bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Chiral) Virasoro invariance of the tree-level MHV graviton scattering amplitudes
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Ghosh Sudip , Paul Partha
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this paper we continue our study of the tree level MHV graviton scattering amplitudes from the point of view of celestial holography. InarXiv:2008.04330we showed that the celestial OPE of two gravitons in the MHV sector can be written as a linear combination of$$ \overline{\mathrm{SL}\left(2,\mathbb{C}\right)} $$SL2ℂ¯current algebra and supertranslation descendants. In this note we show that the OPE is in fact manifestly invariant under the infinite dimensional Virasoro algebra as is expected for a 2-D CFT. This is consistent with the conjecture that the holographic dual in 4-D asymptotically flat space time is a 2-D CFT. Since we get only one copy of the Virasoro algebra we can conclude that the holographic dual theory which computes the MHV amplitudes is a chiral CFT with a host of other infinite dimensional global symmetries including$$ \overline{\mathrm{SL}\left(2,\mathbb{C}\right)} $$SL2ℂ¯current algebra, supertranslations and subsubleading soft graviton symmetry. We also discuss some puzzles related to the appearance of the Virasoro symmetry.
Supersymmetric Galilean Electrodynamics
Authors: Baiguera Stefano , Cederle Lorenzo , Penati Silvia
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In 2+1 dimensions, we propose a renormalizable non-linear sigma model action which describes the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric generalization of Galilean Electrodynamics. We first start with the simplest model obtained by null reduction of the relativistic Abelian $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric QED in 3+1 dimensions and study its renormalization properties directly in non-relativistic superspace. Despite the existence of a non-renormalization theorem induced by the causal structure of the non-relativistic dynamics, we find that the theory is non-renormalizable. Infinite dimensionless, supersymmetric and gauge-invariant terms, which combine into an analytic function, are generated at quantum level. Renormalizability is then restored by generalizing the theory to a non-linear sigma model where the usual minimal coupling between gauge and matter is complemented by infinitely many marginal couplings driven by a dimensionless gauge scalar and its fermionic superpartner. Superconformal invariance is preserved in correspondence of a non-trivial conformal manifold of fixed points where the theory is gauge-invariant and interacting.
The Weyl double copy in vacuum spacetimes with a cosmological constant
Authors: Han Shanzhong
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We examine the Weyl double copy relation for vacuum solutions of the Einstein equations with a cosmological constant using the approach we previously described, in which the spin-1/2 massless free-field spinors (Dirac-Weyl fields) are regarded as basic units. Based on the exact non-twisting vacuum type N and vacuum type D solutions, the finding explicitly shows that the single and zeroth copies fulfill conformally invariant field equations in conformally flat spacetime. In addition, irrespective of the presence of a cosmological constant, we demonstrate that the zeroth copy connects Dirac-Weyl fields with the degenerate electromagnetic fields in the curved spacetime in addition to connecting gravity fields with the single copy in conformally flat spacetime. Moreover, the study also demonstrates the critical significance the zeroth copy plays in time-dependent radiation solutions. In particular, for Robinson-Trautman (Λ) gravitational waves, unlike the single copy, we find that the zeroth copy carries additional information to specify whether the sources of associated gravitational waves are time-like, null, or space-like, at least in the weak field limit.
Perfect tensor hyperthreads
Authors: Harper Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Bit threads, a dual description of the Ryu-Takyanagi formula for holographic entanglement entropy (EE), can be interpreted as a distillation of the quantum information to a collection of Bell pairs between different boundary regions. In this article we discuss a generalization to hyperthreads which can connect more than two boundary regions leading to a rich and diverse class of convex programs. By modeling the contributions of different species of hyperthreads to the EEs of perfect tensors we argue that this framework may be useful for helping us to begin to probe the multipartite entanglement of holographic systems. Furthermore, we demonstrate how this technology can potentially be used to understand holographic entropy cone inequalities and may provide an avenue to address issues of locking.
Electrode wear investigation of aluminium spot welding by motion overlay
Authors: Heilmann Stefan , Baumgarten Martin , Koal Johannes , Zschetzsche Jörg , Füssel Uwe
Published: September 2022

The amount of aluminium sheets in future body-in-white concepts is still on the rise. There is a need for optimizing the joining techniques, caused by the different characteristics compared to the established steel components. Especially the electrode life for resistance spot welding as a reliable and established process needs to be improved. One reason for the short electrode life when welding aluminium is the insulating effect of the aluminium oxide layer. One possibility to reduce the electrode wear is the mechanical destruction of the oxide layer before the welding. This paper describes the influence of a translational and rotational electrode movement on the electrode wear. The oxide layer destruction is detected by resistance measurement. It could be shown that the destruction of the oxide layer already occurs at low movements. However, a homogeneous, large-area destruction is necessary for a wear reduction.
Die Gesellschaft und die Couch. Auseinandersetzungen mit individuellen und sozialen Bedingungen für eine emanzipatorische Psychotherapie
Authors: Muckenhuber Johanna
Published: September 2022

Als Psychotherapeut:innen begegnen wir Menschen und verstehen sie mit ihrem aktuellen Leiden, ihren Entwicklungswünschen, mit ihrer Lebensgeschichte, ihrer sozialen Eingebundenheit aber auch in ihrer beruflichen und gesellschaftlichen Situation. Die sozio-ökonomischen Bedingungen der Lebenswelt der Klient:innen finden jedoch in vielfach in der Psychotherapie keine oder zu wenig Beachtung. Wenn wir das Anliegen einer emanzipatorischen Psychotherapie verfolgen, ist es notwendig die gesellschaftliche Position der Klient:innen mit einer engen Verwobenheit zwischen biographischen und sozialen Wirkmechanismen in unserem Nachdenken über sie ebenso zu berücksichtigen wie ihre individuellen Dispositionen. Die Gesellschaft und die sozialen Bedingungen müssen insofern immer wieder ihren Weg auf die Couch finden. Im Beitrag wird anhand zweier Fallvignetten mit der sozialwissenschaftlichen Methode der analytischen Autoethnographie unter Berücksichtigung von intersubjektiven Prozessen und mittels der Analyse von Übertragung und Gegenübertragung dargestellt, dass dabei Ohnmachtsgefühle von Klient:innen und Therapeut:innen ein wesentliches Hindernis darstellen können und der bewussten Reflexion zugänglich gemacht werden sollten. In der Therapie stehen wir zudem häufig vor der Herausforderung einer Gratwanderung zwischen dem individuellen Wunsch nach Entwicklung und der gesellschaftlichen Anforderung nach Selbstoptimierung. Der Beitrag diskutiert daher die Frage, ob Psychotherapie in erster Linie dazu beiträgt, die Menschen an die herrschenden Verhältnisse anzupassen und ihre Arbeitsfähigkeit zu erhalten. Oder ob Psychotherapie nicht vielmehr auch die Widerständigkeit der Individuen fördern kann und soll, um damit auch ihre Handlungsspielräume zu vergrößern und dazu beizutragen, dass die Menschen ihre Umwelt aktiv (um)gestalten.
Pedophile, Child Lover, or Minor-Attracted Person? Attitudes Toward Labels Among People Who are Sexually Attracted to Children
Authors: Jahnke Sara , Blagden Nicholas , Hill Laura
Published: September 2022

The primary label for people who are sexually attracted to children (“pedophile”) is conflated with sexual offending behavior and tainted with stigma. In the present pre-registered mixed-method study, we therefore investigated attitudes and preferences regarding "pedophile/hebephile" and other labels among 286 people who report a stronger or equally strong sexual attraction to prepubescent and pubescent children than to adults. Overall, quantitative data showed acceptance of “pedophile/hebephile” as well as a range of alternative labels in a personal (Labeling Oneself) and a professional context (Being Labeled by Others). “Minor-attracted person” and “pedophile/hebephile” received generally higher support than other terms and appeared to be least divisive across three major online fora. Qualitative data revealed four themes: “Contested self-labels,” “Person-first language and pathologizing sexuality/identity,” “Stigma and shame,” and “Reclaiming the pedophile label.” Our results allow deeper insight into reasons for adopting certain labels over others, as well as difficulties of finding a non-stigmatizing label. We discuss limitations of the study and practical implications for clinical and research contexts.
Starvation and cadmium affect energy reserves and oxidative stress in individuals of Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Pompka Anna , Szulińska Elżbieta , Kafel Alina
Published: September 2022

Different factors, such as starvation and metal exposure, may affect development and cause oxidative stress in insects. Some host plants may contain a high concentration of cadmium due to their hyperaccumulating property. The negative effects of metals and hunger may be manifested by low availability of energetic substrates. This study aimed to assess whether the insect population with a history of long metal exposure may better manage metal stress or/and starvation at different developmental stages, with the use of energetic substrates. Two strains of Spodoptera exigua model organism were tested: control strain and cadmium strain (treated continuously for over 200 generations with subtoxic amounts of cadmium). The effects of different factors, individually and in combination, on the tested strains were assessed, first by determining the body weight of larvae and pupae and then by estimating the concentration of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, or glycogen) in the 4th and 5th larval stages and in pupae, and the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level in the 4th larval stage. Compared to control strain, cadmium strain individuals exhibited changes in the concentration of soluble carbohydrates and protein. This was partly related to earlier 1-day starvation. In particular, changes in carbohydrate concentration seemed to be a sensitive biomarker of metal stress, independent of the age of individuals and period of starvation. However, the increase in the total antioxidant capacity and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in the 4th larval stage under the effect of cadmium was dependent on strain origin.
SARS-CoV-2 infections in professional orchestra and choir musicians—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Berghöfer Anne , Rotter Gabriele , Pankert Joachim , Icke Katja , Roll Stephanie , King Ryan , Willich Stefan N.
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsal and concert activities of professional orchestras and choirs were severely restricted based on the assumption of particularly high infection risks associated with wind instruments and singing. Therefore, our primary objective was to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in orchestra and choir musicians compared to controls. We also assessed influenza, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, and course of illness. Musicians from professional orchestras and choirs and controls from 23 institutions throughout Germany were included in a prospective cohort study. Data were collected from October 2020 to June 2021 by weekly online surveys. A mixed-effects cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the effect of exposure by professional activity on SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 1,097 participants (46.7 years (SD 10.3); 46.8% female; 705 orchestra, 154 choir, and 238 control subjects) 40 SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred. Cases per person-years were 0.06 in orchestras, 0.11 in choirs, and 0.03 in controls. Hazard ratios compared to controls were 1.74 (95% CI 0.58 to 5.25, p = 0.320) for orchestra musicians and 2.97 (0.87 to 10.28, p = 0.087) for choir singers. Infection source was suspected predominantly in private contexts. Disease courses were mild to moderate. Other respiratory infections were reported in 6.1% of study weeks in orchestras, 10.1% in choirs, and 8.0% in controls. Sick leave days of total study days were 0.5, 2.1 and 1.3%, respectively. This epidemiologic study during the pandemic in professional musicians indicates no increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections in orchestra musicians and a trend towards increased risk in choir singers compared to controls. However, the exact routes of infection could not be validated. If appropriate hygiene concepts are adhered to, safe orchestra and choir activity appears possible in pandemic times.
Coastalization patterns in the Mediterranean: a spatiotemporal analysis of coastal urban sprawl in tourism destination areas
Authors: Lagarias Apostolos , Stratigea Anastasia
Published: September 2022

Under the current climate change scenery, coastalization, i.e. a linear-type of urban sprawl along the coastal zone, has become a key planning and policy concern at a global scale. Such a coastal urban sprawl trend seems to be further intensifying by, among others, mass tourism development in coastal destinations. This is evident by the abundance of relevant examples, being detected, among others, in the Mediterranean region. Taking into consideration the extreme pressure of the coastalization trend on land/marine ecosystems and its impacts on sustainability and resilience objectives, the focus of this research is on the development of a spatiotemporal and data-driven methodological approach that is capable of quantifying the dynamics of coastal urban sprawl. The proposed approach is grounded on a set of spatial metrics and a combination of the multitemporal Global Human Settlement Layer and the Corine Land Cover data; and is tested in four Mediterranean highly-rated tourism destinations in Spain, France, Italy and Greece. The variation of spatial metrics along different time spots and distinct distance buffers from the coast, unveils diversifying coastalization typologies and urban sprawl patterns; and provides input for more informed and place-based policy decisions on sustainable coastal land management. The proposed approach is easily replicable to other coastal regions as well for capturing/quantifying aspects of urban sprawl and coastalization dynamics and supporting relevant evidence-based decision-making.
Discrete constant mean curvature surfaces on general graphs
Authors: Hoffmann Tim , Kobayashi Shimpei , Ye Zi
Published: September 2022

The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we generalize the definition of discrete isothermic surfaces. Compared with the previous ones, it covers more discrete surfaces, e.g., the associated families of discrete isothermic minimal and non-zero constant mean curvature (CMC in short) surfaces, whose counterpart in smooth case are isothermic surfaces. Second, we show that the discrete isothermic CMC surfaces can be obtained by the discrete holomorphic data (a solution of the additive rational Toda system) via the discrete generalized Weierstrass type representation.
Spirituality: A Key Component of the Salvation Army’s Bridge Programme Model of Treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Egan Richard , Gross Julien , Cameron Claire , Hobbs Linda , Patterson Tess
Published: September 2022

Spirituality is vital to The Salvation Army’s Bridge model of treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Spirituality is expressed through Recovery Church, prayer, spirituality lifters, the 12-step programme, and focuses on meaning and purpose. We recruited participants from several regional centers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and evaluated spirituality using the WHOQol-SRPB and open-ended questions. Most participants held broad understandings of spirituality, only a minority equating it with religion. Participants who completed the Programme had statistically significant increases in spiritual wellbeing at end-of-treatment. These increases were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. Increases in spiritual wellbeing were associated with decreases in severity of alcohol and drug use.
Convergence Properties of Monotone and Nonmonotone Proximal Gradient Methods Revisited
Authors: Kanzow Christian , Mehlitz Patrick
Published: September 2022

Composite optimization problems, where the sum of a smooth and a merely lower semicontinuous function has to be minimized, are often tackled numerically by means of proximal gradient methods as soon as the lower semicontinuous part of the objective function is of simple enough structure. The available convergence theory associated with these methods (mostly) requires the derivative of the smooth part of the objective function to be (globally) Lipschitz continuous, and this might be a restrictive assumption in some practically relevant scenarios. In this paper, we readdress this classical topic and provide convergence results for the classical (monotone) proximal gradient method and one of its nonmonotone extensions which are applicable in the absence of (strong) Lipschitz assumptions. This is possible since, for the price of forgoing convergence rates, we omit the use of descent-type lemmas in our analysis.
First- and Second-Order Analysis for Optimization Problems with Manifold-Valued Constraints
Authors: Bergmann Ronny , Herzog Roland , Ortiz López Julián , Schiela Anton
Published: September 2022

We consider optimization problems with manifold-valued constraints. These generalize classical equality and inequality constraints to a setting in which both the domain and the codomain of the constraint mapping are smooth manifolds. We model the feasible set as the preimage of a submanifold with corners of the codomain. The latter is a subset which corresponds to a convex cone locally in suitable charts. We study first- and second-order optimality conditions for this class of problems. We also show the invariance of the relevant quantities with respect to local representations of the problem.
Evaluating the influences of urban expansion on multiple ecosystem services in drylands
Authors: Song Shixiong , He Chunyang , Liu Zhifeng , Qi Tao
Published: September 2022

Context

Effectively estimating the influences of urban expansion on multiple ecosystem services (ESs) is of great importance for improving urban planning in drylands. However, there are some shortcomings in the existing urban expansion models, which lead to great uncertainties in the assessment of the influences of urban expansion on multiple ESs.

Objectives

This study sought to effectively estimate the influences of urban expansion on multiple ESs in drylands.

Methods

We combined the land use scenario dynamics-urban model and ES models to estimate the influences of urban expansion on habitat quality, food production, water retention, air quality regulation, sand fixation, and aesthetics.

Results

The results showed that (1) our method can effectively evaluate the influences of urban expansion on multiple ESs in drylands, and the accuracy increased by more than 20% on average. (2) Under the impacts of future urban expansion, the annual average loss per unit area of habitat quality, food production, water retention, air quality regulation, sand fixation, and aesthetics will increase. (3) Future urban expansion will occupy more cropland and grassland, which will be the main reason for the intensified degradation of multiple ESs.

Conclusions

We suggest that the local government should focus on protecting key ecosystems, especially grasslands, from urban expansion to mitigate the potential influences on multiple ESs in drylands.
Naive automated machine learning
Authors: Mohr Felix , Wever Marcel
Published: September 2022

An essential task of automated machine learning ($$\text {AutoML}$$
AutoML
) is the problem of automatically finding the pipeline with the best generalization performance on a given dataset. This problem has been addressed with sophisticated $$\text {black-box}$$
black-box
optimization techniques such as Bayesian optimization, grammar-based genetic algorithms, and tree search algorithms. Most of the current approaches are motivated by the assumption that optimizing the components of a pipeline in isolation may yield sub-optimal results. We present $$\text {Naive AutoML}$$

Naive AutoML

, an approach that precisely realizes such an in-isolation optimization of the different components of a pre-defined pipeline scheme. The returned pipeline is obtained by just taking the best algorithm of each slot. The isolated optimization leads to substantially reduced search spaces, and, surprisingly, this approach yields comparable and sometimes even better performance than current state-of-the-art optimizers.
Control and navigation problems for model bio-inspired microswimmers
Authors: Lolli Alberto , Corsi Giovanni , DeSimone Antonio
Published: September 2022

Navigation problems for a model bio-inspired micro-swimmer, consisting of a cargo head and propelled by multiple rotating flagella or propellers and swimming at low Reynolds numbers, are formulated and solved. We consider both the direct problem, namely, predicting velocity and trajectories of the swimmer as a consequence of prescribed rotation rates of the propellers, and inverse problems, namely, find the rotation rates to best approximate desired translational and rotational velocities and, ultimately, target trajectories. The equations of motion of the swimmer express the balance of the forces and torques acting on the swimmer, and relate translational and rotational velocities of the cargo head to rotation rates of the propellers. The coefficients of these equations, representing hydrodynamic resistance coefficients, are evaluated numerically through a custom-built finite-element code to simulate the (Stokes) fluid flows generated by the movement of the swimmer and of its parts. Several designs of the propulsive rotors are considered: from helical flagella with different chirality to marine propellers, and their relative performance is assessed.
Towards achieving a high degree of situational awareness and multimodal interaction with AR and semantic AI in industrial applications
Authors: Izquierdo-Domenech Juan , Linares-Pellicer Jordi , Orta-Lopez Jorge
Published: September 2022

With its various available frameworks and possible devices, augmented reality is a proven useful tool in various industrial processes such as maintenance, repairing, training, reconfiguration, and even monitoring tasks of production lines in large factories. Despite its advantages, augmented reality still does not usually give meaning to the elements it complements, staying in a physical or geometric layer of its environment and without providing information that may be of great interest to industrial operators in carrying out their work. An expert’s remote human assistance is becoming an exciting complement in these environments, but this is expensive or even impossible in many cases. This paper shows how a machine learning semantic layer can complement augmented reality solutions in the industry by providing an intelligent layer, sometimes even beyond some expert’s skills. This layer, using state-of-the-art models, can provide visual validation and new inputs, natural language interaction, and automatic anomaly detection. All this new level of semantic context can be integrated into almost any current augmented reality system, improving the operator’s job with additional contextual information, new multimodal interaction and validation, increasing their work comfort, operational times, and security.
Systematic description of COVID-19 pandemic using exact SIR solutions and Gumbel distributions
Authors: Amaro J. E.
Published: September 2022

An epidemiological study is carried out in several countries analyzing the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic using the SIR model and Gumbel distribution. The equations of the SIR model are solved exactly using the proper time as a parameter. The physical time is obtained by integration of the inverse of the infected function over proper time. Some properties of the solutions of the SIR model are studied such as time scaling and the asymmetry, which allows to obtain the basic reproduction number from the data. Approximations to the solutions of the SIR model are studied using Gumbel distributions by least squares fit or by adjusting the maximum of the infected function. Finally, the parameters of the SIR model and the Gumbel function are extracted from the death data and compared for the different countries. It is found that ten of the selected countries are very well described by the solutions of the SIR model, with a basic reproduction number between 3 and 8.
The quantitative importance of key root traits for radial water loss under low water potential
Authors: Song Zhiwei , Zonta Francesco , Ogorek Lucas León Peralta , Bastegaard Viggo Klint , Herzog Max , Pellegrini Elisa , Pedersen Ole
Published: September 2022

Aims

Root tissue water can be lost to the dry topsoil via radial water loss (RWL) resulting in root shrinking and loss of contact with the rhizosphere. The root barrier to radial oxygen loss (ROL) has been shown to restrict RWL, therefore we hypothesized that the inducible barrier can be formed as a response to low soil water potential and play a role, together with other root traits, in restricting RWL.

Methods

Rice and wheat were grown in hydroponics with contrasting water potential to diagnose ROL barrier formation and to explore how key root traits (ROL barrier, root diameter, root porosity) affect RWL. Moreover, we developed a numerical model predicting RWL as a function of root diameter, root porosity and presence of a barrier to ROL.

Results

Methylene blue staining showed that low water potential induced a ROL barrier formation in roots of rice, and also resulted in an apoplastic barrier, as identified by the apoplastic tracer periodic acid. The barrier significantly restricted RWL, but root diameter and tissue porosity also influenced RWL. Our numerical model was able to reflect the empirical data and clearly demonstrated that thick roots and a barrier to ROL restricts RWL while cortical porosity accelerates RWL.

Conclusions

Our modelling approach highlighted that increase in root tissue porosity, a common response to drought, conserves water when new roots are formed, but the higher desiccation risk related to high-porosity roots can be effectively counteracted by forming thick roots or even better, by a barrier to ROL.
“The Impact of Demographic Change on Transfers of Care and Associated Well-being”
Authors: Dukhovnov Denys , Ryan Joan M. , Zagheni Emilio
Published: September 2022

This study aims to evaluate the impact of demographic change on long-term, macro-level childcare and adult care transfers, accounting for the associated well-being effects of informal caregiving. We measure the impact of demographic change on non-monetary care exchanged between different groups by estimating matrices of time transfers by age and sex, and weighting the time flows by self-reported indicators of well-being, for activities related to childcare and adult care. The analysis employs cross-sectional data from the American Time Use Survey 2011–2013, and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, Disability, and Use of Time Module 2013 to produce the estimates of well-being associated with the two forms of care and their future projections. Both men and women experience more positive feelings when caring for children than when caring for adults. As a whole, caregiving is an overwhelmingly more positive experience than it is negative across both genders and care types. Yet women often report more tiredness and stress than men when providing childcare, while also experiencing more pain while performing adult care, as compared to childcare activities. Women of reproductive ages spend double the amount of care time associated with negative feelings, relative to men, most of which is spent on early childcare. We project a progressively widening gender gap in terms of positive feelings related to care in the coming decades. Future reductions in absolute caregiver well-being influenced by demographic changes at the population level may reduce workforce participation, productivity, and adversely impact psycho-physical condition of caregivers, if not offset by targeted policies.
The developmental journey of therapies targeting purine receptors: from basic science to clinical trials
Authors: Han Seunga , Suzuki-Kerr Haruna , Vlajkovic Srdjan M. , Thorne Peter R.
Published: September 2022

Since the discovery of ATP as an extracellular signalling molecule in 1972, purinergic signalling, mediated by extracellular purines and pyrimidines has been identified in virtually all mammalian tissues and is implicated in regulating fundamental cellular processes. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions based on purinergic signalling. A vast range of compounds targeting purine receptors are in clinical development, and many more are in preclinical studies, which highlights the fast growth in this research field. As a tribute to Professor Geoffrey Burnstock’s legacy in purinergic signalling, we present here a brief review of compounds targeting purine receptors that are in different stages of clinical trials. The review highlights the 50-year journey from basic research on purinergic receptors to clinical applications of therapies targeting purine receptors.
Evidence-Based Quality Improvement: a Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Bolshakova Maria , Turner Barbara J. , Dinalo Jennifer , Rose Danielle , Motala Aneesa , Fu Ning , Clemesha Chase G. , Rubenstein Lisa , Stockdale Susan
Published: September 2022

Background

Quality improvement (QI) initiatives often reflect approaches based on anecdotal evidence, but it is unclear how initiatives can best incorporate scientific literature and methods into the QI process. Review of studies of QI initiatives that aim to systematically incorporate evidence review (termed evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI)) may provide a basis for further methodological development.

Methods

In this scoping review (registration: https://osf.io/hr5bj) of EBQI, we searched the databases PubMed, CINAHL, and SCOPUS. The review addressed three central questions: How is EBQI defined? How is evidence used to inform evidence-informed QI initiatives? What is the effectiveness of EBQI?

Results

We identified 211 publications meeting inclusion criteria. In total, 170 publications explicitly used the term “EBQI.” Published definitions emphasized relying on evidence throughout the QI process. We reviewed a subset of 67 evaluations of QI initiatives in primary care, including both studies that used the term “EBQI” with those that described an evidence-based initiative without using EBQI terminology. The most frequently reported EBQI components included use of evidence to identify previously tested effective QI interventions; engaging stakeholders; iterative intervention development; partnering with frontline clinicians; and data-driven evaluation of the QI intervention. Effectiveness estimates were positive but varied in size in ten studies that provided data on patient health outcomes.

Conclusions

EBQI is a promising strategy for integrating relevant prior scientific findings and methods systematically in the QI process, from the initial developmental phase of the IQ initiative through to its evaluation. Future QI researchers and practitioners can use these findings as the basis for further development of QI initiatives.
On the Heat Treatment of Selective-Laser-Melted 316L
Authors: Morozova Iuliia , Kehm Christian , Obrosov Aleksei , Yang Yitong , Miah Kamal Uddin Mohammad , Uludintceva Elena , Fritzsche Sebastian , Weiß Sabine , Michailov Vesselin
Published: September 2022

The effect of heat treatment at various temperatures (650, 850, 1050, and 1100°C) and dwell times (10 min and 1 h) on the metallurgical and microstructural evolution as well as on the related tensile properties of stainless steel 316L processed by selective laser melting (SLM) has been systematically evaluated. The metallurgical and microstructural features such as defects, stability of the columnar–cellular structure and substructure, second phase particles, and phase transformation imparted by SLM and heat treatment have been discussed. It has been shown that the processing conditions specific to SLM significantly alter the kinetics of phase evolution compared to standard welding techniques which affects the accuracy of the prediction. The influence of these characteristics on tensile properties and hardness was elucidated. It was disclosed that with increasing heat treatment temperature there was a gradual increase in elongation but a decrease in strength related to the dislocation density and the development of the microstructure.
Temporal Pattern of Neuroinflammation Associated with a Low Glycemic Index Diet in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dafnis Ioannis , Mountaki Christina , Fanarioti Eleni , Mastellos Dimitrios C. , Karvelas Michalis , Karathanos Vaios T. , Tzinia Athina , Dermon Catherine R. , Chroni Angeliki
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with brain amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide accumulation and neuroinflammation. Currants, a low glycemic index dried fruit, and their components display pleiotropic neuroprotective effects in AD. We examined how diet containing 5% Corinthian currant paste (CurD) administered in 1-month-old 5xFAD mice for 1, 3, and 6 months affects Aβ levels and neuroinflammation in comparison to control diet (ConD) or sugar-matched diet containing 3.5% glucose/fructose (GFD). No change in serum glucose or insulin levels was observed among the three groups. CurD administered for 3 months reduced brain Aβ42 levels in male mice as compared to ConD and GFD, but after 6 months, Aβ42 levels were increased in mice both on CurD and GFD compared to ConD. CurD for 3 months also reduced TNFα and IL-1β levels in male and female mouse cortex homogenates compared to ConD and GFD. However, after 6 months, TNFα levels were increased in cortex homogenates of mice both on CurD and GFD as compared to ConD. A similar pattern was observed for TNFα-expressing cells, mostly co-expressing the microglial marker CD11b, in mouse hippocampus. IL-1β levels were similarly increased in the brain of all groups after 6 months. Furthermore, a time dependent decrease of secreted TNFα levels was found in BV2 microglial cells treated with currant phenolic extract as compared to glucose/fructose solution. Overall, our findings suggest that a short-term currant consumption reduces neuroinflammation in 5xFAD mice as compared to sugar-matched or control diet, but longer-term intake of currant or sugar-matched diet enhances neuroinflammation.
Water Quality Monitoring Using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 Satellite Data (2014–2020) in Timsah Lake, Ismailia, Suez Canal Region (Egypt)
Authors: Seleem T. , Bafi D. , Karantzia M. , Parcharidis I.
Published: September 2022

The present study aims to monitor the water quality in Timsah Lake by satellite data, the largest water body in Ismailia district, Egypt. To achieve this, multi-temporal space-born data of both Landsat-8 OLI- (L1 and L2) and Sentinel-2 (2A and 2B) were used during 2014–2020. The methodologies of Case 2 regional coast colour algorithm and aquatic reflectance were applied for monitoring the physical properties of different water characteristics encompassing chlorophyll-a, total suspended matter (TSM), and aquatic reflectance. Satellite data from dry and wet seasons (2014–2020) were selected to examine seasonal and temporal variation. Comparing water quality through the dry and wet seasons (2014–2020) is to avoid the difference in atmospheric conditions and detect seasonal variations. The present study results have shown that the Western Lagoon and its streams are considered the primary source of pollution. Specifically, lower values are observed during August 2015 for TSM (4–17 g m−3) and chlorophyll-a (2–11 g m−3), while the highest values of TSM (23–50 g m−3) appear during August 2018 and for chlorophyll-a during August 2016–2018 (20–40 g m−3). For the wet season for TSM, the lowest values are observed during 2016 (3–10 g m−3), and the maximum is noticed during 2019 (13–29 g m−3); for the chlorophyll-a, maximum values are observed during 2017 (10–23 g m−3).
Perceived Social Support and Sustained Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hailey Verity , Fisher Abi , Hamer Mark , Fancourt Daisy
Published: September 2022

Background

COVID-19 lockdown introduced substantial barriers to physical activity, providing a unique ‘natural experiment’ to understand the social factors associated with sustained physical activity. The objectives of this study were to identify the proportion of people who successfully sustained physical activity during lockdown and to explore whether social support, loneliness and social isolation were associated with maintenance of physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown.

Method

Longitudinal data from 16,980 participants, mean age 51.3 years (SD = 14.3) from the COVID-19 Social Study was used to identify a sample of participants who maintained their physical activity despite lockdown.

Results

Seventeen percent were consistently active whilst 42% were completely inactive. After adjustment for multiple confounders, high social support was associated with a 64% (95% CI 50–80%) increased odds of sustaining physical activity and medium social support was associated with 32% (95% CI 20–44%) increased odds. Associations between physical activity and loneliness and social isolation were not found.

Conclusion

This study supports previous research showing the importance of social support for the long-term maintenance of physical activity behaviour but shows that such effects extend to contexts of social restrictions.
Longitudinal Associations Between Timing of Physical Activity Accumulation and Health: Application of Functional Data Methods
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Zou Jingjing , Di Chongzhi , Sears Dorothy D. , Rock Cheryl L. , Natarajan Loki
Published: September 2022

Accelerometers are widely used for tracking human movement and provide minute-level (or even 30 Hz level) physical activity (PA) records for detailed analysis. Instead of using day-level summary statistics to assess these densely sampled inputs, we implement functional principal component analysis (FPCA) approaches to study the temporal patterns of PA data from 245 overweight/obese women at three visits over a 1-year period. We apply longitudinal FPCA to decompose PA inputs, incorporating subject-specific variability, and then test the association between these patterns and obesity-related health outcomes by multiple mixed effect regression models. With the proposed methods, the longitudinal patterns in both densely sampled inputs and scalar outcomes are investigated and connected. The results show that the health outcomes are strongly associated with PA variation, in both subject and visit-level. In addition, we reveal that timing of PA during the day can impact changes in outcomes, a finding that would not be possible with day-level PA summaries. Thus, our findings imply that the use of longitudinal FPCA can elucidate temporal patterns of multiple levels of PA inputs. Furthermore, the exploration of the relationship between PA patterns and health outcomes can be useful for establishing weight-loss guidelines.
Antimicrobial Properties, Functional Characterisation and Application of Fructobacillus fructosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Artisanal Honey
Authors: De Simone Nicola , Rocchetti Maria Teresa , la Gatta Barbara , Spano Giuseppe , Drider Djamel , Capozzi Vittorio , Russo Pasquale , Fiocco Daniela
Published: September 2022

Honey is a valuable reservoir of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and, particularly, of fructophilic LAB (FLAB), a relatively novel subgroup of LAB whose functional potential for human and food application has yet to be explored. In this study, FLAB and LAB strains have been isolated from honeys of different floral origins and selected for their broad antimicrobial activity against typical foodborne pathogenic bacteria and spoilage filamentous fungi. The best candidates, two strains belonging to the species Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Fructobacillus fructosus, were submitted to partial characterisation of their cell free supernatants (CFS) in order to identify the secreted metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Besides, these strains were examined to assess some major functional features, including in vitro tolerance to the oro-gastrointestinal conditions, potential cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells, adhesion to human enterocyte-like cells and capability to stimulate macrophages. Moreover, when the tested strains were applied on table grapes artificially contaminated with pathogenic bacteria or filamentous fungi, they showed a good ability to antagonise the growth of undesired microbes, as well as to survive on the fruit surface at a concentration that is recommended to develop a probiotic effect. In conclusion, both LAB and FLAB honey-isolated strains characterised in this work exhibit functional properties that validate their potential use as biocontrol agents and for the design of novel functional foods. We reported antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic evaluation, probiotic properties and direct food application of a F. fructosus strain, improving the knowledge of this species, in particular, and on FLAB, more generally.
Encapsulation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Through Emulsification Coupled with External Gelation for the Development of Synbiotic Systems
Authors: Frakolaki Georgia , Giannou Virginia , Tzia Constantina
Published: September 2022

Aim of this work was the development of integrated and complex encapsulating systems that will provide more efficient protection to the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) in comparison to the conventional plain alginate beads. Within the scope of this study, the encapsulation of BB-12 through emulsification followed by external gelation was performed. For this purpose, a variety of alginate-based blends, composed of conventional and novel materials, were used. The results demonstrated that alginate beads incorporating 1% carrageenan or 2% nanocrystalline cellulose provided great protection to the viability of the probiotic bacteria during refrigerated storage (survival rates of 50.3% and 51.1%, respectively), as well as in vitro simulation of the gastrointestinal tract (survival rates of 38.7 and 42.0%, respectively). The incorporation of glycerol into the formulation of the beads improved the protective efficiency of the beads to the BB-12 cells during frozen storage, increasing significantly their viability compared to the plain alginate beads. Beads made of milk, alginate 1%, glucose 5%, and inulin 2% provided the best results in all cases. The microstructure of beads was assessed through SEM analysis and showed absence of free bacteria on the surface of the produced beads. Consequently, the encapsulation of BB-12 through emulsification in a complex encapsulating system was proved successful and effective.
AI-driven lightweight real-time SDR sensing system for anomalous respiration identification using ensemble learning
Authors: Saeed Umer , Abbasi Qammer H. , Shah Syed Aziz
Published: September 2022

In less than three years, more than six million fatalities have been reported worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has been contained within a broad range due to restrictions and effective vaccinations. However, there is a greater risk of pandemics in the future, which can cause similar circumstances as the coronavirus. One of the most serious symptoms of coronavirus is rapid respiration decline that can lead to mortality in a short period. This situation, along with other respiratory conditions such as asthma and pneumonia, can be fatal. Such a condition requires a reliable, intelligent, and secure system that is not only contactless but also lightweight to be executed in real-time. Wireless sensing technology is the ultimate solution for modern healthcare systems as it eliminates close interactions with infected individuals. In this paper, a lightweight real-time solution for anomalous respiration identification is provided using the radio-frequency sensing device USRP and the ensemble learning approach extra-trees. A wireless software-defined radio platform is used to acquire human respiration data based on the change in the channel state information. To improve the performance of the trained models, the respiration data is utilised to produce large simulated data sets using the curve fitting technique. The final data set consists of eight distinct types of respiration: eupnea, bradypnea, tachypnea, sighing, biot, Cheyne-stokes, Kussmaul, and central sleep apnea. The ensemble learning approach: extra-trees are trained, validated, and tested. The results showed that the proposed platform is lightweight and highly accurate in identifying several respirations in a static setting.
An Alternative Option for Gender-Affirming Revision Vaginoplasty: The Tubularized Urachus-Peritoneal Hinge Flap
Authors: Smith Shannon M. , Yuan Nance , Stelmar Jenna , PA-C Grace Lee , Gupta Amit , Kim Hyung L. , Garcia Maurice M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Gender-affirming peritoneal vaginoplasty has been described, and previous descriptions are modifications of the Davydov technique.

Aim

To describe our alternative technique for gender-affirming peritoneal vaginoplasty (PV) using a single-pedicled, urachus-peritoneal hinge flap, discussing proposed advantages.

Methods

Retrospective review of all consecutive transfeminine patients with neovaginal shortening after prior penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) who underwent our PV technique from May 2019 to July 2022.  PV was performed via combined transperineal and laparoscopic (robot-assisted) approaches. After spatulation of the neovaginal remnant, a midline, inferiorly based urachus-peritoneal hinge flap was elevated craniocaudally from the umbilicus to the mid-posterior bladder. The free end of the flap was flipped posteriorly and sutured to posterior edge of the open canal remnant, forming a peritoneal pouch. The lateral edges of the pouch were sutured together for water-tight closure. Patients resumed dilation on POD 6 and douching on POD 10.

Main Outcome Measures

Ten transfeminine patients underwent PV, with good outcomes. We measured: Pre-op penile and scrotal skin lengths, intra-op tubularized scrotal skin length, pre and post-op vaginal depth and width (immediate and at last follow-up).

Results

Pre-op: mean neovaginal depth was 9.2cm (SD 1.5); width was 12cm. Immediate post-op: mean depth was 15.1 cm (SD 2.2 cm, mean net increase: 5.9 cm). At mean follow-up of 18.3 months, mean depth was 12.5 cm (SD 2.1 cm, mean net increase: 3.3 cm) and width was 12 cm. There were no immediate post-op complications. Eight (80%) of the 10 patients report satisfactory vaginal receptive intercourse. The other 2 have not yet attempted vaginal receptive intercourse.

Clinical Implications

Advantages of the proposed technique over existing techniques include no tension on peritoneal suture lines and total exclusion of the rectum.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include a short learning curve for urologic surgeons with robotic experience.  The study is limited by small sample size.

Conclusions

Our PV technique is a safe and effective option for salvage peritoneal vaginoplasty after primary PIV.