bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statin use in relation to long-term survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Holmberg Dag , Kauppila Joonas H. , Asplund Johannes , Leijonmarck Wilhelm , Mattsson Fredrik , Lagergren Jesper
Published: March 2024

Background

Studies have suggested that medication with statins improves survival in patients with gastric cancer, but methodological issues have limited the interpretability and prohibited conclusive results. We aimed to provide valid evidence as to whether statin use improves survival of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This nationwide and population-based cohort study included virtually all patients who underwent curatively intended surgery (gastrectomy) for gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden between 2006 and 2015 with follow-up throughout 2019 for disease-specific mortality and 2020 for all-cause mortality. Data came from medical records and national healthcare registries. The exposure was statin use during the year prior to gastrectomy which was compared to no such use during the same period. The outcomes were 5-year disease-specific mortality (main) and 5-year all-cause mortality (secondary). Multivariable Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, sex, education, calendar year, comorbidity, low-dose aspirin use, tumour sublocation, pathological tumour stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, annual surgeon volume, and surgical radicality.

Results

Among 1515 participating patients, the mean age was 69 years and 58.4% were men. Statin use, identified in 399 (26.3%) patients, was not associated with any statistically significantly decreased 5-year disease-specific mortality (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82–1.21) or 5-year all-cause mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.79–1.12). No risk reductions were found across subgroups of age, sex, aspirin user status, or tumour stage, or in patients with long-term preoperative of postoperative use of statins, all with point estimates close to 1.

Conclusions

Perioperative use of statins does not seem to improve the 5-year survival in patients who undergo gastrectomy with curative intent for gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden.
Semi-purified Antimicrobial Proteins from Oyster Hemolymph Inhibit Pneumococcal Infection
Authors: Summer Kate , Liu Lei , Guo Qi , Barkla Bronwyn , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: March 2024

Pneumococcal infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly among children. The ability of S. pneumoniae to form enduring biofilms makes treatment inherently difficult, and options are further limited by emerging antibiotic resistance. The discovery of new antibiotics, particularly those with antibiofilm activity, is therefore increasingly important. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) from marine invertebrates are recognised as promising pharmacological leads. This study determined the in vitro antibacterial activity of hemolymph and unique protein fractions from an Australian oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) against multi-drug-resistant S. pneumoniae. We developed a successful method for hemolymph extraction and separation into 16 fractions by preparative HPLC. The strongest activity was observed in fraction 7: at 42 µg/mL protein, this fraction was bactericidal to S. pneumoniae and inhibited biofilm formation. Proteomic analysis showed that fraction 7 contained relatively high abundance of carbonic anhydrase, cofilin, cystatin B–like, and gelsolin-like proteins, while surrounding fractions, which showed lower or no antibacterial activity, contained these proteins in lower abundance or not at all. This work supports traditional medicinal uses of oysters and contributes to further research and development of novel hemolymph/AMP-based treatments for pneumococcal infections.
Real-time system call-based ransomware detection
Authors: Chew Christopher Jun Wen , Kumar Vimal , Patros Panos , Malik Robi
Published: March 2024

Ransomware, particularly crypto ransomware, has emerged as the go-to malware for threat actors aiming to compromise data on Android devices as well as in general. In this paper, we present a ransomware detection technique based on behaviours observed in the system calls performed by the malware. We first describe our repeatable and extensible methodology for extracting the system call log and patterns. We then identify and present some common high-level system call behavioural patterns exhibited by crypto ransomware, and evaluate these patterns. We further describe the implementation of a streaming implementation that utilises regular expressions for modelling malware behaviours and finite state machines for detecting crypto ransomware behaviours in real time. The success of our proof of concept evaluation allows us to envision our proposed technique applied as part of a self-protection system on Android phones against malware.
AutoPKI: public key infrastructure for IoT with automated trust transfer
Authors: Höglund Joel , Bouget Simon , Furuhed Martin , Preuß Mattsson John , Selander Göran , Raza Shahid
Published: March 2024

IoT deployments grow in numbers and size, which makes questions of long-term support and maintainability increasingly important. Without scalable and standard-compliant capabilities to transfer the control of IoT devices between service providers, IoT system owners cannot ensure long-term maintainability, and risk vendor lock-in. The manual overhead must be kept low for large-scale IoT installations to be economically feasible. We propose AutoPKI, a lightweight protocol to update the IoT PKI credentials and shift the trusted domains, enabling the transfer of control between IoT service providers, building upon the latest IoT standards for secure communication and efficient encodings. We show that the overhead for the involved IoT devices is small and that the overall required manual overhead can be minimized. We analyse the fulfilment of the security requirements, and for a subset of them, we demonstrate that the desired security properties hold through formal verification using the Tamarin prover.
A Finite Element Model to Investigate the Stability of Osteochondral Grafts Within a Human Tibiofemoral Joint
Authors: Day Gavin A. , Jones Alison C. , Mengoni Marlène , Wilcox Ruth K.
Published: March 2024

Osteochondral grafting has demonstrated positive outcomes for treating articular cartilage defects by replacing the damaged region with a cylindrical graft consisting of bone with a layer of cartilage. However, factors that cause graft subsidence are not well understood. The aim of this study was to develop finite element (FE) models of osteochondral grafts within a tibiofemoral joint, suitable for an investigation of parameters affecting graft stability. Cadaveric femurs were used to experimentally calibrate the bone properties and graft-bone frictional forces for use in corresponding image-based FE models, generated from µCT scan data. Effects of cartilage defects and osteochondral graft repair were measured by examining contact pressure changes using further in vitro tests. Here, six defects were created in the femoral condyles, which were subsequently treated with osteochondral autografts or metal pins. Matching image-based FE models were created, and the contact patches were compared. The bone material properties and graft-bone frictional forces were successfully calibrated from the initial tests with good resulting levels of agreement (CCC = 0.87). The tibiofemoral joint experiment provided a range of cases that were accurately described in the resultant pressure maps and were well represented in the FE models. Cartilage defects and repair quality were experimentally measurable with good agreement in the FE model pressure maps. Model confidence was built through extensive validation and sensitivity testing. It was found that specimen-specific properties were required to accurately represent graft behaviour. The final models produced are suitable for a range of parametric testing to investigate immediate graft stability.
“If you don’t actually care for somebody, how can you help them?”: Exploring Young People’s Core Needs in Mental Healthcare—Directions for Improving Service Provision
Authors: Lynch Louise , Moorhead Anne , Long Maggie , Hawthorne-Steele Isobel
Published: March 2024

Youth suicide and mental health are important issues of global concern that require timely and evidence-based interventions to increase quality of life and prevent deaths. Findings report that young people have lower mental health help-seeking rates, and there is a lack of qualitative research examining why. The aim of this research study was to further understanding on young people’s core needs in mental healthcare based on actual experiences (PLE) of help-seeking with providers of mental health services. Constructivist Grounded Theory methods (Charmaz, 2014) informed this study design, and in-depth interviews and a focus group were conducted with 18 young people. The findings were presented across four sub-categories, which together describe the common factors, that are regarded as essential in youth mental healthcare provision. These include: 1. The services; 2. The helper; 3. The interventions, and 4. The impact of development. Critical discussion into young people’s needs in mental healthcare was provided including the key service factors, approach and rapport with helpers, types of intervention and alignment with typical developmental capacity. This article provides guidance on how to improve, design, or reform service provision, and can be a useful resource for policy makers, service providers and practitioners. This study concluded that youth participation in the co-design of service provision is important as it can reduce health disparities and ensure that services provide relevant, respectful and suitable care that reflects the way in which young people experience mental health problems as well as the ways in which they want to be helped.
Do emojis really help us to communicate better? Investigating instructor credibility, students’ learning motivation, and performance
Authors: Sia Joseph Kee-Ming , Hii Ivy S. H. , Jong Ling , Low Wai Wah
Published: March 2024

Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the role of emojis in interpretation, impression, perceptions, personality and relationship building. However, in the higher education sector, few studies have examined how emojis influence the learning motivation and performance of students. Using the theories of source credibility and stimulus organism response, a model was created to explain how the emojis used in text-based electronic-mediated communication (TEMC) impact instructor credibility, learning motivation, and learning performance. Data obtained from students (N = 348) indicates that the use of emojis in TEMC affects their perceptions of instructor credibility (expertise, trustworthiness, likability) and learning motivation. Furthermore, perceived instructor credibility was found to mediate the relationship between the use of emojis in TEMC and students’ learning motivation. Finally, the study also demonstrates that students’ learning motivation significantly enhances their learning performance. The research findings illustrate the importance of emoji use in TEMC between instructors and students in enhancing students’ learning motivation and performance at higher education institutions (HEIs). The findings have significance for instructors and HEIs who engage in TEMC with students. This paper also discusses the implications and limitations of the study, along with potential future research.
Technology adoption, innovation policy and catching-up.
Authors: Jiménez Juan R. Perilla , Ziesemer Thomas H. W.
Published: March 2024

A model is proposed where economic growth is driven by innovation alongside the diffusion and adoption of technology from the frontier. Innovation investments are related to households savings, which generates multiple equilibria with low and high levels of innovation and productivity. Low-level equilibria are unstable. Starting from a position with low levels of investment and innovation, increasing investments are associated with high but decreasing dependence on international technology diffusion. A major objective of policy-making is to increase investment sufficiently in the lower end to reach the high-level steady state. An economic rationale is provided for the existence of productivity improving equilibria, where distance to the frontier is reduced based on a tax and subsidy mechanism designed to boost innovation and speed up catching-up.
High resolution dynamic ultrasound atlas of embryonic and fetal development of the common marmoset
Authors: Soman Rohan R. , Fabiszak Margaret M. , McPhee Michael , Schade Peter , Freiwald Winrich , Brivanlou Ali H.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) provides an ideal model to study early development of primates, and an in vivo platform to validate conclusions from in vitro studies of human embryos and embryo models. Currently, however, no established staging atlas of marmoset embryonic development exists. Using high-resolution, longitudinal ultrasound scans on live pregnant marmosets, we present the first dynamic in vivo imaging of entire primate gestation beginning with attachment until the last day before birth.

Methods

Our study unveils the first dynamic images of an in vivo attached mammalian embryo developing in utero, and the intricacies of the delayed development period unique to the common marmoset amongst primates, revealing a window for somatic interventions.

Results

Established obstetric and embryologic measurements for each scan were used comparatively with the standardized Carnegie staging of human development to highlight similarities and differences. Our study also allows for tracking the development of major organs. We focus on the ontogeny of the primate heart and brain. Finally, input ultrasound images were used to train deep neural networks to accurately determine the gestational age. All our ultrasounds and staging data recording are posted online so that the atlas can be used as a community resource toward monitoring and managing marmoset breeding colonies.

Conclusion

The temporal and spatial resolution of ultrasound achieved in this study demonstrates the promise of noninvasive imaging in the marmoset for the in vivo study of primate-specific aspects of embryonic and fetal development.
What can be learned from using participatory landscape scenarios in Rio Doce State Park, Brazil?
Authors: Carvalho Ribeiro Sónia , Fereira Erika , Paula Luiz Gustavo , Rodrigues Ramon , Drumond Maria Auxiliadora , Purcino Henrique , Oliveira Brayan , Moreira Vinicios , Monteiro Adriana , Fonseca Braulio , Almeida Natália , O’Riordan Tim , Azevedo Úrsula , Conti Alfio , Barbosa Paulina
Published: March 2024

Context

The goal of this work is to describe and explain the conditions that trigger, enable or prevent the implementation of preferred land uses by local communities.

Objective

The questions this paper addresses are as follows: Is there a set of preferred scenarios for land use change? What triggers, enables and prevents the implementation of preferred land uses? What did we learn by using participatory landscape scenarios?

Methods

In order to answer the research questions, we synthesize knowledge from a long-term case study in the buffer zone of the Rio Doce State Park in Brazil by (1) Developing participatory landscape scenarios and spatially explicit models for exploring desirable futures and associated land uses, as seen by local communities; (2) Explaining the conditions that trigger, enable or prevent the implementation of preferred landscape scenarios; and (3) Synthesizing knowledge on research and practice for working towards preferred land use changes.

Results

Preferred scenarios for land use change are agroforestry, animal husbandry, tourism and conservation. Although there is biophysical potential and funding available through multiple social and environmental programs, the Rio Doce State Park’s institutional setting is confusing. Although preferred land use scenarios will likely be implemented, participatory landscape approaches require a new, strategic role and leadership by regional institutions. Universities need to bring in social theories and institutional analysis to educate a new generation of landscape stewards.

Conclusion

We highlight the role of more responsive social agents and their representative institutions, including the changing role of university-based research and practice for working towards sustainable landscape outcomes.
Multi-sensory learning framework for visually impaired learners: Use of 3D, haptic, audio, olfactory media
Authors: Chit Su Mon , Yap Kian Meng , Ahmad Azlina
Published: March 2024

Visually impaired (VI) people encounter difficulties in their regular activities including learning. Providing them equal opportunity is crucial, especially in virtual learning environment (VLE), as limited applications are available. A variety of technology-assisted and non-technology-assisted tools are available for the VI to assist in their daily activities. However, VI learners do not use virtual learning applications due to rich media involvement, which is unsuitable for them. Haptic or sense of touch is one of the technologies useful in VLE for VI learners. It can be used with audio sense and olfactory as additional senses to enhance the learning experience. This research aims to design a learning framework to develop a virtual learning environment for the VI learner. The study aims to design a framework to develop an application for the VI in a VLE, and validate the framework by conducting usability testing. The questionnaire for adult VI was adopted from the USE questionnaire, which tests the Usability, Satisfaction as well as Ease of Use, and Ease of Learning of the application. Questionnaire for children VI tested the application's effectiveness, operability, efficiency, and satisfaction. A total of 26 VI participated, and 21 of them are VI adults while 5 are VI children. Based on the usability with VI adults, average ratings are above 5 out of 7, and for the usability testing with VI children, average ratings are 3.7 and above out of 5. Hence, the rating obtained from usability tests were above average. The research was solely based on the Malaysian context and used only one haptic device. Thus, different haptic devices can be used to compare their effectiveness. The research can also be enhanced in other countries for learners with disabilities such as deaf, blind, and mute learners in learning calligraphy-based languages.
Accelerating randomized image secret sharing with GPU: contrast enhancement and secure reconstruction using progressive and convolutional approaches
Authors: M Raviraja Holla , D Suma , Pais Alwyn R.
Published: March 2024

Image Secret Sharing (ISS) is a cryptographic technique used to distribute secret images among multiple users. However, current Visual Secret Sharing (VSS) schemes produce a halftone image with only 50% contrast when reconstructing the original image. To overcome this limitation, the Randomized Image Secret Sharing (RISS) scheme was introduced. RISS achieves a higher contrast of 70% when extracting the secret image but comes with a high computational cost. This research paper presents a novel approach called Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based Randomized Image Secret Sharing (GRISS), which utilizes data parallelism within the RISS pipeline. The proposed technique also incorporates an Autoencoder-based Single Image Super-Resolution (ASISR) to enhance the contrast of the recovered image. The performance of GRISS is evaluated against RISS, and the contrast of the ASISR images is compared to current benchmark models. The results demonstrate that GRISS outperforms state-of-the-art models in both efficiency and effectiveness.
Workflow-Induced Uncertainty in Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping
Authors: Zhang Steven E. , Lawley Christopher J. M. , Bourdeau Julie E. , Nwaila Glen T. , Ghorbani Yousef
Published: March 2024

The primary goal of mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) is to narrow the search for mineral resources by producing spatially selective maps. However, in the data-driven domain, MPM products vary depending on the workflow implemented. Although the data science framework is popular to guide the implementation of data-driven MPM tasks, and is intended to create objective and replicable workflows, this does not necessarily mean that maps derived from data science workflows are optimal in a spatial sense. In this study, we explore interactions between key components of a geodata science-based MPM workflow on the geospatial outcome, within the modeling stage by modulating: (1) feature space dimensionality, (2) the choice of machine learning algorithms, and (3) performance metrics that guide hyperparameter tuning. We specifically relate these variations in the data science workflow to the spatial selectivity of resulting maps using uncertainty propagation. Results demonstrate that typical geodata science-based MPM workflows contain substantial local minima, as it is highly probable for an arbitrary combination of workflow choices to produce highly discriminating models. In addition, variable domain metrics, which are key to guide the iterative implementation of the data science framework, exhibit inconsistent relationships with spatial selectivity. We refer to this class of uncertainty as workflow-induced uncertainty. Consequently, we propose that the canonical concept of scientific consensus from the greater experimental science framework should be adhered to, in order to quantify and mitigate against workflow-induced uncertainty as part of data-driven experimentation. Scientific consensus stipulates that the degree of consensus of experimental outcomes is the determinant in the reliability of findings. Indeed, we demonstrate that consensus through purposeful modulations of components of a data-driven MPM workflow is an effective method to understand and quantify workflow-induced uncertainty on MPM products. In other words, enlarging the search space for workflow design and experimenting with workflow components can result in more meaningful reductions in the physical search space for mineral resources.
Stability of Fractional Reaction-Diffusion Memristive Neural Networks Via Event-Based Hybrid Impulsive Controller
Authors: Wang Huiyu , Liu Shutang , Wu Xiang , Sun Jie , Qiao Wei
Published: March 2024

This article explores the asymptotic stability of fractional delayed memristive neural networks with reaction-diffusion terms. A novel hybrid impulsive controller triggered by a specific event is proposed to stabilize the network, thereby replacing the conventional approach of modifying network parameters. The proposed controller is proven to prevent Zeno behavior. Sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of fractional delayed memristive neural networks with reaction-diffusion terms are established through Lyapunov direct method, inequality techniques, Green’s theorem and impulse analysis. Furthermore, the proposed controller is theoretically shown to be more resource-efficient than the conventional one, and our work extends existing research to make it more suitable for practical application such as pattern recognition, image processing and so on. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the validity of the findings.
Measuring vulnerability to assess households resilience to flood risks in Karonga district, Malawi
Authors: Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono , Manda Mtafu , Ngongondo Cosmo
Published: March 2024

Many parts of Malawi are prone to natural hazards with varying degrees of risk and vulnerability. This study aimed at obtaining baseline data for quantifying vulnerability of the households to flood risks in Karonga District in northern Malawi, specifically in Group Village Headman Matani Mwakasangila of Traditional Authority Kilupula. The study used cross-sectional survey, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. This study applied Flood Vulnerability Index and statistical methods to quantify and analyse vulnerability of households in the aspects of exposure, susceptibility and resilience characteristics. Proportional Odds Model also known as Ordered Logistic Regression was used to identify factors that determine vulnerability of households to flood risks. The results show that households headed by females and elders of age (at least 61 years) were the most vulnerable to floods because of their limited social and livelihood capacities, resulting from being uneconomically active group. Households with houses built of mud, thatched and very old with no protective account for high vulnerability due to the fact that most of them are constructed using substandard materials. The level of vulnerability was increasing with an increase in the number of households exposed and susceptible to floods. With an increase in resilience to floods, vulnerability level was decreasing. The results further revealed a predictive margins of vulnerability levels which were not significantly different among the villages. However, villages with more exposed, susceptible and not resilience households were most vulnerable to floods. This study recommends that vulnerability assessment should be included in Disaster Risk Reduction planning and implementation in order to make DRR more efficient and realistic. This would further strengthen the disaster risk management to be more proactive as well as increase resilience of households to flood risks.
Exploring the role of big data analytics and dynamic capabilities in ESG programs within pharmaceuticals
Authors: Pesqueira Antonio , Sousa Maria José
Published: March 2024

Achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Using the Millennium Development Goals, the 2030 agenda aims to transform European Union companies toward sustainability. In pharmaceuticals, in particular, ESG programs come with complexities such as employee skills, corporate goals, and management expectations. Managing these programs effectively requires advanced technologies such as big data analytics (BDA) and dynamic capabilities (DC). In this study, DC theory is used to develop an architecture for managing ESG criteria, focusing on provenance, traceability, and availability. BDA’s role in ESG programs is explored, along with its use cases and benefits, and how DC drives success in ESG implementation. The study examined five pharmaceutical companies in Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland, all consulting the same firm for BDA systems, to identify the characteristics of effective BDA implementation. The research explores how BDA and DC jointly enhance ESG efforts, the essential skills needed, and how DC aids in real-time decision-making in BDA projects aligned with ESG standards. It highlights the BDA system’s accuracy and effectiveness in managing ESG programs, with DC as a pivotal facilitator. Findings reveal BDA’s value in operational efficiency and aligning business models with ESG goals, underscoring the need for diverse skills in BDA implementation and DC’s importance in integrating various managerial capacities into effective strategies. The study promotes a dynamic, data-driven approach in the pharmaceutical industry for managing complex ESG initiatives. It stresses continuous learning, adaptation, and integrating technological advances with ethical business practices. The research concludes by emphasizing BDA and DC’s vital roles in advocating ethical, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable practices in the pharmaceutical sector, marrying technology with ethical business strategies.
Detection of malicious URLs using machine learning
Authors: Reyes-Dorta Nuria , Caballero-Gil Pino , Rosa-Remedios Carlos
Published: March 2024

The detection of fraudulent URLs that lead to malicious websites using addresses similar to those of legitimate websites is a key form of defense against phishing attacks. Currently, in the case of Internet of Things devices is especially relevant, because they usually have access to the Internet, although in many cases they are vulnerable to these phishing attacks. This paper offers an overview of the most relevant techniques for the accurate detection of fraudulent URLs, from the most widely used machine learning and deep learning algorithms, to the application, as a proof of concept, of classification models based on quantum machine learning. Starting from an essential data preparation phase, special attention is paid to the initial comparison of several traditional machine learning models, evaluating them with different datasets and obtaining interesting results that achieve true positive rates greater than 90%. After that first approach, the study moves on to the application of quantum machine learning, analysing the specificities of this recent field and assessing the possibilities it offers for the detection of malicious URLs. Given the limited available literature specifically on the detection of malicious URLs and other cybersecurity issues through quantum machine learning, the research presented here represents a relevant novelty on the combination of both concepts in the form of quantum machine learning algorithms for cybersecurity. Indeed, after the analysis of several algorithms, encouraging results have been obtained that open the door to further research on the application of quantum computing in the field of cybersecurity.
Autohydrolysis treatment of bamboo and potassium oxalate (K2C2O4) activation of bamboo product for CO2 capture utilization
Authors: Viet Dang Duc , Thao Doan Thi , Anh Khuong Duy , Tsubota Toshiki
Published: March 2024

Typically, the hydroxide agents, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, which have corrosive properties, are used in the carbon activation process. In this study, potassium oxalate (K2C2O4), a less toxic and non-corrosive activating reagent, was used to synthesize activated carbon from the solid residue after autohydrolysis treatment. The effect of the autohydrolysis treatment and the ratio of the K2C2O4/solid residue are presented in this study. Moreover, the comparison between the activated carbon from bamboo and biochar from the solid residue are also reported. The resulting activated carbon from the solid residue exhibited a high surface area of up to 1432 m2·g−1and a total pore volume of up to 0.88 cm3·g−1. The autohydrolysis treatment enhanced the microporosity properties compared to those without pretreatment of the activated carbon. The microporosity of the activated carbon from the solid residue was dominated by the pore width at 0.7 nm, which is excellent for CO2storage. At 25 °C and 1.013 × 105Pa, the CO2captured reached up to 4.1 mmol·g−1. On the other hand, the ratio between K2C2O4and the solid residue has not played a critical role in determining the porosity properties. The ratio of the K2C2O4/solid residue of 2 could help the carbon material reach a highly microporous textural property that produces a high carbon capture capacity. Our finding proved the benefit of using the solid residue from the autohydrolysis treatment as a precursor material and offering a more friendly and sustainable activation carbon process.
How Not to Diversify Philosophy of Religion: A Critique from the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Stepien Rafal K.
Published: March 2024

Philosophy of religion has been the object of penetrating critiques concerning its continued near-complete blindness to all but a single religion. The need for philosophy of religion to open up so as to include more than merely occasional and tokenistic treatments of ‘Other’ religions is clearly evident from the slew of recently published titles concerned with diversifying the field. In this light, a book such as Victoria Harrison’s Eastern Philosophy of Religion should surely come as a welcome addition. And yet, unfortunately, this book turns out to be a case study in how not to diversify philosophy of religion in the twenty-first century.
Evolution and trends of the metaverse in business and management: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Piñeiro-Chousa Juan , López-Cabarcos M. Ángeles , VittoriRomero Valentín , Pérez-Pérez Aurora
Published: March 2024

The Metaverse is an immersive digital environment that enables users, through avatars, to create worlds, objects, and interact with each other for various purposes. Furthermore, its significance in Business and Management is increasingly evident. The objective of this research is to examine the evolution, trends, and research approaches related to the Metaverse in the field of Business and Management. This study presents a comprehensive contextualization and bibliometric analysis of the existing literature in this area. In the contextualization phase, publications per year, citations received per year, most cited publications, and languages used in publications were examined. These analyses provided an overview of the temporal evolution of research, influential publications, and language diversity in the field of Business and Management. Subsequently, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using Co-citation, Bibliographic coupling, and Co-occurrence of author keywords. These analyses helped identify relationships between scientific works, thematic connections, and collaborations among researchers in the studied field. The use of the Web of Science database ensured the quality and comprehensiveness of the collected data, while the Vosviewer tool facilitated efficient visualization and analysis of the results. The findings of this study provide a detailed understanding of the research landscape in Business and Management, revealing key areas of focus, significant contributions, and existing collaboration networks. These insights can be valuable for researchers, professionals, and regulators in the field of Business and Management.
HMGA1 regulates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Xinwei , Lu Qianqian , Li Xiaohua , Shan Hongying
Published: March 2024

High mobility group protein AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), an architectural transcription factor, has previously been reportedto play an essential role in architectural remodeling processes. However, its effects on cardiovascular diseases, particularly sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, have remained unclear. The study aimed to investigate the role of HMGA1 in lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiomyopathy. Mice subjected to lipopolysaccharide for 12 h resulted in cardiac dysfunction. We used an adeno-associated virus 9 delivery system to achieve cardiac-specific expression of the HMGA1 gene in the mice. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were infected with Ad-HMGA1 to overexpress HMGA1 or transfected with si-HMGA1 to knock down HMGA1. Echocardiography was applied to measure cardiac function. RT-PCR was used to detect the transcriptional level of inflammatory cytokines. CD45 and CD68 immunohistochemical staining were used to detect inflammatory cell infiltration and TUNEL staining to evaluate the cardiomyocyte apoptosis, MitoSox was used to detect mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, JC-1 was used todetect Mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings revealed that the overexpression of HMGA1 exacerbated myocardial inflammation and apoptosis in response to lipopolysaccharide treatment. Additionally, we also observed that H9c2 cardiomyocytes with HMGA1 overexpression exhibited enhanced inflammation and apoptosis upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide for 12 h. Conversely, HMGA1 knockdown in H9c2 cardiomyocytes attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis. Further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects showed that HMGA1 promoted lipopolysaccharide-induced mitochondrial-dependent cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The study reveals that HMGA1 worsens myocardial inflammation and apoptosis in response to lipopolysaccharide treatment. Mechanically, HMGA1 exerts its effects by regulating the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway.
Comments on Sociology in a New Key by Helmut Staubmann
Authors: Lidz Victor
Published: March 2024

Helmut Staubmann argues in his new book that sociological theory should acknowledge its overemphasis on the normative regulation of social relationships and institutions and provide appropriate attention to the expressive and aesthetic aspects of social life. With many illustrations, he demonstrates that the expressive aspect is present in almost all interaction and, moreover, important institutions, such as museums and concert venuses, operate to give popular access to highly salient aesthetic experiences. Staubmann also provides an unparalleled overview of past literature addressing the expressive/aesthetic aspect of social life. The present comments add suggestions about how, given the complexity of the problem, the expressive/aesthetic elements of interaction.
$$L^p_{loc}$$ Positivity Preservation and Liouville-Type Theorems
Authors: Bisterzo Andrea , Farina Alberto , Pigola Stefano
Published: March 2024

On a complete Riemannian manifold (M, g), we consider$$L^{p}_{loc}$$Llocpdistributional solutions of the differential inequality$$-\Delta u + \lambda u \ge 0$$-Δu+λu≥0with$$\lambda >0$$λ>0a locally bounded function that may decay to 0 at infinity. Under suitable growth conditions on the$$L^{p}$$Lpnorm ofuover geodesic balls, we obtain that any such solution must be nonnegative. This is a kind of generalized$$L^{p}$$Lp-preservation property that can be read as a Liouville-type property for nonnegative subsolutiuons of the equation$$\Delta u \ge \lambda u$$Δu≥λu. An application of the analytic results to$$L^{p}$$Lpgrowth estimates of the extrinsic distance of complete minimal submanifolds is also given.
Backdraft in Self-Compassion: An Overlooked Yet Vital Research Focus
Authors: Cai Ru Ying
Published: March 2024

Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness, understanding, and forgiveness that one would typically offer a friend in times of suffering or adversity. While self-compassion has shown consistent benefits in research and therapy, including psychological and physical health benefits, some individuals practicing it may initially encounter adverse reactions known as “backdraft.” Backdraft has been theorized to be an inevitable part of healing and recovery from past hurts and trauma. However, empirical studies specifically examining backdraft experiences in the context of self-compassion are lacking. This commentary argues that integrating broader literature outside of self-compassion is crucial for advancing our understanding of the causes of backdraft and identifying practices to alleviate it. Specifically, ideas drawn from traditional Buddhist practices and phenomena conceptually similar to backdraft, such as fear of self-compassion from compassion-focused therapy and adverse effects of meditation practices used in mindfulness-based interventions, should be considered. This commentary concludes that there is an urgent need to establish a clear definition of backdraft. This may promote empirical investigations of the backdraft experiences arising from self-compassion interventions. Only through empirical research can we better understand this backdraft phenomenon, with the ultimate goal of reducing short- and long-term harm and improving the efficacy of self-compassion programs.
Clinical experience of consolidative radiotherapy for localized metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who showed favorable tumor response after systemic treatment
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Kim Sun Myung , Hwang Jeongeun , Yang Dae Sik
Published: March 2024

Background

Our study has aimed to assess the effects of consolidative high-dose radiotherapy on clinical outcomes in patients with localized metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who showed favorable tumor response after systemic treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 83 patients with localized metastatic NSCLC, who received systemic therapy followed by consolidative local radiotherapy at the Korea University Guro Hospital between March 2017 and June 2022. In the current study, we defined localized metastatic disease as the presence of one to three metastatic sites at the time of diagnosis. And patients who showed favorable tumor response after systemic treatment, including oligo-progressive disease at the thoracic site which was amenable to curative high-dose local radiotherapy, were included. The planned total dose and fraction size mainly depended on the location of lesions.

Results

The median follow-up time after consolidative radiotherapy was 16 months (range: 5–52 months). The overall 2-year progression-free survival rates were 81.4%. Of 83 patients, only four (4.3%), treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, showed an in-field local recurrence. Interestingly, only one patient experienced a local failure among the 20 patients who showed an oligo-progressive disease at the thoracic site on the tumor response evaluation after systemic treatment. Regarding treatment-related pulmonary toxicity, three patients with grade-3 and one patient with grade-4 radiation pneumonitis were presented.

Conclusions

If the disease is sufficiently controlled and localized by systemic therapy, local consolidative radiotherapy is thought to improves local control rates with acceptable treatment-related toxicities in patients with localized metastatic NSCLC, especially those with oligo-progressive disease.
Empowering Rural Revitalization: Unleashing the Potential of E-commerce for Sustainable Industrial Integration
Authors: Chen Man , Long Yun’an
Published: March 2024

The rural revitalization strategy has spotlighted the agricultural industry as a pivotal avenue for national development. E-commerce, as a novel business paradigm, presents both opportunities and challenges to this sector’s evolution. This study endeavors to navigate the trajectory of e-commerce within rural revitalization by amalgamating literature review and case analyses. It seeks to uncover the sales channels offered by e-commerce platforms for agricultural products, subsequently elevating the value proposition of these products and propelling rural economic growth. Findings underscore the pivotal role of e-commerce in rural revitalization. Leveraging e-commerce platforms to bolster the agricultural industry presents innovative avenues and strategies. Nonetheless, challenges loom over these platforms, encompassing issues related to agricultural product quality, logistics, and distribution. Thus, a strategic imperative emerges to fortify logistics infrastructure, enhance agricultural product quality, institute robust personnel training initiatives, and catalyze e-commerce advancements to foster the revitalization and expansion of the agricultural sector.
Addressing Wicked Problems (SDGs) Through Community Colleges: Leveraging Entrepreneurial Leadership for Economic Development Post-COVID
Authors: Steidle Samantha Bryant , Glass Christopher , Rice Macie , Henderson Dale A
Published: March 2024

This qualitative case study aims to explore community colleges’ role in addressing wicked problems of economic development post-COVID through entrepreneurial leadership. The key research question is, “How do entrepreneurial leaders describe the role of community colleges in addressing wicked problems of economic development post-COVID.” The study interviewed 28 entrepreneurial leaders regarding the role(s) of community colleges in addressing wicked problems of economic development. The study addresses a critical gap in the literature. Researchers have yet to explore the role of associate degree-granting institutions, namely community colleges. Notably, the over 1200 U.S. community colleges serve nearly 12 million or half of America’s students (American Association of Community Colleges, 2011). From a theoretical perspective, the study leverages complexity science, complex adaptive systems, and systemic innovation to address wicked problems of economic development. Future researchers can build on these theoretical insights for future studies across many disciplines.

The results provide ten key roles community colleges can potentially take on as economic development partners, making them ideal institutions to serve as incubators of post-COVID recovery. They include revitalizing communities post-COVID, performing post-COVID business triage, modeling sustainability, creating jobs, championing entrepreneurship-led economic development, increasing tax revenue, pipelining talent, supporting talent retention, supporting main street businesses, and reducing entrepreneurial risks. Researchers recommend that policymakers and other funders allocate funding to help community colleges address wicked problems through systemic innovation labs (I-Labs). Interestingly, the roles identified appear to be moderated by proximity and trust.
Synthesis, characterization of KAlPO4F and its application for methyl violet adsorption
Authors: Bagtache R. , Trari M.
Published: March 2024

KAlPO4F was prepared hydrothermally at 453 K, a time-saving method using cheap reagents. The white solid was characterized by different methods such as powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, SEM and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance. The compound was successfully tested for the removal of methyl violet (MV), a hazardous dye. Experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, initial concentration, temperature and pH. The amount of dye uptake was found to vary with increasing initial solution pH and maximum adsorption was observed at pH 10; the equilibrium was attained in 270 min. The amount of dye uptake (mg/g) was found to increase with increase in dye concentration and contact time. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to fit the experimental data to elucidate the kinetic adsorption. The pseudo-second-order model was the best to describe the adsorption process. Different models analyzed the equilibrium isotherms; the applicability for the experimental data follows the order: Freundlich > Langmuir > Temkin. The thermodynamic parameters: ΔH° (39.034 kJ mol−1), ΔS° (134 J K−1 mol−1) and ΔG° (− 367.01 J mol−1) indicated that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous with increasing disorder at the solid–solution interface.
The Price of History-Independent Strategies in Games with Inter-Temporal Externalities
Authors: Tsodikovich Yevgeny , Venel Xavier , Zseleva Anna
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we compare the value of zero-sum stochastic games under optimal strategies (that are, for single-controller stochastic games, stationary) to the commonly used time-independent strategies (“static strategies”). Our findings are summarized in a series of theorems which provide the lower bound on the optimality of the static strategy under different assumptions. These bounds can be used to assess whether the additional computational complexity is worth the extra payoff gain or, symmetrically, assess the price of playing sub-optimal but simple strategies when stationary ones are forbidden.