bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory and visual short-term memory: influence of material type, contour, and musical expertise
Authors: Talamini Francesca , Blain Salomé , Ginzburg Jérémie , Houix Olivier , Bouchet Patrick , Grassi Massimo , Tillmann Barbara , Caclin Anne
Published: April 2021

Short-term memory has mostly been investigated with verbal or visuospatial stimuli and less so with other categories of stimuli. Moreover, the influence of sensory modality has been explored almost solely in the verbal domain. The present study compared visual and auditory short-term memory for different types of materials, aiming to understand whether sensory modality and material type can influence short-term memory performance. Furthermore, we aimed to assess if music expertise can modulate memory performance, as previous research has reported better auditory memory (and to some extent, visual memory), and better auditory contour recognition for musicians than non-musicians. To do so, we adapted the same recognition paradigm (delayed-matching to sample) across different types of stimuli. In each trial, participants (musicians and non-musicians) were presented with two sequences of events, separated by a silent delay, and had to indicate whether the two sequences were identical or different. The performance was compared for auditory and visual materials belonging to three different categories: (1) verbal (i.e., syllables); (2) nonverbal (i.e., that could not be easily denominated) with contour (based on loudness or luminance variations); and (3) nonverbal without contour (pink noise sequences or kanji letters sequences). Contour and no-contour conditions referred to whether the sequence can entail (or not) a contour (i.e., a pattern of up and down changes) based on non-pitch features. Results revealed a selective advantage of musicians for auditory no-contour stimuli and for contour stimuli (both visual and auditory), suggesting that musical expertise is associated with specific short-term memory advantages in domains close to the trained domain, also extending cross-modally when stimuli have contour information. Moreover, our results suggest a role of encoding strategies (i.e., how the material is represented mentally during the task) for short-term-memory performance.
Victimization by traditional bullying and cyberbullying and the combination of these among adolescents in 13 European and Asian countries
Authors: Chudal Roshan , Tiiri Elina , Brunstein Klomek Anat , Ong Say How , Fossum Sturla , Kaneko Hitoshi , Kolaitis Gerasimos , Lesinskiene Sigita , Li Liping , Huong Mai Nguyen , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Sillanmäki Lauri , Slobodskaya Helena R. , Srabstein Jorge C. , Wiguna Tjhin , Zamani Zahra , Sourander Andre ,   the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study (EACMHS) Group, Akhondzadeh Shahin , Fung Daniel S. S. , Giannakopoulos George , Grimland Meytal , Hamada Shoko , Heinonen Emmi , Ismail Raden Irawati , Jain Praveen A. , Kamath Avinash G. , Khong Jerrine Z. N. , Kyrrestad Henriette , Lempinen Lotta , Limawan Albert Prabowo , Mohseni Maryam , Najafi Ali , Ngoc Minh Thanh , Ogura Masayoshi , Peng Zhekuan , Rippinen Tatiana O. , Sekartini Rini , Semenova Nadezhda B. , Skokauskas Norbert , Tan Yi Ren , Triantafyllou Kalliopi , Zaravinos-Tsakos Phevous
Published: April 2021

There has been a lack of studies on bullying in non-western low-income and middle-income countries. This study reported the prevalence of traditional victimization, cybervictimization, and the combination of these, in 13 European and Asian countries, and explored how psychiatric symptoms were associated with victimization. The data for this cross-sectional, school-based study of 21,688 adolescents aged 13–15 were collected from 2011 to 2017. The main outcomes were traditional and cybervictimization obtained from student self-reports. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess psychiatric symptoms. Generalized estimating equation and logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The mean prevalence of any victimization was 28.9%, of traditional victimization only, this was 17.7%, and for cybervictimization only this was 5.1%. Cybervictimization occurred both independently, and in combination with, traditional victimization. The mean prevalence of combined victimization was 6.1%. The mean proportion of those who were cyberbullied only among those who were either cyberbullied only or bullied both traditionally and in cyber was 45.1%. The rates of prevalence varied widely between countries. In the total sample, those who experienced combined victimization, reported the highest internalizing symptoms (girls, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.22–1.29; boys, OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.25–1.33). The study findings suggest that anti-bullying interventions should include mental health components and target both traditional and cyberbullying. Due to the overlap between these, targeting bullying should primarily focus on how to reduce bullying behavior rather than just focusing on where bullying takes place.
Reference ranges for clinical electrophysiology of vision
Authors: Davis C. Quentin , Hamilton Ruth
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Establishing robust reference intervals for clinical procedures has received much attention from international clinical laboratories, with approved guidelines. Physiological measurement laboratories have given this topic less attention; however, most of the principles are transferable.

Methods

Herein, we summarise those principles and expand them to cover bilateral measurements and one-tailed reference intervals, which are common issues for those interpreting clinical visual electrophysiology tests such as electroretinograms (ERGs), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and electrooculograms (EOGs).

Results

The gold standard process of establishing and defining reference intervals, which are adequately reliable, entails collecting data from a minimum of 120 suitable reference individuals for each partition (e.g. sex, age) and defining limits with nonparametric methods. Parametric techniques may be used under some conditions. A brief outline of methods for defining reference limits from patient data (indirect sampling) is given. Reference intervals established elsewhere, or with older protocols, can be transferred or verified with as few as 40 and 20 suitable reference individuals, respectively. Consideration is given to small numbers of reference subjects, interpretation of serial measurements using subject-based reference values, multidimensional reference regions and age-dependent reference values. Bilateral measurements, despite their correlation, can be used to improve reference intervals although additional care is required in computing the confidence in the reference interval or the reference interval itself when bilateral measurements are only available from some of subjects.

Discussion

Good quality reference limits minimise false-positive and false-negative results, thereby maximising the clinical utility and patient benefit. Quality indicators include using appropriately sized reference datasets with appropriate numerical handling for reporting; using subject-based reference limits where appropriate; and limiting tests for each patient to only those which are clinically indicated, independent and highly discriminating.
The EU Child Cohort Network’s core data: establishing a set of findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable (FAIR) variables
Authors:   for the LifeCycle Project Group, Pinot de Moira Angela , Haakma Sido , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , van Enckevort Esther , Kooijman Marjolein , Cadman Tim , Cardol Marloes , Corpeleijn Eva , Crozier Sarah , Duijts Liesbeth , Elhakeem Ahmed , Eriksson Johan G. , Felix Janine F. , Fernández-Barrés Sílvia , Foong Rachel E. , Forhan Anne , Grote Veit , Guerlich Kathrin , Heude Barbara , Huang Rae-Chi , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Jørgensen Anne Cathrine , Mikkola Tuija M. , Nader Johanna L. T. , Pedersen Marie , Popovic Maja , Rautio Nina , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ronkainen Justiina , Roumeliotaki Theano , Salika Theodosia , Sebert Sylvain , Vinther Johan L. , Voerman Ellis , Vrijheid Martine , Wright John , Yang Tiffany C. , Zariouh Faryal , Charles Marie-Aline , Inskip Hazel , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Swertz Morris A. , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie
Published: April 2021

The Horizon2020 LifeCycle Project is a cross-cohort collaboration which brings together data from multiple birth cohorts from across Europe and Australia to facilitate studies on the influence of early-life exposures on later health outcomes. A major product of this collaboration has been the establishment of a FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data resource known as the EU Child Cohort Network. Here we focus on the EU Child Cohort Network’s core variables. These are a set of basic variables, derivable by the majority of participating cohorts and frequently used as covariates or exposures in lifecourse research. First, we describe the process by which the list of core variables was established. Second, we explain the protocol according to which these variables were harmonised in order to make them interoperable. Third, we describe the catalogue developed to ensure that the network’s data are findable and reusable. Finally, we describe the core data, including the proportion of variables harmonised by each cohort and the number of children for whom harmonised core data are available. EU Child Cohort Network data will be analysed using a federated analysis platform, removing the need to physically transfer data and thus making the data more accessible to researchers. The network will add value to participating cohorts by increasing statistical power and exposure heterogeneity, as well as facilitating cross-cohort comparisons, cross-validation and replication. Our aim is to motivate other cohorts to join the network and encourage the use of the EU Child Cohort Network by the wider research community.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 before and after symptom onset: impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions in China
Authors: Bushman Mary , Worby Colin , Chang Hsiao-Han , Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Hanage William P.
Published: April 2021

Nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as contact tracing and quarantine, have been the primary means of controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2; however, it remains uncertain which interventions are most effective at reducing transmission at the population level. Using serial interval data from before and after the rollout of nonpharmaceutical interventions in China, we estimate that the relative frequency of presymptomatic transmission increased from 34% before the rollout to 71% afterward. The shift toward earlier transmission indicates a disproportionate reduction in transmission post-symptom onset. We estimate that, following the rollout of nonpharmaceutical interventions, transmission post-symptom onset was reduced by 82% whereas presymptomatic transmission decreased by only 16%. The observation that only one-third of transmission was presymptomatic at baseline, combined with the finding that NPIs reduced presymptomatic transmission by less than 20%, suggests that the overall impact of NPIs was driven in large part by reductions in transmission following symptom onset. This implies that interventions which limit opportunities for transmission in the later stages of infection, such as contact tracing and isolation, are particularly important for control of SARS-CoV-2. Interventions which specifically reduce opportunities for presymptomatic transmission, such as quarantine of asymptomatic contacts, are likely to have smaller, but non-negligible, effects on overall transmission.
Nothing but Gold: Complexities in terms of Non-difference and Identity. Part 2. Contrasting Equivalence, Equality, Identity, and Non-difference
Authors: Anrò Alberto
Published: April 2021

The present paper is a continuation of a previous one by the same title, the content of which faced the issue concerning the relations of coreference and qualification in compliance with the Navya-Nyāya theoretical framework, although prompted by the Advaita-Vedānta enquiry regarding non-difference. In a complementary manner, by means of a formal analysis of equivalence, equality, and identity, this section closes the loop by assessing the extent to which non-difference, the main issue here, cannot be reduced to any of the former. The following sections of this study will focus on the assessment of the eventual possibility of causation and transformation in non-difference.
Do Distinct Groups of Reactively and Proactively Aggressive Children Exist? A Confirmatory Latent Profile Approach
Authors: van Dijk Anouk , Hubbard Julie A. , Deschamps Peter K. H. , Hiemstra Wieteke , Polman Hanneke
Published: April 2021

The present study examined whether there are distinct groups of children with reactive versus proactive motives for their aggressive behavior. We extended previous research by using a person-based analytical approach on data from a questionnaire assessing children’s motives independently from the severity of their aggression. Two competing hypotheses were tested. The both subtypes hypothesis holds that both reactive and proactive subtypes exist, as well as a mixed subtype. The reactive only hypothesis holds that only reactive and mixed subtypes exist. Hypotheses were tested on existing data from a community sample of children displaying aggression (Study 1: n = 228, ages 10–13, 54% boys), and two clinical samples of children with aggressive behavior problems (Study 2: n = 115, ages 8–13, 100% boys; Study 3: n = 123, ages 6–8, 78% boys). Teachers reported on children’s reactive and proactive motives. We selected measures available from peers, parents, teachers, and children themselves to compare the supported subtypes on variables that previous literature suggests uniquely correlate with reactive versus proactive aggression. Confirmatory latent profile analyses revealed that the both subtypes hypothesis best fit the data of all three samples. Most children were classified as reactive (55.7–61.8% across samples), with smaller percentages classified as proactive (10.4–24.1%) and mixed (18.0–33.9%). However, these subtypes only differed in expected directions on 7 out of 34 measures. Overall, results support the existence of both reactive and proactive subtypes of aggressive children, but the distinctiveness of these subtypes in terms of social-emotional characteristics warrants further study.
Mental Health and Religiosity in the Sardinian Blue Zone: Life Satisfaction and Optimism for Aging Well
Authors: Fastame Maria Chiara , Ruiu Marilena , Mulas Ilaria
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the impact of the sociocultural context on dispositional optimism and resilience, life satisfaction, and religiosity in late adulthood. Moreover, the associations between those psychological measures and religiosity were investigated. Ninety-five older individuals recruited in the Sardinian Blue Zone and Cagliari completed a battery of tools assessing cognitive and mental health, and religiosity. Life satisfaction correlated with resilience and religiosity, whereas resilience correlated with optimism. Furthermore, participants of the rural area reported greater optimism and life satisfaction than peers living in the urban area. In conclusion, optimism and hedonic well-being favor optimal aging in the Blue Zone.
Error Estimation of Linear Polarization Data from Coronagraphs – Application to STEREO-A/SECCHI-COR1 Observations
Authors: Inhester Bernd , Mierla Marilena , Shestov Sergei , Zhukov Andrei N.
Published: April 2021

We attempt to quantitatively study the uncertainties of the polarized brightness and for the polarization angle which are to be expected for measurements from noisy image detectors in classical coronagraphs. We derive the probability density functions (PDF) which apply to polarization observations with polarization filters at 0∘, 60∘ and 120∘. The noise in the directly observed image intensities is assumed to be normally distributed. We find that for low and medium signal-to-noise ratios the polarized brightness obeys a distribution with a strongly biased mean which, if not taken account of, leads to an overestimation of the polarized brightness and degree of polarization. The PDFs are compared with data from the SECCHI-COR1 coronagraph onboard STEREO-A in order to detect systematic or random perturbations of the polarized brightness and the polarization angle beyond the unavoidable photon and detector hardware noise. This noise is estimated from two successive filter sequences taken in-flight during calm coronal conditions on 18 May 2008 and is expressed in the form of an intensity–variance relation. Two small deviations between the measured distributions and the predicted PDF for the polarization angle were found. The standard deviation of the polarization angle error decreases with increasing signal-to-noise ratio of the polarized brightness. For ratios larger than about 8 this decrease was found not as steep anymore as predicted which could hint to a small additional noise source. Next, we found a systematic constant deviation of the polarization angle by $-1^{\circ }$
−

1
∘

for all signal-to-noise ratios of the polarized brightness. Besides these small discrepancies, our theoretically derived PDFs agree quite well with the distributions of measured brightnesses in test regions of the images. The PDFs we present here can equally be applied to similarly measured data from other coronagraphs and may help to quantify uncertainty limits of the derived polarization. They can be used for in-flight health checks of an instrument, are useful when separating unpolarized stray light from the polarized K-corona and when comparing the observed polarization data with results from model simulations.
Test-Retest Variability of Relative Tracer Delivery Rate as Measured by [11C]PiB
Authors: Heeman Fiona , Hendriks Janine , Lopes Alves Isadora , Tolboom Nelleke , van Berckel Bart N. M. , Yaqub Maqsood , Lammertsma Adriaan A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Moderate-to-high correlations have been reported between the [11C]PiB PET-derived relative tracer delivery rateR1and relative CBF as measured using [15O]H2O PET, supporting its use as a proxy of relative CBF. As longitudinal PET studies become more common for measuring treatment efficacy or disease progression, it is important to know the intrinsic variability ofR1. The purpose of the present study was to determine this through a retrospective data analysis.

Procedures

Test-retest data belonging to twelve participants, who underwent two 90 min [11C]PiB PET scans, were retrospectively included. The voxel-based implementation of the two-step simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar grey matter as reference tissue was used to computeR1images. Next, test-retest variability was calculated, and test and retestR1measures were compared using linear mixed effect models and a Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

Test-retest variability was low across regions (max. 5.8 %), and test and retest measures showed high, significant correlations (R2=0.92, slope=0.98) and a negligible bias (0.69±3.07 %).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the high precision of [11C]PiBR1suggests suitable applicability for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
The utility of dynamic MRI in differentiating the hormone-producing ability of pituitary adenomas
Authors: Amano Taishi , Masumoto Tomohiko , Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Sakamoto Noriaki , Hoshiai Sodai , Mori Kensaku , Nakajima Takahito
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and hormonal activity in pituitary adenomas.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the dynamic MRI findings in 244 patients with pathologically confirmed pituitary adenomas and a diagnosis of clinically active prolactin (PRL)-producing adenomas. Among the 244 pituitary adenomas, 55, 16, 6, and 4 produced growth hormone (GH), PRL, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, respectively, while 163 were non-functioning (NF) adenomas. For each adenoma, we calculated the washout rate (WR) and early (EER) and delayed (DER) tumour-to-normal-tissue enhancement ratios.

Results

The respective mean values of the WR, EER, and DER were 9.4%, 75.2%, and 64.5% for GH-producing adenomas; 6.2%, 117.1%, and 106.2% for PRL-producing adenomas; and 5.4%, 116.7%, and 108.7% for NF adenomas. GH-producing adenomas had significantly lower EER and DER values than PRL-producing (P < 0.001) and NF adenomas (P < 0.001). In ROC analysis of GH-producing and non-GH-producing adenomas, the areas under the curves of WR, EER, and DER were 0.593, 0.825, and 0.857, respectively.

Conclusion

There are differences in dynamic MRI features between GH-producing and non-GH-producing adenomas, which suggests that EER and DER may be useful for diagnosing GH-producing adenomas.
Soft Skills wanted?! – (Arbeits)Fähigkeiten und Fähigkeitsanforderungen am Arbeitsplatz beschreiben mit dem Fähigkeitsrating Mini-ICF-APP
Authors: Muschalla Beate
Published: April 2021

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) informiert über ein etabliertes Standardkonzept zur fähigkeitsorientierten Arbeitsanforderungs- und Arbeitsfähigkeitsbeschreibung, welches sich im Rahmen der Arbeitsfähigkeitsbegutachtung bewährt hat. Es beschreibt die Fremd- und Selbstbeschreibung psychischer Fähigkeiten sowie die psychischen Arbeitsanforderungen.

Arbeitsplatz- und Aufgabenzuweisungen und auch betriebliche Wiedereingliederungen von Mitarbeitenden mit (chronischen) Gesundheitsbeeinträchtigungen erfordern Kenntnisse über die (Arbeits‑)Fähigkeiten von Mitarbeitenden. Bei psychischen Arbeitsanforderungen ist es notwendig, das psychische Fähigkeitsprofil Mitarbeitender zu kennen und mit den Anforderungen abzugleichen.

Das Mini-ICF Rating für Aktivitäts- und Partizipationsstörungen bei psychischen Störungen (Mini-ICF-APP) ist ein international validiertes und in der Arbeitsfähigkeitsbeschreibung und Sozialmedizin etabliertes Assessment zur Beschreibung von Fähigkeitsniveaus und -profilen auf 13 psychischen Fähigkeitsdimensionen. Es wird in Leitlinien (AWMF, DRV, SGPP) zur Verwendung empfohlen. Die 13 Fähigkeitsdimensionen ermöglichen einen Abgleich des Fähigkeitsprofils der Person mit dem Anforderungsprofil des Arbeitsplatzes. Die zu beurteilenden Fähigkeitsdimensionen sind (1) Fähigkeit zur Anpassung an Regeln und Routinen, (2) Fähigkeit zur Planung und Strukturierung von Aufgaben, (3) Flexibilität und Umstellungsfähigkeit, (4) Kompetenz- und Wissensanwendung, (5) Entscheidungs- und Urteilsfähigkeit, (6) Proaktivität und Spontanaktivitäten, (7) Widerstands- und Durchhaltefähigkeit, (8) Selbstbehauptungsfähigkeit, (9) Konversation und Kontaktfähigkeit zu Dritten, (10) Gruppenfähigkeit, (11) Fähigkeit zu engen dyadischen Beziehungen, (12) Fähigkeit zur Selbstpflege und Selbstversorgung, und (13) Mobilität und Verkehrsfähigkeit.

Neben dem Fähigkeiten-Fremdrating sind weitere Instrumentenversionen auf Basis dieses Fähigkeitskonzepts entstanden: eine Fähigkeiten-Selbstratingversion (Mini-ICF-APP-S), und eine Version zur fähigkeitsorientierten Arbeitsplatzbeschreibung (Mini-ICF-APP-W) für die Herstellung passender Arbeitsplätze im Sinne des Arbeitsschutzgesetzes (§ 5 ArbSchG) (Muschalla 2020).
How automated feedback from a digital mathematics textbook affects primary students’ conceptual development: two case studies
Authors: Rezat Sebastian
Published: April 2021

One of the most prevalent features of digital mathematics textbooks, compared to traditional ones, is the provision of automated feedback on students’ solutions. Since feedback is regarded as an important factor that influences learning, this is often seen as an affordance of digital mathematics textbooks. While there is a large body of mainly quantitative research on the effectiveness of feedback in general, very little is known about how feedback actually affects students’ individual content specific learning processes and conceptual development. A theoretical framework based on Rabardel’s theory of the instrument and Vergnaud’s theory of conceptual fields is developed to study qualitatively how feedback actually functions in the learning process. This framework was applied in a case study of two elementary school students’ learning processes when working on a probability task from a German 3rd grade digital textbook. The analysis allowed detailed reconstruction of how students made sense of the information provided by the feedback and adjusted their behavior accordingly. This in-depth analysis unveiled that feedback does not necessarily foster conceptual development in the desired way, and a correct solution does not always coincide with conceptual understanding. The results point to some obstacles that students face when working individually on tasks from digital mathematics textbooks with automated feedback, and indicate that feedback needs to be developed in design-based research cycles in order to yield the desired effects.
A Comprehensive Review on Selenium and Its Effects on Human Health and Distribution in Middle Eastern Countries
Authors: Kieliszek Marek , Bano Iqra , Zare Hamed
Published: April 2021

Selenium (Se) is an important microelement with numerous positive effects on human health and diseases. It is important to specify that the status and consumption of Se are for a specific community as the levels of Se are extremely unpredictable between different populations and regions. Our existing paper was based on the impacts of Se on human health and disease along with data on the Se levels in Middle Eastern countries. Overall, the findings of this comprehensive review show that the consumption and levels of Se are inadequate in Middle Eastern nations. Such findings, together with the growing awareness of the importance of Se to general health, require further work primarily on creating an acceptable range of blood Se concentration or other measures to determine optimal Se consumption and, consequently, to guarantee adequate Se supplementation in populations at high risk of low Se intake.
Patch isolation and periodic environmental disturbances have idiosyncratic effects on local and regional population variabilities in meta-food chains
Authors: Stark Markus , Bach Moritz , Guill Christian
Published: April 2021

While habitat loss is a known key driver of biodiversity decline, the impact of other landscape properties, such as patch isolation, is far less clear. When patch isolation is low, species may benefit from a broader range of foraging opportunities, but are at the same time adversely affected by higher predation pressure from mobile predators. Although previous approaches have successfully linked such effects to biodiversity, their impact on local and metapopulation dynamics has largely been ignored. Since population dynamics may also be affected by environmental disturbances that temporally change the degree of patch isolation, such as periodic changes in habitat availability, accurate assessment of its link with isolation is highly challenging. To analyze the effect of patch isolation on the population dynamics on different spatial scales, we simulate a three-species meta-food chain on complex networks of habitat patches and assess the average variability of local populations and metapopulations, as well as the level of synchronization among patches. To evaluate the impact of periodic environmental disturbances, we contrast simulations of static landscapes with simulations of dynamic landscapes in which 30 percent of the patches periodically become unavailable as habitat. We find that increasing mean patch isolation often leads to more asynchronous population dynamics, depending on the parameterization of the food chain. However, local population variability also increases due to indirect effects of increased dispersal mortality at high mean patch isolation, consequently destabilizing metapopulation dynamics and increasing extinction risk. In dynamic landscapes, periodic changes of patch availability on a timescale much slower than ecological interactions often fully synchronize the dynamics. Further, these changes not only increase the variability of local populations and metapopulations, but also mostly overrule the effects of mean patch isolation. This may explain the often small and inconclusive impact of mean patch isolation in natural ecosystems.
Applying targeted genotyping by sequencing with a new set of nuclear and plastid SNP and indel loci for Quercus robur and Quercus petraea
Authors: Degen Bernd , Blanc-Jolivet Celine , Bakhtina Svetlana , Ianbaev Ruslan , Yanbaev Yulai , Mader Malte , Nürnberg Sabine , Schröder Hilke
Published: April 2021

We used Double Digest Restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) and Miseq to develop new geographically informative nuclear and plastid SNP and indel loci in Quercus robur and Q. petraea. Genotypes derived from sequence data of 95 individuals and two pools of 20 individuals each of Q. robur and Q. mongolica covering the distribution range of the species, were analysed to select geographically informative and polymorphic loci within Germany and Russia. We successfully screened a selected set of 431 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (nSNP), six nuclear Indel, six mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphism (mtSNP) and ten chloroplast single nucleotide polymorphism (cpSNP) loci with a SeqSNP genotyping platform on 100 individuals Quercus petraea from 10 locations in Germany, 100 individuals Quercus robur from ten locations in Germany and 100 individuals Quercus robur from ten locations in Russia. The newly developed loci are useful for species identification and genetic studies on the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of Quercus robur and Quercus petraea in Europe.
Quieter and Greener rotorcraft: concurrent aerodynamic and acoustic optimization
Authors: Wilke Gunther
Published: April 2021

Within the DLR project VicToria an aerodynamic and aero-acoustic optimization of helicopter rotor blades is performed. During the optimization, three independent flight conditions are considered: hover, cruise and descent flight. The first two flight conditions drive the power requirements of the helicopter rotor, while the descent flight is the loudest flight condition for current helicopter generations. To drive down the required power and the emitted noise, a multi-objective design approach coupled with surrogate models is utilized to find a Pareto optimal set of rotors. This approach allows to identify the trade-offs to be made when laying emphasis on either goal function. The underlying CFD simulations utilize fourth-order accurate spatial schemes to capture the vortex dominated flow of helicopter rotor blades. The paper presents the validation of the setups, the optimization results and the off-design analysis of a chosen set of blades from the Pareto front. The conclusion is that the utilization of the Pareto front approach is necessary to find good rotor designs, while the utilization of high-order methods allows for efficient CFD setups.
Sound quality assessment of a medium-range aircraft with enhanced fan-noise shielding design
Authors: Felix Greco Gil , Bertsch Lothar , Ring Tobias P. , Langer Sabine C.
Published: April 2021

The investigation of technologies that can improve the sustainability of the air transport system requires not only the development of alternative fuel concepts and novel vehicle technologies but also the definition of appropriate assessment strategies. Regarding noise, the assessment should reflect the situation of communities living near airports, i.e., not only addressing sound levels but also accounting for the annoyance caused by aircraft noise. For this purpose, conventional A-weighted sound pressure level metrics provide initial but limited information as the level- and frequency-dependency of the human hearing is accounted for in a simplified manner. Ideally, subjective evaluations are required to adequately quantify the perceived short-term annoyance associated with aircraft noise. However, listening tests are time-consuming and not suitable to be applied during the conceptual aircraft design stage, where a large solution space needs to be explored. Aiming at bridging this gap, this work presents a methodology for the sound quality assessment of computational aircraft noise predictions, which is hereby conducted in terms of objective psychoacoustic metrics. The proposed methodology is applied to a novel medium-range vehicle with fan noise shielding architecture during take-off and landing procedures. The relevance of individual sound sources, i.e., airframe and engine noise contributions, and their dependencies on the aircraft architecture and flight procedures are assessed in terms of loudness, sharpness, and tonality. Moreover, the methodology is steered towards community noise assessment, where the impacts on short-term annoyance brought by the novel aircraft design are analysed. The assessment is based on the modified psychoacoustic annoyance, a metric that provides a quantitative description of human annoyance as a combination of different hearing sensations. The present work is understood as an essential step towards low-annoyance aircraft design.
A Plasmonic Refractive-Index Sensor Based Multiple Fano Resonance Multiplexing in Slot-Cavity Resonant System
Authors: Guo Zicong , Wen Kunhua , Qin Yuwen , Fang Yihong , Li Zhengfeng , Chen Li
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a sub-wavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide structure is proposed by using a cross-shape rectangular cavity, of which wings are coupled with two rectangular cavities. Firstly, a cross-shape rectangular cavity is placed between the input and output MIM waveguides. According to the mutual interference between bright and dark modes, three Fano resonant peaks are generated. Secondly, by adding a rectangular cavity on the left wing of the cross shaped one, five asymmetric Fano resonance peaks are obtained. Thirdly, six asymmetric Fano resonance peaks are achieved after adding another cavity on the right wing. Finally, the finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method and multimode interference coupled-mode theory (MICMT) are used to simulate and analyze the coupled plasmonic resonant system, respectively. The highest sensitivity of 1 000nm/RIU is achieved.
Screening and Purification of Natural Products from Actinomycetes that Induce a “Rounded” Morphological Phenotype in Fission Yeast
Authors: Lewis Richard Alexander , Devi Jenileima , Green Katherine , Li Juanjuan , Hopkins Adam , Hayles Jacqueline , Nurse Paul , Errington Jeff , Allenby Nicholas Edward Ellis
Published: April 2021

This study was designed to identify and investigate bioactive natural product compounds that alter the cellular shape of the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombeand induce a “rounded” or “small” cellular morphological phenotype. Bioassays using a range of antifungal agents against a multidrug-sensitive fission yeast strain, SAK950 showed that many induced a “rounded” phenotype. We then investigated whether 46 of the actinomycete strains identified in our previous study as inducing a similar phenotype produced antifungal agents of similar classes. We show that five of the strains produced streptothricin and that 26 strains produced polyenes, including fungichromin, filipin and candicidin, the last of which was produced by 24 strains. A taxonomic study of the strains indicated that the majority of the candicidin only producers wereStreptomyces hydrogenansandS. albidoflavuswhilst those that additionally produced streptothricin were related toS. enissocaesilis. A follow-up study to investigate the natural products made by related strains indicated that they followed a similar pattern. The identification of several compounds from the actinomycete strains similar to the antifungal agents initially tested confirm the validity of an approach using theS. pombemorphological phenotype and actinomycete taxonomy as a predictive tool for natural product identification.

Graphic Abstract
On the $$L^2$$-norm of Gegenbauer polynomials
Authors: Ferizović Damir
Published: April 2021

Gegenbauer, also known as ultra-spherical, polynomials appear often in numerical analysis or interpolation. In the present text we find a recursive formula for and compute the asymptotic behavior of their $$L^2$$

L
2

-norm.
Short-Term Prediction of Demand for Ride-Hailing Services: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Chen Long , Thakuriah Piyushimita , Ampountolas Konstantinos
Published: April 2021

As ride-hailing services become increasingly popular, being able to accurately predict demand for such services can help operators efficiently allocate drivers to customers, and reduce idle time, improve traffic congestion, and enhance the passenger experience. This paper proposesUberNet, a deep learning convolutional neural network for short-time prediction of demand for ride-hailing services. Exploiting traditional time series approaches for this problem is challenging due to strong surges and declines in pickups, as well as spatial concentrations of demand. This leads to pickup patterns that are unevenly distributed over time and space.UberNetemploys a multivariate framework that utilises a number of temporal and spatial features that have been found in the literature to explain demand for ride-hailing services. Specifically, the proposed model includes two sub-networks that aim to encode the source series of various features and decode the predicting series, respectively. To assess the performance and effectiveness ofUberNet, we use 9 months of Uber pickup data in 2014 and 28 spatial and temporal features from New York City. We use a number of features suggested by the transport operations and travel behaviour research areas as being relevant to passenger demand prediction, e.g., weather, temporal factors, socioeconomic and demographics characteristics, as well as travel-to-work, built environment and social factors such as crime level, within a multivariate framework, that leads to operational and policy insights for multiple communities: the ride-hailing operator, passengers, third-part location-based service providers and revenue opportunities to drivers, and transport operators such as road traffic authorities, and public transport agencies. By comparing the performance ofUberNetwith several other approaches, we show that the prediction quality of the model is highly competitive. Further,Ubernet’s prediction performance is better when using economic, social and built environment features. This suggests thatUbernetis more naturally suited to including complex motivators of travel behavior in making real-time demand predictions for ride-hailing services.
Mapping in unstructured natural environment: a sensor fusion framework for wearable sensor suites
Authors: Chahine Georges , Vaidis Maxime , Pomerleau François , Pradalier Cédric
Published: April 2021

We present a generalized mapping framework that can withstand the challenges incurred by working in unstructured outdoor environments, such as a snowy forest. The proposed method takes advantage of a sensor fusion scheme, where sensors such as cameras and lidars are used in order to reconstruct the surrounding natural environment. Although mapping techniques such as SLAM and ICP cannot themselves properly handle the complexity of natural scenes, they do have the potential to contribute to the global solution in a proposed sensor fusion scheme, based on a factor graph architecture. In this paper, we propose an innovative map registration scheme for visual maps, and show how it can improve the reconstruction quality after data fusion. We also analyze the behavior and sensitivity of factor graphs to uncertainties, by comparing the residual error with different parameter combinations such as variances, using an exhaustive grid search with ground truth comparison. Finally, we suggest an ICP-inferred loop closure, capable of compensating position and attitude drift. The experiments are carried out by recording in a snowy forest using a wearable sensor suite. In the experiments, ground truth was acquired using a millimeter-accurate total station. The proposed framework is shown to be robust and likewise capable of providing estimates that are otherwise unattainable using classic techniques, such as visual SLAM and ICP for lasers. Finally, a visible improvement in the map reconstruction quality is shown, and the proposed framework achieves a translation error of 0.36 m.
A systematic approach of lean supply chain management in shipbuilding
Authors: Chu Niansheng , Nie Xiang , Xu Jiang , Li Kunlin
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a systematic approach for lean supply chain management in shipbuilding industry based on analysis of the unique characters and processes of shipbuilding. The approach constantly improves productivity and retains low costs. The system that covers seven sub-systems on three different levels is created based on the lean thinking and supply chain management theory. In the lean supply chain management procedure, the operational data of the shipyard and suppliers are timely collected, monitored, and analyzed, and weaknesses in the supply chain are identified through performance measurement to suggest improvements. With this approach the entire shipbuilding supply chain can be continuously optimized and controlled. This approach is concluded and proofed functional with actual operation in a leading shipyard in China, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company, guided by Shipbuilding Modeling 2.0 Program of China state shipbuilding corporation.
Application of micro-computer tomography and inverse finite element analysis for characterizing the visco-hyperelastic response of bulk liver tissue using indentation
Authors: Resapu Rajeswara R. , Bradshaw Roger D.
Published: April 2021

In-vitro mechanical indentation experimentation is performed on bulk liver tissue of lamb to characterize its nonlinear material behaviour. The material response is characterized by a visco-hyperelastic material model by the use of 2-dimensional inverse finite element (FE) analysis. The time-dependent behaviour is characterized by the viscoelastic model represented by a 4-parameter Prony series, whereas the large deformations are modelled using the hyperelastic Neo-Hookean model. The shear response described by the initial and final shear moduli and the corresponding Prony series parameters are optimized using ANSYS with the Root Mean Square (RMS) error being the objective function. Optimized material properties are validated using experimental results obtained under different loading histories. To study the efficacy of a 2D model, a three dimensional (3D) model of the specimen is developed using Micro-CT of the specimen. The initial elastic modulus of the lamb liver obtained was found to 13.5 kPa for 5% indentation depth at a loading rate of 1 mm/sec for 1-cycle. These properties are able to predict the response at 8.33% depth and a loading rate of 5 mm/sec at multiple cycles with reasonable accuracy.

Article highlights

The visco-hyperelastic model accurately models the large displacement as well as the time-dependent behaviour of the bulk liver tissue.

Mapped meshing of the 3D FE model saves computational time and captures localized displacement in an accurate manner.

The 2D axisymmetric model while predicting the force response of the bulk tissue, cannot predict the localized deformations.
Consumer self-reported and testosterone responses to advertising of luxury goods in social context
Authors: Pozharliev Rumen , Verbeke Willem , De Angelis Matteo , Van Den Bos Ruud , Peverini Paolo
Published: April 2021

Despite the growing demand for luxury goods, there is limited understanding about how consumers respond to luxury-goods advertising and how viewing advertising in different social contexts affects these responses. This study investigates the link between luxury goods advertising and expected utility from a biological perspective by looking at males’ hormonal responses to advertising of luxury versus non-luxury branded goods. Using traditional and consumer neuroscience methods, we collected salivary testosterone data pre- and post-ad viewing. Self-reported scores on social and quality value of the brands were compared to salivary testosterone levels from participants placed in different social conditions (Alone versus Together with another person). The results show that higher post-viewing testosterone levels were associated with higher scores on quality, but not on social value and only for branded goods viewed in the Together condition, compared to the Alone condition. These results suggest that changes in testosterone levels reflect a rewarding experience or activate social competitiveness when male consumers appraise the quality but not the social value of the advertised luxury goods and that social context modulates this effect.
Drilling the new 5G-5 branch hole at Vostok Station for collecting a replicate core of old meteoric ice
Authors: Turkeev Aleksei V. , Vasilev Nikolai I. , Lipenkov Vladimir Ya. , Bolshunov Alexey V. , Ekaykin Alexey A. , Dmitriev Andrei N. , Vasilev Dmitrii A.
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have shown that stratigraphically disturbed meteoric ice bedded at Vostok Station between 3318 and 3539 m dates back to 1.2 Ma BP and possibly beyond. As part of the VOICE (Vostok Oldest Ice Challenge) initiative, a new deviation from parent hole 5G-1 was made at depths of 3270–3291 m in the 2018/19 austral season with the aim of obtaining a replicate core of the old ice. Sidetracking was initiated using the standard KEMS-132 electromechanical drill routinely employed for deep ice coring at Vostok, without significant changes to its initial design. Here we describe the method and operating procedures for replicate coring at a targeted depth in an existing slant hole, involving the use of a cable-suspended electromechanical drill. The design of the milling cutter head used for sidetracking is presented. The performance characteristics and the experience of drilling branch-hole 5G-5 at Vostok are described and discussed.
How exclusion from the public and private realm can negatively effect adolescents’ sense of community belonging
Authors: Barron C.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

This paper discusses the issue of adolescent exclusion from the public (playgrounds, beaches, roads) and private realm (homes) and its link to their sense of community belonging, identity, and mental health.

Methods:

This research project employed a rights-based approach, and such a methodology focuses on researchwith, rather than researchabout, children and adolescents. In line with this philosophy, a wide range of qualitative participatory methodologies were employed with children and adolescents. In total, 411 children and adolescents (3–17 years) took part in consultation workshops across the county.

Results:

From the age of 11 onwards, children report a sense of ‘not belonging’ to recognised ‘children’s places’ such as playgrounds. Young adolescents report being actively excluded from public and private spaces. The effects of this exclusion are examined in relation to their sense of belonging, identity, and well-being.

Conclusions:

Exclusionary practices appear to be increasing and impacting on younger children in both private and public spaces. This forced exclusion of children and adolescents from the public and private realm challenges their sense of belonging or connectedness which is associated with low self-esteem, high levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. A more inclusive, rights-based approach should be employed in all aspects of public realm design that actively seeks and incorporates the views of children and adolescents as well as the more dominant voice of the adult.
The Government and Pharmaceutical Innovation: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Authors: Sampat Bhaven N.
Published: April 2021

Current debates about the roles of the public and private sectors in pharmaceutical innovation have a long history. The extent to which, and ways in which, the public sector supports drug innovation has implications for assessments of the returns to public research funding, taxpayer rights in drugs, the argument the high prices are needed to support drug innovation, and the desirability of patenting publicly funded research.