bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kalòs kai agathòs? government quality and cultural heritage in the regions of Europe
Authors: Bertacchini Enrico , Revelli Federico 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper uses panel data on over 200 regions of Europe during the years 2010–2015 to study the relationship between the quality of institutions and the capacity of local authorities and stakeholders to effectively protect and support cultural heritage, using new designations in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a proxy. Besides analyzing the spatial distribution of World Heritage sites across European regions, we test whether the location of a region matters for the chances of obtaining a new UNESCO designation by controlling for the stock of World Heritage in the surrounding regions, and whether low regional government quality is an obstacle to inclusion of sites into the List. While we can detect no significant spill-overs from the stock of World Heritage in surrounding regions, we find evidence that local government quality matters for the chances of a region gaining a UNESCO site designation.
Maximum Torque Per Watt (MTPW) field-oriented control of induction motor
Authors: Attaianese Ciro , Monaco Mauro Di , Tomasso Giuseppe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new field-oriented control strategy for induction motor is proposed in the paper. It is called Maximum Torque Per Watt (MTPW) and allows obtaining the minimum value of the sum of the stator and rotor losses due to joule effect, and of the iron losses, for a given value of the reference torque and of the motor speed. Iron losses have been modeled according to Steinmetz equation, separating hysteresis and eddy currents and taking into account the dependence both on the frequency and on the peak value of the flux density. Numerical and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the proposed approach, which allows achieving significant improvements in the efficiency of induction motor drive.
Nonlocal-Interaction Equation on Graphs: Gradient Flow Structure and Continuum Limit
Authors: Esposito Antonio , Patacchini Francesco S. , Schlichting André , Slepčev Dejan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe consider dynamics driven by interaction energies on graphs. We introduce graph analogues of the continuum nonlocal-interaction equation and interpret them as gradient flows with respect to a graph Wasserstein distance. The particular Wasserstein distance we consider arises from the graph analogue of the Benamou–Brenier formulation where the graph continuity equation uses an upwind interpolation to define the density along the edges. While this approach has both theoretical and computational advantages, the resulting distance is only a quasi-metric. We investigate this quasi-metric both on graphs and on more general structures where the set of “vertices” is an arbitrary positive measure. We call the resulting gradient flow of the nonlocal-interaction energy the nonlocal nonlocal-interaction equation (NL$$^2$$

2

IE). We develop the existence theory for the solutions of the NL$$^2$$

2

IE as curves of maximal slope with respect to the upwind Wasserstein quasi-metric. Furthermore, we show that the solutions of the NL$$^2$$

2

IE on graphs converge as the empirical measures of the set of vertices converge weakly, which establishes a valuable discrete-to-continuum convergence result.
Profile of Heavy Metals and Antioxidant Defense in the Muscle Tissues of Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) from Anthropogenically Transformed Areas in the Pomeranian Region (Northern Poland)
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia , Tkachenko Halyna , Hetmański Tomasz , Włodarkiewicz Agnieszka , Tomin Vladimir 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPigeons can be successfully used as bioindicators of a contaminated environment. We studied the relationship between the functioning of the pro/antioxidant balance in muscle tissues (skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues) of pigeons (Columba liviaf.urbana) living in areas with different levels of pollution (Pomeranian Voivodeship, Northern Poland). The current study demonstrated the impact of the environment with preferential high Pb contamination in soil and feathers of pigeons on the formation of adaptive redox mechanisms in muscle tissues. An increase in the intensity of lipid peroxidation (estimated by the TBARS level) accompanied by enhancement of the oxidative modification of proteins (aldehydic and ketonic derivatives) and an important decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GR) in pigeon muscle tissue was observed. These changes in enzyme activities were dependent on the type of muscle tissue (skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues). Our results confirm the concept of the recalculation of the De Ritis ratio (AsAT/AlAT) in both types of muscles indicating the tendency to cardio- and hepatocellular damage and toxicity caused by heavy metals from the polluted environment.
Clinical validity of increased cortical binding of tau ligands of the THK family and PBB3 on PET as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in the context of a structured 5-phase development framework
Authors: Chiotis Konstantinos , Dodich Alessandra , Boccardi Marina , Festari Cristina , Drzezga Alexander , Hansson Oskar , Ossenkoppele Rik , Frisoni Giovanni , Garibotto Valentina , Nordberg Agneta 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The research community has focused on defining reliable biomarkers for the early detection of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In 2017, the Geneva AD Biomarker Roadmap initiative adapted the framework for the systematic validation of oncological biomarkers to AD, with the aim to accelerate their development and implementation in clinical practice. The aim of this work was to assess the validation status of tau PET ligands of the THK family and PBB3 as imaging biomarkers for AD, based on the Biomarker Roadmap methodology.

Methods
A panel of experts in AD biomarkers convened in November 2019 at a 2-day workshop in Geneva. The level of clinical validity of tau PET ligands of the THK family and PBB3 was assessed based on the 5-phase development framework before the meeting and discussed during the workshop.

Results
PET radioligands of the THK family discriminate well between healthy controls and patients with AD dementia (phase 2; partly achieved) and recent evidence suggests an accurate diagnostic accuracy at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage of the disease (phase 3; partly achieved). The phases 2 and 3 were considered not achieved for PBB3 since no evidence exists about the ligand’s diagnostic accuracy. Preliminary evidence exists about the secondary aims of each phase for all ligands.

Conclusion
Much work remains for completing the aims of phases 2 and 3 and replicating the available evidence. However, it is unlikely that the validation process for these tracers will be completed, given the presence of off-target binding and the development of second-generation tracers with improved binding and pharmacokinetic properties.
Evolution of boldness and exploratory behavior in giant mice from Gough Island
Authors: Stratton Jered A. , Nolte Mark J. , Payseur Bret A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIsland populations are hallmarks of extreme phenotypic evolution. Radical changes in resource availability and predation risk accompanying island colonization drive changes in behavior, which Darwin likened to tameness in domesticated animals. Although many examples of animal boldness are found on islands, the heritability of observed behaviors, a requirement for evolution, remains largely unknown. To fill this gap, we profiled anxiety and exploration in island and mainland inbred strains of house mice raised in a common laboratory environment. The island strain was descended from mice on Gough Island, the largest wild house mice on record. Experiments utilizing open environments across two ages showed that Gough Island mice are bolder and more exploratory, even when a shelter is provided. Concurrently, Gough Island mice retain an avoidance response to predator urine. F1 offspring from crosses between these two strains behave more similarly to the mainland strain for most traits, suggesting recessive mutations contributed to behavioral evolution on the island. Our results provide a rare example of novel, inherited behaviors in an island population and demonstrate that behavioral evolution can be specific to different forms of perceived danger. Our discoveries pave the way for a genetic understanding of how island populations evolve unusual behaviors.SignificanceOrganisms on islands are known to behave differently from mainland organisms. An absence of predators and a different set of natural resources are expected to make island organisms less anxious and more exploratory. We raised two groups of house mice, one from Gough Island in the South Atlantic and one from the mainland Eastern USA, in the same laboratory environment to see if behavioral differences between the two groups are heritable. Mice from both groups were placed in novel enclosures that are known to cause anxiety in rodents. We found that mice from the island are bolder and more exploratory in these enclosures but avoid predator odors in the same way as mainland mice. Our results show that boldness and exploration can evolve after island colonization.
Out of the Loop: The Value of a Preoperative Loopogram for Colostomy Reversal in Trauma
Authors: Morare Nolitha Makapi Tisetso , Motha Meshack Nkosinaye , Moeng Maeyane Stephens 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundStoma is occasionally fashioned during trauma surgery. A loopogram is routinely conducted in the surgical planning for stoma reversal. This is associated with medical and cost implications. A study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of loopograms on the management of trauma patients at a Johannesburg hospital.MethodsA retrospective analysis of records in the stoma database (January 2013 to December 2018) was conducted. The patient demographics, method of injury, stoma‐type, loopogram findings and post‐operative courses were analysed.Results112 records were obtained. 9 (8%) patients were excluded for pending investigations or surgery. 13 (11.6%) patients were excluded for incomplete data. The remaining 90 (80.3%) patients, with a mean age of 32.9 had non‐contributory loopograms and underwent a reversal procedure. 43 (47.8%) had a loop colostomy while 47 (52.2%) had undergone a Hartmann's procedure. Mechanism of injury was stab wounds (81.4%L; 61.7%H); gunshot wounds (13.9%L; 29.7%H) and blunt trauma (L5% and 9%H). The post‐operative complication rate was 30% for the loop group (2.3% ≥ Clavien‐Dindo 3) and 25.5% for the Hartmann's group (4% ≥ Clavien‐Dindo 3). The average timing to reversal was 38 weeks (range 12–60) in the Hartmann's group and 22 weeks (range 12–32) the loop colostomy group.ConclusionSignificant findings are infrequent on loopogram for trauma patients. When these findings are detected, the effect on management is questionable. They are not without complications and have cost and time implications. Loopograms are helpful in selective cases rather than as a routine investigation, particularly in resource‐limited settings.
Reduced biomechanical models for precision-cut lung-slice stretching experiments
Authors: Pybus Hannah J. , Tatler Amanda L. , Edgar Lowell T. , O’Dea Reuben D. , Brook Bindi S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrecision-cut lung-slices (PCLS), in which viable airways embedded within lung parenchyma are stretched or induced to contract, are a widely used ex vivo assay to investigate bronchoconstriction and, more recently, mechanical activation of pro-remodelling cytokines in asthmatic airways. We develop a nonlinear fibre-reinforced biomechanical model accounting for smooth muscle contraction and extracellular matrix strain-stiffening. Through numerical simulation, we describe the stresses and contractile responses of an airway within a PCLS of finite thickness, exposing the importance of smooth muscle contraction on the local stress state within the airway. We then consider two simplifying limits of the model (a membrane representation and an asymptotic reduction in the thin-PCLS-limit), that permit analytical progress. Comparison against numerical solution of the full problem shows that the asymptotic reduction successfully captures the key elements of the full model behaviour. The more tractable reduced model that we develop is suitable to be employed in investigations to elucidate the time-dependent feedback mechanisms linking airway mechanics and cytokine activation in asthma.
A non-parametric method for determining epidemiological reproduction numbers
Authors: Pijpers Frank P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the spreading of infectious diseases, an important number to determine is how many other people will be infected on average by anyone who has become infected themselves. This is known as the reproduction number. This paper describes a non-parametric inverse method for extracting the full transfer function of infection, of which the reproduction number is the integral. The method is demonstrated by applying it to the timeline of hospitalisation admissions for covid-19 in the Netherlands up to May 20 2020, which is publicly available from the site of the Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (rivm.nl).
An objective, markerless videosystem for staging facial palsy
Authors: Monini S. , Ripoli S. , Filippi C. , Fatuzzo I. , Salerno G. , Covelli E. , Bini F. , Marinozzi F. , Marchelletta S. , Manni G. , Barbara M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo propose a new objective, video recording method for the classification of unilateral peripheral facial palsy (UPFP) that relies on mathematical algorithms allowing the software to recognize numerical points on the two sides of the face surface that would be indicative of facial nerve impairment without positioning of markers on the face.MethodsPatients with UPFP of different House–Brackmann (HB) degrees ranging from II to V were evaluated after video recording during two selected facial movements (forehead frowning and smiling) using a software trained to recognize the face points as numbers. Numerical parameters in millimeters were obtained as indicative values of the shifting of the face points, of the shift differences of the two face sides and the shifting ratio between the healthy (denominator) and the affected side (numerator), i.e., the asymmetry index for the two movements.ResultsFor each HB grade, specific asymmetry index ranges were identified with a positive correlation for shift differences and negative correlation for asymmetry indexes.ConclusionsThe use of the present objective system enabled the identification of numerical ranges of asymmetry between the healthy and the affected side that were consistent with the outcome from the subjective methods currently in use.
Interacting diffusions on positive definite matrices
Authors: O’Connell Neil 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe consider systems of Brownian particles in the space of positive definite matrices, which evolve independently apart from some simple interactions. We give examples of such processes which have an integrable structure. These are related to K-Bessel functions of matrix argument and multivariate generalisations of these functions. The latter are eigenfunctions of a particular quantisation of the non-Abelian Toda lattice.
Modellierung pluvialer Sturzfluten – Anforderungen und Sensitivitäten der 2D-hydraulischen Modellierung
Authors: Huber Andreas , Lumassegger Simon , Kohl Bernhard , Spira Yvonne , Weingraber Felix , Achleitner Stefan 
Published: March 2021

ZusammenfassungLokale Starkregen und der daraus resultierende Oberflächenwasserabfluss führten in den letzten Jahren vermehrt zu pluvialen Sturzfluten (Hangwässern) verbunden mit Überflutungen und Schäden. Auch in Österreich kam es vermehrt zu derartigen Ereignissen bei denen nicht nur urban geprägte Gebiete, sondern auch vielfach ländliche Gebiete mit überwiegend landwirtschaftlicher Nutzung betroffen waren. Überflutungsmodellierungen sowie daraus abgeleitete Risikoabschätzungen und Maßnahmenplanungen stellen wichtige Werkzeuge dar, um zukünftig Schäden abzuwenden bzw. zu minimieren. In den Projekten RAINMAN, AQUACLEW und SAFFER-CC kamen an mehreren Fallbeispielen unterschiedliche 2D-hydrodynamische, numerische (2D-HN) Oberflächenabflussmodelle zur Anwendung, um Überflutungsflächen, Wasserstände und Fließgeschwindigkeiten abzuschätzen. Neben dem Vergleich unterschiedlicher Modelle wurde die Sensitivität von Modellparametern bei unterschiedlichen Bemessungsszenarien erfasst. Hinsichtlich der Abflussbildung wurde die Auswirkung geänderter Abflussbeiwerte (Landnutzungsänderung, Unsicherheiten etc.) auf die Überflutungsbilder erhoben. Analog wurden Modellsensitivitäten bei den Prozessen der Abflusskonzentration betrachtet. Der Einfluss von Modellauflösung, Parametrisierung der Rauheit, Implementierung hydraulisch relevanter Strukturen (Gebäude, Mauern und Durchlässe) wurden mit unterschiedlichen hydraulischen Modellen getestet. Zur Anwendung kamen dabei rasterbasierte Modelle und Ansätze mit freien/unstrukturierten Netzen.
Shear Response of Wet Weak Carbonate Rock/Grout Interfaces Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Stavropoulou Eleni , Dano Christophe , Boulon Marc 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe development and construction of offshore wind farms requires the correct estimation of the friction that can be mobilised at the rock/grout interface. In conventional studies, the shear behaviour of a joint is usually investigated with laboratory tests under constant normal load/stress (CNL), however, in engineering practice, direct shear testing under constant normal stiffness (CNS) has been proved to be more realistic in the assessment of the development of the side shear resistance in rock grouted pile design. In this work, an extensive experimental campaign on the shear response of a weak carbonate rock (limestone) interface with grout is presented, in the frame of offshore wind turbines. First, basic mechanical testing is performed on the two interface materials in order to evaluate their mechanical properties. The output of these tests reveals not only the contrasting properties of the two interacting materials, but also the decreased response of the limestone in the presence of water. A series of monotonic shear tests (both under CNL and CNS conditions) on wet rough limestone/grout interfaces reveal the high impact of adhesion between the two materials to the mechanical response. Based on the monotonic results, a number of CNS shear tests under cyclic loading takes place, where different failure modes are observed dilatant and contractant response. The variability of the failure mode is strongly related not only to the adhesion created with the cast grout, but also to the limestone’s micro-structural heterogeneity that manifests already after consolidation. The post-shear morphological state of the interface is analysed, while the variability of the failure surface and the presence of water gouge creation do not allow a clear correlation of the morphologfy to the mechanical response. Overall, the response of this type of weak rock interface where the properties of the grout are significantly higher, is governed by the behaviour of the rock.
Evaluation of a structured skills training group for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Meyer Jenny , Ramklint Mia , Hallerbäck Maria Unenge , Lööf Måns , Isaksson Johan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence is associated with behavioural, emotional and interpersonal problems, and non-pharmacological treatments targeting these difficulties have been requested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of an age-adapted structured skills training group (SSTG) for adolescents with ADHD. Adolescents (n = 184, ages 15–18 years) with a diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to either the SSTG, which is based on dialectical behavioural therapy, or an active control group based on psychoeducation. Symptoms of ADHD, behavioural and emotional problems, functional impairment, and health-related outcomes were assessed with self-ratings and parental ratings two weeks before, two weeks after, and six months after treatment. All participants who completed the pre-treatment measurements (n = 164) were included in the main analyses, which were conducted using a linear mixed model. Our results demonstrated no significant group differences in favour of the SSTG for any of the study outcomes. A majority of the participants in both groups reported that they had increased their knowledge about ADHD, improved their ability to manage problems related to the diagnosis, and would recommend the treatment to others. We conclude that the SSTG seems to be acceptable for adolescents with ADHD in a clinical context. However, the treatment was not proved to be more effective or more acceptable than the psychoeducational control intervention.Trial registration: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17366720,11/05/2016, retrospectively registered.
Two-dimensional reward evaluation in mice
Authors: Nachev Vladislav , Rivalan Marion , Winter York 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen choosing among multi-attribute options, integrating the full information may be computationally costly and time-consuming. So-called non-compensatory decision rules only rely on partial information, for example when a difference on a single attribute overrides all others. Such rules may be ecologically more advantageous, despite being economically suboptimal. Here, we present a study that investigates to what extent animals rely on integrative rules (using the full information) versus non-compensatory rules when choosing where to forage. Groups of mice were trained to obtain water from dispensers varying along two reward dimensions: volume and probability. The mice’s choices over the course of the experiment suggested an initial reliance on integrative rules, later displaced by a sequential rule, in which volume was evaluated before probability. Our results also demonstrate that while the evaluation of probability differences may depend on the reward volumes, the evaluation of volume differences is seemingly unaffected by the reward probabilities.
Studying the relationship between anxiety and school achievement: evidence from PISA data
Authors: D’Agostino Antonella , Schirripa Spagnolo Francesco , Salvati Nicola 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 data for Italy, this paper offers a complete overview of the relationship between test anxiety and school performance by studying how anxiety affects the performance of students along the overall conditional distribution of mathematics, literature and science scores. We aim to indirectly measure whether higher goals increase test anxiety, starting from the hypothesis that high-skilled students generally set themselves high goals. We use an M-quantile regression approach that allows us to take into account the hierarchical structure and sampling weights of the PISA data. There is evidence of a negative and statistically significant relationship between test anxiety and school performance. The size of the estimated association is greater at the upper tail of the distribution of each score than at the lower tail. Therefore, our results suggest that high-performing students are more affected than low-performing students by emotional reactions to tests and school-work anxiety.