bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CXCR4-directed PET/CT with [68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor in solid tumors—a comprehensive analysis of imaging findings and comparison with histopathology
Authors: Dreher Niklas , Hahner Stefanie , Fuß Carmina T. , Schlötelburg Wiebke , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Serfling Sebastian E. , Schirbel Andreas , Samnick Samuel , Higuchi Takahiro , Weich Alexander , Lapa Constantin , Rosenwald Andreas , Buck Andreas K. , Kircher Stefan , Werner Rudolf A.
Published: December 2023

Background

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is overexpressed in various solid cancers and can be targeted by CXCR4-directed molecular imaging. We aimed to characterize the in-vivo CXCR4 expression in patients affected with solid tumors, along with a comparison to ex-vivo findings.

Methods

A total 142 patients with 23 different histologically proven solid tumors were imaged with CXCR4-directed PET/CT using [68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor (total number of scans, 152). A semi-quantitative analysis of the CXCR4-positive tumor burden including maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratios (TBR) using blood pool was conducted. In addition, we performed histopathological staining to determine the immuno-reactive score (IRS) from patients’ tumor tissue and investigated possible correlations with SUVmax (by providing Spearman’s rho ρ). Based on imaging, we also assessed the eligibility for CXCR4-targeted radioligand therapy or non-radioactive CXCR4 inhibitory treatment (defined as more than five CXCR4-avid target lesions [TL] with SUVmax above 10).

Results

One hundred three of 152 (67.8%) scans showed discernible uptake above blood pool (TBR > 1) in 462 lesions (52 primary tumors and 410 metastases). Median TBR was 4.4 (1.05–24.98), thereby indicating high image contrast. The highest SUVmax was observed in ovarian cancer, followed by small cell lung cancer, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, and adrenocortical carcinoma. When comparing radiotracer accumulation between primary tumors and metastases for the entire cohort, comparable SUVmax was recorded (P > 0.999), except for pulmonal findings (P = 0.013), indicative for uniform CXCR4 expression among TL. For higher IRS, a weak, but statistically significant correlation with increased SUVmax was observed (ρ = 0.328; P = 0.018). In 42/103 (40.8%) scans, more than five TL were recorded, with 12/42 (28.6%) exhibiting SUVmax above 10, suggesting eligibility for CXCR4-targeted treatment in this subcohort.

Conclusions

In a whole-body tumor read-out, a substantial portion of prevalent solid tumors demonstrated increased and uniform [68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor uptake, along with high image contrast. We also observed a respective link between in- and ex-vivo CXCR4 expression, suggesting high specificity of the PET agent. Last, a fraction of patients with [68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor-positive tumor burden were rendered potentially suitable for CXCR4-directed therapy.
Testing omitted variables in VARs
Authors: Beccarini Andrea
Published: December 2023

A procedure is outlined aiming at testing the bias due to omitted variables in vector autoregressions. The procedure consists first of filtering a vector of omitted variables and then testing the bias. The test does not rely on the availability of the omitted variables, and is based on a comparison between maximum-likelihood with Kalman filter vector autoregression and linear vector autoregression estimates. The empirical part considers two illustrative examples: a univariate regression analysis, based on the rational expectation-augmented Phillips curve; and a VAR with output, inflation and interest rates where a “price puzzle” arises.
Shallow fixes and deep reasonings: framing sustainability at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)
Authors: de Jong van Lier Maíra , Duncan Jessica , Zhu Annah Lake , Bush Simon R.
Published: December 2023

The need for urgent, structural transformations to dominant food systems is increasingly recognized in research and policy. The direction these transformations take is in great part influenced by how the problem is framed and what future pathways become seen as plausible and desirable. Scientific knowledge and the organizations producing it hold considerable authority in suggesting what alternatives are or are not worth pursuing, ultimately shaping frames and in turn being shaped by them. This paper examines Brazil’s federal Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), a major contributor to technological advances that made Brazil into an agricultural powerhouse. We examine the ways in which Embrapa’s leadership has framed sustainable agriculture in its public communication and the wider implications for food systems transformation. Drawing from Embrapa news articles in the period 2015–2020, we identify four interrelated frames forming Embrapa’s prevalent position on sustainability. Our results show that while Embrapa promotes practices based on alternative approaches such as agroecology, its deeper framing often reflects the core assumptions driving dominant industrial food systems. This framing reinforces underlying logics of control, efficiency, and competition aligned with the productivist paradigm and excludes divergent perspectives that exist within the organization.
Unravelling the genetic pattern of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Litsi-Mizan Victoria , García-Escudero Catalina A. , Tsigenopoulos Costas S. , Tsiaras Kostas , Gerakaris Vasilis , Apostolaki Eugenia T.
Published: December 2023

The genetic traits of seagrass populations are a crucial aspect of their ecology and evolution, influencing their adaptability and resilience. Here, we studied the genetic diversity, population structure, and connectivity of eighteen Posidonia oceanica meadows extending in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Aegean, Ionian and Cretan Seas, Greece), combining twelve microsatellite markers and Lagrangian particle drift modelling. Our findings revealed a strong genetic differentiation between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean and Cretan Seas, suggesting limited genetic exchange between these two groups. High gene flow was observed within the meadows of the Aegean and Cretan Seas, indicating a well-connected group of populations. Notably, populations of the North Aegean Sea displayed the lowest genetic diversity and the highest clonality compared to the rest of the populations. The lack of substantial oceanographic connectivity between Ionian and Aegean/Cretan Sea populations supported their genetic differentiation. However, the Lagrangian simulations did not fully support gene flow patterns in the Aegean Sea, suggesting that in addition to contemporary processes, historical events may have contributed to the formation of the observed genetic pattern. The genetic information provided here can be incorporated into management strategies aimed at identifying suitable areas as management units in conservation efforts and determining meadows that may serve as donor sites in transplantation initiatives.
Cellulose-in-cellulose 3D-printed bioaerogels for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Iglesias-Mejuto Ana , Malandain Nanthilde , Ferreira-Gonçalves Tânia , Ardao Inés , Reis Catarina Pinto , Laromaine Anna , Roig Anna , García-González Carlos A.
Published: December 2023

Nanostructured scaffolds based on cellulose with advanced performances and personalized morphologies for bone tissue engineering are under technological development. 3D-printing and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) technologies are innovative processing strategies that, when combined, allow the precise fabrication of highly porous aerogel scaffolds. Novel sterile cellulose-in-cellulose aerogels decorated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are synthesized in this work by an integrated technological platform based on 3D-printing and scCO2. Methylcellulose (MC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) are two versatile cellulosic polysaccharides with remarkable physicochemical and biological performances, whereas SPIONs are commonly used to functionalize biomaterials aimed at tissue engineering. Aerogels with hierarchical porosity and high structural resolution were obtained according to nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, confocal, scanning and transmission microscopies (SEM and TEM). The magnetic properties of SPIONs-doped aerogels confirmed the correct functionalization of the nanostructures. Finally, NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell viability, hemocompatibility with human blood and safety tests (in ovo with HET-CAM and in vivo with Artemia salina) indicate the biocompatibility of the cellulose-in-cellulose aerogels.

Graphical abstract
Green oleogels based on elm pulp cellulose nanofibers: effect of the nanofibrillation pre-treatment on their thermo-rheological behavior
Authors: Roman Claudia , Delgado Miguel A. , Fernández-Silva Samuel D. , García-Morales Moisés
Published: December 2023

Sustainable lubricating oleogels were obtained based on elm (Ulmus minor Mill.) pulp cellulose nanofibers in castor oil. Before their nanofibrillation, two samples of the same bleached pulp were subjected to two different pre-treatments, either mechanical PFI (Paper and Fibre Research Institute) refining or chemical TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Their effect on the oleogels’ viscous flow and oscillatory shear behaviors was determined at different temperatures. Very pronounced differences were observed between these oleogels. The oleogel from the chemically-pretreated nanofibers showed evidences of being much more sensitive to both temperature and large shear deformations. Hence, its shear modulus underwent a very remarkable decay of 95.8% when subjected to a non-linear stress value of 100 Pa for 30 min. In turn, under the same conditions, a decay of only 41.4% was observed for the oleogel based on the nanofiber from the mechanically-pretreated nanofibers.

Graphical abstract
Executive Functions, Psychiatric Symptoms and ADHD in Child Psychiatric Patients–Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations from Preschool to School Age
Authors: Seikku Tiina , Saarelainen Taru , Kuha Tiia , Maasalo Katri , Huhdanpää Hanna , Aronen Eeva T.
Published: December 2023

We investigated in a child psychiatric sample whether preschool age executive functions (EFs) associate with concurrent and school age psychiatric symptoms and ADHD diagnosis. At baseline the children (n = 172) were 4–7 years old, at follow-up (n = 65) 8–13 years. EFs were measured at baseline with Attention and Executive Function Rating Inventory—Preschool Version, psychiatric symptoms were measured at both timepoints by Child Behavior Checklist. Information on diagnoses was collected from medical records. Deficits in EFs were associated with more concurrent externalizing and attention symptoms, but less internalizing symptoms. Preschool EFs predicted only school age attention symptoms. Preschool EFs were associated with both concurrent and school age ADHD diagnosis. Our results emphasize the importance of recognizing EF deficits early to arrange appropriate support to reduce later problems. More research is needed to understand the role of EFs over time in the manifestation of psychiatric symptoms in child psychiatric patients.
Extradition and Whole Life Sentences
Authors: van Zyl Smit Dirk , Seeds Christopher
Published: December 2023

Sentences of life imprisonment without a prospect of adequate review and release are prohibited in States party to the European Convention on Human Rights. Should the same principle apply when extradition is sought to States not party to the Convention? In Sanchez Sanchez v United Kingdom (2022), the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights applied a less strict standard for potential extraditees facing life without parole. We analyse this decision and its repercussions in light of the history of international cooperation in extreme punishment cases between Europe and the USA and recent interpretations of the new standard. The article concludes with an assessment of the level of proof litigants must present to satisfy the Sanchez Sanchez test and of how the law could continue to prevent inhuman and degrading treatment of extraditees facing life sentences.
Two Types of Demonstration Through Guided Touch with Cane: Instruction Sequences in Orientation and Mobility Training for a Person with Visual Impairments
Authors: Minami Yasusuke , Nisisawa Hiro Yuki , Okada Mitsuhiro , Sakaida Rui
Published: December 2023

Persons with visual impairments (hereafter PVI) detect and discover obstacles and road conditions by touching with a white cane when walking on the streets. In one training session, an Orientation and Mobility specialist (hereafter SPT) guided a PVI by grasping and moving the cane that the PVI was holding. We conducted a multimodal analysis of two instruction sequences, one a "proving and achieving" demonstration (Sacks in Lectures on conversation, Blackwell, 1992) and the other a "learnable" (Zemel and Koschmann, in Discourse Stud 16:163–183, 2014) demonstration. The achieving demonstration proved the assessment of the PVI's performance. In the "learnable" demonstration, the PVI was able to receive and perform the most critical part of the "learnable" of the long contact touch without the aid of talk. Sharing a single cane touch is an efficient way for both the guiding SPT and the guided PVI to jointly experience and understand the environmental features. The SPT did not need to verbally confirm that the guided touch was accountable to the PVI and seemed confident that intersubjectivity with the PVI had been established. A unique form of being with others and achieving intersubjectivity in society was identified. In traditional learning instruction, it has been assumed that the learnable is presented and communicated visually and audibly. However, through guided touch learnable is presented and conveyed effectively in the cases of this paper. It seems that the sense of touch has been considered to be just for the occasion, but this is an example of something that is not just for the occasion but is consequential, that is, usable for further occasions. The data is in Japanese.
Analyzing semiquantitative phytoplankton counts
Authors: Alster A. , Kaplan-Levy R. N. , Barinova S. S. , Zohary T.
Published: December 2023

Semi-quantitative microscope counts of phytoplankton are often a compromise between time-consuming cell biomass analyses and no phytoplankton data. We demonstrate how semiquantitative data from a monitoring program can be used to study phytoplankton community composition, its annual cycle, and aspects of the ecosystem it inhabits. Semi-quantitative counts from Agmon Wetlands, Israel, collected monthly from 2008 to 2021, were generated by allocating a score from 1 (rare) to 6 (extremely abundant) to each taxon observed in a sample. Five samples could be analyzed at the time it takes to count one sample by the conventional Utermöhl method. Using an exponential regression equation, the scores were transformed to estimated concentrations (algal units/ml), then summed into taxonomic or other groups of species. A strong annual pattern of the sum of scores for each taxonomic group was observed. The method was useful for assessing ecosystem features based on indicator species, and for presenting the contribution of morpho-functional groups to the phytoplankton community. If making a species list is planned, we recommend assigning scores, creating calibration curves, converting the scores to concentration estimates, and using those estimates to achieve higher resolution and better conclusions than possible with a species list alone.
Cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation in octogenarians: one year outcomes from the cryo global registry
Authors: Lawin Dennis , Lawrenz Thorsten , Chun K. R. Julian , Lim Hong-Euy , Obidigbo Valentine , Selma Jada M. , Peytchev Peter , Nguyen Dinh Quang , Földesi Csaba , Stellbrink Christoph ,   the Cryo AF Global Registry Investigators
Published: December 2023

Background

Limited information is available on the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, global utilization of CBA in this population (≥ 80 years old) has not been reported. This study’s objectives were to determine the use, efficacy, and safety of CBA to treat octogenarians suffering from AF.

Methods

In this sub-analysis of the Cryo Global Registry, 12-month outcomes of treating AF via CBA in octogenarians were compared to patients < 80 years old. Efficacy was evaluated as time to a ≥ 30 s atrial arrhythmia (AA) recurrence. Healthcare utilization was determined via repeat ablations and hospitalizations. Improvement upon disease burden was evaluated through patient reporting of symptoms and the EQ-5D-3L quality of life (QoL) survey.

Results

The octogenarian cohort (n = 101) had a higher prevalence of females (51.5% vs 35.7%) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 2.0 ± 1.5) compared to the control cohort (n = 1573, both p < 0.01). Even when adjusting for baseline characteristics and antiarrhythmic drug usage, freedom from AA recurrence at 12 months (80.6% vs 78.9%, HRadj:0.97 [95% CI:0.59–1.58], p = 0.90) was comparable between octogenarians and control, respectively. Similar serious adverse event rates were observed between octogenarians (5.0%) and control (3.2%, p = 0.38). The groups did not differ in healthcare utilization nor reduction of AF-related symptoms from baseline to follow-up, but both experienced an improvement in QoL at 12 months.

Conclusions

Despite more age-related comorbidities, CBA is a safe and effective treatment for AF in octogenarians, with efficacy and adverse events rates akin to ablations performed in younger patients.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02752737

Graphical Abstract
Economic Crises, Subjective Well-Being, and Vote Switching: The Case of Brazil’s 2018 Presidential Election
Authors: Burger Martijn J. , Hendriks Martijn , Ianchovichina Elena I.
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the influence of the 2015 economic crisis on subjective well-being (SWB) and the withdrawal of support for the incumbent party during the 2018 presidential election in Brazil. Using Gallup World Poll data and a post-election national survey conducted by the Center for Studies on Public Opinion, we find that the economic crisis influenced through different channels both SWB and vote switching. Worsening personal economic circumstances explain the decline in SWB in the aftermath of the crisis, while deteriorating perceptions about the economy explain the vote switching during the presidential election in 2018. Leadership disapproval played a role in both, but to different degrees. One possible explanation for the limited effect of personal economic circumstances on voting behavior in Brazil is that those who were most severely affected by the economic downturn, specifically the poorest individuals in the country, did not see voting for Bolsonaro as a feasible or desirable choice.
Advancing the multiple streams framework for decision-making: the case of integrating ethics into the Norwegian oil fund strategy
Authors: Øvald Camilla Bakken
Published: December 2023

This article applies a modified Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) to an in-depth case study of the contentious issue of integrating ethics into the Norwegian oil fund strategy. By exploring how ethical investment guidelines evolved from a discredited and allegedly unrealistic idea into policy consensus and, ultimately, a global exemplar, the study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it contributes to the ongoing theoretical refinement of the MSF perspective by illustrating how the framework proves valuable in examining both agenda-setting and decision-making processes. Specifically, it confirms the relevance of a two-phase model for a more rigorous analysis of the decision-making process. Second, while prior literature defines the output of agenda-setting as a ready proposal, it is demonstrated that this outcome may not necessarily signify a fully developed policy proposal. To account for a broader range of scenarios, this article suggests redefining the output of the agenda-setting process as a policy commitment, rather than a worked-out proposal ready for negotiations in the political stream. Acknowledging the uncertainty and ambiguity in the decision-making process highlights the significance of developments in the problem and policy streams that past literature has not given due attention. Consequently, the article proposes a revised two-phase model to enhance the conceptualisation of decision-making within the MSF.
Multidimensional poverty: an analysis of definitions, measurement tools, applications and their evolution over time through a systematic review of the literature up to 2019
Authors: D’Attoma Ida , Matteucci Mariagiulia
Published: December 2023

The paper provides an overview of definitions, measurements and applications of the concept of multidimensional poverty through a systematic review. The literature is classified according to three research questions: (1) what are the main definitions of multidimensional poverty?; (2) what methods are used to measure multidimensional poverty?; (3) what are the dimensions empirically measured?. Findings indicate that (1) the research on multidimensional poverty has grown in recent years; (2) multidimensional definitions do not necessarily imply to leave behind the dominance of the economic sphere; (3) the most popular methods proposed in the literature deal with the Alkire–Foster methodology, followed by latent variable models. Recommendations for future research emerge: new methodologies or the improvement of current ones are rather relevant; intangible aspects of poverty start to deserve attention calling for new definitions; there is evidence of under researched geographical areas, thereby calling for new empirical works that expand the geographical scope.
Likelihood-based surrogate dimension reduction
Authors: Nghiem Linh H. , Hui Francis K. C. , Muller Samuel , Welsh A. H.
Published: December 2023

We consider the problem of surrogate sufficient dimension reduction, that is, estimating the central subspace of a regression model, when the covariates are contaminated by measurement error. When no measurement error is present, a likelihood-based dimension reduction method that relies on maximizing the likelihood of a Gaussian inverse regression model on the Grassmann manifold is well-known to have superior performance to traditional inverse moment methods. We propose two likelihood-based estimators for the central subspace in measurement error settings, which make different adjustments to the observed surrogates. Both estimators are computed based on maximizing objective functions on the Grassmann manifold and are shown to consistently recover the true central subspace. When the central subspace is assumed to depend on only a few covariates, we further propose to augment the likelihood function with a penalty term that induces sparsity on the Grassmann manifold to obtain sparse estimators. The resulting objective function has a closed-form Riemann gradient which facilitates efficient computation of the penalized estimator. We leverage the state-of-the-art trust region algorithm on the Grassmann manifold to compute the proposed estimators efficiently. Simulation studies and a data application demonstrate the proposed likelihood-based estimators perform better than inverse moment-based estimators in terms of both estimation and variable selection accuracy.
Etiological proper function and the safety condition
Authors: Mortini Dario
Published: December 2023

In this paper, I develop and motivate a novel formulation of the safety condition in terms of etiological proper function. After testing this condition against the most pressing objections to safety-theoretic accounts of knowledge in the literature, my conclusion will be the following: once safety is suitably understood in terms of etiological proper function, it stands a better chance as the right anti-Gettier condition on knowledge.
Testing hypotheses about correlation matrices in general MANOVA designs
Authors: Sattler Paavo , Pauly Markus
Published: December 2023

Correlation matrices are an essential tool for investigating the dependency structures of random vectors or comparing them. We introduce an approach for testing a variety of null hypotheses that can be formulated based upon the correlation matrix. Examples cover MANOVA-type hypothesis of equal correlation matrices as well as testing for special correlation structures such as sphericity. Apart from existing fourth moments, our approach requires no other assumptions, allowing applications in various settings. To improve the small sample performance, a bootstrap technique is proposed and theoretically justified. Based on this, we also present a procedure to simultaneously test the hypotheses of equal correlation and equal covariance matrices. The performance of all new test statistics is compared with existing procedures through extensive simulations.
New perspectives in free nitrous acid (FNA) uses for sustainable wastewater management
Authors: Zuo Zhiqiang , Zheng Min , Liu Tao , Peng Yongzhen , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: December 2023

The biocidal effects of free nitrous acid (FNA) have found applications in multiple units in an urban wastewater system, including sewer networks, wastewater treatment processes, and sludge treatment processes. However, these applications are associated with chemical costs as both nitrite and acid are needed to produce FNA at the required levels. The recent discovery of novel acid-tolerant ammonia oxidizers offers the possibility to produce FNA from domestic wastewater, enabling the development of next-generation FNA-based technologies capable of achieving self-sustaining FNA production. In this study, we focus on the concept of in situ FNA generation facilitated by acid-tolerant ammonia oxidizers and highlight the multiple benefits it creates, after a brief review of the historical development of FNA-based technologies. We will discuss how wastewater systems can be made more energy-efficient and sustainable by leveraging the potential of acid-tolerant ammonia oxidizers.
Dynamic Oppositional Symmetries for Color, Jungian and Kantian Categories
Authors: Stern Julio Michael
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates some classical oppositional categories, like synthetic versus analytic, posterior versus prior, imagination versus grammar, metaphor versus hermeneutics, metaphysics versus observation, innovation versus routine, and image versus sound, and the role they play in epistemology and philosophy of science. The epistemological framework of objective cognitive constructivism is of special interest in these investigations. Oppositional relations are formally represented using algebraic lattice structures like the cube and the hexagon of opposition, with applications in the contexts of modern color theory, Kantian philosophy, Jungian psychology, and linguistics.
Physical Concentration of Heavy Minerals: A Brief Review on Low and High Intensity Magnetic Separation Process Techniques
Authors: Nzeh Nnaemeka Stanislaus , Popoola Patricia Abimbola , Adeleke Abraham , Adeosun Samson
Published: December 2023

Choice selection and application variation of physical beneficiation techniques usually employed on heavy minerals (HMs) depends greatly on mineralogy, composition, shape, particle size distribution, and physicochemical properties of the minerals. Recent advancements in the applications of HM products by modern science, engineering, technological, and metallurgical production industries, especially in the demand by nuclear and power industries, have significantly increased over the decades. This is the reason for the criticality and commerciality of HM products, which has necessitated their high demand by various industries. The recovery of HMs, such as Zr, Hf, Ti, V, Sn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Nb, Ta, and REE associated minerals, from their deposits is dependent on the extractive metallurgy of transition and refractory metals from their complex minerals. However, based on the mineral concentration effectiveness, as well as the metal extraction efficiency, several challenges have been encountered in their recovery and separation from associated impurities. On this premise, this brief review is focused on investigating magnetic separation process applications in the beneficiation/recovery of HMs. This will serve as a tool for efficient mineral concentration and upgrade as well as reducing the process steps and extraction complexity involved in the downstream measures of dissolution/decomposition and pyro-hydrometallurgical separation processes.
Spatial Disparity of Sports Infrastructure Development and Urbanization Determinants in China: Evidence from the Sixth National Sports Venues Census
Authors: Wang Junneng , Li Jianwei , Cheng Jianquan
Published: December 2023

The improvement of well-being of residents is the core of the people-centred urbanization. Inhabitants’ emphasis on healthy lifestyle draws attention to the provision of sports infrastructure. However, the spatial pattern of sport infrastructure development and in particular the driving forces from urbanization across China have not been examined yet in the literature. This paper aims to explore how the national sports infrastructure in mainland China is driven and scaled by urbanization, using data from the sixth National Sports Venues Census and a multi-scale geographically weighted regression approach. The results revealed strong regional inequality in the development of sports infrastructure in the stage of accelerating urbanization in China, with better provision of sports infrastructure in eastern than in western regions. The three dimensions of urbanization (urban population, public financial expenditure and built-up area) significantly explained the spatial disparity between 289 cities at prefecture-city level. There should be a feedback loop between the accumulative developments of urbanization and sports infrastructure. The contributing driving forces and subsequent regional heterogeneity suggest that sports space theory, the inequality amplification model, and hysteresis effect are comparatively suitable for explaining the spatial inequality characteristics of sports infrastructure development in China. A Sport Inequality Alert was conceptualized as a policy instrument for monitoring regional inequality and governing the development of sports infrastructure. It is argued that sports infrastructure development should be integrated into the national strategy for sustainable New-type Urbanization.
Individuelle und arbeitsbezogene Herausforderungen der Pflegekräfte in stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland
Authors: Zink Maria , Wendsche Johannes , Melzer Marlen
Published: December 2023

Pflegekräfte gehören zu einer der größten und bereits vor der COVID-19-Pandemie am stärksten belasteten Berufsgruppen in Deutschland. Durch die COVID-19-Pandemie wurden diese besonders stark von neuen sowie einer Verschärfung bestehender beruflicher Herausforderungen getroffen, beispielsweise hinsichtlich Infektionsrisiken, Personalmangel sowie notweniger arbeitsorganisatorischer Veränderungen. In dem vorliegenden narrativen Review erarbeiten wir einen Überblick über Herausforderungen für Führungs- und Pflegekräfte in der stationären Pflege während der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland. Bisherige Übersichtsarbeiten zu pandemieassoziierten Herausforderungen fokussieren meist auf internationale Pflegestudien. Sie geben deshalb wenig Aufschluss über Einflüsse des Pandemieverlaufs auf die Arbeit von Pflegekräften in Deutschland. Weiterhin werden in diesen Arbeiten die Vielfalt und die Interdependenz pandemieassoziierter Herausforderungen in einem komplexen soziotechnischen Arbeitssystem nicht umfassend dargestellt. Es zeigt sich, dass bereits vor dem Pandemieausbruch bestehende Probleme wie Personalmangel und eine hohe Arbeitsintensität durch die Pandemie verstärkt wurden. Das Pflegepersonal war verschiedenen beruflichen und persönlichen Herausforderungen ausgesetzt, z. B. hoher Verantwortung und starken emotionalen Anforderungen. Pflegekräfte mit Kontakt zu COVID-19-Betroffenen hatten längere und seltener beeinflussbare Arbeitszeiten sowie weniger Zeit für Erholung. Es wurden auch positive Arbeitsveränderungen wie eine verbesserte intra- und extraorganisationale sowie interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit berichtet. Die möglicherweise langfristigen Auswirkungen der berichteten Herausforderungen auf stationäre Pflegekräfte bleiben abzuwarten. Pandemieassoziierte kritische Arbeitsgestaltungsvarianten, wie beispielsweise Unplanbarkeit der Arbeit und hohe Flexibilitätsanforderungen sowie mangelnde Erholung, sind dringend zu beseitigen.
Community voices in curriculum development
Authors: Mpuangnan Kofi Nkonkonya , Ntombela Sithabile
Published: December 2023

The study aimed at incorporating community voices in curriculum development to achieve broader educational goals. Therefore, the significance of community-based knowledge and perspectives in shaping curriculum development was explored by following the Social Reconstructionist Model (SRM) developed by George Counts in the 1930s. The following questions were addressed; How effectively can community-based knowledge contribute to the enhancement of curriculum development? What approaches can be employed to develop a culturally relevant curriculum? To conduct the study, the researchers conducted a systematic literature review, and extracted data from various databases such as Scopus, WoS, IBSS, and DOAJ. Inclusion and exclusion criteria of article selection were applied by using search terms. The search criteria yielded 58 articles, books, and reports published between 1978 and 2023. Through a comprehensive analysis, the findings were categorized into emerging themes. The results demonstrated that community-based knowledge was relevant in facilitating curriculum development through other approaches like community engagement and community needs assessment. The community needs assessment process was shown to enhance curriculum quality, learner engagement, and educational outcomes. Additionally, embracing cultural diversity was identified as a valuable approach to developing a culturally responsive curriculum. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the active involvement of community members be prioritized to incorporate their knowledge, expertise, and perspectives throughout the curriculum development process.
How does ChatGPT evaluate the value of spatial information in the 4th industrial revolution?
Authors: Hwang Young-Seok , Um Jung-Sup , Pradhan Biswajeet , Choudhury Tanupriya , Schlueter Stephan
Published: December 2023

Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), developed by OpenAI, is a prominent AI model capable of understanding and generating human-like text based on input. Since terms and concepts of spatial information are contextual, the applications of ChatGPT on spatial information disciplines can be biased by the perceptions and perspectives of ChatGPT towards spatial information. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the real magnitude and level of comprehension of spatial information by ChatGPT is essential before exploring its potential applications in spatial information disciplines. This article aims to investigate how ChatGPT evaluates spatial information and its potential contributions to 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). ChatGPT has summarized a notable perspective on evaluating and utilizing spatial information in the context of the Industry 4.0. The result of this study shows that ChatGPT has a good understanding on contextual concepts related to spatial information. However, it exhibits potential biases and challenges, as its responses lean towards the technological and analytical aspects. The results provide a crucial understanding on how to leverage ChatGPT’s benefits to the fullest while recognizing its constraints, with the aim to enhance the efficacy from the perspective of applications linked to spatial information.
Plasma-Induced Interfacial Processes in Metal Halides FTIR Gas Cell Windows
Authors: Olenik Jaka , Shvalya Vasyl , Modic Martina , Ekar Jernej , Kovač Janez , Cvelbar Uroš , Walsh James L.
Published: December 2023

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is one of the most widely used vibrational diagnostic techniques to investigate gas-phase reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). However, the technique carries intrinsic challenges, particularly in relation to interfering peaks in the spectral data. This study explores the interfacial processes that occur when reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by a non-equilibrium air plasma interact with the metal halide windows of an FTIR gas cell, leading to the appearance and evolution of spurious absorption peaks which complicate spectral interpretation. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and attenuated total reflectance-FTIR spectroscopy were used to elucidate the origin of spurious absorption peaks spanning the 1400–1300 cm−1 spectral range as a result of KBr exposure to plasma generated species. It was found that plasma exposed KBr contained a lower atomic fraction of Br which was replaced by the NO3 nitrate group, the main absorbance peak of which progressively evolved with plasma exposure and affected the window transparency over the corresponding FTIR region. A correlation was revealed between KNO3 formation, plasma power and exposure time to a growth and change in molecular vibrational energies corresponding to asymmetric NO3 stretching vibrations in the KNO3 structure.
Cancer nanomedicine: emergence, expansion, and expectations
Authors: Kizhakkanoodan Keerthana Suresh , Rallapalli Yuvraj , Praveena Joyceline , Acharya Sriprasad , Guru Bharath Raja
Published: December 2023

The introduction of cancer nanomedicine has substantially enhanced the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Nano-formulations are becoming more prevalent among other treatment methods due to their improved therapeutic efficacy and low systemic toxicity. The discovery of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect has led to the development of numerous nanodrugs that passively target tumours. Then researchers identified certain cancer cells overexpress certain receptors, targeting these over-expressing receptors using targeting moiety on the surface of the nanoparticles becomes promising and surface functionalization of nanoparticles has become an important area of cancer nanomedicine. This leads to the physiochemical modification of nanoparticles for strengthening the EPR effect and active targeting. This review comprehensively outlines the origins of cancer nanomedicine, the role of the EPR effect, the tools of nanotechnology and their specifications, and the nature of passive and active targeting, which gives important direction for the progress of cancer therapy using nanomedicine. The review briefly enlists the available nano formulations for different cancers and attempts were made to account for the barriers to clinical translation. The review also briefly describes the transition of research from nanomedicine to nano-immunotherapy.
Conversion of biochar into sulfonate-bearing solid acids used for the hydrolysis of tylosin: the effect of aromaticity and degree of condensation
Authors: Xie Qianqian , Yang Xiao , Sarkar Binoy , Dou Xiaomin , Withana Piumi Amasha , Ok Yong Sik
Published: December 2023

In the last few decades, sulfonated carbon materials have garnered significant attention as Brønsted solid acid catalysts. The sulfonation process and catalytic activity of sulfonated biochar can be influenced by the aromaticity and degree of condensation exhibited by biochar. However, the relationships between the aromaticity, sulfonating ability, and resultant catalytic activity are not fully understood. In this study, biochar samples pyrolyzed at 300–650 °C exhibiting different aromaticity and degrees of condensation were sulfonated and employed as sulfonate-bearing solid catalysts for hydrolytically removing tylosin. They exhibited excellent hydrolytic performance and their kinetic constants were positively correlated with the total acidity and negatively correlated with their aromaticity. This study has uncovered the relationship between the structure, properties, sulfonating ability, and subsequent hydrolytic performance of biochar samples. It was observed that the aromaticity of biochar decreased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. Lower pyrolysis temperatures resulted in a reduced degree of condensation, smaller ring size, and an increased number of ring edge sites available for sulfonation, ultimately leading to enhanced catalytic performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental chemistry behind sulfonation upgrading of biochar, with the aim of developing functional catalysts for mitigating antibiotics in contaminated water.

Graphical Abstract
A New Preparation Method for cis-1,4-polyisoprene/Na-montmorillonite Latex Composites by in situ Solution Emulsification
Authors: Guo Liyun , Zhang Haichang , Hua Jing , Liu Danfeng
Published: December 2023

Cis-1,4-polyisoprene latex (IRL) is the best alternative to natural rubber latex (NRL), and can help to avoid human allergic reactions caused by proteins in NRL. The mechanical properties of IRL are inferior to those of NRL, however. To address this issue, a novel strategy was developed using an in situ solution emulsification to prepare a latex composite incorporating sodium montmorillonite (Na-Mnt). The properties of the latex film prepared were investigated. The dispersion state of the Mnt in the latex composites and the morphology of the resulting composite films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the mechanism of Mnt reinforcement of IRL is described comprehensively. The results showed that the Mnt/IRL latex composites prepared were stable and excellent films were formed, similar to those of NRL. The current research provided an effective method for preparing high-performance composite films suitable for use in high-end medical applications.
Exploring SLUG: Feature Selection Using Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno M. , Batista João E. , Cava William La , Vanneschi Leonardo , Silva Sara
Published: December 2023

We present SLUG, a recent method that uses genetic algorithms as a wrapper for genetic programming and performs feature selection while inducing models. SLUG was shown to be successful on different types of classification tasks, achieving state-of-the-art results on the synthetic datasets produced by GAMETES, a tool for embedding epistatic gene–gene interactions into noisy datasets. SLUG has also been studied and modified to demonstrate that its two elements, wrapper and learner, are the right combination that grants it success. We report these results and test SLUG on an additional six GAMETES datasets of increased difficulty, for a total of four regular and 16 epistatic datasets. Despite its slowness, SLUG achieves the best results and solves all but the most difficult classification tasks. We perform further explorations of its inner dynamics and discover how to improve the feature selection by enriching the communication between wrapper and learner, thus taking the first step toward a new and more powerful SLUG.
Identifying Public Tenders of Interest Using Classification Models: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Figueroa-Gómez Yeersainth , Galpin Ixent
Published: December 2023

Public procurement processes related to tenders represent one of the most important financing strategies for companies in diverse sectors, as they present the opportunity to offer services, supplies and product sales to state entities. Given the high volume of public tenders in the Colombian Government SECOP II database, manually identifying tenders of interest can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. In this work, we propose automating the identification of interesting tenders by training a supervised classification model. We manually label a sample of tenders published in the National Government open data platform, according to whether or not they are of interest to the Minuto de Dios University, and use them for model training. Several models are evaluated in order to select the best model for deployment, taking into account various metrics to determine best performance according to business needs. The best model is selected based on different analyses, comparing the application of data balancing techniques, the performance of the proposed models, and hyper-parameter settings measured against the test data.
Effects of the dark triad on word of mouth in the luxury context: the moderating role of opinion divergence
Authors: Wien Anders Hauge , Peluso Alessandro M. , Pichierri Marco , Piper Luigi , Guido Gianluigi
Published: December 2023

The study examines the effects of the dark triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) on positive word-of-mouth (WOM) intention for luxury products, and the moderating role of others’ opinion divergence (i.e., whether or not a consumer’s opinion deviates from that of the reference group). An experiment with 208 respondents tested the research hypotheses, shedding light on the moderating role of others’ opinion divergence in the relationship between each of the three dark triad traits and positive WOM intention. Results showed that psychopathy is positively (negatively) related to positive WOM intention in the presence (absence) of others’ opinion divergence. Moreover, narcissism is positively related to positive WOM intention when others’ opinion divergence is absent. Finally, Machiavellianism is negatively related to positive WOM intention when others’ opinion divergence is present. These results extend current knowledge on the influence of the dark triad traits on positive WOM intention about luxury products, offering insights for segmentation and targeting strategies in the luxury market.
Shedding light on NGLY1 deficiency: a call for awareness and support
Authors: Hasan Zainab , Warsi Syed Muhammad Farzan Ali
Published: December 2023

NGLY1 deficiency is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss of function variants in the NGLY1 gene, representing the first known congenital disorder of deglycosylation. The disorder is characterized by a range of core features, including global developmental delay and/or intellectual disability, hyperkinetic movement disorder, transient elevation of liver transaminases, hypo- or alacrima, and peripheral neuropathy. Additional symptoms such as microcephaly, hypotonia, EEG abnormalities, brain imaging abnormalities, GI disturbances, and a history of intrauterine growth restriction have been reported in some cases. NGLY1 gene mutations lead to reduced or absent N-glycanase 1 activity, resulting in the accumulation of abnormal glycoproteins within the endoplasmic reticulum and impairing protein quality control mechanisms. Diagnosis is primarily achieved through genetic testing, while the identification of the biomarker GlcNAc-Asn may facilitate diagnosis rates. Treatment options are currently limited to supportive care, although gene therapy is being developed. To advance understanding and intervention in NGLY1 deficiency, participation in patient registries, natural history studies, and interventional research is crucial. Genetic counseling is strongly recommended for carriers and individuals at risk, with consideration given to DNA preservation for future evaluations and targeted treatments.