bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity analysis for sets: Application to pollutant concentration maps
Authors: Fellmann Noé , Pasquier M. , Blanchet‐Scalliet C. , Helbert C. , Spagnol A. , Sinoquet D.
Published: August 2024

We are motivated by the field of air quality control, where one goal is to quantify the impact of uncertain inputs such as meteorological conditions and traffic parameters on pollutant dispersion maps. Sensitivity analysis is one answer, but the majority of sensitivity analysis methods are designed to deal with scalar or vector outputs and are badly suited to an output space of maps. To address this problem, we propose a generic approach to sensitivity analysis of set‐valued models. This approach can be applied to the case of maps. We propose and study three different types of sensitivity indices. The first ones are inspired by Sobol' indices but adapted to sets based on the theory of random sets. The second ones adapt universal indices defined for a general metric output space. The last set of indices uses kernel‐based sensitivity indices adapted to sets. The proposed methods are implemented and tested to perform an uncertainty analysis for a toy excursion set problem and for time‐averaged concentration maps of pollutants in an urban environment.
Deep learning the Hurst parameter of linear fractional processes and assessing its reliability
Authors: Boros Dániel , Csanády Bálint , Ivkovic Iván , Nagy Lóránt , Lukács András , Márkus László
Published: August 2024

This research explores the reliability of deep learning, specifically Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) networks, for estimating the Hurst parameter in fractional stochastic processes. The study focuses on three types of processes: fractional Brownian motion (fBm), fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (fOU) process, and linear fractional stable motions (lfsm). The work involves a fast generation of extensive datasets for fBm and fOU to train the LSTM network on a large volume of data in a feasible time. The study analyses the accuracy of the LSTM network's Hurst parameter estimation regarding various performance measures like root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean relative error (MRE), and quantiles of the absolute and relative errors. It finds that LSTM outperforms the traditional statistical methods in the case of fBm and fOU processes; however, it has limited accuracy on lfsm processes. The research also delves into the implications of training length and valuation sequence length on the LSTM's performance. The methodology is applied to estimating the Hurst parameter in li‐ion battery degradation data and obtaining confidence bounds for the estimation. The study concludes that while deep learning methods show promise in parameter estimation of fractional processes, their effectiveness is contingent on the process type and the quality of training data.
A Computation‐Strengthened High‐Dimensional Three‐Qudit Toffoli Gate
Authors: Du Fang‐Fang , Ren Xue‐Mei , Tan Qiu‐Lin
Published: August 2024

A high‐dimensional quantum gate not only enables the processing of more information through parallel quantum channels but also enhances fault tolerance in a higher Hilbert space. In this paper, a protocol is presented for implementing a three‐qudit ‐Dimensional (D) Toffoli gate for a hybrid system, where the first control qudit, the second control qudit, and the target qudit of four dimension are encoded in the spatial‐polarization state of a flying photon, the electron‐spin state of the first two quantum dots (QDs), and the one of the remaining two QDs, respectively. Besides, the high‐dimensional Toffoli gate does not require any assistance. Moreover, the gate operates deterministically in principle, as the photon is easy to manipulate feasibly using simple optical elements, and four QDs have a long electron‐spin coherent time used for storage and manipulation. Furthermore, the success probability and fidelity of the high‐dimensional Toffoli gate, in alignment with current technological capabilities, demonstrate satisfactory results. This indicates that it is feasible in experimental settings and promises a quantum computing paradigm that excels in speed, error resilience, and scalability for intricate quantum operations.
Error‐Heralded and Deterministic Interconversion Between W State and Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger State with Faithful Quantum Gates in Decoherence‐Free‐Subspace
Authors: Du Fang‐Fang , Ma Ming , Tan Qiu‐lin
Published: August 2024

The interconversion of a variety of entangled states can facilitate the information transmission and decline the risk of error rates. Here two faithful protocols to achieve deterministic interconversion between three‐logic‐qubit W state and three‐logic‐qubit Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger state in decoherence‐free subspace (DFS), resorting to the state‐selective property of the quantum dot (QD)‐cavity systems and robust‐fidelity quantum control gates are presented. Moreover, the single‐photon detectors introduced can effectively herald and mitigate potential failures from imperfect interaction between the QD‐cavity system and photons, significantly enhancing experimental feasibility. Through comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the protocols demonstrate exceptional conversion efficiencies and deliver near‐perfect fidelities. Additionally, the DFS makes system coherence over extended periods to overcome the decoherence effect caused by specific environmental noise, paving the way for quantum information processing.
Lyapunov stability analysis of an RMRAC‐based adaptive sigmoid super‐twisting sliding mode under matched and unmatched uncertainties
Authors: Vieira Hollweg Guilherme , Dias de Oliveira Evald Paulo Jefferson , Grundling Hilton Abílio , Su Wencong
Published: August 2024

This article presents a discrete‐time robust model reference adaptive controller and adaptive sigmoid super‐twisting sliding mode (RMRAC‐ASSTSM) and its stability analysis using Lyapunov stability theory. This control structure is robust to matched and unmatched dynamics. In addition, the chattering phenomenon tends to be suppressed in the steady state due to adaptive super‐twisting sliding mode action using a sigmoid function. The performance of the proposed control structure is corroborated with simulation results, considering a second‐order non‐minimum phase unstable plant, where it can be seen that RMRAC‐ASSTSM regulation errors converge to a finite residual set when the plant presents unmodeled dynamics. A comparison is also presented with a similar RMRAC‐based control structure with an adaptive super‐twisting sliding mode implemented with a sign function.
Combined Experimental and Periodic DFT Study of the Size Dependence of Adsorption Properties of Oxide‐Supported Metal Nanoclusters: A Case of NO on Ni/Al2O3
Authors: Magkoev Tamerlan T. , Men Yong , Behjatmanesh‐Ardakani Reza , Elahifard Mohammadreza , Abaev Vladimir T. , Chalikidi Petrakis , Magkoev Taymuraz T. , Ashkhotov Oleg G.
Published: August 2024

It is demonstrated by means of ultra high vacuum (UHV) surface‐sensitive techniques and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations that the electronic and NO− adsorption properties of nanosized Ni clusters deposited onto the α‐Al2O3 (0001) surface significantly depend upon the size of the cluster. The properties of the Ni cluster of the size of 2 nm and lower are predominantly determined by the formation of the Ni/Al2O3 interface bond notably polarized towards the oxide. As a result, the metal cluster acquires a net positive charge manifested by the bond strengthening of adsorbed NO compared to the bulk Ni substrate. With the increasing size of the cluster, the Ni/Al2O3 interfacial bond depolarizes due to the growing of lateral Ni–Ni interaction. With a mean coverage of Ni on the alumina surface exceeding 0.25 equivalent monolayers, their properties in terms of adsorption behavior of NO resemble those that are characteristic for the bulk Ni substrate. Such a size dependence offers an opportunity to tune the properties of metal clusters and the metal/oxide system as a whole, for example, to achieve the required electronic and adsorption‐reaction properties.
Explicating the Multifunctional Roles of Tocotrienol and Squalene in Promoting Skin Health
Authors: Morgan Nevvin Raaj , Magalingam Kasthuri Bai , Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Arumugam Mohan , Jamil Adawiyah , Bhuvanendran Saatheeyavaane
Published: August 2024

The skin is the largest organ in the integumentary system, protecting against various external threats, including ultraviolet exposure, heat, infections, dehydration and mechanical injuries. Skin disorders can arise from various causes, including allergic reactions or breaches in the skin barrier, which allow microorganisms or chemicals to penetrate the sweat ducts. These conditions encompass a wide range of issues, including acne, xerosis (dry skin), fungal infections, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. Collectively, these ailments affect a significant portion of the global population, impacting approximately one-third of people worldwide. Additionally, oxidative stress induced by ageing and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can manifest in visible alterations such as pigmentation, wrinkling and dehydration. Recent investigations have underscored the potential of natural antioxidant compounds in safeguarding skin health and combating ageing-related changes. Tocotrienols, a subgroup of vitamin E, have garnered significant attention owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Significant amounts of tocotrienols can be found in rice bran, olive, oats and hazelnuts. Similarly, squalene, predominantly sourced from fish liver oils such as those from sharks, has been used as an emollient in cosmetic formulations. This article offers a comprehensive review of existing literature elucidating the dermatological benefits associated with tocotrienols and squalene, emphasising their roles as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, skin barrier protection and facilitators of wound healing. Moreover, it sheds light on contemporary research findings suggesting these compounds’ therapeutic promise in managing and ameliorating various skin conditions.
Chemical Epitaxy of Iridium Oxide on Tin Oxide Enhances Stability of Supported OER Catalyst
Authors: Kost Melisande , Kornherr Matthias , Zehetmaier Peter , Illner Hannah , Jeon Djung Sue , Gasteiger Hubert , Döblinger Markus , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina , Bein Thomas
Published: August 2024

Significantly reducing the iridium content in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts while maintaining high electrocatalytic activity and stability is a key priority in the development of large‐scale proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. In practical catalysts, this is usually achieved by depositing thin layers of iridium oxide on a dimensionally stable metal oxide support material that reduces the volumetric packing density of iridium in the electrode assembly. By comparing two support materials with different structure types, it is shown that the chemical nature of the metal oxide support can have a strong influence on the crystallization of the iridium oxide phase and the direction of crystal growth. Epitaxial growth of crystalline IrO2 is achieved on the isostructural support material SnO2, both of which have a rutile structure with very similar lattice constants. Crystallization of amorphous IrOx on an SnO2 substrate results in interconnected, ultrasmall IrO2 crystallites that grow along the surface and are firmly anchored to the substrate. Thereby, the IrO2 phase enables excellent conductivity and remarkable stability of the catalyst at higher overpotentials and current densities at a very low Ir content of only 14 at%. The chemical epitaxy described here opens new horizons for the optimization of conductivity, activity and stability of electrocatalysts and the development of other epitaxial materials systems.
Navigating coopetition: A multiple case study of AI and data‐driven strategies in the digital platform economy
Authors: Ma Qiang , Chen Hong , Tian Shuo , Su Huishuang , Zhong Wei , Wang Ying
Published: August 2024

The convergence of emerging technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G is catalysing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and driving a paradigm shift toward the rapidly growing digital platform economy. However, the complex coopetition dynamics among AI‐powered and data‐driven digital platforms challenge traditional resource‐based theories in explaining this phenomenon. This multiple case study investigates the coopetitive tactics adopted by digital platform companies when navigating different coopetition situations through the lens of data and AI resources. Eight propositions are developed linking the allocation and application tendencies of data resources to the coopetitive tactics employed by platforms across four coopetition situations. The findings reveal how the unique attributes of data and AI resources influence digital platforms' coopetitive strategy implementation in complex network environments and how companies can strategically combine cooperation and competition when leveraging AI technologies and big data resources on digital platforms.
Phylogeny, niche modelling and morphology unveil a new lianescent species of Sigmoidotropis (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) across rainforest enclaves within Brazilian dry vegetation
Authors: Santos Felipe da Silva , Ribeiro Carolina Lima , Snak Cristiane , Fonseca‐Cortés Andrés , Cardoso Domingos , de Queiroz Luciano Paganucci
Published: August 2024

The small Neotropical papilionoid legume genus Sigmoidotropis (nine species) has been described only relatively recently as the result of the taxonomic rearrangement of the genus Vigna (subtribe Phaseolinae), based on phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data. Here, we formally propose a new lianescent species of Sigmoidotropis that occurs disjunctly in enclaves of moist forest of mountainous regions surrounded by dry vegetation at three different localities in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. Its phylogenetic position and morphological affinities with other genera of Phaseolinae were evaluated by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses, using sequence data from the nuclear ITS/5.8S and plastid trnK/matK. To better understand this new species’ widely disjunct distribution and a possible connection between its populations in the past, an environmental niche modelling (ENM) analysis was performed. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that Sigmoidotropis appears closest to the genera Ancistrotropis and Delgadoana, together forming the Sigmoid‐keel clade. The new species proposed here is strongly recovered within Sigmoidotropis, being most closely related to S. ekmaniana, S. elegans, and S. megatyla. The ENM indicated changes in the potential distribution of the new species over different climatic periods, with expansion during colder periods and contraction during warmer periods, leading to possible relictual populations in moist forest enclaves. A description of the new species Sigmoidotropis maculata is presented, along with illustrations, a distribution map, taxonomic comments, and conservation status assessment.
Questions: What should applicants ask colleges before, and after, acceptance?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: August 2024

Questions applicants should ask before applying, after acceptance, and before enrolling. Questions admission deans and recruiters should ask of accepted and enrolled applicants.
Posterior urethral stenosis: Contemporary management options
Authors: Yu Jonathan , Ahmed Mustafa , Murray Brittney , Ajay Divya
Published: August 2024

Posterior urethral stenosis (PUS) is a known complication following prostate cancer treatment as well as other benign endoscopic treatments. Patients with PUS often fail initial endoscopic treatments and have persistent symptoms negatively affecting quality of life. In the past decade, a variety of different surgical techniques and approaches have changed the landscape of PUS management. The goal of this review is to provide details on the historical, current, and future direction of the surgical management for PUS.
Exploring critical factors in referral systems at different health‐care levels
Authors: Jamal Farrukh , Ahmadini Abdullah Ali H. , Hassan Muhammad M. , Sami Waqas , Ameeq Muhammad , Naeem Areeba
Published: August 2024

Background

A consistent referral system and patient patronage are the primary connections between the three tiers in the healthcare delivery system. Patients were scheduled to visit primary care clinics for the first time. Subsequently, patients are moved to more distinguished healthcare facilities to receive additional care.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the reasons behind patients' transfer from primary and secondary care to tertiary care, as well as the critical factors that influence these referrals.

Methods

This study employs a mixed‐methods approach to explore factors determining referral service provision across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels. Along with conducting semi‐structured interviews with healthcare professionals, we systematically examined a wealth of retrospective data on 1331 referred patients from 130 health facilities, including patient records, demographics, referral status, and clinical presentation. All statistical analysis was processed in R, and Corel Draw 12 was also used for graphical illustration.

Results

Healthcare facilities referred most emergencies to several departments, including the cardiac care unit, medical, urology, intensive care unit/emergency, obstetrics and gynaecology, children's, orthopaedic, and psychiatry. The percentage of all cases referred is displayed ward‐by‐ward; the intensive care unit/emergency wards have a high referral ratio of 65.51%, while the obstetrics and gynaecology wards have an 18.40% referral ratio.

Conclusion

There is a need for increased government investments to strengthen the capacity, human resources, and availability of equipment in primary, secondary, and tertiary public health facilities to deliver quality services in order to reduce the patient referral ratio.
Introduction
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

The Ginibre ensembles are non-Hermitian random matrices with real, complex or quaternion Gaussian entries. For reasons to be discussed below, these are denoted by GinOE, GinUE and GinSE respectively. With the quaternion entries of the latter identified as the $$2 \times 2$$

2
×
2

complex block structure $$ \begin{bmatrix} z & w \\ - \bar{w} & \bar{z} \end{bmatrix}, $$

z

w

-

w

¯

z

¯

,

members of each of these ensembles are readily realised; Fig. 1.1 gives example plots of the corresponding eigenvalue distribution in the complex plane. Ginibre introduced these non-Hermitian random matrix ensembles in 1965 [293]. Although with a self-described motivation of mathematical curiosity [31, Sect. 2.2, quoting correspondence with Ginibre], the line of investigation follows on from ideas and methods put forward by Dyson a few years earlier.
All chiral $$ \mathcal{W} $$-algebra extensions of $$ \mathfrak{so}\left(2,3\right) $$
Authors: Gupta Nishant , Suryanarayana Nemani V.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We show that there are four chiral $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
-algebra extensions of $$ \mathfrak{so}\left(2,3\right) $$
so

2
3

algebra and construct them explicitly. We do this by a simple identification of each of the inequivalent embeddings of a copy of $$ \mathfrak{sl}\left(2,\mathbb{R}\right) $$
sl

2
ℝ

in the $$ \mathfrak{so}\left(2,3\right) $$
so

2
3

algebra and the maximal subalgebra $$ \mathfrak{h} $$
h
that commutes with it. Then using the standard 2d chiral CFT techniques we find the corresponding $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
-algebra extensions. Two of the four resultant $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
-algebras are new, one of which may be thought of as the conformal $$ {\mathfrak{bms}}_3 $$

bms
3

algebra valid for finite values of its central charge.
The correlation of CT-derived muscle density, skeletal muscle index, and visceral adipose tissue with nutritional status in severely injured patients
Authors: van Ee Elaine P. X. , Verheul Esmee A. H. , Dijkink Suzan , Krijnen Pieta , Veldhuis Wouter , Feshtali Shirin S. , Avery Laura , Lucassen Claudia J. , Mieog Sven D. , Hwabejire John O. , Schipper Inger B.
Published: August 2024

Background

This study explored if computerized tomography-derived body composition parameters (CT-BCPs) are related to malnutrition in severely injured patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Methods

This prospective cohort study included severely injured (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) patients, admitted to the ICU of three level-1 trauma centers between 2018 and 2022. Abdominal CT scans were retrospectively analyzed to assess the CT-BCPs: muscle density (MD), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The Subjective Global Assessment was used to diagnose malnutrition at ICU admission and on day 5 of admission, and the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill at admission was used to assess the nutritional risk.

Results

Seven (11%) of the 65 analyzed patients had malnutrition at ICU admission, increasing to 23 patients (35%) on day 5. Thirteen (20%) patients had high nutritional risk. CT-BCPs were not related to malnutrition at ICU admission and on day 5. Patients with high nutritional risk at admission had lower MD (median (IQR) 32.1 HU (25.8–43.3) vs. 46.9 HU (37.7–53.3); p < 0.01) and higher VAT (median 166.5 cm2 (80.6–342.6) vs. 92.0 cm2 (40.6–148.2); p = 0.01) than patients with low nutritional risk.

Conclusion

CT-BCPs do not seem related to malnutrition, but low MD and high VAT may be associated with high nutritional risk. These findings may prove beneficial for clinical practice, as they suggest that CT-derived parameters may provide valuable information on nutritional risk in severely injured patients, in addition to conventional nutritional assessment and screening tools.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Prognostic/Epidemiological.
Geography, age, and wellbeing following the COVID-19 shock
Authors: He Ruoshui , Rickardsson Jonna , Mellander Charlotta
Published: August 2024

In this paper we examine the relationships between subjective well-being, age, and geography before (2019) and during (2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing survey data, subjective well-being is examined through measures on i) perceived life satisfaction, and ii) self-reported health status. Given that elderly individuals, aged 70 and above, were at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, we conduct further analyses with a special focus on this group of individuals. Our analyses show that older individuals have higher life satisfaction than other age groups – both before the pandemic and during the pandemic. On the other hand, older individuals report worse health conditions, and the difference in self-reported health status between elderly and younger people is even greater during the pandemic. In terms of geography, we find that elderly people living in larger cities have significantly lower levels of life satisfaction than those living in small agglomerations or rural areas – but report significantly higher health status – especially during the pandemic.
Monodromy and mapping class groups of 3-dimensional hypersurfaces
Authors: Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: August 2024

We describe the subgroup of the mapping class group of a hypersurface in

$$\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^4$$

C

P

4

consisting of those diffeomorphisms which can be realised by monodromy.
Patients with axial spondyloarthritis reported willingness to use remote care and showed high adherence to electronic patient-reported outcome measures: an 18-month observational study
Authors: Thomassen Emil Eirik Kvernberg , Berg Inger Jorid , Kristianslund Eirik Klami , Tveter Anne Therese , Bakland Gunnstein , Gossec Laure , Hakim Sarah , Macfarlane Gary John , de Thurah Annette , Østerås Nina
Published: August 2024

Remote monitoring using electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROs) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may improve self-management and reduce the need for consultations. However, knowledge regarding patients’ willingness to use remote care and adherence to reporting ePROs is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess axSpA patients’ willingness to use remote care and adherence to reporting of ePROs. The study was part of a three-armed randomized controlled trial testing digital follow-up strategies (The ReMonit study, NCT: 05031767). AxSpA patients in low disease activity were randomized to usual care, remote monitoring, or patient-initiated care. Demographics, clinical data, and patients’ willingness to use remote care were collected at baseline. EPROs were reported either monthly or quarterly by the remote monitoring- and patient-initiated care group over 18 months, respectively. Adherence to reporting was calculated as number of ePROs completed divided by the total number requested. Mixed model logistic regression was utilized to assess factors associated with adherence to reporting of ePROs. In total 242 patients (median age 43 years, 75% males) were included. The majority (96%) reported high willingness to use remote care. Adherence to reporting ePROs remained high over 18 months by remote monitoring and patient-initiated care groups [median (IQR): 88% (77–100) vs. 83% (66–100)]. No patient characteristics were significantly associated with adherence to reporting of ePROs. The high degree of willingness and adherence to reporting ePROs over time indicates that the majority of axSpA patients with low disease activity are motivated to use remote care.
Subexponential lower bounds for f-ergodic Markov processes
Authors: Brešar Miha , Mijatović Aleksandar
Published: August 2024

We provide a criterion for establishing lower bounds on the rate of convergence in f-variation of a continuous-time ergodic Markov process to its invariant measure. The criterion consists of novel super- and submartingale conditions for certain functionals of the Markov process. It provides a general approach for proving lower bounds on the tails of the invariant measure and the rate of convergence in f-variation of a Markov process, analogous to the widely used Lyapunov drift conditions for upper bounds. Our key technical innovation produces lower bounds on the tails of the heights and durations of the excursions from bounded sets of a continuous-time Markov process using path-wise arguments. We apply our theory to elliptic diffusions and Lévy-driven stochastic differential equations with known polynomial/stretched exponential upper bounds on their rates of convergence. Our lower bounds match asymptotically the known upper bounds for these classes of models, thus establishing their rate of convergence to stationarity. The generality of the approach suggests that, analogous to the Lyapunov drift conditions for upper bounds, our methods can be expected to find applications in many other settings.
DNA-based studies and genetic diversity indicator assessments are complementary approaches to conserving evolutionary potential
Authors: Hoban Sean , Paz-Vinas Ivan , Shaw Robyn E. , Castillo-Reina Luis , da Silva Jessica M. , DeWoody J. Andrew , Ekblom Robert , Fedorca Ancuta , Forester Brenna R. , Funk W. Chris , Geue Julia C. , Heuertz Myriam , Hollingsworth Peter M. , Hughes Alice C. , Hunter Margaret E. , Hvilsom Christina , Ishihama Fumiko , Jordan Rebecca , Kalamujić Stroil Belma , Kershaw Francine , Khoury Colin K. , Köppä Viktoria , Laikre Linda , Macdonald Anna J. , Mastretta-Yanes Alicia , Meek Mariah H. , Mergeay Joachim , Millette Katie L. , O’Brien David , Rincón-Parra Victor J. , Rodríguez-Morales M. Alejandra , Schuman Meredith C. , Segelbacher Gernot , Sunnucks Paul , Taylor Rebecca S. , Thurfjell Henrik , Vernesi Cristiano , Grueber Catherine E.
Published: August 2024

Genetic diversity is essential for maintaining healthy populations and ecosystems. Several approaches have recently been developed to evaluate population genetic trends without necessarily collecting new genetic data. Such “genetic diversity indicators” enable rapid, large-scale evaluation across dozens to thousands of species. Empirical genetic studies, when available, provide detailed information that is important for management, such as estimates of gene flow, inbreeding, genetic erosion and adaptation. In this article, we argue that the development and advancement of genetic diversity indicators is a complementary approach to genetic studies in conservation biology, but not a substitute. Genetic diversity indicators and empirical genetic data can provide different information for conserving genetic diversity. Genetic diversity indicators enable affordable tracking, reporting, prioritization and communication, although, being proxies, do not provide comprehensive evaluation of the genetic status of a species. Conversely, genetic methods offer detailed analysis of the genetic status of a given species or population, although they remain challenging to implement for most species globally, given current capacity and resourcing. We conclude that indicators and genetic studies are both important for genetic conservation actions and recommend they be used in combination for conserving and monitoring genetic diversity.
Detach-ROCKET: sequential feature selection for time series classification with random convolutional kernels
Authors: Uribarri Gonzalo , Barone Federico , Ansuini Alessio , Fransén Erik
Published: August 2024

Time Series Classification (TSC) is essential in fields like medicine, environmental science, and finance, enabling tasks such as disease diagnosis, anomaly detection, and stock price analysis. While machine learning models like Recurrent Neural Networks and InceptionTime are successful in numerous applications, they can face scalability issues due to computational requirements. Recently, ROCKET has emerged as an efficient alternative, achieving state-of-the-art performance and simplifying training by utilizing a large number of randomly generated features from the time series data. However, many of these features are redundant or non-informative, increasing computational load and compromising generalization. Here we introduce Sequential Feature Detachment (SFD) to identify and prune non-essential features in ROCKET-based models, such as ROCKET, MiniRocket, and MultiRocket. SFD estimates feature importance using model coefficients and can handle large feature sets without complex hyperparameter tuning. Testing on the UCR archive shows that SFD can produce models with better test accuracy using only 10% of the original features. We named these pruned models Detach-ROCKET. We also present an end-to-end procedure for determining an optimal balance between the number of features and model accuracy. On the largest binary UCR dataset, Detach-ROCKET improves test accuracy by 0.6% while reducing features by 98.9%. By enabling a significant reduction in model size without sacrificing accuracy, our methodology improves computational efficiency and contributes to model interpretability. We believe that Detach-ROCKET will be a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners working with time series data, who can find a user-friendly implementation of the model at https://github.com/gon-uri/detach_rocket.
Nominal VP anaphora in Scandinavian and English
Authors: Weir Andrew
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the properties of nominal phrases and demonstratives used as verbal anaphora in Norwegian, Danish, English, and Scots-English, e.g. English Can John make good curry? – That he can; Norwegian Anja ligger godt an, det samme gjør Madelène lit. ‘Anja is in a good position, Madelène does the same [thing]’. Following Lødrup (Proceedings of NELS 24, 1994), Houser et al. (Proceedings of WECOL 34, 2007), Bentzen et al. (J Comp Ger Linguist 16:91–125, 2013), these anaphoric expressions are argued to be surface anaphora and to conceal elided vPs. Contrary to previous analyses, the nominal phrases are argued to themselves be contributing meaning beyond the vPs they conceal; they are argued to be overt background arguments for an ellipsis-licensing head with semantics similar to Rooth’s ∼ operator (Nat Lang Semant 1(1):75–116, 1992). The paper also explores cross-linguistic variation in the discourse/antecedence conditions on such anaphora, and their fronting behavior. In Danish and (general) English, such anaphora must generally topicalize, whereas in Norwegian and Scots-English, they can more freely appear in situ (in post-auxiliary position). Developing Mikkelsen’s (J Linguist 51(3):595–643, 2015) analysis of Danish det, this behavior is encoded as a feature [uTop] which must be checked; Norwegian is argued to have more possibilities to check this feature in situ than Danish, while in Scots-English, that is argued to be a propositional anaphor, lacking the relevant feature.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Immunodeficiency—Centromeric Instability—Facial Dysmorphism (ICF) Syndrome: an EBMT/ESID Inborn Errors Working Party Study
Authors: Berghuis Dagmar , Mehyar Lubna S. , Abu-Arja Rolla , Albert Michael H. , Barnum Jessie L. , von Bernuth Horst , Elfeky Reem , Lewalle Philippe , Laberko Alexandra , Ghosh Sujal , Slatter Mary A. , Weemaes Corry M. R. , Yesilipek Akif , Sirait Tiarlan , Neven Bénédicte , Gennery Andrew R. , Lankester Arjan C. ,   on behalf of the Inborn Errors Working Party (IEWP) of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID), the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the European Reference Network that aims at improving the care of patients with rare immunological disorders (ERN-RITA)
Published: August 2024

Immunodeficiency–Centromeric instability–Facial dysmorphism (ICF) syndrome is an inborn error of immunity characterized by progressive immune dysfunction and multi-organ disease usually treated with antimicrobial prophylaxis and immunoglobulin substitution. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment, but data on outcome are scarce. We provide a detailed description of disease characteristics and HSCT outcome in an international cohort of ICF syndrome patients. Eighteen patients (including all four genotypes) were enrolled. Main HSCT indications were infections (83%), enteropathy/failure to thrive (56%), immune dysregulation (22%) and myelodysplasia/haematological malignancy (17%). Two patients underwent pre-emptive HSCT after early diagnosis. Patients were transplanted between 2003–2021, at median age 4.3 years (range 0.5–19), after myeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning, from matched sibling or matched family donors, matched unrelated or mismatched donors in 39%, 50% and 12% of cases respectively. Overall survival was 83% (all deaths occurred within the first 5 months post-HSCT; mean follow-up 54 months (range 1–185)). Acute GvHD occurred in 35% of patients, severe (grade III) in two (12%), while none developed chronic GvHD. At latest follow-up (median 2.2 years (range 0.1–14)), complete donor chimerism was achieved in 15/17 surviving patients. All survivors demonstrated normalized T and B cell numbers. Immunoglobulin substitution independence was achieved in all but two patients. All survivors recovered from pre-transplant infections, enteropathy/failure to thrive and immune dysregulation. All three patients transplanted at young age (≤ 3 years), after early diagnosis, survived. The favourable clinical and immunological HSCT outcome in this cohort of patients supports the timely use of this curative treatment in ICF syndrome.
Age- and Sex-Associated Wnt Signaling Dysregulation is Exacerbated from the Early Stages of Neuropathology in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Authors: Colín-Martínez Elizabeth , Espino-de-la-Fuente César , Arias Clorinda
Published: August 2024

Emerging studies suggest that Wnt signaling is dysregulated in the brains of AD patients, suggesting that this pathway may also contribute to disease progression. However, it remains to be determined whether alterations in the Wnt pathway are the cause or consequence of this disease and which elements of Wnt signaling mainly contribute to the appearance of AD histopathological markers early in disease compared to what occurs during normal aging. The present study aimed to describe the status of several canonical Wnt pathway components and the expression of the AD marker p-tau in the hippocampi of female and male 3xTg-AD mice during disease progression compared to those during normal aging. We analyzed the levels of the canonical Wnt components Wnt7a, Dkk-1, LRP6 and GSK3β as well as the levels of p-tau and BDNF at 3, 6, 9–12 and 18 months of age. We found a gradual increase in Dkk-1 levels during aging prior to Wnt7a and LRP5/6 depletion, which was strongly exacerbated in 3xTg-AD mice even at young ages and correlated with GSK3β activation and p-tau-S202/Thr205 expression. Dkk-1 upregulation, as well as the level of p-tau, was significantly greater in females than in males. Our results suggest that Dkk-1 upregulation is involved in the expression of several features of AD at early stages, which supports the possibility of positively modulating the canonical Wnt pathway as a therapeutic tool to delay this disease at early stages.
A decision-supporting system for vineyard management: a multi-temporal approach with remote and proximal sensing
Authors: Deidda A. , Sassu A. , Mercenaro L. , Nieddu G. , Fadda C. , Deiana P. F. , Gambella F.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Site-specific field management operations represent one of the fundamental principles of precision viticulture. The purpose of the research is to observe and analyse the evolution of a vineyard over three consecutive years to understand which factors most significantly influence the quality of the vineyard’s production.

Methods

The research involved technologically advanced tools for crop monitoring, such as remote and proximal sensors for vegetation surveys. In association, grape quality analyses were performed through laboratory analysis, constructing geostatistical interpolation maps and matrix correlation tables.

Results

Both remote and proximal sensing instruments demonstrated their ability to effectively estimate the spatial distribution of vegetative and quality characteristics within the vineyard. Information obtained from GNDVI and CHM proved to be valuable and high-performance tools for assessing field variability. The differentiated plant management resulted in uniform production quality characteristics, a change evident through the monitoring techniques.

Conclusion

The research highlights the effectiveness of using advanced technological instruments for crop monitoring and their importance in achieving uniformity in production quality characteristics through differentiated plant management. From the results obtained, it was possible to observe how differentiated plant management led to a uniformity of production quality characteristics and how the monitoring techniques can observe their evolution. This result represents a positive accomplishment in field management during the three monitoring years, responding to the principles and objectives of precision agriculture.
Mapping the Occupations of Recent Graduates. The Role of Academic Background in the Digital Era
Authors: Corrales-Herrero Helena , Rodríguez-Prado Beatriz
Published: August 2024

The progressive robotisation and the introduction of artificial intelligence imply economic and social changes. In this paper, we investigate their impact on the occupations of recent Spanish graduates and examine how graduates with different skills can expect their occupations to be transformed by the digital era. To this end –using a three-step approach—we first map occupations in terms of the level of the transformative and destructive effects of digitalization, and determine which groups are most threatened. Second, we characterize the technological occupational groups according to dimensions related to worker and job requirements, such as abilities, skills and tasks performed. Finally, we explore the influence of educational background on the probability of belonging to each group. The analysis relies on three data sources—the main one being microdata from the Survey on Labour Market Insertion of University Graduates (EILU-2019)—which provide exhaustive information about students’ education and training during and after their degree. Results show that only about 15% of graduates hold jobs that have a high probability of being replaced by machines over the next 10–20 years, although a significant number will still face changes in their occupations that will affect skill requirements. Graduates working in these occupations will need a high level of flexibility if they are to adjust to rapid changes and not be displaced. Moreover, certain features of students’ academic background –such as the field of study or more formal education– play a key role and offer some tips to mitigate possible disruptions in graduate employability.
Georges Florovsky on nuclear restraint and responsibility: introduction to Florovsky’s letter
Authors: Obolevitch Teresa
Published: August 2024

This article presents the context of Georges Florovsky’s letter to Davis McCaughey. The creation of the atomic bomb and the philosophical and theological challenges it caused are also presented. The content of the Report The Era of Atomic Power: of a Commission, which was initiated by the British Council of Churches, and McCaughey’s participation in its writing, are presented as well. Finally, Florovsky’s attitude towards science and technical progress, and the relevance of Florovsky’s letter are also shown.
Must depression be irrational?
Authors: Cavedon-Taylor Dan
Published: August 2024

The received view about depression in the philosophical literature is that it is defined, in part, by epistemic irrationality. This status is undeserved. The received view does not fully reflect current clinical thinking and is motivated by an overly simplistic, if not false, account of depression’s phenomenal character. Equally attractive, if not more so, is a view that says depression can be instantiated either rationally or irrationally. This rival view faces challenges of its own: it appears to entail that there are situations when not being depressed is rationally sub-optimal and that resilience to, and healthy coping strategies for avoiding, depression can be rationally remiss. I criticise an existing reply to these challenges before motivating a better one from the perspective of epistemic consequentialism.
Computational psychiatry and the evolving concept of a mental disorder
Authors: Genin Konstantin , Grote Thomas , Wolfers Thomas
Published: August 2024

As a discipline, psychiatry is in the process of finding the right set of concepts to organize research and guide treatment. Dissatisfaction with the status quo as expressed in standard manuals has animated a number of computational paradigms, each proposing to rectify the received concept of mental disorder. We explore how different computational paradigms: normative modeling, network theory and learning-theoretic approaches like reinforcement learning and active inference, reconceptualize mental disorders. Although each paradigm borrows heavily from machine learning, they differ significantly in their methodology, their preferred level of description, the role they assign to the environment and, especially, the degree to which they aim to assimilate psychiatric disorders to a standard medical disease model. By imagining how these paradigms might evolve, we bring into focus three rather different visions for the future of psychiatric research. Although machine learning plays a crucial role in the articulation of these paradigms, it is clear that we are far from automating the process of conceptual revision. The leading role continues to be played by the theoretical, metaphysical and methodological commitments of the competing paradigms.
On Political Grounds: A Forward-Looking Argument for Property Restitution in Poland
Authors: Levin Omri
Published: August 2024

In all, 90% of Polish Jews, more than 3 million people, were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, and 90% of the survivors left Poland. The survivors and their heirs, most of them not currently living in Poland, saw their land confiscated by the Nazis, nationalized by the communists and reprivatized and sold to others. Poland is the only country in the EU not to have a comprehensive restitution law. The issue of land restitution is still present in current debate in Poland, as part of a broader discussion over the Second World War, communism, privatization and corruption. While Poland blocked all restitution claims in 2021, Jewish communities as well as other governments called Poland to adopt a comprehensive restitution law for everyone. Now, 30 years after the fall of communism, what justifies such claims? This paper argues that forward-looking collective responsibility is the most helpful concept to understand the Jewish restitution problem in Poland today, and claims that any future settlement of this issue should be based on it. By applying this concept, as developed by Iris Marion Young, to the Polish restitution case, we look into the past – not to look for people to blame, but to look for social connections that have implications for the present. This way, we can remember the past, learn from it and heal relationships between people without being slaves to it.
Demographics and outcomes of patients younger than 75 years undergoing aortic valve interventions in Rotterdam
Authors: Adrichem Rik , Mattace-Raso A. Maarten , Hokken Thijmen W. , van den Dorpel Mark M. P. , de Ronde Marjo J. A. G. , Lenzen Mattie J. , Cummins Paul A. , Kardys Isabella , Nuis Rutger-Jan , Daemen Joost , Bekkers Jos A. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is considered a safe and effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for elderly patients across the operative risk spectrum. In the Netherlands, TAVI is reimbursed only for patients with a high operative risk. Despite this, one fifth of TAVI patients are < 75 years of age. We aim to compare patient characteristics and outcomes of TAVI and SAVR patients < 75 years.

Methods

This study included all patients < 75 years without active endocarditis undergoing TAVI or SAVR for severe aortic stenosis, mixed aortic valve disease or degenerated aortic bioprosthesis between 2015 and 2020 at the Erasmus University Medical Centre. Dutch authority guidelines were used to classify operative risk.

Results

TAVI was performed in 292 patients, SAVR in 386 patients. Based on the Dutch risk algorithm, 59.6% of TAVI patients and 19.4% of SAVR patients were at high operative risk. There was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality between TAVI and SAVR (2.4% vs 0.8%, p = 0.083). One-year and 5‑year mortality was higher after TAVI than after SAVR (1-year: 12.5% vs 4.3%, p < 0.001; 5‑year: 36.8% vs 12.0%, p < 0.001). Within risk categories we found no difference between treatment strategies. Independent predictors of mortality were cardiovascular comorbidities (left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension) and the presence of malignancies, liver cirrhosis or immunomodulatory drug use.

Conclusion

At the Erasmus University Medical Centre, in patients < 75 years, TAVI is selected for higher-risk phenotypes and overall has higher long-term mortality than SAVR. We found no evidence for worse outcome within risk categories.