bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subpixel Deblurring of Anti‐Aliased Raster Clip‐Art
Authors: Yang J. , Vining N. , Kheradmand S. , Carr N. , Sigal L. , Sheffer A.
Published: May 2023

Artist generated clip‐art images typically consist of a small number of distinct, uniformly colored regions with clear boundaries. Legacy artist created images are often stored in low‐resolution (100x100px or less) anti‐aliased raster form. Compared to anti‐aliasing free rasterization, anti‐aliasing blurs inter‐region boundaries and obscures the artist's intended region topology and color palette; at the same time, it better preserves subpixel details. Recovering the underlying artist‐intended images from their low‐resolution anti‐aliased rasterizations can facilitate resolution independent rendering, lossless vectorization, and other image processing applications. Unfortunately, while human observers can mentally deblur these low‐resolution images and reconstruct region topology, color and subpixel details, existing algorithms applicable to this task fail to produce outputs consistent with human expectations when presented with such images. We recover these viewer perceived blur‐free images at subpixel resolution, producing outputs where each input pixel is replaced by four corresponding (sub)pixels. Performing this task requires computing the size of the output image color palette, generating the palette itself, and associating each pixel in the output with one of the colors in the palette. We obtain these desired output components by leveraging a combination of perceptual and domain priors, and real world data. We use readily available data to train a network that predicts, for each anti‐aliased image, a low‐blur approximation of the blur‐free double‐resolution outputs we seek. The images obtained at this stage are perceptually closer to the desired outputs but typically still have hundreds of redundant differently colored regions with fuzzy boundaries. We convert these low‐blur intermediate images into blur‐free outputs consistent with viewer expectations using a discrete partitioning procedure guided by the characteristic properties of clip‐art images, observations about the antialiasing process, and human perception of anti‐aliased clip‐art. This step dramatically reduces the size of the output color palettes, and the region counts bringing them in line with viewer expectations and enabling the image processing applications we target. We demonstrate the utility of our method by using our outputs for a number of image processing tasks, and validate it via extensive comparisons to prior art. In our comparative study, participants preferred our deblurred outputs over those produced by the best‐performing alternative by a ratio of 75 to 8.5.
Unsupervised Template Warp Consistency for Implicit Surface Correspondences
Authors: Liu Mengya , Chhatkuli Ajad , Postels Janis , Gool Luc Van , Tombari Federico
Published: May 2023

Unsupervised template discovery via implicit representation in a category of shapes has recently shown strong performance. At the core, such methods deform input shapes to a common template space which allows establishing correspondences as well as implicit representation of the shapes. In this work we investigate the inherent assumption that the implicit neural field optimization naturally leads to consistently warped shapes, thus providing both good shape reconstruction and correspondences. Contrary to this convenient assumption, in practice we observe that such is not the case, consequently resulting in sub‐optimal point correspondences. In order to solve the problem, we re‐visit the warp design and more importantly introduce explicit constraints using unsupervised sparse point predictions, directly encouraging consistency of the warped shapes. We use the unsupervised sparse keypoints in order to further condition the deformation warp and enforce the consistency of the deformation warp. Experiments in dynamic non‐rigid DFaust and ShapeNet categories show that our problem identification and solution provide the new state‐of‐the‐art in unsupervised dense correspondences.
Surface Maps via Adaptive Triangulations
Authors: Schmidt P. , Pieper D. , Kobbelt L.
Published: May 2023

We present a new method to compute continuous and bijective maps (surface homeomorphisms) between two or more genus‐0 triangle meshes. In contrast to previous approaches, we decouple the resolution at which a map is represented from the resolution of the input meshes. We discretize maps via common triangulations that approximate the input meshes while remaining in bijective correspondence to them. Both the geometry and the connectivity of these triangulations are optimized with respect to a single objective function that simultaneously controls mapping distortion, triangulation quality, and approximation error. A discrete‐continuous optimization algorithm performs both energy‐based remeshing as well as global second‐order optimization of vertex positions, parametrized via the sphere. With this, we combine the disciplines of compatible remeshing and surface map optimization in a unified formulation and make a contribution in both fields. While existing compatible remeshing algorithms often operate on a fixed pre‐computed surface map, we can now globally update this correspondence during remeshing. On the other hand, bijective surface‐to‐surface map optimization previously required computing costly overlay meshes that are inherently tied to the input mesh resolution. We achieve significant complexity reduction by instead assessing distortion between the approximating triangulations. This new map representation is inherently more robust than previous overlay‐based approaches, is less intricate to implement, and naturally supports mapping between more than two surfaces. Moreover, it enables adaptive multi‐resolution schemes that, e.g., first align corresponding surface regions at coarse resolutions before refining the map where needed. We demonstrate significant speedups and increased flexibility over state‐of‐the art mapping algorithms at similar map quality, and also provide a reference implementation of the method.
Learning to Learn and Sample BRDFs
Authors: Liu Chen , Fischer Michael , Ritschel Tobias
Published: May 2023

We propose a method to accelerate the joint process of physically acquiring and learning neural Bi‐directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) models. While BRDF learning alone can be accelerated by meta‐learning, acquisition remains slow as it relies on a mechanical process. We show that meta‐learning can be extended to optimize the physical sampling pattern, too. After our method has been meta‐trained for a set of fully‐sampled BRDFs, it is able to quickly train on new BRDFs with up to five orders of magnitude fewer physical acquisition samples at similar quality. Our approach also extends to other linear and non‐linear BRDF models, which we show in an extensive evaluation.
Generating Texture for 3D Human Avatar from a Single Image using Sampling and Refinement Networks
Authors: Cha Sihun , Seo Kwanggyoon , Ashtari Amirsaman , Noh Junyong
Published: May 2023

There has been significant progress in generating an animatable 3D human avatar from a single image. However, recovering texture for the 3D human avatar from a single image has been relatively less addressed. Because the generated 3D human avatar reveals the occluded texture of the given image as it moves, it is critical to synthesize the occluded texture pattern that is unseen from the source image. To generate a plausible texture map for 3D human avatars, the occluded texture pattern needs to be synthesized with respect to the visible texture from the given image. Moreover, the generated texture should align with the surface of the target 3D mesh. In this paper, we propose a texture synthesis method for a 3D human avatar that incorporates geometry information. The proposed method consists of two convolutional networks for the sampling and refining process. The sampler network fills in the occluded regions of the source image and aligns the texture with the surface of the target 3D mesh using the geometry information. The sampled texture is further refined and adjusted by the refiner network. To maintain the clear details in the given image, both sampled and refined texture is blended to produce the final texture map. To effectively guide the sampler network to achieve its goal, we designed a curriculum learning scheme that starts from a simple sampling task and gradually progresses to the task where the alignment needs to be considered. We conducted experiments to show that our method outperforms previous methods qualitatively and quantitatively.
Directionality‐Aware Design of Embroidery Patterns
Authors: Zhenyuan Liu , Piovarči Michal , Hafner Christian , Charrondière Raphaël , Bickel Bernd
Published: May 2023

Embroidery is a long‐standing and high‐quality approach to making logos and images on textiles. Nowadays, it can also be performed via automated machines that weave threads with high spatial accuracy. A characteristic feature of the appearance of the threads is a high degree of anisotropy. The anisotropic behavior is caused by depositing thin but long strings of thread. As a result, the stitched patterns convey both color and direction. Artists leverage this anisotropic behavior to enhance pure color images with textures, illusions of motion, or depth cues. However, designing colorful embroidery patterns with prescribed directionality is a challenging task, one usually requiring an expert designer. In this work, we propose an interactive algorithm that generates machine‐fabricable embroidery patterns from multi‐chromatic images equipped with user‐specified directionality fields. We cast the problem of finding a stitching pattern into vector theory. To find a suitable stitching pattern, we extract sources and sinks from the divergence field of the vector field extracted from the input and use them to trace streamlines. We further optimize the streamlines to guarantee a smooth and connected stitching pattern. The generated patterns approximate the color distribution constrained by the directionality field. To allow for further artistic control, the trade‐off between color match and directionality match can be interactively explored via an intuitive slider. We showcase our approach by fabricating several embroidery paths.
Non‐linear Rough 2D Animation using Transient Embeddings
Authors: Even Melvin , Bénard Pierre , Barla Pascal
Published: May 2023

Traditional 2D animation requires time and dedication since tens of thousands of frames need to be drawn by hand for a typical production. Many computer‐assisted methods have been proposed to automatize the generation of inbetween frames from a set of clean line drawings, but they are all limited by a rigid workflow and a lack of artistic controls, which is in the most part due to the one‐to‐one stroke matching and interpolation problems they attempt to solve. In this work, we take a novel view on those problems by focusing on an earlier phase of the animation process that uses rough drawings (i.e., sketches). Our key idea is to recast the matching and interpolation problems so that they apply to transient embeddings, which are groups of strokes that only exist for a few keyframes. A transient embedding carries strokes between keyframes both forward and backward in time through a sequence of transformed lattices. Forward and backward strokes are then cross‐faded using their thickness to yield rough inbetweens. With our approach, complex topological changes may be introduced while preserving visual motion continuity. As demonstrated on state‐of‐the‐art 2D animation exercises, our system provides unprecedented artistic control through the non‐linear exploration of movements and dynamics in real‐time.
A survey of Optimal Transport for Computer Graphics and Computer Vision
Authors: Bonneel Nicolas , Digne Julie
Published: May 2023

Optimal transport is a long‐standing theory that has been studied in depth from both theoretical and numerical point of views. Starting from the 50s this theory has also found a lot of applications in operational research. Over the last 30 years it has spread to computer vision and computer graphics and is now becoming hard to ignore. Still, its mathematical complexity can make it difficult to comprehend, and as such, computer vision and computer graphics researchers may find it hard to follow recent developments in their field related to optimal transport. This survey first briefly introduces the theory of optimal transport in layman's terms as well as most common numerical techniques to solve it. More importantly, it presents applications of these numerical techniques to solve various computer graphics and vision related problems. This involves applications ranging from image processing, geometry processing, rendering, fluid simulation, to computational optics, and many more. It is aimed at computer graphics researchers desiring to follow optimal transport research in their field as well as optimal transport researchers willing to find applications for their numerical algorithms.
Immediately or delayed sinus augmentation after pseudocyst removal: A randomized trial
Authors: Yu Huajie , Tang Yiman , He Danqing , Qiu Lixin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To compare clinical and histological outcomes of sinus augmentation performed immediately or 3 months after pseudocyst removal through a prospective randomized controlled study.

Materials and Methods

In total, 33 sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 31 patients. Augmentation was performed either immediately after pseudocyst removal (one‐stage intervention) or after 3 months (two‐stage intervention). Six months postoperatively, bone specimens were harvested, and histomorphometric analysis was performed as primary outcome. Data were recorded and evaluated for implant survival rates, marginal bone resorption, complication rate, and patient‐centered outcomes (visual analogue scale [VAS]).

Results

There were no baseline differences between groups or dropouts. Twelve biopsies obtained for histomorphometric analysis showed that delayed sinus augmentation, when compared to immediated led to a 1.1% increased mineralized bone ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]: −15.9 to 13.7). Graft leakage and acute sinusitis occurred in one patient in the one‐stage group, none in the two‐stage group. No pseudocyst recurrence was observed until the end of 1‐year follow‐up. Median VAS scores for overall acceptance were significantly increase of 1.4 (95% CI: 0.3–2.56) in immediate group. The degree of post‐operative discomfort was not significantly different, although an increase of VAS (0.52, 95% CI: −0.32 to 1.37) was observed in delay group.

Conclusions

Both procedures of sinus augmentation immediately and 3 months after pseudocyst removal could obtain comparable histological outcomes and had low complication rates. Patients who underwent the one‐stage procedure had a short treatment course and high satisfaction rates, but this procedure is technically challenging to perform.

This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization. The clinical trial registration number is ChiCTR2200063121. The hyperlink is as follows: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=172755.
Agreement between ultrasound protocols for the estimation of body fat percentage: Comparison to a four‐compartment model
Authors: Sullivan Katherine , Metoyer Casey J. , Winchester Lee J. , Esco Michael R. , Fedewa Michael V.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the agreement between body fat percentage (%Fat) estimates derived from a standardized ultrasound protocol (%FatIASMS), a commonly used skinfold (SKF)‐site‐based ultrasound protocol (%FatJP), and a criterion four‐compartment (4C) model (%Fat4C). For the ultrasound protocols, all measurement sites were marked, measured and analyzed by the same evaluator. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness was measured manually at the region where the muscle fascia was parallel to the skin and the average value per measurement site was used to calculate body density and subsequently %Fat. A repeated‐measures analysis of variance with a priori planned contrasts was used to compare %Fat values between the 4C criterion and both ultrasound methods. Small nonsignificant mean differences were observed between %FatIASMS (18.82 ± 14.21%Fat, effect size [ES] = 0.25, p = 0.178), %FatJP (18.23 ± 13.32%Fat, ES = 0.32, p = 0.050) and the %Fat4C criterion (21.70 ± 7.57%Fat); however, %FatIASMS did not yield a smaller mean difference than the %FatJP (p = 0.287). Additionally, %FatIASMS (r = 0.90, p < 0.001, standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 3.29%) and %FatJP (r = 0.88, p < 0.001, SEE = 3.60%) were strongly correlated with the 4C criterion, however, %FatIASMS did not yield better agreement than %FatJP (p = 0.257). Despite slightly underestimating %Fat, both ultrasound techniques demonstrated Good—Very Good agreement with the 4C criterion, with comparable mean differences, correlations, and SEE. The International Association of Sciences in Medicine and Sports (IASMS) standardized protocol using manual calculations of SAT was comparable to the SKF‐site‐based ultrasound protocol when compared to the 4C criterion. These results indicate that the IASMS (with manually measured SAT) and SKF‐site‐based ultrasound protocols may be of practical use to clinicians.
Development trends of human organoid‐based COVID‐19 research based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Minghui , Yuan Yuhan , Zou Ting , Hou Zongkun , Jin Liang , Wang Bochu
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has posed a catastrophic threat to human health worldwide. Human stem cell‐derived organoids serve as a promising platform for exploring SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Several review articles have summarized the application of human organoids in COVID‐19, but the research status and development trend of this field have seldom been systematically and comprehensively studied. In this review, we use bibliometric analysis method to identify the characteristics of organoid‐based COVID‐19 research. First, an annual trend of publications and citations, the most contributing countries or regions and organizations, co‐citation analysis of references and sources and research hotspots are determined. Next, systematical summaries of organoid applications in investigating the pathology of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, vaccine development and drug discovery, are provided. Lastly, the current challenges and future considerations of this field are discussed. The present study will provide an objective angle to identify the current trend and give novel insights for directing the future development of human organoid applications in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Efficacy and safety of montelukast adjuvant therapy in adults with cough variant asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Qian , Lu Tingting , Song Zhongyang , Zhu Peng , Wu Yana , Zhang Lumei , Yang Kehu , Zhang Zhiming
Published: May 2023

Background

Montelukast is a highly selective and specific cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist used in the treatment of asthma. Whether montelukast as adjuvant therapy can significantly and safely treat adults with cough variant asthma (CVA) remains inconclusive.

Aims

This meta‐analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of montelukast as an adjuvant treatment for adults with CVA.

Materials and methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on montelukast combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long‐acting β2 agonists (LABAs) to treat CVA in adults, from inception to March 6, 2023, were retrieved from the CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases and Clinical Trials website. Review Manager (version 5.4) and Stata (version 15.0) were used to conduct the meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 15 RCTs were ultimately included in the meta‐analysis. It was established that montelukast as adjuvant therapy raised the total effective rate (RR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.13, 1.27], P < 0.01) and improved the FEV1% (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI [0.40, 1.41], P < 0.01), PEF% (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI [0.38, 0.88], P < 0.01), FEV1 (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI [0.53, 1.77], P < 0.01), PEF (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI [0.42, 0.86], P < 0.01), and FEV1/FVC% (SMD = 0.76, 95% CI [0.51, 1.01], P < 0.01) and reduced the recurrence rate (RR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.15, 0.53], P < 0.01). The incidence of adverse reactions was higher in the montelukast auxiliary group compared to the control group but with no statistical difference (RR = 1.32, 95% CI [0.89, 1.96], P = 0.17).

Conclusion

Existing evidence indicated that the use of montelukast as an adjuvant therapy had therapeutic efficacy superior to ICS + LABA alone for the treatment of adult patients with CVA. However, further research is needed, especially a combination of high‐quality long‐term prospective studies and carefully designed RCTs.
Network connectivity underlying episodic memory in children: Application of a pediatric brain tumor survivor injury model
Authors: Alonso Katie Wade , Dahhan Noor Z. Al , Riggs Lily , Tseng Julie , de Medeiros Cynthia , Scott Ming , Laughlin Suzanne , Bouffet Eric , Mabbott Donald J.
Published: May 2023

Episodic memory involves personal experiences paired with their context. The Medial Temporal, Posterior Medial, Anterior Temporal, and Medial Prefrontal networks have been found to support the hippocampus in episodic memory in adults. However, there lacks a model that captures how the structural and functional connections of these networks interact to support episodic memory processing in children. Using diffusion‐weighted imaging, magnetoencephalography, and memory tests, we quantified differences in white matter microstructure, neural communication, and episodic memory performance, respectively, of healthy children (n = 23) and children with reduced memory performance. Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS; n = 24) were used as a model, as they exhibit reduced episodic memory and perturbations in white matter and neural communication. We observed that PBTS, compared to healthy controls, showed significantly (p < 0.05) (1) disrupted white matter microstructure between these episodic memory networks through lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean and axial diffusivity, (2) perturbed theta band (4–7 Hz) oscillatory synchronization in these same networks through higher weighted phase lag indices (wPLI), and (3) lower episodic memory performance in the Transverse Patterning and Children's Memory Scale (CMS) tasks. Using partial‐least squares path modeling, we found that brain tumor treatment predicted network white matter damage, which predicted inter‐network theta hypersynchrony and lower verbal learning (directly) and lower verbal recall (indirectly via theta hypersynchrony). Novel to the literature, our findings suggest that white matter modulates episodic memory through effect on oscillatory synchronization within relevant brain networks.

Research Highlights

Investigates the relationship between structural and functional connectivity of episodic memory networks in healthy children and pediatric brain tumor survivors

Pediatric brain tumor survivors demonstrate disrupted episodic memory, white matter microstructure and theta oscillatory synchronization compared to healthy children

Findings suggest white matter microstructure modulates episodic memory through effects on oscillatory synchronization within relevant episodic memory networks
Social isolation and loneliness: Undervalued risk factors for disease states and mortality
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Tanriover Cem , Copur Sidar , Peltek Ibrahim B. , Mutlu Ali , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine
Published: May 2023

Social isolation and loneliness are two common but undervalued conditions associated with a poor quality of life, decreased overall health and mortality. In this review, we aim to discuss the health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. We first provide the potential causes of these two conditions. Then, we explain the pathophysiological processes underlying the effects of social isolation and loneliness in disease states. Afterwards, we explain the important associations between these conditions and different non‐communicable diseases, as well as the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health‐related behaviours. Finally, we discuss the current and novel potential management strategies for these conditions. Healthcare professionals who attend to socially isolated and/or lonely patients should be fully competent in these conditions and assess their patients thoroughly to detect and properly understand the effects of isolation and loneliness. Patients should be offered education and treatment alternatives through shared decision‐making. Future studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms better and to improve the treatment strategies for both social isolation and loneliness.
The second life of terrestrial and plastic carbon as nutritionally valuable food for aquatic consumers
Authors: Taipale S. J. , Rigaud C. , Calderini M. L. , Kainz M. J. , Pilecky M. , Uusi‐Heikkilä S. , Vesamäki J. S. , Vuorio K. , Tiirola M.
Published: May 2023

Primary production is the basis for energy and biomolecule flow in food webs. Nutritional importance of terrestrial and plastic carbon via mixotrophic algae to upper trophic level is poorly studied. We explored this question by analysing the contribution of osmo‐ and phagomixotrophic species in boreal lakes and used 13C‐labelled materials and compound‐specific isotopes to determine biochemical fate of carbon backbone of leaves, lignin–hemicellulose and polystyrene at four‐trophic level experiment. Microbes prepared similar amounts of amino acids from leaves and lignin, but four times more membrane lipids from lignin than leaves, and much less from polystyrene. Mixotrophic algae (Cryptomonas sp.) upgraded simple fatty acids to essential omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Labelled amino and fatty acids became integral parts of cell membranes of zooplankton (Daphnia magna) and fish (Danio rerio). These results show that terrestrial and plastic carbon can provide backbones for essential biomolecules of mixotrophic algae and consumers at higher trophic levels.
A clinical audit of the intravenous fluid therapy given to hospitalised horses
Authors: Dodd Natalie A. , Smith Matthew R. W.
Published: May 2023

Background

This audit was conducted as it was noted that intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) was not as precise as anticipated. The aim was to enhance the precision of IVFT given to patients.

Objectives

To (1) quantify the discrepancies in intravenous fluid administered to patients compared to prescribed volumes; (2) investigate causative factors, and develop an action plan to improve care quality and (3) assess the effectiveness of implemented changes.

Study design

A clinical audit was conducted. Clinical notes from horses receiving IVFT from January to June 2020 were analysed. Methods of improvement were discussed and implemented and a re‐audit was then conducted from January to June 2021.

Methods

A 24‐h period was divided into a day‐time period from 08:00 AM to 18:00 PM and a night period from 18:00 PM to 08:00 AM and the prescribed fluid volume was compared to the actual volume administered to ICU patients during these periods. For the re‐audit, modifications were made, including the use of a modified analogue scale to quantify the remaining fluid volume in the bags, and revised recording sheets for intensive care and fluid therapy.

Results

In 2020, 19/73 horses had records eligible for analysis. Horses received within 5 L of the prescribed volume in 14/53 (26%) time periods recorded. In 2021, 88/105 horses were eligible for data analysis. Horses received within 5 L of the prescribed volume in 156/220 (71%) time periods recorded. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the difference in fluid volume prescribed and received between 2020 and 2021. The obtained p value of 0.0001295 revealed a significant difference between the 2 years, suggesting that the observed variation in fluid volume was not by chance.

Conclusions

The clinical audit facilitated demonstrable improvement and enhanced the standard of care.
Promoting the health of gender variant children in Italy: Parents' experience with supportive networks
Authors: Iudici Antonio , Orczyk Gloria
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this research was to explore the ways in which Italian parents of gender variant (GV) children construct their experience of seeking medical–psychological support and their experience with local services.

Background

We refer to gender variance in minors as the process of identification with a gender, other than the one assigned at birth. Parents taking care of their GV children often search for professional support to better understand them and promote their overall well‐being. International research has shown that parents often meet health professionals who are ill‐equipped to support them.

Method

We interviewed 26 parents in Italy with children who are GV. Through discourse analysis, with a focus on Harré's discursive positioning, we discuss how throughout their experience, parents have turned to information from professionals who were mostly uneducated about gender variance, and therefore, unable to help.

Results

A mostly adequate support was received when the parents eventually turned to specialized services for transgender and GV people; however, the fundamental source of support and empowerment is the informal relational network of services and “gender” families.

Conclusion

Parents' reports show that in Italy, health professionals and services addressing gender variance are highly heterogeneous and patchy, thus necessitating a specific training for professionals on the needs of transgender people.

Implications

This study is particularly important in the current context of the medicalization of children who are GV, as it offers valuable insights into the experiences of families navigating the complex and often stigmatized world of gender identity development.
Multi‐item unidimensional measurement scale construct: Perceived hygiene development (pHd)
Authors: Iskender Ali , Turk Ercan Sirakaya , Cardenas David
Published: May 2023

The recent COVID‐19 pandemic experience intensified the significance of hygiene in the service industry. It is crucial to measure how service practice adaptations and technology adoptions in servicescapes have been perceived by customers regarding hygiene in the post‐COVID‐19 era. However, the extant hygiene scales do not serve the purpose to measure hygiene contributions of technology‐specific and service practice‐specific changes. Thus, the purpose of this research was to develop a multi‐item unidimensional perceived hygiene construct. Sequential mixed‐methods research (Qual‐Quan) was employed. Participants were sampled among restaurant patrons. A four‐item perceived hygiene development (pHd) construct was successfully developed. Hospitality and service researchers and practitioners can utilize this scale to measure perceived hygiene improvements of particular technology adoptions and service practice adaptations in service settings.
The role of refuges in biological invasions: A systematic review
Authors: Boon James S. , Keith Sally A. , Exton Dan A. , Field Richard
Published: May 2023

Aim

Ecological refuges buffer organisms against stressors and mediate a range of species interactions. However, their role in the context of biological invasions has yet to be synthesized, despite the increasing prevalence and impact of non‐native species. To address this, we conducted a systematic review aiming to determine the extent to which refuges are considered explicitly in the invasion literature and to synthesize their function.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present day.

Major taxa studied

All.

Methods

Our search of the literature was conducted using the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases and followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We obtained 315 records of refuge use in biological invasions from 300 studies. From each record, we extracted information relating to the experimental design, species characteristics and refuge type, where available.

Results

Refuges and refuge‐mediated processes are widely reported in the invasion literature. Native species commonly use refuges to avoid non‐native predation and competition, with spatial complexity and habitat heterogeneity key factors in facilitating their coexistence. Records show that artificial structures safeguard non‐natives in their introduced range. However, there were key differences in the use of such structures in marine and terrestrial environments. Moreover, the enhanced structural complexity created by non‐native plants and bivalves is often reported to act as a predation refuge for other species.

Main conclusions

The ubiquity of refuge‐based processes suggests that refuges can play an important role in affecting the persistence, spread and impacts of non‐native species, either through previously described mechanisms (i.e. refuge‐mediated apparent competition and the persistent pressure scenario) or through a mechanism we describe (i.e. when non‐native species use existing refuges), or both.
EIN INTERVIEW MIT DEM LYRIKER UND THEOLOGEN CHRISTIAN LEHNERT: GESPRÄCH ÜBER DICHTUNG, RELIGION, NATURMYSTIK UND SEINEN LYRIKBAND OPUS 8. IM FLECHTWERK (2022). MIT ZWEI UNVERÖFFENTLICHTEN GEDICHTEN VON CHRISTIAN LEHNERT
Authors: Bingel‐Jones Hanna
Published: May 2023

This article is an interview with the writer Christian Lehnert, who is both a theologian and a distinguished German poet. Linguistic precision, the artful use of semantics from the Christian and Jewish traditions, and an associative, surprising imagery are considered the hallmarks of Lehnert's poetics. The interview examines the relationship of his poetry to theology and religion, the tension between religious and non‐religious interpretations of reality and the personal motivations for his writing. The interview focuses on the pronounced references to nature in his poetry and the influence of nature mysticism in his writing. As Lehnert explains, the recourse to pre‐modern theologies of creation enables him to explore an approach to nature in which, in critical distance to a rational‐functional access to nature, the mysteriousness and strangeness of the non‐human other is understood anew, suggesting a deeper connection with other creatures.
Monocyte pathology in human tuberculosis is due to plasma milieu changes and aberrant STAT signalling
Authors: Ahor Hubert Senanu , Schulte Rebecca , Adankwah Ernest , Harelimana Jean De Dieu , Minadzi Difery , Acheampong Isaac , Vivekanandan Monika M. , Aniagyei Wilfred , Yeboah Augustine , Arthur Joseph F. , Lamptey Millicent , Abass Mohammed K. , Kumbel Francis , Osei‐Yeboah Francis , Gawusu Amidu , Debrah Linda Batsa , Owusu Dorcas O. , Debrah Alexander , Mayatepek Ertan , Seyfarth Julia , Phillips Richard O. , Jacobsen Marc
Published: May 2023

Monocyte‐derived macrophages contribute centrally to immune protection in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and changes in monocyte phenotype characterize immunopathology in tuberculosis patients. Recent studies highlighted an important role of the plasma milieu in tuberculosis immunopathology. Here, we investigated monocyte pathology in patients with acute tuberculosis and determined tuberculosis plasma milieu effects on phenotype as well as cytokine signalling of reference monocytes. Patients with tuberculosis (n = 37) and asymptomatic contacts (controls n = 35) were recruited as part of a hospital‐based study in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Multiplex flow cytometry phenotyping of monocyte immunopathology was performed and effects of individual blood plasma samples on reference monocytes prior to and during treatment were characterized. Concomitantly, cell signalling pathways were analysed to elucidate underlying mechanisms of plasma effects on monocytes. Multiplex flow cytometry visualization characterized changes in monocyte subpopulations and detected higher expression of CD40, CD64 and PD‐L1 in monocytes from tuberculosis patients as compared to controls. Aberrant expression normalized during anti‐mycobacterial treatment and also CD33 expression decreased markedly. Notably, higher CD33, CD40 and CD64 expression was induced in reference monocytes when cultured in the presence of plasma samples from tuberculosis patients as compared to controls. STAT signalling pathways were affected by the aberrant plasma milieu and higher levels of STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation was found in tuberculosis plasma‐treated reference monocytes. Importantly, high pSTAT3 levels were associated with high CD33 expression and pSTAT5 correlated with CD40 as well as CD64 expression. These results suggested plasma milieu effects with potential implications on monocyte phenotype and function in acute tuberculosis.
A blockchain‐based framework to optimize shipping container flows in the hinterland
Authors: Mhiri Mariem , Al‐Yafi Karim , Legros Benjamin , Jouini Oualid , Haouari Mohamed
Published: May 2023

We address two interrelated issues affecting the hinterland portion of the maritime container supply chain: reducing the movement of empty containers and reducing empty trips by trucks carrying these containers. In this paper, we show that empty container flow optimization can be implemented via a blockchain based on the proof‐of‐useful‐work concept where the proof of work requires the solution of an ‐hard optimization problem whose solution benefits the blockchain participants. Accordingly, we propose that anonymous miners compete to solve the container truck routing problem, which seeks to find the most efficient routes for trucks. We show that this problem is ‐hard. Miners must also solve the problem of optimally matching consignees and shippers, which will reduce transportation and storage costs for empty containers. In essence, the proposed framework turns blockchain into a massive optimization engine that directly benefits the hinterland container supply chain ecosystem.
Morphological traits for allometric scaling of the European Sea Bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) from Southern Portugal population
Authors: Azevedo Ana , Navarro Luiz C. , Cavalheri Thaís , Santos Hugo G. , Martins Irene , Ozório Rodrigo
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to determine the allometric scaling among a selection of morphological traits in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to estimate fish body weight. A set of morphological traits (fish body weight, length, height, and width) were directly measured in 146 fish of a recirculating aquaculture system, with body weights ranging from 17.11 to 652.21 g. In addition, a collection of digital imagery of each anesthetized fish from the side and top views were used to estimate other traits (indirect measures). Multiple regression analysis and regression coefficients were calculated using all possible combinations of biometric data (predictors) to estimate fish body weight, applying different numerical fitting models (linear, log‐linear, quadratic, exponential). The results showed that the best combination of traits for estimating fish body weight were fish body width, length and height, collected from direct measure (R2 = 0.995), for a log‐linear model fitting, which revealed more accurate determinations than the most commonly used length–weight relationship. Nevertheless, other combinations of morphological traits and fitting models were also found to be suitable in successfully predict fish body weight, with variability ranging between 92.5% and 98.5%. For indirect measures, the best predictor was a combination of traits from top view (width, eye distance and area without fins) fitted with a log‐linear function. These results comprise a relevant baseline in supporting the high potential of noninvasive methods to accurately follow the growth of European sea bass juveniles, recurring to imagery analysis of anesthetized fish. It has major potential applications in feeding consumption trials and fish growth models, as it allows for continuously following up fish growth under different experimental conditions without therein distress derived from manipulation.
Levamisole hydrochloride as an anthelmintic against Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae in juvenile Colossoma macropomum
Authors: Moraes José Lima , de Andrade‐Porto Sanny Maria , Ono Eduardo Akifumi , Claudiano Gustavo Da Silva , Affonso Elizabeth Gusmão
Published: May 2023

Acanthocephalosis is caused by the endoparasite Neoechynorhyncus buttnerae and affects fish farmed in the Amazon. This study assessed the efficacy of therapeutic levamisole hydrochloride (LVC) baths against N. buttnerae and its effects on juvenile tambaqui blood parameters. In vitro and in vivo tests were carried out, the latter employing two experimental therapeutic LVC bath protocols. Concerning in vitro efficacy, the T75 (75 mg.L−1 LVC) and T100 (mg.L−1 LVC) treatments were 100% effective in 15 min, while the T50 (50 mg.L−1 LVC) and T25 (25 mg.L−1 LVC) treatments required parasite exposure for 45 and 60 min, respectively. During exposure, the parasites displayed reduced motility, proboscis retraction, coiling into a spiral shape, body rigidity and swelling. The LVC LC50–72h for juvenile tambaqui was 115 mg.L−1. Regarding in vivo efficacy for Protocol I (8‐h bath), the T125 resulted in 82% effectiveness, while in Protocol II (two 8‐h baths with a 24‐h interval), the T115 treatment (115 mg.L−1 LVC) achieved 95.6% effectiveness without clinical intoxication signs, despite behavioural changes. No significant changes were observed in fish blood parameters. LVC was, therefore, highly effective both in vitro and in vivo in controlling the acanthocephalan N. buttnerae without compromising tambaqui juvenile homeostasis.
The pathology of Lates calcarifer herpesviral disease—Disseminated intravascular coagulation explains mortality spikes
Authors: Gibson‐Kueh S. , Awate S. , Schrittwieser M.
Published: May 2023

Lates calcarifer herpesvirus (LCHV) causes an emerging serious disease in aquaculture. Sudden drops in feed rates and mortality spikes exceeding 40%–50% often accompany LCHV infections in juvenile L. calcarifer, soon after transfer into sea cages. Affected fish have patchy white skin and fins, corneal opacity and frequently hang in surface water column like ‘ghost’ or ‘zombie’ fish. Fish have pale gills, fluid‐filled intestines with yellowish casts, lipid depleted liver, enlarged spleen and kidney and reddened brain. Epithelial hyperplasia, apoptosis, marginated nuclear chromatin, amphophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies and the occasional multinucleated cells are observed in gills, skin, intestines, liver and kidney. These are often accompanied by lymphocytic‐monocytic infiltration and extensive necrosis in gills, skin, kidney and intestines. Martius scarlet blue stains indicate presence of fibrin in vasculature in brain, gills, intestines, kidney and liver, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC has been reported in human herpesviral infections. Multifocal lifting of intestinal epithelium with proteinaceous exudate and necrosis of several adjacent villi often progress to involve entire gut sections. Atrophied livers with accentuated lobules may progress to marked loss of hepatic acini. Multifocal dilated attenuated renal tubules are often accompanied by casts and marked protein loosing renopathy. This study on LCHV demonstrates that it can cause significant pathology and mortality.
Cultural, trust, and transparency effects on the use of anchoring in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Ferris Stephen P. , Jayaraman Narayanan , Liao Min‐Yu (Stella)
Published: May 2023

Although price anchoring is a global phenomenon, we find that country cultures, trust levels, and information/legal transparency affect its use in determining target offer prices. Price anchoring is associated with cultures that deemphasize long‐term orientation, uncertainty avoidance, and personal indulgence. Acquirers from countries with low levels of trust in people or the legal system are more likely to anchor their bids. Anchoring is more frequently observed in countries where information and legal transparency is poor. We find that the use of anchoring can result in reduced long‐term performance by acquirers.
Reflecting the importance of human needs fulfilment in absolute sustainability assessments: Development of a sharing principle
Authors: Heide Mia , Hauschild Michael Z. , Ryberg Morten
Published: May 2023

Absolute environmental sustainability assessments (AESAs) evaluate whether the environmental impact of a product system is within its share of a safe operating space as determined by biophysical sustainability limits such as the planetary boundaries (PBs). The choice of sharing principle has significant influence on the result of an AESA, and any studies call for further research on how to share the safe operating space in an operational way that relates to the product's contribution to the welfare of the user. In this study, we develop the “Fulfilment of Human Needs” (FHN) principle as a sharing principle that operationalizes sufficientarianism (making sure everyone gets enough). The FHN principle is tested on two case studies (a food item and a textile) against four of the PBs: climate change, land‐system change, water use, and nitrogen cycling. The operationalization of the FHN principle is slightly different between the PBs; the starting point for climate change is the average consumption pattern in countries classified as “most sustainable,” while for the other three PBs the status quo impact in the most sustainable countries is used. To operationalize the FHN principle on the product level, each consumption category is downscaled according to objective sources that determine the value delivered to the users. We demonstrate that, compared to other previously applied sharing principles, the FHN principle supports a stronger relation to the importance to the users of the delivered outcome.
Effect of a resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort on physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities living in group homes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Cruz C. , Roman‐Espinaco A. , Muñoz‐López S. , Ruiz‐Perálvarez F. J. , García‐Ramos A.
Published: May 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14‐week resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort to improve physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) living in group homes.

Methods

Fifty‐two individuals with mild to moderate IDs participated in the experimental (n = 27; 15 men) or control groups (n = 25; 14 men). Participants performed 2 familiarisation sessions, 1 pretest, 42 training sessions (14 weeks × 3 sessions; only the experimental group) and 1 posttest. The testing sessions comprised the evaluation of body composition, static balance and muscle strength. The training sessions included four blocks: (1) dynamic bodyweight exercises, (2) dynamic exercises performed against external loads, (3) ballistic exercises and (4) static exercises.

Results

The main findings revealed that all variables related to body composition and muscle strength improved more after the intervention period in the experimental group than the control group, whereas the improvements in static balance for the experimental groups were lower than for the remaining variables used as markers of physical fitness.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of prescribing specific moderate‐intensity to high‐intensity resistance training programmes to improve body composition and muscle strength for people with IDs living in group homes.