bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive fault‐tolerant robust control based on radial basis function neural network for a class of mechanical systems with input constraints
Authors: Gao Shiqi , Liu Jinkun
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a robust adaptive fault‐tolerant control (FTC) strategy based on hyperbolic tangent function is proposed for a class of mechanical systems with unknown disturbance and unknown nonlinear friction model. The robust adaptive FTC algorithm proposed in this paper can maintain the system performance even after partial failure occurs in the actuator. Different from the traditional fault‐tolerant control algorithms, the proposed algorithm uses the hyperbolic tangent function and a projection algorithm to limit the control input within a known upper bound. In addition, radial basis function neural network is used to approximate the unknown continuous nonlinear function that contains the friction model in the mechanical system. The control target of the system is realized; and the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system is proved via the Lyapunov direct method. Finally, the numerical simulation results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed controller.
Modeling the impact of the COVID‐19 outbreak on environment, health sector and energy market
Authors: Armeanu Daniel Stefan , Gherghina Stefan Cristian , Andrei Jean Vasile , Joldes Camelia Catalina
Published: February 2022

The global outbreak of COVID‐19 disease had a significant impact on the entire globe. Such a notable public health event can be seen as a “black swan” that brings unpredictable and unusual forces into the economic context and that it could typically lead to a chain of adverse reactions and market disruptions. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine how COVID‐19 affects the environment, health, and the oil and energy markets. To achieve this objective, we used daily data for several measures that refer to the environment, health, and oil and energy, for the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (December 31, 2019–May 22, 2020). The variable integration mix led to the approach of the ARDL model, and the Granger causality test was also employed. These empirical techniques allowed us to examine the cointegration between variables and causal relationships. The econometric results of the ARDL models exhibited that the global new cases and new deaths of COVID‐19 have short and long‐term effects on the environment, the health sector, the oil, and energy measures. However, no significant causal connection was found between the pandemic and the environment, the health sector, or the oil and energy industry, according to the Granger causality test. The uniqueness of current approach consists in the investigation of pandemic impact on the health, environment, oil, and energy sector by applying the ARDL model that permits the analysis of cointegration both in the long run and in the short term. This study provides important insights for investors and policy makers.
Synthesis of Accordion‐like Ti3CN MXene and its Structural Stability in Aqueous Solutions and Organic Solvents
Authors: Zhao Zefeng , Qian Xukun , Zhu Hailin , Miao Yigao , Ye Hua
Published: February 2022

MXene materials have shown promising applications in selective separation membranes and many other fields. However, their structural stability which is critically important to applications in the presence of aqueous solutions and organic solvents remains largely unexplored. In this work, we have conducted a systematic study on the synthesis of accordion‐like Ti3CN MXene and its stability in aqueous solutions, ethanol and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Based on the XRD, SEM and TEM results, 20 % HF acid and an etching time of 24 h is regarded as the optimal parameter to synthesize accordion‐like Ti3CN MXene. Ti3CN MXene exhibits limited stability in the aqueous solutions. Ti3CN MXene partially transforms to anatase TiO2 nanoparticles in pH=1 and 7 aqueous solutions, and amorphous TiO2 nanowires in pH=14 aqueous solution after a 7‐day test at 25 °C. When the testing temperature is increased to 80 °C, this structure transformation rate is increased remarkably. Meanwhile, Ti3CN MXene shows excellent stability in C2H5OH and DMF up to 7‐day at 25 and 80 °C, respectively. It is believed that these findings are helpful for guiding the controllable synthesis of Ti3CN MXene and seeking the potential applications in the presence of aqueous solutions, ethanol and DMF.
Ultrasound diagnosis of renal arteriovenous malformation in a young adult: An underrecognized cause of recurrent haematuria
Authors: Reddy Ravikanth
Published: February 2022

Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) although uncommon are the most underrecognized cause of recurrent haematuria especially in young patients. Although renal AVMs are commonly incidentally detected, life threatening complications such as gross haematuria and AVM rupture have been implicated. Ultrasound is the first line imaging investigation which has a crucial role in treatment planning, post‐procedural, long‐term follow‐up, and assessment of complications associated with renal AVMs. This is a report of a rare case of spontaneous renal AVM in a patient without prior history of renal biopsy or previous trauma. A 26‐year‐old male presented for an ultrasound with recurrent haematuria. This case report highlights the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis, follow‐up and assessment of treatment related complications of renal AVMs.
Modeling of the Nonuniform Microstructure and Microsegregation Formation of the Shell in Round Billet Continuous Casting
Authors: Wei JingJing , Wang XuDong , Cai LaiQiang , Yao Man
Published: February 2022

To explore the influence of nonuniform heat transfer on the grain structure and microsegregation of carbon in shells inside the mold, a multiscale model considering heat conduction and dendritic growth is constructed for the round billet continuous casting. Adopting measured heat flux as the boundary conditions, heat conduction in the mold is solved by the finite difference scheme, and dendritic growth is modeled by the cellular automaton model. The temperature distribution of the round billet under measured heat flux is calculated, and the grain structure and the microsegregation of carbon in four selected regions are simulated. Herein, it is shown in the results that the different local heat fluxes lead to dissimilar variations in the surface temperature and grain structure of the shell. A close relationship exists between the carbon microsegregation and local heat flux; the carbon microsegregation decreases with heat flux. The high heat flux accelerates columnar dendritic growth and fines the columnar dendritic array so that the secondary arms are less developed and the microsegregation is improved.
Computational thinking for using models of water flow in environmental systems: Intertwining three dimensions in a learning progression
Authors: Gunckel Kristin L. , Covitt Beth A. , Berkowitz Alan R. , Caplan Bess , Moore John C.
Published: February 2022

Nearly a decade ago, the Framework for K‐12 Science Education argued for the need to intertwine science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts in performance expectations. However, there are few empirical examples for how intertwining three dimensions facilitates learning. In this study, we used a learning progressions approach to examine how student engagement in computational thinking (science and engineering practice) intertwines with learning about the flow of water through environmental systems (disciplinary core ideas) and understanding of systems and system models (crosscutting concept). We developed three secondary‐level curriculum units situated in current groundwater contamination and urban flooding contexts. Units included specially designed NetLogo computational models. Post‐assessments measured student performances in computational thinking processes and understanding of hydrologic systems. Using item response theory in our analysis, we identified distinct levels of performance on a learning progression. At the lower end, literal model users interacted with models and manipulated model interfaces to achieve a specified goal. In the middle, Model Technicians used computational models to solve real‐world problems. At the upper end, principle‐based model users used computational thinking processes and principles related to systems modeling and hydrology to explain how the models worked to predict water flow. Differences between performances of literal model users, model technicians, and principle‐based model users reflected shifts in how students made sense of the systems and system models crosscutting concept. These shifts in performances aligned with progress in computational thinking practices and finally with use of hydrology disciplinary core ideas. These findings contribute to understanding of how science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts intertwine during learning; how computational thinking practices develop; and how computational thinking about system models facilitates learning for environmental science literacy.
Comprehending Character: Unlocking the Potential of Perspective‐taking
Authors: Brewer Brittany M. , Phillippe Allison
Published: February 2022

In this article, we explore how character perspective‐taking can support students’ reading comprehension, as well as opportunities to engage social‐emotional learning (SEL). We start by defining character perspective‐taking and SEL. Then, we present strategies for practicing character perspective‐taking in classrooms, how these strategies are connected by research to improved reading comprehension skills, and how they can benefit SEL. More specifically, we outline three strategies to support incorporating perspective‐taking in the classroom including practicing perspective‐taking in small groups, building students’ emotion vocabulary, and including images and sounds when engaging students with texts, each of which correlates with improved narrative comprehension. By building a practice of perspective‐taking in our classrooms, we are not only growing our students’ reading comprehension and building space for SEL, but we are honoring what our students bring to the table as readers and as people.
Selecting Picture Books for EL beginners in Panama: Tellability
Authors: Lado Ana , Hauth Clara
Published: February 2022

Teachers spend a lot of time finding ‘just right’ picture books for their students. However, much of what is known about a book's difficulty level was developed with native English speakers. More needs to be developed with the distinctive characteristics of English Learners (ELs). This study reports on the selection of picture books to teach in an intensive week‐long intervention with Spanish‐speaking ELs in a low SES community in Panama. It applies the concept of tellability rather than readability. Tellability considers who is speaking about what to whom and in what circumstances. Novice teachers who were not fluent in Spanish learned to successfully select and instruct using carefully selected books for teaching English in science‐themed lessons. These teachers considered features of books that matched the ELs’ oral and written English abilities as well as matched specific language teaching strategies for EL beginners.
Do socioeconomic factors impact management of suspected canine multicentric lymphoma in UK first opinion practice?
Authors: Rigas Konstantinos , Singleton David A. , Radford Alan D. , Amores‐Fuster Isabel , Killick David R.
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to describe the management of cases of suspected and confirmed canine multicentric lymphoma (ML) in first opinion practice (FOP) and investigate whether socioeconomic factors are associated with initial management.

Methods

Clinical narratives from electronic health records collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) were searched to identify dogs with peripheral lymphadenomegaly in which ML was the major differential. Cases were grouped as either ML confirmed (ML‐C) or ML suspected but not confirmed (ML‐S). Associations between initial management and socioeconomic factors were assessed via multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐four cases with ML‐C and 410 with ML‐S were identified. There was an increased probability that owners of ML‐C cases resided in less deprived areas. Moreover, a diagnosis was made more commonly in insured dogs. Only insured pets were more likely to be treated with chemotherapy following diagnosis. The majority of dogs in both groups were treated with corticosteroids alone (ML‐S, n = 256/410; ML‐C, n = 123/264). A small minority were referred (n = 30/674).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic inequalities appear to be associated with the diagnosis and management of dogs with suspected or confirmed ML in FOP. Most dogs with suspected multicentric lymphoma (in the UK) are managed in FOP (n = 644/674). Consequently, expanding the knowledge base relevant to this setting offers an opportunity to improve the management of canine lymphoma.
Analysis of leading edge protection application on wind turbine performance through energy and power decomposition approaches
Authors: Latiffianti Effi , Ding Yu , Sheng Shawn , Williams Lindy , Morshedizadeh Majid , Rodgers Marianne
Published: February 2022

Wind power production is driven by, and varies with, the stochastic yet uncontrollable wind and environmental inputs. To compare a wind turbine's performance, a direct comparison on power outputs is always confounded by the stochastic effect of weather inputs. It is therefore crucial to control for the weather and environmental influence. Toward that objective, our study proposes an energy decomposition approach. We start with comparing the change in the total energy production and refer to the change in total energy as delta energy. On this delta energy, we apply our decomposition method, which is to separate the portion of energy change due to weather effects from that due to the turbine itself. We derive a set of mathematical relationships allowing us to perform this decomposition and examine the credibility and robustness of the proposed decomposition approach through extensive cross‐validation and case studies. We then apply the decomposition approach to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition data associated with several wind turbines to which leading‐edge protection was carried out. Our study shows that the leading‐edge protection applied on blades may cause a small decline to the power production efficiency in the short term, although we expect the leading‐edge protection to benefit the blade's reliability in the long term.
Monitoring the use of alcohol—A critical overview of the state‐of‐the‐art biomarkers
Authors: Van Uytfanghe Katleen , De Boosere Evy , Stove Christophe P.
Published: February 2022

The use of alcohol, despite it being a psychoactive substance, is widely accepted. This acceptance and the ease of access may lead to alcohol abuse and dependence. Misuse of alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable illness, injury or death, has social consequences, and can be linked to various types of criminal activities. Upon monitoring alcohol consumption, the question is not necessarily solely whether or not someone is or was abstinent, but may also imply what kind of drinking behavior or patterns are displayed. To reveal the answer, a portfolio of different biomarkers for alcohol (ab)use has been established. A distinction is made between indirect and direct markers. Indirect biomarkers are proteins, enzymes, or cells of which the level or activity undergoes typical changes as a result of (excessive) alcohol intake [e.g., carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT)], while direct biomarkers are ethanol itself and molecules which are directly related to the metabolism of alcohol [e.g., ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulphate (EtS), fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), and phosphatidylethanol (PEth)]. These direct biomarkers have the potential to differentiate between drinking behaviors because they allow a higher sensitivity and specificity, in particular for the detection of abstinence or any drinking, and because they can be measured in different matrices, with different detection windows. These assets open the possibilities for testing strategies based on a combination of different markers that can be used both in retrospective and prospective assessments of alcohol intake.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Alcohol
Algorithm Recommendation for Data Streams
Authors: Brazdil Pavel , van Rijn Jan N. , Soares Carlos , Vanschoren Joaquin
Published: February 2022

This chapter focuses on metalearning approaches that have been applied to data streams. This is an important area, as many real-world data arrive in the form of a stream of observations. We first review some important aspects of the data stream setting, which may involve online learning, non-stationarity, and concept drift.
Transfer of Knowledge Across Tasks
Authors: Vilalta Ricardo , Meskhi Mikhail M.
Published: February 2022

This area is often referred to as transfer of knowledge across tasks, or simply transfer learning; it aims at developing learning algorithms that leverage the results of previous learning tasks. This chapter discusses different approaches in transfer learning, such as representational transfer, where transfer takes place after one or more source models have been trained. There is an explicit form of knowledge transferred directly to the target model or to the meta-model. The chapter also discusses functional transfer, where two or more models are trained simultaneously. This situation is sometimes referred to as multi-task learning. In this approach, the models share their internal structure (or possibly some parts) during learning. Other topics include instance-, feature-, and parameter-based transfer learning, often used to initialize the search on the target domain. A distinct topic is transfer learning in neural networks, which includes, for instance, the transfer of a part of the network structure. The chapter also presents the double loop architecture, where the base-learner iterates over the training set in an inner loop, while the metalearner iterates over different tasks to learn metaparameters in an outer loop. Details are given on transfer learning within kernel methods and parametric Bayesian models.
Learning from Metadata in Repositories
Authors: Brazdil Pavel , van Rijn Jan N. , Soares Carlos , Vanschoren Joaquin
Published: February 2022

This chapter describes the various types of experiments that can be done with the vast amount of data, stored in experiment databases. We focus on three types of experiments done with the data stored in OpenML.
Combining Base-Learners into Ensembles
Authors: Giraud-Carrier Christophe
Published: February 2022

This chapter discusses ensembles of classification or regression models, because they represent an important area of machine learning. They have become popular as they tend to achieve high performance when compared with single models. Besides, they also play an essential role in data-streaming solutions. This chapter starts by introducing ensemble learning and presents an overview of some of its most well-known methods. These include bagging, boosting, stacking, cascade generalization, cascading, delegating, arbitrating and meta-decision trees.
One-loop determination of τ → π(K)ντ [γ] branching ratios and new physics tests
Authors: Arroyo-Ureña M. A. , Hernández-Tomé G. , López-Castro G. , Roig P. , Rosell I.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We calculate the ratios Rτ/P≡ Γ (τ → Pντ [γ]) /Γ (P → μνμ [γ]) (P = π, K) at one loop following a large-NC expansion where Chiral Perturbation Theory is enlarged by including the lightest resonances and respecting the short-distance behavior dictated by QCD. We find δRτ/π = (0.18 ± 0.57)% and δRτ/K = (0.97 ± 0.58)%, where the uncertainties are induced fundamentally by the counterterms. We test the lepton universality, obtaining |gτ/gμ|π = 0.9964 ± 0.0038 and |gτ/gμ|K = 0.9857 ± 0.0078, and analyze the CKM unitarity, getting results at 2.1σ and 1.5σ from unitarity via |Vus/Vud| and |Vus|, respectively. We also update the search for non-standard interactions in τ decays. As a by-product, we report the theoretical radiative corrections to the τ → Pντ [γ] decay rates: δτπ = −(0.24 ± 0.56)% and δτK = −(0.15 ± 0.57)%.
High energy lepton colliders as the ultimate Higgs microscopes
Authors: Banerjee Shankha , Gupta Rick S. , Ochoa-Valeriano Oscar , Spannowsky Michael
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We study standard electroweak/Higgs processes at the high-energy lepton colliders ILC and CLIC. We identify a subset of three operators in the SMEFT that give leading contributions to these processes at high energies. We then perform a ‘high-energy fit’ including these operators. Our final bounds surpass existing LEP bounds and HL-LHC projections by orders of magnitude. Furthermore, we find that these colliders can probe scales up to tens of TeV, corresponding to the highest scales explored in electroweak/Higgs physics.
A comprehensive study on meltpool depth in laser-based powder bed fusion of Inconel 718
Authors: Khorasani Mahyar , Ghasemi AmirHossein , Leary Martin , Cordova Laura , Sharabian Elmira , Farabi Ehsan , Gibson Ian , Brandt Milan , Rolfe Bernard
Published: February 2022

One problematic task in the laser-based powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) process is the estimation of meltpool depth, which is a function of the process parameters and thermophysical properties of the materials. In this research, the effective factors that drive the meltpool depth such as optical penetration depth, angle of incidence, the ratio of laser power to scan speed, surface properties and plasma formation are discussed. The model is useful to estimate the meltpool depth for various manufacturing conditions. A proposed methodology is based on the simulation of a set of process parameters to obtain the variation of meltpool depth and temperature, followed by validation with reference to experimental test data. Numerical simulation of the LB-PBF process was performed using the computational scientific tool “Flow3D Version 11.2” to obtain the meltpool features. The simulation data was then developed into a predictive analytical model for meltpool depth and temperature based on the thermophysical powder properties and associated parameters. The novelty and contribution of this research are characterising the fundamental governing factors on meltpool depth and developing an analytical model based on process parameters and powder properties. The predictor model helps to accurately estimate the meltpool depth which is important and has to be sufficient to effectively fuse the powder to the build plate or the previously solidified layers ensuring proper bonding quality. Results showed that the developed analytical model has a high accuracy to predict the meltpool depth. The model is useful to rapidly estimate the optimal process window before setting up the manufacturing tasks and can therefore save on lead-time and cost. This methodology is generally applied to Inconel 718 processing and is generalisable for any powder of interest. The discussions identified how the effective physical factors govern the induced heat versus meltpool depth which can affect the bonding and the quality of LB-PBF components.
Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasia After Surgery
Authors: Begum Nehara , Hunold Hannah , Gerdes Berthold , Keck Tobias , Waldmann Annika
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) are rare and complex, with surgery as key therapy even in cases with metastasis. Little is known regarding the quality of life, prevalence of depression, anxiety and the impact of surgery.

Methods

This prospective, follow‐up study included 90 consecutively recruited patients with NEN after surgery in a university hospital. The EORTC QLQ‐C30, EORTC QLQ‐GI‐NET.21, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a hospital specific questionnaire were completed during follow‐up after 3 to 5 years (t1–t5).

Results

Mean age was 54 (SD 15) years, 13% had secondary malignancies and 11% had psychiatric diagnoses (depression n = 8, schizophrenia n = 2) pre‐existent. Critical life events occurred in 51% within 5 years before diagnosis. Surgery was done in curative intention in 82% and R0‐resection rate was 90%. The median survival was 25.3 years. The 10‐year survival rate was 87%, 98%, 95% and 26% for all patients (n = 90), stage I/II (n = 45), stage III (n = 25) and stage IV (n = 20), respectively (p < .001). Anxiety score was pathological in 30% after 1 year (t1) and in 10% after 5 years, depression score in 25% (t1) and 30% (t5). Fatigue and muscle/body pain were elevated symptoms with > 50 and 40 points 3 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Depression rate remains high whereas anxiety declines over time. Fatigue and muscle/body pain were identified as relevantly elevated after surgery. Systematic screening and supportive therapy should be implemented during follow‐up after surgery.
Optimal temperature and Mn content for enhancing optical properties and inducing room temperature ferromagnetism of Mn doped In2O3 nanocubes
Authors: Awad M. A. , Rabia Mohamed
Published: February 2022

In this strategy, chemical vapor deposition technique is utilized to synthesize undoped and Mn doped In2O3 nanostructures. Temperature effects on oxygen content, doping level and the associated morphological, structural, optical and magnetic properties have been investigated. The surface morphology examinations showed the ability of manganese ions to catalyze the nanoflakes of undoped In2O3 to grow into nanocubes. An appropriate proposal for the growth mechanism has been elucidated. X-ray diffraction proved that Mn doping enhanced the growth of In2O3 along different crystallographic planes with preferred growth of the (222) plane. The strain and dislocation density were decreased while grain sizes were increased with increasing Mn content. The optical analysis showed reduction in transmission that was related to oxygen vacancies in undoped In2O3 and phase separation in doped samples. The optical band gap values were decreased from 3.82 to 3.71 eV with increasing Mn content whereas the refractive index values were increased. The magnetic response elucidated the optimal temperature and Mn content for inducing the room temperature ferromagnetism.
Webbasierte Genexpressionsanalysen – auf dem Weg zur molekularen Entschlüsselung gesunder und erkrankter Augengewebe
Authors: Wolf Julian , Lapp Thabo , Reinhard Thomas , Agostini Hansjürgen , Schlunck Günther , Lange Clemens
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Die Entschlüsselung des Transkriptoms hat in den letzten Jahren unser Verständnis zahlreicher Erkrankungen verbessert. Öffentlich zugängliche Datenbanken, wie z. B. die Gene Expression Omnibus-Datenbank des National Center for Biotechnology Information, sammeln Transkriptomrohdaten aus einer Vielfalt von Proben, ohne jedoch dem bioinformatischen Laien einen intuitiven Zugang zu den Daten zu gewähren. Daher wurden in den vergangenen Jahren spezielle Transkriptomdatenbanken programmiert, die eine benutzerfreundliche Web-basierte Datenanalyse ermöglichen und damit niederschwellig molekulare Einblicke in okuläre Gewebe ermöglichen.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, einen Überblick über die aktuell verfügbaren okulären Transkriptomdatenbanken zu geben und diese mit dem in Freiburg neu etablierten Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas zu vergleichen.

Methoden

Literatursuche in PubMed.

Ergebnisse

Neun okuläre Transkriptomdatenbanken mit unterschiedlichem Anwendungsschwerpunkt wurden identifiziert. Die Plattformen iSyTE und Express spezialisieren sich auf die Genexpression während der Linsen- und Netzhautentwicklung der Maus, wohingegen retina.tigem.it, Eye in a Disk und Spectacle ihren Fokus auf einzelne okuläre Gewebe wie die Netzhaut legen. Spectacle, UCSC Cell Browser und Single Cell Portal erlauben die intuitive Exploration von Einzelzell-RNA-Sequenzierungsdaten von Netzhaut‑, Aderhaut‑, Kornea‑, Iris‑, Trabekelmaschenwerk- und Skleragewebe. Die Microarray-Profile verschiedener gesunder okulärer Gewebe werden in der Ocular Tissue Database bereitgestellt. Der Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas erfasst derzeit die größte Vielfalt an Augengeweben und Erkrankungen des Auges. Er zeichnet sich durch einen hohen Qualitätsstandard aus, der durch methodische Homogenität erreicht wird.

Schlussfolgerungen

Okuläre Transkriptomdatenbanken bieten einen umfassenden und intuitiven Einblick in die Transkriptionsprofile verschiedener gesunder und erkrankter Augengewebe. So verbessern sie unser Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden molekularen Krankheitsprozesse, unterstützen die Hypothesengenerierung und helfen bei der Suche nach neuen diagnostischen und therapeutischen Zielen für verschiedene Augenerkrankungen.
Language does arithmetic: linguistic differences in children’s place-value processing
Authors: Kraut Christina , Pixner Silvia
Published: February 2022

The representation and retrieval of multiplication facts is dependent on linguistic specificities such as number word inversion (i.e., 23 is spoken dreiundzwanzig in German which translates to three and twenty). Previous research has evaluated these language influences in adults. Now this study aims to follow-up on earlier findings and takes a closer look at inversion-related effects on place-value processing during multiplication in children. In a task of choice 46 children, either German- or Italian-speaking, had to pick the right answer out of two options for a given multiplication problem. Already established effects in adult participants such as decade-consistency and table-relatedness were also present in elementary school children, but different between the language groups. For decade-consistent items the effect of table-relatedness was larger for Italian-speaking students than for German-speaking. This indicates that the inversion property in the German language leads to those children putting less emphasis on the tens digit when solving multiplication problems, than Italian-speaking children.
Community-identified risks to hunting, fishing, and gathering (harvesting) activities from increased marine shipping activity in Inuit Nunangat, Canada
Authors: van Luijk Nicolien , Carter Natalie Ann , Dawson Jackie , Parker Colleen , Grey Kayla , Provencher Jennifer , Cook Alison
Published: February 2022

The rapid increase in marine shipping activity in Inuit Nunangat (i.e. in settled land claim regions of Arctic Canada), propelled by climate change and international interest in Arctic maritime trade, has heightened concerns among Inuit communities about the risks that more ships could pose for sustainable and subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering (berries, plants, eggs, etc.) (referred to as harvesting in this article) activities considered vital for cultural well-being and local livelihoods. As part of the Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices project, (www.arcticcorridors.ca) a series of workshops, focus groups, and interviews were conducted in and with 14 communities across Inuit Nunangat that involved 133 marine experts and 59 youth community researchers. In this paper, we present the concerns identified by Inuit and local marine users about the risks of increased shipping activity specifically with respect to harvesting activities and then identify governance needs that could support sustainability. Results of the study are organised by three major risk themes: (1) Marine ecosystem contamination and degradation; (2) Disruption to harvesters’ travel and safety; and (3) Interference and disturbance of wildlife. All of these risks negatively impact harvesting activities in Inuit Nunangat. Considering the region is expected to be ice-free in summer by the end of the twenty-first century and that subsistence harvesting is crucial to the well-being of Inuit and northern communities, it is vital that research on this topic be conducted and then considered within ongoing Arctic governance and co-governance efforts.
TNF-α inhibitor tanfanercept (HBM9036) improves signs and symptoms of dry eye in a phase 2 trial in the controlled adverse environment in China
Authors: Dong Yanling , Wang Shuang , Cong Lin , Zhang Ting , Cheng Jun , Yang Nannan , Qu Xiaohong , Li Dongfang , Zhou Xueying , Wang Holly , Lee Michael , Wang Meng , Chen Stephen , Ousler George W. , Chen Xiaoxiang , Xie Lixin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study evaluated the clinical safety and efficacy of tanfanercept (HBM9036) ophthalmic solution as a novel treatment for dry eye disease (DED) in a controlled adverse environment (CAE) study conducted in China.

Methods

In a single-center, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 100 patients received 0.25% tanfanercept, or placebo, twice daily for eight weeks. A mobile international CAE® DE Model was used for patient selection with a standardized challenge endpoint. Primary efficacy endpoint was fluorescein inferior corneal staining score (ICSS) pre- to post-CAE challenge from baseline. Secondary endpoints included Schirmer’s Tear Test, Tear-Film Break-Up Time, Ocular Discomfort Score, Ora Calibra® Ocular Discomfort and 4-Symptom Questionnaire, total corneal staining score (TCSS), and drop comfort. Signs and symptoms were assessed both pre- and post-CAE to evaluate the efficacy of tanfanercept on both environmental and CAE endpoints.

Results

The tanfanercept treatment group showed improvement in ICSS pre- to post-CAE change from baseline scores when compared to placebo (− 0.61 ± 0.11 and − 0.54 ± 0.11, respectively; mean difference = 0.07, p = 0.65). TCSS pre–post-CAE change from baseline scores was also in favor of active when compared to placebo (− 1.03 ± 0.21 and − 0.67 ± 0.21, respectively; mean difference = 0.37, p = 0.23). Schirmer’s score improvement was demonstrated in favor of active (1.87 ± 0.62 mm) as compared to placebo (1.28 ± 0.62 mm; mean difference = 0.59 mm, p = 0.50). Change from baseline in mean Tear-Film Break-up Time favored active treatment over placebo (mean difference = 1.21 s, p = 0.45). Notably, the tanfanercept showed more obvious benefits for each DED sign in a subgroup of subjects ≥ 35 years of age. Tanfanercept was well tolerated with no serious adverse events occurring during the study.

Conclusion

Tanfanercept demonstrated improvements in favor of active as compared to placebo in the signs of DED, being safe and well tolerated. These data support further evaluation of tanfanercept for the treatment of DED in China.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04092907) on September 17, 2019.
The COVID-19 resilience of a continental welfare regime - nowcasting the distributional impact of the crisis
Authors: Sologon Denisa M. , O’Donoghue Cathal , Kyzyma Iryna , Li Jinjing , Linden Jules , Wagener Raymond
Published: February 2022

We evaluate the COVID-19 resilience of a Continental welfare regime by nowcasting the implications of the shock and its associated policy responses on the distribution of household incomes over the whole of 2020. Our approach relies on a dynamic microsimulation modelling that combines a household income generation model estimated on the latest EU-SILC wave with novel nowcasting techniques to calibrate the simulations using external macro controls which reflect the macroeconomic climate during the crisis. We focus on Luxembourg, a country that introduced minor tweaks to the existing tax-benefit system, which has a strong social insurance focus that gave certainty during the crisis. We find the system was well-equipped ahead of the crisis to cushion household incomes against job losses. The income-support policy changes were effective in cushioning household incomes and mitigating an increase in income inequality, allowing average household disposable income and inequality levels to bounce back to pre-crisis levels in the last quarter of 2020. The share of labour incomes dropped, but was compensated by an increase in benefits, reflecting the cushioning effect of the transfer system. Overall market incomes dropped and became more unequal. Their disequalizing evolution was matched by an increase in redistribution, driven by an increase in the generosity of benefits and larger access to benefits. The nowcasting model is a “near” real-time analysis and decision support tool to monitor the recovery, scalable to other countries with high applicability for policymakers.
Binding Out of Relative Clauses in Native and Non-native Sentence Comprehension
Authors: Felser Claudia , Drummer Janna-Deborah
Published: February 2022

Pronouns can sometimes covary with a non c-commanding quantifier phrase (QP). To obtain such 'telescoping' readings, a semantic representation must be computed in which the QP's semantic scope extends beyond its surface scope. Non-native speakers have been claimed to have more difficulty than native speakers deriving such non-isomorphic syntax-semantics mappings, but evidence from processing studies is scarce. We report the results from an eye-movement monitoring experiment and an offline questionnaire investigating whether native and non-native speakers of German can link personal pronouns to non c-commanding QPs inside relative clauses. Our results show that both participant groups were able to obtain telescoping readings offline, but only the native speakers showed evidence of forming telescoping dependencies during incremental parsing. During processing the non-native speakers focused on a discourse-prominent, non-quantified alternative antecedent instead. The observed group differences indicate that non-native comprehenders have more difficulty than native comprehenders computing scope-shifted representations in real time.
Italian healthcare organizations facing new dimensions: changes in governance structure
Authors: Romiti Anna , Del Vecchio Mario , Milani Chiara , Sartor Gino
Published: February 2022

Private and public organizations facing merger processes may consider reconfiguring the size, composition, and mechanisms used by the strategic apex. In Italian local health organizations (LHOs), the strategic apex had to face challenges arising from an increase in size and its impacts on different governance areas. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of the top management team in shaping the conditions of governance, and link these conditions to certain internal and external characteristics of the specific LHO and to the behavior and vision of the CEO. The study used qualitative techniques to examine the cases of three of the largest Italian LHOs that had undergone merger processes in recent years. The results show how changes in the organizational size impact the structure and mechanisms of the strategic apex. In particular, this study identifies three main governance strategies.
Brain Morphological Characteristics of Cognitive Subgroups of Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Karantonis James A. , Carruthers Sean P. , Burdick Katherine E. , Pantelis Christos , Green Melissa , Rossell Susan L. , Hughes Matthew E. , Cropley Vanessa , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E.
Published: February 2022

Despite a growing body of research, there is yet to be a cohesive synthesis of studies examining differences in brain morphology according to patterns of cognitive function among both schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SSD) and bipolar disorder (BD) individuals. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the morphological differences—inclusive of grey and white matter volume, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area—between cognitive subgroups of these disorders and healthy controls, and between cognitive subgroups themselves. An initial search of PubMed and Scopus databases resulted in 1486 articles of which 20 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail. The findings of this review do not provide strong evidence that cognitive subgroups of SSD or BD map to unique patterns of brain morphology. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that reductions in cortical thickness may be more strongly associated with cognitive impairment, whilst volumetric deficits may be largely tied to the presence of disease.
Uniqueness for an Obstacle Problem Arising from Logistic-Type Equations with Fractional Laplacian
Authors: Klimsiak Tomasz
Published: February 2022

We prove a uniqueness theorem for the obstacle problem for linear equations involving the fractional Laplacian with zero Dirichlet exterior condition. The problem under consideration arises as the limit of some logistic-type equations. Our result extends (and slightly strengthens) the known corresponding results for the classical Laplace operator with zero boundary condition. Our proof, as compared with the known proof for the classical Laplace operator, is entirely new, and is based on the probabilistic potential theory. Its advantage is that it may be applied to a wide class of integro-differential operators.
Oswald revisited: the effect of focus and context
Authors: Kulakova Eugenia , Rinner Stefan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we will present an analysis of the Oswald example (‘If Oswald did not shot Kennedy, then somebody else did’/‘If Oswald had not shot Kennedy, then somebody else would have’) that takes a closer look at the antecedents of the Oswald minimal pair. We will argue that diverging foci in the antecedents of the Oswald example result in different truth conditions of the conditionals, explaining the difference in truth values between the two sentences. Although the explanation will incorporate aspects of Stalnaker’s theory of conditionals, it will go beyond Stalnaker’s analysis of the Oswald example on one crucial point. The difference in focus assignments between the two sentences will not be explained by a difference in appropriateness conditions between indicative and subjunctive mood. Instead, the diverging foci will stem from pragmatic requirements imposed on the presuppositions of indicative and subjunctive antecedents. This analysis will be further confirmed by extending it to similar examples with ascriptions of hopes and wishes, pointing towards a more clear-cut separation of conditionality and the effect of the Oswald example.
Analysis of Local Strain Evolution during Electron Beam Welding of Hot Crack Sensitive Nickel Base Conventionally Cast Alloy 247 LC CC
Authors: Jokisch Torsten , Doynov Nikolay , Ossenbrink Ralf , Michailov Vesselin
Published: February 2022

Among different joining methods, the electron beam welding is recently applied for manufacturing of turbine components from temperature-resistant nickel-based conventionally cast Alloy 247 LC CC. However, the high tendency to hot cracking, in particular the formation of solidification cracks, remains a major challenge. Experiments indicate a significant reduction in hot cracks if the welding is performed outside the common welding parameter range. To understand these observations, a study of local thermo-mechanical conditions during electron beam welding of Alloy 247 samples was carried out using numerical simulations. The results were subsequently compared with reference test welds. For this purpose, a finite element model for coupled transient thermal and mechanical analysis was created and used. The work presents a comparative analysis of the evolution of strain components in brittle temperature range during cooling, considering the distribution and orientation of the cracks. Various relations between local strain kinetics and crack appearance, with notable influence of the plastic strain vector, were observed. Finally, the aspects of assessment of hot crack susceptibility with aid of thermo-mechanical welding simulation are discussed.
Cybercrime and Artificial Intelligence. An overview of the work of international organizations on criminal justice and the international applicable instruments
Authors: Velasco Cristos
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether current international instruments to counter cybercrime may apply in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and to provide a short analysis of the ongoing policy initiatives of international organizations that would have a relevant impact in the law-making process in the field of cybercrime in the near future. This paper discusses the implications that AI policy making would bring to the administration of the criminal justice system to specifically counter cybercrimes. Current trends and uses of AI systems and applications to commit harmful and illegal conduct are analysed including deep fakes. The paper finalizes with a conclusion that offers an alternative to create effective policy responses to counter cybercrime committed through AI systems.
Questioning Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Acute Brain Damage: The Importance of Spreading Depolarization
Authors: Andrew R. David , Farkas Eszter , Hartings Jed A. , Brennan K. C. , Herreras Oscar , Müller Michael , Kirov Sergei. A. , Ayata Cenk , Ollen-Bittle Nikita , Reiffurth Clemens , Revah Omer , Robertson R. Meldrum , Dawson-Scully Ken D. , Ullah Ghanim , Dreier Jens P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Within 2 min of severe ischemia, spreading depolarization (SD) propagates like a wave through compromised gray matter of the higher brain. More SDs arise over hours in adjacent tissue, expanding the neuronal damage. This period represents a therapeutic window to inhibit SD and so reduce impending tissue injury. Yet most neuroscientists assume that the course of early brain injury can be explained by glutamate excitotoxicity, the concept that immediate glutamate release promotes early and downstream brain injury. There are many problems with glutamate release being the unseen culprit, the most practical being that the concept has yielded zero therapeutics over the past 30 years. But the basic science is also flawed, arising from dubious foundational observations beginning in the 1950s

Methods

Literature pertaining to excitotoxicity and to SD over the past 60 years is critiqued.

Results

Excitotoxicity theory centers on the immediate and excessive release of glutamate with resulting neuronal hyperexcitation. This instigates poststroke cascades with subsequent secondary neuronal injury. By contrast, SD theory argues that although SD evokes some brief glutamate release, acute neuronal damage and the subsequent cascade of injury to neurons are elicited by the metabolic stress of SD, not by excessive glutamate release. The challenge we present here is to find new clinical targets based on more informed basic science. This is motivated by the continuing failure by neuroscientists and by industry to develop drugs that can reduce brain injury following ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, or sudden cardiac arrest. One important step is to recognize that SD plays a central role in promoting early neuronal damage. We argue that uncovering the molecular biology of SD initiation and propagation is essential because ischemic neurons are usually not acutely injured unless SD propagates through them. The role of glutamate excitotoxicity theory and how it has shaped SD research is then addressed, followed by a critique of its fading relevance to the study of brain injury.

Conclusions

Spreading depolarizations better account for the acute neuronal injury arising from brain ischemia than does the early and excessive release of glutamate.