bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conti Inc.: understanding the internal discussions of a large ransomware-as-a-service operator with machine learning
Authors: Ruellan Estelle , Paquet-Clouston Masarah , Garcia Sebastián 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRansomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is increasing the scale and complexity of ransomware attacks. Understanding the internal operations behind RaaS has been a challenge due to the illegality of such activities. The recent chat leak of the Conti RaaS operator, one of the most infamous ransomware operators on the international scene, offers a key opportunity to better understand the inner workings of such organizations. This paper analyzes the main discussion topics in the Conti chat leak using machine learning techniques such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), as well as visualization strategies. Five discussion topics are found: (1) Business, (2) Technical, (3) Internal tasking/Management, (4) Malware, and (5) Customer Service/Problem Solving. Moreover, the distribution of topics among Conti members shows that only 4% of individuals have specialized discussions while almost all individuals (96%) are all-rounders, meaning that their discussions revolve around the five topics. The results also indicate that a significant proportion of Conti discussions are non-tech related. This study thus highlights that running such large RaaS operations requires a workforce skilled beyond technical abilities, with individuals involved in various tasks, from management to customer service or problem solving. The discussion topics also show that the organization behind the Conti RaaS operator shares similarities with a large firm. We conclude that, although RaaS represents an example of specialization in the cybercrime industry, only a few members are specialized in one topic, while the rest runs and coordinates the RaaS operation.
A mixed methods study of schema modes amongst people living with eating disorders
Authors: Marney Clare , Reid Marie , Wright Bernice 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Schema therapy is promising for people with eating disorders, especially those unresponsive to cognitive behavioural therapy. Complex underlying psychological constructs include dysfunctional schemas and maladaptive modes. This study aimed to explore people living with eating disorders’ schema modes and their identification with and understanding of their high scoring modes.

Methods
Sixteen women with enduring eating disorders without prior exposure to schema therapy completed the schema mode inventory for eating disorders short form (SMI-ED-SF), then participated in semi-structured interviews discussing their high scoring modes. Interviews were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results
All participants scored above clinical concern on at least one maladaptive mode and many scored high on multiple modes, most commonly Demanding Mode, Vulnerable Child and Detached Self-Soother. Qualitatively, four themes emerged: 1) Adverse family environments related to (a) trauma and the vulnerable and angry child and (b) unrealistically high standards; 2) Mode effects on (a) everyday life and (b) disordered eating; 3) Modes are psychologically protective in (a) avoiding emotion by detachment and soothing, (b) people pleasing by compliance and surrender; 4) Help seeking including (a) barriers to recovery from an eating disorder, (b) dissatisfaction with interventions experienced to date, (c) schema therapy as a promising alternative.

Discussion
Participants recognised and identified with their high scoring schema modes. After negative experiences with previous interventions, they considered schema therapy to be a promising alternative that could understand and work on their deeper psychological issues. This suggests that schema modes are a promising way of understanding and working with enduring eating disorders.
Unveiling the impact of language assessment teacher education on EFL teachers’ assessment agency and professional development trajectory: perceptions, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn global trends and current curricular policy reforms in second language (L2) education, there is a great emphasis on repositioning of teachers as assessors and teachers’ role as responsible agents in assessment. However, various factors affect the agency of teachers as assessors in the classroom. This study explored the ways English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers perceived the impact of the language assessment teacher education course on their agency as assessors. Likewise, it scrutinized the challenges and opportunities teachers confronted in leveraging the acquired knowledge and skills to enhance their assessment agency and contribute to their overall professional development. As for dataset, this phenomenological study targeted 50 EFL teachers, with 25 participants completing an open-ended questionnaire and the other 25 composing narratives. The research findings, using MAXQDA software (v. 20) for content and thematic analysis, revealed that EFL teachers perceived a significant positive influence of language assessment teacher education courses on their agency as assessors in the classroom. This led to their increased confidence and competence in assessment practices. They found limited institutional support and resources as their main challenges. However, they claimed opportunities would arise from collaborative professional networks and tailored mentoring to effectively apply knowledge and skills gained from language assessment teacher education courses for their professional development. The findings offer valuable implications for language assessment teacher education and professional development initiatives, illuminating the potential predicaments and expediters in enhancing teachers’ assessment agency and fostering their continuous professional growth.
Fluvial geomorphic parameters of the Shuiluo River Catchment and their tectonic implications, SE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yao Wei , Lyu Xiaoxi , Lei Dongning , Wu Peng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Shuiluo River Catchment (SRC) is the front zone of the southeast compression and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, with intense tectonic activity. In the basin, a series of regional large NW–SE trending active faults are developed. Studying clearly the geomorphic evolution of the SRC is conducive to further understanding the uplift and expansion mechanism of the SE edge of Tibetan Plateau. Our research was based on geographic information system, numerical analysis tool, and digital elevation model data, to extract six geomorpic parameters (hypsometric integral, asymmetry factor, basin shape ratio, valley floor width–valley height ratio, normalized channel steepness index and index of relative active tectonics) in SRC. After eliminating the impacts of climate, catchments area, and glacier, the geomorphic evolution of the SRC is mainly affected by geological structure and differential tectonic uplift movement; in the upstream and midstream (upper part), the shape of valleys and stream longitudinal profile shapes are affected by lithology; affected by geological structure and tectonic uplift, the tectonic activity in the midstream and downstream is relatively strong, and the intensity of activity in the downstream is stronger than that in the midstream, which may suggest that the faults’ activity in the downstream is stronger; the index of relative active tectonics values of the SRC are consistent with the regional seismic intensity, field-work and low-temperature thermochronology which indicates it is reasonable to use the fluvial geomorphic parameters to study the regional geomorphic evolution. The morphological parameters we extracted show different values in different regions of SRC, which may be the result of differential uplift in the southeastern of the Tibetan Plateau.
Migrated tubal sterilisation clip presenting as a subcutaneous gluteal foreign body 24 years later: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lakha Adil S. , Ang Andrew , Salih Sarmad Mohammed , Lewis Christopher 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The incidence of sterilisation clip migration is reportedly 25%. However, less than 1% of those who experience clip migration will present with pain, an abscess, or spontaneous extrusion. Here we present a rare case of sterilisation clip migration through the entire pelvic floor.

Case presentation
A 66-year-old female was referred from community to the Surgical Emergency Unit with a possible metallic foreign body under the skin following an attempted routine gluteal cyst excision. The patient first noticed a lump under the skin 2 years ago which gradually became more apparent and tender over the previous 2 months. The patient denied recent trauma, had no co-morbidities and had a sterilisation procedure 24 years prior. Examination revealed a non-mobile solid structure just beneath the skin 5 cm laterally from the anal verge. Inflammatory markers were normal and an ultrasound confirmed a 15 × 7 mm foreign body in the subcutaneous tissues. The foreign body was excised easily under local anaesthesia, revealing a closed Filshie sterilisation clip. The wound was closed primarily, and recovery was uncomplicated.

Conclusions
This was a case of sterilisation clip migration to the subcutaneous gluteal region. A literature review revealed 34 case reports of sterilisation clip migration, mostly to the bladder. Patients with a previous sterilisation procedure and suspected subcutaneous foreign body without trauma should elicit a high index of suspicion for migrated sterilisation clips. These clips can migrate through multiple layers of muscle and fascia, including the pelvic floor.
Customized treatment for Parkinson’s disease: extending lifespan and improving symptoms
Authors: Indu Richa , Dimri Sushil Chandra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative ailment affecting aged people. Several motor and non-motor symptoms appearing with this disease are linked to reduction in dopamine levels. Parkinson’s disease manifested by a wide range of symptoms, including gait instability, voice impairments, bradykinesia, hypomimia, tremors, and cognitive dysfunctions, where the concern is its steady global progression. Therefore, by evaluating the stage-specific retention and transition thresholds, the suggested work attempts to detect the progression of PD. Similarly, the assessment of the annual rate of deterioration of symptoms aids in assessing the influence of medications on four stages and six prime symptoms.

Results
During the 9-year period following clinical diagnosis, a symptomatic deterioration of 34.995% is observed in untreated patients compared to treated patients. Furthermore, the experimental analysis illustrates that medicines assist in regulating only bradykinesia, tremors, hypomimia, and speech impairment, which lasts for 4.8 years on average. A saturation period is also identified during the moderate phase, where the computed average depreciation in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is the least. Similarly, from stages 1 to 4, medicines might improve stage retention by 4.44, 3.5, 2.72, and 1.6 years, respectively. It demonstrates that, despite transient advantages and adverse effects, medications also have an optimistic impact on PD patients.

Conclusions
Here, we show that medication can extend the lifespan of PD patients up to 12 years cumulatively. Furthermore, the proposed work suggests that stagewise alternative remedies for improving quality of life, boosting the benefits of medicines, and eliminating their side effects. These include counselling, diet changes, yoga asanas, herbal medicines, bio-cleansing and other therapies. The current work does not consider the temporary transition among stages; nonetheless, further investigation regarding PD could open avenues for more worthy treatments with fewer side effects.
Electrical and thermal performance analysis of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal water collector using meta-heuristic optimization
Authors: Aggour Heba S. , Atia Doaa M. , Farghally Hanaa M. , Soliman M. , Omar M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) flat-panel technology has numerous advantages over PV modules and separately mounted solar thermal collectors regarding overall effectiveness and space-saving. Hybrid PV/T solar collectors’ thermal and electrical performance is influenced by design parameters like mass flow rate, tube diameter, tube spacing, packing factor, and absorber conductivity. This paper focused on using several meta-heuristic optimization techniques, incorporating the following: multiverse algorithm, dragonfly algorithm, sine–cosine algorithm, moth-flame algorithm, whale algorithm, particle swarm algorithm, ant-lion algorithm, grey wolf algorithm, and particle swarm optimization algorithm in PV/T collector optimal design according to maximum total efficiency obtained. The outcomes of the various algorithms revealed that the maximum electrical efficiency of the PV/T collector ranged from 13.85 to 14.28%, while the maximum thermal efficiencies ranged from 41.41 to 52.08% under standard test conditions (1000 W/m2 and 25 °C). The optimized values for the design parameters of the PV/T collector were as follows: the absorber conductivity was determined to be 356.6 W/m K, the packing factor was optimized to 0.7, the mass flow rate was set at 0.019 kg/s, the tube width was determined to be 0.035 m, and the tube spacing was optimized to 0.0524 m. The results indicated that the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm proved to be highly effective in optimizing the design parameters of PV/T collectors. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between the temperature of PV modules and PV/T collectors by considering variations in mass flow rate, packing factor, and tube width at different solar radiation levels. The results confirmed that the PV/T collector temperature exhibited improvements compared to the PV module temperature. As a result, this led to higher electrical efficiency and an overall increase in the total efficiency of the PV/T collector.
A low-power 8-bit 1-MS/s single-ended SAR ADC in 130-nm CMOS for medical devices
Authors: Ellaithy Dina M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRapid advancements in micro-machining and microelectronics over the last few years have accelerated the growth of implanted medical devices that greatly improve a person's life. These devices first gather the signals from different nodes in/on the body, and then, they condition, multiplex, and digitize the signals. Thus, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which must continuously convert a variety of analog electrophysiological signals to digital codes, is one of the most crucial and power-hungry components. For implantable medical devices, the successive approximation register (SAR) ADC is a good choice. In this paper, a low-power single-ended SAR ADC architecture is proposed to offer good compromises between power efficiency, conversion accuracy, and design complexity. The proposed architecture supports 8-bit resolution at a sampling rate of 1 MS/s. Using a 130-nm CMOS process with 1.2 V supply voltage, an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 7.3 dB is achieved while 28.5 μW power is consumed. The ADC core only occupies an active area of about 197 μm × 377 μm.
The contribution of rare and common genetic variants to risk of prostate cancer and second primary cancer after prostate in the UK Biobank.
Authors: Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer Lynn , Snyder Nathan , Schwartz Ann G. , Wei Jun , Shi Zhuqing , Tran Huy , Zheng Lily , Shevach Jeffrey , Cooney Kathleen A. , Xu Jianfeng 
Published: June 2024

10604 Background: It has been estimated that up to 40% of prostate cancer may be attributed to inherited genetic susceptibility, yet very few variants have been consistently associated with risk and/or adverse outcomes after diagnosis. Moreover, because prostate cancer survival is generally good, risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC) is an important concern. Identifying men at greater genetic risk of developing an SPC will lead to improved post-diagnostic cancer surveillance practices and lifestyle behavior modifications. Methods: The current investigation leverages genetic and phenotypical data from the UK Biobank (UKB) to examine inherited genetic factors, including rare pathogenic mutations (RPMs) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) with prostate cancer risk and SPC. The individual and joint contribution of (RPM in 26 cancer susceptibility genes and trans-ethnic PRS previously derived for 11 different cancer sites with both risk of prostate cancer and also SPCs among men diagnosed after primary prostate cancer. Cox regression models were used to estimate Hazard Ratio (HR) for prostate cancer, adjusted for age and ancestry. Cumulative incidence of SPC by person-year among prostate cancer patients was estimated from the age of diagnosis and compared with that in men without cancer. Results: Among 228,472 men in the UKB, 17,547 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. RPMs in five genes ( ATM, BRCA2, CHEK2, HOXB13 and PTEN) were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. The rate of prostate cancer among RPM carriers was 15.59% compared with 7.72% in non-carriers (HR=2.26, 95% CI=1.97-2.59). The top decile of PRSProstate was associated with a 9.99-fold increase in risk of prostate cancer (95% CI=9.08-11). Having a diagnosis of prostate cancer had a significantly increased risk for two SPCs (bladder and kidney) and reduced risk for lung cancer, p<0.001. Those that developed SPC of bladder cancer had significantly higher PRSBladder, p=5.91E-06. The number of RPM carriers (n=77) among SPC bladder cancers was prohibitively small to precisely estimate risk. Conclusions: In this large population-based cohort, both RPMs in largely DNA damage repair genes and PRS contribute to risk of prostate cancer and PRS with second primary bladder cancer among men with prostate cancer. These data both contribute to our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer and reinforce the need for refinement of genetic screening panels.
A phase 2 study of EIK1001, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonist, in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Costin Dan , Chen Kevin , Gralla Richard J. , Garofalo Brage , Wang Meihua , Kurland Etah 
Published: June 2024

TPS8667 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) relieve immunosuppression of tumor-reactive T cells and enhance antitumor immune response. Significant advances for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been made using the ICI pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy, which confers significant clinical benefit relative to chemotherapy and placebo. Not all patients benefit, however, and some become refractory. As a result, there remains a critical unmet need to develop therapies for the treatment of NSCLC. EIK1001 is a TLR7/8 agonist that stimulates myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, activating immune and inflammatory responses. This dual activity provides another pathway, distinct from effects on checkpoint proteins, to enhance antitumor T-cell activity alone or in combination with ICIs. Methods: Study EIK1001-005 is a multicenter, Phase 2, open-label study of EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy – carboplatin plus either pemetrexed or paclitaxel – in participants (pts) with histologically confirmed Stage 4 nonsquamous or squamous NSCLC, respectively. This study includes a safety run-in period for pts enrolled in each NSCLC cohort. If < 2 dose-limiting toxicities occur, an expansion phase for each NSCLC cohort will be conducted at the target dose to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of EIK1001 (QW) in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (administered Q3W per label). Key eligibility criteria include pts ≥ 18 years of age with a life expectancy of at least 3 months, histologically or cytologically confirmed Stage 4 NSCLC (nonsquamous or squamous) without prior therapy for advanced NSCLC, confirmation that mutation-directed therapy is not indicated as first-line, and at least 1 measurable lesion at Baseline according to RECIST 1.1. The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. The secondary objectives are evaluation of antitumor activity by objective response rate (ORR; defined as the proportion of pts who have a confirmed complete response [CR] or partial response [PR] per RECIST 1.1) and duration of response (DOR) by RECIST 1.1. Other exploratory objectives include evaluation of anti-tumor activity (ORR/DOR) by immune-related RECIST 1.1, overall survival, progression-free survival, investigation of the relationship between treatment with EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab/chemotherapy and biomarkers predictive of response, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of EIK1001. This study opened on 29 Jan 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT06246110 .
The MARIANE-trial: Multicenter phase 1b/2 trial testing safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant intradermal ipilimumab and nivolumab in high-risk stage II melanoma.
Authors: Hoeijmakers Lotte L. , Kuijpers Anke M.J. , van de Wiel Bart A. , Lopez-Yurda Marta I. , Plasmeijer Elsemieke I , Zuur Charlotte L. , van der Pol Hanna C. , Lucas Minke W. , Romano Jurriaan , Lijnsvelt Judith , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus Johannes Maria , Jalving Mathilde , Kapiteijn Ellen , Suijkerbuijk Karijn , Van Der Veldt Astrid Aplonia Maria , Jacobs Bart , de Gruijl Tanja D , Blank Christian U. 
Published: June 2024

TPS9615 Background: Adjuvant anti-PD1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) has been shown to improve relapse free survival for patients with high-risk stage II melanoma (IIB-C). However, this therapy probably won’t be reimbursed as standard of care in most European countries due to high costs, and the benefit-risk-ratio. For macroscopic stage III melanoma, neoadjuvant ipilimumab (IPI; anti-CTLA4) plus nivolumab (NIVO; anti-PD1) has been shown to induce high pathologic response rates in the resected lymph nodes, long-term event free survival, and this schedule is currently being compared to adjuvant NIVO in a phase 3 study (NCT04949113). This combination schedule, however, is unsuitable for earlier disease stages, due to high costs and clinical toxicity. In preclinical models, a local tumor draining lymph node directed delivery of anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 has been demonstrated to outperform systemic administration on induction of T-cell proliferation and tumor control. In patients, local delivery of anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 has been suggested to be equally effective in tumor control with a reduction of adverse events. These data have formed the rationale for testing intradermal injections at the excision site of the primary tumor with IPI and NIVO prior to the re-excision and sentinel node procedure in high-risk stage II melanoma patients. Methods: This multicenter, dose-escalating phase Ib/II trial, using a Simon’s two-stage design, is the first trial to test feasibility and efficacy of intradermal IPI plus NIVO in high-risk stage II melanoma patients. In total 21 to 80 patients, diagnosed with a stage T3-4 cutaneous melanoma with ≥ 50% chance of positive sentinel node, naïve for re-excision, sentinel node surgery and immunotherapy, will be included in this trial. Patients will receive 2 cycles of intradermal IPI 0.5 mg + NIVO 1 mg at the excision site of the primary melanoma (every 3 weeks; arm A); 6 cycles intradermal IPI 0.5 mg + NIVO 1 mg (every week; arm B); 2 cycles intradermal IPI 10 mg + NIVO 20 mg (every 3 weeks, arm C); or 2 cycles of intravenous nivolumab 240 mg every 3 weeks combined with the most optimal intradermal regimen of IPI + NIVO (based on the results of arm A, B or C) in arm D. In week 6, patients will undergo sentinel node surgery, whereafter only patients with a non-MPR (>10% vital tumor) will be treated with adjuvant anti-PD1 according to current standard of care. We expect the first patient to be enrolled in March 2024and to be accruing for 1-1.5 years. Clinical trial information: NCT06240143 .