bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying bias in visual features through the lens of optimal transport
Authors: Fabbrizzi Simone , Zhao Xuan , Krasanakis Emmanouil , Papadopoulos Symeon , Ntoutsi Eirini
Published: September 2023

Computer vision systems are employed in a variety of high-impact applications. However, making them trustworthy requires methods for the detection of potential biases in their training data, before models learn to harm already disadvantaged groups in downstream applications. Image data are typically represented via extracted features, which can be hand-crafted or pre-trained neural network embeddings. In this work, we introduce a framework for bias discovery given such features that is based on optimal transport theory; it uses the (quadratic) Wasserstein distance to quantify disparity between the feature distributions of two demographic groups (e.g., women vs men). In this context, we show that the Kantorovich potentials of the images, which are a byproduct of computing the Wasserstein distance and act as “transportation prices", can serve as bias scores by indicating which images might exhibit distinct biased characteristics. We thus introduce a visual dataset exploration pipeline that helps auditors identify common characteristics across high- or low-scored images as potential sources of bias. We conduct a case study to identify prospective gender biases and demonstrate theoretically-derived properties with experiments on the CelebA and Biased MNIST datasets.
A generalized framework for designing open-source natural hazard parametric insurance
Authors: Steinmann Carmen B. , Guillod Benoît P. , Fairless Christopher , Bresch David N.
Published: September 2023

Parametric insurance schemes allow for payouts to be triggered by real-time hydro-/meteorological parameters instead of waiting for damage assessments, which means they can be settled swiftly, giving people access to funds right after the event. In this work we propose a framework to design parametric insurance schemes and systematically quantify the basis risk: the difference between the parameter-based payout and the actual damage. We implement the framework in the open-source global risk assessment platform CLIMADA and illustrate it with two stylized parametric insurance case studies, targeting tropical cyclones in Mozambique and winter storms in France. The data used and the provided code base are globally-consistent, open-source, and readily available. The presented methods are therefore applicable in data-scarce areas and accessible to stakeholders from the public and private sector. Moreover, our approach can easily be adapted to other hazards and exposures worldwide. This improves the accessibility and transparency of such innovative insurance schemes.
Perceived support and influences in adolescents’ career choices: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Marcionetti Jenny , Zammitti Andrea
Published: September 2023

Support and influences on adolescents’ career choices come from a variety of sources. However, studies comparing the importance given to various sources of support are few, and none have analyzed differences in the support provided by mothers and fathers. This study aimed to examine quantitatively the importance given to support from various sources in a sample of 432 Swiss adolescents at two points in time in the period of choice and to explore qualitatively experiences related to support given/received by 10 mother–child dyads in the career choice process. The overall results endorse the mother as the main source of support.
The Conundrum of Kundakunda’s Status in the Digambara Tradition
Authors: Soni Jayandra
Published: September 2023

Kundakunda’s handling of several basic ideas cannot be omitted when one deals with the following concepts in Jaina philosophy: 1. Syāt/siya, syādvāda or saptabhaṅgī. 2. Nayas, vyavahāra and niścaya nayas and nayavāda. 3. Sapta and Nava tattvas/padārtha and 4. Anekāntavāda. No doubt his dates are a major conundrum; recent research regards him to have lived around the fourth or fifth centuries (Brill’s Encyclopedia of Jainism, BEJ: Brill’s Encyclopedia of Jainism (Handbook of Oriental Studies. Section 2 South Asia), edited by Knut Jacobsen, John A. Cort, Paul Dundas and Kristi L. Wiley. Leiden | Boston: Brill, 2020., p. 853). Moreover, it has been said that Kundakunda “thread a somewhat new path on which he virtually remained a lone traveller”, evident by the fact that hardly, if any, Digambara or even Śvetāmbara scholar elaborates on his ideas, let alone crediting him for significant basic insights into Jaina philosophy. Moreover, it seems to be evident, as will be attempted to show, that some ideas appear to be taken over from Kundakunda. Together with Kundakunda’s ‘legacy’, this article will highlight several conundrums regarding the philosophical impact of several concepts in his works that fortunately have not been relegated to oblivion.
Effect of the iridocorneal angle size on the diurnal pressure profile in a glaucoma suspect cohort and patients with glaucoma
Authors: Müller Michael , Pavlovic Ana , Niermann Theresa , Pavlovic Ivana , Priglinger Siegfried , Kohnen Thomas , Shajari Mehdi , Mackert Marc
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the iridocorneal angle size (ICAS) on the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with suspected glaucoma (SG).

Method

Patients with any eye-pressure lowering medication or previous ocular surgery were excluded. In a retrospective study set, diurnal IOP profiles of 120 patients (205 eyes) within a 48-h period were analysed by regression analysis. Of those eyes, 44 were diagnosed to have glaucoma. The remaining eyes were used as healthy control group (HCG).

Results

The overall mean IOP was 15.63 mmHg ± 2.72 mmHg and mean ICAS was 23.92° ± 4.74°. In the glaucoma cohort, mean IOP was 18.77 ± 1.86 mmHg and mean ICAS was 25.02° ± 4.96°. In the HCG, mean IOP was 14.77 ± 2.25 mmHg and mean ICAS was 23.62° ± 4.64°. In the total cohort, as well as in the subgroups (HCG or glaucoma), regression analysis showed no significant impact even of the minimum ICAS, which was larger than 10°, on average (P = 0.89), maximum (P = 0.88), and range of IOP (P = 0.49) within 48 h. The difference between glaucoma cohort and HCG cohort was significant in terms of IOP (P < 0.001), but not for minimum ICAS (P = 0.07). Chi-square test showed no increase in prevalence of IOP peaks of  > 21 mmHg within 48 h in eyes with an angle between 10° and 20° (P = 0.18).

Conclusion

An ICAS of larger than 10° in HCG or glaucoma patients with an open-angle does not influence the minimum, average, maximum or range of IOP. Additionally, an angle size larger than 10° does not allow the prediction of IOP changes in these two cohorts.
L-serine combined with carboxymethyl chitosan guides amorphous calcium phosphate to remineralize enamel
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Zhang Shuting , Liu Peiwen , Li Fan , Chen Xu , Wang Haorong , Li Zhangyi , Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate a robust and stable calcium-phosphorus system to remineralize human early enamel caries lesions with nanocomplexes of carboxymethyl chitosan/L-serine/amorphous calcium phosphate (CMC-Ser-ACP) to develop an effective method for mimicking the amelogenin (AMEL) mineralization pattern through ACP assembly. A CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution was first synthesized by a chemical precipitation method, and then 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was added to induce ACP phase formation. The morphologies of the nanocomplexes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to detect surface charge and functional group changes. The subtle changes of the demineralized enamel models induced by the remineralization effect were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution could be preserved without any precipitation for 45 days. After the application of NaClO and through the guidance of Ser, ACP nanoparticles transformed into relatively orderly arranged hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals, generating an aprismatic enamel-like layer closely integrated with the demineralized enamel, which resulted in enhanced mechanical properties for the treatment of early enamel caries lesions. The CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution is a remineralization system with great solution stability, and when NaClO is added, it can rapidly regenerate an aprismatic enamel-like layer in situ on the demineralized enamel surface. This novel remineralization system has stable chemical properties and can greatly increase the therapeutic effects against early enamel caries.

Graphical Abstract
3D Scan of Hardness Imprints for the Non-destructive In-Situ Structural Assessment of Operated Metal Components
Authors: Bolzon Gabriella , Talassi Marco
Published: September 2023

The structural integrity of operated components can be assessed by non-destructive mechanical tests performed in-situ with portable instruments. Particularly promising in this context are small scale hardness tests supplemented by the mapping of the residual imprints left on metal surfaces. The data thus collected represent the input of inverse analysis procedures, which determine the material characteristics and their evolution over time. The reliability of these estimates depends on the accuracy of the geometry scans and on the robustness of the data filtering and interpretation methodologies. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction of the residual deformation produced on metals by hardness tests performed at a few hundred N load. The geometry data are acquired by portable optical microscopes with variable focal distance. The imperfections introduced by the imaging system, which may not be optimized for all ambient conditions when used in automatic mode, are analysed. Representative examples of the output produced by the scanning tool are examined, focusing attention on the experimental disturbances typical of onsite applications. Proper orthogonal decomposition and data reduction techniques are applied to the information returned by the instrumentation. The essential features of the collected datasets are extracted and the main noise is removed. The results of this investigation show that the accuracy achievable with the considered equipment and regularization procedures can support the development of reliable diagnostic analyses of metal components in existing structures and infrastructures.
A Modification of Magnetic Adaptive Testing: Progressive Method for Nondestructive Inspection of Microstructural Changes in Ferromagnetic Constructional Materials
Authors: Ušák Elemír , Hašková Lenka , Vašut Daniel , Ušáková Mariana
Published: September 2023

Magnetic adaptive testing (MAT), thanks to its relative simplicity from the point of view of both hardware and software, appears to be very promising for non-destructive analysis of various ferromagnetic constructional materials used in many industrial applications. In order to make the inspection of tested objects faster, even more straightforward and the processing of data easier, we concentrated our effort both to improve the experimental procedure, based on specific way of the measurement of magnetization curves at piece-wise linear (triangular) exciting field with a constant field rate of change (i.e., slope) as well as to create a universal software tool for MAT data analysis. On contrary to the original implementation of MAT, the hysteresis loops are measured with decreasing maximum field values, starting at sample saturation region; therefore, time consuming sample demagnetization can be skipped completely. In addition, an advanced tool for the processing of experimentally obtained magnetization curves is presented. Using this application allows to find proper non-traditional magnetic parameters (e.g., the differential permeability) being the most sensitive to various types of industrial load (e.g., thermal, mechanical and/or neutron irradiation) and, at the same time, sufficiently correlated with other, traditional magnetic as well as non-magnetic parameters used routinely for the assessment of possible structural changes associated with applied, often long-term, load even on a microscopic scale, prior to any damage manifests on a macroscopic, visible level. The software capabilities were demonstrated on the data representing the material, whose response to acting thermal load is being difficult to analyze, since the dependence of observed parameters (differential permeability) upon defined artificial ageing was rather complicated. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of differential permeability to such a load was found being more than 8 times larger than in case of traditional hysteretic parameter, namely the remanent flux density while the correlation between them was high.
Mixed-model moving assembly line material placement optimization for a shorter time-dependent worker walking time
Authors: Sedding Helmut A.
Published: September 2023

Car mass production commonly involves a moving assembly line that mixes several car models. This requires plenty of material supplies at the line side, but available space is scarce. Thus, material is placed apart from ideal positions. Then, picking it up involves walking along the line. This time is non-productive and can encompass 10–15% of total production time. Thus, it is important to estimate and minimize it during production planning. However, the calculations are difficult because the conveyor continuously moves. Therefore, most literature bounds walking time by a constant, but this discards valuable potential. To better approximate it, we use a time-dependent V-shaped function. A comparison indicates that for a majority of instances, constant walking time estimates of 95% confidence are at least 51% higher. Then, we introduce a model to optimize material positions such that the model-mix walking time is minimized. This poses an NP-hard sequencing problem with a recursive and nonlinear objective function. Our key discovery is a lower bound on the objective of partial solutions, established by a Lagrangian relaxation that can be solved in quadratic time. Resulting branch and bound based algorithms allow to quickly and reliably optimize up to the largest real-world sized instances.
Sox17 protects human brain microvascular endothelial cells from AngII-induced injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Fang Marong , Ren Qiannan , Qi Wei , Bai Xinli , Amin Nashwa , Zhang Xiangjian , Li Zhenzhong , Zhang Lihong
Published: September 2023

Intracranial aneurysm (IA), is a localized dilation of the intracranial arteries, the rupture of which is catastrophic. Hypertension is major IA risk factor that mediates endothelial cell damage. Sox17 is highly expressed in intracranial vascular endothelial cells, and GWAS studies indicate that its genetic alteration is one of the major genetic risk factors for IA. Vascular endothelial cell injury plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of IA. The genetic ablation of Sox17 plus hypertension induced by AngII can lead to an increased incidence of intracranial aneurysms had tested in the previous animal experiments. In order to study the underlying molecular mechanisms, we established stable Sox17-overexpressing and knockdown cell lines in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) first. Then flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were employed. We found that the knockdown of Sox17 could worsen the apoptosis and autophagy of HBMECs caused by AngII, while overexpression of Sox17 had the opposite effect. Transmission electron microscopy displayed increased autophagosomes after the knockdown of Sox17 in HBMECs. The RNA-sequencing analysis shown that dysregulation of the Sox17 gene was closely associated with the autophagy-related pathways. Our study suggests that Sox17 could protect HBMECs from AngII-induced injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.
Role of some inflammasomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Egypt
Authors: Ibrahem Reham , Raghip Mervat A. , Abdelwahed Mamdouh M. , Amin Noha S. , Abualfadl Esam M. , Waly Nancy G. F. M.
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aims to demonstrate the role of some inflammasomes genes: NLRC4 (the NLR family, CARD domain-containing protein 4), NLRP1 (NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 1), ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), and CASPASE-1 in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Egyptian population.

Main methods

The expression level of NLRC4, NLRP1, ASC, and CASPASE-1 within PBMCs isolated from all RA subjects by quantitative real-time PCR. GAPDH gene was used as a reference gene. Measurement of serum level of IL-1β and IL-18 was performed using ELISA.

Key findings

Results showed dysregulated inflammasomes expression that may participate in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process of the disease.

Significance

Understanding the role of inflammasomes in RA pathogenesis helps in finding promising therapy for the treatment and management of this disease.
Mid-infrared water pollutant sensor based on SPR-PCF
Authors: Gamal Yusuf , Younis B. M. , Abd-Elkader Ahmed El-Sayed , Furniss David , Farries Mark , Phang Sendy , Benson Trevor M. , Seddon Angela B. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a highly sensitive water pollutant optical sensor is proposed and analyzed. The suggested sensor consists of photonic crystal fiber with a core surrounded by four elliptical holes infiltrated with the studied analyte (pure/polluted water sample). In addition, two gold nanorods are mounted horizontally at the inner surfaces of two horizontal elliptical holes. The proposed sensor can efficiently detect dissolved pollutants in water such as nitric acid ($${\mathrm{HNO}}_{3}$$

HNO
3

) with concentrations of 14, 23 and 35% and $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

with concentrations of 7, 15 and 30%. The dissolved pollutants in water (analyte) have refractive indices (RIs) in the range of 1.350–1.355 in the mid infrared regime from λ = 2200 nm to λ = 3500 nm. A fully vectorial finite element method (FVFEM) is employed for the modal analysis of the reported structure. The geometrical parameters are studied to maximize the RI sensitivity where a high sensitivity of 36,000 nm/RIU is achieved between the studied RIs of 1.350 and 1.355. The obtained RI sensitivity is higher than those of the recent reported sensors in the literature especially those operating in the mid infrared wavelengths.
Multi-hollow Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge: Production of Gaseous Species Under Various Air Flow Rates and Relative Humidities
Authors: Cimerman Richard , Hensel Karol
Published: September 2023

An evaluation of the gaseous species production by the discharge, i.e., discharge chemical activity, is very important for determining its potential for practical applications. In this work, production of gaseous species by the multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge generated in a perforated ceramic substrate with the air-exposed electrode is investigated under conditions of various discharge powers (1–5 W), air flow rates (0.25–2.4 L/min) and air relative humidities (0–80%). Production of ozone O3, nitrous oxide N2O, nitric oxide NO, nitrogen dioxide NO2, dinitrogen pentoxide N2O5 and nitric acid HNO3 is evaluated in terms of concentration (ppm), production yield (g/kWh) and production rate (mg/h). The work demonstrates a critical impact of both air flow rate and relative humidity on prevailing discharge mode (“O3 mode” vs. “NOx mode”) and, thus, on overall composition and concentration of produced gaseous species. For low discharge power, the discharge operates in the “O3 mode”, when O3, N2O, N2O5 and HNO3 are dominant gaseous products. With the increasing power, the discharge transfers into the “NOx mode”, when N2O and HNO3 along with NO and NO2 are mostly produced. In dry air, transition from “O3 mode” to “NOx mode” is found for the specific input energy of 1000–1100 J/L. With an increase of air relative humidity from 20 to 80%, the transition gradually decreases from approximately 600 to 450 J/L, respectively.
Exposure to incense burning, biomarkers, and the physical health of temple workers in Taiwan
Authors: Guo Su-Er , Ratner Pamela A. , Tseng Sung-Chih , Lin Chieh-Mo , Chi Miao-Ching , Lee Chiang-Wen , Yu Ying-Chun
Published: September 2023

Incense burning releases heavy particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), known to have adverse effects on human health. Long-term exposure to PM and NO2 increases inflammatory cytokine levels and can induce respiratory diseases. This study examined the association between incense burning exposure and the health status, especially inflammatory biomarkers, of temple workers and volunteers in Taiwan. The longitudinal observational study compared adult temple workers and volunteers, with long-term incense burning exposure, to residents from outpatient clinics in the Chiayi area. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and serum and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) cytokines were assessed. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare cytokine levels of the exposure and control groups during the cold and hot weather seasons. FEV1 was significantly more diminished in the exposed group than in the control group during the cold season. Exposure status was associated with greater hot-cold seasonal differences in serum interleukins (IL)-1β (regression coefficient (B) = 6.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.0 to 8.3, p < .001), IL17-A (B = 2.4, 95% CI = 0.3 to 4.5, p = .03), and plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1 (B = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.5 to 9.3, p = .009). After adjusting for confounders, the groups’ serum levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and PAI-1 significantly differed. EBC cytokines did not show significant differences. Elevated levels of IL-1β, IL17-A, and PAI-1 have been associated with various autoinflammatory syndromes and diseases. Given the cultural significance of incense burning, culturally sensitive interventions, including education, policy development, and program implementation, are crucial to protect individuals’ health, especially temple workers, from the adverse effects of exposure, addressing the manufacture, importation, and sale of incense.
The two-component Beta-t-QVAR-M-lev: a new forecasting model
Authors: Haddad Michel Ferreira Cardia , Blazsek Szabolcs , Arestis Philip , Fuerst Franz , Sheng Hsia Hua
Published: September 2023

We introduce a new joint model of expected return and volatility forecasting, namely the two-component Beta-t-QVAR-M-lev (quasi-vector autoregression in-mean with leverage). The maximum likelihood estimator for the two-component Beta-t-QVAR-M-lev is an extension of theoretical results of the one-component Beta-t-QVAR-M. We compare the volatility forecasting performance of the two-component Beta-t-QVAR-M-lev and two-component GARCH-M (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity), also considering their one-component frameworks. The results for G20 stock market indices indicate that the forecasting performance of the two-component Beta-t-QVAR-M-lev is superior compared with the two-component GARCH-M and their one-component versions.
Curcumin-activated Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Improve Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury by Modulating Microglia Polarization Through APOE/TREM2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Chao , Chen Zhe , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Yongyuan , Guo Xinyu , Fan Hong , Huang Dageng , He Yuqing , Tang Xiangwen , Ai Yixiang , Liu Youjun , Yang Hao , Hao Dingjun
Published: September 2023

Transplantation of curcumin-activated olfactory ensheathing cells (aOECs) improved functional recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. Nevertheless, little is known considering the underlying mechanisms. At the present study, we investigated the promotion of regeneration and functional recovery after transplantation of aOECs into rats with SCI and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Primary OECs were prepared from the olfactory bulb of rats, followed by treatment with 1µM CCM at 7–10 days of culture, resulting in cell activation. Concomitantly, rat SCI model was developed to evaluate the effects of transplantation of aOECs in vivo. Subsequently, microglia were isolated, stimulated with 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h to polarize to M1 phenotype and treated by aOECs conditional medium (aOECs-CM) and OECs conditional medium (OECs-CM), respectively. Changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypic markers expression were detected using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Finally, a series of molecular biological experiments including knock-down of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and analysis of the level of apolipoprotein E (APOE) expression were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of involvement of CCM-activated OECs in modulating microglia polarization, leading to neural regeneration and function recovery. CCM-activated OECs effectively attenuated deleterious inflammation by regulating microglia polarization from the pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype in SCI rats and facilitated functional recovery after SCI. In addition, microglial polarization to M2 elicited by aOECs-CM in LPS-induced microglia was effectively reversed when TREM2 expression was downregulated. More importantly, the in vitro findings indicated that aOECs-CM potentiating LPS-induced microglial polarization to M2 was partially mediated by the TREM2/nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Besides, the expression of APOE significantly increased in CCM-treated OECs. CCM-activated OECs could alleviate inflammation after SCI by switching microglial polarization from M1 to M2, which was likely mediated by the APOE/TREM2/NF-κB pathway, and thus ameliorated neurological function. Therefore, the present finding is of paramount significance to enrich the understanding of underlying molecular mechanism of aOECs-based therapy and provide a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of SCI.
Multi-harmonic forced vibration and resonance of simple beams to moving vehicles
Authors: Sun Zhi , Sun Limin , Xia Ye
Published: September 2023

This study modeled the moving-vehicle-induced forcing excitation on a single-span prismatic bridge as a multiple frequency-multiplication harmonic load on the modal coordinates of a linear elastic simple Euler–Bernoulli beam, and investigated the forced modal oscillation and resonance behavior of this type of dynamic system. The forced modal responses consist of multiple frequency-multiplication steady-state harmonics and one damped mono-frequency complementary harmonic. The analysis revealed that a moving load induces high-harmonic forced resonance amplification when the moving speed is low. To verify the occurrence of high-harmonic forced resonance, numerical tests were conducted on single-span simple beams based on structural modeling using the finite element method (FEM) and a moving sprung-mass oscillator vehicle model. The forced resonance amplification characteristics of the fundamental mode for beam response estimation are presented with consideration to different end restraint conditions. The results reveal that the high-harmonic forced resonance may be significant for the investigated beams subjected to vehicle loads moving at specific low speeds. For the investigated single-span simple beams, the moving vehicle carriage heaving oscillation modulates the beam modal frequency, but does not induce notable variation of the modal oscillation harmonic structure for the cases that vehicle of small mass moves in low speed.
On the performance and scalability of consensus mechanisms in privacy-enabled decentralized renewable energy marketplace
Authors: Tkachuk Roman-Valentyn , Ilie Dragos , Robert Remi , Kebande Victor , Tutschku Kurt
Published: September 2023

Renewable energy sources were introduced as an alternative to fossil fuel sources to make electricity generation cleaner. However, today’s renewable energy markets face a number of limitations, such as inflexible pricing models and inaccurate consumption information. These limitations can be addressed with a decentralized marketplace architecture. Such architecture requires a mechanism to guarantee that all marketplace operations are executed according to predefined rules and regulations. One of the ways to establish such a mechanism is blockchain technology. This work defines a decentralized blockchain-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy marketplace which addresses actors’ privacy and the performance of consensus mechanisms. The defined marketplace utilizes private permissioned Ethereum-based blockchain client Hyperledger Besu (HB) and its smart contracts to automate the P2P trade settlement process. Also, to make the marketplace compliant with energy trade regulations, it includes the regulator actor, which manages the issue and consumption of guarantees of origin and certifies the renewable energy sources used to generate traded electricity. Finally, the proposed marketplace incorporates privacy-preserving features, allowing it to generate private transactions and store them within a designated group of actors. Performance evaluation results of HB-based marketplace with three main consensus mechanisms for private networks, i.e., Clique, IBFT 2.0, and QBFT, demonstrate a lower throughput than another popular private permissioned blockchain platform Hyperledger Fabric (HF). However, the lower throughput is a side effect of the Byzantine Fault Tolerant characteristics of HB’s consensus mechanisms, i.e., IBFT 2.0 and QBFT, which provide increased security compared to HF’s Crash Fault Tolerant consensus RAFT.
Operational strategies to deal with the COVID-19 emergency: recommendations from the Italian national society SIAGASCOT following the introduction of vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Compagnoni Riccardo , Cucchi Davide , Klumpp Raymond , Ronga Mario , Berruto Massimo , Di Giacomo Giovanni , Randelli Pietro S. ,   SIAGASCOT “Guidelines” Work-group, Carrozzo Alessandro , Formigoni Chiara , Rosa Francesco , Sciancalepore Fabio
Published: September 2023

Background

This article aims to present the operational recommendations adopted by the Italian national society for orthopaedic surgery, arthroscopy, and sports medicine (SIAGASCOT) in managing patients eligible to undergo elective orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic after the beginning of a national vaccination campaign.

Materials and methods

An extensive literature search, analysing medical databases and scientific societies protocols, was performed to support this document. A four-step approach was used: 1—definition of priorities; 2—definition of significant clusters of interventions; 3—extraction of recommendations from international literature; and 4—adaptation of the recommendations to the specific features of the Italian healthcare system.

Results

Three operational priorities were defined (“continuity of care and containment of the virus spread”, “examination of waiting lists”, and “definition of the role of vaccines”), six significant clusters of intervention were identified, and recommendations regarding the risk management for healthcare staff and hospital facility as well as the preoperative, in-hospital, and postoperative management were produced. Patient selection, preoperative screening, and pre-hospitalization procedures, which are regarded as pivotal roles in the safe management of patients eligible to undergo elective orthopaedic surgery, were analysed extensively.

Conclusions

This document presents national-wide recommendations for managing patients eligible to undergo elective orthopaedic surgery with the beginning of the vaccination campaign. This paper could be the basis for similar documents adapted to the local healthcare systems in other countries.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Is medical device regulatory compliance growing as fast as extended reality to avoid misunderstandings in the future?
Authors: Bini Fabiano , Franzò Michela , Maccaro Alessia , Piaggio Davide , Pecchia Leandro , Marinozzi Franco
Published: September 2023

Purpose

European Extended Reality (XR) industry is expected to significantly increase by 2025 with an extreme impact on the Healthcare scenario. Considering that the transition period for the Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 (MDR 2017/745) will end in May 2024, purpose of this study is to assess whether the Medical Device Regulatory Compliance is ready to cope with the inclusion of XR and its possible social and economic impact in the world of medical device software (MDSW).

Methods

XR publications patterns were evaluated since MDR 2017/745 release on different databases. European normative about MDSW are consulted, followed by the European Database of Medical Devices (EUDAMED).

Results

The number of publications on XR have increased since 2017 and healthcare is the third highest-impacted subject area. Specific classes for software have been introduces in the European Nomenclature of Medical Devices (EMDN) and some XR applications have already been registered in EUDAMED classified as MDSW.

Conclusions

XR will become intrinsic in everyday medical protocol and guidelines. The establishment of the IEEE Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Working Group and the statement of VR for remoting surgery as a MDSW in MDCG 2019-11 are demonstration of the necessity of MD regulatory compliance in being able to keep up with the upcoming XR technologies. The Authors agree that the competent authorities should consider intervening in the European Regulative Compliance to cope with the revolution of Phygital in Healthcare and to regulate procedures involving the use of XR in medicine preventing future misunderstanding and criticalities especially for high risk situations.
Enhancement of alkaline saline soil-free bare substrates and specialist ecosystems, southern New Zealand
Authors: Rufaut Cathy , Pillai Dhana , Craw Dave
Published: September 2023

Specialist ecosystems have developed on small areas (< 1 ha) of alkaline (pH 7–10) soil-free disturbed substrates in semiarid areas of southern New Zealand, where rare endemic plants are being outcompeted by adventive species as soil develops. We have conducted a pilot study for soil and weed removal at seven sites to increasing habitat availability for the rare plants. Six sites are on impermeable clay-altered schist where evaporation of marine aerosols in rain has formed localised NaCl-rich encrustations. These bare substrates host endemic salt-tolerant plants (halophytes), especially where electrical conductivity (EC) exceeds 1 mS/cm and excludes most weeds. One site is on limestone and associated erosional residues, where endemic calciflora have evolved on substrates that have pH of 7–8 and variable EC. Soil and weeds were removed to a depth of ~ 0.5 m, and the study plots were monitored for changes in substrate salinity, pH and plant colonisation for up to 1.5 years. The most successful saline plot, an abandoned mining area, had initial halophyte colonisation after 4 months, and after a year, the halophytes had achieved > 50% substrate coverage. The other saline plots also had lesser halophyte colonisation and more weed incursion. Bare limestone talus that had weeds allowed successful calciphyte germination. Parts of the limestone site where weeds and soil were removed had no calciphyte colonisation but significant weed development after 6 months. Our results suggest that soil removal is a viable management option for enhancing ecosystems that require bare substrates, preferably with deeper (~ 1 m) excavation.
Social sentiment and impact in US equity market: an automated approach
Authors: Nuñez-Mora José Antonio , Mendoza-Urdiales Román A.
Published: September 2023

In this study, a database of approximately 50 million tweets was used for the estimation of the positive and negative sentiment factors for 2557 companies operating in US stock market. For each company, the sentiment factors were calculated through the mean equations on GARCH models of different orders. Our findings show that, for 503 companies the negative factor effect has a greater impact than the positive factor effect. The period analyzed was from October 2022 to January 2023, using hourly observations. Results provide evidence to support that there is an asymmetric effect from the factors traveling to the stock market and it takes at least an hour the signal to travel. The investors and regulatory agents can find useful the results given that news has been demonstrated a source of influence in the market. Therefore, news impact can be modeled into portfolio theory using GARCH which is easy to implement and to interpret. Given the exposure of prices and volatility to news, it can be considered that these findings provide evidence to support efficient market hypothesis. Modeling returns and volatility for the assets through GARCH family is a widely known tool. Including the news sentiment on social media is dually a novelty: the empirical demonstration of the effects of social comments on the stock performance and volatility, in addition to the use of a large data set of social network comments in an hourly frequency.
Are debt-for-nature swaps scalable: Which nature, how much debt, and who pays?
Authors: Nedopil Christoph , Yue Mengdi , Hughes Alice C.
Published: September 2023

With the ongoing sovereign debt and biodiversity crises in many emerging economies, applications of debt-for-nature swaps as a dual solution for sovereign debt and nature conservation have been re-emerging. We analyze how debt-for-nature swaps (DNS) can be scaled to protect biodiversity priority areas and reduce debt burden. We build a dataset for biodiversity conservation and debt restructuring in 67 countries at risk of sovereign debt distress and show that they hold over 22% of global biodiversity priority areas, 82.96% of which are unprotected. Furthermore, we show that for 35 of the 67 countries, using conservative cost estimates, 100% of unprotected biodiversity priority areas could be protected for a fraction of debt; for the remaining countries, applying DNS would allow the protection of 11–13% of currently unprotected biodiversity priority areas. By applying interdisciplinary research combining fundamental biodiversity and economic data and methods merging, the research contributes methodologically and practically to the understanding of debt-for-nature swaps for emerging economies.
Unbounded Hamiltonians generated by Parseval frames
Authors: Bagarello F. , Kużel S.
Published: September 2023

In Bagarello and Kużel (Acta Appl Math 171:4, 2021) Parseval frames were used to define bounded Hamiltonians, both in finite and in infinite dimesional Hilbert spaces. Here we continue this analysis, with a particular focus on the discrete spectrum of Hamiltonian operators constructed as a weighted infinite sum of rank one operators defined by some Parseval frame living in an infinite dimensional Hilbert space. The main difference with Bagarello and Kużel (Acta Appl Math 171:4, 2021) is that, here, the operators we consider are mostly unbounded. This is an useful upgrade with respect to our previous results, since physically meaningful Hamiltonians are indeed often unbounded. However, due to the fact that frames (in general) are not bases, the definition of an Hamiltonian is not so easy, and part of our results goes in this direction. Also, we analyze the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonians, and we discuss some physical applications of our framework.
Recent development in the application of walnut processing by-products (walnut shell and walnut husk)
Authors: Fordos Summaia , Abid Namrah , Gulzar Muhammad , Pasha Imran , Oz Fatih , Shahid Arashi , Khan Muhammad Kashif Iqbal , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Walnut is among the four most consumed dry fruits around the globe. Apart from the edible walnut kernel, walnut fruit consists of a walnut shell (WS) and walnut husk/hull (WH), usually discarded in walnut processing and consumption. These walnut by-products are filled with beneficial compounds that find their use in different fields. This review summarizes recent developments and research on functional aspects of walnut waste (shell and husk/hull) in various fields. WS has many important bioactive compounds, including lignin, cellulose, oleic, and palmitic acids. The creation of WS and carbon-based materials, such as activated carbons and unmodified/modified WS, as adsorbents have been explored. Possible uses for WS-derived by-products include all-natural but powerful adsorbents for eliminating hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, dangerous compounds, and synthetic industrial colors. Similarly, WH also has many beneficial compounds like juglone. WH has antioxidant properties and can be used as textile and protein strainers. These wastes are used in agriculture, laboratory, medical, and food industries, which can be employed as sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives.
Exploratory study of potential usefulness of cost-effective composites thin films for energy device
Authors: Hammi Maryama
Published: September 2023

In this study, we synthesized neat and loaded lead phosphate glass (PbO–P2O5) with the inclusion of Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn using an inexpensive sol–gel technique. These composites were then deposited on silica glass substrates. Our objective was to investigate the influence of these fillers on the properties of the glass. The concentrations of the fillers were varied from 0 to 16 wt%, and the resulting thin films were characterized by measuring the absorption coefficient and estimating the optical band gap at room temperature. Additionally, we measured the electrical resistivity of the semiconducting thin films as a function of filler concentrations and temperature. To assess the overall performance of the films, we calculated the figure of merit using the Iles and Soclof approach, considering the DC resistance versus free carrier concentration and absorption coefficient. Interestingly, our results revealed a significant improvement in the figure of merit at specific filler concentrations. The obtained results are comprehensive and provide detailed insights. They indicate that the thin films produced in this study have the potential to be useful in energy devices, particularly in applications involving P–N junctions and similar structures.
Handgrip strength asymmetry as a new biomarker for sarcopenia and individual sarcopenia signatures
Authors: Pratt Jedd , Pessanha Ludmilla , Narici Marco , Boreham Colin , De Vito Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Background

Although handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry has clinical screening utility, its relevance to sarcopenia is unknown. This study examined the relationship between HGS asymmetry and sarcopenia signatures, and explored the relevance of circulating neural/neuromuscular markers.

Methods

9403 individuals aged 18–92 years participated in this study. Maximal HGS and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined using hand dynamometry and DXA. Sarcopenia was diagnosed upon the presence of low HGS and low SMI, according to cohort-specific thresholds. Plasma biomarkers were measured by ELISA in a sub-group of 269 participants aged 50–83 years. Asymmetry was determined as the highest recorded HGS divided by the highest recorded HGS of the opposite hand. Individuals with a ratio > 1.10 were classified as having asymmetrical HGS.

Results

Subjects with asymmetrical HGS had significantly lower SMI (7.67 kg/m2 vs 7.71 kg/m2, p = 0.004) and lower HGS (37.82 kg vs 38.91 kg, p < 0.001) than those with symmetrical HGS. In those aged ≥ 50 years asymmetrical HGS was associated with 2.67 higher odds for sarcopenia [95% confidence interval: (CI) = 1.557–4.561, p < 0.001], 1.83 higher odds for low HGS only (CI 1.427–2.342, p < 0.001), and 1.79 higher odds for low SMI only (CI 1.257–2.554, p = 0.001). HGS asymmetry demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (AUC = 0.727, CI 0.658–0.796, p < 0.001). Plasma neural cell adhesion molecule concentrations were 19.6% higher in individuals with asymmetrical HGS (185.40 ng/mL vs 155.00 ng/mL, p < 0.001) than those with symmetrical HGS.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate the utility of HGS asymmetry as a screening tool that may complement existing strategies seeking to combat sarcopenia. Biomarker analyses suggest that heightened denervation may be an important aetiological factor underpinning HGS asymmetry.
Noneconomic Objectives, Global Value Chains and International Cooperation
Authors: Hoekman Bernard M. , Mavroidis Petros C. , Nelson Douglas R.
Published: September 2023

Systemic conflicts increasingly affect the global value chains (GVCs) underpinning globalization by creating policy uncertainty and politicizing trade and investment decisions. Unilateral policies to attain competitiveness and noneconomic objectives (NEOs), including national security, create incentives for international cooperation to attenuate policy spillovers. Recent initiatives seeking to do so are organized around supply chain governance and need not be anchored in trade agreements. Whether such cooperation is feasible and can be designed to be effective in realizing NEOs is unclear. Plurilateral GVC-centered cooperation offers a potential path for states to pursue NEOs and reduce policy uncertainty for international business. Research offers little guidance to policymakers on the design of such cooperation. A key open question is to determine whether explicit market access commitments are necessary to sustain cooperation. Creating mechanisms for the epistemic communities that are concerned with a specific NEO or policy area to interact with stakeholders and lead firms operating international production networks can help inform the design of cooperation to attain NEOs more efficiently.
The impact of power outages on households in Zambia
Authors: Ahmed Imaduddin , Parikh Priti , Munezero Parfait , Sianjase Graham , Coffman D’Maris
Published: September 2023

As global average temperatures rise, so does the frequency and intensity of El Niño-induced droughts, which in turn threaten the reliability of hydropower. 1.4 billion people live in countries where hydropower constitutes more than a quarter of the electricity production and which have experienced El Niño droughts, meaning many more power outages can be expected around the world. Little research has been conducted on the impact of power outages on mental health. This study takes Zambia as its case study to examine the impact that El Niño droughts have had on the lives of householders connected to a highly hydropower-dependant electricity grid, and includes the impact it has had on their physical and self-reported mental health. Using 54 online responses to a survey, we found that the greatest impacts of outages spoiled food, compromised entertainment, compromised ability to work and limitation in cooking options. More than a fifth of respondents reported experiencing self-reported depression to a major degree or all of the time due to power outages, with individuals writing their own responses that they felt debilitated, experienced reduced communication and reduced activities, and stress. Using Bayesian inference, we found that changes in sleeping patterns arising from power outages was a statistically significant predictor of self-reported depression. 63% of surveyed households were willing to pay approximately USD 0.10/kWh as of the end of 2019, about double the tariff that they did, to ensure reliable electricity supply. Household income was a statistically significant predictor of willingness to pay more.