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Nowadays, deep learning methods are employed in a broad range of research fields. The analysis and recognition of historical documents, as we survey in this work, is not an exception. Our study analyzes the papers published in the last few years on this topic from different perspectives: we first provide a pragmatic definition of historical documents from the point of view of the research in the area, then we look at the various sub-tasks addressed in this research. Guided by these tasks, we go through the different input-output relations that are expected from the used deep learning approaches and therefore we accordingly describe the most used models. We also discuss research datasets published in the field and their applications. This analysis shows that the latest research is a leap forward since it is not the simple use of recently proposed algorithms to previous problems, but novel tasks and novel applications of state of the art methods are now considered. Rather than just providing a conclusive picture of the current research in the topic we lastly suggest some potential future trends that can represent a stimulus for innovative research directions.

Electricity- and hydrogen-based sector coupling contributes to realizing the transition towards greenhouse gas neutrality in the European energy system. Energy system and integrated assessment models show that, to follow pathways compatible with the European policy target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, large amounts of renewable electricity and H 2 need to be generated, mostly by scaling-up wind and solar energy production capacity. With a set of such models, under jointly adopted deep decarbonisation scenario assumptions, we here show that the ensuing direct penetration of electricity and H 2 in final energy consumption may rise to average shares of around 60% and 6%, respectively, by 2050. We demonstrate that electrification proves the most cost-efficient decarbonisation route in all economic sectors, while the direct use of H 2 in final energy consumption provides a relatively small, though essential, contribution to deep decarbonisation. We conclude that the variance observed across results from different models reflects the uncertainties that abound in the shape of deep decarbonisation pathways, in particular with regard to the role of H 2 . Multiple energy system models are used under jointly adopted deep decarbonisation scenarios to conclude that the direct penetration of electricity and hydrogen in final energy consumption may rise to shares of, respectively, 60% and 6%, in Europe by 2050.

Over the past decades, monoclonal antibodies have been playing a pivotal role in the treatment of chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Currently, ample data are available on the efficacy and safety of biologics in asthma from randomized controlled trials and open-label trials; conversely, limited data are available on the use of biologics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this context, once the fundamental role of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist therapy is established, clinical response and disease remission, based on clinical and functional response parameters such as oral corticosteroid need, annual exacerbation rates, and lung function, are the key factors driving the clinical and therapeutic management. This narrative review has summarized the literature data from randomized controlled trials and real-life experience on currently available biologics in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The role of inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting β2-agonist, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist therapy has been further investigated with a particular focus on drug-free concept.

This study examined the presence of autistic traits in a sample of adult women diagnosed with different Eating Disorders (ED), and explored the concurrent role of autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in influencing both their eating disorder symptomatology and their autism-related eating behaviours. Seventy-five women with different ED (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) completed the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Sensory Perception Quotient - Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35) and the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA). Twelve percent of participants scored above the cut-off on both the AQ and the RAADS-R, while 68% scored above the cut-off on the RAADS-R only. A mediation analysis revealed that the association between sensory sensitivity (SPQ-SFR35) and scores on both the EAT-26 and the SWEAA was significantly mediated by the presence of autistic traits (RAADS-R). These findings, first, confirm the presence of autistic traits in individuals with ED; second, they show that a lower sensory threshold (i.e., a higher sensory sensitivity) is associated with a higher presence of autistic traits which were, in turn, positively associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours typical of ED and ASD. This study ultimately highlights the importance of further research on autistic traits across all diagnostic categories of ED.

In order to keep the +1.5 °C over-temperature, previously predicted with high confidence by IPPC Sixth Assessment, as minimal as feasible, it is more than vital to achieve a low-emission energy system. Polygeneration systems based on thermochemical processes involve biomass conversion in multi-output of bioenergy carriers and chemicals. Due to reduced energy input and input/output diversification, polygeneration energy systems are considered interesting pathways that can increase competitiveness of biomass-derived products. The proposed route of fast pyrolysis, sorption-enhanced biochar gasification and crude bio-oil hydrodeoxygenation to produce drop-in biofuel and hydrogen is examined. Both kinetic and equilibrium approaches were implemented in Aspen Plus to take into account the effect of the major operating parameters on the process performance and then validated against the literature data. Results show how the process integration leads to improved mass conversion yield and increases overall energy efficiency up to 10%-points, reaching the maximum value of 75%. Among the various parameters investigated, pyrolysis temperature influences mainly the products distribution while Steam/Biochar and Sorbent/Biochar affect the energy conversion efficiency.

Sustained involuntary muscle activity (IMA) is a highly disabling and not completely understood phenomenon that occurs after a central nervous system lesion. We tested the feasibility of in-field IMA measuring at an acute rehabilitation ward. We used wearable probes for single differential surface EMG (sEMG), inclusive of a 3D accelerometer, onboard memory and remote control. We collected 429 h of data from the biceps brachii of 10 patients with arm plegia. Data quality was first verified in the time and frequency domains. Next, IMA was automatically identified based on the steady presence of motor unit action potential (MUAP) trains at rest. Feasibility was excellent in terms of prep time and burden to the clinical staff. A total of 350.5 h of data (81.7%) were reliable. IMA was found in 85.9 h (25%). This was often present in the form of exceedingly long-lasting trains of one or a few MUAPs, with differences among patients and variability, both within and between days in terms of IMA duration, root mean square (RMS) and peak-to-peak amplitude. Our results proved the feasibility of using wearable probes for single differential sEMG to identify and quantify IMA in plegic muscles of bedridden acute neurological patients. Our results also suggest the need for long-lasting acquisitions to properly characterize IMA. The possibility of easily assessing IMA in acute inpatients can have a huge impact on the management of their postures, physiotherapy and treatments.

Novel wind technologies, in particular airborne wind energy (AWE) and floating offshore wind turbines, have the potential to unlock untapped wind resources and contribute to power system stability in unique ways. So far, the techno-economic potential of both technologies has only been investigated at a small scale, whereas the most significant benefits will likely play out on a system scale. Given the urgency of the energy transition, the possible contribution of these novel technologies should be addressed. Therefore, we investigate the main system-level trade-offs in integrating AWE systems and floating wind turbines into a highly renewable future energy system. To do so, we develop a modelling workflow that integrates wind resource assessment and future cost and performance estimations into a large-scale energy system model, which finds cost-optimal system designs that are operationally feasible with hourly temporal resolution across ten countries in the North Sea region. Acknowledging the uncertainty on AWE systems’ future costs and performance and floating wind turbines, we examine a broad range of cost and technology development scenarios and identify which insights are consistent across different possible futures. We find that onshore AWE outperforms conventional onshore wind regarding system-wide benefits due to higher wind resource availability and distinctive hourly generation profiles, which are sometimes complementary to conventional onshore turbines. The achievable power density per ground surface area is the main limiting factor in large-scale onshore AWE deployment. Offshore AWE, in contrast, provides system benefits similar to those of offshore wind alternatives. Therefore, deployment is primarily driven by cost competitiveness. Floating wind turbines achieve higher performance than conventional wind turbines, so they can cost more and remain competitive. AWE, in particular, might be able to play a significant role in a climate-neutral European energy supply and thus warrants further study.

Purpose The relationship between autistic traits and eating disturbances has been given considerable attention over the last decades. The rise of a dimensional approach to psychopathology has expanded the way we think about autism, acknowledging that subthreshold autistic manifestations span across the general population and are more pronounced in psychiatric patients. Here we investigated the prevalence of eating disorders and its potential relationship with autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in a group of patients who were referred for the first time to a mental health outpatient clinic, without a formal diagnosis yet. Methods 259 young adults (between 18 and 24 years old) completed: the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and the Sensory Perception Quotient—Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35). Results 23.55% of participants scored above the cut-off at the EAT-26, suggesting that they presented a risk for eating disorders and should be assessed by a specialized clinician; associations emerged between hypersensitivity in the touch and vision domain and both the EAT-26 and the SWEAA; the presence of autistic traits was largely associated with eating disturbances. Conclusions This study underlines the significance of the eating domain as a central psychopathological feature in the distress experienced by young adults with general psychiatric symptoms and psychological suffering; it adds evidence to the association between autistic traits and eating disorders and opens to new research questions about the role of subthreshold autistic traits in general psychopathology. Level of evidence: Level I: Evidence obtained from experimental studies.

BackgroundChronic cough (CC) is a burdensome health problem in adult and older people, with a major impact on quality of life. Its management is often troublesome, and many guidelines have been released. Notwithstanding, a proportion of cases still do not reach a definite diagnosis and resolutive treatment. A coordinated approach between different specialists would be highly recommended, but its implementation in clinical practice suffers from the lack of shared protocols and poor awareness of the problem. The present consensus document has been implemented to address these issues.AimsTo develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of adults with CC.MethodsA 12-member expert task force of general practitioners, geriatricians, pneumologists, allergologists, otorhynolaringologists and gastroenterologists was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to subjects with CC. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the US Preventive Services Task Force system was used to rate the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.ResultsA total of 56 recommendations were proposed, covering 28 topics and concerning definitions and epidemiology, pathogenesis and etiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approach along with the consideration of specific care settings.ConclusionThese recommendations should ease the management of subjects with CC by coordinating the expertise of different specialists. By providing a convenient list of topics of interest, they might assist in identifying unmet needs and research priorities.

Pleural effusion is a recognized complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), with pleuroperitoneal communication (PPC) representing a rare but clinically significant cause. Patients typically present with dyspnea, reduced ultrafiltration volume and edema. A 52-year-old woman on daily peritoneal dialysis reported progressive dyspnea and chronic localized chest pain, which is an uncommon presentation. Imaging revealed a massive right-sided pleural effusion, and pleural fluid analysis showed a transudate based on Light's criteria with markedly elevated glucose concentration. Computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstruction demonstrated findings suggestive of a focal diaphragmatic discontinuity, however, the defect was not clearly visualized and no functional confirmation of pleuroperitoneal communication was achieved. Peritoneal dialysis was discontinued, and the patient was transitioned to hemodialysis (HD). The pleural effusion resolved completely in 5 days without further complications. This case highlights the importance of considering pleuroperitoneal communication in PD patients with pleural effusion and chest pain. Due to the absence of a clearly defined gold standard, the diagnosis can be challenging. A key diagnostic marker for pleuroperitoneal leak is an elevated glucose concentration in the pleural fluid. Several imaging techniques can aid diagnosis but generally suffer from relatively low sensitivity. Pleuroperitoneal leak is a rare but severe complication of PD. According to our experience, CT with multiplanar reconstruction provided anatomical findings suggestive of a diaphragmatic defect, and, in addition to pleural fluid biochemical analysis, helped strengthen the diagnostic suspicion of PPC. However, further studies comparing imaging findings with surgical confirmation are needed to determine its true diagnostic accuracy and its reliability in identifying the diaphragmatic defect.