bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formalizing the four-layer metamodeling stack with MetaMorph: potential and benefits
Authors: Döller Victoria
Published: March 2022

Enterprise modeling deals with the increasing complexity of processes and systems by operationalizing model content and by linking complementary models and languages, thus amplifying the model value beyond mere comprehensible pictures. To enable this amplification and turn models into computer-processable structures, a comprehensive formalization is needed. This paper presents the formalismMetaMorphbased on typed first-order logic and provides a perspective on the potential and benefits of formalization that arise for a variety of research issues in conceptual modeling.MetaMorphdefines modeling languages as formal languages with a signature$$\varSigma $$Σ—comprising object types, relation types, and attributes through types and function symbols—and a set of constraints. Four case studies are included to show the effectiveness of this approach. Applying theMetaMorphformalism to the next level in the hierarchy of models, we create , a formal modeling language for metamodels. We show that is self-describing and therefore complete the formalization of the full four-layer metamodeling stack. On the basis of our generic formalism applicable to arbitrary modeling languages, we examine four current research topics—modeling with power types, language interleaving & consistency, operations on models, and automatic translation of formalizations to platform-specific code—and how to approach them with theMetaMorphformalism. This shows that the rich knowledge stack on formal languages in logic offers new tools for old problems.
Trust in Healthcare during COVID-19 in Europe: vulnerable groups trust the least
Authors: Beller Johannes , Schäfers Jürgen , Haier Jörg , Geyer Siegfried , Epping Jelena
Published: March 2022

Aim

We examined predictors of trust in the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic in 27 European countries.

Subjects and methods

We used population-based data drawn from the Living, working and COVID-19 survey (N = 21,884, 52% female, ages 18 to 92 years) covering 27 European countries dated June and July 2020. Multilevel linear regression, linear regression, and regression-tree analyses were conducted.

Results

We found that most participants tended to trust the healthcare system, although a substantial part could still be classified as distrusting (approx. 21%). Multiple variables, including being middle-aged or of older age, being female, lower levels of education, unemployment, worse general health status, having income difficulties, having unmet needs for healthcare, no healthcare contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher mental distress, and loneliness, were significantly associated with lower levels of trust. Among these variables mental distress, income difficulties, and unmet needs for healthcare emerged as especially important and, across European regions and countries, consistent predictors for lower trust in the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Medically vulnerable subgroups, such as individuals with unmet healthcare needs, higher levels of mental distress, and older age, as well as people living in socially and economically vulnerable situations, such as higher levels of loneliness and financial difficulties, were the least trusting of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. As these vulnerable subgroups are also at highest risk for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing negative COVID-19-related outcomes, more targeted prevention and intervention efforts should be implemented in these groups.
Physical activity, mental and physical health during the Covid-19 outbreak: longitudinal predictors of suicide ideation in Germany
Authors: Brailovskaia Julia , Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene Inga , Kazlauskas Evaldas , Gelezelyte Odeta , Teismann Tobias , Margraf Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Aim

Suicide ideation has increased since the outbreak of Covid-19 in many countries. The present longitudinal study investigated potential predictors of suicide ideation.

Subject and methods

Data of 406 participants from Germany (age M = 27.69, SD = 6.88) were assessed via online surveys in spring 2020 (baseline, BL) and in spring 2021 (follow-up, FU).

Results

The current results reveal a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress between 2020 and 2021. Positive mental health (PMH), sense of control, and physical health significantly decreased. Depression symptoms (BL), PMH (BL), and consciously enhanced physical activity since the pandemic outbreak (FU) significantly predicted 12-month suicide ideation (FU). In a moderated mediation analysis, the positive relationship between depression and suicide ideation was significantly mediated by PMH. Consciously enhanced physical activity significantly moderated the negative association between PMH and suicide ideation.

Conclusion

The context of Covid-19 could negatively impact mental health and physical health. This might increase the risk for suicide ideation. However, PMH and physical activity might serve as protective factors. The protective effect of physical activity could be especially important in people with high depression symptoms and low PMH, such as clinical patients. Potential ways of how PMH and physical activity could be enhanced in the Covid-19 context to prevent suicide ideation are discussed.
High-Temperature Superconductivity in Hydrides: Experimental Evidence and Details
Authors: Eremets M. I. , Minkov V. S. , Drozdov A. P. , Kong P. P. , Ksenofontov V. , Shylin S. I. , Bud’ko S. L. , Prozorov R. , Balakirev F. F. , Sun Dan , Mozaffari S. , Balicas L.
Published: March 2022

Since the discovery of superconductivity at ~ 200 K in H3S [1], similar or higher transition temperatures,Tcs, have been reported for various hydrogen-rich compounds under ultra-high pressures [2]. Superconductivity was experimentally proved by different methods, including electrical resistance, magnetic susceptibility, optical infrared, and nuclear resonant scattering measurements. The crystal structures of superconducting phases were determined by X-ray diffraction. Numerous electrical transport measurements demonstrate the typical behavior of a conventional phonon-mediated superconductor: zero resistance belowTc, shift ofTcto lower temperatures under external magnetic fields, and pronounced isotope effect. Remarkably, the results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, which describe superconductivity in hydrides within the framework of the conventional BCS theory. However, despite this acknowledgement, experimental evidences for the superconducting state in these compounds have recently been treated with criticism [3–7], which apparently stems from misunderstanding and misinterpretation of complicated experiments performed under very high pressures. Here, we describe in greater detail the experiments revealing high-temperature superconductivity in hydrides under high pressures. We show that the arguments against superconductivity [3–7] can be either refuted or explained. The experiments on the high-temperature superconductivity in hydrides clearly contradict the theory of hole superconductivity [8] and eliminate it [3].
Possible Futures for Network Psychometrics
Authors: Borsboom Denny
Published: March 2022

This commentary reflects on the articles included in the Psychometrika Special Issue on Network Psychometrics in Action. The contributions to the special issue are related to several possible future paths for research in this area. These include the development of models to analyze and represent interventions, improvement in exploratory and inferential techniques in network psychometrics, the articulation of psychometric theories in addition to psychometric models, and extensions of network modeling to novel data sources. Finally, network psychometrics is part of a larger movement in psychology that revolves around the analysis of human beings as complex systems, and it is timely that psychometricians start extending their rich modeling tradition to improve and extend the analysis of systems in psychology.
A Unified Neural Network Framework for Extended Redundancy Analysis
Authors: Vijayakumar Ranjith , Choi Ji Yeh , Jung Eun Hwa
Published: March 2022

Component-based approaches have been regarded as a tool for dimension reduction to predict outcomes from observed variables in regression applications. Extended redundancy analysis (ERA) is one such component-based approach which reduces predictors to components explaining maximum variance in the outcome variables. In many instances, ERA can be extended to capture nonlinearity and interactions between observed and components, but only by specifying a priori functional form. Meanwhile, machine learning methods like neural networks are typically used in a data-driven manner to capture nonlinearity without specifying the exact functional form. In this paper, we introduce a new method that integrates neural networks algorithms into the framework of ERA, called NN-ERA, to capture any non-specified nonlinear relationships among multiple sets of observed variables for constructing components. Simulations and empirical datasets are used to demonstrate the usefulness of NN-ERA. The conclusion is that in social science datasets with unstructured data, where we expect nonlinear relationships that cannot be specified a priori, NN-ERA with its neural network algorithmic structure can serve as a useful tool to specify and test models otherwise not captured by the conventional component-based models.
Blood biochemical variables, antioxidative status, and histological features of intestinal, gill, and liver tissues of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to high salinity and high-temperature stress
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Sewilam Hani
Published: March 2022

African catfish is a freshwater species with a high ability to resist brackish water conditions, but heat stress may impair the health status of fish. Thus, the impact of varying levels of water salinity (0, 4, 8, and 12 ppt) was investigated on the growth performance, survival rate, and blood biochemistry of African catfish (average weight: 180.58 ± 2.8 g and average length: 38 ± 1.2 cm) for 4 weeks; then, fish were stressed with high temperature (32 °C) for 72 h. The growth performance and survival rate were markedly higher in fish reared in 0, 4, and 8 ppt than fish in 12 ppt (p < 0.05). Before heat stress, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly increased in fish stressed with 12-ppt salinity (p < 0.05). After heat stress, all groups showed a marked increased SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels than fish before heat stress in the same manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fish in the 12 ppt group showed severe intestinal, gill, and liver histological features. The levels of blood glucose and cortisol were markedly increased in fish exposed with 8 and 12 ppt than 0 ppt gradually either before or after heat stress (p < 0.05). The highest values of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, and the lowest total protein, albumin, and globulin were observed in fish reared in 12 ppt. Significant salinity and heat stress interactions were seen on the ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin values (p < 0.05). The integrated multi-biomarker response (IBR) results showed marked differences among the groups and increased gradually before and after heat stress, with the highest IBR in 12 ppt. In conclusion, growing African catfish in high salinity (12 ppt) hampered the growth performance and health status while the heat stress improved the antioxidative status vis-a-vis increased lipid peroxidation along with higher stress-related markers in expressed both blood and tissue.
The Promises and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for Teachers: a Systematic Review of Research
Authors: Celik Ismail , Dindar Muhterem , Muukkonen Hanni , Järvelä Sanna
Published: March 2022

This study provides an overview of research on teachers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and machine learning methods to analyze teachers’ data. Our analysis showed that AI offers teachers several opportunities for improved planning (e.g., by defining students’ needs and familiarizing teachers with such needs), implementation (e.g., through immediate feedback and teacher intervention), and assessment (e.g., through automated essay scoring) of their teaching. We also found that teachers have various roles in the development of AI technology. These roles include acting as models for training AI algorithms and participating in AI development by checking the accuracy of AI automated assessment systems. Our findings further underlined several challenges in AI implementation in teaching practice, which provide guidelines for developing the field.
Impacts of classroom teaching practices on students’ mathematics learning interest, mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics test achievements: a secondary analysis of Shanghai data from the international video study Global Teaching InSights
Authors: Zhu Yan , Kaiser Gabriele
Published: March 2022

Teaching effectiveness is a core issue in educational research; however, there is little consensus about the most important results of classroom teaching from an international perspective. The effectiveness of teaching has remained a ‘black box’ for a long time. In the secondary study described in this paper we used empirical data for Shanghai taken from the international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study Global Teaching InSights (GTI)—initially the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) Video Study—which was based on videotaped direct observations of classroom teaching. Eighty-five junior high school mathematics teachers and their students in Shanghai were observed to explore the impact of specific teaching practices on students’ interest, self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement scores. The results revealed that social-emotional support and instruction quality were the key dimensions relating to the characteristics and differences of mathematics lessons in Shanghai. While the former had a significantly positive impact on students’ general mathematics self-efficacy, the latter had a significantly positive impact on students’ mathematics interest. Although specific teaching practices had no significant direct impact on students’ mathematics achievement scores, social-emotional support and instruction quality considerably influenced students’ academic performance in an indirect way via general self-efficacy.
Free Cholesterol Bioavailability and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Abe Rei J. , Abe Jun-ichi , Nguyen Minh T. H. , Olmsted-Davis Elizabeth A. , Mamun Abrar , Banerjee Priyanka , Cooke John P. , Fang Longhou , Pownall Henry , Le Nhat-Tu
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

As both a cholesterol acceptor and carrier in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is putatively atheroprotective. However, current pharmacological therapies to increase plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) concentration have paradoxically failed to prevent or reduce atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given that free cholesterol (FC) transfer between surfaces of lipoproteins and cells is reversible, excess plasma FC can be transferred to the cells of peripheral tissue sites resulting in atherosclerosis. Here, we summarize potential mechanisms contributing to this paradox and highlight the role of excess free cholesterol (FC) bioavailability in atherosclerosis vs. atheroprotection.

Recent Findings

Recent findings have established a complex relationship between HDL-c concentration and atherosclerosis. Systemic scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) knock out (KO) mice exhibit with increased diet-induced atherosclerosis despite having an elevated plasma HDL-c concentration compared to wild type (WT) mice. The greater bioavailability of HDL-FC in SR-B1 vs. WT mice is associated with a higher FC content in multiple cell types and tissue sites. These results suggest that dysfunctional HDL with high FC bioavailability is atheroprone despite high HDL-c concentration.

Past oversimplification of HDL-c involvement in cholesterol transport has led to the failures in HDL targeted therapy. Evidence suggests that FC-mediated functionality of HDL is of higher importance than its quantity; as a result, deciphering the regulatory mechanisms by which HDL-FC bioavailability can induce atherosclerosis can have far-reaching clinical implications.
Increasing use of sodium nitrite in suicides—an emerging trend
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Wills Stephen , van den Heuvel Corinna , Humphries Melissa , Byard Roger W.
Published: March 2022

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a compound with broad practical applications in food preservation, automotive maintenance, and animal control. Sodium nitrite is also potentially fatal when ingested, as it interferes with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen. While incidents of accidental consumption have been reported in the literature, case reports of sodium nitrite being used as a pharmacological suicide agent are becoming more frequent. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate trends in sodium nitrite deaths in South Australia between 2000 and 2019. All cases of fatal sodium nitrite ingestion were identified in the Toxicology database and autopsy reports at Forensic Science SA (FSSA). Ten cases of fatal sodium nitrite ingestion were identified, with the rate of cases increasing significantly over the study period (p > .001). Of the ten deaths attributed to sodium nitrite toxicity, eight were male, and two were female. The age range of decedents was 22–74 years (mean 51.9, SD 21.1), 22–74 years for males (mean 58.4, SD 18.2) and 23–29 years for females (mean 26.0, SD 4.2). Males (80%) and those with a history of depression and/or suicidal ideation (70%) were over-represented within the study population. While autopsy findings were generally consistent with the literature, scene findings emphasized the accessibility of sodium nitrite to the general public. This study highlights both a significant increasing trend in the use of sodium nitrite in suicides and important analytical limitations in the evaluation of suspected cases.
Overcoming Barriers to Service Access: Refugees’ Professional Support Service Utilization and the Impact of Human and Social Capital
Authors: Heidinger Ellen
Published: March 2022

After arriving in a new country, refugees are typically dependent on professional support to re-establish their livelihood. However, it is well documented that refugees face barriers when seeking access to services aimed at facilitating their settlement. This study examines refugees’ support service needs, their actual utilization, and investigates the impact of social and human capital on service utilization. Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees (2016–2019; N=7662), this paper, employing nested logistic regression models, highlights the diversity of refugees’ support service needs as well as large differences in utilization across eight different domains during the first couple of years after arriving in Germany. It provides evidence for an overall positive association between human and social capital and service utilization in general while also revealing differences in service domains. While language proficiency is positively associated with service utilization across all service domains, previous work experience in the country of origin particularly increases utilization of employment-related services. The analyses also find a positive association of inter-ethnic networks, whereas intra-ethnic connections are negatively associated with service utilization across many domains. The findings are especially relevant since they support the hypothesis of exclusive host community knowledge that benefits those refugees who engage with individuals outside their own ethnic network. The findings of this study accentuate the need to acknowledge the diversity of refugees’ service needs as well as the barriers to service utilization that only well-equipped refugees seem to be able to overcome.
Explaining short-term memory phenomena with long-term memory theory: Is a special state involved?
Authors: Humphreys Michael S. , Tehan Gerald , Baumann Oliver , Loft Shayne
Published: March 2022

The idea that some recently encountered items reside in a special state where they do not have to be retrieved has come to be a critical component of short-term memory theories. In the current work, the existence of such a special state was tested using the probe-recognition paradigm followed by a delayed recognition test. Across two experiments participants received a series of probe recognition trials where list lengths of 1-, 4- and 8-items were intermixed. Delayed recognition performance for non-target probes was poorer for the only item in 1-item lists than for the last item in multi-item lists. At the same time, the delayed recognition of studied-but-not probed items was better for the 1-item list, compared to the last item in a multi-item list, indicating that some form of a retrieval effect was involved and not lower levels of attention/initial learning. An examination of the size of the testing effect as it varied across list lengths and experiments also indicated that residence in a special state was not playing an important role. Overall, the data are not in support of the assumption that items at the focus of attention are in a special state that do not require retrieval. Our conclusions are that special states cannot be used to define STM memory and that the probe recognition paradigm may be useful in determining how testing affects memory.
From Thriving Developers to Stagnant Self-Doubters: An Identity-Centered Approach to Exploring the Relationship Between Digitalization and Professional Development
Authors: Wallin Anna , Nokelainen Petri , Kira Mari
Published: March 2022

This article reports a study illustrating the relationship between digitalization and professional development from an identity-centered perspective. Drawing on a unique data set of 101 empathy-based stories from 81 Finnish government workers, the findings show how workers might experience and respond to work-identity alignments and misalignments in a digitalized working life and how this might influence their professional development. We identify four typifications—the thriving developer, the loyal transformer, the stagnant self-doubter, and the career crafter— and illustrate how digitalization can either support or hinder professional development by inducing work-identity (mis)alignments and how workers may respond to these in different ways by engaging in identity work and job crafting. In particular, our findings emphasize the role professional identity and agency play in professional development and highlight the importance of recognizing how digitalization of work can threaten or support workers’ professional identities to build a supportive working environment where the workers feel like they are valued and able to develop in a meaningful way.
A linear classification of Cyperaceae
Authors: Larridon Isabel
Published: March 2022

This paper provides a linear classification of two subfamilies, 24 tribes, 10 subtribes and 95 genera of the monocot family Cyperaceae (Poales), based on a stable phylogenetic framework resulting from years of morphological, molecular phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies. The family includes c. 5687 species. The most species-rich tribes are the monogeneric tribe Cariceae with c. 2003 species, and tribe Cypereae with c. 1131 species. The highest generic diversity is found in tribe Schoeneae (25 genera), which resulted in the recognition of eight subtribes to facilitate studying this group. The linear classification will help the organisation of Cyperaceae specimens in herbaria according to a systematic order and provides an easy-to-use summary of the current classification of the family.
The Bodies in the ‘Bog’: A Multi-Isotope Investigation of Individual Life-Histories at an Unusual 6th/7th AD Century Group Burial from a Roman Latrine at Cramond, Scotland
Authors: Czére Orsolya , Lawson John A. , Müldner Gundula , Evans Jane , Boyle Angela , Britton Kate
Published: March 2022

This study utilises multi-isotope approaches to investigate early medieval diet and childhood origins of individuals interred in an unusual group burial from Lothian, Scotland. In 1976, the skeletal remains of nine adults and five infants were unearthed from the infill of a latrine of a bathhouse at the Roman fort at Cramond, Edinburgh. Originally thought to be later medieval (14th/15thcentury), but recently dated to the 6thcentury AD, these remains represent a rare opportunity to gain deeper insights into the dietary histories and lifetime mobility of the inhabitants of early medieval south-central Scotland. Bone and teeth from the adults (n=9) were sampled, along with local faunal bone from a range of species (n=12). Long-term dietary trends were explored using stable carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) isotope analyses of bone collagen, focusing on inter-individual variability and the potential inclusion of marine protein in the diet. Sulphur (δ34S) was also utilised as a possible indicator of later-life mobility. Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18OCARB) ratios of tooth enamel were employed to identify potential locals and non-locals, as well as possible locations of childhood origin. No intra-group dietary variability was detected, and the results are similar to other contemporary populations from southern Britain. The sulphur isotope data indicate that all of the individuals likely lived locally in their last few decades of life. However, based on isotopic data from tooth enamel, at least one or perhaps two of the individuals likely spent their childhoods in other locations.
Digital health RCT interventions for cardiovascular disease risk reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Devani Rohan Neil , Kirubakaran Arushan , Molokhia Mariam
Published: March 2022

Heart disease is a leading cause of UK mortality. Evidence suggests digital health interventions (DHIs), such as smartphone applications, may reduce cardiovascular risk, but no recent reviews are available. This review examined the effect of DHIs on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores in patients with increased CVD risk, compared to usual care alone. PubMed, Cochrane Database, Medline, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible trials published after 01/01/2010, involving populations with at least one CVD risk factor. Primary outcome was change in CVD risk score (e.g. QRISK3) between baseline and follow-up. Meta-analysis was undertaken using Revman5/STATA using random-effects modelling. Cochrane RoB-2 tool determined risk-of-bias. 6 randomised controlled trials from 36 retrieved articles (16.7%) met inclusion criteria, involving 1,157 patients treated with DHIs alongside usual care, and 1,127 patients offered usual care only (control group). Meta-analysis using random-effects model in STATA showed an inconclusive effect for DHIs as effective compared to usual care (Mean Difference, MD -0.76, 95% CI -1.72, 0.20), with moderate certainty (GRADEpro). Sensitivity analysis by DHI modality suggested automated email messaging was the most effective DHI (MD -1.09, 95% Cl -2.15, -0.03), with moderate certainty (GRADEpro). However, substantial study heterogeneity was noted in main and sensitivity analyses (I2 = 66% and 64% respectively). Quality assessment identified risk-of-bias concerns, particularly for outcome measurement. Findings suggest specific DHIs such as automated email messaging may improve CVD risk outcomes, but were inconclusive for DHIs overall. Further research into specific DHI modalities is required, with longer follow-up.
CubeSat measurements of thermospheric plasma: spacecraft charging effects on a plasma analyzer
Authors: Reddy Sachin , Kataria Dhiren , Lewis Gethyn , Aruliah Anasuya , Verscharen Daniel , Baby Abraham Joel , Deprez Gregoire , Mahammod Rifat
Published: March 2022

Spacecraft charging affects the accuracy of in-situ plasma measurements in space. We investigate the impact of spacecraft charging on upper thermospheric plasma measurements captured by a 2U CubeSat called Phoenix. Using the Spacecraft Plasma Interactions Software (SPIS), we simulate dayside surface potentials of − 0.6 V, and nightside potentials of − 0.2 V. We also observe this charging mechanism in the distribution function captured by the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) on-board Phoenix. Whilst negative charging in the dense ionosphere is known, the diurnal variation in density and temperature has resulted in dayside potentials that are smaller than at night. We apply charging corrections in accordance with Liouville’s theorem and employ a least-squares fitting routine to extract the plasma density, bulk speed, and temperature. Our routine returns densities that are within an order of magnitude of the benchmarks above, but they carry errors of at least 20%. All bulk speeds are greater than the expected range of 60–120 m/s and this could be due to insufficient charging corrections. Our parameterised ion temperatures are lower than our empirical benchmark but are in-line with other in-situ measurements. Temperatures are always improved when spacecraft charging corrections are applied. We mostly attribute the shortcomings of the findings to the ram-only capture mode of the INMS. Future work will improve the fitting routine and continue to cross-check with other in-flight data.
Hydrochemistry of nutrients in groundwater under farmland in the Benue River Basin, North-Cameroon
Authors: Jokam Nenkam Therese L. L. , Kringel Robert , Fantong Wilson Y. , Nbendah Pierre , Fouépé Takoundjou Alain , Elisabeth Zocpé , Kamtchueng Brice T.
Published: March 2022

In this study, we investigated the distribution and the principal sources of macronutrients (N, P, K, S) in groundwater in agro-pastorally dominated North Cameroon. Graphical methods and multivariate statistics were used to understand the impact of land use and regional geology on nutrient concentrations (K+, NO3−, SO42−, PO43−). Groundwater was acidic (median pH 6.8) and more mineralized (EC range = 35–2500 µS/cm, median = 376 µS/cm) than surface water (EC range = 50–222 µS/cm, median = 81 µS/cm). The median concentration of nutrients was (in mg/L) in the order NO3− (41.3) > SO42− (7.7) > K+ (5.2) > PO43− (0.1) in groundwater and rather K+ (3.3) > NO3− (0.3) > SO42− (0.2) > PO43− (0.2) in surface water. Using hierarchical cluster analysis and Schoeller diagram, we identified three distinct water quality groups. Group I, which contained cluster 1 and 2 were generally less mineralized and characterised as Na + K − HCO3 water type found in the urban area such as Garoua and Lagdo. Group II, containing cluster 3 was much higher mineralized and characterised as the Na + K − HCO3 water type with elevated nitrate. The occurrence of these groups is linked to the outcrops of cretaceous terrestrial sediments of the Garoua basin. Group III, which contained cluster 4 were heavily mineralized and characterised as the Ca + Mg − NO3 water type. The occurrence was controlled by the outcrop of the crystalline Proterozoic basement. The nitrate median (41 mg/L) found in groundwater demonstrates the influence exerted by anthropogenic activities. Management strategies are required for the whole study area to limit further deterioration of groundwater resources in the wake of the planned expansion of agricultural productivity in the North Region of Cameroon.
The impact of sensing parameters on data management and anomaly detection in structural health monitoring
Authors: Favarelli Elia , Testi Enrico , Giorgetti Andrea
Published: March 2022

The massive and autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges is a problem that is of growing interest due to its importance and topicality. However, a considerable amount of data must be elaborated and managed in such an application. This paper proposes a set of machine learning (ML) tools to detect anomalies in a bridge from vibrational measurements using the minimum amount of data. The proposed framework starts from the fundamental frequencies extracted through operational modal analysis (OMA) and clustering, followed by a density-based time-domain tracking algorithm. The fundamental frequencies extracted are then fed to one-class classification (OCC) algorithms that perform anomaly detection. Then, to reduce the amount of data, we analyze the effect of the number of sensors, the number of bits per sample, the observation time, and the measurement noise on damage detection performance. As a case study, the Z-24 bridge is considered because of the extensive database of accelerometric measurements in both standard and damaged conditions. A comparison of OCC algorithms, such as principal component analysis (PCA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and one-class classifier neural network (OCCNN)$$^2$$

2

is performed, and their robustness to data shrinking is evaluated. In many cases, OCCNN$$^2$$

2

increases the performance with respect to classical anomaly detection techniques in terms of accuracy.
Similarities and differences between real and complex Banach spaces: an overview and recent developments
Authors: Moslehian M. S. , Muñoz-Fernández G. A. , Peralta A. M. , Seoane-Sepúlveda J. B.
Published: March 2022

There are numerous cases of discrepancies between results obtained in the setting of real Banach spaces and those obtained in the complex context. This article is a modern exposition of the subtle differences between key results and theories for complex and real Banach spaces and the corresponding linear operators between them. We deeply discuss some aspects of the complexification of real Banach spaces and give several examples showing how drastically different can be the behavior of real Banach spaces versus their complex counterparts.
Multilayer Strategy for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation: New Electrode Architecture that Alleviates Multiple Bottlenecks
Authors: Seenivasan Selvaraj , Moon Hee , Kim Do-Heyoung
Published: March 2022

Years of research have demonstrated that the use of multiple components is essential to the development of a commercial photoelectrode to address specific bottlenecks, such as low charge separation and injection efficiency, low carrier diffusion length and lifetime, and poor durability. A facile strategy for the synthesis of multilayered photoanodes from atomic-layer-deposited ultrathin films has enabled a new type of electrode architecture with a total multilayer thickness of 15–17 nm. We illustrate the advantages of this electrode architecture by using nanolayers to address different bottlenecks, thus producing a multilayer photoelectrode with improved interface kinetics and shorter electron transport path, as determined by interface analyses. The photocurrent density was twice that of the bare structure and reached a maximum of 33.3 ± 2.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE. An integrated overall water-splitting cell consisting of an electrocatalytic NiS cathode and Bi2S3/NiS/NiFeO/TiO2 photoanode was used for precious-metal-free seawater splitting at a cell voltage of 1.23 V without degradation. The results and root analyses suggest that the distinctive advantages of the electrode architecture, which are superior to those of bulk bottom-up core–shell and hierarchical architectures, originate from the high density of active sites and nanometer-scale layer thickness, which enhance the suitability for interface-oriented energy conversion processes.
Effect of permeability heterogeneity on the dissolution process during carbon dioxide sequestration in saline aquifers: two-and three-dimensional structures
Authors: Mahyapour Ramin , Mahmoodpour Saeed , Singh Mrityunjay , Omrani Sina
Published: March 2022

The convection–diffusion process of carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolution in a saline reservoir is investigated to shed light on the effects of the permeability heterogeneity. Using sequential Gaussian simulation method, random permeability fields in two and three-dimension (2D and 3D) structures are generated. Quantitative (average amount of the dissolved CO2 and dissolution flux) and qualitative (pattern of the dissolved CO2 and velocity streamlines) measurements are used to investigate the results. A 3D structure shows a slightly higher dissolution flux than a 2D structure in the homogeneous condition. Results in the random permeability fields in 2D indicates an increase in the standard deviation of the permeability nodes enhances the dissolution efficiency, fluctuations in CO2 dissolution flux, separation between the different realizations from the same input parameters, and tendency toward more jagged convective fingers’ shape. Furthermore, the distance between the permeability nodes increases the convective fingers’ dissolution efficiency and jagged structure. The degree of freedom in 3D structures results in a higher chance of escaping from the low permeability zones and reduces the interactions between convective fingers in 3D systems. With the same variance and correlation length between permeability nodes, connectivity between high permeable zones in 3D cases are less than that of 2D cases; therefore, 2D realizations overestimate the dissolution flux of real heterogeneous 3D structures, which should be considered carefully.

Article Highlights

CO2 sequestration in two and three dimensional heterogeneous saline aquifers are investigated.

3D structures in homogeneous conditions show higher dissolution than 2D structures.

2D realizations overestimates the dissolution flux over real heterogeneous 3D reservoirs.
3DWoodWind: robotic winding processes for material-efficient lightweight veneer components
Authors: Göbert Andreas , Deetman Arjen , Rossi Andrea , Weyhe Ole , Eversmann Philipp
Published: March 2022

Winding processes are known from fiber composite technology for highly resistance lightweight components for aviation. These fiber-based processes work predominantly with synthetic composites made of carbon or glass fibers. For the construction industry, these additive processes are very promising and resource-efficient building processes, but they are still hardly used in timber construction despite the very high level of digitalization and technical development. The 3DWoodWind research project uses a continuous strip of thin veneer as a sustainable alternative as its application material. Its natural fibers are intact, continuous, and tensile. In the project, three-dimensional winding processes were developed for material-efficient hollow profile lightweight components made of wood. We describe the material system, composed of suitable combinations of veneers and adhesives, and develop computational design methods for filament layout and robotic fabrication methods. We also show an open-source prototype development method, necessary for efficient prototyping. Through several fabrication case studies, we demonstrate the capabilities of the production process, and investigate suitable architectural applications. These hollow lightweight components could save large amounts of material in timber construction and serve as a substitute for concrete or steel components in the future. We conclude by discussing possible applications in the construction industry and future research possibilities.
Cost Modelling to Support Optimum Selection of Life Extension Strategy for Industrial Equipment in Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Amaitik Nasser , Zhang Ming , Wang Zezhong , Xu Yuchun , Thomson Gareth , Xiao Yiyong , Kolokas Nikolaos , Maisuradze Alexander , Garcia Oscar , Peschl Michael , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: March 2022

Industrial equipment/machinery is an important element of manufacturing. They are used for producing objects that people need for everyday use. Therefore, there is a challenge to adopt effective maintenance strategies to keep them well-functioning and well-maintained in production lines. This will save energy and materials and contribute genuinely to the circular economy and creating value. Remanufacturing or refurbishment is one of the strategies to extend life of such industrial equipment. The paper presents an initial framework of cost estimation model based on combination of activity-based costing (ABC) and human expertise to assist the decision-making on best life extension strategy (e.g. remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair) for industrial equipment. Firstly, ABC cost model is developed to calculate cost of life extension strategy to be used as a benchmark strategy. Next, expert opinions are employed to modify data of benchmark strategy, which is then used to estimate costs of other life extension strategies. The developed cost model has been implemented in VBA-based Excel® platform. A case study with application examples has been used to demonstrate the results of the initial cost model developed and its applicability in estimating and analysing cost of applying life extension strategy for industrial equipment. Finally, conclusions on the developed cost model have been reported.
Lower limb muscle performance during a closed chain single leg squat and a squat jump in people with leg weakness after stroke: A comparative study
Authors: Tolé Genevieve , Williams Gavin , Holland Anne E. , Clark Ross A.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To determine if the intention to perform an exercise at speed leads to beneficial alterations in kinematic and kinetic components of the movement in people with post-stroke hemiplegia.

Design:

Comparative study.

Setting:

Subacute metropolitan rehabilitation hospital.

Participants:

Convenience sample of patients admitted as an inpatient or outpatient with a diagnosis of stroke with lower limb weakness, functional ambulation category score ≥3, and ability to walk ≥14metres.

Methods:

Participants performed a single leg squat exercise on their paretic and nonparetic legs on a leg sled under three conditions: 1) self-selected speed (SS), 2) fast speed (FS), 3) jump squat (JS). Measures of displacement, flight time, peak concentric velocity, and muscle excitation (via electromyography) were compared between legs and conditions.

Results:

Eleven participants (age: 56 ± 17 years; median time since stroke onset: 3.3 [IQR 3,41] months) were tested. All participants achieved a jump during the JS, as measured by displacement and flight time respectively, on both their paretic (0.25 ± 0.16 m and 0.42 ± 0.18 s) and nonparetic (0.49 ± 0.36 m and 0.73 ± 0.28 s) legs; however it was significantly lower on the non-paretic leg (p < 0.05). Peak concentric velocity increased concordantly with intended movement speed (JS-FS paretic: 0.96 m/s, non-paretic: 0.54 m/s; FS-SS paretic 0.69 m/s, nonparetic 0.38 m/s; JS-SS paretic 1.66 m/s, non-paretic 0.92 m/s). Similarly, muscle excitation increased significantly (p < 0.05) with faster speed for the paretic and nonparetic vastus lateralis. For gastrocnemius, the only significant difference was an increase during nonparetic JS vs. SS and FS.

Conclusions:

Speed affects the kinematic and kinetic components of the movement. Performing exercises ballistically may improve training outcomes for people post-stroke.
Surviving But Not Thriving: VOX and Spain in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Zanotti Lisa , Turnbull-Dugarte Stuart James
Published: March 2022

In this article, we triangulate qualitative data regarding the framing of the pandemic and the strategic decisions taken by Spain's new populist radical right-wing party, VOX, with a quantitative analysis of aggregate polling data and individual-level survey responses to answer three questions: how has VOX framed the politics of the pandemic? What actions has VOX taken in response to COVID-19? Have the events of the COVID-19 crisis affected VOX's electoral chances? We argue that VOX's response to the pandemic has focused on augmenting the antagonistic relationship between itself and the political establishment, especially the left-wing government. Strategically, VOX has sought to leverage the health crisis to engage in legislative manoeuvres aiming, without success, to position itself as the primary party-in-waiting for right-wing voters. We also demonstrate that VOX has proven to be resilient against the potential for electoral decline that was widely prophesied at the beginning of the pandemic.
Risk and economic burden of surgical site infection following spinal fusion in adults
Authors: Edmiston Charles E. , Leaper David J. , Chitnis Abhishek S. , Holy Chantal E. , Chen Brian Po-Han
Published: March 2022

Background:

Spinal fusion surgery (SFS) is one of the most common operations in the United States, >450,000 SFSs are performed annually, incurring annual costs >$10 billion.

Objectives:

We used a nationwide longitudinal database to accurately assess incidence and payments associated with management of postoperative infection following SFS.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort analysis of 210,019 patients undergoing SFS from 2014 to 2018 using IBM MarketScan commercial and Medicaid–Medicare databases. We assessed rates of superficial/deep incisional SSIs, from 3 to 180 days after surgery using Cox proportional hazard regression models. To evaluate adjusted payments for patients with/without SSIs, adjusted for inflation to 2019 Consumer Price Index, we used generalized linear regression models with log-link and γ distribution.

Results:

Overall, 6.6% of patients experienced an SSI, 1.7% superficial SSIs and 4.9% deep-incisional SSIs, with a median of 44 days to presentation for superficial SSIs and 28 days for deep-incisional SSIs. Selective risk factors included surgical approach, admission type, payer, and higher comorbidity score. Postoperative incremental commercial payments for patients with superficial SSI were $20,800 at 6 months, $26,937 at 12 months, and $32,821 at 24 months; incremental payments for patients with deep-incisional SSI were $59,766 at 6 months, $74,875 at 12 months, and $93,741 at 24 months. Corresponding incremental Medicare payments for patients with superficial incisional at 6, 12, 24-months were $11,044, $17,967, and $24,096; while payments for patients with deep-infection were: $48,662, $53,757, and $73,803 at 6, 12, 24-months.

Conclusions:

We identified a 4.9% rate of deep infection following SFS, with substantial payer burden. The findings suggest that the implementation of robust evidence-based surgical-care bundles to mitigate postoperative SFS infection is warranted.
A new marrellomorph arthropod from southern Ontario: a rare case of soft-tissue preservation on a Late Ordovician open marine shelf
Authors: Moysiuk Joseph , Izquierdo-López Alejandro , Kampouris George E. , Caron Jean-Bernard
Published: March 2022

Ordovician open marine Lagerstätten are relatively rare and widely dispersed, producing a patchy picture of the diversity and biogeography of nonmineralized marine organisms and challenging our understanding of the fate of Cambrian groups. Here, for the first time, we report soft-bodied fossils, including a well-preserved marrellomorph arthropod, fragmentary carapaces, and macroalgae, from the Late Ordovician (Katian) Upper Member of the Kirkfield Formation near Brechin, Ontario. The unmineralized elements and associated exceptionally preserved shelly biota were entombed rapidly in storm deposits that smothered the shallow, carbonate-dominated shelf. The marrellomorph, Tomlinsonus dimitrii n. gen. n. sp., is remarkable for its ornate, curving cephalic spines and pair of hypertrophied appendages, suggesting a slow-moving, benthic lifestyle. Reevaluation of marrellomorph phylogeny using new data favors an arachnomorph affinity, although internal relationships are robust to differing outgroup selection. Clades Marrellida and Acercostraca are recovered, but the monophyly of Marrellomorpha is uncertain. The new taxon is recovered as sister to the Devonian Mimetaster and, as the second-youngest known marrellid, bridges an important gap in the evolution of this clade. More generally, the Brechin biota represents a rare window into Ordovician open marine shelf environments in Laurentia, representing an important point of comparison with contemporaneous Lagerstätten from other paleocontinents, with great potential for further discoveries.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/884589d0-08f7-4398-ab42-1f5d459be9e9