bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanics of bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion on dry and wet granular media
Authors: Bagheri Hosain , Jayanetti Vidu , Burch Hailey R. , Brenner Clayton E. , Bethke Benjamin R. , Marvi Hamidreza 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe effectiveness of exploration robots is contingent upon their capability and efficiency to locomote on contorted and multifaceted terrains. Traditional wheeled robots do not suffice at overcoming such terrains and complications they introduce. The proposed work explores the performance of WhegRunner, a whegged (i.e., wheel‐legged) robotic platform used to examine the mechanics of running on granular media at different saturation levels. In particular, the effect of bipedal/quadrupedal gait, saturation level, stride length, and stride frequency on robot's forward body velocity and cost of transport (COT) was studied. To increment nominal stride length, the robot was fitted with different number of spoked whegs from 3 to 7. In addition, eight evenly spaced motor speeds ranging from 2.33 to 7.43 Hz were used to observe the effect of stride frequency. Similar trends were observed between the two gaits, with the quadrupedal gait showing better overall performance. On dry sand, wider strides were attained at reduced motor speeds with lower spoked whegs. However, on wet sand (15% and 30% saturation), wider strides were achieved with higher motor speeds and lower spoked whegs. As a result, lower spoked whegs accomplished higher body forward velocity and lower COT as saturation increased. The acquired knowledge elucidates underexplored mechanics of locomotion on granular media at different saturation levels. The WhegRunner can be used as a platform to obtain a greater insight on how to develop more proficient exploration robots, ones which can face complex and deformable terrains and mediums.
Angiogenic imbalance in pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction: enhanced soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 binding or diminished production of placental growth factor?
Authors: Kluivers A. C. M. , Biesbroek A. , Visser W. , Saleh L. , Russcher H. , Danser A. H. J. , Neuman R. I. 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess levels of total placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and free PlGF in women with pre‐eclampsia (PE) with or without a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate in order to establish whether low free PlGF levels associated with PE and SGA are due to enhanced sFlt‐1 binding or decreased PlGF production.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study involving 407 pregnancies with suspected or confirmed PE, in which total PlGF levels were calculated from measured sFlt‐1 and free PlGF levels. The control group included women who were suspected to have PE at a certain point in pregnancy but did not develop PE. The analysis was stratified according to whether PE was early‐ or late‐onset (gestational age < 34 weeks vs ≥ 34 weeks) and according to the presence of SGA at birth, which was used as a proxy of fetal growth restriction in the absence of Doppler ultrasound and biometric data.ResultsIn early‐onset PE, both women with and those without SGA had lower free (19 and 45 pg/mL) and total (44 and 100 pg/mL) PlGF levels compared with women without PE (free and total PlGF, 300 and 381 pg/mL, respectively). SGA alone did not affect free and total PlGF in this condition (free and total PlGF, 264 and 352 pg/mL, respectively). Observations in women with late‐onset PE were similar, although the changes were more modest. Both SGA (gestational age < 34 weeks) and PE were individually associated with increased sFlt‐1 and, in women with both PE and SGA, the upregulation of sFlt‐1 occurred in a synergistic manner, thus resulting in the highest sFlt‐1/free PlGF ratio in this group. This occurred in both early‐ and late‐onset PE.ConclusionsParticularly in pregnancies with early‐onset PE and SGA, diminished PlGF production is an important cause of low free PlGF levels. Under such conditions, sFlt‐1 lowering is unlikely to restore the angiogenic balance. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Prediction of dual survival following fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Krispin E. , Mustafa H. J. , Espinoza J. , Nassr A. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Donepudi R. , Harman C. , Mostafaei S. , Turan O. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo develop a model based on factors available at the time of diagnosis of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) for predicting the probability of dual twin survival following fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) using a machine‐learning algorithm.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of data collected at two university‐affiliated tertiary fetal centers between 2012 and 2021. The cohort included monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS that underwent FLP. Data were stratified based on survival 30 days after delivery, and cases with dual survival were compared to those without dual survival. A random forest machine‐learning algorithm was used to construct a prediction model, and the relative importance value was calculated for each parameter that presented a statistically significant difference between the two study groups and was included in the model. The holdout method was applied to check overfitting of the random forest algorithm. A prediction model for dual twin survival 30 days after delivery was presented based on the test set.ResultsThe study included 537 women with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy, of whom 346 (64.4%) had dual twin survival at 30 days after delivery and were compared with 191 (35.6%) cases that had one or no survivors. Univariate analysis demonstrated no differences in demographic parameters between the groups. At the time of diagnosis, the dual‐survival group had lower rates of estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th centile for gestational age in the donor twin (56.4% vs 69.4%; P = 0.004), intertwin EFW discordance > 25% (40.8% vs 56.5%; P = 0.001) and anterior placenta (40.5% vs 50.0%; P = 0.034). Comparison of Doppler findings between the two groups demonstrated significant differences in the donor twin, with a lower rate of pulsatility index (PI) > 95th centile in the umbilical artery and ductus venosus and a lower rate of PI < 5th centile in the fetal middle cerebral artery in the dual‐survival group. Relative importance values for each of these six parameters were calculated, allowing the construction of a prediction model with an area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve of 0.916 (95% CI, 0.887–0.946).ConclusionsWe developed a predictive model for dual survival in monochorionic twin pregnancies following FLP for TTTS, which incorporates six variables obtained at the time of diagnosis of TTTS, including donor EFW < 10th centile, intertwin EFW discordance > 25%, anterior placenta and abnormal PI in the umbilical artery, ductus venosus and middle cerebral artery of the donor twin. This clinically applicable tool may improve treatment planning and patient counseling. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Actinobacillus suis isolated from diseased pigs are phylogenetically related but harbour different number of toxin gene copies in their genomes
Authors: Kulathunga Dharmasiri Gamage Ruwini Sulochana , Fakher Alaa Abou , Costa Matheus de Oliveira 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe Gram‐negative bacterium Actinobacillus suis is an agent of global importance to the swine industry and the cause of lethal respiratory or septicaemic disease in pigs of different ages. Between 2018 and 2019, seven commercial farms in western Canada experienced episodes of increased mortality due to A. suis infection in grower pigs. The goal of this work was to profile, with molecular methods, A. suis isolated from diseased pigs and to compare them to other isolates.DesignThis inferential observational study used nine western Canadian strains obtained from diseased lungs (n = 6), heart (n = 2) and brain (n = 1) and whole genome sequencing was performed. Comparative genomic analyses were performed to characterise the genetic variability, antimicrobial resistance and the virulence genes present.ResultsCompared to the reference strain (ATCC 33415), an increased number of RTX (repeats in the structural toxin) gene copies were identified in strains isolated from organs without a mucosal surface, thus theoretically harder to invade. Western Canadian strains did not harbour genes associated with resistance to antimicrobial agents used in swine production. Novel regions were also identified in the genomes of five of nine strains demonstrating recombination and emergence of novel strains.ConclusionsThe results obtained in this study were associated with the emergence of new lineages. An increased number of RTX toxin gene copies is suggested to be associated with increased virulence. This study will contribute to improve our understanding regarding A. suis and may help guide vaccine development and agent control measures.
What the Car Industry Can Do, Mercedes-Benz’ View
Authors: Schöneburg Rodolfo , Baumann Karl-Heinz 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe car industry faces some extreme challenges. Alongside the key task that we face of making individual transport climate-neutral, and alongside the new technological opportunities for communication and networking across our whole environment, it is clear that the user behavior of vehicle drivers and of all other road users is also going to change. Bearing all these aspects in mind, our overriding goal remains to make the traffic on our roads safer. Many of the activities in this context are summarized in the Mercedes-Benz “Vision of accident-free driving.” The current plateauing of road fatality statistics across the countries of the West is a clear signal that we need to intensify our efforts even further. And indeed, there are still plenty of levers that can be applied in order to optimize and improve these figures.Following a review of the current situation from the perspective of Mercedes-Benz, the opportunities for further optimization of vehicle safety are now presented in the guise of the latest Experimental Safety Vehicle, ESF 2019, which above all addresses the new possibilities offered by increasing connectivity and automation. Many of the innovative concepts under consideration have a chance of reaching the market in future vehicles, either as they are or in a modified form; in other cases the discussion around them will lead to new ideas and proposed solutions.The Integral Safety Strategy by Mercedes-Benz is a holistic approach that defines safety in four phases: (1) safe driving, (2) assisting in a critical driving situation with accident prevention systems and anticipatory protection elements such as PRE-SAFE® systems, (3) during a crash, for example, occupant and partner protection, and, finally, (4) after a crash, deploy systems for the rescue phase. All four phases must be high priorities during the development of the vehicle.Even with an optimistic view of the vehicle-based opportunities, this article will demonstrate that vehicle measures alone will not be sufficient to solve all traffic safety issues, as road transportation is just too complex. All the factors that impact road safety, and which will need to play their part in delivering “Vision Zero,” must be addressed; in other words, infrastructural measures and people in traffic, too. As with the Mercedes-Benz strategy of Integral Safety, we shall only be able to make major advances toward “Vision Zero” if all influencing factors are properly investigated as part of an integrated examination of road safety.
Urban Road Design and Keeping Down Speed
Authors: Corben Bruce 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis chapter examines the opportunities available to a range of professions that directly or indirectly influence urban settings, to achieve Vision Zero safety outcomes. Starting with how we want our urban areas to be, the chapter examines options to eliminate the systemic risk of deaths and serious injuries on urban roads from three separate but related viewpoints; managing the threats to life and health posed by the energy embedded within the road transport system, the potential for crashes to occur and the exposure of those who use the system to severe injury risk from crashes. In urban settings, it is sometimes possible to eliminate or minimize vehicular traffic on selected roads and streets but, in general, it is either impractical or undesirable to do so. By physically separating vehicles from other vehicles, and from highly vulnerable road users, we risk creating the types of cities and towns that do not support our high level aspirations of highly liveable and healthy societies, with sustainable and equitable urban transport systems. Where physical separation is not viable, it becomes necessary to manage transport system energy to ensure risk remains below the levels we set for Vision Zero outcomes – no one being killed or seriously injured. The main focus of this chapter therefore is on the means by which we can manage kinetic energy, primarily through compatible combinations of infrastructure design and speed limit setting, to protect all who use urban roads. Vehicle technology and structural design are important considerations for system performance as a whole.
Analysis of Soundscapes as an Ecological Tool
Authors: Schoeman Renée P. , Erbe Christine , Pavan Gianni , Righini Roberta , Thomas Jeanette A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSoundscapes have been likened to acoustic landscapes, encompassing all the acoustic features of an area. The sounds that make up a soundscape can be grouped according to their source into biophony (sounds from animals), geophony (sounds from atmospheric and geophysical events), and anthropophony (sounds from human activities). Natural soundscapes have changed over time because of human activities that generate sound, alter land-use patterns, remove animals from natural settings, and result in climate change. These human activities have direct and indirect effects on animal distribution patterns and (acoustic) behavior. Consequently, current soundscapes may be very different from those a few hundred years ago. This is of concern as natural soundscapes have ecological value. Losing natural soundscapes may, therefore, result in a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The study of soundscapes can identify ecosystems undergoing change and potentially document causes (such as noise from human activities). Methods for studying soundscapes range from listening and creating visual (spectrographic) displays to the computation of acoustic indices and advanced statistical modeling. Passive acoustic recording has become an ecological tool for research, monitoring, and ultimately conservation management. This chapter introduces terrestrial and aquatic soundscapes, soundscape analysis tools, and soundscape management.
Fundamental Data Analysis Tools and Concepts for Bioacoustical Research
Authors: Salgado Kent Chandra , Marques Tiago A. , Harris Danielle 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBioacoustics is a growing field of research in which sound is measured to gain knowledge about species’ natural history and their environments. For example, bioacousticians have been able to create phylogenies, identify populations, and estimate abundance using sound. Moreover, today, many animals are exposed to human-generated noise, which can impact animals’ behavior, ability to communicate, physiology, hearing, and, in some instances, survival. Bioacoustics, thus, is commonly used to assess and predict the impacts of anthropogenic noise on animals and their populations. The use of bioacoustics to address such research questions, however, is only effective provided the quantitative and statistical analysis methods used are adequate and reliable. While it may not be reasonable to expect a single researcher working in bioacoustics to master all three fields required in bioacoustical research (i.e., biology, acoustics, and statistics), bioacousticians should understand basic statistical concepts, have good knowledge of existing techniques for data analysis, and identify possible pitfalls in survey design. In addition, bioacousticians should be able to conduct a range of current standard analyses, produce informative visualizations, and know when to engage a statistician to perform more sophisticated analyses. This chapter introduces common terms, concepts, and statistical methods available to analyze bioacoustical data. Not surprisingly, most are concepts and methods that could be used for any applied research topic, not necessarily just bioacoustics. The authors’ aim is for this chapter to expose users with no or limited experience in quantitative methods in bioacoustics to key analytical considerations for making valid inferences from acoustic data.
The Making of Reception as a System. The Governance of Migrant Mobility and Transformations of Statecraft in Greece Since the Early 2000s
Authors: Mantanika Regina , Arapoglou Vassilis 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the reception system for migrants, a system that consists of procedures that take place between practices of what is known as first reception and longer-term plans for integration. When we use the term migrant in this chapter, we are referring to those who migrate towards a territory, have arrived at a territory, or live in the territory in question for a short or long period of time. Unless noted otherwise, the term does not distinguish between migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Our research is built on an analysis of two key periods that are critical in the emergence, evolution and consolidation of this intermediary space. Firstly, at the start of the 2000s, reception emerged as a concept and practice related to the governance of so-called transit migration. This period was characterised by a plethora of complex forced and voluntary mobilities inside Greece and the EU. Furthermore, during this period, the state of ‘being in limbo’ became established as a situation in between borders, as well as in between transiting (through) and settling (in) a territory. During the second key period from 2015 to 2019, we observe contradictory policy attempts to consolidate migrant reception as a formal system, including new infrastructures like camps and housing programmes, which were maintained by diverse agents and jurisdictions. The ‘hotspot’ approach, the closing down of the Balkan route and the EU-Turkey Statement constituted important impediments to the development of inclusive practices by international humanitarian agencies and grassroots solidarity initiatives.
Pathways to Integration and Dis-integration: An Assessment of the Greek Immigration Policy for the Inclusion of Immigrants, Applicants and Beneficiaries of International Protection
Authors: Tramountanis Angelo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWith the unveiling of the 2019 National Strategy for Integration, Greece entered its third decade as a host country for immigrants, applicants and beneficiaries of international protection. Even though inflows of immigrants are recorded since the early 1990s, it took more than a decade for the issue of immigrant integration to be raised in the political agenda. This contribution provides for an assessment of the past 30 years, in terms of analysing the evolving legal and policy framework. In addition, it evaluates the proposed and implemented measures that aimed into facilitating immigrant integration. Historically, the 1991–2000 period was characterised by a repressive approach towards immigration and strict control measures, without any provisions for integration. During the years that followed (2001–2008), the first comprehensive immigration laws were presented, as did two Actions Plans on the social integration of immigrants. The 2008–2015 period was marked by the severe economic crisis that affected Greece, and resulted in dis-integrating part of the immigrant population. Finally, the current period is defined by the long-lasting effects of the 2015–2016 refugee crisis. As such, the latest in a long series of National Strategies for Integration was unveiled, while the HELIOS programme was launched, aiming to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection. Summarising, this chapter argues that even though lip service is paid to the concept of immigrant integration, a coherent and proactive policy for immigrants’ integration in the Greek society was almost never a Greek state’s priority.
Introduction: Origins, Approach, and an Arab Sensibility
Authors: Tessler Mark 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis guide offers readers a concise overview of the elements of social science research, from topic to design to data and analysis. By incorporating examples of research in Arab societies and including exercises using data from the Arab Barometer survey project, the guide situates social scientific concepts and methods in the social and political environment of the Arab world. It will, therefore, be of particular relevance to social scientists who study the Arab region, including, and perhaps especially, Arab scholars who conduct social science research.
The Looijenga–Lunts–Verbitsky Algebra and Verbitsky’s Theorem
Authors: Bottini Alessio 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn these notes we review some basic facts about the LLV Lie algebra. It is a rational Lie algebra, introduced by Looijenga–Lunts and Verbitsky, acting on the rational cohomology of a compact Kähler manifold. We study its structure and describe one irreducible component of the rational cohomology in the case of a compact hyperkähler manifold.
A depression network caused by brain tumours
Authors: Li Yanran , Jin Yong , Wu Di , Zhang Lifang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTo systematically analyse and discuss whether suppressive heterogeneous brain tumours (BTs) belong to a common brain network and provide a theoretical basis for identifying BT patients with a high risk of depression and select therapeutic targets for clinical treatment. The PubMed database was systematically searched to obtain relevant case reports, and lesion locations were manually traced to standardised brain templates according to ITK-SNAP descriptive literature. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data sets were collected from 1,000 healthy adults aged 18–35 years. Each lesion location or functional connectivity area of the lesion network. Connectivity analysis was performed in an MN152 space, and Fisher z-transformation was applied to normalise the distribution of each value in the functional connectivity correlation map, and T maps of each tumour location network were calculated with the T score of individual voxels. This T score indicates the statistical significance of voxelwise connectivity at each tumour location. The lesion networks were thresholded at T = 7, creating binarised maps of brain regions connecting tumour locations, overlaying network maps to identify tumour-sensitive hubs and also assessing specific hubs with other conditional controls. A total of 18 patients describing depression following focal BTs were included. Of these cases, it was reported that depression-related tumours were unevenly distributed in the brain: 89% (16/18) were positively correlated with the left striatum, and the peak of the left striatum lesion network continuously overlapped. The depression-related tumour location was consistent with the tumour suppressor network (89%). These results suggest that sensitive hubs are aligned with specific networks, and specific hubs are aligned with sensitive networks. Brain tumour-related depression differs from acute lesion-related depression and may be related to the mapping of tumours to depression-related brain networks. It can provide an observational basis for the neuroanatomical basis of BT-related depression and a theoretical basis for identifying patients with BTs at high risk of depression and their subsequent clinical diagnosis and treatment.