent zero-inflated INAR(1) processes
Authors: Beran Jan , Droullier Frieder
Published: September 2023

We consider INAR(1) processes modulated by an unobserved strongly dependent $$0-1$$

0
-
1

process. The observed process exhibits zero inflation and long memory. A simple method is proposed for estimating the INAR-parameters without modelling the unobserved modulating process. Asymptotic results for the estimators are derived, and a zero-inflation test is introduced. Asymptotic rejection regions and asymptotic power under long-memory alternatives are derived. A small simulation study illustrates the asymptotic results.
Maximum Likelihood With a Time Varying Parameter
Authors: Lanconelli Alberto , Lauria Christopher S. A.
Published: September 2023

We consider the problem of tracking an unknown time varying parameter that characterizes the probabilistic evolution of a sequence of independent observations. To this aim, we propose a stochastic gradient descent-based recursive scheme in which the log-likelihood of the observations acts as time varying gain function. We prove convergence in mean-square error in a suitable neighbourhood of the unknown time varying parameter and illustrate the details of our findings in the case where data are generated from distributions belonging to the exponential family.
Fast rendering of central and peripheral human visual aberrations across the entire visual field with interactive personalization
Authors: Csoba István , Kunkli Roland
Published: September 2023

With the recent progress made in areas such as head-mounted displays and vision-correcting devices, there is a growing interest in fast and personalized algorithms for simulating aberrated human vision. Existing vision-simulating approaches are generally hindered by the lack of personalization, computational cost of rendering, and limited types of supported aberrations. This paper presents a fast vision simulation method with interactive personalization capabilities for simulating arbitrary central and peripheral aberrations of the human eye. First, we describe a novel, neural network-based solution for efficiently estimating the physical structure of the simulated eye and calculating the necessary Zernike aberration coefficients for computing the point-spread functions with varying pupil sizes, focus distances, and incidence angles. Our new approach operates in the sub-second regime and produces highly accurate outputs, facilitating the interactive personalization of vision simulation. Next, we present an improved PSF interpolation method for an existing tiled PSF splatting algorithm for rendering. The proposed algorithm significantly improves the computational performance and memory efficiency of the previous approach, allowing the simulation of peripheral vision with arbitrary visual aberrations in low-latency applications. Following the description of our new techniques, we evaluate their performance characteristics and simulation accuracies on several different eye conditions and test scenarios and compare our results to several previous vision simulation algorithms.
Effects of reversible SERCA inhibition on catecholamine exocytosis and intracellular [Ca2+] signaling in chromaffin cells from normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Parada-Parra Oscar J. , Hernández-Cruz Arturo
Published: September 2023

Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling and catecholamine (CA) exocytosis from adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) differ between mammalian species. These differences partly result from the different contributions of Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release (CICR) from internal stores, which boosts intracellular Ca2+ signals. Transient inhibition of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) Ca2+ pump with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) reduces CICR. Recently, Martínez-Ramírez et al. found that CPA had contrasting effects on catecholamine secretion and intracellular Ca2+ signals in mouse and bovine CCs, where it enhanced and inhibited exocytosis, respectively. After CPA withdrawal, exocytosis diminished in mouse CCs and increased in bovine CCs. These differences can be explained if mouse CCs have weak CICR and strong Ca2+ uptake, and the reverse is true for bovine CCs. Surprisingly, CPA slightly reduced the amplitude of Ca2+ signals in both mouse and bovine CCs. Here we examined the effects of CPA on stimulated CA exocytosis and Ca2+ signaling in rat CCs and investigated if it alters differently the responses of CCs from normotensive (WKY) or hypertensive (SHR) rats, which differ in the gain of CICR. Our results demonstrate that CPA application strongly inhibits voltage-gated exocytosis and Ca2+ transients in rat CCs, regardless of strain (SHR or WKY). Thus, despite the greater phylogenetic distance from the most recent common ancestors, suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ uptake through CPA inhibits the CA secretion in rat CCs more similarly to bovine than mouse CCs, unveiling divergent evolutionary relationships in the mechanism of CA exocytosis of CCs between rodents. Agents that inhibit the SERCA pump, such as CPA, suppress catecholamine secretion equally well in WKY and SHR CCs and are not potential therapeutic agents for hypertension. Rat CCs display Ca2+ signals of varying widths. Some even show early and late Ca2+ components. Narrowing the Ca2+ transients by CPA and ryanodine suggests that the late component is mainly due to CICR. Simultaneous recordings of Ca2+ signaling and amperometry in CCs revealed the existence of a robust and predictable correlation between the kinetics of the whole-cell intracellular Ca2+ signal and the rate of exocytosis at the single-cell level.
Konzeptabhängige und -unabhängige Versorgungseffekte standortspezifischer palliativer Versorgungskonzepte am Beispiel „Schmerz“
Authors: Peuten Sarah , Jaspers Birgit , Hainsch-Müller Irmtraud , Aulmann Christoph , Schneider Werner , Radbruch Lukas , Ateş Gülay
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

An zwei Standorten wurden die palliativen Versorgungsstrukturen, sektorenübergreifenden Übergänge und Verlaufswege von Patienten mit einem palliativen Versorgungsbedarf untersucht. Der systematische Vergleich von Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschieden anhand der exemplarischen Fokussierung auf den Themenkomplex „Schmerz“ soll Auskunft darüber geben, inwiefern diese mit standortspezifischen Palliativversorgungskonzepten (integriert und kooperativ) zusammenhängen.

Methodik

Die Studie verfolgt ein Mixed-methods-Design. Neben einer Dokumentenanalyse von anonymisierten Patientenakten (n = 774) wurden Experteninterviews (n = 20), Interviews mit Patienten und Angehörigen (n = 60) sowie Fokusgruppen (n = 12) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die systematische vergleichende Analyse liefert Hinweise auf konzeptunabhängige Gemeinsamkeiten (z. B. soziodemografische Verteilungen, erschwerte medikamentöse Schmerzbehandlung aufgrund rechtlicher Rahmenbedingungen) wie auch konzeptabhängige Unterschiede (z. B. Verlaufswege, erleichterte kontinuierliche Symptomkontrolle durch integrierte Versorgungsstrukturen) im Rahmen integrierter oder kooperativer Palliativversorgung.

Diskussion

Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede hinsichtlich der hier fokussierten Schmerzthematik bzw. der im Raum stehenden Symptomlast und ihre organisatorische Bearbeitung werden als Effekte der jeweiligen Organisationsstruktur (= konzeptabgängig) sowie konzeptunabhängiger äußerer Einflussfaktoren greifbar.
Prediction of service time for home delivery services using machine learning
Authors: Wolter Jan , Hanne Thomas
Published: September 2023

With the rise of ready-to-assemble furniture, driven by international giants like IKEA, assembly services were increasingly offered by the same retailers. When planning orders with assembly services, the estimation of the service time leads to additional difficulties compared to standard delivery planning. Assembling large wardrobes or kitchens can take hours or even days while assembling a chair can be done in a few minutes. Combined with the usually vast amounts of offered products, a lot of knowledge is required to plan efficient and exact delivery routes. This paper shows how an artificial neural network (ANN) can be used to accurately predict the service time of a delivery based on factors such as the goods to be delivered or the personnel providing the service. The data used include not only deliveries with assembly of furniture, but also deliveries of goods without assembly and delivery of goods requiring electrical installation. The goal is to create a solution that can predict the time needed based on criteria such the type of furniture, the weight of the goods, and the experiences of the service technicians. The findings show that ANNs can be applied to this scenario and outperform more classical approaches, such as multiple linear regression or support vector machines. Still existing problems are largely due to the provided data, e.g., a large difference between the number of short and longer duration orders, which made it harder to accurately predict orders with longer duration.
ELIMINATE: a PCR record-based macroelimination project for systematic recall of HCV-RNA-positive persons in Austria
Authors: Schwarz Caroline , Bauer David , Dorn Livia , Jachs Mathias , Hartl Lukas , Chromy David , Weseslindtner Lukas , Pfisterer Nikolaus , Hennlich Barbara , Stückler Annika , Strassl Robert , Voill-Glaninger Astrid , Hübl Wolfgang , Willheim Martin , Köhrer Karin , Jansen-Skoupy Sonja , Tomez Sabine , Krugluger Walter , Madl Christian , Schwarz Michael , Balcar Lorenz , Semmler Georg , Brinkmann Leonard , Burghart Lukas , Antonitsch Lukas , Weidinger Gerhard , Riedl Florian , Laferl Hermann , Kurteva Vesselina , Traugott Marianna , Hind Julian , Wenisch Christoph , Aburaia Abdelrahman , Sebesta Christian , Schmid Daniela , Rothweiler Sonja , Remetic Jelena , Gschwantler Michael , Maieron Andreas , Reiberger Thomas
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Micro-elimination projects targeted to specific hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk populations have been successful. Systematic identification of persons with HCV viremia, regardless of risk group, based on already available laboratory records may represent an effective macroelimination approach to achieve global HCV elimination.

Methods

Persons with a last positive HCV-RNA PCR result between 2008–2020 in the reference virology laboratories in eastern Austria were identified. First, (i) we described their demographic characteristics, (ii) we systematically recalled persons to the respective centers and (iii) started antiviral treatment if HCV-RNA viremia was confirmed, and (iv) recorded sustained virologic response (SVR). This interim report includes the preliminary results from 8 participating centers.

Results

During the study period 22,682 persons underwent HCV-RNA PCR testing, 11,216 (49.4%) were positive at any point in time, and 6006 (26.5%) showed detectable HCV-RNA at the last PCR test, suggesting ongoing HCV viremia.

At the time of this interim report, 2546/6006 HCV-RNA PCR(+) persons were evaluated: 443/2546 (17.4%) had died, 852/2546 (33.5%) had invalid contact data, and 547/2546 (21.5%) had achieved SVR between data retrieval and recall. Contact could be established in 236/704 (33.5%) of the remaining target population with 97/236 (41.1%) presenting at the clinic for treatment evaluation. Ultimately, 71/236 (30.1%) started antiviral treatment and SVR was documented in 47/71 (66.2%).

Conclusion

This ELIMINATE project based on systematic assessment of HCV-RNA PCR-records, identified 6006 persons with potential persisting HCV viremia. Invalid contact data and missed visits for treatment evaluation were the main barriers towards HCV elimination within this project. Importantly, many subjects with HCV viremia lost to follow-up were successfully linked to care and started antiviral treatment.
A non-restrictive approach of gear geometry calculation for plastic gears
Authors: Eigner Florian , Oberle Stephan , Berger Maik
Published: September 2023

For the unrestricted calculation of gearboxes with a constant transmission ratio, a parameter radius ratio is developed. For this purpose, a parameter radius ratio is introduced that has a piecewise continuous and differentiable domain of definition. Thus, the parameter can be used efficiently in the algorithmic implementation for the optimisation of a contact point of two gears. Furthermore, the data processing of the surface intersection is shown. Through direct surface conjugation, two paired gears can always achieve a line contact, therefore an optimal power transmission can be achieved regarding the technical properties. The procedure is demonstrated with a practical example of a planetary gear with skewed planet.
Simulation of the occipital transtentorial approach incorporating visualization of the cerebellar tentorium using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: technical note
Authors: Shingai Yuto , Kanamori Masayuki , Shimoda Yoshiteru , Kayano Shingo , Nemoto Hitoshi , Mugikura Shunji , Saito Ryuta , Tominaga Teiji
Published: September 2023

The occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) is one of the useful approaches to the lesions of the pineal region, dorsal brainstem, and supracerebellar region. However, a wide operative field is sometimes difficult to obtain due to the tentorial sinus and bridging veins. This study evaluated the usefulness of preoperative simulation of OTA, specifically including the cerebellar tentorium in 9 patients. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography and venography and gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (Gd-3D-T1WI). The images were fused, and the cerebellar tentorium, vessels, and tumor were manually extracted from Gd-3D-T1WI to obtain the simulation images. Visualization of the cerebellar tentorium could discriminate between bridging veins from the occipital lobe and cerebellum, and recognize the site of bridging to the tentorial sinus and variants which may interfere with the tentorial incision. Simulation of the tentorial incision was also possible based on the relationships between the tumor, tentorial sinus, bridging vein, and cerebellar tentorium. The simulation suggested that safe tentorial incision was difficult in two sides because of the crossed tentorial sinus draining the left basal vein and draining veins from the glioblastoma. The OTA was performed in eight cases, and no difficulty was experienced in the tentorial incision in all cases. The simulation findings of the bridging vein and tentorial sinus were consistent with the intraoperative findings. Preoperative simulation including the cerebellar tentorium is useful for determining the optimum and safe side and required extent of the tentorial incision necessary for tumor resection with the OTA.
Fault localization in DSLTrans model transformations by combining symbolic execution and spectrum-based analysis
Authors: Oakes Bentley James , Troya Javier , Galasso Jessie , Wimmer Manuel
Published: September 2023

The verification of model transformations is important for realizing robust model-driven engineering technologies and quality-assured automation. Many approaches for checking properties of model transformations have been proposed. Most of them have focused on the effective and efficient detection of property violations by contract checking. However, there remains the fault localization step between identifying a failing contract for a transformation based on verification feedback and precisely identifying the faulty rules. While there exist fault localization approaches in the model transformation verification literature, these require the creation and maintenance of test cases, which imposes an additional burden on the developer. In this paper, we combine transformation verification based on symbolic execution with spectrum-based fault localization techniques for identifying the faulty rules in DSLTrans model transformations. This fault localization approach operates on the path condition output of symbolic transformation checkers instead of requiring a set of test input models. In particular, we introduce a workflow for running the symbolic execution of a model transformation, evaluating the defined contracts for satisfaction, and computing different measures for tracking the faulty rules. We evaluate the effectiveness of spectrum-based analysis techniques for tracking faulty rules and compare our approach to previous works. We evaluate our technique by introducing known mutations into five model transformations. Our results show that the best spectrum-based analysis techniques allow for effective fault localization, showing an average EXAM score below 0.30 (less than 30% of the transformation needs to be inspected). These techniques are also able to locate the faulty rule in the top-three ranked rules in 70% of all cases. The impact of the model transformation, the type of mutation and the type of contract on the results is discussed. Finally, we also investigate the cases where the technique does not work properly, including discussion of a potential pre-check to estimate the prospects of the technique for a certain transformation.
A universal size classification system for landslides
Authors: McColl S. T. , Cook S. J.
Published: September 2023

Size is a fundamental property of landslides, but it is described inconsistently within the scientific literature. There is currently no widely adopted size classification system applicable to all landslide types. A Scopus database search shows the most used landslide size descriptor is the term large, used to refer to landslides with volumes spanning ten orders of magnitude. Some size descriptors are unintuitive or potentially misleading (e.g. the term massive which describes a material property). We argue that a formal size classification scheme would encourage more consistent and logical usage of size descriptors and improve landslide science communication. To that end, we propose a size classification scheme suitable for all landslide types. The scheme provides a log scale of size classes for volume and area, with base units of cubic metre and square metre, respectively. In theory, there is no limit to the number of size classes possible. Six size descriptors are suggested, each spanning 3 orders of magnitude: very small (10−3–100 m3), small (10–103 m3), medium (103–106 m3), large (106–109 m3), giant (109–1012 m3), and monster (1012–1015 m3). Our system does not replace existing (or preclude future) classification systems for specific landslide types (e.g. snow avalanche) that use numerical size classes, and it maintains consistency with some commonly used descriptors. Whatever system is used, we encourage people to define the terms they use and to quantify size where possible, so that clearer meaning is given to the words used to describe landslide sizes.
A natural history study of autosomal dominant GUCY2D-associated cone–rod dystrophy
Authors: Scopelliti Amanda J. , Jamieson Robyn V. , Barnes Elizabeth H. , Nash Benjamin , Rajagopalan Sulekha , Cornish Elisa L. , Grigg John R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To describe the natural history of autosomal dominant (AD) GUCY2D-associated cone–rod dystrophies (CRDs), and evaluate associated structural and functional biomarkers.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients with AD GUCY2D-CRDs across two sites. Assessments included central macular thickness (CMT) and length of disruption to the ellipsoid zone (EZ) via optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG) parameters, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF).

Results

At first visit, with a mean age of 30 years (range 5–70 years), 12 patients had a BCVA below Australian driving standard (LogMAR ≥ 0.3 bilaterally), and 1 patient was legally blind (LogMAR ≥ 1). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a deterioration of LogMAR by − 0.019 per year (p < 0.001). This accompanied a reduction in CMT of − 1.4 µm per year (p < 0.0001), lengthened EZ disruption by 42 µm per year (p =  < 0.0001) and increased area of FAF by 0.05 mm2 per year (p = 0.027). Similarly, cone function decreased with increasing age, as demonstrated by decreasing b-wave amplitude of the light-adapted 30 Hz flicker and fused flicker (p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively). Reduction in CMT and increased EZ disruption on OCT were associated with functional changes including poorer BCVA and decreased cone function on ERG.

Conclusion

We have described the natural long-term decline in vision and cone function associated with mutations in GUCY2D and identified a set of functional and structural biomarkers that may be useful as outcome parameters for future therapeutic clinical trials.
Determinants of Understanding of Labor Laws: Evidence from Japanese University Students
Authors: Hirao Tomotaka
Published: September 2023

This study investigates Japanese university students’ knowledge of labor laws using test theory and analyzes the determinants of understanding of labor laws. The college enrollment rate in recent years in Japan is over 50% of secondary education graduates, and as a result, college graduates are no longer considered elite employees. Rather, almost all graduates are merely ordinary workers. For that reason, students need to learn about their employment rights before obtaining initial employment to protect themselves and their future careers. However, there are few studies regarding Japanese university students’ knowledge of labor laws. This study, therefore, investigates their labor laws knowledge based on latent rank theory and analyzes the determinants by econometric analysis. Empirical results show that the average of correctly answered questions regarding Japanese labor laws is about 50%. I can view this record as not being positive because subjects start their job-hunting process with less than an ideal amount of legal knowledge. This research also confirms that there are positive correlations between some independent variables (for example, field of study, the number of credits regarding career education, experience with exploitive labor, and the number of friends who are older than a given subject) and the rank of labor law knowledge. This implies that education and experience regarding career development while enrolled in university correlates with better understanding of labor laws.
Green Function for an Asymptotically Stable Random Walk in a Half Space
Authors: Denisov Denis , Wachtel Vitali
Published: September 2023

We consider an asymptotically stable multidimensional random walk $$S(n)=(S_1(n),\ldots , S_d(n) )$$

S

(
n
)

=
(

S
1

(
n
)

,
…
,

S
d

(
n
)

)

. For every vector $$x=(x_1\ldots ,x_d)$$

x
=
(

x
1

…
,

x
d

)

with $$x_1\ge 0$$

x
1

≥
0

, let $$\tau _x:=\min \{n>0: x_{1}+S_1(n)\le 0\}$$

τ
x

:
=
min

{
n
>
0
:

x
1

+

S
1

(
n
)

≤
0
}

be the first time the random walk $$x+S(n)$$

x
+
S
(
n
)

leaves the upper half space. We obtain the asymptotics of $$p_n(x,y):= {\textbf{P}}(x+S(n) \in y+\Delta , \tau _x>n)$$

p
n

(
x
,
y
)

:
=
P

(
x
+
S

(
n
)

∈
y
+
Δ
,

τ
x

>
n
)

as n tends to infinity, where $$\Delta $$
Δ
is a fixed cube. From that, we obtain the local asymptotics for the Green function $$G(x,y):=\sum _n p_n(x,y)$$

G

(
x
,
y
)

:
=

∑
n

p
n

(
x
,
y
)

, as $$|y |$$

|
y
|

and/or $$|x |$$

|
x
|

tend to infinity.
Rural–nonrural divide in car access and unmet travel need in the United States
Authors: Wang Weijing , Espeland Sierra , Barajas Jesus M. , Rowangould Dana
Published: September 2023

Car access is practically a necessity to get around in rural areas of the United States. Yet approximately 4% of rural residents or 4.3 million people do not have a car. Despite important rural–nonrural differences in the built environment and how people travel, research on rural mobility disparities by car access is limited. This paper addresses this gap by asking and answering the following questions: (1) What are the scope and scale of rural car access in the U.S. and what are the factors associated with not having a car? (2) How do rural carless residents get around relative to their nonrural peers? (3) What are the consequences of not having car access in rural areas? We used a dichotomous rural–nonrural classification to evaluate differences in car access and mobility outcomes between rural and nonrural areas using the U.S. Census Bureau Public Use Microdata Sample and the National Household Travel Survey. The results reveal new evidence on socioeconomic and mobility disparities by car access within and between rural and nonrural areas. Rural carless households earn 64% less and 40% less than their counterparts with full car access and their nonrural counterparts, respectively. Rural Native Americans, Black, and Asian populations have a 2.1 times, 1.3 times, and 1.3 times the odds of being carless, respectively, than their rural white peers, after controlling for other factors. Despite their lack of access to a car, a significantly smaller proportion of rural carless residents bike, walk, or take transit for work trips than their nonrural peers (38.9% vs. 74.6%), which may indicate infeasibility of sustainable modes in some rural areas. Consequently, rural carless residents are 2 times more likely to forsake trips than their nonrural peers due to a lack of transportation options. Our findings highlight rural mobility inequities that carless people face relative to their nonrural peers, which merit attention and tailored policy interventions to improve rural mobility, sustainability, accessibility, and equity.
Antibiotic resistances from slaughterhouse effluents and enhanced antimicrobial blue light technology for wastewater decontamionation
Authors: Cong Xiaoyu , Krolla Peter , Khan Umer Zeb , Savin Mykhailo , Schwartz Thomas
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The frequencies of 6 different facultative pathogenic bacteria of the ESKAPE group (priority list WHO) and a total of 14 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) with different priorities for human medicine were quantified in wastewaters of poultry and pig slaughterhouses using molecular biological approaches. Raw sewage from poultry and pig slaughterhouses was found to be contaminated not only with facultative pathogenic bacteria but also with various categories of clinically relevant ARGs, including ARGs against the reserve antibiotics group. The concentration of the different gene targets decreased after on-site conventional biological or advanced oxidative wastewater treatments, but was not eliminated. Hence, the antimicrobial BlueLight (aBL) in combination with a porphyrin photo-sensitizer was studied with ESKAPE bacteria and real slaughterhouse wastewaters. The applied broad LED-based blue light (420–480 nm) resulted in groups of sensitive, intermediate, and non-sensitive ESKAPE bacteria. The killing effect of aBL was increased in the non-sensitive bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecium due to the addition of porphyrins in concentrations of 10−6 M. Diluted slaughterhouse raw wastewater was treated with broad spectrum aBL and in combination with porphyrin. Here, the presence of the photo-sensitizer enhanced the aBL biocidal impact.
Highly Selective Chemiresistive SO2 Sensor Based on a Reduced Graphene Oxide/Porphyrin (rGO/TAPP) Composite
Authors: Khune Abhaysinh S. , Padghan Vikky , Bongane Rameshwar , Narwade Vijaykiran N. , Dole B. N. , Ingle Nikesh N. , Tsai Meng-Lin , Hianik Tibor , Shirsat Mahendra D.
Published: September 2023

The emergence of toxic pollutants due to heavy human intervention in the ecosystem causes serious environmental problems. Therefore, sensors based on material having a strong affinity towards specific environmental gaseous pollutants are urgently needed. The present study deals with chemiresistive gas sensors for the detection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) based on a composite of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP). The improved Hummers method was used to synthesize graphene oxide (GO); it was further thermally reduced to rGO. The pattern of the copper electrode was coated on glass slides with a shadow mask using thermal evaporation. Then, GO was drop-cast between the two copper electrodes, thermally reduced to obtain rGO, and then modified by TAPP. The spectroscopic, structural, morphological, electrical, and optical studies were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, current–voltage (I–V) and UV–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The developed sensor shows high selectivity towards SO2 gas analytes among exposed gaseous analytes. It exhibited reproducible response from 50 ppm to 200 ppm with enhanced repeatability at 50 ppm. The rGO/TAPP sensor exhibited a significant response (57 s) and recovery time (61 s), with a 5 ppm limit of detection.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of metaheuristic optimisation techniques for simulated matrix production systems
Authors: Benfer Martin , Heyer Valentin , Brützel Oliver , Liebrecht Christoph , Peukert Sina , Lanza Gisela
Published: September 2023

Increasing demand for individualised products has led to the concept of mass customisation, combining high product variety with production efficiency coming along with mass production. Companies are moving to matrix production systems with complex product flows for mass customisation. One challenge in such systems is the determination of optimal system configurations to fulfil future demands while minimising production costs. An approach to determine the ideal configuration is to use metaheuristics like genetic algorithms or simulated annealing to optimise simulation models. However, it is unclear which methods are ideally suited to finding the best solutions. This contribution compares the performance of genetic algorithms and simulated annealing when optimising the configuration of a company-specific matrix production system using discrete event simulation. The methods are evaluated using different objective functions. For the genetic algorithm, different observation strategies are also tested. Overall, the simulated annealing approach delivers better results with shorter solution times. The contributing factors leading to the different results are discussed, and areas for future research are pointed out.
One-year regional brain volume changes as potential predictors of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Meira Torcato , Coelho Ana , Onat Seyda , Ruano Luís , Cerqueira João José
Published: September 2023

Background

The most reliable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is brain atrophy. However, 1-year volumetric changes prior to cognitive assessment were never studied as potential predictors of cognition, which we aim to assess with this pilot work.

Methods

Twenty-two MS patients were submitted to a baseline measure of 83 regional brain volumes with MRI and re-evaluated 1 year later; they were also tested with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS): sustained attention and processing speed were examined with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), verbal and visuo-spatial learning and memory with the learning trials from the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT) and the Brief Visuo-spatial Memory Test-revised (BVMT), respectively. Controlling for age, sex, and years of education, a multivariate linear regression model was created for each cognitive score at 1-year follow-up in a backward elimination manner, considering cross-sectional regional volumes and 1-year volume changes as potential predictors.

Results

Decreases in the volumes of the left amygdala and the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex in the year prior to assessment were identified as possible predictors of worse performance in verbal memory (P = 0.009) and visuo-spatial memory (P = 0.001), respectively, independently of cross-sectional brain regional volumes at time of testing.

Conclusion

Our work reveals novel 1-year regional brain volume changes as potential predictors of cognitive deficits in MS. This suggests a possible role of these regions in such deficits and might contribute to uncover cognitively deteriorating patients, whose detection is still unsatisfying in clinical practice.
Longitudinal course and correlates of realness
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J. , Nissen Adam T. , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: September 2023

People who are real are able to express how they truly think and feel and what they truly want even when there is social pressure not to. Previous research suggests that realness is associated with better social functioning and adaptive personality traits including lower neuroticism and higher extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness. However, unlike other measures of the broader concept of authenticity, realness is not related to agreeableness. This suggests that people who are real are able to be disagreeable in circumstances in which the situation calls for it, perhaps because they are more motivated to be true to themselves than to avoid social costs. This study extended previous research in three ways: (1) replicate associations with personality traits, (2) examine whether lower stress and higher social support are related to realness, and (3) examine the longitudinal course of realness over 18 months during the critical period of young adulthood. In 412 young adults from California, we replicated associations between realness and adaptive personality traits and found that it was also associated lower stress and higher social support and was highly stable over time. These findings provide further evidence that realness corresponds closely to the core of authenticity as described in foundational theories of positive personality development among young adults.
Improving Knowledge Learning Through Modelling Students’ Practice-Based Cognitive Processes
Authors: Gao Huifan , Zeng Yifeng , Ma Biyang , Pan Yinghui
Published: September 2023

Practice is an essential means by which humans and animals engage in cognitive activities. Intelligent tutoring systems, with a crucial component of modelling learners’ cognitive processes during learning and optimizing their learning strategies, offer an excellent platform to investigate students’ practice-based cognitive processes. In related studies, modelling methods for cognitive processes have demonstrated commendable performance. Furthermore, researchers have extended their investigations using decision-theoretic approaches, such as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP), to induce learning strategies by modelling the students’ cognitive processes. However, the existing research has primarily centered around the modelling of macro-level instructional behaviors rather than the specific practice selection made by the students within the intricate realms of cognitive domains. In this paper, we adapt the POMDP model to represent relations between the student’s performance on cognitive tasks and his/her cognitive states. By doing so, we can predict his/her performance while inducing learning strategies. More specifically, we focus on question selection during the student’s real-time learning activities in an intelligent tutoring system. To address the challenges on modelling complex cognitive domains, we exploit the question types to automate parameter learning and subsequently employ information entropy techniques to refine learning strategies in the POMDP. We conduct the experiments in two real-world knowledge concept learning domains. The experimental results show that the performance of the learning strategies induced by our new model is superior to that of other learning strategies. Moreover, the new model has good reliability in predicting the student’s performance. Utilizing an intelligent tutoring system as the research platform, this article addresses the modelling and strategy induction challenges of practice-based cognitive processes with intricate structures, aiming to tutor students effectively. Our work provides a new approach of predicting the students’ performance as well as personalizing their learning strategies.
The Caribbean intertidal mite Alismobates inexpectatus (Acari, Oribatida), an unexpected case of cryptic diversity?
Authors: Pfingstl Tobias , Bardel-Kahr Iris , Schäffer Sylvia
Published: September 2023

Molecular genetic analyses of Caribbean populations of the supposedly widespread intertidal oribatid mite Alismobates inexpectatus revealed the existence of a cryptic species. The new species, Alismobates piratus sp. n., shows considerable COI and 18S rRNA gene sequence divergences and although morphometric analyses indicate considerable variation between the taxa, no distinguishing morphological feature could be detected. The extreme intertidal environment is suggested to be responsible for the observed morphological stasis of the two species and vicariance is supposed to be responsible for their speciation. Alismobates piratus sp. n. was found on Hispaniola, Guadeloupe, Barbados and Curaçao indicating a predominant distribution on the Greater and Lesser Antilles, whereas the occurrence of A. inexpectatus is primarily restricted to Central America, the northern Caribbean and the Greater Antilles. Haplotype network analyses indicate distinct geographic structuring and the absence of recent gene flow among the Antillean A. piratus sp. n. populations. Central American and Antillean populations of A. inexpectatus show similar patterns but populations from Bermuda and the Bahamas are characterized by a common origin and subsequent expansion. Genetic landscape analysis demonstrates that vast stretches of open ocean, like the Caribbean Basin and the Western Atlantic, act as rather effective barriers, whereas the continuous continental coastline of Central and North America may facilitate dispersal. Genetic data also indicates that the Gulf Stream plays an important role for the biogeography of intertidal oribatid mites as it may be responsible for the strong link between Central and North American populations as well as for the colonization of Bermuda.
Can natural forest expansion contribute to Europe's restoration policy agenda? An interdisciplinary assessment
Authors: Frei Theresa , Espelta Josep Maria , Górriz-Mifsud Elena , Hampe Arndt , Lefèvre François , Martín-Forés Irene , Winkel Georg
Published: September 2023

Natural forest expansion (NFE), that is, the establishment of secondary forest on non-forested land through natural succession, has substantially contributed to the widespread expansion of forests in Europe over the last few decades. So far, EU policies have largely neglected the potential of NFE for meeting policy objectives on restoration. Synthesising recent interdisciplinary research, this paper assesses the challenges and opportunities of NFE in view of contributing to European forest and ecosystem restoration. Specifically, we discuss the potential for supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and forestry and economic use, summarize the current knowledge about societal perceptions and the policymaking on NFE, and make policy recommendations to better use the potential of NFE. We conclude that NFE has the potential to contribute to the European restoration policy agenda if local contexts and possible trade-offs are properly considered.
Weakening of mechanical parameters of ion-absorbed rare-earth ores subjected to leaching
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Xiaojun , Li Gang , Ye Huachang , Zhang Cheng , Zhou Lingbo
Published: September 2023

Ion-adsorbed rare-earth ores are mined using in-situ leaching, and their mechanical properties significantly affect the efficient and safe recovery of rare earth elements. However, the mechanism of the change in the mechanical properties of the ore body due to the physicochemical processes caused by leaching remains unclear. To explore the strength evolution characteristics of the ore body during the leaching process, unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests were conducted to confirm how the stress–strain curve and shear strength of rare-earth samples change during leaching. Magnetic resonance imaging and T2 spectral characterizations were obtained by using nuclear magnetic resonance technology to measure the interior pore structure of samples during leaching. A scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer was used to investigate the morphology evolution and the composition changes of the internal micro-area of the samples, to demonstrate the correlation between the microstructural change and the macroscopic mechanical properties. The results show that when a 2% ammonium sulfate solution is employed for mineral leaching, the effective leaching duration is 0–3 h. During this time, ion exchange occurs along the direction of solution seepage, resulting in the dispersion and migration of fine particles from the top to the bottom of the sample, which further triggers a change in the sample's pore structure and pore size. In addition, the local loss of fine particles resulted in a reduced bond strength between minerals, forming an unstable soil structure with a loose upper part and a dense lower part, which is macroscopically expressed as a declining shear strength parameter of the rare-earth sample.

Graphical abstract
diſputiren und Responsibilisieren in der mitteldeutschen Hiob-Paraphrase
Authors: Wick Maximilian
Published: September 2023

Die so genannte Hiob-Paraphrase ist eine wohl 1338 von einem Anonymus im Kontext des Deutschordens fertiggestellte, mitteldeutsche Bearbeitung der biblischen Vorlage, welche sie in über 15.000 Versen nicht nur ausführlich und zum Teil in recht wörtlicher Übersetzung wiedererzählt, sondern die sie auch durch zahlreiche, in den Text eingewobene Versatzstücke aus der Kommentartradition und eigene Deutungen erweitert und perspektiviert. Der Beitrag untersucht, wie dieser Text Narrative der Verantwortung beim Wiedererzählen des biblischen Stoffes sowohl im Kontext des Erzählens biblischer Offenbarung als auch dem der Interpretation des Offenbarten als zwei Seiten eines poetisch-hermeneutischen Problems modelliert. Dabei geht es dem Text um die Herstellung von Eindeutigkeit, mit der eine ästhetische Verantwortung für die angemessene Gestaltung der Wiedererzählung des Hiobbuches einhergeht. Dessen wesentlich dialoghafte narratio beziehungsweise disputatio bedingt schließlich eine im Erzählstoff verbürgte Vielstimmigkeit, die es einerseits narrativ auszustellen und andererseits interpretierend einzuhegen gilt, um der Verantwortung für die Arbeit am heiligen Text adäquat nachzukommen.
Resource saving via ensemble techniques for quantum neural networks
Authors: Incudini Massimiliano , Grossi Michele , Ceschini Andrea , Mandarino Antonio , Panella Massimo , Vallecorsa Sofia , Windridge David
Published: September 2023

Quantum neural networks hold significant promise for numerous applications, particularly as they can be executed on the current generation of quantum hardware. However, due to limited qubits or hardware noise, conducting large-scale experiments often requires significant resources. Moreover, the output of the model is susceptible to corruption by quantum hardware noise. To address this issue, we propose the use of ensemble techniques, which involve constructing a single machine learning model based on multiple instances of quantum neural networks. In particular, we implement bagging and AdaBoost techniques, with different data loading configurations, and evaluate their performance on both synthetic and real-world classification and regression tasks. To assess the potential performance improvement under different environments, we conducted experiments on both simulated, noiseless software and IBM superconducting-based QPUs, suggesting these techniques can mitigate the quantum hardware noise. Additionally, we quantify the amount of resources saved using these ensemble techniques. Our findings indicate that these methods enable the construction of large, powerful models even on relatively small quantum devices.