bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-preferred outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma: a qualitative content analysis of symptoms, side effects and their impact on health-related quality of life
Authors: Pruijn Ineke M. J. , van Heemskerken Phylisha , Kunst Henricus P. M. , Tummers Marcia , Kievit Wietske 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
During counseling and management of patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS), the emphasis is shifting from tumour control and nerve preservation towards maintaining or improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Understanding the patients’ perspective and impact of VS is, therefore, of utmost importance. The current study aimed to identify treatment outcomes preferred by patients and to explore the patient-reported VS symptoms and management-related side effects and their impact on HRQoL.

Methods
Patients with VS were contacted through the Dutch VS association Stichting Hoormij and questioned using a semi-structured, cross-sectional online survey. Patients were asked to report and rank symptoms and side effects, with their impact on HRQoL and frequency of occurrence. Results were structured through qualitative content analysis. Coded symptoms, side effects, impacts, frequencies, and patient-preferred outcomes were analysed and summarized with descriptive statistics.

Results
Of the 231 respondents, 71% were actively treated. Hearing (symptoms vs. side effects: 78.8% vs. 63.6%), balance (62.3%; 48.8%), and energy issues (33.8%; 32.6%) were the most frequently mentioned symptoms and management-related side effects. Fatigue, deafness, headaches, and hearing loss had the highest impact on HRQoL. The majority of patients identified hearing preservation (61%), balance preservation (38.5%), and reduced tinnitus (34.6%) to be the patient-preferred outcomes.

Conclusion
This qualitative study demonstrates that in this population many patients with VS encounter participation difficulties in their daily physical and social activities and value hearing and balance preservation, reduced tinnitus, and restored energy as preferred outcomes as they are hampered by symptoms and side effects related to hearing, balance, and energy. Healthcare professionals should consider these key points and use these and the patient-preferred outcomes in consultation, shared decision making, treatment, and follow-up to optimize patient-centred care.
A microservice-based framework for multi-level testing of cyber-physical systems
Authors: Aldalur Iñigo , Arrieta Aitor , Agirre Aitor , Sagardui Goiuria , Arratibel Maite 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn the last years, the use of microservice architectures is spreading in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) and Internet of Things (IoT) domains. CPSs are systems that integrate digital cyber computations with physical processes. The development of software for CPSs demands a constant maintenance to support new requirements, bug fixes, and deal with hardware obsolescence. The key in this process is code testing and more if the code is fragmented during the development of CPSs. It is important to remark that this process is challenging and time-consuming. In this paper, we report on the experience of instantiating of the microservice-based architecture for DevOps of CPSs to test elevator dispatching algorithms across different test levels (i.e., SiL, HiL and Operation). Such an architecture allows for a continuous deployment, monitoring and validation of CPSs. By integrating the approach with a real industrial case study, we demonstrate that our approach reduces significantly the time needed in the testing process and consequently, reduces the economic cost of the entire process.
Compression and Fatigue Testing of High-Strength Thin Metal Sheets by Using an Anti-Buckling Device
Authors: Kopec M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The modelling of the sheet metal forming operations requires accurate and precise data of the material plastic behaviour along non-proportional strain paths. However, the buckling phenomenon severely limits the compressive strain range that could be used to deform thin metal sheets.

Objective
The main aim of this paper was to propose an effective device, that enables to determine of accurate stress-strain characteristics of thin metal sheet specimens subjected to axial deformation without buckling and with a special emphasis on friction correction.

Methods
In this paper, an anti-buckling fixture was proposed to assess the deformation characteristics of X10CrMoVNb9-1 (P91) power engineering steel, and DP500 and DP980 dual-phase steels, under compression loading. The fixture enables monitoring of the friction between the specimen and supporting blocks during the test, and thus the precise stress response of the material could be determined.

Results
The effectiveness of the fixture was evaluated under tension–compression cyclic loading and during the compression tests in which high-strength thin metal sheets were successfully deformed up to 10% without specimen buckling. Furthermore, the successful determination of a friction force variation between supporting blocks and the specimen during tests enabled to determine an actual force acting on the specimen.

Conclusions
The proposed testing fixture was successfully assessed during the compression and cyclic tension–compression of high-strength thin metal sheets as no buckling was observed. Its advantage lies in adapting to change its length with specimen elongation or shrinkage during a test. The friction force generated from a movement of both parts of the device could be effectively monitored by the special strain gauge system during testing and thus its impact on the stress-strain characteristics could be successfully eliminated.
Online Peer-Led Support Program for Affected Family Members of People Living with Addiction: a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Peart Annette , Horn Freya , Grigg Jasmin , Manning Victoria , Campbell Robert , Lubman Dan I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study reports outcomes from a preliminary study of an online, peer-led support group intervention for family members of people experiencing addiction. A mixed-methods design, comprising within-subjects analysis of intervention data and semi-structured interviews, was used. Seventy-eight participants received the intervention. Participants completed baseline and exit surveys: (i) General Self-Efficacy Scale, (ii) Personal Well-being Index, and (iii) Social Connectedness Scale; and at exit: (i) Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, (ii) Group Sessions Rating Scale, and (iii) Perceived Personal Benefits Scale. Eleven participants were interviewed. There was a significant improvement in mean general self-efficacy for the 23 participants who completed baseline and exit surveys. Most were satisfied with the intervention and reported it to be beneficial. Three themes were identified through a conventional content analysis of interviews: connection with others who share experiences, expertise of facilitators, and accessing support when in crisis. Online peer-led support groups may provide an opportunity for affected family members to share and learn coping strategies.
Invariants for neural automata
Authors: Uria-Albizuri Jone , Carmantini Giovanni Sirio , beim Graben Peter , Rodrigues Serafim 
Published: May 2023

AbstractComputational modeling of neurodynamical systems often deploys neural networks and symbolic dynamics. One particular way for combining these approaches within a framework called vector symbolic architectures leads to neural automata. Specifically, neural automata result from the assignment of symbols and symbol strings to numbers, known as Gödel encoding. Under this assignment, symbolic computation becomes represented by trajectories of state vectors in a real phase space, that allows for statistical correlation analyses with real-world measurements and experimental data. However, these assignments are usually completely arbitrary. Hence, it makes sense to address the problem which aspects of the dynamics observed under a Gödel representation is intrinsic to the dynamics and which are not. In this study, we develop a formally rigorous mathematical framework for the investigation of symmetries and invariants of neural automata under different encodings. As a central concept we define patterns of equality for such systems. We consider different macroscopic observables, such as the mean activation level of the neural network, and ask for their invariance properties. Our main result shows that only step functions that are defined over those patterns of equality are invariant under symbolic recodings, while the mean activation, e.g., is not. Our work could be of substantial importance for related regression studies of real-world measurements with neurosymbolic processors for avoiding confounding results that are dependant on a particular encoding and not intrinsic to the dynamics.
Optimization of Water Distribution Systems Using Genetic Algorithms: A Review
Authors: Parvaze Sabah , Kumar Rohitashw , Khan Junaid Nazir , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Parvaze Saqib , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Kuriqi Alban 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWater distribution networks are crucial for supplying consumers with quality and adequate water. A water distribution system comprises connected hydraulic components which ensure water supply and distribution to meet demand. Optimization of water distribution networks is carried out to minimize resource utilization and expenditure or maximize the system’s efficiency and higher benefits. Genetic algorithms signify an effective search technique for non-linear optimization problems and have gained acceptance among water resources planners and managers. This paper reviews various developments in the optimization of water distribution systems using the technique of genetic algorithms. These developments are pertinent to creating novel systems for distributing water and the expansion, reinforcement, and rehabilitation process for prevailing water supply mechanisms.Graphical Abstract
Inflammation Modifies miR-21 Expression Within Neuronal Extracellular Vesicles to Regulate Remyelination Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Han Tianyu , Song Peiwen , Wu Zuomeng , Liu Yunlei , Ying Wang , Shen Cailiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCell‒cell communication following spinal cord injury (SCI) plays a key role in remyelination and neurological recovery. Although communication between neuron-neural stem cells (NSCs) affects remyelination, its precise mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the biological effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from neurons on the differentiation of NSCs and the remyelination of axons in a rat model for SCI. We found that that EVs derived from neurons promoted the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes and the remyelination of axons in SCI rats. However, neuron-derived EVs lost their biological effects after inflammatory stimulation of these neurons from which they originate. Further analysis demonstrated that the inflammatory stimulation on neurons upregulated miR-21 within EVs, which targeted SMAD 7 and upregulated the TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling pathway, resulting in an excess of astrocytic scar boundaries and in remyelination failure. Moreover, these effects could be abolished by miR-21 inhibitors/antagomirs. Considered together, these results indicate that inflammatory stimulation of neurons prevents remyelination following SCI via the upregulation of miR-21 expression within neuron-derived EVs, and this takes place through SMAD 7-mediated activation of the TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling pathway.
Establishment of a new subfamily of Idyanthidae Lang, 1944 with the description of a new species of Pseudometeorina George & Wiest, 2015 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from the Eratosthenes Seamount (eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: George Kai Horst 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe description ofPseudometeorina eratosthenicasp. nov. from the eastern Mediterranean Eratosthenes Seamount was the release for a detailed phylogenetic comparison of a group of derived representatives of the family Idyanthidae Lang, 1944, namelyAspinothoraxMoura & Martínez Arbizu, 2003,MeteorinaGeorge, 2004, PseudometeorinaGeorge & Wiest, 2015, andStyracothoraxHuys, 1993. The named genera share the derived presence of a 2-segmented P1 exopod as well as the transverse elongation of the bases of the swimming legs P1–P4, being these five deviations unique for Idyanthidae and therefore hypothesized here as synapomorphic for the above-named taxa. Consequently, they are pooled in the newly established Aspinothoracinae Moura & Martínez Arbizu, 2003 subfam. nov. The new species described from Eratosthenes Seamount doubtlessly belongs toPseudometeorina, sharing withP. mysticaGeorge & Wiest, 2015, a set of 24 synapomorphies. Otherwise,P. eratosthenicasp. nov. provides nine autapomorphies that justify its establishment as distinct species. A detailed phylogenetic analysis, based on 131 morphological characters, is presented. Moreover, a key to the species of Aspinothoracinae subfam. nov. is provided.
Growth rate and competitive ability of susceptible and multiple-resistant late watergrass (Echinochloa phyllopogon) biotypes to rice
Authors: Papapanagiotou Aristeidis , Vasilakoglou Ioannis , Dhima Kico , Eleftherohorinos Ilias 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Late watergrass [Echinochloa phyllopogon (Stapf) Koss.] has evolved multiple-resistance (MR) to herbicides in many areas worldwide and scientists wonder if this resistance has imposed fitness cost or advantage on the resistant (MR) biotypes. As multiple-resistance of this weed has also been recorded in Greece, one susceptible (S), one with multiple-resistance to ALS (penoxsulam, bispyribac, imazamox and nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron) and ACCase-cyhalofop (MRAC) and two with multiple-resistance to ALS and synthetic auxin-quinclorac (MRAQ1, MRAQ2) late watergrass biotypes collected from rice fields (northern Greece) were studied for their growth rate and competitive ability (regarding stem number and fresh weight) in the absence and presence of rice. Also, the competition indices relative yield (RY), competitive ratio (CR) and aggressiveness (AI) were evaluated. The S and the three MR biotypes grown in absence of competition (one plant/pot) showed different shoot number but similar fresh weight growth rates. In contrast, grown under intra-specific competition (one, two, four and six plants/pot), the S late watergrass biotype produced similar fresh weight with that of MRAQ1 but lower than that of the MRAC and MRAQ2 biotypes. However, grown under inter-specific competition (one, two, four and six plants of late watergrass/pot in competition with six rice plants/pot), the MRAQ2 late watergrass biotype produced more shoot number and fresh weight than the other biotypes at all weed densities, but the rice shoot number and fresh weight reduction were not followed the opposite trend of the late watergrass biotypes. Also, the competition indices of the MR biotypes (based on both intra- and inter-specific completion data) were found similar in most cases to that of the S biotype. These findings strongly suggest that there is no clear association between the growth rate and competitive ability of the late watergrass biotypes and their herbicide resistance.
Biometrics for Industry 4.0: a survey of recent applications
Authors: Lucia Cascone , Zhiwei Gao , Michele Nappi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, represents the rise of digital industrial technology that is propagating at an exponential rate compared to the previous three revolutions. Interoperability is a basis of production, where there is a continuous exchange of information between machines and production units that act autonomously and intelligently. Workers play a central role in making autonomous decisions and using advanced technological tools. It may involve using measures that distinguish individuals, and their behaviours and reactions. Increasing the level of security, allowing only authorized personnel access to designated areas, and promoting worker welfare can have a positive impact on the entire assembly line. Thus, capturing biometric information, with or without individuals’ knowledge, could allow identity verification and monitoring of of their emotional and cognitive states during the daily actions of work life. From the study of the literature, we outline three macro categories in which the principles of Industry 4.0 are merged and the functionalities of biometric systems are exploited: security, health monitoring, and quality work life analysis. In this review, we present an overview of all biometric features used in the context of Industry 4.0 with a focus on their advantages, limitations, and practical use. Attention is also paid to future research directions for which new answers are being explored.
Geomechanical modelling and stability analysis of the shallow underground water reservoir ‘Palombaro Lungo’ (Matera-Italy)
Authors: Bruno Giovanni , Tupputi Daniele , Simeone Vincenzo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe city of Matera, as several other ancient historical cities and towns, is recovering a large part of its ancient parts developing a policy of urban regeneration. In the early 90s, during the restoration works of the main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it was re-discovered a huge underground space used as water reservoir named Palombaro Lungo. It was built linking ancient pre-existing smaller caves and completed at the end of the nineteenth century making it impermeable with the cocciopesto (opus signinum) technique. The hypogeum is dug in a Plio-Pleistocene rock called Gravina Calcarenite. It is a calcareous sandstone weak rock with good mechanical properties, low permeability and easy to be dug. The internal geometry of the hypogeum and the rock thicknesses above the caves was reconstructed by the integration of topographic and GPR surveys. The paper presents a geo-mechanical model of Palombaro Lungo underground reservoir and evaluation about the stability of this structure. The stability analysis were developed using the numerical code UDEC for several transect of Palombaro Lungo assuming the calcareous sandstone blocks as deformable, trying to address the evolution of the stress–strain conditions. The case study can be considered as an example of general interest for the study of rupestrian underground reservoir of a longed form, where one planimetric dimension strictly prevails over the other. Numerical simulations showed a stress–strain state compatible with the fractures detected in situ and confirmed the absence of instability problems in the groundwater reservoir.
Grey area in embedded wall-modelled LES on a transonic nacelle-aircraft configuration
Authors: Herr Marius , Probst Axel , Radespiel Rolf 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA scale-resolving hybrid RANS–LES technique is applied to an aircraft-nacelle configuration under transonic flow conditions using the unstructured, compressible TAU solver. In this regard, a wall-modelled LES methodology is locally applied to the nacelle lower surface to examine shock-induced separation. To circumvent the grey-area issue of delayed turbulence onset, a Synthetic Turbulence Generator (STG) is used at the RANS–LES interface. Prior to the actual examinations, fundamental features of the simulation technique are validated by simulations of decaying isotropic turbulence as well as flat plate flows. For the aircraft-nacelle configuration at a Reynolds number of 3.3 million, a sophisticated mesh with 420 million points was designed which refines 32 % of the outer casing surface of the nacelle. The results show a development of a well-resolved turbulent boundary layer with a broad spectrum of turbulent scales which demonstrates the applicability of the mesh and method for aircraft configurations. Furthermore, the necessity of a low-dissipation low-dispersion scheme is demonstrated. However, a noticeable drop of the surface skin friction downstream of the STG motivates further research on the impact of the interface modelling on the shock–boundary layer interaction.
Formulation of Steinernema yirgalemense in gel for long-term storage at room temperature
Authors: Nxitywa Abongile , Malan Antoinette P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers the potential of reducing the use of chemical insecticides in the agricultural industry. Hydrogels for the long-term storage of EPNs may have the potential to improve the storage ability of EPNs. In this study, infective juveniles (IJ) of a South African isolate Steinernema yirgalemense were formulated in different gels, which included a laboratory grade and consumer grade of agar, as well as STOCKOSORB® 660, and compared it with IJ in water. Their survival and pathogenicity of the IJ were investigated at 25 °C. The last instar larvae of Tenebrio molitor were used to test the pathogenicity of the IJs 6 weeks postformulation. IJs stored in 1% and 1.5% agar formulations were found to provide the best survival of 77% and 82% after 6 weeks in formulation. Results indicate consumer grade agar to be comparable with laboratory grade and can be used as a cheaper alternative for the formulation of S. yirgalemense. When comparing the STOCKOSORB® 660 formulations, 80% IJ survival was recorded in a formulation of 1 g in 50 ml of water, with 50% of the IJs surviving in a formulation of 1 g in 100 ml of water. The IJs formulated and stored in STOCKOSORB® 660 gel were found to be more virulent to Tenebrio molitor than were the IJs formulated in agar.
Differential geometry for the optimal design of the contingent valuation method
Authors: Tanaka Hisatoshi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe contingent valuation method (CVM) is a widely used experimental method to measure the monetary value of goods. However, CVM estimates are sensitive to experiment design. In this study, we formulated the optimal design problem as a minimization problem of the Fisher information metric of a gradient vector field generated by using the statistical model of the CVM. Furthermore, a necessary and sufficient condition of the optimal design was proven.
The Role of “Hierarchical and Classified Prevention and Control Measures (HCPC)” Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Guangzhou: A Modeling Study
Authors: Ma Yu , Wang Hui , Huang Yong , Chen Chun , Liang Shihao , Ma Mengmeng , He Xinjun , Cai Kangning , Jiao Zengtao , Chen Liyi , Zhu Bowei , Li Ke , Xie Chaojun , Luo Lei , Zhang Zhoubin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 has replaced previously circulating strains around the world in 2021. Sporadic outbreaks of the Delta variant in China have posed a concern about how to properly respond to the battle against evolving COVID-19. Here, we analyzed the “hierarchical and classified prevention and control (HCPC)” measures strategy deployed during the recent Guangzhou outbreak.

Methods
A modified susceptible–exposed–pre-symptomatic–infectious–recovered (SEPIR) model was developed and applied to study a range of different scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of policy deployment. We simulated severe different scenarios to understand policy implementation and timing of implementation. Two outcomes were measured: magnitude of transmission and duration of transmission. The outcomes of scenario evaluations were presented relative to the reality case (i.e., 368 cases in 34 days) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Based on our simulation, the outbreak would become out of control with 7 million estimated infections under the assumption of the absence of any interventions than the 153 reported cases in reality in Guangzhou. The simulation on delayed implementation of interventions showed that the total case numbers would also increase by 166.67%–813.07% if the interventions were delayed by 3 days or 7 days.

Conclusions
It may be concluded that timely and more precise interventions including mass testing and graded community management are effective measures for Delta variant containment in China.