bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Colchicine on Coronary Plaque Stability in Acute Coronary Syndrome as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography: The COLOCT Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yu Miao , Yang Yong , Dong Si-Lai , Zhao Chen , Yang Fen , Yuan Yuan-Fan , Liao Yu-Hua , He Shao-Lin , Liu Kun , Wei Fen , Jia Hai-Bo , Yu Bo , Cheng Xiang
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Colchicine has been approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary heart disease on the basis of its potential benefits demonstrated in the COLCOT (Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) and LoDoCo2 (Low-Dose Colchicine 2) studies. Nevertheless, there are limited data available about the specific impact of colchicine on coronary plaques.

METHODS:

This was a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. From May 3, 2021, until August 31, 2022, a total of 128 patients with acute coronary syndrome aged 18 to 80 years with lipid-rich plaque (lipid pool arc >90°) detected by optical coherence tomography were included. The subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either colchicine (0.5 mg once daily) or placebo for 12 months. The primary end point was the change in the minimal fibrous cap thickness from baseline to the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

Among 128 patients, 52 in the colchicine group and 52 in the placebo group completed the study. The mean age of the 128 patients was 58.0±9.8 years, and 25.0% were female. Compared with placebo, colchicine therapy significantly increased the minimal fibrous cap thickness (51.9 [95% CI, 32.8 to 71.0] μm versus 87.2 [95% CI, 69.9 to 104.5] μm; difference, 34.2 [95% CI, 9.7 to 58.6] μm;
P
=0.006), and reduced average lipid arc (–25.2° [95% CI, –30.6° to –19.9°] versus –35.7° [95% CI, –40.5° to –30.8°]; difference, –10.5° [95% CI, –17.7° to –3.4°];
P
=0.004), mean angular extension of macrophages (–8.9° [95% CI, –13.3° to –4.6°] versus –14.0° [95% CI, –18.0° to –10.0°]; difference, –6.0° [95% CI, –11.8° to –0.2°];
P
=0.044), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (geometric mean ratio, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.4 to 1.0] versus 0.3 [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.5]; difference, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.3 to 1.0];
P
=0.046), interleukin-6 level (geometric mean ratio, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.1] versus 0.5 [95% CI, 0.4 to 0.7]; difference, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.4 to 0.9];
P
=0.025), and myeloperoxidase level (geometric mean ratio, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.8 to 1.2] versus 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7 to 0.9]; difference, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.0];
P
=0.047).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggested that colchicine resulted in favorable effects on coronary plaque stabilization at optical coherence tomography in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04848857.
EEG Provides Insights Into Motor Control and Neuroplasticity During Stroke Recovery
Authors: Delcamp Célia , Srinivasan Ramesh , Cramer Steven C.
Published: August 2024

In many branches of medicine, treatment is guided by measuring its effects on underlying physiology. In this regard, the efficacy of rehabilitation/recovery therapies could be enhanced if their administration was guided by measurements that directly capture treatment effects on neural function. Measures of brain function via EEG may be useful toward this goal and have advantages such as ease of bedside acquisition, safety, and low cost. This review synthetizes EEG studies during the subacute phase poststroke, when spontaneous recovery is maximal, and focuses on movement. Event-related measures reflect cortical activation and inhibition, while connectivity measures capture the function of cortical networks. Several EEG-based measures are related to motor outcomes poststroke and warrant further evaluation. Ultimately, they may be useful for clinical decision-making and clinical trial design in stroke neurorehabilitation.
The Connected City of Ideas
Authors: Simpson Robert Mark
Published: August 2024

We should drop the marketplace of ideas as our go-to metaphor in free speech discourse and take up a new metaphor of the connected city. Cities are more liveable when they have an integrated mix of transport options providing their occupants with a variety of locomotive affordances. Similarly, societies are more liveable when they have a mix of communication platforms that provide a variety of communicative affordances. Whereas the marketplace metaphor invites us to worry primarily about authoritarian control over the content that circulates through our communication networks, the connected-city metaphor invites us to worry, more so, about the homogenization of the tools and formats through which we communicate. I argue that the latter worry demands greater attention under emerging technological conditions.
Two new species of the brachypterous Scirtetellus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) from China
Authors: LIU YU-XIN , XUE HUAI-JUN , LIU GUO-QING
Published: August 2024

Two new species of the genus Scirtetellus Reuter, 1890 (Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae: Halticini) are described as new to science from China: Scirtetellus qinghaiensis sp. nov. and Scirtetellus shanxiensis sp. nov. Detailed morphological description, photographs of the dorsal habitus and male parameres, key to species of Scirtetellus from China and species list of Scirtetellus of the world are provided. The 658 bp long fragments of the mitochondrial gene COI (DNA barcode) are provided as a part of the diagnosis of the new species. The type specimens and the DNA sample were deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Review of Ctenopeuca Bernhauer, a spiny, pipevine flower-associated rove beetle from South America (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Oxypodini)
Authors: BARROSO FLAVIA B. , ELDREDGE K. TARO , CARON EDILSON
Published: August 2024

Ctenopeuca Bernhauer is a genus restricted to South America, with males exhibit bimodal secondary sexual characters with alpha males having large abdominal spines and feminized spine-less beta males. In contrast to other Oxypodini genera, Ctenopeuca lacks a frontal suture on the head and has a bifid ligula. Here, we redescribe the genus and the two species, provide a diagnosis for the genus, and make remarks about its systematic position within the Oxypodini.
Morphometric Characterization and Principal Component Analysis of Different Goats Breeds
Authors: Aduba Paul , Michael Orheruata , Etsu Christiana
Published: August 2024

Goats play a very vital role in the livestock industry and are the only livestock not forbidden by any religion. Morphometric characterization is very important for the improvement of goat breeds and the proper classification of these animals. A linear measurement was carried out on sixty goats consisting of 20 each Red Sokoto (RS), West African Long logged (WLL), and West African Dwarf WAD) goat. Parameters measures were Withers height (WH), Rump height (RH), Body length (BL), Sternum height (SH), Body depth (BD), Bicostal diameter (BC), Ear length (EL), Rump width (RW), Head width (HW), Rump length (RL), Head length (HL) Heart girth (HG), Cannon bone Circumference (CB), Muzzle diameter (MD). The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using R. version 4.0.2. It was observed that WH, RH, BL, SH, BD, BC, EL, RW, HW, RL, HL, HG, CB, and MD, exhibit variations across different age groups. For example, WH increases from 36.89 cm (at 1.00 years) to 63.98 cm (at 4.00 years), indicating a growth in wither height as goats increase in age. A significant difference (p<0.05) in the morphometric parameters across different age groups was observed. The lowest mean weight (11.50±1.1) was recorded in WAD while the highest (24.40±1.24) was recorded in WLL). These variations in weight were significant (p<0.05) across the breeds. Principal Component Analysis shows that four components contributed to 74% of the variation in the goat. The estimation classified the goats as heavy meat type while the Dactyl thorax index classified the WAD and RS as brevigline and the WLL as medigline. This study therefore contributes to a better understanding of goat morphology which has practical implications for livestock breeding and management programs. Informed decisions can also be made about breeding strategies, selecting animals specifically, and improving the overall goat population using the information provided in this study.
Influence of the Addition of Palm (Borassus Aethiopum Mart.) Fibers on the Durability of Compressed Earth Blocks
Authors: Koffi Stephane , Konin Athanas
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the influence of the content and length of the palm (borassus aethiopum mart.) fibers on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB). Three fiber contents (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8%) of different lengths (10 mm, 20 mm, or 40 mm) were used to make CEB. CEB with 0% fiber content were manufactured to serve as control samples. CEB specimens stabilized with palm fibers or not were subjected to various tests according to standard XP P 13-901 for the determination of the following properties: dry density, water absorption, dry compressive strength, abrasion resistance and thermal conductivity. The results show that the dry density of CEB decreases from 4% to 7% when the content and length of the fibers increase respectively from 0.2% and 10 mm in length to 0.8% and 40 mm in length. The water absorption of fiber-containing CEBs ranges from 14% to 22% with increasing fiber content and length. The results also indicate that the mechanical and thermal properties are improved for well-chosen fiber contents. Thus, the dry compressive strength of the fibers increases by more than 13% for a fiber content of 0.2% and a length of 10 mm compared to CEB with 0% fibers. On the other hand, the optimal abrasion resistance values are obtained for a fiber content of 0.4% and a length of 40 mm. For all CEBs, the thermal conductivity values vary from 0.51 W/mK to 0.38 W/mK when the fiber content varies from 0.2% to 0.8%. Overall, palm fiber content has a greater influence on the measured physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics than fiber length.
Properties of Biochar Prepared by Solar Pyrolysis and Its Adsorption of Cu2+ in Water
Authors: Sun Taotao , Aslam Mian , Chen Guangquan , Ye Yuchen , Xu Wentao , Peng Changsheng
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the potential of biochar produced via a solar pyrolysis system and its effectiveness in removing copper (Cu2+) ions from water, presenting a sustainable and energy-efficient method for biochar production and biomass recycling. Two common agricultural and livestock wastes, corn straw and cow dung, were used as raw materials to produce biochar. These materials underwent solar pyrolysis under limited oxygen conditions to produce biochar, which was then compared to biochar produced via traditional pyrolysis. The comparison involved elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and specific surface area and pore size analysis to highlight differences in their physical and chemical properties. Adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorptive capacity of biochar for copper ions (Cu2+) from water, determining the optimal pH conditions and underlying adsorption mechanisms. The findings reveal that biochar produced through solar pyrolysis exhibits similar properties and Cu2+ adsorption capacities to those prepared by traditional methods. Specifically, cow dung biochar demonstrated a higher adsorption capacity for Cu2+ compared to corn straw biochar. The Cu2+ adsorption by corn straw biochar followed the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, whereas cow dung biochar conformed to the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. By demonstrating the comparable efficacy of solar pyrolysis biochar in heavy metal adsorption, this study highlights its potential for sustainable environmental remediation and biomass utilization.
Formulation and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Membrane Permeation Properties of a Mixed Acetaminophen Gel for Rectal Administration
Authors: Ismael Dally , Sandrine Aka-Any , Junior Baka Ko , Ingrid Anin , Arthur Lia
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the permeation of a mixed native starch-based gel of Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae), using acetaminophen as a tracer through a rat rectal membrane (ex vivo method). The formulated gel was composed of a 10 g solution of poloxamer 407 at 20% and 2.5 g of glycerolized potato starch. The gel obtained was a smooth, homogeneous mixed gel with no foam, air bubbles or lumps, there was no characteristic odor, and the gel was whitish in color. This gel was characterized at the physicochemical and rheological level by means of the viscosimeter KINEXUS, pH- meter EUTECH and the study of the permeation was carried out by means of the Ussing chamber of horizontal type (the dual chamber). The formulated mixed gel is thermogelling, rheofluidifying and viscoelastic with a gelling temperature of 23.83; the permeation study gave a relatively low permeation percentage of 0.16% but which can be improved. The different viscoelastic, rheofluidizing and thermogelling characteristics contained in this mixed gel as well as the pH did not influence the permeation of the active ingredient (AP) through the rat rectal mucosa.
Efficacy in Utilization of Computer Artificial Intelligence in Instructional Delivery of Business Education Courses: Business Education Lecturers Perceptions
Authors: Afo Odey , Okechukwu Okanazo , Gladys Akubue , Ekanem Ediongsenyene
Published: August 2024

The study titled "efficacy in Utilization of computer artificial intelligence in instructional delivery of business education courses: business education lecturers perceptions" aimed to investigate the perceptions of business education lecturers towards the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in instructional delivery of Business Education courses. The researches employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A sample of business education lecturers from various institutions in Cross River State was used for the study and data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to one hundred and thirty one (131) Business Education Lecturers in tertiary institution in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data obtained were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation. The findings revealed that business education lecturers in Cross River State have a negative perception towards the utilization of AI in instructional delivery of accounting. However, there is a significant difference in the perceptions of male and female lecturers towards the utilization of AI in instructional delivery. The study concluded that AI would enhance the quality of instructional delivery in business education institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study recommends that business education institutions in Cross River State should embrace the use of AI in instructional delivery of accounting to improve the quality of education and equip students with relevant skills for the job market. Training programs on the use of AI in instructional delivery should be organized for business education lecturers to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively use AI in their instructional deliveries. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating AI into instructional delivery of accounting in business education institutions in Cross River State.
A Localized Quantitative Precipitation Estimation for S-Band Polarimetric Radar in Taiwan
Authors: Tang Yu-Shuang , Chang Pao-Liang , Chang Wei-Yu , Zhang Jian , Tang Lin , Lin Pin-Fang , Chen Chia-Rong
Published: August 2024

A polarimetric radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) to estimate the rain rate R from specific attenuation A has been applied in Taiwan’s operational Quantitative Precipitation Estimation and Segregation Using Multiple Sensors (QPESUMS) system since 2016. A 3-yr (2016–18) drop size distribution (DSD) dataset from an operational Particle Size and Velocity (Parsivel) network was used to derive a localized coefficient as well as the α(K) function in the R(A) scheme for S-band radar, where α is a key parameter in the estimation of A and K is the linear fitted slope of differential reflectivity ZDR versus reflectivity Z. The local drop size distribution data were also used to derive the localized R(Z) and R(KDP) relationships, and the relationships were evaluated using radar observations in heavy rain cases. A synthetic quantitative precipitation estimate combining the localized R(A), R(Z), and R(KDP) relationships is compared to its operational counterpart and showed about 8% reduction in the normalized mean error for the mei-yu cases. Typhoon cases exhibited similar improvements by the localized QPE relationships but showed higher uncertainties than in the mei-yu cases. The higher uncertainties in the typhoon QPE verification were likely due to the stronger winds in typhoons than in the mei-yu events that caused greater mismatches between the radar observations at an altitude and the gauges at the ground. Overall, the results demonstrated advantages of localized radar rainfall relationships derived from the disdrometer data to improve the accuracy of the operational rainfall estimation products.

Significance Statement

A 3-yr (2016–18) drop size distribution (DSD) dataset from the operational Parsivel network in Taiwan was utilized to localize parameters in the QPE relationships for S-band dual-polarimetric radar. These relationships were evaluated using radar observations in the mei-yu front and typhoon events in Taiwan. The results show that using localized radar rainfall relationships derived from the disdrometer data can enhance the accuracy of the operational rainfall products.
For What It’s Earth: Transcending the Human–Nature Dualism Through “Deep Nature Connection”
Authors: Ferns George
Published: August 2024

This commentary argues that business-society scholars are seriously disconnected from nature. This is problematic because our theorizing about nature largely happens as a mental exercise, thereby restricting our bodies and emotions as power means of transcending the human–nature dualism. As a solution, I offer practical ways for business-society scholars to develop a “deep nature connection.”
Responding to Crisis: A Multiple Case Study of District Approaches for Supporting Student Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hashim Ayesha K. , Weddle Hayley , Irondi Ogechi N.
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Prior research shows wide variation in student learning across contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic, but less is known about why such variation occurred or how particular response approaches may help districts navigate future crises. Research methods: Drawing on crisis leadership and organizational theory, we conducted a multiple case study of pandemic response across five school districts in Michigan that performed better-than-predicted on benchmark assessments during the 2020–21 school year. We interviewed 46 district, school, and teacher leaders across district cases and analyzed data using comparative case study methods. Findings: We find that local leaders relied on existing resources such as staff-student relationships, school-family relationships, and curricula and instructional models to address foundational needs stemming from the pandemic. These resources were part of each district's distinct approach to supporting student learning prior to the pandemic and provided a reliable path forward amidst ongoing uncertainty and disruption. When previous approaches were not aligned to external demands, local leaders leveraged staff expertise, staff collaboration, and school-family relationships to develop new teaching and learning approaches. In-person and hybrid districts adapted to create safe in-person learning environments, while remote and hybrid districts adapted to use technology to engage students in distanced learning and personalized academic support. Implications: Our findings shed light on pandemic response approaches that other districts can adopt in future crises and resources that need to be cultivated and distributed across districts to support crisis response. We contribute new insights on the interplay between leadership and organizational capacity during crisis response.
Spatial Optimism and Cross-Over Effects in the Perceptions of Interconnected Wildfire, Flood, and Mudslide Hazards
Authors: Houston Douglas , Pérez Figueroa Omar , Jong-Levinger Ariane , Schubert Jochen E. , Sanders Brett F.
Published: August 2024

Communities near the wildland urban interface (WUI) are exposed to a mix of three interconnected hazards (wildfire, flood, and mudslide), and understanding multi-hazard perceptions is critically important for emergency preparation and hazard mitigation—particularly given the WUI’s rapid expansion and intensifying environmental hazards. Based on a survey of residents living near recent burn scars in Southern California, we document cross-over effects in hazard perceptions, where resident experience with one hazard was associated with greater hazard rankings for other hazards. Additionally, for all three hazards analyzed we document perceptions of increasing hazard levels with increasing spatial scales (home, near-home, neighborhood, and community), providing evidence of spatial optimism, or the tendency to discount proximate hazards. This study stresses the importance of using a multi-hazard and multi-scale approach for understanding and responding to local level environmental hazards.
Book review: Rajib Bhattacharyya, Ramesh Chandra Das, and Achintya Ray (Eds.), COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Inequality: Reﬂections in Labour Market, Business and Social Sectors
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis
Published: August 2024

Rajib Bhattacharyya, Ramesh Chandra Das, and Achintya Ray (Eds.), COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Inequality: Reﬂections in Labour Market, Business and Social Sectors (Singapore: Springer Nature, 2023), 333 pp. €128.39 (Hardcover), ISBN 978-981-99-4404-0.
From the global South to the human rights stage: A study of global frame resonance using a comparative case of Women, Life, Freedom and Bloody November in Iran
Authors: Vahabli Danial
Published: August 2024

In the intersection of local and transnational oppression, global power hierarchies, and the dominance of global North in global civil society, social movements in the global South under authoritarian regimes usually cannot gain international attention and become a global human rights concern. Considering the global momentum toward authoritarianism and illiberalism and the salient role of large-scale media attention on the course of movements, it is important to understand how some social movements in such conditions can attract global awareness. By extending the social movements literature to the global scale using world society theory, this study argues that biases in global civil society affect the chance of a domestic movement in attracting global awareness and becoming a worldwide human rights concern. Domestic movements aligned with world society scripts get picked up by international organizations, governments of other countries, international media, and to a lesser degree citizens of other countries. The process pushes a domestic struggle to the human rights stage by creating a globally resonant frame with high salience and credibility. The argument is tested by focusing on the prioritization of women’s rights over economic rights in global civil society with analysis of the international discourse regarding Women, Life, Freedom movement and Bloody November movement in Iran on both news media and social media using natural language processing methods. The findings show that global civil society turned the Women, Life, Freedom movement into a human rights concern in need of urgent global support by emphasizing on its women’s rights dimensions and minimizing its revolutionary and economic aspects. Conversely, the Bloody November movement, mainly framed as an uprising with economic roots and anti-systemic character, was not able to receive widescale international attention or support.
The Political Economy of Policy Response to COVID-19: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Osmani S. R. , Siddiquee Muhammad Shahadat Hossain
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the response of the Government of Bangladesh to COVID-19 from a political economy lens. We argue that the support package implemented by the government had a distinct bias that went against the interests of the poorer segments of the society but conformed neatly with the government’s quest for political legitimacy. Our analysis finds that the economic support package designed and implemented by the government was heavily biased toward growth-orientation to the relative neglect of protection-orientation, with seriously adverse consequences for the well-being of the people and the bias resides in the realm of political economy of governance.

JEL Classification: H12, I18, I38, O40, O53
EFL Learner Perceptions and Engagement of a Customized AI-led Class
Authors: Lee Seungeun
Published: August 2024

Technological advancement has enabled language educators to employ AI virtual humans as online instructors by customizing their characteristics, such as English varieties, to meet learners’ needs and preferences. As AI instructors become a viable option in classrooms, how they affect language learners’ learning warrants investigation. Building upon social presence theory regarding interpersonal relationships in an online environment, this study aimed to examine the role of social presence and AI instructors’ credibility in fostering learner engagement. Additionally, it examined the effects of variables within instructors on instructor credibility and learner engagement. In the study, a 2 (human or AI) x 2 (native or non-native English-speaking teacher) between-subjects design was utilized in an online experiment with 120 English learners. Regression and mediation analyses revealed, in AI-led classes, social presence positively influenced learner engagement, with instructor credibility fully mediating this relationship. According to a two-way MANOVA analysis used to examine the effects of humanness and nativeness on credibility and engagement, no evidence was found to support a difference between AI instructors and their human counterparts when observing learners’ perceptions and engagement, regardless of whether the instructors were NESTs or NNESTs. The results show that AI instructors can be a viable alternative in language classes.
Efficacy and safety of anti-programmed death-1 antibody-based combination therapy in advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer in Chinese patients: A real-world study
Authors: Gao Yifan , Li Haoqian , Qiu Lei , Yuan Hongtu , Fan Qing , Niu Zuoxing , Xing Ligang , Li Mingxing , Yuan Dandan
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Programmed death-1 antibody plus chemotherapy has gained approval for the treatment for (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of anti-programmed death-1 antibody combined with chemo- or anti-angiogenesis therapy in Chinese patients with advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer in a real-world setting.

Methods:

In total, 122 patients treated with anti-programmed death-1 antibody-based combination therapy between April 2019 and December 2021 were encompassed. Clinical outcomes and safety proﬁle were measured and analyzed.

Results:

In the whole cohort, median overall survival was 17.2 months, median progression-free survival was 10.9 months, and median duration of response was 9.4 months. Notably, in the first-line patients, the median overall survival was not reached, median progression-free survival was 14.8 months, objective response rate was 68.4%. In the second-line group, median overall survival, median progression-free survival, median duration of response, and objective response rate were 10.9 months, 5.9 months, 4.5 months, and 41.5%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade were observed in 28.2% of the overall cohort, primarily affecting the hematological and liver function. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were mainly characterized by increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, along with decreased lymphocyte and white blood cells, as well as anemia.

Conclusions:

Patients in our cohort experienced a clinical benefit from anti-programmed death-1 antibody-combined treatment in first-line treatment settings, with acceptable treatment-related adverse events. The benefit of anti-programmed death-1 antibody combined with chemo- or anti-angiogenesis treatment to the second-line patients should be further confirmed by large multi-center randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Deep learning-based predictive models for forex market trends: Practical implementation and performance evaluation
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Dong , Thao Nguyen Ngoc , Kim Chi Duong Thi , Nguyen Hoa-Cuc. , Mach Bich-Ngoc. , Nguyen Thanh Q.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the prediction of financial market trends, due to its potential applications in the real world. Unlike traditional investment avenues such as the stock market, the foreign exchange (Forex) market revolves around two primary types of orders that correspond with the market's direction: upward and downward. Consequently, forecasting the behaviour of the Forex behaviour market can be simplified into a binary classification problem to streamline its complexity. Despite the significant enhancements and improvements in performance seen in recent proposed predictive models for the forex market, driven by the advancement of deep learning in various domains, it remains imperative to approach these models with careful consideration of best practices and real-world applications. Currently, only a limited number of papers have been dedicated to this area. This article aims to bridge this gap by proposing a practical implementation of deep learning-based predictive models that perform well for real-world trading activities. These predictive mechanisms can help traders in minimising budget losses and anticipate future risks. Furthermore, the paper emphasises the importance of focussing on return profit as the evaluation metric, rather than accuracy. Extensive experimental studies conducted on realistic Yahoo Finance data sets validate the effectiveness of our implemented prediction mechanisms. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that employing the use of three-value labels yields superior accuracy performance compared to traditional two-value labels, as it helps reduce the number of orders placed.
Loving Technologies? Beyond Climate Finance's Logics of Scalability in Infrastructures in Fiji
Authors: Anantharajah Kirsty
Published: August 2024

This paper explores how climate finance approaches and logics, particularly around scale, manifest in local climate technologies in Fiji. Through multi-sited fieldwork, the paper explores experiences around three climate related infrastructures: a biomass plant in Nadroga; a diesel-solar community hybrid system in Island X; and a seawall in Levuka, Ovalua. Each represent a key aspect of Fiji's climate-related infrastructural targets. Through explorations at these sites, the paper argues that climate finance logics prioritise large scale technologies and “scalability” projects, that is, projects which seek to expand without changing their basic elements. In response, the paper aims to create scholarly space for considering alternatives around climate finance's projects. The paper embeds these considerations of climate finance alternatives within its conceptual framework of “loving technologies.” Loving technologies is a product of the interplay of Pacific theory, postcolonial and feminist technoscience with the Fijian experiences of climate finance explored in this paper. The loving technologies approach highlights the validity small-scale infrastructure as having potential to be intimate, relational, making a difference in lives, communities, and futures. Despite their small scale, they can make an impact on bigger scales, and can chart alternative pathways of progress.
“Refugees from Ukraine are called humans”: A corpus-based critical discourse analysis of Turkish tweets about Ukrainian refugees
Authors: Elmas Tugay , Yılmaz Fahri , Gürbüz Nurdan
Published: August 2024

The arrival of refugees in large numbers has created heated political and public debates across various arenas. Online spaces, specifically social networking platforms, have become a major site for people to express their opinions, feelings, and beliefs toward refugees. Drawing on the principles of corpus analysis, the Discourse-Historical Approach, and multimodal critical discourse analysis, this mixed-methods study explores how online discourses are utilized to portray Ukrainian refugees in Turkish tweets in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The findings showed that the linguistic and visual elements used to characterize Ukrainian refugees, as well as the characteristics attributed to and presumptions and justifications made about them, constructed a positive portrayal, unlike the portrayals of other major refugee groups reported in the literature. This positive representation of Ukrainian refugees as welcomed guests was reinforced through the negative depiction of other refugee groups in Türkiye, particularly Syrians and Afghans, as threats.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical performance of roll-bonding interface in HAZ during arc welding of titanium/steel clad plates
Authors: Hu Fengya , Song Mingda , Lv Yuzhao , Chen Wei , Yan Jiuchun
Published: August 2024

Severe damage could be caused to clad plate rolling interface during welding, resulting in poor service reliability. Here, the rolling interface of TA2/Q235 clad plate evolution was investigated by thermal simulation. The TiFe and TiFe2 compound layers generated sequentially between IFsteel and β-Ti(Fe) at 1000°C, and transformed into eutectic Fe + TiFe2 and blocky TiFe on TiFe2 at 1250°C. The island-strip Ti + TiFe eutectic structures appeared on β-Ti(Fe) at 1100°C. The shear strength drops slightly to 110 MPa with the TiFe layer generating, sharply to 30 MPa with the TiFe2 layer, then remains stable. The heat-affected zone within 2 mm from the weld is weak and unreliable.
Imaging the 5-HT2C receptor with PET: Evaluation of 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A affinity of pimavanserin in the primate brain
Authors: Ridler Khanum , Rizzo Gaia , Burstein Ethan S , Forsberg Morén Anton , Stepanov Vladimir , Halldin Christer , Rabiner Eugenii A
Published: August 2024

Two complimentary techniques were used to estimate occupancy of pimavanserin (a selective 5-HT2A/2C inverse agonist) to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in non-human primate brains. One employed the 5-HT2A/2C selective radioligand [11C]CIMBI-36 combined with quantification of binding potentials in brain regions known to be enriched in 5-HT2A (cortex) or 5-HT2C (choroid plexus) receptors to estimate occupancy. Pimavanserin was 6–10 fold more potent displacing [11C]CIMBI-36 from cortex (ED50 = 0.007 mg/kg; EC50 = 0.6 ng/ml) than from choroid plexus (ED50 =0.046 mg/kg; EC50 = 6.0 ng/ml). The assignment of [11C]CIMBI-36 binding to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors by anatomical brain structure was confirmed using the 5-HT2A selective inverse agonist MDL 100,907 and the 5-HT2C selective antagonist SB 242584 to displace [11C]CIMBI-36. The second technique employed a novel, 5-HT2C selective tracer called [11C]AC1332. [11C]AC1332 bound robustly to choroid plexus, moderately to hippocampus, and minimally to cortex. Pimavanserin displaced [11C]AC1332 with similar potency (ED50 = 0.062 mg/kg; EC50 = 2.5 ng/ml) as its potency displacing [11C]CIMBI-36 binding from choroid plexus. These results demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously estimating drug occupancy of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in vivo, and the utility of a novel 5-HT2C receptor selective tracer ligand.
“Awful Skinny Boys” – Male Musical Theatre Performers’ Experiences of Body Image: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
Authors: Carr Maria E. , Lewis Elisa G.
Published: August 2024

Body dissatisfaction is likely to be particularly salient in aesthetically focused professions, including the performing arts. However, there is a paucity of research involving male theatre performers. This study addressed this omission by exploring how male musical theatre actors experience body image. Interviews were conducted with 7 male performers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings illustrate the lasting influence that instructors and the training environment have upon the participants’ perceptions of their bodies, participants’ desire to appear masculine through greater muscularity, and the dissatisfaction that occurs when they perceive that their bodies do not conform to rigid notions of gender and body ideals. This study also provides insight into the nuanced experience of existing within a body of worth, often commodified and sold to audiences. These findings highlight the importance of facilitating a supportive training environment and opening up conversations about body dissatisfaction among male performers.
Dynamic prediction of flue gas information driven by converter mouth flame spectral information
Authors: Gao Xuesong , Dong Bowen , Wu Yue , Han Yang
Published: August 2024

This study examines converter steelmaking, focusing on real-time aspects of furnace mouth flame spectral radiation and delays in gas analysis to design a predictive system for converter flue gases driven by spectral data. Using a USB2000+ fiber optic spectrometer and gas analyzer, spectral data from the furnace mouth and CO2 and CO flow data from external flue gas were collected. Spectral features were extracted using fast Fourier transform and polynomial fitting methods, and a sample set was constructed. A fully connected neural network algorithm was then employed to predict cumulative flue gas flow. By analyzing changes in spectral and flue gas information, the study investigated delay causes and used cross-correlation to identify temporal discrepancies. Results show that with CO2 and CO prediction errors within ±70 and ±106, the model's root mean square error ranges from 20.54 to 63.43.
Observations on the Horizontal Bends of Rural Roads Whose Plan Sheets Never Existed
Authors: Gunay Banihan
Published: August 2024

Unlike high-volume roads, for many low-volume country roads, curve advisory speeds cannot be predetermined in office because of the absence of plan sheets. In many places this is solely done by engineers on site using some degree of expert judgment, because conventional use of ball-bank indicators, as well as in-place radius and superelevation measurements for every horizontal curve, are time consuming. This is because of the high number of bends of such low-volume roads, a problem which is not fully acknowledged by many highway authorities. The present paper identifies common irregularities and inconsistencies concerning the horizontal bends of such roads based on the “continually” collected ball-bank data, as opposed to repetitive measurements. Three separate roads, located in the Afyon and Burdur regions in Turkey, each containing several horizontal curves, have been studied (two of them had no sheets of plans). The findings revealed that legal speed limits were inappropriate (even at tangents) and many curves did not have any speed signs, while some had unrealistic values being posted. The method described in this paper introduces a swift and reliable way of collecting information on how a vehicle negotiates these bends, so that problematic bends can be identified and later be revisited for further scrutiny.
Jeffrey Alexander, a statesman in social theory and cultural sociology: An interview with Frédéric Vandenberghe
Authors: Beilharz Peter , Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: August 2024

Thesis 11 is pleased to republish this interview of Jeffrey Alexander by Frédéric Vandenberghe which first appeared in Sociologia & Antropologia in 2019 during the moment of Alexander's retirement from Yale University. It is preceded by two new prefaces by Peter Beilharz and Vandenberghe. The interview ranges across Alexander's entire career, from early journalism to the foundations of social theorizing to the supervision and mentoring of graduate students.
Empire and economy in the premodern Indian Ocean, 1400–1800
Authors: Unger Richard W.
Published: August 2024

The maritime history of the Indian Ocean in the years from 1400 to 1800 is very different from that of the Atlantic. Examining the two uncritically can, and does, lead to a misunderstanding of the practices and institutions – called empires generally, as if they were the same – that dominated in Asia and the Americas in the period. A group of six invited scholars examine different aspects of contact between Europeans and Asians, which stretched from cooperation to conflict.
The Landscape of Sexual Harm in the Video Game, Streaming, and Esports Community
Authors: Merry Oliver J. , Whitfield Kate C.
Published: August 2024

While sexual harm has been studied across a range of contexts, it has not yet been considered within the video game, streaming, and esports community. This study aimed to explore the landscape of sexual harm in this community, specifically, where it has been committed by esports professionals and video game live streamers. Fifty-five victim statements were extracted from online sources (such as Twitter/X and Reddit) and coded into variables relating to offender and victim demographics, offense characteristics, the offense process, and platform(s) used. Descriptive statistics were generated for each variable and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to examine the differences between adult-on-adult and adult-on-child cases. The findings reveal diverse offense outcomes across the sample, ranging from rape to sexual communication with a child. Some offense patterns can be seen in wider sexual offending literature, such as pre-offense alcohol consumption, offending against incapacitated victims (e.g., sleeping), and offending within an established romantic relationship. However, several offense process characteristics unique to the video gaming community were identified. These included offenders using their position of fame within the community to access victims and bypass the need for other coercive behaviors. Online offenses were more common with children and offenders demonstrated a preference for “live” methods, such as voice chat and video calling, rather than instant messaging or sharing images of themselves. This limits the digital evidence left behind and indicates the offenders’ greater technological literacy. The study’s findings shed light on the sexual harm that exists within this previously unexplored context and highlight areas where esports organizations, live-streaming platforms, and educational providers can do more to safeguard players, fans, and viewers in this community.
A development of collegial supervision model through gallery walk and virtual community to improve teacher's ability
Authors: Menda Febi Eldami , Dwikurnaningsih Yari
Published: August 2024

Generally, the Principal's supervision activities have yet to run optimally due to their many duties and responsibilities. This study aims to develop a model of collegial supervision through a gallery walk by forming a virtual community. This Research and Development study involves 8 Principals, 16 expert teachers, and 32 supervised teachers. It employed interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and documentation studies in its data collection. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model; meanwhile, the quantitative data were analyzed through quantitative–descriptive techniques with averages and percentages. The product of this research was the Virtual Community and Gallery Walk in Collegial Supervision (VGC) supervision model, consisting of designs of the collegial supervision model along with descriptions of the stages of supervision using the virtual community and gallery walk methods and guidelines for their use. Product validation and testing results showed that the VGC Supervision Model was feasible, applicable to education, and could effectively improve teachers’ abilities. This product could be used in a place with a stable signal, using the device or gadgets, and having skills in using information technology.
Aerodynamic noise characteristics of tandem cylinders in a subcritical flow regime
Authors: MG Arun , Jothi T. J. S.
Published: August 2024

The present experimental study investigates the noise generated from the subcritical flow past two tandem circular cylinders of different downstream-to-upstream diameter ratios ( d 2 /d 1). The configurations considered for the study are (A) d 2 /d 1 = 1, (B) d 2 /d 1 = 2.5 and (C) d 2 /d 1 = 0.4. The gap between cylinders has spacing to diameter ratios ( s/d) of 2 and 4, and the free stream Reynolds numbers vary from 8.4 × 103 to 3.6 × 104. At s/d = 2, acoustic tones from configurations A and B are associated with vortex shedding from the downstream cylinder, and configuration-C has broadband spectral variations. At s/d = 4, configuration-B has two acoustic tones corresponding to vortex shedding from both cylinders, with dominant higher-frequency tones from the smaller upstream cylinder, and Configuration-C has narrowband tones from the larger upstream cylinder. The mean wake velocities of configurations at s/d = 4 are lower, with relatively higher gradients than at s/d = 2. The corresponding turbulence levels are 8.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Peak tonal frequencies have a linear variation with free stream velocity, and the respective Strouhal numbers estimated are in the range from 0.17 to 0.20. Scaling of the spectra with sixth power of the free stream velocity shows the dipole behavior of noise sources. The tandem configurations have higher overall noise levels than the background noise by up to 26 dB at s/d = 2 and 21 dB at s/d = 4. Configuration-A at s/d = 2 has the highest noise level of 91 dB.
Which Golden Rule of Ethics?
Authors: Villarán Alonso
Published: August 2024

The golden rule says: ‘Treat others as you want to be treated’. This article organizes contemporary interpretations of the rule into three groups: the ‘material’ golden rule, the ‘relativistic’ golden rule, and the ‘formal’ golden rule. The article also argues that (a) the relativistic golden rule is the weakest, (b) the formal golden rule is virtually irrefutable, (c) the material golden rule is less evident than the formal one, but not necessarily false and (d) the formal golden rule and the material golden rule are not incompatible—they can complement each other. This assumes that the substantive assumptions of the material golden rule are real.