bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical modeling of fully nonlinear hydrodynamic loads on offshore wind turbine monopile foundations using wave episodes and targeted CFD simulations through active sampling
Authors: Guth Stephen , Katsidoniotaki Eirini , Sapsis Themistoklis P.
Published: November 2023

Accurately determining hydrodynamic force statistics is crucial for designing offshore engineering structures, including offshore wind turbine foundations, due to the significant impact of nonlinear wave–structure interactions. However, obtaining precise load statistics often involves computationally intensive simulations. Furthermore, the estimation of statistics using current practices is subject to ongoing discussion due to the inherent uncertainty involved. To address these challenges, we present a novel machine learning framework that leverages data‐driven surrogate modeling to predict hydrodynamic loads on monopile foundations while reducing reliance on costly simulations and facilitate the load statistics reconstruction. The primary advantage of our approach is the significant reduction in evaluation time compared to traditional modeling methods. The novelty of our framework lies in its efficient construction of the surrogate model, utilizing the Gaussian process regression machine learning technique and a Bayesian active learning method to sequentially sample wave episodes that contribute to accurate predictions of extreme hydrodynamic forces. Additionally, a spectrum transfer technique combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results from both quiescent and extreme waves, further reducing data requirements. This study focuses on reducing the dimensionality of stochastic irregular wave episodes and their associated hydrodynamic force time series. Although the dimensionality reduction is linear, Gaussian process regression successfully captures high‐order correlations. Furthermore, our framework incorporates built‐in uncertainty quantification capabilities, facilitating efficient parameter sampling using traditional CFD tools. This paper provides comprehensive implementation details and demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in delivering reliable statistics for hydrodynamic loads while overcoming the computational cost constraints associated with classical modeling methods.
The Challenge
Authors: Braunerhjelm Pontus , Henrekson Magnus
Published: November 2023

During recent years, challenges have emerged on an unprecedented scale, affecting nearly all the countries of the globe: climate change, energy supply, geopolitical tensions, protectionist measures, demographic changes, and a seemingly infinite demand for human capital, to mention but a few. Until recently, the most compelling challenge seemed to be increased globalization and intensified competition at all stages of the value chain. This threatened the privileged position of industrialized economies and their businesses, prompting measures to enhance efficiency and competitiveness at both the policy and firm levels. Even though the world economy currently seems to be in a phase of decoupling, deglobalization, and increased state intervention, we believe that in the medium to long term, the global economy will continue to embrace openness. Hence, fortune favors the well-prepared, and both countries and businesses are likely to benefit by positioning themselves for a return to the prospect of increasingly competitive markets.
Contactless single point incremental forming: experimental and numerical simulation
Authors: Almadani Mohammad , Guner Ahmet , Hassanin Hany , De Lisi Michele , Essa Khamis
Published: November 2023

The demand for small-batch manufacturing processes has increased considerably in recent years due to the need for personalized and customized products. Single point incremental forming (SPIF) has emerged as a time-efficient approach that offers increased material formability when compared to conventional sheet metal forming techniques. However, the complexity of SPIF requires a complete understanding of the material deformation mechanism. In this study, a non-conventional contactless tool in the form of hot compressed air is employed to form a polycarbonate sheet. The influence of the contactless tool on the shaping process is modeled and analyzed with a finite element modelling (FEM). Two different models were developed and coupled to estimate the resulting shape of the sheet. A CFD model was created to obtain pressure and temperature values of the air impacting the sheet, while a transient structural model was employed to study the deformation of the sheet. The research provides a working model that is able to predict the performance of this contactless incremental forming process of polymers with high accuracy. The comprehensive FE model developed in this work is able to forecast the final part geometries and dimensions in addition to the normal strain progression. It also revealed that the primary modes of deformation in SPIF were stretching, thinning, and bending. The model was validated by experimental results, and the predicted sheet deformation was compared to the one generated experimentally, and the results obtained were in good agreement.
Effect of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 on seizure thresholds and antiseizure potency of sodium valproate in mice
Authors: Wlaź Piotr , Wiater Adrian , Majewska Małgorzata , Wyska Elżbieta , Grąz Marcin , Śliwa-Dominiak Joanna , Gapińska Nikola , Socała Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Objective

Both animal and human studies, though limited, showed that multi-strain probiotic supplementation may reduce the number of seizures and/or seizure severity. Here, we evaluated the effect of a single strain probiotic supplementation on seizure susceptibility, antiseizure efficacy of sodium valproate, and several behavioral parameters in mice.

Methods

Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 was given orally for 28 days. Its influence on seizure thresholds was evaluated in the ivPTZ- and electrically-induced seizure tests. The effect on the antiseizure potency of valproate was assessed in the scPTZ test. We also investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on anxiety-related behavior (in the elevated plus maze and light/dark box tests), motor coordination (in the accelerating rotarod test), neuromuscular strength (in the grip-strength test), and spontaneous locomotor activity. Serum and brain concentrations of valproate as well as cecal contents of SCFAs and lactate were determined using HPLC method.

Results

L. helveticus R0052 significantly increased the threshold for the 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizure. There was also a slight increase in the threshold for myoclonic and clonic seizure in the ivPTZ test. L. helveticus R0052 did not affect the threshold for tonic seizures both in the maximal electroshock- and ivPTZ-induced seizure tests. No changes in the antiseizure potency of valproate against the PTZ-induced seizures were reported. Interestingly, L. helveticus R0052 increased valproate concentration in serum, but not in the brain. Moreover, L. helveticus R0052 did not produce any significant effects on anxiety-related behavior, motor coordination, neuromuscular strength, and locomotor activity. L. helveticus R0052 supplementation resulted in increased concentrations of total SCFAs, acetate, and butyrate.

Conclusions

Altogether, this study shows that a single-strain probiotic – L. helveticus R0052 may decrease seizure susceptibility and this effect can be mediated, at least in part, by increased production of SCFAs. In addition, L. helveticus R0052 may affect bioavailability of valproate, which warrants further investigations.
Clinical application of artificial intelligence-assisted three-dimensional planning in direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty
Authors: Yang Weihua , Gao Tianyi , Liu Xingyu , Shen Kaiwei , Lin Feitai , Weng Yan , Lin Bei , Liang Deng , Feng Eryou , Zhang Yiling
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an artificial intelligence-assisted 3D planning system (AIHIP) in total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach and assess the reliability of the AIHIP preoperative program in terms of both interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent unilateral primary THA via direct anterior approach from June 2019 to March 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the AIHIP system (n = 220) or the 2D template (control group) (n = 220) for preoperative planning. The primary outcome aimed to evaluate the correspondence between the prosthesis selected intro-operation and the one planned preoperatively, as well as to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Secondary outcomes included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, Harris hip score (HHS), lower limb length difference (LLD), femoral offset (FO), and bilateral femoral offset difference.

Results

No significant differences were observed in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), aetiology, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score between the two groups. Both planning methods exhibited good intraobserver agreement for component planning (ICC: 0.941–0.976). Interobserver agreement for component planning was comparable between the two methods (ICC: 0.882–0.929). In the AIHIP group, the accuracy of acetabular cup and femoral stem prosthetics planning significantly improved, with accuracies within the size range of ± 0 and ± 1 being 76.8% and 90.5% and 79.5% and 95.5%, respectively. All differences between two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Patients receiving AIHIP preoperative planning experienced shorter operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, fewer fluoroscopy times, and lower leg length discrepancy (LLD) (p < 0.05). Moreover, they demonstrated a higher Harris hip score (HHS) at three days post-surgery (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in femoral offset (FO), difference of bilateral femoral offsets, and HHS at 1 month after the operation.

Conclusion

Utilizing AIHIP for preoperative planning of direct anterior approach THA can significantly enhance the accuracy of prosthetic sizing with good reliability, decrease operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and more effectively restore the length of both lower limbs. This approach has greater clinical application value.
Cooperative parental performance at chick provisioning in a small passerine, the Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Authors: Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna , Płóciennik Justyna , Guinebretiere Aldric , Hałupka Lucyna
Published: November 2023

Sexual conflict has long been perceived as a solid background for the evolution of parental care. Recent studies, however, highlight the importance of cooperation between the parents, especially in socially monogamous systems. Here, we examined parental performance of a small monogamous passerine with bi-parental care, the Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus, RW), looking at the issue from the perspective of parents’ cooperation. Using accurate and non-invasive video data on parent chick provisioning from 78 nests varying in brood size, we found some evidence of parents cooperation: both parents similarly adjusted their feeding rate to brood size, and the higher was their both contribution, the better was chicks condition (expressed by defecation rate). However, contrary to our expectations (based on premises from similar studies on other bird species) we did not find evidence for frequent and active synchronisation of nest visits. Importantly, we found a negative relationship between synchronisation level and chick body condition, suggesting that synchronisation may actually not be that beneficial in the study system. The results are surprising and highlight the importance of studying various species to understand mechanisms behind cooperation of partners in the bi-parental care system.

Significance statement

Biparental care has long been viewed in the context of conflict between the breeding partners, and only recently they are considered cooperating agents caring together for the common offspring. Nevertheless, studies applying such a perspective are still scarce and there is a pressing need to test different species. Using video data on chick provisioning by Reed Warbler parents, we found evidence of partner cooperation: both parents adjusted their feeding rate to the number of nestlings, and the higher was their joint contribution, the better was offspring condition. Parents did not synchronise their nest visits more compared to randomly generated visits, but we found that synchronisation level negatively affected chick condition. Our results highlight the need to consider various species to fully understand mechanisms behind cooperation of breeding partners.
Time allocation to balance group living trade-offs in Ethiopian wolves
Authors: Sandoval-Serés Elisa , Foley James , Preston Elizabeth , Ebu Edris , Marino Jorgelina
Published: November 2023

Living in groups requires individuals to make trade-offs to maintain group cohesion and enhance individual and inclusive fitness. One way animals can do this is by adjusting the way they allocate time to different behaviours. Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) are highly social, cooperative breeders (only the dominant pair breeds and all members help to raise the litter), but solitary foragers. To investigate how Ethiopian wolves allocate their time to balance the costs and benefits of group living, we analysed the time budgets of 47 wolves across six behaviours. We hypothesized that group size and territory density would affect wolves’ time allocation between solitary (foraging) and communal activities (patrolling and socialising) differently in relation to their age, dominance status or sex, and whether the pack was breeding or not. Our results showed that the time spent foraging alone increased at higher territorial densities, as expected from interference competition, particularly among subadults, subordinates and individuals in breeding packs. On the other hand, as pack size increased, adult wolves spent a lower proportion of time patrolling, while the time spent socialising did not change. Living in groups reduces the costs of communal activities, but crowded territories come at the cost of interference competition for solitary foragers, particularly the animals further down the hierarchy ranks, subadults, and individuals investing in breeding. Such trade-offs could impose an upper limit to group size and population growth within a limited space. Furthermore, anthropogenic disturbance could alter the balance of social and solitary activities of Ethiopian wolves.
Comparison of endoscope-assisted and microscope-assisted type I tympanoplasty; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elnahal Kirolos Botros , Hassan Mohamed Amir , Maarouf Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To analyze and compare the available data about the outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic type I tympanoplasty.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane library Ovid, Scopus, Google scholar, and ClinicalTrials.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included comparative studies describing type I tympanoplasty, and comparing surgical outcomes of the endoscope with the microscope in terms of efficacy and safety.

Results

Our systematic search yielded 22 studies meeting the inclusion criteria and eligible for analysis. The pooled graft uptake rates and audiological results of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty demonstrated non-significant differences. In contrast, endoscopic type I tympanoplasty outperforms microscopic tympanoplasty regarding a highly significant decrease not only in pooled mean operative time but also in the pooled complications rate.

Conclusions

Based on our meta-analysis, the surgical outcomes of endoscope-assisted and microscope-assisted type I tympanoplasty in terms of postoperative hearing outcomes and the graft uptake rate were comparable. On the contrary, operative time and complications rate proved to be significantly reduced with endoscopy compared to microscopy. Hence, the endoscope is as efficient as the microscope in type I tympanoplasty but less invasive, fewer in complications and shorter in operative time.
Haplotype diversity patterns in Quercus suber (Fagaceae) inferred from cpDNA sequence data
Authors: Sousa Filipe , Viegas Mariana Bray , Costa Joana , Marques Isabel , Pina-Martins Francisco , Simões Fernanda , Matos José , Glushkova Maria , Miguel Célia , Veloso Maria Manuela , Oliveira M. Margarida , Ricardo Cândido Pinto , Batista Dora , Paulo Octávio S.
Published: November 2023

Chloroplast genome diversity in cork oak (Quercus suber) is characterised by the occurrence of haplotypes that are akin to those found in other Mediterranean oak species, particularly in Q. ilex and Q. rotundifolia, suggesting the possible presence of an introgressed chloroplast lineage. To further investigate this pattern, we reconstructed chloroplast haplotypes by sequencing four chloroplast markers (cpDNA), sampled across 181 individuals and 10 taxa. Our analyses resulted in the identification of two diversified chloroplast haplogroups in Q. suber, corresponding to a geographically widespread lineage and an Afro-Iberian lineage. Time-calibrated phylogenetic analyses of cpDNA point to a Miocene origin of the two haplogroups in Q. suber, suggesting that the Afro-Iberian lineage was present in cork oak before the onset of glaciation periods. The persistence of the two haplogroups in the western part of the species distribution range may be a consequence of either ancient introgression events or chloroplast lineage sorting, combined with different fixation in refugia through glaciation periods. Our results provide a comprehensive insight on the origins of chloroplast diversity in these ecologically and economically important Mediterranean oaks.
Post-radiolabeling thioether oxidation to enhance the bioorthogonal reactivity of 18F-tetrazines
Authors: Wilkovitsch Martin , Svatunek Dennis , Mikula Hannes , Denk Christoph
Published: November 2023

Radiolabeled 1,2,4,5-tetrazines are powerful heterocyclic agents for bioorthogonal PET imaging due to their fast cycloaddition with trans-cyclooctenes. However, fluorine-18 radiolabeling of highly reactive tetrazines is often not feasible due to limited compound stability. We demonstrate that post-radiolabeling oxidation of thioether functionalities is a viable and transferable strategy to avoid these limitations, enabling the synthesis of highly reactive 18F-tetrazines.

Graphical abstract
Hyaluronic acid in tooth extraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical trials
Authors: Domic Danijel , Bertl Kristina , Lang Tobias , Pandis Nikolaos , Ulm Christian , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess whether in animals or patients with ≥ 1 tooth extracted, hyaluronic acid (HyA) application results in superior healing and/or improved complication management compared to any other treatment or no treatment.

Materials and methods

Three databases were searched until April 2022. The most relevant eligibility criteria were (1) local application of HyA as adjunct to tooth extraction or as treatment of alveolar osteitis, and (2) reporting of clinical, radiographic, histological, or patient-reported data. New bone formation and/or quality were considered main outcome parameters in preclinical studies, while pain, swelling, and trismus were defined as main outcome parameters in clinical studies.

Results

Five preclinical and 22 clinical studies (1062 patients at final evaluation) were included. In preclinical trials, HyA was applied into the extraction socket. Although a positive effect of HyA was seen in all individual studies on bone formation, this effect was not confirmed by meta-analysis. In clinical studies, HyA was applied into the extraction socket or used as spray or mouthwash. HyA application after non-surgical extraction of normally erupted teeth may have a positive effect on soft tissue healing. Based on meta-analyses, HyA application after surgical removal of lower third molars (LM3) resulted in significant reduction in pain perception 7 days postoperatively compared to either no additional wound manipulation or the application of a placebo/carrier. Early post-operative pain, trismus, and extent of swelling were unaffected.

Conclusions

HyA application may have a positive effect in pain reduction after LM3 removal, but not after extraction of normally erupted teeth.

Clinical relevance

HyA application may have a positive effect in pain reduction after surgical LM3 removal, but it does not seem to have any impact on other complications or after extraction of normally erupted teeth. Furthermore, it seems not to reduce post-extraction alveolar ridge modeling, even though preclinical studies show enhanced bone formation.
Semiempirical modeling of the transient response of pore pressure to rainfall and snowmelt in a dormant landslide
Authors: Osawa Hikaru , Matsushi Yuki , Matsuura Sumio , Okamoto Takashi
Published: November 2023

This study proposes a simplified, semiempirical hydrological model of the pressure response in a landslide. Various hydrometeorological variables were measured in a dormant landslide underlain by soft sedimentary rocks in a high snowfall area in central Japan. We assessed whether the short-term response of the pore pressure to water inputs by rainfall and/or snowmelt can be predicted using a modified linear diffusion model that describes the seasonal trends of the pore pressure. We applied field observations and regression analysis to characterize the buffering function of the vadose zone. The apparent hydraulic conductivity and hydraulic diffusivity in the vadose zone were low during summer and high during winter and can be described by an empirical function of the pore pressure prior to an event. The pattern of pressure waveforms was accurately reproduced for various water inputs via empirical parameter functions. The model can also reproduce the pore-pressure peaks at different depths and locations within the same landslide with practical certainty. This modeling demonstrated a method that has the potential to predict future landslide instability as long as data from pore-pressure monitoring and water input forecasting are available.
Spread of the Zoonotic Nematode Baylisascaris procyonis into a Naive Raccoon Population
Authors: Heddergott Mike , Lippert Stéphanie , Schliephake Annette , Gaede Wolfgang , Schleimer Anna , Frantz Alain C.
Published: November 2023

The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a gastrointestinal nematode of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), may cause a severe form of larva migrans in humans, which can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. Although roundworms were inadvertently introduced to Europe alongside their raccoon hosts, the parasite is not present in every raccoon population. It is important to understand the geographic distribution of B. procyonis, as early and rapid treatment can prevent severe pathologies in humans. We present evidence for the roundworm spreading into a naive raccoon population through natural dispersal of infected raccoons. We sampled 181 raccoons from Saxony-Anhalt, a German federal state containing contact zones of different raccoon populations, two of which were previously free of the parasite. We screened the raccoons for roundworms and used microsatellite-based assignment tests to determine the genetic origin of the raccoons and their parasites. We detected roundworms in 16 of 45 raccoons sampled in a previously roundworm-free area in the northern part of the state. The largest proportion of the genetic ancestry (≥ 0.5) of the 16 raccoon hosts was assigned to the previously naive raccoon population. Conversely, the genetic ancestry of almost all the roundworms was assigned to the nearest roundworm population in the southern part of the state. Infected raccoons have, therefore, spread to the north of the state, where they interbred with and infected local raccoons. It seems likely that the roundworms will continue to spread. Health authorities should consider continuous surveillance programmes of naive populations and raise public awareness.
Intelligent team formation and player selection: a data-driven approach for football coaches
Authors: Nouraie Mahdi , Eslahchi Changiz , Baca Arnold
Published: November 2023

This article presents a data-driven approach called Intelligent Team Formation and Player Selection (ITFPS), aimed at assisting football coaches in making informed decisions about team formation and player selection. The proposed approach utilizes deep neural networks to evaluate the suitability of each player for different positions on the field. The problem is then formulated as finding the maximum weighted matching in a complete bipartite graph, with the objective of achieving the best possible alignment between team members and the positions designated by the coach. The Hungarian algorithm is employed to facilitate this matching process. Furthermore, the approach allows coaches to select a system of distinct representatives for each position, based on the specific qualities expected from players in a given match. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through tests conducted on four teams from the 2021–2022 English Premier League. The results indicate that ITFPS produces decisions comparable to those made by successful coaches. By optimizing team formations and enabling the utilization of rotating formations, this approach not only enhances team performance but also empowers coaches to make strategic decisions while fully leveraging the potential of their players. ITFPS serves as an intelligent assistant for coaches, complementing their strategic perspectives.
Making the Executive ‘Function’ for the Foundations of Mathematics: the Need for Explicit Theories of Change for Early Interventions
Authors: Scerif Gaia , Blakey Emma , Gattas Sylvia , Hawes Zachary , Howard Steven , Merkley Rebecca , O’Connor Rosemary , Simms Victoria
Published: November 2023

A vast body of work highlights executive functions (EFs) as robust correlates of mathematics achievement over the primary and preschool years. Yet, despite such correlational evidence, there is limited evidence that EF interventions yield improvements in early years mathematics. As intervention studies are a powerful tool to move beyond correlation to causality, failures of transfer from executive functions interventions are, we argue, highly problematic for both applied and theoretical reasons. We review the existing correlational and intervention literature at complementary neuroscientific, cognitive, developmental and educational levels. We appraise distinct theories of change underpinning the correlations between EF and early mathematics, as well as explicit or implicit theories of change for different types of EF interventions. We find that isolated EF interventions are less likely to transfer to improvements in mathematics than integrated interventions. Via this conceptual piece, we highlight that the field of EF development is in need of (1) a clearer framework for the mechanisms underpinning the relationships between early EF and other developing domains, such as mathematical cognition; (2) clearer putative theories of change for how interventions of different kinds operate in the context of EF and such domains; (3) and greater clarity on the developmental and educational contexts that influence these causal associations. Our synthesis of the evidence emphasises the need to consider the dynamic development of EFs with co-developing cognitive functions, such as early math skills, when designing education environments. [234 words].
Public health measures and the rise of incidental surveillance: Considerations about private informational power and accountability
Authors: Kamphorst B. A. , Henschke A.
Published: November 2023

The public health measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a substantially increased shared reliance on private infrastructure and digital services in areas such as healthcare, education, retail, and the workplace. This development has (i) granted a number of private actors significant (informational) power, and (ii) given rise to a range of digital surveillance practices incidental to the pandemic itself. In this paper, we reflect on these secondary consequences of the pandemic and observe that, even though collateral data disclosure and additional activity monitoring appears to have been generally socially accepted as inevitable consequences of the pandemic, part and parcel of a larger conglomeration of emergency compromises, these increased surveillance practices were not directly justified by appeals to solidarity and public health in the same way that the instigating public health measures were. Based on this observation, and given the increased reliance on private actors for maintaining the digital space, we argue that governments have a duty to (i) seek and ensure that there are justifications for collateral data disclosure and activity monitoring by private actors in the context of (future) public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) regulate and provide accountability mechanisms for and oversight over these private surveillance practices on par with governmental essential services that engage in surveillance activities.
The Moral Permissibility of Perspective-Taking Interventions
Authors: Read Hannah , Douglas Thomas
Published: November 2023

Interventions designed to promote perspective taking are increasingly prevalent in educational settings, and are also being considered for applications in other domains. Thus far, these perspective-taking interventions (PTIs) have largely escaped philosophical attention, however they are sometimes prima facie morally problematic in at least two respects: they are neither transparent nor easy to resist. Nontransparent or hard-to-resist PTIs call for a moral defense and our primary aim in this paper is to provide such a defense. We offer two arguments for the view that an exemplar PTI is morally permissible even though it is plausibly neither transparent nor easy to resist. The first argument appeals to an analogy between PTIs and permissible deceptive research practices. The second appeals to the way in which PTIs draw participants’ attention to their reasons for action. We also respond to the objection that, by imposing a particular conception of the good, PTIs violate liberal neutrality.
EOS-CG-2021: A Mixture Model for the Calculation of Thermodynamic Properties of CCS Mixtures
Authors: Neumann Tobias , Herrig Stefan , Bell Ian H. , Beckmüller Robin , Lemmon Eric W. , Thol Monika , Span Roland
Published: November 2023

Thermodynamic properties for CCS-relevant mixtures can be calculated with the fundamental equation of state presented in this work over wide ranges of pressure, temperature, and composition for gas, liquid, and supercritical states, as well as for phase equilibria. The mixture model is formulated in terms of the Helmholtz energy and is based on the EOS-CG model of Gernert and Span (J Chem Thermodyn 93:274, 2016]. The new model presented here (EOS-CG-2021) is an update and extension of the previous version, and covers the following sixteen components: carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, ammonia, and methyl diethanolamine. Previously published elements of the model are summarized, and new elements are validated and analyzed with the use of comparisons to experimental data and by assessing the physical and extrapolation behavior of the equations. A comprehensive study on the representation of multicomponent mixture data was carried out to show the high accuracy and application range of the EOS-CG-2021.
Investigating the Mediating Role of Executive Function in the Relationship Between ADHD and DCD Symptoms and Depression in Adults
Authors: Broletti Maria C. , Efthymiou Christina , Murray Aja Louise , McDougal Emily , Rhodes Sinéad M.
Published: November 2023

This study was designed to test the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) on depression levels and investigate the mediating role of executive function (EF) in adults. Adults with ADHD, DCD, and ADHD + DCD (N = 139) completed self-report measures of ADHD, DCD, depression, and EF. There were distinct profiles of EF across diagnostic groups, and higher depression symptoms in adults with ADHD + DCD than DCD alone. All EF domains were predicted by ADHD symptoms, and several by DCD symptoms. ADHD and DCD symptoms, and most EF domains, predicted depression symptoms. Overall EF difficulties fully mediated the relationships between ADHD/DCD and depression symptoms. Several specific EF domains relating to behavioural regulation and metacognition also showed full/partial mediating effects. The mediating role of EF difficulties between these neurodevelopmental conditions and depression symptoms has implications for their understanding and treatment, suggesting that targeting EF may be important for preventing co-occurring depression.
Towards automated remote sizing and hot steel manufacturing with image registration and fusion
Authors: Lin Yueda , Wang Peng , Wang Zichen , Ali Sardar , Mihaylova Lyudmila
Published: November 2023

Image registration and fusion are challenging tasks needed in manufacturing, including in high-quality steel production for inspection, monitoring and safe operations. To solve some of these challenging tasks, this paper proposes computer vision approaches aiming at monitoring the direction of motion of hot steel sections and remotely measuring their dimensions in real time. Automated recognition of the steel section direction is performed first. Next, a new image registration approach is developed based on extrinsic features, and it is combined with frequency domain image fusion ofoptical images. The fused image provides information about the size of high-quality hot steel sections remotely. While the remote sizing approach keeps operators informed of the section dimensions in real time, the mill stands can be configured to provide quality assurance. The performance of the developed approaches is evaluated over real data and achieves accuracy above 95%. The proposed approaches have the potential to introduce an enhanced level of autonomy in manufacturing and provide advanced digitised solutions in steel manufacturing plants.
Formal Modelling and Verification of Probabilistic Resource Bounded Agents
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Nga , Rakib Abdur
Published: November 2023

Many problems in Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) research are formulated in terms of the abilities of a coalition of agents. Existing approaches to reasoning about coalitional ability are usually focused on games or transition systems, which are described in terms of states and actions. Such approaches however often neglect a key feature of multi-agent systems, namely that the actions of the agents require resources. In this paper, we describe a logic for reasoning about coalitional ability under resource constraints in the probabilistic setting. We extend Resource-bounded Alternating-time Temporal Logic (RB-ATL) with probabilistic reasoning and provide a standard algorithm for the model-checking problem of the resulting logic Probabilistic resource-bounded ATL (pRB-ATL). We implement model-checking algorithms and present experimental results using simple multi-agent model-checking problems of increasing complexity.
Sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Jordan River Dureijat archeological site reveal subtle late Pleistocene water-level changes at Lake Hula, Jordan Valley, Israel
Authors: Bunin Elizabeth , Zhang Chengjun , Sharon Gonen , Mischke Steffen
Published: November 2023

Sedimentary records of environmental conditions retrieved from archeological sites provide valuable insight into the milieux of ancient humans and context to understand societal and cultural changes. At Jordan River Dureijat, an open-air site in Israel’s Hula Valley documenting the entire Epipaleolithic period as well as the Early Neolithic, sediments exposed on the walls of the excavation pit reveal a sequence of lacustrine deposits accumulated continuously between c. 21.1 and 11.3 cal ka BP near the southeast margin of Paleolake Hula. Through sediment-grain-size, geochemical, and paleontological analyses, we describe the nature of the Paleolake Hula from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the start of the Holocene. Until c. 17.2 cal ka BP, Paleolake Hula existed as a relatively large and well-buffered waterbody. A rapid and substantial drawdown of the lake occurred at 17.2 cal ka BP, followed by more frequent changes in the position of the shoreline in a smaller and shallower lake, resulting in the deposition of alternating near-shore and deeper lacustrine facies. Since the LGM, seven beds of structureless, silty sediments preserve archeological artifacts belonging to three Epipaleolithic cultures as well as the Early Neolithic pre-pottery Neolithic A culture. These sediments were deposited during phases of low lake level during which times humans waded into the shallow part of the lake, leaving behind stone and bone tools such as bladelets, lunates and burins, fishing hooks, line weights and net sinkers. Using radiocarbon-dated charcoal and a Bayesian statistical model, we produced a chronostratigraphic model for the archeological site, which enables the comparison of proxy paleoclimate records produced from this site’s sediments with regional archives as well as with global trends and changes in the Northern Hemisphere climate. Periods of low lake stands are correlated with the end of the LGM, Heinrich Event 1, and the beginning of the Younger Dryas Stadial. High water stands occurred contemporaneously with the peak of the LGM and during the Bølling–Allerød interstadial. This new water-level record from Lake Hula confirms that lake-level changes here broadly paralleled those of the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee during the late Pleistocene, highlighting the importance of northern water sources to the overall water balance of the lakes along the Dead Sea Transform.
Insights in Hierarchical Clustering of Variables for Compositional Data
Authors: Martín-Fernández Josep Antoni , Donato Valentino Di , Pawlowsky-Glahn Vera , Egozcue Juan José
Published: November 2023

R-mode hierarchical clustering is a method for forming hierarchical groups of mutually exclusive subsets of variables. This R-mode cluster method identifies interrelationships between variables which are useful for variable selection and dimension reduction. Importantly, the method is based on metric elements defined on the sample space of variables. Consequently, hierarchical clustering of compositional parts should respect the particular geometry of the simplex. In this work, the connections between concepts such as distance, cluster representative, compositional biplot, and log-ratio basis are explored within the framework of the most popular R-mode agglomerative hierarchical clustering methods. The approach is illustrated in a paleoecological study to identify groups of species sharing similar behavior.
Perspectives of cyanobacterial cell factories
Authors: Melis Anastasios , Hidalgo Martinez Diego Alberto , Betterle Nico
Published: November 2023

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that can generate, in addition to biomass, useful chemicals and proteins/enzymes, essentially from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Selected aspects of cyanobacterial production (isoprenoids and high-value proteins) and scale-up methods suitable for product generation and downstream processing are addressed in this review. The work focuses on the challenge and promise of specialty chemicals and proteins production, with isoprenoid products and biopharma proteins as study cases, and the challenges encountered in the expression of recombinant proteins/enzymes, which underline the essence of synthetic biology with these microorganisms. Progress and the current state-of-the-art in these targeted topics are emphasized.
On Pretabular Extensions of Relevance Logic
Authors: Fallahi Asadollah , Raftery James Gordon
Published: November 2023

We exhibit infinitely many semisimple varieties of semilinear De Morgan monoids (and likewise relevant algebras) that are not tabular, but which have only tabular proper subvarieties. Thus, the extension of relevance logic by the axiom $$(p\rightarrow q)\vee (q\rightarrow p)$$

(
p
→
q
)
∨
(
q
→
p
)

has infinitely many pretabular axiomatic extensions, regardless of the presence or absence of Ackermann constants.
Metarepresenting in communication
Authors: Mussavifard Nima
Published: November 2023

The standard cognitive explanation for the emergence of human communication is that it rests largely on the expression and attribution of communicative intentions which are, in turn, enabled by complex metarepresentations of mental states. This complexity is at odds with the limited metapsychological abilities of infants. But mentalistic metarepresentations are neither necessary nor sufficient in explaining communication. Coded ostensive signals (e.g., eye contact) and established channels (e.g., speech) allow that communicative episodes be identified through decoding rather than metarepresentational inferences. Thus, some metarepresentations may be unnecessary. However, metapsychology is also insufficient for explaining communication: the logic of instrumental actions permits interpreting their effect as following from intentions, yet the effect of communicative actions is often unavailable for inferring meaning. Moreover, current evidence for the developmental trajectory of communication and mental state attribution does not support the emergence of the former from the latter. My proposal is that our primitive concept of communication targets, instead, representational action. When we communicate, we typically convey a propositional content that is detached from our acts—a property absent in ordinary goal-directed actions. This view additionally raises the possibility that metarepresentational capacities evolved for representing external, communicative representations and were only later exapted for other purposes.
Psychodrama group for teenagers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Garcia Ribeiro Catarina , Pereira Tiago , Teixeira de Sousa João
Published: November 2023

This paper describes a research study carried out within a Morenian psychodrama group for adolescents. The group was started due to the current pandemic situation and the research was intended to characterize spontaneity and clinical status before therapy began (T0) and its evolution along nine months of intervention (T3). Structured and validated questionnaires were used. Also, a non-structured individual interview was conducted with each member of the group to measure the participants’ subjective perception of therapy impact in the face-to-face and online modality of our approach. We found improvements in 5 participants (n = 6) from T0 to T3 considering spontaneity measure and global scores of an outcome measure which assesses subjective well-being, symptomatology, life function and risk/harm. We also found that parents’ feedback and the subjective participants’ impression were really positive where the benefits of psychodrama are concerned.
Effect of Primary Versus Revisional One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) on Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Szymanski Michal , Wilczynski Maciej , Pakiet Alicja , Kaska Lukasz , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Bigda Justyna , Sledzinski Tomasz , Mika Adriana
Published: November 2023

Introduction

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is one option of a revisional procedure for failed sleeve gastrectomy. Moreover, it can be used as a primary bariatric procedure, and is an effective surgery resulting in significant weight loss and the resolution or improvement of obesity-associated medical problems, accompanied by low perioperative complications. However, as with any therapy, OAGB has its limitations, including micronutrient deficiency or malnutrition. In our study, we compared the fatty acid (FA) profile in serum of patients after both primary OAGB (pOAGB) and revisional OAGB (rOAGB) to identify potential postsurgical FA alterations.

Methods

This is a retrospective study on patients with obesity who underwent OAGB procedures (pOAGB n=68; rOAGB n=17), conducted from 2016 to 2018. In blood, we analyzed a series of biochemical parameters, and in the serum, the FA profile was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

The percentage of excess BMI loss (% EBMIL) after pOAGB was 73.5 ± 2.47% in comparison to 45.9 ± 4.15% in the rOAGB group (p<0.001). In contrast to the lack of effect of rOAGB on most polyunsaturated FAs, in the pOAGB group, there was a decrease in eicosapentaenoic acid, and eicosatetraenoic and docosahexaenoic acid levels (p<0.001). We also found a decrease in very long-chain FAs (VLCFAs) and an increase in branched-chain FAs (BCFAs) after both types of OAGB procedure.

Conclusions

Both OAGB procedures improved the profile of most FAs, leading to a decrease in VLCFAs, which are considered harmful, and an improvement in BCFAs, which are considered to be beneficial. There is a need to further investigate the possibility of n-3 polyunsaturated FA supplementation after pOAGB, due to the large decrease in these FAs after pOAGB.

Graphical Abstract
Regularity results for local solutions to some anisotropic elliptic equations
Authors: di Blasio Giuseppina , Feo Filomena , Zecca Gabriella
Published: November 2023

In this paper we study the higher integrability of local solutions for a class of anisotropic equations with lower order terms whose growth coefficients lay in Marcinkiewicz spaces. A condition for the boundedness of such solutions is also given.
Comparison of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) and Reduced Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) as Supplement to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Fladerer Johannes-Paul , Grollitsch Selina
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Heart failure has been defined as a global pandemic leading to millions of deaths. Recent research clearly approved the beneficial effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with heart failure in clinical trials but did not distinguish between the oxidised form CoQ10 and reduced form CoQH2 of Coenzyme Q10. The aim of this study is to determine differences in medical application of CoQ10 and CoQH2 supplementation and evaluate the efficacy of CoQ10 and CoQH2 supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with heart failure.

Recent Findings

A PubMed search for the terms “ubiquinone” and “ubiquinol” was conducted, and 28 clinical trials were included. Our findings go along with the biochemical description of CoQ10 and CoQH2, recording cardiovascular benefits for CoQ10 and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties for CoQH2. Our main outcomes are the following: (I) CoQ10 supplementation reduced cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure. This is not reported for CoQH2. (II) Test concentrations leading to cardiovascular benefits are much lower in CoQ10 studies than in CoQH2 studies. (III) Positive long-term effects reducing cardiovascular mortality are only observed in CoQ10 studies.

Based on the existing literature, the authors recommend CoQ10 instead of CoQH2 to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with heart failure.