bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting catches of bark beetles and woodboring beetles in traps
Authors: Dodds Kevin J. , Sweeney Jon , Francese Joseph A. , Besana Laura , Rassati Davide
Published: April 2024

The use of semiochemical-baited traps for detection, monitoring, and sampling bark beetles and woodboring beetles (BBWB) has rapidly increased since the early 2000s. Semiochemical-baited survey traps are used in generic (broad community level) and specific (targeted toward a species or group) surveys to detect nonnative and potentially invasive BBWB, monitor established populations of invasive or damaging native species, and as a tool to survey natural communities for various purposes. Along with expansion in use, much research on ways to improve the efficacy of trapping surveys for the detection of specific pests as well as BBWB in general has been conducted. In this review, we provide information on intrinsic and extrinsic factors and how they influence the efficacy of detecting BBWB in traps. Intrinsic factors, such as trap type and color, and other factors are described, as well as important extrinsic factors such as habitat selection, horizontal and vertical placement, and disturbance. When developing surveys, consideration of these factors should increase the species richness and/or abundance of BBWB captured in traps and increase the probability of detecting nonnative species that may be present. During generic surveys, deploying more than one trap type or color, using an array of lures, and trapping at different vertical and horizontal positions is beneficial and can increase the number of species captured. Specific surveys generally rely on predetermined protocols that provide recommendations on trap type, color, lure, and trap placement.
The dynamics of vertical coalescence of acoustically levitated droplets
Authors: Vashi Aditya , Yadav Ajeet Singh , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Sreejith Kamalalayam Rajan
Published: April 2024

Mobility manipulation of liquid droplets is an important task of digital imicrofluidics. Acoustic levitation has revolutionised the contactless manipulation of liquid droplets for various applications. Acoustic levitation technique can be effectively used to manipulate droplets to obtain their coalescence. This paper reports a unique, versatile, and material-independent approach for the vertical coalescence of the droplets suspended in an acoustic levitator. The acoustic power of the levitator is carefully engineered to obtain vertical coalescence of two liquid droplets. Water, 20% and 40% glycerol–water solutions are used as the working liquids. The results of the experiments revealed three outcomes during the coalescence. The outcomes are analysed and discussed.
Identification of Hub Genes in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Zhang Zizhen , Cai Jiaru , Li Xiaoping , Xu Xiaoling
Published: April 2024

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a malignant cancer with high incidence and poor prognosis. To investigate the correlation between hub genes and progression of LIHC and to provided potential prognostic markers and therapy targets for LIHC. Our study mainly used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LIHC database and the gene expression profiles of GSE54236 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore the differential co-expression genes between LIHC and normal tissues. The differential co-expression genes were extracted by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis methods. The Genetic Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were carried out to annotate the function of differential genes. Then the hub genes were validated using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. And the expression level and prognostic analysis were performed. The probable associations between the expression of hub genes and both tumor purity and infiltration of immune cells were explored by TIMER. A total of 68 differential co-expression genes were extracted. These genes were mainly enriched in complement activation (biological process), collagen trimer (cellular component), carbohydrate binding and receptor ligand activity (molecular function) and cytokine − cytokine receptor interaction. Then we demonstrated that the 10 hub genes (CFP, CLEC1B, CLEC4G, CLEC4M, FCN2, FCN3, PAMR1 and TIMD4) were weakly expressed in LIHC tissues, the qRT-PCR results of clinical samples showed that six genes were significantly downregulated in LIHC patients compared with adjacent tissues. Worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in LIHC patients were associated with the lower expression of CFP, CLEC1B, FCN3 and TIMD4. Ten hub genes had positive association with tumor purity. CFP, CLEC1B, FCN3 and TIMD4 could serve as novel potential molecular targets for prognosis prediction in LIHC.
Achieving transformational change through the consilience of behavioral science and radical alternatives
Authors: Read Daniel J. , Selinske Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

The integration of behavioral science into conservation science and climate science has enabled the development of both novel research questions and practical interventions. However, most behavioral interventions aim to change private, individual behaviors, rather than transform the political economic systems that drive current biodiversity, climate, and social crises. In this paper, we argue that closer collaboration between behavioral scientists working on biodiversity and climate issues, on the one hand, and advocates for radical alternatives to current political economic systems, on the other, could advance such needed systemic transformation. While the work of both groups is subject to some critique, we suggest that closer collaboration could enable the strengths of each to address the others’ weaknesses. This complementarity is particularly true when behavioral interventions are co-designed with advocates and targeted towards powerful individuals whose behavior could affect systems-level transformation. We use the fossil fuel divestment movement as an illustrative example of one way in which this collaboration could be mutually beneficial, and then outline potential political, practical, and ethical implications that may accompany such collaborations in the biodiversity conservation and climate change fields.
A topological insight into the polar involution of convex sets
Authors: Higueras-Montaño Luisa F. , Jonard-Pérez Natalia
Published: April 2024

Denote by $${\cal K}_0^n$$

K
0
n

the family of all closed convex sets A ⊂ ℝn containing the origin 0 ∈ ℝn. For $$A \in {\cal K}_0^n$$
A
∈

K
0
n

, its polar set is denoted by A°. In this paper, we investigate the topological nature of the polar mapping A → A° on $$({\cal K}_0^n,{d_{AW}})$$
(

K
0
n

,

d

A
W

)
, where dAW denotes the Attouch–Wets metric. We prove that $$({\cal K}_0^n,{d_{AW}})$$
(

K
0
n

,

d

A
W

)
is homeomorphic to the Hilbert cube $$Q = \prod\nolimits_{i = 1}^\infty {[ - 1,1]} $$
Q
=

∏

i
=
1

∞

[
−
1
,
1
]

and the polar mapping is topologically conjugate with the standard based-free involution σ: Q → Q, defined by σ(x) = −x for all x ∈ Q. We also prove that among the inclusion-reversing involutions on $${\cal K}_0^n$$

K
0
n

(also called dualities), those and only those with a unique fixed point are topologically conjugate with the polar mapping, and they can be characterized as all the maps $$f:{\cal K}_0^n \to {\cal K}_0^n$$
f
:

K
0
n

→

K
0
n

of the form f(A) = T(A°), with T a positive-definite linear isomorphism of ℝn.
OnlyFans: How Models Negotiate Fan Interaction
Authors: Tynan Luke , Linehan Conor
Published: April 2024

OnlyFans is a social media platform that allows individuals to sell subscription access to content and interact with subscribers. While open to all forms of creators, OnlyFans has become synonymous with pornographic and erotic content, particularly during its growth over the Covid-19 pandemic. Models on OnlyFans are paid by fans to provide an experience which is tailored to the fantasy of the fan. This study employed a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis to examine the complexities of creator-fan interactions, the challenges faced by models, and their strategies in managing those interactions. Seven Ireland-based OnlyFans models (87.5% cis-women), participated in semi-structured interviews via social media. Findings identified four key challenge domains: boundaries, exposure, impression management, and interaction. Models strategised in a number of ways, such as clarifying boundaries, protecting identities, managing impressions, and confining fan interactions to the platform itself. However, the ambiguous nature of the roles in this fan-model dynamic, often culminated in blurred lines between fantasy and reality, leading to boundary violations and problematic fan-model relationships. This dynamic has striking parallels with the challenges experienced between influencers and celebrities with their fans, emphasizing the universal nature of this digital interaction phenomenon. The findings bear significant implications for a broad range of individuals, including potential and active OnlyFans models, celebrities and influencers navigating fandoms, researchers exploring online interactions, and mental health professionals assisting clients in these contexts. This study acknowledges its limitation in exploring only the models’ perspective, urging future research to incorporate fan perspectives of this dynamic.
Is Sex Education Enough to Change Sexual Scripts, Promote Agency and Sexual Satisfaction? A Comparative Study Between Brazilian and Portuguese Women
Authors: Soster Andresa Pinho , Falcke Denise , Oliveira Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Traditional sexual scripts (TSS) are associated with gender inequality for exposing women to vulnerabilities. Higher adherence to TSS has also been associated with deficits in sexual agency, contributing for decrease women’s sexual health and problems with sexual satisfaction. The sexual agency is achieved through sex education, and comparing Portugal and Brazil that treat this issue in different ways may contribute to understand the role of sex education policies. This study verified and compared the association between TSSs, sexual agency and sexual satisfaction in Portuguese and Brazilian women and analyzed the predictive power of the variables on female sexual satisfaction. A cross-sectional online survey with 322 women university students, 161 Brazilian and 161 Portuguese, aged between 18 and 29, was made using measures to verify sexual scripts, sexual agency and sexual satisfaction, and data were analyzed using statistical analyses. Results indicate a significant moderate positive association between sexual satisfaction and initiation, and communion in both groups. Initiation, refusal, communion, instrumentality, and permissiveness were predictors of sexual satisfaction in Portuguese, and initiation, communion were predictors of sexual satisfaction in the Brazilian group. Despite higher rates of sex education and practices to prevent STIs and early pregnancy in the Portuguese group, there was no significant difference in adherence to sexual scripts in the groups. Compulsory sex education in Portugal contributes to increasing sexual agency in sexual practices, but programs focused on STI prevention and early pregnancy are not enough to change TSS, promote an integral agency, and sexual satisfaction.
NEC versus NET G3—is there a grey zone? Case report of pancreatic NET G3 with rapid disease progression
Authors: Melhorn Philipp , Raderer Markus , Mazal Peter , Kozakowski Nicolas , Kiesewetter Barbara
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of grade 3 (NET G3) exhibit a significantly better survival than patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). However, some cases of NET G3 with high Ki-67 index present with highly aggressive clinical behavior, prompting the question whether there are selected tumors representing a biological continuum between NET G3 and NEC.

Case presentation

Here we report the case of a 49-year-old man with pancreatic NET G3 metastasized to the liver. Surgery was not indicated, and the patient was initially treated with cisplatin/etoposide on account of the high proliferation rate (Ki-67 index of 50%). Restaging showed immediate disease progression with new liver metastases, so therapy with capecitabine/temozolomide was initiated and continued until progressive disease after 7 cycles. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including functional imaging and genetic analyses, revealed no potential therapeutic targets, and further treatment options were limited. The patient died shortly after a therapeutic attempt with streptozotocin/5-fluorouracil.

Conclusion

This case exemplifies the unfortunate course of a rapidly progressive NET G3 and highlights the limited number of effective therapies for some tumors within the relatively new cohort of NET G3 with a yet unsatisfactory understanding of its underlying tumor biology and behavioral spectrum.
Predictive Value of 5-Methoxytryptophan on Long-Term Clinical Outcome after PCI in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction-a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Kui , Wen Xiao-Qin , Zhang Wei , Wang Jing-Xian , Liang Yan , Li Wen-Qing , Wang Yu-Hang , Liang Miao-Miao , Jing An-Ran , Ma Jing , Zhang Xu , Liu Yin , Gao Jing
Published: April 2024

Background

In recent years, 5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) has been identified as an endothelial factor with vaso-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, a total of 407 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) successfully were enrolled. A 1-year follow-up Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used for evaluating the correlation between 5-MTP and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) while Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to identify predictive values of 5-MTP on MACE after AMI.

Results

Increased 5-MTP level led to a significant downtrend in the incidence of MACE (All Log-rank p < 0.05). Thus, a high baseline 5-MTP could reduce the 1-year incidence of MACE (HR = 0.33, 95%Cl 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001) and heart failure (HF) (HR = 0.28, 95% Cl 0.13–0.62, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis indicated the predictive value of 5-MTP was more significant in patients aged ≤ 65 years and those with higher baseline NT-proBNP, T2DM, STEMI, and baseline HF with preserved LVEF (HFpEF) characteristics.

Conclusions

Plasma 5-MTP is an independent and protective early biomarker for 1-year MACE and HF events in patients with AMI, especially in younger patients and those with T2DM, STEMI, and baseline HFpEF characteristics.

Graphical Abstract
The component outage model for power systems using availability approximations
Authors: Arunachalam Viswanathan , Calvache Alvaro , Tansu Ayşe
Published: April 2024

The traditional outage models with constant failure rates do not truly reflect the environmental and operating conditions nor the effect of repair operations on power systems. This paper proposes two useful approximations for the availability function based only on the first three of the lifetime distribution. We compare the availability function of a power transformer using the numerical inverse of the transformed availability function. It also suggests methods to verify the effectiveness of the approaches. Finally, it outlines the proposed approximations to validate the efficacy of the approximations.
Overexpression of SYNGAP1 suppresses the proliferation of rectal adenocarcinoma via Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Yun , Zhu Ying , Chen Jiaojiao , Wu Mei , Wang Lan , Su Li , Feng Fei , Hou Yanli
Published: April 2024

Rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Growing studies have confirmed Ras GTPase-activating proteins are involved in the progression of several tumors. This study aimed to explore the expression and function of Ras GTPase-activating proteins in READ. In this study, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from 165 patients with READ and 789 normal tissue samples, identifying 5603 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 2937 upregulated genes and 2666 downregulated genes. Moreover, we also identified two dysregulated genes, RASA4 and SYNGAP1, among six Ras GTPase-activating proteins. High NF1 expression was associated with longer overall survival, while high SYNGAP1 expression showed a trend towards extended overall survival. Further analysis revealed the mutation frequency and copy number variations of Ras GTPase-activating proteins in various cancer samples. Additionally, DNA methylation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between DNA methylation of Ras GTPase-activating proteins and their expression. Moreover, among Ras GTPase-activating proteins, we focused on SYNGAP1, and experimental validation confirmed that the overexpression of SYNGAP1 in READ significantly suppressed READ cell proliferation and increased apoptosis via regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. These findings underscored the potential significance of SYNGAP1 in READ and provide new insights for further research and treatment.
GPS-Based Precise Orbit Determination of LEO Satellites Using Space-Based Double-Differenced Observations
Authors: Kang Zhigui , Bettadpur Srinivas , Save Himanshu , Nagel Peter
Published: April 2024

One of the important GPS applications in space is precise orbit determination (POD) of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Thousands of LEO satellites are currently in orbit. One of the challenges is how to efficiently and precisely determine the orbits to satisfy the relative and absolute accuracy needs of missions. Currently, GPS-based POD of LEO satellites can be performed using either un-differenced (UD) or ground-based double-differenced (DD) observations. The UD POD needs both precise GPS satellite orbits and clocks; the DD POD needs not only the precise orbits, but also global ground reference receivers. Therefore, the GPS-based LEO POD is based on either global ground stations or precise GNSS clocks, which are not convenient for near real-time or real-time data processing. The GPS orbits can be precisely predicted in certain time; the clocks are not. For some formation flying satellite missions (two or more LEO satellites), the absolute orbit accuracy requirements are not as stringent as the relative requirements. The problem is how to perform LEO POD without global station data and precise GPS clocks in near real-time or real-time to achieve the mission orbit accuracy requirement. Based on this motivation, we investigated the GPS-based LEO POD using space-based DD observations without using global ground station GPS data and precise GPS clock products. For this study, we processed the real GPS observations from two LEO satellites. The absolute and relative orbit accuracy is assessed using several tests, including analysis of the orbit fits, external orbit comparisons, Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and K-band Ranging (KBR) residuals.
PARETO – eine Strukturanalyse pandemierelevanter Fachgebiete (Studienprotokoll)
Authors: von der Eltz Viola , Groneberg David , Klingelhöfer Doris , Brüggmann Dörthe
Published: April 2024

Seuchenausbrüche wie die Coronavirus-Disease-2019-Pandemie (COVID-19-Pandemie) sind wiederkehrende Ereignisse, welche starke universitäre Forschungsstrukturen in Form von eigenständigen Lehrstühlen erfordern. In Deutschland wurde in den letzten 30 Jahren jedoch aus verschiedenen pandemierelevanten Fachbereichen von ungenügenden Forschungsstrukturen berichtet. Mit PARETO (Pandemic Related Topics) soll daher eine bisher einzigartige, einheitliche, vergleichbare Beurteilungsbasis geschaffen werden, um gezielte Forschungsförderung zu ermöglichen. Methodik und Auswertung von PARETO sollen im vorliegenden Studienprotokoll am Beispiel der Rechtsmedizin für das Bundesland Sachsen-Anhalt vorgestellt werden. Zunächst werden ein Fachbereich und ein Referenzfachbereich ausgewählt, dessen Strukturen untersucht und miteinander verglichen werden sollen. Die Anzahl eigenständiger Lehrstühle an öffentlich finanzierten medizinischen Fakultäten und Universitätskliniken wird für das Jahr 2021 recherchiert. Bibliometrische Daten aus dem Web of Science werden über die Wahl geeigneter Web of Science-Kategorien für einen Untersuchungszeitraum von 1990–2021 ermittelt (Artikelanzahl, Zitierungsanzahl, Zitationsrate). Sie sollen die Forschungsaktivität des Staates, der Bundesländer und der Universitäten widerspiegeln, ebenso wie wichtige Kooperationen zwischen Forschungsinstitutionen und Ländern. Die Datenauswertung erfolgt vergleichend deskriptiv. Zu erwarten sind Erkenntnisse über die Repräsentation pandemierelevanter Fachbereiche in Deutschland, welche durch die Beispieluntersuchung der Rechtsmedizin veranschaulicht werden. Die geschaffene Beurteilungsbasis kann Entscheidungsträgern in Politik und Wissenschaft dienen, um Forschungsförderbedarf zu detektieren und Forschungsstrukturen für künftige Krankheitsausbrüche zu optimieren.
Biocatalytic Functionalities of Lignin Peroxidase-Based Systems in Lignin Depolymerization and Pollutants Removal from Environmental Matrices
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto , Schmidt Jens Ejbye , Boczkaj Grzegorz , Bilal Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

In the presented review, we have summarized and highlighted recent developments in the use of lignin peroxidase (LiP) to remove a variety of pollutants from water matrices. The high redox potential of LiP is underlined by its excellent catalytic functionalities in the elimination of pharmaceuticals, phenolics, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and other miscellaneous pollutants. LiP-based computational frameworks for theoretical bioremediation of multiple pollutants have also been discussed, which have prompted a rise in scientific interest.

Recent Findings

According to current studies, both free and immobilized LiPs are biocatalysts capable of efficient pollutant degradation and LMW transformation. Some immobilized LiP preparations demonstrated excellent recyclability, enabling its reusability in multiple catalytic cycles. Additionally, computational degradability makes it easier to comprehend the mechanisms underlying the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants.

The capacity of LiP to cleave C–C and C–O–C bonds has led to its widespread application as a biocatalyst. Its outstanding potential to catalyze oxidative cleavage has been effectively used in the remediation of pollutants without needing mediators. Nevertheless, we brought attention to the current LiP system in pollutants remediation and computational framework, which has generated a significant rise in scientific interest.
Characterizing Bipartite Distance-Regularized Graphs with Vertices of Eccentricity 4
Authors: Fernández Blas , Maksimović Marija , Rukavina Sanja
Published: April 2024

Consider a bipartite distance-regularized graph $$\Gamma $$
Γ
with color partitions Y and $$Y'$$

Y
′

. Notably, all vertices in partition Y (and similarly in $$Y'$$

Y
′

) exhibit a shared eccentricity denoted as D (and $$D'$$

D
′

, respectively). The characterization of bipartite distance-regularized graphs, specifically those with $$D \le 3$$

D
≤
3

, in relation to the incidence structures they represent is well established. However, when $$D=4$$

D
=
4

, there are only two possible scenarios: either $$D'=3$$

D
′

=
3

or $$D'=4$$

D
′

=
4

. The instance where $$D=4$$

D
=
4

and $$D'=3$$

D
′

=
3

has been previously investigated. In this paper, we establish a one-to-one correspondence between the incidence graphs of quasi-symmetric SPBIBDs with parameters $$(v, b, r, k, \lambda _1, 0)$$

(
v
,
b
,
r
,
k
,

λ
1

,
0
)

of type $$(k-1, t)$$

(
k
-
1
,
t
)

, featuring intersection numbers $$x=0$$

x
=
0

and $$y>0$$

y
>
0

(where $$y \le t < k$$

y
≤
t
<
k

), and bipartite distance-regularized graphs with $$D=D'=4$$

D
=

D
′

=
4

. Moreover, our investigations result in the systematic classification of 2-Y-homogeneous bipartite distance-regularized graphs, which are incidence graphs of quasi-symmetric SPBIBDs with parameters $$(v,b,r,k, \lambda _1,0)$$

(
v
,
b
,
r
,
k
,

λ
1

,
0
)

of type $$(k-1,t)$$

(
k
-
1
,
t
)

with intersection numbers $$x=0$$

x
=
0

and $$y=1$$

y
=
1

.
Entropy production on mixed convection stagnation point flow of nonlinear radiative fourth-grade hybrid nanofluid through a stretchable Riga surface
Authors: Mkhatshwa M. P.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the current study is to inspect entropy generation, mixed convective stagnation point flow, and thermal transfer features of nonlinear radiative fourth-grade hybrid nanofluid (NF) confined by a convectively heated Riga surface. The heat transport is examined with the existence of two disparate heat source modulations, variable thermal conductivity, and viscous dissipation. The original flow equations are first transmuted using appropriate transformations into non-dimensional ordinary differential equations, which are then solved via an overlapping grid-based spectral collocation scheme. The upshots of various pertinent parameters on velocity, temperature, entropy generation, and valuable engineering quantities are deliberated. Pivotal results obtained reveal that speedily flow of fluid and skin friction can be accelerated by strong magnetic force, rising mixed convection, and material parameters. Also, convective boundary conditions, along with nonlinear radiation and fluctuating thermal conductivity, are recommended for boosting fluid temperature, rates of entropy generation and heat transport. Thermal mechanism in hybrid NF is dominant over simple NF, which implies that performance of hybrid NF is better than that of simple NF. The outcomes of this study can be useful in enriching thermal performance of the working fluid, assisting in diagnosing causes of incompetency in thermal systems, and discovering suitable means of minimizing entropy generation with the intention of mitigating the loss of useful and scarce energy resources.
The role of explainability in AI-supported medical decision-making
Authors: Gerdes Anne
Published: April 2024

This article positions explainability as an enabler of ethically justified medical decision-making by emphasizing the combination of pragmatically useful explanations and comprehensive validation of AI decision-support systems in real-life clinical settings. In this setting, post hoc medical explainability is defined as practical yet non-exhaustive explanations that facilitate shared decision-making between a physician and a patient in a specific clinical context. However, giving precedence to an explanation-centric approach over a validation-centric one in the domain of AI decision-support systems, it is still pivotal to recognize the inherent tension between the eagerness to deploy AI in healthcare and the necessity for thorough, time-consuming external and prospective validation of AI. Consequently, in clinical decision-making, integrating a retrospectively analyzed and prospectively validated AI system, along with post hoc explanations, can facilitate the explanatory needs of physicians and patients in the context of medical decision-making supported by AI.
Extension of CMSA with a Learning Mechanism: Application to the Far from Most String Problem
Authors: Pinacho-Davidson Pedro , Blum Christian , Pinninghoff M. Angélica , Contreras Ricardo
Published: April 2024

One of the problems with exact techniques for solving combinatorial optimization problems is that they tend to run into problems with growing problem instance size. Nevertheless, they might still be very usefully employed, even in the context of large problem instances, as a sub-ordinate method within so-called hybrid metaheuristics. “Construct, Merge, Solve and Adapt” (Cmsa) is a hybrid metaheuristic technique that allows the application of exact methods to large-scale problem instances through intelligent instance reduction. However, Cmsa does not make use of an explicit learning mechanism. In this work, an algorithm called $$\textsc {Learn}\_\textsc {Cmsa}$$

L

E
A
R
N

_
C

M
S
A

is presented for the application to the far from most string problem (FFMSP), which is an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem from the field of string consensus problems. $$\textsc {Learn}\_\textsc {Cmsa}$$

L

E
A
R
N

_
C

M
S
A

results from hybridization between Cmsa and a population-based algorithm. By means of this hybridization, explicit learning is introduced to Cmsa. Even though the FFMSP is a well-studied problem, $$\textsc {Learn}\_\textsc {Cmsa}$$

L

E
A
R
N

_
C

M
S
A

achieves superior performance when compared to current state-of-the-art solvers.
IDG-SemiAD: An Immune Detector Generation-Based Collaborative Learning Scheme for Semi-supervised Anomaly Detection in Industrial Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Huang Meng , Li Wenshan , He Junjiang , Lan Xiaolong , Li Tao , Zhang Nian
Published: April 2024

Anomaly detection is a critical line of defense to ensure the network security of industrial cyber-physical systems. However, a significant issue in the anomaly detection is the insufficient labels of anomaly classes. With emergence of the new and unknown network attacks, accurately labeling these attacks can be a costly task. The issue of inadequate labeling may negatively impact the detection performance of many existing anomaly detection methods. To meet this gap, this paper proposes a semi-supervised collaborative learning paradigm called IDG-SemiAD, based on an immune detector generation algorithm. First, we design an immune detector generation algorithm based on a chaos map to generate abnormal samples from self-samples. Then, these abnormal samples are combined with self-samples and given specific labels to form a new training set. Finally, the LightGBM classifier is used for training and detection. Experiments on the widely used public dataset BATADAL show that the proposed IDG-SemiAD outperforms the classical v-detector method in terms of recall and f-score, with improvements of 8.2% and 8%, respectively, and outperforms deep learning-based anomaly detection methods, with a maximum improvements of up to 89.7% and 59.5% respectively.
TFITrack: Transformer Feature Integration Network for Object Tracking
Authors: Hu Xiuhua , Liu Huan , Li Shuang , Zhao Jing , Hui Yan
Published: April 2024

Due to the ignoring of rich spatio-temporal and global contextual information with convolutional neural networks in features extraction, the traditional method is prone to tracking drift or even failure in complex scenario, especially for the tiny targets in aerial photography scenario. In this work, it proposes a transformer feature integration network (TFITrack) to obtain diverse and comprehensive target feature for the robust object tracking. Based on the typical transformer architecture, it optimizes encoder and decoder structure for aggregating discriminative spatio-temporal information and global context-awareness feature. Furthermore, the encoder introduces the similarity calculation layer and dual-attention module; the aim is to deepen the similarity between features and make corrections for channel and spatial dimensions, and feature representation is improved. Finally, with the introduction of the temporal context filtering layer, unimportant feature information is ignored adaptively, obtaining a balance between the parameters number reduction and stable performance. Experimental results show that the proposed tracking algorithm exhibits excellent tracking performance on seven benchmark datasets, especially on the aerial dataset UAV123, UAV20L, and UAV123@10fps, which presents the advantages of the novel method in dealing with fast motion and external interference.
Characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in intensive care unit before (2007–2010) and after (2011–2014) the beginning of an antimicrobial stewardship program
Authors: Strazzulla Alessio , Adrien Vladimir , Houngnandan Segla Robert , Devatine Sandra , Bahmed Ouerdia , Abroug Sarra , Hamrouni Sarra , Monchi Mehran , Diamantis Sylvain
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

To investigate the factors associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in intensive care unit (ICU) before and after an antimicrobial stewardship program.

Materials:

Monocentric retrospective cohort study. Patients admitted to the ICU in 2007–2014 were included. Characteristics of P. aeruginosa patients were compared to overall ICU population. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of P. aeruginosa patients before (2007–2010) and after (2011–2014) the beginning of the AMP were compared.

Results:

Overall, 5,263 patients were admitted to the ICU, 274/5,263 (5%) had a P. aeruginosa isolate during their staying. In 2011–2014, the percentage P. aeruginosa isolates reduced (7% vs 4%, P ≤ .0001). Patients with P. aeruginosa had higher rates of in-hospital death (43% vs 20%, P < .0001) than overall ICU population. In 2011–2014, rates of multidrug-resistant (11% vs 2%, P = .0020), fluoroquinolone-resistant (35% vs 12%, P < .0001), and ceftazidime-resistant (23% vs 8%, P = .0009) P. aeruginosa reduced. Treatments by fluoroquinolones (36% vs 4%, P ≤ .0001), carbapenems (27% vs 9%, P = .0002), and third-generation cephalosporins (49% vs 12%, P ≤ .0001) before P. aeruginosa isolation reduced while piperacillin (0% vs 13%, P < .0001) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8% vs 26%, P = .0023) increased. Endotracheal intubation reduced in 2011–2014 (61% vs 35%, P < .0001). Fluoroquinolone-resistance was higher in patients who received endotracheal intubation (29% vs 17%, P = .0197). Previous treatment by fluoroquinolones (OR = 2.94, P = .0020) and study period (2007–2010) (OR = 2.07, P = .0462) were the factors associated with fluoroquinolone-resistance at the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic susceptibility in P. aeruginosa isolates was restored after the reduction of endotracheal intubation, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, and third-generation cephalosporins and the increased use of molecules with a low ecological footprint, as piperacillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
It takes a village: decreasing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections
Authors: Shubeilat Jamilah L. , Ilges Dan , Ton Angie N. , Seville Maria Teresa A.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Prescribing of antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) remains a pressing public health problem. We sought to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for URIs in Mayo Clinic Arizona.

Design:

Single-center, quasi-experimental, and retrospective cohort study

Setting:

Emergency medicine and all primary care departments

Methods:

The interventions included sharing baseline prescribing data, education, resources, and quarterly peer comparison reports. Encounters with diagnostic codes for respiratory infections commonly caused by viruses were categorized as Tier 3 (ie, never appropriate to prescribe antibiotics). Our goal was to reduce inappropriate prescribing for Tier 3 encounters by 22% in 2022.

Results:

Department education was completed by June 2022. The annual antibiotic prescribing rate for Tier 3 encounters was reduced by 29%, from a baseline rate of 23.6% in 2021 to 16.4% in 2022 (P < .001). The posteducation prescribing rate was 13.1%. Repeat respiratory-related healthcare contact within 14 days of Tier 3 encounters did not differ between patients prescribed and not prescribed an antibiotic in all of 2022 (4.7% antibiotic vs 4.2% no antibiotic, P = .595) or during the posteducation period (3.7% vs 4.6%, P = .604).

Conclusion:

A multi-faceted intervention, which included baseline education, syndrome-specific order panels, resources for symptomatic management, and peer comparison reports, resulted in significant reduction of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for URIs.
Derivation and internal validation of the multivariate toxigenic C. difficile diarrhea model and risk score for emergency room and hospitalized patients with diarrhea
Authors: Davies Sarah , Zhang Jimmy , Yi Yongjun , Burge Eric R. , Desjardins Marc , Austin Peter C. , van Walraven Carl
Published: April 2024

Background:

Many factors have been associated with the risk of toxigenic C. difficile diarrhea (TCdD). This study derived and internally validated a multivariate model for estimating the risk of TCdD in patients with diarrhea using readily available clinical factors.

Methods:

A random sample of 3,050 symptomatic emergency department or hospitalized patients undergoing testing for toxigenic C. difficile at a single teaching hospital between 2014 and 2018 was created. Unformed stool samples positive for both glutamate dehydrogenase antigen by enzyme immunoassay and tcdB gene by polymerase chain reaction were classified as TCdD positive. The TCdD Model was created using logistic regression and was modified to the TCdD Risk Score to facilitate its use.

Results:

8.1% of patients were TCdD positive. TCdD risk increased with abdominal pain (adjusted odds ratio 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.8), previous C. difficile diarrhea (2.5, 1.1–6.1), and prior antibiotic exposure, especially when sampled in the emergency department (4.2, 2.5–7.0) versus the hospital (1.7, 1.3–2.3). TCdD risk also increased when testing occurred earlier during the hospitalization encounter, when age and white cell count increased concurrently, and with decreased eosinophil count. In internal validation, the TCdD Model had moderate discrimination (optimism-corrected C-statistic 0.65, 0.62–0.68) and good calibration (optimism-corrected Integrated Calibration Index [ICI] 0.017, 0.001–0.022). Performance decreased slightly for the TCdD Risk Score (C-statistic 0.63, 0.62–0.63; ICI 0.038, 0.004–0.038).

Conclusions:

TCdD risk can be predicted using readily available clinical risk factors with modest accuracy.
Sweatshop Boycotts: Can’t Live with Them, Can’t Live without Them
Authors: Peng Linan , Powell Benjamin
Published: April 2024

This article explores the moral permissibility of sweatshop boycotts. We build explicitly on Tomhave and Vopat’s (2018) framework for evaluating the moral permissibility of boycotts in general for the specific case of sweatshop labor. We argue that sweatshop boycotts are more likely to be morally justified when targeting forced labor compared to free labor and we explore the relevant moral tradeoffs associated with boycotts of free labor sweatshops. We analyze the morality of three cases of sweatshop boycotts—Indonesia in the 1990s, Bangladesh following the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster, and the Uyghur region in China—and then discuss how insights from these cases might provide a model to guide activists and business ethicists in analyzing the morality of other sweatshop boycotts.
BUILDING MODELS IN SMALL CARDINALS IN LOCAL ABSTRACT ELEMENTARY CLASSES
Authors: MAZARI-ARMIDA MARCOS , YANG WENTAO
Published: April 2024

There are many results in the literature where superstablity-like independence notions, without any categoricity assumptions, have been used to show the existence of larger models. In this paper we show that stability is enough to construct larger models for small cardinals assuming a mild locality condition for Galois types.

Theorem 0.1.

Suppose

$\lambda <2^{\aleph _0}$

. Let

${\mathbf {K}}$

be an abstract elementary class with

$\lambda \geq {\operatorname {LS}}({\mathbf {K}})$

. Assume

${\mathbf {K}}$

has amalgamation in

$\lambda $

, no maximal model in

$\lambda $

, and is stable in

$\lambda $

. If

${\mathbf {K}}$

is

$(<\lambda ^+, \lambda )$

-local, then

${\mathbf {K}}$

has a model of cardinality

$\lambda ^{++}$

.

The set theoretic assumption that

$\lambda <2^{\aleph _0}$

and model theoretic assumption of stability in

$\lambda $

can be weakened to the model theoretic assumptions that

$|{\mathbf {S}}^{na}(M)|< 2^{\aleph _0}$

for every

$M \in {\mathbf {K}}_\lambda $

and stability for

$\lambda $

-algebraic types in

$\lambda $

. This is a significant improvement of Theorem 0.1, as the result holds on some unstable abstract elementary classes.
Algorithmically generated memories: automated remembrance through appropriated perception
Authors: Henriksen Ellen Emilie
Published: April 2024

This article is on algorithmically generated memories: data on past events that are stored and automatically ranked and classified by digital platforms, before they are presented to the user as memories. By mobilising Henri Bergson's philosophy, I centre my analysis on three of their aspects: the spatialisation and calculation of time in algorithmic systems, algorithmic remembrance, and algorithmic perception. I argue that algorithmically generated memories are a form of automated remembrance best understood as perception, and not recollection. Perception never captures the totality of our surroundings but is partial and the parts of the world we perceive are the parts that are of interest to us. When conscious beings perceive, our perception is always coupled with memory, which allows us to transcend the immediate needs of our body. I argue that algorithmic systems based on machine learning can perceive, but that they cannot remember. As such, their perception operates only in the present. The present they perceive in is characterised by immense amounts of data that are beyond human perceptive capabilities. I argue that perception relates to a capacity to act as an extended field of perception involves a greater power to act within what one perceives. As such, our memories are increasingly governed by a perception that operates in a present beyond human perceptual capacities, motivated by interests and needs that lie somewhat beyond interests of needs formulated by humans. Algorithmically generated memories are not only trying to remember for us, but they are also perceiving for us.
POLICIES FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Authors: Griffith Rachel
Published: April 2024

Several decades ago, Sig Prais concluded that the root cause of the UK’s poor industrial performance was the poor quality of education and training. In this lecture, I will make a related argument, focussing on the lack of opportunity in the United Kingdom for workers who have not succeeded in the formal education system and the long-lasting impacts this has on their economic, health and social wellbeing. I will highlight the importance of providing opportunities for continued training over a worker’s lifetime for appropriate skills that are valued in the workplace in order to achieve inclusive growth.
Karenia mikimotoi induced adverse impacts on abalone Haliotis discus hannai in Fujian coastal areas, China
Authors: Liao Ling-Zhi , Lin Jia-Ning , Ding Xin-Shu , Feng Song , Yan Tian
Published: April 2024

Large-scale outbreaks of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi caused substantial mortality of abalone, Haliotis discus hannai in Fujian, China in 2012, resulting in 20 billion in economic losses to abalone industries. However, the mechanism behind the mortality, especially the reaction of abalone to this microalgal toxicity, which possibly differed significantly from the former ‘fish killer’ strain in the South China Sea (SCS). Our study revealed that K. mikimotoi FJ-strain exhibited a four-fold higher haemolytic toxicity than the SCS-strain during the late exponential phase. At the microalgal cell density of 3 × 107 cell L−1, the FJ-strain caused abalone mortality of 67% in 48 h, with decreased granulocyte–hyalinocyts ratio and phagocytic activity by 58.96% and 75.64%, respectively, increased haemocyte viability by 4.8-fold and severe gill damage. The toxic effect only worked for the haemolytic toxicity from active algal cells, which were probably produced under the contact of algal cells and abalone gills. However, under exposure to the SCS-strain, more than 80% of individuals survived under aeration. The results indicated that FJ-strain was a new K. mikimotoi ecotype with stronger toxicity. It evoked severe effects, with complete abalone mortality within 24 h under the cascading effect of non-aeration (dissolved oxygen declined to 2.0 mg L−1), when exposed to K. mikimotoi FJ-strain at the above density. Thus, apart from the microalgal toxicity, DO depletion exacerbated the mortality of abalone in the experiment. The massive abalone mortalities in Fujian were probably caused by the combination of microalgal toxic effects and oxygen depletion, leading to immunological depression and histopathological disruption.
The long-term effectiveness of a personality-targeted substance use prevention program on aggression from adolescence to early adulthood
Authors: Lawler Siobhan , Barrett Emma L. , Teesson Maree , Kelly Erin , Champion Katrina E. , Debenham Jennifer , Smout Anna , Chapman Cath , Slade Tim , Conrod Patricia J. , Newton Nicola C. , Stapinski Lexine
Published: April 2024

Background

Addressing aggressive behavior in adolescence is a key step toward preventing violence and associated social and economic costs in adulthood. This study examined the secondary effects of the personality-targeted substance use preventive program Preventure on aggressive behavior from ages 13 to 20.

Methods

In total, 339 young people from nine independent schools (M age = 13.03 years, s.d. = 0.47, range = 12–15) who rated highly on one of the four personality traits associated with increased substance use and other emotional/behavioral symptoms (i.e. impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity, sensation seeking, and negative thinking) were included in the analyses (n = 145 in Preventure, n = 194 in control). Self-report assessments were administered at baseline and follow-up (6 months, 1, 2, 3, 5.5, and 7 years). Overall aggression and subtypes of aggressive behaviors (proactive, reactive) were examined using multilevel mixed-effects analysis accounting for school-level clustering.

Results

Across the 7-year follow-up period, the average yearly reduction in the frequency of aggressive behaviors (b = −0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.64 to −0.20; p < 0.001), reactive aggression (b = −0.22; 95% CI 0.35 to −0.10; p = 0.001), and proactive aggression (b = −0.14; 95% CI −0.23 to −0.05; p = 0.002) was greater for the Preventure group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The study suggests a brief personality-targeted intervention may have long-term impacts on aggression among young people; however, this interpretation is limited by imbalance of sex ratios between study groups.
‘… parents unknown … unheard of …’: Not I and the ‘Mother and Baby Homes Report’
Authors: O’Neill Shane
Published: April 2024

This article re-reads Beckett’s play Not I (1972) in the light of the ‘Mother and Baby Homes Report’, published in January 2021. Beckett interrogates what James Smith, Clair Wills, and others have referred to as Ireland’s ‘architecture of containment’. Mouth, ‘brought up … with the other waifs’ in a mother and baby home, absorbed religious notions of sin and punishment. Through a close reading of selected passages, the article considers to what extent Not I can be read as a ‘survivor’s testimony’ such as those given to the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes.
The Muse of Zenon: from Syracuse to the Museum of Guadalajara
Authors: Lenaghan Julia , Lenaghan Patrick
Published: April 2024

This article traces a statue, which Zenon of Aphrodisias carved, from Syracuse to its discovery at the Palace of Cogolludo in 2007. The study of this statue of the Muse Euterpe broadly demonstrates the appreciation for a figure from the classical world to Early Modern Europe and focuses attention on two understudied moments in the history of sculpture. It shows that Zenon carved the figure in the 4th c. CE, and its story reveals new connections between sculptors of Aphrodisias and specific patrons of the period. The statue's subsequent history attests to the high regard for ancient art and epigraphy in the Iberian Peninsula in 1500–1700. Since the statue probably belonged to Luis de la Cerda, ninth Duke of Medinaceli, it draws attention to a remarkable patron and a neglected aspect of Spanish cultural history.