bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian optimal interval design for dose optimization with a randomization scheme based on pharmacokinetics outcomes in oncology
Authors: Takeda Kentaro , Zhu Jing , Li Ran , Yamaguchi Yusuke
Published: August 2023

The primary objective of an oncology dose‐finding trial for novel therapies, such as molecularly targeted agents and immune‐oncology therapies, is to identify the optimal dose (OD) that is tolerable and therapeutically beneficial for subjects in subsequent clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic (PK) information is considered an appropriate indicator for evaluating the level of drug intervention in humans from a pharmacological perspective. Several novel anticancer agents have been shown to have significant exposure‐efficacy relationships, and some PK information has been considered an important predictor of efficacy. This paper proposes a Bayesian optimal interval design for dose optimization with a randomization scheme based on PK outcomes in oncology. A simulation study shows that the proposed design has advantages compared to the other designs in the percentage of correct OD selection and the average number of patients allocated to OD in various realistic settings.
The birth of the strong components
Authors: Dovgal Sergey , de Panafieu Élie , Ralaivaosaona Dimbinaina , Rasendrahasina Vonjy , Wagner Stephan
Published: August 2023

It is known that random directed graphs undergo a phase transition around the point . Earlier, Łuczak and Seierstad have established that as when , the asymptotic probability that the strongly connected components of a random directed graph are only cycles and single vertices decreases from 1 to 0 as goes from to . By using techniques from analytic combinatorics, we establish the exact limiting value of this probability as a function of and provide more statistical insights into the structure of a random digraph around, below and above its transition point. We obtain the limiting probability that a random digraph is acyclic and the probability that it has one strongly connected complex component with a given difference between the number of edges and vertices (called excess). Our result can be extended to the case of several complex components with given excesses as well in the whole range of sparse digraphs. Our study is based on a general symbolic method which can deal with a great variety of possible digraph families, and a version of the saddle point method which can be systematically applied to the complex contour integrals appearing from the symbolic method. While the technically easiest model is the model of random multidigraphs, in which multiple edges are allowed, and where edge multiplicities are sampled independently according to a Poisson distribution with a fixed parameter , we also show how to systematically approach the family of simple digraphs, where multiple edges are forbidden, and where 2‐cycles are either allowed or not. Our theoretical predictions are supported by numerical simulations when the number of vertices is finite, and we provide tables of numerical values for the integrals of Airy functions that appear in this study.
Mass Loading‐Independent Lithium Storage of Transitional Metal Compounds Achieved by Multi‐Dimensional Synergistic Nanoarchitecture
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Zhang Rui , Fu Jie , Liu Xianzheng , Yang Huazeng , Wang Deyu , Xu Xin , Cao Jun , Wen Guangwu , Wang Dong
Published: August 2023

Nanostructured transitional metal compounds (TMCs) have demonstrated extraordinary promise for high‐efficient and rapid lithium storage. However, good performance is usually limited to electrodes with low mass loading (≤1.0 mg cm−2) and is difficult to realize at higher mass loading due to increased electrons/ions transport limitations in the thicker electrode. Herein, the multi‐dimensional synergistic nanoarchitecture design of graphene‐wrapped MnO@carbon microcapsules (capsule‐like MnO@C‐G) is reported, which demonstrates impressive mass loading‐independent lithium storage properties. Highly porous MnO nanoclusters assembled by 0D nanocrystals facilitate sufficient electrolyte infiltration and shorten the solid‐state ions transport path. 1D carbon shell, 2D graphene, and 3D continuous network with tight interconnection accelerate electrons transport inside the thick electrode. The capsule‐like MnO@C‐G delivers ultrahigh gravimetric capacity retention of 91.0% as the mass loading increases 4.3 times, while the areal capacities increase linearly with the mass loading at various current densities. Specifically, the capsule‐like MnO@C electrode delivers a remarkable areal capacity of 2.0 mAh cm−2 at a mass loading of 3.0 mg cm−2. Moreover, the capsule‐like MnO@C also demonstrates excellent performance in full battery applications. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi‐dimensional synergistic nanoarchitecture in achieving mass loading‐independent performance, which can be extended to other TMCs for electrochemical energy storage.
Enhancing tetraphenylethene cyclization as photoswitch
Authors: Wu Yue , Ren Yiran , Zeng Xiaoxuan , Hu Honglong , Li Mengqi , Li Junzi , He Tingchao , Li Xin‐Shun , Yu Zhen‐Qiang , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: August 2023

Tetraphenylethene (TPE), a star building block with promising aggregation‐induced emission, has received much interest. Given that its intramolecular Woodward‐Hoffmann cyclic intermediate instantaneously converts back to the original state within several picoseconds, the essentially photochromic characteristic of TPE is little investigated. Achieving a visible photocyclization of TPE is still an unsolved issue and considered as the bottleneck in the further advancement of applications. We report a strategy of attaching carbonate ester onto the TPE skeleton (TPE‐4C) to enhance TPE photocyclization stability. As demonstrated, the incorporated cholesteryloxycarbonyloxy substituents in TPE‐4C can increase the energy barrier for cycloreversion, thereby exhibiting extremely thermal stability of photocyclic intermediate upon UV irradiation, prolonging its lifetime from 63 picoseconds to 46 s by 7.2 × 1011‐fold. The photoinduced cyclization of TPE‐4C could be monitored with naked eyes, and the photocyclization/cycloreversion is achieved by turning on/off UV light along with a relative fatigue resistance. Encapsulation of TPE‐4C into the liquid crystal can induce a striking phase transformation (achiral↔chiral), which can be applicable to encode optical information. Employing carbonate ester into the TPE unit plays a vital role in enhancing the unprecedented TPE photocyclization stability, providing a toolbox to allow TPE‐based photocyclization to be visually monitored.
The role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants in addressing reduction of Meniere's disease burden: A scoping review
Authors: Missner Alexander A. , Sheykhsoltan Mana , Hakimi Amir , Hoa Michael
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in reducing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss among patients with Meniere's disease (MD).

Data Sources

The following databases were utilized in this scoping review: Ovid Medline, PubMed‐NCBI, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov.

Method

Studies were identified through the following search phrases: “serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors” OR “tricyclic antidepressants” AND “Meniere's disease.” References from included manuscripts were examined for possible inclusion of additional studies.

Results

The literature search yielded 23 results, which were screened by three independent reviewers. Seventeen studies and three duplicates were excluded. An examination of references from the included studies yielded two additional publications. A total of four published studies assessing SSRIs and TCAs among 147 patients with MD were ultimately included. Four studies described significant reductions in vertigo attack frequency among patients treated with either SSRIs or TCAs compared to their pretreatment baseline. Three studies assessed the drugs' effects on hearing, of which none found a significant difference among patients treated with SSRIs or TCAs. One study found a significant decrease in patient‐reported tinnitus following treatment with TCAs or SSRIs compared to their pretreatment baseline.

Conclusions

Data exploring SSRIs and TCAs among patients with MD suggests that these medications may reduce the frequency of tinnitus and vertigo, although there was significant heterogeneity in outcome reporting. There remains a need for larger‐scale prospective studies that emphasize objective data to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing common MD symptoms.
Normal Cyber-Crises
Authors: Backman Sarah
Published: August 2023

Despite an increasing scholarly interest in cyber-security issues, the phenomenon of large-scale cyber-crises affecting critical infrastructure is largely unexplored. While some characteristics of its consequence dynamics have been identified—prominently its transboundary features—the underlying conditions that allow such dynamics to unfold have not yet been thoroughly explored. This chapter aims to contribute to bridging this gap by applying the classical theoretical perspectives of Normal Accidents (NA) and High Reliability organisations (HRO) on the sociotechnical systems of modern critical infrastructure. It argues that NA characteristics (the combination of interactive complexity and tight coupling) can be found in multiple layers of critical infrastructure operations (technical, cognitive, organisational and macro). Implications are discussed in terms of its connection to transboundary crisis dynamics.
Kapitel 2: Profiling
Authors: Wiedemann Klaus
Published: August 2023

Vor Inkrafttreten der Datenschutz-Grundverordnung bestand im europäischen Rechtsraum keine rechtlich verbindliche Definition des Begriffs Profiling. Er wurde weder in der Datenschutz-Richtlinie 94/46/EG noch in den verschiedenen Fassungen des Bundesdatenschutzgesetzes verwendet. Auch ansonsten besteht keine fest etablierte Definition. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird als Ausgangspunkt der Untersuchungen auf die Legaldefinition in Art. 4 Nr. 4 DSGVO zurückgegriffen, um den Begriff im Kontext der Verordnung zu konkretisieren.
Health-related quality of life of children with first onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Veltkamp Floor , Teela Lorynn , Luijten Michiel A. J. , van Oers Hedy A. , Mak-Nienhuis Elske M. , Haverman Lotte , Bouts Antonia H. M. ,   on behalf of the LEARNS consortium, Adeel Abdul , Bael Anna , Bouts Antonia H. M. , Buter Nynke H. , van der Deure Hans , Dorresteijn Eiske , Florquin Sandrine , Gracchi Valentina , Horuz Flore , Kloosterman-Eijgenraam Francis , Levtchenko Elena , Mak-Nienhuis Elske M. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , Oversteege Floor , de Pont Saskia , van Rooij-Kouwenhoven Roos W. G. , Schreuder Michiel F. , Schriemer Rixt , Vos Paul , Walle Johan Vande , van Wijk Joanna A. E.
Published: August 2023

This study assessed HRQoL and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) and associated variables in children with first onset SSNS. While relapsing steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children is associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), little is known about first onset. Four weeks after onset, children (2–16 years) and/or their parents who participated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial, completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to measure HRQoL and EBD, respectively. Total and subscale scores and the proportion of children with impaired HRQoL (> 1 SD below the mean of the reference group) or SDQ clinical scores (< 10th and > 90th percentile) were compared to the Dutch general population (reference group). Regression analyses were used to identify associated variables. Compared to the reference group, children 8–18 years reported significantly lower total HRQoL, and physical and emotional functioning. A large proportion (> 45%) of these children had impaired HRQoL. There were no differences in HRQoL between children 2–7 years and the reference group, except for higher scores on social functioning (5–7 years). Similar proportions of SSNS and reference children scored within the clinical range of SDQ subscales. Age, sex, and steroid side-effects were negatively associated with HRQol and/or EBD.

   Conclusion: This study showed that HRQoL and EBD are affected in children of different ages with first onset SSNS. This calls for more awareness from healthcare providers and routinely monitoring of HRQoL and EBD in daily clinical care to prevent worsening of symptoms.

   Clinical trial registry: Netherlands Trial Register (https://trialsearch.who.int/; NTR7013), date of registration: 02 June 2018.

What is Known:•  Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) is more affected in children with frequently-relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

What is New:•  HRQoL and EBD are affected in children with first onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome compared to a reference group of the Dutch general population.• To what extent HRQoL and EBD are affected depends on the age of the patient.
Epidemiology of proximal femur fractures in the young population of Qatar
Authors: Hantouly Ashraf T. , AlBarazanji Asim , Al-Juboori Mohammed , Alebbini Mohanad , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Mohammed Asma , Alzobi Osama , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To review the epidemiological characteristics of proximal femur fractures in the young population (< 60 years) of Qatar between 2017 and 2019.

Methods

All patient treated for proximal femur fractures at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), a level one trauma center, were retrospectively reviewed between Jan 2017 and Dec 2019. All adults (18–60 years) with proximal femur fracture (femur head, femur neck, intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures) were included with no restriction to the AO/OTA classification or fractures subtypes. Excluded cases were pathological fractures, cases with insufficient documentation or no radiographs.

Results

A total of 203 patients with a mean age of 40.07 ± 11.76 years were included, of who 89.9% were males. The incidence of proximal femur fracture was 3.12/100,000/year. Fall from height (48.1%) followed by road traffic accidents (26.9%) were common cause of injury. The most common fracture type was intertrochanteric fracture (36.1%) followed by femur neck fractures (33.7%).

Conclusion

This study provides the initial insights into the proximal femur fractures in the young population of Qatar. This is the first study to investigate of the epidemiology of such fractures in this particular patient group. Contrary to the existing literature on older age groups, the majority of the injuries were observed in males. Falls from height followed by road traffic accidents were the primary mechanisms leading to these fractures. Improved understanding of the profile of these injuries can aid in their prevention by implementing more effective safety measures.
First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: 5-year outcomes in Japanese patients from CheckMate 227 Part 1
Authors: Nishio Makoto , Ohe Yuichiro , Ikeda Satoshi , Yokoyama Toshihide , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Fukuhara Tatsuro , Sato Yuki , Tanaka Hiroshi , Hotta Katsuyuki , Sugawara Shunichi , Daga Haruko , Okamoto Isamu , Kasahara Kazuo , Naito Tateaki , Li Li , Gupta Ravi G. , Bushong Judith , Mizutani Hideaki
Published: August 2023

Background

In CheckMate 227 Part 1 (NCT02477826), first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab demonstrated long-term durable overall survival (OS) benefit versus chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), regardless of tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. We report results in Japanese patients with ≥ 5-year follow-up.

Methods

Adults with stage IV/recurrent NSCLC without EGFR/ALK aberrations were randomized 1:1:1 to nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab alone, or chemotherapy (patients with tumor PD-L1 ≥ 1%), or nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab plus chemotherapy, or chemotherapy (patients with tumor PD-L1 < 1%). Five-year efficacy and safety were assessed in Japanese patients.

Results

At 62.1 months’ minimum follow-up, 143 Japanese patients with PD-L1 ≥ 1% or < 1% were randomized to nivolumab plus ipilimumab (n = 66) or chemotherapy (n = 77). Five-year OS rates were 46% with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus 34% with chemotherapy (PD-L1 ≥ 1%) and 36% versus 19% (PD-L1 < 1%). Median duration of response was 59.1 versus 7.1 months (PD-L1 ≥ 1%) and 17.3 versus 3.0 months (PD-L1 < 1%). Among 5-year survivors treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (PD-L1 ≥ 1% and < 1%; n = 27), 59% (95% CI, 39%–75%) were off treatment for ≥ 3 years without receiving subsequent therapy. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusions

At 5-year follow-up, nivolumab plus ipilimumab continued to show long-term durable clinical benefit versus chemotherapy, regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression. Consistent with findings for the global population, these data support the use of nivolumab plus ipilimumab as first-line treatment in Japanese patients with metastatic NSCLC.
A systematic review of the impact of postoperative aerobic exercise training in patients undergoing surgery for intra-abdominal cancers
Authors: Paul M. , Smart T. F. , Doleman B. , Toft S. , Williams J. P. , Lund J. N. , Phillips B. E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes which advocate early mobility after surgery have improved immediate clinical outcomes for patients undergoing abdominal cancer resections with curative intent. However, the impact of continued physical activity on patient-related outcomes and functional recovery is not well defined. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of postoperative aerobic exercise training, either alone or in conjunction with another exercise modality, on patients who have had surgery for intra-abdominal cancer.

Methods

A literature search was performed of electronic journal databases. Eligible papers needed to report an outcome of aerobic capacity in patients older than 18 years of age, who underwent cancer surgery with curative intent and participated in an exercise programme (not solely ERAS) that included an aerobic exercise component starting at any point in the postoperative pathway up to 12 weeks.

Results

Eleven studies were deemed eligible for inclusion consisting of two inpatient, one mixed inpatient/outpatient and eight outpatient studies. Meta-analysis of four outpatient studies, each reporting change in 6-min walk test (6MWT), showed a significant improvement in 6MWT with exercise (MD 74.92 m, 95% CI 48.52–101.31 m). The impact on health-related quality of life was variable across studies.

Conclusion

Postoperative exercise confers benefits in improving aerobic function post surgery and can be safely delivered in various formats (home-based or group/supervised).
Losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity for patients with different subtypes and stages of lung cancer
Authors: Yang Szu-Chun , Lai Wu-Wei , Wu Tzu-I. , Hwang Jing-Shiang , Wang Jung-Der , Wang Fuhmei
Published: August 2023

Background

How different subtypes and stages of lung cancer affect morbidity- and mortality-associated productivity have not been investigated. This study quantified the losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity among patients with various subtypes and stages of lung cancer.

Methods

We identified nationwide lung cancer patients diagnosed at the ages of 50–64 between 2011 and 2019. Monthly survival probabilities were weighted by monthly employed-to-population ratios and working salaries to estimate lifetime employment duration and productivity. We compared lifetime employment duration and productivity of patients with those of the age-, sex-, calendar year-matched general population for losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity, which were multiplied by pathology and stage shifts based on the first-round screening of Taiwan Lung Cancer Screening in Never Smoker Trial (TALENT) to calculate the savings of lifetime employment duration and productivity.

Results

Lung cancer patients had shorter survival and employment duration than the referents. Patients with lung cancers other than adenocarcinoma experienced greater losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity as compared to adenocarcinoma patients. Applying the estimations of never-smoking patients to 100 lung cancer patients with pathology and stage shifts based on the TALENT, the savings of lifetime employment duration and productivity were 132.2 (95% prediction interval: 116.2–147.4) years and 3353 (95% prediction interval: 2914–3802) thousand US dollars, respectively.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis of lung cancer would save the losses of employment duration and lifetime productivity. Future evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening could consider incorporating these societal impacts.
HIV Testing Disruptions and Service Adaptations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mude William , Mwenyango Hadijah , Preston Robyn , O’Mullan Catherine , Vaughan Geraldine , Jones Gary
Published: August 2023

Access to treatment and care in safe clinical settings improves people’s lives with HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vital HIV programs and services, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes for people with HIV and HIV transmission rates in the community. This systematic literature review provides a meta-analysis of HIV testing disruptions and a synthesis of HIV/AIDS services adapted during COVID-19. We searched scholarly databases from 01 January 2020 to 30 June 2022 using key terms on HIV testing rates and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The process of how the included articles were identified, selected, appraised, and synthesised was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included 17 articles that reported changes in HIV testing during the COVID-19 pandemic and 22 that reported adaptations in HIV/AIDS services. We found that HIV testing decreased by 37% during the search period because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Service providers adopted novel strategies to support remote service delivery by expanding community antiretroviral therapy dispensing, setting up primary care outreach points, and instituting multi-month dispensing services to sustain client care. Therefore, service providers and policymakers should explore alternative strategies to increase HIV testing rates impacted by COVID-19 and leverage funding to continue providing the identified adapted services.
A systematic review of federated learning from clients’ perspective: challenges and solutions
Authors: Shanmugarasa Yashothara , Paik Hye-young , Kanhere Salil S. , Zhu Liming
Published: August 2023

Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning approach that decentralizes data and its processing by allowing clients to train intermediate models on their devices with locally stored data. It aims to preserve privacy as only model updates are shared with a central server rather than raw data. In recent years, many reviews have evaluated FL from the system (general challenges) or server’s perspectives, ignoring the importance of clients’ perspectives. Although FL helps users have control over their data, there are many challenges arising from decentralization, specifically from the perspectives of clients who are the main contributors to FL. Therefore, in response to the gap in the literature, this study intends to explore client-side challenges and available solutions by conducting a systematic literature review on 238 primary studies. Further, we analyze if a solution identified for one type of challenge is also applicable to other challenges and if there are impacts to consider. The conclusion of this survey reveals that servers and platforms have to work with clients to address client-side challenges.
Noise traders in an agent-based artificial stock market
Authors: Dai Xiaoting , Zhang Jie , Chang Victor
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates whether noise traders can survive in the long run and how they influence financial markets by proposing an agent-based artificial stock market, as one simulation model of computational economics. This market contains noise traders, informed and uninformed traders. Informed and uninformed traders can learn from information by using Genetic Programming, while noise traders cannot. The system is first calibrated to real financial markets by replicating several stylized facts. We find that noise traders cannot survive or they just transform to other kind of traders in the long run, and they increase market volatility, price distortion, noise trader risk, and trading volume in the market. However, regulation intervention, e.g., price limits, transaction tax and longer settlement cycle, can affect noise trader’s surviving period and their influence on markets.
When the push and pull factors in digital educational resources backfire: the role of digital leader in digital educational resources usage
Authors: Asante Kwadwo , Novak Petr
Published: August 2023

The study investigated the impact of digital leadership on teachers’ usage of digital educational resources (DERs). The study collected data from teachers and headteachers in four pre-tertiary schools in Ghana. Also, trust was included as the interacting variable to examine its mediating role in digital leadership and digital educational resource usage to better disentangle the relationship between digital leadership and digital educational resource. The study used symmetrical (Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and asymmetrical approaches (fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) for the analysis of the relationships. The results underpin digital leadership’s importance in digital educational resource implementation outcomes in developing countries’ pre-tertiary schools. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis findings confirm that exclusively using symmetrical approaches for digital educational resource studies may not be sufficient to understand the expected relationships within a proposed model. Under the partial least squares path modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis, trust did not mediate the relationship between digital leadership and teachers’ usage of digital educational resources. Sharply from the PLS-SEM findings, the fsQCA revealed that the presence of digital leadership and trust are necessary conditions to predict teachers’ usage of digital educational resources. These results and their implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Determinants of eco-innovation in the agricultural machinery sector: the case of small and medium enterprises in the Piedmont region (Italy)
Authors: Bagagiolo Giorgia , Vigoroso Lucia , Caffaro Federica , Cavallo Eugenio
Published: August 2023

The agricultural machinery industry can significantly contribute to a more sustainable farming system through the development of eco-innovative products and production processes. This is particularly true for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which represent a significant share of this market. This study investigated the determinants of attitudes towards eco-innovating products and processes in a sample of small and medium agricultural machinery manufacturers (N = 47) from the Piedmont region (North–West Italy), analysing the role of enterprise’s characteristics, perceived drivers and barriers, and environmental concern. Overall, product eco-innovation was considered important/very important for their firms by 88.3% of the respondents, whereas process eco-innovation by 67.7%. The regression analyses showed that the availability of a formal and hierarchical structure dedicated to Research and Development and of financial support were significantly associated (β = 0.301, p = .032 and β = 0.406, p = .011, respectively) to positive attitudes towards eco-innovating production processes, whereas the lack of know-how was the main obstacle to both product and process eco-innovativeness (β = − 0.564, p = .000 and β= − 0.397, p = .008, respectively). Environmental concern did not show any significant association with firms’ perceived importance to eco-innovate either products (β = 0.097, p = .475) or processes (β = 0.248, p = .087). Implications for the development of interventions aiming at fostering positive attitudes towards eco-innovation among the targeted enterprises are discussed.
Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Thorn Paul , Psillos Stathis
Published: August 2023

This is the introduction to the special issue “The Meta-Inductive Approach to Hume’s Problem”. The introduction includes introductory remarks and brief comments on each of the papers appearing in the special issue.
Impulsivity, Gambling-Related Cognitions, Cognitive Reappraisal and Gambling Behaviour in a Malaysian Sample
Authors: Tan Gillian Shu Lin , Tam Cai Lian
Published: August 2023

The relationships between cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling have been widely studied in different contexts. However, previous research findings remain inconsistent. This discrepancy might be attributed to the effects of interactions between cognitive reappraisal and other risk factors for problem gambling. Using moderation models, this study examined the association between impulsivity, gambling-related cognitive distortions, cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling in a sample of Malaysian gamblers. A total of 149 community gamblers (103 males, 46 females; mean age = 32.18) completed an online questionnaire. Problem gambling was measured with the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS); cognitive reappraisal was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Cognitive Reappraisal Subscale (ERQ-CR); impulsivity was measured with the Short-UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale (SUPPS-P); and gambling-related cognitive distortions were measured using the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS). The results revealed impulsivity and gambling-related cognitive distortions as significant predictors of problem gambling. At high levels, impulsivity and cognitive distortions are significant moderator variables that strengthen the association between cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling. These findings demonstrate that reappraisal skills could exacerbate problem gambling severity amongst impulsive or self-deceptive gamblers. Future research with larger and more representative samples is needed to validate and generalise these findings.
Consolidated learning: a domain-specific model-free optimization strategy with validation on metaMIMIC benchmarks
Authors: Woźnica Katarzyna , Grzyb Mateusz , Trafas Zuzanna , Biecek Przemysław
Published: August 2023

For many machine learning models, a choice of hyperparameters is a crucial step towards achieving high performance. Prevalent meta-learning approaches focus on obtaining good hyperparameter configurations with a limited computational budget for a completely new task based on the results obtained from the prior tasks. This paper proposes a new formulation of the tuning problem, called consolidated learning, more suited to practical challenges faced by model developers, in which a large number of predictive models are created on similar datasets. In such settings, we are interested in the total optimization time rather than tuning for a single task. We show that a carefully selected static portfolio of hyperparameter configurations yields good results for anytime optimization, while maintaining the ease of use and implementation. Moreover, we point out how to construct such a portfolio for specific domains. The improvement in the optimization is possible due to the more efficient transfer of hyperparameter configurations between similar tasks. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach through an empirical study for the XGBoost algorithm and the newly created metaMIMIC benchmarks of predictive tasks extracted from the MIMIC-IV medical database. In the paper, we show that the potential of consolidated learning is considerably greater due to its compatibility with many machine learning application scenarios.
Coping with high decline: firms’ resilience to adversity
Authors: Esteve-Pérez Silviano , Pieri Fabio , Rodriguez Diego
Published: August 2023

This work investigates the factors that precipitate a firm’s sudden high decline, which is defined as a short-term heavy contraction in firm size, and examines firms’ performance in the aftermath of a high-decline (HD) event. The empirical analysis reveals patterns of HD events over the business cycle and across markets, providing insights into the factors that enable firms’ resilience in terms of better growth performance after an HD event. Firms that upgrade their production processes and invest in enhancing their human capital show better growth trajectories in the aftermath of an HD event.
Re: the rhetic
Authors: Larsson Felix , Kaså Martin
Published: August 2023

We claim that a notion of rhetic acts can fulfil a useful function in speech act theory. Austin’s examples of rhetic acts are saying that something is so and so, telling someone to do something, and asking whether something is so or so. Though this certainly sounds as if he is talking about the illocutionary acts of asserting, giving directions, and asking questions, we explain why the acts Austin mentions are not illocutionary after all. In short, illocutionary acts are acts that commit the participants in a conversation to various things. The illocutionary force of an utterance is determined by what it commits the interlocutors to. Our suggestion is that what looks like illocutionary force in the cases mentioned by Austin is really the contributions grammatical moods make to the literal meaning of utterances. We argue that this contribution is not part of what characterizes illocutionary acts as such. The semantic contribution of mood already characterizes those speech acts that Austin uses to exemplify rhetic acts. These rhetic acts are not committing in the way that illocutionary acts essentially are. So there must be a sense in which such rhetic acts are not illocutionary ones. In the final section, we suggest that the varieties of rhetic acts indicated by Austin fit neatly into a standard linguistic theoretical framework of conversational scoreboards.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in Spain, 2019–2023
Authors: Giner Jacobo , Lebrero María Eugenia , Trotta Michele , Rueda Pablo , Vilalta Laura , Verde Maite , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramón , Pardo Julián , Lacasta Delia , Santiago Llipsy , Arias Maykel , Peña-Fresneda Natacha , Montesinos Andrés , Pérez María D. , Fernández Antonio , Villanueva-Saz Sergio
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is the causal agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans that emerged in late 2019. This virus is able to infect humans and different animal species. Among pets, cats and ferrets are more susceptible to be infected by the SARS-CoV-2. Epidemiological studies are an important tool to provide information under natural conditions of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus. In comparison to cats, limited epidemiological studies have been performed in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) reporting the presence of antibodies in this species. This study analysed the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 432 cliend-owned ferrets from different geographical areas of Spain during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks from December 2019 to May 2023 (42 months). For this purpose, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent method (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. Eighteen of the 432 ferrets included were seroreactive by the in-house ELISA (4.17%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.65–6.49). In this sense, the wave of COVID-19 with the higher number of seropositive ferrets occurred during the seventh wave when the different Omicron subvariants were the dominant virus variants. Our results suggest that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in domestic ferrets in natural conditions is low. Further research is need to evaluate the potential risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from human to pets.
Efficient Annotation and Learning for 3D Hand Pose Estimation: A Survey
Authors: Ohkawa Takehiko , Furuta Ryosuke , Sato Yoichi
Published: August 2023

In this survey, we present a systematic review of 3D hand pose estimation from the perspective of efficient annotation and learning. 3D hand pose estimation has been an important research area owing to its potential to enable various applications, such as video understanding, AR/VR, and robotics. However, the performance of models is tied to the quality and quantity of annotated 3D hand poses. Under the status quo, acquiring such annotated 3D hand poses is challenging, e.g., due to the difficulty of 3D annotation and the presence of occlusion. To reveal this problem, we review the pros and cons of existing annotation methods classified as manual, synthetic-model-based, hand-sensor-based, and computational approaches. Additionally, we examine methods for learning 3D hand poses when annotated data are scarce, including self-supervised pretraining, semi-supervised learning, and domain adaptation. Based on the study of efficient annotation and learning, we further discuss limitations and possible future directions in this field.
Association of spermidine blood levels with microstructure of sleep—implications from a population-based study
Authors: Wortha Silke M. , Schulz Juliane , Hanna Jevri , Schwarz Claudia , Stubbe Beate , Frenzel Stefan , Bülow Robin , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Ewert Ralf , Vogelgesang Antje , Grabe Hans J. , Ladenbauer Julia , Flöel Agnes
Published: August 2023

Deteriorations in slow wave sleep (SWS) have been linked to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), possibly due to its key role in clearance of amyloid-beta and tau (Aß/tau), two pathogenic hallmarks of AD. Spermidine administration has been shown to improve sleep quality in animal models. So far, the association between spermidine levels in humans and parameters of SWS physiology are unknown but may be valuable for therapeutic strategies. Data from 216 participants (age range 50–81 years) of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania TREND were included in our analysis. We investigated associations between spermidine plasma levels, key parameters of sleep macroarchitecture and microarchitecture that were previously associated with AD pathology, and brain health measured via a marker of structural brain atrophy (AD score). Higher spermidine levels were significantly associated with lower coupling between slow oscillations and spindle activity. No association was evident for SWS, slow oscillatory, and spindle activity throughout non-rapid eye movement sleep. Furthermore, elevated spermidine blood levels were significantly associated with a higher AD score, while sleep markers revealed no association with AD score. The association between higher spermidine levels and brain health was not mediated by coupling between slow oscillations and spindle activity. We report that higher spermidine blood levels are associated not only with deteriorated brain health but also with less advantageous markers of sleep quality in older adults. Future studies need to evaluate whether sleep, spermidine, and Aß/tau deposition are interrelated and whether sleep may play a mediating role.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as Conversion Procedure of Failed Gastric Banding: Short-Term Outcomes of 1295 Patients in One Single Center
Authors: Handojo Karen , Ismaeil Aiman , Van Huele Andries , Van Neste Christophe , Debergh Isabelle , Dillemans Bruno
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has high technical and weight loss failure rates. We evaluate here the 1-year morbidity, mortality, and weight loss of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (LRYGB) as a feasible conversion strategy.

Methods

Patients with a failed primary LAGB who underwent LRYGB from July 2004 to December 2019 were selected from an electronic database at our center. Patients had a conversion to LRYGB at the same time (one-stage approach) or with a minimum of 3 months in between (two-stage approach). Primary outcomes included 30-day morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and percent excess BMI lost (%EBMIL) at 1 year postoperatively.

Results

A total of 1295 patients underwent a conversion from LAGB to LRYGB at our center: 1167 patients (90.1%) in one stage and 128 patients (9.9%) in two stages. There was no mortality. An early (30-day) postoperative complication occurred in 93 patients (7.2%), with no significant difference found between groups. Hemorrhage was the most common complication in 39 patients (3.0%), and the reoperation was required in 19 patients (1.4%). At 1 year postoperatively, the mean BMI was 28.0 kg/m2, the mean %EWL 72.8%, and the mean %EBMIL 87.0%. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups.

Conclusion

Conversion to LRYGB can be considered as a safe and effective option with low complication rate and good weight loss outcomes at 1 year. One-stage conversion provides the same early outcome as two-step surgery with a competent surgeon.

Graphical Abstract
Defining, Designing and Distinguishing Artificial Companions: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rogge Ayanda
Published: August 2023

The present study systematically reviewed scientific literature addressing the concept of artificial companions (ACs). The dataset, which encompasses 22 years of research, was drawn from multiple interdisciplinary sources and resulted in the development of an interdisciplinary definition of the AC concept. This definition consists of two key characteristics: adaptivity and engagement, the hallmarks of ACs to form emotional bonds and long-term relationships with users. The study also analyzed various design properties associated with ACs, categorized into five groups: adaptivity to the user, adaptivity to the usage context, engagement-facilitating behavior, the agent’s personality, and its appearance. In the third part, the study explored AC scenarios and identified roles that ACs can perform with their associated competencies, user groups, and application areas. The findings of this study are seen as a proposal for future empirical research to test what features in communication and interaction design play a crucial role in shaping the perception of an agent as an AC.
A user experience perspective on heritage tourism in the metaverse: Empirical evidence and design dilemmas for VR
Authors: Baker Jeff , Nam Kichan , Dutt Christopher S.
Published: August 2023

The tourism industry will be shaped by the growth and development of the metaverse in the coming decades. Virtual reality (VR) will enable the creation of virtual worlds, avatars, digital twins, and new social networks. These technologies can be utilized in tourism to enable travelers to preview real-world experiences, to enhance experiences while on-site, to relive experiences after travel, or in some cases to even substitute for travel. Given the metaverse’s transformative potential, empirical investigation of VR is clearly warranted. Studies of VR tourism typically choose a single specific VR application and investigate its impact on adoption or user satisfaction. This application-level focus is a significant limitation. We therefore evaluate multiple heritage tourism applications as well as VR hardware in a comprehensive and structured analysis from the user experience (UX) perspective. Our content analysis of user interviews reveals 13 factors that shape users’ overall perceptions about VR. These factors are grouped into categories related to presentation of the VR content, the content itself, and the functionality of the hardware and software. Our analysis also reveals three design dilemmas for creators of VR heritage tourism content for the metaverse. Implications and an agenda for future research are included.
The fire blight resistance QTL on LG7 of Malus ×robusta 5 is not dependent on the avrRpt2EA 156 S/C amino acid switch
Authors: Emeriewen Ofere Francis , Reim Stefanie , Richter Klaus , Wöhner Thomas , Flachowsky Henryk , Aldwinckle Herb , Peil Andreas , Fazio Gennaro
Published: August 2023

Malus ×robusta 5, which has been the subject of extensive fire blight resistance research over time, is highly resistant or susceptible to the fire blight-causative bacterial pathogen, Erwinia amylovora – depending on the strain. M. ×robusta 5 has been crossed with susceptible apple cultivars and rootstocks, and inoculated with several E. amylovora strains in order to study the genetics and mechanism of its fire blight resistance and susceptibility. A strong resistance QTL was first mapped on linkage group 3 (LG3) of M. ×robusta 5 using an F1 progeny derived from a cross with the apple cultivar ‘Idared’ in Germany. This QTL was confirmed in two other F1 populations derived from crossing M. ×robusta 5 with the rootstock ‘Malling 9’ in New Zealand, and with ‘Ottawa 3’ in the USA. A second QTL on LG7 was detected in the ‘Idared’ × M. ×robusta 5 population but only with strains that break the LG3 QTL. However, in the US population of ‘Ottawa 3’ × M. ×robusta 5, the LG7 QTL was detected regardless of strain-specificity, unlike in the New Zealand population of ‘Malling 9’ × M. ×robusta 5 where the LG7 QTL was not also detected. Here, we report the detection of the LG7 QTL in a different ‘Malling 9’ × M. ×robusta 5 population in Germany, and confirm the independence of the LG7 locus to E. amylovora strains.
Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using the Aqueous Extract of Mucuna pruriens (utilis): Structural Characterization, and the Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Gamedze Nozipho P. , Mthiyane Doctor M. N. , Mavengahama Sydney , Singh Moganavelli , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: August 2023

A simple, green, and cost-effective synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles particles (NPs) using an extract of Mucuna pruriens utilis is reported. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM measurements. XRD results showed diffraction patterns that are consistent with the hexagonal phase of the wurtzite ZnO structure. Spherical morphology with irregular size and particle distribution was confirmed by the microscopic characterization. The antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles showed a concentration-dependent profile with an IC50 of 4.10 µg mL− 1, which was quite lower than that of the standard ascorbic acid (4.72 µg mL− 1), and indicated a significant free radical scavenging activity of the nanomaterials. The cytotoxicity properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against human cancer cell lines HeLa and HEK 293 by the MTT assay, and the anticancer drug (5-Fluorouracil) was used as a control. The results showed selective toxicity of the nanoparticles towards cancerous cell lines and non-toxicity to normal cells. The study provides a simple and non-toxic protocol for biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with potential biomedical applications as anticancer and antioxidant agents. However, further studies are necessary to ascertain the biochemical reactions and mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer activities.