bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Memory-Efficient Training for Extremely Large Output Spaces – Learning with 670k Labels on a Single Commodity GPU
Authors: Schultheis Erik , Babbar Rohit
Published: September 2023

In classification problems with large output spaces (up to millions of labels), the last layer can require an enormous amount of memory. Using sparse connectivity would drastically reduce the memory requirements, but as we show below, applied naïvely it can result in much diminished predictive performance. Fortunately, we found that this can be mitigated by introducing an intermediate layer of intermediate size. We further demonstrate that one can constrain the connectivity of the sparse layer to be of constant fan-in, in the sense that each output neuron will have the exact same number of incoming connections, which allows for more efficient implementations, especially on GPU hardware. The CUDA implementation of our approach is provided at https://github.com/xmc-aalto/ecml23-sparse.
Probing the electroweak

final state in type I 2HDM at the LHC
Authors: Sanyal Prasenjit , Wang Daohan
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Most of the experimental searches of the non-Standard Model Higgs boson(s) at the LHC rely on the QCD induced production modes. However, in some beyond Standard Model frameworks, the additional Higgs bosons can have fermiophobic behaviour. The type I two Higgs doublet model considered here is a perfect example where all the additional Higgs bosons exhibit fermiophobic nature over a large region of parameter space. Thus the electroweak productions of these new Higgs bosons are more dominant over the QCD induced processes. In scenarios with light pseuodoscalar (A) which is bound to decay dominantly to $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

, even being fermiophobic, the 4b + W state via pp → H±A → (AW)A → 4b + W and followed by the leptonic decay of W boson can surpass the QCD initiated 4b final state. However, the signal gets overshadowed by large $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

+jets background and hence constructing a suitable discriminator based on the signal hypothesis and signal topology is necessary. We devised a χ2 variable as the most suitable signal-background discrimintor to reduce the background by a sizable amount and showed the discovery reach (> 3σ) of the electroweak initiated "Image missing" final state at the LHC.
A coherent view of the quark-gluon plasma from energy correlators
Authors: Andres Carlota , Dominguez Fabio , Holguin Jack , Marquet Cyrille , Moult Ian
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The ability to measure detailed aspects of the substructure of high-energy jets traversing the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) has provided a new window into its internal dynamics. However, drawing robust conclusions from traditional jet substructure observables has been difficult. In this manuscript we expand on a new approach to jet substructure in heavy-ion collisions based on the study of correlation functions of energy flow operators (energy correlators). We compute the two-point energy correlator of an in-medium massless quark jet and perform a detailed numerical analysis of the produced spectra. Our calculation incorporates vacuum radiation resummed at next-to-leading log accuracy together with the leading order contribution in medium-induced splittings evaluated through the BDMPS-Z multiple scattering and GLV single scattering formalisms for a static brick of QGP. Our analysis demonstrates how particular features of the modifications of in-medium splittings are imprinted in the correlator spectra, particularly showing how energy correlators may be used to extract the onset of colour coherence. We further present a comprehensive discussion on the accuracy and limitations of our study emphasizing how it can be systematically improved. This work sets the foundations for a rich program studying energy correlators in heavy-ion collisions.
Holographic entanglement as nonlocal magnetism
Authors: Gürsoy Umut , Pedraza Juan F. , Planas Guim Planella
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The Ryu-Takayanagi prescription can be cast in terms of a set of microscopic threads that help visualize holographic entanglement in terms of distillation of EPR pairs. While this framework has been exploited for regions with a high degree of symmetry, we take the first steps towards understanding general entangling regions, focusing on AdS4. Inspired by simple constructions achieved for the case of disks and the half-plane, we reformulate bit threads in terms of a magnetic-like field generated by a current flowing through the boundary of the entangling region. The construction is possible for these highly symmetric settings, leading us to a modified Biot-Savart law in curved space that fully characterizes the entanglement structure of the state. For general entangling regions, the prescription breaks down as the corresponding modular Hamiltonians become inherently nonlocal. We develop a formalism for general shape deformations and derive a flow equation that accounts for these effects as a systematic expansion. We solve this equation for a complete set of small deformations and show that the structure of the expansion explicitly codifies the expected nonlocalities. Our findings are consistent with numerical results existing in the literature, and shed light on the fundamental nature of quantum entanglement as a nonlocal phenomenon.
An eight loop amplitude via antipodal duality
Authors: Dixon Lance J. , Liu Yu-Ting
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We compute the six-particle maximally-helicity-violating (MHV) amplitude in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory at eight loops, using antipodal duality and the recently computed eight-loop three-point form factor for the chiral stress energy tensor multiplet. Antipodal duality maps the form factor symbol to the amplitude symbol on a two-dimensional parity-preserving surface in the three-dimensional amplitude kinematics. There are remarkably few ambiguities in lifting from two to three dimensions, nor in promoting the symbol to a function. The amplitude passes many tests, including near-collinear, multi-Regge, factorization, self-crossing and origin limits. These checks also constitute a validation of antipodal duality at eight loops.
Some Remarks on the Distribution of Additive Energy
Authors: Hegyvári Norbert
Published: September 2023

The aim of this note is twofold. In the first part of the paper we are going to investigate an inverse problem related to additive energy. In the second part, we consider how dense a subset of a finite structure can be for a given additive energy.
The Center of Distances of Central Cantor Sets
Authors: Banakiewicz Michał
Published: September 2023

The center of distances of central Cantor sets is investigated. Any central Cantor set is an achievement set of exactly one fast convergent sequence $$(a_n)$$

(

a
n

)

. We show that the center of distances of the central Cantor set is the union of all centers of distances of $$F_n$$

F
n

where $$F_n$$

F
n

is the set of all n-initial subsums of the series $$\sum a_n$$

∑

a
n

. Moreover, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for central Cantor sets to have not the minimal possible center of distances.
Characterizing lignins from various sources and treatment processes after optimized sample preparation techniques and analysis via ESI-HRMS and custom mass defect software tools
Authors: Letourneau Dane R. , Marzullo Bryan P. , Alexandridou Anastasia , Barrow Mark P. , O’Connor Peter B. , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: September 2023

Sample preparation of complex, natural mixtures such as lignin prior to mass spectrometry analysis, however minimal, is a critical step in ensuring accurate and interference-free results. Modern shotgun-MS techniques, where samples are directly injected into a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) with no prior separation, usually still require basic sample pretreatment such as filtration and appropriate solvents for full dissolution and compatibility with atmospheric pressure ionization interfaces. In this study, sample preparation protocols have been established for a unique sample set consisting of a wide variety of degraded lignin samples from numerous sources and treatment processes. The samples were analyzed via electrospray (ESI)-HRMS in negative and positive ionization modes. The resulting information-rich HRMS datasets were then transformed into the mass defect space with custom R scripts as well as the open-source Constellation software as an effective way to visualize changes between the samples due to the sample preparation and ionization conditions as well as a starting point for comprehensive characterization of these varied sample sets. Optimized conditions for the four investigated lignins are proposed for ESI-HRMS analysis for the first time, giving an excellent starting point for future studies seeking to better characterize and understand these complex mixtures.

Graphical Abstract
The Geometry of the Space of Vortices on a Two-Sphere in the Bradlow Limit
Authors: Lara R. I. García , Speight J. M.
Published: September 2023

It is proved that the normalized$$L^2$$L2metric on the moduli space ofn-vortices on a two-sphere, endowed with any Riemannian metric, converges uniformly in the Bradlow limit to the Fubini–Study metric. This establishes, in a rigorous setting, a longstanding informal conjecture of Baptista and Manton.
Surgical choices and complications in elderly women: a single center retrospective analysis in frail vs. non frail breast cancer patients
Authors: Machado e Costa Patrícia , Debiasi Márcio , da Silva Reus Bruna , Cardoso André , Pinto David , Gouveia Pedro , Andres-Luna Rogelio , Mavioso Carlos , Anacleto João , Cardoso Fátima , Cardoso Maria João
Published: September 2023

Background

Early breast cancer (EBC) in the elderly is a major public health problem and a risk factor for undertreatment. The authors aim to describe surgical patterns and outcomes of an elderly population diagnosed with EBC treated in a BC-dedicated reference center.

Methods 

Retrospective study for all EBC patients ≥70 years old submitted to breast surgery from 2018 to 2021. Patients were included if submitted to the G8 screening tool. Data on standard demographics, surgery performed, and outcomes were collected.

Results

Overall, 192 patients were included. Frail patients were significantly older (p<0.01), had worse Charlson Comorbidity Index (p<0.01) and ASA (p<0.01) scores and more comorbidities (p=0.09). In total, 199 breasts were operated; 173 breast conservative surgeries (BCS) and 26 mastectomies. In the frail population, oncoplastic surgery after BCS was more frequently mammoplasty; no reconstruction was reported after mastectomy. In the fit group, more diversity was seen in oncoplastic procedures; 13 breasts underwent direct-to-implant breast reconstruction (BR) after mastectomy. Frail patients were less likely to be offered BR (p<0.01). There was no association between frailty and postoperative complications, in-hospital length of stay, readmission, or reintervention.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that G8 frail patients are less likely to be offered BR. Even if there were no significant differences in surgical adverse outcomes between groups, this could have been masked by a higher proportion of BR among fit patients. G8 screening can be a useful instrument to support the surgeon’s decision to whether or not to consider BR in elderly breast cancer patients.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Risk/Prognostic Study.
The significance of recent glacial history for the limno-terrestrial microfauna in Trygghamna (Svalbard, High Arctic)
Authors: Lukashanets Dzmitry , Petkuvienė Jolita , Barisevičiūtė Rūta
Published: September 2023

The diversity and spatial distribution of microscopic invertebrates in the Arctic have yet to be studied in detail. Knowledge of this is especially important in the context of glacier shrinking, one of the most visible environmental consequences of climate change. To understand how time since deglaciation shapes the communities of limno-terrestrial microfauna, we analysed samples of moss collected during the summer of 2021 in forefields of Trygghamna (Svalbard), where glaciers thought to have started to recede at the beginning of the twentieth century. We estimated the taxonomic and trophic composition and abundance of all microfauna groups (with a specific focus on little-known bdelloid rotifers) in two areas, which correspond to the different stages of the glacial retreat. The impact of 14 other environmental parameters (distance from the sea, moisture, moss structural complexity, soil nutrient, and isotopic composition) was considered. Thirty-seven microfauna taxa were found, wherein Dorylaimida nematodes (Dorylaimida, Nematoda) dominated both in frequency (present at all sites) and abundance (50 ± 21% from all individuals). Less prevalent bdelloid rotifers (Bdelloidea, Rotifera) were followed by tardigrades (Tardigrada), which, in contrast to others, were more abundant in the later deglaciated area. In general, environmental parameters explained 81.8% of the microfauna distribution. Time since deglaciation was the most significant factor (9.5%). Among the variables that act at a fine scale, the most important were moisture in the habitat (6%), presence of ground in the samples (4%), and δ15N (4%). The moss structural complexity did not have a significant effect, and neither did most of the variables characterising soil nutrient and isotopic composition. However, some variability was observed for different lower taxa.
Mechanisms of projected sea-level trends and variability in the Southeast Asia region based on MPI-ESM-ER
Authors: Jin Yi , Köhl Armin , Jungclaus Johann , Stammer Detlef
Published: September 2023

The low-lying and densely populated Southeast Asia (SEA) region is threatened by sea-level change. To better understand the mechanism of sea-level change in this region, the sea-level trends and variability in the SEA region are investigated over the historical period 1950–2014 and during 2015–2099 under Shared Socio-economic Pathway5-8.5 scenario forcing, based on the output of the high-resolution (~ 0.1° for ocean) global climate model MPI-ESM-ER. The results confirm that the SEA sterodynamic sea level and its components (i.e., thermosteric, halosteric, and manometric sea level) are rising with accelerations, which are superimposed on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) driven variabilities. To understand changes of thermosteric and halosteric sea level, regional-mean ocean heat and freshwater contents are analysed based on physical processes of ocean transports and air-sea fluxes. We show that ENSO variability impacts the thermosteric sea level mainly through lateral ocean heat transports, while it impacts the halosteric sea level mainly through surface freshwater flux. In the projection, a decreased volume transport of the relatively cold water (with respect to the SEA average) from the Pacific warms the SEA region. At the same time, a freshening of the transported saline water (with respect to the SEA average) results in an increased ocean freshwater transport into the SEA region. Locally, the pathway of volume transport from the Pacific to the SEA region is shifting northward, which results in a weakened Indonesian throughflow and an enhanced South China Sea throughflow, both leading to changes of regional sea-level pattern.
Myeloid cell iron uptake pathways and paramagnetic rim formation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hofmann Annika , Krajnc Nik , Dal-Bianco Assunta , Riedl Christian J. , Zrzavy Tobias , Lerma-Martin Celia , Kasprian Gregor , Weber Claudia E. , Pezzini Francesco , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus , Bsteh Gabriel , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Berger Thomas , Eisele Philipp , Magliozzi Roberta , Schirmer Lucas , Hametner Simon
Published: September 2023

In multiple sclerosis (MS), sustained inflammatory activity can be visualized by iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the edges of chronic lesions. These paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are associated with clinical worsening, although the cell type-specific and molecular pathways of iron uptake and metabolism are not well known. We studied two postmortem cohorts: an exploratory formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue cohort of 18 controls and 24 MS cases and a confirmatory snap-frozen cohort of 6 controls and 14 MS cases. Besides myelin and non-heme iron imaging, the haptoglobin-hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163, the iron-metabolizing markers HMOX1 and HAMP as well as immune-related markers P2RY12, CD68, C1QA and IL10 were visualized in myeloid cell (MC) subtypes at RNA and protein levels across different MS lesion areas. In addition, we studied PRLs in vivo in a cohort of 98 people with MS (pwMS) via iron-sensitive 3 T MRI and haptoglobin genotyping by PCR. CSF samples were available from 38 pwMS for soluble CD163 (sCD163) protein level measurements by ELISA. In postmortem tissues, we observed that iron uptake was linked to rim-associated C1QA-expressing MC subtypes, characterized by upregulation of CD163, HMOX1, HAMP and, conversely, downregulation of P2RY12. We found that pwMS with $$\ge$$
≥
4 PRLs had higher sCD163 levels in the CSF than pwMS with $$\le$$
≤
3 PRLs with sCD163 correlating with the number of PRLs. The number of PRLs was associated with clinical worsening but not with age, sex or haptoglobin genotype of pwMS. However, pwMS with Hp2-1/Hp2-2 haplotypes had higher clinical disability scores than pwMS with Hp1-1. In summary, we observed upregulation of the CD163-HMOX1-HAMP axis in MC subtypes at chronic active lesion rims, suggesting haptoglobin-bound hemoglobin but not transferrin-bound iron as a critical source for MC-associated iron uptake in MS. The correlation of CSF-associated sCD163 with PRL counts in MS highlights the relevance of CD163-mediated iron uptake via haptoglobin-bound hemoglobin. Also, while Hp haplotypes had no noticeable influence on PRL counts, pwMS carriers of a Hp2 allele might have a higher risk to experience clinical worsening.
Recommendation and intake of dietary supplements periconceptional and during pregnancy: results of a nationwide survey of gynaecologists
Authors: Buhling Kai J. , Scheuer Marie , Laakmann Elena
Published: September 2023

Background

Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is a controversial issue. For some micronutrients, for example folic acid or iodine, the evidence regarding supplementation is clear, whereas for others, such as zinc or vitamin E, it is not. Studies show that a large number of pregnant women have deficient levels of folic acid and iodine. However, especially with folic acid, starting supplementation during the preconception period is crucial. It is, therefore, important that gynaecologists explain this to their pregnant or preconceptional patients. Our goal was to find out how gynaecologists make their recommendations on this topic, how they assess the compliance of their patients and which micronutrients they consider to be important before/during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Method and Results

We sent about 12,000 questionnaires to all registered resident gynaecologists in Germany, with a response rate of 12.2%. Regarding which micronutrients gynaecologists  consider to be particularly important during pregnancy, there was a broad agreement for both folic acid and iodine (> 88% answered yes). According to the questionnaire, doctors rate other micronutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as less essential. The controversial evidence level for many micronutrients certainly plays a role here. Overall, the intake rate, especially for preconceptional women, is classified as rather low (< 60%). The most widely valued reason is the high price of dietary supplements. It was also noticeable that doctors consider certain micronutrients to be particularly important but then do not include them in the products they recommend.

Conclusion

Overall, there seems to be uncertainty about micronutrients in pregnancy and their supplementation. The study situation is often ambiguous and there are no official guidelines, leading to ambiguous recommendations from doctors and therefore low intake rates for pregnant or preconceptional women.
Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) combined with unsupervised machine learning shows sensitivity to identify individuals in potential need for psychiatric assessment
Authors: Wenzel Julian , Dreschke Nils , Hanssen Esther , Rosen Marlene , Ilankovic Andrej , Kambeitz Joseph , Fett Anne-Kathrin , Kambeitz-Ilankovic Lana
Published: September 2023

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a structured diary assessment technique, has shown feasibility to capture psychotic(-like) symptoms across different study groups. We investigated whether EMA combined with unsupervised machine learning can distinguish groups on the continuum of genetic risk toward psychotic illness and identify individuals with need for extended healthcare. Individuals with psychotic disorder (PD, N = 55), healthy individuals (HC, N = 25) and HC with first-degree relatives with psychosis (RE, N = 20) were assessed at two sites over 7 days using EMA. Cluster analysis determined subgroups based on similarities in longitudinal trajectories of psychotic symptom ratings in EMA, agnostic of study group assignment. Psychotic symptom ratings were calculated as average of items related to hallucinations and paranoid ideas. Prior to EMA we assessed symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) to characterize the EMA subgroups. We identified two clusters with distinct longitudinal EMA characteristics. Cluster 1 (NPD = 12, NRE = 1, NHC = 2) showed higher mean EMA symptom ratings as compared to cluster 2 (NPD = 43, NRE = 19, NHC = 23) (p < 0.001). Cluster 1 showed a higher burden on negative (p < 0.05) and positive (p < 0.05) psychotic symptoms in cross-sectional PANSS and CAPE ratings than cluster 2. Findings indicate a separation of PD with high symptom burden (cluster 1) from PD with healthy-like rating patterns grouping together with HC and RE (cluster 2). Individuals in cluster 1 might particularly profit from exchange with a clinician underlining the idea of EMA as clinical monitoring tool.
Mathematical Modelling of Peak and Residual Shear Strength of Rough Rock Discontinuities Using Continued Fractions
Authors: Buzzi Olivier , Jeffery Michael , Moscato Pablo , Grebogi Rafael Bartnik , Haque Mohammad Nazmul
Published: September 2023

Estimating the shear strength of large in situ rock discontinuities is often required to assess the stability of rock masses. This estimation is, however, complicated by the well-known scale effect and the fact that the discontinuity surfaces are only partially accessible through traces. A new approach, referred to as the stochastic approach for discontinuity shear strength (StADSS), was recently presented to address these two points. This approach relies on a random field model and a semi-analytical shear strength model, the latter of which is referred to as the NDSS (Newcastle discontinuity shear strength) model. The NDSS model has to be implemented as a numerical code, and because the StADSS model is a Monte Carlo approach with hundreds if not thousands of simulations, the computational time to obtain a shear strength distribution is not negligible. The objective of this study is to find an efficient alternative to the NDSS model in the form of a continued fraction model that can predict the sheared area within a rough discontinuity subjected to direct shearing under constant normal stress as a function of the material strength, effective normal stress applied to the discontinuity and the standard deviation of asperity gradients (defined as the difference in elevation of two points of the surface over the horizontal distance between these points) of the surface. Using a 10/90 training/testing split of the dataset, a memetic algorithm-based truncated continued fraction regression (CFR) model was formulated. The distribution of CFR predictions was found to be very close to that of the dataset used for training. Then, the CFR model was tested against experimental data of the sheared area and shear strength (peak and residual) obtained from small (90 mm per 90 mm) and large (2 m per 2 m) specimens. It was found that 75% of the predictions fall within 20% of the experimental values. The continued fraction regression model can be used as an efficient alternative to the semi-analytical NDSS model, provided that it is used within the bounds of variables used to establish it.
Evaluating the understandability and actionability of online CKD educational materials
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Nishiie Yuriko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous studies have not fully determined whether online education materials on chronic kidney disease (CKD) for Japanese patients are easy to understand and help change their behavior. Therefore, this study quantitatively assessed the understandability and actionability of online CKD education materials.

Methods

In September 2021, we searched Google and Yahoo Japan using the keywords “kidney,” “kidney disease,” “CKD,” “chronic kidney disease,” and “renal failure” to identify 538 webpages. We used the Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), ranging from 0 to 100%, to evaluate the understandability and actionability of webpages. We set the cutoff point to 70%.

Results

Of the 186 materials included, the overall understandability and actionability were 61.5% (± 16.3%) and 38.7% (± 30.6%), respectively. The materials were highly technical in their terminology and lacked clear and concise charts and illustrations to encourage action. Compared to lifestyle modification materials on CKD overview, symptoms/signs, examination, and treatment scored significantly lower on the PEMAT. In addition, the materials produced by medical institutions and academic organizations scored significantly lower than those produced by for-profit companies.

Conclusion

Medical institutions and academic organizations are encouraged to use plain language and to attach explanations of medical terms when preparing materials for patients. They are also expected to improve visual aids to promote healthy behaviors.
Bridging the gap between website accessibility and lexicography: information access in online dictionaries
Authors: Arias-Badia Blanca , Torner Sergi
Published: September 2023

Information access has been one of the main concerns of lexicography since the first dictionaries were compiled. This paper draws an explicit link between the proposals made from the fields of applied linguistics and website accessibility to enhance the users’ experience in consulting online dictionaries. The paper starts with a reflection on two intertwined notions that are relevant for the discussion: Access and accessibility. After that, it focuses on elements connected to two Web Content Accessibility Guidelines principles, namely perceivability and understandability. It reflects on real practices regarding the way in which information is structured in today’s dictionaries, the use of text alternatives, typographic choice, the writing of definitions, and the use of abbreviations, and proposes measures to tackle the identified challenges. The implementation of easy-to-understand language is highlighted as a relevant resource for prospective lexicographic projects.
Parenting and teaching styles in relation to student characteristics and self-regulated learning
Authors: Žerak Urška , Juriševič Mojca , Pečjak Sonja
Published: September 2023

Parents and teachers play a key role in developing students' self-regulated learning (SRL), which is closely linked to academic achievement and acts as a protective factor for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Research has shown that authoritative parenting style, parental responsiveness, emotional warmth, behavioural control, and autonomy support are associated with better academic performance. In addition, studies have shown that the quality of the teacher-student relationship plays an important role in the development of SRL. However, there is limited research on the relationship between school and home environmental factors, student characteristics, and SRL, especially in primary school. The present study examined the relationship between parenting styles, teaching styles, student characteristics, and SRL. The sample included 328 ninth-grade students in Slovenian primary schools. SRL, parenting styles, and teaching styles were assessed using student self-reports. Using latent profile analysis, three subtypes of parenting styles (discipline-oriented parenting, democratic parenting, and responsive parenting) and three subtypes of teaching styles (autonomy-supportive teaching, diverse teaching, and directive teaching) were identified. Results indicate that students who perceive autonomy-supportive teaching and responsive parenting styles exhibit higher levels of SRL. Autonomy-supportive teaching was positively associated with student achievement. This study highlights the importance of an authoritative parenting and teaching style for the development of SRL in primary school.
Production and Use of Ceramics in the First Millennium BC: Jebel Moya, Sudan
Authors: Valancius Mantas , Quinn Patrick , Brass Michael , Vella Gregory I. , Adam Ahmed , Dunne Julie , Evershed Richard P.
Published: September 2023

The site of Jebel Moya, situated in the center of the southern Gezira Plain in southcentral Sudan, has an occupational sequence spanning at least five millennia until around 2000 years ago. Renewed excavation is shedding new light on its occupational chronology and socioeconomic history, including activities such as burial, savanna herding, and domesticated sorghum cultivation practices dating to at least the mid-third millennium BC. In the present study, predominantly final phase pottery sherds from the first millennium BC to the start of the first millennium AD (Assemblage 3) have been analyzed via a combination of thin section petrography and instrumental geochemistry to determine their raw materials and place of manufacture and reconstruct their manufacturing technology. Organic residue analysis was also conducted to identify the products processed within vessels found at the site. The results suggest the existence of a well-developed local ceramic craft tradition that persisted for over one thousand years. Pots from Assemblage 3 were used to process, store, and consume animal and plant products, thus reinforcing emerging evidence for early agro-pastoral activities.
Realisation of Fractal Grid-Induced Turbulence Strength with PTFV: Effects of Grid Geometry
Authors: Lee Ted Sian , Ooi Ean Hin , Chang Wei Sea , Foo Ji Jinn
Published: September 2023

The unravelling of multilength-scale insert-generated turbulence, particularly, the induced-forcing plays critical role in the fundamental comprehension of energy formation and decay as a function of grid conformation. This study experimentally investigates the flow mechanical characteristics at ReDh = 4.1 × 104 for a regular-grid (RG), single-square-grid (SSG) and six 2D planar space-filling square-fractal-grids (SFG) of different fractal iterations (N), thickness ratios (tr) and blockage ratios (σ) via piezoelectric thin-film flapping velocimetry (PTFV). Thin-film’s tip-deflection (δrms) and voltage response (Vrms) analysis along the grids’ centreline reveals increasing flow fluctuation strength with increasing σ, tr and decreasing N, owing to higher shedding intensity of lower frequency, larger scale energy-containing vortices from thicker first iteration bar. However, higher: energy dissipation rate, centreline mean velocity decrement rate and local deceleration experienced in the turbulence decay region of larger tr grid, along with additional fractal scales lead to less potent flow-structure-interplay on thin-film undulation. More importantly, SSG-generated turbulence enables the generation of average (Vrms, δrms) and millinewton turbulence forcing Frms that are respectively, 9× and 5× larger than RG of similar σ, and 2× larger than the best performing N = 3 SFG. Our findings disclose the importance of grid geometrical management for effective utilisation of turbulence-generating grids in engineering applications.
Methacrylated gellan gum hydrogel: a smart tool to face complex problems in the cleaning of paper materials
Authors: Severini Leonardo , Tavagnacco Letizia , Angelini Roberta , Franco Silvia , Bertoldo Monica , Calosi Matteo , Micheli Laura , Sennato Simona , Chiessi Ester , Ruzicka Barbara , Missori Mauro , Mazzuca Claudia , Zaccarelli Emanuela
Published: September 2023

One of the main challenges in the preservation of paper materials is the development of compatible and eco-friendly cleaning systems suitable for the wet removal of hydrophobic, aged compounds, such as greasy materials or synthetic adhesives, whose presence enhances paper degradation and worsens its optical features. To avoid the use of organic solvents that can be potentially harmful to operators, in this work we propose a new water-based gel obtained by chemical modification of gellan gum gel, a well-known paper cleaning hydrogel. With the aim of obtaining a cleaning system that is able to interact and adsorb not only hydrophilic cellulose degradation byproducts, but also greasy materials and synthetic adhesives, methacrylation has been applied on gellan gum. First, the chemical modification process of gellan gum has been monitored by means of NMR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Then, the mechanical and physical–chemical properties of the resulting gel have been evaluated by using rheological, AFM, and wettability measurements. Finally, the compatibility and cleaning efficiency of the newly synthetized gel have been tested on paper with different age (from eighteenth and twentieth centuries) and composition by means of a multi-technique framework consisting of spectroscopic, chromatographic, SEM, colorimetric and pH measurements. This work shows a first interesting step towards the development of single component paper cleaning system, easy to use, for the removal of both cellulose hydrophilic degradation products and hydrophobic compounds from different paper typologies.
Organizational life-cycle analysis of corporate offending: insights into how changes in business cycles interact with regulatory oversight to shape compliance and violations
Authors: Wu Yunmei , van Rooij Benjamin , Kluin Marieke
Published: September 2023

This paper showcases an organizational life-cycle analysis of corporate offending behavior in small businesses. It analyzes two small food and hospitality firms in China, drawing on deep ethnographic data collected during three years of fieldwork. The paper investigates these two businesses as they go through three phases: pre-existence, existence, and survival. The study shows that organizational life-course analysis is important for understanding the development and root causes of organizational offending. It finds that offending evolves alongside the development of the organization. It shows that an organizational life-cycle analysis should focus not just on changes in the corporation itself, but also on how the regulatory context changes over the course of the organization’s development and maturing. Stages in the business cycle coincide with changes in regulatory encounters, and this shapes how corporations view what regulators expect of them and the extent to which they can violate such expectations. This points to a broader form of life-course analysis. It urges the field to moves beyond an analysis of changes in the business to also study the how such changes coincide with changes in the regulatory frameworks that are supposed to monitor and reduce offending.
Statistical inference and effect measures in abstracts of randomized controlled trials, 1975–2021. A systematic review
Authors: Stang Andreas , Rothman Kenneth J
Published: September 2023

Objective

To examine the time trend of statistical inference, statistical reporting style of results, and effect measures from the abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Study desgin and settings

We downloaded 385,867 PubMed abstracts of RCTs from 1975 to 2021. We used text-mining to detect reporting of statistical inference (p-values, confidence intervals, significance terminology), statistical reporting style of results, and effect measures for binary outcomes, including time-to-event measures. We validated the text mining algorithms by random samples of abstracts.

Results

A total of 320 676 abstracts contained statistical inference. The percentage of abstracts including statistical inference increased from 65% (1975) to 87% (2006) and then decreased slightly. From 1975 to 1990, the sole reporting of language regarding statistical significance was predominant. Since 1990, reporting of p-values without confidence intervals has been the most common reporting style. Reporting of confidence intervals increased from 0.5% (1975) to 29% (2021). The two most common effect measures for binary outcomes were hazard ratios and odds ratios. Number needed to treat and number needed to harm are reported in less than 5% of abstracts with binary endpoints.

Conclusions

Reporting of statistical inference in abstracts of RCTs has increased over time. Increasingly, p-values and confidence intervals are reported rather than just mentioning the presence of “statistical significance”. The reporting of odds ratios comes with the liability that the untrained reader will interpret them as risk ratios, which is often not justified, especially in RCTs.
How are Autistic People Involved in the Design of Extended Reality Technologies? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Newbutt Nigel , Glaser Noah , Francois Marc Sonley , Schmidt Matthew , Cobb Sue
Published: September 2023

The primary aim of this systematic review is to investigate the inclusion of autistic individuals in the design process of immersive technologies. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses standards for systematic literature reviews. To ensure the research questions and subsequent stages of the review incorporate pertinent parameters, the problem, interest, context framework has also been employed. Findings highlight that, while early proponents of immersive technology emphasized the importance of user involvement in design of new technology, immaturity of the technology often limited the implementation of direct user input to the design process. Nonetheless, analysis of the literature published between 2002–2022 identified 20 studies in which substantial influence of autistic individuals and stakeholders was found in the design process of immersive technologies. The roles of autistic individuals varied from active co-designers and co-creators to essential contributors in refining prototypes and providing critical feedback, ensuring the final products align with their needs and preferences. Results underscore the need to align research and design of immersive technologies more closely with the priorities and preferences of autistic individuals. Further is needed regarding actively involving autistic individuals in the design and implementation of immersive technology applications. On this basis, we maintain that more inclusive and effective deployment of immersive technologies is needed in order to ensure that resultant technologies are fit for purpose and address the actual needs of the autistic community.
Feasibility and efficacy of a novel size adjustable cryoballoon for ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Ellermann Christian , Wolfes Julian , Lange Philipp S. , Güner Fatih , Eckardt Lars
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present case series was to characterize the feasibility of a novel size adjustable cryoballoon system (PolarX Fit, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). This cryoballoon catheter can be inflated to two different diameters (28 mm and 31 mm) within the same procedure allowing vein adapted PVI. In summary, the novel size adjustable cryoballoon shows similar characteristics as the established versions. The intraprocedural flexibility of balloon size led to employment of the larger variant in the majority of freeze applications. Of note, in all but one procedure, both sizes were employed to ensure optimal occlusion for all veins. This initial series suggests that the size adjustable balloon offers more flexibility of obtain optimal occlusions in particular, in challenging anatomies, including common pulmonary vein ostia.
Subjective Well-Being and Populist Voting in the Netherlands
Authors: Burger Martijn J. , Eiselt Susanna
Published: September 2023

This study analyzes whether subjective well-being can explain the populist vote in the Netherlands. Using data on voting intention and subjective well-being for over 7700 individuals from 2008 to 2019—a period during which populist parties became well-established in the Netherlands—we estimate logit and multinomial logit random effects regressions. We find evidence of an association between decreased subjective well-being and the probability to vote for a populist party that goes beyond changes in dissatisfaction with society—lack of confidence in parliament, democracy and the economy—and ideological orientation. At the same time, we find no evidence for a relationship between subjective well-being and voting for other non-incumbent parties other than populist parties.
An Approximation Algorithm for Optimal Piecewise Linear Interpolations of Bounded Variable Products
Authors: Bärmann Andreas , Burlacu Robert , Hager Lukas , Kutzer Katja
Published: September 2023

We investigate the optimal piecewise linear interpolation of the bivariate product xy over rectangular domains. More precisely, our aim is to minimize the number of simplices in the triangulation underlying the interpolation, while respecting a prescribed approximation error. First, we show how to construct optimal triangulations consisting of up to five simplices. Using these as building blocks, we construct a triangulation scheme called crossing swords that requires at most "Equation missing"- times the number of simplices in any optimal triangulation. In other words, we derive an approximation algorithm for the optimal triangulation problem. We also show that crossing swords yields optimal triangulations in the case that each simplex has at least one axis-parallel edge. Furthermore, we present approximation guarantees for other well-known triangulation schemes, namely for the red refinement and longest-edge bisection strategies as well as for a generalized version of K1-triangulations. Thereby, we are able to show that our novel approach dominates previous triangulation schemes from the literature, which is underlined by illustrative numerical examples.
Thermal, mechanical and electrical performance of structural epoxy resins filled with carbon nanofibers
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Naddeo Carlo , Raimondo Marialuigia
Published: September 2023

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were heat-treated at 1100 °C (CNF1100) and 2500 °C (CNF2500), respectively, and embedded as fillers at different mass percentages into an epoxy mixture. The paper aims at evaluating, through a comparison between the two different types of resulting nanocomposites, the influence of the CNF heat treatment on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance of the formulated samples. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed oxidative stability in the air of CNF2500 approximately 200 °C higher than the CNF1100 ones. The first oxidation stage of the resins embedding the two typologies of CNFs falls between 380 and 480 °C. This means that the temperature of the heat treatment of the nanofiller does not influence the temperature at which the thermodegradation of the nanocomposites starts. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data show that the highest degree of cure (DC) was recorded for the epoxy samples filled with CNF2500. CNF thermal treatment increases the direct current (dc) conductivity of the nanocomposite by 3 orders of magnitude around the electrical percolation threshold (EPT) and increases the storage modulus of the CNF2500-based resins up to 60 °C compared with the unfilled resin. The peculiar wall structure of CNF1100 determines a further slight enhancement. Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy (TUNA) reveals that the CNFs are evenly distributed on the nanodomains showing higher electric current values for samples loaded with CNF2500.
The effect of the local environment on child nutritional outcomes: how does seasonality relate to wasting amongst children under 5 in south-west coastal Bangladesh?
Authors: Wolfle Alice , Channon Andrew Amos
Published: September 2023

The impact of short-term environmental changes on child nutritional status is not constant within populations. In many countries, the seasons are closely linked with many factors that are known to affect nutritional outcomes, such as food consumption, crop harvests, employment opportunities and illness. With extreme seasonal variation becoming more common, understanding how seasonality is related to child nutritional outcomes is vital. This study will explore spatial and temporal variation and determinants for acute malnutrition in a coastal river delta in south-west Bangladesh over the period of a year. Using a rural longitudinal survey, conducted in 2014–15 with 3 survey waves, wasting amongst children under 5 was studied. Spatial variation was analysed through ‘socio-ecological systems’, which capture interactions between ecosystems, livelihoods and populations. Wasting prevalence varied from 18.2% in the monsoon season to 8.7% post-major rice harvest (Aman). Seasons did not relate to wasting consistently over socio-ecological systems, with some systems showing greater variability over time, highlighting distinct seasonal dynamics in nutritional status. Wealthier socio-ecological systems had lower wasting generally, as expected, with greater livelihood diversification opportunities and strategies to smooth consumption. Nutrition interventions must consider seasonal peaks in acute malnutrition, as well as the environmental context when implementing programmes to maximise effectiveness. With increasing variability in seasonal changes, inequalities in the impact of season must be accounted for in health promotion activities. Furthermore, timing and season of survey implementation is an important factor to be accounted for in nutrition research, especially when comparing between two cross-sectional surveys.
Belief-independence and (robust) strategy-proofness
Authors: Müller Michael
Published: September 2023

An important appeal of strategy-proofness is the robustness that it implies. Under a strategy-proof voting rule, every individual has an optimal strategy independently of the behavior of all other voters, namely truth-telling. In particular, optimal play is robust with respect to the beliefs voters may have about the type and the behavior of the other voters. Following Blin and Satterthwaite (Economet J Economet Soc 45(4):881–888, 1977), we call this logically weaker property “belief-independence.” In this paper, we give a number of examples of voting rules that are belief-independent but not strategy-proof. However, we also show that belief-independence implies strategy-proofness under a few natural additional conditions. The notion of belief-independence naturally leads to a the strengthening of strategy-proofness to “robust” strategy-proofness which requires that no voter whose true preference may come from a restricted domain can benefit by submitting any unrestricted preference ordering given any unrestricted preference profile for all other voters. There are examples of strategy-proof voting rules (on a restricted domain) that are not robustly strategy-proof, but under natural additional conditions the two properties are shown to be equivalent.