bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic and Magnetocaloric Properties of C56 like-Fullerene Structure: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Idrissi S. , Jabar A. , Bahmad L.
Published: June 2024

We explored the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the C56 Fullerene-like system formed by the mixed spins 2 and 3/2. We applied Monte Carlo simulations using the Metropolis algorithm and show the effects of different physical parameters. We also established the ground state phase diagrams, at zero reduced temperature, in different planes formed by the reduced external magnetic field, the reduced coupling interaction between the mixed spins, and the reduced crystal field. We found that the total magnetizations predict a specific reduced critical temperature value, confirmed by the peaks observed in the magnetic susceptibilities. To elucidate the behavior of the magnetic entropy changes -ΔSm, of the C56 system, for several external magnetic field values we show that the reduced critical temperature value tC increases when increasing the reduced external magnetic field. In addition, we show the dependency of the maximum “magnetic entropy change” as a function of the reduced external magnetic field. We found an almost linear increase for this parameter when increasing the reduced external magnetic field values. The obtained hysteresis cycles of the studied system showed a decreasing effect of the reduced crystal field followed by a decrease of the magnetic hysteresis surface cycles, as well as the corresponding reduced coercive magnetic field values.
Five‐Year Risk of Cardiovascular Events after Transient Ischemic Attack: Results from a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Ildstad Fredrik , Wethal Torgeir , Ellekjær Hanne , Lydersen Stian , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Indredavik Bent
Published: June 2024

Objectives. There are few contemporary, prospective studies reporting on the long‐term risk of stroke and other cardiovascular (CV) events after transient ischemic attack (TIA). The primary aim was to examine the risk of new CV events within 5 years after TIA. The secondary aim was to identify baseline predictors of long‐term CV events, including inflammatory biomarkers in a subgroup analysis. Materials and Methods. In a prospective, multicenter study, we enrolled 577 TIA patients between 2012 and 2014. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and CV death. We used data from the Norwegian Cardiovascular Disease Registry. In a subgroup of 112 patients, blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers. Results. The primary outcome occurred in 108 patients (18.7%), of which 69 patients (12.0%) had a stroke. Sixty‐one (56.5%) of the events occurred during year two through five. Increasing age (HR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.08), male sex (HR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.16‐2.85), hypertension (HR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.04‐2.67), and acute infarction on brain imaging (HR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.17‐2.91) were significant predictors for the primary outcome. In the subgroup analysis, none of the blood inflammatory biomarkers were associated with CV events. Conclusions. The risk of CV events was highest during the first year after TIA, with a lower but sustained risk throughout the follow‐up. This emphasizes the importance of both early initiation of and long‐term continuation of secondary preventive treatment after TIA. Inflammatory biomarkers are probably not important as prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease in TIA patients.
Developing a Ship Collision Risk Assessment Model with Internal and External Factors: Focused on South Korea Maritime Environment
Authors: Park Sangwon , Yeo Jiho , Lee Kyonghan
Published: June 2024

Maritime collisions pose significant risks, prompting the need for robust risk assessment models to enhance safety measures. This study endeavors to develop a comprehensive ship collision risk model reflecting the intricate marine traffic environment in South Korea. Through a survey of experienced maritime personnel and a random forest model analysis, an evaluation model integrating internal and external factors was devised. Internal factors were determined through conjoint analysis, emphasizing encounter relationships, separation distance, and vessel speed. External risk factors were established using a random forest model based on historical collision data. The model’s efficacy was then applied to and validated in the vicinity of Busan Port, a region with complex marine traffic. The resulting risk map highlighted high‐risk areas, offering valuable insights for risk management and policy formulation. This model provides a foundational framework for maritime safety policy decisions, representing a significant contribution to collision risk assessment methodologies.
Leverage of Matricaria chamomilla L. Oil Supplementation over Ochratoxin A in Growing Quails
Authors: Mohamed Reda S. , Attia Adel I. , El-Mekkawy Mohamed M. , Ismail Fawzy S. A. , Salah Ayman S. , Nicotra Mario , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Alagawany Mahmoud
Published: June 2024

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the mycotoxins in the agriculture and livestock sectors. The poultry sector suffered from significant economic losses due to the adverse impacts of OTA on the growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and livability. Thus, the present investigation aimed to determine the impact of chamomile essential oil supplementation against OTA toxicity in growing quails. 360 one‐week‐old growing quails were distributed into six groups (n = 60) with four replicates of 15 birds. The groups were G1 (control negative), G2 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet, control positive), G3 (chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), G4 (chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet), G5 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), and G6 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet). Adding OTA significantly (P < 0.05) reduced live body weight and weight gain at 5 weeks. Feed intake at 5 weeks was nonsignificantly reduced in G3 and G4 compared to G1. G4 showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio. The G2 showed the lowest superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione transferase (GST) activity, and the highest levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, they showed a significant improvement in liver enzymes and kidney function tests and a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Chamomile supplementation alone or with OTA significantly (P < 0.05) increased immunoglobulin M, G, A, and complement 3 than OTA alone. Chamomile oil with an OTA diet or alone reduced the negative effects of OTA and improved the performance, antioxidant status, lipid profile, and immunological state of growing Japanese quails.
MYTX-011: A pH-Dependent Anti–c-MET Antibody–Drug Conjugate Designed for Enhanced Payload Delivery to c-MET–Expressing Tumor Cells
Authors: Gera Nimish , Fitzgerald Kyle M. , Ramesh Vijay , Patel Purvi , Kanojia Deepak , Colombo Federico , Kien Lena , Aoyama Simon , Xu Lihui , Jean Jussekia , Deshpande Amit M. , Comb William C. , Chittenden Thomas , Fiske Brian P.
Published: June 2024

Advances in linker payload technology and target selection have been at the forefront of recent improvements in antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) design, leading to several approvals over the last decade. In contrast, the potential of novel ADC technologies to enhance payload delivery to tumors is relatively underexplored. We demonstrate that incorporation of pH-dependent binding in the antibody component of a c-mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET)–targeting ADC (MYTX-011) can overcome the requirement for high c-MET expression on tumors, an innovation that has the potential to benefit a broader population of patients with lower c-MET levels. MYTX-011 drove fourfold higher net internalization than a non–pH-engineered parent ADC in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and showed increased cytotoxicity against a panel of cell lines from various solid tumors. A single dose of MYTX-011 showed at least threefold higher efficacy than a benchmark ADC in mouse xenograft models of NSCLC ranging from low to high c-MET expression. Moreover, MYTX-011 showed improved pharmacokinetics over parent and benchmark ADCs. In a repeat dose toxicology study, MYTX-011 exhibited a toxicity profile similar to other monomethyl auristatin E–based ADCs. These results highlight the potential of MYTX-011 for treating a broader range of patients with NSCLC with c-MET expression than other c-MET–targeting ADCs. A first-in-human study is ongoing to determine the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of MYTX-011 in patients with NSCLC (NCT05652868).
Abstract A025: KAT6A/B and Menin-MLL complexes coordinately regulate estrogen receptor-driven gene expression programs in breast cancer
Authors: Olsen Sarah Naomi , Anderson Bryn , Hatton Charles , Jeselsohn Rinath , Brown Myles , Toska Eneda , Armstrong Scott
Published: June 2024

This abstract is being presented as a short talk in the scientific program. A full abstract is printed in the Proffered Abstracts section (PR012) of the Conference Program/Proceedings.

Citation Format: Sarah Naomi Olsen, Bryn Anderson, Charles Hatton, Rinath Jeselsohn, Myles Brown, Eneda Toska, Scott Armstrong. KAT6A/B and Menin-MLL complexes coordinately regulate estrogen receptor-driven gene expression programs in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Expanding and Translating Cancer Synthetic Vulnerabilities; 2024 Jun 10-13; Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A025.
Abstract IA010: Targeting genome instability in cancer: Translating synthetic lethal biology into the clinic
Authors: Zinda Michael
Published: June 2024

Membrane-associated tyrosine- and threonine-specific Cdc2-inhibitory kinase (PKMYT1) is a cell cycle regulatory kinase that inhibits CDK1/CyclinB activity, delaying entry into mitosis in tumor cells experiencing replication stress (RS). RS is frequently induced by genetic alterations that drive premature transition from G1 to S phase, promoting genome instability and creating a synthetic lethal (SL) relationship between these specific alterations and PKMYT1 inhibition. This relationship has been demonstrated preclinically and clinically with CCNE1 amplification as well as FBXW7 and PPP2R1A deleterious mutations. These genetic alterations are common across a range of tumors including ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers. On this basis, we developed lunresertib (RP-6306), a first-in-class, potent and selective oral PKMYT1 inhibitor currently being investigated in phase I clinical trials (NCT04855656, NCT05147272, NCT05147350). Here we discuss the translation of pre-clinical data to the clinical setting as both monotherapy and mechanistic combinations approaches.

Citation Format: Michael Zinda. Targeting genome instability in cancer: Translating synthetic lethal biology into the clinic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Expanding and Translating Cancer Synthetic Vulnerabilities; 2024 Jun 10-13; Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA010.
Uso abusivo de inalantes
Authors: Souza Alexandre Rodrigues de , Panizza Helena , Magalhães Juliana Gallottini
Published: June 2024

Inhalants include any gaseous, liquid and even solid substances at room temperature or under heating, that are easily volatilized, and used in such physical states for recreational purposes. It is a global problem, as children and adolescents often use them abusively, since these substances are widely and easily available in common products. Their gases and vapors enter the body through inhalation, and can be extremely harmful to the user, as they act on various organs and tissues, promoting acute toxicity, which in extreme cases can result in death. Furthermore, the chronic use has been correlated with the development of deleterious changes that increase the odds of developing chronic and degenerative diseases. Given that Brazil is one of the countries with the highest incidence of these substances abuse, and taking into account the little attention given to this matter, we decided to write this article for a better understanding of the consequences of inhalant abuse.
Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Transcatheter Release of Stuck Mechanical Mitral Valve With Cerebral Embolic Protection
Authors: Nandhakumar Vasu , Kalidoss Latchumanadhas , Ezhilan Janakiraman , Begam Shahina , Ajit Mullasari S.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Surgery or fibrinolysis is the currently available evidence-based treatment for obstructive mechanical valve thrombus. We reported the feasibility and short-term outcomes of percutaneous transcatheter therapy with cerebral embolic protection. Mid- and long-term outcomes remain unknown.

METHODS:

From 2020 to 2023, 24 patients underwent percutaneous transcatheter release of stuck leaflets with cerebral embolic protection for obstructive mitral mechanical valve thrombus. The indications for the transcatheter therapy were failed fibrinolysis, contraindications for fibrinolysis, not willing for fibrinolysis, or high risk for surgery. The study participants were followed up for a median period of 344.50 (65.00–953.75) days.

RESULTS:

Technical success was achieved in 91.67% (n=22) of procedures. During the follow-up, 12.50% (n=3) all-cause death, 4.17% (n=1) stroke, and 16.67% (n=4) recurrence were seen. The mean survival time free from death was 1101.48 (95% CI, 929.49–1273.47) days, stroke was 1211.38 (95% CI, 1110.40–1312.35) days, and recurrence was 907.71 (95% CI, 760.20–1055.21) days.

CONCLUSIONS:

Transcatheter release of the stuck mitral mechanical valve with cerebral embolic protection is an alternative therapy with promising mid-term outcomes where surgery or fibrinolysis is not possible or in failed fibrinolysis subsets.
Large Language Model Instruction Following: A Survey of Progresses and Challenges
Authors: Lou Renze , Zhang Kai , Yin Wenpeng
Published: June 2024

Task semantics can be expressed by a set of input-output examples or a piece of textual instruction. Conventional machine learning approaches for natural language processing (NLP) mainly rely on the availability of large-scale sets of task-specific examples. Two issues arise: First, collecting task-specific labeled examples does not apply to scenarios where tasks may be too complicated or costly to annotate, or the system is required to handle a new task immediately; second, this is not user-friendly since end-users are probably more willing to provide task description rather than a set of examples before using the system. Therefore, the community is paying increasing interest in a new supervision-seeking paradigm for NLP: learning to follow task instructions, that is, instruction following. Despite its impressive progress, there are some unsolved research equations that the community struggles with. This survey tries to summarize and provide insights into the current research on instruction following, particularly, by answering the following questions: (i) What is task instruction, and what instruction types exist? (ii) How should we model instructions? (iii) What are popular instruction following datasets and evaluation metrics? (iv) What factors influence and explain the instructions’ performance? (v) What challenges remain in instruction following? To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey about instruction following.1
Edge-centric network control on the human brain structural
network
Authors: Sun Huili , Rosenblatt Matthew , Dadashkarimi Javid , Rodriguez Raimundo , Tejavibulya Link , Scheinost Dustin
Published: June 2024

Network control theory models how gray matter regions transition between cognitive states through associated white matter connections, where controllability quantifies the contribution of each region to driving these state transitions. Current applications predominantly adopt node-centric views and overlook the potential contribution of brain network connections. To bridge this gap, we use edge-centric network control theory (E-NCT) to assess the role of brain connectivity (i.e., edges) in governing brain dynamic processes. We applied this framework to diffusion MRI data from individuals in the Human Connectome Project. We first validate edge controllability through comparisons against null models, node controllability, and structural and functional connectomes. Notably, edge controllability predicted individual differences in phenotypic information. Using E-NCT, we estimate the brain’s energy consumption for activating specific networks. Our results reveal that the activation of a complex, whole-brain network predicting executive function (EF) is more energy efficient than the corresponding canonical network pairs. Overall, E-NCT provides an edge-centric perspective on the brain’s network control mechanism. It captures control energy patterns and brain-behavior phenotypes with a more comprehensive understanding of brain dynamics.
The contribution of the vascular architecture and cerebrovascular reactivity to the BOLD signal formation across cortical depth
Authors: Roefs Emiel C.A. , Schellekens Wouter , Báez-Yáñez Mario G. , Bhogal Alex A. , Groen Iris I.A. , van Osch Matthias J.P. , Siero Jeroen C.W. , Petridou Natalia
Published: June 2024

Assessment of neuronal activity using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) is confounded by how the cerebrovascular architecture modulates hemodynamic responses. To understand brain function at the laminar level, it is crucial to distinguish neuronal signal contributions from those determined by the cortical vascular organization. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the purely vascular contribution in the BOLD signal by using vasoactive stimuli and compare that with neuronal-induced BOLD responses from a visual task. To do so, we estimated the hemodynamic response function (HRF) across cortical depth following brief visual stimulations under different conditions using ultrahigh-field (7 Tesla) functional (f)MRI. We acquired gradient-echo (GE)-echo-planar-imaging (EPI) BOLD, containing contributions from all vessel sizes, and spin-echo (SE)-EPI BOLD for which signal changes predominately originate from microvessels, to distinguish signal weighting from different vascular compartments. Non-neuronal hemodynamic changes were induced by hypercapnia and hyperoxia to estimate cerebrovascular reactivity and venous cerebral blood volume (CBVvO2). Results show that increases in GE HRF amplitude from deeper to superficial layers coincided with increased macrovascular CBVvO2. CBVvO2-normalized GE-HRF amplitudes yielded similar cortical depth profiles as SE, thereby possibly improving specificity to neuronal activation. For GE BOLD, faster onset time and shorter time-to-peak were observed toward the deeper layers. Hypercapnia reduced the amplitude of visual stimulus-induced signal responses as denoted by lower GE-HRF amplitudes and longer time-to-peak. In contrast, the SE-HRF amplitude was unaffected by hypercapnia, suggesting that these responses reflect predominantly neurovascular processes that are less contaminated by macrovascular signal contributions.
Dissociating Cerebellar Regions Involved in Formulating and Articulating Words and Sentences
Authors: Parker Jones Oiwi , Geva Sharon , Prejawa Susan , Hope Thomas M. H. , Oberhuber Marion , Seghier Mohamed L. , Green David W. , Price Cathy J.
Published: June 2024

We investigated which parts of the cerebellum are involved in formulating and articulating sentences using (i) a sentence production task that involved describing simple events in pictures; (ii) an auditory sentence repetition task involving the same sentence articulation but not sentence formulation; and (iii) an auditory sentence-to-picture matching task that involved the same pictorial events and no overt articulation. Activation for each of these tasks was compared to the equivalent word processing tasks: noun production, verb production, auditory noun repetition, and auditory noun-to-picture matching. We associate activation in bilateral cerebellum lobule VIIb with sequencing words into sentences because it increased for sentence production compared to all other conditions and was also activated by word production compared to word matching. We associate a paravermal part of right cerebellar lobule VIIIb with overt motor execution of speech, because activation was higher during (i) production and repetition of sentences compared to the corresponding noun conditions and (ii) noun and verb production compared to all matching tasks, with no activation relative to fixation during any silent (nonspeaking) matching task. We associate activation within right cerebellar Crus II with covert articulatory activity because it activated for (i) all speech production more than matching tasks and (ii) sentences compared to nouns during silent (nonspeaking) matching as well as sentence production and sentence repetition. Our study serendipitously segregated, for the first time, three distinct functional roles for the cerebellum in generic speech production, and it demonstrated how sentence production enhanced the demands on these cerebellar regions.
Exploring publication networks with a local cohesion-maximizing algorithm
Authors: Held Matthias , Gläser Jochen
Published: June 2024

Global algorithms have taken precedence in bibliometrics as approaches to the reconstruction of topics from networks of publications. They partition a large set of publications, and the resulting disjoint clusters are then interpreted as individual topics. This is at odds with a sociological understanding of topics as formed by the participants working on and being influenced by them, an understanding that is best operationalized by algorithms prioritizing cohesion rather than separation, by using local information and by allowing topics to overlap. Thus, a different kind of algorithm is needed for topic reconstruction to be successful. Local algorithms represent a promising solution. In this paper, we present for consideration a new Multilayered, Adjustable, Local Bibliometric Algorithm (MALBA), which is in line with sociological definitions of topics and reconstructs dense regions in bibliometric networks locally. MALBA grows a subgraph from a publications seed by either interacting with a fixed network data set or querying an online database to obtain up-to-date linkage information. New candidates for addition are evaluated by assessing the links in two data models. Experiments with publications on the h-index and with ground truth data positioned in a data set of AMO physics illustrate the properties of MALBA and its potential.
An annotated catalog of Evanioidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from China
Authors: LI YICHENG , HE YANBIAO , CHEN HUAYAN
Published: June 2024

The taxonomy of the superfamily Evanioidea from China has long been neglected, and the current status of their classification inhibits further research on their biology. This catalog updates and documents the genus- and species-level taxonomy for both extant and extinct species of the superfamily Evanioidea recorded from China, while providing information on type depositories and distributional data. Results from an extensive review of literatures, including host records and taxonomic notes, are also provided. A total of 84 extant (plus 59 fossil) species and 7 extant (plus 17 fossil) genera within six families of Evanioidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from China are recognized as valid.
Frontline Professionals in the Wake of Social Media Scrutiny: Examining the Processes of Obscured Accountability
Authors: Karunakaran Arvind
Published: June 2024

Professional accountability is considered important to the legitimacy and survival of a profession. Prior research has examined the role of top-down scrutiny by audiences, such as supervisors, regulators, and certification agencies, in improving professional accountability. But the advent of social media platforms has increasingly enabled the bottom-up scrutiny of professionals—especially professionals on the front line—by audiences such as customers and the public. In this research, I examine how and when bottom-up scrutiny through social media (hereafter, social media scrutiny) impacts the accountability of frontline professionals. Conducting an ethnography of 911 emergency management organizations, I find that social media scrutiny of 911 call-takers—the frontline professionals in this setting—can obscure rather than improve professional accountability. I elaborate on how, why, and under what conditions social media scrutiny pushes frontline professionals to deviate from their mandate, which, in turn, obscures their sense of professional accountability. These processes also generate spillover effects on the everyday work and mandate of downstream professionals (e.g., 911 dispatchers, police officers), producing a cascading set of unintended consequences that further obscures accountability for multiple actors across the professional ecosystem.
Half-Inch Monolithic Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer: A Study of Polarized Raman Spectra of Organic Liquids and Instrumental Performance
Authors: Kelly Evan M. , Egan Miles J. , Colόn Arelis , Angel S. Michael , Sharma Shiv K.
Published: June 2024

Raman spectroscopy allows for the unambiguous identification of materials through the inelastic scattering of light. This technique has a great many uses in various aspects of society from academic, scientific, and industry. This paper explores a specific type of Raman spectrometer called a spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRSy), which is a variation of an interferometric spectrometer. It utilizes a Michelson interferometer and replaces the mirrors with gratings that transform it from a time-domain spectrometer to a spatial-domain spectrometer, allowing for the entirety of the spectrum to be captured at once. This study specifically tests a half-inch two-grating monolithic SHRS (½-in. 2g-mSHRS), which has a weight of <60 g and a size of 2.2 × 2.2 × 1.3 cm. To do this we excite a variety of organic liquids with a 532 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed laser, using an excitation energy of 6.5 mJ/pulse and distance of 3 m in conjunction with an intensified charge-coupled device camera. This is the first time that the SHRS has been used for investigating polarized Raman spectra of liquids. We discuss and contrast the instrumental properties such as resolution, spectral range, étendue, and field of view with previously tested mSHRS to give context to the instrument's performance.
Participating By Choice or Command? When Ideals of Stakeholder Engagement Clash With a Prevailing Strategy Discourse
Authors: Pietilä Heli , Laari-Salmela Sari , Puhakka Vesa
Published: June 2024

Extant studies on stakeholder engagement have noted the inherent tensions arising from participation efforts, giving rise to the dark side of engagement. However, few studies have focused on organizational power relations that provide specific conditions for engagement and the related paradox that control represents. Drawing on strategy discourse and paradox as theoretical lenses, we examine engagement as a nexus of observed societal expectations, subjectivities provided by the strategy discourse, and the subject positions adopted by the individuals, giving rise to a contradiction between openness and control. As a result, we present three modes of participation: inclusion, admittance, and quasi-participation. We contribute to stakeholder engagement and paradox literature by outlining the “engagement-control paradox” and showing how the prevailing strategy discourse may drive the use of participation as a form of control. Maintaining different modes of participation introduces inadvertent closure for participation and hinders strategy-making and the development of the organization.
An Investigation of the Compatibility of Baha’i Views with Religious Diversity
Authors: Gloeckner Cory D. , Beyers Jaco
Published: June 2024

The Baha’i faith is a relatively new religion that has quickly gained popularity over the past century. Its main theological concepts include progressive revelation and religious unity, and perhaps its most important goal is unity among all humans, which takes the form of a single religion and eventually leads to a single peaceful society. Such a destination would first require interreligious dialogue and the acceptance of truth in many world religions at present, according to Baha’i teachings. Ideas of religious diversity have already spread among some Theocentric theologians, which leads us to question if such views are compatible with Baha’i doctrine on religious unity. This study investigates how the Baha’i faith promotes concepts of religious diversity in order to achieve its eventual goal of religious and societal unity, and whether Baha’i teachings are truly compatible with pluralism.

The conclusions of this study reveal that while Baha’is promote the concept of religious diversity today, their eventual goal is not compatible with pluralism. Because pluralism implies the existence of multiple religions that share truth, its outcome is different from a single, worldwide religion. Theocentric ideas encourage diversity, but do not specify a formal outcome, which means that interreligious dialogue and acceptance of truth in many faiths could lead to pluralism or unity. Therefore, Theocentric theology does not necessarily disagree with Baha’i goals or the concept of pluralism due to a lack of specificity.

This study is significant as our societies become more globalized, such that the coexistence of religions is becoming more critical. The Baha’i faith’s strong focus on religious unity sets it apart from religions that are traditionally exclusive. An analysis of such a religion that emphasizes interreligious dialogue and encourages cultural fusion is therefore essential for our understanding of interactions between religions in a multicultural society.
The Concept of Creatures’ Freedom in Process Theology: A Study on David Ray Griffin's Contributions
Authors: Kim Kyungrae
Published: June 2024

This document delves into the realms of Process Theology, especially emphasizing David Ray Griffin's pivotal role in reshaping our understanding of the divine. Rejecting the classical depiction of God as an omnipotent and omniscient entity, it advocates for a portrayal of God as deeply involved in the evolutionary process of the universe. This approach marks a significant shift from traditional theism, proposing instead a reciprocal relationship between God and creation, where influence is mutual rather than one-directional. Process theology is notable for its application of process philosophy, which views the universe as a series of ephemeral 'actual occasions'. These instances embody the interplay between being shaped by past events and navigating towards future self-determination. Griffin’s introduction of panexperientialism further extends this narrative, suggesting that all entities, however simple, engage in a form of experiential existence, thereby challenging the traditional binaries of consciousness and volition. The relationship between the characteristics of the divine and the freedom afforded to creatures is carefully examined. Griffin posits a God whose modus operandi is relational and evolutionary, promoting a model of divine interaction that favors persuasion over coercion. This innovative perspective sheds light on the nature of theodicy, portraying a God who empathizes with the plight of creatures, thus affirming the significance of free will and the capacity for goodness amidst challenges. Griffin's rendition of Process Theology offers a refreshing narrative that reconciles the presence of evil with a benevolent divine essence, presenting God as an integral part of creation's fabric. It paints a universe where divine love, creaturely autonomy, and the complexities of existence are closely knit, offering a hopeful and empathetic view on the divine's role in the cosmic saga.
“Madre infelice, corro a salvarti!”: Restaurazione del melodramma e complessità della Storia in Senso di Visconti
Authors: Marini Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Il saggio si occupa di Senso, una delle opere cruciali della filmografia di Luchino Visconti. Il suo obbiettivo è mettere in rilievo come il ricorso alla tradizione estetica (teatrale, musicale, figurativa) sia il principale strumento utilizzato dall’autore per sostenere una posizione storiografica e politica: un assunto ben consolidato, eppure ancora meritevole di attenzione ermeneutica. Il processo di adattamento, nel caso di Senso, salda infatti due operazioni: la piena restaurazione di un immaginario melodrammatico e la ricostruzione del contesto storico, rivisto gramscianamente in prospettiva attualizzante. Del melodramma ottocentesco, oltre che un consistente apparato tematico, Visconti recupera infatti sulla scorta di Gramsci anche la rilevante funzione pubblica e identitaria, con evidenti allusioni alle dinamiche politiche della contemporaneità. È soprattutto l’inserimento nella parte iniziale del film di una consistente sezione del Trovatore verdiano a mettere in rilievo le linee guida della strategia ermeneutica perseguita nell’adattamento. Proprio ricorrendo a Verdi, Visconti intende infatti mettere in luce il carattere semplificatorio che segna la retorica di un Risorgimento visto come percorso idealizzato e unitario di sacrificio e liberazione, rimuovendone dinamiche conflittuali e interessi di classe capaci di condizionare, nei fatti, l’intero percorso di liberazione nazionale.
Credit Quality and Credit Risk: A Rigorous Walkthrough
Authors: Bajaj Richa Verma , Gupta Soumya
Published: June 2024

This article provides an insight into the quality of credit portfolio of banks for the period from 2007–2008 to 2020–2021. The objective is to study the transition of public sector and private sector banks in India from standardised approach (SA) to internal rating-based (IRB) approach of credit risk. The overall structure of the article gives clear insight into why it is important for the banks to improve credit portfolio quality, considering default and recovery risk estimates, which in turn affect the returns of the bank. The study concludes that there is a need to improve credit quality of banks in India with a focus on small banks in public sector and large banks in private sector, as these banks are saddled with high defaults. Low rate of recovery in small banks in public sector and private sector adds to credit loss severity and high risk weights for the banks in IRB regime. However, the recent merger of the public sector banks, considering asset quality concerns, is still an unanswered question.

JEL Codes: G010, G210, G320, G330
Extrusion foaming of Poly(lactic acid)/Rice straw composites: Opposing effects of eco-friendly physical/chemical treatment and compatibilization methods
Authors: Jafari Aidin , Asheghi-Oskooee Reza , Hemmati Farkhondeh , Mohammadi-Roshandeh Jamshid
Published: June 2024

In this study, the effects of two environmentally-friendly pulping methods along with two different reactive compatibilization methods on the foamability of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/rice straw (RS) biocomposites have been investigated. RS as an annually renewable agricultural waste is low-cost and available. Melt-compounding and melt-foaming processes were performed through a twin-screw extrusion processing. The correlations between processing and microstructure were studied. The findings show that the RS pulping with sodium bicarbonate (SB) solution leads to the lignocellulosic particles with a porous structure. The structure causes the filler/matrix mechanical engagement and improves the interfacial adhesion and rheological properties, hence forming smaller cells with the narrowest cell size distribution. In contrast, applying ultrasound waves on the RS pulp brings the particles to very smooth surfaces. These surfaces have the highest activity at the cell nucleation stage and considerably increase the foam’s cell density. The reactive compatibilizers based on epoxy and maleic anhydride groups show opposing effects on the biocomposite microstructure, depending on the RS pulp type. The use of the reactive compatibilizers in the PLA/RS pulp treated with SB led to lighter foams with larger cells and higher cell densities and void fractions. Whereas the incorporation of the compatibilizers into the biocomposites containing RS pulp treated with SB and ultrasonic waves resulted in noticeably lower cell density and larger foam density. The extruded biocomposite foams with closed-cell microstructure can be used in insulation and packaging applications.
The Relationship Between Severity of Disability and Segregated Placements for Students With Complex Support Needs
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Hicks Tyler A. , Shogren Karrie A. , Zagona Alison L. , Jameson J. Matt , Jackson Lewis , Agran Martin , Ryndak Diane
Published: June 2024

Most students with complex support needs are taught in separate special education classrooms; one reason is teams that inappropriately use the intensity of support needs as the basis for placement in more restrictive placements. This study used Bayesian multilevel modeling to determine whether the intensity of student support needs predicted educational placement and the extent to which educational placement mediated the relationship between student support needs and outcomes for a sample of 98 elementary students with complex support needs. Findings suggest that students with more intensive support needs were more likely to be placed in more restrictive placements and those restrictive placements predicted lower outcomes. Implications for research and practice related to placement decisions are included.
Motor Strategies: The Role of Active Behavior in Spatial Hearing Research
Authors: Valzolgher Chiara
Published: June 2024

When completing a task, the ability to implement behavioral strategies to solve it in an effective and cognitively less-demanding way is extremely adaptive for humans. This behavior makes it possible to accumulate evidence and test one’s own predictions about the external world. In this work, starting from examples in the field of spatial hearing research, I analyze the importance of considering motor strategies in perceptual tasks, and I stress the urgent need to create ecological experimental settings, which are essential in allowing the implementation of such behaviors and in measuring them. In particular, I will consider head movements as an example of strategic behavior implemented to solve acoustic space-perception tasks.
A Multi-Level Model of Institutional Innovation and Knowledge Creation Capabilities: Insights From the Development of Taiwan’s Nation Health Insurance
Authors: Fang Shih-Chieh , Yang Chen-Wei
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a multi-level model of institutional innovation in the healthcare sector—in other words, field-level institutional change pressures that start as network-level institutional innovation by hospitals and government for their organizational performance, with an emphasis on the effect of organizational-level construct-knowledge creation capabilities. A case study using in-depth interviews and a historical inquiry approach has been used to qualitatively analyze our cases during the development of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI). Our results propose a multi-level explanation of institutional innovation by showing how field-level institutional change pressures can stimulate the government’s institutional innovation at the network level. Moreover, knowledge creation capabilities may positively influence the government hospitals’ ongoing institutional change pressures induced institutional innovation activity for their performance at the organizational level in an institutional setting. This study contributes to health organization management researchers and administrators by developing explanations of institutional innovation and creating a much-needed multi-level insight into hospital behavior in the highly institutionalized healthcare sector.
Same News Frames, Different Issues: Issue Familiarity and Dynamic Framing Effects
Authors: Shehata Adam , Glogger Isabella , Djerf-Pierre Monika , Zuiderveld Maria , Åhrén Christina , Hedenus Fredrik
Published: June 2024

This study addresses how issue familiarity conditions longitudinal news framing effect dynamics. Comparing how the economic consequences frame impacts interpretation of two global problems—antimicrobial resistance and climate change—we study longitudinal effects across two similar issues varying significantly in salience and politicization, focusing on how various effect dynamics (single, repetitive, and counter-framing exposure) influence citizens’ beliefs over time. A longitudinal experiment conducted with a probability-recruited sample in Sweden ( N = 1,956) reveals (1) clear framing effects for both issues, (2) dynamics driven primarily by recency mechanisms, and (3) that individual differences in baseline belief certainty condition news framing effects. In sum, while the same news frame can have very similar effects on different issues, the findings suggest a “dual role” of issue familiarity, potentially conditioning the specific longitudinal effect dynamics, on the one hand, and effect susceptibility, on the other hand.
The Influence of Eudaimonic Entertainment Experiences on Political Information Processing and Engagement
Authors: Bartsch Anne , Schneider Frank M. , Leonhard Larissa , Sukalla Freya , Kloß Andrea
Published: June 2024

Can entertainment serve as a gateway to political interest and participation? In this paper, we examine the specific case of eudaimonic entertainment experiences (i.e., meaningful, moving, and thought-provoking entertainment experiences). To systematically analyze the influence of experiential and contextual factors associated with eudaimonic entertainment on political information processing, issue interest, and participation intentions, we conducted three experiments. Study 1 replicated positive effects of affective factors (arousal, negative valence, mixed affect, empathy, and feeling moved) on reflective thoughts, issue interest, and political participation intentions. Study 2 found positive associations of perceived personal relevance with reflective thoughts, issue interest, and political participation intentions. Study 3 found negative effects of absorption of cognitive resources on reflective thoughts, issue interest, and political participation intentions. The experimental variation of cognitive resources in Study 3 also allowed us to observe a reverse causal effect of reflective thoughts on affective factors.
“Salute the strivers”: China’s Internet giant founders and the discursive construction of overwork
Authors: Yang Yi , Jiao Fang
Published: June 2024

Scholarly inquiry into labor issues in the digital industry has primarily centered on workers, with less attention devoted to employers, or entrepreneurs. Turning the scrutiny toward tech entrepreneurs, this article reports the results from a critical discourse analysis of how China’s Internet giant founders are participating in the construction of a long-hours culture through discourse practices. It uncovers that the default assumptions related to tech work, tech workers, and tech firms are carefully designed, taught, and cultivated by tech founders to sustain the exploitative and unsustainable mode of technical production. Situated at the historical juncture of China’s “great reversal” since late 2020, this research examines the dynamic and uneven triangular relationship among the state, entrepreneurs, and workers in technical production. It enriches the analysis of entrepreneurial discourse in the digital industry beyond the Euro-American context and reflects on entrepreneurs’ ambivalent power in late-developing nations.
A unified theoretical model for understanding mobile application usage behavior supported with real usage data
Authors: Tas Nurullah , Huseynov Farid , Kose Busra Ozdenızcı
Published: June 2024

Technological advancements have added numerous features to smartphones, enhancing our daily lives through various apps. But with so many apps out there, picking the right one can be tough. Plus, developing an app requires a lot of money and time, risking losses if it doesn't attract users. This study looks into how users are influenced by others’ opinions and experiences when choosing and sticking with an app. Three theories–Social Impact Theory (SIT), Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM), and Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2)–are combined to explain the process from download to continued use. Real mobile app usage data was analyzed. Results from 912 surveys and 87 real usage records show that people are swayed by download numbers, star ratings, and user satisfaction. The number of sources, immediacy, and power affect social impact. Social impact, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, price, habit, and confirmation also influence continued use intention. On average, people spend 2197 s daily on smartphones. Tools & Productivity is the most popular category, with an average of 29 apps used daily. These apps have 100M + downloads on average and a 4-star rating. The findings offer valuable insights for developers and marketers on what makes an app preferable and actively used among many choices.
The Health Impact of Waiting for Elective Procedures in the NHS in England: A Modeling Framework Applied to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Gibbs Naomi Kate , Griffin Susan , Gutacker Nils , Villaseñor Adrián , Walker Simon
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to demonstrate a practical framework that can be applied to estimate the health impact of changes in waiting times across a range of elective procedures in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. We apply this framework by modeling 2 procedures: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and total hip replacement (THR).

Methods

We built a Markov model capturing health pre- and postprocedure, including the possibility of exiting preprocedure to acute NHS care or self-funded private care. We estimate the change in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over a lifetime horizon for 10 subgroups defined by sex and Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile groups and for 7 alternative scenarios. We include 18 wk as a baseline waiting time consistent with current NHS policy. The model was populated with data from routinely collected data sets where possible (Hospital Episode Statistics, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, and Office for National Statistics Mortality records), supplemented by the academic literature.

Results

Compared with 18 wk, increasing the wait time to 36 wk resulted in a mean discounted QALY loss in the range of 0.034 to 0.043 for CABG and 0.193 to 0.291 for THR. The QALY impact of longer NHS waits was greater for those living in more deprived areas, partly as fewer patients switch to private care.

Discussion/Conclusion

The proposed framework was applied to 2 different procedures and patient populations. If applied to an expanded group of procedures, it could provide decision makers with information to inform prioritization of waiting lists. There are a number of limitations in routine data on waiting for elective procedures, primarily the lack of information on people still waiting.

Highlights

We present a modeling framework that allows for an estimation of the health impact (measured in quality-adjusted life-years) of waiting for elective procedures in the NHS in England. We apply our model to waiting for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and total hip replacement (THR). Increasing the wait for THR results in a larger health loss than an equivalent increase in wait for CABG. This model could potentially be used to estimate the impact across an expanded group of procedures to inform prioritization of activities to reduce waiting times.