bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Succinctness of Cosafety Fragments of LTL via Combinatorial Proof Systems
Authors: Geatti Luca , Mansutti Alessio , Montanari Angelo
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on succinctness results for fragments of Linear Temporal Logic with Past ($$\textsf{LTL}$$
LTL
) devoid of binary temporal operators like until, and provides methods to establish them. We prove that there is a family of cosafety languages $$(\mathcal {L}_n)_{n \ge 1}$$

(

L
n

)

n
≥
1

such that $$\mathcal {L}_n$$

L
n

can be expressed with a pure future formula of size $$\mathcal {O}(n)$$

O
(
n
)

, but it requires formulae of size $$2^{\varOmega (n)}$$

2

Ω
(
n
)

to be captured with past formulae. As a by-product, such a succinctness result shows the optimality of the pastification algorithm proposed in [Artale et al., KR, 2023].

We show that, in the considered case, succinctness cannot be proven by relying on the classical automata-based method introduced in [Markey, Bull. EATCS, 2003]. In place of this method, we devise and apply a combinatorial proof system whose deduction trees represent $$\textsf{LTL}$$
LTL
formulae. The system can be seen as a proof-centric (one-player) view on the games used by Adler and Immerman to study the succinctness of $$\textsf{CTL}$$
CTL
.
A Resolution-Based Interactive Proof System for UNSAT
Authors: Czerner Philipp , Esparza Javier , Krasotin Valentin
Published: April 2024

Modern SAT or QBF solvers are expected to produce correctness certificates. However, certificates have worst-case exponential size (unless $$\textsf{NP}=\textsf{coNP}$$

NP
=
coNP

), and at recent SAT competitions the largest certificates of unsatisfiability are starting to reach terabyte size.

Recently, Couillard, Czerner, Esparza, and Majumdar have suggested to replace certificates with interactive proof systems based on the $$\textsf {IP}=\textsf {PSPACE}$$

IP
=
PSPACE

theorem. They have presented an interactive protocol between a prover and a verifier for an extension of QBF. The overall running time of the protocol is linear in the time needed by a standard BDD-based algorithm, and the time invested by the verifier is polynomial in the size of the formula. (So, in particular, the verifier never has to read or process exponentially long certificates). We call such an interactive protocol competitive with the BDD algorithm for solving QBF.

While BDD-algorithms are state-of-the-art for certain classes of QBF instances, no modern (UN)SAT solver is based on BDDs. For this reason, we initiate the study of interactive certification for more practical SAT algorithms. In particular, we address the question whether interactive protocols can be competitive with some variant of resolution. We present two contributions. First, we prove a theorem that reduces the problem of finding competitive interactive protocols to finding an arithmetisation of formulas satisfying certain commutativity properties. (Arithmetisation is the fundamental technique underlying the $$\textsf {IP}=\textsf {PSPACE}$$

IP
=
PSPACE

theorem.) Then, we apply the theorem to give the first interactive protocol for the Davis-Putnam resolution procedure.
Clones, closed categories, and combinatory logic
Authors: Saville Philip
Published: April 2024

We explain how to recast the semantics of the simply-typed $$\uplambda $$
λ
-calculus, and its linear and ordered variants, using multi-ary structures. We define universal properties for multicategories, and use these to derive familiar rules for products, tensors, and exponentials. Finally we outline how to recover both the category-theoretic syntactic model and its semantic interpretation from the multi-ary framework. We then use these ideas to study the semantic interpretation of combinatory logic and the simply-typed $$\uplambda $$
λ
-calculus without products. We introduce extensional SK-clones and show these are sound and complete for both combinatory logic with extensional weak equality and the simply-typed $$\uplambda $$
λ
-calculus without products. We then show such SK-clones are equivalent to a variant of closed categories called SK-categories, so the simply-typed $$\uplambda $$
λ
-calculus without products is the internal language of SK-categories.
Fuzzy quantitative attack tree analysis
Authors: Dang Thi Kim Nhung , Lopuhaä-Zwakenberg Milan , Stoelinga Mariëlle
Published: April 2024

Attack trees are important for security, as they help to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a system. Quantitative attack tree analysis supports a number security metrics, which formulate important KPIs such as the shortest, most likely and cheapest attacks.

A key bottleneck in quantitative analysis is that the values are usually not known exactly, due to insufficient data and/or lack of knowledge. Fuzzy logic is a prominent framework to handle such uncertain values, with applications in numerous domains. While several studies proposed fuzzy approaches to attack tree analysis, none of them provided a firm definition of fuzzy metric values or generic algorithms for computation of fuzzy metrics.

In this work, we define a generic formulation for fuzzy metric values that applies to most quantitative metrics. The resulting metric value is a fuzzy number obtained by following Zadeh’s extension principle, obtained when we equip the basis attack steps, i.e., the leaves of the attack trees, with fuzzy numbers. In addition, we prove a modular decomposition theorem that yields a bottom-up algorithm to efficiently calculate the top fuzzy metric value.
Can ChatGPT support software verification?
Authors: Janßen Christian , Richter Cedric , Wehrheim Heike
Published: April 2024

Large language models have become increasingly effective in software engineering tasks such as code generation, debugging and repair. Language models like ChatGPT can not only generate code, but also explain its inner workings and in particular its correctness. This raises the question whether we can utilize ChatGPT to support formal software verification.

In this paper, we take some first steps towards answering this question. More specifically, we investigate whether ChatGPT can generate loop invariants. Loop invariant generation is a core task in software verification, and the generation of valid and useful invariants would likely help formal verifiers. To provide some first evidence on this hypothesis, we ask ChatGPT to annotate 106 C programs with loop invariants. We check validity and usefulness of the generated invariants by passing them to two verifiers, Frama-C and CPAchecker. Our evaluation shows that ChatGPT is able to produce valid and useful invariants allowing Frama-C to verify tasks that it could not solve before. Based on our initial insights, we propose ways of combining ChatGPT (or large language models in general) and software verifiers, and discuss current limitations and open issues.
Combining Deductive Verification with Shape Analysis
Authors: Bernier Téo , Ziani Yani , Kosmatov Nikolai , Loulergue Frédéric
Published: April 2024

Deductive verification tools can prove a large range of program properties, but often face issues on recursive data structures. Abstract interpretation tools based on separation logic and shape analysis can efficiently reason about such structures but cannot deal with so large classes of properties. This short paper presents an ongoing work on combining both techniques. We show how a deductive verifier for C programs, Frama-C/Wp, can benefit from a shape analysis tool, MemCAD, where structural and separation properties proved in the latter become assumptions for the former. A case study on selected functions of the tpm2-tss library using linked lists confirms the interest of the approach.
First Steps towards Deductive Verification of LLVM IR
Authors: van Oorschot Dré , Huisman Marieke , Şakar Ömer
Published: April 2024

Over the last years, deductive program verifiers have substantially improved, and their applicability on non-trivial applications has been demonstrated. However, a major bottleneck is that for every new programming language, a new deductive verifier has to be built.

This paper describes the first steps in a project that aims to address this problem, by language-agnostic support for deductive verification: Rather than building a deductive program verifier for every programming language, we develop deductive program verification technology for a widely-used intermediate representation language (LLVM IR), such that we eventually get verification support for any language that can be compiled into the LLVM IR format.

Concretely, this paper describes the design of VCLLVM, a prototype tool that adds LLVM IR as a supported language to the VerCors verifier. We discuss the challenges that have to be addressed to develop verification support for such a low-level language. Moreover, we also sketch how we envisage to build verification support for any specified source program that can be compiled into LLVM IR on top of VCLLVM.
FDSE: Enhance Symbolic Execution by Fuzzing-based Pre-Analysis (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Shuai Ziqi , Ma Kelin , Liu Kunlin , Chen Zhenbang , Wang Ji
Published: April 2024

serves as an automatic test generation tool designed for C programs based on symbolic execution. employs fuzzing-based pre-analysis and combines static symbolic execution and dynamic symbolic execution to improve the effectiveness of test generation. achieves 5132 scores and is ranked 4th in the branch coverage track of Test-Comp 2024.
KLEEF: Symbolic Execution Engine (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Misonizhnik Aleksandr , Morozov Sergey , Kostyukov Yurii , Kalugin Vladislav , Babushkin Aleksei , Mordvinov Dmitry , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: April 2024

KLEEF is a complete overhaul of the KLEE symbolic execution engine for LLVM, fine-tuned for a robust analysis of industrial C/C++ code. KLEEF natively handles complex data structures, such as trees, linked lists, and dynamically allocated arrays, via lazy initialization and symcrete values. KLEEF has fine-tuned modes for both maximal test coverage generation and reproducing error traces, in particular reaching a specific point in the program. In the paper, we describe the above features and a competition configuration of KLEEF.
TracerX: Pruning Dynamic Symbolic Execution with Deletion and Weakest Precondition Interpolation (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Dutta Arpita , Maghareh Rasool , Jaffar Joxan , Godboley Sangharatna , Yu Xiao Liang
Published: April 2024

Dynamic Symbolic Execution (DSE) is an important method for the testing of programs. The major advantage of DSE is its path-by-path exploration of the program execution space. However, this often leads to the path explosion problem. To address this issue, a method of abstraction learning has been used. The key step here is the computation of an interpolant to represent the learned abstraction. In Test-Comp 2024, we use two different approaches of interpolant generation viz., Deletion Interpolation and Weakest Precondition Interpolation. The former is our more stable and mature system and briefly discussed in [8]. In this paper, we present the latter approach which is the heart of TracerX. In general, the Weakest Precondition (WP) is the ideal (most general) interpolant. However, WP is intractable to compute and is exponentially disjunctive. A major challenge is to obtain a conjunctive approximation of the WP. Therefore, we generate an approximation of the WP.
Ultimate TestGen: Test-Case Generation with Automata-based Software Model Checking (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Barth Max , Dietsch Daniel , Heizmann Matthias , Jakobs Marie-Christine
Published: April 2024

We introduce Ultimate TestGen, a novel tool for automatic test-case generation. Like many other test-case generators, Ultimate TestGen builds on verification technology, i.e., it checks the (un)reachability of test goals and generates test cases from counterexamples. In contrast to existing tools, it applies trace abstraction, an automata-theoretic approach to software model checking, which is implemented in the successful verifier Ultimate Automizer. To avoid that the same test goal is reached again, Ultimate TestGen extends the automata-theoretic model checking approach with error automata.
Combining Look-ahead Design-time and Run-time Control-synthesis for Graph Transformation Systems
Authors: Xu He , Schneider Sven , Giese Holger
Published: April 2024

The correct operation of safety-critical cyber-physical systems is crucial. However, such systems often feature a large variability of start configurations, an intractably large state space, a high degree of uncertainty, or inherently unsafe behavior. A model of the expected system behavior starting in the current state can be used by look-ahead controllers to derive control decisions to avoid paths to safety violations when possible. However, the computational effort for deriving and analyzing the future system behavior is exponential in the look-ahead.

In this paper, we employ Graph Transformation Systems (GTSs) for the modeling of expected system behavior. We then combine design-time and run-time control synthesis based on Supervisory Control Theory (SCT) achieving an exponential cost-reduction for a given controller look-ahead. For a fixed required reaction time of controllers, much longer look-aheads may therefore be employed. To illustrate and evaluate our approach, we consider a system where shuttles must avoid collisions with ambulances at level crossings.
Formal Specification of Trusted Execution Environment APIs
Authors: Yu Geunyeol , Chae Seunghyun , Bae Kyungmin , Moon Sungkun
Published: April 2024

Trusted execution environments (TEEs) have emerged as a key technology in the cybersecurity domain. A TEE provides an isolated environment in which sensitive computations can be executed securely. Trusted applications running in TEEs are developed using standardized APIs that many hardware platforms for TEE adhere to. However, formal models tailored to standard TEE APIs are not well developed. In this paper, we present a formal specification of TEE APIs using Maude. We focus on Trusted Storage API and Cryptographic Operations API, which are foundational to mobile and IoT applications. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated through formal analysis of MQT-TZ, an open-source TEE application for IoT. Our formal analysis has revealed security vulnerabilities in the implementation of MQT-TZ, and we patch and confirm its integrity using model checking.
Comprehending Object State via Dynamic Class Invariant Learning
Authors: Boockmann Jan H. , Lüttgen Gerald
Published: April 2024

Maintaining software is cumbersome when method argument constraints are undocumented. To reveal them, previous work learned preconditions from exemplary valid and invalid method arguments. In practice, it would be highly beneficial to know class invariants, too, because functionality added during software maintenance must not break them. Even more so than method preconditions, class invariants are rarely documented and often cannot completely be inferred automatically, especially for objects exhibiting complex state such as dynamic data structures.

This paper presents a novel dynamic approach to learning class invariants, thereby complementing related work on learning method preconditions. We automatically synthesize assertions from an adjustable assertion grammar to distinguish valid and invalid objects. While random walks generate valid objects, a combination of bounded-exhaustive testing techniques and behavioral oracles yield invalid objects. The utility of our approach for code comprehension and software maintenance is demonstrated by comparing our learned invariants to documented invariant validation methods found in real-world Java classes and to the invariants detected by the Daikon tool.
Smart Issue Detection for Large-Scale Online Service Systems Using Multi-Channel Data
Authors: Chen Liushan , Pei Yu , Wan Mingyang , Fei Zhihui , Liang Tao , Ma Guojun
Published: April 2024

Given the scale and complexity of large online service systems and the diversity of environments in which the services are to be invoked, it is inevitable that those service systems contain bugs that affect the users. As a result, it is essential for service providers to discover issues in their systems based on information gathered from users. iFeedback is a state-of-the-art technique for user-feedback-based issue detection. While it has been deployed to help detect issues in real-world service systems, the accuracy of iFeedback’s detection results is relatively low due to limitations in its design. In this paper, we propose theSkyNettechnique and tool that analyzes both user feedback gathered via specific channels and public posts collected from social media platforms to more accurately detect issues in service systems. We have applied the tool to detect issues for three real-world, large-scale online service systems based on their historical data gathered over a ten-month period of time.SkyNetreported in total 2790 issues, among which 93.0% were confirmed by developers as reflecting real problems that deserve their close attention. It also detected 58 out of the 62 severe issues reported during the period, achieving a recall of 93.5% for severe issues. Such results suggestSkyNetis both effective and accurate in issue detection.
Industry 5.0 and Artificial Semi-General Intelligence. Exploring Future Challenges and Opportunities Within Industries and Societies
Authors: Grybauskas Andrius
Published: April 2024

Industry 4.0 has been dramatically impacted by artificial intelligence technology in recent decades which has led to both positive and negative outcomes. The increased productivity and better optimization processes allowed factories to be more efficient, however, due to ever-expanding artificial intelligence capabilities certain work professions are at risk of automation. Thus, Industry 5.0 emerged as a movement that is supposed to lead to a more cohesive, resilient, and stable society. Nonetheless, a new rise of artificial semi-general intelligence is right around the corner, which delivers unprecedented digital cognitive abilities which could either be net positive or negative on society. For these reasons, this chapter attempts to discuss and unpack some of the current artificial intelligence projections, and the possible impact on industries and societies.
Gravitational production of sterile neutrinos
Authors: Koutroulis Fotis , Lebedev Oleg , Pokorski Stefan
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We consider gravitational production of singlet fermions such as sterile neutrinos during and after inflation. The production efficiency due to classical gravity is suppressed by the fermion mass. Quantum gravitational effects, on the other hand, are expected to break conformal invariance of the fermion sector by the Planck scale-suppressed operators irrespective of the mass. We find that such operators are very efficient in fermion production immediately after inflation, generating a significant background of stable or long-lived feebly interacting particles. This applies, in particular, to sterile neutrinos which can constitute cold non-thermal dark matter for a wide range of masses, including the keV scale.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults’ mental health and beyond: a qualitative investigation nested within an ongoing general population cohort study
Authors: Wiedemann Anna , Jones Peter B. , Burn Anne-Marie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Initial discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic often overlooked its impact on young adults. By employing a qualitative approach nested within an ongoing general population cohort study, we seek to fill a gap in the literature by providing insights into the longer-term impact on this demographic.

Methods

Data collection involved the use of in-depth semi-structured interviews. Using a pre-determined sampling frame, we purposively recruited 30 participants based on age, gender, ethnicity, and deprivation from the Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN). The NSPN cohort, established in 2012, consists of 2403 young people aged 14–24 at baseline, recruited from Greater London and Cambridgeshire. Interviews were conducted in Autumn 2022; data were analysed using the framework method.

Results

Participants were on average 28 years old (SD = 3 years, range 24–34 years; 53.3% female). The sample comprised individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with 40% from non-White ethnic groups. Many young adults reported profound personal growth and a stronger sense of resilience, a perception observed across varying levels of anxiety or depression. Nevertheless, we observed substantial disruptions to their personal and professional lives such as returning to their parents’ homes, often deferring other life plans, lacking mental health support, and encountering significant career challenges.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the complexity of pandemic impacts, demonstrating the need for supportive policies and further research to understand the circumstances under which genuine personal growth occurs, whether it is enduring or transient, and which factors influence it.
Modelling the weld cladding process to predict weld clad position and shape error
Authors: Votruba Vojtěch , Fornůsek Tomáš , Havlan Tomáš , Kratěna Tomáš , Smolík Jan
Published: April 2024

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is one of the most productive metal additive manufacturing methods. One of its most promising applications holds in the manufacturing of difficult-to-cut materials where production costs can be reduced with minimizing the time of machining and total tool costs. To develop a correct WAAM, technological processes for manufacturing complex-shaped components welding torch path corrections and welding power corrections have to be made especially in critical sections such as corners and sharp edges. A predictive mathematical model of the material cladding during the WAAM process has been developed for the purposes of generating an optimal toolpath of the WAAM clads. This predictive mathematical model is simplified to reflect the important physical phenomena in the weld pool but also to optimize computing time. In this paper, the principle of the mathematical model is described, and its functionality is verified by the welding experiments with five different welding power settings. For the initial calibration of the model parameters single straight-line weld clads with 5 different welding power settings (wire feeds) ranging from 5.0 to 8.6 m/min were investigated. 3D scans of these welded samples are used for the verification. With the calibrated simulation model, it was possible to predict the precise shape with a maximum deviation circa 0.20 mm. The start portions of the weld clads seem more complex having the deviation circa 0.30 mm. These are valuable results as the WAAM technology is generally considered to be reasonably rough.
Novel rat model of gaming disorder: assessment of social reward and sex differences in behavior and c-Fos brain activity
Authors: Casile Antonino , Marraudino Marilena , Bonaldo Brigitta , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Nasini Sofia , Cifani Carlo , Gotti Stefano
Published: April 2024

Rationale

In 2018, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) classified Gaming Disorder (GD) as a mental disorder. GD mainly occurs among adolescents, who, after developing addiction, show psychopathological traits, such as social anxiety, depression, social isolation, and attention deficit. However, the different studies conducted in humans so far show several limitations, such as the lack of demographic heterogeneity and equal representation of age, differences in the type of game and in the follow-up period. Furthermore, at present, no animal models specific to GD are available.

Objectives

To address the lack of an experimental model for GD, in the present work, we proposed a new GD rat model to investigate some peculiar tracts of the disorder.

Methods

Two-month-old Wistar Kyoto rats, both males and females, were subject to a five-week training with a new innovative touch-screen platform. After five weeks of training, rats were assessed for: (a) their attachment to the play under several conditions, (b) their hyperactivity during gaming, and (c) the maintenance of these conditions after a period of game pause and reward interruption. After sacrifice, using immunohistochemistry techniques, the immunoreactivity of c-Fos (a marker of neuronal activity) was analyzed to study different neural areas.

Results

After the training, the rats subjected to GD protocol developed GD-related traits (e.g., hyperactivity, loss control), and the behavioral phenotype was maintained consistently over time. These aspects were completely absent in the control groups. Lastly, the analysis of c-Fos immunoreactivity in prelimbic cortex (PrL), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), nucleus Accumbens, amygdala and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) highlighted significant alterations in the GD groups compared to controls, suggesting modifications in neural activity related to the development of the GD phenotype.

Conclusions

The proposal of a new GD rat model could represent an innovative tool to investigate, in both sexes, the behavioral and neurobiological features of this disorder, the possible role of external factors in the predisposition and susceptibility and the development of new pharmacological therapies.
Quality of life after immune suppressive therapy in aplastic anemia
Authors: Lommerse Iris N. , Hinnen Chris , van Vliet Liesbeth M. , Schubert Beke , Panse Jens , Halkes Constantijn J. M. , Tjon Jennifer M.-L.
Published: April 2024

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare form of immune-mediated bone marrow failure, which can result in life-threatening infections or bleeding if left untreated. Treatment consists of either immune suppressive therapy (IST) or allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). While considerable research has been published regarding survival, response rate and toxicity of both treatments, knowledge on the impact on quality of life (QoL) is scarce. We used the recently developed AA-specific QoL questionnaire (QLQ-AA/PNH-54) to evaluate QoL in a single center cohort of AA patients who were successfully treated with IST. The 54 questions represent 12 different QoL domains. Results were analyzed for all patients and grouped based on hematologic response (complete response (CR) or partial response (PR)). Thirty-six successfully treated adult patients (15 in CR, 21 in PR) completed the questionnaire (median age 54 years, range 21–71; median time since last IST 5 years, range 0–41). Fatigue was experienced by 83% of patients. Even though total QoL scores did not significantly differ between patients with PR and CR (105 vs 92, p-value 0,17) there appeared to be a trend towards higher scores in patients with PR, especially in domains concerning psychological wellbeing. This trend was most clear in the domains fear of progression (2,12 in PR patients vs 1,73 in CR patients; p-value 0,08) and role functioning (2,22 vs 1,88; p-value 0,07). In conclusion, patients with AA continue to experience psychological and physical effects despite successful IST.
Synthesis and characterization of novel azo-chitosan polymer derivatives for the antimicrobial activity
Authors: Taha Ahmed G. , Hezma A. M.
Published: April 2024

Azo-Chitosan-dimethylaniline polymer derivatives are promising polymers for biological applications. In this paper, chitosan reacted with 4-nitrosodimethylaniline to form azo-chitosan-dimethylaniline polymer (Chs-DAN) as the novel polymer via condensation reaction. Chs-DAN modificated by doping it with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and insertion it into betacyclodextrine cycle (βCD) to give Chitosan-dimethylaniline/ZnO (Chs-DAN/ZnO NPs) and Chitosan-dimethylaniline/βCD (Chs-DAN/βCD). The generated polymers were confirmed by using XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis. Gram + ve and Gram − ve antimicrobial as well as antifungal activities have been evidenced for all samples. The antimicrobial analysis showed that the synthesized chitosan derivatives (Chs-DAN, Chs-DAN/βCD, Chs-DAN/ZnO NPs) exhibited noticeable antimicrobial and antifungal activities as compared to pure samples (Chs, DAN, ZnO NPs, βCD).
Short-term effect of liquid organic fertilisation and application methods on N2, N2O and CO2 fluxes from a silt loam arable soil
Authors: Grosz Balázs , Burkart Stefan , Well Reinhard
Published: April 2024

The absence of N2 flux measurements in liquid manure-amended soils has resulted in a poor understanding of the effect of manure application on gaseous N losses. The aim of this study was to quantify N2, N2O, CO2, N2O reduction to N2, depth distribution of moisture, water-extractable organic C, NO3−, NH4+, pH, and diffusivity in a laboratory incubation experiment with an arable silt-loam soil. To quantify N processes and gaseous fluxes, 15N tracing was applied. An artificial livestock slurry-mixture was added to the soil in various treatments (control, surface or injected application; slurry-application rate: 42.9 kg N ha− 1; soil water content of either 40% or 60% water-filled pore space (WFPS)). The soil was incubated for 10 days. The depth distribution of the control parameters was measured twice during the experiment on days 5 and 10. The average increase in N2 and N2O fluxes from denitrification was about 900% in slurry-amended soils. The highest N2 and N2O fluxes from denitrification were measured in the slurry injection, 60% WFPS treatment (7.83 ± 3.50 and 11.22 ± 7.60 mg N m− 2 d− 1, respectively). The hypothesis that injected slurry at a higher water content enhances denitrification was confirmed. This study provides important insights into the formation, spatial and temporal variation of the manure-soil hotspot and its impact on the denitrification process. The results will form part of a dataset to develop, improve and test manure application submodules of biogeochemical models and will help to understand in detail the effect of hotspots on N-cycling in manure-treated soils.
Does vaginal bacterial colonization contribute to preterm birth in women with asymptomatic shortened cervix?
Authors: Steetskamp J. , Zander M. , Laufs V. , Elger T. , Hasenburg A. , Skala C.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to describe the typical microbial spectrum and the influence of distinct vaginal infections on preterm birth in pregnancies affected by cervical incompetence.

Methods

327 patients were admitted because of asymptomatic shortening of the cervix in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Clinical data such as age, cervical length, gestational age at admission and at delivery and vaginal microbiologic findings were collected and analyzed.

Results

The spectrum of germs in the vagina revealed seven different distinct species; the most common bacteria were Ureaplasma spp. and E. coli. In 327 included patients, 217 revealed a bacterial colonization, 110 did not. Most common bacteria in women with preterm birth before 34 weeks were Ureaplasma spp., while E. coli was most common in women undergoing preterm birth after 34 weeks. Nevertheless, the rates of occurrence of these bacterial taxa were not significantly different between who underwent preterm birth to those who did not.

Conclusions

This study gives an overview over the vaginal bacterial colonization in pregnant women with cervical incompetence. The clinical relevance of vaginal bacterial colonization remains unclear.
Sleep disturbances in late pregnancy: associations with induction of labor
Authors: Lähde Henna , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea , Perasto Laura , Varis Viliina , Rinne Kirsi , Paavonen E. Juulia , Polo-Kantola Päivi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Sleep disturbances, which are common during pregnancy, may compromise labor. Nevertheless, little is known about associations between sleep disturbances and the likelihood of ending up induction of labor (IOL). Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the connections between sleep disturbances during pregnancy and IOL.

Methods

Altogether 1778 women from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study with gestation weeks over 37 + 6 were enrolled in the study. The women were divided into IOL (n = 331) and spontaneous onset of labor (SOL, n = 1447) groups. Sleep disturbances in late pregnancy were evaluated using the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustments for age, body mass index, parity, smoking, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Sleep disturbances were frequent in both IOL and SOL groups. In the IOL group 43.0% and in the SOL group 39.0% had poor general sleep quality (P = 0.186). Nocturnal awakenings occurred most commonly, in 94.0% and 93.9%, respectively (P = 0.653). In the IOL group, more women (22.7%) were habitual snorers than in the SOL group (17.0%, P = 0.017), however, the difference lost the statistical significance in adjusted analysis (P = 0.848). Women in the IOL group were more likely to be short sleepers (< 7 h) compared to those in the SOL group (20.2% and 15.4%, respectively, P = 0.034) with no difference after adjustment (P = 0.133). The two groups showed no differences in sleep loss (P = 0.252).

Conclusions

Deterioration in sleep quality was noticeable in pregnant women, but it was unconnected with IOL. As the frequency of IOL is increasing, more research for related risk factors is needed.
Prognostic impact of hyperreflective foci in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Félix Raquel , Gouveia Nuno , Bernardes João , Silva Rufino , Murta Joaquim , Marques João Pedro
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic impact of hyperreflective foci (HRF) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods

Retrospective, single-center cohort study including genetically-tested RP patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical data including demographics, genetic results and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and follow-up were collected. Horizontal and vertical SD-OCT scans were analyzed by 2 independent graders. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and ellipsoid zone (EZ) width were manually measured in horizontal and vertical scans. HRF were classified according to location: outer retinal layers within the central 3mm (central-HRF), outer retinal layers beyond the central 3mm (perifoveal-HRF), and choroid (choroidal-HRF). Central macular thickness (CMT), central point thickness (CPT) and choroidal thickness (CT) at baseline and follow-up were also recorded.

Results

A total of 175 eyes from 94 RP patients (47.9% female, mean age 50.7±15.5 years) were included, with a mean follow-up of 29.24±7.17 months. Mean ETDRS (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study) BCVA decreased from 61.09±23.54 to 56.09±26.65 (p=0.082). At baseline, 72 eyes (41.1%) showed central-HRF, 110 eyes (62.9%) had perifoveal-HRF and 149 eyes (85.1%) exhibited choroidal-HRF. Central-HRF and perifoveal-HRF were associated with worse final BCVA, as well as greater BCVA deterioration (all p<0.0029). Only central-HRF were associated with a worse final CMT (p<0.001). Shorter EZ widths were associated with all types of HRF (p<0.05). Perifoveal and choroidal-HRF predicted smaller final EZ areas (p<0.01).

Conclusion

HRF are highly prevalent in RP patients and appear to have a negative prognostic impact in visual function and EZ area.
Dyke to sill deflection in the shallow heterogeneous crust during glacier retreat: part II
Authors: Drymoni Kyriaki , Tibaldi Alessandro , Bonali Fabio Luca , Mariotto Federico Pasquarè
Published: April 2024

Changes from dyke to sill propagation in the shallow crust are often caused by dissimilar layer properties. However, most previous studies have not considered the influence of glacial loading and unloading on dyke and sill deflection processes. Here, we attempt to collectively explore mechanical (layer stiffness) and geometrical (dyke dip, layer thickness) realistic parameters subject to two different magma overpressure values (namely 5 MPa and 10 MPa) that promote dyke-sill transitions in both non-glacial and glacial settings. To do this, we use as a field example, the Stardalur laccolith: a multiple stacked-sill intrusion located in SW Iceland. The laccolith lies near the retreating Langjökull glacier and was emplaced at the contact between a stiff lava layer and a soft hyaloclastite layer. We initially model two different stratigraphic crustal segments (stratigraphy a and b) and perform sensitivity analyses to investigate the likely contact opening due to the Cook-Gordon debonding and delamination mechanism under different loading conditions: magma overpressure, regional horizontal extension, glacial vertical load and a thin elastic layer at the stratigraphic contact. Our results show that contact opening (delamination) occurs in both non-glacial and glacial settings when the dissimilar mechanical contact is weak (low shear and tensile stress, zero tensile strength). In non-glacial settings, stiff layers (e.g., lavas) concentrate more tensile stress than soft layers (e.g., hyaloclastites/breccia) but accommodate less total (x–y) displacement than the surrounding host rock (e.g., soft hyaloclastites) in the vicinity of a dyke tip. Yet, a thicker hyaloclastite layer in the stratigraphy, subject to higher magma overpressure (Po = 10 MPa), may encourage dyke-sill transitions. Instead, in glacial domains, the stress conditions imposed by the variable vertical pressure of the ice cap result in higher tensile stress accumulation and displacement in stiff layers which they primarily control sill emplacement.
Primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy vs. Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis: what happens after discharge? Results of a nationwide analysis
Authors: Rios Diaz Arturo J. , Bevilacqua Lisa A. , Habarth-Morales Theodore E. , Zalewski Alicja , Metcalfe David , Costanzo Caitlyn , Yeo Charles J. , Palazzo Francesco
Published: April 2024

Background

Current guidelines recommend resection with primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy over Hartmann’s procedure if deemed safe for acute diverticulitis. The primary objective of the current study was to compare the utilization of these strategies and describe nationwide ostomy closure patterns and readmission outcomes within 1 year of discharge.

Methods

This was a retrospective, population-based, cohort study of United States Hospitals reporting to the Nationwide Readmissions Database from January 2011 to December 2019. There were 35,774 patients identified undergoing non-elective primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy or Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis. Rates of ostomy closure, unplanned readmissions, and complications were compared. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to control for patient and hospital-level confounders as well as severity of disease.

Results

Of the 35,774 patients identified, 93.5% underwent Hartmann’s procedure. Half (47.2%) were aged 46–65 years, 50.8% female, 41.2% publicly insured, and 91.7% underwent open surgery. Primary anastomosis was associated with higher rates of 1-year ostomy closure (83.6% vs. 53.4%, p < 0.001) and shorter time-to-closure [median 72 days (Interquartile range 49–103) vs. 115 (86–160); p < 0.001]. Primary anastomosis was associated with increased unplanned readmissions [Hazard Ratio = 2.83 (95% Confidence Interval 2.83–3.37); p < 0.001], but fewer complications upon stoma closure [Odds Ratio 0.51 (95% 0.42–0.63); p < 0.001]. There were no differences in complications between primary anastomosis and Hartmann’s procedure during index admission [Odds Ratio = 1.13 (95% Confidence Interval 0.96–1.33); p = 0.137].

Conclusion

Patients who undergo primary anastomosis for acute diverticulitis are more likely to undergo ostomy reversal and experience fewer postoperative complications upon stoma reversal. These data support the current national guidelines that recommend primary anastomosis in appropriate cases of acute diverticulitis requiring operative treatment.

Graphical abstract
High caffeine levels in old sewer system waters reveal domestic wastewater leakage
Authors: Ozaki Noriatsu , Kindaichi Tomonori , Ohashi Akiyoshi
Published: April 2024

Infrastructure deterioration is a threat to developed countries, emphasizing the need for effective management techniques. In particular, the leakage of aged domestic sewer pipeline is a major health issue, yet there is a lack of markers to identify domestic leakage. We studied the pollution in urban waters resulting from domestic sewage leakage into storm drainages. We monitored caffeine, fragrance substances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the storm discharge points in five urban districts having separate sewer systems aged from 10 to over 40 years. Results show that caffeine and fragrance concentrations tended to increase with sewer system age. For instance, caffeine concentrations in the areas of sewer systems over 40 years old were at least two orders of magnitude higher than in 10-year-old sewer systems, and were as high as 1–10% of domestic sewage, strongly suggesting the leakage of domestic sewer pipelines. PAHs exhibited consistent patterns across the districts. Overall, we observe that sewer leaking processes can be distinguished by analyzing the levels of organic pollutants.
The role of vasculature and angiogenesis in respiratory diseases
Authors: Ackermann Maximilian , Werlein Christopher , Plucinski Edith , Leypold Sophie , Kühnel Mark P. , Verleden Stijn E. , Khalil Hassan A. , Länger Florian , Welte Tobias , Mentzer Steven J. , Jonigk Danny D.
Published: April 2024

In European countries, nearly 10% of all hospital admissions are related to respiratory diseases, mainly chronic life-threatening diseases such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension, IPF or lung cancer. The contribution of blood vessels and angiogenesis to lung regeneration, remodeling and disease progression has been increasingly appreciated. The vascular supply of the lung shows the peculiarity of dual perfusion of the pulmonary circulation (vasa publica), which maintains a functional blood-gas barrier, and the bronchial circulation (vasa privata), which reveals a profiled capacity for angiogenesis (namely intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis) and alveolar-vascular remodeling by the recruitment of endothelial precursor cells. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in a variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic acute and chronic respiratory diseases such as lung infection, COPD, lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer.
Adoption of smart farm networks: a translational process to inform digital agricultural technologies
Authors: Bekee Barituka , Segovia Michelle S. , Valdivia Corinne
Published: April 2024

Due to natural phenomena like global warming and climate change, agricultural production is increasingly faced with threats that transcend farm boundaries. Management practices at the landscape or community level are often required to adequately respond to these new challenges (e.g., pest migration). Such decision-making at a community or beyond-farm level—i.e., practices that are jointly developed by farmers within a community—can be aided by computing and communications technology. In this study, we employ a translational research process to examine the social and behavioral drivers of adoption of smart and connected farm networks among commodity crop farmers in the United States. We implement focus groups and questionnaires to bring to the fore views on the use of digital technologies in collaborative contexts. We find that participating farmers are concerned with several issues about the potential features of the network (e.g., the ability to ensure data validity while maintaining data privacy) and the nature of their interactions with the various stakeholders involved in the network management. The participatory approach we adopt helps provide insights into the process of developing technologies that are both actionable and trusted by potential end users.
A comprehensive review of artificial intelligence models for screening major retinal diseases
Authors: Hassan Bilal , Raja Hina , Hassan Taimur , Akram Muhammad Usman , Raja Hira , Abd-alrazaq Alaa A. , Yousefi Siamak , Werghi Naoufel
Published: April 2024

This paper provides a systematic survey of artificial intelligence (AI) models that have been proposed over the past decade to screen retinal diseases, which can cause severe visual impairments or even blindness. The paper covers both the clinical and technical perspectives of using AI models in hosipitals to aid ophthalmologists in promptly identifying retinal diseases in their early stages. Moreover, this paper also evaluates various methods for identifying structural abnormalities and diagnosing retinal diseases, and it identifies future research directions based on a critical analysis of the existing literature. This comprehensive study, which reviews both the conventional and state-of-the-art methods to screen retinopathy across different modalities, is unique in its scope. Additionally, this paper serves as a helpful guide for researchers who want to work in the field of retinal image analysis in the future.
Risk factors affecting the feeding site predilection of ticks on cattle in Ghana
Authors: Addo Seth Offei , Bentil Ronald Essah , Mosore Mba-tihssommah , Behene Eric , Adinkrah Julian , Tagoe Janice , Yeboah Clara , Baako Bernice Olivia Ama , Atibila Dorcas , Kwarteng Sandra Abankwa , Poku-Asante Kwaku , Owusu-Darbo Ellis , Asoala Victor , Mingle Daniel Lartei , Nyarko Edward Owusu , Fox Anne T. , Letizia Andrew G. , William Joseph Diclaro , Nimo-Paintsil Shirley , Harwood James F. , Dadzie Samuel Kweku
Published: April 2024

Ticks are important disease vectors affecting animal health and causing substantial economic loss, especially in the tropics and subtropics. To examine the tick burden of cattle and associated risk factors for tick infestation, ticks were collected from 388 cattle within five regions in Ghana. Most of the cattle were males (50.3%) and generally older than 3 years (65%). Of the animals sampled, 2187 ticks were collected with a mean tick burden of 5.6 ticks per cattle, and the average tick burden on the udder/scrotum being significantly higher than in the anal region (Generalized Linear Mix Model [GLMM], p = 0.01197). The tick species identified were predominantly Amblyomma variegatum (42.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (26.2%). High proportions of cattle examined were found to have A. variegatum infesting the udder/scrotum. Furthermore, H. rufipes infested mostly the anal region compared to other examined body parts (OR 14.8, 95% CI 8.6–25.4, p < 0.001). Using the GLMM, tick abundance was found to be significantly higher in cattle older than 3 years. The tick burden in the udder/scrotum was higher than that from the chest and leg/thigh of the cattle (GLMM, p < 0.05). The tick burden at the anal region was also significantly higher than the leg/thigh and chest. This study indicates that the preferred attachment sites of ticks on cattle are species-dependent and effective treatment with acaricides should take into consideration the udder/scrotum and anal regions as well as prioritizing older cattle.