bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of linear multiple regression and artificial neural network for long-term rainfall forecasting in Western Australia
Authors: Khastagir Anirban , Hossain Iqbal , Anwar A. H. M. Faisal
Published: July 2022

Precipitation is one of the most intrinsic resources for manifold industrial activities all over Western Australia; consequently, immaculate rainfall prediction is indispensable for flood mitigation as well as water resources management. This study investigated the performance of artificial neural networks (ANN) and Linear multiple regression (LMR) analysis to forecast long-term seasonal spring rainfall in Western Australia, using lagged El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) as potential climatic phenomena. The ANN was developed in the form of multilayer perceptron using Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and subsequently LMR was used with statistical significance for future spring rainfall forecast. The total climatic dataset has been divided into calibration and testing phases to determine the efficacy of the developed models. Different statistical skill tests such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Willmott index of agreement ‘d’ were used to assess the efficacy of LMR and ANN modelling. In general, LMR has lower MAE and RMSE values as compared to ANN for most of the stations during calibration and testing periods, whereas ANN models performed better than LMR models based on ‘d’ values. The overall statistical analysis paradigm suggests the efficacy of LMR over ANN models for rainfall forecasting using more climatic variables. As a result, the developed LMR model, incorporated with lagged global climate indices, will facilitate the adequate preparedness for the risks associated with potential droughts in the study region.
On the dynamic response of bi-directional functionally graded nanobeams under moving harmonic load accounting for surface effect
Authors: Attia Mohamed A. , Shanab Rabab A.
Published: July 2022

This paper presents an investigation of the dynamic behavior of bi-directionally functionally graded (BDFG) micro/nanobeams excited by a moving harmonic load. The formulation is established in the context of the surface elasticity theory and the modified couple stress theory to incorporate the effects of surface energy and microstructure, respectively. Based on the generalized elasticity theory and the parabolic shear deformation beam theory, the nonclassical governing equations of the problem are obtained using Lagrange’s equation accounting for the physical neutral plane concept. The material properties of the beam smoothly change along both the axial and thickness directions according to power-law distribution, accounting for the gradation of the material length scale parameter and the surface parameters, i.e., residual surface stress, two surface elastic constants, and surface mass density. Using trigonometric Ritz method (TRM), the trial functions denoting transverse, axial deflections, and rotation of the cross sections of the beam are expressed in sinusoidal form. Then, with the aid of Lagrange’s equation, the system of equations of motion are derived. Finally, Newmark method is employed to find the dynamic responses of BDFG subjected to a moving harmonic load. To validate the present formulation and solution method, some comparisons of the obtained fundamental frequency and dynamic response with those available in the literature are performed. A parametric study is performed to extensively explore the impact of the key parameters such as the gradient indices in both directions, moving speed, and excitation frequency of the acting load on the dynamic response of BDFG nanobeams. The obtained results can serve as a guideline for assessing the multi-functional and optimal design of micro/nanobeams acted upon by a moving load.
Wear behavior and abrasiveness of monolithic CAD/CAM ceramics after simulated mastication
Authors: Fouda Ahmed Mahmoud , Atta Osama , Kassem Amr Shebl , Desoky Mohamed , Bourauel Christoph
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the wear resistance and abrasiveness of monolithic CAD/CAM ceramics.

Materials and methods

Rectangular-shaped specimens (12 mm × 6.5 mm × 1.5 mm) were sectioned from the following CAD/CAM blocks (n = 10); partially crystallized lithium disilicate (PLD), experimental fully crystallized lithium disilicate (FLD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS), super-translucent monolithic zirconia (SMZ), and ultra-translucent monolithic zirconia (UMZ). Silicon carbide papers were used to mechanically flatten and polish the surfaces. PLD specimens were subjected to a combined crystallization/glazing firing cycle. Ceramic specimens were mounted to the wear device and tested for 200,000 cycles against human premolars at 20 N force and 2 mm sliding distance. Artificial saliva was used as a lubricant. The teeth were scanned using micro-CT before and after the wear test and the generated models were overlapped to determine the volumetric tooth loss. Before and after the test, specimens’ weights and surface roughness (Ra) values were measured, and the differences were calculated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized for microstructural and chemical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA or an equivalent test for non-parametric results. Significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

The type of ceramic material affected the ceramic and antagonist wear rates (P < 0.001). PLD and ZLS had the highest ceramic and antagonist wear, whereas UMZ and SMZ demonstrated the lowest wear values. The FLD group showed comparable antagonist wear and significantly less ceramic wear than PLD and ZLS.

Conclusions

Monolithic zirconia demonstrated the best wear resistance and least abrasiveness to the antagonist. The experimental lithium disilicate was more wear-resistant than other glass–ceramic groups.

Clinical relevance

Monolithic zirconia is wear-resistant and gentle on the antagonist. In contrast, glass–ceramics are more abrasive to enamel.
Tracing security requirements in industrial control systems using graph databases
Authors: Tanveer Awais , Sharma Chandan , Sinha Roopak , Kuo Matthew M. Y.
Published: July 2022

We must explicitly capture relationships and hierarchies between the multitude of system and security standards requirements. Current security requirements specification methods do not capture such structure effectively, making requirements management and traceability harder, consequently increasing costs and time to market for developing certified ICS. We propose a novel requirements repository model for ICS that uses labelled property graphs to structure and store system-specific and standards-based requirements using well-defined relationship types. Furthermore, we integrate the proposed requirements repository with design-time ICS tools to establish requirements traceability. A wind turbine case study illustrates the overall workflow in our framework. We demonstrate that a robust requirements traceability matrix is a natural consequence of using labelled property graphs. We also introduce a compatible requirements change management procedure that aids in adapting to changes in development and certification schemes.
Methods to alleviate the inhibition of sludge anaerobic digestion by emerging contaminants: a review
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed , Mohsen Mohamed , Ismail Sherif , Alhajeri Nawaf S. , Osman Ahmed I. , Rooney David W.
Published: July 2022

The rising occurrence of emerging contaminants in sludges both inhibits the anaerobic digestion of sludges and induces health issues when sludges are recycled in agriculture, calling for methods to remove contaminants. Here we review emerging pollutants in wastewater treatment plants, before and after anaerobic digestion. We present their inhibitory effects and remediation methods to alleviate inhibition. Pharmaceuticals have been detected in about 50% of the sludge samples. Sewage sludge contaminants include 19% of diuretics, 16–21% of lipid-modifying agents, hydrochlorothiazide, diclofenac, furosemide, clarithromycin, atorvastatin, and carbamazepine. Levels of antibiotics, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and estrone range from 500 to 600 ng/g in sludges from wastewater treatment plants. Remediation methods comprise electrooxidation, ultrasonication, thermal hydrolysis, ozonation, and bioaugmentation. Fermenting the sludges with acidogenic bacteria reduces the level of emerging pollutants in the supernatant. Nonetheless, liquid digestates still contains emerging pollutants such as sunscreen octocrylene at 147 ug/L and acetaminophen at 58.6 ug/L. As a result, pretreatment of sludge containing emerging pollutants is required.
Dead-infant carrying by chimpanzee mothers in the Budongo Forest
Authors: Soldati Adrian , Fedurek Pawel , Crockford Catherine , Adue Sam , Akankwasa John Walter , Asiimwe Caroline , Asua Jackson , Atayo Gideon , Chandia Boscou , Freymann Elodie , Fryns Caroline , Muhumuza Geresomu , Taylor Derry , Zuberbühler Klaus , Hobaiter Catherine
Published: July 2022

It has been suggested that non-human primates can respond to deceased conspecifics in ways that suggest they experience psychological states not unlike humans, some of which could indicate they exhibit a notion of death. Here, we report long-term demographic data from two East African chimpanzee groups. During a combined 40-year observation period, we recorded 191 births of which 68 died in infancy, mostly within the first year. We documented the post-mortem behaviour of the mothers and describe nine occasions where Budongo chimpanzee mothers carried infants for 1–3 days after their death, usually until the body started to decompose. We also observed three additional cases of extended carrying lasting for more than 2 weeks, one of which was followed by the unusual extended carrying of an object and another which lasted 3 months. In each case, the corpses mummified. In addition, we report four instances of recurring dead-infant carrying by mothers, three of whom carried the corpse for longer during the second instance. We discuss these observations in view of functional hypotheses of dead-infant carrying in primates and the potential proximate mechanisms involved in this behaviour.
Evaluation of a multi-component training programme for employees aged 50+
Authors: Hüber Tanja , Käser Udo , Stahlhofen Lena , Görtner Lara , Röhr-Sendlmeier Una
Published: July 2022

Lifelong learning offers an opportunity for mature employees to stay adept in the light of changing demands, to promote health and counteract physical and cognitive decline. This intervention study evaluates the effects of a multi-component training programme for employees aged 50+ , focussing on competence expectations, stress management, cognitive, metacognitive and psychomotoric training. Effects were evaluated in a longitudinal control group design with follow-up after six months (24 training groups,n = 247, participants per group:M = 13.04,SD = 2.44; control group,n = 199). To control for experimenter effects the same programme was administered to 6 additional groups by trained instructors (n = 54, participants per group:M = 11.83,SD = 3.37). To validate effects of the multi-component training 12 supplementary groups were included, with 4 groups each focusing on either the competence (n = 49, participants per group:M = 15.00,SD = 0.00) or cognitive (n = 43, participants per group:M = 14.25,SD = 1.50) or stress management components (n = 41, participants per group:M = 14.50,SD = 0.58). Data of 633 adults (mean age:M = 55.03,SD = 3.71 years) were analysed. Participants reported high acceptance of the programme. The multi-component training programme was effective regarding improvements in subjective health, self-concept of professional competence, self-efficacy, coping with stress and cognitive abilities with long-term effects for the latter four. Trainings administered by trained instructors had similar effects to those administered by the programme’s designers. The single-component trainings led to specific effects in the focused areas, overall comparable to those of the multi-component training. Unexpectedly, cognitive effects were obtained by all single-component trainings. Subjective health and self-efficacy were only promoted by the multi-component training, indicating broader effects. The results are discussed with respect to strengths and limitations of the study, possible mechanisms underlying the effects, suggestions for further research as well as for the training’s implementation in business practice.
Language and communication in international students’ adaptation: a bibliometric and content analysis review
Authors: Wilczewski Michał , Alon Ilan
Published: July 2022

This article systematically reviews the literature (313 articles) on language and communication in international students’ cross-cultural adaptation in institutions of higher education for 1994–2021. We used bibliometric analysis to identify the most impactful journals and articles, and the intellectual structure of the field. We used content analysis to synthesize the results within each research stream and suggest future research directions. We established two major research streams: second-language proficiency and interactions in the host country. We found inconclusive results about the role of communication with co-nationals in students’ adaptation, which contradicts the major adaptation theories. New contextualized research and the use of other theories could help explain the contradictory results and develop the existing theories. Our review suggests the need to theoretically refine the interrelationships between the interactional variables and different adaptation domains. Moreover, to create a better fit between the empirical data and the adaptation models, research should test the mediating effects of second-language proficiency and the willingness to communicate with locals. Finally, research should focus on students in non-Anglophone countries and explore the effects of remote communication in online learning on students’ adaptation. We document the intellectual structure of the research on the role of language and communication in international students’ adaptation and suggest a future research agenda.
Resonant Atmospheric Plasma-Sprayed Ceramic Layers Effectively absorb Microwaves at 170 GHz
Authors: Hentrich Andreas , Garcia Venancio Martinez , Killinger Andreas , Plaum Burkhard , Lechte Carsten , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: July 2022

Microwave absorbing layer materials (MALMs) are extremely important for many components in fusion reactors to absorb microwave radiation in a controlled manner and with predictable power density. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of absorption properties of absorber coating materials used is necessary. Plasma-sprayed mixed oxide coatings are most commonly used in those applications where moderate power density is expected. In this paper, a plane wave absorption model is presented using refractive index and absorption coefficient as internal parameters and incidence angle, polarization, and layer thickness as external parameters. The model has been calculated assuming radiation of 170 GHz, as envisaged for the ITER research facility. Three atmospheric plasma-sprayed coating materials were considered in this work: titanium dioxide (TiO2), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), and a mixed aluminum-titanium oxide Al2O3-TiO2 (40/60). Theoretical results are compared with free wave measurements with two antennas. Different coating thicknesses have been prepared and measured in different polarization and incidence angles. Results are discussed regarding polarization, incidence angle, layer thickness, absorption coefficient, and refractive index.
Parents’ Willingness to Pay for Bilingualism: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Vega-Bayo Ainhoa , Mariel Petr
Published: July 2022

We analyse parental school preferences in two contiguous provinces of northern Spain, which offer very different school choices since only one of them is bilingual. Basque-Spanish bilingualism affects the school system, labour market, and, consequently, family budgets in the Basque Country. In Cantabria, Spanish is the only official language, and English is the second language typically offered in the school system. Using two discrete choice experiments applied to school choice, we estimate parents’ willingness to pay for different school characteristics in the two areas. We find that the most highly valued school characteristic in both areas is the language of instruction, but in the Basque Country, where the minority language indirectly has a wage premium in the local labour market, its importance relative to other characteristics is more salient.
Benchmarking household storm surge risk perceptions to scientific models in the Philippines
Authors: Opdyke Aaron , Chiang Desmond , Tsang Anthony , Smyth Jacob
Published: July 2022

Household perceptions of hazards play an important role in mobilizing efforts for disaster risk reduction. This research aimed to examine perceptions of storm surge in the Philippines through a case study of the Municipality of Carigara located in the province of Leyte. Surveys from 1,093 households were collected asking about perceived storm surge exposure. Building vulnerability indicators were combined with storm surge inundation models and household perceptions to compare differences in storm surge risk. More than half of households in modelled inundation zones either did not know their exposure or believed they were not exposed to 2-m surge heights and above. While there was alignment between modelled and perceived risk of low-level storm surge events, our results show a significant disconnect between household perceptions and probabilistic models for larger storm surge inundation events, pointing to continued gaps in storm surge knowledge in the Philippines.
Iron absorption and phosphate-lowering effects of ferric citrate hydrate are not influenced by gastric acid secretion inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease: a retrospective post hoc analysis
Authors: Ito Kyoko , Yokoyama Keitaro
Published: July 2022

Background

Ferric citrate hydrate (FC), an oral iron product is approved as iron preparation for iron deficiency anemia and phosphate binder for chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated whether gastric acid secretion inhibitors (GASI) influenced on iron absorption and phosphate-lowering effects of FC.

Methods

Two phase 3 studies of FC for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients (non-dialysis-dependent, 12 weeks, and hemodialysis, 52 weeks), were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into with or without concomitant GASI and levels of iron- and phosphate-related parameters were analyzed.

Results

In non-dialysis study (FC, 60 patients; placebo, 30 patients), 14 FC patients and 14 placebo patients used GASI. No significant differences were found between the FC and placebo groups for adjusted mean differences (95% CI) of changes from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) in serum ferritin [104.84 ng/mL (35.97, 173.71) with GASI vs 145.30 ng/mL (96.34, 194.25) without GASI, P = 0.34], and transferrin saturation (TSAT) [12.56% (− 0.83, 25.95) with GASI vs 18.56% (8.15, 28.98) without GASI, P = 0.49]. In hemodialysis study, 95/180 patients used GASI. Mean changes (SD) from baseline to EOT in serum ferritin were 166.32 ng/mL (153.70) with GASI and 155.16 ng/mL (139.47) without GASI, and for TSAT were 16.60% (19.44) with GASI and 16.02% (18.81) without GASI. In both studies, there were no differences in the changes from baseline to EOT in serum phosphate between with and without GASI cohorts.

Conclusion

GASI did not influence on the changes in serum ferritin, TSAT and serum phosphate by FC administration.
Travelling-Wave and Asymptotic Analysis of a Multiphase Moving Boundary Model for Engineered Tissue Growth
Authors: Jepson Jacob M. , Fadai Nabil T. , O’Dea Reuben D.
Published: July 2022

We derive a multiphase, moving boundary model to represent the development of tissue in vitro in a porous tissue engineering scaffold. We consider a cell, extra-cellular liquid and a rigid scaffold phase, and adopt Darcy’s law to relate the velocity of the cell and liquid phases to their respective pressures. Cell–cell and cell–scaffold interactions which can drive cellular motion are accounted for by utilising relevant constitutive assumptions for the pressure in the cell phase. We reduce the model to a nonlinear reaction–diffusion equation for the cell phase, coupled to a moving boundary condition for the tissue edge, the diffusivity being dependent on the cell and scaffold volume fractions, cell and liquid viscosities and parameters that relate to cellular motion. Numerical simulations reveal that the reduced model admits three regimes for the evolution of the tissue edge at large time: linear, logarithmic and stationary. Employing travelling-wave and asymptotic analysis, we characterise these regimes in terms of parameters related to cellular production and motion. The results of our investigation allow us to suggest optimal values for the governing parameters, so as to stimulate tissue growth in an engineering scaffold.
3D localization from 2D X-ray projection
Authors: Bertsche Dagmar , Rasche Volker , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Vernikouskaya Ina
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Most cardiology procedures are guided using X-ray (XR) fluoroscopy. However, the projective nature of the XR fluoroscopy does not allow for true depth perception as required for safe and efficient intervention guidance in structural heart diseases. For improving guidance, different methods have been proposed often being radiation-intensive, time-consuming, or expensive. We propose a simple 3D localization method based on a single monoplane XR projection using a co-registered centerline model.

Methods

The method is based on 3D anatomic surface models and corresponding centerlines generated from preprocedural imaging. After initial co-registration, 2D working points identified in monoplane XR projections are localized in 3D by minimizing the angle between the projection lines of the centerline points and the working points. The accuracy and reliability of the located 3D positions were assessed in 3D using phantom data and in patient data projected to 2D obtained during placement of embolic protection system in interventional procedures.

Results

With the proposed methods, 2D working points identified in monoplane XR could be successfully located in the 3D phantom and in the patient-specific 3D anatomy. Accuracy in the phantom (3D) resulted in 1.6 mm (± 0.8 mm) on average, and 2.7 mm (± 1.3 mm) on average in the patient data (2D).

Conclusion

The use of co-registered centerline models allows reliable and accurate 3D localization of devices from a single monoplane XR projection during placement of the embolic protection system in TAVR. The extension to different vascular interventions and combination with automatic methods for device detection and registration might be promising.
Activity-related dyspnea in older adults participating in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Verschoor Chris P. , Cakmak Sabit , Lukina Anna O. , Dales Robert E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Dyspnea is associated with functional impairment and impaired quality of life. There is limited information on the potential risk factors for dyspnea in an older adult population.

Objectives

Among older adults aged 45 to 85 years of age, what sociodemographic, environmental, and disease related factors are correlated with dyspnea?

Design

We used cross-sectional questionnaire data collected on 28,854 participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA). Multinomial regression was used to assess the independent effect of individual variables adjusting for the other variables of interest.

Key Results

The adjusted odds ratios for dyspnea “walking on flat surfaces” were highest for obesity (OR, 5.71; 95%CI, 4.71-6.93), lung disease (OR, 3.91; 95%CI, 3.41-4.49), and depression (OR, 3.68; 95%CI, 3.15-4.29), and were greater than 2 for lower income, and heart disease. The effect of diabetes remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographics, heart disease and BMI (OR, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.39-1.86). Those with both respiratory disease and depression had a 12.78-fold (95%CI, 10.09-16.19) increased odds of exertional dyspnea, while the corresponding OR for the combination of heart disease and depression was 18.31 (95%CI, 13.4-25.01).

Conclusions

In a community sample of older adults, many correlates of dyspnea exist which have significant independent and combined effects. These factors should be considered in the clinical context where dyspnea is out of proportion to the degree of heart and lung disease. Whether or not diabetes may possibly be a risk factor for dyspnea merits further investigation.
Present and Future Trends of Sustainable Eldercare Services in China
Authors: Marinelli Maurizio , Zhang Jane , Ying Zoe
Published: July 2022

Ageing population is one of the most fundamental socio-economic transformations of the twenty-first century, with significant policy implications. China, the world’s most populous nation, is no exception. The necessity for cost-effective, culture-appropriate and sustainable eldercare services is one of the Government’s priorities, in both present and future. This research uses a focus-group interviews methodology to explore sustainable models of eldercare services through an in-depth comparative analysis of care demands and service provision in two Chinese cities. The study reflects a prevailing trend of the integrated-care service mix in line with the United Nations’ five most relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 3, 5, 10, 11) for older adults. In addition to the 7Ps of the service marketing mix, this article highlights the particular importance of ‘Partnership’ in sustainable care delivery in China. The past-present-future scenario and the thematic analysis of older adults’ pattern-matching add two unique dimensions to population ageing and eldercare studies: ‘People’ and ‘Partnership’.
Kummer quartic double solids
Authors: Cheltsov Ivan
Published: July 2022

We study equivariant birational geometry of (rational) quartic double solids ramified over (singular) Kummer surfaces.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel TMEM63A Gangs Up with Local Macrophages to Modulate Chronic Post-amputation Pain
Authors: Pu Shaofeng , Wu Yiyang , Tong Fang , Du Wan-Jie , Liu Shuai , Yang Huan , Zhang Chen , Zhou Bin , Chen Ziyue , Zhou Xiaomeng , Han Qingjian , Du Dongping
Published: July 2022

Post-amputation pain causes great suffering to amputees, but still no effective drugs are available due to its elusive mechanisms. Our previous clinical studies found that surgical removal or radiofrequency treatment of the neuroma at the axotomized nerve stump effectively relieves the phantom pain afflicting patients after amputation. This indicated an essential role of the residual nerve stump in the formation of chronic post-amputation pain (CPAP). However, the molecular mechanism by which the residual nerve stump or neuroma is involved and regulates CPAP is still a mystery. In this study, we found that nociceptors expressed the mechanosensitive ion channel TMEM63A and macrophages infiltrated into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons worked synergistically to promote CPAP. Histology and qRT-PCR showed that TMEM63A was mainly expressed in mechanical pain-producing non-peptidergic nociceptors in the DRG, and the expression of TMEM63A increased significantly both in the neuroma from amputated patients and the DRG in a mouse model of tibial nerve transfer (TNT). Behavioral tests showed that the mechanical, heat, and cold sensitivity were not affected in the Tmem63a-/- mice in the naïve state, suggesting the basal pain was not affected. In the inflammatory and post-amputation state, the mechanical allodynia but not the heat hyperalgesia or cold allodynia was significantly decreased in Tmem63a-/- mice. Further study showed that there was severe neuronal injury and macrophage infiltration in the DRG, tibial nerve, residual stump, and the neuroma-like structure of the TNT mouse model, Consistent with this, expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β all increased dramatically in the DRG. Interestingly, the deletion of Tmem63a significantly reduced the macrophage infiltration in the DRG but not in the tibial nerve stump. Furthermore, the ablation of macrophages significantly reduced both the expression of Tmem63a and the mechanical allodynia in the TNT mouse model, indicating an interaction between nociceptors and macrophages, and that these two factors gang up together to regulate the formation of CPAP. This provides a new insight into the mechanisms underlying CPAP and potential drug targets its treatment.
Cortical Mechanisms of Multisensory Linear Self-motion Perception
Authors: Zhou Luxin , Gu Yong
Published: July 2022

Accurate self-motion perception, which is critical for organisms to survive, is a process involving multiple sensory cues. The two most powerful cues are visual (optic flow) and vestibular (inertial motion). Psychophysical studies have indicated that humans and nonhuman primates integrate the two cues to improve the estimation of self-motion direction, often in a statistically Bayesian-optimal way. In the last decade, single-unit recordings in awake, behaving animals have provided valuable neurophysiological data with a high spatial and temporal resolution, giving insight into possible neural mechanisms underlying multisensory self-motion perception. Here, we review these findings, along with new evidence from the most recent studies focusing on the temporal dynamics of signals in different modalities. We show that, in light of new data, conventional thoughts about the cortical mechanisms underlying visuo-vestibular integration for linear self-motion are challenged. We propose that different temporal component signals may mediate different functions, a possibility that requires future studies.
Differential skeletal preservation between sexes: a diachronic study in Milan over 2000 years
Authors: Biehler-Gomez Lucie , Mattia Mirko , Mondellini Marta , Palazzolo Luca , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: July 2022

A recurring observation in the literature is that females tend to be less represented than males in osteological collections. How can we explain such observations? Do female skeletons preserve less well than their male counterparts? In this study, 200 skeletons from the Collezione Antropologica LABANOF (CAL), equally divided between sexes, were selected from four archaeological sites of Milan, representing a continuum of about 2000 years. The state of preservation was analyzed according to three criteria: quantity, quality, and integrity. Linear model and ANOVA statistical analyses were performed using R software. As a result, females tend to be less complete than males, regardless of age-at-death or post-mortem interval (PMI). Preservation also showed lower values as PMI increased, except for the medieval sample, which may be explained by soil taphonomy and/or general poor bone health. This is one of the few studies to demonstrate a differential skeletal preservation between sexes, supporting bone mineral density as a major factor of bone survival. Further studies may strengthen our results and confirm the trends observed in this paper.
Enhanced formulation for the Guillotine 2D Cutting Knapsack Problem
Authors: Becker Henrique , Araújo Olinto , Buriol Luciana S.
Published: July 2022

We advance the state of the art in Mixed-Integer Linear Programming formulations for Guillotine 2D Cutting Problems by (i) adapting a previously-known reduction to our preprocessing phase (plate-size normalization) and by (ii) enhancing a previous formulation (PP-G2KP from Furini et alli) by cutting down its size and symmetries. Our focus is the Guillotine 2D Knapsack Problem with orthogonal and unrestricted cuts, constrained demand, unlimited stages, and no rotation – however, the formulation may be adapted to many related problems. The code is available. Concerning the set of 59 instances used to benchmark the original formulation, the enhanced formulation takes about 4 hours to solve all instances while the original formulation takes 12 hours to solve 53 of them (the other six runs hit a three-hour time limit each). We integrate, to both formulations, a pricing framework proposed for the original formulation; the enhanced formulation keeps a significant advantage in this situation. Finally, in a recently proposed set of 80 harder instances, the enhanced formulation (with and without the pricing framework) found: 22 optimal solutions (5 already known, 17 new); better lower bounds for 25 instances; better upper bounds for 58 instances.
Aquananotechnology: oriented-sawdust waste valorization into magnetic nanocellulosic particles for Synozol Red K-HL sorption prospect
Authors: Tony Maha A.
Published: July 2022

High loaded textile dying effluents should undergo for treatment prior to final disposal into the environment. The current study aimed to apply naturally abundant and cheap by-product material namely sawdust (SWD) to develop magnetized cellulosic nano-adsorbent based on magnetite nanoparticles for reactive dye removal namely Synozol Red K-HL (R K-HL). The powder of SWD, which is available through various industries, was modified via pre-treatment with acid hydrolysis and bleaching before blending them with magnetite particles which is synthesized via co-precipitation route. Sawdust (SWD) conjugated with Fe3O4at different weight percentages (wt%), i.e. SF-(1:1), SF-(2:1), SF-(3:1), SF-(5:1) and SF-(1:2), then subjected to microwave technique, and then characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD); transmission electron microscope (TEM); Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Thereafter, the effects of system parameters on adsorption capability, i.e. pH, temperature and dye loading were studied using the modified adsorbents. The SF-(2:1) adsorbent showed the highest affectivity which achieved the highest (21.71 mg g−1) adsorption uptake with a catalyst dosage of 1 g L−1. Moreover, a complete dye removal (100%) was attained at low initial dye loading in the aqueous medium. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models and their corresponding constants were calculated and discussed. The experimental results showed that the Langmuir isotherm model is well expressed in the experimental data. The kinetics of R K-HL dye removal was found to depend on operational temperature. A study of three kinetic models has been made, and the Bangham’s kinetic model was found to describe the adsorption of dye R K-HL on all the adsorbents applied. The adsorption of reactive R K-HL onto magnetized sawdust adsorbents was spontaneous and exothermic in nature as concluded from thermodynamic assays. Experimental results verified that dye R K-HL could be successfully eliminated feasibly from the aqueous stream in economic way.
Agnostic Explanation of Model Change based on Feature Importance
Authors: Muschalik Maximilian , Fumagalli Fabian , Hammer Barbara , Hüllermeier Eyke
Published: July 2022

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has mainly focused on static learning tasks so far. In this paper, we consider XAI in the context of online learning in dynamic environments, such as learning from real-time data streams, where models are learned incrementally and continuously adapted over the course of time. More specifically, we motivate the problem ofexplaining model change, i.e. explaining the difference between models before and after adaptation, instead of the models themselves. In this regard, we provide the first efficient model-agnostic approach to dynamically detecting, quantifying, and explaining significant model changes. Our approach is based on an adaptation of the well-known Permutation Feature Importance (PFI) measure. It includes two hyperparameters that control the sensitivity and directly influence explanation frequency, so that a human user can adjust the method to individual requirements and application needs. We assess and validate our method’s efficacy on illustrative synthetic data streams with three popular model classes.
Investigating the Equivalent Plastic Strain in a Variable Ring Length and Strut Width Thin-Strut Bioresorbable Scaffold
Authors: Hoddy Ben , Ahmed Naveed , Al-Lamee Kadem , Bullett Nial , Curzen Nick , Bressloff Neil W.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The ArterioSorb$$^{\rm{{TM}}}$$

TM

bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) developed by Arterius Ltd is about to enter first in man clinical trials. Previous generations of BRS have been vulnerable to brittle fracture, when expanded via balloon inflation in-vivo, which can be extremely detrimental to patient outcome. Therefore, this study explores the effect of variable ring length and strut width (as facilitated by the ArterioSorb$$^{\rm{{TM}}}$$

TM

design) on fracture resistance via analysis of the distribution of equivalent plastic strain in the scaffold struts post expansion. Scaffold performance is also assessed with respect to side branch access, radial strength, final deployed diameter and percentage recoil.

Methods

Finite element analysis was conducted of the crimping, expansion and radial crushing of five scaffold designs comprising different variations in ring length and strut width. The Abaqus/Explicit (DS SIMULIA) solution method was used for all simulations. Direct comparison between in-silico predictions and in-vitro measurements of the performance of the open cell variant of the ArterioSorb$$^{\rm{{TM}}}$$

TM

were made. Paths across the width of the crown apex and around the scaffold rings were defined along which the plastic strain distribution was analysed.

Results

The in-silico results demonstrated good predictions of final shape for the baseline scaffold design. Percentage recoil and radial strength were predicted to be, respectively, 2.8 and 1.7 times higher than the experimentally measured values, predominantly due to the limitations of the anisotropic elasto-plastic material property model used for the scaffold. Average maximum values of equivalent plastic strain were up to 2.4 times higher in the wide strut designs relative to the narrow strut scaffolds. As well as the concomitant risk of strut fracture, the wide strut designs also exhibited twisting and splaying behaviour at the crowns located on the scaffold end rings. Not only are these phenomena detrimental to the radial strength and risk of strut fracture but they also increase the likelihood of damage to the vessel wall. However, the baseline scaffold design was observed to tolerate significant over expansion without inducing excessive plastic strains, a result which is particularly encouraging, due to post-dilatation being commonplace in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Therefore, the narrow strut designs investigated herein, are likely to offer optimal performance and potentially better patient outcomes. Further work should address the material modelling of next generation polymeric BRS to more accurately capture their mechanical behaviour. Observation of the in-vitro testing indicates that the ArterioSorb$$^{\rm{{TM}}}$$

TM

BRS can tolerate greater levels of over expansion than anticipated.
Horizontal tail buffeting characteristics at wing vortex flow impact
Authors: Stegmüller Julius , Katzenmeier Lukas , Breitsamter Christian
Published: July 2022

Modern, high-agility aircraft configurations often suffer from tail buffeting at subsonic speeds and medium to high angles of attack. This structural dynamic excitation through the unsteady flow field can result in heavy structural damage and degraded handling qualities. A flexible wind tunnel half model was developed at the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics of the Technical University of Munich in cooperation with the Department of Acoustics and Vibration of Airbus Defence and Space. To provide enough flexibility, the wing and horizontal tail plane (HTP) are 3D-printed from polylactide (PLA). The model is used to experimentally analyze buffeting and to validate computational buffeting prediction. The objective of the present work is to examine aeroelastic phenomena with the modular designed flexible wind tunnel model. The measurement campaign takes place at the Göttingen type wind tunnel A. The model is equipped with various sensors. For unsteady pressure measurements on the surface of the wing and the HTP, piezo-resistive Kulite pressure transducers are installed on the wing and on the HTP. In addition, the flow field is described on the basis of numerical simulation results. For analyzing the structural response resulting from buffeting, miniature accelerometers are installed at the tips of the wing and the HTP. Strain gauges are used for calculating bending strains. As a reference case, a fully aluminum model is equipped correspondingly, but without strain gauges. Dominant frequencies corresponding to the structural eigenmodes can be identified and are excited in the PLA-setup (Buffeting). The unsteady pressure fluctuations on the surfaces act as the aerodynamic excitation input (Buffet). The measured tip accelerations of wing and tail are compared to simulation results with a one-way coupling CFD-CSM simulation.
Realistic flight conditions on ground: new research facility for cabin ventilation
Authors: Lange Pascal , Dehne Tobias , Schmeling Daniel , Dannhauer Axel , Gores Ingo
Published: July 2022

A new full-scale test bench was developed and set up at the German Aerospace Center in Göttingen to experimentally analyze novel ventilation approaches for aircraft under realistic thermodynamic boundary conditions. The new ground-based test rig represents a modern twin-aisle cabin layout characteristic for long-haul airliners. In addition to having a realistic cabin geometry, it also facilitates the experimental simulation of thermodynamic boundary conditions to study the performance of alternative ventilation concepts for different flight phases (e.g., climbing or cruising). The implemented fuselage elements as well as the floor are temperature controllable. Using this kind of mantle heating/cooling system allows dynamic changes of inner surface temperatures in a range covering the operationally relevant temperature and time scales. With this experimental set-up, a complete flight scenario (i.e., taxiing, climbing, cruising and descent) can be simulated thermodynamically. Thermal manikins were used during the studies to simulate the passenger’s heat impact experimentally. Latest measurement techniques comprising the acquisition of flow velocities, fluid temperatures as well as surface temperatures were used. Based on these data, integral quantities like the mean temperature stratification and mean velocity levels near the manikins, the heat removal efficiency as well as the predicted mean vote and the percentage of dissatisfied passengers were calculated to score the ventilation concepts in terms of passenger comfort for two different operational scenarios under steady boundary conditions.
On the Sombor characteristic polynomial and Sombor energy of a graph
Authors: Ghanbari Nima
Published: July 2022

Let G be a simple graph with vertex set $$V(G) = \{v_1, v_2,\ldots , v_n\}$$

V

(
G
)

=

{

v
1

,

v
2

,
…
,

v
n

}

. The Sombor matrix of G, denoted by $$A_{SO}(G)$$

A

SO

(
G
)

, is defined as the $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

matrix whose (i, j)-entry is $$\sqrt{d_i^2+d_j^2}$$

d
i
2

+

d
j
2

if $$v_i$$

v
i

and $$v_j$$

v
j

are adjacent and 0 for another cases. Let the eigenvalues of the Sombor matrix $$A_{SO}(G)$$

A

SO

(
G
)

be $$\rho _1\ge \rho _2\ge \cdots \ge \rho _n$$

ρ
1

≥

ρ
2

≥
⋯
≥

ρ
n

which are the roots of the Sombor characteristic polynomial $$\prod _{i=1}^n (\rho -\rho _i)$$

∏

i
=
1

n

(
ρ
-

ρ
i

)

. The Sombor energy $${E_{SO}}$$

E

SO

of G is the sum of absolute values of the eigenvalues of $$A_{SO}(G)$$

A

SO

(
G
)

. In this paper, we compute the Sombor characteristic polynomial and the Sombor energy for some graph classes, define Sombor energy unique and propose a conjecture on Sombor energy.
Experiences of Friendships for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: A Scoping Review
Authors: Black Melissa H. , Kuzminski Rebecca , Wang Jing , Ang Jessica , Lee Cheryl , Hafidzuddin Siti , McGarry Sarah
Published: July 2022

Friendships are vital to mental health and well-being. Understanding autistic individuals’ lived experiences of friendship is necessary to support friendship development. A scoping review exploring autistic individuals’ experiences of friendship was undertaken to understand their perspectives of friendship. Electronic database and manual reference searches identified twenty-two studies exploring autistic perspectives of friendship. Results were synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach across the lifespan. Findings highlight the common and unique experiences of friendship among autistic individuals. While autistic individuals defined friendship based on homophily and propinquity, similar to non-autistic individuals, unique challenges including friendship insecurity, monotropism and efforts to conform to neurotypical social norms, leading to anxiety, were experienced by autistic individuals.
To Derogate or to Restrict? The COVID-19 Pandemic, Proportionality and the Justificatory Gap in European Human Rights Law
Authors: Zysset Alain
Published: July 2022

In this paper, I offer an analytical and normative framework to re-visit the question of whether state parties should derogate from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic via harsh ‘lockdown’ measures. It is three-pronged. First, I show that the predominant debate on the (non-)derogation question is informed by a textual approach to adjudication, which severely limits the analytical and evaluative horizon for addressing the issue. Most importantly, it cannot address one salient fact about the effects of lockdown measures, namely their highly disproportionate effects on vulnerable groups and minorities. Second, I argue that proportionality assessment should be the basis for determining whether state parties ought to derogate or not. This is because proportionality’s very purpose is in part to track the effects of state interferences on minorities and vulnerable groups by measuring the disproportionate burden imposed on them. It is also because proportionality assessment has very different requirements between limitation clauses built into the relevant Convention articles (e.g. Article 5, Articles 8–11) and the derogation clause (Article 15) under the ECHR. Surprisingly, while the emerging literature almost always mentions proportionality as an important component of the analysis, it does not investigate the extent to which each regime (derogation or limitation) better performs it, and why. Third, I draw from the philosophical literature on the ‘right to justification’ to clarify the egalitarian and justificatory function of proportionality. Unlike derogation, limitation clauses have a much higher and systematic requirement of justification, which makes the case for non-derogation clearer and stronger.