bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting forAfrica: advances, potential and value
Authors: Roberts Alexander J. , Fletcher Jennifer K. , Groves James , Marsham John H. , Parker Douglas J. , Blyth Alan M. , Adefisan Elijah A. , Ajayi Vincent O. , Barrette Ronald , de Coning Estelle , Dione Cheikh , Diop Abdoulahat , Foamouhoue Andre K. , Gijben Morne , Hill Peter G. , Lawal Kamoru A. , Mutemi Joseph , Padi Michael , Popoola Temidayo I. , Rípodas Pilar , Stein Thorwald H.M. , Woodhams Beth J.
Published: March 2021

There is a great demand to improve predictions of high‐impact weather across the African continent. This is because of the high frequency of intense convective storms that often produce severe flooding, strong winds and lightning, combined with the vulnerability of people, infrastructure and businesses to such hazards. The skill of numerical weather prediction over Africa is still low, even for lead times of less than 24 hours. Therefore, there is a particular need to deliver nowcasting of events as they occur. However, there remains a widespread lack of provision of nowcasting across Africa and virtually no use of automated nowcasting systems or tools. This limits the ability of national meteorological services to issue warnings and therefore potentially prevent the loss of life and significant financial losses. Coverage by meteorological radars is still very limited, but geostationary satellites provide regular high resolution data of the often large and long‐lived storms. As such, there is an opportunity to improve satellite‐based nowcasting capability in Africa. Work being undertaken as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund African SWIFT (Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques) project is starting to improve the nowcasting of African convective systems and so the ability to provide timely warnings of extreme weather providing a wide range of benefits.
Evaluation of the damage caused by in vitro culture and cryopreservation to dermal fibroblasts derived from jaguars: An approach to conservation through biobanks
Authors: Silva Maria B. , Praxedes Érika A. , Borges Alana A. , Oliveira Lhara R. M. , Nascimento Matheus B. , Silva Herlon V. R. , Silva Alexandre R. , Pereira Alexsandra F.
Published: March 2021

Ex‐situ conservation strategies such as the formation of somatic cell banks are valuable tools for the conservation of jaguars, whose population has been declining in recent years. Once properly established, these cells can be successfully leveraged for future applications. We aimed to assess the effects of in vitro culture and cryopreservation on the establishment of fibroblasts derived from jaguars. Initially, we identified five dermal fibroblastic lines using morphology and immunophenotyping assays; these lines were then subjected to two experiments. In the first experiment, the viability, metabolism, and proliferative activity of cells at different passages (first, third, and tenth) were evaluated. In the second experiment, the cells were cryopreserved and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were evaluated after one, three, and ten passages. Noncryopreserved cells were used as controls. The in vitro culture after first, third, and tenth passages and cryopreservation conditions did not affect the proliferative activity and viability. However, cells cultured until tenth passage and frozen/thawed cells showed reduced metabolism. In addition, cryopreserved cells showed higher levels of intracellular ROS and altered ΔΨm when compared with those of noncryopreserved cells. Finally, frozen/thawed cells cultured after ten passages showed reduced proliferative activity and number of viable cells than did frozen/thawed cells cultured after one and three passages. In summary, we have shown that viable fibroblasts can be established from jaguar skin and that although these cells do not show altered viability and proliferative activity, they do undergo damage during extended culture and cryopreservation.
GIS-Based Assessment of Solar Energy Harvesting Sites and Electricity Generation Potential in Zambia
Authors: Mwanza Mabvuto , Ulgen Koray
Published: March 2021

Land and environment are some of limited nature resource for any particular country and requires best use. Therefore, for sustainable energy generation it is often important to maximize land use and avoid or minimize environmental and social impact when selecting the potential locations for solar energy harvesting. This chapter presents an approach for identifying and determining the potential sites and available land areas for solar energy harvesting. Hence, the restricting and enhancing parameters that influence sites selection based on international regulation have been imposed to the Laws of Zambia on environmental protection and pollution control legislative framework. Thus, both international regulations and local environmental protection and pollution control legislative have been used for identifying the potential sites and evaluating solar PV electricity generation potential in these potential sites. The restricting parameters were applied to reduce territory areas to feasible potential sites and available areas that are suitable for solar energy harvesting. The assessment involved two different models: firstly the assessment of potential sites and mapping using GIS, and secondly, evaluation of the available suitable land areas and feasible solar PV electricity generation potential in each provinces using analytical methods. The total available suitable area of the potential sites is estimated at 82,564.601 km2 representing 10.97% of Zambia’s total surface area. This potential is equivalent to 10,240.73 TWh annual electricity generation potential with potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the nation and achieve SDGs. The identification of potential sites and solar energy will help improve the understanding of the potential solar energy can contribute to achieving sustainable national energy mix in Zambia. Furthermore, it will help the government in setting up tangible energy targets and effective integration of solar PV systems into national energy mix.
Examining the Early Modern Canon: The English Short Title Catalogue and Large-Scale Patterns of Cultural Production
Authors: Tolonen Mikko , Hill Mark J. , Ijaz Ali Zeeshan , Vaara Ville , Lahti Leo
Published: March 2021

This chapter presents the findings of an ongoing digital project of the Helsinki Computational History Group at Helsinki Centre for Digital Humanities (HELDIG) focused on the history of eighteenth-century book publication. The authors have created a historical-biographical database based onThe English Short-Title Catalogue(ESTC), a standard source for analytical bibliographic research, and extracted a data-driven canon which considers changes over time, subject-topics, top-works, authors, publishers, publication place, and materiality. This chapter provides both methodological and historical insights into the development of print and demonstrates the huge analytical potential of harmonized metadata catalogs. While quantitative analyses of the book trade were attempted before, they did not engage with the complex process of canon formation at such a large scale. The authors’ work highlights the formative role played by publishers in this process and the epistemological shift started at the end of the seventeenth century, when religious works were increasingly replaced by literary works. As the authors argue, this shift in the production and consumption of print allowed for a reinvention of the canon during the eighteenth century.
Outliers, Connectors, and Textual Periphery: John Dennis’s Social Network in The Dunciad in Four Books
Authors: Baird Ileana
Published: March 2021

This chapter uses social network analysis to visualize the fields of relations involving John Dennis, the most important critic of the first half of the eighteenth century, with the other protagonists in Alexander Pope’s satire, The Dunciad in Four Books (1743). By using visualizations generated by GraphViz, a program that creates topological graphs from sets of dyadic relations, and ShivaGraph, a tool that helps visualize large networks and navigate through them as through a map, this chapter brings to light data that is structurally embedded in the poem but not immediately legible given the large amount and complexity of information. In Dennis’s case, they reveal the competing stories told by the poem and the apparatus and the critic’s main role as the uncrowned king of The Dunciad’s textual periphery. These visualizations also highlight Dennis’s essential position as a network connector, his camp affiliations, the role played by peripheral characters in the plot network of the poem, and the main dunces targeted by Pope, or the poem’s “hall of infamy.”
Genomic Imprinting
Authors: Paro Renato , Grossniklaus Ueli , Santoro Raffaella , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2021

A typical cell contains two sets of chromosomes: one that was inherited from the mother, the other from the father. Usually, autosomal alleles are expressed at similar levels from the maternally and paternally inherited chromosomes. This chapter is dedicated to an exception of this rule: the expression of genes that are regulated by genomic imprinting depends on the parental origin of the allele, leading to the non-equivalence of maternal and paternal genomes. Genomic imprinting is a paradigm of epigenetic gene regulation as genetically identical alleles can exist in two expression states within the same nucleus. The imprints marking the parental alleles are established in the parental germline, maintained during the development of the offspring, but reset before they are passed on to the next generation. In mammals, the primary imprint is usually a differentially methylated region at the locus but there are also examples where histone modifications mark the parental alleles. Many imprinted genes play important roles for development and are associated with human disease. Interestingly, genomic imprinting evolved independently in mammals and seed plants and similar mechanisms have been recruited to regulate imprinted expression in the two kingdoms. We will discuss evolutionary constraints that could have led to the evolution of genomic imprinting in these seemingly disparate lineages.
Epigenetics and Cancer
Authors: Paro Renato , Grossniklaus Ueli , Santoro Raffaella , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2021

Alterations in chromatin function and epigenetic mechanisms are a hallmark of cancer. The disruption of epigenetic processes has been linked to altered gene expression and to cancer initiation and progression. Recent cancer genome sequencing projects revealed that numerous epigenetic regulators are frequently mutated in various cancers. This information has not only started to be utilized as prognostic and predictive markers to guide treatment decisions but also provided important information for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in both physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, the reversible nature of epigenetic aberrations has led to the emergence of the promising field of epigenetic therapy that has already provided new therapeutic options for patients with malignancies characterized by epigenetic alterations, laying the basis for new and personalized medicine.
Renormalization of twisted Ramond fields in D1-D5 SCFT2
Authors: Lima A. A. , Sotkov G. M. , Stanishkov M.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We explore the n-twisted Ramond sector of the deformed two-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (4, 4) superconformal (T4)N/SN orbifold theory, describing bound states of D1-D5 brane system in type IIB superstring. We derive the large-N limit of the four-point function of two R-charged twisted Ramond fields and two marginal deformation operators at the free orbifold point. Specific short-distance limits of this function provide several structure constants, the OPE fusion rules and the conformal dimensions of a few non-BPS operators. The second order correction (in the deformation parameter) to the two-point function of the Ramond fields, defined as double integrals over this four-point function, turns out to be UV-divergent, requiring an appropriate renormalization of the fields. We calculate the corrections to the conformal dimensions of the twisted Ramond ground states at the large-N limit. The same integral yields the first-order deviation from zero of the structure constant of the three-point function of two Ramond fields and one deformation operator. Similar results concerning the correction to the two-point function of bare twist operators and their renormalization are also obtained.
Artificial proto-modelling: building precursors of a next standard model from simplified model results
Authors: Waltenberger Wolfgang , Lessa André , Kraml Sabine
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We present a novel algorithm to identify potential dispersed signals of new physics in the slew of published LHC results. It employs a random walk algorithm to introduce sets of new particles, dubbed “proto-models”, which are tested against simplified-model results from ATLAS and CMS (exploiting the SModelS software framework). A combinatorial algorithm identifies the set of analyses and/or signal regions that maximally violates the SM hypothesis, while remaining compatible with the entirety of LHC constraints in our database. Demonstrating our method by running over the experimental results in the SModelS database, we find as currently best-performing proto-model a top partner, a light-flavor quark partner, and a lightest neutral new particle with masses of the order of 1.2 TeV, 700 GeV and 160 GeV, respectively. The corresponding globalp-value for the SM hypothesis ispglobal≈0.19; by construction no look-elsewhere effect applies.
Extreme black hole anabasis
Authors: Hadar Shahar , Lupsasca Alexandru , Porfyriadis Achilleas P.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study the SL(2) transformation properties of spherically symmetric perturbations of the Bertotti-Robinson universe and identify an invariant μ that characterizes the backreaction of these linear solutions. The only backreaction allowed by Birkhoff’s theorem is one that destroys the AdS2× S2 boundary and builds the exterior of an asymptotically flat Reissner-Nordström black hole with $$ Q=M\sqrt{1-\mu /4} $$
Q
=
M

1
−
μ
/
4

. We call such backreaction with boundary condition change an anabasis. We show that the addition of linear anabasis perturbations to Bertotti-Robinson may be thought of as a boundary condition that defines a connected AdS2×S2. The connected AdS2 is a nearly-AdS2 with its SL(2) broken appropriately for it to maintain connection to the asymptotically flat region of Reissner-Nordström. We perform a backreaction calculation with matter in the connected AdS2× S2 and show that it correctly captures the dynamics of the asymptotically flat black hole.
Enzymology of extracellular NAD metabolism
Authors: Gasparrini Massimiliano , Sorci Leonardo , Raffaelli Nadia
Published: March 2021

Extracellular NAD represents a key signaling molecule in different physiological and pathological conditions. It exerts such function both directly, through the activation of specific purinergic receptors, or indirectly, serving as substrate of ectoenzymes, such as CD73, nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1, CD38 and its paralog CD157, and ecto ADP ribosyltransferases. By hydrolyzing NAD, these enzymes dictate extracellular NAD availability, thus regulating its direct signaling role. In addition, they can generate from NAD smaller signaling molecules, like the immunomodulator adenosine, or they can use NAD to ADP-ribosylate various extracellular proteins and membrane receptors, with significant impact on the control of immunity, inflammatory response, tumorigenesis, and other diseases. Besides, they release from NAD several pyridine metabolites that can be taken up by the cell for the intracellular regeneration of NAD itself. The extracellular environment also hosts nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase, which inside the cell catalyze key reactions in NAD salvaging pathways. The extracellular forms of these enzymes behave as cytokines, with pro-inflammatory functions. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the extracellular NAD metabolome and describes the major biochemical properties of the enzymes involved in extracellular NAD metabolism, focusing on the contribution of their catalytic activities to the biological function. By uncovering the controversies and gaps in their characterization, further research directions are suggested, also to better exploit the great potential of these enzymes as therapeutic targets in various human diseases.
Numerical modeling of fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer for similar and dissimilar laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718
Authors: Faraji Amir Hossein , Maletta Carmine , Barbieri Giuseppe , Cognini Francesco , Bruno Luigi
Published: March 2021

Most of the researches published on the numerical modeling of laser welding are looking at similar welding, mainly due to the difficulty of simulating the mixing phenomenon that occurs in dissimilar welding. Furthermore, numerical modeling of dissimilar laser welding of titanium and nickel alloys has been rarely reported in the literature. In this study, a 3D finite volume numerical model is proposed to simulate fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer for similar and dissimilar laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718. The laser source was simulated by volumetric heat distribution, which considers the effects of keyhole and heat transfer on the workpiece. The heat source parameters were calibrated through preliminary experiments, by comparing the simulated and experimental weld pool shapes and dimensions. The model was used to simulate both homogenous and dissimilar laser weldings of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718, and a systematic comparison was carried out through a number of selected experiments. The effects of three distinct levels of laser power (1.25 kW, 1.5 kW, 2.5 kW) on temperature distribution and velocity field in the welds pool were analyzed. Results highlighted the effects of Marangoni forces in the weld pool formation. Furthermore, in order to analyze the mass transfer phenomenon in dissimilar welding, species transfer equations were considered, demonstrating the important role played by the mass mixture in the weld pool formation. Finally, a high level of agreement between simulations and experiments—in terms of weld pool shape and dimensions—was observed in all cases analyzed. This proves the ability of the proposed numerical model to properly simulate both the similar and dissimilar welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718 alloys.
Recent advances of Cas12a applications in bacteria
Authors: Meliawati Meliawati , Schilling Christoph , Schmid Jochen
Published: March 2021

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome engineering and related technologies have revolutionized biotechnology over the last decade by enhancing the efficiency of sophisticated biological systems. Cas12a (Cpf1) is an RNA-guided endonuclease associated to the CRISPR adaptive immune system found in many prokaryotes. Contrary to its more prominent counterpart Cas9, Cas12a recognizes A/T rich DNA sequences and is able to process its corresponding guide RNA directly, rendering it a versatile tool for multiplex genome editing efforts and other applications in biotechnology. While Cas12a has been extensively used in eukaryotic cell systems, microbial applications are still limited. In this review, we highlight the mechanistic and functional differences between Cas12a and Cas9 and focus on recent advances of applications using Cas12a in bacterial hosts. Furthermore, we discuss advantages as well as current challenges and give a future outlook for this promising alternative CRISPR-Cas system for bacterial genome editing and beyond.

Key points

• Cas12a is a powerful tool for genome engineering and transcriptional perturbation

• Cas12a causes less toxic side effects in bacteria than Cas9

• Self-processing of crRNA arrays facilitates multiplexing approaches
Radiographic parameter(s) influencing functional outcomes following angular stable plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Kühle Luise , Riedmann Stephan , Bahrs Sonja D. , Bahrs Christian , Ziegler Patrick
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Radiographic parameters which correlate with poor clinical outcome after proximal humeral fractures could be helpful indicators to answer the question which patients should be followed up closer. Moreover, during surgery, radiographic parameters correlating with unfavourable outcome should be avoided. The primary aim of the study was to compare radiographic measurements between the injured and the contralateral, uninjured shoulder. The secondary aim was to correlate these radiographic parameters with post-operative shoulder function.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients (age: 55.6 ± 14.4 years, age at surgery) following angular stable plate fixation of a proximal humeral fracture (2-part fractures according to Neer: 24, 3-part: 25, 4-part: 9) were included in this retrospective cohort study. All patients were followed up at least six years (7.9 ± 1.4 after surgical intervention). During follow-up examination, the Constant score (CS) was assessed, and radiographs of both shoulders were taken. Radiographs were analyzed regarding lateral humeral offset, distance between tuberculum and head apex, head diameter, head height, perpendicular height, perpendicular center, vertical height, and angles between head and humeral shaft (CCD and HSA). These parameters were compared between the injured and uninjured shoulder. The cohort was divided in two groups: patients with a CS category of excellent/good and satisfying/worse. Both groups were tested regarding differences of demographic and radiographic parameters.

Results

The distance between tuberculum and head apex (2.6 ± 3.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 2.1 mm; p = 0.0017), the CCD (123.1 ± 12.9° vs. 130.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0005), and the HSA (33.1 ± 12.8° vs. 40.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0066) were significantly smaller on the treated shoulder compared to the uninjured side. Patients reached a Constant score of 80.2 ± 17.4 (95% CI 75.6–84.8) points. Regarding outcome categories of the Constant score, 46 patients had a good to excellent outcome, and 12 patients had a satisfying or bad outcome. The comparison of these groups revealed that patients with inferior outcome in the long-term follow-up were older, female, had a more complex fracture type (AO classification), smaller lateral humeral offset, smaller head diameter and height, lower perpendicular height, and lower CCD and HSA angles.

Conclusion

If the abovementioned parameters cannot be restored sufficiently during surgery, (reversed) shoulder arthroplasty might be a better solution to reach good post-operative outcome. Moreover, patients presenting these radiographic characteristics in the follow-up, older patients, and patients with a more complex fracture type should be followed up closer to possibly prevent poor shoulder function.

Trial registration: 83 250/2011BO2
Retropulsion force in laser lithotripsy—an in vitro study comparing a Holmium device to a novel pulsed solid-state Thulium laser
Authors: Petzold Ralf , Miernik Arkadiusz , Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate retropulsion forces generated by two laser lithotripsy devices, a standard Ho:YAG and a new pulsed solid-state Thulium laser device.

Materials and methods

Two different Dornier laser devices were assessed: a Medilas H Solvo 35 and a pulsed solid-state Thulium laser evaluation model (Dornier MedTech Laser GmbH, Wessling, Germany). We used a 37 °C water bath; temperature was monitored with a thermocouple/data-logger. Representative sets of settings were examined for both devices, including short and long pulse lengths where applicable. For each setting, ten force values were recorded by a low-force precision piezo sensor whereby the laser fibre was either brought into contact with the sensor or placed at a 3 mm distance.

Results

The mean retropulsion forces resulting from the new Tm:YAG device were significantly lower than those of the Ho:YAG device under all pulse energy and frequency settings, ranging between 0.92 and 19.60 N for Thulium and 8.09–39.67 N for Holmium. The contact setups yielded lower forces than the distance setups. The forces increased with increasing pulse energy settings while shorter pulse lengths led to 12–44% higher retropulsive force in the 2.0 J/5 Hz comparisons.

Conclusion

The Tm:YAG device not only significantly generated lower retropulsion forces in all comparisons to Holmium at corresponding settings but also offers adjustment options to achieve lower energy pulses and longer pulse durations to produce even lower retropulsion. These advantages are a promising add-on to laser lithotripsy procedures and may be highly relevant for improving laser lithotripsy performance.
Clinical features of ProMisE groups identify different phenotypes of patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Travaglino Antonio , Gabrielli Olimpia , Micheli Mariacarolina , Zuccalà Valeria , Bitonti Giovanna , Camastra Caterina , Gargiulo Valentina , Insabato Luigi , Zullo Fulvio
Published: March 2021

Background

The Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) groups has identified four molecular prognostic groups of endometrial cancer (EC): POLE-mutated (POLE-mt), mismatch repair-deficient (MMR-d), p53-abnormal (p53-abn), p53-wild-type (p53-wt). These groups might have different pathogenesis and risk factors, and might occur in different phenotypes of patients. However, these data are still lacking.

Objective

To provide a clinical characterization of the ProMisE groups of EC.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching seven electronic databases from their inception to December 2020, for all studies reporting clinical characteristics of EC patients in each ProMisE group. Pooled means of age and BMI and pooled prevalence of FIGO stage I and adjuvant treatment in each ProMisE group were calculated.

Results

Six studies with 1, 879 women were included in the systematic review. Pooled means (with standard error) and prevalence values were:

in the MMR-d group, age = 66.5 ± 0.6; BMI = 30.6 ± 1.2; stage I = 72.6%; adjuvant treatment = 47.3%;

in the POLE-mt group, age = 58.6 ± 2.7; BMI = 27.2 ± 0.9; stage I = 93.7%; adjuvant treatment = 53.6%;

in the p53-wt group, age = 64.2 ± 1.9; BMI = 32.3 ± 1.4; stage I = 80.5%; adjuvant treatment = 45.3%;

in the p53-abn group, age = 71.1 ± 0.5; BMI = 29.1 ± 0.5; stage I = 50.8%; adjuvant treatment = 64.4%.

Conclusion

The ProMisE groups identify different phenotypes of patients. The POLE-mt group included the youngest women, with the lower BMI and the highest prevalence of stage I. The p53-wt group included patients with the highest BMI. The p53-abn group included the oldest women, with the highest prevalence of adjuvant treatment and the lowest prevalence of stage I. The MMR-d group showed intermediate values among the ProMisE groups for all clinical features.
Clinical and neurophysiological characterization of muscular weakness in severe COVID-19
Authors: Bax Francesco , Lettieri Christian , Marini Alessandro , Pellitteri Gaia , Surcinelli Andrea , Valente Mariarosaria , Budai Riccardo , Patruno Vincenzo , Gigli Gian Luigi
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report clinical and electroneuromyographic (ENMG) characteristics of patients affected by severe COVID-19 infection, evaluated for muscular weakness.

Materials and methods

ENMGs performed for evaluation of diffuse weakness in patients who could not be discharged from semi-intensive care COVID unit because of difficulties in ventilation weaning were reviewed. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection who had undergone endotracheal intubation and able to co-operate were considered. ENMG protocol was focused on neurophysiological items that excluded or confirmed critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), myopathy (CIM), or polyneuromyopathy (CIPM). Standardized clinical evaluation was performed using Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score.

Results

Eight patients were included in the study. All presented known risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), and none of them had history of underlying neuromuscular disorders. ENMG findings were normal in two patients, while only two patients had an altered MRC sum score (< 48). Neuromuscular involvement was diagnosed in 6/8 patients (75%): 2 had CIP, 1 had possible CIM, 1 had CIPM, while 1 patient, with clinically evident weakness but equivocal ENMG findings, was classified as ICU-AW. Finally, 1 patient was diagnosed with acute demyelinating neuropathy. Patients with neuromuscular involvement were those with longer intubation duration and higher levels of IL-6 at admission.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular complications are frequent in severe COVID-19 and cannot be excluded by MRC sum scores above 48. Standardized ENMG is helpful in guiding diagnosis when clinical evaluation is not reliable or possible. Elevated IL-6 at admission may be a predictor biomarker of ICU-AW in COVID-19.
Joint spectral radius and ternary hermite subdivision
Authors: Charina M. , Conti C. , Mejstrik T. , Merrien J.-L.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we construct a family of ternary interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes of order 1 with small support and${\mathscr{H}}\mathcal {C}^{2}$HC2-smoothness. Indeed, leaving the binary domain, it is possible to derive interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes with higher regularity than the existing binary examples. The family of schemes we construct is a two-parameter family whose${\mathscr{H}}\mathcal {C}^{2}$HC2-smoothness is guaranteed whenever the parameters are chosen from a certain polygonal region. The construction of this new family is inspired by the geometric insight into the ternary interpolatory scalar three-point subdivision scheme by Hassan and Dodgson. The smoothness of our new family of Hermite schemes is proven by means of joint spectral radius techniques.
Styles of reasoning for mathematics education
Authors: Kollosche David
Published: March 2021

Although reasoning is a central concept in mathematics education research, the discipline is still in need of a coherent theoretical framework of mathematical reasoning. With respect to epistemological problems in the dominant discourses on proof, mathematical modelling, and post-truth politics in the discipline, and in accordance with trends in the philosophy of mathematics and in mathematics education research in general, it is argued that it is necessary to give a relativist account of mathematical reasoning. Hacking’s framework of styles of reasoning is introduced as a possible solution. This framework distinguished between at least six different styles of reasoning, many of which are closely connected to mathematics, and argues that these frameworks define what we accept as decidable assertions, as justifications for such assertions, and as possible objects of such assertions. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of the framework for chosen fields of mathematics education research, which may motivate more focussed studies in the future.
Spiritual Care: Motivations and Experiences through the Lenses and Voices of a Cohort of Spiritual Care Workers at an Established Hospice in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mahilall Ronita , Swartz Leslie
Published: March 2021

While palliative care is beginning to gain prominence in South Africa, spiritual care remains less understood. Spiritual care is less prioritised and, consequently, this service, if offered, is mostly entrusted to volunteers. It therefore becomes prudent to understand who these volunteers are, what motivates them to volunteer, and how they see spiritual care being sustainable in the future. A cohort of spiritual care workers from a prominent hospice in Cape Town, South Africa, participated in this qualitative study. The participants made suggestions about formalising spiritual care as well as making a call for a basic entry requirement into spiritual care work.
On exploiting Data Visualization and IoT for Increasing Sustainability and Safety in a Smart Campus
Authors: Ceccarini Chiara , Mirri Silvia , Salomoni Paola , Prandi Catia
Published: March 2021

In a world that is getting increasingly digital and interconnected, and where more and more physical objects are integrated into the information network (Internet of Things, IoT), Data Visualization can facilitate the understanding of huge volumes of data. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a testbed where IoT and Data Visualization have been exploited to increase the sustainability and safety of the Cesena (Smart) Campus. In particular, we detail the overall system architecture and the interactive dashboard that facilitates the management of the campus premises and the timetabling. Exploiting our system, we show how we can improve the campus sustainability (in terms of energy saving) and safety (considering the COVID-19 restrictions and regulations).
Modeling elderly behavioral patterns in single-person households
Authors: Soussa Márcio Renê Brandão , de Senna Valter , da Silva Valéria Loureiro , Soares Charles Lima
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes and describes an unsupervised computational model that monitors an elderly person who lives alone and issues alarms when a risk to the elderly person’s well-being is identified. This model is based on data extracted exclusively from passive infrared motion sensors connected to a ZigBee wireless network. The proposed monitoring system and model is non-intrusive, does not capture any images, and does not require any interaction with the monitored person. Thus, it is more likely to be adopted by members of the elderly population who might reject other more intrusive or complex types of technology. The developed computational model for activity discovery employs a kernel estimator and local outlier factor calculation, which are reliable and have a low computational cost. This model was tested with data collected over a period of 25 days from two elderly volunteers who live alone and have fairly different routines. The results demonstrate the model’s ability to learn relevant behaviors, as well as identify and issue alarms for atypical activities that can be suggestive of health problems. This low-cost, minimalistic sensor network approach is especially suited to the reality of underdeveloped (and developing) countries where assisted living communities are not available and low cost and ease of use are paramount.
Prevalence and 11-year incidence of common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life, mental health, and visual impairment
Authors: Purola Petri K. M. , Nättinen Janika E. , Ojamo Matti U. I. , Koskinen Seppo V. P. , Rissanen Harri A. , Sainio Päivi R. J. , Uusitalo Hannu M. T.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To study the prevalence and incidence of the most common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, psychological distress, and visual impairment in the aging population of Finland.

Methods

Our study was based on two nationwide health surveys conducted in 2000 and 2011. Eye disease status data were obtained from 7379 and 5710 individuals aged 30 + years, of whom 4620 partook in both time points. Both surveys included identical indicators of HRQoL (EuroQol-5 Dimension [EQ-5D], 15D), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]), visual acuity, and self-reported eye diseases. We assessed the impact of known eye diseases on these factors, adjusted for age, gender, and co-morbidities.

Results

Prevalence of self-reported eye diseases was 3.1/2.7% for glaucoma, 8.1/11.4% for cataract, and 3.4/3.8% for retinal degeneration in 2000 and 2011, and the average incidence between 2000 and 2011 was 22, 109, and 35 /year/10,000 individuals, respectively. These eye diseases were associated with a significant decrease in EQ-5D and 15D index scores in both time points. BDI and GHQ-12 scores were also worsened, with some variation between different eye diseases. Impaired vision was, however, the strongest determinant of declined HRQoL. During the 11-year follow-up the effect of eye diseases on HRQoL and mental health diminished.

Conclusion

Declined HRQoL associated with eye diseases is more related to impaired vision than the awareness of the disease itself, and this declining effect diminished during the follow-up. Therefore, information directed to the public on the risks and prevention of blindness can and should be strengthened to prevent the deleterious effects of visual impairment.
Correction to: A “Silent Revolution”: school reforms and Italy’s educational gender gap in the Liberal Age (1861–1921)
Authors: Cappelli Gabriele , Vasta Michelangelo
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper to make it open access has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11698-021-00227-4
Analytik von Cannabinoiden in biologischen Matrices — eine Übersicht
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Thiele Steffen
Published: March 2021

Cannabis is probably the best-known drug worldwide. Δ9-THC and 11-OH-Δ9-THC are the essential components that are responsible for the intoxicating and psychoactive effects. A general approval for pain therapy has been discussed for years. The analytical determination of low concentrations of Δ9-THC and its metabolites is therefore increasingly important. Quantitative tests in saliva, blood or urine require extensive analytical procedures including suitable sample preparation.
Mapping long-period soil resonances in the Kathmandu basin using microtremors
Authors: Trevisani S. , Pettenati F. , Paudyal S. , Sandron D.
Published: March 2021

This study reports the geostatistical analysis of a set of 40 single-station horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) passive seismic survey data collected in the Kathmandu basin (Nepal). The Kathmandu basin is characterized by a heterogeneous sedimentary cover and by a complex geo-structural setting, inducing a high spatial variability of the bedrock depth. Due to the complex geological setting, the interpretation and analysis of soil resonance periods derived from the HVSR surveys is challenging, both from the perspective of bedrock depth estimation as well as of seismic-site effects characterization. To exploit the available information, the HVSR data are analyzed by means of a geostatistical approach. First, the spatial continuity structure of HVSR data is investigated and interpreted taking into consideration the geological setting and available stratigraphic and seismic information. Then, the exploitation of potential auxiliary variables, based on surface morphology and distance from outcropping bedrock, is evaluated. Finally, the mapping of HVSR resonance periods, together with the evaluation of interpolation uncertainty, is obtained by means of kriging with external drift interpolation. This work contributes to the characterization of local seismic response of the Kathmandu basin. The resulting map of soil resonance periods is compatible with the results of preceding studies and it is characterized by a high spatial variability, even in areas with a deep bedrock and long resonance periods.
Endogenous sex steroid hormones and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bouras Emmanouil , Papandreou Christopher , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Tsilidis Konstantinos K.
Published: March 2021

Preclinical data suggest that endogenous sex steroid hormones may be implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, however, findings from epidemiological studies are conflicting. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between endogenous concentrations of sex hormones and CRC risk. PubMed and Scopus were searched until June 2020 for prospective studies evaluating the association between pre-diagnostic plasma/serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and CRC risk. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the inverse-variance weighted random-effects model based on the DerSimonian-Laird estimator. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis after evaluating 3,859 non-duplicate records. Four of the eight studies had a nested case–control design, one study was a case-cohort and the rest three studies were cohort studies, and they included on average 295 cases (range:48–732) and 2,105 controls. No associations were found for endogenous sex steroid hormones in men or post-menopausal women with CRC risk, with evidence for substantial heterogeneity observed among women. Findings from this meta-analysis do not support presence of associations between pre-diagnostic concentrations of testosterone, estradiol and SHBG with incident CRC risk in men and post-menopausal women.
Design of FOPID controller for higher order continuous interval system using improved approximation ensuring stability
Authors: Dewangan P. D. , Singh V. P. , Sinha S. L.
Published: March 2021

This contribution deals with the design of a fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller through reduce-order modeling for continuous interval systems. First, a higher order interval plant (HOIP) is considered. The reduced-order interval plant (ROIP) for considered HOIP is derived by multipoint Padé approximation integrated with Routh table. Then, FOPID controller is designed for ROIP to satisfy the phase margin and gain cross over frequency. Thus obtained FOPID controller is implemented on HOIP also to validate the performance of designed FOPID on HOIP. A single-input-single-output (SISO) test system is taken up to elaborate the entire process of controller design. The outcomes affirm the validity of the designed FOPID controller. The designed FOPID controller produced stable results retaining the phase margin and gain cross-over frequency when implemented on HOIP. The results further proved that FOPID controller is working efficiently for ROIP and HOIP.
Optimal fast Johnson–Lindenstrauss embeddings for large data sets
Authors: Bamberger Stefan , Krahmer Felix
Published: March 2021

Johnson–Lindenstrauss embeddings are widely used to reduce the dimension and thus the processing time of data. To reduce the total complexity, also fast algorithms for applying these embeddings are necessary. To date, such fast algorithms are only available either for a non-optimal embedding dimension or up to a certain threshold on the number of data points. We address a variant of this problem where one aims to simultaneously embed larger subsets of the data set. Our method follows an approach by Nelson et al. (New constructions of RIP matrices with fast multiplication and fewer rows. In: Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp. 1515-1528, 2014): a subsampled Hadamard transform maps points into a space of lower, but not optimal dimension. Subsequently, a random matrix with independent entries projects to an optimal embedding dimension. For subsets whose size scales at least polynomially in the ambient dimension, the complexity of this method comes close to the number of operations just to read the data under mild assumptions on the size of the data set that are considerably less restrictive than in previous works. We also prove a lower bound showing that subsampled Hadamard matrices alone cannot reach an optimal embedding dimension. Hence, the second embedding cannot be omitted.
Bridging the trust gaps in biometrics
Authors: Curtis Samuel , Belli Delfina , Alanoca Sacha , Bora Adriana , Miailhe Nicolas , Lannquist Yolanda
Published: March 2021

Biometric systems promise to transform our lives by enhancing capabilities to rapidly detect, analyse and respond to human features and behaviours. Yet while we are at the dawn of the AI age, the potential applications of biometric tools have already triggered unease in the public and heightened scrutiny from policymakers. These concerns have emerged against the backdrop of a global ‘techlash’ fuelled by growing anxiety over privacy breaches, loss of data rights and disinformation.
German and Chinese carmakers use FST's DIAvent valve, with a new generation prototype now being tested by customers
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: March 2021

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' DIAvent pressure compensation element that is designed to help engineers make electric vehicles more reliable and economical, and safe is now being used by German and Chinese car manufacturers. The company has also significantly enhanced the performance of the existing valve that provides pressure equalisation in batteries for electric cars – both during normal driving, and for emergency venting in the event of damage or accidents. In addition to providing details of the latest generation of this technology, this article also looks at some of the applications in which the original valve is being used.
Defending against insider threats with network security's eighth layer
Authors: Chapman Phil
Published: March 2021

It would be an understatement to say 2020 was a year of change, but here we are in March 2021, a world away from March 2020. As the UK Government juggles the socio-economic impacts of Covid-19 and now Brexit, daily news briefings are announcing new guidelines and initiatives to tackle a whole host of problems old and new yet it feels like the growing cyber security threat has been pushed to the bottom of the importance list.

With the changes in work practices brought about by the pandemic, security teams have found themselves going back to basics.

One area that needs special attention is the so-called ‘layer eight’ – the user. Organisations need to look at how they can reduce deliberate or inadvertent threats from insiders as working from home becomes the new normal. Businesses must implement strict network security policies, as well as looking at the role that the entire organisation plays in network security strategies, argues Phil Chapman of Firebrand Training.
Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Brazilian Justice
Authors: De Sanctis Fausto Martin
Published: March 2021

Artificial intelligence can bring benefits to legal practice, providing agility and precision. It can allow judicial decisions to be the result of the combination of algorithms, enabling the development of a system based on machine learning. This article seeks to demonstrate the current state of the use of artificial intelligence in the Brazilian justice system with the impact of the development of a deep learning system, merely the result of the automation of textual analyses of legal cases, which now serve as models. Reflection is more than necessary given the ethical issues that can arise in view of the inherent precepts that are usually impregnated in the judicial function. Civil servants, lawyers, prosecutors and judges should be guided by a pertinent regulation of new technologies and reflect on whether judicial decisions would be the result of human thinking or not, in addition to the risk that they can carry when the models are biased, in good or bad faith, due to erroneous classification or misinformation in the system.
Burial 61 at El Perú-Waka's Structure M13-1
Authors: Navarro-Farr Olivia C. , Pérez Robles Griselda , Pérez Calderón Juan Carlos , Menéndez Bolaños Elsa Damaris , Patterson Erin E. , Eppich Keith , Kelly Mary Kate
Published: March 2021

Structure M13-1 is a public monumental building in the heart of ancient El Perú-Waka’, Petén, Guatemala, and is the location of Burial 61, an entombed Late Classic (seventh-century) ruler. In this report, we discuss mortuary evidence that we believe permits identification of the interred as the historically known queen, Lady K'abel.