bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Indian Enigma? Labour market impacts of the world’s largest livelihoods program
Authors: Deshpande Ashwini , Khanna Shantanu , Walia Daksh
Published: August 2024

We examine the labour market impacts of the largest livelihoods programs in the world, India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). A key aspect of this program is to mobilize rural women into self-help groups (SHGs). We combine administrative data on SHG membership across districts in India with survey micro-data on labour force and employment outcomes of rural women between 2011 and 2019. Using a generalized difference-in-differences approach, we find that SHG membership is positively associated with labour force participation and employment of rural women. We also find evidence that SHG membership is associated with a shift towards self-employment and a crowd-out of casual work among the employed. Our supplementary analysis based on large primary survey data from Maharashtra allows us to examine the relationship between SHG membership and economic activity at the individual level. The results confirm our main result of a positive association between SHG membership and economic activity. Further, we show that longer duration of SHG membership is associated with higher participation rates.
Enhancing mechanical performance in SLS-printed PA12-slate composites through amino-silane treatment of mineral waste
Authors: Nobre Luís , Barros Daniel , Bessa João , Cunha Fernando , Machado Michael , Mendonça João P. , Luís Jorge , Oliveira Martinho , Machado Paulo , Fernandes César , Fangueiro Raul
Published: August 2024

The SLS additive manufacturing industry enables the development of products for diverse applications with distinct properties due to its excellent surface finish and ability to create varied part geometries, but it consumes high-performance materials with high acquisition costs. An extensive quarrying of stone leads to the accumulation of mineral residues, posing environmental hazards by contaminating soil and water when disposed of in landfills. The primary objective of the study was to incorporate mineral waste into the SLS technique and investigate the influence of its addition, along with a silane-based chemical treatment, on the mechanical performance of polymer-mineral composites (PA12-slate). Additionally, the feasibility of producing a highly loaded printed prototype, employing 50 wt% of mineral waste, was examined. Samples of PA12, PA12 blended with 50 wt% slate waste, and slate waste treated with silane underwent fabrication via selective laser sintering (SLS) and subsequent mechanical characterization, including tensile, flexural, and compressive tests. Additionally, the samples underwent accelerated aging using a QUV weathering tester, followed by mechanical characterization. The geometric accuracy, stability, and processing feasibility of these formulations were evaluated through SLS-printed composite prototypes utilizing PA12_50Sla_Si. It was found that the addition of 50% of slate to the PA12 presented mechanical properties decreasing compared to the printed PA12 only. However, an increase was verified when using silane-induced mineral bonding. The incorporation of mineral agents and silane enhanced the resistance of PA12 to aging. However, after aging, both tensile and flexural strength decreased across all printed samples. Nonetheless, this study showcased the feasibility of producing complex PA12-slate waste specimens containing up to 50 wt% of mineral waste using the SLS printing technique. Therefore, SLS presents itself as a viable means of adding value to this mineral waste.
Robust confidence intervals for meta-regression with interaction effects
Authors: Thurow Maria , Welz Thilo , Knop Eric , Friede Tim , Pauly Markus
Published: August 2024

Meta-analysis is an important statistical technique for synthesizing the results of multiple studies regarding the same or closely related research question. So-called meta-regression extends meta-analysis models by accounting for study-level covariates. Mixed-effects meta-regression models provide a powerful tool for evidence synthesis, by appropriately accounting for between-study heterogeneity. In fact, modelling the study effect in terms of random effects and moderators not only allows to examine the impact of the moderators, but often leads to more accurate estimates of the involved parameters. Nevertheless, due to the often small number of studies on a specific research topic, interactions are often neglected in meta-regression. In this work we consider the research questions (i) how moderator interactions influence inference in mixed-effects meta-regression models and (ii) whether some inference methods are more reliable than others. Here we review robust methods for confidence intervals in meta-regression models including interaction effects. These methods are based on the application of robust sandwich estimators of Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) or heteroscedasticity-consistent (HC)-type for estimating the variance-covariance matrix of the vector of model coefficients. Furthermore, we compare different versions of these robust estimators in an extensive simulation study. We thereby investigate coverage and width of seven different confidence intervals under varying conditions. Our simulation study shows that the coverage rates as well as the interval widths of the parameter estimates are only slightly affected by adjustment of the parameters. It also turned out that using the Satterthwaite approximation for the degrees of freedom seems to be advantageous for accurate coverage rates. In addition, different to previous analyses for simpler models, the $$\textbf{HKSJ}$$
HKSJ
-estimator shows a worse performance in this more complex setting compared to some of the $$\textbf{HC}$$
HC
-estimators.
Spatial cell interplay networks of regulatory T cells predict recurrence in patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cai Siqi , Yang Guanqun , Hu Mengyu , Li Chaozhuo , Yang Liying , Zhang Wei , Sun Jujie , Sun Fenghao , Xing Ligang , Sun Xiaorong
Published: August 2024

Background

The interplay between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and neighboring cells, which is pivotal for anti-tumor immunity and closely linked to patient prognosis, remains to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Tissue microarrays of 261 operable NSCLC patients were stained by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assay, and the interaction between Tregs and neighboring cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated. Employing various machine learning algorithms, we developed a spatial immune signature to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Additionally, we explored the interplay between programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interactions and their relationship with Tregs.

Results

Survival analysis indicated that the interplay between Tregs and neighboring cells in the invasive margin (IM) and tumor center was associated with recurrence in NSCLC patients. We integrated the intersection of the three algorithms to identify four crucial spatial immune features [P(CD8+Treg to CK) in IM, P(CD8+Treg to CD4) in IM, N(CD4+Treg to CK) in IM, N(CD4+Tcon to CK) in IM] and employed these characteristics to establish SIS, an independent prognosticator of recurrence in NSCLC patients [HR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.53, 3.58), P < 0.001]. Furthermore, analysis of cell interactions demonstrated that a higher number of Tregs contributed to higher PD-L1+ cells surrounded by PD-1+ cells (P < 0.001) with shorter distances (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

We dissected the cell interplay network within the TME, uncovering the spatial architecture and intricate interactions between Tregs and neighboring cells, along with their impact on the prognosis of NSCLC patients.
Negative association of steroids with immunotherapy efficacy in a multi-tumor cohort: time and dose-dependent
Authors: Albarrán Víctor , Guerrero Patricia , de Quevedo Coral García , González Carlos , Chamorro Jesús , Rosero Diana Isabel , Moreno Jaime , Calvo Juan Carlos , de Aguado Patricia Pérez , Alía Víctor , Sotoca Pilar , Barrill Ana María , Román María San , Álvarez-Ballesteros Pablo , Serrano Juan José , Soria Ainara , Olmedo María Eugenia , Saavedra Cristina , Cortés Alfonso , Gómez Ana , Lage Yolanda , Ruiz Álvaro , Ferreiro María Reyes , Longo Federico , Garrido Pilar , Gajate Pablo
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have suggested a negative impact of steroids on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), but how this effect is modulated by the dosage and time of administration is yet to be clarified. We have performed a retrospective analysis of 475 patients with advanced solid tumors treated with ICI as monotherapy from 2015 to 2022. Data regarding immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and clinical outcomes were collected. For each patient, the daily steroid dose (in mg/kg of prednisone) was registered until disease progression or death. The impact of cumulative doses on response rates and survival outcomes was analyzed within different periods. The objective response rate (ORR) was significantly lower among patients exposed to steroids within 30 days before the first cycle of ICI (C1) (20.3% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.01) and within the first 90 days of treatment (25.7% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.01). This negative association was confirmed by multivariable analysis. Higher mean steroid doses were observed among non-responders, and cumulative doses were inversely correlated with the disease control rate (DCR) around ICI initiation. Remarkably, poorer outcomes were observed even in patients belonging to the lowest dose quartile compared to the steroid-naïve population. The exposure to steroids after 6 months of ICI was not associated with worse survival outcomes. Our results suggest that the potential impact of steroids on ICI efficacy may be time-dependent, prevailing around ICI initiation, and dose-dependent, with modulation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a possible underlying mechanism.
Treatment options for cisplatin-ineligible patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Michelon Isabella , Nachtigal Gilca Costa , Dacoregio Maria Inez , Moraes Ana Cristina Beitia Kraemer , Moraes Mauricio , Piva Lívia Silva , da Costa Catiara Terra , Lund Rafael Guerra , Michelon Douver
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is no agreed-upon standard option for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC) unfit for cisplatin-based regimens. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to explore alternative options for this population.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for observational studies and clinical trials (CTs) assessing treatment options for LA HNSCC cisplatin-ineligible patients. This study was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42023483156.

Results

This systematic review included 24 studies (18 observational studies and 6 CTs), comprising 4450 LA HNSCC cisplatin-ineligible patients. Most patients were treated with cetuximab-radiotherapy [RT] (50.3%), followed by carboplatin-RT (31.7%). In seven studies reporting median overall survival (OS) in patients treated with cetuximab-RT, it ranged from 12.8 to 46 months. The median OS was superior to 40 months in two studies assessing carboplatin-RT, and superior to 15 months in two studies assessing RT alone. For other regimens such as nimotuzumab-RT, docetaxel-RT, and carboplatin-RT plus paclitaxel the median OS was 21, 25.5, and 28 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Our systematic review supports the use of a variety of therapy combinations for LA HNSCC cisplatin-ineligible patients. We highlight the urgent need for clinical studies assessing treatment approaches in this population.
The management of critical bone defects: outcomes of a systematic approach
Authors: Tsang Shao-Ting Jerry , van Rensburg Adrian Jansen , van Heerden Jason , Epstein Gadi Zwe , Venter Rudolph , Ferreira Nando
Published: August 2024

Background

The reconstruction of segmental long bone defects remains one of ‘The holy grails of orthopaedics’. The optimal treatment of which remains a topic of great debate. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the management of critical-sized bone defects using a classification-based treatment algorithm.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing treatment for segmental diaphyseal defects of long bones at a tertiary-level limb reconstruction unit between January 2016 and December 2021, was performed. The management of the bone defect was standardised as per the classification by Ferreira and Tanwar (2020).

Results

A total of 96 patients (mean age 39.8, SD 15.2) with a minimum six months follow-up were included. Most bone defects were the result of open fractures (75/96) with 67% associated with Gustilo-Anderson IIIB injuries. There was a statistical difference in the likelihood of union between treatment strategies with more than 90% of cases undergoing acute shortening and bone transport achieving union and only 72% of cases undergoing the induced membrane technique consolidating (p = 0.049). Of those defects that consolidated, there was no difference in the time to bone union between strategies (p = 0.308) with an overall median time to union 8.33 months (95% CI 7.4 – 9.2 months). The induced membrane technique was associated with a 40% risk of sepsis.

Conclusion

This study reported the outcomes of a standardised approach to the management of critical-sized bone defects. Whilst overall results were supportive of this approach, the outcomes associated with the induced membrane technique require further refinement of its indications in the management of critical-sized bone defects.

Level of evidence

4.
Hand gesture recognition for user-defined textual inputs and gestures
Authors: Wang Jindi , Ivrissimtzis Ioannis , Li Zhaoxing , Shi Lei
Published: August 2024

Despite recent progress, hand gesture recognition, a highly regarded method of human computer interaction, still faces considerable challenges. In this paper, we address the problem of individual user style variation, which can significantly affect system performance. While previous work only supports the manual inclusion of customized hand gestures in the context of very specific application settings, here, an effective, adaptable graphical interface, supporting user-defined hand gestures is introduced. In our system, hand gestures are personalized by training a camera-based hand gesture recognition model for a particular user, using data just from that user. We employ a lightweight Multilayer Perceptron architecture based on contrastive learning, reducing the size of the data needed and the training timeframes compared to previous recognition models that require massive training datasets. Experimental results demonstrate rapid convergence and satisfactory accuracy of the recognition model, while a user study collects and analyses some initial user feedback on the system in deployment.
Using boundary objects and methodological island (BOMI) modeling in large-scale agile systems development
Authors: Holtmann Jörg , Horkoff Jennifer , Wohlrab Rebekka , Vu Victoria , Kasauli Rashidah , Maro Salome , Steghöfer Jan-Philipp , Knauss Eric
Published: August 2024

Large-scale systems development commonly faces the challenge of managing relevant knowledge between different organizational groups, particularly in increasingly agile contexts. Here, there is a conflict between coordination and group autonomy, and it is challenging to determine what necessary coordination information must be shared by what teams or groups, and what can be left to local team management. We introduce a way to manage this complexity using a modeling framework based on two core concepts: methodological islands (i.e., groups using different development methods than the surrounding organization) and boundary objects (i.e., artifacts that create a common understanding across team borders). However, we found that companies often lack a systematic way of assessing coordination issues and the use of boundary objects between methodological islands. As part of an iterative design science study, we have addressed this gap by producing a modeling framework (BOMI: Boundary Objects and Methodological Islands) to better capture and analyze coordination and knowledge management in practice. This framework includes a metamodel, as well as a list of bad smells over this metamodel that can be leveraged to detect inter-team coordination issues. The framework also includes a methodology to suggest concrete modeling steps and broader guidelines to help apply the approach successfully in practice. We have developed Eclipse-based tool support for the BOMI method, allowing for both graphical and textual model creation, and including an implementation of views over BOMI instance models in order to manage model complexity. We have evaluated these artifacts iteratively together with five large-scale companies developing complex systems. In this work, we describe the BOMI framework and its iterative evaluation in several real cases, reporting on lessons learned and identifying future work. We have produced a matured and stable modeling framework which facilitates understanding and reflection over complex organizational configurations, communication, governance, and coordination of knowledge artifacts in large-scale agile system development.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and HIV-Related Stigma: A Quantitative Survey of Tanzanian Men, June 2019
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Brown Monique J. , Kangogo Geoffrey K. , Li Xiaoming , Teri Ivan E. , Mbita Gaspar , Ahonkhai Aima A. ,   BRIDGE Africa Team, Conserve Donaldson F.
Published: August 2024

Experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may impact personal opinions, attitudes, and judgments, which can further result in HIV-related stigma. HIV-related stigma consequentially may impact HIV preventive measures such as HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, and condom use. The extent to which ACEs influence HIV-related stigma perception has not been well studied. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the association between ACEs and perceived and interpersonal HIV-related stigma among Tanzanian HIV-negative men. Quantitative survey data were obtained from the Tanzania STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) project established in four wards: Mabibo, Manzese, Tandale, and Mwanyanamala. A total of 507 men responded to the ACEs and HIV-related stigma questionnaires. ACEs were operationalized as types of ACEs (environmental, physical/psychological, sexual abuse) and ACE score (0 (reference) vs. 1, 2, 3, ≥ 4). Perceived HIV-related stigma was analyzed both as a binary (HIV stigma vs. no HIV stigma) and a continuous variable. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between ACEs and HIV-related stigma. ACE types were associated with HIV stigma (b = 0.237, 95% CI [0.122–0.352], p =  < .0001). Findings of the adjusted multinomial logistic regression model show that experiencing one ACE (aOR = 1.9; p-value = 0.023), two ACEs (aOR = 1.8; p-value = 0.044), four or more ACEs (aOR = 4.1; p-value =  < 0.0001) were associated with greater perceived HIV-related stigma. Moreover, experiencing environmental (aOR = 8.6; p-value = 0.005), physical/psychological (aOR = 2.5; p-value = 0.004), and sexual abuse (aOR = 3.4; p-value =  < 0.0001) were associated with higher odds of HIV-related stigma. Our study findings suggest that those who experience childhood trauma are more likely to have a higher perception of HIV-related stigma. Intervention programs targeting HIV stigma should consider addressing ACEs entailing the behavioral and psychological impact of childhood trauma.
FOXC1 transcriptionally suppresses ABHD5 to inhibit the progression of renal cell carcinoma through AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: Li Jianfa , Chen Shuangchen , Xiao Jing , Ji Jiayuan , Huang Chenchen , Shu Ge
Published: August 2024

Background

Increased activity of the transcription factor FOXC1 leads to elevated transcription of target genes, ultimately facilitating the progression of various cancer types. However, there are currently no literature reports on the role of FOXC1 in renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

By using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, FOXC1 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated. Gain of function experiments were utilized to assess the proliferation and metastasis ability of cells. A nude mouse model was created for transplanting tumors and establishing a lung metastasis model to observe cell proliferation and spread in a living organism. Various techniques including biological analysis, CHIP assay, luciferase assay, RT-qRCR and Western blotting experiments were utilized to investigate how FOXC1 contributes to the transcription of ABHD5 on a molecular level. FOXC1 was assessed by Western blot for its impact on AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Results

FOXC1 is down-regulated in RCC, causing unfavorable prognosis of patients with RCC. Further experiments showed that forced FOXC1 expression significantly restrains RCC cell growth and cell metastasis. Mechanically, FOXC1 promotes the transcription of ABHD5 to activate AMPK signal pathway to inhibit mTOR signal pathway. Finally, knockdown of ABHD5 recovered the inhibitory role of FOXC1 overexpression induced cell growth and metastasis suppression.

Conclusion

In general, our study demonstrates that FOXC1 exerts its tumor suppressor role by promoting ABHD5 transcription to regulating AMPK/mTOR signal pathway. FOXC1 could serve as both a diagnostic indicator and potential treatment focus for RCC.
Dielectric and thermal conductive properties of differently structured Ti3C2Tx MXene-integrated nanofibrillated cellulose films
Authors: Lakshmanan Subramanian , Jurečič Vida , Bobnar Vid , Kokol Vanja
Published: August 2024

The fabrication of nanocellulose-based substrates with high dielectric permittivity and anisotropic thermal conductivity to replace synthetic thermoplastics in flexible organic electronics remains a big challenge. Herein, films were prepared from native (CNF) and carboxylated (TCNF) cellulose nanofibrils, with and without the addition of thermally conductive multi-layered Ti3C2Tx MXene, to examine the impact of polar (− OH, − COOH) surface groups on the film morphological, moisturizing, dielectric, and thermal dissipation properties. The electrostatic repulsion and hydrogen bonding interaction between the hydrophilic surface/terminal groups on CNF/TCNF and MXene was shown to render their self-assembly distribution and organization into morphologically differently structured films, and, consequently, different properties. The pristine CNF film achieved high intrinsic dielectric permittivity (ε' ~ 9), which was further increased to almost ε' ~ 14 by increasing (50 wt%) the MXene content. The well-packed and aligned structure of thinner TCNF films enables the tuning of both the composite’s dielectric permittivity (ε' ~ 6) and through-plane thermal conductivity (K ~ 2.9 W/mK), which increased strongly (ε' ~ 17) at higher MXene loading giving in-plane thermal conductivity of ~ 6.3 W/mK. The air-absorbed moisture ability of the films contributes to heat dissipation by releasing it. The dielectric losses remained below 0.1 in all the composite films, showing their potential for application in electronics.

Graphic abstract
Tiebout Sorting and Toxic Releases
Authors: De Silva Dakshina G. , Schiller Anita R. , Slechten Aurélie , Wolk Leonard
Published: August 2024

Combining detailed county-to-county migration data with Toxics Release Inventory data, and fine-scale $$\hbox{PM}_{2.5}$$

PM

2.5

concentration levels, we investigate the relationship between internal migration, income of migrant and non-migrant households and county-level differences in environmental quality. We show that households moving to “cleaner” counties are relatively “richer”—a result consistent with a sorting by income in the spirit of Tiebout (1956). An implication of this finding is that internal migration could contribute to the persistence of disparities in pollution exposure at the county-level.
Control-Value Theory: From Achievement Emotion to a General Theory of Human Emotions
Authors: Pekrun Reinhard
Published: August 2024

In its original version, control-value theory describes and explains achievement emotions. More recently, the theory has been expanded to also explain epistemic, social, and existential emotions. In this article, I outline the development of the theory, from preliminary work in the 1980s to early versions of the theory and the recent generalized control-value theory. I provide summaries of the theory’s evidence-based propositions on antecedents, outcomes, and regulation of emotions, including the fundamentally important role of control and value appraisals across different types of human emotions that are relevant to education (and beyond). The theory includes descriptive taxonomies of emotions as well as propositions explaining (a) the influence of individual factors, social environments, and socio-cultural contexts on emotions; (b) the effects of emotions on learning, performance, and health; (c) reciprocal causation linking emotions, outcomes, and antecedents; (d) ways to regulate emotions; and (e) strategies for intervention. Subsequently, I outline the relevance of the theory for educational practice, including individual and large-scale assessments of emotions; students’, teachers’, and parents’ understanding of emotions; and change of educational practices. In conclusion, I discuss strengths of the theory, open questions, and future directions.
On the depth-averaged models of ice-covered flows
Authors: Koyuncu Berkay , Akerkouch Lahcen , Le Trung
Published: August 2024

Impact of ice coverage is significant in controlling the depth-averaged velocity profile and influencing morphological processes in alluvial channels. However, this impact is largely unknown under field conditions. In this work, a numerical method is introduced to compute the depth-averaged velocity profile in irregular cross-sections of ice-covered flows, based on the Shiono-Knight approach. The momentum equation is modified to account for the presence of secondary flows and the ice coverage. The equations are discretized and solved with velocity boundary conditions at the bank and at one vertical. Our approach only requires the cross-section geometry and a single velocity measurement near the high-velocity region, offering a significant advantage in inaccessible locations by avoiding the need to measure the velocity profile in the entire cross-section. The proposed model is then validated using depth-averaged velocity profile and secondary flow patterns from laboratory observations, analytical solution, and Large-Eddy Simulation. Finally, the method is applied to infer depth-averaged velocity profiles in the Red River of the North, United States, to test its performance in meandering sections. The proposed method demonstrates its robustness in reconstructing flow profiles in ice-covered conditions with a minimal amount of available data, which is crucial for assessing erosion risks and managing spring floods in cold regions.
A dualistic approach to harmonious and obsessive passion: The impact of game mechanics on mobile gaming engagement
Authors: Park Ha Eun , Yap Sheau-Fen
Published: August 2024

Current gaming literature lacks empirical evidence on the influence of game design elements and the process through which game engagement can transition into addictive behaviors. Drawing upon the dual theory of passion, this research explores how game design mechanics shape the dualistic experience of passion (i.e., harmonious versus obsessive passion) in mobile gaming consumption. Our netnographic study involved a 2-year participatory observation of an online mobile game community named Empires and Puzzles, culminating in 10,927 posts and nine relevant forum topics. Seven interviews with game developers were also conducted. Our findings reveal that specific mobile game mechanics, namely farming, loot boxing, and raiding, influence the transition from harmonious passion (HP) to obsessive passion (OP) through a pathway characterized by pre-occupying, whilst the recovery mechanism that facilitates the transition from OP back to HP include alleviating. Such findings foreground the theoretical importance of moving beyond a static perspective of gaming engagement. This study contributes to information system literature by developing an empirically grounded framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying the influence of game design on the dualistic nature of mobile gaming passion. Persistent public criticism and government skepticism can impede game businesses. Our insights have the potential to generate positive social impacts by promoting responsible game design to alleviate resistance and skepticism.
Labor market outcomes during opposite resource shocks: the 2009 and 2012 earthquakes in Italy
Authors: Bernini Andrea
Published: August 2024

The 2009 and 2012 earthquakes in Italy occurred in a close-knit region and time horizon but differed substantially on both the initial shock to the stock and the subsequent flow of resources. This paper considers the short run impact on the dynamic response of labor market outcomes. Both earthquakes lowered employment and labor force participation by more than 0.5%. With its negative effect on the resources available, the 2009 shock led to a drop in real wages of 1.3% and a sharp—but short-lived—widening of the wage gap generated by the skill premium. The 2012 earthquake, which led firms to upgrade their technology, increased wages by 2.2% and led to a more balanced—but persistent—widening of the wage gap. The predictions of a model developed in this paper are consistent with these results.
Estimating genetic diversity among selected wild grapevine genotypes from Southern Turkey by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-Primer Binding Site(iPBS) markers
Authors: Ikten Hatice , Sari Duygu , Sabir Ali , Meydan Hasan , Mutlu Nedim
Published: August 2024

The examination of germplasm within grapevine accessions derived from wild genotypes holds significant importance within the grapevine breeding program, particularly in the improving of cultivars and rootstocks. Due to the greater genetic variation present in wild genotypes, there is an increased possibility of possessing the desired features. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 64 grapevine genotypes using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 236 bands were generated using iPBS markers, of which 162 bands exhibited polymorphism. A comprehensive assessment was conducted on a total of 126 SSR alleles using the SSR markers, revealing that 91 of these exhibited polymorphisms. Despite the similarity in mean values between polymorphic bands generated by iPBS (6.48) and SSR markers (6.5), the iPBS markers exhibited a greater polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.39) in comparison to SSR markers (0.29). The UPGMA analysis classified the genotypes into two primary groups at a similarity index of 0.62 based on combined data. The rootstocks utilized as points of reference are consolidated inside a singular cluster (A), distinct from both the Mediterranean wild population and cultivars. The comparison of genetic variation, represented by FST values, revealed that the maximum differentiation was observed between subpopulations SP3 and SP5. The wild grapevine population grown in the Southeast Mediterranean Region of Turkey exhibited significant differentiation. Both marker systems employed in this study were highly polymorphic and useful for genetic characterization and mapping of grapevine populations.
On the emerging potential of quantum annealing hardware for combinatorial optimization
Authors: Tasseff Byron , Albash Tameem , Morrell Zachary , Vuffray Marc , Lokhov Andrey Y. , Misra Sidhant , Coffrin Carleton
Published: August 2024

Over the past decade, the usefulness of quantum annealing hardware for combinatorial optimization has been the subject of much debate. Thus far, experimental benchmarking studies have indicated that quantum annealing hardware does not provide an irrefutable performance gain over state-of-the-art optimization methods. However, as this hardware continues to evolve, each new iteration brings improved performance and warrants further benchmarking. To that end, this work conducts an optimization performance assessment of D-Wave Systems’ Advantage Performance Update computer, which can natively solve sparse unconstrained quadratic optimization problems with over 5,000 binary decision variables and 40,000 quadratic terms. We demonstrate that classes of contrived problems exist where this quantum annealer can provide run time benefits over a collection of established classical solution methods that represent the current state-of-the-art for benchmarking quantum annealing hardware. Although this work does not present strong evidence of an irrefutable performance benefit for this emerging optimization technology, it does exhibit encouraging progress, signaling the potential impacts on practical optimization tasks in the future.
Association of serum lipid profile and other systemic risk factors with retinal hard exudates in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hiran Harshita Mukesh , Kamath Ajay , Mendonca Teena Mariet , Rodrigues Gladys R. , Nayak Rajesh R. , Kamath Gurudutt , Kamath Sumana J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Diabetic macular edema is one of the leading causes of vision loss across the world. Hard exudates at the macula can lead to structural abnormalities in the retina leading to irreversible vision loss. Systemic dyslipidemia and other modifiable risk factors when identified and treated early may help prevent substantial vision loss. The purpose of this study was to study the association between serum lipid levels and other systemic risk factors like hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum creatinine with hard exudates and macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

It is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary health care center in South India. 96 patients having diabetic retinopathy with hard exudates were included. Modified Airlie house classification was used to grade the hard exudates. Blood investigations including serum lipid profile, hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum creatinine were carried out. Central subfield macular thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography.

Results

96 patients of type II DM with diabetic retinopathy were divided into three groups of hard exudates. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the severity of hard exudates and total cholesterol (p = 0.00), triglycerides (p = 0.00), LDL (p = 0.00), and VLDL (p = 0.00). HbA1c levels showed a statistically significant correlation with the severity of hard exudates (p = 0.09), no significant correlation was noted between hard exudates and hemoglobin levels (p = 0.27) and with serum creatinine (p = 0.612). A statistically significant association between CSMT and hard exudates (p = 0.00) was noted.

Conclusion

In our study, we concluded that the severity of hard exudates is significantly associated with increasing levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HbA1c levels in type II DM patients presenting with diabetic retinopathy. The increasing duration of diabetes is significantly associated with increasing severity of hard exudates. Central subfield macular thickness increases with increasing severity of hard exudates in diabetic retinopathy.
Review of scientific literature and standard guidelines for the characterization of graphene-based materials
Authors: Alves Thais , Mota Wanessa S. , Barros Cecília , Almeida Danilo , Komatsu Daniel , Zielinska Aleksandra , Cardoso Juliana C. , Severino Patrícia , Souto Eliana B. , Chaud Marco V.
Published: August 2024

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon material with unique properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, elasticity, and biocompatibility. The methods used to synthesize graphene affect its structural properties, including flaws, layer count, crystalline domain size, and impurities, ultimately affecting the properties and performance of graphene-based materials. This review aims to analyze the methods used to characterize graphene, using both ISO/IEC standards and current literature as references. The discussed techniques are diverse, yet complementary, and include ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, thermogravimetric analysis, in-line four-point probe, resonant cavity and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, besides an alternative method to determine the graphene domain. By employing rigorous characterization techniques, researchers and industry professionals can ensure the reliability, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of graphene-based materials for various applications.
Development of a Simple Horseradish Peroxidase-linked Hybrid Conjugates System for Sensitive Detection of Alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Samsa Canan Gulmez , Tuncer Demet Turk , Altinkaynak Cevahir
Published: August 2024

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is frequently used for the detection and diagnosis of various cancers, including liver, endodermal, ovarian, stomach, and other malignant tumors. Additionally, it is utilized to identify conditions such as miscarriage, Down syndrome, and neural tube defects during pregnancy. Therefore, the present study focuses on the development/design of a highly sensitive hybrid conjugate system for the diagnosis of AFP. In this regard, the hybrid conjugate was synthesized using horse radish peroxidase, specific antibodies of AFP and copper (II) ion as inorganic component. The conjugate synthesized with high encapsulation efficiency (97%) was characterized using SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The hybrid conjugate analyses were conducted in direct and sandwich ELISA test systems, and it was found that the direct method was ineffective. Optimal working conditions were determined in the sandwich ELISA test system. In this method, a linear relationship was plotted between A450, and the AFP concentration in the range of 15.6 to 500 ng/mL(R2 = 0.990), and the cut-off value for this test was calculated as 0.465. The detection range of the conjugate was found to be close to commercial ELISA test kits. The findings indicate that functionalized hybrid conjugate systems have the potential to offer a more economical application in the diagnostic field. Protein-inorganic hybrid material technology shows promise for developing ELISA kits in the diagnostic industry, pending further research on sensitivity, repeatability, and stability. The presented biomolecular engineering approach is promising for the development of optional hybrid systems.
Variance Reduction Techniques for Stochastic Proximal Point Algorithms
Authors: Traoré Cheik , Apidopoulos Vassilis , Salzo Saverio , Villa Silvia
Published: August 2024

In the context of finite sums minimization, variance reduction techniques are widely used to improve the performance of state-of-the-art stochastic gradient methods. Their practical impact is clear, as well as their theoretical properties. Stochastic proximal point algorithms have been studied as an alternative to stochastic gradient algorithms since they are more stable with respect to the choice of the step size. However, their variance-reduced versions are not as well studied as the gradient ones. In this work, we propose the first unified study of variance reduction techniques for stochastic proximal point algorithms. We introduce a generic stochastic proximal-based algorithm that can be specified to give the proximal version of SVRG, SAGA, and some of their variants. For this algorithm, in the smooth setting, we provide several convergence rates for the iterates and the objective function values, which are faster than those of the vanilla stochastic proximal point algorithm. More specifically, for convex functions, we prove a sublinear convergence rate of O(1/k). In addition, under the Polyak-łojasiewicz condition, we obtain linear convergence rates. Finally, our numerical experiments demonstrate the advantages of the proximal variance reduction methods over their gradient counterparts in terms of the stability with respect to the choice of the step size in most cases, especially for difficult problems.
Swimming in cold water increases the browning process by diminishing the Myostatin pathway
Authors: Rahmani Niloofar , Motamedi Pezhman , Amani-Shalamzari Sadegh , Escobar Kurt A. , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: August 2024

Background

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic tissue that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis and increases energy expenditure via non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals. Cold exposure and exercise have been shown to increase BAT and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice. This study aimed to determine whether there is an additive effect of exercise during cold exposure on markers related to browning of adipose tissue. in Wistar rats.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C, 25˚C), Swimming in Neutral (SN, 30˚C) water, and Swimming in Cold (SC, 15˚C) water. Swimming included intervals of 2–3 min, 1 min rest, until exhausted, three days a week for six weeks, with a training load of 3–6% body weight. After the experimental protocol, interscapular BAT and inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) were excised, weighed, and processed for beiging marker gene expression.

Results

SN and SC resulted in lower body weight gain, associated with reduced WAT and BAT volume and increased BAT number with greater effects observed in SC. Myostatin protein expression was lower in BAT, WAT, soleus muscle, and serum NC and SC compared to the C group. Expression of the interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4) gene in both BAT and WAT tissues was significantly greater in the SC than in the C. Expression of the PGC-1α in BAT was significantly increased in the SC compared to C and increased in WAT in NC and SC. Expression of the UCP1 in BAT and WAT increased in the SC group compared to other groups.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that six weeks of swimming training in cold water promotes additive effects of the expression of genes and proteins involved in the browning process of adipose tissue in Wistar rats. Myostatin inhibition may possess a regulator effect on the PGC-1α – UCP1 pathway that mediates adipose tissue browning.
Association of hospital volume with survival but not with postoperative mortality in glioblastoma patients in Belgium
Authors: Vanhauwaert Dimitri , Silversmit Geert , Vanschoenbeek Katrijn , Coucke Gregory , Di Perri Dario , Clement Paul M. , Sciot Raf , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Boterberg Tom , De Gendt Cindy
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Standard of care treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) involves surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. However, variations in treatment decisions and outcomes exist across hospitals and physicians. In Belgium, where oncological care is dispersed, the impact of hospital volume on GBM outcomes remains unexplored. This nationwide study aims to analyse interhospital variability in 30-day postoperative mortality and 1-/2-year survival for GBM patients.

Methods

Data collected from the Belgian Cancer Registry, identified GBM patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2019. Surgical resection and biopsy cases were identified, and hospital case load was determined. Associations between hospital volume and mortality and survival probabilities were analysed, considering patient characteristics. Statistical analysis included logistic regression for mortality and Cox proportional hazard models for survival.

Results

A total of 2269 GBM patients were identified (1665 underwent resection, 662 underwent only biopsy). Thirty-day mortality rates post-resection/post-biopsy were 5.1%/11.9% (target < 3%/<5%). Rates were higher in elderly patients and those with worse WHO-performance scores. No significant difference was found based on hospital case load. Survival probabilities at 1/2 years were 48.6% and 21.3% post-resection; 22.4% and 8.3% post-biopsy. Hazard ratio for all-cause death for low vs. high volume centres was 1.618 in first 0.7 year post-resection (p < 0.0001) and 1.411 in first 0.8 year post-biopsy (p = 0.0046).

Conclusion

While 30-day postoperative mortality rates were above predefined targets, no association between hospital volume and mortality was found. However, survival probabilities demonstrated benefits from treatment in higher volume centres, particularly in the initial months post-surgery. These variations highlight the need for continuous improvement in neuro-oncological practice and should stimulate reflection on the neuro-oncological care organisation in Belgium.
Construction of a Farm-Level Food Security Index: Case Study of Turkish Dairy Farms
Authors: Koç Gökçe , Uzmay Ayşe
Published: August 2024

Food security continues to be a global concern and its importance has recently increased for many reasons. Composite food security indices have been widely used to calculate and monitor food security, but farm-level studies are limited. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to construct a Farm-level Food Security Index (FFSI) for dairy farms to assess their contribution to food security, identify potential areas for improvement and guide policy makers. Data were collected from 126 farms in the Thrace Region of Turkey through face-to-face interviews. The FFSI was constructed with four dimensions, briefly called economic, quality, social and natural resources, containing twenty-three variables. Principal component analysis was used for the determination of variable weights, data envelopment analysis for calculating technical efficiency, and the Tobit model for examining the factors influencing FFSI scores. To assess the robustness of the FFSI, Monte Carlo simulations-based uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, dimension extraction approach and Shapley effects sensitivity analysis were performed. With an average score of 56.8, the key result of the FFSI is that dairy farms are using almost half of their potential to fully contribute to food security. Moreover, according to the Tobit model, FFSI scores are significantly affected by the farmer’s age and education level, credit use, livestock unit, fodder crop area and milk marketing channel. The FFSI is robust to weights and sensitive to normalisation, and the social sustainability dimension can cause the largest shift in index scores. Based on these findings, numerous agricultural policy proposals have been developed in this study by identifying the priority areas that need to be addressed to guarantee food security.
Intentional action, knowledge, and cognitive extension
Authors: Carter J. Adam , Andrada Gloria
Published: August 2024

Intentional actions exhibit control in a way that mere lucky successes do not. A longstanding tradition in action theory characterizes actional control in terms of the knowledge with which one acts when acting intentionally. Given that action theorists, no less than epistemologists, typically take for granted the orthodox thesis that knowledge is in the head (viz., realized exclusively by brainbound cognition), the idea that intentional action is controlled in virtue of knowledge is tantamount to the idea that the knowledge by which intentional actions exhibit control supervenes intracranially. We raise some challenges for this idea, and in doing show, we show how epistemic theories of actional control are naturally aligned moreso than has been appreciated with cognitive extension in the theory of mind.