bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of off-the-shelf SE-specific sentiment analysis tools: An extended replication study
Authors: Novielli Nicole , Calefato Fabio , Lanubile Filippo , Serebrenik Alexander
Published: June 2021

Sentiment analysis methods have become popular for investigating human communication, including discussions related to software projects. Since general-purpose sentiment analysis tools do not fit well with the information exchanged by software developers, new tools, specific for software engineering (SE), have been developed. We investigate to what extent off-the-shelf SE-specific tools for sentiment analysis mitigate the threats to conclusion validity of empirical studies in software engineering, highlighted by previous research. First, we replicate two studies addressing the role of sentiment in security discussions on GitHub and in question-writing on Stack Overflow. Then, we extend the previous studies by assessing to what extent the tools agree with each other and with the manual annotation on a gold standard of 600 documents. We find that different SE-specific sentiment analysis tools might lead to contradictory results at a fine-grain level, when used off-the-shelf. Conversely, platform-specific tuning or retraining might be needed to take into account differences in platform conventions, jargon, or document lengths.
Reparations and Egalitarianism
Authors: Blomfield Megan
Published: June 2021

Some claim that a commitment to egalitarianism is in tension with support for reparations for historical injustice. This tension appears to arise insofar as egalitarianism is a forward-looking approach to justice: an approach that tells us what kind of world we should aim to build, where that world is not defined in terms of the decisions or actions of previous generations. Some have claimed that egalitarianism thereby renders reparations redundant (what I will refer to as the redundancy thesis). One popular option for egalitarians who aim to reject this thesis is to insist that historical injustices demand reparations when they have caused present-day inequality (the causal approach). A promising alternative, skilfully defended by Alasia Nuti in Injustice and the Reproduction of History, is to argue that historical injustices stand in need of repair when they are reproduced into the present-day, such that some past and present injustices are in fact the same injustice. In this paper, I assess these egalitarian responses to the redundancy thesis. I find that Nuti’s account is equipped to reject this thesis, but that the same lines of reply can be adopted by proponents of the causal approach. I suggest that both approaches therefore be viewed as potential ways to conceptualise the relationship between historical injustice and our present normative circumstances; and that in choosing between them, we should understand ourselves to be engaged in an ameliorative project – a project that is guided by, and designed to help us to achieve, our legitimate purposes.
Generalised Kochen–Specker Theorem in Three Dimensions
Authors: Voráček Václav , Navara Mirko
Published: June 2021

We show that there is no non-constant assignment of zeros and ones to points of a unit sphere in $$\mathbb{R}^3$$

R

3

such that for every three pairwisely orthogonal vectors, an odd number of them is assigned 1. This is a new strengthening of the Bell–Kochen–Specker theorem, which proves the non-existence of hidden variables in quantum theories.
Fusion Methods and Multi-classifiers to Improve Land Cover Estimation Using Remote Sensing Analysis
Authors: Dibs Hayder , Hasab Hashim Ali , Mahmoud Ammar Shaker , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: June 2021

Adopting a low spatial resolution remote sensing imagery to get an accurate estimation of Land Use Land Cover is a difficult task to perform. Image fusion plays a big role to map the Land Use Land Cover. Therefore, This study aims to find out a refining method for the Land Use Land Cover estimating using these steps; (1) applying a three pan-sharpening fusion approaches to combine panchromatic imagery that has high spatial resolution with multispectral imagery that has low spatial resolution, (2) employing five pixel-based classifier approaches on multispectral imagery and fused images; artificial neural net, support vector machine, parallelepiped, Mahalanobis distance and spectral angle mapper, (3) make a statistical comparison between image classification results. The Landsat-8 image was adopted for this research. There are twenty Land Use Land Cover thematic maps were generated in this study. A suitable and reliable Land Use Land Cover method was presented based on the most accurate results. The results validation was performed by adopting a confusion matrix method. A comparison made between the images classification results of multispectral imagery and all fused images levels. It proved the Land Use Land Cover map produced by Gram–Schmidt Pan-sharpening and classified by support vector machine method has the most accurate result among all other multispectral imagery and fused images that classified by the other classifiers, it has an overall accuracy about (99.85%) and a kappa coefficient of about (0.98). However, the spectral angle mapper algorithm has the lowest accuracy compared to all other adopted methods, with overall accuracy of 53.41% and the kappa coefficient of about 0.48. The proposed procedure is useful in the industry and academic side for estimating purposes. In addition, it is also a good tool for analysts and researchers, who could interest to extend the technique to employ different datasets and regions.
Reinventing Geometric Linear Transformations in a Dynamic Geometry Environment: Multimodal Analysis of Student Reasoning
Authors: Turgut Melih
Published: June 2021

This paper reports the multimodal resources that attached to students’ reasoning in the reinvention of specific geometric linear transformations (like reflections according to the axes, projections onto axes and composition of reflections) in a dynamic geometry environment. Following the design heuristics of Realistic Mathematics Education, we design a task (in ℝ2) referring to specific tools and functions of GeoGebra. Task-based interviews were conducted with a pair of linear algebra students, by way of a computer and a teacher. Data was collected using a video camera observing the students’ working environment, screen recorder software, student production and field notes. The data was analysed according to the multimodal paradigm focusing on all semiotic resources, such as gestures and artefact use, in addition to written signs. According to the findings, the artefact use, verbal and written mathematical expressions all interlaced with the emergence of gestures. The students mostly gestured when they faced a new reflection situation and when describing associated geometric actions. Finally, a shared environment with action, production and communication conveyed student reasoning and they managed to reinvent a number of geometric linear transformations.
Portable Node-Level Parallelism for the PGAS Model
Authors: Jungblut Pascal , Fürlinger Karl
Published: June 2021

The Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming model brings intuitive shared memory semantics to distributed memory systems. Even with an abstract and unifying virtual global address space it is, however, challenging to use the full potential of different systems. Without explicit support by the implementation node-local operations have to be optimized manually for each architecture. A goal of this work is to offer a user-friendly programming model that provides portable performance across systems. In this paper we present an approach to integrate node-level programming abstractions with the PGAS programming model. We describe the hierarchical data distribution with local patterns and our implementation, MEPHISTO, in C++ using two existing projects. The evaluation of MEPHISTO shows that our approach achieves portable performance while requiring only minimal changes to port it from a CPU-based system to a GPU-based one using a CUDA or HIP back-end.
The route to employability: a longitudinal study on a sample of Italian job seekers
Authors: Lo Presti Alessandro , De Rosa Assunta , Zaharie Monica
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine the main predictors of employability, building on a recent conceptual model on employability developed by Lo Presti and Pluviano (Organ Psychol Rev 6(2): 192–211, 2016). Survey based data were collected from a sample of 263 Italian job-seekers through a longitudinal study. The results revealed that employability was more strongly determined by personal dispositions than by external factors, such as life circumstances and that the variables with the most impact were proactive personality, core self-evaluations, and educational level, rather than employability culture, family employability support, and previous work experience. The paper reveals an understanding of the relative importance of antecedents that determine employability.
Academic Dishonesty or Academic Integrity? Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) Techniques to Investigate Positive Integrity in Academic Integrity Research
Authors: Lancaster Thomas
Published: June 2021

Is academic integrity research presented from a positive integrity standpoint? This paper uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to explore a data set of 8,507 academic integrity papers published between 1904 and 2019.

Two main techniques are used to linguistically examine paper titles: (1) bigram (word pair) analysis and (2) sentiment analysis. The analysis sees the three main bigrams used in paper titles as being “academic integrity” (2.38%), “academic dishonesty” (2.06%) and “plagiarism detection” (1.05%). When only highly cited papers are considered, negative integrity bigrams dominate positive integrity bigrams. For example, the 100 most cited academic integrity papers of all time are three times more likely to have “academic dishonesty” included in their titles than “academic integrity”. Similarly, sentiment analysis sees negative sentiment outperforming positive sentiment in the most cited papers.

The history of academic integrity research is seen to place the field at a disadvantage due to negative portrayals of integrity. Despite this, analysis shows that change towards positive integrity is possible. The titles of papers by the ten most prolific academic integrity researchers are found to use positive terminology in more cases that not. This suggests an approach for emerging academic integrity researchers to model themselves after.
African Environmental Ethics: Keys to Sustainable Development Through Agroecological Villages
Authors: Verharen Charles , Bugarin Flordeliz , Tharakan John , Wensing Enrico , Gutema Bekele , Fortunak Joseph , Middendorf George
Published: June 2021

This essay proposes African-based ethical solutions to profound human problems and a working African model to address those problems. The model promotes sustainability through advanced agroecological and information communication technologies. The essay’s first section reviews the ethical ground of that model in the work of the Senegalese scholar, Cheikh Anta Diop. The essay’s second section examines an applied African model for translating African ethical speculation into practice. Deeply immersed in European and African ethics, Godfrey Nzamujo developed the Songhaï Centers to solve the problem of rural poverty in seventeen African countries. Harnessing advanced technologies within a holistic agroecological ecosystem, Nzamujo’s villages furnish education spanning the fields of ethics, information communication technology, microbiology, international development, and mechanical, electrical, civil and biological engineering in a community-based and centered development enterprise. The essay proposes a global consortium of ecovillages based on Nzamujo’s model. The final section explores funding methods for the consortium. The conclusion contemplates a return to Africa to supplement environmental ethics that enhance life’s future on earth.
The Freegan Challenge to Veganism
Authors: Milburn Josh , Fischer Bob
Published: June 2021

There is a surprising consensus among vegan philosophers that freeganism—eating animal-based foods going to waste—is permissible. Some ethicists even argue that vegans should be freegans. In this paper, we offer a novel challenge to freeganism drawing upon Donaldson and Kymlicka’s ‘zoopolitical’ approach, which supports ‘restricted freeganism’. On this position, it’s prima facie wrong to eat the corpses of domesticated animals, as they are members of a mixed human-animal community, ruling out many freegan practices. This exploration reveals how the ‘political turn’ in animal ethics can offer fertile lenses through which to consider ethical puzzles about eating animals.
Continual learning of neural networks for quality prediction in production using memory aware synapses and weight transfer
Authors: Tercan Hasan , Deibert Philipp , Meisen Tobias
Published: June 2021

Deep learning-based predictive quality enables manufacturing companies to make data-driven predictions of the quality of a produced product based on process data. A central challenge is that production processes are subject to continuous changes such as the manufacturing of new products, with the result that previously trained models may no longer perform well in the process. In this paper, we address this problem and propose a method for continual learning in such predictive quality scenarios. We therefore adapt and extend the memory-aware synapses approach to train an artificial neural network across different product variations. Our evaluation in a real-world regression problem in injection molding shows that the approach successfully prevents the neural network from forgetting of previous tasks and improves the training efficiency for new tasks. Moreover, by extending the approach with the transfer of network weights from similar previous tasks, we significantly improve its data efficiency and performance on sparse data. Our code is publicly available to reproduce our results and build upon them.
Gamblers’ Perception of the Playscan Risk Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Forsström David , Rozental Alexander , Wiklund Emma , Carlbring Per , Lindner Philip
Published: June 2021

Responsible gambling (RG) tools are globally widespread; they aim to prevent or decrease the harm caused by gambling. However, existing research suggests that several included features do not decrease gambling or significantly reduce the subsequent harm. Most of the previous studies have used gambling data to understand the changes in gambling behavior. However, the literature lacks research regarding gamblers’ experience and perception of RG tools, which may provide insight into increasing the usage and effectiveness of RG tools. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore gamblers’ perception of their risk assessment in the RG tool Playscan regarding developing harmful gambling problems. Overall, 757 participants rated the perceived accuracy of their risk assessment and their perception of the overall RG tool that conducted the assessment. Participants were also allowed to leave a comment providing feedback, which was analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using logistic regression and structural equation modeling. Qualitative analyses revealed that most of the participants were pleased with the risk assessment and found it helpful. Moderated mediation analysis showed that participants’ assessment agreement partially mediated the association between expressing a negative view and their general view of Playscan. These results highlight the need to decrease the level of disagreement for promoting a better general view of RG tools to potentially increase their usage and effectiveness.
Second Order Fully Semi-Lagrangian Discretizations of Advection-Diffusion-Reaction Systems
Authors: Bonaventura Luca , Calzola Elisa , Carlini Elisabetta , Ferretti Roberto
Published: June 2021

We propose a second order, fully semi-Lagrangian method for the numerical solution of systems of advection-diffusion-reaction equations, which is based on a semi-Lagrangian approach to approximate in time both the advective and the diffusive terms. The proposed method allows to use large time steps, while avoiding the solution of large linear systems, which would be required by implicit time discretization techniques. Standard interpolation procedures are used for the space discretization on structured and unstructured meshes. A novel extrapolation technique is proposed to enforce second-order accurate Dirichlet boundary conditions. We include a theoretical analysis of the scheme, along with numerical experiments which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its superior efficiency with respect to more conventional explicit and implicit time discretizations.
The Global Convergence of the Nonlinear Power Method for Mixed-Subordinate Matrix Norms
Authors: Gautier Antoine , Hein Matthias , Tudisco Francesco
Published: June 2021

We analyze the global convergence of the power iterates for the computation of a general mixed-subordinate matrix norm. We prove a new global convergence theorem for a class of entrywise nonnegative matrices that generalizes and improves a well-known results for mixed-subordinate $$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

matrix norms. In particular, exploiting the Birkoff–Hopf contraction ratio of nonnegative matrices, we obtain novel and explicit global convergence guarantees for a range of matrix norms whose computation has been recently proven to be NP-hard in the general case, including the case of mixed-subordinate norms induced by the vector norms made by the sum of different $$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

-norms of subsets of entries.
Insights on the Italian Seismic Network from location uncertainties
Authors: Scudero Salvatore , Marcocci Carlo , D’Alessandro Antonino
Published: June 2021

Probabilistic earthquake locations provide confidence intervals for the hypocentre solutions such as errors encountered in the position, the origin time, and in magnitude. If the relationship of the parameters relative to the local arrangement of the seismic network is considered, such as the node distance, the number of stations, the seismic gap, and the quality of phase readings), the uncertainties can then provide insights on the location capability of the network. In this paper, we collect the earthquake data recorded from the Italian Seismic Network for a time span of 5 years. The data pertain to three different catalogues according to the progressive refinement phases of the location procedure: automatic location, revised location, and published location. By means of spatial analysis, we assess the distribution of the location-related and network-related estimators across the study area. These estimators are subsequently combined to assess the existence of spatial correlations at a local scale. The results indicate that the Italian network is generally able to provide robust locations at the national scale and for smaller earthquakes, and the elongated shape of Italy (and of its network) does not cause systematic bias in the locations. However, we highlight the existence of subregions in which the performance of the network is weaker. At present, a unique 2D, 3-layer velocity model is used for the earthquake location procedure, and this could represent the main limitation for the improvement of the locations. Therefore, the assessment of locally optimized velocity models is the priority for the homogenization and the improvement of the Italian Seismic Network performance.
A new measurement of the 122Sb half-life
Authors: D’Agostino G. , Di Luzio M. , Sharp N. E. , Oddone M.
Published: June 2021

Following significant discrepancies observed when decay-correcting 122Sb γ-peak count rates to a reference time, we looked at the literature supporting the presently recommended 2.7238(2) d (1σ) 122Sb half-life value as the source of these discrepancies. Investigation revealed that the value was derived from an inconsistent dataset and was published without reporting details of the experiment nor the uncertainty budget. In this work we performed a new measurement of the 122Sb half-life by measuring the 122Sb decay of neutron-activated antimony samples using state-of-the-art γ-detection systems characterized in terms of efficiency drift and random pulse pile-up. The measurement was carried out in two different laboratories with the same method. The resulting 2.69454(39) d  and 2.69388(30) d (1σ) 122Sb half-life values are in agreement at the evaluated 10–4 relative combined standard uncertainty level but are significantly lower (1.07% and 1.10% lower, respectively) than the preexisting recommended value.
Finding shared solutions in landscape or natural resource management through social learning: A quasi-experimental evaluation in an Alpine region
Authors: Buchecker Matthias , Fankhauser Marius , Gaus Raphael
Published: June 2021

Context

The implementation of landscape-management decisions is often blocked because actors disagree in their perception of the problem at hand. These conflicts can be explained with the concept of problem framing, which argues that actors’ problem perspectives are shaped by their interests. Recent literature suggests that social learning through deliberative processes among actors enables shared solutions to complex landscape-management conflicts.

Methods

To examine these assumptions, a participatory process on integrated water-resource-management in a Swiss Alpine region was systematically evaluated using a quasi-experimental intervention-research design. The involved actors’ problem perspectives were elicited before and after the participatory processes using qualitative interviews and standardized questionnaires. Furthermore, a standardized survey was sent to a sample of regional residents (N = 2000) after the participatory process to measure the diffusion of actors’ social learning to the wider public.

Results

The data analysis provided systematic evidence that a convergence of involved actors’ problem perspectives, which were found to differ considerably before the intervention, had taken place during the participatory process. Furthermore, it determined diffusion effects of actors’ social learning to the wider public in terms of its attitude towards participatory regional planning.

Conclusions

The findings confirm the expected mechanism of social learning through deliberative processes and demonstrate it as a promising approach to implementing landscape-management decisions successfully. The catalyzing role of shared interests among actors suggests that landscape-management decisions should be implemented by participatory integrated planning on the regional level, which would require a new, strategic role of regional institutions.
Twisted submanifolds of $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Fiore Gaetano , Weber Thomas
Published: June 2021

We propose a general procedure to construct noncommutative deformations of an embedded submanifold M of $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

determined by a set of smooth equations $$f^a(x)=0$$

f
a

(
x
)

=
0

. We use the framework of Drinfel’d twist deformation of differential geometry of Aschieri et al. (Class Quantum Gravity 23:1883, 2006); the commutative pointwise product is replaced by a (generally noncommutative) $$\star $$
⋆
-product determined by a Drinfel’d twist. The twists we employ are based on the Lie algebra $$\Xi _t$$

Ξ
t

of vector fields that are tangent to all the submanifolds that are level sets of the $$f^a$$

f
a

(tangent infinitesimal diffeomorphisms); the twisted Cartan calculus is automatically equivariant under twisted $$\Xi _t$$

Ξ
t

. We can consistently project a connection from the twisted $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

to the twisted M if the twist is based on a suitable Lie subalgebra $${\mathfrak {e}}\subset \Xi _t$$

e
⊂

Ξ
t

. If we endow $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

with a metric, then twisting and projecting to the normal and tangent vector fields commute, and we can project the Levi–Civita connection consistently to the twisted M, provided the twist is based on the Lie subalgebra $${\mathfrak {k}}\subset {\mathfrak {e}}$$

k
⊂
e

of the Killing vector fields of the metric; a twisted Gauss theorem follows, in particular. Twisted algebraic manifolds can be characterized in terms of generators and $$\star $$
⋆
-polynomial relations. We present in some detail twisted cylinders embedded in twisted Euclidean $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

and twisted hyperboloids embedded in twisted Minkowski $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

[these are twisted (anti-)de Sitter spaces $$dS_2,AdS_2$$

d

S
2

,
A
d

S
2

].
Setting the story straight: fictionalism about grounding
Authors: Thompson Naomi
Published: June 2021

This paper explores a middle way between realism and eliminativism about grounding. Grounding-talk is intelligible and useful, but it fails to pick out grounding relations that exist or obtain in reality. Instead, grounding-talk allows us to convey facts about what metaphysically explains what, and about the worldly dependence relations that give rise to those explanations.
Bounds for the generalized Marcum function of the second kind
Authors: Baricz Árpád , Bisht Nitin , Singh Sanjeev , Vijesh V. Antony
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we focus on the generalized Marcum function of the second kind of order$$\nu >0$$ν>0, defined by$$\begin{aligned} R_{\nu }(a,b)=\frac{c_{a,\nu }}{a^{\nu -1}} \int _b ^ {\infty } t^{\nu } e^{-\frac{t^2+a^2}{2}}K_{\nu -1}(at)\mathrm{d}t, \end{aligned}$$Rν(a,b)=ca,νaν-1∫b∞tνe-t2+a22Kν-1(at)dt,where$$a>0, b\ge 0,$$a>0,b≥0,$$K_{\nu }$$Kνstands for the modified Bessel function of the second kind, and$$c_{a,\nu }$$ca,νis a constant depending onaand$$\nu $$νsuch that$$R_{\nu }(a,0)=1.$$Rν(a,0)=1.Our aim is to find some new tight bounds for the generalized Marcum function of the second kind and compare them with the existing bounds. In order to deduce these bounds, we include the monotonicity properties of various functions containing modified Bessel functions of the second kind as our main tools. Moreover, we demonstrate that our bounds in some sense are the best possible ones.
Not all DIF is shaped similarly
Authors: De Boeck Paul , Cho Sun-Joo
Published: June 2021

In response to the target article by Teresi et al. (2021), we explain why the article is useful and we also present a different approach. An alternative category of differential item functioning (DIF) is presented with a corresponding way of modeling DIF, based on random person and random item effects and explanatory covariates.
An absorptive capacity-based systems view of Covid-19 in the small business economy
Authors: Caiazza Rosa , Phan Phillip , Lehmann Erik , Etzkowitz Henry
Published: June 2021

According to Johns Hopkins University, by December 2020, more than 78 million SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) cases have been reported with more than 1.7 million deaths, out of which more than 300 thousand were in the U.S. alone. No country on earth has been untouched by the preemptive creation of a global recession to combat a global disease. Covid-19 has disrupted supply chains, consumption patterns, and business models in a multitude of industries which include a large share of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs account for the largest share of employment in market-based economies so any discussion of the economic impact of Covid-19 is incomplete without the SME sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore a systems perspective of the Covid-19 pandemic using the absorptive capacity construct.
MRI, CT and FDG-PET/CT findings of Wolffian tumor: four-case series
Authors: Ito Hisataka , Koyama Takashi , Kanie Yuichiro , Morioka Kozue , Nakaya Moto , Mitsumori Akihito , Kageyama Sakiko , Kusakabe Masashi , Kuriyama Kaori
Published: June 2021

Abstarct

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristic MRI, CT, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings of Wolffian tumor.

Methods

We reviewed preoperative images in four surgical cases of Wolffian tumor. MRI was available for review in all cases with additional diffusion-weighted images (DWI) in three, and contrast-enhanced images in two. CT was available in three. FDG-PET/CT was obtained in two.

Results

Two patients were asymptomatic, while the other two presented with acute abdomen. On MRI, all tumors were well-defined masses of increased signals on T2WI. Three tumors were solid, whereas the other was solid and cystic. The normal ipsilateral ovary was identified in two patients of reproductive ages, but not in two postmenopausal patients. Tumors in two patients presented with acute abdomen were complicated by hemorrhage. All three tumors evaluated on DWI showed high intensities. Contrast-enhanced images of MRI and CT showed homogeneous enhancement as the same degree as the myometrium. On CT, one tumor contained punctate calcifications. FDG-PET/CT showed moderate FDG accumulation.

Conclusion

Wolffian tumors may be typically solid extraovarian tumors occasionally associated with cysts and calcifications. Although they are benign, they mimic malignancy due to high intensities on DWI and increased FDG accumulation.
Safely increasing nephro-ureteric stent exchange intervals, resulting in significant cost savings for the interventional radiology suite, a 2-year experience in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Tong Emma , Hunter Kate , Deegan Joe , Torreggiani William C.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate the nephro-ureteric stent (NUS) insertion and exchange practice in a tertiary referral cancer centre, and determine the safety and compliance with current guidelines. We also reviewed if increasing exchange time interval from 6 to 12 weeks was safe, and if this could be adopted into our local guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed covering 24 months from January 2017 to December 2018. All NUS insertions and exchanges performed in that period were analysed, including the number of exchanges the patient underwent, the time between subsequent exchanges, and the screening time. We also reviewed the indications for stent insertion, possible causes for failed stent exchange, and factors which led to significant delays in stent exchanges for some patients. A scatterplot of screening time versus time in situ was derived and correlation analysis performed using the Pearson coefficient.

Results

Thirty-two patients underwent de novo NUS insertion during the period, and 102 NUS exchanges were performed. The interval between stent exchanges ranged from 1 to 40 weeks, with a mean of 12.3 weeks (SD = 8.96 weeks). Screening time ranged from 33 s to 17 min, with a mean of 3 min 50 s (SD = 3 min 35 s). There were 100 successful exchanges, and two failed exchanges, accounting for 1.9% of total exchanges. In both failed cases, the reason for failed exchange was due to a prolonged period between exchanges (6 months in both cases). The reason for delay for stent exchange was due to non-attendance for scheduled appointments. There was a weakly positive correlation coefficient of 0.06 (screening time versus time period between insertions); however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.81).

Conclusion

In this retrospective review, we have demonstrated that the recommended 6-week period between stent exchanges is unnecessary in the vast majority of cases, and that a longer interval between NUS exchanges, e.g. 8–12 weeks, is safe for the patient, and reduces screening time. This reduction in procedures also provides a significant potential saving to the radiology department in both monetary expense and limited angiography suite time.
Tumor microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer: the correlation of tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Kuroda H. , Jamiyan T. , Yamaguchi R. , Kakumoto A. , Abe A. , Harada O. , Masunaga A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Immune cells such as cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, B cells or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to the anti-tumor response or pro-tumorigenic effect in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The interrelation of TAMs, T and B tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in TNBC has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We evaluated the association of tumor-associated macrophages, T and B TILs in TNBC.

Results

TNBCs with a high CD68+, CD163+ TAMs and low CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ TILs had a significantly shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with low CD68+, CD163+ TAMs and high CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ TILs. TNBCs with high CD68+ TAMs/low CD8+ TILs showed a significantly shorter RFS and OS and a significantly poorer prognosis than those with high CD68+ TAMs/high CD8+ TILs, low CD68+ TAMs/high CD8+ TILs, and low CD68+/low CD8+. TNBCs with high CD163+ TAMs/low CD8+, low CD20 + TILs showed a significantly shorter RFS and OS and a significantly poorer prognosis than those with high CD163+ TAMs/high CD8+ TILs and high CD163+ TAMs /high CD20+ TILs.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that TAMs further create an optimal tumor microenvironment (TME) for growth and invasion of cancer cells when evasion of immunoreactions due to T and B TILs occurs. In TNBCs, all these events combine to affect prognosis. The process of TME is highly complex in TNBCs and for an improved understanding, larger validation studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Crocodiles, sharks and turtles: the urban geo-palaeontological heritage of Cagliari (Italy)
Authors: Zoboli Daniel , Pistis Marco , Afrasinei Gabriela M. , Nonnoi Giancarlo , Pillola Gian Luigi
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we report on the first project on the promotion of urban geoheritage in Cagliari, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). We briefly address the history of geo-palaeontological research in the city area and outline the main phases of development in the history of Cagliari’s geo-palaeontological museum. Geotourism is an efficient method of bringing geosciences to a wider audience. For this project, we compiled a geoitinerary of the main lithotypes and fossils present within the urban territory. Miocene lithotypes are the most important materials in the edification of the Cagliari’s old town, and in the past, the quarrying activity favoured the geology knowledge of the area. The presence of abandoned quarries and natural outcrops in parks, public gardens, on the nearby coastline, and also of fossils exposed in ashlars of historic buildings, made Cagliari an excellent example to valorise the geo-palaeontological heritage using geotourism. This project showcases the importance of knowledge transfer and non-technical communication methods by converting highly technical aspects into accessible and engaging information dissemination to a wide range of audience types, including non-specialised ones.
Agricultural production diversity and child nutrition in Ethiopia
Authors: Bakhtsiyarava Maryia , Grace Kathryn
Published: June 2021

This study investigates how two aspects of agricultural production diversity – farm production diversity and composition of production – relate to child height-for-age and weight-for-height in Ethiopia. We use longitudinal data on child anthropometric measurements, household farm production diversity and farm production composition from the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey for 2011, 2013, and 2015 available through the World Bank. Using longitudinal fixed effects models, we show that an increase in farm production diversity reduces the risk of chronic food insecurity (child height-for-age) but has no impact on acute measures of food insecurity (child weight-for-height). Results also suggest that, in a context of poor rainfall, more diversity in farm production can adversely impact child height-for-age, although livestock sales might mitigate that detrimental effect. These findings highlight the importance of considering the relationship between farm-level food production and child nutrition in a context of climate change.
Contemplative Training and Psychological Stress: an Analysis of First-person Accounts
Authors: Gamaiunova Liudmila , Brandt Pierre-Yves , Kliegel Matthias
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Several studies have investigated the relationship between contemplative approaches and psychobiological stress response; however, this area of research is still new, the mechanisms of the relationship between the stress response attenuation and contemplative training have not been fully delineated, and little is known about the effects of contemplative practice on the ways psychological stress is experienced. This study aimed to explore the first-person experience of psychological stress in meditation practitioners.

Methods

We conducted short semi-structured interviews with twenty-five meditation practitioners and twenty meditation-naïve controls immediately after they had undergone a laboratory task (the Trier Social Stress Test). A mixed-method approach was used to analyze the interviews. Thematic analysis was combined with descriptive statistics of the qualitative information that had been converted to quantitative data.

Results

Experiences instantiating main themes were identified as follows: (1) primary experiences encountered, describing the most salient experiences associated with the task; (2) reasons for stress, delineating the analyses of why the task was stressful; (3) affect, dealing with emotional experiences during the task; (4) emotion regulation; and (5) attention allocation describing regulatory strategies employed by the participants. Responses to subjective stress experience in meditation practitioners included use of humor, presence of positive affect, combinations of different types of emotion regulation strategies, and adaptive attention allocation.

Conclusions

This study elucidates particularities of meditators’ subjective experience of psychological stress, provides new insights on the mechanisms of meditation effect on the stress response, and proposes new directions for research.
Mucosa plication reinforced colorectal anastomosis and trans-anal vacuum drainage: a pilot study with preliminary results
Authors: Ferko Alexander , Váňa Juraj , Adámik Marek , Švec Adam , Žáček Michal , Demeter Michal , Grendár Marián
Published: June 2021

Dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis is a serious complication that is associated with increased mortality, impaired functional and oncological outcomes. The hypothesis was that anastomosis reinforcement and vacuum trans-anal drainage could eliminate some risk factors, such as mechanically stapled anastomosis instability and local infection. Patients with rectal cancer within 10 cm of the anal verge and low anterior resection with double-stapled technique were included consecutively. A stapler anastomosis was supplemented by trans-anal reinforcement and vacuum drainage using a povidone-iodine-soaked sponge. Modified reinforcement using a circular mucosa plication was developed and used. Patients were followed up by postoperative endoscopy and outcomes were acute leak rate, morbidity, and diversion rate. The procedure was successfully completed in 52 from 54 patients during time period January 2019–October 2020. The mean age of patients was 61 years (lower–upper quartiles 54–69 years). There were 38/52 (73%) males and 14/52 (27%) females; the neoadjuvant radiotherapy was indicated in a group of patients in 24/52 (46%). The mean level of anastomosis was 3.8 cm (lower–upper quartiles 3.00–4.88 cm). The overall morbidity was 32.6% (17/52) and Clavien–Dindo complications ≥ 3 grade appeared in 3/52 (5.7%) patients. No loss of anastomosis was recorded and no patient died postoperatively. The symptomatic anastomotic leak was recorded in 2 (3.8%) patients and asymptomatic blind fistula was recorded in one patient 1/52 (1.9%). Diversion ileostomy was created in 1/52 patient (1.9%). Reinforcement of double-stapled anastomosis using a circular mucosa plication with combination of vacuum povidone-iodine-soaked sponge drainage led to a low acute leak and diversion rate. This pilot study requires further investigation.

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.: Trial registration number is NCT04735107, date of registration February 2, 2021, registered retrospectively.
Regularity of Fourier integral operators with amplitudes in general Hörmander classes
Authors: Castro Alejandro J. , Israelsson Anders , Staubach Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

We prove the global $$L^p$$

L
p

-boundedness of Fourier integral operators that model the parametrices for hyperbolic partial differential equations, with amplitudes in classical Hörmander classes $$S^{m}_{\rho , \delta }(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

S

ρ
,
δ

m

(

R

n

)

for parameters $$0\le \rho \le 1$$

0
≤
ρ
≤
1

, $$0\le \delta <1$$

0
≤
δ
<
1

. We also consider the regularity of operators with amplitudes in the exotic class $$S^{m}_{0, \delta }(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

S

0
,
δ

m

(

R

n

)

, $$0\le \delta < 1$$

0
≤
δ
<
1

and the forbidden class $$S^{m}_{\rho , 1}(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

S

ρ
,
1

m

(

R

n

)

, $$0\le \rho \le 1.$$

0
≤
ρ
≤
1
.

Furthermore we show that despite the failure of the $$L^2$$

L
2

-boundedness of operators with amplitudes in the forbidden class $$S^{0}_{1, 1}(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

S

1
,
1

0

(

R

n

)

, the operators in question are bounded on Sobolev spaces $$H^s(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

H
s

(

R

n

)

with $$s>0.$$

s
>
0
.

This result extends those of Y. Meyer and E. M. Stein to the setting of Fourier integral operators.
Clerodane-type Diterpene Glycosides from Dicranopteris pedata
Authors: Gao Bei-Bei , Ou Yu-Fei , Zhu Qin-Feng , Zhou Zhi-Ping , Deng Zhen-Tao , Li Meng , Zhao Qin-Shi
Published: June 2021

Three new clerodane-type diterpene glycosides, (5R,6S,8R,9S,10R)-6-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]cleroda-3,13(16),14-diene (1), (5R,6S,8R,9S,10R,13S)-6-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]-2-ox-oneocleroda-3,13-dien-15-ol (2), (5R,6S,8R,9S,10R)-6-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]-(13E)-2-oxoneocleroda-3,14-dien-13-ol (3), together with two known compounds 4 and 5 were isolated from Dicranopteris pedata. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined by ECD calculations. In addition, compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activities against SMMC-7721, MCF-7 and SW480.

Graphic Abstract
Weld thermal simulation of API 5CT L80 grade steel
Authors: Palanisamy Vinothkumar , Solberg Jan Ketil , Salberg Bjarne , Moe Per Thomas
Published: June 2021

The microstructure and mechanical properties of an API 5CT L80 casing grade steel (0.24C 0,4Si 1.4Mn CrNiCu) have been studied after performing weld thermal simulations (with and without subsequent tempering) applying a thermal cycle weld simulator. Specimens were subjected to three different peak temperatures (1300 °C, 1150 °C, 950 °C) and five different cooling rates (1 °C/s, 3 °C/s, 5 °C/s, 10 °C/s, 60 °C/s) through the austenite transformation temperature range. Based on the microstructure, hardness values, and toughness properties of the simulated specimens, thermal cycles were selected and recommended for welding of L80 components by the SAG-FW (shielded active gas forge welding) method.
The transition from restrictive anorexia nervosa to binging and purging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Serra Riccardo , Di Nicolantonio Chiara , Di Febo Riccardo , De Crescenzo Franco , Vanderlinden Johan , Vrieze Elske , Bruffaerts Ronny , Loriedo Camillo , Pasquini Massimo , Tarsitani Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies addressed the topic of behavioral and symptomatic changes in eating disorders. Rates of transition vary widely across studies, ranging from 0 to 70.8%, depending on the diagnoses taken into account and the study design. Evidence shows that the specific transition from restrictive-type anorexia nervosa (AN-R) to disorders involving binging and purging behaviors (BPB) is related to a worsening of the clinical picture and worse long-term outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to focus on this specific transition, review existing literature, and summarize related risk factors. Medline and PsycINFO databases were searched, including prospective and retrospective studies on individuals with AN-R. The primary outcome considered was the rate of onset of BPB. Twelve studies (N = 725 patients) were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. A total of 41.84% (95% CI 33.58–50.11) of patients with AN-R manifested BPB at some point during follow-up. Risk factors for the onset of BPB included potentially treatable and untreatable factors such as the family environment, unipolar depression and higher premorbid BMI. These findings highlight that patients with AN-R frequently transition to BPB over time, with a worsening of the clinical picture. Existing studies in this field are still insufficient and heterogeneous, and further research is needed. Mental health professionals should be aware of the frequent onset of BPB in AN-R and its risk factors and take this information into account in the treatment of AN-R.

Level of evidence

Evidence obtained from a systematic review and meta-analysis, Level I.
Review of research on loosening of threaded fasteners
Authors: Gong Hao , Ding Xiaoyu , Liu Jianhua , Feng Huihua
Published: June 2021

Loosening of threaded fasteners is a key failure mode, which is mainly caused by the slippage and friction behaviors on the thread and bearing surfaces, and will affect the integrity and reliability of products. Numerous scholars have conducted research on the loosening of threaded fasteners; however, comprehensive reviews on the loosening of threaded fasteners have been scarce. In this review article, we define loosening as a loss of preload and divide it into non-rotational and rotational loosening. The causes and mechanisms of non-rotational and rotational loosening are summarised. Some essential topics regarding loosening under transverse vibration have also attracted significant attention and have been investigated widely, including the loosening curve, critical condition of loosening, and influencing factors of loosening. The research carried out on these three topics is also summarised in this review. It is believed that our work will not only help new researchers quickly understand the state-of-the-art research on loosening, but also increase the knowledge of engineers on this critical subject. In the future, it is important to conduct more quantitative research on local slippage accumulation, and the relationship between local slippage accumulation and rotational loosening, which will have the potential to comprehensively unravel the loosening mechanism, and effectively guide the anti-loosening design of threaded fasteners.