bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite‐horizon estimation for 2‐D systems with time‐correlated multiplicative noises: A recursive iterative coupled estimator design
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Yu , Xu Juanjuan , Gao Shiwei
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the state estimation problem for a class of two‐dimensional shift‐varying systems with time‐correlated multiplicative measurement noises and additive noises. The time‐correlated multiplicative noises can be described as a linear system model corrupted by white noise. The main objective of this paper is to propose a recursive iterative coupled new‐type estimators and design the estimated gain reasonably to guarantee the minimum error covariance at each step. First, two new‐type coupling estimators are designed by introducing a new term. The unbiasedness of the two estimators are guaranteed by resorting to the mathematical inductive approach. Subsequently, an effective estimation is proposed given initial conditions. Moreover, the boundedness performance is investigated of the error covariance, and an upper bound is given based on the spectral norm. Finally, two numerical example are presented as an example to show the effectiveness of the estimation algorithm.
Autonomous underwater vehicle link alignment control in unknown environments using reinforcement learning
Authors: Weng Yang , Chun Sehwa , Ohashi Masaki , Matsuda Takumi , Sekimori Yuki , Pajarinen Joni , Peters Jan , Maki Toshihiro
Published: April 2024

High‐speed underwater wireless optical communication holds immense promise in ocean monitoring and surveys, providing crucial support for the real‐time sharing of observational data collected by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). However, due to inaccurate target information and external interference in unknown environments, link alignment is challenging and needs to be addressed. In response to these challenges, we propose a reinforcement learning‐based alignment method to control the AUV to establish an optical link and maintain alignment. Our alignment control system utilizes a combination of sensors, including a depth sensor, Doppler velocity log (DVL), gyroscope, ultra‐short baseline device, and acoustic modem. These sensors are used in conjunction with a particle filter to observe the environment and estimate the AUV's state accurately. The soft actor‐critic algorithm is used to train a reinforcement learning‐based controller in a simulated environment to reduce pointing errors and energy consumption in alignment. After experimental validation in simulation, we deployed the controller on an actual AUV called Tri‐TON. In experiments at sea, Tri‐TON maintained the link and angular pointing errors within 1 m and , respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed alignment control method can establish underwater optical communication between AUV fleets, thus improving the efficiency of marine surveys.
Puttybot: A sensorized robot for autonomous putty plastering
Authors: Liu Zhao , Chen Dayuan , Eldosoky Mahmoud A. , Ye Zefeng , Jiang Xin , Liu Yunhui , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: April 2024

Plastering is dominated manually, exhibiting low levels of automation and inconsistent finished quality. A comprehensive review of literature indicates that extant plastering robots demonstrate a subpar performance when tasked with rectifying defects in the transition area. The limitations encompass a lack of capacity to independently evaluate the quality of work or perform remedial plastering procedures. To address this issue, this research describes the system design of the Puttybot and a paradigm of plastering to solve the stated problems. The Puttybot consists of a mobile chassis, a lift platform, and a macro/micromanipulator. The force‐controlled scraper parameters have been calibrated to dynamically modify their rigidity in response to the applied putty. This strategy utilizes convolutional neural networks to identify plastering defects and executes the plastering operation with force feedback. This paradigm's effectiveness was validated during an autonomous plastering trial wherein a large‐scale wall was processed without human involvement.
Connectivity graph‐codes
Authors: Alon Noga
Published: April 2024

The symmetric difference of two graphs on the same set of vertices is the graph on whose set of edges are all edges that belong to exactly one of the two graphs . For a fixed graph call a collection of spanning subgraphs of a connectivity code for if the symmetric difference of any two distinct subgraphs in is a connected spanning subgraph of . It is easy to see that the maximum possible cardinality of such a collection is at most , where is the edge‐connectivity of and is its minimum degree. We show that equality holds for any ‐regular (mild) expander, and observe that equality does not hold in several natural examples including any large cubic graph, the square of a long cycle and products of a small clique with a long cycle.
Can green technology mergers and acquisitions enhance sustainable development? Evidence from ESG ratings
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Ziyuan , Sheng Anqi , Zhang Longyu , Kan Yiwen
Published: April 2024

In order to better understand the impact of green technology mergers and acquisitions (GTMA) on sustainable development, the difference‐in‐differences model is applied to investigate the direct impact and underlying mechanisms of GTMA on the environment, society, and governance (ESG) in China. Additionally, we established a two‐dimensional framework of “market versus government” to analyze the heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) GTMA is positively aligned with greater ESG performance, indicating that GTMA is an effective way to enhance sustainable development. (2) GTMA fosters ESG performance by boosting green subsidies (i.e., signal transmission channel), lowering financing costs (i.e., impression management channel), and enhancing green innovation (i.e., technology synergy channel). (3) The positive relationship is largely dependent on the collaborative supervision environment (i.e., “strong” market and “strong” government) and the appropriate policy environment (i.e., “big” market and “small” government). (4) Furthermore, GTMA carries significant spillover effects, with other enterprises in the same industry improving their ESG performance. Additionally, this paper proposes targeted directions for the government and enterprises to take advantage of GTMA dividends to realize superior ESG performance.
Does digitalisation help achieve (selected) socio‐economic SDGs? Evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Abbas Syed Ali , Zaman Asif
Published: April 2024

This study examines the impact of digitalisation on achieving the selected socio‐economic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of [1] no poverty, [8] economic growth and [10] reducing inequality—set out in 2015 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly—in emerging economies. Employing the least square estimation technique on panel data of 18 emerging economies (listed by the International Monetary Fund) for the period, 2002–2020, the study finds that digitalisation significantly improves growth and reduces poverty and inequality, helping emerging economies achieve the (selected socio‐economic) UN SDGs. Moreover, the study offers important policy recommendations to achieve the respective UN SDGs.
Exploring LGBTQ+ equality in India: A comprehensive examination from anthropological and legal perspectives
Authors: Kaur Lovepreet
Published: April 2024

This research paper meticulously traces the historical trajectory and contemporary landscape of LGBT rights in India, comprehensively examining legislative advancements, pivotal judicial rulings, and societal paradigms. It underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing human rights over entrenched societal norms, particularly in the context of including transgender individuals as equal and integral members of society. The imposition of stringent moral standards has historically curtailed freedom of choice and expression, disproportionately impacting the marginalized queer community. This study endeavors to explore the multifaceted evolution of LGBT rights within historical contexts and assesses the practical accessibility of these rights as guaranteed by Constitutional Law, case law, and other pertinent legislations. Through a nuanced analysis, this research scrutinizes the extent to which societal perceptions, cultural shifts, and policy changes have influenced the inclusion and acceptance of the LGBT community. Additionally, it aims to illuminate persisting issues that continue to be disregarded or inadequately addressed, including healthcare disparities, socio‐economic inequalities, and cultural stigma.
The Behavior of ε‐Carbides and Their Influence on Residual Stress
Authors: Yan Chengbo , Ding Wenhong , Liang Liang , Liu Xuhui , Yang Yan , Wang Hongbin , Xiao Shaolin , Yang Wenzhi
Published: April 2024

During low‐temperature tempering of wear‐resistant steel, ε‐carbide precipitation can effectively relax residual stress, and its microscopic mechanism is currently unclear. To reveal the stress relaxation mechanism during ε‐carbide precipitation, density functional theory calculations are combined with experiments to explore the ε‐carbide growth behavior and the stress evolution. The results show that ε‐carbide precipitation includes two stages: ε‐precursor formation and ε‐carbide nucleation, and ε‐carbide is in situ nucleated from ε‐precursor matrix. The precipitation‐induced stress relaxation behavior mainly occurs in the early stage of ε‐precursor formation and ε‐carbide nucleation. The early stage of ε‐precursor formation and ε‐carbide precipitation can relax the residual stress to 35.73% and 27.07%, respectively.
Opening and out‐of‐plane shear fracture performance of steel and natural sisal hybrid fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Sreekumaran Sreenath , Krishna Arathi , Karuppanan Kathiresan
Published: April 2024

The key objective in developing sustainable concrete is enhancing performance by mitigating adverse environmental effects simultaneously. Using short and discrete steel fibers to reinforce the concrete matrices is a widely accepted approach to improve the ductility of concrete. Although the utilization of traditional steel fibers enhances the strength of the concrete, it simultaneously leads to an increase in its weight. Also, the production of steel fibers is an energy‐intensive and carbon‐emitting process. To attain sustainability, it is imperative to reduce the use of steel fibers by including a suitable alternative through the hybridization of fiber reinforcements. The concrete developed in this study was composed of a ternary blended binder containing Ordinary Portland Cement, Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag and Microsilica. Fibers were hybridized by partially replacing 25%, 50%, and 75% of steel fibers with natural sisal fibers. Mixes reinforced with 100% steel fibers and 100% sisal fibers were also assessed for better understanding. Basic properties such as workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength were assessed. Fracture performance of the prepared mixes under pure and mixed, opening, and tearing modes of loading was also assessed by conducting disc bending tests. It can be observed from the results that, steel fibers can be replaced with sisal fibers up to 25% of the total fiber volume without greatly compromising the workability, strength and fracture performance of concrete. Hence, hybridizing steel fibers with sisal fibers can be considered a viable option to reduce the overall weight of the structural components, which can further help reduce the environmental impacts and overall cost of concrete production.
Unique diet and Philonema sp. infections in reservoir-rearing juvenile Chinook Salmon
Authors: Larson Marina S. , Choudhury Anindo , Gardner Ethan N. , Konstantinidis Peter , Murphy Christina A. , Kent Michael L. , Peterson James T. , Couch Claire E.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Dams and reservoirs can alter juvenile growth and survival of migratory salmonids through several physical and biological mechanisms. Juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that are produced upstream of large hydropower dams may have associated passage mortality, but the reservoirs created by these dams can support rapid growth. Characterizing the biotic drivers of growth and mortality in reservoirs may aid in understanding the cumulative effects of river impoundments on migratory salmonid populations. The purpose of this study was to understand how reservoirs facilitate rapid growth in juvenile Chinook Salmon.

Methods

We analyzed stomach contents to determine diet composition throughout the summer and fall. We also recorded prevalence of the parasitic nematode Philonema sp. in the coeloms of fish.

Result

We found that juvenile Chinook Salmon frequently consumed young-of-year centrarchids, which likely contributed to rapid growth. Piscivory was highest from July through October and decreased with surface temperature from November through December. Correspondingly, zooplankton and arthropod consumption increased in November and December. Prevalence of visible Philonema sp. infections in the coelom was high (34.6%), negatively associated with time, and nonlinearly associated with fork length.

Conclusion

These findings reveal unique diet patterns and suggest potential parasite-associated mortality in reservoir-rearing Chinook Salmon, but more detailed studies across a longer time scale are needed to robustly assess the population-level effects of this parasite.
Optimization Design of DC Electromagnet Coil Considering the Power Consumption and Cost
Authors: Song Yanhe , Yang Liu , Chen Xin , Zhou Wentao , Qiu Tiechao , Hao Yueyue , Ai Chao , Kong Xiangdong
Published: April 2024

Electromagnet coil is mainly composed of enameled wire which wound on the coil skeleton, and the function is to convert the electrical signal into a magnetic signal, which is a very important electric‐magnetic conversion element. When designing the electromagnet coil, usually only the total winding turns and winding inner diameter can be calculated, and the specific design parameters such as the diameter of copper wire, paint layer thickness, and winding turns of each layer can only be selected through experience, indicating that the design method should be improved. In addition, the unreasonable design parameters will seriously affect the power consumption and cost of coil, so it is highly necessary to improve the optimization design method. In order to solve the above problems, an optimization design method for DC electromagnet coil is proposed in this paper. This method simultaneously takes into account both power consumption and manufacturing cost, and can achieve the optimal matching of design parameters. In this paper, the structure of electromagnet coil is introduced, and the theoretical calculation model of resistance is improved first. Then, according to the expected requirements of electromagnet coil for steady current, the optimization design method is proposed and the optimal design parameters are obtained. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed optimization design method is verified by the test platform of electromagnet coil. The results show that the electromagnet coil designed by the optimization design method fully meets the expected requirements. The relevant research results can provide reference for the optimization design of electromagnet coil, which has a certain engineering practical value. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Betaine ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis through the modulation of AMPK/Nrf2/TGF‐β expression
Authors: Singh Sumeet Kumar , Yadav Poonam , Patel Dhaneshvaree , Tanwar Sampat Singh , Sherawat Abhishek , Khurana Amit , Bhatti Jasvinder Singh , Navik Umashanker
Published: April 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic with potent anti‐cancer activity. Nevertheless, despite having effective anti‐neoplasm activity, its use has been clinically restricted due to its life‐threatening side effects, such as cardiotoxicity. It is evident that betaine has anti‐oxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activity and has several beneficial effects, such as decreasing the amyloid‐β generation, reducing obesity, improving steatosis and fibrosis, and activating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, whether betaine could mitigate DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy is still unexplored. Cardiomyopathy was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats using DOX (4 mg/kg dose with a cumulative dose of 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Further, betaine (200 and 400 mg/kg) was co‐treated with DOX through oral gavage for 28 days. After the completion of the study, several biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, western blotting, and qRT‐PCR were performed. Betaine treatment significantly reduced CK‐MB, LDH, SGOT, and triglyceride levels, which are associated with cardiotoxicity. DOX‐induced increased oxidative stress was also mitigated by betaine intervention as the SOD, catalase, MDA, and nitrite levels were restored. The histopathological investigation also confirmed the cardioprotective effect of betaine against DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy as the tissue injury was reversed. Further, molecular analysis revealed that betaine suppressed the DOX‐induced increased expression of phospho‐p53, phospho‐p38 MAPK, NF‐kB p65, and PINK 1 with an upregulation of AMPK and downregulation of Nrf2 expression. Interestingly, qRT‐PCR experiments show that betaine treatment alleviates the DOX‐induced increase in inflammatory (TNF‐α, NLRP3, and IL‐6) and fibrosis (TGF‐β and Acta2) related gene expression, halting the cardiac injury. Interestingly, betaine also improves the mRNA expression of Nrf2, thus modulating the expression of antioxidant proteins and preventing oxidative damage. Here, we provide the first evidence that betaine treatment prevents DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis by regulating AMPK/Nrf2/TGF‐β expression. We believe that betaine can be utilized as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for preventing DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
The Development and Institutionalization of Urban Agriculture Policy: Emerging Governance Models in Three Norwegian Cities
Authors: Saglie Inger-Lise
Published: April 2024

Urban agriculture has been closely associated with citizen activism and voluntary work based on local bottom-up initiatives. However, municipalities have been interested in urban agriculture, and this chapter presents the development of public policies and the main actors in three cities, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. They show many common traits in institutionalization of urban agriculture policy. But there are also differences particularly between role of voluntary groups and bottom-up and top-down processes, degree of networking, relationship to ordinary peri-urban agriculture and new forms of urban agriculture, and the implementation of urban agriculture in plans. Oslo shows a politically driven implementation through traditional participatory methods with plans and visions for developing urban agriculture as a social activity in green/urban spaces and as new ways of professional production of food in dense urban areas. In Bergen, the voluntary sector has an active role as co-creators of policy through political activism and participation in strategy development and in running competence center. In Trondheim, the policy is co-produced with the growers each year based on their experiences, and the connection to ordinary, professional agriculture is strong. While Oslo and Bergen have developed strategies for developing urban agriculture, Trondheim has consciously chosen not to do so.
Cultivating Publicness Through Urban Agriculture: Learning from Aarhus and Rotterdam
Authors: Murphy Melissa Anna , Grabalov Pavel
Published: April 2024

This chapter sets out to explore how urban agriculture can contribute to the development of the capabilities of gardeners and the larger urban community. Our study of cases in Aarhus (Denmark) and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) aimed to understand how different municipalities facilitate urban agriculture and how different urban agriculture initiatives perform in public space. In the analysis of the initiatives, we drew on a conceptualization of publicness focused on interactions in and products from physical space that link people. With an emphasis on a definition of public that is greater than the gardeners involved in each initiative, we identify four trajectories in urban agriculture’s public service, which include increasing access and animation in public space, contributing to social services, producing and distributing food, and building communities to spread cultivation knowledge. These trajectories structure our presentation and discussion of selected urban agriculture initiatives. While not mutually exclusive, the four areas of service place different strains upon the public space ideal of physical access. We find that food production and social services may be little suited for urban spaces that demand high levels of public access, though these benefits can reach broad public if localized and facilitated appropriately.
Afterword
Authors: Bull Susan , Parker Michael
Published: April 2024

This casebook offers a window into important aspects of the ethical landscapes that researchers, communities, health professionals, policy makers – and ethicists – had to navigate during the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cases presented in this casebook are inevitably a selection informed by and constrained by the processes through which they were sought, and by the pandemic itself. Additional cases could valuably complement all the thematic chapters in this casebook. In addition, this casebook calls for a broader approach to research ethics, both in terms of the issues to be considered, and the range of stakeholders having ethical responsibilities relating to the conduct of research. However a broad range of stakeholders have differing values, remits, authorities and capacities to exercise power in pandemic contexts, and in many situations, exercises of power, and their impact on research, are not direct and explicit. As such they are less amenable to clear representation in real-world cases, highlighting the importance of complementing discussions of the cases in this casebook with conceptual literature. Reflection on the research that has not been conducted is also critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has reemphasized that global health emergencies are never only about health. The wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic on economies, employment, education and a range of socially and culturally important activities, accentuates the importance of an equally comprehensive research agenda, which goes beyond a narrow conception of ‘health’, and addresses a broad range of pandemic impacts on populations. A further way in which we believe debate on pandemic research ethics both could and should be broadened is in relation to aspects of pandemic science beyond those relating to ‘response’. Inevitably, in the context of an emerging and continuing pandemic, scientific research attention has tended to focus on interventions that can enable more effective responses. However pandemic science can be thought of as divisible into four interdependent and overlapping domains: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Research is essential to the development, evaluation, and deployment of interventions in each of these domains and effective, valuable, trustworthy and trusted research will require ethical questions to be identified and addressed. This chapter concludes by inviting the connection of additional cases and conceptual resources to this casebook, to enhance and expand the themes and topics covered.
Adapting and Adaptive Research
Authors: Smith Maxwell J.
Published: April 2024

Research conducted during epidemics may warrant adaptations or adaptive designs owing to practical constraints, time pressures, uncertainty, the importance of flexibility, and the potential for research to detract from epidemic response. Adapting research entails choosing different research designs or methods if research goals, contexts or constraints justify or require a different approach. Adaptive research, by contrast, is a type of research that prospectively plans for modifications after research has been initiated, while maintaining the validity and integrity of the research. While adaptation and adaptive designs introduce an important degree of flexibility to research conducted during epidemics and help to address research objectives and constraints, adaptation and adaptive designs require close ethical scrutiny and are no different from other research in that they are expected to align with universally accepted ethical standards. Important ethical questions exist regarding the conditions that justify adaptations to research, the kinds of adaptive research designs that can be ethically justified, and how ethics review bodies ought to evaluate such novel approaches to research in epidemic contexts. The five cases included in this chapter prompt reflection on the ethical considerations and implications of adapting research in response to epidemic-related risks and the public health measures deployed in response to those risks, as well as the ethical implications of not adapting research in such contexts. These cases also highlight ethical questions and issues arising during the conduct of adaptive trials, including when treatments under study, treatment doses, sample size, and other study features are reviewed in response to evolving evidence. This chapter invites reflection on these key ethical dimensions when considering adaptive designs and adaptations to standard research procedures during epidemics. What these cases make clear is that adaptive designs and adaptations to research do not reduce the need for rigorous scientific evaluation and adherence to universal ethical standards, and must be explicitly ethically justified and reviewed through transparent and inclusive processes.
Semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes
Authors: Steinke Günter F.
Published: April 2024

Semi-classical geometries have been investigated in the context of 2-dimensional affine planes, projective planes, Möbius planes and Laguerre planes. Here we deal with the case of 2-dimensional Minkowski planes. Semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes are obtained by pasting together two halves of the classical real Minkowski plane along two circles or parallel classes. By solving some functional equations for the functions that describe the pasting we determine all semi-classical 2-dimensional Minkowski planes. In contrast to the rich variety of other semi-classical planes there are only very few models of such Minkowski planes.
Mean curvature flow with generic initial data
Authors: Chodosh Otis , Choi Kyeongsu , Mantoulidis Christos , Schulze Felix
Published: April 2024

We show that the mean curvature flow of generic closed surfaces in $\mathbb{R}^{3}$

R
3

avoids asymptotically conical and non-spherical compact singularities. We also show that the mean curvature flow of generic closed low-entropy hypersurfaces in $\mathbb{R}^{4}$

R
4

is smooth until it disappears in a round point. The main technical ingredient is a long-time existence and uniqueness result for ancient mean curvature flows that lie on one side of asymptotically conical or compact shrinking solitons.
Outcomes of a cementless onlay short stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty in elderly patients: a comprehensive analysis of clinical and radiological findings
Authors: Claro Rui , Sousa Arnaldo , Silva Eurico , Barros Luís Henrique
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of a short stem reverse shoulder prosthesis with metaphyseal fixation specifically in older patients.

Methods

All patients, older than 70 years, submitted to a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) using a cementless onlay short stem (Aequalis Ascend™ Flex Convertible Shoulder System (Stryker®)) from January 2017 to December 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, were included. Postoperative radiographs were assessed for stem loosening, subsidence, and varus-valgus tilt. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain, constant score, complication rate and revision rate were also analysed.

Results

A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 75 years (range 71–83 years) were submitted to a cementless onlay short stem RSA with a Bone Increased Off-Set (BIO-RSA) construct. The mean follow-up period was 61 months (range 54–87). Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed for the constant score and range of motion from the preoperative state to final follow-up. One case exhibited a significant varus deviation (> 5˚) during the follow-up period. No case of stem loosening was identified. There was only one case of complication because of post-traumatic dislocation, but the stem didn’t need revision.

Conclusion

Short stem RSA, even in patients older than 70 years, can yield a stable fixation with a good clinical and radiological outcome at short-medium term follow-up.

Level of Evidence

Level III; Retrospective Study
A variety-specific analysis of climate change effects on California winegrapes
Authors: Parker Lauren E. , Zhang Ning , Abatzoglou John T. , Kisekka Isaya , McElrone Andrew J. , Ostoja Steven M.
Published: April 2024

California contains a broad geography over which climate conditions can be suitable for cultivating multiple varieties of winegrapes. However, climate change is projected to make winegrape cultivation more challenging across many of California’s winegrowing regions. In order to understand the potential effects of climate change on winegrapes, this study models variety-specific phenology for six winegrape varieties and quantifies the change in phenology and viticulturally-important agroclimate metrics over 12 of California’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) by the mid-21st century. Results show more rapid development for winegrapes with earlier budburst, flowering, veraison, and maturation across all varieties and AVAs. Cabernet Sauvignon shows the greatest change in phenology timing, while Chardonnay shows the least change. Likewise, the West Sonoma Coast AVA shows the greatest average change in phenology timing across varieties and development stages and Lodi AVA shows the least. Projected changes in agroclimatic metrics include an additional month of potentially damaging heat days (above 35 °C) in some AVAs, and decreases in frost days. These results have implications for numerous factors related to viticultural production, including water resources management and crop yield and quality, and underscore the need for California winegrape growers to improve their resilience to climate change by adopting strategies such as increasing soil health and water use efficiency and selecting cultivars suited for future climate conditions. By conducting climate effects analyses at the variety-specific and AVA scale, important information is provided to the winegrowing industry at a resolution that can support decision-making towards resilience.
Improving quality of life after breast cancer: a comparison of two microsurgical treatment options for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)
Authors: Seidenstuecker Katrin , Fertsch Sonia , Ghazaleh Alina A. , Fabi Adriano , Stoffel Julia , Bukowiecki Julia , Wolter Andreas , Aghlmandi Soheila , Nadella Anshoo , Halbeisen Florian S. , Andree Christoph , Haug Martin D. , Schaefer Dirk J. , Handschin Tristan M. , Kappos Elisabeth A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) entails the autologous relocation of lymph nodes to a lymphedematous region of the body, whereas lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) creates a direct bypass between the lymphatic and venous system. Both techniques are meant to lastingly bolster the local lymphatic drainage capacity. This study compared safety and effectiveness of VLNT and LVA in patients with chronic breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from our encrypted database composed of patients with chronic BCRL who were treated with either VLNT or LVA and had a minimum follow-up of two years. Patient-specific variables analyzed included pre- and postoperative arm circumferences, lymphedema stages and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 96 patients demonstrated a complete follow-up period of two years. The VLNT group displayed larger preoperative circumferential measurements, evident in both in the isolated examination of the affected arm, as well as when adjusted for the contralateral unaffected arm. Significant reduction in arm volume was achieved by both groups. However, VLNT demonstrated superior relative reduction rates than LVA, neutralizing any significant arm size disparities after 24 months. Surgery duration was slightly longer for VLNT than LVA. Postoperative complications, predominantly minor, were exclusively observed in the VLNT group.

Conclusions

Both VLNT and LVA offer significant improvement for patients suffering from chronic BCRL. VLNT shows an even greater potential for improvement in more severe cases of BCRL, but involves a higher risk for (mostly minor) complications.
Observations of golden eagles attacking and consuming wolf pups
Authors: Fernández-Gil Alberto , Carral José M. , Barrientos Luis M. , García Laurentino , Benito Laura , de Gabriel Hernando Miguel
Published: April 2024

Although lethal interactions between wolves and other apex carnivores have been reported for a handful of species, the killing or consumption of wolves by free-ranging golden eagles has rarely been reported. Here, we present four opportunistic field observations documenting the consumption of a wolf pup by free-ranging golden eagles and predatory behavior of eagles towards wolf pups. Although we could not confirm the killing and consumption of wolves by eagles in a single predatory event, actual predation seems plausible based on our observations. We hypothesize that these intraguild apex predators’ interactions, consisting on a smaller raptor predator attacking or consuming a lager mammal and social predator, are rare events, but provide valuable information on potential relationships across keystone apex predators.
Inconsistencies in rater-based assessments mainly affect borderline candidates: but using simple heuristics might improve pass-fail decisions
Authors: Schauber Stefan K. , Olsen Anne O. , Werner Erik L. , Magelssen Morten
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Research in various areas indicates that expert judgment can be highly inconsistent. However, expert judgment is indispensable in many contexts. In medical education, experts often function as examiners in rater-based assessments. Here, disagreement between examiners can have far-reaching consequences. The literature suggests that inconsistencies in ratings depend on the level of performance a to-be-evaluated candidate shows. This possibility has not been addressed deliberately and with appropriate statistical methods. By adopting the theoretical lens of ecological rationality, we evaluate if easily implementable strategies can enhance decision making in real-world assessment contexts.

Methods

We address two objectives. First, we investigate the dependence of rater-consistency on performance levels. We recorded videos of mock-exams and had examiners (N=10) evaluate four students’ performances and compare inconsistencies in performance ratings between examiner-pairs using a bootstrapping procedure. Our second objective is to provide an approach that aids decision making by implementing simple heuristics.

Results

We found that discrepancies were largely a function of the level of performance the candidates showed. Lower performances were rated more inconsistently than excellent performances. Furthermore, our analyses indicated that the use of simple heuristics might improve decisions in examiner pairs.

Discussion

Inconsistencies in performance judgments continue to be a matter of concern, and we provide empirical evidence for them to be related to candidate performance. We discuss implications for research and the advantages of adopting the perspective of ecological rationality. We point to directions both for further research and for development of assessment practices.
Secretary bird optimization algorithm: a new metaheuristic for solving global optimization problems
Authors: Fu Youfa , Liu Dan , Chen Jiadui , He Ling
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a novel population-based metaheuristic algorithm called secretary bird optimization algorithm (SBOA), inspired by the survival behavior of secretary birds in their natural environment. Survival for secretary birds involves continuous hunting for prey and evading pursuit from predators. This information is crucial for proposing a new metaheuristic algorithm that utilizes the survival abilities of secretary birds to address real-world optimization problems. The algorithm's exploration phase simulates secretary birds hunting snakes, while the exploitation phase models their escape from predators. During this phase, secretary birds observe the environment and choose the most suitable way to reach a secure refuge. These two phases are iteratively repeated, subject to termination criteria, to find the optimal solution to the optimization problem. To validate the performance of SBOA, experiments were conducted to assess convergence speed, convergence behavior, and other relevant aspects. Furthermore, we compared SBOA with 15 advanced algorithms using the CEC-2017 and CEC-2022 benchmark suites. All test results consistently demonstrated the outstanding performance of SBOA in terms of solution quality, convergence speed, and stability. Lastly, SBOA was employed to tackle 12 constrained engineering design problems and perform three-dimensional path planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The results demonstrate that, compared to contrasted optimizers, the proposed SBOA can find better solutions at a faster pace, showcasing its significant potential in addressing real-world optimization problems.
Robust assessment of life insurance products
Authors: Bernard Carole , De Vecchi Corrado , Vanduffel Steven
Published: April 2024

In this paper we propose a robust assessment for the premium of a standard life insurance contract with respect to the uncertainty on the estimated residual lifetime distribution function. Specifically, we provide a method to derive the range of values that the premium of a given contract can attain when considering all residual lifetime distribution functions that satisfy an $$L^2$$

L
2

distance constraint to a reference distribution function. Furthermore, we show that the $$L^2$$

L
2

distance constraint can be used as flexible starting point to include further information regarding future mortality.
Spatially limited pathogen pollution in an invasive tick and host system
Authors: De Jesus Carrie E. , Harman Madison E. A. , Sutton Amber , Bredin Stephen , Romagosa Christina M. , Wisely Samantha M.
Published: April 2024

Expansion of global commerce has facilitated pathogen pollution via the transportation and translocation of invasive species and their associated parasites and pathogens. In Florida, imported cane toads (Rhinella horribilis) were accidentally and intentionally released on multiple occasions. Early populations were found to be infested with the invasive tick, Amblyomma rotundatum, yet it is unknown if these ticks dispersed with their hosts as cane toads spread throughout much of the state. The objectives of our investigation were to (1) determine if there are fewer tick infestations on toads at the periphery than at the core of their distribution as predicted by founder effect events, and (2) identify if ticks were infected with exotic pathogens. We captured toads from 10 populations across Florida. We collected ticks, vent tissue, and tick attachment site tissue from each toad, then tested samples for bacteria in the genus, Rickettsia. We found that 3/10 populations had toads that were infested with A. rotundatum, and infested individuals were in the earliest introduced populations at the core of their distribution. Pathogen testing confirmed Rickettisa bellii in ticks, but not in toad tissues. Haplotype networks could not clearly distinguish if R. bellii in Florida was more closely related to North or South American strains, but host-tick associations suggest that the pathogen was exotic to Florida. Our investigation demonstrated that an invasive species facilitated the introduction of parasites and pathogens into Florida, yet the invasive tick species encountered limitations to dispersal on this host species.
Elongin B promotes breast cancer progression by ubiquitinating tumor suppressor p14/ARF
Authors: Sui Xin-Yi , Ma Xiao-Yan , Hou Yujin , Cao Shuo-Wen , Wang Zhi-Qing , Jia Li-Jun , Fan Lei , Shao Zhi-Ming , Zhang Wen-Juan
Published: April 2024

Elongin B (ELOB), a pivotal element in the ELOB/c-Cullin2/5-SOCS-box E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex, plays a significant role in catalyzing the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of a broad spectrum of target proteins. Notably, it is documented to facilitate these processes. However, the regulatory role of ELOB in breast cancer remains ambiguous. In this study, through bio-informatic analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center database, we demonstrated that ELOB was over-expressed in breast cancer tissues and was related to unfavorable prognosis. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis illustrated that high expression of ELOB was associated with multiple cancer promoting pathways, like cell cycle, DNA replication, proteasome and PI3K − Akt signaling pathway, indicating ELOB as a potential anticancer target. Then, we confirmed that both in vivo and in vitro, the proliferation of breast cancer cells could be significantly suppressed by the down-regulation of ELOB. Mechanically, immunoprecipitation and in vivo ubiquitination assays prompted that, as the core element of Cullin2-RBX1-ELOB E3 ligase (CRL2) complex, ELOB regulated the ubiquitination and the subsequent degradation of oncoprotein p14/ARF. Moreover, the anticancer efficacy of erasing ELOB could be rescued by simultaneous knockdown of p14/ARF. Finally, through analyzing breast cancer tissue microarrays and western blot of patient samples, we demonstrated that the expression of ELOB in tumor tissues was elevated in compared to adjacent normal tissues. In conclusion, ELOB is identified to be a promising innovative target for the drug development of breast cancer by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of oncoprotein p14/ARF.

Graphical headlights

ELOB is highly expressed in breast cancer.

High ELOB levels were positively associated with poor prognosis.

ELOB promotes p14/ARF degradation as part of the Cullin2-RBX1-ELOB E3 ligase complex.

ELOB is a promising biomarker for breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Robust inversion of 1D magnetotelluric data using the Huber loss function
Authors: Desifatma Elfitra , Djaja I. Gede Putu Fadjar Soerya , Pratomo Prihandhanu Mukti , Supriyadi  , Mustopa Enjang Jaenal , Evita Maria , Djamal Mitra , Srigutomo Wahyu
Published: April 2024

In this study, a robust 1D inversion was performed on magnetotelluric (MT) data by utilizing the Huber loss function to avoid misleading interpretation of results, which is caused by the presence of outliers in the data. The MT method utilizes the ratio between the electric field (E) and the magnetic field (H), which are perpendicular to each other, to obtain impedance values (Z). These values are used to extract subsurface information in the form of electrical resistivity variations with depth. In the study, forward modeling of the 1D MT responses was conducted by recursively calculating Z values. Robust inversion was performed using the Huber loss function as an objective function to minimize the difference between the calculated and observed data. The Huber loss function combines the squared loss and the absolute loss to anticipate the presence of outliers in MT observation data. The robust inversion was performed on synthetic data with additional noise and field data. The inversion process utilized 50 layers with a thickness of 500 m, a hyperparameter $$\varvec{\delta }= 5\times {10}^{-2}$$

δ

=
5
×

10

-
2

, $$\lambda =0.01$$

λ
=
0.01

, and $${\lambda }_{t}=100$$

λ
t

=
100

. The number of iterations used was 500 for inversions that used synthetic data and 3000 for inversions that used field data. The robust inversion scheme using the Huber loss function successfully overcame the presence of outliers and accurately estimated the actual model parameters, both for synthetic data and field data that contained outliers. The misfit was relatively small and close to zero, indicating that the inversion code works well.
Framing adequate digital competence in early childhood education
Authors: Masoumi Davoud , Bourbour Maryam
Published: April 2024

Developing children’s abilities to act safely, respectfully, and responsibly in digital environments has been an essential component of educational systems for all ages. This study aims to explore what adequate digital competence is in early childhood education and how preschool teachers characterise young children’s adequate digital competence. The research seeks to address these questions by conducting in-depth interviews with 13 preschool teachers at three preschools in Sweden. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis in accordance with the Grounded Theory perspective.

Preschool teachers characterize adequate digital competence in early childhood education as more than just a skillful and safe use of digital technologies. The study reveals seven key themes in which preschool teachers characterise children’s adequate digital competence: (a) to become familiar with digital technologies; (b) to dare try digital technologies; (c) to use digital technologies; (d) to have a critical approach toward digital technologies; (e) to have ethical media competence, which includes moral, formal, and legal responsibilities; (f) to have problem-solving skills; (g) and to be producer, not just a consumer of digital technologies. By framing and exemplifying children’s adequate digital competence, the findings of this study offer a potential framework for preschools and preschool teachers to foster children’s digital competences at an appropriate level.