bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumour DNA dynamics during alternating chemotherapy and hormonal therapy in metastatic breast cancer: the ALERT study
Authors: Allsopp Rebecca C. , Guo Qi , Page Karen , Bhagani Shradha , Kasim Anna , Badman Philip , Kenny Laura , Stebbing Justin , Shaw Jacqueline A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although changes in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in breast cancer are well described, the kinetics of their fluctuations has not been described over short timescales. We investigated ctDNA dynamics during alternating cycles of chemotherapy and hormonal treatment in pre-treated patients with oestrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Patients received alternating, 9-week cycles of eribulin and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The clinical primary endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was monitored at 3, 6 and 9 months; secondary endpoints, clinical benefit rate (CBR), safety and tolerability profiles, were also assessed. Importantly, ctDNA fluctuations were monitored using the Oncomine™ Breast cfDNA assay to test whether biomarkers may change rapidly between chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment in the setting of advanced breast cancer, potentially reflecting disease dynamics.

Results

The median PFS was 202 days (95% CI: 135-undefined) and 235 days (95% CI: 235-undefined) at 6 and 9 months, respectively, with a 50% CBR at both 6 and 9 months. Dynamic changes in ctDNA were observed in short timescales between chemotherapy and AI treatment and support the clinical benefit (CB) seen in individual patients and, critically, appear informative of acquired resistance in real time.

Conclusion

Changes in ctDNA can occur rapidly and reflect changes in patients’ clinical tumour responses (NCT02681523).
Lung-derived soluble factors support stemness/plasticity and metastatic behaviour of breast cancer cells via the FGF2-DACH1 axis
Authors: Bhat Vasudeva , Piaseczny Matthew , Goodale David , Patel Urvi , Sadri Ashkan , Allan Alison L.
Published: April 2024

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have an increased propensity to develop lung metastasis. Our previous studies demonstrated that stem-like ALDHhiCD44+ breast cancer cells interact with lung-derived soluble factors, resulting in enhanced migration and lung metastasis particularly in TNBC models. We have also observed that the presence of a primary TNBC tumor can ‘prime’ the lung microenvironment in preparation for metastasis. In this study, we hypothesized that soluble lung-derived factors secreted in the presence of a primary TNBC tumor can influence stemness/plasticity of breast cancer cells. Using an ex vivo pulmonary metastasis assay (PuMA), we observed that the lung microenvironment supports colonization and growth of ALDHhiCD44+ TNBC cells, potentially via interactions with lung-derived FGF2. Exposure of TNBC cells to lung-conditioned media (LCM) generated from mice bearing TNBC primary tumors (tbLCM) significantly enhanced the proportion of ALDHhiCD44+ cells compared to control or LCM from tumor-naïve mice (tnLCM). Further analysis using a human cancer stem cell qPCR array revealed that, relative to tnLCM or control, exposure of TNBC cells to tbLCM leads to downregulation of the transcription factor and putative tumor suppressor Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1), a downstream regulator of FGF2. In addition, inhibition of DACH1 using siRNA or treatment with recombinant FGF2 enhanced the ALDHhiCD44+ phenotype. Taken together, our findings suggest that the FGF2-DACH1 signaling axis supports stemness/plasticity of TNBC cells in the lung microenvironment and lays the foundation for future evaluation of FGF2 as a potential novel therapeutic target for treatment or prevention of breast cancer metastasis to the lung.
Ovoids of Q(6, q) of low degree
Authors: Bartoli Daniele , Durante Nicola , Grimaldi Giovanni Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Ovoids of the parabolic quadric Q(6, q) of $$\textrm{PG}(6,q)$$

PG
(
6
,
q
)

have been largely studied in the last 40 years. They can only occur if q is an odd prime power and there are two known families of ovoids of Q(6, q), the Thas-Kantor ovoids and the Ree-Tits ovoids, both for q a power of 3. It is well known that to any ovoid of Q(6, q) two polynomials $$f_1(X,Y,Z)$$

f
1

(
X
,
Y
,
Z
)

, $$f_2(X,Y,Z)$$

f
2

(
X
,
Y
,
Z
)

can be associated. In this paper we classify ovoids of Q(6, q) with $$\max \{\deg (f_1),\deg (f_2)\}<(\frac{1}{6.3}q)^{\frac{3}{13}}-1$$

max

{
deg

(

f
1

)

,
deg

(

f
2

)

}

<

(

1

6.3

q
)

3
13

-
1

.
Social Costs of Methane and Carbon Dioxide in a Tipping Climate
Authors: Wiskich Anthony
Published: April 2024

Social costs for methane and carbon dioxide emissions, from the risk of climate tipping events and deterministic damages, are derived in an analytically tractable model. In the core model: social costs from tipping risks rise with income, just as they do for deterministic damages, and depend on only a few parameters. Consequently, methane’s weight (its social cost relative to carbon dioxide) is constant and independent of temperature projections. But other damage and tipping probability formulations assumed in the literature imply methane’s weight varies over time and with temperature projections. (JEL H23, O44, Q40, Q54, Q56, Q58).
Exploring the effects of temperature on demersal fish communities in the Central Mediterranean Sea using INLA-SPDE modeling approach
Authors: Rubino Claudio , Adelfio Giada , Abbruzzo Antonino , Bosch-Belmar Mar , Lorenzo Manfredi Di , Fiorentino Fabio , Gancitano Vita , Colloca Francesco , Milisenda Giacomo
Published: April 2024

Climate change significantly impacts marine ecosystems worldwide, leading to alterations in the composition and structure of marine communities. In this study, we aim to explore the effects of temperature on demersal fish communities in the Central Mediterranean Sea, using data collected from a standardized monitoring program over 23 years. Computationally efficient Bayesian inference is performed using the integrated nested Laplace approximation and the stochastic partial differential equation approach to model the spatial and temporal dynamics of the fish communities. We focused on the mean temperature of the catch (MTC) as an indicator of the response of fish communities to changes in temperature. Our results showed that MTC decreased significantly with increasing depth, indicating that deeper fish communities may be composed of colder affinity species, more vulnerable to future warming. We also found that MTC had a step-wise rather than linear increase with increasing water temperature, suggesting that fish communities may be able to adapt to gradual changes in temperature up to a certain threshold before undergoing abrupt changes. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the non-linear dynamics of fish communities when assessing the impacts of temperature on marine ecosystems and provide important insights into the potential impacts of climate change on demersal fish communities in the Central Mediterranean Sea.
The AccelerAge framework: a new statistical approach to predict biological age based on time-to-event data
Authors: Sluiskes Marije , Goeman Jelle , Beekman Marian , Slagboom Eline , van den Akker Erik , Putter Hein , Rodríguez-Girondo Mar
Published: April 2024

Aging is a multifaceted and intricate physiological process characterized by a gradual decline in functional capacity, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases and mortality. While chronological age serves as a strong risk factor for age-related health conditions, considerable heterogeneity exists in the aging trajectories of individuals, suggesting that biological age may provide a more nuanced understanding of the aging process. However, the concept of biological age lacks a clear operationalization, leading to the development of various biological age predictors without a solid statistical foundation. This paper addresses these limitations by proposing a comprehensive operationalization of biological age, introducing the “AccelerAge” framework for predicting biological age, and introducing previously underutilized evaluation measures for assessing the performance of biological age predictors. The AccelerAge framework, based on Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) models, directly models the effect of candidate predictors of aging on an individual’s survival time, aligning with the prevalent metaphor of aging as a clock. We compare predictors based on the AccelerAge framework to a predictor based on the GrimAge predictor, which is considered one of the best-performing biological age predictors, using simulated data as well as data from the UK Biobank and the Leiden Longevity Study. Our approach seeks to establish a robust statistical foundation for biological age clocks, enabling a more accurate and interpretable assessment of an individual’s aging status.
Effectiveness of Billion Trees Tsunami Afforestation Projects in restoration of forests in Pakistan
Authors: Haq Fazlul , Mark Bryan G. , Shum C. K. , Zeballos-Castellon Gabriel , Rahman Ghani
Published: April 2024

The history of forest cover dynamics in Pakistan reveals an unsatisfactory environmental situation. In the past 5 decades, particularly during the period between 1990 and 2010, the country lost an average of 41,100 hectares of green cover with a deforestation rate of 1.6% per year. The factors behind that this high deforestation rate is numerous including socio-economic transformation after the major political change during the 1970s in the mountainous areas of Pakistan, demographic changes, accessibility improvements, and land use changes. Several social forestry campaigns have been launched over time to cope with this socioecological and environmental issue. However, most of them have not been very effective due to certain shortcomings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the most recent and history’s biggest forest restoration program initiated by the government of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province called the Billion Trees Tsunami Afforestation Project (BTTAP). This project was announced in 2013 when a new political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, came into power. The study is focused on one of the main forest hubs of the country in the Hindukush Mountains spanning five districts. Forest cover in this study area decreased from 20 to 2% between 1990 and 2010. After the launch of the BTTAP, the forest cover increased considerably from 2 to 35% by the year 2021. This growth was achieved through planting new trees, banning forest cutting, practicing surveillance, and enhancing community participation. If the project continues and the protection measures are not suspended, it can play a historical role in forest restoration.
Critical Math Kinds: A Framework for the Philosophy of Alternative Mathematics
Authors: Mangraviti Franci
Published: April 2024

Mathematics, even more than the other sciences, is often presented as essentially unique, as if it could not be any other way. And yet, prima facie alternative mathematics are all over the place, from non-Western mathematics to mathematics based on nonclassical logics. Taking inspiration from Robin Dembroff’s analysis of critical gender kinds, and from Andrew Aberdein and Stephen Read’s analysis of alternative logics, in this paper I will introduce a practice-centered framework for the study of alternative mathematics based on the notion of critical math kind. After sketching a model of mainstream mathematics, I will provide examples of how deviation along several distinct dimensions can occur, and how deviations can vary in their gravity. I will then discuss how the framework can be used to think of questions concerning the alternativeness status and philosophical implications of alleged alternative mathematics, and help us in identifying alternatives that suit our purposes.
The gamer’s dilemma: an expressivist response
Authors: Young Garry
Published: April 2024

In this paper, I support a hybrid form of expressivism called constructive ecumenical expressivism (CEE) which I have previously used (to attempt) to resolve the gamer’s dilemma. (Young, 2016. Resolving the gamer’s dilemma. London: Palgrave Macmillan.) In support of CEE, I argue that the various other attempts at either resolving, dissolving or resisting the dilemma are consistent with CEE’s moral framework. That is, with its way of explaining what a claim to morality is, with how moral norms are established, with the role intuition is able to play in establishing these norms, and therefore with how the gamer’s dilemma can be resolved. I also demonstrate, more broadly, how CEE advocates robust relativism as a means of justifying the constructed moral norm’s normative credentials, and therefore how one society’s norm can be judged morally superior to another’s.
Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. extracts reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and PGE2 secretion, decrease COX-2 expression and down-regulate cytosolic NF-κB levels
Authors: Cock Ian E.
Published: April 2024

Based on their high antioxidant capacity and noteworthy phytochemistry, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaves have attracted considerable recent interest for their therapeutic potential. Whilst those studies have reported a variety of therapeutic properties for the fruit, the anti-inflammatory potential of T. ferdinandiana has been largely neglected and the leaves have been almost completely ignored. This study investigated the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts by evaluating their inhibition of multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using multiplex bead immunoassays and ELISA assays. The methanolic extracts were particularly good immune-modulators, significantly inhibiting the secretion of all the cytokines and chemokines tested. Indeed, the methanolic extracts completely inhibited IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and MIP-2a secretion, and almost completely inhibited the secretion of TNF-α. In addition, the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly inhibited cytosolic COX-2 levels (by 87–95%) and the synthesis of the PGE2 (by ~ 98%). In contrast, the methanolic extracts stimulated LTB4 secretion by ~ 60–90%, whilst the aqueous extracts significantly inhibited LTB4 secretion (by ~ 27% each). Exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly down-regulated the cytosolic levels of NF-κB by 33–44%, indicating that the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts may be regulated via a decrease in NF-κB transcription pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties for the extracts and provide insights into their anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Analysis of hippocampal local field potentials by diffusion mapped delay coordinates
Authors: Gonzalez D. A. , Peel J. H. , Pagadala T. , McHail D. G. , Cressman J. R. , Dumas T. C.
Published: April 2024

Spatial navigation through novel spaces and to known goal locations recruits multiple integrated structures in the mammalian brain. Within this extended network, the hippocampus enables formation and retrieval of cognitive spatial maps and contributes to decision making at choice points. Exploration and navigation to known goal locations produce synchronous activity of hippocampal neurons resulting in rhythmic oscillation events in local networks. Power of specific oscillatory frequencies and numbers of these events recorded in local field potentials correlate with distinct cognitive aspects of spatial navigation. Typically, oscillatory power in brain circuits is analyzed with Fourier transforms or short-time Fourier methods, which involve assumptions about the signal that are likely not true and fail to succinctly capture potentially informative features. To avoid such assumptions, we applied a method that combines manifold discovery techniques with dynamical systems theory, namely diffusion maps and Takens’ time-delay embedding theory, that avoids limitations seen in traditional methods. This method, called diffusion mapped delay coordinates (DMDC), when applied to hippocampal signals recorded from juvenile rats freely navigating a Y-maze, replicates some outcomes seen with standard approaches and identifies age differences in dynamic states that traditional analyses are unable to detect. Thus, DMDC may serve as a suitable complement to more traditional analyses of LFPs recorded from behaving subjects that may enhance information yield.
Habitat of two threatened short-tailed whip-scorpions (Arachnida: Schizomida) in the tropical Andes of Northern South America
Authors: Castillo-Figueroa Dennis , Castillo-Avila Camilo , Moreno-González Jairo A. , Posada Juan M.
Published: April 2024

Aim

Schizomids are one of the less-known arachnid groups in terms of their natural history and ecology. However, due to their remarkable short-range endemic distribution, they may be vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss. In Colombia, although the national IUCN red list of threatened invertebrates has categorized species of schizomids as vulnerable (VU), this assessment was based on expert criteria. Therefore, information about the ecology of schizomids is critical for a more accurate reassessment of their conservation status. In this study, we describe the habitat of two species of Surazomus in endangered Andean tropical forests of Colombia after a sampling effort of 15.12 m2 (n = 168 soil samples) and the collection of 6999 soil fauna individuals from the samples. We analyzed soil fauna communities associated with schizomids as well as different forest and environmental variables from permanent plots installed a decade ago in the Sabana de Bogotá region. Detailed information on climate, plant communities, and forest structure was obtained from these plots. Thus, we provide the first comprehensive habitat description of schizomids including both above- and belowground compartments. We found that each species lives in specific habitats with different soil fauna communities, suggesting a potential association between geographical fidelity and habitat conditions. This result could indicate that schizomids are highly sensitive to dramatic environmental changes, such as those experienced in the Andean region of Colombia.

Implications for insect conservation

Our study is valuable for the future reassessment of the conservation status of schizomids in the country, particularly considering that the previous categorization was based on expert criteria. Since habitat conditions and soil fauna communities are species-specific, schizomids could be disproportionately vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances in the Colombian Andes.
Widespread annual occurrence of pesticides within designated critical habitats for endangered prairie butterflies
Authors: Runquist Erik , Nordmeyer Cale , Stapleton Seth
Published: April 2024

Insect declines have become pronounced in prairie ecosystems, particularly in areas of agricultural intensification. Non-target pesticide exposure has been raised as a key concern for prairie remnant health. Over seven years, we screened grass and soil samples for the presence and quantities of hundreds of pesticides from five prairies in Minnesota and South Dakota that are designated as Critical Habitat for two globally endangered butterflies: Poweshiek skipperling and Dakota skipper. We documented dozens of pesticides across all sites and years on their larval host grasses. Interiors of prairies were not less likely to have detectable pesticides than along prairie-agriculture edges. Broad-spectrum organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides were common in late season. Chlorpyrifos quantities were higher at sites where both endangered species have been extirpated. Neonicotinoid insecticides, which have been frequently attributed to declines in insect pollinators, did not present a significant exposure signal in these prairie habitats. Few pesticides were detected in soil or early season grass samples. The prevalence and quantities of pesticides we observed are likely underestimates, and additional research is needed on the landscape of risk at small and large scales. Implications for Conservation: Protected prairies are not immune to the risk of pesticide exposure, which may impact efforts to re-establish lost populations of imperiled prairie insects, including endangered butterflies.
Factor Structure of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale among Early Adolescents: Results from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study
Authors: Smith Jacqueline E. , Brinkman Hannah R. , DiBello Angelo M. , Hamilton Jessica L. , Leyro Teresa M. , Altman Brianna R. , Farris Samantha G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Emotion regulation (ER) deficits in early adolescence are associated with subsequent negative health consequences, including anxiety and depression. Yet, limited work has evaluated the factor structure of measures of ER deficits in early adolescents, leaving a methodological gap for at-risk youths.

Method

This study examined the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) factor structure in early adolescents (N = 2300) recruited from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. We randomly split the sample into two sub-samples (n = 1150 each) and implemented an a-priori three-pronged approach: (1) A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the fit of the six-factor DERS in Sample 1; (2) An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified an alternative factor structure in Sample 1; and (3) A second CFA assessed the new model in Sample 2. A bi-factor model was also used to assess the global structure of the DERS total and subscales.

Results

The original six-factor model yielded poor-to-adequate fit. EFA results supported an alternative five-factor model with different item mappings and ten omitted items. CFA results supported the five-factor solution with good fit. The bi-factor model, estimating a general factor with the five subscales, also demonstrated good fit.

Discussion

A five-factor structure of the DERS appears supported in a large community sample of early adolescents. Items from the former Awareness and Clarity subscales were combined into a single factor. Nearly all items from the former Strategies subscale were omitted, suggesting there may be developmental considerations rendering those items less relevant.
Effect of Silver-Graphene Oxide-Cobalt Oxide Nanocomposite on Cytotoxic Levels in MRC-5 and HepG2 Cell Lines and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Ilikci-Sagkan Rahsan , Istifli Erman Salih , Liman Recep , Atacan Keziban , Bas Salih Zeki , Ozmen Mustafa
Published: April 2024

The cytotoxic properties of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles (NPs), in addition to graphene oxide (GO)-Co3O4 and silver (Ag)-GO-Co3O4 nanocomposites (NCs), were evaluated against both human healthy lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines utilizing the XTT assay. The investigation revealed that synthesized Co3O4 NPs and NCs (GO-Co3O4 and Ag-GO-Co3O4) elicited significant cytotoxic responses in MRC-5 and HepG2 cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Through molecular docking analyses, it was observed that all fabricated nanomaterials exhibited DNA recognition via minor groove binding, with molecular affinities ranging from − 4.82 to -11.66 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the docking outcomes illustrated that the angular conformations of GO-Co3O4 and Ag-GO-Co3O4 conferred ‘shape-selective’ characteristics as DNA minor groove binders, leading to heightened cytotoxicity, particularly in the HepG2 cell line compared to the normal MRC-5 cell line.
Stochastic Differential Equations with Singular Coefficients: The Martingale Problem View and the Stochastic Dynamics View
Authors: Issoglio Elena , Russo Francesco
Published: April 2024

We consider stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with (distributional) drift in negative Besov spaces and random initial condition and investigate them from two different viewpoints. In the first part we set up a martingale problem and show its well-posedness. We then prove further properties of the martingale problem, such as continuity with respect to the drift and the link with the Fokker–Planck equation. We also show that the solutions are weak Dirichlet processes for which we evaluate the quadratic variation of the martingale component. In the second part we identify the dynamics of the solution of the martingale problem by describing the proper associated SDE. Under suitable assumptions we show equivalence with the solution to the martingale problem.
Pickl’s proof of the quantum mean-field limit and quantum Klimontovich solutions
Authors: Porat Immanuel Ben , Golse François
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses the mean-field limit for the quantum dynamics of N identical bosons in $${\textbf{R}}^3$$

R

3

interacting via a binary potential with Coulomb-type singularity. Our approach is based on the theory of quantum Klimontovich solutions defined in Golse and Paul (Commun Math Phys 369:1021–1053, 2019) . Our first main result is a definition of the interaction nonlinearity in the equation governing the dynamics of quantum Klimontovich solutions for a class of interaction potentials slightly less general than those considered in Kato (Trans Am Math Soc 70:195–211, 1951). Our second main result is a new operator inequality satisfied by the quantum Klimontovich solution in the case of an interaction potential with Coulomb-type singularity. When evaluated on an initial bosonic pure state, this operator inequality reduces to a Gronwall inequality for a functional introduced in Pickl (Lett Math Phys 97:151-164, 2011), resulting in a convergence rate estimate for the quantum mean-field limit leading to the time-dependent Hartree equation.
Intelligent waste classification approach based on improved multi-layered convolutional neural network
Authors: Chhabra Megha , Sharan Bhagwati , Elbarachi May , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2024

This study aims to improve the performance of organic to recyclable waste through deep learning techniques. Negative impacts on environmental and Social development have been observed relating to the poor waste segregation schemes. Separating organic waste from recyclable waste can lead to a faster and more effective recycling process. Manual waste classification is a time-consuming, costly, and less accurate recycling process. Automated segregation in the proposed work uses Improved Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN). The dataset of 2 class category with 25077 images is divided into 70% training and 30% testing images. The performance metrics used are classification Accuracy, Missed Detection Rate (MDR), and False Detection Rate (FDR). The results of Improved DCNN are compared with VGG16, VGG19, MobileNetV2, DenseNet121, and EfficientNetB0 after transfer learning. Experimental results show that the image classification accuracy of the proposed model reaches 93.28%.
Effect of SO2 on the soot oxidation activity of flame spray pyrolysis-made manganese oxide catalyst in gasoline model exhaust
Authors: Werther Markus , Singer Christian , Gross Alexander , Kureti Sven , Martínez-Munuera Juan Carlos , García-García Avelina
Published: April 2024

This study deals with the effect of SO2 on the soot oxidation activity of flame spray pyrolysis-prepared manganese oxide in gasoline model exhaust. The catalyst was exposed to 15 and 30 ppm SO2 at 250 °C and was characterized by N2 physisorption, SO2-TPD, O2-TPD, DRIFTS, XPS and PXRD. It was shown that the SO2 adsorption results in the formation of surface sulfate, while the uptake increased from 26 to 45 μmol/g with growing sulfur content of the model exhaust. The sulfur adsorption reduces the mobility and availability of oxygen on the catalyst thus inhibiting the oxygen transport from gas phase over the catalyst to the contact points of the soot. Consequently, the soot oxidation activity, investigated with tight contact blends of catalyst and soot, decreases with inclining amount of sulfate. Finally, the sulfate species were mostly removed by thermal treatment at 705 °C, which additionally provoked catalyst sintering. As a result, the catalytic performance of the de-sulfated catalyst was slightly lower compared to the sulfated sample.
Measuring Employment and Unemployment from a Fuzzy Perspective. A Comparative Analysis Across European Countries
Authors: Cheli Bruno , Coli Alessandra , Regoli Andrea
Published: April 2024

According to the standards set by the International Labour Office, people of working age who have performed some remunerated work during a specified short reference period are classified as employed, regardless of how many hours they have worked, while those who have not been able to work at all (despite wanting to) are classified as unemployed. As observed by many experts in the field, this rigid division between employed and unemployed can conceal labour markets with deeply different characteristics. In particular, the average number of hours worked and, more importantly, their distribution across employees may vary significantly across countries. The aim of this paper is to define fuzzy indicators of employment and unemployment by using the available information on the number of hours worked and the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of workers with this. In this approach, each person in the labour force is assigned a degree of employment between 0 and 1, where 0 means full non-membership in the fuzzy set of employed (and full membership in the fuzzy set of unemployed) and 1 means full membership in the fuzzy set of employed. To show the potentiality of the proposed method, we apply fuzzy measures to Labour Force Survey data from 29 European countries and compare the results with the official employment and unemployment statistics published by Eurostat.
R-VGAL: a sequential variational Bayes algorithm for generalised linear mixed models
Authors: Vu Bao Anh , Gunawan David , Zammit-Mangion Andrew
Published: April 2024

Models with random effects, such as generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs), are often used for analysing clustered data. Parameter inference with these models is difficult because of the presence of cluster-specific random effects, which must be integrated out when evaluating the likelihood function. Here, we propose a sequential variational Bayes algorithm, called Recursive Variational Gaussian Approximation for Latent variable models (R-VGAL), for estimating parameters in GLMMs. The R-VGAL algorithm operates on the data sequentially, requires only a single pass through the data, and can provide parameter updates as new data are collected without the need of re-processing the previous data. At each update, the R-VGAL algorithm requires the gradient and Hessian of a “partial” log-likelihood function evaluated at the new observation, which are generally not available in closed form for GLMMs. To circumvent this issue, we propose using an importance-sampling-based approach for estimating the gradient and Hessian via Fisher’s and Louis’ identities. We find that R-VGAL can be unstable when traversing the first few data points, but that this issue can be mitigated by introducing a damping factor in the initial steps of the algorithm. Through illustrations on both simulated and real datasets, we show that R-VGAL provides good approximations to posterior distributions, that it can be made robust through damping, and that it is computationally efficient.
Analyzing FOSS license usage in publicly available software at scale via the SWH-analytics framework
Authors: Antelmi Alessia , Torquati Massimo , Corridori Giacomo , Gregori Daniele , Polzella Francesco , Spinatelli Gianmarco , Aldinucci Marco
Published: April 2024

The Software Heritage (SWH) dataset represents an invaluable source of open-source code as it aims to collect, preserve, and share all publicly available software in source code form ever produced by humankind. Although designed to archive deduplicated small files thanks to the use of a Merkle tree as the underlying data structure, querying the SWH dataset presents challenges due to the nature of these structures, which organize content based on hash values rather than any locality principle. The magnitude of the repository, coupled with the resource-intensive nature of the download process, highlights the need for specialized infrastructure and computational resources to effectively handle and study the extensive dataset housed within SWH. Currently, there is a lack of infrastructures specifically tailored for running analytics on the SWH dataset, leaving users to handle these issues manually. To address these challenges, we implemented the SWH-Analytics (SWHA) framework, a development environment that transparently runs custom analytic applications on publicly available software data preserved over time by SWH. Specifically, this work shows how SWHA can be effectively exploited to study usage patterns of free and open-source software licenses, highlighting the need to improve license literacy among developers.
Therapeutic Chatbots as Cognitive-Affective Artifacts
Authors: Grodniewicz J. P. , Hohol Mateusz
Published: April 2024

Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CAI) systems (also known as AI “chatbots”) are among the most promising examples of the use of technology in mental health care. With already millions of users worldwide, CAI is likely to change the landscape of psychological help. Most researchers agree that existing CAIs are not “digital therapists” and using them is not a substitute for psychotherapy delivered by a human. But if they are not therapists, what are they, and what role can they play in mental health care? To answer these questions, we appeal to two well-established and widely discussed concepts: cognitive and affective artifacts. Cognitive artifacts are artificial devices contributing functionally to the performance of a cognitive task. Affective artifacts are objects which have the capacity to alter subjects’ affective state. We argue that therapeutic CAIs are a kind of cognitive-affective artifacts which contribute to positive therapeutic change by (i) simulating a (quasi-)therapeutic interaction, (ii) supporting the performance of cognitive tasks, and (iii) altering the affective condition of their users. This sheds new light on why virtually all existing mental health CAIs implement principles and techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy — a therapeutic orientation according to which affective change and, ultimately, positive therapeutic change is mediated by cognitive change. Simultaneously, it allows us to conceptualize better the potential and limitations of applying these technologies in therapy.
Almost Faces? ;-) Emoticons and Emojis as Cultural Artifacts for Social Cognition Online
Authors: Viola Marco
Published: April 2024

Emoticons and facial emojis are ubiquitous in contemporary digital communication, where it has been proposed that they make up for the lack of social information from real faces. In this paper, I construe them as cultural artifacts that exploit the neurocognitive mechanisms for face perception. Building on a step-by-step comparison of psychological evidence on the perception of faces vis-à-vis the perception of emoticons/emojis, I assess to what extent they do effectively vicariate real faces with respect to the following four domains: (1) the expression of emotions, (2) the cultural norms for expressing emotions, (3) conveying non-affective social information, and (4) attention prioritization.
Personalized recommendations for learning activities in online environments: a modular rule-based approach
Authors: Pelánek Radek , Effenberger Tomáš , Jarušek Petr
Published: April 2024

Personalization in online learning environments has been extensively studied at various levels, ranging from adaptive hints during task-solving to recommending whole courses. In this study, we focus on recommending learning activities (sequences of homogeneous tasks). We argue that this is an important yet insufficiently explored area, particularly when considering the requirements of large-scale online learning environments used in practice. To address this gap, we propose a modular rule-based framework for recommendations and thoroughly explain the rationale behind the proposal. We also discuss a specific application of the framework.
Kinetic modeling and optimization of ethanol fermentation by the marine yeast Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus ZE75
Authors: Hawary Heba , Marwa Abdel-Kareem M. , Rasmey Abdel-Hamied M.
Published: April 2024

The study aims to enhance ethanol production by Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus ZE75 isolated from marine sediment. In addition, analyzing the kinetic parameters of ethanol production and optimization of the fermentation conditions was performed. The marine yeast isolate ZE75 was selected as the front runner ethanol-producer, with an ethanol yield of 89.77 gL−1. ZE75 was identified relying on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of W. subpelliculosus. The genotypic characterization based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence was deposited in the GenBank database with the accession number OP715873. The maximum specific ethanol production rate (vmax) was 0.482 gg−1 h−1 at 175 gL−1 glucose concentration, with a high accuracy of R2 0.95. The maximum growth specific rates (μmax) were 0.141 h−1 obtained at 150 gL−1 glucose concentration with R2 0.91. Optimization of the fermentation parameters such as pH and salinity has been achieved. The highest ethanol yield 0.5637 gg−1 was achieved in a 100% natural seawater-based medium. The maximum ethanol production of 104.04 gL−1 was achieved at pH 4.5 with a specific ethanol rate of 0.1669 gg−1 h−1. The findings of the present study recommend the possibility of ethanol production from a seawater-based medium on a large scale using W. subpelliculosus ZE75.

Graphical abstract
Biogeochemical prospecting of metallic critical raw materials: soil to plant transfer in SW Ciudad Real Province, Spain
Authors: Barquero José Ignacio , Lorenzo Saturnino , Rivera Sofía , González-Valoys Ana C. , García-Ordiales Efrén , Esbrí José María , Higueras Pablo
Published: April 2024

The soil–plant transfer of trace elements is a complex system in which many factors are involved such as the availability and bioavailability of elements in the soil, climate, pedological parameters, and the essential or toxic character of the elements. The present study proposes the evaluation of the use of multielement contents in vascular plants for prospecting ore deposits of trace elements of strategic interest for Europe. To accomplish this general goal, a study of the soil–plant transfer of major and trace elements using Quercus ilex as a study plant has been developed in the context of two geological domains with very different characteristics in geological terms and in the presence of ore deposits: the Almadén syncline for Hg and the Guadalmez syncline for Sb. The results have made it possible to differentiate geological domains not only in terms of individual elements, but also as a combination of major and trace elements using Factor Analysis. The bioconcentration factors have demonstrated the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients in very high concentrations but these were barely dependent, or even independent of the concentrations in the soil, in addition to high values of this factor for Sb. The Factor Analysis allowed for the differentiation of geogenic elements from other linked to stibnite ore deposits (Sb, S, and Cu). This element (Sb) can be uptake by Quercus ilex via the root and from there translocating it to the leaves, showing a direct relation between concentrations in soil and plants. This finding opens the possibility of using Quercus ilex leaves for biogeochemical prospecting of geological domains or lithological types of interest to prospect for Sb deposits.
Exploring the total cost of whole fresh, fresh-cut and pre-cooked vegetables
Authors: Rasines Laura , Morera Serni , San Miguel Guillermo , Aguayo Encarna
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The food industry should evolve towards new business models which take into account the damage cost in decision making, considering the impact that its products generate on the natural and human environment. Hence, the present study aims to calculate the damage cost caused by the production of whole fresh (as average of potatoes, aubergines, and broccoli), and processed vegetables (fresh-cut and pre-cooked).

Methods

The environmental life cycle approach was carried out per kilogram of assessed products (from cradle to the entrance of the market). The foreground Life Cycle Inventory was obtained from engineering procurement and construction projects of the whole fresh and processed vegetables industries. The Ecoinvent 3.8 and Agribalyse 3.0.1 databases were used for the background inventory. The ReCiPe 2016 method was used with a hierarchical perspective, evaluating eighteen midpoint categories as well as the endpoint categories (human health, ecosystems, and resources). The monetisation of these environmental impacts was then calculated using the endpoint monetisation factors developed by Ponsioen et al. (Monetisation of sustainability impacts of food production and consumption. Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen, 2020) for each product. It should be noted that this study does not include a comparative assessment. This study does not intend to compare the results for the three vegetable groups.

Results and discussion

The damage costs were 0.16 €/kg for whole fresh vegetables, 0.37 €/kg for fresh-cut vegetables and 0.41 €/kg for pre-cooked vegetables. The agricultural production stage contributed most to these total damage costs due to the impact produced on land use and global warming in midpoint categories and human health and ecosystems in endpoint categories. In addition, the damage cost due to fossil resource scarcity (midpoint) and resource scarcity (endpoint) was mainly caused by the plastic packaging of fresh-cut and pre-cooked vegetables. The total cost was 1.02 €/kg for whole fresh vegetables, 2.99 €/kg for fresh-cut vegetables, and 3.43 €/kg for pre-cooked vegetables.

Conclusions

These results suggest that some efforts should be made to reduce both environmental impacts and damage costs. For instance, to improve agricultural production, special attention should be paid to fertilisation and water consumption. Additionally, new packaging options should be explored as well as the inclusion of renewable sources in the electricity grid, and finally, on transporting the finished products to the market, by using trucks that run on cleaner fuels.

Graphical abstract
A comparison of adversarial malware generators
Authors: Louthánová Pavla , Kozák Matouš , Jureček Martin , Stamp Mark , Di Troia Fabio
Published: April 2024

Machine learning has proven to be a valuable tool for automated malware detection, but machine learning systems have also been shown to be subject to adversarial attacks. This paper summarizes and compares related work on generating adversarial malware samples, specifically malicious Windows Portable Executable files. In contrast with previous research, we not only compare generators of adversarial malware examples theoretically, but we also provide an experimental comparison and evaluation for practical usability. We use gradient-based, evolutionary-based, and reinforcement-based approaches to create adversarial samples, which we test against selected antivirus products. The results show that applying optimized modifications to previously detected malware can lead to incorrect classification of the file as benign. Moreover, generated malicious samples can be effectively employed against detection models other than those used to produce them, and combinations of methods can construct new instances that avoid detection. Based on our findings, the Gym-malware generator, which uses reinforcement learning, has the greatest practical potential. This generator has the fastest average sample production time of 5.73 s and the highest average evasion rate of 44.11%. Using the Gym-malware generator in combination with itself further improved the evasion rate to 58.35%. However, other tested methods scored significantly lower in our experiments than reported in the original publications, highlighting the importance of a standardized evaluation environment.
Dietary supplement beliefs and use patterns among Irish patients with early-stage breast cancer
Authors: O’Donovan Eimear , Hennessy Maeve A. , O’Reilly Seamus
Published: April 2024

Backround

Level one evidence reported poorer outcomes among patients taking dietary supplements after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis.

Methods

We evaluated dietary supplement behaviours among adult BC patients via questionnaire. Sociodemographic data, supplement use, attitudes, and healthcare provider (HCP) advice were analysed.

Results

Of 185 participants, 45% were regular supplement users following diagnosis. Regular supplement use was associated with higher education level (p = 0.05). The majority perceived supplements to be safe. Over half reported not receiving advice from HCPs.

Conclusion

In summary, supplement use is prevalent among BC patients. Development of guidelines in relation to safe use of dietary supplements after cancer diagnosis is crucial.
Patient Navigation in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Matthew , Wu Victoria S. , Falk Derek , Cheatham Chesley , Cullen Jennifer , Hoehn Richard
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Patient navigation promotes access to timely treatment of chronic diseases by eliminating barriers to care. Patient navigation programs have been well-established in improving screening rates and diagnostic resolution. This systematic review aimed to characterize the multifaceted role of patient navigators within the realm of cancer treatment.

Recent Findings

A comprehensive electronic literature review of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the role of patient navigators in cancer treatment from August 1, 2009 to March 27, 2023.

Fifty-nine articles were included in this review. Amongst studies focused on cancer treatment initiation, 70% found a significant improvement in treatment initiation amongst patients who were enrolled in patient navigation programs, 71% of studies focused on treatment adherence demonstrated significant improvements in treatment adherence, 87% of studies investigating patient satisfaction showed significant benefits, and 81% of studies reported a positive impact of patient navigators on quality care indicators. Three palliative care studies found beneficial effects of patient navigation. Thirty-seven studies investigated disadvantaged populations, with 76% of them concluded that patient navigators made a positive impact during treatment. This systematic review provides compelling evidence supporting the value of patient navigation programs in cancer treatment. The findings suggest that patient navigation plays a crucial role in improving access to care and optimizing treatment outcomes, especially for disadvantaged cancer patients. Incorporating patient navigation into standard oncology practice can reduce disparities and improve the overall quality of cancer care.