bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy, Practice and Praxis: Computer-Aided Decision Support to Enable Policy-Making in Lifelong Learning
Authors: Clancy Sharon , Palmer Claire
Published: March 2023

This chapter considers the application of artificial intelligence to policy-making in lifelong learning, based on the Enliven project’s development of a prototype Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) focused on young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs). Providing a repository of information about existing projects (particularly aimed at benefitting groups disadvantaged in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture, etc.), the IDSS allows new initiatives to be based on knowledge of measures previously used and their success; and to be evaluated against suitable criteria. The chapter describes how the Enliven IDSS developed and reflects on issues involved in the collaborative, cross-disciplinary and inter-sectoral work involved. It also considers the limited nature of the information available and some constraints on computer-based responses to complex social problems.
Quality and safety assessment of food supplements containing caffeine and iodine
Authors: Galanty Agnieszka , Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Paździora Wojciech , Podolak Irma , Paśko Paweł
Published: March 2023

Caffeine-containing food supplements are often used as weight loss or memory enhancement support, which increases the potential risk for overdosing the compound. Whereas the presence of iodine-containing seaweed fucus in such products may result in thyroid disorders, when permanently overdosed. The study aimed to assess the content of caffeine and iodine in food supplements. Caffeine amount in tablets and capsules ranged from 91.8 to 138.9% of the declared content, and 2.6 ± 0.3 to 21.8 ± 2.8 mg/portion for the herbal blends with undeclared caffeine content. Iodine content ranged from 10.6 ± 0.4 to 52.5 ± 3.7 µg/portion of the products. Our results, although preliminary, suggest questionable usefulness of the tested preparations as weight loss support. Likewise, a simultaneous consumption of the recommended amounts with caffeine from other sources (e.g. coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.), is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
Effects of Phenanthrene Exposure on the B-esterases Activities of Octopus maya (Voss and Solís Ramírez, 1996) Embryos
Authors: Aguilar Letícia , Moreno-Ortiz Gissela , Caamal-Monsreal Claudia , Rosas Carlos , Noreña-Barroso Elsa , Gómez-Maldonado María Concepción , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela
Published: March 2023

No ecotoxicological information exists on phenanthrene (Phe) exposure in cephalopods, animals of commercial and ecological importance. This study investigated the effect of Phe on two B-esterases, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Carboxylesterases (CbE), in Octopus maya embryos. Octopus embryos were exposed to different treatments: control (seawater), solvent control (seawater and DMSO 0.01%), 10 and 100 µg/L of Phe. AChE and CbE activities were measured at different developmental stages (blastula, organogenesis, and growth). B-esterase activities increased in control and solvent control as the embryos developed, showing no statistically significant differences between them. On the other hand, the embryos exposed to Phe had significant differences from controls, and between the high and low concentrations. Our results indicate that B-esterases are sensitive biomarkers of exposure to Phe in O. maya. Still, complementary studies are needed to unravel the toxicodynamics of Phe and the implications of the found inhibitory effect in hatched organisms.
Realization of high discharge frequency in LC pulse generator for EDM by ignition using transistor circuit
Authors: Jiang Lin , Kunieda Masanori
Published: March 2023

Recent research has revealed that the LC pulse generator is able to generate higher rising speed discharge current pulses and high open voltage for EDM by utilizing electromotive force induced by an inductor. However, the discharge probability of LC generators is low because the duration of the open voltage pulse is significantly short in the order of several microseconds, although it usually takes several microseconds or longer for discharge to be ignited. In this paper, the discharge probability of the LC pulse generator was investigated, which was proved to be lower than 20% if the discharge frequency divided by the switching frequency of the LC generator is defined as the discharge probability of the LC generator. An excessively short delay time demonstrates that the gap will be short-circuited, resulting in decreased machining stability. Hence, this paper proposes a modified version of the LC generator, combining a high impedance transistor pulse generator with a conventional LC pulse generator. The high impedance transistor pulse generator is used to cause the ignition in the interelectrode gap, but not to supply energy to remove the workpiece. Triggered by the ignition, the LC pulse generator is activated to supply high discharge energies and unique discharge current shape. This modified LC pulse generator can produce a discharge frequency 2 to 3 times higher than the conventional LC pulse generator.
Basic and advanced spectrometric methods for complete nanoparticles characterization in bio/eco systems: current status and future prospects
Authors: Borowska Magdalena , Jankowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

The use of engineered nanoparticles in the environment and human life has increased in the last 20 years. The risk assessment concerning application of nanomaterials in biological systems requires their thorough characterization. Understanding the correlations between physicochemical properties of nanoparticles concerning not only the size, particle size distribution, number concentration, degree of aggregation, or agglomeration but also solubility, stability, binding affinity, surface activity, chemical composition, and nanoparticle synthesis yield allows their reliable characterization. Thus, to find the structure-function/property relationship of nanoparticles, multifaceted characterization approach based on more than one analytical technique is required. On the other hand, the increasing demand for identification and characterization of nanomaterials has contributed to the continuous development of spectrometric techniques which enables for their qualitative and quantitative analysis in complex matrices giving reproducible and reliable results. This review is aimed at providing a discussion concerning four main aspects of nanoparticle characterization: nanoparticle synthesis yield, particle size and number concentration, elemental and isotopic composition of nanoparticles, and their surface properties. The conventional and non-conventional spectrometric techniques such as spectrophotometry UV-Vis, mass spectrometric techniques working in conventional and single-particle mode, or those based on optical emission detection systems are described with special emphasis paid on their advantages and drawbacks. The application and recent advances of these methods are also comprehensively reviewed and critically discussed.

Graphical abstract
Biotechnological tools for reducing the use of sulfur dioxide in white grape must and preventing enzymatic browning: glutathione; inactivated dry yeasts rich in glutathione; and bioprotection with Metschnikowia pulcherrima
Authors: Giménez Pol , Just-Borras Arnau , Pons Pere , Gombau Jordi , Heras José M. , Sieczkowski Nathalie , Canals Joan Miquel , Zamora Fernando
Published: March 2023

Sulfur dioxide is the most used additive today for preventing browning in grape musts and wines. However, since wine consumers are increasingly interested in healthier wines, the wine industry is keen to reduce its use. Some promising alternatives to sulfur dioxide have been proposed in recent years, including glutathione, both pure and in the form of inactivated yeasts, and Metschnikowia pulcherrima used as a bioprotective agent. Some information exists about the protective effect against oxidation of glutathione but there is very few about the use of bioprotection for that purpose. Supplementation with glutathione, regardless of the commercial form, reduced oxygen consumption and browning intensity when laccase was not present in the grape juice. Metschnikowia pulcherrima also reduced browning intensity in the absence of laccase but increased the total oxygen consumption. However, in the presence of laccase, glutathione and Metschnikowia pulcherrima were not effective enough to adequately prevent the grape juice from browning. Glutathione, both pure and in the form of inactivated yeasts, and Metschnikowia pulcherrima are interesting tools for protecting grape must against browning, and thus reducing the use of sulfur dioxide.
On the Spectral Form Factor for Random Matrices
Authors: Cipolloni Giorgio , Erdős László , Schröder Dominik
Published: March 2023

In the physics literature the spectral form factor (SFF), the squared Fourier transform of the empirical eigenvalue density, is the most common tool to test universality for disordered quantum systems, yet previous mathematical results have been restricted only to two exactly solvable models (Forrester in J Stat Phys 183:33, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10955-021-02767-5, Commun Math Phys 387:215–235, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00220-021-04193-w). We rigorously prove the physics prediction on SFF up to an intermediate time scale for a large class of random matrices using a robust method, the multi-resolvent local laws. Beyond Wigner matrices we also consider the monoparametric ensemble and prove that universality of SFF can already be triggered by a single random parameter, supplementing the recently proven Wigner–Dyson universality (Cipolloni et al. in Probab Theory Relat Fields, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00440-022-01156-7) to larger spectral scales. Remarkably, extensive numerics indicates that our formulas correctly predict the SFF in the entire slope-dip-ramp regime, as customarily called in physics.
A novel and simple cardiac magnetic resonance score (PE2RT) predicts outcome in takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Isaak Alexander , Bratz Johanna , Kravchenko Dmitrij , Mesropyan Narine , Eckardt Irina , Bischoff Leon M. , Weinhold Leonie , Kuetting Daniel , Pieper Claus Christian , Attenberger Ulrike , Zimmer Sebastian , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To find simple imaging-based features on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) that are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

Methods

Patients with TTS referred for CMR between 2007 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Besides standard CMR analysis, commonly known complications of TTS based on expert knowledge were assessed and summarised via a newly developed PE2RT score (one point each for pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, right ventricular involvement, and ventricular thrombus). Clinical follow-up data was reviewed up to three years after discharge. The relationship between PE2RT features and the occurrence of MACE (cardiovascular death or new hospitalisation due to acute myocardial injury, arrhythmia, or chronic heart failure) was examined using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimator.

Results

Seventy-nine patients (mean age, 68 ± 14 years; 72 women) with TTS were included. CMR was performed in a median of 4 days (IQR, 2–6) after symptom onset. Over a median follow-up of 13.3 months (IQR, 0.4–36.0), MACE occurred in 14/79 (18%) patients: re-hospitalisation due to acute symptoms (9/79, 11%) or chronic heart failure symptoms (4/79, 5%), and cardiac death (1/79, 1%). Patients with MACE had a higher PE2RT score (median [IQR], 2 [2–3] vs 1 [0–1]; p < 0.001). PE2RT score was associated with MACE on Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio per PE2RT feature, 2.44; 95%CI: 1.62–3.68; p < 0.001). Two or more PE2RT complications were strongly associated with the occurrence of MACE (log-rank p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The introduced PE2RT complication score might enable an easy-to-assess outcome evaluation of TTS patients by CMR.

Key Points

• Complications like pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, right ventricular involvement, and ventricular thrombus (summarised as PE2RT features) are relatively common in takotsubo syndrome.

• The proposed PE2RT score (one point per complication) was associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events on follow-up.

• Complications easily detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can help clinicians derive long-term prognostic information on patients with takotsubo syndrome.
Optimal designs for prediction in random coefficient regression with one observation per individual
Authors: Prus Maryna
Published: March 2023

The subject of this work is random coefficient regression models with only one observation per observational unit (individual). An analytical solution in form of optimality conditions is proposed for optimal designs for the prediction of individual random effect for a group of selected individuals. The behavior of optimal designs is illustrated by the example of linear regression models.
Response of damaging Philippines tropical cyclones to a warming climate using the pseudo global warming approach
Authors: Delfino Rafaela Jane , Vidale Pier Luigi , Bagtasa Gerry , Hodges Kevin
Published: March 2023

The potential changes in the characteristics and damage potential of three of the most damaging tropical cyclone (TC) events (Haiyan 2013, Bopha 2012, Mangkhut 2018) in the Philippines have been simulated using the pseudo global warming (PGW) technique. Simulations were performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model at 5 km resolution with cumulus parameterization (5 kmCU) and 3 km without cumulus parameterization (3 kmNoCU), with PGW deltas derived from a selection of the CMIP6 models. We found that re-forecasting the three TCs under future warming leads to more intense TCs, with changes in maximum wind of 4%, 3%, and 14% for the 5 kmCU runs, and 14%, 4%, and 12% for the 3 kmNoCU runs of Typhoon Haiyan, Bopha, and Mangkhut, respectively. The changes in track, translation speed, and size are relatively small. The TC cases have a higher impact potential in the future, as expressed by the cyclone damage potential index, ranging from ~ 1% to up to 37% under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Based on the pre-industrial runs, climate change has had, so far, only a weak influence on TC intensity and not much influence on track, translation speed, and size. Simulations without convective parameterization show similar changes in the sign of the projected TC intensity response, but different signals of change in translation speed and size.
The Behavioural Dysfunction Questionnaire discriminates behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia from Alzheimer’s disease dementia and major depressive disorder
Authors: Semenkova Anna , Piguet Olivier , Johnen Andreas , Schroeter Matthias L. , Godulla Jannis , Linnemann Christoph , Mühlhauser Markus , Sauer Thomas , Baumgartner Markus , Anderl-Straub Sarah , Otto Markus , Felbecker Ansgar , Kressig Reto W. , Berres Manfred , Sollberger Marc
Published: March 2023

Background and objectives

Early-stage behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is often misdiagnosed, highlighting the need for new diagnostic instruments. Based on the revised diagnostic criteria for bvFTD, we developed the Behavioural Dysfunction Questionnaire (BDQ). In this explorative study, we aimed to determine the best scoring and analytical method for the BDQ to discriminate between bvFTD and non-bvFTD patients.

Materials and methods

34 patients with early-stage bvFTD, 56 with early-stage Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD) and 41 with major depressive disorder (MDD) were recruited. We calculated BDQ-items with or without inclusion of a time criterion: (a) without time criterion, (b) with 10 years’ time criterion (symptom presence less than 10 years), and (c) with 3 years’ time criterion (symptom presentation within the first 3 years). Using these three differently calculated items, we generated six variables, i.e. 3*2 [BDQ-Global Score (BDQ-GS; domains average score); BDQ-Global Domain Score (BDQ-GDS; domains categorical score)]. Then, we performed univariate and bivariate (BDQ-GS and BDQ-GDS combined) ROC analyses.

Results

Models including BDQ-GS, BDQ-GDS or both variables combined discriminated similarly between groups. In contrast, models without time criterion or with 10 years’ time criterion discriminated better than models including variables with 3 years’ time criterion. These models discriminated highly (AUC = 85.98–87.78) between bvFTD and MDD and bvFTD and ADD, respectively.

Conclusion

BDQ-scores without any time criterion discriminated highly between early-stage bvFTD and non-bvFTD groups, which could improve the early diagnosis of bvFTD. With its standardised procedure, the BDQ is also appropriate for repeated assessments.
State-of-health estimation of Lithium-ion battery based on back-propagation neural network with adaptive hidden layer
Authors: Chen Liping , Xu Changcheng , Bao Xinyuan , Lopes António , Li Penghua , Zhang Chaolong
Published: March 2023

The reliability and safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are key issues in battery applications. Accurate prediction of the state-of-health (SOH) of LIBs can reduce or even avoid battery-related accidents. In this paper, a new back-propagation neural network (BPNN) is proposed to predict the SOH of LIBs. The BPNN uses as input the LIB voltage, current and temperature, as well as the charging time, since it is strongly correlated with the SOH. The number of hidden layer nodes is adaptively set based on the training data in order to improve the generalization capability of the BPNN. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme is verified using four distinct battery datasets and different training data. Experimental results show that the new BPNN is able to accurately predict the SOH of LIBs, revealing superiority when compared to other alternatives.
Percolating contacts network and force chains during interface shear in granular media
Authors: Patino-Ramirez Fernando , O’Sullivan Catherine , Dini Daniele
Published: March 2023

The concept of force chains transmitting stress through granular materials is well established; however identification of individual force chains and the associated quantitative analysis is non-trivial. This paper proposes two algorithms to (1) find the network of percolating contacts that control the response of loaded granular media, and (2) decompose this network into the individual force chains that comprise it. The new framework is demonstrated considering data from discrete element method simulations of a ribbed interface moving against a granular sample. The subset of contacts in the material that transfers load across the sample, namely the percolating contact network ($$G_{perc}$$

G

perc

), is found using the maximum flow algorithm. The resulting network is fully-connected and its maximum flow value corresponds to the force percolating the system in the direction normal to the ribbed wall. $$G_{perc}$$

G

perc

re-orientates in response to the ribbed interface movement and transmits 85–$$95\%$$

95
%

of the stress, with only 40–$$65\%$$

65
%

of the contacts in the sample. Then, $$G_{perc}$$

G

perc

is split into individual force chains using a novel implementation of the widest path problem. Results show that denser materials with increased force-chain centrality promote a higher density of force chains, which results in a higher macro-scale strength during interface shearing. The contribution of force chains in the network is revealed to be highly centralized, composed by a small set of strong and long-lived force chains, plus a large set of weak and short-lived force chains.
Orchard meadows: consumer perception and communication of a traditional agroforestry system in Germany
Authors: Philipp Sophia M. , Zander Katrin
Published: March 2023

Europe has a large variety of historic cultural agroforestry systems which provide numerous ecosystem services. Traditional agroforestry landscapes are characterized by a high level of biodiversity, but they lack an economic basis due to considerable time and financial effort required for cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting. Orchard meadows (OM) are a typical example for agroforestry systems. They combine large fruit trees with undercropping or livestock raising. This study investigates consumer knowledge and preferences for OM products and the possibilities of improved communication to increase consumer demand. Focus groups were conducted with German consumers. The results demonstrate that consumers have a very positive perception of OM juice in terms of taste, local production, health, and environmental benefits. In order to increase the demand for OM juice, communication with consumers needs to be improved by highlighting these positive attributes.
“I Don’t Think That’s Something I’ve Ever Thought About Really Before”: A Thematic Discursive Analysis of Lay People’s Talk about Legal Gender
Authors: Peel Elizabeth , Newman Hannah J. H.
Published: March 2023

This article examines three divergent constructions about the salience of legal gender in lay people’s everyday lives and readiness to decertify gender. In our interviews (and survey data), generally participants minimised the importance of legal gender. The central argument in this article is that feminist socio-legal scholars applying legal consciousness studies to legal reform topics should find scrutinizing the construction of interview talk useful. We illustrate this argument by adapting and applying Ewick and Silbey’s (1998) ‘The Common Place of Law: Stories from Everyday Life', ‘before’, ‘with’ and ‘against’ typology to interview talk about legal gender, and critique their cognitivist approach by offering a constructionist alternative. In our analysis, we offer a detailed discursive explication of three key legal consciousness themes. These themes offer a balanced representation of a dataset problematically ‘skewed’ towards sex-based rights feminist perspectives, namely that ‘before’ legal gender is an anti-decertification account, decertification would be risky for natal females; a ‘with’ legal gender construction is neither for nor against decertification per se, though the impact of decertification is produced in accounts as limited and unimportant; and ‘against’ legal gender is a pro-decertification classification, as not abolished legal gender is constructed as harmful to already marginalised groups. In concluding, we explore the reasoning for the lack of readiness for decertification currently, and return to the value of examining the construction of lay discourse about legal matters as talk is a form of social action. We suggest that applying discursive analysis to themes in legal consciousness studies enables a refocusing on the how rather than purely the what of divergent legal consciousnesses, and that this approach is a fruitful addition to feminist socio-legal studies.
Gender-Based Violence Without a Legal Gender: Imagining Single-Sex Services in Conditions of Decertification
Authors: Renz Flora
Published: March 2023

This article considers what the implications of decertification would be for single-sex services such as domestic and sexual violence support. Some reform options attached to decertification could (re)allocate authority away from the state to organisations or individuals to determine gender criteria. What would the consequences of such re-allocation be in determining eligibility to receive or access services or excluding people on the basis of a characteristic protected under equality law? Engaging with this in the context of domestic and sexual violence support service provision raises a number of questions. Firstly, does the existence of gender-based violence and/or of the effects it produces require a stable category in order to address them? What benefits may emerge from providing single-sex spaces that could not be replicated in other settings? And finally, what criteria of exclusion and inclusion are currently used to determine access to spaces beyond legal gender status?
Crafting Prefigurative Law in Turbulent Times: Decertification, DIY Law Reform, and the Dilemmas of Feminist Prototyping
Authors: Cooper Davina
Published: March 2023

This article explores the challenge of developing a feminist law reform proposal to decertify sex and gender based on research conducted for the ‘Future of Legal Gender' project. Locating the proposal to decertify within a do-it-yourself, prefigurative approach to law reform, the article asks: Can a law reform proposal be both instrumental and radical? Can a proposal take shape as a viable legislative text and as a more subversive intervention to unsettle and reimagine gender’s relationship to law? This article explores this at two levels. First, it considers the ontological challenges of developing a controversial law reform proposal in terms of its realness (or fictiveness), contours, and temporality, turning to ‘slow law' as a credible way of approaching radical reform. Second, it explores the design-based challenges of legal prototyping—foregrounding questions of legitimacy, participation, and purpose, which arise in designing a decertification law. At the heart of this discussion is the relationship between representation and enactment—between what a proposal presents and what its presentation does and does not accomplish.
Functional epiphora: an under-reported entity
Authors: Usmani Eiman , Shapira Yinon , Selva Dinesh
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To determine the etiology of epiphora in a tertiary Australian lacrimal clinic and highlight the high proportion of ‘functional’ cases.

Methods

Single-center retrospective review: Records of adult patients presenting to a tertiary lacrimal clinic from January 2011 to February 2021 with epiphora were reviewed. Patients underwent testing with syringing/probing and lacrimal imaging to reach a diagnosis of functional epiphora. Functional epiphora was diagnosed based on the exclusion of alternate causes of epiphora on clinical examination, patent lacrimal syringing, normal dacryocystography, and delay on dacryoscintigraphy.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-six symptomatic eyes of 372 adult patients (mean 66.2 ± 15.5 years, 63.4% females) with epiphora were evaluated for causes. Post-sac obstruction (stenosis/complete obstruction) and functional epiphora (non-anatomical delay) were the most common causes of presentations to the lacrimal clinic (26% each). Functional epiphora with post-sac delay was substantially more common than functional epiphora with pre-sac delay (89% vs. 11% of functional epiphora cases). In 16% of the cases, no cause for the epiphora was found while more than one cause (multifactorial) was present 11% of the time.

Conclusion

Functional epiphora was found to be as common as a nasolacrimal anatomical obstruction when lacrimal imaging is utilized.
Otto Neurath’s Scientific Utopianism Revisited-A Refined Model for Utopias in Thought Experiments
Authors: Linsbichler Alexander , da Cunha Ivan Ferreira
Published: March 2023

Otto Neurath’s empiricist methodology of economics and his contributions to political economy have gained increasing attention in recent years. We connect this research with contemporary debates regarding the epistemological status of thought experiments by reconstructing Neurath’s utopias as linchpins of thought experiments. In our three reconstructed examples of different uses of utopias/dystopias in thought experiments we employ a reformulation of Häggqvist’s model for thought experiments and we argue that: (1) Our reformulation of Häggqvist’s model more adequately complies with many uses of thought experiments, especially with the open-ended discussions of utopias and dystopias in thought experiments. (2) As a strict logical empiricist, Neurath is committed to a strictly empiricist account of thought experiments. John Norton’s empiricist argument view can indeed account for the justifications of empirical beliefs and genuine discoveries targeted by scientific utopianism in three distinct (yet connected) ways, all of which Neurath already contemplated: (2.I) Dealing with utopias and thought experiments on a regular basis increases creativity and inventiveness. (2.II) Particular ways of presenting knowledge facilitate scientific discovery and social progress. (2.III) The use of utopias in thought experiments can prompt conceptual change and allow access to new phenomena. We conclude by highlighting that, even though thought experiments support a positive attitude for exploring new social possibilities, Neurath points out that active decisions are unavoidable. The exploration of alternatives and the awareness of a need for decisions in policy discussion avert a technocratic outlook in social science.
A molecular dynamics study of water confined in between two graphene sheets under compression
Authors: Tseng Ming-Lang , Adesiyan Ayomide , Gassoumi Abdelaziz , Gorji Nima E.
Published: March 2023

Several studies have demonstrated interest in creating surfaces with improved water interaction and adaptive properties because the behavior of water confined at the nanoscale plays a significant role in the synthesis of materials for technological applications. Remarkably, confinement at the nanoscale significantly modifies the characteristics of water. We determine the phase diagram of water contained by graphene stack sheets in slab form, at $$T = 300$$

T
=
300

K, and for a constant pressure using molecular dynamics simulations. We discover that, as shown in the simulation, water can exist in both the liquid and vapor phases depending on the confining geometry and compressibility ratio. We also pay attention to how stable the interacting liquid is in relation to the pressure of compression that is perpendicular to the graphene sheets. To build this system and analyze its surface interface properties, we also used analytical and electronic scale modeling approaches. The impact of nanoconfinement on internal pressure may be seen in water, and this can be used to create interfacial materials for the creation of environmentally friendly solar cell materials. Our research highlights the intricate, seemingly random behavior of nanoconfined water—behavior that is difficult for graphene to understand. The results obtained offer crucial direction for system design and configuration of materials at the graphene/water interface that can be utilized as a benchmark for other future designs.
A simplified protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cell suspension cultures of the model species Medicago truncatula A17
Authors: Ferreira Ana Clara , Rebelo Bárbara A. , Abranches Rita
Published: March 2023

This manuscript describes a unique protocol for the rapid transformation of Medicago truncatula A17 cell suspension cultures mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Medicago cells were collected on day 7 of the growth curve, which corresponded to the beginning of the exponential phase. They were then co-cultured with Agrobacterium for 3 days before being spread onto a petri dish with appropriate antibiotic selection. The Receptor Binding Domain of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was used as a model to develop this protocol. The presence of the transgene was assessed using PCR, and the integrity of the product was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western-blotting.
Timing Performance Benchmarking of Out-of-Distribution Detection Algorithms
Authors: Luan Siyu , Gu Zonghua , Saremi Amin , Freidovich Leonid , Jiang Lili , Wan Shaohua
Published: March 2023

In an open world with a long-tail distribution of input samples, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) may make unpredictable mistakes for Out-of-Distribution (OOD) inputs at test time, despite high levels of accuracy obtained during model training. OOD detection can be an effective runtime assurance mechanism for safe deployment of machine learning algorithms in safety–critical applications such as medical imaging and autonomous driving. A large number of OOD detection algorithms have been proposed in recent years, with a wide range of performance metrics in terms of accuracy and execution time. For real-time safety–critical applications, e.g., autonomous driving, timing performance is of great importance in addition to accuracy. We perform a comprehensive and systematic benchmark study of multiple OOD detection algorithms in terms of both accuracy and execution time on different hardware platforms, including a powerful workstation and a resource-constrained embedded device, equipped with both CPU and GPU. We also profile and analyze the internal details of each algorithm to identify the performance bottlenecks and potential for GPU acceleration. This paper aims to provide a useful reference for the practical deployment of OOD detection algorithms for real-time safety–critical applications.
Disentangling the practice of landscape approaches: a Q-method analysis on experiences in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes
Authors: Torralba Mario , Nishi Maiko , Cebrián-Piqueras Miguel A. , Quintas-Soriano Cristina , García-Martín María , Plieninger Tobias
Published: March 2023

Landscape approaches are gaining momentum in both scientific and policy agendas. However, landscape approaches comprise a multitude of concepts, approaches and principles, which are in part similar, in some parts different or even contradictory. In this paper, we used a Q-method questionnaire to explore how landscape approaches are understood and employed in 45 case studies of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes derived from the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI), as well as the motivations for employing them. Our analysis revealed that all landscape approaches pursued very similar goals, namely to ensure that local communities as landscape stewards have the capacity to preserve context-specific values in the face of socio-economic and environmental changes. The tools for reaching such goals are built upon people and nature feedback dynamics that crystalize in rich biodiversity and local ecological knowledge. However, our analysis also showed that the means to reach those goals differed depending on many contextual factors, such as the dominant ecosystems and socio-economic activities in the landscape, the constellation of actors or the most relevant drivers of change affecting the social–ecological system. In particular, we identified four distinct lenses in which landscapes approaches are applied in practice to landscape sustainability: (1) for the preservation of natural values, (2) for the preservation of socio-cultural values, (3) for the promotion of social justice and participatory governance, and (4) for securing food security and local livelihoods. Our results showed an association between the choice of a lens and the value types motivating the use of a landscape approach. Relational values were associated with a focus on landscape conservation and safeguard of social–ecological values. Our study highlights the relevant and beneficial role of landscape approaches as a boundary concept and emphasizes the need for transdisciplinary and participatory methods within landscape research and practice to navigate the context-specific options for implementation of landscape approaches.
Path dependence in an evolving system: a modeling perspective
Authors: Brenner Thomas , zu Jeddeloh Sonja
Published: March 2023

In recent years, path dependence has gained increasing scientific attention in many disciplines, leading to various new concepts and notations, such as path creation or path plasticity. However, if mathematical arguments are used, they are based on the early works by Brian W. Arthur and Paul A. David, usually referring to the mathematical concept of ergodicity. We extend their mathematical framework and develop a graphical representation of systems that allows for a metaphorical discussion of system behaviors beyond the original cases, especially in evolving systems, and the inclusion of the recently developed concepts within path dependence. Visualizations are used to explain the definition and characteristics of seven types of path dependence: lock-in, path-breaking, path-furrowing, path plasticity, path formation, path creation, and path selection. Although these visualizations are explained verbally and can be understood without a mathematical expertise, a mathematical model is used to generate them. The deduction of the metaphorical concept from a mathematical model guarantees the completeness of the identified processes and the rigor in their categorization as well as the identification of respective characteristics for their distinction. However, the aim of the paper is to provide an illustrative concept that allows researchers to classify and structure the various path-dependent processes they observe in their application. While five of the identified processes are in line with concepts from the literature and are defined accordingly, we also detect a sixth process that is new to the literature so far: path-furrowing. Moreover, slightly deviating from the literature, we define path selection as the possibility to choose a path intentionally, thereby focusing on the mindful choice of options.
Analysis of Network Models with Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions
Authors: Manninen Tiina , Aćimović Jugoslava , Linne Marja-Leena
Published: March 2023

Neural networks, composed of many neurons and governed by complex interactions between them, are a widely accepted formalism for modeling and exploring global dynamics and emergent properties in brain systems. In the past decades, experimental evidence of computationally relevant neuron-astrocyte interactions, as well as the astrocytic modulation of global neural dynamics, have accumulated. These findings motivated advances in computational glioscience and inspired several models integrating mechanisms of neuron-astrocyte interactions into the standard neural network formalism. These models were developed to study, for example, synchronization, information transfer, synaptic plasticity, and hyperexcitability, as well as classification tasks and hardware implementations. We here focus on network models of at least two neurons interacting bidirectionally with at least two astrocytes that include explicitly modeled astrocytic calcium dynamics. In this study, we analyze the evolution of these models and the biophysical, biochemical, cellular, and network mechanisms used to construct them. Based on our analysis, we propose how to systematically describe and categorize interaction schemes between cells in neuron-astrocyte networks. We additionally study the models in view of the existing experimental data and present future perspectives. Our analysis is an important first step towards understanding astrocytic contribution to brain functions. However, more advances are needed to collect comprehensive data about astrocyte morphology and physiology in vivo and to better integrate them in data-driven computational models. Broadening the discussion about theoretical approaches and expanding the computational tools is necessary to better understand astrocytes’ roles in brain functions.
Business Strategy as Human Rights Risk: the Case of Private Equity
Authors: Birchall David , Bernaz Nadia
Published: March 2023

In this article, we apply the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the private equity (PE) business model. PE firms often adopt a controversial, ‘value extractive’, business model based on high debt and extreme cost-cutting to generate investor returns. PE firms own large numbers of companies, including in many rights-related sectors. The model is linked to increased human rights risks to workers, housing tenants, and in privatized health and social care. We map these risks and analyse the human rights responsibilities of PE firms. Our analysis has major implications for understandings of human rights responsibility. We argue that value extractive methods are the root cause of eventual harm to human rights, even though they may not harm rights directly. To respect human rights, PE firms must mitigate the risks of these value extractive methods. We define how human rights due diligence (HRDD) could achieve this and argue that given the extent of harm and the lack of a business case for adopting such a view of human rights responsibility, business strategy level HRDD should be a core component of forthcoming HRDD laws.
Maximal Operator, Cotlar’s Inequality and Pointwise Convergence for Singular Integral Operators in Dunkl Setting
Authors: Tan Chaoqiang , Han Yongsheng , Li Ji
Published: March 2023

We establish the maximal operator, Cotlar’s inequality and pointwise convergence in the Dunkl setting for the (nonconvolution type) Dunkl–Calderón–Zygmund operators introduced recently in Tan et al. (https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.01886). The fundamental geometry of the Dunkl setting involves two nonequivalent metrics: the Euclidean metric and the Dunkl metric deduced by finite reflection groups, and hence the classical methods do not apply directly. The key idea is to introduce truncated singular integrals and the maximal singular integrals by the Dunkl metric and the Euclidean metric. We show that these two kind of truncated singular integrals are dominated by the Hardy–Littlewood maximal function, which yields the Cotlar’s inequalities and hence the boundedness of maximal Dunkl–Calderón–Zygmund operators. Further, as applications, two equivalent pointwise convergences for Dunkl–Calderón–Zygmund operators are obtained.
Regulation of NOX/p38 MAPK/PPARα pathways and miR-155 expression by boswellic acids reduces hepatic injury in experimentally-induced alcoholic liver disease mouse model: novel mechanistic insight
Authors: Salama Rania M. , Abbas Samah S. , Darwish Samar F. , Sallam Al Aliaa , Elmongy Noura F. , El Wakeel Sara A.
Published: March 2023

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) refers to hepatic ailments induced by excessive alcohol intake. The pathogenesis of ALD comprises a complex interplay between various mechanistic pathways, among which inflammation and oxidative stress are key players. Boswellic acids (BAs), found in Boswellia serrata, have shown hepatoprotective effects owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, nevertheless, their therapeutic potential against ALD has not been previously investigated. Hence, this study was performed to depict the possible protective effect of BAs and detect their underlying mechanism of action in an experimentally-induced ALD mouse model. Male BALB/c mice were equally categorized into six groups: control, BAs-treated, ALD, and ALD that received BAs at three-dose levels (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 14 days. Results showed that the high dose of BAs had the most protective impact against ALD according to histopathology examination, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and liver function enzymes. Mechanistic investigations revealed that BAs (500 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1), nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) 1/2/4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) levels, and the expression of miR-155, yet increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) levels. This led to an improvement in lipid profile and reduced hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis indices. In summary, our study concludes that BAs can protect against ethanol-induced hepatic injury, via modulating NOX/p38 MAPK/PPARα pathways and miR-155 expression.
Specialized palliative care for hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an analysis of the LEOSS registry
Authors: Schmidt-Hellerau Kirsten , Raichle Claudia , Ruethrich Maria M. , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Lanznaster Julia , Nunes de Miranda Susana M. , Bausewein Claudia , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Koll Carolin E. M. , Simon Steffen T. , Hellwig Kerstin , Jensen Björn-Erik O. , Jung Norma ,   LEOSS Study Group, Jensen Björn-Erik O. , Ruethrich Maria Madeleine , Lanznaster Julia , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Hellwig Kerstin , Spinner Christoph , Hanses Frank , Hohmann Christian , Westhoff Timm , Borgmann Stefan , Wille Kai , Rupp Jan , vom Dahl Juergen , Degenhardt Christian , Hower Martin , Roemmele Christoph , Isberner Nora , Eberwein Lukas , Rothfuss Katja , Voigt Ingo , Ruethrich Maria Madeleine , Walter Lorenz , Markart Philipp , Trauth Janina , Deniz Secil , Jung Norma , Beutel Gernot , Milovanovic Milena , Akova Murat , Göpel Siri , Raichle Claudia , Roeseler Stefani , Wojtecki Lars , Neufang Mark , Schubert Joerg
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Symptom control for patients who were severely ill or dying from COVID-19 was paramount while resources were strained and infection control measures were in place. We aimed to describe the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients who received specialized palliative care (SPC) and the type of SPC provided in a larger cohort.

Methods

From the multi-centre cohort study Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (LEOSS), data of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection documented between July 2020 and October 2021 were analysed.

Results

273/7292 patients (3.7%) received SPC. Those receiving SPC were older and suffered more often from comorbidities, but 59% presented with an estimated life expectancy > 1 year. Main symptoms were dyspnoea, delirium, and excessive tiredness. 224/273 patients (82%) died during the hospital stay compared to 789/7019 (11%) without SPC. Symptom control was provided most common (223/273; 95%), followed by family and psychological support (50% resp. 43%). Personal contact with friends or relatives before or during the dying phase was more often documented in patients receiving SPC compared to patients without SPC (52% vs. 30%).

Conclusion

In 3.7% of SARS-CoV-2 infected hospitalized patients, the burden of the acute infection triggered palliative care involvement. Besides complex symptom management, SPC professionals also focused on psychosocial and family issues and aimed to enable personal contacts of dying patients with their family. The data underpin the need for further involvement of SPC in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients but also in other severe chronic infectious diseases.
Football Player Injury Full-Cycle Management and Monitoring System Based on Blockchain and Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Pu Chunwang , Zhou Jun , Sun Jian , Zhang Jianpeng
Published: March 2023

Football injuries are the most common factor affecting a football player's performance, and the last thing a football player wants. To understand the causes of football players’ injuries and how to recover sports injuries most efficiently, the football players’ injuries were managed and monitored throughout the whole cycle. However, the traditional football player injury cycle management and monitoring system are not only insecure in data storage, but more importantly, it lacks intelligent analysis of the collected data. With the continuous development of blockchain and machine learning technologies, blockchain technology is used to collect, store, clean, mine and visualize the full-cycle data of football players' injuries, and machine learning is used to provide intelligent solutions for football players' injury recovery. This paper compared the football player's injury full-cycle management and monitoring system based on blockchain and machine learning algorithm with the traditional football player's injury management and monitoring system. The experimental results showed that the average self-processing capacity of the football player injury MMS based on blockchain and ML algorithm was 70%, while the average self-processing capacity of the traditional football player injury management and monitoring system was 50%. Therefore, the application of blockchain and machine learning algorithm in the football player’s injury full-cycle management and monitoring system can effectively improve the system’s self-processing ability.