bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advance Selling Strategy with Return Service: The Impacts of Information Disclosure and Disclosure Methods
Authors: Wang Yajing , Li Jian , Zhu Shichao , Quan Pei
Published: April 2024

The return cost burdens both consumers and merchants, leading merchants to emphasize information disclosure during pre-sales of new products. This study analyzes the effects of information disclosure methods on consumer valuation and merchants’ pre-sale strategies across four scenarios: no advance selling, no information disclosure, traditional information disclosure, and blockchain-enabled information disclosure. We examine optimal pricing and inventory strategies under each scenario, assessing the value of information disclosure and the merchant’s optimal advance selling strategy. We find that traditional information disclosure could lead to various pre-sale pricing outcomes based on consumer valuation distribution bounds, trust levels, and merchant return losses. Blockchain-based disclosure influences merchants to implement premium pricing, which may render blockchain unnecessary. Offering pre-orders is beneficial with any information disclosure method. If consumers have varied product understandings, merchants benefit more from using an information disclosure strategy rather than just offering returns; otherwise, the reverse is true. The paper provides theoretical insights into optimal pre-sale information disclosure practices.
Proportionate Flow Shop Scheduling with Job-dependent Due Windows and Position-dependent Weights
Authors: Wang Ji-Bo , Lv Dan-Yang , Wan Congying
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we deal with the different due windows assignment proportionate flow shop problem with position-dependent weights, where the sequence is a permutation. The objective is to determine an optimal job sequence and due windows of all jobs such that the weighted sum of earliness–tardiness, the starting time and size of all due windows is to be minimized, where the weight is not related to the job but to the position in which some job is scheduled, i.e., position-dependent weights. According to a series of optimal properties, we prove that the problem can be solved in polynomial time [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of jobs.
Formation of supermassive black holes from N self-gravitating small black holes: A thermodynamic study
Authors: Lotte Baljeet Kaur , Mahapatra Prasanta Kumar , Mishra Subodha
Published: April 2024

Both statistical and thermodynamic aspects are used to analyze the collapse of N self-gravitating black holes that result in the formation of supermassive black holes. The change in energy and entropy of the system in relation to the masses of the constituent black holes and their numbers are obtained. The transition temperature for the change from the high-temperature interacting gas (or particles) to the low-temperature condensed state of black holes in forming supermassive black hole is determined.
Heating of the interstellar gas by cosmic rays and warm transparent ionized plasma observed by pulsar dispersions
Authors: Ben-Aryeh Y.
Published: April 2024

Electron densities in different locations of our galaxy are obtained in pulsar astronomy by dividing the dispersion measure (DM) by the distance of the pulsar to Earth. The properties of the interstellar plasma are related to its heating by cosmic rays. Following the present analysis, DM’s measurements are obtained with different properties of the corresponding plasmas at different temperatures. (1) For relatively low temperatures (around and below 10,000 (K)), the state of molecular, atomic and ionized hydrogen is analyzed by the interstellar medium model with partially ionized plasma. In this region, various spectroscopic effects are obtained. (2) For temperatures above this limit, the interstellar gas is found to be a completely ionized medium, and this plasma is defined as warm ionized medium (WIM) plasma. We show in the first part of the paper that this plasma is transparent, as obtained from the solution of Saha’s equation. The index of refraction of the WIM plasma is real, but the plasma can be observed by dispersion measurements. (3) For very high temperatures (around 1 million (K)), the plasma is defined as hot ionized medium, where X-rays are obtained. We concentrate in the present work on the analysis of WIM plasma. We calculate the mass densities of this plasma and compare it with dark matter mass densities, which are found to be larger. But some factors which may reduce this difference are discussed.
2-zeros texture and the Universal Texture Constraint in the Leptonic Sector
Authors: Carrillo-Monteverde A. , Gómez-Ávila S. , López-Lozano L.
Published: April 2024

Texture matrices are used to mitigate the redundancy inherent in the description of flavor physics via Yukawa couplings by eliminating some entries in order to identify relevant parameters. In this paper, the implications of a 2-zero texture mixing matrix in the parallel case are studied for leptons. Eight possible parametrizations were found and the parameter space was studied for all the scenarios using a chi-squared analysis. Using a model of GUT with [Formula: see text] symmetry, the mass matrices were restricted and a reduction of parameters was possible by adding the previously proposed Universal Texture Constraint for two scenarios. Constrains on the mass of the heaviest neutrino were found and the interval favored by UTC is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV as well as general properties of the free parameters of the model.
UNDERSTANDING MEMORY MECHANISMS IN SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS: THE CASE OF AN AGENT-BASED MOBILITY MODEL
Authors: STEUDLE GESINE A. , WINKELMANN STEFANIE , FÜRST STEFFEN , WOLF SARAH
Published: April 2024

This paper explores memory mechanisms in complex socio-technical systems, using a mobility demand model as an example case. We simplify a large-scale agent-based mobility model, formulate the corresponding stochastic process, and observe that the mobility decision process is non-Markovian. This is due to its dependence on the system’s history, including social structure and local infrastructure, which evolve based on prior mobility decisions. Complementing the mobility process with two history-determined components leads to an extended mobility process that is Markovian. Although our model is a very much reduced version of the original one, it remains too complex for the application of usual analytic methods. Instead, we employ simulations to examine the functionalities of the two history-determined components. We think that the structure of the analyzed stochastic process is exemplary for many socio-technical, -economic, -ecological systems. Additionally, it exhibits analogies with the framework of extended evolution, which has previously been used to study cultural evolution.
Identifying and Improving Problems and Risks of Management Strategies Based on GQM+Strategies Metamodel and Design Principles
Authors: Shimura Chimaki , Washizaki Hironori , Aoki Yohei , Kobori Takanobu , Honda Kiyoshi , Fukazawa Yoshiaki , Shintani Katsutoshi , Nonomura Takuto
Published: April 2024

Due to the criticality of software and IT in today’s business environment, organisations often align business goals and IT strategies. One alignment method is GQM+Strategies® (GQM+Strategies® is a registered trademark (No. 302008021763 at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and international registration number IR992843). Although GQM+Strategies employs a vertical refinement tree grid based on rationales to align business goals and IT strategies in each department and throughout the organisation, it allows multiple perspectives. This can lead to strategic problems and risks because the GQM+Strategies grid may be unclear. To address this deficiency, this study defines modelling rules with a metamodel specified using a Unified Modelling Language (UML) class diagram and employs design principles described by Object Constraint Language (OCL) to automatically configure GQM+Strategies grids. These design principles are used in an experiment as the evaluation criteria to assess potential strategic problems and risks. The results confirm that our method has the potential to support the construction of GQM+Strategies grids with a consistent perspective, aiding in the alignment of business goals and IT strategies throughout an organisation.
Leadership Dynamics in the Knowledge-Based Landscape: Unravelling the Mediating Forces of Cognition on Innovative Behaviour
Authors: Lim Weilee , Mahmood Tarique , Zaidi Syeda Alina , Areeb Younnus Muhammad
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic knowledge-based landscape, effective leadership has a crucial role in sharing knowledge and expertise towards innovation. Multiple previous research studies have studied the correlation between leadership style and innovative behaviour. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have investigated the mediating influence of psychological empowerment on the connection between organisational leadership and innovative behaviour. The study also examines how creative self-efficacy influences the connection between entrepreneurial leadership and innovative behaviour. This study addressed the knowledge gap by examining the correlation between transformational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, and innovative behaviour. Additionally, it sought to explore the role of psychological empowerment and creative self-efficacy as mediators in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership, transformational leadership, and innovative behaviour. A questionnaire was administered to 228 individuals who are employees working in Pakistan’s SMEs. The data were then analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Smart-PLS software. The findings suggest transformational leadership and entrepreneurial leadership heightened innovative behaviour among employees through psychological empowerment and creative self-efficacy. No direct impact was established for transformational leadership on innovative behaviour indicating the presence for mediator. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering empirical proof of the correlation between transformational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, and innovative behaviour. It also examines the influence of psychological empowerment and creative self-efficacy on innovative behaviour. The practical implication is that to encourage innovative behaviour, leaders need to get down the field to empower and build confidence among employees.
N-Alkylcorroles
Authors: Pizzoli Francesco , Nardis Sara , Fata Alessia , Marsotto Martina , Petrella Greta , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: April 2024

A series of inner core [Formula: see text]-alkylcorroles were synthesized and characterized. The introduction of both linear and branched alkyl groups was achieved, demonstrating the quite large scope of the reaction. Polyalkylation results in the formation of the [Formula: see text]-21,[Formula: see text]-22 regioisomer, although the introduction of the second alkyl group is less facile than previously observed in the case of the methyl substituent. Complete functionalization of the inner core nitrogens has been investigated, but only the N,N′,N″-trimethyl derivatives were obtained. The characterization of these species demonstrated a different arrangement of the methyl groups to the macrocyclic plane, which is peculiar when compared with the conformation of the analogous porphyrin derivatives. These [Formula: see text]-alkylcorroles should prove to be of potential interest as ligands for various metal ions.
Application of Convolutional Networks for Localization and Prediction of Scalar Parameters of Fractured Geological Inclusion
Authors: Golubev Vasily , Anisimov Mikhail
Published: April 2024

Seismic inversion is an important part of the modern geological exploration process. Novel applications of deep learning are capable of handling heterogeneous media, but require too much data for training. In this paper, we focus on the prediction of fracture inclusion location and its parameters in rock media and approach the problem in the multi-task manner. For this, several multi-task convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures are proposed and compared. The direct seismic problem is considered in the heterogeneous fractured geological model based on the well-known Marmousi2 model in a two-dimensional case. The model of the deformable solid medium containing slip planes with nonlinear slip conditions on them and explicit–implicit numerical method is applied to obtain the synthetic seismic dataset for CNN training and validation.
Riemann hypothesis for period polynomials for cusp forms on Γ0(N)
Authors: Choi SoYoung
Published: April 2024

We prove that for even integer k, almost all of zeros of the period polynomial associated to a cusp form of weight k on [Formula: see text] are on the circle [Formula: see text] under some conditions.
Large Pólya groups in simplest cubic fields and consecutive bi-quadratic fields
Authors: Islam Md. Imdadul , Chattopadhyay Jaitra , Chakraborty Debopam
Published: April 2024

The Pólya group of an algebraic number field is the subgroup generated by the ideal classes of the products of prime ideals of equal norm inside the ideal class group. Inspired by a recent work on consecutive quadratic fields with large class numbers by Cherubini et al., we extend the notion of consecutiveness of number fields to certain parametric families of cyclic cubic fields and bi-quadratic fields and address the question of the existence of infinitely many such consecutive fields with large Pólya groups. This extends a recent result of the second author and Saikia for totally real bi-quadratic fields.
Generalizations of mock theta functions
Authors: Cui Su-Ping , Gu Nancy S. S. , Su Chen-Yang , H. Y. Xie Matthew
Published: April 2024

Mock theta functions were first introduced by Ramanujan in his last paper to Hardy. Moreover, some other mock theta functions were presented in his lost notebook. It is well known that all the classical mock theta functions can be expressed by the universal mock theta functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we establish some generalized mock theta functions and express them in terms of Appell–Lerch sums. Meanwhile, we show that some of Ramanujan’s two-parameter mock theta functions are the special cases of these functions.
Neural Attributed Community Search at Billion Scale
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Wang Kai , Lin Xuemin , Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2024

Community search has been extensively studied in the past decades. In recent years, there is a growing interest in attributed community search that aims to identify a community based on both the query nodes and query attributes. A set of techniques have been investigated. Though the recent methods based on advanced learning models such as graph neural networks (GNNs) can achieve state-of-the-art performance in terms of accuracy, we notice that 1) they suffer from severe efficiency issues; 2) they directly model community search as a node classification problem and thus cannot make good use of interdependence among different entities in the graph. Motivated by these, in this paper, we propose a new neur
AL
attr
I
buted Community s
E
arch model for large-scale graphs, termed ALICE. ALICE first extracts a candidate subgraph to reduce the search scope and subsequently predicts the community by the Consistency-aware Net, termed ConNet. Specifically, in the extraction phase, we introduce the density sketch modularity that uses a unified form to combine the strengths of two existing powerful modularities, i.e., classical modularity and density modularity. Based on the new modularity metric, we first adaptively obtain the candidate subgraph, formed by the k-hop neighbors of the query nodes, with the maximum modularity. Then, we construct a node-attribute bipartite graph to take attributes into consideration. After that, ConNet adopts a cross-attention encoder to encode the interaction between the query and the graph. The training of the model is guided by the structure-attribute consistency and the local consistency to achieve better performance. Extensive experiments over 11 real-world datasets including one billion-scale graph demonstrate the superiority of ALICE in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Notably, ALICE can improve the F1-score by 10.18% on average and is more efficient on large datasets in comparison to the state-of-the-art. ALICE can finish training on the billion-scale graph within a reasonable time whereas state-of-the-art can not.
Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computing for Cost-effective Multimodal Federated Perception
Authors: Chen Ning , Cheng Zhipeng , Fan Xuwei , Liu Zhang , Huang Bangzhen , Zhao Yifeng , Huang Lianfen , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: April 2024

Federated learning (FL) is a prominent paradigm of 6G edge intelligence (EI), which mitigates privacy breaches and high communication pressure caused by conventional centralized model training in the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). The execution of multimodal federated perception (MFP) services comprises three sub-processes, including sensing-based multimodal data generation, communication-based model transmission, and computing-based model training, ultimately competitive on available underlying multi-domain physical resources such as time, frequency, and computing power. How to reasonably coordinate the multi-domain resources scheduling among sensing, communication, and computing, therefore, is vital to the MFP networks. To address the above issues, this article explores service-oriented resource management with integrated sensing, communication, and computing (ISCC). Specifically, employing the incentive mechanism of the MFP service market, the resources management problem is defined as a social welfare maximization problem, where the concept of “expanding resources” and “reducing costs” is used to enhance learning performance gain and reduce resource costs. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed resource scheduling mechanisms.
GraphSER: Distance-Aware Stream-Based Edge Repartition for Many-Core Systems
Authors: Li Junkaixuan , Kang Yi
Published: April 2024

With the explosive growth of graph data, distributed graph processing has become popular, and many graph hardware accelerators use distributed frameworks. Graph partitioning is foundation in distributed graph processing. However, dynamic changes in graph make existing partitioning shifted from its optimized points and cause system performance degraded. Therefore, more efficient dynamic graph partition methods are needed.

In this work, we propose GraphSER, a dynamic graph partition method for many-core systems. To improve the cross-node spatial locality and reduce the overhead of repartition, we propose a stream-based edge repartition, in which each computing node sequentially traverses its local edge list in parallel, then migrating edges based on distance and replica degree. GraphSER does not need costly searching and prioritizes nodes so it can avoid poor cross-node spatial locality.

Our evaluation shows that compared to state-of-the-art edge repartition software methods, GraphSER has an average speedup of 1.52×, with the maximum up to 2×. Compared to the previous many-core hardware repartition method, GraphSER performance has an average of 40% improvement, with the maximum to 117%.
Fluid Ejections in Nature
Authors: Challita Elio J. , Rohilla Pankaj , Bhamla M. Saad
Published: April 2024

From microscopic fungi to colossal whales, fluid ejections are universal and intricate phenomena in biology, serving vital functions such as animal excretion, venom spraying, prey hunting, spore dispersal, and plant guttation. This review delves into the complex fluid physics of ejections across various scales, exploring both muscle-powered active systems and passive mechanisms driven by gravity or osmosis. It introduces a framework using dimensionless numbers to delineate transitions from dripping to jetting and elucidate the governing forces. Highlighting the understudied area of complex fluid ejections, this review not only rationalizes the biophysics involved but also uncovers potential engineering applications in soft robotics, additive manufacturing, and drug delivery. By bridging biomechanics, the physics of living systems, and fluid dynamics, this review offers valuable insights into the diverse world of fluid ejections and paves the way for future bioinspired research across the spectrum of life.
Language in Brains, Minds, and Machines
Authors: Tuckute Greta , Kanwisher Nancy , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: April 2024

It has long been argued that only humans could produce and understand language. But now, for the first time, artificial language models (LMs) achieve this feat. Here we survey the new purchase LMs are providing on the question of how language is implemented in the brain. We discuss why, a priori, LMs might be expected to share similarities with the human language system. We then summarize evidence that LMs represent linguistic information similarly enough to humans to enable relatively accurate brain encoding and decoding during language processing. Finally, we examine which LM properties—their architecture, task performance, or training—are critical for capturing human neural responses to language and review studies using LMs as in silico model organisms for testing hypotheses about language. These ongoing investigations bring us closer to understanding the representations and processes that underlie our ability to comprehend sentences and express thoughts in language.
Quenching-Induced Ultrathin LiF-Rich Interphases on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode
Authors: Li Jinxing , Zhang Yujuan , Chen Xinping , Lu Lisi , Liu Hao , Gao Fei , An Shengli , Wang Xindong , Qiu Xinping
Published: April 2024

Nickel-rich layered oxides (NCM) are a promising contender material for the cathode electrode of high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their large reversible capacity and high operating voltage. However, the poor surface/interfacial stability and the dissolution of transition metal ions hinder the commercial application of NCM. To create an artificial cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) with LiF-rich inorganic phase on the NCM surface, a practical and efficient way of quenching the NCM powder from high temperature in 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether (HFE) was devised. With this artificial CEI film, the side reactions between NCM and electrolytes are inhibited, and the dissolution of TM ions is retarded. The quenched-NCM achieved fantastic cycling performance and suppressed voltage decay. Our research offers an efficient and worthy approach for improving the surface/interfacial stabilization of nickel-rich cathode materials for high-energy-density LIBs.
Computational model captures cardiac growth in hypertensive pregnancies and in the postpartum period
Authors: Kaissar Molly S. , Yoshida Kyoko
Published: April 2024

Our multiscale model predicts appropriate heart growth beyond normal pregnancy, including elevated heart weights in rats with induced hypertension during pregnancy and in lactating mice and decreased heart weight in nonlactating mice. Our model captures distinct mechanisms that result in similar organ-level growth, highlighting its potential to distinguish healthy from diseased pregnancy-induced growth.
A Profile of Occupational Therapists Working in School‐Based Practice in Australian Primary Schools
Authors: Jeremy Jill , Spandagou Ilektra , Hinitt Joanne
Published: April 2024

Inclusive education has increased the demand for school‐based occupational therapy services and has reconceptualised the practice in mainstream schools. Therapists are now expected to work collaboratively with teachers within tiered intervention models to support access and participation of all students, including those with disabilities, within the natural classroom context. School‐based occupational therapy has become a specialised area of practice, as therapists work within educational, rather than health, systems and processes. While the growth in demand and expanded scope of practice is positive for the profession, predicted workforce shortages and the necessity for specialised and enhanced practice present significant challenges. The ability of the profession to fully support the demands of an inclusive education system remains unclear. As accurate, up‐to‐date information on the school‐based therapy workforce is the foundation for planning future personnel needs, knowledge of the current state of the workforce is critical. There is a paucity of national data regarding this growing area of practice. The aim of this study is to describe a current profile of school‐based occupational therapists to better understand the workforce, practice patterns, and the funding landscape in Australia. A convenient and purposive sample of 108 Australian paediatric occupational therapists working in mainstream primary schools in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria was surveyed in this quantitative study, which was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results provide some insights into the workforce and practice of school‐based therapy in Australia offering preliminary data for future planning in this important and growing area of paediatric practice. While specific to the local context, results invite cross‐national and global comparison to reveal universal trends and localised nuances across diverse settings.
Hybrid Agent-Based Load-Balancing Approach Used in an IaaS Platform
Authors: Sebastian Shoney , M. Iyyappan , Ahmad Sultan , Waris Mohammad Maqbool , Abdeljaber Hikmat A. M. , Nazeer Jabeen
Published: April 2024

Cloud computing has received a resounding welcome. It was created following methodical and thorough study in web services, distributed computing, utility computing, and virtualization, and it offers several benefits, including lower costs, less space required, and easier management. These advantages bring in a significant number of new users to the cloud platform every day. In addition, because cloud computing is an Internet-based computing paradigm, it must deal with the issue of overwhelming demands through effective load-balancing. A very small number of studies only focus on load-balancing problems in cloud computing platforms, while the majority of load-balancing research is accessible in many domains, including parallel, distributed, and grid computing. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service, and Platform as a Service are the three basic categories under which cloud computing falls. For these models, there are notable differences in the load-balancing techniques used. This work compared the outcome with the current method and presented a hybrid agent-based load-balancing approach for the IaaS platform.
Rural Households’ Demand Status for Mitigation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC Invasion and Its Determinant Factors in Ethiopia: Empirical Evidence from Afar National Regional State
Authors: Sisay Kindineh , Bekele Ketema , Haji Jema , Schaffner Urs
Published: April 2024

Ethiopia is among the world’s poorest nations, and its economy is growing extremely slowly; thus, the government’s budget to manage environmental amenities is not always sufficient. Thus, for the provision of environmental management services such as the eradication of Prosopis juliflora, the participation of local households and other stakeholders is crucial. This study is therefore initiated with the objective of assessing rural households’ demands for mitigating Prosopis juliflora invasion in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was employed to obtain the 313 sample rural households that were used in the analysis, and those sample households were selected randomly and independently from the Amibara and Awash Fentale districts of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia. In doing this, a seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model was used to determine factors affecting rural households’ demands for mitigating Prosopis juliflora invasion. Consequently, as per the inferential statistical results, there was a significant mean/percentage difference between willing and nonwilling households for the hypothesized variables, except for some variables such as farm experience; years lived in the area, distance from the market, and dependency ratio. Furthermore, the seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model result indicates that sex, family size, tenure security, livestock holding, frequency of extension contact, and years lived in the area were important factors influencing the willingness to participate in Prosopis juliflora management practices positively, whereas age, off-farm/nonincome, and bid value affected willingness to pay negatively and significantly. Hence, to improve the participation level of households, policymakers should target these variables.
Analysis of the Dynamics of a Cubic Nonlinear Five-Dimensional Memristive Chaotic System and the Study of Reduced-Dimensional Synchronous Masking
Authors: Ding Lina , Wang Pan
Published: April 2024

To improve the complexity of the chaotic system and achieve the effective transmission of image information, in this paper, a five-dimensional memristive chaotic system with cubic nonlinear terms is constructed, which has four pairs of symmetric coordinates. First, the cubic nonlinear memristive chaotic system is analyzed using the Lyapunov exponential map, bifurcation map, and attractor phase diagram. The experimental results show that under four pairs of symmetric coordinates, the system exists not only parameter-dependent symmetric rotational coexisting attractor and transient chaotic phenomena but also exists super-multistationary with alternating chaotic cycles dependent on the initial value of the memristor. Then, it is proposed to add a constant term to the linear state variable to explore the effect of the offset increment of the linear state variable on the system in four pairs of symmetric coordinates, while circuit simulation of the five-dimensional chaotic system is carried out using Simulink to verify its existence and realisability. Finally, the synchronization of the dimensionality reduction system and the confidential transmission of the image are achieved, using the control voltage of the system to replace the internal state variables of the memristor to achieve the one-dimensional reduction process, and an adaptive synchronization controller is designed to synchronize the system before and after the dimensionality reduction. Based on the above, an image to be transmitted is modulated into a one-dimensional array and then subjected to the fractional and cyclic operations and combined with the linear encryption and decryption functions and the chaotic masking technique, the simple encryption and decryption of the image processes are realized.
Spatial Profiling of Ovarian Carcinoma and Tumor Microenvironment Evolution under Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Yaniz-Galende Elisa , Zeng Qinghe , Bejar-Grau Juan F. , Klein Christophe , Blanc-Durand Felix , Le Formal Audrey , Pujade-Lauraine Eric , Chardin Laure , Edmond Elodie , Marty Virginie , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Joly Florence , Ferron Gwenael , Pautier Patricia , Berton-Rigaud Dominique , Lortholary Alain , Dohollou Nadine , Desauw Christophe , Fabbro Michel , Malaurie Emmanuelle , Bonichon-Lamaichhane Nathalie , Bello Roufai Diana , Gantzer Justine , Rouleau Etienne , Genestie Catherine , Leary Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

This study investigates changes in CD8+ cells, CD8+/Foxp3 ratio, HLA I expression, and immune coregulator density at diagnosis and upon neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), correlating changes with clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design:

Multiplexed immune profiling and cell clustering analysis were performed on paired matched ovarian cancer samples to characterize the immune tumor microenvironment (iTME) at diagnosis and under NACT in patients enrolled in the CHIVA trial (NCT01583322).

Results:

Several immune cell (IC) subsets and immune coregulators were quantified pre/post-NACT. At diagnosis, patients with higher CD8+ T cells and HLA I+-enriched tumors were associated with a better outcome. The CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio increased significantly post-NACT in favor of increased immune surveillance, and the influx of CD8+ T cells predicted better outcomes. Clustering analysis stratified pre-NACT tumors into four subsets: high Binf, enriched in B clusters; high Tinf and low Tinf, according to their CD8+ density; and desert clusters. At baseline, these clusters were not correlated with patient outcomes. Under NACT, tumors were segregated into three clusters: high BinfTinf, low Tinf, and desert. The high BinfTinf, more diverse in IC composition encompassing T, B, and NK cells, correlated with improved survival. PDL1 was rarely expressed, whereas TIM3, LAG3, and IDO1 were more prevalent.

Conclusions:

Several iTMEs exist during tumor evolution, and the NACT impact on iTME is heterogeneous. Clustering analysis of patients unravels several IC subsets within ovarian cancer and can guide future personalized approaches. Targeting different checkpoints such as TIM3, LAG3, and IDO1, more prevalent than PDL1, could more effectively harness antitumor immunity in this anti-PDL1–resistant malignancy.
Topical Corticosteroid Phobia among Danish Pharmacy Staff
Authors: Toft-Hansen Jakob Maarbjerg , Nørreslet Line Brok , Vittrup Ida , Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan , Agner Tove , Yüksel Yasemin Topal
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Topical corticosteroid (TCS) phobia may negatively impact treatment adherence. Currently, there are few studies exploring trust and knowledge of TCS use among pharmacy staff. The objective of this work was to examine TCS knowledge and possible phobia among Danish pharmacy staff. Methods: A questionnaire, based on Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (TOPICOP©) questionnaire, was developed and rephrased to fit pharmacy staff. The questions were Likert scales and numerical rating scales (NRS) (0–10). In October/November 2021, 64 pharmacies were invited. If the pharmacies agreed to participate, a researcher visited the pharmacies and distributed the questionnaires. Results: A total of 244 pharmacy workers from 59 pharmacies participated. The majority (95.4%) responded that they were aware of side effects of TCS; however, misconceptions regarding side effects were found in up to 34% of participants. Regarding TCS use, 40% sometimes advised the patients to wait as long as possible before initiating treatment with TCS. Confidence in dispensing TCS to patients was high, with a mean of 8.45 (NRS). Conclusion: Danish pharmacy staff generally reported high confidence in TCS use. Misconceptions regarding side effects were common, and there was a tendency to giving advices on TCS treatment that may indicate low confidence in TCS. Thorough education of pharmacy staff is needed to improve the knowledge of TCS.
A Review of the Role of Caveolin-1 in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Junping , Wang Jiarong , Chen Xueran , Fang Zhiyou , Hu Chengmu
Published: April 2024

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is commonly used as an antipyretic and analgesic agent. Excessive APAP can induce liver toxicity, known as APAP-induced liver injury (ALI). The metabolism and pathogenesis of APAP have been extensively studied in recent years, and many cellular processes such as autophagy, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver regeneration have been identified to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALI. Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) as a scaffold protein has also been shown to be involved in the development of various diseases, especially liver disease and tumorigenesis. The role of CAV-1 in the development of liver disease and the association between them remains a challenging and uncharted territory. Summary: In this review, we briefly explore the potential therapeutic effects of CAV-1 on ALI through autophagy, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Further research to better understand the mechanisms by which CAV-1 regulates liver injury will not only enhance our understanding of this important cellular process, but also help develop new therapies for human disease by targeting CAV-1 targets. Key Messages: This review briefly summarizes the potential protective mechanisms of CAV-1 against liver injury caused by APAP.
Long-Term Erythromycin Treatment Alters the Airway and Gut Microbiota: Data from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients and Mice with Emphysema
Authors: Pei Guangsheng , Guo Liyan , Liang Siqiao , Chen Fugang , Ma Nan , Bai Jing , Deng Jingmin , Li Meihua , Qin Chunhai , Feng Tao , He Zhiyi
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Although long-term macrolide antibiotics could reduce the recurrent exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the side effect of bacterial resistance and the impact on the microbiota remain concerning. We investigated the influence of long-term erythromycin treatment on the airway and gut microbiota in mice with emphysema and patients with COPD. Methods: We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the effect of erythromycin treatment on the lung and gut microbiota in mice with emphysema. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for lung metabolomics. A randomized controlled trial was performed to investigate the effect of 48-week erythromycin treatment on the airway and gut microbiota in COPD patients. Results: The mouse lung and gut microbiota were disrupted after cigarette smoke exposure. Erythromycin treatment depleted harmful bacteria and altered lung metabolism. Erythromycin treatment did not alter airway or gut microbial diversity in COPD patients. It reduced the abundance of pathogens, such as Burkholderia, in the airway of COPD patients and increased levels of symbiotic bacteria, such as Prevotella and Veillonella. The proportions of Blautia, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospiraceae in the gut were increased in COPD patients after erythromycin treatment. The time to the first exacerbation following treatment was significantly longer in the erythromycin treatment group than in the COPD group. Conclusion: Long-term erythromycin treatment reduces airway and gut microbe abundance in COPD patients but does not affect microbial diversity and restores microbiota balance in COPD patients by reducing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria.
Stroke in Asia
Authors: Tan Kay Sin , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Liu Liping , Toyoda Kazunori , Leung Thomas Wai Hon , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Kuroda Sathoshi , Suwanwela Nijasri C. , Aaron Sanjith , Chang Hui Meng , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: April 2024

Background: There is a significant burden of stroke in Asia. Asia has the largest population in the world in 2023, estimated at 4.7 billion. Approximately 9.5–10.6 million strokes will be anticipated annually in the backdrop of a diverse group of well-developed and less developed countries with large disparities in stroke care resources. In addition, Asian countries are in varying phases of epidemiological transition. Summary: In this review, we examined recent epidemiological features of ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage in Asia with recent developments in hyperacute stroke reperfusion therapy and technical improvements in intracerebral haemorrhage. The article also discussed the spectrum of cerebrovascular diseases in Asia, which include intracranial atherosclerosis, intracerebral haemorrhage, infective aetiologies of stroke, moyamoya disease, vascular dissection, radiation vasculopathy, and cerebral venous thrombosis. Key Messages: The review of selected literature and recent updates calls for attention to the different requirements for resources within Asia and highlights the breadth of cerebrovascular diseases still requiring further research and more effective therapies.
Patient Experience and Decision-Making Process for Laser Photocoagulation for Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Colicchia Laura , Snowise Saul , Wunderlich Whitney L. , Taghon Jessica R. , Schulte Anna K. , Sidebottom Abbey C.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The aim of the study was to explore patients’ perspectives on diagnosis and treatment options for complicated monochorionic multiple gestations, and experiences with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laser photocoagulation. Participants were interviewed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Qualitative analysis was performed. Result: Twenty-seven patients who were candidates for laser photocoagulation were included. All elected to have laser photocoagulation. Patients chose surgery with goals of improving survival, decreasing the risk of preterm delivery, and improving the long-term health of their fetuses. They demonstrated accurate knowledge of the risks and benefits of treatment. Most (74%) felt that laser photocoagulation represented their only viable clinical option. Few seriously considered pregnancy termination or selective reduction (7% and 11% respectively). Postpartum, patients expressed no regrets about their decisions for surgery, but many felt unprepared for the challenges of preterm delivery. Conclusion: Participants weighed treatment options similarly to fetal specialists. They acknowledged but did not seriously consider treatments other than fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and were highly motivated to do whatever they could to improve outcomes for their fetuses.
Selva Mater: crisis ambiental y modernidad, capitalismo y energía, desarrollo y espíritu humano
Authors: Arango Angie Andrea , Galindo Caicedo Jenny , Revelo Calvache José Luis , Riveros Mónica Santiago
Published: April 2024

El artículo expone una reflexión acerca de la crisis ambiental en el mundo contemporáneo. La atención se centra en los procesos de transformación económica, social y tecnológica que configuraron el discurso de la modernidad. Pasando por la modificación de los usos de la tierra en función del mercado y a su vez por una creciente preocupación por la conciencia ambiental, se argumenta que en efecto, la Tierra sí experimenta cambios climáticos, pero no por razones unívocas. Se evidencia el tratamiento lingüístico que favorece a la economía global, lo que permite proponer que el uso de energías que no se perciben puede permitir la comprensión de lo que se entiende como una crisis espiritual.
Exploración etnográfica de las prácticas de convivencia: una experiencia de investigaciónacción en la IED Ciudad de Villavicencio
Authors: Mendez Carlos A. , Mesa Ángela M.
Published: April 2024

Como resultado de un estudio de tipo cualitativo de metodología etnográfica, enmarcado en el interés por fomentar la sistematización y la conformación de grupos de investigación-acción docente de los fenómenos y prácticas demconvivencia en el Colegio Ciudad de Villavicencio, se ofrecen las conclusiones y discusión del análisis de una entrevista a profundidad con la coordinadora de Convivencia, profesora Esperanza Quintero, que sirve como punto de partida para la reflexión sobre las posibilidades de cooperación investigativa entre los roles de Coordinación de Convivencia y Orientación Escolar en el contexto de la educación pública en Bogotá.
Incidencia de la educación ambiental en la configuración de agentes políticos a partir de procesos de recuperación del humedal la conejera (localidad Suba, Bogotá D.C.)
Authors: Pita Corredor Edward Mauricio , Rocha Nelly Niño , Quiroz Manrique Gloria Stella
Published: April 2024

En el humedal La Conejera (localidad Suba, Bogotá D.C.), se inició desde 1993 un proceso de educación y participación comunitaria en contexto para la búsqueda de soluciones a los problemas ambientales de este ecosistema. Algunos de los participantes en esos procesos, se han posicionado en diferentes escenarios de incidencia política en el Distrito Capital y otros continúan abanderando procesos comunitarios.

Este artículo presenta la relación de la situación ambiental en el humedal La Conejera y capacidad de agencia de los líderes comunitarios a través de procesos de educación ambiental que posibilitaron el reconocimiento, apropiación e incidencia en la transformación de este territorio. Algunos actores se asociaron o “aliaron” con fines comunes, la comunidad se organizó y emprendió iniciativas y acciones que contribuyeron a generar una estrategia de participación ciudadana desde la base, canalizada en actividades de investigación, divulgación, educación y gestión ambiental.

Los participantes, realizaron acciones colectivas, independiente del formalismo cotidiano y otras circunstancias personales o públicas, con propuestas incidentes en la construcción y participación en agendas públicas y programas de gobierno, construyendo nuevos aprendizajes y conocimientos. Así, la acción política es la expresión de la Educación Ambiental desde la práctica por la restauración y protección del humedal y defensa de sus derechos.
Percepciones sobre legalidad de estudiantes de educación superior de Medellín. hacia una ética educativa desde la socialización política y la epistemología feminista
Authors: Aristizábal Walter , Lugo Márquez Sara , Giraldo Francisco
Published: April 2024

El proyecto de investigación “Formación ciudadana y construcción de sujetos políticos en instituciones de educación superior adscritas al municipio de Medellín, para superar las prácticas de la cultura de la ilegalidad en el ámbito universitario” realizado por investigadores e investigadoras del Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano en el marco de la Alianza Medellín Antioquia y Sapiencia, ha arrojado resultados significativos sobre las percepciones que sobre la ilegalidad, la justicia y la cultura ciudadana plantean la comunidad docente, estudiantil y administrativa que habita tres instituciones de educación superior de la ciudad. A partir de los resultados arrojados por el proyecto mencionado, el presente artículo pretende evidenciar la necesidad perentoria de aportar a la construcción de una ética educativa para garantizar la formación de sujetos políticos en nuestras instituciones universitarias. Para esto, se plantean dos posibles vías discursivas y epistémicas -la socialización política y la epistemología feminista- que si fuesen adoptadas por nuestras instituciones educativas, aportarían a la construcción, de dicha ética educativa y así, de sujetos políticos capaces de fomentar sociedades democráticas.
Participación como potencia de subjetividad política de niñas y niños de primera infancia
Authors: Bedoya-Ospitia Diana Melba , Figueroa-Zamora Diana Carolina , Liberato-Murcia Lady Jazmín , Ospina-Alvarado María Camila
Published: April 2024

(analytical)This study examines the construction of political subjectivities of girls and boys in early childhood through genuine participation with the community in the Kurmadó indigenous reserve. The author describes ethnographic research with a girl and two boys from Embera Chami community, as well as a mother who is a community leader and a father. Although historically children have been invisible in society, lacking recognition as social actors with agency, the results evidence the political potential generated by experiences of community, struggle, and resistance that indigenous children participate in from an early age. Genuine participation is understood as the scenario in which children's political subjectivity is generated and strengthened.