bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food insecurity among international students’ studying in Melbourne, Australia: experiences and impacts
Authors: Catherine Waite , Beatriz Gallo Cordoba , Lucas Walsh , Sue Kleve , Tammie Choi , Agrata Mukherkee , Yuqi Lin
Published: January 2025

Food insecurity among international students at Australian universities is a hidden phenomenon obscured by shame and stigma, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis and deprivations intensified by the Covid-19 epidemic. However, there is limited diversity in understanding of young people’s navigations of food insecurity. The aims of this paper are to illuminate the experiences, impacts, management strategies and factors affecting international students’ ability to access and acquire culturally appropriate food that is nutritious, sufficient and safe. Overall, key findings relate to the importance of the early months after arrival to their country of study and the related, and increased likelihood of experiencing food insecurity during that time. These months are crucial due to competing priorities related to securing housing, study and linguistic challenges, a constrained financial situation, and the time required to develop knowledge about the city, its neighbourhoods and how best to procure safe, accessible, nutritious and culturally familiar food. Another key finding was that cultural food insecurity underscores students’ ongoing experiences with food, as well as the dissatisfaction, disconnection and melancholy that accompanies trade-offs that are inevitably made resulting in settling for locally available food that is less nutritious, culturally familiar or desirable. If international students are to be adequately supported during their time studying in Australian universities, better evidence-based solutions, informed by international students themselves, need to be identified.
An exploratory study of ASEAN students’ engagement dynamics with local communities in China, Japan, and South Korea
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Lilan , Liu Yingxin
Published: January 2025

Drastic shifts in geopolitical and economic landscapes in East Asia have escalated competition among China, Japan, and South Korea for higher education market share within ASEAN countries. This surge in ASEAN tertiary student enrollments in these countries has been altering the internationalization dynamics of not only the host universities but also the surrounding societies. Extant literature needs to be updated to address this recent influx of ASEAN tertiary students, particularly their connections with local societies within East Asia. To fill in the gap, this study explores the engagement dynamics of ASEAN students with these local societies, as well as the resultant impacts. Through semi-structured interviews, this study involved 27 participants, including ASEAN students, university administrators and staff, and representatives from local governmental and non-governmental organizations across selected locales in the 3 countries. The findings identified varying degrees of engagement among ASEAN students with local societies of the three countries across economic, socio-cultural, and diplomatic-political dimensions. This cross-national variance is potentially attributable to divergent governmental strategies and university motivations for recruiting ASEAN students.
Predictors of Frequency and Success of Wild Meat Hunting Trips and Carcass Prices in an African Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Emogor Charles A. , Ingram Daniel J. , Balmford Andrew , Fletcher Robert J. , Detoeuf Diane , Balmford Ben , Agbor Dan O. , Coad Lauren
Published: January 2025

Hunting wild animals for food and income, which is pervasive across tropical regions, drives biodiversity loss. Interventions to promote sustainable wild meat harvesting require information on hunter behavior. Here we monitored the hunting activities of 33 hunters in SE Nigeria over three years (1,106 hunter-months) to identify correlates of (a) the probability of initiating a hunting trip on any given day; (b) trip success – whether an animal was caught, and if so, how many; and (c) carcass price. We found a higher probability of initiating a trip during periods with bright moon phases and in peak agriculture season. Hunters were more likely to catch at least one animal when there was less rainfall and on shorter hunting trips. However, among successful trips, the number of animals caught increased with trip duration. Taken together, these results suggest hunters set themselves a minimum target of not returning empty-handed rather than optimally adjusting their hunting effort. Lastly, the carcass price per kilogram of a species’ meat increased with its palatability but decreased with mass, with the fall in price observed to be greater for rarely caught, smaller-bodied animals than more frequently caught animals. Our results provide deeper insights into the behavioral plasticity of wild meat hunters.
Exploring Community-Based Wildlife Tourism from an Environmental Justice Perspective: A Case Study of the Wild Olive Tree Camp in South Africa
Authors: van Megen Lizzy , Anthony Brandon P.
Published: January 2025

Within the legacy of environmental injustices in South Africa, this study explores the role of community-based wildlife tourism (CBWT) in promoting equitable land management. We discuss whether community-based initiatives, specifically related to tourism, can provide lasting structural benefits to local communities. Utilizing the environmental justice (EJ) framework, we conducted a qualitative case study involving semi-structured interviews with 23 participants involving the Wild Olive Tree Camp, a CBWT enterprise in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region in South Africa. By analyzing the neoliberal approach to environmental resources for tourism, we demonstrate that while CBWT might benefit local communities in the short term, it risks perpetuating neocolonial structures and dependencies in the long term. This study underscores the need to acknowledge historical trauma stemming from segregation and apartheid and advocates for the restructuring of power imbalances in tourism management while promoting equitable access to knowledge and land rights. This study contributes to the EJ scholarship by contextualizing these issues within the historical reality of the region.
Social Entrepreneurial Marketing and Innovation in B2B Services: Building Resilience with Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Olan Femi , Papadopoulos Thanos , Spanaki Konstantina , Jayawickrama Uchitha
Published: January 2025

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and other digital technologies are altering the nature of social entrepreneurship, marketing, and other service activities. The structures and strategies of entrepreneurs undergo radical change as a result of the impact of XAI on marketing and innovation. Despite the increased interest in business to business (B2B) literature, there are limitations on how and what circumstances the activities of B2B marketing on social entrepreneurship. Therefore, this study outlines how XAI will impact B2B services by building resilience during and after crisis events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To develop an in-depth understanding on the theories of social entrepreneurship, B2B marketing, and emerging technologies, this study set apart and conceptualize relevant factors and linkages. The result shows that based on a survey of 295 samples of B2B services entrepreneurial businesses, XAI enhances the establishment of a sustainable resilience for B2B marketing activities and contribute to building social entrepreneurial strategies for B2B marketing innovation.
Computer-Assisted Proofs for Lyapunov Stability via Sums of Squares Certificates and Constructive Analysis
Authors: Devadze Grigory , Magron Victor , Streif Stefan
Published: January 2025

We provide a computer-assisted approach to ensure that a given discrete-time polynomial system is (asymptotically) stable. Our framework relies on constructive analysis together with formally certified sums of squares Lyapunov functions. The crucial steps are formalized within the proof assistant

$$\texttt {Minlog}$$

Minlog

. We illustrate our approach with an example issued from the control system literature.
Parametric Topological Entropy of Possibly Discontinuous Maps in Compact Hausdorff Spaces and Hyperspaces
Authors: Andres Jan , Ludvík Pavel
Published: January 2025

It is well known that the topological entropy of the induced hyperspace map is positive, provided so is the topological entropy of the original continuous single-valued map. In this paper we ask whether this is also true for the sequences of multivalued maps. In particular, we consider various definitions (some of them for the first time) of topological entropy for multivalued nonautonomous dynamical systems in compact Hausdorff spaces and investigate their mutual relations. We explain that some of them can deal with arbitrary multivalued maps, i.e. without regularity restrictions. For upper semicontinuous multivalued maps, we study the parametric topological entropy of the induced possibly discontinuous dynamical systems in hyperspaces. We show, among other things, that a comparison of different types of entropy notions allows us to make the entropy estimates without direct calculations. Several illustrative examples are supplied.
Exploration of Roles and Contribution of Spiritual Care Practitioners in Mental Health: An Australian Study
Authors: Malviya Shikha , Greenham Jenny
Published: January 2025

Mental health is inherently multidimensional, requiring a holistic approach to intervention that integrates various aspects of an individual’s well-being. Spirituality, a vital component of mental health, remains under addressed in Australian mental healthcare. Spiritual care practitioners may play a key role in addressing spiritual needs in mental healthcare; however, their roles and contributions in this context remain unexplored in the extant literature. Bridging this gap, this study explores the potential role of spiritual care practitioners within mental health context. Using a qualitative research approach, this study engaged eight experienced spiritual care practitioners working in various mental health settings across Australia (n = 8). Through reflexive thematic analysis, the study identified and examined the practitioners’ perspectives on their roles and contributions. The findings were summarised in three overarching themes: (1)  Core values; (2) Unique contributions in mental health; and (3) Spiritual care practitioners in the mental health system. The study’s findings suggest that by employing a person-centred approach, spiritual care practitioners can play a crucial role in mental health assessments and interventions. Their contributions include providing insights rooted in clients’ unique spiritual beliefs, aiding in the discernment between spiritual experiences and psychopathological symptoms, advocating for clients’ spiritual needs, and supporting the education of mental health professionals. The study also highlights the need for professional recognition of spiritual care practitioners and their greater integration within the mental health system.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Psychological Benefits of a Daily Examen-Based Practice
Authors: Plante Thomas G. , Feldman David B. , Ge Jacqueline , Cortese Anthony
Published: January 2025

This is a randomized controlled trial of an Examen-based practice, an intervention reflecting a five-step daily reflection and prayer practice developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Catholic Jesuit order. Like other practices (e.g., mindfulness, yoga), this practice can be used as a spiritual or secular intervention to help people with a variety of challenges and stressors. In this exploratory study, 57 university students were randomly assigned to a two-week daily Examen-based condition, while 58 students were assigned to a wait-list control condition. Questionnaires measuring hope, life meaning, satisfaction with life, mindfulness, compassion, stress, anxiety, and depression were administered pre- and post-intervention and subsequently at two-week follow-up. Significant differences were found for conditions on the measures of life meaning, satisfaction with life, and hope, suggesting that the Examen-based practice produces improvements in individuals’ global evaluations of their lives as well as their perceptions of the future. Suggestions for further research are offered.
Synthesize and characterization of a novel sol–gel-driven Bi2O3 semiconductor: complete degradation and fast photocatalytic activity for paracetamol
Authors: Akşit Derman , Sayil Cigdem , Soylu Gülin Selda Pozan
Published: January 2025

The pollutants are getting released fluently as a waste from the pharmaceutical pollutants leading to the decrease in quality of water. The widespread occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. Besides, today carbon dioxide emissions and other forms of pollution appear to be a critical global issue. In this study, Bi2O3 catalyst has been prepared via co-precipitation (CP) and a facile sol–gel (SG) methods used as photocatalyst for the degradation of paracetamol (PAR) under different light sources. The preparation method has significant effect on the optical and structural properties of the catalysts. The tetragonal phase of Bi2O3, the presence of more surface OH groups and lower band gap energy remarkably improved the sun-light-driven photoactivity of PAR. The photocatalysts have been characterized by some structural and morphological analysis techniques and optical analysis techniques. In addition, zeta potential (ZP) measurements were performed to explain the impact of the initial pH of solution on photocatalytic degradation. Identification of PAR and the reaction intermediates was determined using Liquid Chromatography-Mass/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Higher photocatalytic activity was obtained with the Bi2O3-SG (1:2) catalyst at pH 5 compared to the activity of Bi2O3-CP. Moreover, Bi2O3-SG (1:2) achieved the highest photocatalytic activity at pH 3. The photocatalytic activity was enhanced, and the time required for 100% degradation of PAR was reduced from 60 min to 30 min and 15 min under UVB irradiation and directly sun light irradiation, respectively. The highest reaction rate (0.086 (min−1)) were obtained in 15 min with the Bi2O3-SG (1:2) catalyst. The results showed TOC removal could be achieved in 60 min 99.19 and 88.97% for Bi2O3-SG and Bi2O3-CP, respectively. In general, sol–gel-driven Bi2O3 as a flower and needle-like morphology, can reveal excellent opportunities in the photocatalytic technology.

Graphical Abstract
Dual-roles and beyond: values, ethics, and practices in forensic mental health decision-making
Authors: Pedersen Sven H. , Radovic Susanna , Nilsson Thomas , Eriksson Lena
Published: January 2025

Forensic mental health services (FMHS) involve restricting certain individual rights to uphold or promote other ethical values – the restriction of liberty in various forms is justified with reference to health and safety of the individual and the community. The tension that arises from this has been construed as a hallmark of the practice and an ever-present quandary for practitioners. Stating this ethical dilemma upfront is a common point of departure for many texts discussing FMHS. But do we run the risk of missing something important if setting the ethical scene rather than exploring it? This paper draws on interviews with three types of interested parties in mental health law proceedings – patients, psychiatrists and public defenders, and seeks to tease out what values are enacted when they describe and discuss experiences of FMHS and court proceedings. In doing so, we find emphasized values such as acceptance, telling it like it is, atonement, normality, and ensuring the future. We find that well-delineated and separate values are not necessarily the basis for decisions. We also find potential for explanation and guidance in bringing ethical discourse closer to everyday practice.
Healthcare exceptionalism: should healthcare be treated differently when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
Authors: Parker Joshua
Published: January 2025

Healthcare systems produce significant greenhouse gas emissions, raising an important question: should healthcare be treated like any other polluter when it comes to reducing its emissions, or is healthcare special because of its essential societal role? On one hand, reducing emissions is critical to combat climate change. On the other, healthcare depends on emissions to deliver vital services. The resulting tension surrounds an idea of healthcare exceptionalism and leads to the question I consider in this paper: to what extent (if any) should the valuable goals of healthcare form an exception to the burdens of reducing greenhouse gas emissions? The goals of this paper are twofold. One is to think about how to address the issue of healthcare exceptionalism. Second is to discuss the extent of healthcare’s climatic responsibilities. I examine two perspectives on healthcare exceptionalism. The first treats a responsibility to reduce emissions and the delivery of healthcare as separate issues, each governed by its own principle. I reject this view, proposing instead that we consider healthcare’s environmental responsibilities in conjunction with its essential functions. I defend an “inability to pay” principle, suggesting that while healthcare should indeed contribute to mitigating climate change, its obligations should be constrained by the necessity of maintaining its core goals like protecting health and preventing disease. Healthcare should be treated differently from other sectors, but not to the extent that it is entirely exempt from efforts to reduce emissions.
Mining population opinion about local police
Authors: Matos Kenny , Ribeiro Ricardo , Ferreira João C.
Published: January 2025

Sentiment analysis, or opinion mining, is an important task of natural language processing (NLP) that extracts opinions, attitudes, and emotions from text. With the growth of digital platforms like blogs and social networks, opinion mining has become a key tool for organizations to understand public sentiment. In recent research, machine learning and lexicon-based approaches have been applied to analyze sentiments. Our work specifically focuses on national security, where sentiment analysis offers crucial insights into local opinions, helping authorities gauge public mood. As part of our research, we developed the Public Sensing about Police Platform, a prototype system designed to analyze emotions from social networks. This system generates dashboards for law enforcement and security agencies, providing actionable intelligence for public safety. Our findings show that “Hate” was the most common emotion expressed in relation to police interventions, indicating widespread unpopularity of these actions and a resulting sense of insecurity among the public.
Osilodrostat improves blood pressure and glycemic control in patients with Cushing’s disease: a pooled analysis of LINC 3 and LINC 4 studies
Authors: Fleseriu Maria , Pivonello Rosario , Newell-Price John , Gadelha Mônica R. , Biller Beverly M. K. , Auchus Richard J. , Feelders Richard A. , Shimatsu Akira , Witek Przemysław , Bex Marie , Piacentini Andrea , Pedroncelli Alberto M. , Lacroix André
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of osilodrostat and hypercortisolism control on blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control in patients with Cushing’s disease.

Methods

Pooled analysis of two Phase III osilodrostat studies (LINC 3 and LINC 4), both comprising a 48-week core phase and an optional open-label extension. Changes from baseline in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated during osilodrostat treatment in patients with/without hypertension or diabetes at baseline.

Results

Of 210 patients, 82.9% met criteria for hypertension and 40.0% for diabetes at baseline. In patients with hypertension, reductions in mean SBP/DBP were observed from week (W)12 to W72, and 49.1%/58.5% of patients with high SBP/DBP (> 130/>90 mmHg) at baseline had normotensive levels at W72. Antihypertensive medication dose was reduced/stopped in 26.8% of patients, and the proportion taking antihypertensive medication decreased from 54.3% at baseline to 47.3% at W72. In patients with diabetes, mean FPG and HbA1c decreased from W12 to W72, and 33.3%/61.5% with high FPG/HbA1c (≥ 100 mg/dL/≥6.5%) at baseline had normal levels at W72. Antihyperglycemic medication dose was reduced/stopped in 35.7% of patients, and the proportion taking antihyperglycemic medication decreased from 21.9% at baseline to 17.1% at W72; improvements in SBP/DBP and FPG/HbA1c were correlated with improvement in mean urinary free cortisol but not weight change. BP/glycemic parameters generally remained normal in patients without hypertension/diabetes at baseline.

Conclusions

Patients with Cushing’s disease and comorbid hypertension/diabetes receiving osilodrostat had rapid and sustained improvements in SBP/DBP and glycemic control, respectively.
Correlates of prolonged length of stay after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: varying definitions and non-clinical factors
Authors: Shah Khushi H. , Susic Nikola , DiStefano Nicholas V. , Knott Maxon V. , Khalafallah Adham M. , Lu Victor M. , Benjamin Carolina G. , Shah Ashish H. , Sargi Zoukaa B. , Komotar Ricardo J. , Ivan Michael E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Prolonged length of stay (PLOS) can lead to resource misallocation and higher complication risks. However, there is no consensus on defining PLOS for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS). Therefore, we investigated the impact of varying PLOS definitions on factors associated with PLOS in patients undergoing ETPS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent ETPS at our institution from 2012 to 2023. Patients were divided into non-PLOS and PLOS groups based on varying definitions of PLOS: > median, > 4 days, > 75th percentile, and > 90th percentile. Bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and t-tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified significant predictors for each PLOS definition.

Results

Our cohort (n = 808) had a mean age of 54.37 ± 16.06 years, 50.43% male, and a median LOS of 3 days. The 75th and 90th percentiles of LOS were 4 and 6 days, respectively. The way PLOS was defined influenced associated factors identified. Preoperative KPS score, non-private insurance, and non-home discharge disposition were associated with PLOS across all definitions used (p < 0.05). Increased preoperative tumor volumes and postoperative hyponatremia were associated with PLOS only when defined by the 75th and 90th percentiles (p < 0.05). Non-White race and low income were significantly associated with PLOS > median while intraoperative CSF leak was a significant predictor for PLOS > 90th percentile (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the variability in predictors of PLOS based on its definition and emphasizes the role of non-clinical factors on LOS.
Relationship between plasma urea and copeptin in response to arginine stimulation in healthy adults, patients with vasopressin deficiency and primary polydipsia
Authors: Atila Cihan , Lustenberger Sven , Chifu Irina , Ferrante Emanuele , Erlic Zoran , Drummond Juliana B. , Indirli Rita , Drexhage Roosmarijn , Powlson Andrew S. , Gurnell Mark , Santana Soares Beatriz , Hofland Johannes , Beuschlein Felix , Fassnacht Martin , Winzeler Bettina , Refardt Julie , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: January 2025

Background

Arginine infusion stimulates copeptin secretion, a surrogate marker of arginine vasopressin (AVP), thereby serving as a diagnostic test in the differential diagnosis of suspected AVP deficiency (AVP-D). Yet, the precise mechanism underlying the stimulatory effect of arginine on the vasopressinergic system remains elusive. Arginine plays a significant role in the urea cycle and increases the production of urea. An increase in plasma urea concentration raises blood osmolality, thereby possibly stimulating AVP release. We therefore hypothesized that the stimulatory effect of arginine on AVP may involve an increase in plasma urea levels.

Methods

This analysis combined data from two prospective diagnostic studies. In total, 30 healthy adults (HA), 69 patients with AVP-D, and 89 patients with primary polydipsia (PP) underwent the arginine stimulation test. Infusion of arginine (L-­arginine­-hydrochloride 21%) at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight diluted in 500 mL of 0.9% normal saline was administered over 30 min. Blood was collected at baseline and 60, 90, and 120 min to analyze plasma copeptin and urea. The main objective was to investigate urea dynamics in response to arginine administration and its effect on copeptin release.

Results

Plasma urea levels at baseline were comparable and increased 60 min after arginine infusion with a median (IQR) change of + 1.1 mmol/L (+ 0.8, + 1.5) in HA, + 1.4 mmol/L (+ 1.1, + 1.7) in patients with AVP-D and + 1.3 mmol/L (+ 0.9, + 1.5) in patients with PP. Concurrently, plasma copeptin levels substantially increased 60 min from baseline in HA (median change + 5.3 pmol/L (+ 3.2, + 8.8)) and in patients with PP (median change + 2.4 pmol/L (+ 1.2, + 3.8)), but remained stable in patients with AVP-D (median change + 0.3 pmol/L (+ 0.1, + 0.6)). Plasma urea and copeptin levels correlated the most in HA, with a Spearman’s rho of 0.41 at baseline. Patients with AVP-D and PP showed only weak correlations of plasma urea and copeptin, with a correlation coefficient between 0.01 and 0.28.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a slight increase in plasma urea levels in response to arginine, but plasma urea and copeptin levels were weakly correlated. Based on these findings, the stimulatory effect of arginine on AVP cannot be explained primarily by increasing urea levels.
Biofortification of Acacia and Polyflower Honey with Pine sylvestris L. Bud Extracts: Exploring Antioxidant Variation Across Developmental Stages for Enhanced Nutritional Value
Authors: Szanto Lidia Gizella , Marc Romina Alina , Mureşan Andruța Elena , Mureșan Crina Carmen , Puşacş Andreea , Ranga Floricuța , Fetea Florinela , Moraru Paula Ioana , Filip Miuța , Muste Sevastița
Published: January 2025

Honey is a valuable natural product with antioxidant properties, and its quality is influenced by various factors, including botanical origin and biofortification. Pine bud extracts, known for their antioxidant capacity, were explored to enhance the properties of acacia and polyflower honey. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pine bud extracts at different maturation stages on the moisture content, dry matter, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content (TPC) of acacia and polyflower honey. Acacia and polyflower honey were biofortified with pine bud extracts at three maturation stages (Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III). Various analyses were performed, including moisture and dry matter content determination, total phenolic content measurement using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity assessment through DPPH radical scavenging. FTIR analysis was used to study the chemical composition of the biofortified honeys. Results showed that Acacia and polyflower honey maintained moisture content below 20%, with biofortification significantly enhancing their antioxidant profiles. The highest total phenolic content (247 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g) and DPPH scavenging activity (55 ± 0.05%) were observed in Acacia honey biofortified at maturation stage II. Polyflower honey exhibited increased phenolic content (232.9 ± 0.9 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (52.45%) when biofortified at maturation stage II. Significant color changes were observed in polyflower honey, with a* and b* values increasing, indicating darker coloration. The biofortification of honey with pine bud extracts enhances its antioxidant and nutritional profile. This approach holds potential for the production of functional foods with improved health benefits. Further studies should explore its commercial feasibility and other potential bioactive compounds.
Validation of the FROM-16 in family members of patients receiving advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP)
Authors: Brilliant Charles D. , Finlay Andrew Y. , Salek Sam M. , Shah Rubina , Bacon Emily , Laing Hamish
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Outcome-based pricing models which consider domains of value not previously considered in healthcare, such as societal outcomes, are of increasing interest for healthcare systems. Societal outcomes can include family-reported outcome measures (FROMs), which measure the impact of disease upon the patient’s family members. The FROM-16 is a generic and easy-to-use family quality of life tool, but it has never been used in the context of patients undergoing advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) treatment. The use of potentially curative ATMPs is limited due their high cost and the low number of eligible patients. Using the FROM-16 to collect the impact on family of disease and treatment in ATMP patients may demonstrate additional value created by an ATMP intervention and strengthen the case for its use.

Methods

This feasibility study aimed to test the validity of the FROM-16 in family members of ATMP patients as a prelude for its use in ATMP value estimation. Patients and family members (n = 24) were recruited from ATMP treatment centres in England and Wales. Family members completed the FROM-16 and were invited to a short debriefing interview.

Results

The FROM-16 showed high validity demonstrated by strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.917) and intraclass correlation (0.803, 95%). Interviews identified that whilst the FROM-16 covered most areas of quality-of-life impact experienced by the participants, some explained that they also experienced other impacts upon their personal health and future outlook.

Conclusion

This feasibility study provides evidence that the FROM-16 could be used as part of a structured systematic approach to measure family quality of life impact in ATMP patients.
Standardized Testing for Diverse Talent Identification: A Framework to Address Geographical Bias in Standardized Testing and Increase Diversity in College Admissions in the Post-Affirmative Action/Race-Neutral Admissions Era
Authors: Canché Manuel S. González , Zheng Kaiwen , Song Yantao , Liang Yunhao
Published: January 2025

Despite the emergence of test-optional policies, standardized admission tests continue shaping the college composition and financial aid prospects of hundreds of thousands of students. This is concerning for the following reasons: (a) standardized test results have historically favored test-takers from wealthier and majority backgrounds, (b) test optional policies have prominently not translated into more diverse student bodies, and (c) on June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional to consider race and ethnicity in college admission decisions. All of which threatens student body diversity in the United States. With this context in mind, this study contributes to this literature in three ways. Methodologically, based on spatial econometrics, neighborhood effects, and concentrated advantage/disadvantage literatures, and employing two different analytic samples, one at the state level and one national in scope, the study demonstrates that variations in test performance are explained by test-takers' spatially contextualized circumstances beyond their individual-level characteristics. Substantively, the study identifies relevant place-based, geographical predictors of performance on standardized tests. Pragmatically, our study offers researchers and admission officers with a tool that enables the easy identification of outstanding, qualified test-takers whom, despite experiencing life in places with high levels of socioeconomic hardship, mastered these tests, statistically outperforming in doing so their peers who grew up in the same neighborhoods. From this perspective, our proposed framework offers a feasible solution to the challenge of locating what Hoxby and Avery referred to as the hidden supply of high-achieving, low-income students. Accordingly, the overarching goal of this study aligns with the notion of talent maximization/human capitalization by providing a reproducible tool (replication code access: https://cutt.ly/3wvv2kgr) to identify high achieving students located in at risk areas. Since the identification framework of outstanding test-takers discussed in this study does not consider race or ethnicity, it does not violate the Supreme Court’s ruling that prevents using race and ethnicity for admission decisions. Remarkably, our proposed high-achieving, low-income students detection framework does identify standardized test-takers living in highly socioeconomic and ethnic diverse neighborhoods (see https://cutt.ly/hwvraSQD), which if recruited by admission officers and offered financial aid, may contribute to making the selection process more equitable, fairer, and may ultimately translate into more diverse student bodies.
The posterior cruciate ligament angle in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees: the effect of gender, age, time from injury and tibial slope
Authors: Di Maria Fabrizio , D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Fusco Stefano , Abermann Elisabeth , Fink Christian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) angle in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees and correlate it with anatomical and demographic factors such as tibial slope, anterior tibial translation, age, gender, and time of injury.

Material and methods

Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were clinically diagnosed with an ACL tear confirmed by MRI. For each patient, the following parameters were evaluated: PCL angle (PCLA), medial tibial slope (MTS), lateral tibial slope (LTS), medial anterior tibial translation (MATT), and lateral anterior tibial translation (LATT).

Results

A total of 193 patients were included in the study, comprising 91 (47.2%) females and 102 (52.8%) males, with a mean age of 30.27 ± 12.54 years. The mean time from injury to MRI was 14.18 ± 55.77 days. In the overall population, the mean PCL angle was 128.72 ± 10.33°, the mean medial tibial slope was 3.57 ± 2.33°, and the mean lateral tibial slope was 6.07 ± 3.52°. The mean medial and lateral anterior tibial translations were 4.76 ± 2.02 mm and 7.01 ± 2.48 mm, respectively. In 190 cases (98.4%), the PCL angle was ≥ 105°. The PCL angle negatively correlated with medial and lateral anterior tibial translation (p < 0.05). Females exhibited a higher PCL angle compared to males (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

In the context of ACL lesions, the PCL angle has a normal value in acute injuries (> 105°) and decreases over time. The PCL angle is negatively correlated with anterior tibial translation, and females have a higher PCL angle compared to males.

Level of evidence IV

Retrospective Cohort.
The Wisdom of Negativity: Embracing Public Concerns About Emerging Technologies
Authors: Dixson Henry G. W.
Published: January 2025

There can be a temptation to dismiss moral pushback against novel science and technology, particularly commonplace labels for nanotechnology and synthetic biology like “playing God” or “messing with nature". One of the reasons for this is an implicit association between tragic themes and a lack of constructive benefit. Therefore, this paper uses concepts from art and cinema to offer a new perspective on public "fears": ecstatic reframing. By treating negative narratives not as roadblocks to progress, but portals into latent dreams, this novel method reframes such views as housing a positive vision. However, while this offers a new approach regarding public talk of emerging science and technology, lay ethics is ultimately insufficient to deal with the underlying problems that stimulate their tragic tone. This paper uses a classic concept from anthropology--rites of passage--to argue that public unease is fundamentally cultural: modernity's lack of a collectively agreed upon worldview and primordial ritual structure for stewarding change. This "cultural deficit" may lie at the core of tragic narratives regarding emerging science and technology.
Assessing levels of flourishing: Diener’s flourishing scale reveals greater insights into low flourishing in a Hungarian sample
Authors: Varga Balázs András , Oláh Attila , Urbán Róbert , Jakab Judit , Vargha András
Published: January 2025

The present study seeks to validate Diener’s flourishing scale in the context of a sizable Hungarian sample and explore its informative characteristics across diverse score ranges to discern the levels of flourishing accurately captured by the instrument. A large cross-sectional sample (N = 1540) was used for the study. The analyses, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), established model fit and invariance across distinct groups (sex and education), validating the scale’s construct validity. Correlative validities were assessed by examining associations with Savoring and PERMA constructs, along with their subscales. Additionally, Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to explore the latent relationship between flourishing and its constituent items. The study strongly supported the one-dimensional model of flourishing by confirming its factor structure within the Hungarian context. Measurement invariance across gender and education was established, ensuring consistent measurement across diverse groups. The Flourishing Scale displayed robust validity, correlating significantly with Savoring and PERMA constructs (r =|0.39| to|0.71|). Nevertheless, the IRT analysis revealed limitations for scores above the mean, indicating higher standard errors and reduced precision in assessing flourishing levels, particularly for respondents with elevated scores. The Diener’s flourishing scale demonstrated robust fit and exhibited commendable reliability and validity within the extensive Hungarian sample under investigation. However, the IRT findings underscored the need for cautious interpretation when gauging higher levels of flourishing, as the scale’s precision may be somewhat compromised in this range.
Measuring psychological flexibility and inflexibility: further psychometric evidence of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory short form (MPFI-24) in Spanish population
Authors: Barrado-Moreno Victoria , Esteve Rosa , López-Martínez Alicia E. , Ramírez-Maestre Carmen
Published: January 2025

The Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) is a recently developed measure of psychological flexibility and inflexibility (PF and PI) based on the Hexaflex/Inflexahex Model. The aim of this article was to assess the factorial structure, reliability, and convergent and criterion validity of the MPFI-24 in a sample from Spain. The MPFI-24 was tested in a sample of 508 university students (Study 1). Items comprising the acceptance and Experiential Avoidance (EA) subscales were rewritten and tested in a sample of 406 university students (Study 2). Participants completed online cross-sectional surveys including the Spanish MPFI-24, and measures of PF, PI, and mental health. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a six-component first-order factor structure for PF and for PI. The MPFI-24 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and criterion validity. The MPFI-24 is a promising tool. Potential areas for improvement of the measure are discussed.
An Inventory of Problems (IOP) Study of Symptom and Performance Validity in a Sample of Driver’s License Renewal or Reinstatement Applicants
Authors: Laera Domenico , Pignolo Claudia , Barbara Giuseppina , Carucci Maria , Giromini Luciano , Erdodi Laszlo , Pasqualini Sara , Lorenzoni Alessandro , Zennaro Alessandro , Chiloiro Dora
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the specificity of the Inventory of Problems (IOP) tests, specifically the IOP-29 and its memory module (IOP-M), in a high-stakes environment. The study involved 114 Italian adults who applied for the renewal or reinstatement of their driver’s license after it had been revoked due to psychiatric, cognitive, or legal issues. The IOP-29 and the IOP-M were administered alongside other tests. Data analysis revealed very few positive results for both the IOP-29 and the IOP-M, indicating high specificity in detecting a possible negative response bias. In fact, the false positive rate (or, more accurately, the presumably false positive rate) was less than 5% for each of the two IOP components, meaning that the specificity for the standard cutoff values of each IOP component (i.e., IOP-29 ≥ 0.50 and IOP-M ≤ 29) was above 0.95. Taken together, these results contribute to the growing body of research supporting the use of the IOP-29 and IOP-M in applied settings where mild cognitive impairment might be present. However, further studies are needed to validate these results in populations with moderate or severe cognitive impairment.
Evaluating Greeting Models for Human-Robot Engagement During First Encounters
Authors: Avelino João , Moreno Plinio , Correia Filipa , Garcia-Marques Leonel , Ventura Rodrigo , Bernardino Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Engagement during first encounters needs both parties to comprehend each other’s intent without mutual information. A robot may fail to engage someone because people are unaware of the robot’s presence or intent to interact, or because they are uninterested in interacting with robots. In this paper, we compared three different greeting strategies for mobile social robots in first encounters with humans using the Kendon’s greeting protocol, which was derived from observations of human greeting behaviors. The theoretical protocol defines a sequence of six phases during greetings: initiation of the approach, distance salutation, head dip, approach, final approach, and close salutation. The three greeting strategies we compare in our empirical studies specifically implement the first three phases of the Kendon’s model (M1), the six phases (M2), or the six phases as a response of the human greeting phase (M3). We performed a user study during a public art exhibition in two different situations: in-the-wild and with invited participants. The results of these two experiments combined both quantitative and qualitative measures and support that people’s engagement and impressions of the robot can be enhanced when the robot employs M2 and M3, compared to M1. Our results generally support that Kendon’s greeting model is effective in human-robot first encounters for mobile social robots. We also discuss important considerations for running in-the-wild robotic experiments.
New functionalized magnetite chitosan–heterocyclic nanocomposites excelling in Cd2+ removal from aqueous solution with biological activity
Authors: Fouda Safaa R. , Abuessawy Asmaa , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , S.El-Hema Hagar , Eisa Mohamed N. , Hawata Mohamed A.
Published: January 2025

Newly modified magnetic chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized for the high-efficiency removal of cadmium ions from aquatic environments. The structure and morphology of the composites were confirmed using FTIR, TGA, XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, SAED pattern analysis, and zeta potential. Under optimal conditions (pH = 6.0, contact time = 120 min, and sorbent dosage = 0.005 g/100 mL), the maximum removal of Cd (II) by synthesized samples MC, SA, and SB was 90.8%, 95%, and 95.15%, respectively. The kinetic data at optimal pH = 6 could be accurately described using a pseudo-second-order equation, while the Langmuir isotherm model best represented the sorption process. The Langmuir Qmax values for the synthesized nanocomposites S*, S3, S4, S*t, S3t, and S4t were 243.90, 250, 270.27, 212.76, 237.09, and 238.09, respectively. The thermodynamic analysis of these samples shows that the sorption process was exothermic (negative ∆H°) − 15.148, − 13.60, − 13.18, − 18.163, − 16.820, and − 16.06 kJmol−1, respectively. This implies that the diffusion of Cd(II) on the sorbent decreased with the temperature rise. The positive values of ΔS⁰ were 152.37, 147.80, 146.83, 160.94, 157.08, and 154.93 kJmol−1, respectively. The antimicrobial properties of the functionalized sorbents SA and SB were evaluated by measuring the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, representing Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. SA and SB showed promising activity, demonstrating clear zones of (20 ± 0.2 and 18 ± 0.4 mm), and (22 ± 0.2 and 20 ± 0.4 mm) for S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Additionally, these sorbents demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, with the highest scavenging percentages of 94.20% and 96.63%, respectively, at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, as assessed by the DPPH method.
Physical experimental simulation of unconventional reservoir formation process for carboniferous in Hudson Oilfield, Tarim Basin
Authors: Wang Rujun , Tang Yongliang , Zhou Wei , Zhou Daiyu , Wu Zangyuan , Shao Guangqiang
Published: January 2025

This study conducts a comprehensive investigation into theformation mechanisms of unconventional oil reservoirs within the Carboniferous strata of the Hudson Oilfield in the Tarim Basin. By combining extensive geological surveys with a custom-built, physically simulated cross-sectional model, this work elucidates the intricate interlayer distribution and its profound impact on reservoir heterogeneity. The non-equilibrium dynamics at the oil–water interface are revealed, shedding light on how variations in reservoir properties influence hydrocarbon migration and accumulation patterns. Through a detailed examination of the interplay among Carboniferous stratigraphy, reservoir instability, and trap adjustments, the findings yield several key outcomes: a demonstrated correlation between randomly distributed calcareous interlayers and resulting in a 30% increase in heterogeneity indices over conventional models. Documentation of oil–water interface inclinations exceeding 100 m and lateral hydrocarbon reversals in 20% of examined reservoirs, contradicting conventional understanding. Evidence that porosity and permeability fluctuations significantly affect hydrocarbon accumulations, leading to a 45% discrepancy in recoverable reserve estimates. And the application of advanced simulations, enhancing unconventional reservoir prediction accuracy by 25% compared to standard geological techniques. These collective insights significantly advance the understanding of Carboniferous unconventional reservoir evolution, informing future exploration strategies and challenging established theories in petroleum geoscience. This highlights the necessity of accounting for reservoir instability and interlayer intricacy in deciphering unconventional hydrocarbon systems.