bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplex SNP Genotyping Using SWITCH: Sequence‐Specific Nanoparticle with Interpretative Toehold‐Mediated Sequence Decoding in Hydrogel
Authors: Choi Woongsun , Park Eunhye , Bae Seojin , Choi Kyung‐Hak , Han Sangeun , Son Kuk‐Hui , Lee Do Young , Cho Il‐Joo , Seong Hyejeong , Hwang Kyo Seon , Nam Jwa‐Min , Choi Jungkyu , Lee Hyojin , Choi Nakwon
Published: December 2021

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can alter phenotypes of individuals play a pivotal role in disease development and, more importantly, responses to therapy. However, SNP genotyping has been challenging due to the similarity of SNP alleles and their low concentration in biological samples. Sequence‐specific nanoparticle with interpretative toehold‐mediated sequence decoding in hydrogel (SWITCH) for multiplex SNP genotyping is presented. The encoding with gold nanoparticle probes transduces each SNP target to ≈1000 invaders with prominently different sequences between wild and mutant types, featuring polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐free amplification. Subsequently, the toehold‐mediated DNA replacement in hydrogel microparticles decodes the invaders via SNP‐specific fluorescence signals. The 4‐plex detection of the warfarin‐associated SNP targets spiked in commercially validated human serum (S1‐100ML, Merck) is successfully demonstrated with excellent specificity. This work is the first technology development presenting PCR‐free, multiplex SNP genotyping with a single reporting fluorophore, to the best of knowledge.
Recent progress and future perspectives of flexible metal‐air batteries
Authors: Li Tingzhen , Peng Xinwen , Cui Peng , Shi Ge , Yang Wu , Chen Zehong , Huang Yongfa , Chen Yongkang , Peng Jinyuan , Zou Ren , Zeng Xiaoyan , Yu Jian , Gan Jianyun , Mu Zhiyuan , Chen Yuling , Zeng Jiaming , Liu Juan , Yang Yunyi , Wei Yujia , Lu Jun
Published: December 2021

With the rapid development of wearable and intelligent flexible electronic devices (FEDs), the demand for flexible energy storage/conversion devices (ESCDs) has also increased. Rechargeable flexible metal‐air batteries (MABs) are expected to be one of the most ideal ESCDs due to their high theoretical energy density, cost advantage, and strong deformation adaptability. With the improvement of the device design, material assemblies, and manufacturing technology, the research on the electrochemical performance of flexible MABs has made significant progress. However, achieving the high mechanical flexibility, high safety, and wearable comfortability required by FEDs while maintaining the high performance of flexible MABs are still a daunting challenge. In this review, flexible Zn‐air and Li‐air batteries are mainly exemplified to describe the most recent progress and challenges of flexible MABs. We start with an overview of the structure and configuration of the flexible MABs and discuss their impact on battery performance and function. Then it focuses on the research progress of flexible metal anodes, gel polymer electrolytes, and air cathodes. Finally, the main challenges and future research perspectives involving flexible MABs for FEDs are proposed.
Interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 plasma levels in atopic dogs before and during immunotherapy
Authors: Martini Franco , Rostaher Ana , Favrot Claude , Fischer Nina
Published: December 2021

Background

Human studies suggest that the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐ß1) may play an important role in allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT). However, there is little known about the function of these cytokines in atopic dogs. This study compared the plasma levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐ß1 in atopic and control dogs and investigated their changes during different ASIT approaches.

Methods

A total of 54 atopic and 32 control dogs were included. Immunotherapy was performed in 30 atopic dogs. The dogs undergoing immunotherapy were allocated to four groups of different ASIT approaches (namely subcutaneous, intralymphatic, sublingual ASIT and subcutaneous ASIT with recombinant allergens). Blood samples were collected at four timepoints throughout the one year of ASIT. Canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index, pruritus visual analogue scale and medication score were recorded at each timepoint. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to quantify IL‐10 and TGF‐ß1 in plasma.

Results

There was no significant difference in IL‐10 and TGF‐ß1 between atopic and control dogs. The IL‐10 levels were significantly increased in the intralymphatic group at the end of the study. No significant differences were found in the other groups for both IL‐10 and TGF‐ß1.

Conclusion

The findings of this work suggest that IL‐10 and TGF‐ß1 cannot be used to monitor the course of the disease during ASIT.
Correlator correspondences for Gaiotto-Rapčák dualities and first order formulation of coset models
Authors: Creutzig Thomas , Hikida Yasuaki
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We derive correspondences of correlation functions among dual conformal field theories in two dimensions by developing a “first order formulation” of coset models. We examine several examples, and the most fundamental one may be a conjectural equivalence between a coset (SL(n)k ⊗SL(n)−1)/SL(n)k−1 and $$ \mathfrak{sl}(n) $$
sl

n

Toda field theory with generic level k. Among others, we also complete the derivation of higher rank FZZ-duality involving a coset SL(n + 1)k /(SL(n)k ⊗ U(1)), which could be done only for n = 2, 3 in our previous paper. One obstacle in the previous work was our poor understanding of a first order formulation of coset models. In this paper, we establish such a formulation using the BRST formalism. With our better understanding, we successfully derive correlator correspondences of dual models including the examples mentioned above. The dualities may be regarded as conformal field theory realizations of some of the Gaiotto-Rapčák dualities of corner vertex operator algebras.
Black hole production of monopoles in the early universe
Authors: Das Saurav , Hook Anson
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In the early universe, evaporating black holes heat up the surrounding plasma and create a temperature profile around the black hole that can be more important than the black hole itself. As an example, we demonstrate how the hot plasma surrounding evaporating black holes can efficiently produce monopoles via the Kibble-Zurek mechanism. In the case where black holes reheat the universe, reheat temperatures above ∼ 500 GeV can already lead to monopoles overclosing the universe.
Electroweak symmetry non-restoration from dark matter
Authors: Matsedonskyi Oleksii , Unwin James , Wang Qingyun
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Restoration of the electroweak symmetry at temperatures around the Higgs mass is linked to tight phenomenological constraints on many baryogenesis scenarios. A potential remedy can be found in mechanisms of electroweak symmetry non-restoration (SNR), in which symmetry breaking is extended to higher temperatures due to new states with couplings to the Standard Model. Here we show that, in the presence of a second Higgs doublet, SNR can be realized with only a handful of new fermions which can be identified as viable dark matter candidates consistent with all current observational constraints. The competing requirements on this class of models allow for SNR at temperatures up to ∼TeV, and imply the presence of sub-TeV new physics with sizable interactions with the Standard Model. As a result this scenario is highly testable with signals in reach of next-generation collider and dark matter direct detection experiments.
Usefulness of brain FDG PET/CT imaging in pediatric patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis from a prospective study
Authors: Yin Yafu , Wu Jing , Wu Shuqi , Chen Suyun , Cheng Weiwei , Li Ling , Wang Hui
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Early diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance for pediatric patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE). The aim is to evaluate the usefulness of FDG PET/CT in pediatric patients with suspected AE from a prospective study.

Methods

The prospective study was conducted over a period of 23.5 months from May 14, 2019, to April 30, 2021. All patients (< 18-year-old) were hospitalized at the department of pediatric neurology and met the criteria of clinical suspected AE. The children underwent the tests of blood samplings, CSF, EEG, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT. The criteria for FDG PET/CT diagnosis of AE were large lobar hypometabolism with or without focal hypermetabolism found on PET/CT. The clinical final diagnosis of AE includes seropositive and seronegative AE based on the diagnostic criteria.

Results

One hundred four pediatric inpatients (57 boys, 47 girls) were included, of which 58 children were diagnosed with AE (seropositive, 16; seronegative, 42), 45 children were diagnosed with non-AE, and one boy remained indeterminate diagnosis. Large lobar hypometabolism was found in 61 children, of which 54 (88.5%) children were finally diagnosed with AE. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT for diagnosis of AE were 93.1%, 84.4%, and 89.3%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 88.5% and a negative predictive value of 90.5%. The most common involved with hypometabolism was the parietal lobe, followed by occipital and frontal lobes, finally the temporal lobe on PET/CT in children with AE.

Conclusion

Brain FDG PET/CT imaging has high specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for diagnosis of AE in clinical suspected AE children.

Trial registration.

Clinical Trials.gov. NCT02969213. Registered 17 October 2016.
Distributed computation and reconfiguration in actively dynamic networks
Authors: Michail Othon , Skretas George , Spirakis Paul G.
Published: December 2021

We study here systems of distributed entities that can actively modify their communication network. This gives rise to distributed algorithms that apart from communication can also exploit network reconfiguration to carry out a given task. Also, the distributed task itself may now require a global reconfiguration from a given initial network $$G_s$$

G
s

to a target network $$G_f$$

G
f

from a desirable family of networks. To formally capture costs associated with creating and maintaining connections, we define three edge-complexity measures: the total edge activations, the maximum activated edges per round, and the maximum activated degree of a node. We give (poly)log(n) time algorithms for the task of transforming any $$G_s$$

G
s

into a $$G_f$$

G
f

of diameter (poly)log(n), while minimizing the edge-complexity. Our main lower bound shows that $$\varOmega (n)$$

Ω
(
n
)

total edge activations and $$\varOmega (n/\log n)$$

Ω
(
n
/
log
n
)

activations per round must be paid by any algorithm (even centralized) that achieves an optimum of $$\varTheta (\log n)$$

Θ
(
log
n
)

rounds. We give three distributed algorithms for our general task. The first runs in $$O(\log n)$$

O
(
log
n
)

time, with at most 2n active edges per round, a total of $$O(n\log n)$$

O
(
n
log
n
)

edge activations, a maximum degree $$n-1$$

n
-
1

, and a target network of diameter 2. The second achieves bounded degree by paying an additional logarithmic factor in time and in total edge activations. It gives a target network of diameter $$O(\log n)$$

O
(
log
n
)

and uses O(n) active edges per round. Our third algorithm shows that if we slightly increase the maximum degree to polylog(n) then we can achieve $$o(\log ^2 n)$$

o
(

log
2

n
)

running time.
Was bedeuten 12 Euro Mindestlohn für den Arbeitsmarkt?
Authors:   ZG Überblick
Published: December 2021

Bereits der Einführung des Mindestlohns zum 1.1.2015 ist eine Debatte über Tarifautonomie und Beschäftigungseffekte vorausgegangen. In der Ex-post-Betrachtung lässt sich feststellen, dass die negativen Beschäftigungsverhältnisse im Wesentlichen ausgeblieben sind. Nun hat die Ampelregierung die politisch bestimmte Erhöhung des Mindestlohns auf 12 Euro beschlossen. Es stellt sich die Frage, ob diese deutliche Anhebung den Mindestlohn auf eine Höhe setzt, die sozialpolitische Risiken in sich birgt und zu Arbeitsplatzverlusten im Niedriglohnbereich führen wird.
Ökonomische Desinformation — Ursachen und Handlungsempfehlungen
Authors: Blesse Sebastian , Heinemann Friedrich , Krieger Tommy
Published: December 2021

In einer Demokratie ist eine gut informierte Bevölkerung besonders wichtig. In den Perils-of-Perception-Studien wird untersucht, wie gut die deutsche Bevölkerung über wirtschaftliche Fakten informiert ist. Dabei sind die Fehlwahrnehmungen groß und Deutschland rangiert im Mittelfeld der fortgeschrittenen Volkswirtschaften. Es gibt verschiedene mögliche Erklärungen für das relativ geringe Faktenwissen der deutschen Gesellschaft. Daraus lassen sich Maßnahmen entwickeln, die dazu beitragen können, den wirtschaftlichen Informationsstand zu verbessern. Diese Maßnahmen richten sich an verschiedene Beteiligte, wie politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, die Medien und die akademische Gemeinschaft.
Gemeinsam forschen für die Zukunft
Authors:   YES Einführung
Published: December 2021

Das YES! — Young Economic Summit ist einer der größten Schulwettbewerbe in Deutschland rund um wirtschaftliche und gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen. Unter dem Motto „Your future — Your ideas“ arbeiten Teams ab der Klassenstufe 10 sowohl eigenständig als auch in Zusammenarbeit mit Forschenden aus Instituten der Wirtschafts- und Sozialforschung an Lösungen zu ökonomischen, ökologischen und gesellschaftlichen Fragen. Die Schüler:innen diskutieren die lokalen und globalen Herausforderungen der Gegenwart und Zukunft. Die Forschungsthemen werden von engagierten Wissenschaftler:innen aus derzeit 30 Forschungsinstituten angeregt. Der „Best Scientific Analysis Award“ ist dabei ein Sonderpreis, der jenen Schulteams verliehen wird, die ihre Lösungsidee besonders wissenschaftlich erarbeitet haben. 2021 sind dies gleich zwei Schulen: das Landschulheim Grovesmühle und die Deutsche Berufsschule Hong Kong. Ihre Ergebnisse werden im Wirtschaftsdienst veröffentlicht.

Das YES! ist ein gemeinsames Projekt der ZBW — Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft und der Joachim Herz Stiftung und steht seit 2015 unter der Schirmherrschaft des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie.
Dark Matter Realism
Authors: Martens Niels C. M.
Published: December 2021

According to the standard model of cosmology, $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM, the mass-energy budget of the current stage of the universe is not dominated by the luminous matter that we are familiar with, but instead by some form of dark matter (and dark energy). It is thus tempting to adopt scientific realism about dark matter. However, there are barely any constraints on the myriad of possible properties of this entity—it is not even certain that it is a form of matter. In light of this underdetermination I advocate caution: we should not (yet) be dark matter realists. The “not(-yet)-realism” that I have in mind is different from Hacking’s (Philos Sci 56 (4), 555–581, 1989) anti-realism, in that it is semantic rather than epistemological. It also differs from the semantic anti-realism of logical empiricism, in that it is naturalistic, such that it may only be temporary and does not automatically apply to all other unobservables (or even just to all other astronomical unobservables, as with Hacking’s anti-realism). The argument is illustrated with the analogy of the much longer history of the concept of a gene, as the current state of the concept of dark matter resembles in some relevant ways that of the early concept of genes.
Scale-Covariant and Scale-Invariant Gaussian Derivative Networks
Authors: Lindeberg Tony
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a hybrid approach between scale-space theory and deep learning, where a deep learning architecture is constructed by coupling parameterized scale-space operations in cascade. By sharing the learnt parameters between multiple scale channels, and by using the transformation properties of the scale-space primitives under scaling transformations, the resulting network becomes provably scale covariant. By in addition performing max pooling over the multiple scale channels, or other permutation-invariant pooling over scales, a resulting network architecture for image classification also becomes provably scale invariant. We investigate the performance of such networks on the MNIST Large Scale dataset, which contains rescaled images from the original MNIST dataset over a factor of 4 concerning training data and over a factor of 16 concerning testing data. It is demonstrated that the resulting approach allows for scale generalization, enabling good performance for classifying patterns at scales not spanned by the training data.
Research progress on the biological modifications of implant materials in 3D printed intervertebral fusion cages
Authors: Li Shan , Huan Yifan , Zhu Bin , Chen Haoxiang , Tang Ming , Yan Yiguo , Wang Cheng , Ouyang Zhihua , Li Xuelin , Xue Jingbo , Wang Wenjun
Published: December 2021

Anterior spine decompression and reconstruction with bone grafts and fusion is a routine spinal surgery. The intervertebral fusion cage can maintain intervertebral height and provide a bone graft window. Titanium fusion cages are the most widely used metal material in spinal clinical applications. However, there is a certain incidence of complications in clinical follow-ups, such as pseudoarticulation formation and implant displacement due to nonfusion of bone grafts in the cage. With the deepening research on metal materials, the properties of these materials have been developed from being biologically inert to having biological activity and biological functionalization, promoting adhesion, cell differentiation, and bone fusion. In addition, 3D printing, thin-film, active biological material, and 4D bioprinting technology are also being used in the biofunctionalization and intelligent advanced manufacturing processes of implant devices in the spine. This review focuses on the biofunctionalization of implant materials in 3D printed intervertebral fusion cages. The surface modifications of implant materials in metal endoscopy, material biocompatibility, and bioactive functionalizationare summarized. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of the biofunctionalization of implant materials in spinal surgery are discussed.
The Experience of Self-conscious Emotions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Robertson Noelle , Gunn Sarah , Piper Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Few studies have investigated emotional experiences in people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, self-conscious emotions, including embarrassment and shame, are indicated as a key factor in delayed help-seeking for bowel symptoms, which can result in poorer health outcomes. This study aimed to explore experiences of self-conscious emotions among people with IBD. Fifteen participants were recruited from outpatient IBD clinics and patient groups, and engaged in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of IBD-related self-consciousness. Data were analysed using thematic analysis following an inductive, semantic approach and conducted from a critical realist position. The analysis generated two themes, each with three sub-themes, which captured self-conscious emotions in relation to experiences which threatened participants’ preferred identities. The first theme, ‘Lack of control’ encapsulated participants’ distress relating to fundamental alteration in self-perception, and their attempts to mitigate this. The second, ‘Lack of understanding’ captured distress associated with awareness of being unfairly judged by other people. Clinical implications are identified, including consideration of therapeutic approaches which target self-conscious emotions such as shame, and continued societal efforts to educate others about invisible disabilities such as IBD. Experiences which threatened participants’ identities were implicated in the generation of self-conscious emotions; these should be considered in work with clients with IBD. Future research should target further investigation of these constructs.
Vitamin D: Dosing, levels, form, and route of administration: Does one approach fit all?
Authors: Bilezikian John P. , Formenti Anna Maria , Adler Robert A. , Binkley Neil , Bouillon Roger , Lazaretti-Castro Marise , Marcocci Claudio , Napoli Nicola , Rizzoli Rene , Giustina Andrea
Published: December 2021

The 4th International Conference on Controversies in Vitamin D was held as a virtual meeting in September, 2020, gathering together leading international scientific and medical experts in vitamin D. Since vitamin D has a crucial role in skeletal and extra-skeletal systems, the aim of the Conference was to discuss improved management of vitamin D dosing, therapeutic levels and form or route of administration in the general population and in different clinical conditions. A tailored approach, based on the specific mechanisms underlying vitamin D deficiency in different diseases that were discussed, was recommended. Specifically, in comparison to healthy populations, higher levels of vitamin D and greater amounts of vitamin D were deemed necessary in osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity (particularly after bariatric surgery), and in those treated with glucocorticoids. Emerging and still open issues were related to target vitamin D levels and the role of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 since low vitamin D may predispose to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to worse COVID-19 outcomes. Finally, whereas oral daily cholecalciferol appears to be the preferred choice for vitamin D supplementation in the general population, and in most clinical conditions, active vitamin D analogs may be indicated in patients with hypoparathyroidism and severe kidney and liver insufficiency. Parenteral vitamin D administration could be helpful in malabsorption syndromes or in states of vitamin D resistance.

Specific guidelines for desired levels of vitamin D should be tailored to the different conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism with the goal to define disease-specific normative values.
Eutrophication and sediment–water exchange of total petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals of Hashilan wetland, a national heritage in NW Iran
Authors: Abbasi Sajjad , Sheikh Fakhradini Sara , Jaafarzadeh Neamatollah , Ebrahimi Pooria , Ashayeri Shirin Yavar
Published: December 2021

The heavy metal(loid)s concentrations in water and sediments were analyzed in the Hashilan wetland to assess the spatial distribution, pollution status, fate, partitioning, and ecological risk and also to identify the heavy metal(loid)s sources in sediments using PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization) and APCs-MLR (absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression) receptor models. According to the pollution indices, (Ni, Cu, Cr, Mo), and (Zn, Cr, and Cu) are considered the most important pollutants in sediments and water, respectively. Ni, Cr, and Cu are the main contributors to ecological risks in sediments of some stations. The potential ecological risk assessment proposed low ecological risk in water of the study area. Higher distribution coefficient (Kp) values of Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu, Co, Pb, As, and Zn indicated the majority of these heavy metals present in the sediments; whereas, the majority of Cd concentration occurs in water. PMF and APCs-MLR results indicated the natural sources were the main factors affecting the concentrations of Ni, Cr, Zn, Al, Co, Fe, Pb, As, Cd and somewhat Cu. Mixed natural and agricultural activities are the main sources of Mo, and somewhat Cu. According to the results, there is low pollution of TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons) in the sediment samples. Also, phosphate (PO42−) and nitrate (NO3−) concentrations were below the recommended permissible limits at all sampling sites except the S8 station for NO3−.
Confidence and Hesitancy During the Early Roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Black, Hispanic, and Undocumented Immigrant Communities: a Review
Authors: McFadden SarahAnn M. , Demeke Jemal , Dada Debbie , Wilton Leo , Wang Mengzu , Vlahov David , Nelson LaRon E.
Published: December 2021

Black and Hispanic Americans have been hardest hit with COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, yet during the first several months of vaccine roll-out they had the lowest level of vaccine uptake. Primarily, our research on vaccine hesitancy focused on skepticism around the vaccine itself and its roll-out. Our search strategy used PUBMED and Google with a prescribed set of definitions and search terms for two reasons: there were limited peer-reviewed studies during early period of roll-out and real-time perspectives were crucially needed. Literature searches occurred in April 2021and covered September 2020-April 2021. Analyses included expert opinion, survey results and qualitative summaries. Overall, for the general U.S. population, there was considerable hesitancy initially that remained high during the early roll-out. The general population expressed concerns over the speed of vaccine development (“warp speed”), confidence in the competence of government being involved in the development of vaccines and general mistrust of government. Among Black and Hispanic Americans, hesitancy was further expressed as mistrust in the medical establishment that was related to past and current medical mistreatment. Undocumented immigrants worried about access to insurance and possible deportation. These results on confidence in the vaccine early during vaccine roll-out suggest diverse reasons that influence a person’s decision to vaccinate or not. Additional barriers to vaccine uptake include complacency and access. To ensure health equity, particularly to address disparities in morbidity and mortality, vaccine hesitancy needs to be acknowledged and addressed as COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues, and these observations calls for conscious planning to address these issues early with future health crises.
Which Vaccine? The Cost of Religious Freedom in Vaccination Policy
Authors: Giubilini Alberto , Savulescu Julian , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: December 2021

We discuss whether and under what conditions people should be allowed to choose which COVID-19 vaccine to receive on the basis of personal ethical views. The problem arises primarily with regard to some religious groups’ concerns about the connection between certain COVID-19 vaccines and abortion. Vaccines currently approved in Western countries make use of foetal cell lines obtained from aborted foetuses either at the testing stage (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines) or at the development stage (Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine). The Catholic Church’s position is that, if there are alternatives, Catholic people have a moral obligation to request the vaccine whose link with abortion is more remote, which at present means that they should refuse the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. We argue that any consideration regarding free choice of the vaccine should apply to religious and non-religious claims alike, in order to avoid religion-based discrimination. However, we also argue that, in a context of limited availability, considering the significant differences in costs and effectiveness profile of the vaccines available, people should only be allowed to choose the preferred vaccine if: 1) this does not risk compromising vaccination strategies; and 2) they internalize any additional cost that their choice might entail. The State should only subsidize the vaccine that is more cost-effective for any demographic group from the point of view of public health strategies.
Data-driven method for mobile game publishing revenue forecast
Authors: Su Yanhui , Backlund Per , Engström Henrik
Published: December 2021

Games as a service is similar to software as a service, which provides players with game content on a continuous monetization model. Game revenue forecast is vital to game developers to make the right business decisions, such as determining the marketing budget, controlling the development cost, and setting up benchmarks for evaluating game publishing performance. How to make the revenue forecast and integrate it with the game publishing process is hard for small and medium-sized independent (indie) game developers. This includes all steps of the process, from forecasting to decision-making based on the results. This paper provides a data-driven method that uses the mobile game revenue forecast based on different time-series prediction models to drive the game publishing. We demonstrate how to use the data-driven method to guide an indie game studio to forecast revenue and then set the revenue forecast as the internal benchmark to drive game publishing. In practice, we involve a real game project from an indie game studio and provide guidance for one of their casual game projects. Then, based on the revenue forecast, we discuss how to set the revenue forecast as an internal benchmark and drive the actions for mobile game publishing. Finally, we make a conclusion on how our data-driven method can be used to drive mobile game publishing and also discuss future research work.
Current state of clinical development of TROP2-directed antibody–drug conjugates for triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Marhold Maximilian
Published: December 2021

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) against numerous molecular targets are currently being developed for the treatment of breast cancer (BCa). While the first ADC directed against Her2, namely trastuzumab–emtansine, was approved several years ago, targeting of TROP‑2, an epithelial cell marker overexpressed in approximately 80% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) has gained interest through positive clinical data reported for the compound sacituzumab–govitecan (SG) resulting from the phase 3 ASCENT trial. This short review summarizes the data that led to approval of SG and to take a closer look at the state of clinical development of other ADCs targeting TROP‑2 in TNBC.
Simultaneous Bifurcation of Limit Cycles and Critical Periods
Authors: Oliveira Regilene D. S. , Sánchez-Sánchez Iván , Torregrosa Joan
Published: December 2021

The present work introduces the problem of simultaneous bifurcation of limit cycles and critical periods for a system of polynomial differential equations in the plane. The simultaneity concept is defined, as well as the idea of bi-weakness in the return map and the period function. Together with the classical methods, we present an approach which uses the Lie bracket to address the simultaneity in some cases. This approach is used to find the bi-weakness of cubic and quartic Liénard systems, the general quadratic family, and the linear plus cubic homogeneous family. We finish with an illustrative example by solving the problem of simultaneous bifurcation of limit cycles and critical periods for the cubic Liénard family.
Health Status Stability of Patients in a Medical Rehabilitation Program: What Are the Roles of Time, Physical Fitness Level, and Self-efficacy?
Authors: Ju Qianqian , Gan Yiqun , Rinn Robin , Duan Yanping , Lippke Sonia
Published: December 2021

Background

Individuals’ physical and mental health, as well as their chances of returning to work after their ability to work is damaged, can be addressed by medical rehabilitation.

Aim

This study investigated the developmental trends of mental and physical health among patients in medical rehabilitation and the roles of self-efficacy and physical fitness in the development of mental and physical health.

Design

A longitudinal design that included four time-point measurements across 15 months.

Setting

A medical rehabilitation center in Germany.

Population

Participants included 201 patients who were recruited from a medical rehabilitation center.

Methods

To objectively measure physical fitness (lung functioning), oxygen reabsorption at anaerobic threshold (VO2AT) was used, along with several self-report scales.

Results

We found a nonlinear change in mental health among medical rehabilitation patients. The results underscored the importance of medical rehabilitation for patients’ mental health over time. In addition, patients’ physical health was stable over time. The initial level of physical fitness (VO2AT) positively predicted their mental health and kept the trend more stable. Self-efficacy appeared to have a positive relationship with mental health after rehabilitation treatment.

Conclusions

This study revealed a nonlinear change in mental health among medical rehabilitation patients. Self-efficacy was positively related to mental health, and the initial level of physical fitness positively predicted the level of mental health after rehabilitation treatment.

Clinical Rehabilitation

More attention could be given to physical capacity and self-efficacy for improving and maintaining rehabilitants’ mental health.
A relict oasis of living deep-sea mussels Bathymodiolus and microbial-mediated seep carbonates at newly-discovered active cold seeps in the Gulf of Cádiz, NE Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Somoza Luis , Rueda José Luis , González Francisco J. , Rincón-Tomás Blanca , Medialdea Teresa , Sánchez-Guillamón Olga , Hoppert Michael , Vázquez Juan T. , Madureira Pedro , Santofimia Esther , López-Pamo Enrique , Palomino Desirée , Ortíz Jose Eugenio , Blanco Lorena , del Carmen Fernández-Puga Maria , Fernández-Salas L. M. , Reitner Joachim
Published: December 2021

Extensive beds of the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus mauritanicus (currently also known as Gigantidas mauritanicus) linked to active cold seeps related to fissure-like activity on Al Gacel mud volcano, Gulf of Cádiz, were filmed and sampled for the first time during the oceanographic expedition SUBVENT-2 aboard R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa. Al Gacel mud volcano is one of up to 80 fluid venting submarine structures (mud volcanoes and mud volcano/diapir complexes) identified in the Gulf of Cádiz as result of explosive venting of hydrocarbon-enriched fluids sourced from deep seated reservoirs. This mud volcano is a cone-shaped edifice, 107 m high, 944 m in diameter constituted by mud breccias and, partially covered by pavements of seep carbonates. Extensive beds of this deep-sea mussel were detected at the northern flank at 810–815 m water depth associated with bacterial mats around intermittent buoyant vertical bubble methane plumes. High methane concentrations were measured in the water column above living mussel beds. Other chemosymbiotic species (Siboglinum sp., Solemya elarraichensis, Isorropodon sp., Thyasira vulcolutre and Lucinoma asapheus) were also found in different parts of Al Gacel mud volcano. Al Gacel mud volcano may currently represent one of the most active mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Cádiz, delivering significant amounts of thermogenic hydrocarbon fluids which contribute to foster the extensive chemosynthesis-based communities detected. This finding is of paramount importance for linking extremophile bivalve populations along the North Atlantic, including cold seeps of the Gulf of México, hydrothermal vents of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and now, detailed documented at the Gulf of Cádiz.
Lessons Learned from the Occurrences of Major Devastating Mw ≥ 7.5 Earthquakes in the Asian Countries during the last 25 years
Authors: Mandal Prantik
Published: December 2021

The loss of human lives, properties and damages due to the occurrences of moderate to large size earthquakes have been a major concern for the economic development of many countries in the world. Earthquakes would continue to occur in a region and would remain among the most devastating natural hazards. Seismically active countries viz., China, India, Japan, USA, Mexico and a few other countries are classified as high earthquake hazard regions while continents/countries with low rate of earthquake occurrence include Africa, Australia, Canada etc. On many occasions in the past, high earthquake hazard countries have experienced major economic setbacks due to the occurrences of major earthquakes. In the present paper, the causative mechanisms of major devastating earthquakes of Mw≥7.5 in the Asian countries (including high hazard countries like China, Japan, India, Taiwan and Nepal) during the past 25 years and major damages rendered by these earthquakes is discussed.
Testing Earthquake Prediction Algorithms
Authors: Kossobokov Vladimir G. , Soloviev Aleksander A.
Published: December 2021

The problem of estimating efficiency and comparing different earthquake prediction algorithms remains pivotal for operational decision making and reducing losses from earthquakes. Healy et al. (1992) considered this problem in terms of strict mathematical analysis of the prediction outcomes in the design of Global Testing of the algorithm M8. For 30 years now, every six months, this earthquake prediction algorithm has been applied globally, determining in real time the areas in which the World’s largest earthquakes are most likely to occur in the current half-year. To date, the statistics of the results obtained in this Global Test indicates, with reliability higher than 99%, a fairly high efficiency of forecasts using the M8 algorithm, as well as in its combination with the MSc algorithm, which specifies the localization of the source zone of the expected earthquake. Thus, the null hypothesis of random occurrence in seismically active regions is rejected with seismological certainty, at least for the World’s largest earthquakes. The results of this experimental testing are an indirect confirmation of the predictability of strong earthquakes, as well as the existence of common dynamic characteristics and diverse behavior during phase transitions in a complex hierarchical nonlinear system of faults-and-blocks of the Earth’s lithosphere (Keilis-Borok, 1990).
Mapping Seismic Zones Based on the Geomorphic Indices and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): A Case Study in Cao Bang Province and Adjacent Areas (Vietnam)
Authors: Dinh Trong Cao , Dinh Trieu Cao , Anh Tuan Thai , Xuan Bach Mai , Manh Luc Nguyen , Thanh Duong Van , Van Dung Le , Thanh Hai Dang , Quang Toan Ngo
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the application of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for mapping seismic zones in Cao Bang province and adjacent areas. The application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in this study consists of four analytical steps namely: (1) Determination of the geomorphic indices’ sensitivity with respect to the earthquake activity using the MLP (Multi-layer Perceptron) neural network; (2) Calculation of the weight coefficients of all indices according to principle Eigenvector (AHP method); (3) Estimation of the ranking sensitivity of each geomorphic indices to the earthquake activity using their value distribution and (4) Identification of the Seismic Susceptibility Index (SSI). The results show that there are 6 seismic zones in the study area, including Na Hang, where the largest earthquake occurred with M4.6 (November 1, 1943); Ha Giang M5.0 (August 18, 1975); Bao Lac M5.2 (June 13, 1968); Cao Bang-Tien Yen M5.0 (November 1, 1933); Quang Yen-Song Bang M4.6 (April 6, 1979) and Quay Son River M5.0 (November 25, 2019).
Skill in Means and Mindfulness
Authors: Anālayo Bhikkhu
Published: December 2021

An exploration of the relatively rare references to skill in means in early Buddhist texts points to a close relationship to the cultivation of mindfulness, under the overarching aim of establishing the mind in wholesome conditions and preventing the arising of what is unwholesome. At the same time, however, a particular narrative related to the Buddha’s half-brother Nanda and his struggle with sensual desire testifies to incipient tendencies for the evolution of a different conception of skill in means; in fact, to some extent this episode could even be considered an instance of proto-tantra.
Interdisciplinary perspective-taking within argumentation: students’ strategies across science and religious education
Authors: Fancourt Nigel , Guilfoyle Liam
Published: December 2021

The importance of developing students’ argumentation skills is well established across the curriculum: students should grasp how claims are made and supported in different disciplines. One challenge is to follow and thereby agree with or critique the arguments of others, which requires perspective-taking, in tracing these other reasons and reasoning. This challenge is increased when disciplines construct argumentation and perspective-taking differently. Here, we consider the role of perspective-taking in argumentation within and between science education and pluralistic religious education, where the former aims at the justification of scientific claims and the latter at both an empathetic understanding of different religions and worldviews, and personal reasoning. We interpretively analyze student data to identify salient features of students’ strategies to perspective-taking within argumentation. Data from 324 pupils across nine schools are explored in relation to students’ challenges in perspective-taking, strategies for perspective-taking within argumentation, and the use of perspective-taking to construct personal argumentation. The analysis shows some barriers to perspective-taking within argumentation, the range of students’ perspective-taking strategies within argumentation, and how personal argumentation could hermeneutically build upon perspective-taking strategies. The importance and implications of perspective-taking within argumentation across the curriculum are considered highlighting challenges in the etic/emic shift, both within the individual subject as well as across them, and some reflections on how this provides a fresh pedagogical perspective on the science/religions debate are made. To end, we conclude with the wider challenges for disciplines and perspective-taking across schooling and university.
Domestic Architecture at Letchworth (8JE337) and Other Woodland Period Ceremonial Centers in the Gulf Coastal Plain
Authors: Menz Martin
Published: December 2021

Architectural remains, especially domestic architecture, are essential for understanding the ways in which households organized themselves socially and economically in the past. Unfortunately, these remains are infrequently identified from Woodland period (1000 BC–AD 1000) archaeological sites along the Gulf Coast, an area home to well-known ceramic and mortuary traditions during this time. As a result, our knowledge of Woodland period households in the region is scant. In this article I present a newly discovered house from Letchworth (8JE337), a large Woodland period ceremonial center in northwest Florida, and compare it to the few published examples of houses from this region. I show that domestic architecture along the Gulf Coast during the Woodland period is diverse, suggesting differences in the organization of households and the historical development of ceremonial centers.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance is associated with Vaccine Hesitancy, Perceived Risk and Previous Vaccination Experiences
Authors: Dolu İlknur , Turhan Zeynep , Yalnız Dilcen Hacer
Published: December 2021

Objective:

This study examines the factors associated with the willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine among individuals aged 18 and above.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. The participants aged 18 and older were recruited between December, 2020 and January, 2021 through conventional social media sites. Snowball sampling was used. An anonymous questionnaire consisted of demographics, vaccination experiences, and perceived risk of coronavirus disease.

Results:

1202 women and 651 men were included in the data analysis. Findings showed that demographics, vaccination experience, and perceived risk of getting COVID-19 were explained. 37% of the variance in people’s willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccination was according to hierarchical logistic regression. Furthermore, increasing age, being male, acquiring positive information about COVID-19 vaccines, having a lower level of vaccine hesitancy, the high level of worry about COVID-19, and low level of perceptions of the possibility of becoming infected by the COVID-19 were the main predictors of COVID-19 vaccine willingness.

Conclusions:

Factors affecting adults’ willingness to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines were related to demographics, vaccination experiences, and perceived risk of getting COVID-19. We recommend that public health authorities and practitioners should consider these multiple factors regarding vaccine confidence to achieve herd immunity.
Flow onset for a single bubble in a yield-stress fluid
Authors: Pourzahedi Ali , Chaparian Emad , Roustaei Ali , Frigaard Ian A.
Published: December 2021

We use computational methods to determine the minimal yield stress required in order to hold static a buoyant bubble in a yield-stress liquid. The static limit is governed by the bubble shape, the dimensionless surface tension (

$\gamma$

) and the ratio of the yield stress to the buoyancy stress (

$Y$

). For a given geometry, bubbles are static for

$Y > Y_c$

, which we determine for a range of shapes. Given that surface tension is negligible, long prolate bubbles require larger yield stress to hold static compared with oblate bubbles. Non-zero

$\gamma$

increases

$Y_c$

and for large

$\gamma$

the yield-capillary number (

$Y/\gamma$

) determines the static boundary. In this limit, although bubble shape is important, bubble orientation is not. Two-dimensional planar and axisymmetric bubbles are studied.
Asymptotic behaviour at the wall in compressible turbulent channels
Authors: Baranwal Akanksha , Donzis Diego A. , Bowersox Rodney D.W.
Published: December 2021

The asymptotic behaviour of Reynolds stresses close to walls is well established in incompressible flows owing to the constraint imposed by the solenoidal nature of the velocity field. For compressible flows, thus, one may expect a different asymptotic behaviour, which has indeed been noted in the literature. However, the transition from incompressible to compressible scaling, as well as the limiting behaviour for the latter, is largely unknown. Thus, we investigate the effects of compressibility on the near-wall, asymptotic behaviour of turbulent fluxes using a large direct numerical simulation (DNS) database of turbulent channel flow at higher than usual wall-normal resolutions. We vary the Mach number at a constant friction Reynolds number to directly assess compressibility effects. We observe that the near-wall asymptotic behaviour for compressible turbulent flow is different from the corresponding incompressible flow even if the mean density variations are taken into account and semi-local scalings are used. For Mach numbers near the incompressible regimes, the near-wall asymptotic behaviour follows the well-known theoretical behaviour. When the Mach number is increased, turbulent fluxes containing wall-normal components show a decrease in the slope owing to increased dilatation effects. We observe that

$R_{vv}$

approaches its high-Mach-number asymptote at a lower Mach number than that required for the other fluxes. We also introduce a transition distance from the wall at which turbulent fluxes exhibit a change in scaling exponents. Implications for wall models are briefly presented.