bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On nonparametric regression for bivariate circular long-memory time series
Authors: Beran Jan , Steffens Britta , Ghosh Sucharita
Published: March 2021

We consider nonparametric regression for bivariate circular time series with long-range dependence. Asymptotic results for circular Nadaraya–Watson estimators are derived. Due to long-range dependence, a range of asymptotically optimal bandwidths can be found where the asymptotic rate of convergence does not depend on the bandwidth. The result can be used for obtaining simple confidence bands for the regression function. The method is illustrated by an application to wind direction data.
Least-thickness symmetric circular masonry arch of maximum horizontal thrust
Authors: Cocchetti Giuseppe , Rizzi Egidio
Published: March 2021

This analytical note shall provide a contribution to the understanding of general principles in the Mechanics of (symmetric circular) masonry arches. Within a mainstream of previous research work by the authors (and competent framing in the dedicated literature), devoted to investigate the classical structural optimization problem leading to the least-thickness condition under self-weight (“Couplet-Heyman problem”), and the relevant characteristics of the purely rotational five-hinge collapse mode, new and complementary information is here analytically derived. Peculiar extremal conditions are explicitly inspected, as those leading to the maximum intrinsic non-dimensional horizontal thrust and to the foremost wide angular inner-hinge position from the crown, both occurring for specific instances of over-complete (horseshoe) arches. The whole is obtained, and confronted, for three typical solution cases, i.e., Heyman, “CCR” and Milankovitch instances, all together, by full closed-form explicit representations, and elucidated by relevant illustrations.
Patterns of glioblastoma treatment and survival over a 16-years period: pooled data from the German Cancer Registries
Authors: Efremov Ljupcho , Abera Semaw Ferede , Bedir Ahmed , Vordermark Dirk , Medenwald Daniel
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumour characterized by a very low long-term survival. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of treatment modalities and their effect on survival for GBM cases diagnosed in Germany between 1999 and 2014.

Methods

Cases were pooled from the German Cancer Registries with International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition (ICD-O-3) codes for GBM or giant-cell GBM. Three periods, first (January 1999–December 2005), second (January 2006–December 2010) and a third period (January 2011–December 2014) were defined. Kaplan–Meier plots with long-rank test compared median overall survival (OS) between groups. Survival differences were assessed with Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for available confounders.

Results

In total, 40,138 adult GBM cases were analysed, with a mean age at diagnosis 64.0 ± 12.4 years. GBM was more common in men (57.3%). The median OS was 10.0 (95% CI 9.0–10.0) months. There was an increase in 2-year survival, from 16.6% in the first to 19.3% in the third period. When stratified by age group, period and treatment modalities, there was an improved median OS after 2005 due to treatment advancements. Younger age, female sex, surgical resection, use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were independent factors associated with better survival.

Conclusion

The inclusion of temozolomide chemotherapy has considerably improved median OS in the older age groups but had a lesser effect in the younger age group of cases. The analysis showed survival improvements for each treatment option over time.
Survival of glioblastoma in relation to tumor location: a statistical tumor atlas of a population-based cohort
Authors: Fyllingen Even Hovig , Bø Lars Eirik , Reinertsen Ingerid , Jakola Asgeir Store , Sagberg Lisa Millgård , Berntsen Erik Magnus , Salvesen Øyvind , Solheim Ole
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Previous studies on the effect of tumor location on overall survival in glioblastoma have found conflicting results. Based on statistical maps, we sought to explore the effect of tumor location on overall survival in a population-based cohort of patients with glioblastoma and IDH wild-type astrocytoma WHO grade II–III with radiological necrosis.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups based on overall survival: < 6 months, 6–24 months, and > 24 months. Statistical maps exploring differences in tumor location between these three groups were calculated from pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging scans. Based on the results, multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the possible independent effect of centrally located tumors compared to known prognostic factors by use of distance from center of the third ventricle to contrast-enhancing tumor border in centimeters as a continuous variable.

Results

A total of 215 patients were included in the statistical maps. Central tumor location (corpus callosum, basal ganglia) was associated with overall survival < 6 months. There was also a reduced overall survival in patients with tumors in the left temporal lobe pole. Tumors in the dorsomedial right temporal lobe and the white matter region involving the left anterior paracentral gyrus/dorsal supplementary motor area/medial precentral gyrus were associated with overall survival > 24 months. Increased distance from center of the third ventricle to contrast-enhancing tumor border was a positive prognostic factor for survival in elderly patients, but less so in younger patients.

Conclusions

Central tumor location was associated with worse prognosis. Distance from center of the third ventricle to contrast-enhancing tumor border may be a pragmatic prognostic factor in elderly patients.
What drives reindeer management in Finland towards social and ecological tipping points?
Authors: Landauer Mia , Rasmus Sirpa , Forbes Bruce C.
Published: March 2021

Reindeer management (RM) in northern Fennoscandia is an example of social-ecological systems (SESs) providing social, cultural, ecological, and economic values. Changing climate and pasture conditions and societal changes continue to transform the operational environment of RM. These key drivers, and resulting transformations including alternative SES states, have not been studied in detail before. Our comprehensive literature review and interviews with herders reveal that land use, climate change, and governance drive the emergence of SES tipping points. The basis of successful RM depends on the quantity and quality of pastures to secure animal fitness. However, intensive forestry, extreme weather, and predators constrain the availability of forage and suitable calving grounds. Maintaining RM by means of predation compensation mechanisms and regular supplementary winter feeding to adapt to changes brought about by land use and warming climate comprises an alternative system state. However, if negative impacts increase remarkably or rapidly and compensatory mechanisms become insufficient, long-term impacts on system identity, and even local collapses, are expected. Although some environmental and societal changes are perceived as pressures by herders, they can be beneficial for other livelihoods in the region. Therefore, our study raises questions for future studies on social justice, such as who has the right to decide what constitutes a desirable system state, or what collaborative efforts to maintain RM in Fennoscandia would entail. Our work is applicable also in other Arctic/sub-Arctic regions where nature-based livelihoods, such as small-scale forestry and agriculture, hunting, traditional fishing, and gathering are practiced.
A novel combination of serum microRNAs for the detection of early gastric cancer
Authors: Abe Seiichiro , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Sudo Kazuki , Oda Ichiro , Katai Hitoshi , Kato Ken , Takizawa Satoko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Takeshita Fumitaka , Niida Shumpei , Saito Yutaka , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to identify serum miRNAs that discriminate early gastric cancer (EGC) samples from non-cancer controls using a large cohort.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included 1417 serum samples from patients with EGC (seen at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo between 2008 and 2012) and 1417 age- and gender-matched non-cancer controls. The samples were randomly assigned to discovery and validation sets and the miRNA expression profiles of whole serum samples were comprehensively evaluated using a highly sensitive DNA chip (3D-Gene®) designed to detect 2565 miRNA sequences. Diagnostic models were constructed using the levels of several miRNAs in the discovery set, and the diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated in the validation set.

Results

The discovery set consisted of 708 samples from EGC patients and 709 samples from non-cancer controls, and the validation set consisted of 709 samples from EGC patients and 708 samples from non-cancer controls. The diagnostic EGC index was constructed using four miRNAs (miR-4257, miR-6785-5p, miR-187-5p, and miR-5739). In the discovery set, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the EGC index revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.996 with a sensitivity of 0.983 and a specificity of 0.977. In the validation set, the AUC for the EGC index was 0.998 with a sensitivity of 0.996 and a specificity of 0.953.

Conclusions

A novel combination of four serum miRNAs could be a useful non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to detect EGC with high accuracy. A multicenter prospective study is ongoing to confirm the present observations.
Micro computed tomography based finite element models for elastic and strength properties of 3D printed glass scaffolds
Authors: Farina Erica , Gastaldi Dario , Baino Francesco , Vernè Enrica , Massera Jonathan , Orlygsson Gissur , Vena Pasquale
Published: March 2021

In this study, the mechanical properties of glass scaffolds manufactured by robocasting are investigated through micro computed tomography ($$\mu -CT$$μ-CT) based finite element modeling. The scaffolds are obtained by printing fibers along two perpendicular directions on parallel layers with a$$90^\circ $$90∘tilting between two adjacent layers. A parametric study is first presented with the purpose to assess the effect of the major design parameters on the elastic and strength properties of the scaffold; the mechanical properties of the 3D printed scaffolds are eventually estimated by using the$$\mu -CT$$μ-CTdata with the aim of assessing the effect of defects on the final geometry which are intrinsic in the manufacturing process. The macroscopic elastic modulus and strength of the scaffold are determined by simulating a uniaxial compressive test along the direction which is perpendicular to the layers of the printed fibers. An iterative approach has been used in order to determine the scaffold strength. A partial validation of the computational model has been obtained through comparison of the computed results with experimental values presented in [10] on a ceramic scaffold having the same geometry. All the results have been presented as non-dimensional values. The finite element analyses have shown which of the selected design parameters have the major effect on the stiffness and strength, being the porosity and fiber shifting between adjacent layers the most important ones. The analyses carried out on the basis of the$$\mu -CT$$μ-CTdata have shown elastic modulus and strength which are consistent with that found on ideal geometry at similar macroscopic porosity.

Graphic Abstract

In this work, elastic and strength properties of glass-ceramic Bone Tissue Engineering scaffolds manufactured by robocasting are investigated through micro-CT based finite element models. An incremental simulation using a multi-grid finite element solver has been implemented to perform a parametric study on the effect of the major geometrical parameters of the scaffold design as well as the effect. Eventually, the effect of the geometrical imperfections deriving from the 3D printing process has been investigated by means of micro-CT image-based models. The porosity and the shifting between adjacent layers play the dominant role in determing elasticity and strength of the scaffolds. The elastic and strength properties of 3D-printed real scaffold were assessed to be consistent those obtained from the idealized geometric models, at least for the subdomain used in this study.
Compliance-aware engineering process plans: the case of space software engineering processes
Authors: Castellanos-Ardila Julieth Patricia , Gallina Barbara , Governatori Guido
Published: March 2021

Safety-critical systems manufacturers have the duty of care, i.e., they should take correct steps while performing acts that could foreseeably harm others. Commonly, industry standards prescribe reasonable steps in their process requirements, which regulatory bodies trust. Manufacturers perform careful documentation of compliance with each requirement to show that they act under acceptable criteria. To facilitate this task, a safety-centered planning-time framework, called ACCEPT, has been proposed. Based on compliance-by-design, ACCEPT capabilities (i.e., processes and standards modeling, and automatic compliance checking) permit to design Compliance-aware Engineering Process Plans (CaEPP), which are able to show the planning-time allocation of standard demands, i.e., if the elements set down by the standard requirements are present at given points in the engineering process plan. In this paper, we perform a case study to understand if the ACCEPT produced models could support the planning of space software engineering processes. Space software is safety and mission-critical, and it is often the result of industrial cooperation. Such cooperation is coordinated through compliance with relevant standards. In the European context, ECSS-E-ST-40C is the de-facto standard for space software production. The planning of processes in compliance with project-specific ECSS-E-ST-40C applicable requirements is mandatory during contractual agreements. Our analysis is based on qualitative criteria targeting the effort dictated by task demands required to create a CaEPP for software development with ACCEPT. Initial observations show that the effort required to model compliance and processes artifacts is significant. However, such an effort pays off in the long term since models are, to some extend, reusable and flexible. The coverage level of the models is also analyzed based on design decisions. In our opinion, such a level is adequate since it responds to the information needs required by the ECSS-E-ST-40C framework.
Maternal Psychological Problems During Pregnancy and Child Externalizing Problems: Moderated Mediation Model with Child Self-regulated Compliance and Polygenic Risk Scores for Aggression
Authors: Luo Mannan , Pappa Irene , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Jansen Philip , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Kok Rianne
Published: March 2021

A potential pathway underlying the association between prenatal exposure to maternal psychological problems and childhood externalizing problems is child self-regulation. This prospective study (N = 687) examined whether self-regulated compliance mediates the relation between maternal affective problems and hostility during pregnancy and childhood externalizing problems, and explored moderation by child polygenic risk scores for aggression and sex. Self-regulated compliance at age 3 was observed in mother–child interactions, and externalizing problems at age 6 were reported by mothers and teachers. Polygenic risk scores were calculated based on a genome-wide association study of aggressive behavior. Self-regulated compliance mediated the associations between maternal psychological problems and externalizing problems. Aggression PRS was associated with higher externalizing problems reported by mothers. No evidence was found of moderation by aggression PRS or sex. These findings support the hypothesis that maternal psychological problems during pregnancy might influence externalizing problems through early self-regulation, regardless of child genetic susceptibility or sex.
Patterns and consequences of life history diversity in salinity exposure of an estuarine dependent fish
Authors: Nelson T. Reid , Hightower Crystal L. , Coogan Jeff , Walther Benjamin D. , Powers Sean P.
Published: March 2021

While it is common knowledge that Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) inhabit oligohaline waters (salinity <5), lifetime reconstructions of salinity histories have been lacking, and this study provides unique insight into interannual and ontogenetic patterns of oligohaline occupancy by this economically valuable sportfish. Growth consequences of oligohaline exposure and the relationship of oligohaline residency with river discharge were also investigated. Oligohaline exposure varied most during years 2 and 3 of life. During this time, 22% (n = 26/120 individuals) of Red Drum were oligohaline residents (≥ 90% of these years spent in oligohaline salinities), 34% (n = 41) were meso-polyhaline residents (< 10% of years 2 and 3 spent in oligohaline waters), and 44% (n = 53) spent time in both oligohaline and meso-polyhaline salinities. Trends in oligohaline residency match putative Red Drum life history. Oligohaline residents were present during years 1–6 of life; however, oligohaline residency peaked during the second year of life (n = 37, 31%) and by year 7 no oligohaline residents remained. Growth of oligohaline resident Red Drum during years 2–3 of life was lower than non-resident fish. However, long-term growth consequences of oligohaline residency were not apparent. The proportion of oligohaline residents during years 2 or 3 of life was positively related to river discharge. This divergence in salinity residency by juvenile Red Drum demonstrates that life history diversity was present in this population and that oligohaline waters provided important nursery habitat for fish that successfully recruited to the adult population.
Does Individual Performance Feedback Increase the Use of Retrieval Practice?
Authors: Hui Luotong , de Bruin Anique B. H. , Donkers Jeroen , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G.
Published: March 2021

The testing effect—the power of retrieval practice to enhance long-term knowledge retention more than restudying does—is a well-known phenomenon in learning. However, retrieval practice is hardly appreciated by students and underutilized when studying. One of the reasons is that learners usually do not experience immediate benefits of such practice which often present only after a delay. We therefore conducted 2 experiments to examine whether students choose retrieval practice more often as their learning strategy after having experienced its benefits. In Experiment 1, students received individual feedback about the extent to which their 7-day delayed test scores after retrieval practice differed from their test scores after restudy. Those students who had actually experienced the benefits of retrieval practice appreciated the strategy more and used it more often after receiving feedback. In Experiment 2, we compared the short-term and long-term effects on retrieval practice use of individual performance feedback and general instruction about the testing effect. Although both interventions enhanced its use in the short term, only the individual feedback led to enhanced use in the long term by those who had actually experienced its benefits, demonstrating the superiority of the individual feedback in terms of its ability to promote retrieval practice use.
Analytical treatment of the transient motion of inertial beams attached to coupling inertial resonators
Authors: Carta G. , Nieves M. J.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents, for the first time, an analytical formulation to determine the transient response of an elastic beam possessing distributed inertia and connected to a coupling inertial resonator, represented by a gyroscopic spinner. The latter couples the transverse displacement components of the beam in the two perpendicular directions, thus producing roto-flexural vibrations. A detailed parametric study is presented that illustrates the effects of the beam’s distributed inertia and of the resonator’s characteristics. The limit case of massless beam is examined and it is shown that in some situations the distributed inertia in the beam should not be neglected. Analytical results are also validated by finite element computations. An illustration is also presented that demonstrates the effectiveness of using the considered inertial devices to mitigate hazardous vibrations in structural systems. It is envisaged that this paper may be useful in the analysis of flexural waveguides and metamaterials consisting of inertial elastic beam elements.
On Equivalence Relations Between Interpreted Languages, with an Application to Modal and First-Order Language
Authors: Wehmeier Kai F.
Published: March 2021

I examine notions of equivalence between logics (understood as languages interpreted model-theoretically) and develop two new ones that invoke not only the algebraic but also the string-theoretic structure of the underlying language. As an application, I show how to construe modal operator languages as what might be called typographical notational variants of bona fide first-order languages.
Correction to: Eye‐body allometry across biphasic ontogeny in anuran amphibians
Authors: Shrimpton Samuel J. , Streicher Jeffrey W. , Gower David J. , Bell Rayna C. , Fujita Matthew K. , Schott Ryan K. , Thomas Kate N.
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-021-10109-w
Practicing Dialectics of Technoscience during the Anthropocene
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: March 2021

This paper develops a dialectical methodology for assessing technoscience during the Anthropocene. How to practice Hegelian dialectics of technoscience today? First of all, dialectics is developed here in close interaction with contemporary technoscientific research endeavours, which are addressed from a position of proximity and from an ‘oblique’ perspective. Contrary to empirical (sociological or ethnographical) research, the focus is on how basic concepts of life, nature and technology are acted out in practice. Notably, this paper zooms in on a synthetic cell project called BaSyC as a concrete instantiation of converging views of life, nature and technology currently at work in technoscience. While dialectics is used to explore the significance of this project (of this ‘experience’ in the dialectical sense), the synthetic cell as a case study also allows us to demonstrate the remarkable relevance of dialectics for understanding contemporary research, notably because it incites us to see the synthetic cell project as a concrete exemplification of life under Anthropocenic conditions. Should we assess the synthetic cell as the ultimate realisation of the technoscientific will to control and optimise life, or rather as an effort to bridge the disruptive collision between technoscience and nature, or both?
Prenatal Folic Acid Supplements and Offspring’s Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression
Authors: Liu Xian , Zou Mingyang , Sun Caihong , Wu Lijie , Chen Wen-Xiong
Published: March 2021

We systematically reviewed the evidence on the association between maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of offspring’s autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A total of 10 studies with 23 sub-studies (9795 ASD cases) were included. Folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of offspring’s ASD [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.78]. The consumption of a daily amount of at least 400 μg folic acid from dietary sources and supplements, was associated with a reduced risk of offspring ASD [OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.83]. Critical effective maternal folic acid supplementation strategies, such as intake timing and intake dosage, may aid the reduction in the risk of offspring ASD. This meta-analysis provided new insights for the prevention of offspring’s ASD.
Bifurcation of Gap Solitons in Coupled Mode Equations in d Dimensions
Authors: Dohnal Tomáš , Wahlers Lisa
Published: March 2021

We consider a system of first order coupled mode equations in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

describing the envelopes of wavepackets in nonlinear periodic media. Under the assumptions of a spectral gap and a generic assumption on the dispersion relation at the spectral edge, we prove the bifurcation of standing gap solitons of the coupled mode equations from the zero solution. The proof is based on a Lyapunov–Schmidt decomposition in Fourier variables and a nested Banach fixed point argument. The reduced bifurcation equation is a perturbed stationary nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The existence of solitary waves follows in a symmetric subspace thanks to a spectral stability result. A numerical example of gap solitons in $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R

2

is provided.
Global Crime Patterns: An Analysis of Survey Data from 166 Countries Around the World, 2006–2019
Authors: van Dijk Jan , Nieuwbeerta Paul , Joudo Larsen Jacqueline
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This article explores the merits of commercially-based survey data on crime through cross-validation with established crime metrics.

Methods

Using unpublished data from 166 countries covering the period between 2006 and 2019, the article describes the geographical distribution across global regions and trends over time of three types of common crime, homicide, and organised crime. The article then explores possible determinants of the geographical distributions through regressing prevalence rates against indices of poverty, inequality, proportion of youth, presence of criminal opportunities (wealth and urbanisation), and governance/rule of law.

Results

The results show that African and Latin American countries suffer from the highest levels of various types of crime across the board, followed by countries in Asia. European, North American and Australian countries experience intermediate or relatively low levels of most types of crime. Levels of common crime have dropped or stabilized globally except in Africa where they went up. Homicides have fallen almost universally. Trends in organised crime are diverging.

Conclusions

Dimensions of governance emerged as powerful determinants of levels of all types of crime. Important determinants of common crime besides governance were poverty, inequality, and proportion of youth. To some extent changes in these same characteristics of countries were found to be correlated with changes in levels of crime over the past fifteen years. The article concludes with a discussion of the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research.
Safety and effectiveness of replacement with biosimilar growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency: results from an international, post-marketing surveillance study (PATRO Adults)
Authors: Höybye Charlotte , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Murray Robert D. , Simsek Suat , Stalla Günter , Strasburger Christian J. , Urosevic Dragan , Zouater Hichem , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate safety and effectiveness of biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; Omnitrope®) in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), using data from the PATRO Adults study.

Methods

PATRO Adults was a post-marketing surveillance study conducted in hospitals and specialized endocrinology units across Europe. The primary objective was to assess the safety of rhGH in adults treated in routine clinical practice. All adverse events (AEs) were monitored and recorded for the complete duration of Omnitrope® treatment. Effectiveness was evaluated as a secondary objective.

Results

As of January 2020, 1447 patients (50.9% male) had been enrolled from 82 centers in 9 European countries. Most patients had adult-onset GHD (n = 1179; 81.5%); 721 (49.8%) were rhGH-naïve at study entry. Overall, 1056 patients (73.0%) reported adverse events (AEs; n = 5397 events); the majority were mild-to-moderate in intensity. Treatment-related AEs were reported in 117 patients (8.1%; n = 189 events); the most commonly reported (MedDRA preferred terms) were arthralgia (n = 19), myalgia (n = 16), headache (n = 14), and edema peripheral (n = 10). In total, 495 patients (34.2%) had serious AEs (SAEs; n = 1131 events); these were considered treatment-related in 28 patients (1.9%; n = 35 events). Mean (standard deviation) IGF-I SDS increased from – 2.34 (1.47) at baseline to – 0.23 (1.65) at 12 months, and remained relatively stable thereafter (up to 3 years). Body mass index remained stable between baseline and 3 years.

Conclusion

Data from PATRO Adults indicate biosimilar rhGH (Omnitrope®) is not associated with any unexpected safety signals, and is effective in adults with GHD treated in real-world clinical practice.
Stieltjes constants of L-functions in the extended Selberg class
Authors: Inoue Shōta , Eddin Sumaia Saad , Suriajaya Ade Irma
Published: March 2021

Let f be an arithmetic function and let $${\mathcal {S}}^\#$$

S

#

denote the extended Selberg class. We denote by $${\mathcal {L}}(s) = \sum _{n = 1}^{\infty }\frac{f(n)}{n^s}$$

L

(
s
)

=

∑

n
=
1

∞

f
(
n
)

n
s

the Dirichlet series attached to f. The Laurent–Stieltjes constants of $${\mathcal {L}}(s)$$

L
(
s
)

, which belongs to $${\mathcal {S}}^\#$$

S

#

, are the coefficients of the Laurent expansion of $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
at its pole $$s=1$$

s
=
1

. In this paper, we give an upper bound of these constants, which is a generalization of many known results.
Role taxonomy of green and sustainable science and technology journals: exportation, importation, specialization and interdisciplinarity
Authors: Bautista-Puig Núria , Mañana-Rodríguez Jorge , Serrano-López Antonio Eleazar
Published: March 2021

Sustainability science is, per se, a topic that is inherently interdisciplinarity and oriented towards the resolution of societal problems. In this paper, we propose a classification of scientific journals that composes the journal category “Green and Sustainable Science and Technology” in the period 2014–2018 through the entropy-based disciplinarity indicator (EBDI). This indicator allows the classification of scientific journals in four types based on the citing and cited dimensions: knowledge importer, knowledge exporter, disciplinary and interdisciplinarity. Moreover, the relationship between this taxonomy and the JCR bibliometric indicators and its predictive capacity of the taxonomy is explored through a CHAID tree. As well, relations between the Web of Science categories, journals and taxonomy are explored by the co-occurrence of categories and correspondence analysis. Results suggest that the great majority of journals in this field are specialized or interdisciplinary. However, over the 5-year period proposed in this study, interdisciplinary journals tend to be far more stable than specialized ones. The decision tree has shown that the number of citations is the variable with the greatest discriminating capacity.
Hybrid intelligence in hospitals: towards a research agenda for collaboration
Authors: Mirbabaie Milad , Stieglitz Stefan , Frick Nicholas R. J.
Published: March 2021

Successful collaboration between clinicians is particularly relevant regarding the quality of care process. In this context, the utilization of hybrid intelligence, such as conversational agents (CAs), is a reasonable approach for the coordination of diverse tasks. While there is a great deal of literature involving collaboration, little effort has been made to integrate previous findings and evaluate research when applying CAs in hospitals. By conducting an extended and systematic literature review and semi-structured expert interviews, we identified four major challenges and derived propositions where in-depth research is needed: 1) audience and interdependency; 2) connectivity and embodiment; 3) trust and transparency; and 4) security, privacy, and ethics. The results are helpful for researchers as we discuss directions for future research on CAs for collaboration in a hospital setting enhancing team performance. Practitioners will be able to understand which difficulties must be considered before the actual application of CAs.
Pelagic Cnidaria and Ctenophora diversity patterns and trends in Macaronesia insular systems (NE Atlantic)
Authors: Gueroun Sonia K. M. , Javidpour Jamileh , Andrade Carlos , Nogueira Natacha , Freitas Mafalda , Canning-Clode João
Published: March 2021

Jellyfish are important components of the marine ecosystem and present a potential resource for different economic domains (e.g. medicine, food and biotechnology). We present an overview of the current state of jellyfish biodiversity in the Macaronesia region, which includes the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, and examine possible biogeography patterns among its archipelagos. Based on a comprehensive literature survey, historical records, richness estimation and biogeographical distribution, our search included organisms belonging to Scyphozoa, Hydrozoa (strictly benthic species excluded) and Ctenophora. Our search detected 229 jellyfish species, with a dominance of holoplankton species, likely reflecting the insular and coastal morphology of the archipelagos. Differences in species richness, endemism and species affinities are found between the Azores, Madeira, Canary and Cape Verde island systems. Shared trend includes the dominance of holoplanktonic hydrozoans, while the second most speciose taxa (Scyphozoa and Ctenophore) vary between the archipelagos. While widespread distributed holoplankton predominate in the area, species with strict affinities suggests a pattern in the spatial distribution of jellyfish, dividing Macaronesia into two biogeographic units: (i) Azores-Madeira-Canary with temperate and subtropical and/or tropical species and (ii) Cape Verde with strictly subtropical and/or tropical species
Normalized passivity control for hardware-in-the-loop with contact
Authors: Insam Christina , Peiris L. D. Hashan , Rixen Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

Mechanical contact occurs in many engineering applications. Contact dynamics can lead to unwanted dynamic phenomena in mechanical systems. Hence, it would be desirable to investigate the influence of contact dynamics on a dynamical system already in the development stage. An appropriate method is Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) on mechanical level. However, the coupling procedure in HiL is prone to stability problems and previous studies revealed that HiL tests of systems with contact are even more challenging, as the system dynamics change rapidly when contact occurs. Passivity-based control schemes, well-known from teleoperation, have recently been used to stabilize HiL simulations of systems with continuous dynamics. Here, we investigate the applicability of Normalized Passivity Control to HiL tests of a one-dimensional mass-spring-damper system experiencing contact. Experimental results reveal that this kind of passivity control keeps the test stable and also improves the test fidelity. This research is an important first step in using passivity control for stable and safe hybrid simulation of complex systems with contact using HiL approaches.
Political orientation and adherence to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Barbieri Paolo Nicola , Bonini Beatrice
Published: March 2021

Many governments have implemented social distancing and lockdown measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Using province-level geolocation data from Italy, we document that political disbelief can limit government policy effectiveness. Residents in provinces leaning towards extreme right-wing parties show lower rates of compliance with social distancing order. We also find that, during the Italian lockdown, provinces with high protest votes virtually disregarded all social distancing orders. On the contrary, in provinces with higher political support for the current political legislation, we found a higher degree of social distancing compliance. These results are robust to controlling for other factors, including time, geography, local COVID-19 cases and deaths, healthcare hospital beds, and other sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Our research shows that bipartisan support and national responsibility are essential to implement and manage social distancing efficiently. From a broader perspective, our findings suggest that partisan politics and discontent with the political class (i.e., protest voting) might significantly affect human health and the economy.
Recognition and Work in the Platform Economy: a Normative Reconstruction
Authors: Visser Max , Arnold Thomas C.
Published: March 2021

The rise of the platform economy in the past two decades (and neoliberal capitalist expansion and crises more in general), have on the whole negatively affected working conditions, leading to growing concerns about the “human side” of organizations. To address these concerns, the purpose of this paper is to apply Axel Honneth’s recognition theory and method of normative reconstruction to working conditions in the platform economy. The paper concludes that the ways in which platform organizations function constitutes a normative paradox, promising flexibility and autonomy while at the same time creating working conditions that undercut these promises. The paper ends with a critical discussion of Honneth’s approach, possible supplementing ideas and further lines of future research.
Energy-aware very fast decision tree
Authors: García-Martín Eva , Lavesson Niklas , Grahn Håkan , Casalicchio Emiliano , Boeva Veselka
Published: March 2021

Recently machine learning researchers are designing algorithms that can run in embedded and mobile devices, which introduces additional constraints compared to traditional algorithm design approaches. One of these constraints is energy consumption, which directly translates to battery capacity for these devices. Streaming algorithms, such as the Very Fast Decision Tree (VFDT), are designed to run in such devices due to their high velocity and low memory requirements. However, they have not been designed with an energy efficiency focus. This paper addresses this challenge by presenting the nmin adaptation method, which reduces the energy consumption of the VFDT algorithm with only minor effects on accuracy. nmin adaptation allows the algorithm to grow faster in those branches where there is more confidence to create a split, and delays the split on the less confident branches. This removes unnecessary computations related to checking for splits but maintains similar levels of accuracy. We have conducted extensive experiments on 29 public datasets, showing that the VFDT with nmin adaptation consumes up to 31% less energy than the original VFDT, and up to 96% less energy than the CVFDT (VFDT adapted for concept drift scenarios), trading off up to 1.7 percent of accuracy.
Characterization and efficient dye discoloration of Algerian diatomite from Ouled Djilali-Mostaganem
Authors: Touina Amal , Chernai Safia , Mansour Bouhameur , Hadjar Hafida , Ouakouak Abdelkader , Hamdi Boualem
Published: March 2021

A series of naturally occurring diatomaceous earth samples from Ouled Djilali, Mostaganem (Lower Chelif basin, Algeria northwestern), were investigated, which are characterized by the expansion and evolution during the Messinian age. Four varieties of diatomite were distinguished, characterized, and successfully used to adsorb methylene blue dye in aqueous medium. Several properties and characteristics of diatomite have been outlined using analytical methods such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption–desorption (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as other complementary analysis tests. Results showed that silica and calcium carbonates were the main constituents of the diatomite samples (ranging between 32.8 and 61.5% for SiO2; and 13.8–25.9% for CaO), with a slight difference in chemical composition between selected samples. Typical for all diatomite samples, the XRD analysis suggests a high mass quantity of amorphous phase (Opal); high content of crystal phase was also registered. FTIR allowed determining the basic characteristic silica bands regarding diatomite samples. While the BET and SEM investigations revealed that the studied diatomite material has a highly porous structure and was very rich in diatoms. The maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue that was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model was 116.59 mg/g (for Ouled Djilali: OD05 sample) at 25 °C and pH 7.0. The diatomite from Mostaganemian (Ouled Djilali) deposit may find promising applications as low-cost adsorbent for dyes removal from water.
Recent developments in terrain identification, classification, parameter estimation for the navigation of autonomous robots
Authors: Nampoothiri M. G. Harinarayanan , Vinayakumar B , Sunny Youhan , Antony Rahul
Published: March 2021

The work presents a review on ongoing researches in terrain-related challenges influencing the navigation of Autonomous Robots, specifically Unmanned Ground ones. The paper aims to highlight the recent developments in robot design and advanced computing techniques in terrain identification, classification, parameter estimation, and developing modern control strategies. The objective of our research is to familiarize the gaps and opportunities of the aforementioned areas to the researchers who are passionate to take up research in the field of autonomous robots. The paper brings recent works related to terrain strategies under a single platform focusing on the advancements in planetary rovers, rescue robots, military robots, agricultural robots, etc. Finally, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the related works which can bridge the AI techniques and advanced control strategies to improve navigation. The study focuses on various Deep Learning techniques and Fuzzy Logic Systems in detail. The work can be extended to develop new control schemes to improve multiple terrain navigation performance.
Metallic oxide–graphene composites as a catalyst for gas-phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde
Authors: Li Ruibing , Cheng Wenjun , Yan Yunong , Shi Ying , Wei Linlin , Yu Sansan , Li Shuangming
Published: March 2021

A new catalyst (FAG) composed of Fe, Al, and graphene (G) was prepared for catalyzing the reaction of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BD). The catalyst was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, and BET analyses. The catalytic performance of FAG for oxidation of BA to BD was studied by comparing with the catalysts ferrous oxide (Fe), ferrous oxide doped with aluminum (FA), and ferrous oxide doped with graphene (FG). The effects of amount of graphene additive, temperature, and ratio of Fe and Al were also studied. The results show that the catalyst FAG has a great specific surface area of 80.40 m2 g−1 and an excellent catalytic performance for the reaction of BA to BD: the conversion of BA and yield of BD significantly increased, and the selectivity of BD reached 87.38%.
Design and performance evaluation of Improved DFACO protocol based on dynamic clustering in VANETs
Authors: Ebadinezhad Sahar
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) stability in an environment that is dynamic which often leads to major challenges in VANETs, such as dynamic topology changes, shortest routing paths and also scalability. One of the best solutions for such challenges is clustering. In this study, we present five novel routing protocols based on Dynamic Flying Ant Colony Optimization (DFACO) algorithm to achieve minimum number of clusters, high accuracy, minimum time and solution cost by selecting the best cluster-head which is obtained from a new mechanism of dynamic metaheuristic-based clustering. In this regard, major improvements are applied on classical DFACO by adjusting the procedure for updating the pheromone and tuning the evaporation rate that has a major role in DFACO. In this research two individual phases of experiments are conducted for performance evaluation of proposed routing protocols. The presented solution is verified and compared to classic Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), DFACO and ACO Based Clustering Algorithm for VANET (CACONET) algorithms in phase one; and compared to clustering algorithms such as Center Position and Mobility CPM), Highest-Degree algorithm (HD), Angle-based Clustering Algorithm (ACA) in phase two through NS-2 and SUMO simulation tools. Simulation results have confirmed the expected behaviour and show that our proposed protocols achieve better node connectivity and cluster stability than the former.
Design of power-efficient CMOS based oscillator circuit with varactor tuning control
Authors: Dwivedi Dileep , Kumar Manoj , Niranjan Vandana
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a low-power, wide tuning range CMOS voltage-controlled oscillator with MCML (MOS current mode logic) differential delay cell. Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit is designed in TSMC 0.25 μm CMOS process. To achieve the broad frequency range concept of variable capacitance is employed in the proposed VCO circuit. Source/drain tuning voltage (Vtune) and body bias voltage (Vb) of I-MOS varactor are used to achieve variable capacitance at different I-MOS varactor widths (W). The dual control voltage of I-MOS varactor results in a tuning range from 0.528 GHz to 2.014 GHz. VCO's figure of merit (FoM) is 152.13 dBc/Hz with phase noise of −93.77 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the oscillation frequency. The proposed VCO dissipates maximum power of 3.127 mW.
Expert consensus on the management process of gynecological emergency under the regular epidemic prevention and control of COVID-19
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Zhang Wei , Du Xin , Kuang Yan , Li Xiaomao , Ma Xiaoxin , Xiao Lan , Chen Xiaojun , Zhang Yu , Li Donglin , Zheng Lang , Li Yanhui , Wang Jianliu
Published: March 2021

At present, China is in the stage of the COVID-19 epidemic where regular prevention and control measures are required to contain the spread of disease. Reports of new sporadic cases are still widespread across China and medical personnel remain at high risk of exposure to infection. This is especially the case for medical staff working within emergency departments. Most gynecological emergency cases are complex and a high proportion require emergency surgical treatment. By referring to national regulations and requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control, and by summarizing our experiences in the battle against COVID-19 within Wuhan, this consensus report provides recommendations on the triage, reception, consultation, admission and surgical management of gynecological emergency patients. We also make suggestions for the environmental layout and disinfection and the medical waste management. This consensus aims to optimize the diagnosis and treatment process of gynecological emergency patients and reduce the exposure risk of medical staff within the current context of routine COVID-19 prevention and control.