bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catch-me-if-you-can: the overshoot problem and the weak/inflation hierarchy
Authors: Conlon Joseph P. , Revello Filippo
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We study the overshoot problem in the context of post-inflationary string cosmology (in particular LVS). LVS cosmology features a long kination epoch as the volume modulus rolls down the exponential slope towards the final minimum, with an energy density that scales as $$ {m}_s^4 $$

m
s
4

. It is a known fact that such a roll admits attractor tracker solutions, and if these are located the overshoot problem is solved. We show that, provided a sufficiently large hierarchy exists between the inflationary scale and the weak scale, this will always occur in LVS as initial seed radiation grows into the tracker solution. The consistency requirement of ending in a stable vacuum containing the weak hierarchy therefore gives a preference for high inflationary scales — an anthropic argument, if one likes, for a large inflation/weak hierarchy. We discuss various origins, both universal and model-dependent, of the initial seed radiation (or matter). One particularly interesting case is that of a fundamental string network arising from brane inflation — this may lead to an early epoch in which the universe energy density principally consists of gravitational waves, while an LVS fundamental string network survives into the present universe.
FGFR2b signalling restricts lineage-flexible alveolar progenitors during mouse lung development and converges in mature alveolar type 2 cells
Authors: Jones Matthew R. , Lingampally Arun , Ahmadvand Negah , Chong Lei , Wu Jin , Wilhem Jochen , Vazquez-Armendariz Ana Ivonne , Ansari Meshal , Herold Susanne , Ornitz David M. , Schiller Herbert B. , Chao Cho-Ming , Zhang Jin-San , Carraro Gianni , Bellusci Saverio
Published: November 2022

The specification, characterization, and fate of alveolar type 1 and type 2 (AT1 and AT2) progenitors during embryonic lung development are poorly defined. Current models of distal epithelial lineage formation fail to capture the heterogeneity and dynamic contribution of progenitor pools present during early development. Furthermore, few studies explore the pathways involved in alveolar progenitor specification and fate. In this paper, we build upon our previously published work on the regulation of airway epithelial progenitors by fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) signalling during early (E12.5) and mid (E14.5) pseudoglandular stage lung development. Our results suggest that a significant proportion of AT2 and AT1 progenitors are lineage-flexible during late pseudoglandular stage development, and that lineage commitment is regulated in part by FGFR2b signalling. We have characterized a set of direct FGFR2b targets at E16.5 which are likely involved in alveolar lineage formation. These signature genes converge on a subpopulation of AT2 cells later in development and are downregulated in AT2 cells transitioning to the AT1 lineage during repair after injury in adults. Our findings highlight the extensive heterogeneity of pneumocytes by elucidating the role of FGFR2b signalling in these cells during early airway epithelial lineage formation, as well as during repair after injury.
Sturm-Liouville Boundary Value Problem for a Sea-Breeze Flow
Authors: Marynets Kateryna
Published: November 2022

We present recent results in study of a mathematical model of the Sea-Breeze flow, arising from a general model of the ‘morning glory’ phenomena. Based on analysis of the Dirichlet spectrum of a corresponding Sturm-Liouville problem and application of the Fredholm alternative, we establish conditions of existence/uniqueness of solutions to the given problem.
An integrated data- and capability-driven approach to the reconfiguration of agent-based production systems
Authors: Scrimieri Daniele , Adalat Omar , Afazov Shukri , Ratchev Svetan
Published: November 2022

Industry 4.0 promotes highly automated mechanisms for setting up and operating flexible manufacturing systems, using distributed control and data-driven machine intelligence. This paper presents an approach to reconfiguring distributed production systems based on complex product requirements, combining the capabilities of the available production resources. A method for both checking the “realisability” of a product by matching required operations and capabilities, and adapting resources is introduced. The reconfiguration is handled by a multi-agent system, which reflects the distributed nature of the production system and provides an intelligent interface to the user. This is all integrated with a self-adaptation technique for learning how to improve the performance of the production system as part of a reconfiguration. This technique is based on a machine learning algorithm that generalises from past experience on adjustments. The mechanisms of the proposed approach have been evaluated on a distributed robotic manufacturing system, demonstrating their efficacy. Nevertheless, the approach is general and it can be applied to other scenarios.
The battle of opinion: dynamic information revelation by ideological senders
Authors: Polanski Arnold , Le Quement Mark
Published: November 2022

Two informed and interested parties (senders) repeatedly send messages to an uninformed party (public). Senders face a trade-off between propagating their favoured opinions, possibly by lying, and maintaining a high audience (or market share), as the state is occasionally revealed and lies cause audiences to switch to the competitor. We fully characterize a focal Markov perfect equilibrium of this game and discuss the impact of exogenous parameters on the truthfulness of equilibrium reporting. In particular, we find that senders’ lying propensities are strategic complements so that increasing one sender’s bias decreases both senders’ truthfulness. We also analyse the role of polarization across senders.
An International Continence Society (ICS)/ International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) joint report on the terminology for the assessment and management of obstetric pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , de Tayrac Renaud , Lee Joseph , Daly Oliver , Melendez-Munoz Joan , Lindo Fiona M. , Cross Angela , White Amanda , Cichowski Sara , Falconi Gabriele , Haylen Bernard
Published: November 2022

Aims

The terminology of obstetric pelvic floor disorders should be defined and reported as part of a wider clinically oriented consensus.

Methods

This Report combines the input of members of two International Organizations, the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA). The process was supported by external referees. Appropriate clinical categories and a sub-classification were developed to give coding to definitions. An extensive process of 12 main rounds of internal and 2 rounds of external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by consensus.

Results

A terminology report for obstetric pelvic floor disorders, encompassing 357 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically-based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it usable by different specialty groups and disciplines involved in the study and management of pregnancy, childbirth and female pelvic floor disorders. Clinical assessment, investigations, diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatments are major components. Illustrations have been included to supplement and clarify the text. Emerging concepts, in use in the literature and offering further research potential but requiring further validation, have been included as an Appendix. As with similar reports, interval (5–10 year) review is anticipated to maintain relevance of the document and ensure it remains as widely applicable as possible.

Conclusion

A consensus-based Terminology Report for obstetric pelvic floor disorders has been produced to support clinical practice and research.
Modelling optimal lockdowns with waning immunity
Authors: Goenka Aditya , Liu Lin , Nguyen Manh-Hung
Published: November 2022

This paper studies continuing optimal lockdowns (can also be interpreted as quarantines or self-isolation) in the long run if a disease (Covid-19) is endemic and immunity can fail, that is, the disease has SIRS dynamics. We model how disease related mortality affects the optimal choices in a dynamic general equilibrium neoclassical growth framework. An extended welfare function that incorporates loss from mortality is used. In a disease endemic steady state, without this welfare loss even if there is continuing mortality, it is not optimal to impose even a partial lockdown. We characterize how the optimal restriction and equilibrium outcomes vary with the effectiveness of the lockdown, the productivity of working from home, the rate of mortality from the disease, and failure of immunity. We provide the sufficiency conditions for economic models with SIRS dynamics with disease related mortality–a class of models which are non-convex and have endogenous discounting so that no existing results are applicable.
AChE-based electrochemical biosensor for pesticide detection in vegetable oils: matrix effects and synergistic inhibition of the immobilized enzyme
Authors: Tsounidi Dimitra , Soulis Dionysios , Manoli Fotini , Klinakis Apostolos , Tsekenis George
Published: November 2022

Enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors have been widely deployed for the detection of a range of contaminants in different food products due to their significant advantages over other (bio)sensing techniques. Nevertheless, their performance is greatly affected by the sample matrix itself or by the matrix they are presented with in pretreated samples, both of which can impact the accuracy as well as the sensitivity of the measurements. Therefore, and in order to acquire reliable and accurate measurements, matrix effects and their influence on sensor performance should be taken into consideration. Herein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-modified electrochemical sensors were employed for the detection of pesticides in vegetable oils. Sensor interrogation with pretreated oil samples, spiked with carbofuran, revealed the inhibitory potential of the extracted matrix varies between different types of vegetable oil and their fatty acid content. In addition, synergies between the extracted matrix from different types of vegetable oils and the carbamate pesticide, carbofuran, were observed, which led to significant deviations of the sensor’s performance from its anticipated behavior in buffered solution. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, appropriate calibration curves for each type of vegetable oil were drafted, which allowed for the highly reproducible determination of different pesticide concentrations in pretreated real samples. Collectively, a better understanding of AChE inhibition by single or multiple contaminants present in vegetable oils was gained, which can find many applications in numerous fields, ranging from sensor development to the design of new pesticides and medicinal products.
The immunopathology of B lymphocytes during stroke-induced injury and repair
Authors: Malone Mary K. , Ujas Thomas A. , Britsch Daimen R. S. , Cotter Katherine M. , Poinsatte Katie , Stowe Ann M.
Published: November 2022

B cells, also known as B lymphocytes or lymphoid lineage cells, are a historically understudied cell population with regard to brain-related injuries and diseases. However, an increasing number of publications have begun to elucidate the different phenotypes and roles B cells can undertake during central nervous system (CNS) pathology, including following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. B cell phenotype is intrinsically linked to function following stroke, as they may be beneficial or detrimental depending on the subset, timing, and microenvironment. Factors such as age, sex, and presence of co-morbidity also influence the behavior of post-stroke B cells. The following review will briefly describe B cells from origination to senescence, explore B cell function by integrating decades of stroke research, differentiate between the known B cell subtypes and their respective activity, discuss some of the physiological influences on B cells as well as the influence of B cells on certain physiological functions, and highlight the differences between B cells in healthy and disease states with particular emphasis in the context of ischemic stroke.
Loculated hydrocephalus: is neuroendoscopy effective and safe? A 90 patients’ case series and literature review
Authors: Noris Alice , Giordano Flavio , Peraio Simone , Lenge Matteo , Mura Regina , Macconi Letizia , Barzaghi Raffaella , Genitori Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Loculated hydrocephalus is a complex condition in which different non-communicating compartments form within the ventricular system due to different etiology, mainly intraventricular hemorrhage and infection. Since the end of the twentieth century, neuroendoscopy has been explored as a therapeutic option for loculated hydrocephalus with non-univocal results.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 90 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for loculated hydrocephalus from January 1997 to January 2021 (mean age: 2 years, range 7–21). We included 37 (41.1%) children with multiloculated hydrocephalus, 37 (41.1%) with isolated lateral ventricle, 13 (14.4%) with excluded temporal horn, and 3 (3.3%) with isolated fourth ventricle. We compared our results with those available in literature.

Results

A mean of 1.91 endoscopic procedure/patient were performed (only one endoscopy in 42.2% of cases). Complications of neuroendoscopy and of shunt surgeries were recorded in 17 (18.9%) and 52 (57.8%) children, respectively. Twenty-six (28.9%) children were shunt-free at the last follow-up, 47.8% have only one shunt.

Discussion

The first goal of neuroendoscopy is to increase the rate of shunt-free patients but, when it is not possible, it aims at simplifying shunt system and reducing the number of surgical procedures. In our series, neuroendoscopy was able to achieve both these goals with an acceptable complication rate. Thus, our results confirmed neuroendoscopy as a valid tool in the long-term management of loculated hydrocephalus. Neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound could increase the success rate in cases with distorted anatomy.
Proximal hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with increased risk of asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Kang Zhiming , Wu Lishuo , Sun Dong , Zhou Gang , Wu Xiangbo , Qiu Han , Mei Bin , Zhang Junjian
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate whether hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on pretreatment no-contrast CT (NCCT) is associated with hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Methods

Patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion who received EVT in three comprehensive hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into four groups based on the presence or absence of HMCAS and corresponding CTA findings, among whom differences were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between HMCAS and HT and its subtypes.

Results

318 patients were included, among whom 149 (46.9%) had HMCAS. Patients in the proximal positive HMCAS group had higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores and lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (ASPECTS) than those in the proximal negative HMCAS group. The rate of HT was higher in the proximal positive HMCAS group than that in the proximal negative HMCAS group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the proximal HMCAS were independently associated with HT (adjusted OR = 2.073, 95% CI 1.211–3.551, p = 0.008) and aHT (adjusted OR = 2.271, 95% CI 1.294–3.986, p = 0.004), but not with sHT. Patients who developed HT, including aHT and sHT, had a lower rate of good outcome.

Conclusion

Proximal HMCAS on initial NCCT was independently associated with aHT in patients who received EVT for acute MCA occlusion. Both aHT and sHT had a detrimental effect on clinical outcome.
Is small for gestational age status independently correlated with body composition during childhood?
Authors: Balomenou Foteini , Rallis Dimitrios , Evangelou Filippos , Zisi Anna , Balomenou Kalliopi , Tsekas Nikolaos , Tzoufi Meropi , Siomou Ekaterini , Giapros Vasileios
Published: November 2022

This study aims to examine if small for gestation age (SGA) status is correlated with alterations in body composition at prepuberty, independently of other factors, comparing SGA-born children with appropriate for gestational age (AGA)-born children. We examined anthropometrics, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), six skinfold thickness, and body composition using the method of bioelectrical impedance in 636 children aged 7 to 10 years. We also considered age, gender, birth mode, mother’s age, prepregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, social status, parental BMI, type of feeding, and daily exercise. We examined 636 children at a mean age of 9 years: 106 SGA-born and 530 AGA-born children. SGA as compared to AGA-born children had a lower BMI z-score (0.26 ± 0.89 kg/cm2 vs 0.46 ± 0.84 kg/cm2, p < 0.050) and a lower lean mass, although that was not statistically significant (24.0 ± 6.6 kg vs 25.6 ± 6.4 kg, p < 0.100). SGA-born children presented no difference in waist circumference or fat mass in comparison to children born AGA. Logistic regression analysis revealed a strong independent negative association between SGA status and BMI (beta =  − 2.33, OR = 0.70 p = 0.019) and SGA status and lean mass (beta =  − 2.43, OR = 0.95 p = 0.010).

  Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SGA-born children had a lower BMI as compared to AGA-born subjects, whereas SGA status was negatively associated with BMI and lean mass.

What is Known:• Deviant birth weight for gestation has been associated with an increased risk of childhood adiposity.• Evidence remains scarce on whether small for gestational age status affects body composition and obesity later in childhood.

What is New:• Among school-aged children, small for gestational age subjects had a lower body mass index as compared to appropriate for gestational age counterparts, whereas small for gestational age status was negatively associated with body mass index and lean mass.• A meticulous observation is needed during childhood in children born with deviant birth weight.
After 150 years of watching: is there a need for synthetic ethology?
Authors: Abdai Judit , Miklósi Ádám
Published: November 2022

The Darwinian idea of mental continuity is about 150 years old. Although nobody has strongly denied this evolutionary link, both conceptually and practically, relative slow advance has been made by ethology and comparative psychology to quantify mental evolution. Debates on the mechanistic interpretation of cognition often struggle with the same old issues (e.g., associationism vs cognitivism), and in general, experimental methods have made also relative slow progress since the introduction of the puzzle box. In this paper, we illustrate the prevailing issues using examples on ‘mental state attribution’ and ‘perspective taking” and argue that the situation could be improved by the introduction of novel methodological inventions and insights. We suggest that focusing on problem-solving skills and constructing artificial agents that aim to correspond and interact with biological ones, may help to understand the functioning of the mind. We urge the establishment of a novel approach, synthetic ethology, in which researchers take on a practical stance and construct artificial embodied minds relying of specific computational architectures the performance of which can be compared directly to biological agents.
Fusion of overexposed and underexposed images using caputo differential operator for resolution and texture based enhancement
Authors: Zhou Liang , Alenezi Fayadh S. , Nandal Amita , Dhaka Arvind , Wu Tao , Koundal Deepika , Alhudhaif Adi , Polat Kemal
Published: November 2022

The visual quality of images captured under sub-optimal lighting conditions, such as over and underexposure may benefit from improvement using fusion-based techniques. This paper presents the Caputo Differential Operator-based image fusion technique for image enhancement. To effect this enhancement, the proposed algorithm first decomposes the overexposed and underexposed images into horizontal and vertical sub-bands using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The horizontal and vertical sub-bands are then enhanced using Caputo Differential Operator (CDO) and fused by taking the average of the transformed horizontal and vertical fractional derivatives. This work introduces a fractional derivative-based edge and feature enhancement to be used in conjuction with DWT and inverse DWT (IDWT) operations. The proposed algorithm combines the salient features of overexposed and underexposed images and enhances the fused image effectively. We use the fractional derivative-based method because it restores the edge and texture information more efficiently than existing method. In addition, we have introduced a resolution enhancement operator to correct and balance the overexposed and underexposed images, together with the Caputo enhanced fused image we obtain an image with significantly deepened resolution. Finally, we introduce a novel texture enhancing and smoothing operation to yield the final image. We apply subjective and objective evaluations of the proposed algorithm in direct comparison with other existing image fusion methods. Our approach results in aesthetically subjective image enhancement, and objectively measured improvement metrics.
Ethnographic semantics and documentary method in criminology. A combination of reconstructive approaches using the example of Municipal Law Enforcement Services
Authors: Hennen Ina
Published: November 2022

Although a common German sociological methodology, the documentary method has rarely been received outside the German-speaking region or in the field of criminology in general. Additionally, while ethnographic semantics is a recognized means of analysis in the field of ethnography, it is less known in criminological research. This paper proposes that the approaches in themselves but especially a combination of both allow for a deeper understanding of the cultural practices, everyday routines, and implicit knowledge of security actors. While the police are a constant focus of criminological and social science research, the study of Municipal Law Enforcement Services (MLES), particularly qualitative approaches, have been largely neglected, despite the increasing number of municipalities implementing their own security personnel. Consequently, their increased presence in public space warrants further investigation. The added value of linking two reconstructive approaches to analysis is demonstrated using MLES as an example. Thereby, both the advantages of such a combination for criminological research and new insights regarding the ways MLES interact with people in public space are illustrated. The research follows an ethnomethodological design and is based on expert interviews and participant observation. The paper addresses peripheral issues on three levels: the use of a previously geographically limited method of data analysis, an innovative triangulation of approaches to analysis that has not yet been applied in international criminological research as well as the presentation of German MLES as an under-researched subject.
Problematic smartphone use and specific problematic Internet uses among university students and associated predictive factors: a systematic review
Authors: Sánchez-Fernández Magdalena , Borda-Mas Mercedes
Published: November 2022

University students are a high-risk population with problematic online behaviours that include generalized problematic Internet/smartphone use and specific problematic Internet uses (for example, social media or gaming). The study of their predictive factors is needed in order to develop preventative strategies. This systematic review aims to understand the current state of play by examining the terminology, assessment instruments, prevalence, and predictive factors associated with problematic smartphone use and specific problematic Internet uses in university students. A literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines using four major databases. A total of 117 studies were included, divided into four groups according to the domain of problem behaviour: problematic smartphone use (n = 67), problematic social media use (n = 39), Internet gaming disorder (n = 9), and problematic online pornography use (n = 2). Variability was found in terminology, assessment tools, and prevalence rates in the four groups. Ten predictors of problematic smartphone use, five predictors of problematic social media use, and one predictor of problematic online gaming were identified. Negative affectivity is found to be a common predictor for all three groups, while social media use, psychological well-being, and Fear of Missing Out are common to problematic smartphone and social media use. Our findings reaffirm the need to reach consistent diagnostic criteria in cyber addictions and allow us to make progress in the investigation of their predictive factors, thus allowing formulation of preventive strategies.
Running minimum in the best-choice problem
Authors: Gnedin Alexander , Kozieł Patryk , Sulkowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

The full-information best choice problem asks one to find a strategy maximising the probability of stopping at the minimum (or maximum) of a sequence $$X_1,\cdots ,X_n$$

X
1

,
⋯
,

X
n

of i.i.d. random variables with continuous distribution. In this paper we look at more general models, where independent $$X_j$$

X
j

’s may have different distributions, discrete or continuous. A central role in our study is played by the running minimum process, which we first employ to re-visit the classic problem and its limit Poisson counterpart. The approach is further applied to two explicitly solvable models: in the first the distribution of the jth variable is uniform on $$\{j,\cdots ,n\}$$

{
j
,
⋯
,
n
}

, and in the second it is uniform on $$\{1,\cdots , n\}$$

{
1
,
⋯
,
n
}

.
Biotic and abiotic factors affecting the microbiota of Chrysomelidae inhabiting wetland vegetation
Authors: Magoga Giulia , Brunetti Matteo , Kajtoch Lukasz , Spada Alberto , Montagna Matteo
Published: November 2022

A subject of particular interest concerns the understanding of which biotic and/or abiotic factors shape the insect’s microbiota composition and diversity. In this study, we focus our attention on the microbiota associated with leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) inhabiting a freshwater wetland in Northern Italy for investigating which factors shape it in this peculiar environment. A DNA metabarcoding approach targeting the 16S rRNA has been used to characterize the bacteria associated with seven leaf beetles species living in different zones of the wetland (trees/shrubs, meadow and emergent vegetation zones). The obtained results suggest that three factors potentially affecting microbiota diversity and composition are species membership in the first place, then living zone in the wetland and sex. Within the studied species, males were found possibly more prone to acquire bacteria from the surrounding environment, while females’ microbiota of most of the species resulted dominated by symbiotic bacteria (reproductive manipulators, e.g. Wolbachia, or other symbionts with functional roles in the species, e.g. Candidatus Macropleicola in Donacia genus). The present study, even if based on a limited sample size, contributed to exploring the factors affecting the composition and diversity of bacteria associated with Chrysomelidae.
Being as big as small clauses get: the syntax of participial adjuncts in German and English
Authors: Brodahl Kristin Klubbo
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a comparative syntactic account of participial adjuncts in German and English. While the typological literature describes German participial adjuncts as much more restricted than their English counterparts both syntactically and semantically, this paper presents empirical evidence that these differences have been exaggerated. Based on a corpus of more than 3000 participial adjuncts, it is argued that these adjuncts have a clause-like internal structure in both languages. Participial adjuncts are analysed as small clauses that can project all the way up to CP level, with a subject that is either phonetically null PRO controlled via Agree or an overt DP that is case licensed either by an element outside the participial clause or through default case. At the same time, the corpus data show that these participial constructions constitute a versatile group of adjuncts when it comes to their argument-structural properties and categorial nature. An analysis couched within the framework of Distributed Morphology is presented that can account for this diversity. This empirically based and theoretically founded account of participial adjuncts contributes to our understanding of the structural possibilities of small clauses cross-linguistically.
Filicide-Suicide in South Korea: Content Analysis of Newspaper Articles (2010–2020)
Authors: Yoon Myeong-Sook , Yu Hyun Kyoung , Lee Soo-Bi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Filicide-suicide is the most extreme form of family violence. This study identifies the traits of such cases by analyzing their prevalence, victims and perpetrators’ characteristics, methods, and motives based on the content of relevant newspaper articles.

Methods

Data were collected from representative newspapers from 2010 to 2020. A content analysis of 249 filicide-suicide cases was conducted.

Results

Most filicide-suicide cases occurred at home. The most commonly used method for filicide-suicide was carbon monoxide poisoning; such cases were especially high among parents in their 30 s and 40 s. The second most commonly used method was strangulation or hanging, and adopted 1.5 times more often for filicide than for parents’ suicide. Regarding the perpetrators and victims’ characteristics, 58.2% of the cases were maternal filicide, followed by filicide involving both parents (26.1%), and paternal filicide (15.8%). Most of the children (75.1%) were minors, indicating that most filicide cases involve the parents’ violation of their children’s human rights. Regarding maternal filicide, most mothers were in their 30 s, and among all filicide-suicide cases, the majority of the perpetrators (63.6%) were in their 30 s and 40 s. The most common motive was financial difficulties, followed by difficulties in child rearing and hardships due to parents’ physical or mental illness.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the problem of filicide-suicide in South Korean society is an extreme form of domestic violence disguised as parental responsibility, and requires suicide prevention interventions and policies that focus on family relationships and strengthening social responsibility for filicide.
Polarization Modulator Unit Harness Thermal Design for the Mid- and High-Frequency Telescopes of the LiteBIRD Space Mission
Authors: Columbro F. , de Bernardis P. , Masi S.
Published: November 2022

Polarization modulator units (PMUs) represent a critical and powerful component in CMB polarization experiments to suppress the 1/f noise component and mitigate systematic uncertainties induced by detector gain drifts and beam asymmetries. The LiteBIRD mission (expected launch in the late 2020 s) will be equipped with 3 PMUs, one for each of the 3 telescopes, and aims at detecting the primordial gravitational waves with a sensitivity of $$\delta r<0.001$$

δ
r
<
0.001

. Each PMU is based on a continuously rotating transmissive half-wave plate held by a superconducting magnetic bearing in the 5 K environment. To achieve and monitor the rotation a number of subsystems is needed: clamp and release system and motor coils for the rotation; optical encoder, capacitive, Hall and temperature sensors to monitor its dynamic stability. In this contribution, we present a preliminary thermal design of the harness configuration for the PMUs of the mid- and high- frequency telescopes. The design is based on both the stringent system constraint for the total thermal budget available for the PMUs ($$\lesssim$$
≲
4 mW at 5 K) and on the requirements for different subsystem: coils currents (up to 10 mA), optical fibers for encoder readout, 25 MHz bias signal for temperature and levitation monitors.
Maximum of the Membrane Model on Regular Trees
Authors: Cipriani Alessandra , Dan Biltu , Hazra Rajat Subhra , Ray Rounak
Published: November 2022

The discrete membrane model is a Gaussian random interface whose inverse covariance is given by the discrete biharmonic operator on a graph. In literature almost all works have considered the field as indexed over $${{\,\mathrm{{\mathbb {Z}}}\,}}^d$$

Z

d

, and this enabled one to study the model using methods from partial differential equations. In this article we would like to investigate the dependence of the membrane model on a different geometry, namely trees. The covariance is expressed via a random walk representation which was first determined by Vanderbei in (Ann Probab 12:311–314, 1984). We exploit this representation on m-regular trees and show that the infinite volume limit on the infinite tree exists when $$m\ge 3$$

m
≥
3

. Further we determine the behavior of the maximum under the infinite and finite volume measures.
A cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of Australian pharmacists toward medicinal cannabis
Authors: Bawa Zeeta , Saini Bandana , McCartney Danielle , Bedoya-Pérez Miguel , McLachlan Andrew J. , McGregor Iain S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Australian pharmacists currently dispense a wide range of prescription-only cannabis-based medicines. Recent regulatory changes will expand the role of pharmacists, allowing certain low-dose cannabidiol products to be supplied without a prescription in pharmacies. This harmonises Australia with many other countries where cannabidiol products are readily available to consumers.

Aim

To examine Australian pharmacists’ experience, knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and their preparedness to supply over-the-counter low-dose cannabidiol products.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a 51-item on-line questionnaire that was informed by previous surveys of health professionals and assessed for face validity. Australian pharmacists were recruited to complete the survey between May and December 2021, primarily through professional pharmacy organisations. Pharmacists were included in the final dataset if they completed the demographic characteristics section and at least one additional section of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and relational statistical tests.

Results

There were 272 attempts to complete this survey and 217 responses included in the final dataset. Over half of the respondents (60.0%, 130/217) had dispensed at least one medicinal cannabis prescription during their career and 58.5% (127/217) had received at least one medicinal cannabis enquiry in the last fortnight. Only around half (53.9%, 117/217) felt comfortable supplying medicinal cannabis products and fewer (39.3%, 79/201) were confident discussing cannabis-related enquiries. More than half of the respondents (58.7%, 118/201) supported the provision of low-dose cannabidiol products through pharmacies. Two-thirds (67.8%, 80/118) of respondents achieved relatively low scores (< 60%) in the knowledge component of the survey. Most respondents (94.2%, 178/189) endorsed a need for further training in this area.

Conclusion

Australian pharmacists tended to support medicinal cannabis availability and improved access to low-dose cannabidiol products via pharmacies. However, results highlight a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.
On the possibility of Paretian liberalism: a comment
Authors: Gaertner Wulf
Published: November 2022

In 1981, the property of self-supporting preferences was shown to be a sufficient condition to circumvent Sen’s famous impossibility result on Paretian liberalism. A similar condition was proposed by Dougherty and Edward in a very recent issue of this journal. The present comment sheds light on the logical connection between these two findings.
Guidelines on lung adenocarcinoma prognosis based on immuno-glycolysis-related genes
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Qin Wen , Zhang Wenhui , Qin Yi , Zhou You Lang
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study developed a new model for risk assessment of immuno-glycolysis-related genes for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients to predict prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy.

Methods

LUAD samples and data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases are used as training and test columns, respectively. Twenty-two (22) immuno-glycolysis-related genes were screened, the patients diagnosed with LUAD were divided into two molecular subtypes by consensus clustering of these genes. The initial prognosis model was developed using the multiple regression analysis method and Receiver Operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to verify its predictive potential. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed the immune activities and pathways in different risk populations, we calculated immune checkpoints, immune escape, immune phenomena (IPS), and tumor mutation burden (TMB) based on TCGA datasets. Finally, the relationship between the model and drug sensitivity was analyzed.

Results

Fifteen (15) key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with prognostic value were screened and a new prognostic model was constructed. Four hundred and forty-three (443) samples were grouped into two different risk cohorts based on median model risk values. It was observed that survival rates in high-risk groups were significantly low. ROC curves were used to evaluate the model’s accuracy in determining the survival time and clinical outcome of LUAD patients. Cox analysis of various clinical factors proved that the risk score has great potential as an independent prognostic factor. The results of immunological analysis can reveal the immune infiltration and the activity of related functions in different pathways in the two risk groups, and immunotherapy was more effective in low-risk patients. Most chemotherapeutic agents are more sensitive to low-risk patients, making them more likely to benefit.

Conclusion

A novel prognostic model for LUAD patients was established based on IGRG, which could more accurately predict the prognosis and an effective immunotherapy approach for patients.
Het signaleren, handelen en melden bij vermoedens van kindermishandeling door huisartsen
Authors: Gubbels Jeanne , Stolper Erik , van der Put Claudia , Assink Mark
Published: November 2022

Samenvatting

Huisartsen spelen een sleutelrol bij het signaleren en melden van kindermishandeling. Toch doen huisartsen slechts incidenteel een melding bij Veilig Thuis. Dit kwalitatieve onderzoek beoogde te achterhalen hoe huisartsen kindermishandeling signaleren, hoe zij handelen bij mishandelingsvermoedens, welke knelpunten zij hierbij ervaren en wat aanknopingspunten zijn voor verbetering. Semigestructureerde interviews werden gehouden met vijftien huisartsen, waarna deze werden uitgeschreven, gecodeerd en thematisch geanalyseerd. Bij signalering van kindermishandeling blijken huisartsen op verschillende signalen te letten en is het niet-pluisgevoel belangrijk. Veel huisartsen denken signalen te missen en hebben behoefte aan bijscholing over wat belangrijke signalen zijn, hoe deze signalen goed met ouders kunnen worden besproken en hoe de stappen in de meldcode het beste kunnen worden toegepast. In huisartsenpraktijken blijken geen signalerings- of risicotaxatie-instrumenten te worden gebruikt, terwijl een deel van de huisartsen dit wel als helpend beschouwd in het besluitvormingsproces rondom kindermishandeling. Ten slotte ervaren huisartsen knelpunten in de samenwerking met instanties, waaronder scholen, jeugdzorg en Veilig Thuis (VT). Concrete aanbevelingen voor verbetering van signaleren en handelen zijn het ontwikkelen van passende signaleringsinstrumenten, het verlagen van de drempel voor het volgen van bijscholing en het verbeteren van samenwerking met hulpverleningsorganisaties, in het bijzonder met VT.
Geochemical and petrographic investigation of the provenance of white marble decorative elements from the Roman Villa Armira in south-eastern Bulgaria
Authors: Anevlavi Vasiliki , Prochaska Walter , Cenati Chiara , Ivanov Ivan , Ladstätter Sabine , Popov Hristo , Georgiev Plamen , Kabakchieva Gergana
Published: November 2022

The paper presents evidence of Roman marble production in the Balkan region, specifically from the south-eastern Rhodope Mountain area (modern Bulgaria) and Armira. Although the Roman marble trade and production in antiquity are well known in Prokonnesos, Thasos, and several other production sites, marble deposits from inland Thrace have received far less attention. In 2018–2019, a systematic survey of south-eastern Bulgaria (Roman Thrace) was carried out by our team in collaboration with the National Archaeological Institute with Museum in Bulgaria. White marble quarries and outcrops were investigated in situ with the goal of characterizing the macroscopic qualities of the stone. Quarry samples were collected and analyzed through various techniques—petrography, isotopic, and chemical analyses—and compared with the architectural decorative marble and artifacts from the Roman villa at Armira. We demonstrate that the geochemical and petrographic features of these samples indicate a marble provenance restricted to a few selected sources. We conclude that the local marble from the Armira and Kamilski Dol quarries was widely used for the complete architectural program of the Roman villa of Armira.
Influence of tectonic perturbations on the migration of long-lived radionuclides from an underground repository of radioactive waste
Authors: Malkovsky Victor , Liebscher Axel , Nagel Thomas , Magri Fabien
Published: November 2022

We studied the influence of tectonic perturbations on the transport of potentially mobilized radionuclides in groundwater from a deep-mined repository of solid high-level radioactive waste. The study was carried out by the method of mathematical modeling. Key parameters of the model correspond to the site of a potential federal repository in Russia. The groundwater flow domain is delimited on one side by a water divide (i.e., boundary of the catchment basin) and on the other side by the river bank. 2D simulations of groundwater flow and radionuclide migration are carried out along a vertical cross-section normal to the water divide. The groundwater flows through the rock massif, which encloses the repository, and discharges into the adjacent river. It is supposed that tectonic activity may form a fault which is parallel to the river bank. We analyzed how repository safety depends on the time of the fault emergence and on the distance between the repository and the fault. The results of our simulations suggest that: (1) emergence of a fault due to tectonic perturbations is not inevitably associated with a substantial growth of radionuclides released from the repository to the environment; (2) influence of the fault on the repository safety depends on the distance between the fault and the repository as well as on the time interval between the repository development and the fault emergence; (3) the influence of the fault on the repository safety can depend substantially on local elevations of the relief at the repository site.
Single-cell and microarray chip analysis revealed the underlying pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and validated model genes in diagnosis and drug response
Authors: Yang Liqing , Chen Haiying , Yang Yunong , Deng Yeling , Chen Qiumin , Luo Baiwei , Chen Keren
Published: November 2022

The morbidity rate of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the world is increasing year by year, recurrent episodes of diarrhea, mucopurulent and bloody stools, and abdominal pain are the main symptoms, reducing the quality of life of the patient and affecting the productivity of the society. In this study, we sought to develop robust diagnostic biomarkers for UC, to uncover potential targets for anti-TNF-ɑ drugs, and to investigate their associated pathway mechanisms. We collected single-cell expression profile data from 9 UC or healthy samples and performed cell annotation and cell communication analysis. Revealing the possible pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis. Based on the disease-related modules obtained from weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) analysis, we used Lasso regression analysis and random forest algorithm to identify the genes with the greatest impact on disease (EPB41L3, HSD17B3, NDRG1, PDIA5, TRPV3) and further validated the diagnostic value of the model genes by various means. To further explore the relationship and mechanism between model genes and drug sensitivity, we collected gene expression profiles of 185 UC patients before receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs, and we performed functional analysis based on the results of differential analysis between NR tissues and R tissues, and used single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithms to explore the important role of immune microenvironment on drug sensitivity. The results suggest that our model is not only helpful in aiding diagnosis, but also has implications for predicting drug efficacy; in addition, model genes may influence drug sensitivity by affecting immune cells. We suggest that this study has developed a diagnostic model with higher specificity and sensitivity, and also provides suggestions for clinical administration and drug efficacy prediction.
Corrosion behavior and failure mechanism of SiC whisker and c-AlPO4 particle-modified novel tri-layer Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC coating in burner rig tests
Authors: Chen Pengju , Xiao Peng , Tang Xian , Li Yang
Published: November 2022

The corrosion behavior of environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) directly affects the service life and stability of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structural parts in the aero-engines. The silicon carbide (SiC) whisker toughening phase and c-AlPO4 bonding phase are firstly used to improve the service life of novel tri-layer Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC EBCs in the burner rig test. The formation of penetrating cracks in Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC coating caused the failure of coating at 1673 K. The SiC whiskers in mullite middle coating significantly inhibited the formation of penetrating cracks in Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC coating, and efficiently prevented the oxidation of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (Cf/SiC) samples for 360-min thermal cycles (24 times) with a weight loss of 6.19×10−3 g·cm−2. Although c-AlPO4 particles further improved the service life of SiCw-mullite (SM) coating, the overflow of POx gas aggravated the formation and expansion of cracks in the Yb2Si2O7 outer coating, and caused the service life of overall Yb2Si2O7/c-AlPO4-SiCw-mullite (ASM)/SiC coating to be slightly lower than that of Yb2Si2O7/SM/SiC coating. This study guides the design of modified tri-layer EBCs with long service life in high-temperature and high-speed gas environment.