bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weak KAM Approach to First-Order Mean Field Games with State Constraints
Authors: Cannarsa Piermarco , Cheng Wei , Mendico Cristian , Wang Kaizhi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe study the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the constrained MFG system as the time horizon T goes to infinity. For this purpose, we analyze first Hamilton–Jacobi equations with state constraints from the viewpoint of weak KAM theory, constructing a Mather measure for the associated variational problem. Using these results, we show that a solution to the constrained ergodic mean field games system exists and the ergodic constant is unique. Finally, we prove that any solution of the first-order constrained MFG problem on [0, T] converges to the solution of the ergodic system as T goes to infinity.
Exposure-response modeling improves selection of radiation and radiosensitizer combinations
Authors: Cardilin Tim , Almquist Joachim , Jirstrand Mats , Zimmermann Astrid , Lignet Floriane , El Bawab Samer , Gabrielsson Johan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA central question in drug discovery is how to select drug candidates from a large number of available compounds. This analysis presents a model-based approach for comparing and ranking combinations of radiation and radiosensitizers. The approach is quantitative and based on the previously-derived Tumor Static Exposure (TSE) concept. Combinations of radiation and radiosensitizers are evaluated based on their ability to induce tumor regression relative to toxicity and other potential costs. The approach is presented in the form of a case study where the objective is to find the most promising candidate out of three radiosensitizing agents. Data from a xenograft study is described using a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach and a previously-published tumor model for radiation and radiosensitizing agents. First, the most promising candidate is chosen under the assumption that all compounds are equally toxic. The impact of toxicity in compound selection is then illustrated by assuming that one compound is more toxic than the others, leading to a different choice of candidate.
Loss on ignition vs. thermogravimetric analysis: a comparative study to determine organic matter and carbonate content in sediments
Authors: Bensharada Mohammed , Telford Richard , Stern Ben , Gaffney Vince 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMass loss at specified temperatures has been used widely to determine amounts of organic matter and carbonate in sediment samples. The loss on ignition (LOI) method is cheap and simple, but is time-consuming and provides information only for specific, pre-determined temperatures. It also requires relatively large sample sizes and is destructive. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an alternative method for determination of organic and carbonate content in sediment samples, and provides accurate and precise data in a time-efficient manner. We compared results from these two thermal analysis techniques, which were applied to sediment samples from a submerged landscape (Doggerland). An organic-rich peat sample and a silty fine-sand sample were used. An unpaired t-test was used to test agreement and repeatability of the two analytical techniques. One advantage of being able to monitor mass loss throughout the analytical operation is that free and bound moisture losses can be distinguished. TGA is less time-consuming, involves automated sample handling (minimising operator error), and can yield reliable data from sample masses (typically 30–50 mg), which are much smaller than those needed for LOI (typically 3–5 g). The unpaired t-test, along with precision and repeatability analyses led us to conclude that TGA can be used instead of LOI to provide reliable measures of organic matter and carbonate content in sediments, and has several advantages over LOI.
Multinomial Sampling of Latent Variables for Hierarchical Change-Point Detection
Authors: Romero-Medrano Lorena , Moreno-Muñoz Pablo , Artés-Rodríguez Antonio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBayesian change-point detection, with latent variable models, allows to perform segmentation of high-dimensional time-series with heterogeneous statistical nature. We assume that change-points lie on a lower-dimensional manifold where we aim to infer a discrete representation via subsets of latent variables. For this particular model, full inference is computationally unfeasible and pseudo-observations based on point-estimates of latent variables are used instead. However, if their estimation is not certain enough, change-point detection gets affected. To circumvent this problem, we propose a multinomial sampling methodology that improves the detection rate and reduces the delay while keeping complexity stable and inference analytically tractable. Our experiments show results that outperform the baseline method and we also provide an example oriented to a human behavioral study.
An applicability assessment and sensitivity analysis of land use impact models: application of the LANCA model in site-specific conditions
Authors: Terranova D. , Balugani E. , Righi S. , Marazza D. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
In this work, we study a land use impact model with the aim of obtaining spatially differentiated as opposed to default average characterisation factors. In particular, we study the application of LANCA®, a multi-indicator model with available country average characterisation factors expressing the alteration of the soil quality level of the current land use of one kind with respect to a reference situation.

Method
To this purpose, we use the LANCA® method documentation at a higher spatial resolution and apply all the required elemental steps. From a user perspective, we score the transparency of the method down to the basic methodological references and single out the source of errors that the user may incur when: (i) collecting the input data, (ii) selecting the appropriate soil/land classes and (iii) applying the individual calculation steps. For a greater insight, we couple the source of errors with a sensitivity analysis.

Results
In the comparison between a site-specific test area and the related country default values, we obtained relevant discrepancies regarding the erosion resistance and the physicochemical filtration of the soil. For example, we find that the erosion resistance potential is −1.06 * 10−3 kg m2 a−1 locally while the country default value is 13.1. We explain differences through the sensitivity analysis and having analysed in depth the underpinned soil erosion equation and the critical steps for its calibration. Together with systematic errors, we find that the method generally implies 9 scarcely guided steps out of 42, and one-third of the basic methodologies are not fully explained or accessible. These factors make the results related to Biotic Production, Mechanical Filtration, Physicochemical Filtration and Groundwater Regeneration user dependent and — in this sense — difficult to replicate.

Conclusions
From the analysis, we distil 7 main directions for improvement addressed to LANCA® and soil models especially in sight of a broader application of a regionalised life cycle impact assessment.
A framework linking farming resilience with productivity: empirical validation from Poland in times of crises
Authors: Zawalińska Katarzyna , Wąs Adam , Kobus Paweł , Bańkowska Katarzyna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFarming sectors’ resilience has been built over decades with the aid of policies and institutions. However, its actual standing can be assessed in times of crises when farms have to overcome particular challenges. We use a large-scale farming sectors dataset FADN spanning 2006–2015 in which two major economic crises occurred—the global economic crisis of 2008 and the Russian embargo of 2014—to exemplify our approach to resilience’s assessment based on the Polish farming sectors. We introduce a distinction between “potential resilience” versus “revealed resilience” where the former is assessed based on resilience capacities (robustness, adaptability and transformability), while the latter is assessed based on the observed decomposition of total factor productivity (TFP) changes in response to the adverse economic shocks. Hence, the proposed framework directly links productivity with the two types of resilience. We applied the Färe-Primont method of TFP decomposition, into technological change and various types of efficiency changes and a detailed farm survey to distinguish between the drivers of technological changes in each farming sector such as specific innovations and ecosystem services. Our findings show that farms differ in their revealed resilience both among the sectors and between two different shock events. Only field crop farms and granivores farms (pig and poultry) maintained their resilience to both crises, staying robust and/or adaptable. The former had the most productive technology and were leaders in applying innovations while the latter were second best in innovations and fairly good in their application of ecosystem-based services into their technology. Other farm types failed to be resilient to the first crisis but proved robust during the second. The outcomes of the study have implications for sustainability oriented policies.
Polyphenols leaching and seed dormancy in carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in relation to hot water treatment
Authors: Cavallaro Valeria , Maucieri Carmelo , Patanè Cristina , Fascella Giancarlo , Pellegrino Alessandra , Barbera Antonio C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCarob (Ceratonia siliquaL.) is a relevant element of the Mediterranean spontaneous vegetation. Moreover, it is useful in reforestation, and it is currently re-valued for sustainable agriculture in dryland areas. However, the difficulties tied to carob propagation (mainly seed dormancy) hamper its large-scale cultivation. In this paper, the effects of four seed treatments (no treatment [control], soaking at 70 °C and 90 °C in water, or in 96% sulphuric acid) on five carob genotypes germination were studied. As compared to the very low germination of untreated seeds (0–13% germination), sulphuric acid (93–100% germination) and 90 °C water soaking (from 72 to > 90% germination in four out the five genotypes) were effective in promoting germination. Soaking at 90 °C resulted in the leaching of a higher amount of total polyphenols from the genotypes seed coat as compared to soaking at 70 °C. A significant correlation (0.75**) was ascertained between polyphenol leaching of the different genotypes and germination. These results suggest that dormancy in this species is not primarily associated with seed coat hardness, as it is generally thought, but also with the release of polyphenols. Polyphenols determination of the dormant and the few non-dormant seeds of the different genotypes also seem to confirm this hypothesis since these last showed an almost halved total polyphenols content (on average 17.0) as compared to dormant ones (34.8 mg g−1of seed FW). Further studies may determine the polyphenols involved, but also assess new, easier to carry out, seed treatments. The important role of the galactomannans on seed germination of carob is also discussed. Finally, similar studies may enhance the knowledge of dormancy processes in otherFabaceaespecies whose germination is positively affected by hot water treatments.
Revisiting Gaussian copulas to handle endogenous regressors
Authors: Becker Jan-Michael , Proksch Dorian , Ringle Christian M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMarketing researchers are increasingly taking advantage of the instrumental variable (IV)-free Gaussian copula approach. They use this method to identify and correct endogeneity when estimating regression models with non-experimental data. The Gaussian copula approach’s original presentation and performance demonstration via a series of simulation studies focused primarily on regression models without intercept. However, marketing and other disciplines’ researchers mainly use regression models with intercept. This research expands our knowledge of the Gaussian copula approach to regression models with intercept and to multilevel models. The results of our simulation studies reveal a fundamental bias and concerns about statistical power at smaller sample sizes and when the approach’s primary assumptions are not fully met. This key finding opposes the method’s potential advantages and raises concerns about its appropriate use in prior studies. As a remedy, we derive boundary conditions and guidelines that contribute to the Gaussian copula approach’s proper use. Thereby, this research contributes to ensuring the validity of results and conclusions of empirical research applying the Gaussian copula approach.
Stochastic monotonicity of dependent variables given their sum
Authors: Pellerey Franco , Navarro Jorge 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGiven a finite set of independent random variables, assume one can observe their sum, and denote with s its value. Efron in 1965, and Lehmann in 1966, described conditions on the involved variables such that each of them stochastically increases in the value s, i.e., such that the expected value of any non-decreasing function of the variable increases as s increases. In this paper, we investigate conditions such that this stochastic monotonicity property is satisfied when the assumption of independence is removed. Comparisons in the stronger likelihood ratio order are considered as well.
Acceptance of matchmaking tools in coworking spaces: an extended perspective
Authors: Kopplin Cristopher Siegfried , Gantert Till Marius , Maier Julia Verena 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn extended technology acceptance model for matchmaking tools in coworking spaces is presented and tested among 92 German coworkers. Advancing previous research, hedonic and community-related aspects are integrated into a framework based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2). Coworkers emphasize a matchmaking tool’s productivity aspects, which are positively moderated by their sense of community. Hedonic motivation (HM) and personal innovativeness contribute to usage intention, while effort expectancy is not a driver. The influence of HM is negatively moderated by sense of community, suggesting that a favorable social atmosphere that is explorable in person acts as a partial substitute for the enjoyment of tool usage. Surprisingly, satisfaction with face-to-face activities does not affect their perception of a matchmaking tool.
ASCO 2021: Highlights in central nervous system tumors
Authors: Mair Maximilian J. , Berghoff Anna S. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMore than 140 abstracts were presented in the Central Nervous System Tumors track during the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) virtual meeting. Here, we review our personal highlights of the presented data. In rare entities such as papillary craniopharyngioma and neurotrophic tyrocine receptor kinase (NTRK)-fusion-positive tumors, promising data on targeted therapies were reported. In addition, early data on olaparib in high-grade glioma and combinational immunotherapy approaches will be briefly reviewed. Furthermore, the eagerly awaited results of the EORTC-1709 phase III trial on the pan-proteasome inhibitor marizomib in newly diagnosed glioblastoma were shown at the meeting. Although no practice-changing trials were presented for glioma patients, new treatments are on the horizon and results from modern platform trials are awaited in the near future.
The arbitration of nature: state, water, and civil engineering in Northern Ireland directly after partition
Authors: Reinsborough Michael 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBegun in the summer of 1923, the Silent Valley Reservoir was the first large scale civil engineering project after the division between the North and the South of Ireland. It was the continuation of a previous project. In the late Nineteenth Century a portion of the Kilkeel and Annalong Rivers in the Mourne Mountains had been diverted 35 miles to provide water for the growing industrial city of Belfast in the North of Ireland. A reservoir in the mountains was also planned at a later date but this was delayed by the Great War and then by Irish political instability and the high cost of construction in immediate post war period. Before being completed the project had to overcome several obstacles. Firstly, the Mourne Mountains were claimed by the South of Ireland and thus subject to the Boundary Commission of the Anglo-Irish peace treaty. The Water Commissioners had brought important British political leaders to tour the Silent Valley construction site in an attempt to demonstrate how implausible a situation (in their opinion) that the South should control the major water supply to the capital city of the North. Secondly, shortly after the Boundary Commission was shelved, the combination of fluid subsoil and the failure to locate bedrock at expected depth brought construction to a halt while an engineering, political, and legal solution was sought for the expensive and now publicly controversial project. This article traces the contingent relationship between state (sovereignty) and technology (water reservoir) using a socio legal and socio material description of the crucial arbitration process enabling further time and resources for resolution of the difficulty. Ultimately an air-shaft device for excavating under increased atmospheric pressure had to be designed taking in mind both technical and political difficulties. Today the 3000-million-gallon reservoir, first imagined in the late Nineteenth Century, continues to be a major water source for the city of Belfast.
Formal models of the scientific community and the value-ladenness of science
Authors: Politi Vincenzo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the past few years, social epistemologists have developed several formal models of the social organisation of science. While their robustness and representational adequacy has been analysed at length, the function of these models has begun to be discussed in more general terms only recently. In this article, I will interpret many of the current formal models of the scientific community as representing the latest development of what I will call the ‘Kuhnian project’. These models share with Kuhn a number of questions about the relation between individuals and communities. At the same time, they also inherit some of Kuhn’s problematic characterisations of the scientific community. In particular, current models of the social organisation of science represent the scientific community as essentially value-free. This may put into question both their representational adequacy and their normative ambitions. In the end, it will be shown that the discussion on the formal models of the scientific community may contribute in fruitful ways to the ongoing debates on value judgements in science.
Organizational issues in embracing Agile methods: an empirical assessment
Authors: Mishra Alok , Abdalhamid Samia , Mishra Deepti , Ostrovska Sofiya 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study provides empirical evidence to the body of knowledge in Agile methods adoption in small, medium and large organizations in international context. This research explores the factors involved in the adoption of Agile methods in software development organizations. A survey was conducted among Agile professionals to gather survey data from 52 software organizations in seven countries across the world. Statistical techniques are applied towards empirical assessment. Organizational culture, team structure and management support are found to be crucial success factors whereas lack of management support, a large organization size and traditional organizational culture are found to be detrimental for the adoption of Agile approach in an organization. The selection of an appropriate Agile method depends on the project size and, for each size, there are specific methods preferred by different enterprises. Providing better control over the work is viewed as the primary advantage of the Agile methods within large and small organizations, while for the medium-size organizations, the priority is switched to coping with changing user requirements. Majority of the respondents did not consider embracing agile methods as a reason for project failure which indicates that Agile methods are, indeed, beneficial.
Multiple solutions for superlinear double phase Neumann problems
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Zhang Youpei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe study a double phase Neumann problem with a superlinear reaction which need not satisfy the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition. Using the Nehari manifold method, we show that the problem has at least three nontrivial bounded ground state solutions, all with sign information (positive, negative and nodal).
Assessing Capacity and Implementation Status of the Disaster Risk Management Strategy for Health and Community Disaster Resilience in Malawi
Authors: Dewa Ozius , Makoka Donald , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFloods are among the most frequently occurring natural hazards in Malawi, often with public health implications. This mixed methods study assessed the capacity for and implementation status of the disaster risk management (DRM) strategy for the health sector in Malawi, using flooding in the Nsanje District as a case. Data were collected using desk review and a workshop methodology involving key officials from government ministries, national and international development partners, and the academia. The results show that Malawi had recently strengthened its DRM institutional frameworks, with a pronounced policy shift from reactive to proactive management of disasters. Health sector personnel and structures were key contributors in the design and implementation of DRM activities at all levels. Development partners played a significant role in strengthening DRM coordination and implementation capacity. Lack of funding and the limited availability, and often fragmented nature, of vulnerability and risk assessment data were identified as key challenges. Limited human resource capacity and inadequate planning processes at district level impeded full implementation of DRM policies. These findings call for community-level interventions for improved coordination, planning, and human resource capacity to strengthen community disaster resilience and improve public health. The approach used in this study can serve as a model framework for other districts in Malawi, as well as in other low- and middle-income countries in the context of Sendai Framework implementation.