bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The map trap: Why and how word learning research should move beyond mapping
Authors: Wojcik Erica H. , Zettersten Martin , Benitez Viridiana L.
Published: May 2022

A pervasive goal in the study of how children learn word meanings is to explain how young children solve the mapping problem. The mapping problem asks how language learners connect a label to its referent. Mapping is one part of word learning, however, it does not reflect other critical components of word meaning construction, such as the encoding of lexico‐semantic relations and socio‐pragmatic context. In this paper, we argue that word learning researchers' overemphasis of mapping has constrained our experimental paradigms and hypotheses, leading to misconceived theories and policy interventions. We first explain how the mapping focus limits our ability to study the richness and complexity of what infants and children learn about, and do with, word meanings. Then, we describe how our focus on mapping has constrained theory development. Specifically, we show how it has led to (a) the misguided emphasis on referent selection and ostensive labeling, and (b) the undervaluing of diverse pathways to word knowledge, both within and across cultures. We also review the consequences of the mapping focus outside of the lab, including myopic language learning interventions. Last, we outline an alternative, more inclusive approach to experimental study and theory construction in word learning research.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Language

Psychology > Theory and Methods

Psychology > Learning
Development of high‐fidelity design‐driven wind blade manufacturing process models to investigate labor predictions in wind blade manufacture
Authors: Johnson Stephen B. , Chetan Mayank , Griffith D. Todd , Sherwood James A.
Published: May 2022

Wind turbines have shown significant advancements in efficiency and power output in the last 20 years. However, during the same time period, parallel advances in the manufacturing of wind blades have not happened due to the reluctance of wind blade manufacturers to make significant capital investments into unproven automation technologies. This reluctance is due in part to the lack of access to a robust techno‐economic model that can give feedback on if and how these investments will impact the overall cost to make a blade. In the current research, existing costing methods are reviewed and a new techno‐economic model for estimating the number of man‐hours required to manufacture a wind turbine blade is proposed. A set of standardized input parameters for the proposed model is developed from time studies completed at three wind blade manufacturing facilities. The proposed model uses 77 discrete processing steps. The credibility of the proposed model is validated by its ability the predict the required man‐hours for the manufacture of previously produced blades by the blade manufacturers. Additionally, validation is done against models of publicly available designs. The proposed model delivers more accurate and realistic estimates over prior models reflecting the application of current production techniques and detailed design information.
Sociology of the Military
Authors: Resteigne Delphine
Published: May 2022

Military sociology, or more precisely, the sociology of military organizations, studies social facts about military institutions, their functional and structural components, and their relations with the societies that constitute their environments. Three periods can be roughly distinguished in the historical development of military sociology: the origins of the discipline, the Cold War period, and the current one. Like other subfields of sociology, the themes discussed in military sociology reflect the evolution of society at large. This particular branch of sociology bridges individual behaviors with broader social structures, in this case, military organizations.
Innovation for the Better: How Renewable Energy Technologies Improve Living Standards
Authors: Thiaw Abdoulaye , Toure S.
Published: May 2022

Energy has always been of paramount importance for human societies. It played an instrumental role in the progress of nations. Throughout history, communities have sought to control and manage energy resources through technology. This chapter presents examples of innovation in energy technologies and services that aimed to improve living standards in local communities. The study exemplifies communities in the districts of Pikine and Guédiawaye, with solar photovoltaic systems to improve access in high schools. Our ambition is to learn from motivations, experience and people’s testimonials, the determinants of a successful energy transition in local communities.
Energy in Development Objectives: How the Energy Ecological Footprint Affects Development Indicators?
Authors: Nkounga W. M.
Published: May 2022

Access to affordable energy services remains a priority for eradicating poverty in developing countries. Energy services from conventional resources are necessary to power economic growth. However, they have a significant ecological footprint. In this study, we assess the impact of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by energy systems on some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The study explores the relationships between the carbon intensity of the energy sector, the energy intensity of the economy and the carbon intensity of the economic system. In a sample of African countries, we found a positive correlation between energy use per capita and greenhouse gas emissions per capita and per unit GDP (carbon intensity of the economy). However, the correlation is less conclusive between energy use per capita and GHG emissions and between energy use per capita and energy use per unit GDP (energy intensity of the economy). Our results support new perspectives on energy sustainability agendas that take into account the macroeconomic parameters of the Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (SDG-7).
Democratization of Energy Planning: On a New Planning Tool Tailored to the Needs of Developing Countries
Authors: Fall A. , Ndiaye C. H. T. C. , Mbodji C. A.
Published: May 2022

The chapter presents the concept of a model developed to support planning of energy access and transition to sustainability in emerging cities of the sub-Saharan Africa region. Energy planning software is the most used tool for the description and planning of an energy system. Existing software features several drawbacks that make them irrelevant for planning energy systems in cities like Dakar, Senegal. This chapter documents the reasons why existing energy planning software is not suitable for planning these energy systems. It also proposes a new approach for designing a software (MoCES) that is tailored to the needs of Dakar, using a combination of multi-criteria decision-making analysis, energy landscaping, and visual computing. MoCES is an innovative tool that supports the rising citizens’ engagement to access and transition to a sustainable energy future, which integrates all dimensions of sustainability, including economic affordability, social acceptance and environment friendliness.
Inheritance, Methodology, Integrity, and Creativity
Authors: Weller Paul
Published: May 2022

In this final chapter, Weller attempts a preliminary evaluation of Gülen’s inheritance in interaction with the potential futures of Hizmet. An important creative tension is identified between what Weller calls the “distinctive normativity” of Gülen’s approach and an increasing awareness of its relative “normality” found among many Hizmet participants. In the light of Gülen’s mortality, the challenges arising for the interpretation and appropriation of his heritage are discussed. At the heart of this, Weller identifies not so much a body of teaching to be preserved and passed on, but rather a methodological approach rooted in the Qu’ran and Sunnah coupled with a readiness to learn by doing, including through the risks entailed in attempting new expressions of faithful action. In closing, Weller identifies how such an approach might offer a resource for an appropriately confident Muslim engagement in the doing of current Ijtihads, on an ecumenically inclusive basis.
Nachwuchsförderung in der Anästhesiologie: attraktive Gestaltung der Famulatur
Authors: Scheffel D. , Wirkner J. , Adler S. , Wassilew G. , Dragowsky K. , Seemann R. , Fröhlich S. ,   AG-Lehre der DGOU, Ghanem M. , Meder A. , Bakir S. , Huoy B. , Herbstreit S. , Kasch R.
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Praktische Erfahrungen in Famulaturen können die spätere Weiterbildungswahl prägen.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Untersuchung war es, Faktoren in der anästhesiologischen Famulatur zu finden, die Studierende ermutigen, sich auf das Fachgebiet zu spezialisieren.

Material und Methoden

Im Rahmen einer bundesweiten Online-Umfrage beantworteten die Studienteilnehmenden (n = 479) Fragen zu ihrer mindestens 4‑wöchigen Famulatur in der Anästhesiologie. Die Befragten wurden in 4 Gruppen aufgeteilt: Diejenigen, die sich aufgrund der Famulatur ein Wahltertial im praktischen Jahr (PJ) in der Anästhesiologie vorstellen konnten (n = 212; 44 %), wurden mit denjenigen, die dies verneinten (n = 56; 12 %) und denjenigen, die sich schon vor der Famulatur festgelegt hatten (Ja: n = 144; 30 % und Nein: n = 67; 14 %) varianzanalytisch verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Die Umfrage erreichte alle medizinischen Fakultäten in Deutschland und befragte Teilnehmende im durchschnittlichen Alter von 25,8 Jahren. In allen 4 ausgewerteten Gruppen fanden sich signifikante Unterschiede.

Die Studierenden, die mit der Famulatur zufrieden waren und sich für das PJ-Wahltertial in der Anästhesiologie aussprachen, unterschieden sich signifikant hinsichtlich Integration ins Team, Kompetenzerwerb, Struktur und Qualität der Lehre von den anderen Gruppen. Die Vermittlung von praktischen Kompetenzen und Fachwissen sowie die Integration in Diagnosefindung und Therapieplanung förderten ebenfalls die Nachwuchsgewinnung.

Diskussion

Eine positiv bewertete anästhesiologische Famulatur fördert die spätere Spezialisierungspräferenz für dieses Fach. Für das Fachgebiet gewonnene Famuli erlangten mehr Fähigkeiten im Verlauf der Famulatur. Um angehende Ärzte für die Anästhesiologie zu gewinnen, sollte das ärztliche Team die oben genannten Kriterien bei der Famulaturgestaltung bedenken.
Microtiter plate with built-in oxygen sensors: a novel approach to investigate the dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth suppression in the presence of divalent cations and antibiotics
Authors: Almatrood Wafa , Nakouti Ismini , Hobbs Glyn
Published: May 2022

The depletion of dissolved oxygen in a defined synthetic medium can be measured in real time, using a micro-well plate format, associated with a fluorescent plate reader. This technology is appropriate for investigating the effect of antibiotics on cell kinetics because there is a direct correlation between the latter and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the medium of an assay. In this study, the metabolic activity of the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 was investigated using the OxoPlate OP96U optical sensor technology. The response of P. aeruginosa to aminoglycoside antibiotics when Ca2+and Mg2+ ions are present in the Evans defined synthetic medium was measured. The results revealed that the effect of antibiotics on P. aeruginosa is influenced by the concentration of divalent cations present in the test medium, although the efficiency of Ca2+ in supressing antibiotic activity was found to be greater than that of Mg2+. By comparison to tobramycin, the effect of amikacin is largely inhibited by the Ca2+and Mg2+concentrations. The study results underscore that the reliability of the observation of growth inhibitors is enhanced by the oxygen consumption measurements. Thus, the OxoPlate OP96U system is proven to be an accurate method to test the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments against P. aeruginosa.
Cutaneous steam burns and steam inhalation injuries: a literature review and a case presentation
Authors: Holm Sebastian , Engström Olof , Melander Marielle , Horvath Monika C. S. , Fredén Filip , Lipcsey Miklós , Huss Fredrik
Published: May 2022

Scald is one type of burn that s often mentioned alone and occurs mostly in the paediatric population. Inhaled steam is mostly cooled off in the airways, why thermal damage is rarely seen. A sudden exposure to hot steam/inhalation can cause a thermal inhalation injury. A scoping review was performed, with the aim to summarize all published papers in English, about steam-related injuries. The search was conducted using the PubMed® and Cochrane libraries on 19th of May 2021, without a set time period. Out of a total of 1186 identified records, 31 were chosen for review. Burns related to the contact with steam are generally rare and can be both minor and severe. The more severe cases related to steam exposure are mostly workplace accidents and the minor injuries reported in the literature are often related to steam inhalation therapy, especially in the paediatric population. This review describes the challenges that can be found dealing with patients suffering from cutaneous steam burns and/or steam inhalation injuries. A steam injury to the airways or the skin can be directly life-threatening and should be treated with caution. This type of injury can lead to acute respiratory insufficiency and sometimes death. A case of a male patient with extensive cutaneous steam burns and a steam inhalation injury who passed away after 11 days of treatment is also presented to illustrate this review.

Level of evidence: Level V, Therapeutic; Risk/Prognostic Study.
Deep learning–based time-of-flight (ToF) image enhancement of non-ToF PET scans
Authors: Mehranian Abolfazl , Wollenweber Scott D. , Walker Matthew D. , Bradley Kevin M. , Fielding Patrick A. , Huellner Martin , Kotasidis Fotis , Su Kuan-Hao , Johnsen Robert , Jansen Floris P. , McGowan Daniel R.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To improve the quantitative accuracy and diagnostic confidence of PET images reconstructed without time-of-flight (ToF) using deep learning models trained for ToF image enhancement (DL-ToF).

Methods

A total of 273 [18F]-FDG PET scans were used, including data from 6 centres equipped with GE Discovery MI ToF scanners. PET data were reconstructed using the block-sequential-regularised-expectation–maximisation (BSREM) algorithm with and without ToF. The images were then split into training (n = 208), validation (n = 15), and testing (n = 50) sets. Three DL-ToF models were trained to transform non-ToF BSREM images to their target ToF images with different levels of DL-ToF strength (low, medium, high). The models were objectively evaluated using the testing set based on standardised uptake value (SUV) in 139 identified lesions, and in normal regions of liver and lungs. Three radiologists subjectively rated the models using testing sets based on lesion detectability, diagnostic confidence, and image noise/quality.

Results

The non-ToF, DL-ToF low, medium, and high methods resulted in − 28 ± 18, − 28 ± 19, − 8 ± 22, and 1.7 ± 24% differences (mean; SD) in the SUVmax for the lesions in testing set, compared to ToF-BSREM image. In background lung VOIs, the SUVmean differences were 7 ± 15, 0.6 ± 12, 1 ± 13, and 1 ± 11% respectively. In normal liver, SUVmean differences were 4 ± 5, 0.7 ± 4, 0.8 ± 4, and 0.1 ± 4%. Visual inspection showed that our DL-ToF improved feature sharpness and convergence towards ToF reconstruction. Blinded clinical readings of testing sets for diagnostic confidence (scale 0–5) showed that non-ToF, DL-ToF low, medium, and high, and ToF images scored 3.0, 3.0, 4.1, 3.8, and 3.5 respectively. For this set of images, DL-ToF medium therefore scored highest for diagnostic confidence.

Conclusion

Deep learning–based image enhancement models may provide converged ToF-equivalent image quality without ToF reconstruction. In clinical scoring DL-ToF-enhanced non-ToF images (medium and high) on average scored as high as, or higher than, ToF images. The model is generalisable and hence, could be applied to non-ToF images from BGO-based PET/CT scanners.
A soft gripper with contamination resistance and large friction coefficient
Authors: Wang Zuodong , Wu Yali , Yang Jiayi , Song Honglie , Dinh Khuong Ba , Zhang Dongguang , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: May 2022

With the development of soft gripper systems, food processing, packaging, and processing technology has seen a significant advancement. The soft gripper must be protected from surface contamination and liquid lubrication; hence, a hydrophobic and contamination-resistant surface is used. There is an urgent need for a soft gripper that meets the functions of hydrophobic performance and contamination resistance, but there has been little study. In this study, the two functions are well achieved by introducing a flexible superhydrophobic surface. A novel design of a flexible superhydrophobic surface-based gripper (SSBG) is proposed by the template method. After a series of testing, it was discovered that the friction coefficient between the SSBG surface and the glass plate, cardboard, and steel plate is larger than that of a standard surface gripper (SSG). At the same time, the contamination resistance of SSBG is particularly important. Because of the existence of the plastron layer, the surface was discovered to be able to repel bacterial colonization. Finally, when the usual gripping force of the SSBG is measured on a 250 ml beaker with contamination and liquid lubrication, it can be shown that the gripping ability is improved by at least 100% and 170% compared to the SSG, respectively. As a result, the SSBG has a high potential for utilization in industrial and therapeutic contexts.
Noise exposure during robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hönecke Tim , Schwarze Michael , Wangenheim Matthias , Savov Peter , Windhagen Henning , Ettinger Max
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to examine the noise exposure for operating theater staff during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with three different robot systems. There is already evidence that noise exposure during TKA performed manually exceeds recommended guidelines for occupational noise. Therefore, if surgical staff is exposed to it for several years, the development of noise-inducing hearing loss (NIHL) is significantly increased. To investigate the noise exposure during robot-assisted TKA, the study measured the average noise and the peak sound pressure during TKA with MAKO robot (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States), NAVIO robot (Smith and Nephew, London, Great Britain), and CORI robot (Smith and Nephew, London, Great Britain) using a class 1 sound level meter. Each robot system exceeds the recommended guidelines from the national institute for occupational safety and health. While the MAKO robot had the highest average sound level (93.18 dB(A)) of the three robot systems (NAVIO: 88.88 dB(A), CORI: 89.38 dB(A)), the peak sound level was the highest with the NAVIO Robot (134.48 dB(C)) compared to the MAKO Robot (128.98 dB(C)) and CORI robot (126.48 dB(C)). Robot-assisted TKA is a risk factor for NIHL, like manually performed TKA. Further research for decreasing the noise exposure during TKA is needed to minimize the hearing loss in operating theater staff.
Fatigue, sleepiness and depression in multiple sclerosis: defining the overlaps for a better phenotyping
Authors: Sparasci Davide , Gobbi Claudio , Castelnovo Anna , Riccitelli Gianna Carla , Disanto Giulio , Zecca Chiara , Manconi Mauro
Published: May 2022

Background and objectives

To define the boundaries and the overlaps between fatigue, sleepiness and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by using different tools for each dimension, including instrumental sleep analysis.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, observational study, 71 MS patients (males/females: 20/51; mean age: 48.9 ± 10.5 years) filled in clinical questionnaires and performed polysomnography followed by maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT). Frequency and reciprocal overlap of sleepiness, fatigue and depression in MS were expressed by Eulero-Venn diagrams; standard multiple regression was used to assess the ability of symptoms to predict each other.

Results

There was a high percentage of fatigued (70%), somnolent (45%) and depressed (27%) patients. Fatigue had the strongest overlap and correlated with both depression (beta: 0.52, p < 0.001) and sleepiness (beta: 0.74, p < 0.001). Somnolence and depression were nearly always accompanied by fatigue and were well differentiated from each other by MWT. Four MS subgroups were identified that had: (1) fatigue only; (2) fatigue and sleepiness (3) fatigue and depression; (4) fatigue, sleepiness and depression.

Discussion

The subjective and objective tools are not able to clearly distinguish fatigue from sleepiness and depression, while only a test of vigilance can be helpful in separating somnolence and depression from each other.
Assessing floppy infants: a new module
Authors: Cutrona Costanza , Pede Elisa , De Sanctis Roberto , Coratti Giorgia , Tiberi Eloisa , Luciano Rita , Pera Maria Carmela , Velli Chiara , Capasso Anna , Vento Giovanni , Romeo Domenico M. , Pane Marika , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: May 2022

Our aim was to develop a new module for assessing the floppy infant, to describe the application of the module in a cohort of low-risk newborns and piloting the module in a cohort of floppy infants. The module was applied to a cohort of 143 low-risk newborns and piloted in in a cohort of 24 floppy infants. The new add-on module includes a neurological section and provides a section for recording information obtained by physical examination and antenatal history. For each item, column 1 reports abnormal findings, column 3 normal findings, and column 2 intermediate signs to be followed. Consistent with previous studies, in low-risk infants, none had definitely abnormal or mildly abnormal signs, with the exception of tendon reflexes that were not easily elicitable in 17.14% of term-born infants.

Conclusion: Our study suggest that the module can be easily used in a clinical setting as an add-on to the regular neonatal neurological examination in newborns identified as hypotonic on routine examination. Larger cohorts are needed to establish the accuracy of the prognostic value of the module in the differential diagnosis of floppy infant.

What is Known:• Hypotonia is one of the key signs in newborns with neuromuscular disorders and can be associated with a wide range of other conditions (central nervous system involvement, genetic and metabolic diseases).• Weakness or/and contractures can identify infants with a neuromuscular disorder and help in the differential diagnosis of floppy infants.

What is New:• To date, this is the first attempt to develop and apply a specific neurological module for the assessment of the floppy infant.• The module can be used in a routine clinical setting as an add-on to the regular neurological examination and has potential to differentiate the floppy infants from the low-risk infants.
Who can pass the urban filter? A multi-taxon approach to disentangle pollinator trait–environmental relationships
Authors: Gathof Anika Kristin , Grossmann Anita Judit , Herrmann Johann , Buchholz Sascha
Published: May 2022

Cities are considered important refuges for insect pollinators. This has been shown repeatedly for wild bees, but may also be true for other diverse taxa such as hoverflies. However, our understanding of how urban environmental filters shape pollinator species communities and their traits is still limited. Here, we used wild bee and hoverfly species, communities and their functional traits to illustrate how environmental filters on the landscape and local scale shape urban species pools. The multi-taxon approach revealed that environmental filtering predominantly occurred at the landscape scale as urbanisation and 3D connectivity significantly structured the taxonomic and functional composition of wild bee (sociality, nesting, diet, body size) and hoverfly (larval food type, migratory status) communities. We identified urban winners and losers attributed to taxon-specific responses to urban filters. Our results suggest that insect pollinator conservation needs to take place primarily at the landscape level while considering species traits, especially by increasing habitat connectivity.
The lifecycle of volcanic ash: advances and ongoing challenges
Authors: Paredes-Mariño Joali , Forte Pablo , Alois Stefano , Chan Ka Lok , Cigala Valeria , Mueller Sebastian B. , Poret Matthieu , Spanu Antonio , Tomašek Ines , Tournigand Pierre-Yves , Perugini Diego , Kueppers Ulrich
Published: May 2022

Explosive volcanic eruptions can produce vast amounts of volcanic ash made up mainly of fragments of magmatic glass, country rock and minerals < 2 mm in size. Ash particles forming from magma fragmentation are generated by several processes when brittle response accommodates (local) deformation stress that exceeds the capability of the bulk material to respond by viscous flow. These processes span a wide range of temperatures, can occur inside or outside the volcanic edifice and can involve all melt compositions. Ash is then dispersed by volcanic and atmospheric processes over large distances and can have global distributions. Explosive eruptions have repeatedly drawn focus to studying volcanic ash. The continued occurrence of such eruptions worldwide and their widespread impacts motivates the study of the chemical and physical processes involved in the lifecycle of volcanic ash (e.g. magma fragmentation, particle aggregation), as well as the immediate to long-term effects (e.g. water and air pollution, soil fertilization) and consequences (e.g. environmental, economic, social) associated with ashfall. In this perspectives article, we reflect on the progress made over the last two decades in understanding (1) volcanic ash generation; (2) dispersion, sedimentation and erosion; and (3) impacts on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and modern infrastructure. Finally, we discuss open questions and future challenges.
Hydraulic properties of ignimbrites: matrix and fracture permeabilities in two pyroclastic flow deposits from Cimino-Vico volcanoes (Italy)
Authors: Allocca Vincenzo , Colantuono Pasquale , Colella Abner , Piacentini Simone M. , Piscopo Vincenzo
Published: May 2022

Hydrological properties of ignimbrites are known in detail only for some areas, although these rocks cover large areas with considerable thicknesses in many volcanic regions of the world. This study investigates hydrological properties of two ignimbrites of Latium (Central Italy), different in age, composition, and origin. The dual porosity of the ignimbrites was examined through laboratory tests, pumping tests, and outcrop surveys. The degree of welding, composition, and stratigraphy of the two ignimbrites are the main factors determining their hydrological properties. The two ignimbrites share a low matrix permeability, showing a different fracturing degree. The more welded ignimbrite is characterized by lower porosity of the matrix and higher fracturing degree, while the less welded ignimbrite is characterized by higher porosity of the matrix and lower fracturing degree. Hydraulic conductivity and storage capacity of the highly welded ignimbrite mainly depend on the denser network of discontinuities. The hydraulic conductivity of the younger ignimbrite, less welded, mainly depend on the sparser network of discontinuities and on the layer of unconsolidated coarse pyroclastic deposits at its base, while the storage capacity depends on the more porous matrix. Should the pyroclastic rocks be used as aquifer for water supplies, or, in other cases, as substratum of waste disposal sites, the dual porosity of the ignimbrites must necessarily include different scales of analysis in order to evaluate the role of matrix and fractures on the permeability of rock mass. In any case, the results of laboratory and on-site tests are to be interpreted taking into account the stratigraphy of the ignimbrite.
PARMOREL: a framework for customizable model repair
Authors: Barriga Angela , Heldal Rogardt , Rutle Adrian , Iovino Ludovico
Published: May 2022

In model-driven software engineering, models are used in all phases of the development process. These models must hold a high quality since the implementation of the systems they represent relies on them. Several existing tools reduce the burden of manually dealing with issues that affect models’ quality, such as syntax errors, model smells, and inadequate structures. However, these tools are often inflexible for customization and hard to extend. This paper presents a customizable and extensible model repair framework, PARMOREL, that enables users to deal with different issues in different types of models. The framework uses reinforcement learning to automatically find the best sequence of actions for repairing a broken model according to user preferences. As proof of concept, we repair syntactic errors in class diagrams taking into account a model distance metric and quality characteristics. In addition, we restore inter-model consistency between UML class and sequence diagrams while improving the coupling qualities of the sequence diagrams. Furthermore, we evaluate the approach on a large publicly available dataset and a set of real-world inspired models to show that PARMOREL can decide and pick the best solution to solve the issues present in the models to satisfy user preferences.
High-content high-throughput imaging reveals distinct connections between mitochondrial morphology and functionality for OXPHOS complex I, III, and V inhibitors
Authors: van der Stel Wanda , Yang Huan , le Dévédec Sylvia E. , van de Water Bob , Beltman Joost B. , Danen Erik H. J.
Published: May 2022

Cells can adjust their mitochondrial morphology by altering the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion to adapt to stressful conditions. The connection between a chemical perturbation, changes in mitochondrial function, and altered mitochondrial morphology is not well understood. Here, we made use of high-throughput high-content confocal microscopy to assess the effects of distinct classes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex inhibitors on mitochondrial parameters in a concentration and time resolved manner. Mitochondrial morphology phenotypes were clustered based on machine learning algorithms and mitochondrial integrity patterns were mapped. In parallel, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial and cellular ATP levels, and viability were microscopically assessed. We found that inhibition of MMP, mitochondrial ATP production, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) using sublethal concentrations of complex I and III inhibitors did not trigger mitochondrial fragmentation. Instead, complex V inhibitors that suppressed ATP and OCR but increased MMP provoked a more fragmented mitochondrial morphology. In agreement, complex V but not complex I or III inhibitors triggered proteolytic cleavage of the mitochondrial fusion protein, OPA1. The relation between increased MMP and fragmentation did not extend beyond OXPHOS complex inhibitors: increasing MMP by blocking the mPTP pore did not lead to OPA1 cleavage or mitochondrial fragmentation and the OXPHOS uncoupler FCCP was associated with OPA1 cleavage and MMP reduction. Altogether, our findings connect vital mitochondrial functions and phenotypes in a high-throughput high-content confocal microscopy approach that help understanding of chemical-induced toxicity caused by OXPHOS complex perturbing chemicals.
The Short-Term Effect of the COVID-19 Crisis on Employment Probabilities of Labour-Market Entrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Bussink Henri , Vervliet Tobias , ter Weel Bas
Published: May 2022

This research documents employment opportunities of labour-market entrants during the COVID-19 crisis in the Netherlands. Two recent cohorts of graduates are studied and compared to two pre-COVID-19 cohorts: the 2019 cohort was unexpectedly hit by the COVID-19 crisis about six months after entering the labour market and the 2020 cohort graduated and entered the labour market in the midst of a lockdown. Our estimation results suggest short-term effects of lockdowns on employment probabilities, specifically for relatively lower educated labour-market entrants. The effects appear to be relatively small in size and seem to fade when the lockdown measures are eased. Men seem to have suffered more than women and some sectors are hit harder than others, which could result in short-run mismatches. Overall the effects appear to be less severe than during an economic recession, which is most likely due to the tight labour market and the strong measures taken by the government to mitigate the labour-market impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Workload Time Series Cumulative Prediction Mechanism for Cloud Resources Using Neural Machine Translation Technique
Authors: Al-Sayed Mustafa M.
Published: May 2022

Dynamic resource allocation and auto-scaling represent effective solutions for many cloud challenges, such as over-provisioning (i.e., energy-wasting, and Service level Agreement “SLA” violation) and under-provisioning (i.e., Quality of Service “QoS” dropping) of resources. Early workload prediction techniques play an important role in the success of these solutions. Unfortunately, no prediction technique is perfect and suitable enough for most workloads, particularly in cloud environments. Statistical and machine learning techniques may not be appropriate for predicting workloads, due to instability and dependency of cloud resources’ workloads. Although Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) deep learning technique considers these shortcomings, it provides poor results for long-term prediction. On the other hand, Sequence-to-Sequence neural machine translation technique (Seq2Seq) is effectively used for translating long texts. In this paper, workload sequence prediction is treated as a translation problem. Therefore, an Attention Seq2Seq-based technique is proposed for predicting cloud resources’ workloads. To validate the proposed technique, real-world dataset collected from a Google cluster of 11 k machines is used. For improving the performance of the proposed technique, a novel procedure called cumulative-validation is proposed as an alternative procedure to cross-validation. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique for predicting workloads of cloud resources in terms of accuracy by 98.1% compared to 91% and 85% for other sequence-based techniques, i.e. Continuous Time Markov Chain based models and Long short-term memory based models, respectively. Also, the proposed cumulative-validation procedure achieves a computational time superiority of 57% less compared to the cross-validation with a slight variation of 0.006 in prediction accuracy.
Adaptation of Parents Raising a Child with ASD: The Role of Positive Perceptions, Coping, Self-efficacy, and Social Support
Authors: Higgins Louise , Mannion Arlene , Chen June L. , Leader Geraldine
Published: May 2022

This study explored the adaptation of parents raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) specifically the contributory role of positive perceptions, coping, self-efficacy, and social support. One hundred and thirty-six parents of children with a diagnosis of ASD completed a battery of self-report questionnaires via an online survey. Using multiple regression analyses positive perceptions, adaptive coping, self-efficacy, and social support were each a significant contributor to one or more positive adaptation outcomes. Multiple moderated regression analysis found no evidence that these factors were significant moderators between behavioural problems and parental adaptation. The implications of these findings in supporting parents raising a child with ASD are outlined.
Using Model Theory to Find Decidable and Tractable Description Logics with Concrete Domains
Authors: Baader Franz , Rydval Jakub
Published: May 2022

Concrete domains have been introduced in the area of Description Logic to enable reference to concrete objects (such as numbers) and predefined predicates on these objects (such as numerical comparisons) when defining concepts. Unfortunately, in the presence of general concept inclusions (GCIs), which are supported by all modern DL systems, adding concrete domains may easily lead to undecidability. To regain decidability of the DL$$\mathcal {ALC}$$ALCin the presence of GCIs, quite strong restrictions, in sum called$$\omega $$ω-admissibility, were imposed on the concrete domain. On the one hand, we generalize the notion of$$\omega $$ω-admissibility from concrete domains with only binary predicates to concrete domains with predicates of arbitrary arity. On the other hand, we relate$$\omega $$ω-admissibility to well-known notions from model theory. In particular, we show that finitely bounded homogeneous structures yield$$\omega $$ω-admissible concrete domains. This allows us to show$$\omega $$ω-admissibility of concrete domains using existing results from model theory. When integrating concrete domains into lightweight DLs of the$$\mathcal {EL}$$ELfamily, achieving decidability is not enough. One wants reasoning in the resulting DL to be tractable. This can be achieved by using so-called p-admissible concrete domains and restricting the interaction between the DL and the concrete domain. We investigate p-admissibility from an algebraic point of view. Again, this yields strong algebraic tools for demonstrating p-admissibility. In particular, we obtain an expressive numerical p-admissible concrete domain based on the rational numbers. Although$$\omega $$ω-admissibility and p-admissibility are orthogonal conditions that are almost exclusive, our algebraic characterizations of these two properties allow us to locate an infinite class of p-admissible concrete domains whose integration into$$\mathcal {ALC}$$ALCyields decidable DLs.
Harnessing rat derived model cells to assess the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Sarikhani Manizheh , Vaghefi Moghaddam Sevil , Firouzamandi Masoumeh , Hejazy Marzie , Rahimi Bahareh , Moeini Hassan , Alizadeh Effat
Published: May 2022

Until now, a few studies have been conducted on the destructive effects of TiO2 NPs in living organisms, and studies on the toxicity of TiO2 NPs are still in the beginning phases. Because of the widespread use of TiO2 NPs in all areas of human life, it is essential to study their profound and fundamental toxic effects on each organ and body cell. Herein, we evaluate the effect of exposure to TiO2 NPs on in vitro models derived from the rat bone marrow and adipose tissues. Exposure to TiO2 NPs at 100 and 200 μg/ml exhibited cytotoxicity for the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and rat adipose mesenchymal stem cells (rATSC), respectively. Additionally, reduced rBMSCs and rATSCs frequencies in the S phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, TiO2 NPs enhanced the activity of cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase in both model cells. Significantly higher relative expression of aging-related genes P53 and NF-kB (p < 0.05) and lower expression levels of anti-aging-related genes Nanog and SIRT1 were found in the treated cells (p < 0.05). Colony-forming and DAPI staining showed the reduction of cell growth and DNA damage in both rBMSCs and rATSCs. Our findings along with other similar findings showed that TiO2 NPs probably have negative effects on the cell growth, prompt the cells for entry into proliferation stop, DNA damage, and trigger the aging process.
Evaluation of different bacterial honey isolates as probiotics and their efficient roles in cholesterol reduction
Authors: Abdelsamad Noura O. , Esawy Mona A. , Mahmoud Zeinab E. , El-Shazly Asmaa I. , Elsayed Tarek R. , Gamal Amira A.
Published: May 2022

Continue to hypothesize that honey is a storehouse of beneficial bacteria, and the majority of these isolates are levansucrase producers. Accordingly, ten bacterial strains were isolated from different honey sources. Four honey isolates that had the highest levansucrase production and levan yield were identified by the partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene asAchromobactersp. (10A),Bacillus paralicheniformis(2M),Bacillus subtilis(9A), andBacillus paranthracis(13M). The cytotoxicity of the selected isolates showed negative blood hemolysis. Also, they are sensitive to the tested antibiotics (Amoxicillin + Flucloxacillin, Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Benzathine benzylpenicillin, Epicephin, Vancomycin, Amikacin, and Zinol). The isolates had strong alkaline stability (pHs 9, 11) and were resistant to severe acidic conditions (29–100 percent). The tested isolates recorded complete tolerance to both H2O2and the bile salt (0.3% Oxgall powder) after 24 h incubation. The cell-free supernatant of the examined strains had antifungal activities againstC. Albicanswith varying degrees. Also, isolates 2M and 13M showed strong activities againstS. aureus. The isolates showed strong adhesion and auto-aggregation capacity. Isolate 10A showed the highest antioxidant activity (91.45%) followed by 2M (47.37%). The isolates recorded different catalase and protease activity. All isolates produced cholesterol oxidase and lipase with different levels. Besides, the four isolates reduced LDL (low-density lipoprotein) to different significant values. The cholesterol-reducing ability varied not only for strains but also for the time of incubation. The previous results recommended these isolates be used safely in solving the LDL problem.
„Get it done“ – schadet Aufschieben der Gesundheit?
Authors: Gusy Burkhard , Jochmann Anna , Lesener Tino , Wolter Christine , Blaszcyk Wiebke
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Es wird geschätzt, dass 20–30 % der Studierenden die Tendenz zeigen, wichtige Aufgaben im Studium aufzuschieben. Diese Tendenz wird im Prokrastination-Gesundheitsmodell mit einer Beeinträchtigung des psychischen Befindens, erhöhtem Stresserleben sowie einem gesundheitsschädigenden Verhalten in Verbindung gebracht.

Fragestellung

Analysiert wird, ob die vorab postulierten Annahmen des Prokrastination-Gesundheitsmodells sich auch empirisch in einer Stichprobe von Studierenden bestätigen lassen.

Material und Methode

Im Januar und Februar 2019 wurden 3420 Studierende der Freien Universität Berlin in einer Onlinebefragung zu Prokrastination, Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität, ihrem Schlafverhalten sowie ihrem Stresserleben befragt. Zur Prüfung der Annahmen des Prokrastination-Gesundheitsmodells wurde ein Strukturgleichungsmodell formuliert, dessen Ergebnisse hier berichtet werden.

Ergebnisse

Die zentralen Annahmen des Prokrastination-Gesundheitsmodells konnten bestätigt werden. Ein hohes Maß an Prokrastination wirkt direkt auf die Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität und wirkt indirekt, sowohl über das Stresserleben als auch über die herabgesetzte Schlafqualität, auf das Befinden (Ängstlichkeit/Depressivität).

Schlussfolgerungen

Es erweist sich als sinnvoll, neben einer direkten gesundheitsbeeinträchtigenden Wirkung von Prokrastination auch die Auswirkungen vermittelt über das Stresserleben und das gesundheitsbezogene Verhalten in den Blick zu nehmen. Diese Ergebnisse müssen allerdings noch im Längsschnitt bestätigt werden.
A choice experiment for testing the energy-efficiency mortgage as a tool for promoting sustainable finance
Authors: Dell’Anna Federico , Marmolejo-Duarte Carlos , Bravi Marina , Bottero Marta
Published: May 2022

The challenges currently facing the EU in the energy sector include increasing import dependence, limited diversification, high and volatile energy prices, decarbonization, and slow progress in energy efficiency. EU energy policy has provided a wide range of measures to achieve an integrated energy market and sustainability of the building sector. Various incentives and financial instruments have been promoted and financed by governments to help consumers in energy retrofit processes. These include direct investments and fiscal, financial, and market instruments. Public measures have been widely studied but private initiatives have not. In this study, the energy-efficiency mortgage (EEM) is investigated as a credit scheme to attract young people to a real estate market for sustainable buildings, characterized by high sale prices. A choice experiment (CE) was modelled to investigate the preferences of potential young buyers of a new home. The results of this exploratory survey showed an appreciation of the purchase of new A-rated properties according to the Energy Performance Certificate, compared to those that need to be retrofitted or not retrofitted. Consumers like the option of a home energy efficiency renovation being fully managed by a third party (i.e., following the one-stop shop model). The key appeal of energy efficiency for consumers ranges from its ability to support better energy management, to better property value management. The EEM seems to be a promising tool to stimulate investments in energy efficiency and to promote the accessibility and affordability of housing in the sustainable housing market. The results of this study can help private financial institutions to propose appropriate credit plans, which limit the risk of default by the borrower. They can also help public incentive policymakers to propose complementary instruments to EEM.
The Conditional Effectiveness of Soft Law: Compliance with the Decisions of the Committee against Torture
Authors: von Staden Andreas
Published: May 2022

The article examines the record of compliance with the UN Committee against Torture’s decisions in individual complaints cases. Theoretically, I expect that compliance will be the outcome of a combination of normative and rationalist factors: States committed to human rights protection will comply even in the absence of enforcement but only as long as compliance costs remain relatively low. Using a data set covering all adverse decisions issued until 2018 and information on their compliance status, I employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify necessary and sufficient conditions for the outcomes of compliance and noncompliance. The analysis reveals that the conditions tested—liberal democracy, nonuse of political terror, violation type, and strong civil society—are in part individually (near-)necessary and jointly sufficient for compliance, while the presence of their complements is consistent with noncompliance. The Committee against Torture thus appears to be able to elicit (some) state compliance with its decisions, if mostly only with respect to certain kinds of states and select types of violations.
Valorisation of source-separated food waste to bioethanol: pilot-scale demonstration
Authors: Passadis K. , Christianides D. , Malamis D. , Barampouti E. M. , Mai S.
Published: May 2022

Food waste is a waste stream that is produced globally in huge amounts and therefore constitutes a major environmental concern. Additionally, the growing consumption of fossil fuels sets the need for alternative energy sources. To this end, in this paper, an holistic approach towards bioethanol production from source-separated food waste was studied as an effective strategy to cope with both issues. Source-separated food waste collected from a Greek Municipality was used as raw material. Two fermentation modes, separate hydrolysis and fermentation and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, were examined in laboratory and pilot scales with varying solids loadings. For separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) trials, the solids loading increase led to a significant ethanol yield reduction from 79 to 55 g/kg food waste, whereas for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), the ethanol yield was increased by 77% (from 62 to 110 g/kg food waste) as the solids loading was increased. This is also related to greater ethanol concentrations, which are beneficial in terms of technoeconomics. The lowest bioethanol production cost, 1.57 €/kg ethanol, was estimated for the scenario of SSF with 20% solids loading while for SHF the lowest production cost was achieved (4.40 €/kg ethanol) when 15% solids loading is applied. In most cases, the energy and enzyme costs presented the most pronounced impact on the total bioethanol cost. In conclusion, it was proved that the food waste valorisation towards bioethanol production is technically feasible on a pilot scale. However, further techno-economic factors of the whole value chain must also be taken into consideration while aiming to assess the viability of the process.