bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impulse Control of Conditional McKean–Vlasov Jump Diffusions
Authors: Agram Nacira , Pucci Giulia , Øksendal Bernt 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we consider impulse control problems involving conditional McKean–Vlasov jump diffusions, with the common noise coming from the $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra generated by the first components of a Brownian motion and an independent compensated Poisson random measure. We first study the well-posedness of the conditional McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with jumps. Then, we prove the associated Fokker–Planck stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) with jumps. Next, we establish a verification theorem for impulse control problems involving conditional McKean–Vlasov jump diffusions. We obtain a Markovian system by combining the state equation with the associated Fokker–Planck SPDE for the conditional law of the state. Then we derive sufficient variational inequalities for a function to be the value function of the impulse control problem, and for an impulse control to be the optimal control. We illustrate our results by applying them to the study of an optimal stream of dividends under transaction costs. We obtain the solution explicitly by finding a function and an associated impulse control, which satisfy the verification theorem.
Structure versus hydrolytic and thermal stability of bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers composed of hard and soft building blocks with high content of green carbon
Authors: Głowińska Ewa , Smorawska Joanna , Niesiobędzka Joanna , Datta Janusz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNowadays, sustainability plays a key role in the design and synthesis of new materials. One of the methods for the preparation of green materials is incorporation into their structure the monomers with a high content of green carbon. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the type and molecular mass of two bio-based polyester polyols and bio-glycol on the properties of aliphatic partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-TPU). Two series of bio-TPUs materials composed of hard and soft building blocks with high green carbon content were prepared via the two-step method (prepolymer method). Two amorphous bio-based polyester polyols with the molecular mass ~ 2000 (P1) and ~ 3000 (P2) were used. Bio-TPUs were prepared at three different molar ratio of [NCO]/[OH]: 0.9, 0.95, and 1.0. In order to determine the influence of bio-based polyols and the content of hard segments on the properties of bio-TPU, relevant test methods were used. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TG) revealed hydrolytic and thermal stability of bio-TPUs. Viscoelastic behavior, mechanical and physical properties were examined in terms of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), tensile test, hardness, and density. Analysis of the measurement results confirmed the significant influence of the molecular mass of the bio-based polyols and the molar ratio of [NCO]/[OH] on the bio-TPUs properties. Due to good mechanical properties, low density, and thermal stability up to 300 °C, the obtained materials can find many useful applications. This issue is essential in terms of sustainable development and reduction in the CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
Host-to-target region testing of machine learning models for seismic damage prediction in buildings
Authors: Ghimire Subash , Guéguen Philippe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAssessing or predicting seismic damage in buildings is an essential and challenging component of seismic risk studies. Machine learning methods offer new perspectives for damage characterization, taking advantage of available data on the characteristics of built environments. In this study, we aim (1) to characterize seismic damage using a classification model trained and tested on damage survey data from earthquakes in Nepal, Haiti, Serbia and Italy and (2) to test how well a model trained on a given region (host) can predict damage in another region (target). The strategy adopted considers only simple data characterizing the building (number of stories and building age), seismic ground motion (macroseismic intensity) and a traffic-light-based damage classification model (green, yellow, red categories). The study confirms that the extreme gradient boosting classification model (XGBC) with oversampling predicts damage with 60% accuracy. However, the quality of the survey is a key issue for model performance. Furthermore, the host-to-target test suggests that the model’s applicability may be limited to regions with similar contextual environments (e.g., socio-economic conditions). Our results show that a model from one region can only be applied to another region under certain conditions. We expect our model to serve as a starting point for further analysis in host-to-target region adjustment and confirm the need for additional post-earthquake surveys in other regions with different tectonic, urban fabric and socio-economic contexts.
Pitfalls of distinguishing anthropogenic and geogenic reasons for risk elements in soils around coal-fired power plants: from a case study in the Northwestern Czech Republic to general recommendations
Authors: Adamec Slavomír , Tůmová Štěpánka , Hošek Michal , Lučić Mavro , Grygar Tomáš Matys 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Many historical industrial activities, including coal mining and burning, have started near geogenic anomalies. It resulted in spatial overlap of anthropogenic and natural causes of elevated soil risk element contents. Here, distinguishing between anthropogenic and geogenic contributions cannot be achieved by conventional geochemical soil mapping, in particular, when only pseudo-total contents of risk elements were obtained, soil depth profiles were not acquired, and geological maps were not implemented.

Methods
The local geology, topography and anthropogenic activities were taken into account when planning the soil sampling. Soil profiles were obtained using an auger sampler. Total contents of risk and lithogenic elements were obtained by X-ray fluorescence. Aqua regia extraction and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were also used for analyses.

Results
Coal use in the study area increased the soil contents of Cd, Hg, and Zn in 7 km circle east of the major power plant, typically to 2 × local background in topsoils. In the profiles closest to that plant, Cd emissions have already been translocated to soils below ploughed horizons that weaken the contamination signal in topsoils. The highest As and Pb contents in the Most Basin soils originated from a local geogenic anomaly and not coal burning.

Conclusion
Common soil mapping projects and data mining routines cannot decipher anthropogenic contribution to the soil risk elements unequivocally, as it is demonstrated in this paper. When working in geogenically anomalous areas, a fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the content of risk elements in soils is required.
Normative Error Theory and No Self-Defeat: A Reply to Case
Authors: Khuramy Mustafa , Schulz Erik 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMany philosophers have claimed that normative error theorists are committed to the claim ‘Error theory is true, but I have no reason to believe it’, which to some appears paradoxical. Case (2019) has claimed that the normative error theorist cannot avoid this paradox. In this paper, we argue that there is no paradox in the first place, that is once we clear up the ambiguity of the word ‘reason’, both on the error theorist’s side and those that claim that there is a self-defeat problem. Upon clarification, we also raise scepticism to what exactly the nature of self-defeat is meant to be.
Gender Affirming Hormone Treatment for Trans Adolescents: A Four Principles Analysis
Authors: Maung Hane Htut 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGender affirming hormone treatment is an important part of the care of trans adolescents which enables them to develop the secondary sexual characteristics congruent with their identified genders. There is an increasing amount of empirical evidence showing the benefits of gender affirming hormone treatment for psychological health and social well-being in this population. However, in several countries, access to gender affirming hormone treatment for trans adolescents has recently been severely restricted. While much of the opposition to gender affirming hormone treatment for trans adolescents has in part been ideologically motivated, it also reflects a debate about whether there are harms that outweigh the benefits of the treatment. Accordingly, a systematic and comprehensive philosophical analysis of the ethics of gender affirming hormone treatment for trans adolescents is needed. Herein, I offer such an analysis that draws on the four principles of biomedical ethics by Tom Beauchamp and James Childress. Based on the considerations of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, I argue that the provision of access to gender affirming hormone treatment for consenting trans adolescents is ethically required and that the current restrictions to such treatment are ethically wrong.
Transverse foliations in the rotating Kepler problem
Authors: Kim Seongchan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe construct finite energy foliations and transverse foliations of neighbourhoods of the circular orbits in the rotating Kepler problem for all negative energies. This paper would be a first step towards our ultimate goal that is to recover and refine McGehee’s results on homoclinics [23] and to establish a theoretical foundation to the numerical demonstration of the existence of a homoclinic–heteroclinic chain in the planar circular restricted three-body problem [20], using pseudoholomorphic curves.
Review of the IMO Initiatives for Ship Energy Efficiency and Their Implications
Authors: Tadros M. , Ventura M. , Guedes Soares C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a review of the different International Maritime Organization (IMO) initiatives to improve the ship energy efficiency of new and existing ships, which is considered one of the essential tasks to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) in the maritime industry. First, the IMO effort and initiatives and the different indices suggested by the IMO are presented till the last version of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), showing the effect of different technologies on reducing the level of indices and the suggested improvement of the terms of indices in the next years. Second, the short- and long-term strategies suggested by the IMO are presented, showing that the effect of indices will be noticed in the short term, while the new fuels will show a significant improvement in the long term. Finally, several examples of cooperation between the different organizations are presented, showing that transferring knowledge and experience will significantly impact the maritime industry and thus lead to the concept of green ships in the near future. This paper shows that the combination of different solutions, the cooperation between stakeholders and the sharing of the data and information are important to achieve the required goal.
Mitigation of Acute Hepatotoxicity Induced by Cadmium Through Morin: Modulation of Oxidative and Pro-apoptotic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammatory Responses in Rats
Authors: Sengul Emin , Yildirim Serkan , Cinar İrfan , Tekin Samet , Dag Yusuf , Bolat Merve , Gok Melahat , Warda Mohamad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with significant environmental health hazards. It enters the body through various routes with tissue accumulation. The relatively longer half-life with slow body clearance significantly results in hepatotoxicity during its liver detoxification. Therefore, researchers are exploring the potential use of herbal-derived phytocomponents to mitigate their toxicity. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the possible ameliorative effect of the phytochemical Morin (3,5,7,29,49-pentahydroxyflavone) against acute Cd-induced hepatotoxicity while resolving its underlying cellular mechanisms in a rat animal model. The study involved 50 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 200–250 g. The animals were divided into five equal groups: control, Cd, Morin100 + Cd, Morin200 + Cd, and Morin200. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were intraperitoneally treated with Cd (6.5 mg/kg), while the 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were orally treated with Morin (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. On the 6th day, hepatic function (serum ALT, AST, ALP, LDH enzyme activities, and total bilirubin level) testing, transcriptome analysis, and immunohistochemistry were performed to elucidate the ameliorative effect of Morin on hepatotoxicity. In addition to restoring liver function and tissue injury, Morin alleviated Cd-induced hepatic oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by upregulating the expression of antioxidants (SOD, GSH, Gpx, CAT, and Nrf2) and decreasing the expression of ER stress markers. The expression of the proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1-β, and IL-6) was also downregulated while improving the anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-4) expression levels. Morin further slowed the apoptotic cascades by deregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and Caspase 12 markers concomitant with an increase in anti-apoptotic Blc2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, Morin restored Cd-induced tissue damage and markedly suppressed the cytoplasmic expression of JNK and p-PERK immunostained proteins. This study demonstrated the dose-dependent antioxidant hepatoprotective effect of Morin against acute hepatic Cd intoxication. This effect is likely linked with the modulation of upstream p-GRP78/PERK/ATF6 pro-apoptotic oxidative/ER stress and the downstream JNK/BAX/caspase 12 apoptotic signaling pathways.
The Role of PLAG1 in Mouse Brain Development and Neurogenesis
Authors: Gasperoni Jemma G. , Tran Stephanie C. , Grommen Sylvia V. H. , De Groef Bert , Dworkin Sebastian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (Plag1) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of growth and cellular proliferation. Here, we report the spatial distribution and functional implications of PLAG1 expression in the adult mouse brain. We identified Plag1 promoter-dependent β-galactosidase expression in various brain structures, including the hippocampus, cortex, choroid plexus, subcommisural organ, ependymal cells lining the third ventricle, medial and lateral habenulae and amygdala. We noted striking spatial-restriction of PLAG1 within the cornu ammonis (CA1) region of the hippocampus and layer-specific cortical expression, with abundant expression noted in all layers except layer 5. Furthermore, our study delved into the role of PLAG1 in neurodevelopment, focusing on its impact on neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation. Loss of Plag1 resulted in reduced proliferation and decreased production of neocortical progenitors in vivo, although ex vivo neurosphere experiments revealed no cell-intrinsic defects in the proliferative or neurogenic capacity of Plag1-deficient neural progenitors. Lastly, we explored potential target genes of PLAG1 in the cortex, identifying that Neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) was significantly downregulated in Plag1-deficient mice. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the spatial distribution of PLAG1 expression in the adult mouse brain and its potential role in neurodevelopment. These findings expand our understanding of the functional significance of PLAG1 within the brain, with potential implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and therapeutic interventions.
Selective Reduction of Ca2+ Entry Through the Human NMDA Receptor: a Quantitative Study by Simultaneous Ca2+ and Na+ Imaging
Authors: D’Andrea Tiziano , Benedetti Maria Cristina , Monaco Lucia , Rosa Alessandro , Fucile Sergio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExcessive Ca2+ influx through N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptors (NMDAR) is associated with excitotoxicity and neuronal death, but the inhibition of this receptor-channel causes severe adverse effects. Thus, a selective reduction of NMDA-mediated Ca2+ entry, leaving unaltered the Na+ current, could represent a valid neuroprotective strategy. We developed a new two-fluorophore approach to efficiently assess the Ca2+ permeability of ligand-gated ion channels, including NMDARs, in different conditions. This technique was able to discriminate differential Ca2+/Na+ permeation ratio through different receptor channels, and through the same channel in different conditions. With this method, we confirmed that EU1794-4, a negative allosteric modulator of NMDARs, decreased their Ca2+ permeability. Furthermore, we measured for the first time the fractional Ca2+ current (Pf, i.e. the percentage of the total current carried by Ca2+ ions) of human NMDARs in the presence of EU1794-4, exhibiting a 40% reduction in comparison to control conditions. EU1794-4 was also able to reduce NMDA-mediated Ca2+ entry in human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. This last effect was stronger in the absence of extracellular Mg2+, but still significant in its presence, supporting the hypothesis to use NMDA-selective allosteric modulators to lower Ca2+ influx in human neurons, to prevent Ca2+-dependent excitotoxicity and consequent neurodegeneration.
The Role of Glia Telomere Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Papageorgakopoulou Manthia A. , Bania Angelina , Lagogianni Ioanna-Aglaia , Birmpas Kyriakos , Assimakopoulou Martha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMaintaining the telomere length is decisive for the viability and homeostasis process of all the cells of an organism, including human glial cells. Telomere shortening of microglial cells has been widely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, traumatic brain injury appears to have a positive correlation with the telomere-shortening process of microglia, and telomere length can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for the clinical management of these patients. Moreover, telomere involvement through telomerase reactivation and homologous recombination also known as the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) has been described in gliomagenesis pathways, and particular focus has been given in the translational significance of these mechanisms in gliomas diagnosis and prognostic classification. Finally, glia telomere shortening is implicated in some psychiatric diseases. Given that telomere dysfunction of glial cells is involved in the central nervous system (CNS) disease pathogenesis, it represents a promising drug target that could lead to the incorporation of new tools in the medicinal arsenal for the management of so far incurable conditions.
Radiation-induced changes in gene expression in rectal cancer specimens
Authors: Hillson Lily Victoria Sarah , McCulloch Ashley Kathryn , Edwards Joanne , Dunne Philip David , O’Cathail Sean Michael , Roxburgh Campbell Stuart 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The standard-of-care for locally advanced rectal cancer is radiotherapy-based neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. This article reviews the evidence of molecular changes at the transcriptome level induced through radiotherapy in rectal cancer.

Methods
The PubMed search “(radiation OR radiotherapy) cancer (transcriptome OR “gene expression”) rectal” was used. The studies taken forward utilised gene-expression data on both pre-treatment and post-treatment rectal adenocarcinoma biospecimens from patients treated with RT-based neoadjuvant strategies.

Results
Twelve publications met the review criteria. There was variation in approaches in terms of design, patient population, cohort size, timing of the post-radiotherapy sampling and method of measuring gene expression. Most of the post-treatment biospecimen retrievals were at resection. The literature indicates a broad upregulation of immune activity through radiotherapy using gene-expression data.

Conclusion
Future studies would benefit from standardised prospective approaches to sampling to enable the inclusion of timepoints relevant to the tumour and immune response.
Wind farm site selection using GIS-based multicriteria analysis with Life cycle assessment integration
Authors: Demir Abdullah , Dinçer Ali Ersin , Çiftçi Cihan , Gülçimen Sedat , Uzal Nigmet , Yılmaz Kutay 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe sustainability of wind power plants depends on the selection of suitable installation locations, which should consider not only economic and technical factors including manufacturing and raw materials, but also issues pertaining to the environment. In the present study, a novel methodology is proposed to determine the suitable locations for wind turbine farms by analyzing from the environmental perspective. In the methodology, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of wind turbines is incorporated into the decision process. The criteria are ranked using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The study area is chosen as the western region of Türkiye. The obtained suitability map reveals that wind speed is not the sole criterion for selecting a site for wind turbine farms; other factors, such as bird migration paths, distance from urban areas and land use, are also crucial. The results also reveal that constructing wind power plants in the vicinity of İzmir, Çanakkale, Istanbul, and Balıkesir in Türkiye can lead to a reduction in emissions. İzmir and its surrounding area show the best environmental performance with the lowest CO2 per kilowatt-hour (7.14 g CO2 eq/kWh), to install a wind turbine due to its proximity to the harbor and steel factory across the study area. Çanakkale and the northwest region of Türkiye, despite having high wind speeds, are less environmentally favorable than İzmir, Balıkesir, and Istanbul. The findings of LCA reveal that the nacelle and rotor components of the wind turbine contribute significantly (43–97%) to the environmental impact categories studied, while the tower component (0–36%) also has an impact.
Pro-environmental behaviours of generation Z: A cross-cultural approach
Authors: Juma-Michilena Israel-Javier , Ruiz-Molina Maria-Eugenia , Gil-Saura Irene , Belda-Miquel Sergio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe mitigation and adaptation strategies to deal with climate change have not been effective so far and we still observe the effects derived from this problem. This paper aims to explore the determinants of individual pro-environmental behaviour of Generation Z, given the relevance of this generational cohort in society. Quantitative research is conducted based on 1050 valid questionnaires from Generation Z Colombian, Mexican and Brazilian citizens. The hypothesised relationships were tested through a structural equation model estimated using the partial least squares (PLS) regression technique. In addition, a multi-group analysis was carried out to examine potential differences among groups of different nationalities. The results support that the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) adequately models human behaviour and that beliefs generate attitude and subsequently behaviour. However, when it comes to environmental issues, other factors such as environmental disaffection, intrinsic motivations and environmental participation are also relevant. From a theoretical point of view, this study proposes an innovative model supported by the literature. Besides, from a practical point of view, it provides an orientation to guide organisational representatives or leaders in climate change mitigation based on behavioural prediction. Finally, the contribution of this study lies in proposing an innovative model that is combined with the TPB to explain a trend of pro-environmental behaviour in generation Z, evaluating it from different perspectives with members of three different nationalities.