bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Sojourn-Based Approach to Semi-Markov Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ascione Giacomo , Cuomo Salvatore 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper we introduce a new approach to discrete-time semi-Markov decision processes based on the sojourn time process. Different characterizations of discrete-time semi-Markov processes are exploited and decision processes are constructed by their means. With this new approach, the agent is allowed to consider different actions depending also on the sojourn time of the process in the current state. A numerical method based on Q-learning algorithms for finite horizon reinforcement learning and stochastic recursive relations is investigated. Finally, we consider two toy examples: one in which the reward depends on the sojourn-time, according to the gambler’s fallacy; the other in which the environment is semi-Markov even if the reward function does not depend on the sojourn time. These are used to carry on some numerical evaluations on the previously presented Q-learning algorithm and on a different naive method based on deep reinforcement learning.
On the tractability of hard scheduling problems with generalized due-dates with respect to the number of different due-dates
Authors: Mosheiov Gur , Oron Daniel , Shabtay Dvir 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe study two $$\mathcal {NP}$$
NP
-hard single-machine scheduling problems with generalized due-dates. In such problems, due-dates are associated with positions in the job sequence rather than with jobs. Accordingly, the job that is assigned to position j in the job processing order (job sequence), is assigned with a predefined due-date, $$\delta _{j}$$

δ
j

. In the first problem, the objective consists of finding a job schedule that minimizes the maximal absolute lateness, while in the second problem, we aim to maximize the weighted number of jobs completed exactly at their due-date. Both problems are known to be strongly $$\mathcal {NP}$$
NP
-hard when the instance includes an arbitrary number of different due-dates. Our objective is to study the tractability of both problems with respect to the number of different due-dates in the instance, $$\nu _{d}$$

ν
d

. We show that both problems remain $$ \mathcal {NP}$$
NP
-hard even when $$\nu _{d}=2$$

ν
d

=
2

, and are solvable in pseudo-polynomial time when the value of $$\nu _{d}$$

ν
d

is upper bounded by a constant. To complement our results, we show that both problems are fixed parameterized tractable (FPT) when we combine the two parameters of number of different due-dates ($$\nu _{d}$$

ν
d

) and number of different processing times ($$\nu _{p}$$

ν
p

).
Scarcity, Property Rights, Irresponsibility: How Intellectual Property Deals with Neglected Tropical Diseases
Authors: Astone Daniel Pinheiro 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe article addresses the role of scarcity in negotiating the relationship between intellectual property, particularly from a legal-economic perspective, and property rights, as understood by transaction cost economics, to shed light on the deadlock faced by those suffering from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The consistency of the law and economics fundamentals that support the trade on knowledge goods, namely patents on essential medicines, is put under check by Scott Veitch’s scholarship on legal irresponsibility. The damages that emerge from the operations of the intellectual property system are registered in the novel concept of negative public domain, and are due mainly to the lack of access to treatments that end up being unaffordable, or to innovation that leads to new drugs that is not sufficiently incentivised though price signals. The accountability for such damages is taken into consideration by arguing that the disavowal of responsibility is made possible by the negative public domain, which is balanced by the construction of a positive response through the language of rights. As such, responsibility per se is preserved, evading one instantiation of Teubner’s legal paradoxes, but rendered ineffective by design. In other words, even if the harms endured by those affected by the NTDs can be traced back to the operations of the intellectual property system, there is no one to hold accountable. The main goal pursued through the article is to make such an arrangement explicit, by giving centrality to the notion of scarcity and its interplay between legal and economic theory, alongside the novel concept of negative public domain as a site where the actual consequences of irresponsibility lie, to hopefully inform further critique in subsequent works.
Upscaled Dynamic Relative Permeability for Unstable CO2 Flow in Stratified Porous Media
Authors: Youssef AbdAllah A. , Matthäi S. K. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn geologic porous media, layering is ubiquitous on all length scales ranging from sub-mm compositional laminations to km-thick formations. The current study presents a general framework for estimating the two-phase viscous limit dynamic relative permeability $$(k_{r} )$$

(

k
r

)

for non-communicating stratified sedimentary rocks. The approach is a two-stage upscaling taking into account the influence of nested heterogeneity at intra- and inter-layer scales. Sub-layer heterogeneities, promoting microflow instabilities in individual layers, are modelled by tuning input relative permeability parameters based on the viscosity contrast between fluids. Macroscopic flow instability at the domain scale is tackled by a new analytical solution for the saturation distribution in stratified media considering the complexities of frontal advance theory. For each layer, three flow stages are considered, each with its unique time-dependent behaviour. The overall solution is presented as a set of equations derived by overlapping of the solutions in different layers. The upscaled dynamic $$k_{r}$$

k
r

is figured out by history matching. The practicality of the method is demonstrated in application to measurements collected from the Otway International Research Facility, Victoria, Australia. The results show the significant impact of layer separation on the upscaled endpoint saturations in addition to required modifications on the current $$k_{r}$$

k
r

formulas. A comparison with conventionally modelled steady-state sweep highlights the inadequacy of steady-state upscaling for viscous limit flows. The applicability of the method to estimate $$k_{r}$$

k
r

from the unsteady-state lab experiments conducted on heterogeneous cores is also discussed.
Genetic quality: a complex issue for experimental study reproducibility
Authors: Yoshiki Atsushi , Ballard Gregory , Perez Ana V. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLaboratory animal research involving mice, requires consideration of many factors to be controlled. Genetic quality is one factor that is often overlooked but is essential for the generation of reproducible experimental results. Whether experimental research involves inbred mice, spontaneous mutant, or genetically modified strains, exercising genetic quality through careful breeding, good recordkeeping, and prudent quality control steps such as validation of the presence of mutations and verification of the genetic background, will help ensure that experimental results are accurate and that reference controls are representative for the particular experiment. In this review paper, we will discuss various techniques used for the generation of genetically altered mice, and the different aspects to be considered regarding genetic quality, including inbred strains and substrains used, quality check controls during and after genetic manipulation and breeding. We also provide examples for when to use the different techniques and considerations on genetic quality checks. Further, we emphasize on the importance of establishing an in-house genetic quality program.
Improving Quality of Service for Cell-Edge Users in D2D-Relay Networks
Authors: Xing Xuefeng , Cao Jing , Zhou Hongtao 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we build a D2D-relay communications model where the D2D user is selected as a relay to forward data for the users at the edge of the networks. We aim at maximizing the achievable data rates of the cell-edge users, a resource allocation problem is formulated and an iterative power allocation algorithm is proposed. We derive the optimal closed-form power allocation expressions by the Lagrange dual method. Simulation results show that our communication scheme can achieve greater spectral efficiency than the traditional cellular-relay communication scheme.
Assessing the effects of alternative fuel treatments to reduce wildfire exposure
Authors: Jahdi Roghayeh , Del Giudice Liliana , Melis Massimo , Lovreglio Raffaella , Salis Michele , Arca Bachisio , Duce Pierpaolo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEffective landscape-scale fuel management strategies are essential for reducing wildfire risk in Mediterranean fire-prone areas. In this study, the minimum travel time (MTT) fire-spread algorithm as implemented in FlamMap was applied to assess the potential of alternative fuel treatments for lowering wildfire losses in a 5,740-ha study area in eastern Sardinia, Italy. Twenty-seven wildfires at 10-m resolution were simulated considering three wind speeds (15, 18, and 21 km h−1) to compare fuel treatments: no treatment (NT), irrigated agroforestry areas with shrub clearing (T1), prescribed fire in eucalyptus stands (T2), and irrigated grasslands (T3). The simulations replicated a recent large wildfire that occurred in the study area (Orrì wildfire, 2019) and considered the weather and fuel moisture conditions associated with this event. The average wildfire exposure outputs (burned area, probability of burning, conditional flame length, potential crown fire occurrence, and surfaces withflame lengths above 2.5 m) decreased after fuel treatments, compared to no treatment. T1 was the most effective strategy in mitigating wildfire hazards and provided the most significant performance for several wildfire exposure indicators. Treating only 0.5% of the study area (~ 30 ha) resulted in a decrease in all wildfire exposure metrics to ~ 10% within the study area. In addition, the total surface characterized by high flame length (average > 2.5 m) was the lowest in the T1 treatment. This study can help land and fire managers optimize fuel treatment opportunities and wildfire risk mitigation strategies in Mediterranean areas.
C-Terminal Proarginine Vasopressin is Associated with Disease Outcome and Mortality, but not with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Critically Ill Patients with an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: van Oers Jos A. H. , Ramnarain Dharmanand , Oldenbeuving Annemarie , Vos Piet , Roks Gerwin , Kluiters Yvette , Beishuizen Albertus , de Lange Dylan W. , de Grooth Harm-Jan , Girbes Armand R. J. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an important indication for intensive care unit admission and may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We assessed the ability of C-terminal proarginine vasopressin (CT-proAVP) to predict disease outcome, mortality, and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in critically ill patients with aSAH compared with the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score and Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) model.

Methods
C-terminal proarginine vasopressin was collected on admission in this single-center, prospective, observational cohort study. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between CT-proAVP and poor functional outcome at 1 year (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1–3) in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for WFNS and APACHE IV scores. Secondary aims were mortality and DCI. The multivariable logistic regression model for DCI was also adjusted for the modified Fisher scale.

Results
In 100 patients, the median CT-proAVP level was 24.9 pmol/L (interquartile range 11.5–53.8); 45 patients had a poor 1-year functional outcome, 19 patients died within 30 days, 25 patients died within 1 year, and DCI occurred in 28 patients. Receiver operating characteristics curves revealed high accuracy for CT-proAVP to identify patients with poor 1-year functional outcome (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.92, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.93, p < 0.001), and 1-year mortality (AUC 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.89, p < 0.001). CT-proAVP had a low AUC for identifying patients with DCI (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.79, p 0.008). CT-proAVP ≥ 24.9 pmo/L proved to be a significant predictor for poor 1-year functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] 8.04, 95% CI 2.97–21.75, p < 0.001), and CT-proAVP ≥ 29.1 pmol/L and ≥ 27.7 pmol/L were significant predictors for 30-day and 1-year mortality (OR 9.31, 95% CI 1.55–56.07, p 0.015 and OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.48–17.93, p 0.010) in multivariable models with WFNS and APACHE IV scores. CT-proAVP ≥ 29.5 pmol/L was not a significant predictor for DCI in a multivariable model adjusted for the modified Fisher scale (p = 0.061).

Conclusions
C-terminal proarginine vasopressin was able to predict poor functional outcome and mortality in critically ill patients with aSAH. Its prognostic ability to predict DCI was low.

Trial Registration
Nederlands Trial Register: NTR4118.
Assessment of perceived support in the context of emergency: Development and validation of the psycho-social support scale
Authors: Panzeri Anna , Bettinardi Ornella , Bottesi Gioia , Bertolotti Giorgio , Brambatti Luca , Monfredo Michela , Mignemi Giuseppe , Bruno Giovanni , Vidotto Giulio , Spoto Andrea , Frattola Paola , Chiesa Silvia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn research and clinical contexts, it is important to briefly evaluate perceived Psychological and Social Support (PSS) to plan psychological interventions and allocate efforts and resources. However, an appropriate brief assessment tool for PSS was lacking. This study aimed at developing a brief and accurate scale to specifically measure PSS in clinical and emergency contexts, with specific, relevant, targeted, and irredundant items. Experienced clinicians developed the perceived Psycho-Social Support Scale (PSSS) and administered it to a clinical sample (N = 112) seeking psychological help during the COVID-19 emergency. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis examined the PSSS internal structure, and a Multiple Indicator and Multiple Causes model investigated its association with the number of sessions and emotional symptoms. The PSSS showed good psychometric properties and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis provided acceptable fit indexes for a unidimensional structure. The Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes revealed that more sessions and emotional symptoms were associated with lower PSSS scores. The PSSS is a reliable brief tool to measure PS and could be useful to individualize treatments (i.e., number of sessions) to efficiently allocate efforts and resources in clinical contexts and emergencies (e.g., earthquake, COVID-19 pandemic).
Environmental DNA Methods for Ecological Monitoring and Biodiversity Assessment in Estuaries
Authors: Nagarajan Raman P. , Bedwell Mallory , Holmes Ann E. , Sanches Thiago , Acuña Shawn , Baerwald Melinda , Barnes Matthew A. , Blankenship Scott , Connon Richard E. , Deiner Kristy , Gille Daphne , Goldberg Caren S. , Hunter Margaret E. , Jerde Christopher L. , Luikart Gordon , Meyer Rachel S. , Watts Alison , Schreier Andrea 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) detection methods can complement traditional biomonitoring to yield new ecological insights in aquatic systems. However, the conceptual and methodological frameworks for aquatic eDNA detection and interpretation were developed primarily in freshwater environments and have not been well established for estuaries and marine environments that are by nature dynamic, turbid, and hydrologically complex. Environmental context and species life history are critical for successful application of eDNA methods, and the challenges associated with eDNA detection in estuaries were the subject of a symposium held at the University of California Davis on January 29, 2020 (https://marinescience.ucdavis.edu/engagement/past-events/edna). Here, we elaborate upon topics addressed in the symposium to evaluate eDNA methods in the context of monitoring and biodiversity studies in estuaries. We first provide a concise overview of eDNA science and methods, and then examine the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) as a case study to illustrate how eDNA detection can complement traditional monitoring programs and provide regional guidance on future potential eDNA applications. Additionally, we offer recommendations for enhancing communication between eDNA scientists and natural resource managers, which is essential for integrating eDNA methods into existing monitoring programs. Our intent is to create a resource that is accessible to those outside the field of eDNA, especially managers, without oversimplifying the challenges or advantages of these methods.
Route Stability Index (RSI): an Index for the Assessment of Rockfall-Related Hazards in Rock Slopes Equipped for Sport Climbing
Authors: Beni Tommaso , Gigli Giovanni , Lombardi Luca , Carlà Tommaso , Casagli Nicola 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA multidisciplinary geomechanical method to evaluate and quantify rockfall hazards in rock slopes equipped for sport climbing is presented. This method exploits close-range survey data obtained from terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and unmanned aerial vehicle-based digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) and integrates them with traditional scanline survey data collected in the field. Based on the acquired information, a kinematic analysis is performed to predict the location of structurally controlled rock failure mechanisms. An index denoted as route stability index (RSI) is then proposed to quantify the associated hazard along sport climbing routes in the study area. In addition, hazard is also assessed at the overall slope scale. The method was successfully applied at an abandoned climbing site historically affected by rockfalls, 5 km north of Florence (Italy). RSI can be adopted as part of the planning and monitoring strategies for the management of risk related to outdoor climbing activities, which are becoming an important part of Italian and European geo-tourism.
Psychobiotic Potential of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid–Producing Marine Enterococcus faecium SH9 from Marine Shrimp
Authors: Sakkaa Shimaa El , Zaghloul Eman H. , Ghanem Khaled M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPsychobiotics are a novel class of probiotics with potential to confer mental wellness via production of neuroactive compounds such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The demand for new biological sources of GABA has increased steadily. Therefore, the current study reports the isolation of 17 presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from marine samples and their screening for GABA synthesis from monosodium glutamate (MSG) using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The isolate SH9 was selected as a high GABA producing strain. The GABA content of SH9 cell free supernatant (CFS) was quantitatively determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to be 0.97 g/L. SH9 was identified biochemically and molecularly as Enterococcus faecium (identity 99%). Moreover, SH9 demonstrated promising probiotic potentials; it gave no signs of hemolysis and could survive at low pH values and high bile salt concentrations. It also exhibited antimicrobial activity against highly pathogenic strains and the ability to grow at 6.5% NaCl. In addition, SH9 CFS showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene was detected in SH9 by using specific primers. Product of 540 bp was obtained, sequenced, and analyzed (accession number: MW713382). The inferred amino acid sequence was 99.3% identical to Lactobacillus plantarum M-6 gadB gene. The findings of this study suggest that the marine isolate E. faecium SH9 could be used as a novel psychobiotics in the development of GABA rich healthy products.
Permeability extraction from multiple well logs using particle swarm optimization based factor analysis
Authors: Szabó Norbert Péter , Abordán Armand , Dobróka Mihály 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we present an innovative factor analysis algorithm for hydrocarbon exploration to estimate the intrinsic permeability of reservoir rocks from well logs. Unlike conventional evaluation methods that employ a single or a limited number of data types, we process simultaneously all available data to derive the first statistical factor and relate it to permeability by regression analysis. For solving the problem of factor analysis, we introduce an improved particle swarm optimization method, which searches for the global minimum of the distance between the observed and calculated data and gives a quick estimation for the factor scores. The learning factors of the intelligent computational technique such as the cognitive and social constants are specified as hyperparameters and calculated by using simulated annealing algorithm as heuristic hyperparameter estimator. Instead of the arbitrary fixation of these hyperparameters, we refine them in an iterative process to give reliable estimation both for the statistical factors and formation permeability. The estimated learning parameters are consistent with literature recommendations. We demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed well-log analysis method by a Hungarian oilfield study involving open-hole wireline logs and core data. We determine the spatial distribution of permeability both along a borehole and between more wells using the factor analysis approach, which serves as efficient and reliable multivariate statistical tool for advanced formation evaluation and reservoir modeling.
Navigating the neo-academy: Experiences of liminality and identity construction among early career researchers at one Australian regional university
Authors: Larsen Ellen , Brandenburg Robyn 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAcross the world, many university-based early career researchers (ECRs) are experiencing an unprecedented intensification of research expectations on transition from doctoral research to academic life. Countries such as Australia have put into place national frameworks of research excellence to remain globally competitive. Pressure on universities to elevate global research rankings has soared, with many regional universities and disciplines such as education responding with a rapid escalation of research performance expectations for academics. Consequently, concerns have been raised for ECRs embroiled in intensified research agendas in these contexts. Framed by concepts of liminality and identity construction, we argue that intensified expectations do not take account of liminality experienced by ECRs during times of transition, compromising perceived academic progress. We report on the identity journeys of ECRs in a School of Education at one regional Australian university. Data was collected from nine ECRs using online focus groups and analysed using a hybrid thematic approach. Key findings indicate that ECRs transition into the Academy post-doctorate with varying experiences of identity liminality that impact their capacity to manage research expectations. ECRs experiencing shorter periods of liminality are best positioned to manage the intensified expectations of academic life while ECRs experiencing persistent liminality and identity ‘struggle’ are more likely to perceive a diminished sense of achievement and support. These findings have significant implications for university leadership and research supervisors, in Australia and globally, regarding the ways they support ECRs to productively navigate the hyper-invigilated audit cultures of what we have termed the neo-academy.