bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing factorizations of action-value networks for cooperative multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors: Castellini Jacopo , Oliehoek Frans A. , Savani Rahul , Whiteson Shimon
Published: June 2021

Recent years have seen the application of deep reinforcement learning techniques to cooperative multi-agent systems, with great empirical success. However, given the lack of theoretical insight, it remains unclear what the employed neural networks are learning, or how we should enhance their learning power to address the problems on which they fail. In this work, we empirically investigate the learning power of various network architectures on a series of one-shot games. Despite their simplicity, these games capture many of the crucial problems that arise in the multi-agent setting, such as an exponential number of joint actions or the lack of an explicit coordination mechanism. Our results extend those in Castellini et al. (Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and MultiAgent Systems, AAMAS’19.International Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, pp 1862–1864, 2019) and quantify how well various approaches can represent the requisite value functions, and help us identify the reasons that can impede good performance, like sparsity of the values or too tight coordination requirements.
Adaptive mitigation strategies hedge against extreme climate futures
Authors: Marangoni Giacomo , Lamontagne Jonathan R. , Quinn Julianne D. , Reed Patrick M. , Keller Klaus
Published: June 2021

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to “strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty” (UNFCCC 2015). Designing a global mitigation strategy to support this goal poses formidable challenges. For one, there are trade-offs between the economic costs and the environmental benefits of averting climate impacts. Furthermore, the coupled human-Earth systems are subject to deep and dynamic uncertainties. Previous economic analyses typically addressed either the former, introducing multiple objectives, or the latter, making mitigation actions responsive to new information. This paper aims at bridging these two separate strands of literature. We demonstrate how information feedback from observed global temperature changes can jointly improve the economic and environmental performance of mitigation strategies. We focus on strategies that maximize discounted expected utility while also minimizing warming above 2 °C, damage costs, and mitigation costs. Expanding on the Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy (DICE) model and previous multi-objective efforts, we implement closed-loop control strategies, map the emerging trade-offs and quantify the value of the temperature information feedback under both well-characterized and deep climate uncertainties. Adaptive strategies strongly reduce high regrets, guarding against mitigation overspending for less sensitive climate futures, and excessive warming for more sensitive ones.
Calmness and Calculus: Two Basic Patterns
Authors: Benko Matúš , Mehlitz Patrick
Published: June 2021

We establish two types of estimates for generalized derivatives of set-valued mappings which carry the essence of two basic patterns observed throughout the pile of calculus rules. These estimates also illustrate the role of the essential assumptions that accompany these two patters, namely calmness on the one hand and (fuzzy) inner calmness* on the other. Afterwards, we study the relationship between and sufficient conditions for the various notions of (inner) calmness. The aforementioned estimates are applied in order to recover several prominent calculus rules for tangents and normals as well as generalized derivatives of marginal functions and compositions as well as Cartesian products of set-valued mappings under mild conditions. We believe that our enhanced approach puts the overall generalized calculus into some other light. Some applications of our findings are presented which exemplary address necessary optimality conditions for minimax optimization problems as well as the calculus related to the recently introduced semismoothness* property.
Effect of an eHealth intervention on older adults’ quality of life and health-related outcomes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gustafson David H. , Kornfield Rachel , Mares Marie-Louise , Johnston Darcie C. , Cody Olivia J. , Yang Ellie Fan , Gustafson David H. , Hwang Juwon , Mahoney Jane E. , Curtin John J. , Tahk Alexander , Shah Dhavan V.
Published: June 2021

Background

By 2030, the number of US adults age ≥65 will exceed 70 million. Their quality of life has been declared a national priority by the US government.

Objective

Assess effects of an eHealth intervention for older adults on quality of life, independence, and related outcomes.

Design

Multi-site, 2-arm (1:1), non-blinded randomized clinical trial. Recruitment November 2013 to May 2015; data collection through November 2016.

Setting

Three Wisconsin communities (urban, suburban, and rural).

Participants

Purposive community-based sample, 390 adults age ≥65 with health challenges. Exclusions: long-term care, inability to get out of bed/chair unassisted.

Intervention

Access (vs. no access) to interactive website (ElderTree) designed to improve quality of life, social connection, and independence.

Measures

Primary outcome: quality of life (PROMIS Global Health). Secondary: independence (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living); social support (MOS Social Support); depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8); falls prevention (Falls Behavioral Scale). Moderation: healthcare use (Medical Services Utilization). Both groups completed all measures at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Three hundred ten participants (79%) completed the 12-month survey. There were no main effects of ElderTree over time. Moderation analyses indicated that among participants with high primary care use, ElderTree (vs. control) led to better trajectories for mental quality of life (OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.10–0.54,P=0.005), social support received (OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.05–0.29,P=0.007), social support provided (OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.45,P<0.001), and depression (OR= −0.20, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.01,P=0.034). Supplemental analyses suggested ElderTree may be more effective among people with multiple (vs. 0 or 1) chronic conditions.

Limitations

Once randomized, participants were not blind to the condition; self-reports may be subject to memory bias.

Conclusion

Interventions like ET may help improve quality of life and socio-emotional outcomes among older adults with more illness burden. Our next study focuses on this population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; registration ID number: NCT02128789
A proposal of a 3D segmentation tool for HBIM management
Authors: Barrile Vincenzo , Fotia Antonino
Published: June 2021

There are several studies related to the cultural heritage digitization through HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modelling) techniques. Today, BIM (Building Information Modelling) software cannot represent old buildings with complex prominent and particularly detailed architecture perfectly, and multiple software are combined to obtain the buildings’ representation. In this paper, in order to find an alternative way of replicating the complex details present in antique buildings, a new methodology is presented. The methodology is based on a process of direct insertion of various 3D model parts (.obj), into a BIM environment. These 3D model elements, coming from the points cloud segmentation (from UAV and Laser Scanner), are transformed in intelligent objects and interconnected to form the smart model. The methodology allows to represent detail of the objects that make up an element of cultural heritage, although not standardizable in shape. Although this methodology allows to ensure a perfect reconstruction and digital preservation and to represent the different “defects” that represent and make unique a particular object of cultural heritage, it is not however fast compared with the traditional phases of point cloud tracing and more software are necessary for data processing. The proposed methodology was tested on two specific structures’ reconstruction in Reggio Calabria (South Italy): the Sant’Antonio Abate church and the Vitrioli’s portal.
The ethics of shared Covid-19 risks: an epistemological framework for ethical health technology assessment of risk in vaccine supply chain infrastructures
Authors: Radanliev Petar , De Roure David , Ani Uchenna , Carvalho Graca
Published: June 2021

This article addresses the topic of shared responsibilities in supply chains, with a specific focus on the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in e-health environments, and Industry 4.0 issues—concerning data security, privacy, reliability and management, data mining and knowledge exchange as well as health prevention. In this article, we critically review methodologies and guidelines that have been proposed to approach these ethical aspects in digital supply chain settings. The emerging framework presents new findings on how digital technologies affect vaccine shared supply chain systems. Through epistemological analysis, the article derives new insights for transparency and accountability of supply chain cyber risk from Internet of Things systems. This research devises a framework for ethical awareness, assessment, transparency and accountability of the emerging cyber risk from integrating IoT technologies on shared Covid-19 healthcare supply chain infrastructure.
Correction to: Dominant physical mechanisms governing the forced-convective cooling process of white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Salamat Razieh , Ghassemzadeh Hamid Reza , Ranjbar Seyed Faramarz , Mellmann Jochen , Behfar Hossein
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-021-05166-6
Comparative study of AQP4-NMOSD, MOGAD and seronegative NMOSD: a single-center Belgian cohort
Authors: Dauby Solène , Dive Dominique , Lutteri Laurence , Andris Cécile , Hansen Isabelle , Maquet Pierre , Lommers Emilie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To emphasize physio-pathological, clinical and prognosis differences between conditions causing serious and sometimes very similar clinical manifestations: anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies related diseases, and seronegative NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders).

Methods

Based on Wingerchuk et al. (Neurology 85:177–189, 2015) criteria for NMOSD and on those more recently proposed by Jarius et al. (J Neuroinflammation 15:134, 2018) for MOGAD (MOG associated disorders), we retrospectively surveyed 10 AQP4-NMOSD, 8 MOGAD and 2 seronegative NMOSD, followed at the specialized neuroimmunology unit of the CHU Liège.

Results

Female predominance was only observed in AQP4 group. Age at onset was 37.8 and 27.7 years old for AQP4-NMOSD and MOGAD respectively. In both groups, the first clinical event most often consisted of optic neuritis (ON), followed by isolated myelitis. Fifteen of our 20 patients encountered a relapsing course with 90% relapses in AQP4-NMOSD, 62.5% in MOGAD and 50% in seronegative group, and a mean period between first and second clinical event of 7.1 and 4.8 months for AQP4-NMOSD and MOGAD, respectively. In total we counted 54 ON, with more ON per patient in MOGAD. MOG-associated ON mainly affected the anterior part of the optic nerve with a papilledema in 79.2% of cases. Despite a fairly good visual outcome after MOG-associated ON, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness decreased, suggesting a fragility of the optic nerve toward further attacks.

Conclusion

As observed in larger cohorts, our MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD cases differ by clinical and prognostic features. A better understanding of these diseases should encourage prompt biological screening and hasten proper diagnosis and treatment.
Continuous Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring: Techniques, Applications, and Controversies
Authors: Staubitz Julia I. , Musholt Thomas J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

Purpose of the present review is to illustrate the current state of the art concerning continuous intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring (cIONM) for thyroid surgery.

Recent Findings

cIONM potentially leads to an improved postoperative vocal cord palsy rate, compared to the intermittent technique. There are currently two main approaches for cIONM: either conventional cIONM based on vagal nerve stimulation or experimental methods, which do not require the positioning of a vagal nerve electrode. One of these methods is the recently described technique “LAR-cIONM,” which utilizes the laryngeal adductor reflex.

cIONM represents an advancement of intermittent nerve monitoring, which allows for an immediate reaction to signal changes. Threshold values and guidelines to prevent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were validated for the direct stimulation of the vagal nerve and require verification for alterative cIONM methods, including LAR-cIONM.
Recent Advances on MOF Derivatives for Non-Noble Metal Oxygen Electrocatalysts in Zinc-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhu Yuting , Yue Kaihang , Xia Chenfeng , Zaman Shahid , Yang Huan , Wang Xianying , Yan Ya , Xia Bao Yu
Published: June 2021

Oxygen electrocatalysts are of great importance for the air electrode in zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Owing to the high specific surface area, controllable pore size and unsaturated metal active sites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derivatives have been widely studied as oxygen electrocatalysts in ZABs. To date, many strategies have been developed to generate efficient oxygen electrocatalysts from MOFs for improving the performance of ZABs. In this review, the latest progress of the MOF-derived non-noble metal–oxygen electrocatalysts in ZABs is reviewed. The performance of these MOF-derived catalysts toward oxygen reduction, and oxygen evolution reactions is discussed based on the categories of metal-free carbon materials, single-atom catalysts, metal cluster/carbon composites and metal compound/carbon composites. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive overview on the design strategies of various MOF-derived non-noble metal–oxygen electrocatalysts and their structure-performance relationship. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are provided for further advancing the MOF-derived oxygen electrocatalysts in ZABs.
Tropical optimal transport and Wasserstein distances
Authors: Lee Wonjun , Li Wuchen , Lin Bo , Monod Anthea
Published: June 2021

We study the problem of optimal transport in tropical geometry and define the Wasserstein-p distances in the continuous metric measure space setting of the tropical projective torus. We specify the tropical metric—a combinatorial metric that has been used to study of the tropical geometric space of phylogenetic trees—as the ground metric and study the cases of $$p=1,2$$

p
=
1
,
2

in detail. The case of $$p=1$$

p
=
1

gives an efficient computation of the infinitely-many geodesics on the tropical projective torus, while the case of $$p=2$$

p
=
2

gives a form for Fréchet means and a general inner product structure. Our results also provide theoretical foundations for geometric insight a statistical framework in a tropical geometric setting. We construct explicit algorithms for the computation of the tropical Wasserstein-1 and 2 distances and prove their convergence. Our results provide the first study of the Wasserstein distances and optimal transport in tropical geometry. Several numerical examples are provided.
A Survey of Orthographic Information in Machine Translation
Authors: Chakravarthi Bharathi Raja , Rani Priya , Arcan Mihael , McCrae John P.
Published: June 2021

Machine translation is one of the applications of natural language processing which has been explored in different languages. Recently researchers started paying attention towards machine translation for resource-poor languages and closely related languages. A widespread and underlying problem for these machine translation systems is the linguistic difference and variation in orthographic conventions which causes many issues to traditional approaches. Two languages written in two different orthographies are not easily comparable but orthographic information can also be used to improve the machine translation system. This article offers a survey of research regarding orthography’s influence on machine translation of under-resourced languages. It introduces under-resourced languages in terms of machine translation and how orthographic information can be utilised to improve machine translation. We describe previous work in this area, discussing what underlying assumptions were made, and showing how orthographic knowledge improves the performance of machine translation of under-resourced languages. We discuss different types of machine translation and demonstrate a recent trend that seeks to link orthographic information with well-established machine translation methods. Considerable attention is given to current efforts using cognate information at different levels of machine translation and the lessons that can be drawn from this. Additionally, multilingual neural machine translation of closely related languages is given a particular focus in this survey. This article ends with a discussion of the way forward in machine translation with orthographic information, focusing on multilingual settings and bilingual lexicon induction.
Sea State Estimation from Uncalibrated, Monoscopic Video
Authors: Loizou Antonis , Christmas Jacqueline
Published: June 2021

Video of the ocean surface is used as a means for estimating the sea state. Time series of pixel intensity values are given as input to a method that uses the Kalman filter and the least squares approximate solution for estimating the uncalibrated video amplitude spectrum. A method is proposed for scaling this spectrum to metres with the use of an empirical model of the ocean. The significant wave height is estimated from the calibrated video amplitude spectrum. The results are tested against two sets of video data, and buoy measurements in both cases are solely used for indicating the true state. For significant wave height values between 0.5 and 3.6 m, the maximum observed value of root mean square error is 0.37 m and of mean absolute percentage error 16%.
Patient Engagement Initiatives in Clinical Trials: Recent Trends and Implications
Authors: Sine Shalome , de Bruin Annick , Getz Kenneth
Published: June 2021

Background

As clinical trial protocol designs become more complex and eligible patient populations narrow, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit participants and retain them for the duration of the trial. This study surveyed clinical trial participants to learn about the prevalence and impact of new technologies and other supportive solutions designed to improve patient engagement and retention. Patient perceptions of these convenience-enhancing solutions and how they have changed since our last study in 2017 were examined.

Methods

Based on 12,451 responses to a global online survey collected in 2019, we conducted an analysis of respondents who used convenience-enhancing solutions during their participation in a clinical trial.

Results

We found that the prevalence of convenience-enhancing solutions is increasing and that their use correlates with high ratings for clinical trial satisfaction, as well as with high ratings for care and attention received during the trial.

Conclusions

A wide range of strategies and tactics are needed to reduce barriers to participation and improve retention. The use of convenience-enhancing solutions can help reduce these barriers. The solutions are also particularly popular among under-represented populations, revealing further potential opportunities to increase patient engagement specifically among these groups.
Probability of Postoperative Complication after Liver Resection: Stratification of Patient Factors, Operative Complexity, and Use of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Kosuke , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Schneider Michael , Piazza Giulia , Labgaa Ismail , Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Melloul Emmanuel , Uldry Emilie , Demartines Nicolas , Halkic Nermin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

The current study aimed to assess the performance of the 3-level complexity classification that stratified liver resection procedures into 3 complexity grades (grade I, low; grade II, intermediate; and grade III, high complexity) and to evaluate whether the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol improves postoperative outcomes for each complexity grade.

STUDY DESIGN:

Consecutive patients undergoing open liver resection and laparoscopic liver resection at Lausanne University Hospital during 2010 to 2020 were assessed.

RESULTS:

A total of 437 patients were included. Operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay increased significantly, with a stepwise increase of the grades from I to III in open liver resection and laparoscopic liver resection (all, p < 0.05). The same trend for Comprehensive Complication Index was found in open liver resection (p < 0.005). Age (p = 0.004), 3-level complexity classification (grade II vs I; p = 0.001; grade III vs I; p < 0.001), no use of the ERAS protocol (p = 0.016), and biliary reconstruction (p < 0.001) were significant predictors for postoperative complication, defined as Comprehensive Complication Index ≥ 26.2 in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The prediction model incorporating the 4 factors had a calculated Concordance Index of 0.735 and 0.742 based on the bootstrapping method. The use of ERAS protocol was associated with lower probability of postoperative complication for each complexity grade and age.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of ERAS protocol can decrease the probability of postoperative complication for each surgical complexity of liver resection and patient age. This finding emphasized the importance of tailoring perioperative management according to surgical complexity and patient age to improve outcomes after liver resection.
A Model of Practice for Improving Autism Knowledge in Teachers of Mainstream Students on the Autism Spectrum in Australia
Authors: Bruck Susan , Robinson Ainslie , Gallagher Emma
Published: June 2021

Australian mainstream school teachers report a severe shortage of accessible autism-focused resources, strategies, and professional development (PD). This 2-part mixed methods study investigated the effect of using a web-based model of practice (MoP) for PD. The MoP contains evidence-based, autism-specific educational practices and resources designed for mainstream teachers of students on the autism spectrum. The aim was to examine teacher responses to using the MoP and the impact of the mode of delivery. In Part 1, 3 PD delivery conditions for using the MoP were trialled (8 weeks): face-to-face support, online support, or web-based access to detailed resources only. Support was provided by expert autism educators. Teachers (N = 15) reported that the MoP was an accessible, comprehensive, and practical support for educational decision-making, and that support encouraged implementation of the MoP practices. Part 2 trialled a hybrid PD model in 6 regional schools. Limited face-to-face and online support plus access to the MoP was trialled. Interview data indicated that a hybrid model can be an effective method of providing immediate support for teachers.
SYMÉTRIES ET TRANSVEXIONS, PRINCIPALEMENT DANS LES GROUPES DE RANG DE MORLEY FINI SANS INVOLUTIONS
Authors: POIZAT BRUNO
Published: June 2021

L'analyse de la démonstration par contradiction de Frécon 2018 qui est faite dans Poizat 2018 met en évidence la structure symétrique des groupes de rang de Morley fini sans involutions; en effet, cette démonstration consiste en la construction d'un espace symétrique de dimension deux (“un plan”), puis à montrer que ce plan ne peut exister.

Aux sous-espaces symétriques définissables de ces groupes sont associées des symétries et des transvexions, qu'on entreprend d'étudier ici dans l'abstrait, sans référence à un groupe qui les enveloppe; cela nous mène à considérer des structures introduites axiomatiquement que nous appelonssymétrons(plutôt qu'ensembles symétriques diadiques,comme les ont nommées Lawson & Lim 2004).

Le$Z^*$-Theorem de Glauberman permet d'élucider complètement la structure des symétrons finis: chacun est isomorphe à l'ensemble des symétries associées à un sous-espace symétrique d'un groupe fini sans involutions, qui est loin d'être uniquement déterminé: de fait, il existe des groupes finis non isomorphes qui ont les mêmes symétries, et aussi des symétrons finis qui ne sont pas isomorphes aux symétries d'un groupe,

La situation est plus incertaine dans le cas des symétrons de rang de Morley fini, ou même algébriques, qui sont l'objet d'étude principal de cet article. Mais bien qu'un symétron soit une structure nettement plus faible qu'un groupe, nous pouvons étendre aux symétrons des résultats bien connus à propos des groupes de rang de Morley fini: condition de chaîne, décomposition en composantes connexes, caractérisation des parties définissables génériques, génération elliptique, etc. Ces propriétés sont nouvelles même dans le cas des sous-espaces symétriques d’un groupe, et permettent de court-circuiter les calculs de Frécon dans la construction de son plan paradoxal.

En outre, sous l'hypothèse de la Conjecture d'Algébricité, nous généralisons le Théorème de Glauberman au contexte de rang de Morley fini.
Mass Petitioning, Education Reform, and the Development of Political Culture in Madras, 1839–1842
Authors: Connors Scott Travanion
Published: June 2021

This article explores the emergence of reformist sentiment and political culture in Madras in the mid-nineteenth century. Moreover, it contributes to, and expands upon, the growing body of literature on colonial petitioning through a case-study of a mass petition demanding education reform. Signed in 1839 by 70,000 subjects from across the Madras presidency, the petition demanded the creation of a university that would qualify western-educated Indians to gain employment in the high public offices of the East India Company. Through an analysis of the lifecycle of this education petition, from its creation to its reception and the subsequent adoption of its demands by the Company government at Fort St George, this article charts the process by which an emergent, politicized public engaged with, and critiqued, the colonial state. Finally, it examines the transformative effect that the practice of mass petitioning had on established modes of political activism and communication between an authoritarian colonial state and the society it governed.
‘Good Muslim, bad Muslim’ in Togo: religious minority identity construction amid a sociopolitical crisis (2017–2018)
Authors: Madore Frédérick
Published: June 2021

In Togo, the opposition movement behind the anti-government protests that broke out in 2017–2018 appears to reflect a greater role for Islam in politics. Tikpi Atchadam, leader of the Parti National Panafricain, was the preeminent figure in the movement, having built a solid grassroots base among his fellow Muslims. This article examines the unique role that Muslim leaders played in these protests, as well as the Faure Gnassingbé regime's strategic response. The ruling party made spurious claims against Muslim opponents, associating them with a dangerous wave of political Islam. I argue that by portraying Atchadam as the leader of a radical ethnic and religious movement with Islamist goals, Faure Gnassingbé and his supporters sought to weaken this emerging challenger and deter members of the public from backing calls for political change. The strategy also helped garner support from Western countries while simultaneously driving a wedge between Muslim community leaders.
The Lichens of Caenlochan, Angus
Authors: Gilbert O. L. , Coppins B. J.
Published: June 2021

An account of the lichen flora of Caenlochan, in the Eastern Highlands
of Scotland, is provided; it is considered to be the third most important
site for calcicolous montane lichens in the UK, after Ben Lawers and Ben
Alder. After evaluating all records, 322 species are accepted as having been
recorded from rock and soil on high ground of which many are reported for
the first time. These include Collema parvum and
Rinodina parasitica new to the British Isles.
The lichen flora is distributed in many small pockets, each of medium
interest, so there is no single outstanding site in the corrie. Substratum
variability contributes significantly to lichen diversity; the Lawers
Calcareous Schists are soft and laced with seams of marble, whereas the
harder hornblende schists form high cliffs that carry communities typical of
rocks of intermediate base-status. The course of the Glasallt Burn is
particularly varied. Severe restraints on the alpine lichen flora include
the relatively low altitude (610–850 m) and sheltered situation of the
calcareous strata. This adversely affects terricolous and bryophilous
species. The outcrops of alkaline rock are severely limited in extent
considering the reputation of Caenlochan. This is one of the driest parts of
the Highlands; species of unusual abundance, such as Acarospora
cervina are probably favoured by the summer water deficit,
whereas others, less frequent than expected, for example
Amygdalaria spp. and Collema
glebulentum, may be restricted by it. Four new taxa are
described: Lecidea pycnocarpa f. sorediata
Coppins & Fry day, Pertusaria flavocorallina
Coppins & Muhr, Polyblastia efflorescens
Coppins, and Thelidium papulare f. sorediatum
Coppins.
Processing focus in native and non-native speakers of English: an eye-tracking study in the visual world paradigm
Authors: Ge Haoyan , Mulders Iris , Kang Xin , Chen Aoju , Yip Virginia
Published: June 2021

This “visual-world” eye-tracking study investigated the processing of focus in English sentences with preverbalonlyby L2 learners whose L1 was either Cantonese or Dutch, compared to native speakers of English. Participants heardonly-sentences with prosodic prominence either on the object or on the verb and viewed pictures containing an object-focus alternative and a verb-focus alternative. We found that both L2 groups showed delayed eye movements to the alternative of focus, which was different from the native speakers of English. Moreover, Dutch learners of English were even slower than Cantonese learners of English in directing fixations to the alternative of focus. We interpreted the delayed fixation patterns in both L2 groups as evidence of difficulties in integrating multiple interfaces in real time. Furthermore, the similarity between English and Dutch in the use of prosody to mark focus hindered Dutch learners’ L2 processing of focus, whereas the difference between English and Cantonese in the realization of focus facilitated Cantonese learners’ processing of focus in English.
The Local versus the Global in the history of relativity: The case of Belgium
Authors: ten Hagen Sjang L.
Published: June 2021

Argument

This article contributes to a global history of relativity, by exploring how Einstein’s theory was appropriated in Belgium. This may sound like a contradiction in terms, yet the early-twentieth-century Belgian context, because of its cultural diversity and reflectiveness of global conditions (the principal example being the First World War), proves well-suited to expose transnational flows and patterns in the global history of relativity. The attempts of Belgian physicist Théophile de Donder to contribute to relativity physics during the 1910s and 1920s illustrate the role of the war in shaping the transnational networks through which relativity circulated. The local attitudes of conservative Belgian Catholic scientists and philosophers, who denied that relativity was philosophically significant, exemplify a global pattern: while critics of relativity feared to become marginalized by the scientific, political, and cultural revolutions that Einstein and his theory were taken to represent, supporters sympathized with these revolutions.
Designing a Bonus-Malus system reflecting the claim size under the dependent frequency–severity model
Authors: Oh Rosy , Kim Joseph H.T. , Ahn Jae Youn
Published: June 2021

In the auto insurance industry, a Bonus-Malus System (BMS) is commonly used as a posteriori risk classification mechanism to set the premium for the next contract period based on a policyholder's claim history. Even though the recent literature reports evidence of a significant dependence between frequency and severity, the current BMS practice is to use a frequency-based transition rule while ignoring severity information. Although Ohet al.[(2020). Bonus-Malus premiums under the dependent frequency-severity modeling.Scandinavian Actuarial Journal2020(3): 172–195] claimed that the frequency-driven BMS transition rule can accommodate the dependence between frequency and severity, their proposal is only a partial solution, as the transition rule still completely ignores the claim severity and is unable to penalize large claims. In this study, we propose to use the BMS with a transition rule based on both frequency and size of claim, based on the bivariate random effect model, which conveniently allows dependence between frequency and severity. We analytically derive the optimal relativities under the proposed BMS framework and show that the proposed BMS outperforms the existing frequency-driven BMS. Later, numerical experiments are also provided using both hypothetical and actual datasets in order to assess the effect of various dependencies on the BMS risk classification and confirm our theoretical findings.
Associations between HPA axis reactivity and PTSD and depressive symptoms: Importance of maltreatment type and puberty
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Gordis Elana B. , Susman Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2021

The functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in the etiology and maintenance of depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, different maltreatment experiences as well as the increased sensitivity of the HPA axis during puberty may alter associations between the HPA axis and mental health. To address these gaps, the current study examined the potential bidirectional associations between cortisol reactivity to a stressor, PTSD symptoms, and depressive symptoms among early adolescents across two time points, 1 year apart (n = 454; Mage = 10.98 at Time 1 and Mage = 12.11 at Time 2). Multiple-group path models tested the pathways between cortiol reactivity and mental health prior to and during puberty, for different types of maltreatment . Overall, the results showed that associations between cortisol output and symptoms of PTSD and depression were driven by those in the midst of puberty. Specifically, higher cortisol output at Time 1 was linked with higher levels of subsequent PTSD and depressive symptoms for neglected youth who had reached puberty. However, depressive symptoms predicted subsequent lower cortisol output for the physical abuse and emotional abuse groups. These findings demonstrate longitudinal links between cortisol, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms among youth with different types of maltreatment histories and highlight the need to consider the reorganization of the stress system during puberty in order to advance our understanding of the HPA axis and mental health.
THE PETATE AND THE COSMIC ORDER: DISCOVERIES FROM A CLASSIC PERIOD RESIDENTIAL GRAVE IN MICHOACÁN, MEXICO
Authors: Darras Véronique
Published: June 2021

This article explores the symbolism of the petate in light of an unprecedented archaeological discovery. Excavations carried out in a Classic context in northern Michoacán revealed the impression of a petate marking the location of a burial. In addition, the lower section of the burial pit was covered over with andesite slabs, including one with grid-like and spiral incisions. After a brief overview of the ancient and modern uses of the petate and relevant archaeological evidence, I present the data that allow the testing of different hypotheses, in particular the symbolization of power through the petate. Contextual analysis suggests that both the woven mat and the incised slab served as thresholds, if not barriers, between the world of the living and the underworld. I propose that the petate was placed over the grave to serve as a regulator, ensuring that entities were properly separated and that they remained in their respective places. As such, it was an object protecting the cosmic order. I further suggest that the petate may have acted as a temporal gate, guaranteeing the continuous exercise of authority and argue that it was, as a finished object, endowed with power.
COVID-19 infection with delayed presentation of infective endocarditis of the prosthetic pulmonary valve
Authors: Chimoriya Romila , Awasthy Neeraj , Kumar Gaurav
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary valve endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation has been an emerging concern due to the increasing prevalence of transcatheter placement of pulmonary valve in the treatment of residual right ventricular outflow tract stenosis or regurgitation. Pulmonary valve endocarditis is a dreadful complication of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation that have been reported with Melody valve (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) and Edward Sapien valve (Edwards Life Sciences, Irvine, CA) till date. There are scanty available literatures for pulmonary valve endocarditis with Venus P valve (Venus Medtech, Hangzhou, China) implantation. Furthermore, cardiovascular comorbidity is common in COVID-19 infection with limited evidence of COVID-19 infection concomitant with infective endocarditis. This case happens to be the first reported case of infective endocarditis of pulmonary valve with concomitant COVID-19 infection and also delayed presentation of pulmonary valve endocarditis with Venus P valve implantation.
“This is not my decision; I have no alternative”. Perceptions and experiences of marriage age and family planning among Syrian women and men: a primary care study
Authors: Döner Pinar , Şahin Kadriye
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Reproductive health includes the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide. In this context, both women and men have rights. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the obstacles in using these rights and to describe perceptions on marriage and family planning (FP) of Syrian women and men and to increase awareness for developing new policies on the Primary Health Care.

Methods:

The study was conducted using qualitative method, consisting of in-depth interviews with 54 participants; 43 women and 11 men who had to emigrate from varied regions of Syria at different times since 2011. Syrian women living in Hatay, in the south of Turkey were identified from Primary Health Care Center. Most of the Syrian women had given birth to the first two children before the age of 20 years. The interviewees were selected by purposive and snowball sampling.

Results:

The result was examined under seven headings: knowledge about FP and contraceptive methods, hesitation about contraceptive methods, emotional pressure of family and fear of maintaining marriage, embarrassing of talking about sexuality and contraception, the effects of belief and culture on contraception, psychological reflections of war, and changes in the perception of health during the process of immigration. The most significant factors affecting the approaches to FP and contraceptive methods of the women in this study were determined to be education, traditions, economic status, and religious beliefs. The most important factors affecting participants’ FP and contraceptive method approaches are education, cultural beliefs, economic status, and religious beliefs.

Conclusions:

The primary healthcare centers are at a very strategical point for offering FP services to help address patients’ unmet contraceptive needs and improve pregnancy outcomes.

More attention should be paid to social determinants that influence the access to reproductive health. Moreover, efforts can be done to address gender inequality that intercept FP. The most important strategy for primary health systems to follow the gender barriers that hinder access to FP services and men are empowered to share responsibility for FP.
Morphological and ecogeographical diversity analysis of maize germplasm in the high altitude Andes region of Ecuador
Authors: Tapia César , Torres Elena , Paredes Nelly , Parra-Quijano Mauricio
Published: June 2021

The Andean region of Ecuador is the place of origin of many maize landraces grouped into 24 races. Definition of priorities for maize diversity conservation in this region can be supported by the spatial identification of areas with a high eco-geographical and phenotypic diversity. Six hundred thirty-six maize samples were morphologically characterized using 14 descriptors and assigned to a distinctive race. Additionally, sampled farms were characterized by 12 environmental variables. From these data, maps of morphological and eco-geographical diversity were obtained by using techniques to determine eco-geographical and phenotypic distances and applying them to each geographical neighbourhood. The races Patillo Ecuatoriano, Racimo de Uva and Uchima exhibited high intra-racial morphological variation, particularly in the shape of the ear, kernel row layout, cob diameter and total kernel number. The highest number of different races was observed in Imbabura, Azuay and Chimborazo provinces. The highest levels of morphological diversity were found in three cells (10 × 10 km), located in Pichincha, Chimborazo and Loja provinces. Two ecological niches, located in Loja province, showed high levels of eco-geographical diversity. A comparison between diversity maps revealed shared hotspots of morphological and eco-geographical diversity in the central and southwest areas of Imbabura province. The Andean highlands of Ecuador are an optimal refuge for the conservation of maize diversity, and the criteria of eco-geographical and morphological diversity and race richness should be considered when defining priority in situ conservation areas.
Climate Warming Consistently Reduces Grassland Ecosystem Productivity
Authors: Wu Gao‐Lin , Cheng Zhen , Alatalo Juha Mikael , Zhao Jingxue , Liu Yu
Published: June 2021

Future climate may profoundly impact the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, we do not know well how the functioning of different types of grassland ecosystems is associated with variation in temperature and precipitation. Here, we used long‐term field measurements to examine how climatic changes between the 1980s and the 2010s (i.e., growing season temperature, precipitation, habitat moisture index, solar radiation, and sunshine duration) have affected aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) for all major grassland types in northern China. We found that ANPP consistently declined over the 30‐year period across all types of grassland, on average by about 6.1%. Warming, associated with increased solar radiation and, hence, soil temperature, was the primary factor driving the decrease of ANPP. We further show that ANPP was more sensitive to climate change in alpine and lowland grasslands than in temperate grasslands. Together, our findings indicate that climate warming consistently reduces plant productivity of different types of grassland ecosystems, and emphasize the importance of soil temperature in driving the decline in grassland productivity under climate change.
Statistical Analysis of Very Low Frequency Atmospheric Noise Caused by the Global Lightning Using Ground‐Based Observations in China
Authors: Gu Xudong , Li Guangjian , Pang Hong , Wang Shiwei , Ni Binbin , Luo Fan , Peng Rui , Chen Long
Published: June 2021

Based on the very low frequency (VLF) signals observed on the ground in mid‐latitude areas of China from February 2016 to February 2019, atmospheric noise in the 3–30 kHz band is investigated in detail. The statistical analysis indicates that the seasonal variations of the atmospheric noise of different bands are similar in the general trend but different in magnitude, the largest of which can reach 10 dB. According to the accuracy analysis of the atmospheric noise model by the Consultative Committee of International Radio (CCIR), despite the valid long‐term variation of the atmospheric noise provided by the CCIR at the observation station, it overestimates the atmospheric noise level and thus, is unable to show the detailed characteristics of the short‐term variation of the atmospheric noise. Combined with the global lightning observation, the correlation between atmospheric noise and global lightning activities is analyzed to find that the lightning within a range of 3,500 km can dominate the atmospheric noise at the observation site, along with distant lightning playing a minor role. Not only do the results deepen our understanding of the distribution of atmospheric noise in mid‐latitudes in China, but they also reveal the correlation between atmospheric noise and global lightning, thereby benefiting the study of VLF signal propagation and its communication application.
Insights Into the Origin and Deformation Style of the Continental Moho: A Case‐Study From the Western Alps (Italy)
Authors: Salimbeni Simone , Agostinetti Nicola Piana , Pondrelli Silvia ,   CIFALPS Working Group
Published: June 2021

Several hypotheses on the origin of the continental Moho are still debated and multiple mechanisms may contribute to its formation. Here, we present quantitative estimation of the seismic properties and anisotropy of the crust‐mantle transition in the Western Alps where an example of newly formed (proto)‐continental Moho is unusually shallow. We make use of teleseismic P‐to‐S converted‐waves recorded by stations deployed on top of the Ivrea Body (IB), a volume of possibly serpentinized mantle peridotite below exhumed (ultra‐)high pressure crustal rocks. The IB has been mapped by gravity, magnetic, active and passive seismic surveys suggesting an extremely shallow Moho. We demonstrate that the P‐to‐S converted waves propagating through this region display coupled features: (a) they record expected presence of strong seismic velocity contrast at shallow depth as due to the lower crustal and upper mantle transition; (b) they are decomposed due to anisotropic properties of rocks involved. The proto‐continental Moho is recognized as an increase in S‐wave velocity (∼0.4–1 km/s) at shallow depths of 5–10 km. The presence of anisotropy within the IB and overlying crustal rocks is evidenced by back‐azimuthal dependence of the amplitude of P‐to‐S phases. The strength of anisotropy is ∼−14% on average pointing out the presence of metamorphosed/hydrated material (e.g., serpentinite) below the Moho. Anisotropic directions are consistent across Moho in both crust and upper mantle. The similarity of the anisotropy parameters between crust and upper mantle suggests they have been shaped by the same deformation event.