bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of using volatile urine fingerprints for the differentiation of sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Ricardo , Ubeda Cristina , Ríos-Reina Rocío
Published: August 2023

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem worldwide, and current diagnostic methods have certain limitations. In recent years, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been studied as an alternative diagnostic method. Due to this, this study aimed to detect, in vaginal swabs and urine samples, VOCs emitted by highly prevalent STIs-causing bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) to identify potential biomarkers that allow the detection of these STIs. VOCs detected in urine samples showed a better differentiation of patients with STIs due to C. trachomatis from those not infected, with 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone as the volatile compound most related to the presence of this bacterium. Among the VOCs most related to M. genitalium in urine, 4-methyltetradecane and 2-methylpentadecane stood out, while 3,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one was the VOC most closely related to N. gonorrhoeae infection. Moreover, C12 alcohols were the main VOC family associated with positive samples in all three bacteria, which could indicate the presence of aldehyde reductases in their metabolism. In contrast, alcohols such as 3-methyl-1-heptanol and 1-octanol, as well as dimethyl esters, were more associated with negative samples and may be useful in ruling out an STI caused by one of these three bacteria. In short, the VOCs identified as potential biomarkers in patients with infection by C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, or N. gonorrhoeae could be used in the early diagnosis of these STIs, quickly interrupting the chain of transmission, especially interesting in asymptomatic patients.

Key points

• Sexually transmitted infections are a serious public health problem worldwide.

• The study of VOCs in multiple infections is increasing in recent years.

• The identification of volatile biomarkers could allow new diagnostic methods.

Graphical abstract
Immobilization of Rhodococcus by encapsulation and entrapment: a green solution to bitter citrus by-products
Authors: Pilar-Izquierdo María C. , López-Fouz María , Ortega Natividad , Busto María D.
Published: August 2023

Debittering of citrus by-products is required to obtain value-added compounds for application in the food industry (e.g., dietary fiber, bioactive compounds). In this work, the immobilization of Rhodococcus fascians cells by encapsulation in Ca-alginate hollow beads and entrapment in poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) cryogels was studied as an alternative to chemical treatments for degrading the bitter compound limonin. Previously, the Rhodococcus strain was adapted using orange peel extract to increase its tolerance to limonoids. The optimal conditions for the encapsulation of microbial cells were 2% Na-alginate, 4% CaCl2, 4% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and a microbial load of 0.6 OD600 (optical density at 600 nm). For immobilization by entrapment, the optimal conditions were 8% PVA, 8% PEG, and 0.6 OD600 microbial load. Immobilization by entrapment protected microbial cells better than encapsulation against the citrus medium stress conditions (acid pH and composition). Thus, under optimal immobilization conditions, limonin degradation was 32 and 28% for immobilization in PVA/PEG gels and in hollow beads, respectively, in synthetic juice (pH 3) after 72 h at 25 °C. Finally, the microbial cells entrapped in the cryogels showed a higher operational stability in orange juice than the encapsulated cells, with four consecutive cycles of reuse (runs of 24 h at 25 °C).

Key points

• Increased tolerance to limonoids by adapting R. fascians with citrus by-products.

• Entrapment provided cells with favorable microenvironment for debittering at acid pH.

• Cryogel-immobilized cells showed the highest limonin degradation in citrus products.
Correlation of gene expression with magnetic resonance imaging features of retinoblastoma: a multi-center radiogenomics validation study
Authors: Jansen Robin W. , Roohollahi Khashayar , Uner Ogul E. , de Jong Yvonne , de Bloeme Christiaan M. , Göricke Sophia , Sirin Selma , Maeder Philippe , Galluzzi Paolo , Brisse Hervé J. , Cardoen Liesbeth , Castelijns Jonas A. , van der Valk Paul , Moll Annette C. , Grossniklaus Hans , Hubbard G. Baker , de Jong Marcus C. , Dorsman Josephine , de Graaf Pim ,   On behalf of the European Retinoblastoma Imaging Collaboration
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To validate associations between MRI features and gene expression profiles in retinoblastoma, thereby evaluating the repeatability of radiogenomics in retinoblastoma.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, retinoblastoma patients with gene expression data and MRI were included. MRI features (scored blinded for clinical data) and matched genome-wide gene expression data were used to perform radiogenomic analysis. Expression data from each center were first separately processed and analyzed. The end product normalized expression values from different sites were subsequently merged by their Z-score to permit cross-sites validation analysis. The MRI features were non-parametrically correlated with expression of photoreceptorness (radiogenomic analysis), a gene expression signature informing on disease progression. Outcomes were compared to outcomes in a previous described cohort.

Results

Thirty-six retinoblastoma patients were included, 15 were female (42%), and mean age was 24 (SD 18) months. Similar to the prior evaluation, this validation study showed that low photoreceptorness gene expression was associated with advanced stage imaging features. Validated imaging features associated with low photoreceptorness were multifocality, a tumor encompassing the entire retina or entire globe, and a diffuse growth pattern (all p < 0.05). There were a number of radiogenomic associations that were also not validated.

Conclusions

A part of the radiogenomic associations could not be validated, underlining the importance of validation studies. Nevertheless, cross-center validation of imaging features associated with photoreceptorness gene expression highlighted the capability radiogenomics to non-invasively inform on molecular subtypes in retinoblastoma.

Clinical relevance statement

Radiogenomics may serve as a surrogate for molecular subtyping based on histopathology material in an era of eye-sparing retinoblastoma treatment strategies.

Key Points

• Since retinoblastoma is increasingly treated using eye-sparing methods, MRI features informing on molecular subtypes that do not rely on histopathology material are important.

• A part of the associations between retinoblastoma MRI features and gene expression profiles (radiogenomics) were validated.

• Radiogenomics could be a non-invasive technique providing information on the molecular make-up of retinoblastoma.
Mit Strom gegen den Kopfschmerz
Authors: Wagner Zhenya , Steinberg Holger
Published: August 2023

Kopfschmerzen sind sowohl ein verbreitetes Symptom als auch oft genug in sich ein Erkrankungsbild, das zu Leidensdruck, Behinderung und gesamtökonomisch hohen Kosten führt. Die medikamentöse Therapie wirkt oft nur unzureichend oder bringt andere Limitationen mit sich. Die Anwendung von Strom erschien bereits im 19. Jahrhundert eine vielversprechende Behandlungsmethode zu sein und auch aktuell wird zur Anwendung der tDCS bei dieser Indikation geforscht. Diese Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht sowohl über die während der ersten Blütezeit der Elektrotherapie Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts als auch über die in der kontemporären Forschung erschienenen Studien, die sich mit der Anwendung schwacher elektrischer Ströme zur Therapie oder Prophylaxe von Kopfschmerzen auseinandersetzen. Es zeigt sich, dass vorrangig vielversprechende Behandlungserfolge präsentiert werden, wobei die Fallzahlen oft gering und die eingesetzten Stimulationsmethoden sehr heterogen sind. In Summe scheint die elektrotherapeutische Anwendung zur Therapie von Kopfschmerzsyndromen ein auf eine lange Tradition zurückblickender, interessanter Forschungszweig und Therapieansatz zu sein, wobei noch weitere Forschung notwendig ist, sowohl bezüglich der technischen und klinischen Details der Durchführung der Stimulation als auch hinsichtlich der verschiedenen Indikationen.
Feedback About a Person’s Social Context - Personal Networks and Daily Social Interactions
Authors: Stadel Marie , Stulp Gert , Langener Anna M. , Elmer Timon , van Duijn Marijtje A. J. , Bringmann Laura F.
Published: August 2023

The social context of a person, meaning their social relationships and daily social interactions, is an important factor for understanding their mental health. However, personalised feedback approaches to psychotherapy do not consider this factor sufficiently yet. Therefore, we developed an interactive feedback prototype focusing specifically on a person’s social relationships as captured with personal social networks (PSN) and daily social interactions as captured with experience sampling methodology (ESM). We describe the development of the prototype as well as two evaluation studies: Semi-structured interviews with students (N = 23) and a focus group discussion with five psychotherapy patients. Participants from both studies considered the prototype useful. The students considered participation in our study, which included social context assessment via PSN and ESM as well as a feedback session, insightful. However, it remains unclear how much insight the feedback procedure generated for the students beyond the insights they already gained from the assessments. The focus group patients indicated that in a clinical context, (social context) feedback may be especially useful to generate insight for the clinician and facilitate collaboration between patient and clinician. Furthermore, it became clear that the current feedback prototype requires explanations by a researcher or trained clinician and cannot function as a stand-alone intervention. As such, we discuss our feedback prototype as a starting point for future research and clinical implementation.
Detecting signs of model change with continuous model selection based on descriptive dimensionality
Authors: Yamanishi Kenji , Hirai So
Published: August 2023

We address the issue of detecting changes of models that lie behind a data stream. The model refers to an integer-valued structural information such as the number of free parameters in a parametric model. Specifically we are concerned with the problem of how we can detect signs of model changes earlier than they are actualized. To this end, we employ continuous model selection on the basis of the notion of descriptive dimensionality (Ddim). It is a real-valued model dimensionality, which is designed for quantifying the model dimensionality in the model transition period. Continuous model selection is to determine the real-valued model dimensionality in terms of Ddim from a given data. We propose a novel methodology for detecting signs of model changes by tracking the rise-up/descent of Ddim in a data stream. We apply this methodology to detecting signs of changes of the number of clusters in a Gaussian mixture model and those of the order in an auto regression model. With synthetic and real data sets, we empirically demonstrate its effectiveness by showing that it is able to visualize well how rapidly model dimensionality moves in the transition period and to raise early warning signals of model changes earlier than they are detected with existing methods.
Zn Loading Effects on the Selectivity of PdZn Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Lawes Naomi , Aggett Kieran J. , Smith Louise R. , Slater Thomas J. A. , Dearg Malcolm , Morgan David J. , Dummer Nicholas F. , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J. , Bowker Michael
Published: August 2023

PdZn/TiO2 catalysts have been investigated for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. Varying the ratio of Pd and Zn using TiO2 as a support has a dramatic effect on catalytic performance. Chemical vapour impregnation was used to produce PdZn alloys on TiO2 and X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed changes in the structure at varying total PdZn molar ratios. Compared to monometallic Pd/TiO2, introducing a low loading of Zn drastically changes product selectivity. When Pd is alloyed with Zn above a total Zn/Pd = 1 molar ratio, methanol selectivity is improved. Therefore, for enhanced methanol productivity, it is crucial for the Zn loading to be higher than that required for the stoichiometric formation of the 1:1 β-PdZn alloy.

Graphical Abstract
Is there a generational shift in preferences for forest carbon sequestration vs. preservation of agricultural landscapes?
Authors: Liu Xiaozi , Lindhjem Henrik , Grimsrud Kristine , Leknes Einar , Tvinnereim Endre
Published: August 2023

Afforestation and reforestation are considered important measures for climate change mitigation. Because the land area available for tree planting may serve multiple purposes, striking the right balance between climate goals and other objectives is crucial. We conducted a survey of the Norwegian population to investigate potential land-use conflicts that may arise from executing a large-scale afforestation programme. Respondents were presented with three land-use alternatives to replace formerly grazed agricultural land. We used manipulated landscape photos to elicit their underlying value orientations. We combined multiple correspondence analysis with latent class regression models to reveal preference heterogeneity. Our models grouped respondents into three latent classes, with 24%, 24% and 52%, respectively, expressing a preference for forest carbon sequestration, recreation or agriculture as the most crucial land-use function to be retained. Birth year emerged as a strong predictor of class membership. Specifically, generations born before 1970 were more inclined to support the continuation of agricultural landscapes, while those born in 1980 and later showed a stronger inclination towards natural forest succession for carbon sequestration or recreational purposes. Quantitatively, every 10-year reduction in age increased the odds of a respondent belonging to the forestation or recreation class (relative to the agricultural class) by a factor of 2. Interestingly, even among respondents who were classified as most climate concerned, natural forests were 50% more likely to be preferred over monoculture spruce plantation as a policy option. This suggests that there may be public resistance to spruce planting for climate mitigation purposes in Norway.
Laboratory Investigations on the Mode of Failure in Frictional and Low-Cohesive Materials Under the Load of a Ground Anchor
Authors: Høgset Hanna Margrete , Høien Are Håvard , Li Charlie Chunlin
Published: August 2023

Ground anchors are widely used in many types of construction works, such as stabilization of rock slopes, wind turbines, concrete dams and bridge towers. Some of the modes of failure for these anchors still have an insufficient scientific basis, and that applies especially to what happens in the ground when overloaded. This paper presents investigations on the failure development in frictional and low-cohesive materials which are subjected to loading by an embedded anchor with a free length towards the surface. The failure development is demonstrated through a series of small-scale physical model tests performed in the laboratory. The physical model setup consists of a transparent PVC test chamber, a rigid «anchor block», and a hydraulic jack. The model is instrumented with a camera, an extensometer and a load cell to continuously record the failure development and resistance from the material as the anchor block is pushed through the sample material. The main question investigated is how the failure appears, as a failure along the whole pull-out body at once or as an advancing fracture along the plane, where in the first case the shear capacity of the material will be the main input in calculations, and for the second case, one also needs to take failure propagation into account.
Involvement of Protein Kinase R in Double-Stranded RNA-Induced Proteasomal Degradation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α
Authors: Hotani Takuma , Nakagawa Kanako , Tsukamoto Tomohito , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Sakurai Fuminori
Published: August 2023

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a crucial therapeutic target in various diseases, including cancer and fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that transfection with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), including polyI:C and the dsRNA genome of mammalian orthoreovirus, resulted in significant reduction in HIF-1α protein levels in cultured cells; however, it remained to be elucidated how dsRNA induced down-regulation of HIF-1α protein levels. In this study, we examined the mechanism of dsRNA-mediated down-regulation of HIF-1α protein levels. We found that among the various cellular factors involved in dsRNA-mediated innate immunity, knockdown and knockout of protein kinase R (PKR) significantly restored HIF-1α protein levels in dsRNA-transfected cells, indicating that PKR was involved in dsRNA-mediated down-regulation of HIF-1α. Proteasome inhibitors significantly restored the HIF-1α protein levels in dsRNA-transfected cells. Ubiquitination levels of HIF-1α were increased by transfection with dsRNA. These findings indicated that degradation of HIF-1α in a ubiquitin–proteasome pathway was promoted in a PKR-dependent manner following dsRNA transfection. Expression of not only HIF-1α but also several proteins, including CDK4 and HER2, was down-regulated following dsRNA transfection. These data provide important clues for elucidation of the mechanism of dsRNA-mediated cellular toxicity, as well as for therapeutic application of dsRNA.
May It Be a Little Bit More of Market Power? On Productivity Growth and Competition
Authors: Steinbrunner Philipp R.
Published: August 2023

In its heart, competition represents an important driver of productivity growth that has slowed in European countries since the financial crisis. This study examines the non-linear relationship between productivity growth and market power, using data on Central European manufacturing firms, from 2009 to 2017. The results show concave relationships between both variables, and that firms in competitive industries respond more sensitively to market power. This study contributes to the literature by applying not only the standard firm-level measure of Lerner indexes, but also by calculating them from production functions and checking robustness with country-industry-level concentration measures.
Multidimensional WENO-AO Reconstructions Using a Simplified Smoothness Indicator and Applications to Conservation Laws
Authors: Huang Chieh-Sen , Arbogast Todd , Tian Chenyu
Published: August 2023

Finite volume, weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) schemes require the computation of a smoothness indicator. This can be expensive, especially in multiple space dimensions. We consider the use of the simple smoothness indicator $$\sigma ^{\textrm{S}}= \frac{1}{N_{\textrm{S}}-1}\sum _{j} ({\bar{u}}_{j} - {\bar{u}}_{m})^2$$

σ
S

=

1

N
S

-
1

∑
j

(

u

¯

j

-

u

¯

m

)

2

, where $$N_{\textrm{S}}$$

N
S

is the number of mesh elements in the stencil, $${\bar{u}}_j$$

u

¯

j

is the local function average over mesh element j, and index m gives the target element. Reconstructions utilizing standard WENO weighting fail with this smoothness indicator. We develop a modification of WENO-Z weighting that gives a reliable and accurate reconstruction of adaptive order, which we denote as SWENOZ-AO. We prove that it attains the order of accuracy of the large stencil polynomial approximation when the solution is smooth, and drops to the order of the small stencil polynomial approximations when there is a jump discontinuity in the solution. Numerical examples in one and two space dimensions on general meshes verify the approximation properties of the reconstruction. They also show it to be about 10 times faster in two space dimensions than reconstructions using the classic smoothness indicator. The new reconstruction is applied to define finite volume schemes to approximate the solution of hyperbolic conservation laws. Numerical tests show results of the same quality as standard WENO schemes using the classic smoothness indicator, but with an overall speedup in the computation time of about 3.5–5 times in 2D tests. Moreover, the computational efficiency (CPU time versus error) is noticeably improved.
Teaching and Assessing Thinking Skills and Applying Educational Technologies in Higher Education
Authors: Dori Yehudit Judy , Lavi Rea
Published: August 2023

Integrating thinking skills into higher education pedagogy requires suitable models, methods, and tools for both instruction and assessment. Some of these tools apply one or more educational technologies. The articles in this special issue focus on higher education with four common themes: online or virtual courses and modules, science and engineering education, active learning methods, and critical thinking. This special issue sheds light on the critical importance of thinking skills development and assessment in higher education and underscores the need for continued research and innovation in the realm of educational technology.
A Maximum Principle for Optimal Control Problems Involving Sweeping Processes with a Nonsmooth Set
Authors: Pinho Maria do Rosário de , Ferreira Maria Margarida A. , Smirnov Georgi
Published: August 2023

We generalize a maximum principle for optimal control problems involving sweeping systems previously derived in de Pinho et al. (Optimization 71(11):3363–3381, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1080/02331934.2022.2101111) to cover the case where the moving set may be nonsmooth. Noteworthy, we consider problems with constrained end point. A remarkable feature of our work is that we rely upon an ingenious smooth approximating family of standard differential equations in the vein of that used in de Pinho et al. (Set Valued Var Anal 27:523–548, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11228-018-0501-8).
A fair exchange: why living kidney donors in England should be financially compensated
Authors: Rodger Daniel , Venter Bonnie
Published: August 2023

Every year, hundreds of patients in England die whilst waiting for a kidney transplant, and this is evidence that the current system of altruistic-based donation is not sufficient to address the shortage of kidneys available for transplant. To address this problem, we propose a monopsony system whereby kidney donors can opt-in to receive financial compensation, whilst still preserving the right of individuals to donate without receiving any compensation. A monopsony system describes a market structure where there is only one ‘buyer’—in this case the National Health Service. By doing so, several hundred lives could be saved each year in England, wait times for a kidney transplant could be significantly reduced, and it would lessen the burden on dialysis services. Furthermore, compensation would help alleviate the common disincentives to living kidney donation, such as its potential associated health and psychological costs, and it would also help to increase awareness of living kidney donation. The proposed system would also result in significant cost savings that could then be redirected towards preventing kidney disease and reducing health disparities. While concerns about exploitation, coercion, and the ‘crowding out’ of altruistic donors exist, we believe that careful implementation can mitigate these issues. Therefore, we recommend piloting financial compensation for living kidney donors at a transplant centre in England.
A classification of S-boxes generated by orthogonal cellular automata
Authors: Mariot Luca , Manzoni Luca
Published: August 2023

Most of the approaches published in the literature to construct S-boxes via Cellular Automata (CA) work by either iterating a finite CA for several time steps, or by a one-shot application of the global rule. The main characteristic that brings together these works is that they employ a single CA rule to define the vectorial Boolean function of the S-box. In this work, we explore a different direction for the design of S-boxes that leverages on Orthogonal CA (OCA), i.e. pairs of CA rules giving rise to orthogonal Latin squares. The motivation stands on the facts that an OCA pair already defines a bijective transformation, and moreover the orthogonality property of the resulting Latin squares ensures a minimum amount of diffusion. We exhaustively enumerate all S-boxes generated by OCA pairs of diameter $$4 \le d \le 6$$

4
≤
d
≤
6

, and measure their nonlinearity. Interestingly, we observe that for $$d=4$$

d
=
4

and $$d=5$$

d
=
5

all S-boxes are linear, despite the underlying CA local rules being nonlinear. The smallest nonlinear S-boxes emerges for $$d=6$$

d
=
6

, but their nonlinearity is still too low to be used in practice. Nonetheless, we unearth an interesting structure of linear OCA S-boxes, proving that their Linear Components Space is itself the image of a linear CA, or equivalently a polynomial code. We finally classify all linear OCA S-boxes in terms of their generator polynomials.
Geometric bloch vector solution to minimum-error discriminations of mixed qubit states
Authors: Rouhbakhsh N Mahdi , Ghoreishi Seyed Arash
Published: August 2023

We investigate minimum-error (ME) discrimination for mixed qubit states using a geometric approach. By analyzing positive operator-valued measure (POVM) solutions and introducing Lagrange operator $$\Gamma $$
Γ
, we develop a four-step structured instruction to find $$\Gamma $$
Γ
for N mixed qubit states. Our method covers optimal solutions for two, three, and four mixed qubit states, including a novel result for four qubit states. We introduce geometric-based POVM classes and non-decomposable subsets for constructing optimal solutions, enabling us to find all possible answers for the general problem of minimum-error discrimination for N mixed qubit states with arbitrary a priori probabilities.
Monitoring health related quality of life in survivorship care of young adult survivors of childhood cancer using web-based patient-reported outcome measures: survivors’ and health care practitioners’ perspectives on the KLIK method
Authors: Maas Anne , Maurice-Stam Heleen , van den Heuvel Marloes H. , Koopman Maria M. W. , den Hartogh Jaap G. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Grootenhuis Martha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The KLIK method is a tool to systematically monitor and discuss Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in clinical practice. It has been successfully used in clinical practice in The Netherlands, and has recently been implemented in survivorship care for young adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). This study evaluates implementation fidelity and satisfaction of CCSs and healthcare practitioners (HCPs) with the KLIK method in survivorship care.

Methods

CCSs’ HRQOL was monitored using the KLIK questionnaire (PedsQL generic 18–30 years). In a mixed-methods design, implementation fidelity was based on registrations, and user satisfaction was assessed with evaluation surveys (CCSs) and semi-structured interviews (CCSs, HCPs). Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis methods were used.

Results

A total of 245 CCSs were eligible for the study. Fidelity was 79.2% (194/245) for registration in the KLIK PROM portal, 89.7% (174/194) for completed KLIK questionnaires, 74.7% (130/174) for its discussion during consultation. Of the eligible CCSs, 17.6% (43/245) completed the study evaluation survey. Five CCSs and HCPs were invited for an interview and participated. CCSs (7.7/10) and HCPs (7.5/10) were satisfied with the KLIK method. Reported facilitators included increased insight into CCSs’ functioning, improved preparation before, and communication during consultation, without lengthening consultation duration. Barriers included CCSs not always completing KLIK questionnaires, incomplete content of the KLIK questionnaire, and the need for customization for CCSs with cognitive disabilities.

Conclusion

The KLIK method is a feasible and valuable tool to systematically monitor and discuss HRQOL in survivorship care. Integration of the KLIK method within the organization is essential, with structural support in reminding CCSs to complete questionnaires.
SMEs Circular Economy Practices in the European Union: Multilevel Implications for Sustainability
Authors: Tritto Nunzio , Dias José G. , Bassi Francesca
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the willingness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU) to implement Circular Economy (CE) practices, i.e. re-planning the use of water to reduce consumption and maximize reuse, using of renewable energy sources, re-planning energy consumption to reduce its use, reducing waste by recycling or reusing waste or selling it to another company, redesigning products and services to reduce the use of materials or using recycled materials. These aspects are conceived as indicators of the willingness to implement CE practices, which is explained by factors at the company and country levels.

The dataset comes from a unique survey involving more than 10,000 SMEs in the EU. This hierarchical structure – companies within countries – was analyzed using a multilevel factor model that takes into account the heterogeneity between countries. The variables at the company-level are: company size (number of employees and total turnover in 2015), company foundation, sector of economic activity, type of clients and goods, and percentage of the turnover invested in R&D. Country-level covariates cover different dimensions of sustainability: per capita GDP, illiteracy rate, waste generation, and corruption perception index.

At the levels of company and country, there are factors that explain the attitude towards CE. Finally, factor scores at both levels show a split between Western and Eastern European countries (with few exceptions) regarding the willingness of SMEs to implement CE activities that define the regional implications of EU policies towards CE, in particular in the context of the European Green Deal.
Multilevel selection 1, multilevel selection 2, and the Price equation: a reappraisal
Authors: Bourrat Pierrick
Published: August 2023

The distinction between multilevel selection 1 (MLS1) and multilevel selection 2 (MLS2) is classically regarded as a distinction between two multilevel selection processes involving two different kinds of higher-level fitness. It has been invoked to explain evolutionary transitions in individuality as a shift from an MLS1 to an MLS2 process. In this paper, I argue against the view that the distinction involves two different kinds of processes. I show, starting from the MLS2 version of the Price equation, that it contains the MLS1 version if, following the assumption that a collective constitutively depends (i.e., mereologically supervenes) on its particles, one considers that a necessary map between fitness at two levels exists. I defend the necessity of such a map, making the distinction between MLS1 and MLS2 a matter of perspective and limited knowledge (i.e., epistemic limitations) rather than objective facts. I then provide some reasons why the MLS1/MLS2 distinction nonetheless has some pragmatic value and might be invoked usefully in some contexts, particularly within the context of explaining evolutionary transitions in individuality.
The effects of radiation on myeloid lineage immune cells within the rodent urinary bladder: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Jessica , Toto Rimaz , Moro Christian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Radiotherapy is a prominent therapy for many malignant and non-malignant disorders, though it can cause side effects such as radiation-induced cystitis. Current research has highlighted a role for mast cells and macrophages in the prognosis of such radiation-induced toxicities. However, the prognostic value of these immune cells in the pathophysiology of radiation-induced cystitis is not clear. As such, a systematic review was conducted to assess myeloid-lineage immune cells for their prognostic value in radiation-induced cystitis to address this gap in literature.

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and searches were performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases for pre-clinical rodent studies on radiation-induced cystitis.

Results

After de-duplication, 153 articles were screened for relevancy by title and abstract. Title and abstract screening deemed 64 studies irrelevant. The remaining 85 studies were full-text screened, yielding seven unique articles for data extraction. Most included studies had an unclear risk of bias. The findings of this systematic review suggest that the prognostic value of myeloid-lineage immune cells in radiation-induced cystitis is still unclear, indicating a need for further research in this field.

Conclusion

Although the studies reviewed provide some insight into the role of these immune cells in disease pathology, the limited number of studies and unclear risk of bias further highlights a need for additional, high-quality research in this area. In summary, this systematic review highlights a need to understand the involvement of immune cells in radiation-induced cystitis pathophysiology and lay the groundwork for further research in this area.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration: CRD42022345960
Enhanced DV-Hop using shuffled shepherd algorithm for localizing sensor nodes in 3-D space
Authors: Gouda Ahmed El. , Abouelseoud Yasmine , Abd El-Malek Ahmed H. , Osman Radwa Ahmed
Published: August 2023

For many wireless sensor networks applications, a powerful localization algorithm is required to determine the exact positions of sensor nodes. In this paper, a new localization algorithm is presented which combines the distance vector hop (DV-Hop) algorithm with the shuffled shepherd optimization algorithm to determine the position for each unknown node within 3-D space. Studying the localization problem in 3-D space is more realistic, but more challenging due to the enlarged search space. Comparison of our proposed algorithm with its alternatives in literature shows that it offers improved accuracy and more stable performance with respect to changes in nodes density and communication range.
Photocatalytic behavior for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions via nanocomposites based on Gd2O3/CdS and cellulose acetate nanofibers
Authors: Abdrabou Dalia , Ahmed Mohamed , Hussein Ali , El-Sherbini Tharwat
Published: August 2023

Efficient cleaning of contaminated water by photocatalysis has become an effective strategy in recent years due to its environmental and ecological designation. Cadmium sulfate (CdS) is an excellent photocatalyst in the visible region but has low quantum efficiency. In order to increase the photocatalytic efficiency, CdS was modified with gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and combined with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. The estimated crystallite size (Ds) for Gd2O3, CdS/Gd2O3, and CdS/Gd2O3@GO was 29.6, 11.6, and 11.5 nm, respectively. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) reaches the highest values after 60 min under visible light irradiation with a dye concentration of (0.25 ppm). Whereas in powdered composition the efficiency of dye removal has been enhanced under UV irradiation, it reduced by increasing the MB concentration to 0.50 ppm with visible light irradiation. In addition, the CdS with/without Gd2O3 and GO were integrated into electrospun nanofibrous cellulose acetate (CA) through the electrospinning technique. The compounds of Gd2O3, CdS/Gd2O3, and CdS/Gd2O3/GO were encapsulated into CA nanofibers for the degradation of MB under visible and UV irradiation. The apparent rate constant (k) achieves a value of 0.006, 0.007, and 0.0013 min−1 while the removal efficiency reaches 41.02%, 54.71%, and 71.42% for Gd2O3@CA, CdS/Gd2O3@CA, and CdS/Gd2O3/GO@CA, respectively, after 60 min under UV irradiation.
Flow evaluation software for four-dimensional flow MRI: a reliability and validation study
Authors: Burkhardt Barbara Elisabeth Ursula , Kellenberger Christian Johannes , Callaghan Fraser Maurice , Valsangiacomo Buechel Emanuela Regina , Geiger Julia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Four-dimensional time-resolved phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) enables blood flow quantification in multiple vessels, which is crucial for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). We investigated net flow volumes in the ascending aorta and pulmonary arteries by four different postprocessing software packages for 4D flow MRI in comparison with 2D cine phase-contrast measurements (2D PC).

Material and methods

4D flow and 2D PC datasets of 47 patients with biventricular CHD (median age 16, range 0.6–52 years) were acquired at 1.5 T. Net flow volumes in the ascending aorta, the main, right, and left pulmonary arteries were measured using four different postprocessing software applications and compared to offset-corrected 2D PC data. Reliability of 4D flow postprocessing software was assessed by Bland–Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Linear regression of internal flow controls was calculated. Interobserver reproducibility was evaluated in 25 patients.

Results

Correlation and agreement of flow volumes were very good for all software compared to 2D PC (ICC ≥ 0.94; bias ≤ 5%). Internal controls were excellent for 2D PC (r ≥ 0.95, p < 0.001) and 4D flow (r ≥ 0.94, p < 0.001) without significant difference of correlation coefficients between methods. Interobserver reliability was good for all vendors (ICC ≥ 0.94, agreement bias < 8%).

Conclusion

Haemodynamic information from 4D flow in the large thoracic arteries assessed by four commercially available postprocessing applications matches routinely performed 2D PC values. Therefore, we consider 4D flow MRI-derived data ready for clinical use in patients with CHD.
Toward an interoperable, intraoperative situation recognition system via process modeling, execution, and control using the standards BPMN and CMMN
Authors: Junger Denise , Just Elisaveta , Brandenburg Johanna M. , Wagner Martin , Schaumann Katharina , Klenzner Thomas , Burgert Oliver
Published: August 2023

Purpose

For the modeling, execution, and control of complex, non-standardized intraoperative processes, a modeling language is needed that reflects the variability of interventions. As the established Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) reaches its limits in terms of flexibility, the Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) was considered as it addresses weakly structured processes.

Methods

To analyze the suitability of the modeling languages, BPMN and CMMN models of a Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy and Cochlea Implantation were derived and integrated into a situation recognition workflow. Test cases were used to contrast the differences and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the models concerning modeling, execution, and control. Furthermore, the impact on transferability was investigated.

Results

Compared to BPMN, CMMN allows flexibility for modeling intraoperative processes while remaining understandable. Although more effort and process knowledge are needed for execution and control within a situation recognition system, CMMN enables better transferability of the models and therefore the system. Concluding, CMMN should be chosen as a supplement to BPMN for flexible process parts that can only be covered insufficiently by BPMN, or otherwise as a replacement for the entire process.

Conclusion

CMMN offers the flexibility for variable, weakly structured process parts, and is thus suitable for surgical interventions. A combination of both notations could allow optimal use of their advantages and support the transferability of the situation recognition system.
Exploring a framework for integrated STEM: challenges and benefits for promoting engagement in learning mathematics
Authors: Tytler Russell , Anderson Judy , Williams Gaye
Published: August 2023

Advocacy of STEM curricular approaches is based on a concern to engage students in authentic disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines, and the need to promote participation in STEM pathways. The STEM Academy professional learning program was developed to support teachers to engage and motivate students by creating real-world, challenging problems. The initiative involved interdisciplinary teams of secondary STEM teachers attending workshops and working with university experts to design, implement and evaluate STEM curricular experiences. This paper focuses on case studies undertaken in two of the twelve schools involved in the initiative, using interview data from teachers and students, to explore the nature of their programs and their experiences. We investigate key features of these two schools’ approaches, using a conceptual framework for integrated STEM, and explore the challenges and benefits of different features of integrated STEM that promote different dimensions of engagement in learning mathematics. We explore how the framework characteristics can be reframed into four dimensions that promote mathematics engagement in integrated STEM education - design thinking in authentic contexts, content integration, STEM practices and 21st Century skills, and exposure to professional practice.
GREM1 signaling in cancer: tumor promotor and suppressor?
Authors: Gao Zhichun , Houthuijzen Julia M. , ten Dijke Peter , Brazil Derek P.
Published: August 2023

GREMLIN1 (GREM1) is member of a family of structurally and functionally related secreted cysteine knot proteins, which act to sequester and inhibit the action of multifunctional bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). GREM1 binds directly to BMP dimers, thereby preventing BMP-mediated activation of BMP type I and type II receptors. Multiple reports identify the overexpression of GREM1 as a contributing factor in a broad range of cancers. Additionally, the GREM1 gene is amplified in a rare autosomal dominant inherited form of colorectal cancer. The inhibitory effects of GREM1 on BMP signaling have been linked to these tumor-promoting effects, including facilitating cancer cell stemness and the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, GREM1 has been described to bind and signal to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and stimulate angiogenesis, as well as epidermal and fibroblast growth factor receptor (EGFR and FGFR) to elicit tumor-promoting effects in breast and prostate cancer, respectively. In contrast, a 2022 report revealed that GREM1 can promote an epithelial state in pancreatic cancers, thereby inhibiting pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis. In this commentary, we will review these disparate findings and attempt to provide clarity around the role of GREM1 signaling in cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Does mindfulness improve one’s affective state? Temporal associations between trait mindfulness and positive and negative affect
Authors: Jose Paul E. , Geiserman Anna
Published: August 2023

Although cross-sectional and daily diary studies have noted associations among trait mindfulness and positive and negative affect, lacking are studies that longitudinally examine these relationships over a period of months. We tested whether trait mindfulness (assessed with the Five Facet Mindfulness Measure) predicted an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect across 3 months. A sample of 319 community adults completed self-report measures of mindfulness, positive affect, and negative affect at three times of measurement separated by three months each. As hypothesised, overall mindfulness, tested with a random intercepts cross-lag path model, predicted over three months a decrease in negative affect, but, contrary to predictions, did not predict an increase in positive affect. In the reverse direction, within-subject negative affect predicted decreases of overall within-subject mindfulness, which suggests that this relationship may be reciprocal over time. When examined at the facet level of mindfulness, all five within-subject facets of the FFMQ predicted reductions in within-subject negative affect over time. In return, within-subject negative affect predicted reductions in three within-subject mindfulness facets: non-reacting, acting with awareness, and describing. On balance, the results of this study suggest that trait mindfulness, as assessed with the FFMQ, was much more successful in predicting diminished negative affect than in predicting a boost in positive affect. Further, the presence of negative affect seems to exert an inhibiting influence over time on the implementation of several mindfulness facets.
Why Won’t You Listen To Me? Predictive Neurotechnology and Epistemic Authority
Authors: Tacca Alessio , Gilbert Frederic
Published: August 2023

From epileptic seizures to depressive symptoms, predictive neurotechnologies are used for a large range of applications. In this article we focus on advisory devices; namely, predictive neurotechnology programmed to detect specific neural events (e.g., epileptic seizure) and advise users to take necessary steps to reduce or avoid the impact of the forecasted neuroevent. Receiving advise from a predictive device is not without ethical concerns. The problem with predictive neural devices, in particular advisory ones, is the risk of seeing one’s autonomous choice supplanted by the predictions instead of being supplemented by it. For users, there is a potential shift from being assisted by the system to being over-dependent on the technology. In other terms, it introduces ethical issues associated with epistemic dependency. In this article, we examine the notion of epistemic authority in relation to predictive neurotechnologies. Section 1 of our article explores and defines the concept of epistemic authority. In section 2, we illustrate how predictive devices are best conceived of as epistemic authorities and we explore the subject-device epistemic relationship. In section 3, we spell out the risk of harms interconnected with epistemic deferral. We conclude by stressing a set of preliminary measures to prepare users for the authoritative nature of predictive devices.
Smoking at the Intersections of Race/Ethnicity and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Kim Min Ju , Tuthill Zelma Oyarvide , Gorman Bridget K.
Published: August 2023

Research has tended to document smoking disparities separately by race/ethnicity and sexual orientation, with relatively less work examining the intersections of both identities. As such, we draw on data from the 2010 Social Justice Sexuality Project to demonstrate how cigarette smoking disparities manifest across detailed intersections of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation among a sample of U.S. adults. Findings from logistic regression models that adjust for demographic, socioeconomic, and social support confounders across groups reveal that risk of current cigarette smoking tends to distribute multiplicatively across identity groups. For example, findings show that racial/ethnic minority adults do not have equally lower likelihood of current cigarette smoking compared to white adults among heterosexual adults. Furthermore, while sexual minority adults generally have a higher likelihood of current cigarette smoking relative to their heterosexual counterparts, their levels of risk are not uniformly shared but instead are critically shaped by race/ethnicity. Overall, results underscore the need to consider both within- and between-group differences in assessments of health inequities across identity categories.