bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase II Trial of Enfortumab Vedotin in Patients With Previously Treated Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Swiecicki Paul L. , Yilmaz Emrullah , Rosenberg Ari Joseph , Fujisawa Takao , Bruce Justine Yang , Meng Changting , Wozniak Michele , Zhao Yongyun , Mihm Michael , Kaplan Jason , Gorla Seema , Geiger Jessica L.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Despite advances in immunotherapy, unresectable recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) carries a poor prognosis, and effective treatments are needed. As nectin-4 is widely expressed in HNC, enfortumab vedotin (EV), a nectin-4–directed antibody-drug conjugate, was explored in HNC in EV-202 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT04225117
).

METHODS

This open-label, multicohort, phase II study evaluated intravenous EV 1.25 mg/kg on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. In the HNC cohort, eligible patients had recurrent/metastatic HNC and had received platinum-based therapy for locally advanced/metastatic disease and a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. The primary end point was investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST version 1.1. Secondary end points were investigator-assessed duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS); and safety.

RESULTS

The primary analysis included 46 patients; all received EV (median follow-up, 9.3 months). Most patients (52.2%) had ≥3 previous lines of systemic therapy in the metastatic setting. Confirmed ORR was 23.9%, DCR was 56.5%, and median DOR was not reached (median DOR was 9.4 months at a later data cutoff [median follow-up, 11.3 months]). Median PFS and OS were 3.9 and 6.0 months, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurring in >20% of patients were alopecia (28.3%), fatigue (26.1%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (23.9%). Sixteen patients (34.8%) experienced grade ≥3 TRAEs; anemia and decreased neutrophil count occurred in ≥1 patient (both n = 2; 4.3%).

CONCLUSION

EV demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated HNC. Safety was consistent with the known safety profile of EV; no new safety signals were identified. These data support further evaluation of EV for advanced HNC not amenable to definitive local therapy.
Advances in Vulvar Cancer Biology and Management
Authors: Chehade Rania , Jerzak Katarzyna J. , Tavanger Farideh , Plotkin Anna , Gien Lilian T. , Leung Eric , Mackay Helen
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), a rare gynecologic malignancy, has been rising in incidence. Molecular classification on the basis of human papilloma virus (HPV) and tumor protein 53 (p53) status has identified three clinically distinct subtypes, but we still treat all VSCCs the same. Here, we review molecular classification of VSCC, outline treatment landscape, and highlight potential for targeted therapies in advanced VSCC.

DESIGN

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on treatment of advanced VSCC with particular focus on the implications of molecular stratification on the basis of HPV and p53 status on the treatment landscape of advanced VSCC.

RESULTS

Incorporation of HPV and p53 status in locoregional treatment decision making has the potential to advise (de)escalation strategies. The role of immunotherapy, alone and in combination, requires further exploration particularly earlier in the course of the disease. In advanced stages, potential for targeted therapies in VSCCs include inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial growth factor receptor, cell cycle, and DNA damage response, particularly in HPV-negative (HPV–) VSCCs. Targeting the phosphoinositide 3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway is attractive in HPV-positive and HPV–/p53 wildtype VSCCs. Trials incorporating antibody-drug conjugates (eg, trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) should be considered, and basket trials in perineal squamous cell cancers are warranted. Preclinical models are limited and should be expanded to inform trial design.

CONCLUSION

Like other rare cancers, vulvar cancer lags behind in the identification and optimization of precision medicine strategies. Molecular-based preclinical models and rationally designed clinical trials, incorporating high-quality translational studies, are urgently required. These trials will require international collaboration to ensure feasibility and improvement of outcomes for women diagnosed with this disease.
Willingness of Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer to Participate in Prevention Trials
Authors: Mastrogiacomo Cecilia N. , Courtepatte Alexa , Moyer Anne , Preece Christina , Thompson Patricia , Stopeck Alison
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

The factors affecting women's willingness to participate (WTP) in breast cancer (BC) prevention trials are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of interventions associated with a higher WTP among high BC risk women.

METHODS

Women who self-identified as being at an increased risk of BC were recruited to a cross-sectional study of WTP in BC prevention trials. Responses were dichotomized into more willing (a lot and moderately) and less willing (some, a little, and not at all), and responses were compared by patient characteristics and intervention type.

RESULTS

Of 143 participants, 81.2% (116) completed ≥30% of a Likert-type scale questionnaire on WTP in various intervention types for BC prevention. Overall, WTP in BC prevention studies was high, with 82.7% more willing, including 69.0% and 70.7%, respectively, for unspecified physical activity and dietary interventions. WTP differed significantly by the duration of diet-based and physical activity behavior change interventions: decreasing with 12- versus 3-month diet-based interventions (
P
< .0001) and decreasing for 1 hour versus 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise/day (
P
< .0001). For interventions involving medication, only 18.1% expressed being more willing to participate, and WTP decreased significantly when side effects were presented. WTP was influenced by BC risk gene mutation status, with WTP among gene carriers higher compared with nongene carriers (52.6%
v
30.2%,
P
= .018).

CONCLUSION

WTP in BC prevention trials was the highest for women with known genetic risk and for interventions involving a behavior change. Medications with side effects had the lowest WTP. For behavior change, WTP was negatively influenced by intervention duration beyond a few months, indicating that individual perception of BC risk and inconvenience strongly influence WTP.
How Do You Say Your Name? Difficult-to-Pronounce Names and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Ge Qi , Wu Stephen
Published: October 2024

We test for labor market discrimination based on an understudied characteristic: name fluency. Analysis of recent economics PhD job candidates indicates that name difficulty is negatively related to the probability of landing an academic or tenure-track position and research productivity of initial institutional placement. Discrimination due to name fluency is also found using experimental data from prior audit studies. Within samples of African Americans (Bertrand and Mullainathan 2004) and ethnic immigrants (Oreopoulos 2011), job applicants with less fluent names experience lower callback rates, and name complexity explains roughly between 10 and 50 percent of ethnic name penalties. The results are primarily driven by candidates with weaker résumés, suggesting that cognitive biases may contribute to the penalty of having a difficult-to-pronounce name. (JEL A11, J15, J23, J44, J71)
The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Long-Run Impacts of School Suspensions on Adult Crime
Authors: Bacher-Hicks Andrew , Billings Stephen B. , Deming David J.
Published: October 2024

Schools must balance student behavior management with the potential negatives of strict discipline. These policies can deter misbehavior but may stigmatize students and expose them to the criminal justice system early. We assess the impact of attending a strict discipline school on achievement, educational attainment, and adult criminal activity. Using data from a boundary change and principal switches, we find that higher suspension rates have significant negative long-term effects. Students at such schools are 15–20 percent more likely to be arrested and incarcerated as adults. Negative impacts on educational attainment are particularly pronounced for males and students of color. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J15, K42)
Price Sensitivity and Information Barriers to the Take-Up of Naloxone
Authors: Jacobson Mireille , Powell David
Published: October 2024

We conducted a field experiment that randomized advertisements, advertisement content, and prices across 2,204 counties in the United States to study the impacts on online purchases of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Advertising increased web-site users but only impacted purchases when combined with a price reduction. Messages emphasizing the discreet nature of online sales had no additional impact on purchases. Comparing counties with advertisements featuring a highly discounted price to those featuring the full price, we estimate a price elasticity of demand for online naloxone of −1.3. Price is a significant barrier to online purchases of this lifesaving medication. (JEL C93, H75, I12, I18, L65, M37)
How forest school supports inclusive practices
Authors: Σταυριανός Αλέξανδρος
Published: October 2024

Η μελέτη αυτή εξέτασε την προσέγγιση του σχολείου του δάσους ως ένα τρόπο για την πρόσβαση όλων των παιδιών στην υπάιθρια εκπαίδευση. Κατά την υλοποίησή της, η μελέτη συνέδεσε τις αξίες και τις φιλοσοφικές αρχές της υπάιθριας εκπαίδευσης με αυτές της συμπερίληψης. Ένα βασικό χαρακτηριστικό του σχολείου του δάσους είναι ότι ενθαρρύνει δραστηριότητες εκκινούμενες από τα παιδιά, προκειμένου να εμπλέξει τους μαθητές στη μαθησιακή διαδικασία. Έτσι, η μελέτη εξέτασε πώς το σχολείο του δάσους θα μπορούσε να καλύψει τις ανάγκες των μαθητών, συμπεριλαμβανομένων μαθητών με ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες ή/και αναπηρίες. Το ερευνητικό ερώτημα προσεγγίστηκε μέσα από ένα διερευνητικό ενσωματωμένο ερευνητικό σχέδιο μελέτης περίπτωσης στο πλαίσιο ενός μικρού τύπου ερευνητικού παραδείγματος, το οποίο καθοδηγήθηκε από τον κριτικό ρεαλισμό. Το κύριο ερευνητικό εργαλείο ήταν η κλίμακα εμπλοκής του Leuven, με στόχο παιδιά σε τρία διαφορετικά περιβάλλοντα. Οι παρατηρήσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν ενώ τα παιδιά μάθαιναν στην ύπαιθρο σε ένα σχολείο του δάσους, καθώς και εντός σχολικής τάξης και στο διάλειμμα. Για τη τριγωνοποίηση των ερευνητικών μεθόδων, η μελέτη ενισχύθηκε με ένα ερωτηματολόγιο που συγκέντρωνε τις αντιλήψεις και απόψεις των γονέων για το πρόγραμμα σπουδών στο σχολείο των παιδιών τους. Τέλος, η μελέτη χρησιμοποίησε ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις για τη συλλογή ποιοτικών δεδομένων από το εκπαιδευτικό προσωπικό. Η έρευνα εντόπισε βαθιά επίπεδα μάθησης στους μαθητές με ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες κατά τις εκπαιδευτικές συνεδρίες στην ύπαιθρο. Η προσέγγιση του σχολείου του δάσους ήταν επωφελής για όλους τους μαθητές, ιδιαίτερα για εκείνους με ειδικές ανάγκες. Ως εκ τούτου, η έρευνα διαπίστωσε ότι το σχολείο του δάσους θα μπορούσε να επιτρέψει σε όλους τους μαθητές της Γ' και Δ' τάξης να έχουν πλήρη πρόσβαση στο αναλυτκό πρόγραμμα σπουδών. Τα ευρήματα της έρευνας περιλαμβάνουν επίσης θετικά αποτελέσματα για τα παιδιά και διατυπώνουν εμπόδια και διευκολυντές στη συμμετοχή στο σχολείο του δάσους. Η έρευνα καταλήγει προτείνοντας τη χρήση βιωματικής μάθησης για όλους τους μαθητές, η οποία θα μπορούσε να ενισχυθεί με την ενσωμάτωση της υπαίθριας εκπαίδευσης στο αναλυτικό πρόγραμμα σπουδών.
Development and validation of a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaire for healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability in healthcare in Southern Africa
Authors: Lister Helga , Mostert Karien , Botha Tanita , Field Emma , Knock Danté , Mubi Natasha , Odendaal Stefani , Rohde Megan , Maric Filip
Published: October 2024

Background Global environmental degradation is increasingly driving poor health outcomes worldwide. Healthcare systems and services are often not environmentally sustainable and compound the problem, while healthcare professionals are also recognised as key leaders in advancing sustainable healthcare. To adopt this leadership position, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare must be established. This article reports the development and validation of a new instrument for this purpose that corresponds to the specificities of the Southern African context. Methods Questionnaire development followed a seven-stage process. Information was obtained from a 2021 study titled ‘South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed-Methods Study’ to develop the instrument. Information was also sourced from the literature regarding environmental sustainability and healthcare to generate the first questionnaire with 29 items. The following stages included two rounds of expert input, separated by a pilot study with the target population to receive feedback regarding the instrument’s structure, relevance, and length. Content validity was determined through statistical analysis. Results Feedback was received from nine experts in stage two and 13 pilot-study participants in stage four and incorporated to improve the questionnaire. In stage six, the questionnaire was rated by seven experts. The content validity index of the questionnaire was calculated at two different stages, after which the indices were compared. Following a final edit, the questionnaire has 24 questionnaire items. The closing analysis calculated the scale content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) of 0,922; this indicates that the final questionnaire has excellent content validity. Conclusion A questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding environmental sustainability in Southern Africa has been developed and validated. This questionnaire can now be used for further studies in Southern Africa.
Transición Energética en comunidades indígenas rurales aisladas: sentidos en torno al acceso a la energía en El Sunchal (Salta-Argentina) a partir del programa de electrificación PERMER.
Authors: Govetto Sofia Carolina , Gonzalez Facundo , Vilte Genaro , Cornu Candelaria
Published: October 2024

El acceso a la energía en zonas rurales aisladas se presenta como un desafío a resolver por parte de los organismos públicos. Esta dimensión, la del acceso, es considerada parte de la transición energética justa. En este trabajo se propone caracterizar y analizar los sentidos que circulan y se (re)producen a partir de la implementación del Programa de Energías Renovables en Mercados Rurales (PERMER) en la localidad de El Sunchal de la Quebrada de las Conchas (Salta, Argentina, 2023). Los postulados epistemológicos asumidos demandaron atender el objeto de estudio desde un enfoque cualitativo, centrado en la perspectiva micro, conectando los elementos dentro de un marco global y abordando diferentes aspectos que permitan una comprensión del caso de estudio. El diseño e implementación del trabajo de campo, así como la sistematización y análisis de los datos demandaron un tratamiento que incluyó consideraciones culturales. Algunas de las conclusiones advierten que la implementación de paneles fotovoltaicos en la comunidad resulta fundamental para proporcionar acceso a la energía. De allí surge la necesidad de gestionar proyectos tecnocientíficos que retomen dimensiones sociales, económicas y culturales para tener un enfoque más amplio del acceso a servicios básicos en la zona a partir de políticas públicas
Vasos margarita y capeliformes (ca. 550-400 a.n.e.): ¿recipientes rituales para un culto a Astarté en el Guadiana Medio?.
Authors: Celestino Pérez Sebastián , Naranjo Pedro Miguel , Dorado-Alejos Alberto
Published: October 2024

En este trabajo se aborda el estudio de los vasos margarita y capeliformes, unas producciones elaboradas a mano, características del Medio y Bajo Guadiana durante la Primera Edad del Hierro, concretamente entre mediados del siglo VI y finales del siglo V a.n.e. Además del análisis tipológico, estilístico y cronológico de los materiales, se ha acometido el estudio geoquímico de una muestra representativa mediante fluorescencia de Rayos X (pXRF), pudiendo concluir que las producciones de este tipo del Guadiana Medio fueron realizadas en Cancho Roano, a diferencia de las del Bajo Guadiana que se produjeron en algún enclave indeterminado de esta región. Dicho resultado, considerando el carácter sacro de Cancho Roano y las características de los vasitos, permite plantear para el caso del Guadiana Medio el posible uso de estos recipientes con el culto a una divinidad, posiblemente Astarté, dada la relación existente entre el simbolismo de la típica roseta que decora las bases de los mismos y dicha divinidad.
Mortaria en el taller de púrpura de Lobos 1 (Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias). Tipología, tecnología y funcionalidad (época tardorrepublicana y augusto-tiberiana).
Authors: Garrido-Chacón Helia M. , Del Arco Aguilar María del Carmen , Del Arco Aguilar Mercedes , Afonso Vargas José Ángel , Casillas Ruiz Ramón
Published: October 2024

Se estudia los mortaria del taller de púrpura de Lobos 1 de época tardorrepublicana y altoimperial. Son de fondo estriado, similares a los de la Baetica. Sorprende su abundancia en un taller de púrpura, explicándose por la necesidad de tener una vajilla para usos alimentarios, pero no es descartable su función para preparaciones terapéuticas, carnadas o productos a comercializar. Se realiza su contextualización en el taller y su clasificación morfo-tipológica. Presentamos un material gráfico, macroscópico, así como el estudio petrográfico de láminas delgadas y Difracción de Rayos X. También se aporta el estudio microscópico de sus adherencias para intentar definir su funcionalidad. Los resultados ayudan a establecer orígenes y aspectos tecnológicos, y abren vías de investigación para discutir sobre estos registros, valorar aspectos de sus usos, caracterizaciones sedimentarias y fenómenos postdeposicionales
Ilusión o realidad: el grabado de John Breval asociado a las ruinas de Itálica en la colina de San Antonio de Santiponce, 1726.
Authors: González-Gracia, Elena , Ferreira-Lopes Patricia , Pinto Puerto Francisco
Published: October 2024

El grabado en la lámina 313 del segundo volumen de Remarks on Several Parts of Europe de John Breval, titulado «Ruins of an antient Temple at Old Sevil», muestra un promontorio con diferentes ruinas rodeadas de vegetación. En las últimas décadas, ha sido asociado a los restos de la ciudad romana de Itálica ubicados en la colina de San Antonio en Santiponce, Sevilla. El incremento de las campañas arqueológicas en esta área, donde se encuentran el teatro romano y otras edificaciones de la Vetus Urbs, así como los esfuerzos para incluir el conjunto arqueológico en la Lista del Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO, han aumentado el uso de este grabado. Sin embargo, hasta ahora no se han realizado estudios profundos sobre este documento gráfico. Este artículo lo analiza desde tres enfoques: el contexto de la obra completa, el estudio de fuentes coetáneas y los hallazgos recientes de la ciudad romana. El objetivo principal del estudio es reflexionar sobre el papel que la ilusión de una identidad y el relato tienen en la construcción de la imagen colectiva y en la percepción del patrimonio. Palabras clave Itálica, Vetus Urbs, patrimonio documental gráfico, John Breval, siglo XVIII.
Code and Data Repository for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Information Collection Missions with Uncertain Characteristics
Authors: Moskal II Michael D. , Dasdemir Erdi , Batta Rajan
Published: October 2024

The goal of this repository is to share data and R scripts of the case study of our paper. Our motivation is to present our code and results in a reproducible way and facilitate the coding effort of those who want to run further experiments or improve our model.
Code and Data Repository for A Multiobjective Approach for Sector Duration Optimization in Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment Planning
Authors: Şeker Oylum , Cevik Mucahit , Bodur Merve , Lee Young , Ruschin Mark
Published: October 2024

This repository includes: A synthetic test instance for sector duration optimization (actual patient data used in the paper is not shared due to privacy concerns). A file describing instance data format. A file containing sample results for the provided instance.
Efficacy of Cytoreg in the treatment of diabetic foot disease
Authors: Carrillo Darío , Villasana Katiusca , Torres Geizon , Dugarte Leonardo , Pozo Lewis , Bauta William , Jiménez William
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Complications from diabetic foot wounds, including bacterial infection, ulceration and gangrene, are major causes of hospitalisation and are responsible for 85% of amputations in patients with diabetes. Given that orally administered investigational therapeutic Cytoreg (Cytorex de Venezuela SA, Venezuela), a defined aqueous mixture of hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, citric and oxalic acids, has been shown to increase levels of arterial blood oxygen in a Wistar rat model, oral and oral+topical Cytoreg were tested on patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) under a humanitarian, compassionate-use protocol.

Method:

All patients received oral Cytoreg (5.0 ml concentrate in fruit juice) for 30 days; half also received weekly wound washing with Cytoreg concentrate in isotonic saline (1:50 volume/volume) (oral+topical group). In addition to standard clinical observations, wounds were monitored against the Saint Elian checklist system for the diabetic foot.

Results:

A total of 10 patients took part in the study. Complete wound closure was observed in 4/5 patients in the oral+topical group; in the remaining patient, necrotic and fibrin tissues on the wound edges were eliminated. Half (2/4) of the patients receiving oral-only Cytoreg experienced complete wound closure; one patient in this group was removed prematurely because of an unrelated illness and was not replaced. During the study, no significant differences were observed between groups in either the oxygen saturation of the affected tissues or in insulin and glycaemia levels (p<0.05). Significant increases in arterial haemoglobin and arterial oxygen partial pressure (p<0.05) were observed, and significant decreases were measured in the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, creatine and urea (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study justify an expanded clinical study for the treatment of DFUs with Cytoreg.
A new portable negative pressure wound therapy device: a prospective study investigating clinical outcomes
Authors: Rose Victoria , Haram Nadine Hachah , Gallala Sarah
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Closed surgical incision sites at high risk of complications, and with exudate or leakage, are increasingly being managed with closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) to reduce tissue stress and increase the force necessary to disrupt the incision. This study was undertaken to investigate the performance and safety of a canister-based, single-use NPWT (suNPWT) system when used on closed surgical incision sites.

Method:

The investigation was designed as a prospective, open, non-comparative, multicentre study aimed at confirming the safety and performance attributes of the suNPWT system when applied to low-to-moderately exuding closed surgical incisions. The primary performance measure was the wound remaining closed from baseline to the last follow-up visit on day 14. Secondary performance measures included: wound and periwound condition; wear time of the system; product consumption; adherence to therapy; and patients’ pain progress. Details of adverse events were also collected.

Results:

Some 35 patients were recruited. The closed surgical incisions responded well to treatment with the tested suNPWT system. All wounds remained closed throughout the investigation. Consistent with other studies of ciNPWT reporting low infection rates, the current study observed either no or low exudation in 90.4% of wounds at the final visit, together with absence of surgical site infection. Pain severity levels were low, both at dressing change and during delivery of negative pressure. No serious adverse device events were reported.

Conclusion:

In this study, the suNPWT system supported the healing of closed surgical incisions with no safety concerns relating to its use.
Harnessing Solar and Hydropower in Pakistan: A Strategic Approach to Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Bhandari Medani P. , Rathore M. Zubair , Zahoor Sadaf
Published: October 2024

This study aims to conduct a thorough examination of Pakistan’s energy sector, with a specific focus on renewable energy (RE) and nonrenewable energy (non-RE) sources. It intends to delve into the potential of solar and hydropower resources within Pakistan and their capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change, thus centering the discussion on RE, particularly solar and hydropower. Adopting secondary data sources, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Pakistan’s energy sector and the challenges that it faces.
One of the key findings highlighted in the analysis is the serious problem within Pakistan’s energy sector: existing institutions struggle to cope with the increasing demand for energy owing to insufficient growth in power generation capacity. This inadequacy has led to an increase in CO2
emissions, primarily driven by the country’s growing reliance on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Despite this challenge, Pakistan possesses substantial potential for Resources, particularly solar energy and hydropower.
Following an evaluation of renewable energy resources, this study proposes recommendations to support the adoption and utilization of renewable energy as a critical component of sustainable growth. These suggestions are geared toward accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, thus positioning Pakistan for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
This research paper underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings in Pakistan’s energy sector and emphasizes the pivotal role of renewable energy, especially solar and hydropower, in mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable development. By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and implementing strategic measures, Pakistan can chart a path toward a more environmentally friendly and economically viable energy landscape.
Multisource Data-Driven Carbon Price Composite Forecasting Model: Based on Feature Selection and Multiscale Prediction Strategy
Authors: Zou Shaohui , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2024

Accurate prediction of carbon trading prices is crucial for guiding investors to make informed decisions and assisting governments in formulating scientific carbon trading policies. This paper introduces a multisource data-driven carbon price composite forecasting model, aimed at enhancing prediction accuracy through advanced data processing and analysis methods. The model initially employs a secondary decomposition strategy, including Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) and Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) methods, to decompose the original data series into three sub-sequences of different frequencies. Subsequently, it utilizes the Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) and Random Forest algorithm for feature selection to determine the input variables for different frequency sequences and conducts in-depth analysis and selection of influencing factors, including unstructured data. Furthermore, the model employs a multiscale forecasting strategy, combining Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) enhanced Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, along with the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) method, to predict based on the characteristics of different frequency components. Finally, the forecasts are integrated using PSO-BiLSTM to form a comprehensive forecast. Notably, given the high correlation between the trend series and influencing factor variables, the model jointly predicts them. A case study based on the Guangdong carbon market in China demonstrates that the proposed composite forecasting model outperforms other benchmark models, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values of 0.4009, 0.2699, and 0.5183%, respectively. This forecasting model provides an effective tool for predicting and analyzing carbon price fluctuations, offering new insights for precise carbon market price predictions.
Influence of Digital Economy on Ecological Carbon Environment in North China Under Spatiotemporal Synergistic Evolution
Authors: Dai Dongfang
Published: October 2024

North China is one of the significant geographic subregions in China, and it is quite important to analyze its digital economy and ecological carbon environment. Firstly, the digital economy level and ecological carbon environment in North China between 2010 and 2019 were measured. Then, the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) was utilized to examine the impact of the digital economy on the ecological carbon environment. The digital economy level in North China consistently increased between 2010 and 2019. The average value rose from 0.163 in 2010 to 0.645 in 2019. Moreover, carbon emission intensity showed a year-on-year decrease, with an average reduction of 23.47% during the same period. The degree of coupling coordination displayed an upward trend, and Beijing showed the highest coordination among all provinces and cities. These results highlight the impact of the digital economy level on the ecological carbon environment. Some suggestions were proposed for the future progress of the digital economy and carbon emission in North China.
The United Nations War Crimes Commission 1943–1948: A Forgotten Highway to Postconflict Justice?
Authors: Plesch Dan , Owen Leah
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article offers a critique of the Nuremberg-inspired paradigm of international criminal justice, which focuses on high-profile, top-down approaches to post-conflict accountability. To this end, it appraises the work of the United Nations War Crimes Commission as a "path not taken." We discuss the very different approach to supporting post-conflict justice adopted by the UNWCC—from its original support base beyond the major geopolitical powers, to the impact of its more deliberative system, to the role of the UNWCC as a hub in which new practices of international law were developed. Such an approach had its achievements: the UNWCC assisted in prosecuting significantly more cases than the International Military Tribunals at Nuremberg and Tokyo, as well as the subsequent Nuremberg Military Tribunals, and its structure lent itself to effective use of national expertise and resources. It also had weaknesses and limitations. The Commission was unable to resist great power politics, which eventually led to its demise. We then discuss the implications of such a model for modern-day international criminal justice. While many of the advances made by the UNWCC have echoes in modern-day processes of "convergent evolution," there is much still to learn from examining this period of institutional innovation. Recent efforts to institute "positive complementarity" and more cooperative, facilitatory, and horizontal criminal justice institutions could benefit from exploring the UNWCC model. While it remains strictly within liberal approaches to international criminal justice, we argue that the UNWCC represents a clear alternative to the "Nuremberg model" and contemporary approaches to international criminal law, including the work of the International Criminal Court. Shorter Abstract: This article offers a critique of the 'Nuremberg model', which focuses on high-profile, top-down approaches to post-conflict accountability, in favour of the model offered by the United Nations War Crimes Commission. We discuss its achievements – especially around peer review, sharing best practice, and participation of states outside Western Europe and the US – as well as its weaknesses and limitations in the face of great power resistance. We then discuss its lessons for "positive complementarity" today, with more cooperative, facilitatory, and horizontal (in terms of state influence) forms of post-conflict justice. It offers several possible paths for future development.
Autistic traits foster effective curiosity-driven exploration
Authors: Poli Francesco , Koolen Maran , Velázquez-Vargas Carlos A. , Ramos-Sanchez Jessica , Meyer Marlene , Mars Rogier B. , Rommelse Nanda , Hunnius Sabine
Published: October 2024

Curiosity-driven exploration involves actively engaging with the environment to learn from it. Here, we hypothesize that the cognitive mechanisms underlying exploratory behavior may differ across individuals depending on personal characteristics such as autistic traits. In turn, this variability might influence successful exploration. To investigate this, we collected self- and other-reports of autistic traits from university students, and tested them in an exploration task in which participants could learn the hiding patterns of multiple characters. Participants’ prediction errors and learning progress (i.e., the decrease in prediction error) on the task were tracked with a hierarchical delta-rule model. Crucially, participants could freely decide when to disengage from a character and what to explore next. We examined whether autistic traits modulated the relation of prediction errors and learning progress with exploration. We found that participants with lower scores on other-reports of insistence-on-sameness and general autistic traits were less persistent, primarily relying on learning progress during the initial stages of exploration. Conversely, participants with higher scores were more persistent and relied on learning progress in later phases of exploration, resulting in better performance in the task. This research advances our understanding of the interplay between autistic traits and exploration drives, emphasizing the importance of individual traits in learning processes and highlighting the need for personalized learning approaches.
Affiliation in times of pandemics: Determinants and consequences
Authors: Dezecache Guillaume , Chevalère Johann , Martinelli Natalia , Gil Sandrine , Belletier Clément , Droit-Volet Sylvie , Huguet Pascal
Published: October 2024

Affiliation is a basic human need, especially during difficult times. To what extent did the need to affiliate limit our capacity to abide by health guidelines, in particular regarding social distancing, during the COVID-19 pandemic? We investigated this issue using questionnaire data from two samples of the French population collected during the first French lockdown (April-May 2020). We found that in men, higher social comparison orientation (sensitivity to the needs of others and inclination to help) and higher perceived threat increased the frequency of reported affiliative activities. At the same time, men’s reported affiliative activities were associated with a lower reported intention to abide by lockdown and protective measures and lower levels of reported compliance. This pattern was not found in women. The women in our samples, as has been observed elsewhere, were largely compliant, potentially precluding any effects of affiliative needs. Basic though they may seem, affiliative needs and reported affiliative activities may have played a significant role in the implementation of sanitary guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evolutionarily conserved PhLP3 is essential for sperm development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Petit Christopher , Kojak Elizabeth , Webster Samantha , Marra Michela , Sweeney Brendan , Chaikin Claire , Jemc Jennifer C. , Kanzok Stefan M.
Published: October 2024

Phosducin-like proteins (PhLP) are thioredoxin domain-containing proteins that are highly conserved across unicellular and multicellular organisms. PhLP family proteins are hypothesized to function as co-chaperones in the folding of cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we present the initial molecular, biochemical, and functional characterization of CG4511 as Drosophila melanogaster PhLP3. We cloned the gene into a bacterial expression vector and produced enzymatically active recombinant PhLP3, which showed similar kinetics to previously characterized orthologues. A fly strain homozygous for a P-element insertion in the 5’ UTR of the PhLP3 gene exhibited significant downregulation of PhLP3 expression. We found these male flies to be sterile. Microscopic analysis revealed altered testes morphology and impairment of spermiogenesis, leading to a lack of mature sperm. Among the most significant observations was the lack of actin cones during sperm maturation. Excision of the P-element insertion in PhLP3 restored male fertility, spermiogenesis, and seminal vesicle size. Given the high level of conservation of PhLP3, our data suggests PhLP3 may be an important regulator of sperm development across species.
Allelopathic interactions of Carthamus oxyacantha, Macrophomina phaseolina and maize: Implications for the use of Carthamus oxyacantha as a natural disease management strategy in maize
Authors: Aslam Nazir , Akbar Muhammad , Andolfi Anna
Published: October 2024

Fungicides are used to control phytopathogens but all these fungicides have deleterious effects. Allelopathic interactions can be harnessed as a natural way to control the pathogens but there are no reports that show the allelopathic interactions of donor plant, recipient crop, as well as the target plant pathogen and the material used for inoculum production. So, in the present study, the suitability of Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieb. was assessed against Macrophomina phaseolina, the cause of charcoal rot in maize. Among the various treatments in pot experiment, a negative control, 3 concentrations of inoculum (1.2×105, 2.4×105, and 3.6×105 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1, 3 concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/w) of C. oxyacantha along with an autoclaved M. phaseolina (Mp) and C. oxyacantha alone were included to investigate their allelopathic effects on maize, not investigated earlier. Maximum suppression of the disease was observed by 1.5% (w/w) concentration of C. oxyacantha. Soil amendment with C. oxyacantha significantly suppressed the disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI) in charcoal rot of maize up to 40 and 55%, respectively over the strongest level of inoculum (Mp3). C. oxyacantha not only reduced area under disease incidence progress curve (AUDIPC) and area under disease severity progress curve (AUDSPC), but also improved the morphological, biochemical and physiological parameters of maize. The maximum increase of 48, 65, and 75% in values of shoot length (SL), shoot dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM), respectively was observed by application of the highest concentration of C. oxyacantha in the treatment Mp1+Co3, over infested control (Mp1). Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids were increased to 58, 64, and 46%, respectively over Mp1, by the application of C. oxyacantha. Carbon assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), rate of transpiration (E), and internal carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) were significantly increased to 58, 48, 48, and 20%, respectively over infested control (Mp3), by application of C. oxyacantha concentration 1.5 (w/w). Moreover, defense enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities were boosted up to 27, 28, and 28% over Mp3, respectively. Positive allelopathy of C. oxyacantha towards maize and negative allelopathy towards M. phaseolina makes C. oxyacantha a suitable candidate for charcoal rot disease control in maize.
Benthic foraminifera as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic conditions in Roscoff Aber Bay (Brittany, France)
Authors: Daché Edwin , Dessandier Pierre-Antoine , Radhakrishnan Ranju , Foulon Valentin , Michel Loïc , de Vargas Colomban , Sarrazin Jozée , Zeppilli Daniela
Published: October 2024

Living benthic foraminifera, known as environmental bio-indicators of both natural and anthropogenic conditions in marine environments, were investigated in the coastal environment of Roscoff Aber Bay (Brittany, France). Eight sampling sites subject to natural variations (freshwater inputs, tides) and/or anthropogenic impacts (pollution, eutrophication) were studied over four seasons in 2021–2022 (November, February, May, August). We sought to understand the spatial distribution of foraminiferal populations within and between sampling sites over the different seasons and to identify sensitive species and those tolerant to anthropogenic impacts. To this end, sedimentary and biogeochemical characteristics of the sediments were examined by measuring grain size, temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, environmental pigment concentration (chl a and phaeopigments), total organic carbon (TOC), isotopic ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulfide (δ34S), and chl a fluorescence. Considering these parameters as potential driving factors, four environments were distinguished among the sampling sites: open water, terrestrial, oligotrophic and eutrophic. These showed an increasing gradient of organic supply as well as very different microbial activities, highlighted by carbon and sulfide isotopic ratios. Foraminiferal population study revealed the dominant species characterising these main environments. The lowest abundance but highest diversity of foraminifera was found in the harbour site, associated with the dominance of Haynesina germanica, suggesting this species is tolerant to eutrophic environments and anthropogenic impacts. Open water was dominated by Ammonia beccarii and Elphidium crispum, while Quinqueloculina seminula was the most abundant species in the site with the greatest terrestrial influence. Interestingly, the observed organic enrichment of the harbour due to anthropogenic activities (fisheries, waste deposits, etc.) does not seem to significantly affect foraminiferal diversity. Overall, the benthic foraminiferal species in Roscoff Aber Bay appear to be an excellent proxy for marine environmental conditions under various natural and anthropogenic influences.
Spinal cord stimulation combined with exercise in patients diagnosed with persistent spinal pain syndrome. Study protocol for a randomized control trial
Authors: Vicente-Mampel J. , Falaguera-Vera F. , Sánchez-Poveda D. , Hernández-Zaballos F. , Martinez-Soler M. , Blanco-Giménez P. , Sanchez-Montero F. J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Administration of spinal cord stimulation to individuals with PSPS-T1/2 may induce supraspinal descending activation. Similarly, exercise is recognized as a fundamental aspect of spinal pain management. Studies have demonstrated its impact on neurophysiological factors, including the release of spinal and supraspinal beta-endorphins, which activate μ-opioid receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of SCS in combination with lumbo-pelvic stability core training on perceived low back pain, quality of life and disability in PSPS-T2 patients.

Methods/Materials

A double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) has been designed. All participants will be randomized from a pre-set sequence. The intervention design has been elaborated from the CONSORT guidelines. This study has been registered at Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT06272539). Sample size was calculated using G Power® Sample size software (University of Düsseldorf). The calculation was based on a moderate effect size of 0.7 (partial η2 = 0.70, α = .05, power = 0.95), resulting in a total of 40 patients. Assuming a 30% dropout rate, 52 participants will be recruited in total. Two sessions per week will be scheduled for 8 weeks with a total of 16 sessions. Each work session will have a duration of 60 minutes. The exercise will be adapted according to the phases based on the results already published, limiting in each phase the degrees of flexion and extension of the spine to avoid the risk of electrode migration. Primary outcomes will be functionality, satisfaction, strength, psychosocial variables, quality of life and pain perception.
Internal audit quality and accounting information comparability: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Guochao , Wang Jingyu , Sun Yanhan , Guo Jianluan , Zhao Yufei
Published: October 2024

This study employs the impact and mechanism of internal audit quality on the comparability of corporate accounting information. Using manually collected internal audit data, the study focuses on non-financial listed companies of A-share market spanning from 2007 to 2022 in China. The findings are as follows: (1) Internal audit significantly enhances the comparability of accounting information, the higher the quality of internal audit, the more pronounced its contribution. This conclusion remains robust after conducting endogeneity tests. (2) Mechanism testing reveals that internal audit enhances accounting information comparability through two channels: mitigating agency costs and improving financial information transparency. (3) Moderation effect test proves that the quality of internal control and the high-tech industry will strengthen the positive relationship between internal audit and comparability of accounting information, while the degree of industry competition and the level of capital occupation by major shareholders will weaken the positive relationship.
Comprehensive corrective exercise program improves ankle function in female athletes with limited weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sohrabi Tahereh , Saki Farzaneh , Ramezani Farzaneh , Tahayori Behdad
Published: October 2024

Limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is one of the most important risk factors for lower limb injury, which changes the biomechanics and the neuromuscular control of the lower limb muscles. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) on the range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation in female athletes with limited weight-bearing lunge ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. 30 female athletes aged 15 to 25 years with dorsiflexion under 34° were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (n = 15) received eight weeks of CCEP including soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, stretching, and strengthening, and the control (n = 15) group did not receive any intervention. range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the intervention. The training group showed clinically acceptable and statistically significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ES = 0.714), balance (ES = 0.423), and proprioception (ES = 0.253; P < 0.05). There were significant changes in the activity of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in the dynamic overhead squat test (descending and ascending phases) and the activity of the medial gastrocnemius in the descending phase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the activity of the peroneus longus muscle (P > 0.05). The findings show that CCEP appears to be beneficial in increasing dorsiflexion range of motion, proprioception, balance, and decreasing ankle muscle activity among individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Improving the dorsiflexion range of motion may be promising for reducing ankle sprain injury.