bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling wide-area tropospheric delay corrections for fast PPP ambiguity resolution
Authors: Cui Bobin , Wang Jungang , Li Pan , Ge Maorong , Schuh Harald
Published: March 2022

The performance of precise point positioning (PPP) has been significantly improved thanks to the continuous improvements in satellite orbit, clock, and ambiguity resolution (AR) technologies, but the convergence speed remains a limiting factor in real-time PPP applications. To improve the PPP precision and convergence time, tropospheric delays from a regional network can be modeled to provide precise correction for users. We focus on the precise modeling of zenith wet delay (ZWD) over a wide area with large altitude variations for improving PPP-AR. By exploiting the water vapor exponential vertical decrease, we develop a modified optimal fitting coefficients (MOFC) model based on the traditional optimal fitting coefficients (OFC) model. The proposed MOFC model provides a precision better than 1.5 cm under sparse inter-station distances over the Europe region, with a significant improvement of 70% for high-altitude stations compared to the OFC model. The MOFC model with different densities of reference stations is further evaluated in GPS and Galileo kinematic PPP-AR solutions. Compared to the PPP-AR solutions without tropospheric delay augmentation, the positioning precision of those with 100-km inter-station spacing MOFC and OFC is improved by 25.7% and 17.8%, respectively, and the corresponding time to first fix (TTFF) is improved by 36.9% and 33.0% in the high-altitude areas. On the other hand, the OFC model only slightly improves the TTFF and positioning accuracy when using the 200 km inter-station spacing modeling and even degrades the positioning for high-altitude stations, whereas using the MOFC model, the PPP-AR solutions always improve. Moreover, the positioning precision improvement of MOFC compared with OFC is about 22.1%, 21.7%, and 25.7% for the Galileo-only, GPS-only, and GPS + Galileo PPP-AR solutions, respectively.
Twelve- and Fourteen-Year-Old School Children Differentially Benefit from Sensorimotor- and Multisensory-Enriched Vocabulary Training
Authors: Mathias Brian , Andrä Christian , Schwager Anika , Macedonia Manuela , von Kriegstein Katharina
Published: March 2022

Both children and adults have been shown to benefit from the integration of multisensory and sensorimotor enrichment into pedagogy. For example, integrating pictures or gestures into foreign language (L2) vocabulary learning can improve learning outcomes relative to unisensory learning. However, whereas adults seem to benefit to a greater extent from sensorimotor enrichment such as the performance of gestures in contrast to multisensory enrichment with pictures, this is not the case in elementary school children. Here, we compared multisensory- and sensorimotor-enriched learning in an intermediate age group that falls between the age groups tested in previous studies (elementary school children and young adults), in an attempt to determine the developmental time point at which children’s responses to enrichment mature from a child-like pattern into an adult-like pattern. Twelve-year-old and fourteen-year-old German children were trained over 5 consecutive days on auditorily presented, concrete and abstract, Spanish vocabulary. The vocabulary was learned under picture-enriched, gesture-enriched, and non-enriched (auditory-only) conditions. The children performed vocabulary recall and translation tests at 3 days, 2 months, and 6 months post-learning. Both picture and gesture enrichment interventions were found to benefit children’s L2 learning relative to non-enriched learning up to 6 months post-training. Interestingly, gesture-enriched learning was even more beneficial than picture-enriched learning for the 14-year-olds, while the 12-year-olds benefitted equivalently from learning enriched with pictures and gestures. These findings provide evidence for opting to integrate gestures rather than pictures into L2 pedagogy starting at 14 years of age.
A critical review on the effects of process-induced porosity on the mechanical properties of alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Kan Wen Hao , Chiu Louis Ngai Sam , Lim Chao Voon Samuel , Zhu Yuman , Tian Yang , Jiang Derui , Huang Aijun
Published: March 2022

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an emerging additive manufacturing technique that is currently adopted by a number of industries for its ability to directly fabricate complex near-net-shaped components with minimal material wastage. Two major limitations of LPBF, however, are that the process inherently produces components containing some amount of porosity and that fabricated components tend to suffer from poor repeatability. While recent advances have allowed the porosity level to be reduced to a minimum, consistent porosity-free fabrication remains elusive. Therefore, it is important to understand how porosity affects mechanical properties in alloys fabricated this way in order to inform the safe design and application of components. To this aim, this article will review recent literature on the effects of porosity on tensile properties, fatigue life, impact and fracture toughness, creep response, and wear behavior. As the number of alloys that can be fabricated by this technology continues to grow, this overview will mainly focus on four alloys that are commonly fabricated by LPBF—Ti-6Al-4 V, Inconel 718, AISI 316L, and AlSi10Mg.
Ever Thought About Strikes? Development of a Scale to Assess Attitudes and Behavioral Reactions to Strikes
Authors: Vesper Denise , König Cornelius J.
Published: March 2022

Strikes are a recurrent phenomenon in many countries. However, research on strikes from a psychological perspective has been limited. By developing a sound measure to assess attitudes and behavioral reactions to strikes, we will be in a better position to evaluate these constructs in individuals and compare across studies. Therefore, we developed a scale to assess attitudes and behavioral reactions to strikes following classic scale development guidelines using four samples (total N = 1369; N1 = 304, N2 = 209, N3 = 443, N4 = 413). In Study 1, we used exploratory factor analysis to reduce the generated items to a scale and showed that the strike attitude and behavioral reactions scale consists of one affective factor (negative reactions towards strikes), one cognitive factor (legitimacy of strikes), and three behavioral factors (informing oneself about strikes, strike-related social network behavior, and support of strikers). Study 2 confirmed these five factors and showed acceptable psychometric properties. Study 3 supported the construct validity of the developed scale: the five factors were correlated with willingness to strike and attitudes towards unions, among other variables. Study 4 further showed that the scale can also capture attitudes and behavioral reactions towards specific strikes. Overall, these studies indicate that the strike attitude and behavioral reactions scale is a psychometrically sound measure consisting of five factors.
Commercialization networks in emerging technologies: the case of UK nanotechnology small and midsize enterprises
Authors: Salehi Fatemeh , Shapira Philip , Zolkiewski Judy
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates how small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) utilize networks to commercialize emerging technologies. We build on literature on SMEs and innovation, networks, and how innovation occurs within collaborative arrangements. Contrasting network types and their influences on commercialization outcomes are probed in the context of SME value chain positions. An exploratory study is undertaken to offer a framework and findings that provide context and insight. We consider roles of SME agency and strategy to put forward a framework of network types. Using a multiple case approach of a sample of UK nanotechnology SMEs, value-chain positions and networks for commercialization are examined. Data are collected through semi-structured primary interviews with managers and informants and from secondary business databases and other sources.

Commercialization outcomes are found to vary by SME network type and value chain positioning. SMEs can proactively create SME-led, peer-SME or broker-led networks that aid commercialization. SME-led networks enable successful commercialization of upstream and midstream products. Peer- SME networks are used for downstream commercialization. Broker-led networks facilitate commercialization in the upstream part of the value chain. Hybrid networks are used where SMEs pursue multiple commercialization strategies. Reactive approaches to networking and interrupted networks, regardless of value chain position, are unfavourable for commercialization. The study’s conceptual and managerial implications are discussed.
Associations between Adolescent Psychosocial Factors and Disengagement from Education and Employment in Young Adulthood among Individuals with Common Mental Health Problems
Authors: Tayfur Sümeyra N. , Prior Susan , Roy Anusua Singh , Maciver Donald , Forsyth Kirsty , Fitzpatrick Linda Irvine
Published: March 2022

Transition to adulthood can be a challenging developmental task for adolescents with common mental health problems and is linked to adverse outcomes such as ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET). This study investigated longitudinal associations between adolescent psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem, aspirations, bullying, physical activity) and later NEET status among individuals with common mental health problems (i.e., depression and anxiety). A secondary data analysis of the Next Steps cohort study was completed using waves 2 and 8. Psychosocial factors, mental health, and background characteristics were captured when participants were aged 15–16 years (wave 2) while still in compulsory education. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to identify adolescents with common mental health problems. The study population consisted of 2224 participants (females 66.8%) of which 1473 (66.2%) were aged 15 years and 751 (33.8%) were aged 16 years in wave 2. The outcome was NEET status at ages 25–26 years (wave 8). The results showed that after adjusting for background characteristics, adolescent self-esteem, locus of control, bullying, physical activity, job aspirations, and attitudes to school predicted NEET status. Educational aspirations, substance use, and behavioural problems were not significantly associated with NEET status. These findings provide new insights into the role of adolescent psychosocial factors in the context of education and employment outcomes for youth at risk and highlight the necessity of targeted mental health support to improve life chances.
Mammogram breast cancer CAD systems for mass detection and classification: a review
Authors: Hassan Nada M. , Hamad Safwat , Mahar Khaled
Published: March 2022

Although there is an improvement in breast cancer detection and classification (CAD) tools, there are still some challenges and limitations that need more investigation. The significant development in machine learning and image processing techniques in the last ten years affected hugely the development of breast cancer CAD systems especially with the existence of deep learning models. This survey presents in a structured way, the current deep learning-based CAD system to detect and classify masses in mammography, in addition to the conventional machine learning-based techniques. The survey presents the current publicly mammographic datasets, also provides a dataset-based quantitative comparison of the most recent techniques and the most used evaluation metrics for the breast cancer CAD systems. The survey provides a discussion of the current literature and emphasizes its pros and limitations. Furthermore, the survey highlights the challenges and limitations in the current breast cancer detection and classification techniques.
Parareal for index two differential algebraic equations
Authors: Garcia Idoia Cortes , Kulchytska-Ruchka Iryna , Schöps Sebastian
Published: March 2022

This article proposes modifications of the Parareal algorithm for its application to higher index differential algebraic equations (DAEs). It is based on the idea of applying the algorithm to only the differential components of the equation and the computation of corresponding consistent initial conditions later on. For differential algebraic equations with a special structure as, e.g. given in flux-charge modified nodal analysis, it is shown that the usage of the implicit Euler method as a time integrator suffices for the Parareal algorithm to converge. Both versions of the Parareal method are applied to numerical examples of nonlinear index 2 differential algebraic equations.
Group Normative Propensities, Societal Positioning, and Childbearing: Ethno-linguistic Variation in Completed and Desired Fertility in Transitional Central Asia
Authors: Agadjanian Victor , Nedoluzhko Lesia
Published: March 2022

Considerable research in western, low-fertility contexts has examined minority-vs.-majority fertility differentials, typically focusing on minority groups’ cultural idiosyncrasies and on socioeconomic disadvantages associated with minority status. However, the formation and functioning of ethnic complexities outside the western world often diverge from the standard western model and so may their impact on fertility preferences, behavior, and outcomes. We expand on the previous research by analyzing ethnic variation in completed and desired fertility in the multiethnic transitional setting of Kyrgyzstan, where ethnic groups and their ethnolinguistic sub-parts are characterized by both different stages of the demographic transition and different positioning in the socioeconomic and political hierarchies. Using combined data from two rounds of a nationally representative survey, we find that ethnic-specific levels of completed fertility generally align with culturally shaped group-level normative propensities. In contrast, in desires to have a(nother) child, the ranking of the ethnic segments is more reflective of their collective societal positioning, with more disadvantaged segments having lower fertility desires, regardless of actual number of children and various other characteristics. We also find that ethnic homophily of respondents’ social milieu and their optimism about the future of their ethnic group are positively associated with fertility desires, even though these associations are more potently present among women, compared to men. We relate our findings to the extant scholarship and reflect on their implications for a better understanding of ethno-racial fertility dynamics and differentials in transitional contexts.
A BMO-Type Characterization of Higher Order Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Bianco Serena Guarino Lo , Schiattarella Roberta
Published: March 2022

We obtain a new characterization of the higher Sobolev space$W^{m,p}(\mathbb R^{n})$Wm,p(ℝn),$m\in \mathbb N$m∈ℕand$p\in (1, +\infty )$p∈(1,+∞)and of the spaceBVm, the space of functions of higher order bounded variation. The characterizations are in term of BMO-type seminorms. The results unify and substantially extend previous results in Fusco et al. (ESAIM Control Optim. Calc Var.,24(2), 835–847 2018) and Farroni et al. (J. Funct. Anal.,278(9), 108451 2020).
Quality of mobility measures among individuals with acquired brain injury: an umbrella review
Authors: Alhasani Rehab , Auger Claudine , Paiva Azevedo Matheus , Ahmed Sara
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

While several mobility measures exist, there is large variability across measures in how mobility is conceptualized, the source of information and the measurement properties making it challenging to select relevant mobility measures for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Therefore, the objective was to conduct a comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence on the measurement properties, the interpretability and the feasibility of mobility measures from various sources of information (patients, clinicians, technology) using an umbrella review of published systematic reviews among individuals with ABI.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE, CINHAL, Cochrane Library and EMBASE electronic databases were searched from 2000 to March 2020. Two independent reviewers appraised the methodological quality of the systematic reviews using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Measurement properties and quality of evidence were applied according to COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instrument (COSMIN) guidelines. Mobility measures were categorized using international standards with the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF).

Results

Thirty-five systematic reviews were included covering 147 mobility measures, of which 85% were mapped to the ICF Activity and Participation component. Results showed an acceptable overall "sufficient" rating for reliability, construct validity and responsiveness for 132 (90%), 127 (86%) and 76 (52%) of the measures, respectively; however, among these measures, ≤ 25% of the methods for evaluating these properties were rated as ‘high’ quality of evidence. Also, there was limited information that supports measure feasibility and scoring interpretability.

Conclusions

Future systematic reviews should report measures’ content validity to support the use of the measure in clinical care and research. More evaluations of the minimal important difference and floor and ceiling effects are needed to help guide clinical interpretation.

Registration information

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); ID: CRD42018100068.
Early phonological training preceding kindergarten training: effects on reading and spelling
Authors: Wolff Ulrika , Gustafsson Jan-Eric
Published: March 2022

This study examined the effects of early phonological training on emergent phonological and reading skills. Children (N = 364) were randomly assigned in small groups to a phonological training group (n = 117), or a control group (n = 247) including both a non-phonological training group and a non-trained control group. The phonological training began three years before the formal reading instruction starts in Sweden. It was carried out in two waves during six weeks at the age of 4, and during six weeks at the age of 5. All children, including the control children, received phonological training in kindergarten at the age of 6. Fluid intelligence (Gf) and phonological awareness at age 4 predicted phonological awareness at age 6 as well as reading related skills in grades 2 and 3. There were substantial main effects of the early phonological training on phonological skills and early reading skills. For all outcomes the training was, furthermore, most beneficial for children low on Gf, who are in the risk zone of developing reading difficulties.
Frequentist statistical inference without repeated sampling
Authors: Vos Paul , Holbert Don
Published: March 2022

Frequentist inference typically is described in terms of hypothetical repeated sampling but there are advantages to an interpretation that uses a single random sample. Contemporary examples are given that indicate probabilities for random phenomena are interpreted as classical probabilities, and this interpretation of equally likely chance outcomes is applied to statistical inference using urn models. These are used to address Bayesian criticisms of frequentist methods. Recent descriptions of p-values, confidence intervals, and power are viewed through the lens of classical probability based on a single random sample from the population.
Mouth puffing phenomena of patients with obstructive sleep apnea when mouth-taped: device’s efficacy confirmed with physical video observation
Authors: Jau Je-Yang , Kuo Terry B. J. , Li Lieber P. H. , Chen Tien-Yu , Lai Chun-Ting , Huang Pin-Hsuan , Yang Cheryl C. H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to design a device to monitor mouth puffing phenomena of patients with obstructive sleep apnea when mouth-taped and to employ video recording and computing algorithms to double-check and verify the efficacy of the device.

Methods

A mouth puffing detector (MPD) was developed, and a video camera was set to record the patients’ mouth puffing phenomena in order to make ensure the data obtained from the device was appropriate and valid. Ten patients were recruited and had polysomnography. A program written in Python was used to investigate the efficacy of the program’s algorithms and the relationship between variables in polysomnography (sleep stage, apnea-hypopnea index or AHI, oxygen-related variables) and mouth puffing signals (MPSs). The video recording was used to validate the program. Bland–Altman plot, correlations, independent sample t-test, and ANOVA were analyzed by SPSS 24.0.

Results

Patients were found to mouth puff when they sleep with their mouths taped. An MPD was able to detect the signals of mouth puffing. Mouth puffing signals were noted and categorized into four types of MPSs by our algorithms. MPSs were found to be significantly related to relative OSA indices. When all participants’ data were divided into minutes, intermittent mouth puffing (IMP) was found to be significantly different from non-mouth puffing in AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and time of oxygen saturation under 90% (T90) (AHI: 0.75 vs. 0.31; ODI: 0.75 vs. 0.30; T90: 5.52 vs. 1.25; p < 0.001). Participants with severe OSA showed a higher IMP percentage compared to participants with mild to moderate OSA and the control group (severe: 38%, mild-to-moderate: 65%, control: 95%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study established a simple way to detect mouth puffing phenomena when patients were mouth-taped during sleep, and the signals were classified into four types of MPSs. We propose that MPSs obtained from patients wearing the MPD can be used as a complement for clinicians to evaluate OSA.
Thirty Years of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC), Photothermal and Thermographic Techniques: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Authors: Cernuschi Federico , Bison Paolo
Published: March 2022

With the adoption of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to protect the hot parts of gas turbines at the end of the last century, the characterization of their thermophysical properties and the evaluation of their state of integrity has become necessary. That leads to the development and/or the adaptation of photothermal and thermographic techniques to meet the newly requirements that have emerged. Whereas this is not an all-encompassing review of all the literature on the subjects, this work summarizes the research and the development of techniques specifically aimed at measuring the thermophysical properties, the characterization of the microstructure and the identification of adhesion defects to the metal component of the TBCs. In the following, the best practices, the lessons learned, the successes and the defeats experienced along almost thirty years will be summarized.
Predictors of RBD progression and conversion to synucleinopathies
Authors: de Natale Edoardo Rosario , Wilson Heather , Politis Marios
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is considered the expression of the initial neurodegenerative process underlying synucleinopathies and constitutes the most important marker of their prodromal phase. This article reviews recent research from longitudinal research studies in isolated RBD (iRBD) aiming to describe the most promising progression biomarkers of iRBD and to delineate the current knowledge on the level of prediction of future outcome in iRBD patients at diagnosis.

Recent findings

Longitudinal studies revealed the potential value of a variety of biomarkers, including clinical markers of motor, autonomic, cognitive, and olfactory symptoms, neurophysiological markers such as REM sleep without atonia and electroencephalography, genetic and epigenetic markers, cerebrospinal fluid and serum markers, and neuroimaging markers to track the progression and predict phenoconversion. To-date the most promising neuroimaging biomarker in iRBD to aid the prediction of phenoconversion is striatal presynaptic striatal dopaminergic dysfunction.

There is a variety of potential biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and predicting iRBD conversion into synucleinopathies. A combined multimodal biomarker model could offer a more sensitive and specific tool. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to iRBD as a high-risk population for early neuroprotective interventions and disease-modifying therapies.
Detection of Potential Microbial Contaminants and Their Toxins in Fermented Dairy Products: a Comprehensive Review
Authors: El-Sayed Alaa S. , Ibrahim Hany , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Fermented dairy products are dominant constituents of daily diets around the world due to their desired organoleptic properties, long shelf life, and high nutritional value. Probiotics are often incorporated into these products for their health and technological benefits. However, the safety and possible contamination of fermented dairy products during the manufacturing process could have significant deleterious health and economic impacts. Pathogenic microorganisms and toxins from different sources in fermented dairy products contribute to outbreaks and toxicity cases. Although the health and nutritional benefits of fermented dairy products have been extensively investigated, safety hazards due to contamination are relatively less explored. As a preventive measure, it is crucial to accurately identify and determine the associated microbiota or their toxins. It is noteworthy to highlight the importance of detecting not only the pathogenic microbiota but also their toxic metabolites so that putative outbreaks can thereby be prevented or detected even before they cause harmful effects to human health. In this context, this review focuses on describing techniques designed to detect potential contaminants; also, the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques were summarized. Moreover, this review compiles the most recent and efficient analytical methods for detecting microbial hazards and toxins in different fermented dairy products of different origins. Causative agents behind contamination incidences are also discussed briefly to aid in future prevention measures, as well as detection approaches and technologies employed. Such approach enables the elucidation of the best strategies to control contamination in fermented dairy product manufacturing processes.
Emergency Heart failure Mortality Risk Grade may help to reduce heart failure admissions
Authors: van Hattem N. E. , Beeres S. L. M. A. , Mertens B. J. A. , Antoni M. L. , Atsma D. E. , Schalij M. J. , den Haan M. C.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Hospital admissions for heart failure (HF) are frequent and pose a heavy burden on health care resources. Currently, the decision to hospitalise is based on clinical judgement rather than on prognostic risk stratification. The Emergency Heart failure Mortality Risk Grade (EHMRG) was recently developed to identify high-risk HF patients in the emergency department (ED).

Objective

To assess the ability of the EHMRG to predict 30-day mortality in Dutch HF patients visiting the ED and to evaluate whether the EHMRG could help to reduce the number of hospital admissions for decompensated HF.

Methods

Patients visiting the ED for decompensated HF were included. The decision to hospitalise or discharge was based on clinical judgement. The EHMRG was calculated retrospectively. Based on their EHMRG, patients were stratified as very low risk, low risk, intermediate risk, high risk and very high risk.

Results

In 227 patients (age 73 ± 12 years, 69% male) 30-day mortality was 11%. Mortality differed significantly among the EHMRG risk groups at 7‑day (p = 0.012) and 30-day follow-up (p < 0.01). Based on clinical judgement, 76% of patients were hospitalised. If decision-making had been based on EHMRG, the hospitalisation rate could have been reduced to 66% (p < 0.01), particularly by reducing hospitalisations in patients at low risk of death. Mortality in discharged patients, whether the decision was based on EHMRG or clinical judgement, was 0%.

Conclusion

The EHMRG accurately differentiates between high- and low-risk decompensated HF patients visiting the ED, making it a promising tool to safely reduce the number of HF admissions.
Involvement of frontline clinicians in healthcare technology development: Lessons learned from a ventilator project
Authors: Lin Margaret Chen-Mei , Kim Tae-Ho , Kim Woo Soo , Hakanson Ingrid , Hussein Ali , Hung Lillian
Published: March 2022

Co-development of healthcare technology with users helps produce user-friendly products, ensuring safe device usage and meeting patients’ needs. For developers considering healthcare innovations, engaging user experience can reduce production time and cost while maximizing device application. The purpose of this paper is to report lessons learned from the development of a 3D printed origami ventilator prototype in response to the rise of ventilator demand due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted focus groups with frontline clinicians working in an Intensive Care Unit of a large urban hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In the interdisciplinary focus groups, we identified challenges, practical tips about product development, the human needs of technology, and cross-discipline peer learning. The focus group discussions provide useful insight into the technology development for complex clinical contexts. Based on our experiences, we articulate five practical tips for co-development of healthcare technology - AGILE: Analyse users’ needs first, Gain insights into complex context, Involve users early and frequently, Lead with a prototype, and Educate and support. Through sharing the tips and lessons learned, we wish to emphasize the necessity of meaningful multi-disciplinary collaboration during healthcare technology development and promote the inclusion of frontline clinicians during these initiatives.
Mating behaviour of the large-head resin bee Heriades truncorum (Megachilidae: Osminii) suggests female plastic strategy in selection of a mating partner and male quality assessment
Authors: Boff Samuel
Published: March 2022

Behavioural courtship display and size of males are two attributes often used by females to select a mating partner. According to sexual selection, such traits are of importance, because a bigger size male or males displaying a better courtship could enhance the possibility of females to transmit her genes to the following generations via her offspring. In Hymenoptera such as in solitary bees, it is known that females can assess male quality and add this information in the process of mating choice. In the current study, I describe aspects of pre-copulatory mating behaviour of males, male quality assessment and female choice in the large-headed resin bee Heriades truncorum (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae: Osminii). Males of Heriades truncorum perform thoracic vibration, fan their wings and lift upwards female’s abdomen to copulate. Couples engage in sideways rocking motion movement like a dance. Female selection of a partner was also found to be density dependent. In a pair situation (one female for one male), female copulate equally with males of all sizes and male mating effort enhanced the chance of successful copulation. In an environment with mating choices (one female for two males of different sizes), successful copulation was significantly more frequent for bigger size males. Female response to male mounting took place independently of the number of mating partners in the arena and did not impair mating. Additionally, size had no effect on male-male competition. Both results suggest mating success in Heriades truncorum rely on a female choice mechanism.
High-Dimensional Data Analysis with Low-Dimensional Models
Authors: Wright John , Ma Yi
Published: March 2022

Connecting theory with practice, this systematic and rigorous introduction covers the fundamental principles, algorithms and applications of key mathematical models for high-dimensional data analysis. Comprehensive in its approach, it provides unified coverage of many different low-dimensional models and analytical techniques, including sparse and low-rank models, and both convex and non-convex formulations. Readers will learn how to develop efficient and scalable algorithms for solving real-world problems, supported by numerous examples and exercises throughout, and how to use the computational tools learnt in several application contexts. Applications presented include scientific imaging, communication, face recognition, 3D vision, and deep networks for classification. With code available online, this is an ideal textbook for senior and graduate students in computer science, data science, and electrical engineering, as well as for those taking courses on sparsity, low-dimensional structures, and high-dimensional data. Foreword by Emmanuel Candès.
Aeroengine transient performance simulation integrated with generic heat soakage and tip clearance model
Authors: Li Z. , Li Y.-G. , Sampath S.
Published: March 2022

The simulations and assessment of transient performance of gas turbine engines during the conceptual and preliminary design stage may be conducted ignoring heat soakage and tip clearance variations due to lack of detailed geometrical and structural information. As a result, problems with transient performance stability may not be revealed correctly, and corresponding design iterations would be necessary and costly when those problems are revealed at a detailed design stage. To make an engine design more cost and time effective, it has become important to require better transient performance simulations during the conceptual and preliminary design stage considering all key impact factors such as fuel control schedule, rotor dynamics, inter-component volume effect as well as heat soakage and tip clearance variation effects. In this research, a novel transient performance simulation approach with generically simplified heat soakage and tip clearance models for major gas path components of gas turbine engines including compressors, turbines and combustors has been developed to support more realistic transient performance simulations of gas turbine engines at conceptual and preliminary design stages. Such heat soakage and tip clearance models only require thermodynamic design parameters as input, which is normally available during such design stages. The models have been implemented into in-house transient performance simulation software and applied to a model twin-spool turbojet engine to test their effectiveness. Comparisons between transient performance simulated with and without the heat soakage and tip clearance effects demonstrate that the results are promising. Although the introduced heat soakage and tip clearance models may not be as accurate as that using detailed component geometrical information, it is able to include the major heat soakage and tip clearance effects and make the transient performance simulations and analysis more realistic during conceptual and preliminary engine design stage.
Reduced-order model for efficient generation of a subsonic missile’s aerodynamic database
Authors: Sinha A. , Kumar R. , Umakant J.
Published: March 2022

This article reports on the development of a fast method for generating the aerodynamic database for subsonic flow over a missile. At present, this is typically achieved using RANS-based CFD, which is expensive for the complex missile geometries and the multiplicity of operating conditions to be evaluated. The presented reduced-order model (ROM) provides a reasonably accurate prediction of the aerodynamic coefficients of the missile (and, in fact, the full flow field around it) within half a minute. In particular, in the interpolative regime, prediction errors for all coefficients are typically less than 1% of their respective maximum values encountered in the database, with extrapolation incurring more error. The empirical approach ‘learns’ from the CFD solutions calculated for a few operating conditions, and then is able to make predictions for any other condition within a feasible set. The learning employs proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to characterise the most important features of the flow. The prediction is posed as an optimisation problem that aims to find the flow solution as a linear combination of the above POD modes that minimises the residual of the governing equations. Innovations on the prevailing POD-ROM approach include novel implementation of boundary conditions, simplified computation of the aerodynamic coefficients, and a procedure for choosing modelling parameters based on extensive cross-validation. Challenges overcome in application to a problem of industrial relevance are discussed.
Transcendence between Expression and Secrecy: A Critical Cognitive Perspective on the Metaphorical Discourse of Yārsān Religion
Authors: Veisi Hasar Rahman , Rezania Kianoosh
Published: March 2022

This paper seeks to shed light on the metaphorical discourse of the secretive minority religion of Yārsān. Metaphor is demonstrated as a central rhetorical device, applied as a linguistic apparatus that serves the ideology of concealment. To express heterodox concepts, Yārsān texts principally employ two rhetorical devices, metaphor and lexical substitution. The metaphorical models objectively conceptualize highly abstract religious notions and serve to obscure heretical concepts that strongly vary from established orthodox beliefs. As for lexical substitution, the most frequent metaphorical models are verbalized using foreign loanwords that are not common in Kurdish dialects. Together, these strategies construct a highly puzzling and mysterious discourse that is too difficult for outsiders to unravel. It can be argued that the metaphorical discourse of Yārsān functions as an anti-language that effectively challenges the limitations of expression imposed by the orthodox mainstream in the medieval era. Yārsān followers are able to express non-expressible ideas and disguise them within complicated imageries.
Effects of spatial and temporal regulation of drip emitters and tube configurations on water productivity of juvenile macadamia trees in the tropics
Authors: Bhattarai Surya P. , Pendergast Lance , Shuyan Li , Midmore David J.
Published: March 2022

Macadamia in Australia is traditionally grown in semi-arid climates with hot and humid summers and cool winters supporting rainfed cultivation. Recent industry expansion into more northern, drier production areas of Queensland, Australia, requires supplementary irrigation for successful macadamia production. However, ever-increasing demand for irrigation water in these areas is both competitive and regulated. Limited information is available to optimize water use efficiency for field-grown macadamia trees. We trialled a technique that employs specially designed drip tubes with push-in emitter plugs to close emitters so that transplanting can start with emitters closed distant from tree bases and open next to the trunks of each tree. Additional emitters are then gradually opened (i.e., plugs are removed) as tree canopy size increases over subsequent years. This technique was tested on single and double in-line irrigation tube configurations per row of macadamia. Temporal regulation of emitter closure significantly reduced irrigation input by 75, 50 and 25% in the first, second and third year of treatment. Hence, irrigation over the three-year establishment period was reduced to one-half that of the non-regulated crop. These early reductions of irrigation in juvenile trees had no significant negative effects on plant growth (height, canopy spread, leaf chlorophyll and leaf photosynthetic rates), nor on nut counts. Control of emitter discharge between the plants along the row in the earlier stage (i.e., before complete within-row canopy cover) also reduced weed growth between the trees in the row. Notable growth advantages of the single in-line over the double in-line tube configuration were evident, with a non-significant but sizeable benefit on nut counts too. Effects of the temporal regulation of emitters and of in-line tube configurations must be validated on cultivars with differing water requirements and for the longer-term reproductive performance and nut quality.
Language Skills and Stock Market Participation: Evidence From Immigrants
Authors: Gan Xu , Song Frank M. , Zhou Yang
Published: March 2022

Do language skills affect investment decisions? This article addresses this question by identifying the effect of English proficiency on the stock market participation of immigrants in the United States and Australia. To establish causality, we construct an instrumental variable for English proficiency by exploiting the phenomenon that younger children acquire languages more easily than older children. We find that English proficiency has a significant positive effect on stock ownership among immigrants in both countries. Moreover, we provide evidence that a reduction in information costs and an increase in trust may serve as the mechanisms underlying the language ability effect.
THE IMPACT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDING ON THE STUDY OF METAL ARTEFACTS. MYCENAE 1939: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Aulsebrook Stephanie
Published: March 2022

Aegean Archaeology is one of the oldest branches of prehistoric archaeological scholarship, and many important settlements and cemeteries, such as those at Mycenae, were excavated before the development of more advanced recording techniques that we take for granted today. Nevertheless, the significance of these legacy data as a source of knowledge means we must still find ways to integrate them into our interpretations, despite their limitations. To derive the most robust results possible, it is important to understand exactly what types of impact these earlier recording strategies may have had on our perception of their findings. Yet this type of investigation is rare, meaning that in many cases we know more about the repercussions of taphonomy and the social practices of past societies on the archaeological record than those caused by the actions of our own predecessors. In preparation for a holistic study of all aspects of the use of metals at the Late Bronze Age site of Mycenae, this paper details the exploration of the recording processes in place during the 1939 excavation season. This has been identified as an ideal case study for examining recording strategies because its organisational structure gave each trench supervisor a great deal of individual freedom. Concentrating on their consequences for metal artefacts in particular, each stage of the recording process, in the field, in the museum and in publications, is discussed, as is the aftermath of the Second World War.
The associations of physical incapacity and wealth with remaining in paid employment after age 60 in five middle-income and high-income countries
Authors: Lu Wentian , Stefler Denes , Sanchez-Niubo Albert , Haro Josep Maria , Marmot Michael , Bobak Martin
Published: March 2022

Previous studies on health and socio-economic determinants of later-life labour force participation have mainly come from high-income European countries and the United States of America (USA). Findings vary between studies due to different measures of socio-economic status and labour force outcomes. This study investigated longitudinal associations of physical incapacity and wealth with remaining in paid employment after age 60 in middle- and high-income countries. Using harmonised cohort data in the USA, England, Japan, Mexico and China (N = 32,132), multilevel logistic regression was applied for main associations. The age-related probabilities of remaining in paid employment by physical incapacity and wealth were estimated using marginal effects. This study found that physical incapacity predicted lower odds of remaining in paid employment in each country. Wealth was associated with higher odds of remaining in paid employment in the USA, England and Japan, but not in Mexico. Probabilities of remaining in paid employment were high in Mexico but low in China. The absolute difference in the probability of remaining in paid employment between the richest and the poorest groups was greater in the USA than that in any other country. In the USA, England and Japan, the inverse association between physical incapacity and remaining in paid employment could be partially compensated by wealth only when physical incapacity was not severe. National policies, including considering older adults’ changing capacities for job placement and prioritising the provision of supportive services for socio-economically disadvantaged older adults, developing pathways for informal workers to access social security and pension coverage, and encouraging employers to hire socio-economically disadvantaged older workers and enhancing their employability, could be facilitated. Future studies, such as exploring health and socio-economic determinants of remaining in part-time and full-time paid employment separately in more countries, and the moderating effects of relevant policies on these associations, are needed.
Adjustable whole-body dynamics for adaptive locomotion: the influence of upper body movements and its interactions with the lower body parts on the stable locomotion of a simple bipedal robot
Authors: Ahmad Huthaifa , Nakata Yoshihiro , Nakamura Yutaka , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the influence of adding an upper body to a bipedal robot on its stable walking behavior. The robot’s parts are mutually interconnected through an actuator network system. Therefore, the movement pattern of the upper body depends on the type of interactions created with other limbs. Throughout the experiments, various interactions among the different body parts were tested. The results showed that a robot with a motionless upper body exhibited unstable walking behavior. However, once the same upper body was involved and interacted properly, with other body parts, its movement significantly helped to stabilize the behavior of the robot.
Facilitating More Efficient Negotiations for Innovative Therapies: A Value-Based Negotiation Framework
Authors: Whittal Amanda , Jommi Claudio , De Pouvourville Gérard , Taylor David , Annemans Lieven , Schoonaert Lies , Vermeersch Sebastian , Hutchings Adam , Patris Julien
Published: March 2022

Objectives

An increasing number of innovative therapies (e.g., gene- and cell-based treatments) have been developed in the past 20 years. Despite the significant clinical potential of these therapies, access delays may arise because of differing perspectives of manufacturers and payers regarding issues such as the value of the product, clinical and financial uncertainties, and sustainability.

Managed entry agreements (MEAs) can enable access to treatments that would not be reimbursed by conventional methods because of such concerns. However, although MEA typologies exist, there is currently no structured process to come to agreements on MEAs, which can be difficult to decide upon and implement.

To facilitate more structured MEA negotiations, we propose a conceptual “value-based negotiation framework” with corresponding application tools.

Methods

The framework was developed based on an iterative process of scientific literature review and expert input.

Results

The framework aims to (i) systematically identify and prioritize manufacturer and payer concerns about a new treatment, and (ii) select a mutually acceptable combination of MEA terms that can best address priority concerns, with the lowest possible implementation burden.

Conclusions

The proposed framework will be tested in practice, and is a step toward supporting payers and manufacturers to engage in more structured, transparent negotiations to balance the needs of both sides, and enabling quicker, more transparent MEA negotiations and patient access to innovative products.