bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage and Barriers to Spectacles Uptake in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State
Authors: Eze Ugochukwu A. , Ndife Thelma I. , Umar Murtala M. , Obi-Mgbam Chimezie G. , Babalola Olufemi E.
Published: October 2022

Background: Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage (PSCC) is a measure of presbyopic spectacle utilization in a defined area. Previous studies in Africa and Asia have shown low Met Presbyopic Need and high Unmet Presbyopia Needs with different barriers responsible for these.                                          

Purpose: To determine the rate of presbyopic spectacles utilization and identify barriers to utilization in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: One thousand and forty seven (1047) eligible and consenting participants persons aged 35 years and above were examined in 63 clusters using multistage random sampling with probability proportional to size.  Visual acuity (distance and near), anterior and posterior segment examinations and near refraction was done for all participants with distance correction in place where applicable. Inability to read N8 (1M) was considered presbyopia.  Data was extracted from the presbyopic participants using a pretested questionnaire and the rates were calculated.

Results: A total of 1047 people participated in the study with a mean age of participants 48.2 years ± 8.194 SD and age range of 35 – 87 years. The met need was 24.8%, unmet 60.7% and Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage (PSCC) of 27.8%. The main barriers to presbyopic spectacle utilization and/or ownership were "Unsatisfactory near vision" with available near spectacles (20.3%), "lack of money" (20.2%), "lost or broken spectacles" (18.6%) and "no felt need" (17.8%).

Conclusion: There was a low  PSCC in this  population  unmet spectacle need and poor purchasing power as the main barriers to  utilization, there is need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to bridge the gap and meet the refractive needs of the population.
Ocular Manifestations and Socio-Demographic Factors among Adults on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Chime Amalachukwu Amanda , Eze Ugochukwu Anthony , Onwubiko Stella Ngozi , Udeh Nnenma Ndidiamaka , Chime Michael Okwudili , Olaolu Michael O. , Okoye Onochie Ike , Onwasigwe Ernest Nnaemeka , Umeh Rich Enujioke
Published: October 2022

HIV/AIDS is associated with systemic immune dysfunction which makes the body susceptible to certain opportunistic infections and tumours. The advent of HAART his know to provide some desired improvement leading to altered patterns of clinical finding which includes the ocular manifestations

Objective: To determine the socio-demographic association, frequency and types of ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS in adult HIV positive patients in Enugu.

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study. It comprised 331 randomly selected and consenting adult HIV positive patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) at the retroviral disease clinic of UNTH Enugu, Nigeria. They had slit lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segment. Data was obtained using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was with SPSS version 21. Their demographic data, frequency and pattern of ocular manifestations were presented in frequency and percentages. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to define statistical significance at 95% confidence interval.

Results: The hospital prevalence of HIV related ocular manifestations was 18.4%. HIV microangiopathy was the commonest (18.8%). Posterior segment ocular manifestations were the commonest (37.7%) observed class of HIV ocular manifestations. Of those with HIV related ocular manifestations, only 33.3% had a previous history of eye problem. There was no statistically significant association between the socio-demographic variables and the ocular findings.

Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy has altered the overall clinical course of HIV/AIDS. However, HIV related ocular manifestations are still common, though no association was found between the demographic variables of the population and the ocular findings. We recommend that all patients on follow up in for HIV/AIDS should continue to adhere strictly to recommended HAART regimen.
Screening for Iron Deficiency in Early Childhood Using Serum Ferritin
Authors: Mahajan Animesh , Gupta Ravinder K. , Sabharwal Rachna , Mahajan Pallavi
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The iron deficiency is an important public health problem widely prevalent in the early childhood period. Iron is very important for various body processes like monoamine metabolism, synthesis of myelin, and metabolic function of the brain. It has many detrimental effects on the cognition, emotional, social, and motor development.‍ Serum ferritin is an easily available, non invasive, inexpensive with high specificity for iron deficiency.

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim to estimate the levels of hemoglobin and serum ferritin in young children in the age group of 1-5 years irrespective of their sex. 

Materials and Methods: Laboratory data of serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were prospectively collected of apparently healthy children, 1 to 5 years of age coming to Pediatrics OPD of Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences, Jammu. The ferritin levels were estimated in roche chemiluminescent immunoassay. The haemoglobin levels were estimated. Children with serum ferritin level < 12 µg/L was considered as deficiency. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 100 children, 1 to 5 years of age were enrolled in the study. The mean hemoglobin level in children is 12.2gm%. The mean serum ferritin level in children is 29.2µg/L. In our study, it was observed that the mean Hb levels are higher in the reference age group, than decreases in the 2-3 year age group and then again increases in the 3-5 years age group. It was further observed that the serum ferritin levels were higher in the reference age group and then decreases in the 2-3 year age group. The serum ferritin levels further rises in the 3-4 years, 4-5 years age group.

Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that serum ferritin is a more reliable test than hemoglobin for screening iron deficiency in early childhood. The most favorable age group for screening for iron deficiency appears to be 2 to 3 years of age in which maximum number of children with iron deficiency was observed, but other associated conditions should also be kept in mind.
Multimodal Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Precision Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Falana O. B. , Durodola O. I.
Published: October 2022

This study proposed various machine learning and deep learning techniques to integrate and analyze varieties of data in precision agriculture systems. Agricultural systems have undergone a digital transformation, which has resulted in the evolution of many management components into artificially intelligent systems to better value the ever-increasing amounts of data. In the process of putting in place farming systems that are based on knowledge, several obstacles can be overcome using machine learning. The data obtained are transmitted to on-site storage, where extraction, loading, and transformation are performed. The data is preprocessed and transferred to the AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud (Amazon S3 Bucket). The best model is deployed such that new data can be fit into the model to make adequate prediction or classification. Such a solution can be adapted by building an algorithm to simulate the AWS machine learning technique. A small-scale pilot project can be executed, and the output of the prediction or classification model can be displayed using a web-based software or mobile app.
Couples’ Sexual Communication: Results from a Questionnaire and Conclusions For School-Based Sex Education
Authors: Hinz Arnold , Leemhuis Maraike
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Previous research demonstrated that sexual communication is positively intertwined with sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to identify the specific elements (‘sexual languages’, nonverbal behavior, post-sex communication, self-disclosure of sexual fantasies, negotiation of safe sex practices) that contribute to sexual satisfaction, and to derive implications for school-based sex education.

Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was applied based on a questionnaire with open-ended items and two scales measuring sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. A convenience sample of 52 students (16 men, 36 women) recruited from Ludwigsburg University of Education was used. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to analyze qualitative data. Group comparisons and Spearman’s rank-order correlation test were performed to analyze quantitative data.

Results: Nearly all participants perceived their sexual satisfaction as high, while they rated their sexual communication as mediocre to high. Sexual communication correlated strongly (ρ = 0.51, P < .001) with overall sexual satisfaction. Respondents’ sexual satisfaction did not depend on whether their sexual communication was verbal or non-verbal. Participants with undisclosed sexual fantasies (which they would love to turn into reality) had lower sexual satisfaction rates. Around a quarter of participants described concrete teaching methods to facilitate communication skills in school-based sex education.

Discussion: The present results confirm, in line with previous research, that sexual satisfaction is highly predictable with sexual communication.

Conclusion: One of the challenges of sex education is the cultural lack of modeling on how to communicate effectively about sex. A central goal must be that girls and boys can perceive their sexual turn-ons and -offs and disclose them to a partner. This self-disclosure is a crucial factor in developing a positive intimate relationship. As suggested by one of six of the participants, role-play scenarios (behavioral skill training) seem to be well suited to learn how to communicate about safe sex practices, sexual wants, and turn-offs.
The Impact of e-marketing of Mobile Banking Services in Achieving Customer Satisfaction An Applied Study from the Point of View of Customers of Iraqi Commercial Banks
Authors: Sukaini Ali Khalaf Mohammed Al
Published: October 2022

Mobile banking has established itself as an emerging technology that is being used by banks all around the world. The goal of this study is to determine the important mobile technology adoption elements that influence consumer satisfaction in Iraq. this study aims to look into the Relationship between E - marketing by mobile phone in achieving bank and customer satisfaction. The study aims to address the following issues: What impact does e-marketing for mobile banking services have on obtaining customer satisfaction from the viewpoint of users of Iraqi commercial banks. Questionnaires are used to collect data, which is subsequently evaluated using statistical techniques such as regression analysis, correlation analysis, and factor analysis. The researcher collected data through the questionnaire, and the SPS statistical program was used to analyze those data, and the researcher used a sample of 200 people from commercial banks in Iraq. The findings indicate that customers concerns regarding the technologys security, authenticity, and dependability are significant. According to the findings, there is a strong positive and statistically significant direct correlation at the 0.01 level between performance effectiveness and customer satisfaction, where the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.524 between them. The results of the regression model were significant, but less than the level of significance (0.000) needed to support the hypothesis that there is an effect via marketing mobile phone.
Accessible ecophysiological tools for seabird conservation
Authors: Whitehead Edin A. , Dunphy Brendon J.
Published: October 2022

Seabirds are the most endangered avian taxa on Earth, with over a third of species globally threatened. To help slow their decline, conservation physiology seeks to determine how seabird responses to climatic and anthropogenic threats influence demographic processes, but it is not widely utilized in monitoring.

A wide variety of metrics and methods are available to the conservation practitioner; thus, the correct method selection is paramount. This is a review of physiological tools to assess both individual and population health in seabirds, outlining which tools could be accessible enough to incorporate into conservation management strategies to increase the efficacy and range of population monitoring.

Ultimately, the cost and expertise required limits the use of some tools in a community‐based management context, but they are useful in academic research in collaboration with conservation projects to generate data to inform management strategies for threatened species.

The value of the data available from particular tools is weighed against the invasiveness of the methodology to assess the practicality of incorporating physiological tools into routine seabird monitoring programmes.

A broader application of conservation physiology tools in a monitoring context could help manage threatened species; this paper summarizes a set of physiological variables from minimally invasive samples that have potential to assist in monitoring population health for seabird conservation. The full potential of these physiological tools is yet to be realized in seabirds.
Effect of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus on myelosuppression in mice induced by cytoxan
Authors: Han Jiahong , Fei Xuan , Sun Nian , Xing Junjia , Cai Enbo , Yang Limin
Published: October 2022

In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus on chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression and elucidate its mechanism. A pharmacological study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of the inhibiting effects of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus on cyclophosphamide‐induced bone marrow suppression in mice. HPLC was used to measure the chemical components. We demonstrated that medium and high doses of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus increased the amount of white blood cells and bone marrow nucleated cells (p < 0.05) in the cyclophosphamian‐induced mouse model, and at the same time reduced granulocyte–macrophage–colony stimulating factor and thrombopoietin in the serum of myelosuppression mice (p < 0.01). Medium and high doses of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus can also adjust the thymus index and spleen index(p < 0.05). Ligustri Lucidi Fructus regulates the balance of bcl‐2/bax, inhibits the expression of Caspase‐3 and meanwhile stimulates the expression of mitogen‐activated protein (MEK) and phospho extracellular regulated protein kinases (p‐ERK) on the MAPK pathway. Five chemical constituents of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, which may be related to myelosuppression, were analyzed. The content of specnuezhenide was 0.281%, that of ligustroflavone was 0.004%, that of salidroside was 0.094%, that of hydroxytyrosol was 0.060% and that of tyrosol was 0.069%. The effect of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus on myelosuppression after chemotherapy may be related to its multicomponent and multitarget nature. Ligustri Lucidi Fructus may be a promising potential drug for treatment after chemotherapy.
Effects of voriconazole and fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of almonertinib in rats by UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Fu Yuhao , Li Ying , Ma Yinling , He Xueru , Xun Xuejiao , Cui Yanjun , Fan Liju , Dong Zhanjun
Published: October 2022

Almonertinib was included in the first‐line treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer with EGFR T790M mutations by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology in 2021. Considering that immunocompromised lung cancer patients are prone to opportunistic fungal infections, and most triazole antifungal drugs are moderate or strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, this study was conducted to develop and validate an accurate and rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying almonertinib in plasma and for investigating the pharmacokinetic changes of almonertinib caused by voriconazole and fluconazole in rats. After liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether, an XSelect HSS T3 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.5 μm, Waters) was used for the chromatographic separation of almonertinib and sorafenib‐D3 (internal standard). The analytes were detected using an AB Sciex Triple Quad 5,500 mass spectrometer in the positive ionization mode. The method exhibited great linearity (0.5–200 ng/ml, r > 0.997) and stability under the established experimental conditions. All validation experiments were in accordance with the guidelines, and the results were all within the acceptable limits. This method was successfully applied to the researches of pharmacokinetics and drug interactions for almonertinib in rats. Voriconazole and fluconazole significantly altered the pharmacokinetic profiles of almonertinib and increased the systemic exposure of almonertinib in rats to different degrees, but further human trials should be conducted to validate the results.
Interrelationship between international trade and environmental performance: Theoretical approaches and indicators for sustainable development
Authors: Sorroche‐del‐Rey Yolanda , Piedra‐Muñoz Laura , Galdeano‐Gómez Emilio
Published: October 2022

In recent years, a great deal of research has analyzed the impact of trade openness on the environment, with the aim of determining whether internationalization contributes to the improvement of environmental performance (EP) or, on the contrary, hinders the achievement of sustainable development. The objective of the present work is to conduct a systematic literature review on the interrelationship between international trade and EP at the micro‐ and macroeconomic levels, analyzing the existent theoretical approaches and the EP indicators utilized in practice. The most prominent theories found are firm heterogeneity, at a microeconomic level, and the pollution haven/halo hypotheses, at a macroeconomic level. Also, the EP indicators have been classified according to five dimensions: energy consumption, resource consumption, emissions, risk potential, and toxic potential, of which pollutant gas emissions and energy consumption are the most used. The results obtained show evidence of the interrelationship mentioned from the perspective of the different theories. In addition, this analysis helps to identify several gaps in this line of study.
Disparities in melanoma incidence and mortality in rural versus urban Michigan
Authors: Shellenberger Richard A. , Johnson Timothy M. , Fayyaz Fatima , Swamy Bhanu , Albright Jeremy , Geller Alan C.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We sought to identifying the possible existence of disparities between rural and urban residents of Michigan for the incidence by stage of disease and disease‐specific mortality for cutaneous melanoma (CM).

Methods

Incidence rates for stage of disease and disease‐specific mortality of cutaneous melanoma were calculated and controlled for gender, age, and area of residence from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, from data collected form the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

The incidence rates for CM were significantly higher in rural Michigan counties, from 2014–2018, for all patients, both age groups, both genders and all stages. Melanoma‐specific mortality rates were also significantly higher for all patients, both age groups and both genders in rural Michigan counties. Using logistic regression analysis, while controlling for age and gender, rural Michigan counties continued to have a higher melanoma‐specific morality rate during our study period (OR = 1.491; 95% CI, 1.27–1.74; p = <.001).

Conclusion

We found significant disparities in the incidence rates and disease specific mortality for cutaneous melanoma in rural compared to urban Michigan from 2014–2018.
Parallel detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 epitopes reveals dynamic immunodominance profiles of CD8+ T memory cells in convalescent COVID‐19 donors
Authors: van den Dijssel Jet , Hagen Ruth R , de Jongh Rivka , Steenhuis Maurice , Rispens Theo , Geerdes Dionne M , Mok Juk Yee , Kragten Angela HM , Duurland Mariël C , Verstegen Niels JM , van Ham S Marieke , van Esch Wim JE , van Gisbergen Klaas PJM , Hombrink Pleun , ten Brinke Anja , van de Sandt Carolien E
Published: October 2022

Objectives

High‐magnitude CD8+ T cell responses are associated with mild COVID‐19 disease; however, the underlying characteristics that define CD8+ T cell‐mediated protection are not well understood. The antigenic breadth and the immunodominance hierarchies of epitope‐specific CD8+ T cells remain largely unexplored and are essential for the development of next‐generation broad‐protective vaccines. This study identified a broad spectrum of conserved SARS‐CoV‐2 CD8+ T cell epitopes and defined their respective immunodominance and phenotypic profiles following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

CD8+ T cells from 51 convalescent COVID‐19 donors were analysed for their ability to recognise 133 predicted and previously described SARS‐CoV‐2‐derived peptides restricted by 11 common HLA class I allotypes using heterotetramer combinatorial coding, which combined with phenotypic markers allowed in‐depth ex vivo profiling of CD8+ T cell responses at quantitative and phenotypic levels.

Results

A comprehensive panel of 49 mostly conserved SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific CD8+ T cell epitopes, including five newly identified low‐magnitude epitopes, was established. We confirmed the immunodominance of HLA‐A*01:01/ORF1ab1637–1646 and B*07:02/N105–113 and identified B*35:01/N325–333 as a third epitope with immunodominant features. The magnitude of subdominant epitope responses, including A*03:01/N361–369 and A*02:01/S269–277, depended on the donors' HLA‐I context. All epitopes expressed prevalent memory phenotypes, with the highest memory frequencies in severe COVID‐19 donors.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection induces a predominant CD8+ T memory response directed against a broad spectrum of conserved SARS‐CoV‐2 epitopes, which likely contributes to long‐term protection against severe disease. The observed immunodominance hierarchy emphasises the importance of T cell epitopes derived from nonspike proteins to the overall protective and cross‐reactive immune response, which could aid future vaccine strategies.
The Standardized Growth Expectation: Implications for Education Evaluation
Authors: Stenner A. Jackson , Bland June D. , Hunter Earl L. , Cooper Mildred L.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this paper is to review some assumptions underlying the use of norm-referenced tests in educational evaluations and to provide a prospectus for research on these assumptions as well as other questions related to norm-referenced tests. Specifically, the assumptions which will be examined are (1) expressing treatment effects in a standard score metric permits aggregation of effects across grades, (2) commonly used standardized tests are sufficiently comparable to permit aggregation of results across tests, and (3) the summer loss observed in Title I projects is due to an actual loss in achievement skills and knowledge. We wish to emphasize at the outset that our intent in this paper is to raise questions and not to present a coherent set of answers.
Generally Objective Measurement of Human Temperature and Reading Ability: Some Corollaries
Authors: Stenner A. Jackson , Stone Mark
Published: October 2022

We argue that a goal of measurement is general objectivity: point estimates of a person’s measure (height, temperature, and reader ability) should be independent of the instrument and independent of the sample in which the person happens to find herself. In contrast, Rasch’s concept of specific objectivity requires only differences (i.e., comparisons) between person measures to be independent of the instrument. We present a canonical case in which there is no overlap between instruments and persons: each person is measured by a unique instrument. We then show what is required to estimate measures in this degenerate case. The canonical case encourages a simplification and reconceptualization of validity and reliability. Not surprisingly, this reconceptualization looks a lot like the way physicists and chemometricians think about validity and measurement error. We animate this presentation with a technology that blurs the distinction between instruction, assessment, and generally objective measurement of reader ability. We encourage adaptation of this model to health outcomes measurement.
A Technology Roadmap for Intangible Assets Metrology
Authors: Fisher William P. , Stenner A. Jackson
Published: October 2022

Measurement plays a vital role in the creation of markets, one that hinges on efficiencies gained via universal availability of precise and accurate information on product quantity and quality. Fulfilling the potential of these ideals requires close attention to measurement and the role of technology in science and the economy. The practical value of a strong theory of instrument calibration and metrological traceability stems from the capacity to mediate relationships in ways that align, coordinate, and integrate different firms’ expectations, investments, and capital budgeting decisions over the long term. Improvements in the measurement of reading ability exhibit patterns analogous to Moore’s Law, which has guided expectations in the micro-processor industry for almost 50 years. The state of the art in reading measurement serves as a model for generalizing the mediating role of instruments in making markets for other forms of intangible assets. These remarks provide only a preliminary sketch of the kinds of information that are both available and needed for making more efficient markets for human, social, and natural capital. Nevertheless, these initial steps project new horizons in the arts and sciences of measuring and managing intangible assets.
Can Psychometricians Learn to Think Like Physicists?
Authors: Stenner A. Jackson , Burdick Donald S.
Published: October 2022

The last 50 years of human and social science measurement theory and practice have witnessed a steady retreat from physical science as the canonical model. Humphry (2011) unapologetically draws on metrology and physical science analogies to reformulate the relationship between discrimination and the unit. This brief note focuses on why this reformulation is important and on how these ideas can improve measurement theory and practice.
Testing Construct Theories
Authors: Stenner A. Jackson , Smith Malbert
Published: October 2022

This paper presents and illustrates a novel methodology, construct-specification equations, for examining the construct validity of a psychological instrument. Whereas traditional approaches have focused on the study of between-person variation on the construct, the suggested methodology emphasizes study of the relationships between item characteristics and item scores. The major thesis of the construct-specification-equation approach is that until developers of a psychological instrument understand what item characteristics are determining the item difficulties, the understanding of what is being measured is unsatisfyingly primitive. This method is illustrated with data from the Knox Cube Test which purports to be a measure of visual attention and short-term memory.
Mapping Variables
Authors: Stone Mark H. , Wright Benjamin D. , Stenner A. Jackson
Published: October 2022

This paper describes Mapping Variables, the principal technique for planning and constructing a test or rating instrument. A variable map is also useful for interpreting results. Modest reference is made to the history of mapping leading to its importance in psychometrics. Several maps are given to show the importance and value of mapping a variable by person and item data. The need for critical appraisal of maps is also stressed.
Theory Referenced Measurement: Combining Substantive Theory and the Rasch Model
Authors: Stenner A. Jackson
Published: October 2022

A construct theory is the story we tell about what it means to move up and down the scale for a variable of interest (e.g., temperature, reading ability, short term memory). Why is it, for example, that items are ordered as they are on the item map? The story evolves as knowledge regarding the construct increases. We call both the process and the product of this evolutionary unfolding "construct definition" (Stenner et al., Journal of Educational Measurement 20:305–316, 1983). Advanced stages of construct definition are characterized by calibration equations (or specification equations) that operationalize and formalize a construct theory. These equations, make point predictions about item behavior or item ensemble distributions. The more closely theoretical calibrations coincide with empirical item difficulties, the more useful the construct theory and the more interesting the story. Twenty-five years of experience in developing the Lexile Framework for Reading enable us to distinguish five stages of thinking. Each subsequent stage can be characterized by an increasingly sophisticated use of substantive theory. Evidence that a construct theory and its associated technologies have reached a given stage or level can be found in the artifacts, instruments, and social networks that are realized at each level.
Large and small non-extremal black holes, thermodynamic dualities, and the Swampland
Authors: Cribiori Niccolò , Dierigl Markus , Gnecchi Alessandra , Lüst Dieter , Scalisi Marco
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In this paper we discuss black hole solutions parametrized by their entropy $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
and temperature $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
in gravitational effective theories. We are especially interested in the analysis of the boundary regions in the $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
− $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
diagram, i.e. large/small values of entropy and temperature, and their relation to Swampland constraints. To explore this correlation, we couple the gravitational theories to scalar fields and connect limits of thermodynamic quantities of black holes to scalar field excursions in the corresponding solutions. Whenever the scalar fields traverse an infinite field distance, the Swampland Distance Conjecture allows for a reformulation in terms of entropy- or temperature-distance. The effective theories with scalars we investigate are Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory as well as $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supergravity in four dimensions. The relation of the latter to type II string theory compactified on Calabi-Yau 3-folds often allows for a direct identification of the corresponding light tower of states. These setups also point towards various dualities between asymptotic regions of the black hole solution. In the context of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supergravity black holes, these thermodynamic dualities have an interpretation in terms of T- and S-dualities along the internal directions and their natural action on Kaluza-Klein and winding states.
Integrable crosscap states in $$ \mathfrak{gl} $$(N) spin chains
Authors: Gombor Tamas
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study the integrable crosscap states of the integrable quantum spin chains and we classify them for the $$ \mathfrak{gl} $$
gl
(N) symmetric models. We also give a derivation for the exact overlaps between the integrable crosscap states and the Bethe states. The first part of the derivation is to calculate sum formula for the off-shell overlap. Using this formula we prove that the normalized overlaps of the multi-particle states are ratios of the Gaudin-like determinants. Furthermore we collect the integrable crosscap states which can be relevant in the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Holonomy saddles and 5d BPS quivers
Authors: Jia Qiang , Yi Piljin
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study the Seberg-Witten geometry of 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 pure Yang-Mills theories compactified on a circle. The concept of the holonomy saddle implies that there are multiple 4d limits of interacting Seiberg-Witten theories from a single 5d theory, and we explore this in the simplest case of pure SU(N) theories. The compactification leads to N copies of locally indistinguishable 4d pure SU(N) Seiberg-Witten theories in the infrared, glued together in a manner dictated by the Chern-Simons level. We show how this picture naturally builds the 5d BPS quivers which agree with the D0 probe dynamics previously proposed via the geometrically engineered local Calabi-Yau. We work out various SU(2) and SU(3) examples through a detailed look at the respective spectral curves. We also note a special ℤ2N feature of SU(N)N spectral curves and the resulting BPS quivers, with emphasis on how the 4d holonomy saddles are affected.
Rewiring of the protein–protein–metabolite interactome during the diauxic shift in yeast
Authors: Schlossarek Dennis , Luzarowski Marcin , Sokołowska Ewelina M. , Thirumalaikumar Venkatesh P. , Dengler Lisa , Willmitzer Lothar , Ewald Jennifer C. , Skirycz Aleksandra
Published: October 2022

In budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the switch from aerobic fermentation to respiratory growth is separated by a period of growth arrest, known as the diauxic shift, accompanied by a significant metabolic rewiring, including the derepression of gluconeogenesis and the establishment of mitochondrial respiration. Previous studies reported hundreds of proteins and tens of metabolites accumulating differentially across the diauxic shift transition. To assess the differences in the protein–protein (PPIs) and protein–metabolite interactions (PMIs) yeast samples harvested in the glucose-utilizing, fermentative phase, ethanol-utilizing and early stationary respiratory phases were analysed using isothermal shift assay (iTSA) and a co-fractionation mass spectrometry approach, PROMIS. Whereas iTSA monitors changes in protein stability and is informative towards protein interaction status, PROMIS uses co-elution to delineate putative PPIs and PMIs. The resulting dataset comprises 1627 proteins and 247 metabolites, hundreds of proteins and tens of metabolites characterized by differential thermal stability and/or fractionation profile, constituting a novel resource to be mined for the regulatory PPIs and PMIs. The examples discussed here include (i) dissociation of the core and regulatory particle of the proteasome in the early stationary phase, (ii) the differential binding of a co-factor pyridoxal phosphate to the enzymes of amino acid metabolism and (iii) the putative, phase-specific interactions between proline-containing dipeptides and enzymes of central carbon metabolism.
Symmetric Set Coloring of Signed Graphs
Authors: Cappello Chiara , Steffen Eckhard
Published: October 2022

There are many concepts of signed graph coloring which are defined by assigning colors to the vertices of the graphs. These concepts usually differ in the number of self-inverse colors used. We introduce a unifying concept for this kind of coloring by assigning elements from symmetric sets to the vertices of the signed graphs. In the first part of the paper, we study colorings with elements from symmetric sets where the number of self-inverse elements is fixed. We prove a Brooks’-type theorem and upper bounds for the corresponding chromatic numbers in terms of the chromatic number of the underlying graph. These results are used in the second part where we introduce the symset-chromatic number $$\chi _\mathrm{sym}(G,\sigma )$$

χ
sym

(
G
,
σ
)

of a signed graph $$(G,\sigma )$$

(
G
,
σ
)

. We show that the symset-chromatic number gives the minimum partition of a signed graph into independent sets and non-bipartite antibalanced subgraphs. In particular, $$\chi _\mathrm{sym}(G,\sigma ) \le \chi (G)$$

χ
sym

(
G
,
σ
)

≤
χ

(
G
)

. In the final section we show that these colorings can also be formalized as DP-colorings.
Subnational AI policy: shaping AI in a multi-level governance system
Authors: Liebig Laura , Güttel Licinia , Jobin Anna , Katzenbach Christian
Published: October 2022

The promises and risks of Artificial Intelligence permeate current policy statements and have attracted much attention by AI governance research. However, most analyses focus exclusively on AI policy on the national and international level, overlooking existing federal governance structures. This is surprising because AI is connected to many policy areas, where the competences are already distributed between the national and subnational level, such as research or economic policy. Addressing this gap, this paper argues that more attention should be dedicated to subnational efforts to shape AI and asks which themes are discussed in subnational AI policy documents with a case study of Germany’s 16 states. Our qualitative analysis of 34 AI policy documents issued on the subnational level demonstrates that subnational efforts focus on knowledge transfer between research and industry actors, the commercialization of AI, different economic identities of the German states, and the incorporation of ethical principles. Because federal states play an active role in AI policy, analysing AI as a policy issue on different levels of government is necessary and will contribute to a better understanding of the developments and implementations of AI strategies in different national contexts.
Social robots as partners?
Authors: Healy Paul
Published: October 2022

Although social robots are achieving increasing prominence as companions and carers, their status as partners in an interactive relationship with humans remains unclear. The present paper explores this issue, first, by considering why social robots cannot truly qualify as “Thous”, that is, as surrogate human partners, as they are often assumed to be, and then by briefly considering why it will not do to construe them as mere machines, slaves, or pets, as others have contended. Having concluded that none of these familiar designations does justice to social robots’ still evolving and yet-to-be-defined status, I go on to consider whether engaging in a “relational turn” which prioritises the relationship over the entities in relation, can provide a more satisfactory alternative. In defending this stance, Damiano and Dumouchel (HUMANA.MENTE J Philos Stud 13:181–206, 2020) contend that in addition to foregrounding the possibility that social robots constitute new types of artificial companions which we can find “companionable in different ways”, the relational turn has the added advantage of providing a more expansive and productive ethical framework for future research and development in this domain. But on balance, it is far from clear that this approach can circumvent the so-called “dummy-human” problem, the contention that social robots are little more than sophisticated toys with the potential to deceive their users about the prospects for genuine partnership and bonding. Accordingly, I conclude that while Damiano and Dumouchel’s shift in “target phenomenology” brings to the fore facets of the interaction that may be difficult to infer by focussing on the relata alone, it is ultimately too “thin” to qualify as a template for robust human-robotic interaction of the sort that could qualify as a genuine partnership. Hence, while their relational turn has its merits in alerting us to the novel possibilities and challenges afforded by this ever-evolving technology and to the limitations of existing frameworks, it is contended that in itself it cannot provide an adequate template for conceptualising what a genuine human–robot partnership might entail. Instead, we need a more expansive approach that can do greater justice to the complexities of human-robotic interaction in its continuities as well as differences from more familiar human (and animal) prototypes.
Pattern-Selective Feedback Stabilization of Ginzburg–Landau Spiral Waves
Authors: Schneider Isabelle , de Wolff Babette , Dai Jia-Yuan
Published: October 2022

The complex Ginzburg–Landau equation serves as a paradigm of pattern formation and the existence and stability properties of Ginzburg–Landaum-armed spiral waves have been investigated extensively. However, many multi-armed spiral waves are unstable and thereby rarely visible in experiments and numerical simulations. In this article we selectively stabilize certain significant classes of unstable spiral waves within circular and spherical geometries. As a result, stable spiral waves with an arbitrary number of arms are obtained for the first time. Our tool for stabilization is the symmetry-breaking control triple method, which is an equivariant generalization of the widely applied Pyragas control to the setting of PDEs.
Establishment and application of quantitative method for 22 organic acids in honey based on SPE-GC–MS
Authors: Sun Liping , Shi Fengfeng , He Xingjiang , Cai Yujiao , Yu Yinglong , Yao Dan , Zhou Jinhui , Wei Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Honey, a natural healthy liquid bee product, is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Different origin honeys also varied in organic acids. The objective of this study is to establish an efficient solid-phase extraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPE-GC–MS) method to eliminate interference of sugar and other impurities for accurately estimating 22 organic acids in honey by optimizing extraction, purification, derivatization, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analytical conditions. After being extracted, purified and derivatized, organic acids in honey were qualified and quantified by GC–MS. This method was evaluated experimentally, and the results showed that, within a certain concentration range, the standard curve linear relationship was satisfactory (R2 > 0.9942), and the target organic acid recovery rate was 86.74% ~ 118.68%. Besides, precision (relative standard deviation, RSD = 2.98% ~ 13.42%), detection limit (LOD = 0.002 ~ 0.2 mg kg−1), and quantification limit (LOQ = 0.008 ~ 0.5 mg kg−1) met the target requirements. Also, based on this analytical method, the organic acids in five types of honey (acacia, jujube, vitex, canola and linden honey) were estimated. Notably, they all contained 22 different kinds of organic acids, and significant differences (p < 0.05) in the organic acid content and composition among different honey varieties were observed. PCA analysis showed that the five honeys could be differentiated based on the content of 22 organic acids.
Effects of visual stimulation using wooden-wall images with different amounts of knots on psychological and physiological responses
Authors: Nakamura Masashi , Ikei Harumi , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: October 2022

Wood is an important material used in decorating human living environment. Knots are prominent features found on wood surface. Moreover, they are commonly considered as undesirable surface defects, which reduce not only the mechanical properties but also the aesthetic qualities of lumber. The effects of visual stimulation using knotty wood on psychological responses among humans have been relatively well investigated. However, only few studies have assessed physiological responses. Hence, the present study aimed to assess whether knotty wood surface can reduce not only psychological but also physiological benefits for humans. Two full-sized knotty wooden-wall images and a clear wooden-wall image were used as visual stimuli using computer graphics techniques. Twenty-eight adult Japanese female university students viewed each image for 90 s in random order. During exposure to the visual stimuli, the oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the left and right prefrontal cortex and heart rate variability were consecutively measured and utilized as indicators of central and autonomic nervous system activities, respectively. In addition, the psychological effects of knotty images were examined using the modified semantic differential method and the Profile of Mood State 2nd Edition. There was no significant difference in the effects of the three images on physiological responses. All visual stimuli more or less promoted psychological comfort and relaxation. However, compared with the clear wooden-wall image, the wooden-wall image with several knots was associated with reduced psychological benefits, and the psychological responses in viewing the wooden-wall image with few knots did not remarkably differ.
Estimating crop coefficients and actual evapotranspiration in citrus orchards with sporadic cover weeds based on ground and remote sensing data
Authors: Ippolito Matteo , De Caro Dario , Ciraolo Giuseppe , Minacapilli Mario , Provenzano Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Accurate estimations of actual crop evapotranspiration are of utmost importance to evaluate crop water requirements and to optimize water use efficiency. At this aim, coupling simple agro-hydrological models, such as the well-known FAO-56 model, with remote observations of the land surface could represent an easy-to-use tool to identify biophysical parameters of vegetation, such as the crop coefficient Kc under the actual field conditions and to estimate actual crop evapotranspiration. This paper intends, therefore, to propose an operational procedure to evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of Kc in a citrus orchard characterized by the sporadic presence of ground weeds, based on micro-meteorological measurements collected on-ground and vegetation indices (VIs) retrieved by the Sentinel-2 sensors. A non-linear Kc(VIs) relationship was identified after assuming that the sum of two VIs, such as the normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, and the normalized difference water index, NDWI, is suitable to represent the spatio-temporal dynamics of the investigated environment, characterized by sparse vegetation and the sporadic presence of spontaneous but transpiring soil weeds, typical of winter seasons and/or periods following events wetting the soil surface. The Kc values obtained in each cell of the Sentinel-2 grid (10 m) were then used as input of the spatially distributed FAO-56 model to estimate the variability of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and the other terms of water balance. The performance of the proposed procedure was finally evaluated by comparing the estimated average soil water content and actual crop evapotranspiration with the corresponding ones measured on-ground. The application of the FAO-56 model indicated that the estimated ETa were characterized by root-mean-square-error, RMSE, and mean bias-error, MBE, of 0.48 and -0.13 mm d−1 respectively, while the estimated soil water contents, SWC, were characterized by RMSE equal to 0.01 cm3 cm−3 and the absence of bias, then confirming that the suggested procedure can produce highly accurate results in terms of dynamics of soil water content and actual crop evapotranspiration under the investigated field conditions.