bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal allocations in growth models with private information
Authors: Krebs Tom , Scheffel Martin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper considers a class of growth models with idiosyncratic human capital risk and private information about individual effort choices (moral hazard). Households are infinitely-lived and have preferences that allow for a time-additive expected utility representation with a one-period utility function that is additive over consumption and effort as well as logarithmic over consumption. Human capital investment is risky due to idiosyncratic shocks that follow a Markov process with transition probabilities that depend on effort choices. The production process is represented by an aggregate production function that uses physical capital and human capital as input factors. We show that constrained optimal allocations are simple in the sense that individual effort levels and individual consumption growth rates are history-independent. Further, constrained optimal allocations are the solutions to a recursive social planner problem that is simple in the sense that exogenous shocks are the only state variables. We also show that constrained optimal allocations can be decentralized as competitive equilibrium allocations of a market economy with a simple tax- and transfer scheme. Finally, it is always optimal to subsidize human capital investment in the market economy.
Hodge similarities, algebraic classes, and Kuga–Satake varieties
Authors: Varesco Mauro 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe introduce in this paper the notion of Hodge similarities of transcendental lattices of hyperkähler manifolds and investigate the Hodge conjecture for these Hodge morphisms. Studying K3 surfaces with a symplectic automorphism, we prove the Hodge conjecture for the square of the general member of the first four-dimensional families of K3 surfaces with totally real multiplication of degree two. We then show the functoriality of the Kuga–Satake construction with respect to Hodge similarities. This implies that, if the Kuga–Satake Hodge conjecture holds for two hyperkähler manifolds, then every Hodge similarity between their transcendental lattices is algebraic after composing it with the Lefschetz isomorphism. In particular, we deduce that Hodge similarities of transcendental lattices of hyperkähler manifolds of generalized Kummer deformation type are algebraic.
Hodge cohomology with a ramification filtration, I
Authors: Kelly Shane , Miyazaki Hiroyasu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe consider a filtration on the cohomology of the structure sheaf indexed by (not necessarily reduced) divisors “at infinity”. We show that the filtered pieces are functorial with respect to transfers, have fpqc descent, and are so called cube invariant. In the presence of resolution of singularities and weak factorisation they are invariant under blowup “at infinity”. As such, they lead to a realisation functor from Kahn, Miyazaki, Saito and Yamazaki’s category of motives with modulus over a characteristic zero base field.
On the rationality of certain Fano threefolds
Authors: Ciliberto Ciro 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper we study the rationality problem for Fano threefolds $$X\subset {\mathbb P}^{p+1}$$

X
⊂

P

p
+
1

of genus p, that are Gorenstein, with at most canonical singularities. The main results are: (1) a trigonal Fano threefold of genus p is rational as soon as $$p\geqslant 8$$

p
⩾
8

(this result has already been obtained in Przyjalkowski et al. (Izv Math 69(2):365–421, 2005), but we give here an independent proof); (2) a non-trigonal Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 7$$

p
⩾
7

containing a plane is rational; (3) any Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 17$$

p
⩾
17

is rational; (4) a Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 12$$

p
⩾
12

containing an ordinary line $$\ell $$
ℓ
in its smooth locus is rational.
Thin-Film Equations with Singular Potentials: An Alternative Solution to the Contact-Line Paradox
Authors: Durastanti Riccardo , Giacomelli Lorenzo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the regime of lubrication approximation, we look at spreading phenomena under the action of singular potentials of the form $$P(h)\approx h^{1-m}$$

P

(
h
)

≈

h

1
-
m

as $$h\rightarrow 0^+$$

h
→

0
+

with $$m>1$$

m
>
1

, modeling repulsion between the liquid–gas interface and the substrate. We assume zero slippage at the contact line. Based on formal analysis arguments, we report that for any $$m>1$$

m
>
1

and any value of the speed (both positive and negative) there exists a three-parameter, hence generic, family of fronts (i.e., traveling-wave solutions with a contact line). A two-parameter family of advancing “linear-log” fronts also exists, having a logarithmically corrected linear behavior in the liquid bulk. All these fronts have finite rate of dissipation, indicating that singular potentials stand as an alternative solution to the contact-line paradox. In agreement with steady states, fronts have microscopic contact angle equal to $$\pi /2$$

π
/
2

for all $$m>1$$

m
>
1

and finite energy for all $$m<3$$

m
<
3

. We also propose a selection criterion for the fronts, based on thermodynamically consistent contact-line conditions modeling friction at the contact line. So as contact-angle conditions do in the case of slippage models, this criterion selects a unique (up to translation) linear-log front for each positive speed. Numerical evidence suggests that, fixed the speed and the frictional coefficient, its shape depends on the spreading coefficient, with steeper fronts in partial wetting and a more prominent precursor region in dry complete wetting.
Deep fusible skinning of animation sequences
Authors: Moutafidou Anastasia , Toulatzis Vasileios , Fudos Ioannis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAnimation compression is a key process in replicating and streaming animated 3D models. Linear Blend Skinning (LBS) facilitates the compression of an animated sequence while maintaining the capability of real-time streaming by deriving vertex to proxy bone assignments and per frame bone transformations. We introduce a innovative deep learning approach that learns how to assign vertices to proxy bones with persistent labeling. This is accomplished by learning how to correlate vertex trajectories to bones of fully rigged animated 3D models. Our method uses these pretrained networks on dynamic characteristics (vertex trajectories) of an unseen animation sequence (a sequence of meshes without skeleton or rigging information) to derive an LBS scheme that outperforms most previous competent approaches by offering better approximation of the original animation sequence with fewer bones, therefore offering better compression and smaller bandwidth requirements for streaming. This is substantiated by a thorough comparative performance evaluation using several error metrics, and compression/bandwidth measurements. In this paper, we have also introduced a persistent bone labeling scheme that (i) improves the efficiency of our method in terms of lower error values and better visual outcome and (ii) facilitates the fusion of two (or more) LBS schemes by an innovative algorithm that combines two arbitrary LBS schemes. To demonstrate the usefulness and potential of this fusion process, we have combined the outcome of our deep skinning method with that of Rignet—which is a state-of-the-art method that performs rigging on static meshes—with impressive results.
Relative corneal refractive power shift and inter-eye differential axial growth in children with myopic anisometropia treated with bilateral orthokeratology
Authors: Lin Weiping , Li Na , Liu Jiahe , Zhang Bin , Wei Ruihua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the relationship between relative corneal refractive power shift (RCRPS) and axial length growth (ALG) in bilateral myopic anisometropes treated with orthokeratology.

Methods
A total of 102 children with myopic anisometropia in this prospective interventional study were randomly assigned to the spectacle group and orthokeratology group. Axial length (AL) and corneal topography was measured at baseline and the 12-month follow-up visit. ALG was defined as the difference between the two measurements, and RCRPS profiles were calculated from two axial maps obtained.

Results
In the orthokeratology group, the ALG in the more myopic eye (0.06 ± 0.15 mm) was significantly smaller than that in the less myopic eye (0.15 ± 0.15 mm, p < 0.001), and the interocular difference in AL significantly decreased following 1-year treatment, from 0.47 ± 0.32 to 0.38 ± 0.28 mm (p < 0.001). However, in the spectacle group, the ALG was similar between the two eyes, and the interocular difference in AL did not change significantly over one year (all p > 0.05). The interocular difference in ALG in the orthokeratology group was significantly correlated with the interocular difference in RCRPS (dRCRPS, β=−0.003, p < 0.001) and the interocular difference in baseline AL (β=−0.1179, p < 0.001), with R2 being 0.6197.

Conclusion
Orthokeratology was effective in decreasing the magnitude of anisometropia. The interocular variation in RCRPS is an important factor accounting for the reduction of interocular ALG difference in anisomyopic children post-orthokeratology. These results provide insight into establishing eye-specific myopia control guidelines during orthokeratology treatment for myopic anisometropes.
The application of objective clinical human reliability analysis (OCHRA) in the assessment of basic robotic surgical skills
Authors: Gorard Jack , Boal Matthew , Swamynathan Vishaal , Ghamrawi Walaa , Francis Nader 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Using a validated, objective, and standardised assessment tool to assess progression and competency is essential for basic robotic surgical training programmes. Objective clinical human reliability analysis (OCHRA) is an error-based assessment tool that provides in-depth analysis of individual technical errors. We conducted a feasibility study to assess the concurrent validity and reliability of OCHRA when applied to basic, generic robotic technical skills assessment.

Methods
Selected basic robotic surgical skill tasks, in virtual reality (VR) and dry lab equivalent, were performed by novice robotic surgeons during an intensive 5-day robotic surgical skills course on da Vinci® X and Xi surgical systems. For each task, we described a hierarchical task analysis. Our developed robotic surgical-specific OCHRA methodology was applied to error events in recorded videos with a standardised definition. Statistical analysis to assess concurrent validity with existing tools and inter-rater reliability were performed.

Results
OCHRA methodology was applied to 272 basic robotic surgical skills tasks performed by 20 novice robotic surgeons. Performance scores improved from the start of the course to the end using all three assessment tools; Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) [VR: t(19) = − 9.33, p < 0.001] [dry lab: t(19) = − 10.17, p < 0.001], OCHRA [VR: t(19) = 6.33, p < 0.001] [dry lab: t(19) = 10.69, p < 0.001] and automated VR [VR: t(19) = − 8.26, p < 0.001]. Correlation analysis, for OCHRA compared to GEARS and automated VR scores, shows a significant and strong inverse correlation in every VR and dry lab task; OCHRA vs GEARS [VR: mean r = − 0.78, p < 0.001] [dry lab: mean r = − 0.82, p < 0.001] and OCHRA vs automated VR [VR: mean r = − 0.77, p < 0.001]. There is very strong and significant inter-rater reliability between two independent reviewers (r = 0.926, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
OCHRA methodology provides a detailed error analysis tool in basic robotic surgical skills with high reliability and concurrent validity with existing tools. OCHRA requires further evaluation in more advanced robotic surgical procedures.
Probability-Based Design of Reinforced Rock Slopes Using Coupled FORM and Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: Low Bak Kong , Boon Chia Weng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe efficiency of the first-order reliability method (FORM) and the accuracy of Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) are coupled in probability-based designs of reinforced rock slopes, including a Hong Kong slope with exfoliation joints. Load–resistance duality is demonstrated and resolved automatically in a foundation on rock with a discontinuity plane. Other examples include the lengthy Hoek and Bray deterministic vectorial procedure for comprehensive pentahedral blocks with external load and bolt force, which is made efficient and more succinct before extending it to probability-based design via MCS-enhanced FORM. The FORM–MCS–FORM design procedure is proposed for cases with multiple failure modes. For cases with a dominant single failure mode, the time-saving importance sampling (IS) and the fast second-order reliability method (SORM) can be used in lieu of MCS. Two cases of 3D reinforced blocks (pentahedral and tetrahedral, respectively) with the possibility of multiple sliding modes are investigated. In the case of the reinforced pentahedral block, direct MCS shows that there is only one dominant failure mode, for which the efficient method of importance sampling at the FORM design point provides fast verification of the revised design. In the case of the reinforced tetrahedral block, there are multiple failure modes contributing to the total failure probability, for which the proposed MCS-enhanced FORM procedure is demonstrated to be essential. Comparisons are made between Excel MCS and MATLAB MCS.
Intermolecular interactions and the weakly bound precursor states of elementary physicochemical processes
Authors: Pirani Fernando , Falcinelli Stefano , Vecchiocattivi Franco , Aquilanti Vincenzo , Laricchiuta Annarita , Colonna Gianpiero , Capitelli Mario 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study concerns the importance of the precursor (or pre-reactive) state of elementary physicochemical processes whose basic features, as structure, stability, and trapping effect of reagents, are controlled by the balance of intermolecular forces that arise at long range and operate at intermediate and short separation distances. The detailed formulation of such forces, determining formation probability and dynamical evolution of the precursor state, is of relevance in molecular science and difficult to be treated by quantum chemistry. Such a problem has been tackled by us exploiting the phenomenological approach, which employs semi-empirical and empirical formulas to represent strength, range and angular dependence of the leading interaction components involved. In addition to the study of transport phenomena, part of the attention is addressed to chemi-ionization (or Penning ionization) reactions for which neutral reagents lead to atomic and/or molecular ions plus electrons as products. Chemi-ionizations are bimolecular processes occurring in several environments of interest, where a reagent is a species, formed in excited-metastable electronic states by collisions with energetic electrons or cosmic rays. For such reactions all crucial electronic rearrangements, affecting stability and evolution of the weakly bound precursor state, here coincident with the reaction transition state, are characterized with a high detail. The results of the present study are of interest for many other processes, whose precursor states and their relevant features are difficult to characterize, often masked by several other effects.
Graphical abstract
TiO2-functionalized biochar from pistachio nutshells: adsorptive removal and photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange
Authors: El-Shafie Ahmed S. , Abouseada Maha , El-Azazy Marwa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPistachio nutshells-derived biochar (PNS-BC) was utilized as a cost-effective adsorbent for competently removing a model dye, methyl orange (MO) from wastewater. Three concentrations of TiO2; 1%, 2%, and 3% were used to decorate the biochar. Analysis of morphology, stability, and structure of the three adsorbents (PNS, PNS-BC, and the TiO2 functionalized biochar; TiO2@PNS-BC) was extensively explored using various characterization techniques. The synergistic photocatalytic-adsorptive efficiency of the three adsorbents was compared. In this regard, a Box-Behnken (BB) design-based multivariate scheme was inaugurated with the target of maximizing MO removal (%R) while using the minimum possible of chemicals and resources. The impact of five variables; %TiO2, dose of TiO2-PNS, reaction time, dye concentration, and pH on the magnitude of %R was investigated. Results show that 97.69% removal of MO could be recognized over 120 min using adsorption compared to 99.47% removal over 30 min using 3% TiO2@PNS-BC as a photocatalyst. A 3% TiO2@PNS-BC was the best catalyst (compared to 1% and 2%) with a decolorization rate constant of 0.12741 min−1, ~ 1.5 × faster compared to the decolorization of MO using adsorption alone. Adsorption of MO conformed well to Langmuir isotherm. A maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 142.38 mg/g was achieved. Adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. Results obtained indicated that biochar of PNS is a promising, cost-effective, and economical adsorbent.
Adsorptive performance of bentonite-chitosan nanocomposite as a dual antibacterial and reusable adsorbent for Reactive Red 195 and crystal violet removal: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Elashery Sally E. A. , El-Bouraie Mohamed M. , Abdelgawad Eman A. , Attia Nour F. , Mohamed Gehad G. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Herein, bentonite-chitosan nanocomposite (BT-CS nanocomposite) has been synthesized and exploited, for the first time, as a dual adsorbent for the removal of both of an anionic (Reactive Red 195 (RR)) and a cationic (Crystal Violet (CV)) dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior of the exploited nano-adsorbent towards the dyes under investigation were scrutinized in batch experiments as a function of several factors such as contact time, pH value, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, stirring rate, and temperature. The prepared nano-adsorbent achieved superior removal efficiency of 99.4 and 99.8% within 20 min at optimum pH value of 3 and 5 using adsorbent dose of 0.1 g and 0.08 g at room temperature for RR and CV dyes, respectively. Also, the developed nano-adsorbent affords higher removal efficiency of CV dye against broad pH range of 2–9. Moreover, the developed nano-adsorbent achieved significant antibacterial behavior against various pathogenic bacterial and record clear inhibition zone of 21 mm against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). Langmuir adsorption model and pseudo-second order adsorption can fully depict the BT-CS nanocomposite adsorption properties for both of RR and CV dyes. Furthermore, thermodynamic studies showed that the process was spontaneous and endothermic with increased in randomness. The prepared dual adsorbent in this study exhibited reversible dyes adsorption with an excellent regeneration efficiency. Whereas, after 5 successive adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption efficiency of the synthesized adsorbent was 99% and 98% for RR and CV dyes, respectively, affirming its capability to economically decontaminate the industrial wastewater comprising RR and CV dyes.

Graphical Abstract
Oxygen-Coordinated Single Mn Sites for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Zha Yuankang , Ye Yixing , Li Ke , Lin Yue , Zheng Lirong , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Yin Huajie , Shi Tongfei , Zhang Haimin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractElectrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction has attracted increasing attention due to its goal of low carbon emission and environmental protection. Here, we report an efficient NitRR catalyst composed of single Mn sites with atomically dispersed oxygen (O) coordination on bacterial cellulose-converted graphitic carbon (Mn–O–C). Evidence of the atomically dispersed Mn–(O–C2)4 moieties embedding in the exposed basal plane of carbon surface is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the as-synthesized Mn–O–C catalyst exhibits superior NitRR activity with an NH3 yield rate (RNH3) of 1476.9 ± 62.6 μg h−1 cm−2 at − 0.7 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 89.0 ± 3.8% at − 0.5 V (vs. RHE) under ambient conditions. Further, when evaluated with a practical flow cell, Mn–O–C shows a high RNH3 of 3706.7 ± 552.0 μg h−1 cm−2 at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, 2.5 times of that in the H cell. The in situ FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic studies combined with theoretical calculations indicate that the Mn–(O–C2)4 sites not only effectively inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, but also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of nitrate (NO3−), thus boosting both the FE and selectivity of NH3 over Mn–(O–C2)4 sites.
Trends, forecasting and adaptation strategies of climate change in the middle and west regions of Iraq
Authors: Hassan Waqed H. , Nile Basim K. , Kadhim Zahraa K. , Mahdi Karrar , Riksen Michel , Thiab Rifqa F. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClimate change has placed considerable pressure on the residential environment, agricultural, and water supplies in different areas of the world, especially arid places such as Iraq. Iraq is one of the five most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, where it has been encountering extremes heat waves during the most recent decades resulted in drought, desertification, and rivers dried up, which led to thousands of hectares to turn dry and yellow. This study aims to investigate the trends of climate change in the middle and western regions of Iraq and future expectations. The daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation are downscaled using the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG) model. Five General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) are employed for three future periods: the near future (2021–2040), medium future (2051–2070), and far future (2081–2100), based on two scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for four selected meteorological stations representing the study area. The outcomes of the calibration and validation of the model supported its skill and reliability to downscale precipitation and temperature time series for statistical indices (R2, RMSE and MBE) ranging between (0.894–0.998), (0.1270–1.9274) and (− 0.6158 to 0.0008), respectively. The results showed that the average minimum and maximum annual temperatures will increase at all selected stations across the three future periods by between 0.94 and 4.98 °C by the end of the twenty-first century. Annual changes in precipitation tend generally towards increase for the study area by average (6.09–14.31%) for RCP4.5 and (11.25–20.97%) for RCP8.5 Compared to the historical data (1990–2020). These findings can contribute to become more acquainted with the effects of climate change on the environment and encourage managers and planners to come up with plans for mitigating and adapting to these effects. They can also serve as a guide for future management of water and agricultural resources in the study region.