bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting space–time patterns of disease risk under dynamic background population
Authors: Hohl Alexander , Tang Wenwu , Casas Irene , Shi Xun , Delmelle Eric
Published: April 2022

We are able to collect vast quantities of spatiotemporal data due to recent technological advances. Exploratory space–time data analysis approaches can facilitate the detection of patterns and formation of hypotheses about their driving processes. However, geographic patterns of social phenomena like crime or disease are driven by the underlying population. This research aims for incorporating temporal population dynamics into spatial analysis, a key omission of previous methods. As population data are becoming available at finer spatial and temporal granularity, we are increasingly able to capture the dynamic patterns of human activity. In this paper, we modify the space–time kernel density estimation method by accounting for spatially and temporally dynamic background populations (ST-DB), assess the benefits of considering the temporal dimension and finally, compare ST-DB to its purely spatial counterpart. We delineate clusters and compare them, as well as their significance, across multiple parameter configurations. We apply ST-DB to an outbreak of dengue fever in Cali, Colombia during 2010–2011. Our results show that incorporating the temporal dimension improves our ability to delineate significant clusters. This study addresses an urgent need in the spatiotemporal analysis literature by using population data at high spatial and temporal resolutions.
Real-world safety and effectiveness of nivolumab for advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japan: a post-marketing surveillance
Authors: Uemura Hirotsugu , Tomita Yoshihiko , Nonomura Norio , Yoshizaki Kenji , Nakao Takafumi , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: April 2022

Background

This all-case post-marketing surveillance (PMS) evaluated the real-world safety and effectiveness of nivolumab monotherapy in Japanese patients with un-resectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

This multicenter, open-label, non-interventional, observational PMS study (registered from August 2016 to January 2017) was conducted in patients who were newly initiated on nivolumab monotherapy. Assessments included treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of special interest, patient characteristics affecting safety, and effectiveness over 12 months.

Results

Overall, 580 patients were enrolled; 555 and 554 patients comprised the safety and effectiveness analysis sets, respectively. The median (range) age of the population was 66 (14–90) years. Nivolumab was initiated as 1st-, 2nd-, and ≥ 3rd-line treatment in 0.2%, 42.0%, and 57.8% of patients, respectively. TRAEs were reported in 275 (49.5%) patients. The most common TRAEs of special interest included thyroid dysfunction (9.5%), hepatic dysfunction (8.6%), and interstitial lung disease (6.7%). The incidence of TRAEs was significantly higher in elderly patients (≥ 65 vs < 65 years; ≥ 75 vs < 75 years); patients with lower C-reactive protein levels (< 5 vs ≥ 5 mg/dL); and patients with vs without a past medical history, including hepatic, thyroid, and autoimmune diseases. The 6- and 12-month survival rates were 71.8% and 57.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

The safety profile of nivolumab monotherapy in Japanese patients with advanced RCC was similar to that in the phase 3 CheckMate 025 trial. No new safety signals were observed in this study.
Re-assessing Middle Nubian cultural constructs through ceramic petrography
Authors: de Souza Aaron M. , Ownby Mary F.
Published: April 2022

This study employs ceramic petrography to establish if the existing typology-based divisions for the so-called Middle Nubian cultures can be related to variations in Nubian ceramic technologies during the mid-second millennium BC (c. 1800–1550 BC). Raw materials, paste recipes, and firing technology are analyzed to identify similarities and differences between the C-Group, Pan-Grave, and Kerma ceramic traditions. Three distinct fabric groups could be identified. Each corresponds, suggestively, to one of the existing cultural units. It is proposed that these variations reflect different approaches to resource acquisition and processing as well as distinct firing processes. Although these technological groups may relate to chronology and subsistence strategies, more evidence is needed before directly linking ceramic technologies to cultural units.
PrEP uptake and delivery setting preferences among clients visiting six healthcare facilities in Eswatini
Authors: Inghels Maxime , Kim Hae-Young , Tanser Frank , Hettema Anita , McMahon Shannon A. , Oldenburg Catherine E. , Matse Sindy , Kohler Stefan , Geldsetzer Pascal , Bärnighausen Till
Published: April 2022

Due to the high HIV incidence among the general population of Eswatini, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-exposed individuals is recommended. However, little is known about PrEP uptake and preferences in PrEP delivery healthcare setting among the general population. We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized trial that aimed to increase PrEP uptake. All clients eligible for PrEP in one of six public-sector healthcare facilities in Eswatini were included. PrEP uptake was stratified by initial reason for visit (e.g. outpatient). Preferences in PrEP delivery setting were collected among those clients who initiated PrEP. A total of 1782 clients had their HIV acquisition risk assessed. Of these, 72% (1277/1782) were considered at risk by healthcare providers and, among them, 40% (517/1277) initiated PrEP. Uptake was higher among clients visiting specifically to initiate PrEP (93%), followed by HIV testing visits (45.8%) and outpatient visits (40%). Among those who initiated PrEP, preferred delivery settings were outpatient services (31%), HIV testing services (26%), family planning (21%) and antenatal services (14%). Men or those at high risk of HIV acquisition were more likely to prefer HIV testing and outpatient services, while young women were more likely to visit and express a preference for antenatal and family planning services. Outpatient services and HIV testing services could be preferable choices for PrEP delivery integration, due to the high PrEP uptake and delivery setting preferences of the populations who use these services. Antenatal and family planning could also be considered with a view to targeting the youngest women.
Conservation value of semi-open habitats for ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae) in Central Europe
Authors: Boutaud Estève , Nolte Dorothea , Harry Ingmar , Assmann Thorsten , Drees Claudia
Published: April 2022

Reintroduction of grazing to counteract insect decline will lead to an increase of semi-open habitats. Semi-open habitats are highly heterogeneous, consisting of a mosaic of patches of trees or shrubs embedded in a matrix dominated by dwarf shrubs or grasses. Despite a lack of evidence, structural heterogeneity is expected to allow many species to co-occur, making semi-open habitats appear highly valuable for invertebrate conservation. We studied ground beetles in eight sites in two landscapes of Central Europe each encompassing semi-open, open, and forest habitats. Rapid response to environmental change and limited dispersal abilities make ground beetles an excellent model taxon to evaluate the effectiveness of such conservations measures. In both studied landscapes, ground beetle assemblages in semi-open habitats tended to be distinct and intermediate between those from the forest and open habitats. Species richness and functional diversity in semi-open habitats were similar to open habitats at site level. The majority of species entered the semi-open habitats, except for most threatened species, yet, few species were exclusively associated with semi-open habitats. We conclude that the continuous presence of many species in semi-open habitats likely results from mass effects rather than habitat heterogeneity per se. Our findings underline the conservation value of the existing forest, heathland, and grassland habitats over semi-open habitats which can, however, function as dispersal habitats and increase landscape connectivity. Strategies aiming at promoting semi-open habitats to counteract insect decline should target enhancing connectivity rather than the creation of habitats only.
When it Rains, it Pours: Estimating the Spatial Spillover Effect of Rainfall
Authors: Hossain Farzana , Ahsan Reshad N.
Published: April 2022

A large fraction of the world’s poor rely on rain-fed agriculture, which makes them vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns. In this paper, we examine whether spatial correlation in rainfall results in these households also being vulnerable to an adverse spatial-spillover effect. In particular, we use household-level panel data from India along with high-resolution meteorological data to show how rural household consumption varies with own-region rainfall as well as rainfall in neighboring areas. We find that while greater own rainfall has a positive effect on rural household consumption, greater rainfall in neighboring regions has an adverse spatial-spillover effect. Our results suggest that when this spillover effect is taken into account, the positive impact of own-region rainfall on household consumption falls by 38 percent.
Switching strategy-based hybrid evolutionary algorithms for job shop scheduling problems
Authors: Mahmud Shahed , Chakrabortty Ripon K. , Abbasi Alireza , Ryan Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Since production efficiency and costs are directly affected by the ways in which jobs are scheduled, scholars have advanced a number of meta-heuristic algorithms to solve the job shop scheduling problem (JSSP). Although this JSSP is widely accepted as a computationally intractable NP-hard problem in combinatorial optimization, its solution is essential in manufacturing. This study proposes performance-driven meta-heuristic switching approaches that utilize the capabilities of multi-operator differential evolution (MODE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) in a single algorithmic framework. The performance-driven switching mechanism is introduced to switch the population from an under-performing algorithm to other possibilities. A mixed selection strategy is employed to ensure the diversity and quality of the initial population, whereas a diversity check mechanism maintains population diversity over the generations. Moreover, a Tabu search (TS) inspired local search technique is implemented to enhance the proposed algorithm’s exploitation capability, avoiding being trapped in the local optima. Finally, this study presents two mixed population structure-based hybrid evolutionary algorithms (HEAs), such as a predictive sequence HEA (sHEA) and a random sequence HEA (rHEA), and one bi-population inspired HEA, called bHEA. The comparative impacts of these varied population structure-based approaches are assessed by solving 5 categories of the standard JSSP instances (i.e., FT, LA, ORB, ABZ and TA). The performance of these hybridized approaches (i.e., sHEA, rHEA and bHEA) is compared and contrasted with its constituent algorithms (MODE, PSO and TS) to validate the hybridization’s effectiveness. The statistical analysis shows that sHEA ranked first with mean value 1.84 compared to rHEA (1.96) and bHEA (2.21). Moreover, the proposed sHEA is compared with 26 existing algorithms and ranked first with a mean value 5.09 compared to the near-best algorithms. Thus, the simulation results and statistical analysis prove the supremacy of the sHEA.
Exploring the impact of suicide care experiences and post-intervention supports sought among community pharmacists: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: El-Den Sarira , Choong Huai-Jin , Moles Rebekah J. , Murphy Andrea , Gardner David , Rosen Alan , O’Reilly Claire L.
Published: April 2022

Background

There is a need to appropriately train, support and remunerate pharmacists for their expanding roles in mental healthcare. Pharmacists often care for people experiencing mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours, but little is known about pharmacists’ suicide care experiences.

Aim

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the impact of professional experiences with people at risk of suicide and support accessed, among community pharmacists.

Method

A survey exploring pharmacists’ experiences with people at risk of suicide and post-intervention support-seeking was disseminated through Australian and Canadian professional associations, conferences and social media (June 2016-May 2017). Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact and independent t-tests, where appropriate. Qualitative data exploring the impact of these experiences were thematically analysed, and reasons for not seeking help post-intervention were identified.

Results

Among 378 respondents, 84% had encountered patients at risk of suicide and 28% had lost patients to suicide. Some were negatively affected personally and/or professionally (11%), of which 88% did not seek professional support, mainly due to uncertainty about available services. Pharmacists were significantly more negatively affected if they had a personal mental health diagnosis (p = 0.017) and previous suicide care experiences (p = 0.001). Qualitative themes included: expanding knowledge and skills, role limitation and emotional impact and response.

Conclusion

A large proportion of pharmacists have interacted with suicidal patients and are impacted by these experiences, yet few seek help due to lack of awareness and access. There is a need to recognize pharmacists’ roles in suicide care, and develop pharmacist-specific post-intervention support.
‘Genuine’ or ‘Quasi’ Self-Employment: Who Can Tell?
Authors: Kösters Lian , Smits Wendy
Published: April 2022

In many industrialised countries, including the Netherlands, the share of solo self-employed workers has strongly increased in recent years. This development is subject to a lot of public debate as it is feared that this increase is caused by ‘quasi’ self-employment. There still seems to be little consensus, however, on what constitutes ‘genuine’ self-employment and what not. In this article we present a theoretical framework for ‘quasi’ solo self-employment and discuss how the various indicators for ‘quasi’ self-employment that are used in the literature fit in this framework. We then compare the outcomes of different indicators by applying them to solo self-employed workers in the Netherlands. The data used for the analysis are taken from the Dutch Labour Force Survey (NL-LFS) 2017 complemented with the European Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) ad hoc module 2017 on self-employment. Our results show that about 7% of the solo self-employed workers is dependent on one client. Furthermore, almost 20% of all solo self-employed had an involuntary start. The correspondence between dependency and involuntariness is very low: less than 2% of the solo self-employed workers are both dependent and involuntary. Both dependency and voluntariness are related to the fiscal and legal status of the solo self-employed workers and to the type of work activities. Solo self-employed workers that own their own business and who mainly sell products are less likely to be dependent and/or involuntary self-employed compared to those who do not own a business and/or offer services. Dependency is hardly related to the unfavourable outcomes of solo self-employment. Involuntariness, on the contrary, seems to have some impact on outcomes. Those who became self-employed because they couldn’t find a job as an employee have a higher probability to be unsatisfied with their job, to have financial problems or problems due to a lack of work or a low income. Nevertheless even among the involuntary solo self-employed workers, the majority does not report negative outcomes.
Exploring the Circular Polarisation of Low–Frequency Solar Radio Bursts with LOFAR
Authors: Morosan Diana E. , Räsänen Juska E. , Kumari Anshu , Kilpua Emilia K. J. , Bisi Mario M. , Dabrowski Bartosz , Krankowski Andrzej , Magdalenić Jasmina , Mann Gottfried , Rothkaehl Hanna , Vocks Christian , Zucca Pietro
Published: April 2022

The Sun is an active star that often produces numerous bursts of electromagnetic radiation at radio wavelengths. Low frequency radio bursts have recently been brought back to light with the advancement of novel radio interferometers. However, their polarisation properties have not yet been explored in detail, especially with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), due to difficulties in calibrating the data and accounting for instrumental leakage. Here, using a unique method to correct the polarisation observations, we explore the circular polarisation of different sub-types of solar type III radio bursts and a type I noise storm observed with LOFAR, which occurred during March–April 2019. We analysed six individual radio bursts from two different dates. We present the first Stokes V low frequency images of the Sun with LOFAR in tied-array mode observations. We find that the degree of circular polarisation for each of the selected bursts increases with frequency for fundamental emission, while this trend is either not clear or absent for harmonic emission. The type III bursts studied, that are part of a long–lasting type III storm, can have different senses of circular polarisation, occur at different locations and have different propagation directions. This indicates that the type III bursts forming a classical type III storm do not necessarily have a common origin, but instead they indicate the existence of multiple, possibly unrelated acceleration processes originating from solar minimum active regions.
Recent developments in microbial production of high-purity galacto-oligosaccharides
Authors: Maráz Anna , Kovács Zoltán , Benjamins Eric , Pázmándi Melinda
Published: April 2022

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are used as prebiotic ingredients in various food and pharmaceutical formulations. Currently, production of GOS involves the enzymatic conversion of lactose by transgalactosylation using β-galactosidase. The purity of the resulting product is low, typically limited to up to 55% GOS on total carbohydrate basis due to the presence of non-reacted lactose, and the formation of by-products glucose and galactose. In industrial practice high-purity GOS is manufactured by removing the unwanted mono- and disaccharides from raw GOS with simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. This purification step is associated with high processing cost that increases the price of pure GOS and limits its marketability. The last decades have witnessed a growing interest in developing competitive biotechnological processes that could replace chromatography. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the recent advancements of microbial GOS purification, a process commonly referred to as selective fermentation or selective metabolism. Purification strategies include: (i) removal of glucose alone or together with galactose by lactose negative yeast species, that typically results in purity values below 60% due to remaining lactose; (ii) removal of both mono- and disaccharides by combining the fast monosaccharide metabolizing capacity of some yeast species with efficient lactose consumption by certain lactose positive microbes, reaching GOS purity in the range of 60–95%; and (iii) the application of selected strains of Kluyveromyces species with high lactose metabolizing activity to achieve high-purity GOS that is practically free from lactose and monosaccharides.

Graphical abstract
User-Specific Parameterization of Process Monitoring Systems
Authors: Denkena B. , Klemme H. , Becker J. , Blech H.
Published: April 2022

Errors in milling processes such as tool breakage or material inhomogeneities are a major risk to the quality of machined workpieces. Errors like a broken tool may also lead to damages to the machine tool. Process monitoring systems allow for autonomous detection of errors, therefore, promoting autonomous production. The parameterization of these systems is a trade-off between high robustness (low false alarm rate) and high sensitivity. Even though several monitoring systems have been introduced for single-item and series production, a universal parameterization technique that weighs off sensitivity and robustness does not exist. In this paper, a novel, model-independent and adjustable parameterization technique for monitoring systems is introduced. The basis for the parameterization is the material removal rate that indicates the temporal and quantitative impact of process errors (ground truth). The ground truth allows calculation of the established Fβ-score, which is used to evaluate the monitoring system. An adjustment of the β-parameter influences the weighting of sensitivity and robustness. Accordingly, the β-parameter allows to easily control the sensitivity-robustness trade-off so that the monitoring system is economic for the company’s specific situation. In this paper, a look-up table for hyper-parameters of the state-of-the-art tolerance range monitoring model is provided using the introduced parameterization approach. With this table companies and researchers can set the hyper-parameters of their monitoring models for 5-axis-milled single items user-specifically. To demonstrate, that introduced parameterization approach works for different kinds of monitoring models, a one-class support vector machine (SVM) is parameterized also.
Mason type III fractures of the radial head: ORIF, resection or prosthetic replacement?
Authors: Scoscina D. , Facco G. , Luciani P. , Setaro N. , Senesi L. , Martiniani M. , Gigante A. P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study focused on a comparison of mid-term clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of adults treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), radial head prosthesis (RHP) and resection (RHR).

Methods

The retrospective evaluation concerned 47 surgically treated patients after a mean follow-up of 53 months. All patients were grouped according to the surgical procedure performed: 15 in the RHP group, 16 in the ORIF group and 16 in the RHR group. At the follow-up, outcome assessment was based on radiographs, range of motion (ROM) and functional rating scores.

Results

Patients treated by RHR had significantly higher mean age and shorter operation time than other two groups. Compared to ROM, flexion, extension and pronation were significantly worse in patients treated by ORIF than those in the RHP group and the RHR group. Supination was significantly better in the RHP group. However, no statistical differences were observed in functional rating scores among the three groups. Regarding complications, instability was the only cause of revision surgery in the RHP group and the RHR group. On the other hand, the ORIF group revision rate was 50% and secondary displacement was the most frequent cause of failure.

Conclusion

The ORIF group did not show good results with greater elbow stiffness and higher revision rate than the other two techniques. RHR may be suitable for elderly patients with lower functional demands as it reported good clinical results and reduced operation time.
Concept note: in vitro multi-enzyme approach to estimate crude protein and amino acid digestibility in grains for broilers
Authors: Witten Stephanie , Aulrich Karen
Published: April 2022

The knowledge of the precaecal digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) has gained importance. However, since animal welfare is given high priority, animal digestibility experiments are recommended to be reduced or replaced. Thus, in vitro approaches are of interest for feed evaluation. The present study aimed for an adaption of a multi-enzyme assay. An in vitro assay to predict the precaecal digestibility of CP and AA in feedstuffs for swine was adapted to predict the standardised precaecal digestibility of CP and AA quickly in feedstuffs for broilers. In the adapted in vitro assay, the conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract of chicken were simulated in three steps, representing the crop, the stomach, and the small intestine. Samples were incubated at 41 °C for 30 min in a buffer solution at pH 6.0, for 135 min with pepsin at pH 2.6 and for 120 min with pancreatin at pH 6.4. The in vitro rate of CP disappearance of nine different cereal and legume grains was related to their standardised precaecal CP and AA digestibility previously determined in broiler chicken. Regressions between the in vitro rate of CP disappearance and the precaecal digestibility of CP for 42-day old broiler chicken had high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.89). The adapted method has the potential to predict the precaecal digestibility of CP and AA in feedstuffs for broilers. An extension of the calibration using further samples of single and mixed feed with known precaecal digestibility of CP and AA is recommended.
Feasibility study formulation for the applicability of rigless temporary ESPs
Authors: Alarifi Sulaiman , Abdel Rahman Sherif , Al-Ajmi Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) are a well-known artificial lift technology used in the oil and gas industry to enhance production. One of the major requirements to implement ESPs is the need for a rig to install or replace failed pumps frequently. Temporary rigless ESPs (TRL ESPs) are a new technology that is being developed and tested in many parts of the world. The main advantage of this technology is its much lower installation cost compared to the conventional ESPs because it is deployable through wireline. The main drawback of this technology is the low volumes of fluids it can lift from the wellbore compared to the conventional ESPs. Therefore, it is mainly used as a temporary replacement on top of a failed ESP awaiting a workover job. The feasibility and applicability of the utilization of such technology is studied in this paper using actual field data from more than 500 wells from two fields. The added value of using TRL ESPs is to supplement the lost production volumes from the wells with failed pumps during the waiting time for workover and hence reducing the number of needed backup wells. It was found that using TRL ESPs will reduce the number of needed backup wells over a three-year period by 17–25% based on the actual historical data. Overall, the main outcome of this study is the formulation and development of the predictive model and feasibility study of the TRL ESPs using the actual field data.
Evaluating the influence of graphene nanoplatelets on the performance of invert emulsion drilling fluid in high-temperature wells
Authors: Arain Aftab Hussain , Ridha Syahrir , Ilyas Suhaib Umer , Mohyaldinn Mysara Eissa , Suppiah Raja Rajeswary
Published: April 2022

The oil-based mud is preferred to drill highly technical and challenging formations due to its superior performance. However, the inadequate chemical and thermal stability of conventional additives have greatly influenced the performance of oil-based mud at high-temperature conditions. Therefore, it is critical to design an oil-based mud with additives that withstand and improve its performance at high-temperature conditions. The nanoparticles have emerged as an alternative to the conventional additives that can significantly enhance the rheological and filtration characteristics of oil-based mud at high-temperature conditions. In this research study, a novel formulation of OBM enhanced with GNP is formulated, and its performance at high-temperature conditions is investigated. An extensive experimental study has been performed to study the effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the rheological and filtration properties along with flow behaviour, viscoelastic properties, electrical stability and barite sagging of oil-based mud at high temperatures. The graphene nanoplatelets are characterised to ascertain their purity and morphology. The result shows that the graphene nanoplatelets exhibited efficient performance and improved the rheological and filtration properties of oil-based mud. The plastic viscosity and yield point are improved by 11% and 42%, with a concentration of 0.3 ppb. Similarly, the gel strength and barite sagging tendency are enhanced by 14% and 2%, respectively. The filtration loss is also significantly decreased by up to 62% and 46%, with 0.5 ppb concentration at 100 and 120 °C. The addition of GNP results in the formation of a thin mud cake compared to the base mud sample. The rheological modelling recommends the shear-thinning behaviour of oil-based mud (n < 1), which is correlated with the Herschel–Bulkley model. An Artificial Neural Network model is developed to predict the viscosity of OBM based on the four input parameters (concentration of nanoparticles, temperature, shear rate and shear stress). The results demonstrate that graphene nanoplatelets have a favourable impact on the performance of oil-based mud. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets, even at small concatenation, has significantly improved the properties of oil-based mud at high-temperature.

Graphical abstract
Teacher self-efficacy and reform: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gordon Danielle , Blundell Christopher , Mills Reece , Bourke Terri
Published: April 2022

Teacher self-efficacy (TSE) of pre-service and in-service teachers plays a significant role in the successful implementation of educational reforms. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to explore the interaction between curriculum and/or assessment reform and TSE. Twenty-nine empirical research studies are analysed to find factors that impact TSE during change and the support mechanisms necessary to maintain high TSE. Using the Systematic Quantitative Literature Review method coupled with Social Cognitive Theory and Sources of Self-efficacy, studies reported that environmental determinants lower TSE during reform. It was found that to support high TSE professional learning was a necessity.
Analytical solutions for fractional partial delay differential-algebraic equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions defined on a finite domain
Authors: Ding Xiao-Li , Nieto Juan J. , Wang Xiaolong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the solution of multi-term time-space fractional partial delay differential-algebraic equations (MTS-FPDDAEs) with Dirichlet boundary conditions defined on a finite domain. We use Laplace transform method to give the solutions of multi-term time fractional delay differential-algebraic equations (MTS-FDDAEs). Then, the technique of spectral representation of the fractional Laplacian operator is used to convert the MTS-FPDDAEs into the MTS-FDDAEs. By applying our obtained solutions to the resulting MTS-FDDAEs, the desired analytical solutions of the MTS-FPDDAEs are obtained. Finally, we give the solutions of some special cases.
Carbon Emission Risk and Governance
Authors: Jiang Lu , Hu Xiaokang , Zhang Gangfeng , Chen Yanqiang , Zhong Honglin , Shi Peijun
Published: April 2022

Within the hazard and disaster risk research field, explicitly treating carbon emissions as a hazard remains rather nascent. Applying hazard and disaster risk research perspectives to seek new insights on integrated mitigation and adaptation approaches and policy measures is equally elusive. Since China’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the “dual carbon” goals of carbon emission peaking and neutrality have stimulated nationwide attention, research, and policies and action plans. How to ensure that the transition pathways are on track and well-contextualized is one of the crucial challenges for policymakers and practitioners. This article examines the “risks” of missing the carbon neutrality goal at a regional scale in China, denoted as Carbon Emission Risk (CER). Carbon emissions (CE) as hazard, combined with the human socioeconomic system as exposure and human living environment, constitute the regional carbon emission environmental risk system. The “risks” of missing (or achieving) the carbon neutrality target for any region at any time, the article argues, is essentially determined by the ratio of CE to carbon absorption (CA, for uptake and removal). These variables are modified by a broadly defined “vulnerability coefficient” (Cv) that embodies both the potential for changes (decreasing CE and increasing CA), and the uncertainties of measuring CE and CA. Thus, the ratio of CE to CA is a measure of reality at any moment of time, whereas Cv indicates the overall propensity or capacity for moving the CE/CA ratio towards 1, that is, realizing carbon neutrality. Based on our calculation, CER at the provincial level in eastern China is higher than in western China. The article also calls for strengthening CER research and summarizes key measures for carbon emission risk governance.
Demineralized Dentin Matrix for Dental and Alveolar Bone Tissues Regeneration: An Innovative Scope Review
Authors: Grawish Mohammed E. , Grawish Lamyaa M. , Grawish Hala M. , Grawish Mahmoud M. , Holiel Ahmed A. , Sultan Nessma , El-Negoly Salwa A.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Dentin is a permeable tubular composite and complex structure, and in weight, it is composed of 20% organic matrix, 10% water, and 70% hydroxyapatite crystalline matrix. Demineralization of dentin with gradient concentrations of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, 0.6 N hydrochloric acid, or 2% nitric acid removes a major part of the crystalline apatite and maintains a majority of collagen type I and non-collagenous proteins, which creates an osteoinductive scaffold containing numerous matrix elements and growth factors. Therefore, demineralized dentin should be considered as an excellent naturally-derived bioactive material to enhance dental and alveolar bone tissues regeneration.

Method:

The PubMed and Midline databases were searched in October 2021 for the relevant articles on treated dentin matrix (TDM)/demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) and their potential roles in tissue regeneration.

Results:

Several studies with different study designs evaluating the effect of TDM/DDM on dental and bone tissues regeneration were found. TDM/DDM was obtained from human or animal sources and processed in different forms (particles, liquid extract, hydrogel, and paste) and different shapes (sheets, slices, disc-shaped, root-shaped, and barrier membranes), with variable sizes measured in micrometers or millimeters, demineralized with different protocols regarding the concentration of demineralizing agents and exposure time, and then sterilized and preserved with different techniques. In the act of biomimetic acellular material, TDM/DDM was used for the regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex through direct pulp capping technique, and it was found to possess the ability to activate the odontogenic differentiation of stem cells resident in the pulp tissues and induce reparative dentin formation. TDM/DDM was also considered for alveolar ridge and maxillary sinus floor augmentations, socket preservation, furcation perforation repair, guided bone, and bioroot regenerations as well as bone and cartilage healing.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, there are no standard procedures to adopt a specific form for a specific purpose; therefore, future studies are required to come up with a well-characterized TDM/DDM for each specific application. Likely as decellularized dermal matrix and prospectively, if the TDM/DDM is supplied in proper consistency, forms, and in different sizes with good biological properties, it can be used efficiently instead of some widely-used regenerative biomaterials.
Dissemination of Technological Innovations of Livestock in Bangladesh: Adoption Levels and Behavioral Precision
Authors: Quddus Md. Abdul
Published: April 2022

The study investigated the technological innovations in livestock, their dissemination and adoption performance at farm level. Thirty-two researchers were interviewed for innovated technologies. Four ecologically representative study locations were selected, and 180 livestock households were interviewed for adoption. Logistic regression analysis and behavioral precision index were the major analytical techniques. Technologies were disseminated through adaptive research or field trial, training to the farmers, extension workers and farmer’s visit to government offices. Crossbred cattle, red Chittagong cattle and vaccine for foot and mouth disease were widely adopted technologies and farmers preferred breeding-related technologies rather than health treatments. Farmers having higher education and income and contact with extension agents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher adopters than the lower education, income and no extension agents, respectively. But adoption score was significantly lower in hilly land and in river-flooded land (p < 0.01) than adoption score in peri-urban location. Farmers having experience 10–24 years and more than 25 years were 2.293 times and 3.59 times, respectively, more likely to adopt technologies compared to less than 10 years experienced. Internalization, legitimation, systemization, skill set workability and differentiation were the top ranking statements of the farmers in their behavioral precision on technology adoption. Farmer’s demand and capability to implement technology should be realized. Extension visits to farmers, intensified training programs for the rural youths and well organization among the various livestock partners should be buildup for better adoption.
From SAT to SAT-UNSAT using P systems with dissolution rules
Authors: Riscos-Núñez Agustín , Valencia-Cabrera Luis
Published: April 2022

DP is the class of problems that are the differences between two languages from NP. Most difficult problems from DP are called DP-complete problems, that can be seen as the conjunction of an NP-complete problem and a co-NP-complete problem. It is easy to see that the problem P vs NP is equivalent to the problem P vs DP, and therefore DP-complete problems would be better candidates to attack the conjecture, since they seem to be harder than NP-complete problems. In this paper, a methodology to transform an efficient solution of an NP-complete problem into an efficient solution of a DP-complete problem is applied. More precisely, a solution to is given by means of a uniform family of recognizer polarizationless P systems with active membranes with dissolution rules and division rules for both elementary and non-elementary membranes, and later it is transformed into a solution to the problem -.
Aesthetic and ethical Attitudes
Authors: Lovibond Sabina
Published: April 2022

The essay suggests that (despite some hostile twentieth-century criticism) there is such a thing as a characteristically ‘aesthetic attitude’, and that this idea can indeed shed light on the production and reception of works of art, as well as on the appreciation of nature. It argues, further, that the response to individual ‘particularity’ implicit in the aesthetic attitude renders this attitude continuous with that of ethical attention to – and appreciation of – individual persons: we are concerned here with distinct, but related, aspects of the valuable ‘in itself’ or ‘for its own sake’.
Beyond Stability: The politics of conventional arms control in Europe
Authors: Graef Alexander
Published: April 2022

The conventional arms control architecture in Europe is falling apart. This article argues that classic arms control theory fails to explain this continuing process. I suggest that its underlying stability paradigm, based on reciprocity and technical measures for war prevention, has forestalled a full understanding of actual arms control practices, particularly in Europe. In this context, I illustrate that conventional arms control has evolved in three historical stages. In each of these, state actors pursued different ideal-type purposes depending on the concrete geostrategic situation: the pursuit of politico-military advantages, the formal creation of crisis stability, and the transformation of international relations. In the last decade, the overall political focus has shifted once again to the first factor. Amidst new strategic competition, states are increasingly unwilling to agree to arms control regulations and transparency measures, as these could yield advantages to adversaries.
Self-Adaptive Agents in a Dynamic Pricing Duopoly: Competition, Collusion, and Risk Considerations
Authors: Schlosser Rainer , Westphal Jan , Pörschke Mats , Maltenberger Tobias , Kaminsky Youri
Published: April 2022

In many online markets, we observe fierce competition and highly dynamic price adjustments. Competitors frequently adjust their prices to respond to changing market situations caused by competitors’ price adjustments. In this paper, we examine price response strategies within an infinite horizon duopoly where the competitor’s strategy has to be learned. The goal is to derive knowledge about the opponent’s pricing strategy in a self-adaptive way and to balance exploration and exploitation. Our models are based on anticipated price reaction probabilities and efficient dynamic programming techniques. We show that our approach works when played against unknown strategies. Further, we analyze the mutual interplay of our self-learning strategies as well as their tendencies to form a cartel when motivated accordingly. Moreover, we propose two extensions of our model to integrate risk aversion. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of parallelization techniques to speed up the computation of strategies as well as their simulation.
Data-Driven Subtyping of Parkinson’s Using Acoustic Analysis of Sustained Vowels and Cluster Analysis: Findings in the Parkinson’s Voice Initiative Study
Authors: Tsanas Athanasios , Arora Siddharth
Published: April 2022

People diagnosed with Parkinson’s (PwP) exhibit a diverse manifestation of heterogeneous symptoms which likely reflect different subtypes. However, there is no widely accepted consensus on the criteria for subtype membership assignment. We explored clustering PwP using a data-driven approach mining speech signals. We used data from the three English-speaking cohorts (Boston, Oxford, Toronto) in the Parkinson’s Voice Initiative (PVI), where speech and basic demographic information were collected over the standard telephone network. We acoustically characterized 2097 sustained vowel /a/ recordings from 1138 PwP (Boston cohort) using 307 dysphonia measures. We applied unsupervised feature selection to select a concise subset of the dysphonia measures and hierarchical clustering combined with 2D-data projections using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to facilitate visual exploration of PwP groups. We assessed cluster validity and consistency using silhouette plots and the cophenetic correlation coefficient. We externally validated cluster findings on the Oxford and Toronto PVI cohorts (n = 285 and 107 participants, respectively). We selected 21 dysphonia measures and found four main clusters which provide tentative insights into different dominating speech-associated characteristics (cophenetic coefficient = 0.72, silhouette score = 0.67). The cluster findings were consistent across the three PVI cohorts, strongly supporting the generalization of the presented methodology towards PwP subtype assignment, and were independently visually verified in 2D projections with t-SNE. The presented methodology with mining sustained vowels and clustering may provide an objective and streamlined approach towards informing PwP subtype assignment. This may have important implications towards developing more personalized clinical management of symptoms for PwP.
The missing piece in policy for carbon dioxide removal: reverse auctions as an interim solution
Authors: Lundberg Liv , Fridahl Mathias
Published: April 2022

The expectation that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will play a crucial role in the climate transition is starting to gain traction in policy. An increasing number of countries are expanding their CDR policies, from specification of objectives (via elimination of regulatory obstacles) to market development. Among the many CDR options, sustainably sourced bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is often cited as having the greatest theoretical potential. Unlocking this potential will necessitate new and robust economic incentives. However, at present, there is a serious gap between actual policy and the required incentive structures, and developing these policies in a responsible way will likely take many years. To get BECCS started sooner than it otherwise might, we argue that an interim policy for allowing BECCS to mature would help identify potential trade-offs or pitfalls, and would help test how firms react to incentives for CDR before rolling our large scale international incentive structures. In this Perspectives article, we provide an insight into the current status of BECCS and CDR policy based on interviews with key policy makers and experts. We also provide a special insight into Sweden’s development of interim policy that takes the form of a reverse auction.
Creature Construction and the Morality of Shared Agency: Response to Bratman
Authors: GILBERT MARGARET
Published: April 2022

I start by emphasizing two aspects of Michael Bratman's approach to shared agency and contrast it with my own in those respects. I conclude with some related remarks on the relation of morality and joint commitment.
Compatibilist Libertarianism: Why It Talks Past the Traditional Free Will Problem and Determinism Is Still a Worry
Authors: WRIGHT JOHN DANIEL
Published: April 2022

Compatibilist libertarianism claims that alternate possibilities for action at the agential level are consistent with determinism at the physical level. Unlike traditional compatibilism about alternate possibilities, involving conditional or dispositional accounts of the ability to act, compatibilist libertarianism offers us unqualified modalities at the agential level, consistent with physical determinism, a potentially big advance. However, I argue that the account runs up against two problems. Firstly, the way in which the agential modalities are generated talks past the worries of the incompatibilist in the traditional free will problem. As such, it fails to dispel the worries that determinism generates for the incompatibilist. Secondly, in spite of the ingenious use of the supervenience thesis and multiple realizability, the position still allows us to generate the old worry that determinism at the physical level would mean no alternate possibilities at the level of agency. In particular, I develop a new example, the ‘atomic slit case’ that demonstrates how physical level information is salient to what is possible at the agential level, motivating incompatibilism.
UNDECIDABILITY AND NON-AXIOMATIZABILITY OF MODAL MANY-VALUED LOGICS
Authors: VIDAL AMANDA
Published: April 2022

In this work we study the decidability of a class of global modal logics arising from Kripke frames evaluated over certain residuated lattices, known in the literature as modal many-valued logics. We exhibit a large family of these modal logics which are undecidable, in contrast with classical modal logic and propositional logics defined over the same classes of algebras. This family includes the global modal logics arising from Kripke frames evaluated over the standard Łukasiewicz and Product algebras. We later refine the previous result, and prove that global modal Łukasiewicz and Product logics are not even recursively axiomatizable. We conclude by closing negatively the open question of whether each global modal logic coincides with its local modal logic closed under the unrestricted necessitation rule.