bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Austerity, Health and Public Safety in Low-Income Neighborhoods: Grassroots Responses to the Decline of Local Services in Southeast England
Authors: Smith David M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article uses ethnographic and qualitative research to explore the health implications and social responses of a low-income neighborhood in Southeast England, to more than a decade of austerity policies and declining institutional and welfare support. Findings examine how cuts to public services and welfare programs alongside changes to the area’s social structure shape resident’s perceptions of health risks and threats. Residents pointed to poor levels of mental health that were exacerbated by financial insecurity, the closure of community facilities and difficulties accessing support and professional help. An increase in social disorder and sense of danger within the vicinity were attributed to changes in the area’s social composition and a reduction of policing in the neighborhood, which were an additional cause of anxiety for residents. Many people felt their neighborhood was treated inequitably with regard to law-and-order, health provision and other services designed to address health problems and risks and dangers in their social environment. This institutional vacuum generates unmet health needs facilitating informal practices and methods for managing health, such as through self-provision or using alternative, and more readily available, sources of medical advice and treatment. The demise of older forms of social control and surveillance that ran parallel with closure of the area’s communal spaces had been partly compensated by social media usage, while informal methods of policing were a growing presence in the neighborhood in reaction to rising lawlessness and the ineffectiveness of police and local authorities.
Information-Theoretic Analysis of a Model of CAR-4-1BB-Mediated NFκB Activation
Authors: Tserunyan Vardges , Finley Stacey 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSystems biology utilizes computational approaches to examine an array of biological processes, such as cell signaling, metabolomics and pharmacology. This includes mathematical modeling of CAR T cells, a modality of cancer therapy by which genetically engineered immune cells recognize and combat a cancerous target. While successful against hematologic malignancies, CAR T cells have shown limited success against other cancer types. Thus, more research is needed to understand their mechanisms of action and leverage their full potential. In our work, we set out to apply information theory on a mathematical model of NFκB signaling initiated by the CAR following antigen encounter. First, we estimated channel capacity for CAR-4-1BB-mediated NFκB signal transduction. Next, we evaluated the pathway’s ability to distinguish contrasting “low” and “high” antigen concentration levels, depending on the amount of variability in protein concentrations. Finally, we assessed the fidelity by which NFκB activation reflects the encountered antigen concentration, depending on the prevalence of antigen-positive targets in tumor population. We found that in most scenarios, fold change in the nuclear concentration of NFκB carries a higher channel capacity for the pathway than NFκB’s absolute response. Additionally, we found that most errors in transducing the antigen signal through the pathway skew towards underestimating the concentration of encountered antigen. Finally, we found that disabling IKKβ deactivation could increase signaling fidelity against targets with antigen-negative cells. Our information-theoretic analysis of signal transduction can provide novel perspectives on biological signaling, as well as enable a more informed path to cell engineering.
Safety and Efficacy of 12-Month Intra-gastric Balloon—Series of over 1100 Patients
Authors: Wiggins Tom , Sharma Ojasvi , Sarfaraz Yasmin , Fry Heather , Baker Julia , Singhal Rishi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Intra-gastric balloons (IGB) are a mainstay of endoscopic treatment of overweight and obesity. In recent years, an IGB which can remain in situ for 12 months has been developed. The current study aimed to analyse the safety and efficacy of this 12-month IGB.

Methods
Consecutive patients receiving the Orbera 365TM IGB (Apollo Endosurgery, TX, USA) between September 2017 and August 2021 were included in a prospective database. Patients received regular follow-up consultations followed by endoscopic removal at 12 months. Demographic data along with weight loss data were collected. All adverse events were recorded.

Results
In total, 1149 patients were included in the study. A majority of the patients were female (87.13%). Median body mass index (BMI) prior to insertion was 36.30 kg/m2 (IQR 32.60–40.00 kg/m2). Median absolute weight loss for all patients was 11.36 kg (IQR 6.70–16.82 kg). There was ongoing sustained weight loss until device removal at week 52. For patients with a weight recording at point of IGB removal, median weight loss was greater (15.88 kg, IQR 10.43–21.72) with percentage total body weight loss of 15.38% (IQR 10.99–21.77) and excess weight loss of 53.99% (IQR 32.44–76.30). Increased patient engagement with post-procedural follow-up was associated with increased weight loss (p<0.001). There were 60 total complications (5.22%). Fifty patients required balloon removal due to intolerance. There were eight cases of balloon rupture. There were only two severe complications (0.17%).

Conclusion
The current study has confirmed safety of this IGB at 12 months with adverse events comparable to published literature. Weight loss increased up until the point of removal at 12 months.

Graphical Abstract
Natural Sirtuin1 Activators and Atherosclerosis: an Overview
Authors: Łanoszka Karolina , Vlčková Nimasha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent findings investigating the impact of several natural sirtuin (SIRT) activators, particularly SIRT1, on atherosclerosis.

Recent Findings
Sirtuins that belong to a family of class III histone deacetylases are believed to be novel therapeutic targets to treat age-related and chronic diseases. SIRT expression is regulated by small molecules called SIRT-activating compounds that can be found in natural food products. SIRT1 may exert protective effects in atherosclerosis, which is said to be a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Most of the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of these natural compounds comes from in vitro or animal-based studies, while there have been particularly few or inconsistent human-based studies evaluating their long-term impact in recent years.

Summary
SIRT1 activation has been demonstrated to mitigate or prevent atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. However, further research is required to determine the optimal SIRT activator dosage and to establish a stronger correlation between health effects and the administration of bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting more human clinical trials is necessary to ensure the safety of these compounds for preventing atherosclerosis development.
Lessons learnt from 20 + years of research on multilevel governance of energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings in the European Union
Authors: Björklund Martin , von Malmborg Fredrik , Nordensvärd Johan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAt global scale, the building sector accounts for 40% of total energy end use and almost 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the most important sectors to focus on for reaching the 1.5–2 °C target of the Paris Agreement, to enhance energy security of supply and to alleviate energy poverty. The European Union (EU) is often seen as a leader in climate governance, which is also true for energy efficiency. The improvement of energy performance of buildings has been part of EU public policy for more than 50 years, making the EU a pioneer in the policy domain. Based on a semi-structured review of the scientific literature (N = 90), this paper is aimed at drawing the lessons from research on governance of energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings in the EU. As for the findings, there is a multitude of policy instruments developed on different levels of governance, more or less integrated and managed by different actors and no single instrument is sufficient to stimulate energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings. Five key challenges are identified in the governance literature examining the transition towards energy efficiency and zero-carbon buildings. An ambiguous leadership, heterogeneity of implementation, lack of incentives, limitations of non-regulatory policies and market-based instruments, and limited diffusion between governance levels. We also conclude that most policy instruments focus on new buildings which is problematic since the greatest challenge in the transition is the renovation of the large existing building stock.
Exploring the time-dependent regulatory potential of microRNAs in breast cancer cells treated with proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Katsaraki Katerina , Kontos Christos K. , Ardavanis-Loukeris Gerasimos , Tzovaras Alexandros A. , Sideris Diamantis C. , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Breast cancer (BrCa) is a predominant type of cancer with a disparate molecular nature. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising key players in the regulation of pathological processes in BrCa. Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) emerged as promising anticancer agents for several human malignancies, including BrCa, inhibiting the function of the proteasome. Aiming to shed light on the miRNA regulatory effect in BrCa after treatment with PIs, we used two PIs, namely bortezomib and carfilzomib.

Materials and methods
Four BrCa cell lines of distinct molecular subtypes were treated with these PIs. Cell viability and IC50 concentrations were determined. Total RNA was extracted, polyadenylated, and reversely transcribed. Next, the levels of specific miRNAs with a significant role in BrCa were determined using relative quantification, and their regulatory effect was assessed.

Results
High heterogeneity was discovered in the levels of miRNAs in the four cell lines, after treatment. The miRNA levels fluctuate with distinct patterns, in 24, 48, or 72 hours. Interestingly, miR-1-3p, miR-421-3p, and miR-765-3p appear as key molecules, as they were found deregulated, in almost all combinations of cell lines and PIs. In the SK-BR-3 cell line, the majority of the miRNAs were significantly downregulated in treated compared to untreated cells, with miR-21-5p being the only one upregulated. Finally, various significant biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways were predicted to be affected.

Conclusions
The diversity of pathways predicted to be affected by the diversity in miRNA expression after treatment with PIs paves the way for the recognition of new regulatory axes in BrCa.
How Flexibility Helps Rapid Production of Electric Vehicles in Azerbaijan
Authors: Hasan Fakhrul , Ibrahimova Gular , Islam Mohammad Raijul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis research paper concentrates on determining whether the perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility and complexity are determinants of customers’ purchase intentions of hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan. The research’s theoretical framework was established via technology acceptance model and innovation diffusion theory. The sample of the study was 121 customers using hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan, whose participation in the questionnaire of study provided the opportunity to assemble primary data. The research findings about the perceived usefulness, ease of use and compatibility of hybrid electric vehicles were statistically significant. This study also identified that perceived complexity in using the hybrid electric vehicles did not have an empirically significant relationship in the purchase intention of hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan, which has a negative impact on the industry.
Uncovering Blind Spots in Education Ethics: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review on Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Mouta Ana , Pinto-Llorente Ana María , Torrecilla-Sánchez Eva María 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the last decade, research on the use of artificial intelligence technologies in education has steadily grown. Many studies have demonstrated the potential of these technologies to improve school administration processes, enhance students' learning experiences, simplify teachers' daily tasks, and broaden opportunities for lifelong learning. However, the enthusiasm surrounding these possibilities may overshadow the ethical challenges posed by these systems. This systematic literature review is designed to explore the ethical dimensions surrounding the utilisation of these technologies within the defined timeframe (2011–022) in the field of education. It undertakes a thorough analysis of various applications and objectives, with a particular focus on pinpointing any inherent shortcomings within the existing body of literature. The paper discusses how cultural differences, inclusion, and emotions have been addressed in this context. Finally, it explores the capacity building efforts that have been put in place, their main targets, as well as guidelines and frameworks available for the ethical use of these systems. This review sheds light on the research's blind spots and provides insights to help rethink education ethics in the age of AI. Additionally, the paper explores implications for teacher training, as educators play a critical role in ensuring the ethical use of AI in education. This review aims to stimulate ethical debates around artificial intelligence that recognise it as a non-neutral tool, and to view it as an opportunity to strengthen the debates on the ethics of education itself.
Italian academic system disregards scientific merit in faculty hiring processes
Authors: Gallina Pasquale , Lolli Francesco , Gallo Oreste , Porfirio Berardino 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProfessorships in Italy are assigned following public competitions. However, favouritism affects faculty hiring. Researchers lacking clientelistic support remain excluded from academia and are obliged to seek employment abroad or at non-university institutions, or to abandon their career. Do non-recruited researchers have better or worse scientific capacity than those who have attained professorships in Italy?Files regarding the competitions in bibliometric disciplines won by 186 professors in Florence were analysed. An equal number of professors recruited at other Italian universities and scientists who never attained professorship in Italy were randomly drawn from the pool of individuals having national scientific qualification (the prerequisite for professorship) in the same disciplines as each Florentine professor. H-indexes of the year of qualification (T1), of the Florence call (T2), and in July 2021 (T3) were obtained from Scopus.Non-recruited individuals were more likely (Chi-square test) to show a higher H-index than both Florentine (T1 p = 0.0005, T2 p = 0.0015, T3 p = 0.0095) and non-Florentine professors (T1 p = 0.0078, T2 p = 0.0245, T3 p = 0.0500). Fifty-four non-recruited scientists serve in foreign universities, 100 at national/international research centres. The remaining scientists (25 who continue producing despite precarious employment, and seven who have stopped publishing) were as likely as Florentine (T3 p = 0.69) and non-Florentine (T3 p = 0.14) professors to show a higher H-index.Italian faculty hiring disregards merit. A more challenging qualification would limit the access of researchers with lower scientific capacity, and favour those with greater proficiency. As it stands, competition is useless. Once professors obtain permanent employment, they seem less motivated to publish.
Purpose-driven transformation: a holistic organization design framework for integrating societal goals into companies
Authors: Carballo Rebecca Elliott 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCompanies today are increasingly called upon to address society’s issues, such as climate change and inequality, but traditional companies are not up to the task as they are designed primarily for profit maximization. Addressing society’s issues requires companies to societally hybridize, meaning introducing societal goals alongside profit goals thereby transitioning to a deeper societal impact commitment. However, extant literature predominantly considers born hybrid organizations and discusses specific design elements or types of hybrid design. Drawing on social–commercial hybrid organization and organization design literatures, this conceptual paper takes a dynamic view of social–commercial hybridity. This paper proposes a framework delineating four stages of societal hybridization based on the degree to which a traditional company realigns its design to pursue dual goals. The paper has practical and theoretical implications with contributions to social–commercial hybrid organization and organization design theories by demonstrating how redesign can enable a company to successfully integrate societal goals and improve multidimensional organizational performance.
The Renovation of Good Clinical Practice: A Framework for Key Components of ICH E8
Authors: Whitehead Madeleine , Suprin Melissa , Mistree Tashan , Kearns Margaret Mary , Marini Gerard , Goffe Christine , Pillwein Marion , Abdul-Shukkoor Vimi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use’s (ICH) renovation of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) represents a philosophical shift in the conduct of clinical research away from a one-size-fits-all application to promoting a proactive, risk-based approach. The aim of this paper is to enhance the understanding of specific topics detailed in ICH E8 based on direct feedback from TransCelerate member companies who identified Quality by Design (QbD), Critical to Quality (CtQ), Fit for Purpose, and Stakeholder Engagement, as most changed and open to interpretation. The TransCelerate framework seeks to highlight and expand each of these central topics to support utilization and implementation of a strong foundation for quality in clinical development.
ON A COMPARISON BETWEEN DWORK AND RIGID COHOMOLOGIES OF PROJECTIVE COMPLEMENTS
Authors: PARK JUNYEONG 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor homogeneous polynomials
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
over a finite field, their Dwork complex is defined by Adolphson and Sperber, based on Dwork’s theory. In this article, we will construct an explicit cochain map from the Dwork complex of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
to the Monsky–Washnitzer complex associated with some affine bundle over the complement
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
of the common zero
$X_G$
of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
, which computes the rigid cohomology of
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
. We verify that this cochain map realizes the rigid cohomology of
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
as a direct summand of the Dwork cohomology of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
. We also verify that the comparison map is compatible with the Frobenius and the Dwork operator defined on both complexes, respectively. Consequently, we extend Katz’s comparison results in [19] for projective hypersurface complements to arbitrary projective complements.
Inference in Linear Dyadic Data Models with Network Spillovers
Authors: Canen Nathan , Sugiura Ko 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhen using dyadic data (i.e., data indexed by pairs of units), researchers typically assume a linear model, estimate it using Ordinary Least Squares, and conduct inference using “dyadic-robust” variance estimators. The latter assumes that dyads are uncorrelated if they do not share a common unit (e.g., if the same individual is not present in both pairs of data). We show that this assumption does not hold in many empirical applications because indirect links may exist due to network connections, generating correlated outcomes. Hence, “dyadic-robust” estimators can be biased in such situations. We develop a consistent variance estimator for such contexts by leveraging results in network statistics. Our estimator has good finite-sample properties in simulations, while allowing for decay in spillover effects. We illustrate our message with an application to politicians’ voting behavior when they are seating neighbors in the European Parliament.
Composition and diversity of the gut microbiota across different life stages of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Authors: Chen Zhiyu , Wen Sihao , Shen Juan , Wang Jie , Liu Wenbin , Jin Xiaobao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPeriplaneta americana, one of the most widely distributed insects all over the world, can survive and reproduce in harsh environment which may be closely related to the critical roles of intestinal microorganisms in its multiple physiological functions. However, the composition and structure of gut microbiota throughout different life stages and its effects on the strong resilient and environmental adaptability of P. americana remain unclear. In this study, the gut microbiota across life stages including ootheca (embryos), nymph and adult of P. americana were investigated by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Multivariate statistical analysis showed the richness and diversity of bacterial communities were significantly different among ootheca, nymph and adult stage of P. americana. Taxonomic analysis showed Blattabacterium was the dominant genus in bacterial community of ootheca while the nutrient absorption-related genera including Christensenellaceae and Ruminococcaceae showed high relative abundance in nymph samples. Moreover, functional prediction analysis showed the metabolic categories in ootheca might have more influence on the basic life activities of the host than improved production and viability, while it was more associated to the society activities, reproduction and development of host in nymph and adult. It was suggested that the gut microbiota in each life stage might meet the requirements for environmental adaptability and survival of P. americana via transforming the composition and structure with specific metabolic capabilities. Overall, these results provided a novel sight to better understand the strong vitality and adaptability throughout life stages of P. americana.
Infection of endemic chub Squalius tenellus with the intestinal tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda): histopathology and ultrastructural surveys
Authors: Sayyaf Dezfuli Bahram , Franchella Emanuela , Bernacchia Giovanni , De Bastiani Morena , Lorenzoni Francesca , Carosi Antonella , Lorenzoni Massimo , Bosi Giampaolo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The endemic chub Squalius tenellus (Heckel, 1843) was introduced more than 100 years ago to Lake Blidinje (Bosnia-Herzegovina). Only 1 species of enteric helminth was found in a sample of 35 chubs, the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Janiszewska, 1953). The paper includes histopathological investigation with identification of innate immune cells involved in host reaction and molecular data allowed correct designation of the cestode species. Of 35 specimens of chub examined, 21 (60%) harboured individuals of C. brachycollis and a total of 1619 tapeworms were counted, the intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 390 worms per fish (46.2 ± 15.3, mean ± s.e.). Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations showed strict contact between the worm's body and the epithelia and increase in the number of mucous cells, rodlet cells among the epithelial cells. Within the tunica propria-submucosa, beneath the site of scolex attachment, numerous neutrophils and mast cells were noticed. This is the first study of the occurrence of C. brachycollis in chub from Lake Blidinje and on the response of the innate immune cells of S. tenellus to this tapeworm. Interestingly, in 3 very heavily infected chubs, perforation of the intestinal wall was documented; this is uncommon among cestodes which use fish as a definitive host.