bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using model-driven engineering to automate software language translation
Authors: Lano Kevin , Siala Hanan
Published: February 2024

The porting or translation of software applications from one programming language to another is a common requirement of organisations that utilise software, and the increasing number and diversity of programming languages makes this capability as relevant today as in previous decades. Several approaches have been used to address this challenge, including machine learning and the manual definition of direct language-to-language translation rules, however the accuracy of these approaches remains unsatisfactory. In this paper we describe a new approach to program translation using model-driven engineering techniques: reverse-engineering source programs into specifications in the UML and OCL formalisms, and then forward-engineering the specifications to the required target language. This approach can provide assurance of semantic preservation, and additionally has the advantage of extracting precise specifications of software from code. We provide an evaluation based on a comprehensive dataset of examples, including industrial cases, and compare our results to those of other approaches and tools. Our specific contributions are: (1) Reverse-engineering source programs to detailedsemantic modelsof software behaviour, to enable semantically-correct translations and reduce re-testing costs; (2) Program abstraction processes defined by precise and explicit rules, which can be edited and configured by users; (3) A set of reusable OCL library components appropriate for representing program semantics, and which can also be used for OCL specification of new applications; (4) A systematic procedure for building program abstractors based on language grammars and semantics.
Multi-well plate lid for single-step pooling of 96 samples for high-throughput barcode-based sequencing
Authors: Boder-Pasche Stéphanie , Demir Mustafa , Heub Sarah , Garzuel Manon , Ischer Réal , Migliozzi Daniel , Graf Siegfried , Schmid Noa , Atakan H. Baris , Gudkova Daria , Alpern Daniel , Dainese Riccardo , Deplancke Bart , Weder Gilles
Published: February 2024

High-throughput transcriptomics is of increasing fundamental biological and clinical interest. The generation of molecular data from large collections of samples, such as biobanks and drug libraries, is boosting the development of new biomarkers and treatments. Focusing on gene expression, the transcriptomic market exploits the benefits of next-generation sequencing (NGS), leveraging RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) as standard for measuring genome-wide gene expression in biological samples. The cumbersome sample preparation, including RNA extraction, conversion to cDNA and amplification, prevents high-throughput translation of RNA-seq technologies. Bulk RNA barcoding and sequencing (BRB-seq) addresses this limitation by enabling sample preparation in multi-well plate format. Sample multiplexing combined with early pooling into a single tube reduces reagents consumption and manual steps. Enabling simultaneous pooling of all samples from the multi-well plate into one tube, our technology relies on smart labware: a pooling lid comprising fluidic features and small pins to transport the liquid, adapted to standard 96-well plates. Operated with standard fluidic tubes and pump, the system enables over 90% recovery of liquid in a single step in less than a minute. Large scale manufacturing of the lid is demonstrated with the transition from a milled polycarbonate/steel prototype into an injection molded polystyrene lid. The pooling lid demonstrated its value in supporting high-throughput barcode-based sequencing by pooling 96 different DNA barcodes directly from a standard 96-well plate, followed by processing within the single sample pool. This new pooling technology shows great potential to address medium throughput needs in the BRB-seq workflow, thereby addressing the challenge of large-scale and cost-efficient sample preparation for RNA-seq.

Graphical abstract
Video quality adaptation using CNN and RNN models for cost-effective and scalable video streaming Services
Authors: Darwich Mahmoud , Bayoumi Magdy
Published: February 2024

Video streaming services require adaptive bit rate strategies that optimize video quality based on network conditions and user preferences to provide a cost-effective and scalable solution. In this manuscript, we present a novel architecture that utilizes a combination of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) to extract features from the video stream and predict optimal bit rates for each frame. The CNN feature extractor extracts relevant features from the input video stream, which are then passed on to the RNN predictor, where the optimal bit rate is predicted to ensure a personalized viewing experience tailored to the current network conditions and specific user preferences. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture achieves significant improvements in video quality while minimizing bandwidth usage and providing a better user experience. Specifically, our results show a 37.1% improvement in average bit rate, indicating that the proposed architecture optimizes the video quality and reduces bandwidth usage by 37.1% on average. We also observed a 16.6% improvement in Quality of Experience (QoE), meaning that users will perceive the video quality as better. Additionally, rebuffering was reduced by 87.5%, indicating that users enjoy smoother video playback without interruptions. Importantly, our architecture is optimized for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), addressing the need for efficient streaming over the most widely used protocol in the industry.
Examining Potential Psychological Protective and Risk Factors for Stress and Burnout in Social Workers
Authors: Maddock Alan
Published: February 2024

Social work professionals experience high levels of stress and burnout. Stress and burnout can have a negative impact on the individual social worker, the organisations they work for, and perhaps most importantly, the quality of care that marginalised groups that are supported by social workers receive. Several work-related predictors of stress and burnout have been identified; however, no studies have examined the underlying psychological protective and risk factors which might help to explain changes in social worker stress and burnout. Using the clinically modified Buddhist psychological model (CBPM) as a theoretical framework, this cross-sectional study attempted to identify psychological protective and risk factors for stress and burnout in 121 social workers in Northern Ireland, using structural equation modelling, and conditional process analyses. This study provided promising preliminary evidence for a mediated effect CBPM as being a potentially useful explanatory framework of variation in social worker stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalisation. This study also provided evidence that several CBPM domains could have a direct effect on personal accomplishment. This study provides preliminary evidence that support programmes, which have the capacity to improve each CBPM domain (mindfulness, acceptance, attention regulation/decentering, self-compassion, non-attachment, and non-aversion) and reduce experiences of worry and rumination, are likely to support social workers to experience reduced stress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation of service users, and improvements in personal accomplishment.
Digitalization and cross-border tax fraud: evidence from e-invoicing in Italy
Authors: Heinemann Marwin , Stiller Wojciech
Published: February 2024

The digitalization of transaction processes through tools such as electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) aims to improve tax compliance and reduce administrative costs. Another important aspect of digitalization is its potential to reduce tax fraud. We exploit the comprehensive introduction of e-invoicing in Italy in 2019 and examine the effect of increased domestic tax enforcement capabilities on cross-border value-added tax (VAT) fraud. As a proxy for this fraud, we make use of the discrepancy in trade data that are double-reported in both the importing and exporting country (trade data gap, TDG). We calculate the TDG for imports to Italy from all other EU countries at the most detailed product level. Our results suggest a significant decline in cross-border fraud in response to the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing, providing an important rationale for the application of this measure by other countries. Furthermore, we estimate that e-invoicing decreased the Italian VAT loss in 2019 by about € 2.2 billion to € 2.6 billion compared to 2018. In this context, we underpin the suitability of the TDG as an approach for the study of anti-fraud measures.
Online education in design disciplines: factors influencing the interactive experience of group learning
Authors: Mao Lei , Queiroz Francisco
Published: February 2024

There has been much previous research into online group learning, but they have not been aware of or focused on the challenges that design disciplines encounter in terms of interaction when moving to online delivery. This qualitative study comprised 3 participatory design workshops and 22 one-to-one interviews that included a total of 34 teachers and students from the School of Design at the University of Leeds. Participants reported the challenges and feelings they encountered in online group learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that the interactive experience of group learning is mainly influenced by the size of the group, the layout of the platform interface, the teacher’s management style and the conflict within the group, with more far-reaching discussions providing specific questions and subtle suggestions. The article’s findings can inform future strategies for online group learning for students and teachers of design disciplines in design higher education institutions.
Preventing Stunting in South African Children Under 5: Evaluating the Combined Impacts of Maternal Characteristics and Low Socioeconomic Conditions
Authors: Wand Handan , Naidoo Sarita , Govender Vaneshree , Reddy Tarylee , Moodley Jayajothi
Published: February 2024

More than 140 million children under five suffered from stunting in 2020. This highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing childhood malnutrition globally. We utilized data from a nationally representative sample of children under five years of age (n = 14,151) who participated in five cycles of the South African National Income Dynamics Study (SA-NIDS) (2008–2017). We estimated the proportion of stunted children attributed to the mothers’ anthropometric characteristics and socioeconomic conditions. We also quantified the population-level burden of low-socioeconomic conditions on hunger/food insecurity among pregnant women (n = 22,814) who participated in the nine rounds of the South African General Household Surveys (GHS) (2008–2021). Results from weighted-multivariate logistic regression were incorporated into the population-level impacts of correlates of stunting and low-socioeconomic conditions. The prevalence of stunting declined from 25% in 2008 to 23% in 2017. Mothers’ anthropometric measures (underweight/height < 160 cm), marital status, low education, absence of medical insurance and low-socioeconomic conditions were all identified as the most influential risk factors for stunting. Their population-level impacts on stunting increased substantially from 34% (in 2008) to 65% (in 2017). Comprehensive strategies emphasizing enhanced food security, extended breastfeeding, appropriate nutrition, and access to adequate healthcare and education are urgently needed to reduce the burden of food insecurity low-socioeconomic, malnutrition, and its long-term consequences.
Gender Sexuality Alliances and School Safety: Who Benefits Most, and Do Additive School-Led Practices Strengthen the Link?
Authors: Kaufman T. M. L. , Kiekens W. J. , Baams L. , Bos H. M. W. , De Looze M. E.
Published: February 2024

While Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are associated with higher acceptance of sexual diversity and lower bullying-victimization, it is unclear which individual and school-level attributes strengthen these associations. Nationally representative data (N = 1,567 students; Mage = 15.4, SD = 0.16; 34% boys, 66% girls, 51% heterosexual, 49% sexually-diverse after propensity score matching) in 139 Dutch secondary schools were used. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that GSA presence was linked to more inclusive attitudes about sexual diversity and a safer disclosure climate among sexually-diverse students, and lower general bullying-victimization when the school had a GSA combined with school practices to tackle bullying. School professionals and researchers are recommended to recognize the significance of individual and school-level factors that affect GSA correlates.
Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins: Stabilization Challenges and Biomedical Applications by Means of Nanodelivery Systems
Authors: Berselli Elisa , Coccolini Carlotta , Tosi Giovanni , Gökçe Evren H. , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Fathi Faezeh , Krambeck Karolline , Souto Eliana B.
Published: February 2024

The delivery of peptides and proteins usually faces formulation development challenges attributed to the difficulties encountered in their stabilization. Nanoparticles offer an alternative to improve the physicochemical stability of such biomacromolecules, while increasing their bioavailability by overcoming biological absorption barriers. With this review, we aim to discuss the stability problems of proteins and peptides that have driven the scientific community to find in nanotechnology a valid alternative for oral administration of biomolecules. In addition, we describe the most commonly used nanoparticles for this purpose (e.g., polymers such as polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polycaprolactone, modified chitosan, and lipids such as oil-in-water nanoemulsions, self-emulsified drug delivery systems, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, liposomes, as well as hybrid systems like micelles), and we show some of the most important recent applications of these nanoparticles for the delivery of proteins and peptides, including for the treatment of diabetes, viruses (such as HIV), cancer, as well as in the development of vaccines.
Microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from onion and garlic waste under organic, inorganic and dual acid mixtures
Authors: Şen Emine , Göktürk Ersen , Uğuzdoğan Erdal
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate pectin extraction from garlic (GW) and onion waste (OW) by microwave-assisted (MAE) and sequential microwave assisted-hot acid extraction (MAHE) methods. All extractions were performed under three different media including organic acids [citric (CA) and acetic (AA)], inorganic acids [sulfuric (H2SO4) and hydrochloric (HCl)] and their mixtures. GW provided more pectin yields compared with OW. While the highest pectin yields from GW and OW by MAE in H2SO4 were respectively 24.62 ± 0.65 and 24.93 ± 0.59%, these yields under MAHE were 27.99 ± 0.36 and 28.43 ± 0.42%, respectively. Higher pectin yields and galacturonic acid (Gal-A) contents were mostly achieved in inorganic acids. However, degree of esterification (DE), methoxyl content (MeO) and equivalent weight (EW) values were higher for the pectins extracted under organic acids. Extraction of pectin from GW and OW was also accomplished in dual acidic media by MAE. Addition of inorganic acids to the organic acid solutions resulted in increasing pectin yields. The highest pectin yields from GW and OW under dual acid solutions were respectively 23.36 ± 0.66 and 21.88 ± 0.52%, and achieved in 1/3 HCl-H2SO4 and 1/3 CA-H2SO4 mixtures by MAE. While increasing inorganic acid contents in dual acid solutions resulted in enhanced Gal-A contents, increasing organic acid volume also generated higher DE and MeO values of the pectins. Obtained successful outcomes indicate that MAHE method could be used as an efficient extraction technique for the higher pectin yields, and utilization of organic-inorganic dual acid mixtures during MAE provides enhanced yields and controlled physicochemical properties of pectin.

Graphical abstract
A Review of Hepatitis B Reactivation Risk on Immunosuppressants with a Focus on Newer Immunomodulators
Authors: Dossaji Zahra , Haque Lubaba , Khattak Adam , Hsu Mark , Gish Robert
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) can complicate the use of immunosuppressive, antiviral, and chemotherapeutic medications in individuals with a history of prior exposure to HBV or chronic infection. Timely management is crucial to prevent fatalities. This review focuses on the various classes of biologics linked to the risk of HBVr, with emphasis on newer immunosuppressive and immunomodulator therapies.

Recent Findings

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cytokine inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapies are associated with a high risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HbsAg-positive). This risk decreases significantly when patients start nucleoside analogue (NA) prophylaxis. It is recommended to use NA prophylaxis alongside these medications and closely monitor for reactivation upon discontinuation of NA prophylaxis.

To minimize the risk of reactivation when starting immunosuppressive, antiviral, and chemotherapeutic agents in individuals at high, intermediate, and low risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr), it is crucial to employ specific strategies for risk assessment, monitoring, and management.
A Multi-response Nonlinear Programming Model with an Inscribed Design to Optimize Bioreduction Conditions of (S)-phenyl (pyridin-2-yl)methanol by Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides N13
Authors: Özdemir Akın , Şahin Engin
Published: February 2024

Asymmetric bioreductions have the potential to synthesize chiral alcohols when catalyzed by biocatalysts. Nevertheless, the (S)-phenyl (pyridin-2-yl)methanol ((S)-2) analgesic synthesis poses significant challenges concerning unsatisfactory substrate amount and production method. Thus, this study proposes an inscribed design-focused multi-response nonlinear optimization model for the asymmetric reduction of the phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methanone (1) with Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides N13 biocatalyst. From the novel inscribed design-focused multi-response nonlinear optimization model, optimization conditions of the reaction, such as pH = 6, temperature = 29 °C, incubation time = 53 h, and agitation speed = 153 rpm, were found. Also, the reaction conversion was predicted to be 99%, and the product of the enantiomeric excess (ee) was 98.4% under the obtained optimization conditions. (S)-2 was obtained with 99% ee, 99% conversion, and 98% yield while performing a validation experiment using the determined optimized conditions. In addition, 1 with the amount of 11.9 g was converted entirely to (S)-2 (11.79 g, 98% isolated yield) on a high gram scale. Also, this study is noted as the first example of the gram-scale production of (S)-2 using an optimization strategy and biocatalyst. Further, the applicability of the inscribed design-focused optimization model in biocatalytic reactions has been demonstrated and provides an effective process for the analgesic synthesis of (S)-2, which is a green, cost-effective method of producing chiral aryl heteroaryl methanol.
Mining 4.0 and its effects on work environment, competence, organisation and society – a scoping review
Authors: Lund Erik , Pekkari Annika , Johansson Jan , Lööw Joel
Published: February 2024

The mining industry is facing a technological shift with Industry 4.0 creating new conditions for mining. This is often referred to as Mining 4.0. To succeed through the technological shift, the industry need to handle several challenges wisely, such as how to utilise the new digital technology to promote sustainable work environments, how to recruit skilled workers to the industry, and how to manage organisational challenges as a result of the technological shift. This scoping literature review examines a large field of literature on how Mining 4.0 might affect the mining industry in areas such as work environment, competences, organisation and society, and what can be done to promote sustainability going forward. The paper also identifies several areas that have not been explored in previous research. These include empirical studies on the effects of the technological shift brought about by Mining 4.0 on work environments, and how to attract younger generations to mining to ensure sustainability in the industry going forward.
Ontwikkelingen in de behandeling van gemetastaseerd hormoongevoelig prostaatcarcinoom
Authors: van Basten Jean-Paul , van Oort Inge
Published: February 2024

Samenvatting

De behandeling bij gemetastaseerd hormoongevoelig prostaatcarcinoom (mHSPC) is volop in ontwikkeling. Hoewel androgeendeprivatietherapie (ADT) nog altijd de hoeksteen vormt van de behandeling van mHSPC, is de laatste jaren gebleken dat intensivering van de behandeling met chemotherapie of remmers van de androgeenreceptor-pathway significante verlenging van overleving geeft, met een acceptabele toxiciteit. Daarnaast wordt in studieverband de uitkomst onderzocht van veelbelovende aanvullende therapieën, zoals remmers van poly(-adenosinedifosfaat-ribose) polymerase (PARP) bij mHSPC-patiënten met een DNA-reparatiedeficiëntie (DRD). Dit artikel geeft de stand van zaken in diagnostiek en behandeling van mHSPC in de dagelijkse urologische praktijk en een overzicht van de belangrijkste ontwikkelingen. Daarnaast wordt aandacht besteed aan de cruciale rol van de uroloog bij de multidisciplinaire behandeling van mHSPC en de groeiende mogelijkheden voor gepersonaliseerde zorg.
PSMA PET/CT in diagnostiek en responsevaluatie in patiënten met primair gemetastaseerd prostaatkanker
Authors: Ettema Rosemarijn H. , Luining Wietske I. , Vis André N. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N.
Published: February 2024

Samenvatting

Prostaatkanker is een van de meest voorkomende vormen van kanker bij mannen. Adequate stadiëring is van belang voor het bepalen van de therapie en de prognose. De prostaatspecifieke membraanantigeen (PSMA) positronemissietomografie/computertomografie (PET/CT) heeft een hogere diagnostische accuratesse voor het beoordelen van de aan-/afwezigheid van metastasen van prostaatkanker dan conventionele beeldvorming, bestaande uit CT-thorax/abdomen in combinatie met een botscan. Hierdoor worden er vaker metastasen gevisualiseerd en verandert bij een deel van de patiënten het stadium, meestal naar een hoger ziektestadium. De impact van deze stage shift op de prognose is nog niet uitgebreid onderzocht, maar geeft over het algemeen betere uitkomsten voor patiënten in hetzelfde stadium. Het is nog onduidelijk welke impact deze stage shift zou moeten hebben op de therapiekeuze van patiënten. Bij patiënten met gemetastaseerde prostaatkanker zouden de PSMA-bevindingen en behandelrespons op de PET/CT de kans op succesvolle behandeling kunnen voorspellen.
Renal dysfunction caused by severe hypothyroidism diagnosed by renal biopsy: a case report
Authors: Tani Hiroki , Hirashio Shuma , Tsuda Akihiro , Tachiyama Yoshiro , Hara Shigeo , Masaki Takao
Published: February 2024

There is a close relationship between thyroid dysfunction and renal dysfunction. However, thyroid dysfunction can unfortunately result in inaccurate measurements of serum creatinine and cystatin C levels. The chronic decrease in cardiac output due to hypothyroidism can reduce renal plasma flow (RPF) resulting in renal dysfunction. We report the case of a 36-year-old male in whom renal dysfunction detected during a company health check-up was found to be caused by severe hypothyroidism. His serum creatinine levels showed poor results, but serum cystatin C levels were within the normal range. The physician thus prioritized serum cystatin C for assessing the patient’s renal function, and concluded that his renal function was normal. He subsequently visited our hospital, aged 36 years, for a comprehensive examination. His serum creatinine level was 1.88 mg/dL and his serum cystatin C level was 0.75 mg/dL, indicating an unusual discrepancy between the two measurements. The patient also presented with fatigue, suggesting hypothyroidism, and we therefore evaluated his thyroid function. His free thyroxine level was below the sensitivity of the assay, while his thyroid-stimulating hormone level was > 100 μIU/mL. A renal biopsy was performed to further explore the underlying cause of his renal dysfunction, which suggested that reduced RPF could be the leading cause of his renal ischemia, with no indications of chronic glomerulonephritis or other abnormalities. His hypothyroidism and renal function improved after thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Given the limited reports of renal biopsy tissue examination during the acute phase of hypothyroidism, the current case provides important information regarding the diagnosis of renal dysfunction in patients with hypothyroidism.
6-Stroke water injection engine literature review with an introduction of heat transfer and thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Mejía-Gallón V. , Gomez S. , Estrada Grisales D. , Fula M. A.
Published: February 2024

Internal combustion engines have played a crucial role in the advancement of society. Consequently, there has been a persistent need to enhance their efficiency and performance. The water-injected six-stroke engine is based on conventional four-stroke engines, producing additional power by injecting water into the hot combustion products during the expansion stroke, thereby increasing the overall engine efficiency. However, a comprehensive review that consolidates existing knowledge and identifies future research opportunities in six-stroke engine technology is lacking. This study addresses this gap by thoroughly examining the thermodynamic operation of six-stroke engines and analyzing the impact of water injection on engine performance. The review covers literature from 1994 to 2023, categorizing studies based on the modeling approach, working fluid, thermodynamic cycle, and consideration of heat transfer. Among the 18 analyzed articles, predominantly published from 2015 to 2019, half utilize analytical models, while the rest employ experimental models addressing heat transfer losses. Notably, water injection exhibits a substantial influence, manifesting as a 5.18% increase in brake power and a 1.55% enhancement in thermal efficiency, particularly with acetylene as the working fluid. Finally, a literature overview of water injection in hot gas environments within the engine cylinder was conducted in addition to a preliminary thermodynamic analysis of the Otto and Diesel cycles to compare different configurations outlined in the literature. The lack of studies, experimental setups, and non-idealized models that consider factors such as heat transfer or water evaporation during injection is evident. By critically synthesizing the available literature, this study offers valuable insights into the potential advantages, limitations, and prospects of six-stroke engine studies.
Innovations in Molecular Biomarkers and Biomaterial-Based Immunotherapies for Head & Neck Cancer
Authors: Wong Sarah Anne , Manon Victoria A. , Young Simon , Viet Chi T.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) survival rates have remained stagnant due to a lack of targeted therapies and diagnostic tools. Patient risk is currently determined solely through clinicopathologic features, primarily tumor staging, which lacks the necessary precision to stratify patients by risk and accurately dictate adjuvant treatment. Similarly, conventional OSCC therapies have well-established toxicities and limited efficacy.

Recent Findings

Recent studies show that patient risk can now be assessed using non-invasive techniques, at earlier time points, and with greater accuracy using molecular biomarker panels. Additionally, novel immunotherapies not only utilize the host’s immune response to combat disease but also have the potential to form immunological memory to prevent future recurrence. Localized controlled-release formulas have further served to reduce toxicity and allow the de-escalation of other treatment modalities.

We review the latest advances in head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment, including novel molecular biomarkers and immunotherapies.
SGLT-2 inibitori nel trattamento dell’iponatremia. Quale ruolo?
Authors: Fibbi Benedetta , Norello Dario
Published: February 2024

Sommario

Gli inibitori del cotrasportatore Na+-glucosio di tipo 2 inducono glicosuria e diuresi osmotica. L’aumento dell’escrezione di acqua libera, che riduce il volume circolante e determina cardio- e nefroprotezione indipendenti dall’azione ipoglicemizzante, li rende potenzialmente efficaci nei pazienti con iponatremia cronica, un disturbo elettrolitico gravato da elevate morbilità e mortalità per il quale le opzioni terapeutiche a disposizione sono poche e spesso poco tollerate, inefficaci o costose.
CCPs: EU Equivalence and Regulatory ‘Bazookas’
Authors: Zebregs Bas , de Serière Victor
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses various aspects of equivalence and (re)location issues in relation to central counterparties (‘CCPs’). We will inevitably focus on the consequences of Brexit for the position of the London-based CCPs and the potential impact thereof on the derivatives clearing landscape in the European Union (‘EU’). We will first describe the regime applicable to CCPs under the 2012 EMIR regime. This is followed by an introduction to EMIR 2.2 and the tiering of third-country CCPs. Subsequently, we will review the ESMA assessment of substantially systemically important clearing services and summarise the EMIR 3.0 proposal and its implications. Subsequently, the potential impact of the imposition of a location policy will be addressed. Finally, we will comment on how the European regime applicable to CCPs aligns with what may be referred to as the ‘international legal order’ providing the regulatory parameters within which cross-border clearing services may be conducted. We contend that imposing additional requirements for Tier 2 CCPs and the implementation of a (partial) location policy could prove to be regulatory ‘bazookas’. Acting in breach of the international order of mutual recognition and deference could well backfire to the detriment of the European clearing industry.
On the functional basis of isotropic vector and tensor functions by Shariff (2023)
Authors: Itskov Mikhail
Published: February 2024

In the paper Shariff (Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 76:143–161, 2023) a functional basis of a system of vectors and symmetric tensors is proposed. The functional basis is expressed in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the first tensor and includes a smaller number of terms in comparison to the classical irreducible representation (see, e.g., Boehler, J. Appl. Math. Mech. 57:323–327, 1977; Pennisi and Trovato, Int. J. Eng. Sci. 25:1059–1065, 1987). In the present contribution, we show that elements of the functional basis by Shariff (Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 76:143–161, 2023) do not represent isotropic invariants of the vector and tensor arguments and cannot thus be referred to as the functional basis. To this end, a counterexample with two symmetric tensors is considered. Under an arbitrary orthogonal transformation the functional basis (Shariff, Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 76:143–161, 2023) of these two tensors should remain constant but it does change in contrast to the classical representation.
GrassCaré: Visualizing the Grassmannian on the Poincaré Disk
Authors: Li Huanran , Pimentel-Alarcón Daniel
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a novel method for visualizing high-dimensional Grassmannians through 2D embeddings on the Poincaré disk. The proposed approach involves the construction of affinity matrices on each manifold, followed by the minimization of KL-divergence between the geodesics affinity. This process enables the identification of an optimal projection that effectively preserves the geometry of the original high-dimensional Grassmannian. Our main theoretical contribution lies in bounding the embedding loss with respect to two factors: the logarithm of the number of subspaces and a term dependent on the distribution of subspaces within the Grassmannian. Notably, this term is smaller when subspaces exhibit well-defined clusters, and larger in the absence of any discernible structure. We complement our theoretical analysis with comprehensive experiments on both synthetic and real datasets. The experimental results showcase the superiority of our embedding in accurately visualizing Grassmannians compared to existing representations.
Prevertebral Anchored Kevlar Band to Recover Intact Spine Movement Ranges in Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty
Authors: Vanaclocha Amparo , Vanaclocha Vicente , Atienza Carlos M. , Jordá-Gómez Pablo , Peñuelas Andres , Saiz-Sapena Nieves , Vanaclocha Leyre
Published: February 2024

Anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus fibrosus removal in total disc replacement induces excessive spinal mobility with zygapophyseal joint overload and osteoarthritic changes causing chronic back pain. To control disc arthroplasty-induced hypermobility with a Kevlar® band. A 3 × 3 cm Kevlar® band implanted in twelve human lumbar cadaveric spines substituted the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus in disc arthroplasty. Biomechanical studies compared the intact spine, after discectomy, post-disc arthroplasty, and with the Kevlar® band inserted. The Kevlar® band recovered the extension and axial rotation movement ranges without regaining the intact status. Improvement was moderate in lateral bending. The Instantaneous Axis of Rotation improved the discectomy and total disc prosthesis conditions without recovering the initial state. The disc above the operated one also showed increased mobility, particularly in extension and axial rotation, improved by Kevlar® band insertion without recovering the intact spine values. The Kevlar® band improves excess mobility ranges induced by anterior longitudinal ligament and anterior annulus removal in disc arthroplasty in the operated and supra-adjacent discs without recovering the baseline status.
The Many Faces of Impossibility
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Sandgren Alexander
Published: February 2024

Possible worlds have revolutionised philosophy and some related fields. But, in recent years, tools based on possible worlds have been found to be limited in many respects. Impossible worlds have been introduced to overcome these limitations. This Element aims to raise and answer the neglected question of what is characteristically impossible about impossible worlds. The Element sheds new light on the nature of impossible worlds. It also aims to analyse the main features and utility of impossible worlds and examine how impossible worlds can capture distinctions which are unavailable if we limit ourselves to possible world-based tools.
The Bell Beaker Phenomenon in Europe
Authors: Vander Linden Marc
Published: February 2024

Covering vast swathes of Europe, the Bell Beaker Phenomenon has enjoyed a privileged status in the history of archaeology and is often referred to as a key period in the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age partly due to the emergence of social élites. After a brief presentation of the historiography of the Bell Beaker phenomenon, this Element offers a synthetic account of the available evidence structured on a regional basis. Following the renewed interest in human mobility generated by stable isotopes and ancient DNA studies, the central thesis developed here is that the Bell Beaker Phenomenon can adequately be described as a metapopulation, a concept borrowed from population ecology. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Just Asking! On “Friendly” Forms of Harassment
Authors: Claeys Martha
Published: February 2024

Harassment is often understood to be, in its paradigm form, overtly aggressive or hostile. But harassment can also occur in a more deceptive format, and can be presented as soft, neutral, innocent, or even friendly and caring. There is something fundamentally deceptive and dishonest about this kind of harassment. The overt friendliness makes these particular forms of harassment harder to spot, and therefore potentially more likely to succeed. I focus on one such instance of friendly-presenting harassment: sealioning. I argue that, despite its ostensive friendliness, sealioning is a form of harassment that has a twofold goal: there is the political goal of forestalling action, and the epistemic goal of undermining the victim's authority. I draw on Jose Medina's understanding of culpable ignorance and the existentialist notion of bad faith to flesh out the distinction between ill-willed and good-willed sealioning, and argue that the latter, despite the good will, is also harassment. I conclude by addressing the different responsibilities of the sea lion, the victim, and the onlooker. Narrowing in on these deceptive forms of harassment, I aim to contribute to the hermeneutic justice of being able to spot and name harassment as it happens.
COFINAL TYPES OF ULTRAFILTERS OVER MEASURABLE CARDINALS
Authors: BENHAMOU TOM , DOBRINEN NATASHA
Published: February 2024

We develop the theory of cofinal types of ultrafilters over measurable cardinals and establish its connections to Galvin’s property. We generalize fundamental results from the countable to the uncountable, but often in surprisingly strengthened forms, and present models with varying structures of the cofinal types of ultrafilters over measurable cardinals.
Spontaneous transmedia co-location: Integration in memory
Authors: Antonini Alessio , Brooker Sam , Škopljanac Lovro
Published: February 2024

The unanticipated product of a survey involving 190 non-professional readers, this first-report paper looks at the way memories from different source media overlap, along with the potential consequences of this phenomenon for existing approaches to reader behaviour.

The paper begins with a focus on how everyday readers articulate their recollection of literary works, in particular those moments they found most memorable. We identify a common situation in which participants ‘mix up’ recollections of a book's content with memories of their respective film or TV adaptations. We offer the term spontaneous transmedia co-location to describe this form of effortless recall involving memories of literary texts which spontaneously trigger memories of other, visual media. We outline five preliminary modes of spontaneous transmedia co-location (STC) and explain what they consist of.

Finally, we elaborate how STC ties into wider theories of how readers and other consumers interact with media, and how they tend to remember and otherwise connect them in a transmedia space.
Social inequities in food deserts and food swamps in a northeastern Brazilian capital
Authors: Lima da Silva Jennyffer Mayara , Oliveira Juliana Souza , Casagrande Borges Daniely , Honório Olívia Souza , Mendes Larissa Loures , Canuto Raquel
Published: February 2024

This study identified food deserts and swamps, investigating their associations with socioeconomic and demographic conditions. This ecological study was conducted using data from urban census tracts in the city of Recife, which were considered the unit of analysis. Information on food retail was obtained from government sources in 2019. Census tracts below the 25th percentile in the density of healthy food retail (i.e., those that predominantly sell natural or minimally processed foods, mixed businesses, and super- and hypermarkets) were classified as food deserts. Census tracts above the 25th percentile in the density of unhealthy food retail (i.e., those selling primarily ultra-processed foods) were considered food swamps. The socioeconomic and demographic conditions of the census tracts were evaluated using variables from the 2010 census (per capita income, average income, race, literacy of the head of household, and the availability of essential services) and the Health Vulnerability Index. Census tracts considered food deserts (28.5%) were more vulnerable, characterized by lower income and access to essential services, more illiterate residents and more minorities (Black/Indigenous/mixed race). Food swamps (73.47%) were more prevalent in less vulnerable neighbourhoods characterized by higher percentages of literate residents and Whites, greater purchasing power, and better basic sanitation. The characteristics of Recife’s food deserts and swamps demonstrate social inequalities in the food environment. Public facilities could play a vital role in promoting healthy eating within food deserts. Additionally, future implementation of taxes on ultra-processed foods and the provision of tax subsidies to natural or minimally processed food sellers might contribute to fostering healthier dietary choices.
The Asymmetrical Stop Inventory of Witzapan Nawat
Authors: Salgado Hugo
Published: February 2024

The stop inventory of Witzapan Nawat, a critically endangered indigenous language of El Salvador, has been traditionally described as consisting only of a voiceless series /p t k kw/. In this paper, I measure the voice onset time, consonant duration, and percent voicing in stops produced by five L1 Witzapan Nawat speakers. I find that, while /p t kw/ have acoustic characteristics of voiceless stops in practically all contexts, the velar stop in this language is better analyzed as a voiced velar stop /ɡ/ rather than /k/. This results in an asymmetrical and unusual stop system that is not predicted by some theories of phonemic inventory structure. For instance, markedness-based theories propose that /ɡ/ is more marked that /b d/ and predict that, if a language has one voiced stop, it would be /b/ or /d/ rather than /ɡ/. On the other hand, feature-systemic models predict that, if a language has a stop with the [+voice] feature at a given place of articulation, it will also tend to have this feature in stops at other points of articulation to maximize feature economy. The phonemic inventory of Witzapan Nawat contradicts these predictions. I explain the asymmetrical stop inventory of this language as the result of diachronic developments involving sound change and analogy, concluding that language change does not necessarily advance towards symmetry and that phonemic inventories are the reflection of their diachrony, as proposed by Evolutionary Phonology.
Market–community collaborative wildlife management in Malawi: subjectivities and shifting configurations of protests and celebrations
Authors: Zuka Sane Pashane , Zuka Brenda Kanyika
Published: February 2024

Although wildlife management models across the world have since the early 1980s shifted from top-down fortress conservation to different labels of people-friendly community-based conservation, their outcomes remain contested. This paper explores how, and in whose interests, approaches to wildlife conservation in Malawi have been reconfigured from fortress conservation to market–community collaborative management. Based on qualitative field data, we demonstrate how varying levels of community participation in the processes of wildlife conservation transformed the identities and interests of powerful groups of people regarding wildlife conservation in the Majete Wildlife Reserve. We highlight how commodification and monetarization of wildlife conservation served the interests of the emergent powerful groups whilst marginalizing those of the weak. The work indicates how new community identities with regard to wildlife conservation mask the power hegemonies that dictate mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion regarding natural resource use.
Examination of protective factors that promote prosocial skill development among children exposed to intimate partner violence
Authors: Holmes Megan R. , Bender Anna E. , Yoon Susan , Berg Kristen A. , Duda-Banwar Janelle , Chen Yafan , Evans Kylie E. , Korsch-Williams Amy , Perzynski Adam T.
Published: February 2024

This retrospective cohort study examined prosocial skills development in child welfare-involved children, how intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure explained heterogeneity in children’s trajectories of prosocial skill development, and the degree to which protective factors across children’s ecologies promoted prosocial skill development. Data were from 1,678 children from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being I, collected between 1999 and 2007. Cohort-sequential growth mixture models were estimated to identify patterns of prosocial skill development between the ages of 3 to 10 years. Four diverse pathways were identified, including two groups that started high (high subtle-decreasing; high decreasing-to-increasing) and two groups that started low (low stable; low increasing-to-decreasing). Children with prior history of child welfare involvement, preschool-age IPV exposure, school-age IPV exposure, or family income below the federal poverty level had higher odds of being in the high decreasing-to-increasing group compared with the high subtle-decreasing group. Children with a mother with greater than high school education or higher maternal responsiveness had higher odds of being in the low increasing-to-decreasing group compared with the low stable group. The importance of maternal responsiveness in fostering prosocial skill development underlines the need for further assessment and intervention. Recommendations for clinical assessment and parenting programs are provided.
Person-centered methods to advance developmental psychopathology
Authors: Handley Elizabeth D. , Duprey Erinn B. , Russotti Justin , Levin Rachel Y. , Warmingham Jennifer M.
Published: February 2024

Dante Cicchetti’s remarkable contributions to the field of developmental psychopathology include the advancement of key principles such as the interplay of typical and atypical development, multifinality and equifinality, the dynamic processes of resilience, and the integration of multiple levels of analysis into developmental theories. In this paper we assert that person-centered data analytic methods are particularly well-suited to advancing these tenets of developmental psychopathology. We illustrate their utility with a brief novel empirical study focused on underlying patterns of childhood neuroendocrine regulation and prospective links with emerging adult functioning. Results indicate that a childhood neuroendocrine profile marked by high diurnal cortisol paired with low diurnal DHEA was uniquely associated with more adaptive functioning in emerging adulthood. We discuss these findings, and person-centered methods more broadly, within the future of developmental psychopathology.
Proportionality during Times of Crisis: Precautionary Application of Proportionality Analysis in the Judicial Review of Emergency Measures
Authors: Ondřejek Pavel , Horák Filip
Published: February 2024

The need for a standard of review even during times of crisis – proportionality analysis as the ideal and universally applicable standard of review – the problem of excessive stringency of proportionality analysis during an emergency – the principle of in dubio pro libertate as the cause of the problem – adjusting each component of proportionality analysis to the precautionary principle as the solution – the precautionary application of proportionality analysis strikes a more appropriate balance between excessive stringency and insufficient protection of fundamental rights