bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Technologies for Networked Virtual Environments
Authors: González Salinas Juan , Boronat Seguí Fernando , Sapena Piera Almanzor , Pastor Castillo Francisco Javier
Published: April 2023

Thanks to the improvements experienced in technology during the last few years, most especially in virtual reality systems, the number and potential of networked virtual environments or NVEs and their users have been increasing. NVEs aim to give distributed users a feeling of immersion in a virtual world and the possibility of interacting with other users or with virtual objects inside it, just like when they interact in the real world. Being able to provide that feeling and natural interactions when the users are geographically separated is one of the goals of these systems. Nevertheless, this goal is especially sensitive to different issues, such as different connections with heterogeneous throughput or particular network latencies, which can lead to consistency and synchronization problems and, thus, to a worsening of the users’ quality of experience or QoE. With the purpose of solving these issues, researchers have proposed and evaluated numerous technical solutions, in fields like network architectures, data distribution and filtering, resource balancing, computing models, predictive modeling and synchronization in NVEs. This paper gathers and classifies them, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages, using a new way of classification. With the current increase in the number of NVEs and the multiple solutions proposed so far, this paper aims to become a useful tool and a starting point not only for future researchers in this field but also for those who are new to NVEs development, in which guaranteeing a good users’ QoE is essential.
OCDMA transmission-based underwater wireless optical communication system: performance analysis
Authors: El-Mottaleb Somia A. Abd , Singh Mehtab , Atieh Ahmad , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces a novel underwater (UW) optical communication system that utilizes optical code division multiple access transmission technique using the permutation vector code. Three scenarios of water are considered, pure sea (PS), clear ocean (CL), and coastal ocean (CO). The performance is evaluated analytically in terms of bit error rate (BER), received power, signal to noise ratio for different UW links and data rates. The results show that the shortest UW range is achieved in the case of CO, achieving the highest extinction ratio compared to CL and PS. Considering a BER below the forward error correction (FEC) limit of 3 × $${10}^{-3}$$

10

-
3

, the maximum UW ranges reached are 21 m for PS, 12 m for CL, and 8 m for CO at 3 Gbps with 20 dBm transmitted power. The propagation range could be increased when the transmitted power is increased to 25 dBm, achieving the ranges of 31 m, 18 m, and 9 m, for PS, CL, and CO, respectively.
Spectral behavior of high-power distributed feedback lasers
Authors: Reggentin Matthias , Koester Jan-Philipp , Wenzel Hans , Knigge Andrea
Published: April 2023

The mode hopping behavior of high-power distributed feedback lasers emitting near $$780\,\hbox {nm}$$

780

nm

is studied. The lasers have highly reflective rear and anti-reflection coated front facets. The influence of the phase of the grating at the rear facet is investigated by means of numerical simulations in the time domain taking into account spatial hole burning and self-heating effects. The simulation results are in agreement with experimental findings.
Detachment of a Rigid Flat Punch from a Viscoelastic Material
Authors: Papangelo Antonio , Ciavarella Michele
Published: April 2023

We show that the detachment of a flat punch from a viscoelastic substrate has a relatively simple behaviour, framed between the Kendall’s elastic solution at the relaxed modulus and at the instantaneous modulus, and the cohesive strength limit. We find hardly any dependence of the pull-off force on the details of the loading process, including maximum indentation at preload and loading rate, resulting much simpler than the case of a spherical punch. Pull-off force peaks at the highest speeds of unloading, when energy dissipation is negligible, which seems to be in contrast with what suggested by the theories originated by de Gennes of viscoelastic semi-infinite crack propagation which associated enhanced work of adhesion to dissipation.

Graphical abstract
Anxiety and depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients: prevalence and their effects on health-related quality of life
Authors: Nagy Eman , Tharwat Samar , Elsayed Abdelrahman Mohamed , Shabaka Shimaa Abd El-Galeel , Nassar Mohammed Kamal
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aims of the study are to explore the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to study their relationship with quality of life (QOL).

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 298 HD patients. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were obtained from their records. Anxiety and depression were assessed by utilizing Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, QOL of the patients were evaluated by fulfilling the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36.

Results

This study included 298 HD patients (male 59.1%) with a median age of 49 years. Abnormal and borderline cases of anxiety were recognized in 49.6%, 26.2% of the patients, respectively, while depression cases and borderline cases were identified in 55 and 28.2% of the patients, respectively. Percentages of females (41 and 48% vs 26.4%, respectively), and patients who were not working (92.3 and 93.9% vs 72.2%, respectively) increased significantly in borderline and abnormal anxiety groups. Patients who did not work, led an inactive lifestyle, and smoked had considerably greater percentages in the borderline and abnormal HADS-depression categories than normal patients. Abnormal cases of depression and anxiety had significantly longer duration of HD than other two groups. Abnormal and borderline cases of anxiety and depression had worse QOL components than the normal patients.

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression are prevalent among HD patients in Egypt, and several sociodemographic and clinical risk factors are associated. In addition, these mental disorders are associated with poor QOL.
The number of valvular insufficiency is a strong predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wei Honglan , Liu Shufang , Tian Ming , Shang Weifeng , Li Hua , Wu Yang , Dong Junwu
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between the number of valvular insufficiency (VI) and emergency hospitalization or mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

The maintenance HD patients with cardiac ultrasonography were included. According to the number of VI ≥ 2 or not, the patients were divided into two groups. The difference of emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality between the two groups were compared.

Results

Among 217 maintenance HD patients, 81.57% had VI. 121 (55.76%) patients had two or more VI, and 96 (44.24%) with one VI or not. The study subjects were followed up for a median of 47 (3–107) months. At the end of the follow up, 95 patients died (43.78%), of whom 47 (21.66%) patients died because of cardiovascular disease. Age (HR 1.033, 95% CI 1.007–1.061, P = 0.013), number of VI ≥ 2 (HR 2.035, 95% CI 1.083–3.821, P = 0.027) and albumin (HR 0.935, 95% CI 0.881–0.992, P = 0.027) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. The three parameters were also independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. The patients with number of VI ≥ 2 were more likely to be emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure (56 [46.28%] vs 11 [11.46%], P = 0.001). On the contrary, the number of VI was not associated with emergency hospitalized for arrhythmia, ACS or stroke. Survival analysis results showed that probability of survival was statistically different in the two groups (P < 0.05), no matter based on cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality. Based on age, number of VI ≥ 2 and albumin, nomogram models for 5-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were built.

Conclusions

In maintenance HD patients, the prevalence of VI is prominently high. The number of VI ≥ 2 is associated with emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Combining age, number of VI ≥ 2, and albumin can predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
The Potential of Moringa oleifera Seed in Water Coagulation-Flocculation Technique to Reduce Water Turbidity
Authors: Rasheed Farouk Abdullah , Alkaradaghi Karwan , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: April 2023

Using a safe and easy-to-apply economic flocculant to replace alum is necessary to expand and enhance the water quality in rural regions where traditional water treatment is unavailable. The seed of Moringa oleifera is locally available in large volumes and is feasibly economical. A compatibility and applicability research of the easily accessible local Moringa oleifera seed extract (MOSE) was conducted to examine its potential utilization to lessen various degrees of water turbidity at 30 ± 2 °C. The study concerns the optimum dosage of MOSE to give high turbidity removal efficiency in the water. Experiments were carried out for nine turbidity samples: 5, 10, 15, 30, 50, 70, 100, 200, and 300 NTU. The turbidity removal efficiency of up to 89% was achieved for high initial turbid water 300 NTU. However, for low turbid water, its potential efficiency declined. The results demonstrate that the de-oiled extract is substantially more efficient than the crude extract in agglomerating colloidal particles of low initial turbidity samples and achieved up to 76% removal rate. The results of the ANOVA confirmed that the regression model was significant at (p < 0.05) for residual turbidity after the treatment process. The study also demonstrates that a pseudo-first-order kinetic model matched well the nature of the removal of colloidal particles with MOSE in water to form flocs. The study also indicates that the characteristics of water treated with crude MOSE produce little change in electrical conductivity and salinity. However, the hardness and alkalinity of water decreased significantly depending on the initial hardness and the amount of MOSE applied (p < 0.05).
Automated and data-driven plate computation for presurgical cleft lip and palate treatment
Authors: Schnabel Till N. , Gözcü Baran , Gotardo Paulo , Lingens Lasse , Dorda Daniel , Vetterli Frawa , Emhemmed Ashraf , Nalabothu Prasad , Lill Yoriko , Benitez Benito K. , Mueller Andreas A. , Gross Markus , Solenthaler Barbara
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Presurgical orthopedic plates are widely used for the treatment of cleft lip and palate, which is the most common craniofacial birth defect. For the traditional plate fabrication, an impression is taken under airway-endangering conditions, which recent digital alternatives overcome via intraoral scanners. However, these alternatives demand proficiency in 3D modeling software in addition to the generally required clinical knowledge of plate design.

Methods

We address these limitations with a data-driven and fully automated digital pipeline, endowed with a graphical user interface. The pipeline adopts a deep learning model to landmark raw intraoral scans of arbitrary mesh topology and orientation, which guides the nonrigid surface registration subsequently employed to segment the scans. The plates that are individually fit to these segmented scans are 3D-printable and offer optional customization.

Results

With the distance to the alveolar ridges closely centered around the targeted 0.1 mm, our pipeline computes tightly fitting plates in less than 3 min. The plates were approved in 12 out of 12 cases by two cleft care professionals in a printed-model-based evaluation. Moreover, since the pipeline was implemented in clinical routine in two hospitals, 19 patients have been undergoing treatment utilizing our automated designs.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that our automated pipeline meets the high precision requirements of the medical setting employed in cleft lip and palate care while substantially reducing the design time and required clinical expertise, which could facilitate access to this presurgical treatment, especially in low-income countries.
Embedding animals within a definition of sustainability
Authors: Drury Matt , Fuller Janet , Hoeks John
Published: April 2023

Current definitions of sustainability and sustainable development are problematic. They reinforce the dominant capitalist paradigm of economic growth as a goal—a system which has contributed in no uncertain terms to the current state of the planet—and they exclude animals as moral entities. We propose that sustainability is primarily an ethical issue which connects people, the planet on which we live, and the animals and other organisms which inhabit it. Our definition of sustainability states that in all decisions and actions on any scale, from the individual to the institutional, we should minimise our immediate and future negative impact on humans, other animals, and the planet, while simultaneously maximising our positive impacts on these domains. We take an interdisciplinary approach in discussing trade-offs between these three broad interests, providing a rationale for adopting this more inclusive definition at every level of society. Our definition calls for a normative shift in discussions around sustainability, one of which is more inclusive of the animals and other organisms with which we share the planet. We believe that the paper forms a strong and coherent foundation for policy and communication about sustainability going forward.
From landslide characterization to nature reserve management: The “Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina” landslide Geosite (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Tronti Gianluca , Vergari Francesca , Bollati Irene Maria , Belisario Filippo , Del Monte Maurizio , Pelfini Manuela , Fredi Paola
Published: April 2023

Italy is characterized by widespread geomorphological instability, among which landslides leave impressive marks on the landscape. Nevertheless, landslide bodies may represent key sites for thematic and educational itineraries, especially in protected areas, where their management becomes an important issue. Our study focuses on the “Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve” (Central Apennines, Italy), where iconic landslides are present. Here, the “Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina” landslide (SGTA) is listed in the regional Geosite database. This work aims to propose a multiscale procedure for landslide analysis, in terms of both hazard sources but also educational and geoheritage enhancement opportunities in natural reserves. After performing a Landslide Susceptibility conditional Analysis (LSA) for the reserve territory, attention was focused on the SGTA, to define properly its features and morphodynamics. A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted, by applying both remote sensing (UAV structure from motion, Photointerpretation) and field survey (geomorphological and GPS monitoring). From the LSA, based on drainage density, curvature, and slope triggering factors, the road and trail susceptibility maps were derived, as base tools for future risk assessments and trail paths management within the reserve. At the SGTA scale, the monitoring showed a displacement of up to 23 m during the time interval between 2015 and 2018. The landslide dynamics seem to be driven by alternating dry and extremely wet periods; moreover, leaks from the aqueduct in the detachment area and piping effects through clays may have also decreased the substrate cohesion. The SGTA complex influence on the Paglia River valley geometry was also hypothesized, underlining the action of landslide through different spatial scales (on-site and off-site) and on different environment features (sediment connectivity, hydrology). Finally, the SGTA appears highly representative of the geomorphic dynamics within the Nature Reserve (i.e., scientific value) and it could be classified as an active geosite. Since the site was featured by a tourist trail, adequate management strategies must be adopted, considering the educational value and safety issues.
Offline Pre-trained Multi-agent Decision Transformer
Authors: Meng Linghui , Wen Muning , Le Chenyang , Li Xiyun , Xing Dengpeng , Zhang Weinan , Wen Ying , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Jun , Yang Yaodong , Xu Bo
Published: April 2023

Offline reinforcement learning leverages previously collected offline datasets to learn optimal policies with no necessity to access the real environment. Such a paradigm is also desirable for multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) tasks, given the combinatorially increased interactions among agents and with the environment. However, in MARL, the paradigm of offline pre-training with online fine-tuning has not been studied, nor even datasets or benchmarks for offline MARL research are available. In this paper, we facilitate the research by providing large-scale datasets and using them to examine the usage of the decision transformer in the context of MARL. We investigate the generalization of MARL offline pre-training in the following three aspects: 1) between single agents and multiple agents, 2) from offline pretraining to online fine tuning, and 3) to that of multiple downstream tasks with few-shot and zero-shot capabilities. We start by introducing the first offline MARL dataset with diverse quality levels based on the StarCraftII environment, and then propose the novel architecture of multi-agent decision transformer (MADT) for effective offline learning. MADT leverages the transformer’s modelling ability for sequence modelling and integrates it seamlessly with both offline and online MARL tasks. A significant benefit of MADT is that it learns generalizable policies that can transfer between different types of agents under different task scenarios. On the StarCraft II offline dataset, MADT outperforms the state-of-the-art offline reinforcement learning (RL) baselines, including BCQ and CQL. When applied to online tasks, the pre-trained MADT significantly improves sample efficiency and enjoys strong performance in both few-short and zero-shot cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that studies and demonstrates the effectiveness of offline pre-trained models in terms of sample efficiency and generalizability enhancements for MARL.
The Latest Option: Nivolumab and Relatlimab in Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Albrecht Lea Jessica , Livingstone Elisabeth , Zimmer Lisa , Schadendorf Dirk
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

Dual immune checkpoint inhibition with ipilimumab plus nivolumab is currently the most effective, but also by far the most toxic treatment for advanced melanoma. Therefore, other combination partners that also lead to high and long-lasting responses but cause fewer adverse events were explored.

Recent Findings

Relatlimab, a LAG-3 blocking antibody, was investigated in combination with nivolumab in a phase 2/3 randomized double-blind trial (RELATIVITY-047) and could demonstrate significantly improved progression-free survival in treatment-naive advanced melanoma patients compared with nivolumab monotherapy. While the safety profile is more favorable than that of ipilimumab plus nivolumab, no significant survival benefit has yet been demonstrated with the new combination over nivolumab monotherapy.

The approval of relatlimab plus nivolumab by both the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency expands the arsenal of treatment options for melanoma but raises new questions in clinical practice and a re-evaluation of currently established treatment standards and sequences.
Flavour Stability of a Cold-Stored Unpasteurized Low-Alcohol Beer Produced by Saccharomycodes ludwigii
Authors: Sileoni Valeria , Maranghi Stefano , De Francesco Giovanni , Perretti Giuseppe , Marconi Ombretta
Published: April 2023

Low-alcohol beer (LAB) is a growing part of the brewing industry in terms of market volumes and consumer interest. Universities and research centres are making efforts to improve organoleptic profile and flavour stability of the product. One of the main limitations of such products is the stability. These beers must be severely filtered and pasteurized, causing a significant loss of quality in terms of flavour. Herein, flavour stability of an unpasteurized and unfiltered LAB was checked during 120 days of cold storage (4 ± 1 °C). The results showed that the beer remained stable for 120 days for many observed parameters. The alcohol content increased from 0.5 to 0.7% v/v. The beer without oxygen was more stable than that filled with oxygen in the headspace. The results confirmed the possibility to produce an unpasteurized craft LAB by Saccharomycodes ludwigii by the cold chain.

Graphical Abstract
Gut microbiota regulates circadian oscillation in hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced cognitive impairment by interfering with hippocampal lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: He Zhigang , Liu Yanbo , Li Zhen , Sun Tianning , Li Zhixiao , Manyande Anne , Xiang Hongbing , Xiong Jun
Published: April 2023

Background

Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a common complication of liver surgery, which can lead to extrahepatic metabolic disorders, such as cognitive impairment. Recent observations have emphasized the critical effects of gut microbial metabolites in regulating the development of liver injury. Herein, we investigated the potential contribution of gut microbiota to HIRI-related cognitive impairment.

Methods

HIRI murine models were established by ischemia–reperfusion surgery in the morning (ZT0, 08:00) and evening (ZT12, 20:00), respectively. Antibiotic-induced pseudo-germ-free mice were gavaged with fecal bacteria of the HIRI models. Behavioral test was used to assess cognitive function. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics were used for microbial and hippocampal analysis.

Results

Our results established that cognitive impairment caused by HIRI underwent diurnal oscillations; HIRI mice performed poorly on the Y-maze test and the novel object preference test when surgery occurred in the evening compared with the morning. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the ZT12-HIRI was demonstrated to induce cognitive impairment behavior. The specific composition and metabolites of gut microbiota were analyzed between the ZT0-HIRI and ZT12-HIRI, and bioinformatic analysis showed that the differential fecal metabolites were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism pathways. After FMT, the hippocampal lipid metabolome between the P-ZT0-HIRI and P-ZT12-HIRI groups was analyzed to reveal a series of lipid molecules with significant differences.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that gut microbiota are involved in circadian differences of HIRI-related cognitive impairment by affecting hippocampal lipid metabolism.

Graphical abstract
Increased adolescent game usage and health-related risk behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Lee Chan Sol , Kang Seung-Woo
Published: April 2023

This study examines adolescent game usage and corresponding health-related risk behaviors during a period of limited social interaction and activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 225 middle- and 225 high-school students in Seoul who completed a survey online from October 1 to 30, 2021. The study measured participants’ game usage level and the health-related risk behavior index. Findings showed that participants who engaged in excessive gaming showed higher levels of health-related risk behaviors. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare the health-related risk behaviors of students in the general, potential, and high-risk groups on excessive gaming. Results indicated that female students in the high-risk group showed higher stress levels and fatigue (f = 5.549, p < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.016) than the males of the same group. However, male students showed higher physical inactivity levels (f = 3.195, p > .05, Cohen’s d = 0.009) than females. The post hoc test indicated clear sex distinctions among the general, potential, and high-risk groups on excessive gaming (p < .001). Among the high-risk game usage group, female students displayed a higher level of risk behaviors than males. Adolescent gaming addiction should be considered an emotional and behavioral disorder for which parental guidance and support are needed, and counseling experts and professionals must come together to provide a cure and reform program.
Real-time monitoring of solar energetic particles outside the ISS with the AMS-02 instrument
Authors: Faldi Francesco , Bertucci Bruna , Tomassetti Nicola , Vagelli Valerio
Published: April 2023

Space human activities in the International Space Station (ISS) are always ongoing. The atmosphere and geomagnetic field in this environment only offer partial protection from radiation. Considering the whole energetic spectrum of cosmic rays (CR), the highest energy particles are the most dangerous, but the rarest: on the other hand, sporadic solar emissions of plasma, in the low end of the energetic spectrum, inject an intense and dangerous flux of charged particles called Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) in the Sun-Earth environment. The experiment Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) operates on the ISS since 2011, performing precision measurements of cosmic ray composition and flux. In this study we aim to verify if the low latency information provided by AMS-02 could be used to perform SEP and solar activity real-time monitoring in the ISS external environment. An algorithm has been developed to identify sudden increases in the AMS-02 trigger rate with respect to the quiet conditions, demonstrating the potency of AMS-02 low-latency data for this real-time application.
Adjuvant olaparib in the subset of patients from Japan with BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutated high-risk early breast cancer from the phase 3 OlympiA trial
Authors: Yamauchi Hideko , Toi Masakazu , Takayama Shin , Nakamura Seigo , Takano Toshimi , Cui Karen , Campbell Christine , De Vos Liesbet , Geyer Charles , Tutt Andrew
Published: April 2023

Background

The efficacy and safety of olaparib compared with placebo in the subset of patients from Japan in the phase 3 OlympiA trial (NCT02032823) are reported here and contextualized with reference to the global OlympiA population.

Methods

Patients with germline BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 pathogenic variants and HER2-negative, high-risk early breast cancer who had received neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and completed local treatment were eligible. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive olaparib or placebo for 1 year. Primary endpoint: invasive disease-free survival (IDFS). Secondary endpoints: distant disease-free survival (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Data are reported from the first pre-specified interim analysis (data cut-off [DCO] March 27, 2020) and the second, event driven, pre-specified interim analysis of OS (DCO July 12, 2021) in patients from Japan.

Results

140 patients were randomized in Japan (olaparib, n = 64; placebo, n = 76). At the first pre-specified interim analysis (median follow-up: 2.9 years), hazard ratios (HRs) for adjuvant olaparib compared with placebo were 0.5 for IDFS (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–1.24) and 0.41 for DDFS (95% CI 0.11–1.16). At the second pre-specified interim analysis of OS, three deaths occurred in the olaparib group versus six deaths in the placebo group (HR, 0.62 [95% CI 0.13–2.36]). Findings were consistent with those for the global population. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusions

While this analysis in a Japanese subset of patients was not powered to detect population-related treatment differences, efficacy and safety analysis results were consistent with the global OlympiA population, suggesting the findings from the global study are generalizable to clinical practice in Japan.
Is sibship composition a risk factor for childhood asthma? Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lisik Daniil , Ermis Saliha Selin Özuygur , Ioannidou Athina , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Nyassi Sungkutu , Spolidoro Giulia Carla Immacolata , Kankaanranta Hannu , Goksör Emma , Wennergren Göran , Nwaru Bright Ibeabughichi
Published: April 2023

Background

Following the “hygiene hypothesis”, the role of sibship composition in asthma and wheezing has been extensively studied, but the findings are inconsistent. For the first time, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidences from studies investigating the association of sibship size and birth order with risk of asthma and wheezing.

Methods

Fifteen databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by pairs of reviewers. Meta-analysis with robust variance estimation (RVE) was used to produce pooled risk ratio (RR) effect estimates from comparable numerical data.

Results

From 17,466 identified records, 158 reports of 134 studies (> 3 million subjects) were included. Any wheezing in the last ≤ 1.5 years occurred more frequently in infants with ≥ 1 sibling [pooled RR 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.19] and ≥ 1 older sibling (pooled RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.29). The pooled effect sizes for asthma were overall statistically nonsignificant, although having ≥ 1 older sibling was marginally protective for subjects aged ≥ 6 years (pooled RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.99). The effect estimates weakened in studies published after 2000 compared with earlier studies.

Conclusions

Being second-born or later and having at least one sibling is associated with a slightly increased risk of temporary wheezing in infancy. In contrast, being second-born or later is associated with marginal protection against asthma. These associations appear to have weakened since the turn of the millennium, possibly due to lifestyle changes and socioeconomic development.
Stature estimation in Ancient Greece: population-specific equations and secular trends from 9000 BC to 900 AD
Authors: Koukli Marianna , Siegmund Frank , Papageorgopoulou Christina
Published: April 2023

Stature is critical for our understanding of human morphology and evolution. This necessitates the development of accurate stature estimation methods. The aim of the present study is to generate population-specific equations for ancient Greece and to explore the diachronic stature trends over the last 10,000 years. In parallel, it introduces the Logarithmic Human Stature Index (LHSI) as a new tool for inter-population comparisons. We collected anthropometric data and reconstructed stature using the anatomical method from 77 males and 59 females from Greece (3rd c. BC–9th c. AD). We utilized this dataset to generate population-specific equations. We then applied the new formula to 775 individuals (10th millennium BC–9th c. AD) from Greece exploring stature secular trends. We tested the new equations to different populations of European origin (662 males and 498 females). Ordinary least square sets based on lower limbs provided the best estimations with the smaller errors. Male and female stature in ancient Greece in the last 10,000 years ranged from 159.7 to 170.6 cm and from 153.1 to 160.4 cm, respectively. We observed a decrease from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic period, a gradual increase from the Bronze Age to the Archaic/Classical periods, and a steady increase from the Roman period onwards. Stature secular trends in Greece are in accordance with historic, archaeological, and genomic data and similar to European patterns. LHSI is a valuable tool for anthropometric comparisons between reference series and thus can contribute to the choice of the optimal stature estimation formula.
The Role of Dispositional Mindfulness in the Impact of Repetitive Negative Thinking on Anxiety and Depression in People with Different Autistic-Like Traits
Authors: Zappullo Isa , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Cecere Roberta , Raimo Gennaro , Baiano Chiara , Lauro Anna , Conson Massimiliano
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Available data suggest that inflexible allocation of attention in people on the autism spectrum can lead to anxiety and depression symptoms, through the increase of repetitive negative thinking (worry and rumination). In the present study, we used dispositional mindfulness as a proxy to attention flexibility and tested its role in the influence of repetitive negative thinking on affective symptoms (anxiety and depression) in people with different autistic-like traits.

Method

Path analysis was used to test the direct and indirect effects of different autistic-like traits, dispositional mindfulness, worry and rumination on anxiety-related concerns and depression symptoms in a sample (n = 209) of neurotypical adults.

Results

Autistic-like traits implying poor attention switching and communication abilities were linked to higher dispositional mindfulness, increased repetitive thinking, and stronger affective symptoms through largely shared pathways. Autistic-like traits implying strong attention-to-detail bypassed dispositional mindfulness in the pathways linking increased repetitive negative thinking and stronger affective symptoms.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that dispositional mindfulness can play a protective role against the impact of worry and rumination on affective symptoms in some people but not in others, depending on different autistic-like traits.

Preregistration

This study was not pre-registered.
Comparison of machine learning techniques and spatial distribution of daily reference evapotranspiration in Türkiye
Authors: Yildirim Demet , Küçüktopcu Erdem , Cemek Bilal , Simsek Halis
Published: April 2023

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) estimates are commonly used in hydrologic planning for water resources and agricultural applications. Last 2 decades, machine learning (ML) techniques have enabled scientists to develop powerful tools to study ET0 patterns in the ecosystem. This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of three ML techniques, including the k-nearest neighbor algorithm, multigene genetic programming, and support vector regression (SVR), to estimate daily ET0 in Türkiye. In addition, different interpolation techniques, including ordinary kriging (OK), co-kriging, inverse distance weighted, and radial basis function, were compared to develop the most appropriate ET0 maps for Türkiye. All developed models were evaluated according to the performance indices such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Taylor, violin, and scatter plots were also generated. Among the applied ML models, the SVR model provided the best results in determining ET0 with the performance indices of R2 = 0.961, RMSE = 0.327 mm, and MAE = 0.232 mm. The SVR model’s input variables were selected as solar radiation, temperature, and relative humidity. Similarly, the maps of the spatial distribution of ET0 were produced with the OK interpolation method, which provided the best estimates.
Feral dual spaces and (strongly) distinguished spaces C(X)
Authors: Ka̧kol Jerzy , Śliwa Wiesław
Published: April 2023

Following Dieudonné and Schwartz a locally convex space is distinguished if its strong dual is barrelled. The distinguished property for spaces $$C_p(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

of continuous real-valued functions over a Tychonoff space X is a peculiar (although applicable) property. It is known that $$C_p(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

is distinguished if and only if $$C_p(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

is large in $$\mathbb {R}^X$$

R

X

if and only if X is a $$\Delta $$
Δ
-space (in sense of Reed) if and only if the strong dual of $$C_p(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

carries the finest locally convex topology. Our main results about spaces whose strong dual has only finite-dimensional bounded sets (see Theorems 2, 7 and Proposition 4) are used to study distinguished spaces $$C_k(X)$$

C
k

(
X
)

with the compact-open topology. We also put together several known facts (Theorem 6) about distinguished spaces $$C_p(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

with self-contained full proofs.
An entropy-stable updated reference Lagrangian smoothed particle hydrodynamics algorithm for thermo-elasticity and thermo-visco-plasticity
Authors: Lee Chun Hean , Refachinho de Campos Paulo R. , Gil Antonio J. , Giacomini Matteo , Bonet Javier
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces a novel upwind Updated Reference Lagrangian Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm for the numerical simulation of large strain thermo-elasticity and thermo-visco-plasticity. The deformation process is described via a system of first-order hyperbolic conservation laws expressed in referential description, chosen to be an intermediate configuration of the deformation. The linear momentum, the three incremental geometric strains measures (between referential and spatial domains), and the entropy density of the system are treated as conservation variables of this mixed coupled approach, thus extending the previous work of the authors in the context of isothermal elasticity and elasto-plasticity. To guarantee stability from the SPH discretisation standpoint, appropriate entropy-stable upwinding stabilisation is suitably designed and presented. This is demonstrated via the use of the Ballistic free energy of the coupled system (also known as Lyapunov function), to ensure the satisfaction of numerical entropy production. An extensive set of numerical examples is examined in order to assess the applicability and performance of the algorithm. It is shown that the overall algorithm eliminates the appearance of spurious modes (such as hour-glassing and non-physical pressure fluctuations) in the solution, typical limitations observed in the classical Updated Lagrangian SPH framework.
Obesity Heterogeneity by Neighborhood Context in a Largely Latinx Sample
Authors: Kranjac Ashley W. , Kranjac Dinko , Kain Zeev N. , Ehwerhemuepha Louis , Jenkins Brooke N.
Published: April 2023

Neighborhood socioeconomic context where Latinx children live may influence body weight status. Los Angeles County and Orange County of Southern California both are on the list of the top ten counties with the largest Latinx population in the USA. This heterogeneity allowed us to estimate differential impacts of neighborhood environment on children’s body mass index z-scores by race/ethnicity using novel methods and a rich data source. We geocoded pediatric electronic medical record data from a predominantly Latinx sample and characterized neighborhoods into unique residential contexts using latent profile modeling techniques. We estimated multilevel linear regression models that adjust for comorbid conditions and found that a child’s place of residence independently associates with higher body mass index z-scores. Interactions further reveal that Latinx children living in Middle-Class neighborhoods have higher BMI z-scores than Asian and Other Race children residing in the most disadvantaged communities. Our findings underscore the complex relationship between community racial/ethnic composition and neighborhood socioeconomic context on body weight status during childhood.
DUS-neutrosophic multivariate inverse Weibull distribution: properties and applications
Authors: Hassan Marwa K. H. , Aslam Muhammad
Published: April 2023

The existing DUS-multivariate inverse Weibull distribution under classical statistics can be applied when all observations in the data are imprecise. In this paper, we introduce DUS-neutrosophic multivariate inverse Weibull distribution that can be used when the observations in the data are imprecise or in intervals. We derive some statistical properties and functions of DUS-neutrosophic multivariate inverse Weibull distribution. We also discuss the maximum likelihood estimation method for estimating the parameters. Monte-Carlo simulation study is performed to study the behavior of maximum likelihood estimates. We compare the efficiency of the proposed DUS-neutrosophic multivariate inverse Weibull distribution with the existing distributions under classical statistics. From the comparison, it is found that the proposed DUS-neutrosophic multivariate inverse Weibull distribution provides smaller values of Akaike’s information criteria and Bayesian information criteria than the existing distributions under classical statistics. The proposed study can be extended for other statistical distributions as future research.
Unconstrained neighbor selection for minimum reconstruction error-based K-NN classifiers
Authors: Hajizadeh Rassoul
Published: April 2023

It is essential to define more convincing and applicable classifiers for small datasets. In this paper, a minimum reconstruction error-based K-nearest neighbors (K-NN) classifier is proposed. We propose a new neighbor selection method. In the proposed neighbor selection method, a subset of data that minimize the reconstruction error is assigned as the neighbors of the query sample. Also, there is not any constraint on the distance of the neighbors from the query sample. An $${{l}}_{0}$$

l
0

-based sparse representation problem is introduced for selecting the neighbors. These neighbors are assigned as neighbors of the minimum reconstruction error-based K-NN classifiers. Three $${{l}}_{0}$$

l
0

-based minimum reconstruction error-based K-NN classifiers are introduced. These classifiers are less sensitive to the reconstruction coefficients in minimum reconstruction error-based K-NN classifiers and reconstruct the query sample with less error. The results on UCI machine learning repository, UCR time-series archive datasets, and a small subset (16%) of MNIST handwritten digit database demonstrate the suitable performance of the proposed method. The recognition precision increases up to more than 3% in some evaluations.
Construction of a Right Inverse for the Divergence in Non-cylindrical Time Dependent Domains
Authors: Saari Olli , Schwarzacher Sebastian
Published: April 2023

We construct a stable right inverse for the divergence operator in non-cylindrical domains in space-time. The domains are assumed to be Hölder regular in space and evolve continuously in time. The inverse operator is of Bogovskij type, meaning that it attains zero boundary values. We provide estimates in Sobolev spaces of positive and negative order with respect to both time and space variables. The regularity estimates on the operator depend on the assumed Hölder regularity of the domain. The results can naturally be connected to the known theory for Lipschitz domains. The most precise estimates are given in weighted spaces, where the weight depends on the distance to the boundary. This allows for the deficit to be captured precisely in the vicinity of irregularities of the boundary. As an application, we prove refined pressure estimates for weak and very weak solutions to Navier–Stokes equations in time dependent domains.
Precision Measurement of Complex Optics Using a Scanning-Point Multiwavelength Interferometer Operating in the Visible Domain
Authors: Wendel Marc
Published: April 2023

The growing demands of optical systems have led to increasingly complex aspheres and freeforms. In this paper, an established measurement system in asphere production, which is also a promising approach in high-precision freeform metrology, is presented. It is based on a scanning-point multiwavelength interferometer approach. The scanning principle enables great flexibility, reduces setup time and costs, and has almost no limitations in spherical departure. Due to the absolute measurement capability, the utilized multiwavelength approach is beneficial for segmented, annular, and discrete surfaces, which are common designs of modern applications’ optical elements. The metrology system enables measurements on a nanometer scale on a great variety of apertures—from 1 to 1000 mm. Recently, a new short-coherence multiwavelength interferometer operating in the visible domain has been developed. It enables the high-precision measurement on silicon-coated surfaces, which can be found in space applications and are also commonly used for extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithographic setups, which will be used as an example throughout this work. Owing to the large absolute measurement capability, applied grating structures for suppressing infrared light in the EUV process can easily be measured. This paper summarizes the basic working principles of the proposed metrology system, explains the special requirements for different fields of application, highlights the capabilities of the visible multiwavelength approach, and shows the measurement results.
Exploring barriers and facilitators of behavioural changes in dietary intake and physical activity: a qualitative study in older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: van Erck Dennis , Dolman Christine D. , Henriques José P. , Schoufour Josje D. , Delewi Ronak , Scholte op Reimer Wilma J. M. , Snaterse Marjolein
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The majority of older patients, scheduled for a cardiac procedure, do not adhere to international dietary intake and physical activity guidelines. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators regarding dietary intake and physical activity behaviour change in older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients undergoing TAVI. Interviews were analysed by two independent researchers using thematic analysis, the capability, opportunity and motivation behaviour model was used as a framework.

Results

The study included 13 patients (82 ± 6 years old, 6 females) until data saturation was reached. Six themes were identified, which were all applicable to both dietary intake and physical activity. Three following themes were identified as barriers: (1) low physical capability, (2) healthy dietary intake and physical activity are not a priority at an older age and (3) ingrained habits and preferences. Three following themes were identified as facilitators: (1) knowledge that dietary intake and physical activity are important for maintaining health, (2) norms set by family, friends and caregivers and (3) support from the social environment.

Conclusion

Our study found that older patients had mixed feelings about changing their behaviour. The majority initially stated that dietary intake and physical activity were not a priority at older age. However, with knowledge that behaviour could improve health, patients also stated willingness to change, leading to a state of ambivalence. Healthcare professionals may consider motivational interviewing techniques to address this ambivalence.
Mechanical stimulation devices for mechanobiology studies: a market, literature, and patents review
Authors: Melo-Fonseca F. , Carvalho O. , Gasik M. , Miranda G. , Silva F. S.
Published: April 2023

Significant advancements in various research and technological fields have contributed to remarkable findings on the physiological dynamics of the human body. To more closely mimic the complex physiological environment, research has moved from two-dimensional (2D) culture systems to more sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) dynamic cultures. Unlike bioreactors or microfluidic-based culture models, cells are typically seeded on polymeric substrates or incorporated into 3D constructs which are mechanically stimulated to investigate cell response to mechanical stresses, such as tensile or compressive. This review focuses on the working principles of mechanical stimulation devices currently available on the market or custom-built by research groups or protected by patents and highlights the main features still open to improvement. These are the features which could be focused on to perform, in the future, more reliable and accurate mechanobiology studies.

Graphic abstract