Relative Variation Research Articles

Social media homophily among women and men political candidates

Abstract This paper assesses differences between women and men political candidates in their likelihood to interact with peers who share the same gender, political affiliation, electoral district, incumbency, age, and the governmental status of their party. Using Twitter (currently X) data from Finland’s 2019 election campaign, we find a tendency towards homophily—a tendency to interact predominantly with similar others—among all candidates across the various studied characteristics. However, some gender differences in the tendency towards homophily emerge. Notably, women are more inclined than men to retweet candidates from their own party but are less likely to retweet peers with the same incumbency status and the same gender. Our multivariate analyses further show that retweet tendencies based on age, shared electoral district and party governmental status exhibit no significant gender disparities. These nuanced variations in homophilous relations highlight the complex interplay between gender and other characteristics in candidates’ social media interactions during electoral campaigns.

Genetic variability of incretin receptors affects the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases and their characteristics

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Their treatment options are rather limited, and no neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatments are available. Anti-diabetic drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists, have been suggested as a potential therapeutic option. AimsAssess GLP1R and GIPR genetic variability in relation to AD- and PD-related phenotypes. MethodsAD, PD patients and healthy control subjects were included in the study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease were measured in AD patients, while cognitive impairment was evaluated in PD. All participants were genotyped for three SNPs: GLP1R rs10305420, GLP1R rs6923761 and GIPR rs1800437. ResultsGLP1R rs10305420 genotypes were associated with increased odds for AD and PD development. GLP1R rs10305420 and GLP1R rs6923761 genotypes were significantly associated with Aβ42/40 ratio (p = 0.041 and p = 0.050), while GLP1R rs6923761 was also associated with p-tau levels (p = 0.022). Finally, GIPR rs1800437 heterozygotes as well as carriers of at least one GIPR rs1800437 C allele presented with increased odds for the development of dementia in PD (OR = 1.92; 95 % CI = 1.05–3.51; p = 0.034 and OR = 1.95; 95 % CI = 1.08–3.52; p = 0.027, respectively). ConclusionGLP1R and GIPR genetic variability may affect the occurrence of AD and PD and is also associated with AD CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in PD. The data on GLP1R and GIPR genetic variability may support the function of incretin receptors in neurodegeneration.

Multiscale groundwater level forecasts with multi-model ensemble approaches: Combining machine learning models using decision theories and bayesian model averaging

Creating precise groundwater level (GWL) prediction models is of crucial significance for the productive use, extended planning, and controlling of limited sub-surface water supplies. In this research, the accuracy of GWL forecasts in Bangladesh was enhanced for three weeks by utilizing ensembles of Machine Learning (ML) models. Six advanced ML-based models were developed and assessed using eight performance indices, and an Overall Ranking (OR) was provided by combining the rankings produced by Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), Variation Coefficient (COV), and Shannon's Entropy (SE). The standalone forecasting models demonstrated excellent performance across the three forecasting horizons, with accuracy values ranging from 0.986 to 0.997 for one-step, 0.971 to 0.999 for two-step, and 0.960 to 0.997 for three-step forecasts at GT3330001. Results also revealed that three ranking techniques (SE, COV, and GRA), as well as their combined ranking (OR), produced different best-performing models at different prediction horizons for different observation wells. Weighted average ensembles of the prediction models were developed by calculating individual model weights using four ensemble modelling techniques: SE, COV, GRA, and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA). The BMA-based ensemble technique outperformed three benchmark ensemble approaches, achieving R = 0.947, KGE = 0.925, IOA = 0.972, MAE = 0.062 m, and RMSE = 0.123 m for one-step-ahead forecasts at GT3330001. The findings exhibit a consistent trend across other forecasting horizons and observation wells. Finally, the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory was employed to rank the single and composite models. The ranking results demonstrated that the BMA-based ensemble consistently secured the top position (with the weight values of 0.997, 0.991, and 0.987 for one-week, two-weeks, and three-weeks forward forecasts at GT3330001) for all forecasting horizons and observation wells. This study shows that the BMA-based composite model can produce more accurate GWL projections at Bangladesh study location, with potential for application in other regions worldwide.

Accuracy and precision of diets fed to close-up cows on dairy farms and its association with early lactation performance

Ensuring a consistent ration is critical for maximizing lactating cow performance, but this is not known for dry cows. The objectives of this cohort observational study were to: 1) characterize close-up dry cow diets fed on commercial farms in Ontario, Canada, 2) describe the accuracy of the nutrient composition between the formulated close-up diet and the diet offered to the cows, 3) describe the precision of the close-up diets across time, and 4) explore potential associations of that accuracy and precision with blood metabolic parameters and milk yield of cows in early lactation. Forty free-stall dairy farms were visited once every 4 wk, for a total of 6 visits to each farm, from April to October 2022. At each visit, samples of the close-up diet were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM) content and chemical composition. Close-up diet formulations were also obtained by each farm's nutritionists. During each visit, fresh cows (0 to 14 d in milk [DIM]) had blood samples taken for blood metabolites. The same cows were also monitored for milk yield up to 120 DIM. Multivariable models were used to analyze associations between variability (in relation to the formulated diet and across time) of nutrients in the close-up diet, as measured by coefficient of variation (CV), and outcomes in fresh cows. Corn silage (67.6% of farms) and straw (24.3% of farms) were the predominant primary forage sources used in the close-up dry cow diets. Soybean meal (37.8% of farms) and canola meal (18.9% of farms) were the main ingredients used as primary concentrate sources. Overall, the diets offered did not accurately represent the formulated diets. With the exception of net energy for lactation (NEL), the CVs for the other nutrients were all greater than 5%. Diet variability, both between fed and formulated diets and from visit to visit during the close-up period, was associated with metabolic markers and dairy cow production. Lower variability in non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) between the fed and formulated diets was associated with better liver health index scores. Visit-to-visit variability in fat% and NFC% were associated with blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, while NFC% variability was associated with blood glucose levels. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations were associated with visit-to-visit variability in DM% and CP%. These results underscore the importance of maintaining consistency between diet formulations and feeding practices over time to optimize early-lactation dairy herd performance and health, granted that these diets are correctly formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cows in the close-up period and applied with recommended feeding practices.

Heavy Metals in the Cultivated Soils of Central and Western Serbia

Concern over the harmful impacts of heavy metal pollution in soil has increased dramatically on a global scale. For the sake of environmental preservation, accurate estimates of the heavy metal concentrations in soil are essential. This study provides valuable data regarding heavy metal concentrations in soil collected from field crops production area in Central and Western Serbia. Five wider localities in the zones of Central and Western Serbia were selected for the collection of soil samples. Based on our research, focused on determining the total contents of heavy metals in the soil and the degree of pollution in the environment caused by their behavior, distribution, and origin, it can be concluded that there is pronounced variability in relation to localities. Heavy metal contents were mostly within the same ranges as those in similar soils from Europe and around the world. Any pollution control system must include heavy metal monitoring, including the methodical collection of data on the concentrations of heavy metals in a particular environment. Before environmental degradation occurs, it is crucial to set pollution limits and implement efficient monitoring procedures.

Short-term time-series observations of phytoplankton light-absorption and productivity in Prydz Bay, coastal Antarctica

The optical characteristics of coastal Antarctic waters exhibit complexity due to the dynamic hydrography influenced by meltwater intrusion, which alters nutrient levels, thermohaline structure, and optically active substances (OAS) regimes. Studies on bio-optical variability and its implications on phytoplankton productivity (PP) are scanty in coastal polar regions. On this backdrop, time-series measurements (72 h at 6 h intervals) of bio-optical properties such as phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a), absorption (aph), and total suspended matter (TSM) concurrently with PP were measured to understand their interplay and variability in relation to the ambient physicochemical settings in the under-sampled Prydz Bay, coastal Antarctica. Our findings revealed thermohaline stratification within the bay, likely attributed to the inflow of less saline meltwater from nearby glaciers and minimal wind activity. The consistent presence of sub-surface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) beneath the stratified layer underscored the light-acclimatization response of shade-adapted phytoplankton. Surface waters exhibited higher TSM compared to deeper layers, indicating glacial melt influence, while the depth of the sunlit layer remained relatively stable, suggesting limited water mass movement and/or variability in OAS at the study site. An inverse relation between chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-a-specific phytoplankton light absorption (a*ph(λ)) manifested ‘pigment package effect’ within the prevailing phytoplankton community, implying reduced light-absorption efficiency and consequent lower PP. Compared to chlorophyll-a, the phytoplankton light absorption (aph(λ)) emerged as a better proxy for explaining PP variability. Nutrient availability was not limiting, which was conducive to micro (large) phytoplankton growth. Classification of phytoplankton size classes (micro, nano, and pico) based on the B/R ratio (aph at Blue (443 nm)/Red (676 nm) region) confirmed the dominance of larger (micro) phytoplankton that are more susceptible to package effect, thus have implications on reduced PP potential of this polar marine ecosystem.

Climate change in Tigray, Ethiopia: Assessing impacts on smallholders’ risk perception and food security

Amidst the ongoing global climate change crisis, characterized by unpredictable weather patterns and increasing environmental shocks, farming communities are among the most vulnerable. This vulnerability is particularly evident in Tigray, Ethiopia. This study, which investigates the incidence of climate change and its variability in relation to risk perception and food security of farming communities in Tigray, has significant implications for future action. It uses climate and the Living Standards Measurement Study panel data. A multi-method analytical procedure is employed to assess changes in temperature and rainfall, understand farmers’ climate change risk perception, and signify the welfare effects of droughts on farmers. The study finds significant warming trends, particularly increasing warming nights, and variable but increasing rainfall trends. Farmers do perceive climate change as a reality (85.53%) and a threat to their welfare (23%). Cooperation, diversification, irrigation, wealth, drought, and access to services were identified as drivers of this risk perception. Similarly, the study found drought is a significant driver of food insecurity. Other variables associated with food security status substantially are wealth, head marital status, and non-farm participation. It concludes that climate change is a reality and a perceived risk in Tigray. It poses a threat to the lives and livelihoods of its farming communities. It is recommended that farm households’ adaptive capacity be enhanced through improved livelihood options, promotion of cooperation, development of irrigation schemes, and increased access to weather and climate information.

P-511 Euploidy potential of day 7 embryos and the relevance in Assisted Human Reproduction treatments

Abstract Study question Is it worth waiting embryos with late blastulation (Day 7) for preimplantation genetic analysis? Summary answer Embryo biopsy on Day 7 (D7) benefits cases of ovarian insufficiency and severe male factor with a euploidy rate of 15.1%. What is known already New technologies and improvements in IVF laboratories has allowed the extended cultivation of blastocysts to increase the pool of embryos per IVF cycle, resulting in greater chances, especially in cases of low blastulation rate, blastocysts with low quality or with few cells at Day 5(D5) and Day 6(D6). The variation in the time of the compaction stage depends on many factors, which may take more time, leading some embryos to reach the blastocyst stage only on D7 of development. These embryos have a lower euploidy rate, but there is embryonic competence and these embryos can be eligible for embryo transfer. Study design, size, duration Retrospective study that evaluated the chromosomal status (by Next Generation Screening - NGS) of 33 blastocysts biopsied on day 7 of development, between 2016 and 2023. Subsequently, it was compared the rate of euploidy and mosaicism with 295 blastocysts biopsied at D5 and D6, biopsied from January to October 2023. D7 embryos were originated from IVF cycles of couples with female age between 26 and 44 years, and males age between 29 and 56 years. Participants/materials, setting, methods D7 blastocysts from fresh and own oocytes fertilized by ICSI. The euploidy and mosaicism rates was compared, as well as the morphology of the ICM and trophectoderm (A-C; by Gardner Blastocyst Grade), the day which biopsy was performed and the respective infertility factors, in the groups: Group 1: D7 euploid and Group 2: D7 aneuploid. Subsequently, the rate of euploidy and mosaicism was compared between D7 embryos (Group 3) and D5/D6 embryos (Group 4). Main results and the role of chance There was no difference (p > 0.05) between maternal age for group D7 euploid (38.4 years) vs group D7 aneuploid (37.9 years) and group 3 (38.4 years) vs group 4 (38.2 years). Embryonic morphological evaluation of D7 embryos showed that ICM was classified as B (18.2%) or C (81.8%) and trophectoderm as A (6.1%), B (24.2%) or C (69.7%). Comparisons of ICM and trophectoderm classifications between euploid (group 1) and aneuploid (group 2) in D7 blastocysts showed no difference (p > 0.05). There was a predominance of 5CC embryos in both groups (Group 1: 40.0% vs Group 2: 42.4%), with no difference between them (p > 0.05). In most cases, the biopsy was performed on two days (D5+D7 – 39.3%; D6+D7 – 35.7%), while in 10.7% of cases only on Day 7, when the infertility factor was 100% ovarian insufficiency. In cases of biopsy within 3 days (D5+D6+D7), we observed that 100% of cases were related to severe male factor. When comparing the euploidy rate of D7 embryos – group 3 (15.1%) with that of D5/D6 – group 4 (34.2%), we observed a statistical difference (p < 0.05), while, for in mosaicism rates, D7 embryos represented 6.1% and D5/D6 embryos 9.1%, with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective nature of our study may lead to bias derived from clinical practices and variability in relation to patient age, embryonic quality and infertility factor. Wider implications of the findings Extended culture and biopsy on D7 benefits cases of ovarian insufficiency and severe male factor by optimizing the IVF cycle. Although the euploidy rate in D7 embryos is lower than D5/D6 embryos, 15% of D7 embryos are euploid, demonstrating that the slower development is not caused exclusively by aneuploidy Trial registration number NA

How should we investigate variation in the relation between social media and well-being?

Most researchers studying the relation between social media use and well-being find small to no associations, yet policymakers and public stakeholders keep asking for more evidence. One way the field is reacting is by inspecting the variation around average relations—with the goal of describing individual social media users. Here, we argue that this approach produces findings that are not as informative as they could be. Our analysis begins by describing how the field got to this point. Then, we explain the problems with the current approach of studying variation and how it loses sight of one of the most important goals of a quantitative social science: generalizing from a sample to a population. We propose a principled approach to quantify, interpret, and explain variation in average relations by: (1) conducting model comparisons, (2) defining a region of practical equivalence and testing the theoretical distribution of relations against that region, (3) defining a smallest effect size of interest and comparing it against the theoretical distribution. We close with recommendations to either study moderators as systematic factors that explain variation or to commit to a person-specific approach and conduct N=1 studies and qualitative research.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second Variability Predicts Lung Transplant or Mortality in People with Cystic Fibrosis in the United States.

Rationale: Declines in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV1) are an important marker of clinical progression of cystic fibrosis (CF). Objectives: We examined ppFEV1 variability in relation to a combined outcome of lung transplant or death. Methods: We estimated the association between ppFEV1 variability and the combined outcome of lung transplant or death. We included children aged 8 years and older with CF and two prior years of ppFEV1 data before baseline between 2005 and 2021. We defined ppFEV1 increased variability as any relative increase or decrease of at least 10% in ppFEV1 from a 2-year averaged baseline. A marginal structural Cox proportional hazards model was used. We examined a cumulative measure of ppFEV1 variability, defined as the cumulative proportion of visits with ppFEV1 variability at each visit. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated on the basis of quartiles of the cumulative distribution of ppFEV1 variability. Results: We included 9,706 patients with CF in our cohort. The median age at cohort entry was 8.3 (interquartile range, 8.2-8.4) years; 50% of patients were female; 94% were White; and the median baseline ppFEV1 was 94.4 (interquartile range, 81.6-106.1). The unadjusted hazard ratio for increased ppFEV1 variability on lung transplant/mortality was 4.13 (95% confidence interval, 3.48-4.90), and the weighted hazard ratio was 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.86). Survival curves stratified by quartile of cumulative variability demonstrated an increased hazard of lung transplant/mortality as the proportion of cumulative ppFEV1 variability increased. Conclusions: We found a strong association between ppFEV1 variability and lung transplant or mortality in a cohort of people with CF in the United States.

HbA1c and the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: A follow-up study over 3decades.

We have evaluated long-term weighted mean HbA1c (wHbA1c), HbA1c variability, diabetes duration, and lipid profiles in relation to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), nephropathy, and retinopathy in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. In a longitudinal cohort study, 49 patients (21 women) with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes were investigated with neurophysiological measurements, blood tests, and clinical examinations after a diabetes duration of 7.7 (±3.3) years (baseline) and followed with repeated examinations for 30.6 (±5.2) years. We calculated wHbA1c by integrating the area under all HbA1c values since the diabetes diagnosis. Lipid profiles were analysed in relation to the presence of DPN. Long-term fluctuations of HbA1c variability were computed as the standard deviation of all HbA1c measurements. Data regarding the presence of other diabetes complications were retrieved from medical records. In this follow-up study, 51% (25/49) of the patients fulfilled electrophysiological criteria for DPN. In nerve conduction studies, there was a deterioration in the amplitudes and conduction velocities for the median, peroneal, and sural nerves over time. Patients with DPN had a longer duration of diabetes, higher wHbA1c, and increased HbA1c variability. The lowest wHbA1c value associated with the development of DPN was 62mmol/mol (7.8%). The presence of albuminuria and retinopathy was positively correlated with the presence of neuropathy. More than half of the patients had developed DPN after 30years. None of the patients who developed DPN had a wHbA1c of less than 62mmol/mol (7.8%).

Balancing security and economics: domestic state-firm relations and investment screening mechanisms in Europe

In an era of intense geopolitical competition, concerns about the impact of foreign investments in strategic sectors of the European economy have led policymakers to review European investment screening mechanisms (ISMs). In doing so, European institutions and member states have to find a balance between security and economics, maintaining a favorable environment for potential investors while simultaneously protecting specific sectors that they deem important for European and national security. We argue that the existing structure of state-firm relations decisively shapes the institutional configuration of European ISMs at the national level. We identify two ideal-typical patterns of state-firm relations: Public governance and private governance ecosystems. We hypothesize that variations in domestic state-firm relations decisively shape the institutional configurations of European ISMs, and, more broadly, how European governments and firms navigate the trade-off between openness and protection of strategic assets.

Changing rates of escarpment retreat linked to environmental change in a sedimentary tableland, Stołowe Mountains, SW Poland

Long-term rates of escarpment retreat in sedimentary tablelands have been rarely determined and their possible variability in relation to major environmental changes has often been speculative, especially in older contributions. Moreover, rates reported so far were almost exclusively from arid regions. In this paper we present a dataset of 20 cosmogenic exposure ages, obtained for cliffs and boulders produced by rock-slope disintegration, left in front of a retreating 150-m-high escarpment of a sandstone mesa in SW Poland. The most distant boulders are >400 m away from the cliffs. Following previous research in the region, boulders are mainly products of in situ disintegration and hence, their present-day position on the slope approximates the past position of the cliffs, allowing for the calculations of cliff retreat. Exposure ages systematically increase with the distance from the present-day cliff line and cover the last 100 kyr, implying an average retreat rate of 4.18 mm/yr. However, the dataset splits into several sub-populations, each with its own trend, meaning that the rates of retreat varied with time. A maximum was reached during the Late Pleistocene and transition to the Holocene, when the rates exceeded 10 mm/yr and may have reached 100 mm/yr. The rates seemed distinctly lower between MIS5 and LGM and during the Holocene. We propose that the transition towards a warmer climate at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary, with an increased frequency of freezing-thawing cycles, the degradation of permafrost and unblocking of groundwater drainage enhanced caprock disintegration and accelerated the break-off rates of caprock. During periods of most efficient cliff disintegration and boulder production the rates of escarpment retreat at the field site could have been two orders of magnitude higher than in the hyperarid areas. However, despite changing rates of retreat major processes involved in escarpment evolution seem to have remained the same.

Negative correlation between soil salinity and soil organic carbon variability

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biogeochemical processes, and soil health. It is known that soil salinity impacts SOC content, yet the specific direction and magnitude of SOC variability in relation to soil salinity remain poorly understood. Analyzing 43,459 mineral soil samples (SOC < 150 g kg-1) collected across different land covers since 1992, we approximate a soil salinity increase from 1 to 5 dS m-1 in croplands would be associated with a decline in mineral soils SOC from 0.14 g kg-1 above the mean predicted SOC ([Formula: see text] = 18.47 g kg-1) to 0.46 g kg-1 below [Formula: see text] (~-430%), while for noncroplands, such decline is sharper, from 0.96 above [Formula: see text] = 35.96 g kg-1 to 4.99 below [Formula: see text] (~-620%). Although salinity's significance in explaining SOC variability is minor (<6%), we estimate a one SD increase in salinity of topsoil samples (0 to 7 cm) correlates with respective [Formula: see text] declines of ~4.4% and ~9.26%, relative to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] decline in croplands is greatest in vegetation/cropland mosaics while lands covered with evergreen needle-leaved trees are estimated with the highest [Formula: see text] decline in noncroplands. We identify soil nitrogen, land cover, and precipitation Seasonality Index as the most significant parameters in explaining the SOC's variability. The findings provide insights into SOC dynamics under increased soil salinity, improving understanding of SOC stock responses to land degradation and climate warming.

MaNGA DynPop – V. The dark-matter fraction versus stellar velocity dispersion relation and stellar initial mass function variations in galaxies: dynamical models and full spectrum fitting of integral-field spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Using the final Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory sample of 10K galaxies, we investigate the dark matter (DM) fraction fDM within one half-light radius Re for about 6K galaxies with good kinematics spanning a wide range of morphologies and stellar velocity dispersion. We employ two techniques to estimate fDM: (i) Jeans anisotropic modelling (JAM), which performs DM decomposition based on stellar kinematics and (ii) comparing the total dynamical mass-to-light ratios (M/L)JAM and (M*/L)SPS from stellar population synthesis (SPS). We find that both methods consistently show a significant trend of increasing fDM with decreasing σe and low fDM at larger σe. For 235 early-type galaxies with the best models, we explore the variation of stellar initial mass function (IMF) by comparing the stellar mass-to-light ratios from JAM and SPS. We confirm that the stellar mass excess factor αIMF increases with σe, consistent with previous studies that reported a transition from Chabrier-like to Salpeter IMF among galaxies. We show that the αIMF trend cannot be driven by M*/L or IMF gradients as it persists when allowing for radial gradients in our model. We find no evidence for the total M/L increasing toward the centre. We detect weak positive correlations between αIMF and age, but no correlations with metallicity. We stack galaxy spectra according to their αIMF to search for differences in IMF-sensitive spectral features (e.g. the $\rm Na_{\rm I}$ doublet). We only find marginal evidence for such differences, which casts doubt on the validity of one or both methods to measure the IMF.

Changing Nature of the European Union - Turkey Relations: From Civilizational Project to Transactional Cooperation

Turkey’s ambition to be anchored in the European integration process is one of the oldest and most challenging priorities of its foreign policy. As a symbolic coincidence, the centenary of the Republic of Turkey overlaps with the 60th anniversary of its association relationship with the then European Economic Community (EEC) during when both sides have experienced frequent fluctuations in their bilateral relations. In that sense, the idea of change has always embedded in Turkey-European Union (EU) relations corresponding to much broader changes in Turkey’s foreign policy. This study is aware of the fact that focusing on one side will provide only a partial explanation of variations in the EU-Turkey relations and aims to present the drivers of change in their mutual relations not only by focusing on the actions and inactions of the successive Turkish governments but also by paying attention to the changes in the EU’s and its member states’ policies towards Turkey. This study adopts literature review and tries to answer how Turkey’s EU policy has transformed in the last 60 years by analysing historical turning points in this period and their implications for the ongoing relations. Based on this historical analysis, this study argues that the relationship between the EU and Turkey, which has been becoming increasingly distant from each other, has lost the initial civilisational spirit and turned into a patronage symbolised by ad-hoc transactional agreement/s.

Unregulated Flexibility and the Multiplication of Labour: Work in the Chinese Platform Economy

The global labour market is witnessing an increase in non‐standard employment, and China is no exception, albeit with distinct socio‐political dynamics. This research explores the variation of employment relations in China’s platform economy and discusses how the various types of precarious employment are generated and developed in post‐socialist China. Based on interviews with platform company managers and platform food delivery workers in China, this study draws a broader picture of platform work, considering the complex layers of labour practices at the level of platform companies and platform work. The research discusses the various labour arrangements in the ZZ food delivery platform and finds that variation serves to intensify and diversify managerial practices in platform work; at the same time, traditional types of work in platform companies are also undergoing transitions and the boundary between internal and external organisations is increasingly blurred and fluid. Labour relations in the platform economy are characterised by multiplication, and this multiplication is facilitated by the post‐socialist Chinese labour market’s general trend towards precariousness and the state’s tolerant approach to various non‐standard employment types in the era of “the new normal.”

Temporal variation of the PM2.5/PM10 ratio and its association with meteorological factors in a South American megacity: Metropolitan Area of Lima-Callao, Peru.

The Metropolitan Area of Lima-Callao (MALC) is a South American megacity that has suffered a serious deterioration in air quality due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Studies on the behavior of the PM2.5/PM10 ratio and its temporal variability in relation to meteorological parameters are still very limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal trends of the PM2.5/PM10 ratio, its temporal variability, and its association with meteorological variables over a period of 5years (2015-2019). For this, the Theil-Sen estimator, bivariate polar plots, and correlation analysis were used. The regions of highest mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were identified at eastern Lima (ATE station-41.2µg/m3) and southern Lima (VMT station-126.7µg/m3), respectively. The lowest concentrations were recorded in downtown Lima (CDM station-16.8µg/m3 and 34.0µg/m3, respectively). The highest average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was found at the CDM station (0.55) and the lowest at the VMT station (0.27), indicating a predominance of emissions from the vehicular fleet within central Lima and a greater emission of coarse particles by resuspension in southern Lima. The temporal progression of the ratio of PM2.5/PM10 showed positive and highly significant trends in northern and central Lima with values of 0.03 and 0.1 units of PM2.5/PM10 per year, respectively. In the southern region of Lima, the trend was also significant, showcasing a value of 0.02 units of PM2.5/PM10 per year. At the hourly and monthly level, the PM2.5/PM10 ratio presented a negative and significant correlation with wind speed and air temperature, and a positive and significant correlation with relative humidity. These findings offer insights into identifying the sources of PM pollution and are useful for implementing regulations to reduce air emissions considering both anthropogenic sources and meteorological dispersion patterns.

The present-day stress field and paleo tectonics in offshore Brunei Darussalam

Present-day maximum horizontal stress orientation is one of the fundamental inputs for well design and stability analysis. Since the previous stress orientation map in Brunei Darussalam published in 2005, more borehole image data have been acquired to evaluate both reservoir geology and hole damages of different causes. The image-based breakout orientations in recent wells not only filled critical data gaps but also replaced the low-confident stress orientations from dipmeter data on the previous map. Integration with seismic interpretation also gives new insights into the present-day stress variations in relations to the tectonic evolution.The new map suggests three main stress domains transitioning to each other. Domain A in the deepwater to shelf slope region is compressional, characterized by northwest-southeast maximum horizontal stress, consistently perpendicular to the associated delta toe thrust structures near the well locations. The shelf to onshore region is divided into domain B in the east and domain C in the west as result of different evolutions and interactions between shallow deltaic and deep plate tectonics. This contrasts with the 2005 stress map, which divided the region into inversed inner shelf and extensional outer shelf provinces. The domain B is possibly in strike slip state with margin normal maximum horizontal stress, which is a reversal from the paleo extensions expressed by collapse faults and a large counter regional normal fault. The counter regional normal fault is interpreted as the result of rapid sediment load over thick ductile shales prior to the toe thrust system. The domain C in the west exhibits extension with east-west maximum horizontal stress, parallel to the normal faults but oblique to the thrust faults and the coastline. It is reversed from the latest compressional episode. Restoration of the structural deformation history suggests that tectonic reversals occurred several times in the domain C. Between the two shelf domains, where two sets of structural lineaments intersect, the maximum horizontal stress rotates across the two systems.

Abstract 2535: Development of Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx as a clinical trial assay for the clinical development of anti-claudin 18.2 monoclonal antibody osemitamab (TST001) in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Abstract Clone 14G11 is a mouse anti-Claudin 18.2 monoclonal antibody developed by Transcenta. The antibody was generated against a linear epitope located on the extracellular domain of loop1 and has a binding site that overlaps with the binding site of therapeutic antibody Osemitamab. It was selected to further develop for the detection of Claudin 18.2 expression in human cancer. Agilent Technologies, Inc. is developing Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx as an immunohistochemical (IHC) assay for the detection of Claudin 18.2 protein in gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma in support of clinical studies conducted by Transcenta Therapeutics. Analytical verification for Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx included sensitivity, specificity, and precision assessment. Testing was performed on human formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) gastric and GEJ tissues using Autostainer Link 48 with EnVision FLEX visualization system. Biomarker expression was evaluated using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). TPS is defined as the percentage of viable invasive tumor cells that exhibit convincing partial or complete membrane staining at any intensity. Sensitivity testing of 102 commercially procured FFPE gastric/GEJ specimens demonstrated a broad dynamic range of Claudin 18.2 positivity that covered TPS from 0% to 100%. Specificity tests confirmed specific targeting of the Claudin 18.2 protein in a variety of normal and abnormal tissues. For laboratory precision testing, which evaluated the assay variability in relation to run, instrument, operator, and reagent lot, ≥ 95% of TPS values were within expected variability limits for each parameter. For observer precision testing, two-sided 95% confidence intervals were ≥ 85% for negative, positive, and overall agreements when assessing two clinical cutoffs. These results demonstrated the Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx assay can provide reliable and reproducible results in day-to-day testing. Analytical verification testing indicates Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx is a sensitive, specific, and precise assay for detecting Claudin 18.2 in gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma. Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx for Investigational Use Only/for Performance Evaluation Only will be used for patient selection in the upcoming phase III trial of gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma where applicable ethics committee and regulatory approvals have been granted. Citation Format: Hayley Alderson, Katie Lefley, Lesly Fregoso, Achintya Bharadwaj, Dan Castellanos-McKenney, Siena Tabuena-Frolli, Donna Kell, Xinlai Yao, Xueming Qian, Li Xu, Caroline Germa, Emin Oroudjev. Development of Claudin 18.2 IHC 14G11 pharmDx as a clinical trial assay for the clinical development of anti-claudin 18.2 monoclonal antibody osemitamab (TST001) in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2535.