bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen levels affect oviduct epithelium functions in air–liquid interface culture
Authors: Huo Jianchao , Mówińska Aleksandra Maria , Eren Ali Necmi , Schoen Jennifer , Chen Shuai
Published: March 2024

Key reproductive events such as fertilization and early embryonic development occur in the lumen of the oviduct. Since investigating these processes in vivo is both technically challenging and ethically sensitive, cell culture models have been established to reproduce the oviductal microenvironment. Compartmentalized culture systems, particularly air–liquid interface cultures (ALI; cells access the culture medium only from the basolateral cell side), result in highly differentiated oviduct epithelial cell cultures. The oxygen (O2) tension within the oviduct is 4–10% across species, and its reduced O2 content is presumed to be important for early reproductive processes. However, cell culture models of the oviduct are typically cultivated without O2 regulation and therefore at about 18% O2. To investigate the impact of O2 levels on oviduct epithelium functions in vitro, we cultured porcine oviduct epithelial cells (POEC) at the ALI using both physiological (5%) and supraphysiological (18%) O2 levels and two different media regimes. Epithelium architecture, barrier function, secretion of oviduct fluid surrogate (OFS), and marker gene expression were comparatively assessed. Under all culture conditions, ALI-POEC formed polarized, ciliated monolayers with appropriate barrier function. Exposure to 18% O2 accelerated epithelial differentiation and significantly increased the apical OFS volume and total protein content. Expression of oviduct genes and the abundance of OVGP1 (oviduct-specific glycoprotein 1) in the OFS were influenced by both O2 tension and medium choice. In conclusion, oviduct epithelial cells can adapt to a supraphysiological O2 environment. This adaptation, however, may alter their capability to replicate in vivo tissue characteristics.
Precarious employment and mental health in the Belgian service voucher system: the role of working conditions and perceived financial strain
Authors: Vanroelen Christophe , Padrosa Sayeras Eva , Gevaert Jessie , Huegaerts Kelly , Vos Mattias , Bosmans Kim
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Jobs in domestic cleaning are often conceived as ‘precarious employment’ (PE)—i.e. a multidimensional concept referring to accumulated adverse characteristics of employment due to workers’ weak bargaining position. Against this background, the Belgian service voucher system (SVS) was implemented aimed at creating formal and stable, subsidized domestic services jobs.

Purpose

The current study assesses the relationship between PE and mental health (WHO5) in the Belgian SVS, accounting for the potential mediating role of working conditions and perceived financial strain at the household level.

Methods

We analysed a cross-sectional sample of 1,115 Belgian SVS domestic cleaners, collected in 2019 through an online survey. A mediation model was estimated.

Results

The crude effect of PE on adverse mental health was strong (ß 0.545—S.E. 0.063). However, 50% of the association between PE and mental well-being was mediated by work task characteristics (quantitative demands, physical demands, task variation and autonomy) and 25% by household-level perceived financial strain. The remaining direct effect of PE on adverse mental well-being is ß 0.066 (S.E. 0.032—25% of the total effect).

Conclusion

These findings are the first based on the Belgian Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES-BE) and are consistent with earlier-made—but seldom simultaneously tested—assumptions on the mechanisms relating PE to adverse mental health—i.e. involving direct associations and indirect associations via adverse working conditions and material deprivation. Based on the results, we recommend more democratic and higher-quality management practices in the SVS, in addition to higher wages and working time reduction.
Extending Partial Representations of Circle Graphs in Near-Linear Time
Authors: Brückner Guido , Rutter Ignaz , Stumpf Peter
Published: March 2024

The partial representation extension problem generalizes the recognition problem for geometric intersection graphs. The input consists of a graph G, a subgraph $$H \subseteq G$$

H
⊆
G

and a representation $$\mathcal R'$$

R
′

of H. The question is whether G admits a representation $$\mathcal R$$
R
whose restriction to H is $$\mathcal R'$$

R
′

. We study this question for circle graphs, which are intersection graphs of chords of a circle. Their representations are called chord diagrams. We show that for a graph with n vertices and m edges the partial representation extension problem can be solved in $$O((n + m) \alpha (n + m))$$

O
(
(
n
+
m
)
α
(
n
+
m
)
)

time, thereby improving over an $$O(n^3)$$

O
(

n
3

)

-time algorithm by Chaplick et al. (J Graph Theory 91(4), 365–394, 2019). The main technical contributions are a canonical way of orienting chord diagrams and a novel compact representation of the set of all canonically oriented chord diagrams that represent a given circle graph G, which is of independent interest.
Lifestyle changes after cancer treatment in patients and their partners: a qualitative study
Authors: Tuinman Marrit Annika , Nuver Janine , de Boer Anke , Looijmans Anne , Hagedoorn Mariët
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Oncologists nowadays promote healthy lifestyle choices more often, focusing on diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep, but the question is whether this is enough to establish actual change. As patients will have to achieve a healthy lifestyle at home in daily life, it is important to understand barriers and facilitators for lifestyle change for both patients and their partners.

Methods

A qualitative interview study was done among patients who received chemotherapy for testicular (n = 10) or breast cancer (n = 7) and their partners (n = 17). The interview focused on how much they remembered the lifestyle advice given in hospital, whether and what they had adapted since diagnosis, and what they deemed as facilitators and barriers in maintaining lifestyle change.

Results

Results showed that many patients and partners recalled that some advice was given in hospital but experienced this as too general and only at the start of treatment. Social contacts and the entire cancer experience helped facilitate change but were also seen as barriers. Other barriers were not considering healthy behaviors a priority or experiencing unhealthy choices as something nice after a trying time.

Conclusions

Oncologists and hospitals that provide lifestyle advice should provide cancer- and person-specific lifestyle advice, should offer this advice repeatedly into survivorship, and include the partner, as they are dedicated to improving lifestyle as well.

Implication for cancer survivors

Staying healthy after cancer is important to both patients and their partners, and both experience their own facilitators and barriers to achieving this. Seeing a healthy lifestyle as a joint goal might facilitate change.
Nonmetallic tension band fixation is a viable and low-complication surgical technique in patellar fractures: a five-year retrospective study
Authors: Giuseppe Rovere , Michele Romeo , Luca Farinelli , Michele Giancani , Giuseppe Gangi , Valentina Manuri , Giustra Fortunato , Bosco Francesco , Camarda Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Background

Traditionally, patellar fractures (PFs) have been managed using metallic tension band fixation, a method often associated with a notable rate of complications. Considering these challenges, this study explores the potential of nonmetallic fixation as a treatment option for PFs. This research aims to provide robust evidence supporting the use of the nonmetallic tension band fixation technique as an effective alternative to conventional metallic tension band fixation, thereby advancing the standard of care in treating these fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed a consecutive patient series presenting with PFs from 2008 to 2021, treated with a nonmetallic tension band fixation technique. Inclusion criteria were strictly defined to include individuals over 18 years of age with isolated PFs requiring surgical intervention. The study focused on evaluating postoperative complications and clinical outcomes, as measured by standardized scoring systems, at the final follow-up point to assess the efficacy and safety of the employed surgical technique.

Results

In this study, with a mean follow-up of 64 ± 7 months, a total of 64 patients who received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for PFs were enrolled. Among these, five cases required additional surgical interventions. Specifically, two cases were due to knee stiffness, while the remaining three involved complications such as superficial infection, skin irritation, or delayed wound healing. The mean postoperative values recorded for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Oxford knee score (OKS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were 20.4 ± 2.3, 35.5 ± 5.3, and 1.6 ± 0.4, respectively. There were no complications related to the nonmetallic fixation technique or instances of loss of reduction.

Conclusion

This study substantiates that nonmetallic tension band fixation is a safe and effective alternative to traditional metallic tension band fixation for patellar fractures. The study's low-complication rate and reoperation frequency underscore the value of nonmetallic implants in mitigating adverse effects and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Level of evidence: IV.
Multicenter randomized controlled trial of intensive uric acid lowering therapy for CKD patients with hyperuricemia: TARGET-UA
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Kasahara Masato , Ueshima Kenji , Uemura Shiro , Kashihara Naoki , Kimura Kenjiro , Konta Tsuneo , Shoji Tetsuo , Mima Akira , Mukoyama Masashi , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: March 2024

Background

We investigate whether Intensive uric acid (UA)-lowering therapy (ULT) provides increased renal protection compared with standard therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods

This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Only CKD patients with hyperuricemia were included in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the Intensive therapy group (target serum UA level ≥ 4.0 mg/dL and < 5.0 mg/dL) or the standard therapy group (serum UA level ≥ 6.0 mg/dL and < 7.0 mg/dL). ULT was performed using topiroxostat, a non-purine-type selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor. The primary endpoint was change in the logarithmic value of urine albumin to the creatinine ratio (ACR) between baseline and week 52 of the treatment.

Results

Three hundred fifty-two patients were included in the full analysis set. In the Standard therapy group, mean serum UA was 8.23 mg/dL at baseline and 6.13 mg/dL at 52 weeks. In the Intensive therapy group, mean serum UA was 8.15 mg/dL at baseline and 5.25 mg/dL at 52 weeks. There was no significant difference in changes in log ACR at 52 weeks between the Intensive therapy and the Standard therapy groups.

Conclusion

This study did not reveal the benefit of Intensive ULT to improve albuminuria levels.

(UMIN000026741 and jRCTs051180146).
Tinnitus: Clinical Insights in Its Pathophysiology-A Perspective
Authors: Langguth Berthold , de Ridder Dirk , Schlee Winfried , Kleinjung Tobias
Published: March 2024

Tinnitus, the perception of sound without a corresponding external sound source, and tinnitus disorder, which is tinnitus with associated suffering, present a multifaceted clinical challenge due to its heterogeneity and its incompletely understood pathophysiology and especially due to the limited therapeutic options. In this narrative review, we give an overview on various clinical aspects of tinnitus including its heterogeneity, contributing factors, comorbidities and therapeutic pathways with a specific emphasis on the implications for its pathophysiology and future research directions. Tinnitus exhibits high perceptual variability between affected individuals (heterogeneity) and within affected individuals (temporal variability). Hearing loss emerges as predominant risk factor and the perceived pitch corresponds to areas of hearing loss, supporting the compensatory response theory. Whereas most people who have tinnitus can live a normal life, in 10–20% tinnitus interferes severely with quality of life. These patients suffer frequently from comorbidities such as anxiety, depression or insomnia, acting as both risk factors and consequences. Accordingly, neuroimaging studies demonstrate shared brain networks between tinnitus and stress-related disorders shedding light on the intricate interplay of mental health and tinnitus. The challenge lies in deciphering causative relationships and shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Stress, external sounds, time of day, head movements, distraction, and sleep quality can impact tinnitus perception. Understanding these factors provides insights into the interplay with autonomic, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. Counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy demonstrate efficacy in reducing suffering, supporting the involvement of stress and anxiety-related networks. Hearing improvement, especially through cochlear implants, reduces tinnitus and thus indirectly validates the compensatory nature of tinnitus. Brain stimulation techniques can modulate the suffering of tinnitus, presumably by alteration of stress-related brain networks. Continued research is crucial for unravelling the complexities of tinnitus. Progress in management hinges on decoding diverse manifestations, identifying treatment-responsive subtypes, and advancing targeted therapeutic approaches.
Poverty, work intensity, and disability: evidence from European countries
Authors: Mussida Chiara , Sciulli Dario
Published: March 2024

We use 2015–2018 European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions longitudinal data for four European countries (the UK, Germany, France, and Italy) and a dynamic trivariate panel data model to analyze the complex relationship between poverty, work intensity, and disability. We find evidence of genuine state dependence in the three processes and feedback effects from past poverty to work intensity in all countries and from past poverty to disability in the UK, Germany, and Italy. Disability is detrimental to poverty, despite the mitigating role played by disability cash benefits. The magnitude of this effect seems to be associated with the average expenditure on social protection benefits and its distribution across functions. We stress the importance of accounting for the extra costs of disability and the key role work intensity plays in the disability–poverty connection. Finally, adopting a joint estimation strategy appears crucial to consistently estimating the relationship between the three processes.
Optimizing inland container shipping through reinforcement learning
Authors: Tomljenovic Vid , Merzifonluoglu Yasemin , Spigler Giacomo
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the container delivery problem and explore ways to optimize the complex and nuanced system of inland container shipping. Our aim is to fulfill customer demand while maximizing customer service and minimizing logistics costs. To address the challenges posed by an unpredictable and rapidly-evolving environment, we examine the potential of leveraging reinforcement learning (RL) to automate the decision-making process and craft agile, efficient delivery schedules. Through a rigorous and comprehensive numerical study, we evaluate the efficacy of this approach by comparing the performance of several high-performance heuristic policies with that of agents trained using reinforcement learning, under various problem settings. Our results demonstrate that a reinforcement learning approach is robust and particularly useful for decision makers who must match logistics demand with capacity dynamically and have multiple objectives.
Mediating effects of NLP-based parameters on the readability of crowdsourced wikipedia articles
Authors: Setia Simran , Chhabra Anamika , Arjun Verma Amit , Saxena Akrati
Published: March 2024

In this era of information and communication technology, a large population relies on the Internet to gather information. One of the most popular information sources on the Internet is Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that provides a wide range of information to its users. However, there have been concerns about the readability of information on Wikipedia time and again. The readability of the text is defined as the ease of understanding the underlying text. Past studies have analyzed the readability of Wikipedia articles with the help of conventional readability metrics, such as the Flesch-Kincaid readability score and the Automatic Readability Index (ARI). Such metrics only consider the surface-level parameters, such as the number of words, sentences, and paragraphs in the text, to quantify the readability. However, the readability of the text must also take into account the quality of the text. In this study, we consider many new NLP-based parameters capturing the quality of the text, such as lexical diversity, semantic diversity, lexical complexity, and semantic complexity and analyze their impact on the readability of Wikipedia articles using artificial neural networks. Besides NLP parameters, the crowdsourced parameters also affect the readability, and therefore, we also analyze the impact of crowdsourced parameters and observe that the crowdsourced parameters not only influence the readability scores but also affect the NLP parameters of the text. Additionally, we investigate the mediating effect of NLP parameters that connect the crowdsourced parameters to the readability of the text. The results show that the impact of crowdsourced parameters on readability is partially due to the profound effect of NLP-based parameters.
Emergentism in the biological framework: the case of fitness
Authors: Triviño Vanesa
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I aim to explore whether fitness, understood as a causal disposition, can be characterized as an emergent property of organisms, or if it is reducible to the anatomical, physiological, and environmentally relative properties that characterize them. In doing so, I refer to Jessica Wilson’s characterization of ontological emergence and examine if fitness meets her criteria for ontological emergent properties (dependence and autonomy); and, if so, to what degree (weak or strong).
Establishment and characterization of cytochrome P450 1A1 CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte Cell Line (BFH12)
Authors: Iori Silvia , D’Onofrio Caterina , Laham-Karam Nihay , Mushimiyimana Isidore , Lucatello Lorena , Lopparelli Rosa Maria , Gelain Maria Elena , Capolongo Francesca , Pauletto Marianna , Dacasto Mauro , Giantin Mery
Published: March 2024

The cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) subfamily of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) consists of two different isoforms, namely CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, which are highly conserved among species. These two isoenzymes are involved in the biotransformation of many endogenous compounds as well as in the bioactivation of several xenobiotics into carcinogenic derivatives, thereby increasing the risk of tumour development. Cattle (Bos taurus) are one of the most important food-producing animal species, being a significant source of nutrition worldwide. Despite daily exposure to xenobiotics, data on the contribution of CYP1A to bovine hepatic metabolism are still scarce. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) is a useful method for generating in vivo and in vitro models for studying xenobiotic biotransformations. In this study, we applied the ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-complex approach to successfully obtain the KO of CYP1A1 in a bovine foetal hepatocyte cell line (BFH12). After clonal expansion and selection, CYP1A1 excision was confirmed at the DNA, mRNA and protein level. Therefore, RNA-seq analysis revealed significant transcriptomic changes associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and detoxification processes as well as on iron, lipid and mitochondrial homeostasis. Altogether, this study successfully generates a new bovine CYP1A1 KO in vitro model, representing a valuable resource for xenobiotic metabolism studies in this important farm animal species.

Graphical Abstract
Crossing the Threshold by/around Water: A Critical Reading of the Liminal Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults in Feeding the Moonfish and Our Place
Authors: Bayoumy Heidi Mohamed
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to examine water as a liminal symbol that reflects and symbolizes the liminal identities of adolescents and young adults in two selected plays for young adults: Feeding the Moonfish (2011) by Barbara Wiechmann and Our Place (2015) by Terry Gabbard. Feeding the Moonfish deals with the young adults Martin and Eden who suffer from traumatic experiences. They go to the dock by the lake to rediscover themselves, and, eventually, heal by the water. In a similar setting, Our Place comprises five stories that revolve around adolescents and young adults’ feelings of loss, fragmentation, frustration, love, and death. In both plays, the characters go through the three stages of liminality defined by Arnold van Gennep: the pre-liminal, the liminal, and the post-liminal and, finally, emerge as reborn/healed. Water is a complex liminal symbol that reflects the experiences of adolescence and young adults, and combines contradictory meanings which are essential, expressive, and, most importantly, complementary for the development of the characters and for their eventual recovery. Using the concept of liminality and adolescent psychology to read scenes in which liminal experiences (confusion, indecisiveness, and disorientation) are present, this study argues that the depiction of liminal experiences near water in these plays for young adults offers complex symbols for the study of young adulthood and for encountering and responding to traumas experienced in adolescence.
Genomic and common garden data reveal significant genetic differentiation in the endangered San Fernando Valley spineflower Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina
Authors: Rogers Deborah L. , Washburn Loraine Kohorn , Birker Cheryl , Labbé Michelle A. , Campbell Matthew A. , Schreier Andrea D.
Published: March 2024

San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina [S. Watson] Jeps.) (Polygonaceae) is an herbaceous annual plant, endemic to California, and until rediscovered in 1999 had been thought to be extinct for almost seven decades. Historically documented at 10 locations, it currently persists at 2, separated by approximately 27 km. State listed as endangered, a description of its genetic diversity and structure is of conservation interest. After determining a lack of variation in ploidy, we examined genetic variation from samples within both populations: a common garden study for potentially adaptive genetic variation in selected growth and phenological traits and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified through restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. Both measures indicated that this highly restricted taxon nevertheless harbors substantial levels of genetic diversity and has significant between- and within-population genetic structure. Combining approaches from population genomics and common garden studies provided more insight into the patterns and basis of genetic diversity than is typical for studies of non-model species. Although local adaptation was not specifically studied (i.e., via reciprocal transplant studies), the differences determined from these two independent lines of evidence indicate that mixing gene pools between populations is not recommended at this time. Further, with significant differences revealed among subpopulations, we caution against mixing genotypes across subpopulations for the most part, and without much more evidence that this would not pose a risk of outbreeding depression. The importance of supporting pollinator health and diversity is highlighted. With genetic diversity—particularly with an annual species—being dynamic, fluctuating with the usual processes and with contributions from the soil seedbank, we recommend periodic resampling to monitor genetic diversity and structure. Climate change is anticipated to contribute to this variability.
AI-experiments in education: An AI-driven randomized controlled trial for higher education research
Authors: Cingillioglu Ilker , Gal Uri , Prokhorov Artem
Published: March 2024

This study presents a novel approach contributing to our understanding of the design, development, and implementation AI-based systems for conducting double-blind online randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for higher education research. The process of the entire interaction with the participants (n = 1193) and their allocation to test and control groups was executed seamlessly by our AI system, without human intervention. In this fully automated experiment, we systematically examined eight hypotheses. The AI-experiment strengthened five of these hypotheses, while not accepting three of the factors previously acknowledged in the literature as influential in students’ choices of universities. We showcased how AI can efficiently interview participants and collect their input, offering robust evidence through an RCT (Gold standard) to establish causal relationships between interventions and their outcomes. This approach may enable researchers and industry practitioners to collect data from large samples on which such experiments can be conducted with and by AI to produce statistically reproducible, reliable, and generalizable results in an efficient, rigorous and ethical way.
Debiasing the availability heuristic in student loan decision-making
Authors: Salas-Velasco Manuel
Published: March 2024

The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias that affects various aspects of decision-making, including financial decisions. Based on a randomized controlled experiment, this study assesses the effectiveness of a debiasing treatment designed to prevent the effect of the availability heuristic in student loan decision-making. Experimental subjects were explained that there is a bias that may affect the decision of whether or not to pursue a master’s degree and take out a graduate loan to finance it, and they were recommended to base their decision on reliable and verified sources of information as well as expert advice. This specific debiasing strategy is tested empirically. Specifically, this study shows positive causal effects of the debiasing intervention on two indices of student loan decision-making, which were constructed as summary indicators of student loan debt attitude, the perception that significant referents approve the student loan indebtedness, financial self-efficacy in student loan decision-making, and graduate loan borrowing intention. The article highlights the need for higher education institutions seeking to make financial education effective to be concerned with reporting on (and raising awareness of) psychological factors that are present in making financial decisions as well.
Tailoring responsible research and innovation to the translational context: the case of AI-supported exergaming
Authors: Blank Sabrina , Mason Celeste , Steinicke Frank , Herzog Christian
Published: March 2024

We discuss the implementation of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) within a project for the development of an AI-supported exergame for assisted movement training, outline outcomes and reflect on methodological opportunities and limitations. We adopted the responsibility-by-design (RbD) standard (CEN CWA 17796:2021) supplemented by methods for collaborative, ethical reflection to foster and support a shift towards a culture of trustworthiness inherent to the entire development process. An embedded ethicist organised the procedure to instantiate a collaborative learning effort and implement RRI in a translational context. Within the interdisciplinary setting of the collaboration and with the support of a technoethicist, we successfully identified relevant, project-specific challenges and developed a roadmap with derived actions, thus meaningfully integrating RRI into the development process. We discuss the methodological procedure in terms of its effectiveness and efficiency, the allocation of responsibilities and roles, particularly regarding potential frictions in the interdisciplinary context with embedded ethics, and the challenges of the translational context. We conclude that the responsibility-by-design standard effectively established a productive workflow for collaborative investigation and work on ethical challenges. We reflect on methodological difficulties and propose possible avenues to our approach.
Anti-inflammatory potential of simvastatin and amfenac in ARPE-19 cells; insights in preventing re-detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Harju Niina , Hytti Maria , Kolari Onni , Nisula Hilkka , Loukovaara Sirpa , Kauppinen Anu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a severe vision-threatening complication that can result into proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and re-detachment of the retina if recovery from surgery fails. Inflammation and changes in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are important contributors to the disease. Here, we studied the effects of simvastatin and amfenac on ARPE-19 cells under inflammatory conditions.

Methods

ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with simvastatin and/or amfenac for 24 h after which interleukin (IL)-1α or IL-1β was added for another 24 h. After treatments, lactate dehydrogenase release, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) processing, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level, and extracellular levels of IL-6, IL-8, monocytic chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and pigment epithelium-derived factor, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined.

Results

Pre-treatment of human ARPE-19 cells with simvastatin reduced the production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 cytokines, PGE2 levels, as well as NF-κB activity upon inflammation, whereas amfenac reduced IL-8 and MCP-1 release but increased ROS production. Together, simvastatin and amfenac reduced the release of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 cytokines as well as NF-κB activity but increased the VEGF release upon inflammation in ARPE-19 cells.

Conclusion

Our present study supports the anti-inflammatory capacity of simvastatin as pre-treatment against inflammation in human RPE cells, and the addition of amfenac complements the effect. The early modulation of local conditions in the retina can prevent inflammation induced PVR formation and subsequent retinal re-detachment.
Addressing Knowledge Gaps in ITSM Practice with “Learning Digital Commons”: A Case Study
Authors: Ramakrishnan Muralidharan , Gregor Shirley , Shrestha Anup , Soar Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) constitutes a suite of specialized organizational capabilities aimed at optimizing the value derived from IT services. The practice of ITSM encompasses a range of complementary frameworks. However, the practitioner community lacks a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the knowledge embedded within these frameworks.

Addressing this gap, we developed Service-Symphony, an instance of a Learning Digital Commons (LEDICO) designed to empower the ITSM community with a holistic knowledge-learning experience, with design principles based on epistemic logic, cognitive constructivist learning theory and cognitive schema theory. Leveraging the Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm, we systematically constructed and assessed Service-Symphony. Evaluation tools included surveys and web analytics. Survey responses revealed a consensus among participants, with the majority expressing alignment with the four design principles underpinning Service-Symphony. Web analytics data further indicated significant engagement, with 148,796 users accessing Service-Symphony between April 2019 and September 2022.

This paper contributes both to theory and practice. Theoretical contributions include the establishment of a conceptual model and a multi-grounded design theory based on cognitive constructivist learning, cognitive schema and epistemic logic. The practical contributions include e the deployment of a public domain ITSM digital commons tailored to the specific needs of the ITSM community, which is also used as supplementary learning resource for ITSM students.
Schematic Program Proofs with Abstract Execution
Authors: Steinhöfel Dominic , Hähnle Reiner
Published: March 2024

We propose Abstract Execution, a static verification framework based on symbolic execution and dynamic frames for proving properties of schematic programs. Since a schematic program may potentially represent infinitely many concrete programs, Abstract Execution can analyze infinitely many programs at once. Trading off expressiveness and automation, the framework allows proving many interesting (universal, behavioral) properties fully automatically. Its main application are correctness proofs of program transformations represented as pairs of schematic programs. We implemented Abstract Execution in a deductive verification framework and designed a graphical workbench supporting the modeling process. Abstract Execution has been applied to correct code refactoring, analysis of the cost impact of transformation rules, and parallelization of sequential code. Using our framework, we found and reported several bugs in the refactoring engines of the Java IDEs IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse, which were acknowledged and fixed.
Structural Realism About the Free Energy Principle, the Best of Both Worlds
Authors: Beni Majid D.
Published: March 2024

There are realist and antirealist interpretations of the free energy principle (FEP). This paper aims to chart out a structural realist interpretation of FEP. To do so, it draws on Worrall’s (Dialectica 43(1–2): 99–124, 1989) proposal. The general insight of Worrall’s paper is that there is progress at the level of the structure of theories rather than their content. To enact Worrall’s strategy in the context of FEP, this paper will focus on characterising the formal continuity between fundamental equations of thermodynamics—such as Boltzmann’s equation and Gibbs’s equation—on the one hand, and Friston’s characterisation of FEP on the other. Lack of a universal consensus on the physical character of entities that feature in thermodynamics, information theory and FEP notwithstanding, I argue that there is structural continuity and unity at the level of mathematical equations that regiment entropy, information and free energy. The existence of such structural continuity and unity provides grounds for structural realism about FEP.
Power Transmission Line Inspections: Methods, Challenges, Current Status and Usage of Unmanned Aerial Systems
Authors: Ahmed Faiyaz , Mohanta J. C. , Keshari Anupam
Published: March 2024

Condition monitoring of power transmission lines is an essential aspect of improving transmission efficiency and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Wherein, efficient inspection methods play a critical role for carrying out regular inspections with less effort & cost, minimum labour engagement and ease of execution in any geographical & environmental conditions. Earlier various methods such as manual inspection, roll-on wire robotic inspection and helicopter-based inspection are preferably utilized. In the present days, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) based inspection techniques are gradually increasing its suitability in terms of working speed, flexibility to program for difficult circumstances, accuracy in data collection and cost minimization. This paper reports a state-of-the-art study on the inspection of power transmission line systems and various methods utilized therein, along with their merits and demerits, which are explained and compared. Furthermore, a review was also carried out for the existing visual inspection systems utilized for power line inspection. In addition to that, blockchain utilities for power transmission line inspection are discussed, which illustrates next-generation data management possibilities, automating an effective inspection and providing solutions for the current challenges. Overall, the review demonstrates a concept for synergic integration of deep learning, navigation control concepts and the utilization of advanced sensors so that UAVs with advanced computation techniques can be analyzed with different aspects of implementation.
Rethinking the city resilience: COM-B model-based analysis of healthcare accessing behaviour changes affected by COVID-19
Authors: Yan Jiayi , Fang Zigeng , Chen Long , Tang Junqing , Lu Qiuchen , Lin Xuhui
Published: March 2024

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been influencing people’s lives and the cities. Not only people’s physical and mental health have been threatened, but also the city operation has been profoundly affected from different perspectives (e.g., social and economic) permanently. How cities can efficiently react and response to improve city resilience is an urgent issue to be addressed. The healthcare system as a vital part of the city systems is confronting intense pressure and many challenges under this emergent public health crisis of COVID-19, which might cause huge impacts on the whole city’s operation. Also, human beings as the direct victims of this public health crisis, their behaviour changes impacts on the healthcare system and the city could have been inevitable but have been neglected. In this context, this paper intends to study the citizen healthcare accessing behaviours changes in the post-pandemic era, and to unearth their impacts on the healthcare system and the city operation. For this purpose, first, a framework of influential factors for healthcare accessing was established based on a bidirectional “capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour” (COM-B) model and the comprehensive literature review. In which, 43 factors that would influence citizen healthcare accessing behaviour were identified and classified. Thus, based on the proposed framework, two cases (i.e., UK and China) were analysed in depth and compared based on a questionnaire survey to evaluate the factor importance and relationships under different scenarios. And the most influential factors based on analysis results are classified into 12 aspects (e.g., healthcare capability, policy support, information updating etc.). Further, a novel behaviour-healthcare system-city model based on the COM-B model was developed to rethink and indicate the relationships among citizen behaviour, healthcare system and city operation. The research results can be used by policymakers and researchers to improve the city resilience by enabling immediate responses to city systems and citizens behaviours confronting city emergencies.
On inductive biases for the robust and interpretable prediction of drug concentrations using deep compartment models
Authors: Janssen Alexander , Bennis Frank C. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Mathôt Ron A. A. ,   for the OPTI-CLOT Study Group and SYMPHONY Consortium
Published: March 2024

Conventional pharmacokinetic (PK) models contain several useful inductive biases guiding model convergence to more realistic predictions of drug concentrations. Implementing similar biases in standard neural networks can be challenging, but might be fundamental for model robustness and predictive performance. In this study, we build on the deep compartment model (DCM) architecture by introducing constraints that guide the model to explore more physiologically realistic solutions. Using a simulation study, we show that constraints improve robustness in sparse data settings. Additionally, predicted concentration–time curves took on more realistic shapes compared to unconstrained models. Next, we propose the use of multi-branch networks, where each covariate can be connected to specific PK parameters, to reduce the propensity of models to learn spurious effects. Another benefit of this architecture is that covariate effects are isolated, enabling model interpretability through the visualization of learned functions. We show that all models were sensitive to learning false effects when trained in the presence of unimportant covariates, indicating the importance of selecting an appropriate set of covariates to link to the PK parameters. Finally, we compared the predictive performance of the constrained models to previous relevant population PK models on a real-world data set of 69 haemophilia A patients. Here, constrained models obtained higher accuracy compared to the standard DCM, with the multi-branch network outperforming previous PK models. We conclude that physiological-based constraints can improve model robustness. We describe an interpretable architecture which aids model trust, which will be key for the adoption of machine learning-based models in clinical practice.
Motives for Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among the Ultra-orthodox Jewish Community in Israel
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Sharon-Lavi Nitzan
Published: March 2024

According to official data, the ultra-Orthodox group in Israel had the highest COVID-19 infection rate yet the lowest vaccination rate compared to the general population. The present study aimed to explore the rate of vaccine uptake as well as reported reasons for vaccine avoidance. In addition, we examined whether several protection motivation theory (PMT) components are good predictors of vaccine uptake. The components we addressed were: perceived susceptibility to the threat of COVID-19, perceived severity of the virus, and perceived efficiency and safety of the vaccine (i.e., response efficacy). The sample included 623 individuals (337 men) aged 18 + who were drawn from a database of a survey company specializing in the ultra-Orthodox community. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey between June 22, 2021, and July 7, 2021, approximately six months after the beginning of vaccination distribution. Results revealed that 65.8% of the participants (versus 89% of the general population) were vaccinated. Women were vaccinated at lower rates than men, whereas those in the Misnagdim ultra-Orthodox subgroup were vaccinated at higher rates than other subgroups in that community. The most prominent reasons for vaccine avoidance were perceived immunity based on prior infection by the virus and lack of trust in the vaccine’s safety. In support of the PMT model, the perceived severity of the virus and the vaccine high efficacy were significant predictors of vaccine uptake. The study results call for better outreach to this community and specific psycho-education interventions tailored for its women.
GENERALIZED FRACTION RULES FOR MONOTONICITY WITH HIGHER ANTIDERIVATIVES AND DERIVATIVES
Authors: Bitsouni Vasiliki , Gialelis Nikolaos , Marinescu Dan Ştefan
Published: March 2024

We first introduce the generic versions of the fraction rules for monotonicity, i.e., the one that involves integrals known as Gromov’s theorem and the other that involves derivatives known as L’Hôpital’s rule for monotonicity, which we then extend to high-order antiderivatives and derivatives, respectively.
Ijuice: integer JUstIfied counterfactual explanations
Authors: Kuratomi Alejandro , Miliou Ioanna , Lee Zed , Lindgren Tony , Papapetrou Panagiotis
Published: March 2024

Counterfactual explanations modify the feature values of an instance in order to alter its prediction from an undesired to a desired label. As such, they are highly useful for providing trustworthy interpretations of decision-making in domains where complex and opaque machine learning algorithms are utilized. To guarantee their quality and promote user trust, they need to satisfy the faithfulness desideratum, when supported by the data distribution. We hereby propose a counterfactual generation algorithm for mixed-feature spaces that prioritizes faithfulness through k-justification, a novel counterfactual property introduced in this paper. The proposed algorithm employs a graph representation of the search space and provides counterfactuals by solving an integer program. In addition, the algorithm is classifier-agnostic and is not dependent on the order in which the feature space is explored. In our empirical evaluation, we demonstrate that it guarantees k-justification while showing comparable performance to state-of-the-art methods in feasibility, sparsity, and proximity.
Bounding the Rademacher complexity of Fourier neural operators
Authors: Kim Taeyoung , Kang Myungjoo
Published: March 2024

Recently, several types of neural operators have been developed, including deep operator networks, graph neural operators, and Multiwavelet-based operators. Compared with these models, the Fourier neural operator (FNO), a physics-inspired machine learning method, is computationally efficient and can learn nonlinear operators between function spaces independent of a certain finite basis. This study investigated the bounding of the Rademacher complexity of the FNO based on specific group norms. Using capacity based on these norms, we bound the generalization error of the model. In addition, we investigate the correlation between the empirical generalization error and the proposed capacity of FNO. We infer that the type of group norm determines the information about the weights and architecture of the FNO model stored in capacity. The experimental results offer insight into the impact of the number of modes used in the FNO model on the generalization error. The results confirm that our capacity is an effective index for estimating generalization errors.
Comprehensive design of the 3D printing process for architectural models. A case study: the medieval walled enclosure of Priego De Cordoba (E1:200)
Authors: García-Molina Diego Francisco , Carmona-Ávila Rafael , Moltalvo-Gil Juan Manuel , Rubio-Paramio Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, an object can be viewed both physically and virtually. In both cases, the visualization process consists in a continuous variation of the observer’s perspective. When looking at objects, visual interactivity is achieved by the tandem formed by human vision and the position of the observer. 3D technology allows the viewer to delve into this aspect: starting from a virtual reconstruction. It is possible to go from the virtual 3D reconstruction of a model shown on a display to a real element materialized by means of a scale model or prototype. The innovation of this research lies in the development of an efficient method for printing 3D models, with a specific emphasis on material and time savings. This study aims to obtain the three-dimensional physical model of the walled enclosure of the city of Priego de Córdoba in the Middle Ages, at its time of greatest historical development, i.e., in the late 15th century. To this end, 3D printing technology was applied, which is an innovative method for the realization of architectural scale models. The performance of 3D printers, with different printing formats, was evaluated in terms of efficiency and quality of the architectural scale models. Our theoretical assumption showed that material saving is determined by the orography slopes of the model. Obtaining slopes with values in the range of 1–5%, a large format printer is the most suitable option; in the range of 5–15%, the medium format printer is recommended; and, for a slope greater than 15%, the small format printer should be used.