bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of 2′‐Deoxy‐2′‐Methoxy‐L‐Cytidine Nucleic Acids
Authors: Dantsu Yuliya , Zhang Wen
Published: September 2023

We report here for the first time the synthesis of a novel 2′‐methoxy‐modified L‐cytidine analog and its phosphoramidite, as well as its incorporation into oligonucleotides via solid‐phase synthesis. Our measure the thermostability of the modified L‐nucleic acids by UV‐melting studies, and find out the 2′‐methoxy‐derivatization enhances the thermostability of the L‐duplexes. Consistent with the thermostability result, our X‐ray crystal structure study reveals that the 2′‐methoxy‐L‐deoxycytidine forms the Watson‐Crick base pair with L‐guanosine virtually as the mirror‐image fashion of native pair. This novel chemically modified L‐cytidine provides a useful biochemical and structural strategy to create mirror‐image nucleic acid molecules with expanded functionalities.
Pd(II)‐Catalyzed β‐C(sp3)−H Functionalization of Ugi 4‐CR Adducts Using the 2‐(Methylthio)‐aniline (MTA) Directing Group
Authors: Becerra‐Anaya Silvia J. , Polindara‐García Luis A.
Published: September 2023

The multicomponent assembly of the 2‐(methylthio)‐aniline (MTA) directing group in N‐methylated Ugi 4‐CR adducts using the (2‐isocyanophenyl)(methyl)sulfane and the subsequent Pd(II)‐mediated mono‐selective β‐C(sp3)−H bond activation process have been successfully developed for the synthesis of arylated amino acids and peptide systems.
Twin Zn1−xCdxS Solid Solution: Highly Efficient Photocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Meiling , Kong Zhen , Ai Zizheng , Shi Dong , Yang Mingzhi , Yao Xiaogang , Shao Yongliang , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2023

Twins in crystal defect, one of the significant factors affecting the physicochemical properties of semiconductor materials, are applied in catalytic conversion. Among the catalysts serving for photocatalytic water splitting, Zn1−xCdxS has become a hot‐point due to its adjustable energy band structure. Via limiting mass transport to control the release rate of anions/cations, twin Zn1−xCdxS solid solution is prepared successfully, which lays a foundation for the construction of other twin crystals in the future. On twin Zn1−xCdxS, water tends to be dissociated after being adsorbed by Zn2+/Cd2+ at twin boundary, then the fast‐moving electrons at twin boundary quickly combine with the protons already attached to S2− to form hydrogen. According to the theoretical calculation, not only the intracrystalline electron mobility, but also the extracrystalline capacity of water‐adsorption/dissociation and proton‐adsorption on the twin boundary are superior to those of the counterpart plane in defect‐free phase. The synthetic twin Zn1−xCdxS apparent quantum efficiency of photocatalysis water splitting for hydrogen reached 82.5% (λ = 420 nm). This research opens up an avenue to introduce twins in crystals and it hopes to shed some light on photocatalysis.
Precise Modulation of Carbon Activity Sites in Metal‐Free Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liu Jianchuan , Zhao Jie , Li Cuiyan , Liu Yaozu , Li Daohao , Li Hui , Valtchev Valentin , Qiu Shilun , Wang Yujie , Fang Qianrong
Published: September 2023

Metal‐free carbon‐based materials have gained recognition as potential electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in new environmentally‐friendly electrochemical energy conversion technologies. The presence of effective active centers is crucial for achieving productive ORR. In this study, we present the synthesis of two metal‐free dibenzo[a,c]phenazine‐based covalent organic frameworks (DBP‐COFs), specifically JUC‐650 and JUC‐651, which serve as ORR electrocatalysts. Among them, JUC‐650 demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance for ORR in alkaline electrolytes, exhibiting an onset potential of 0.90 V versus RHE and a half‐wave potential of 0.72 V versus RHE. Consequently, JUC‐650 stands out as one of the most outstanding metal‐free COF‐based ORR electrocatalysts report to date. Experimental investigations and density functional theory calculations confirm that modulation of the frameworks' electronic configuration allows for the reduction of adsorption energy at the Schiff‐base carbon active sites, leading to more efficient ORR processes. Moreover, the DBP‐COFs can be assembled as excellent air cathode catalysts for zinc‐air batteries (ZAB), rivaling the performance of commercial Pt/C. This study provides valuable insights for the development of efficient metal‐free organoelectrocatalysts through precise regulation of active site strategies.
CEEM: a Chemically Explainable Deep Learning Platform for Identifying Compounds with Low Effective Mass
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Zhilong , Han Yanqiang , Gao Mingyu , Li Jinjin
Published: September 2023

The semiconductor industry occupies a crucial position in the fields of integrated circuits, energy, and communication systems. Effective mass (mE), which is closely related to electron transition, thermal excitation, and carrier mobility, is a key performance indicator of semiconductor. However, the highly neglected mE is onerous to measure experimentally, which seriously hinders the evaluation of semiconductor properties and the understanding of the carrier migration mechanisms. Here, a chemically explainable effective mass predictive platform (CEEM) is constructed by deep learning, to identify n‐type and p‐type semiconductors with low mE. Based on the graph network, a versatile explainable network is innovatively designed that enables CEEM to efficiently predict the mE of any structure, with the area under the curve of 0.904 for n‐type semiconductors and 0.896 for p‐type semiconductors, and derive the most relevant chemical factors. Using CEEM, the currently largest mE database is built that contains 126 335 entries and screens out 466 semiconductors with low mE for transparent conductive materials, photovoltaic materials, and water‐splitting materials. Moreover, a user‐friendly and interactive CEEM web is provided that supports query, prediction, and explanation of mE. CEEM's high efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, and explainability open up new avenues for the discovery and design of high‐performance semiconductors.
Highly Conductive Covalent–Organic Framework Films
Authors: Wang Rui , Lyu Hang , Poon Ho Gerald Siu Hang , Chen Huanhuan , Yuan Yufei , Bang Ki‐Taek , Kim Yoonseob
Published: September 2023

Chemically inert organic networks exhibiting electrical conductivity comparable to metals can advance organic electronics, catalysis, and energy storage systems. Covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising materials for those applications due to their high crystallinity, porosity, and tunable functionality. However, their low conductivity has limited their practical utilization. In this study, copper‐coordinated‐fluorinated‐phthalocyanine and 2,3,6,7‐tetrahydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone‐based COF (CuPc‐AQ‐COF) films with ultrahigh conductivity are developed. The COF films exhibit an electrical conductivity of 1.53 × 103 S m−1 and a Hall mobility of 6.02 × 102 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 298 K, reaching the level of metals. The films are constructed by linking phthalocyanines and anthraquinones through vapor‐assisted synthesis. The high conductivity properties of the films are attributed to the molecular design of the CuPc‐AQ‐COFs and the generation of high‐quality crystals via the vapor‐assisted method. Density functional theory analysis reveals that an efficient donor–acceptor system between the copper‐coordinated phthalocyanines and anthraquinones significantly promotes charge transfer. Overall, the CuPc‐AQ‐COF films set new records of COF conductivity and mobility and represent a significant step forward in the development of COFs for electronic, catalytic, and electrochemical applications.
Exfoliation of 2D Metal‐Organic Frameworks: toward Advanced Scalable Materials for Optical Sensing
Authors: Efimova Anastasiia S. , Alekseevskiy Pavel V. , Timofeeva Maria V. , Kenzhebayeva Yuliya A. , Kuleshova Alina O. , Koryakina Irina G. , Pavlov Dmitry I. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Potapov Andrei S. , Shipilovskikh Sergei A. , Li Nan , Milichko Valentin A.
Published: September 2023

Two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) occupy a special place among the large family of functional 2D materials. Even at a monolayer level, 2D MOFs exhibit unique sensing, separation, catalytic, electronic, and conductive properties due to the combination of porosity and organo‐inorganic nature. However, lab‐to‐fab transfer for 2D MOF layers faces the challenge of their scalability, limited by weak interactions between the organic and inorganic building blocks. Here, comparing three top‐down approaches to fabricate 2D MOF layers (sonication, freeze‐thaw, and mechanical exfoliation), The technological criteria have established for creation of the layers of the thickness up to 1 nm with a record aspect ratio up to 2*10^4:1. The freezing‐thaw and mechanical exfoliation are the most optimal approaches; wherein the rate and manufacturability of the mechanical exfoliation rivaling the greatest scalability of 2D MOF layers obtained by freezing‐thaw (21300:1 vs 1330:1 aspect ratio), leaving the sonication approach behind (with a record 900:1 aspect ratio) have discovered. The high quality 2D MOF layers with a record aspect ratio demonstrate unique optical sensitivity to solvents of a varied polarity, which opens the way to fabricate scalable and freestanding 2D MOF‐based atomically thin chemo‐optical sensors by industry‐oriented approach.
Deep learning and SVM‐based emotion recognition from Chinese speech for smart affective services
Authors: Zhang Weishan , Zhao Dehai , Chai Zhi , Yang Laurence T. , Liu Xin , Gong Faming , Yang Su
Published: September 2023

Emotion recognition is challenging for understanding people and enhances human–computer interaction experiences, which contributes to the harmonious running of smart health care and other smart services. In this paper, several kinds of speech features such as Mel frequency cepstrum coefficient, pitch, and formant were extracted and combined in different ways to reflect the relationship between feature fusions and emotion recognition performance. In addition, we explored two methods, namely, support vector machine (SVM) and deep belief networks (DBNs), to classify six emotion status: anger, fear, joy, neutral status, sadness, and surprise. In the SVM‐based method, we used SVM multi‐classification algorithm to optimize the parameters of penalty factor and kernel function. With DBN, we adjusted different parameters to achieve the best performance when solving different emotions. Both gender‐dependent and gender‐independent experiments were conducted on the Chinese Academy of Sciences emotional speech database. The mean accuracy of SVM is 84.54%, and the mean accuracy of DBN is 94.6%. The experiments show that the DBN‐based approach has good potential for practical usage, and suitable feature fusions will further improve the performance of speech emotion recognition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcoding unicode characters with AVX‐512 instructions
Authors: Clausecker Robert , Lemire Daniel
Published: September 2023

Intel includes in its recent processors a powerful set of instructions capable of processing 512‐bit registers with a single instruction (AVX‐512). Some of these instructions have no equivalent in earlier instruction sets. We leverage these instructions to efficiently transcode strings between the most common formats: UTF‐8 and UTF‐16. With our novel algorithms, we are often twice as fast as the previous best solutions. For example, we transcode Chinese text from UTF‐8 to UTF‐16 at more than 5 GiB using fewer than 2 CPU instructions per character. To ensure reproducibility, we make our software freely available as an open‐source library. Our library is part of the popular Node.js JavaScript runtime.
On the typification of the Linnaean name Viola pinnata (Violaceae)
Authors: Lohit Tushar A. , Wagh Vijay V.
Published: September 2023

The typification of Viola pinnata (Violaceae) is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural type is based on the literature cited in the protologue and the consultation of Linnaeus's original material. The previously selected lectotype of V. pinnata is updated, and the specimen LINN 1052.3 is designated as the lectotype.
Let's Learn from Them: Using the Integrative Multimodal Literacy Assessment Tool to Support Instruction for Young Children
Authors: Ly Chu N. , Forzani Elena E.
Published: September 2023

Many children bring rich multimodal literacy practices into their classrooms, with experience weaving between paper and digital texts. In order to support children's multimodal meaning making, teachers need first to understand the multimodal practices that children bring into the classroom in order to then develop instruction that builds on, and extends, children's existing literacy practices. This article presents a tool to assess young children's multimodal literacies. The Integrative Multimodal Literacy Assessment (IMLA) evaluates children's multimodal meaning making through a questionnaire and performance activity. In this article, we first describe the tool and explain how to administer it in diverse classroom contexts. We then share findings from a pilot study, using the IMLA, conducted in two urban preschools as an example of how teachers might use the tool in their own classrooms.
Effect of atmospheric stability on the dynamic wake meandering model applied to two 12 MW floating wind turbines
Authors: Rivera‐Arreba Irene , Wise Adam S. , Eliassen Lene V. , Bachynski‐Polić Erin E.
Published: September 2023

Current global analysis tools for floating wind turbines (FWTs) do not account for the combined effects of atmospheric stability and wakes from neighboring turbines. This work uses the mid‐fidelity dynamic wake meandering model, together with turbulent wind fields generated based on stable, neutral, and unstable atmospheric conditions, to study the low‐frequency content of the global responses of two semisubmersible FWTs separated by eight rotor diameters. Incoming wind fields based on the Kaimal spectrum and exponential coherence model, the Mann spectral tensor model, and a time‐series input‐based turbulence model are used. The respective input parameters for these models are fitted to high‐fidelity large eddy simulation data.

In unstable, below‐rated conditions, meandering leads to an increase in the yaw standard deviation of the downwind turbine of almost three times larger than the upwind turbine. Deficit and the upwards wake deflection affect the mean pitch and yaw, especially for the below‐rated wind speed scenario. The mean pitch of the downwind turbine is reduced up to half the mean pitch value of the upwind turbine, whereas the mean yaw changes direction due to the enhanced effect of shear. The effect of meandering on the structural loading is highest on the standard deviation of the tower‐top yaw moment of the downstream turbine, which increases more than 2.2 times compared to the upwind turbine value. Based on these findings, atmospheric stability affects wake deficit and meandering which in turn have a profound effect on the low‐frequency global motions and structural response of floating wind turbines.
Was Stephen Timoshenko right about the Jewish scientists in Germany?
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac
Published: September 2023

Stephen Timoshenko was the author of numerous textbooks on various aspects of applied mechanics, and through them contributed to its rapid development in the world. As always, the community is also interested in the personal side of the scientists. This paper is devoted to a single statement made by Stephen Timoshenko in his autobiographical book. Specifically, it concerns Timoshenko's at least partial “explanation” of the Holocaust that took place during WWII. Whereas Timoshenko's statement constituted, to the present writer, open antisemitism, it does not seem to disturb many researchers who continue to honor him in various ways. “Nonsense is nonsense, but the history of nonsense is scholarship,” according to Saul Lieberman. Hence the present article presents an investigation of Timoshenko's nonsensical and overly antisemitic statement. This author corresponded with a number of historians of science all repudiating Timoshenko's assertions. Most importantly, the correspondents shed additional vivid light on the Holocaust as experienced by Jewish scientists.
The Company within Social and Planetary Boundaries
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Society faces multiple sustainability challenges. The transition towards a sustainable and inclusive economy requires rethinking and reorganising many current practices. Companies play an important role in that transition because social and environmental impacts are generated primarily in the corporate sector. Some companies will survive the transition by providing valuable solutions; others will not, as their competitive positions are eroded. Sustainability is therefore also about corporate survival. Responsible companies are increasingly adopting the goal of integrated value creation, which unites financial, social, and environmental value.

This raises the fundamental question in corporate finance: what is the objective of the company? The traditional objective is maximising profit, which boils down to maximising financial value for shareholders. This does not incentivise companies to act in a sustainable manner. An alternative view is to broaden the objective of the company to optimising integrated value (IV) for all stakeholders, which combines financial value (FV), social value (SV), and environmental value (EV). Applying this new paradigm of integrated value is the real innovation of this corporate finance textbook.
Case Study Integrated Valuation: Inditex
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

This chapter applies the tools of the previous chapters to a particular company, Inditex, the largest fast fashion company in the world. The fast fashion industry faces major social (S) and environmental (E) challenges. Moreover, since the industry is characterised by high levels of outsourcing, those challenges tend to be hidden down the supply chain. The case study answers questions such as: how to calculate the integrated value of a company? Which company-reported data to use? How to fill the gaps from missing data in company reporting? We connect the company’s business model and purpose to its external impacts and transition challenges. This allows us to value on environmental (E), social (S), and financial (F) factors. We compute the company’s integrated value (IV) by summing FV, SV, and EV in several ways. The company’s IV turns out to be positive overall, but both positive SV and negative SV and EV turn out to be much larger than FV, which shows the importance of not netting. The large negative values need to be addressed: to be reduced and ideally eliminated. We therefore explore integrated value creation over time; how it can be improved; and how to communicate it to investors.
Issues and Payouts: Changes in Capital Structure
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Companies can change the composition of their capital structure by adding (issuing) or reducing (paying out) types of funding. In issues, cash is raised from providers of capital and their claim is increased accordingly. Conversely, payouts refer to those situations in which cash is paid to providers of capital and the value of their claim is reduced accordingly. Both issues and payouts compete with alternative uses of corporate cash, such as investments and building cash reserves.

The impact of environmental (E) and social (S) factors on financial issues and payouts is most obvious through their impact on business models and operations, which in turn affect risk, debt capacity, and cash flows, thereby affecting the degree to which companies can and want to payout cash or issue new capital. As for issues and payouts of E and S themselves, the question is if they exist at all. After all, issues and payouts concern changes in claims that involve cash transfers, but it is not clear what the equivalent of cash could be in E and S. Still, an integrated view on issues and payouts makes sense: given that E and S liabilities affect integrated leverage, they are likely to have implications for integrated payouts as well. The question then is: how to manage issues and payouts, financial in nature, when managing for long-term value? It calls for caution on payouts in the presence of significant liabilities on E or S.
Reporting and Investor Relations
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Financial reporting and investor relations serve important roles as a means of communication between corporate management and the company’s stakeholders, including investors. This chapter outlines why reporting matters, and how it falls short. It also shows how integrated reporting (combining financial, social and environmental value) might be an improvement. Integrated reporting is about understanding how an organisation creates integrated value and how its activities affect the capitals (human, social and natural capitals, next to financial capital) it relies upon for this. Emerging international sustainability reporting standards will spur integrated reporting. Ultimately, integrated reporting is related to integrated thinking, which takes into account the connectivity and interdependencies between the financial, social, human and environmental capitals that affect an organisation’s ability to create integrated value over time. But investors are slow to ask questions about this new information, as their main focus is still on the financials.
Integrated Value Creation
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Chapter 1 gave us a clear starting point: responsible companies create integrated value based on financial value (FV), social value (SV), and environmental value (EV). But what does that mean and imply? This chapter outlines what value creation is, and how the various types of value creation can be prioritised. For the alignment of all types of value, the prospect of internalisation is crucial. Internalisation means that the burdens of (social and environmental) externalities are increasingly shifted back from society to the companies and consumers who cause them. If companies’ FV depends on the exploitation of an external impact (i.e., FV at the expense of SV or EV), that FV will be affected if and when internalisation occurs.

As responsible companies aim to create value based on FV, SV, and EV, they should have a clear picture of their current value creation profile and of their capabilities to create integrated value. Based on their purpose and area(s) of value destruction, companies can accordingly adjust their strategy and business model. In the case of serious value destruction, they should be able to outline a credible transition pathway. Companies can invest in their capabilities to adapt to sustainable business models. In that way, they increase their transition preparedness.
Corporate Governance
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Corporate governance is about controlling and directing the company. The starting point is the objective of the company. In the shareholder model, the ultimate control is with shareholders, who usually aim to maximise company profits and thus put financial value as the company objective. In contrast, the stakeholder model includes other stakeholders, notably employees and customers, alongside shareholders. The integrated model expands the company objective to integrated value, which combines financial, social, and environmental value. This includes not just current stakeholders and shareholders, but also future stakeholders, by representing the environment and people not yet born.

The conflict of interest between managers and shareholders has been at the heart of corporate governance research for decades. However, this debate changes if one broadens the objective of the firm to integrated value. How does one balance the interests of the various stakeholders? What information is used for this balancing? What ownership structures and governance mechanisms are most effective in balancing these interests? How can management be held accountable to stakeholders? The answers lie in the concept of integrated value as introduced in Chap. 1. It provides guidance on the required information; the alignment of interests; accountability; and decision-making, which involves dealing with trade-offs between the interests of various stakeholders.
Discount Rates and Scarcity of Capital
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

Dealing with the future and determining the present value of future cash flows are key parts of corporate finance. The first section of this chapter therefore addresses discount rates and the time value of money. Subsequently, the determinants of discount rates are discussed, starting with government bonds as a benchmark, and then adding the risk premia on corporate bonds and equity. This all applies to financial capital. Next, we introduce the social discount rate for social and environmental capital. The counterparty of companies’ social and environmental capital is the wider society, representing current and future generations. Leading economists argue for an equal treatment of current and future generations, which implies a low social discount rate. Finally, we show how the financial discount rate can be expanded to an integrated discount rate that can be applied to integrated value, which also includes social and environmental value. It is shown that larger environmental and social liabilities raise the integrated discount rate. Conversely, environmental and social assets lower the integrated discount rate.
Valuing Public Equity
Authors: Schoenmaker Dirk , Schramade Willem
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines methods to derive the equity value of publicly listed companies. These equity valuation methods come in two forms: absolute and relative methods. Absolute valuation models are fundamental methods to calculate value by discounting cash flows from business activities or discounting dividends which are paid from realised profits. Relative valuation models determine the value of one company in comparison with another company with similar characteristics, taking the latter’s market value as a given.

Fundamental valuation methods—through a deeper understanding of companies and their value drivers—are most suited to sustainability integration. This chapter shows how these methods can incorporate social and environmental factors, alongside financial factors, into equity valuation. Moreover, fundamental valuation methods are at the core of valuing social and environmental factors in their own right, as discussed in Chap. 5.
Extensions of $$\textsf{K5}$$: Proof Theory and Uniform Lyndon Interpolation
Authors: van der Giessen Iris , Jalali Raheleh , Kuznets Roman
Published: September 2023

We introduce a Gentzen-style framework, calledlayered sequent calculi, for modal logic $$\textsf{K5}$$and its extensions $$\textsf{KD5}$$,$$\textsf{K45}$$,$$\textsf{KD45}$$,$$\textsf{KB5}$$, and $$\textsf{S5}$$with the goal to investigate the uniform Lyndon interpolation property (ULIP), which implies both the uniform interpolation property and the Lyndon interpolation property. We obtain complexity-optimal decision procedures for all logics and present a constructive proof of the ULIP for$$\textsf{K5}$$, which to the best of our knowledge, is the first such syntactic proof. To prove that the interpolant is correct, we use model-theoretic methods, especially bisimulation modulo literals.
Canonicity of Proofs in Constructive Modal Logic
Authors: Acclavio Matteo , Catta Davide , Olimpieri Federico
Published: September 2023

In this paper we investigate the Curry-Howard correspondence for constructive modal logic in light of the gap between the proof equivalences enforced by the lambda calculi from the literature and by the recently defined winning strategies for this logic.

We define a new lambda-calculus for a minimal constructive modal logic by enriching the calculus from the literature with additional reduction rules and we prove normalization and confluence for our calculus. We then provide a typing system in the style of focused proof systems allowing us to provide a unique proof for each term in normal form, and we use this result to show a one-to-one correspondence between terms in normal form and winning innocent strategies.
The MaxSAT Problem in the Real-Valued MV-Algebra
Authors: Haniková Zuzana , Manyà Felip , Vidal Amanda
Published: September 2023

This work addresses the maximum satisfiability (MaxSAT) problem for a multiset of arbitrary formulas of the language of propositional Łukasiewicz logic over the MV-algebra whose universe is the real interval [0,1]. First, we reduce the MaxSAT problem to the SAT problem over the same algebra. This solution method sets a benchmark for other approaches, allowing a classification of the MaxSAT problem in terms of metric reductions introduced by Krentel. We later define an alternative analytic method with preprocessing in terms of a Tseitin transformation of the input, followed by a reduction to a system of linear constraints, in analogy to the earlier approaches of Hähnle and Olivetti. We discuss various aspects of these approaches to solving the problem.
A New Calculus for Intuitionistic Strong Löb Logic: Strong Termination and Cut-Elimination, Formalised
Authors: Shillito Ian , van der Giessen Iris , Goré Rajeev , Iemhoff Rosalie
Published: September 2023

We provide a new sequent calculus that enjoys syntactic cut-elimination and strongly terminating backward proof search for the intuitionistic Strong Löb logic $$\textsf{iSL}$$, an intuitionistic modal logic with a provability interpretation. A novel measure on sequents is used to prove both the termination of the naive backward proof search strategy, and the admissibility of cut in a syntactic and direct way, leading to a straightforward cut-elimination procedure. All proofs have been formalised in the interactive theorem prover Coq.
The relation between KMOC and worldline formalisms for classical gravity
Authors: Damgaard Poul H. , Hansen Elias Roos , Planté Ludovic , Vanhove Pierre
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We demonstrate the equivalence between observables in the KMOC and worldline formalisms for classical general relativity, highlighting the relation between the initial conditions in the two frameworks and how the Keldysh-Schwinger in-in formalism is contained in both of them even though the KMOC representation conventionally leads to the evaluation of scattering amplitudes with Feynman propagators. The relationship between the two approaches is illustrated in detail for the momentum kick at second Post-Minkowskian order.
Non-invertible Gauss law and axions
Authors: Choi Yichul , Lam Ho Tat , Shao Shu-Heng
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In axion-Maxwell theory at the minimal axion-photon coupling, we find non-invertible 0- and 1-form global symmetries arising from the naive shift and center symmetries. Since the Gauss law is anomalous, there is no conserved, gauge-invariant, and quantized electric charge. Rather, using half higher gauging, we find a non-invertible Gauss law associated with a non-invertible 1-form global symmetry, which is related to the Page charge. These symmetries act invertibly on the axion field and Wilson line, but non-invertibly on the monopoles and axion strings, leading to selection rules related to the Witten effect. We also derive various crossing relations between the defects. The non-invertible 0- and 1-form global symmetries mix with other invertible symmetries in a way reminiscent of a higher-group symmetry. Using this non-invertible higher symmetry structure, we derive universal inequalities on the energy scales where different infrared symmetries emerge in any renormalization group flow to the axion-Maxwell theory. Finally, we discuss implications for the Weak Gravity Conjecture and the Completeness Hypothesis in quantum gravity.
On approximation of the Dirichlet problem for divergence form operators by Robin problems
Authors: Rozkosz Andrzej , Słomiński Leszek
Published: September 2023

We show that, under natural assumptions, solutions of Dirichlet problems for uniformly elliptic divergence form operators can be approximated pointwise by solutions of some versions of Robin problems. The proof is based on the stochastic representation of solutions and properties of reflected diffusions corresponding to divergence form operators.
Pädiatrische Notfallpatienten in den Notaufnahmen einer deutschen Metropolregion
Authors: Althammer Alexander , Trentzsch Heiko , Prückner Stephan , Gehring Christian , Hoffmann Florian
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Bisher existiert keine detaillierte Analyse von pädiatrischen Notfällen, die in Notaufnahmen versorgt werden. Im Rahmen der Kapazitätsplanung und anstehenden Reform der Notfallversorgung werden diese Daten aber dringend benötigt.

Methode

Retrospektive multizentrische Querschnittsstudie für den Zeitraum vom 01.07.2013 bis zum 01.06.2014 der pädiatrischen Fälle in den Notaufnahmen Münchens.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden insgesamt 103.830 Fälle analysiert (Alter: 6,9 ± 5,4 Jahre, Jungen/Mädchen 55 %/45 %). Es konnten 85,9 % der Fälle ambulant versorgt werden, 12,4 % (9,6 pro 100.000 Kinder) wurden auf die Normal- und 1,7 % (1,0 pro 100.000 Kinder) auf die Intensivstation aufgenommen. Der real benötigte Bettenbedarf überstieg jedoch diese Richtzahlen mit absolut benötigten 4,9 Intensiv- und 35,1 Normalstationsbetten pro Tag. Es zeigten sich Belastungsspitzen an den Nachmittagen des Mittwochs und des Freitags sowie an den Wochenenden. Jeder 8. Patient, der in einer Notaufnahme als Selbstzuweiser vorgestellt wurde, wurde stationär behandelt.

Schlussfolgerung

Für die Kapazitätsplanung der stationären Notfallversorgung pädiatrischer Patienten müssen mehr Betten eingeplant werden als bevölkerungsbezogen zu erwarten sind. Die Verfügbarkeit der kassenärztlichen Versorgung beeinflusst das Patientenaufkommen in den Notaufnahmen (NA). Zur Verteilung der Patienten werden Instrumente zur medizinischen Ersteinschätzung des Behandlungsbedarfs und der Behandlungsdringlichkeit benötigt. Die im Rahmen der aktuellen Reform der Notfallversorgung geplanten Kindernotfallzentren müssen personell und finanziell angemessen ausgestattet werden, um – in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der kassenärztlichen Versorgung – den zu erwartenden Versorgungsbedarf bewältigen zu können.
Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Fish from Lake Manyara, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Sawe Shovi , Amasi Aloyce , Wynants Maarten
Published: September 2023

Elemental tracer concentrations of copper, lead, nickel and zinc, were assessed in the muscles of Oreochromis amphimelas and Clarias gariepinus from Lake Manyara, Tanzania, to evaluate their safety to consumers, specifically humans. Results revealed that no elemental concentrations exceeded the FAO permissible levels, indicating fish from all sites are safe for human consumption. However, based on the highest found concentration of Pb, we recommend a maximum consumption of 2.2 kg of fish from Lake Manyara per week. No significant differences were observed in the metal concentrations between the two fish species, suggesting there is no bioaccumulation in the food chain. Moreover, no significant differences were found between fish landing sites, indicating there are no regions in the lake with higher pollution. These findings indicate that PTM concentrations have not increased to toxic levels due to increased mobilisation from the catchment. Continued monitoring of potential toxic metal concentrations in fish is recommended due to endorheic nature of Lake Manyara and increasing anthropogenic activities in its catchment area.
Toward phytoplankton parasite detection using autoencoders
Authors: Bilik Simon , Batrakhanov Daniel , Eerola Tuomas , Haraguchi Lumi , Kraft Kaisa , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Kangas Jonna , Sjöqvist Conny , Madsen Karin , Lensu Lasse , Kälviäinen Heikki , Horak Karel
Published: September 2023

Phytoplankton parasites are largely understudied microbial components with a potentially significant ecological influence on phytoplankton bloom dynamics. To better understand the impact of phytoplankton parasites, improved detection methods are needed to integrate phytoplankton parasite interactions into monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. Automated imaging devices commonly produce vast amounts of phytoplankton image data, but the occurrence of anomalous phytoplankton data in such datasets is rare. Thus, we propose an unsupervised anomaly detection system based on the similarity between the original and autoencoder-reconstructed samples. With this approach, we were able to reach an overall F1 score of 0.75 in nine phytoplankton species, which could be further improved by species-specific fine-tuning. The proposed unsupervised approach was further compared with the supervised Faster R-CNN-based object detector. Using this supervised approach and the model trained on plankton species and anomalies, we were able to reach a highest F1 score of 0.86. However, the unsupervised approach is expected to be more universal as it can also detect unknown anomalies and it does not require any annotated anomalous data that may not always be available in sufficient quantities. Although other studies have dealt with plankton anomaly detection in terms of non-plankton particles or air bubble detection, our paper is, according to our best knowledge, the first that focuses on automated anomaly detection considering putative phytoplankton parasites or infections.
Supervised learning algorithm for analysis of communication signals in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus
Authors: Lehotzky Dávid , Zupanc Günther K. H.
Published: September 2023

Signal analysis plays a preeminent role in neuroethological research. Traditionally, signal identification has been based on pre-defined signal (sub-)types, thus being subject to the investigator’s bias. To address this deficiency, we have developed a supervised learning algorithm for the detection of subtypes of chirps—frequency/amplitude modulations of the electric organ discharge that are generated predominantly during electric interactions of individuals of the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. This machine learning paradigm can learn, from a ‘ground truth’ data set, a function that assigns proper outputs (here: time instances of chirps and associated chirp types) to inputs (here: time-series frequency and amplitude data). By employing this artificial intelligence approach, we have validated previous classifications of chirps into different types and shown that further differentiation into subtypes is possible. This demonstration of its superiority compared to traditional methods might serve as proof-of-principle of the suitability of the supervised machine learning paradigm for a broad range of signals to be analyzed in neuroethology.
Colonoscopy compliance and diagnostic yield in a large population-based colorectal cancer screening programme
Authors: Zhao Xinzhu , Wang Shuyuan , Yuan Zhen , Yan Suying , Pang Wenwen , Liu Xinyu , Wang Wanting , Yi Ben , Han Qiurong , Zhang Qinghuai , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Chunze
Published: September 2023

Objectives

With the intention of providing a reference for secondary prevention, our study provides some insight on diagnostic yield of factors influencing compliance with colonoscopy and the presence of advanced adenomas (AA).

Methods

We conducted large-scale CRC screening among local Tianjin residents aged 40–75 years between 2012 and 2019. A high-risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) was distributed to each participant, followed by the performance of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Participants who tested positively for any of these items were advised to undergo a colonoscopy. Relevant basic information was collected from participants during CRC screening, and the screening data were sorted and analysed.

Results

A total of 5,670,924 people participated in CRC screening by the end of 2019, including 275,708 people in the high-risk group, and 74,685 (27.1%) people who underwent colonoscopy. The results of the logistic regression model demonstrated that participants with a history of mucous bloody stool (OR = 8.20, 95% CI: 7.92, 8.50, p < 0.001), chronic diarrhea (OR = 5.73, 95% CI: 5.57, 5.89, p < 0.001), and higher level of education (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.80, 1.93, p < 0.001) were more likely to comply with a colonoscopy. Several factors including age (70–75 years old:OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.71, 5.10, p < 0.001), and FIT( +) (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.42,1.90, p < 0.001) were identified to be associated with the presence of AA.

Conclusions

Increased compliance with colonoscopy is urgently needed. Our findings can inform the design of future effective large-scale population-based CRC screening programmes.
How do root fungi of Alnus nepalensis and Schima wallichii recover during succession of abandoned land?
Authors: Balami Sujan , Vašutová Martina , Chaudhary Vijay Kumar , Cudlín Pavel
Published: September 2023

Alnus nepalensisandSchima wallichiiare native tree species accompanying succession in abandoned agricultural land in the middle mountainous region of central Nepal. To understand how root fungi recover during spontaneous succession, we analyzed the diversity and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), ectomycorrhizal (ECM), and total fungi in tree fine roots from three land use types, short-term abandoned land (SA), long-term abandoned land (LA), and regenerated forest (RF) as a reference. Additionally, ECM morphotypes were examined. The results showed different speeds of succession in the studied fungal groups. While the change in the AM fungal community appears to be rapid and LA resembles the composition of RF, the total fungi in the abandoned land types are similar to each other but differed significantly from RF. Interestingly, the relative abundance of Archaeosporaceae followed a trend differing between the tree species (SA < LA inA. nepalensis, but SA > LA inS. wallichii). Unlike AM and total fungi, there was no significant difference in the ECM community ofA. nepalensisbetween land use types, probably due to their low species diversity (9 ECM morphotypes, 31 ECM operational taxonomic units). However,Cortinariussp. was significantly more abundant in RF than in the other land use types, whereasAlnicola,Tomentella, andRussulapreferred young stages. Our results suggest that for both studied tree species the AM fungal succession could reach the stage of regenerated forest relatively fast. In the case of total fungi, because of hyperdiversity and composed of species specialized to a variety of environments and substrates, the transition was expected to be delayed in abandoned land where the vegetation was still developing and the ecosystem was not as complex as that found in mature forests.
Problematic consequences of the inclusion of capital goods inventory data in Environmental Product Declarations
Authors: Tokede Olubukola , Rouwette Rob
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A recent update to the Product Category Rules (PCRs) for Construction Products (of the International EPD System) has triggered a methodological issue for owners and users of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The updated PCR has led to capital goods data being implicitly included in the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) of EPDs. This paper critically examines the role of capital goods in EPDs and establishes major shortcomings in the current methodology, LCI datasets and interpretation.

Methods

To evaluate the role of capital goods in EPDs, this paper provides a discourse on the fundamentals of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, scope, available LCI data and the impact of capital goods on EPD outcomes. Using the ecoinvent database, we analyse the impact of the inclusion and exclusion of capital goods in selected 38 construction products based on the EN 15804+A2 (2019) Standard. Finally, we estimate the relative contribution of capital goods to a suite of Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) indicators based on the archetypes of capital goods available in ecoinvent and apply Monte Carlo simulation to establish the range of uncertainties in the capital goods data for the selected construction products.

Results and discussion

Our research confirms that when capital goods are included based on currently available background LCI data, they mostly have a low effect (<10% increase) on climate change, but they can have an enormous effect (>100% increase) on abiotic depletion (minerals and metals), land use and/or human toxicity indicators. Interestingly, when looking further into the ecoinvent capital goods LCI datasets, it becomes clear that there are inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and possibly incorrect estimates of capital goods and infrastructure data. These findings raise questions about the suitability of the underlying LCI background data and whether non-attributable capital goods should be allowed to define EPD outcomes.

Conclusion

The requirement for the inclusion of capital goods leads to a major conundrum for LCA practitioners. It is suggested that capital goods be excluded until there is better refinement and improvement of the quality of LCI datasets and EPD programs provide clearer guidance on dealing with capital goods. Alternatively, EPDs could document transparently the inclusion or exclusion of capital goods, so that there is a clear separation of the effects of capital goods on LCIA indicators.
Biochar aged or combined with humic substances: fabrication and implications for sustainable agriculture and environment-a review
Authors: Rahim Hafeez Ur , Allevato Enrica , Vaccari Francesco Primo , Stazi Silvia Rita
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Humic substances (HSs) and biochar (BC) are carbon-based soil amendments. These amendments improve soil health and fertility, enhance nutrient pools and carbon content, remove soil pollutants, and enhance plant performance. As a result, they contribute to agro-environmental sustainability and the development of a circular bioeconomy. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of HSs-aged BC or the co-application of BC and HSs on the agro-environmental system. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the impacts of these amendments on the agro-environmental system.

Methods

This study utilizes a novel technique based on BC aging with HSs to investigate the BC-aging process, factors influencing it, as well as the impact of BC and HSs on soil physicochemical properties, nutrient pools, microbial communities, immobilization of metal ions in the soil, and plant performance. We gathered original research articles, meta-analysis papers, book chapters, conference proceedings, and technical notes from high-quality peer-reviewed journals and reputable websites.

Results and discussion

The extensive literature evaluation revealed that the potential benefits of BC are closely related to variations in the physicochemical composition of the BC and soil because microorganisms do not prefer fresh BC for colonization. In some studies, BC showed a detrimental impact on the soil microbiome. Therefore, the influence of BC on the soil microbiome, nutrient pool, pollutant removal, and plant growth strongly depends on the residence time of BC in the soil and its prior aging with HSs. Aging BC with HSs is more effective than using fresh BC as it enhances nutrient pools, accessibility to plants, pollutant amelioration capacity, microbial activities, and consequently, plant performance due to the presence of surface functional groups and the adsorbed nutrient-rich organic molecules.

Conclusions

The soil fertility traits and plant performance were impacted by aging or a combination of BC with HSs. However, detailed characterizations and continuous experiments are required to gain in-depth insights into the interaction mechanisms between the aging of BC with HSs via the liquid soaking technique and soil fertility traits.