bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural modernity, investigative disintegration & Rubicon expectation
Authors: Meneganzin Andra , Currie Adrian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract‘Behavioural modernity’ isn’t what it used to be. Once conceived as an integrated package of traits demarcated by a clear archaeological signal in a specific time and place, it is now disparate, archaeologically equivocal, and temporally and spatially spread. In this paper we trace behavioural modernity’s empirical and theoretical developments over the last three decades, as surprising discoveries in the material record, as well the reappraisal of old evidence, drove increasingly sophisticated demographic, social and cultural models of behavioural modernity. We argue, however, that some approaches to identifying and categorizing modernity have not kept up with this new picture. This is due to what we term ‘Rubicon expectations’: classificatory and interpretive practices which look for or assume clear demarcations in behavioural and cultural processes. We develop a philosophical account of ‘investigative disintegration’ to capture how our understanding of behavioural modernity has changed, and how Rubicon-based practices have become inadequate. Disintegration, in the form we analyse, occurs when scientists’ conception of a phenomenon shifts sufficiently to reshape an investigation’s epistemic structure. For behavioural modernity, the explanatory weight which once lay on identifying ‘switch-points’ in the innate suite of hominin cognitive capacities, lies now in understanding the social and demographic environments that were capable of sustaining and nourishing more complex material cultures. Finally, we argue that the phenomenon itself has not disintegrated to the point that we are left with no interesting explanandum: for all its mosaic, disparate nature, there are still good reasons for behavioural modernity to retain its central place in investigation of our species' origins.
Assessment and Spatial Distribution Mapping of Criteria Pollutants
Authors: Kamboj Kuldeep , Sisodiya Sohil , Mathur Anil K. , Zare Ali , Verma Puneet 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study aims to assess the urban air quality, and map NO2, SO2, and PM10 profiles using two widely spatial interpolation methods, ordinary kriging (OK) and inverse distance weighting (IDW) by estimating their concentrations at distinct non-monitored locations. Assessment and mapping of air pollutants in this study help with policy formulation and decision-making. Kota, the industrial and educational hub of Rajasthan (India), has been selected to study air quality. Results showed that PM10 is continuously emerging as a foremost contributor to air quality index (AQI) each season. The concentrations of NO2 and SO2 in all seasons were well below the permissible level prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Interpolation techniques (OK and IDW) estimated the concentrations of NO2, SO2, and PM10 at three sites using air quality data from the year 2019. The interpolated air pollutant results for the specified region were compared with monitored air quality data in the same region. An excellent agreement has been observed by comparing monitored values, and the values predicted from IDW and OK.
Determination, distribution, and environmental fate of Bacillus thuringiensis spores in various honeybee matrices after field application as plant protection product
Authors: Alkassab Abdulrahim T. , Beims Hannes , Janke Martina , Pistorius Jens 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe increasing use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)–based plant protection products (PPPs) has recently raised some concerns regarding their environmental accumulation and possible chronic exposure of non-target species, including pollinators, to higher than expected doses. The exposure level of such microbial PPPs in bee’s matrices under field conditions has not yet been described. Therefore, the current study aims at evaluating the realistic exposure level and comparing the distributions and persistence of Bt spores under field conditions. A field trial with spray application in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) as a representative bee-attractive crop was conducted. During the experimental period, different matrices, including honeybee-collected and -stored matrices as well as bee larvae and dead bees, were collected and analyzed using newly established methods. The concentration of Bt spores in the various matrices was quantified. The results show high levels of Bt spores in honey sac and pollen pellets with reduction over time but no reduction of Bt spores in the stored matrices within the colony, i.e., nectar and bee bread, over time. Our results show for the first time the exposure level of bees to Bt spores under realistic field conditions and are fundamentally important for assessing potential exposure and risks for pollinators.
Examination of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in Parkinson’s disease focusing on correlations with motor symptoms
Authors: Pham Daniel , Polgar Beata , Toth Tunde , Jungling Adel , Kovacs Norbert , Balas Istvan , Pal Endre , Szabo Dora , Fulop Balazs Daniel , Reglodi Dora , Szanto Zalan , Herczeg Robert , Gyenesei Attila , Tamas Andrea 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe neuroprotective effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have been shown in numerous in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) supporting the theory that PACAP could have an important role in the pathomechanism of the disorder affecting mostly older patients. Earlier studies found changes in PACAP levels in neurological disorders; therefore, the aim of our study was to examine PACAP in plasma samples of PD patients. Peptide levels were measured with ELISA and correlated with clinical parameters, age, stage of the disorder based on the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale, subtype of the disease, treatment, and specific scores measuring motor and non-motor symptoms, such as movement disorder society-unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Parkinson’s disease sleep scale (PDSS-2), and Beck depression inventory (BDI). Our results showed significantly decreased PACAP levels in PD patients without deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy and in akinetic-rigid subtype; additionally we also observed a further decrease in the HY stage 3 and 4. Elevated PACAP levels were found in patients with DBS. There were no significant correlations between PACAP level with MDS-UPDRS, type of pharmacological treatment, PDSS-2 sleepiness, or depression (BDI) scales, but we found increased PACAP level in patients with more severe sleepiness problems based on the ESS scale. Based on these results, we suggest that following the alterations of PACAP with other frequently used clinical biomarkers in PD patients might improve strategic planning of further therapeutic interventions and help to provide a clearer prognosis regarding the future perspective of the disease.
Renaissance mercurial therapy in the mummies of Saint Domenico Maggiore in Naples: a palaeopathological and palaeotoxicological approach
Authors: Fornaciari Antonio , Chericoni Silvio , Stefanelli Fabio , Fornaciari Gino , Giuffra Valentina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the use of mercury therapy in the Italian noble classes of the Renaissance through the toxicological analysis of hair content. Mercury has stability and a long half-life in hair, representing a great resource not only for forensic toxicological analysis but also for archaeological research on mercurial exposure in past populations. The hair of fourteen mummified individuals of the Aragon and vice-royal court of Naples, buried in the Neapolitan Basilica of Saint Domenico Maggiore (15–18th centuries), was analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and flame emission spectroscopy (FES). Out of the fourteen individuals, four presented mercury concentrations in the hair washing liquid indicating external perimortem application (in one case clearly linked to embalming, in three cases probably associated with topical therapeutic practices), three showed no traces of mercury, and seven had mercury values in hair ranging from 411 to 47 ppm, which indicate prolonged exposure in life to the metal. The historical identification of most of the mummified bodies with important nobles of Naples has allowed to compare the toxicological analyses with the nosography of the individuals and with the palaeopathological results deriving from the direct study of their bodies. Prolonged exposure in life to the metal was most likely due to mercurial anti-syphilitic therapy, as a consequence of its indiscriminate use in Renaissance therapies and, indirectly, as an effect of the extraordinary spread of venereal syphilis in the Italian upper classes during the “epidemic” phase of the disease.
The Role of Digital Technologies for Regional Development: a System Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Samara Elpida , Andronikidis Anastasios , Komninos Nicos , Bakouros Yiannis , Katsoras Efthymios 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe unprecedented development of the information and communication technologies sector has accelerated the spectacular changes in societies and employment trends worldwide. The adoption of ICTs in innovation systems has been a key factor in the overall competitiveness of economic regions and national economies. This paper studies the impact of ICT on regional development. To do so, a modelling approach is used to develop a framework-guidance tool that can formulate what-if scenarios of smart technology enhancement in a regional innovation system. The model is applied in two Greek regions with different development backgrounds, and the findings emphasise the importance of smart technologies in regional development in both cases.
Can Robots Do Epidemiology? Machine Learning, Causal Inference, and Predicting the Outcomes of Public Health Interventions
Authors: Broadbent Alex , Grote Thomas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper argues that machine learning (ML) and epidemiology are on collision course over causation. The discipline of epidemiology lays great emphasis on causation, while ML research does not. Some epidemiologists have proposed imposing what amounts to a causal constraint on ML in epidemiology, requiring it either to engage in causal inference or restrict itself to mere projection. We whittle down the issues to the question of whether causal knowledge is necessary for underwriting predictions about the outcomes of public health interventions. While there is great plausibility to the idea that it is, conviction that something is impossible does not by itself motivate a constraint to forbid trying. We disambiguate the possible motivations for such a constraint into definitional, metaphysical, epistemological, and pragmatic considerations and argue that “Proceed with caution” (rather than “Stop!”) is the outcome of each. We then argue that there are positive reasons to proceed, albeit cautiously. Causal inference enforces existing classification schema prior to the testing of associational claims (causal or otherwise), but associations and classification schema are more plausibly discovered (rather than tested or justified) in a back-and-forth process of gaining reflective equilibrium. ML instantiates this kind of process, we argue, and thus offers the welcome prospect of uncovering meaningful new concepts in epidemiology and public health—provided it is not causally constrained.
1-Norm random vector functional link networks for classification problems
Authors: Hazarika Barenya Bikash , Gupta Deepak 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a novel random vector functional link (RVFL) formulation called the 1-norm RVFL (1N RVFL) networks, for solving the binary classification problems. The solution to the optimization problem of 1N RVFL is obtained by solving its exterior dual penalty problem using a Newton technique. The 1-norm makes the model robust and delivers sparse outputs, which is the fundamental advantage of this model. The sparse output indicates that most of the elements in the output matrix are zero; hence, the decision function can be achieved by incorporating lesser hidden nodes compared to the conventional RVFL model. 1N RVFL produces a classifier that is based on a smaller number of input features. To put it another way, this method will suppress the neurons in the hidden layer. Statistical analyses have been carried out on several real-world benchmark datasets. The proposed 1N RVFL with two activation functions viz., ReLU and sine are used in this work. The classification accuracies of 1N RVFL are compared with the extreme learning machine (ELM), kernel ridge regression (KRR), RVFL, kernel RVFL (K-RVFL) and generalized Lagrangian twin RVFL (GLTRVFL) networks. The experimental results with comparable or better accuracy indicate the effectiveness and usability of 1N RVFL for solving binary classification problems.
Repetitive Negative Thinking Processes Account for Gender Differences in Depression and Anxiety During Adolescence
Authors: Espinosa Fabiola , Martin-Romero Nuria , Sanchez-Lopez Alvaro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRumination and worry are vulnerability factors involved in the early development of depression and anxiety during adolescence, particularly in girls. Current views conceptualize rumination and worry as transdiagnostic forms of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). However, most of research has analyzed them separately, without considering gender differences. We analyzed common and specific roles of rumination and worry in accounting for depressive and anxiety symptom levels overall and as a function of gender in adolescents (N = 159). Rumination and worry items were loaded into separate RNT factors. Girls showed a higher use of rumination and worry and higher levels of depression and anxiety than boys. Structural equation modeling supported that both RNT factors accounted for gender differences in symptom levels: rumination was the strongest mediator for depression and worry the strongest mediator for anxiety. Our findings support both general and specific contributions of RNT to account for affective symptomatology during adolescence, particularly in girls.
Spherical harmonic shape descriptors of nodal force demands for quantifying spatial truss connection complexity
Authors: Lee Keith J. , Danhaive Renaud , Mueller Caitlin T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe connections of a spatial truss structure play a critical role in the safe and efficient transfer of axial forces between members. For discrete connections, they can also improve construction efficiency by acting as registration devices that lock members in precise orientations. As more geometrically complex spatial trusses are enabled by computational workflows and the demand for material-efficient spanning systems, there is a need to understand the effects of global form on the demands at the connections. For large-scale structures with irregular geometry, customizing individual nodes to meet exact member orientations and force demands may be infeasible; conversely, standardizing all connections results in oversized nodes and a compromise in registration potential. We propose a method for quantifying the complexity of spatial truss designs by the variation in nodal force demands. By representing nodal forces as a geometric object, we leverage the spherical harmonic shape descriptor, developed for applications in computational geometry, to characterize each node by a rotation and translation-invariant fixed-length vector. We define a complexity score for spatial truss design by the variance in the positions of the feature vectors in higher-dimensional space, providing an additional performance metric during early stage design exploration. We then develop a pathway towards reducing complexity by clustering nodes with respect to their feature vectors to reduce the number of unique connectors for design while minimizing the effects of mass standardization.
Limit theorems and structural properties of the cat-and-mouse Markov chain and its generalisations
Authors: Foss Sergey , Prasolov Timofei , Shneer Seva 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe revisit the so-called cat-and-mouse Markov chain, studied earlier by Litvak and Robert (2012). This is a two-dimensional Markov chain on the lattice
$\mathbb{Z}^2$
, where the first component (the cat) is a simple random walk and the second component (the mouse) changes when the components meet. We obtain new results for two generalisations of the model. First, in the two-dimensional case we consider far more general jump distributions for the components and obtain a scaling limit for the second component. When we let the first component be a simple random walk again, we further generalise the jump distribution of the second component. Secondly, we consider chains of three and more dimensions, where we investigate structural properties of the model and find a limiting law for the last component.
Impact of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination on the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers at an academic medical center in Vermont
Authors: Noyes Cindy D. , Raymond Monica J. , Wojewoda Christina M. , Alston W. Kemper 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Infection prevention strategies and vaccination reduce risk of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission to healthcare workers (HCWs). We describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence and vaccination rates in a cohort of HCWs at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Before vaccines, the HCW COVID-19 incidence paralleled that of the State of Vermont; after vaccination, incidence fell and remained low.
Towards Finding a Lattice that Characterizes the -Fickle Recursively Enumerable Turing Degrees
Authors: Ko Liling 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGiven a finite lattice L that can be embedded in the recursively enumerable (r.e.) Turing degrees
$\langle \mathcal {R}_{\mathrm {T}},\leq _{\mathrm {T}}\rangle $
, we do not in general know how to characterize the degrees
$\mathbf {d}\in \mathcal {R}_{\mathrm {T}}$
below which L can be bounded. The important characterizations known are of the
$L_7$
and
$M_3$
lattices, where the lattices are bounded below
$\mathbf {d}$
if and only if
$\mathbf {d}$
contains sets of “fickleness”
$>\omega $
and
$\geq \omega ^\omega $
respectively. We work towards finding a lattice that characterizes the levels above
$\omega ^2$
, the first non-trivial level after
$\omega $
. We introduced a lattice-theoretic property called “
$3$
-directness” to describe lattices that are no “wider” or “taller” than
$L_7$
and
$M_3$
. We exhaust the 3-direct lattices L, but they turn out to also characterize the
$>\omega $
or
$\geq \omega ^\omega $
levels, if L is not already embeddable below all non-zero r.e. degrees. We also considered upper semilattices (USLs) by removing the bottom meet(s) of some 3-direct lattices, but the removals did not change the levels characterized. This leads us to conjecture that a USL characterizes the same r.e. degrees as the lattice on which the USL is based. We discovered three 3-direct lattices besides
$M_3$
that also characterize the
$\geq \omega ^\omega $
-levels. Our search for a
$>\omega ^2$
-candidate therefore involves the lattice-theoretic problem of finding lattices that do not contain any of the four
$\geq \omega ^\omega $
-lattices as sublattices.Abstract prepared by Liling Ko.E-mail: ko.390@osu.eduURL: http://sites.nd.edu/liling-ko/
Some Progress on the Unique Ergodicity Problem
Authors: Jahel Colin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis thesis is at the intersection of dynamics, probability and model theory. It focuses on a specialization of the notion of amenability: unique ergodicity.Let G be a Polish group, i.e., a topological group whose topology is separable and completely metrizable. We call a G-flow the action of G on a compact space. A G-flow is said to be minimal if every orbit is dense.A famous theorem of Ellis states that any Polish group G admits a unique universal minimal flow that we denote
${\mathrm {M}}(G)$
. This means that for any minimal G-flow X there is a surjective G-map from
${\mathrm {M}}(G)$
to X. G is said to be amenable if every G-flow admits an invariant probability measure, and uniquely ergodic if every minimal flow admits a unique invariant probability measure.The notion of unique ergodicity relating to a group was introduced by Angel, Kechris and Lyons. They also ask the following question which is the main focus of the thesis: Let G be an amenable Polish group with metrizable universal minimal flow, is G uniquely ergodic?Note that unique ergodicity is an interesting notion only for relatively large groups, as it is proved in the last chapter of this thesis that locally compact non compact Polish groups are never uniquely ergodic. This result is joint work with Andy Zucker.The thesis includes proofs of unique ergodicity of groups with interesting universal minimal flows, namely the automorphism group of the semigeneric directed graph and the automorphism group of the
$2$
-graph.It also includes a theorem stating that under some hypothesis on a
$\omega $
-categorical structure M, the logic action of
${\mathrm {Aut}}(M)$
on
${\mathrm {LO}}(M)$
, the compact space of linear orders on M, is uniquely ergodic. This implies unique ergodicity for the group if its universal minimal flow happens to be the space of linear orderings. It can also be used to prove non-amenability of some groups for which the action of
${\mathrm {Aut}}(M)$
on
${\mathrm {LO}}(M)$
is not minimal. This result is joint work with Todor Tsankov.Finally, the thesis also presents a proof that under the assumption that the universal minimal flows involved are metrizable, unique ergodicity is stable under group extensions. This result is joint work with Andy Zucker.Abstract prepared by Colin Jahel.E-mail: cjahel@andrew.cmu.eduURL: http://math.univ-lyon1.fr/~jahel/doc/These.pdf
Vocal fold paralysis following first dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine
Authors: Jama G M , Amin M , Hassaan A , Kaddour H 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn a bid to end the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many countries, including the UK, have rolled out mass immunisation programmes. While considered generally safe and effective, vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 have been reported to be associated with rare and potentially adverse reactions and side effects.Case reportThis paper reports an unusual case of a patient who developed a unilateral vocal fold paralysis shortly after receiving the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first reported case of vocal fold paralysis following administration of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The authors support the position that currently approved coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines remain safe and effective; however, further surveillance and vigilance using real-world data are highly encouraged.