bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-energy and tunable LIF neuron using SiGe bandgap-engineered resistive switching transistor
Authors: Kim Yijoon , Kim Hyangwoo , Oh Kyounghwan , Park Ju Hong , Kong Byoung Don , Baek Chang-Ki
Published: August 2024

We have proposed leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron having low-energy consumption and tunable functionality without external circuit components. Our LIF neuron has a simple configuration consisting of only three components: one bandgap-engineered resistive switching transistor (BE-RST), one capacitor, and one resistor. Here, the crucial point is that BE-RST with a silicon–germanium heterojunction possesses an amplified hysteric current switching with a low latch-up voltage due to improved hole storage capability and impact ionization coefficient. Therefore, the proposed neuron utilizing BE-RST requires an energy consumption of 0.36 pJ/spike, which is approximately six times lower than 2.08 pJ/spike of pure silicon-RST based neuron. In addition, the spiking properties can be tuned by modulating the leakage rate and threshold through gate bias, which contributes to energy-efficient sparse-activity and high learning accuracy. As a result, our proposed neuron can be a promising candidate for executing various spiking neural network applications.
Marker effect p-values for single-step GWAS with the algorithm for proven and young in large genotyped populations
Authors: Leite Natália Galoro , Bermann Matias , Tsuruta Shogo , Misztal Ignacy , Lourenco Daniela
Published: August 2024

Background

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects can be backsolved from ssGBLUP genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and used for genome-wide association studies (ssGWAS). However, obtaining p-values for those SNP effects relies on the inversion of dense matrices, which poses computational limitations in large genotyped populations. In this study, we present a method to approximate SNP p-values for ssGWAS with many genotyped animals. This method relies on the combination of a sparse approximation of the inverse of the genomic relationship matrix ($${\mathbf{G}}_{\mathbf{A}\mathbf{P}\mathbf{Y}}^\mathbf{-1}$$

G

A
P
Y

-
1

) built with the algorithm for proven and young ($$\text{APY}$$
APY
) and an approximation of the prediction error variance of SNP effects which does not require the inversion of the left-hand side (LHS) of the mixed model equations. To test the proposed p-value computing method, we used a reduced genotyped population of 50K genotyped animals and compared the approximated SNP p-values with benchmark p-values obtained with the direct inverse of LHS built with an exact genomic relationship matrix ($${\mathbf{G}}^\mathbf{-1})$$

G

-
1

)

. Then, we applied the proposed approximation method to obtain SNP p-values for a larger genotyped population composed of 450K genotyped animals.

Results

The same genomic regions on chromosomes 7 and 20 were identified across all p-value computing methods when using 50K genotyped animals. In terms of computational requirements, obtaining p-values with the proposed approximation reduced the wall-clock time by 38 times and the memory requirement by ten times compared to using the exact inversion of the LHS. When the approximation was applied to a population of 450K genotyped animals, two new significant regions on chromosomes 6 and 14 were uncovered, indicating an increase in GWAS detection power when including more genotypes in the analyses. The process of obtaining p-values with the approximation and 450K genotyped individuals took 24.5 wall-clock hours and 87.66GB of memory, which is expected to increase linearly with the addition of noncore genotyped individuals.

Conclusions

With the proposed method, obtaining p-values for SNP effects in ssGWAS is computationally feasible in large genotyped populations. The computational cost of obtaining p-values in ssGWAS may no longer be a limitation in extensive populations with many genotyped animals.
Identification of the mode of evolution in incomplete carbonate successions
Authors: Hohmann Niklas , Koelewijn Joël R. , Burgess Peter , Jarochowska Emilia
Published: August 2024

Background

The fossil record provides the unique opportunity to observe evolution over millions of years, but is known to be incomplete. While incompleteness varies spatially and is hard to estimate for empirical sections, computer simulations of geological processes can be used to examine the effects of the incompleteness in silico.

We combine simulations of different modes of evolution (stasis, (un)biased random walks) with deposition of carbonate platforms strata to examine how well the mode of evolution can be recovered from fossil time series, and how test results vary between different positions in the carbonate platform and multiple stratigraphic architectures generated by different sea level curves.

Results

Stratigraphic architecture and position along an onshore-offshore gradient has only a small influence on the mode of evolution recovered by statistical tests. For simulations of random walks, support for the correct mode decreases with time series length.

Visual examination of trait evolution in lineages shows that rather than stratigraphic incompleteness, maximum hiatus duration determines how much fossil time series differ from the original evolutionary process. Gradual directional evolution is more susceptible to stratigraphic effects, turning it into punctuated evolution. In contrast, stasis remains unaffected.

Conclusions

• Fossil time series favor the recognition of both stasis and complex, punctuated modes of evolution.

• Not stratigraphic incompleteness, but the presence of rare, prolonged gaps has the largest effect on trait evolution. This suggests that incomplete sections with regular hiatus frequency and durations can potentially preserve evolutionary history without major biases. Understanding external controls on stratigraphic architectures such as sea level fluctuations is crucial for distinguishing between stratigraphic effects and genuine evolutionary process.
Remineralizing effect of NSF on artificial enamel caries
Authors: Mohamed Osama Safwat , Hall Mohamed Ashraf , Karawia Inas
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nanotechnology offers new approaches and endless opportunities for remineralizing tooth decay without being toxic or causing allergies. This study aimed to determine the effect of nanosilver fluoride (NSF) on the remineralization potential of enamel caries-like lesions compared to 5% sodium fluoride varnish in permanent teeth.

Methods

Fifteen teeth (molars and premolars) were gathered, cleaned, and polished using a scaler. After sectioning the teeth mesiodistally and removing the roots, the thirty specimens were subjected to a demineralized solution to induce early enamel lesions and then assigned randomly into two equal groups. The test materials were applied, and then all the specimens were subjected to a pH cycling model for 30 days. DIAGNOdent and surface roughness were investigated, and an evaluation of the enamel Ca and P weight% for Ca/P ratio calculation was done using SEM-EDX to analyze the specimens at the end of the study. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test.

Results

The mean values for the DIAGNOdent measurements for NSF and NaF at baseline and after demineralization were not significantly different (p > 0.05). After treatment, NaF varnish showed a significantly higher mean DIAGNOdent measurement (11.8 ± 5.80) than NSF (4.7 ± 1.6). The mean surface roughness of the NaF group (1.64 ± 0.39) was much higher than NSF’s mean surface roughness (1.07 ± 0.21). Specimens treated with NSF had statistically significant smoother surfaces (p < 0.001). The NSF group had a higher mean Ca/P ratio (2.9 ± 0.35) than NaF (2.2 ± 0.11). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The study reveals that nano silver fluoride is a more effective treatment than sodium fluoride varnish in enhancing teeth’s clinical characteristics, particularly in terms of mineral content and surface roughness, suggesting it could be an improved strategy to prevent dental caries and maintain enamel integrity.
Unveiling the dynamics of older person care: a qualitative exploration of the intersection between formal and informal caregiving from the perspectives of registered nurses in Greece
Authors: Xiarchi Lamprini Maria , Nässén Kristina , Palmér Lina , Cowdell Fiona , Lindberg Elisabeth
Published: August 2024

In the evolving landscape of older person care, the imperative to explore holistic approaches persists, especially in regions with distinct societal norms around informal caregiving. The deeply ingrained tradition of familial caregiving, often led by female family members, has historically compensated for healthcare system gaps in less integrated systems. Hence, societal expectations may affect registered nurses’ experiences and impact the quality of care for older persons. This study aims to describe the meaning of caring for older persons in care settings in Greece. Ten in-depth interviews with registered nurses in older person care settings underwent qualitative thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (i) Living and bonding with older people as a basis for caring, (ii) Caring as a double-faced fulfillment, (iii) A sense of insufficiency in the caring relationship, and (iv) The encounter of existential issues creating loneliness. This research provides insights into the meaning of caring for older persons, highlighting the experiences of the closest professional caregivers of older individuals. A specific capture of the entanglement of cultural norms, societal expectations, and their impact on professional caregivers’ experiences may contribute to quality care provision in systems rooted in familial caregiving traditions.
NQO1 polymorphism and susceptibility to ischemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Min , Shen Ying , Gao Yuan , Chen Huaqiu , Duan Fuhui , Li Siying , Wang Guangming
Published: August 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Genetic factors are important risk factors for the development of IS. The quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene (NQO1) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. Thus, in this study, we investigated the relationship between NQO1 gene polymorphism and the risk of IS.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from 143 patients with IS and 124 the control groups in Yunnan, China, and NQO1 rs2917673, rs689455, and rs1800566 were genotyped. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the three NQO1 loci and IS susceptibility. The difference in the expression levels of NQO1 between the control groups and IS groups was verified using public databases and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The rs2917673 locus increased the risk of IS by 2.375 times in TT genotype carriers under the co-dominance model compared with CC carriers and was statistically associated with the risk of IS (OR = 2.375, 95% CI = 1.017–5.546, P = 0.046). In the recessive model, TT genotype carriers increased IS risk by 2.407 times compared with CC/CT carriers and were statistically associated with the risk of IS (OR = 2.407, 95% CI = 1.073–5.396, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

NQO1 rs2917673 polymorphism is significantly associated with IS. Mutant TT carriers are risk factors for IS.
Integration of multiomics features for blood-based early detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Gao Yibo , Cao Dandan , Li Mengfan , Zhao Fuqiang , Wang Pei , Mei Shiwen , Song Qianqian , Wang Pei , Nie Yanli , Zhao Wei , Wang Sizhen , Yan Hai , Wang Xishan , Jiao Yuchen , Liu Qian
Published: August 2024

Background

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly enhances patient outcomes. Conventional CRC screening tools, like endoscopy and stool-based tests, have constraints due to their invasiveness or suboptimal patient adherence. Recently, liquid biopsy employing plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a potential noninvasive screening technique for various malignancies.

Methods

In this research, we harnessed the Mutation Capsule Plus (MCP) technology to profile an array of genomic characteristics from cfDNA procured from a single blood draw. This profiling encompassed DNA methylation, the 5’ end motif, copy number variation (CNV), and genetic mutations. An integrated model built upon selected multiomics biomarkers was trained using a cohort of 93 CRC patients and 96 healthy controls.

Results

This model was subsequently validated in another cohort comprising 89 CRC patients and 95 healthy controls. Remarkably, the model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.965–0.998) in the validation set, boasting a sensitivity of 92.1% (95% CI, 84.5%-96.8%) and a specificity of 94.7% (95% CI, 88.1%-98.3%). These numbers surpassed the performance of any single genomic feature. Importantly, the sensitivities reached 80% for stage I, 89.2% for stage II, and were 100% for stages III and IV.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the clinical potential of our multiomics liquid biopsy test, indicating its prospective role as a noninvasive method for early-stage CRC detection. This multiomics approach holds promise for further refinement and broader clinical application.
Effect of halogens on 3-[4-(dimethylamino) phenyl]-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-ones: development of a new class of monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors
Authors: Hasan Haydara Ammar , Lee Jiseong , Kumar Sunil , Alfarraj Saleh , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Pant Manu , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo
Published: August 2024

Five dimethylamino-based chalcone derivatives (AC) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition degree against monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. All AC compounds showed better inhibitory activity against MAO-B than that against MAO-A. AC4 showed the highest inhibitory ability with an IC50 value of 0.020 µM, similar to that of a reference drug safinamide (IC50 = 0.019 µM) against MAO-B, followed by AC1 (IC50 = 0.068 µM) and AC3 (IC50 = 0.083 µM). Substituent -F in ring A (AC4) increased the MAO-B inhibition, followed by -H (AC1), -Br (AC3), and -Cl (AC2). The selectivity index (SI) value of AC4 was high (SI = 82.00) as well as other compounds (44.41 to 98.15). AC4 was found to be a reversible inhibitor as confirmed through analysis using the dialysis method. Interestingly, AC4 was observed to be a noncompetitive MAO-B inhibitor with a rare case and with Ki values of 0.011 ± 0.0036 µM. These experiments confirmed that AC4 is a reversible and potent selective inhibitor of MAO-B. Molecular docking experiments revealed that AC4 showed the highest inhibitory activity with a docking score (-9.510 kcal/mol). A study using molecular dynamics modeling revealed that the protein–ligand complex was more stable. It was observed that AC4 was non-cytotoxic in the study using L929 cell line. In conclusion, compound AC4 shows promise as a MAO-B inhibitor.
Surface air temperature anomalies over Antarctica and the Southern ocean induced by interactions between the interdecadal Pacific oscillation and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Sui Cuijuan , Sun Bo
Published: August 2024

Previous research has explored the impact of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on Antarctic surface air temperature (SAT) variability. However, a notable gap remains in our comprehension concerning the response of Antarctic SAT to the four phase combinations of IPO and AMO. In this study, we unveil unique patterns of Antarctic SAT anomalies during four distinct sub-periods based on the phases of IPO and AMO. Notably, Antarctic SAT anomalies exhibit a considerable seasonality, with the most pronounced (weakest) anomalies occurring during the austral winter (summer), a phenomenon consistent across all four sub-periods. These different anomalous SST patterns trigger varying convective rainfall patterns, consequently initiating distinct wavetrains that propagate into the Southern Ocean. These different wavetrains, in turn, induce variations in sea level pressure and surface wind fields, resulting in different Antarctic SAT anomalies primarily through mechanisms related to horizontal thermal advection and downward longwave radiation.
Border crossings and connections
Authors: Weinhold Martin
Published: August 2024

From 30 September 2023 to 7 January 2024, the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm presented the show Fungi—In Art and Science. For the exhibition, an alliance of scientists, artists, and designers was brought together that overcame all the alleged borders between the disciplines, between the scientific and the creative world. This special exhibition is the starting point to take on a tour where it is about crossing borders and growing connections when working with fungi. My interview partners represent perfectly the different angles from which you can take a look onto the kingdom of fungi. There is the person without previous knowledge but with a profound artistic understanding who got mesmerized by the subject-matter, which he didn’t realize it existed before—Karl-Johan Cottman. There is the scientist, being knee-deep in fungi matter who discovered the arts for an extension of her scientific understanding—Vera Meyer. And last but not least there is the person living passionately for the arts who found fungi mesmerizing for both art creation and progressive/sustainable production—Phil Ross. So, there are three threads weaving one fungal fabric. Have fun reading it!
Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for complex cryptoglandular fistulas (20-Item complex cryptoglandular fistula questionnaire™): a qualitative study
Authors: McCurdy Jeffrey D. , Crooks Patrick , Gwaltney Chad , Krupnick Robert , Cadogan Kathy-Ann , Karki Chitra
Published: August 2024

Background

There are limited tools to measure the burden of disease and effectiveness of medical/surgical interventions in patients with cryptoglandular fistulas. The aim of this study was to explore concepts that are relevant and important to patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) and to develop a patient-centred, disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess symptom burden and impacts of CCF.

Methods

A targeted literature review was conducted, followed by one-to-one telephone interviews with five colorectal surgeons (USA, n = 3; UK, n = 1; Spain, n = 1) and 20 US adult patients with CCF to inform the development of a conceptual model and a CCF-specific PROM. The targeted literature review informed the development of the preliminary conceptual model and identified a PROM in the literature that was used as a reference to generate the draft CCF-specific PROM. The colorectal surgeon interviews provided insights on the experience of patients with CCF to refine the conceptual model, formulate probing questions for use in patient interviews, and to develop the draft CCF-specific PROM. Patients’ descriptions of their experiences with symptoms and the impacts on their lives and evaluation of the draft CCF-specific PROM in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were used to develop the final conceptual model and final CCF-specific PROM.

Results

Ten symptoms (odour, pain during bowel movement, abscess, post-operative pain, discharge/drainage/leakage, anal/perianal pain, inflammation/swelling, skin irritation, bleeding and itchiness) and 11 impacts (discomfort, inability to exercise, embarrassment, difficulty sitting, worry about disease, adapted life to maintain hygiene, negatively impacted social life/isolation, inability to perform daily activities, reduced interest in sex, negatively impacted intimate relationships and negatively impacted mood) were reported as most salient by patients. The patient experience, clinician perspective, and literature review provided input to item generation. Evaluation of relevance and patient understanding through cognitive interviews with patients provided evidence for the content validity of the new patient-reported outcome measure: the 20-item Complex Cryptoglandular Fistula Questionnaire™ (CCFQ-20™).

Conclusion

The CCFQ-20™ is a new clinician-guided, patient-validated, disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure that measures disease impact and quality of life in patients with CCF.
The development of ski areas and its relation to the Alpine economy in Switzerland
Authors: Troxler Pascal , Roller Marcus , Bandi Tanner Monika
Published: August 2024

Cableways alleviate access to the Alps and were crucial in establishing the skiing tourism boom of the after-war years. Moreover, cableway operators employ a large share of residents, are complemented by tourism-related services and are therefore a key economic pillar in otherwise laggard regions. We exploit comprehensive historical data of all ever-built cableways in Switzerland linked to income and population data to show how much ski area access benefits the municipalities’ economy compared to similar municipalities without such access on their territory. Evaluating difference-in-differences, we find that opening a ski area between 1940 and 1980 is related to economic growth that persists until today. Particularly, it attracted new residents and created more productive employment opportunities in tourism-related services, thereby raising incomes and tax revenues. Our results contribute to the debate of what economic risks municipalities with access to ski areas face once the decreasing snowpack forces a ski area to close.
A study of the impact of entrance space on indoor air quality in vernacular dwellings in desert areas during sandstorms
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Liang Yushu , Shi Shanshan , Shen Guofeng
Published: August 2024

Alxa League, located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, China, frequently suffers from sandstorms. Such dusty conditions result in sharp increases in respirable particulate matter (PM10) concentration in outdoor and indoor environments, posing a significant health risk to local inhabitants. Vernacular dwellings in this area feature a specific floor plan that includes an entrance space to safeguard indoor air quality during sandstorms while being compatible with the local climate. This study utilises CONTAM, a multizone indoor air quality and ventilation analysis computer program, and field measurements to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the entrance space in protecting indoor air quality against ambient PM10 pollution under both dusty and normal conditions. The simulation results reveal that the entrance space can effectively mitigate PM10 pollution in the middle room, lowering the average concentration from 47.0 μg/m3 to 37.5 μg/m3 during dust periods. However, PM10 pollution may increase in the entrance space, reaching an average concentration of up to 70.0 μg/m3. Experimental outcomes align with the simulated results. Given that construction activities exacerbate desertification and frequent sandstorms, the above findings help identify the optimal design strategies for energy-efficient green vernacular dwellings in the targeted desert area, promoting environmental harmony and addressing climate change challenges.
Exploring the potential of arecanut fibers and fly ash in enhancing the performance of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Marulasiddappa Sreedhara B. , Khan H Asif , Mailar Gireesh , Balreddy Muttana S. , Kuntoji Geetha , Naganna Sujay Raghavendra
Published: August 2024

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative material for construction that offers excellent workability and flowability while achieving effective and uniform compaction without the need for external vibration. Using an experimental approach, this study investigates the effect of incorporating arecanut fibers on the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The focus is on optimizing the fiber content for improved concrete characteristics. The study examines three different fiber lengths (8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm) and three volume fractions (1%, 2%, and 3%) while partially replacing 30% of the cement by weight with fly ash. Tests on the workability of the SCC mixes revealed favorable characteristics: slump flow between 650 and 750 mm, T500 slump flow time of 2–5 s, V-funnel time of 5–10 s, L-box ratio of 0.8–1.0, and J-ring values within 0–10 mm as recommended by EFNARC guidelines. Furthermore, incorporating 30% fly ash and arecanut fibers significantly enhanced the hardened properties of the SCC, particularly its compressive strength. A concrete mix containing 2% of 10-mm long arecanut fibers achieved a compressive strength of 40.26 MPa, which is about 15.14% increase compared to the reference strength of 35 MPa. Similarly, using a 1% volume fraction of 12 mm arecanut fibers increased the split tensile strength by 14.04% and the flexural strength by 35.87% compared to the control mix. Fly ash and arecanut fibers enhance the durability of SCC by reducing Coulomb charges and improving resistance to chloride penetration. However, the increased water absorption rate of the fibers can lead to increased overall water absorption in the concrete. Microstructural analysis (SEM) revealed improved bonding and reduced voids, further supporting enhanced durability. Additionally, EDX analysis confirmed the presence of various elements from cement and fly ash, providing valuable data for evaluating the long-term performance of these SCC mixes.
Effects of background elastic and permeability anisotropy on dynamic seismic signatures of a fluid-saturated porous rock with aligned fractures
Authors: Guo Junxin , Chen Xiaofei , Zhao Jianguo , Xiao Zengjia
Published: August 2024

Seismic dispersion, attenuation, and frequency-dependent anisotropy due to wave-induced fluid flow in fluid-saturated porous and fractured rocks have been widely studied. However, most of these studies do not consider the effects of background elastic and permeability anisotropy. In this work, we study such effects by considering a fluid-saturated porous rock with penny-shaped fractures embedded in the isotropic plane of a transversely isotropic (TI) background. Starting with P waves propagating perpendicularly to the fracture plane, we obtain the wavefields in the fluid-saturated porous TI background scattered from a single fracture. This allows for the calculation of the effective P wavenumber through the Foldy approximation and the derivation of a frequency-dependent fracture compliance matrix. The angle-dependent seismic dispersion and attenuation, as well as frequency-dependent anisotropy, can thus be calculated. Using this model, we study a fractured tight sandstone with a TI background. The results indicate that the background elastic anisotropy primarily affects the seismic frequency-dependent anisotropy, whereas the background permeability anisotropy not only affects seismic frequency-dependent anisotropy but also influences seismic dispersion and attenuation. In particular, the background permeability anisotropy alters the rate of change in seismic velocities and velocity anisotropy parameters with frequencies and the peaks of seismic attenuation and attenuation anisotropy parameters. By comparing the theoretical predictions of our model with other theories and with two sets of experimental data, our model is validated. Our model can be applied to characterize the fractured layered earth.
The Cibarco anticline of the northernmost San Jacinto fold belt: Possible influence of mud diapirism on the Neogene to the recent evolution of the structure where the first oil and gas wells were drilled in Colombia
Authors: Mora-Bohórquez Josué Alejandro , Ruiz Juan Camilo , Santamaría Luis , Veloza Gabriel , Gómez Christian , Montaña Jorge
Published: August 2024

The Cibarco anticline, located in the northwestern South American convergent margin, is a long (approximately 40 km) and narrow (2.5 km wide), south-southwest–north-northeast-trending structure that separates two much wider depocenters, the Tubará-Juan de Acosta depocenter (approximately 20 km wide) to the west, and the Sabanalarga syncline (approximately 11 km wide) to the east. Detailed geologic surface mapping and subsurface seismic interpretation suggest that the formation and evolution of the Cibarco anticline have been strongly influenced by mud diapirism, which has been focused along a west-southwest–east-northeast-trending, inverted pre-Oligocene extensional fault. Seismic interpretation and outcrop analyses also confirmed that the source of mobile shales is the Upper Oligocene marlstones of the Lower Ciénaga de Oro Formation. We suggest that the main mechanism that caused the overpressures that triggered and controlled shale mobilization was disequilibrium compaction related to the sedimentary loading of impermeable seals and the shortening and inversion of pre-Oligocene extensional faults. Growth strata indicate that the Upper Oligocene mud started moving in Early Miocene times during the deposition of the thick Porquero mudstones, and it stopped migrating in Latest Miocene times. After an uplift and erosion event, mud diapirism remained inactive in the Early Miocene, and it was then reactivated in Late Pliocene times. Slight mud migration focused on the inverted fault continued throughout the Pleistocene and to the present. Today, the slight mud migration to the surface is observed in volcanoes located in the northern strand of the Cibarco anticline, although the rest of the anticline has become welded. Our new interpretations, carried out more than a century after the first hydrocarbon exploration activities began in Colombia, will hopefully allow us to increase our understanding of shale tectonics, petroleum systems, and plays in this portion of the convergent margin.
Seismic aberrancy unraveling basement flexures: A study from northeast India
Authors: Kumar Priyadarshi Chinmoy , Bedle Heather , Kumar Jitender , Sain Kalachand
Published: August 2024

The basement in the Upper Assam foreland basin, northeast India, is severely deformed and buckled. It is compartmentalized into several structural compartments. These compartments are breached with minute flexures (or fractures), which developed over the geologic period due to tectonic modifications by fault networks and overlying sediment loads. Flexure anomalies dominant within the basement interval are interpreted using high-quality 3D seismic data acquired from the basin. The data are spectral balanced and structurally conditioned to improve the visibility of suppressed and masked reflections. Attribute maps obtained by computing legacy seismic attributes like energy ratio-similarity and curvature are integrated to interpret flexure networks and associated deformed structures. An advanced seismic attribute called aberrancy is computed to complement the interpretations of the preceding legacy attributes. The aberrancy attribute prominently revealed the presence of flexure networks occurring within the basement interval in the study area. In addition, the geometric characteristics of flexure anomalies suggest that flexures are particularly intense in the northeastern (zone 1) and western (zone 2) parts of the basement. The intensity of the flexures within these zones varies between 0.3 and 0.6 m−1. Overall, the basement displays a low to moderate variation in the intensity of the flexures, with exceptions observed in the aforementioned zones. The method thus presented could be applied to similar tectonic settings to aid the interpretation of subtle deformed networks observed in seismic data.
Lacrosse in the Economic and Social Life of the Kanien’kehá:ka Community of Kahnawà:ke in the Late Nineteenth Century
Authors: Reid Gerald F.
Published: August 2024

During the second half of the nineteenth century, the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kahnawà:ke was strained by several intersecting economic, social, and political tensions. Drawing on recent scholarship and a variety of primary source materials, this article examines these tensions and considers lacrosse as a source of economic opportunity and social capital that enabled Kahnawa’kehró:non to cope with these strains and maintain the economic and social fabric of their community.
Thinking in Dark Times: Life, Death, and Social Solidarity
Authors: Yermolenko Volodymyr
Published: August 2024

In this article, Volodymyr Yermolenko examines the power of ideas to shape social and political events. He is particularly interested in the way misguided or false ideas about Russian and Ukrainian history and politics have contributed to the current Russia-Ukraine war. He also reflects on the way this war has transformed his understanding of some key philosophical concepts, including life, death, and social solidarity.
Spironolactone as an alternative way of treating acne in women - review
Authors: Gajkiewicz Magdalena , Zaucha Radosław , Felińska Zuzanna , Fura Tomasz , Silldorff Julia , Dudek Marcin , Zając Małgorzata , Iszczuk Oliwia , Anczyk Stanisław
Published: August 2024

Introduction and objective:
This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the pharmacology of spironolactone, elucidating its mechanisms of action and clinical implications beyond its conventional indications. Additionally, it examines the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and current treatment strategies for acne vulgaris, contextualizing spironolactone's role in acne management.
Review methods:
Electronic searches were conducted between 15 and 26 April 2024 and included databases: Pubmed and Google Scholar. The following trials registers were searched using the search terms “spironolactone” AND “acne”. This review focuses on 3 trials that are limited to years 2020-2024.
Brief description of state of knowledge:
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by sebaceous gland hyperactivity, follicular hyperkeratinization, microbial colonization, and inflammation. Despite the availability of numerous treatment modalities, therapeutic success can be challenging, particularly in cases of hormonal or treatment-resistant acne. Spironolactone, initially developed as an aldosterone antagonist, has emerged as an off-label option for acne management, especially in individuals with hormonal influences on their condition.
Summary:
In light of conflicting recommendations regarding spironolactone's use in acne management, this review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence, guiding its judicious use in clinical practice. By bridging pharmacological insights with clinical data, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of spironolactone's influence in the treatment landscape of acne vulgaris.
Beyond Risk: A Measure of Distribution Uncertainty
Authors: Lu Tao , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Xiaoquan (Michael) , Zhao Zhenling
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the critical yet often overlooked concept of distribution uncertainty (ambiguity) in decision making, emphasizing its importance alongside traditional outcome uncertainty (risk). It introduces a novel quantitative measure of ambiguity that accurately captures distribution uncertainty. This measure enhances empirical models, yielding more reliable parameter estimates and improving decision-making processes. The study demonstrates the practical value of this ambiguity measure using financial market decision making as an example. The measure helps identify and adjust for uncertainties in underlying distributions, supporting more robust financial models and better risk management. The findings advocate for integrating ambiguity considerations into data analytics models and developing more reliable methodologies for empirical research and practical applications. This study promotes a nuanced understanding of uncertainty, offering significant implications for research methodologies and practical risk management across various fields.
Global Sensitivity Analysis via Optimal Transport
Authors: Borgonovo Emanuele , Figalli Alessio , Plischke Elmar , Savaré Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

We examine the construction of variable importance measures for multivariate responses using the theory of optimal transport. We start with the classical optimal transport formulation. We show that the resulting sensitivity indices are well-defined under input dependence, are equal to zero under statistical independence, and are maximal under fully functional dependence. Also, they satisfy a continuity property for information refinements. We show that the new indices encompass Wagner’s variance-based sensitivity measures. Moreover, they provide deeper insights into the effect of an input’s uncertainty, quantifying its impact on the output mean, variance, and higher-order moments. We then consider the entropic formulation of the optimal transport problem and show that the resulting global sensitivity measures satisfy the same properties, with the exception that, under statistical independence, they are minimal, but not necessarily equal to zero. We prove the consistency of a given-data estimation strategy and test the feasibility of algorithmic implementations based on alternative optimal transport solvers. Application to the assemble-to-order simulator reveals a significant difference in the key drivers of uncertainty between the case in which the quantity of interest is profit (univariate) or inventory (multivariate). The new importance measures contribute to meeting the increasing demand for methods that make black-box models more transparent to analysts and decision makers.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.

Funding: A. Figalli acknowledges the support of the ERC [Grant 721675] “Regularity and Stability in Partial Differential Equations (RSPDE)” and of the Lagrange Mathematics and Computation Research Center.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01796 .
Monte Carlo Estimation of CoVaR
Authors: Huang Weihuan , Lin Nifei , Hong L. Jeff
Published: August 2024

CoVaR is an important measure of financial systemic risk due to its ability to capture tail dependence between the losses of different portfolios and its capacity to predict financial crises. Estimating CoVaR is challenging because its definition involves a zero-probability event, which is unobservable in the data. The existing model-based methods address this issue by assuming simplified structural models, which introduce biases that are difficult to eliminate. In “Monte Carlo Estimation of CoVaR,” Huang, Lin, and Hong propose using Monte Carlo methods to estimate CoVaR, leveraging the modeling flexibility of Monte Carlo simulation. Specifically, they introduce a batching estimator applicable to a wide range of financial models and prove that its best rate of convergence is [Formula: see text], where n is the sample size. Under the widely used delta-gamma approximation model, they further introduce an importance sampling–inspired estimator and prove that its best rate of convergence can be improved to [Formula: see text].
The head of the tax office as a tax authority. Analysis of legal and tax regulations
Authors: Chołdyńska Małgorzata , Waszak Piotr
Published: August 2024

The head of the tax office as a tax authority. Analysis of legal and tax regulations. The Tax Ordinance and other tax acts do not contain a definition of a tax authority. Article 13 of the Tax Ordinance Act lists only these authorities. The phrase "tax authority, in accordance with its jurisdiction, is" used in this provision indicates that the calculation provided therein is exhaustive. Article 13 establishes the jurisdiction of tax authorities by indicating which tax authority has the competence to consider and resolve a specific case in the first instance and which authority has the competence to verify, in the ordinary course of tax proceedings, the decision (decision) of the first instance tax authority. The Tax Ordinance does not use the concept of instance jurisdiction, but uses the phrases "first instance authority", "appeal authority", "higher level authority", which allow for the definition of the instance jurisdiction of a tax authority.
Administrative proceedings vs. Tax proceedings
Authors: Żuk Krzysztof , Koman-Bednarczyk Angelika , Pochodyła Paweł , Wojciechowski Łukasz , Sitek Joanna Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Tax proceedings are a separate type of administrative proceeding, which is conducted by tax authorities. It has the character of an authoritative, public-law concretization, a unilateral legal relationship in the field of tax law. The provisions governing the proceeding include both the Tax Ordinance and the Code of Administrative Procedure. The purpose of tax proceedings is to assess tax... Administrative proceedings are both a series of procedural actions, regulated by procedural law, taken by public administration bodies and other procedural entities to resolve an administrative matter in the form of an administrative decision, and a series of procedural actions taken to verify a previously issued administrative decision.
Administrative procedure, also called formal administrative law, procedural administrative law or administrative procedure, is one of the three parts of administrative law.
Administrative-legal and organization-management conditions of audit in the public finance sector units
Authors: Wołowiec Tomasz , Wojciechowski Łukasz , Waszak Piotr , Zupok Sebastian , Golec Ewa
Published: August 2024

Internal audit is performed in a diverse legal and cultural environment, for organizations that differ in their goals, size, complexity and structure. Internal auditing is performed by people both inside and outside the organization. Although the aforementioned differences may affect the practice of auditing in different environments, the application of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing is an essential condition for the internal auditor and internal audit to fulfill their duties. Internal control is an immanent feature of the management process. In the functional sense, it is performed by each employee, in the institutional sense by a separate internal cell. Hence, the control system consists of: internal cells in the organizational structure, internal regulations, procedures and other control mechanisms in the enterprise/unit. Internal control operates on an ongoing basis and can respond immediately to any irregularities. Financial control is a special type of internal control - it deals with finances. Internal audit comes into contact with internal control during one of the many activities it undertakes, namely the examination and evaluation of the effectiveness of the existing internal control system.
Enhancing autism rehabilitation: the role of expert systems in supporting therapy with intelligent robotics
Authors: Kowalski Wiesław , Niderla Konrad , Markiewicz Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects brain development and manifests itself primarily in difficulties in communication and social interactions. Autistic people may also experience a restricted set of interests and repetitive behaviors. Among the promising tools supporting autistic people, systems supporting diagnosis, planning therapy, monitoring progress, and even conducting direct interactions with autistic children are becoming increasingly important. The article describes an expert system created to support the rehabilitation of children with autism. The presented expert system, for instance, can analyze the child's speech patterns and suggest appropriate communication strategies, or it can monitor the child's behavior and propose activities to address repetitive behaviors. The system is part of a more extensive solution consisting of three main components: the patient interface, the rehabilitator's expert system, and the machine learning module. The presented environment was used during therapeutic sessions with young patients. On the one hand, it provides promising results in patient interactions; on the other hand, it supports the work of rehabilitators. It is worth noting that the main strength of the solution is the inference and suggestions proposed by the system during a session with the patient; taking into account the dynamic development of artificial intelligence systems and the fact that each subsequent session provides new data, we can count on the beneficial impact of the presented system on both the progress in the patient's rehabilitation and also the quality and effectiveness of the rehabilitator's work.
Advanced emotion analysis: harnessing facial image processing and speech recognition through deep learning
Authors: Hałas Magdalena , Maj Michał , Guz Ewa , Stencel Marcin , Cieplak Tomasz
Published: August 2024

The human face hides many secrets and is one of the most expressive human features. Human faces even contain hidden information about a person's personality. Considering the fundamental role of the human face, it is necessary to prepare appropriate deep-learning solutions that analyze human face data. This technology is becoming increasingly common in many industries, such as online retail, advertising testing, virtual makeovers, etc. For example, facial analysis technology now allows online shoppers to virtually apply makeup and try on jewelry or new glasses to get an accurate picture of what these products will look like.
The human sense of hearing is a treasure trove of information about the current environment and the location and properties of sound-producing objects. For instance, we effortlessly absorb the sounds of birds singing outside the window, traffic passing in the distance, or the lyrics of a song on the radio. The human auditory system can process the intricate mix of sounds reaching our ears and create high-level abstractions of the environment by analyzing and grouping measured sensory signals. The process of obtaining segregation and identifying sources of a received complex acoustic signal, known as sound scene analysis, is a domain where the power of deep learning shines. The machine implementation of this functionality (separation and classification of sound sources) is pivotal in applications such as speech recognition in noise, automatic music transcription, searching and retrieving multimedia data, or recognizing emotions in statements.
Complex system for analysis and monitoring of technological processes based on tomography
Authors: Figura Cezary , Król Krzysztof , Bartnik Grzegorz , Kowalczuk Mariusz , Golec Ewa , Czarnecki Piotr
Published: August 2024

The main objective was to build a mobile impedance/capacitance tomograph for flow analysis and process optimization. The product responds to the identified needs of target customers who operate in process monitoring, control, and optimization of manufacturing processes. They need information on data processing and analysis and spatial analysis of technological processes. The designed solution's target market is the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and mining industries. The paper presents the device's design and an application for data collection and visualization using tomography. Tomography is a technique for imaging a cross-section of an object based on measurements taken from the outside. Tikhonov regularisation reconstructions were used to reconstruct tomographic images. Test measurements were taken to confirm the correct operation of the completed system.
Keywords: tomography, production analysis, optimization, process management, process modeling, process control.