bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curvature corrections to KPV: do we need deep throats?
Authors: Hebecker Arthur , Schreyer Simon , Venken Gerben
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We consider α′2 curvature corrections to the action of an NS5-brane which plays the key role in the metastability analysis of warped anti-D3-brane uplifts by Kachru, Pearson and Verlinde (KPV). Such corrections can dramatically alter the KPV analysis. We find that for the α′2-corrections to be sufficiently small to recover essentially the leading-order KPV potential one needs a surprisingly large S3 radius, corresponding to gsM > 20. In the context of the Large Volume Scenario (LVS) this implies a D3-tadpole of at least (103–104). However, large α′2-corrections do not necessarily spoil the uplift in KPV. Rather, as the curvature corrections lower the tension of the brane, a novel uplifting mechanism suggests itself where the smallness of the uplift is achieved by a tuning of curvature corrections. A key underlying assumption is the existence of a dense discretuum of gs. This new mechanism does not require a deep warped throat, thereby sidestepping the main difficulty in uplifting KKLT and LVS. However, all of the above has to be treated as a preliminary exploration of possibilities since, at the moment, not all relevant corrections at the order α′2 are known.
Dark photon Dark Matter without Stueckelberg mass
Authors: Redi Michele , Tesi Andrea
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study the scenario of dark photon Dark Matter where the mass is generated through the Higgs mechanism rather than the constant Stueckelberg mass. In this construction the dark sector contains necessarily extra degrees of freedom and interactions that lead to non-trivial dynamics including thermalization, phase transitions, cosmic string production. As a consequence the predictions of Stueckelberg theories are vastly modified, strongly depending on the couplings to curvature and on the scale of inflation HI compared to the scale f of spontaneous symmetry breaking. We find in particular that only in extreme regions of parameter space the phenomenology of Stueckelberg dark photon is reproduced. These scenarios are strongly constrained by isocurvature perturbations unless the dark sector is approximately Weyl invariant.
The classical cosmological constant of open-closed string field theory
Authors: Maccaferri Carlo , Vošmera Jakub
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We consider deformations of D-brane systems induced by a change in the closed string background in the framework of bosonic open-closed string field theory, where it is possible to unambiguously tame infrared divergences originating from both open and closed string degenerations. A closed string classical solution induces a tadpole for the open strings which shifts the open string vacuum and generates a cosmological constant composed of two terms: one which is directly related to the closed string solution and the other which depends on the open string vacuum shift. We show that only the sum of these two terms is invariant under closed SFT gauge transformations and therefore is an observable. We conjecture that this observable is universally proportional to the shift in the world-sheet disk partition function between the starting D-brane in undeformed background and the final D-brane in deformed background, which typically includes also a change in the string coupling constant. We test the conjecture by considering a perturbative closed string solution describing deformations of a Narain compactification and, from the SFT cosmological constant, we reproduce the expected shift in the g-function of various D-branes living in the compactification. In doing this we are also able to identify a surprising change in the string coupling constant at second order in the deformation.
A multi-reader comparison of normal-appearing white matter normalization techniques for perfusion and diffusion MRI in brain tumors
Authors: Cho Nicholas S. , Hagiwara Akifumi , Sanvito Francesco , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

There remains no consensus normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) normalization method to compute normalized relative cerebral blood volume (nrCBV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (nADC) in brain tumors. This reader study explored nrCBV and nADC differences using different NAWM normalization methods.

Methods

Thirty-five newly diagnosed glioma patients were studied. For each patient, two readers created four NAWM regions of interests: (1) a single plane in the centrum semiovale (CSOp), (2) 3 spheres in the centrum semiovale (CSOs), (3) a single plane in the slice of the tumor center (TUMp), and (4) 3 spheres in the slice of the tumor center (TUMs). Readers repeated NAWM segmentations 1 month later. Differences in nrCBV and nADC of the FLAIR hyperintense tumor, inter-/intra-reader variability, and time to segment NAWM were assessed. As a validation step, the diagnostic performance of each method for IDH-status prediction was evaluated.

Results

Both readers obtained significantly different nrCBV (P < .001), nADC (P < .001), and time to segment NAWM (P < .001) between the four normalization methods. nrCBV and nADC were significantly different between CSO and TUM methods, but not between planar and spherical methods in the same NAWM region. Broadly, CSO methods were quicker than TUM methods, and spherical methods were quicker than planar methods. For all normalization techniques, inter-reader reproducibility and intra-reader repeatability were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9), and the IDH-status predictive performance remained similar.

Conclusion

The selected NAWM region significantly impacts nrCBV and nADC values. CSO methods, particularly CSOs, may be preferred because of time reduction, similar reader variability, and similar diagnostic performance compared to TUM methods.
A classification scheme for local energy trading
Authors: Hönen Jens , Hurink Johann L. , Zwart Bert
Published: October 2022

The current trend towards more renewable and sustainable energy generation leads to an increased interest in new energy management systems and the concept of a smart grid. One important aspect of this is local energy trading, which is an extension of existing electricity markets by including prosumers, who are consumers also producing electricity. Prosumers having a surplus of energy may directly trade this surplus with other prosumers, who are currently in demand. In this paper, we present an overview of the literature in the area of local energy trading. In order to provide structure to the broad range of publications, we identify key characteristics, define the various settings, and cluster the considered literature along these characteristics. We identify three main research lines, each with a distinct setting and research question. We analyze and compare the settings, the used techniques, and the results and findings within each cluster and derive connections between the clusters. In addition, we identify important aspects, which up to now have to a large extent been neglected in the considered literature and highlight interesting research directions, and open problems for future work.
The hysterectomy: influence of the surgical method in benign disease on convalescence and quality of life
Authors: Spaich Saskia , Weiss Christel , Berlit Sebastian , Hornemann Amadeus , Sütterlin Marc
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative course after different methods of hysterectomy for benign diseases with special emphasis on time to recovery and patient-centred aspects such as postoperative quality of life and satisfaction.

Methods

A collective of 242 women who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) or total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for various benign conditions was studied in this retrospective investigation. Patients completed a standardised questionnaire addressing quality of life, recovery and sick leave as well as general questions on their postoperative course after hysterectomy.

Results

A total of 242 cases were analysed (82 VH, 92 LASH and 68 TLH). The data demonstrate significant differences in regard to age between groups. The present study shows shorter hospitalisation with laparoscopy, with LASH patients returning to work at least one week earlier on average. There were no relevant differences in the overall postoperative course during the index hospital stay. In the long run, laparoscopic patients were not more satisfied with their choice than VH patients.

Conclusion

No significant long-term differences could be observed in terms of quality of life and overall postoperative satisfaction between VH and LH groups. In regard to socioeconomic aspects, laparoscopic approaches were associated with shorter hospitalisation and LASH patients returning to work at least one week earlier on average. Contrary to these data on objective recovery; however, a laparoscopic approach did not lead to patient-perceived, i.e. subjective improvement of time to full recovery.
Evaluation of postural stability and vestibulo-ocular reflex in adults with chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Abdelmotaleb HebatAllah , Sobhy Ossama , Bassiouny Mohamed , Elsherif Mayada
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the vestibulospinal reflex and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) using posturography and the video head impulse test (vHIT).

Methods

Sixty-five patients with CSOM and 65 healthy participants as controls were included. Patients with CSOM were instructed to complete the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). All participants underwent otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, posturography sensory organization test (SOT), and vHIT.

Results

Patients with CSOM exhibited a high prevalence of dizziness. The CSOM group had poor SOT vestibular scores compared to the control group. Patients with CSOM had worse sways in the antero-posterior and mediolateral planes. The CSOM group was divided into two subgroups according to the type of hearing loss. SOT vestibular scores were significantly poorer in the mixed hearing loss group than those in the conductive hearing loss group. We found a positive correlation between disease duration and poor SOT vestibular scores. Moreover, poor SOT vestibular scores correlated with high DHI scores. We found abnormalities in the vHIT results in the CSOM group in the form of low VOR gain and corrective saccades.

Conclusion

Our study provides clinical evidence of dizziness, poor postural control, and VOR abnormalities in patients with CSOM. The presence of sensory elements of hearing loss in patients with CSOM appears to be positively associated with vestibular dysfunction.
Systematic review of the diagnostic value of hydrops MRI in relation to audiovestibular function tests (electrocochleography, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential and caloric test)
Authors: Orimoto Kumiko Yukawa , Vartanyan Maria , O’Leary Stephen J.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this systematic review is to compare the diagnostic value of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with audiovestibular function tests, including electro cochleography (ECochG), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and caloric tests for the diagnosis of definite Meniere’s disease (DMD). An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases in August 2022. Original studies which reported the efficacy of gadolinium MRI for diagnosis of DMD were compared with ECochG, cVEMP and caloric tests from 2007 to 2022 published in English. Two reviewers extracted the methodology and results of MRI and functional tests, assessing them independently. A modified version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used for the assessment of the quality and the risk of bias of each study. The proportion of DMD cases diagnosed by MRI hydrops vs corresponding functional tests were calculated and the relationship between MRI and functional tests were evaluated using the Cohen’s Kappa test. Concerning the MRI, the proportion diagnostic of DMD was 0.67 by cochlear EH and 0.80–0.82 by vestibular EH. Regarding the functional test, the propotiojn diagnostic of DMD was 0.48 by ECochG, 0.76 by cVEMP and 0.65 by caloric test. The findings of this systematic review were that the vestibular EH on imaging most effectively assisted in diagnosing DMD. Among the functional tests, cVEMP was the second most effective test. The agreement between imaging and cVEMP was moderate (0.44), indicating a gap between the patients identified by the imaging and functional tests based on the relatively small number of patients.
Contrast independent biologically inspired translational optic flow estimation
Authors: Skelton Phillip S. M. , Finn Anthony , Brinkworth Russell S. A.
Published: October 2022

The visual systems of insects are relatively simple compared to humans. However, they enable navigation through complex environments where insects perform exceptional levels of obstacle avoidance. Biology uses two separable modes of optic flow to achieve this: rapid gaze fixation (rotational motion known as saccades); and the inter-saccadic translational motion. While the fundamental process of insect optic flow has been known since the 1950’s, so too has its dependence on contrast. The surrounding visual pathways used to overcome environmental dependencies are less well known. Previous work has shown promise for low-speed rotational motion estimation, but a gap remained in the estimation of translational motion, in particular the estimation of the time to impact. To consistently estimate the time to impact during inter-saccadic translatory motion, the fundamental limitation of contrast dependence must be overcome. By adapting an elaborated rotational velocity estimator from literature to work for translational motion, this paper proposes a novel algorithm for overcoming the contrast dependence of time to impact estimation using nonlinear spatio-temporal feedforward filtering. By applying bioinspired processes, approximately 15 points per decade of statistical discrimination were achieved when estimating the time to impact to a target across 360 background, distance, and velocity combinations: a 17-fold increase over the fundamental process. These results show the contrast dependence of time to impact estimation can be overcome in a biologically plausible manner. This, combined with previous results for low-speed rotational motion estimation, allows for contrast invariant computational models designed on the principles found in the biological visual system, paving the way for future visually guided systems.
Investigations on the influence of the boundary conditions when computing the effective crack energy of random heterogeneous materials using fast marching methods
Authors: Ernesti Felix , Lendvai Jonas , Schneider Matti
Published: October 2022

Recent stochastic homogenization results for the Francfort–Marigo model of brittle fracture under anti-plane shear indicate the existence of a representative volume element. This homogenization result includes a cell formula which relies on Dirichlet boundary conditions. For other material classes, the boundary conditions do not effect the effective properties upon the infinite volume limit but may have a strong influence on the necessary size of the computational domain. We investigate the influence of the boundary conditions on the effective crack energy evaluated on microstructure cells of finite size. For periodic boundary conditions recent computational methods based on FFT-based solvers exploiting the minimum cut/maximum flow duality are available. In this work, we provide a different approach based on fast marching algorithms which enables a liberal choice of the boundary conditions in the 2D case. We conduct representative volume element studies for two-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structures with tough inclusions, comparing Dirichlet with periodic boundary conditions.
The economic burden of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Australia: a cost of illness study
Authors: Cox Ingrid A. , de Graaff Barbara , Ahmed Hasnat , Campbell Julie , Otahal Petr , Corte Tamera J. , Moodley Yuben , Goh Nicole , Hopkins Peter , Macansh Sacha , Walters E. Haydn , Palmer Andrew J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of interstitial lung disease found mostly in elderly persons, characterized by a high symptom burden and frequent encounters with health services. This study aimed to quantify the economic burden of IPF in Australia with a focus on resource utilization and associated direct costs.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the Australian IPF Registry (AIPFR) between August 2018 and December 2019. Data on resource utilization and costs were collected via cost diaries and linked administrative data. Clinical data were collected from the AIPFR. A “bottom up” costing methodology was utilized, and the costing was performed from a partial societal perspective focusing primarily on direct medical and non-medical costs. Costs were standardized to 2021 Australian dollars ($).

Results

The average annual total direct costs per person with IPF was $31,655 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): $27,723–$35,757). Extrapolating costs based on prevalence estimates, the total annual costs in Australia are projected to be $299 million (95% CI: $262 million–$338 million). Costs were mainly driven by antifibrotic medication, hospital admissions and medications for comorbidities. Disease severity, comorbidities and antifibrotic medication all had varying impacts on resource utilization and costs.

Conclusion

This cost-of-illness study provides the first comprehensive assessment of IPF-related direct costs in Australia, identifies the key cost drivers and provides a framework for future health economic analyses. Additionally, it provided insight into the major cost drivers which include antifibrotic medication, hospital admissions and medications related to comorbidities. Our findings emphasize the importance of the appropriate management of comorbidities in the care of people with IPF as this was one of the main reasons for hospitalizations.
Rethinking professional identity formation amidst protests and social upheaval: a journey in Africa
Authors: Mokhachane Mantoa , George Ann , Wyatt Tasha , Kuper Ayelet , Green-Thompson Lionel
Published: October 2022

The under-representation of minoritized or previously oppressed groups in research challenges the current universal understanding of professional identity formation (PIF). To date, there has been no recognition of an African influence on PIF, which is crucial for understanding this phenomenon in places like South Africa, a society in which the inequity of the apartheid era still prevails. In addition, there is little data examining how social upheaval could impact PIF. This study uses interviews with medical students to explore PIF within the context of social upheaval during the 2015–2016 protests that rocked South Africa when students challenged asymmetries of power and privilege that persisted long after the country’s democratic transition. The combination of the primary author’s autoethnographic story, weaved into the South African sociohistorical context and ubuntu philosophy, contributes to this study of PIF in the South African context. The use of an African metaphor allowed the reorientation of PIF to reflect the influence of an ubuntu-based value system. Using the calabash as a metaphor, participants’ experiences were framed and organized in two ways: a calabash worldview and the campus calabash. The calabash worldview is a multidimensional mixture of values that include ubuntu, reflections of traditional childhoods, and the image of women as igneous rocks, which recognizes the power and influence on PIF of the women who raised the participants. Introducing an African ubuntu-based perspective into the PIF discourse may redirect the acknowledgement of context and local reality in developing professional identity.
The daily swab test collection problem
Authors: Aringhieri Roberto , Bigharaz Sara , Druetto Alessandro , Duma Davide , Grosso Andrea , Guastalla Alberto
Published: October 2022

Digital Contact Tracing (DCT) has been proved to be an effective tool to counteract the new SARS-CoV-2 or Covid-19. Despite this widespread effort to adopt the DCT, less attention has been paid to the organisation of the health logistics system that should support the tracing activities. Actually, the DCT poses a challenge to the logistics of the local health system in terms of number of daily tests to be collected and evaluated, especially when the spreading of the virus is soaring. In this paper we introduce a new optimisation problem called the Daily Swab Test Collection (DSTC) problem, that is the daily problem of collecting swab tests at home in such a way to guarantee a timely testing to people notified by the app to be in contact with a positive case. The problem is formulated as a variant of the team orienteering problem. The contributions of this paper are the following: (i) the new optimisation problem DSTC that complements and improves the DCT approach proposed by Ferretti et al. (Science https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb6936, 2020), (ii) the DSCT formulation as a variant of the TOP and a literature review highlighting that this variant can have useful application in healthcare management, (iii) new realistic benchmark instances for the DSTC based on the city of Turin, (iv) two new efficient and effective hybrid algorithms capable to deal with realistic instances, (v) the managerial insights of our approach with a special regard on the fairness of the solutions. The main finding is that it possible to optimise the underlying logistics system in such a way to guarantee a timely testing to people recognised by the DCT.
Hateful Counterspeech
Authors: Lepoutre Maxime
Published: October 2022

Faced with hate speech, oppressed groups can use their own speech to respond to their verbal oppressors. This “counterspeech,” however, sometimes itself takes on a hateful form. This paper explores the moral standing of such “hateful counterspeech.” Is there a fundamental moral asymmetry between hateful counterspeech, and the hateful utterances of dominant or oppressive groups? Or are claims that such an asymmetry exists indefensible? I argue for an intermediate position. There is a key moral asymmetry between these two forms of speech. But, this asymmetry notwithstanding, hateful counterspeech is capable of enacting serious harms—and so, contrary to what many legal theorists have argued, it is in principle an appropriate object of legal regulation. I begin by considering the central argument for thinking that hateful counterspeech is not seriously troubling. This argument holds that oppressed groups lack authority—and, by extension, “speaker power.” Yet this argument, I suggest, sits in tension with the fact that low-status members of dominant groups can, through their utterances, seriously harm members of oppressed groups. Philosophers of language have developed sophisticated arguments to explain this last phenomenon: they have argued that speaker power is relativised to particular jurisdictions; that it can be acquired dynamically in local settings; and that it is socially dispersed. I argue that, in light of these arguments, it appears that hateful counterspeech, too, can generate serious harms. Nevertheless, I show that this conclusion is compatible with recognising a crucial moral asymmetry between hateful counterspeech and the hate speech of oppressors.
Knocking on Hell’s door: dismantling hate with cultural consumption
Authors: Denti Daria , Crociata Alessandro , Faggian Alessandra
Published: October 2022

How local cultural activities influence development and human behaviour is gaining popularity. Experimental evidence shows that cultural consumption is effective in countering hate. This is crucial, as hate, in turn, has a negative influence on the socioeconomic performance of places. Still, little is known on this, outside few more qualitative case studies. This paper provides a quantitative analysis of the impact of cultural consumption on hate events in the Italian NUTS3 regions. IV estimation using a unique longitudinal database, with georeferenced hate manifestations and a population-based measure for cultural consumption, shows that cultural consumption determines a reduction in hate events. Our findings support the idea that cultural change acts as key enabling factor for people open-mindedness and place inclusiveness. Our results hold after various robustness checks, suggesting the need for policy interventions promoting cultural consumption also to accomplish more tolerant communities.
A New Ai–Zhang Type Interior Point Algorithm for Sufficient Linear Complementarity Problems
Authors: E.-Nagy Marianna , Varga Anita
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we propose a new long-step interior point method for solving sufficient linear complementarity problems. The new algorithm combines two important approaches from the literature: the main ideas of the long-step interior point algorithm introduced by Ai and Zhang and the algebraic equivalent transformation technique proposed by Darvay. Similar to the method of Ai and Zhang, our algorithm also works in a wide neighborhood of the central path and has the best known iteration complexity of short-step variants. However, due to the properties of the applied transforming function in Darvay’s technique, the wide neighborhood definition in the analysis depends on the value of the handicap. We implemented not only the theoretical algorithm but a greedy variant of the new method (working in a neighborhood independent of the handicap) in MATLAB and tested its efficiency on both sufficient and non-sufficient problem instances. In addition to presenting our numerical results, we also make some interesting observations regarding the analysis of Ai–Zhang type methods.
Occupational Attainment Among Parents in Germany and the US 2000–2016: The Role of Gender and Immigration Status
Authors: Park Paige N.
Published: October 2022

In many OECD countries, women are underrepresented in high status, high paying occupations and overrepresented in lower status work. One reason for this inequity is the “motherhood penalty,” where women with children face more roadblocks in hiring and promotions than women without children or men with children. This research focuses on divergent occupational outcomes between men and women with children and analyzes whether parental gender gaps in occupational status are more extreme for immigrant populations. Using data from the Luxembourg Cross-National Data Center, I compare changes in gendered occupational segregation from 2000 to 2016 in Germany and the USA among immigrant and native-born parents. Multinomial logistic regression models and predicted probabilities show that despite instituting policies intended to reduce parental gender inequality in the workforce, Germany fares worse than the USA in gendered occupational outcomes overall. While the gap between mothers’ and fathers’ probabilities of employment in high status jobs is shrinking over time in Germany, particularly for immigrant mothers, Germany’s gender gaps in professional occupations are consistently larger than gaps in the US. Likewise, gender gaps in elementary/labor work participation are also larger in Germany, with immigrant mothers having a much higher likelihood of working in labor/elementary occupations than any other group—including US immigrant women. These findings suggest that work-family policies—at least those implemented in Germany—are not cure-all solutions for entrenched gender inequality. Results also demonstrate the importance of considering the interaction between gender and other demographic characteristics—like immigrant status—when determining the potential effectiveness of proposed work-family policies.
Management is more important than urban landscape parameters in shaping orthopteran assemblages across green infrastructure in a metropole
Authors: Huchler Katharina , Pachinger Bärbel , Kropf Matthias
Published: October 2022

Urbanisation significantly shapes species abundance, diversity, and community structure of invertebrate taxa but the impact on orthoptera remains widely understudied. We investigated the combined effects of spatial, urban landscape and management-related parameters. Additionally, we discussed different sampling strategies. We sampled orthopteran assemblages on green infrastructure associated with the public transport system of Vienna, Austria. Sampled areas include railroad embankments, recreational areas or fallows. Using LMs, (G)LMMs and nMDS, we compared quantitative sampling using transect counts and semi-quantitative sampling which also included observations made off-transects. We found that vegetation type was the most important parameter, whereby structure-rich fallows featured highest species diversities and, together with extensive meadows, highest abundances, while intensive lawns were less suitable habitats. The semi-quantitative data set revealed an underlying species-area-relationship (SAR). Other important but highly entangled parameters were the mowing intensity, vegetational heterogeneity and cover of built-up area in a 250 m radius. Most found species have high dispersal abilities. Urban assemblages are most significantly shaped by management-related parameters on the site itself, which highlights the potential of conservation efforts in urban areas through suitable management. Sites of different vegetation types differ greatly and need adjusted management measures. Urban landscape parameters, such as the degree of soil sealing, appeared less important, likely due to the high dispersal abilities of most observed orthoptera species. The indicated species-area-relationship could be used to prioritize sites for conservation measures.
The Nehari Problem for the Paley–Wiener Space of a Disc
Authors: Brevig Ole Fredrik , Perfekt Karl-Mikael
Published: October 2022

There is a bounded Hankel operator on the Paley–Wiener space of a disc in $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R

2

which does not arise from a bounded symbol.
Accuracy of Acuros$$^{\text {TM}}$$ BV as determined from GATE monte-carlo simulation
Authors: Te Ruruku Tyrone , Wong Felix , Marsh Steven
Published: October 2022

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine’s Task Group No.43 has provided a standardised dose calculation methodology that is now the international benchmark for all brachytherapy dosimetry publications and treatment planning systems. However, limitations in this methodology has seen the development of Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithms (MBDCA). In 2009, Varian (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) released Acuros$$^{\text {TM}}$$

TM

BrachyVision (ABV) which calculates dose by explicitly solving the Linear Boltzmann Transport Equation. In this study we have assessed the accuracy of ABV dose calculations within a range of materials relevant to high dose rate brachytherapy with an iridium-192 ($$^{\text {192}}$$

192

Ir) source. Accuracy assessment has been achieved by implementing a modelled GamaMed Plus $$^{\text {192}}$$

192

Ir source within a series of phantoms using the GEANT4 Application for Emission Tomography (GATE) to calculate dose for comparison with dose as determined by ABV. Comparisons between GATE and ABV were made using point-to-point profile comparisons and 1D gamma analysis. Source validation results yielded good agreement with published data. Spectrum and TG43U1 comparisons showed no major differences, with TG43U1 comparisons agreeing within ± 1%. Point-to-point comparisons showed large differences between GATE and ABV near the source and in low density materials. 1D gamma analysis pass criteria of 2%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm yielded passing rates ranging between 51.72–100% and 62.07–100% respectively. A critical analysis of this study’s results suggest that ABV is unable to accurately calculate doses in low density materials. Furthermore, spatial accuracy of dose near the source is within 2 mm.
Cardiometabolic indices predict hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Caretta N. , Facondo P. , Mereu S. , Delbarba A. , Crepaldi M. C. , Vedovato M. , Avogaro A. , Ferlin A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate in men with type 2 diabetes the association of cardiometabolic indices [Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), and lipid accumulation product (LAP)] with total testosterone (TT) levels, and their predictive cut-off values in identifying hypogonadism.

Methods

265 consecutive men aged 40–70 years with type 2 diabetes performed an andrological evaluation; metabolic parameters and TT were determined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify cut-off values of cardiometabolic indices in predicting low testosterone (TT < 12 nmol/l).

Results

VAI, TyG, and LAP were negatively associated with TT levels. The prevalence of hypogonadism in men in the fourth quartiles of VAI, TyG, and LAP was ~ 70.0–75.0% compared to ~ 10.0–17.0% in men in the first quartiles (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the three cardiometabolic indices in predicting TT < 12 nmol/l were significantly higher concerning BMI, waist circumference, lipid profile and HbA1c. Cut off values of VAI ≥ 3.985, TyG ≥ 4.925, and LAP ≥ 51.645 predict hypogonadism with good sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating the association of VAI, TyG, and LAP with hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes. Alterations in these indices should direct the patients to andrological evaluation.
Gaussian guided frame sequence encoder network for action quality assessment
Authors: Li Ming-Zhe , Zhang Hong-Bo , Dong Li-Jia , Lei Qing , Du Ji-Xiang
Published: October 2022

Can a computer evaluate an athlete’s performance automatically? Many action quality assessment (AQA) methods have been proposed in recent years. Limited by the randomness of video sampling and the simple strategy of model training, the performance of the existing AQA methods can still be further improved. To achieve this goal, a Gaussian guided frame sequence encoder network is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, the image feature of each video frame is extracted by Resnet model. And then, a frame sequence encoder network is applied to model temporal information and generate action quality feature. Finally, a fully connected network is designed to predict action quality score. To train the proposed method effectively, inspired by the final score calculation rule in Olympic game, Gaussian loss function is employed to compute the error between the predicted score and the label score. The proposed method is implemented on the AQA-7 and MTL–AQA datasets. The experimental results confirm that compared with the state-of-the-art methods, our proposed method achieves the better performance. And detailed ablation experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of each component in the module.
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Interventions on Neovascularization in Achilles Tendinopathy: a Scoping Review
Authors: van Zundert P. G. E. , Masci L. , Schmitz M. J. H. , Ottenheijm R. P. G.
Published: October 2022

Neovascularization is frequently observed in Achilles tendinopathy. It remains unclear whether neovascularization has a positive or negative impact on the prognosis of Achilles tendinopathy, and whether treatment should include the eradication or positive influence of neovessels. The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided interventions in the treatment of neovascularization in Achilles tendinopathy. Five different ultrasound-guided interventions were identified, which are characterized by an opposite effect. Whereas platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to positively influence neovascularization, sclerosing agents, high-volume image-guided injections, electrocoagulation, and hyaluronic acid are used to eradicate neovascularization. Therapies eradicating neovessels, through sclerosis or high-volume image-guided injections, have a long-term effect on the reduction of neovascularization. Moreover, eradication seems to improve pain and function in the short and long term compared to therapy that positively influences neovascularization, such as PRP. PRP induces neovascularization in the short term, but this effect fades out after this period. This review focusses on the role of neovascularization in Achilles tendinopathy and provides evidence supporting the theory that neovascularization is a pathological process rather than a positive impact on healing and remodeling of the tendon. Therapy that positively influences neovascularization in the form of PRP show contradictory results in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, while interventions eradicating neovessels demonstrate positive effects in the short and long term.
Digitalization of Education: Commodification Hidden in Terms of Empowerment?
Authors: Armila Päivi , Sivenius Ari , Stanković Biljana , Juutilainen Lauri
Published: October 2022

This article contributes to discussions about the gap between formal educational politics and reforms, and concrete educational inequalities. With our empirical case, we bring into this discussion the contemporary reforms of formal education that lean on an imaginary idea of digitalization as an equalizing power without recognizing the criticism directed towards it. Within this case, the article covers postdigitalism in education where digitalization is not enough to make a difference. We see the postdigital paradigm as something that analyzes the present-day consequences of the digital age. Our empirical data consists of perceptions of Serbian educational authorities collected via a qualitative questionnaire and an interview. In our data collected from authorities, imaginaries of harmonization and equalization can be recognized where educational equality and empowerment are believed to be achievable via digital structures and patterns of schooling. However, selected examples from the concrete educational stratification of the Serbian population show that digitalization per se cannot be a solution: for example, poverty hierarchies within the population are tough and should be solved first. We see that emphasis on digitalization can sometimes strengthen the prevailing educational gaps between different socio-cultural population groups if digitalism is not paying attention to human and societal conditions.
Manipulation and enhancement of asymmetric steering via down-converted nondegenerate photons
Authors: Wang Tie , Han Xue , Liu Shutian , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: October 2022

We investigate the asymmetric Gaussian steering with the nondegenerate parametric amplifier in a three-mode optomechanical system composed of two optical cavities and a mechanical oscillator. In the presence of the nondegenerate parametric amplifier, we find that the Gaussian steering between the auxiliary cavity and the mechanical resonator without direct interaction is significantly enhanced. By cooling the delocalized Bogoliubov modes over the auxiliary cavity and the mechanical oscillator, the optimal optomechanical entanglement and Gaussian steering can be realized and enhanced. Furthermore, we observe a wider range of parameters for the Gaussian steering with the case of cooling double delocalized modes. In addition, the magnitudes of the asymmetric Gaussian steering in two different directions can be adjusted by altering the decay rate of the auxiliary optical mode. Therefore, our proposal provides an effective method to manipulate and enhance the one-way Gaussian steering between the two modes.
Calcium-looping based energy conversion and storage for carbon neutrality –the way forward
Authors: Ge Zhiwei , Dou Binlin , Wang Liang , Ding Yulong , Chen Haisheng , Xuan Yimin
Published: October 2022

With the global ambition of moving towards carbon neutrality, this sets to increase significantly with most of the energy sources from renewables. As a result, cost-effective and resource efficient energy conversion and storage will have a great role to play in energy decarbonization. This review focuses on the most recent developments of one of the most promising energy conversion and storage technologies – the calcium-looping. It includes the basics and barriers of calcium-looping beyond CO2 capture and storage (CCS) and technological solutions to address the associated challenges from material to system. Specifically, this paper discusses the flexibility of calcium-looping in the context of CO2 capture, combined with the use of H2-rich fuel gas conversion and thermochemical heat storage. To take advantage of calcium-looping based energy integrated utilization of CCS (EIUCCS) in carbon neutral power generation, multiple-scale process innovations will be required, starting from the material level and extending to the system level.
A Study of Conformal $$\eta$$-Einstein Solitons on Trans-Sasakian 3-Manifold
Authors: Li Yanlin , Mondal Somnath , Dey Santu , Bhattacharyya Arindam , Ali Akram
Published: October 2022

We study conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons on the framework of trans-Sasakian manifold in dimension three. Existence of conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons on trans-Sasakian manifold is discussed. Then we find some results on trans-Sasakian manifold which are conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons where the Ricci tensor is cyclic parallel and Codazzi type. We also consider some curvature conditions with addition to conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons on trans-Sasakian manifold. We also use torse-forming vector fields in addition to conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons on trans-Sasakian manifold. Finally, an example of conformal$$\eta$$η-Einstein solitons on trans-Sasakian manifold is constructed.
Vernacular Law
Authors: Kuskowski Ada Maria
Published: October 2022

Custom was fundamental to medieval legal practice. Whether in a property dispute or a trial for murder, the aggrieved and accused would go to lay court where cases were resolved according to custom. What custom meant, however, went through a radical shift in the medieval period. Between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, custom went from being a largely oral and performed practice to one that was also conceptualized in writing. Based on French lawbooks known as coutumiers, Ada Maria Kuskowski traces the repercussions this transformation – in the form of custom from unwritten to written and in the language of law from elite Latin to common vernacular – had on the cultural world of law. Vernacular Law offers a new understanding of the formation of a new field of knowledge: authors combined ideas, experience and critical thought to write lawbooks that made disparate customs into the field known as customary law.
Coxeter Bialgebras
Authors: Aguiar Marcelo , Mahajan Swapneel
Published: October 2022

The goal of this monograph is to develop Hopf theory in the setting of a real reflection arrangement. The central notion is that of a Coxeter bialgebra which generalizes the classical notion of a connected graded Hopf algebra. The authors also introduce the more structured notion of a Coxeter bimonoid and connect the two notions via a family of functors called Fock functors. These generalize similar functors connecting Hopf monoids in the category of Joyal species and connected graded Hopf algebras. This monograph opens a new chapter in Coxeter theory as well as in Hopf theory, connecting the two. It also relates fruitfully to many other areas of mathematics such as discrete geometry, semigroup theory, associative algebras, algebraic Lie theory, operads, and category theory. It is carefully written, with effective use of tables, diagrams, pictures, and summaries. It will be of interest to students and researchers alike.
Ecolabels, Innovation, and Green Market Transformation
Authors: Matisoff Daniel C. , Noonan Douglas S.
Published: October 2022

This book develops a path to decarbonization through a process of Green Market Transformation. Matisoff and Noonan assess the scope and impact of the green building movement, which is working towards decarbonizing a sector that accounts for more than a third of global carbon emissions. They describe the role of the movement in addressing sustainability challenges within the building and construction sector, and suggest new ways of marshalling markets through the voluntary efforts of industry to shift society towards a better future. Matisoff and Noonan tell the success story of green industry, seen through the lens of green buildings and ecolabels. By combining case studies with recent interdisciplinary scholarship, the authors provide a compelling narrative of the opportunities and limitations of reliance on voluntary approaches to regulation.
A Unified Understanding of Ship Nationality in Peace and War
Authors: Raina Himanil
Published: October 2022

The entrenched understanding of the law governing nationality does not permit a state to look beyond a ship's flag and registration to ascertain its nationality during peacetime. Nonetheless, this very understanding also allows a state to pierce the veil of a ship's registration to ascertain its enemy character during wartime. However, the war in Ukraine has witnessed fresh state practice whereby states have claimed equivalent rights during peacetime as well, thus encouraging the concordant interpretation of the status of nationality across both the peace and wartime legal orders.
Outcasting the Aggressor: The Deployment of the Sanction of “Non-participation”
Authors: Buscemi Martina
Published: October 2022

This Essay explores the sanction of “non-participation,” which has been used against Russia following the start of the war in Ukraine. After mapping out the multifaceted instances of Russia's exclusion from international organizations, the analysis considers the legality of measures adopted that do not have an explicit basis in institutional rules. The Essay concludes with broad reflections on the use of international organizations as platforms to stigmatize and isolate the violator and outlines some consequences and functions that the sanction of “non-participation” has today.
Russia, Ukraine, and the Future World Order
Authors: Brunk Ingrid (Wuerth) , Hakimi Monica
Published: October 2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, initiated on February 24, 2022, is among the most—if not the most—significant shocks to the global order since World War II. This piece assesses the stakes of the invasion for the core principles that lie at the heart of contemporary international law and the world order that it has helped to create. We argue, relying in part on the other contributions to the October 2022 agora on Ukraine in the American Journal of International Law, that however this war ends, it will reshape, in ways large and small, the world we all inhabit.
A Perspective on the Potential of Chinese Business Schools: A Call for Greater Attention to Context, Differentiation, and Developing an Indigenous Model
Authors: Fey Carl F.
Published: October 2022

Chinese business schools have made impressive progress in improving their quality, but there is still room for improvement. However, they have improved largely by copying the traditional American model of business education at a time when this model is coming under increasing critique for good reasons, including placing great effort on producing much rigorously conducted research, which makes little practical impact. Thus, having learned much from foreign business schools, the time has come for Chinese business schools to be bold and pursue their own model. Such a model should focus more on research that pays increased attention to context, including indigenous research, and is of greater practical relevance. Furthermore, given ongoing change inside Chinese business schools and in their external environment, it may be easier to make needed changes in China. Regarding teaching, business schools are encouraged to move beyond a focus on teaching content well to teaching content in ways that it can be readily applied; do more to develop understanding of how to leverage modern technologies like AI, big data, internet of things, and digitalization; focus more on adjusting teaching to the local context; and focus more on developing innovation/creativity and analytical ability, rather than memorization of facts.