bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined spatial and frequency encoding for electrotactile feedback of myoelectric signals
Authors: Nataletti Sara , Leo Fabrizio , Dideriksen Jakob , Brayda Luca , Dosen Strahinja
Published: July 2022

Electrotactile stimulation has been commonly used in human–machine interfaces to provide feedback to the user, thereby closing the control loop and improving performance. The encoding approach, which defines the mapping of the feedback information into stimulation profiles, is a critical component of an electrotactile interface. Ideally, the encoding will provide a high-fidelity representation of the feedback variable while being easy to perceive and interpret by the subject. In the present study, we performed a closed-loop experiment wherein discrete and continuous coding schemes are combined to exploit the benefits of both techniques. Subjects performed a muscle activation-matching task relying solely on electrotactile feedback representing the generated myoelectric signal (EMG). In particular, we investigated the performance of two different coding schemes (spatial and spatial combined with frequency) at two feedback resolutions (low: 3 and high: 5 intervals). In both schemes, the stimulation electrodes were placed circumferentially around the upper arm. The magnitude of the normalized EMG was divided into intervals, and each electrode was associated with one interval. When the generated EMG entered one of the intervals, the associated electrode started stimulating. In the combined encoding, the additional frequency modulation of the active electrode also indicated the momentary magnitude of the signal within the interval. The results showed that combined coding decreased the undershooting rate, variability and absolute deviation when the resolution was low but not when the resolution was high, where it actually worsened the performance. This demonstrates that combined coding can improve the effectiveness of EMG feedback, but that this effect is limited by the intrinsic variability of myoelectric control. Our findings, therefore, provide important insights as well as elucidate limitations of the information encoding methods when using electrotactile stimulation to convey a feedback signal characterized by high variability (EMG biofeedback).
Video survey of deep benthic macroalgae and macroalgal detritus along a glacial Arctic fjord: Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen)
Authors: Schimani Katherina , Zacher Katharina , Jerosch Kerstin , Pehlke Hendrik , Wiencke Christian , Bartsch Inka
Published: July 2022

In Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen), we quantified the zonation of visually dominant macroalgal taxa and of detached macroalgae from underwater videos taken in summer 2009 at six transects between 2 and 138 m water depth. For the first time, we provide information on the occurrence of deep water red algae below the kelp forest and of detached macroalgae at water depth > 30 m. The presence and depth distribution of visually dominant red algae were especially pronounced at the outer fjord, decreased with proximity to the glacial front and they were absent at the innermost locations. Deepest crustose coralline red algae and foliose red algae were observed at 72 and 68 m, respectively. Brown algae were distributed along the entire fjord axis at 2–32 m. Green algae were only present at the middle to inner fjord and at areas influenced by physical disturbance at water depths of 2–26 m. With proximity to the inner fjord the depth distribution of all macroalgae became shallower and only extended to 18 m depth at the innermost location. Major recipients of detached macroalgae were sites at the shallower inner fjord and at the middle fjord below the photic zone at depths to 138 m. They may either fuel deep water secondary production, decompose or support carbon sequestration. Univariate and community analyses of macroalgal classes including detached macroalgae across transects and over depths reveal a considerable difference in community structure between the outermost sites, the central part and the inner fjord areas, reflecting the strong environmental gradients along glacial fjords.
Single image defocus map estimation through patch blurriness classification and its applications
Authors: Galetto Fernando , Deng Guang
Published: July 2022

Depth information is useful in many image processing applications. However, since taking a picture is a process of projection of a 3D scene onto a 2D imaging sensor, the depth information is embedded in the image. Extracting the depth information from the image is a challenging task. A guiding principle is that the level of blurriness due to defocus is related to the distance between the object and the focal plane. Based on this principle and the widely used assumption that Gaussian blur is a good model for defocus blur, we formulate the problem of estimating the spatially varying defocus blurriness as a Gaussian blur classification problem. We solve the problem by training a deep neural network to classify image patches into one of the 20 levels of blurriness. We have created a dataset of more than 500,000 image patches of size$$32\times 32$$32×32which does not require human labelling. The dataset is used to train and test several well-known network models. We find that MobileNetV2 is suitable for this application due to its low memory requirement and high accuracy. The trained model is used to determine the patch blurriness which is then refined by applying an iterative weighted guided filter. The result is a defocus map that carries the information of the degree of blurriness for each pixel. We compare the proposed method with state-of-the-art techniques and we demonstrate its successful applications in adaptive image enhancement and defocus magnification limited to images that present a clear distinction between defocus levels.
Modelling the effect of hydrogen bonding on elongational flow of supramolecular polymer melts
Authors: Wagner Manfred H. , Narimissa Esmaeil , Shabbir Aamir
Published: July 2022

Hydrogen bonding is the most common noncovalent reversible interaction leading to supramolecular polymeric assemblies. Shabbir et al. (Macromolecules 48:5988–5996, 2015) reported both linear and nonlinear rheological data for a model system consisting of pure poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) homopolymer and three PnBA-poly(acrylic acid) (PnBA-PAA) copolymers with different numbers of acrylic acid (AA) side groups. Hydrogen bonds between the AA groups not only cause the storage and loss modulus to shift in the direction of a power law scaling of 0.5 in the terminal relaxation regime, but also the elongational viscosity shows increasing strain hardening with a strongly nonlinear dependence on the number of hydrogen bonding groups. Based on the “Sticky Rouse” model and a constitutive equation of the Doi-Edwards type with consideration of chain stretch, we model the effect of hydrogen bonding on the elongational viscosity of the PnBA-AA copolymers. We show that the elongational viscosity data are consistent with a Sticky Rouse relaxation modulus of the AA associations characterized by a constant modulus $$G_{A}$$

G

A

and a constant sticker life time $$\tau_{A}$$

τ

A

, while the complexity of the hydrogen assemblies as quantified by the Sticky Rouse time increases with the concentration of AA groups from the order of seconds (3% AA) to hours (6%AA) and to 1 day (13%AA), and leads to extreme strain hardening. The elongational stress shows a steady state at large strains and the stretch reaches a limiting value independent of strain rate. At the highest concentration of AA groups investigated (38%AA), the PnBA-AA copolymer is a weak gel fracturing at a critical strain, and the sticker life time loses its significance. The effect of the Sticky Rouse time on self-healing is discussed.
An interaction between synapsin and C9orf72 regulates excitatory synapses and is impaired in ALS/FTD
Authors: Bauer Claudia S. , Cohen Rebecca N. , Sironi Francesca , Livesey Matthew R. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Highley J. Robin , Fillingham Daniel J. , Coldicott Ian , Smith Emma F. , Gibson Yolanda B. , Webster Christopher P. , Grierson Andrew J. , Bendotti Caterina , De Vos Kurt J.
Published: July 2022

Dysfunction and degeneration of synapses is a common feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). A GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the main genetic cause of ALS/FTD (C9ALS/FTD). The repeat expansion leads to reduced expression of the C9orf72 protein. How C9orf72 haploinsufficiency contributes to disease has not been resolved. Here we identify the synapsin family of synaptic vesicle proteins, the most abundant group of synaptic phosphoproteins, as novel interactors of C9orf72 at synapses and show that C9orf72 plays a cell-autonomous role in the regulation of excitatory synapses. We mapped the interaction of C9orf72 and synapsin to the N-terminal longin domain of C9orf72 and the conserved C domain of synapsin, and show interaction of the endogenous proteins in synapses. Functionally, C9orf72 deficiency reduced the number of excitatory synapses and decreased synapsin levels at remaining synapses in vitro in hippocampal neuron cultures and in vivo in the hippocampal mossy fibre system of C9orf72 knockout mice. Consistent with synaptic dysfunction, electrophysiological recordings identified impaired excitatory neurotransmission and network function in hippocampal neuron cultures with reduced C9orf72 expression, which correlated with a severe depletion of synaptic vesicles from excitatory synapses in the hippocampus of C9orf72 knockout mice. Finally, neuropathological analysis of post-mortem sections of C9ALS/FTD patient hippocampus with C9orf72 haploinsufficiency revealed a marked reduction in synapsin, indicating that disruption of the interaction between C9orf72 and synapsin may contribute to ALS/FTD pathobiology. Thus, our data show that C9orf72 plays a cell-autonomous role in the regulation of neurotransmission at excitatory synapses by interaction with synapsin and modulation of synaptic vesicle pools, and identify a novel role for C9orf72 haploinsufficiency in synaptic dysfunction in C9ALS/FTD.
Development of a quality of life questionnaire for transgender individuals during hormone therapy (iTransQol)
Authors: Feil Katharina , Riedl David , Gschwentner Lisa , Vomstein Kilian , Wegscheider Julia , Arnold Emanuela , Toth Bettina
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL) is a complex term, including mental, physical and social health, and everyone’s individual environment. While transgender individuals still often report lower QoL than other individuals, they can benefit substantially from gender affirming therapy.

The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to determine QoL in transgender individuals during gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

Methods

A multi-step questionnaire development process was performed. In phase 1, a list of key issues was established by reviewing relevant literature. In phase 2, n = 38 transgender individuals as well as n = 6 practitioners evaluated the questionnaire (iTransQoL) in terms of relevance, meaning, comprehensibility and redundancy. Psychometric testing of the questionnaire was performed in phase 3 with n = 40 transgender individuals. The external validity of the iTransQoL was tested by comparison with three validated health questionnaires.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis indicated an underlying four-factor solution. Psychometric testing showed acceptable to good overall reliability (α = 0.73–0.83) for the total score and the four subscales as well as good validity indices. Based on the results, a final version of the iTransQoL was established.

Conclusion

The iTransQoL is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate QoL of transgender individuals during GAHT.
Is the age at surgery in Crohn’s disease clinically relevant? Differences and peculiarities: a wide single centre experience after long-term follow-up
Authors: Luceri Cristina , Dragoni Gabriele , Zambonin Daniela , Pesi Benedetta , Russo Edda , Scaringi Stefano , Ficari Ferdinando , Cianchi Fabio , Giudici Francesco
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The Montreal classification for Crohn’s disease includes “age at diagnosis” as a parameter but few is reported about the age at surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term differences in the postoperative surgical outcome and disease behaviour, according to the age at the first surgery.

Methods

Patients consecutively operated for abdominal Crohn’s disease during the period 1986–2012 at our centre were systematically analysed according to their age at first surgery. In our retrospective cohort, the age at first surgery ranged from 13 to 83 years, and patients were arbitrarily divided into four groups: ≤ 19 (G1), 20–39 (G2), 40–59 (G3) and ≥ 60 (G4) years old.

Results

In total, 1051 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 232 months. The four groups exhibited statistically significant differences in age at diagnosis, smoke habit, time between diagnosis and surgery, disease location and behaviour, history of perianal fistula or abscess, severe malnutrition requiring total parental nutrition before surgery, type of surgery, total length of resected bowel, median duration of hospitalization, incidence of abdominal recurrences and number of surgical recurrences. G1 displays an inverse linear trend with time in the severity of clinical characteristics when compared to G4 groups. On the contrary, the incidence of short-term complications, types of abdominal recurrence and presence of concomitant perianal disease did not vary among groups. In addition, at multivariate analysis, the age at surgery and the disease location were the only independent risk factors for abdominal surgical recurrence.

Conclusion

Despite first surgery is extremely more frequent between 20 and 59 years, patients from G1 and G4 groups showed clinical differences and peculiarities when compared to the other age groups. The most indolent CD behaviour and occurrence of surgical recurrence was observed in patients having their first abdominal surgery in the elderly, while patients operated before the age of 19 experienced a more aggressive disease course.
Detailed functional results after bladder-preserving surgery and high-dose-rate brachytherapy in pediatric bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ellerkamp Verena , Schmidt Andreas , Warmann Steven W. , Eckert Franziska , Schaefer Juergen , Paulsen Frank , Fuchs Joerg
Published: July 2022

Purpose

In pediatric bladder/prostate-rhabdomyosarcoma, the rate of bladder preservation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is high, with an excellent oncological outcome. Information about functional urological long-term outcomes is rare.

Methods

Data of all patients who had undergone bladder-preserving surgery with or without brachytherapy at our institution between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Detailed urological function was assessed focusing on age-related continence, bladder capacity and urodynamic findings.

Results

We identified 40 patients, median age at surgery of 27 months (range 9–191), and 32 patients additionally received postoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy. The median follow-up was 32.5 months (range 6–125). The bladder capacity increased from median 66.7% (21.1–180) of expected bladder capacity related to age 3 months after surgery to 87.4% (58.1–181.8) 9 months after surgery. In the group of aged > 6-year-old, continence was 94% (83% with brachytherapy, 100% without brachytherapy). Erectile function was normal in 92% (90% with brachytherapy, 100% without brachytherapy). Bladder capacity was more than 65% expected bladder capacity related to age in 70% (60% with brachytherapy, 86% without brachytherapy). 65% of all patients need neither anticholinergic drugs nor low-dose antibiotics (63% with brachytherapy, 71% without brachytherapy).

Conclusions

Bladder preservation with good functional outcome can be achieved in localized bladder/prostate-rhabdomyosarcoma. In selected cases, supportive brachytherapy additionally contributes to an improvement in the oncological outcome with calculable risks for bladder and erectile function. Careful urological aftercare should be a fixed priority after oncological follow-ups.
Robustification of the k-means clustering problem and tailored decomposition methods: when more conservative means more accurate
Authors: Burgard Jan Pablo , Moreira Costa Carina , Schmidt Martin
Published: July 2022

k-means clustering is a classic method of unsupervised learning with the aim of partitioning a given number of measurements into k clusters. In many modern applications, however, this approach suffers from unstructured measurement errors because the k-means clustering result then represents a clustering of the erroneous measurements instead of retrieving the true underlying clustering structure. We resolve this issue by applying techniques from robust optimization to hedge the clustering result against unstructured errors in the observed data. To this end, we derive the strictly and $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-robust counterparts of the k-means clustering problem. Since the nominal problem is already NP-hard, global approaches are often not feasible in practice. As a remedy, we develop tailored alternating direction methods by decomposing the search space of the nominal as well as of the robustified problems to quickly obtain feasible points of good quality. Our numerical results reveal an interesting feature: the less conservative $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-approach is clearly outperformed by the strictly robust clustering method. In particular, the strictly robustified clustering method is able to recover clusterings of the original data even if only erroneous measurements are observed.
Level-dependent effects of predation stress on prey development, lifespan and reproduction in mites
Authors: Wei Xiaoying , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2022

In predator–prey interactions, non-consumptive effects of predators have been less studied than consumptive effects. However, non-consumptive effects may have significant influences on prey and can change different aspects of their life history such as development, reproduction and lifespan. The odour and other cues associated with a predator, without direct contact, could induce stress in prey, leading to phenotypic changes in life history traits. In this study, we investigate how mild and strong predator-induced stress could affect prey life history. The prey (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) was exposed, from hatching to death, to three different levels of predation stress from its predator (Neoseiulus cucumeris) (1, 3 or 5 predator adults in an adjacent cage separated by a mesh screen). Compared with the control, both males and females under predator-induced stress had longer developmental time and shorter lifespan when the level of predation stress increased, showing significant level-dependence. In addition, females had reduced fecundity under predation stress. Sex-specific response to predation stress was observed under a low level of predation stress: females had greater reduction in lifespan than males. Furthermore, the reduction in female lifespan was due more from the decrease in the post-oviposition period than the decrease in the oviposition period. Future studies applying even milder levels of predation press, such as exposure of prey to predator cues only during part of the prey lifespan, may provide additional insights.
Developing, Validating, and Applying a Measure of Human Quality Treatment
Authors: McGhee Peter , Haar Jarrod , Ogunyemi Kemi , Grant Patricia
Published: July 2022

Human Quality Treatment (HQT) is a theoretical approach expressing different ways of dealing with employees within an organization and is embedded in humanistic management tenants of dignity, care, and personal development, seeking to produce morally excellent employees. We build on the theoretical exposition and present a measure of HQT-Scale across several studies including cross-culturally to enhance confidence in our results. Our first study generates the 25 items for the HQT-Scale and provides initial support for the items. We then followed up with a large study of managers (n = 363) from Nigeria in study 2, which confirms the theoretical properties of the five dimensions of HQT and highlights a two-factor construct: HQT Ethically Unacceptable and HQT Ethically Acceptable using a 20-item HQT-Scale. Study 3 with a large sample of New Zealand employees (n = 452) again confirms the nature of the construct and provides construct validity tests. Finally, using time-lagged data, study 4 (n = 308) focuses on New Zealand employees and job attitudes and behaviors, and a well-being outcome. That study not only confirms the theoretically implied effects but also shows the HQT Ethically Acceptable factor mediates the detrimental effects of HQT Ethically Unacceptable. Overall, our four studies provide strong support for the HQT-Scale and highlight important understandings of HQT and humanistic management in the workplace.
The gut microbiome, immune check point inhibition and immune-related adverse events in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bredin Philip , Naidoo Jarushka
Published: July 2022

Systemic treatment options for patients with lung cancer have expanded in recent years, with a number of immunotherapeutic strategies now in our treatment armamentarium. Toxicity of and resistance to treatment hold a major stake in lung cancer morbidity and mortality. Herein, we summarise the background, current evidence and potential mechanisms underlying the role of the commensal gut microbiota in immunotherapy outcomes such as response and toxicity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Developed applicability of a bacterial cellulose matrix as a gelling substitute for plant tissue culture media
Authors: Ammar Gamal A. G. , Saleh Ahmed K. , Taha Tarek H. , El-Zawawy Waleed K. , Abdel-Fattah Yasser R.
Published: July 2022

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural biodegradable, eco-friendly fiber, lying within the nanoscale range. It is reputable for its various physical and chemical qualities, like high hydrophilicity, immense crystallinity, ease of sterility, being toxin-free, and extremely pure. Adding to its wide applicability in different fields, this study evaluated the applicability of a developed gelling substitute for plant tissue culture media. The BC matrix was characterized under the acronym PLATIBACGEL (PLAnt TIssue Culture BActerial Cellulose GEL), formed by Komagataeibacter hansenii AS.5, preisolated from rotten apple waste. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer, and tensile strength analyses confirmed the formation of purified, porous, and heterogeneous densely packed multiple network polymers possessing cellulose properties. The water holding capacity (WHC) values of wet and dried BC membranes were 9179% and 226.9%, respectively, and the water absorption rate (WAR) of dry BC membranes was higher than that of wet membranes. Using BC as a tissue culture gelling agent, six genotypes from tomato and wheat seeds were cultured in vitro, for guaranteeing explant genetic diversity, over seven treatments. Treatment 5, included PLATIBACGEL as the main constituent, improved and sustained all in vitro seed germination, root penetration, and plant support. Likewise, repeated tomato micropropagation subcultures were successful. Results demonstrated applying PLATIBACGEL as a promising, reusable, cheap, and reliable alternative plant micropropagation media gelling agent. Wherefore, plant cellular developers and tissue-culturists can utilize bio-polymers like BC for better understanding plant cell response to different in vitro culturing conditions, with expected beneficial returns on gelling agents industry and markets as well.

Graphical abstract
Acute effects of caffeine and glucose intake on retinal vessel calibres in healthy volunteers
Authors: Gin Thomas J. , Ali Noha , Gnanasekaran Sivashanth , Hodgson Lauren A. B. , Lim Lyndell L. , Sandhu Sukhpal S. , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa S.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the acute effects of caffeine and glucose intake on retinal vascular calibre of healthy adults.

Methods

This prospective crossover study was conducted at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (Melbourne, Australia). Standardized doses of 300 mg caffeine (approximately 3 cups coffee), 30 g glucose or 300 ml of water, were each given to 19 healthy subjects on separate days. Retinal photographs and blood pressure measurements were taken at baseline, 30-, 60- and 120-min after ingestion of each solution. Central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE, CRVE) and the arterio-venule ratio were measured using computer-assisted software. The mean retinal vascular calibre measurements were compared between pre- and post-ingestion images.

Results

After caffeine intake, significant reductions were observed in mean CRAE of − 9.3 μm, − 10.4 μm and − 8.5 μm and CRVE of − 16.9 μm, − 18.7 μm and − 16.1 μm at 30-, 60- and 120-min after intake when compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.002 for all; paired t test). No significant changes were observed in mean retinal vascular calibre measurements after intake of either glucose or water when compared to baseline (p ≥ 0.072 for all). When controlling for baseline characteristics and blood pressure measurements, only caffeine intake had a significant effect on reducing both CRAE and CRVE at all time points post ingestion (p ≤ 0.003 for all, multiple linear regression model).

Conclusion

Caffeine is associated with an acute vasoconstrictive effect on retinal arterioles and venules in healthy subjects. Factors other than blood pressure-induced autoregulation play a significant role in caffeine-associated retinal vasoconstriction.
Enhanced Flux Pinning Performance of Bulk MgB2 via Immersion of Synthetic Motor Oil
Authors: Santosh M. , Sai Srikanth A. , Muralidhar M.
Published: July 2022

The present investigation focuses on the incorporation of synthetic motor oil as an inexpensive, rich carbon source in bulk MgB2 superconductor and its effect on superconducting and flux pinning properties. A set of three MgB2 bulk samples were prepared from commercial high-purity powders of Mg metal and amorphous B powder utilizing a conventional in situ solid-state reaction process. Before sintering, the MgB2 samples were immersed in used and new synthetic motor oil for a standby time of 30 min and sintered in pure Ar atmosphere at 775 °C for 3 h. X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) analysis confirmed that single-phase formation of MgB2 with a small shift in X-ray diffraction peaks especially at (110) towards the peak position due to the effect of carbon substitution into the boron sites in lattice for samples immersed in new and used synthetic oil. The magnetization measurements indicated the Tc (onset) value to somewhat decrease to 37.5 K as a result of carbon doping. Microstructural observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested that fine nano-sized MgB2 grains improved self-field critical current density around 3.8 × 105 A/cm2 at 20 K for all samples studied. Further, the high-field critical current density (Jc) was improved especially for the sample immersed in used synthetic motor oil with the value of 2.7 × 104 A/cm2, 6 × 103 A/cm2 at 20 K, and at 3 T and 4 T, which is higher as compared to pure-MgB2 sample. In essence, the results signify that the bulk MgB2 samples immersed with used synthetic motor oil would improve the bulk performance at high magnetic fields indicating to be a viable option for industrial applications.
On product-one sequences over subsets of groups
Authors: Fadinger Victor , Zhong Qinghai
Published: July 2022

Let G be a group and $$G_0 \subseteq G$$

G
0

⊆
G

be a subset. A sequence over $$G_0$$

G
0

means a finite sequence of terms from $$G_0$$

G
0

, where the order of elements is disregarded and the repetition of elements is allowed. A product-one sequence is a sequence whose elements can be ordered such that their product equals the identity element of the group. We study algebraic and arithmetic properties of monoids of product-one sequences over finite subsets of G and over the whole group G, with a special emphasis on the infinite dihedral group.
Second-order relations and nomic regularities
Authors: Friend Toby
Published: July 2022

Bird’s Ultimate Argument sought to show that Armstrong’s N relationships involving categorical universals can’t entail nomic regularities. In N’s place Bird offered the non-categorical SR relation. Two kinds of objection have been raised: either Bird’s own alternative metaphysics fails in just the same way as Armstrong’s or the target of Bird’s argument may anyway have a way out of the problem. My aim is to reclaim the victory for Bird. I argue that the responses in defence of Armstong’s N relationships fail to acknowledge that Bird was explicitly concerned with Armstrong’s commitment to a categoricalist view of universals. Moreover, Bird’s alternative account does not suffer the same problem since his metaphysics of properties is essentialist. Nevertheless, Bird’s account does need elaborating on to explainwhySR relationships entail their regularities. I offer Schaffer’s Axiomatic Solution as a candidate for this purpose.
The identification game: deepfakes and the epistemic limits of identity
Authors: Öhman Carl
Published: July 2022

The fast development of synthetic media, commonly known as deepfakes, has cast new light on an old problem, namely—to what extent do people have a moral claim to their likeness, including personally distinguishing features such as their voice or face? That people have at least some such claim seems uncontroversial. In fact, several jurisdictions already combat deepfakes by appealing to a “right to identity.” Yet, an individual’s disapproval of appearing in a piece of synthetic media is sensible only insofar as the replication is successful. There has to be some form of (qualitative) identity between the content and the natural person. The question, therefore, is how this identity can be established. How can we know whether the face or voice featured in a piece of synthetic content belongs to a person who makes claim to it? On a trivial level, this may seem an easy task—the person in the video is A insofar as he or she is recognised as being A. Providing more rigorous criteria, however, poses a serious challenge. In this paper, I draw on Turing’s imitation game, and Floridi’s method of levels of abstraction, to propose a heuristic to this end. I call it the identification game. Using this heuristic, I show that identity cannot be established independently of the purpose of the inquiry. More specifically, I argue that whether a person has a moral claim to content that allegedly uses their identity depends on the type of harm under consideration.
Molecular signatures of organic particulates as tracers of emission sources
Authors: Cecinato Angelo , Bacaloni Alessandro , Romagnoli Paola , Perilli Mattia , Balducci Catia
Published: July 2022

Chemical signature of airborne particulates and deposition dusts is subject of study since decades. Usually, three complementary composition markers are investigated, namely, (i) specific organic compounds; (ii) concentration ratios between congeners, and (iii) percent distributions of homologs. Due to its intrinsic limits (e.g., variability depending on decomposition and gas/particle equilibrium), the identification of pollution sources based on molecular signatures results overall restricted to qualitative purposes. Nevertheless, chemical fingerprints allow drawing preliminary information, suitable for successfully approaching multivariate analysis and valuing the relative importance of sources. Here, the state-of-the-art is presented about the molecular fingerprints of non-polar aliphatic, polyaromatic (PAHs, nitro-PAHs), and polar (fatty acids, organic halides, polysaccharides) compounds in emissions. Special concern was addressed to alkenes and alkanes with carbon numbers ranging from 12 to 23 and ≥ 24, which displayed distinct relative abundances in petrol-derived spills and exhausts, emissions from microorganisms, high vegetation, and sediments. Long-chain alkanes associated with tobacco smoke were characterized by a peculiar iso/anteiso/normal homolog fingerprint and by n-hentriacontane percentages higher than elsewhere. Several concentration ratios of PAHs were identified as diagnostic of the type of emission, and the sources of uncertainty were elucidated. Despite extensive investigations conducted so far, the origin of uncommon molecular fingerprints, e.g., alkane/alkene relationships in deposition dusts and airborne particles, remains quite unclear. Polar organics resulted scarcely investigated for pollution apportioning purposes, though they looked as indicative of the nature of sources. Finally, the role of humans and living organisms as actual emitters of chemicals seems to need concern in the future.
Health Service Use for Mental Health Reasons in a Cohort of People Who Use Methamphetamine Experiencing Moderate to Severe Anxiety or Depression
Authors: Duncan Zoe , Kippen Rebecca , Sutton Keith , Ward Bernadette , Quinn Brendan , Dietze Paul
Published: July 2022

This study examined health service use for mental health reasons in a cohort of people who use methamphetamine and experience anxiety or depression. Data were derived from baseline surveys of a subset of 429 participants from the ‘VMAX’ study. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 instruments and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Sequential logistic regression determined correlates of health service use for mental health reasons. Lower odds of health service use for mental health reasons were evident for those living in a medium/small rural town (aOR = 0.27, CI = 0.12, 0.62), ≥ weekly methamphetamine use (aOR = 0.51, CI = 0.27, 0.99), and not utilising professional support for methamphetamine use in the 12 months prior (aOR = 0.19, CI = 0.12, 0.30). People who use methamphetamine frequently use health services for mental health issues. Further work is needed to determine the effectiveness of these services for this population.
Does a gender pay gap exist on executive boards? An empirical multilevel analysis of executive board compensation in German listed companies
Authors: Handschumacher-Knors Franziska
Published: July 2022

Using a three-stage multilevel model, this paper investigates whether the compensation of female and male members of top management teams differs systematically. For this, the payment and the determinants of compensation of approximately 600 executive board members of German DAX, MDAX, and SDAX companies in the years 2016–2019 were analysed. The differences in remuneration are theoretically founded at the company level by agency theory and at the individual level by human capital theory. The empirical results show that women receive lower compensation than men on average throughout the period under review. However, these differences in pay are especially attributable to the fact that women serve on average for a shorter period on the executive board and rarely hold the CEO position. There is also evidence that executive compensation depends directly on individual attributes (length of service on and position in the board) and company-specific characteristics (firm size and performance) that differ systematically between men and women, but gender determines compensation only indirectly through these factors. The study also confirms that women are still underrepresented on executive boards. With these results, this paper contributes to corporate governance research in the context of the dualistic board system and encourages the discussion about women in leadership positions.
Predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer using the similarity of quantitative dual-energy CT parameters between the primary lesion and axillary lymph node
Authors: Terada Kanako , Kawashima Hiroko , Yoneda Norihide , Toshima Fumihito , Hirata Miki , Kobayashi Satoshi , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the similarity of quantitative dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) parameters between the primary breast cancer lesion and axillary lymph node (LN) for predicting LN metastasis.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients with breast cancer who underwent contrast-enhanced DECT between July 2019 and April 2021. Relationships between LN metastasis and simple DECT parameters, similarity of DECT parameters, and pathological and morphological features were analyzed. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic ability.

Results

Overall, 137 LNs (39 metastases and 98 non-metastases) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in some pathological (nuclear grade, estrogen receptor status, and Ki67 index) and morphological characteristics (shortest and longest diameters of the LN, longest-to-shortest diameter ratio, and hilum), most simple DECT parameters, and all DECT similarity parameters between the LN metastasis and non-metastasis groups (all, P < 0.001–0.004). The shortest diameter of the LN (odds ratio 2.22; 95% confidence interval 1.47, 3.35; P < 0.001) and the similarity parameter of 40-keV attenuation (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval 1.13, 3.53; P = 0.017) were independently associated with LN metastasis compared to simple DECT parameters of 40-keV attenuation (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.99, 1.03; P =0.35). The AUC value of the similarity parameters for predicting metastatic LN was 0.78–0.81, even in cohorts with small LNs (shortest diameter < 5 mm) (AUC value 0.73–0.78).

Conclusion

The similarity of the delayed-phase DECT parameters could be a more useful tool for predicting LN metastasis than simple DECT parameters in breast cancer, regardless of LN size.
Investigating the Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Roughness for 3D Printed Parts Using a Multi-jet Printer
Authors: Chand Ramesh , Sharma Vishal S. , Trehan Rajeev , Gupta Munish Kumar , Sarikaya Murat
Published: July 2022

The shortcoming of conventional manufacturing (CM) is that it cannot manufacture geometrically complex parts with high repeatability and good surface properties. In order to overcome these shortcomings of CM, additive manufacturing (AM) is the major alternative to the CM. However, the usefulness and performance of parts manufactured through AM are closely correlated with dimensional accuracy and surface roughness, SR (Ra). Therefore, an investigation was carried out in this study for dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of 3D printed parts fabricated in different orientations. In the investigation, four orientation patterns are considered. The part is lying on the base (A), part is lying on the long edge (B), part is lying on the short edge (C), and the part is inclined to 45°(D) to the surface of the base plate (refer to Fig. 2). Orientations, i.e., A, B, C, and D, were explored for the variations in dimensional deviation and SR. In addition, an analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on fabricated parts. The results obtained exhibit a variation in dimensional accuracy and change in SR with different part orientations. Among all orientations, the largest surface area of the component in contact with the base plate (A) was the most suitable.
Insufficient Evidence for Multiple Species of Tyrannosaurus in the Latest Cretaceous of North America: A Comment on “The Tyrant Lizard King, Queen and Emperor: Multiple Lines of Morphological and Stratigraphic Evidence Support Subtle Evolution and Probable Speciation Within the North American Genus Tyrannosaurus”
Authors: Carr Thomas D. , Napoli James G. , Brusatte Stephen L. , Holtz Thomas R. , Hone David W. E. , Williamson Thomas E. , Zanno Lindsay E.
Published: July 2022

The Late Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex was recently split into three species based on the premise that variation in the T. rex hypodigm is exceptional, indicating cryptic species and “robust” and “gracile” morphs. The morphs are based on proportional ratios throughout the skeleton. The species are claimed to be stratigraphically separate, with an early robust species followed by robust and gracile descendants. There are problems with the hypothesis: the taxon diagnoses are based on two features that overlap between the species; several skulls cannot be identified based on the diagnoses; proportional comparisons between Tyrannosaurus and other theropods are based on incomparable samples; the tooth data are problematic; the stratigraphic framework divides the Hell Creek Formation into thirds, without the stratigraphic position of each specimen, or independent age control showing the subdivisions are coeval over the entire geographic area; previous work found variation in T. rex, but it cannot be parsed into discrete categories. We tested for “gracile” and “robust” morphs by analyzing the femoral and tooth ratios that were published in the multiple species study using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The results found that each set of ratios are explained by one cluster, showing that dimorphism is not supported. We tested for exceptional variation of the femoral ratio of Tyrannosaurus; we calculated the mean intraspecific robusticity for 112 species of living birds and 4 nonavian theropods. The results showed that the absolute variation in Tyrannosaurus is unexceptional and it does not indicate cryptic diversity. We conclude that “T. regina” and “T. imperator” are subjective junior synonyms of T. rex.
Change of Heart: the Epitranscriptome of Small Non-coding RNAs in Heart Failure
Authors: Woudenberg Tamar , Kruyt Nyika D. , Quax Paul H. A. , Nossent A. Yaël
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

Small non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression and are highly implicated in heart failure. Recently, an additional level of post-transcriptional regulation has been identified, referred to as the epitranscriptome, which encompasses the body of post-transcriptional modifications that are placed on RNA molecules. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the small non-coding RNA epitranscriptome in heart failure.

Recent Findings

With the rise of new methods to study RNA modifications, epitranscriptome research has begun to take flight. Over the past 3 years, the number of publications on the epitranscriptome in heart failure has significantly increased, and we expect many more highly relevant publications to come out over the next few years.

Currently, at least six modifications on small non-coding RNAs have been investigated in heart failure-relevant studies, namely N6-adenosine, N5-cytosine and N7-guanosine methylation, 2’-O-ribose-methylation, adenosine-to-inosine editing, and isomiRs. Their potential role in heart failure is discussed.
Association of Kidney Stones and Recurrent UTIs: the Chicken and Egg Situation. A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Ripa Francesco , Pietropaolo Amelia , Montanari Emanuele , Hameed B. M. Zeeshan , Gauhar Vineet , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

Kidney stone disease (KSD) and recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) are frequently concomitant conditions. We conducted a systematic review to determine the association of UTI in patients with KSD and to assess the outcomes of kidney stone treatment in the resolution of rUTI.

Recent Findings

Our systematic review included 17 papers and a strong association between KSD and rUTI was demonstrated by numerous studies. Surgical clearance of kidney stones usually resulted in the resolution of UTI, but discordant data persist regarding recurrence rates after surgery. In vitro studies might unveil the causative role of bacteria in the formation of “metabolic” stones.

Our SR clearly shows that UTI and KSD are mutually coexisting, and reciprocally causal and such patients should be counselled for proactive intervention by stone removal especially when UTIs are recurrent or additional risk factors are present irrespective of stone composition. To prevent further UTI episodes, if possible, a stone culture must be obtained for an effectively targeted antibiotic treatment regime tailored to bacterial prevalence.
A Mind-inspired Architecture for Adaptive HRI
Authors: Umbrico Alessandro , De Benedictis Riccardo , Fracasso Francesca , Cesta Amedeo , Orlandini Andrea , Cortellessa Gabriella
Published: July 2022

One of the main challenges of social robots concerns the ability to guarantee robust, contextualized and intelligent behavior capable of supporting continuous and personalized interaction with different users over time. This implies that robot behaviors should consider the specificity of a person (e.g., personality, preferences, assistive needs), the social context as well as the dynamics of the interaction. Ideally, robots should have a “mind" to properly interact in real social environments allowing them to continuously adapt and exhibit engaging behaviors. The authors’ long-term research goal is to create an advanced mind-inspired system capable of supporting multiple assistance scenarios fostering personalization of robot’s behavior. This article introduces the idea of a dual process-inspired cognitive architecture that integrates two reasoning layers working on different time scales and making decisions over different temporal horizons. The general goal is also to support an empathetic relationship with the user through a multi-modal interaction inclusive of verbal and non-verbal expressions based on the emotional-cognitive profile of the person. The architecture is exemplified on a cognitive stimulation domain where some experiments show personalization capabilities of the approach as well as the joint work of the two layers. In particular, a feasibility assessment shows the customization of robot behaviors and the adaptation of robot interactions to the online detected state of a user. Usability sessions were performed in laboratory settings involving 10 healthy participants to assess the user interaction and the robot’s dialogue performance.
Crafting the success and failure of decentralized marine management
Authors: Wencélius Jean , Lauer Matthew , Bambridge Tamatoa
Published: July 2022

This paper presents an ethnographic case study of the design and revision of a decentralized marine management scheme implemented on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia named Plan de Gestion de l’Espace Maritime (PGEM). Drawing on an analysis of over 50 consultative workshops and meetings, held from 2018 to 2021 during the PGEM revision, we document the materials, discourses, and practices local stakeholders (e.g., fishers, cultural and environmental activists, government staff, and scientists) combine to build their interpretations of PGEM success or failure. We examine the diversity of domains these interpretations draw from (ecology, marine livelihoods, culture, religion, and politics) and how they are put into practice in people’s engagement with—or resistance to—the local marine management and governance design. Our results highlight how the controversies around the revision of Moorea’s PGEM overflowed the boundaries of ecology as construed by scientific experts. Stakeholders interpreted “marine resource management” as something well beyond just “marine resources” to include politics, identity, Polynesian cosmology, and livelihoods. Our findings provide generalizable patterns for understanding how natural-resource management policies are received and repurposed by local actors.