bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive synonymy: a dead parrot?
Authors: Berto Francesco , Hornischer Levin
Published: July 2023

Sentences$$\varphi$$φand$$\psi$$ψarecognitive synonymsfor one when they play the same role in one’s cognitive life. The notion is pervasive (Sect. 1), but elusive: it is bound to be hyperintensional (Sect. 2), but excessive fine-graining would trivialize it and there are reasons for some coarse-graining (Sect. 2.1). Conceptual limitations stand in the way of a natural algebra (Sect. 2.2), and it should be sensitive to subject matters (Sect. 2.3). A cognitively adequate individuation of content may be intransitive (Sect. 3) due to ‘dead parrot’ series: sequences of sentences$$\varphi _1, \ldots , \varphi _n$$φ1,…,φnwhere adjacent$$\varphi _i$$φiand$$\varphi _{i+1}$$φi+1are cognitive synonyms while$$\varphi _1$$φ1and$$\varphi _n$$φnare not (Sect. 3.1). Finding an intransitive account is hard: Fregean equipollence won’t do (Sect. 3.2) and a result by Leitgeb shows that it wouldn’t satisfy a minimal compositionality principle (Sect. 3.3).Sed contra, there are reasons for transitivity, too (Sect. 3.4). In Sect. 4, we come up with a formal semantics capturing this jumble of desiderata, thereby showing that the notion is coherent. In Sect. 5, we re-assess the desiderata in its light.
Logical qubit behavior model and fast simulation for surface code
Authors: Oh Soo-Cheol , Cha Gyu-Il
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a logical qubit behavior model (LQBM) that calculates the state of the logical qubit based on a surface code after a logical qubit operation. LQBM can simulate the surface code whose distance exceeds 5, which is impossible with conventional quantum simulators. A complex error syndrome measurement must not be executed in this model. LQBM works at the mixed level of a logical and physical qubit. Probability amplitudes and the number of state vectors are designed at the physical qubit level. The state vectors of physical qubits constituting a logical qubit are abstracted to the value of the logical qubit level. LQBM converts all logical qubit operations, which include an initialization, a state injection, universal gates, and lattice surgery operations (e.g., a merge and a split) to simple calculations. LQBM provides a better computational complexity of O(log(distance)) than O(distance$$^2$$

2

). Through simulation experiments, it was found that LQBM performs logical qubit operations up to 24 million times faster than existing quantum simulators in the case of distance = 5.
Social factors of health-related quality of life in older adults: a multivariable analysis
Authors: Geigl Christoph , Loss Julika , Leitzmann Michael , Janssen Christian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objective of the analysis was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors and both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults.

Methods

The analysis was based on recent cross-sectional data of 1687 community residents from a whole population postal survey of German adults aged 65 years and older (33% response rate, 52% female, mean age 76 years). HRQOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36v2). For a differentiated analysis, hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed.

Results

An internal health locus of control, physical activity, social support, and income were positively associated with physical HRQOL (Adj. R2 = 0.34; p < 0.001) and mental HRQOL (Adj. R2 = 0.18; p < 0.001), whereas an external health locus of control and age were negatively associated with both. Alcohol use and educational level were positively associated only with physical HRQOL, whilst female gender was negatively associated only with mental HRQOL.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors were associated with physical and mental HRQOL. These results highlight the importance of social factors in HRQOL and provide approaches for policy and practice to develop and implement tailored health interventions for older adults. Our findings may be transferable to municipalities in metropolitan areas of high-income European countries.

Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.
Humean time-reversal symmetry
Authors: López Cristian , Esfeld Michael
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we put forward an alternative interpretation of time-reversal symmetry in philosophy of physics: Humean time-reversal symmetry. According to it, time-reversal symmetry is understood as a heuristic, epistemic virtue of the best system, not as a property of the Humean mosaic. One of the consequences of this view is that one of the main arguments against a primitive direction of time is rendered harmless, which paves the way for primitivism about the direction of time.
Microwave ablation with a blunt-tip antenna for pulmonary ground-glass nodules: a retrospective, multicenter, case–control study
Authors: Wei Zhigang , Chi Jiachang , Cao Pikun , Jin Yong , Li Xiaoguang , Ye Xin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A previous small-sample study verified that a blunt-tip antenna reduced hemorrhage during microwave ablation. We conducted this large-sample, multicenter, case–control study to further verify the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation with a blunt-tip antenna for ground-glass nodules.

Materials and methods

Patients with pulmonary ground-glass nodules were treated with either a sharp-tip (Group A) or blunt-tip antenna (Group B). A total of 147 and 150 patients were retrospectively allocated to Groups A and Group B, respectively. Group A patients underwent 151 procedures, and Group B patients underwent 153 procedures. We assessed the technical success, technique efficacy, and complications.

Results

Technical success and overall technique efficacy were achieved in all patients (100%). Major complications of pneumothorax were more commonly observed in Group A than in Group B (19.7% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001). Minor complications, such as intrapulmonary hemorrhage (2.0% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.005) and hemothorax (0.0% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.049), occurred less frequently in Group B compared to Group A.

Conclusion

In the treatment of ground-glass nodules, microwave ablation with a blunt-tip antenna had equal efficacy compared to microwave ablation with a sharp-tip antenna but had a decreased number of hemorrhage and hemothorax complications.
The prominent role of percutaneous transarterial embolization in the treatment of anterior abdominal wall hematomas: the results of three high volume tertiary referral centers
Authors: Cacioppa Laura Maria , Floridi Chiara , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Bruno Antonio , Modestino Francesco , Martella Claudia , Rosati Marzia , Paccapelo Alexandro , Mosconi Cristina , Candelari Roberto
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Percutaneous transarterial embolization (PTE) represents a fast, safe and effective option for life-threatening anterior abdominal wall hematomas (AWHs) and those unresponsive to conservative treatment. Our study aims to assess cumulative results of safety, technical and clinical success of PTE performed in three high-volume tertiary referral centers and to evaluate the efficacy of the different embolic materials employed.

Materials and methods

A consecutive series of 124 patients (72.8 ± 14.4 years) with AWHs of different etiology submitted to PTE were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Clinical success, defined as absence of recurrent bleeding within 96 h from PTE, was considered as primary endpoint. The results of the comparison of three groups based on embolic agent employed were also analyzed.

Results

Spontaneous AWHs accounted for 62.1%, iatrogenic for 21.8% and post-traumatic for 16.1% of cases. SARS-CoV-19 infection was present in 22.6% of patients. The most commonly embolized vessels were epigastric inferior artery (n = 127) and superior epigastric artery (n = 25). Technical and clinical success were 97.6 and 87.1%, respectively. Angiographic signs of active bleeding were detected in 85.5% of cases. Four (4%) major complications were reported. The comparison of the three groups of embolic agents (mechanical, particulate/fluid and combined) showed no statistically significant differences in terms of clinical success. SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be an independent factor for recurrent bleeding and poor 30-day survival.

Conclusion

PTE performed with all the embolic agent employed in our centers is a safe and effective tool in the treatment of life-threatening anterior AWH of each origin.
Comparative verification of control methodology for robotic interventional neuroradiology procedures
Authors: Jackson Benjamin , Crinnion William , De Iturrate Reyzabal Mikel , Robertshaw Harry , Bergeles Christos , Rhode Kawal , Booth Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The use of robotics is emerging for performing interventional radiology procedures. Robots in interventional radiology are typically controlled using button presses and joystick movements. This study identified how different human–robot interfaces affect endovascular surgical performance using interventional radiology simulations.

Methods

Nine participants performed a navigation task on an interventional radiology simulator with three different human–computer interfaces. Using Simulation Open Framework Architecture we developed a simulation profile of vessels, catheters and guidewires. We designed and manufactured a bespoke haptic interventional radiology controller for robotic systems to control the simulation. Metrics including time taken for navigation, number of incorrect catheterisations, number of catheter and guidewire prolapses and forces applied to vessel walls were measured and used to characterise the interfaces. Finally, participants responded to a questionnaire to evaluate the perception of the controllers.

Results

Time taken for navigation, number of incorrect catheterisations and the number of catheter and guidewire prolapses, showed that the device-mimicking controller is better suited for controlling interventional neuroradiology procedures over joystick control approaches. Qualitative metrics also showed that interventional radiologists prefer a device-mimicking controller approach over a joystick approach.

Conclusion

Of the four metrics used to compare and contrast the human–robot interfaces, three conclusively showed that a device-mimicking controller was better suited for controlling interventional neuroradiology robotics.
Farming with Trees for Soil Fertility, Moisture Retention and Crop Productivity Improvement: Perceptions from Farmers in Rwanda
Authors: Cyamweshi R. A. , Kuyah S. , Mukuralinda A. , Ngango J. , Mbaraka S. R. , Manirere J. D. , Muthuri W. C.
Published: July 2023

Agroforestry is widely considered as a sustainable land management practice with multiple ecosystem benefits that support farmers’ livelihoods. While there is much evidence that the technologies are not being embraced as expected, there is knowledge gap about farmers’ perceptions to help devising extension strategies tailored to farmers’ needs in many countries, including Rwanda. This study determined factors that influence farmers’ perceptions on trees effects on soil fertility, moisture retention and crop productivity in semi-arid and humid regions of Rwanda. Logistic regression was used to analyze household survey data that covered 107 and 146 farmers in semi-arid and humid regions, respectively. Results showed that the proportion of farmers with fertile soil in the humid (92%) and the semi-arid (65%) regions was higher on farms with trees. In the semi-arid region, farmers’ perceptions of trees effect on soil fertility was positively influenced by education (P < 0.05) and negatively influenced by farm size (P < 0.1) whereas in the humid region, it was positively influenced (P < 0.1) by family size. Farmers’ perceptions of the effect of agroforestry on soil moisture were influenced by farmers’ knowledge (P < 0.1) in the semi-arid region and gender (P < 0.05) in the humid region. Farmers reported higher yields of potato, maize and beans on farms with trees in the humid region and beans in the semi-arid region. These factors should be taken into consideration to target agroforestry technologies more efficiently within farmer populations. However, constraints including lack of seedlings, tree-crop competition, droughts, termites and lack of mineral fertilizers for seedlings need to be addressed to increase farmers’ uptake of agroforestry technologies.
Beyond a decade: a comparative study of 15-year survival rates in screen-detected vs. symptomatic breast cancer patients in Hungary
Authors: Varga Zsolt , Balog Klaudia , Sebő Éva , Árkosy Péter , Tóth Dezső
Published: July 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women globally. Despite decreasing mortality rates, largely due to early detection and modern treatment, the effectiveness of screening on long-term survival outcomes remains unclear.

Aims

This study evaluates the 15-year survival outcomes of a national breast cancer screening program initiated in Hungary in 2002.

Methods

Using a prospectively maintained patient database, the study included individuals from the first 6 years of the program who underwent surgery for histologically confirmed breast cancer and had available follow-up information. Patients were categorized based on the method of breast cancer detection into two groups: those diagnosed during or 2 years after the population-based screening exam (Group A), and those who self-detected or sought medical attention for symptoms (Group B).

Results

Of the 309 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery, 208 were screen-detected (Group A) and 101 were symptomatic (Group B). The 15-year overall survival was 75.0% for Group A and 76.2% for Group B (p = 0.927). The 15-year disease-specific survival was 85.6% and 81.2% (p = 0.249), respectively. A statistically not significant positive trend in disease-free survival was observed in Group A (81.7% vs. 75.2%; p = 0.144).

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of extended follow-up periods in evaluating the outcomes of breast cancer screening programs. While the screening program may not significantly enhance overall survival rates, it has demonstrated a reduction in the mastectomy rate and could potentially extend periods of disease-free survival. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse about the long-term benefits of breast cancer screening programs.
Flood vulnerability under sea level rise for a coastal community located in a backbarrier environment, Portugal
Authors: Croteau Raphaelle , Pacheco André , Ferreira Óscar
Published: July 2023

Sea level rise will be a major threat to coastal communities within the next century due to the intensity and severity of the floods it can cause. A new methodology considering water infiltration, slope, and hydraulic connectivity was developed to assess the potential inundation extension associated with different total water level and sea level rise scenarios on sandy coasts. This methodology was applied for the current conditions as well as 2050 and 2100 scenarios of storm surge and high tide levels with return periods of 1 year and 100 years. The study area is Culatra village, located on the lagoon side of a barrier island in southern Portugal. The effects of shoreline evolution after the construction of a harbor and associated beach nourishment were also evaluated within the inundation scenarios. The results show that, within the study area, total water level variations caused by sea level rise have a greater influence on the inundation extension than shoreline retreat. The village appears to be safe for the current and 2050 total water level scenarios with a 1-year return period but would be highly affected by 100-year return periods, especially from 2050 onwards. This novel approach represents an improvement on more common flood mapping methods such as the bathtub approach and can be easily applied to other backbarrier environments under sea level rise or facing coastal erosion.
Extracellular Vesicle-Serpine-1 Affects Neural Progenitor Cell Mitochondrial Networks and Synaptic Density: Modulation by Amyloid Beta and HIV-1
Authors: András Ibolya E. , Serrano Nelson , Djuraskovic Irina , Fattakhov Nikolai , Sun Enze , Toborek Michal
Published: July 2023

Brain endothelial extracellular vesicles carrying amyloid beta (EV-Aβ) can be transferred to neural progenitor cells (NPCs) leading to NPC dysfunction. However, the events involved in this EV-mediated Aβ pathology are unclear. EV-proteomics studies identified Serpine-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PAI-1) as a major connecting “hub” on several protein–protein interaction maps. Serpine-1 was described as a key player in Aβ pathology and was linked to HIV-1 infection as well. Therefore, the aim of this work was to address the hypothesis that Serpine-1 can be transferred via EVs from brain endothelial cells (HBMEC) to NPCs and contribute to NPC dysfunction. HBMEC concentrated and released Serpine-1 via EVs, the effect that was potentiated by HIV-1 and Aβ. EVs loaded with Serpine-1 were readily taken up by NPCs, and HIV-1 enhanced this event. Interestingly, a highly specific Serpine-1 inhibitor PAI039 increased EV-Aβ transfer to NPCs in the presence of HIV-1. PAI039 also partially blocked mitochondrial network morphology alterations in the recipient NPCs, which developed mainly after HIV + Aβ-EV transfer. PAI039 partly attenuated HIV-EV-mediated decreased synaptic protein levels in NPCs, while increased synaptic protein levels in NPC projections. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying EV-Serpine-1 related Aβ pathology in the context of HIV infection. They are relevant to HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in an effort to elucidate the mechanisms of neuropathology in HIV infection.
Domestic energy consumption: temporal unregulated electrical energy consumption in kitchens in Scottish affordable and social housing
Authors: Foster Janice A. , Poston Anna
Published: July 2023

Housing contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a social determinant of health. In Scotland, 25% of households in 2019 were in fuel poverty. Current (2023) energy price increases are likely to further increase this proportion, particularly among low-income families. Fuel affordability measures implemented by the Scottish and UK Governments generally focus on achieving thermal comfort, largely disregarding appliance energy usage, termed ‘unregulated loads’. These include essential household items in kitchens such as the cooker, washing machines, fridges and freezers. The inability of occupants to afford to cook and store food and launder clothing can have broader health implications. This study reviews one year of energy consumption data collected from 17 newly constructed energy-efficient dwellings available for a combination of social rent and purchased through an affordable shared equity scheme in Scotland. The data are used to determine the proportion of total household energy consumption used in kitchen environments. Analysis indicated a vast range of 20–72% (41% mean) of total household electricity consumption was linked to the kitchen, excluding artificial lighting. In this study, energy efficiency ratings of the cookers, fridges, freezers and washing machines identified that those in social housing had the least energy-efficient kitchen appliances compared to those in purchased affordable homes. This suggests inequitable practices for kitchen appliance procurement in social homes compared with affordable homes. Overall, this study highlighted the need for larger-scale, in situ research to evaluate energy efficiency and consumption in kitchens to inform social landlords and policymakers to reduce disparities and to form a focus on fuel poverty calculations.
Comparison of postoperative exercise capacity of patients who underwent sternal closure with SternaLock Blu and those with traditional sternal wire closure following cardiovascular surgery via sternotomy
Authors: Tamura Kiyoshi , Sakurai Shogo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative exercise capacity of SternaLock Blu (Zimmer Biomet, USA) for post-sternotomy patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery.

Methods

We investigated 116 patients, including 35 women (mean age 70.3 ± 10.0 years), who underwent cardiovascular surgery by median sternotomy. Patients were candidate for using SternaLock Blu, such as obesity (body mass index  > 30/kg/m2), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, steroid administrating, undergoing coronary bypass artery grafting used bilateral internal thoracic artery. These patients were categorized into those with SternaLock Blu (S group, n = 47) or with sternal wires only (N group, n = 69) for closing sternotomy, and their data were analyzed.

Results

Max Prince Henry Pain Scale (PHPS) was significantly low in the S group than in the N group (N vs. S = 2.7 ± 1.4 vs. 1.6 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001). Postoperative 6-min walk was significantly longer in the S group than in the N group (N vs. S = 346.2 ± 101.6 vs. 408.6 ± 104.6 m, p = 0.018). The length of intensive care unit (N vs. S = 4.9 ± 0.9 vs. 4.0 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001) and hospitalization (N vs. S = 18.0 ± 5.0 vs. 15.2 ± 3.8 days, p = 0.006) were significantly shorter in the S group than in the N group.

Conclusions

SternaLock Blu could keep exercise capacity, and might help reduce postoperative pain and medical treatment period for patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery.
Open arch—my way! Branch first continuous perfusion arch repair (BF-CPAR)
Authors: Matalanis George , Sharma Varun J.
Published: July 2023

We herein describe our technique of “branch first continuous perfusion arch repair (BF-CPAR)” which does away with both cerebral circulatory arrest and the need for
deep hypothermia. We use this technique for all aortic surgeries including for type A acute aortic dissections.
Understanding Public Acceptance of Automobile Restriction Policies: A Qualitative Study in Four Latin American Cities
Authors: Boso Àlex , Oltra Christian , Garrido Jaime , López-Asensio Sergi
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, several Latin American cities have implemented policy instruments to reduce urban air pollution and traffic congestion such as license plate–based restrictions on car use. Our research analyzes the factors influencing the public acceptance of these urban policies in four cities: Bogotá, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, and Quito. We use semi-structured interviews and digital diaries to examine participants’ beliefs and emotions about vehicle restrictions as well as their daily mobility experiences. The study illustrates the importance of three main beliefs in shaping the public acceptance of the measures (perceived effectiveness, perceived fairness, and perceived personal impacts). The results also show a certain resignation on the part of the participants, accepting that the policies are necessary and, to some extent, effective in pacifying traffic and improving air quality in highly populated cities, even if the policies generate certain undesirable distributional and personal impacts. The study uncovers the importance of the local context in understanding why certain urban policies, successfully applied in other contexts, might have lower levels of public support in Latin American cities. A high population density, regulatory shortcomings, enforcement difficulties, and deficits in infrastructure and public transport all create a mobility context in which some policies to improve urban air quality and traffic congestion generate high levels of frustration and ambivalence among the residents.
Criteria of sea level, return periods, and design risk factor in Port Said Harbor (Egypt)
Authors: El-Geziry Tarek M. , El-Wakeel Yasser M.
Published: July 2023

This work delivers comprehensive information on the statistical metrics of sea level in Port Said Harbor, which can be used for the mitigation plans and protection measures in its vicinity. The study used hourly sea level data extended over 10 years from January 2002 to December 2011. A comprehensive descriptive statistical analysis of sea level monthly variations was introduced. The T_Tide package was used to obtain the astronomical constituents, which are in turn used to calculate the form factor to specify the tidal cycle in the Harbor, and to obtain the main water level characteristics. The meteorological factor was calculated by subtracting the tidal elevation from the recorded sea level. The impact of the meteorological factors on the observed sea level fluctuations was more obvious in winter than in summer. The effect of the meteorological conditions on the observed possible largest sea level range was $${~}^{1}\!\left/ \!{~}_{3}\right.$$

1

3

that of the tidal impact. No extreme sea level year, considered when the annual mean deviates from the regression line by more than twice the standard deviation, appeared during the decade of investigation. The return periods and the design lifetime risk were calculated. The highest probabilities of occurrence were concentrated in the levels between 70 and 80 cm, while the lowest were below 5 cm and above 110 cm. The return periods for all water levels ranged between 0.4 and 4.5 years. The coastal structures in the vicinity of the Harbor may have a short lifetime of only 50 years for its most pronounced level (75 cm). It is recommended to consider the present results upon designing mitigation plans and constructions within Port Said Harbor territory.
Snapture—a Novel Neural Architecture for Combined Static and Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition
Authors: Ali Hassan , Jirak Doreen , Wermter Stefan
Published: July 2023

As robots are expected to get more involved in people’s everyday lives, frameworks that enable intuitive user interfaces are in demand. Hand gesture recognition systems provide a natural way of communication and, thus, are an integral part of seamless human-robot interaction (HRI). Recent years have witnessed an immense evolution of computational models powered by deep learning. However, state-of-the-art models fall short of expanding across different gesture domains, such as emblems and co-speech. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid hand gesture recognition system. Our Snapture architecture enables learning both static and dynamic gestures: by capturing a so-called snapshot of the gesture performance at its peak, we integrate the hand pose and the dynamic movement. Moreover, we present a method for analyzing the motion profile of a gesture to uncover its dynamic characteristics, which allows regulating a static channel based on the amount of motion. Our evaluation demonstrates the superiority of our approach on two gesture benchmarks compared to a state-of-the-art CNNLSTM baseline. Our analysis on a gesture class basis unveils the potential of our Snapture architecture for performance improvements using RGB data. Thanks to its modular implementation, our framework allows the integration of other multimodal data, like facial expressions and head tracking, which are essential cues in HRI scenarios, into one architecture. Thus, our work contributes both to integrative gesture recognition research and machine learning applications for non-verbal communication with robots.
Understanding household and food system determinants of chicken and egg consumption in India
Authors: Scudiero Lavinia , Tak Mehroosh , Alarcón Pablo , Shankar Bhavani
Published: July 2023

Poultry is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in India and its demand is said to be rising. There is a perception that higher incomes, growing population, urbanisation, and increased productivity in the industry have influenced Indian poultry consumption. However, consumer surveys have shown that the average poultry consumption in India has remained low. With this in mind, the paper analysed household determinants of chicken and egg consumption within the Indian population, using two rounds of National Sample Survey data (1993–1994 and 2011–2012). By conducting a spatiotemporal analysis of household consumption and expenditure survey and by using truncated Double Hurdle and Unconditional Quantile regressions (UQR) models, this study explored socio-economic and food system determinants of chicken and egg consumption in India. Key results highlight that while consumption has increased marginally over twenty years, supply-side determinants, such as price and poultry production concentration, influenced heterogenous consumption patterns in India. We also find evidence that historically marginalised groups consumed more chicken and eggs in comparison to non-marginalised groups and preliminary evidence suggests how household gender dynamics influence different consumption patterns. Adequate consumption of poultry is important to improve nutrient-deficient diets of vulnerable groups in India. Our findings on demand side determinants of poultry products are crucial to support consumer tailored actions to improve nutritional outcomes along with the Indian poultry sector policy planning.
Stingless bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) foragers prioritise resin and reduce pollen foraging after hive splitting
Authors: Newis Ryan , Nichols Joel , Farrar Michael B. , Fuller Chris , Hosseini Bai Shahla , Wilson Rachele S. , Wallace Helen M.
Published: July 2023

Stingless bees are increasingly in demand as pollinators in agricultural crops within the tropics and subtropics. Hive splitting, where one strong managed hive is “split” into two independent daughter colonies, is commonly used to increase hive numbers. However, how splitting impacts foraging behaviour or the time taken for the colony to recover from splitting has not previously been studied. We assessed the impact of splitting on the foraging behaviour of Tetragonula carbonaria colonies. The number of returning forager trips and foraged proportions of pollen, nectar and resin was observed after splitting and compared with unsplit control hives over a 31-day period. We found the total amount of returning foragers in split hives reduced to less than a third of unsplit hives (unsplit median, 184–288; split median, 19–61) for 16 days, while returning nectar (unsplit median, 89–147; split median, 16–28) and pollen (unsplit median, 55–155; split median, 1–7) foragers reduced to less than a quarter of unsplit hives for 9 days following splitting. After 31 days, the number of total, nectar and pollen foraging trips had still not recovered to levels observed in unsplit hives. Resin foraging trips however were not significantly different to unsplit hives after only 10 days. The colony foraging allocation to resin (proportion) increased after splitting and was significantly higher in split hives until day 16 of the experiment (unsplit median, 0.03–0.05; split median, 0.10–0.16). Our results demonstrate that split colonies prioritise resin collection and foraging on floral resources is reduced. We recommend that hives should not be split within 31 days of being used for pollination, and resin sources should be conserved where possible and supplemented where necessary due the vital roles of the resource.
Kinetics of humoral immune response and severity of infection after three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in a large cohort of kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Simone Simona , Pesce Francesco , Fontò Giulia , Pronzo Virginia , Pontrelli Paola , Conserva Francesca , Schirinzi Annalisa , Casanova Annalisa , Gallo Pasquale , Rossini Michele , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Spilotros Marco , Rendina Maria , Stallone Giovanni , Di Serio Francesca , Di Leo Alfredo , Tafuri Silvio , Ditonno Pasquale , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this study we aimed to evaluate: (i) the seroconversion rate after BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, (ii) factors associated with humoral response, (iii) clinical outcome of COVID-19 in kidney transplanted patients.

Methods

We enrolled a cohort of 743 kidney transplant recipients followed up from March 2020 until April 2022. A subset of 336 patients, who received three-doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, was analyzed in terms of kinetics of humoral immune response and compared to a control group of 94 healthcare workers. Antibody response was tested before vaccination (T0), 15 and 90 days after the second dose (T1 and T2), on the day of the third dose (T3) and one month after the third dose (T4).

Results

We observed that 66 out of 743 subjects had COVID-19 infection pre-vaccination: 65.2% had severe symptoms, 27.3% were hospitalized (9 deaths), none were asymptomatic. After three doses, 51 patients had COVID-19 infection, 60.8% were asymptomatic, 27.5% reported mild symptoms, 3.9% showed severe symptoms, 7.8% were hospitalized (2 deaths).

In the subset of 336 vaccinated patients, an antibody level > 0.8 U/ml was detected at T1, that increased at T2 and T3, peaking at T4. Independent factors associated with a negative antibody titer at T4 were decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate, time from transplantation, and antimetabolites (all p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The kinetics of humoral response after three doses of vaccine in kidney transplant patients is characterized by a late but effective immune response against SARS-CoV-2, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Graphical abstract
Culture shock: The EU’s foreign and security policy and the challenges of the European Zeitenwende
Authors: Helwig Niklas
Published: July 2023

The EU is in a state of culture shock. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the European Zeitenwende placed the EU in a largely unfamiliar international environment for which its past modes of operation and behavioural patterns are unsuited. The EU was able to geopolitically repurpose its existing processes and instruments to cope rather effectively with the challenges of the war and its global fallout. However, the EU is also faced with more fundamental questions related to how it will navigate a much more competitive international environment. For effective and sustainable answers, it will need to develop a joint strategic culture.
Preoperative anxiety and postoperative adverse events: a narrative overview
Authors: Ni Kun , Zhu Jiankun , Ma Zhengliang
Published: July 2023

Patients awaiting surgical procedures often experience obvious anxiety due to discomfort and uncertain events, which is one of the most common clinical manifestations in perioperative patients. Numerous studies have confirmed that preoperative anxiety is closely related to the occurrence of postoperative adverse events, such as insomnia, pain, nausea and vomiting and neurocognitive dysfunction. Appropriate intervention or treatment for preoperative anxiety may contribute to reducing the incidence of postoperative adverse events. Although people have long known about the negative effects of preoperative anxiety and have taken certain measures, the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. In this paper, we focus on several typical postoperative adverse events that are, particularly concerning to anesthesiologists, review their relationships with preoperative anxiety, describe the intervention strategies and provide a certain summary and outlook.
Large graph layout optimization based on vision and computational efficiency: a survey
Authors: Zhang Shuhang , Xu Ruihong , Quan Yining
Published: July 2023

Graph layout can help users explore graph data intuitively. However, when handling large graph data volumes, the high time complexity of the layout algorithm and the overlap of visual elements usually lead to a significant decrease in analysis efficiency and user experience. Increasing computing speed and improving visual quality of large graph layouts are two key approaches to solving these problems. Previous surveys are mainly conducted from the aspects of specific graph type, layout techniques and layout evaluation, while seldom concentrating on layout optimization. The paper reviews the recent works on the optimization of the visual and computational efficiency of graphs, and establishes a taxonomy according to the stage when these methods are implemented: pre-layout, in-layout and post-layout. The pre-layout methods focus on graph data compression techniques, which involve graph filtering and graph aggregation. The in-layout approaches optimize the layout process from computing architecture and algorithms, where deep learning techniques are also included. Visual mapping and interactive layout adjustment are post-layout optimization techniques. Our survey reviews the current research on large graph layout optimization techniques in different stages of the layout design process, and presents possible research challenges and opportunities in the future.
Chief or Big-Man Politics in Post-War Sierra Leone?
Authors: de Bruijne Kars
Published: July 2023

Marshall Sahlins claims that individuals with personal power, influence, networks, and control over their followers within the political sphere are actually “big-men” rather than “chiefs.” Big-men derive their authority from personal maneuvering, whereas “chiefs” obtain their authority from semi-hierarchical, formalized, and de-personalized rule. De Bruijne argues that those individuals who are perceived as “big men” in post-war Sierra Leone might be better understood as “chiefs.”
Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index as a predictor for mechanical ventilation and 30-day mortality across COVID-19 variants
Authors: Parajuli Priyanka , Sabo Roy , Alsaadawi Rasha , Robinson Amanda , French Evan , Sterling Richard K.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, a simple index that includes age, liver enzymes, and platelet count has been studied as a tool to identify patients at a risk of requiring mechanical ventilation due to its high negative predictive value. It is unknown if FIB-4 remains useful to predict the severity of respiratory disease requiring mechanical ventilation amongst new Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants and whether a relationship also exists between FIB-4 and 30-day mortality. The main objective was to determine if FIB-4 can predict mechanical ventilation requirements and 30-day mortality from COVID-19 across variants including Alpha, Delta, and Omicron.

Methods:

This was a population-based, retrospective cohort analysis of 232,364 hospitalized patients in the National COVID-19 Cohort Collaborative between the age of 18–90 who tested positive for COVID-19 between April 27, 2020 and June 25, 2022. The primary outcome was association between FIB-4 and need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary measures included the association of FIB-4 with 30-day mortality.

Results:

A FIB-4 > 2.67 had 1.8 times higher odds of requiring mechanical ventilation across all variants of COVID-19 (OR 1.81; 95% CI: [1.76, 1.86]). The area under the ROC curve showed high diagnostic accuracy with values ranging between 0.79 (Omicron wave) and 0.97 (delta wave). Increased FIB-4 was associated with 30-day mortality across the variates.

Conclusion:

The FIB-4 was consistently associated with both increased utilization of mechanical ventilation and 30-day mortality among COVID-19 patients across all waves in both adjusted and unadjusted models. This provides a simple tool for risk-stratification for front-line health care professionals.
Critical effect of fore-aft tapering on galloping triggering for a trapezoidal body
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Lien Fue-Sang , Dowell Earl H. , Yee Eugene , Wang Ryne , Zhang Ji Hao
Published: July 2023

The critical effect of the windward interior angles of elastically mounted trapezoidal bodies on a galloping instability is numerically investigated in this paper using two methodologies of high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations and data-driven stability analysis using the eigensystem realization algorithm. A micro exploration of the dynamical response is processed to understand the mechanism underpinning the structural amplification at the initial stage of the galloping instability and the competition between wake and structural modes. It is observed that very small changes in the windward interior angle of an isosceles-trapezoidal body can provoke or suppress galloping – indeed, a small decrease or increase (low to

$1^\circ$

) of the windward interior angle from a right angle (

$90^\circ$

) can result in a significant enhancement and complete suppression, respectively, of the galloping oscillations. This supports our hypothesis that the contraction and/or expansion (viz., fore-aft tapering and/or widening) of the cross-section in the streamline direction has potential influences on galloping triggering from the geometrical perspective. The data-driven stability analysis is also applied to verify and analyse this phenomenon from the perspective of modal analysis. The experimental measurements are also conducted in the wind tunnel to support this hypothesis.
Formation and evolution of vortex rings with weak to moderate swirl
Authors: Ortega-Chavez Rigoberto , Gan Lian , Gaskell Philip H.
Published: July 2023

The formation of swirling vortex rings and their early time evolution, resulting from the controlled discharge of an incompressible, Newtonian fluid into a stationary equivalent fluid bulk, is explored for weak to moderate swirl number

$S \in [0, 1]$

. Two practically realisable inlet conditions are investigated with swirl simultaneously superposed onto a linear momentum discharge; the corresponding circulation based Reynolds number is 7500. The results obtained reveal that for

$S > 1/2$

, the addition of swirl promotes the breakdown of the leading primary vortex ring structure, giving rise to the striking feature of significant negative azimuthal vorticity generation in the region surrounding the primary vortex ring core, whose strength scales with

${S}^2$

. Through a nonlinear interaction with the vortex breakdown, the radius of the primary toroidal vortex core is rapidly increased; consequently, the self-induced propagation velocity of the leading ring decreases with

$S$

and vortex stretching along the circular primary vortex core increases counteracting viscous diffusion effects. The latter governs the evolution of the peak vorticity intensity and the swirl velocity magnitude in the primary ring core, the circulation growth rate of the primary ring, as well as the vorticity intensity of the trailing jet and hence its stability. This combination of effects leads to an increased dimensionless kinetic energy for the primary ring with increasing

$S$

and results in an almost linearly decreasing circulation based formation number,

$F$

.
Wind-generated waves on a water layer of finite depth
Authors: Kadam Yashodhan , Patibandla Ramana , Roy Anubhab
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the linear stability of a two-dimensional shear flow of an air layer overriding a water layer of finite depth. The air layer is considered to be of an infinite extent with an exponential velocity profile. Three different background conditions are considered in the finite-depth water layer: a quiescent background, a linear velocity profile and a quadratic velocity profile. It is known that the cases of the quiescent water layer and the linear velocity profile allow for analytical treatment. We further provide an analytical solution for the case of the quadratic velocity field: we specifically consider a flow-reversal profile, although the result could be generalized to other quadratic profiles as well. The role of water layer depth on the growth rate of the Miles and rippling instabilities is studied in each of the three cases. Using asymptotic analysis, with the air–water density ratio being a small parameter, we obtain an analytical expression for the growth rate of the Miles mode and discuss the condition for the existence of a long-wave cutoff for these profiles. We provide analytical expressions for the stability boundary in the parameter space of inverse squared Froude number and wavenumber. In scenarios where a long-wave cutoff does not exist, we have carried out a long-wave asymptotic study to obtain the growth rate behaviour in that regime.
A nematic liquid crystal with an immersed body: equilibrium, stress and paradox
Authors: Chandler Thomas G.J. , Spagnolie Saverio E.
Published: July 2023

We examine the equilibrium configurations of a nematic liquid crystal with an immersed body in two dimensions. A complex variables formulation provides a means for finding analytical solutions in the case of strong anchoring. Local tractions, forces and torques on the body are discussed in a general setting. For weak (finite) anchoring strengths, an effective boundary technique is proposed which is used to determine asymptotic solutions. The energy-minimizing locations of topological defects on the body surface are also discussed. A number of examples are provided, including circular and triangular bodies, and a Janus particle with hybrid anchoring conditions. Analogies to classical results in fluid dynamics are identified, including d'Alembert's paradox, Stokes’ paradox and the Kutta condition for circulation selection.
DEDEKIND-FINITE CARDINALS HAVING COUNTABLE PARTITIONS
Authors: PANASAWATWONG SUPAKUN , TRUSS JOHN KENNETH
Published: July 2023

We study the possible structures which can be carried by sets which have no countable subset, but which fail to be ‘surjectively Dedekind finite’, in two possible senses, that there is surjection to

$\omega $

, or alternatively, that there is a surjection to a proper superset.
Nutrition strategies to counteract sarcopenia: a focus on protein, LC n-3 PUFA and precision nutrition
Authors: Murphy Caoileann H. , McCarthy Sinead N. , Roche Helen M.
Published: July 2023

Diminished skeletal muscle strength and size, termed sarcopenia, contributes substantially to physical disability, falls, dependence and reduced quality of life among older people. Physical activity and nutrition are the cornerstones of sarcopenia prevention and treatment. The optimal daily protein intake required to preserve muscle mass and function among older adults is a topic of intense scientific debate. Older adults require protein intakes about 67 % higher than their younger counterparts to maximally stimulate postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates. In addition, evidence suggests a possible benefit of increasing protein intake above the population reference intake (0⋅83 g/kg/d) on lean mass and, when combined with exercise training, muscle strength. In addition to protein quantity, protein quality, the pattern of protein intake over the day and specific amino acids (i.e. leucine) represent key considerations. Long-chain n-3 PUFA (LC n-3 PUFA) supplementation has been shown to enhance muscle protein synthesis rates, increase muscle mass and function and augment adaptations to resistance training in older adults. Yet, these effects are not consistent across all studies. Emerging evidence indicates that an older person's dietary, phenotypic and behavioural characteristics may modulate the efficacy of protein and LC n-3 PUFA interventions for promoting improvements in muscle mass and function, highlighting the potential inadequacy of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The application of personalised or precision nutrition to sarcopenia represents an exciting and highly novel field of research with the potential to help resolve inconsistencies in the literature and improve the efficacy of dietary interventions for sarcopenia.