bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationships between Industry 4.0 implementation factors through systems thinking and network analysis
Authors: Hoyer Christian , Gunawan Indra , Reaiche Carmen Haule
Published: April 2023

Industry 4.0 provides companies with the technological and theoretical means to enhance data‐driven decision‐making procedures. To facilitate the transformation process, several studies have identified factors that need to be considered when implementing Industry 4.0 on a broader level. However, the dynamic relationship between these factors has yet to be understood to provide companies with the in‐depth knowledge needed to effectively manage the transition. The principal aim of our research is therefore to map out the complex relationships between the identified factors, by adapting a novel approach that combines network analysis and causal loop diagrams. Results show that the roles of implementation factors are not static, and what role they play depends on their position in the network, complementing the findings of previous investigations about the drivers of change. Furthermore, our findings indicate that multiple intervention points exist, shedding more light on how to develop effective implementation strategies.
Direct gas heating in linear concentrating solar collectors for power and industrial process heat production: Applications and challenges
Authors: Lecuona‐Neumann Antonio , Famiglietti Antonio
Published: April 2023

Parabolic trough collectors and linear Fresnel collectors are mature technologies for power production, and they are being recently applied to provide solar heat for industrial needs. Conventionally, they use a liquid as heat transfer fluid, either thermal oil or water, to carry heat from the receivers up to the point of conversion or delivery. Although liquids offer excellent thermal properties, they show technical limitations, besides environmental concerns, which have encouraged the research on alternative solutions. This work reviews the main research works on the use of gases as heat transfer fluid in linear concentrating collectors, including solar power and heat production, highlighting the potential applications and technical challenges. The review indicates: first, gases offer potential to replace liquids, and second, there is a need for more research and development to define the best technical compromises to reach practical application in every sector.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Solar Energy

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure
Israeli National Protection Strategies and Realities
Authors: Spitka Timea
Published: April 2023

This chapter unravels the enigmas between principles, practices and perceptions (PPP) of human security by Israeli authority within Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Actions in the name of security have justified severe security measures but under which circumstances have they had a positive or an inverse effect on the protection of vulnerable civilians? Unpacking security principles and practices of Israeli leadership, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), Israeli police, secret service and non-state security agencies, this chapter examines the priorities and the effectiveness of protection of civilians. The chapter examines PPP of human protection based on documentation, surveys and interviews with national and international protectors.
Effects of high-energy laser peening followed by pre-hot corrosion on stress relaxation, microhardness, and fatigue life and strength of single-crystal nickel CMSX-4® superalloy
Authors: Morar Nicolau Iralal , Holtham Noah , Hackel Lloyd , Davami Keivan , Sharma Montu , DeWald Adrian , Roy Rajkumar
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the stress relaxation and fatigue life and strength of laser-peened single-crystal nickel superalloy specimens compared to unpeened and shot-peened specimens following hot corrosion exposure and then fatigue testing. The specimens were treated by conventional laser peening and a new cyclic laser peening plus thermal microstructure engineering process. The latter treatment supports the benefit of a unique process involving application of layers of laser peening using high energy with large footprint spots combined with interspersed cyclic annealing. Stress measurements by slitting showed the plastic penetration depth of laser peening exceeded shot peening by a factor of 24. Unpeened and peened specimens were exposed to sulphate corrosives at 700 °C for 300 h and then fatigue tested. Tests of five non-laser-peened specimens all failed in low-cycle fatigue regime, whereas three identically tested laser-peened specimens all achieved multi-million-cycle runout without failure, indicating fully consistent large benefit for life by laser peening. Additional tests also showed fatigue strength improvement of 2:1 by laser peening. Residual stress measurements post hot-corrosion exposure and fatigue testing showed notable 5 mm depth retention of residual eigenstress in a laser-peened specimen.
BTLA dysregulation correlates with poor outcome and diminished T cell-mediated antitumor responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Sordo-Bahamonde Christian , Lorenzo-Herrero Seila , Martínez-Pérez Alejandra , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Ana P. , Payer Ángel R. , González-García Esther , Aguilar-García Candelaria , González-Rodríguez Sara , López-Soto Alejandro , García-Torre Alejandra , Gonzalez Segundo
Published: April 2023

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progressively develop marked immunosuppression, dampening innate and adaptive-driven antitumor responses. However, the underlying mechanisms promoting immune exhaustion are largely unknown. Herein, we provide new insights into the role of BTLA/HVEM axis promoting defects in T cell-mediated responses against leukemic cells. Increased expression of BTLA, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, was detected on the surface of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with CLL. Moreover, high levels of BTLA on CD4 + T cells correlated with diminished time to treatment. Signaling through BTLA activation led to decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production ex vivo, whereas BTLA/HVEM binding disruption enhanced IFN-γ + CD8 + T lymphocytes. Accordingly, BTLA blockade in combination with bispecific anti-CD3/anti-CD19 antibody promoted CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-leukemic responses. Finally, treatment with an anti-BLTA blocking monoclonal antibody alone or in combination with ibrutinib-induced leukemic cell depletion in vitro. Altogether, our data reveal that BTLA dysregulation has a prognostic role and is limiting T cell-driven antitumor responses, thus providing new insights about immune exhaustion in patients with CLL.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopic Holmium laser Lithotripsy and Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration for Bile Duct Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Bin , Fu Liangyin , Lu Tingting , Zhang Guangming , Dong Xiaohua , Zhao Qiqi , Yu Miao , Ma Haizhong , Yang Kehu , Cai Hui
Published: April 2023

Background

Laparoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (LHLL) has been used to treat bile duct stones with unclear outcomes. A meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the LHLL and laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) efficacy and safety in treating bile duct stones.

Methods

The correlational studies were searched databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, to identify eligible studies from inception to July 2022. The dichotomous and continuous outcomes were evaluated using odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.3 software helped in data analyses.

Results

A total of 23 studies with 1,890 patients, primarily from China, were included. The results indicated that operation time (WMD = − 26.94; 95% CI:(− 34.30, − 19.58); P < 0.00001), estimated blood loss (WMD = − 17.97; 95% CI: (− 22.94, − 13.00); P = 0.002), rate of residual stone (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: (0.10, 0.23); P < 0.00001), length of hospital stay (WMD = − 2.88; 95% CI:(− 3.80, − 1.96); P < 0.00001) and time to bowel function recovery (WMD = − 0.59; 95% CI: (− 0.76, − 0.41); P < 0.00001) had statistically significant differences between the two groups. In postoperative complications, biliary leakage (RD = ‐0.03; 95% CI: (− 0.05, ‐0.00); P = 0.02), infection (RD = − 0.06; 95% CI: (− 0.09,− 0.03); P < 0.00001) and Hepatic injury (RD = − 0.06; 95% CI: (− 0.11, − 0.01); P = 0.02) revealed statistically significant differences. However, no significant differences were observed in biliary damage (RD = − 0.03; 95% CI: (− 0.06, 0.00); P = 0.06) and hemobilia (RD = − 0.03; 95% CI: (− 0.06, 0.00); P = 0.08).

Conclusion

The current meta‐analysis indicated that LHLL could be more effective and safer than LBDC. However, these results should be confirmed with a larger sample size and rigorously designed randomized controlled trials.
Meshing using neural networks for improving the efficiency of computer modelling
Authors: Lock Callum , Hassan Oubay , Sevilla Ruben , Jones Jason
Published: April 2023

This work presents a novel approach capable of predicting an appropriate spacing function that can be used to generate a near-optimal mesh suitable for simulation. The main objective is to make use of the large number of simulations that are nowadays available, and to alleviate the time-consuming mesh generation stage by minimising human intervention. For a given simulation, a technique to produce a set of point sources that leads to a mesh capable of capturing all the features of the solution is proposed. In addition, a method to combine all sets of sources for the simulations available is devised. The global set of sources is used to train a neural network that, for some design parameters (e.g., flow conditions, geometry), predicts the characteristics of the sources. Numerical examples, in the context of three dimensional inviscid compressible flows, are considered to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach. It is shown that accurate predictions of the required spacing function can be produced, even with reduced training datasets. In addition, the predicted near-optimal meshes are utilised to compute flow solutions, and the results show that the computed aerodynamic coefficients are within the required accuracy for the aerospace industry. An analysis is also presented to demonstrate that the proposed method lies in the category of green AI research, meaning that computational resources and time are substantially reduced with this approach, when compared to current practice in industry.
Contrast sensitivity function under three light conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy: a cross-sectional, case–control study
Authors: Silva-Viguera María-Carmen , García-Romera Marta C. , Bautista-Llamas María-José
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To determine whether patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), without any sign of diabetic retinopathy, have any alteration in Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF), in relation to patients without this disease, and whether CSF assessment in three different light conditions can be an effective test in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study was preformed including 80 patients (40 with T1DM without diabetic retinopathy and 40 controls) between 11 and 47 years old. CSF was assessed at four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles/degree) using the CSV-1000E test, under three light conditions: high (550 lx), medium (200 lx) and low (< 2 lx).

Results

A lower CSF in the T1DM group was found at the three light conditions studied. The most spatial frequency affected was 18 cpd, 0.08 log units (p = 0.048) in high, 0.10 log units (p = 0.010) in medium (p = 0.010) and 0.16 log units (p < 0.001) in low-light conditions in mean CS values. The least spatial frequency affected was 3 cpd (p > 0.05 in all three light conditions).

Conclusion

Patients with T1DM, without diabetic retinopathy, presented a loss of CS to sine-wave gratings, with respect to people with the same characteristics without the disease, mainly at medium and high frequencies, and in medium and low-light conditions.
Comparing the responses of grain fed feedlot cattle under moderate heat load and during subsequent recovery with those of feed restricted thermoneutral counterparts: metabolic hormones
Authors: Wijffels G. , Sullivan M. L. , Stockwell S. , Briscoe S. , Anderson S. T. , Li Y. , de Melo Costa C. C. , McCulloch R. , Olm J. C. W. , Cawdell-Smith J. , Gaughan J. B.
Published: April 2023

We set out to determine the impact of moderate heat load on the plasma concentrations of a suite of hormones involved in regulating energy metabolism and feed intake. The responses of the thermally challenged (TC) feedlot steers were compared to those of feed restricted thermoneutral (FRTN) steers. Two sequential cohorts of twelve 518 ± 23 kg Black Angus steers on finisher grain ration were housed in climate-controlled rooms (CCR) for 18 days and returned to outdoor pens for 40 days. The TC group was subjected to a diurnal range of 28–35 °C for 7 days (Challenge) but held in thermoneutral conditions beforehand (PreChallenge), and in Recovery (after Challenge). The FRTN group was held in thermoneutral conditions and feed restricted throughout. Blood was collected over the three periods in CCR and two periods in outdoor pens for 40 days (PENS and Late PENS). Plasma concentrations of prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, insulin, leptin, adiponectin and thyroxine (T4) were determined during the five periods. Whilst the pituitary hormones were relatively stable, there were differences in plasma leptin, adiponectin and T4 between the two groups during Challenge and Recovery, and occasionally in PENS. The interaction of the plasma hormone concentrations and rumen temperature and DMI were also investigated. Whilst the positive relationship between DMI and leptin was confirmed, we found a strong negative relationship between adiponectin and rumen temperature, and a strong positive relationship between adiponectin and dry matter intake (DMI) in the TC steers only.
Visualization of clinically silent, odontogenic maxillary sinus mucositis originating from periapical inflammation using MRI: a feasibility study
Authors: Burian Egon , Feuerriegel Georg , Sollmann Nico , Burian Gintare , Palla Benjamin , Griesbauer Magdalena , Bumm Caspar , Probst Monika , Beer Meinrad , Folwaczny Matthias
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Maxillary sinus mucositis
is frequently associated with odontogenic foci. Periapical inflammation of maxillary molars and premolars cannot be visualized directly using radiation-based imaging. The purpose of this study was to answer the following clinical question: among patients with periapical inflammatory processes in the maxilla, does the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as compared to conventional periapical (AP) and panoramic radiography (OPT), improve diagnostic accuracy?

Methods

Forty-two subjects with generalized periodontitis were scanned on a 3 T MRI. Sixteen asymptomatic subjects with mucosal swelling of the maxillary sinus were enrolled in the study. Periapical edema was assessed using short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. Apical osteolysis and mucosal swelling were assessed by MRI, AP, and OPT imaging using the periapical index score (PAI). Comparisons between groups were performed with chi-squared tests with Yates’ correction. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Periapical lesions of maxillary premolars and molars were identified in 16 subjects, 21 sinuses, and 58 teeth. Bone edema and PAI scores were significantly higher using MRI as compared to OPT and AP (p < 0.05). Using the STIR sequence, a significant association of PAI score > 1 and the presence of mucosal swelling in the maxillary sinus was detected (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Periapical inflammation and maxillary mucositis could be visualized using STIR imaging. The use of MRI may help detect early, subtle inflammatory changes in the periapical tissues surrounding maxillary dentition. Early detection could guide diagnostic criteria, as well as treatment and prevention.
The clinical impacts of postoperative complications after colon cancer surgery for the clinical course of adjuvant treatment and survival
Authors: Aoyama Toru , Oba Koji , Honda Michitaka , Muto Masaru , Mayanagi Shuhei , Maeda Hiromichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Sakamoto Junichi , Yoshikawa Takaki
Published: April 2023

Aim

We investigated whether or not postoperative complications (POCs) themselves have a negative survival impact or indirectly worsen the survival due to insufficient adjuvant chemotherapy in a pooled analysis of two large phase III studies performed in Japan

Patients and methods

The study examined the patients who enrolled in 1304, phase III study comparing the efficacy of 6 and 12 months of capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer patients and in 882, a phase III study to confirm the tolerability of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and l-leucovorin in Japanese stage II/III colon cancer patients. In our study, POCs were defined as the following major surgical complications: anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, bowel obstruction/ileus, surgical site infection, postoperative bleeding, urinary tract infection, and fistula. Patients were classified as those with POCs (C group) and those without POCs (NC group).

Results

A total of 2095 patients were examined in the present study. POCs were observed in 169 patients (8.1%). The overall survival (OS) rates at 5 years after surgery were 75.3% in the C group and 86.5% in the NC group (p = 0.0017). The hazard ratio of POCs for the OS in multivariate analysis was 1.70 (95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 2.45; p = 0.0040). The time to adjuvant treatment failure (TTF) of adjuvant chemotherapy was similar between the groups, being 68.6% in the C group and 67.1% in the NC group for the 6-month continuation rate of adjuvant chemotherapy. The dose reduction rate of adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant treatment suspension rate were also similar between the groups (C vs. NC groups: 45.0% vs. 48.7%, p = 0.3520; and 52.7% vs. 55.0%, p = 0.5522, respectively).

Conclusion

POCs were associated with a poor prognosis but did not affect the intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy. These results suggested that POCs themselves negatively influence the survival.
Growth, Productivity, and Essential Oil Content of Fennel Plants Treated with Spirulina Platensis Extract and Compost Tea Under Low Nitrogen Doses
Authors: Shawky Aya A. , Khalifa Gamal S. , Hegazi Amira , ElSherif Moustafa
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to find alternatives (even partial) to mineral nitrogen fertilization to reduce its harmful accumulation in the edible parts of fennel. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial plant of the Apiaceae family grown for its edible shoots, leaves, and seeds. The present work was conducted in two successive seasons, in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, at the farm of the Agricultural Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, to investigate the efficiency of application of two biostimulants—Spirulina platensis algae extract (SP) at 10% and compost tea (CT) at 6.72 ml L−1—with partial doses (75 and 50%) of the recommended mineral nitrogen fertilizer dose on growth, photosynthetic pigments, fruit yield, and essential oil productivity. The results indicated that vegetative parameters, leaf number, branch number, shoot and bulb fresh weight, and shoot dry weight, as well as yield components such as 100-fruit weight and number of umbels per plant were significantly enhanced with application of SP as a foliar spray coupled with 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer (SP + 75% N) as compared to other treatments. Photosynthetic pigments and total soluble carbohydrate were improved significantly when CT was applied as soil drenching coupled with 75% of the recommended N dose (CT + 75% N). In this regard, a clear effect was noticed in terms of oil yield and fruit yield using SP and CT with a 75% N dose. It is concluded that using Spirulina platensis algae extract and compost tea as biostimulants coupled with only 75% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer dose can be recommended for economical fennel production.
Video description: A comprehensive survey of deep learning approaches
Authors: Rafiq Ghazala , Rafiq Muhammad , Choi Gyu Sang
Published: April 2023

Video description refers to understanding visual content and transforming that acquired understanding into automatic textual narration. It bridges the key AI fields of computer vision and natural language processing in conjunction with real-time and practical applications. Deep learning-based approaches employed for video description have demonstrated enhanced results compared to conventional approaches. The current literature lacks a thorough interpretation of the recently developed and employed sequence to sequence techniques for video description. This paper fills that gap by focusing mainly on deep learning-enabled approaches to automatic caption generation. Sequence to sequence models follow an Encoder–Decoder architecture employing a specific composition of CNN, RNN, or the variants LSTM or GRU as an encoder and decoder block. This standard-architecture can be fused with an attention mechanism to focus on a specific distinctiveness, achieving high quality results. Reinforcement learning employed within the Encoder–Decoder structure can progressively deliver state-of-the-art captions by following exploration and exploitation strategies. The transformer mechanism is a modern and efficient transductive architecture for robust output. Free from recurrence, and solely based on self-attention, it allows parallelization along with training on a massive amount of data. It can fully utilize the available GPUs for most NLP tasks. Recently, with the emergence of several versions of transformers, long term dependency handling is not an issue anymore for researchers engaged in video processing for summarization and description, or for autonomous-vehicle, surveillance, and instructional purposes. They can get auspicious directions from this research.
Robotic hand synergies for in-hand regrasping driven by object information
Authors: Dimou Dimitrios , Santos-Victor José , Moreno Plinio
Published: April 2023

We develop a conditional generative model to represent dexterous grasp postures of a robotic hand and use it to generate in-hand regrasp trajectories. Our model learns to encode the robotic grasp postures into a low-dimensional space, called Synergy Space, while taking into account additional information about the object such as its size and its shape category. We then generate regrasp trajectories through linear interpolation in this low-dimensional space. The result is that the hand configuration moves from one grasp type to another while keeping the object stable in the hand. We show that our model achieves higher success rate on in-hand regrasping compared to previous methods used for synergy extraction, by taking advantage of the grasp size conditional variable.
Incorporating potential environmental impacts in building seismic design decisions
Authors: Gonzalez Rosa E. , Stephens Max T. , Toma Charlotte , Dowdell David
Published: April 2023

Seismic losses due to earthquakes have been shown to have significant economic, social and environmental consequences. Over recent years, research to predict potential economic and social impact due to seismic risk has been increasing. Recognizing that the traditional philosophy of life safety design can lead to extensive damage and demolition which has a large environmental cost, incorporating environmental impacts associated with the expected seismic damage over a building’s life is a key step as the building industry moves towards both sustainable and seismically resilient design. This paper introduces a framework that uses environmental indicators quantifying losses from seismic response that can then be used to advocate for a change in seismic performance objectives. First, existing literature and previously developed approaches for quantifying potential environmental impact due to seismic damage are summarized. Next, performance based earthquake engineering concepts are used to demonstrate a probabilistic approach to quantify potential environmental impacts using a range of environmental and resource use indicators over the life span of a case study building. In addition, a case study is presented to compare different environmental indicators between a Code Minimum building and the same building redesigned for a higher seismic performance. The majority of the composition of the environmental indicator values are from the inclusion of the non-repairable scenario, and from the repair activities, the majority of the impacts are from damage to drift sensitive components including curtains walls, partitions and elevators. For the Code Minimum building the non-repairable scenario contributes to between 8 to 11% the total seismic cost. For the Stronger Stiffer building, the non-repairable scenario contributes around 3% of the initial impact. Neglecting non-repairable scenarios does significantly reduce the potential environmental impacts when analyzing buildings designed for current code minimum structural standards.
On doubly symmetric periodic orbits
Authors: Frauenfelder Urs , Moreno Agustin
Published: April 2023

In this article, for Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom, we studydoubly symmetricperiodic orbits, i.e., those which are symmetric with respect to two (distinct) commuting antisymplectic involutions. These are ubiquitous in several problems of interest in mechanics. We show that, in dimension four, doubly symmetric periodic orbits cannot be negative hyperbolic. This has a number of consequences: (1) All covers of doubly symmetric orbits aregood, in the sense of Symplectic Field Theory (Eliashberg et al. Geom Funct Anal Special Volume Part II:560–673, 2000); (2) a non-degenerate doubly symmetric orbit is stable if and only if its CZ-index is odd; (3) a doubly symmetric orbit doesnotundergo period doubling bifurcation; and (4) there is always a stable orbit in any collection of doubly symmetric periodic orbits with negativeSFT-Euler characteristic(as coined in Frauenfelder et al. in Symplectic methods in the numerical search of orbits in real-life planetary systems. PreprintarXiv:2206.00627). The above results follow from: (5) A symmetric orbit is negative hyperbolic if and only its twoB-signs(introduced in Frauenfelder and Moreno 2021) differ.
Does Fear of Crime Moderate the Relationship Between Low Self-Control and Victimization? An Empirical Study
Authors: Guedes Inês Sousa , Santos Margarida , Santos Gilda , Machado Mariana , Teixeira Nuno , Cardoso Carla Sofia
Published: April 2023

Taking into consideration the framework of the general theory of crime, research has been exploring the role of low self-control in the explanation of both crime perpetration and personal victimization. Moreover, while several studies have been analysing the role of victimization experiences in the fear of crime, less is known about how an individuals’ fear of crime influences the likelihood of being victimized. Therefore, using a sample of 243 individuals (55.6% women) from the University of Porto, through a self-reported survey, we tested (i) the effects of low self-control on victimization and (ii) the moderating role of fear of crime on the relationship between self-control and victimization. Results showed that low self-control was positively correlated with victimization. It was observed that fear of crime moderated the effect of low self-control on victimization, thus suggesting that the relationship between low self-control and victimization is not observed when fear of crime is high. Implications of the results are discussed.
Results of an open-label phase 1b study of the ERK inhibitor MK-8353 plus the MEK inhibitor selumetinib in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Stathis Anastasios , Tolcher Anthony W. , Wang Judy S. , Renouf Daniel J. , Chen Lin-Chi , Suttner Leah H. , Freshwater Tomoko , Webber Andrea L. , Nayak Tapan , Siu Lillian L.
Published: April 2023

Aim: We evaluated MK-8353 (small molecule inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) plus selumetinib (mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 inhibitor) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: This phase 1b, open-label, dose-escalation study (NCT03745989) enrolled adults with histologically/cytologically documented, locally advanced/metastatic solid tumors. MK-8353/selumetinib dose combinations were intended to be investigated in sequence: 50/25, 100/50, 150/75, 200/75, 200/100, and 250/100. Each agent was administered orally BID 4 days on/3 days off in repeating cycles every 21 days. Primary objectives were safety and tolerability and to establish preliminary recommended phase 2 doses for combination therapy. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled. Median (range) age was 61.5 (26−78) years and 93% had received previous cancer therapy. Among 28 patients in the dose-limiting toxicities [DLT]-evaluable population, 8 experienced DLTs: 1/11 (9%) in the MK-8353/selumetinib 100/50-mg dose level experienced a grade 3 DLT (urticaria), and 7/14 (50%) in the 150/75-mg dose level experienced grade 2/3 DLTs (n = 2 each of blurred vision, retinal detachment, vomiting; n = 1 each of diarrhea, macular edema, nausea, retinopathy). The DLT rate in the latter dose level exceeded the prespecified target DLT rate (~30%). Twenty-six patients (87%) experienced treatment-related adverse events (grade 3, 30%; no grade 4/5), most commonly diarrhea (67%), nausea (37%), and acneiform dermatitis (33%). Three patients (10%) experienced treatment-related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation. Best response was stable disease in 14 patients (n = 10 with MK-8353/selumetinib 150/75 mg). Conclusion: MK-8353/selumetinib 50/25 mg and 100/50 mg had acceptable safety and tolerability, whereas 150/75 mg was not tolerable. No responses were observed.
Teachers’ online preparedness in times of crises: trends from Norway and US
Authors: Hathaway Dawn M. , Gudmundsdottir Greta B. , Korona Matthew
Published: April 2023

The closing of schools world-wide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid and unexpected shift from predominantly in-person teaching to online teaching practices. As teacher educators in the field of educational technology, we wondered about the preparedness of teachers for making the transition to fully online environments. Through an internationally distributed survey consisting of predominantly open-ended questions, we captured teachers’ perceptions of this transition. We aimed to inform our practice and that of other teacher educators about the strengths and weaknesses of professional development designed to develop teachers’ digital competence. In this paper, we present data from Norwegian (n = 574) and US (n = 239) teachers related to their elaborations on readiness. We qualitatively examined data for evidence of extent of preparedness and alignment to the pedagogical, ethical, attitudinal, and technical dimensions of digital competence. Findings indicated themes related to extent of preparedness, trends in preparation, focus on digital tools, teacher agency without autonomy, collaboration/networks, and challenges for work and learning lives. Findings informed implications and recommendations for the professional development of teachers’ digital competence at the teacher education, K-12 schools, and school policy/leadership levels.
University teachers’ profiles based on digital innovativeness and instructional adaptation to COVID-19: Association with learning patterns and teacher demographics
Authors: Aldahdouh Tahani Z. , Murtonen Mari , Riekkinen Jere , Vilppu Henna , Nguyen Trang , Nokelainen Petri
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to understand the factors behind university teachers’ ability to implement instructional changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire comprised of open-ended and Likert-scale questions was administered to teachers at a Finnish university in April 2020. The sample consisted of 378 university teachers who were categorised into four groups based on their digital innovativeness and the extent to which they implemented changes to adapt their teaching practices to COVID-19 restrictions: Avoider Survival Adapters, Avoider Ambitious Adapters, Embracer Survival Adapters, and Embracer Ambitious Adapters. We examined the association between the teacher groups and their learning patterns and background characteristics. The findings showed that Embracer Ambitious Adapters have significantly more meaning-oriented and application-oriented learning patterns than Embracer Survival Adapters, though Avoider Survival Adapters have more problematic learning patterns. Furthermore, the results indicated that pedagogical training and having more teaching experience helped innovative teachers embrace more changes in their teaching practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of discipline, the results showed that teachers working in hard disciplines (e.g., physics) were more likely to belong to the Embracer Survival Adapters group, while teachers working in soft disciplines (e.g., history) were more likely to belong to the Embracer Ambitious Adapters group. Possible interpretations of these findings and perspectives for further research are discussed.
Children’s Classroom Experiences in Building Peer Relationships
Authors: Neri Tejada Jillianne , Li Liang , Hammer Marie
Published: April 2023

This study examines a child’s personal experiences with peer relationship building in the classroom and is guided by Vygotsky’s cultural historical concepts of the social situation of development and cultural tools and Hedegaard’s (2012) model for learning and development. Hedegaard’s (2012) dialectical—interactive approach was adopted to analyse the data for this study which was gathered using digital video observations of a grade one classroom within the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia over a five week period. This paper explores the strategies used by children that enables them to balance their desire for peer relationships while remaining within what is considered acceptable behaviours by their teachers within the classroom. It is argued that it is important for schools to continue to strive to find the balance between institutional demands while creating social situations that foster peer relationships.
Integrating numerical modelling and scenario-based sensitivity analysis for saltwater intrusion management: case study of a complex heterogeneous island aquifer system
Authors: Sharan Ashneel , Datta Bithin , Lal Alvin
Published: April 2023

Population growth, industrialisation and increasing agricultural demands have significantly stressed groundwater resources in Pacific Island countries (PICs). Climate change and sea-level rise also affect the groundwater resources in PICs. These anthropogenic and natural factors give rise to saltwater intrusion (SWI), a major growing environmental problem in the PICs. SWI is a highly non-linear process which makes it more complex to manage. However, with the help of numerical modelling, SWI can be monitored, managed and controlled. In the present study, we used an illustrative study area where the hydrogeological parameters and other boundary conditions used are similar to the PICs aquifer systems in Vanuatu. The scenarios include changing the barrier wells, injection wells, recharge, hydraulic head, hydraulic conductivity and grid size. The numerical simulation model of the study area was developed, and different scenarios were tested using SEAWAT modules. Apart from salt, we also modelled leachate and engine oil present in the investigated study area to see how it affects the freshwater wells over time. The scenario-based sensitivity analysis tests indicate that injection wells, recharge and hydraulic conductivities are highly sensitive, and with the proper modification, SWI can be managed or regulated. The sensitivity of grid size showed that the simulated results varied within the 10% range of different gird sizes. Moreover, it was also found that the rise in sea level or coastal heads by 0.3–1 m does not significantly cause further SWI encroachment in aquifers. The results from this study are very crucial in this modern era when freshwater needs in coastal areas, especially PICs, are rapidly increasing, and fresh groundwater resources are declining. The novel outcome presented in this study opens pathways for further detailed modelling and numerical studies in the field of SWI management strategy development and is, therefore, beneficial for policymakers, groundwater modellers and general scientific communities.
Accuracy of UAV-based DEMs without ground control points
Authors: Szypuła Bartłomiej
Published: April 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in various environmental research projects and other activities that require accurate topography images. The quality of elevation models derived from UAV measurements varies depending on many variables (e.g. UAV equipment used, terrain conditions, etc.). In order to improve the quality of digital models based on UAV image data, additional GNSS-RTK measurements are usually made at ground control points. The aim of this article is to evaluate the mathematical accuracy of terrain models created without ground control points. The accuracy of the models is considered in two directions: vertical and horizontal. Vertical (elevation) accuracy is calculated based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and horizontal (location) accuracy is calculated through comparison with high-resolution orthophotomaps. The average elevation accuracy of all created UAV-based DEMs is found to be 2.7–2.8 m (MAE), 3.1–3.3 m (RMSE), and the average horizontal accuracy is 2.1 m. Despite the low accuracy of the UAV models, the topography is reflected very well in the spatial images. This may be related to the regular and symmetrical distribution of height errors. To improve the accuracy parameters of UAV-based DEMs, it is proposed that they be rapidly georeferenced based on orthophotomaps.
A Logical Modeling of Severe Ignorance
Authors: Bonzio S. , Fano V. , Graziani P. , Pra Baldi M.
Published: April 2023

In the logical context, ignorance is traditionally defined recurring to epistemic logic. In particular, ignorance is essentially interpreted as “lack of knowledge”. This received view has - as we point out - some problems, in particular we will highlight how it does not allow to express a type of content-theoretic ignorance, i.e. an ignorance of φ that stems from an unfamiliarity with its meaning. Contrarily to this trend, in this paper, we introduce and investigate a modal logic having a primitive epistemic operator I, modeling ignorance. Our modal logic is essentially constructed on the modal logics based on weak Kleene three-valued logic introduced by Segerberg (Theoria, 33(1):53–71, 1997). Such non-classical propositional basis allows to define a Kripke-style semantics with the following, very intuitive, interpretation: a formula φ is ignored by an agent if φ is neither true nor false in every world accessible to the agent. As a consequence of this choice, we obtain a type of content-theoretic notion of ignorance, which is essentially different from the traditional approach. We dub it severe ignorance. We axiomatize, prove completeness and decidability for the logic of reflexive (three-valued) Kripke frames, which we find the most suitable candidate for our novel proposal and, finally, compare our approach with the most traditional one.
Improved Fracture Segmentation from Unwrapped Drill-Core Images Using an Innovative Two-Stage Segmentation Approach
Authors: Alzubaidi Fatimah , Nalinakumar Harikrishnan , Clark Stuart R. , Lie Jan Erik , Mostaghimi Peyman , Armstrong Ryan T.
Published: April 2023

While machine learning (ML) provides a great tool for image analysis, obtaining accurate fracture segmentation from high-resolution core images is challenging. A major reason is that the segmentation quality of large and detailed objects, such as fractures, is limited by the capacity of the segmentation branch. This challenge can be seen in the Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN), which is a common and well-validated instance segmentation model. This study proposes a two-stage segmentation approach using Mask R-CNN to improve fracture segmentation from unwrapped-core images. Two CNN models are used: the first model processes full-size unwrapped-core images to detect and segment fractures; the second model performs a more detailed segmentation by processing smaller regions of the images that include the fractures detected by the first model. In addition, the procedure uses a new architecture of Mask R-CNN with a point-based rendering (PointRend) neural network module that can increase segmentation accuracy. The method is evaluated on approximately 47 m of core from four boreholes and results in an improvement to previous fracture segmentation methods. It achieves an increase in the average intersection over union of approximately 27% from the baseline (one-stage segmentation with standard Mask R-CNN). The enhanced fracture segmentation provides a mean for obtaining an accurate fracture aperture with an average error of less than 1 mm, which represents a reduction of 0.5 mm from the baseline method. This work presents a novel contribution towards developing an ML-based workflow for core-image analysis.
The indispensability of race in medicine
Authors: Lorusso Ludovica , Bacchini Fabio
Published: April 2023

A movement asking to take race out of medicine is growing in the US. While we agree with the necessity to get rid of flawed assumptions about biological race that pervade automatic race correction in medical algorithms, we urge caution about insisting on a blanket eliminativism about race in medicine. If we look at racism as a fundamental cause, in the sense that this notion has been introduced in epidemiological studies by Bruce Link and Jo Phelan, we must conclude that race is indispensable to consider, investigate, and denounce the health effects of multilevel racism, and cannot be eliminated by addressing more specific risk factors in socially responsible epidemiology and clinical medicine. This does not mean that realism about human races is vindicated. While maintaining that there are no human races, we show how it is that a non-referring concept can nonetheless turn out indispensable for explaining real phenomena.
The Challenge of Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Children: A Review of Existing and Emerging Tools
Authors: Yeoh Daniel K. , McMullan Brendan J. , Clark Julia E. , Slavin Monica A. , Haeusler Gabrielle M. , Blyth Christopher C.
Published: April 2023

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised children, particularly for patients with acute leukaemia and those undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Timely diagnosis, using a combination of computed tomography (CT) imaging and microbiological testing, is key to improve prognosis, yet there are inherent challenges in this process. For CT imaging, changes in children are generally less specific than those reported in adults and recent data are limited. Respiratory sampling by either bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy is recommended but is not always feasible in children, and serum biomarkers, including galactomannan, have important limitations. In this review we summarise the current paediatric data on available diagnostic tests for IPA and highlight key emerging diagnostic modalities with potential for future use.
Post-disaster (im)mobility aspiration and capability formation: case study of Southern California wildfire
Authors: Tinoco Nick
Published: April 2023

Scholarship on the environmental dimensions of migration demonstrates the complex interplay of climatic and non-climatic factors which combine to create a potential for migration. Yet in times of environmental crisis or change, not everyone aspires to or is capable of moving to reduce their vulnerability. When, why, and how populations vulnerable to hazard risks decide not to migrate remains a significant gap in our understanding of the migration—environment relationship. Analysis of data from 38 qualitative interviews shows how Los Angeles County residents—after surviving the 2018 Woolsey Fire—developed aspirations to stay and/or rebuild, depending on the attachments and meanings associated with their communities. This paper also seeks to clarify the concept of capabilities to stay by considering separately the capabilities to return and rebuild from the capabilities to cultivate preparedness. Many who stayed also worked to strengthen community resilience to alleviate concerns of future wildfire risk. Some residents expressed individual commitments to stay and defend homes during future fires, while well-equipped volunteer fire brigades have proliferated in more affluent areas. Community mobilizations pressured local government and fire services to address the perceived institutional failure during previous fire responses and fostered feelings of collective efficacy among residents which increased their confidence to remain in high wildfire risk communities.
Biomarkers of oxidative stress, diet and exercise distinguish soldiers selected and non-selected for special forces training
Authors: Stein Jesse A. , Farina Emily K. , Karl J. Philip , Thompson Lauren A. , Knapik Joseph J. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , McClung James P. , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The metabolomic profiles of Soldiers entering the U.S. Special Forces Assessment and Selection course (SFAS) have not been evaluated.

Objectives

To compare pre-SFAS blood metabolomes of Soldiers selected during SFAS versus those not selected, and explore the relationships between the metabolome, physical performance, and diet quality.

Methods

Fasted blood samples and food frequency questionnaires were collected from 761 Soldiers prior to entering SFAS to assess metabolomic profiles and diet quality, respectively. Physical performance was assessed throughout SFAS.

Results

Between-group differences (False Discovery Rate < 0.05) in 108 metabolites were detected. Selected candidates had higher levels of compounds within xenobiotic, pentose phosphate, and corticosteroid metabolic pathways, while non-selected candidates had higher levels of compounds potentially indicative of oxidative stress (i.e., sphingomyelins, acylcarnitines, glutathione, amino acids). Multiple compounds higher in non-selected versus selected candidates included: 1-carboxyethylphenylalanine; 4-hydroxy-nonenal-glutathione; α-hydroxyisocaproate; hexanoylcarnitine; sphingomyelin and were associated with lower diet quality and worse physical performance. 

Conclusion

Candidates selected during SFAS had higher pre-SFAS levels of circulating metabolites that were associated with resistance to oxidative stress, higher physical performance and higher diet quality. In contrast, non-selected candidates had higher levels of metabolites potentially indicating elevated oxidative stress. These findings indicate that Soldiers who were selected for continued Special Forces training enter the SFAS course with metabolites associated with healthier diets and better physical performance. Additionally, the non-selected candidates had higher levels of metabolites that may indicate elevated oxidative stress, which could result from poor nutrition, non-functional overreaching/overtraining, or incomplete recovery from previous physical activity.