bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of marathon running on resting-state EEG activity: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Moussiopoulou Joanna , Pross Benjamin , Handrack Mirjam , Keeser Daniel , Pogarell Oliver , Halle Martin , Falkai Peter , Scherr Johannes , Hasan Alkomiet , Roeh Astrid
Published: November 2023

Physical activity (PA) has positive effects on various health aspects and neuronal functions, including neuronal plasticity. Exceeding a certain exercise frequency and duration has been associated with negative effects. Our study investigated the effects of excessive PA with a marathon run (MA) and regular PA (training and recovery phases) on electrocortical activity, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Thirty healthy marathon runners (26 male, 45 ± 9 yrs) were enrolled in the study. Four resting-state 32 channel EEG recordings were conducted: 12–8 weeks before MA (T-1), 14–4 days prior to MA (T0), 1–6 days after (T2), and 13–15 weeks after MA (T3). Power spectrum analyses were conducted using standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA) and included the following frequency bands: delta (1.5–6 Hz), theta (6.5–8.0 Hz), alpha1 (8.5–10 Hz), alpha2 (10.5–12.0 Hz), beta1 (12.5–18.0 Hz), beta2 (18.5–21.0 Hz), beta3 (21.5–30.0 Hz), and total power (1.5-30 Hz). Statistical nonparametric mapping showed reduced power both in the alpha-2 (log-F ratio = − 0.705, threshold log-F ratio =  ± 0.685, p < 0.05) and in the delta frequency band (log-F ratio = −0.699, threshold log-F ratio =  ± 0.685, p < 0.05) in frontal cortical areas after MA (T2 vs. T0). These effects diminished at long-term follow-up (T3). The results can be interpreted as correlates for subacute neuroplasticity induced by strenuous and prolonged PA. Although previous studies reported an increase in alpha frequency during and directly postexercise, the adverse observation a few days after exercise cessation suggests counterregulatory mechanisms, whose complex origin can be suspected in subcortical circuits, changes in neurotransmitter systems and modulation of affectivity.
Differences in anxiety, worry, and perceived stress among naturally cycling women and oral contraceptives users: a cross-sectional study investigating the role of contraceptive types
Authors: Kowalczyk Melanie , Kornacka Monika , Kostrzewa Zofia , Krejtz Izabela
Published: November 2023

The goal of our study was to test whether the types of OC affect the link between anxiety and its main maintenance factors: worry and perceived stress. Women are particularly at risk of being affected by excessive worrying, a core component of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and they are twice as likely as men to suffer from GAD. The literature suggests that gonadal hormones and types of oral contraceptives (OC) should be taken into account when exploring anxiety disorders in women, but the precise mechanism of this link remains understudied. We performed an observational cross-sectional study on a sample of 908 women, including 499 women naturally cycling (NC) and 409 taking OC (277 in the anti-androgenic group, 132 in the androgenic group). The participants filled in a battery of online questionnaires. Anxiety positively correlated with worry and perceived stress in the whole sample and in the three groups: androgenic OC, anti-androgenic OC, and NC. There was no significant difference between the groups on all the variables apart from the age of the participants. However, we found that women taking anti-androgenic OC had significantly higher levels of worry than NC women (after controlling for stress and age). The differences in OC types should be taken into account in future studies which might also lead to a better choice of OC based on women’s individual needs.
Rettungsdienststrukturen neu denken – Ergebnisse der Expertenworkshops „Logistik in der präklinischen Notfallversorgung“
Authors: Wnent J. , Bandlow S. , Renner H.-J. , Gräsner J.-T. , Hannappel L. , Watzinger S. , Nickel St. , Dax F. ,   Arbeitsgruppe LiNo
Published: November 2023

Die rettungsdienstliche Struktur in Deutschland stellt eine Versorgung auf sehr hohem Niveau sicher. Dennoch ist es notwendig, die vorhandenen Strukturen zu überdenken und für die Zukunft zu härten. Nicht nur vor dem Hintergrund stetig steigender Einsatzzahlen, sondern auch wegen der Herausforderungen der Personalgewinnung und der Alterung der Bevölkerung sollten Reformen im Rettungsdienst dringend angegangen werden. Hier kann der Rettungsdienst viel von der Mathematik und gerade vom Bereich „operations research“ lernen. Dieser Fachbereich beschäftigt sich explizit mit der Verbesserung von logistischen Herausforderungen, die der Rettungsdienst ohne Frage ist. In der vorliegenden Arbeit berichten die Autorinnen und Autoren über die ersten Ergebnisse zweier Workshops zum Thema „Logistik in der präklinischen Versorgung“ und möchten damit die Diskussion im Rettungsdienst auf breiter Basis anregen sowie Verbesserungspotenziale und Herausforderungen für die verschiedenen Akteure in der präklinischen Behandlung herausarbeiten, aber auch erste Ideen zu Lösungsansätzen liefern.
Subject-specific one-dimensional fluid dynamics model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kachabi Amirreza , Colebank Mitchel J. , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: November 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) develops due to the accumulation of blood clots in the lung vasculature that obstructs flow and increases pressure. The mechanobiological factors that drive progression of CTEPH are not understood, in part because mechanical and hemodynamic changes in the small pulmonary arteries due to CTEPH are not easily measurable. Using previously published hemodynamic measurements and imaging from a large animal model of CTEPH, we applied a subject-specific one-dimensional (1D) computational fluid dynamic (CFD) approach to investigate the impact of CTEPH on pulmonary artery stiffening, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), and oscillatory shear index (OSI) in extralobar (main, right, and left) pulmonary arteries and intralobar (distal to the extralobar) arteries. Our results demonstrate that CTEPH increases pulmonary artery wall stiffness and decreases TAWSS in extralobar and intralobar arteries. Moreover, CTEPH increases the percentage of the intralobar arterial network with both low TAWSS and high OSI, quantified by the novel parameter $$\varphi$$
φ
, which is related to thrombogenicity. Our analysis reveals a strong positive correlation between increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and $$\varphi$$
φ
from baseline to CTEPH in individual subjects, which supports the suggestion that increased $$\varphi$$
φ
drives disease severity. This subject-specific experimental–computational framework shows potential as a predictor of the impact of CTEPH on pulmonary arterial hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular mechanics. By leveraging advanced modeling techniques and calibrated model parameters, we predict spatial distributions of flow and pressure, from which we can compute potential physiomarkers of disease progression. Ultimately, this approach can lead to more spatially targeted interventions that address the needs of individual CTEPH patients.
Integrated device for multiscale series vibration reduction and energy harvesting
Authors: Yang Jihou , Zhang Weixing , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2023

A multi-degree-of-freedom device is proposed, which can achieve efficient vibration reduction as the main objective and energy harvesting as the secondary purpose. The device comprises a multiscale nonlinear vibration absorber (NVA) and piezoelectric components. Energy conversion and energy measurement methods are used to evaluate the device performance from multiple perspectives. Research has shown that this device can efficiently transfer transient energy from the main structure and convert a portion of transient energy into electrical energy. Main resonance and higher-order resonance are the main reasons for efficient energy transfer. The device can maintain high vibration reduction performance even when the excitation amplitude changes over a large range. Compared with the single structures with and without precompression, the multiscale NVA-piezoelectric device offers significant vibration reduction advantages. In addition, there are significant differences in the parameter settings of the two substructures for vibration reduction and energy harvesting.
Physical Time and Human Time
Authors: Ellis George F. R.
Published: November 2023

This paper is a comment on both Bunamano and Rovelli (Bridging the neuroscience and physics of time arXiv:2110.01976. (2022)) and Gruber et al. (in Front. Psychol. Hypothesis Theory, 2022) and which discuss the relation between physical time and human time. I claim here, contrary to many views discussed there, that there is no foundational conflict between the way physics views the passage of time and the way the mind/brain perceives it. The problem rather resides in a number of misconceptions leading either to the representation of spacetime as a timeless Block Universe, or at least that physically relevant universe models cannot have preferred spatial sections. The physical expanding universe can be claimed to be an Evolving Block Universe with a time-dependent future boundary, representing the dynamic nature of the way spacetime develops as matter curves spacetime and spacetime tells matter how to move. This context establishes a global direction of time that determines the various local arrows of time. Furthermore time passes when quantum wave function collapse takes place to an eigenstate; during this process, information is lost. The mind/brain acts as an imperfect clock, which coarse-grains the physical passage of time along a world line to determine the experienced passage of time, because neural processes take time to occur. This happens in a contextual way, so experienced time is not linearly related to physical time in general. Finally I point out that the Universe is never infinitely old: its future endpoint always lies infinitely faraway in the future.
Inversion maps and torus actions on rational homogeneous varieties
Authors: Franceschini Alberto , Solá Conde Luis E.
Published: November 2023

Complex projective algebraic varieties with $${{\mathbb {C}}}^*$$

C

∗

-actions can be thought of as geometric counterparts of birational transformations. In this paper we describe geometrically the birational transformations associated to rational homogeneous varieties endowed with a $${{\mathbb {C}}}^*$$

C

∗

-action with no proper isotropy subgroups.
ATRAcTR (Authentic Transparent Relevant Accurate Track-Record): a screening tool to assess the potential for real-world data sources to support creation of credible real-world evidence for regulatory decision-making
Authors: Berger Marc L. , Crown William H. , Li Jim Z. , Zou Kelly H.
Published: November 2023

Adoption and use of real-world data (RWD) for decision-making has been complicated by concerns regarding whether RWD was fit-for-purpose or was of sufficient validity to support the creation of credible RWE. This has greater urgency as regulatory agencies begin to use real world evidence (RWE) to inform decisions about treatment effectiveness. Researchers need an efficient and systematic method to screen the quality of RWD sources considered for use in studies of effectiveness and safety. Based on a literature review we developed a listing of screening criteria that have been previously proposed to assess the quality of RWD sources. We also developed an additional criterion based on Modern Validity Theory. While there has occurred some convergence of conceptual frameworks to assess data quality (DQ) and there is much agreement on specific assessment criteria, consensus has yet to emerge on how to assess whether a specific RWD source is reliable and fit-for-purpose. To create a user-friendly tool to assess whether RWD sources may have sufficient quality to support a well-designed RWE study for submission to a regulatory authority, we grouped the quality criteria with a view to harmonize published frameworks and to be consistent with how researchers generally evaluate existing RWD sources for research that they intend to submit to regulatory agencies. Screening data quality criteria were grouped into five dimensions after a comprehensive literature review via PubMed: authenticity, transparency, relevance, accuracy, and track record. The resultant tool was tested for its response burden using a hypothetical administrative claims data source. Providing responses to the screening criteria required only few hours effort by an experienced data source manager. Thus, the tool should not be an onerous burden on data source providers if asked by prospective researchers to provide the required information. Assessing whether a particular data source is fit-for-purpose will be facilitated by the use of this tool, but it will not be sufficient by itself. Fit-for-purpose judgements will still require further careful consideration based on the context and the specific scientific question of interest. Unlike prior DQ frameworks (DQF), the track record dimension of the tool adds the consideration of experience with RWD sources consistent with Modern Validity Theory. However, the tool does not address issues of study design and analysis that are critical to regulatory agencies in evaluating the robustness and credibility of the real-world evidence generated.
Temporal graph learning for dynamic link prediction with text in online social networks
Authors: Dileo Manuel , Zignani Matteo , Gaito Sabrina
Published: November 2023

Link prediction in Online Social Networks—OSNs—has been the focus of numerous studies in the machine learning community. A successful machine learning-based solution for this task needs to (i) leverage global and local properties of the graph structure surrounding links; (ii) leverage the content produced by OSN users; and (iii) allow their representations to change over time, as thousands of new links between users and new content like textual posts, comments, images and videos are created/uploaded every month. Current works have successfully leveraged the structural information but only a few have also taken into account the textual content and/or the dynamicity of network structure and node attributes. In this paper, we propose a methodology based on temporal graph neural networks to handle the challenges described above. To understand the impact of textual content on this task, we provide a novel pipeline to include textual information alongside the structural one with the usage of BERT language models, dense preprocessing layers, and an effective post-processing decoder. We conducted the evaluation on a novel dataset gathered from an emerging blockchain-based online social network, using a live-update setting that takes into account the evolving nature of data and models. The dataset serves as a useful testing ground for link prediction evaluation because it provides high-resolution temporal information on link creation and textual content, characteristics hard to find in current benchmark datasets. Our results show that temporal graph learning is a promising solution for dynamic link prediction with text. Indeed, combining textual features and dynamic Graph Neural Networks—GNNs—leads to the best performances over time. On average, the textual content can enhance the performance of a dynamic GNN by 3.1% and, as the collection of documents increases in size over time, help even models that do not consider the structural information of the network.
Volatility-dependent probability weighting and the dynamics of the pricing kernel puzzle
Authors: Dierkes Maik , Krupski Jan , Schroen Sebastian , Sibbertsen Philipp
Published: November 2023

In order to estimate volatility-dependent probability weighting functions, we obtain risk neutral and physical densities from the Pan (J Financ Econ 63(1):3–50, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-405X(01)00088-5) stochastic volatility and jumps model. Across volatility levels, we find pronounced inverse S-shapes, i.e. small probabilities are overweighted, and probability weighting almost monotonically increases in volatility, indicating higher skewness preferences and crash aversion in volatile market environments. Moreover, by estimating probabilistic risk attitudes, equivalent to the share of risk aversion related to probability weighting, we shed further light on the pricing kernel puzzle. While pricing kernels estimated from the Pan (J Financ Econ 63(1):3–50, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-405X(01)00088-5) model display the typical U-shape as documented in the literature, pricing kernels—net of probability weighting—are strictly monotonically decreasing and thus in line with economic theory. Equivalently, we find risk aversion to be positive across wealth levels. Our results are robust to alternative maturities, wealth percentiles, alternative functional forms, a nonparametric empirical setting and variations of the Pan (J Financ Econ 63(1):3–50, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-405X(01)00088-5) coefficient estimates.
The Paradox of the Future: Is it Rational to Feel Emotions for Future Generations?
Authors: Barbero Carola
Published: November 2023

According to some, there is a problem concerning the emotions we feel toward fictional entities such as Anna Karenina, Werther and the like. We feel pity, fear, and sadness toward them, but how is that possible? “We are saddened, but how can we be? What are we sad about? How can we feel genuinely and involuntarily sad, and weep, as we do know that no one has suffered or died?” (Radford, in: Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, 1975). This is the paradox of fiction which is based on the assumption that emotions, to be genuine and rational, should be directed toward existent beings. But if beliefs about existence are necessary for us to be rationally moved by something, and such beliefs are lacking when we are moved by fiction (because we do not believe fictional characters and events to be real), then our capacity for an emotional response to fiction is irrational. Consequently, our emotional attitude toward future generations should be considered as irrational as well. But is this really the case? Are there good arguments to consider future and fictional entities as similar from this point of view? Or would it be better to distinguish the two? Is there such a thing as a paradox of the future? If so, how does it relate to the more famous paradox of fiction?
Teacher versus student perspectives on instructional quality in mathematics education across countries
Authors: Liu Xin , Yang Hansen Kajsa , De Neve Jan , Valcke Martin
Published: November 2023

The present study examines the measurement property of instructional quality in mathematics education, building on data from teachers and students, by combing TALIS 2013 and PISA 2012 linkage data from seven countries. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to examine the dimensionality of the construct instructional quality in mathematics instruction. Three dimensions were identified (i.e., classroom disciplinary climate, teacher support, and cognitive activation) when building on teacher data from TALIS. This three-dimensional model did not fit all countries. When analyzing PISA data, the same three dimensions could be identified, but two additional dimensions appeared: classroom management and student-orientated instruction. This five-dimensional factor structure reflected metric invariance across all countries. The findings imply that students and teachers seem to hold different perceptions about mathematics instructional quality reflect different dimensions. These differences seem to vary within and between countries. This implies that care should be taken when using the construct as an equivalent measure of instructional quality when studying school effectiveness in mathematics education across countries.
The impact of green finance on total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency in China
Authors: Hu Xiaoqiang , Xia Yihan , Guo Jiahui , Zhong Yexi , Mao Jianbo
Published: November 2023

Based on an analysis of the relationship between green finance and total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency, this article measures the levels of green finance and total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency in 30 provinces and cities in China. It also establishes a spatial Durbin model to quantitatively explore the impact of green finance on China’s total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency. The results indicate that currently, green finance and total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency in China follow a distribution pattern of high in the east, medium in the central region, and low in the west. The impact of green finance on total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency demonstrates a U-shaped relationship, and the spatial spillover effect between the two displays a similar U-shaped trend. The mechanism analysis demonstrates that green finance exerts a U-shaped influence on the efficiency of reducing total factor carbon emissions through the interplay of technological progress and technical efficiency enhancements. Other variables, such as research and development investment, comprehensive energy consumption, human capital, infrastructure construction, and government regulation, also have an impact on total factor carbon emission reduction efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended that regions strengthen their green finance initiatives, support efforts to carbon emission reduction, and contribute towards achieving the “dual-carbon” goal.
Jordanien: Aufnahmeland und europäisches Auffangbecken für Geflüchtete unter prekären Bedingungen
Authors: Scherr Albert
Published: November 2023

Aus deutscher und europäischer Perspektive betrachtet ist Jordanien ein Auffangbecken für Geflüchtete, deren Weiterwanderung nach Europa vermieden werden soll. Im Unterschied zum „Türkei-Deal“ findet die Bedeutung Jordaniens als außereuropäisches Aufnahmeland in der deutschen Öffentlichkeit jedoch kaum Beachtung. Der Beitrag informiert über die soziale, rechtliche und ökonomische Situation von Flüchtlingen in Jordanien und zielt darauf, eine Debatte über Auswirkungen und künftige Erfordernisse der deutsch-jordanischen Kooperation anzustoßen.
Early combination therapy of COVID-19 in high-risk patients
Authors: Orth Hans Martin , Flasshove Charlotte , Berger Moritz , Hattenhauer Tessa , Biederbick Kaja D. , Mispelbaum Rebekka , Klein Uwe , Stemler Jannik , Fisahn Matthis , Doleschall Anna D. , Baermann Ben-Niklas , Koenigshausen Eva , Tselikmann Olga , Killer Alexander , de Angelis Clara , Gliga Smaranda , Stegbauer Johannes , Spuck Nikolai , Silling Gerda , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Strassburg Christian P. , Brossart Peter , Panse Jens P. , Jensen Björn-Erik Ole , Luedde Tom , Boesecke Christoph , Heine Annkristin , Cornely Oliver A. , Monin Malte B.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Prolonged shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been observed in immunocompromised hosts. Early monotherapy with direct-acting antivirals or monoclonal antibodies, as recommended by the international guidelines, does not prevent this with certainty. Dual therapies may therefore have a synergistic effect.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre study compared treatment strategies for corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) with combinations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and/ or mABs during the Omicron surge. Co-primary endpoints were prolonged viral shedding (≥ 106 copies/ml at day 21 after treatment initiation) and days with SARS-CoV-2 viral load ≥ 106 copies/ml. Therapeutic strategies and risk groups were compared using odds ratios and Fisher’s tests or Kaplan−Meier analysis and long-rank tests. Multivariable regression analysis was performed.

Results

144 patients were included with a median duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral load ≥ 106 copies/ml of 8.0 days (IQR 6.0–15.3). Underlying haematological malignancies (HM) (p = 0.03) and treatment initiation later than five days after diagnosis (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with longer viral shedding. Prolonged viral shedding was observed in 14.6% (n = 21/144), particularly in patients with underlying HM (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.2–9.9; p = 0.02). Clinical courses of COVID-19 were mild to moderate with only few adverse effects potentially related to combination treatment.

Conclusion

Early combination treatment of COVID-19 effectively prevented prolonged viral shedding in 85.6% of cases. Considering the rapid viral clearance rates and low toxicity, individualized dual therapy approaches may be beneficial in high-risk patients.
Interfacial mechanism of hydrogel with controllable thickness for stable drag reduction
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Liu Ying , Zhang Yunlei , Wang Xingwei , Yang Wufang , Jiang Lang , Ma Shuanhong , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng
Published: November 2023

Surface wettability plays a significant role in reducing solid-liquid frictional resistance, especially the superhydrophilic/hydrophilic interface because of its excellent thermodynamic stability. In this work, poly(acrylic acid)-poly(acrylamide) (PAA–PAM) hydrogel coatings with different thicknesses were prepared in situ by polydopamine (PDA)-UV assisted surface catalytically initiated radical polymerization. Fluid drag reduction performance of hydrogel surface was measured using a rotational rheometer by the plate-plate mode. The experimental results showed that the average drag reduction of hydrogel surface could reach up to about 56% in Couette flow, which was mainly due to the interfacial polymerization phenomenon that enhanced the ability of hydration layer to delay the momentum dissipation between fluid layers and the diffusion behavior of surface. The proposed drag reduction mechanism of hydrogel surface was expected to shed new light on hydrogel-liquid interface interaction and provide a new way for the development of steady-state drag reduction methods.
Rapid surface texturing to achieve robust superhydrophobicity, controllable droplet impact, and anti-frosting performances
Authors: Dai Qingwen , Chen Lei , Pan Jiabao , Shi Liping , Liu Dameng , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: November 2023

Robust superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent capacities of repelling water and anti-frosting are of importance for many mechanical components. In this work, wear-resistant superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated by curing a mixture of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) coating and 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (HFTCS) on titanium alloy (TC4) surfaces decorated with micropillars pattern, thus, composite functional surfaces with PUA coating in the valleys around the micropillars pattern of TC4 were achieved. Apparent contact angle on fabricated surfaces could reach 167°. Influences of the geometric parameters of micropillars pattern on the apparent contact angle were investigated, and the corresponding wear-resistant property was compared. Droplet impact and anti-frosting performances on the prepared surfaces were highlighted. An optimized design of surface texture with robust superhydrophobicity, controllable droplet impact, and anti-frosting performances was proposed. This design principle is of promising prospects for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces in traditional mechanical systems.
Pseudo-partial-derivative information-driven adaptive fault-tolerant tracking control for discrete-time systems
Authors: Wang Yuan , Du Zhenbin , Wu Yanming
Published: November 2023

The fault-tolerant tracking control problem is studied for the discrete-time systems with actuator faults. To lessen adverse impacts of actuator fault, a PPD information-driven fault estimation algorithm is established to adaptively estimate actuator fault information online, which avoids the additional construction and training process of neural network. With the aid of the adaptive fault compensation, a model-free adaptive fault-tolerant tracking control algorithm is constructed to ensure that the expected output reference trajectory can be tracked by system output. Moreover, only input and output data are employed throughout the design process, system dynamics are not demanded. Ultimately, the availability of developed strategy is proved through a simulation.
From Envy to Radicalization
Authors: Moncrieff Michael , Lienard Pierre
Published: November 2023

Models of radicalization have typically placed grievances at the heart of radicalization. In contrast, we argue that viewing the radicalizing agent as decidedly proactive, and less reactive, better accounts for the available data. At the core of our radicalization model is the functional structure of envy. The operative properties of the emotion align with essential and conspicuous features of the radicalization process: a motivation to monitor social differentials, an identification of sources of postulated welfare costs, an impulse to eliminate or depower purported competitors, an attempt to diffuse responsibility for one’s aggressive actions, and the rejoicing at the envied agent’s misfortune. Two of those operative properties are particularly important for our understanding of radicalization. Envy motivates the neutralization of competitors when responsibility for welfare costs is not objectively attributable to others’ wrongdoing toward the party who feels injured. The “process of typification” serves as a means to diffuse responsibility. It extends the reach of individual concerns by downplaying the particulars of the personal situation motivating the envious agent while evoking universally shared interaction templates (e.g., humiliation, injustice) to appeal to a broader audience.
Surrogate models for the stiffened catenaries: applications in subsea pipe laying
Authors: Aleyaasin Majid.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the governing nonlinear ODE of the suspended stiffened catenary is reinvestigated. It is shown that strong nonlinearity arises from stiffened catenary length, which should be checked by an iterative numerical solution. The two concepts of stiffened catenary (guessed length) and natural catenary (known length) geometries of the suspended pipe, are compared and critically commented upon. In applying the theory to subsea pipeline installation, it is shown that natural catenary assumption, underestimates the installation stresses, particularly in shallow water and low laying depth. However, the true values of the stresses can be computed via stiffened catenary theory, in which the bending stiffness of the suspended pipe is not ignored. Thereafter, substantial iterative numerical solution of the governing nonlinear differential equation, in each load case is carried out. From these batch simulations, a surrogate expression is developed via optimization techniques. This model provides a correction factor by which, the accurate installation stress can be found. Moreover, the accuracy of results is verified by FEM analysis. It is concluded that for the initial estimation of the stresses, the simple natural catenary assumption, which is currently practiced can be used. However, the results should be corrected by the new surrogate expression, that has been produced in this paper. This can eliminate the underestimation of the installation stresses when a simple computational procedure is used.
SHPIA 2.0: An Easily Scalable, Low-Cost, Multi-purpose Smart Home Platform for Intelligent Applications
Authors: Demrozi Florenc , Turetta Cristian , Pravadelli Graziano
Published: November 2023

Sensors, electronic devices, and smart systems have invaded the market and our daily lives. As a result, their utility in smart home contexts to improve the quality of life, especially for the elderly and people with special needs, is getting stronger and stronger. Therefore, many systems based on smart applications and intelligent devices have been developed, for example, to monitor people’s environmental contexts, help in daily-life activities, and analyze their health status. However, most existing solutions have drawbacks related to accessibility and usability. They tend to be expensive and lack generality and interoperability. These solutions are not easily scalable and are typically designed for specific constrained scenarios. This paper tackles such drawbacks by presenting SHPIA 2.0, an easily scalable, low-cost, multi-purpose smart home platform for intelligent applications. It leverages low-cost Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices featuring both BLE connected and BLE broadcast modes, to transform common objects of daily life into smart objects. Moreover, SHPIA 2.0 allows the collection and automatic labeling of different data types to provide indoor monitoring and assistance. Specifically, SHPIA 2.0 is designed to be adaptable to different home-based application scenarios, including human activity recognition, coaching systems, and occupancy detection and counting. The SHPIA platform is open source and freely available to the scientific community, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Understanding regional variation in euthanasia using geomedical frameworks: a critical ethical reflection
Authors: Groenewoud A. Stef , Westert Gert P. , Boer Theo A.
Published: November 2023

Considerable geographical variation in the uptake of euthanasia has been reported: some municipalities in the Netherlands have a 25 times higher euthanasia rate than other municipalities. Current ‘geomedical’ frameworks for interpreting practice variation in health care utilization seem inadequately tailored to understand regional variation in morally controversial procedures such as euthanasia. The aim of this conceptual article is threefold: i) to add relevant medical ethical principles to current frameworks; ii) to provide a four-step ethical-geomedical model for the interpretation of geographical differences in the utilization of health care in general and for ethically controversial treatments in specific; iii) to gain better understanding of the existing geographical variation in the incidence of euthanasia by using this framework in our analysis.
Translation as Creative–Critical Practice
Authors: Grass Delphine
Published: November 2023

In Translation as Creative-Critical Practice, Delphine Grass questions the separation between practice and theory in translation studies through her analysis of creative-critical translation experiments. Focusing on contemporary literary and artistic engagements with translation such as the autotheoretical translation memoir, performative translations and 'transtopian' literary and visual art works, this Element argues for a renewed engagement with translation theory from the point of view of translation as artistic and practice-based research capable of reframing translation theory. Exploring examples of translation as both a norm-breaking and world-making activity in the works of Kate Briggs, Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi, Noémie Grunenwald, Anne Carson, Charles Bernstein, Chantal Wright or Slavs and Tatars to name a few, this Element prompts us to reconsider the current place of translation practice in translation studies.
Monotheism and Narrative Development of the Divine Character in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: McEntire Mark
Published: November 2023

The preeminent example of monotheism, the God of the Hebrew Bible, is the end product of a long process. The world from which this literature emerged was polytheistic. The nature and arrangement of the literature diminishes polytheistic realities and enhances the effort to portray a single divine being. The development of this divine character through the course of a sustained narrative with a sequential plot aided the move toward monotheism by allowing for the placement of diverse, even conflicting, portrayals of the deity at distant points along the plot line. Through the sequence of events the divine character becomes more withdrawn from the sphere of human activity, more aged in appearance and behavior, and increasingly disembodied. All these characteristics lend themselves to the presentation of disparate narrative portrayals as a singular subject in this Element.
Aircraft fleet availability optimisation: a reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Vos K. , Peng Z. , Lee E. , Wang W.
Published: November 2023

A fleet of aircraft can be seen as a set of degrading systems that undergo variable loads as they fly missions and require maintenance throughout their lifetime. Optimal fleet management aims to maximise fleet availability while minimising overall maintenance costs. To achieve this goal, individual aircraft, with variable age and degradation paths, need to operate cooperatively to maintain high fleet availability while avoiding mechanical failure by scheduling preventive maintenance actions. In recent years, reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as an effective method to optimise complex sequential decision-making problems. In this paper, an RL framework to optimise the operation and maintenance of a fleet of aircraft is developed. Three cases studies, with varying number of aircraft in the fleet, are used to demonstrate the ability of the RL policies to outperform traditional operation/maintenance strategies. As more aircraft are added to the fleet, the combinatorial explosion of the number of possible actions is identified as a main computational limitation. We conclude that the RL policy has potential to support fleet management operators and call for greater research on the application of multi-agent RL for fleet availability optimisation.
Are reporting guidelines used in infectious diseases publications? An analysis of more than 1,000 articles
Authors: Barajas-Ochoa Aldo , Ramirez-Trejo Manuel , Dash Aditee , Raybould Jillian E. , Bearman Gonzalo
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To assess whether 16 reporting guidelines of Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of Health Research (EQUATOR) were used in infectious diseases research publications.

Design:

This cross-sectional, audit-type study assessed articles published in five infectious diseases journals in 2019.

Methods:

All articles were manually reviewed to assess if a reporting guideline was advisable and searched for the names and acronyms of 16 reporting guidelines. An “advisable use rate” was calculated.

Results:

We reviewed 1,251 manuscripts across five infectious diseases journals. Guideline use was advisable for 973 (75%) articles. Reporting guidelines were used in 85 articles, 6.1% of total articles, and 8% (95% CI 6%–9%) of articles for which guidelines were advised. The advisable use rate ranged from 0.06 to 0.17 for any guideline, 0–0.08 for CONSORT, 0.53–1 for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and 0–0.66 for Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) : The TRIPOD statement. No trends were observed across the five journals.

Conclusions:

The use of EQUATOR-related reporting guidelines is infrequent, despite journals and publishers promoting their usage. Whether this finding is attributable to knowledge, acceptance, or perceived usefulness of the guidelines still needs to be clarified.
Investigating digital technologies’ implementation in circular businesses: Evidence from the going circular path
Authors: Perotti Francesco Antonio , Dhir Amandeep , Ferraris Alberto , Kliestik Tomas
Published: November 2023

This research aims to unpack how digital technologies can facilitate the flourishing of circular business practices in small- and medium-sized enterprises by structuring a detailed going circular path that explains businesses’ evolution toward circularity. In doing so, it outlines how the observed organizations have adopted – or are adopting – circular economy principles thanks to business digitalization. Following an inductive approach based on a multiple case study methodology, we investigated 16 small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in industries that put considerable pressure on the environment (e.g., manufacturing, chemical, construction, fashion, food, and beverage). Our findings confirm how digital technologies, as well as Industry 4.0 structures, play a fundamental role in shaping, enabling, enhancing, and refining circular products and processes development. Accordingly, we outline a generalizable step-by-step process to pursue circular economy by employing digital technologies. The present study represents a practical handout for guiding companies through their going circular path.
The association between dietary insulin index and dietary insulin load with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Soleimani Damaneh Mohadeseh , Aryaeian Naheed , Khajoenia Shole , Azadbakht Leila , Hosseini-Baharanchi Fatemeh Sadat
Published: November 2023

This study was designed to assess the relationship between dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk in a case–control study. This study enrolled ninety-five newly diagnosed RA patients and 200 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative FFQ. DII and DIL were calculated using food insulin index values from previously published data. In the unadjusted model, individuals in the highest DIL tertile had the significantly higher odds of RA than those in the lowest tertile of the DIL scores (OR = 1·32, 95 % CI (1·15, 1·78), Pfor trend = 0·009). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of RA was 2·73 times higher for participants in the highest tertile of DIL than for those in the lowest tertile (OR = 2·73, 95 % CI (1·22, 3·95), Pfor trend < 0·001). In addition, patients in the highest DII tertile had higher risk of RA than those in the first tertile (OR = 2·22, 95 % CI (1·48, 3·95), Pfor trend = 0·008). This association persisted after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 3·75, 95 % CI (3·18, 6·78), Pfor trend = 0·002). Our findings suggest that diets high in DII and DIL may increase the risk of developing RA, independent of other potential confounders. These findings can be verified by more research, particularly with a prospective design.
Imagining a Channel Tunnel in France after the First World War
Authors: Carrol Alison
Published: November 2023

The cultural shift that France experienced after the First World War has commonly been analysed through the prism of attitudes towards Germany, and the continuation of wartime prejudices in the immediate post-war period. Yet, an exploration of imaginings of future relations with a wartime ally reveals a broad spectrum of assumptions and expectations that span the transition from war to peace. Taking as its focus the prospect of a tunnel under the English Channel, this article situates thinking about France’s future within cultures of nationalism and ideas about international connection. It uses a collection of answers to a 1919 exam question which asked what might be the likely consequences of a Channel tunnel, and analyses the themes that emerged as the candidates picked and chose from a variety of different national symbols and images. In so doing, they offered a vision of a tunnel that was rooted in the past and in wartime experiences, but that equally represented a means to strengthen and sustain the Franco-British partnership that would be key to France’s future. Read alongside government and lobby group records, their essays afford a glimpse into grassroots imaginings of both the French nation and the new international order after 1919.
Temperate pasture- or concentrate-beef production systems: steer performance, meat nutritional value, land-use, food–feed competition, economic and environmental sustainability
Authors: Doyle Peter , O'Riordan Edward G , McGee Mark , Crosson Paul , Kelly Alan K , Moloney Aidan
Published: November 2023

The objective was to evaluate steer performance, meat nutritional value, land-use, food–feed competition and both economic and environmental sustainability within temperate pasture-based suckler weanling-to-beef systems with or without (forage-only) concentrates. Post-weaning, 8-month-old, late-maturing breed steers (333 kg) were assigned to one of three systems: (1) grass silage + 1.2 kg concentrate DM (148 days), followed by pasture (123 days) and finished on ad libitum concentrates (120 days) – slaughter age, 21 months (GRAIN); (2) as per (1) but pasture (196 days) and finished on grass silage ad libitum + 3.5 kg concentrate DM (124 days) – slaughter age, 24 months (SIL + GRAIN); and (3) grass silage-only (148 days), pasture (196 days), silage-only (140 days) and finished on pasture (97 days) – slaughter age, 28 months (FORAGE). The mean target carcass weight was 390 kg for each system. Data generated were used to parameterize a farm-level beef systems model. Concentrate DM intake was 1187, 606 and 0 kg/head for GRAIN, SIL + GRAIN and FORAGE, respectively. The forage-only (FORAGE) system offers several advantages, including improved farm profitability, enhanced meat fatty acid profile and only utilized inedible human feed. Consequently, associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per net human edible food produced were more favourable for FORAGE. However, compared to GRAIN, the FORAGE system had an older age at slaughter and associated increased pasture land-use and GHG emissions per animal, meat weight gain and essential amino acids gain. There are therefore inevitable trade-offs, as one beef system does not improve all sustainability and GHG emission metrics.
Statistical options for the analysis of in vitro gas production profiles illustrated using rumen liquor as the inoculum
Authors: Dhanoa M.S. , Sanderson R. , Lister S.J. , Mauricio R.M. , López S. , Ellis J.L. , Powell C.D. , France J.
Published: November 2023

The use of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) options for the analysis of in vitro ruminal fermentation gas production profiles is illustrated. Because of the different variances and covariance structures among profile observations, ordinary ANOVA for more than two-time points is not recommended. To mitigate this problem, the Greenhouse–Geisser epsilon correction can be applied to reduce the degrees of freedom, inflated by violation of the sphericity assumption, for F ratio probability calculations. After this correction, the Box–Greenhouse–Geisser ANOVA (modified ANOVA) layout appears similar to the layout of a split-plot design ANOVA with whole plots divided into subplots (incubation time). Any F tests in the main plot part are valid but F tests involving the time factor from the subplot part need modification because time factor, by its very nature, cannot be allocated at random. Application of multivariate ANOVA, distance multivariate ANOVA, ante-dependence and mixed model analysis are also considered. All these options lend themselves to wide application in the applied biological sciences.
Immunity mediates host specificity in the human hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum
Authors: Langeland Andrea , McKean Elise L. , O'Halloran Damien M. , Hawdon John M.
Published: November 2023

Hookworm infection affects millions globally, leading to chronic conditions like malnutrition and anaemia. Among the hookworm species, Ancylostoma ceylanicum stands out as a generalist, capable of infecting various hosts, including humans, cats, dogs and hamsters. Surprisingly, it cannot establish in mice, despite their close phylogenetic relationship to hamsters. The present study investigated the development of A. ceylanicum in immunodeficient NSG mice to determine the contribution of the immune system to host restriction. The infections became patent on day 19 post-infection (PI) and exhibited elevated egg production which lasted for at least 160 days PI. Infective A. ceylanicum larvae reared from eggs released by infected NSG mice were infectious to hamsters and capable of reproduction, indicating that the adults in the NSG mice were producing viable offspring. In contrast, A. ceylanicum showed limited development in outbred Swiss Webster mice. Furthermore, the closely related canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum was unable to infect and develop in NSG mice, indicating that different mechanisms may determine host specificity even in closely related species. This is the first report of any hookworm species completing its life cycle in a mouse and implicate the immune system in determining host specificity in A. ceylanicum.