bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive study of code-removal patches in automated program repair
Authors: Ginelli Davide , Martinez Matias , Mariani Leonardo , Monperrus Martin
Published: May 2022

Automatic Program Repair (APR) techniques can promisingly help reduce the cost of debugging. Many relevant APR techniques follow the generate-and-validate approach, that is, the faulty program is iteratively modified with different change operators and then validated with a test suite until a plausible patch is generated. In particular, Kali is a generate-and-validate technique developed to investigate the possibility of generating plausible patches by only removing code. Former studies show that indeed Kali successfully addressed several faults. This paper addresses the single and particular case of code-removal patches in automated program repair. We investigate the reasons and the scenarios that make their creation possible, and the relationship with patches implemented by developers. Our study reveals that code-removal patches are often insufficient to fix bugs, and proposes a comprehensive taxonomy of code-removal patches that provides evidence of the problems that may affect test suites, opening new opportunities for researchers in the field of automatic program repair.
Open Experimental Data-Sets to Reveal Behavioural Insights of High-Deck Coach Evacuations
Authors: Huang Rong , Zhao Xuan , Yuan Yufei , Yu Qiang , Daamen Winnie
Published: May 2022

Numerous evacuation performance data for the utilization in evacuation modelling and simulations have been established for the conventional/widely studied scenarios, such as building evacuation scenarios. However, such data are typically scarce for a new scenario in literature — evacuation from high-deck coaches. This paper fulfills this gap by presenting empirical high-deck coach evacuation data-sets that can be used for model configuration and validation. To this end, firstly, five essential and commonly used performance metrics, i.e., evacuation time, flow rate, alighting time gap, velocity on stairways and exit choice, were collected and derived from two series of controlled experiments with 7 and 22 runs that involved 44 and 96 participants respectively. Then, all these datasets were structured in the distribution form, based on which three critical behavioural insights are revealed regardless of the evacuation conditions (the types of high-deck coaches, lighting conditions, and age groups). First, the evacuation behaviour in normal (experimental) conditions conforms to a multi-stage pattern (a modified four-stage pattern, i.e., reaction, acceleration, fluctuation and saturation stages). Second, the instantaneous flow rate can be well captured by the Burr, Loglogistic and Lognormal distributions, and the alighting time gap can be represented by the Burr distribution. Third, more than 50% of passengers evacuate through the rear door in the front-and-rear-door evacuations. The frequency of choosing the front door is found to shift towards the direction of the rear door compared to the ideal results (based on the shortest distance calculation) with a magnitude of approximately 1.95 seat rows. The presented data-sets are valuable resources for the development of high-deck coach evacuation models. The empirical findings promote the understanding upon the evacuation behaviour of high-deck coach passengers.
Splittings in Subreducts of Hoops
Authors: Aglianò Paolo
Published: May 2022

In this paper we extend to various classes of subreducts of hoops some results about splitting algebras. In particular we prove that every finite chain in the purely implicational fragment of basic hoops is splitting and that every finite chain in the $$\{\wedge ,\rightarrow \}$$

{
∧
,
→
}

fragment of hoops is splitting. We also produce explicitly the splitting equations in most cases.
Higher levels of nonylphenol were found in human urine and drinking water from rural areas as compared to metropolitan regions of Wuhan, China
Authors: Xu Chunyan , Ling Haibo , Fan Chuangang , Xiang Luojing , Zhang Shu , Li Weiwei , Yi Chuan
Published: May 2022

The suspected endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (NP) is closely associated with anthropogenic activities; therefore, studies on this compound have been clustered in urban areas. This study investigated the NP concentrations in drinking water sources (n = 8), terminal tap water (n = 36), and human urine samples (n = 127) collected from urban and rural areas in Wuhan, China. The mean concentrations of NP measured in drinking water sources in urban and rural areas were 92.3 ± 7.5 and 11.0 ± 0.8 ng/L (mean ± SD), respectively, whereas the mean levels in urban and rural tap waters were 5.0 ± 0.7 and 44.2 ± 2.6 ng/L (mean ± SD), respectively. Nevertheless, NP was detected in 74.1% and 75.4% of the human urine samples from urban and rural participants, with geometric mean concentrations of 0.19 ng/mL (0.26 µg/g creat) and 0.27 ng/mL (0.46 µg/g creat), respectively. Although the NP concentrations measured in the drinking water sources of urban areas were significantly higher than those in rural areas (P < 0.05), the tap water and urine NP concentrations measured in urban areas were unexpectedly lower than those of rural areas (P < 0.05). Additionally, this investigation showed that the materials comprising household water supply pipelines and drinking water treatment processes in the two areas were also different. Our results indicated that the levels of exposure to NP in drinking water and human urine in rural areas were not necessarily lower than those in urban areas. Thus, particular attention should be paid to rural areas in future studies of NP.
A stochastic Asset Liability Management model for life insurance companies
Authors: Di Francesco Marco , Simonella Roberta
Published: May 2022

We build a stochastic Asset Liability Management (ALM) model for a life insurance company. Therefore, we deal with both an asset portfolio, made up of bonds, equity and cash, and a liability portfolio, comprising with-profit life insurance policies. We define a mortality model and a surrender model, as well as a new production model. First, with the purpose of ensuring the solvency of the company and the achievement of a competitive return, in the interest of both shareholders and policyholders, the insurer’s portfolio is periodically rebalanced according to the solution of a nonlinearly constrained optimization problem that aims to match asset and liability durations, subject to the attainment of a target return. In addition, several real-world constraints are imposed. When computing the company balance sheet projections, we consider not only future maturity and death payments, but also future surrender payments and all the cash flows due to new production, in order to obtain estimates that are as reliable as possible. The estimation of the timing and of the numbers of future surrenders and of future new policyholders requires the approximation of conditional expectations: To this end, we employ the least squares Monte Carlo technique. Secondly, for each bonds asset class and for equity asset class we propose a sectorial optimization problem with the aim of maximizing the expected value of a chosen utility function, subject to the results obtained from the first stage of portfolio rebalancing. Finally, we analyze a case study.
COVID-19 and bank performance in dual-banking countries: an empirical analysis
Authors: Alabbad Amal , Schertler Andrea
Published: May 2022

We explore how banks’ income and stock prices respond to the COVID-19 policy measures in countries with the dual-banking system, and whether Islamic banks over- or underperform compared to conventional banks. Applying two-way fixed-effect regressions, we document that the changes in Islamic banks’ finance income as well as net income decline as much during the COVID-19 pandemic as the changes in interest and net income of conventional banks. Event-study tests show that the stock prices of Islamic banks respond as negatively as the ones of conventional banks to workplace closures. We do, however, document that the two types of banks respond differently to income support schemes. The change in Islamic banks’ finance income and net income increase significantly more compared to that of their conventional peers when governments install income support initiatives. Also, Islamic banks’ stock prices respond more positively to the income support programs than the ones of conventional banks. Because we control for investment banking activities and services to large clients, our findings on the stronger response of Islamic banks to income support programs seem to result from Islamic banks’ focus on private customers who are supported during the pandemic. Overall, we conclude that theShariahcompliance does not limit the adverse impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Islamic banking, but that Islamic banks’ performance responds more positively to income support initiatives than the one of conventional banks.
Overview of the clinical efficacy and safety of eldecalcitol for the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Cui Lijia , Xia Weibo , Yu Chuan , Dong Shuangshuang , Pei Yu
Published: May 2022

Eldecalcitol (ELD) is a new oral analog of the active form of vitamin D with anti-resorptive properties. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of ELD in osteoporosis. Compared with alfacalcidol, ELD significantly lowered vertebral facture risk, increased bone mineral density, but also had a higher risk of hypercalciuria.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of eldecalcitol (ELD) in osteoporosis by examining fracture rates, bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, and adverse events as outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 20, 2020, to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. The odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval was calculated by the random-effects model.

Results

ELD significantly increased lumbar BMD (WMD: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.60, 4.00;P < 0.001, 2 studies involved), total hip BMD (WMD: 2.11; 95% CI: 0.68, 3.55;P = 0.004, 2 studies involved), and femoral neck BMD (WMD: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.76, 2.79;P = 0.001, 1 study involved) compared with alfacalcidol. Moreover, ELD caused a significantly lower rate of vertebral fracture (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.95;P = 0.034, 2 studies involved) than alfacalcidol, but did not lower the rate of non-vertebral facture (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.06–3.05;P = 0.405, 2 studies involved) compared with alfacalcidol. ELD significantly reduced the percentage change in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (WMD: − 15.40; 95% CI: − 20.30, − 10.60;P < 0.001, 1 study involved) and serum type I collagen C-telopeptide (WMD: − 38.50; 95% CI: − 50.00, − 27.10;P < 0.001, 1 study involved) as compared with alfacalcidol. ELD was also associated with higher risk of hypercalciuria compared with alfacalcidol (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.20;P = 0.001, 2 studies involved).

Conclusions

This systematic review indicated that ELD was superior than alfacalcidol for improving vertebral fracture risk and BMD. Further large-scale trials should be conducted to verify the long-term effects and safety of ELD in osteoporosis.

Prospero registration number

CRD42020147518.
Quantitative Microstructural Characterization of Precipitates and Oxide Inclusions in Inconel 625 Superalloy Additively Manufactured by L-PBF Method
Authors: Staroń S. , Dubiel B. , Gola K. , Kalemba-Rec I. , Gajewska M. , Pasiowiec H. , Wróbel R. , Leinenbach Ch.
Published: May 2022

In this study, we perform quantitative characterization of precipitates and oxide inclusions in Inconel 625 additively manufactured by the laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) process. The application of different microscopy techniques allowed us to characterize the microstructure at micro- and nano-scale in the as-built and stress-relieved condition and correlate the features of grains and cellular substructure with parameters of particles along the planes parallel and perpendicular to the build direction. The optimized imaging conditions and image analysis procedure allowed easily distinguishing precipitates and oxide inclusions and performing their quantitative analysis. The results showed that intercellular areas are the preferential sites of precipitation of the Laves phase and NbC carbides with diameters in the range of 10 to 440 nm. Moreover, aluminum oxide inclusions with diameters in the range of 30 to 300 nm are randomly distributed. Regardless of the processing conditions of the examined samples, the influence of the stress-relief annealing on the secondary phases was not observed. In both the as-built and stress-relieved samples, the size of precipitates is in submicrometer scale. The analysis provided detailed information about the parameters of particles depending on the orientation versus the build direction. It was demonstrated that despite the tendency for columnar grain morphology and the anisotropy of the cellular substructure, the particle distribution is almost uniform throughout the volume of the additively manufactured L-PBF Inconel 625.

Graphical Abstract
Preparation of Ceramic Foam Filters With a Lithium-Containing Surface
Authors: Voigt Claudia , Schramm Alina , Fankhänel Beate , Schmid Ekaterina , Malczyk Piotr , Hubálková Jana , Stelter Michael , Charitos Alexandros , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: May 2022

Hydrogen in aluminum causes the formation of detrimental hydrogen porosity in castings. In order to reduce the formation of hydrogen pores, an approach was targeted using lithium as target for hydrogen. This approach utilizes the affinity of lithium for hydrogen, whereby spodumene (a lithium aluminum silicate) and lithium aluminate were used as lithium providers. Within the scope of this study, the preparation of ceramic foam filters with a coating of lithium-containing raw materials (spodumene) was investigated. Those investigations revealed that the spodumene coating has a detrimental influence on the bending strength of the foams when a certain level of spodumene is exceeded. This observation might be explainable by the intrusion of the spodumene into the alumina matrix of the skeleton foam. Two wetting tests at different temperatures were conducted, verifying the significant influence of the temperature on the reaction between the spodumene and AlSi7Mg. Furthermore, test filters coated with raw materials exhibiting different amounts of lithium were conducted. The hydrogen pores were evaluated by light microscopy and computed tomography. The analyzed pore size distribution in the aluminum did not elucidate the proximate influence of the lithium-coating on the ceramic foam filter on the hydrogen porosity in the aluminum.
Electron Beam-Induced Modifications in Dielectric and AC Electrical Properties of Gelatin-Acrylic Acid Blends
Authors: Radwan S. I. , Shehata M. M. , Abdel Samad S. , El-Khabeary H.
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this work is to investigate the dielectric and electrical properties of synthesized acrylic acid–gelatin blends of different acrylic acid weight concentrations with gelatin. An electron beam (EB) with different doses of 50–150 kGy irradiated the synthesized blend while it was also subjected to an applied electric field in the range of 70 Hz–5 MHz to determine the variation in the dielectric parameters and electrical conductivity. The lowest kHz gives the highest dielectric parameters and lowest AC electrical conductivity (σac) values for both the blank and EB-irradiated blends. The lowest dielectric parameters and σac values were at 0.4 g acrylic acid concentration, and the highest values were for the 0.2 g acrylic acid concentration. Comparing the different EB doses for each acrylic acid concentration, it was found that the order of the lowest dielectric constant, έ, was 0.579 for (0.2 g + 100 kGy) > 0.475 for (0.6 g + 50 kGy) > 0.412 for (1 g + 50 kGy) > 0.315 for (0.4 g + 100 kGy) at 0.5 kHz. However, the order of the highest σac was 1.71 × 10−4 S/m for (0.2 g + 150 kGy) > 1.39 × 10−4 S/m for (0.6 g + 75 kGy) > 1.08 × 10−4 S/m for (1 g + 75 kGy) > 8.56 × 10−5 S/m for (0.4 g + 150 kGy) at 5 MHz. A modified equation was deduced for the AC conductivity as a function of the frequency of the applied field and the concentration of acrylic acid mixed with gelatin at room temperature.
Corporate lobbying and product recalls: an investigation in the U.S. medical device industry
Authors: Giannetti Verdiana , Srinivasan Raji
Published: May 2022

While corporate political activity is increasing, its effects on firms’ marketing-relevant outcomes have been largely overlooked in the literature. We propose that corporate lobbying will decrease a firm’s emphasis on product safety and, in turn, increase its product recalls. We further propose that the positive indirect effect of corporate lobbying on a firm’s product recalls via lower emphasis on product safety will be moderated by the firm’s (a) CEO’s functional background and (b) focus on radical (vs. incremental) innovation. We provide empirical support for the proposed model using data on 86 U.S. medical device firms from 2005–2018. The findings extend the literature on the effects of non-market forces on firms’ marketing-relevant outcomes. They also extend the literature on the antecedents of product recalls, which has, hitherto, overlooked the role of non-market forces. The findings on the moderating roles of the firm’s marketing CEO and focus on radical (vs. incremental) innovation generate actionable managerial implications.
Modern Learning from Big Data in Critical Care: Primum Non Nocere
Authors: Gravesteijn Benjamin Y. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Lingsma Hester F.
Published: May 2022

Large and complex data sets are increasingly available for research in critical care. To analyze these data, researchers use techniques commonly referred to as statistical learning or machine learning (ML). The latter is known for large successes in the field of diagnostics, for example, by identification of radiological anomalies. In other research areas, such as clustering and prediction studies, there is more discussion regarding the benefit and efficiency of ML techniques compared with statistical learning. In this viewpoint, we aim to explain commonly used statistical learning and ML techniques and provide guidance for responsible use in the case of clustering and prediction questions in critical care. Clustering studies have been increasingly popular in critical care research, aiming to inform how patients can be characterized, classified, or treated differently. An important challenge for clustering studies is to ensure and assess generalizability. This limits the application of findings in these studies toward individual patients. In the case of predictive questions, there is much discussion as to what algorithm should be used to most accurately predict outcome. Aspects that determine usefulness of ML, compared with statistical techniques, include the volume of the data, the dimensionality of the preferred model, and the extent of missing data. There are areas in which modern ML methods may be preferred. However, efforts should be made to implement statistical frameworks (e.g., for dealing with missing data or measurement error, both omnipresent in clinical data) in ML methods. To conclude, there are important opportunities but also pitfalls to consider when performing clustering or predictive studies with ML techniques. We advocate careful valuation of new data-driven findings. More interaction is needed between the engineer mindset of experts in ML methods, the insight in bias of epidemiologists, and the probabilistic thinking of statisticians to extract as much information and knowledge from data as possible, while avoiding harm.
Possibilities for Exploitation of Invasive Species, Arundo donax L., as a Source of Phenol Compounds
Authors: Míguez Clara , Cancela Ángeles , Sánchez Ángel , Álvarez Xana
Published: May 2022

Recycling and reuse are a fundamental pillar for reducing global pollution. In this context, the use of waste generated by invasive species control actions, as a natural raw material for the exploitation of their bioactive compounds, provides a great interest for a more sustainable industry. In this study, phenolic compounds were determined from the different parts that compose the invasive species Arundo donax L. The experiments were carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) by the Box-Behnken method, allowing us to evaluate the factors (temperature, time and type of solvent) and the values that optimized the extraction. The highest concentration of total phenolic compounds equivalent in gallic acid (GAE) was obtained from extracts with distilled water, with the fraction of leaves (7.43 mg GAE /g) in first place, followed by inflorescences (5.15 mg GAE /g) and finally stems (2.73 mg GAE /g).These optimum values were obtained using conditions of 6 h and 45 °C for leaves and stems and 4 h and 35 °C for inflorescences.. Identification and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonoids were carried out by HPLC–MS/MS analytical technique. In general, stem extracts were the most abundant in phenolic acids with potential pharmacological properties. These studies provided promising results for the Arundo donax L. species as a source of polyphenols, making full use of its residue and aiming to boost the circular economy in important industry sectors.

Graphical Abstract
Validation of an open-source ambulatory assessment system in support of replicable activity studies
Authors: Van Laerhoven Kristof , Hoelzemann Alexander , Pahmeier Iris , Teti Andrea , Gabrys Lars
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Inertial-based trackers have become a common tool in data capture for ambulatory studies that aim at characterizing physical activity. Many systems that perform remote recording of accelerometer data use commercial trackers and black-box aggregation algorithms, often resulting in data that are locked into proprietary formats and metrics that make later replication or comparison difficult.

Methods: The primary purpose of this manuscript is to validate an open-source ambulatory assessment system that consists of hardware devices, algorithms, and software components of our approach. We report on two validation experiments, one lab-based treadmill study on a convenience sample of 16 volunteers and one ’in vivo’ study with 28 volunteers suffering from diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Results: A comparison between data from ActiGraph GT9X trackers and our proposed system reveals that the original inertial sensor signals at the wrist strongly correlate (Pearson correlation coefficients for raw inertial sensor signals of 0.97 in the controlled treadmill-walking setting) and that estimated steps from an open-source wrist-based detection approach correlate with the hip-worn ActiGraph output (average Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.81 for minute-wise comparisons of detected steps) in day-long ambulatory data.

Conclusion: Recording inertial sensor data in a standardized form and relying on open-source algorithms on these data form a promising methodology that ensures that datasets can be replicated or enriched long after the wearable trackers have been decommissioned.
In vitro antioxidant activities of copper mixed oxide (CuO/Cu2O) nanoparticles produced from the leaves of Phoenix dactylifera L
Authors: Djamila Berra , Eddine Laouini Salah , Abderrhmane Bouafia , Nassiba Allag , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Biosynthesis of antioxidant nanoparticles using plant extracts is a simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach. In this study, in vitro antioxidant copper mixed oxide nanoparticles (CuO/Cu2O) were prepared from the alcoholic extract of Phoenix Dactylifera L. and different aqueous concentrations of CuSO4·5H2O. The composition, crystallinity, morphology, and particle size of CuO/Cu2O NPs were tuned by increasing the CuSO4·5H2O concentration from 4 to 10 mM. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the reduction of CuSO4·5H2O and the formation of the CuO/Cu2O NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of the CuO/Cu2O NPs with a crystallite size varying from 18 to 35 nm. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that the CuO/Cu2O NPs have a spherical morphology with particle sizes ranging from 25 to 100 nm. The best antioxidant CuO/Cu2O NPs have a phase ratio of about 1:1 CuO/Cu2O with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.39 mg/ml, an iron-containing reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 432 mg EFeSO4/100 mg NPs, and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 65 mg EAA/gNPs. The results suggest that the synthesized CuO/Cu2O NPs are excellent antioxidants for therapeutic applications.

Graphical abstract
Ypsilandrosides U-Y, five new steroidal saponins from Ypsilandra thibetica
Authors: Gao Wen-Tao , Yu Ling-Ling , Xie Jing , Xiao Long-Gao , Zhang Shi-Juan , Ma Wen-Yi , Yan Huan , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: May 2022

Phytochemical reinvestigation on the whole plants of Ypsilandrathibetica obtained four new spirostanol glycosides, named ypsilandrosides U-X (1–4), and one new cholestanol glycoside, named ypsilandroside Y (5). Their structures have been established by extensive spectroscopic data and chemical methods. Among them, compound 4 is a rare spirostanol glycoside which possesses a novel 5(6 → 7) abeo-steroidal aglycone, while compound 1 is a first spirostanol bisdesmoside attached to C-3 and C-12, respectively, isolated from the genus Ypsilandra. The induced platelet aggregation activity of the isolates was tested.

Graphical Abstract
Decoupling of Internal and External Workload During a Marathon: An Analysis of Durability in 82,303 Recreational Runners
Authors: Smyth Barry , Maunder Ed , Meyler Samuel , Hunter Ben , Muniz-Pumares Daniel
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study characterised the decoupling of internal-to-external workload in marathon running and investigated whether decoupling magnitude and onset could improve predictions of marathon performance.

Methods

The decoupling of internal-to-external workload was calculated in 82,303 marathon runners (13,125 female). Internal workload was determined as a percentage of maximum heart rate, and external workload as speed relative to estimated critical speed (CS). Decoupling magnitude (i.e., decoupling in the 35–40 km segment relative to the 5–10 km segment) was classified as low (< 1.1), moderate (≥ 1.1 but < 1.2) or high (≥ 1.2). Decoupling onset was calculated when decoupling exceeded 1.025.

Results

The overall internal-to-external workload decoupling experienced was 1.16 ± 0.22, first detected 25.2 ± 9.9 km into marathon running. The low decoupling group (34.5% of runners) completed the marathon at a faster relative speed (88 ± 6% CS), had better marathon performance (217.3 ± 33.1 min), and first experienced decoupling later in the marathon (33.4 ± 9.0 km) compared to those in the moderate (32.7% of runners, 86 ± 6% CS, 224.9 ± 31.7 min, and 22.6 ± 7.7 km), and high decoupling groups (32.8% runners, 82 ± 7% CS, 238.5 ± 30.7 min, and 19.1 ± 6.8 km; all p < 0.01). Compared to females, males’ decoupling magnitude was greater (1.17 ± 0.22 vs. 1.12 ± 0.16; p < 0.01) and occurred earlier (25.0 ± 9.8 vs. 26.3 ± 10.6 km; p < 0.01). Marathon performance was associated with the magnitude and onset of decoupling, and when included in marathon performance models utilising CS and the curvature constant, prediction error was reduced from 6.45 to 5.16%.

Conclusion

Durability characteristics, assessed as internal-to-external workload ratio, show considerable inter-individual variability, and both its magnitude and onset are associated with marathon performance.
What Is “Socioeconomic Position (SEP),” and How Might It Modify Air Pollution-Health Associations? Cohering Findings, Identifying Challenges, and Disentangling Effects of SEP and Race in US City Settings
Authors: Clougherty Jane E. , Humphrey Jamie L. , Kinnee Ellen J. , Remigio Richard , Sheffield Perry E.
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Environmental epidemiology has long considered socioeconomic position (SEP) to be an important confounder of pollution effects on health, given that, in the USA, lower-income and minority communities are often disproportionately exposed to pollution. In recent decades, a growing literature has revealed that lower-SEP communities may also be more susceptible to pollution. Given the vast number of material and psychosocial stressors that vary by SEP, however, it is unclear which specific aspects of SEP may underlie this susceptibility. As environmental epidemiology engages more rigorously with issues of differential susceptibility, it is pertinent to define SEP more clearly, to disentangle its many aspects, and to move towards identifying causal components. Myriad stressors and exposures vary with SEP, with effects accumulating and interacting over the lifecourse.Here, we ask: In the context of environmental epidemiology, how do we meaningfully characterize”SEP”?

Recent Findings

In answering this question, it is critical to acknowledge that SEP, stressors, and pollution are differentially distributed by race in US cities. These distributions have been shaped by neighborhood sorting and race-based residential segregation rooted in historical policies and processes (e.g., redlining), which have served to concentrate wealth and opportunities for education and employment in predominantly-white communities. As a result, it is now profoundly challenging to separate SEP from race in the urban US setting.

Here, we cohere evidence from our recent and on-going studies aimed at disentangling synergistic health effects among SEP-related stressors and pollutants. We consider an array of SEP-linked social stressors, and discuss persistent challenges in this epidemiology, many of which are related to spatial confounding among multiple pollutants and stressors. Combining quantitative results with insights from qualitative data on neighborhood perceptions and stress (including violence and police-community relations), we offer a lens towards unpacking the complex interplay among SEP, community stressors, race, and pollution in US cities.
Digital Light Processing 3D-Printed Ceramic Metamaterials for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhou Rui , Wang Yansong , Liu Ziyu , Pang Yongqiang , Chen Jianxin , Kong Jie
Published: May 2022

Combining 3D printing with precursor-derived ceramic for fabricating electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing metamaterials has attracted great attention. This study presents a novel ultraviolet-curable polysiloxane precursor for digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to fabricate ceramic parts with complex geometry, no cracks and linear shrinkage. Guiding with the principles of impedance matching, attenuation, and effective-medium theory, we design a cross-helix-array metamaterial model based on the complex permittivity constant of precursor-derived ceramics. The corresponding ceramic metamaterials can be successfully prepared by DLP printing and subsequent pyrolysis process, achieving a low reflection coefficient and a wide effective absorption bandwidth in the X-band even under high temperature. This is a general method that can be extended to other bands, which can be realized by merely adjusting the unit structure of metamaterials. This strategy provides a novel and effective avenue to achieve “target-design-fabricating” ceramic metamaterials, and it exposes the downstream applications of highly efficient and broad EM wave-absorbing materials and structures with great potential applications.
Corruption and firms’ efficiency: international evidence using an instrumental variable approach
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Barra Cristian , Ruggiero Nazzareno , Paolo Vinci Concetto
Published: May 2022

Using a sample of firms over the 2002–2010 period relative to the US, Europe, and Japan, this paper investigates the effects of control of corruption on firms’ efficiency. Our econometric analysis is developed into two main steps. In the first step, we rely on the application of the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to estimate firm-level efficiency. We then regress the derived efficiency scores against the International Country Risk Guide (ICRG) control of corruption indicator, through an Instrumental Variable approach, where the ICRG index is instrumented using a measure of ethnolinguistic fractionalization. The evidence reported in the paper indicates that improved control of corruption systematically enhances firms’ efficiency. We also rely on a direct approach, in which we assess the impact of corruption on R&D expenditures and the number of registered patents and show that improved control of corruption stimulates both of these dimensions of innovation, though the impact is higher, in magnitude and significance, for patents. The evidence reported in this paper, which is robust to alternative specifications of the production technology, to an alternative instrumentation strategy and to the aggregation of firm-level information, brings relevant implications in terms of policy.
Nanomechanical subsurface characterisation of cellulosic fibres
Authors: Auernhammer Julia , Langhans Markus , Schäfer Jan-Lukas , Keil Tom , Meckel Tobias , Biesalski Markus , Stark Robert W.
Published: May 2022

The mechanical properties of single fibres are highly important in the paper production process to produce and adjust properties for the favoured fields of application. The description of mechanical properties is usually characterised via linearized assumptions and is not resolved locally or spatially in three dimensions. In tensile tests or nanoindentation experiments on cellulosic fibres, only mechanical parameter for the whole fibre, such as elastic modulus or hardness, is usually obtained. To obtain a more detailed mechanical picture of the fibre, it is crucial to determine mechanical properties in depth. To this end, we discuss an atomic force microscopy-based approach to examine stepwise the local stiffness as a function of indentation depth via static force-distance curves. To our knowledge, we are the first authors to apply this method cellulosic fibres. The method was applied to linter fibres (extracted from a finished paper sheet) as well as to natural raw cotton fibres to better understand the influence of the pulp treatment process in paper production on the mechanical properties. Both types of fibres were characterised in dry and wet conditions with respect to alterations in their mechanical properties. The used stepwise analysis method of the force-distance curves allowed subsurface imaging of the fibres. It could be revealed how the walls in the fibre structure protects the fibre against mechanical loading. Via a combined 3D display of the mapped topography and the fitted elastic moduli in z-direction, a spatially resolved mechanical map of the fibre interior near the surface could be established. Additionally, we labelled the fibres with different carbohydrate binding modules tagged with fluorescent proteins to compare the AFM results with fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging. Nanomechanical subsurface imaging in combination with fluorescent protein labelling is thus a tool to better understand the mechanical behaviour of cellulosic fibres, which have a complex, hierarchical structure.

Graphical abstract
Some phytochemical and functional properties of Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) leaf protein concentrates obtained from three locations in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Enenya Ikenna Gabriel , Agbonghae Osagie Wisdom , Nwokoro Smart Obiajuru , Onyeaka Helen , Agbugba Ikechi Kelechi
Published: May 2022

This research was conducted to determine some phytochemicals and functional properties of pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) leaf protein concentrates obtained from three locations in Edo State, Nigeria. Pawpaw leaves were obtained from the University of Benin (location A), Oluku (location B) and Ekenwan (location C), and they were processed into leaf protein concentrates in triplicates using heat coagulation method. The resultant pawpaw leaf protein concentrates (PLPC) were analyzed for their phytochemical and functional properties. The results from the phytochemical analysis showed that tannin was absent in PLPC in all three locations. Saponin was high in location A, only present in location C, but absent in location B. Flavonoids and phytates were present in samples from all locations. In contrast, alkaloids and oxalates were absent in all locations. The results from the analysis of functional properties showed that protein solubility was highest in location B, having a value of 0.82 ± 0.07% and lowest in location A, having a value of 0.5 ± 0.02%. Water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity were highest in location B, with values of 1.33 ± 0.15 g/g and 1.9 ± 0 g/g, respectively and lowest in location C, with values of 0.63 ± 0.07 g/g and 1.16 ± 0.38 g/g, respectively. The forming capacity and forming stability were highest in location A, having values of 22.49 ± 1.28% and 98.78 ± 0.62%, respectively and lowest in location B, with values of 8.77 ± 0.31% and 89.39 ± 9.37%, respectively. Fat emulsion capacity was highest in location C (45.32 ± 0.32%) and lowest in location A (37.47 ± 0.43%). Fat emulsion stability for all locations was 100%. The least gelation capacity for locations B and C had the same value of 16%, and that of location A had a value of 14.7%. The results obtained in this study suggest that pawpaw leaf protein concentrate has the potential as an alternative protein source for livestock and man.
Multiple complicated concurrent hernias with rare findings: A case report
Authors: Ali Mahamudu Ayamba , Hagbevor Israel , Abedi Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction and importance:

Occult hernias mostly are asymptomatic with no positive signs on physical examination. They are difficult to diagnose before surgery, especially in resource-deprived health facilities with no advanced imaging or endo-laparoscopic setup. As the standard treatment in such centres, open surgery is traumatic, has slow recovery, and has many complications.

Case presentation:

A 76-year female with many predisposing factors presented with typical clinical symptoms and physical examination of complicated hernias. An incidental left Amyand hernia and right occult femoral hernia with incarcerated ovary was detected upon a further right femoral region exploration. She had a rare successful same time multiple hernia repairs after visceral surgeries with unremarkable recovery.

Clinical discussion:

We initially believed her concurrent overt multiple hernias rather than concealed hernia with other rare viscera involvement noticed during surgery was responsible for her symptoms.

Conclusion:

Groins herniation points must be explored for occult hernias and complicated viscera in overt symptomatic multiple concurrent hernias.
Robot-assisted donor nephrectomy: Initial results and comparison with the hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. A retrospective study
Authors: Idu Mirza M. , Bemelman Frederike , Nurmohamed Azam , van der Pant Karlijn
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

The aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted donor nephrectomy (RADN) as compared with the hand-assisted laparoscopic technique (HALDN).

Patient and methods:

This is a retrospective study of the first 83 consecutive RADN procedures which were compared with a group of 103 consecutive HALDN procedures.

Results:

The median operating time in the RADN group and the HALDN group were respectively 173 (SD = 37) and 137 (SD = 29) min (p = 0.000). The mean first warm ischemia time (min, SD) in the RADN and HALDN group were respectively 2.60 (0.78) and 2.15 (0.38) (p = 0.000). The median blood loss (ml, SD) in the RADN and HALDN group were respectively 33 (87) and 64 (146) ml (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in post-operative pain-score, post-operative length of stay and complications between the two groups. There were also no statistically significant differences in recipient serum creatinine at 1 week and 1 month after transplantation. The median recipients eGFR (CKD-EPI) at 1 week in the RADN and HALDN group were respectively 50 (SD = 20) and 38 (SD = 19) (p = 0.018) and at 1 month respectively 52 (SD = 16) and 47 (SD = 15) ml/min/1.73m2 (p = 0.090).

Conclusion:

Robotic-assisted donor nephrectomy is an evolving technique which is safe for the donor and for the graft.

Highligts
Cassirer and Heidegger in Davos
Authors: Truwant Simon
Published: May 2022

The 1929 encounter between Ernst Cassirer and Martin Heidegger in Davos, Switzerland is considered one of the most important intellectual debates of the twentieth century and a founding moment of continental philosophy. At the same time, many commentators have questioned the philosophical profundity and coherence of the actual debate. In this book, the first comprehensive philosophical analysis of the Davos debate, Simon Truwant challenges these critiques. He argues that Cassirer and Heidegger's disagreement about the meaning of Kant's philosophy is motivated by their different views about the human condition, which in turn are motivated by their opposing conceptions of what the task of philosophy ultimately should be. Truwant shows that Cassirer and Heidegger share a grand philosophical concern: to comprehend and aid the human being's capacity to orient itself in and towards the world.
A Course in Stochastic Game Theory
Authors: Solan Eilon
Published: May 2022

Stochastic games are have an element of chance: the state of the next round is determined probabilistically depending upon players' actions and the current state. Successful players need to balance the need for short-term payoffs while ensuring future opportunities remain high. The various techniques needed to analyze these often highly non-trivial games are a showcase of attractive mathematics, including methods from probability, differential equations, algebra, and combinatorics. This book presents a course on the theory of stochastic games going from the basics through to topics of modern research, focusing on conceptual clarity over complete generality. Each of its chapters introduces a new mathematical tool – including contracting mappings, semi-algebraic sets, infinite orbits, and Ramsey's theorem, among others – before discussing the game-theoretic results they can be used to obtain. The author assumes no more than a basic undergraduate curriculum and illustrates the theory with numerous examples and exercises, with solutions available online.
A Practical Guide to Power Line Communications
Authors: Vlachou Christina , Henri Sébastien
Published: May 2022

This excellent resource synthesizes the theory and practice of PLC, providing a straightforward introduction to the fundamentals of PLC, as well as an exhaustive review of the performance, evaluation, security, and heterogeneous network that combine PLC with other means of communications. It advances the groundwork on power-line communication (PLC), a tool which has the potential to boost the performance of local networks, and provides useful worked practical problems on, for example, PLC protocol optimization. Covering the PHY and MAC layers of the most popular PLC specifications, including tutorials and experimental frameworks, and featuring many examples of real-world applications and performance, it is ideal for university researchers and professional engineers designing and maintaining PLC or hybrid devices and networks.
The Language of Mental Illness
Authors: Price Hazel
Published: May 2022

Mental health is a matter of vital importance in today's society, with the news media reporting on the topic on an almost daily basis. Despite this, the language associated with mental health has to date been relatively under-explored. Using methods from corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis, this pioneering book is the first large-scale linguistic investigation of UK news reports on mental illness. Based on a purpose-built corpus of 45 million words of UK press reports on mental illness, it offers a range of analyses exploring language development across time, in addition to focusing on the differences between press representations of specific mental illnesses. The book provides linguistic insights into public perceptions of mental illness, as well as stigma creation and perpetuation in the media. It also includes original and significant methodological innovations, making it a vital resource for researchers for in corpus linguistics, health communication, and the health humanities.
The association of socio-demographic and environmental factors with stunting among under-five children in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Kibemo Berhanu , Mulugeta Afework , Hailu Dejene , Gelaw Baye
Published: May 2022

Undernutrition in children is a challenging problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Stunting is the most prevalent form of undernutrition. The majority of studies on childhood stunting and its associated factors focused on children, maternal and socioeconomic components. However, a few studies reported poor WaSH status and antibiotic exposure as environmental risk factors for child stunting, and the case of socio-demographic factors also lacks consistency. Concerning this, there is a lack of information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study assessed the association of socio-demographic, WaSH, and antibiotic exposure with stunting among under-five children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 340 mother–child pairs. Anthropometric data were collected using standard and calibrated height and weight scales. For factorial data, an interviewer-guided standard questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors determining childhood stunting. In the present study, the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 14⋅7 % (95 % CI 10⋅9, 18⋅5), 4⋅4 % (95 % CI 2⋅4, 6⋅8) and 2⋅1 % (95 % CI 0⋅6, 3⋅5), respectively. Low dietary diversity, being born from a mother with an education level of secondary school, and belonging to a female-headed household were positively associated (P < 0⋅05) with stunting. The prevalence of overall undernutrition was lower (21⋅2 %) in the study area. Stunting was significantly associated with dietary diversity, maternal educational level and sex of households head. The government policy should focus on enhancing the dietary diversity of households, and encouraging women's education.
Quaternary ironstones in the Xingu River, eastern Amazonia (Brazil)
Authors: Freire Marília Prado , Góes Ana Maria , Fairchild Thomas Rich , Gautheron Cécile , Parra Mauricio , Pupim Fabiano Nascimento , Bertassoli Junior Dailson José , de Sousa Leandro Melo , Hartmann Gelvam André , Pinna-Jamme Rosella , Sawakuchi André Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Using a multimethod approach, including polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), SEM with mineral liberation analyzer (MLA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy, we examined sub-recent ferruginous crusts in the Xingu River in the Amazon Basin that have formed since the Early Pleistocene (<1.2 Ma), as indicated by (U-Th)/He dating of goethite. Although now preserved as goethite, the size and form of the smallest components of the ironstone (nanorods) and the nature of isomorphic substitution in the goethite point to very early transformation of the original precipitate, an unstable hydrous ferrous oxide (HFO) mineral, into goethite. The fine, multiply undulating laminae of the ironstone contain abundant filamentous microbial molds and casts that together support identification of the crusts as ferruginous microbialites and suggest a role of bioinduction/bioinfluence in ironstone precipitation, although inorganic precipitation is also evident. The Xingu Quaternary ironstones are the first evidence of ferruginous microbialite in a modern freshwater system in South America and may hold clues to the recent history of the Xingu River.