bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure‐response analysis of a single dose of sotrovimab in the early treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID‐19
Authors: Sager Jennifer E. , El‐Zailik Asma , Passarell Julie , Roepcke Stefan , Li Xiaobin , Aldinger Melissa , Nader Ahmed , Skingsley Andrew , Alexander Elizabeth L. , Yeh Wendy W. , Mogalian Erik , Garner Chad , Peppercorn Amanda , Shapiro Adrienne E. , Reyes Maribel
Published: March 2023

Sotrovimab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that has been shown to prevent progression to hospitalization or death in non‐hospitalized high‐risk patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 following either intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) and exposure‐response (ER) analyses were performed to characterize single dose sotrovimab pharmacokinetics (PK) and the relationship between exposure and response (probability of progression), as well as covariates that may contribute to between‐participant variability in sotrovimab PK and efficacy following i.v. or i.m. administration. Sotrovimab PK was described by a two‐compartment model with linear elimination; i.m. absorption was characterized by a sigmoid absorption model. PopPK covariate analysis led to the addition of the effect of body weight on systemic clearance and peripheral volume of distribution, sex on i.m. bioavailability and first‐order absorption rate (KA), and body mass index on KA. However, the magnitude of covariate effect was not pronounced and was therefore not expected to be clinically relevant based on available data to date. For ER analysis, sotrovimab exposure measures were predicted using the final PopPK model. An ER model was developed using the exposure measure of sotrovimab concentration at 168 h that described the relationship between exposure and probability of progression within the ER dataset for COMET‐TAIL. The number of risk factors (≤1 vs. >1) was incorporated as an additive shift on the model‐estimated placebo response but had no impact on overall drug response. Limitations in the ER model may prevent generalization of these results to describe the sotrovimab exposure‐progression relationship across severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 variants.
Pulmonary embolism or COVID‐19 pneumonia? A case report
Authors: Borna Nahid , Niksolat Maryam , Shariati Behnam , Saeedi Vahid , Kamalzadeh Leila
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most severe clinical presentation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which can be challenging to diagnose due to its non‐specific symptoms. The overlapping clinical symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and PE may make distinguishing between the two difficult. Thus, the diagnosis of PE may be delayed or missed, with grave consequences for the patient's outcome and safety. We herein present the case of a 63‐year‐old Iranian female admitted to our hospital showing symptoms of delirium superimposed on dementia. Soon after her admission, she developed a fever and respiratory symptoms. However, overestimating the likelihood of COVID‐19 pneumonia and attributing the patient's symptoms to this disease led to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism, resulting in the patient's death. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, a high index of suspicion is required for the timely diagnosis of PE, especially in patients with identifiable risk factors. This is specifically true for older patients who cannot express their symptoms due to neurocognitive disorders.
Clinical efficacy of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibodies in preventing hospitalisation and mortality among patients infected with Omicron variants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miljanovic Danijela , Cirkovic Andja , Lazarevic Ivana , Knezevic Aleksandra , Cupic Maja , Banko Ana
Published: March 2023

Until now, the treatment protocols for COVID‐19 have been revised multiple times. The use and approval of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for COVID‐19 treatment represent exceptional achievements in modern science, technology and medicine. SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron evasion of pre‐existing immunity represents a serious public health problem nowadays. This systematic review with meta‐analysis provided comprehensive and up‐to‐date evidence of the clinical efficacy of therapeutic anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs against Omicron subvariants in COVID‐19 patients and included 10 articles. The prevalence of hospitalisation among Omicron‐positive patients treated with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs was 2.8% (89/3169) while it controls (Omicron‐positive patients treated with other therapies) 11% (154/1371). There was a statistically significantly different number of hospitalisations between the two studied groups in favour of the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs treated group. (OR = 0.56, 95% CI OR = 0.41–0.77,p < 0.001, respectively). Eight deaths (0.30%) out of 2619 Omicron‐positive patients occurred in the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs treated group, while in the control group (Omicron‐positive patients treated with other therapies), 27 patients died out of 1401 (1.93%). There was a significantly different number of deaths between the two studied groups in favour of Omicron‐positive patients treated with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs (OR = 0.38, 95% CI OR = 0.17–0.85,p = 0.020). Using sotrovimab in treating Omicron‐positive patients indicated a reduction of hospitalisation and mortality for 49% and 89% in favour of sotrovimab, respectively (OR = 0.51, 95% CI OR = 0.34–0.79,p = 0.002; OR = 0.11, 95% CI OR = 0.03–0.39,p = 0.001). We could only provide evidence of the positive impact in reducing hospitalisation and mortality rates when anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs were used to treat patients infected with Omicron variants BA.1 or BA.2 and not on other Omicron variants.
Decentralized observer‐based integral sliding mode control design of large‐scale interconnected systems and its application to doubly fed induction generator‐based wind farm model
Authors: Lakshmanan Shanmugam , Joo Young Hoon
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the design of a decentralized observer‐based control scheme for large‐scale interconnected systems based on the integral sliding mode control (ISMC) approach. To do this, a novel decentralized observer is designed via the ISMC approach that helps to estimate the unmeasured states. Then, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions are derived in terms of matrix inequality, which guarantees the asymptotic stability of the interconnected system and the ultimate boundedness of estimation errors under external disturbances. An interconnected power system (IPS) integrated with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind farm model is provided as a direct application. Theoretical conditions are validated through numerical simulations, in this regard, a well‐structured model of IPS with a DFIG‐based wind farm is introduced. From the simulation results, it is proven that the proposed decentralized observer‐based ISMC can provide a better estimation of the internal states in two area IPS with DFIG‐based wind farm.
Xenon Difluoride Dry Etching for the Microfabrication of Solid Microneedles as a Potential Strategy in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Eş Ismail , Kafadenk Abdullah , Gormus M. Burak , Inci Fatih
Published: March 2023

Although hypodermic needles are a “gold standard” for transdermal drug delivery (TDD), microneedle (MN)‐mediated TDD denotes an unconventional approach in which drug compounds are delivered via micron‐size needles. Herein, an isotropic XeF2 dry etching process is explored to fabricate silicon‐based solid MNs. A photolithographic process, including mask writing, UV exposure, and dry etching with XeF2 is employed, and the MN fabrication is successfully customized by modifying the CAD designs, photolithographic process, and etching conditions. This study enables fabrication of a very dense MNs (up to 1452 MNs cm−2) with height varying between 80 and 300 µm. Geometrical features are also assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D laser scanning microscope. Roughness of the MNs are improved from 0.71 to 0.35 µm after titanium and chromium coating. Mechanical failure test is conducted using dynamic mechanical analyzer to determine displacement and stress/strain values. The coated MNs are subjected to less displacement (≈15 µm) upon the applied force. COMSOL Multiphysics analysis indicates that MNs are safe to use in real‐life applications with no fracture. This technique also enables the production of MNs with distinct shape and dimensions. The optimized process provides a wide range of solid MN types to be utilized for epidermis targeting.
Development and Characterization of a 96‐Well Exposure System for Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials
Authors: Kohl Yvonne , Müller Michelle , Fink Marielle , Mamier Marc , Fürtauer Siegfried , Drexel Roland , Herrmann Christine , Dähnhardt‐Pfeiffer Stephan , Hornberger Ramona , Arz Marius I. , Metzger Christoph , Wagner Sylvia , Sängerlaub Sven , Briesen Heiko , Meier Florian , Krebs Tobias
Published: March 2023

In this study, a 96‐well exposure system for safety assessment of nanomaterials is developed and characterized using an air–liquid interface lung epithelial model. This system is designed for sequential nebulization. Distribution studies verify the reproducible distribution over all 96 wells, with lower insert‐to‐insert variability compared to non‐sequential application. With a first set of chemicals (TritonX), drugs (Bortezomib), and nanomaterials (silver nanoparticles and (non‐)fluorescent crystalline nanocellulose), sequential exposure studies are performed with human lung epithelial cells followed by quantification of the deposited mass and of cell viability. The developed exposure system offers for the first time the possibility of exposing an air–liquid interface model in a 96‐well format, resulting in high‐throughput rates, combined with the feature for sequential dosing. This exposure system allows the possibility of creating dose‐response curves resulting in the generation of more reliable cell‐based assay data for many types of applications, such as safety analysis. In addition to chemicals and drugs, nanomaterials with spherical shapes, but also morphologically more complex nanostructures can be exposed sequentially with high efficiency. This allows new perspectives on in vivo‐like and animal‐free approaches for chemical and pharmaceutical safety assessment, in line with the 3R principle of replacing and reducing animal experiments.
Pressure‐Gradient Counterwork of Dual‐Fuel Driven Nanocarriers in Abnormal Interstitial Fluids for Enhancing Drug Delivery Efficiency
Authors: Zheng Zhiwen , Zheng Xiaotong , Kong Degang , Ding Kai , Zhang Zhao , Zhong Run , He Jing , Zhou Shaobing
Published: March 2023

The abnormal pressure in tumor tissue is a significant limitation on the drug delivery efficiency of tumor therapy. This work reports a gradient‐driven nanomotor as drug nanocarrier with the pressure‐counterworking function. The dual‐fuel nanomotors are formed by co‐electrospinning of the photosensitive polymers with calcium peroxide (CaO2) and catalase (CAT), followed by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and bovine serum albumin (BSA) incubation. The UV‐responsive cleavage nanomotors can effectively release O2 molecules at the fractures as a driving force to increase the delivery speed and escape the phagocytosis of macrophage system in normal tissues. Furthermore, CAT catalyzes H2O2 produced by CaO2 and the tumor interstitial fluids to provide stronger power for the nanomotors. Additionally, according to the analysis of directional motions of the nanomotors, the functional relationship between the rotational diffusion coefficient (DR) and the physiological viscosity is constructed. The dual‐fuel nanocarriers enable up to 13.25% of the injected dose (ID)/per gram tissue and significantly improve the penetration in deep tumor. It is of vital importance to design and obtain the adaptive pressure‐gradient counterworking nanomotors, which can effectively improve the drug delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo.
COVID on campus: An empirical analysis of COVID infection rates at U.S. colleges and universities
Authors: Davis Lewis , Schmidt Stephen J. , Zacher Sophia
Published: March 2023

We provide an empirical analysis of the determinants of cumulative COVID infection rates at 1069 U.S. colleges and universities during the 2020–21 academic year. We propose that financially constrained educational institutions faced a trade‐off between the reduction of COVID infection risks and an institution's educational, social, reputational, and financial goals. We find that cumulative infection rates are higher at wealthier institutions, measured by higher endowments per student or higher tuition rates. Institutions with lower enrollment yields in admissions also have higher COVID infection rates, perhaps reflecting the greater influence of student preferences on decision making at these institutions. Economies of scale in COVID mitigation emerge gradually over the course of the year. Finally, COVID infection rates do not differ significantly for otherwise similar public and private institutions in states with Democratic governors, but they are significantly higher for public institutions in states with Republican governors.
Recent Advances in the Syntheses of N‐CF3 Scaffolds up to Their Valorization
Authors: Crousse Benoît
Published: March 2023

This review provides a recent overview of the different synthetic routes of the N‐CF3 group. This scaffold can be prepared from the desulfurization of thiocabamoyl fluorides or isothiocyanates with fluoride ions. Electrophilic and radical trifluoromethylations are also a great way to generate this motif. This report also focuses on the valorization of some N‐CF3 compounds, which leads to new unknown N‐trifluoromethyl derivatives. Finally, the first metabolic stability studies will be given for certain structures.
Southern New Hampshire's Paul LeBlanc on attracting adult learners, managing successful change, and ChatGPT
Authors: D'Orio Wayne
Published: March 2023

When you think of the challenges facing college leaders today, from how to navigate the upcoming enrollment cliff to creating classes that may have to toggle between face to face and online to managing seismic upheaval in campus norms, it seems like there might be one leader who has found success in all of these areas.
Mobilizing Intangibles under the Acceluction Regime
Authors: Bounfour Ahmed
Published: March 2023

The way value is created is deeply influenced by two major transformational phenomena: (1) the emergence of intangibles as a main source of value creation and (2) the emergence of digital as a deep transformational phenomenon. Taking this as a starting point, the paper underlines the need to better characterize the emerging value production system. By reference to a large international research program (ISD) I coordinated, I coined the term acceluction as an umbrella concept to characterize such a production system. Compared to previous production systems, such as the lean, value is now created by accelerated production of links (acceluction). The acceluction regime is defined in its key dimensions: content, value spaces, the role of intangibles and the governance mechanisms, with a specific focus on platforms.
Fooling Partial Dependence via Data Poisoning
Authors: Baniecki Hubert , Kretowicz Wojciech , Biecek Przemyslaw
Published: March 2023

Many methods have been developed to understand complex predictive models and high expectations are placed on post-hoc model explainability. It turns out that such explanations are not robust nor trustworthy, and they can be fooled. This paper presents techniques for attacking Partial Dependence (plots, profiles, PDP), which are among the most popular methods of explaining any predictive model trained on tabular data. We showcase that PD can be manipulated in an adversarial manner, which is alarming, especially in financial or medical applications where auditability became a must-have trait supporting black-box machine learning. The fooling is performed via poisoning the data to bend and shift explanations in the desired direction using genetic and gradient algorithms. We believe this to be the first work using a genetic algorithm for manipulating explanations, which is transferable as it generalizes both ways: in a model-agnostic and an explanation-agnostic manner.
Emergency Radiology of the Abdomen and Pelvis
Authors: Mellnick Vincent M. , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Imaging plays a key role in the assessment of blunt abdominal trauma patients since clinical examination has been shown unreliable in this setting. If ultrasound and conventional radiology are mainly used for the initial triage phase at the resuscitation bay (primary survey), CT has become the leading imaging tool to be systematically used in hemodynamically blunt abdominal stable patients. CT signs are now included in most of the classifications and grading organ systems used by the radiologists, the emergency physician, and the surgeons for both the diagnostic and the therapeutic management of these patients, in which angiographic interventional procedures also play a growing role (Pierre-Alexandre Poletti).

Abdominal pain is a common reason for presentation to the emergency department. Particularly given the fast-paced work environment and frequently nonspecific data from history and physical examination, medical imaging proves indispensable in guiding management of patients presenting with abdominal pain. While the number of conditions that may lead to abdominal pain are myriad, this portion of the chapter will begin with conditions divided by abdominal quadrants, followed by conditions that may present with more diffuse symptoms (Vincent M Mellnick).
Congenital and Acquired Pathologies of the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Kox Laura S. , Smets Anne M. J. B. , Huisman Thierry A. G. M.
Published: March 2023

Age is a key factor in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology in children. Imaging is crucial in a range of pediatric GI disorders. In term neonates, congenital anomalies of the GI tract causing obstruction are at the forefront: atresia, intestinal malrotation with or without midgut volvulus, Hirschsprung’s disease, meconium plug syndrome, and meconium ileus. In the premature neonate, necrotizing enterocolitis can be a life-threatening complication.

Intussusception is the most common cause of obstruction in infants and young children. Inflammatory bowel disease is the main focus in older children and adolescents. Appendicitis can occur at any age although most frequently in children older than 5 years of age. The distal ileum is where GI tract duplication cysts are most frequently situated. They are usually detected on prenatal ultrasound and sometimes only later in life when causing obstruction.

Different imaging modalities can be used to image the GI tract. Plain films, ultrasound, and contrast studies are the principal imaging tools. CT and MRI are problem solvers and are used in a specific context, such as trauma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diseases of the biliary tree, and tumoral pathology.
Advances in Molecular Imaging and Therapy and Its Impact in Oncologic Imaging
Authors: Burger Irene A. , Hope Thomas A.
Published: March 2023

The theranostic concept to use diagnostic and therapeutic nuclides to image and treat cancer was established many years ago for thyroid disease. With the success of [177Lu]-labeled therapeutic agents targeting neuroendocrine tumors or prostate cancer, the interest for this concept has been significantly rising. The possibility to localize and quantify a therapeutic target within the patient opens up novel possibilities, but also challenges for patient selection, dosimetry, and response assessment. Especially for response assessment we however, still rely on the morphologic changes. With the increasing use of immunotherapy and other biological approaches, image interpretation needs a profound understanding of the therapeutic mechanism and impact on imaging parameters for accurate assessment of tumor response and guidance for appropriate therapy selection.
Indeterminate Retroperitoneal Masses
Authors: Messiou Christina , Kunz Wolfgang G.
Published: March 2023

Retroperitoneal (RP) masses represent a wide variety of pathologies. They can grow to a substantial size before presenting symptoms that lead to imaging work-up. They are also often detected incidentally due to increased use of cross-sectional imaging. Contrast-enhanced CT is the modality of choice, yet MRI can clarify involvement of muscle, bone, or neural foramina. 18F FDG PET/CT is not routinely indicated, however, for lesions which are inaccessible to percutaneous biopsy it can differentiate between intermediate/high-grade lesions and low grade/benign lesions. This chapter aims to describe the most common indeterminate RP masses and to highlight features which help in the differential diagnosis.
Fragmented Visual Attention in Web Browsing: Weibull Analysis of Item Visit Times
Authors: Putkonen Aini , Nioche Aurélien , Laine Markku , Kuuramo Crista , Oulasvirta Antti
Published: March 2023

Users often browse the web in an exploratory way, inspecting what they find interesting without a specific goal. However, the temporal dynamics of visual attention during such sessions, emerging when users gaze from one item to another, are not well understood. In this paper, we examine how people distribute visual attention among content items when browsing news. Distribution of visual attention is studied in a controlled experiment, wherein eye-tracking data and web logs are collected for 18 participants exploring newsfeeds in a single- and multi-column layout. Behavior is modeled using Weibull analysis of item (article) visit times, which describes these visits via quantities like durations and frequencies of switching focused item. Bayesian inference is used to quantify uncertainty. The results suggest that visual attention in browsing is fragmented, and affected by the number, properties and composition of the items visible on the viewport. We connect these findings to previous work explaining information-seeking behavior through cost-benefit judgments.
23, 381, 6242, 103268, 1743183, … : Hilbert series for CP-violating operators in SMEFT
Authors: Kondo Dan , Murayama Hitoshi , Okabe Risshin
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We introduce a systematic method to classify the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) operators based on their CP properties with the Hilbert series techniques. Our method makes it possible to enumerate operators violating CP symmetry in a few seconds. We present the complete classification of dimension eight operators under CP transformation, and the number of CP-odd or CP-violating operators are listed up to dimension 14. We also provide a companion code in Form that allows anybody to reproduce our results.
Potency ranking of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in metabolically competent human liver cancer cells and primary human hepatocytes using a genotoxicity test battery
Authors: Haas Manuel , Wirachowski Karina , Thibol Lea , Küpper Jan-Heiner , Schrenk Dieter , Fahrer Jörg
Published: March 2023

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) occur as contaminants in plant-based foods and herbal medicines. Following metabolic activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, PAs induce DNA damage, hepatotoxicity and can cause liver cancer in rodents. There is ample evidence that the chemical structure of PAs determines their toxicity. However, more quantitative genotoxicity data are required, particularly in primary human hepatocytes (PHH). Here, the genotoxicity of eleven structurally different PAs was investigated in human HepG2 liver cells with CYP3A4 overexpression and PHH using an in vitro test battery. Furthermore, the data were subject to benchmark dose (BMD) modeling to derive the genotoxic potency of individual PAs. The cytotoxicity was initially determined in HepG2-CYP3A4 cells, revealing a clear structure–toxicity relationship for the PAs. Importantly, experiments in PHH confirmed the structure-dependent toxicity and cytotoxic potency ranking of the tested PAs. The genotoxicity markers γH2AX and p53 as well as the alkaline Comet assay consistently demonstrated a structure-dependent genotoxicity of PAs in HepG2-CYP3A4 cells, correlating well with their cytotoxic potency. BMD modeling yielded BMD values in the range of 0.1–10 µM for most cyclic and open diesters, followed by the monoesters. While retrorsine showed the highest genotoxic potency, monocrotaline and lycopsamine displayed the lowest genotoxicity. Finally, experiments in PHH corroborated the genotoxic potency ranking, and revealed genotoxic effects even in the absence of detectable cytotoxicity. In conclusion, our findings strongly support the concept of grouping PAs into potency classes and help to pave the way for a broader acceptance of relative potency factors in risk assessment.
60 years of Charnley–Muller Alivium hip prosthesis: the revision percentage and tribo-corrosion sequelae after a mean of 27 years
Authors: Milošev Ingrid , Trebše Rihard , Cör Andrej , Levašič Vesna
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The main aim was to analyse the series of 29 collected cemented Charnley–Muller Alivium retrievals with the meantime in situ of 27 years. In addition, the revision rate of 1425 Alivium prostheses implanted at our institution between 1977 and 1992 was calculated.

Materials and methods

The revision percentage of the Alivium cohort was calculated up to 45 years of follow-up and compared to that of all total hip arthroplasties (THAs) implanted in the same period (No. 5535). Metal and polyethylene retrieved components were inspected in 29 cases for wear damage and roughness. Wear particles were retrieved from periprosthetic tissue using digestion protocols and their composition, morphology, and size distribution were investigated. Periprosthetic tissue was analysed histologically.

Results

The revision percentage of the Alivium cohort was 16% at 45 years of follow-up. It was comparable to all the THAs implanted at the same time (18%). The shape of polyethylene particles isolated from periprosthetic tissue corresponded to the wear pattern on polyethylene cups. Polyethylene particles were the main wear product, with the majority (68%) of particles smaller than 0.1 µm. Metal particles were rare with two types: CoCr and Cr based. Histological analysis showed that in 14 out of 18 specimens, the metal particles were graded + 1, reflecting that the metal loading in the periprosthetic tissue was low.

Conclusions

Our study represents valuable data not reported previously on the survival rate of Charnley–Muller prostheses at 45 years of follow-up and a unique insight into the collected retrievals from the materials’ point of view.
Language in autism: domains, profiles and co-occurring conditions
Authors: Schaeffer Jeannette , Abd El-Raziq Muna , Castroviejo Elena , Durrleman Stephanie , Ferré Sandrine , Grama Ileana , Hendriks Petra , Kissine Mikhail , Manenti Marta , Marinis Theodoros , Meir Natalia , Novogrodsky Rama , Perovic Alexandra , Panzeri Francesca , Silleresi Silvia , Sukenik Nufar , Vicente Agustín , Zebib Racha , Prévost Philippe , Tuller Laurice
Published: March 2023

This article reviews the current knowledge state on pragmatic and structural language abilities in autism and their potential relation to extralinguistic abilities and autistic traits. The focus is on questions regarding autism language profiles with varying degrees of (selective) impairment and with respect to potential comorbidity of autism and language impairment: Is language impairment in autism the co-occurrence of two distinct conditions (comorbidity), a consequence of autism itself (no comorbidity), or one possible combination from a series of neurodevelopmental properties (dimensional approach)? As for language profiles in autism, three main groups are identified, namely, (i) verbal autistic individuals without structural language impairment, (ii) verbal autistic individuals with structural language impairment, and (iii) minimally verbal autistic individuals. However, this tripartite distinction hides enormous linguistic heterogeneity. Regarding the nature of language impairment in autism, there is currently no model of how language difficulties may interact with autism characteristics and with various extralinguistic cognitive abilities. Building such a model requires carefully designed explorations that address specific aspects of language and extralinguistic cognition. This should lead to a fundamental increase in our understanding of language impairment in autism, thereby paving the way for a substantial contribution to the question of how to best characterize neurodevelopmental disorders.
Poly[bis(serine ethyl ester)phosphazene] regulates the degradation rates of vinyl ester photopolymers
Authors: Ajvazi Edip , Bauer Felix , Kracalik Milan , Hild Sabine , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian
Published: March 2023

Vinyl esters and carbonates have recently been demonstrated to have considerably lower cytotoxicity than their more commonly used (meth)acrylate counterparts, inspiring their use in the 3D printing of biomaterials. However, the degradation rates of such synthetic photopolymers are slow, especially in the mild conditions present in many biological environments. Some applications, for example, tissue regeneration scaffolds and drug release, require considerably faster biodegradation. Furthermore, it is essential to be able to easily tune the degradation rate to fit the requirements for a range of applications. Herein we present the design and synthesis of hydrolytically degradable polyphosphazenes substituted with a vinyl carbonate functionalized amino acid. Thiolene copolymerization with vinyl esters gave cured polymers which are demonstrated to considerably accelerate the degradation rates of cured vinylester/thiolene polymer scaffolds.

Graphical abstract
Using machine learning prediction models for quality control: a case study from the automotive industry
Authors: Msakni Mohamed Kais , Risan Anders , Schütz Peter
Published: March 2023

This paper studies a prediction problem using time series data and machine learning algorithms. The case study is related to the quality control of bumper beams in the automotive industry. These parts are milled during the production process, and the locations of the milled holes are subject to strict tolerance limits. Machine learning models are used to predict the location of milled holes in the next beam. By doing so, tolerance violations are detected at an early stage, and the production flow can be improved. A standard neural network, a long short term memory network (LSTM), and random forest algorithms are implemented and trained with historical data, including a time series of previous product measurements. Experiments indicate that all models have similar predictive capabilities with a slight dominance for the LSTM and random forest. The results show that some holes can be predicted with good quality, and the predictions can be used to improve the quality control process. However, other holes show poor results and support the claim that real data problems are challenged by inappropriate information or a lack of relevant information.
Can carbon payments improve profitability of traditional conventional and organic cocoa agroforests? A case study in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Agbotui Deogratias Kofi , Ingold Mariko , Wiehle Martin , Buerkert Andreas
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the carbon (C) sequestration of traditional cocoa agroforestry systems in the Eastern Region of Ghana and the theoretical impact of CO2 emission rights trading on their profitability. The study was conducted in four villages of Suhum Municipality, two each with either conventional or organic cocoa cultivation systems. Profitability was calculated using net present value of net cashflow (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR), and modified internal rate of return (MIRR). Carbon revenues were calculated using CO2 emission trading rights prices ranging from 7.5 € tCO2eq.−1 (average EU trading price) to 42 € tCO2eq.−1(estimated social cost of CO2 release). We tested the sensitivity of profitability indicators with three scenarios: 300% increase in interest rates, 20% yield reduction, and 10% increase in cost. NPV without CO2 payment for conventional agroforest was 20% higher than that of organic agroforest. Contrarily, BCR for the organic system was 30% larger than for the conventional counterpart. Profitability indicators for both systems were most sensitive to the 300% interest rate. The average C sequestered was 153 ± 13 t ha−1 whereby soil contributed the largest fraction with an average of 88 ± 11 t ha−1. Total C sequestered in the organic system was 30% higher than in the conventional system. In conclusion, CO2 payments can improve the attractiveness of organic cocoa cultivation for farmers, although the paid price must be oriented to the estimated social costs caused by CO2 release rather than the currently used trading price in the EU.
Nonparametric Test for Volatility in Clustered Multiple Time Series
Authors: Barrios Erniel B. , Redondo Paolo Victor T.
Published: March 2023

Contagion arising from clustering of multiple time series like those in the stock market indicators can further complicate the nature of volatility, rendering a parametric test (relying on asymptotic distribution) to suffer from issues on size and power. We propose a test on volatility based on the bootstrap method for multiple time series, intended to account for possible presence of contagion effect. While the test is fairly robust to distributional assumptions, it depends on the nature of volatility. The test is correctly sized even in cases where the time series are almost nonstationary (i.e., autocorrelation coefficient $$\approx 1$$

≈
1

). The test is also powerful specially when the time series are stationary in mean and that volatility are contained only in fewer clusters. We illustrate the method in global stock prices data.
The Rise and Fall of Financial Flows in EU 15: New Evidence Using Dynamic Panels with Common Correlated Effects
Authors: Camarero Mariam , Muñoz Alejandro , Tamarit Cecilio
Published: March 2023

This paper assesses capital mobility for a panel of 15 European countries for the period 1970–2019 using dynamic common correlated effects modeling as proposed in Chudik and Pesaran (J Econ 188(2):393–420, 2015). In particular, we account for the existence of cross section dependence, slope heterogeneity, nonstationarity and endogeneity in a multifactor error correction model (ECM) that includes one homogeneous break. The analysis also identifies the heterogeneous structural breaks affecting the relationship for each of the individual countries. The ECM setting allows for a complete assessment of the domestic saving-investment relationship in the long-run as well as two other elements usually neglected: short-run capital mobility and the speed of adjustment. When we account for a single homogeneous break, this is found at the euro inception. We obtain that long-run capital mobility is high but not perfect yet. We also provide empirical evidence for the Ford and Horioka (Appl Econ Lett, 24(2), 95–97, 2017)’s hypothesis, who argue that goods market integration is a necessary condition to obtain zero correlation between domestic saving-investment. Our results stress the role played by the euro as a booster for both financial and real integration. However, a complete degree of economic integration has not been fully achieved. Short-run capital was highly mobile for the whole period, with some exceptions, coinciding with turmoil episodes. Additionally, from the application of the CS-DL threshold analysis proposed by Chudik et al. (Adv Econ, 36, 85–135, 2016), we find that economic risk and openness play a key role in capital mobility.
Collaborative Innovation Strategy of Supply Chain in the Context of MCU Domestic Substitution : A Differential Game Analysis
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Wen Haoyu , Hu ZhongQuan , Zhang Yuntao
Published: March 2023

The domestic substitution of the IC (the Integrated Circuit) industry improves economic efficiency and is significant in ensuring national security, which has gradually become an essential strategy for countries worldwide. Based on the background of domestic substitution of integrated circuits, we select a typical component Micro Controller Unit) as the research object, construct a three-level supply chain game model under different scenarios in a dynamic architecture, and analyze the game problem of collaborative innovation of the MCU supply chain. We fully consider the impact of factors such as time, cost and the innovation and collaborative innovation efforts of various supply chain members on the level of domestic substitution. Moreover, we put forward a two-part pricing + cost-sharing contract to achieve supply chain coordination. We found that: (1) Collaborative innovation of the supply chain in the centralized decision-making scenario achieves the highest level, followed by the cost-sharing scenario; (2) The two-part pricing + cost-sharing contract can help achieve supply chain coordination; (3) The trend of the MCU domestic substitution level with manufacturing cost is U-shaped, which means the increase of manufacturing cost may have a positive impact on the process of domestic substitution.
Toxicity evaluation of the contaminated area of Crotone from biological indicators: a multispecies approach
Authors: Mastroberardino Anna , Casaburi Filomena , Canino Rosario , Iannone Michelangelo , Procopio Salvatore
Published: March 2023

Contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by toxic industrial waste has become a major issue in many countries. Of particular concern is the reuse of toxic hazardous waste in construction materials. This paper examined for the first time the chemical and radiation ecotoxicity of site-specific Technological Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM) residues from phosphate processing industry in soil environmental matrices through bioindicators. The area under investigation was the former industrial district of Crotone (Calabria, Italy), recently included within the Sites of National Interest (SIN), comprising the 42 Italian national priority contaminated sites. Major biological exposure pathways considered were absorption and bioaccumulation. The marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna were employed as aquatic bioindicators, while for the soil ecosystem, the seeds of Sorghum saccharatum and Lepidium sativum were used. Selection of test species aimed at assessing the toxicity of wastes in soil as well as in freshwater or marine systems. Results indicated V. fischeri as the most sensitive of all the species tested (5.56 g/L), while D. magna was found to be affected at 94.27 g/L. An overall inhibition was observed in seedling growth as compared to control at the highest concentration of the pollutants (100 g/L), while seed germination was not adversely affected by the pollutant. At this preliminary level, data indicated a potential risk for biodiversity of the area. In fact, the measured toxicity thresholds, even if above 100 mg/L, are comparable to concentrations of the toxicants spread all over the territory of Crotone.
The Skill Model: A Dilemma for Virtue Ethics
Authors: Schuster Nick
Published: March 2023

According to agent-centered virtue ethics, acting well is not a matter of conforming to agent-independent moral standards, like acting so as to respect humanity or maximize utility. Instead, virtuous agents determine what is called for in their circumstances through good practical reason. This is an attractive view, but it requires a plausible account of how good practical reason works. To that end, some theorists invoke the skill model of virtue, according to which virtue involves essentially the same kind of practical reason as ordinary skills. I contend, however, that ordinary skills provide a plausible and informative model of good practical reason only insofar as they are assessed by agent-independent standards. And so virtue, likewise, must be assessed primarily by agent-independent moral standards, if the skill model is to serve its purpose. I consider how agent-centered virtue ethics might avert this dilemma. But I ultimately suggest proceeding a different way.
Telemetry-based spatial–temporal fish habitat models for fishes in an urban freshwater harbour
Authors: Brownscombe Jacob W. , Midwood Jonathan D. , Doka Susan E. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: March 2023

Fish habitat associations are important measures for effective aquatic habitat management, but often vary over broad spatial and temporal scales, and are therefore challenging to measure comprehensively. We used a 9-year acoustic telemetry dataset to generate spatial–temporal habitat suitability models for seven fish species in an urban freshwater harbour, Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario. Fishes generally occupied the more natural regions of Toronto Harbour most frequently. However, each species exhibited unique habitat associations and spatial–temporal interactions in their habitat use. For example, largemouth bass exhibited the most consistent seasonal habitat use, mainly associating with shallow, sheltered embayments with high aquatic vegetation (SAV) cover. Conversely, walleye seldom occupied Toronto Harbour in summer, with the highest occupancy of shallow, low-SAV habitats in the spring, which corresponds to their spawning period. Others, such as common carp, shifted between shallow summer and deeper winter habitats. Community level spatial–temporal habitat importance estimates were also generated, which can serve as an aggregate measure for habitat management. Acoustic telemetry provides novel opportunities to generate robust spatial–temporal fish habitat models based on wild fish behaviour, which are useful for the management of fish habitat from a fish species and community perspective.
Water source dynamics influence macroinvertebrate communities across groundwater-fed streams in a glacierized catchment
Authors: Crossman Jill , Bradley Chris , Windsor Fredric M. , Milner Alexander M.
Published: March 2023

Groundwater contributions to streamflow significantly influence the structure and function of riverine ecosystems, particularly in glacierized catchments where there are marked differences in water sources and subsurface flow paths. Here, we investigated spatial and temporal variation in relationships between water sources, flow paths, physical and chemical processes, organic matter, microbial biofilms, and macroinvertebrates across groundwater-fed streams in the glacierized Toklat River catchment of Denali National Park, Alaska. Streams fed predominantly by seepage from the valley sides were perennial, whereas streams sustained by glacial meltwater seepage were ephemeral. Differences in environmental conditions between flow regimes appeared to influence spatial and temporal patterns of organic matter, linking to macroinvertebrate community dynamics. Macroinvertebrates in perennial streams were supported by fine particulate organic matter from subsurface flow paths during summer, transitioning to a combination of fine particulate matter and leaf litter in autumn. In comparison, macroinvertebrates inhabiting ephemeral streams, which only flowed during autumn, were supported by leaf litter. Some macroinvertebrate taxa were unaffected by turnover in organic matter, indicating potential plasticity in organic matter resource use. Findings highlight the importance of considering spatial and temporal variation in groundwater-fed streams, considering that projected hydrological changes under a changing climate may have significant implications for these systems.
Faster distance-based representative skyline and k-center along pareto front in the plane
Authors: Cabello Sergio
Published: March 2023

We consider the problem of computing the distance-based representative skyline in the plane, a problem introduced by Tao, Ding, Lin and Pei [Proc. 25th IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering (ICDE), 2009] and independently considered by Dupin, Nielsen and Talbi [Mathematics; Optimization and Learning - Third International Conference, OLA 2020] in the context of multi-objective optimization. Given a set P of n points in the plane and a parameter k, the task is to select k points of the skyline defined by P (also known as Pareto front for P) to minimize the maximum distance from the points of the skyline to the selected points. We show that the problem can be solved in $$O(n\log h)$$

O
(
n
log
h
)

time, where h is the number of points in the skyline of P. We also show that the decision problem can be solved in $$O(n\log k)$$

O
(
n
log
k
)

time and the optimization problem can be solved in $$O(n \log k + n {{\,\textrm{loglog}\,}}n)$$

O
(
n
log
k
+
n

loglog

n
)

time. This improves previous algorithms and is optimal for a large range of values of k.
An Anisotropic hp-mesh Adaptation Method for Time-Dependent Problems Based on Interpolation Error Control
Authors: Dolejší Vít , May Georg
Published: March 2023

We propose an efficient mesh adaptive method for the numerical solution of time-dependent partial differential equations considered in the fixed space-time cylinder$$\varOmega \times (0,T)$$Ω×(0,T). We employ the space-time discontinuous Galerkin method which enables us to use different meshes at different time levels in a natural way. The mesh adaptive algorithm is based on control of the interpolation error in the$$L^\infty (0,T; L^q(\varOmega ))$$L∞(0,T;Lq(Ω))-norm. The goal is to construct a sequence of conforming triangular meshes in such a way that the interpolation error bound is under a given tolerance and the number of degrees of freedom is minimal. The resulting grids consist of anisotropic mesh elements with varying polynomial approximation degrees with respect to space. We present a theoretical framework of this approach as well as several numerical examples demonstrating the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of the method.