bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dark energy and dark matter interaction: A nonlinear dynamical system study
Authors: Mandal Jyotirmay Das , Debnath Ujjal , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a methodical dynamical analysis of the Big Bang model, taking into account dark matter and an arbitrary form of dark energy. Nevertheless, why dynamic analysis? The primary advantage of the dynamical analysis approach is that it obviates the necessity to precisely solve the system for every individual dependent variable. Instead, it enables the prediction of the overall evolutions. In this regard, there are some powerful tools of non-dynamical systems (theorems, perturbation, etc.) which can help us a lot. The model under consideration is a nonlinear system with two dimensions (2D). In order to investigate this, we employ a sophisticated form of nonlinear dynamical systems theory in our research. We have delved into the full potential of nonlinear dynamical system theory known until now in our work. This analysis has produced very interesting solutions, which are in quite a contrast with the linear analysis approach. The stability of the system is considered at length, and the corresponding evolutions of the universe are also discussed consequently. A handful number of figures are given to visualize the behavior of the evolutions. The plots that are presented here are vector field plots and a new plotting technique initiated by us and used in our earlier papers. Interestingly, our work indicates the universe might resemble “phantom” evolution. Also, among the fixed points of our model, one is able to escape the singular situation called “Big Rip”.
Competitive Strategies for Small Audit Firms
Authors: Simac Ines , Willekens Marleen
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

The research problem

We examine whether small audit firms adopt niche strategies to compete in the public company audit market. To that end, we focus on auditors servicing clients from one industry only (which we label as a nationwide single-industry focus) and test its association with audit quality and pricing.

Motivation

Prior research on auditor competition has mainly focused on the large (mainly Big Four) audit firms. While large and small audit firm markets are two distinct markets, little is known about competitive strategies of small audit firms in the public company audit market.

The test hypotheses

Our first hypothesis is that small audit firms adopting a single-industry focused strategy supply higher audit quality compared with audit firms that do not adopt a single-industry focused strategy or a simple industry specialization strategy, ceteris paribus. Our second hypothesis is that small audit firms adopting a single-industry focused strategy engage in discount pricing compared with audit firms that do not adopt a single-industry focused strategy or a simple industry specialization strategy, ceteris paribus.

Target population

The U.S. commercial banking sector covering the period 2004–2020.

Adopted methodology

Multivariate analyses adopting linear and probit models.

Analyses

To test our first hypothesis, we run a bank audit quality model using loan loss provisions as the dependent variable for our main analyses. Subsequent analyses adopt restatement, going concern, and internal control weaknesses models. To test our second hypothesis, we rely on a bank audit fee model. All models include relevant controls established in previous research and those for self-selection.

Findings

The evidence suggests that small audit firms adopting a nationwide single-industry focus are able to provide higher audit quality (compared with other rivals, even industry specialists) while at the same time charging lower audit fees implying cost efficiencies that are passed on to the client due to their focused expertise.
How Sensitive Are Bank Market Values to Regulatory Adjustments of Capital?
Authors: Lubberink Martien , Willett Roger
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

The research problem

We measured the sensitivity of bank market values to capital and regulatory adjustments (RAs) applied to bank capital using a novel approach of measuring value relevance.

Motivation or theoretical reasoning

Regulators require banks to apply adjustments to book equity to calculate regulatory capital, where book equity is the starting point of the calculation of capital ratios. The regulators emphasize the benefits of these adjustments. Making banks hold more capital, the adjustments should contribute to the reduction of procyclical amplification of financial shocks throughout the banking system, financial markets, and the broader economy. However, RAs are underresearched: empirical research focuses on a few of them, such as the prudential filter on AFS securities, and their effects in specific circumstances. This prompts questions about the overall relevance of RAs. This paper then examines the sensitivity, expressed in elasticities, of market values to capital and RAs. Are adjustments, on their own or in aggregate, value relevant? Are market values more or less sensitive to different measures of bank capital, such as book equity, Tier 1, or total capital? Does the sensitivity evolve over time? And if so, why?

The test hypotheses

H1: The elasticity of bank book equity with respect to market value is 1. H2: The elasticities of RAs with respect to market values are 0.

Target population

US bank holding companies over the years 2001Q1–2022Q3.

Adopted methodology

We used panel data analyses to estimate log–log models. These models transform all variables such as market values and accounting values into logs.

Analyses

We used log–log models as an alternative to traditional additive-linear models because the coefficients of the latter are sensitive to sample choice, choice of time period, and outlier treatment. The response coefficients in log–log models are scale-free elasticities that measure, with some precision, the proportional change in the dependent variable associated with a proportional change in the independent variables.

Findings

Our results show that the sensitivity of bank book equity converges to 1 when market uncertainty is low and when banks’ Tier 1 ratios reach 12% of risk-weighted assets (RWAs). Market values are more sensitive to changes in capital of highly geared banks when market uncertainty is high, with shareholders responding positively in particular to increases in Tier 1 and total capital. This is consistent with risk-shifting by shareholders. Market values are generally less sensitive to prudential filters, such as those on unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
Inefficiency of pure Nash equilibria in network congestion games: the impact of symmetry and network structure
Authors: Hao Bainian , Michini Carla
Published: June 2024

We study the inefficiency of pure Nash equili bria in symmetric unweighted network congestion games. We first explore the impact of symmetry on the worst-case PoA of network congestion games. For polynomial delay functions with highest degree
p
, we construct a family of symmetric congestion games over arbitrary networks which achieves the same worst-case PoA of asymmetric network congestion games. Next, we explore the impact of network structure within the class of symmetric network congestion games. For delay functions in class 𝒟, we introduce a quantity
y
(𝒟) and we show that the PoA is at most
y
(𝒟) in games defined over series-parallel networks. Thus, for polynomial delays with highest degree
p
, the PoA cannot exceed 2

p
+1

- 1, which is significantly smaller than the worst-case PoA in games defined over arbitrary networks. Moreover, we prove that the worst-case PoA quickly degrades from sub-linear to exponential when relaxing the network topology form extension-parallel to series-parallel.

Finally, we consider measuring the social cost as the maximum players’ cost. For polynomial delays of maximum degree
p
we show that the worst-case PoA is significantly smaller than that of general symmetric congestion games, but dramatically larger than that of games defined over extension-parallel networks.
Hammering It Out: On Worker Cooperatives and the Question of Transforming the Tech Industry
Authors: Ahmed Alex
Published: June 2024

This article describes what it's like to work at an employee-owned technology cooperative, grappling with working conditions and the present state of the tech industry. The benefits of unionization are described, as are attempts to resist and refuse oppressive tech through consciousness of and engagement with struggles for justice around the world.
Understanding the User Perception and Experience of Interactive Algorithmic Recourse Customization
Authors: Koh Seunghun , Kim Byung Hyung , Jo Sungho
Published: June 2024

Generating actionable algorithmic recourse requires understanding each user’s preferences. Users provide their relevant information, and the system uses it to generate recourse that can be easily followed by individual users. To gain insight into users’ perceptions and experiences of this novel form of interaction, we developed a prototype that enables users to provide the required information for algorithmic recourse customization. With the prototype, we conducted a user study where participants customized the recourse. Through both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we found that: (1) repetitive user-AI interaction not only enables users to customize the recourse but also explore other possibilities, (2) users prefer recourse customization method that offers high controllability and understandability, and (3) degree of customization users want depends on various factors. With these findings, we discuss the implications for systems that aim to provide actionable algorithmic recourse in real-life situations.
Incloodle-Classroom: Technology for Inclusive Joint Media Engagement in a Neurodiverse Kindergarten Classroom
Authors: Sobel Kiley , Das Maitraye , Behbakht Sara , Kientz Julie A.
Published: June 2024

Enabling opportunities for young children with disabilities to co-engage in learning activities alongside their non-disabled peers is essential for promoting equity in early childhood education. We investigate how collaborative technology can be designed to support young neurodivergent and neurotypical children in playing together. By integrating theories and methods from design, HCI, and the learning sciences, we iteratively designed, developed, and evaluated a novel tablet application called Incloodle-Classroom (Incloodle in short), that takes into account the needs of neurodiverse groups of children and the adults who support them during play. We deployed Incloodle in a kindergarten classroom of 15 neurodivergent and 16 neurotypical children over a 10-week period. Using interaction analysis, we present rich empirical understandings of how children interacted with each other, with adults, and with Incloodle. In doing so, we contribute new theoretical underpinnings to collaborative and accessible technology design, extending joint media engagement to encompass inclusivity and equity.
IDE
4
ICDS: A Human-Centric and Model-Driven Proposal to Improve the Digitization of Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Parra-Calderón Carlos , García-García Julián Alberto , Ramos-Cueli Juan Manuel , Alvarez-Romero Celia , Román-Villarán Esther , Martínez-García Alicia , Escalona María José
Published: June 2024

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are a formalization of specific clinical knowledge that states the best evidence-based clinical practices for treating pathologies. However, CPGs are limited because they are usually expressed as text. This gives rise to a certain level of ambiguity, subjective interpretation of the actions to be performed, and variability in clinical practice by different health professionals facing the same circumstances. The inherent complexity of CPGs is also a challenge for software engineers designing, developing, and maintaining software systems and clinical decision support system to manage and digitize them. This challenge stems from the need to evolve CPGs and design software systems capable of allowing their evolution. This paper proposes a model-driven, human-centric and tool-supported framework (called IDE
4
ICDS) for improving digitisation of CPG in practical environments. This framework is designed from a human-centric perspective to be used by mixed teams of clinicians and software engineers. It was also validated with the type 2 diabetes mellitus CPG in the Andalusian Public Health System (Spain) involving 89 patients and obtaining a kappa-based analysis. The recommendations were acceptable (0.61–0.80) with a total kappa index of 0.701, leading to the conclusion that the proposal provided appropriate recommendations for each patient.
empi: GPU-Accelerated Matching Pursuit with Continuous Dictionaries
Authors: Różański Piotr T.
Published: June 2024

This article introduces an effective approach to performing matching pursuit calculations with continuous (quasi-infinite) dictionaries. Simulating continuous parameter space is accomplished by combining optimal dictionary construction as introduced previously with local parameter optimization. At the same time, the calculations can be performed not only with Gabor atoms, but with any type of oscillating atoms, or even multiple types of atoms at once. The proposed method is confirmed by introducing a first stable version of a high-performance implementation
empi
, supporting calculations with continuous as well as discrete dictionaries, further accelerated by the use of multi-threading and GPU support.
Assessing the Feasibility and Ethics of Economic Status Prediction using Deep Learning on Household Images
Authors: Dar Aatif Nisar , Sengupta Nandana , Arora Chetan
Published: June 2024

Precise and comprehensive measurements of socioeconomic status are crucial for both academic investigations and policy making. However, in developing countries, such measures are available at the local household level only at extremely low frequencies (e.g., via a decadal census). A number of works have attempted predicting economic status at aggregated geographical levels such as district or neighborhood using deep learning on images with varying degrees of success. However the utility of such an approach at the household level remains open. In this study, we utilize deep learning models on household images collected from four northeastern states in India to assess the feasibility and ethics of household-level income status prediction. We categorize households into classes based on income and then train a Swin Transformer model with cross-entropy loss and triplet loss to predict the socioeconomic class of the household. We then compare the prediction accuracy of our model with predictions using a simple list of household assets and predictions from a set of expert human annotators. We find that the use of deep learning on images does not lead to any substantial gains in prediction accuracy. Further, we note that human accuracy on this prediction tasks is low, raising questions on the information contained within the images. Our study raises important questions regarding the ethical implications of utilizing household images for predicting socioeconomic status. We explore these ethical implications, emphasizing the importance of a cautious and considerate approach in incorporating image-based techniques.
Game On, Hate Off: A Study of Toxicity in Online Multiplayer Environments
Authors: Yang Zachary , Grenon-Godbout Nicolas , Rabbany Reihaneh
Published: June 2024

The advent of online spaces, particularly social media platforms and video games, has brought forth a significant challenge: the detection and mitigation of toxic and harmful speech. This issue is not only pervasive but also detrimental to the overall user experience. In this study, we leverage small language models to reliably detect toxicity, achieving an average precision of 0.95. Analyzing eight months of chat data from two Ubisoft games, we uncover patterns and trends in toxic behavior. The insights derived from our research will contribute to the development of healthier online communities and inform preventive measures against toxicity.
Investigating Anode Potential Errors of Real-Time Capable DFN Type Models Induced by Inhomogeneity for Fast Charging of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Frank Alexander , Durdel Axel , Scheller Maximilian , Sturm Johannes , Jossen Andreas
Published: June 2024

The occurrence of lithium plating during fast charging poses a safety risk and can reduce the battery lifespan. To prevent plating during the application of model-based charging protocols, a safety margin is added to the lithium plating voltage criterion to compensate for unaccounted in-plane heterogeneities. This article investigates the value of this safety buffer when using real-time capable 1D-DFNs coupled with a 0D thermal model. Through comparison with a multi-scale model, the 1D-DFN error to the local minimum in the anode potential can be characterized. An adjusted cooling coefficient enables 0D temperature modeling with an average error of less than 1 ◦C, despite the inability to consider temperature gradients. For a high-energy NMC811/SiC parameterization of a 4680 format cell with tabless current collectors, the 1D-DFN error in the anode potential deviates by a maximum of 10 mV during charging up to 3C at 50 W m−2 K−1 convective mantle cooling. The anode potential error is influenced by the charging rate, cooling strategy, cell format, and current collector design.
Review—Trends on the Development of Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensors Modified with Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Quantification of Glucose
Authors: Hernández-Ramírez D. , Franco-Guzmán M. , Ibarra-Ortega I. S. , Álvarez-Romero G. A. , Rebolledo-Perales L. E.
Published: June 2024

Glucose is the principal source of energy for humans and its quantification in physiological samples can diagnose or prevent diseases. Commonly, glucose determination is based on spectrophotometric-enzymatic techniques, but since at least a decade ago, electroanalytical strategies have emerged as promising alternatives providing accuracy and precision in the determination of biomolecules. This review focuses on the development of non-enzymatic methodologies based on modified electrochemical sensors with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for glucose detection sensors in physiological samples (blood, saliva, and urine). The trends in the construction of non-enzymatic sensors base on MIP combine with materials such as carbonaceous materials, metal nanoparticles, and polymers improving their electrocatalytic properties and analytical parameters of the electro-analytical methodologies developed. Glassy carbon electrodes, carbon paste electrodes, and screen-printed electrodes are the main transductors modified with MIP for the electrochemical oxidation of glucose, and the maximum anodic peak current is taken to the analytical signal. In all reported non-enzymatic sensors, the presence of the MIP improved glucose determination compared to the bare working electrode. The reported results demonstrated that this electroanalytical approach represents a viable alternative for fast and confident analysis of the glucose molecule overcoming the drawbacks presented by enzymatic sensors.
Observing the Effect of Architecture on Spiral and Bobbin Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li/SOCl2) Batteries with Temperature-Dependent Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
Authors: Katırcı Gökberk , Civan Fazlı Eren , Zabara Mohammed Ahmed , Ülgüt Burak
Published: June 2024

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has been utilized as an in situ, non-destructive diagnostic tool for the comprehensive electrochemical characterization of lithium thionyl chloride (Li/SOCl2) batteries. Li/SOCl2 batteries come in various geometries or architectures tailored for the application area and required specifications. In this study, detailed EIS studies of spiral and bobbin-type Li/SOCl2 batteries are performed at different temperatures to investigate the impedance response, calculate the activation energy of various processes, and observe the effect of geometry. An extensive comparison between the two geometries reveals that the processes can be differentiated by their time constants and capacitances. It was observed that the current collector impedance masks the high-frequency response of bobbin-type at elevated temperatures with similar Li redox processes in the middle-frequency region. Additionally, transmission line fit is performed on the bobbin type to investigate diffusion-related cathodic processes.
Investigations into the Dynamic Acoustic Response of Lithium-Ion Batteries During Lifetime Testing
Authors: Galiounas Elias , Iacoviello Francesco , Mirza Mateen , Rasha Lara , Owen Rhodri E. , Robinson James B. , Jervis Rhodri
Published: June 2024

Techniques using acoustic waves to interrogate batteries are increasingly investigated in the literature due to the appeal of three main properties: they are non-destructive, relatively low cost and have acquisition rates enabling operando testing. Popular demonstrations attempt to extract degradation markers from acoustic data, by continuous monitoring, and to attribute them to degradation modes. This is founded on the premise that the speed of sound depends on mechanical properties, such as the density and stiffness. Nevertheless, additional sensitivities of an acoustic time-of-flight analysis are often neglected, leading to incomplete experiments that can overstate the capabilities of the technique. In this work, such sensitivities are quantified and the use of pulse tests instead of CCCV protocols is recommended to elucidate the concurrent dynamic evolution of temperature, voltage and acoustic signals. A degradation experiment is performed, with pulse sequences incorporated in periodic reference performance tests. Dynamic parameters are extracted from each pulse; specifically, the dynamic rise of the time-of-flight (ΔToFrise) and temperature (ΔTemprise) signals. Their evolution with degradation is traced and a statistical comparison of the main effects is performed. It is concluded that markers of degradation in the dynamic acoustic response are very subtle, masked by the effects of temperature.
Analysis of Predator–Prey Model With Inclusion of Temperature Variability in Prey Refugees
Authors: Wayesa Negeri Negese , Obsu Legesse Lemecha , Dawed Mohammed Yiha
Published: June 2024

One of the central concerns in ecology is assessing the impact of environmental changes, such as global temperature shifts, on the dynamic interactions between predators and prey across diverse ecosystems. This study explores the relationship between prey and predator populations in the context of climate‐induced temperature changes. Utilizing linearization and the Lyapunov approach, we analyze the local and global stability of the system’s equilibrium points. Applying Sotomayor’s theorem, we further investigate the local bifurcation of the fixed points. Additionally, the persistence of the model system is studied. The ecological models developed in this research aim to explore the stability of these predator–prey systems and provide insights to prevent the decline of endangered species. Numerical simulations are conducted to study the impact of environmental changes on the proposed models. The simulation results indicate that the temperature dependence of the predator–prey population dynamics is directly proportional to the size of the reserved habitat area for the prey when the temperature is high. These findings suggest that the preservation of sufficient habitat reserves plays a crucial role in promoting the long‐term survival of species and stabilizing their ecological interactions.
Radiographic Analysis of the Beef Cattle Digits Slaughtered after 114 Days of Confinement
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Wanessa Patrícia , Bastos Queiroz Paulo José , Jorge da Cunha Paulo Henrique , Feitosa Noronha Filho Antônio Dionísio , Arnhold Emmanuel , Resende Fernandes Juliano José de , Nascimento Kaique de Souza , Borges Naida Cristina
Published: June 2024

Foot disorders are responsible for up to 5% of confinement losses. Identifying the cause of lameness and applying the correct treatment are crucial measures. The possibility of determining the probable origins of digital lesions, their extension, and assistance in cases in which it was not possible to reach a definitive clinical diagnosis demonstrates that the radiographic evaluation provides information of great importance on cattle digits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate possible radiographic changes in the hoof, bone structures, and soft tissues of the digits of Nelore bulls at the end of the confinement period. Regarding the main signs, 100% (n = 24) showed proliferation of enthesophytes and osteophytes and irregular contours, 62.5% (n = 15) enlargement of vascular channels, 37.5% (n = 9) osteolysis, 33.4% (n = 8) gas content in the white line region, 20.84% (n = 5) gas content in the dorsal lamina region, and 4.16% (n = 1) presented palisade periosteal reaction. Ten (41.7%) out of 24 (100%) animals evaluated at the end of the confinement presented lameness, three animals of score three, four animals of score two, and three animals of score one. The higher the score indicating the severity of the signs observed in the visual assessment of the radiographs, the higher the internal angle values (moderate correlation of 0.5 and p < 0.05). A higher prevalence of osteo‐proliferative radiographic changes was identified at the end of the 114‐day confinement period in the third phalanx of Nellore cattle even in animals that had no lameness.
Assessing the Risk of Windborne Dispersal of Culicoides Midges in Emerging Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Outbreaks in France
Authors: Bibard Amandine , Martinetti Davide , Picado Albert , Chalvet-Monfray Karine , Porphyre Thibaud
Published: June 2024

The epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a novel emerging threat for the European livestock sector. First detected in Sardinia and southern Spain at the end of 2022, this transboundary disease emerged in France in September 2023 despite restrictions on animal movement and enhanced surveillance protocols. Although virus spread is believed to be mediated by the dispersal of Culicoides vectors by the wind, prediction is difficult due to the large number of meteorological parameters that must be considered. Using simulations of atmospheric trajectories, we developed a model to investigate the long‐distance dispersal risk zone of Culicoides in Europe, starting from different source zones. Our model predicted with good sensitivity the newly EHDV‐infected areas in France over a period of 5 weeks after its first introduction in the country. Prospectively, we predicted that the midge dispersal zone of early 2024 could expand toward most of the western half of France and could sporadically reach new countries under favorable spring conditions. The wind dispersal risk maps provided are intended to support better preparedness and response to Culicoides‐borne diseases.
Esthetic Rehabilitation with No‐Preparation Veneers Applying BOPT: A Case Report with a 12‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Alawa Dima , Karkoutly Mawia , Milly Hussam
Published: June 2024

A 45‐year‐old female patient was referred to the Department of Cosmetic Dentistry, Damascus University, seeking to improve dental aesthetics. The clinical examination showed a low smile line and microdontia in the maxillary arch. The treatment plan consisted of applying no‐prep veneers with gingival modification, which is described in the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) as a gingitage technique. The gingitage of the sulcus was performed using a yellow ring diamond flame with an inclination of 45 degrees, which causes it to bleed and creates a space between the internal wall of the sulcus and the axial wall of the tooth. After a 12‐month follow‐up, the gingiva was free of inflammation, recession, and plaque, and there was no increase in probing depth, according to the modified gingival index (MGI), gingival recession index (GRI), Silness‐Loe plaque index (PI), and the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN), respectively. The porcelain veneers were intact, with no chippings, cracks, and marginal discoloration. The patient was satisfied with her new smile.
TABLE 2 from First-line Avelumab plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Results from the Phase Ib/II JAVELIN Chemotherapy Medley Study
Authors: Wheatley Duncan A. , Berardi Rossana , Climent Duran Miguel A. , Tomiak Anna , Greystoke Alastair P. , Joshua Anthony M. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Géczi Lajos , Corbacho Javier Garciá , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Hussain Syed A. , Petruželka Lubos , Delmonte Angelo , Chappey Colombe , Masters Joanna C. , Michelon Elisabete , Murphy Danielle A. , Mwewa Sandrine , Cesari Rossano , Doger de Spéville Bernard
Published: June 2024

Summary of the most common TRAEs (any grade in ≥30% of patients or grade ≥3 in ≥10% of patients) in the urothelial carcinoma and NSCLC cohorts
Supplementary Data from First-line Avelumab plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Results from the Phase Ib/II JAVELIN Chemotherapy Medley Study
Authors: Wheatley Duncan A. , Berardi Rossana , Climent Duran Miguel A. , Tomiak Anna , Greystoke Alastair P. , Joshua Anthony M. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Géczi Lajos , Corbacho Javier Garciá , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Hussain Syed A. , Petruželka Lubos , Delmonte Angelo , Chappey Colombe , Masters Joanna C. , Michelon Elisabete , Murphy Danielle A. , Mwewa Sandrine , Cesari Rossano , Doger de Spéville Bernard
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Table 4
FIGURE 1 from First-line Avelumab plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Results from the Phase Ib/II JAVELIN Chemotherapy Medley Study
Authors: Wheatley Duncan A. , Berardi Rossana , Climent Duran Miguel A. , Tomiak Anna , Greystoke Alastair P. , Joshua Anthony M. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Géczi Lajos , Corbacho Javier Garciá , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Hussain Syed A. , Petruželka Lubos , Delmonte Angelo , Chappey Colombe , Masters Joanna C. , Michelon Elisabete , Murphy Danielle A. , Mwewa Sandrine , Cesari Rossano , Doger de Spéville Bernard
Published: June 2024

Summary of reductions in tumor size and durations of PFS or response. A, Best percentage change from baseline in target lesions (green bars) and PFS in responding patients (gray bars) in the urothelial carcinoma cohorts.aB, DOR in responding patients and change in tumor size over time in all patients in the urothelial carcinoma cohorts. C, Best percentage change from baseline in target lesions (green bars) and PFS in responding patients (gray bars) in the NSCLC cohorts. TMB high represents >10 mut/Mb. In urothelial carcinoma cohorts, PD-L1–positive status was defined using an algorithm that combines assessments of PD-L1 staining on tumor and immune cells, which were scored by pathologists (30); in NSCLC cohorts, PD-L1–positive status was defined as PD-L1 expression on ≥1% of tumor cells. PD-L1, programmed death-ligand 1; TMB, tumor mutational burden; FGFR, fibroblast growth factor receptor.

aTwo patients with no postbaseline tumor assessments who were receiving avelumab 1,200 mg were excluded.
Angioedema After Use of Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activators in Stroke
Authors: Hutten Evelien M. , van de Ven Annick A.J.M. , Mencke Rik , Pleijhuis Rick G.
Published: June 2024

Angioedema without concomitant urticaria is a well-known complication of treatment with the recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) alteplase and its genetically modified variant tenecteplase. It is potentially lethal when causing airway obstruction and can require intubation. The latest guideline for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association advises to treat this complication initially by interfering with the histamine pathway. This article aims to clarify the pathophysiological mechanism of r-tPA-induced angioedema and provides several arguments that this condition is primarily bradykinin-mediated and hence should be treated initially by intervening with the bradykinin pathway. Second, other—less frequently reported—adverse symptoms after r-tPA therapy and their proposed pathophysiological mechanisms leading to specific treatment are described. This manuscript describes the need for an update of the section “3.5 IV alteplase” from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guideline to treat this r-tPA-induced angioedema adequately and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
Action Segmentation in the Brain: The Role of Object–Action Associations
Authors: Pomp Jennifer , Garlichs Annika , Kulvicius Tomas , Tamosiunaite Minija , Wurm Moritz F. , Zahedi Anoushiravan , Wörgötter Florentin , Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: June 2024

Motion information has been argued to be central to the subjective segmentation of observed actions. Concerning object-directed actions, object-associated action information might as well inform efficient action segmentation and prediction. The present study compared the segmentation and neural processing of object manipulations and equivalent dough ball manipulations to elucidate the effect of object–action associations. Behavioral data corroborated that objective relational changes in the form of (un-)touchings of objects, hand, and ground represent meaningful anchor points in subjective action segmentation rendering them objective marks of meaningful event boundaries. As expected, segmentation behavior became even more systematic for the weakly informative dough. fMRI data were modeled by critical subjective, and computer-vision-derived objective event boundaries. Whole-brain as well as planned ROI analyses showed that object information had significant effects on how the brain processes these boundaries. This was especially pronounced at untouchings, that is, events that announced the beginning of the upcoming action and might be the point where competing predictions are aligned with perceptual input to update the current action model. As expected, weak object–action associations at untouching events were accompanied by increased biological motion processing, whereas strong object–action associations came with an increased contextual associative information processing, as indicated by increased parahippocampal activity. Interestingly, anterior inferior parietal lobule activity increased for weak object–action associations at untouching events, presumably because of an unrestricted number of candidate actions for dough manipulation. Our findings offer new insights into the significance of objects for the segmentation of action.
University rankings in the context of research evaluation: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Kochetkov Dmitry
Published: June 2024

Initially created as a marketing and benchmarking tool, global university rankings have evolved into a part of research evaluation and policy initiatives. Governments around the world, concerned about the low rankings of national universities, have launched numerous excellence initiatives in higher education. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the literature on the use of university rankings in research evaluation and excellence initiatives. A systematic review of the literature on rankings in the context of research evaluation and excellence initiatives was performed. The majority of the review is based on English-language sources, but the review also covers literature from Russia, where the role of rankings is emphasized by their mention in the title and goal of the policy project 5top100. In addition, the review also includes gray literature. The general academic consensus is that rankings cannot be used in research assessment, though a few authors have a positive or neutral attitude. The literature reveals a lot of issues, such as technical and methodological flaws; biases of different nature, including bias towards research in evaluation of both universities and individual researchers; conflicts of interest; and risks to national identity. However, we must acknowledge the complexity of rejecting rankings.
Two interesting new genera of kalligrammatids (Insecta: Neuroptera) from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber
Authors: PENG ZI-HAO , LIU SI-TING , CHEN YU-TING , SHI CHAO-FAN , REN DONG , YANG QIANG
Published: June 2024

Two new genera and two new species of kalligrammatids, Electrogramma transformatum gen. et sp. nov. and Lasiogramma ooideum gen. et sp. nov., are described from the Late Cretaceous Myanmar amber. Electrogramma gen. nov. differs from other genera by its relatively large wing size; with a set of interlinked veinlets between costal crossveins, multiple rows of cells in base of CuP and AA; CuA distal forked while CuP pectinately branched near wing base in hind wing. And Lasiogramma gen. nov. is distinguished from other genera by its forewing RP1‒RP3 originating independently from R; costal crossveins absent; RP1 simple; nygma and eye-spot absent. A list of named kalligrammatids is also provided.
The 9th Fossils X3 and the 7th IPS Meeting in Xi’an (China), April 2024
Authors: HAKIM MARINA , MAKSOUD SIBELLE , AZAR DANY
Published: June 2024

Before 1996, few national meetings were held for scientific interest in palaeoentomology, palaeoarthropodology and amber, e.g., in Germany and Poland. The ever-growing attention to these fields aled to the creation of the Fossil Insect Network in 1996, based in France (Strasbourg), under the patronage of the European Science Foundation. Following that, the first of congresses on Fossil Insects, Arthropods and Amber was held in 1998 as two separate meetings, i.e., the First Palaeoentomological Conference in Russia (Moscow) and the World Congress on Amber Inclusions in Basque Country, Spain (Vitoria-Gasteiz). At that time, it was decided to hold regular conferences at an interval of four years minimum, which later changed to every three years. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Symposium on Palaeoarthropodology took place in Brazil (Ribeirão Preto) in 2000. The International Palaeoentomological Society (IPS) was created during the second of the congresses, which was held in Poland (Kraków) in 2001. The third congress took place in South Africa (Pretoria) in 2005, for the first time combining the three meetings, i.e., the Palaeoentomological Conference, the World Congress on Amber Inclusions, and the International Meeting on Palaeoarthropodology together as the Fossils X3 under the umbrella of the IPS. The fourth congress was held in Basque Country, Spain (Vitoria-Gasteiz) in 2007, the fifth in China (Beijing) in 2010, the sixth in Lebanon (Byblos) in 2013, the seventh in Scotland (Edinburgh) in 2016, the eighth in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo) in 2019, the nineth in China (Xi’an) in 2024, and the tenth is planned for Morocco (El Jadida) in 2027. It is noteworthy that, during the seventh congress, October 1st was declared as the ‘International Fossil Insects Day’.
Feliks Volkhovskii
Authors: Hughes Michael
Published: June 2024

Feliks Volkhovskii (1846-1914) was a significant figure in the Russian revolutionary movement of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He lived through pivotal changes ranging from the rise of ‘nihilism’ in the 1860s and the growth of populism in the 1870s, through to the creation of the Socialist Revolutionary Party in the early 1900s. Imprisoned three times before he turned thirty, he spent ten years in Siberian exile before fleeing abroad to join the fight against tsarist autocracy from western Europe.

Following Volkhovskii’s arrival in Britain in 1890, he played a central role in the campaign to win sympathy for the Russian revolutionary movement, editing newspapers and journals including Free Russia. He also helped to smuggle propaganda into Russia as well as becoming one of the most prominent figures in the émigré leadership of the Socialist Revolutionaries. Throughout his life, Volkhovskii was also a prolific writer of poetry and short stories, and was on good terms with many leading literary figures of the time including Ford Maddox Ford and Edward and Constance Garnett.

Michael Hughes’s groundbreaking new biography provides a vivid history of this notable but hitherto neglected figure of both the political and literary worlds. Based on ten years of research in archives across the world and drawing on sources in multiple languages, this masterful biography explores how Volkhovskii’s life illuminates broader intellectual and historical questions about the Russian revolutionary movement. It is essential reading for anyone interested in late Imperial Russia and the Russian revolution.
Afterword
Authors: Sloboda John
Published: June 2024

The afterword provides a summative commentary on some key themes and issues raised by the contributors to the volume. It is offered from outside the disciplines of music and theology, from the perspective of an empirical psychologist. Issues of generality (or specificity) of the spiritual musical experience are discussed in relation to quantitative and qualitative approaches to data gathering. This has relevance to (a) the positionality of different scholars studying the phenomenon of spirituality through music, and (b) the great variety of individual contexts and modes of response to music in the populations studied. A technical means of encompassing different viewpoints on, and understandings of, the term "spiritual" is proposed: the construction of a conceptual map of the different terms found in discourse on the topic, organised along a small number of dimensions which elucidate the connection of different terms to each other. This afterword also revisits an earlier discussion of the usefulness of applying the notion of affordances to account for the opportunities that music affords (but does not dictate) for spiritual experience, through its ineffability, its associative power, and its unifying characteristics.
Effect of Photoreactor Design on the Degradation of Thiamethoxam by Pure/Supported Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Emmanuel Ngaha , Dilek Duranoğlu
Published: June 2024

The environmental persistence of thiamethoxam (THX), a commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide, raises concerns about its long-term effects. This study explored the photocatalytic degradation of THX using pure and perlite supported TiO2 photocatalysts in two distinct UV photoreactor configurations. Our investigation aimed to identify some optimal conditions for efficient THX removal while considering cost-effectiveness and sustainability for potential industrial applications. The results revealed that horizontal UV irradiation (System 1) significantly surpassed vertical irradiation (System 2) in both THX degradation rate and energy efficiency. This highlights the importance of photoreactor design for maximizing light utilization and mass transfer. While pure TiO2 exhibited superior performance in both systems compared to perlite-supported TiO2 (PST), the latter demonstrated an intriguing temperature dependence. PST achieved enhanced degradation at higher temperatures, suggesting its potential for industrial applications where waste heat is available. Furthermore, we discovered that low pH conditions substantially boosted THX degradation with PST, opening a promising avenue for optimizing industrial processes and minimizing chemical usage. This finding underscores the crucial role of operational parameters in tailoring photocatalytic performance. In conclusion, this study provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of TiO2 photocatalysis in degrading THX, a persistent organic pollutant. We emphasized the impact of catalyst support, photoreactor design, and operational parameters, such as temperature and pH, on treatment efficiency. Notably, the enhanced performance of PST at higher temperatures and its responsiveness to low pH conditions suggest its potential for cost-effective and sustainable THX treatment in industrial settings. These findings pave the way for further research and development of optimized photocatalytic systems for mitigating environmental contamination by THX and other persistent organic pollutants.
Equilibrium, Kinetics and Thermodynamics Studies of Cadmium (II) Ion Adsorption on to Anchote Peel (Coccinia abyssinica Peel) Activated Carbon Adsorbent
Authors: Shifera Leta
Published: June 2024

Powdered Activated Carbon Adsorbent produced from Anchote peel (Coccinia abyssinica peel). Powdered Activated Carbon Adsorbent was investigated for its adsorption capacity for Cadmium (II) ion. Effects of parameters: pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature on adsorption of Cadmium (II) ion were investigated. The best adsorption of Cadmium (II) ion occurred at pH 5, where the adsorption reached equilibrium within 210 min. for the optimum 0.025 mg/l initial Cadmium (II) ion concentration. Kinetic studies of the data showed that the adsorption follows the pseudo second order kinetic model where equilibrium adsorption capacities and adsorption rate increased at optimum level for all parameter. Fourier Transform Infra Red spectra of activated carbon adsorbent & Cadmium (II) ion loaded adsorbent were obtained. The enthalpy of Cadmium (II) ion adsorption was -71.986 J/mol. The negative enthalpy of adsorption indicated an exothermic nature of the adsorption. The equilibrium data better fitted Freundlich isotherm models within the temperature range 20 °C – 45 °C. Maximum adsorption efficiency of adsorbent was 98.3% of Cadmium (II) ion at pH 5 and optimum contact time 210 min., adsorbent dose 0.25 g and initial conc. 0.025 mg/l respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) peel activated carbon adsorbent was observed to 89.273 mg/g of Cadmium (II) ion at 30 °C and 5 mg/l.
The Analysis of Socio-cultural Dynamics in Ethnographic Context Demonstrates with Archaeological Witnesses, in Central Africa and the Middle East, the Gap Between Form and Function
Authors: Medjo Protais
Published: June 2024

The morpho-functional categorization of material objects used in archaeology reflects a determinism. Form determines the function of a material object. The function is systematically deduced from the form even before the former manifests itself. However, the usefulness of an object can clearly override this prognosis. The problem, then, is to verify the pre-established relationship between a predetermined activity and a predefined set of morphological characteristics required to give a material object or an archaeological assemblage its name. The latter two are defined on the basis of a set of stable characteristics. The question is how to proceed in order to highlight the dynamic nature of the object or archaeological assemblage beyond the stable state of the combination of elements by which an ethnographic object or archaeological assemblage is identified? And how can we ascertain whether the set of morphological characteristics identified with an object, or the group of remains required to form an assemblage, can be explained systematically by a static need for overproduction that is generally attributed to human societies, regardless of context. The hypothesis asserts that the utility of the material object transcends morpho-functional limits. Just as the different states of descriptive variables in archaeological assemblages are not necessarily the consequence of a uniform and continuous need for overproduction. The aim of this study is therefore to discuss the relationship established between socio-cultural dynamics and the properties of the causes generally given as stable in the explanation of this phenomenon. The results drawn from an analysis of qualitative data, collected in the written literature and in the field, will serve as a basis for discussing the conceptual model established in the explanation of observable dynamics, concerning the material productions of human societies. The functionalism-nominalism-interactionism triad serves as the basis for the theory proposed to render intelligible the precarious quality of the causes at the origin of the transformations recorded in material objects in ethnographic or archaeological contexts.