bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spatial extent of focused attention modulates attentional disengagement
Authors: Jefferies Lisa N. , Lawrence Rebecca , Conlon Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Attention can be flexibly changed to optimize visual processing: it can be oriented, resized, or even divided. Although much is known about these processes individually, much less is known about how they interact with one another. In the present study we examined how the spatial extent of the attentional focus modulates the efficiency of the first component of attentional orienting, the disengagement of attention. To this end, we used abrupt-onset stimuli of different sizes to trigger the reflexive resizing of the attentional focus (Castiello and Umiltà in Acta Psychol 73:195–209, 1990), combined with a gap task to assess the efficiency of attentional disengagement (Mackeben and Nakayama in Vis Res 33:85–90, 1993). The results of five experiments showed that the magnitude of the gap effect is significantly greater when the scope of attention is small than when it is large, indicating that disengaging attention is delayed when attention is highly focused. Furthermore, these findings highlight that different aspects of attentional control interact with one another, emphasizing the importance of studying them in conjunction.
Aerobic fitness and fine motor skills are related to switching and updating in typically developing children
Authors: Klupp Stephanie , Grob Alexander , Möhring Wenke
Published: October 2022

Movement is essential for everyday life and closely related to cognitive skills. The aim of the current research was to investigate whether different aspects of physical activity, i.e., aerobic fitness and motor skills, contribute above and beyond each other to the variance in children’s executive functioning. Children aged 8–13 years (N = 129, 58 females, Mage = 10.7 years, SDage = 1.6 years) participated in the current cross-sectional study. Aerobic fitness was assessed by the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Motor skills were assessed using the standardized Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd edition (M-ABC-2), including fine motor skills, balance skills, and object control. Components of executive functions (inhibition, switching, updating) were assessed using the following tasks: an animal Stroop task, a local–global task, and a 2n-back task. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to analyze the relative importance of aerobic fitness and motor skills for children’s executive functions. Results indicated that aerobic fitness and fine motor skills were significantly related to switching and updating, whereas relations to inhibition were non-significant. Furthermore, it was found that fine motor skills explained additional variance above aerobic fitness in switching and updating whereas aerobic fitness did not add additional variance above fine motor skills in switching and updating. Balance and object control skills were not related to the three core executive functions. Results support the notion that aerobic fitness and fine motor skills are differently related to executive functions and highlight the importance of considering multiple components of constructs in future research.
Alloying and Processing of Medium Manganese Steels for Forging Applications
Authors: Bleck Wolfgang , Allam Tarek , Gramlich Alexander
Published: October 2022

The processability of medium Mn-containing steels (MMnS) with 4–10% Mn is discussed in light of their continuous casting behavior. Precipitation, phase transformation, extension, or shift of solidification intervals induced by various alloying concepts are decisive in controlling the hot ductility. It turns out that the formation of complex AlN and MnS precipitates as well as δ‑ferrite solidification deteriorates the high temperature ductility. The concept of MMnS has been used to develop air-hardening forging steels with 4% Mn. The alloy design and the heat treatment parameters have been varied with a focus on the prevention of Mn embrittlement as well as the formation of fine austenite grains during intercritical annealing. It is shown that the addition of B and Mo increases the impact toughness, although the effectiveness of each element varies depending on the heat treatment conditions. The impact toughness can be significantly improved by the introduction of a globular metastable austenitic phase. Compared to conventional quenched+tempered steels, an improved cyclic strength for an ultimate tensile strength level of more than 1300 MPa can be achieved.
Beyond anthropomorphising robot motion and towards robot-specific motion: consideration of the potential of artist—dancers in research on robotic motion
Authors: Abe Naoko
Published: October 2022

The design of robot motion is one of the most important questions in social robotics as it underpins successful human–robot interaction. Human-inspired motion design based on anthropomorphic models, through which human motion features are identified and implemented in a robot, is dominant in social robotics. The article considers perceptual, communicational and social dimensions of motion and suggests going beyond anthropomorphising robot motion and towards the quest of robot-specific motion. Robot-specific motion, as opposed to motion designed using an anthropomorphic model, can be characterised as motion that is designed and generated by robot features drawn through its mobility, materiality, and electro-mechanical ability. Through research on robot-specificity in motion it is possible to consider expressive and communicative features of motion independently of an anthropomorphic model. With this aim, the article stresses the importance of the artistic approach, especially in collaboration with dancers who are expert in motion, pointing out two specificities in art: non-efficiency centred approach and experiences. The article argues for renewing the traditional robotics approach by illustrating some artistic work and research which explore robot-specific motion.
Cayley fibrations in the Bryant–Salamon Spin(7) manifold
Authors: Trinca Federico
Published: October 2022

On each complete asymptotically conical $${{\,\mathrm{Spin}\,}}(7)$$

Spin

(
7
)

manifold constructed by Bryant and Salamon, including the asymptotic cone, we consider a natural family of $${{\,\mathrm{SU}\,}}(2)$$

SU

(
2
)

actions preserving the Cayley form. For each element of this family, we study the (possibly singular) invariant Cayley fibration, which we describe explicitly, if possible. These can be reckoned as generalizations of the trivial flat fibration of $${\mathbb {R}}^8$$

R

8

and the product of a line with the Harvey–Lawson coassociative fibration of $${\mathbb {R}}^7$$

R

7

. The fibres will provide new examples of asymptotically conical Cayley submanifolds in the Bryant–Salamon manifolds of topology $${\mathbb {R}}^4, {\mathbb {R}}\times S^3$$

R

4

,
R
×

S
3

and $${\mathcal {O}}_{{\mathbb {C}}{\mathbb {P}}^1} (-1)$$

O

C

P

1

(
-
1
)

.
Perception and Experience of Sexual and Gender Minority Korean Youth in School Counseling
Authors: Yi Hyun Ji , Shin Yun-Jeong , Min Yeseul , Jeong Jinwon , Jung Jilli , Kang Yoojin
Published: October 2022

To comprehensively explore the school counseling experience of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youths in South Korea, we interviewed 14 SGM youths about their school counseling experience and the climate of their schools toward SGM. Results showed that a hostile school climate and the accessibility, confidentiality, trustworthiness, and LGBTQ competency of school counselors drove the reluctance of these youths to receive school counseling services. Implications for the role of school counseling services for SGM youths were discussed based on the findings of this work and the suggestions offered by the interviewed SGM youths.
Logic Diagrams as Argument Maps in Eristic Dialectics
Authors: Lemanski Jens
Published: October 2022

This paper analyses a hitherto unknown technique of using logic diagrams to create argument maps in eristic dialectics. The method was invented in the 1810s and -20s by Arthur Schopenhauer, who is considered the originator of modern eristic. This technique of Schopenhauer could be interesting for several branches of research in the field of argumentation: Firstly, for the field of argument mapping, since here a hitherto unknown diagrammatic technique is shown in order to visualise possible situations of arguments in a dialogical controversy. Secondly, the art of controversy or eristic, since the diagrams do not analyse the truth of judgements and the validity of inferences, but the persuasiveness of arguments in a dialogue.
What’s that bug? Community participation in biosecurity in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Authors: Payne Penny R. , Finlay-Smits Susanna , Small Bruce , Cave Vanessa , Kean John
Published: October 2022

Biosecurity is essential to protect against the negative effects of non-native invasive species. As part of the government’s ‘Biosecurity 2025’ Initiative to enlist all New Zealanders as biosecurity risk managers, Tauranga Moana has been named the ‘biosecurity capital’ of New Zealand. The initiative will involve large-scale citizen science, for reporting and management of pest and disease threats. In this context we measured baseline awareness, perceptions and behaviour around biosecurity among two key groups of respondents, the local community at Mount Maunganui (surrounding Tauranga’s port) and school children. An online survey was completed by 324 members of the local community, while 120 school children completed a survey about their biosecurity knowledge and behaviours after using a biosecurity education kit. Results indicate that while both groups report a relatively high level of understanding about the concept of biosecurity, and acknowledge it as extremely important, knowledge of current pest threats and correct biosecurity behaviours could be improved. Mount Maunganui community members rate their understanding of biosecurity as better than the average New Zealander, but are less likely to have taken regular biosecurity action in the past year. For school children, improved biosecurity efforts could be evidenced by more active pest monitoring, and greater discussion about biosecurity outside of school (e.g. with their family at home). Key enablers for achieving more impactful citizen science for biosecurity among these groups are targeted education, and practical advice about what they can do to help.
Rapid identification of pyoverdines of fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. by UHPLC-IM-MS
Authors: Rehm Karoline , Vollenweider Vera , Kümmerli Rolf , Bigler Laurent
Published: October 2022

Siderophores are iron-chelating molecules produced by bacteria and other microbes. They are involved with virulence in infections and play key roles in bacterial community assembly and as plant protectants due to their pathogen control properties. Although assays exist to screen whether newly isolated bacteria can produce siderophores, the chemical structures of many of these bio-active molecules remain unidentified due to the lack of rapid analytical procedures. An important group of siderophores are pyoverdines. They consist of a structurally diverse group of chromopeptides, whose amino acid sequence is characteristic for the fluorescent Pseudomonas species that secrets them. Although over 60 pyoverdine structures have been described so far, their characterization is cumbersome and several methods (isoelectrofocusing, iron uptake measurement, mass determination) are typically combined as ambiguous results are often achieved by a single method. Those additional experiments consume valuable time and resources and prevent high-throughput analysis. In this work, we present a new pyoverdine characterisation option by recording their collision cross sections (CCS) using trapped ion mobility spectrometry. This can be done simultaneously in combination with UHPLC and high-resolution MS resulting in a rapid identification of pyoverdines. The high specificity of CCS values is presented for 17 pyoverdines secreted by different Pseudomonas strains. The pyoverdine mass determination by full scan MS was supported by fragments obtained from broadband collision induced dissociation (bbCID). As iron contaminations in laboratories are not uncommon, CCS values of ferripyoverdines were also evaluated. Thereby, unusual and highly characteristic ion mobility patterns were obtained that are suitable as an alternative identification marker.
Evaluation of a Web-based Information Platform for Youths on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Primbs Regine , Piechaczek Charlotte Elisabeth , Iglhaut Lucia , Grill Patricia , Feldmann Lisa , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Greimel Ellen
Published: October 2022

During the corona pandemic, youths were confronted with substantial challenges and in urgent need of information on how to prevent mental health problems. This experimental pre-post-follow-up study examined the efficacy and reception of an innovative website (www.corona-und-du.info) containing evidence-based information for youths on how to overcome psychological distress during the pandemic. 34 youths aged 11–18 years were presented domains of the website in the laboratory. Standardized questionnaires were applied to assess changes in knowledge, the reception of the website, and changes in behavioral intention to seek psychological help. For all content domains, we found a significant knowledge gain with large effect sizes from pre to post, and from pre to follow-up. The reception of the website was very positive, and participants indicated increased intention to seek psychological support when needed. The results constitute an important basis for future attempts to promote mental health information in youths in times of crisis.
Tackling the challenge of peer learning in hybrid and online universities
Authors: Mendieta-Aragón Adrián , Arguedas-Sanz Raquel , Ruiz-Gómez Luis Manuel , Navío-Marco Julio
Published: October 2022

Peer learning is not fully developed or researched in online and hybrid higher education. This research analyses a peer learning experience in the asynchronous part of hybrid teaching, in one of the largest blended universities in Europe, promoting students to act as teachers of their peers, by preparing digital content (videos) for the course. This article studies whether there are behaviour patterns and different perceptions associated between students who act as teachers, and those who only act as students. The results indicate, among other findings, that students demand this type of activities, and value them very positively. Specifically, the “teachers” consider that this activity increases their motivation for the subject and their performance; they also consider that it significantly improves their creativity and communication skills, and they would definitely participate in the project again. The assessment of the students who merely view the materials is also very positive, and they prefer a learning method through classmate videos than the traditional learning method with printed materials. The research is also a boost to finding ways to promote learning among equals in non-classroom teaching in digital environments.
Next-generation universal hereditary cancer screening: implementation of an automated hereditary cancer screening program for patients with advanced cancer undergoing tumor sequencing in a large HMO
Authors: Hoffman Trevor L. , Kershberg Hilary , Goff John , Holmquist Kimberly J. , Haque Reina , Alvarado Monica
Published: October 2022

Variants in hereditary cancer risk genes are frequently identified following tumor-based DNA sequencing and represent an opportunity to diagnose hereditary cancer. We implemented an automated hereditary cancer screening program in a large HMO for all patients who underwent tumor-based DNA sequencing to identify patients with hereditary cancer and determine if this approach augmented existing genetic counseling approaches driven by personal/family history criteria. Regular automated searches of a centralized tumor DNA variant database were performed for ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, and/or PMS2 variants, and germline hereditary cancer gene panel testing was offered to patients with tumor variants who had never undergone germline testing. Patients completing germline testing due to their tumor DNA test results were considered part of the tumor DNA safety net. Patients previously completing germline testing via traditional genetic counseling and tumor DNA safety net were compared for demographics, tumor type, presence of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant, and whether NCCN criteria were met for hereditary cancer genetic testing. Germline P/LP variants were common in both groups. Patients who received germline testing through traditional genetic counseling were more likely to have cardinal hereditary tumors than the tumor DNA safety net group. Patients identified with hereditary cancer through traditional genetic counseling were more likely to meet NCCN personal/family history criteria for germline testing than the tumor DNA safety net group (99% versus 34%). A universal tumor DNA safety net screen is an important diagnostic strategy which augments traditional genetic counseling approaches based on personal/family history.
Faculty Motivation for OER Textbook Adoption and Future Use
Authors: Herbert Michael J. , Clinton-Lisell Virginia , Stupnisky Robert H.
Published: October 2022

Most postsecondary instructors in the United States require students to use textbooks in their courses; however, the cost of commercial materials has increased, and copyright policies impede sharing, editing, and customizations of materials. The current study aimed to examine faculty motivation to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) and how OER use relates to effective teaching practices. Survey data from 469 professors, instructors, lecturers, and research scientists were analyzed using structural equation modeling, which found that autonomous motivation (engagement with OER textbooks based on enjoyment, value) was the strongest positive predictor of current and future OER textbook use. However, use of OER textbooks was not related to self-reported teaching success. The results of this study contribute to better understanding faculty perceptions of and motivation for OER textbook use, along with informing OER adoption initiatives at postsecondary institutions.
Improved Efficiency of Multilevel Monte Carlo for Stochastic PDE through Strong Pairwise Coupling
Authors: Chada N. K. , Hoel H. , Jasra A. , Zouraris G. E.
Published: October 2022

Multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) has become an important methodology in applied mathematics for reducing the computational cost of weak approximations. For many problems, it is well-known that strong pairwise coupling of numerical solutions in the multilevel hierarchy is needed to obtain efficiency gains. In this work, we show that strong pairwise coupling indeed is also important when MLMC is applied to stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) of reaction-diffusion type, as it can improve the rate of convergence and thus improve tractability. For the MLMC method with strong pairwise coupling that was developed and studied numerically on filtering problems in (Chernov in Num Math 147:71-125, 2021), we prove that the rate of computational efficiency is higher than for existing methods. We also provide numerical comparisons with alternative coupling ideas on linear and nonlinear SPDE to illustrate the importance of this feature.
Decontamination of 137Cs,95Zr, 154Eu and 144Ce from aqueous solutions using polyacrylamide titanium tungstosilicate
Authors: Mahrous Sara S. , Mansy Muhammad S. , Abdel Galil E. A.
Published: October 2022

Polyacrylamide titanium tungstosilicate (PAM/TiWSi) composite was synthesised using a sol–gel process and characterized via FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and TGA methods. The effects of several factors on the adsorption of Cs+, Eu3+, Ce3+and Zr4+ have been studied, including contact duration, pH, temperature, and starting concentration. PAM/TiWSi sorption of Cs+, Eu3+, Ce3+and Zr4+ was studied in terms of isotherms and kinetics. The Freundlich model was better linked with isotherm data than the Langmuir model. Cs+, Eu3+, Ce3+and Zr4+ have maximum sorption capacities (Qmax) of 30.7, 26.6, 25,3 and 29.7 mg.g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the sorption process was found based on pseudo-second-order.
Smoothing policies and safe policy gradients
Authors: Papini Matteo , Pirotta Matteo , Restelli Marcello
Published: October 2022

Policy gradient (PG) algorithms are among the best candidates for the much-anticipated applications of reinforcement learning to real-world control tasks, such as robotics. However, the trial-and-error nature of these methods poses safety issues whenever the learning process itself must be performed on a physical system or involves any form of human-computer interaction. In this paper, we address a specific safety formulation, where both goals and dangers are encoded in a scalar reward signal and the learning agent is constrained to never worsen its performance, measured as the expected sum of rewards. By studying actor-only PG from a stochastic optimization perspective, we establish improvement guarantees for a wide class of parametric policies, generalizing existing results on Gaussian policies. This, together with novel upper bounds on the variance of PG estimators, allows us to identify meta-parameter schedules that guarantee monotonic improvement with high probability. The two key meta-parameters are the step size of the parameter updates and the batch size of the gradient estimates. Through a joint, adaptive selection of these meta-parameters, we obtain a PG algorithm with monotonic improvement guarantees.
Riemannian block SPD coupling manifold and its application to optimal transport
Authors: Han Andi , Mishra Bamdev , Jawanpuria Pratik , Gao Junbin
Published: October 2022

In this work, we study the optimal transport (OT) problem between symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrix-valued measures. We formulate the above as a generalized optimal transport problem where the cost, the marginals, and the coupling are represented as block matrices and each component block is a SPD matrix. The summation of row blocks and column blocks in the coupling matrix are constrained by the given block-SPD marginals. We endow the set of such block-coupling matrices with a novel Riemannian manifold structure. This allows to exploit the versatile Riemannian optimization framework to solve generic SPD matrix-valued OT problems. We illustrate the usefulness of the proposed approach in several applications.
Skills futures in Africa
Authors: McGrath Simon
Published: October 2022

The UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education imagines a positive future in which skills development can be harnessed for the benefits of people and planet, in line with the loftiest vision of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, skills systems often remain marginalized within educational debates and plans, with vocational learning often dismissed as low quality and low status. Reflecting on the work done for the commission on future skills, this article considers the nature of the challenges of the present in building better skills futures for Africa. It argues that we must be clear-sighted regarding the failings of past theory and practice if, together, we are to construct better futures for learning, working, and living. Only then can we develop institutions, programmes, and curricula that can meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of the future.
Sustainability objectives and collaboration lifecycle in cluster organizations
Authors: LIS Anna Maria , Rozkwitalska Malgorzata , LIS Adrian
Published: October 2022

In our paper, we combine two issues, collaboration in cluster organizations and sustainability, aiming to answer the question: Does complex governance structure of cluster organizations support members in formulating and reaching sustainability objectives? Based on four case studies of cluster organizations and a still novel abductive approach, we present the ways in which sustainability was executed in their functioning. Our study shows that the role of cluster organizations in formulating and reaching sustainability objectives varied with regard to their collaboration life cycle. The “Formation” stage laid the foundations for collaboration and relational governance, the “Growth” stage aimed at improving the economic performance of cluster members, while the “Extension” stage impacted more cluster stakeholders with regard to the economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives. Nevertheless, stakeholders’ self-interest induced collaboration, whereas relational governance was its essential feature. Moreover, the potential of cluster organizations’ governance structures was not fully exploited in the context of sustainability, their structures have played a role in raising awareness, but it was more the competitive factors that drove companies to engage in an activity because they wanted to stay in the market, change the conditions and keep up with trends. Our research also provides practical implications for various cluster organizations’ stakeholders.
VGLM proportional odds model to infer hosts’ Airbnb performance
Authors: Contu Giulia , Frigau Luca , Ortu Marco
Published: October 2022

We investigated aspects of host activities that influence and enhance host performance in an effort to achieve best results in terms of the occupancy rate and the overall rating. The occupancy rate measures the percentage of reserved days with respect to available days. The overall rating identifies the satisfaction level of guests that booked an Airbnb accommodation. We used the proportional odds model to estimate the impact of the managerial variables and the characteristics of the accommodation on host performance. Five different levels of the occupancy and the overall rating were investigated to understand which features impact them and support the effort to move from the lowest to the highest level. The analysis was carried out for Italy’s most visited cities: Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. We focused on the year 2016. Moreover, we investigated different impact levels in terms of the overall rating during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate possible differences. Our findings show the relevance of some variables, such as the number of reviews, services, and typology of the rented accommodation. Moreover, the results show differences among cities and in time for the relevant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Short- and long-term effects of reminders on panellists’ survey participation in a probability-based panel study with a sequential mixed-mode design
Authors: Becker Rolf
Published: October 2022

In recent panel studies, besides other methods such as sequential mixed-mode design, push-to-web method, and prepaid monetary incentives, follow-up contacts such as personalised electronic mails (e-mails) or short message service are often used to motivate nonrespondents to complete the questionnaire, increase the response rate within a limited fieldwork period, and minimise panel attrition. Since it is still unclear when and how often non-complying panellists should be reminded to take part in a survey, this contribution analyses the short- and long-term effects of digital reminders across the fieldwork period. For this purpose, longitudinal data and statistical procedures of event history analysis are applied to reveal the effects of reminders on the likelihood, timing, and social structure of Swiss juveniles’ survey participation. On the one hand, there are short-term and long-term effects of multiple early reminders on the response of panellists receiving reminders. On the other hand, there are no cumulative effects across the fieldwork period or overlapping effects of reminders across the mixed survey modes. Considering the social structure of nonrespondents who receive reminders, it appears plausible that there may be a selective response in terms of the panellists’ social origin, educational level, and language proficiency.
The Diffraction-Limited Near-Infrared Spectropolarimeter (DL-NIRSP) of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST)
Authors: Jaeggli Sarah A. , Lin Haosheng , Onaka Peter , Yamada Hubert , Anan Tetsu , Bonnet Morgan , Ching Gregory , Huang Xiao-Pei , Kramar Maxim , McGregor Helen , Nitta Garry , Rae Craig , Robertson Louis , Schad Thomas A. , Toyama Paul , Young Jessica , Berst Chris , Harrington David M. , Liang Mary , Puentes Myles , Sekulic Predrag , Smith Brett , Sueoka Stacey R.
Published: October 2022

TheDiffraction-Limited Near-Infrared Spectropolarimeter(DL-NIRSP) is one of the first-light instruments for the National Science Foundation’sDaniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope(DKIST). DL-NIRSP is an integral-field, dual-beam spectropolarimeter intended for studying magnetically sensitive spectral lines in the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona with high spectral resolution and polarimetric accuracy. Two novel fiber-optic integral-field units (IFUs), paired with selectable feed optics and a field-scanning mirror provide great flexibility in spatial sampling ($0.03^{\prime\prime}$0.03″,$0.08^{\prime\prime}$0.08″, and$0.5^{\prime \prime}$0.5″) and field coverage ($2^{\prime} \times 2^{\prime }$2′×2′). The IFUs allow DL-NIRSP to record all the spectra from a 2D field of view simultaneously, enabling the instrument to study the evolution of highly dynamic events. The spectrograph is an all-reflecting, near-Littrow design, which achieves a resolving power of approximately 125,000. Multiple wavelengths can be observed simultaneously using three spectral arms: one for visible wavelengths (500 – 900 nm) and two for infrared wavelengths (900 – 1350 nm and 1350 – 1800 nm). Each supporting camera sub-system is capable of a 30-Hz frame rate, making it possible to track dynamic phenomena on the Sun.
Photosynthetic and antioxidant activity in the sex-related heat stress response of the dioecious species Rumex thyrsiflorus Fingerh.
Authors: Gozdur Kacper , Ślesak Ireneusz , Ślesak Halina
Published: October 2022

Rumex thyrsiflorus Fingerh. is a dioecious species with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Due to sexual dimorphism and the content of bioactive constituents used in pharmacology, this species is an interesting object of study. A complex analysis of selected physiological and biochemical aspects of the sex-related response to heat stress in vitro and in vivo was carried out. The experiment included in vitro regenerated plants and plants obtained from seeds. Regenerants were obtained from hypocotyls on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.27 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). The sex of the plants was determined by molecular analysis based on genetic sex markers. Analysis of the main photosynthetic parameters indicated that in vitro regenerated plants showed a decrease in photosystem II (PSII) activity when directly exposed to a stressor. However, in contrast to the seed-derived plants, they adapted efficiently to the recovery conditions within 1 week after the stress was terminated. Furthermore, in vitro regenerated male and female plants acclimatised well to field conditions and showed greater stress tolerance based on better efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus and the highest chlorophyll a/b ratio. In case of plants derived from seeds, male plants were less sensitive to heat stress and showed greater stability of PSII at high temperatures compared to female plants. The results showed that the response to high-temperature stress depends on the sex and the origin of the plants, i. e. in vitro regenerated plants versus plants obtained from seeds. Even short-term heat stress resulted in differences in photosynthetic efficiency. Biochemical analysis of antioxidant activity in response to heat stress, carried out for the first time in Rumex thyrsiflorus, has allowed the identification of the following forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD): manganese (MnSOD), iron (FeSOD) and two copper-zinc isoforms (Cu/ZnSOD I and Cu/ZnSOD II).
Are Wittgenstein’s Hinges Rational World-Pictures? The Groundlessness Theory Reconsidered
Authors: García-Valdecasas Miguel
Published: October 2022

Some philosophers have argued that Wittgenstein’s hinges, the centrepiece of his book On Certainty, are the “ungrounded ground” on which knowledge rests. It is usually understood by this that hinges provide a foundation for knowledge without being themselves epistemically warranted. In fact, Wittgenstein articulates that hinges lack any truth-value and are neither justified nor unjustified. This inevitably places them wholly outside the categorial framework of JTB epistemology. What I call the “groundlessness interpretation”, inspired by OC 166, understands the fundamental pieces of our cognitive scaffolding this way. The view has been largely successful. I argue that this interpretation is incomplete for two basic reasons: first, it is not based on undisputed evidence; second, by assuming that hinges are committed to reality by epistemic fiat, it looks as if Wittgenstein is asking us to blindly trust them regardless of their actual content. Contrary to this, I argue that Wittgenstein describes hinges as illuminating world-pictures that reflect reality and are answerable to facts in a derivate way. As the book shows, hinges originate in our engagement with reality and, while considered unquestionable, could be challenged, reassessed, and replaced by new ones. This indicates that hinges are both the result of knowledge-acquisition and somewhat continuous with one’s set of beliefs. It follows that hinges are ultimately rational, and so, apt instruments to confront scepticism.
Immuno-PET Monitoring of CD8+ T Cell Infiltration Post ICOS Agonist Antibody Treatment Alone and in Combination with PD-1 Blocking Antibody Using a 89Zr Anti-CD8+ Mouse Minibody in EMT6 Syngeneic Tumor Mouse
Authors: Alsaid Hasan , Cheng Shih-Hsun , Bi Meixia , Xie Fang , Rambo Mary , Skedzielewski Tinamarie , Hoang Bao , Mohanan Sunish , Comroe Debra , Gehman Andrew , Hsu Chih-Yang , Farhangi Kamyar , Tran Hoang , Sherina Valeriia , Doan Minh , Groseclose M. Reid , Hopson Christopher B. , Brett Sara , Wilson Ian A. , Nicholls Andrew , Ballas Marc , Waight Jeremy D. , Jucker Beat M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The presence and functional competence of intratumoral CD8+ T cells is often a barometer for successful immunotherapeutic responses in cancer. Despite this understanding and the extensive number of clinical-stage immunotherapies focused on potentiation (co-stimulation) or rescue (checkpoint blockade) of CD8+ T cell antitumor activity, dynamic biomarker strategies are often lacking. To help fill this gap, immuno-PET nuclear imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for in vivo molecular imaging of antibody targeting. Here, we took advantage of immuno-PET imaging using 89Zr-IAB42M1-14, anti-mouse CD8 minibody, to characterize CD8+ T-cell tumor infiltration dynamics following ICOS (inducible T-cell co-stimulator) agonist antibody treatment alone and in combination with PD-1 blocking antibody in a model of mammary carcinoma.

Procedures.

Female BALB/c mice with established EMT6 tumors received 10 µg, IP of either IgG control antibodies, ICOS agonist monotherapy, or ICOS/PD-1 combination therapy on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, or 14. Imaging was performed at 24 and 48 h post IV dose of 89Zr IAB42M1-14. In addition to 89Zr-IAB42M1-14 uptake in tumor and tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN), 3D radiomic features were extracted from PET/CT images to identify treatment effects. Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed at end of study.

Results

89Zr-IAB42M1-14 uptake in the tumor was observed by day 11 and was preceded by an increase in the TDLN as early as day 4. The spatial distribution of 89Zr-IAB42M1-14 was more uniform in the drug treated vs. control tumors, which had spatially distinct tracer uptake in the periphery relative to the core of the tumor. IMC analysis showed an increased percentage of cytotoxic T cells in the ICOS monotherapy and ICOS/PD-1 combination group compared to IgG controls. Additionally, temporal radiomics analysis demonstrated early predictiveness of imaging features.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first detailed description of the use of a novel immune-PET imaging technique to assess the kinetics of CD8+ T-cell infiltration into tumor and lymphoid tissues following ICOS agonist and PD-1 blocking antibody therapy. By demonstrating the capacity for increased spatial and temporal resolution of CD8+ T-cell infiltration across tumors and lymphoid tissues, these observations underscore the widespread potential clinical utility of non-invasive PET imaging for T-cell-based immunotherapy in cancer.
Life cycle assessment of peat for growing media and evaluation of the suitability of using the Product Environmental Footprint methodology for peat
Authors: Stichnothe Heinz
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Peat extraction rapidly removes carbon from the peatland carbon store and furthermore leads to substantial losses of carbon from the extraction site by stimulating decomposition and erosion. Aim of this study is to evaluate whether the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) approach is suitable for assessing the environmental impacts of white and black peat used in growing media as well as to provide generic data collected from growing media producers and the scientific literature. It is not the aim of this study to compare different land use options for peatlands.

Method

PEF is developed in order to make environmental product declaration claims more reliable, comparable and verifiable across the EU, and to increase consumer confidence in eco-labels and environmental impact information. For PEF-compliant studies all land use activities must be considered. For peat extraction either pristine peatland or previously drained peatland used for forestry or agriculture has to be transformed. Hence, the suitability of land use-related PEF indicators is also investigated.

Results

Diesel consumed for peat extraction, electricity used for peat processing and transport are the main contributors to acidification. Fuel production and consumption are the main contributors to human toxicity, with heavy metals to air and freshwater the contributing emissions. Ionising radiation, ozone depletion and resource depletion of minerals and metals are mainly caused by the electricity used. Climate change increased from 26 kg CO2eq per m3 processed white peat to 51 kg CO2eq per m3 processed black peat. The use of peat causes substantially higher GHG than the previous life cycle stages combined; white peat causes approximately 183 kg CO2eq per m3 and black peat 257 kg CO2eq per m3.

Conclusions

Environmental impacts caused by peat are variable and depend on a number of spatial and temporal factors. Although most indicators used for PEF are suitable for assessing peat systems, that does not apply for the land use indicator and is at least questionable for the water use indicator, respectively, its weighting factor. Consequently, it is neither possible to identify the most relevant impact categories based on normalised and weighted results nor to calculate an overall single score for peat containing growing media. Since normalisation and weighting are mandatory steps for PEF conform impact assessment, the current PEF approach is not suitable to assess peat as intermediate product without adaptation of the land use indicator.
Attraction-repulsion clustering: a way of promoting diversity linked to demographic parity in fair clustering
Authors: del Barrio Eustasio , Inouzhe Hristo , Loubes Jean-Michel
Published: October 2022

We consider the problem of diversity enhancing clustering, i.e, developing clustering methods which produce clusters that favour diversity with respect to a set of protected attributes such as race, sex, age, etc. In the context of fair clustering, diversity plays a major role when fairness is understood as demographic parity. To promote diversity, we introduce perturbations to the distance in the unprotected attributes that account for protected attributes in a way that resembles attraction-repulsion of charged particles in Physics. These perturbations are defined through dissimilarities with a tractable interpretation. Cluster analysis based on attraction-repulsion dissimilarities penalizes homogeneity of the clusters with respect to the protected attributes and leads to an improvement in diversity. An advantage of our approach, which falls into a pre-processing set-up, is its compatibility with a wide variety of clustering methods and whit non-Euclidean data. We illustrate the use of our procedures with both synthetic and real data and provide discussion about the relation between diversity, fairness, and cluster structure.
Customer Experience Management – Eine qualitative Studie zur Umsetzung in der Versicherungsbranche
Authors: Klopfer Lisa-Marie , Steul-Fischer Martina , Zitzmann Armin
Published: October 2022

Das Customer Experience Management erfährt in jüngster Zeit sowohl in der Konsumgüter- als auch in der Dienstleistungsbranche erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit. Die Relevanz ergibt sich unter anderem aus dem veränderten Konsumverhalten und den gestiegenen Kundenerwartungen in Folge der Digitalisierung. Auch die Forschung beschäftigt sich zunehmend mit dem Managementansatz, wobei dessen Umsetzung durch Versicherungsunternehmen bisher noch nicht untersucht wurde. Diese Studie beleuchtet daher den Status quo des Customer Experience Managements in der Versicherungsbranche in Form einer qualitativen Studie. Als Fallbeispiel dient die NÜRNBERGER Versicherung, die seit 2016 ein konzernübergreifendes Customer Experience Management für ihre Privatkunden aufbaut. Das Unternehmen hat bereits eine Vielzahl an Maßnahmen ergriffen, um die Bedürfnisse sowie Ansprüche seiner Kunden besser zu verstehen und ihnen somit in jeder Phase der Kundenbeziehung ein optimales Kundenerlebnis zu bieten sowie damit zu einer Verbesserung der Kundenzufriedenheit beizutragen.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Discovery Analysis
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Alexander Sheila , Bakker Mark K. , Bhagat Hemant , Bijlenga Philippe , Blackburn Spiros L. , Collins Malie K. , Doré Sylvain , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Hendrix Philipp , Hong Eun Pyo , Hostettler Isabel C. , Houlden Henry , IIhara Koji , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Kim Bong Jun , Li Jiang , Morel Sandrine , Nyquist Paul , Ren Dianxu , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Werring David , Tapper Will , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik
Published: October 2022

Candidate gene studies have identified genetic variants associated with clinical outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH), but no genome-wide association studies have been performed to date. Here we report the results of the discovery phase of a two-stage genome-wide meta-analysis of outcome after aSAH. We identified 157 independent loci harbouring 756 genetic variants associated with outcome after aSAH (p < 1 × 10−4), which require validation. A single variant (rs12949158), in SPNS2, achieved genome-wide significance (p = 4.29 × 10−8) implicating sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling in outcome after aSAH. A large multicentre international effort to recruit samples for validation is required and ongoing. Validation of these findings will provide significant insight into the pathophysiology of outcomes after aSAH with potential implications for treatment.
Ethical Redress of Racial Inequities in AI: Lessons from Decoupling Machine Learning from Optimization in Medical Appointment Scheduling
Authors: Shanklin Robert , Samorani Michele , Harris Shannon , Santoro Michael A.
Published: October 2022

An Artificial Intelligence algorithm trained on data that reflect racial biases may yield racially biased outputs, even if the algorithm on its own is unbiased. For example, algorithms used to schedule medical appointments in the USA predict that Black patients are at a higher risk of no-show than non-Black patients, though technically accurate given existing data that prediction results in Black patients being overwhelmingly scheduled in appointment slots that cause longer wait times than non-Black patients. This perpetuates racial inequity, in this case lesser access to medical care. This gives rise to one type of Accuracy-Fairness trade-off: preserve the efficiency offered by using AI to schedule appointments or discard that efficiency in order to avoid perpetuating ethno-racial disparities. Similar trade-offs arise in a range of AI applications including others in medicine, as well as in education, judicial systems, and public security, among others. This article presents a framework for addressing such trade-offs where Machine Learning and Optimization components of the algorithm are decoupled. Applied to medical appointment scheduling, our framework articulates four approaches intervening in different ways on different components of the algorithm. Each yields specific results, in one case preserving accuracy comparable to the current state-of-the-art while eliminating the disparity.
Early postoperative duplex ultrasound findings of the hepatic artery in postoperative vascular complications from paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Panpikoon Tanapong , Treesit Tharintorn , Bua-ngam Chinnarat , Feinggumloon Sasikorn , Pichitpichatkul Kaewpitcha , Sriprachyakul Apichaya , Aimprasittichai Satita , Chimcherd Apinya , Thirapattaraphan Chollasak , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Tanpowpong Pornthep
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate duplex US findings of the HA in all three postoperative vascular (HA, PV, HV and IVC) complications of paediatric LT for early detection and some helpful secondary signs to determine these vascular complications.

Materials and methods

We collected data from 44 post-LT paediatric patients who underwent daily duplex US for seven consecutive days and three months after LT during January 2017–June 2020. Four duplex US parameters of the HA (extrahepatic PSV, intrahepatic PSV, RI and AT) were compared in patients with and without complications.

Results

The PSV of the extrahepatic HA in patients with HA complications was higher than that in patients without complications (P value = 0.019). The PSV at 107.7 cm/s is the optimal cut-off parameter associated with HA complications [a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 80.0% (ROC area is 0.84)]. The intrahepatic RI was higher on the first day than on the last day and gradually decreased in patients without vascular complications (P value = 0.000). The intrahepatic PSV significantly decreased with time when comparing the first and last days in patients without PV and HV-IVC complications (P value = 0.014 and 0.038). In contrast, patients with vascular complications showed no significant decrease.

Conclusion

The extrahepatic PSV relates to HA complications after paediatric LT but not PV and HV-IVC complications. Non-significantly decreased intrahepatic RI and PSV from the first day to the day of complication diagnosis may correlate with the occurrence of vascular complications.
Solid Electrolyte Interface in Zn-Based Battery Systems
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Li Xiaomin , Fan Huiqing , Ma Longtao
Published: October 2022

Due to its high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), low standard electrode potential (− 0.76 V vs. SHE), excellent stability in aqueous solutions, low cost, environmental friendliness and intrinsically high safety, zinc (Zn)-based batteries have attracted much attention in developing new energy storage devices. In Zn battery system, the battery performance is significantly affected by the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which is controlled by electrode and electrolyte, and attracts dendrite growth, electrochemical stability window range, metallic Zn anode corrosion and passivation, and electrolyte mutations. Therefore, the design of SEI is decisive for the overall performance of Zn battery systems. This paper summarizes the formation mechanism, the types and characteristics, and the characterization techniques associated with SEI. Meanwhile, we analyze the influence of SEI on battery performance, and put forward the design strategies of SEI. Finally, the future research of SEI in Zn battery system is prospected to seize the nature of SEI, improve the battery performance and promote the large-scale application.