bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistently trained, diffusion‐assisted energy‐based models
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Tan Zhiqiang , Ou Zhijian
Published: October 2023

Maximum likelihood (ML) learning for energy‐based models (EBMs) is challenging, partly due to nonconvergence of Markov chain Monte Carlo. Several variations of ML learning have been proposed, but existing methods all fail to achieve both posttraining image generation and proper density estimation. We propose to introduce diffusion data and learn a joint EBM, called diffusion‐assisted EBMs, through persistent training (i.e. using persistent contrastive divergence) with an enhanced sampling algorithm to properly sample from complex, multimodal distributions. We present results from a 2D illustrative experiment and image experiments and demonstrate that for the first time for image data, persistently trained EBMs can simultaneously achieve long‐run stability, post‐training image generation and superior out‐of‐distribution detection.
Knowledge elicitation methodology for evaluation of Internet of Things privacy characteristics in smart cities
Authors: Kilicay‐Ergin Nil , Barb Adrian , Chaudhary Namrata
Published: October 2023

One of the impediments to transforming urban cities into smart cities is the security and privacy concerns that arise due to use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in various smart city applications. While IoT device vendors publish their security and privacy policies, manual evaluation of these policies is tedious and prone to misinterpretation as there is a lot of variability in the language used across IoT vendors. Local administrations and policy analysts are faced with understanding the implications of integrating IoT devices with differing security and privacy characteristics but lack methods that support them in analysis of privacy characteristics from a holistic perspective. In this paper, a methodology for knowledge elicitation from textual information is outlined to evaluate privacy characteristics of IoT devices. The methodology includes natural language processing and deep learning techniques to evaluate the relevance of IoT privacy policies to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) security and privacy framework 5. Based on the analysis, text similarity scores are calculated for each IoT privacy policy document and each section of the policy document is labeled to NIST categories and functions. Analysis of these resulting labels and scores helps analysts to gain insights on each privacy policy as well as provide a holistic perspective of the privacy characteristics of IoT devices used in smart city applications. For example, all the policy documents used in the study talk about Protect domain and half of the documents cover Detect domain. However, most of the policies contain gaps regarding the Identify, Respond, and Recover domains. The study has implications for policy analysts, IoT vendors, and smart city administrators in terms of understanding the privacy gaps in IoT devices with respect to the NIST framework which can ultimately support policy alignment to address privacy concerns for smart cities.
Placental growth factor and fetoplacental Doppler indices in combination predict preterm birth reliably in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Hong J. , Crawford K. , Cavanagh E. , da Silva Costa F. , Kumar S.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the association between placental biomarkers (placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)/PlGF ratio) and fetoplacental Doppler indices (umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) and uterine artery (UtA) PI) in various combinations for predicting preterm birth (PTB) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study, performed at Mater Mother's Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, from May 2022 to June 2023, of pregnancies complicated by FGR and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) pregnancies. Maternal serum PlGF levels, sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, UA‐PI and UtA‐PI were measured at 2–4‐weekly intervals from recruitment until delivery. Harrell's concordance statistic (Harrell's C) was used to evaluate multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models featuring various combinations of placental biomarkers and fetoplacental Doppler indices to ascertain the best combination to predict PTB (< 37 weeks). Multivariable Cox regression models were used with biomarkers as time‐varying covariates.

Results

The study cohort included 320 singleton pregnancies, comprising 179 (55.9%) affected by FGR, defined according to a Delphi consensus, and 141 (44.1%) with an AGA fetus. In the FGR cohort, both low PlGF levels and elevated sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were associated with significantly shorter time to PTB. Low PlGF was a better predictor of PTB than was either sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio or a combination of PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio (Harrell's C, 0.81, 0.78 and 0.79, respectively). Although both Doppler indices were significantly associated with time to PTB, in combination they were better predictors of PTB than was either UA‐PI > 95th centile or UtA‐PI > 95th centile alone (Harrell's C, 0.82, 0.75 and 0.76, respectively). Predictive utility for PTB was best when PlGF < 100 ng/L, UA‐PI > 95th centile and UtA‐PI > 95th centile were combined (Harrell's C, 0.88) (hazard ratio, 32.99; 95% CI, 10.74–101.32).

Conclusions

Low maternal serum PlGF level (< 100 ng/L) and abnormal fetoplacental Doppler indices (UA‐PI > 95th centile and UtA‐PI > 95th centile) in combination have the greatest predictive utility for PTB in pregnancies complicated by FGR. Their assessment may help guide clinical management of these complex pregnancies. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Rainbows in searchlight beams
Authors: Clark Thomas Alan , Dyer Alan
Published: October 2023

Two independent sections of rainbows produced by the illumination of intense rain by separate shipboard searchlights have been photographed and analysed to compare their characteristics to those measured in normal rainbows produced by sunlight and in garden sprays, and to rainbow theory. Two specific features distinguish these rainbows from normal solar rainbows, the wider spacing of primary and secondary intensity peaks and the broadness of these peaks. The most likely cause of these differences is the angular width of the searchlight beams compared to that of sunlight.
Overview of WHO- and UNEP-Coordinated Human Milk Studies and Their Link to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Malisch Rainer , Malisch Karin , van Leeuwen F. X. Rolaf , Moy Gerald , Tritscher Angelika , Witt Ana , Alvarez Jacqueline
Published: October 2023

Building on the two rounds of human exposures studies coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the mid-1980s and 1990s to determine the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in human milk, five further studies were performed between 2000 and 2019. Following the entering into force of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2004, WHO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) agreed to collaborate in joint studies. The collaboration aimed at supporting the Convention’s implementation by assessing its effectiveness as required under Article 16. It expanded the number of analytes in the studies to include the initial 12 POPs targeted by the Convention for elimination or reduction and subsequently to the 30 POPs covered under the Stockholm Convention as of 2019, furthermore two POPs proposed for listing.

The implementation of the studies has followed three basic steps: (1) collection of a large number of individual samples from mothers based on the standardized WHO/UNEP protocol; (2) from equal amounts of the individual samples, preparation of pooled samples that are considered to represent the average levels of POPs in human milk for a country or subpopulation of that country at the time of sampling; and (3) analysis of POPs in the pooled samples by the Reference Laboratories for the WHO/UNEP-coordinated exposure studies 2000–2019 (for chlorinated and brominated POPs in the period 2000–2019 at CVUA Freiburg, Germany, and for perfluoroalkane substances in the period 2009–2019 at Örebro University, Sweden).

In studies between 2000 and 2019, 82 countries from all United Nations regions participated, with 50 countries participating in more than one study. Repeated participation of countries permits the assessment of temporal trends, which can be used for risk management purposes as well as the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Convention in eliminating or reducing emissions of POPs.
The Stockholm Convention, Global Monitoring Plan and its Implementation in Regional and Global Monitoring Reports
Authors: Šebková Kateřina
Published: October 2023

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a global legally binding agreement focusing on the protection of health and the environment from negative impact of listed manmade chemicals, persistent organic pollutants. The Convention required the development and regular update of National Implementation Plans, periodic national reporting (Art. 15), and the establishment of other expert frameworks for the assessment of candidate chemicals (Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee [POPRC]). For the evaluation of the effectiveness (Art. 16) it was required to develop a mechanism to identify and compile and/or a mechanism capable of generating coordinated, harmonized, and validated information on changes in levels of its target chemicals over time. The Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) is the mechanism put in place in 2007 that so far produced three sets of regional monitoring reports containing current findings on POPs concentrations in individual UN regions and subsequently, three global reports synthesizing the available information on the global scale. POPs data reported by the Regional Organization Groups (ROGs) in these reports are key pillars and inputs into the effectiveness evaluation that periodically assesses outputs of measures adopted in the Stockholm Convention.

Activities under the GMP are governed by its implementation plan, supported by the technical Guidance on the Global Monitoring Plan and overseen by experts organized in the Regional Organization Groups and in the Global Coordination Group. As the Stockholm Convention expands its scope over time, it is necessary to continuously update the technical knowledge and guidance but also to ensure sustainability of POPs monitoring activities. Availability and continuity of long-term POPs monitoring programmes and their data is decisive for global decision-making.
Analysis and Quality Control of WHO- and UNEP-Coordinated Human Milk Studies 2000–2019: Organochlorine Pesticides and Industrial Contaminants
Authors: Hardebusch Björn , Polley Julia , Dambacher Benjamin , Kypke Karin , Lippold Ralf
Published: October 2023

The analytical method for determination of nonpolar organochlorine pesticides and industrial contaminants in human milk comprises extraction of lipids, the use of three internal standards, two chromatographic separation steps for clean-up and gas chromatography on various columns of different polarity and different detectors (GC-ECD, GC-MS/MS). The more polar analytes were determined applying the QuEChERS method and HPLC-MS/MS measurement.

As accredited laboratory since 1998, a comprehensive quality control programme was applied to prove the long-term reliability of results of the WHO/UNEP-coordinated surveys on human milk performed between 2000 and 2019. The concept comprised numerous quality control samples (spiked samples for quality control charts and left-over samples from proficiency tests as in-house reference material) and participation in 53 proficiency tests covering test samples of food of animal origin, plant oils and standard solutions. Trueness calculated from the spiked quality control samples and expressed as median recovery for 29 analytes was 99% (range 86%–110%), and the precision expressed as the median of the coefficient of variation (CV) was 12% (range 0.7%–31%). Trueness calculated from in-house reference material (375 results for 41 consensus values) was on average 96% with a precision expressed as CV of 7.6%. Finally, the results of 53 proficiency tests were used to derive trueness for 23 analytes as deviation from the assigned value; this deviation was on average 14% (range 6%–27%). As conclusion of various approaches of analytical quality control, for the 2000–2019 period the long-term trueness was on average in the range 85%–95% with a precision on average better than 15%.

The general criteria for the operation of testing laboratories as laid down in EN ISO/IEC 17025, the analytical criteria for analyses of organochlorine pesticides and industrial contaminants in feed and food required by EU legislation and the criteria for monitoring information for the Parties to the Stockholm Convention were met.
WHO- and UNEP-Coordinated Exposure Studies 2000–2019: Findings of Organochlorine Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals
Authors: Malisch Rainer , Kypke Karin , Dambacher Benjamin , Hardebusch Björn , Lippold Ralf , van Leeuwen F. X. Rolaf , Moy Gerald , Tritscher Angelika
Published: October 2023

The concentrations of a number of organochlorine pesticides and related chemicals and two organochlorine industrial chemicals were determined in 163 pooled human milk samples from 82 countries from all United Nations regions. These countries participated in one or more of the five exposure studies on persistent organic pollutants coordinated by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme between 2000 and 2019. The compounds included were aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, DDT, dicofol, dieldrin, endosulfan, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, hexachlorocyclohexanes, mirex, pentachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol/pentachloroanisole, and toxaphene.

Large differences were found for DDT with the highest concentrations found in Africa. However, the median levels of the DDT concentrations of all samples show a decrease of 72% from the 2000–2003 period to the 2016–2019 period, with considerable differences between regions. Due to metabolization of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) in humans, the concentrations of alpha-HCH and gamma-HCH were below the limit of quantification in most human milk samples. The ranges of beta-HCH found in the five periods varied considerably among UN regions, with a maximum found in 2002 in the Asia subgroup of the Asia-Pacific region. A decrease of the median concentrations of all samples of 91% was found from the 2000–2003 period to the 2016–2019 period. In comparison with DDT and beta-HCH, the ranges for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were much lower with a maximum found in the samples from Eastern Europe. Other organochlorine pesticides and contaminants and their metabolites were found mostly in ranges of low background contamination; some were below the limits of quantification.
On Eigenmeasures Under Fourier Transform
Authors: Baake Michael , Spindeler Timo , Strungaru Nicolae
Published: October 2023

Several classes of tempered measures are characterised that are eigenmeasures of the Fourier transform, the latter viewed as a linear operator on (generally unbounded) Radon measures on$$\mathbb {R}\hspace{0.5pt}^d$$Rd. In particular, we classify all periodic eigenmeasures on$$\mathbb {R}\hspace{0.5pt}$$R, which gives an interesting connection with the discrete Fourier transform and its eigenvectors, as well as all eigenmeasures on$$\mathbb {R}\hspace{0.5pt}$$Rwith uniformly discrete support. An interesting subclass of the latter emerges from the classic cut and project method for aperiodic Meyer sets. Finally, we construct a large class of eigenmeasures with locally finite support that is not uniformly discrete and has large gaps around 0.
Evaluation of NMR-based strategies to differentiate fresh from frozen-thawed fish supported by multivariate data analysis
Authors: Kaltenbach Katja H. , Kuballa Thomas , Schröder Ute , Fritsche Jan , Bunzel Mirko , Haase Ilka
Published: October 2023

The differentiation of fresh and frozen-thawed fish is a relevant authenticity aspect as in the European Union fish holds a high statistical risk of being adulterated. Here, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in combination with principal components analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) was used for a non-targeted based differentiation of fresh from frozen-thawed fish. To identify the most promising NMR approach(es), six different approaches were applied to 96 fish samples (mackerel, trout, cod). These approaches included different sample preparation procedures and different NMR methods to investigate both the lipid fraction and the polar fraction of the fish samples. After cross-validation embedded in a Monte Carlo resampling design, six independent classification models were obtained. Evaluation of the multivariate data analysis revealed that the most promising approaches were the 1H NMR analysis of the lipid fraction (correct prediction of about 90.0%) and the 1H NMR based screening of minor components of the lipid fraction with a correct prediction of about 91.9%. 1H NMR analysis of the water extract of the fish samples showed a correct prediction of about 82.6%. Hence, a general differentiation of fresh from frozen-thawed fish via non-targeted NMR is feasible, even though the underlying sample batch contained different fish species. Additional fish samples need to be analyzed with the three most promising NMR approaches to further improve the developed classification models.
Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopic Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Common Bile Duct Stones and Analysis of Risk Factors for Recurrence
Authors: Gao Ziqing , Ye Dalin , Hong Xiaopeng , Zhang Shushan , He Kunyan , Lin Yuhong , Chen Xiaobo , Lu Wuzhu
Published: October 2023

Background

As a minimally invasive treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones, ultrasound‐guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) is gaining attention and recognition from the medical community.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CBD stones treated in our hospital from January 2016 to April 2022. Patients were divided into three groups: 77 treated with PTCSL, 93 with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and 103 with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Their clinical data, perioperative indicators, and complications were analyzed comparatively. Then, risk factors for the post‐PTCSL recurrence of CBD stones were analyzed by logistic regressions. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn.

Results

All perioperative indicators of the PTCSL group were better than the LCBDE group (P < 0.001). The incidences of cholangitis, hemobilia, and incisional infection after surgery were lower in the PTCSL group than in the LCBDE group (P < 0.05). Pancreatitis, reflux esophagitis, and papillary stenosis occurred less frequently in the PTCSL group than in the ERCP group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that gallstones and family history were independent risk factors. The AUC for recurrent CBD stones predicted by multi‐indicators was 0.895 (95% CI 0.792–0.999, P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 96.7% and specificity of 68.8%.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided PTCSL is a safe and effective treatment for CBD stones. Patients recovered quickly with fewer postoperative complications. It can be a first‐line treatment for CBD stones. Gallstones and family history are independent risk factors for recurrent CBD stones, which provide a reference for clinicians in identifying the high‐risk population needing close follow‐up.
Ott-Zeichen und Schober-Zeichen: 2 valide Klassiker?
Authors: Bergmann Frank
Published: October 2023

Ott-Zeichen und Schober-Zeichen sind in der Praxis weitverbreitete Tests zur Beurteilung der Mobilität von Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule. Durch eigene Beobachtungen, Vermittlung in Lehrveranstaltungen und Diskussionen mit Kollegen und Lehrkräften stellte sich dem Autor die Frage, ob diese Zeichen tatsächlich das beurteilen können, was sie beurteilen sollen. Deshalb wurden Untersuchungen zur Validität durchgeführt, die im Ergebnis zeigten, dass mit festen numerischen Messstrecken die unterschiedlichen anatomischen Verhältnisse der Patienten nicht erfasst werden können.
Task-irrelevant valence-preferred colors boost visual search for a singleton-shape target
Authors: Stanković Miloš , Müller Hermann J. , Shi Zhuanghua
Published: October 2023

Some studies have suggested that emotion-associated features might influence attentional capture. However, demonstrating valence-dependent distractor interference has proven challenging, possibly due to the neglect of individuals’ color–valence preferences in standard, averaged reaction-time (RT) measures. To address this, we investigated valence-driven attentional-capture using an association phase in which emotionally neutral vs. positive-feedback photographs were paired with two alternative target colors, red vs. green. This was followed by a test phase requiring participants to search for a pop-out shape target in the presence or absence of an emotion-associated color. In Experiments 1 and 2, this color could only appear in a distractor, while in Experiment 3, it appeared in the target. Analyzing the standard, averaged RT measures, we found no significant valence association or valence-modulated attentional capture. However, correlational analyses revealed a positive relationship between individual participants’ color–valence preference during the association phase and their valence-based effect during the test phase. Moreover, most individuals favored red over green in the association phase, leading to marked color-related asymmetries in the average measures. Crucially, the presence of the valence-preferred color anywhere in the test display facilitated RTs. This effect persisted even when the color appeared in one of the distractors (Experiments 1 and 2), at variance with this distractor capturing attention. These findings suggest that task-irrelevant valence-preferred color signals were registered pre-attentively and boosted performance, likely by raising the general (non-spatial) alertness level. However, these signals were likely kept out of attentional-priority computation to prevent inadvertent attentional capture.
Übergewicht und Adipositas bei Erwachsenen: allgemeine Behandlungsgrundsätze und konservatives Management
Authors: Brix Johanna Maria , Andersen Barbara , Aydinkoc-Tuzcu Kadriye , Beckerhinn Philipp , Brossard-Eitzinger Agnes , Cavini Anna , Ciardi Christian , Clodi Martin , Eichner Marlies , Erlacher Brigitte , Fahrnberger Markus , Felsenreich Daniel Moritz , Francesconi Claudia , Göbel Bettina , Hölbing Elisabeth , Hoppichler Friedrich , Huber Joakim , Huber Simone Leonora , Itariu Bianca Karla , Jandrasitz Birgit , Kiefer Florian W. , Köhler Gerd , Kruschitz Renate , Ludvik Bernhard , Malzner Andrea , Moosbrugger Alexander , Öfferlbauer-Ernst Anna , Parzer Verena , Prager Gerhard , Resl Michael , Ress Claudia , Schelkshorn Christian , Scherer Thomas , Sourji Harald , Stechemesser Lars , Stulnig Thomas , Toplak Hermann , Wakolbinger Maria , Vonbank Alexander , Weghuber Daniel
Published: October 2023

Die Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas nimmt in Österreich – wie auch international – kontinuierlich zu. Insbesondere Adipositas ist mit multiplen Gesundheitsrisiken, Begleiterkrankungen, funktionellen Einschränkungen und sozialer Stigmatisierung assoziiert. Adipositas ist eine eigenständige und komplexe chronische Erkrankung und entsprechend multidisziplinär durch qualifizierte Fachkräfte zu behandeln. In Ergänzung rezenter internationaler Leitlinien skizziert das vorliegende Konsensuspapier allgemeine Grundsätze des Managements von Übergewicht und Adipositas und gibt Handlungsanleitungen für die Diagnose und für die konservative Therapie, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf die Lebensstilmodifikation und die medikamentöse Gewichtskontrolle gelegt wird. Anhand des „5A“-Modells der Verhaltensintervention wird ein Handlungsleitfaden für eine strukturierte, praxisorientierte und PatientInnen-zentrierte Betreuung von Menschen mit Übergewicht und Adipositas in Österreich präsentiert.
Indikation und präoperative Planung zur bariatrischen Operation
Authors: Felsenreich Daniel Moritz , Malzner Andrea , Eichner Marlies , Hoelbing Elisabeth , Moosbrugger Alexander , Beckerhinn Philipp , Prager Gerhard , Brix Johanna Maria , Itariu Bianca-Karla
Published: October 2023

Dieser Text stellt eine Handlungsanleitung dar, welche im Konsens mehrerer österreichischer mit der Therapie von Adipositas assoziierter FachärztInnen erstellt wurde. Dabei wurde neben aktueller Literatur und bestehenden Guidelines auch zwischen Machbarkeit von ärztlicher Seite und Zumutbarkeit gegenüber den PatientInnen abgewogen. Besonderer Wert wurde auf Vereinfachung der präoperativen Abklärung bei maximaler Sicherheit gelegt. Daher stellt dieser Text keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit in allen Bereichen.
Prävention und Management von postinterventioneller Gewichtszunahme
Authors: Kruschitz Renate , Fahrnberger Markus , Felsenreich Daniel Moritz , Ress Claudia , Andersen Barbara , Aydinkoc-Tuzcu Kadriye , Ciardi Christian , Huber Simone Leonore , Kiefer Florian W.
Published: October 2023

Die Ursachen der postinterventionellen Gewichtszunahme nach Lebensstiländerung, psychologischer Therapie, Pharmakotherapie oder chirurgischen Maßnahmen gehen weit über einen Motivations- oder Compliance-Verlust der Betroffenen hinaus. Der Gewichtszunahme liegen komplexe periphere und zentrale Mechanismen zugrunde, deren Ausmaß individuell unterschiedlich zu sein scheint und die darauf ausgerichtet sind, die Nahrungszufuhr durch reduziertes Sättigungs- und vermehrtes Hungergefühl zu erhöhen (gastrointestinale Hormone) und den Energieverbrauch zu reduzieren (metabolische Adaptierung). Diese Mechanismen erschweren das Abnehmen und Gewichthalten in einem „adipogenen“ Lebensraum, wie wir in weltweit immer häufiger vorfinden, ungemein. Das Verständnis dieser molekularen Mechanismen sollte in die Planung von Therapieprogrammen zur langfristigen Gewichtsreduktion, welche eine entsprechende Nachsorge zur Prävention und individualisierten Therapie einer postinterventionellen Gewichtszunahme beinhalten sollten, miteinbezogen werden. Dabei empfiehlt es sich, die therapeutischen Maßnahmen und Kontrollintervalle nach dem Ausmaß der Gewichtszunahme pro Zeitintervall auszurichten.
Analysis of the Hadley cell, subtropical anticyclones and their effect on South African rainfall
Authors: Mahlobo Dawn , Engelbrecht Francois , Ndarana Thando , Abubakar Hadisu Bello , Olabanji Mary Funke , Ncongwane Katlego
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the behaviour of subtropical high-pressure systems and the Hadley cell, which affect the weather of South Africa, using the ERA-Interim database and ensemble of 14 global circulation models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Mass stream function was used to represent the Hadley cell. To analyse the behaviour of the subtropical anticyclones, monthly sea level pressure, the 1018 hPa isobar and the maximum isobar in the study area were used. The seasonal variation of the anticyclones and Hadley circulation is consistent with rainfall over South Africa. During austral summer, a less intense, narrow mass stream function, South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone and Mascarene High are located more southwards, causing rainfall over the eastern parts of South Africa. During the austral winter, Hadley circulation, as well as the anticyclones, is stronger and located more northwards, causing rainfall over the southern and southwestern parts of South Africa.
Terahertz Properties of Common Microwave Dielectric Materials
Authors: Carter Jade , Lees Harrison , Wang Qigejian , Chen Shengjian Jammy , Atakaramians Shaghik , Withayachumnakul Withawat
Published: October 2023

Traditional microwave design and fabrication techniques have been adopted into the terahertz domain. Understanding the properties of microwave dielectric materials at terahertz frequencies is critical for accurate component design. Nevertheless, terahertz properties for common microwave dielectric materials are largely unknown. Hence, this paper presents the relative permittivity, loss tangent, refractive index, and extinction coefficient for such materials, including microwave substrates and low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCCs), within the 0.1 to 3.5 THz range. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and a vector network analyzer produce accurate material parameter results. The material parameters presented in this paper serve as a valuable resource for component design at terahertz frequencies.
OVCH1 Antisense RNA 1 is differentially expressed between non-frail and frail old adults
Authors: Abugessaisa Imad , Manabe Ri-Ichiroh , Kawashima Tsugumi , Tagami Michihira , Takahashi Chitose , Okazaki Yasushi , Bandinelli Stefania , Kasukawa Takeya , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: October 2023

While some old adults stay healthy and non-frail up to late in life, others experience multimorbidity and frailty often accompanied by a pro-inflammatory state. The underlying molecular mechanisms for those differences are still obscure. Here, we used gene expression analysis to understand the molecular underpinning between non-frail and frail individuals in old age. Twenty-four adults (50% non-frail and 50% frail) from InCHIANTI study were included. Total RNA extracted from whole blood was analyzed by Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE). CAGE identified transcription start site (TSS) and active enhancer regions. We identified a set of differentially expressed (DE) TSS and enhancer between non-frail and frail and male and female participants. Several DE TSSs were annotated as lncRNA (XIST and TTTY14) and antisense RNAs (ZFX-AS1 and OVCH1 Antisense RNA 1). The promoter region chr6:366,786,54-366,787,97;+ was DE and overlapping the longevity CDKN1A gene. GWAS-LD enrichment analysis identifies overlapping LD-blocks with the DE regions with reported traits in GWAS catalog (isovolumetric relaxation time and urinary tract infection frequency). Furthermore, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify changes of gene expression associated with clinical traits and identify key gene modules. We performed functional enrichment analysis of the gene modules with significant trait/module correlation. One gene module is showing a very distinct pattern in hub genes. Glycogen Phosphorylase L (PYGL) was the top ranked hub gene between non-frail and frail. We predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and motif activity. TF involved in age-related pathways (e.g., FOXO3 and MYC) shows different expression patterns between non-frail and frail participants. Expanding the study of OVCH1 Antisense RNA 1 and PYGL may help understand the mechanisms leading to loss of homeostasis that ultimately causes frailty.
Regional management options for floating marine litter in coastal waters from a life cycle assessment perspective
Authors: Mankaa Rose Nangah , Traverso Marzia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Despite the increasing number of publications focusing on the management of marine plastic debris, most research is carried out using an upstream perspective, focused on sources and pathways of marine litter accumulation, as well as actions to prevent plastics from entering the environment. The aim of this paper is therefore to investigate a combination of waste management technologies for marine litter in order to inform decision-making on environmental impact hotspots at regional level.

Method

A study of the North Sea German Bight identified existing technologies suitable for the collection and treatment of floating marine debris including, recycling of plastics, mechanical biological treatment (MBT), and landfilling. Processing data for reported marine litter compositions in the region are used to inform the modelling of a waste management strategic plan (WMSP) aimed at valorising various fractions. Hence, collected floating marine litter is separated into derelict fishing gear (DFG) and mixed marine litter (MML) which are sent respectively to a recycling plant for plastic granulates production and to an MBT plant for recovery of metals and electricity generation. Environmental impacts of the WMSP are evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology and compared with incineration considered as the prevalent waste scenario.

Results and discussion

As partly expected, the LCA results reveal higher environmental performance in all impact categories for the incineration scenario. In particular, the WMSP contributes to Global Warming Potential (GWP) more than 10 orders of magnitude less than the incineration scenario. However, the breakdown of results related to the WMSP indicates the highest contribution to environmental impacts attributed to electricity and heat generation from refused-derived fuel and emissions at the combined heat and power plant, as well as electricity and diesel consumption. Lowest contributions are attributed to the recycling plant. The sensitivity analysis revealed low contributions to GWP if plastic debris such as DFG is diverted to recycling while toxicity-related categories are improved by efficient metal and energy recovery at the MBT plant.

Conclusion

Findings of this study show that no single treatment method is enough rather a combination of different treatment pathways should be designed considering the composition and properties of accumulated marine litter in a specific area. However, recovering plastic litter and diverting useful materials from waste-to-energy to recycling improve the environmental performance. Reviews suggest inclusion of valorisation treatment options in future WMSPs of marine litter such as plastic-to-fuel technologies.
Vertretung lokaler Interessen und die Wiederaufstellung von Listen-Abgeordneten im Deutschen Bundestag
Authors: Rehmert Jochen
Published: October 2023

Wie bewerten Parteidelegierte das Vertreten lokaler Interessen von ihren Abgeordneten, die über geschlossene Listen gewählt worden sind? Die bisherige Forschung erwartet klare Unterschiede im Verhalten von Abgeordneten in Mischwahlsystemen, die direkt und solchen, die über (geschlossene) Parteilisten gewählt werden. Doch wie ausschlaggebend ist die Vertretung lokaler Interessen für die Delegierten selbst? Dieser Beitrag will zeigen, dass Parteidelegierte – auch von Parteien die hauptsächlich Listenmandate erringen – auch von ihren Listenabgeordneten das Vertreten lokaler Interessen bevorzugen. Mithilfe eines Conjoint-Experiments mit 560 Delegierten fünf deutscher Bundestagsparteien, die ihre Kandidierenden über Delegiertenversammlungen aufstellen, wird gezeigt, dass Delegierte aller Parteien Listenabgeordnete bevorzugen, die die Interessen des eigenen Kreisverbandes vertreten. Während der Herkunftsort der Delegierten keinen Einfluss auf diese Präferenz hat, gibt es Unterschiede zwischen den Parteien in wie wichtig das Vertreten lokaler Interessen für die Entscheidungsfindung der Delegierten ist verglichen mit anderen Faktoren. Die Befunde dieser Studie haben Implikationen für die Untersuchungen politischen Verhaltens für Abgeordnete.
Discriminants of fields generated by polynomials of given height
Authors: Dietmann Rainer , Ostafe Alina , Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: October 2023

We obtain upper bounds for the number of monic irreducible polynomials over $$\mathbb{Z}$$

Z

of a fixed degree n and a growing height H for which the field generated by one of its roots has a given discriminant. We approach it via counting square-free parts of polynomial discriminants via two complementing approaches. In turn, this leads to a lower bound on the number of distinct discriminants of fields generated by roots of polynomials of degree n and height at most H. We also give an upper bound for the number of trinomials of bounded height with given square-free part of the discriminant, improving previous results of I. E. Shparlinski (2010).
Creativity and Healthy Ageing: Future Research Directions
Authors: Aula Inkeri , Masoodian Masood
Published: October 2023

The fact that the world population is ageing brings about societal challenges, but at the same time creates new opportunities for more creative and meaningful lives at older age. In this article, we investigate existing gaps in several fields of research that aim to better understand the role of creativity in later life and its effects on healthy ageing. We present an overview of the diverse definitions of creativity and culture, review current approaches to wellbeing, and summarise findings from research on the effects of creative activities on wellbeing and healthy ageing. In addition, we discuss recent research on the impact of environmental contexts and relations on creative wellbeing. Through identifying the definitions and scope of research on creativity and wellbeing in the lives of older adults, we aim to provide promising future research directions. Our review shows that current research on the impact of artistic and creative activities on wellbeing in later life generally does not consider older adults’ own subjective and relational experiences, and too often ignores elements of the complex environmental conditions in healthy ageing. Therefore, we conclude that there is a sustained need for holistic and relational approaches that address the entanglement of social and natural environments with healthy ageing and creative wellbeing.
Empirical Consequences of Normative Inadequacies: The Principle of Temporary Refuge and Protection Gaps
Authors: Grześkowiak Maciej
Published: October 2023

The article aims to propose an alternative analytical framework for examining the currently observable ineffectiveness of the international refugee protection regime. The described framework places the principle of temporary refuge and its inherent ambiguities at the centre of the analysis. To that effect, the scope and content of the principle of temporary refuge is considered with the particular focus on the presumable obligations of third states (i.e. states other than the recipient state) stemming from the principle. The analysis then turns to consideration of some of the examples of contemporary practice of temporary refuge in an attempt at framing it as one of the sources of a poor state of functioning of the international refugee regime. The paper also links the identified phenomenon to the concept of protection gaps as it was already outlined in the literature in order to clearly demonstrate the relationship between the content and contemporary practice of temporary refuge and inadequacies of the international refugee regime visible at the global level.
Extrovert or Introvert? GAN-Based Humanoid Upper-Body Gesture Generation for Different Impressions
Authors: Wu Bowen , Liu Chaoran , Ishi Carlos Toshinori , Shi Jiaqi , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Gestures, a form of body language, significantly influence how users perceive humanoid robots. Recent data-driven methods for co-speech gestures have successfully enhanced the naturalness of the generated gestures. Moreover, compared to rule-based systems, these methods are more generalizable for unseen speech input. However, many of these methods cannot directly influence people’s perceptions of robots. The primary challenge lies in the intricacy of constructing a dataset with varied impression labels to develop a conditional generation model. In our prior work ([22]) Controlling the impression of robots via gan-based gesture generation. In:Proceedings of the international conference on intelligent robots and systems. IEEE, pp 9288-9295), we introduced a heuristic approach for automatic labeling, training a deep learning model to control robot impressions. We demonstrated the model’s effectiveness on both a virtual agent and a humanoid robot. In this study, we refined the motion retargeting algorithm for the humanoid robot and conducted a user study using four questions representing different aspects of extroversion. Our results show an improved capability in controlling the perceived degree of extroversion in the humanoid robot compared to previous methods. Furthermore, we discovered that different aspects of extroversion interact uniquely with motion statistics
Analysis of the thermal design of a COTS-based modular battery system for satellites by thermal vacuum testing
Authors: Eilenberger Marius , Gunasekar Hariharan , Gomez Toro Daniel , Bänsch Cornelie
Published: October 2023

The qualification of components for satellite applications is a costly process due to the extreme conditions that must be endured in space. Therefore, space market access of battery technology innovations is often inhibited. However, modern battery technologies offer great advantages for satellite applications. In this work, a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) based and modular lithium-ion battery system for satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is presented. A comparative analysis to evaluate system parameters and functionality of the proposed battery system and literature data is performed. A thermal vacuum test campaign is carried out to investigate the behaviour under LEO relevant conditions and to achieve qualification of the system performance according to the ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) standard. The tested system consists of two modules with 28 V nominal voltage and eight battery cells each. Experiments were conducted inside a vacuum chamber. The battery system was charged and discharged in temperatures from 0 °C to 45 °C in a high-vacuum for three weeks. The influence of the battery management electronics, the behaviour of the cells and the heating were analyzed. The cell temperatures stayed in the operating limit during 3.5 A and 10 A cycling. The battery system, however, exceeded the cell’s upper operating limit with a 40 °C baseplate and 3.5 A charging. Despite the dense system architecture with electronics between the cells the battery system can safely deliver power in a broad temperature range. Further investigations regarding safety and failure modes are necessary, along with advancements on software and state estimation algorithms.
The Agro-industrial Byproduct Wheat Bran as an Inducer for Alkaline Protease (ALK-PR23) Production by Pschyrotolerant Lysinibacillus sphaericus Strain AA6 EMCCN3080
Authors: Matrawy Amira A. , Marey Heba S. , Embaby Amira M.
Published: October 2023

The current study aims to exploit the zero-cost inducer wheat bran (WB), an agro-industrial byproduct, for production of alkaline protease (ALK-PR23) by the hyper producer psychrotolerant Lysinibacillus sphaericus Strain AA6 EMCCN3080 for the first time ever. Incubation temperature (25 °C), yeast extract concentration, agitation speed (150 rpm), and aeration ratio [1 volume (liquid):5 volume (Erlenmeyer flask)] provoked ALK-PR23 production; OVAT inferences. The pH, yeast extract, and (NH4)2SO4 levels substantively triggered ALK-PR23 production as deduced from Plackett–Burman design. Incubation time (3 days) and WB [2% (w/v)] were the optimal values inducing positive significant influence on ALK-PR23 as conferred from steepest ascent experiments. Yeast extract (0.446% w/v), (NH4)2SO4 (0.339% w/v), and pH (6.872) prompted ALK-PR23 (592.5 U/mL) with an impressive 98-fold enhancement; Box-Behnken design and ridge steepest ascent path implications. The laboratory validation of the model achieved 100% of the predicted value. Laboratory data would present an eco-friendly, cheap, efficient approach towards concurrent WB recycling and massive production of alkaline protease (ALK-PR23) from L. sphaericus Strain AA6 EMCCN3080. Present data would greatly encourage unveiling biochemical characteristics of ALK-PR23 in prospective studies.

Graphical Abstract
Translocation of deadwood in ecological compensation: A novel way to compensate for habitat loss
Authors: Tranberg Olov , Hekkala Anne-Maarit , Lindroos Ola , Löfroth Therese , Jönsson Mari , Sjögren Jörgen , Hjältén Joakim
Published: October 2023

Restoration of degraded habitat is frequently used in ecological compensation. However, ecological restoration suffers from innate problems of long delivery times of features shown to be good proxies for biodiversity, e.g., large dead trees. We tested a possible way to circumvent this problem; the translocation of hard-to-come deadwood substrates from an impact area to a compensation area. Following translocation, deadwood density in the compensation area was locally equivalent to the impact area, around 20 m3 ha−1, a threshold for supporting high biodiversity of rare and red-listed species. However, deadwood composition differed between the impact and compensation area, showing a need to include more deadwood types, e.g., late decomposition deadwood, in the translocation scheme. To guide future compensation efforts, the cost for translocation at different spatial scales was calculated. We conclude that translocation of deadwood could provide a cost-efficient new tool for ecological compensation/restoration but that the method needs refinement.
Political embeddedness in public–private partnership for nature conservation: A land trust reserve case from China
Authors: Zhao Jiacheng , Jin Tong , Zhang Pei , Krott Max , Liu Jinlong
Published: October 2023

Private sector plays an increasingly vital role in nature conservation globally. This study explores the concept of political embeddedness, which suggests that governments and environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) can leverage each other’s strengths to achieve both formal and informal goals. Using the case of Laohegou Nature Reserve in China, this study illustrated how the complementary advantages of the government and ENGOs form the foundation of a land trust reserve. Within the case, the study found that power and interest balance between the government and ENGOs during project implementation supported their formal cooperation in nature conservation. This study proposed a political perspective to elaborate power and interest in the formal and informal dimensions of nature conservation public–private partnership (PPP) project. Moreover, it noted that a balance of power between the government and ENGOs is essential in building partnership networks with inclusive interests.
Lack of evidence for chemical integration of the cuckoo-bee Stelis nasuta (Latreille, 1809) and Coelioxys aurolimbata (Förster, 1853) with their main host Megachile parietina (Geoffroy, 1785)
Authors: Maggioni Martino , Moldoveanu Oana Catalina , Zamponi Erika , Quaranta Marino , Monterastelli Elisa , Dani Francesca Romana
Published: October 2023

Megachileparietina is a solitary megachilid species, which sometimes nests in large aggregations. Such a condition attracts a diverse entomological fauna, including several parasites. Here, we focused on two cuckoo-bees of this species, Stelis nasuta and Coelioxys aurolimbata (Megachilidae) and investigated if chemical integration with the host favours their reproductive success. Lipids on the epicuticle and in the Dufour’s gland secretion, possibly contributing to protecting the eggs against dehydration, of the three species showed species-specific mixtures of long-chained linear alkanes and alkenes. Moreover, contrary to what has been reported for some cuckoo-bees of the genus Nomada, we found no evidence that the mandibular glands of parasite males contribute to female chemical mimicry. Therefore, we found no indication that chemical integration is part of the adaptive strategies of these two brood parasites.
Successive Logarithmic Coefficients of Univalent Functions
Authors: Lecko Adam , Partyka Dariusz
Published: October 2023

The paper deals with logarithmic coefficients of univalent functions. The sharp lower and upper estimations of $$|\gamma _2(f)|-|\gamma _1(f)|$$

|

γ
2

(
f
)

|
-
|

γ
1

(
f
)

|

were obtained in the class $${\mathcal {S}}$$
S
, where $$\gamma _n(f)$$

γ
n

(
f
)

denotes the n-th logarithmic coefficient of $$f\in {\mathcal {S}}$$

f
∈
S

. The result is applicable to some standard subclasses of $${\mathcal {S}}$$
S
. Relevant examples were indicated.