bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximum likelihood estimation for discrete latent variable models via evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Brusa Luca , Pennoni Fulvia , Bartolucci Francesco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe propose an evolutionary optimization method for maximum likelihood and approximate maximum likelihood estimation of discrete latent variable models. The proposal is based on modified versions of the expectation–maximization (EM) and variational EM (VEM) algorithms, which are based on the genetic approach and allow us to accurately explore the parameter space, reducing the chance to be trapped into one of the multiple local maxima of the log-likelihood function. Their performance is examined through an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study where they are employed to estimate latent class, hidden Markov, and stochastic block models and compared with the standard EM and VEM algorithms. We observe a significant increase in the chance to reach global maximum of the target function and a high accuracy of the estimated parameters for each model. Applications focused on the analysis of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and network data are proposed to illustrate and compare the algorithms.
The hybrid account of activities
Authors: Kalewold Kalewold Hailu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAccording to an influential account of the new mechanistic philosophy of science, entities and activities compose mechanisms. However, the new mechanists have paid too little attention to activities. Critics have charged that accounts of activities in the new mechanism literature are philosophically uninformative and opaque. This paper defends a novel account of causally productive activities, which I call the Hybrid Account, that marries the two dominant philosophical approaches to causation: production and difference-making. The Hybrid Account of Activities (HAA) identifies causally productive activities as robust difference-makers to the next stage of a mechanism. The Hybrid Account provides attractive solutions to causal identification and causal selection problems faced by earlier activities views.
Inborn errors of immunity with kidney and urinary tract disorders: a review
Authors: Shajari Ahmad , Zare Ahmadabadi Atefe , Ashrafi Mohammad Moein , Mahdavi Tolue , Mirzaee Mahbubeh , Mohkam Masoumeh , Sharafian Samin , Tamiji Mehrdad , Jamee Mahnaz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHuman inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), previously referred to as primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs), are a heterogeneous spectrum of inherited abnormalities of the immune system with different organ involvement. The number of identified IEIs is rapidly increasing, highlighting the non-negligible role of an interdisciplinary approach in clinical diagnosis. Kidney disorders are one of the important comorbidities in some of the affected patients and play a significant role in the diagnosis and course of disease. According to recent studies, 22 types of human IEI with renal manifestations have been identified so far, including immunodeficiency with congenital thrombocytopenia, thymic defects with additional congenital anomalies, complement deficiencies, type 1 interferonopathies, immunity related to non-hematopoietic tissues, congenital neutropenia’s, common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) phenotype and immuno-osseous dysplasia. Based on this classification, we herein review IEIs with renal features and explain the genetic defect, inheritance, and type of renal manifestations.
Maternal PM2.5 exposure is associated with preterm birth and gestational diabetes mellitus, and mitochondrial OXPHOS dysfunction in cord blood
Authors: You Young-Ah , Park Sunwha , Kwon Eunjin , Kim Ye-Ah , Hur Young Min , Lee Ga In , Kim Soo Min , Song Jeong Min , Kim Man S. , Kim Young Ju ,   The APPO study group, Kim Young-Han , Na Sung Hun , Park Mi Hye , Bae Jin-Gon , Cho Geum Joon , Lee Soo-Jeong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMaternal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal health outcomes. To explore the mechanism, we performed mRNA sequencing of neonatal cord blood. From an ongoing prospective cohort, Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcome (APPO) study, 454 pregnant women from six centers between January 2021 and June 2022 were recruited. Individual PM2.5 exposure was calculated using a time-weighted average model. In the APPO study, age-matched cord blood samples from the High PM2.5 (˃15 ug/m3; n = 10) and Low PM2.5 (≤ 15 ug/m3; n = 30) groups were randomly selected for mRNA sequencing. After selecting genes with differential expression in the two groups (p-value < 0.05 and log2 fold change > 1.5), pathway enrichment analysis was performed, and the mitochondrial pathway was analyzed using MitoCarta3.0. The risk of preterm birth (PTB) increased with every 5 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 in the second trimester (odds ratio 1.391, p = 0.019) after adjusting for confounding variables. The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increased in the second (odds ratio 1.238, p = 0.041) and third trimester (odds ratio 1.290, p = 0.029), and entire pregnancy (odds ratio 1.295, p = 0.029). The mRNA-sequencing of cord blood showed that genes related to mitochondrial activity (FAM210B, KRT1, FOXO4, TRIM58, and FBXO7) and PTB-related genes (ADIPOR1, YBX1, OPTN, NFkB1, HBG2) were upregulated in the High PM2.5 group. In addition, exposure to high PM2.5 affected mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and proteins in the electron transport chain, a subunit of OXPHOS. These results suggest that exposure to high PM2.5 during pregnancy may increase the risk of PTB and GDM, and dysregulate PTB-related genes. Alterations in mitochondrial OXPHOS by high PM2.5 exposure may occur not only in preterm infants but also in normal newborns. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required.
The role of environmental technologies, institutional quality, and globalization on environmental sustainability in European Union countries: new evidence from advanced panel data estimations
Authors: Aydin Mucahit , Sogut Yasin , Erdem Azad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFactors such as investments in environmentally clean technologies, globalization, and institutional quality significantly increase environmental quality. The study aims to provide light on how environmental technologies, institutional quality, globalization, and economic growth affect a sustainable environment. In addition, this study evaluates the European Union’s carbon zero target by 2050 and the results of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, which was put on the agenda at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-26). For this purpose, ten countries (Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland) that invest in the highest environmental technology in the European Union were selected in the study. The data range of the study is from 1990 to 2019. Also, the validity of the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis was investigated in these countries. The CCEMG and DCCE estimators were used to estimate long-run coefficients. When the panel was assessed as a whole, the LCC hypothesis was determined to be valid by both estimators. According to country-based results, it has been determined that the LCC hypothesis is valid only for Spain. The study also includes the following observations. (i) Environmental technologies increase LCF for Austria, improving environmental quality. (ii) Globalization reduces LCF for Austria. (iii) Institutional quality variable decreases LCF for Austria and increases LCF for Germany and France. These findings suggest that to attain a sustainable environment in the future, policymakers should raise research and development budgets for environmental technology, enhance the standards of institutions, and take globalization into account.
Graphical abstract
Shoot Growth Parameters of Potato Seedlings are Determined by Light and Temperature Conditions
Authors: Kacheyo Olivia C. , Schneider Hannah M. , de Vries Michiel E. , Struik Paul C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRaising quality hybrid potato true seedlings — derived from hybrid true potato seeds (TPS) — for field transplanting is a critical aspect contributing to the success in cultivating field-transplanted hybrid potato seedling-based crops. Various critical seedling vigour attributes must be defined and enhanced to improve plant performance as well as plant response and adaptation to field conditions after field transplanting. Moreover, additional attributes besides leaf number and stem length should be defined to design selection criteria for “transplantability” of potato seedlings. To assess these attributes and their robustness under different environmental conditions, seedlings of hybrid genotypes were raised under contrasting daylengths, light intensities and temperature regimes, and combinations of these factors, and the effects of these factors (or factor combinations) on seedling vigour and its attributes were quantified. Increased light intensity and daylight integral (DLI) enhanced leaf parameters and increased biomass under long-day conditions, but seedlings did not show conclusive responses under short-day conditions in most attributes. Higher temperatures increased biomass and constant day and night temperatures enhanced compaction of shoot architecture as did higher light intensities — to a greater extent. These results highlight additional seedling vigour attributes including leaf area parameters and seedling biomass which should be utilised to determine “transplantability” of hybrid potato seedlings. Additionally, the results provide a starting point for further research on optimising hybrid seedling production for field transplanting.
Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Community-Living Older Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shekelle Paul G. , Miake-Lye Isomi M. , Begashaw Meron M. , Booth Marika S. , Myers Bethany , Lowery Nicole , Shrank William H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The problem of loneliness has garnered increased attention from policymakers, payors, and providers due to higher rates during the pandemic, particularly among seniors. Prior systematic reviews have in general not been able to reach conclusions about effectiveness of interventions.

Methods
Computerized databases were searched using broad terms such as “loneliness” or “lonely” or “social isolation” or “social support” from Jan 1, 2011 to June 23, 2021. We reference mined existing systematic reviews for additional and older studies. The Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network database and Google were searched for gray literature on Feb 4, 2022. Eligible studies were RCTs and observational studies of interventions to reduce loneliness in community-living adults that used a validated loneliness scale; studies from low- or middle-income countries were excluded, and studies were excluded if restricted to populations where all persons had the same disease (such as loneliness in persons with dementia).

Results
A total of 5971 titles were reviewed and 60 studies were included in the analysis, 36 RCTs and 24 observational studies. Eleven RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that group-based treatment was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs =  − 0.27, 95% CI − 0.48, − 0.08). Five RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that internet training was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs =  − 0.22, 95% CI − 0.30, − 0.14). Low certainty evidence suggested that group exercises may be associated with very small reductions in loneliness. Evidence was insufficient to reach conclusions about group-based activities, individual in-person interactions, internet-delivered interventions, and telephone-delivered interventions.

Discussion
Low-to-moderate certainty evidence exists that group-based treatments, internet training, and possibly group exercises are associated with modest reductions in loneliness in community-living older adults. These findings can inform the design of supplemental benefits and the implementation of evidence-based interventions to address loneliness.

Systematic Review Registration Number
PROSPERO (CRD42021272305)
Systematic review on urinary continence rates after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Geraghty Keith , Keane Kevin , Davis Niall 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
The objective was to investigate the current evidence and discern urinary continence rates post robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was carried out, searching the Embase, Scopus and PubMed databases between 1 January 2000 and 1 May 2020. The search terms “Robotic prostatectomy AND continence” were employed. Articles were selected in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using the programme R; cumulative analysis of percentage of men continent was calculated.

Results
A total of 3101 abstracts and 50 full text articles were assessed, with 22 publications included (n = 2813 patients). There were 21 randomised controlled trials and one partly randomised controlled trial with four publications comparing RALP to other prostate cancer treatments. Thirteen studies explored different RALP techniques, and five studies examined vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA). There were statistically significant improvements in early urinary continence rates in three studies analysing reconstructive techniques (83% vs 60%, p = 0.04; 26.5% vs 15.4%, p = 0.016; 77% vs 44.1%, p ≤ 0.001). Long-term continence rates were not significantly improved across all studies assessing reconstruction. One study comparing RALP vs laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in continence at 3 months (80% vs 73.3%, p < 0.001); 6 months (83.3% vs 81.4%, p < 0.001); 12 months (95% vs 83.3%, p < 0.001) and 24 months (96.7% vs 85%, p < 0.001). Early continence was less favourable for RALP when compared to brachytherapy (BT) patients at 3 months (86% vs 98.7%, p < 0.05) and 6 months (90.5% vs 98.7%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Early continence rates were improved across numerous techniques in RALP. These results were not translated into significantly improved long-term outcomes. Continence rates following RALP were favourable compared to LRP, similar to ORP and less favourable compared to BT. Our findings suggest that post-RALP continence can be further improved with alterations in robotic technique.
Sorption Extraction of Gallium from Alumina-Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Bagdaulet Kenzhaliev , Kuralai Akhmetova , Sergei Gladyshev , Yerkezhan Abikak 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe possibility of sorption concentration of gallium from alumina-alkaline solutions resulting by leaching of recycled soda with sludge water during alumina production—which are middlings of alumina production—has been studied. During bauxite processing, soda is accumulated in recycled alkali solutions, extracted by evaporation and used in sintering. The sludge water is formed during storage of wastes pumped in the form of slurry to the settling tank and can be used in production as wash water. Sorption processes with application of ion exchange resins with high capacity and selectivity, presented in the world market in a large assortment, seem to be a promising direction of gallium concentration from alumina-alkaline solutions. On the basis of the analysis carried out, anion exchangers AN-31 and D-403 OH form were selected for sorption concentration of gallium from alumina-alkaline solutions. A comparative analysis of the sorption properties showed that the D-403 anion exchange resin exhibited better selectivity and a higher dynamic exchange capacity for gallium. The high capacity for gallium absorption with the D-403 anion exchanger resulted from its greater basicity, since the oxyhydryl groups at the β-, γ- and δ-positions in the resin matrix exert a greater negative inductive effect on the tertiary nitrogen atom, which has a lone electron pair, compared to the oxyhydryl and hydroxy groups in the β- and γ-positions relative to the secondary nitrogen atom of the anion exchange resin AN- 31. Due to the unshared electron pair of the nitrogen atom, an additional covalent effect arose, causing stronger chemical bonding between the gallium ions and the D-403 anion exchange matrix. Studies were carried out to determine the optimal conditions for the desorption of gallium with a 2 N sodium hydroxide solution. The gallium content in the alkaline eluates was suitable for electrolytic production of metallic gallium.
Identify Landslide Precursors from Time Series InSAR Results
Authors: Liu Meng , Yang Wentao , Yang Yuting , Guo Lanlan , Shi Peijun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLandslides cause huge human and economic losses globally. Detecting landslide precursors is crucial for disaster prevention. The small baseline subset interferometric synthetic-aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) has been a popular method for detecting landslide precursors. However, non-monotonic displacements in SBAS-InSAR results are pervasive, making it challenging to single out true landslide signals. By exploiting time series displacements derived by SBAS-InSAR, we proposed a method to identify moving landslides. The method calculates two indices (global/local change index) to rank monotonicity of the time series from the derived displacements. Using two thresholds of the proposed indices, more than 96% of background noises in displacement results can be removed. We also found that landslides on the east and west slopes are easier to detect than other slope aspects for the Sentinel-1 images. By repressing background noises, this method can serve as a convenient tool to detect landslide precursors in mountainous areas.
What can sea-related associations reveal about a coastal region’s maritimity? A case study in southern France
Authors: Robert Samuel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA key component of the environment in coastal territories, the sea also creates special geographical features and grounds social and cultural identities. At a time of rising concern and multiple projects for its exploitation as well as its protection, public policies need to consider the social representation of the marine environment and people’s visions of its future. Relying on the concept of maritimity, defined as all the relationships binding human societies to the sea and the resulting landscape, economy and culture, we assess the maritime character of a coastal region in southern France by analysing the local sea–related associations its population are engaged in. This is made possible through the supervised extraction of the relevant data from the national directory of associations, the official database of non-profit associations in France, which are then given appropriate statistical and cartographic treatments. Results provide an indication of the depth of the region’s maritime character, as well as the areas of activity and places in which maritimity is the most developed. These are consistent with the social and economic profile of the region, highly engaged in tourism and a residential economy. Further work is recommended, with a view to exploring the region’s maritimity more closely by comparing it with other regions and applying finer analysis to the stated objectives of the sea-related associations.
Academic writing and ChatGPT: Students transitioning into college in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fontenelle-Tereshchuk Daniela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper reflects on an educator's perceived experiences and observations on the complex process of ‘passage’ when students transitioning from high school into their first-year of post-secondary education often struggle to adapt to academic writing standards. It relies on literature to further explore such a process. Written communication has become increasingly popular in formal academic and professional settings, stressing the need for effective formal writing skills. The development of online tools for aiding writing is not a new concept, but a new software development known as ChatGPT, may add to the many challenges academic writing has faced over the years. This paper reflects on the students' struggles as they navigate different courses seeking to adapt their writing skills to formal and structured written academic requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many recent high school students into virtual education, uncertain of its effectiveness in developing the writing skills high school graduates require in academia. Many unknowns exist in using ChatGPT in academic contexts, especially in writing. ChatGPT can generate texts independently, raising concerns about plagiarism and its impact on students' critical thinking and writing skills. This paper hopes to contribute to pedagogical discussions on the current challenges surrounding the use of artificial intelligence technology and how better to support beginner writers in academia.
The Currency of Politics: Rejoinder
Authors: Eich Stefan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis response gives me the opportunity to clarify, extend, and complement several aspects of my conceptual and historical argument in The Currency of Politics. I do so primarily by situating my account more explicitly within debates over European monetary politics, by expanding on my use of history, and by articulating what differentiates my concern with the political theory of money and the politics of depoliticisation from complementary accounts. In doing so I elaborate on the ways in which engagement with the thought of John Maynard Keynes helped to structure my approach. While there are important limits to the politics of money under contemporary capitalism, these limits are not fixed economic ones but are better seen as political limits of monetary politics that nonetheless leave considerable space for articulating alternative demands for more democratic forms of money. This framing allows me to extend my argument in order to address contemporary struggles over credit policy, monetary reform, and climate change in Europe. I thus end with a set of critical reflections on the constitutional status of money in the European project and beyond.
Quality in Measurement Matters: Adjusted American Bar Association Ratings and Circuit Court Confirmation Hearing Word Choice
Authors: Sieja James A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThough widely used in studies of judicial politics, American Bar Association (ABA) ratings have a partisan bias. As a result, when researchers include ABA ratings and ideology in a model together, the results may be biased toward non-findings with respect to the effect of ideology, qualifications, or both. This study leverages new data on the ABA rating process to create a valid and reliable new measure for the qualifications of nominees to the US Courts of Appeals. In an empirical example, I test the new measure against alternative specifications to demonstrate its potential. The empirical example also presents a new data set on circuit court confirmation hearing speech. The findings contrast with well-established conclusions from previous studies.