bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence
Authors: Zhang Chenyang
Published: June 2023

Evidence is a topic we would like to spend a large number of pages to introduce. China’s civil litigation evidence system is featured by highly distinctive characteristics from basic concepts to specific rules. For example, the Chinese law emphasizes the principle of “the burden of proof lies with the party asserting a proposition”; the parties should collect evidence on their own as far as possible, rather than relying on the other party to provide evidence. For another example, compared with the witness testimony, the Chinese law attaches more importance to the documentary evidence. On the basis of these characteristics, we strive to comb through and introduce China’s civil litigation evidence system as comprehensively as possible. First, we will introduce some basic systems, including standard of proof, burden of proof, time limit for presenting evidence, and self-admission system. Second, we will introduce some specific types of evidence that readers may be interested in, including witness testimony, secret recording, and evidence from the Internet and social media. Under the Chinese law, the admissibility, probative force, evidence collection and application methods of such evidence all have their own distinctive characteristics, and therefore will be introduced in more detail. Third, we will introduce, in addition to presentation of evidence by the parties, other evidence systems, including technical examination officer, expert opinions/appraisal and examination, evidence investigation and collection by the court, evidence preservation by the court, and evidence presentation order. The parties may, when encountering difficulties in presenting evidence on their own, consider using these systems to obtain evidence or shift the burden of proof. At last, how to keep evidence confidential in litigation is also a highly practical question frequently asked by our peers. We would like to share our thoughts on this issue in the last section of this chapter.
Class Action in China?—Representative Litigation
Authors: Zhang Chenyang
Published: June 2023

In China, representative litigation is a system in which some members represent all members of the plaintiff in litigation, but the court judgment will be legally binding on all members being represented. There are similarities between China’s representative litigation and the class action in some other countries. There were few representative litigation cases in China due to the lack of detailed legal provisions and other reasons. However, in 2020, China formulated more detailed legal provisions on the representative litigation system in the securities field. So far, China has established a set of complete and operable representative litigation rules for securities disputes. We expect to witness a gradual increase in the number of representative litigation cases in China, especially in the securities field.
Property Preservation and Act Preservation
Authors: Zhang Chenyang
Published: June 2023

In China, some defendants will, upon becoming aware of being sued, take various methods to transfer and/or hide their property or the subject matter in dispute. In such circumstances, even if the plaintiff wins the case, it may still find it difficult to be actually compensated. In order to solve this problem, the plaintiff can apply to the Chinese court for property preservation. Chinese courts will take such preservation measures as sequestering, seizing and/or freezing according to the type of property to be preserved, which are the same as those taken by the courts during the enforcement procedure. In order to avoid “winning the case but still losing money”, it’d be better for the plaintiff to consider applying for property preservation and collect property clues of the defendant before case filing. Act preservation is a temporary remedy to avoid the parties from suffering “irreparable damage” during the civil proceedings. The act preservation is highly similar to the “interlocutory injunction” in common law countries and the “provisional injunction” in civil law countries such as Germany and Japan. Chinese courts, when examining the application for act preservation, need to balance the interests between the parties and the public. In recent years, the number of cases, especially those related to intellectual property and unfair competition, subject to the act preservation measures has been on the rise. If the application for act preservation is erroneous, the applicant shall be liable for compensation to the respondent. In intellectual property and unfair competition cases, there are clear-cut standards for determining whether an application for act preservation is erroneous or not.
A tale of 2-groups: Dp(USp(2N)) theories
Authors: Carta Federico , Giacomelli Simone , Mekareeya Noppadol , Mininno Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Abstract

A 1-form symmetry and a 0-form symmetry may combine to form an extension known as the 2-group symmetry. We find the presence of the latter in a class of Argyres-Douglas theories, called Dp(USp(2N)), which can be realized by ℤ2-twisted compactification of the 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 0) of the D-type on a sphere with an irregular twisted puncture and a regular twisted full puncture. We propose the 3d mirror theories of general Dp(USp(2N)) theories that serve as an important tool to study their flavor symmetry and Higgs branch. Yet another important result is presented: we elucidate a technique, dubbed “bootstrap”, which generates an infinite family of $$ {D}_p^b(G) $$

D
p
b

G

theories, where for a given arbitrary group G and a parameter b, each theory in the same family has the same number of mass parameters, same number of marginal deformations, same 1-form symmetry, and same 2-group structure. This technique is utilized to establish the presence or absence of the 2-group symmetries in several classes of $$ {D}_p^b(G) $$

D
p
b

G

theories. In this regard, we find that the Dp(USp(2N)) theories constitute a special class of Argyres-Douglas theories that have a 2-group symmetry.
The phenomenon of strain degeneration in biotechnologically relevant fungi
Authors: Danner Caroline , Mach Robert L. , Mach-Aigner Astrid R.
Published: June 2023

Fungi are widely exploited for large-scale production in the biotechnological industry to produce a diverse range of substances due to their versatility and relative ease of growing on various substrates. The occurrence of a phenomenon—the so-called fungal strain degeneration—leads to the spontaneous loss or decline of production capacity and results in an economic loss on a tremendous scale. Some of the most commonly applied genera of fungi in the biotechnical industry, such as Aspergillus, Trichoderma, and Penicillium, are threatened by this phenomenon. Although fungal degeneration has been known for almost a century, the phenomenon and its underlying mechanisms still need to be understood. The proposed mechanisms causing fungi to degenerate can be of genetic or epigenetic origin. Other factors, such as culture conditions, stress, or aging, were also reported to have an influence. This mini-review addresses the topic of fungal degeneration by describing examples of productivity losses in biotechnical processes using Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Further, potential reasons, circumvention, and prevention methods are discussed. This is the first mini-review which provides a comprehensive overview on this phenomenon in biotechnologically used fungi, and it also includes a collection of strategies that can be useful to minimize economic losses which can arise from strain degeneration.

Key points

• Spontaneous loss of productivity is evident in many fungi used in biotechnology.

• The properties and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are very versatile.

• Only studying these underlying mechanisms enables the design of a tailored solution.
Impact of positive microscopic resection margins (R1) after gastrectomy in diffuse-type gastric cancer
Authors: Gaspar-Figueiredo Sérgio , Allemann Pierre , Borgstein Alexander B. J. , Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Luzuy-Guarnero Valentine , Brunel Christophe , Sempoux Christine , Gisbertz Suzanne Sarah , Demartines Nicolas , van Berge Henegouwen Mark Ivo , Schäfer Markus , Mantziari Styliani
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DTGC) is associated with poor outcome. Surgical resection margin status (R) is an important prognostic factor, but its exact impact on DTGC patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of microscopically positive margins (R1) after gastrectomy on survival and tumour recurrence in DTGC patients.

Methods

All consecutive DTGC patients from two tertiary centers who underwent curative oncologic gastrectomy from 2005 to 2018 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) for R0 versus R1 patients. Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence patterns as well as the overall survival benefit of chemotherapy in this DTGC patient cohort.

Results

Overall, 108 patients were analysed, 88 with R0 and 20 with R1 resection. Patients with negative lymph nodes and negative margins (pN0R0) had the best OS (median 102 months, 95% CI 1–207), whereas pN + R0 patients had better median OS than pN + R1 patients (36 months 95% CI 13–59, versus 7 months, 95% CI 1–13, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed for DFS. Perioperative chemotherapy offered a median OS of 46 months (95% CI 24–68) versus 9 months (95% CI 1–25) after upfront surgery (p = 0.022). R1 patients presented more often early recurrence (< 12 postoperative months, 30% vs 8%, p = 0.002), however, no differences were observed in recurrence location.

Conclusion

DTGC patients with microscopically positive margins (R1) presented poorer OS and DFS, and early tumour recurrence in the present series. R0 resection should be obtained whenever possible, even if other adverse biological features are present.
Associations between physical activity and autonomic function during deep breathing test: the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)
Authors: Memarian Ensieh , Kharraziha Isabella , Hamrefors Viktor , Platonov Pyotr G. , Ekblom Örjan , Gottsäter Anders , Engström Gunnar
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The deep breathing test (DBT) is a sensitive test of cardiovagal function. The aim of this study was to explore associations between physical activity and sedentary time, measured by accelerometer, and autonomic function, using DBT.

Methods

In the Swedish Cardio-Pulmonary bioImage Study, men and women aged 50–64 were randomly invited from the general population. A total of 4325 subjects who underwent DBT and assessment of physical activity and sedentary time by accelerometery were included. ECG files from 1-min DBT were used to calculate measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA; expiration–inspiration (E-I) difference and E/I ratio], heart rate variability [HRV; root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of heart rates and mean circular resultant]. Low RSA and HRV was defined as the lowest 10% in the population.

Results

For accelerometer-assessed physical activity, there were significant associations between high percentage of sedentary time and low E/I (p < 0.01), and low RMSSD (p < 0.01) in an age- and sex-adjusted model, and between percentage of sedentary time and low RMSSD (p = 0.04) in a risk factor-adjusted model. Low RMSSD was less common in those with a high percentage of moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = 0.04, after risk-factor adjustment). These associations became non-significant when further adjusting for heart rate.

Conclusion

We report associations between degree of physical activity and indices of autonomic dysfunction in a large population. The relationships were no longer significant after adjustments for heart rate, indicating that the relationship between physical activity and cardiovagal function partly is accounted for by reduced heart rate.
Feeding ecology of monk sakis (Pithecia monachus) in a seasonally flooded forest in western Amazonia
Authors: Gottstein Malika , Morris Abigail Lauren , Heer Katrin , Heymann Eckhard W.
Published: June 2023

Sakis (genus Pithecia) are frugivorous primates with a preference for seeds that complete their diet with leaves and insects. Fruit pulp and seeds are known to have different nutritional characteristics that change during the process of ripening. The consumption of seeds can be an adaptation to changes in resource availability, as unripe seeds are a more steadily available resource than ripe pulp or young leaves. Here, we present the first study of the feeding ecology of monk sakis (Pithecia monachus). We investigated dietary composition and identified important feeding plants in a seasonally flooded forest within the Área de Conservación Regional Comunal Tamshiyacu–Tahuayo in Peruvian Amazonia. Throughout 20 months, we followed groups of monk sakis by foot and canoe and recorded 459 feeding events. Seeds were the most frequently consumed food item (49%), followed by pulp (mesocarp, pericarp or aril; 25%) and arthropods (22%). Leaves, bark, and flowers were ingested only sporadically. The importance of ripe seeds and arthropods in the diet of the monk sakis differed from other studies: we recorded the consumption of mostly ripe seeds and the share of arthropods was relatively high.
Laboratory evaluation of insect growth regulators against the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Sánchez-Ramos Ismael , Fernández Cristina E. , González-Núñez Manuel
Published: June 2023

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive species that causes great damages to many stone and small fruits, resulting in reduced fruit production and high economic losses. The concern about this pest has led to the research of a wide range of possible control methods. However, the main control strategies are still based in insecticide applications. The efficacy of different insect growth regulators (IGRs), which have better ecotoxicological profile than conventional pesticides, was evaluated to test their feasibility for the control of this pest. When adult flies fed for three days on artificial diet surface-treated with lufenuron, cyromazine or pyriproxyfen, no adult offspring developed. However, adult offspring production progressively recovered when flies were transferred to non-treated diet. When adult flies fed continuously for 19 days on surface-treated artificial diet, lufenuron, cyromazine and pyriproxyfen completely suppressed the production of viable offspring while azadirachtin and tebufenozide reduced offspring production by more than a half compared to the untreated control. Nevertheless, these were transient non-permanent effects since viable offspring was produced shortly after females fed on treated diet were transferred to non-treated diet. The results observed in additional choice and egg-transfer assays indicate a vertical transmission of lufenuron and cyromazine from treated females to their offspring whereas the effect of pyriproxyfen seems to be related to the feeding of larvae on treated diet, although effects on reproductive processes cannot be discarded. In addition, choice assays showed no repellent effect on oviposition by lufenuron, cyromazine and pyriproxyfen.
Depression and fatigue among Egyptian health care workers: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Abdalgeleel Shaimaa Abdalaleem , Moneer Manar Mohamed , Refaee Abdelrahman Shawky , Samir Mahmoud M. , Khalaf Ola Osama , Allam Rasha Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Aim

In recent years, the mental health requirements of healthcare professionals have drawn attention as a significant public health issue and a danger to the provision of high-quality care. Healthcare workers are subjected to multiple stressors at work, which may negatively affect their physical, mental, and emotional health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and fatigue among Egyptian healthcare workers (HCWs) and to assess factors associated with depression and fatigue.

Subject and methods

This cross-sectional survey used Google Form to build online questionnaires, including sociodemographic data, a 10-question fatigue assessment scale, and a depression assessment scale (PHQ-9 questionnaire). The study was conducted post-COVID-19 from November 28, 2022, to January 28, 2023.

Results

The study involved 1511 Egyptian HCWs with a mean age of 37.4±7.7 years (range 26-71 years); 73% were female. Physicians constituted 77.8% of the participants. Mild depression was found in 26.1% of the participants, 26.8% reported moderate, and 43.1% had severe depressive symptoms. Fatigue symptoms were encountered in 88.7%. The independent factors affecting depression were female gender, single, living in a rural area, having a chronic disease, working > 8 h/day, being a public hospital worker, and studying for postgraduate degrees. Age of 35 years or younger, female gender, and studying for postgraduates were found to independently affect fatigue.

Conclusion

Depression and fatigue are highly prevalent among Egyptian healthcare workers. Many factors related to the prevalence of depression and fatigue need to be considered to enhance the mental well-being of HCWs.
Life history data from the gateway to global ageing data platform: resources for studying life courses across Europe
Authors: Wahrendorf Morten , Deindl Christian , Lee Jinkook , Phillips Drystan
Published: June 2023

Research from a range of disciplines highlights the need to adopt a life course perspective that considers earlier life courses to explain outcomes in later life (e.g. later life health, cognitive ageing or retirement behaviour). This includes a more comprehensive assessment of earlier life courses over time and of how they are shaped by societal and political contexts. But quantitative data with detailed information on life courses that allow to address these questions are rare. Or, in case the data are available, the data are rather difficult to handle and appears to be underused. This contribution introduces the harmonized life history data from the gateway to global ageing data platform from two European Surveys, SHARE and ELSA, with data from 30 European countries. Besides providing some details on the collection of life history data in the two surveys, we also describe the way how raw data were rearranged in a user-friendly state sequence format and additionally give some examples based on the resulting data. This illustrates the potential of collected life history data from SHARE and ELSA, clearly going beyond the description of single aspects of the life course. By providing harmonized data of two prominent studies on ageing in Europe in a user-friendly format, the gateway to global ageing data platform provides a unique data source that is easily accessible for research, and permits to study life course and their links to later life in a cross-national perspective.
Clinical Value of Using Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Before Elective CT Coronary Angiography to Reduce Heart Rate and the Need for Beta-Blockers
Authors: Langguth Patrick , Wolf Carmen , Sedaghat Sam , Huhndorf Monika , Frank Johanne , Both Marcus , Jansen Olav , Salehi Ravesh Mona , Lebenatus Annett
Published: June 2023

The value of biofeedback before elective coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to reduce patients’ heart rates (HR) was investigated in the current work. Sixty patients who received CCTA to exclude coronary artery disease were included in our study and separated into two groups: with biofeedback (W-BF) and without biofeedback (WO-BF). The W-BF group used a biofeedback device for 15 min before CCTA. HR was determined in each patient at four measurement time points (MTP): during the pre-examination interview (MTP1), positioning on the CT patient table before CCTA (MTP2), during CCTA image acquisition (MTP3), and after completing CCTA (MTP4). If necessary, beta-blockers were administered in both groups after MTP2 until a HR of less than 65 bpm was achieved. Two board-certified radiologists subsequently assessed the image quality and analyzed the findings. Overall, the need for beta-blockers was significantly lower in patients in the W-BF group than the WO-BF group (p = 0.032). In patients with a HR of 81–90, beta-blockers were not required in four of six cases in the W-BF group, whereas in the WO-BF group all patients needed beta-blockers (p = 0.03). The amount of HR reduction between MTP1 and MTP2 was significantly higher in the W-BF compared to the WO-BF group (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference between the W-BF and WO-BF groups regarding image quality (p = 0.179). By using biofeedback prior to elective CCTA, beta-blocker use could be decreased without compromising CT image quality and analysis, especially in patients with an initial HR of 81–90 bpm.
Hamiltonian Privilege
Authors: Hunt Josh , Carcassi Gabriele , Aidala Christine
Published: June 2023

We argue that Hamiltonian mechanics is more fundamental than Lagrangian mechanics. Our argument provides a non-metaphysical strategy for privileging one formulation of a theory over another: ceteris paribus, a more general formulation is more fundamental. We illustrate this criterion through a novel interpretation of classical mechanics, based on three physical conditions. Two of these conditions suffice for recovering Hamiltonian mechanics. A third condition is necessary for Lagrangian mechanics. Hence, Lagrangian systems are a proper subset of Hamiltonian systems. Finally, we provide a geometric interpretation of the principle of stationary action and rebut arguments for privileging Lagrangian mechanics.
Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict drug-drug interaction of enzalutamide with combined P-gp and CYP3A substrates
Authors: Otsuka Yukio , Poondru Srinivasu , Bonate Peter L. , Rose Rachel H. , Jamei Masoud , Ushigome Fumihiko , Minematsu Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2023

Enzalutamide is known to strongly induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Furthermore, enzalutamide showed induction and inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in in vitro studies. A clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) study between enzalutamide and digoxin, a typical P-gp substrate, suggested enzalutamide has weak inhibitory effect on P-gp substrates. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, are dual substrates of CYP3A4 and P-gp, and hence it is recommended to avoid co-administration of these DOACs with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A inducers. Enzalutamide’s net effect on P-gp and CYP3A for apixaban and rivaroxaban plasma exposures is of interest to physicians who treat patients for venous thromboembolism with prostate cancer. Accordingly, a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) analysis was performed to predict the magnitude of DDI on apixaban and rivaroxaban exposures in the presence of 160 mg once-daily dosing of enzalutamide. The PBPK models of enzalutamide and M2, a major metabolite of enzalutamide which also has potential to induce CYP3A and P-gp and inhibit P-gp, were developed and verified as perpetrators of CYP3A-and P-gp-mediated interaction. Simulation results predicted a 31% decrease in AUC and no change in Cmax for apixaban and a 45% decrease in AUC and a 25% decrease in Cmax for rivaroxaban when 160 mg multiple doses of enzalutamide were co-administered. In summary, enzalutamide is considered to decrease apixaban and rivaroxaban exposure through the combined effects of CYP3A induction and net P-gp inhibition. Concurrent use of these drugs warrants careful monitoring for efficacy and safety.
Electrical Resistance of Hydrides Under High Pressure: Evidence of Superconductivity or Confirmation Bias?
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: June 2023

During the past 9 years, extensive experimental evidence has been presented that is claimed to demonstrate that hydrogen-rich materials under high pressure are high-temperature superconductors, as predicted by conventional BCS-electron–phonon theory. Foremost among the experimental evidence are electrical resistance measurements, which claimed to show that the resistivity of these materials falls well below that of the best normal metals within experimental accuracy. Here I propose an alternative explanation for the vanishingly small resistance reported for these materials that does not involve superconductivity.
Interspecific facilitation of micronutrient uptake between cluster-root-bearing trees and non-cluster rooted-shrubs in a Banksia woodland
Authors: Staudinger Christiana , Renton Michael , Leopold Matthias , Wasaki Jun , Veneklaas Erik J. , de Britto Costa Patrícia , Boitt Gustavo , Lambers Hans
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

Belowground interspecific plant facilitation is supposed to play a key role in enabling species co-existence in hyperdiverse ecosystems in extremely nutrient-poor, semi-arid habitats, such as Banksia woodlands in southwestern-Australia. Manganese (Mn) is readily mobilised by Banksia cluster root activity in most soils and accumulates in mature leaves of native Australian plant species without significant remobilisation during leaf senescence. We hypothesised that neighbouring shrubs are facilitated in terms of Mn uptake depending on distance to surrounding cluster root-forming Banksia trees.

Methods

We mapped all Banksia trees and selected neighbouring shrubs within a study site in Western Australia. Soil samples were collected and analysed for physical properties and nutrient concentrations. To assesses the effect of Banksia tree proximity on leaf Mn concentrations [Mn] of non-cluster-rooted woody shrubs, samples of similarly aged leaves were taken. We used multiple linear models to test for factors affecting shrub leaf [Mn].

Results

None of the assessed soil parameters showed a significant correlation with shrub leaf Mn concentrations. However, we observed a significant positive effect of very close Banksia trees (2 m) on leaf [Mn] in one of the understorey shrubs. We found additional effects of elevation and shrub size.

Conclusions

Leaf micronutrient concentrations of understorey shrubs were enhanced when growing within 2 m of tall Banksia trees. Our model predictions also indicate that belowground facilitation of Mn uptake was shrub size-dependent. We discuss this result in the light of plant water relations and shrub root system architecture.
Assessment of selected environmental and economic factors for the development of electro-mobility in Poland
Authors: Adamczyk Janusz , Dzikuć Maciej , Dylewski Robert , Varese Erica
Published: June 2023

Electromobility is now widely recognized as a remedy for the growing level of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The result of this approach is the agreement of the European Commission with the member states regarding the achievement of CO2-free emission of the new fleet of passenger cars by 2035 through the use of battery electric vehicles. However, it should be emphasized that currently, not every country in the European Union has electricity sources with low CO2 emission (Proposal for a REGULATION… (EU) 2019/631), which in fact can contribute to a lower environmental effect than expected. The amount of environmental impact of a battery electric vehicle depends mainly on the type of energy mix of the country in which it is used. In view of the above, the first scientific objective of the article is a comparative assessment of environmental impact, using the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), the phase of use of passenger cars with conventional drive in relation to battery electric vehicles consuming electricity from the power grid in Poland and in Italy. The results of the LCA analysis, phases of BEV use in Poland indicate a higher level of environmental impact in relation to ICE due to the generation of electricity, for the most part from hard coal. Nevertheless, in Poland, as in other EU countries, an electromobility support system is being implemented. The successful implementation of electromobility depends on the environmental awareness of BEV users. The scientific cognitive aspect of the BEV purchase decisions of the Polish society is carried out using a survey questionnaire with the use of a non-random selection of the research sample (convenient selection). The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to confront the results of the environmental impact of the BEV use phase with the knowledge of the Polish society, as well as to learn about purchasing factors (future and current users). The results of the survey questionnaire demonstrate the low level of knowledge of the Polish society on the impact of the BEV use phase in Poland. This can be the result of media coverage in which BEV is presented as ecological transport. The aim of the article is not to depreciate the environmental performance of BEVs, but to draw attention to the fact that, to a large extent, the environmental impact of the BEV use phase depends on the place of use (country), and precisely the type of energy mix of a particular country. The literature on the subject lacks the confrontation of the results of scientific research in the field of environmental impact assessment of the BEV use phase with the knowledge of the public on this subject. The research results can be used by decision makers to properly target the support for the development of electromobility in Poland, consisting primarily in increasing the availability of infrastructure for charging BEV and changing the energy mix to energy sources with a lower environmental impact.
Financial networks of cryptocurrency prices in time-frequency domains
Authors: Pagnottoni Paolo , Famà Angelo , Kim Jong-Min
Published: June 2023

This paper explores financial networks of cryptocurrency prices in both time and frequency domains. We complement the generalized forecast error variance decomposition method based on a large VAR model with network theory to analyze the dynamic network structure and the shock propagation mechanisms across a set of 40 cryptocurrency prices. Results show that the evolving network topology of spillovers in both time and frequency domains helps towards a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions among cryptocurrencies, and that overall spillovers in the cryptocurrency market have significantly increased in the aftermath of COVID-19. Our findings indicate that a significant portion of these spillovers dissipate in the short-run (1–5 days), highlighting the need to consider the frequency persistence of shocks in the network for effective risk management at different target horizons.
Which multiples matter in M &A? An overview
Authors: Shaffer Matthew
Published: June 2023

This paper provides an overview of valuation multiples in mergers and acquisitions advisory. I review the literature and legal controversies and the theoretical basis for their role. I then standardize all the advisor multiples available in SDC Platinum along four dimensions and report rich descriptive statistics on each dimension over time and across industries. I highlight eight findings that are notable in light of current knowledge and debates. This paper answers the call from Gow et al. (Journal of Accounting Research 54(2):477–523, 2016) for thorough descriptive research, to provide a foundation and prompts for future hypothesis development. It includes an explicit guide for using this data, an overview of the key institutional details, and a discussion of tractable and open research questions.
Public–Private Collusion
Authors: Mota Filipa , Correia-da-Silva João , Pinho Joana
Published: June 2023

We study collusion between a public firm and a private firm facing linear demand and quadratic costs. We characterize the collusive outcome that results from Nash bargaining and compare it to the non-cooperative outcome. If the public firm’s taste for consumer surplus is mild, both firms reduce output (as in a private duopoly). If it is intermediate, while the public firm reduces output, the private firm expands output to such an extent that total output increases. If it is strong, the private firm’s output expansion does not compensate for the public firm’s output contraction, and thus total output decreases. We also characterize collusion sustainability, and assess the impact of relative bargaining power, degree of cost convexity, public firm’s taste for total surplus, and cost asymmetry. We conclude that, by reducing the productive inefficiency that is caused by the public firm being more expansionary, collusion may lead to higher profits and consumer surplus.
Caligid sea lice (Copepoda: Caligidae) from golden snapper Lutjanus johnii (Bloch) in Australian waters, with the recognition of Sinocaligus Shen, 1957 as a junior synonym of Caligus Müller, 1785
Authors: Boxshall Geoff , Barton Diane P.
Published: June 2023

Two species of sea lice are reported from the golden snapper Lutjanus johnii (Bloch) in Australian waters. One was represented by chalimus larvae, adult males and extremely slender females in which the genital complex is scarcely wider than the fourth pedigerous somite. These females are adult as they carry paired spermatophores and are identified as Caligus dussumieri Rangnekar, 1957 on the details of their appendages. Caligus dussumieri was formerly placed in the genus Sinocaligus Shen, 1957 but the characters supporting the validity of this genus are not robust, so it is here proposed to treat it as a junior subjective synonym of Caligus and transfer its species as: Caligus formicoides Redkar, Rangnekar & Murti, 1949, Caligus dussumieri Shen, 1957, Caligus caudatus (Gnanamuthu, 1950) new combination and Caligus timorensis (Izawa, 1995) new combination. All these species can be placed in the C. bonito-species group within Caligus. Caligus rivulatus Pilla, Vankara & Chikkam, 2012 is recognized as a junior subjective synonym of C. dussumieri. A new species, C. auriolusn. sp. is also described and this is placed in the C. diaphanus species-group. A key to species of this species-group is provided which indicates that C. auriolusn. sp. is most closely related to C. stromatei Krøyer, 1863 but the latter can be distinguished by the slender abdomen of the female and by the more complex myxal process on the maxilliped in the male.
Bifunctional Pt Catalysts Supported on a Zeolite-Binder Matrix for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Isoeugenol for Renewable Jet Fuel Production
Authors: Martínez-Klimov Mark E. , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Vajglová Zuzana , Schmidt Christoph , Yevdokimova Olha , Peurla Markus , Kumar Narendra , Eränen Kari , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: June 2023

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of isoeugenol was carried out at 200 °C and 30 bar of H2 in a batch reactor using a series of bifunctional catalysts consisting of platinum supported on zeolite H-Beta-25 or H-Beta-300 and Bindzil as a binder. The purpose of the matrix was to understand the effect of the binder on the reaction, emulating the components of industrial catalysts and therefore facilitating catalyst scale-up. The effect of the supports acid strength, the location of metal nanoparticles, and their proximity to acid sites was also studied. The catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that platinum supported only on the zeolite was more active compared to platinum located on the binder. High levels of isoeugenol conversion (ca. 100%), propylcyclohexane yield (56%) and the liquid-phase mass balance (68%) were obtained for the catalyst consisting of Pt supported on both zeolite H-Beta-25 and Bindzil.
Evaluating explainable social choice-based aggregation strategies for group recommendation
Authors: Barile Francesco , Draws Tim , Inel Oana , Rieger Alisa , Najafian Shabnam , Ebrahimi Fard Amir , Hada Rishav , Tintarev Nava
Published: June 2023

Social choice aggregation strategies have been proposed as an explainable way to generate recommendations to groups of users. However, it is not trivial to determine the best strategy to apply for a specific group. Previous work highlighted that the performance of a group recommender system is affected by the internal diversity of the group members’ preferences. However, few of them have empirically evaluated how the specific distribution of preferences in a group determines which strategy is the most effective. Furthermore, only a few studies evaluated the impact of providing explanations for the recommendations generated with social choice aggregation strategies, by evaluating explanations and aggregation strategies in a coupled way. To fill these gaps, we present two user studies (N=399 and N=288) examining the effectiveness of social choice aggregation strategies in terms of users’ fairness perception, consensus perception, and satisfaction. We study the impact of the level of (dis-)agreement within the group on the performance of these strategies. Furthermore, we investigate the added value of textual explanations of the underlying social choice aggregation strategy used to generate the recommendation. The results of both user studies show no benefits in using social choice-based explanations for group recommendations. However, we find significant differences in the effectiveness of the social choice-based aggregation strategies in both studies. Furthermore, the specific group configuration (i.e., various scenarios of internal diversity) seems to determine the most effective aggregation strategy. These results provide useful insights on how to select the appropriate aggregation strategy for a specific group based on the level of (dis-)agreement within the group members’ preferences.
Ceratonia siliqua pods (Carob) methanol extract alleviates doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats
Authors: Atta Attia H. , Atta Shimaa A. , Khattab Marwa S. , El-Aziz Tamer H. Abd , Mouneir Samar M. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Nasr Soad M. , Emam Shimaa R.
Published: June 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-neoplastic therapy, but its use is limited by its deleterious toxic effects including nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. This work aimed at assessing the potential protective effect of Ceratonia siliqua methanol extract (CME) on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in 5 groups of Wistar rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced experimentally by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of DOX (15 mg/kg). DOX increased serum creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium levels. It elevated MDA levels in the renal tissue but decreased the concentration of GSH and the activity of GST, CAT, and SOD. Meanwhile, it decreased the level of immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory mediators: IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as the activity of MPO but increased the level of IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 in the renal tissue. DOX has upregulated COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax gene expression and downregulated the Bcl-2 gene expression. Immunolabeling of renal tubular epithelium in DOX-intoxicated rats was moderate to strong against Bax, COX-2, and NF-kβ and weak against Bcl-2. Treatment with CME significantly restored the levels of kidney function parameters and the levels of oxidative stress markers. It stimulated the production of IL-10 and TGF-β and decreased the level of IL-6 and TNF-α. CME reverted the gene expression of COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax. Microscopically, CME alleviated the DOX-induced renal damage. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 26 compounds in the CME. No signs of acute toxicity were recorded by CME up to 4000 mg/kg b. wt. orally into mice. Finally, CME could effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of DOX on the kidney. The safety of carob extract encourages its use in the preparation of valuable therapeutic agents.
The seasonal movement of sediment-associated marine-derived nutrients in a morphologically diverse riverbed: the influence of salmon in an Interior British Columbia river
Authors: Rasmus Kristy A. , Petticrew Ellen L. , Rex John
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study (1) investigated the extent to which flocculation and the hydrological and morphological attributes of an interior salmon-bearing river regulate the seasonal storage of marine-derived nutrients (MDN) and (2) compared the contribution of MDN to the fine bed sediment relative to other nutrient sources to the river.

Methods

Previous research has determined that the co-existence of re-suspended fine sediment, generated by salmon redd construction, with salmonid excretion and decay products in the water column creates ideal conditions for the flocculation of these inorganic and organic particles. Stored and suspended fine bed sediment was sampled from seven sites with varying morphologies and bed substrate down the length of a large spawning river in the interior of British Columbia over a 12-month period. MDN contributions to the sediment was tracked using aggregated versus dispersed particle size, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, and MixSIAR modeling.

Results and discussion

(1) There was a significant longitudinal spatial distinction of nutrient retention between sites upstream and downstream of a large seasonally inundated floodplain; (2) the MDN isotopic signal in the surficial stored bed sediment in this sample year was short term; and (3) upstream spawner numbers, substrate size, stream morphology, and discharge were relevant to both the magnitude and retention time of sediment-associated MDN.

Conclusion

A cumulative magnification of MDN was correlated with the distance from the headwaters and the number of upstream spawners. The relationship between MDN retention in interior rivers, and possible multi-year accumulation, was influenced by variability in channel morphology, substrate size, and the presence of an inundated floodplain halfway down the river.
“I’m his Mum and it is My Job to Keep him Safe”: Mothering a Child Living with Facial Eye Disfigurement
Authors: O’Dea Zali , Southcott Jane
Published: June 2023

Mothering a child who lives with a disability, or a congenital facial condition can impact quality of life. This appertains to relationships, isolation, and feelings exclusion, can result in ongoing vigilance, grief, and may be addressed via faith and future hope. In this IPA study we explore the lived experience of a non-facially disfigured mother mothering her child Living with Facial Eye Disfigurement (LwFED). Semi-structured interviews were used to collect rich data which were analysed to reveal emergent and overarching themes. We found that our participant is constantly vigilant in response to her son’s blindness and disfigurement. This impacts his schooling and her relationships. Isolation impacts all facets of the quality of life of our participant including seeking respite, exhaustion, and relationships. She acknowledges grief and chronic sorrow. As a mother, she encounters comments and stares from strangers in social situations. Our participant uses her strong faith to attempt to find balance in her life and to envisage a future for her son. We offer the narrative of one mother with a child LwFED. We do not draw generalisations but suggest resonances with the lived experiences of others. We recommend further research, advocacy and professional support for families and society to change culture.
Forty years of context effect research in marketing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Adler Susanne Jana , Schöniger Martina Katharina , Lichters Marcel , Sarstedt Marko
Published: June 2023

Research on context effects shows that the composition of choice sets and choice framing strongly influences consumer decision-making. Researchers have identified various context effect types and provide insight into their antecedents, consequences, and mechanisms of action. However, the research on context effects is spread across several fields, making it difficult to grasp the entire scope. Reviews focusing on specific effect types can facilitate rigorous research and publication practices, but they focus primarily on prominent context effects, neglecting others. Furthermore, those reviews do not provide insight into the structure of scholarly networks that result from research collaborations and shape, generate, distribute, and preserve the intellectual knowledge of the context effect domain. Addressing these issues, we present a large-scale bibliometric analysis of the field, that helps navigate the context effect landscape, highlights its themes, and identifies knowledge gaps. An interactive web application also allows for our analyses to be customized and extended.
The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Obesity—a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Registry Data
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , Ryan Odhrán K. , Ryan Éanna J. , Donlon Noel E. , Reynolds Ian S. , Fearon Naomi M. , Martin Sean T. , Heneghan Helen M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Cancer and obesity represent two of the most significant global health concerns. The risk of malignancy, including colorectal cancer (CRC), increases with obesity. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the value of bariatric surgery in reducing CRC risk in patients with obesity using registry data.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per PRISMA guidelines. The risk of CRC was expressed as a dichotomous variable and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Mantel-Haenszel method. A multi-treatment comparison was performed, examining the risk reduction associated with existing bariatric surgery techniques. Analysis was performed using RevMan, R packages, and Shiny.

Results

Data from 11 registries including 6,214,682 patients with obesity were analyzed. Of these, 14.0% underwent bariatric surgery (872,499/6,214,682), and 86.0% did not undergo surgery (5,432,183/6,214,682). The mean age was 49.8 years, and mean follow-up was 5.1 years. In total, 0.6% of patients who underwent bariatric surgery developed CRC (4,843/872,499), as did 1.0% of unoperated patients with obesity (54,721/5,432,183). Patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery were less likely to develop CRC (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36–0.77, P < 0.001, I2 = 99%). Patients with obesity undergoing gastric bypass surgery (GB) (OR: 0.513, 95% CI: 0.336–0.818) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (OR: 0.484, 95% CI: 0.307–0.763) were less likely to develop CRC than unoperated patients.

Conclusion

At a population level, bariatric surgery is associated with reduced CRC risk in patients with obesity. GB and SG are associated with the most significant reduction in CRC risk.

PROSPERO Registration

CRD42022313280.

Graphical Abstract
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behaviour of Near-Eutectic High Entropy Alloy
Authors: John Rahul , Guruvidyathri K. , Murty B. S. , Fabijanic Daniel
Published: June 2023

In the current work, the thermal stability of the eutectic regions and precipitation and mechanical behaviour of near eutectic high-entropy alloy is studied. The alloy solidified as FCC and underwent sequential ordering to L12 with order–disorder transition temperature between 700°C and 1000°C. Cooling rate, variation in the concentration boundary layer, thermal gradient and interfacial energy were attributed to define the eutectic morphology (L12 and B2). Thermal exposure resulted in homogeneous precipitation of acicular Al-Ni-rich B2 phase within the proeutectic and irregular eutectic regions. The preferential B2 precipitation within the irregular eutectic regions was attributed to the lower stability and higher lattice strain associated with these regions. The FCC: B2 phase fraction after heat treatment was similar to that of the eutectic alloy. Furthermore, lamellar degradation, globularization and Ostwald ripening of the B2 phase were observed after heat treatment. Lamellar degradation occurred via mechanisms like cylinderization, edge spheroidization, termination migration and boundary splitting. The experimental observations on the phase evolution, stability and order–disorder transformation matched well with the CALPHAD predictions except for the σ phase formation. B2 precipitation during heat treatment enhanced the mechanical behaviour of the alloy. However, the work hardening rate was superior for as-cast alloy.