bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
InfoCEVAE: treatment effect estimation with hidden confounding variables matching
Authors: Harada Shonosuke , Kashima Hisashi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTreatment effect estimation is a fundamental problem in various domains for effective decision making. While many studies assume that observational data include all the confounding variables, we cannot practically guarantee that observational data include such confounding variables, and there might be confounding variables that are not included in observational data, referred to as hidden confounding variables. Recently, variational autencoder (VAE) based methods have been successfully applied to treatment effect estimation problem. However, although they can recover a large class of latent variable models, they do not give the correct treatment effect, even when they achieve an optimal solution due to the nature of VAE loss function. We propose an efficient VAE-based method that employs information theory to estimate treatment effect and combines it with a matching technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that gives the correct treatment effect given an optimal solution using VAE-based methods. Experiments on a semi-real dataset and synthetic dataset demonstrate that the proposed method mitigates VAE problems and observational bias effectively, even under hidden confounding variables, and outperforms strong baseline methods.
Magnetization and optical bandgap of Cu-Mn vanadate-oxide mixed phase nanostructures
Authors: Emara Mahmoud Mohamed , Reda S. M. , El-Naggar Mohamad Awad , Mousa Mahmoud Ahmed 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCopper vanadate (CV) and manganese vanadate (MV) exhibit magnetic and optical properties that have drawn the attention. Due to CV polymorphism and phase multiplicity, CV is common to exist as mixed phases. In this study, nanostructures of mixed-phase CVs mixed with MV were synthesized hydrothermally followed by calcination at 400 °C, with Mn mole fractions 0.0, 0.4, 0.6, 1.0. The uncalcined and calcined Mn-Cu vanadates (MCVs) were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, EDX, ICP-AES, TGA, DTA, DSC, BET, XPS, and VSM. XRD analysis shows co-existence of multi-phase CVs with MnV2O6and V oxides. Electron micrographs show nanostructures of multiple morphologies (rods, cubes, sheets, and irregular). As Mn content increased in the MCVs, their thermal stability increased, optical bandgap (Eg) declined from 2.46 to 1.60 eV, and magnetism diverted from the superparamagnetic-like to paramagnetic (Hcfrom 1362 to 69 G andMr/Msfrom 0.430 to 0.003). Magnetism parameters of calcined MCVs were more labile to Mn content variation compared to the uncalcined MCV counterparts.Graphical Abstract
Supervenience, expressivism and theistic ethics
Authors: Taylor Luke 
Published: November 2022

AbstractExpressivism is supposed to have an advantage over moral realism, in that it can explain why it is a conceptual truth that the moral supervenes on the natural, even though the natural does not entail the moral. I develop an analogy between expressivism and a version of theistic moral realism, and argue that this version of theistic moral realism shares any advantage that expressivism might have. It may be that the alleged advantage that expressivism has over moral realism is overstated. Nevertheless, possible analogies between expressivism and theistic moral realism have received very little attention in the past, and are worth considering for their own sake.
Reproductive axis ageing and fertility in men
Authors: Martins da Silva Sarah , Anderson Richard A 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCompared to women, increasing male age is not accompanied by such marked changes in reproductive function but changes certainly do happen. These include alterations to the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis, with resultant implications for testosterone production and bioavailability as well as spermatogenesis. There is a decline in sexual function as men age, with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction after the age of 40, which is a marker for both clinically evident as well as covert coronary artery disease. Despite a quantitative decline in spermatogenesis and reduced fecundability, the male potential for fertility persists throughout adult life, however there are also increasingly recognised alterations in sperm quality and function with significant implications for offspring health. These changes are relevant to both natural and medically assisted conception.
Understanding researchers’ Twitter uptake, activity and popularity—an analysis of applied research in Germany
Authors: Howoldt David , Kroll Henning , Neuhäusler Peter , Feidenheimer Alexander 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSocial media is opening up new avenues for disseminating research outputs. While prior literature points to the essential role of Twitter in this context, evidence on what determines variation in researchers´ Twitter engagement remains scarce. In this account-level study of Twitter usage, we consider how research productivity, research quality, and participation in academic conferences relate to Twitter uptake, activity and popularity, while also taking into account differences between academic disciplines. We use a population sample comprising data on Twitter engagement of researchers employed at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe´s largest applied research organization. We find that participation in academic conferences is strongly associated with Twitter uptake and popularity, but not with Twitter activity as such. We also find positive associations between research productivity and Twitter uptake as well as between research quality and popularity. Moreover, physicists use Twitter more than researchers from other disciplines, female researchers use Twitter less, and scientific age is negatively associated with Twitter activity. Our findings contribute to the literature on academic social media usage by providing indications for both push and pull mechanisms at play within social media research dissemination.
Aesthetics of Law as ‘Iconic Legal Theology’: Legendre, Schmitt and Vico
Authors: Heritier Paolo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe article locates the aesthetics of law within modern legal knowledge, moving from the analysis of Kelsen’s and Schmitt’s theories. Schmitt’s reading of Hobbes becomes the starting point in which political theology can be understood as an iconic legal theology, since the image of Leviathan. Legendre expands the reconstruction of the legal aesthetic model to the entire second millennium, moving from the appropriation of the imperial role of the Roman Pontiff. The article reads the frontispiece of Vico’s Scienza Nuova as a possible alternative to the Hobbesian model and as the foundation of contemporary visual legal studies.
Testable or bust: theoretical lessons for predictive processing
Authors: Miłkowski Marcin , Litwin Piotr 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe predictive processing (PP) account of action, cognition, and perception is one of the most influential approaches to unifying research in cognitive science. However, its promises of grand unification will remain unfulfilled unless the account becomes theoretically robust. In this paper, we focus on empirical commitments of PP, since they are necessary both for its theoretical status to be established and for explanations of individual phenomena to be falsifiable. First, we argue that PP is a varied research tradition, which may employ various kinds of scientific representations (from theories to frameworks and toolboxes), differing in the scope of empirical commitments they entail. Two major perspectives on PP qua cognitive theory may then be distinguished: generalized vs. hierarchical. The first one fails to provide empirical detail, and the latter constrains possible physical implementations. However, we show that even hierarchical PP is insufficiently restrictive to disallow incorrect models and may be adjusted to explain any neurocognitive phenomenon–including non-existent or impossible ones–through flexible adjustments. This renders PP a universal modeling tool with an unrestricted number of degrees of freedom. Therefore, in contrast with declarations of its proponents, it should not be understood as a unifying theoretical perspective, but as a computational framework, possibly informing further theory development in cognitive science.
Cognitive control, intentions, and problem solving in skill learning
Authors: Christensen Wayne , Bicknell Kath 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWe investigate flexibility and problem solving in skilled action. We conducted a field study of mountain bike riding that required a learner rider to cope with major changes in technique and equipment. Our results indicate that relatively inexperienced individuals can be capable of fairly complex 'on-the-fly' problem solving which allows them to cope with new conditions. This problem solving is hard to explain for classical theories of skill because the adjustments are too large to be achieved by automatic mechanisms and too complex and rapid to be achieved by cognitive processes as they are usually understood. A recent theory, Mesh, can explain these results because it posits that skill-specific cognitive abilities develop during skill learning and that control typically involves an interplay between cognitive and automatic mechanisms. Here we develop Mesh further, providing a detailed explanation for these problem solving abilities. We argue that causal representation, metacognitive awareness and other forms of performance awareness combine in the formulation and control of action strategies. We also argue that the structure of control present in this case is inconsistent with Bratman's model of intentions, and that, in the face of high uncertainty and risk, intentions can be much more labile than Bratman recognises. In addition, we found limitations and flaws in problem solving which illuminate the representations involved. Finally, we highlight the crucial role of social and cultural learning in the development of complex skills.
Understanding in synthetic chemistry: the case of periplanone B
Authors: Cornelissen Milo D. , de Regt Henk W. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractUnderstanding natural phenomena is an important aim of science. Since the turn of the millennium the notion of scientific understanding has been a hot topic of debate in the philosophy of science. A bone of contention in this debate is the role of truth and representational accuracy in scientific understanding. So-called factivists and non-factivists disagree about the extent to which the theories and models that are used to achieve understanding must be (at least approximately) true or accurate. In this paper we address this issue by examining a case from the practice of synthetic chemistry. We investigate how understanding is obtained in this field by means of an in-depth analysis of the famous synthesis of periplanone B by W. Clark Still. It turns out that highly idealized models—that are representationally inaccurate and sometimes even inconsistent—and qualitative concepts are essential for understanding the synthetic pathway and accordingly for achieving the synthesis. We compare the results of our case study to various factivist and non-factivist accounts of how idealizations may contribute to scientific understanding and conclude that non-factivism offers a more plausible interpretation of the practice of synthetic chemistry. Moreover, our case study supports a central thesis of the non-factivist theory of scientific understanding developed by De Regt (Understanding scientific understanding. Oxford University Press, New York. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190652913.001.0001 , 2017), namely that scientific understanding requires intelligibility rather than representational accuracy, and that idealization is one way to enhance intelligibility.
Emergence and early institutionalization of competition in higher education: evidence from Finnish business schools
Authors: Kettunen Kerttu , Alajoutsijärvi Kimmo , Hunnes John Arngrim , Pinheiro Rómulo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the emergence and early institutionalization of competition in higher education (HE), specifically in business schools. First, building on key contributions from economics, management studies, sociology, and HE research, we develop propositions on competition in HE and formulate our theoretical framework. Second, we apply this framework to explore competition in Finnish business schools. We argue that business schools constitute an interesting field for studying competition in HE because they are the frontrunners and champions of competition-based views in HE. Our main contribution is a novel explanation of the preconditions, emergence, and early processes of institutionalization that drive HE institutions to compete and collectively produce the observed competitive transformation.
Operando QEXAFS Study of Pt–Fe Ammonia Slip Catalysts During Realistic Driving Cycles
Authors: Marchuk Vasyl , Huang Xiaohui , Murzin Vadim , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk , Doronkin Dmitry E. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBifunctional Fe–Pt ammonia slip catalysts were studied by operando quick-scanning extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (QEXAFS) under conditions mimicking rapid temperature variations that occur in an automotive exhaust gas aftertreatment system during real driving. Two catalysts, Pt/Al2O3 and Fe-ZSM-5, were tested individually, as mixtures and in dual bed arrangements. Applying QEXAFS allowed to track changes of active metal state with high time resolution. It uncovered a strong dependence of the active metal state on reaction conditions and catalyst bed layout. For example, proximity to platinum stabilized iron species in their more active oxidized state and led to higher Fe-ZSM-5 activity. On the contrary, isolated iron species were more susceptible to overreduction by ammonia which led to deactivation and low selectivity. The use of transient conditions uncovered the influence of non-equilibrium phenomena on catalytic performance under industrially relevant conditions. Specifically, the effect of ammonia storage on the increase of activity was shown. This was also accompanied by elevated N2O production not observed during tests with gradual heating. Additionally, unusually high NOx selectivity was detected for Fe-ZSM-5 under these conditions. Lastly, tracking catalyst state under dynamic reaction conditions disclosed that Fe-ZSM-5 activity did not grow directly with temperature increase but rather depended on the oxidation state of Fe and surface concentration of ammonia.
First genetic detection and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2 (Carnivore protoparvovirus 1) in southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Dechassa , Tsegaye Girma , Faustini Giulia , Franzo Giovanni 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe species Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 includes viruses, e.g. canine parvovirus (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which are among the most relevant for pets, causing extremely severe clinical signs and high fatality rate in dogs and cats. Moreover, a broad range of wild hosts, including endangered ones, were proven to be susceptible. Currently, no data on CPV-2 molecular epidemiology and strain characterization are available in Ethiopia, also considering the frequent contacts between domestic and wild populations. In the present study, a molecular epidemiology survey was performed on 92 fecal samples collected from domestic (n = 84) and stray (n = 8) dogs in southwestern Ethiopia in 2021. Approximately, 10% of the samples tested positive and the complete VP2 sequences of 5 strains were obtained, classified within the CPV-2a (n = 1) and CPV-2c (n = 4) antigenic variants. In most instances, the closest genetic relatives were strains of Chinese origin, which is fully compatible with the intense relationships that have been developing between the two countries, involving human being travels and their pets as well. Considering the clinical relevance of this infection and the risk it poses to local domestic and wild carnivore populations, especially endangered ones, much stronger monitoring and surveillance activity on foreign incoming animals should be performed. More strict constraints on animal introduction, e.g. compulsory vaccination, should also be considered.
Antimicrobial and prebiotic activity of mannoproteins isolated from conventional and nonconventional yeast species—the study on selected microorganisms
Authors: Bzducha Wróbel Anna , Farkaš Pavol , Chraniuk Paulina , Popielarz Dominika , Synowiec Alicja , Pobiega Katarzyna , Janowicz Monika 
Published: November 2022

AbstractYeast mannoproteins are proposed as a paraprobiotics with antimicrobial and prebiotic properties. They can be used as biopreservatives in food and in diseases therapies. The knowledge about the specificity and/or capability of their influence on the growth of different microorganism is limited. The study determined the effect of mannoprotein preparations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) ATCC 7090 and nonconventional yeast origin [Metschnikowia reukaufii (M. reukaufii) WLP 4650 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus (W. anomalus) CCY 38-1-13] on the growth of selected bacteria of the genera: Lactobacilllus, Limosilatobacillus, Limosilatobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Proteus and Salmonella. The degree of stimulation or growth inhibition of tested bacteria depended on the type and dose of the mannoprotein and the bacterial strain. The addition of the tested preparations in the entire range of applied concentrations had a positive effect especially on the growth of Lactobacillus arabinosus ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B12. Mannoproteins isolated from S. cerevisiae limited the growth of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aureoginosa (P. aureoginosa) ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 35659 and Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 to the greatest extent, while preparations of M. reukaufii and W. anomalus origin most effectively limited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains, E. coli and P. aureoginosa. The growth of Enterococcus faecalis was stimulated by the presence of all studied preparations in most of the concentrations used. Further research will determine how the purification process of studied mannoproteins or oligosaccharide fractions, its structure and composition influence on the growth of selected bacteria and what is the mechanism of its activity.
Sex and gametogenesis stage are strong drivers of gene expression in Mytilus edulis exposed to environmentally relevant plasticiser levels and pH 7.7
Authors: Mincarelli Luana Fiorella , Chapman Emma C. , Rotchell Jeanette M. , Turner Alexander P. , Wollenberg Valero Katharina C. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Plastic pollution and changes in oceanic pH are both pressing environmental issues. Little emphasis, however, has been placed on the influence of sex and gametogenesis stage when investigating the effects of such stressors. Here, we examined histology and molecular biomarkers of blue mussels Mytilus edulis exposed for 7 days to a pH 7.7 scenario (− 0.4 units) in combination with environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 0.5 and 50 µg/L) of the endocrine disrupting plasticiser di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Through a factorial design, we investigated the gametogenesis cycle and sex-related expression of genes involved in pH homeostasis, stress response and oestrogen receptor-like pathways after the exposure to the two environmental stressors. As expected, we found sex-related differences in the proportion of developing, mature and spawning gonads in histological sections. Male gonads also showed higher levels of the acid–base regulator CA2, but females had a higher expression of stress response-related genes (i.e. sod, cat, hsp70). We found a significant effect of DEHP on stress response-related gene expression that was dependent on the gametogenesis stage, but there was only a trend towards downregulation of CA2 in response to pH 7.7. In addition, differences in gene expression between males and females were most pronounced in experimental conditions containing DEHP and/or acidified pH but never the control, indicating that it is important to consider sex and gametogenesis stage when studying the response of mussels to diverse stressors.
Antioxidant capacity of N-acetylcysteine against the molecular and cytotoxic implications of cadmium chloride leading to hepatotoxicity and vital progression
Authors: Albeltagy Rasha S. , Dawood Shauq M. , Mumtaz Farah , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , El-Habit Ola H. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Many studies have reported that cadmium (Cd) can induce liver cell injury; however, the toxicity mechanisms of Cd on the liver have not been fully explained. Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group orally as effervescent instant sachets with a concentration of 200 mg dissolved in distilled water and dosage was 200 mg/kg body weight freshly prepared, the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) group (treated with 3 mg/kg orally), and the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) + cadmium chloride group (treated with 200 mg/kg orally post to CdCl2) for 60 days. The NAC alone did not make notable changes in most of the parameters. The CdCl2 alone, compared to control, induced significant alterations in oxidative stress markers (increment in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) and antioxidant defense system (decrement in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), which resulted in a downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 and upregulation of anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) protein as well as the survival fate of hepatic cells. Post-administration of NAC to CdCl2 resulted in a reduction in oxidative stress markers, shifting of cells from the G2/M phase to the G0/G1 inhibiting signal-regulated kinase activation, and impairment of the anti-apoptotic signaling pathway when compared to the CdCl2 group alone. Accordingly, the Bcl2/Bax ratio was reduced to 1.17-fold change, as an adaptive process to hepatic tissue injury. These findings demonstrated that NAC would attenuate the possibility of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of hepatic tissue induced by CdCl2.